《Son-in-law Heaven Emperor Xiao Yi》


 Chapter 1 The Youth Xiao Yi

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


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


    "Tian''er..."


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


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


    An exceptional genius destined for greatness from birth.


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


    As for Xiao Yi...


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


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


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


    Even the most basic body tempering was not allowed.


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


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


    That would tarnish his perfect image.


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


    Because of this...


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


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


    However.


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


    And today...


    Xiao Zhengde suddenly ordered for him to be called in.


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


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


    Eighteen years.


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


    There is no greater sorrow than a dead heart.


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


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


    "The Tianqing Kingdom?"


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


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


    "Hmph!"


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


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


    "Oh my, I misspoke..."


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


    Thump!


    Thump!


    Thump!


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


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


    Xiao Yi''s head was spinning.


    Incredulous.


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


    But now...


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


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


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


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


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


    Just to inform me, huh?


    Indeed!


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


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


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


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


    It doesn''t matter.


    There''s no need!


    Whoosh!


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


    His mother had suddenly passed away three years ago.


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


    This was his only obsession with this family!


    However...


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


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


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


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


    Thud! Thud! Thud!


    A bolt from the blue!


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


    "Shut up!"


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


    Bang!


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


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


    However...


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


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


    In an instant.


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


    Vast, majestic, endless, boundless.


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


    Eternal! Celestial! Tomb!


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

 Chapter 2 The Eternal Celestial Tomb

    ```


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


    Everything he saw was beyond hisprehension.


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


    "The Eternal Celestial Tomb..."


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


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


    ng!


    The gates swung open.


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


    Yet, such mighty beings...


    They had all died?


    And were buried in this mysterious mausoleum.


    Before this...


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


    The "Divine Enthronement Heaven Subduing Skill".


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


    Boom!


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


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


    At this moment.


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


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


    First Layer of the Physical Body Realm.


    Second Layer of the Physical Body Realm.


    Third Layer of the Physical Body Realm...


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


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


    "Heaven-Subduing Divine General?"


    ```


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


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


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


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


    This consciousness instantly etched itself deep into his bones!


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


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


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


    At this moment...


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


    However...


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


    The two families indeed had a matrimonial alliance.


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


    What''s more...


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


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


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


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


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


    Only Fang Qingzhu was there to take care of him.


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


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


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


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


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


    Was Fang Qingzhu''s decision.


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


    You have to understand.


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


    What was she really after by doing this?


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


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


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


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


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

 Chapter 3 Beating Up Fang Ao

    "Hmm?"


    Fang Ao and Fang Qingzhu were both startled.


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


    "You trash actually woke up?"


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


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


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


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


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


    But now...


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


    As for Xiao Yi?


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


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


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


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


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


    By the time he lifted his head again,


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


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


    Powerful and forceful, with tremendous might and heavy force.


    "You trash, get out of my way!"


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


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


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


    There was no way he could block this punch.


    Even Fang Qingzhu closed her eyes in despair.


    Bang!


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


    Rumble!


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


    Xiao Yi did not move an inch.


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


    Crack crack crack!


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


    Wow!


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


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


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


    "Mountain Splitting Fist!"


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


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


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


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


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


    "Be careful!"


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


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


    Indeed, it was toote!


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


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


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


    "Seeking death!"


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


    However...


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


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


    Aow!


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


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


    Boom!


    The whole courtyard shook violently.


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


    He was too shocked to finish his sentence.


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


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


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


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


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


    "Stop..."


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


    Xiao Yi paused, frowning as he looked towards her.


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


    Xiao Yi''s brow furrowed slightly.


    Tenth Layer of the Gather Qi Realm?


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


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


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


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


    Puh!


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


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


    Aowu...


    With a miserable howl, Fang Aopletely lost consciousness.


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

 Chapter 4 A Thousand Miles in One Day

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


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


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


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


    "Responsibility?"


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


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


    "Xiao! Yi!"


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


    Xiao Yi fell silent.


    Depend on the Xiao Family?


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


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


    "Fang Qingzhu..."


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


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


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


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


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


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


    However...


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


    And Xiao Yi imed three months would suffice?


    That was pure fantasy!


    But that was just what the world thought.


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


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


    Xiao Yi focused entirely on his cultivation.


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


    The speed of his cultivation could be described as skyrocketing.


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


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


    Whoosh!


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


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


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


    Pop!


    One.


    Two.


    Three...


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


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


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


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


    A search ensued.


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


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


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


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


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


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


    Hum!


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


    Boom!


    The tomb shattered apart.


    A figure emerged as a streak of light.


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


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


    Whoosh!


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


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


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


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


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


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


    Boom!


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


    Boom!


    At the same moment.


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


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


    Beyond that.


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


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


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


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


    Inside the courtyard.


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


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


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


    Bang!


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


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


    "You don''t know?"


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


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


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


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


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


    With her hips swaying, Mei Auntie departed.


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

 Chapter 5 Goldlight Stone Spirit

    Nine days passed in the blink of an eye.


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


    At noon, with the sun high in the sky,


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


    "Xiao Yi, time to eat."


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


    "I''ll go in a bit!"


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


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


    ...


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


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


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


    "Huh?"


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


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


    "Goldlight Stone Spirit?"


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


    "How much for this statue?"


    The old man said, "Fifty silver taels!"


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


    The old man quickly looked to Xiao Yi.


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


    "Quite a skilled performance,"


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


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


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


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


    "Huh?"


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


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


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


    "Deal!"


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


    "Hahaha..."


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


    "What''s going on here?"


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


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


    "Damn, is this a scam?"


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


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


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


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


    Xiao Yi nced once, and smiled coldly.


    Just at that moment...


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


    Xiao Yi shrugged, "Be my guest!"


    Elder Yan took the statue and scrutinized it carefully.


    The more he looked, the graver his expression became.


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


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


    "What? Is he actually Yan Mingli?"


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


    "A rare treasure?"


    Lei Bao waspletely dumbfounded.


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


    Smack!


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


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


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


    Hiss!


    A collective gasp of shock went through the onlookers.


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


    Ten thousand silver taels!


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


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


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "That pricecks sincerity!"


    "What?"


    "You find ten thousand taels too low?"


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


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


    "..."


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


    Boom!


    Lei Bao swayed, almost tumbling over.


    Fifty thousand taels?


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


    Fuck me...


    Lei Bao wished he could p himself hard.


    "Still too low," Xiao Yiughed.


    "Hmm?"


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


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


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


    Elder Yan''s face darkened.


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


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


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


    Hum!


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


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


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


    Hum!


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


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


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


    What kind of treasure was this?


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


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


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


    Hiss!


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


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


    Xiao Yi nodded, "eptable!"


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


    The two left side by side.


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


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


    "This is what they call karmic retribution!"


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


    "My, my money¡­"


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

 Chapter 6 Subduing Tiger Sword Scroll

    Treasure Pavilion, fifth floor of the Inner Cab.


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


    "Xiao Yi!"


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


    "Xiao Yi,e over here!"


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


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


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


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


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


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


    "Odd?"


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


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


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


    Just then, a cool voice came from behind.


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


    "No matter!"


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


    Xiao Yi nodded, "Hello."


    "I am not well!"


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


    "Nonsense!"


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


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


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


    "You..."


    Lin Bingxin''s expression froze.


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


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


    And yet Xiao Yi was so dismissive of her?


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


    "Just watch closely!"


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


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


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


    Whoosh!


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


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


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


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


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


    Hiss!


    "This?"


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


    This... He was imparting swordsmanship!


    This method was unheard of by him!


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


    Less than half an incense stick''s time.


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


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


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


    "Absolutely not!"


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


    This genuflection was truly deserved by Xiao Yi!


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


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


    "Suit yourself!"


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


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


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


    "You..."


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


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


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


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


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


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


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

 Chapter 7 Birthday Banquet

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


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


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


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


    Xiao Yi nced at the scroll in his hand.


    Nanhuang City was just a remote small town.


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


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


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


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


    ......


    The following evening.


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


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


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


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


    "You..."


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


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


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


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


    "Alright, just wait a moment!"


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


    Fang Qingzhu frowned, "What is this?"


    Xiao Yi replied, "A birthday gift!"


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


    "Understood!"


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


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


    Fang Hao had often been disciplined by Fang Qingzhu.


    But now...


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


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


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


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


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


    This was clearly a deliberate humiliation!


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


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


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


    Where does it matter where you sit?


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


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


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


    It cut deep to the heart.


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


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


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


    At this moment, the banquet officially began.


    The guests toasted and made merry, the atmosphere lively.


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


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


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


    "Alrighty!"


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


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


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


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


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


    Hisss!


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


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


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


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


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


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

 Chapter 8 Utter Disappointment

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


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


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


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


    But now...


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


    He didn''t even give it a nce.


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


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


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


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


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


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


    She looked pleadingly towards Fang Zheng and Liu Yun.


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


    However...


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


    At that moment...


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


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


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


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


    "An ancient painting?"


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


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


    "Yes, Grandfather!"


    Fang Hao took the scroll and slowly unrolled it.


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


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


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


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


    As Fang Tianhao heard these words, his expression darkened.


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


    The crowd naturally grasped the implication of his words.


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


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


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


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


    "Enough!"


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


    At the same time.


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

 Chapter 9 Whats Your Seniority?

    "Elder Yan from Treasure Pavilion has arrived!"


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


    His voice overshadowed all the sounds in the great hall.


    Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!


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


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


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


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


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


    Within Nanhuang City.


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


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


    Of course.


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


    And because of this...


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


    "Certainly, certainly!"


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


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


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


    With that thought.


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


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


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


    However...


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


    What?


    Everyone was simultaneously petrified.


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


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


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


    The three of them stared fixedly at Fang Tianhao.


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


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


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


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


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


    Hiss!


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


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


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


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


    Only then did Fang Qingzhu ept the elixir.


    Elder Yan also breathed a sigh of relief.


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


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


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


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


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


    "Excuse me for a moment..."


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


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


    "Good-for-nothing?"


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

 Chapter 10 The Frog in the Well

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


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


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


    Invisibly.


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


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


    Aplete and utter humiliation!


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


    For a moment.


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


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


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


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


    Hiss!


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


    To pay respects to Xiao Yi?


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


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


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


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


    "Then how do we exin this?"


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


    Among the crowd.


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


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


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


    He thought of revenge every waking moment.


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


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


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


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


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


    Both were weeping profusely as they poured out their tale.


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


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


    "I think..."


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


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


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


    "No, that''s correct!"


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


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


    Ah?


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


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


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


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


    An unscrupulous counterfeiter?


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


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


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


    "Ah?"


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


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


    "I do?"


    Fang Ao looked confused.


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


    Thump!


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


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


    Damn it!


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


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


    The surrounding crowd was also stunned.


    Nobody had anticipated such a twist.


    Gurgle!


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


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


    "What?"


    Everyone was astonished.


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


    This was worth millions of taels of silver!


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


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


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


    "Idiot!"


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

 Chapter 11 Regret Beyond Recall

    "What, what did you say?"


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


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


    Weren''t we talking about the painting?


    How did it get connected to a sword technique?


    To know...


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


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


    Hum!


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


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


    This should have belonged to him!


    And he had rejected it?


    Treated it like trash and threw it back?


    "This, this..."


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


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


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


    Fang Tianhao finally epted reality.


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


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


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


    With this thought in mind,


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


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


    Uh...


    Fang Tianhao''s expression stiffened.


    Damn it!


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


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


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


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


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


    Sure enough.


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


    However...


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


    "What do you mean by that?"


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


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


    Zhao Yu looked utterly baffled, "Huh?"


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


    "I..."


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


    Fang Qingzhu was startled.


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


    The trio set off.


    Along the way,


    No one dared to stop them.


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


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


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


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


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


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


    "Mr. Fang..."


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


    "You... you..."


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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

 Chapter 12 Elder Yans Request

    The Fang Family, Inner Courtyard.


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


    The banquet had ended in disarray.


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


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


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


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


    "This..."


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


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


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


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


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


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


    "You?"


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


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


    But to rely on him to revitalize the Fang Family?


    That was a fool''s dream!


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


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


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


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


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


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


    Leaving Fang Tianhao''s separate residence.


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


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


    ...


    On the wide street.


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


    Inside the carriage.


    Fang Qingzhu was somewhat silent.


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


    Xiao Yi kept holding her hand, his warmthforting her.


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


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


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


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


    Qi Gathering Elixir.


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


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


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


    Xiao Yi''s inquisitive gaze met his.


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


    Nanhuang is boundless and vast, an incrediblyrge territory.


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


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


    "I will go!"


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


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


    Xiao Yi could only smile helplessly and ept them.


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


    The three stepped out of the carriage.


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


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


    This courtyard was truly too rundown.


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


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


    Fang Qingzhu bowed her head, her pretty face flushed.


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


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


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


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


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


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


    They watched Elder Yan leave.


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


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


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


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


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


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


    "Wait!"

 Chapter 13 Humiliation Visits!

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


    He instinctively nced at Fang Qingzhu beside him.


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


    Having said that, she walked straight into the courtyard.


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


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


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


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


    "Uh..."


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


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


    But now, Xiao Yi waspletely disregarding them!


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


    "You!"


    Fang Hao''s face fluctuated with varying shades.


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


    A body full of vital energy, ready to burst!


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


    Liu Yun''s face stiffened.


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


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


    When Liu Yun spoke, Fang Qingzhu dared not refuse!


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


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


    p!


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


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


    Her eyes filled with confusion and helplessness!


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


    Fang Qingzhu looked incredulously at Liu Yun.


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


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


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


    But just at that moment...


    p!


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


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


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


    "Get lost!"

 Chapter 14 Crazy beating this rude mother-in-law

    ```


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


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


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


    Smack!


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


    "You..."


    Smack!


    Smack smack smack!


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


    "Seeking death!"


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


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


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


    "How can your physical body be so strong?"


    Xiao Yi scoffed disdainfully.


    "Scram!"


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


    Eight Extremes Copse!


    Boom!


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


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


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


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


    "Noisy!"


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


    Whoosh!


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


    Fang Zheng told Liu Yun to step aside.


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


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


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


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


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


    Worse than raising a dog?


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


    They chilled to the bone!


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


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


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


    Whizz!


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


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


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


    The sword shot out like a cold star streaking across the sky!


    The palm struck like a snake, coiling around its territory.


    In the blink of an eye, the palm and the sword''s edge collided heavily, the sword''s edge vibrating intensely and Xiao Yi was forced back several meters!


    ```


    Fang Zheng pursued relentlessly, his palm transforming into a w as he targeted Xiao Yi''s heart from behind, "If you can''t be of use to me, then go die!"


    ck Tiger Heart Dig!


    This was a deadly strike.


    Fang Qingzhu''s eyes were filled with rage, and she moved instinctively, darting forward with her arms spread to shield Xiao Yi from the fatal blow from Fang Zheng.


    "They''re as good as dead!"


    "Dad, quickly kill these two ungrateful wretches!"


    Liu Yun and Fang Hao had ice in their gaze, brimming with intent to kill and void of any past affection!


    "Cheap wench, die!" Fang Zheng said coldly, without a hint ofpassion.


    Just as Fang Qingzhu was about to die at the hands of her father, Xiao Yi suddenly turned around, his left arm encircling Fang Qingzhu''s waist and in a swift motion, he spun her out of harm''s way.


    At the same time, in his right hand, the Soft Sword took flight!


    "Soul Chase, Life Seize!"


    Whoosh!


    The sharp brilliance of the sword was like a fireball streaking across the sky, a sword chasing the soul, a life-seizing sword!


    "Ah..."


    Fang Zheng let out a terrible scream!


    This sword had pierced directly through his palm, continuing through the base of the palm and along the entire length of his arm!


    Xiao Yi casually flicked his wrist, and Fang Zheng''s entire right arm was split into two halves!


    Xiao Yi moved forward in one smooth motion.


    "Eight Extremes Copse!"


    Bang!


    This blow struck Fang Zheng squarely in the chest, sending him flying backward with great force!


    Most of his bones shattered upon impact!


    Ugh!


    Fang Zheng spat out blood as he tumbled down in front of Liu Yun and Fang Hao.


    The family of three looked at Xiao Yi with horror-stricken faces, as if they were staring at a peerless God of ughter. Gone was their arrogance and mboyance, leaving only terror and fear.


    "No, don''t kill us, I, I am your mother-inw!"


    "Bro, bro-inw... no, Xiao, Xiao spare our lives, I''m still young... Sister, please beg Xiao for me! Beg him!" Fang Hao shook in terror, stinking of fear.


    Xiao Yi turned his head to look at Fang Qingzhu.


    Fang Qingzhu took a deep breath, "Let them go!"


    Taking the Soft Sword from Xiao Yi, Fang Qingzhu walked in front of the three, her voice cold as frost.


    "From today on, I, Fang Qingzhu, sever all ties with you!"


    Whoosh!


    The Soft Sword gleamed coldly as it severed her jet-ck hair, scattering it in the wind.


    The three stood there stunned, theirplexions ashen.


    They... were being discarded by Fang Qingzhu like worthless ribs!


    Clip-clop, clip-clop, clip-clop!


    The sound of carriage wheels broke the deathly silence.


    Lin Bingxin looked on in astoundment at the scene before her, full of questions but not daring to ask any. She respectfully presented the deed to Xiao Yi, "Seeing that your residence was in ruins, my teacher purchased a vi next to the Treasure Pavilion and asked me to deliver the deed to you, please ept it!"


    "Much appreciated!"


    Xiao Yi received the deed with a light chuckle and then handed it to Fang Qingzhu. He looked at her earnestly, "Qingzhu, would you be willing to move there with me?"


    Fang Qingzhu stood there, dazed as she looked at Xiao Yi.


    She was now without a home, all alone.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Seeing the sincerity in Xiao Yi''s eyes warmed her cold heart. A smile curled on her lips as she nodded emphatically, "I would be d to!"


    "Xiao, Miss Qingzhu, please board the carriage, and I will take you to the vi right away!"


    "No... this is impossible! How could such trash deserve such a ce?" Liu Yun couldn''t help but roar in anger!


    Now, with all ties severed and feelings betrayed, how could she ept such an oue?


    "Impossible! You don''t deserve it! You never will!" Fang Hao''s body was trembling.


    And Fang Zheng was grinding his teeth in anger, his face dark and gloomy.


    "You lowlifes are only fit to live here! Only fit to stay here!"


    Lin Bingxin''s eyes turned cold as she respectfully invited Xiao Yi and hispanion onto the carriage, then looked back at the trio with a touch of disdain in her eyes.


    "Even my teacher, who wanted to take Xiao as a master, was refused. With such a prodigious figure as your son-inw, you didn''t treat him well but instead pushed him away? And you call Xiao trash? Trulyughable!"


    "Not to mention, I wonder who truly is the trash!"

 Chapter 15 Strange Phenomena of Heaven and Earth

    Driven by the Treasure Pavilion, every inch ofnd around it was worth its weight in gold.


    In Nanhuang City, everyone aspired to own a house near the Treasure Pavilion. Anyone who could buy an over three-hundred-square-meter mansion nearby would be considered a true winner in life.


    One of the four major families, the Zhang Family, was situated right beside the Treasure Pavilion.


    Zhang Ze was the young master of the Zhang Family, the only son of the family head, Zhang Yong.


    Among the younger generation in Nanhuang City, his talent was also among the top ranks.


    At the age of neen, he had already reached the Fourth Layer Cultivation of the Qi Gathering Realm.


    "Er Gouzi, why has the que on the mansion next door been changed?" Zhang Ze rode atop a tall horse, nced at the mansion next to the Zhang residence with a brand new que, and asked.


    Leading the horse in front, Er Gouzi turned at the question, "Young Master, it seems that Elder Yan has bought this ce!"


    "Oh? Elder Yan? Could it be that he''s nning to be our neighbor?" Zhang Ze''s eyes narrowed into slits. Elder Yan was the most prestigious figure in Nanhuang City.


    Although his cultivation was not the first in Nanhuang City, if one were to talk about status and power, even the lord of Nanhuang City could notpare to him.


    After all.


    The Treasure Pavilion was spread throughout the entire Great Qian Dynasty!


    Countless young talents dreamt of apprenticing under Elder Yan, but within the vast Nanhuang City, no one could catch his eye, so everyone set their sights on Lin Bingxin.


    Zhang Ze was also among Lin Bingxin''s suitors.


    "Young Master, look, isn''t that Miss Lin?" Eximed Er Gouzi all of a sudden.


    "Hmm?"


    Zhang Ze was startled and looked eagerly ahead, only to see Lin Bingxin walking out from that residence. He was about to approach when he saw a handsome young man following close behind her.


    Seeing the young man conversing happily with Lin Bingxin, Zhang Ze''s expression instantly turned gloomy, "Who is that kid? He seems very familiar with Bingxin? Er Gouzi, bring the horse over!"


    "Yes, Young Master!"


    Er Gouzi quickened his pace.


    In front of the residence.


    Xiao Yi said with a smile, "Please give my regards to Elder Yan!"


    "Don''t worry, I''ll remember!"


    Lin Bingxin nodded faintly, the inherent coldness in her, as if a millennia-old ice, tough to melt, "Take good care of Qingzhu after you get back, she hasn''t had it easy!"


    "I will!"


    Xiao Yi responded, recalling the way Fang Qingzhu rested her head on his shoulder and fell asleep, he couldn''t help but feel a pang of heartache.


    Lin Bingxin suddenly saw Zhang Ze on his tall horse, rushing over quickly. Her face slightly changed as she quickly said, "I have something else to do, I need to leave first!"


    Before the words had even finished.


    She was already running away like a trail of smoke.


    Xiao Yi: "..."


    What did she see that made her run so fast?


    Xiao Yi looked in Zhang Ze''s direction.


    Seeing Lin Bingxin speed up her departure at the sight of him, Zhang Ze did not give chase. Instead, he rode his tall horse to a stop in front of Xiao Yi, intending to figure out the rtionship between this young man and Lin Bingxin!


    As their eyes met.


    Zhang Ze gently pped his palm with the riding crop in his hand, his eyes narrowed into slits, emitting a dangerous light, "You look quite unfamiliar, just arrived in Nanhuang City, haven''t you?"


    Xiao Yi responded indifferently, "Less than a month!"


    "Less than a month?"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Zhang Ze nodded slightly, "Although Nanhuang City isn''t big, its waters run deep. One careless move and you could drown. There are certain things you shouldn''t do, and certain people you shouldn''t mess with. Do you understand?"


    Xiao Yi furrowed his brows, "If you have something to say, just say it!"


    Zhang Ze stopped ying with the riding crop, leaned forward slightly with his elbow propped on the saddle, "Lin Bingxin is the woman I''ve taken a liking to, you''d best stay away from her. I tend to lose measure when I get jealous, and it wouldn''t be out of the ordinary for me to beat someone to death over it..."


    "Uh..."


    Xiao Yi suddenly realized. So he was being mistaken for a rival in love?


    He didn''t bother to exin. Innocence speaks for itself, and sometimes the more you exin, the less clear things be. Giving Zhang Ze a smile that was not particrly polite, Xiao Yi turned and walked towards the interior of the residence.


    Zhang Ze looked intently at the vermilion gate, squinted his eyes, and said, "Er Gouzi, I''m about to break through to the Fifth Layer of the Gathering Qi Realm. During this period, have someone keep an eye on this ce. If he has nothing to do with Bing Xin, then all is well. But if he dares to pursue Bing Xin, once Ie out of seclusion, I will tten this courtyard!"


    "Young Master, rest assured, I know what to do!" Er Gouzi said respectfully.


    ......


    Inside the courtyard.


    Xiao Yi returned to Fang Qingzhu''s bedroom and looked at the figure lying in deep sleep on the bed. Seeing the faint teardrops hanging on her long eyshes, Xiao Yi felt a twinge of heartache: "Qingzhu, with me here, I will absolutely not allow anyone to hurt you again!"


    Huff!


    He exhaled a long breath of turbid air.


    Xiao Yi returned to his own bedroom and sat cross-legged, taking out the bottle of medicinal pills Elder Yan had given him.


    Qi Gathering Elixir, a low-grade second-tier medicinal pill.


    Each pill was worth a hundred taels of silver, and consuming this pill could double the speed of absorbing the world''s qi for three hours. There were ten pills in this bottle.


    That was enough for someone at the Tenth Layer of the Physical Body Realm to break through to the Qi Gathering Realm.


    The cultivation practice in the Qi Gathering Realm was entirely different from the Physical Body Realm. The Physical Body Realm involved guiding the qi of heaven and earth to cleanse the body, strengthen the Qi-Blood, and temper one''s foundational constitution, whereas the Qi Gathering Realm required locking the qi of heaven and earth within oneself.


    To form a qi vortex in the dantian, allowing the absorbed qi of heaven and earth to gather within the vortex. With each minor breakthrough, the vortex gains an additionalyer.


    Tenyers of qi vortexes stack together,plementing each other to form a loop, evolving into a Qi Sea.


    Once the Qi Sea is cultivated, the qi is abundant and concentrated, without dispersing.


    This allows one to wield various Divine Skills, which are beyond the Qi Gathering Realm, in the Shentong Realm.


    "Let''s break through to the Qi Gathering Realm in one go!"


    He threw the medicinal pill into his mouth, and a fresh stream flowed through his surroundings, his spirit unbelievably focused. His pores seemed to openpletely, and his sensitivity to the qi of heaven and earth became much sharper.


    With the Xuan Gong in operation, Xiao Yi instantly became a bottomless pit, voraciously absorbing the world''s qi around him.


    The beginning is always the hardest.


    Condensing the firstyer of qi vortex in the Qi Gathering Realm is the most difficult; usually, even strong practitioners take at least a year and a half to condense a qi vortex, transitioning from the Tenth Layer of the Physical Body Realm into the Qi Gathering Realm.


    Under the eleration of the Qi Gathering Elixir, it was not until the morning of the third day that Xiao Yi sessfully condensed a qi vortex, stepping into the cultivation of the Qi Gathering Realm First Layer.


    Only when the effects of the Qi Gathering Elixir wore off did Xiao Yi continue to channel qi into the God Sealing Seed within his qi vortex.


    Boom boom boom!


    One after another, the God Sealing Seeds were fully activated.


    One.


    Two.


    Three¡­


    Under the assault of all the qi contained within the First Layer of the Gathering Qi Realm, Xiao Yi managed to activate a total of fifteen God Sealing Seeds. Together with the original five, he now had twenty God Sealing Seeds within his body!


    The qi, transformed by the God Sealing Seeds into the power of god sealing, fed back into his body.


    Xiao Yi''s cultivation soared to a new level,pletely stabilizing his realm at the First Layer of the Gathering Qi Realm.


    Immersed in his cultivation, Xiao Yi didn''t know that.


    At the moment when he broke through to the Qi Gathering Realm and activated a total of twenty God Sealing Seeds, a magnificent nine-colored light suddenly appeared in the sky above the mansion. The light, like a bridge, covered a hundred meters in radius.


    Thousands of birds gathered around the nine-colored light and did not disperse for a long time.


    Basking in the nine-colored light, they looked just like numerous colorful phoenixes and divine luan birds.


    Suddenly there was a long howl from inside the mansion, "Hahaha, I have finally broken through to the Fifth Layer of the Gathering Qi Realm!"


    Before long.


    A message spread throughout the entire Zhang residence: "The Young Master has broken through to the Fifth Layer of the Gathering Qi Realm. The heavens have disyed a nine-colored light, and myriad birds gathered without dispersing. This is a heavenly phenomenon celebrating the Young Master''s breakthrough!"


    "The Young Master is mighty, he has actually attracted a heavenly phenomenon, it''s truly miraculous!"


    The Zhang Family rejoiced.


    The patriarch of the Zhang Family, Zhang Yong, was so excited that he set up an altar and prepared abundant offerings to worship the ancestors. He also sent out invitations to the major families and powers of Nanhuang City: "To celebrate my son''s attracting a heavenly phenomenon, we will hold a grand banquet tomorrow evening..."


    As for Xiao Yi, the cause of the heavenly phenomenon, he was currently sitting with Fang Qingzhu, enjoying simple congee and dishes, in perfect harmony.


    Both ears deaf to the world outside the window...

 Chapter 16 Call Uncle!

    "Qingzhu, have you gotten used to living here?"


    Xiao Yi looked at the tranquil girl across from him and asked.


    Fang Qingzhu revealed a gentle smile on her face and nodded, "These three days might be the most rxed andfortable time I''ve ever had in my life!"


    "Hmm?"


    Xiao Yi was startled.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "When I was a child, I trained harder than anyone else just so my parents would pay more attention to me. Growing up, not wanting to lose their attention, I had topete. Xiao Yi, do you know why I agreed to this marriage?"


    Her slender fingers smoothed the hair in front of her forehead, the golden sunlight bathing her face with a sacred glow, Fang Qingzhu''s smile grew even more radiant, "Because Grandpa said, as long as I agree to this arranged marriage, he would hand over the position of family heir to me. I just thought that if I could ascend to the position of family head one day, they would look up to me, and I wouldn''t have to live under their shadow anymore¡­"


    Xiao Yi''s gaze became somewhat distant as he saw a reflection of himself in Fang Qingzhu.


    From his childhood, everyone''s focus was on Xiao Tianjiao.


    Xiao Tianjiao''s birthday was always a grand celebration, and his birthday, apart from his mother, no one even remembered. Even when his mother suggested holding a family banquet, it would be rejected.


    No matter how hard he worked, he could never get recognition.


    Until the year he was ten¡­


    Xiao Tianjiao imprisoned him and even stripped him of his right to cultivate.


    Their pasts were so simr.


    Whew!


    Xiao Yi let out a long breath and looked at Fang Qingzhu seriously, "Qingzhu, I will help you!"


    "Hmm?"


    Fang Qingzhu was taken aback.


    Xiao Yi said solemnly, "I will definitely find a way to heal your dantian, help you sit in the position of family head, and let your parents look up to you¡­"


    "Thank you, Xiao Yi, forforting me!"


    Fang Qingzhu gave a bitter smile, "My dantian cannot be repaired at all, and even if I could repair my dantian, I''m afraid I wouldn''t be able topete with Fang Jin¡­"


    Fang Jin was almost guaranteed to enter the Royal Martial Arts Academy, and by the time he returned from there, he might have already broken through to the Shentong Realm.


    Xiao Yi didn''t say much, but his eyes grew more resolute, "Qingzhu, I will definitely help you fulfill your wish!"


    In the following day.


    Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhu spent their time within the residence, tending to nts, ying chess, and even catching fish in the water together, aside from the three meals a day. They even personally cultivated a small vegetable patch.


    This was the life Fang Qingzhu had never experienced but had always longed for.


    The two of them immersed themselves in this simple yet heartwarming joy.


    At night.


    Xiao Yi, sitting cross-legged on the bed, opened his eyes, and a sharp light swirled in his dark pupils, allowing him to appear within the Eternal Heavenly Tomb with a single thought.


    "Medicine Saint Feng Lei¡­"


    "Immortal Medical King Xue Shengyi¡­"


    Xiao Yi attempted one after another, but these tombs of great and renowned figures were utterly unapproachable. Having almost scoured the tombs within reach, Xiao Yi finally found his target.


    It was a grave two feet tall, with a wooden stele erected on it.


    The stele bore the information of the tomb''s upant: Bian He, Heavenly Yuan Realm, known as the Underworld Doctor Ancestor.


    This was the only tomb specializing in medical skills that Xiao Yi could currently ess: "Underworld Doctor Ancestor Bian He, I hope you won''t let me down!"


    Boom!


    The God Sealing Seed around him shone brilliantly, radiating splendidly.


    "Break for me!"


    A cold,rge hand shattered the tomb before him, and an aged figure burst forth abruptly. This figure was hunched and slightly stooped, with a purple Lingzhi the size of a human head in his left hand, and a ginseng walking stick with roots coiling around it in his right.


    "God Sealing Seed, suppress and seal the gods!"


    Twenty God Sealing Seeds burst forth with brilliant light, forming a massive cage that trapped Bian He.


    Bian He''s purple Lingzhi and ginseng walking stick kept striking in all directions, causing the cage to thunder loudly, yet he couldn''t break free from its confines. He turned into a streak of spirit light and was suppressed within the God Sealing Seed by Xiao Yi.


    Inside the God Sealing Seed, a statue identical to him condensed.


    At the same time.


    Xiao Yi also received Bian He''s legacy, which included two items.


    One was the holy scroll of the Underworld Doctor lineage from the distant Southern Border, "Nether King Medical Canon," and the second was a Pupil Skill called "Blood Moon Underworld Pupil."


    The Underworld Doctors of the Southern Border emphasized diagnosis by inspection.


    Among them, "inspection" involved observing with the eyes to understand the patient''s physical condition, the root of the illness, and the nature of the symptoms, among other things.


    "Blood Moon Underworld Pupil" is divided into three realms: Star Pupil, Moon Pupil, and Nether Pupil.


    "The method to repair the dan tian..."


    Xiao Yi, who was quickly scanning through the "Nether King Medical Canon," trembled with excitement and a look of ecstasy crossed his face, "Grafting technique? Heaven really does not let down those who are determined, I''ve finally found it!"


    This ''grafting technique'' is a unique method of the Underworld Doctors, involving the recement of the dan tian with a specific demonic beast''s core.


    This approach has a huge w.


    That is, the limit of one''s cultivation will be determined by the grade of the demonic beast''s core.


    For instance, if you use a second-grade demonic beast''s core to rece the dan tian, the highest one can achieve is the peak of the Qi Gathering Realm; if it''s a third-grade demonic beast core, the highest cultivation limit is the peak of the Divine Ability Realm.


    And so on...


    "Fortunately, these demonic beast cores can be reced. As long as one bes strong enough in the future, it''s entirely possible to hunt higher-level demonic beasts to take their cores and rece them with her new dan tian!"


    Xiao Yi sighed with relief and returned to the bedroom, "I won''t tell Qingzhu for now, I''ll wait until everything is ready before giving her a surprise. When dawn breaks, I''ll go to the Treasure Pavilion to buy the medicinal herbs and beast cores needed for the grafting technique. Qingzhu, I once promised to help you take the position of family head, and I will certainly not go back on my word!"


    Seeing that there were still a few hours until dawn, Xiao Yi simply started to cultivate "Blood Moon Underworld Pupil."


    The first realm of cultivating the Star Pupil is to draw in starlight and condense it within one''s eyes.


    Xiao Yi stood on the rooftop, gazing up at the starry sky, circting the cultivation method.


    Vaguely...


    One could see specks of starlight falling from the myriad stars, merging into his eyes. His eyes became increasingly bright, and two hourster, Xiao Yi suddenly opened his eyes.


    Whoosh! Whoosh!


    His eyes shone like bright stars as he quirked the corners of his mouth and muttered to himself, "The Blood Moon Underworld Pupil isn''t that difficult to cultivate after all. Just two hours, and I have sessfully condensed the Star Pupil!"


    If the people from the Underworld Doctor lineage in the Southern Border heard this, they would probably be driven mad.


    Even Bian He, who was hailed as the strongest genius of the Underworld Doctors'' lineage, had spent a whole day and night to sessfully condense the Star Pupil!


    Of course.


    Xiao Yi was unaware of this.


    ......


    Treasure Pavilion, Inner Cab, first floor hall.


    The ce was bustling with people.


    Xiao Yi stood among the crowd, believing that news of his arrival would soon reach Elder Yan and the others, so he simply waited there.


    "Is this brother also waiting for Miss Lin?"


    "Brother, take a look at us, who isn''t bringing a gift? Coming empty-handed doesn''t seem very sincere, right?"


    Seven or eight handsome young men stood beside Xiao Yi.


    Each was holding a gift of some sort, ranging from famous paintings, antiques, to fragrant flowers, everything was present.


    So these are all pursuers of Lin Bingxin!


    That icy woman, surprisingly, had quite a few admirers!


    Xiao Yi''s eyes twinkled as he said solemnly, "My mere presence here is the best gift. Once Lin Bingxin sees my face, she wille to me without needing me to greet her. Besides, I can make her call me ''uncle.'' Do you believe it or not?"


    "Pah, you''re blowing your own trumpet a bit too loudly!"


    "Let alone you, even Zhang Ze wouldn''t be given a second nce by Miss Lin... and Zhang Ze is someone who caused a phenomenon between heaven and earth, do you think you canpare with him?"


    "If it''s really as you say, I''ll swallow this antique vase I have in my hand!"


    Just as everyone was collectively condemning Xiao Yi, the young man who had first greeted Xiao Yi suddenly said, "Look, Miss Bingxin ising out, hey hey hey... she''s, she''s heading this way..."


    "No, that''s not right, why is she, she walking towards this bragging king?"


    "Holy crap..."


    Amidst a session of exmations, Lin Bingxin walked straight up to Xiao Yi and said, "Xiao..."


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow and nced sideways at the stunned crowd of young men, he said indifferently, "Call me uncle!"


    Hisss!


    The crowd inhaled sharply.


    Did he actually get Lin Bingxin to call him uncle?


    Was he asking to be beaten up?


    Lin Bingxin''s eye twitched, wishing she could p Xiao Yi to death, but she didn''t dare to!


    How frustrating!


    Lin Bingxin took a deep breath, grit her teeth, red fiercely at Xiao Yi, this bastard actually made her call him uncle in public?


    But when she remembered that the bet had been her own proposal, Lin Bingxin could only clench her teeth and call out the two words with sheer effort, "Uncle... Uncle..."

 Chapter 17 The Zhang Family Dinner

    "Teacher, what brings you to my ce?"


    Elder Yan stood respectfully in front of Xiao Yi, such demeanor if witnessed by outsiders would surely shock them to the core.


    Xiao Yi replied indifferently, "I need some medicinal herbs!"


    "No problem!"


    Elder Yan patted his chest and said, "Teacher, just give me a list, and I''ll have Bing Xin prepare it right away!"


    Xiao Yi nodded and handed the list he had prepared earlier to Elder Yan.


    Without even looking at it, Elder Yan handed the list to Lin Bingxin: "Go to the storeroom immediately and bring everything the teacher needs. If it''s not there, get it from other city branches as fast as possible!"


    Lin Bingxin shot Xiao Yi a resentful nce before taking the list and leaving.


    "Elder Yan, it''s time for your medicine!" A white-haired elder came in, carrying a steaming bowl of herbal soup in his hands.


    Xiao Yi frowned and asked, "Sick?"


    "An old illness, I''ve been taking medicine but it hasn''t improved."


    Elder Yan offered a wry smile, pointing to the old man and said, "This is Luo, the alchemist I hired for a hefty sum. He''s one of the top ten alchemists in Nanhuang City."


    Luo, the alchemist, nced at Xiao Yi and snorted coldly, slightly lifting his chin with an air of arrogance.


    Xiao Yi''s eyebrows furrowed slightly as he activated his Star Pupil to examine Elder Yan, then looked towards the bowl of soup, "What medicine are you giving him?"


    Luo spoke lightly, "Lung Cleansing Detox Soup. This is a divine medicine personally concocted by me. Can you, a wet-behind-the-ears kid, possibly understand?"


    "Elder Yan, Luo may be bad-tempered, but I beg you to calm your anger!" Elder Yan red at Luo fiercely and respectfully apologized to Xiao Yi.


    "Calm my anger? You''re about to be killed by this quack!"


    Xiao Yi rolled his eyes in annoyance.


    "Ah?"


    Elder Yan was utterly bewildered.


    The color drained from Luo''s face as he bellowed, "Nonsense, when have I ever tried to harm Elder Yan? He has a fire toxin in his lungs; naturally, the Lung Cleansing Detox Soup is needed. You know nothing, you wild boy, spouting nonsense - be careful, or I''ll tear that mouth of yours!"


    Xiao Yi sneered, "Fire toxin? If it were a fire toxin in the lungs, it would indeed cause constant chest distress and coughing, and the pain should be the worst when the sun is at its zenith at noon. Yet his worst paines at midnight. How would you exin that?"


    "This, this..." Luo''s face turned from green to white, momentarily unable to respond.


    Xiao Yi pressed on, "Using the Lung Cleansing Detox Soup is correct if it were a fire toxin, but what if it were a cold toxin? Introducing cold from the soup would only add poison to poison; continuing with your medicine, he''d be undoubtedly dead within three months!"


    Thud!


    Luo copsed on the ground, frightened and frantic, "Spare me, Elder Yan, spare me! It was only a momentarypse in judgment, please forgive me..."


    Elder Yan could no longer be oblivious that Luo had been bought off.


    His face clouded over, and he waved his hand, "Take him away and interrogate him severely, find out who''s behind this!"


    "Yes!"


    Luo was dragged away by two Qi Gathering Realm strongmen.


    Even now...


    He still couldn''t believe how this young man, who looked immature, could see through everything at a nce. Recalling his earlier usations that Xiao Yi was ignorant and inexperienced, he felt his face burning with shame.


    Thud!


    Elder Yan knelt directly in front of Xiao Yi, "Teacher, I have no way to repay your life-saving grace, please ept my humble bow!"


    Xiao Yi waved his hand, "There''s no need for such formalities between us. I''ll give you a prescription; follow it for a month, and the cold poison in your lungs will bepletely purged!"


    "Thank you, Teacher!" Elder Yan took the prescription with excitement.


    Looking at Xiao Yi with ever more admiration and fervor, Elder Yan couldn''t help but be astounded. Such a young person not only possessed extraordinary vision but also terrifying skills in swordsmanship, and now even boasted medical knowledge? Elder Yan marveled, "Teacher truly is a celestial being!"


    Before long.


    Lin Bingxin entered, holding an antique ck Storage Ring in both hands. Elder Yan received the ring and respectfully presented it to Xiao Yi, "Teacher, this is the Storage Ring I specially prepared for you. All the medicinal herbs you requested are inside!"


    Bing Xin looked on enviously at Xiao Yi.


    This was a Storage Ring!


    Only those above the Golden Core Realm could craft it. In the immense Nanhuang City, those who could wear a Storage Ring were few and far between!


    Xiao Yi raised his eyebrows and epted the ring, "I appreciate the gesture!"


    "It is my duty!"


    After a pause, Elder Yan continued, "Teacher, regarding that list you gave me earlier, we were unable to find the demon core of the Purple-Patterned Blood Python. However, I''ve had Bing Xin issue a reward for its whereabouts; we will notify you immediately if anyone locates it."


    "That''s fine, you handle it!" Xiao Yi nodded, about to stand up.


    Elder Yan respectfully said, "Teacher, yesterday, young Zhang Ze of the Zhang Family broke through to the Fifth Layer of the Gathering Qi Realm and attracted a heavenly phenomenon. The Zhang Family is hosting a banquet to celebrate and inviting everyone from Nanhuang. Would you be interested in attending?"


    He seldom took part in the gatherings of Nanhuang City''s major families, but a peerless genius from the Zhang Family that caused a heavenly phenomenon was indeed worth his attention!


    "A heavenly phenomenon?"


    Xiao Yi was startled, his eyes showing surprise.


    Anyone who could attract a heavenly phenomenon was unquestionably a favored child of heaven, a prodigy without match.


    Just like Xiao Tianjiaao of the past, whose birth had attracted a heavenly phenomenon and even summoned a fire dragon to acknowledge him as its master.


    Such geniuses were rare even in the Great Qian Dynasty, let alone being born in the remote Nanhuang City.


    Xiao Yi was also somewhat curious about Zhang Ze, who could attract heavenly phenomena, and said, "I have nothing better to do, so it wouldn''t hurt to take a look!"


    ......


    Today, the Zhang family''s residence was brightly lit and bustling with activity.


    On the streets leading to the Zhang''s, one could see carriagesing and going, with all the influential figures of Nanhuang City making personal visits.


    "The Zhangs are truly impressive, having given birth to such a unicorn who calls forth heavenly phenomena. In just over a decade, no one in Nanhuang City may be able to contend with the Zhang family!"


    "That''s not necessarily the case. Fang Jin of the Fang Family is also a true dragon among men. It is said that he is currently undergoing assessments at the Royal Martial Arts Academy in the capital and stands a very good chance of gaining admission."


    "Fang Jin of the Fang Family and Zhang Ze of the Zhang Family, these are the two true dragons of our Nanhuang City!"


    Along the way, one could hear many powerful individuals discussing the phenomena.


    Clearly, the impact of these heaven and earth phenomena was quite significant.


    At the entrance of the Zhang family''s home.


    Zhang Yong and his son were weing guests.


    "Brother Zhang Ze, you must take good care of me in the future," Chen Tao, the son of Chen Yong, said to Zhang Ze, winking and somewhat ingratiating.


    Zhao Xian, the young master of the Zhao Family, nodded at Zhang Ze, neither servile nor overbearing, and then apologized to Zhang Yong, "My father had already entered closed-door cultivation before receiving the invitation and could note in person. I hope Uncle Zhang will forgive him!"


    Zhang Yongughed, "No worries, Brother Zhao getting that Sword technique and starting toprehend it immediately is only natural for a cultivator!"


    Until yesterday, he was quite envious that Zhao Yu had obtained the Subduing Tiger Sword Scroll.


    As for now...


    He looked at his son, Zhang Ze, with a face full of pride and self-satisfaction.


    What of a third-grade high-level Sword technique?


    His son was a peerless genius who attracted heavenly phenomena!


    "Howe no one from the Fang Family has arrived yet?" Zhang Ze said with displeasure.


    Zhang Yong sneered, "The Fangs just lost face in such a big way a few days ago; they probably don''t have the nerve to send someone." While he was speaking, his expression suddenly changed, "Xiao Ze, look, isn''t that Elder Yan''s carriage?"


    "Father, it is indeed Elder Yan''s carriage!" Zhang Ze''s eyes lit up.


    The expressions of the guests at the door were all tinged with envy, "Even Elder Yan ising to the banquet? The Zhang family is truly impressive!"


    Zhang Ze and his father wore expressions of pride and hastened to wee the arrival.


    Elder Yan, supported by Lin Bingxin, stepped down from the carriage.


    Zhang Ze and his father said respectfully, "We wee Elder Yan''s grand presence!"


    "Haha, congrattions, Patriarch Zhang, with such a unicorn, the Zhang family''s future is boundless!" Elder Yan said cheerfully.


    Zhang Yong said with a smug expression, "It''s all thanks to Xiao Ze''s own hard efforts! Elder Yan, please doe in!"


    Zhang Ze looked at Lin Bingxin with eager eyes, "Bing Xin, pleasee in!"


    Elder Yan waved his hand, "No rush, I am waiting for someone!"


    "Hmm?"


    Zhang Yong and his son looked at each other in confusion, wondering who had such esteem that Elder Yan would personally wait for them. They didn''t feel it was appropriate to inquire, so Zhang Yong said, "Then please, Elder Yan, go ahead to the front where we have prepared tables and chairs."


    "Thank you very much!"


    Elder Yan smiled and, together with Lin Bingxin, sat down on the chairs ced in front of the residence.


    "Who else in Nanhuang City would Elder Yan personally wait for?"


    "I heard that the lord of the city was also invited, could it be that the city lord will attend?"


    "In the vast Nanhuang City, aside from the city lord, who else would be qualified to have Elder Yan wait in person?"


    Amid the murmurs of spection, the sound of horse hooves ttered from the front, a middle-aged man in a python robe with a figure as straight as a pine approached on horseback. This man exuded a formidable aura, appearing heroic and full of strength, his qi-blood vibrant as the roar of dragons and tigers together.


    He was the lord of Nanhuang City, the most powerful man in terms of martial prowess, existing at the Peak of the Divine Ability Realm, Sikong Nan.


    "The city lord has arrived?"


    "Look, Elder Yan has stood up; it seems he really is here to wee Lord Sikong Nan of the city!"


    As everyone looked on, Elder Yan stood up and walked briskly towards Sikong Nan.


    Zhang Ze and the others followed closely behind.


    Sikong Nan dismounted, surprised to see Elder Yan personally weing him, his face breaking into a smile, "Elder Yan, you tter me too much!"


    However...


    Elder Yan just nodded slightly at him and then walked past, turning to a man and a woman not far behind Sikong Nan to respectfully bow, "Young Master Xiao, Madam Xiao, you have finally arrived!"


    What?


    Sikong Nan''s smile stiffened on his face.


    Zhang Ze and the others also stopped in their tracks.


    All around, everyone was dumbstruck: "..."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Damn!


    Weing the city lord, my ass!


    They were clearly waiting for that young couple!

 Chapter 18 Sword Intent Seed

    "Is that Fang Qingzhu from the Fang Family? And the man beside her is their son-inw, Xiao Yi?"


    "Elder Yan was actually waiting for them?"


    Everyone felt their scalp tingle, finding it unbelievable.


    They had all thought Elder Yan was waiting for Sikong Nan, the lord of Nanhuang City. Even Sikong Nan himself believed so, as within Nanhuang City, the only one who could receive such warm enthusiasm from Elder Yan was none other than him.


    But now...


    Elder Yan had merely nodded at him.


    Instead, he showed such respect towards Xiao Yi.


    Sikong Nan stroked his chin, "The son-inw of the Fang Family, Xiao Yi? Interesting!"


    When Zhang Ze saw Xiao Yi, his expression turned somewhat unsightly.


    He was a peerless genius who had attracted heavenly phenomena, yet Elder Yan had only casuallyplimented him, while he showed such respect toward Xiao Yi. "He''s just an insignificant son-inw, what makes him worthy of such treatment?"


    Xiao Yi, unaware of their thoughts, looked helplessly at Elder Yan, "Didn''t I tell you to go in first?"


    He did not want to attract too much attention.


    Elder Yan chuckled and said in a low voice, "How could the disciple dare to take a seat before the teacher arrives?"


    "..."


    Xiao Yi helplessly shook his head.


    He had originallye with Elder Yan but couldn''t rest assured leaving Fang Qingzhu at home alone; he had made a special trip back to bring Fang Qingzhu with him.


    He had intended for Elder Yan to go in ahead of him, only to find that he was actually waiting here for him.


    "You walk in front!" Xiao Yi said.


    Given the level of respect Elder Yan had for him, he would surely not dare to walk ahead of him.


    But in doing so...


    The name of Xiao Yi would be famous throughout the vast Nanhuang City. Who else had the stature for Elder Yan to follow behind?


    Elder Yan also understood what Xiao Yi meant, and thus he led the way ahead,ing to Sikong Nan and Zhang Yong. He nodded toward Sikong Nan, then turned to look at Zhang Yong, "Zhang, it wouldn''t be a problem if I brought two extra people, would it?"


    "Of course not, it''s an honor for my Zhang family to have Xiaoe," Zhang Yong replied continuously.


    He could not afford to disregard Xiao Yi''s face, let alone Elder Yan''s.


    Xiao Yi sped his hands and said, "Congrattions, Zhang!"


    "Haha, pleasee inside, Xiao!" Zhang replied.


    Zhao Xian approached him, his demeanor respectful, "Xiao, my father is cultivating sword techniques in seclusion and cannot be present, so I am here to extend his regards to you."


    "Much appreciated!"


    Xiao Yi nodded and followed the crowd into the mansion.


    Sikong Nan watched the backs of Elder Yan and his group, stroking his chin.


    In the vast Nanhuang City, who didn''t tter him with a few words upon meeting him?


    But Xiao Yi had dismissed him as if he were the air.


    He could tell this was not a pretense; in Xiao Yi''s heart, there was truly no fear of him, the first martial force of Nanhuang City. He was curious as he asked Zhang Yong, "Zhang, what is the rtionship between that Xiao Yi and Elder Yan?"


    Zhang Yong replied, "That Xiao Yi has some talent for appraising treasures and helped Elder Yan identify a pair of heirlooms from a legendary schr who could snatch lives with his writings, so Elder Yan holds him in high esteem."


    Zhang Ze scoffed dismissively and said, "Is he not just currying favor with Elder Yan through some clever tricks? In this world, one''s own strength is the foundation..."


    Sikong Nan simply smiled, neither agreeing nor disagreeing with Zhang Ze, but his interest in Xiao Yi grew, "If Elder Yan values him so much, surely it''s not something that can be done merely through clever tricks! The son-inw of the Fang Family, Xiao Yi? Quite interesting indeed..."


    Zhang Yong said, "Lord of the city, the banquet is about to start, shall we also go in?"


    "Hmm!"


    ......


    The banquet hosted by the Zhang family was no small affair.


    Yesterday''s birthday banquet for Fang Tianhao had just over thirty tables, but here they hadid out a full sixty tables, all seats taken.


    As the guests took their seats,


    Zhang Yong said with a smile, "Thank you all for gracing tonight''s banquet with your presence. To celebrate Xiao Ze''s attracting the attention of heaven and earth with his anomaly, I have specially prepared a weapon-spirit integration ceremony to add some joy to the asion."


    A weapon-spirit integration ceremony?


    All present couldn''t help but suck in a breath of cold air, their faces full of shock.


    ```


    Elder Yan also raised his eyebrows, "An elemental weapon? Such boldness from Zhang!"


    Sikong Nan''s eyes shone brightly, "I didn''t expect that Zhang could obtain an elemental weapon. I wonder what grade it is?"


    Elemental weapons!


    Only by infusing them with elemental energy can these des be activated. They are categorized into nine grades, each invaluable.


    Even a ninth-grade elemental weapon is worth hundreds of thousands of silver, and that''s with a price yet without a market.


    Watching the envy and astonishment on everyone''s faces, Zhang Yong''s heart swelled with pride. He feigned modesty and said, "With limited capability, what Zhang has acquired is but a second-grade elemental weapon!"


    A second-grade elemental weapon.


    Only a warrior in the Shentong Realm could fully unleash its power.


    Its value surpasses one million silver!


    Even Sikong Nan, as the lord of Nanhuang City who oversees the fortress, has but a second-grade elemental weapon for his battle weapon.


    Zhang Yong having prepared a second-grade elemental weapon for Zhang Ze really is a bold move!


    Zhang Yong smiled and said, "Please wait a moment, I will bring the elemental weapon here!"


    A momentter...


    As he was conversing with Elder Yan, Xiao Yi''s form trembled slightly. His heartbeat suddenly elerated, and the thumping sound seemed to echo in his ears, as if something was drawing him in.


    His gaze instinctively followed.


    He saw Zhang Yong approaching with a ck wooden box in his hands, its surface carved with dragons and phoenixes, adorned with dazzling patterns. Seeing everyone''s attention turning towards himself, Zhang Yong revealed a smug smile, "Ladies and gentlemen, please behold, this is the second-grade elemental weapon, the zing Wind Pursuit Sword!"


    The wooden box''s lock snapped open and, as the lid was lifted, a longsword with a reddish body came into view of all present.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The sharp de seemed capable of slicing through anything.


    On the crimson body of the sword, auspicious clouds swirled around it, densely covering it, and within them a blood dragon seemed to be faintly outlined.


    This further lent the sword an additional touch of bone-chilling evil aura.


    Buzz!


    The moment Xiao Yiid eyes on the longsword, his head buzzed, and the will that had merged with the entirety of the Sword Sage''s swordsmanship inheritance within him shook violently. In his mind, countless streams of sword light emerged, sword techniques shing before his eyes.


    Eventually, it coalesced into an orb of Sword Qi. Inside the orb, there hung a blood-red divine sword in suspension.


    When Xiao Yi opened his eyes, Elder Yan who stood by his side shuddered in disbelief, staring at Xiao Yi.


    In just that brief moment...


    Elder Yan noticed that Xiao Yi seemed to stand even more upright, with a sharper aura surrounding him, resembling an unparalleled divine sword. Taking a deep breath, his eyes filled with shock, he said, "Is this... Sword Intent? No, this is merely the embryonic form of Sword Intent. Has Xiao cultivated a seed of Sword Intent?"


    Sword Intent.


    It''s a kind of martial concept.


    This is an extremely powerful force. Typically, only those in the Golden Core Realm and beyond are capable ofprehending martial concepts, but some unparalleled geniuses are able to grasp a portion of the martial concept''s power even in the Shentong Realm.


    This is a conceptual seed!


    Xiao Yi is but at the First Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm in terms of cultivation level and yet he has alreadyprehended a seed of Sword Intent ¨C it''s simply unbelievable!


    The piercing Sword Intent emanating from Xiao Yi was but a fleeting moment before it retreated into his body.


    Just as the zing Wind Pursuit Sword was presented before everyone, the sharp Sword Qi emanating from the sword''s de overshadowed the trace of Sword Intenting from Xiao Yi, which went mostly unnoticed.


    "This feeling is fantastic!"


    Xiao Yi let out a long breath, not showing much surprise.


    He had already received the Sword Sage''s swordsmanship heritage; now, by consolidating a Sword Intent seed under the stimulus of the zing Wind Pursuit Sword''s Sword Qi, it was just a matter of due course.


    His strength was already not inferior to a practitioner at the Fifth Layer of the Gathering Qi Realm, and with the addition of the Sword Intent seed...


    Even if he were to face off against an expert at the Sixth Layer of the Gathering Qi Realm, he would be able to fight!


    "Coming to this banquet was indeed the right decision!"


    Xiao Yi''s gaze rested on the zing Wind Pursuit Sword, feeling a subtle connection forming between him and the sword, as if with a mere thought, it would fly into his hand.


    Elder Yan beside him retrieved his gaze, looking towards Zhang Yong and his son with a peculiar expression, "The Zhang father and son are going to cry..."


    Meanwhile.


    Zhang Yong announced loudly, "I invite everyone to witness, my son Zhang Ze bing the master of the elemental weapon!"


    ```

 Chapter 19 Swordsmanship Domination, the Elemental Weapon Acknowledges Its Master!

    Zhang Ze walked towards the zing Wind Pursuit Sword and stood before the longsword, taking a deep breath, his emotions surging.


    "I, Zhang Ze, am a peerless genius who has caused the heavens and the earth to manifest phenomena. Today, upon obtaining this zing Wind Pursuit Sword, I will surely make its name known throughout the world!"


    Hum!


    Zhang Ze bit his fingertip and flicked a droplet of blood, which shot out and fell upon the zing Wind Pursuit Sword.


    To im a primeval weapon, one must drip one''s blood onto the de.


    Fusing the primeval weapon with blood, then nurturing it with vital energy, is the only way to fully unleash the weapon''s might!


    However, the blood from Zhang Ze fell onto the edge of the sword and was not absorbed by the zing Wind Pursuit Sword¡ªit rolled off as if droplets of water on an oiled cloth, ''pit-a-pat'' falling to the ground, bursting open like a fresh red plum blossom.


    Zhang Ze''s expression stiffened, and the smile on Zhang Yong''s face disappeared!


    Failing to im ownership... failed?


    A drop of cold sweat fell from Zhang Ze''s forehead; he refused to believe this evil omen and squeezed out another droplet of blood, yet it still did not merge with the longsword before him.


    Looking at the two gorgeous bloodstains on the ground, Zhang Ze was overwhelmed with frustration!


    Sikong Nan said solemnly, "Family Head Zhang, are you sure this primeval weapon has no owner?"


    Zhang Yong''s face was as gloomy as if he were mourning, "It surely is ownerless!"


    Sikong Nan frowned and said, "This is strange. If it is ownerless, then logically it shouldn''t be possible for the iming to fail, unless..."


    "Unless what?" Zhang Ze hurriedly asked.


    Sikong Nan nced at Zhang Ze and hesitated to speak.


    Elder Yan looked at Xiao Yi and said indifferently, "Unless, this primeval weapon has discovered someone present with a greater talent than you, someone more suited to be its owner!"


    "Impossible!"


    Zhang Ze''s eyes instantly turned bright red, and, disregarding his reverence for Elder Yan, he hysterically dered, "Who present has greater talent than I do? I am the unrivaled genius who has brought about the visions of the heavens and the earth. Does it refuse to acknowledge me? Would it rather recognize Chen Tao? Zhao Xian? Or Fang Qingzhu, this trash whose dantian is destroyed?"


    As soon as these words were uttered, the faces of Zhao Xian, Chen Tao, and the others immediately turned extremely ugly.


    A shadow of despair shed in Fang Qingzhu''s eyes.


    Anybody present could possibly gain the recognition of the zing Wind Pursuit Sword, except her!


    Just as Zhang Ze said, she had lost her core, reduced to nothing but a cripple.


    How could the Crimson me Chasing Soul Sword possibly fancy her?


    But just at this moment...


    Bang!


    Xiao Yi abruptly stood up, his icy gazending on Zhang Ze, and his cold, hellish voice echoed out.


    "Apologize to Qingzhu!"


    "Apologize?"


    Zhang Ze was taken aback, the ferocity on his face not abating in the slightest, as he sneered, "Who do you think you are? You also dare tomand me?"


    "Xiao Yi..." Fang Qingzhu looked anxious.


    Xiao Yi gave her a reassuring smile, then coldly stared at Zhang Ze, "Within three breaths, kneel and apologize to Qingzhu, and I''ll spare your life!"


    "Hahaha! Xiao Yi, Xiao Yi, do you really think so highly of yourself? Spare my life?"


    Zhang Ze''s face twisted with thick mockery as he sneered repeatedly, "Did I say something wrong? Is Fang Qingzhu not a trash? I am the peerless genius who has brought about the phenomena of the heavens and the earth. If I call you all trash, then you are trash!"


    Zhao Xian''s face darkened, "Zhang Ze, even if you are a genius that can invoke the visions of the heavens and the earth, there''s no need to belittle us like this, right?"


    Chen Tao''s expression was also displeased, "Just because you can''t get the weapon to recognize you, do you have to step on us in the process?"


    "Hmph, If I can''t make the primeval weapon recognize me, you all are even less capable!"


    Zhang Ze''s contemptuous gaze swept over everyone, his face cold with mockery, "Don''t say I''m bullying you. If any of you can make this primeval weapon recognize you, I, Zhang Ze, will kneel and apologize in public. If not, then shut your mouths!"


    Chen Tao and the others exchanged looks, left speechless.


    Zhang Ze turned to Xiao Yi, his face full of disdain, "You want to stand up for Fang Qingzhu? Then you''d better have the ability to do so!"


    With that, Zhang Ze moved towards the zing Wind Pursuit Sword, his eyes filled with madness, "I refuse to believe that I can''t tame a mere primeval weapon!"


    Hum!


    Zhang Ze''s body trembled slightly, his vital energy surging with the intent to forcibly refine the zing Wind Pursuit Sword!


    However, just as his hand was about to touch the Crimson me Chasing Wind Sword, the blood-colored longsword suddenly burst forth with a piercing buzz of Sword Qi, shattering the wooden box with a ng!


    The zing Wind Pursuit Sword transformed into a streak of blood-red light and shot towards Xiao Yi!


    ng!


    The edge of the sword plunged into the ground, the sword hilt buzzing and trembling!


    "What... what''s happening?"


    "Why has the zing Wind Pursuit Sword run off to Xiao Yi?"


    Everyone was shocked!


    Elder Yan made a gulping sound, recalling Xiao Yi''s transformation from before, his face revealing a knowing look.


    Lord Sikong''s expression became contemtive, and after a moment his pupils suddenly narrowed, "Is the primeval weapon voluntarily recognizing its master? How is this possible? Only truly astounding and brilliant individuals can make a primeval weapon spontaneously acknowledge them. Xiao Yi, he..."


    "Could it be that Xiao Yi''s talent surpasses Zhang Ze''s?"


    "This is impossible! Zhang Ze is a genius capable of inciting visions in the heavens and earth!"


    Situ Kong''s words drove Zhang Ze toplete madness.


    His eyes were a blood-red, and he howled hysterically, "Impossible! I am the peerless genius who induces the visions of the heavens and the earth! If I can''t tame it, how could you, a worthless cur, manage it?"


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi shook his head gently and reached out towards the zing Wind Pursuit Sword in mid-air.


    Hum!


    The longsword turned into a blood rainbow, swooshing into Xiao Yi''s palm in a sh, his hand clutching the de as the sword thrummed, as if rejoicing.


    With the zing Wind Pursuit Sword in hand, the Sword Intent seed inside Xiao Yi''s body emitted blood-red light. The blood clouds on the sword edge blossomed as ifing alive, radiating dazzling red light.


    "It really recognized a master?"


    "Incredible! The elemental weapon actually abandoned an unparalleled genius and chose a worthless son-inw as its master?"


    Shock filled the faces of the crowd.


    With a slight upturn of his mouth, Xiao Yi''s eyes were cool as he stared at Zhang Ze, "Three breaths have passed, if you don''t kneel and apologize to Qingzhu, I''ll take your life!"


    "I''ll kneel to your grandfather!"


    Zhang Ze roared angrily, as he unleashed the full power of his Fifth Layer of the Gathering Qi Realm.


    Shua!


    Zhang Ze''s longsword flew from his waist, the silver de furiously stabbing towards Xiao Yi!


    With that sh, there were three swords! Three streams of silver Sword Qi howled forward!


    "Thunderous Triple Strike!"


    The sword was like a thunderbolt, one strike with the force of three!


    The keen Sword Qi skimmed the ground, cutting three vicious sword marks in it, sending sand and stones flying, showcasing its extraordinary power.


    Xiao Yi stood calmly, his sword in one hand, as he made a shing motion forward.


    "Sweeping a Thousand Troops!"


    Shua!


    A blood-colored Sword Qi fanned out in front of him.


    With the augmentation from the Sword Intent seed, the power of this sword increased by another thirty percent!n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ng ng ng!


    In the midst of the cacophonous shing of metal, the silver Sword Qi waspletely shattered, while the blood-colored Sword Qi went ''pfft'' as it struck Zhang Ze directly in the chest!


    Wa!


    A mouthful of fresh blood sprayed out as Zhang Ze staggered to the ground, a bloody gash traversing his entire chest!


    Xiao Yi turned the tip of his sword, resting it on Zhang Ze''s throat!


    "Stop!"


    Zhang Yong hurriedly stepped forward, looking solemnly at Xiao Yi, "Xiao, let''s talk this over, please spare Zhang Ze!"


    After speaking, he quickly turned to Zhang Ze, "Apologize to Fang Qingzhu now!"


    A deep unwillingness emerged on Zhang Ze''s pale face, but under the threat of death, he had no choice!


    "Fang Qingzhu, I am sorry!"


    Those three words nearly made him bite his tongue in frustration!


    "Let him go," Fang Qingzhu sighed softly, speaking in a low voice.


    Xiao Yi nodded slightly, flung the zing Wind Pursuit Sword, its tip embedding in the ground, pulled up Fang Qingzhu, and turned to leave!


    Ching!


    The zing Wind Pursuit Sword freed itself from the ground and chased after Xiao Yi,nding in front of him.


    Xiao Yi frowned.


    With envy on his face, Sikong Nan said, "Xiao Yi, this sword has chosen you!"


    With an aching heart yet aware that the zing Wind Pursuit Sword could no longer be retained, Zhang Yong forced a smile, "Xiao, since this sword is fated to be with you, we shall gift it to you."


    Xiao Yi''s eyebrows were tightly knitted.


    Elder Yan stepped forward, tossing a stack of silver notes to Zhang Yong, "Here are one million taels in silver notes. From this day on, the zing Wind Pursuit Sword has nothing to do with your Zhang Family anymore!"


    "Thank you, Elder Yan!" Zhang Yong said repeatedly.


    Elder Yan stepped forward with a smile, respectfully saying, "Xiao, you can take the sword with you now!"


    "Fine, if you insist on following me, thene along!" Xiao Yi shook his head, the zing Wind Pursuit Sword buzzing as if cheering, leaping up andnding in Xiao Yi''s hand.


    The group drifted away.


    Sikong Nan squinted his eyes and took his leave from Zhang Yong, "Lord Zhang, I have other matters to attend to, I shall take my leave first!"


    "Lord Sikong, you previously mentioned taking Xiao Ze as a disciple¡­" Zhang Yong said eagerly.


    Sikong Nan nced at Zhang Ze and shook his head silently.


    "We''ll discuss this matter... another day!"


    Having said that, he followed after Xiao Yi.


    "It''s all over, we''repletely finished..."


    Zhang Yong and his son were utterly dejected.


    They had hoped to soar to the heavens with this opportunity, but instead, they were smashed down to the ground!


    The disparity between their expectations and reality was enough to drive one to despair!


    "Xiao Yi... Xiao Yi!" Zhang Ze''s eyes were bloodshot!


    In that moment, ragepletely overwhelmed his reason!


    Meanwhile.


    At the gate of the neighboringpound of the Zhang Family.


    Elder Yan said respectfully, "Xiao, if there''s any news about the Purple-Patterned Blood Python, I will inform you immediately!"


    "Much appreciated!"


    Xiao Yi nodded, taking Fang Qingzhu back to thepound.


    Elder Yan, apanied by Lin Bingxin, got into the carriage and drove off into the distance.


    They hadn''t noticed that Sikong Nan had observed all of this.


    His pupils contracted slightly as he looked at the two adjacentpounds, a terrifying spection forming in his mind.


    "Could it be that the one who caused the heavenly phenomenon wasn''t Zhang Ze, but the despised second young master of the Xiao Family... Xiao Yi?"

 Chapter 20 Entering Nanhuang for the First Time

    Sikong Nan was startled by his own guess.


    But upon further thought...


    He grew more convinced that he was right, "That Zhang Ze''s talent can only be considered ordinary, and Xiao Yi''s ability to defeat Zhang Ze, who was at the Fifth Layer of the Gathering Qi Realm, while being only at the Qi Gathering Realm First Layer, and to bond with the Yuan weapon by initiating such a celestial phenomenon, makes it ny percent likely that he''s the true master!"


    With this thought in mind.


    Sikong Nan suddenly felt some sympathy for the Zhang family father and son.


    Not only had they lost face by hosting a banquet, but they had also lost a Yuan weapon.


    "No wonder Yan Mingli holds Xiao Yi in such high regard. If someone can cause a celestial phenomenon while just in the Qi Gathering Realm, such talent is definitely top-notch. This person must not be made an enemy; we have to befriend him!" Sikong Nan made up his mind.


    He had been stationed in Nanhuang City for over thirty years, but there had seldom been any battle achievements to speak of, which hindered his chances for promotion.


    If he could personally rmend a genius to the Royal Martial Arts Academy, that would be a great merit. Sikong Nan narrowed his eyes, "Fang Jin of the Fang Family wasn''t rmended by me; even if he joined the Royal Martial Arts Academy, I wouldn''t get any credit. I must find a way to rmend Xiao Yi to the academy. However, before that, I need to first strengthen the bond between us!"n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Meanwhile.


    The Zhang family estate was deserted.


    The father and son of the Zhang family gathered together, surrounded by chaos with dishes scattered, porcin vases shattered, and decorative furniture smashed.


    "Father, I swear I won''t rest until I''ve exacted revenge!" Zhang Ze''s eyes were bloodshot, and he gritted his teeth with hatred.


    Zhang Yong''s face was ferocious, but he still kept a trace of reason, "Revenge? Xiao Yi has a close rtionship with Elder Yan, and if he finds out we''re targeting Xiao Yi, how will you withstand Elder Yan''s wrath? Can our Zhang family withstand the retaliation from Treasure Pavilion?"


    Zhang Ze said coldly, "As long as we leave no evidence behind!"


    "What''s your n?" Zhang Yong furrowed his brow.


    His hatred for Xiao Yi was just as intense as Zhang Ze''s!


    Not to mention that day at the Fang Family, Xiao Yi had embarrassed him, a renowned collector, with a set of the Subduing Tiger Sword Scroll, and just today at the Zhang Family, Xiao Yi had given Zhang Ze a heavy p and walked away with the zing Wind Pursuit Sword he had painstakingly acquired.


    This was bound to set the stage for a life-and-death feud between the Zhang Family and Xiao Yi.


    Zhang Ze''s eyes narrowed into a slit, a cold light shing, "The enemy of my enemy is a friend... I''ve already sent someone to contact Fang Ao of the Fang Family and Lei Bao of the ck Tiger Gang. United, we can certainly dispose of Xiao Yi without anyone noticing!"


    "Make sure to leave no evidence!" Zhang Yong cautioned.


    Zhang Ze nodded decisively, his eyes filled with viciousness, "Xiao Yi, you care about Fang Qingzhu so much, don''t you? I won''t kill you right away; I''ll force myself on Fang Qingzhu right in front of you, then grind you both to dust. One''s ashes scattered into an abyss, the other thrown into raging rivers ¨C ensuring even in death you cannot be together, keke..."


    ......


    Inside the separate courtyard.


    Xiao Yi was practicing his cultivation. Two days had passed since the banquet at the Zhang family''s house.


    His cultivation had improved significantly, bringing him even closer to the Second Layer of the Gathering Qi Realm.


    "Brother Xiao Yi, Bing Xin is looking for you!" A gentle voice came from outside, belonging to Fang Qingzhu. Since that day at the Zhang family, their rtionship had progressed by leaps and bounds.


    Although they hadn''t yet broached a certain topic, there had been a dramatic change in the way they addressed each other.


    "Bing Xin is looking for me?"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback, then his face lit up with joy, "Could it be that there''s news about the Purple-Patterned Blood Python?"


    The core of the Purple-Patterned Blood Python was the most suitable material to rece Fang Qingzhu''s dantian at the moment, and with Fang Jin''s return date approaching, Xiao Yi had no time to lose.


    "I''ll be right out!"


    Xiao Yi donned his clothes and, upon arriving in the hall and seeing Lin Bingxin, asked, "Has there been any news about the Purple-Patterned Blood Python?"


    Lin Bingxin nodded her head, "The teacher has issued a bounty. Someone just came to the Treasure Pavilion with a clue, iming to have spotted traces of the Purple-Patterned Blood Python in the Southern Deste Mountain Range. The teacher asked me to notify you immediately. He also told me to ry to you that he can deploy the Treasure Pavilion''s beast-hunting team to assist you!"


    "No need, I can handle this matter on my own."


    Xiao Yi shook his head in refusal. He didn''t like to be indebted to anyone. After hesitating for a moment, he said, "During my absence, I''ll need you to help me take care of Qingzhu!"


    "Don''t worry about that, I can move in and stay with Qingzhu right away!" Lin Bingxin said.


    She and Fang Qingzhu had long since been calling each other sisters and had be best friends.


    Fang Qingzhu, standing to the side, looked worried, "Brother Xiao Yi, what do you want with the Purple-Patterned Blood Python? That is a second-tier high-level mystical beast, withbat powerparable to the Peak of the Qi Gathering Realm. You..."


    Xiao Yi smiled and replied, "Don''t worry, I have my ways of dealing with that beast. Just wait obediently at home for me. When I return, I will give you a tremendous surprise!"


    Fang Qingzhu''s dantian had been destroyed, and only by using the technique of transnting a beast core in ce of her dantian could she resume her cultivation.


    Given Fang Qingzhu''s talent, once she could cultivate again, her strength would increase exponentially.


    This venture to the Southern Deste was a must!


    That very night.


    Xiao Yi left Nanhuang City on his own.


    He didn''t realize that after his departure, a shadowy figure vanished from a dark corner in front of his residence.


    ck Tiger Gang.


    "Xiao Yi has gone to the Southern Deste Mountain Range? Hahaha, truly, heaven is helping me. Send for Fang Ao, Fang Hao, and Zhang Ze right away... No, to avoid being discovered, have them meet at the Qingyan Tower!"


    Lei Bao, listening to the reports from his subordinates, showed an excited expression on his face as he looked at the person before him, "Inform Zhao Shi and the others to keep a close eye on Xiao Yi and report his movements at all times!"


    "Yes, Deputy Leader!"


    The shadowy figure disappeared from sight.


    Lei Bao''s face twisted with a grim expression, his fists tightened, and his eyes cold, "Xiao Yi, the Southern Deste Mountain Range will be your burial ground!"


    ...


    The Southern Deste Mountain Range is part of the vast primordial wilderness.


    It is named the Southern Deste Mountain Range, also known as the Hundred Thousand Mountains, for it lies near the southern part of the boundless wilderness.


    In this ce, mystical beasts are rampant, and the danger is unparalleled. It is known as a forbidden area for mankind. Yet, where there is misfortune, there may be blessings hiding, and amidst the perilous Southern Deste Mountains, countless opportunities and treasures are concealed.


    Take, for example, Sikong Nan, the lord of Nanhuang City. He was once just an ordinary soldier in the city''s defense force.


    It was precisely in the Southern Deste Mountain Range that he stumbled upon a Spirit Fruit. After consuming it, his cultivation advanced greatly, and now he has be the top master of Nanhuang City.


    For precisely this reason...


    Apart from the warriors of the five cities of Nanhuang, many strong individuals from various ces in the Tianqing Kingdom also enter the Southern Deste Mountain Range for trials and training.


    In a forest clearing, an orange-red bonfire zed fiercely. A thigh of a mystical beast was ced over the fire, roasting to a golden brown with sizzling droplets of fat, tempting one''s appetite. Sitting in front of the bonfire, Xiao Yi was cross-legged, attuning himself to nature.


    Suddenly.


    An arrow shot silently from the underbrush towards him...

 Chapter 21 You, Are Not Qualified!

    Whoosh!


    Under the cloak of night.


    A silvery streak of an arrow tore through the dark, hissing as it cut through the air, heading straight for Xiao Yi.


    "Not good!"


    Xiao Yi''splexion changed drastically as he instinctively tumbled and rolled to the side.


    Thud!


    The cold arrow struck precisely where he had been.


    The fletching at the end of the arrow vibrated with a buzzing sound.


    Xiao Yi''s gaze hardened as he turned towards the direction the arrow hade from, only to hear a voice tinged with regret, "He actually dodged? What a pity, such a good opportunity missed. Otherwise, I could have presented your head to the young gang leader before he even reached the Southern Deste Mountain Range!"


    "The young gang leader?"


    Xiao Yi''s gaze sharpened; the only person he knew who was called that was Lei Bao.


    Xiao Yi squinted at the figure emerging from the bushes, "Did Lei Bao send you?"


    The man approaching was burly like a bear, holding arge horn bow, eyes furious as if made of bronze bells, filled with a bloodthirsty glint.


    This was Zhao Shi of the ck Tiger Gang, known for his Lion Head Hammers slung on his back. He removed the hammers and nged them together, producing a dull thud. Zhao Shi sneered, "That''s right, the young gang leader ordered me to watch you. But the chance just now was too good to miss, I couldn''t help myself. Too bad you dodged it!"


    Xiao Yi snorted coldly and advanced with his sword drawn, "Kill me? You''re not qualified!"


    "Qualified or not, my Lion Head Hammers will let you know!"


    As Zhao Shi sneered, his figure charged like a wild buffalo, making a thunderous noise as he stampeded forward.


    Xiao Yi leaped up.


    Had it been before, he might not have been a match for Zhao Shi, but now, having made another breakthrough in his cultivation, hisbat prowess was iparable to the past. With a flick of his wrist, the longswordnded in his palm as he thrust forward.


    With a tricky angle, he narrowly avoided Zhao Shi''s attack and, with two pff sounds, cut Zhao Shi''s tendons.


    Thud, thud!


    The two iron hammers fell to the ground with a crash as Zhao Shi howled in pain, looking at Xiao Yi in disbelief, "How can you be so powerful?"


    ording to the intelligence he had, Xiao Yi should have been no match for him!


    But now...


    He had no power to fight back in front of Xiao Yi.


    "Damn it, I must hurry back and tell the young gang leader that Xiao Yi is much more powerful than we imagined..."


    Zhao Shi''s eyes flickered with venomous intent, and he turned to sprint into the dense forest behind.


    "Since you''re here, don''t even think about leaving!" Xiao Yi pursued with sword in hand.


    However...


    He had just rushed into the forest when Zhao Shi''s venomous voice echoed, "Hahaha, you fell for it! Brothers, chop him to pieces for me!"


    Within the dense forest.


    Xiao Yi was about to catch up with Zhao Shi when four figures burst forth, one with a malevolent expression on his face. A palm strike that had been looming suddenly came down, its ferocious force not holding back in the slightest.


    Even though the attack hadn''t reached him yet, the palm wind caused Xiao Yi''s robes to flutter and his face to contort.


    "Scatter!"


    Xiao Yi swiftly raised his sword, slicing open a gash along Zhao Shi''s back, and turned Zhao Shi into a severely struggling heap. At the same time, his sword swept through the air and with a pfft, severed the palm of the ambusher.


    "Ow... my hand, big brother, he actually cut off my hand, quick, get revenge for me!"


    The ambusher clutched his severed palm, his face sheet white.


    He looked up just in time to see Xiao Yi''s foote crashing down, and with a bang, the man''s head was smashed into his chest cavity.


    Xiao Yi''s gaze turned to the remaining three men.


    Zhao Shi, struggling to his feet, red at Xiao Yi with resentful eyes and roared, "Zhao Jin, what are you standing there for? Kill him quickly..."


    "I have my own judgment¡­"


    Zhao Jin''s face was ice cold, his eyes gradually solidifying with killing intent. In a deep voice, he said, "Old Two, Old Three, let''s go together. Kill him!"


    Zhao Jin led the charge, with Zhao Mu and Zhao Shui close behind.


    All three men were formidable in their own right.


    Zhao Mu and Zhao Shui were both at the Third Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm, while Zhao Jin was the strongest, reaching the peak of the Fourth Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm. Together, even a master at the Fifth Layer of the Gathering Qi Realm would not be without the power to fight them.


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, holding a blood-dripped twig, and took the initiative to meet the attack: "Sweeping a Thousand Troops!"


    The twig swept out.


    The blood smeared on the twig sprinkled forward, and with a ''plop,'' a drop of bloodnded on Zhao Mu''s eye, causing him to reflexively close it. When he opened his eyes again, Xiao Yi had already brushed past him.


    Zhao Mu turned around, only to find that his body could not move, while only his head plummeted towards the ground.


    Thud!


    As the head hit the ground.


    Xiao Yi pointed the twig forward with a crisp ''ng,'' deflecting the long spear swung by Zhao Shui. With a surge forward, the twig stabbed into Zhao Shui''s chest, piercing through his back.


    "Zhao Mu, Zhao Shui..."


    Zhao Jin''s eyes were about to split, and in the blink of an eye, Xiao Yi had in two men,pletely intimidating him.


    Seeing Xiao Yi''s icy gaze fixed on him, Zhao Jin felt an icy chill over his entire body, his face filled with panic, and he no longer dared to linger, running crazily behind him.


    Xiao Yi relentlessly pursued.


    "Damn it, how can this kid, a mere beginner of the Qi Gathering Realm, be so powerful? No good, I can''t escape..." Zhao Jin''splexion abruptly changed, realizing that Xiao Yi''s offensive was swiftly approaching him, he steeled his heart.


    He grabbed Zhao Huo next to him and threw him behind him.


    Thud!


    Zhao Huo''s body lined up with the twig in Xiao Yi''s hand, piercing through his body, adding one more cold corpse. Zhao Jin did not dare to linger any longer, pulled out a horn bow, and fired several arrows at Xiao Yi, then turned and fled.


    "Where do you think you''re running to?"


    Xiao Yi''s cold voice rang out behind him, sending chills all over Zhao Jin and making his scalp tingle.


    zing Wind Pursuit Sword!


    "Chasing Stars and Moons!"


    Xiao Yi held the arrow with one hand, his sword speed reaching its limits, each thrust breaking an arrow. He bloodily carved a path through the rain of arrows, a cold light flitted across his eyes: "Soul Chaser, Life Snatcher!"


    Whoosh!


    His figure left a trail of afterimages, and when they re-converged, he had already appeared in front of Zhao Jin.


    With a ''thrust,'' the sword pierced through Zhao Jin''s throat.


    With a flick.


    Zhao Jin''s head was split into two.


    In just a few breaths.


    Only Zhao Shi, barely clinging to life, remained. He was covered in blood, his legs gave out, and he knelt on the ground trembling.


    He never imagined that Xiao Yi would be so terrifying, ughtering his five-man team in the blink of an eye. His lips quivered, "Don''t, don''t kill me, I was only following orders, please..."


    Thud!n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Xiao Yi swung his longsword, severing his right hand.


    "Don''t kill me..."


    Zhao Shi, enduring the severe pain, shakily handed over a sheepskin map, "I, I have a map on me, which marks the location of an ancient tomb, as long as you let me go, I''m willing to give you the map..."


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Killing you, the map is still mine!"


    "No, you can''t kill me, I am from the ck Tiger Gang..."


    Zhao Tianbao''s face filled with terror, screaming hysterically, but Xiao Yi couldn''t be bothered to listen to him speak any longer, raising the zing Wind Pursuit Sword in the air.


    Thud!


    The bloodied de of the sword pierced Zhao Shi''s head, cleaving it in two.


    In an instant.


    All five experts from the ck Tiger Gang dispatched to surveil Xiao Yi were in.


    Xiao Yi picked the sheepskin map with his sword, then rummaged for spoils of war, amassing a total of fifty-three thousand taels of silver, most notably obtaining twenty Qi Gathering Elixirs from Zhao Shi.


    "So it''s the tomb of a Shentong Realm expert? It happens to be where the Purple-Patterned Blood Pythons roam, worth a look. But..."


    He looked down at the map in his hand, "ording to Zhao Shi, Lei Bao and the others are also on their way to the Southern Deste Mountain Range, I should leave this ce first. I''ll find a secluded area to refine these elixirs and enhance my cultivation. Once Lei Bao and the rest arrive, I''ll make sure they don''t leave!"

 Chapter 22 Breakthrough Again!

    Xiao Yi hadn''t been gone for long.


    In the dense woods, dozens of figures swiftly moved through, and shortly after, they settled at the site where Zhao Shi and his men met their end.


    "Young Master, Zhao Shi and his team have beenpletely annihted..."


    Observing the bodies strewn across the ground, the neer made a thorough inspection of the corpses and said in a grave voice, "Judging by their wounds, it looks very much like the work of the zing Wind Pursuit Sword..."


    "Zhang Xiong, are you certain it was the zing Wind Pursuit Sword?" Lei Bao narrowed his eyes and asked.


    The man before them, dressed in ck with a fierce scar on his face, was Zhang Xiong, the leader of the Zhang Family Hunting Team, at the peak of the Eighth Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm.


    And having battled demonic beasts in the Southern Deste Mountain Range for years, hisbat prowess wasparable to that of an ordinary Ninth Layer of the Gathering Qi Realm fighter.


    Fang Ao''s eyes zed with a fierce light, "Zhang Ze''s zing Wind Pursuit Sword is in the hands of Xiao Yi; it seems that these men were all killed by him."


    Zhang Xiong nodded, focusing on the corpse of Zhao Shi, "Zhao Shi and Zhao Jin, the five of thembined were quite strong. Even I would have to expend some effort to deal with them. If Xiao Yi were able to kill them, and given the battle traces here, he was in absolute dominance over the five men, crushing them all the way through. Based on my estimate, his cultivation must be at least no weaker than the Sixth Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm!"


    "What? The Sixth Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm?" Fang Ao was utterly bewildered.


    Lei Bao''s face was also filled with shock, "The first time I saw him, he was only at the Tenth Layer of the Physical Body Realm. How much time has passed? And now he''s alreadyparable to the Sixth Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm?"


    Everyone couldn''t help but gasp.


    Since Xiao Yi had arrived in Nanhuang City, only a month had passed, yet he had grown from beingpletely devoid of cultivation to a powerhouse on par with the Sixth Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm.


    Such a rate of cultivation was indeed terrifying.


    Lei Bao''s face was gloomy, "We absolutely cannot let this child remain; if we allow him to continue growing, I''m afraid we will all have to look up to him in the future!"


    "We must find him immediately..." Fang Ao said.


    Zhang Xiong uttered a grunt of agreement, his eyes cold and filled with ferocity and madness, "Rest assured, I''ve brought the best of the hunting team. They''ll soon find Xiao Yi''s whereabouts. However, this forest makes it easy to hide one''s presence; we must not fail. Shadow,e out..."


    A dark figure emerged from the crowd, "Captain, rest assured, I know what to do!"


    ...


    Atop a towering great tree with dense foliage.


    Xiao Yi sat cross-legged, with his palms facing upwards, his eyes tightly shut, the aura around his body undting and fluctuating.


    Streams of heaven and earth essence were absorbed into his body, and, with the rotation of his mysterious skill, amplified his own cultivation.


    Over these past two days...


    He had been refining the twenty Qi Gathering Elixirs he had plundered from Zhao Shi, and now, his cultivation had risen two levels, reaching the Third Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm.


    With a whoosh!


    He exhaled a long breath of turbid air. Xiao Yi channeled the gathered essential aura into the God Sealing Seed within him, activating the God Sealing Seed continuously.


    The twenty Qi Gathering Elixirs and the essential aura of the Third Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm activated a total of forty God Sealing Seeds, bringing the total number of activated God Sealing Seeds he possessed up to eighty. With the feedback of power from the God Sealing Seeds, Xiao Yi was surrounded by a luminescent glow.


    With his current strength, paired with the Sword Intent seedling and the zing Wind Pursuit Sword, he was capable of defeating a fighter at the Eighth Layer Peak.


    Xiao Yi entered the Eternal Tomb immediately, but even after awakening eighty God Sealing Seeds, he was still unable to find a new target to seal.


    "It seems my strength is still not strong enough," Xiao Yi helplessly left the Eternal Tomb, "With my current strength, I can barely handle the Ninth Layer of the Gathering Qi Realm, but that Purple-Patterned Blood Python isparable to the Peak of the Gathering Qi Realm. I should head to the tomb of the Shentong Realm expert that Zhao Shi mentioned!"


    Following the map, Xiao Yi continued on his way.


    Since entering the Southern Deste Mountain Range, three days and nights had passed.


    His cultivation had progressed from the Qi Gathering Realm First Layer to the Third Layer, and this was indeed key to the twenty Qi Gathering Elixirs contributed by Zhao Shi; otherwise, such rapid advancement would have been impossible.


    As he moved on, just as he was about to arrive at the ancient tomb indicated on the map, suddenly, a cry for help echoed from the bushes ahead, "Help, save me..."


    Xiao Yi was momentarily stunned.


    A disheveled and beautiful woman, looking desperate, was fleeing. Three fierce-looking young men were relentlessly chasing after her. The woman''s eyes lit up when she saw Xiao Yi, and she quickened her pace.


    She ran up to Xiao Yi and hid behind him, looking pitiful, "Young Master, save me..."


    The three young men followed closely, growling viciously, "Kid, don''t meddle in other people''s business!"


    "If you know what''s good for you, get lost, or else we''ll deal with you too!"


    Xiao Yi frowned and looked at the three young men, "Scram!"


    "You''ve got a death wish, kid!" one of them bellowed.


    "Brothers, kill him!"


    As the three of them exuded killing intent, Xiao Yi snorted coldly and quickly stepped forward, "Eight Extremes Copse!"


    "Eight Extremes Lean!"


    "Eight Extremes Swing!"


    With a punch, a shove, and a swing, all three men were down on the ground, unable to move. The "Eight Extremes Fist" was a martial art known throughout the Blue Star Realm for its lethal potency.


    "Thank you, kind sir, for saving my life. I have nothing to return the favor, but here is a treasure for you," the woman said gratefully, standing in front of Xiao Yi. She bowed deeply, but as she rose, the gratitude and smile on her face were gone, reced by a sly, chilling smirk, "Die!"


    Swish!


    A white powder flew from her hands.


    As the white powdernded on Xiao Yi, his body trembled, rendered immobile. The womanughed heartily, "Xiao Yi, bet you didn''t see thising, did you? With my Muscle-locking Powder, you''ll be paralyzed for the next half hour,pletely at my mercy!"


    "Who are you? Why are you trying to harm me?" Xiao Yi''s brows knitted tightly.


    The woman sneered, "I''m a shadow from the Zhang Family Hunting Team, sent by the young gang leader to kill you!"


    "And us too!"


    "Hahaha, Xiao Yi, even you have met your doom?"n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Amidst the derangedughter, the figures of Zhang Xiong, Fang Ao, and Lei Bao appeared one after another. Both the Zhang Family Hunting Team and the ck Tiger Gang''s members, over thirty people in total, emerged and encircled himpletely.


    "So it was you¡­" Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing Fang Ao and the others.


    "Didn''t expect that, huh? Thought you could rely on Elder Yan? If you''re so capable, call him now, hahaha..." Full of pride, Fang Ao was eager to step forward but still nced at Zhang Xiong, "He can''t move, right?"


    Zhang Xiong nodded, "He''s hit with Muscle-locking Powder. He won''t be able to move for half an hour!"


    "Hehe, half an hour, eh? That''s more than enough!"


    Fang Ao approached Xiao Yi with a vicious smile, "Xiao Yi, didn''t you look down on me? Weren''t you too disdainful to kill me, saying you''d wait for my brother toe back so I could watch how you''d kill him? Now tell me, who is killing whom?"


    He pulled out a dagger and waved it in front of Xiao Yi, "So, should I stab this knife into your heart or should I slice open your throat and watch your blood slowly drain? Oh right, weren''t you saying I shouldn''t touch Fang Qingzhu? How about I castrate you, take your head, and then ravish Fang Qingzhu right in front of you? How does that sound?"


    "Dare to touch a single hair on Qingzhu''s head, and I will decimate your entire n!" Xiao Yi red, his eyes narrowing.


    "Aiyo, you''re about to die and you still threaten me? Go reunite with Fang Qingzhu in hell!"


    With a viciousugh, Fang Ao swung his dagger toward Xiao Yi''s vitals...

 Chapter 23 Astonishing Sword

    ```


    Whoosh!


    The dagger, shing with a chilling cold light, shed toward Xiao Yi''s vitals.


    However...


    The dagger abruptly halted, unable to advance even half an inch further.


    A ferocious grimace froze on Fang Ao''s face, his eyes filled with shock and disbelief as he stared at his own wrist. It was being tightly gripped by a hand, and the terrifying force emanating from that hand hadpletely deformed his wrist.


    Agonizing pain shot through him instantly; the dagger fell from his grasp: "Aoooow... my hand..."


    Xiao Yi snatched up the dagger and, amidst Fang Ao''s screams, brought it down towards his groin.


    Splurt!


    A fountain of blood sprayed wildly, immediately turning the area beneath Fang Ao into a crimson swamp, as a piece the size of a pinky finger fell into the pool of blood. Fang Ao screamed in agony, while Xiao Yi remained expressionless, first slicing open his throat.


    Letting the fresh blood spurt freely.


    And then driving the dagger deep into Fang Ao''s heart.


    Thud! Thud!


    Fang Aoy twitching in the blood pool until he bled out and died. Until hisst moment, his eyes were wide open, filled with disbelief, unable toprehend how a poisoned Xiao Yi could still move.


    After killing Fang Ao, Xiao Yi''s gaze slightly lifted to rest on Lei Bao, Zhang Xiong, and others who all wore expressions of horror.


    Zhang Ying said in disbelief, "You were clearly poisoned by my Muscle-locking Powder, how could you..."


    "Muscle-locking Powder? Are you talking about this?"


    Xiao Yi cracked a smile and tossed his hand aside, scattering a cloud of white powder.


    "Damn, that''s Muscle-locking Powder..."


    "Get out of the way, don''t let it touch you..."


    Zhang Xiong''s face changed drastically as he pushed Lei Bao away and quickly retreated.


    But Xiao Yi was faster!


    As soon as the Muscle-locking Powder spread in the air, the zing Wind Pursuit Sword was already in his hand, striking down the hunting team members and ck Tiger Gang one by one with his sword. These formidable opponents, caught off guard and paralyzed by the Muscle-locking Powder, stood helpless like wooden targets for Xiao Yi to y.


    More than thirty people, in a blink of an eye, only six remained.


    Xiao Yi, wielding the zing Wind Pursuit Sword and bathed in blood, emanated evil Qi that pierced the heavens, while his Sword Intent seed turned even redder amidst the ughter. What heprehended was the ughter Sword Intent, a martial arts mentality focused on warfare and killing.


    Gurgle!


    Lei Bao shivered all over, his facepletely drained of color.


    Watching Xiao Yi drenched in blood, this image had be a nightmare for him. Unless he could kill Xiao Yi, he would never be able to step out of the shadow for the rest of his life.


    Zhang Xiong''s expression was grim, and his face twisted into a ferocious scowl.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    He had brought along eighteen of the best from the Zhang Family Hunting Team, almost more than half of their fighting force, and now there were only him, Zhang Ying, and three other Qi Gathering Realm Third Layer experts left. The rest were all dead.


    This was a colossal blow to the Zhang Family!


    Zhang Ying''s eyes were bloodshot: "Why? You were clearly hit by my Muscle-locking Powder, so why weren''t you affected at all?"


    Xiao Yi shrugged nonchntly and casually said, "I had suspected you were up to no good from the moment I saw you and was on guard against you. When you used the Muscle-locking Powder, I sealed off my senses and even collected some of the powder. I should thank you, otherwise, with so many of you, it wouldn''t have been so easy to deal with!"


    "You, you..."


    Zhang Ying was so furious that blood trickled from the corner of her mouth, her face turning even paler.


    Just a moment ago, she was gloating, thinking that she had trapped Xiao Yi.


    But...


    She had been yed by Xiao Yi all along.


    Zhang Xiong said coldly, "Xiao Yi, I must admit that we all underestimated you, no... it should be said that everyone has underestimated you. The Xiao Family''s true dragon isn''t just Xiao Tianjiaao; you too are a true dragon..."


    Xiao Yi calmly looked at him.


    Zhang Xiong continued, "However, it''s a pity that the biggest difference between you and Xiao Tianjiaao is that he is a true dragon soaring across the heavens, whereas you are still struggling in the mire, trying to cross the dragon gate. It''s just too bad that you will never have the chance to cross it in this lifetime because today, within this Southern Deste Mountain Range, you will meet your death!"


    No sooner had the words left his mouth.


    Zhang Xiong led the charge, with Lei Bao and the others close behind.


    All with faces full of savage ferocity.


    Zhang Xiong wielded a pair of gauntlets as his weapon: ck as night, forged from tungsten iron, and covered with spikes, they were high-grade primary weapons. ck light swirled around the gauntlets, seemingly capable of devouring all light, and when he threw a punch, it formed a ck canopy in the air.


    Lei Bao''s eyes brimmed with ferocity and hatred, holding a long spear like a venomous snake lying in wait, ready to strike at any moment.


    Zhang Ying and the other three hunters spread out to all sides, preventing Xiao Yi''s escape.


    They had absolute faith in Zhang Xiong''s strength, confident he could kill Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi faced the ck canopy head-on and swept the zing Wind Pursuit Sword in front of him: "Sweeping a Thousand Armies!"


    Tear!


    A sh of crimson sword light tore the ck boxing shadows into two halves.


    And within the splits of the shadowy fists, a ck iron fist tore through the air. Instinctively, Xiao Yi raised the zing Wind Pursuit Sword horizontally across his chest. The ck iron fist, with a roaring impact, struck the de and sent Xiao Yi flying.


    ```


    Lei Bao seized the opportunity, a trace of madness flicking across his eyes, "Die!"


    Whoosh!


    The long spear, like a venomous snake discovering its prey in ambush, thrust fiercely towards Xiao Yi''s back.


    "Idiot, get out of the way!" Zhang Xiong''s face changed dramatically as he bellowed.


    "Huh?"


    Lei Bao froze, the ferocity on his face disappearing.


    In midair, Xiao Yi grabbed the spearhead, rolled with momentum, and clung to the spear shaft, circling to Lei Bao''s back. As they brushed past each other, Xiao Yi''s sword edge swiftly shed across Lei Bao''s throat.


    The moment hended.


    Xiao Yi kicked out, sending Lei Bao''s body and head flying toward Zhang Xiong.


    Boom! Boom!


    Zhang Xiong threw two consecutive punches, shattering both the head and body, but when the blood mist cleared, he had lost sight of Xiao Yi. Suddenly, three screams came from behind him; Xiao Yi had somehow made his way to his back, directly ughtering the other three members of the hunting team.


    Of the thirty-strong group, only Zhang Xiong and Zhang Ying remained.


    "Zhang Ying, be careful!"


    Zhang Xiong''s eyes bulged with rage as he watched Zhang Ying, unable to dodge Xiao Yi''s cold sword edge, and bellowed furiously, "Xiao Yi, if you dare to hurt him, I will exterminate your entire n!"


    Thud!


    Xiao Yi''s cold sword edge pierced Zhang Ying''s chest. With a twist of his wrist, the sword spun like a drill, gruesomely boring a bloody, gaping hole straight through Zhang Ying''s torso.


    Xiao Yi turned to look at the enraged Zhang Xiong, his face smeared with blood, and cracked a smile, "The Xiao Family of the Great Qian Dynasty is always ready for you to try and exterminate them!"


    "I..."


    Zhang Xiong''s face stiffened. The Xiao Family of the Great Qian Dynasty? Exterminate them, my ass!


    Let alone him, even the entire Zhang Family wasn''t enough to fill the gaps between their teeth!


    Zhang Xiong, looking at the corpses strewn all over the ground, realized that this venture had been a disastrous loss. The only way to justify himself was to return with Xiao Yi''s head: "Xiao Yi, I will grind your bones to dust!"


    "Thousand Leaves Demon-Subduing Hand!"


    Whoosh whoosh whoosh!


    Zhang Xiong''s fists pounded like pounding garlic, each strike conjuring dozens of fist shadows that coalesced into thousands, forming a dark steel torrent that swept toward him.


    "Grind my bones to dust? You''re not worthy yet!"


    Xiao Yi sneered coldly, as all eighty of his God Sealing Seeds burst forth simultaneously, fully activating the power of the God Sealing Seed. The zing Wind Pursuit Sword in his hand hummed, and the power of the Sword Intent seed made the sword light more concentrated. With a low roar, "Life from Despair!"


    This was the fourth stance of the Soul-chasing Life-taking Sword, Life from Despair!


    It condensed all of his internal energy in the sword edge, producing the most powerful strike, three times stronger than normal.


    Moreover...


    The energy within Xiao Yi was the power of God Sealing, and with the boost of the Sword Intent seed, this strike was ten times more powerful than his peak!


    Boom!


    The sword light was astonishing.


    It was like a beam of light piercing the horizon, tearing through the thousands of fist shadows, as if it could split the heavens and the earth.


    Zhang Xiong''s face changed drastically, raising his fists to block in front of him: "Absolute Defense!"


    Thump!


    This strike smashed through his pair of top-grade elemental fist guards, sending Zhang Xiong flying out, spewing blood. His hands trembled, his eyes filled with fear, "I almost got killed, can this really be the strength of someone in the Qi Gathering Realm Third Layer? This person... must not be allowed to live..."


    His eyes bore into Xiao Yi with a ruthless gaze.


    Xiao Yi''s heart skipped a beat, "Damn, I didn''t kill him?"


    Using that most powerful strike had almost drained all the energy from his body.


    Seeing Zhang Xiong chasing with a vicious face, Xiao Yi gathered his spirits and fled at full speed.


    During the chase, they had covered dozens of kilometers.


    Woooo...


    Amidst the howling cold wind, a dark cliff appeared ahead, thousands of meters high, its bottom invisible at a nce. A golden eagle soared through the canyon, the roaring wind whistling eerily.


    "Hahaha, keep running, will you? I want to see where else you can run to!" Zhang Xiongughed viciously, following closely.


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath, retreating, inadvertently knocking a few pebbles down the cliff, unable to hear even the sound of their fall!


    Zhang Xiong said grimly, "Xiao Yi, you''ve got nowhere to run now, surrender quietly!"


    Xiao Yi''s expression was as still as water. In his current state, he stood no chance against Zhang Xiong. As for escaping? Ahead was an abyss thousands of feet deep, wait a minute...


    An image of a piece of parchment sprung to Xiao Yi''s mind, and suddenly, with a corner of his mouth lifted, he turned back with an expression of cold determination, "Once I return to Nanhuang, that will be the day your Zhang Family is annihted!"


    Whoosh!


    He leapt into the abyss.


    Zhang Xiong rushed forward, but Xiao Yi''s figure was already gone. Frowning and snorting coldly, he muttered, "This cliff has walls sharp as swords on both sides, thousands of meters deep; falling means certain death. Atst, the menace is gone..."

 Chapter 24 Iron Blade King

    The abyssal valley floor.


    A coldke with rippling turquoise wavesy before him, the water ice-cold, with a chilling mist rising from it.


    Ssh!


    Suddenly, the surface of the water exploded with white foam as a figure shot out, struggling to swim to the edge and lying down shivering and gasping for breath, spitting out mouthfuls of blood.


    Xiao Yi''s lips curled into a smile of relief at having narrowly escaped death, "Thank goodness Zhao Shi''s map didn''t lie to me, otherwise I would''ve been smashed to pieces this time!"


    Faced with Zhang Xiong''s relentless pressure, Xiao Yi had remembered that ancient tomb marked on Zhao Shi''s map was deep within the coldke at the base of the cliff!


    The coldke was vast, covering two-thirds of the base of the cliff, which was why he had decisively chosen to jump off.


    Of course, even with the coldke below, plummeting from a cliff thousands of meters high was a sure path to death.


    Before hitting the water, Xiao Yi had exerted all his strength to propel the Eight Extremes Fist, repeatedly striking downward to slow his fall with the resistance of the air currents.


    Still, his body now felt as if it had fallen apart.


    Whoosh!


    Whisk!


    Mustering his spirit to sit up, Xiao Yi started to run the Divine Enthronement Heaven Subduing Skill. Eighty God Sealing Seeds bloomed with dazzling light, their radiance enveloping his body, voraciously consuming the natural essence of heaven and earth around him.


    The foggy mist rising from the coldke was drawn towards him, enveloping his body.


    Mist swirled around him.


    In the distance, the valley was whipped by gusts of wind that howled incessantly.


    It took a whole day and night for the mist around Xiao Yi to dissipate, and hisplexion regained some of its color.


    "Thankfully, it was only some minor internal injuries that did not affect my core. Now that I have recovered seventy percent of my strength, I''m curious to see what treasures lie in the tomb of this Divine Skills Realm expert!"


    As Xiao Yi got up, his body cracked and popped, and he plunged back into the coldke.


    He followed the current down.


    At the bottom of the coldke was a dark passageway. After swimming through it for over a thousand meters, Xiao Yi burst forth from the underwater channel.


    The view ahead suddenly opened up!N?v(el)B\\jnn


    This was a cavern filled with signs of human workmanship, its smooth, even walls appearing as though they were carved by an extremely sharp instrument in a single stroke.


    "The entire cave seems like a natural formation without any signs of secondary excavation. Could it be that someone hollowed out the mountain belly in one go, creating such a massive cave?"


    Xiao Yi found his own thought somewhat crazy.


    This was a rocky mountain. To carve out such a huge cave in one go would require an incredibly powerful being.


    His gaze swept the interior of the cave, and in the very center, there was a stone house.


    The stones on the stone house were covered in signs of age, with dark webs of spider silk indicating it had long been abandoned.


    Creak!


    He pushed open the dust-covered door, stirring up the dust enough to make Xiao Yi frown.


    The house was pitch ck, yet Xiao Yi''s eyes were immediately drawn to a figure on the bed.


    It was a skeleton, dark yellow in color, sitting cross-legged on the bed.


    In its lower abdomen, a walnut-sized Golden Core floated serenely, radiating a brilliant golden glow.


    Xiao Yi inhaled sharply, "A Golden Core Realm expert?"


    Above Divine Skills is the Golden Core.


    Golden Core Realm experts are distinguished from ordinary flesh by not only their lifespan, which extends to two hundred years, but also because the bones of a Golden Core Realm expert turn to a bronze color, indestructible and eternal, hence the Golden Core Realm is also known as the Golden Body Realm.


    "I thought it was a Divine Skills Realm powerhouse, but it turned out to be from the Golden Core Realm..." Xiao Yi took a deep breath to calm his excitement.


    If it were merely the remains of a Golden Core Realm expert, it wouldn''t have made him lose hisposure like this.


    But there was aplete Golden Core!


    The life''s cultivation of a Golden Core Realm expert was all contained within the Golden Core, where infinite energy was nurtured.


    What was Xiao Yi''s "Divine Enthronement Heaven Subduing Skill" mostcking?


    It was energy!


    "This Golden Core, if I couldpletely refine it, it might not be enough to get me into the Golden Core Realm, but it would definitely be sufficient for breaking through to the Shentong Realm!"


    Xiao Yi was ecstatic as he walked up to the remains of the Golden Core Realm expert, knelt down, and bowed his head: "Senior, this junior has offended you!"


    Crack!


    The moment the Golden Core was retrieved, the golden skeleton copsed to the ground with a crash!


    From its finger bones, a dark red storage ring fell to the ground.


    A storage ring.


    Xiao Yi let his blood to im it as his master.


    Inside the ring, there were only a few tens of thousands of pieces of silver, aside from that was a secret tome named "Mixed Yuan Purple Mist Skill," a golden token, and a letter.


    "Lucky junior, by the time you read this letter, I may have already perished. In an effort to break through to the Golden Core Realm, I spent all my savings, but just as I was about to seed, I was betrayed by a close friend and, with grave injuries, hid here. The only thing I can''t stop worrying about is my daughter, still in swaddling clothes..."


    "I am Hu Yi, known as the Iron de King of Tianqing Kingdom; I only ask that you send my n Settling Skill ''Mixed Yuan Purple Mist Skill'' and the king''s token to the Iron de King''s estate for my daughter. Tell her that the person who killed me was none other than the Comrade King, Xu Shiheng. This Golden Core of mine shall serve as your reward... I am eternally grateful..."


    Xiao Yi was not from Tianqing Kingdom and had no idea who the Iron de King was.


    But to be bestowed a kingship in a kingdom and possess Golden Elixir Realm Cultivation, this Hu Yi was definitely no ordinary man!


    Xiao Yi pocketed the storage ring and solemnly said, "Senior, rest assured, I will deliver your belongings to the Iron de King''s estate!"


    Having said that, Xiao Yi dug a grave for him in the cave the skeleton was in, buried the remains, and erected a gravestone.


    The tomb of Hu Yi, the Iron de King of Tianqing Kingdom!


    Afterpleting all this, Xiao Yi sat cross-legged inside the stone hut and began to refine the Golden Core on the spot.


    "With the energy of this Golden Core, just refining one-tenth of it would allow me to reach the peak of the Qi Gathering Realm. However, the Zhang Family has sent people to assassinate me, and I fear their next target will be Qingzhu. I must leave the Southern Deste Mountain Range within ten days!"


    Hum!


    The mysterious skill started operating, and the energy within the Golden Core was greedily devoured!


    ...


    Inside Nanhuang City.


    Zhang Xiong respectfully looked at the two people in front of him, Zhang Yong, and spoke in a grave voice, "Family head, young master, your subordinate haspleted the mission and killed Xiao Yi!"


    "Good! Zhang Xiong, you are indeed a pir of our Zhang Family!" Zhang Yongughed heartily and patted him on the shoulder forcefully.


    Zhang Ze spoke with a sinister tone, "Uncle Xiong, did you bring back Xiao Yi''s head?"


    Zhang Xiong sighed, "Young master, your subordinate is ipetent, Xiao Yi''s body fell into the gorge after his death, and his body was not recovered whole!"


    "Haha, it is already very good that you killed that little beast. If you couldn''t bring back the body, let it be!" Zhang Yong consoled him.


    "Although it''s a pity that we couldn''t bring his head back and let him watch me y with Fang Qingzhu, it doesn''t matter," Zhang Ze nodded and narrowed his eyes. The cold gleam within them flickered menacingly, "I''ve been keeping an eye on Fang Qingzhu this whole time. It''s just that Lin Bingxin has been inseparable from her, which makes it difficult to act. Uncle Xiong, leave this to you. From now on, you keep watch over Fang Qingzhu, and the moment she separates from Lin Bingxin, capture her immediately for me!"


    "Young master, rest assured!" Zhang Xiong patted his chest in assurance, then hesitated before saying, "Family head, what about Lei Bao and Fang Ao..."


    Zhang Yong waved his hand and said indifferently, "You don''t need to worry about this. Our Zhang Family has never sent anyone to assassinate Xiao Yi, this was all done by Lei Bao and Fang Ao. Do you understand?"


    Zhang Xiong''s eyes lit up, "Family head is brilliant!"

 Chapter 25 The Might of a Single Sword

    Within the Southern Deste Mountain Range.


    In the depths of a dense forest, gloomy and terrifying, the humid air was filled with a pungent smell of blood.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The trees had been snapped in half, the grass had been ttened to the ground, and chaos reigned. Corpsesy scattered in pools of blood, each body grotesquely deformed, some even crushed to a pulp¡­


    Boom!


    With a thunderous crash, arge tree over sixty meters tall copsed, creating an empty space as it fell.


    A purple giant snake, over ten meters long, appeared from the woods, its tail coiling around the fallen tree and fiercely sending it flying with a flick.


    Whoosh!


    The tree blotted out the sky as it swept across, unstoppable.


    "Protect the youngdy!"


    "This beast has actually advanced to the third order, let''s fight it with all we''ve got..."


    A group of strong protectors roared as they charged towards the purple giant snake.


    But the purple giant snake, having just stepped into the lower tier of the third order, wasparable to a First Layer of the Divine Passage Realm powerhouse. Itsbat strength was incredibly terrifying, ughtering those who came to surround and attack it.


    Its bloodthirsty eyes fixed on what was ahead, the snake twisted its body and pursued.


    From its gaping maw blew a foul wind, causing the other monsters of the forest to flee from afar, not daring to provoke this ruler of the outskirts of the Southern Deste Mountain Range.


    Five ck-d strong protectors were evacuating with a young man and ady, watching as the purple giant snake came chasing after them. The five turned to the young man, "Qi, we''ll hold off this beast. Take the youngdy and leave quickly."


    "Rest assured, I will definitely bring Xue''er back to Nanhuang City safe and sound!" the young man replied continuously.


    He immediately picked up the girl, who was wearing a white dress and floated like a fairy, and ran at breakneck speed.


    The girl in the white dress was extremely pale, with a hint of bright red staining her long white dress at the chest. A look of despair filled her eyes, "Brother Tianying, just put me down and go on your own! I don''t want to drag you down..."


    "What nonsense are you talking? I will definitely take you back to Nanhuang City!" Qi Tianying said with a serious face.


    A nce over his shoulder caught sight of the fight.


    Those five who were blocking the purple giant snake had all been killed, and one of them was even swallowed whole in front of his eyes, causing Qi Tianying''s face to turn deathly pale as he saw the purple giant snake catching up.


    All of a sudden, Qi Tianying threw the girl he was carrying onto the road, ignoring her bewildered expression, and strode away, "Xue''er, stay here. I''ll go get help immediately!"


    The girl in the white dress, Xue''er, watched dumbfounded as Qi Tianying dashed into the dense forest, "&*()..."


    Go find your own reinforcements!


    He was clearly using her as a shield to dy the purple giant snake!


    "My life is over..."


    A fishy wind swept over her, and as the purple giant snake''s gaping maw was almost upon her, Xue''er closed her eyes in despair.


    But at that moment...


    A bloody sword light descended from the sky, punctuating a fierce wound on the purple giant snake''s body, causing it to scream incessantly. Its massive body swept across, bringing down arge part of the forest.


    p!


    Xiao Yi, in a green outfit, floated over gracefully. He leapt high off the ground, thrusting the zing Wind Pursuit Sword towards the purple giant snake, "Chasing Stars and Moons!"


    "Seizing Souls and Lives!"


    The edge of the sword radiated a bloody light, each strike effortlessly slicing through the body of the purple giant snake, causing it to wail continuously. Its resentful eyes red at Xiao Yi as it let out a low growl, intending to flee.


    "Do you think you can escape?"


    Xiao Yi snorted coldly, leaped up high, holding the sword in both hands as surging qi converged at the tip of the sword.


    After ten days of cultivation...


    He had already refined one-twentieth of the Golden Core, stepping into the Seventh Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm. With a hundred and forty God Sealing Seeds within him, hisbat strength could now fully rival a First Layer of the Divine Passage Realm powerhouse.


    The might of a single sword struck terror into the world!


    Boom!


    The crimson sword edge brutally beheaded the giant serpent, and its enormous body struggled for dozens of seconds before itpletely lost its vitality.


    Xiao Yi expressionlessly sliced open the belly of the purple giant serpent and dug out a snake galldder and a beast core, "The snake galldder can replenish Qingzhu''s vital energy, but this beast core is an unexpected delight. A third-order beast core can certainly allow Qingzhu to step into the Spiritual Realm Cultivation!"


    This purple giant serpent was exactly the Purple-Patterned Blood Python he had been seeking.


    It had just advanced from a high-level second-order to a low-level third-order.


    Fortunately, it had just broken through; otherwise, with Xiao Yi''s current strength, he really wouldn''t have been able to handle it.


    "Thank you for saving my life, noble sir. May I ask how to address you?" A weak voice came from behind Xiao Yi.


    "I hunted this beast because I needed to kill it, not specifically to save you."


    Xiao Yi nced at her and frowned, "Your injuries are severe. Use this to stop the bleeding first!"


    "Thank you, noble sir!"


    Xue''er was taken aback, receiving the golden sore medicine Xiao Yi tossed to her. She was about to speak when she heard an overjoyed voice, "Hahaha, Xue''er, it''s so good that you''re safe! I saw that the Purple-Patterned Blood Python didn''t follow, and I was worried something happened to you, so I rushed back right away to rescue you!"


    The person who came was Qi Tianying.


    Discovering that the Purple-Patterned Blood Python had not followed and that a fierce fight had taken ce, he immediately rushed back.


    Seeing the Purple-Patterned Blood Python lying in a pool of blood, he then showed himself.


    Xue''er''s face darkened as her gaze towards Qi Tianying lost the earlier admiration and grew colder, "You went to find reinforcements, isn''t that so?"


    "Ah ha, it''s just that I couldn''t stop worrying about you!"


    Qi Tianyingughed it off, showing no guilt for having left Xue''er to flee alone. His eyes swept over the Purple-Patterned Blood Python behind Xiao Yi, and noticing its split-open belly, Qi Tianying furrowed his brow and said to Xiao Yi, "Young man, you''ve done a great deed by saving Xue''er. You can have the corpse of this Purple-Patterned Blood Python as a reward, but that snake galldder and beast core must be returned to me. Hand them over!"


    Xiao Yi: "..."


    Xue''er''splexion turned ugly, "Qi Tianying, have you lost your mind? The Purple-Patterned Blood Python was killed by this gentleman, why should the snake galldder and beast core be given to you?"


    The most valuable parts of the Purple-Patterned Blood Python were indeed its galldder and beast core; as for the body, it wasn''t even worth one-tenth of the galldder!


    Qi Tianying frowned and said displeasedly, "What nonsense are you talking about, Xue''er? If it wasn''t for me leading everyone to encircle and weaken this Purple-Patterned Blood Python, how could this youngster have taken advantage of it?"


    "Shut your mouth!"


    Xue''er red furiously. What bullshit about leading everyone? As soon as Qi Tianying discovered that the Purple-Patterned Blood Python had broken through to the third order, he stayed far behind, and in the end, he abandoned her and ran away on his own. And now he had the nerve toe and demand the snake galldder and beast core?


    Xue''er looked at Xiao Yi with an apologetic expression, "I''m truly sorry, sir!"


    Xiao Yi waved his hand, ready to leave.


    But Qi Tianying abruptly stepped in front of him, his expression dark, "Young man, do you know who I am? I am the Qi Family''s great young master from Shouye City. If you don''t leave that beast core and snake galldder behind today, do you know what the consequences will be?"


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes and said, "Are you threatening me?"


    "Threatening? You can see it that way if you like," Qi Tianying said with arrogance, "My Qi Family..."


    Before he could finish speaking.


    A sword light shed before his eyes, severing his right arm at the shoulder, and Xiao Yi looked at Qi Tianying coldly, "I don''t like being threatened."


    "You''re doomed, my Qi Family will not let you off..."


    Qi Tianying clutched his severed arm, his pale face twisted with ferocity.


    Xiao Yi sighed lightly, "I already said I don''t like being threatened."


    Thud!


    A sword sealed his throat.


    Qi Tianying fell to the ground clutching his bleeding neck, convulsing wildly, his eyes filled with despair and regret.


    "Miss, are you alright?" came several voices from afar.


    Xiao Yi nced at the stunned Xue''er and spoke indifferently, "I''ll take my leave now!"


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi leaped gracefully, disappearing into the jungle and heading straight for Nanhuang City, "Zhang Family, I, Xiao Yi, have returned!"

 Chapter 26 Sorry, Im Late!

    Nanhuang City.


    Even though it had been over ten days since he left, nothing here had changed.


    On his way to the residence, Xiao Yi was covered in the smell of blood, causing people to steer clear of him.


    "Qingzhu, I''m back!"


    As soon as he entered the house, Xiao Yi called out, but there was no response. A sense of intense unease gripped his heart.


    When he reached Fang Qingzhu''s bedroom, he discovered it was inplete disarray, with no one to be found.


    "How could this be? Where is everyone?" Xiao Yi''s face turned pale.


    At that moment...


    Lin Bingxin''s voice came from outside, "Qingzhu, are you not home? Why is the main door open?" Lin Bingxin appeared in the bedroom and saw Xiao Yi with his back to her, her eyes lit up, "Xiao Yi, you''re back?"


    Xiao Yi looked as grim as still water, turning to face Lin Bingxin.


    His eyes were fierce like a wild animal''s, emitting a chilling light that seemed to threaten to devour someone.


    Lin Bingxin felt a bone-chilling cold, she swallowed hard, her voice trembling, "What, what''s wrong with you?"


    Xiao Yi said with a cold face, "I asked you to take care of Qingzhu, where is she? Where did she go?"


    "Qingzhu is missing?"


    Lin Bingxin was startled, only then noticing the mess in the bedroom. Her face changed dramatically, "Impossible, she was still here when I left this morning, how could this happen¡­"


    Xiao Yi''s face remained as grim as water, "You just left this morning?"


    "Yes!"


    Lin Bingxin quickly said, "I had to deal with some matters at the Treasure Pavilion, I left for just an hour¡­"


    "The Zhang Family? The Fang Family? Or is it the ck Tiger Gang?"


    Xiao Yi''s mind raced like a fierce tiger as he headed for the door, "You''d better not have hurt Qingzhu, if even a single hair on her head is harmed, I''ll annihte your entire n!"


    Watching Xiao Yi rush out the door...


    Lin Bingxin stood in a daze for a moment, then came to her senses, "This is bad, a major disaster is about to unfold, I must report to my master immediately¡­"


    ...¡­..


    The Zhang Family.


    Two guards at the Physical Body Realm stood watch at the front. They barely caught a glimpse of Xiao Yi''s figure appearing before the gate. They called out, "Who goes there? This is the Zhang residence, trespassers will be killed without mercy!"


    "Bring out Zhang Yong to see me!" Xiao Yi said coldly.


    "How audacious!"


    One of the guards became furiously enraged, "You dare to call the family head by name, it seems you''re here to make trouble. Die!"


    The two guards raised their swords and shed at Xiao Yi.


    Crash!


    Xiao Yi moved swiftly, kicking the Zhang family''s gate wide open, while the two guards still maintained their sword-swinging posture, but a red line grew across their throats, and their heads tumbled down.


    Themotion naturally drew the attention of the Zhang Family''s experts.


    Several strong figures appeared in front of Xiao Yi, with Zhang Xiong at the forefront, his face incredulous, "Xiao Yi? You, you''re actually alive?"


    Xiao Yi moved, his vital energy surging wildly, sending more than a dozen of the Zhang family''s experts flying away in an instant. In the blink of an eye, he appeared before Zhang Xiong, who reacted with horror and threw a punch in defense.


    Xiao Yi used his finger as a sword, severing Zhang Xiong''s arms, then grabbed his throat with one hand and said coldly, "Where is she?"


    Zhang Xiong''s face grew paler, his expression ferocious, "Xiao, Xiao Yi, you''re indeed formidable. Not only did you survive the jump from that abyss, but your strength has also improved tremendously. But what of it? Aren''t you supposed to protect Fang Qingzhu? Right now, she''s probably already been ruined by our young master, hahaha¡­"


    "Seeking death!"


    Xiao Yi''s face was unspeakably ugly, his eyes blood red.


    "Seeking death? Hahaha, if I, Zhang Xiong, were afraid of dying, would I lead a team to ambush and kill you?" Zhang Xiongughed manically, "You just wait at home. Once the young master is tired of Fang Qingzhu, he will naturally send her back to you, hahaha¡­"


    "Not afraid of dying, are you? For every breath you don''t speak, I''ll kill ten of your Zhang Family. I will make your family apany her in death!"


    With a casual swing of the zing Wind Pursuit Sword.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    He decapitated a Tenth Layer Physical Body Realm expert.


    "You..." Zhang Xiong''s eyes were split with rage.


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Two breaths!"


    Thud!


    Another person was beheaded.


    Thud!


    Three people!


    Four people!


    Five people...


    Xiao Yi had already in more than thirty people, like a blood-colored god of death, the powerful members of the Zhang Family around him had lost their nerve early on and tried to flee. But as long as they dared to move a step, Xiao Yi''s sword would fall upon them.


    Looking at the corpses strewn across the ground, blood flowing into rivers, staining the entire front courtyard red.


    Despair filled Zhang Xiong''s eyes, "Devil, you are a devil..."


    "Devil? Even if I have be a demon, it was you who forced me!" Xiao Yi said coldly.


    "Brother Xiong, just tell him!"


    "We don''t want to die..."


    One after another, the strong members of the Zhang Family knelt on the ground, sobbing uncontrobly.


    Zhang Xiong watched Xiao Yi raise his longsword again, despair mixed with intense reluctance and resignation, "I''ll tell you, I''ll tell you... The young master and the family head took Fang Qingzhu to the dungeon in the backyard, please stop killing..."


    "Take me there!"


    Xiao Yi grabbed Zhang Xiong with one hand, while the sword point rested on the neck of a Qi Gathering Realm Third Layer strongman, who slumped his head down and led the way.


    In the backyard, in front of a rockery.


    Zhang Xiong said, "The entrance to the dungeon is behind the rockery."


    Crack!


    Xiao Yi''s fingers clenched, snapping Zhang Xiong''s neck, tossing his corpse aside. As he retracted his longsword, the strongman from the Zhang Family also had his throat sealed by the sword.


    Xiao Yi followed the entrance behind the rockery into the underground passage.


    Inside the dungeon, the firelight flickered dimly, adding to the sinister atmosphere.


    Now and then, one could see rats scuttling in the darkness.


    In the deepest cell.


    Fang Qingzhu, bound tightly, was trapped on a torture rack, hair disheveled, her body covered in whip marks stained with blood. Beneath her feet, two hollow bamboo tubes were inserted into her veins, her blood dripping down, leaving stains on the ground.


    Fang Qingzhu''s lips were pale and cracked, her dark eyes fixated on Zhang Ze father and son in front of her, "Is this all you''re capable of? Dreaming of vengeance against Xiao Yi with such skills?"


    "This bitch sure has a tough mouth..." Zhang Yong threw the bloodied whip on the ground, sitting on the Taishi Chair, panting, "Xiao Ze, look at how you''ve whipped this bitch to a pulp, it''s not even fun to y with her anymore!"


    Zhang Ze had a vicious smile, "Doesn''t father think it''s gratifying to grab a handful of blood while toying with her, causing her to scream in pain?"


    "Hahaha, your father has never yed with a woman like this before!" Zhang Yongughed heartily.


    Fang Qingzhu felt increasingly weak, gritting her teeth, "Xiao Yi won''t let you off..."


    "Your Xiao Yi is already dead, buried in a deep abyss, unless he bes a ghost andes back, he can''t save you!" Zhang Ze said boastfully.


    "Impossible, Xiao Yi can''t be dead!" Fang Qingzhu roared.


    "Hehe, I sent Zhang Xiong and Lei Bao to raid and kill Xiao Yi, and Zhang Xiong is an Eighth Layer of Qi Gathering Realm strongman, do you think Xiao Yi stands a chance?" Zhang Ze said.


    "Xiao Yi is dead? How can that be..." Fang Qingzhu''s face was full of despair.


    Zhang Xiong was the leader of the Zhang Family Hunting Team, a master of the Eighth Layer of Qi Gathering Realm.


    If he really made a move, Xiao Yi''s chances of survival were virtually non-existent.


    Zhang Ze''s face was smeared with a lecherous smile, his greedy and fervent gaze focused on Fang Qingzhu. As he walked towards her, he said, "Fang Qingzhu, Xiao Yi really cares about you! It''s just too bad that he couldn''t see for himself, he''ll only get to reunite with you down below, then I''ll tell him how you were killed by me, hahaha..."


    Zhang Ze lunged at Fang Qingzhu.


    But just at that moment...


    An icy, bloody sword light suddenly appeared, and with a ''pfft'', it cut Zhang Ze down, amidst his shrill screams. A cold voice came from behind him simultaneously, "Sorry, I''mte!"

 Chapter 27 A Rage to Crown!

    "Xiao Yi, I knew you were alright..."


    Even when she was tortured by Zhang Ze and his son without shedding a tear, Fang Qingzhu''s eyes reddened the moment she saw Xiao Yi. Ever since her dantian was destroyed, the loving faces of her parents hadpletely changed.


    She hadpletely lost hope in the Fang Family.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Plus, with Xiao Yi''spany day and night during those days, he had left an indelible mark in her heart.


    When she heard earlier that Zhang Ze had sent Zhang Xiong to assassinate Xiao Yi, she was nearly in despair.


    After all,


    Zhang Xiong was far stronger than Xiao Yi.


    Until now...


    Seeing Xiao Yi alive and well in front of her, Fang Qingzhu was finally able to let her hanging heart settle down.


    Xiao Yi looked at Fang Qingzhu bound on the torture rack with a touch of distress in his eyes. He lifted his sword to release the chains that bound her, pulled out the two hollow bamboo tubes from her feet, and carefully applied golden sore medicine to her wounds.


    Fang Qingzhu looked at Xiao Yi with eyes brimming with emotion, bright as stars.


    "Does it hurt?"


    As Xiao Yi''s fingertips traced over the scars on her face, Fang Qingzhu involuntarily flinched in pain, pursed her lips, and said with a lightugh, "It doesn''t hurt!"


    Whew!


    Xiao Yi let out a long breath and said, "Wait for me a moment!"


    "Mhm!"


    Fang Qingzhu obediently nodded her head.


    Xiao Yi then stood up and turned to look at Zhang Yong, who was trying to stop Zhang Ze''s bleeding, his gaze icy cold, "How do you want to die?"


    Zhang Yong''s face was ashen.


    Zhang Ze''s lifeblood had been severed entirely; his life waspletely ruined.


    Zhang Yong''s own lineage would end with him.


    His face twisted with maliciousness, he unleashed the full strength of his Third Layer of the Divine Passage Realm. His eyes filled with ferocious killing intent, he roared, "You mongrel, I will grind your bones to dust!"


    Zhang Ze, covered in blood below the waist, his face deathly pale and twisted, his voice bing shrill and piercing, "Dad, cripple him for me. I want to personally carve him into a thousand pieces, eat his flesh, drink his blood..."


    Zhang Yong nodded and said, "Don''t worry. Since he made you no longer a man, I will make sure he can''t even be a ghost!"


    Boom!


    Zhang Yong''s figure didn''t move, only raised his right hand.


    Surging vital energy turned into thousands of fine threads, weaving in front of his palm, coalescing into an energy sphere. The sphere spun in the air and ignited a red me with a roar: "Fiery me Palm!"


    Practitioners in the Shentong Realm could externalize their vital energy.


    By drawing on vital energy to activate Divine Skills.


    Their power was several times stronger than that of ordinary martial arts!


    The fireball sent waves of heat skyward, its crimson light illuminating half the dungeon. The licking mes made a piercing whooshing sound as it shot towards Xiao Yi.


    Wherever the fireball passed, the bricks on the ground seemed as if they would melt.


    The wooden bars of the dungeon burst into mes.


    "Xiao Yi, be careful..." Fang Qingzhu shouted.


    Xiao Yi''s expression was solemn.


    His cultivation had reached the Seventh Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm, enough to defeat an ordinary practitioner of the First Layer of the Divine Passage Realm. However, Zhang Yong was at the Third Layer of the Divine Passage Realm. The gap between them was huge, and Xiao Yi could not afford to be the slightest bit negligent: "This battle cannot be dyed, it must be quick and decisive!"


    Zhang Yong, confident in his superior strength, did not take him seriously.


    To win this battle, Xiao Yi needed to take unconventional moves, strike first, and crush Zhang Yong before he could react!


    "Sweeping Thousands of Troops!"


    "Pursuing Stars and Chasing the Moon!"


    "Seizing Souls and iming Lives!"


    The zing Wind Pursuit Sword emitted a blood-red radiance all around, as ifpletely fused with Xiao Yi''s arm, showing a hint of unity between man and sword.


    This unity between man and sword was a sign of trulyprehending Sword Intent.


    The seed of Sword Intent fully burst forth.


    Xiao Yi''s sword moves suddenly grew thirty percent more formidable, with an edge that seemed to tear open the heavens itself.


    Whoosh!


    The move ''Sweeping Through Thousands'' first halted the momentum of the fireball, and then the technique ''Chasing Stars and Moons'' focused on the weakest point of the fireball, causing it to burst with a loud boom.


    Xiao Yi then burst through the exploding fireball, tearing open the sky filled with sparks, his blood-red sword edge mixed with sparks, thrusting towards Zhang Yong''s throat.


    The sword edge tore through the air, rustling Zhang Yong''s clothes noisily.


    His face expressionless, he scoffed, "Acting recklessly, overestimating your own abilities!"


    Whoosh!


    Vast vital energy surged, bursting forth from his body.


    It condensed on his palm.


    As if donning a red gauntlet, with a chime, he grabbed the de and amidst a shower of sparks, the unstoppable momentum of the zing Wind Pursuit Sword came to an abrupt halt.


    Zhang Yong''s left hand then moved to his waist, and he suddenly thrust out a fist.


    Whoosh!


    Dazzling vital energy on his left hand solidified into a crimson de and lunged toward Xiao Yi''s abdomen.


    Vital energy turned into a weapon.


    A signature move of a Shentong Realm expert.


    Though this weapon made of vital energy was not as strong as elemental weapons, its power vastly exceeded ordinary metal weapons. If this de struck Xiao Yi, he would not die but be crippled for sure.


    "Hahaha, Xiao Yi, your death is certain," Zhang Ze hysterically screamed.


    His eyes were bloodshot, filled with intense excitement.


    But his joy was short-lived, as it tore open the wound in his crotch and blood gushed like a fountain¡­


    With his right hand trapped, Xiao Yi saw the attacking toward his abdomen, and a gleam shed in his eyes, "Eight Extremes Lean!"


    With a sudden force centered on his heel, he spun around on the spot.


    He narrowly dodged Zhang Yong''s left-handed attack but still sustained a gruesome wound on his waist, skin ripped and flesh burst, causing Xiao Yi to wince in pain. Despite the intense pain, Xiao Yi forcefully leaned back.


    Thud!


    His entire back mmed heavily against Zhang Yong''s chest.


    Xiao Yi''s strength had increased several-foldpared to before, andbined with the inherently powerful Eight Extremes Fist, this collision broke three of Zhang Yong''s ribs and caused internal injuries.


    Blood spurted from his mouth as his body was lifted from the spot and sent flying backward.


    Xiao Yi quickly turned around and chased after Zhang Yong, grabbing his ankle and smashing him down toward the ground with force.


    Thud!


    The entire dungeon vibrated.


    Zhang Yong''s back hit the ground, shattering floor tiles, and as dust and debris flew, Xiao Yi did not pause, "Kick them when they''re down!"


    Clutching Zhang Yong''s ankles, he smashed him down over and over again.


    Boom!


    Boom!


    Boom!


    Zhang Yong, like a human-shaped sledgehammer, shattered the ground, crashed into walls, and broke tables and chairs... It all happened so fast that Zhang Yong, dazed with stars in his eyes and injury upon injury, could not react in time.


    With the strength of a Third Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, he hadn''t even managed to disy half of his power before he was left spewing blood from all seven orifices, on the brink of death.


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi spun in ce like a tornado, generating gusts of wind. Suddenly releasing his grip, he flung Zhang Yong out viciously.


    Thud! Thud! Thud!


    Zhang Yong smashed through the bars of five cells before hitting a stone wall with a bang, bing embedded in a huge human-shaped indent, unable to move.


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi dove down, and the zing Wind Pursuit Sword showed no mercy, piercing through Zhang Yong''s brow with a whoosh, nailing him firmly to the rock face. Zhang Yong''s body jerked, blood dripping down from the wall, his mouth agape, only able to let out hoarse gasps.


    In his eyes, there was nothing but regret.


    Xiao Yi''s gaze then turned to a dumbstruck Zhang Ze, "Your turn!"

 Chapter 28 Payback Tenfold

    "It''s your turn now!"


    Xiao Yi''s gaze fell upon Zhang Ze, his icy eyes sharp like the edge of a knife, making it unbearable to meet his stare.


    Thump!


    Zhang Ze''s body trembled as he knelt to the ground, the arrogance and fierceness previously etched on his pale face reced by abjection and terror, "Mercy, Xiao, have mercy! This was all Fang Ao and Lei Bao''s doing, leading me astray... it has nothing to do with me..."


    Before this.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Zhang Ze''s greatest support was the Zhang Family.


    But now...


    The strongest warrior of the Zhang Family, Zhang Yong, had been killed by Xiao Yi with the force of thunder, leaving him with no backbone. All he could hope for now was to save his own life, to survive and wait until he joined the Royal Martial Arts Academy, then find a way to seek revenge!


    However.


    Xiao Yi remained unmoved, his gaze towards Zhang Ze devoid of sympathy, only coldness, "I just counted, there are three hundred seventy-five whip marks on Qingzhu''s body!"


    "Ah?"


    Zhang Ze was stunned, not understanding Xiao Yi''s meaning.


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "I once said, for whoever dares to harm even a single hair on her, I would repay it tenfold. Three hundred seventy-five whip marks, I''ll repay you with three thousand seven hundred fifty sword strikes, and the two bamboo tubes used to bleed her feet will count for a thousand strikes, making a total of five thousand seven hundred fifty strikes. You have no objections, right?"


    Thump!


    Zhang Ze''s body shook violently, copsing to the ground.


    Five thousand plus sword strikes to the body?


    Wasn''t this the same as being smashed to pieces?


    "No, don''t... Xiao, I realize my mistake, I truly do... I''m willing to be your ox and horse, please spare me, please show me mercy just this once..." Zhang Ze crawled and rolled, desperately clutching Xiao Yi''s legs, wailing bitterly.


    Forget five thousand strikes¡ªbeing poked with an embroidery needle five thousand times would leave one riddled with holes!


    "Show mercy?"


    Xiao Yi let out a coldugh, his deep voiceced with icy murderous intent, "When you sent men to kill me in the Southern Deste Mountain Range, why didn''t you show mercy? When you captured Qingzhu and tortured her so harshly, why didn''t you think to show mercy? And now you''re begging me to save you? Don''t you see this is pure delusion?"


    Ever since his mother''s death, Fang Qingzhu was the first person to give Xiao Yi a sense of home''s warmth.


    How could he tolerate her being persecuted in such a way?


    Seeing Xiao Yi''s ice-cold and resolute face, Zhang Ze''s face filled with despair. In the face of imminent death, he mustered his viciousness, a sh of savagery in his eyes, "If you won''t let me live, then you''ll die with me!"


    Whoosh!


    From within Zhang Ze''s sleeve, a ck dagger shot out, the de smeared with a deadly poison, aimed straight at Xiao Yi.


    "A dog can''t change its habit of eating shit!"


    Xiao Yi snorted coldly as the zing Wind Pursuit Sword flicked upwards.


    Thwack! Thwack!


    Zhang Ze''s hands were chopped off at the wrists, the hand holding the dagger falling to the ground with a smack, pain distorting Zhang Ze''s entire face; "Ahh¡­ Xiao Yi, I won''t let you off even if I be a ghost..."


    "You can talk about that when you be a ghost!"


    Xiao Yi responded indifferently, lifting Zhang Ze by one hand and hanging him up on the rack.


    Snap!


    With a casual p, he dislocated Zhang Ze''s jaw, making it impossible for him to even bite his own tongue andmit suicide.


    Xiao Yi turned towards Fang Qingzhu, his fierce expression softening, "Qingzhu, turn your head away, don''t look!"


    "Okay!"


    Fang Qingzhu obediently turned away.


    Whoosh!


    The zing Wind Pursuit Sword in Xiao Yi''s hand turned into countless petals descending colorfully, each streak of the sword light removing a piece of flesh from Zhang Ze''s body. Amid the blood and flying flesh, unbearable pain engulfed him, but all the jawless Zhang Ze could manage were choked breathing sounds.


    Tears, mingled with sweat, fell ceaselessly.


    Regret and despair took over his entire face.


    Thud!


    Thud!


    The silver gleam of the sword flickered in the dungeon; with each appearance, flesh was sliced and sent flying.


    "One thousand and eighty!"


    "One thousand and eighty-one!"


    "One thousand and eighty-two..."


    Xiao Yi''s voice sounded like a demonic chant that reaped souls, both of Zhang Ze''s arms had been whittled down to bone, and he had fainted several times from the pain, only to be revived by Xiao Yi.


    It was a pain so intense that life itself seemed undesirable.


    Zhang Ze had never thought that he would one day yearn for death''s arrival.


    Bang!


    The dungeon''s door was suddenly blown open, causing Xiao Yi''s sword to pause slightly, as a group of powerful individuals rushed in from outside. Leading them was Elder Yan, the Pavilion Master of the Treasure Pavilion, followed closely by Sikong Nan, the Nanhuang City Lord, and Zhao Yu, the head of the Zhao Family.


    "Quick, find Xiao!"


    "Zhang Yong, if you dare harm a hair on Xiao''s head, I will eradicate the Zhang Family!"


    However...


    When Elder Yan and the others saw the situation inside the dungeon, the words they had ready died on their lips.


    Hisss!


    A collective gasp of shock went through the crowd.


    Elder Yan spat out a mouthful of saliva, "Xiao, Xiao, are you alright?"


    Xiao Yi didn''t turn around, "You''re here? Wait a moment, four thousand more swords!"


    "Four thousand swords?"


    "What does that mean?"


    Everyone was momentarily stunned.


    Soon...


    They understood.


    "One thousand and eighty-three!"


    "One thousand and eighty-four..."


    With each sword stroke by Xiao Yi, a chilling number was uttered, and with each number, a piece of flesh was sliced from Zhang Ze.


    Hisss!


    The crowd gasped again.


    Watching Zhang Ze''s agonized face, unable to speak, with only the white of bone remaining in his two arms and legs, some of the weaker-strong individuals began to retch violently at the sight.


    "This, this is death by a thousand cuts! It''s too, too cruel..."


    "So, so terrifying... one must never cross Xiao Yi..."


    "Don''t talk... rgh..."


    Even Elder Yan and Sikong Nan, who were worldly and well-informed, looked at each other with pale faces at that moment.


    Sikong Nan murmured softly, "Even though I''ve been through hundreds of battles in the military, I''ve never seen someone execute a lingchi with such calm."


    Elder Yan nodded somberly, ncing deeply at Xiao Yi and gesturing towards Fang Qingzhu, "Look at her, and you won''t find Xiao cruel anymore!"


    Sikong Nan nced at Fang Qingzhu, and although she was covered by Xiao Yi''s coat, her body was still visibly battered and bruised.


    Whoosh!


    Sikong Nan exhaled a long breath, silently reminding himself, "This young man is someone to befriend, not to be made an enemy of!"


    If these words were to spread, they would certainly cause a huge stir.


    He was, after all, the Nanhuang City Lord, the top expert of Nanhuang, and yet he did not wish to make an enemy of Xiao Yi?


    The pungent odor of blood permeated the dungeon; those unable to withstand the shocking sight before them had long since retreated, but the memory Xiao Yi left them with was nightmare-like, and they would likely never be able to forget it for the rest of their lives.


    Within the crowd.


    Zhao Xian was pale as a ghost, he had just been one of the most frantic vomiters, and he looked up nkly at Zhao Yu beside him, "Father, father, I''m so d I heeded your advice and never crossed Xiao!"


    "Indeed!"


    Zhao Yu nodded gravely, "Once we return, immediately sever all ties with the Fang Family and the ck Tiger Gang, understand?"


    Zhao Xian hummed in agreement, puzzled, "Father, what about our coboration with the Zhang Family?"


    "The Zhang Family?"


    Zhao Yu''s expression turned strange as he looked at the vast Zhang family estate, "After today, will there even be a Zhang Family in Nanhuang City?"

 Chapter 29 Fame Shakes Nanhuang

    ```


    Three hourster.


    Xiao Yi walked out of the dungeon, carrying Fang Qingzhu in his arms, with only Elder Yan and Sikong Nan closely following behind him.


    The others had already escaped the dungeon long ago.


    Not everyone could withstand the spectacle of a lingering execution!


    Even with the fortitude of Elder Yan and Sikong Nan, they too were pale at this moment, and the sight of anything red caused their internal organs to churn violently, giving rise to a strong urge to vomit.


    "Xiao!"


    "Xiao, Xiao¡­"


    Zhao Yu, Zhao Xian, and others looked at Xiao Yi with faces full of reverence.


    Xiao Yi was spotless, and with a gesture for silence, he gestured that Fang Qingzhu sleeping in his arms, and in a lowered voice said, "I will take her back to rest first, the rest is up to you guys!"


    Zhao Yu nodded heavily, whispering, "Xiao, rest assured, leave it to us!"


    Elder Yan and Sikong Nan both nodded their heads.


    Xiao Yi nodded to the group and then left the Zhang residence.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Once Xiao Yi was gone, Zhao Yu looked at the two with a wry smile, "City Lord, Elder Yan, what should we do?"


    Elder Yan squinted and said, "The Zhang family has no reason to exist anymore!"


    Sikong Nan said indifferently, "The Zhang family''s properties should all be transferred to Xiao''s name. As for those of the Zhang family¡­ If you don''t remove the roots when cutting the grass, the spring breeze will bring them back to life."


    "I understand!"


    Zhao Yu nodded in realization, his face showing a hint of intrigue as he mumbled, "If the Fang family knew about all this, that old man Fang Tianhao would probably regret until his intestines turned green, wouldn''t he?"


    "I reckon he would be so angry he''d vomit blood!"


    Sikong Nan couldn''t help butugh as well, "To think that an eighteen-year-old who could kill a Third Layer of the Divine Passage Realm expert, with such talent, would be driven out of the Fang family as a useless son-inw, I don''t know whether to say Fang Tianhao''s standards are too high, or that he''s blind¡­"


    "Not only the Fang family is blind,"


    Elder Yan also sneered contemptuously, "The Xiao Family, in the far-off Great Qian Dynasty, only treasures Xiao Tianjiao while expelling such a real dragon as Xiao from their home, sending him to the Fang family as a door-to-door son-inw. Who knows what the reaction of the Xiao Family will be if one day Xiao outshines Xiao Tianjiao?"


    Although it must be said that Xiao Tianjiao, at merely ten years of age, had already stepped into the Divine Skills Realm, boasting an incredible talent.


    But what about Xiao Yi?


    When he first came to Nanhuang City, he hadn''t even reached the first level of the Physical Body Realm, but now he could kill experts in the Third Layer of the Divine Passage Realm.


    And all of this in less than two months.


    So, who is the real dragon?


    Anyone with eyes can see!


    Sikong Nan and Zhao Yu both nodded in agreement, and the three of them couldn''t help feeling fortunate: "Good thing we chose to stand on Xiao''s side¡­"


    Afterward¡­


    The news of the Zhang family''s annihtion spread wildly, instantly causing an uproar throughout Nanhuang City.


    Meanwhile.


    Led by the Treasure Pavilion, with support from the Lord''s Mansion and the Zhao Family, a force began aprehensive crackdown on the Zhang family''s influence. In just half a day, all of the Zhang family''s assets were transferred to Xiao Yi''s name, and simultaneously, the Treasure Pavilion and the Zhao Family dered aplete halt to all business dealings with the Fang Family and the ck Tiger Gang.


    An edict of banishment!


    This plunged the Fang Family and the ck Tiger Gang into endless despair.


    Within Nanhuang City¡­


    Word gradually spread that the person who caused all thismotion was none other than Xiao Yi, once expelled from the Fang family as a useless son-inw.


    In no time, the name Xiao Yi was known throughout Nanhuang.


    It even became taboo!


    Within the ck Tiger Gang.


    The gang leader Lei Laohu was in a towering rage, smashing everything in the room, his face somber: "Xiao Yi, the Zhao Family, the Treasure Pavilion¡­ you''ve pushed us too far!"


    "Boss, what should we do? Our gambling houses have all been shut down, and if this continues, the gang won''t be able to sustain itself¡­" the deputy leader said with a morose face by the side.


    Lei Laohu''s chest heaved violently, and ultimately it turned into a helpless and unwilling sigh, he ground his teeth and said, "What else can we do? Who in Nanhuang City dares to provoke Xiao Yi now? Prepare a generous gift immediately; I will go and apologize in person!"


    An hourter.


    Bare-chested and carrying whips on his back, Lei Laohu personally dragged a cart full of apologies, kneeling in front of Xiao Yi''s courtyard gate.


    Yet the gate of the vi remained closed.


    Nheless.


    Lei Laohu was meticulous and dared not show any disrespect.


    At the same time¡­


    The Fang Family was inplete disarray.


    One piece of bad news after another arrived: "Patriarch, it''s terrible, our deals with the Zhao Family, Chen Family, and Zhang Family have all been cut off."


    "Patriarch, there''s been an incident, our Fang Family''s pharmacies have been smashed¡­"


    "Our cloth shops have been smashed too¡­"


    "Patriarch, word has spread throughout the city, saying our Fang Family is doomed. Some have even made up rhymes about it, singing that the Fang Family is amazing, forced a real dragon away, now as the real dragon soars through the skies, the Fang Family is bound to rise¡­"


    ```


    ```


    Pfft!


    Sitting at the head seat, Fang Tianhao trembled as he listened to one piece of bad news after another, his face turned pale, and with a ''wa'' sound, he spat out a mouthful of old blood. He aged dozens of years in an instant. Trembling, he pointed at Fang Zheng and his wife, barely containing his fury, "You, you two arepetent at nothing but failures. I told you to invite Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhu back, and look what you''ve done?"


    Fang Zheng, left with only one arm, looked wronged, "Dad, how could I have known that waste would be so strong?"


    Liu Yun shamelessly said, "Dad, don''t be angry! We''ll be sincere this time, apologize in person. Qingzhu is softhearted, as long as we appease her with our suffering, she will definitely forgive us!"


    Fang Tianhao''s eyes lit up with a glint of hope, "Then what are you waiting for? Go and invite them back here!"


    ...¡­


    Outside the separate courtyard where Xiao Yi was residing.


    Fang Zheng''s family of three looked at Lei Laohu kneeling at the gate and exchanged nces. Fang Hao whispered, "Dad, isn''t that Lei Laohu? Why is he kneeling here too? Is Xiao Yi really that terrifying?"


    Shut up! Fang Zheng red at him fiercely and said in a low voice, "Still dare to call him waste? Remember this ¨C lower your stance when we meet. Things are not like before, we are here to ask them to return to the Fang family!"


    "I understand¡­" Fang Hao shrank his neck.


    The three approached the gate.


    At the entrance, Zhao Xian was on guard. Seeing the three, he frowned slightly, "This is a restricted area of Xiao''s residence, off-limits to outsiders!"


    Liu Yun, full of arrogance, pped Zhao Xian across the face and said, "Open your eyes and see who I am! I am Xiao Yi''s mother-inw. Hurry up and notify Xiao Yi, we are here to take them home!"


    Zhao Xian, holding his reddened face, looked astonished.


    Liu Yun, impatient, demanded, "What are you still dazed for? Go and report at once!"


    "No need!"


    Xiao Yi''s voice came from inside the gate. He had intended to meet Lei Laohu, but as he reached the entrance, he heard the p Fang Zheng delivered to Zhao Xian and immediately pushed the door open.


    "Young Master Xiao¡­" Zhao Xian respectfully stepped aside.


    Fang Zheng''s face broke into a smile, even tinged with sycophancy, "You are finally out, Xiao Yi."


    "What Xiao Yi? This is our precious son-inw!"


    Liu Yun nudged Fang Zheng aside, her face beaming with a radiant smile, "Son-inw, you and Qingzhu have suffered a lot these days staying outside. Actually, your dad and I did all that for your own good, because only through the bitterest hardships can one be superior. Look, with our help, you''ve now achieved such sess! We havee today because we feel that your trial is over and are inviting you both back home!"


    Their attitude hadpletely reversed from before, even showing a hint of subservience.


    This was the change brought about by power!


    Xiao Yi, however, didn''t even nce at them and instead said to Zhao Xian, "Where did he hit you? Hit him back exactly the same way!"


    "Ah?"


    Zhao Xian was taken aback.


    The smiles on the three members of the Fang family also froze, and Fang Zheng blinked, "Xian, Xian Yi, what are you, what are you talking about?"


    Xiao Yi repeated, "Hit back!"


    Zhao Xian, face alight with excitement, responded, "Alright!"


    p!


    He swung back his hand and pped Liu Yun, stunning her.


    "Xiao Yi, have you gone mad?"


    "We came to take you back to the Fang family..."


    The three members of the Fang family werepletely dumbfounded.


    "Too light!"


    Xiao Yi frowned at Zhao Xian, then turned his attention to Lei Laohu, "Aren''t you here to apologize? Leave them crippled, and then you can go back."


    "Yes, Young Master Xiao!"


    The once powerful leader of the ck Tiger Gang, now like a loyal enforcer, proceeded to brutally beat the three members of the Fang family.


    "Xiao Yi, you even beat your own mother-inw; you have lost all morals..."


    "You heartless wretch..."


    Lei Laohu burst out in a rage, "Dare to insult Young Master Xiao? You''re seeking death!"


    Bang bang bang!


    Lei Laohu''s blows grew even fiercer.


    "I dare not..."


    "I won''t dare again, please spare me..."


    After half an incense stick burned.


    The threey on the ground, barely alive. Xiao Yi looked down at them coldly, "If there''s a next time, there will be no mercy!"


    "Young Master Xiao, shall I, shall I take them back to the Fang family now?" Lei Laohu asked tentatively.


    Xiao Yi nodded.


    Lei Laohu dragged the barely alive three back toward the Fang family.


    The Fang family residence.


    Seeing the pitiful state of the three, Fang Tianhao''s face contorted even more, his teeth clenched tightly, his expression ferocious, "What a Xiao Yi, thinking my Fang family would fear him? Someone, send a message to Fang Jin, I want him toe back and tear Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhu to pieces..."


    ```

 Chapter 30 Transferring Flowers and Joining Trees, Xiao Yi Passes on His Power!

    Ever since the day Xiao Yi had Lei Laohu and Zhao Xian thoroughly thrash the three visitors from the Fang Family, led by Fang Zheng,


    the Fang Family had closed its doors to all visitors.


    All of their businesses were shut down.


    After all...


    Facing the suppression from the Zhao Family, Chen Family, and even the Treasure Pavilion, nobody was interested in the Fang Family''s businesses anymore.


    The once bustling Fang residence was now deste, with hardly a visitor in sight.


    On the contrary, Xiao Yi''s residence was frequently bustling with traffic, and a long queue of gift-givers formed at the door. However, aside from Elder Yan, Zhao Yu, and Sikong Nan, Xiao Yi declined to meet anyone else.


    In the blink of an eye, ten days had passed.


    In these ten days, Xiao Yi, with the tremendous energy provided by the Golden Core, had advanced his cultivation level, reaching the Eighth Layer of Qi Gathering Realm.


    The number of God Sealing Seeds had reached one hundred fifty-five.


    Hisbat power had also improved significantly.


    Fang Qingzhu, after ten days of Xiao Yi''s meticulous care, had also recovered from her injuries.


    Inside the quiet room.


    Fang Qingzhu looked at Xiao Yi with confusion "Xiao Yi, what did you bring me here for?"


    Xiao Yi smiled and said, "Do you remember I told you I''d give you a surprise once your injuries healed?"


    Fang Qingzhu nodded, her voice tinged with a touch of mncholy "I''ve been asking you, and you wouldn''t tell me what kind of surprise..."


    "Now I can give you that surprise!"


    Xiao Yi smiled, and under Fang Qingzhu''s expectant gaze, he slowly said, "I can let you start cultivating again!"


    "Start... cultivating again?"


    Fang Qingzhu was stunned, suddenly standing up, she grabbed Xiao Yi''s shoulders and shook them, her voice filled with disbelief "Xiao Yi, are you, are you serious?"


    Xiao Yi chuckled "It''s true!"


    "How... how is that possible? My dantian is shattered, how could it possibly be repaired..." Fang Qingzhu murmured nkly.


    Xiao Yi said, "I have a technique called ''Transnting Spirit and Space'', which can rece your dantian with a beast core. However, doing so will limit your maximum cultivation level to the grade of the beast core..."


    He exined the methods and limitations of the Transnting Spirit and Space technique to Fang Qingzhu.


    Although the grade of the beast core would limit her maximum cultivation level, from another perspective, it also meant that Fang Qingzhu''s future was filled with more possibilities.


    Currently, Xiao Yi''s cultivation wasn''t strong enough; he could only hunt third rank magical beasts. But what about the future?


    If he could hunt ninth rank magical beasts, or even the legendary divine beasts...


    And rece Fang Qingzhu''s dantian with a divine beast''s core...


    Wouldn''t she have the potential to ascend to divinity?


    Xiao Yi earnestly said "Qingzhu, are you willing to ept this treatment?"


    Fang Qingzhu took a deep breath and said solemnly "I''m willing!"


    "Then let''s begin the Transnting Spirit and Space technique now!" Xiao Yi touched his nose, looking somewhat embarrassed, "However, performing this technique requires that you take off your clothes, you see..."


    "..."


    Fang Qingzhu''s face turned as red as a ripe apple, and she responded shyly with a sound of acknowledgment.


    She then began to disrobe.


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath, his breathing became a bit more rapid, but after forcing himself to calm down, he began to perform the Transnting Spirit and Space technique.


    This technique was not simple!


    Otherwise, it would not be considered a forbidden art by the Underworld Doctor lineage. Since the ancestor of Underworld Doctors, no one in the Southern Border''s lineage of Underworld Doctors understood how to perform this technique. Fortunately, Xiao Yi had received the inheritance of the Underworld Doctor ancestor, which made it rtively easy for him to carry out.


    After ten hours.


    Xiao Yi exhaled a long breath of stale air, his face beaming with a brilliant smile "Qingzhu, congrattions, you can start cultivating anew!"


    Fang Qingzhu put her clothes back on, her face as red as a ripe persimmon, as she nodded with a voice as faint as a mosquito''s whimper. The fragrance of a maiden filled the room, a light, enchanting scent that made one unable to help but have one''s thoughts run wild.


    With a light cough, Xiao Yi shifted his gaze away from her graceful figure and said, "Qingzhu, I have a Cultivation Technique here that is quite suitable for you, called ''Mixed Yuan Purple Mist Skill.'' It''s a high-grade technique of the fourth rank, strong enough to cultivate to the peak of the Golden Core Realm. I''ll pass it on to you now..."


    The mention of the ''Mixed Yuan Purple Mist Skill'' made Fang Qingzhu''s eyes shine even brighter.


    Meanwhile, as Xiao Yi was transmitting the technique to Fang Qingzhu...


    In the distant Tianqing Kingdom''s capital, within the renowned Royal Martial Arts Academy.


    The vast grounds of the Royal Martial Arts Academy could amodate tens of thousands of people. The academy was divided into four levels: Heaven, Earth, Profound, and Yellow. The Heaven-level students were fewest in number but the strongest in might, all being experts of the Golden Core Realm. Each one was a noble conferred by the royal family, enjoying noble rank.


    Next were the Earth-level students, all surpassing the Seventh Layer of the Divine Passage Realm.


    Profound-level students were those above the Third Layer of the Divine Passage Realm.


    The remaining students below the Third Layer of the Divine Passage Realm were Yellow-level students.


    Fang Jin had just passed the Royal Martial Arts Academy''s assessment and sessfully became a Yellow-level student. After training in the academy for two months, he had officially stepped into the Divine Ability Realm, standing out as one of the best among this new group of students.


    And because of this...


    Fang Jin also made quite a few friends among the higher-year students of the Royal Martial Arts Academy, especially Jia Sichun, a Profound-level student of the Sixth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, with whom he had the best rtionship.


    Jia Sichun was from the capital''s Jia Family, his father being a second-rank official at court, with a prominent background.


    In particr, his elder brother, Jia Sidao, was among the top ten Earth-level students, at the peak of the Divine Ability Realm, capable of advancing to the Golden Core Realm at any moment to be a Heaven-level student.


    With his own talent being strong and backed by a prominent family, plus having a powerful and protective elder brother,


    Jia Sichun may have only been a Profound-level student, but even average Earth-level students dared not provoke him, which led to his arrogant and overbearing nature. Given to lechery, Fang Jin ingratiated himself by pandering to Jia''s tastes, thus bing good friends.


    "Fang Jin, I''ll take you to the Myriad Flowers Pavilion!" said Jia Sichun, draping his arm over Fang Jin''s shoulder.


    But Fang Jin''s face was sullen as he replied, "Brother Jia, I''m afraid I won''t be able to apany you. Something came up at home, and I need to make a trip back!"


    Jia Sichun looked disappointed, "What kind of issue could that tiny Fang Family possibly have?"


    Fang Jin spread the letter in his hands, his face carrying a look of hatred, "My brother was killed, and the Fang Family is surrounded by enemies and in grave danger. I have to go back!"


    "Didn''t you say the patriarch of the Fang Family was a fourthyer expert of the Divine Ability Realm? Even though the Divine Skills experts from such a tiny and barren ce as Nanhuang can hardly wake up their Innate Divine Skills, all false Divine Skills... A fourthyer Divine Skill expert shouldn''t have many threats, right?" Jia Sichun frowned, puzzled.


    Nanhuang was nothing more than a tiny and impoverished ce.


    Even the Divine Ability Realm experts from there were not regarded highly by them.


    Fang Jin said fiercely, "But our opponent can kill thirdyer Divine Ability Realm experts, and with the backing of Treasure Pavilion, my Fang Family is no match for him."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Treasure Pavilion? Then your enemy does have some skills!" Jia Sichun nodded.


    Fang Jin felt a growing urgency in his heart.


    After learning of Xiao Yi''s strength, he knew it would be difficult to take revenge on his own and was intent on getting Jia Sichun''s help.


    Fang Jin''s eyes spun shrewdly, feigning a sigh, "It''s also my brother''s fault for not listening to me. Fang Qingzhu is as beautiful as a celestial being, the number one beauty of Nanhuang. I told him not to touch that woman. He wouldn''t listen, and in the end, he was killed by that good-for-nothing son-inw Fang Qingzhu brought home. Sigh..."


    "As beautiful as a celestial being? The number one beauty of Nanhuang?"


    Jia Sichun was taken aback, his eyes lighting up, "Is this Fang Qingzhu you speak of truly that beautiful?"


    Fang Jin''s heart leaped with joy as he quickly responded, "Of course! Fang Qingzhu''s beauty is well-known throughout Nanhuang!"


    "How does shepare to the Oiran of the Myriad Flowers Pavilion?"


    Fang Jin shook his head, "A thousand oirans couldn''tpare to her!"


    Hiss!


    Jia Sichun''s eyes swiveled greedily; avarice and heat shed through them as he licked his lips with a blood-red tongue, "Fang Jin, as brothers, your business is my business. I''ll apany you back to Nanhuang City this time. With me there, even the Treasure Pavilion should show me some face! But, well..."


    Fang Jin pped his chest, "Don''t worry, Brother Jia. I know what you mean! Once I''ve had my revenge, I''ll make sure to bring Fang Qingzhu to your bed..."


    "Hahahaha, good brother! You truly understand me!"


    Jia Sichunughed heartily.


    Fang Jin forced a smile alongside him, but his eyes were growing colder, "Xiao Yi? Fang Qingzhu? Your days are numbered!"

 Chapter 31 Fang Jin Returns!

    "Grandfather, I have had someone find out for us¡ªthe house up ahead belongs to Xiao Yi!"


    On the wide street, a inly dressed grandparent and grandchild walked side by side.


    The girl, in a white dress, carefully supported the white-haired and bearded old man beside her and pointed to a mansion ahead. Excitement sparkled in her eyes.


    The old man chuckled and nodded. His murky eyes studied the mansion and the long line of people waiting outside, and heughed, "It seems that this Xiao Yi is not a simple character, attracting so many visitors bearing gifts!"


    The girl smiled broadly, "Grandpa, shall we go and find him now?"


    The old man shook his head, "No rush, Grandpa still has some matters to attend to. After they''re resolved, I''ll apany you to properly thank them, all right?"


    The girl''s expression dimmed slightly, yet she obediently nodded, "Mhmm, I''ll listen to you, Grandpa!"


    "Haha, you''re such a sweet girl, not like your sister¡­"


    The old man affectionately ruffled the girl''s head and looked again at the mansion, as if he could see through the walls. A glint shimmered in his dim eyes, "A Golden Core? Quite the interesting youngster..."


    Inside the mansion.


    Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhu were cultivating, facing each other in a position that pointed toward the sky with all five hearts.


    Between their palms, a Golden Core the size of a walnut bobbed faintly.


    Strands of golden energy escaped from the Golden Core.


    And seeped into both their bodies.


    Xiao Yi''s body glowed with gold. His vitality surged, as powerful as a dragon or tiger.


    Fang Qingzhu''s face glowed with health, and a purple light flickered around her, like a fairy bathed in the glow of purple clouds.


    Whoosh!


    Both retracted their power at the same time, and the Golden Core fell into Xiao Yi''s hand. The storage ring on his fingertip shed as he stored the Golden Core away. Both opened their eyes, and as they faced each other, Fang Qingzhu said with a smile, "Xiao Yi, brother, thank you!"


    "No need for thanks between you and me," Xiao Yi said with a mild smile.


    Fang Qingzhu gently nodded her head.


    It had been half a month since Xiao Yi performed the technique to shift flowers and:


    rece the core in Fang Qingzhu''s dantian with the beast core of a Purple-Patterned Blood Python.


    Over this half-month...


    Xiao Yi had been cultivating with her using the Golden Core. Fang Qingzhu had already been at the peak of the Qi Gathering Realm before her cultivation was crippled. Now that her dantian was restored, all she needed was to absorb enough energy to regain her cultivation. In just half a month, she hadpletely returned to her peak condition.


    Once again at the Peak of the Qi Gathering Realm.


    Ready to break through to the Shentong Realm at any moment!


    As for Xiao Yi, his progress hadn''t been slow either, having reached the Tenth Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm and activated two hundred God Sealing Seeds.


    He was just a step away from entering the Shentong Realm!


    Of course.


    By cultivating together with the Golden Core, they had used up a full fifth of the core''s energy.


    "Xiao Yi, brother, I feel like I am about to step into the Shentong Realm!" remarked Fang Qingzhu.


    Xiao Yiughed, "I should be breaking through in the next couple of days as well. Let''s strive to enter the Shentong Realm together."


    "Yes!"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Fang Qingzhu nodded vehemently, her eyes filled with resolve and determination, "As soon as I enter the Shentong Realm, I will have nothing to fear, even if Fang Jin returns. The position of family heir belongs to me!"


    Xiao Yi rubbed her head and said, "Don''t put so much pressure on yourself. What does it matter if you''re no match for Fang Jin? I''m here for you!"


    Fang Qingzhu squinted, her face breaking into a sweet smile.


    "Young Master Xiao, Yan Mingli requests an audience!" called a voice from outside¡ªYan Mingli''s.


    Fang Qingzhu softly said, "Xiao Yi, brother, Elder Yan must have urgent business. You should go see him first!"


    "Alright!"


    Xiao Yi walked outside and frowned at Elder Yan, whose forehead showed traces of sweat, "What''s the matter?"


    Elder Yan nced inside the door and said in a low voice, "Xiao, I''ve just received a message that Fang Jin has returned to the Fang Family!"


    "Hmm?"


    Xiao Yi was somewhat surprised. Logically speaking, even if Fang Jin had returned, it wouldn''t have caused Elder Yan to loseposure like this. Xiao Yi frowned and asked, "But did he bring anyone back with him?"


    Elder Yan''s gaze held admiration as he looked at Xiao Yi and said, "The message from Lord Sikong is that Fang Jin has returned with a young man. That person is wearing the uniform of a Mysterious Rank student from the Royal Martial Arts Academy..."


    Xiao Yi arched an eyebrow.


    He was, of course, familiar with the levels of the Royal Martial Arts Academy.


    The Mysterious Rank Academy, that was at least the cultivation of the Third Layer of the Divine Passage Realm or higher.


    But a Third Layer Divine Passage Realm from the Royal Martial Arts Academy was far from beingparable to Zhang Yong. In Nanhuang City, a third-rank martial technique could be a n''s treasure. Yet in the Royal Martial Arts Academy, it''s not to mention the third-rank martial techniques, even fourth-rank martial techniques were at the students'' disposal to study and understand at will.


    What''s more important was...


    There were Divine Skills above martial techniques!


    The power of Divine Skills of the same level far exceeded that of martial techniques of the same tier.


    It could be said without exaggeration that a student of the same Third Layer of the Divine Passage Realm from the Royal Martial Arts Academy would absolutely be stronger inbat than those who hadn''t mastered Divine Skills, even if they were of the Fourth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm.


    No wonder Elder Yan had lost hisposure.


    However.


    Xiao Yi was now halfway into the Shentong Realm, and he also bore the seed of Sword Intent, hisbat strength absolutely able to easily defeat a master of the Fifth Layer of the Spiritual Power Realm, unless the opponent had the cultivation of the Sixth Layer of the Divine Skill Realm or above and had mastered Divine Skills.


    Otherwise, Xiao Yi did not even consider them a threat!


    Xiao Yi smiled and said, "Let the generals handle the soldiers and the earth handle the flood; we shall watch quietly and see how things unfold!"


    Meanwhile.


    Within the Fang Family...


    Fang Tianhao was overjoyed, his face glowing as he looked at Fang Jin: "Fang Jin, you''re finally back!"


    "I pay my respects to the family head!"


    Fang Jin merely gave a perfunctory bow to Fang Tianhao. Ever since he became a student of the Royal Martial Arts Academy, he had been looking down on Fang Tianhao more and more. Then, with respect, he looked at Jia Sichun, "This is Brother Jia, he is a Mysterious Rank student at the Martial Arts Institute."


    "So it''s Jia, your visit truly brings light to our humble home!" Fang Tianhao said with sparkling eyes, Mysterious Rank students - these were high-level experts of at least the Third Layer of the Divine Passage Realm. He spoke with a fawning tone.


    As for Fang Jin''s perfunctory attitude, he did not dare to show the slightest dissatisfaction.


    Jia Sichun nodded slightly, looking at the Fang Family''s courtyard with a slight frown and a disdainful tone, "Your Fang Family is too rundown, aren''t they? If not for Fang Jin''s sake, you couldn''t have gotten me to set foot in this godforsaken ce even if you carried me on a pnquin."


    "Uh..."


    Fang Tianhao wore an embarrassed expression.


    Jia Sichun spoke indifferently, "Fang Jin, aren''t you here for revenge? Have someone send a letter, tell that Xiao Yi toe over and meet his death right away. I can''t bear to stay in this dump for a moment longer!"


    Fang Jin immediately said, "Brother Jia, rest assured, I have already nned everything. I guarantee that all matters will be settled within three days!"


    "What does it matter to me how many days you take to settle things?"


    After a pause, Jia Sichun turned toward Fang Tianhao and directly ordered, "You, go call Fang Qingzhu here. Oh, right, she has a live-in son-inw, doesn''t she? Have him personally bring Fang Qingzhu to me!"


    Fang Tianhao''s face stiffened, and he said with great trepidation, "Jia, Master Jia, that Xiao Yi is fierce, I dare not go!"


    Smack!


    Jia Sichun pped Fang Tianhao across the face with the back of his hand, his voice cold as ice, "Useless trash, you can''t even handle such a simple task? Who among you will bring Fang Qingzhu back? I''ll reward them with a Shen Yuan Elixir!"


    The Shen Yuan Elixir, a high-grade elixir of the third rank, could allow a Divine Passage Realm strongman using it for the first time to break through a minor realm directly.


    It was an incredibly valuable elixir.


    Fang Jin had received a Shen Yuan Elixir from Jia Sichun''s hands, and now he already had the cultivation of the Second Layer Spiritual Power Realm.


    *Gulp!*


    Fang Tianhao was tempted by the Shen Yuan Elixir but just thinking about Xiao Yi''s terrifying strength in killing Zhang Yong, he could only lower his head. This only made Jia Sichun even angrier, but just then, a voice came from outside the door: "Master Jia, I am willing to serve you!"

 Chapter 32 Life and Death Platform!

    Everyone looked toward the door.


    They saw Lei Laohu, with his tiger''s back and bear''s waist, stride in, his face alight with excitement as he eyed the Shen Yuan Elixir in Jia Sichun''s hand.


    Fang Tianhao frowned and said, "Lei Laohu? Who let you in?"


    Lei Laohu ignored Fang Tianhao, respectfully bowed to Jia Sichun and Fang Jin, and said with a sycophantic smile, "Jia, Mr. Fang, I am the leader of the ck Tiger Gang. I share an irreconcble feud with Xiao Yi, and the moment I heard you two had returned, I immediately came to pay my respects. Overhearing Jia''s words from outside, I took the liberty to offer my services, willing to follow your everymand!"


    "Fourth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm? Being able to cultivate to such a level in this small ce, you do indeed qualify to be this young master''s dog!"


    Jia Sichun sized up Lei Laohu and said indifferently, "Go, as long as you bring the person back, this young master will grant you a Shen Yuan Elixir!"


    "Rest assured, Jia, I will not disappoint you!" Lei Laohu, far from feeling humiliated at being called a dog by Jia Sichun, thanked him with a glowing face and strode off.


    Fang Tianhao hesitated and then said, "Jia, I''m afraid that Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhu will not be willing toe over!"


    Jia Sichun sneered, "Would he dare? Once I, Jia Sichun, make my name known, he''ll obediently send Fang Qingzhu to my bed! I just hope that little guy hasn''t touched her, or if he has, I''ll have to grind his bones to dust first..."


    ......


    Lei Laohu sat in his carriage, feeling the strength within him growing, his eyes bing increasingly cold, "Xiao Yi, you killed my son, ended my lineage, and made me lose facepletely. Today, it''s time for me, Lei Laohu, to take my revenge!"


    A momentter.


    Lei Laohu arrived at Xiao Yi''s residence.


    Thud!


    Lei Laohu carried a stele on his shoulder, rushing over with a swiftness.


    On the stele was inscribed "Tomb of Xiao Yi" in big characters as he nted it with a thud in front of the main entrance.


    Those in line to present their gifts couldn''t help but show shock on their faces, "Has Lei Laohu been hit on the head by a door?"


    "How dare he do this? Has he forgotten the lesson from the Zhang Family?"


    "Not long ago, he knelt here begging Xiao for forgiveness, how can he now dare to do this?"


    However, Lei Laohu paid no heed to the murmurs of the crowd, his icy gaze fixated on Zhao Xian as he growled dispassionately, "Tell that dog Xiao Yi toe out and see me!"


    Zhao Xian hurriedly opened the door and ran inside, looking for Xiao Yi, "Xiao, it''s bad news, Lei Laohu brought a tombstone and blocked the main gate, and he''s calling for Xiao to roll out and meet him!"


    "Lei Laohu? Has he gone mad?" Elder Yan frowned.


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes and said, "Fang Jin just got back, and Lei Laohu is causing trouble on my doorstep?"


    "You mean... Lei Laohu was sent by Fang Jin?" Elder Yan asked with a frown.


    Xiao Yi shrugged his shoulders, seemingly unconcerned, "Whoever sent him, we''ll know when we go out and see!"


    A group of people walked out of the residence.


    Seeing the red inscription on the stele, Xiao Yi''s pupils contracted slightly, revealing a hint of interest, "I have managed the Eternal Heavenly Tomb for ages, yet I never expected someone would deliver a tombstone for me!"


    Elder Yan was instantly furious; he regarded Xiao Yi as his honored master, and could not tolerate such provocation.


    Elder Yan shouted coldly, "Lei Laohu, you are courting death!"


    Lei Laohu nced at Elder Yan and said ndly, "Elder Yan, there''s no need to be angry. My visit today is also following orders."


    Xiao Yi and Elder Yan exchanged nces.


    As expected!


    Xiao Yi''s eyes narrowed, looking curiously at Lei Laohu, "Following orders? Whose orders are you under?"


    "I am here by themand of Jia, a Profound Level student from the Royal Martial Arts Academy!" Lei Laohu held his head high, proudly stating, "Jia ordered you to immediately bring Fang Qingzhu to the Fang Family; he wants you to personally deliver Fang Qingzhu to his bed..."


    Hiss!


    The surrounding crowd was utterly shocked.


    Who didn''t know that Fang Qingzhu was the wife of Xiao Yi?


    Asking him to personally deliver Fang Qingzhu to another man''s bed?


    This was not merely a challenge but an absolute disregard and humiliation!


    What man with even a shred of dignity could endure such a thing?


    Let alone Xiao Yi?


    His eyes emitted a cold glint as they locked onto Lei Laohu like icy daggers, "Are you looking for death?"


    "Hahaha, Xiao Yi, now that Lei Laohu has the backing of Jia, do you think I''d still be afraid of you?"


    Lei Laohu mentioned Jia with a face full of reverence and was extremely confident in his strength, sneering continuously, "If you behave and personally deliver Fang Qingzhu for Jia''s enjoyment, maybe Jia could leave you a whole corpse. Otherwise, this stele can be erected above your grave today..."


    "You think a mere Profound Level student from the Royal Martial Arts Academy can intimidate me?"


    Xiao Yi let out a cold snort, "You''re too naive!"


    His figure suddenly moved, with the force of thunder, he moved in an instant.


    Whoosh!


    A series of afterimages merged into one on the ground, and under Lei Laohu''s astonished gaze, appeared right in front of him. It was just a punch, casuallynding on Lei Laohu''s body.


    Boom!


    Before Lei Laohu could react, he was sent flying, copsing on the ground like a heap of mud.


    Blood couldn''t stop gushing out.


    His face was filled with astonishment, horror, fear, and a deep sense of disbelief: "You... you''re finished... I represent Jia, and by hitting me, you''re pping Jia''s face. Even if you''re willing to deliver Fang Qingzhu to his bed now, he won''t let you go..."


    "Shut up!"


    Xiao Yi''s hand shed with the light of his sword and cut off Lei Laohu''s left hand, asking indifferently, "Why does this Jia specifically want Qingzhu?"


    Lei Laohu, in pain, his face twisted, knew he had to cooperate or the next sword would sever his head, and hurriedly replied, "Fang Jin, it was Fang Jin who rmended Fang Qingzhu to Jia. That''s all I know..."


    "Fang Jin?"


    Xiao Yi''s eyes turned ice-cold in an instant, his intent to kill Fang Jin was stronger than ever.


    He was about to speak...


    Inside the gate, Fang Qingzhu''s cool voice was heard: "You go tell Fang Jin that three days from now, I, Fang Qingzhu, will face him on the Fang Family''s Life and Death tform to decide our fate."


    "Qingzhu?"


    Xiao Yi looked at her.


    Fang Qingzhu took a deep breath, the icy expression on her face softened a bit, and with a smile at Xiao Yi said, "Big Brother Xiao Yi, leave Fang Jin to me to deal with!"


    Xiao Yi was silent for a moment, then nodded and said, "Alright!"


    He walked over to Lei Laohu, spoke lightly, "I will let you go back. Ry exactly what Qingzhu has said to Fang Jin. And by the way, tell Jia Sichun to clean his neck and wait!"


    Jia Sichun actually dared to covet Fang Qingzhu, even demanding that she be delivered to his bed.


    This man was now marked by Xiao Yi as someone who must be killed.


    "Yes, yes, I will ry the message exactly!"


    Lei Laohu was sincerely frightened, and the coachman quickly helped him into the carriage, which then hastily made its way back to the Fang Family.


    The Fang Family''s great hall.


    Fang Jin and the others looked at Lei Laohu, and for a moment the atmosphere turned silent.


    "Hehehe, what a Fang Qingzhu. Just a discarded wretch, and she dares to challenge me on the Life and Death tform?"


    Fang Jin sneered and looked at Fang Tianhao, "Head of the family, spread the news tomorrow. Three days from now, I want everyone to witness who the real dragon of the Fang Family is!"


    "Don''t worry, I''ll have someone take care of it right away!" Fang Tianhao hurriedly nodded.


    However, Jia Sichun was squinting his eyes, sizing up Lei Laohu, "Did you tell him that you were sent by me?"


    "This humble one has told him it was Jia''s intention, but that Xiao Yi said, for you to clean your neck and wait..."


    Lei Laohu looked down at his severed left hand, a trace of spite shing in his eyes, and embellished with malice, "Not only that, but Xiao Yi also said that killing Mr. Jia would be as easy as ughtering pigs and dogs."


    Bang!


    Jia Sichun mmed his palm on the tea table, shattering it, his eyes ice cold, sneering continuously, "Such boldness,paring me to ughtering pigs and dogs? Hmph, isn''t Xiao Yi just a waste expelled by the Xiao Family, an impotent son-inw? It''s fine for him to show off in this small ce, but he dares to insult me like this?"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Fang Jin said, "Brother Jia, after I defeat Fang Qingzhu in three days, I will take care of Xiao Yi for you, to let off some steam!"


    "No!"


    Jia Sichun''s sinister smile continued, "He looks down on me, right? I''ll let him see just how ridiculous all his pride and confidence are in front of me. Lei Laohu, I now grant you a Shen Yuan Elixir and a third-grade martial skill. Three days from now, I want you to publicly ughter Xiao Yi, understood?"


    Lei Laohu''s breath became rapid, his eyes turning red, and with sincere trepidation, he said, "Thank you for your grace, Mr. Jia. I won''t let you down!"


    In his eyes, a cold and biting glint of determination was visible...


    "Xiao Yi, your death awaits in three days!"

 Chapter 33 Alarm Throughout the City

    "Have you heard? Fang Jin from the Fang Family has returned and he''speting for the position of the heir to the Fang Family!"


    "The news I heard is that Fang Jin is already a student at the Royal Martial Arts Academy, he doesn''t even care about the position of the family head, but Fang Qingzhu refuses to give up the position of the heir, and she even challenged Fang Jin!"


    "What? Wasn''t Fang Qingzhu crippled? Challenging Fang Jin, isn''t that seeking death?"


    "That might not be the case, perhaps Fang Qingzhu will have Xiao Yi step in?"


    "This is destined to be a sh of the titans!"


    Such discussions became the most frequent topic in Nanhuang City over the past two days.


    Fang Qingzhu from the Fang Family, once the pampered princess, now a crippled nobody.


    Fang Jin from the Fang Family, always suppressed by the once-pampered princess Fang Qingzhu, had finally made a name for himself and became a distinguished disciple of the Royal Martial Arts Academy.


    The two of them were like heaven and earth.


    One could even say...


    If it wasn''t for Xiao Yi recently annihting the Zhang Family single-handedly, right now everyone would assume Fang Qingzhu was as good as dead. However, the focus of attention is now on the battle between Xiao Yi and Fang Jin, and who will have thestugh.


    And not Fang Qingzhu versus Fang Jin.


    After all.


    In everyone''s eyes, Fang Qingzhu is nothing but a cripple.


    Within the Xiao Family''s side residence.


    Xiao Yi was dressed in a short gown of crescent moon white, his ck hair a floating cascade, adding a sense of grace and ir to his demeanor. In front of him stood Fang Qingzhu in a tight-fitting purple leather armor, with a long purple whip at her waist.


    "Xiao Yi, how do I look in this outfit today?" Fang Qingzhu asked with a smile.


    Xiao Yi gave a thumbs-up, "Perfect!"


    "Giggle giggle giggle!"


    Fang Qingzhuughed merrily, then suddenly stood on tiptoes and lightly pecked Xiao Yi on his cheek before blushing and fleeing with her hand over her face.


    Xiao Yi touched his cheek subconsciously, the lingering faint fragrance sending his heart racing, a smile unconsciously lighting up his face, "Did this girl just steal a kiss from me?" Watching her bounded away, her long hair swinging behind her, Xiao Yi''s smile gradually faded.


    In his mind, he couldn''t help but recall the night before, when the two of them practiced cultivation and had their breakthrough to the Shentong Realm.


    The ice-blue phantom phoenix that appeared behind Fang Qingzhu.


    The phoenix, king of mythical birds who fed on dragons, roaming the heavens and earth with unmatched strength. When Fang Qingzhu broke through to the Shentong Realm, an ice-blue phantom phoenix appeared behind her, and she awakened her Innate Divine Ability.


    It is known, not every Shentong Realm cultivator could awaken their Innate Divine Ability!


    Only those with exceptional talent, or a powerful bloodline inheritance, had a chance of awakening their Innate Divine Ability.


    Like Xiao Tianjiao...


    When he broke through to the Shentong Realm, he awakened his Innate Divine Ability, the Limitless Golden Body. By invoking this Divine Skill, he could make himself invulnerable to de and fire, water and me, andbined with the terrifying power of the Supreme Overlord Holy Body, he was invincible within his realm, fighting across levels as easily as drinking water.


    "The Fang Family''s ancestors have no records of birthing such powerful individuals, how did Qingzhu awaken her Innate Divine Ability?"


    As he pondered.


    Fang Qingzhu''s urging voice came from in front, "Xiao Yi, hurry up!"


    Ah!


    Why think so much?


    It only adds to one''s troubles!


    Xiao Yi let out a heartyugh and responded, "I''ming!"


    Elder Yan was already waiting outside, standing in front of an opulent golden carriage, respectfully saying, "Young Master Xiao, Madam Xiao, please get into the carriage!"


    "Thank you!"


    Fang Qingzhu smiled sweetly, looked to the left and right and not seeing Lin Bingxin, asked with curiosity, "Elder Yan, where is Bingxin?"


    Elder Yan smiled and said, "Bingxin is on her way, you will see her soon!"


    "Alright then!"


    Fang Qingzhu nodded and climbed into the carriage.


    Elder Yan personally drove the carriage, a truly astonishing level of deference.


    Tatata!N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The carriage slowly made its way toward the Fang Family, and Xiao Yi, sitting inside, narrowed his eyes and lifted the curtain.


    He saw figures darting out from all around the street, closely following behind the carriage.


    Within the crowd.


    It was possible to vaguely make out the figures of Lin Bingxin, Zhao Yu, Zhao Xian, and others.


    "Xiao Yi, brother, what are they doing¡­" Fang Qingzhu looked bewildered, why such amotion?


    Elder Yan''s voice came from outside the carriage, "Xiao, Madam Xiao, this has been organized spontaneously by everyone. The shameless actions of the Fang Family have long been intolerable to everyone, today they are all here to cheer and support you!"


    Lin Bingxin had already caught up to the side of the carriage, riding a tall horse, smiling as she looked inside, "Qingzhu, sister, fight hard, you are not fighting alone!"


    "We support you!"


    "Go for it!"


    Cheers and shouts kepting from outside the carriage.


    In these past few days...


    The Fang Family continually ndered Fang Qingzhu and Xiao Yi, both of whom had been focused on their closed-door training and were unaware of the events unfolding outside. However, Elder Yan, Zhao Yu, and the others were well aware, and they also mobilized their resources to expose the deeds of the Fang Family to the public.


    From the expulsion of Xiao Yi from the main courtyard by the Fang Family.


    To the humiliation and oppression of Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhu during Fang Tianhao''s birthday feast.


    And the shameless actions of Fang Zheng, Liu Yun, and others, as well as Fang Jin''s attempt to please a high-ranking disciple of the Royal Martial Arts Academy by offering Fang Qingzhu to Jia Sichun, and so on...


    The people deeply detested the despicable actions of the Fang Family.


    With the calls from the Treasure Pavilion and the Zhao Family, the scene that unfolded now was made possible.


    Tens of thousands of people surrounded Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhu, converging into an iron flood and majestically heading toward the Fang Family.


    Emptying every alley, startling the entire city.


    ......


    The Fang Family''s premises were already swarming with a sea of people.


    On the open ground outside the main gate, a huge fighting tform made of bluestone had been set up.


    This was the Life and Death tform.


    By the side of the tform.


    Jia Sichun loungedzily on a Taishi Chair, with a beautiful woman on each side attentively tending to him, with Lei Laohu, Fang Jin, and Fang Tianhao sitting to his left and right.


    As for Fang Zheng, Liu Yun, and Fang Hao, they didn''t even have the privilege of sitting, and stood behind the others.


    Jia Sichun caressed the waist of a woman beside him, enjoying the taste of the delicacies in his mouth, and impatiently said, "Haven''t Xiao Yi and the others arrived yet?"


    "They should be arriving soon!" Fang Tianhao said obsequiously.


    Boom boom boom!


    Suddenly, a thunderous noise like a multitude of armies on the move came from the front, rattling the cups on the table, as a ck tide of steel gradually emerged on the street, almost covering the entire street.


    At the forefront of the crowd, a golden carriage slowly approached.


    "Here theye!" Fang Jin squinted.


    Jia Sichun raised his eyebrows, "Oh? The carriage from Treasure Pavilion? It seems this Xiao Yi has quite a special rtionship with the Treasure Pavilion!"


    Fang Tianhao looked concerned, "Jia, the Elder Yan from Treasure Pavilion has an unbreakable bond with Xiao Yi, do we¡­"


    "No need to worry!"


    Jia Sichun waved his hand indifferently, "If it were the Pavilion Master of the capital''s Treasure Pavilion, I might fear him somewhat. But a mere branch Pavilion Master from Nanhuang, is someone I do not regard highly!"


    Fang Tianhao let out a sigh of relief.


    Meanwhile.


    Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhu also stepped down from the carriage.


    The moment Jia Sichun caught a distant glimpse of Fang Qingzhu, he abruptly stood up from his seat, his eyes glued to her, his gaze filled with a fiery passion, he swallowed and eximed, "Beautiful, incredibly beautiful, hahaha, Fang Jin, you have not disappointed me at all."


    Jia Sichun nced at Lei Laohu andmanded, "You, go bring that Fang Qingzhu to me!"

 Chapter 34 You Think You Are Worthy?

    "Bring Fang Qingzhu to me!"


    Jia Sichun stared at Fang Qingzhu with excitement, giving orders to Lei Laohu.


    Lei Laohu''s whole body surged with Qi-Blood like a rainbow, bursting forth from his body, all over him lingered the ferocious aura of a recent breakthrough. Having received a Shen Yuan Elixir from Jia Sichun, he had progressed from the Third Layer of the Shentong Realm to the Fourth Layer.


    Hisbat strength had increased several-fold from before.


    It was the perfect moment for him to retaliate in high spirits and redeem his previous disgrace.


    "Rest assured, Jia," Lei Laohu respectfully said. "I''ll bring Fang Qingzhu to you right away!"


    Jia Sichun said, "Don''t harm the beauty, but as for the others," his eyes shed with a cold light, "if they dare to obstruct, kill!"


    "Yes!"


    Lei Laohu strode towards Xiao Yi and the others with the confident gait of a despot.


    "Eh? Isn''t that the ck Tiger Gang''s Leader Lei? What is he up to?"


    "They say when the Zhang Family was just annihted, Lei Laohu knelt in front of Xiao Yi''s residence begging for forgiveness. Howe he''s now siding with that Jia?"


    "He''s probably looking to avenge his past humiliation. They say this Jia is from the Mysterious Rank Academy at the Royal Martial Arts Academy, with a deep background. With such a powerful patron, Lei Laohu naturally need not fear Xiao Yi anymore!"


    Amidst the murmuring.


    Lei Laohu arrived in front of Xiao Yi and Qingzhu, looking proud and indifferent. His gaze was cold as he regarded Xiao Yi, madness for revenge shing in his eyes: "By Jia''s order, I''m to take Fang Qingzhu to serve him!"


    "How dare you!"


    Elder Yan''s expression darkened as he angrily reprimanded.


    Lei Laohu stared down Elder Yan without fear, raising his mangled left hand and feigning a fist salute in the direction of Jia Sichun, casually saying, "Elder Yan, consider carefully. This is what Jia wishes. Are you sure you want to oppose him?"


    "You..." Elder Yan''s face turned unsightly.


    Jia Sichun was not only backed by the Royal Martial Arts Academy, but his family background was also terribly strong.


    Even Elder Yan dared not offend him too much.


    As Elder Yan hesitated, Xiao Yi spoke indifferently, "You really are tired of living!"


    Instinctive fear flickered deep within Lei Laohu''s eyes, but upon thinking of Jia Sichun''s support and his newfound strength having broken through to the Fourth Layer of the Shentong Realm and having received a martial skill from Jia, he felt full of confidence.


    "Hmph, I am no longer the same Lei Laohu as before. I have sessfully stepped into the Fifth Layer of the Shentong Realm with Jia''s help and acquired a third-grade high-level fist technique. I won''t be at a disadvantage even against you!"


    Lei Laohu arrogantly dered, "Xiao Yi, if you know what''s good for you, hand over Fang Qingzhu to Jia. Perhaps you can then clutch at life and maintain a semnce of it. Otherwise, this day next year will be your day of remembrance! If you doubt it, we can settle this with a fight!"


    Xiao Yi''s fingers slightly curled up, forming a sword-finger gesture, ready to make a move.


    Suddenly stepping forward, Zhao Yu bowed respectfully, "Xiao, such trash does not deserve to be on the receiving end of your hands. Please allow me to sever his head!"


    Taken aback, Xiao Yi looked at the earnest expression on Zhao Yu''s face and nodded. "Granted!"


    Whoosh!


    Zhao Yu let out a breath, ecstasy spreading across his face.


    With Xiao Yi''s permission for him to step forward, it indicated that he was regarded as one of Xiao Yi''s own.


    Lei Laohu eyed Zhao Yu standing in front of him, squinting, "Zhao Yu, has your brain been squeezed by a door? Behind me stands Jia, a student of the Mysterious Rank Academy of the Royal Martial Arts Institute, with a background both powerful and formidable. And yet you choose to stand with Xiao Yi?"


    Slowly drawing his longsword, Zhao Yu spoke calmly, "Jia Sichun? He''s not even qualified to carry Xiao''s shoes... Enough talk, it''s time to die!"


    "Since you seek death, don''t me me for it!"


    Lei Laohu snorted coldly, "Barbaric Bull Power Fist!"


    He leapt into the air and charged ferociously towards Zhao Yu.


    This set of moves, known as the "Barbaric Bull Power Fist," was a third-grade high-level fist technique he had bought from Jia Sichun with over a decade''s umtions of the ck Tiger Gang, far stronger than any martial skill he had previously mastered.


    Forceful and overwhelmingly fierce.


    However...


    Zhao Yu, on the other hand, appeared indifferent. Holding the longsword, he suddenly sidestepped, "Tiger-ying First Sword!"


    Swish!


    This sword strike,unched from below to above, barely forced Lei Laohu to dodge by tilting his body. Calm andposed, Zhao Yu immediately followed with the next move: "Tiger-ying Second Sword!"


    This sword came shing diagonally from top to bottom.


    Lei Laohu felt a chill all over. Instinctively stepping to the side, he retreated backward.


    But just as he retreated, a breath of death had already struck from behind.


    With a glimpse out of the corner of his eye, Lei Laohu was chilled to the bone with fright.


    Zhao Yu had unknowly positioned himself behind him, "The Third Sword of Subduing the Tiger!"


    Swish!


    A single sword thrust, and even ghosts and gods were startled.


    Thrust!


    That thrust pierced through Lei Laohu''s throat, and he knelt on the ground, clutching his throat, trembling all over. Zhao Yu watched him coldly, "Both are third-grade high-level martial arts. Yours was bought from the ck Tiger Gang with more than a decade of savings, while mine was something Xiao discarded because he didn''t think it was good enough!"


    Thrust!


    Lei Laohu spurted a mouthful of fresh blood.


    Did the martial skill he spent more than a decade''s savings on actually amount to less than the trash Xiao Yi didn''t even want?


    Ah...


    Lei Laohu roared unwillingly, and with a loud boom, fell on his back, breathless in death.


    Zhao Yu put away his longsword under the awe-struck gaze of the crowd and stood before Xiao Yi, stating respectfully, "Xiao, I have not failed your expectations!"


    "Well done!"


    Xiao Yi nodded with a smile, then his gaze shifted to Fang Jin and Jia Sichun.


    The two had left their seats at the moment of Lei Laohu''s death.


    "Here, take him back!"


    Xiao Yi kicked Lei Laohu''s corpse to Jia Sichun''s feet.


    "Useless trash, a disgrace..."


    Jia Sichun, with an angry face, struck out with his palm, smashing Lei Laohu''s body into mincemeat. He looked up, locked eyes with Xiao Yi, and sparks flew, their res shing in the air with fiery intensity.


    "Brother Jia, don''t get angry. I''ll kill him momentarily to vent your anger!"


    Fang Jin let out a long howl, his figure soared to the sky, and in an instant, he was on the arena stage, looking down coldly at Fang Qingzhu, "Qingzhu, it''s your fortune that Brother Jia thinks highly of you. If you serve Brother Jia well, I will not only give you the position of family heir, but I will also plead for mercy on your behalf to spare the life of the dog, Xiao Yi. How about that?"


    Fang Qingzhu coldly responded, "The position of family heir is already mine, Hexu, it''s yours to give away!"


    "Oh? So you are keen on battling me? I''m not afraid to tell you, I''m a cultivator of the Second Layer Spiritual Power Realm and have even awakened my Innate Divine Ability. You''re just a cripple with a damaged dantian. Are you sure you want to fight me?"


    Fang Jinughed heartily, his wordsced with a nauseating smugness, "Or are you nning to have a husband and wife team-up ande to die together?"


    "You''re not worthy to make Brother Xiao Yi take action!" Fang Qingzhu coolly replied.


    Swish!


    Her figure shed, and she leapt onto the arena stage, her face indifferent, "Begin!"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Hahaha, you should make the first move. If I start, you won''t even have the chance to react!" Fang Jin was full of pride.


    "Oh!"


    Fang Qingzhu just responded with a sound.


    The next second.


    Her figure vanished from Fang Jin''s sight.


    "What? Where is she?"


    Fang Jin was utterly befuddled, then suddenly, a burning pain spread across his face.


    Smack!


    Fang Jin spun around like a top, was flung ten meters away, tumbled for several turns, and crashed down from the arena stage.


    Hiss!


    The crowd gasped, their faces aghast, "What... what just happened?"


    "Such speed, wasn''t Fang Qingzhu''s dantian supposedly ruined? How... how does she have such strength and speed?"


    Fang Jin was pped into a state ofplete confusion.


    Fang Qingzhu walked to the edge of the arena stage, looking down with scorn at Fang Jin, mocking with a coldugh, "Still thinking of challenging Brother Xiao Yi? Do you think you''re worthy?"

 Chapter 35 Overwhelming Domination

    "Impossible, how can this be possible?"


    Fang Jin''s face was filled with disbelief and shock.


    The news of Fang Qingzhu being crippled was known throughout Nanhuang City, but the strength and speed that Fang Qingzhu had just disyed, how could someone whose dantian had been destroyed possess such abilities?


    At the very least, that level of strength and speed was something even Fang Jin felt inferior to!


    Jia Sichun narrowed his eyes and looked at Fang Qingzhu with an increasingly intense gaze, his desire to possess her growing stronger: "Excellent, excellent, what a heavenly prodigy. To be able to break through to the First Layer of the Divine Passage Realm at such a young age in this remote ce, if she can awaken her Innate Divine Ability, she would even be qualified to be a concubine of this young master!"


    "What? First Layer of the Divine Passage Realm?"


    "Is it true? Fang Qingzhu reached the First Layer of the Divine Passage Realm? Wasn''t her dantian destroyed?"


    The most shocked were undoubtedly Mr. and Mrs. Fang Zheng.


    They had personally witnessed Fang Qingzhu''s dantian being destroyed!


    And now Fang Qingzhu had actually broken through to the Divine Passage Realm?


    Elder Yan and Zhao Yu exchanged looks, also seeing the shock and astonishment in each other''s eyes, butpared to the confusion and iprehension of others, they felt even more shocked.


    The two exchanged nces and turned simultaneously to look at Xiao Yi, who stood with his hands behind his back and a smile on his face.


    They could be certain that Fang Qingzhu had indeed been crippled!


    Yet now, Fang Qingzhu had broken through to the Divine Passage Realm.


    This was nothing short of a miracle!


    "It must be Xiao!"


    "Apart from him, no one else could create such a miracle... a reborn dantian, Xiao''s methods are truly profound and unfathomable..." As they looked at Xiao Yi, their eyes filled with even more reverence.


    Above the arena.


    Fang Qingzhu said indifferently: "Fang Jin, how much longer do you n to lie there? Weren''t you going to take away the position of family heir? Come on, show me your full strength and let me see what makes you believe you can rece me!"


    Before her dantian was destroyed, Fang Qingzhu was already considered a heavenly prodigy.


    A prodigy has the pride of a prodigy!


    Ever since her dantian was destroyed, Fang Qingzhu had endured the world''s coldness and seen all its hideous faces.


    Her mentality became even stronger than before.


    But at the same time...


    It made her even colder towards her enemies.


    Fang Jin''s face alternated between pale and flushed, originally thinking that his breakthrough to the Divine Skills Realm, especially with Jia Sichun''s help to step into the Second Layer of the Divine Skills Realm, would mean a triumphant return. He would announce himself as the overlord of Nanhuang City in front of everyone.


    But...


    His dream was harshly shattered by Fang Qingzhu from the very start.


    "Damn it!"


    Fang Jin clenched his teeth, his eyes filled with ferocity and madness, "It was just my carelessness just now... Fang Qingzhu, you''vepletely infuriated me."


    "Oh?"


    Fang Qingzhu remained calm as usual, squinting her eyes and saying, "And what about it?"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "I''m going to kill you!"


    Fang Jin, red-faced, let out a low roar and summoned a ck longsword from his storage ring.


    The longsword was wrapped with a ck dragon, the tip of the de flickering with cold light, shining for ten miles.


    "Second-Grade Yuan Weapon Dragon Scale Sword!"


    "Half a year ago, this weapon was auctioned by Treasure Pavilion and bought by a mysterious person, I didn''t expect it to end up in his hands!"


    "This is bad, Fang Qingzhu''s weapon is only a Firstyer High-Level Yuan Weapon Purple Cloud Whip, she''s at a big disadvantage just based on their weapons alone!"


    Fang Qingzhu squinted, her eyes flickering with sharp light, but she showed no sign of panic. Instead, she turned back to Xiao Yi with a yful smile: "Xiao Yi, that sword looks pretty good, do you like it?"


    Xiao Yi smiled: "It''s not bad!"


    "Alright!"


    Fang Qingzhu beamed with charm, sweetly saying, "Since Xiao Yi likes it, then it''s mine!"


    "You dare covet my weapon? You''re delusional!"


    "Poison Dragon sh!"


    Fang Jin leaped up, the Dragon Scale Sword exuding a cold brilliance. The ck dragon pattern coiling around the sword seemed toe alive, and amidst a deafening dragon''s roar, the glistening silver tip stabbed towards Fang Qingzhu.


    The strike was powerful and heavy, its angle extremely tricky.


    However...


    Fang Qingzhu''s face remained indifferent, her figure graceful as a celestial, her delicate hand flicking the Purple Cloud Whip.


    Crack!


    The Purple Cloud Whip danced wildly like a raging serpent, striking out in an instant, coiling around the de of the Dragon Scale Sword. Following that, a faint ice-blue phantom flickered in her eyes, seemingly that of a soaring phoenix cloaked in icy blue.


    The Ice Blue Phoenix swept past.


    A dreadful cold swept down his palm, and ayer of cold ice had actually condensed on the longsword.


    "Not good!"


    Fang Jin''s face changed suddenly.


    In such an instant...


    His palm was already covered with ayer of frost, the entire palm numb.


    "Let go!"


    Fang Qingzhu sharply pulled her whip, and with a snap, she broke Fang Jin''s frozen grasp, revealing fierce cracks in the frozen palm. The mist of cold made the oozing blood instantly turn into crimson ice spikes.


    The Dragon Scale Sword fell into Fang Qingzhu''s hands.


    Taking advantage of the momentum, the whip coiled and snapped against Fang Jin''s chest.


    Clothes burst apart, skin split, flesh exploded, and blood gushed like a fountain!


    Fang Jin screamed miserably as he was hurled out, Fang Qingzhu pursued, and with the Purple Cloud Whip binding, she threw the longsword fiercely. With a piercing sound, it prated Fang Jin''s thigh, nailing him to the arena floor.


    All of this happened in a fleeting moment, in the blink of an eye.


    Fang Qingzhu had taken absolute advantage!


    In contrast, Fang Jin...


    This genius from the Royal Martial Arts Academy, now impaled on the arena floor like a dead dog, wailed miserably.


    "Holy shit, isn''t Fang Qingzhu too strong?"


    "Worthy of being the once number one beauty of Nanhuang City, her strength is terrifying!"


    "Fang Jin''s loss isn''t undeserved..."


    The crowd eximed at Fang Qingzhu''s strength, but Xiao Yi''s expression darkened, a glint of intense cold murderous intent flitting across his eyes.


    Just as Fang Qingzhu defeated Fang Jin, a figure suddenly sprang out from below the arena. A sword finger surged with overwhelming Yuan energy aimed directly at Fang Qingzhu, apanied by Jia Sichun''s bitterly cold voice, "Fang Jin is my dog, hitting him means disrespecting me, get down on your knees!"


    Jia Sichun was a cultivator of the Sixth Layer of the Divine Skill Realm and a genius who had awakened his Innate Divine Ability.


    With his gesture, the breath of death enveloped Fang Qingzhu.


    As the sword finger was about to strike Fang Qingzhu...


    At that moment...


    Xiao Yi stepped forward into the air, crushing that sword finger with a stomp, and with a backhanded p, a loud snapnded on Jia Sichun''s face.


    Flinging Jia Sichun away.


    Xiao Yi looked at him with icy eyes, "Dare to touch my woman, I see you''ve grown tired of living!"


    "You dare to hit me?"


    Jia Sichun''s face was full of ferocious hate, who had he ever been pped by in public from childhood?


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "If you seek death, wait until Qingzhu has resolved the matter here, I will oblige you. If you dare to meddle again, I''ll cripple you right now!"


    Boom!


    The aura of the God-Sealing Demon-Suppressing General was unmatched, capable of subduing the heavens and sealing gods and demons.


    Jia Sichun''s pupils shrank suddenly, and an unprecedented solemnity rose in his heart, but he retreated to the side without a word.


    Xiao Yi turned to Fang Tianhao, "Mr. Fang, can you now announce who will be the Fang Family sessor?"


    Whew!


    Fang Tianhao exhaled a long breath, looking at Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhu with aplicated expression. He had never imagined that the two whom he once drove out and never took seriously coulde this far.


    His eyes carried ferocity and coldness, staring fixedly at the two but he shook his head and said, "Qingzhu, it''s a joy that you have recovered your cultivation. However, it''s still not your turn to be the sessor of the Fang Family head."


    "Hm?"


    Fang Qingzhu was taken aback, her brows tightly knitted.


    She did not covet the position of head of the Fang Family, but it was the goal she had struggled for since childhood to prove herself.


    She wanted to prove to everyone that she Fang Qingzhu was no less than any man.


    To show her parents that she deserved their love and attention.


    And now...


    She had done it!


    She had defeated Fang Jin and proven her strength.


    But Fang Tianhao said she still couldn''t be the sessor?


    Fang Qingzhu''s face turned pale, her lips tightly pursed as she asked word by word, "Why?"


    Fang Tianhao said coldly, "Because..."

 Chapter 36 The Origins of Fang Qingzhu

    Fang Tianhao said coldly, "Because you are not of my Fang Family''s bloodline!"


    Boom!


    Fang Qingzhu staggered back three steps, her pretty face turned deathly pale, and she looked at Fang Tianhao in disbelief, "What are you saying? I''m not of the Fang Family bloodline?"


    From her childhood, she was born and raised in the Fang Family.


    She had even been willing to be a sacrificial pawn for the Fang Family''s interests, sinking to the role of a tool for the Fang Family to cling to the Xiao Family through alliance marriage.


    But now...


    Fang Tianhao was actually telling her she was not of the Fang Family?


    Fang Tianhao nced at the hiding Fang Zheng couple and said indifferently, "Do you still note forth at this point?"


    The Fang Zheng couple came out from behind.


    They exchanged a nce, and Fang Zheng pushed Liu Yun, "You say it!"


    Liu Yun red fiercely at Fang Zheng, her gaze toward Fang Qingzhu filled withplexity, and she sighed, "Qingzhu, the head of the family is right, you truly are not one of us. Eighteen years ago, on a snowy night, we found you in the Southern Deste Mountain Range during our training and brought you back. You are just an unwanted wild seed!"


    Boom!


    Fang Qingzhu trembled, feeling an icy chill throughout her body.


    She was truly not of the Fang Family?


    She was just an unwanted wild seed?


    Fang Qingzhu clenched her lips tightly as fresh blood seeped from them, staining her pearly white teeth red. "I don''t believe it, you''re lying to me, right? You must all be conspiring to deceive me, right?"


    Her hoarse voice wasced with hysteria, and her bloodshot eyes were too intense to meet.


    "I..."


    Liu Yun looked at the girl she had raised for eighteen years, suddenly feeling a strange sense of fear and unfamiliarity. She opened her mouth but couldn''t make a sound.


    Fang Zheng, standing to one side, sighed and said, "Let me do it then!"


    "You are indeed not our daughter. At first, we thought to raise you only to have you serve as a maid, but at the age of eight, you showed exceptional martial arts talent, and we decided to keep your true origin a secret. Having a daughter with remarkable talents could stabilize our position within the n. We hoped to keep this secret forever and treat you as our own, especially after arranging your marriage with the Xiao Family. But you were crippled and useless, and married to such a weakling, you hold no value for us now..."


    Fang Zheng looked up at Fang Qingzhu and said, "Fang Jin has Jia''s support, and even if you regain your cultivation, you cannotpete with him. Qingzhu, for the sake of eighteen years of affection, my advice to you is to submit willingly to Jia. As long as you serve Jia well, even if only as his lover, you will still be our good girl!"


    Thump! Thump! Thump!


    Fang Qingzhu suddenly realized why, as a child, Fang Zheng and his wife had always been so indifferent to her.


    It was only after she began to cultivate and disyed immense talent that they suddenly started showing her great concern.


    But once she was married to Xiao Yi, and her cultivation was destroyed, they became strangers to her.


    "So it turns out... I was nothing but a tool for you to use all along..." Fang Qingzhu murmured to herself. As she spoke, tears fell, and as she cried, sheughed as well.


    Yet herughter was deste, and her smile was terribly bitter.


    She felt as if the whole world plunged into endless darkness.


    Out of reach was any light or hope!


    Liu Yun, standing aside, shouted, "Your father is right, with Jia''s status, bing his lover would hugely benefit us and the Fang Family. You''re nothing but an unwanted wild seed, bing his lover is a great fortune for you, I urge you..." Ah...


    Before she could finish.


    Smack!


    Liu Yun was sent flying by a p from Xiao Yi, her teeth shattered from the impact, and Xiao Yi''s cold gaze swept across them, "If you utter one more useless word, I''ll ughter you right now!"


    Hiss!


    Fang Zheng and Fang Hao quickly bowed their heads, as silent as cicadas in winter.


    Watching Fang Qingzhu by his side, who alternated betweenughing and crying, Xiao Yi''s eyes shed with pain, and he gently embraced her, "Don''t be afraid, you still have me!"


    Fang Qingzhu stiffened, then gradually softened in his arms.


    The warmth emanating from Xiao Yi''s body felt like a lifesaving straw, pulling Fang Qingzhu out from the abyss of darkness and despair.


    Life returned to Fang Qingzhu''s eyes once more.


    She was not alone, she was not unwanted.


    She still had Xiao Yi!


    "What a touching disy of love between a man and his girl¡­ However, you knew that I fancied her, yet you dared to be so intimate with her, isn''t that too dismissive of me?" Jia Sichun looked at Fang Qingzhu curled up in Xiao Yi''s embrace, his eyes filled with rage and jealousy, which diluted the awe his imposing aura should havemanded.


    His possessiveness was extremely intense.


    In his eyes, anyone or anything he desired was his.


    No one else was permitted to touch them!n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "You¡­"


    Just as Fang Qingzhu was about to speak, Xiao Yi stopped her and shook his head with a light chuckle, "Leave it to me!"


    Fang Qingzhu obediently nodded, "Mhm!"


    Watching Fang Qingzhu step off the tform, Xiao Yi''s soft smile quietly faded away, and his nearly closed eyes emitted a cold sharpness. Casually strolling by Fang Jin, he reached out his hand into thin air, and the Dragon Scale Sword whistled into his grip with a swift motion.


    "Owow¡­" Fang Jin cried out in pain.


    The Dragon Scale Sword had only pierced through his flesh when it went through his thigh, but Xiao Yi suddenly withdrew it,pletely shattering his bones.


    Xiao Yi nced sideways at the curled up Fang Jin who was screaming on the ground and said indifferently, "You''re too noisy!"


    The longsword pierced, prating Fang Jin''s throat.


    From the moment Fang Jin set his sights on Fang Qingzhu, his fate had already been sealed!


    "No¡­ you, you actually killed Fang Jin?" Fang Tianhao''s eyes were filled with fury.


    Now that their rtionship with Fang Qingzhu had be irreparably vtile, Fang Jin was their Fang Family''s only hope.


    But now¡­


    Xiao Yi had personally crushed that hope.


    Fang Tianhao shouted to Jia Sichun beside him, "Jia, kill him, quickly avenge Fang Jin!"


    Bang!


    Jia Sichun made his move.


    Only...


    His palm struck Fang Tianhao''s head.


    Fang Tianhao''s body trembled, blood spurted from his seven apertures, and until his dying moment, he still couldn''t understand why Jia Sichun, clearly on the same side, would suddenly strike at him.


    "A dog dares to give orders to me?"


    Jia Sichun withdrew his hand, took out a handkerchief to wipe his palm, and looked at Xiao Yi with disgust, "Xiao Yi of the Xiao Family? Your brother Xiao Tianjiao is indeed an impressive figure, said to have entered the Dharma Manifestation Realm half a month ago, bing the Deputy Sect Master of Tianjian Sect, and he might reach the ranks of the ancient giants within ten years. But I heard he doesn''t think highly of you; he even considers you a disgrace and expelled you from the Xiao Family. If I kill you now, he should thank me, right?"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback, "He has reached the Dharma Manifestation already? That''s fast!"


    Though he harbored all sorts of hatred towards Xiao Tianjiao, he couldn''t help but admire his martial talent.


    Entering the Dharma Manifestation Realm in his twenties!


    Even in the history of the entire Heavenly Yuan Realm, such individuals are rare.


    "It seems I still have a long way to go to surpass him!"


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath, his gaze settling on Jia Sichun, the Dragon Scale Sword in his hand vibrating ever so slightly, its tip flickering with silver light, bright and cold for a hundred zhang, and he said coldly, "If you want to kill me to curry favor with Xiao Tianjiao, you''ll have to see if you''re capable!"


    Jia Sichun''s tongue, red as blood, licked his lips, and he sneered, "If you can withstand ten moves from me and hand over Fang Qingzhu to me, I''ll spare your life. How about it?"


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Killing you is like ughtering pigs and dogs, ten moves? That''s too many!"

 Chapter 37 Visit Mr. Xiao

    ```


    "Killing you is like ughtering pigs and dogs, ten moves? Too many!"


    Xiao Yi wore a look of indifference on his face as he gently shook his head.


    Although his cultivation was only at the First Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, the four hundred God Sealing Seeds within his body had been activated. Even though he hadn''t subdued any new foes, those seeds had infused his Sword Intent Seed with the power of the divine.


    He hadpleted thest step of transformation.


    True Sword Intent had formed!


    With Sword Intent in his grasp and having stepped into the First Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, he had also awakened his Innate Divine Ability.


    This elevated Xiao Yi''s power to a whole new level!


    He underwent a fundamental transformation!


    With his current strength, not even a Sixth Layer of Divine Skill Realm powerhouse like Jia Sichun was of any concern to him.


    "Killing me is like ughtering pigs and dogs?"


    Jia Sichun''s face was filled with a hideous rage, experiencing humiliation like never before, he touched his cheek that had just been pped by Xiao Yi, his eyes glinting with icy coldness, "A dog like you dares to humiliate me like this? I''ll show you how foolish it is to have angered me!"


    Boom!


    Jia Sichun''s fists flew through the air.


    Vital energy surged wildly along his arms as if cloaked in an armor of Qi, his figure as swift as the wind and lightning, racing forth in a blink.


    Whoosh!


    In the blink of an eye.


    Jia Sichun appeared before Xiao Yi, pointing his finger, "Four Directions Prison Dragon Finger!"


    Boom!


    Vital energy, fine as threads, burst forth from his fingertips, enveloping the space around Xiao Yi from all directions, interweaving into a cage of Qi.


    Jia Sichun''s face twisted malevolently, "Six Harmonies Extinction Sun Palm!"


    He opened his hands, one to the left and one to the right, with palms facing each other.


    From his palms erupted scorching vital energy like raging mes, transforming into two fiery dragons rushing towards Xiao Yi within the cage. The dragons appeared fierce and life-like, with mes that soared high enough to almost melt the arena itself.


    "Is this... really martial arts? Why do our techniques seem like child''s y before his, although we''re also in the Divine Skills Realm..." Zhao Yu swallowed nervously, his eyes filled with horror and dread.


    Elder Yan took a deep breath, his face tinged with bitterness, "This is true Divine Skills. What we''ve been cultivating is merely martial arts... Nanhuang is too small!"


    Nanhuang was indeed too small.


    So small that these family heads who presided over their respective areas couldn''t even awaken their Innate Divine Abilities when breaking through to the Divine Skills Realm.


    If they were in the capital, these Divine Skills Realm experts could only be called pseudo-Divine Skills.


    They were far inferior to those of the same realm who had awakened their Innate Divine Abilities.


    Not to mention in the Great Qian Dynasty...


    Any Divine Skills Realm cultivator who hadn''t awakened their Innate Divine Ability, even in the military, would only be cannon fodder.


    Not far away, amidst the crowd.


    Lord Sikong wore a grave expression as he turned toward the elder beside him, his heart filled with unease, he ventured, "Elder Wang, should you intervene?"


    "Grandfather, won''t you take action?" The young girl standing beside him looked up.


    Elder Wang chuckled and shook his head, petting the girl''s head, he smiled, "No need, that young fellow named Xiao Yi has brought me quite a few surprises! And his wife, having such a rare Ice Attribute Innate Divine Ability, if I bring this couple back, those old fellows will surely be green with envy..."


    Sikong Nan''s face shifted slightly.


    He was well aware of Elder Wang''s status and naturally understood where the elder spoke of taking them.


    Sikong Nan calmed the envy and excitement in his heart, looking towards Xiao Yi, he thought to himself, "It seems it must have been Xiao who brought forth the heavenly phenomenon back then, and now he has even caught Elder Wang''s favor. Xiao''s future is boundless indeed!"


    Meanwhile.


    The fiery dragon from the mes had already rushed toward the Four Directions Prison Cage.


    Numerous mes spewed out tongues of fire, emitting intense heat as if to incinerate all in its path to ashes.


    "Die, Xiao Yi!"


    Fang Zheng and his family had faces full of venomous resentment.


    However...


    Amidst the mes, a heaven-shattering Sword Qi burst forth.


    ```


    ```


    Whoosh!


    The silver sword light cleaved the fierce mes into two halves, and along with the entire vital energy prison, crumbled to dust under Xiao Yi''s sword edge. Following closely, Xiao Yi''s figure emerged from the mes, like the deity of fire descending upon the world.


    "Impossible¡­ How, how could you possibly break my Four Directions Prison Dragon Finger?" Jia Sichun''s face was filled with shock, disbelief written all over it.


    This was a third-grade high-level martial skill,bined with the fire attribute vital energy brought by his Innate Divine Ability, it was tremendously powerful.


    Using these two consecutive moves against his opponents, he had always been invincible!


    Boom!


    Jia Sichun''s body shook violently as tongues of fire burst forth from within him, turning him into a human-shaped me. mes spewed from his eyes, revealing his Innate Divine Ability, the ming Devil Body.


    Enveloped in the soaring demon mes, the ming Devil Body charged towards Xiao Yi: "Trinity Palm!"


    "Four Symbols Thunderous Fist!"


    "Five Directions Demon King Finger..."


    With demon mes enhancing his body, over ten different skills came crashing down like andslide, but Xiao Yi effortlessly neutralized each one. Facing Xiao Yi, who stood quietly before him, revealing no ws, Jia Sichun, even with his demon mes, still felt an icy chill throughout his body.


    Xiao Yi held the Dragon Scale Sword, looking indifferently at whatid before him: "Ten moves have passed, now it''s my turn!"


    "Sweeping a Thousand Armies!"


    A horizontal sweep of the sword, its brilliance like thousands of galloping horses.


    Boom!


    The terrifying Sword Qi sent Jia Sichun tumbling into the air, and right then, Xiao Yi''s second sword strike was upon him: "Chasing Stars and Moons!"


    Whoosh!


    This sword strike snapped the tendons in both of Jia Sichun''s hands.


    "Life Seizing Soul Chaser!"


    In an instant, dozens of sword shadows descended upon Jia Sichun''s body, obliterating the mes andpletely shattering the Innate Divine Ability, the ming Devil Body. Xiao Yi shed forward in pursuit, a foot stomping down hard.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Bang!


    Jia Sichun''s head smashed heavily onto the arena, reverberating with a thunderous boom, spreading spiderweb-like cracks all over the stage.


    Sand flew and dust tumbled.


    As the dust settled,


    Xiao Yi stood proud between heaven and earth, while Jia Sichun was pinned beneath his foot, his head having smashed a deep pit in the arena floor, blood oozing from all seven orifices, both hands limp with snapped tendons, looking every bit the cripple.


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "You''ve lost before ten moves were up!"


    Hiss!


    The arena was shrouded in silence, as quiet as death.


    Gulp!


    Someone swallowed nervously, breaking the eerie stillness.


    "I, I''m fuckin''¡­"


    "Xiao won? He, he actually defeated Jia Sichun?"


    "Jia Sichun is a Profound Level student at the Royal Martial Arts Academy, a genius who has awakened his Innate Divine Ability. Would this not mean that Xiao''s strength surpasses that of the Profound Level students at the Royal Martial Arts Academy?"


    "That''s terrifying!"


    "Xiao''s talent and strength are indeed frightening, but... he''s gotten himself into big trouble! I heard that Jia Sichun''s background is profound, his father holds a high position in the current court, and his brother is an Earth Level student at the Royal Martial Arts Academy. Xiao has no background; how can he deal with the Jia Family''s retaliation?"


    "Xiao is from the Xiao Family..."


    "The Xiao Family? They were about to expel Xiao from their family, why would they care about his life or death?"


    At this moment,


    amotion suddenly arose from the crowd: "Lord Sikong is here!"


    "Make way, Lord Sikong must havee to save Jia..."


    "Xiao Yi is as good as dead!"


    Jia Sichun, still being stepped on by Xiao Yi, regained his senses. With a bloody face, he roared ferociously, "So what if you''re stronger than me, Xiao Yi? Can your strength possiblypare to the power of my Jia Family? You''re doomed... Lord Sikong, my father is Jia Jun, a second-grade officer of the court. Help me kill him!"


    However...


    Sikong Nan did not even give Jia Sichun a nce but bowed deeply to Xiao Yi in full view of everyone, speaking loud and clear: "Sikong Nan pays respects to Mr. Xiao..."


    ```

 Chapter 38 No Ones Face Works!

    "Greetings, Mr. Xiao!"


    Sikong Nan stood in front of Xiao Yi with a face full of solemn respect, meticulous in his demeanor.


    This scene left the crowd around the tform in utter shock, "Isn''t Lord Sikong here to help Jia? Why, why is he showing such respect to Xiao Yi instead?"


    "What on earth is going on?"


    Jia Sichun was thoroughly confused.


    The moment they saw Sikong Nan, everyone, including Jia, thought he was there to help them.


    But then...


    It was as if Sikong Nan didn''t even see him.


    It felt like an invisible p had fiercely struck his face, causing a burning sting on his cheek. Gnashing his teeth, he said, "Sikong Nan, do you not see that this young master is trapped here? Won''t you lend a hand and rescue me?"


    "Shut up!"


    Xiao Yi kicked, shattering all of Jia Sichun''s teeth, then turned to Sikong Nan, "Lord Sikong, what brings you to me?"


    Sikong Nan''s respectful stance didn''t waver, "Mr. Xiao, Elder Wang wishes to see you!"


    "Elder Wang?"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback, not knowing who Elder Wang referred to, but his impression of Sikong Nan was not bad, so he replied, "Wait a moment. Once I have killed him, I will go with you!"


    "This..."


    Sikong Nan''s expression slightly changed.


    Because Elder Wang highly valued Xiao Yi, he pretended not to see Jia Sichun, but if Jia Sichun were to be in by Xiao Yi right before his eyes, it would be difficult for him to escape me when Jia''s father sought ountability.


    As Sikong Nan struggled with this dilemma, a hoarse voice came from the crowd, "Young friend, could you do an old man a favor and spare his life?"


    "Hmm?"


    Xiao Yi was stunned, and looked in the direction of the voice.


    Sikong Nan was already standing aside with respect, "Elder Wang!"


    "Hmm!"


    Elder Wang smiled, his expression kind as he looked at Xiao Yi, "I am Wang Zhiyuan!"


    "Wang Zhiyuan? Why does that name sound so familiar?"


    "Wait, isn''t the vice chancellor of the Royal Martial Arts Academy also named Wang Zhiyuan?"


    "Hiss! No way? The vice chancellor of the Royal Martial Arts Academy? Why, why would hee here?"


    Xiao Yi''s gaze towards Elder Wang was filled with confusion.


    If this man could serve as vice chancellor at the Royal Martial Arts Academy, he was definitely one of the top figures in the Tianqing Kingdom. Why would hee to this remote and deste ce?


    Just as Xiao Yi was about to speak, Jia Sichun, as if grabbing onto a lifeline, screamed hysterically, "Elder Wang, save me... my father is Jia Jun, my brother is Jia Sidao, please save me..." His face turned red with excitement as he stared at Xiao Yi with hatred, "Hahaha, you''re as good as dead, dog! Elder Wang is famously protective of his charges, and I am a genius disciple of the Royal Martial Arts Academy. He will definitely take a stand for me!"


    In Jia Sichun''s eyes, the arrival of Elder Wang was his ultimate reliance!


    The thought of being trampled underfoot by Xiao Yi, an ant he had never taken seriously, subjected to immense humiliation, made Jia Sichun''s heart brim with tremendous hatred.


    His vindictive gaze carried the thrill of revenge.


    Jia Sichun''s eyes red fiercely at Xiao Yi, brimming with arrogance as he dered, "You dog, if you want to save your wretched life, you can kneel before this young master. If you kneel, beg for mercy, and send Fang Qingzhu clean to my bed, I might consider sparing your miserable life!"


    Elder Wang was present, always known to be protective.


    In Jia Sichun''s eyes, he was already out of harm''s way, naturally emboldened.


    Phew!


    Xiao Yi let out a deep breath and, with a raised eyebrow, looked at Wang Zhiyuan who had appeared in front of him and smiled, "As the saying goes, heaven may allow one tomit certain faults, but one brings destruction upon oneself. I was willing to spare him for the sake of Vice Dean Wang''s face, but he bore down on me aggressively, intent onying hands on Qingzhu. Since he touched my reverse scale, nobody''s face can save him now!"


    His smile remained, but his expression became colder and colder.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    In his eyes,


    Cold lights shed like knives, like swords, overwhelming.


    Jia Sichun sneered repeatedly, arrogantly saying, "Xiao Yi, you doglike creature really dare to put on airs! Nobody''s face can save me? Hmph, who do you think you are? Standing in front of you is the Vice Dean of the Royal Martial Arts Academy, and you dare to threaten me in his presence? You''re simply courting death!"


    Xiao Yi just looked at Wang Zhiyuan.


    Waiting for his response.


    "s..."


    Wang Zhiyuan nced at Jia Sichun, who was still shouting, and a trace of helplessness swept across his face as he shook his head and said with a bitter smile, "Every dragon has a reverse scale, and touching it means death. For a man, his wife and children are his reverse scale... Jia Sichun, you''re determined to seek death, I truly cannot help you!"


    Boom!


    The radiant smile on Jia Sichun''s face instantly copsed.


    He looked at Wang Zhiyuan with disbelief, his head buzzing as if his breath had ceased, "Wang, Vice Dean Wang, what, what did you say?"


    Wang Zhiyuan sighed, "If you seek death on your own, you can''t me anyone else!"


    Thump!


    This sudden thunderbolt made Jia Sichun tremble as if struck by lightning, staring nkly at Wang Zhiyuan for a long while without saying a word. Suddenly, with a hoarse cry as if gasping for air after being suffocated, Jia Sichun began to breathe in great gulps, his face deathly pale, "Vice Dean Wang, I, I am a Profound Level student, my brother is an Earth Level student, my father is a second-ranked official of the current reign... How could you possibly not save me? You can''t not save me, hurry and kill this damn dog to save me, save me..."


    His voice grew louder, but it was also increasingly desperate.


    In the hysterical roar,


    Jia Sichun kept calling out his father''s and brother''s statuses, emphasizing the powerful background, that each alone belonged to the elite echelons of the Tianqing Kingdom.


    But today...


    The very things he once took pride in could not save him.


    "How, how could this be? This is just the remote Nanhuang, as long as I mention my name, who dares to disrespect me? As long as I mention my father and brother''s names, who dares not to treat me with the utmost respect? Why, why do you dare to kill me? Why..."


    Suddenly, Jia Sichun knelt on the ground with a plop, wailing pitifully, begging in a lowly manner, "Xiao, please spare my life, I beg you not to kill me, I know I was wrong, I will never dare again... "


    Thud, thud, thud!


    Jia Sichun kept kowtowing toward Xiao Yi, his head striking the ground heavily, creating a dull sound.


    Each impact made one''s heart skip a beat.


    All around the arena was silent.


    Not long ago...


    Jia Sichun was full of vigor, so dominant and aggressive.


    As if aside from Elder Tian, he was to be honored as the elder brother!


    And now?


    He was doing the very thing those lowly ants in his eyes used to do, kneeling humbly on the ground, kowtowing and begging for mercy, lowly like a dog!


    "If only you had known, why did you do it to begin with?"


    Xiao Yi looked at Jia Sichun who was begging fearfully like a dog that had lost its home. As he lightly shook his head, his sword swept across. The sword sealed the throat, blood gushed like a fountain, and with a thud, the head rolled onto the ground. As the blood sprayed till thest drop, that was also exactly when Xiao Yi''s treasured sword returned to its sheath.


    The silver light disappearing into the scabbard was an image forever unforgettable to those who witnessed this scene...

 Chapter 39 You Reap What You Sow

    Xiao Yi flipped his hand and put the longsword into the storage ring.


    The murderous intent on his face faded, reced by a touch of gentleness. He smiled and said, "Elder Wang, please wait a moment, let me handle the matters here first!"


    "Please do!"


    Wang Zhiyuan nodded, his gaze at Xiao Yi filled with increasing admiration.


    To treat enemies with the cold ruthlessness of a harsh winter, yet extend the warmth of spring to friends.


    This is how a true man ought to be!


    Xiao Yi looked towards Fang Qingzhu, gently holding her soft palm, and smiled, "Qingzhu, from now on you will be the head of the Fang Family!"


    Fang Qingzhu was stunned, her expressionplex.


    The head of the Fang Family, huh?N?v(el)B\\jnn


    She had exerted all her effort to keep her position as the heir apparent, merely seeking the recognition of her parents. But now that she knew she was not really a member of the Fang Family, what inheritance could she speak of?


    Fang Qingzhu forced a smile and said, "From today on, I have nothing to do with the Fang Family anymore. Whoever wants this position of family head can have it!"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback, thenughed, "Alright, then don''t take it!"


    Beneath the stage.


    Suddenly, Fang Hao''s voice rang out, "Sister, since you don''t want this position of family head, then give it to me!"


    Liu Yun''s eyes shone brightly, shamelessly saying, "That''s right Qingzhu, even though you''re not our own flesh and blood, we''ve raised you for more than a decade. Give the position of family head over to your brother! That way, it would be like repaying us for our kindness in raising you!"


    Fang Zheng''s face also showed interest.


    Before Fang Tianhao passed away, they had no chance at the position of family head.


    But now...


    With Fang Tianhao and Fang Jin gone, their branch would be the only one left in power in the Fang Family.


    Fang Qingzhu looked at the two with disdain in her eyes, took a deep breath, and slowly said, "Those who give birth without raising, a severed finger can repay. Those who raise without giving birth, eternal gratitude is owed. Although you raised me just to use me, I cannot repay this kindness. You can take the position of family head of the Fang Family if you want! Just from today onwards, I no longer have anything to do with you!"


    "Good, good, good, no more ties!"


    "Haha, Hao''er, you''ll be the family head from now on!"


    Fang Zheng and his family of three were overjoyed, hugging each other in celebration.


    Everyone around them couldn''t help but shake their heads in pity, "This family of three is incurably foolish!"


    "Given the current state of the Fang Family, even if they take control, how could they maintain such an inheritance?"


    "The entire Fang Family are fools... Had they sincerely apologized, Fang Qingzhu might have still been mindful of past kindness, and taken care of them in the future. Now... I reckon the Fang Family won''tst three months before theirplete downfall!"


    "Three months? If hests a month, I''ll take your surname..."


    The chatter of the people made Fang Zheng''s trioe to a sudden realization.


    Without absolute strength, how could they possibly hold onto the Fang Family?


    Even if they took the position of family head now, who could preserve them against the increasingly fiercepetition in the future?


    Upon this thought.


    The three hurriedly turned to Fang Qingzhu, "Qingzhu, we were wrong, we still treat you as our own daughter..."


    Fang Qingzhu''s face turned pale.


    She saw their true colors clearly and thoroughly.


    She took a deep breath, tears in her eyes, and said through gritted teeth, "I''ve already said, I have nothing more to do with the Fang Family, or with you!"


    "Fang Qingzhu you can''t do this, I raised you for eighteen years..."


    "You illegitimate child, it''s no surprise your own parents abandoned you..."


    "You ungrateful wretch..."


    As they watched Fang Qingzhu''s resolute face, Fang Zheng and his family were furious, roaring continuously.


    Fang Qingzhu had her eyes tightly closed, but Xiao Yi, standing by her side, could feel her body tremble slightly, a cold glint crossing his eyes as he nced over Zhao Yu and Elder Yan.


    Both of them nodded at the same time, their looks of pitynding together on the family of three of Fang Zheng.


    It indeed confirmed what Xiao Yi had said earlier, "Heavenly sins can be forgiven, but one brings about his own destruction¡ªcannot live!"


    Truly, this family of three, Fang Zheng, had dug their own grave!


    Watching as Zhao Yu and Elder Yan took Fang Zheng and his family away, Xiao Yi took Fang Qingzhu by the hand and approached Wang Zhiyuan, "Elder Wang, sorry to have kept you waiting!"


    "Not at all!"


    Wang Zhiyuan chuckled, then said, "Xiao Yi, are you wondering why I managed to find you?"


    Xiao Yi nodded.


    Wang Zhiyuan smiled and called out to the crowd, "Xue''er, aren''t you going toe and greet Xiao Yi, young friend?"


    "Grandfather!"


    Xue''er walked out from the crowd, stood by Wang Zhiyuan''s side, and stuck out her tongue yfully towards Xiao Yi, "Brother Xiao Yi, do you remember me?"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback.


    Wasn''t this the woman he had saved in the Southern Deste Mountain Range? He nodded his head, a look of realization dawning as he turned to Wang Zhiyuan, "I had no idea that Xue''er was actually the granddaughter of Elder Wang!"


    "Hahaha, such is the way of the world, everything is bound by destiny!" said Wang Zhiyuan with a smile, before continuing, "This girl Xue''er, being mischievous, ran out from home on her own. If she hadn''t encountered you, I''m afraid she might have already met with disaster!"


    While speaking, Wang Zhiyuan red fiercely at Xue''er.


    Xue''er looked a bit wronged and pouted.


    Xiao Yi shook his head, "It was but a small effort, not worth mentioning!"


    "It may have been a small effort for you, but for me, it''s a favor as great as the heavens!"


    Xue''er was the Wang Family''s third generation''s only girl, greatly adored, and her mother''s background was extremely formidable. If anything had happened to Xue''er, let alone the five cities of Nanhuang being wiped off the map of the Tianqing Kingdom, even the Wang Family would suffer, he continued, "Xiao Yi, my reason foring today is to give thanks for saving Xue''er and to offer you some treasures as a token of gratitude!"


    Xiao Yi shook his head to refuse.


    "Do not be hasty to refuse, just hear me out... Before meeting you, I intended to grant you some Cultivation Techniques or treasures aspensation, but now, I have changed my mind!"


    Wang Zhiyuan''s gaze was intense as he stared at Xiao Yi and said in a solemn voice, "Nanhuang is but a small corner of the world. Here, some pseudo-Divine Skills wielders are already considered big shots, but in the Royal City, in the Great Qian Dynasty... even in the whole Heavenly Yuan Realm, such pseudo-Divine Skills wielders are not worth mentioning. I believe you would never want to be confined here, right?"


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing Wang Zhiyuan, "Elder Wang, please speak frankly."


    Wang Zhiyuan took a deep breath and said solemnly, "The path of martial arts requires talent, for sure, but resources are equally indispensable. I want to invite you to the Royal City to join our Royal Martial Arts Academy. With your talent and strength, you will definitely shine. You will be able to obtain more resources from the Martial Arts Institute..."


    Xiao Yi frowned.


    Leaving Nanhuang was a certainty.


    But...


    He nced at Fang Qingzhu by his side.


    Fang Qingzhu, holding Xiao Yi''s hand, wore a tender smile on her face and softly said, "Brother Xiao Yi, do you remember what I once told you?"


    Xiao Yi''s body trembled.


    How could he forget those words?


    To follow whomsoever she would marry!


    Fang Qingzhu continued, "As long as you don''t dislike me for being an unwanted orphan, wherever you go, I will follow!"


    Whew!


    Xiao Yi gripped Fang Qingzhu''s soft hand tightly and said firmly, "Alright, no matter where I go in the future, I will take you with me!" He looked up at Wang Zhiyuan and said in a deep voice, "Elder Wang, when do we depart?"


    Wang Zhiyuan''s face showed delight, saying, "There''s only half a month left until the next selection. We set off tomorrow, how does that sound?"


    Xiao Yi looked at Fang Qingzhu, and as the two of them had no attachment to Nanhuang City anymore, he nodded and said, "Then we leave tomorrow!"


    His gaze turned towards the distant horizon, towards the direction of the Royal City of the Tianqing Kingdom, and also the closest direction to the Great Qian Dynasty, his palm quietly clenched, his eyes suddenly sharp, "Xiao Tianjiao, the distance between us is getting shorter."

 Chapter 40 Mingjian Manor

    Late at night, the Fang Family.


    Fang Zheng, Fang Hao, and Liu Yun were gathered together.


    Fang Haoined indignantly, "Dad, Mom, that Fang Qingzhu is really too ungrateful, isn''t she? We even allowed her to return to the Fang Family, yet not only did she refuse, but she also had Zhao Yu and Elder Yan drive us away. It''s truly hateful!"


    Liu Yun, too, had an aggrieved look and a venomous gleam in her eye, "That bastard is a white-eyed wolf, not valuing us at all!"


    "Shut up!"


    Fang Zheng snorted coldly, "Fang Qingzhu isn''t the little girl that we could manipte before; she now has the backing of Xiao Yi, and Xiao Yi has gained the favor of that Elder Wang, who has unlimited prospects for the future."


    That''s the vice-principal of the Royal Martial Arts Academy!


    A figure who could rank within the top ten throughout the entire Tianqing Kingdom.


    If the Fang Family could connect with Elder Wang, not to mention dominating Nanhuang, it would even be possible to enter the royal capital and be one of the noble families of the Tianqing Kingdom.


    Liu Yun said hatefully, "They really have stumbled upon good luck."


    Fang Hao spoke with a worried face, "Dad, now that our family no longer has a warrior of the Divine Skills Realm to take charge, what shall we do in the future?"


    In this world where the weak are prey to the strong, without absolute martial dominance, even owning a mountain of gold would be emptied out.


    The Fang Family, being one of the four great families of Nanhuang City.


    Their main advantage had been having Fang Tianhao, a powerful warrior of the Divine Skills Realm.


    Now that Fang Tianhao had been killed, Fang Jin had perished, and Fang Qingzhu had been forced to leave the Fang Family.


    It was a precarious situation!


    Fang Zheng''s sinister smile emerged, "Don''t worry, I''ve already nned everything. Fang Qingzhu thinks she can cast us aside with just the position of family head? Simply a fool''s dream... Aren''t they going to the capital? Once they leave, we will sell off our assets, take the money, and go to the capital to seek them out."


    "Ah? Seek her out? She doesn''t acknowledge us anymore, what''s the point of going to her..." Liu Yun asked, puzzled.


    Fang Zhengughed loudly, "She''s nothing but a bastard. It''s only we who can abandon her, since when does she have the right to abandon us? Once we get to the capital, if she dares to ignore us, we will spread the news everywhere that Fang Qingzhu abandoned her parents and siblings to please Xiao Yi. ''A person''s face is like the bark of a tree''... As long as she wants to make it in the capital, she won''t dare dismiss us. With their support, we canpletely re-establish the Fang Family there in the capital..."


    "So, we''ll be nobility of the capital in the future?"


    "Hahaha, Dad''s n is indeed the best!"


    While the family of three was smugly pleased with their calctions, a frosty voice suddenly rang out, "You might not live to see that moment!"


    "Huh?"


    "Who?"


    All three trembled, only to see Zhao Yu and Elder Yan stepping out from the darkness.


    Hiss!


    Theirplexions suddenly changed.


    All traces of sinister expression vanished from Fang Zheng''s face, reced by a hint of ttery and sycophancy, "Zhao Family Head, Elder Yan, may I ask why you haveete at night?"


    "On the orders of Young Master Xiao, we''re here to send you off to theherworld!" Zhao Yu said calmly.


    The hint of pity in Elder Yan''s eyes had vanished upon hearing the conversation of the three, his expression turned ice cold as he said, "Such filthy creatures like you don''t deserve to live in this world."


    "No, you can''t kill us, I am Fang Qingzhu''s father..."


    "Xiao Yi, Fang Qingzhu, you ungrateful white-eyed wolves..."


    Elder Yan scoffed, "Kill them!"


    He acted simultaneously with Zhao Yu.


    Blood sttered, and three heads rolled in a pool of blood, their eyes wide with anger and filled with despair...


    ......


    Three dayster, Mingjian City.


    This city lies on the essential path from Nanhuang to the royal capital, and with the Tianqing Kingdom''s number one Sword Forging Family, Mingjian Manor, located within, hence its name.


    This Sword Mountain Manor has been a swordsmithing family for generations.


    Inside the manor, there''s even a Sword Tomb.


    Countless famous swords were nurtured within the Sword Tomb, especially half of the renowned top ten swords of the Tianqing Kingdom originated from there.


    Each year, Sword Mountain Manor would open the Sword Tomb to the public. Anyone who pays ten thousand taels of silver could enter the Sword Tomb. If fated, they could obtain the acknowledgment of a primeval sword and take it away. Whenever the Sword Tomb opened, Mingjian City would be packed with people, attracting countless strong individuals from all over the Tianqing Kingdom.


    On a wide imperial road.


    Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhu rode on tall horses, looking from afar at the majestic Mingjian City and the bustling crowd along the way. Fang Qingzhu sighed and said, "I''ve long heard that the liveliest time in Mingjian City is when the Sword Tomb opens each year. I never expected that we''d coincide with it!"


    "The Sword Forging Skill of Sword Mountain Manor is indeed unparalleled in the Tianqing Kingdom. With half of the top ten famous swordsing from Sword Mountain Manor, naturally, there are many people whoe for its fame," Xiao Yi nodded in agreement.


    The two of them were originally traveling with Wang Zhiyuan.


    But yesterday, Wang Zhiyuan received a secret missive from the Royal Martial Arts Academy and hurried away with Wang Xue''er, leaving only the two of them behind.


    "Xiao Yi, you have now reached the Spiritual Realm Cultivation. The Crimson me Chasing Wind Sword is no longer suitable for you as a weapon. Since it happens to be the time when the Sword Tomb is open, why don''t we go take a look together?" Fang Qingzhu looked at Xiao Yi with a smile, her lips slightly curving up, revealing a sharp little canine tooth.


    Xiao Yi thought for a moment, then nodded and said, "Alright, let''s go see what this Sword Tomb is all about!"


    After stepping into the Divine Skills Realm, a second-grade primeval weapon was indeed somewhat underpowered.


    Especially after he had mastered Sword Intent, his requirement for a primeval weapon had be much more stringent.


    If he could obtain a weapon that suited him, indeed, it could greatly increase hisbat power.


    The two made their way to the city and settled down at an inn before heading to Sword Mountain Manor.


    The Sword Tomb would open at sunset.


    After paying twenty thousand taels of silver and receiving the pass tokens at Sword Mountain Manor, they waited outside the Sword Tomb.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    It was currently midday.


    The scorching sun was high, baking the earth as Xiao Yi and hispanion found a quiet shady spot to sit under a tree.


    They had arrived early and it wasn''t long before the square gradually filled with people, bing a sea of heads.


    Xiao Yi murmured, "Sword Mountain Manor is making a good business. Ten thousand taels per person, and there are at least a thousand people here... Just the entry fee alones them over ten million..."


    A second-grade primeval weapon is worth over a hundred thousand taels of silver, while a third-grade one values at over a million taels.


    However, each time the Sword Tomb opens, most that could be taken away are first and second-grade primeval weapons.


    Third-grade primeval weapons are extremely rare, let alone those that rank among the top ten swords of the Tianqing Kingdom, which are fourth-grade primeval weapons. These appear only once in several decades; for Sword Mountain Manor, this is indeed a no-loss business.


    "Hey, you two, get lost! This spot is mine now!" A chubby-faced young man appeared in front of them, with sweat drenching his body and an impatient expression as he urged them on.


    Xiao Yi frowned and nced at a small patch of shade beside them, saying, "Isn''t there still space over there?"


    "Who the hell are you to sit next to this young master?" the young man, with his Qi-Blood flowing like a torrent, had cultivated to the Third Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, looked down at him with arrogance,"Make yourself scarce, or don''t me this young master for not being polite!"


    Fang Qingzhu slightly furrowed her brows, "We were here first, why should we give up our spot to you?"


    "What a beautiful chick!"


    The young man leered at Fang Qingzhu, his eyes lighting up, his face wearing ascivious grin, "Beauty, you can stay. Later, you can give this young master a shoulder massage or something. As for you, you''re like a dog and you think you deserve to sit next to such a beautiful girl? Get lost right now, or I''ll throw you out myself!"


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, "Get lost!"


    "Fuck, you''re asking for it!"


    Enraged, the young man''s palm surged with vital energy as he struck towards Xiao Yi''s head.


    Boom!


    Amidst a muffled collision, the young man was sent flying backward for a good ten meters, crashing to the ground with a thud. He knelt on the floor, covering his abdomen, howling in pain, continuously vomiting acid, his venomous gaze locked on Xiao Yi, "You... you''re dead meat. I won''t let this go..."


    "If you don''t leave now, I''ll ughter you!" Xiao Yi said coldly.


    The young man''s face turned ghostly pale, feeling chilled to the bone, not daring to dy any longer, he scrambled away in pain and embarrassment...

 Chapter 41 The Sword Tomb

    "Brother, you better get out of here fast. That fat guy just now is no ordinary person!"


    "Indeed, he is from the capital, said to be a student of the Royal Martial Arts Academy. Quite a few people havee from the academy this time; you really should leave quickly!"


    A few people whispered their warnings.


    Xiao Yi nodded his thanks to them but did not move an inch.


    Seeing this, the others said no more, only feeling that Xiao Yi was too confident, "Young people haven''t suffered enough; they don''t know how treacherous the world can be!"


    "We''ve warned him. If he doesn''t run, it''s not our fault!"


    Fang Qingzhu looked at Xiao Yi worriedly, "Brother Xiao Yi, we..."


    "Don''t worry!"


    Xiao Yi waved his hand dismissively; he had ughtered students from the Martial Arts Institute before and said, "Qingzhu, remember to stay close to me once we enter the Sword Tomb!"


    "Okay!"


    Fang Qingzhu nodded.


    Half a day passed by swiftly.


    The sun set in the west, and the silver moon began to rise.


    Dong!


    A dull bell toll suddenly sounded, and nearly two thousand formidable figures rose up in unison, their eyes zing as they looked toward the hundred-foot-high hill before them. The hilly within Mingjian Manor, and the Sword Tomb was built into the belly of this hill. As the rumble sounded, the stone door to the Tomb opened.


    Two Divine Skill practitioners from Sword Mountain Manor stood to the left and right, watching the crowd, "Gentlemen, the Sword Tomb will be open for an hour. Whether or not you obtain a Yuan weapon, you muste out within that time. Otherwise, you will be locked inside the Sword Tomb, and toe out, you will have to wait until next year''s opening!"


    "No worries, we understand the rules!"


    "If you haven''t gained recognition from a famed sword within an hour, then you''re just not destined for the swords inside. Staying longer would be a waste of time!"


    The crowd responded one after another.


    The two Divine Skill practitioners were not the least bit displeased by the interruption and said indifferently, "Inside the Sword Tomb, there are a total of 18,000 Grade One swords, 1,800 Grade Two swords, 180 Grade Three swords, and 18 Grade Four swords. Among them, six are regarded as the ten great famous swords of the Tianqing Kingdom, but five have already been taken, leaving only thest one still within the Sword Tomb!"


    The other continued, "Inside the Sword Tomb, you will see various sword steles, each representing a famous sword. As long as you gain the sword''s acknowledgment, you can take it with you. Gentlemen, please enter the Sword Tomb!"


    The crowd hurried toward the entrance of the Sword Tomb.


    Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhu walked shoulder to shoulder, but at the entrance, they encountered the fat man whom he had sted away earlier.


    The fat man red at Xiao Yi with venomous hatred; at his side were a young man and woman.


    Both were d in brocade robes, and their Qi-Blood surged like dragons and tigers, their cultivation clearly at least at the Fifth Layer of the Spiritual Power Realm.


    The fat man pointed at Xiao Yi and said to the young man, "Brother Fan, this is the bastard who hit me!"


    The brocad-robed young man squinted at Xiao Yi and said coolly, "You''ve got guts to strike someone connected to Yun Fan. I''ll give you a chance to end yourself. If I make a move, you won''t even be able to die easily!"


    Xiao Yi snorted coldly, "A good dog doesn''t block the way!"


    "Hm?"


    Yun Fan''s face darkened, and he sneered, "Very well, very well. Since I became a Profound Level disciple of the Royal Martial Arts Academy, you''re the first to speak to me like that. You could have died quickly if you chose tomit suicide, but since you..."


    Yun Fan''s voice suddenly cut off.


    His body flew backward involuntarily, blood spewing from his mouth as he crashed with a thud ten meters away.


    Hiss!


    The surrounding crowd was dumbfounded, watching Xiao Yi in disbelief, "What, what just happened? What exactly went down just now?"


    ```


    "I, I didn''t even see how he made his move..."


    Yun Fan was spitting out blood, struggling several times to get up, only to heavily crash back onto the ground each time.


    The fatty and the brocade-robed woman wore expressions of astonishment, looking at each other, before turning their gaze to Xiao Yi in unison. The fatty said with a venomous look, "You dare injure Yun Fan? You''re dead meat. His brother is Yun Lei, the super genius on the Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List. He will never let you go!"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Enough noise!"


    With a casual p, Xiao Yi''s palmnded on the fatty''s face. Thetter''s head snapped around, his neck twisting grotesquely like a braided rope, and with a thud, he fell to the ground, dead.


    The fatty''s repeated provocations had thoroughly enraged him.


    He was a Heaven-Suppressing Godly General.


    Subduing the heavens, the God-Sealing Demon-Suppressing.


    How could he endure repeated provocation?


    His eyes swept over the brocade-robed woman as he said coldly, "You should feel lucky that I don''t hit women; otherwise, you would be a corpse by now!"


    "You, you''re insane, you dare..." As the brocade-robed woman was speaking, her face too was met with a p.


    She covered her face in disbelief, turning to look at Fang Qingzhu who had appeared before her.


    Fang Qingzhu''s palm moved like a phantom, as p after pnded on the woman''s face incessantly, making her see stars and dizzying her. It was then that she stopped, dusting her hands off and saying, "Xiao Yi doesn''t deign to strike women, but I quite enjoy beating them. If you dare point fingers at Xiao Yi again, I''ll twist your neck off!"


    With tears welling up in her eyes and a face full of fear, the brocade-robed woman didn''t dare to say another word.


    Fang Qingzhu returned to her gentle demeanor, taking Xiao Yi''s arm, "Xiao Yi, let''s go."


    Xiao Yi sighed, following her into the Sword Tomb.


    Two powerhouses from Mingjian Manor exchanged nces. Such ughter wasmonce in Sword Mountain Manor; which year had the Sword Tomb opening not resulted in the death of hundreds? They had long grown ustomed to it, and with a call, they ordered someone to carry the fatty''s body away.


    Only then did they turn to Yun Fan and the other, "Do you still want to enter the Sword Tomb?"


    "Enter my ass!"


    Yun Fan cursed angrily, wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth, his eyes filled with a ferocious murderous intent, "Dare to hit me? If I don''t tear him to pieces, I might as well write my name, Yun Fan, backwards..."


    "Fan, you must avenge me!" the brocade-robed woman said with a swollen face, looking pitiful.


    The murderous intent in Yun Fan''s eyes grew more intense: "My brother has some connections with the Third Elder of Sword Mountain Manor. I''ll go to him right now... This dog dares to hit me? And to kill my dog? I''ll make sure he''s torn to pieces..."


    The brocade-robed woman''s eyes flickered with a biting chill, and she gritted her teeth, "And that disgusting woman, I''ll scratch her face, then find a bunch of beggars to publicly humiliate her..."


    ......


    Inside the Sword Tomb.


    This was within the belly of the mountain, yet it was a world unto itself.


    The tomb was circr, surrounded byyers of caves, each housing a sword stele. In the very center, there was a gigantic circr cavern stretching over a kilometer, as if it led straight to the heart of the earth.


    Below...


    Strands of moltenva rolled, their fiery red color illuminating the entire Sword Tomb; the lower one went, the higher the temperature.


    At the same time...


    The stronger the swords became!


    "Xiao Yi, there are so many sword steles here, how do we choose?" Fang Qingzhu was somewhat dazzled by the view; the Sword Tomb contained over a hundred thousand steles, creating a dizzying array.


    Xiao Yi was about to speak, but his expression shifted, looking towards the deepest part of the Sword Tomb, "Over there... It seems like something is calling out to me?"


    ```

 Chapter 42 Suicide?

    "It seems like something is drawing me in..."


    Xiao Yi looked at the scaldingva below and spoke in a deep voice.


    Fang Qingzhu was startled and peered at the churning crimsonva. The rolling heat waves were still heart-stopping even from a kilometer away, "Xiao Yi, maybe there''s an unrivaled legendary sword down there that''s destined for you!"


    Just like the zing Wind Pursuit Sword before.


    Although Fang Tianhao had specially prepared it for Fang Jin, Fang Jin could not gain its recognition. Instead, Xiao Yi was able to control it with ease.


    This is the destiny of a sword!


    There has always been the saying that legendary swords are matched with heroes!


    This is not without reason, as some legendary swords have their own spirit and can choose their owners.


    Xiao Yi smiled and said, "Then let''s go down and have a look!"


    "Yeah!"


    The two of them walked towards the deeper parts of the sword grave.


    Along the way, they constantly encountered powerful individuals seeking swords, each trying tomunicate with the sword stele.


    Some were joyful; some were sorrowful.


    Overall, the chances of being recognized by a legendary sword were incredibly low, about one in a hundred, and usually, it would be a first or second-tier elemental weapon.


    "I''ve heard that within the Mingjian Manor''s sword grave, there is actually a fifth-tier elemental legendary sword hidden. Once it appears, it could be ranked among the top three legendary swords. Who knows where it''s actually hidden?"


    "Even if you found that sword, you wouldn''t be able to take it away!"


    "It is said that the current Crown Prince once entered the sword grave and found that fifth-tier legendary sword, but still he could not take it with him..."


    "Hisss, the Crown Prince is the strongest Tianjiaao in the Tianqing Kingdom, and even he couldn''t get the sword''s recognition. Then who can take it away?"


    Hearing the conversations of many along the way, Fang Qingzhu squinted her eyes, longing for it, "A fifth-tier elemental weapon? How powerful must that weapon be?"


    In Nanhuang City.


    A second-tier elemental weapon alone can lead to a struggle among all parties.


    Let alone a fifth-tier one?


    Xiao Yiughed and said, "If I can find that fifth-tier elemental weapon, I will try to tame it. Then you will know how powerful it is!"


    "Dude, you really don''t know the height of the sky!" A rough voice rang out beside them like muffled thunder, rumbling, "You think you can tame a fifth-tier elemental weapon? Are you sure you''re not joking?"


    The speaker was a muscr young man with a bald head, towering at two meters tall, his muscles as distinct as lead blocks, bristling with explosive power.


    He carried a pitch-ck heavy sword on his back.


    And he was now looking at Xiao Yi with a mocking expression.


    Fang Qingzhu frowned slightly and said, "If my Xiao Yi can''t tame that fifth-tier elemental weapon, do you think you can?"


    "Of course, I, Niu Dali, am a born swordsman. If anyone here can get that fifth-tier elemental weapon, it must be me! As for him..." Niu Dali looked at Xiao Yi from the corner of his eye and sneered, "If he can get the recognition of that fifth-tier elemental weapon, I, Niu Dali, will call him my big brother!"


    At that moment...


    Whoosh!


    A strong individual attempted to forcefully break open a sword stele, only to be repelled by the stele, with endless Sword Qi soaring into the sky, sending him flying into the Lava Lake.


    Theva suddenly exploded, waves of heat shooting into the sky and swallowing the man whole.


    Not even his bones remained!


    Hisss!


    Everyone took a sharp breath, "Has this guy gone mad? How dare he attack a sword stele?"


    "I heard this person has already entered the Sword Tomb for the tenth time," someone said. "The previous nine times, he came away with nothing. It seems he''s gone mad..."


    "Attack the Sword Stele? He truly knows nothing of life and death!"


    Niu Dali sneered, and suddenly seeing Xiao Yi''s gaze firmly fixed on the scorching Lava Lake, he couldn''t help but tease, "What? You''re not seriously thinking about that fifth-grade Yuan weapon at the bottom of theva, are you? You''re not the first one with that idea. There have been others who tried jumping into the Lava Lake, and they all ended up on a one-way road to death. I''m telling you, don''t be stupid!"


    Without saying a word, Xiao Yi''s eyes grew increasingly bright as he stared at theva.


    That moment when the powerful figure was devoured by theva, the feeling of being deeply attracted and called to had suddenly intensified.


    He was almost certain...


    That which was calling out to him was indeed beneath the scorchingva.


    Seeing Xiao Yi''s contemtive face, Niu Dali was startled, "Hey, you''re not really thinking of jumping in, are you?"


    Fang Qingzhu was also taken aback, her worried eyes fixed on Xiao Yi as she gently tugged at his sleeve, "Xiao Yi, safety first!"


    "No matter!"


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath, feeling an extremely strong premonition that a huge opportunity was waiting for him beneath theva. However, even for a cultivator in the Golden Core Realm, falling into that scorchingva would most likely result in certain death.


    He had to be cautious.


    Xiao Yi drew out the Dragon Scale Sword and stabbed it towards the ground below.


    Whoosh!


    The Dragon Scale Sword plunged into the Lava Lake, immediately stirring up a series of towering mes. The entire Lava Lake seemed toe to life, as waves of heat overturned, and columns ofva shot up to the sky, turning into ferocious fire dragons that wrapped around the Dragon Scale Sword and dragged it into theva.


    Xiao Yi''s actions caught everyone''s attention. They looked at him as if he were a lunatic, "Has this guy gone crazy? He just threw a second-grade Yuan weapon down there?"


    "You see him staring at the Lava Lake; he''s not thinking of jumping in, is he?"


    "Hahaha, I guess another failure who kept entering the Sword Tomb without sess has lost his mind..."


    However...


    Xiao Yi seemingly did not hear their ridicule, his eyes shining with brilliance as he stared at the Lava Lake, his face revealing a look of ecstasy, "Yes, it''s down there... It''s calling me, telling me to jump!"


    "Xiao Yi..." Fang Qingzhu said with a face full of worry.


    Xiao Yi patted her hand reassuringly, "Don''t worry, I know what I''m doing! Just wait here for me, I''ll be right back!"


    Niu Dali frowned, "Buddy, don''t be impulsive! If you jump, you''re finished for life¡ªcalm down!"


    "Fortune favors the bold, and this risk is worth taking!"


    Xiao Yi leaped into the air, somersaulting several times amidst the crowd''s exmations and with a whoosh, plunged towards the scorching Lava Lake below. The zing Wind Pursuit Sword appeared in his hand, and he unleashed a series of sharp moves, "Sweeping a Thousand Armies!"


    "Chasing Stars, Pursuing the Moon!"


    "Life Seizing Soul Chaser..."


    Under the bombardment of Xiao Yi''s sword moves, the Lava Lake exploded with noise, forcibly cleaved open a path.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    However...


    The Lava Lake was bottomless, and countless streams ofva converged from all directions, quickly filling in the path he had created. The surface of theke went silent, showing no trace of Xiao Yi.


    "Hahaha, that idiot actually jumped in himself?"


    "This is killing me, I''ll beughing about this joke for a lifetime!"


    Niu Dali sighed, "The guy''s got courage, but he''s a bit off in the head!"


    Fang Qingzhu bit her lip tightly, her eyes filled with determination, "Xiao Yi, Qingzhu will wait for your return. If the Sword Tomb closes and you haven''te back, Qingzhu will go down to apany you!"


    Just at that moment,


    a scar-faced man appeared before Fang Qingzhu, rubbing his hands in front of him, his eyes gleaming as he leered at her, "Prettydy, your lover has already jumped into the Lava Lake tomit suicide. From now on, you''ll follow me!"

 Chapter 43 Sword Intent Shakes the Heavens, Ten Thousand Swords Chime in Unison!

    "From now on, you just follow me, sister! I''ll take good care of you!"


    The scar-faced man with a chubby face leered at Fang Qingzhu, rubbing his hands back and forth, looking sleazy.


    The neer indeed possessed considerable strength.


    Having reached the Sixth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, he exuded an aura filled with evil qi and was clearly of a malevolent nature.


    Fang Qingzhu frowned slightly, "Get out of my way!"


    "Oh? Fiery temper, I like a little chili pepper like you. Come, let brother touch you..." The scar-faced man licked his lips with his crimson tongue, hisrge palm reaching towards Fang Qingzhu''s body.


    "Back off!"


    Fang Qingzhu''s Purple Cloud Whipshed out fiercely, sending the scarred man''s hand iling back.


    A startling bloodstain appeared on the back of his hand.


    The scar-faced man''s expression darkened abruptly as he licked the blood on his hand with his blood-red tongue, his eyes filled with a touch of madness and ferocity.


    Smack!


    The scar-faced man struck suddenly, pping Fang Qingzhu to the ground, grinding his teeth, "You wretched woman, you dare to hit me? You ungrateful thing, I wanted to be gentle, but since you''re asking for it, I''ll force myself on you!"


    Niu Dali stepped forward to shield Fang Qingzhu, speaking sternly, "Mate, what kind of skill is it to bully a woman? If you have the guts,e at me!"


    "Who do you think you are? Dare to mess with my fun?"


    The scar-faced man red at Niu Dali with his bloodshot eyes, snorted coldly, and the evil qi surged towards him like a wind, "Step aside if you know what''s good for you, or I''ll throw you into the Lava Lake as well!"


    "Let''s see if you''ve got the ability!"


    "You''re seeking death!"


    With a low roar from the scar-faced man, a violent wind whipped up around him as he threw a heavy punch.


    Niu Dali snorted coldly, the longsword on his back shing horizontally.


    Boom!


    As the iron fist collided with the longsword, a gust of wind erupted, and Niu Dali stumbled back several meters, blood spilling from the corner of his mouth.


    The scar-faced man looked at him with a cold smile, taunting, "That little skill and thinking of being a hero? Wait until I''ve thrown you into the Lava Lake, then I''ll have my fun with this beauty..."


    However...


    Just as the scar-faced man was about to make his move.


    Suddenly, the calm Lava Lake exploded with a boom, a giant pir of fire shooting up.


    Then a second, a third...


    Countless pirs of fire soared into the sky like dragons leaving their nest, causing the entire Lava Lake to boil over, with searing magma sshing everywhere, burning and melting the ground uponnding.


    An incredibly terrifying Sword Intent soared up from beneath the magma.


    Under the influence of this formidable Sword Intent, every sword monument within the Sword Tomb shone brightly, and from within them echoed the hum of swords.


    Hum!


    Humming...


    The sounds of swords ringing like a dragon''s roar reverberated throughout the vast Sword Tomb.


    All the swords were chiming in unison!


    Swish!


    A hundred-meter-tall column of magma burst forth, and as the fiery moltenva fell, a figure shrouded in a blood-colored glow appeared before everyone. He leaped gracefully down from the air andnded on the ground.


    The red glow was absorbed into the blood-red longsword in his hand, revealing his true face¡ªit was Xiao Yi, who had just jumped into the Lava Lake!


    "Xiao Yi? I knew you were alright!" Fang Qingzhu, disregarding the severe pain on her face, was ecstatic.


    Niu Dali was also dumbfounded, "Sheesh! He''s not dead?"


    "Damn, he survived jumping into the Lava Lake? Wait, look at the sword in his hands..."


    "Could that be a fifth-grade Yuan weapon?"


    Xiao Yi, however, paid no attention to the shouts of astonishment from everyone. His gaze locked first and foremost on the red p mark on Fang Qingzhu''s face, his eyes suddenly turning ice-cold. With a flicker, he helped Fang Qingzhu up, his eyes filled with repressed anger and undisguised concern, "Who did this?"


    Niu Dali wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, unable to hide the shock in his eyes, he pointed at Scarface and shouted, "This bastard is the one who hit me!"


    Xiao Yi''s icy gaze turned toward Scarface.


    However, Scarface''s eyes were shining, seemingly indifferent to Xiao Yi''s frosty stare, fixated on the blood-red longsword in his hand, "Is this the sword you retrieved from under theva? Hahaha, I''ll take this sword!"


    Whoosh!


    Scarface''s palm shot forward, grasping for the longsword in Xiao Yi''s hand with the swiftness of a hawk snatching a rabbit.


    "Seeking death!"


    Xiao Yi''s face was expressionless as he swiftly drew his longsword, a fiery red sword light shed past, plunging into Scarface''s body. Scarface''s speed plummeted, and he thudded to his knees, eyes fixated on Xiao Yi, "Such, such a fast sword..."


    Spurt!


    A jet of blood sprayed out wildly.


    Scarface''s head soared high into the air, and a fountain-like gush of blood spurted from the severed neck.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Hiss!


    The onlookers all gasped in astonishment.


    This Scarface was in the Sixth Layer of Divine Skill Realm, yet he couldn''t even take a single sword strike from Xiao Yi?


    "That, that sword is a fifth-grade Yuan weapon!"


    "Right, it must be a fifth-grade Yuan weapon, otherwise how could he, with just the strength of the First Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, so easily kill a strong man from the Sixth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm?"


    "Quick, grab it!"


    The horde of strong men all stepped forward, their eyes zing with heat and greed as they looked at the longsword in Xiao Yi''s hand, "Boy, hand over that famous sword and spare yourself!"


    "If you remain stubborn, you and yourpanion will both die!"


    Surrounding Xiao Yi were no less than a hundred strong men, among whom the strongest was a Seventh Layer powerhouse from the Yan Family of the royal capital, Yan Ying. Yan Ying''s face was colored with greed, staring intently at the blood-red longsword in Xiao Yi''s hand, "I am Yan Ying from the royal capital''s Yan Family. Offer up the famous sword to me, and I''ll spare your life!"


    Xiao Yi looked coldly at the hundred or so men in front of him, with even more strong men watching silently around them.


    If hecked the strength to keep this sword.


    The onlooking strong men would certainly swarm like hungry wolves.


    Fang Qingzhu remained silent, holding the Purple Cloud Whip, standing by his side.


    Niu Dali hesitated for a moment, sighed lightly and also stood shoulder to shoulder with him, looking at Xiao Yi askance, "Don''t look at me like that. I''m just honoring a bet! Since you''ve earned this famous sword''s recognition, from now on, you''re my brother. How can a younger brother stand by and watch you get mobbed?"


    Even with Fang Qingzhu and Niu Dali''s help, they were still three against a hundred.


    Completely at a disadvantage!


    Yan Ying sneered ominously, "Are you still not ready to give me the famous sword?"


    "Enough with the nonsense. The sword is in my hand, if you have the guts,e and take it!" Xiao Yi said coldly.


    "Seeking death!"


    Yan Ying''s eyes turned fierce, and he suddenly vanished from the spot, appearing in front of Xiao Yi with a whoosh. Clutching a third-grade Yuan longsword with a silvery gleam and dragon patterns coiling around it, he proimed, "ording to the Pavilion, Listen to the Rain and Wind!"


    Rustle rustle!


    The sword chant sounded as if a sudden rainstorm was descending, straining straight for Xiao Yi''s heart.


    Faced with such a cunning thrust, Xiao Yi showed no expression as the power of Sword Intent enveloped him. The invisible and intangible force of Sword Intent was terrifying. As it surged, Yan Ying''s body shook, feeling as if the man before him had transformed into an invincible sword sovereign!


    Unmatched!


    "Not good..."


    It was this moment of distraction that allowed Yan Ying to regain his senses, his pupils constricting as he felt the aura of death envelop him.


    Thud!


    A sword stroke passed.


    Yan Ying screamed as Xiao Yi cleaved him in two!


    The astonishing Sword Intent soared into the heavens, causing all swords within the Sword Tomb to resonate in unison.


    Xiao Yi stood like a king among swords, stepping on Yan Ying''s corpse, and looked coldly at the crowd, "Who else?"

 Chapter 44 Pressing Hard

    "Who else?"


    Xiao Yi stood on Yan Ying''s corpse, holding the bloodstained longsword, his icy gaze sweeping over the crowd.


    For a moment...


    The would-be challengers among the strong were all effectively intimidated into inaction.


    None dared to step forward!


    Even Yan Ying, a powerhouse of the Seventh Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, was no match for a single stroke of his de; who among them would dare to advance?


    While everyone was still considering their options, an icy voice suddenly rang out, "Do you really think you can steal the treasured heirloom of Mingjian Manor,mit murder within our Sword Tomb, and not have to exin yourself to me?"


    The crowd looked toward the source of the voice.


    It was an old man with youthful features and white hair, whose powerful aura was unmatched, having reached the Ninth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm.


    Following him were Yun Fan and the woman in brocade.


    The pair, with faces full of smug smiles, looked at Xiao Yi with a tilted gaze, Yun Fan said viciously, "I truly didn''t expect you to gain the approval of the heirloom sword of Mingjian Manor, but sadly for you, the sword will no longer be yours shortly!"


    The white-haired, youthful-faced elder looked at the Fire Qilin Sword in Xiao Yi''s hands, his eyes also shining with a greedy fervor that he couldn''t hide, "This sword is the heirloom treasure of Mingjian Manor, hidden beneath this Lava Lake, yet you had the audacity to steal it, a crime unforgivable!"


    "Who are you?" Xiao Yi asked with narrowed eyes.


    The elder gave a cold smile, "I am Jian San, the third elder of Mingjian Manor!"


    "Does everyone from Mingjian Manor have no shame like you?"


    Xiao Yi''s expression was indifferent, "Your Mingjian Manor made it clear that whoever gains the approval of a famous sword within the Sword Tomb could take it. Now that I have the Fire Qilin Sword''s approval, you use me of stealing your treasure? Do you think I''m an easy target?"


    "Humph, shameless ingrate, I am bullying you, and what can you do about it? The rules of Mingjian Manor are for us to dictate. If I say it''s yours, then it''s yours; if I say it''s not, then it''s not. What can you possibly do to me?" Jian San spoke coldly, with an air of arrogance.


    Mingjian Manor is stronger than you, so yes, I''m bullying you. What are you going to do about it?


    Yun Fan burst intoughter, "Kid, if you kneel and beg for mercy, maybe I can plead with the third elder on your behalf and let you keep your whole corpse!"


    The brocade-d woman beside him ground her teeth, her eyes filled with hatred as she stared at Fang Qingzhu, "And this woman, I want her to crawl on her knees to me, begging for mercy, her face cut, thrown into a brothel..."


    Xiao Yi''s face turned cold, and the Fire Qilin Sword in his hand moved suddenly.


    A sh of fiery sword light passed.


    Thud!


    The brocade-d woman''s body shuddered, her head soared into the air, blood spraying over Yun Fan.


    Yun Fan, dumbfounded, "You, you dare to kill her?"


    Xiao Yi responded coldly, "Keep your idle chatter to yourself, or I''ll ughter you as well!"


    "You not only dare to steal the treasure of Mingjian Manor but also kill someone in my presence; don''t you think you are not giving Mingjian Manor the respect it deserves?" Jian San said darkly, with heavy emphasis on each word.


    Mingjian Manor presides over Mingjian City, and it is the oldest and most powerful sword-casting family in the Tianqing Kingdom.


    It has interactions with numerous aristocratic families.


    Even the royal family has close ties with them; isn''t their status exalted?


    Xiao Yi had dared tomit murder before him, and in Jian San''s eyes, this was a direct p in the face.


    "Old dog, shut your mouth!"


    Xiao Yi looked coldly at Jian San, "The rules of the Sword Tomb were set by your Mingjian Manor. You change them at your whim, treating us like monkeys? Today I took the Fire Qilin Sword, but what if someone else takes a higher-grade sword tomorrow? Will you use them of stealing the treasure, too?"


    Yun Fan said with a sneer, "If anything, it''s your fault for not having a powerful enough background. My brother Yun Lei is not only the eldest son of the Yun Family but also a genius on the Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List, and he took a fourth-grade famous sword from the Sword Tomb!"


    Xiao Yi mused, "So, to take a sword from here, one must have a profound background, is that it?"


    "Of course!"


    Yun Fan said, full of pride.


    However, Jian San''s face darkened, silently cursing, realizing something was amiss.


    Indeed...


    Upon hearing Yun Fan''s words, the faces of the other powerhouses in the Sword Tomb changed, "The ones who previously obtained several famed swords were all from noble families in the capital, and if not, they were masters from the Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List. That''s why Mingjian Manor didn''t target them, right?"


    "Who would dare toe to Mingjian Manor after this?"


    "So you''re saying wemon folk are just giving Mingjian Manor money for nothing? Even if we get hold of anything valuable, we won''t be able to take it with us, and might even lose our lives here..."


    Jian San''s face turned furious as he pped his palm toward Xiao Yi, "You mongrel, how dare you tarnish the reputation of my Sword Mountain Manor? Die!"


    Hum!N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Shocking Sword Qi burst forth from the body.


    In Jian San''s hand appeared a cyan longsword with an Azure Dragon coiled around its edge, which emitted a dragon roar-like sword cry that was deafening as he swung the sword, "Human Sword Skill!"


    Whoosh!


    The Green Edge Sword drew a beautiful arc, and in an instant, it seemed as though dozens, if not hundreds, of sword shadows came shing through the air. These sword shadows exploded in the sky, covering the heavens and earth with their impressive might. Niu Dali''s expression changed continuously, "Be careful, this is the ''Human Sword Skill'' from Sword Mountain Manor''s ''Heaven Earth Human Sword'', you cannot withstand it with brute force!"


    Xiao Yi''s face was expressionless, with an icy look in his eyes to the extreme, "Soul Chasing, Life Snatching!"


    Hum!


    The Fire Qilin Sword glowed red rmingly, and under the envelopment of Sword Intent, the actual Fire Qilin Sword seemed to tremble faintly.


    Two beams of sword light collided like the tip of a needle against a stalk of wheat.


    Boom!


    The shing sword lights scattered terrifying Sword Qi in all directions.


    Thump thump thump!


    Xiao Yi took several steps back, nced at his palm, and saw that the tiger''s mouth had burst open, with blood rolling down, "A powerhouse of the Ninth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, indeed not someone I can currently contend with!"


    He felt a sense of admiration for Jian San''s strength in his heart.


    Jian San was equally shocked, "First Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, yet he has mastered the power of Sword Intent? Since when did the Tianqing Kingdom have such a genius?"


    Sword Intent.


    This usually indicates a high likelihood of achieving the Golden Core in the future!


    In Tianqing Kingdom, being in the Golden Core Realm would be a rightful giant, and the lord of Sword Mountain Manor was at the Golden Core Realm.


    A chill shed in Jian San''s eyes, "This young man must not be spared. If allowed to grow, he will surely be a major threat to my Sword Mountain Manor in the future."


    Whoosh!


    As the thought shed through Jian San''s mind, his longsword soared through the air, and he said coldly, "Earth Sword Skill!"


    "Heaven Earth Human Sword" is divided into three skills.


    Human Sword injures people.


    Earth Sword kills people.


    Heaven Sword vanquishes the soul!


    The Earth Sword Skill gushed close to the ground, sending Sword Qi soaring into the sky, and wherever it passed, several powerhouses were cut in two before they could dodge. Amidst the churning dust and smoke, the sword light headed straight for Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi raised his sword to meet the attack, his sword light shining like cold stars in the sky, constantly repelling Jian San''s assaults, but he himself was also forced back to the edge of the Lava Lake.


    Jian San, with a hideous smile, said, "To think you have grasped Sword Intent at the Divine Passage Realm, your talent is truly terrifying, but as long as I kill you, even the strongest talent will be in vain!"


    Hu!


    Suddenly, Xiao Yi exhaled a turbid breath, squinted at Jian San, and revealed a cruel smile, "I had no intention of bing an enemy of Sword Mountain Manor, but you force my hand, don''t me me!"


    "Force your hand? I am indeed forcing you, what can you do to me?" Jian San snickered.


    However, the next moment...


    The smile on his face vanishedpletely, he stared at Xiao Yi in stunned outrage, "You, you madman, stop at once..."

 Chapter 45 From Now On, No More Sword Tomb

    A boundless Sword Intent suddenly released from Xiao Yi''s body.


    The Sword Intent lotus within him bloomedpletely, and a streak of blood-red light burst forth from within that lotus.


    It prated his body and enveloped his entire figure.


    In his hands, the Fire Qilin Sword trembled and buzzed, formidable sword light soaring into the sky while the de itself vibrated intensely. A Fifth Grade Yuan Bing is not so easily forged; aside from needing precious materials, it also requires awakening.


    With the same materials, without awakening, it would at most be considered a peak Fourth Grade Yuan Bing.


    And uponpletion of the awakening...


    It could then be called Fifth Grade!


    The Sword Spirit felt the boundless Sword Intent within Xiao Yi and seemed to send an excited cheer.


    The entire de shook continuously, and all the swords in the hands of the strong ones within the Sword Tomb also began to buzz and tremble, as if they were about to unsheathe themselves: "What, what''s happening? Why doesn''t my sword obey me..."


    "This, this is Sword Intent, he''s using Sword Intent to summon the allegiance of a myriad of swords!"


    "Oh my gosh, something big is going to happen!"


    Everyone had a look of horror on their faces.


    Why is it that only Fifth Grade and above Yuan Bing require awakening and the gathering of an Artifact Spirit? It''s because Fifth Grade Yuan Bing are mostly in the hands of Golden Core Realm experts, and these experts allprehend the martial dao''s essences.


    Only with the power of the martial dao''s essence can the Artifact Spirit truly be stimted.


    Xiao Yi activated the Fire Qilin Sword''s Artifact Spirit with Sword Intent, thoroughly awakening it as if a slumbering sovereign had been roused.


    When the sovereign awakes, all nations submit.


    When the Sword Spirit revives, a myriad of swordse to pay homage!


    "Madman, you madman... you''re going to destroy the Sword Tomb, you''re trying to offend Mingjian Manor to death..." Jian San''s eyes werepletely filled with bloodshot, and the cold light within them was as sharp as a de''s edge.


    Jian San''s figure shed, furiously rushing towards Xiao Yi.


    "Don''t you dare harm my Xiao Yi!"


    Fang Qingzhu stood in his way with a sidestep, her Purple Cloud Whip whirling through the air, coiled around Jian San''s ankle and yanked fiercely.


    Swish!


    Jian San was tripped unexpectedly and fell to the ground.


    The Purple Cloud Whip merged with Fang Qingzhu as one, as easy tomand as her own limb, and as it waved, it coiled Jian San up high, then wrapped around himyer byyer. Jian San was unable to break free for a moment, his eyes shing coldly: "You are courting death!"


    Swish!


    A light shed on the storage ring, and the Green Edge Sword kept cutting the Purple Cloud Whip. Enjoy new adventures from empire


    Sparks flew everywhere.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The Purple Cloud Whip was merely a First Grade Yuan Bing, while the Green Edge Sword was a Third Grade Yuan Bing. In their sh, the whip was severed by just three strokes. Jian San, once free, charged toward Fang Qingzhu: "You little wench, dare to block me, die!"


    Swish!


    Jian San shed out with a palm, and Fang Qingzhu spat blood as she was sent flying backward, while a cold light flowed in his eyes: "Die!"


    The Green Edge Sword thrust forward, aiming straight for Fang Qingzhu''s heart.


    But at that moment...


    Niu Dali suddenly made a move, grasping a ck great sword in both hands and with a thunk struck down on the Green Edge Sword, blocking Jian San''s attack. His ck great sword was also covered in cracks, his eyes full of distress: "Dammit, what skill is there in hitting a woman? Have the guts to fight your grandpa Niu!"


    "You''re courting death!"


    Jian San was furious, sword in hand.


    But just at that time...


    Atop the Sword Tomb, a sword stele suddenly burst apart with a bang.


    Swish!


    A sword light soared into the sky.


    Then the second stele.


    The third stele.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    With every stele''s explosion, a sword rose to the heavens, converging toward Xiao Yi''s location.


    "No. No..."


    Jian San''s eyes were nearly splitting, each explosion of a stele signifying a famous sword breaking free from its seal. Without the protection of the steles, these masterless swords, though they could not be recognized by an owner, could still be taken away directly.


    The entire Sword Tomb kept rumbling, one sword after another appearing before everyone.


    All were stunned.


    Inside the Sword Tomb, more than a hundred thousand swords¡ªthis was the wealth umted by Mingjian Manor over hundreds of years¡ªwere now all exposed before everyone.


    Seeing the scattered Yuan Bing longswords all around, everyone felt as if an invisible hand was choking their throats, unable to breathe.


    Xiao Yi was covered in red Sword Intent, he roared, "What are you all waiting for? These swords now belong to no one, why aren''t you taking them?"


    "Right, grab them quickly!"


    "Grab and run..."


    The crowd was momentarily stunned, and then their eyes turned bloodshot with excitement as they yelled out.


    Faced with a substantial reward, there will always be brave takers!


    Even the lowest grade of Yuan Bing was worth tens of thousands of silver, so grabbing any sword and you''d make a killing!


    One after another, strong figures began to crazily loot the longswords that were scattered everywhere.


    The scene descended into chaos.


    "Let''s go!"


    Seizing the chaos, Xiao Yi grabbed Fang Qingzhu and made a break for it, snatching up famous swords along the way and shoving them into his storage ring.


    "Stop..."


    Jian San''s eyes were filled with rage as he saw Xiao Yi taking away two fourth-grade famous swords, at least six third-grade famous swords, and not to mention the fifth-grade famous sword, the Fire Qilin Sword. Xiao Yi had practically looted half of the sword tomb!


    Jian San wanted to chase after Xiao Yi but was blocked by the other strong figures who were crazily looting the famous swords, "Get out of the way!"


    "Fuck off, can''t you see I''m busy grabbing swords?" several of them cursed back without even lifting their heads.


    "Stop right there! These treasures belong to Mingjian Manor. Whoever dares to take them, I''ll kill..." Jian San shouted hysterically, but his voice was gradually drowned out by the mor of others fighting over the longswords.


    In the midst of the crowd.


    Niu Dali swallowed hard, hurriedly snatched up a few longswords and threw them into his storage ring, then dashed off in Xiao Yi''s direction, "Bro, wait for me..."


    "Xiao Yi, Yun Fan is over there..." Qingzhu spotted Yun Fan in the crowd, who was also grabbing swords.


    A cold light shed in Xiao Yi''s eyes, "Die!"


    The longsword pierced through the air, and with a ''thud'', Yun Fan''s head, who wasughing heartily while holding a third-grade Yuan Bing famous sword, was lopped off. Even in death, his face retained an excited grin.


    Without stopping, Xiao Yi quickly dashed out of the tomb of swords.


    Outside the tomb of swords.


    Several figures from Sword Mountain Manor looked at the appearances of Xiao Yi and hispanions in front of them, all taken aback and thenughed, "There''s still a while before the tomb closes, and you''re leaving already? Seems like you''ve found something good!"


    Xiao Yi nodded with a smile, "Lucky, got some loot!"


    "Haha, then congrattions!"


    "You''re too kind!"


    Xiao Yi gave a slight smile, then quickly left with Fang Qingzhu towards the outside of Mingjian Manor.


    The two figures from Sword Mountain Manor exchanged nces andughed, "Looks like they got a nice sword and are worried others might covet it, that''s why they are running!"


    "At best, it''s a second-grade famous sword. You think it''s easy to get a third-grade or higher?" another sneered.


    "Yeah, without enough backing, even if you get the sword, you can''t keep it!"


    "All just fools giving away their money, thinking they''ve taken advantage, but in reality, aren''t they just being yed like monkeys by our Mingjian Manor?"


    The two were still talking.


    Suddenly, several figures rushed out of the sword tomb without uttering a word and left directly.


    Soon after...


    The third, the fourth...


    About seven or eight hundred strong figures escaped from the sword tomb. All of them left without any dy, quickly disappearing.


    This left the two guardspletely dumbfounded, "What''s happening?"


    "Stop them..."


    A furious roar rang out. Jian San, his body drenched in blood, appeared before the two men. His eyes were bloodshot with anger as he bellowed, "Where are the man and woman who were the first to leave? Where are they?"


    "Huh?"


    "They already left..." The two guards said, still confused.


    "Useless fools!"


    Jian San roared in fury and with a thunderous p, inflicted severe injuries on the two. Blood swirled in his eyes as tears streamed down his face. He watched as more than a hundred thousand sword steles in the sword tomb were all destroyed. Even though he killed hundreds of strong men, tens of thousands of famous swords were still taken.


    What was worse...


    Xiao Yi had taken the one and only fifth-grade Yuan Bing Fire Qilin Sword, as well as fourth and third-grade famous swords...


    They were practically wiped clean!


    The long-renowned Sword Mountain Manor''s tomb of swords was thoroughly ruined.


    "It''s all over,pletely over... The tomb of swords that has been passed down for hundreds of years in my Mingjian Manor ispletely ruined..."


    Jian San''s eyes were filled with the fissures of rage. Beyond regret, there was a hysterical madness, "Someone, send out the Sword God Guard Brigade immediately. I want them to chase after that criminal. I will have him torn to pieces..."

 Chapter 46 A Formidable Enemy Arrives!

    Xiao Yi and hispanions fled Mingjian City, running wildly without any pause.


    They ran for a whole day and night before finally stopping.


    Huff huff huff!N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Xiao Yi, Fang Qingzhu, and Niu Dali copsed on the ground, leaning against the cold rock wall, gasping for air. The continuous running for a day and night had taken a tremendous toll on them.


    They rested for a while.


    Xiao Yi frowned at Niu Dali, "Why are you following us?"


    Gulping for air, Niu Dali said, "Didn''t we make a bet? I lost, you''re my brother, so of course, I have to follow you!"


    Xiao Yi nced at Niu Dali''s bearded face and the profound worry lines on his forehead: "..."


    Fang Qingzhu stuck out her tongue, "You''re old enough to be our uncle..."


    Niu Dali red, eximing, "Who says? I''m only eighteen this year!"


    Hiss!


    The two eyed him, "You''re just eighteen?"


    "Doesn''t it seem so?"


    Seeing their skeptical faces, Niu Dali grew annoyed, "I really am eighteen, I had my birthdayst month. I just look a bit older... If I''m lying, may lightning strike me!"


    Xiao Yi looked deeply at Niu Dali, sighing, "You do look quite older for your age!"


    Fang Qingzhu nodded seriously.


    Niu Dali: "..."


    Nima!


    I''m still right here, alive and kicking! Can you consider my feelings?


    Xiao Yi said, "My name is Xiao Yi, and this is my wife, Fang Qingzhu."


    "Hello elder brother and sister-inw!"


    Niu Dali stood up, straightened his clothes, and cupped his fist in greeting, "I''m Niu Dali, you can call me Dali, or Little Niu Niu!"


    "Little Niu Niu?!"


    Xiao Yi''s mouth twitched, "I''ll just call you Dali. We''ve already left the sphere of influence of Mingjian City. The people from Mingjian City probably won''t catch up to us now, so let''s part ways here!"


    "Don''t leave, big brother!"


    Niu Dali hurriedly said, "It''s not good for brothers to part so soon after recognizing each other. Wherever you go, I''ll follow!"


    Xiao Yi: "..."


    God damn recognition!


    Xiao Yi said with a dark face, "We''re going to the Royal Martial Arts Academy, you want to follow there too?"


    Thumping his thigh, Niu Dali chuckled, "See, that''s fate! Elder brother, I am also nning to apply to the Royal Martial Arts Academy, it''s the same path! Elder brother and sister-inw, please take me with you!"


    Fang Qingzhu said, "Xiao Yi brother, back in the Sword Tomb, if it weren''t for Dali''s help, I would''ve died at the hands of Jian San!"


    After pondering for a moment, Xiao Yi nodded, "Alright, then we''ll go to the capital together."


    "Thank you, big brother, thank you, sister-inw!"


    Niu Dali grinned, then his face showed a worried expression, "Big brother, we''ve raided the Sword Tomb, and the people from Mingjian Manor won''t let it go easily, right? I heard their manor master is a Golden Core Realm expert, if we fall into his hands, it will be a disaster for us!"


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Don''t worry, that manor master from the Mingjian Manor surely wasn''t in Mingjian City, otherwise, we wouldn''t have been able to escape. As long as we can reach the capital and enter the Royal Martial Arts Academy, even Mingjian Manor can''t do anything to us!"


    "Big brother is so wise!"


    "Cut the ttery. If you''re going to be my little brother, you need to be prepared to act like one. We haven''t eaten anything all day, go find us some food!" Xiao Yimanded.


    "Right away, on it!"


    Niu Dali scampered off.


    Xiao Yi took out the swords, nging them onto the ground, and began to count them one by one, "Two fourth-grade, seven third-grade, one hundred sixty-three second-grade swords, worth no less than eighty million silver. This trip to the Sword Tomb really paid off."


    "Eighty million plus?"


    Fang Qingzhu gasped in astonishment, such wealth could bepared to the total assets of the four great families of the past.


    Xiao Yi nodded, "Once we reach the Royal Capital, we will sell these Elemental Weapons, then I''ll find one that suits you!"


    It didn''t take long for Niu Dali to return.


    He was carrying a Firstyer Demon Beast Iron Leg Pig, his face beaming with a bright smile: "Big brother, sister-inw, you two just sit back and rest for a while, and let me show off my skills with the legendary roasted whole pig!"


    While saying this, Niu Dali busied himself with starting a fire and roasting the meat.


    Xiao Yi couldn''t bother about him and took out the Fifth Grade Yuan Bing Fire Qilin Sword.


    Hum!


    Upon grasping the Fire Qilin Sword, a burst of fierce mes spat out instantly, scorching the ground into a charred patch where the sword''s edge passed.


    Hiss!


    Fang Qingzhu''s phoenix eyes widened in amazement, "Is this a Fifth Grade Yuan Bing? Just with its power erupting casually, it''s already this terrifying. If it were fully refined, how powerful would it be!"


    "Do you want to see? I''ll refine it right now, andter let you see how powerful it is," Xiao Yi fondled Fang Qingzhu''s head, his eyes filled with doting affection, smiling as he spoke.


    Fang Qingzhu nodded obediently.


    Xiao Yi then sat down cross-legged to begin refining the Fire Qilin Sword.


    Fifth Grade Yuan Bing.


    Even within the Royal Capital, it was considered a first-ss existence.


    If Xiao Yi could refine it andpletely master the Fire Qilin Sword, hisbat strength would undoubtedly climb to another level.


    Stay tuned to empire


    Under the shade of a nearby tree, Xiao Yi sat with legs crossed, refining the Fire Qilin Sword with a posture of ''five hearts facing the sky''.


    Before long, an hour had passed.


    The body of the Fire Qilin Sword in Xiao Yi''s hands buzzed, radiating streaks of crimson light. Then the red light retracted inwards, disappearingpletely, and Xiao Yi opened his eyes. Holding the Fire Qilin Sword, he leaped up high and shed diagonally, sending out a red sword light that howled forth with a whoosh.


    Five meters away, a thousand-pound boulder was split cleanly into eight pieces.


    Hiss!


    Niu Dali stood agape, bewildered: "Holy shit, is this sword really this powerful?"


    Fang Qingzhu also followed, her face filled with admiration, "Xiao Yi, have you finished refining the Fire Qilin Sword?"


    Xiao Yi nodded with a smile, "I can wield it proficiently now, it''s indeed a fine sword!"


    "Big brother, did you really fully refine this Fifth Grade Yuan Bing?"


    Niu Dali looked at Xiao Yi in shock, shaking his head with a wry smile, "You really are a freak! As far as I know, it usually takes ten days to half a month for one to refine a Fifth Grade Yuan Bing, but you did it in an hour, how do you cultivate?"


    Looking at Niu Dali''s intive gaze, Xiao Yi smiled, about to speak, but his expression suddenly changed.


    His eyes narrowed sharply.


    The Fire Qilin Sword in his hand trembled, emitting a hot red glow.


    "What''s wrong?"


    "Xiao Yi..."


    "Shush!"


    Xiao Yi made a silencing gesture, holding Fang Qingzhu protectively behind him, his eyes squinting into slits as he looked ahead.


    Thump, thump, thump...


    The urgent sound of galloping hooves grew louder as they approached.


    The ground trembled slightly, and pebbles on the ground kept bouncing.


    Suddenly...


    The sound of the hooves came to a fierce halt and then exploded into a sound several times louder, a cavalry troop of a hundred men riding through the forest swiftly, appearing before Xiao Yi and the others.


    The man at the forefront had an indifferent face, with a ck greatsword on his back, his eyes emitting an icy chill, fixating on the Fire Qilin Sword in Xiao Yi''s hand. The corner of his mouth twisted into a sinister cold smile, "The Fire Qilin Sword? It seems you are the ones who caused a great uproar at Mingjian Manor, audacious viins. The Sword God Guard Brigade is here, will you not surrender willingly?"

 Chapter 47 Sword God Guard Brigade

    The Sword God Guard Brigade, numbering a hundred men, each rode a white steed, the Python Blood Horses with python blood lineage.


    Each one was priceless.


    To build the Sword God Guard, Mingjian Manor had spared no expense.


    Their equipment alone wasparable to the royal guards.


    The person leading them was none other than Jian San, the third elder of the Mingjian Manor.


    Jian San''s gaze was icy as he looked at the Fire Qilin Sword in Xiao Yi''s hand, a fiery greed flickered deep in his eyes. The Fire Qilin Sword, housed in the Sword Tomb, was the treasured heirloom of the n, but even Mingjian Manor had never been able to bond with it despite years of effort. Yet now, Xiao Yi, a youth from the First Layer of the Shentong Realm, had imed the Fire Qilin Sword.


    As the saying goes, "The innocent man who carries a jade will be med for it."


    The corners of Jian San''s mouth curled upwards as he coldly said, "Boy, I personally led the Sword God Guard to chase you here, aren''t you going to surrender without a fight?"


    Niu Dali''s forehead was covered in cold sweat, which rolled off likerge beans and had already soaked his back. He said in a deep voice, "Big, big brother, why don''t we surrender? This is the Sword God Guard we''re dealing with, the three of us are no match for them..."


    Fang Qingzhu remained silent, simply standing by Xiao Yi''s side.


    Xiao Yi gently patted Fang Qingzhu''s hand, squinted at Jian San, and said, "So, you''re the third elder? May I ask what crime have Imitted?"


    Jian San replied coldly, "Stealing the treasured Fire Qilin Sword of our Mingjian Manor, isn''t that a crime?"


    "The Fire Qilin Sword was obtained from within the Sword Tomb, and your Mingjian Manor has explicitly stated that whoever can make a sword from the Sword Tomb recognize them as master can be its owner. Mingjian Manor won''t obstruct this, will it?" Xiao Yi said solemnly, his hand gripping the Fire Qilin Sword tightly, ready to execute his sword moves.


    The shamelessness of Mingjian Manor was clearly disyed by Jian San.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    They would never talk rules with you.


    As Jian San said, expecting to take a high-grade famous sword from the Sword Tomb without any backing was nothing less than a fool''s dream!


    Xiao Yi believed that Jian San was no different.


    His previous words were merely a dying tactic.


    Indeed...


    After hearing Xiao Yi''s words, Jian San burst intoughter, his face filled with mockery. He leaned on his horse''s back and said with a sneer, "Kid, you''re truly na?ve. Haven''t I told you before that not just anyone can take a famous sword from our Mingjian Manor? If that were so, our Mingjian Manor, no matter how powerful our sword forging capability, would still be overwhelmed and ruined!"


    "Enough of your thering, hand over the Fire Qilin Sword, and I might leave you a whole corpse..." Jian San said coldly.


    Xiao Yi sighed and said, "Well, it seems like the Fire Qilin Sword is not fated to be mine. Then I''ll give it back to you!"


    "Hmm?"


    Jian San was startled, then heughed out loud, saying, "Not bad, not bad, you are quite sensible." He turned to the two Sword God Guard powerhouses beside him, "You, go get the Fire Qilin Sword, and tie them up while you''re at it!"


    "Yes!"


    The two powerhouses of the Sword God Guard rode forward, looking down on Xiao Yi from their high horses, and with a swish, threw down a rope, "Hand over the Fire Qilin Sword and tie yourselves up!"


    However...


    The-face-that-had-been-creased-in-woe Xiao Yi now showed a trace of icy coldness. With a flourish of his arm, a sh of sword light cut down the two Sword God Guard powerhouses from their horses. Grabbing Fang Qingzhu, he mounted a horse and shouted to the stunned Niu Dali, "What are you waiting for? Mount up, and run!"


    "Ah? Oh..."


    Niu Dali quickly mounted as well.


    Whipping their horses...


    The trio fled on two horses.


    Jian San: "..."


    The entire Sword God Guard: "..."


    Looking at the two cold corpses on the ground, Jian San''s face twisted with ferocious rage as he roared, "Damn it, chase after them! That brat dares to y me for a fool, I''ll have him torn to pieces!"


    Thud, thud, thud!


    Xiao Yi and his twopanions were fleeing madly ahead, with the Sword God Guard Brigade hot on their heels.


    During their frantic escape,


    a merchant caravan appeared up ahead, with several horse-drawn wagons and about several dozen guards apanying them. Sensing the sound of approaching hoofbeats from behind, the head guard, Chen Jie, changed expression, drew his longsword, and roared, "Ambush! Defend!"


    ng, ng!


    The guards unsheathed their weapons in unison, watching Xiao Yi and his party warily.


    "Make way, people ahead!" Xiao Yi shouted loudly.


    From behind, Jian San, seeing Xiao Yi getting further away, shouted, "Listen, people up front, we are from the Sword God Guard Brigade of Mingjian Manor, in pursuit of criminals. Please help us stop them, and Mingjian Manor will repay you handsomely!"


    Chen Jie''s face underwent a slight change as he nced at the middle wagon.


    His mission was simply to escort the person and goods within the wagon and he didn''t wish to court trouble.


    However...


    Just as Chen Jie was about to step aside, a sprightly voice came from inside the wagon, "Mingjian Manor? This youngdy has had the pleasure of meeting young master Huang Zijian from Mingjian Manor. Chen Jie, take your men and stop those three! If we can owe Mingjian Manor a favor, it will be more convenient to cooperate with them in the future!"


    "Chen Di, it''s better we don''t get involved in this mess..." another voice from the wagon cautioned.


    "Shut up!"


    The owner of the previous voice, Chen Di, spoke impatiently, "You spineless coward, always afraid of this and that, how can you ever achieve anything great? Chen Jie, what are you waiting for? Don''t just stand there, attack!"


    "Yes!"


    Chen Jie let out a helpless sigh and bellowed, "Stop them!"


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!


    The group of guards acted in unison, forming a line across the official road, blocking Xiao Yi''s path.


    Whoa!


    Xiao Yi pulled hard on the reins. The Sword God Guard Brigade was gaining from behind, while Chen Jie and his men blocked the road ahead. Xiao Yi spoke in a deep voice, "Brother, I bear you no grudge, and this is a personal grievance between myself and Mingjian Manor. Please step aside and let us pass!"


    Read new adventures at empire


    Chen Jie did not speak.


    Chen Di''s coldugh emerged from within the wagon, "This youngdy has had the pleasure of encountering young master Huang Zijian from Mingjian Manor, and I know well that Mingjian Manor has always cherished its reputation, acting with justice and integrity. If the Sword God Guard Brigade is pursuing you, you must be extremely vile criminals. As martial artists, we have the duty to act chivalrously and uphold justice on behalf of the heavens!"


    Xiao Yi: "..."


    Fang Qingzhu: "..."


    Niu Dali, fuming with nostrils ring, bellowed, "To hell with upholding justice on behalf of the heavens, you prattle without knowing the actual truth. If you have the guts,e out here, and I, old Niu, will punch your head into pieces!"


    Whoosh!


    Chen Di emerged from the wagon with a sullen face, her venomous gaze fixed on Xiao Yi and hispany, "Hmph, this youngdy is standing right here. Let''s see you try to smash my head!"


    "You..."


    Niu Dali''s face turned shades of red and white.


    Thud, thud, thud!


    The sound of approaching hoofbeats grew louder, apanied by Jian San''s triumphant voice, "Hahaha, friends up ahead, thanks for your assistance. Three little runts, your end is sealed..."


    Xiao Yi''s expression darkened as if it could drip water, and he said in a grave tone, "I''m asking onest time, step aside!"


    "Hmph, what if I don''t?" Chen Di retorted confidently.


    Xiao Yi exhaled a long breath of turbid air, and said coldly, "Since you won''t move, then prepare to die!"

 Chapter 48 First Visit to the Royal Capital

    "If you won''t yield, then go to die!"


    Xiao Yi''s voice was filled with a chilling intent to kill.


    He had already spoken in good faith, but the other party wouldn''t give an inch.


    The Sword God Guard Brigade was getting closer and closer behind them.


    If they got caught between the two forces, the three of them were certainly heading down a path of no return.


    Facing Xiao Yi''s threat, Chen Jie''s expression turned grave, while Chen Di was fearless and mocking, "Die? Hahaha, you''re delusional. Just with you three? Among my guards, there are six at the Divine Passage Realm, and Chen Jie who leads them is a powerhouse at the Seventh Layer of the Divine Passage Realm. Who do you think you are? Hoping to kill all of us? Dream on..."


    While speaking,


    Chen Di nced at Chen Jie with an air of indifference and said, "Chen Jie, cripple this brat for me, cut off his tongue, and gouge out his eyes. I want to see what he''s capable of that he dares to threaten me like this!"


    "Yes!"


    Chen Jie took a deep breath and looked at Xiao Yi, "An order from the master cannot be disobeyed, I apologize! But rest assured, I''ll make it quick for you!"


    Whoosh!


    The moment Chen Jie finished speaking, he swiftly thrust with his sword.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Being at the Seventh Layer of the Divine Passage Realm and particrly confident in his exquisite sword technique, he hadplete confidence in himself.


    However...


    Against Chen Jie''s rapid and relentless assault, Xiao Yi just let out a cold snort, and his Fire Qilin Sword cleaved through the air with a sh.


    ng!


    A crisp sound echoed.


    Chen Jie''s figure suddenly halted.


    His longsword dropped to the ground with a ng, and his mighty steed continued forward two steps before copsing, with both horse and rider being split in half.


    They had been cleaved in two by a single stroke of Xiao Yi''s sword.


    Hiss!


    The group of guards looked at each other in shock.


    Chen Di fell off the carriage with a thud, his face a picture of befuddled horror as he looked at Chen Jie, split into two halves, "This, this, how is this possible? Chen Jie was at the Seventh Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, and this kid is merely at the First Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, how can he be so strong..."


    Xiao Yi looked coldly at the remaining guards, "Scram, or die!"


    Whoosh!


    The guards dared not to obstruct any further.


    They stepped back one after another.


    Xiao Yi and his twopanions spurred their horses and galloped away, raising a cloud of dust behind them.


    A momentter...


    Jian San and his men finally caught up, only to see Xiao Yi and his friends disappearing into the distance. He was unable to contain his fury, ring at Chen Di, "What happened here? Weren''t you supposed to stop them? Why did you let them go?"


    Chen Di stuttered, "This, this lord, just now that young man was surprisingly strong, even the captain of my guards was in by his sword, so... so..."


    p!


    Jian San pped him across the face, sending Chen Di tumbling to the ground, and bellowed with a dark face, "Useless, all of you are useless... Your guards are nothing but cannon fodder, even if all had died, what would it matter? But now, you''ve let them get away for nothing... Men, kill all these wretches, leave none alive!"


    "No. Don''t..."


    Chen Di''s face immediately turned pale, devoid of any color, as he knelt on the ground and yelled.


    Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh!


    The Sword God Guard Brigade, in their rage, frantically began ying Chen Di''s guards.


    Chen Di, hisplexion drained of color, reeked of fear and had evidentlypletely lost control of his dder.


    "Elder, what should we do with this woman?" a guard asked.


    Jian San responded coldly, "Kill her!"


    ng!


    The guard raised his longsword.


    Just then...


    Huo Zhen suddenly burst out from the carriage, shielding Chen Di and shouting, "Lord, my young miss is acquainted with Mr. Huang Zijian, please consider Mr. Huang''s face and spare us!"


    "Hmm?"


    The guard hesitated, looking towards Jian San.


    Jian San squinted his eyes and asked, "You know Mr. Huang?"


    "Yes, yes..."


    Huo Zhen hastily nodded.


    Jian San stroked his chin and said, "Well then, since you know Mr. Huang, I''ll spare you this time. However, our Sword God Guard Brigade has been inconvenienced by you all, and these goods shall serve aspensation; we''re taking them!"


    "This is uneptable..." Chen Di''splexion changed.


    "What did you say?" Jian San narrowed his eyes, staring at him.


    Huo Zhen quickly covered Chen Di''s mouth and said with a forced smile, "It''s okay, it''s okay, you take it, please!"


    "Hmph!"


    Jian San snorted coldly, eyes still narrowed as he looked in the direction Xiao Yi and the others had left. "After half a day''s journey, we''ll arrive at the royal city, but at their current speed, we won''t catch up. No matter, we''ll head back to Mingjian Manor first and inform the master to see what to do next!"


    Then,


    The Sword God Guard Brigade, along with the Chen Family''s goods, made their departure.


    For a time,


    all that remained on the imperial road were Chen Di and Huo Zhen.


    Chen Di slumped to the ground, while Huo Zhen said with a look of pity, "Cousin, don''t be sad..."


    p!


    With a backhand p, Chen Di struck Huo Zhen fiercely across the face, ring at him with disgust and contempt in her eyes, "You''re useless, hiding in the carriage just now, and nowing out tofort me? You and those three bastards all deserve to die..."


    "Cousin, it''s, it''s not their fault. If you hadn''t insisted on stopping them, none of this would have happened..." Huo Zhen said with a mournful expression.


    p!


    Experience tales at empire


    "Whose fault is it then if not theirs? They offended Sword Mountain Manor and got chased; they should simply have stopped and let Sword Mountain Manor capture them. Not only would we not have been implicated, but we could have also gained Sword Mountain Manor''s favor. But they resisted, causing us to suffer Sword Mountain Manor''s wrath..."


    Chen Di pped him again, her eyes full of hatred and ferocity. As far as she was concerned, once Chen Jie made his move to stop them, Xiao Yi and his group should have surrendered. But Xiao Yi resisted, filling Chen Di with resentment. She gritted her teeth and said, "I''ve memorized that kid''s face. Even if he turns to ashes, I won''t forget him... He''d better pray he never meets me again, or I will tear him limb from limb... I will make him wish for death that he will not find!"


    ...


    Huo Zhen opened his mouth, but the burning pain on his face stopped him from saying anything further.


    Chen Di shakily got up, ring at Huo Zhen, "What are you standing there for? Aren''t you going to drive the carriage and take me home?"


    "Yes, yes..."


    With a face full of resignation, Huo Zhen obediently took control of the carriage and headed towards the royal city.


    Meanwhile,


    Xiao Yi and his group were racing on their python-blood steeds, and after half a day''s travel, they finally saw the majestic royal city.


    "We''ve finally arrived!"


    "Once we''re in the royal city, Sword Mountain Manor will surely hesitate to take action..."


    Xiao Yi and the others heaved a sigh of relief.


    Momentster,


    They arrived at the city gate; facing the vast city, especially a gate five to six timesrger than Nanhuang City, Fang Qingzhu couldn''t help but express in awe, "This is truly the royal city; it''s so grand, so prosperous..."


    "Cut it out, what country bumpkin is this,ing to the city for the first time?" an inopportune voice remarked from the side, belonging to a young man in brocade, with a look of scorn.


    Fang Qingzhu''s expression dimmed, feeling as if she had embarrassed Xiao Yi, and she lowered her head.


    Xiao Yi held Fang Qingzhu''s gentle hand and said with a lightugh, "Don''t mind what others say; just being ourselves is enough."


    "Mhm!"


    Fang Qingzhu nodded obediently.


    As the young man opened his mouth, Niu Dali red back at him with a fierce look.


    The young man''s breath caught.


    Anger shed across his face. Just as he was about to speak, a luxurious carriage slowly approached. The young man''s face was filled with envy, "Damn, that''s the highest-ss carriage from Treasure Pavilion, worth over a million silver each. I wonder who owns it... If I could just touch this kind of carriage once in my life, dying would be worth it!"


    As soon as he finished speaking,


    The carriage stopped right beside Xiao Yi and the others, and the elder driving it approached respectfully, "May I ask if you are Xiao Yi, sir?"


    "I am!" Xiao Yi nodded and asked, "And you are?"


    The elder''s face shone with a bright smile, "This humble servantes at themand of Miss Xue''er, waiting especially for you, sir. The young mistress awaits you at her residence; would you please board the carriage?"


    "Thank you!"


    Xiao Yi, leading Fang Qingzhu, boarded the carriage.


    Before boarding, Niu Dali nced at the dumbfounded young man and teased, "Want toe over for a touch?"


    Thud!


    The young man copsed to the ground, his face burning with pain, "..."


    He''d never expected that the so-called country bumpkins were actually the owners of the sumptuous carriage he''d dreamed of touching...


    What a disgraceful turn of events!

 Chapter 49 Lingering Spirit

    Treasure Pavilion in Wangdu.


    This was not something that could bepared to any branch in Nanhuang, the facade alone was much taller than the city gates of Nanhuang City, and the interior decorations were even more luxurious.


    The area in front served as the business district, while the back was a luxury residential area.


    The high-ranking members of the Treasure Pavilion lived in this particr area.


    Xue''er''s home was among them.


    The carriage slowly came to a stop in front of Xue''er''s house, and the old man said with a smile, "Xiao, the young miss instructed that upon your arrival, you may directly enter."


    "Thank you!"


    Xiao Yi took out one hundred silver taels and handed them to the old man, smiling as he spoke.


    The old man hastily waved his hands, "This really isn''t necessary..."


    "It''s fine! You just take it," Xiao Yi said with a smile.


    The old man wore a grateful expression, "Thank you, young master!"


    Xiao Yi nodded, the guards at the door recognized the old man, and as they saw Xiao Yi and the two others get off the carriage, they came forward to greet them, "Xiao, please follow me!"


    They walked through abyrinth-like corridor and arrived at the back courtyard.


    Xue''er, donning a white long dress, was sitting in the garden, supporting her cheek with her delicate hand, her eyes fixed on the glimmering ripples on the water''s surface. The guard''s voice reached from outside, "Miss, Xiao has arrived!"


    "Ah?"


    Xue''er was startled, then came back to her senses and saw Xiao Yi and the three people arriving. A bright smile appeared on her face, "Xiao Yi, Qingzhu, you''ve finallye, Xue''er has been waiting for you for quite some days!"


    She walked forward and took Fang Qingzhu''s hand, her face full of happiness.


    "Xue''er, what were you just looking at?" Fang Qingzhu asked curiously.


    Xue''er stuck out her tongue, "Nothing! It''s just that you weren''t here, and I was so bored... Qingzhu, your timing is just perfect... Tomorrow night, there will be a grand auction at the Wangdu Auction House, and I''ll take you both there to look around!"


    "The Wangdu Auction House?"


    "An auction? Xue''er, does that auction ept elemental weapons?" Xiao Yi asked.


    He now had a bunch of elemental weapons in his possession, including two fourth-grade ones. Although they were worth over eighty million, they were just a pile of scrap metal if he couldn''t sell them!


    Xue''er was surprised and curiously asked, "Xiao Yi, do you have elemental weapons to sell?"


    Xiao Yi nodded, "I''ve got some elemental weapons and was worrying about how to sell them."


    Xue''er said, "Xiao Yi, I''ve arranged a reception banquet for you tonight. You give me the elemental weapons, and I''ll have someone take them to the Wangdu Auction House for an appraisal. If the price is right, we''ll let them auction it off, how about that?"


    "No problem!"


    Xiao Yi smiled and handed over a pile of elemental weapons to Xue''er. He found searching for buyers too troublesome and was d to have Xue''er handle it for him.


    Xue''er immediately called a guard and instructed him to take the elemental weapons to the Wangdu Auction House. She then led Xiao Yi and the others to the dining hall. She had been preparing for this reception banquet since she returned to Wangdu and didn''t call many people, just a young man dressed in fine clothes, with a handsome and distinguished appearance.


    Xue''er introduced them with a smile, "Xiao Yi, Qingzhu, Uncle Dali..." She directly ignored Niu Dali''s sorrowful gaze and continued, "This is Qi..."


    Before Xue''er could finish the introduction.


    The young man stepped forward with a smile and greeted the three with a bow, "My name is Jiang Tai, but everyone is ustomed to calling me Qi Shao!"


    "Nice to meet you, Jiang!"


    "Greetings, Qi Shao!"


    After exchanging greetings, they took their seats.


    The wine flowed and the courses continued, one after another.


    Jiang Tai raised his ss in a toast to Xiao Yi, smiling as he asked, "Xiao Brother, I often hear Xue''er talk about your heroic deeds. If it weren''t for your timely intervention at the Southern Deste Mountain Range, that girl would have suffered a terrible fate!"


    "Brother Jiang Tai, you..." Xue''er looked at him with an aggrieved face.


    "Hahaha..."


    Jiang Taiughed nonchntly and then turned to Xiao Yi, asking meaningfully, "Xiao Brother, Xue''er mentioned that you are interested in applying to the Royal Martial Arts Academy?"


    Xiao Yi nodded, "I do have that intention!"


    Jiang Tai eximed with a hint of regret, "What a pity, I don''t really have any acquaintances at the Royal Martial Arts Academy... However, if you are interested, I could certainly rmend you to the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy!"


    "The Tianqi Martial Arts Academy?"


    "Hasn''t it been in decline for many years? What''s the use of going there..." Niu Dali said, puzzled.


    Xiao Yi nced at him and said with a smile, "Let''s try the Royal Martial Arts Academy first. If it really doesn''t work out, I''ll definitely have to bother Brother Jiang then!"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Don''t mention it!"


    The meal passed in a harmonious atmosphere, and everyone dispersed afterwards.


    The night passed without event.


    Next morning.


    Read exclusive content at empire


    With an invitation card and a golden card in hand, Xue''er found Xiao Yi, who was practicing in the courtyard at dawn, "Brother Xiao Yi, there''s news from the Royal Martial Arts Academy... Those valuable soldiers they are providing two options, one is consignment, your share will be based on the auction price. The other is to buy them outright for one billion silver. They''ve already brought the money over, which option do you choose?"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback, "Buy them outright for one billion silver?"


    By his estimation, those valuable soldiers were worth only about eighty million, and the other party was offering a direct price of one billion?


    Xiao Yi looked at Xue''er and thought to himself, "Probably because they want to favor Xue''er."


    Reluctant to bother with it, he said, "Just sell them outright!"


    "Alrighty!"


    Xue''er handed the golden card to Xiao Yi, and then the invitation, "This is for the auction tonight, but I have something to do and can''t make it, so you''ll have to take Sister Qingzhu and the others!"


    "No problem!"


    Xiao Yi said with a smile, "You go ahead with your business!"


    "Mhm!"


    With a sweet smile, Xue''er bounced out of the courtyard and waved her hand at Xiao Yi without turning back, "Brother Xiao Yi, you should rest! I''m going to take Sister Qingzhu out for a stroll in the city. You haven''t even bought her a few pieces of jewelry; I''m really going to look down on you..."


    Watching the sprite-like Xue''er hop away, Xiao Yi touched his nose and said half-jokingly, "This girl¡­ she insisted on staying in the same room with Qingzhust night, and I haven''t even seen Qingzhu this morning, and you''re already taking her out shopping?"


    He shook his head lightly.


    Xiao Yi sat cross-legged in the small courtyard and continued to immerse himself in his cultivation.


    By the time Fang Qingzhu returned, it was nearly evening, and Xiao Yi and hispanions took a carriage straight to the Royal Martial Arts Institute''s auction house.


    As he presented the invitation, the guard at the door became noticeably more respectful: "So it''s Xiao, Xu has already instructed us that, should Xiao arrive, please have him take a seat directly in the VIP area!"


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow.


    VIP area?


    Although he was not very familiar with the Royal Auction House, he knew just how coveted the seats in the VIP area were.


    Could it just be because of the valuable soldiers he sold?


    However, considering the disposition of the Royal Auction House, those soldiers shouldn''t be enough for them to pay such special attention to him, should they?


    While Xiao Yi was musing, a hauntingly familiar voice suddenly came from behind, "Why are you guys here too?"

 Chapter 50 Auction House

    "Eh? You''re here too?"


    A surprised voice interrupted the trio''s conversation.


    Xiao Yi looked in the direction of the voice and saw Zhang Kang watching them with a look of disdain on his face.


    Chen Di and Huo Zhen followed behind Zhang Kang.


    Huo Zhen nodded towards the three as a greeting.


    Chen Di, with a look of contempt, sneered, "Uncle Zhang, it seems that the Imperial City Auction House is really going downhill under the pressure of your Treasure Pavilion, allowing just anyone to join the auction, eh?"


    "Xu Lai is truly getting worse at handling things, cing such people next to me. The Imperial City Auction House will really fall into decline under his management."


    Zhang Kang also showed a face of disgust, waving over to two guards not far away. Once they approached, he said, "Tell your manager Xu to throw these three out, or at least move them to a corner. They''re a blight on my sight!"


    Chen Di arrogantly said, "They''re just country bumpkins from some backwater vige, what money would they have to attend your auction?"


    "This..."


    The two guards looked at each other and said, "Manager Zhang, we''re terribly sorry, we''ll go and call Manager Xu right away!"


    A few momentster.


    Xu Lai arrived in front of them, greeting Zhang Kang with a friendly smile: "Manager Zhang, you honor us with your presence; apologies for not weing you from farther away!"


    Although the two parties werepetitors, they maintained a cordial facade on the surface.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Zhang Kang spoke indifferently, "Manager Xu, you''re not being very fair in the way you handle things! I could overlook not being assigned a private box, but to have these three country bumpkins seated next to me is an insult to me, Zhang Kang, isn''t it?"


    Chen Di chimed in from the side, "Yeah, Manager Xu, just look at the three of them, their clothes and taste don''t resemble that of high society. Look at that woman; she doesn''t even have a single decent piece of jewelry on her. These lowly people should be..."


    p!


    Before he could finish.


    Chen Di''s face was struck by a p, the bright red mark bringing a burning pain.


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, his gaze as if choosing his prey, and spoke deliberately, "Say another word, and I''ll kill you!"


    "You, you dare to hit me? You..." Chen Di''s eyes were filled with rage and despair as he roared.


    Zhang Kang was furious, "Boy, you are too presumptuous!" He turned to Xu Lai, "Manager Xu, this incident happened in your Imperial City Auction House, aren''t you going to intervene?"


    Xu Lai looked at Zhang Kang coldly and said indifferently, "Indeed, this matter requires attention!"


    Chen Di looked at Xiao Yi triumphantly, "Kid, did you hear Manager Xu''s words? Aren''t you going to kneel down and apologize to your grandma..."


    p!


    Another p resounded.


    However, this time it was not Xiao Yi who struck, but Xu Lai.


    He stared at the trio with a cold face and said, each word enunciated clearly, "Any guest who enters the Imperial City Auction House is a distinguished guest, and we treat all guests without discrimination. If you feel humiliated sitting here, feel free to leave on your own. Whoever dares to point fingers at our guests will have to deal with me. What''s more, in my eyes, Lin Lai, you don''t even qualify to carry Xiao''s shoes!"


    "You, I..."


    Chen Di''s face alternated between green and white.


    She never imagined that Xu Lai would side with Xiao Yi and hispanions. Her eyes were bloodshot, filled with grievance and confusion.


    In her view, having the support of a seat like Zhang Kang''s should have made her status much higher than Xiao Yi''s.


    Lin Lai should have been on her side.


    But instead, Lin Laipletely disregarded her and showed Xiao Yi utmost respect.


    Zhang Kang''s gaze shifted repeatedly, knowing this was Lin Lai''s territory; he saw no need to antagonize Lin Lai over Chen Di and snorted coldly, "Fine, since Manager Xu said so, I naturally can''t disregard his face." He promptly sat down to the side, and seeing Zhang Kang keep silent, Chen Di naturally did not dare to speak another word.


    Only Huo Zhen was left on the side, quietly sighing and nodding at Xiao Yi, mouthing an apology.


    Xiao Yi nodded slightly in response.


    Xu Lai asked, "Xiao, would you like me to change their seats?"


    Hiss!


    Zhang Kang and hispanions'' faces turned pale at once.


    If Xu Lai had pped her because Xiao Yi was also there to participate in the auction, it was to show a gesture to the other guests.


    But now...


    Xu Lai actually showed such sincere respect towards Xiao Yi, which undoubtedly indicated there were other, deeper reasons.


    This young man must be extraordinary!


    Realizing this, Zhang Kang red fiercely at Chen Di, "Didn''t you say they were just country bumpkins who had never seen the world?"


    Chen Di looked wronged, "I, I didn''t know either..."


    Zhang Kang was speechless.


    A momentter.


    The auction officially began.


    As each item was presented on stage, Xiao Yi showed no interest in any of them, and thus never made a move.


    In contrast, Chen Di had already helped Huo Zhen bid for a third-grade Element Weapon, costing over two million Silver, her face was full of smugness as she provocatively looked at Xiao Yi and his group, "Who else in the first row hasn''t bid for anything? Just you three country bumpkins, are you purely here to watch the show?"


    Xiao Yi nced at her, "Talk nonsense again, and I''ll tear your mouth apart!"


    "I..."


    Chen Di opened her mouth but then, remembering the p Xiao Yi had delivered without mercy earlier, she swallowed her words back down.


    Xiao Yi paid no attention to Chen Di and instead focused on the auction stage.


    "The next Element Weapon is a whip, named Purple Dragon. It is said to be crafted from the tendons of a demonic beast with the bloodline of a Purple Dragon, known as Purple Blood Jiao, and is a fourth-grade Element Weapon. The starting bid is five million Silver, is anyone interested?" the auctioneer said.


    "Five million!"


    "Five million five hundred thousand..."


    One after another, powerful individuals ced their bids.


    Quietly holding Fang Qingzhu''s hand, Xiao Yi chuckled, "Do you like it?"


    Fang Qingzhu nodded.


    Xiao Yi then dered, "Ten million!"


    Hisss!


    The crowd sucked in a breath of cold air.


    Ten million Silver?


    This was already close to the limit value of the Purple Dragon Whip. The auctioneer, excited, eximed, "Ten million Silver for the first time, ten million Silver for the second time... any higher bids? Ten million Silver for the third time, sold!"


    The moment the auction hammer fell, Chen Di shouted, "Wait a moment!" Continue your saga on empire


    All eyes turned toward Chen Di.


    Pointing at Xiao Yi, Chen Di angrily dered, "They definitely can''t produce ten million Silver; he''s deliberately driving up the price!"


    "What?"


    "Someone is deliberately raising the price? Daring to cause trouble in the Capital''s auction house, does this kid no longer wish to live?"


    Faced with everyone''s questioning,


    Xiao Yi delivered a p, "smack," flipping Chen Di onto the ground. In a sh, he was by her side, his foot grinding her face into the ground for a few seconds as he spoke coldly, "Do you really think I wouldn''t dare to kill you?"


    "Xiao, please wait!"


    Xu rushed over, wiping the cold sweat from his forehead, "Xiao, may I ask for a favor for my sake?"


    Though the Royal Capital''s auction house had the royal family as its backing, Chen Di''s status was not simple either; if she died here, it would ultimately bring trouble to him.


    Xiao Yi frowned.


    Huo Zhen stepped forward and said, "Xiao, please let Chen Di off this time. I promise she won''t provoke you again!"


    "Huo Zhen, why are you pleading with him? My father is a third-grade officer in the current administration. I don''t believe he''d really dare to kill me..."


    Chen Di was gnashing her teeth, venomously shouting, "Bastard, you''d better let me go now, and then kneel down and apologize to me. Otherwise, when my father takes action, I''m going to have you chopped into a thousand pieces. And that cheap woman with you, I''ll sell her to a brothel..."


    Before she could finish speaking,


    Bang!


    Xiao Yi stomped down, crushing Chen Di''s head...

 Chapter 51 Earth Fire Spirit Refining Array

    ```


    Hiss!


    Panic spread throughout the auction house.


    Xiao Yi actually killed Chen Di?


    This was a murder in the capital city''s auction house!


    Since the creation of the capital''s auction house, no one had ever dared tomit murder here.


    "Has this kid gone mad?"


    "He actually killed someone in front of Xu, the manager. Is he tired of living?"


    The crowd murmured among themselves.


    Huo Zhen and Zhang Kang were utterly dumbfounded. They had never anticipated that Xiao Yi would really kill Chen Di right in front of them. Huo Zhen felt dizzy and the world seemed to spin around him. Chen Di was his cousin, and now she had been in by Xiao Yi right before his eyes.


    He could not shirk his responsibility!


    Zhang Kang''s face was also gloomy. He was friends with Chen Di''s father, but now...


    Zhang Kang, with a sullen expression, turned to Xu Lai: "Manager Xu, this incident happened in your auction house. You must give me a satisfactory answer!"


    Despite being shocked, Xu Lai also regained hisposure. Under normal circumstances, he would have handed over Xiao Yi immediately, but the Seventh Prince had already instructed him to be on good terms with Xiao Yi. Keeping this in mind, he spoke in a deep voice: "I don''t think there is anything wrong with what Master Xiao did. The whole incident was a baseless usation concocted by Miss Chen to nder Master Xiao!"


    "What do you mean?" Zhang Kang frowned.


    Xu Lai said indifferently: "With a personal wealth of over a hundred million silver, why would Master Xiao stoop to deceit over a mere ten million? Miss Chen tantly framed and insulted Master Xiao; she brought this upon herself. You can''t me others!"


    "What? A worth of over a hundred million?"


    "So young and already possessing over a hundred million in wealth, who is this nobleman?"


    The crowd inhaled sharply. Suddenly, no one spoke up for Chen Di anymore.


    His worth was over a hundred million.


    Yet you publicly called him a country bumpkin, randomly driving up prices!


    Isn''t that asking for death?


    Zhang Kang''s face turned even uglier. He suddenly remembered when Xiao Yi attempted to sell him some elemental weapons previously. If Xiao Yi was indeed so wealthy, would those weapons be of low quality? Zhang Kang could only feel resentful towards Chen Di: "That foolish woman has caused my downfall..."


    Huo Zhen was the only one looking utterly dejected.


    He hade to the capital to depend on the Chen Family, but now Chen Di was dead before him, and not being killed by the Chen Family in a fit of rage was already the best possible oue.


    Xiao Yi, however, did not pay any attention to all of this. He calmly sat back down, collected the ten million silver, and handed over the Purple Dragon Whip to Fang Qingzhu: "Qingzhu, this is a gift for you!"


    "Thank you, Xiao Yi!" Fang Qingzhu said with a smile as she epted the Purple Dragon Whip.


    The auction thereafter became somewhat uninteresting.


    Just as Xiao Yi was preparing to leave,


    Another item that piqued his interest appeared on the auction stage¡ªit was an Earth Fire Spirit Refining Array. The auctioneer excitedly announced, "This Earth Fire Spirit Refining Array, crafted by the great array master Ouyang Shang with a clump of earth fire at its core, can increase the speed of refining medicinal pills by a hundredfold with an effectsting for 24 hours. The starting bid is ten million silver!"


    Interest fading, Xiao Yi''s expression suddenly became intense.


    A hundredfold refining effect?


    He currently held a Golden Core from the Iron de King, which he had been refining for several days, but the progress was slow.


    But if he had the hundredfold effect of this Earth Fire Spirit Refining Array, even if it onlysted for 24 hours, it would be equivalent to a hundred days of refinement for him. A hundred days would allow him to refine one third of the Golden Core''s energy.


    It would be enough to help him step into the Third Layer of the Shentong Realm, or even the fourth.


    The price at the auction had already reached thirty-five million, and the person bidding was Zhang Kang. He raised his hands to greet the crowd, "Ladies and gentlemen, I must have this Earth Fire Spirit Refining Array. I hope you will do me the courtesy of letting me have it!"


    "With Manager Zhang speaking, we naturally yield to you!"


    "We won''tpete!"


    Just as Zhang Kang was basking in his anticipated victory, Xiao Yi opened his mouth and said: "Forty million."


    Hiss!


    The crowd sucked in their breaths again.


    ```


    Zhang Kang is the chief steward of Treasure Pavilion, whom among the crowd wouldn''t give him some face?


    Xiao Yi actually dared to bid against him?


    Zhang Kang''s face darkened as he stared at Xiao Yi, "Kid, are you deliberately opposing me?"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Xiao Yi replied with an innocent face, "In an auction, isn''t the item awarded to the highest bidder? Since when did it be whoever shouts the loudest gets the item?"


    "You..."


    Zhang Kang felt his face turn hot with anger, never expecting to be looked down upon by Xiao Yi, and said with a somber face, "Competing in wealth? Do you think I, Zhang Kang, would be afraid of you? Fifty million!"


    "Fifty-five million!"


    "Sixty million..."


    The bidding went on.


    Finally, when it reached seventy million, Xiao Yi said indifferently, "I will only go as high as seventy million, if you bid higher, it''s yours!"


    "Seventy million... I..." Zhang Kang gnashed his teeth in frustration.


    His money wasn''t his own, but belonged to Treasure Pavilion.


    Your next read awaits at empire


    The real value of the Earth Fire Spirit Refining Array was only around fifty million, seventy million had already far exceeded the value he could justify; with a cold snort, his eyes revealing a venomous look, he gritted his teeth and said, "Kid, you''re ruthless. We''ll see about this!"


    "Take your time, I won''t see you out!" Niu Dali burst into loudughter.


    Zhang Kang nearly stumbled in anger.


    After paying seventy million Silver, he bought the Earth Fire Spirit Refining Array.


    As Xiao Yi and the two others were about to leave, Xu Lai took the initiative to approach them, "Sir Xiao, a distinguished guest wishes to meet with you!"


    "Hmm?"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback, then said, "Lead the way!"


    "Please!"


    Xu Lai led the trio to one of the VIP rooms, where only a young man with a handsome and noble aura was present. Upon seeing Xiao Yi arrive, he stood up with a smile, "I am Jiang Tai, pleased to meet you, Sir Xiao!"


    "Jiang Tai? Are you His Highness, the Seventh Prince?" Niu Dali eximed in surprise.


    Jiang Tai smiled, "Indeed, that''s me!"


    Xiao Yi nodded, "May I know what brings His Highness to seek me out?"


    Jiang Tai said solemnly, "Sir Xiao..."


    Xiao Yi said, "Just call me Xiao Yi, Your Highness!"


    "This... very well, Xiao Yi!" Jiang Tai nodded, and said earnestly, "Xiao Yi, I would like to invite you to join the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy."


    "Tianqi Martial Arts Academy?" Xiao Yi was taken aback.


    Niu Dali interjected, "Big brother, I have heard of Tianqi Martial Arts Academy... Before the Royal Martial Arts Academy rose to prominence, it was the strongest Martial Arts Institute in Tianqing Kingdom. However, it has been suppressed by the Royal Martial Arts Academy in recent years..."


    Jiang Tai gave a bitter smile and said, "Brother Dali is right, the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy has indeed been suppressed by the Royal Martial Arts Academy over the years. However, if you Xiao Yi are willing to join the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, I assure you the highest standard of treatment!"


    Xiao Yi bowed and replied, "I apologize, but I have already promised Elder Wang that I will go to the Royal Martial Arts Academy."


    "Elder Wang?"


    Jiang Tai was taken aback, as the name Wang Zhiyuan was renowned, and then he gave a wry smile, "I didn''t expect that Brother Xiao Yi had already caught the favor of Elder Wang, it seems that the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy has no fate with you!"


    Xiao Yi nced at him apologetically.


    Jiang Tai shook his head indicating it was okay, then said, "Brother Xiao Yi, I heard from Steward Xu that you bought that Earth Fire Spirit Refining Array? It''s not easy to use such an array in ordinary ces, so if you wouldn''t mind, you can cultivate inside the training room of the auction house!"


    "Training room?"


    Xiao Yi was surprised and thought that since both he and Fang Qingzhu were at the Shentong Realm, refining the Golden Core would cause quite a disturbance. It would be inconvenient in an inn, so he said, "Then I''ll have to trouble the Seventh Prince!"


    "No trouble at all!"


    Xiao Yi then gave Niu Dali ten million Silver, saying, "Qingzhu and I need to go into closed-door training. This money is for you for now; I''ll repay what I oweter. Find us again in two days when it''s time for the trial at the Royal Martial Arts Academy!"

 Chapter 52 The Legacy of Dao Yan

    Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhu were escorted to the training room.


    Jiang Tai and Xu Lai stood outside the training room. Unable to contain himself, Xu Lai said, "Your Highness, previously you showed no intention of recruiting Xiao Yi, but after he killed Chen Di, you actively sought him. Why is that?"


    The Chen Family that Chen Di belonged to was only a second-rate family in the Royal City, but Chen Di''s father was in the prime of his life and had great potential for further advancement.


    As for Xiao Yi, he was only at the firstyer of the Shentong Realm.


    In Xu Lai''s view, offending the Chen Family for Xiao Yi''s sake was clearly not worth it.


    Jiang Tai said indifferently, "Elder Xu, do you know Xiao Yi''s identity?"


    "This..."


    Xu Lai shook his head.


    Narrowing his eyes, Jiang Tai said, "He is from the Xiao Family of the Great Qian Dynasty. Although this news was suppressed by the Xiao Family and only a small number of people in Nanhuang City know about it, someone passed a message from Nanhuang City a few days ago. This Xiao Yi is not simple at all! When he first arrived in Nanhuang, he was only at the Physical Body Realm. But in just a few months, he stepped into the Shentong Realm. Even Jia Sichun of the Jia Family died at his hands..."


    "What? He reached the Shentong Realm in just a few months and killed Jia Sichun? How is that possible?" Xu Lai''s eyes widened in shock.


    Only then did he understand why Jiang Tai suddenly sought to recruit Xiao Yi.


    A genius who could step into the Shentong Realm from the Physical Body Realm in just a few short months would undoubtedly achieve limitless heights in the future.


    "For ordinary people, it certainly isn''t possible, but don''t forget that he has the same blood as that person..."


    Taking a deep breath and unable to hide the shock in his heart, Jiang Tai ended with a sigh, "It''s just a pity that he has already agreed to help Elder Wang. Since he is someone valued by Elder Wang, I cannot take him no matter what!"


    Wang Zhiyuan held very high prestige and status within the Tianqing Kingdom.


    Nowadays, the position of the Crown Prince of Tianqing Kingdom is still up for grabs, and any prince who could gain Wang Zhiyuan''s support would significantly increase his chances of obtaining the title of Crown Prince.


    He didn''t want to offend Wang Zhiyuan for Xiao Yi''s sake.


    Jiang Tai continued, "Since we cannot recruit him, then we should forge good karma with him. Letting him use this training room, if he remembers this kindness, maybe he can also be a great asset to me in the future!"


    Xu Lai nodded, then, recalling that Xiao Yi had not only killed Chen Di but also offended Zhang Kang, hesitated and said, "Your Highness, ording to what you said, hasn''t Xiao Yi already offended the Chen Family, Jia Family, and Zhang Kang? Any one of these parties is difficult to deal with, should we help him in secret?"


    "No need!"


    Jiang Tai waved his hand, his gaze calm and detached as he said, "The path to bing a strong warrior is never smooth sailing. If he can''t ovee these difficulties, it just proves that he does not have the qualifications to be my Jiang Tai''s chess piece!"


    ...


    Inside the training room.


    Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhu sat facing each other, their palms aligned with the Golden Core of the Iron de King between them.


    Previously, in order to break through to the Shentong Realm, the two had already refined one-fifth of the Golden Core''s energy and had both stepped into the Shentong Realm. Now, resuming cultivation, they were further elerating the process a hundredfold with the help of the Earth Fire Spirit Refining Array.


    It was likely that, by the end of this refining session, more than half of the energy of the Golden Core would be depleted.


    "Qingzhu, I''m about to activate the Earth Fire Spirit Refining Array. If you can''t handle it, exit immediately. Understand?" Xiao Yi warned Fang Qingzhu earnestly as he stared at her.


    His physical body was strengthened by the power of the God Sealing Seed, much stronger than that of a warrior of the same level.


    Naturally, he could endure the onught of power.


    But Fang Qingzhu''s physical body was iparable to his, and her limit for enduring energy was naturally much lower.


    Fang Qingzhu nodded to show she understood.


    Xiao Yi flicked his finger, tossing an array g between them.


    A thread of Yuan energy surged into it.


    Hum!


    The array was immediately activated, and red beams of light appeared beneath them, with red lines forming a circr array te. Within the array te, the red light wove into gray array patterns.


    The light shone brilliantly, like celestial light, like divine brilliance, bathing their bodies.


    Both channeled their profound energies at the same time.


    They could feel a surge of immense power rush into their bodies from the Golden Core.


    With a hundredfold increase in refining speed.


    This allowed them to constantly and distinctly feel their strength skyrocketing.


    After one hour.


    Two hours.


    Three hours...


    Both of their cultivation levels continued to rise. In just eight hours, Xiao Yi''s cultivation had reached the Third Layer of the Shentong Realm, and Fang Qingzhu had also kept pace, reaching the same realm as him.


    However, Fang Qingzhu apparently was struggling to withstand the surge of energy, as the ice-blue phantom phoenix behind her manifested once again.


    Though it was but a fleeting appearance,


    it still managed to coat the training room with ayer of frost.


    Whoosh!


    Fang Qingzhu immediately exited the array, as the sudden two minor realm increases in cultivation overwhelmed her, and she sat cross-legged to the side to begin refining and stabilizing her own realm.


    Xiao Yi, however, was still absorbing the energy transferred from the Golden Core. Your next read awaits at empire


    When 24 hours had ended,


    Xiao Yi''s cultivation had reached the Fourth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, and his Golden Core had shrunk down by half from its original walnut size. Xiao Yi took a deep breath and ced the Golden Core into his storage ring, then he began guiding the primal energy into the God Sealing Seed.


    The God Sealing Seed burst forth with dazzling light as Xiao Yi was bathed in divine radiance.


    Four hundred and one.


    Four hundred and two...N?v(el)B\\jnn


    At the First Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, his God Sealing Seed was activated with four hundred seeds, and now that he had reached the Fourth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, he had added as many as six hundred more. He had a total of one thousand God Sealing Seeds in his body!


    Boom!


    When the primal energy, refined by the essence of the one thousand God Sealing Seeds, transformed into the power of the gods and fed back into his dantian,


    Xiao Yi''s cultivation became firmly established.


    Simultaneously...


    His consciousness suddenly entered the Ancient Heavenly Tomb, where one thousand God Sealing Seeds could now allow him to suppress another being; his gaze swept across until Xiao Yi found a short grave that was a zhang high. However, this grave did not bear a wooden tombstone, but a stone one.


    From his several previous visits to the Ancient Heavenly Tomb, Xiao Yi had discerned some patterns: the taller the grave and the better the material of the tombstone, the stronger the entity within the grave.


    For instance, the grave of that Death-Dealing Schr was but three feet tall!


    Yet the one in front of him stood at an entire zhang!


    "Divine General of Suppression, Crush the heavens, the God-Sealing Demon-Suppressing!"


    With a smash of his palm, Xiao Yi shattered the grave before him, and with a thunderous roar, a stream of light soared into the sky ¡ª it was a refined schr. d in a blue Daoist robe, with a face like carved jade, friendly and amiable, Xiao Yi hardly needed to act, as it voluntarily burrowed into the God Sealing Seed.


    Turning into a statue, residing only within the God Sealing Seed.


    Simultaneously,


    Xiao Yi received information from the shadow in the robe: "Dao Yan, Heavenly Yuan Realm, a grandmaster in martial arts theory, the creator of the ''Martial Canon,'' ''Sword Canon,'' ''Saber Canon,''... among one hundred and eight sacred martial arts scriptures, directly or indirectly instructing nearly a million disciples. His number one disciple is a legend of the Heavenly Yuan Realm ¡ª Martial God Zhao Wuji!"


    Hiss!


    Xiao Yi took a sharp breath.


    This was Dao Yan? The master of Martial God Zhao Wuji?


    Dao Yan''s name was thunderously renowned!


    He was a prodigy who couldn''t cultivate himself yet possessed an incredibly high aptitude, a talent who spanned the heavens and earth. It could be said that the flourishing state of the martial way in the Heavenly Yuan Realm today owed much to Dao Yan''s contributions. Some had even hailed him as the mentor to the Martial God!


    After suppressing Dao Yan, Xiao Yi immediately gained his understanding and theoretical knowledge of the martial way.


    Many previous uncertainties also became clear to him.


    It''s no exaggeration to say,


    That in terms of martial arts theory, in the great Heavenly Yuan Realm, those who could surpass him could be counted on one hand!


    More importantly, he had also acquired a secret technique from Dao Yan''s heritage, the "Blood Explosion Skill."


    This secret technique could be ssified as a fifth-grade technique, which by burning one''s own blood, offered a surge in strength for a short period, potentially reaching an increase of up to a hundredfold. However, the price was thepletebustion of one''s blood, and it was not to be used lightly.


    Although suppressing Dao Yan this time did not yield powerful martial techniques or cultivation methods, it did perfectlyplement Xiao Yi in theoretical aspects, sparing him many detours on his future path in martial arts.


    Especially the "Blood Explosion Skill," it provided him with an additional lifeline; the intangible gains were immensely great.


    Indeed, from another perspective, this gain was even richer than if he had obtained a Martial God''s inheritance directly.


    After all...


    This was Dao Yan, who had taught a person like Martial God Zhao Wuji.


    "Brother Xiao Yi, time''s up; we should head to the Royal Martial Arts Academy now!"


    Suddenly, the voice of Fang Qingzhu came from outside, as Xiao Yi''s consciousness exited the Ancient Heavenly Tomb, the corners of his mouth curling up slightly, "The Royal Martial Arts Academy? Here Ie, Xiao Yi!"

 Chapter 53 Royal Martial Arts Academy

    ```


    Outside the Royal Auction House.


    Xue''er''s carriage had been waiting for quite some time.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    As soon as she saw Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhue out, Xue''er immediately approached them: "Xiao Yi, Qingzhu... We went to the Qingyan Pavilion yesterday to find you. Luckily, we ran into Dali, or else we wouldn''t have known you were here!"


    "I''m sorry, Xue''er, we came in a haste and forgot to leave you a message!" Fang Qingzhu said apologetically.


    Xue''er shook her head and said, "The assessment is about to start, let''s set off!"


    "Alright!"


    The group rode the carriage and headed straight for the Royal Martial Arts Academy.


    Inside the carriage.


    Xiao Yi asked, "Xue''er, Elder Wang hasn''t returned yet?"


    Xue''er shook her head and said with a bitter smile, "This time, my grandfather went out with the headmaster. It seems there has been the emergence of a secret realm belonging to someone from the Tao Tribtion Realm. They went together, and we don''t know when they''ll be back."


    "A secret realm of a Tao Tribtion Realm expert?"


    Xiao Yi and hispanion exchanged a look.


    Above the Golden Core is the Tao Tribtion, signifying the tribtions of martial arts, it is also a transformative realm for leaping through the dragon gate to be a true dragon.


    It is said that in the vast Tianqing Kingdom, only the ancient forebear of the royal family is at the Tao Tribtion Realm, but that venerable ancestor has not shown himself for over a hundred years.


    "No wonder Elder Wang was in such a hurry to get back..." Xiao Yi murmured to himself.


    Xue''er said with a smile, "Xiao Yi, don''t worry! Before my grandfather left, he made all the arrangements, and with your strengths, getting into the Royal Martial Arts Academy will be a piece of cake!"


    ......


    The Royal Martial Arts Academy was established five hundred and thirty-one years ago.


    It is said that at that time, the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy was dominant and tried to influence the session of the Crown Prince, which angered the King.


    To counterbnce the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, the King founded the Royal Martial Arts Academy.


    After more than five hundred years of development, the Royal Martial Arts Academy haspletely surpassed the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy in all aspects.


    The entire academy is situated in the East City District, facing the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy of the West City District. Stay connected via empire


    Almost a quarter of the East City District belongs to the Royal Martial Arts Academy; the academy is home to sixty thousand Yellow Level students, twelve thousand Profound Level students, thirteen hundred Earth Level students, and thirteen Heaven Level students.


    Even the weakest Yellow Level students are above the Qi Gathering Realm.


    By the time Xiao Yi and the others arrived at the Royal Martial Arts Academy, the entrance was already a sea of people.


    Xue''er said, "Xiao Yi, you''re going to take part in the assessment soon. I''ve already prepared a banquet at the Qingyan Pavilion, waiting for your triumphant return!"


    "Don''t worry, we won''t disappoint you!" Fang Qingzhu said with a smile.


    Xiao Yi nodded in agreement.


    Niu Dali grunted: "It''s just the Royal Martial Arts Academy''s assessment. It''s a trifle for me, nothing but light rain!"


    "I bet you won''t pass the assessment!"


    A boastful voice came through, the speaker was a youth not even one and a half meters tall, "Don''t you know that the elimination rate of the Royal Martial Arts Academy''s assessment is as high as ny percent? And you say it''s light rain? That''s sheer arrogance!"


    The youth had a small mustache under his nose and was pinching it with his chubby little hands, looking disdainfully at Xiao Yi and the others.


    Niu Dali snorted darkly, grabbing the youth by the cor: "Shorty, you''re itching for a beating, aren''t you?"


    "You big oaf, let me down right now, or I''ll start shouting for help!" the diminutive youth iled his arms and legs, but being so short, he couldn''t reach Niu Dali and could only speak fiercely.


    Niu Daliughed heartily: "Go ahead and shout, nobody wille to help you even if your throat breaks!"


    "Big brother, second brother, three of them, someone is bullying me!" the small fellow suddenly shouted.


    "Who dares to bully our brother?"


    "Looking for trouble, are they?"


    ```


    In the crowd.


    A little dwarf who was stealing someone''s purse dropped the purse and rushed out; another small dwarf who was negotiating with a few extravagantly dressed people walked out; and another was squeezing through the crowd, stealing touches, hustling over with a red bellyband in hand.


    Three dwarfs, none taller than four and a half feet, stood in front of Niu Dali, hands on hips, fiercely red at him, and shouted in unison, "Put down our fourth brother!"


    "Damn, did I hit a dwarf nest?" Niu Dali''s eyes widened as he looked at the four little dwarfs in front of him.


    Xiao Yi said, "Dali, let him go."


    "Oh!"


    Niu Dali released his grip, and the little dwarf jumped down. After straightening his cor, he said with self-satisfaction, "I bet you wouldn''t kill me!"


    Niu Dali: "..."


    The short one bowed to Xiao Yi and said, "Dude, thank you for your righteous help. My name is Shi Yaodu; this is my eldest brother Shi Yaoqian, my second brother Shi Yaoquan, and my third brother Shi Yaose. From now on, you''re a friend of us four Shi brothers. If anyone dares to bully you, we brothers will tear him to shreds together!"


    Xiao Yi: "..."


    The crowd: "..."


    Money, Lust, Power, Gambling?


    What kind of names are these?


    And to top it all off, your surname is Shi, which, no offense, sounds like ''Shit'' Family''s four brothers!


    Shi Yaose walked up to Fang Qingzhu with his hands rubbing together and chuckled, "Everyone has a love for beauty... Beauty, our bed is big and soft..."


    Shi Yaodu whispered, "I bet third brother is about to get beaten up!"


    Bang!


    Xiao Yi kicked him out with a foot and said with a dark face, "Stay away from Qingzhu!"


    At that moment...


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Three dull bell tolls rang out, startling everyone and brightening their expressions.


    From within the gates of the Royal Martial Arts Academy, three figures emerged.


    The leader was a middle-aged man dressed in profound garments, with heroic eyebrows like unsheathed swords, breathing in one continuous flow, and eyes like stars, with a glint of cold light. nking him was a man and a woman, each exuding the aura of the Divine Skills Realm.


    Especially the middle-aged man in profound garments, he was a powerhouse of the High-order Divine Power Realm.


    "Wee, everyone, to the quarterly assessment of the Royal Martial Arts Academy. I am the chief examiner, Ge Qingyun, and these two are earth-level students, Zhang Yi and Sun Ying. You will face three rounds of tests, and only by passing all three will you pass the assessment and be students of the Martial Arts Institute! The first round of assessment will be conducted by Sun Ying!" Ge Qingyun said indifferently.


    Sun Ying stepped forward, pointed at the stone lion on the left side of the gate, and said, "This stone lion can test your level of cultivation. Anyone over eighteen years old and below the Fifth Layer of the Gathering Qi Realm is unqualified. Please go ahead!"


    The crowd advanced one after another.


    This round easily eliminated forty percent.


    Xiao Yi and the others, of course, passed easily and then entered the second round of the assessment. Ge Qingyun said, "This second round will be conducted by Zhang Yi!"


    Zhang Yi stepped forward, his icy gaze sweeping over the crowd, pausing slightly on Xiao Yi and two others as he said indifferently, "The second round of the assessment tests your innate talent. All you have to do is touch the talent stone in my hand, and it will emit either white or ck light, white light for elimination, ck light for qualification!"


    The crowd stepped forward to test.


    Soon it was Xiao Yi''s turn. Zhang Yi''s lips curled up slightly, his eyes gleaming with amusement, "Go ahead!"


    Xiao Yi frowned and ced his hand on the talent stone.


    Whoosh!


    Bright ck light burst forth, the deep ck light especially eye-catching against the blue sky and white sun.


    However...


    Zhang Yi''s face showed a trivial expression, his lips curling up in a thick sneer, and he said lightly, "Disqualified..."

 Chapter 54 Reversing Black and White

    "Disqualified!"


    Zhang Yi''s face wasden with thick mockery, but the three words that left his mouth left everyone agape.


    The sneer on his face grew even more brilliant, his gleeful gaze sweeping over Xiao Yi,den with intense mockery and provocation.


    The surrounding crowd was also stunned.


    "What''s going on here?"


    "I clearly saw ck light just now, how could it be disqualified?"


    "Could I be seeing things?"


    "Keep your voices down... Can''t you see? He must have offended someone from the Royal Martial Arts Academy, so they''re intentionally targeting him!"


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, staring at Zhang Yi; "You''re saying I''m disqualified?"


    Zhang Yi indifferently replied: "That''s right, you are disqualified!"


    Fang Qingzhu immediately stepped forward, anxiously retorting: "We clearly saw white light, how can it be disqualified?"


    Niu Dali also shouted with a grim face: "Which eye of yours saw white light? Are you blind? When my big brother touched the talent stone, the ck light was so evident, how could you not see it?"


    "How dare you! Are you questioning the authority of the Royal Martial Arts Academy? I am the examiner this time, and if I say he''s disqualified, then he is disqualified!"


    Zhang Yi was fearless, lowering his voice somewhat, "Kid, some people you can''t afford to offend, and this is your fate!"


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath and then turned to Ge Qingyun: "Instructor, you must have seen the results of the test just now, right? Do you also think I''m disqualified?"


    Ge Qingyun''s face was indifferent: "All I see is that you failed the assessment, yet you''re trying to force Zhang Yi to change the results! With such a poor character, even if your talent were outstanding, our Royal Martial Arts Academy would not ept you!"


    He was the chief examiner of this assessment.


    Since even he said that Xiao Yi didn''t pass, it was as good as set in stone.


    Fang Qingzhu''s face paled, and she quickly said: "Mr. Ge, we were referred here by Elder Wang, we hope you will treat us fairly..."


    "Elder Wang?"


    "Vice-Chancellor Wang? How could you know him?" Ge Qingyun''s expression changed dramatically. If Xiao Yi really knew Elder Wang, then he was in big trouble.


    Moreover...


    A person who had caught Elder Wang''s eye must definitely be a prodigy.


    Even if Elder Wang didn''t pursue the matter, the higher-ups of the Martial Arts Institute would consider it a serious crime if they found out that he hadmitted such injustice and turned away a prodigy for his own personal reasons!


    Standing by his side, Zhang Yi had already been aware of Xiao Yi''s identity, and whispered: "Mr. Ge need not worry, Brother Jia is the crown prince''s man, they have already handled everything... But just to be safe, we should eliminate him. Would Vice-Chancellor Wang really offend the crown prince over a dead man?"


    "Well said!"


    Ge Qingyun''s eyes lit up and he said, "Elder Wang is eminent and highly regarded, and he would definitely not want to see us engaged in any corruption. Not only have you disrupted the Royal Martial Arts Academy''s examination, but you have also ndered Vice-Chancellor Wang, the crime is heinous, and you must be executed! Zhang Yi, kill him for me, to serve as an example to others!"


    "At yourmand!" Enjoy more content from empire


    Zhang Yi appeared in front of Xiao Yi with a fiendish smile, going for a ck Tiger Heart Dig straight toward Xiao Yi''s chest.


    Facing such a ferocious attack from Zhang Yi, Xiao Yi merely raised one hand and firmly caught the palm.


    He then viciously pped it away.


    Zhang Yi screamed miserably as he was sent flying by Xiao Yi''s p, tumbling through the air like a kite with its string cut, as Xiao Yi pursued and kicked him in the face in midair.


    Bang!


    Zhang Yi harshly crashed to the ground, spewing out blood along with a mouthful of teeth.


    His face smeared with blood, he looked up at Xiao Yi, who was slowly withdrawing his foot.


    Zhang Yi''s cultivation was at the Fifth Layer of the Shentong Realm, and he was a master who had awakened his Innate Divine Ability; he didn''t expect to be sent flying by a kick from Xiao Yi? Zhang Yi red furiously, grinding his teeth: "You... you dare hit me?"


    "I''ve already hit you and you''re still asking if I dare, it seems youck not only a pair of eyes but also a brain..." Xiao Yi replied coldly.


    Zhang Yi''s face was red with rage as he bellowed, "You dare to insult me? You''re as good as dead, I..."


    "Save that nonsense for King Yama!"


    Xiao Yi''s fist suddenly smashed down.


    Boom!


    Zhang Yi''s head burst open instantly, turning into a mess of flesh scattered on the ground.


    A Profound Level disciple from the Royal Martial Arts Academy, he didn''t even have the chance to use his Innate Divine Ability before his head was blown apart by Xiao Yi''s punch.


    "Rascal!"


    Ge Qingyun, with a gloomy face, roared in fury, his eyes emitting a cold light as he locked his gaze onto Xiao Yi, "How dare you, a scoundrel, ughter a student of the Royal Martial Arts Academy! It''s utterly unforgivable, a crime deserving of death a thousand times over!"


    "Deserving of death a thousand times over? Whether I passed the examination is clear to all, yet you insist on distorting the truth and framing me ¨C who truly deserves to die a thousand times over?"


    Xiao Yiughed coldly, "You blind old dog, go keep himpany!"


    Ge Qingyun, filled with murderous intent and a dark expression on his face, said, "In all my years at the Royal Martial Arts Academy, I have never seen someone as arrogant as you. It''s clear that you forced Zhang Yi to alter the test results, and when that failed, you resorted to murder. If someone as violent and ruthless as you were allowed to grow unchecked, you would surely be a scourge on thisnd. Today, I, Ge Qingyun, shall act in heaven''s stead and rid the world of you, a murderous devil!"


    Xiao Yi let out a loudugh to the heavens, "Hahahaha, this is the Royal Martial Arts Academy? With such tant disregard for right and wrong, truth and falsehood, I suggest you might as well close your doors now!"


    "Scoundrel, you''re courting death!"


    Ge Qingyun''s face turned alternatively green and white, his rage uncontroble.


    The furious anger turned into a cold, tangible intent to kill, firmly targeting Xiao Yi.


    Ge Qingyun''s face bore a cold smile to the extreme, his voice sinister, "Daring to challenge the authority of the Royal Martial Arts Academy and openly threatening the chief examiner, you deserve to be torn to pieces!"


    As soon as his words ended¡­


    Ge Qingyun''s vital energy surged violently around him, and with a leap, hended in front of Xiao Yi.


    He pped down with one hand.


    "Void Shock Palm!"


    A high-tier, third-grade martial technique, the palm attack came rushing forward with the momentum of Move Mountains and Overturn Seas, containingyers uponyers within the palm, its power seemingly endless.


    With just one palm, it could ignore physical defense and directly shatter the internal organs.


    Such a formidable move, coupled with Ge Qingyun being at the Eighth Layer of the Divine Power Realm, had enough destructive power to crush even amon practitioner at the Eightfold Divine Power Realm.


    Xiao Yi''s cold gaze was fixed on the iing attack that seemed unstoppable, as his understanding of Dao Yan''s punch shed through his mind. His thoughts shifted in an instant, finding a w in what seemed to be an imprable assault.


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, focusing on the center of the palm fueled by vital energy.


    Having received Dao Yan''s legacy and the martial wisdom and heritage of the Martial God, he could see through the fatal w in Ge Qingyun''s move at a nce.


    In his eyes, across the vital energy-enveloped palm, faint blue liquid streams coursed like ghosts, and Xiao Yi instantly pinpointed the core where these blue streams converged, his lips curving up into a slight, cold arc, "Break for me!"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Swish!


    At the strike of his finger, Ge Qingyun''s gathered assault crumbled to pieces.


    The sharp finger strike hit dead center on the palm.


    This was the weak point of his attack!


    Crack!


    Amidst the sound of bones shattering, Ge Qingyun let out a hysterical scream as his entire right arm was obliterated.


    Bone fragments protruded from his shoulder, and amidst the bloodied spectacle, there was also a chilling sense of desperation as Ge Qingyun crashed to the ground with a thud.


    Ge Qingyun, clutching his broken arm, looked at Xiao Yi with deep fear and regret in his eyes.


    With such strength, once he entered the Martial Arts Institute, he would at least be a Profound Level or even Earth Level student, and one day he might even be strong enough for the Heavenly Rank Academy. But s, there''s no medicine for regret in this world. Having offended him now, he might as well offend him thoroughly!


    Ge Qingyun took out a summoning arrow and swiftly released it into the sky, his face simultaneously revealing a ferocious expression, "Impudent Xiao Yi, to brazenly assault and injure a Martial Arts Institute examiner without cause, showingplete disregard for thew. I''m going to immediately call for the Law Enforcement Team. You''re done for..."

 Chapter 55 Law Enforcement Team

    Whoosh!


    Amand arrow pierced the sky, exploding above with a loud bang.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    In the blink of an eye,


    dozens of powerful auras surged out from the Martial Arts Institute.


    Equally matched in the Shentong Realm.


    This was the Royal Martial Arts Academy''s Law Enforcement Team, feared by all who heard their name.


    The person leading them radiated elemental energy, surrounded by a protective golden light; he was a superpower within the Golden Core Realm. His brows were sharp as des, his eyes flickered with lightning, sweeping a cold gaze over the crowd.


    His eyes flickered with a cold light, "What is going on here?"


    Ge Qingyun wept bitterly, "Elder Zhou Xin, save me! This guy named Xiao Yi, unable to pass the talent test, was enraged and wanted Zhang Yi to change the results. Zhang Yi refused and has been killed by him. My teacher tried to intervene and has been seriously injured by him..."


    This Zhou Xin was the master of the Law Enforcement Hall.


    His cultivation had reached the Seventh Layer of the Golden Core Realm, one of the apex existences within Tianqing Kingdom''s martial ranks.


    Zhou Xin''s body was enveloped by golden elemental energy, resembling a radiant halo, majestic and solemn. His sharp eyes seemed capable of piercing into one''s soul, his cold gaze fixated on Xiao Yi, expressing a hint of doubt, "How could someone of such an age manage to y Zhang Yi and defeat Ge Qingyun? He must be a genius, why would he fail the assessment?"


    Ge Qingyun''s face slightly changed.


    He was about to speak.


    But Zhou Xin waved his hand dismissively, "Nevertheless, it doesn''t matter. What our Royal Martial Arts Academy nevercks are geniuses. You dared to openly kill a student of my Royal Martial Arts Academy and severely injure an instructor, this cannot be easily resolved. Only your blood can wash away the disgrace you''ve brought upon our Institute. You, take your own life!"


    Xiao Yi looked at Zhou Xin indifferently, "Is this the justice of the Royal Martial Arts Academy''s Law Enforcement Hall? To depart from justice is unrighteousness, to be unable to discern right from wrong is folly, and to disregard the rules of the Martial Arts Institute is disloyalty. You, a person whocks loyalty, intelligence, and righteousness, dare to sit in the position of the Law Enforcement Elder?"


    Zhou Xin was strong.


    With the Seventh Layer of the Golden Core Realm, unless he employed the highest-level Blood Explosion Skill, burning all his blood, he was not someone Xiao Yi could currently contend with.


    But...


    As a War God, tasked with suppressing all the heavens and sealing all things,


    how could he fear anyone?


    Zhou Xin narrowed his eyes, his gaze cold and sharp. Having held the position of Law Enforcement Elder for many years, even students at the heaven-level revered him. When had anyone ever dared to rebuke him to his face? His expression turned as cold as ice, "You say this Elder is unfair? I want to see, aside from you, who else believes this Elder is unjust!"


    His gaze swept over everyone present.


    One by one, the strong ones stepped back, bowing their heads.


    Just as Zhou Xin was reveling in his triumph, a cold voice rang out. Fang Qingzhu stood by Xiao Yi''s side, "Xiao Yi is right. You are not only unjust but also disloyal, unwise, and unrighteous."


    "You..."


    Zhou Xin''s face stiffened; he thought nobody would dare confront him, yet immediately someone stood up and fiercely pped him in the face.


    Following that, Niu Dali stepped forward, wielding his heavy sword, "Fairness and justice, do they have anything to do with you?"


    "Despicable..."


    Zhou Xin''s face grew even darker.


    "Peace leads to prosperity! Although I love money, I must say you really have nothing to do with fairness!" Shi Yaoqian yed with two Silver Ingots in his hand, wearing a scornful smile on his face.


    Shi Yaose sniffed harshly at the red bellyband in his hands, squinting his eyes in enjoyment, "Everyone desires beauty... count me in!"


    Shi Yaoquan shrugged, "Logically, I should cling to you, but how could I when even my two brothers can''t stand it?"


    Thest one to step forward was Shi Yaodu.


    He twirled a pair of dice in his hands, smiling at Zhou Xin, "I bet you can''t kill us today!"


    Including Xiao Yi, there were a total of seven of them.


    Zhou Xin''s face shifted between shades of green and white. He had never imagined that these seven people would dare to publicly defy him.


    "Good, good, good, you..." Just as Zhou Xin began to speak, another person stepped out from the crowd.


    It was Huo Zhen.


    He looked solemnly at Zhou Xin and said in a deep voice, "Elder Zhou, I have always admired the Royal Martial Arts Academy, but what you''ve done today is just too much."


    "Where did this mongrele from, daring to criticize this Elder?" Zhou Xin, furious, struck out with his palm.


    As his icy palm drew near Huo Zhen, itnded with a smack, sending him flying.


    Huo Zhen spit out blood and stumbled to the ground.


    With a cold snort, Zhou Xin said, "You rabble who only wish for chaos, you all deserve to die! All Law Enforcement Team members listen to mymand, capture these eight people. If they resist, show no mercy!"


    "Yes!"


    A group of strong individuals from the Law Enforcement Hall charged at them simultaneously.


    Twenty-something people faced off against eight!


    Xiao Yi took the lead, "To enforcew unjustly, what dignity do you have wearing those tunics? Brothers, strip them of their fa?ade!"


    "Strip them clean!" Niu Dali said viciously.


    "Fortune favors the bold. Take my fist!" Shi Yaoqian struck with intricate skill, his Third Layer of the Divine Passage Realm prowess enabling him to fight two other practitioners of the same level without falling behind.


    The attacks of Shi Yaoquan, Shi Yaose, and Shi Yaodu were no less formidable.


    Wielding her Purple Dragon Whip, Fang Qingzhushed out with whip strikes like phantoms ¨C graceful and seemingly sentient, handling her opponents with ease.


    Xiao Yi was like a War God himself, holding a third-grade elemental weapon in his hand. The Fire Qilin Sword was too dazzling, and he was not yet able to reveal its power casually. With the sword in hand, he executed the "Soul-chasing Life-taking Sword" to great effect.


    "Sweeping through a thousand troops!"


    Your journey continues with empire


    "Chasing stars and moons!"


    "Life Seizing Soul Chaser..."


    Every strike of his sword injured someone, every move was lethal!


    With his current prowess at the Fourth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, even if he faced a practitioner of the Ninth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, he could emerge victorious. The rest of the opponents were simply swept aside.


    For a moment...


    Eight against twenty-seven, Xiao Yi''s side imed aplete victory!


    Xiao Yi and his sevenpanions stood in line, staring coldly at Zhou Xin, whose face was turning shades of green and white, and said, "You im I''m not qualified to enter the Royal Martial Arts Academy? I''d like to ask, these people lying here, what status do they hold within the Academy?"


    Zhou Xin''s face turned the color of liver, as if he had swallowed a kilogram of flies; the difort was palpable.


    The Law Enforcement Teamprised the elite students of various levels.


    If even they were easily defeated by Xiao Yi and his group, to say that Xiao Yi was not qualified and failed the examination would imply that more than ny percent of the Academy''s students were also not qualified, wouldn''t it?


    He felt his face burning with an intense, unbearable pain.


    Seeing the peculiar looks of the other strong participants in the examination directed at him, Zhou Xin red viciously at Ge Qingyun, cursing inwardly: You idiot, if you want to deal with him, at least use smarter methods!


    Now, he was in a difficult position!


    But he couldn''t tarnish the reputation of a Law Enforcement Elder. With a cold huff, he said, "Our Royal Martial Arts Academy not only values talent but also character. Just on that alone, none of you qualify, I..."


    Before he could finish, a longugh interrupted him.


    A Cangyun Eagle soared into view, its wings spanning twenty meters, casting a shadow as if to cover the sky, descending from above.


    A cold voice came from on the back of the Cangyun Eagle, "Zhou Xin, your Royal Martial Arts Academy is as shameless as ever, isn''t it? Your Academy looks down on their character? From what I see, they are loyal, brave, and resourceful, which makes them far stronger disciples than those so-called geniuses you speak of. Gentlemen, are any of you interested in joining my Tianqi Martial Arts Academy?"

 Chapter 56 Lets go together!

    "Would you be willing toe to our Tianqi Martial Arts Academy?"


    A genialugh echoed from the back of the Cangyun Eagle.


    Dressed in a refined, schrly green shirt, the middle-aged man floated down, moving with the wind as if a celestial being had descended to the world. The gentle breeze swirling around him carried no trace of coercion but exuded a sense of majesty that was as awe-inspiring as a towering mountain.


    All eyes were drawn to him.


    "Gu Junhe, what are you doing here at the Royal Martial Arts Academy?" Zhou Xin''s eyes narrowed, filled with a serious countenance as he sized up the neer.


    Gu Junhe.


    Head of the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy.


    Your journey continues with empire


    A peak existence of the Golden Elixir Realm, and the youngest record holder in the entire Tianqing Kingdom to reach that level.


    There were rumors...


    That the next person to step into the Tao Tribtion Realm in the Tianqing Kingdom would likely be this Gu Junhe.


    Gu Junhe''s face was adorned with a radiant smile, as he lightly said, "I was passing by when I suddenly saw your Royal Martial Arts Academy''s distress signal. I thought the Demon Sect''s followers were besieging your academy, so I hurried over to help. Little did I expect that instead of the Demon Sect, I would find your Royal Martial Arts Academy failing to discern right from wrong, reversing ck and white, and bullying the younger generation!"


    "Bullshit!"


    Zhou Xin flew into a rage, blurting out without thinking.


    But no sooner had he uttered these words than his face abruptly changed, as a loud whoosh resonated from the void.


    An invisible pnded heavily on his face.


    Wow!


    Zhou Xin was directly smacked to the ground, his head mming into the earth with such force that stars sparkled before his eyes, his head spinning.


    Gu Junhe looked at Zhou Xin with a cold expression, his demeanor indifferent, "Even if Elder Wang and Shu Linghua were here, they wouldn''t dare talk to me like that. What are you that you dare say I''m spouting nonsense? If I farted, could you even handle it?"


    Zhou Xin twitched the corner of his eyes, hastily saying, "Head Gu, I misspoke earlier, please forgive me!"


    "Hmph!"


    Gu Junhe sneered, but as he turned around, his face was already filled with a brilliant smile, focusing on Xiao Yi and the others, "You youngsters have integrity and don''t bow to power, which suits my taste very well. Any interest in joining my Tianqi Martial Arts Academy?"


    "Tianqi Martial Arts Academy?"


    "Harmony brings wealth!"


    Shi Yaoqian muttered his mantra before adding, "Does your Tianqi Martial Arts Academy have a lot of money?"


    Gu Junhe paused, then nodded, "Yes, our Tianqi Martial Arts Academy has more money than we can spend!"


    Hiss!


    Shi Yaoqian''s eyes lit up, and he quickly nodded, "I''ll go, I''m going!"


    Shi Yaoquan squinted his eyes, "Ever since I saw you p Zhou Xin away with just a palm strike, I knew I''d follow you for life!"


    The corner of Gu Junhe''s eye twitched.


    Shi Yaose licked his lips, rubbing his hands together, "Are there many beauties at Tianqi Martial Arts Academy?"


    "Uh..."


    Gu Junhe gave a serious reply, "As long as there are women, they are all peerless beauties!"


    "Hmm, I''m not lecherous. It''s just that training with both genders is less tiring. I''m willing to go!" Shi Yaose stated seriously.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Gu Junhe unconsciously nced at Shi Yaodu, who hesitated before saying, "I bet you will definitely take me in!"


    Gu Junhe then looked towards Niu Dali and Fang Qingzhu.


    Fang Qingzhu smiled, "Wherever Xiao Yi goes, I go there!"


    Niu Dali dered, "I''ll follow the big brother!"


    Gu Junhe''s gaze settled on Xiao Yi, a sh of excitement skimming the depths of his eyes. He had witnessed everything Xiao Yi had done previously, and he immediately said, "Xiao Yi, would you be willing toe to my Tianqi Martial Arts Academy?"


    Xiao Yi nced at Gu Junhe.


    He didn''t believe Gu Junhe had really just happened to pass by, but seeing no malice from the man, Xiao Yi smiled and said, "Head Gu, I didn''t even pass the second round of assessment at the Royal Martial Arts Academy. Are you sure taking me in won''t be a loss for Tianqi Martial Arts Academy?"


    "They at the Royal Martial Arts Academy are blind!"


    Gu Junhe looked deeply at Xiao Yi, and although it was their first meeting, there was an unspoken understanding between them, "As long as you agree toe to my Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, I guarantee that within five years, you will be able to sweep through the entire Royal Martial Arts Academy!"


    Xiao Yi shook his head, "No, five years is too long!"


    "Hmm?"


    Gu Junhe was taken aback.


    Xiao Yi continued, "Elder Gu, since you want me to join the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, as the headmaster, you will protect me, right?"


    Gu Junhe nodded subconsciously, but as he saw the triumphant smile at the corner of Xiao Yi''s mouth, his heart skipped a beat. He was about to speak when he saw Xiao Yi had already approached Zhou Xin, slowly raised his thumb, then turned it down, and roared word by word, "Today, I, Xiao Yi of Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, on behalf of the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, challenge all students of the Royal Martial Arts Academy below the Profound Level!"


    What?


    Gu Junhe was stunned.


    Zhou Xin''s face flushed red with anger, "Xiao Yi, do you really think my Royal Martial Arts Academy has no one left?"


    Xiao Yi said coldly, "Didn''t you say I''m not qualified to enter the Royal Martial Arts Academy? Then let me see the so-called geniuses of your academy, if every single one of them is stronger and more outstanding than me, Xiao Yi! Anyone below the Profound Level,e one by one or two by two. If I lose, I, Xiao Yi, will kneel to death at the gates of your Royal Martial Arts Academy!"


    Zhou Xin roared, "Xiao Yi, you''re looking for death!"


    Xiao Yi looked at Gu Junhe, "Headmaster!"


    Gu Junhe''s face darkened, "Zhou Xin, didn''t you hear Xiao Yi''s words? Call out all disciples below the Profound Level of your Royal Martial Arts Academy. Otherwise, don''t me me for losing my temper!"


    Zhou Xin, "..."


    In the capital of Tianqing, Gu Junhe had a famous nickname, known as the Unbeatable Naughty Boy.


    Once provoked, he didn''t care about consequences.


    Act now, talkter!


    If Zhou Xin didn''t follow his instructions, Gu Junhe might really cause a ruckus at the Royal Martial Arts Academy.


    With this thought,


    A cold light shed in Zhou Xin''s half-closed eyes, and with a venomous stare fixed on Xiao Yi, he said coldly, "Fine, since you''re courting death, I won''t be to me!"


    Whoosh!


    Zhou Xin took out amand arrow.


    Themand arrow shot into the sky, bursting into a brilliant golden lightning.


    Boom boom boom!


    The sound of war drums resonated continuously, echoing between heaven and earth.


    "When the war drums sound, disciples gather!"


    "Three sounds, calling together the Earth, Yellow, and Profound levels? Quick, there must be some big trouble!"


    The entire Royal Martial Arts Academy was in an uproar.


    Disciples of Earth, Yellow, and Profound levels rushed towards the gates of the Royal Martial Arts Academy. Excluding those who were not within the academy, the gathered crowd exceeded twenty thousand. Nearly twenty thousand Yellow Level disciples, over three thousand Profound Level disciples, and nearly a hundred Earth Level disciples¡ªall of them ring fiercely at Xiao Yi and the others.


    The atmosphere was extremely tense.


    "Elder Zhou, what happened? Why gather us in such haste?" A young man dressed in Earth Level disciple uniform stepped forward and asked. He was the strongest among many Earth Level disciples currently at the academy, ranked tenth among Earth Level disciples, Zhuge Shuangdao.


    Zhou Xin pointed at Xiao Yi and said icily, "This person named Xiao Yi, wishes to challenge all students of the Royal Martial Arts Academy below the Profound Level. This matter concerns the reputation of the Royal Martial Arts Academy for hundreds of years. Who dares to fight?"


    "What? Challenge all students below the Profound Level?"


    "That''s too arrogant! He''s simply asking for death!"


    "Kill him!"


    A Profound Level disciple leapt forward, looking at Xiao Yi coldly, "Royal Martial Arts Academy, Profound Level disciple Wang Ye, let me..."


    "Too much nonsense!"


    Xiao Yi snorted coldly, his figure suddenly vanished from its original spot, and when he reappeared, he had already used the move "Dragon Tail Whip" to fiercely send Wang Ye flying.


    With a heavy thud, Wang Ye from the Fifth Layer of the Spiritual Power Realm fell hard, foaming at the mouth, unable to move.


    Everyone was dumbfounded.


    A powerhouse of the Fifth Layer of the Spiritual Power Realm, defeated by a single kick?


    Xiao Yi, however, disregarded the shocked expressions of the crowd and said indifferently, "One by one is too troublesome; you alle at me together..."

 Chapter 57 Zhuge Shuangdao

    "All of you,e at me together!"


    Xiao Yi hooked his finger at the crowd, his eyes zing with an intense desire for battle and excitement.


    The war-hungry gene inside him was now fully activated.


    Suppressor of the Heavens, War God,


    Subduing the myriad heavens, sealing deities in their ce.


    He was the existence that fought against gods, immortals, the heavens, the earth, endless battling without loss.


    The repeated oppression from the Royal Martial Arts Academy had wholly sparked the war-like instinct within him, causing the God Sealing Seed inside to buzz and hum, and a faint glow ebbed and flowed around his body as if a celestial being had descended to the world. With a wave of his hand, a Tier-3 Yuan weaponnded within his palm.


    Whoosh!


    The sword''s edge sliced through the air, emitting a series of tearing sounds.


    The array of formidable experts standing before Xiao Yi exchanged nces¡ªtwenty thousand in number, and he was asking them all to attack at once?n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    To face an army of thousands alone?


    That was, of course, impossible!


    Even if Xiao Yi dared to take them all on, they wouldn''t dare to rush him en masse; after all, if they did, the reputation of the Royal Martial Arts Academy would be utterly ruined.


    "Hmph, it was only because he was caught off guard for a moment that you managed to trick him. Let this old man teach you a lesson, you oblivious fool¡ª"


    A Fifth Layer of the Spiritual Power Realm expert soared high, his body sturdy and powerful, possessing Innate Divine Strength. His fists, hard as iron maces, brutally smashed down. With unparalleled strength, single-handedly capable of tearing apart tigers, panthers, wolves, those ruthless fists descended upon Xiao Yi, aiming to crush his skull and surely kill him if they connected.


    Facing this thunderous attack.


    Xiao Yi''s gaze lifted slightly, and the sword in his grip swung upward in a swift arc.


    Whoosh!


    The silvery sword light, like a crescent moon, sliced into the attacker''s body with a swish.


    St!


    The body of the strong opponent was cut clean in two; blood rained down like a downpour, and the two halves of the corpse fell to the ground.


    Hiss!


    The death of two Fifth Layer of the Spiritual Power Realm experts at Xiao Yi''s hand, and undeniably instantaneous kills at that, shocked all the rapidly arriving Royal Martial Arts Academy students, horror-stricken they eximed, "This guy''s strength is so formidable, who exactly is he? Why is he challenging us?"


    "I heard he was also participating in our Royal Martial Arts Academy''s disciple assessment, but he was eliminated during the second round!"


    "You must be joking, right? With his strength, he couldn''t pass because of poor talent? Then what are we?"


    "Which idiot was in charge of the assessment? Aren''t they just pushing a genius out the door?"


    "Keep your voice down. I heard it was by Brother Jia Sidao''s suggestion..."


    Listening to the discussions among the Royal Martial Arts Academy''s students, Zhou Xin''s face turned as livid as a pig''s liver, wishing he could flog the corpses of Ge Qingyun and Zhang Yi. But right now, he absolutely could not afford to lose hisposure. Zhou Xin let out a cold snort, "Xiao Yi, aren''t you being a bit too ruthless?"


    Xiao Yi nced at him and turned to address Gu Junhe, "Director!"


    Gu Junhe appeared in a sh before Zhou Xin, pressing a palm against his face and pushing him to the ground, rubbing it back and forth, as he coldly questioned, "What''s the matter? I''m still standing right here. Are you already nning to threaten my disciple?"


    Zhou Xin felt like crying, "When the hell did I threaten him?"


    "Still trying to talk tough?"


    Gu Junhe, gripping his face, smashed it against the ground over and over.


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    The ground was smashed into a deep pit.


    Zhou Xin''s nose was blue, and his face was swollen; if not for his Golden Core Realm body being as durable as a first-grade Yuan weapon, the impacts could have made his head burst open and bleed. Even so, Zhou Xin''s head had swollen like a pig''s, barely recognizable as human anymore.


    Smack smack smack!


    Gu Junhe dusted off his hands and looked at Xiao Yi, "You continue!"


    Xiao Yi''s mouth curled up as he looked towards Zhuge Shuangdao and the others, "Those of you in the Yellow or Profound Levels, don''t bothering over to seek death. Do none of you Earth Level students have the guts to fight me? I get it now. They say I''m unqualified to enter the Royal Martial Arts Academy because my guts aren''t small enough, nor is my skin thick enough, is that it? If that''s the case, then I admit defeat; indeed, I''m not suitable for the Royal Martial Arts Academy!"


    "Xiao Yi, don''t think that just because you''ve killed two Profound Level students, you''re really invincible. My Royal Martial Arts Academy has countless people who could kill you like stars in the sky!"


    A voice like rolling thunder spoke, and a bald young man stepped forward.


    The young man was bald with brows sharp as swords, high cheekbones, and eyes cold like an eagle''s gaze; his cultivation had reached the Seventh Layer of the Spiritual Power Realm, marking him as an Earth Level student.


    "Is this the Bald Butcher ranked 278th among the Earth Level students, Ding Qiang?"


    "I didn''t expect him to not be out on a training expedition. With him here, Xiao Yi won''t be able to act arrogantly for long!"


    The disciples of the Royal Martial Arts Academy were excitedly discussing.


    The Bald Butcher Ding Qiang licked his lips and revealed a ferocious grin, speaking ominously, "Xiao Yi, I respect you as a real man, so I will use the manliest way to give you a quick death."


    ng ng!


    In the cold sh of metal, he held a huge cleaver resembling an ox head in each hand.


    The pair of cleavers were pitch-ck with silver edges shimmering.


    "Third-grade Yuan weapon, Heaven ughter de, I''ming for your dog head!" Ding Qiang bellowed, charging at Xiao Yi with his dual des.


    His bulky figure was surprisingly fast, and amidst his wild charge, his de light spilled everywhere like quicksilver. Faced with such a reckless assault, Xiao Yi shook his head and chuckled, "Soul Snatcher, Life Stealer!"


    Whoosh!


    Sword drawn, sword fallen.


    Xiao Yi brushed past Ding Qiang, walking straight towards Zhuge Shuangdao and others, while behind him, Ding Qiang copsed with a thud, his throat spraying blood. Xiao Yi lifted his longsword, with droplets of blood rolling down its edge, and coldly said, "Come at me all at once. Killing you one by one just isn''t satisfying enough!"


    Hisss!


    These words struck like thunder out of the blue, drawing a wave of gasps.


    Killing wasn''t satisfying enough?


    Every sword strike could im the life of a talent painstakingly nurtured by the Royal Martial Arts Academy, and yet you call that not satisfying enough?


    Zhuge Shuangdao was furious, his eyes cold as frost, and he gritted his teeth, "Xiao Yi, I admit that what Zhang Yi and Mr. Ge did was despicable by fabricating the reasons for your disqualification from the assessment. But you''ve caused enough trouble, and you''ve killed enough. This should be the end of it, and I will personally draw a satisfactory end to this issue!" Stay tuned with empire


    "A satisfactory end?" Xiao Yi looked at him with an amused gaze.


    "Killing you, to settle this matter, that would be the most satisfactory conclusion!" Zhuge Shuangdao said coldly, "Rest assured, I will give you enough respect, and I will use my strongest strike to kill you!"


    No sooner had his voice faded.


    Zhuge Shuangdao''s body erupted with a boom.


    White light swirled around him; behind his back, two white streams rose, and two arms tore through them appearing at his rear. Each of his four arms grasped a pitch-ck war de that shone with a dark gleam of sharpness, sending chills down the spine.


    "Zhuge Shuangdao, ranked 10th among the Earth Level students of the Royal Martial Arts Academy, 25th on the Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List''s Tiger List, his Innate Divine Ability, four arms!"


    "Four arms perfectly fused with his body, extremely fearsome!"


    With a face full of excitement, Zhou Xin, despite his bruised and swollen face, showed an eerie smile, "This time, Xiao Yi is undoubtedly going to die!"

 Chapter 58 An Earth-Shattering Sword

    Zhou Xin wore a smug expression on his face, provocatively looking over at Gu Junhe.


    Gu Junhe gave him a nce.


    Not a word was uttered.


    Yet, his palm once again came down on Zhou Xin''s face, pressing it against the ground and rubbing it back and forth.


    Zhou Xin''s mouth was full of mud and sand, despairing in anguish, "Gu Junhe, you are going too far!"


    Gu Junhe said indifferently, "Your eyes are asking for a beating!"


    Zhou Xin: "I..."


    Meanwhile¡­


    Zhuge Shuangdao had alreadyunched a thunderous offensive, his four arms spinning simultaneously, with ck sabers cutting through the air¡ªthe dazzling ck saber light was blinding and impressive, arriving in a sh, appearing right in front of Xiao Yi,unching attacks from both sides. The saber des, merged with the arms, offered even more flexibility than using weapons alone.


    The power had also increased significantly.


    Xiao Yi was entirely focused. The opponent before him was of the Divine Power Realm Tenth Layer, far beyond any opponents he had previously encountered.


    With a single hand, he grasped the Dragon Scale Sword to block the attacks in front of him.


    ng!


    Amid a dull sound, the first ck saber strikended on the edge of the sword, actually causing the de to curl back and sparks to scatter. The brute force was just transmitted to both hands when Xiao Yi felt a numb soreness, and then the second saber strikended on the edge of the sword.


    ng!


    This strike was even more powerful than thest.


    Followed immediately by the third, fourth, fifth saber strikes...


    "Whirlwind sh!"


    Zhuge Shuangdao''s figure spun like a top, his four arms wielding thebat sabers repeatedly striking the Dragon Scale Sword.


    The dragon scales on the sword broke apart and shattered, shooting off in all directions.


    Xiao Yi was forced to retreat again and again.


    "Hahaha, Xiao Yi, weren''t you quite arrogant? It seems you can only bully those weaker than you..."


    "What our Royal Martial Arts Academy doesn''tck the most are geniuses. What are you? The fact that our Royal Martial Arts Academy doesn''t want you is only your loss, it has absolutely no impact on us!"


    "Brother Zhuge, go for it, chop him down!"


    The strong ones from the Royal Martial Arts Academy shouted one after another, their expressions filled with excitement.


    The eighteenth saber strike came down!


    ng!


    With a crisp sound, the Dragon Scale Sword in Xiao Yi''s hand broke into two pieces, the violent shockwave sent Xiao Yi flying away. He was flung over ten meters, dragging two ferocious traces behind him, the centers of his palms split open, blood spurting wildly, the broken sword dim and shattered.


    Zhuge Shuangdao stood proudly in front of Xiao Yi, with heavy mockery in his lips, "Is that all you''re capable of? Still dreaming about challenging all the students below the heaven level at the Royal Martial Arts Academy?"


    Xiao Yi shook off the fresh blood on his hands, tore off a piece of cloth to wrap around his palms, and looked up at Zhuge Shuangdao: "As expected of the number twenty-five on the Flying Tiger List, you do have some skills. There can''t be many geniuses like you at the Royal Martial Arts Academy, right? If I killed you, the Royal Martial Arts Academy would surelyment your loss!"


    Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List is divided into the Teng Long List and the Flying Tiger List.


    The Teng Long List has twenty spots, with each person being a Golden Core Realm powerhouse under the age of forty.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The Flying Tiger List has one hundred slots, each a powerhouse under the age of forty and below the Golden Core Realm.


    Zhuge Shuangdao, being ranked twenty-fifth on the Flying Tiger List, meant that he was ranked forty-fifth among the younger generation across the entire Tianqing Kingdom.


    Such a prodigy was indeed a rare talent, even for the Royal Martial Arts Academy.


    Zhuge Shuangdao looked disdainful: "You think you can kill me?"


    Xiao Yi stretched and cracked his joints, raising the bandaged hand, and said lightly, "I, Xiao Yi, always act on the principle of not offending others unless I am offended first. Today''s affair was provoked by you. And Zhuge Shuangdao, since your earlier attacks on me were all deadly, if I don''t kill you, wouldn''t I be letting down my own bloodshed?"


    "That also depends on whether you have the capability!" Zhuge Shuangdao scoffed.


    ng!


    The long sabers held in the four arms crisscrossed, slowly dragging the des with ear-piercing ngs, sparks flying and killing intent surging to the heavens.


    Xiao Yi''s body shook.


    With a flick of his palm, a third-grade elemental longsword appeared in his hand, this de was obtained from the Sword Mountain Manor; it was named Tiger yer. The sword''s hilt portrayed a fierce tiger''s head, its maw wide open with the sword de emerging from within, a cold light circling the entire de. Xiao Yi gripped the hilt tightly, his body trembling: "It''s not only you who has an Innate Divine Ability!"


    Hum!


    A stream of ck liquid flowed out from Xiao Yi''s body, adhering to his right arm, wrapping around the Tiger yer Sword in his hand.


    The Tiger yer Sword turned a shiny ck color.


    It hadpletely fused with his arm! Find more to read at empire


    On this side was Xiao Yi''s ''Weapon Fusion'' innate divine ability, manifested after his breakthrough to the Shentong Realm, using a weapon as a support to transform his body into a weapon,bining himself with it. Holding a war sword, his arm fused with it; the entire arm was the war sword. d in battle armor, his torso could merge with it, and his whole body became the armor!


    Weapon Fusion, one of the top ten divine skills!


    "His innate divine ability is actually Weapon Fusion?"


    "Just how strong is Xiao Yi''s talent?"


    All were astonished.


    Even Zhou Xin was sweating profusely at this moment, filled with immense regret. He had turned away a peerless genius who possessed the Weapon Fusion innate divine ability?


    "That, that''s the power of Sword Intent¡­"


    "To master one of the top ten divine skills, Weapon Fusion, at merely the Fourth Layer of the Shentong Realm, and to grasp Sword Intent already? This, this¡­"


    If Zhou Xin only felt regret upon discovering Xiao Yi''s mastery of the Weapon Fusion divine skill, at this moment he was regretting it so much his guts turned green. Mastering Sword Intent in the Shentong Realm meant a hundred percent certainty of advancing into the Golden Core Realm!


    Added to that was his innate divine ability, Weapon Fusion.


    Xiao Yi''s future achievements would at least be in the top three of the Teng Long List!


    "Jia Sidao, Ge Qingyun, Zhang Yi... you''ve wronged me..." Zhou Xin was so angry that he spouted a mouthful of old blood, his eyes filled with hysterical madness as he stared fixedly at Zhuge Shuangdao, "Shuangdao, kill him, kill him for me!"


    Meanwhile.


    Xiao Yi and Zhuge Shuangdao had already engaged again inbat, with Zhuge wielding knives in all four arms, attacking with an unparalleled ferocity.


    Between their exchanges, the two appeared evenly matched.


    After all, Xiao Yi was still at the Fourth Layer of the Shentong Realm, facing off against Zhuge Shuangdao of the Divine Power Realm Tenth Layer who had awakened his innate divine ability, there was still a certain gap.


    "I admit you''re strong, but you''re still far from killing me!" Zhuge Shuangdao''s four arms waved wildly, momentarily baffling Xiao Yi with his madness-like knife techniques.


    "It seems I can only use this move¡­"


    Xiao Yi''s eyes suddenly surged with a crimson hue as he roared, "Blood Explosion Skill!"


    Whoosh!


    A red glow emerged around his body, enveloping him entirely.


    It was indeed the Blood Explosion Skill inherited from Dao Yan!


    The Blood Explosion Skill instantly burned one-tenth of Xiao Yi''s blood, offering a burst of tenfold strength. The secondyer burned a fifth of the blood for twentyfold power, and so on, till the tenthyer burned all the blood to unleash a hundredfold strength.


    But to cast the tenthyer meant burning all the blood, leading to death!


    Fortunately, Zhuge Shuangdao was only at the Divine Power Realm Tenth Layer; Xiao Yi needed to activate only the firstyer of the Blood Explosion Skill.


    Boom!


    After the tenfold increase in strength.


    Xiao Yi''s right arm, merged with the Tiger yer Sword, was covered in ayer of crimson glow: "Sweeping a Thousand Troops!"


    A sword swept across the sky.


    Both speed and power were ten times greater than before!


    ng!


    This sword blow forcibly knocked the des out of Zhuge Shuangdao''s hands.


    "Not good¡­" Zhuge Shuangdao''splexion underwent a drastic change.


    The moment Xiao Yi passed by him, he promptly reversed direction and struck again with his sword: "Chasing Stars and Moon!"


    Whoosh!


    The de sliced through the void, severing Zhuge Shuangdao''s four arms on the spot.


    Howl!


    Zhuge Shuangdao''s spirit almost left his body as he wailed in pain, turning to run towards Zhou Xin, "Elder Zhou, save me..."


    "No one can save you!"


    Xiao Yi sneered coldly, the scarlet sword glow piercing the heavens, a thirty-foot sword light shrouding the sun.


    This earth-shattering sword descended from the sky!


    Spurt!


    Zhuge Shuangdao''s body shuddered, and he spewed out a mouthful of fresh blood, his entire body cleaved into two halves by Xiao Yi''s relentless strike¡­

 Chapter 59 Within a year, I will take your life!

    Silence.


    Explore stories at empire


    Deathly silence.


    In front of the gates of the Royal Martial Arts Academy, despite the presence of over ten thousand people, there was now absolute quiet.


    Gulp!


    Someone swallowed instinctively, which set off a wave of gulping as one formidable figure after another swallowed repeatedly. This sound seemed to break the spell that had frozen time, gradually restoring the ability to move among the crowds.


    Every single person looked at Xiao Yi with a mix of shock, awe, and a hint of disbelief, "Dead, dead? The tenth ranked Earth-Level student, ranked twenty-fifth on the Flying Tiger List, the genius Zhuge Shuangdao is actually dead?"


    "I, I must be dreaming¡­"


    Even Gu Junhe was momentarily stunned before bursting into heartyughter, proiming loudly, "Interesting, interesting! Someone who didn''t even pass the second round of assessments at the Royal Martial Arts Academy and was turned away at the door as ''trash'' has actually killed one of your so-called geniuses, hahaha, what a Royal Martial Arts Academy indeed¡­"


    At this moment.


    The entire Royal Martial Arts Academy erupted into chaos.


    Especially Gu Junhe''s term ''trash''. It was like an invisible p fiercely striking the face of every powerful figure of the Royal Martial Arts Academy.


    Pain.


    A pain that drills into the heart!


    If even Xiao Yi, who killed Zhuge Shuangdao, could only be considered trash and not worthy of entering the Royal Martial Arts Academy, what did that make them?


    Are they even less than trash?


    "Ge Qingyun, Zhang Yi, and Jia Sidao, you all deserve to die¡­"


    "Because of your selfish desires, you not only caused the death of Zhuge Shuangdao but also caused our Royal Martial Arts Academy to lose an unparalleled genius!"


    "You are the sinners of the Royal Martial Arts Academy¡­"


    Many of the powerful figures from the Royal Martial Arts Academy cursed without stop.


    Zhou Xin''splexion turned from pale to flushed, feeling chilling drafts on his back.


    If Elder Wang and the headmaster were to return and learn about this, he feared that losing his position as the Law Enforcement Elder would be the least of his worries!


    "Xiao Yi¡­ it''s all because of you, you damned mongrel¡­" Zhou Xin red venomously at Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi''s body ceased its glow of blood, revealing the Blood Explosion Skill.


    The Blood Explosion Skill constantly burnt his blood, and thatst strike had burned away a tenth of his blood volume, leaving his face extremely pale.


    His arm too returned to normal.


    The vital energy expended to maintain his Innate Divine Ability was also tremendously great.


    Xiao Yi''s lips curved slightly upward, his pale face bearing a strange smile as he bowed to the people of the Royal Martial Arts Academy, "The Royal Martial Arts Academy is indeed worthy of its reputation, the talents are as plentiful as the stars in the sky, no wonder you looked down on Xiao Yi. This Zhuge Shuangdao is supposedly ranked beyond the twentieth at the Royal Martial Arts Academy, but it took me the strength of nine bulls and two tigers just to kill him. It seems that my previous deration of challenging all students below the Sky Level was truly overconfident and arrogant!"


    Zhou Xin''s face twitched: "..."


    The disciples of the Royal Martial Arts Academy gnashed their teeth in anger: "..."


    Your words are anything but modest, they''re a p in our faces!


    Xiao Yi then turned to face Gu Junhe, bowing, "Headmaster, the Royal Martial Arts Academy is indeed terrifying with its abundance of powerful figures. We should return to the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy."


    "Yes, let''s go!"


    Gu Junheughed heartily, he hadn''t felt this joyful in many years.


    Gu Junhe gave a bow to Zhou Xin, "Elder Zhou, my Tianqi Martial Arts Academy is no match for the Royal Martial Arts Academy, we can only take in the disciples you look down upon. When your headmaster returns, remember to thank him for me, will you!"


    Zhou Xin: "You, you¡­ argh..."


    He was so angry that he spewed out a mouthful of old blood.


    "Hahaha..."


    Gu Junhe waved his hand grandly, "Children, follow me back home; tonight, I will treat you to great amounts of meat and wine!"


    Whoosh!


    A fierce wind swept through, and the Cangyun Eagle swooped down from the skies,nding in front of the crowd.


    Xiao Yi and the others climbed onto the back of the Cangyun Eagle, and with a wingspan of twenty meters, it pped its wings and soared into the sky, vanishing among the clouds.


    Soon after¡­


    Zhou Xin slowly regained consciousness only to discover Elder Wang and Zhou Yuan, the headmaster of the Royal Martial Arts Academy, staring at him with extremely ugly expressions. It was clear they already knew the full story of what had happened.


    Zhou Xin''s pale face was filled with bitterness and resentment, "Dean, Elder Wang, that Gu Junhe has gone too far!"


    p!


    Elder Wang''s hand struck Zhou Xin''s face, shocking him into confusion. Holding his cheek, he stared at Elder Wang in a daze, "Elder, Elder Wang, what are you doing?"


    Elder Wang''s face was grim as he said, "Xiao Yi was my personal rmendation, intended to be cultivated as the core talent of the future for the Royal Martial Arts Academy. Yet you all pressured him to leave? Now you want to turn the situation around and me him? What did Gu Junhe do wrong? Am I supposed to watch idly as you ruin a talent?"


    "I, I..."


    Zhou Xin opened his mouth but was unable to utter a word under Elder Wang''s furious re.


    "Enough!"


    Zhou Yuan spoke faintly, his gaze towards Elder Wang filled with displeasure, "Zhiyuan, this matter can''t be med all on Zhou Xin. If Xiao Yi truly intended to join the Royal Martial Arts Academy, he would have stayed even if he felt wronged, or at least until you and I returned. But he not only killed our disciple, he also tarnished the academy''s reputation. It proves that he is not fated to be with our academy!"


    Elder Wang''s expression remained dark, "Dean, this whole affair was caused by Jia Sidao for his own personal hate. How can you me Xiao Yi?"


    "If Xiao Yi had not killed Jia Sichun, would Jia Sidao have targeted him? Ultimately, Xiao Yi has no respect for our academy. Such a person, we are better off without!" Zhou Yuan paused and then continued, "Zhou Xin, go tend to your injuries. I will make a trip to Tianqi Martial Arts Academy!"


    "Dean, what are you going to do?" Elder Wang asked, frowning.


    Zhou Yuan snorted coldly, "Do I need to report to you what I do?"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Whoosh!


    Zhou Yuan soared into the sky.


    ...


    On the back of the Cangyun Eagle.


    Xiao Yi sat cross-legged, hisplexion regaining some color. Opening his eyes, he saw Fang Qingzhu looking at him with concern and managed a smile, "Don''t worry, I''m fine!"


    Fang Qingzhu spoke softly, "Can you not take such risks in the future? I, I only have you as my family now..."


    Family?


    Xiao Yi felt a slight jolt, wasn''t he the same?


    Gripping Fang Qingzhu''s soft hand tightly, Xiao Yi nodded firmly, "Okay..."


    However...


    Before the word "okay" could leave his lips, it seemed to get stuck.


    Whoosh!


    A light flickered in the void, and a finger carved out of crystal shot towards Xiao Yi''s back.


    Fang Qingzhu''s pupils contracted sharply, and she forcefully pulled Xiao Yi, swapping ces with him.


    Under Xiao Yi''s shocked gaze, the crystal fingernded on Fang Qingzhu''s back with a booming sound.


    Wow!


    Fang Qingzhu''s body trembled, blood spurting out and covering Xiao Yi''s face.


    Everything in front of him was blood-red!


    Xiao Yi held Fang Qingzhu tightly; she continually spat out blood, and he desperately tried to stop it, but blood still flowed through the gaps in his fingers. Xiao Yi looked around, trying to call for Gu Junhe, but realized he couldn''t make any sound, only gasping for breath.


    Niu Dali and the four brothers from the Shi Family were on high alert, encircling the two of them.


    Suddenly, a furious roar erupted from the void, "Zhou Yuan, you old bastard, how dare you strike a junior with such a venomous blow? Have you no shame?"


    Zhou Yuan''s indifferent voice came through, "This brat tarnished the reputation of the Royal Martial Arts Academy and killed my disciple. Why shouldn''t I take his life? Besides, you, Gu Junhe, as the dean of Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, have been reduced to picking up the trash discarded by our academy. You''ve truly lost all face for your academy!"


    "To hell with losing face, die!"


    "You think I''m afraid of you?"


    Boom!


    A terrifying energy burst forth in the sky, hanging like a radiant sun, illuminating the expanse of the capital.


    "Gu Junhe, you are still no match for me, go back and practice more! Hahaha..."


    "Damn you, old dog Zhou..."


    Gu Junhe, with a face filled with rage, returned to the Cangyun Eagle. After checking Fang Qingzhu''s injuries, he took out a golden pill and ced it into her mouth, exhaling in relief, "Don''t worry, I''ve weakened that strike by ny percent, and with this Three-turns Golden Healing Elixir, after we return and properly rest, Qingzhu''s injuries should heal within three months."


    Xiao Yi nodded heavily, looking down at Fang Qingzhu, who had fallen into a deep sleep in his arms.


    His eyes were a blood-red color, his gaze filled with violence and madness. He pronounced each word with determination, "Old dog Zhou Yuan, I, Xiao Yi, swear to the heavens¡ªI will take your life within a year!"

 Chapter 60 Tianqi Martial Arts Academy

    Above the Cangyun Eagle, there was silence.


    Gu Junhe, looking apologetic, gave Xiao Yi a wry smile and said, "I''m sorry, I didn''t expect Zhou Yuan, that old dog, to be so despicable as to strike a junior at the zenith of the Golden Elixir Realm."


    Xiao Yi shook his head, "Director, this isn''t your fault!"


    He knew very well that if it weren''t for Gu Junhe''s timely intervention, blocking ny-nine percent of the power of that finger, he and Fang Qingzhu would have be a pair of doomed lovers.


    After this battle,


    Xiao Yi had gained a deeper understanding of the strength of the Golden Elixir Realm, especially the might of someone at the Golden Elixir Peak, whose single finger, even with less than ten percent of its power, almost imed Fang Qingzhu''s life.


    Gu Junhe hesitated for a moment before saying in a deep voice, "The words you uttered earlier were too impulsive!"


    He was referring to Xiao Yi''s vow to kill Zhou Yuan within a year.


    That was an existence at the Golden Elixir Realm Peak.


    Furthermore...


    Zhou Yuan was the head of the Royal Martial Arts Academy, and with his status and position, even if he didn''t possess the strength himself, Xiao Yi couldn''t just kill him at will. After all, he represented the face of the royal family, and should his illustrious reputation be threatened, the royal family might very welle out in full force to protect him.


    Even that ancestral figure from the Tao Tribtion Realm who had not shown himself for a long time might appear because of this.


    Moreover...


    Gu Junhe didn''t believe that Xiao Yi could possess the strength to kill Zhou Yuan within a year.


    After all.


    The gap between the Fourth Layer of the Shentong Realm and the peak of the Golden Elixir Realm was like heaven and earth, a true dragon against a stubborn snake.


    Even if Xiao Yi''s talent were exceptional, he would still need time and opportunity.


    Xiao Yi shook his head, and his bloodshot eyes softened as theynded on Fang Qingzhu, "I once swore I would never let Qingzhu suffer the slightest harm, yet she nearly lost her life to save me. If I don''t avenge this, I swear I am not a human being!"


    "This..."


    Seeing the determination in Xiao Yi''s eyes, Gu knew it was pointless to say more and could only say, "Don''t worry, I will do my utmost to help you."


    "Thank you, Director!" Xiao Yi said.


    Niu Dali patted his shoulder, "Brother, count me in for taking revenge for sister-inw. When you go to storm the Royal Martial Arts Academy, I will go with you!"


    "And us too!" The Shi Family brothers also said one after another.


    Shi Yaodu, with a mournful face, twirled two dice in his hand, "I bet we can''t withstand a single finger from Zhou Yuan... but even if it means death, we must go at it!"


    Xiao Yi looked deeply at hispanions.


    Apart from Niu Dali, they were all strangers he''d met by chance.


    Yet whether it was at the Royal Martial Arts Academy or now, they still stood by his side.


    Xiao Yi etched this camaraderie in his heart and, with eyes narrowed, looked in the direction of the Royal Martial Arts Academy, silently vowing, "In one year''s time, I will tten your Royal Martial Arts Academy and take your head, Zhou Yuan!"


    Cheep cheep...


    The Cangyun Eagle, as if influenced by him, soared high, letting out a series of sonorous cries.


    Swish!


    The Cangyun Eagle swiftly vanished into the clouds.


    They had already flown out of the capital,nding within a mountain range thirty miles outside the capital, where Tianqi Martial Arts Academy was situated atop the most majestic peak of this mountain range. This peak rose abruptly like a spring bamboo shoot joining the clouds, thousands of feet tall if not more.


    Amidst the mist and clouds,


    sprawling buildings neatly arranged could faintly be seen on the mountainside.


    At the entrance was an archway carved out of white marble, nked by six stone columns entwined by sculpted dragons, which seemed to spring to life. At the gate stood two ck stone lions, one with a ball of fire in its mouth and the other stepping on auspicious clouds, both exuding a powerful presence.


    Above the archway hung a que with gold letters on a ck background that read: Tianqi Martial Arts Academy!


    The gates were indeed magnificent!


    "This is our Tianqi Martial Arts Academy? The gates are quite spectacr!"


    "They say that over five hundred years ago, this was the premier academy of the Tianqing Kingdom. They say a camel dying of starvation is bigger than a horse, so even though it''s declined, it should still be not too shabby!"


    Niu Dali looked towards Gu, who was dispatching the Cangyun Eagle to hunt deeper in the mountains, and asked, "Director, how many disciples do we have in Tianqi Martial Arts Academy?"


    Shi Yaose spit into his hands, rubbed them together, and then smeared it casually through his hair, squinting he asked, "Director, didn''t you say that the female disciples in our academy are all peerless beauties? Where are they?"


    Shi Yaoqian also asked, "Headmaster, you said our Martial Arts Institute is so poor all we have left is money, so our monthly stipend should be quite substantial, right? I''ve heard that the lowest-ranked Yellow-tier students at the Royal Martial Arts Academy get a monthly stipend of 500 silver. We shouldn''t be worse off than them, should we?"


    "Don''t worry, I am the honorable Headmaster after all, how could I possibly deceive you!"


    Gu Junhe kept a straight face as he took out eight contracts, saying solemnly, "These are the enrollment contracts. You must sign your names and press your fingerprints for it to be official and for you to be formally admitted into the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy!"


    Everyone signed the contract one after another.


    Xiao Yi looked at Gu Junhe with a strange expression. Thetter chuckled mischievously and collected all the contracts before pping his hands and shouting towards the gate, "Come out and greet the guests... ahem,e out and wee your new junior brothers and sisters!"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Shi Yaose quickly straightened out his clothes.


    Niu Dali looked forward hopefully, waiting for the legendary beautiful senior sisters.


    A few momentster.


    A youth with a handsome and stately appearance came out, greeting everyone with a calm smile, "Wee, my fellow junior brothers and sisters!"


    "Senior brother, why is it just you? Where are the beautiful senior sisters?" Niu Dali asked curiously.


    The youth smiled wryly, "In Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, aside from the Headmaster, it''s only me!"


    What?


    Niu Dali and the others were dumbfounded.


    What the heck?


    There''s only one disciple?


    Shi Yaose stared nkly at Gu Junhe, "What happened to the beautiful women you promised?"


    Gu Junhe said earnestly, "I said that if there were any female disciples, they would be considered peerlessly beautiful. Isn''t Qingzhu beautiful?"


    Shi Yaose''s eye twitched, "I&...*£¨£©"


    Shi Yaoqian clutched his chest, "Headmaster, you''re not also lying about being so poor all we have is money, are you?"


    "That part is true!"


    Gu Junhe nodded, adding, "We are indeed so poor that we can only save money."


    Shi Yaoqian, "&*£¨£©..."


    Shi Yaoquan asked, "What about the promise that all resources would be open to us?"


    Gu Junhe patted his shoulder, speaking earnestly, "In the entire Martial Arts Institute, it''s just you few. You can live wherever you like, cultivate wherever you wish. Both Dean Jiang Tai and I, serving as tutors, are responsible only for you eight. Doesn''t that count as having all resources open to you?"


    Everyone: "..."


    So Tianqi Martial Arts Academy has neither money nor resources, plus just the ten of them in total?


    Everyone knew Tianqi Martial Arts Academy was in decline, but who could have imagined it was this bad!


    Shi Yaoqian said with a dark face, "Is this a ce for people to stay? Let''s go, let''s go..."


    Gu Junhe''s expression darkened, and he revealed the signed and thumb-printed enrollment contracts, "You''ve all signed the enrollment contracts. Without the Headmaster''s permission, anyone who dares to leave the Academy will bemitting a crime of defection. I will announce it to the world, and you will be loathed by everyone as backstabbers and betrayers to your master. Try leaving, just one of you?"


    Everyone felt stars in their eyes, and a mouthful of fresh blood almost spurted out.


    "Think about it from another perspective. Because of the small number of people in the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, you can getprehensive guidance! If you don''t believe it, ask Jiang Tai. He owes his current achievements to my personal guidance; he is third on the Teng Long List and a super strong man at the Eighth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm!"


    Gu Junhe, seeing that he had stunned them into silence, continued, "As long as you obediently stay in Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, I guarantee that within three years you will all be on the Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List, and within ten years, on the Teng Long List..."


    Within three years, the Dragon and Tiger List? Within ten years, the Teng Long List?


    Listening to Gu Junhe speaking confidently, Niu Dali and the Shi Family brothers all shone with hope and longing.


    However, Xiao Yi was looking at Jiang Tai, who had approached, and said with a wry smile, "It was the seventh prince who had Dean Gu visit the Royal Martial Arts Academy, right?"


    "After hearing Jia Sidao was targeting you, I was worried you might be in danger, so I had the Headmaster make a trip. But I didn''t expect him to bring back so many people..."


    Jiang Tai gave the Shi Family brothers and Niu Dali a strange look, then frowned at Fang Qingzhu in Xiao Yi''s arms, "What''s going on there?"


    Xiao Yi simply said two words, "Zhou Yuan."


    Jiang Tai sneered, disying no surprise, "That indeed sounds like him." After a pause, Jiang said, "The Headmaster will still be busy brainwashing for a while, let me get you settled first!"


    "Thanks for the trouble!"


    Xiao Yi nodded and followed Jiang Tai into the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy...

 Chapter 61 Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List

    Time flies, three days slip by quietly.


    Over the past three days, the news of Xiao Yi causing a ruckus at the Royal Martial Arts Academy has spread far and wide.


    There''s nobody in the capital of Tianqing Kingdom who doesn''t know the name Xiao Yi.


    Especially after Xiao Yi slew Zhuge Shuangdao and took his ce, bing the twenty-fifth on the Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List''s Flying Tiger Board.


    In an instant.


    The name Xiao Yi became an idol to countless people.


    However¡­


    Xiao Yi himself had no opinion on the matter; to him, whether it was the Flying Tiger Board or the Teng Long List, everything still depended on one''s own strength being sufficiently strong. Over thest three days, aside from taking meticulous care of Fang Qingzhu, he devoted himself entirely to cultivation.


    Besides Gu Junhe and Jiang Tai, there were only eight of them in the entire Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, so there was no talk of sses. Apart from not being able to leave the academy at will, it was extremely free.


    On the back mountain.


    Xiao Yi stood bare-chested under the waterfall, holding the Fire Qilin Sword in his hand, swinging the longsword again and again.


    He didn''t use a trace of Yuan energy, but just mechanically waved the longsword.


    The power of Sword Intent allowed him to merge as one with the Fire Qilin Sword.


    Whoosh!


    Whoosh!


    Whoosh!N?v(el)B\\jnn


    With each thrust of the sword, the swiftly falling water in front of him was forcefully torn apart, and suddenly Xiao Yi thrust out mightily with his sword.


    Whirl!


    This sword, akin to a carp leaping through the Dragon Gate.


    Moving against the stream.


    Wherever the sword edge passed, the waterfall''s waters were torn asunder, extending for over thirty meters before stopping.


    Only then did the curtain of water from the waterfall slowly heal.


    Simultaneously, Xiao Yi leaped up andnded by thekeside, thrusting the Fire Qilin Sword into the ground, then sat cross-legged, carefully contemting the sensation of that sword stroke: "Dao Yan divided Sword Intent into five stages, the first stage being rity of Sword Heart, the second stage, the Sword Follows the Heart, the third stage, Unity of Man and Sword, the fourth stage, the Sword Moves at Will, and the fifth stage, All Swords as One. I have now truly mastered the first stage, rity of Sword Heart. If I were to face Zhuge Shuangdao again now, I could defeat him without the need for the Blood Explosion Skill!"


    The understanding of martial arts is a profound realm.


    Ordinary martial artists may not reach the first stage in their lifetimes.


    Xiao Yi, being able to grasp the first stage, rity of Sword Heart, within the Spiritual Realm Cultivation, certainly rtes to the inheritance from the Life-Taking Schr, but it''s also inseparable from his own talent.


    "Xiao Brother!"


    Jiang Tai''s figure approached from a distance, carrying two jars of strong liquor, tossing one to Xiao Yi and sitting down next to him.


    Xiao Yi pped open the y seal, took a few big gulps, exhaling a long breath of turbid air: "Who would have thought that His Highness the Seventh Prince would not fancy exquisite spirits but rather this throat-shing strong liquor?"


    "Exquisite spirits are too mild, just like a man without any vigor, not suited for me!" Jiang Tai tilted his head back and took a few gulps, casually wiped his mouth, and nced at Xiao Yi, "How is Fang doing in her recovery?"


    A rxed smile appeared on Xiao Yi''s face: "She woke up yesterday, but she will need another month or so of recovery. I must also thank you, Jiang Brother, for bringing those healing pills. Otherwise, she wouldn''t have recovered so quickly!"


    "Why the formality between brothers?"


    Jiang Tai smiled and after a moment of hesitation, he said, "Xiao, have you heard that today within the Tianqing Kingdom, a secret realm of a Tao Tribtion Realm expert has been discovered?"


    Xiao Yi nodded his head.


    He had heard Xue''er mention this.


    Zhou Yuan and Elder Wang had gone before to explore that secret realm.


    Otherwise...


    If Elder Wang had personally been stationed at the Royal Martial Arts Academy, none of the subsequent events would have happened.


    Jiang Tai''s voice became grave, "The Dean has already decided topete for it, and my father has also sent people there. The information I got shows that it''s the tomb of a Tao Tribtion Realm expert, with the lifelong treasures of a Tao Tribtion expert inside. As is customary, after these big shots finish their exploration, they will allow our junior generation to go there for training..."


    Xiao Yi''s action of drinking suddenly halted.


    The tomb of a Tao Tribtion Realm expert would surely have many treasures.


    This was a great opportunity!


    Xiao Yi, with a solemn voice, asked, "Is the news reliable?"


    "Reliable!"


    Xiao Yi pondered for a moment and then said, "What do you mean by that, Jiang?"


    Jiang Tai lifted his head to gulp down two mouthfuls of strong liquor, his eyes shining with sharp intent, and he said in a grave tone, "The tomb of a Tao Tribtion Realm expert is an immense opportunity. In addition to the experts from the Royal Martial Arts Academy, families like Mingjian Manor, as well as the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple and the Nine Profound Sect, will send their strong ones to enter. Even the younger generation from the neighboring countries wille. Although their strength is not bad, they still fall shortpared to true geniuses. I want to invite Xiao to join me and travel together!"


    Although Xiao Yi was tempted, he did not immediately agree and instead frowned while looking at him, "With your strength, Jiang, wouldn''t partnering with you just slow you down?"


    Jiang Tai was a prominent expert at the Eighth Layer of the Golden Core Realm.


    Among the younger generation, possibly only that prince at the Ninth Layer of the Golden Core Realm could beat him; he was just at the Fourth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm. Even though he had thebat power of the Ninth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, he was far from being a match for a Golden Core Realm expert!


    Jiang Tai said seriously, "I know a little about your affairs in Nanhuang. In just three months, you went from having no cultivation to bing a Divine Skills realm expert. After those big shots conclude their exploration, there will be at least two more months. I don''t believe that in two months, Xiao will still have the same cultivation level. Of course, if I feel that Xiao''s strength is not enough to form an alliance with me at that time, I will go by myself!"


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, sizing up Jiang Tai seriously, then suddenlyughed, "You speak quite directly, but I like to associate with straightforward people. Rest assured, if at that time my strength can only slow you down, you won''t need to speak. I will know to keep my distance."


    "Hahaha, then let''s toast in advance to our sessful return from the secret realm!"


    "To our sessful return!"


    The two swung up their pots of liquor and finished them off in one go.


    "Xiao, you must train hard during this time. I will keep an eye on the situation there and inform you immediately once there''s any news!" After giving his advice, Jiang Tai left with the empty liquor pot in hand.


    Xiao Yi squinted his eyes and fell into deep thought.


    The tomb of a Tao Tribtion Realm expert was a huge opportunity, one that he would definitely need to explore whether Jiang Tai invited him or not.


    But it was also a great risk.


    When the time came, the experts from the Royal Martial Arts Academy would go as well, and considering his rtionship with them, they would surely not let him off easily.


    "Two more months of time... I must at least break through to the Golden Core Realm to have the qualifications to fight for it."


    In Xiao Yi''s palm appeared the Iron de King''s golden core. He took a deep breath, "Once this golden core ispletely refined, I should be able to step into the Seventh or even Eighth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm. Then, it will be time to visit the Iron de King''s residence again to fulfill the promise I made to the Iron de King."


    And then...


    Xiao Yi once again entered the waterfall, his palms facing each other with the golden core suspended between them, while circting his profound skills to refine the energy within the golden core...

 Chapter 62 Murder in the Street

    Tianqi Martial Arts Academy.


    The back mountain, waterfall.


    Whoosh!


    Streams of water cascaded down from the summit, striking the surface of theke with a thunderous roar.


    Within that waterfall...


    Xiao Yi''s body was bathed in a faint milky white glow, which coalesced into a spherical shield, keeping the droplets of water at bay. Between his hands, there was a grain-of-rice-sized yellow light that turned into a yellow stream, merging into his body.


    Boom!


    Xiao Yi''s body shuddered as his aura surged, reaching the Seventh Layer of the Divine Passage Realm.


    But his cultivation did not end there, as the vast primordial energy within his body poured into the God Sealing Seed, activating one after another.


    From one thousand, it rose to fourteen hundred and fifty.


    The torrential power of the God Sealing Seeds fed back into his body, and Xiao Yi finally exhaled a murky breath, ceasing his cultivation with a brilliant smile on his face, "Just as I expected, sharing that Golden Core with Qingzhu expended too much energy, and fully refining it only allowed me to step into the Seventh Layer of the Divine Passage Realm. However, with my current strength, even a master of the Divine Power Realm Tenth Layer is no match for a single punch of mine. Even peak Divine Skills practitioners can be challenged in battle!"


    In the midst of speaking.


    Xiao Yiunched a punch forward.


    The third-grade advanced martial skill, Vajra Fist, was as powerful and unyielding as a vajra.


    Boom!


    The waterfall in front was sted open with arge hole, which did not close even after Xiao Yi walked through it and left theke.


    This Vajra Fist was a set of fist techniques Xiao Yi had found in the Scripture Pavilion of Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, along with a sword technique called Four Seasons Swordy and a movement technique called Falling Leaves Mystical Step. Over the past twenty days, he had not only broken through to the Seventh Layer of the Divine Passage Realm but had also cultivated these fist, sword, and movement techniques to a state of perfection.


    Xiao Yi made his way back to his courtyard.


    The Tianqi Martial Arts Academy was sparsely popted, but there were many courtyards, and the one they resided in was previously owned by the Vice Dean of the academy.


    Fang Qingzhu could now walk on the ground, but since Zhou Yuan''s finger had injured her internal organs, it was not advisable for her to practice cultivation for the time being. When Xiao Yi returned, the table was already set with avish meal, and Fang Qingzhu rested her cheeks in her hands, fixated on the doorway.


    As soon as she saw Xiao Yi return, she hurriedly stood up, carrying a basin and a towel to meet him, "Brother Xiao Yi, quick, wash your face so we can eat!"


    "Alright!"


    Xiao Yi grinned with a smile.


    He thoroughly enjoyed this kind of life, in but filled with the warmth of home.


    "Qingzhu, I need to make a trip out tomorrow, and it will likely take about half a month. Do you want toe with me?" Xiao Yi asked.


    Fang Qingzhu was taken aback, then shook her head, "Brother Xiao Yi, I really want to go with you. However, my injuries have not fully healed yet, so I should stay here and recuperate. But Brother Xiao Yi, you must take care when you''re out on your own!"


    Xiao Yi did not insist, nodding in agreement, "Yeah, I know!"


    ......


    Iron Mountain City.


    Located at the foot of Iron Mountain, more than seven hundred kilometers from the capital.


    Famous for its abundant iron mines.


    The entire Iron Mountain City''s iron ore reserves were controlled by the Tie Family and the Xu Family. The Tie Family specialized in forging saber weapons, and all the ded weapons used by the army of the Tianqing Kingdom were supplied by them, which earned them the title of Iron de King. The Xu Family, on the other hand, had been granted the title of Comrade King because one of their ancestors, a Tenth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realmmander, had expanded the kingdom''s territory.


    These two great families held the iron mines of Iron Mountain, and even the royal family of the Tianqing Kingdom dared not offend them easily.


    On the wide streets.


    Xiao Yi, dressed in ck, led a horse and stopped by a stall selling women''s jewelry, picking up a red hairpin and asking, "Shopkeeper, how much for this?"


    The shopkeeper, a plump middle-aged man, responded cheerily, "My lord has a fine eye! Are you picking out a gift for your wife? This red hairpin is made of pure gold, and the pearls iid on ite from the top-quality pearls produced in Qinghe. It''s only a hundred taels of silver."


    "A hundred taels of silver? I''ll take it!"


    Xiao Yi took out a hundred taels of silver and tossed them to the stall owner, just as he was storing the rouge hairpin in his storage ring when a scream rang out from beside him, a figure rapidly flew backwards towards him.


    Bang!


    An old woman with a withered face smashed heavily into the stall, toppling over a disy of jewelry onto the ground.


    "Grandma..."


    The heart-wrenching cry filled with desperate pain was distressing to hear.


    Xiao Yi turned towards the sound.


    Across the street, on the railing of the second floor of a tavern, a delicately beautiful girl in tattered clothes was gripping the railing tightly, poised to jump down. Despair filled her eyes as she looked helplessly at the old woman lying in a pool of blood, crying out with no strength. Behind the girl were two young men in luxurious clothing, both with vicious smiles on their faces as they dragged her back inside, one on each side.


    "Sigh, it''s those two beasts again..."


    "Isn''t this the fifth time this month? We should remind our neighbors to keep a closer watch on their daughters!"


    A few sighs of resignation echoed within the crowd.


    The stall owner nced at the old woman lying in the pool of blood and sighed, "What a sin!"


    Xiao Yi frowned and asked, "Boss, what''s going on here?"


    The stall owner nced at Xiao Yi, his expression changing, and said in a grave tone, "You must be from out of town, young master. I advise you not to meddle in other people''s affairs. Better leave quickly!"


    "Ugh..."


    The old woman on the ground suddenly trembled.


    Xiao Yi was taken aback and was about to step forward to help her when the stall owner grabbed him, saying gravely, "Young master, please don''t meddle. It will only bring trouble to your doorstep. You saw who those two men upstairs are, didn''t you? If they see you dare to help this olddy, you''ll be in a world of trouble!" Enjoy new stories from empire


    "The olddy is still alive, can we really just watch her die before our eyes?" Xiao Yi broke free from the stall owner''s grasp and helped the old woman up.


    However...


    Just as he lifted her up, the sound of something cutting through the air came from behind him.


    Xiao Yi''s expression tightened, and as he turned around, he reached into the air and caught the iing arrow. Had he not acted quickly, the arrow would have pierced through the old woman''s head. Who could be so cruel as to deal such a deadly blow to a withered old person? Xiao Yi looked back and saw a young man with his upper body bare jump down from the second floor.


    "Damn it, you dare to save someone I want to kill? You must be tired of living!"


    The young man threw away therge ox-horn bow in his hand and drew a three-foot-long de from his waist. With a couple of swings creating a flower of de movements, he chopped towards Xiao Yi''s head.


    "Another life lost..."


    "I told you not to meddle..." The stall owner''s face was filled with pity.


    However...


    The de did not fall; mid-air, it was caught firmly between two of Xiao Yi''s fingers.


    "Hmm?"


    The young man was startled, then roared with a fierce face, "Let go!"


    "Scram!"


    Xiao Yi casually tossed the young man aside, sending him flying with his sword.


    "You, you dare to fight back? You''re seeking death!"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Enraged, the young man pulled out a ck, heavy crossbow from behind him. With a thud, a crossbow arrow shot straight for Xiao Yi. The poison-coated arrow was deadly on contact, and as Xiao Yi''s pupils shrank, he quickly dodged using a movement technique, allowing his shape to blur and barely evading the arrow. In an instant, his right hand reached out.


    Grabbing the crossbow arrow, he shot back from the ground at full speed.


    With a thump, the arrow pierced through the young man''s throat.


    Bang!


    The young man sped the arrow in his throat with both hands, knelt on the ground, shaking. All he could hear was Xiao Yi''s cold voice, "Relying on your family''s power to bully men and women, quick to take a life at the slightest disagreement, scum like you shouldn''t be allowed to live in this world..."

 Chapter 63 If I want you dead, can you refuse to die?

    "Murder, murder, there''s been a murder!"


    "Run! Someone''s been killed..."


    In an instant, the onlookers on the street scattered in terror, screaming as they fled.


    The owner of the jewelry stall turned deathly pale, looking at Xiao Yi as if eying the gue God, "You, you, you actually killed him? He''s the sworn brother of Comrade King''s Princely Heir Xu Tao... I told you to mind your own business, now you''re dead for sure..."


    At that moment...


    From the second floor of the tavern, a cry of rm could be heard.


    The woman who had been earlier dragged in was now covered with vicious, shocking wounds, and fresh blood gushed from her body, a sight so sorrowful it was unbearable to watch.


    Whoosh!


    With the sound of cutting through the air, that woman was brutally thrown down from the second floor.


    Her head hit the ground with a thud, sttering blood everywhere.


    "Damn wretch, being favored by me is due to the virtue of your ancestors. Ungrateful and even daring to bite me? Truly tired of living..."


    A voice full of discontent and arrogance came from the second floor, "Younger brother, why aren''t you done? It''s just killing an old hag, why is it taking so long? Younger brother, young... younger brother?"


    Whoosh!


    A robust young man jumped down forcefully and saw the young man Xiao Yi had in.


    His eyes were blood-red with rage, and his fierce gaze fell upon Xiao Yi, "You? You killed my younger brother?"


    Xiao Yi coldly observed the young girl lying in a pool of blood behind the young man.


    A twinge of regret surfaced in his heart, "I should have charged directly to the second floor earlier; then, this innocent life wouldn''t have been wasted in vain!"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Kid, do you know who he was? He was the sworn brother of Comrade King''s Princely Heir Xu Tao. You actually killed him? You''re definitely dead, no one can save you... Not only are you going to die, but your entire family and all your rtives must die as well..." The young man''s face twisted with ferocity as he bellowed crazily.


    "You''re really annoying!"


    Xiao Yi gave him a cold nce. Discover exclusive content at empire


    That icy look alone made the young man shudder, his First Layer of the Divine Passage Realm abilities unable to be summoned, and he copsed to the ground with a thud.


    "Don''te any closer... you, don''te any closer... I''m Xu Tao''s sworn older brother; if you dare to harm a single hair on me, my second brother will not let you off..." The young man said in terror, scuttling backward on his hands and feet.


    Xiao Yi advanced step by step.


    Crack!


    With a stomp, he broke the man''s left foot.


    "Aaargh..."


    The young man screamed miserably, howling, "Have you gone mad?"


    Crack!


    The right foot was broken as well.


    Filled with despair, the young man no longer dared to be as arrogant as before. Enduring the intense pain, he backed away on his hands, "Brothers, let''s talk this out, please don''t kill me. I have money, I can give you lots and lots of money, please don''t kill me..."


    "She must have pleaded with you just now, hadn''t she?" Xiao Yi suddenly asked.


    "Ah?"


    The young man looked dumbfounded.


    Xiao Yi pointed to the old woman and the young girl lying in the pool of blood, "They must have begged you as well, right?"


    "You, you, you did this for them? They are just lowly poor people. I fancied her body, and she should''ve obedientlyplied with me, but instead, she thought of resisting, so I, I had to kill her..." As he spoke, the young man shamelessly pulled down his trousers, "Look, I''m all swollen here from where that wretched woman bit me; it was her own fault!"


    "Her own fault?"


    When Xiao Yi spoke these four words, the air around seemed to turn icy cold.


    His chest felt as if it was blocked by a stone.


    Xiao Yi''s voice was oppressively subdued, even somewhat hoarse, "Just because they are impoverished, they are to be trampled and manipted at your whim? If you fancy her body, she must submit to you, and if not, she deserves to die? Haha, it''s ludicrous, truly the height of absurdity."


    Crack!


    Xiao Yi pointed a finger.


    St!


    Vital energy cleanly severed the young man''s arms at the shoulders, and blood gushed forth; the young many on the ground, howling in agony.


    Xiao Yi''s voice sounded as if it came from theherworld, "I tell you to die, will you die or not?"


    "I can''t, I can''t die..." the young man roared.


    Xiao Yi shook his head, sighing, "In my eyes, you are no more than an ant. I order you to die, and you dare not die? That is an affront to me!"


    Swish!


    The sword finger moved again.


    Vital energy like a de, ruthlessly severed his legs as well.


    Awooo...


    The young man was in excruciating pain, his limbless body writhing in a pool of blood. Xiao Yi shook his head and said, "You see, I want to kill you, and you don''t just die quietly, but dare to scream like this, ruining my mood. Do you now say you deserve to die or not?"


    "No, please no..."


    The young man sobbed uncontrobly, his heart filled with nothing but fear and regret at this moment.


    At this moment...


    He seemed to see those he had bullied in the past. Their faces were likely filled with the same despair and pain as his own, right? Yet, in the past, those expressions only stirred excitement and pleasure in him, but now it was only fear and despair that overwhelmed him!


    "I dare not, I will never dare again..." the young man wailed miserably.


    Just then...


    The sound of thundering hooves approached; a troop of dozens of horsemen was closing in fast.


    The leader, a middle-agedmander d in ck armor with eyes sharp as a hawk''s.


    "General Geng, please, hurry, save me..." The young man cried out like a drowning person grasping for a lifesaver.


    Theers were none other than the ck Armored Army under themand of Geng Jing from Comrade King''s mansion, who had rushed over upon hearing that the Princely Heir''s sworn brother had been killed.


    Geng Jing rode on a ck armored ferocious tiger, followed by more than thirty ck Armored Army horsemen, his cold gaze fixed on Xiao Yi, "You audacious scoundrel, how dare youmit murder in broad daylight? Release him this instant!"


    "Release him, you say?"


    Xiao Yi grabbed the young man''s dream and flung him; the young man shot towards Geng Jing''s mount like an arrow from a bow, the speed too fast for the ck armored tiger to react. It trampled right over him with a crisp crack.


    The young man''s head was crushed t.


    Geng Jing turned to see the unrecognizable young man and felt a chill run through his scalp. This was Princely Heir Xu Tao''s sworn brother, now dead before his own eyes¡ªa responsibility he could not escape. Staring fixedly at Xiao Yi, he said coldly, "Do you realize who they are? By killing them, you leave yourself no path but death!"


    Xiao Yi shrugged, "He was crushed to death by your mount!"


    "You..."


    Geng Jing''s face turned shades of green and white, his teeth clenched in anger, "Where is the ck Armored Army?"


    ng! ng! ng!


    In the midst of the shing sounds of metal, thirty ck Armored Army horsemen stepped forward in unison.


    Geng Jing pointed his long spear at Xiao Yi, "Take this criminal down and bring him to the Princely Heir!"


    "Yes!"


    The thirty ck Armored Army horsemen instantly spread out their formation and charged.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Horse hooves shook the earth, rumbling loudly.


    The whole ground vibrated as if a ck tide of steel surged forward, heading straight for Xiao Yi...

 Chapter 64 Kill Geng Jing, Acquire the Mine Map

    The ck-armored cavalry were the elite soldiers of the Comrade King''s residence.


    Each of them had reached the Shentong Realm in their cultivation, and their mounts wereparable to the second-tier high-grade beasts at the Peak of the Qi Gathering Realm, the Bloodthirsty Dragon Colts¡ªwith great speed, immense strength, and robust bodies. Coupled with the protection of their ck armor, their charge was overwhelmingly powerful and their destructive force was astonishing.


    Though their cultivation was only at the first or secondyer of the Shentong Realm, thebined charge of thirty ck-armored cavalrymen.


    Their destructive power was enough to threaten the life of someone in the High-order Divine Power Realm.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The thirty cavalrymen lined up in three rows and charged headlong.


    The ground trembled as pebbles danced about.


    Xiao Yi stood with his hands behind his back, as proud as a lone pine standing tall in the bitter cold, unshakable by the wind or the snow. His eyebrows, sharp as swords, moved slightly, and when the first cavalryman reached him, his hands shot forward fiercely.


    Godly strength gathered and Qi cloaked his hands.


    ng! ng!


    In the sharp sound of metal piercing through, Xiao Yi''s hands actually punctured the ck armor in front of the Bloodthirsty Dragon Colt''s chest and firmly grasped the warhorse.


    His figure was also pushed back by the momentum.


    But he only took three steps back!


    Xiao Yi''s legs plunged into the ground like steel stakes, veins on his forehead bulging, the muscles on his arms tensing instantly. The ferocious strength erupted in an instant, and with a low growl, Xiao Yi actually lifted the Bloodthirsty Dragon Colt, weighing thousands of pounds, into the air.


    He threw it violently into the sky, and at the same time, grabbed the hind legs of the Bloodthirsty Dragon Colt.


    "Die!"


    Xiao Yi spun wildly like a top.


    The Bloodthirsty Dragon Colt in his hands became a lethal weapon, harshly smashing into the other ck-armored cavalrymen.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The Bloodthirsty Dragon Colt let out continuous screams, with its rider already smashed into a pulp, and after several swings. The ck-armored cavalrymen were battered to pieces, their figures unrecognizable, and when Xiao Yi finally stopped, all that was left of the Bloodthirsty Dragon Colt in his hands were its two legs.


    Before him...


    All thirty ck-armored cavalrymeny in pools of blood, none spared.


    Hiss!


    The entire street fell silent.


    So quiet you could hear a pin drop.


    This was the ck-armored cavalry!


    The most elite cavalry of the Comrade King''s residence, capable of facing ten foes each on the battlefield, were now all taken down by a single Xiao Yi?


    Xiao Yi tossed the two horse legs aside and walked toward Geng Jing.


    Tap tap tap!


    His footsteps rang clearly, echoing in the deathly quiet street.


    Geng Jing''s mount, the ck-armored fierce tiger, used to be imposing from every angle, but now it was backing away continuously, intimidated by Xiao Yi''s aura. Geng Jing felt a burning sensation on his face as he pulled tightly on the reins to stabilize the ck-armored fierce tiger, his cold gaze locked onto Xiao Yi, "Boy, who on earth are you?"


    "Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, Xiao Yi," Xiao Yi said calmly.


    "Tianqi Martial Arts Institute?"


    Geng Jing was taken aback, then sneered, "Seeing you act so decisively in killing, I thought you were a brave man who dared to take responsibility. I didn''t expect you to be a rat hiding behind a guise. Everyone knows Tianqi Martial Arts Institute has few people left, aside from the current seventh prince, there are no other students. If I''m not wrong, you must be sent by the Iron de King''s residence, right? It seems the Iron Arm Commandery Princess has run out of tricks, to actually send someone to kill the Princely Heir''s sworn brothers, attempting to disturb his heart and obstruct his breakthrough to the Divine Power Realm Tenth Layer?"


    Xiao Yi frowned at Geng Jing, "Iron Arm Commandery Princess?"


    "Hmph, your scheme has already been seen through by this general, how much longer do you intend to y dumb?" Geng Jing sneered continuously, "Once I have captured you, I will break your limbs and take you to confront the Iron de King''s residence and the Iron Arm Commandery Princess face to face. Let''s see if she can still refuse my family''s Princely Heir then!"


    While speaking, Geng Jing had already leaped down from the ck-armored fierce tiger and, in the blink of an eye, appeared in front of Xiao Yi.


    Ayer of white frost covered his right hand.


    The frost condensed into a long spear, and the silver spear thrust fiercely at Xiao Yi, "Angry Dragon Leaps from the Sea!"


    Thunderous roars like rolling thunder filled the sky, and the dazzling silver light, like mercury pouring down, transformed into ferocious silver dragons entwining with each other, coalescing into a silver celestial river suspended across the sky. Geng Jing''s strength was extraordinary, at the Ninth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, having awakened the Innate Divine Roar of the Dragon.


    A low roar came with the intimidation of dragon''s might.


    The unwavering of mind.


    Under the influence of his dragon''s roar, one''s spirit would be chaotic, even shaking their martial heart, leaving behind an indelible nightmare shadow.


    Seeing Xiao Yi standing still, not moving an inch, Geng Jing was extremely pleased, the silver light of his spear casting an especially cold reflection on his face, "Struck by my dragon''s roar, you can''t even resist. Just die obediently!"


    The spear dragon soared across the sky, and the surrounding stalls were swept up into the air, the stone bs on the ground ttered, and a web-like pattern of cracks covered them.


    It seemed that Xiao Yi was about to be impaled by a spear!


    In the nick of time,


    Xiao Yi''s figure suddenly shifted, his vital energy circted within him with hints of golden light emerging and submerging like an Immovable King, his punch was like heaven itself, obscuring the sun.


    Boom!


    Under this punch,


    The silver spear dragon shattered inch by inch.


    Xiao Yi appeared as if he had transformed into the War God, unbeatable in attack, invincible in battle, sweeping through everything!N?v(el)B\\jnn


    ng!


    The fist and the spear shed like the tip of a needle against a stalk of wheat.


    Humm!


    The body of the spear suddenly bent.


    "This can''t be¡­" Geng Jing''s face, previously filled with triumph, was now swept clean, reced by shock and terror.


    As the spear twisted, he was now only a step away from Xiao Yi!


    Xiao Yi''s footsteps were enigmatic as he brushed past the long spear, the inertia from the spear snapping back propelled Geng Jing forward unwittingly. In contrast, Xiao Yi once again closed the distance between them, his punch transforming into a palm, his five fingers clenched, grabbing Geng Jing''s neck.


    With a fierce push!


    Bang!


    Geng Jing''s head was mmed fiercely onto the ground, as Xiao Yi surged forward.


    Geng Jing''s head plowed through the ground like a plowshare, tearing open a ghastly ravine.


    The stone bs shattered, dust spiraled upward.


    Continuing for over twenty meters!


    Geng Jing''s head pounded with pain; just as he managed to open his eyes, he saw a dark footprint descending from the sky, and with a bang, his head was crushed.


    Blood sttered in every direction.


    The street was a wreck, with the bodies of the ck-armored cavalry strewn about in disarray.


    A cold wind blew, leaving a chilling destion.


    At the end of the street¡­


    Xiao Yi, leading a horse carrying the bodies of the old woman and the young girl, strode away.


    Outside Iron Mountain City,


    In a forest, after Xiao Yi had buried the young girl, he turned to the old woman with tears streaking down her face and let out a light sigh, "Condolences!"


    "They''re all gone, all of them are gone¡­"


    The old woman''s face, wrinkled like tree bark, squeezed out an ugly smile and walked tremulously to Xiao Yi, "Kind sir, thank you for avenging my granddaughter. I have nothing to repay you with, this map of the ore vein was given to me by my son before he died, iming it marks the location of thergest tungsten iron mine within the Iron Mountain. I was afraid it would bring me fatal disaster, so I never dared show it to anyone. Today, I shall give it to you!"


    "Tungsten iron mine?"


    Xiao Yi was surprised, as this was a metal several grades higher than iron. Weapons made of tungsten iron were second only to elemental weapons. He repeatedly waved his hands, "Old madam, how can I ept this?"


    "Kind sir, my husband and son both died in search of this mine; it''s of no use to me. If you do not ept it, I will not rest in peace when I die!" The old woman, trembling, pushed the parchment into Xiao Yi''s hands with a sincere expression.


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath, nodded to the old woman''s begging eyes and said, "Alright, I will ept it!"


    The old woman gestured, "Kind sir, please go ahead! I still want to apany my granddaughter for a while longer¡­"


    "Old madam, I''ll wait for you nearby! I''ll take you hometer!" Xiao Yi said.


    The old woman did not refuse and sat by the grave.


    She sat there for an entire hour.


    Bang!


    The old woman suddenly fell in front of the grave; Xiao Yi was startled, and on checking her, he found the old woman had bitten her tongue andmitted suicide. Xiao Yi''s eyes showed intense grief, "Xiao Yi, you fool¡­ you should have realized that the old woman was settling her affairs... you¡­" Continue reading at empire


    Unfortunately, there is no medicine for regret in this world.


    Xiao Yi buried the old woman next to her granddaughter, stood there for a long time, and didn''t leave until the sun set behind the mountains¡­

 Chapter 65 The Crisis of the Hu Family

    The bustling of Iron Mountain City under the cloak of night still thrived immensely.


    The clinking and nging of metalworking could be heard everywhere, for the city was home to a great number of cksmiths.


    From the forge businesses of the Hu and Xu Families to small private workshops, one could almost say that everyone who came out of Iron Mountain City knew how to work with iron.


    But today, the atmosphere in Iron Mountain City was even more tense, and the night patrols by soldiers seemed more anxious than usual, with the frequency of their rounds increasing. All of this was due to the battle during the day; thirty ck armored cavalrymen of the Comrade King''s estate had fallen in battle, and even themander of the ck armored cavalry, Geng Jing, had been in.


    The Comrade King''s estate was enraged.


    All of Iron Mountain City was as silent as if in the grip of winter''s chill.


    Xiao Yi relied on his nimble movement technique to traverse the shadows and quietly approached the estate of the Iron de King.


    The sprawling estate of the Iron de King was well-lit, with even more patrolling powerhouses than usual.


    Xiao Yi infiltrated their ranks.


    He made his way unseen to the vicinity of the main hall when he suddenly heard several heated arguments inside.


    A cold voice came from within the hall, "You can go marry him if you want, but I will never marry Xu Tao!"


    "Qing Bi, can''t you be a little less selfish? Not only is he Xu Tao, the Princely Heir of the Comrade King, but also a disciple of the Nine Profound Sect. What about him doesn''t match up to you? Moreover, once you marry Xu Tao, the Hu and Xu Families will be rted by marriage, and they will no longer harm our Hu Family''s business..."


    "Sacrificing oneself for the peace of the whole family¡ªwhat''s so bad about that?"


    The cold voice of Hu Qingbi echoed from within, "Everyone shut up!"


    "Is this the way you talk to your elders?"


    "We are all considering the estate''s best interests. No matter how you look at it, your marriage to Xu Tao benefits our Hu Family the most!"


    Faced with the relentless pressure from her own rtives, the Iron Arm Princess Hu Qingbi''s face went pale, and her eyes shimmered with the threat of tears.


    The rtives before her were like termites, incessantly eroding the Hu Family''s interests.


    With Hu Yi in the family, he could at least intimidate them, but since Hu Yi had disappeared years ago, Hu Qingbi, with her abilities and strength, was utterly incapable of deterring these greedy parasites.


    "Qing Bi, listen to me!"


    The person speaking was the brother of Hu Yi.


    With a light stroke of the moustache under his nose, Hu Liughed like an old fox eyeing a chunk of meat in a crow''s beak, "Six years ago, your father took every treasure from our n in an attempt to breakthrough to the Golden Core Realm, and that''s the root cause of our Hu Family''s downfall. As the saying goes, a son inherits his father''s debts. It''s time for you to pay back what your father owed!"


    Bang!


    Hu Qingbi pushed over the tea table in front of her and red at Hu Li, "Uncle, are those even human words you''re saying? Why did father risk his life to advance to the Golden Core Realm those years ago? Was it not because you were caught meeting Xu Shiheng''s lover in secret, and when Xu Shiheng sought to take your life, father was gravely injured saving you? Is that why he thought to take the resources and enter seclusion to make a breakthrough to the Golden Core Realm? And now you have the audacity to speak like this?"


    "Shut up! It was your father who chose to save me back then. Did I ever ask him? Did I ever beg him to lift a finger?"


    Hu Li sneered indifferently, "I''ve already negotiated the terms with the Comrade King. As long as you marry Xu Tao and bring the eighth and thirteenth mining veins as a dowry, he will spare the Hu Family. We''ve decided on this, and you have no right to refuse!"


    "I will never marry Xu Tao..." Hu Qingbi roared in fury.


    Hu Li sneered in response, "That''s not up to you! Come, tie her up and take her to the Xu Family!"


    "I''d like to see who dares to tie me up!" Hu Qingbi humphed coldly, her formidable aura instantly filling the hall; she was currently the strongest person in the Hu Family, a being of the Ninth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm.


    However...


    As she started circting her vital energy, a wave of weakness engulfed her body, and she copsed to the floor with a thud. Your next read awaits at empire


    She found herself unable to move her limbs.


    Hu Liughed heartily, "As the Hu Family''s top expert, would I act without certainty? I''ve added plenty of Muscle-locking Powder to your food; you should obediently marry Xu Tao! Hahaha..."


    "You, you shameless..."


    Defeat and despair painted Hu Qingbi''s face as her tearful eyes beheld the n members, their faces twisted with a ferocious desire to bind her and send her off to the Xu Family.


    Filled with despair and regret, Hu Qingbi thought to herself, "Father, these are the n members you fought with everything to protect¡ªunworthy, they''re all unworthy..."


    "Gag her mouth and..."


    Boom!


    Hu Li''s voice was abruptly cut off by a deafening roar, and the door to the room exploded with a bang, sending two guards from the Hu Family flying through the air from the powerful st.


    From within the wreckage of the splintered door, Xiao Yi''s figure gradually appeared.


    "Who is it?"


    "How dare you, thief, sneaking into the Hu Family in the dead of night ¡ª surely harboring ill intentions¡­" A powerhouse of the Seventh Layer of the Divine Passage Realm red at Xiao Yi, bellowing in anger.


    Before the words could even finish.


    Xiao Yi cast a cold nce at him and threw a punch like a Wrathful Vajra.


    Boom!


    The elder of the Hu Family was smashed to the ground, with a fist-sized hole gushing blood through his forehead, as if a fountain of blood had erupted forth.


    Hiss!


    The hall fell silent.


    Everyone''s gaze toward Xiao Yi was as if they were looking at a demon.


    Hu Li forced himself to remainposed while gazing intently at Xiao Yi, "Friend, has my Hu Family somehow offended you? I, Hu Li, apologize on behalf of my family. We''re willing topensate you¡­"


    "Compensate?"


    Xiao Yi''s indifferent gaze settled on Hu Li.


    Hu Li felt as though an invisible hand was gripping his throat under Xiao Yi''s gaze, making even breathing difficult, and he stammered, "Yes, yes¡­ I''m willing topensate, whatever conditions you have, I will meet them!"


    "Oh, then give me something aspensation."


    "What is it?"


    Hu Li nced at Xiao Yi and hastily said, "Whatever you want, I can provide it for you. How about my niece? She''s beautiful and as long as you like¡­ Er¡­"


    Mid-sentence, Hu Li realized his feet were no longer touching the ground.


    His face filled with terror as he saw Xiao Yi, close at hand, single-handedly lifting him by his throat, and Hu Li''s face was ovee with fear, "Why, why is this? I, I''m willing to pay¡­ "


    Xiao Yi''s icy gaze remained on him, "I only want your dog life!"


    "Ah? Why? I, I''ve never provoked you¡­"


    Hu Li''s face turned pale, his voice trembling with the question.


    Xiao Yi''s right hand clutched his throat, and his left hand produced a Token.


    It was the Token of the Iron de King, Hu Yi.


    "This, this is the Family Head''s Token? How could it be in his possession?"


    Hu Li looked at the Token in disbelief, "How did you get this Token? I saw with my own eyes Xu Shiheng grievously wound my brother, he clearly¡­"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Hu Li suddenly stopped speaking, his expression turning increasingly horrified.


    "You, what did you say? You saw Xu Shiheng grievously wound my father?" Hu Qingbi also recovered from her shock, looking at Hu Li in disbelief.


    Hu Li went white as a sheet, and Xiao Yi coldly demanded, "Won''t you speak the truth?"


    Hu Li trembled all over, bereft of hope, and closed his eyes in despair, "That year, Xu Shiheng promised not to kill me as long as I helped him murder my brother¡­ I, I had no choice. It''s not my fault; it was all Xu Shiheng''s doing. I, I only told him where my brother was in secluded cultivation¡­"


    "Hu Li, you bastard, our father was wounded trying to save you, and you repay his kindness with treachery?" Hu Qingbi trembled all over, her eyes bloody.


    Xiao Yi turned towards her, "Would you like to take revenge with your own hands?"


    To that, Hu Qingbi started, then nodded eagerly.


    With a flick of Xiao Yi''s finger, a surge of vital energy entered her body, neutralizing the Muscle-locking Powder''s poison in her system, and he threw Hu Li to the ground.


    Hu Qingbi''s eyes were a bloody red as she pounced on Hu Li like a mad demon.


    Her fists and feet flew, smashing Hu Li''s head into a pulp.


    She tore off his limbs with her own hands¡­


    The hall was filled with the stench of blood, as if it were a Shura hell¡­

 Chapter 66 Eve of the Battle

    Within the grand hall of the Hu Family.


    The pungent scent of blood made people involuntarily furrow their brows; Hu Li''s body had long been shattered into pieces, torn to shreds by Hu Qingbi herself.


    Her eyes were a bloody red, her body covered in fresh blood, her cold gaze sweeping over the Hu Family''s powerhouses.


    That blood-red gaze was like two soul-snatching crimson pearls, making one feel as if they''d be devoured with just an extra nce, and no one dared to meet her eyes.


    Readtest stories on empire


    The grisly death of Hu Li was right in front of them, not to mention the mysterious Xiao Yi standing by the side.


    Naturally, no one dared to say much.


    Hu Qingbi looked coldly at the crowd and said sternly, "You all have heard it, my father was killed by that despicable Hu Li in cahoots with Xu Shiheng. Do you still want me to marry Xu Tao?"


    One after another, the elders exchanged nces, all bowing their heads.


    Who would dare to agree now?


    Hu Qingbi snorted and said emphatically, "Listen to me, all of you, gather all the Hu Family''s forces by noon tomorrow. I shall settle this with a fight to the death with the Xu Family atop Iron Mountain!"


    The crowd exchanged looks.


    An elder of the Fifth Layer of the Divine Power Realm hesitated and said, "Miss, we must not act rashly in this affair! The Xu Family''s power far surpasses ours, to say nothing of Xu Shiheng who has already reached the peak of Shentong, and Xu Tao who has broken through to the Tenth Layer of Shentong. We simply are no match for them!"


    "Yes, to engage in a fight to the death with the Xu Family at this time would be a suicide mission!"


    A few elders spoke out with worried faces.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    For them...


    As long as they could protect their own small piece of interest, the revenge for Hu Yi and who would call the shots in Iron Mountain City in the future were simply not their concerns.


    "You¡­ you all¡­"


    Hu Qingbi''s face turned pale.


    She never expected that even after learning the truth about Hu Yi''s death, these n members would still remain indifferent, only thinking of their own benefits.


    Xiao Yi, standing nearby, nced at the group ofcent Hu Family powerhouses, grinned, and said, "Miss Hu, some people are just naturally base; no matter how nicely you try to persuade them, they won''t take you seriously!"


    Hu Qingbi was startled, then steeled her heart.


    Thud! Thud!


    She struck out in session.


    The two elders who had first raised objections had their heads smashed by Hu Qingbi''s palm, one after the other. She said coldly, "I''ll say it again, all Hu Family forces will gather by noon tomorrow for a fight to the death with the Xu Family. Do you understand?"


    "We understand!"


    "Miss, please rest assured, we will definitely not disappoint you!"


    Seeing the awe in the elders'' eyes, Hu Qingbi huffed coldly, then turned to Xiao Yi, gave a respectful bow, and said with meticulous courtesy, "Qingbi is grateful for your assistance, Sir!"


    Xiao Yi helped her up, shook his head, and said, "You needn''t thank me; I''ve already received my payment from your father." After pausing, he handed over the scroll of the "Mixed Yuan Purple Mist Skill" to Hu Qingbi.


    "Mixed Yuan Purple Mist Skill?"


    Hu Qingbi''s expression changed drastically, then she revealed a look of ecstasy.


    The "Mixed Yuan Purple Mist Skill" was the Hu Family''s ancestral cultivation technique, which traditionally only the heads of the family and their heirs could practice.


    Hu Qingbi had only practiced the first half so far, but now with theplete "Mixed Yuan Purple Mist Skill," given enough time, she was certain to lead the Hu Family to new heights of glory.


    Xiao Yi said solemnly, "If it''s convenient, could you tell me about your wagered duel with Xu Tao?"


    Upon hearing the name Xu Tao, Hu Qingbi''s face contorted with added ferocity.


    She took a deep breath and said in a heavy tone, "Our Hu Family and the Xu Family have always been rivals; our two families control over eighty percent of the mines in Iron Mountain City. Since my father went missing, the Xu Family has been suppressing us at every turn. Not long ago, they proposed a wagered duel where the loser would have to surrender all of their mining veins. I had no choice but to agree under pressure..."


    Iron Mountain City is the mining capital of the Tianqing Kingdom.


    If the Xu Family managed to take over the Hu Family''s mines, they would be the undisputed mining kings of the Tianqing Kingdom, and even the royal family of Tianqing Kingdom would have to ask favors from them.


    Xiao Yi asked, "Do you have confidence in your fight against Xu Tao?"


    Hu Qingbi gave a wry smile and said, "I''ve heard that Xu Tao has secluded himself and advanced to the Tenth Layer of the Divine Power Realm. I''m no match for him. But even if it means death, I will never surrender..."


    With her inherently tenacious character, and especially after knowing that Hu Yi''s death was inextricably linked to Xu Shiheng, there was no way she wouldpromise.


    Xiao Yi was silent for a moment before asking, "Are there any specific rules about who can fight in your duel?"


    "There are none!"


    Hu Qingbi shook her head, then suddenly, her expression froze, and she looked at Xiao Yi with disbelief, "Benefactor, could it be that you..."


    Xiao Yi nodded and said, "I''ll fight for you."


    It was precisely because of Hu Yi''s Golden Core that he was able to enter the Divine Realm so smoothly with Fang Qingzhu, allowing Fang Qingzhu to defeat Fang Jin.


    This debt of gratitude couldn''t simply be repaid by returning the royal order and the "Mixed Yuan Purple Mist Skill"!


    Hu Qingbi looked at Xiao Yi with gratitude, "Thank you, benefactor... As long as we can defeat the Xu Family, I am willing to hand over all of the Xu Family''s mines to you!"


    Xiao Yi waved his hand and said, "Keep the Xu Family''s mines for yourself, I might have some cooperation to discuss with you when the timees!"


    In his hands, he held a map of the Tungsten Iron Mine.


    ording to the old crone, it was the biggest vein in the entire Iron Mountain Range.


    Its value was probably more than thebined mines of both the Xu Family and the Hu Family.


    However...


    This Tungsten Iron Mine was far too precious, and with Xiao Yi''s current strength, it would be impossible to keep it safe once exposed.


    At the same time.


    The Xu Family.


    Bang!


    A loud boom suddenly erupted from Xu Tao''s room, causing the entire residence to tremble slightly, and everything inside was a mess.


    Dressed in ck with a pale, cold, and fierce face, Xu Tao growled furiously, "That Hu Qingbi, she actually dared to send people to kill my eldest brother and third younger brother? I must kill this woman, no, I will annihte the entire Hu Family and let them apany my brothers in death!"


    In front of Xu Tao, wearing a python robe and an indifferent expression, Xu Shiheng casually said, "Tao''er, Hu Qingbi is not a concern, but the person she has invited is not so simple, even Geng Jing died by his hand. If that man fights for Hu Qingbi tomorrow, you must be very careful!"


    "Father, rest assured! With my current strength, even Geng Jing wouldn''tst three moves against me."


    Xu Tao, with a look of disdain, lifted his hands with palms facing upwards, and as his fingers twitched slightly, his gaze became immensely cold, "It doesn''t matter if that boy doesn''t show up, but if he dares to, I will squash him easily. Moreover, my senior brother Jin He will also being to watch the battle tomorrow; with him supporting us, nothing can go wrong!"


    "That''s good!"


    Xu Shiheng looked at Xu Tao with satisfaction, and his eyes flickered coldly, "Hu Yi, oh Hu Yi, I will personally take the Hu Family you''ve built and make it mine. Not only your family but also your daughter will be ythings under my son''s hip, hahaha..."

 Chapter 67 So Much Nonsense

    Iron Mountain.


    It loomed majestically and vast, the entire Iron Mountain Range stretching for thousands of kilometers.


    Endless and winding.


    The mountains were rich in ore veins, and mining pits and tunnels pockmarked thendscape, among which stood a mountain riddled with holes.


    This was Iron Mountain!


    The highest peak in the entire Iron Mountain Range, and the only peak within the range devoid of any ore veins.


    At this moment...


    At the summit of Iron Mountain, it was already a sea of people.


    The Xu and the Hu families would engage in a decisive battle at the peak of Iron Mountain, with the loser bing a vassal to the victor - a piece of news that had, with the Xu family''s deliberate exaggeration, already spread throughout Iron Mountain City.


    "Who do you think will win this battle?"


    "Who else could it be? It''s definitely going to be the Xu family. The Hu family has been in name only since the Iron de King, Hu Yi..."


    "That''s a pity, though. The Hu family has been good to us, while the Xu family is much harsher!"


    "How dare you nder the Xu family? Seize him!" Amotion suddenly erupted from the crowd, and a few burly men, blending in with the crowd, immediately dragged away those who had been talking earlier.


    They were brought to the central square at the top of Iron Mountain.


    Xu Tao and Xu Shiheng had long been waiting there, and beside Xu Tao stood a young man in a golden long coat, disheveled and carrying a longsword on his back.


    The two were chatting merrily when suddenly they saw five poor men being dragged up.


    Xu Tao frowned and asked, "What''s going on?"


    The subordinate reported, "Your Highness the Princely Heir, these people were secretly insulting your father..."


    "Kill them then!" Xu Tao waved his hand.


    "Yes!"


    The muscr strongman gestured, and regardless of the desperate pleas of the poor men, beheaded them on the spot. As heads rolled, Xu Tao''s voice rang out, "Hang their bodies in front of the square as a warning to others!"


    "At yourmand!"


    A momentter.


    Five stakes were erected in front of the square.


    Each stake was over twenty meters tall, the bodies of the five men suspended in the air, their figures swaying in the fierce cold wind, a sight of utter destion.


    The surrounding crowd kept silent, only looking at those five bodies, feeling the wind blowing even colder through their bones.


    "Brother Jin, I really can''t thank you enough foring all this way!" Xu Taoughed, squinting at Jin He.


    This Jin He was of the Tenth Level of Shentong Realm Cultivation, no different from Xu Tao.


    However...


    Xu Tao''s master was the Great Elder of the Nine Profound Sect, Jin Sheng, and Jin Sheng was Jin He''s grandfather. This was the reason Xu Tao treated Jin He with such respect.


    Jin He chuckled, "Junior brother is too polite. It was grandfather who asked me toe and support you. But now you have stepped into the Tenth Layer of the Divine Skills Realm; it seems mying may have been somewhat superfluous!"


    "What are you talking about, brother? Having you here gives me a real sense of support!" Xu Taoughed heartily, speaking words like a breath of spring, making them particrlyfortable to hear.


    "Tao''er, the people from the Hu family have arrived!" Xu Shiheng suddenly said in a low voice.


    Xu Tao was startled and looked in the direction indicated.


    The Hu Family''s party wasing up from the base of the mountain, led by Hu Qingbi and Xiao Yi, followed by some of the Hu family elders and strong figures.


    Their numbers were vast, nearly all prominent warriors of the Hu family had arrived.


    "The Hu Family hase out in full force!"


    "Considering it''s a matter of life and death for them, it''s no surprise they''re making such a big move..."


    Xu Tao was sitting boldly with a leg crossed over the other, his eyes narrowed to slits,pletely ignoring Hu Qingbi as his gaze was fixed firmly on Xiao Yi.


    The corners of his mouth lifted slightly, curling into a cold arc, "So this is the kid who killed my eldest brother and third brother, huh? Seventh Layer of the Divine Passage Realm? Hmph, I could snuff him out with a flick of my finger!"


    Jin He also showed an indifferent expression.


    Both the Nine Profound Sect and the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple were powers second only to the Royal Martial Arts Academy, and they recognized all the masters of the younger generation on the Tianqing Kingdom''s Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List.


    They had never seen Xiao Yi before.


    Jin He''s eyes sparkled as he spoke, "Xu, let''s finish up the fight here quickly! I''ve heard that the service at Iron Mountain City''s Misty Rain Pavilion is quite something!"


    Xu Tao grinned and said with ease, "Why bother with Misty Rain Pavilion, Brother Jin? Once I''ve taken care of the Hu Family, I''ll let you have Hu Qingbi for some fun."


    "Hmm? Isn''t that a bit much? She is, after all, yours..." Jin He''s gaze towards Hu Qingbi was filled with greed and desire, yet he appeared to be in a difficult position.


    Xu Taoughed loudly, not bothering to hide it, and dered, "What''s mine is yours, brother. Besides, she''s just a woman. I''ve decided, tonight I''ll have Hu Qingbi take good care of you!"


    Jin He grinned, "Why not together?"


    Xu Tao paused, thenughed, "Alright, let''s do it together!"


    Thesements, when heard by the Hu Family, turned their faces iron blue, and fury zed within them.


    Hu Qingbi''s chest heaved with intense emotion, her eyes cold as ice, "These two bastards..."


    Xiao Yi patted her shoulder, "Don''t worry, let them be smug for a moment!"


    However...


    It was this pat on the shoulder that caused Jin He''s face to suddenly darken. In his view, Hu Qingbi was already his ything; how could he allow another man to touch her?


    Jin He snorted coldly and pointed at Xiao Yi, "Xu, I really don''t like that kid. Break his filthy arms and legs first!"


    "Alright!"


    Xu Tao immediately stood up and walked towards Xiao Yi and his group, his gaze falling coldly on Xiao Yi as he arrogantly said, "Which hand did you just use to touch Qingbi? Cut that one off, and I might leave your corpse intact. Otherwise, I''ll slice off your flesh piece by piece..."


    Hu Qingbi''s eyes widened in fury, "Xu Tao, don''t go too far!"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Shut up, you cheap woman!"


    Xu Tao snorted and, raising his hand, swung it towards Hu Qingbi''s face, "You are already a toy I''ve given to Brother Jin. You should be keeping yourself clean, how dare another man touch you? Go stand aside and wait..."


    Xu Tao''s voice stopped abruptly.


    Your journey continues at empire


    The hand he had lifted was firmly grasped by Xiao Yi.


    No matter how much he exerted force, he couldn''t free himself from Xiao Yi''s grasp for a moment. Xu Tao''s face twisted with a savage look as he red at Xiao Yi, "Kid, you''ve wasted the only chance you had to keep your corpse intact, I..."


    "What a lot of nonsense..."


    Xiao Yi roared and swung his fist, aiming it straight at Xu Tao''s face.


    Behind him, it was as if a Wrathful Vajra stood proud between heaven and earth, and amid the chaotic gust of wind, Xu Tao''s features werepletely distorted, his handsome face was utterly disfigured.


    Bang!


    With a muffled sound.


    Xu Tao''s body flew backward like a kite with its string cut, t on his back, skimming the ground. The wind he swept up tore open the summit of Iron Mountain.


    Like a vicious scar crawling over the mountain''s peak.


    He was flung more than thirty meters away...

 Chapter 68 Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, Xiao Yi!

    Atop Mount Iron, there was a hush.


    Everything happened so suddenly.


    Everyone was watching as Xu Tao appeared before Hu Qingbi and the others, arrogantly proiming his intent to break Xiao Yi''s hands, while everyone waited for Xiao Yi to do the deed himself.


    But then...


    Xiao Yi actually punched Xu Tao and sent him flying?


    Thirty meters away.


    Amidst the billowing dust.


    Xu Tao finally stopped, with two bloody trails hanging from his nostrils, his nose bridge broken, tears streaming down his face in humiliation.


    Panting heavily!


    Gasping for air, Xu Tao wiped the blood from beneath his nose, first stunned, then his face twisted ferociously, "Bastard, you dare to ambush me? I''ll skin you alive!"


    Whoosh!


    A vast surge of primal energy burst forth from within him.


    As a cultivator at the Tenth Layer of the Divine Power Realm, Xu Tao''s energy was increasingly refined, and with a single gesture, a green spearnded in his hand.


    Humming!


    The spear danced wildly in the air, whistling fiercely, its silvery light ring like the venomous fangs of a savage snake.


    "Xu Tao really broke through to the Divine Power Realm Tenth Layer?"


    "What terrifying talent; he''s only twenty-six, right? He might have a chance to challenge for the top ten of the Flying Tiger List before he''s thirty!"


    Those in the top ten of the Flying Tiger List are all in the Golden Core Realm.


    Reaching the Golden Core Realm before thirty is indeed a sign of extraordinary talent.


    Not far off.


    Pride showed on Xu Shiheng''s face as he looked toward Jin He, "Jin He, do you think Tao has a chance to enter the Golden Core Realm before thirty?"


    "No problem!"


    Jin He smiled faintly and said, "Grandfather values Xu Tao highly. As soon as this matter here is settled, I will take him back to our sect. Grandfather mentioned that in two months, there will be a huge opportunity. As long as he seizes this chance, not to mention before thirty... Xu and I might both be able to enter the Golden Core Realm within a year!"


    "What opportunity?" Xu Shiheng asked, startled.


    "Don''t ask what you shouldn''t!"


    Jin He swept Xu Shiheng with a warning look, then focused on the direction of Xu Tao and Xiao Yi, looking rxed, "Although Xiao Yi had the advantage of a surprise attack, being able to blow away Xu with the Seventh Layer of the Divine Passage Realm shows he''s not weak. Had Xu not made his breakthrough, he might not have been a match for Xiao Yi. But now, his death is certain!"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Xu Shiheng didn''t dare to ask further and quickly looked toward the direction of Xu Tao and Xiao Yi.


    "Turning Rivers and Seas!"


    With a low roar, Xu Tao''s spear moved like a dragon turning over the seas, unleashing a fierce surge of force upon Xiao Yi.


    Watching the silvery spear glow closing in.


    Xiao Yi''s eyes narrowed and he put his palms together before his chest, drawing the violently trembling spear glow tond between his hands.


    Then with one hand above the other, it was as if the heavens and earth closed in together.


    ng!


    During the shrill, hair-raising noise,


    The wildly spinning spear glow was actually caught firmly between Xiao Yi''s hands!


    "Burst for me!"


    Xu Tao''s eyes were bloodshot as he charged forward, wielding the spear like an arching bridge. Xiao Yi was forced to retreat explosively.


    After retreating more than ten meters,


    Xiao Yi suddenly mmed his foot on the ground, halting his retreat, then shifted aside, releasing the spear tip from his grasp.


    With the obstruction gone, the spear thrust forward, causing Xu Tao to involuntarily lurch a couple of steps.


    Suddenly, a palm appeared in front of him, fingers spread wide like a sky-covering hand, and with a thud, it pressed on his face with a terrible force that seemed to root his fingers deeply into his face.


    The violent force erupted in an instant from that palm.


    Xiao Yi, gripping Xu Tao''s face, violently lifted him and mmed him to the ground, with a loud thud as Xu Tao''s head smashed into the earth.


    With one hand pressing down on Xu Tao''s head, Xiao Yi charged forward.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Xu Tao''s head plowed through the earth like a bulldozer, stirring up dust and stones, and amidst a cloud of flying dust, trails of fresh blood marked the ground.


    Xiao Yi dragged him for over fifty meters before he abruptly released his grip and stood up.


    Xu Tao''s face was unrecognizable, lying on the ground.


    Xiao Yi''s right fist shone with golden light, as if a Wrathful Vajra judged the legions of demons. Gales of vital energy wrapped around his entire fist, creating bursts of wind and deafening sonic booms between his knuckles.


    This punch was aimed straight for Xu Tao''s head and descended with the force of thunderbolts.


    If this punch were to connect,


    it would surely result in a head exploding upon impact!


    "No!"


    Xu Shiheng''s face drastically changed, and he roared like an arrow released from a bow as he rushed towards Xiao Yi.


    Jin He was momentarily stunned, then he turned a shade of iron blue, pping the armrest as he leaped up, quickly dashing towards Xiao Yi.


    Both of these Tenth Layer Divine Power Realm powerhouses took action at the same time.


    Indeed it was like Wind Thunder drums booming in battle.


    "Fiery Palm!"


    Xu Shiheng''s hand zed with roaring mes as his Innate Divine Ability burst forth in an instant, sweeping an intense orange fireball towards Xiao Yi.


    Jin He formed a sword with one hand, pointed it at the void, and fired a highlypressed ball of vital energy.


    These two attacks were no trifles.


    If Xiao Yi were hit, he would undoubtedly be dead.


    "Stop!"


    "Don''t think of harming our benefactor!"


    Hu Qingbi and the multitude of strong Hu Family members acted at the same time. Their cultivation might not match those two, but they were numerous. If one couldn''t stop them, a whole group would attack together.


    "Get out of my way..."


    "Move aside..."


    Xu Shiheng and Jin He were entangled by the Hu Family members and could not break free for a moment.


    They could only watch helplessly as Xiao Yi''s punch descended. Jin He roared, "Stop... Xu Tao is a disciple of the Nine Profound Sect, if you dare to kill him, you will face the relentless pursuit of our Nine Profound Sect disciples, you..."


    "Nine Profound Sect?"


    Xiao Yi''s movement slightly hesitated.


    Jin He showed an ecstatic look, saying proudly, "That''s right, our Nine Profound Sect..."


    However...


    He didn''t finish his sentence.


    Xiao Yi just sneered, "Never heard of it!"


    Boom!


    His punch heavilynded on Xu Tao''s head, the vital energy creating a circr tornado, as if thousands of des were swiftly slicing through, causing an explosive burst.


    Only half a body remained of Xu Tao in the pit, lying in a pool of blood.


    "No... Tao''er..." Xu Shiheng''s eyes were filled with splitting fury.


    Jin He was stunned. Who in the vast Tianqing Kingdom dared to disrespect the Nine Profound Sect? Yet Xiao Yi, knowing well that Xu Tao was a disciple of the Nine Profound Sect, still struck the deadly blow, which made Jin He fear him as well.


    After dealing with Xu Tao, Xiao Yi saw Xu Shiheng kill two Hu Family warriors.


    And even sent Hu Qingbi flying.


    A cold light shed in his eyes as he leaped forward, brandishing a third-grade longsword and shing it out: "Reiming Soul, Seizing Life!"


    Pffft!


    The sword, swift as a fleeting shadow!


    Thump!


    The ferocious looking Xu Shiheng was beheaded, copsing into a pool of blood.


    Xiao Yi, standing with his sword, was enveloped by the roaring wind, his robe billowing, his gaze falling on Jin He.


    Jin He shuddered, looking at Xiao Yi with a grave face, "Who exactly are you?"


    Merely at the Seventh Layer of the Shentong Realm yet possessing suchbat prowess, he was surely no ordinary figure!


    Xiao Yi looked calmly at Jin He and said indifferently, "Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, Xiao Yi!"

 Chapter 69 One Man Guards a City

    "Tianqi Martial Arts Academy?"


    Jin He was taken aback, obviously very unfamiliar with the once glorious but nowpletely declined Tianqi Martial Arts Academy.


    Even the onlookers from Iron Mountain City were perplexed, "Tianqi Martial Arts Academy? Hasn''t that ce closed down long ago? How can there still be disciples?"


    "However, this young man actually killed the father and son of the Xu Family, his strength is truly terrifying!"


    "No matter how strong he is, it''s useless, that Xu Tao is a disciple of the Nine Profound Sect. If he were a disciple of the Royal Martial Arts Academy, perhaps the Nine Profound Sect wouldn''t dare seek revenge, but since he''s from the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, the Nine Profound Sect will definitely not let him go..."


    The onlookers'' faces held a hint of anticipation as they looked towards Jin He.


    However...


    Jin He''s expression suddenly changed, and he looked at Xiao Yi in disbelief, "You, you are the Xiao Yi who caused havoc in the Royal Martial Arts Academy, who killed Zhuge Shuangdao?"


    Hisbat power was on par with Zhuge Shuangdao.


    But since even Zhuge Shuangdao had fallen at Xiao Yi''s hand, Jin He didn''t think he had the strength to contend with Xiao Yi, and for a moment, he felt a chill throughout his body.


    He cursed the ancestors of the father and son of the Xu Family in his heart.


    If only he had known that Xiao Yi was behind the Hu Family, he wouldn''t have got involved in this matter even if it killed him!


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes as he sized up Jin He, "What? You know me?"


    Jin He forced a smile.


    How could he not know?


    The name of Xiao Yi from the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy was already well-known among the younger generation of Tianqing Kingdom, after all, someone who was under twenty and ranked within the top thirty of the Flying Tiger List.


    Furthermore...


    How many years has it been since someone dared to defy the Royal Martial Arts Academy?


    Xiao Yi was a unique case indeed!


    Jin He took a deep breath and said to Xiao Yi with a fist sped, "Xiao Yi, today''s affair has nothing to do with me. We have no past grudges and no recent hatreds, can we part ways here?"


    After witnessing Xiao Yi''s formidable strength, he was even less willing to sh with him.


    "..."


    The Iron Mountain City strongmen who had been expecting Jin He to step in and punish Xiao Yi were collectively shocked.


    The formidable Jin He was actually cowering?


    Actively seeking peace?


    The couple of people who were previously so sure of themselves now felt a burning shame on their faces.


    Xiao Yi was also somewhat surprised; he had thought Jin He would seek revenge for the father and son Xu, but instead he was asking for peace? With a yful look on his face, Xiao Yi said, "Nothing to do with you? Wasn''t it you who earlier said Qing Bi was your ything, and you wanted to cut off both my hands?"


    When Xu Tao wanted to give Hu Qingbi to him to toy with.


    Jin He hesitated not at all!


    If Xiao Yi hadn''t intervened to help Hu Qingbi today, the entire Hu Family might have been wiped out, and Hu Qingbi would inevitably fall into the hands of Jin He and Xu Tao as their ything.


    How could it all be settled with just one sentence from him?


    Jin He''s eyes twitched, and he said in a deep voice, "What do you want?"


    Find more to read at empire


    Xiao Yi said, "Kneel down, apologize!"


    "What?"


    Jin He''s face darkened. As a disciple of the Nine Profound Sect, representing the face of the sect when outside, if he really knelt this time, how would he have any face to return to the Nine Profound Sect?


    Jin He took a deep breath and said, "Xiao Yi, I admit I''m not your opponent. But don''t push me too far. My grandfather is a great elder of the Nine Profound Sect, a mighty Golden Core Realm powerhouse. If I''m really pushed to the brink, you won''t end well either!"


    "Ah!"


    Xiao Yi sighed softly and said, "You shouldn''t have threatened me."


    "Hmm?"


    Jin He was taken aback, about to speak, but then he saw a streak of Sword Qi sh before his eyes.


    Pfft!


    Blood reddened his eyes.


    Jin He''s head thudded to the ground with a crash.


    Hiss!


    Around them rose a chorus of sharp intakes of breath.


    Even Hu Qingbi seemed somewhat lost in thought, her expression solemn as she looked upon Jin He''s corpse. With a wry smile, she said, "Benefactor, you shouldn''t have killed him..."


    "Why?" asked Xiao Yi.


    Hu Qingbi was taken aback for a moment, then said, "Jin He''s grandfather is a great elder of the Nine Profound Sect, a formidable figure in the Golden Core Realm. We killed Xu Tao and Xu Shiheng, and there was still some leeway for negotiation. But now that we''ve killed Jin He, it''s a fight to the death!"


    The Golden Core Realm, ah!


    What an unattainably high existence.


    One capable of annihting an entire city!


    Xiao Yi, however, showed an interested expression and asked, "Qing Bi, are you certain that if we had let him go, the Nine Profound Sect would not move against us?"


    "Eh? You mean..." Hu Qingbi''s face showed confusion.


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Letting a tiger return to the mountain is always a future threat!"


    With Jin He''s nature, he would never appreciate Xiao Yi''s mercy in sparing him; he would only see it as a humiliation.


    To erase this stain from his life, naturally, he would need to obliterate his enemiespletely!


    Whether or not they let Jin He go, they would ultimately have to face the Nine Profound Sect.


    It might as well be a decisive kill!


    Hu Qingbi also came to understand this point and said with a bitter smile, "It seems I was presumptuous. Thank you for your guidance, Benefactor!"


    Xiao Yi waved his hand dismissively.


    He dared to act this way because he knew that whether or not Jin He was released, the Nine Profound Sect would take action. More importantly, he was confident that at least before they could eliminate him, the Nine Profound Sect would definitely not move against the Hu Family.


    As for eliminating him?


    That would depend on whether the Nine Profound Sect was up to the task!


    Xiao Yi''s gaze, sharp as a hawk''s, swept over everyone present. The icy sharpness in his eyes, knife-like, deterred others from meeting his gaze, prompting them to lower their heads instead.


    ng!


    Xiao Yi flicked his arm, and the longsword created a splendid disy of sword flowers. The longsword, carrying a fierce wind, abruptly paused, then he shed forward with one strike.


    Sword Intent instantly coalesced at the tip of the de.


    A thirty-foot-long Sword Qi swallowed and surged forth, transforming into a silver canopy that descended from the sky.


    Boom, boom, boom!n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    All of Iron Mountain City thundered and roared. As dust and smoke billowed, a vicious sword scar dozens of feet long appeared before them. The terrifying Sword Intent lingered, and a sharp, whistling wind echoed all around.


    Those spectating turned pale, feeling a chill cover their bodies.


    Only then did Xiao Yi speak, "From this day forward, the Hu Family of Iron Mountain City is under my protection, Xiao Yi. Whoever dares to touch the Hu Family, this will be their fate!"


    The crowd fell silent as cicadas in winter.


    Hu Qingbi looked at Xiao Yi gratefully. Encouraged by his gaze, she stepped forward and said in a loud voice, "Everyone here is a citizen of Iron Mountain City, so you should all be aware of the wager between Qing Bi and Xu Tao. After today, all the assets of the Xu Family in Iron Mountain City will belong to the Hu Family. I hope everyone will support Qing Bi!"


    The people: "..."


    Xiao Yi cleared his throat subtly, and the longsword in his hand buzzed as it trembled.


    "Rest assured, Iron Arm Princess, we will definitely support the Iron de King''s estate!"


    "Absolutely support!"


    A multitude of powerhouses hastened to express their allegiance, fearful that any hesitation would draw Xiao Yi''s attention.


    Hu Qingbi watched the crowd''s awe-filled looks towards Xiao Yi, her eyes brimming with reverence, admiration, and a hint of infatuation.


    This young man before her, younger even than herself, had single-handedly and with one sword, intimidated the entire Iron Mountain City.


    Something not even her father had managed to achieve, Xiao Yi had done it¡ªa feat of epic proportions...


    One man stood guard over a city!


    Who else but me!

 Chapter 70 The Golden Core Great Battle, the Great Demon Entrusts His Orphan!

    Under the deterrence of Xiao Yi, the Hu Family faced much less resistance in taking over the Xu Family''s forces.


    ording to Hu Qingbi''s earlier prediction, when the Xu Family fell, other forces in Iron Mountain City would inevitably scramble for a share of the spoils; the Hu Family being able to consolidate fifty percent of the profits would already be considered good.


    But because of Xiao Yi, this time theypletely took over the Xu Family''s assets.


    Not only did it help the Hu Family out of their predicament, but it also increased the family''s foundation several-fold.


    Hu Qingbi looked at Xiao Yi reluctantly, "Benefactor, are you sure you don''t need me to apany you? We mine the Iron Mountain Range all year round and often conflict with the demon beasts there; they are extremely hostile towards humans, and I know how to avoid these beasts!"


    Xiao Yi shook his head with a smile, "Your Hu Family has just taken over the Xu Family''s properties, you must stay in Iron Mountain City. Besides, I will not go too deep, there will be no danger!"


    "Well... okay then!"


    Hu Qingbi let out a wry smile, "When will you return, Benefactor? You muste to find me!"


    "Mm!" Enjoy new adventures from empire


    Xiao Yi nodded, then leaped up like a monkey and disappeared into the forest.


    Having fulfilled the promise to the Iron de King, the trip to Iron Mountain City ended on a perfect note.


    But...


    Because of the Nine Profound Sect, Xiao Yi still wasn''t at ease to leave Iron Mountain City just yet. Plus, he now had that map of the Tungsten Iron Mine, so Xiao Yi decided to explore the mine as indicated on the map first.


    He followed the route marked on the map through the terrain.


    Along the way, he encountered one mining cave after another, with the mountains hollowed out and pitted, a barren sight to behold.


    Many of the trees had long since withered, turning into a bare expanse.


    "ording to the map, after passing through the Thread of Sky Gorge up ahead, and then two hundred li further, with my current speed, it should take about another four hours to reach the location of the Tungsten Iron Mine..."


    Xiao Yi checked the direction and picked up the pace.


    He darted between towering mountains and through strange rock formations and forests.


    Four hourster.


    Xiao Yi finally arrived at the area marked as the Tungsten Iron Mine on the map, a vibrant and lush forested region.


    "The old woman''s son was pursued by an Iron-Eating Beast and identally entered a cave behind a waterfall, where he discovered the Tungsten Iron Mine. Where might there be a waterfall around here?"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Looking out over the vast green field ahead, Xiao Yi felt somewhat dizzy.


    Perhaps any man wouldn''t be too fond of this color, right?


    Just then...


    Boom!


    A thunderous explosion suddenly echoed from the woods ahead, sending dust and smoke rolling hundreds of feet into the air, where it hung like a mushroom cloud between heaven and earth.


    Two huge figures burst from the cloud of dust.


    A twenty-plus-meter-long, pitch-ck giant snake with cold light flickering in its eyes suddenly coiled its massive body andshed out like a dragon swinging its tail into the smoke.


    Bang!


    The sound of thunderous explosions continued to boom.


    From within that cloud of smoke, a giant beast covered in gray-white iron armor, resembling an ant, also burst forth.


    The two beasts stood suspended in midair, their bodies radiating light that ebbed and flowed as they collided again and again, causing shockwaves of terrifying energy to burst forth.


    Even from several kilometers away, the shockwave was so strong that it caused a stinging pain on Xiao Yi''s face, "Floating in midair, these are two Giant Beasts from the Golden Core Realm?"


    The ten-meter-tall gray ant was the infamous Iron-Eating Beast of the Iron Mountain Range.


    It fed on ore veins.


    Decades ago, when Iron Mountain City was developing ore veins, it had fiercely shed with the beast, which waster defeated by a Golden Core Realm expert from the Tianqing Kingdom and fled to the depths of the Iron Mountain Range.


    Xiao Yi did not expect to encounter it today.


    "That ck giant snake can actually fight to a standstill with the Iron-Eating Beast? I''d better keep my distance..." Xiao Yi had no intention of getting caught in the crossfire, so he stayed far away and watched from the sidelines.


    The Iron-Eating Beast fed on metal; its shell was extremely hard, defense nearly invincible.


    Yet the ck giant snake was also incredibly strong, and after multipleshings and bites, it had managed to fracture the shell of the Iron-Eating Beast, leaving it covered with wounds and dripping with greenish blood.


    Of course, the giant serpent was not faring well either.


    Under the iron-eating beast''s teeth, which could easily snap through metal, the ck serpent bore numerous scars with fresh blood flowing freely.


    The battle raged to the point where the sky darkened, and there was no light from the sun or the moon.


    From a distance.


    The forest of tens of thousands of acres had been ttened, treespletely destroyed, rocks copsed, as if it were the apocalypse.


    The battle that hadsted for the better part of the day finally began to subside.


    "Has it been decided?" Xiao Yi''s pupils contracted, yet he still waited for half an hour.


    There was still no movement.


    Only then did he cautiously approach, but not too quickly.


    From afar, he could tell the two beasts'' battle had been incredibly destructive, but it was not until he got close that Xiao Yi realized he had still underestimated their capacity for destruction.


    Three to four small mountains, hundreds of meters high, had been razed to the ground by the fighting beasts!


    Within that rubble...


    Xiao Yi saw the corpse of the iron-eating beast, utterly lifeless, but what puzzled him was the mysterious disappearance of the ck serpent: "How strange, where''s the ck serpent?"


    Boom!


    The corpse of the iron-eating beast suddenly shook violently, toppling to the ground as a huge ck figure darted out from under its belly, sending sand flying and the ground shaking.


    The ck serpent stood erect, its cold gaze fixed on Xiao Yi.


    Shit!


    Xiao Yi''s face turned pale instantly; feeling an icy chill all over under that cold gaze, he was about to turn and run when he saw the ck serpent shake violently and then thump to the ground.


    The coldness vanished from its two eyes, leaving only despair and a hint of pleading.


    Xiao Yi was stunned¡ªthose pleading eyes reminded him of the time his mother knelt before Xiao Tianjiao, begging for his life.


    Xiao Yi inexplicably stopped in his tracks and, after hesitation, tentatively asked, "Do you... want me to help you?"


    Hiss!


    The ck serpent nodded its head with difficulty.


    Xiao Yi said gravely, "What do you want me to do?"


    Roar!


    The ck serpent struggled to open its bloody maw, and between two rows of fang-like teeth, strings of blood-stained saliva hung from top to bottom.


    Its blood-red tongue wrapped around an egg the size of a human head and brought it before Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi paused, looking at the beast egg and asked with a frown, "Is this your child? You want me to look after it for you?"


    Roar!


    The ck serpent nodded again.


    Xiao Yi frowned and said, "But... "


    Hiss!


    Roar!


    The ck serpent shook its whole body, flung its head, bit into the corpse of the iron-eating beast, thrust its tongue inside the beast''s body, and took out a fist-sized Golden Core covered in cracks before delivering it to Xiao Yi.


    This iron-eating beast was a fourth-rank intermediate demon beast,parable to a Fifth Layer of the Golden Core Realm expert; it was pitiful that the Golden Core was shattered, with little energy remaining.


    Huff!


    Xiao Yi exhaled deeply, holding the beast egg close to his chest, and said with determination, "Don''t worry, I will take good care of it!"


    Roar!


    The ck serpent spat a shattered Golden Core into the sky, which spread into a thin golden mist that sprinkled down like mottled gold rain onto the beast egg.


    The beast egg in Xiao Yi''s arms trembled slightly.


    The ck serpent''s head drooped to the ground, powerlessly nudging the egg held tightly in his arms, its eyes flickering with profound reluctance and longing, followed by a painful wail before it copsed to the ground with a thud...

 Chapter 71 Xiao Yi Returns

    Half a dayter.


    Xiao Yi stood in front of a small grave, holding the tinum-striped beast egg in his hands.


    The ashes of the ck giant snakey within.


    An existence that sought to protect its child with its dying breath¡ªXiao Yi would never touch its body, even though it was just a magical beast.


    Even though the corpse was that of a Golden Core Realm magical beast, invaluable beyond measure, he felt no temptation to touch it.


    On the contrary, he had stripped away the carapace of the Iron-Eating Beast.


    It was prime material for forging elemental battle armor.


    The carapace of the Iron-Eating Beast alone was worth no less than a hundred million Silver, not to mention that shattered Gold Core?N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Rest assured, since I''ve promised you, I will definitely take good care of your child," Xiao Yi deeply bowed to the ck giant snake.


    He gently patted the beast egg in his embrace and tucked it into his clothes.


    Following the map, Xiao Yi searched and half a dayter, found the entrance to the Tungsten Iron Mine behind this waterfall¡ªa deep cave in the mountain.


    After traveling five or six kilometers along the cave, Xiao Yi encountered an expanse of silver-gray ore.


    Just the visible amount of tungsten iron was no less than a small mine vein, to say nothing of the tungsten iron ore mostly hidden underground; this was definitely a major vein.


    The value of the tungsten iron ore here definitely exceeded ten billion Silver.


    Ten billion silver!


    The fortunes of ordinary Golden Core Realm powerhouses amounted to about ten billion Silver¡ªthis vein equaled the entire wealth of ten Golden Core Realm powerhouses, and should it be known, even the royal family would covet it.


    "I absolutely cannot reveal the existence of the tungsten iron mine before my breakthrough to the Golden Core Realm¡­"


    Xiao Yi suppressed the excitement in his heart and then traced his way back through the cave to the outside of the waterfall, "There''s still about a month and a half until the secret realm of that Tao Tribtion Realm powerhouse opens. I''ll cultivate here during this time!"


    The secret realm of a Tao Tribtion Realm powerhouse is filled with treasures for those in Divine Skills Realm and even the Golden Core Realm.


    Furthermore, powerhouses from the Royal Martial Arts Academy will also be going.


    For Xiao Yi, it was both an opportunity and a dangerous predicament.


    The Royal Martial Arts Academy would love nothing more than to smash him to pieces!


    He sat down cross-legged before the waterfall.


    The scenery was enchanting, nestled by the mountain and water.


    Before Xiao Yi, the shattered Golden Core bobbed up and down, turning into a faint golden mist that enveloped his body. As his mysterious arts circted, the energy from within the Golden Core continuously surged into him.


    The Iron-Eating Beast at its peak wasparable to the Fifth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm. Despite most of its energy dissipating after the core shattered in the battle with the ck serpent, it remained a colossal energy treasury for those in the Divine Skills Realm!


    However, this time without the aid of the Earth Fire Spirit Refining Array, the speed of refining the Gold Core was much slower. Yet, after ten days, Xiao Yi stepped further into the Eighth Layer of the Divine Power Realm.


    A monthter, he entered the Ninth Layer.


    It was only when he reached the Peak of the Ninth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm that the shattered Golden Core waspletely depleted of energy, turning into ash. Xiao Yi still had his eyes tightly shut, guiding the vital energy in his body into the God Sealing Seed.


    By breaking through two realms, Xiao Yi''s number of God Sealing Seeds rose to one thousand seven hundred and fifty.


    Crackling sounds!


    As Xiao Yi stood up, his bones and muscles made a popping sound like the crackling of fried beans. Unprecedented explosive strength filled his body: "At the Ninth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, with one thousand seven hundred and fifty God Sealing Seeds, my strength is nowparable to that of a First Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm powerhouse. Even within the secret realm of the Cmity, I''ll be capable of defending myself!"


    The gap between the Divine Skills Realm and the Golden Core Realm is as vast as the sky is from the earth.


    The fact that Xiao Yi at the Ninth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm has strengthparable to that of the Golden Core Realm truly marks him as a prodigy among prodigies.


    "I wonder if I''m now capable of opening that celestial tomb¡­" With a sh, Xiao Yi entered the Ancient Celestial Tomb and headed towards one that he had long coveted.


    This Celestial Tomb belonged to an unparalleled swordsman, known as the Sword Demon¡ªDugu Qiubai!


    Engraved on his tombstone read: "For over thirty years amidst the chaos of Jianghu, I have in every foe, bested all heroes, and found no one left to oppose me. With no other recourse, I secluded myself in a deep valley, taking only sculptures as mypanions. s! All the heroes bound their hands, and my longsword remains useless. Yearning for a worthy opponent all my life, but never finding one, truly is a lonely and unbearable fate."


    At that moment, with just one nce, Xiao Yi was captivated by this peerless swordsman from the Blue Star Realm.


    What a pity...


    Even with one thousand seven hundred and fifty God Sealing Seeds in his possession, Xiao Yi was still two meters away from Dugu Qiubai''s tomb. With no choice, he could only exit the Eternal Tomb, "Perhaps only after I break through to the Golden Core Realm will I be able to obtain his inheritance. Dugu Qiubai, I will soon be able to dig up your grave..."


    Within the sky dome, the tombstone of Dugu Qiubai seemed to tremble...


    ¡­


    Iron Mountain City.


    Today, Iron Mountain City was particrly bustling. Before Xiao Yi even entered the city gates, he could sense that the flow of people around him seemed much greater than usual.


    Some strong individuals from the Iron Mountain mining area were also hurrying towards the city.


    Xiao Yi stopped one of them and asked, "Elder, is something big happening in Iron Mountain City? Why are so many people rushing over there?"


    The man, his skin dark from toiling under the sun, though old, was more robust than many young people. He sighed and said, "A major incident urred at King Tieshan''s pce. A month ago, the Hu Family killed the Xu Family''s father and son along with a disciple from the Nine Profound Sect. Seven days ago, the powerful members of the Nine Profound Sect descended upon Iron Mountain City and captured all the Hu Family''s people. Today, they are to be executed in public!"


    Boom!


    Xiao Yi felt a jolt through his body, and his eyes suddenly sharpened, "Executed?"


    Meanwhile...


    In the central square of Iron Mountain City.


    With Hu Qingbi at the forefront, the people of the Hu Family were all bound tightly, covered in wounds, their cultivation sealed, and were forced to kneel in a line across the square.


    In the center of the square, on a high tform.


    A middle-aged man with a grim face and eyebrows like swords sat confidently, nked on either side by five strong individuals wearing the robes of Nine Profound Sect disciples.


    All of them were from the Divine Ability Realm, especially the young man to his left, whose cultivation had reached the peak of the Divine Ability Realm, much stronger than Jin He.


    "Master, the time hase!" the young man respectfully said to the middle-aged man.


    The middle-aged man was Jin He''s father, Jin Ze, the Eleventh Elder of the Nine Profound Sect, with the cultivation of the First Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm. And the young man was his disciple Liu Chun, ranked within the top ten True Disciples of the Nine Profound Sect.


    Narrowing his eyes, Jin Ze looked towards Hu Qingbi and the others in the middle of the square, a cruel sneer crossing his face, "Liu Chun, go ask that wretch again where Xiao Yi has gone! For every breath she doesn''t speak, kill one of her nsmen until she reveals everything..."


    "Yes!"


    Liu Chun approached Hu Qingbi and said coldly, "Where is Xiao Yi?"


    Hu Qingbi red at him and spoke in a deep voice, "I truly don''t know where he is..."


    Liu Chun said, "Starting now, I will kill a member of the Hu Family every breath you dy. Let''s see if your stubbornness or their heads are harder!"


    "You dare?"


    Hu Qingbi''s eyes widened in fury, her teeth clenched, "Xiao Yi won''t let you get away with this..."


    "One breath!"


    With a wave of his hand, Liu Chun made a puff sound as he crushed the head of a Qi Gathering Realm strongman from the Hu Family. His face remained indifferent as he looked at the rage-contorted Hu Qingbi, "Will you speak or not?"


    "I''ll speak, I''ll speak..." Hu Qingbi''s eyes were red as she bit out the words, "He, he has returned to the Royal Capital."


    p!


    Liu Chun struck her face with his palm, saying coldly, "We''ve already sent people to check the Royal Capital, and he never went back. The time for the second breath has arrived!"


    Hum!


    Liu Chun gathered his vital energy at his fingertips, ready to strike.


    But just at that moment...


    An icy voice suddenly came from outside the martial arts field, "Harm a single hair on her, and I''ll make your entire family apany her in death!"

 Chapter 72 The Golden Core Can Also Be an Opponent

    "Harm but a single hair on her head, and I''ll exterminate your entire n!"


    An icy voice appeared out of nowhere, and a pale hand suddenly reached out, grasping Liu Chun''s wrist.


    The concentrated vitality at the tips of his fingers dissipatedpletely in an instant, bing invisible.


    Liu Chun''s pupils shrank suddenly, and he instinctively yanked his hand back, only to find he couldn''t break free at all. His gaze followed the arm that had grabbed him and looked up sharply, staring at the figure that had appeared before him.


    The neer was none other than Xiao Yi, dressed in ck.


    Standing proudly in front of Liu Chun, holding his wrist with one hand, he looked over the injured members of the Hu Family scattered across the square, his eyes gradually turning cold.


    "Who are you? Do you know who we are? You dare to meddle in the business of the Nine Profound Sect, aren''t you afraid of death?" Liu Chun squinted and said.


    p!


    Xiao Yi backhanded him with a p across the face, causing Liu Chun''s vision to burst with stars and his teeth to crack, spitting out blood.


    He looked at Xiao Yi, utterly dumbfounded.


    Xiao Yi pped him again and said coldly, "That p was for those people of the Hu Family!"


    p!


    Another p.


    "This p is for the Hu Family member who just died!"


    p!


    "This p..."


    p! p! p!


    Xiao Yi pped him repeatedly across the face, Liu Chun, at the Divine Power Realm Tenth Layer, had no ability to fight back in his grip.


    Blood streamed from his every orifice.


    His entire face lost any semnce of humanity.


    With every opening of his mouth, blood sprayed out.


    p!


    The final p sent Liu Chun tumbling to the ground, his head smashing into the floor with a thud; he struggled to raise his head, his swollen eyes staring intensely at Xiao Yi, "This... this p, why is that so?"


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Don''t know... I just felt like hitting you!"


    "I..."


    Liu Chun rolled his eyes back and passed outpletely.


    All of this happened too quickly.


    So quickly that even Jin Ze hadn''t reacted before Liu Chun was beaten beyond recognition and passed outpletely.


    "How dare you!"


    Jin Ze was furiously enraged, and his Golden Core Realm aura burst forth all at once.


    It turned into a vigorous air wave, surging crazily towards Xiao Yi.


    Rumble!


    The violent energy fluctuations came like giant, overturning waves. Wherever this terrifying air wave passed, stones cracked and the arena copsed, with a sky full of flying sand shooting upwards.


    "Xiao Yi, run... that''s a Golden Core Realm master..." Hu Qingbi''s face was filled with panic, the air wave rolling up a ten-meter-high stone dust like an enveloping hand from the sky.


    It was like a doomsday curtain descending to obscure everything.


    Hu Qingbi''s pupils contracted drastically, her eyes filled with terror and despair.


    This was a true Golden Core Realm master!


    Below the Golden Core, everybody was an ant.


    In Hu Qingbi''s eyes, Xiao Yi was no match for a Golden Core Realm opponent.


    "Golden Core Realm?"


    Xiao Yi''s eyes turned cold; his legs were firmly nted on the arena like steel drills, his arms circting with vitality, majestic and dignified.


    The bright golden vitality swirled and condensed, like the Wrathful Vajra in his glorious aspect.


    "Jingang Earthquake!"


    Xiao Yi''s eyebrows rose, his fists like the wind smashing towards the rolling clouds of dust, countless golden energies concentrated in his fists, heavily striking against the waves.


    Boom!


    The cloud of dust and waves violently shook and were torn apart by Xiao Yi''s punch.


    He moved forward, piercing through the dust curtain, and simultaneously shed his cold longsword towards the sky: "Python Evil Twining Tree!"


    Swoosh!


    The sword''s edge coiled like a python, baring its fierce fangs at Jin Ze approaching from the opposite side.


    "Arrogant junior, die!" Jin Ze''s eyes were cold, his expression frosty, and the de''s aura seemed to chop the heavens, descending on Xiao Yi''s head.


    ng!


    de and sword collided, as if the tip of a needle met a stalk of wheat.


    Dazzling sparks burst forth like fireworks, the violent force flinging Xiao Yi away. He flew backward, face up to the sky, his sword''s edge scraping against the ground amid a flurry of sparks, carving a ferocious gash.


    After more than twenty meters,


    Xiao Yi flipped midair to steady himself, only to face a st of icy wind.


    It roared like a tiger, the cold edge scraping painfully across his face.


    "You little bastard, daring to harm my son! I will tear you to pieces!" Jin Ze''s eyes shed like lightning, as his de''s light descended like rain, countless and falling.


    With one hand, Xiao Yi pped the t of his de, using the tremor to vault into the air.


    He dodged the de light that Jin Ze had shed down.


    Taking advantage of the momentum, Jin Ze''s de arced upward from below, heading straight for Xiao Yi''s waist, but fortunately, Xiao Yi, holding his sword with one hand, kept it tight against his waist. With a crisp ring, Xiao Yi was repelled with force.


    The violent power caused his hand to burst open at the tiger''s mouth.


    Blood rolled down the sword hilt.


    "You can take three of my moves without dying? Among the juniors in the Shentong Realm, aside from the top three of the Earth rank at the Royal Martial Arts Academy, you''re the first!" Jin Ze said with narrowed eyes.


    Xiao Yi flicked the droplets of blood from his palm, squinting as he spoke, "The Golden Core Realm is nothing special!"


    "Oh? A mere Shentong Realm, you dare to look down upon me?" Jin Ze said with a coldugh.


    Xiao Yi casually flicked his wrist, and the third-grade famous sword he had obtained from the sword tomb emitted a silver sword light. Pointing the sword''s edge at Jin Ze, he said indifferently, "With a sword in hand, even Golden Core can be matched!"


    "Arrogance!"


    Jin Ze sneered, "A mere Divine Skills wants to oppose the Golden Core? Your survival was simply due to my momentary carelessness; I had not even used half my strength. If I were to strike with full force, I would certainly y you within three moves!"


    "Kill me in three moves? You''re dreaming!"


    Xiao Yi let out a coldugh.


    His form was like the wind, a thought in motion, as fluid as flowing water or drifting clouds.


    He left behind a series of ck afterimages where he stood, and as they densely gathered, Xiao Yi had already appeared before Jin Ze.


    His figure abruptly split into three, each holding a sword: "Light Breeze Falling Leaves!"


    Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!


    The sword edges arrived like a gentle breeze, like a profusion of falling leaves, each striking towards Jin Ze.


    Jin Ze''s expression turned icy as he lifted his de to meet the attack: "Prying Up Mountains from a Dry Land!"


    Whoosh!


    The de swept across, and the silver de light tore through the air. A ten-zhang-long Yuan Gang de shattered the drifting leaf-like sword lights that floated before him.


    Jin Ze advanced with his de, sneering repeatedly, "Trivial insect skills, go to hell!"


    Crrrrash!


    The silver Gang Qi surged like a dragon swinging its tail, heading straight for Xiao Yi''s head. His pupils contracted sharply, his legs braced against the ground as he lifted his longsword above his head.


    Hum!


    His body vibrated, and in an instant, his arms were covered in ayer of Hei Mang. It was his Innate Divine Ability, "Weapon Transformation."


    His arms and longsword merged into one.


    ng!


    The de edge struck the longsword squarely, forcefully plunging Xiao Yi towards the ground, the floor of the arena below his feet crumbling, rocks erupting chaotically.


    Cracks spread around in a web-like pattern.


    "One of the top ten Innate Divine Abilities, Weapon Transformation?"


    Jin Ze''s face grew solemn, his eyes brimming with ferocity, "A youth from the Ninth Layer of the Shentong Realm possessing the strength to battle the Golden Core Realm... If you continue to grow, you will undoubtedly be a major threat to the Nine Profound Sect. This child must die!"


    A lethal chill shed in his eyes, his murderous intent sky-high.


    "Blood Explosion Skill!"


    Suddenly, Xiao Yi roared lowly, and his blood surged with light. A tenth of his blood ignited instantly, his strength increasing tenfold. A blood-red Qi surged violently. Like a bloody tornado, it sted Jin Ze''s battle de away with a boom.


    "What?"


    Jin Ze''s pupils dted abruptly, his eyes filled with shock.


    He had not expected Xiao Yi to suddenly explode with ten times the strength. Caught off guard, he retreated repeatedly, and just at that moment, Xiao Yi fiercely pushed off the ground, shooting upward like an arrow released from its bow.


    "Life Seizing Soul Chaser!"


    The sword streaked through the air, swift as light skimming a shadow.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Jin Ze instinctively dodged, narrowly avoiding Xiao Yi''s lethal strike. Under the surge of blood-colored light, Jin Ze''s right arm was severed at the shoulder.


    "Xiao Yi... I will not let you go, the Nine Profound Sect will not let you go..."


    Jin Ze''s face turned deathly pale, ring venomously at Xiao Yi while clutching his severed arm. He shot up into the air and fled toward the outside of the city...

 Chapter 73 If I Become a Demon, There Will Be No Buddha in the World!

    When a Golden Core Realm expert is determined to escape, even another of the Golden Core Realm would find it hard to pursue.


    Xiao Yi could only watch helplessly as Jin Ze fled, his gaze falling upon the remaining disciples of the Nine Profound Sect, whoseplexions suddenly changed.


    Even Jin Ze of the Golden Core Realm had been chased away; how could they dare to contend against Xiao Yi?


    Thump, thump!


    One after another, the strong members of the Nine Profound Sect knelt on the ground, with faces full of ttery and pleading, "Xiao, spare our lives, ah! We, we have never killed any of the Hu Family!"


    "We were just following orders..."


    Xiao Yi looked towards Hu Qingbi, "Did any of themy a hand on you?"


    Hu Qingbi and the others pointed out five among them.


    Xiao Yi flicked his fingers, and the heads of those five Nine Profound Sect disciples separated from their bodies, terrifying the remaining few even more. Xiao Yi indifferently said, "Go back and tell Jin Ze that if the Nine Profound Sect wants to seek revenge on Xiao Yi, I wee them anytime!"


    "We, we will definitely ry your words to Elder Jin!"


    "Xiao, Xiao, can we, we leave now?"


    The crowd was visibly nervous.


    Xiao Yi waved his hand, "Scram!"


    "Thank you, Xiao, for your mercy in sparing our lives!"


    The few people hurriedly rolled on the ground and left the martial arts field.


    Xiao Yi neutralized the effects of the Muscle-locking Powder on Hu Qingbi and the others. The Hu Family had suffered great losses this time; a third of the senior members had died, but thanks to Xiao Yi''s defeat of Jin Ze, the reputation of the Hu Family in Iron Mountain City had risen even higher.


    It''s no exaggeration to say...


    Within Iron Mountain City, definitely no one would dare to oppose the Hu Family again.


    As for the Nine Profound Sect.


    With the defeat of Jin Ze as a precedent, and with the words brought back by those few, they would inevitably be wary of attacking the Hu Family before taking down Xiao Yi.


    Although the loss of powerful members in the family was severe, for the Hu Family, the gains were greater than the losses!


    "Xiao Yi, thank you for saving us!" Hu Qingbi looked at Xiao Yi earnestly and said, "I don''t know how to repay you!"


    Xiao Yi waved his hand, smiling, "I owe your father a favor, naturally I need to protect the Hu Family." He paused, then Xiao Yi continued, "I believe the Nine Profound Sect won''t trouble you again for a while; during this time, you should concentrate on strengthening your family''s power!"


    "Don''t worry!"


    "Rest assured, Xiao, now that my Hu Family is unrivaled in Iron Mountain City, no one can threaten us!"


    Everyone said one after another.


    With keen insight, Hu Qingbi stared at him, "You... are you leaving?"


    Xiao Yi nodded and said, "I have matters to attend to back in the royal capital, but don''t worry, I will return after a while. When that timees, I have a surprise for the Hu Family!"


    "Alright, I''ll wait for your return..." Hu Qingbi bit her lip and said.


    After chatting briefly, Xiao Yi left on his own.


    Watching the direction he left in, an elderly woman in the Shentong Realm said to Hu Qingbi by her side, "Miss, since you like Xiao, why not tell him so?"


    "Don''t talk nonsense, when did I ever say I liked him?"


    Hu Qingbi''s cheeks tinged with red as she red fiercely at the old woman, muttering to herself in a voice only she could hear, "Someone like him... how could he possibly be within my reach?"


    ......


    On the royal road leading to the capital.


    Xiao Yi rode his steed at a gallop when a young monk appeared in the middle of the road ahead, wearing monk''s robes, with his right hand held in a palm shape at his chest and his left hand holding a gray alms bowl.


    The monk had his eyes slightly closed, standing still in the middle of the road like a wooden stake.


    "Whoa..."


    Xiao Yi pulled the reins tight, staring at the monk standing before him.


    The young monk opened his eyes, chanting Amitabha Buddha, radiating an august presence, and said with a smile, "Why doesn''t benefactor ride over this poor monk?"


    Xiao Yi frowned and said, "I bear no grudge against you, why would I ride over you?"


    "The poor monk has blocked the benefactor''s path!" the young monk said.


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "This road is so wide, if you block here, I can simply pass by the side!"


    The young monk smiled and said, "What if someone blocked the path of the benefactor''s life?"


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow, "Monk, did you wait here specifically for me?"


    Amitabha!


    The young monk brought his palms together and said with a smile, "This monk''s Dharma name is Dao Yuan. I''ve had the pleasure of meeting you, Xiao."


    "So you really were waiting here for me!"


    Xiao Yi shrugged nonchntly and asked with interest, "Monk Dao Yuan, we have never met before. Why have you stopped me?"


    Monk Dao Yuan said, "Xiao, you have yet to answer the question of this poor monk!"


    Xiao Yi replied, "The journey of life is so very long, isn''t it? Obstacles and obstructors are bound to be encountered. Kick them aside and continue on one''s way; that''s what one does!"


    "What if they are persistent and refuse to let go?"


    "Then kill them!"


    Amitabha!


    Monk Dao Yuan brought his palms together, shook his head, and let out a light sigh, "Xiao, you havemitted far too many killings. Better to join this poor monk in traveling to the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple to study the Buddhist Law and transform the malignant energy within you. Otherwise, you may someday be corrupted by it and be a cmitous devil to the human world!"


    "Study the Buddhist Law? I have no fate with your Buddha. Monk, please step aside!" Xiao Yi said with a frown.


    "Xiao, you do have a fate with Buddha. I am willing to convert you with Buddhist teachings,e with this poor monk!"


    Monk Dao Yuan brought his palms together, chanting the Buddha''s name, as Buddhist chants flowed from his mouth. They were like thunder shaking the heavens, as well as Sanskrit enchanting one''s surroundings, possessing the power to mesmerize and bewilder.


    Those of weak will might find their minds copsing under its influence, easily swayed this way and that.


    Xiao Yi''s body shuddered, shaking off the influence of the Buddha''s chant and speaking with an icy face, "Monk Dao Yuan, I have no fate with your Buddha. I ask you to let me pass!"


    "Amitabha... Xiao, the Evil Qi within you is too strong. If not converted by Buddhist Law, you will fall into a devil''s role, bringing cmity to the human world, still..." Monk Dao Yuan continued with a face of righteousness.


    "Bullshit!"


    Xiao Yi snorted coldly, scoffing, "Devil? Do not say that I cannot be a devil, even if therees a day that I do, I will make sure there are no Buddhas in this world! Little monk, your Buddha cannot convert me!"


    "If you remain so unenlightened, this poor monk has no choice but to act on heaven''s behalf!" Monk Dao Yuan brought his palms together and bowed deeply to Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi was momentarily startled and was about to speak when his expression suddenly changed.


    He saw that the bowing figure of Monk Dao Yuan suddenly became blurry, it was only an afterimage.


    "Buddha saves all living beings!"


    Dal Yuan''s voice came from above, as a golden palm imbued with Buddha''s light descended from the heavens, aiming straight for Xiao Yi''s head.


    Is this really Buddha saving all living beings?


    It''s more like sending someone to the Western Paradise!


    A cold light flickered in Xiao Yi''s eyes, his legs kicked against the stirrups, and his body soared into the air, while his fist smashed into the void, "Vajra Vanquishing Demons!"


    Boom!


    Fist and palm collided, the thunderous noise was deafening.


    Wow!


    Monk Dao Yuan spat out blood and flew backward, while Xiao Yi gracefullynded back onto his horse, squinting his eyes and scrutinizing Dao Yuan, "Monk, we have no grudge or grievance. Why did you stop me?"


    Amitabha!


    Monk Dao Yuan brought his palms together, his face full of regret, "No wonder you were able to kill Zhuge Shuangdao; you truly possess some skill!"


    "You''vee to avenge Zhuge Shuangdao?" Xiao Yi asked, narrowing his eyes.


    Monk Dao Yuan shook his head and spoke with justified words, "This poor monk is only here to convert a devil. It''s a pity that my skills are not sophisticated, and my Buddhist teachings are not deep enough to match you. It seems today''s attempt at converting you has failed. However, I believe we will meet again soon. At that time, this poor monk will surely convert you with Buddhist teachings properly!"


    Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!


    Monk Dao Yuan vanished from sight in a whiff of smoke.


    Xiao Yi: "..."


    So this guy hade for Zhuge Shuangdao?n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Shaking his head.


    Xiao Yi did not think further and rode his steed, dashing towards the royal capital.


    After Xiao Yi had left, Monk Dao Yuan''s figure sprang out from the bushes, watching the direction of his departure and suddenly vomiting a mouthful of fresh blood.


    Squinting his eyes, there was no longer the solemnity of reciting Buddha''s name, but rather a chill so cold it seared, "Brother Ge, it seems I alone am insufficient to avenge you. But rest assured, I''ve already contacted several senior brothers. With them taking action, we will surely kill this devil to apany you in death!"

 Chapter 74 What are you pretending to be?

    The entrance to the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy.


    Yet, here it was crowded with people, strong warriors from all over had gathered, each wearing a look of schadenfreude as they gazed upon the gates of the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy.


    At the very front of the crowd¡­


    A pitch-ck stele stood there, with four bright red characters inscribed on it¡ª¡ªDisgrace of Tianqing!


    As the name suggests.


    These four characters were a clear indication that the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy was considered a disgrace to the Tianqing Kingdom!


    Around the stele sat a group of strong men, each with a longsword on their back, dressed in garments whiter than snow, and possessing an extraordinary handsome appearance.


    Each one of them radiated a sharp Sword Qi that pierced the heavens.


    All of them were strong warriors above the Shentong Realm.


    In the forefront of these warriors in white, a young man held in his hand a three-foot green peak, his face cold as frost, his eyebrows covered in ayer of white chill, standing tall like an ancient pine, exuding an icy Sword Intent aura.


    However, this aura of Sword Intent wasn''t particrly strong, it was intermittent, merely the condensation of a Sword Intent seed.


    In front of him¡­


    Fang Qingzhu''splexion was pale, with a thread of blood spilling from the corner of her mouth, her right sleeve soaked with blood dripped onto her Purple Dragon Whip, sliding down along the patterns of the whip onto the ground.


    Niu Dali and the four brothers from the Shi Family were all ashen-faced, suffering heavy injuries.


    "Hmph, is this all the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy can muster? Truly the disgrace of the Tianqing Kingdom, in my opinion you should take down the signboard of the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy!" The cold voice came from the young man.


    He was Huang Zijian of Mingjian Manor''s four great swordsmen, with Tenth Level of Shentong Realm Cultivation, having grasped the seed of Sword Intent, and ranking twenty-second on the Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List.


    Fang Qingzhu''s face was frosty, and she coldly said, "I have not lost yet!"


    "Not lost? Hmph, had it not been for the fact that you are a woman, that sword just now would have taken your life!"


    Huang Zijian sneered, his gaze turning to look at Niu Dali and the others, "I advise you to hand over that Xiao Yi to my Mingjian Manor quickly! That thief dared to steal the famous swords from the sword tomb of my Mingjian Manor, if he doesn''t die, my Mingjian Manor and your Tianqi Martial Arts Academy will never rest!"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Shi Yaoqian spurted blood out of his mouth, his face weak, "I''ve said Xiao Yi is not in the academy..."


    Niu Dali said in a muffled voice like thunder, "If our boss were here, you dogs of Sword Mountain Manor would have been shed by him long ago..."


    "Hahaha, shed by him? That''s just a fool''s dream. My Mingjian Manor is proficient in swordsmithing and even more skilled in swordsmanship. If that Xiao Yi you speak of were topete in swords with me, I would take his life within three moves!" Huang Zijian dered arrogantly.


    Fang Qingzhu said, "Your strength is not far from that of Zhuge Shuangdao. Even he became a ghost under brother Xiao Yi''s sword. If you were to face brother Xiao Yi, it would be you who falls within three moves!"


    "Hmm?"


    Huang Zijian''s pupils slightly contracted, and he snorted coldly, "My Sword Mountain Manor blocks the front door of your Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, yet that Xiao Yi is hiding like a turtle with its head withdrawn, not even daring to show his face. And you say I am not his match?"


    Fang Qingzhu said proudly, "You are not even qualified to carry Xiao Yi''s shoes!"


    "You''re courting death!"


    With a cold huff, Huang Zijian raised his hand and swung out a sword.


    The silver sword wind cut through the ground, shing straight at Fang Qingzhu.


    The Purple Dragon Whip in Fang Qingzhu''s hand seemed toe alive, snapping out with a crack, but it was repelled by the sharp edge of the sword, forcing Fang Qingzhu to stagger a few steps backwards.


    Huang Zijian stepped forward, reaching Fang Qingzhu in an instant, with the edge of his sword thrusting straight at her heart.


    If this sword struck, Fang Qingzhu was bound to die without a doubt!


    It was at this critical moment.


    A figure stepped through the void and appeared above Huang Zijian in an instant, only to stomp down with one foot. With a loud thud, Huang Zijian''s head was brutally mmed onto the ground.


    Thud!


    Huang Zijian''s head heavily hit the ground.


    Theer wrapped an arm around Fang Qingzhu''s waist and, with a few leaps,nded steadily in front of the main gate of the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy.


    Fang Qingzhu recognized the person and her face lit up with joy, "Brother Xiao Yi?"


    Xiao Yi nced at Fang Qingzhu''s bleeding hand, and said with a deep voice, "Sorry, I''mte!"


    Fang Qingzhu pursed her lips and shook her head.


    Xiao Yi''s gaze swept over Niu Dali, the four brothers of the Shi Family, each one of them severely injured, he frowned and said, "Where are Jiang Tai and Gu Junhe?"


    His voice already carried a hint of ice-cold fury.


    People from Sword Mountain Manor had fought right up to our doorstep, yet these two hadn''t shown themselves at all?


    If either of them had appeared, Sword Mountain Manor would never have dared to be so arrogant.


    Niu Dali gave a bitter smile. "The head left two months ago, and Brother Jiang went to the northern borders half a month ago, it will still be several days before he returns..."


    Xiao Yi''s eyebrows were tightly knitted.


    Only then did he recall the opening of the secret realm for those in the Tao Tribtion Realm, which Gu Junhe had entered.


    As for Jiang Tai...


    Since he had gone to the northern borders, naturally, he couldn''t be med either.


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath and looked at Fang Qingzhu and Niu Dali and the others. "How are the injuries?"


    Fang Qingzhu shook his head. "They''re just superficial!"


    Niu Dali: "A few broken bones."


    The four brothers of the Shi Family also spoke up, each one of them seriously injured.


    Xiao Yi nodded, and as he turned around, Huang Zijian was already getting up again, his face swollen and bruised, with two lines of blood flowing from his nostrils down to his upper lip, ring at Xiao Yi with a face full of resentment: "You bastard, you..."


    Xiao Yi turned a deaf ear and looked at Fang Qingzhu. "Did he cause your injuries?"


    Fang Qingzhu subconsciously nodded.


    "Wait for me a moment!"


    Xiao Yi leaped into action.


    Without the crowd hearing any noise, they saw Huang Zijian suddenly flying backward,nding on the ground with a bang, a footprint-shaped crater deeply indented in his chest.


    Almost his entire chest was crushed.


    One kick, instant kill!


    Hiss!


    The strong onlookers were all dumbfounded with disbelief, "How is this possible?"


    "Huang Zijian of the Divine Power Realm Tenth Layer, who had grasped the seed of Sword Intent, was instantly killed by a single move?"


    The most shocked were the strong from Sword Mountain Manor.


    The young man seated before the ck stele, who had kept his eyes closed the whole time, opened them, his eyes bright like stars and radiating cold light, he stared fixedly at Xiao Yi and articted with a pause between each word, "You, shouldn''t have killed him!"


    "So what if I did?" Xiao Yi replied casually.


    The young man said, "Send him to his grave!"


    Xiao Yi asked, "By yourself?"


    "Yes, just by myself!"


    The young man paused then slowly raised his finger, pointing one by one at Fang Qingzhu, Niu Dali, and the four brothers of the Shi Family, and slowly said, "Not just you, them as well, and the families behind you all, must apany Huang Zijian in burial!"


    Xiao Yi touched his nose and said, "Exterminate my family? The Xiao Family of the Great Qian Dynasty, please feel free!"


    The young man: "¡­"


    Xiao Yi urged, "Don''t be polite, really, I wish you would immediately exterminate the Xiao Family!"


    The young man''s face turned green.


    The Xiao Family of the Great Qian Dynasty, they were a much more powerful presence than the entire Tianqing Kingdom, asking him to exterminate the Xiao Family?


    Wasn''t that a death wish?


    "Why so silent? Can''t do it? Or don''t dare?" Xiao Yi''s face was full of mockery.


    The young man''s face was as ck as charcoal.


    Xiao Yi sighed, "If you can''t handle it, why put on an act?"

 Chapter 75 Swordsmanship Domination

    "You... you..."


    The young man''s face turned green and red in turns, and he nearly spewed out a mouthful of old blood.


    The previously imposing words had now be a vicious p to his face.


    A p that left his cheek burning!


    He was the third ranked Jian Yi of the Mingjian Manor, having reached the Peak of the Shentong Realm, just one step away from the Golden Core Realm.


    Nature had endowed him with a Sword Bone. It was said that the secret technique he practiced used his own spine as the sword embryo, solidifying his backbone.


    The Sword Bone fused with his body.


    It gave him a powerparable to the first stage of Sword Intent, the Sword Heart Enlightenment, allowing him to¡ªdespite being at the Peak of the Shentong Realm¡ªcontend with ordinary warriors at the First Layer of the Golden Core Realm.


    But even so...


    He could absolutely not afford to ignore the Xiao Family!


    Not to mention that the Xiao Family was the hottest family in the Great Qian Dynasty, with countless strong individuals flocking under their banner, just the three words ''Xiao Tianjiao'' alone were enough to bring despair to many powerful figures.


    Not to mention him...


    Even if all the strong warriors of the Tianqing Kingdom were to join forces, they would not be a match for Xiao Tianjiao alone!


    Behind Jian Yi, a cultivator at the Third Layer of the Shentong Realm sneered coldly, "Xiao Yi, stop pulling the tiger''s beard. Who doesn''t know that you''ve been kicked out by the Xiao Family? You''re just a discarded pawn of the Xiao Family, you..."


    Before he could finish speaking.


    He suddenly found he couldn''t make a sound, desperately opening his mouth only for blood to spurt out.


    Thud!


    A head fell from its neck to the ground.


    Eyes wide open with disbelief.


    Hisss!


    Everyone couldn''t help but take a sharp breath, their horrified gazes fixed on Xiao Yi, their eyes filled with disbelief: "Did anyone clearly see what just happened?"


    "Good, it seemed like Xiao Yi made a move, such a fast sword..."


    Jian Yi''s face grew even darker, his eyes narrowed into a sliver, sharp glints shot out of those narrow gaps, staring fixedly at Xiao Yi: "No wonder that sword in the Sword Tomb acknowledged you as its master, your mastery of swordsmanship is indeed remarkable. I just wonder, how many of my swords can you take?"


    Hum!


    Jian Yi lightly flicked his fingers, and the jade-encrusted longsword at his waist was drawn from its sheath.


    Suspended between his palm.


    The sharp edge, cold Sword Qi, raised a gust of violent wind, scraping across faces like knives cutting against their skin.


    "Mingjian Manor''s four great Jian Yi have been famous for a long time, especially this Jian Yi, who was already within the top twenty on the Flying Tigers List three years ago. This time he takes action, I''m afraid Xiao Yi is doomed to lose!"


    "How many swords do you think Jian Yi needs to kill Xiao Yi?"


    "Within three swords, I guess!"


    ng!


    Jian Yi flicked the jade-encrusted longsword in his hand, looking coldly at Xiao Yi: "Bring out that sword you got from the Sword Tomb, otherwise you won''t even be able to take one of my swords!"


    What he held was one of the top ten famous swords, the Fourthyer Yuan Weapon Thunder Sword, forged from Thunderous Mysterious Steel, with a natural thunder paralysis effect. Coupled with his Sword Bone enhancing his sword moves and speed, it boosted hisbat power by more than thirty percent!


    In his view...


    Unless Xiao Yi used that fifth-rank Yuan Weapon, he would stand no chance against him.


    Xiao Yi walked in front of Fang Qingzhu, gently smoothed her disheveled hair, took a silver hairpin from the top of her head, and said with a light chuckle, "I''ll be back in no time!"


    "Mhm!"


    Fang Qingzhu squinted her eyes and nodded obediently.


    Xiao Yi, holding the hairpin, walked up to Jian Yi, waving it with a swooshing sound and beckoned to Jian Yi: "Come on!"


    "..."


    Jian Yi''s face turned green, staring intently at Xiao Yi with clenched teeth, "Xiao Yi, are you humiliating me?"


    "You''ve misunderstood!"


    Xiao Yi shook his head, an innocent look on his face, "If it were humiliation, then what I''d have in my hand would be a stick!"


    Jian Yi shuddered.


    A stick?


    This wasn''t just humiliation; this was utter disregard!


    Jian Yi''splexion grew so dark it seemed it could drip moisture, his fingers around the longsword turned green with strain, and with a venomous face said, "I''ll chop off your head, sever your limbs, and cut you to pieces to feed the dogs!"


    Boom!


    The Mysterious Sword plunged towards him, moving as fast as an arrow released from a bowstring, leaving behind only a trail of afterimages where he once was. Even as the afterimages ovepped without fading, a golden sword gleam had already appeared in front of Xiao Yi.


    "One of the four great sword techniques of Mingjian Manor, the ''Thunderous Lightning Sword Skill,'' and this technique ces utmost emphasis on speed!"


    "With his spine as his sword and the art refined into his bones, the Mysterious Sword is on par with those who have mastered Sword Intent. Coupled with the profound intricacies of the ''Thunderous Lightning Sword Skill,'' Xiao Yi stands no chance against him!"


    Within the crowd, a middle-aged man donning a wide-brimmed hat and Embracing a sword confidently dered, "The oue was decided the moment Xiao Yi chose his weapon! The fight will be over in one strike!"


    The crowd turned to look at the man, all eximing in awe, "That''s the renowned Rain Listening Swordsman, Xue Ming; he is a master of swordcraft said to have grasped the power of Sword Intent!"


    "If even he says Xiao Yi is bound to lose, then there is no suspense about the oue of this battle!"


    Rain Listening Swordsman Xue Ming.


    A Loose Cultivator and an expert with the sword.


    With the cultivation of the Second Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm andmand over Sword Intent, hisbat power is no weaker than that of an average practitioner of the Four Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    His attainments in the way of the sword are publicly acknowledged as those of a grandmaster.


    However...


    Beneath the onught of that lightning-fast fierce sword y, Xiao Yi, with a mere hairpin in hand, simply leaped aside, narrowly avoiding each strike.


    The golden sword gleam whooshed past, nearly grazing the clothes on his chest.


    Just one more inch, and it would have pierced his chest and shattered his viscera.


    "Wasn''t it said the fight would be resolved in one strike?"


    Everyone turned to look at Xue Ming as Xue Ming ndly responded, "He just got lucky!"


    The second strike followed close behind, also dodged by Xiao Yi.


    Xue Ming frowned deeply, "The Mysterious Sword is holding back; he must be trying to humiliate Xiao Yi!"


    The crowd suddenly understood, "So that''s how it is!"


    Then...


    The third strike.


    The fourth strike...


    After more than a dozen strikes, the Mysterious Sword was drenched in sweat, whereas Xiao Yi remained graceful, effortlessly crushing the formidable sword strikes with a slight force from his hairpin.


    "Avoiding over a dozen strikes and shattering four with a hairpin, all by chance?"


    "Did the Mysterious Sword hold back with each of these strikes?"


    "Just who is humiliating whom here?"


    The staring crowd made Xue Ming squirm ufortably, his forehead slick with sweat as he said in frustration, "What are you all staring at me for? I''m not a damn fortune-teller; how could I know this kid''s sword skill wouldpletely overpower the Mysterious Sword, making his sword seem as feeble as a child''s inparison..."


    That''s right!


    Just as Xue Ming said...


    Xiao Yi''s swordsmanship totally overwhelmed the Mysterious Sword.


    No matter how the Mysterious Sword varied his attacks, he couldn''t escape Xiao Yi''s control, as if a hand that covered the sky was obstructing everything.


    Xiao Yi utterly toyed with the Mysterious Sword as if he were pping his hands in amusement.


    Xue Ming saw it, and everyone else did too.


    The Mysterious Sword was clearly aware of this as well!


    He was drenched with cold sweat, having exceeded his best performance today, yet he still could not breach the defense of Xiao Yi''s hairpin. The Mysterious Sword stared fiercely and yelled, "I''m going all in against you!"


    Buzz!


    From his spine, a world-shaking sword shadow coalesced, and his body merged with his sword.


    This was the Mysterious Sword''s Innate Divine Ability, the integration of Sword and Bone!


    Whoosh!


    Both sword speed and might increased by fifty percent.


    A deadly strike headed straight for Xiao Yi.


    In the face of this swift strike, Xiao Yi''s expression of indifference vanished, and his Innate Divine Ability transformed, bing one with his hairpin, as he pointed his sword: "Wicked Python Entwines the Tree!"


    Whoosh!


    The sword took an unpredictable course!


    The two passed by each other.


    Xiao Yi, holding his hairpin, gently flicked it, and a drop of blood fell to the ground.


    Behind him...


    The Mysterious Sword''s form softened, and with a thud, he fell to the ground, a spot of red gleaming bloodily on his forehead...

 Chapter 76 Winning People Over with Virtue

    ```


    Hiss!


    The death of Mysterious Sword left everyone agape and dumbfounded.


    Before this¡­


    Almost no one believed Xiao Yi could have thestugh, especially after Rain Listening Swordsman Xue Ming''s solemn prediction, everyone was convinced that Xiao Yi''s death was certain.


    The oue, however,


    was a harsh p in the face for everyone.


    Xue Ming, in particr, had his face figuratively swollen from the p.


    His face was filled with cold rage as he red venomously at Xiao Yi, "You dog-like thing, if it were not for you, how could Xue be so humiliated?"


    But he dared not act now.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    This was, after all, the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, and the Sword Mountain Manor with a Seventh Layer Golden Core Realm master at its helm, as well as the backing of the royal family, naturally didn''t fear the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy.


    But he could not afford to be reckless...


    He was but a Loose Cultivator.


    If he dared to kill Xiao Yi in public, he would inevitably face retribution from the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, and he could only bury this grudge deep in his heart.


    Xiao Yi, of course, had no idea why Xue Ming was targeting him out of the blue.


    His gaze turned to the people of Sword Mountain Manor, the thirty-or-so strong men of Sword Mountain Manor seemed to freeze under Xiao Yi''s stare, cold sweat dripping down, "You, you, what are you going to do?"


    "We, we are from Sword Mountain Manor, I... "


    Thud!


    Thud!


    Thud!


    Every strike from Xiao Yi''s hairpin took the life of a Sword Mountain Manor strongman, leaving only four trembling and kneeling on the ground, shivering, "Please spare us! Xiao, please spare us!"


    Xiao Yi looked at the four indifferently as the hairpin danced on the stele like a dragon or snake.


    ng, ng, ng!


    The sound of metal on metal rang out, sparks flying.


    To the left of ''Tian''s Shame,'' four more characters were added¡ªSword Mountain Manor!


    "Sword Mountain Manor, Tian''s Shame!"


    "This is a deration of a fight to the death with Sword Mountain Manor..."


    Everyone couldn''t help but inhale sharply.


    Xiao Yi''s gaze was indifferent as he looked at the four and said, "If you don''t want to die, carry it into the city from the Vermilion Bird Gate, and go around the city three times. Otherwise, this will be your fate!"


    The four nced at the corpses strewn haphazardly around them, shuddered, and turned deathly pale.


    After exchanging looks,


    the four gritted their teeth and said, "We, we will carry it!"


    Xiao Yi nced at the Shi Family four brothers and said, "Shi Yaoqian, you and your brothers follow them. If they dare to deceive me in any way, inform me immediately!"


    "Don''t worry, big brother!"


    "We four brothers will definitely not let them skip a single step!"


    The Shi Family four brothers had previously been viciously beaten by the strongmen of Sword Mountain Manor and now they had finally found an opportunity for revenge, they used all their might.


    Niu Dali was eager to try, "Big brother, what about me?"


    Xiao Yi asked, "Are your injuries no problem?"


    This guy was covered in sword wounds, most of his clothes soaked red with blood, yet he was still full of vigor, "Keeping an eye on them will be no problem!"


    "Then go with them," Xiao Yi waved his hand.


    Niu Dali and the Shi Family four brothers, excited, drove the four strongmen of Sword Mountain Manor as they carried the stele inscribed with ''Sword Mountain Manor, Tian''s Shame'' and rushed madly toward the capital.


    It was not hard to imagine...


    After this event.


    Sword Mountain Manor would inevitably be utterly disgraced, and the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy and Sword Mountain Manor would fully tear their faces apart, as ipatible as fire and water.


    As the instigator, Xiao Yi was indifferent to all this.


    His eyes swept over the crowd, and he said lightly, "The excitement is over, everyone can disperse now!"


    The crowd scattered in amotion.


    Daring not to linger.


    ```


    This was the fierce man who killed two Swordsmen of Mingjian Manor with just a flick of his wrist, who would dare to provoke him?


    Xiao Yi returned to Fang Qingzhu''s side and smiled, "The hairpin is stained with blood, I''ll buy you a new er!"


    "No!"


    Fang Qingzhu took the hairpin back from Xiao Yi''s hand and wore it on her head, smiling as she said, "This hairpin was used by brother Xiao Yi, I have to keep it!"


    Xiao Yi, with no choice, lightly scratched her nose and smiled, "Suit yourself!" Then noticing the bloodstains on her arm, he frowned, "Let''s go inside and bandage that up!"


    "It''s unnecessary, it''s just a superficial wound..." Fang Qingzhu weakly said.


    Xiao Yi, with a stern face, said, "When I say you need a bandage, you need a bandage!"


    He took Fang Qingzhu''s hand and walked toward the Tianqi Martial Arts Institute.


    Fang Qingzhu, looking at Xiao Yi''s retreating back, slightly raised the corners of her mouth...


    ¡­


    The next day.


    After fermenting overnight, the news that two great Swordsmen of Mingjian Manor had fallen at Tianqi Martial Arts Academy had already spread throughout the entire capital.


    The name Xiao Yi had be the talk of the town.


    He was even regarded by some as the foremost among the younger generation.


    As the foremost under the Golden Core Realm and so forth!


    As for these empty honors, Xiao Yi did not take them to heart. Instead, it was the return of Jiang Tai and Gu Junhe to Tianqi Martial Arts Academy that he found more interesting.


    "Headmaster!"


    The crowd gathered in the main hall, all turning their eyes toward the head of the table, where Gu Junhe sat holding a wine gourd.


    Gu Junhe took a swig of wine, ncedzily at Xiao Yi, "You did well with Mingjian Manor''s affair..." He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone, "You all did well too, and didn''t disgrace our Tianqi Martial Arts Academy!"


    The crowd wore looks of pride.


    "Aside from Xiao Yi and Jiang Tai, everyone else will start cultivating with me from tomorrow!" Gu Junhe took another gulp from his wine gourd and said indifferently, "Xiao Yi and Jiang Tai stay behind, the rest of you may leave!"


    Only three people remained in the hall.


    Gu Junhe put away his wine gourd and looked intently at Xiao Yi, "Do you know why I have kept the two of you?"


    Xiao Yi said, "Is it about the secret realm?"


    Gu Junhe nodded and said, "That secret realm is surprisingly vast, and the gains exceed expectations. We''ve decided to open the secret realm in ten days for you juniors to enter. However, they''re only willing to give Tianqi Martial Arts Academy one spot, so which of you two will go?"


    Jiang Tai said from the side, "Headmaster, please give it to Xiao. I can secure a spot from the king!"


    Gu Junhe looked at Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes and asked, "How many spots do the other parties have?"


    Gu Junhe''s eyes brightened as he nced at Jiang Tai.


    Jiang Tai said gravely, "The royal family has twenty spots, the Royal Martial Arts Academy has twenty spots, Nine Profound Sect and the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple have ten spots each, Mingjian Manor has four, and the Loose Cultivators have ten. Additionally, Purple Robe Kingdom from the north has nine spots, and Tian Kingdom to the west has ten..."


    Xiao Yi asked, "Why does our Tianqi Martial Arts Academy only have one spot?"


    Although Tianqi Martial Arts Academy had fallen, with Gu Junhe''s strength, getting a few more spots shouldn''t be a problem!


    Jiang Tai said with a wry smile, "The Headmaster originally secured five spots for us, but they were suppressed by Zhou Yuan, the head of the Royal Martial Arts Academy, in alliance with Nine Profound Sect and the Master of Mingjian Manor. The one spot we have is I got from Purple Robe Kingdom..."


    He had gone to the northern border precisely to secure that spot.


    Xiao Yi squinted his eyes, staring at Gu Junhe, and revealed a bright smile, "Brother Jiang, you should take this spot!"


    Jiang Tai asked, "What about you?"


    Xiao Yi stretched himself and smiled, "The Royal Martial Arts Academy, Nine Profound Sect, Mingjian Manor... they all have quite a few spots, don''t they? When the timees, I''ll just make one of them give me a spot!"


    Jiang Tai rolled his eyes, "Give?"


    He had paid a hefty sum of over a hundred million silvers to get that one spot from Purple Robe Kingdom.


    How could they simply give it away?


    Xiao Yi said, "If they don''t, then I''ll fight until they do! But I am a reasonable person, I''ll try to prevail with virtue!"


    Jiang Tai twitched the corner of his eye: "..."


    However, Gu Junhe justughed heartily, with a casual wave, a jade box fell into Xiao Yi''s hand. He said with a beaming smile, "You''re right, we should prevail with virtue. Here is a Bodhi Vermilion Fruit ¡ª ten days should be enough to assimte it. To argue, you must have a strong fist!"


    "Thank you, Headmaster!"


    Xiao Yi smiled slightly.


    Jiang Tai nced back and forth between them, feeling powerless as he massaged his forehead: "..."

 Chapter 77 Trade With Your Life!

    Ten days passed in the blink of an eye.


    Outside the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy.


    Gu Junhe and Jiang Tai had already been waiting here, with the Cangyun Eagle obediently standing by their side, its massive head asionally bowing to straighten its iron-like sturdy feathers with its beak that could shatter gold and stone.


    Xiao Yi emerged from the Martial Arts Institute, looking spirited, with an increasingly thick aura about him.


    Gu Junhe''s eyes brightened as he nodded and said, "It seems that the Bodhi Vermilion Fruit was not wasted!"


    Xiao Yi cupped his fists towards him, "Thanks, Dean!"


    "Don''t thank me!"


    Gu Junhe said indifferently, "That Bodhi Vermilion Fruit was not a gift; when youe back from the secret realm, you owe me two, principal and interest!"


    Xiao Yi: "..."


    Jiang Tai struggled to hold back hisughter and saluted Xiao Yi, "Congrattions, Xiao, on taking another step further. I''m afraid once you return from the secret realm this time, you might attempt to break through to the Golden Core Realm!"


    The Golden Core Realm.


    A transformative realm that sets one apart from ordinary people.


    Upon reaching the Golden Core, one''s longevity increases by a century.


    Like a celestial among men!


    Xiao Yi nced at him and said irritably, "Brother, you are at the Seventh Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm; are you mocking me?"


    "Hahaha, Brother Xiao, you jest!" Jiang Tai quickly shook his head.


    He knew well that Xiao Yi had gone from having no cultivation base to the Divine Power Realm Tenth Layer in just half a year.


    And what about himself?


    He had the endless resources of the Tianqing Kingdom''s royal family since he was young, which was the only reason he had achieved what he had today.


    "Stop ttering each other!"


    Gu Junhe took a swig of alcohol and looked at the two, saying, "Remember, inside the secret realm, you brothers need to support each other. Especially you, Jiang Tai, you must protect Xiao Yi!"


    Jiang Tai responded solemnly, "Dean, rest assured, I will definitely keep Xiao safe!"


    Gu Junhe nodded, his expression strange as he said, "Xiao Yi, you''ve offended quite a few people. In these ten days, apart from Mingjian Manor, the Royal Martial Arts Academy, the Nine Profound Sect, and the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple have all sent word that they want you buried in the secret realm. Be extra cautious!"


    Xiao Yi wondered, "Dean, I''ve never met anyone from the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple. Ten days ago, when I returned from Iron Mountain City, a monk named Dao Yuan ambushed me on the way. And now, they want me dead in the secret realm, why is this?"


    Gu Junhe''s expression remained strange.


    Jiang Tai said with a wry smile, "Brother Xiao, you may not know this, but before Dao Yuan became a monk, his name was Zhuge Shuangqiang, the elder brother of Zhuge Shuangdao!"


    "Outside the secret realm, I have the power to keep them from harming you. But once inside, you must be extremely careful, particrly of Mingjian Manor''s Heaven and Earth Swords, and the Royal Martial Arts Academy''s..."


    Gu Junhe had the two of them board the Cangyun Eagle and then seemed to think, apart from Jiang Tai, everyone seemed to have a grudge against Xiao Yi; he could only wave his hand helplessly, "Forget it, forget it, you''ve made too many enemies,d. Just try your luck!"


    Xiao Yi: "..."


    ......


    Above the high skies.


    Layers of white clouds and a piercingly cold wind made the mountains and rivers below seem extremely tiny.


    The Cangyun Eagle soared high, shuttleing between clouds, its wings stirring up trails of white clouds, leaving behind a few hundred meters long trail of flight.


    Gu Junhe sat cross-legged on the Cangyun Eagle and said in a deep voice, "This secret realm is the tomb of a Scattered Cultivator from the Tribtion Realm. Zhou Yuan and I have spent two months exploring it and have cleared most of the obstacles. Still, numerous dangers remain, and there are also great opportunities. Don''t underestimate the chance this time offers, both of you!"


    "Dean, rest assured, Xiao and I will do our utmost!" Jiang Tai hesitated for a moment before saying, "It''s just that Xiao''s spot..."


    Gu Junhe also looked at Xiao Yi, "Have you thought it over? Are you sure you don''t want to give your spot to him?"


    Xiao Yi shook his head, "No need!"


    Gu Junhe nodded, his calm voice carrying an undeniable sense of firmness and authority, "What I can guarantee is that the older generation won''t make a move!"


    "That''s enough for me!"


    Xiao Yi revealed a smile.


    About half a dayter...


    The Cangyun Eagle descended in altitude, diving towards a mountain range below; Jiang Tai said in a grave tone, "This secret realm lies within the Three Seas Mountain, at the border of the Tianqing, Zishan, and Tian kingdoms. The entrance has barriers set up by several heads of the Golden Elixir Realm Peak, which even Golden Core Realm experts wouldn''t hope to forcefully enter!"


    As he was speaking.


    A whooshing sound suddenly came from not far away, and three Swift Wind Geese appeared, swiftly closing in on the Cangyun Eagle. A loudugh emanated from the back of one of the Swift Wind Geese, "Hahaha, Gu Junhe, I didn''t expect Tianqi Martial Arts Academy to have fallen so far? You only brought two people with you?"


    The Swift Wind Geese drew closer, and Xiao Yi could see the figures on their backs.


    The leader was a middle-aged man with a ck eyepatch over his left eye and a centipede-like scar gruesomely bisecting his face, with an aura not much weaker than Gu Junhe''s.


    On the backs of the other two Swift Wind Geese sat five young elites each.


    All of them radiant and vigorous.


    They were young masters of their generation.


    Jiang Tai said in a deep voice, "These are people from Tian Kingdom. The man in the lead is General Wu Yu, themander of the three armies of Tian Kingdom. Our Tianqing Kingdom is in a constant state of war with Tian Kingdom; they are our sworn enemies. We must be extra careful when dealing with them!"


    Xiao Yi nodded.


    Gu Junhe looked indifferently at Wu Yu and sneered, "The quality of soldiers is more important than their quantity! These two disciples of mine are much stronger than the trash under yourmand!"


    Wu Yu''s expression darkened.


    Jiang Tai, a super genius in the top three of Tianqing Kingdom''s Teng Long List, was so strong that not many in Tian Kingdom could contend with him.


    Atop the Swift Wind Geese.


    A young man, his muscles heavy and clearly defined as if chiseled, sneered, "Jiang Tai is indeed strong, but what about the one with him? Just the Divine Power Realm Tenth Layer. I, Niu Ben, could smash him to death with one punch!"


    Jiang Tai whispered, "This man''s name is Niu Ben, third on Tian Kingdom''s Feihu List, at the First Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm..."


    Xiao Yi uttered an ''oh'' and didn''t take it to heart.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    First Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm?


    When he was at the Ninth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, he could already y strong people of this level.


    Now...


    After consuming the Bodhi Vermilion Fruit, he had reached the Divine Power Realm Tenth Layer, and he could even kill someone at the Second Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm. Why should he fear him?


    Xiao Yi looked toward Niu Ben and called out, "Niu Ben, right? Let''s discuss something!"


    "Hmm?"


    Niu Ben was taken aback.


    Xiao Yi said, "Give me your spot, will you?"


    "Hmm?"


    Niu Ben waspletely dumbfounded, his face showing his confusion, "Why should I give my spot to you?"


    Xiao Yi replied, "Don''t rush to refuse. I''ll trade with you using something!"


    "What thing?" Niu Ben frowned.


    Xiao Yi spoke earnestly, "Your life in exchange! Give me your spot, and I won''t kill you!"


    Niu Ben: "..."


    Everyone: "..."


    A twitch appeared by Jiang Tai''s eye, is this how you reason with others? What happened to convincing people with virtue?


    Niu Ben burst outughing in anger, "Are you an idiot? Do you think you can kill me? Like a dog, I''ll be the first to kill you once we''re on the ground!"


    Xiao Yi sighed, "I''m reasoning with you, and you call me an idiot? And you want to kill me?"


    "I''m indeed calling you an idiot, what can you do about it?" Niu Ben red with hisrge eyes, and his smirk was incessant.


    Wu Yu, who was sitting on the first Swift Wind Goose, also wore a peculiar expression. He was about to speak when his face suddenly changed, and he eximed, "Be careful!"


    As his voice fell,


    Xiao Yi''s figure leaped up andnded behind Niu Ben, a sh of cold light swept from his fingertips. Leaping again, hended back on the Cangyun Eagle.


    Xiao Yi patted his hands, looking at Gu Junhe, "Dean, does this mean we have an extra spot now?"


    Gu Junhe was silent for a moment, then nodded, "Hmm."


    Almost simultaneously...


    A stream of blood spurted from Niu Ben''s neck with a ''puff'', and his robust body fell from the back of the Swift Wind Geese, disappearing into the vast forest.


    In mid-air, there was silence...

 Chapter 78 In the Name of Zhou

    In the middle of the sky, there was a deathly silence.


    It wasn''t until Niu Ben''s corpse smashed into the forest below, emitting a dull thud, that the deathlike hush was broken.


    "Bastard!"


    Enraged, Wu Yu''s aura, which was at the Tenth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, erupted instantly, shattering a hundred-meter expanse of clouds, his face''s centipede-like scars flushing red, his look growing even more ferocious, "Little beast, your life is forfeit!"


    Hum!


    A golden qi converged into a golden light palm, as huge as a small house, smashing violently toward Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi''s move took everyone by surprise.


    Even Wu Yu did not react in time and could not prevent it.


    After all...


    Who could have imagined that Xiao Yi would dare to leap through the air, hopping between two beasts to strike a killing blow?


    Xiao Yi let out a loud shout, "Principal, go!"


    Gu Junhe stumbled beneath his feet, nearly falling off the back of the Cangyun Eagle, ring fiercely at Xiao Yi. He waved his hand casually, dissipating the giant palm, his gaze coldly fixed on Wu Yu, "To attack my disciple right in front of me, you''re not taking me, Gu, seriously, are you?"


    "Gu Junhe, your disciple struck first!" Wu Yu retorted angrily.


    Gu Junhe spoke indifferently, "This was merely a transaction. Niu Ben refused to give up his spot, so Xiao Yi took his life. What wrong is there in that? Moreover, it was Niu Ben who first threatened to kill Xiao Yi, so this was self-defense!"


    Wu Yu snapped, "I don''t give a damn, Niu Ben only said he wanted to kill him, did he take any action?"


    Gu Junhe narrowed his eyes, "I''lly it out here today, how the younger generation fights is their business. If you dare to strike, I will obliterate you!"


    "You, you..." Wu Yu''splexion shifted rapidly.


    He was no match for Gu Junhe.


    At that moment...


    On the back of one of the Swift Wind Geese, a young man who had been keeping his eyes closed all along said indifferently, "Why should the Great General be so enraged? Once inside the secret realm, I will personally take his head tomemorate Niu Ben!"


    Jiang Tai looked gravely at the young man, speaking solemnly, "This man is Zhang Tianyi, the champion nominee from the Tian Kingdom, at the Eighth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, the second on the Tian Dragon Ranking..."


    Xiao Yi nodded calmly, his eyes on Zhang Tianyi taking on a shade of solemnity.


    Taking a deep breath, Wu Yu was clearly influenced by Zhang Tianyi''s words, his resentful gaze fixed on Xiao Yi and the others, he gritted his teeth and said, "Gu Junhe, you''re ruthless! You may protect them for a moment, but you can''t protect them forever. People of the Tian Kingdom, listen up, in the secret realm, Xiao Yi is the prime target!"


    "Yes!"


    "Kill Xiao Yi!"


    A crowd of Tian Kingdom''s powerhouses roared in fury, their gaze toward Xiao Yi as if looking at a dead body.


    "Let''s go!"


    Wu Yu pped the Swift Wind Goose, quickening its descent.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Gu Junhe looked at Xiao Yi with an odd expression, "That was a ruthless move!"


    Jiang Tai also said, "Brother Xiao, you were too impulsive..."


    Before he could finish,


    Gu Junhe interrupted him, "But, well done on the kill!"


    Jiang Tai, "..."


    Gu Junhe spoke lightly, "Jiang Tai, you think Xiao Yi''s killing of Niu Ben was too impulsive?" After seeing Jiang Tai nod, Gu Junhe said with a faint smile, "You underestimate Xiao Yi! He''s not such an impulsive person!"


    Jiang Tai was taken aback.


    Gu Junhe continued, "Is the Tian Kingdom on the same path as us?"


    Jiang Tai shuddered, the Tian Kingdom was to the west, by all ounts, they should not have crossed paths, "You mean, they were intentionally waiting for us here?"


    Gu Junhe nced at Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi said evenly, "Tian and Tianqing are long-time rivals, and in this secret realm struggle, the Tianqing Kingdom already has an advantage. The Tian Kingdom aims to weaken the Tianqing Kingdom''s morale before entering the secret realm. It''s not that easy to act against the Royal Martial Arts Academy or the Nine Profound Sect; the weaker Tianqi Martial Arts Academy is the best target!"


    Gu Junhe nodded, "If it wasn''t for Xiao Yi, they would have targeted you this time!"


    Jiang Tai revealed a grave look.


    He was no match for Zhang Tianyi, and if he, the esteemed seventh prince, were severely wounded or killed by Zhang Tianyi, it would be a tremendous blow to the morale of the Tianqing Kingdom''s people.


    Understanding this, Jiang Tai''s look towards Xiao Yi included a bit more admiration.


    Chirp chirp!


    Cangyun Eagle''s wings shook, and it dived down,nding in a basin within Three Seas Mountain in an instant. At this moment, the basin was already brimming with powerful warriors.


    The Royal family of Tianqing Kingdom, Royal Martial Arts Academy, Nine Profound Sect, Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple, Sword Mountain Manor, and Tianqi Martial Arts Academy; Tian Kingdom, Purple Robe Kingdom.


    Warriors from all directions had gathered.


    The arrival of Xiao Yi and his group immediately attracted quite a bit of attention.


    However...


    Apart from the people of Purple Robe Kingdom, the looks that others gave them were filled with hostility.


    Xiao Yi touched his nose, "It seems... we''re not very wee?"


    Jiang Tai rolled his eyes: And you have the nerve to mention it? Nearly everyone here has been offended by you...


    Gu Junhe said, "I''ll go ahead first. You two behave!" After walking a few steps, Gu Junhe turned back to look at Xiao Yi, "Especially you, don''t cause any trouble for me!"


    Xiao Yi shrugged his shoulders.


    After Gu Junhe left.


    A graceful young girl from Purple Robe Kingdom approached, d in purple armor, her graceful figure especially striking, with her long purple hair fluttering in the wind, she stared at Xiao Yi, "Are you Xiao Yi?"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback, "And you are?"


    Jiang Tai said, "This is the Fifth Princess of Purple Robe Kingdom, Yue Ling''er." He cupped his fists towards Yue Ling''er, "Ling''er, long time no see. Are your uncle and aunt in good health?"


    Yue Ling''er waved her hand, "With both in the Golden Elixir Realm, do you think their health would be poor?" After a pause, Yue Ling''er blinked, "Cousin, the ce you asked of Father for, it was for this kid?"


    Jiang Tai touched his nose, just about to speak.


    Yue Ling''er was already looking at Xiao Yi with disdain, "Kid, I hear you cause trouble everywhere and many are targeting you. How can you be so thick-skinned? If you don''t have the capability, don''t join the fray. You even had my cousin shamelessly ask for a spot on your behalf..."


    Jiang Tai''s expression darkened, "Ling''er, Xiao Yi didn''t ask for that spot!"


    "Ah?"


    Yue Ling''er was stunned, her brows furrowed slightly, "He didn''t ask for the spot?"


    Xiao Yi chuckled, "Princess Ling''er, is it? If I wanted a spot, I would have fought for it myself, not taking the slightest advantage from you all!"


    At that moment.


    A cold voice from Gu Junhe came from not far away, "Zhou Yuan, what do you mean?"


    Zhou Yuan''s proud voice came simultaneously, "No particr meaning. This is the unanimous decision after everyone''s discussion. We can tolerate Jiang Tai borrowing Purple Robe Kingdom''s spot, which is already a huge concession. As for that Xiao Yi... What is he worth?"


    Zhou, the head of Tianqi Martial Arts Academy added, "If it weren''t for Jiang Tai''s slight connection to the royal family of Purple Robe Kingdom, which allowed us to exchange a spot, your Tianqi Martial Arts Institute wouldn''t get a single hair into the secret realm!" The one speaking was the Great Elder of Nine Profound Sect, Jin Sheng, his face showing resentment and pride as he looked at Xiao Yi.


    Zhuang Bifan, the master of Sword Mountain Manor who carried three longswords, had an indifferent expression, "If, as you said, killing one of them could snatch the other''s spot, then I should just let my Heavenly Son Sword kill a few of them, and my Sword Mountain Manor could send a few more people in, couldn''t it?"


    Wu Yu, full of pride, "Gu Junhe, looks like you''ve capsized in the gutter, huh? Hahaha!"


    Zhou Yuan spoke seriously, "Gu Junhe, you are also an elder among strong warriors, why bother confronting us over a junior of no importance?"


    For a moment...


    Everyone''s gaze was fixed on Xiao Yi.


    The looks contained both schadenfreude and scornful ridicule...


    Yue Ling''er looked at Xiao Yi with sympathy, "You really are pitiable, Xiao Yi!"


    "Pitiable?"


    Xiao Yi cracked a smile, but the look in his eyes grew increasingly cold as he turned to Zhou Yuan and spoke aloud, "So, Head Zhou, you mean to say that I don''t deserve to enter the secret realm?"


    Zhou Yuan let out a coldugh, offering no reply.


    Wu Yu, wearing a taunting expression, "Youd still have some self-awareness; it''s not just Head Zhou''s opinion, we all think you don''t deserve to enter the secret realm!"


    "Well then, it seems reasoning is out of the question!" said Xiao Yi as he shrugged his shoulders and walked to the entrance of the secret realm. Sitting down with legs astride, he proimed loudly, "In Head Zhou''s name, I, Xiao Yi, am establishing a challenge arena here. Whoever is inferior to me has no right to enter the secret realm!"


    Boom!


    His deration caused an uproar among the crowd.


    "Has this kid gone mad?"


    "Is he nning to challenge everyone?"


    "A mere tumbleweed in the Divine Power Realm Tenth Layer, how many can he defeat? He dares to set up a challenge arena and take on everyone? Utterly foolish..."


    Xiao Yi, faced with everyone''s cold sneers and hot mocking, plunged his sword into the ground and dered proudly, "Enough talk, if you wish to fight, let''s fight!"

 Chapter 79 Xiao Yi VS Jia Sidao

    "If it''s a fight you want, it''s a fight you''ll get!"


    Xiao Yi sat astride the entrance to the secret realm, majestic and imposing.


    He stood like a sentinel at the gate.


    This was the gathering ce of half the young talents from the Tianqing Kingdom, the Purple Robe Kingdom, and the Tian Kingdom, nearly every one of them a master from the Dragon Tiger List.


    How dare Xiao Yi, with just the Divine Power Realm Tenth Layer, block the way and challenge them all?


    "Arrogant!"


    "This kid is simply too presumptuous!"


    The crowd was buzzing with excitement!


    Jin Sheng sneered coldly, "Gu Junhe, your disciple really has some nerve!"


    Zhuang Bifan''s gaze was like a sword, his coldughter unceasing, "No wonder he dares to kill my two disciples, Xuan and Huang¡ªhe is indeed audacious!"


    Gu Junhe felt a headacheing on, but he couldn''t show weakness. He responded lightly, "Just as Xiao Yi said, Zhou Yuan imed hecks the qualifications to enter the secret realm, right? If the others can''t even defeat him, then naturally theyck the qualifications to enter as well."


    All eyes turned towards Zhou Yuan.


    Even the royal family of the Tianqing Kingdom looked to him for direction.


    Zhou Yuan let out a coldugh, "Then let''s fight! However, swords and sabers have no eyes, if there should be any idents, Master Gu will not intervene halfway, will he?"


    Gu Junhe replied, "If you all don''t take action, naturally I won''t either."


    Wu Yu and the others nodded in agreement.


    "Good!"


    Zhou Yuan nodded, "Since that''s the case, let him have his wish. Everyone listen up, to enter the secret realm, you must first defeat Xiao Yi. Swords and sabers have no eyes, life and death regardless!"


    Within the crowd.


    The young and powerful who could hardly contain themselves rushed forward one after another.


    Yue Ling''er, her eyes wide and her neck stiff, turned towards Jiang Tai and pointed to her head, "Cousin, is there something wrong with him?"


    The exploration of the secret realm this time nearly brought together all the top young talents of the three great kingdoms.


    Even the weakest among them was at the Divine Power Realm Tenth Layer.


    How could Xiao Yi dare to set up this challenge?


    Wasn''t this seeking death?


    Jiang Tai''s eyelid twitched, "Don''t talk to me..."


    ...


    "I''ll take you on!"


    From the midst of the crowd, a man in green garb with a green wolf''s head tattoo on his face, and at the peak of the Divine Ability Realm, waved his Wolf Fang Club with pride, "When you get to the underworld, don''t forget to tell King Yama that it was Lang Tao of the Royal Martial Arts Academy who killed you!"


    Whoosh!


    The Wolf Fang Club swung high, whistling through the air with such force it seemed capable of splitting mountains and shattering stones.


    Xiao Yi nced at him, "Trash like you also dares to show off?"


    With a casual wave of his hand.


    His bearing was dignified, like a Wrathful Vajra!


    Vajra Fist''s third form¡ªVajra Subdues Demons!


    Boom!


    His fist, hard as iron, smashed right onto the Wolf Fang Club. The second-grade spiritual weapon exploded with a pop, shards flying everywhere, punching straight through Lang Tao''s chest.


    Blood spurted like a fountain!


    Lang Tao''s face was filled with horror as he crashed to the ground, gasping for air so violently that blood poured unstoppably from his mouth, his face a picture of shock, "Ho-How is this possible? How can your fist be so hard?"


    "Shut up!"


    Xiao Yi lifted his foot and mmed it down. With a loud bang, he crushed Lang Tao''s head. Looking up at the others he dered, "Next!"


    Hiss!


    The crowd gasped in shock.


    Lang Tao, at the peak of the Divine Ability Realm, was killed just like that?


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Those below the Golden Elixir Realm,e at me all at once!"


    "Arrogant!"


    "Do you really think you''re invincible?"


    "So arrogant, let us fulfill your wish..."


    In an instant, twenty-three strong warriors from the Divine Power Realm Tenth Layer and the Peak of the Divine Ability Realm surged forward, their des gleaming coldly, their martial arts dazzling and brilliant.


    Forewarned by Lang Tao''s precedent, everyone made their move by invoking their Innate Divine Abilities.


    This was a life-and-death battle!


    Xiao Yi''s eyes were sharp as knives as he issued a light shout, activating his Life-bound Spiritual Weapon Transformation, causing a ck glow to ebb and flow on his arms, integrating with his longsword into one.


    His palms were like knives, his fingers like swords.


    Xiao Yi moved like a dragon into the sea, weaving through the crowd of strong warriors, and nearly no one who came close was a match for him in a single exchange!


    Every punch hit flesh, every palm strike meant death!


    Boom, boom, boom!


    In just a moment...


    There was a chorus of wails!


    On the groundy more than a dozen strong warriors, scattered haphazardly.


    Xiao Yi, standing atop several Divine Power Realm strong warriors, looked proudly at Zhou and the others, "Zhou, you''ve truly nned far ahead, indeed there are many here just filling numbers. Trash that cannot even block my single punch trying to enter the secret realm, do you truly think this Tao Tribtion Realm expert''s secret realm is a brothel, at your free disposal toe and go?"


    Zhou''s face was as dark as pitch: "..."


    Wu Yu, Jin Sheng, and others clenched their teeth, eyes shing coldly.


    Gu Junhe coughed lightly, pretending to scold, "Xiao Yi, these are the chosen from various major forces, you just happened to win against them, you should not be so ostentatious!"


    "The Dean''s teaching is correct!"


    Xiao Yi feigned humility, then with a flick of his longsword, "Stop sending these Divine Skills Realm people to their deaths, let those from the Golden Core Realme up too!"


    "You dog-like thing, do you really think no one can control you?"


    Inside the Royal Martial Arts Academy, a young man in white robes, floating like an immortal, walked out, "Xiao Yi, do you recognize Jia Sichun?"


    Xiao Yi squinted his eyes, "Are you Jia Sidao?"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Indeed!"


    Jia Sidao boasted proudly, "Today, I shall take your head to pay homage to my brother!"


    Xiao Yi sighed, "Does the Jia Family have any more brothers left?"


    Jia Sidao was taken aback.


    Xiao Yi continued, "Keep a life for continuing the family line. Don''t let the Jia Family''s legacy end with you!"


    "You..."


    Jia Sidao''s face turned shades of red and white with rage, unable to contain his anger, "Since I stepped into the Golden Elixir Realm, you are the first to dare to belittle me. If I don''t kill you, I swear I''m not a man!"


    Boom!


    His whole body shook, and ck scale armor appeared on him.


    Within the crowd.


    Yue Ling''er eximed in shock, "I''ve long heard that Jia Sidao''s Innate Divine Ability is beastial transformation, but I didn''t expect it to be the strongest defensive Beast Armor Change. Xiao Yi is in big trouble!"


    Jiang Tai''s eyes showed a grave expression.


    Beast transformation was an extremely powerful Innate Divine Ability; some strong fighters could even transform into dragons, phoenixes, and so on... Beast Armor Change granted near invincible defense within their ss!


    ng, ng!


    With every motion Jia Sidao made, the ck scale armor collided like metal on metal, sparking blinding firelight.


    "Beast King Fist!"


    Jia Sidao roared lowly, charging like a wild beast, his footsteps booming like war drums. This punch seemed to carry the force of ten thousand beasts stampeding.


    "This is... the spirit of the Ten Thousand Beast Fist?" Wu Yu''s expression changed, turning to look at Zhou Yuan, "Truly worthy of the Royal Martial Arts Academy, they have such a genius. Beast Armor Changebined with the spirit of the Ten Thousand Beast Fist, this man''s future is limitless!"


    Jin Sheng sighed, "With such strength, killing Xiao Yi is within reach!"


    Zhou Yuan looked pleased and nced at Gu beside him, "Dean Gu, we had an agreement, that in the fight, the sword has no eyes, you better not intervene!"


    "Don''t worry! I''m not as shameless as you..." Gu Junhe scoffed.


    Zhou Yuan snorted coldly.


    Meanwhile...


    Jia Sidao, d in his beast armor,nded a heavy fist on Xiao Yi''s longsword, which he was using to block in front of himself. The sword vibrated intensely, the violent force pushing Xiao Yi back.


    Xiao Yi''s expression darkened, feeling numbness in the web of his hands, "The spirit of the Ten Thousand Beast Fistbined with the Beast Armor Change has such strength? Much stronger than Niu Ben, but still, this power is far from enough to kill me!"

 Chapter 80 Decree of Execution

    ```


    Boom!


    Xiao Yi''s whole body shook, and ck light covered him.


    The Life-bound Spiritual Weapon Transformation covered his entire body, making it as tough as a third-grade Yuan weapon, and the force of Sword Intent enveloped him.


    "Is this one of the top ten Innate Divine Abilities, the Weapon Transformation?"


    "The most heaven-defying aspect of the Weapon Transformation Divine Skill lies in the durability of the transformed part, as solid as the weapon in hand. With this, the advantage of Jia Sidao''s Beast Armor Transformation is gone. Both masters of martial arts intents, victory or defeat now hinges on their martial techniques andbat awareness..."


    All present were no ordinary people; they quickly analyzed the situation.


    "Vajra Subdues Demons!"


    Xiao Yi threw a punch, and when the two fists met, sparks flew.


    It was a stalemate!


    Jia Sidao sneered coldly, "I am a Golden Core elite, I can grind you to death!"


    "The Golden Core practitioners who''ve died at my hand, you''re not the first!"


    Xiao Yi suddenly moved, disappearing from in front of Jia Sidao and reappearing behind him, his longsword like the wind: "Sinuous Python Wraps Around the Tree!"


    "Beast King Fist, Thunderous Charge!"


    Jia Sidao''s eyes sparkled like lightning, and as he sidestepped, he punched with both fists.


    Boom, boom!


    The shadow of his fists filled the air, like a stampede of myriad beasts.


    His form was covered with ayer of ck Scale Armor, fearless, his punches like pounding garlic, and he forcefully shattered Xiao Yi''s iing sword moves.


    "My defense is invincible; your death is certain!"


    Jia Sidao''s face, covered with beast armor scales, revealed a fierce smile as he stepped forward, leveraging his formidable defense to press on without fear of Xiao Yi''s attacks, his violent boxing technique forcing Xiao Yi into retreat.


    "Xiao Yi can''t break through the defense; this is troublesome!" Yue Ling''er''s brows furrowed slightly as she spoke in a deep voice.


    Jiang Tai''s eyebrows furrowed tightly, "Xiao Yi, do you have a way to break through this predicament?"


    No matter how strong the sword moves, if they can''t pierce the defense, they''re useless!


    "Indeed, a tough opponent!"


    Xiao Yi''s face showed a serious expression; this Jia Sidao was the most challenging peer he had encountered thus far.


    The abnormal defense of the Beast Armor Transformation left no opportunity for his sharp sword moves.


    Boom!


    In an unexpected moment...


    Xiao Yi''s chest was struck by Jia Sidao''s fist, forcing him back. Rubbing his chest, Xiao Yi said, "That almost shattered my organs... wait, shattered? I''ve got it!"


    Light shone in Xiao Yi''s eyes.


    He suddenly withdrew the Weapon Transformation, and instead of retreating, he advanced, closing the distance between him and Jia Sidao.


    Jia Sidao''s eyes gleamed ferociously, "Idiot, daring to grapple with me at close quarters? You''re simply courting death!"


    "Beast King Fist!"


    Jia Sidaounched his fists simultaneously.


    At the moment when their figures crossed, Xiao Yi ran the Life-bound Spiritual Weapon Transformation on his back, enduring Jia Sidao''s heavy punches with two thuds.


    The vibrations seemed to fragment his internal organs, bringing intense pain, but Xiao Yi remained unmoved.


    His legs pushed off the ground.


    "Eight Extremes Lean Against!"


    His back, covered in the ck gleam of the Weapon Transformation, mmed hard against Jia Sidao''s chest, sending him flying, and simultaneously Xiao Yi''s right hand reached out.


    The ck light of the Weapon Transformation covered his right hand.


    He grabbed Jia Sidao''s ankle, and with a low roar, eximed, "Eight Extremes Takedown!"


    Whoosh! He threw Jia Sidao over his shoulder.


    Jia Sidao flew backward like a kite with its string cut as Xiao Yi swiftly pursued him, and with full force, he employed the Eight Extremes Copse. His fists pounded heavily on Jia Sidao''s body, smashing him to the ground.


    This sequence of movements was as smooth as drifting clouds and flowing water, without the slightest hesitation.


    "Sinuous Python Wraps Around the Tree!"


    The moment Jia Sidao''s body hit the ground, Xiao Yi struck with another sword. The de, like a python wrapping around a tree, coiled around Jia Sidao''s waist, then with a fierce tug, sent him flying again.


    Xiao Yi''s legs pushed off from the ground as he followed up the attack.


    His longsword moved through the air, repeatedly executing sword moves: "Gentle Breeze Drops Leaves!"


    "Sinuous Python Wraps Around the Tree!"


    "Pursuing Soul, Snatching Life..."


    Stroke after stroke of sword light continuously hit Jia Sidao, each strike aiming for vital organs.


    "Jia Sidao is covered in Beast Armor Transformation, with defense unmatched in his tier, already on invincible grounds!"


    "Xiao Yi can''t possibly win!"


    However...


    Zhou Yuan''s face suddenly changed, "Not good!"


    He intended to take action...


    But alongside him, Gu Junhe scoffed, and a powerful aura locked onto Zhou Yuan as he coldly stated, "You dare to intervene?"


    "You..."


    Zhou Yuan''s eyes were filled with fury.


    Almost at the same time...


    Jia Sidao, whose defenses seemed imprable, suddenly let out a scream, outwardly unharmed yet spewing blood from all orifices. The transformed Scale Armor from his Beast Armor Transformation rapidly receded, and the longsword pierced through the air, puh, impaling his shoulder.


    ```


    Ao!


    Jia Sidao let out a wretched scream as he was pinned to the ground by Xiao Yi''s sword.


    Xiao Yi fell from the sky andnded with a loud thump on Jia Sidao''s legs, the ear-piercing crack apanying Jia Sidao''s hysterical screams.


    His legs had been brutally broken, and Xiao Yi stepped on Jia Sidao''s chest, with a cold smile, "Invincible defense? How do you defend your internal organs?"


    The continuous sword strikes just now were not meant to pierce the defenses, but to shatter his internal organs!


    As it turned out...


    Xiao Yi''s tactics werepletely correct!


    "Xiao Yi, the winner has been decided. Why haven''t you let Jia Sidao go yet?" Zhou Yuan red furiously, grinding his teeth.


    Xiao Yi looked up at Zhou Yuan, unafraid, "Let him go? If I were the one lying here now, do you think he would have let me go?"


    Zhou Yuan''s face changed, a sense of unease rising as he stared angrily at Xiao Yi, "What are you going to do?"


    "What am I going to do?"


    Xiao Yi smirked, his longsword whooshing past Jia Sidao''s throat in a sh, blood gushing out like a fountain; Jia Sidao''s head tumbled away, his body decapitated.


    Hiss!


    Aplete silence surrounded the area.


    Zhou Yuan, the head of the Royal Martial Arts Academy, had spoken, and yet Xiao Yi dared to execute Jia Sidao right before him?


    Yue Ling''er swallowed hard, "Has he gone mad?"


    Jiang Tai covered his face, "I knew it woulde to this..."


    Many powerful figures around felt a chill run through their bodies. Some, who were only marginally weaker than Jia Sidao, felt a sense of relief that they had not made a move!


    The angriest was none other than Zhou Yuan!


    He had personally spoken, yet Xiao Yi still killed Jia Sidao in his face. This was a severe p to his face!


    Zhou Yuan''s face turned ck as coal, his eyes cold as ice, and his voice so grim it made one''s scalp tingle, "Xiao Yi, do you realize what you are doing?"


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Could it be that Head Zhou has grown old and forgotten his own words?"


    Zhou Yuan was stunned.


    Xiao Yi said calmly, "The sword has no eyes, it was you who said that!"


    "I..."


    Zhou Yuan''s face turned red as he spurted out a mouthful of blood.


    Indeed, those were his words!


    But they were meant for when he believed Xiao Yi was certainly doomed and said to deter Gu Junhe from rescuing him. How could he have imagined that Xiao Yi would be the one to have thestugh?


    Xiao Yi''s gaze passed over Zhou Yuan, Wu Yu, Jin Sheng, and others, speaking calmly, "Gentlemen, now, I should be qualified to enter the secret realm, right?"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Everyone looked at the Shentong Realm powerhouses sprawled in all directions, then at the beheaded Jia Sidao.


    They were at a loss for words.


    If even this level of strength wasn''t enough to qualify to enter the secret realm, then more than half of those present were certainly unqualified!


    Xiao Yi smiled, "If you still feel I''m not qualified, then I can only continue setting up this arena!"


    As he spoke,


    Xiao Yi nced at several High-Layer Golden Core Realm powerhouses in the crowd who seemed ready to stand, chuckling, "I''m merely at the Shentong Realm. If you wish to make a move, then I will have to let Elder Brother Jiang step in!"


    Everyone: "..."


    A mere Shentong Realm, yet he ughters Golden Cores as if they were butchering pigs and dogs?


    But indeed, there was nothing wrong with his words! He was only in the Shentong Realm, and facing a First Layer of the Golden Core Realm was already oveing the strong as the weak. If these powerful figures at the fifth or sixthyers of the Golden Core Realm made a move, they would be bullying the lesser!


    As for fighting with Jiang Tai?


    Of those present from the younger generation, how many could contend with Jiang Tai?


    Zhou Yuan despised Xiao Yi to the bone, yet was powerless to do anything...


    Zhou Yuan and the others were also in a difficult position.


    If they allowed Xiao Yi to enter the secret realm at this point, they would lose all face in this gamble. If they did not, they might lose even more top fighters.


    At that moment...


    Within the Royal Martial Arts Academy, a Seventh Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm youth opened his eyes. This person, named Ye Feng, was the second top student of the Royal Martial Arts Academy, second only to Great Prince Jiang Shanhe.


    Ye Feng''s cold gaze swept over Xiao Yi and then looked towards Zhou Yuan, "Head Zhou, just let him into the secret realm."


    "Hmm?"


    Zhou Yuan was bewildered.


    Ye Feng stated tly, "I, Ye Feng, hereby announce once again... within the secret realm, whoever ys Xiao Yi can exchange for a fourth-grade martial skill from me!"


    Ling Feng, the top disciple of the Nine Profound Sect and Sixth Layer of the Golden Core Realm, also stood up, "I''ll join in the excitement too. Whoever ys Xiao Yi within the secret realm can receive a fourth-grade movement technique from me!"


    Zhang Tianyi from Sword Mountain Manor narrowed his eyes, "Whoever kills Xiao Yi, my Sword Mountain Manor will gift a fourth-grade longsword!"


    In Tian Kingdom, Zhang Tianyi said with contempt, "Count me in too. Whoever kills Xiao Yi will be rewarded with one hundred million taels of silver!"


    Within the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple,


    Monk Dao Yuan said with a smile, "Amitabha, our young monk says Xiao hasmitted heavy sins. Killing him would be carrying out heaven''s will, and the yer can choose a martial skill from the Scripture Pavilion of our Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple!"


    Instantly,


    Among the powers that hade, except for the Purple Robe Kingdom, the other powers had unified to issue a bounty for Xiao Yi''s death.


    All eyes turned to Xiao Yi as if they were looking at a cold corpse.


    Zhou Yuanughed heartily and nodded, "Fine, Xiao Yi, I will grant your wish and allow you to enter the secret realm. Do you dare to enter?"


    Xiao Yi''s face was cold as frost, his gaze calmly sweeping over the crowd, and he smiled faintly, "Why wouldn''t I dare?"

 Chapter 81 Entering the Secret Realm

    "Why not?"


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, his cold gaze fixed on Zhou Yuan.


    Zhou Yuan let out a coldugh, his icy eyes looking at him as if he were a corpse, and said indifferently, "Since that''s the case, then Xiao Yi may enter the secret realm!"


    Wu Yu said indifferently, "I agree."


    "I have no objections!" Jin Sheng dered.


    Zhuang Bifan stood tall like a pine tree, arrogantly like a sword, "If he has chosen the secret realm as his burial ground, then let''s fulfill his wish!"


    The Royal Martial Arts Academy, Tian Kingdom, Nine Profound Sect, Mingjian Manor, and Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple all issued assassination orders against Xiao Yi. In everyone''s eyes, unless a miracle urred, Xiao Yi was never going to leave the secret realm alive.


    Even Gu Junhe had a splitting headache.


    Xiao Yi, however, appeared nonchnt.


    Jiang Tai gave a bitter smile, "Xiao, you''re being too reckless!"


    Yue Ling''er blinked and looked at him with a curious, eager gaze, "Xiao Yi, should my Purple Robe Kingdom also issue an assassination order against you?"


    Xiao Yi nced at her, "As you wish!"


    Yue Ling''er rolled her eyes and said, "Never mind, I always feel you''re too cunning. I''d better not get involved in this mess!"


    Jiang Tai nced at Xiao Yi, helplessly saying, "Xiao, don''t stray too far from me when we''re inside the secret realm, I''ll do my best to protect you."


    Yue Ling''er was stunned, then frowned, "Cousin, are you crazy? He is now the target of public criticism. In the secret realm, no one will care about your prince''s status. If you protect him, you won''t even know how you died when the timees¡­"


    "Shut up!"


    Jiang Tai red at her fiercely, about to speak when Xiao Yi had already waved his hand with a smile and said, "Jiang, once we''re inside the secret realm, it''s better for us to act separately."


    "At least you know what''s good for you!" Yue Ling''er said.


    "Ling''er..."


    Jiang Tai rebuked her, then frowned at Xiao Yi, "Xiao, what are you nning..."


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, his gaze turning cold: "Didn''t they issue an assassination order against me? I want to see, in the end, who will be the one to assassinate whom..."


    Yue Ling''er and Jiang Tai exchanged looks, both feeling a chill run down their spines.


    "This secret realm is the tomb of a Tao Tribtion Realm powerhouse. The tomb is located at the deepest part of the secret realm. You must cross two hundred miles of dense forest and a poisonous marsh to reach the tomb," Zhou Yuan said, his gaze calm as he looked at everyone and announced, "The entrance to the tomb is sealed by our restrictions. You must collect tokens along the way. Only those who gather ten tokens can pass through the restrictions and enter the tomb. Inside the tomb, there are numerous treasures, as well as the inheritance of that Tao Tribtion Realm powerhouse. Everything depends on your own fate and effort, strive for it!"


    Everyone was eager and excited.


    This was the inheritance of a Tao Tribtion Realm powerhouse!


    If they could obtain it, the Tao Tribtion was within reach!


    Zhou Yuan''s cold eyes lingered on Xiao Yi for a moment before continuing, "This journey into the secret realm is a matter of life and death! Anyone who is killed within the secret realm cannot have their death avenged by their backing powers. You all have no objections, do you?"


    Zhuang Bifan and other individuals spoke one after another: "We have no objections!"


    People''s eyes, filled with schadenfreude, inevitably fell on Xiao Yi.


    These words were meant especially for Xiao Yi and Gu.


    Outside the secret realm...


    People were wary of Gu, unable to act freely against Xiao Yi.


    But inside the secret realm, there were no such restrictions!


    "Since there are no objections, follow me to open the entrance to the secret realm," Zhou Yuan said calmly.


    Everyone took action.


    Led by Zhou Yuan, Gu and others jointly opened the entrance to the secret realm.


    Everyone stood still.


    Ye Feng''s cold eyes were on Xiao Yi as he made a weing gesture, "Xiao Yi, you go in first!"


    "We''ll let you run ahead a bit, don''t get caught by us, alright?"


    "You''re not nning to wait for all of us to go in before you back out, are you?"


    People stared at Xiao Yi.


    This was their worry that once they had all entered, Xiao Yi would no longer enter the secret realm and they would miss the opportunity to kill him!


    Xiao Yi grinned and with a bold stride, headed toward the secret realm, "Then I shall impolitely ept the invitation!"


    Whoosh!


    He stepped into the secret realm.


    A cold light shed in Ye Feng and the others'' eyes, "Catch up with him!"


    "Don''t let him escape!"


    All of them surged forward.


    Watching the gradually closing entrance of the secret realm, Zhou Yuan and his group looked at Gu Junhe with cold smiles, "Headmaster Gu can rest assured, I have already ordered my disciples to bring back Xiao Yi''s body, to allow Headmaster Gu to give him a proper burial!"


    "However, Xiao Yi has incurred the wrath of the masses, I''m afraid it won''t be possible to bring back aplete body!"


    "Aplete body? The first thing everyone is going to do upon entering is kill him. I''m afraid by the time they return from the secret realm, Xiao Yi''s body will already be rotting..."


    "Hahahaha..."


    Facing the provocation and mockery of the crowd, Gu Junhe narrowed his eyes, gazing in the direction of the entrance to the secret realm, murmuring to himself, "Xiao Yi... you muste back alive..."


    ...¡­


    Inside the secret realm.


    The moment Xiao Yinded, he took out a packet of poison powder and scattered it behind him.


    Having received the inheritance from Underworld Doctor Bian He, such poison powder was almost effortless for him. The instant he spread the poison powder, Xiao Yi activated his movement technique to the extreme, rushing wildly toward the dense forest ahead.


    Almost simultaneously with his departure...


    Figures appeared within the secret realm, all searching for Xiao Yi''s whereabouts, "Where is Xiao Yi?"


    "That damn dog has run into the forest..."


    "Chase him!"


    However...


    No sooner had their voices faded than screams rang out, "Ah... my eyes..."


    "My face... it hurts so much..."


    "What is this? Damn it, it''s poisonous..."


    "That bastard Xiao Yi used poison! Everyone, hold your breath..."


    Amid the agonized screams.


    As many as seven or eight Shentong Realm strongmen died, their guts perforated and blood pouring from all orifices. Although this poison powder was fierce, it had little effect on those in the Golden Core Realm.


    But for those in the Shentong Realm, it was a deadly affair!


    Ye Feng and hispanions were ashen-faced.


    They had intended to kill Xiao Yi immediately, but not only did he escape, they also lost seven or eight Shentong Realm powerhouses from their own side.


    Ye Feng''s features twisted, "Xiao Yi, if I don''t kill you, I''ll write my name, Ye Feng, backwards!"


    Zhang Tianyi''s gaze was icy as he stared at Jiang Tai, "Jiang Tai, if you dare to help Xiao Yi, I will kill you!"


    Dao Yuan sped his hands together, looking every bit the enlightened monk, "Amitabha... Xiao is surely a devil born into this world, and we must act on behalf of the heavens to eliminate this evil. Master Jiang certainly wouldn''t help him, right?"


    The Heavenly Son Sword and the Dizi Sword stood side by side like twin brothers, speaking in unison, "Whoever aids Xiao Yi shall be killed!"


    Jiang Tai snorted coldly and disappeared into the forest.


    Yue Ling''er said with a smile, "Everyone, rx, I, Yue Ling''er, will not take sides!"


    With a wave of her hand, she led the strongmen of Purple Robe Kingdom deeper into the forest.


    Dao Yuan stood before the crowd with his hands sped, and a series of talismans with Buddhist seals dropped into their hands. He said cheerfully, "These talismans are Thousand-Mile Tracking Talismans; once tagged by them, one cannot escape the tracking of Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple. Just sight Xiao Yi and crush the talisman to mark his whereabouts!"


    "With these talismans, Xiao Yi is bound to die!"


    "It''s somewhat amusing, like a cat catching a mouse!"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The crowdughed heartily as they surged into the dense forest.


    Under the dim light, from a distance, the forest looked like an ancient giant beast, slowly swallowing them into its belly¡­

 Chapter 82 Red Luo Snake Poison

    In the tranquil jungle.


    Xiao Yi''s figure leapt and darted about like a spry monkey, extraordinarily agile.


    Thud, thud, thud!


    Three sharp arrows burst forth from behind, striking where Xiao Yi had just alighted. The moment these arrows hit the ground, they transformed into roaring mes, setting the trees aze with fire sttering in every direction.


    "Xiao Yi, stop right there!"


    "Despicable coward, how dare you use poison, won''t you stop for us..."


    Two figures chased after him from behind.


    They were two formidable warriors from the royal family of the Tianqing Kingdom, the valiant brothers Yan Bing and Yan Yu from the Imperial Guards. Both were at the Second Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm. Coupled with their continuous sharpening in the military, theirbat strength was not inferior even to ordinary warriors at the Third Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm.


    Especially their archery,bined with God Burning Arrows, was exceptionally powerful.


    Xiao Yi muttered, "I''m really out of luck to have run into these two..."


    Xiao Yi was not one to sit idly by and await his fate.


    With the Royal Martial Arts Academy, Nine Profound Sect, Wan Fo Mountain, Mingjian Manor, and people from the Tian Kingdom all wanting him dead, Xiao Yi naturally would not just flee. Therefore, he hid in the dense forest, waiting for an opportunity to strike and kill any isted strong warriors.


    Initially, there had been some gains, as he managed to y a couple of groups of strong warriors.


    But this time, he fell into the ambush set by the Yan brothers. Despite mustering all his strength to kill two warriors at the First Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm and one at the Second Layer, and escaping a tight encirclement, he was still relentlessly pursued by the two brothers.


    Yan Bing drew his bow and nocked arrows, executing a technique likened to Nine Stars in a String.


    Yan Yu leaped into the air, stepped on one of the sharp arrows, and sped towards Xiao Yi, arrows bursting forth just as rapidly in the Nine Stars in a String technique.


    Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!


    Eighteen arrows sliced through the air, forming a vast that blocked all of Xiao Yi''s retreat paths.


    The arrows surrounded Xiao Yi at the center, the fierce mes rising fiercely.


    Xiao Yi was trapped within a circle of fire, and the Yan brothers had also caught up to him, positioning themselves in front and behind, their faces filled with triumph and fierceness, "Xiao Yi, you have nowhere to run!"


    Xiao Yi squinted his eyes, "I''ve never provoked the royal family. Are you not afraid that Jiang will give you trouble for this?"


    These two brothers were exceedingly experienced in battle, and with their intuition as twins,bined with their expertise in archery, they avoided closebat entirely. This left Xiao Yi quite frustrated and worried that if the fight dragged on too long, other strong warriors might arrive.


    He had no choice but to keep running.


    Yan Bing sneered, "We are followers of the crown prince''s line, the seventh prince has no authority over us!"


    Arrows in hand, Yan Yu said in a grave tone, "Xiao Yi, the crown prince highly appreciates your talent. He wants to make you one of his dogs..."


    Xiao Yi stuck out his tongue and licked his lips.


    A yful look spread across his face as he stared at the two, "With such a deep grudge against the Royal Martial Arts Academy, the crown prince doesn''t care?"


    Yan Bing casually replied, "The crown prince is about to reach the Peak of the Golden Elixir Realm, and among the younger generation, he is the most likely to advance to the Tao Tribtion Realm. As long as you be one of the crown prince''s dogs, even Zhou, the head of the Martial Arts Institute, will give him that much respect..."


    Xiao Yi smiled lightly, "I don''t have the habit of being someone''s dog!"


    "Then you can go to hell!"


    The Yan brothers simultaneously released the bowstrings, and arrows shed like lighting, while the strings hummed like mercury pouring down to the ground.


    Arrow after arrow tore through the air, with a deafening sound that made one''s scalp tingle.


    The arrows, zing fiercely in mid-air, headed straight for Xiao Yi.


    A shock ran through Xiao Yi''s body, Hei Mang covered him, and his Innate Divine Ability of Life-bound Spiritual Weapon Transformation fused his body with his fourth-grade Yuan weapon, making him as sturdy as if he were wearing fourth-grade battle armor.


    Bang, bang, bang!


    The arrows were incredibly fast, striking Xiao Yi''s body almost instantly, each one bearing immense impact force that shook him repeatedly.


    With sword in hand, Xiao Yi brought forth a ck sword light, tearing open a gap through the rain of arrows and charging out like the wind.


    Before he could get near the brothers, however, Yan Bing and Yan Yu had widened the distance between them.


    One retreated, the other advanced, one in front, the other behind.


    Xiao Yi was unable to get close, yet had to withstand attacks from all sides, which greatly frustrated him.


    Yan Bingughed triumphantly, "Xiao Yi, weren''t you very arrogant? Why can''t you be arrogant now? If you can,e and bite me!"


    Whoosh!


    An arrow shot from Yan Yu''s hand, with red mes suspended high in the sky. He looked at Xiao Yi with pride, "People will be here soon. Xiao Yi, your death is certain!"


    Xiao Yi raised his sword to cut through three iing arrows, tapped the ground with the tip of his foot to kick up sand to block another two, and then swung a Vajra Subdues Demons technique to break three more from behind.


    With a swift movement, he took cover behind arge tree. Thud, thud, thud ¨C three arrows pierced through the one-meter thick trunk of the tree and buried into the ground.


    Xiao Yi finally managed to catch his breath.


    "There must be other groups nearby; I must escape quickly. But first..."


    Looking emotionless at the Yan brothers, a cold glint shed in Xiao Yi''s eyes, "Before I leave, I need to leave you with an indelible memory!"


    With a sudden sh, Xiao Yi sprinted towards the east.


    "Not good, he''s going to escape!"


    "Tie him down!"


    The two men chased after him relentlessly, and just as the distance between them was closing, Xiao Yi suddenly turned around and threw a clump of ck mud: "Watch out for the hidden weapon!"


    "Trifling tricks!"


    With a coldugh, Yan Yu pped out a palm.


    Yan Bing''s expression changed: "Be careful!"


    Unfortunately, it was already toote!


    Bang!


    The ck mud exploded, transforming into a cloud of white poison mist that instantly enveloped the two men.


    Xiao Yiughed and said, "Congrattions, you two have been poisoned by my Red Luo Snake Poison!"


    While cultivators at the Golden Core Realm could ignore most poisons, Red Luo Snake Poison was an exception. Although it couldn''t kill a cultivator at this realm, it could make one feel unbearably itchy, with a body as hot as if on fire.


    Yan Bing scoffed disdainfully, "Your poison is ineffective against the Golden Core Realm, you''re just bluffing!"


    "The poison is indeed called Red Luo Snake Poison, and true, it can''t kill you. But if you don''t engage in bedroom affairs as an antidote within half an incense stick''s time, you willpletely lose the ability to reproduce!"


    Xiao Yi gave the two men a mocking look and weirdlyughed, "I might as well congratte you in advance. After you go back, you can resign from the Imperial Guards and be the Chief Eunuch overseeing the harem, hahaha..."


    "What?"


    "You, don''t even think of scaring us..."


    Xiao Yi sneered, "Don''t believe it? Feel for yourselves, there''s no reaction, right?"


    "This..."


    Yan Bing and hispanion looked at each other and indeed, they felt nothing.


    Theirplexions instantly turned incredibly unsightly, as if they were mourning their deceased parents; it was even harder to ept than death itself!


    Death?


    They weren''t afraid!


    But bing eunuchs? No man could ept that!


    Yan Bing''s face was extremely grim, "Big brother, is what he said true or false?"


    Yan Yu''s face was gloomy, "Who am I supposed to ask?" With a dark expression, he stared intently at Xiao Yi, "Xiao Yi, hand over the antidote and I''ll let you leave. Otherwise, we just need to pin you down until the others arrive, and you''ll be on a one-way street to death!"


    Xiao Yi shrugged, "There is no antidote for Red Luo Snake Poison; the only way to cure it is to engage in sexual activity. However, it seems there are no women who entered this secret realm, so I''m not sure if it''ll work between men. You might want to give it a try! You don''t have much time left. You need to decide whether to keep chasing me at the risk of bing eunuchs or find a way to cure the poison. The choice is yours!"


    Xiao Yi leaped and disappeared into the dense forest.


    Yan Bing''s face flushed red, "Big brother, are we chasing him?"


    "Chase my ass..."


    Yan Yu cursed angrily with a cold snort.


    Yan Bing had a mournful expression, "Big brother, I, I can feel it... It seems Xiao Yi was right, what do we do now?"


    "How should I know?" Yan Yu''s face was as dark as coal.


    Yan Bing swallowed hard, feeling extremely hot and bothered, "Should, should we give it a try?"


    "Try my ass..."


    Yan Yu cursed, his face still dark. Just as he was about to stand up, a whooshing sound came from behind him, signaling that Ling Feng and the others had caught up.


    Ling Feng frowned, "Where is he?"


    Yan Yu replied gravely, "He got away..."


    "Got away? What the hell are you two doing?" Ling Feng scolded angrily.


    Yan Yu coldly said, "Ling Feng, your Nine Profound Sect isn''t in charge of the Royal Family, are you?"


    "You..."


    Ling Feng''s face darkened.


    Ye Feng from the Royal Martial Arts Academy frowned and asked, "How did he get away?"


    Ye Feng was aligned with the Crown Prince''s faction, so Yan Yu and hispanion did not dare to hide anything. Of course, they omitted the process of detoxifying. But Ye Feng himself pped them across their faces and angrily said, "You two idiots, Red Luo Snake Poison only causes itchiness and heat, it doesn''t harm the body. You two idiots got fooled by him!"


    "Ah?"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The two Yan brothers looked at each other, utterly dumbfounded.


    "Wait a minute..."


    Ling Feng frowned, "You two believed Xiao Yi''s words, so you didn''t pursue him, but then how did you manage to detoxify?"


    The faces of the two Yan brothers stiffened.


    Everyone''s gaze slowly turned towards the space behind the two men...

 Chapter 83 The Phantom in the Night

    Let''s not mention how awkward Yan Yu and hispanion felt.


    Xiao Yi ran wildly for half an hour until he finally stopped after leaving the dense forest, ahead of himy a swamp.


    The air above the swamp was filled with poisonous miasma, like it was shrouded in a thickyer of gauze.


    "Although the transformation of weapons is powerful, it requires a huge amount of energy and strong physical support. My body is strengthened by the power of the God Sealing Seed, making it stronger than other cultivators of the same realm, but currently, it can only withstand the transformation of a fourth-grade Yuan weapon at most."


    Exhausted, Xiao Yi sat on the ground, gasping for breath: "It seems that in addition to movement techniques, I must find a method of Body Refinement!"


    Before this.


    Xiao Yi had never encountered opponents like the Yan brothers who specialized in long-range attacks, and due to his rapid progress in cultivation, he rarely had the chance to consolidate his experience.


    To summarize the experience from this battle.


    Xiao Yi understood his current shorings, but obtaining either the movement technique or Body Refinement arts was not easy.


    The immediate priority was to find a solution for the Yan brothers'' long-range attacks.


    "If only there was something to restrain their movements!" Xiao Yi thought to himself when suddenly a scream echoed from ahead.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Xiao Yi''s pupils shrank instantly as he headed towards the source of the scream.


    He saw a Shentong Realm expert entangled in a mass of white threads above the pitch-ck swamp.


    These threads were extremely sticky.


    Even the expert at the Peak of the Divine Ability Realm struggled to break free, only sinking deeper and deeper. The white threads pulled him into the swamp, where he was swallowed up by the endless ck mud.


    A thought shed through Xiao Yi''s mind: "What are these white threads? They can restrain even a Peak of the Divine Ability Realm expert. I wonder if they can bind a Golden Core Realm expert?"


    Xiao Yi pondered for a moment.


    He immediately flew towards the swamp and as he soared above the ck swamp, suddenly the ground beneath him gave way and a gash opened up, from which a mass of white threads shot out.


    Luckily, Xiao Yi was prepared; he quickly tapped his toes on the soft swamp and leapt up to dodge.


    The white threads quickly retracted.


    "Stay for me!" he eximed.


    A swipe swept across, skimming the muck of the swamp.


    Boom!


    The sword strikended on the white threads but unbelievably failed to cut through them. The threads violently coiled around, while the ck swamp beneath him roared as if a dragon was turning over.


    Bang!


    The swamp burst open explosively.


    A massive spider,pletely ck with nine green eyes on its head and three meters tall, stared fixedly at Xiao Yi, opening its mouth to spit out another mass of white web.


    "A fourth-grade low-level demon beast, the Green-Eyed Demon Spider? I did not expect such a creature to be hiding beneath this swamp, no wonder even a Peak of the Divine Ability Realm expert couldn''t escape your web..."


    While dodging, Xiao Yi sent out a flurry of sword moves.


    But no matter how he wielded his sword, he couldn''t cut through the web.


    The web of a Golden Core Realm Green-Eyed Demon Spider was as tough as a fourth-grade Yuan weapon. Even an expert at the Four Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm bound by it would need to expend quite a bit of effort to break free.


    Xiao Yi''s eyes shed with sharpness: "As long as I kill this beast and extract its silk nd, I can use the web to bind enemies. With the web in hand, why should I fear the Yan brothers?"


    With that thought.


    Xiao Yi leaped into action, rapidly closing in on the Green-Eyed Demon Spider.


    Roar!


    From the seven green eyes of the Green-Eyed Demon Spider, a cold light flickered as it opened its gaping maw, continuously spitting out webs.


    "Not good!"


    Xiao Yi was caught off-guard by the web sticking to him and watched as the Green-Eyed Demon Spider rapidly drew him into its mouth, its sharp fangs inches away.


    In the nick of time.


    Xiao Yi quickly shed his outer garment, watching it disappear into the mouth of the Green-Eyed Demon Spider, and seizing the moment, he leaped tond on the creature''s head.


    "Soul-chasing, life-snatching!"


    A deadly thrust drove straight into the skull of the Green-Eyed Demon Spider.


    Thud!


    The Green-Eyed Demon Spider trembled all over, and its greenish blood spurted out wildly as it struggled in frenzy. Its eight long legs, covered with ck spines, iled madly against the marsh, flinging Xiao Yi high into the air.


    With one hand gripping the sword hilt, his body spun dramatically in midair.


    Thud!


    Like a spinning top, the sword de whirred crazily, grinding the Green-Eyed Demon Spider''s head to pieces.


    The massive body crashed heavily to the ground.


    Ignoring the stench of blood covering him, Xiao Yi cut open the carcass of the Green-Eyed Demon Spider to find the silk sac and a walnut-sized Golden Core.


    "Once I swallow this Golden Core, I should be able to step into the Peak of the Shentong Realm!" Xiao Yi flicked off the green blood from the Golden Core and muttered to himself.


    This Green-Eyed Demon Spider was equivalent to a First Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm cultivator, its energy not enough for him to make a breakthrough to the Golden Core Realm.


    In this world, apart from the legendary wless Golden Elixirs, all other Golden Cores contained impurities.


    Ordinary powerhouses could not even absorb the energy within the Golden Core directly; too many impurities could do more harm than good.


    But Xiao Yi did not have such concerns.


    The energy he swallowed would eventually pass through the God Sealing Seed, eliminating all impurities and transforming into the purest divine power.


    This was also the reason why Xiao Yi''s vital energy was much stronger than that of martial artists of the same level.


    Xiao Yi immediately left to find a secluded ce and began to devour the Golden Core.


    It took him a full day and night.


    Xiao Yi had finally refined all the energy within the Golden Core, officially stepping into the Peak of the Shentong Realm, and the number of God Sealing Seeds broke through to two thousand, reaching two thousand and fifty.


    "It''s a pity I still cannot open the tomb of the Sword Demon Dugu. It seems I can only wait until I break through to the Golden Core Realm. However, with my current strength, plus this Green-Eyed Demon Spider''s web on hand, I should be able to take my revenge!" Xiao Yi''s eyes sparkled as he clenched his fists tightly.


    ...


    In the dark of night.


    Five powerhouses from the Nine Profound Sect were gathered around a campfire. The mes licked at the beast''s leg roasting on a rack while they discussed, "That Xiao Yi is as slippery as an eel. Who knows where he''s hiding now!"


    "Be extremely careful if you encounter Xiao Yi, he''s incredibly cunning and skilled at using poison. You''ve all heard what happened to the Yan brothers, haven''t you?"


    "Heard about it... tsk, tsk, I heard that now when they see a man, their eyes turn red..."


    As the men shared the roasted beast''s leg, a shadowy figure hidden in darkness took a piece of the meat, took a couple of bites, and asked, "Where are the Yan brothers now?"


    "They seem to be searching for Xiao Yi''s tracks near the marsh. I saw them during the day... Huh? Aren''t there only five of us? Why did six pieces get distributed?"


    A chill immediately swept over the five men.


    They all turned to look in unison at the figure in the dark. Under the orange glow of the firelight, Xiao Yi''s face was exposed in front of them.


    Hiss!


    The men gasped, "Xiao Yi? How, how did you get here?"


    "Attack him, kill him now!"


    The five men shuddered andunched their attacks together.


    However...


    Xiao Yi struck faster and more viciously than they did.


    The sword light was like a fleeting shadow, and heads dropped like kites with severed strings.


    Blood gushed like fountains, enough to douse the campfirepletely.


    Among the five were one at the Second Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, two at the First Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, and two in the Shentong Realm, but they stood no chance against Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi swallowed the piece of meat in his hand and squinted at the dim starlight in the night sky. Suddenly, his figure shed, darting through the night like a ghost, "A windy night with pitch-ck skies, a perfect time for ying..."


    PS: Wishing everyone a healthy and prosperous new year! Exploding with updates tomorrow!

 Chapter 84 Have a Safe Journey

    Above the firmament, dark clouds roiled.


    They obscured the already sparse stars, shrouding the entire secret realm in an unending darkness.


    On a t piece of ground near a swamp.


    Several tents stood erect, with the central bonfire extinguished by the cold wind, leaving only bits of charcoals emitting a reddish glow.


    Inside one of the tents.


    Yan Bing and his brother leaned back to back, both with their eyes tightly closed, longbows in hand.


    Rustle, rustle!


    A faint sound, like that of fabric rubbing against something, came from outside, prompting both men to open their eyes simultaneously.


    They were both strong warriors at the Second Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, their senses tens of times sharper than an ordinary person''s.


    Yan Bing lowered his voice, "There''s some noise outside!"


    Yan Yu nodded subtly, "Wait a little longer..."


    Outside, all was quiet.


    Suddenly...


    An icy roar erupted, "Where do you think you''re going?"


    Boom!


    A Sword Qi burst forth, shattering one of the tents. The assant was none other than Jiang Yi, the Princely Heir of the Supporting Mountain King from the Tianqing Kingdom''s royal lineage.


    Jiang Yi had reached the Peak of the Second Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm and had also condensed a seed of Sword Intent; hisbat strength wasparable to amon warrior at the Third Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm.


    Amidst the icy Sword Qi, Xiao Yi retreated explosively, his face revealing a hint of helplessness: "What rotten luck, this guy''s Innate Divine Ability is actually Night Vision..."


    He had been about to assassinate these warriors one by one, but when attempting to assassinate Jiang Yi, his figure was exposed by Jiang Yi''s Night Vision Mystical Skill.


    If it were not for Xiao Yi having advanced further into the Peak of the Divine Ability Realm, Jiang Yi''s sword just now would have gravely wounded him!


    "Xiao Yi? You''ve got some nerve, daring to assassinate me?" Jiang Yi''s gaze was icy as he looked at Xiao Yi, his eyes sharp as des.


    Xiao Yi smiled faintly, "Is it only permitted for you to issue kill orders against me, to hunt me down at every turn, yet I''m not allowed to fight back?"


    "Hmph, Ling Feng is a lifelong friend of the crown prince; if he says you must die, then it is the crown prince who wants you dead."


    Jiang Yi''s father, the Supporting Mountain King, was a staunch supporter of the crown prince, and so was he. He icily continued, "The crown prince is the true chosen of heaven, blessed by the heavens above. If he wants you dead, you cannot escape death. Since Ling Feng has issued a kill order against you, it must be the crown prince who wants you dead. You should obediently ept your death, not resist stubbornly!"


    Xiao Yi sneered, pulling the corner of his mouth, "Cut the crap! I don''t care if you''re the prince or the emperor, if you want Xiao Yi''s life, you''d better have the skills to take it!"


    "You don''t know what''s good for you!"


    Expressionless, Jiang Yi''s eyes glowed with an oily green light under the Night Vision Mystical Skill. His figure abruptly moved, appearing behind Xiao Yi like a dark elf in an instant.


    The silver longsword in his hand split into two, one in each hand.


    Sword edges crossed, sparks flying.


    He shed towards Xiao Yi''s head!


    Xiao Yi''s sword disyed an unbelievable curvature, vertically positioned to block behind him, causing a thunderous noise as the three des shed.


    Xiao Yi used the force of the impact to surge forward, widening the distance between him and Jiang Yi. However, Jiang Yi was relentless in pursuit.


    The sound of slicing air grew closer behind him.


    Xiao Yi''s knees buckled, sliding close to the ground, while leaning back at the same time, causing Jiang Yi, who had lunged forward, to fly right over him.


    "Serpent Coiling Around the Tree!"


    One sword pierced the air, aiming for Jiang Yi''s heart.


    Seeing the icy de drawing ever nearer, Jiang Yi''s pupils shrank violently, his eyes filled with desperation.


    If this strike hit, he was certain to die!


    But just at this critical moment...


    Two arrows whistled through the air, clinking consecutively against the sword, forcibly deflecting the longsword away.


    Yan Bing and Yan Yu, one on each side, held their horn bows, arrows nocked and pointing their sharp tips at Xiao Yi.


    "Hahaha, Yan Bing, Yan Yu, you''ve arrived just in time!"


    Jiang Yi, having narrowly escaped death, was all smiles. His two swords shed, sending off blinding sparks, his eyes fixated on Xiao Yi, "Xiao Yi, weren''t you acting all high and mighty? Now with the Yan Brothers assisting me, let''s see how arrogant you can be!"


    Xiao Yi nced sideways at the Yan brothers, teasing, "Gentlemen, how does the Red Luo Snake Poison taste?"


    "Shut up!"


    The Yan brothers shouted in unison.


    Xiao Yi tutted, "Impressive! Who would have thought that Red Luo Snake Poison would make you two even more in sync!"


    Bang!


    Bang!


    Yan Bing and his partner released their arrows at the same time, each time executing the technique of the Nine Star Consecutive Shots. Having unleashed six rounds of Nine Star Consecutive Shots, even as skilled archers they were exhausted, and white smoke billowed from their bowstrings.


    They were gasping for air heavily.


    Their bloodshot eyes were fixated on Xiao Yi, wishing they could tear him to pieces!


    The two, in order not to be eunuchs, were forced to mutually administer the antidote, which made hexes and the Red Luo Snake Poison taboo and sore points for them.


    Any mention of it would be met with death!


    "Yan Bing, Yan Yu, don''t fall for his tricks! He''s deliberately trying to enrage you¡­"


    Jiang Yi quickly spoke up. Seeing the two slowly regaining theirposure, he said solemnly, "I''ll take the main offensive and tie him down. You two look for opportunities to strike. We must take his dog life today!"


    "Rest assured!"


    "His anniversary of death wille on this day next year!"


    The two spread out, one to the left and one to the right, like venomous snakes lurking in dark corners, waiting for the right moment to deliver a deadly strike to their prey.


    Jiang Yi, with his twin swords, charged at Xiao Yi once more.


    "Fiery Meteor!"


    "Twin Peaks Prating the Ears!"


    Jiang Yi''s sword moves were no less fierce and devious, each one deadly. If Xiao Yi had not grasped the first stage of Sword Intent, he would have struggled to defend against such a frenzied offensive.


    Furthermore¡­


    There were Yan Yu and Yan Bing, the two archers of the Second Layer of the Golden Core Realm!


    "Sweeping Through a Thousand Troops!"


    Xiao Yi split Jiang Yi''s attack with his sword and was about to pursue when a chill rose from his back. It was Yan Bing and his partner simultaneously releasing their cold shots. Xiao Yi was forced to dodge, missing his chance at ying Jiang Yi!


    Jiang Yiughed proudly, "Xiao Yi, you stand no chance! However, if you kneel and beg me now, I can leave you aplete corpse!"


    Yan Bing and his partner alsoughed coldly.


    Xiao Yi snorted coldly, "Aplete corpse? Keep that for yourself!"


    "Stubborn fool!"


    Jiang Yi looked toward Yan Bing and his partner, "Attack him with all your might. I refuse to believe he can split his focus three ways!"


    One close, two at a distance.


    Under theirbined assault, the offensive grew more ferocious.


    An onught like a tempestuous storm of arrows,bined with Jiang Yi''s violent and brutal swordsmanship, every step was fraught with danger, one misstep could lead to a fatal descent into theherworld.


    Xiao Yi fought while retreating, luring the three into a dense forest.


    With the cover of the dense ancient trees, Xiao Yi''s pressure was significantly reduced. Facing Jiang Yi''s relentless attacks, Xiao Yi retreated further back until with a thud his back mmed against a tree trunk.


    "Now''s the chance!"


    "Kill him!"


    Jiang Yi and hispanions'' faces lit up with ecstatic joy.


    His figure paused, then burst forth with maximum speed, his sword moves filling the sky, sealing off all of Xiao Yi''s escape routes. At the same time, Yan Yu and Yan Bing also approached directly in front of Xiao Yi.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Their bows sang like thunder, the arrows poured down like a downpour!


    Theirbined attack was terrifyingly overwhelming.


    But in this moment of extreme peril¡­


    Xiao Yi was not the least bit flustered, instead, he wore a look of triumph, "You''re all dead!"


    He flipped his left hand.


    Squeezing the silk sac of the Green-Eyed Demon Spider, the sounds of ''pop, pop, pop'' filled the air as streams of white spider silk shot out. In an instant, Jiang Yi and Yan Bing were wrapped tightly in silk!


    The Green-Eyed Demon Spider''s web was incredibly tough, even those in the Fourth or Fifth Layer of the Golden Core Realm could not break free in a short time if entangled.


    Tightly bound by the white spider silk, the three men were like wrapped rice dumplings, unable to move.


    Looking at Xiao Yi in terror, they said, "You¡­ you''re so vicious¡­"


    "You had this nned all along? This is your trap¡­"


    Xiao Yi grinned and waved lightly at them, "Safe travels!"


    His sword cleaved through the air, and blood spurted like fountains!


    Xiao Yi easily decapitated all three, suspending their heads on the tree trunk¡­

 Chapter 85 Who Do You Think You Are?

    The next morning at dawn.


    The corpses of Yan Yu and the other two were discovered.


    In an instant.


    Strong figures from the Royal Martial Arts Academy, the royal family, the Nine Profound Sect, Wan Fo Mountain, and Sword Mountain Manor all gathered here, led by none other than Ye Feng.


    Eighth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, second on the Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List and Teng Long List.


    This person''s strength was indeed overwhelming, even surpassing Jiang Tai.


    In the younger generation of the Tianqing Kingdom, he was second only to Great Prince Jiang Shanhe. Not only did the Royal Martial Arts Academy look up to him, but the royal family''s strong men were also under his control.


    Monk Dao Yuan from the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple joined his hands together, his face full ofpassion for the world, but the words he spoke sent shivers down the spine, "Ling Xiao, Xiao Yi is extremely vicious and ruthless. Two days ago, he was no match for Yan Yu and the others, but now he has killed both Yan Yu brothers and Prince Jiang Yi. If we allow him to continue growing..."


    Ye Feng examined the scene for a while and said in a deep voice, "Judging from the traces of the battle at the scene, Xiao Yi''s strength is already no weaker than an ordinary practitioner at the Third Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm!"


    Dizi Sword cradled his longsword, flicked his bangs lightly, and said in a deep voice, "When this person appeared at our Sword Mountain Manor''s Sword Tomb, his cultivation was barely into the Shentong Realm. But in just a month or two, he has grown to his current level..."


    "He must be eliminated!"


    Everyone exchanged nces.


    Ye Feng touched his hooked nose, his eyes a slit from which cold light emanated, andmanded in a deep voice, "Gather everyone. Search for Xiao Yi in groups of five. As soon as he is found, mark his location with a Thousand-Mile Tracking Talisman. We must get rid of him!"


    "Yes!"


    Everyone responded emphatically.


    Within the crowd.


    Ye Feng nced at the three heads that died with their eyes open. With a wave of his hand, he crushed them into minced meat, his gaze icy to the extreme: "Xiao Yi? Hmph, no matter your background, if you cannot be of use to the Great Prince, then you have only one path left ¨C death!"


    ......


    In the marsnds.


    Xiao Yi moved across the swamp as smoothly as drifting clouds and flowing water, his feet on ttened wooden boards, when suddenly, a piercing whooshing sound surrounded him.


    "Amitabha, Xiao, please stop!" a loud Buddhist chant came through.


    Dao Yuan appeared in front of him with four Golden Core Realm practitioners, and had even broken through to the Golden Elixir Realm himself.


    Five Golden Core figures, one of them a topless monk at the Four Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm.


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes as he stared at Dao Yuan, "So it''s you. How did you find me?"


    Dao Yuan pressed his palms together, reciting Buddhist scriptures with a smile, "Donor Xiao, you have a karmic connection with Buddha, naturally we would meet..."


    "Monk Dao Yuan, why waste words with him? Just kill him directly!" the burly bald-headed monk said gruffly.


    Dao Yuan bowed to him and said, "Brother Dao Kuang is right. Let us kill him now and send him to the Western Paradise to meet Buddha."


    Boom!


    All five Golden Core Realm experts made their move at once.


    "What the hell is going on? No matter where I run these past few days, these guys always catch up..."


    Xiao Yi, holding a Grade Four Yuan weapon and covering his arms with the Divine Skills of the weapon, fended off thebined assault from the five experts, but inwardly he was extremely annoyed.


    For two days...


    No matter where he ran, he was quickly found by the others.


    "Xiao Yi, just surrender yourself!"


    "Stop resisting in vain!"


    Dao Yuan joined his hands together, his appearance dignified, "Donor Xiao, surrender without a fight and let this monk transform you with the Buddhist Law."


    "Transform your grandpa¡­" Xiao Yi''s eyes zed red, staring daggers at Dao Yuan, and with a sweep of his sword, "Gentle Breeze and Fallen Leaves!"


    Swish!


    As the Sword Qi swept across, the ck mud of the swamp roiled into a massive torrent, like a wall of ck mud crushing everything in its path.


    "Buddha''s Palm!"


    Dao Yuan struck out with his palm, energy condensing above it, like a small mountain crashing downwards.


    Golden Core Realm experts could already harness some of the forces of heaven and earth, capable of moving mountains and diverting rivers with their actions.


    The mud wall shattered under the crushing Buddha''s Palm.


    Countless specks of ck mud shot out in all directions.


    Dao Yuan''s body revolved with Buddha''s light; stepping into the Golden Elixir Realm elevated hisbat power. "Brother Dao Kuang, hurry and help me!"


    "Mahavairocana Palm!"


    A figure of a Great Mahavairocana Buddha seemed to appear behind Dao Yuan as he struck down with his palm, delivering a world-ending blow.


    Dao Kuang wielded a magic wand, the ringing of the golden rings on it resonating loudly, "One strike to bring down the dragon!"


    Hum!


    Golden brilliance gathered around the wand, coiling like an angry dragon as it struck down towards Xiao Yi''s head.


    The attacks of the other three followed closely behind.


    Under the joint efforts of five Golden Elixir Realm experts, Xiao Yi was overwhelmed, and even though he had just broken through to the peak of the Shentong Realm, he still found it difficult to contend with all five masters at the same time.


    "Hahaha, Monk Dao Yuan, all five of you couldn''t take down Xiao Yi, isn''t that a bit too embarrassing?"


    "Shall we lend you a hand?"


    As Xiao Yi fought fiercely against the five Golden Cores, the sound of several figures tearing through the air could be heard from not far away.


    It was Ling Feng, the Heavenly Son Sword, and others who had also tracked him down.


    Over these past few days...


    Their hunt for Xiao Yi had never ceased, and in the previous few skirmishes, Xiao Yi managed to escape, even at the expense of several of their experts.


    This made the various forces take Xiao Yi even more seriously.


    Dao Kuang snorted coldly, "My Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple has its Buddhist Law to subdue him. The rest of you stand by and prevent his escape; that will suffice!"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Ling Fengughed heartily, "You''d better hurry up, Ye Feng is already on his way. If he arrives and you haven''t killed Xiao Yi, that head will be his!"


    The faces of Dao Kuang and the others shifted slightly.


    Ye Feng, Eighth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, second on the Teng Long List.


    Once he makes a move,


    Indeed, there will be nothing left for them to do!


    Dao Yuan said in a deep voice, "Brother monks, give it your all!"


    Out of the ten experts the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple sent this time, only five remained. The five Golden Cores spared nothing, employing their Buddhist and Taoist cultivation techniques together.


    Facing the overwhelming onught, Xiao Yi''s expression was grave, "I must fight quickly and decisively. If Ye Feng arrives, it will be difficult for me to leave!"


    With this thought,


    His gaze towards Dao Yuan and the others now carried a chilling streak of blood-red rainbow.


    In the previous encounters, Xiao Yi had always refrained from using the Fire Qilin Sword and the Blood Explosion Skill, given thetter''s severe side effects.


    But now...


    Xiao Yi, finding himself cornered, no longer held back.


    Whoosh!


    A fiery red light zed across the sky, and the Fire Qilin Swordnded in his right hand. A red glow suffused his body, appearing like a me king.


    Boom!


    The aura on Xiao Yi''s body surged violently.


    He directly burnt thirty percent of his blood, increasing his strength thirtyfold!


    Hiss!


    The expressions of Dao Kuang, Ling Feng, and the others, who had beenposed just a moment ago, changed drastically. A thirtyfold increase in strength was akin to Xiao Yi possessing, for a short time, the cultivation level equivalent of the Third Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm.


    With his first stage Sword Intent and the Fifth Grade Yuan Bing Fire Qilin Sword,


    Hisbat strength was enough to contend with the Sixth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm!


    "Sweeping a Thousand Armies!"


    With one sweeping strike of his sword,


    The Buddhist seals and martial techniques pushed forward by Dao Yuan and the others were instantly crushed into dust, the gold seals filling the sky, but the terrifying sword light never slowed for an instant.


    "Not good!"


    "Run!"


    The faces of Dao Yuan and the others changed rapidly as they turned to flee.


    But with Xiao Yi having burnt thirty percent of his blood, how could he let them go?


    "Chasing Stars and Moon!"


    "The Python Entwines the Tree!"


    One sword move after another filled the air, each strike iming a life.


    In the blink of an eye, only Dao Yuan was left.


    "No... don''t kill me..."


    His face filled with terror, he saw Xiao Yi advancing with sword in hand. Despair was written all over his face as he looked towards Ling Feng and the others not far away, "Ling Feng, save me..."


    Ling Feng, too, had snapped out of his shock and roared, "Xiao Yi, stop!"


    However...


    Before he could finish his sentence,


    Xiao Yi struck with his sword, splitting Dao Yuan in two.


    Ling Feng''s face twisted in fury, "You bastard, I told you to stop, how dare you kill!?"


    Xiao Yi nced sideways at Ling Feng, surrounded by a blood-colored aura, like a war god incarnate, and said coldly, "Who are you to obstruct me?"

 Chapter 86 Slay the Gods if They Block, Slay the Buddha if He Blocks!

    Xiao Yi sneered coldly, "And who are you to stop me?"


    Facing Xiao Yi''s rebuke, Ling Feng''s face suddenly turned extremely unsightly, and a sinister chill shed through his eyes.


    This Ling Feng was the top disciple of the Nine Profound Sect, with the cultivation at the Seventh Layer of the Golden Core Realm.


    Among the young generation of Tianqing Kingdom, he was ranked in the top five, and even the Crown Prince and others were amiable towards him.


    When had he ever been rebuked in such a manner?


    Ling Feng snorted coldly, flinging his hand dismissively, "You''re no better than a dog; I wouldn''t even need to lift a finger personally to kill you. Is Li Xian avable?"


    "Brother Ling!"


    Li Xian stepped forward with a fist and palm salute, standing in front of him.


    Ling Feng snorted coldly, pointing his sword at Xiao Yi, "Break his limbs, destroy his dantian, and make him kneel before me!"


    "Yes!"


    Li Xian responded with a salute.


    His body shook, and in his hand appeared a gold-iid Heavenly Treasure Hammer, a Fourth Grade Yuan weapon forged from a thousand-year Fire Cloud Stone, weighing thirteen hundred pounds.


    As he brandished it, the air roared like a tiger.


    His strength was boundless, capable of splitting mountains and crushing stones.


    Li Xian''s cultivation was not to be underestimated, at the Fifth Layer of the Golden Core Realm, he was ranked tenth on the Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List!


    Thud!n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The gold-iid Heavenly Treasure Hammer mmed fiercely into the ground, sending tremors through the earth as if it were shaking. The sh of his palm and the hammer''s handle emitted a piercing ng, and his eyes, wide like bull''s eyes and red asnterns, sneered, "Within three moves, your head will be mine!"


    A surrounding group of strong fighters nodded silently to themselves, "True to his nickname, ''Little Overlord'' Li Xian, he''s quite domineering!"


    "Li Xian follows the Overlord''s path¡ªcaring for none and fearing nothing. He is an expert in the Overlord Hammer Skill; it''s said that to date, no one has seen him use the fourth move..."


    "And why is that?"


    "Because... no one can withstand his first three!"


    "Doesn''t that mean Xiao Yi is as good as dead?"


    The looks from the crowd towards Xiao Yi were filled with both pity and schadenfreude.


    At that moment...


    Li Xian''s offensive was already upon him. Clenching the gold-iid Heavenly Treasure Hammer in his hands, he swung it with the wind, his ck hair iling wildly, "Overlord Hammer Skill, first move¡ªOverlord Unmatched!"


    Boom!


    The shadow of the hammer crashed down from the sky, creating consecutive afterimages as it fell overhead.


    Xiao Yi''s pupils abruptly contracted as blood surged around him, and with the Fire Qilin Sword in hand, he blocked the blow above his head. With a ng, his figure jolted violently, and the ground beneath his feet burst open with thunderous noise.


    Sand flew, and rocks scattered as the strike emptied the air.


    "Take my second hammer!"


    Worthy of the ''Little Overlord'', Li Xian was quick to follow his first hammer with a second, "Overlord Lifting a Cauldron!"


    Hum!


    The gold-iid Heavenly Treasure Hammer in his hands suddenly twirled, emitting an unsettling hum. As it spun, the hammer burst forth with blinding light, whipping up a fierce gale.


    This gale swept up.


    Like an invisible giant hand, it forcibly lifted Xiao Yi into the air, toward the sky.


    Li Xian leaped high, catching up to Xiao Yi in an instant, raising the heavy hammer in his hands, with ferociousness in his eyes. His face twisted wildly, "Overlord Stripping Armor!"


    Boom!


    This hammer was thrown with all his might.


    As it plummeted from the sky, it headed straight for Xiao Yi''s head.


    In the furious whirlwind, Xiao Yi, hanging in midair, could not escape. If hit, his head would surely shatter, it was a certain death.


    At the critical moment...


    Xiao Yi let out a cold huff, and the fourthyer of Blood Explosion Skill erupted forth.


    Blood surged around his body, his eyes as cold as twinkling stars, focusing all his strength into one sword strike, "Life! Taking!"


    This was the strongest move of the "Life-Chasing Soul Sword," and could only be performed by someone at the Golden Core Realm.


    Life Taking!


    To seize the life of an enemy!


    Whoosh!


    The tip of the sword condensed into a point, a cold gleam cut through the air, like a fiery meteor. With an explosive roar, it struck the gold-iid Heavenly Treasure Hammer, and a crisp crack echoed as the hammer shattered violently.


    "What?"


    Li Xian''s face showed disbelief as he watched the hammer''s fragments fly backwards through the air.


    A cold gleam, tinged with the blood of the world.


    Thump!


    The sword prated Li Xian''s forehead.


    Both men hit the ground.


    Xiao Yi immediately bounced off the ground, while Li Xian''s head hit the ground and exploded with a thud, his headless body lying in a pool of blood. The crowd looked on in shock, "Xiao Yi won?"


    "What just happened? How could Xiao Yi suddenly unleash such a powerful force?"


    "Little Overlord Li Xian has been killed? Xiao Yi is just at the Peak of the Shentong Realm, how, how terrifyingly talented must he be..."


    Xiao Yi''s eyes were a blood red, and with a leap, he charged into the stunned crowd.


    He had now burnt forty percent of his blood, and his body was shrouded in a bright red glow like a fountain, using the explosively increased power to ughter wildly!


    "Chasing Stars and Moons!"


    "Sweeping through a Thousand Armies!"


    "Spirit Chasing... Life Seizing..."


    Xiao Yi''s sword was one meant for killing; with every life the Fire Qilin Sword imed, its de grew only brighter, the Qilin scales and patterns bing more defined, its light dazzling.


    Pu pu pu!


    With each sweeping stroke, heads were sent flying into the air.


    "Run for it!"


    "Don''t kill me, I... I was just watching the excitement..."


    "Save me..."


    In an instant.


    The number of strong warriors that Xiao Yi had in had already surpassed ten. The Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple was wiped out, nearly all of the twenty royal family members were dead, only less than ten strong men from the Royal Martial Arts Academy remained, and the Nine Profound Sect had only Ling Feng left.


    Only the Heavenly and Earthly Sword Brothers remained from Mingjian Manor.


    At this moment...


    Blocking Xiao Yi''s path were the Heavenly and Earthly Sword Brothers, but even with theirbined force, they could not withstand Xiao Yi. The piercing sword''s edge whooshed by, striking both men and sending them flying.


    The Heavenly Son Sword''splexion changed, and he bellowed, "Earthly Son Sword,bine our swords!"


    "All right!"


    The Earthly Son Sword shifted his form, spinning like a top. However... the Heavenly Son Sword, who should have joined him in abined attack, spun around and dashed towards Ling Feng instead.


    Only the Earthly Son Sword remained to face Xiao Yi alone.


    "Heavenly Son Sword... you motherf..."


    With a face full of despair, the Earthly Son Sword turned back to look at Xiao Yi, "Don''t kill me¡­"


    Thud!


    The edge of the sword swept past.


    The Earthly Son Sword''s head was removed, his face a picture of despair.


    With a surge of blood, Xiao Yi dashed forward, leaving trails of ck mud in his wake as he approached the Heavenly Son Sword.


    Ling Feng''s face hardened with anger as he roared, "Stop!"


    "What are you? Get lost!" Xiao Yi sneered, his sword pointed at the Heavenly Son Sword.


    "Seeking death!"


    Ling Feng''s face grew dark, and with a pointing finger he invoked, "Destruction Finger!"


    Hum!


    The light from his finger was unparalleled.


    Xiao Yi swept his sword across, at the same time bellowing, "Get out of my way!"


    Bang!


    The dazzling aura of the giant Qi Finger collided with the Sword Qi, resulting in absolute suppression. With a roar, it shattered the sword light and then mmed into Xiao Yi.


    A mouthful of fresh blood sprayed from his mouth.


    Ling Feng coldly said, "You''re no match for me. Resist again, and I''ll cut you down right here!"


    "Get lost!"


    Xiao Yi bellowed in rage, burning another ten percent of his blood, increasing his strength tenfold. But having already burnt fifty percent of his blood, his face was pale as death, even dizzy.


    But Xiao Yi could no longer care about that.


    His eyes glowing red, he roared, "Today, I wish to y my enemies! Whoever dares to block my path, I''ll kill them!"


    If gods block me, I will y gods!


    If Buddhas block me, I will ughter Buddhas!


    Xiao Yi''s sword cut through the air; under the disbelieving gaze of the Heavenly Son Sword, he bisected him. Then, turning around and channeling all his strength, he unleashed his strongest strike, "Life... Seizing!"


    This strikended directly on Ling Feng.


    Qi surged around Ling Feng, forming Qi shields in front of him.


    But in the face of Xiao Yi''s deadly strike, the Qi shields burst apart, and with a loud bang, it hit Ling Feng.


    Wow!


    Ling Feng was sent flying backward, blood streaming from his seven orifices. He sported a horrendous sword wound across his chest. The wound was bone-deep, covered in blood. Xiao Yi was about to follow up on his attack,


    Just as he was about to strike,


    He saw in the distance a terrifying aura rapidly approaching. Xiao Yi''s pupils suddenly constricted, "Ye Feng?"


    "Xiao Yi, your death is certain..."


    Ling Feng, dragging his heavily wounded body, rushed toward Ye Feng, shouting, "Ye Feng, Xiao Yi is here, kill him now!"


    "I''ll spare your dog''s life today, but I''lle for itter!"


    Xiao Yi gave Ling Feng a cold look, then turned and in an instant, vanished into the thick miasma and mist above the swamp...

 Chapter 87 Immortals, Demons, Ghosts, and Gods All Listen

    Xiao Yi did not know how long he had run.


    He had long left the swamp and entered a grey and hazy mountain range.


    Between the towering peaks, a raging river cut across thendscape, its giant waves crashing against the shore''s chaotic rocks and cliffs, sending up sprays of white foam.


    The bloody light on his body had grown increasingly dim, a sign that the power surge from the Blood Explosion Skill was rapidly fading, and once this energy was depleted.


    Xiao Yi would also faint from excessive blood loss and weakness.


    After all.


    He had consumed a full fifty percent of his blood!


    "To think that so many people couldn''t kill you, you really do have arge life!" In the midst of his frantic escape, a cold voice made Xiao Yi''s whole body shudder.


    He looked toward the source of the voice.


    About a dozen meters ahead of him stood Zhang Tianyi, in flowing white garments, arms crossed and a yful look on his face.


    "Zhang Tianyi?" Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes.


    Zhang Tianyi''s face was full of amusement as he sized Xiao Yi up and down, his eyes burning with passion: "Peak Divine Skills, capable of bursting forth with powerparable to the Sixth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm in an instant, this must be the secret technique you brought from the Xiao Family, right?"


    The Xiao Family of the Great Qian Dynasty, a family now extremely hot in the Heavenly Yuan Realm.


    The name of the Xiao Family was astonishingly well-known.


    In Zhang Tianyi''s eyes, the only way Xiao Yi could possess such a powerful secret technique was thanks to the gifted Xiao Tianjiao of the Xiao Family.


    Xiao Yi squinted his eyes, feeling a chill surge up his back: "Have you been watching the whole time?"


    He had never expected that during the previous battle, Zhang Tianyi had been spying on the sidelines?


    If Zhang Tianyi had made a move then, wouldn''t he be on a path with no return?


    Zhang Tianyi nodded, smiling slightly: "I have been there since you fought with Dao Yuan and the others. I was nning to kill you, but after seeing the secret technique you used, I changed my mind!"


    With the power of the Eighth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, Zhang Tianyi could have easily killed Xiao Yi had he taken action.


    But after witnessing Xiao Yi y Dao Kuang with the Blood Explosion Skill, boosting his strength by dozens of times, he changed his mind.


    He had followed Xiao Yi until he left, tailing him all along, with the sole aim of seizing this secret technique for himself!


    If he could master such a technique, he even had the confidence to contend with the powerhouses of the Tao Tribtion Realm!n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Zhang Tianyi spoke unhurriedly, "Simply hand over the secret technique you used, and I can spare you your life!"


    Xiao Yi sneered, "Want my secret technique? Go ask King Yama for it in hell!"


    Boom!


    The bloody light around Xiao Yi was dazzling, as if he were a blood-colored War God holding the Fire Qilin Sword and cutting across the sky.


    A bloody wave swept across Changkong.


    The sharp edge of the sword aura seemed to tear apart space itself, cleaving through mountains and rivers.


    Zhang Tianyi coldly smiled and with a flick of his finger, a "thud" shattered the terrifying sword wave. At the same time, with a casual flick of his finger, a terrifying wave of energy surged forth, hitting Xiao Yi with a loud bang.


    Xiao Yi trembled all over, the bloody light around him faded substantially, and his face grew even paler. He struggled to stand up, but spat out a mouthful of fresh blood, stumbled, and was about to fall when his body abruptly stopped.


    His eyes were filled with rage, and his hands clutched at his throat desperately.


    Zhang Tianyi, with one hand in the air, making a gesture as though grabbing something, summoned an invisible force that formed a hand and tightly gripped Xiao Yi''s neck, lifting him: "Killing you is like crushing an ant. If you don''t want to die, hand over the secret technique obediently!"


    At that moment...


    A chilling voice suddenly rang out, apanied by a surging tide of energy, which with a bang, shattered Zhang Tianyi''s energy hand: "Xiao Yi is prey favored by the crown prince, do you also dare to snatch food from the tiger''s mouth?"


    "Ye Feng?"


    Zhang Tianyi raised his eyebrows, then with a wave of his hand, he grabbed Xiao Yi again, "If Jiang Shanhe were here, I might fear him a bit, but you think you can stop me?"


    "I''ve wanted to test my skills against you for a while now!"


    Ye Feng''s expression was stone cold as his iron fist cleaved through the air; ck Qi condensed into thousands of red leaves, swirling and forming a massive red wave that furiously rolled toward Zhang Tianyi.


    The impact of their attacks was earth-shattering.


    And their strength was evenly matched.


    For a time, neither could gain the upper hand over the other; instead, it was Xiao Yi who repeatedly suffered from the aftershocks of their strikes, his injuries growing more severe.


    "One leaf signals theing of autumn!"


    "A sliver of sky!"


    The two struck simultaneously, and two terrifying energies collided, creating a force that could destroy heaven and earth,pletely annihting a small mountain.


    Xiao Yi''s figure was sent flying once again, he came within a hair''s breadth of the surging, never-ending river.


    "Indeed worthy of being a paramount existence in the Tian Kingdom!" A grave expression spread across Ye Feng''s face.


    Zhang Tianyi snorted coldly and said with sped hands, "The feeling''s mutual!"


    Ye Feng said, "Zhang Tianyi, neither of us can do anything to the other, but Xiao Yi is the prey coveted by the crown prince. This man has transformed from the Physical Body Realm into a strengthparable to the Golden Core Realm in just half a year; he is an asset that the crown prince is determined to possess!"


    Discover stories at empire


    "What? Are you saying he advanced from the Physical Body Realm to his current strength in just half a year?" Zhang Tianyi was taken aback and asked incredulously.


    Half a year!


    Even though they were also considered prodigies, it would be good if they could break through one or two minor realms in half a year.


    Xiao Yi had crossed the Physical Body, Qi Gathering, and Divine Skills realms?


    Zhang Tianyi''s gaze toward Xiao Yi was filled with burning desire as he said solemnly, "Ye Feng, I do not wish to be enemies with Jiang Shanhe, but the secrets Xiao Yi holds are far too important. I absolutely cannot let them go. What do you say we share his secrets?"


    "Share?" Ye Feng was taken aback.


    Zhang Tianyi nodded, speaking coldly, "If you take him back to Jiang Shanhe, the secrets you end up with won''t be yours. But if you and I obtain all his secrets here, then how he broke through three realms in half a year, and how he, at the peak of Divine Skills, possesses fighting strengthparable to the fiveyers of the Golden Core Realm, will be our secrets¡­"


    Huff-puff!


    Huff-puff!


    Ye Feng''s breathing became heavy, and his blood-red tongue licked his lips. He focused and said, "But what if he doesn''t talk?"


    "Not talk?"


    Zhang Tianyi sneered viciously, "If he stays silent for one moment, I will cripple his cultivation; two moments, I''ll break his meridians. Three moments of silence, I''ll cut off his limbs... If he still doesn''t talk, doesn''t he have a wife? We''ll capture her. If he stays silent for a moment, I''ll find ten men; two moments, I''ll find a hundred men... Let''s see if he talks then!"


    Ye Feng gulped down a mouthful of saliva, his gaze filled with pity as he looked at Xiao Yi and chuckled wickedly, "Xiao Yi, you can only me yourself for offending those you shouldn''t have!"


    "I... I offended your mother!"


    Xiao Yi, who had finally regained his senses, struggled to his feet, every word of their conversation not missing his ears. His eyes were filled with bloody ferocity. Gritting his teeth, he growled, "Ye Feng, Zhang Tianyi, and Jiang Shanhe... I, Xiao Yi, have never intentionally provoked you, yet you seek to push me toward death at every turn."


    Boom!


    With one step, Xiao Yi moved, and icy coldness glinted in his eyes as he spoke with deliberate emphasis, "I, Xiao Yi, swear here today, if I do not die, I will drench Tian in blood and ughter my way through the Royal Martial Arts Institute!"


    "This vow, witnessed by the sun and the moon, acknowledged by heaven and earth!"


    "Let gods and demons alike listen..."


    The rumble of thunder!


    In the void, there seemed to be thunder tearing the sky apart, lightning shing across the heavens!


    The murderous intent in his oath and the bloodlust in Xiao Yi''s eyes sent chills down their spines, leaving them exchanging looks of shock.


    It was as if they had truly seen a terrifying demon god, wielding a sword, stepping through the Royal Martial Arts Academy, shattering the Tian Kingdom, and ying its rising stars!


    "Not good!"


    "Stop him..."


    The two were jolted, but then they saw Xiao Yi leap into the rapid river. Thunder roared, and silver lightning illuminated his fiercely cold face. Yet even under the mor of thunder, Xiao Yi''s voice was crystal clear, "Keep your filthy lives, wait for me to im them!"

 Chapter 88 Nothing can be accomplished without norms or standards, to destroy in order to establish!

    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Huge waves churned within the river, and the surging tides threw up a sky full of white mist against the banks.


    Xiao Yi''s figure was swallowed up by the river water in an instant, disappearing without a trace, while Ye Feng and Zhang Tianyi stood by the riverbank and pursued downstream.


    After chasing for over thirty miles, Xiao Yi''s whereabouts were still nowhere to be found.


    "Over thirty miles, even at our peak, survival would not be possible..."


    "Damn it, one misstep leads to eternal regret! How could the two of us not have been on guard for Xiao Yi jumping into the river? What do we do now?"


    Naturally, the two men weren''t grieving over the death of a rabbit or the sorrow of a fox¡ªthey werementing Xiao Yi''s passing.


    They were simply regretting that they were unable to extract the many secrets from Xiao Yi.


    Ye Feng spoke in a heavy voice, "It''s better that he''s dead!"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Before his mind shed the words Xiao Yi had said before jumping into the river, that even gods and demons must listen, what an overbearing aura. Even gods and demons were to obey hismands, abide by his vows. Discover hidden content at empire


    Zhang Tianyi fell into silence for a moment, his eyes cold with a hint of gloom: "Even if he not dead, what is there to fear? If we could kill him once, we can kill him a second time!"


    "Enough!"


    Ye Feng took a deep breath and looked towards the depths of the secret realm, "The ancient tomb is right ahead, we should hurry and head over there!"


    The two men immediately left.


    ...


    The river water was turbulent, like a raging dragon tossing and turning.


    Downstream from where Xiao Yi had jumped into the river, a hundred miles away, there was a waterfall.


    Rumble!


    The waterfall cascaded down three thousand feet, the massive column of water like an angry dragon falling from the sky, mming viciously into the pool below, sending waves hundreds of meters high into the air.


    All of a sudden...


    Xiao Yi was washed away by the swift river water, plummeting from the waterfall. The fall was three thousand feet high, and if he were to crash into the pool, it would surely be a dead end.


    But at this critical juncture.


    A crack sounded from his embrace, followed by a small figure surrounded by a faint silver glow that wrapped around Xiao Yi, its silver light turning into a silver sphere.


    Shielding Xiao Yi''s body, it smashed into the pool with a thud.


    Then the silver figure twisted its body, carrying Xiao Yi deep into the bottom of the pool. In the pitch-ck depths, hundreds of meters down, suddenly there was a light.


    The silver figure, taking Xiao Yi with it, dived right in.


    In the quiet cavern within.


    Suddenly, bubbles burst forth from the crystal-clearke, popping the moment they surfaced, with a streak of silver light shing up.


    It was the silver snake, clutching Xiao Yi as it surged out from the water.


    Both man and serpentnded on thekeshore.


    The silver snake wove around Xiao Yi''s chest, sensing the life force within him growing fainter and fainter. Determination and an almost human resolve shed in the snake''s eyes. Opening its mouth, it revealed two needle-like fangs.


    Pff!


    It struck right above Xiao Yi''s heart.


    Thump! Thump!


    Xiao Yi''s heartbeat suddenly became rapid and powerful. His pale face flushed with color, but the silver snake seemed listless,zily sprawled on his chest, asionally lifting its head with a human-like worry in its eyes.


    In the darkness.


    A magnificent voice, like thunder rolling across the sky, shook the heavens, its sound captivating all realms: "Without destruction, there can be no establishment..."


    "Only through destruction can there be renewal!"


    Inside Xiao Yi, the God Sealing Seed suddenly boomed, and the power of God Sealing fell like oil onto the fire of hope: "I am a General whomands the heavens, destined to battle against the heavens and earth, to seal gods and suppress demons, invincible in all the world..."


    Rumble!


    In the darkness before Xiao Yi, a sun appeared, its radiant light expelling vast swaths of darkness.


    Boom!


    The dark world violently burst apart.


    At the same time...


    Xiao Yi''s eyes suddenly snapped open, and in his mind emerged a path, his path of martial arts, the path of the invincible!


    Almost at the very moment Xiao Yi grasped this path of the invincible, in the deepest part of the ancient Eternal Tomb, among the nine pyramid-like tombs, the one on the far left trembled violently.


    But it was quickly suppressed by the might of the Eternal Tomb!


    Golden light circted around Xiao Yi, and inside him, the God Sealing Seed came to life, as countless forces of God Sealing surged out, converging at his dantian.


    The cyclone condensed, spinning wildly, and at the same time, it rapidly shrank.


    Eventually, it turned into a ck pill the size of a walnut.


    "With me, invincible!"


    Xiao Yi''s countenance was dignified, and amid a cold shout, the power of the God Sealing Seed frantically assaulted the ck pill. Amid the crisp cracking sounds, the dark shell of the ck pill shattered, breaking away piece by piece.


    A strand of golden light brought forth patches of golden rainbows.


    Finally, it transformed into a walnut-sized Golden Core, floating in the center of his dantian.


    Xiao Yi''s cultivation officially entered the Golden Core Realm!


    Above this Golden Core, a golden ring slowly emerged, indicating the First Layer of the Golden Core Realm. The ring was inscribed with profound and mysterious runes, exuding an ancient and vicissitudinous oppression.


    Sssss!


    The silver snake in his embrace shrank in fear, curling up in Xiao Yi''s arms, basking in the golden light. Its body, originally pure silver, slowly gained threads of gold.


    Boom!


    The vital energy of the First Layer of the Golden Core Realm within Xiao Yi surged wildly into the God Sealing Seed, like a vast ocean pouring into rivers,pletely activating each and every God Sealing Seed.


    Two thousand.


    Two thousand five hundred.


    Three thousand...


    The number soared to five thousand before finally stopping.


    The force of the five thousand God Sealing Seeds converging turned back into his body. After stepping into the Golden Core Realm, this power from the seeds became even stronger!


    With Xiao Yi''s current First Layer of the Golden Core Realm cultivation, even without using the Blood Explosion Skill, he could easily vanquish a practitioner of the Fourth Layer of the Golden Core Realm.


    "Five thousand God Sealing Seeds, should be enough to inherit his legacy, right?" Xiao Yi''s eyes shone.


    The breakthrough to the Golden Core Realm and the devouring of Xina''s heaven and earth vital energy alleviated the weakness caused by his excessive blood loss.


    Xiao Yi''s figure shed as he entered the Eternal Tomb.


    His eyes sharpened, falling upon the tomb that buried the Sword Demon Dugu, his eyes brimming with an eager fighting spirit, and Sword Intent surged forth like mad: "Suppress!"


    Hum!


    Between his palms, a "Suppress" character inscription fell like a towering mountain.


    Rumble!


    The entire tomb exploded with a st.


    A man dressed in green robes, tall and straight like a pine, with pride like a sword, stood with his hands behind his back. His eyes were as sharp as sword edges, forbidding others to look directly. His gaze rested on Xiao Yi.


    An earth-shaking Sword Intent soared to the heavens.


    The number one expert of the Blue Star Realm, Sword Demon Dugu, became the sword, and the sword became him, reaching the realm where man and sword were one.


    He pointed a single finger, yet it seemed as if a divine sword hung in the sky!


    This sword shone with thousands of glimmers, like a great sun towering in the sky, shing down towards Xiao Yi.


    "im... Life!"


    God Sealing force around Xiao Yi condensed into a sky-piercing sharp sword. This sword, like a meteor tearing through the sky, collided fiercely with another sword light. It was a sh of needlepoint against wheat, with terrifying power spreading in all directions.


    He did not use the power of the God Sealing force to overpower the Sword Demon Dugu; instead, he chose sword against sword!


    This was the dignity and pride of a swordsman!


    Clink clink ng!


    Sword techniques collided, and the two fought countless exchanges.


    Xiao Yi''s sword moves constantly evolved, while the Sword Demon Dugu simply swung his sword in the simplest manner. No sophisticated sword techniques were used, yet they contained the essence of the great way.


    The sword follows the heart.


    Truly powerful swordsmen rely not on sword techniques, but on Sword Intent!


    Everything moves with the heart.


    Where the thought goes, the sword edge follows!


    With this realization,


    Xiao Yi no longer used sword techniques, but simply wielded his sword against his opponent, the duel flowing like clouds and water, bing more and more proficient. After a bout, without any hesitation and devoid of any sword technique, Xiao Yi swung his sword.


    Pff!


    With that sword, he cut off a strand of Sword Demon Dugu''s hair.


    The Sword Demon Dugu startled, a meaningful smile spread across his face, his figure flickered, and he turned into a ray of light that entered into the God Sealing Seed, transforming into an aloof silhouette standing with hands behind his back, gazing up at the sky.


    At the same time...


    Xiao Yi''s mind received the life-long sword understanding of Sword Demon Dugu. His Sword Intent reached a new level, attaining the state where the sword follows the heart!


    Beyond that.


    There was also a set of sword techniques known as the "Solitary Nine Swords"!


    If measured by the standards of this era, this set of sword techniques would be considered a high-grade fourth-tier technique. Whenbined with the second phase of Sword Intent, where the sword follows the heart, it would beparable to a fifth-tier sword technique!


    "The First Layer of the Golden Core Realm, second phase of Sword Intent, aided by the ''Solitary Nine Swords''. With my currentbat power, even without the Blood Explosion Skill, I should be able to kill someone at the Fifth Layer of the Golden Core Realm."


    A hint of anticipation appeared on Xiao Yi''s face: "Ye Feng, Zhang Tianyi, clean your necks and wait for me..."

 Chapter 89 Martial Dao Divine Fruit

    Hiss hiss!


    Xiao Yi stopped mid-sentence as the silver snake poked its head out, flicking its scarlet tongue, while its amber eyes fixed on Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi was momentarily stunned, then he remembered the moment he had jumped into the river earlier, when the beast egg in his arms had cracked and hatched this little creature.


    It was this very creature that had dragged him into the deep waters, allowing him to avoid being pursued and killed by Ye Feng and Zhang Tianyi.


    It had also led him to this cave.


    And at a critical moment, it had bitten him, infusing life force into his body.


    "Little guy, thank you for saving me!" Xiao Yi rubbed the head of the silver snake.


    The little snake nuzzled against Xiao Yi''s palm willingly, winding along his hand and climbing onto his shoulder, flicking its tongue, its eyes filled with worry and inquiry.


    Xiao Yi was taken aback, the little fellow seemed quite human-like. He smiled and said, "I''m fine, don''t worry!"


    This time, disaster had turned into a blessing.


    The continuous battles,bined with the explosion of the Blood Explosion Skill, had taken his already Peak of the Divine Ability Realm cultivation to the next level, stepping into the Golden Core Realm.


    Within the dantian.


    That golden-yellow Golden Core bobbed and drifted, surrounded by a golden halo.


    In the Tenth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, one revolution of the Golden Core indicated oneyer.


    With each rise in realm, an additional halo would appear, and now, he had also acquired the Sword Demon Dugu''s lifelong understanding of the sword, along with the Solitary Nine Swords and the second stage of Sword Intent, where the sword follows the heart. Readtest stories on empire


    Xiao Yi''s strength had now made a dramatic advance.


    Hiss hiss!


    The silver snake slithered swiftly to the ground, moving forward a certain distance before turning back to look at Xiao Yi. Xiao Yi, surprised, asked, "Are you asking me to follow you?"


    Hiss hiss!


    The silver snake nodded.


    Xiao Yi followed it.


    A man and a snake, moving farther and farther within the dim cave.


    Drip drop drip drop!


    The entire cave was deathly silent, with only the sound of water droplets echoing, adding a somber tone. The faint silver light emitted by the silver snake lit up the ground, with Xiao Yi closely following.


    The silver snake ahead suddenly stopped, spinning in ce and making urgent hissing noises.


    Xiao Yi, startled, approached and saw that right at the spot where the silver snake was circling, there was a corpse. The corpse had been covered by thick soil and stones, but as the silver snake continued to move, it brushed away the earthen cover, revealing its true face.


    "This is..." Xiao Yi stepped forward to investigate.


    The body had been dead for a long time, leaving only a skeleton.


    But it was this very skeleton that made Xiao Yi''s face turn pale with shock.


    Within the skeleton was a fist-sized, emerald-green fruit.


    "The Martial Dao Divine Fruit? How is this possible?" Xiao Yi picked up the green fruit, confirmed it was real, and an astonished look spread across his face.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The Martial Dao Divine Fruit.


    This was the Dao Fruit that formed within a martial artist after they broke through to the Tao Tribtion Realm!


    If such a Martial Dao Divine Fruit were to appear in the outside world, it would certainly cause a bloodbath, because one such fruit represented a Tao Tribtion Realm powerhouse!


    At the peak of the Golden Elixir, refining a single Martial Dao Divine Fruit would allow one to step into the Cmity Realm.


    Of course...


    There are downsides to consuming this fruit to enter the Cmity Realm, as it will make further breakthroughs much more difficult. However, for the vast majority of the strong, reaching the Cmity Realm is something they can only dream of.


    It''s just that...


    How could the body of a Tao Tribtion Realm expert appear here?


    Moreover, looking at the body, all the bones were shattered, obviously killed by someone who brutally broke all their bones.


    Hiss hiss!


    A silver snake brought a storage ring to Xiao Yi''s palm, and with a drop of blood, Xiao Yi made the ring recognize him as its master. However, inside the ring was merely an empty space with only a parchment scroll.


    Xiao Yi focused his gaze, and as he looked, his pupils suddenly dted, "If someone sees this letter, then it proves I am already dead. I do not know how long it has been, perhaps people have already forgotten my name. I am Wang Tianqi, the first headmaster of the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy of Tianqing Kingdom. However..."


    As Xiao Yi read on, the shock and astonishment on his face intensified.


    This Tao Tribtion Realm powerhouse turned out to be the founder of Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, a genuine Tao Tribtion Realm expert. Xiao Yi had heard of him from Gu Junhe, it could be said that Tianqi Martial Arts Academy''s rise and fall were both because of Wang Tianqi!


    It was precisely because Wang Tianqi was stationed there that the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy could be the number one martial arts academy of Tianqing Kingdom.


    But over five hundred years ago...


    Wang Tianqi mysteriously vanished, and from then on, the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy began to decline, and now has but a few disciples left.


    Xiao Yi had never imagined that Wang Tianqi would appear here, and ording to the parchment scroll, over five hundred years ago, Wang Tianqi and two other Tao Tribtion Realm powerhouses from Tian Kingdom and Purple Robe Kingdom were abducted by a mysterious being.


    And the being that took them away only wanted them to build a tomb for him!


    To have Tao Tribtion Realm experts build his tomb, one could fathom how terrifying that being was!


    Surely he was a being of the Dharma Manifestation Realm, or perhaps even from the Longevity Secret Realm!


    At that time, the being promised that as long as theypleted the tomb, he would let them go, but Wang Tianqi was cautious and secretly dug a tunnel leading to the deepest part of the ancient tomb.


    He had intended to enter the ancient tombter on.


    But when the tomb waspleted, that being unexpectedly struck and killed the three of them, ensuring they would rest forever within the burial site.


    Wang Tianqi''s body was different from an ordinary person''s, and he did not die on the spot.


    He managed to escape the ancient tomb through the secret tunnel.


    But he died here soon after escaping, gravely injured. Before his death, he left this parchment scroll: "Lucky one, this parchment bears the secret tunnel route map I left behind... Even in death, I wish to see his tomb desecrated... Wang Tianqi''s final words!"


    Hiss!


    Xiao Yi stared at the parchment for a long time, unable to snap out of his reverie.


    Everyone thought this was the ancient tomb of a Tao Tribtion Realm expert, yet it was the tomb of a being suspected to be from the Dharma Manifestation Realm, or even the Longevity Secret Realm!


    "So it seems Zhou Yuan and the others did not find the real tomb; does that mean the true treasures of this ancient tomb are still intact? They merely took some trifling benefits?" Xiao Yi''s eyes gleamed as heughed heartily.


    Zhou Yuan and other experts at the Golden Elixir Realm Peak spent two months excavating the Secret Realm, thinking they had taken away the best treasures.


    They never imagined...


    What they got was merely trivial gains!


    Hiss hiss!


    The silver snake tilted its head, seemingly puzzled as to why Xiao Yi wasughing.


    Xiao Yi hugged the snake tightly and kissed it fiercely; if not for this little critter, he might never have discovered Wang Tianqi''s remains, nor obtained this parchment: "Little guy, you truly are my lucky star! It''s not good to keep calling you little guy, so considering your silver scales... from now on, I will call you Little Lin. How does Xiao Lin sound for a grand name?"


    Hiss hiss!


    Little Lin tilted its head,pletely baffled.


    Xiao Yi casually collected Wang Tianqi''s remains and Martial Dao Divine Fruit into his storage ring, preparing to take them out for a proper burial and to establish a memorial.


    Looking at the parchment in his hand, Xiao Yi flicked Little Lin''s head lightly, "Little Lin, let''s dig a grave!"


    A tomb of a Dharma Manifestation Realm, or even a Longevity Secret Realm expert!


    What exactly was inside?


    Xiao Yi''s heart was filled with curiosity and anticipation...

 Chapter 90 Killing with a Single Finger

    The routes marked on the parchment were extremely detailed.


    In just half a day, Xiao Yi had entered the main burial chamber. At each of the four corners of the main tomb was a greenntern that had been burning for at least five hundred years, judging by the time of Wang Tianqi''s disappearance.


    That they still shone brightly was truly astonishing!


    There were two corpses within the ancient tomb.


    They must have been martial artists from the Tao Tribtion Realm of the Tian Kingdom and the Purple Robe Kingdom, captured alongside Wang Tianqi to construct the ancient tomb, only to die right on this spot, unfortunately.


    Their Martial Dao Divine Fruitsy quietly within the skulls.


    Xiao Yi collected each of the Martial Dao Divine Fruits, "Just these three Martial Dao Divine Fruits are worth a fortune, I''m afraid they might be even more valuable than all the gains of Zhou Yuan and Gu the elder at the peak of the Golden Elixir Realm..."


    Just as Xiao Yi had thought...


    The treasures obtained by Zhou Yuan and Gu Junhe weren''t many. After all, the ancient tombs in the Tao Tribtion Realm outside were just a decoy, and all their treasuresbined couldn''tpare to a single Martial Dao Divine Fruit.


    Plus, as the peak Golden Elixir Realm martial artists divided the treasures among themselves, each person''s share was not significant.


    But Xiao Yi alone had obtained three Martial Dao Divine Fruits!


    What''s more important was...


    The most precious and mysterious thing in the entire burial ground was the bronze ancient coffin at the very center!


    The four corners of the bronze ancient coffin each had a divine beast statue, modeled after the images of The Four Divine Beasts: Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, ck Tortoise, supporting the ancient coffin.


    The coffin was covered with a myriad of mysterious runes, with strange patterns connected to each other, emitting a faint golden glow.


    Ancient, vicissitudes of time, heavy, solemn, mysterious!


    Little Lin shrunk in Xiao Yi''s arms, although this little guy had just been born, it already possessed the strengthparable to a third-order high-level demon beast.


    Definitely considered gifted!


    Its little eyes stared at the ancient coffin, gently flicking its tongue as if asking Xiao Yi what was inside.


    Xiao Yi rubbed Little Lin''s head and ced his hands on the bronze ancient coffin.


    ng!


    The lid of the coffin was suddenly flung open by him.


    A surge of golden light shot up into the sky, obscuring the entire tomb. When the light quietly dimmed, whaty within the ancient coffin was revealed before Xiao Yi.


    "This¡­"


    Xiao Yi was dumbfounded.


    Inside the ancient coffin, the burial wasn''t a corpse but a pitch-ck jade box, and surrounding the jade box were luminous, transparent stones that glittered with spiritual light.


    Spirit Stones!


    The word surfaced in Xiao Yi''s mind.


    These Spirit Stones, which could only form in spirit veins where the heavenly and earth''s essence was incredibly condensed, were categorized into lower, middle, upper, and top grades.


    But even the lowest grade Spirit Stone was worth a fortune!


    ording to what Xiao Yi knew, a single lower-grade Spirit Stone, if converted to gold coins, was worth a hundred thousand, and they were priceless!


    Besides the jade box in the ancient coffin, there were over a thousand lower-grade Spirit Stones, more than a hundred middle-grade ones, and even ten upper-grade ones!


    To put it bluntly...


    Just these Spirit Stones alone exceeded the gains of Zhou Yuan and others!


    "What''s inside this jade box?" Xiao Yi collected the Spirit Stones and held the jade box, attempting to discover its secrets.


    Yet, despite all his efforts, he couldn''t open it.


    "Topel an existence suspected from the Dharma Manifestation Realm, or even the Longevity Secret Realm, to abduct three martial artists from the Tao Tribtion Realm to construct a tomb and bury it, this cannot be an ordinary item! I''ll take it back and find a way to open itter!"


    Xiao Yi stored the jade box away.


    He sat cross-legged before the ancient coffin.


    He took out a lower-grade Spirit Stone and circted his mysterious arts as a stream of pure heavenly and earthly essence flowed into his body. This energy was vast and pure, immediately swallowed up.


    "No wonder all martial artists are so eager for Spirit Stones; this is indeed an excellent aid for cultivation!" Spirit Stones were the essence of heaven and earth condensed to the extreme, materialized into substance.


    The energy within was purer than that of the dantian and medicinal pills.


    Xiao Yi kept devouring them.


    A single lower-grade Spirit Stone was equivalent to ten days of arduous cultivation, and at Xiao Yi''s current level of cultivation, he could devour a lower-grade Spirit Stone in about half an incense stick''s time.


    One by one, the Spirit Stones in his hands were refined.


    Xiao Yi''s cultivation level also kept rising, and in the blink of an eye, seven days had passed. Xiao Yi had devoured more than a thousand lower-grade Spirit Stones.


    His cultivation level had broken through to the Four Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm!


    As the umted essence of the Four Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm surged wildly into the God Sealing Seed within his body, Xiao Yi''s God Sealing Seed gained another fifteen thousand seeds, reaching a total of twenty thousand!


    ```


    Twenty thousand God Sealing Seeds reflected the power of divinity, causing Xiao Yi''sbat strength to swell once again.


    With his current level ofbat strength...


    Even without using the Blood Explosion Skill, he can effortlessly crush a Seventh Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm expert, and when he exercises his full power, even an Eighth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm opponent might be a match!


    "The time is almost up; they should have entered the ancient tomb by now!" A cold gleam shed across Xiao Yi''s eyes.


    He then left the true main tomb ording to the secret passage indicated on the parchment.


    The exit of the main tomb turned out to be beneath the stele at the entrance to the false tomb.


    Only from the inside could the stele be flipped; from the outside, it gave away no signs at all. As Xiao Yi left the secret passage, the stele reverted to its original state.


    "This must be the false tomb designed to mislead the world. Judging by Ye Feng and their speed, they should be in here¡­" Standing at the entrance to the false tomb, Xiao Yi pondered for a moment before stepping inside.


    The tomb passage was long and narrow, with traps destroyed by brute force visible everywhere ¨C clearly the handiwork of Zhou Yuan and the others.


    He continued on his way.


    The scent of blood in the air grew stronger.


    Xiao Yi slowed his pace, spotting many corpses along the way, mostly from the Purple Robe Kingdom, causing him to frown: "Why are people from the Purple Robe Kingdom dying here?"


    Suddenly...


    Intense sounds of fighting came from ahead, and Yue Ling''er''s exasperated voice could be heard: "Ling Feng, how dare you kill my subordinates? Aren''t you afraid of my cousin punishing you for your crimes?"


    "Hehe, His Highness the Seventh Prince is strong and a powerful contender for the Crown Prince position, one who my Nine Profound Sect cannot afford to offend. However, a dead prince has no standing to punish me, right?" Ling Feng''s voice was smug and fearless.


    The Nine Profound Sect was already supporting the eldest prince.


    Now that Ye Feng and Zhang Tianyi had joined forces against Jiang Tai, putting him in danger of not being able to protect himself, Ling Feng naturally became even more brazen.


    Yue Ling''er, with her back against the rocky walls of the tomb passage, had a trace of crimson at the corner of her mouth, her eyes filled with despair: "Cousin... I told you not to seek revenge for Xiao Yi. You wouldn''t listen, and now look where we are... We''re all going to die here..."


    The moment Jiang Tai learned of Xiao Yi''s "death," he immediately sought out Ye Feng and fought him.


    But with Zhang Tianyi''s support, Ye Feng not only avoided death at Jiang Tai''s hands but instead the two of them teamed up to attack Jiang, forcing him into a retreat to the inside of the ancient tomb.


    Yue Ling''er intervened to help Jiang Tai, which resulted in the death of her own subordinates.


    And now, even she faced death at Ling Feng''s hands.


    "Time to depart!"


    With a malevolentugh, Ling Feng raised his hand, and the sharp de thrust straight at Yue Ling''er.


    It was at this critical juncture...


    A figure suddenly appeared in front of Yue Ling''er, and with a ng, Ling Feng''s fierce sword thrust was blocked.


    The tomb passage fell into dead silence, with not a sound to be heard.


    Yue Ling''er''s phoenix eyes opened slightly wide, herrge, watery eyes fluttering in shock. Ling Feng was ck-jawed, his sword firmly mped between two fair fingers, trapped and unable to advance or retreat!


    Both individuals stared at the figure before them in disbelief, uttering his name: "Xiao... Xiao Yi?"


    Xiao Yi slowly lifted his head, the corners of his mouth lifting as he looked at Ling Feng: "We meet again!"


    "You... you''re not dead?"


    Ling Feng drew in a sharp breath.


    Xiao Yi replied indifferently, "I''m not dead. Does that disappoint you?"


    "How could that be? Heh, I''m too pleased for words that you''re alive..."


    Ling Feng recovered from his initial shock, then sneered, "I was regretting not being able to kill you with my own hands. Now, you can go die!"


    Whoosh!


    Ling Feng''s weapon tore through the air, a mighty strike descending swiftly.


    "Be careful!"


    Yue Ling''er yelled out a warning.


    Yet Xiao Yi merely raised his hand and sent out a finger strike.


    Hum!


    That one finger, like the reemergence of a peerless divine sword in this world, shed with a ng against Ling Feng''s assault, then with a thud pierced Ling Feng''s brow.


    Thump!


    Ling Feng''s body shuddered, his face still twisted in ferocity, but now devoid of life!


    Hiss!


    Yue Ling''er inhaled sharply, speechless and with eyes wide open in astonishment.


    Ling Feng, a Sixth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm martial artist, had been killed by a single finger from Xiao Yi?


    ```N?v(el)B\\jnn

 Chapter 91 Ancestors and Clans

    Ling Feng was at the Golden Elixir Realm Sixth Layer Cultivation, serving as the chief top disciple of the Nine Profound Sect.


    Before this¡­


    Xiao Yi had to resort to the Blood Explosion Skill, burning thirty percent of his blood to contend against him, but now, having broken through to the Four Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, Xiao Yi needed only a flick of his fingers to y him.


    This was the enhancement ofbat power that came with a foundation in cultivation.


    Yue Ling''er stared in disbelief, unable toprehend what she was seeing in this young man before her.


    When they had first entered the secret realm,


    she had on multiple asions advised Jiang Tai to keep his distance from Xiao Yi, believing Xiao Yi''s cultivation to be unimpressive and only a harbinger of trouble that would undoubtedly drag Jiang Tai down.


    What she could never have anticipated was Xiao Yi''s growth to his current realm in the mere half-month since the opening of the secret realm.


    Gulp!


    Yue Ling''er swallowed hard, asking incredulously, "Xiao Yi, what exactly is your cultivation level?"


    She simply could not believe that just half a month ago, Xiao Yi was merely at the Peak of the Divine Ability Realm!


    Xiao Yi nced at her and said indifferently, "Fourth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm."


    Yue Ling''er fell silent for a moment before pressing, "Half a month ago, were you really just at the peak of the Divine Ability Realm?"


    Xiao Yi nodded.


    Hiss!


    Yue Ling''er sharply inhaled a breath of cold air.


    Half a month, from the Peak of the Divine Ability Realm to the Fourth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm?


    How terrifyingly fast was that?


    Even her brother, hailed as the first genius in the history of the Purple Robe Kingdom, couldn''t manage that!


    Surely no one from the eighteen kingdoms under the Great Qian Dynasty could possibly achieve that, could they?


    Except for that one¡­


    The idol of all the young people in the Great Qian Dynasty, Xiao Tianjiao, who also happened to be Yue Ling''er''s idol. Yue Ling''er looked intently at Xiao Yi and spoke in a grave voice, "Your surname is Xiao, could the rumors be true? Are you really from the Xiao Family of the Great Qian Dynasty? It''s only a family that produced a figure like Xiao Tianjiao that could manifest a miracle like yours¡­ breaking through four realms in half a month..."


    Xiao Yi gave her a cold look, the indifference and iciness in his eyes causing Yue Ling''er to shiver, as if she had fallen into an ice pit.


    Xiao Yi said coldly, "Where is Jiang Tai?"


    "Ah?"


    Yue Ling''er was taken aback, snapping back to reality and quickly saying, "Cousin, chased by Ye Feng and Zhang Tianyi, has probably already entered the main tomb by now. Hurry and help him!"


    Xiao Yi nodded and, with a sh, dashed wildly toward the depths of the tomb.


    ......


    Inside the main tomb.


    Jiang Tai, Zhang Tianyi, and Ye Feng stood clearly divided, with a massive coffin appearing before the trio. The coffin was suspended mid-air, tethered by three chains.


    The chains wrapped around the coffin, with bright red links and yellow talismans stered all over the coffin.


    An eerie ghostly aura pervaded, exceptionally terrifying!


    "The owner of this ancient tomb must be buried here!"


    Ye Feng said lightly, "Later, when the three of us join forces to open the coffin, the Martial Dao Divine Fruit is mine, and the rest of the treasures are yours!"


    Jiang Tai sneered, "Impossible!"


    Zhang Tianyi also had a nonchnt expression, "The Martial Dao Divine Fruit can''t possibly be yours."


    Ye Feng narrowed his eyes and said, "None of us can gain the upper hand over the others, and if we were to truly fight to the death, in the end, it would only benefit a third party."


    "What exactly are you trying to say?" Zhang Tianyi asked, frowning.


    Ye Feng said in a deep voice, "Let the three of us take turns attacking the coffin, and whoever opens it first gets the Martial Dao Divine Fruit. How about it?"


    After a moment of silence, they both nodded in agreement.


    Jiang Tai asked, "Who goes first?"


    Ye Feng said, "I have three sticks here, we could draw lots, with the length determining the order. The longest one goes first, the shortestst. How about that?"


    "Fine!"


    After drawing lots, Jiang Tai went first, followed by Zhang Tianyi, and then Ye Feng.


    Jiang Tai wielded a nine-ring great saber that gleamed with a silvery light, swinging the de down. With a humming sound, the silver saber light fell heavily on the coffin.


    Thud!


    The coffin shook violently, and the chains rattled loudly.


    Yet it did not open!


    Zhang Tianyi was the second to perform, wielding a long spear like a raging dragon sweeping the heavens,nding a blow on the coffin. The entire coffin shook violently, and strips of yellow talismans exploded off it.


    It still did not open.


    Zhang Tianyi, his face twisted with annoyance, red fiercely at Ye Feng, "Your turn!"


    Ye Feng''s mouth curled into a smirk, and with a casual toss, a bottle of blood-red liquid scattered forth.


    Hiss, hiss!


    The blood-red liquid stained the chains, from which plumes of ck smoke began to rise, corrosion eating away at the chains.


    With a loud boom, the three chains snapped in session, and the coffin crashed to the ground. The lid of the coffin had also opened a crack at that moment, and Ye Feng said with a smug face, "Sorry, this Martial Dao Divine Fruit is mine now!"


    "You... vile..." Zhang Tianyi red at Ye Feng venomously.


    That blood-red liquid was the blood of a creature known as the Corpse-Eating Worm, possessing extremely potent corrosive properties.


    Never had they imagined that Ye Feng held this trick up his sleeve.


    Jiang Tai snorted coldly, "People from the Royal Martial Arts Academy really have no shame."


    "To the victor go the spoils; whoeverughsst is the real winner. As for the means used, nobody will care!" Ye Feng jeered and walked towards the coffin.


    But just as he was about three meters away from the coffin, a cold snort suddenly resonated throughout the main tomb: "Who dares disturb my eternal slumber?"


    Hiss!


    The three of them¡ªYe Feng included¡ªtrembled all over, "Who?"


    They looked around, but saw no one at all.


    The cold voice came again: "I am within this coffin. Who dare disturbs me?"


    Within the coffin?


    They exchanged looks, shock written all over their faces.


    Was the being inside the coffin still alive?


    Ye Feng asked in a deep voice, "May I ask the elder''s name?"


    "I am of the ancestral Zong n!"


    "Ancestor Zong?"


    Ye Feng paused for a moment, then respectfully said, "I am Ye Feng, a junior. Unaware that Ancestor Zong rested here, I hope for your forgiveness!"


    "Hmph!"


    The cold voice came again, "If you seek my forgiveness, kneel down and kowtow ten times!"


    A cold light shed in Ye Feng''s eyes.


    The cold voice spoke again, "Should you satisfy me, why should I not pass on my lifetime''s inheritance to you?"


    Hiss!


    Ye Feng''splexion flushed.


    A lifetime''s inheritance?


    That was the inheritance of a Tao Tribtion Realm powerhouse!


    With this thought in mind.


    Ye Feng thudded to his knees, his head banging resoundingly against the ground, respect on his face: "Junior Ye Feng offers kowtows in apology to Elder Ancestor Zong!"


    "Um, those kowtows are loud and clear. It seems you have had plenty of practice with this!" The icy, authoritative voice suddenly turned mocking and familiar.


    Huh?


    Ye Feng was taken aback and looked up sharply, only to see Xiao Yi sitting atop the coffin, watching him with amusement.


    Ye Feng trembled all over, his eyes instantly bloodshot with rage, "Xiao Yi? You''re still alive?" He suddenly recalled that cold voice, "Was that you speaking earlier? It was not an elder from within the coffin?"


    "My dear grandson, how can you be so rude? Weren''t you calling me your ancestor so naturally just now?" Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow at Ye Feng, tauntingly asking.


    "You..."


    Ye Feng''s face instantly turned beet red, as if he had been pped dozens of times.


    He had knelt before Xiao Yi and kowtowed ten times, even calling him ancestor?


    That was humiliating to the extreme!


    Zhang Tianyi''s eyes were also narrowed as he stared fixedly at Xiao Yi. To him, the secrets on Xiao Yi''s person were far more valuable than the Martial Dao Divine Fruit. His sanguine tongue licked his lips, "Xiao Yi, I''m d you''re not dead. With the secrets on you, who needs the Martial Dao Divine Fruit anyway!"


    Ye Feng immediately looked at Zhang Tianyi, "Zhang Tianyi, let us join forces to take down this man!"


    "Good!"


    Zhang Tianyi nodded his head.


    "Humph, if you want to deal with Xiao, you''ll have to get past me first!" Jiang Tai snorted coldly, his face showing a genuine gleam of joy upon learning Xiao Yi was alive.


    With a sh, he positioned himself in front of Xiao Yi.


    Ye Feng narrowed his eyes, "Your Highness the Seventh Prince, you may be powerful, but any one of us can contain you. The other can then deal with Xiao Yi, you won''t be able to stop us!"


    Before Jiang Tai could respond.


    Xiao Yi''s voice came from behind him, "Brother Jiang, just watch from the sidelines! This unfilial progeny of mine is actually conspiring with strangers against me, his ancestor. I must personally administer the family discipline!"


    With those words, one could almost hear the sound of ps in the air.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Ye Feng''s face was an iron blue, his murderous intent soaring, "Xiao Yi, I will tear you into a thousand pieces..."

 Chapter 92 Choice

    "I shall tear your body into ten thousand pieces!"


    Ye Feng bellowed furiously, his voice like a booming bell, his figure moving like a startling rainbow.


    Leaving behind a trail of afterimages in his original position.


    In the blink of an eye.


    He had already arrived in front of Xiao Yi, with the cultivation of the Seventh Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm fully unleashed in an instant. His palm surrounded by Yuan Qi, transformed into a ferocious tiger descending the mountain: "Starving Tiger Pounces on Prey!"


    Ao!


    This palm strike was magnificent and powerful.


    With one palm strike, it could shatter a small mountain.


    Xiao Yi pped the coffin, and with a muffled thud, his body shot upwards, his right hand grasping in mid-air, the Fire Qilin Sword radiant with a fluctuating red light.


    With a casual swing, a red rainbow pierced through the void.


    There were noplicated techniques.


    Just a casual sword thrust!


    But it was the second stage of Sword Intent, the realm where the sword follows the heart!


    This sword was as gentle as the water of autumn.


    Yet, when it collided with Ye Feng''s momentous palm strike, it became as ruthless as the ice of a cold winter, tearing apart the Yuan Qi palm with a hiss.


    Xiao Yi advanced with his sword, threading through the crevice in the palm.


    In a sh.


    Xiao Yi had alreadynded in front of Ye Feng, his body spinning like a whirlwind, suddenly turning, sword in hand, as swift as an arrow released from its bow: "First form of the Solitary Nine Swords!"


    Shua!


    Countless Sword Qi shadows surrounded him.


    Dizzying to the eyes, one couldn''t tell which was real and which was false!


    "No matter how strong your swordsmanship is, it cannot stop my Hundred Battles King''s Fist!"


    Ye Feng''s eyes were bloodshot, his forehead veins bulging like a dragon turning over, all his strength converging in his fists.


    Hands clenched into fists.


    As fists flew, thunder roared, and when the fistsnded, they charged like great beasts.


    In that moment, Ye Feng seemed to transform into the War God of a hundred battles, his fists challenging heaven and earth, unbeatable in all fights, victorious in every battle.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Fist shadows and sword shadows shed like the tip of a needle against a stalk of wheat.


    Colliding with each other, grinding against one another.


    Rumbling...


    Inside the tomb, Sword Qi marks were all over the rocky walls, and fist prints were embedded all around. Dust was flying, sand and stones were moving about as if it were a battlefield.


    Jiang Tai and Zhang Tianyi had already retreated to the side.


    Both looked at the two in the battlefield with uncertainty and disbelief.


    In Zhang Tianyi''s shocked gaze, there was an added fervor, "Golden Core Realm! Xiao Yi is actually in the Golden Core Realm? It''s only been ten days since he jumped into the river, and he has had another breakthrough? I must find out his secret, such speed in improving cultivation is even more valuable than any Martial Dao Divine Fruit!"


    Even Jiang Tai had red eyes, staring fixedly at Xiao Yi, his face showing shock: "Xiao... worthy to be his brother!"


    At that moment...


    A shocking sword light tore through the flying dust.


    The red sword light shed by.


    One saw Ye Feng emerging from the rising dust, moving forward a few steps, then turning around to look towards the dust with a hint of coldness in his eyes: "Xiao! Yi!"


    Hiss!


    Xiao Yi walked out unscathed, facing Ye Feng, with a slight upward curve of his mouth, he said calmly, "You, have lost!"


    Thump!


    Ye Feng''s entire body shook, and his knees bent as he knelt before Xiao Yi.


    Blood continuously spurted out from his throat.


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "I said before... if I didn''t die, I would surely drench Tian Kingdom in blood and ughter everyone in the Royal Martial Arts Academy! And now, this is just the beginning!"


    Thud!


    Ye Feng''s body fell straight to the ground, with eyes wide in anger and full of unwillingness.


    Xiao Yi''s gaze shifted to Zhang Tianyi, pointing his sword''s tip, "It''s your turn!"


    p p p!


    Zhang Tianyi pped his hands together, wearing a brilliant smile, "Impressive, truly impressive! I never expected that in just half a month, you would make such a tremendous breakthrough, from the Peak of the Divine Ability Realm to the Fourth Layer of the Golden Core Realm. Tsk tsk, in just half a month''s time... Zhang Tianyi admires few people, but you, you are definitely one of them!"


    Xiao Yi looked at him dispassionately.


    Zhang Tianyi narrowed his eyes and said, "Xiao Yi, I admit your talent is strong, and your strength isn''t weak, to be able to kill Ye Feng is indeed beyond my expectations. But, you are no match for me, even with Jiang Tai on your side, it''s impossible for you to defeat me. How about we make a deal?"


    Xiao Yi remained silent.


    Jiang Tai, however, stood beside Xiao Yi with an indescribably solemn expression.


    Just as Zhang Tianyi said...


    Even if they joined forces, Jiang Tai was not confident they could beat him.


    Zhang Tianyi said, "As long as you tell me the secret to your rapid cultivation, I can spare your lives. Even the inheritance from the Tao Tribtion Realm expert within the coffin behind you, I''m willing to let you have it, how about that?"


    His eyes were full of eagerness and anticipation.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    To some who see no hope in breaking through to the Cmity Realm, the Martial Dao Divine Fruit is a treasure worth fighting for with their lives!


    But to a true genius, they are more inclined to break that shackle themselves.


    Xiao Yi, who managed to step into the Fourth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm from the Physical Body Realm in just half a year, having such a secret in hand, Zhang Tianyi was absolutely confident he could step into the Cmity Realm!


    Xiao Yi''s lips curved upward as he said yfully, "You beg me! Maybe if I''m in a good mood, I might just teach you!"


    "Hmm?"


    Zhang Tianyi''s eyebrows furrowed tightly, and a touch of gloom appeared in his eyes as he said coldly, "Xiao Yi, don''t be ungrateful! If you really anger me, I might as well just cripple your cultivation, break your limbs, and take you back for a slow and painful questioning. The Ministry of Punishments of Tian Kingdom has plenty of ways to make people talk!"


    Xiao Yi said, "You can ask my sword if it agrees!"


    Seeing that Xiao Yi was impervious, Zhang Tianyi then turned to look at Jiang Tai, "Jiang Tai, with Jiang Shanhe over you, your chances of seizing the Crown Prince title are not great. But if you can get Xiao Yi''s secret, and you step into the Cmity Realm, then the throne would inevitably be yours. Think about it, he managed to reach the Golden Core Realm from the Physical Body Realm in just half a year..."


    Jiang Tai''s face subtly changed.


    Indeed.


    In the struggle for the position of the Crown Prince, aside from his mother being from the royal family of the Purple Robe Kingdom, he had no advantage at all.


    In terms of cultivation?


    Jiang Shanhe was the first person on the Teng Long List of Tianqing Kingdom!


    In terms of background?


    Jiang Shanhe had the entire Royal Martial Arts Academy behind him!


    His chance of victory was extremely slim!


    But if he could step into the realm of Cmity, then the position of the Crown Prince would be uncontested, even Jiang Shanhe would not stand a chance!


    Jiang Tai''s eyes didn''t just look at Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi calmly looked back at him, to be fair, he did not wish to be an enemy of Jiang Tai. But if Jiang Tai chose to attack him, then Xiao Yi would definitely not hold back!


    After a moment of silence.


    Jiang Tai took a deep breath, slowly exhaled, and fixed his gaze on Zhang Tianyi, "No matter how down-and-out I, Jiang Tai, am, I have not stooped to the level of turning on my fellow disciples.".


    He clearly chose to stand with Xiao Yi.


    "Utter folly!"


    Zhang Tianyi let out an angry snort, his eyes suddenly turned sharp, "Since you''re courting death yourself, don''t me me!"


    Boom!


    Zhang Tianyi''s vital energy surged like a sudden storm; with a swift movement, he attacked both of them...

 Chapter 93 Solitary Nine Swords

    ```


    Whoosh!


    Zhang Tianyi''s spear in hand rose like an angry dragon taking to the skies, as if it had be one with his body.


    Jiang Tai gripped his nine-ring saber with both hands, the de glittering with silver light. The nine rings clinked against each other, emitting a ngor as he held the saber horizontally in front of him.


    ng!


    The moment the saber edge collided with the spear''s radiance, a fearsome power burst forth in all directions.


    The stone tiles underfoot flew about, and Jiang Tai stumbled backward repeatedly, eventually thudding against a coffin and overturning it.


    A corpse tumbled out of the coffin, revealed to be a pitch-ck skeleton.


    Within the skeleton,


    a ck Martial Dao Divine Fruit rolled on the ground,ing to rest to one side.


    But at this moment, no one was concerned with that Martial Dao Divine Fruit.


    Jiang Tai pushed off from the coffin, the rebounding force doubling his speed as he charged back towards Zhang Tianyi: "ying Dragon Saber Skill!"


    "Dragon Ascension to the Heavens!"


    Zhang Tianyi''s face was expressionless, the vital energy within his spear pulsing, flickering like dragon mes.


    This man had alsoprehended Sword Intent!


    What''s more, he had reached the limit of the first tier of Sword Intent, and was just one step away from mastering the second tier¡ªThe Sword Moves with the Heart.


    With a loud ng, his spear shattered Jiang Tai''s saber, and using the spear as a staff, he swung it with momentum.


    The spear went straight for Jiang Tai''s back.


    Jiang Tai had no time to defend, and even Xiao Yi was toote to help him block this spear thrust. At this critical juncture, Xiao Yi had a sh of inspiration.


    With a swift movement, he delivered a hard kick right to Jiang Tai''s buttocks.


    Ow!


    Jiang Tai screamed, and with a bang, Xiao Yi kicked him flying.


    Although he crashed to the ground in aplete mess, he narrowly escaped that potentially fatal spear thrust!


    "Xiao Yi, you..." Jiang Tai red at Xiao Yi with a look of deep resentment.


    Xiao Yi: "Don''t mention it!"


    Jiang Tai: "..."


    Xiao Yi advanced with his sword, executing a stroke that cut across the sky, The Sword Moves with the Heart. His sword moves were neither fancy nor particrly powerful, but each strike''s force, angle, and speed were extremely precise.


    To put it simply...


    They were just right!


    The force was just right.


    The angle was just right!n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The speed was also just right!


    What seemed like ordinary sword moves flowed seamlessly and naturally, keeping pace with Zhang Tianyi without falling behind. This left Jiang Tai astonished: "Is this... the second tier of Sword Intent, The Sword Moves with the Heart? Since when did Junior Brother Xiao master the second tier of Sword Intent..."


    As far as Jiang Tai knew, within the Tianqing Kingdom''s peers, only Jiang Shanhe had mastered the second tier of martial intent.


    Now there was another, Xiao Yi!


    At this moment...


    Jiang Tai suddenly felt thankful for his earlier decision, having stepped into the Golden Core Realm from the Physical Body Realm in just over half a year¡ªa feat somewhat understandable if one had a special cultivation method.


    But...


    To have mastered the second tier of martial intent while at the Four Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm,


    That could only be achieved with truly great talent!


    "I''ll help you out!"


    Jiang Tai surged with an overwhelming fighting spirit, holding the nine-ring saber as he came whirlwind-fast. Side by side with Xiao Yi, the two simultaneously attacked, putting unrelenting pressure on Zhang Tianyi.


    Zhang Tianyi was so pressed that he could hardly catch his breath.


    No matter how he changed his tactics,


    Xiao Yi was always able to respond to changes with unchanging principles. His seemingly whimsical sword moves often had the most direct and significant effects.


    Add Jiang Tai to the mix,


    and as Zhang Tianyi parried a blow from Jiang Tai, he would have to face an immediate assault from Xiao Yi. This made him increasingly irritated: "Damn it, Xiao Yi is such a pain. I never expected him to have mastered The Sword Moves with the Heart. I can''t gain the upper hand with technique, it looks like I''ll have to use raw strength to suppress them!"


    Boom!


    Zhang Tianyi jammed his spear into the ground with one hand, kicked it up with a tap of his toe, and violently uprooted a chunk of earth the size of a small hut.


    Swoosh!


    ```


    Tu Shi shot towards Xiao Yi and another.


    Jiang Tai swung his saber, shattering the rocks and, amidst the flying sand and stones, they lost sight of Zhang Tianyi.


    "Where is he?"


    Jiang Tai was startled.


    Xiao Yi''s expression changed, and he instinctively blocked to his side with the Fire Qilin Sword. With a ng, a violent force violently sent Xiao Yi flying.


    Seizing the momentum, Xiao Yi thrust the Fire Qilin Sword into the ground, but still, he could hardly stop the tremendous force.


    Boom, boom, boom!


    The ground was cleaved open by the Fire Qilin Sword, leaving a sword mark stretching tens of meters.


    At the same time Xiao Yi was sent flying,


    Zhang Tianyi thrust with hisnce at Jiang Tai. Caught off guard, Jiang Tai''s shoulder was impaled. With a flick of his spear, Zhang Tianyi shattered Jiang Tai''s right shoulder, blood streaming down.


    The Nine Rings Saber was too heavy to hold and fell to the side.


    Zhang Tianyi pointed his long spear at Jiang Tai''s throat. Jiang Tai kept backing away, watching the spear''s light grow closer and closer, his body drenched in cold sweat.


    "Am I going to die?"


    At this moment,


    Jiang Tai suddenly wished for Xiao Yi to kick him once more!


    Just as the long spear was about to pierce his throat,


    At that moment...


    A tremendous force suddenly kicked him from behind right in the buttocks; with a howl of pain, Jiang Tai''s body flew sideways.


    With a thud, he crashed against the rock wall.


    Spread out like a starfish, as if embedded in it.


    And the one who had kicked him was none other than Xiao Yi!


    At this moment, Xiao Yi''s whole body was covered in blood, evidently using the Blood Explosion Skill. He directly ignited twenty percent of his blood, with his power surging by twenty times, Xiao Yi''s face was cold "Solitary Nine Swords, first move!"


    Whoosh!


    He moved like a whirlwind, with sword in hand.


    "Child''s y!"


    Zhang Tianyi''s legs, like pirs supporting the heavens, were firmly nted on the ground, holding the spear in one hand, unleashing sharp spear shadows one after another.


    ng, ng, ng!


    The shing of spear and sword sparked mes, with violent energy scattering in all directions.


    If it were before...


    Zhang Tianyi could have easily withstood it, but now Xiao Yi''s power had increased twenty times!


    Each sword strike on the long spear made his palm go numb, threatening to burst at any moment.


    "Overturning Rivers and Seas!"


    Zhang Tianyi''s sword-like eyebrows tensed, he gripped the long spear with both hands, the entire spear bending severely under the violent force. Like a fully drawn bow, it released fiercely, and the suppressed power eruptedpletely.


    "Solitary Nine Swords, second move!"


    Xiao Yi gripped the sword handle tightly and abruptly thrust upward, bringing forth a blood-red sword re.


    Boom!


    The sword re collided with the long spear, dispersing its umted force. Meanwhile, Xiao Yi leaped into the air, "Solitary Nine Swords, third move!"


    This sword strike was like a fairy descending from the heavens!


    Falling from the sky!


    Utilizing the vibrating force of the sword, Xiao Yi continuously changed positions in mid-air, smoothly dodging the spear thrust by Zhang Tianyi, and with a puff, a sword shed down from behind him.


    Aoowu!


    Zhang Tianyi screamed in pain, stumbling forward.


    The clothes on his back were torn, and a blood-red sword mark stretched from the back of his neck to his waist, with peeled skin revealing the spine wrapped within.


    Just this one sword nearly crippled Zhang Tianyi!


    In a life-or-death moment,


    Zhang Tianyi red fiercely at Xiao Yi. With severe injuries, he was no longer a match for Xiao Yi and chose to flee without hesitation.


    A vengeful voice echoed within the ancient tomb, "If I do not avenge this, I shall not consider myself a person!"


    Xiao Yi forged ahead with his sword, giving chase relentlessly,ughing coldly, "Vow not to be human? Then be a ghost!"

 Chapter 94 The Consequences of This Sword!

    ```


    Boom!


    Sword Qi surged forth, proving fatally dangerous to Zhang Tianyi as he fled for his life through the narrow tomb passage.


    He couldn''t dodge at all, but if he turned back to defend,


    he would end up letting Xiao Yi close the distance even more.


    He could only use his energy to form an energy shield, constantly blocking Xiao Yi''s sword moves.


    However, the energy shield was extremely draining to maintain. Once or twice was still manageable, but after several times the speed at which the energy shield could be formed could no longer keep up with the speed of Xiao Yi''s sword.


    Pfft!


    Pfft!


    Pfft!


    Several ghastly wounds appeared on Zhang Tianyi''s back, from which blood gushed, dyeing his entire back a bloody red.


    "Xiao Yi, you''re going too far!" Zhang Tianyi roared in rage.


    Xiao Yi''s face remained expressionless as he struck with his sword, "So I bullied you, what can you do about it?"


    "I..."


    Zhang Tianyi was so angry he felt like spitting blood.


    At this moment...


    The only thought in Zhang Tianyi''s mind was why he hadn''t killed Xiao Yi when he teamed up with Ye Feng. s, there are no pills for regret in this world.


    He fled all the way.


    Finally escaped the ancient tomb.


    Seeing light appear ahead, Zhang Tianyi felt a surge of excitement: "To escape... Once I get out of here, without the restrictions of the tomb passage, he won''t be able to catch up to me."


    "Seize life!"


    A cold voice suddenly came from behind, followed by a series of ear-piercing whooshing sounds.


    "Not good!"


    Zhang Tianyi''splexion changed dramatically, and he quickly ced his long spear behind him.


    ng!


    A thunderous boom erupted.


    The violent force burst out behind him, creating an immense shockwave that sent Zhang Tianyi flying.


    At the exit of the ancient tomb...


    Yue Ling''er was healing under a nearby tree when she suddenly heard a loud noise and saw Zhang Tianyi flying out like a kite with its string cut.


    Thud!


    Zhang Tianyi mmed hard into the ground, not just getting a mouthful of mud but also rolling and crawling dozens of meters away.


    But Zhang Tianyi didn''t care about his own disgrace.


    He rolled and crawled, running wildly toward the distance.


    Like a dog that had lost its home!


    "This, this is... Zhang Tianyi?" Yue Ling''er blinked,pletely baffled.


    This was the Eighth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, the second-ranked person on the Teng Long List of the Tian Kingdom!


    How had he be so disheveled?


    "Could it be that cousin has made a breakthrough?"


    Yue Ling''er''s eyes shone with hope, thinking that only if Jiang Tai had broken through to the Eighth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm could he have driven Zhang Tianyi to such desperation.


    She quickly got up, looking hopefully towards the entrance of the tomb.


    But...


    The figure appearing before her was not Jiang Tai, but Xiao Yi!


    Xiao Yi stood with his sword, frowning as he nced at Yue Ling''er, "Which way did Zhang Tianyi run?"


    "Over, over there..."


    Yue Ling''er pointed subconsciously in the direction Zhang Tianyi had fled.


    Xiao Yi grunted in acknowledgment and like an arrow shot from a bow, he relentlessly pursued.


    "Uh..."


    Yue Ling''er stood there baffled, momentarily stunned. Then, she saw the pale-faced Jiang Tai walk out from the tomb. She swallowed and stammered, "C-cousin, was it Xiao Yi chasing Zhang Tianyi just now?"


    Jiang Tai nodded, "Didn''t you see it? Which way did they run?"


    Yue Ling''er: "..."


    ...


    Above the marsh.


    Zhang Tianyi ran wildly, changing his position from left to right.


    In his wake...


    Sword Qi tore through the air, slicing through the marsh, sending ck soil sttering into the air. Hisplexion turned deathly pale due to excessive blood loss, and he caught a glimpse of Xiao Yi in hot pursuit from the corner of his eye.


    Zhang Tianyi seethed with hate, "Xiao Yi, let me go, and I''ll no longer be your enemy!"


    ```


    Xiao Yi said, "If you stop, I won''t kill you!"


    Zhang Tianyi shouted angrily, "You don''t trust me? I can swear that I will never be your enemy again!"


    Xiao Yi said calmly, "I swear too, if you stop, I won''t kill you with my own hands!"


    Zhang Tianyi was so angry that he was fuming, "..."


    Not kill me with your own hands?


    If you hand me over to Jiang Tai, that''s still death!


    Zhang Tianyi could only grit his teeth and flee desperately, his blood dripping down his legs to the ground with every movement, causing the wounds on his back to tear and bringing waves of piercing pain.


    But under Xiao Yi''s pressure, Zhang Tianyi had no choice but to run for his life!


    "I''m close, just past the forest ahead and I can leave this damn secret realm. Once there, with the Great General around, my life will be safe!" Zhang Tianyi thought to himself.


    Driven by a strong will to survive, his speed unexpectedly increased even more.


    Through the swamp.


    Inside the dense forest.


    Where the two passed, ancient trees copsed with loud crashes, pushing straight through, carving a wide path through the dense forest.


    Finally arriving at the edge of the forest, the exit of the secret realm was right before his eyes.


    Zhang Tianyi was so excited he was near tears; the desperate flight had been far too tormenting. With tears in his eyes, heughed loudly, "Xiao Yi, the exit of the secret realm is right ahead, you can''t kill me! Hahahaha, when I get back, I''m going to spread the word about you. Then, there will be more than just me trying to kill you! You''re done for, no one can save you..."


    Xiao Yi''s face was expressionless: "Blood Explosion Skill!"


    Boom!


    Once again burning off twenty percent of his blood, the fourth level of the Blood Explosion Skill, his strength soared forty-fold, and his speed surged as he and Zhang Tianyi raced towards the exit of the secret realm...


    ......


    Outside the secret realm.


    Gu Junhe, Zhou Yuan, and other mighty figures at the peak of the Golden Core Realm sat distinctly around the entrance of the secret realm.


    Suddenly...


    Several figures opened their eyes and looked towards the exit of the secret realm: "Someone''sing out!"


    "Who could it be?"


    "Ye Feng?"


    "Zhang Tianyi?"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Jiang Tai?"


    The eyes of the figures grew fervent, along with a trace of anxiety.


    The reason they had handed over this secret realm for the younger generation to trial, was because the top figures were closely matched and none wished to fight to the death, allowing others to benefit from their dispute.


    After opening up this realm, they allowed the younger generation to contend within it.


    Whose descendant seized the Martial Dao Divine Fruit, their camp would im the victory!


    Zhou Yuan wore a confident look: "It must be Ye Feng... gentlemen, the Martial Dao Divine Fruit will belong to me!"


    "Hmph, that''s not necessarily the case; it could be Zhang Tianyi," said Wu Yu confidently.


    Among the younger generation of powerhouses who entered the secret realm, Zhang Tianyi of the Eighth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm was the foremost contender, and he was utterly confident!


    At that moment...


    The entrance to the secret realm buzzed brightly as Zhang Tianyi burst out from it.


    "Hahahaha, indeed, it''s Zhang Tianyi; gentlemen, the Martial Dao Divine Fruit is mine to take!" Wu Yu said triumphantly, his face flushed with excitement as heughed and walked toward Zhang Tianyi.


    But just then.


    Zhang Tianyi, with a look of terror, shouted, "Great General, save me!"


    "Huh?"


    Wu Yu was stunned, and then he saw Xiao Yi, his body covered in blood light, brandishing the Fire Qilin Sword and chasing after him.


    "Life-taking!"


    Xiao Yi thrust out with his sword.


    Wu Yu''s face turned pale, and he roared, "You fiend, stop right there!"


    He wanted to intervene, but it was already toote.


    Thump!


    The sword struck hard on Zhang Tianyi''s back. Zhang Tianyi spat out a mouthful of blood and fell to the ground. Xiao Yi leapt up and stepped on Zhang Tianyi.


    The cold sword de was against Zhang Tianyi''s neck.


    "Stop!"


    Wu Yu''s face turned grim, his eyes shining with a ferocious light, he gritted his teeth and said, "Xiao Yi, let go of Tianyi now. Think carefully about the consequences if you plunge that sword. Let him go, kneel and apologize, and I can let bygones be bygones. Otherwise, you will be the public enemy of Tian Kingdom!"


    In Wu Yu''s view...


    He was a towering figure at the peak of the Golden Elixir Realm, and themander of the Tian Kingdom''s three armed forces.


    Xiao Yi surely wouldn''t dare oppose his will.


    However...


    Xiao Yi''s sword gently slid across, and with a soft thud, he decapitated Zhang Tianyi. Then, looking up at Wu Yu, he asked, "You were saying... what would be the consequence of this sword strike?"

 Chapter 95 Kill!!!

    Xiao Yi''s face was tinged with amusement as he looked at Wu Yu, whose face was overcast with gloom, "What was that about consequences you just mentioned?"


    Silence enveloped the surroundings.


    All eyes inevitably fell upon Zhang Tianyi, whoy dead at Xiao Yi''s feet.


    This was the second-highest master of the Teng Long List from Tian Kingdom!


    A formidable power from the Eighth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm.


    And he was dead?


    Dead by the hand of Xiao Yi, who just half a month ago, was only at the Peak of the Shentong Realm?


    In his shock, Wu Yu felt a burning pain on his face, as if he had been furiously pped dozens of times.


    Xiao Yi had actually in Zhang Tianyi right in front of him.


    If he couldn''t kill Xiao Yi, what face would he have left?


    A raging fury ignited within him; Wu Yu''s eyes turned frosty to the extreme, his teeth clenched, "Xiao Yi, I will tear you to pieces!"


    Boom!


    Wu Yu struck the air with a palm from above.


    Such was the might of one at the Golden Elixir Realm Peak, a palm so powerful it seemed to cause the sun and moon to lose their luster, dimming their light.


    Qi unrivaled in might, coalesced into a hand asrge as a small mountain; this palm, though condensed from Qi, was so lifelike, one could even discern the lines on its palm.


    A gray hand crushed the air downwards, its terrifying might causing the ground to buzz, and pebbles to shatter explosively.


    Xiao Yi''s body quivered, surrounded by a nimbus of blood light, his longsword in motion, "Solitary Nine Swords, the third move!"


    There were nine moves in total within "Solitary Nine Swords."


    Xiao Yi''s sword pierced through the sky, and from the Fire Qilin Sword burst a beam of Sword Qi, winding around ayer of red mes, exploding with a bang as it cleaved the giant gray hand in two.


    Bang!


    The Sword Qi fractured, and the hand was split into halves.


    As Xiao Yinded on the ground, the valley violently shook with a rumble, and the ground cracked open, spread with fierce, web-like fissures.


    Dust swirled, and rocks flew through the air.


    Xiao Yi leaped up, his toesnding upon a flying rock, he lightly tapped it, his figure soaring once more, "Solitary Nine Swords, the fifth move!"


    Every move of "Solitary Nine Swords" flowed with the heart.


    The swordsmanship was ingenious and difficult to defend against.


    His figure constantly shifted positions in mid-air, left, right, high, and low, dazzling to the eye and making it impossible to grasp his intentions.


    Suddenly...


    ng!


    A dazzling streak of silver ripped through the air, with a swish, appearing like a silver rainbow strung across the heaven and earth, slicing towards Wu Yu.


    Wu Yu had not anticipated that Xiao Yi could break his offensive; the subsequent sword technique was even more cunning.


    He casually conjured several Qi shields to block in front of him.


    But Xiao Yi''s sword, almost as if sentient, bypassed the Qi shields and, under Wu Yu''s astonished gaze, thudded into his shoulder.


    A ssh of blood-red sprayed out, hot blood spattering across his left cheek.


    Hisss!


    Everyone was stunned, "I must be seeing things..."


    "Xiao Yi has actually injured Wu Yu?"


    "This man... must not be left alive..."


    Within the crowd, Zhou Yuan wore a dark expression, his gaze on Xiao Yi shifting from initial scorn to grave seriousness.


    A few months ago...


    When Xiao Yi caused a major disturbance in the Martial Arts Institute and Zhou Yuan personally pursued him, seeking to put him to death, Xiao Yi had vowed to tten the Royal Martial Arts Academy within a year to take his life.


    At that time, Zhou Yuan considered it nothing but a joke.


    But now...


    In just a few months, Xiao Yi had acquired the strength to y a power from the Eighth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm and was even able to wound Wu Yu, someone at the Peak of the Golden Elixir Realm.


    Even considering the possibility that Wu Yu had been careless and underestimated his opponent, one could not deny Xiao Yi''s strength!


    And it had been mere months!


    "If it''s a yearter?"


    "What about three yearster?"


    Harboring the same thoughts were Jin Sheng, Zhuang Bifan, and Master Kong Ming from the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple. Xiao Yi and them had unresolvable deep hatred!


    "Wu, the Great General, I am here to assist you!" Zhuang Bifan let out a cold snort; his longsword, sheathed at his back, was drawn and held in each hand, with another clenched between his teeth.


    The strongest sword technique of Mingjian Manor¡ªTriple Sword Style!


    A cold gleam shed in Jin Sheng''s eyes; his grandson was in by Xiao Yi, and even his son was left half-dead by Xiao Yi''s hand. Now that he had the chance, he certainly would not hold back.


    Swish!


    Without a word, Jin Sheng also charged toward Xiao Yi.


    Both were of the Eighth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm. Together with Wu Yu, the two attacked Xiao Yi. This outraged Gu Junhe, who was originally just observing the battle, "Damn it, you shameless wretches, stop this instant!"


    He had seen Wu Yu unable to threaten Xiao Yi for the moment and had been on standby, but he hadn''t expected Zhuang Bifan and Jin Sheng to be so shameless.


    One at the Golden Elixir Peak, and two at the Eighth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm.


    Three elders from the older generation were ganging up on Xiao Yi.


    Is this something people would do?


    However...


    No sooner had Gu Junhe made his move, he was stopped by Zhou Yuan and Master Kong Ming working together. Gu Junhe red furiously, "Zhou Yuan, Kong Ming, you bald donkey, get out of my way!"


    "Xiao Yi killed Zhang Tianyi, he must die! If the Tian Kingdom uses this as a pretext to start a war, causing untold suffering, the humble monk cannot let you save him!" said Master Kong Ming with an air of moral superiority and a face ofpassion.


    Zhou Yuan spoke indifferently, "Sacrificing one for the avoidance of war between two nations is worth it!"


    "Bullshit!"


    Gu Junhe cursed loudly.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    He tried to break through theirbined attack several times, but Zhou Yuan''s strength was no less than his, and he was joined by Master Kong Ming, who was at the Tenth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm.


    He simply couldn''t break through their blockade.


    Gu Junhe''s eyes were blood-reddened. He could only look over them in fury at Xiao Yi, who was being overwhelmed by Wu Yu and the other two, falling back step by step and he roared angrily, "Zhou Yuan, you thieving baldy... If anything happens to Xiao Yi, I''ll never let you two off the hook!"


    "Amitabha, if he can sacrifice himself to relieve the suffering of all living beings, Xiao Yi''s death would indeed be worthwhile!" Master Kong Ming put his palms together.


    Zhou Yuan''s lips curled up into a mocking, cold smile. "Gu Junhe, the righteous gain help while the unrighteous find little support. You and the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, along with Xiao Yi, have chosen to act perversely and against the tide. It is destined that you will only face defeat!"


    Meanwhile...


    Faced with the attack of three great masters, Xiao Yi was retreating step by step, his body covered in wounds.


    Zhuang Bifan, with a sword in each hand, his Sword Qi stern, stated, "Xiao Yi, from the moment you destroyed my Sword Burial Ground, you should have foreseen this day''s oue!"


    Jin Sheng''s punches whipped up fierce winds, mighty and powerful, driving Xiao Yi into a corner punch after punch, "Join my grandson in death!"


    Wu Yu''s expression was impassive, "Even the people of your own Tianqing Kingdom are so eager to kill you; you truly deserve your fate!"


    "I am dying, your motherf¡ª"


    Xiao Yi spat out a mouthful of fresh blood, his right hand gripping tightly onto the sword hilt, his fierce eyes scanning the three men, teeth clenched, "You want my life? You three old dogs are not worthy!"


    Boom!


    The Blood Explosion Skill, the fifth level.


    The sixth level.


    The seventh level...


    Xiao Yi''splexion was pale as snow, but upon unleashing the seventh level of the Blood Explosion Skill, his strength had increased seventyfold.


    A blood-red storm rose from beneath his feet.


    Boom, boom, boom!


    The ground beneath Xiao Yi exploded, and rocks burst upward in the crimson storm, crushed to dust by Sword Qi before him.


    His eyes were a blood-red re, the Fire Qilin Sword in his hand trembling with an ascending Sword Intent.


    What of the Golden Elixir Peak?


    What of the three great figures?


    The divine general whomanded the heavens was invincible in battle and defeated all in war!


    His blood-colored gaze swept over the three men.


    Xiao Yi''s boundless fighting spirit erupted like a volcano, his roar thundering into the skies, "Kill!!!!"

 Chapter 96 Youve Rejoiced Too Soon!

    Xiao Yi''s blood turned wicked as seven-tenths of it became tainted in a single instance.


    The seventhyer of the Blood Explosion Skill exploded in full force.


    He was truly risking his life in this fight.


    After all...


    At the Four Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, facing three highyer Golden Core Realm powerhouses at once, Xiao Yi had no other choice but to fight desperately or face certain death.


    He erupted with power in this dire situation!


    Of course.


    If Xiao Yi had fled desperately to Gu Junhe''s side, with Gu Junhe''s strength, he could have protected him thoroughly. But Xiao Yi was the War God, holdingmand over the Ancient Tomb of Eons, suppressing the existence of heavenly immortals, ghosts, demons, and gods!


    Even if the enemy was dozens of times stronger than himself, he must not lose the heart to fight bravely.


    Otherwise, how could he suppress those legendary supreme powerhouses within the Ancient Tomb of Eons?


    Almost at the same moment that Xiao Yi unleashed the seventhyer of the Blood Explosion Skill, within the Ancient Tomb of Eons, the most dazzling among the nine majestic golden pyramids suddenly trembled violently as if trying to break free from the shackles of the Ancient Tomb of Eons.


    But the eighty-one radiant divinities restraining the Ancient Tomb of Eons suddenly burst forth with blindingly brilliant light.


    Along with the nking chains.


    Forcefully suppressing this golden pyramid.


    Of course, Xiao Yi was unaware of all these events; at that moment, his body was shrouded in a ten-zhang high sea of blood, resembling a crimson War God. Holding the Fire Qilin Sword, activating his Divine Skills, his entire body was covered with a ck membrane.


    He looked like an iron figure crafted from ck iron.


    Whoosh!


    The Fire Qilin Sword, swung in the air, emitted a piercing sword re that shed straight toward Zhuang Bifan.


    Among these three...


    The most difficult and threatening to him was naturally Wu Yu, but Wu Yu''s strength was too immense. At the peak of the Golden Elixir Realm, even with Xiao Yi''s current state, killing him would be quite challenging.


    Once entangled by Wu Yu, then Zhuang Bifan and Jin Sheng would be a great threat.


    Therefore.


    Xiao Yi''s objective in this three-against-one battle was clear, to first strike down Zhuang Bifan, who had a stronger offense, then kill Jin Sheng.


    And finally, to have a deciding life-or-death battle with Wu Yu!


    "You little bastard, do you really think I''m a pushover?"


    Seeing Xiao Yi choosing him first among the three, Zhuang Bifan''s face showed a hint of annoyed anger; his sword brows furrowed tightly as the Solitary Nine Swords were fully executed. His left handmenced work, performing two entirely different sword moves.


    And the longsword he held in his mouth was also covered with ayer of vitality, stabbing straight at the vital points like a spirit snake.


    The Solitary Nine Swords was not only fast.


    It also simultaneously performed three different sword moves, overwhelming the opponent. These were three fourth-grade famous swords, each one ranked among the top ten in the Tianqing Kingdom, not to be underestimated in power.


    The sword moves with the heart.


    Xiao Yi''s sword moves constantly changed, one by one neutralizing Zhuang Bifan''s attacks, all the while shifting positions, using Zhuang Bifan to block the offensive of Jin Sheng and Wu Yu.


    When facing the siege of three great experts, Xiao Yi did not sh directly with them.


    While bombarding Zhuang Bifan with attacks, he used Zhuang Bifan to resist the offensive of Wu Yu and the other, making Wu Yu''s trio feel restrained everywhere; despite having mightybat strength, they couldn''t utilize it at all.


    "Nine Evolution Divine Fist!"


    Jin Sheng''s fists glimmered like gold, smashing down with thunderous force, the two fist lights converging into a column of light.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    However...


    Xiao Yi turned back, his sweep carrying the momentum of a sweeping army and sliced toward Zhuang Bifan.


    Zhuang Bifan''s longsword stood vertical, blocking the sword in front of him. Yet the great impact from the sword edge sent him flying backward,nding right on Jin Sheng''s column of light with a loud bang.


    Zhuang Bifan took the full brunt of the punch.


    Wow!


    Zhuang Bifan spat out blood, ring fiercely at Jin Sheng: "Damn you, aim more carefully!"


    Jin Sheng''s face twisted with embarrassment: "..."


    Wu Yu snorted coldly, "Zhuang Bifan, get out of the way!"


    Zhuang Bifan tried to dodge, but Xiao Yi returned swiftly, sticking close beside him.


    Eight Extremes Copse!


    Eight Extremes Copse!


    Life-Chasing Soul Sword...


    The constant onught left Zhuang Bifan with no way to escape, rendering Wu Yu and Jin Sheng helpless and forced to look on.


    Not far away.


    Watching Xiao Yi fight one against three and still have the upper hand to the extent of toying with them effortlessly, Gu Junhe felt much relieved and burst intoughter, "Wu Yu, you three shameless old dogs ganging up on a junior from the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy and still falling behind? You have truly lived your years in vain!"


    Zhou Yuan''s face was also extremely ugly as he angrily said, "Wu Yu, what good are you for?"


    Master Kong Ming, with eyes narrowed, pressed his palms together as the Buddha beads in his hands gently turned. All of a sudden, with a flick of his hands, the string of beads whizzed towards Xiao Yi. These Buddha beads were a fourth-grade spiritual weapon, and if they hit Xiao Yi, he would be gravely injured if not killed.


    "Bald donkey, you dare?"


    Gu Junhe flew into a rage, hurling his wine gourd out.


    Whoosh!


    The wine gourd suddenly expanded and with a bang, collided with the Buddha beads.


    The wine gourd burst open.


    The Buddha beads were abruptly halted, missing the prime opportunity to ambush Xiao Yi.


    "Bald donkey, how utterly despicable!" Gu Junhe red furiously.


    Master Kong Ming pressed his palms together, chanting Buddha''s name with a face full ofpassion, "Amitabha, this poor monk is merely exorcising demons and protecting the path!"


    "A fine exorcism, and protection of the path! Today, I, Gu Junhe wille to see for myself the Buddhist Law of the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple..."


    Gu Junhe trembled all over as the aura of someone at the peak of the Golden Elixir Realm fully erupted.


    He charged directly at Master Kong Ming.


    Master Kong Ming''s face changed dramatically, shouting to Zhou Yuan, "Director Zhou, help me!"


    "I aming too!"


    Zhou Yuan charged towards Gu Junhe, joining forces with Master Kong Ming to fight Gu Junhe into a melee.


    For a moment...


    The entire valley was filled with soaring battle intent.


    ......


    "I''ll hold him off, you two strike quickly!" Zhuang Bifan suddenly let out a low roar as three longswords circled each other, forming a sword array.


    Trinity Sword Formation!


    The three renowned swords were positioned as Heaven, Earth, and Man to form a sword-shaped cage, trapping Xiao Yi within the sword formation. Xiao Yi''s Fire Qilin Sword constantly bombarded the sword formation but was unable to break free for the moment.


    Jin Sheng and Wu Yu''s faces revealed a trace of ecstasy, "Now''s the time!"


    "Nine Evolution Divine Fist!"


    "Monument Splitting Hand!"


    The attacks from Jin Sheng and Wu Yu, one from the left and one from the right, came crashing in.


    Looking at Xiao Yi trapped in the sword formation with two ferocious attacks bearing down, Zhuang Bifanughed triumphantly, "Like a damn dog, how are you not dead yet?"


    However...


    Just as the two attacks were about to hit Xiao Yi.


    A brilliant smile suddenly appeared on Xiao Yi''s face, which in Zhuang Bifan''s eyes resembled the soul-reaping grin of the grim reaper, causing his back to suddenly break out in a cold sweat.


    The next moment...


    A streak of silver light suddenly burst forth from Xiao Yi''s bosom.


    It was none other than Little Lin!


    Little Lin''s tail swept out, directly tearing through the Trinity Sword Formation, while Xiao Yi shed out of it. The two attacks collided behind him, and the explosive shockwave elerated Xiao Yi''s speed by several times.


    Like an arrow leaving the bowstring, he charged at Zhuang Bifan.


    "Sword Breaking Style!"


    The strongest attacking move of the Solitary Nine Swords, Xiao Yi''s form seemed to merge with the Fire Qilin Sword, barely revealing the third phase of Sword Intent''s unity of man and sword. Whoosh, he brushed past Zhuang Bifan.


    Zhuang Bifan shuddered, his hands subconsciously clutching his neck as blood uncontrobly gushed out.


    In his ears...


    He heard Xiao Yi''s cold voice, "You''ve celebrated too soon!"

 Chapter 97 The March Agreement

    "You''re celebrating too early!"


    A cold voice rang in his ears.


    The moment the words fell.


    Zhuang Bifan''s hands clutched at his neck as blood uncontrobly spurted out like a fountain.


    His life force was rapidly draining away.


    Darkness fell before his eyes.


    His vitality waspletely extinguished!


    Xiao Yi quickly grabbed Zhuang Bifan''s corpse and threw it towards Jin Sheng and hispanion.


    "Get out of my way!"


    Jin Sheng raised his hand to throw a punch, explosively sting Zhuang Bifan''s corpse away, and amidst the blood mist that filled the air, Jin Sheng suddenly saw a streak of red sword light sh before his eyes. Wu Yu''s voice came from beside him, mixed with shock and anger, "Quick, dodge!"


    "Hmm?"


    Jin Sheng was stunned and instinctively dodged to the side.


    But he was still a step too slow!


    The moment Xiao Yi threw Zhuang Bifan''s corpse, he was already closely following behind, and with a ''pff,'' his sword''s cold light shed off Jin Sheng''s left arm. A blood-stained arm soared high into the air, like a kite with its string cut.


    Aaawooo!n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Jin Sheng let out a miserable scream, his face instantly turning pale.


    Sharp Sword Qi came from behind again, and Jin Sheng, disregarding his injury, stumbled forward. But Xiao Yi merely whistled, and amid the whoosh of a sonic boom, Little Lin wrapped itself around Jin Sheng''s neck.


    Hiss!


    Little Lin opened its mouth and its sharp poisonous fangs deeply pierced Jin Sheng''s neck.


    "What the hell is this thing?"


    Jin Sheng winced in pain, grabbed Little Lin, and brutally mmed it to the ground. With a thud, Little Lin hit the floor, blood spraying from its mouth. It rapidly coiled and slithered away to the side.


    Little Lin was not strong inbat, but its physical body was incredibly tough.


    Even Xiao Yi could not break through its scale armor defense.


    Just now, it used its sturdy scale armor to wrap around the Three Talents Sword and broke through Zhuang Bifan''s Sword Array, but it was still seriously injured by Jin Sheng''s throw, trembling on the side, its cold eyes fixed on Jin Sheng as if staring at a lifeless corpse.


    Jin Sheng, running frantically, dodged Xiao Yi''s attacks several times, only to find his speed getting slower and slower, his body increasingly heavy, and his vision now and then fading to darkness.


    Jin Sheng''s expression changed drastically, "What''s, what''s happening?"


    He raised his hand.


    A sticky mess of blood clung to his palm.


    ck blood began to spurt from his seven orifices.


    "Poisoned?"


    Jin Sheng felt his scalp go numb.


    The poison from Little Lin was terrifyingly potent, and this bite was right on his carotid artery, the toxin rapidly spreading throughout his body. Despair filled Jin Sheng''s face as he could feel his life force swiftly slipping away.


    "I must detoxify immediately, or my life is at risk!"


    With a resentful re at Xiao Yi, Jin Sheng did not dare to stay any longer and fled desperately.


    The turmoil here naturally caught the attention of Gu Junhe and others.


    Bang!


    Gu Junhe punched Master Kong Ming, breaking most of his ribs, and if Zhou Yuan had not intervened timely, Master Kong Ming would have surely perished at Gu Junhe''s hands.


    His face went pale as he looked at the disheveled Jin Sheng fleeing and Zhuang Bifan''s dismembered body, swallowing hard, "How, how is this possible? Zhuang Bifan and the others, faced with a three against one, ended up with one dead and one fleeing?"


    Zhou Yuan''s face was extremely ugly: "Useless trash."


    Gu Junheughed heartily, "Xiao Yi, well done! Worthy of being the sessor of the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy!" He looked triumphantly at Zhou Yuan and Master Kong Ming, his face mocking, "Gentlemen, does that sting?"


    Previously, these two were convinced that as long as they kept him upied, Xiao Yi was as good as dead.


    But...


    Xiao Yi was not only alive.


    He had counter-killed Zhuang Bifan and severely injured Jin Sheng, forcing him to flee in a wretched state.


    Now, that was a resounding p in the face!


    Zhou Yuan''s face alternated between shades of green and white, so furious he was at a loss for words.


    At Master Kong Ming''s side, his face was as pale as death. He swallowed several Buddha Pills to stabilize his injuries but could no longer maintain the detachment he had before. His Buddha Beads kept spinning in his hand, and his eyes reached the ultimate level of gloominess.


    Zhou Yuan said in a deep voice, "Kong Ming, I will stop Gu Junhe. How confident are you in helping Wu Yu y Xiao Yi?"


    Master Kong Ming was startled, about to speak.


    Gu Junhe, who was standing nearby, already sneered, "Zhou Yuan, if you dare to do that, I will ignite my Golden Core and fight you to the death right away!"


    "You¡­"


    Zhou Yuan''s face stiffened and he was at a loss for words for a moment.


    Hisbat strength was on par with Gu Junhe, even slightly suppressing him.


    But¡­


    If Gu Junhe were to ignite his Golden Core, it would be a fight to the death, and even if Zhou Yuan could kill Gu Junhe in the end, he would suffer great losses himself.


    Seeing this.


    Gu Junhe also secretly breathed a sigh of relief, obviously Zhou Yuan had his concerns too.


    He shed to Xiao Yi''s side in an instant.


    With bloodshot eyes, Xiao Yi nced at Gu Junhe and, enduring the severe pain all over his body as well as the exhaustion and weakness from loss of blood, gritted his teeth and said, "Headmaster!"


    "Leave it to me!"


    Gu Junhe nodded at Xiao Yi and ced his palm on Xiao Yi''s body, infusing a surge of vital energy into him. With the boost of vital energy, the color returned slightly to Xiao Yi''s face. Gu Junhe, staring at Wu Yu with an extremely ugly expression, said indifferently, "You can''t kill him, how about we call it quits?"


    Snorting, Wu Yu said with a dark face, "He killed our national Tianjiao, Zhang Tianyi. Do you expect me to let this go so easily?"


    Gu Junhe spoke indifferently, "Before entering the secret realm, we had an agreement that we will not discuss life and death in thepetition within. When Zhang Tianyi and the others issued the kill order against Xiao Yi earlier, I did not interfere!"


    "That was inside the secret realm¡­ Zhang Tianyi had already escaped from the secret realm, yet Xiao Yi was relentless in pursuing... If we let it go like this, where would my face be?" Wu Yu said.


    That being said.


    Inside, Wu Yu was already starting to beat a retreat.


    Although he was at the Golden Elixir Peak and had experienced many battles.


    It''s not easy to suppress Xiao Yi at this moment either!


    Moreover¡­


    Xiao Yi''s desperate fighting style had also deeply rmed him. Additionally, with Gu Junhe nking, he knew it was impossible to kill Xiao Yi today. However, Wu Yu was clearly not willing to let Xiao Yi off the hook just like that.


    Gu Junhe said indifferently, "If you''re not satisfied, I can apany you in a battle!"


    "You¡­"


    Wu Yu''s face changed repeatedly, his expression uncertain.


    At this moment.


    Xiao Yi spoke up, "If you want to kill me, let the strong from Tian Kingdome to the Royal Martial Arts Academy in three months!"


    "Huh?"


    Wu Yu was taken aback.


    Xiao Yi''s gaze turned towards Zhou Yuan and Master Kong Ming, an icy chill in his eyes as he said slowly, "I have said that within a year, I will tten the Royal Martial Arts Academy. In three months, I will personally go to the Royal Martial Arts Academy, and then you can send your strong ones over!"


    "Xiao Yi¡­"


    Gu Junhe''s face changed.


    The Royal Martial Arts Academy is the holynd of martial arts in Tianqing Kingdom.


    Even he dared not im to tten the Royal Martial Arts Academy outright. To him, Xiao Yi''s actions were suicidal!


    Yet Xiao Yi gently shook his head, stopping Gu Junhe from persuading him further, fixing Zhou Yuan with a stare, "Zhou Yuan, you old dog, do you dare ept the challenge?"


    Zhou Yuan narrowed his eyes and smiled coldly, "In three months, I will have a coffin ready for you!"


    Master Kong Ming murmured Amitabha and, with his Buddha Beads rolling and a cold expression on his face, said, "At that time, my Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple will definitely send people there!"


    Xiao Yi turned to Wu Yu.


    Wu Yu''s expression fluctuated, he took a deep breath, and said through gritted teeth, "Fine, in three months, my Tian Kingdom will surelye on time!"


    Zhou Yuan and others soared into the sky and disappeared into the horizon.


    With aplex expression on his face, Gu Junhe looked at Xiao Yi and sighed, "Xiao Yi, you''re too impulsive... The Royal Martial Arts Academy has a profound background, far beyond what you understand..."


    Xiao Yi gave a faint smile, about to speak, but suddenly everything went ck, and he passed out.


    Gu Junhe quickly caught him, looking at Xiao Yi in his arms, he sighed gently, a resolute look appearing in his eyes, "Well then... I''ll apany you in your utter madness!"

 Chapter 98 The Struggle for First Place

    Inside the valley.


    Gu Junhe gave Xiao Yi many elixirs to consume and, seeing Xiao Yi''splexion regain some of its rosiness, finally breathed a sigh of relief.


    Looking at the dozen or so empty medicine bottles on the ground, Gu Junhe couldn''t help butugh bitterly, "This kid... In order to save you, he almost emptied out my entire stock... You better not disappoint me!"


    Xiao Yi had burned up to seventy percent of his blood.


    Any other person at the Golden Core Realm would have long since died from excessive blood loss.


    Gu Junhe had also been startled when he saw Xiao Yi''s blood was nearly drained.


    He hastily fed all his treasured elixirs to Xiao Yi.


    "What a monster!"


    Watching the body that had be withered after losing the power boost of the Blood Explosion Skill, slowly recovering, Gu couldn''t help but take a deep breath, "Such terrifying recovery ability is no less than some Spiritual Bodies!"


    In the Heavenly Yuan Realm.


    There are many special physiques, and from weak to strong, they are ssified as Spiritual Body, Sacred Body, and Divine Body!


    For instance, Xiao Tianjiao possesses the Supreme Overlord Holy Body!


    This is a terrifying physique that can evolve into a Divine Body.


    Although Xiao Yi doesn''t possess a special physique, the transformation from the silent influence of the divine power has made his body no weaker than an ordinary Spiritual Body. Otherwise, he would not have survived after consuming so much blood!


    Hum!


    The entrance to the secret realm suddenly transmitted a surge of energy fluctuations.


    Jiang Tai walked out with the support of Yue Ling''er, and the first thing they saw was the unconscious Xiao Yi and Gu Junhe.


    Jiang Tai''s face changed, and he quickly asked, "Principal Gu, Xiao, is he...?"


    "He''s fine!"


    Gu Junhe shook his head and frowned at Jiang Tai, "What about you? What happened to you?"


    Upon hearing Xiao Yi was fine, Jiang Tai also rxed and then bitterly recounted everything that had happened in the secret realm to Gu Junhe, "I didn''t expect Junior Brother Xiao to be so terrifying, even Ye Feng was killed by him..."


    "Not just Ye Feng?"


    Gu wore a strange expression and moved his mouth towards a side, "Zhang Tianyi and Zhuang Bifan were both killed by him. Jin Sheng from the Nine Profound Sect also had an arm severed by him and fled in a sorry state..."


    Hiss!


    Jiang Tai and Yue Ling''er took a sharp breath, exchanging nces and seeing the shock in each other''s eyes.


    Zhuang Bifan and Jin Sheng!


    They were both high-level Golden Core practitioners from the older generation.


    They were killed by Xiao Yi?


    Seeing the astonishment that left the two at a loss for words, Gu Junhe thought for a moment but decided not to tell them that Xiao Yi had fought Wu Yu, who was at the peak of the Golden Elixir Realm, for dozens of rounds without falling at a disadvantage!


    To avoid hitting them too hard and making them lose their confidence in pursuing the martial path.


    Yue Ling''er sized up Xiao Yi with curiosity and suspicion sparkling in her phoenix eyes.


    The first time they met.


    Yue Ling''er didn''t think much of Xiao Yi at all.


    When they met again.


    In front of her, Xiao Yi had in Ling Feng, making it hard for her to believe.


    Now, the third time they met...


    Even though Xiao Yi was unconscious, his battle achievements had also shaken her heart.


    Gu Junhe nced at the secret realm entrance behind them and frowned, "Logically, now that you''ve broken through the main tomb, others should havee out too. Howe it''s only you two..."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "They''re all dead, I suppose!" said Yue Ling''er.


    "Hmm?"


    Gu Junhe was taken aback, "Was thepetition in the secret realm that intense?"


    Jiang Tai nced at the unconscious Xiao Yi and said with a bitter smile, "Most of them were killed by Junior Brother Xiao!"


    "Eh... He killed them?"


    Gu Junhe looked confused.


    Twenty people each from the royal family and the Royal Martial Arts Academy, ten each from the Nine Profound Sect and the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple, four from Mingjian Manor, and ten from the Tian Kingdom.


    All seventy or eighty people were killed by Xiao Yi?


    Gu Junhe looked down at the unconscious Xiao Yi, rubbed his forehead with his hand, and said with a wry smile, "This guy... Does he have such a heavy killing intent?"


    Yue Ling''er said, "Elder Gu, it was those people who tried to take Xiao Yi''s life first, that''s why he killed them!"


    Gu Junhe let out a sound.


    Jiang Tai looked at her with a strange expression, "Ling''er, you... seem to be very concerned about Xiao, aren''t you?"


    "Wha, what..."


    Yue Ling''er''s face turned red with embarrassment.


    But from the corner of her eye, she couldn''t help but nce over at Xiao Yi from time to time.


    Jiang Tai''s expression turned thoughtful.


    Gu Junhe shook his head and said, "Since no one else ising out, we can also close the entrance to the secret realm!"


    With a wave of his hand, the secret realm''s entrance dispersed into nothingness.


    Out of the blue, Jiang Tai said, "Elder, this is a Martial Dao Divine Fruit that I acquired from the ancient tomb!"


    "You keep it,"


    Gu Junhe waved his hand, not even ncing at the Martial Dao Divine Fruit, for he was still young and fully capable of breaking through to the Tao Tribtion Realm on his own, "Let''s head back first! Next up, the Royal Capital is going to be a lively ce indeed¡­"


    Gu Junhe whistled.


    High above in the sky.


    The Cangyun Eagle pped its wings and descended, carrying a few people as they soared into the air...


    ......


    Just as Gu Junhe had predicted.


    The Royal Capital indeed became bustling with excitement, with everyone from noble lords tomoners in the streets discussing the battle in the secret realm.


    And the most famous from this battle was naturally Xiao Yi!


    He had in nearly eighty young talents from various major forces!


    Fighting one against three, killing the lord of Mingjian Manor, grievously wounding the elder of Nine Profound Sect, and shing with a peak Golden Elixir Realm powerhouse for dozens of rounds without falling behind, and so on...


    A series of such news spread through the entire Royal Capital like a gue.


    Xiao Yi became famous in one battle!


    Simultaneously...


    The news that Xiao Yi had agreed to fight Zhou Yuan and tten the Martial Arts Institute in three months also spread rapidly, with the source being none other than Treasure Pavilion, the very same entity in charge of the Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List!


    Treasure Pavilion''s influence extended across the Heavenly Yuan Realm, and its intelligencework was immensely powerful, with eyes and ears everywhere.


    On this day.


    Outside the Treasure Pavilion.


    It was already a sea of people.


    "Thetest Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List is about to go on sale soon, where do you think Xiao Yi will rank?"


    "He must be in the top three!"


    "Top three? You are underestimating him. Xiao Yi killed Zhang Tianyi, the second-ranked of the Tian Kingdom''s Teng Long List, and the lord of Mingjian Manor. I think he might very well challenge for first ce!"


    "First ce? That''s impossible. Great Prince Jiang Shanhe has been at the ninthyer of the Golden Elixir Realm for two years, firmly holding the top spot on the Teng Long List. Xiao Yi cannot surpass him!"


    "I heard that Xiao Yi is only at the fourthyer of the Golden Elixir Realm. There''s still a significant gap between him and the Great Prince, so it''s unlikely he''ll surpass the Great Prince any time soon."


    "I think Xiao Yi has a good chance of challenging for first ce..."


    Among the crowd, there was a heated debate.


    More than half of their focus in the debate was whether Xiao Yi could surpass Jiang Shanhe and be the first-ranked on the Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List and Teng Long List.


    Being first on the Teng Long List.


    That also signified the glory of being the foremost among the Tianqing Kingdom''s younger generation.


    It was a matter of significant importance!


    Under the watchful eyes of the masses, the doors of the Treasure Pavilion slowly opened.


    A young man stood at the doorway and shouted, "Thetest edition of the Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List is now on sale, one hundred Gold Coins per copy, limited to one copy per person!"


    Whoosh!


    The crowd rushed in, frantically purchasing.


    Momentster...


    A young man squeezed out from the crowd, eagerly flipping open the Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List. Upon seeing the contents, he couldn''t help but draw in a sharp breath, "This, this..."

 Chapter 99 Renowned Everywhere, Xiao Yi Awakens!

    "Wha, what is this..."


    "Oh my God, I must be seeing things..."


    "How is this possible?"


    "The Tianqing Kingdom is in for a change..."


    From within the crowd, exmations of shock followed one after another, filling the air. Every strong warrior was clutching the Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List with faces filled with horror, unable to stop their gasps of surprise.


    On that very list, sharing the coveted top spot on the Tenglong List right next to Crown Prince Jiang Shanhe, was another name.


    Xiao Yi!


    Heaven-level student of the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, at the Four Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, with major achievements including: ying Ye Feng, who was second on Tianqing Kingdom''s Tenglong List, defeating Zhang Tianyi, second on Tian Kingdom''s Tenglong List, killing the master of Mingjian Manor, and crippling an elder of the Nine Profound Sect...


    Every newbie who enters the Tenglong List would have their major achievements listed.


    This was essential for the rankings on the list to carry more weight!


    Until now.


    Everyone thought that at most Xiao Yi would only rece Ye Feng and im the second spot on the Tenglong List, but to everyone''s surprise, Treasure Pavilion had ranked Xiao Yi alongside Jiang Shanhe, as the joint top figure on the Tenglong List.


    Joint first ce!


    This was unprecedented in the history of the Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List.


    Putting aside the dazzling series of achievements following Xiao Yi''s name, just his shared first ce with Jiang Shanhe was already astonishing enough!


    Every strong warrior who had gotten their hands on a copy of the Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List and seen this news, all looked in the direction of the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy and muttered to themselves, "The name Xiao Yi will surely spread across the world!"


    Treasure Pavilion has branches everywhere.


    Dragon and Tiger Lists of various countries could be purchased, and the name Xiao Yi quickly spread far and wide.


    In the Tian Kingdom.


    Wu Yu respectfully looked at the brocade-d youth in front of him, who was none other than Wu Zheng, the top figure on the Tian Kingdom''s Tenglong List and the reigning Crown Prince.


    "Xiao Yi? Joint first on the Tianqing Tenglong List?"


    Wu Zheng clenched his fist fiercely, the Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List in his hand turned into a ze and burnt to ashes. His face revealed a grim and cold smile, "Issue my order, in three months, I will personally visit the Tianqing Kingdom!"


    "Yes!"


    Wu Yu bowed respectfully and withdrew.


    In the Purple Robe Kingdom.


    Yue Ling''er was staring at the Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List in her hands, dazed. After a long while, she put down the list and rushed straight to the residence of the current Crown Prince Yue Cang, "Big brother, big brother,e out quickly!"


    "Ling''er? What brings you to visit me?" Yue Cang, with his trouser legs and sleeves rolled up, wearing a sun hat, and holding a watering can, was tending to his flowers. He looked curiously at the hastily arriving Yue Ling''er and asked.


    Yue Ling''er pursed her lips and said, "In three months, you have to apany me to the Tianqing Kingdom!"


    "Ah? No way, no way!"


    Yue Cang was taken aback and shook his head, "This secret realm ordeal, Xiao Yi of the Tianqing Kingdom has killed too many people. His name has spread throughout the surrounding six countries by now, and surely many strong warriors will gather in the Tianqing Kingdom. There are a few tough guys who have been wanting to challenge me, and I would rather not waste my time with them!"


    Yue Ling''er''s face fell cold as she said, "You won''t go? Then I''ll just have to tell Father about your secret visit to Smoke and Dust..."


    "Shh!"


    Suddenly, Yue Cang vanished from where he was standing, covered Yue Ling''er''s mouth with his hand, and said with a mixture of crying andughter, "Oh my dear aunt, I''ll go, okay? You absolutely cannot let this get out..."


    Adjacent to the Tianqing Kingdom were the Baijing Kingdom, Qingyun Kingdom, and Sihai Kingdom.


    Within these nations...


    Some of the favored children of heavens also received the news, "Golden Core Realm Four Layer, actually on par with Jiang Shanhe? Interesting, I really want to see what kind of genius this is!"


    "Most likely the Treasure Pavilion of Tianqing Kingdom is exaggerating. No matter how talented one is, how could they possibly kill an Eighth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm expert with just the Four Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm? I''m going to expose them in person..."


    "Three months from now, in Tianqing Kingdom, I shall go!"


    Just as Gu Junhe had said, Xiao Yi was indeed renowned in all directions.


    His fame skyrocketed!


    However...


    As the one who caused all thismotion, Xiao Yi knew nothing about it.


    Half a month had passed since he returned from the secret realm.


    During these past two weeks, Xiao Yi had been in aa. If it wasn''t for his heartbeat still persisting, Gu Junhe would have thought he was dead.


    This time his exhaustion was truly tremendous!


    He had ignited seventy percent of his blood.


    If it were anyone else, they would have died long ago.


    That he was still alive was a miracle!


    In the bedroom.


    A silver-coated Little Lin was coiled by Xiao Yi''s pillow. Over these past two weeks, it had not only regained its vitality but was full of energy and had sessfully stepped into the Fourth Order realm. In terms of cultivation alone, it wasparable to the early stage of the Golden Core Realm.


    Together with its powerful body that could withstand attacks from peak Golden Core Realm experts and the potent venom that could threaten Eighth Layer Golden Core Realm enemies, it was an extremely difficult foe.


    Hiss hiss!


    Little Lin lifted its head, its emerald eyes looking towards the door.


    When it saw that Fang Qingzhu hade in, it rxed,zily worming its way over to her. Landing on her shoulder, it gently touched her cheek with a worried gaze at Xiao Yi.


    Fang Qingzhu ced Little Lin on the table, rubbed its little head, and said, "Don''t worry, Xiao Yi will wake up soon." After a pause, she looked at Xiao Yi, whoy motionless on the bed, and repeated in a more resolute voice, "He will definitely wake up!"


    For the past half month, it had been Fang Qingzhu who took meticulous care of Xiao Yi.


    Day after day, under the nourishment of century-old ginseng and red-bellied brocade chicken soup, the blood that Xiao Yi lost was recovering.


    It was just that the expenditure from that battle was too great, which was why he had yet to wake up.


    But Xiao Yi''s life was out of danger.


    "Xiao Yi, do you know? You are now on top of the Teng Long List, tied with Great Prince Jiang Shanhe!"


    Fang Qingzhu helped Xiao Yi to sit up against the headrest, talking to him. "Elder Yan and Bingxin sent a letter the other day! Elder Yan nned to visit the capital soon; you need to wake up earlier. Otherwise, if you are still in aa when theye, that would be really embarrassing!"


    Fang Qingzhu cooled the chicken soup in the spoon and fed it to Xiao Yi bit by bit, "Do you remember when we first met, Xiao Yi? I was really desperate at that time! If it weren''t for you, I might have already been... Thank goodness for you!"


    "Xiao Yi..."


    Fang Qingzhu kept talking about the past.


    From when she met Xiao Yi to all that had happened along this journey.


    From the memories of her childhood to the present...


    During this half a month, she had persisted, talking to Xiao Yi every day, hoping to awaken him. Yet, as she saw Xiao Yi still with his eyes tightly shut, ayer of mist gradually formed over her eyes.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Hiss hiss!


    Little Lin crawled up to her shoulder, its tail gently wiping the tears from the corner of her eye.


    "Little Lin, I''m okay!"


    Fang Qingzhu offered a faint smile, but as she turned her head back, the bowl and spoon ttered to the ground. She widened her eyes in disbelief at the sight before her, Xiao Yi: "..."

 Chapter 100 Qingyun Banquet

    "Xiao Yi, Brother Xiao Yi? You, you''re awake?"


    Fang Qingzhu looked at Xiao Yi with incredulity, her phoenix eyes wide open and ayer of mist already veiling her watery orbs.


    Hiss!n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The Little Lin on her shoulder also stood erect, staring intently at Xiao Yi.


    In its eyes was a human-like excitement.


    Xiao Yi squeezed out a faint smile on his pale face, nodded, and with a hoarse voice that was still somewhat weak, he said, "Sorry for making you worry!"


    Even though he had been in aa for half a month, there were times when he could still sense everything that was happening outside.


    Fang Qingzhu''s meticulous care over the past half-month, her tireless conversations in hopes of awakening him¡ªXiao Yi was fully aware of all this.


    Xiao Yi tried to rise, but his arms felt weak and he leaned heavily against the headboard.


    "Brother Xiao Yi, don''t move...What do you want to do? Let me help you!" Fang Qingzhu said in panic, supporting Xiao Yi as she hastily asked.


    With the help of Fang Qingzhu, he sat up properly.


    Xiao Yi caught Fang Qingzhu''s retreating hand. Her soft palm was somewhat cool, and medicinal ointment was applied on the back of her hand. Xiao Yi asked with concern, "Does it still hurt?"


    This was where Fang Qingzhu had identally scalded herself while stewing soup for him.


    Before this incident,


    Fang Qingzhu had never cooked, but for Xiao Yi, she started learning to cook, learning to make soup, learning to take care of people.


    Xiao Yi remembered all of this in his heart.


    Fang Qingzhu shook her head, a sweet smile on her face as she said, "It doesn''t hurt!"


    "You''re lying!"


    Xiao Yi forced a smile.


    Fang Qingzhu was taken aback and lowered her head, "It hurt a bit at the beginning, but His Highness the Seventh Prince got me these ointments, and they worked very well. It doesn''t hurt anymore!"


    Xiao Yi gently stroked Fang Qingzhu''s messy fringe on her forehead and said in a deep voice, "Qingzhu, thank you for staying by my side all this time!"


    "Brother Xiao Yi..."


    Fang Qingzhu hesitated for a moment and then rested her head against his chest, "We are husband and wife, if you never leave, I will never forsake you!"


    Smelling the faint fragrance that entered his nose, Xiao Yi gently patted her shoulder and lightly rested his chin against her head.


    In this life...


    Besides his mother, at least for now, Fang Qingzhu was the only one who had entered the sanctuary of his heart. This feeling was more than just between husband and wife, it was also an inseparable kinship!


    In his eyes, however, there was an unprecedented determination!


    Little Lin, looking at the two hugging each other, nced left and right at itself, then brought its tail to its head.


    It rested its head against its tail.


    Its face showed a human-like contentment.


    ¡­


    At Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, behind the mountain.


    It was still that waterfall.


    Xiao Yi stood beneath the waterfall, holding an energy stone in each hand.


    The surging energy from the energy stones infused into his body, converging within his Golden Core, and above Xiao Yi''s Golden Core were already five light rings floating up and down.


    This signified that his cultivation had stepped into the Fifth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm.


    Half a month had passed since he woke up.


    "Breaking through a realm now requires fifty medium-grade energy stones, and the further I go, the greater the consumption¡­"


    Xiao Yi slowly opened his eyes, looking at the energy stones in his hand that had lost their luster and turned to waste, he sighed deeply.


    Back then, in that ancient tomb, Xiao Yi had obtained a little over a thousand low-grade energy stones, one hundred forty medium-grade, and twelve high-grade ones.


    The medium-grade energy stones contained ten times the energy of the low-grade ones, and the high-grade ones ten times that of the medium-grade.


    To break through to the Four Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, he had exhausted all the low-grade energy stones.


    The remaining medium and high-grade energy stones amounted to what would be equivalent to two hundred and sixty medium-grade energy stones: "Two hundred and sixty medium-grade energy stones... Should be enough to break through to the Eighth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm. Below the tribtion, I''ll be invincible, Zhou Yuan is no longer a concern!"


    The greatest reward for Xiao Yi from this secret realm adventure was not the spirit stones, but those three Martial Dao Divine Fruits.


    Each of these Martial Dao Divine Fruits could be exchanged for several hundred or even a thousand top-quality spirit stones.


    But Xiao Yi had no intention of selling the Martial Dao Divine Fruits.


    "Xiao!"


    Jiang Tai''s voice came from outside the waterfall, and with a step, Xiao Yi emerged with rolling vital energy surrounding him, preventing the cascading water from getting close.


    In just a few shes, Xiao Yi had reached Jiang Tai''s side.


    After the journey through the secret realm.


    Xiao Yi hade to recognize Jiang Tai. He sized him up and down andughed, "Congrattions, elder brother, your cultivation has greatly improved!"


    Since returning from the secret realm, Jiang Tai had already stepped into the Eighth Layer Realm of the Golden Core Realm.


    Hisbat power was also even stronger than before!


    Jiang Tai rolled his eyes and said exasperatedly, "You''re supposed to beplimenting me, right? But why does it sound so awkward to my ears?"


    Xiao Yiughed heartily, clearly aware Jiang Tai was referring to him being tied for first ce on the Teng Long List, and then shook his head, "Did elder brother need me for something?"


    Jiang Tai nodded, a yful look on his face, holding an invitation between two fingers, "This is for you!"


    "Hm?"


    Xiao Yi was startled, opened it, and looked with a peculiar expression, "Jiang Shanhe is inviting me to the Qingyun Banquet?"


    In half a month''s time, it would be the Tianqing Kingdom''s Qingyun Festival.


    Every year at this time, when the unique Qingyun flowers of the Tianqing Kingdom bloom, the royal family holds the Qingyun Banquet to invite the outstanding young talents from within the kingdom.


    Moreover, with the Crown Prince position not yet decided, the recent Qingyun Banquets have been organized by the eldest prince.


    Given Xiao Yi''s rtionship with the Royal Martial Arts Academy, he couldn''t fathom why Jiang Shanhe would send him an invitation!


    Jiang Tai squinted his eyes and suggested, "Maybe he wants to recruit you?"


    Xiao Yi rolled his eyes, "Recruit me? It''s probably a setup for a trap, aiming to put me in a deadly situation!"


    "Don''t worry, the Qingyun Banquet is a state banquet. If anything goes wrong, father won''t spare him, and he wouldn''t dare make a rash move. If you don''t want to go, I can help you decline," Jiang Tai said.


    Xiao Yi waved his hand dismissively and smiled at the invitation in his hand, "Go, why not go? Not only will I attend, but our fellow brothers from the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy will go as well!"


    "Ah?"


    Jiang Tai was taken aback.


    "Our Tianqi Martial Arts Academy is too poor, you see, the Shi Family brothers and Niu Dali have all starved to the point of skinniness, it''s a good opportunity to take them for a good meal!"


    Xiao Yi''s eyes narrowed into slits, "It''s also a good chance for me to see for myself what this eldest prince, who has held the top position on the Teng Long List for many years, is really like!"


    A strong sense of fighting spirit suddenly burst forth from him.


    Ten days flew by in the blink of an eye...


    At the gate of the Tianqi Martial Arts Institute.


    Xiao Yi looked at Gu Junhe, who was drinking sullenly next to the Cangyun Eagle, and said helplessly, "Headmaster, the Qingyun Banquet is for young people, it''s really not suitable for you to go!"


    "Are you saying I''m old?" Gu Junhe squinted his eyes and asked.


    With a serious face, Xiao Yi hummed in agreement.


    Gu Junhe: "..."


    Niu Dali chuckled and said, "Headmaster, let the young people handle their affairs; you don''t need to get involved!"


    "Are you saying I''m old?" Gu Junhe asked again, putting down his liquor gourd.


    Mimicking Xiao Yi''s seriousness, Niu Dali nodded his head, but before he could utter a word, he was abruptly smacked to the ground by Gu Junhe''s palm.


    The p made stars dance in his vision.


    Gu Junhe grabbed Niu Dali''s ankle and dragged him towards the institute like dragging a dead dog. Niu Dali''s head made a thudding sound with every intimate contact with the stairs, and Gu Junhe''s voice drifted, "You all go! Niu Dali will stay with me in the institute for some extra training."


    Thud! Thud! Thud!


    Everyone looked at the stairs with over a thousand steps, swallowing saliva subconsciously, their faces filled with sympathy.


    Shi Yaoming sighed and said earnestly, "Brother Dali, keep the headmasterpany, we will eat your share as well..."

 Chapter 101 For Your Drink!

    Spring Breeze and Rain Pavilion!


    It sits at the bustling intersection of Vermilion Bird Avenue and Azure Dragon Avenue in the royal capital.


    Though not the most luxurious tavern in the capital, it bore the strongest backing, hosting many royal banquets. For example, the current Azure Cloud Banquet was held within this Spring Breeze and Rain Pavilion.


    Along the road, the non-stop flow of carriages was seen.


    Those within the carriages were either rich or noble.


    Not only did they include many famous and esteemed families from Tianqing Kingdom, but also numerous gifted masters from the Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List.


    Azure Cloud Banquet, implying an ascension into the Azure Clouds.


    It was specifically organized by the royal family to invite the young heroes within the kingdom.


    "Xiao Yi, brother, the Spring Breeze and Rain Pavilion is so grand!" Fang Qingzhu admired the elegant and imposing building before her with a look of wonder on her face.


    Little Lin, perched on her shoulder, craned his neck and stuck out his tongue lightly.


    The Shi Family''s four brothers exchanged a nce, excitement in on their faces. Shi Yaoqian''s eyes shone, "Owning such a tavern in this prosperous area would be like raking in gold every day!"


    Shi Yaodu rolled the dice in his hand non-stop, his eyes slightly squinted, "I wonder if there are any gambling games at this Azure Cloud Banquet!"


    "Gambling, gambling, gambling, is that all you ever think about? In a ce like this, making connections with geniuses from all over is what''s most important, isn''t it?" Shi Yaoquan nced at his brother and said, annoyed.


    Shi Yaoming said indifferently, "Second brother, as long as we hold tight to Xiao''s coattails, do we need to make connections with any other genius?"


    Shi Yaoquan''s face stiffened.


    Just as Shi Yaoming said, wasn''t Xiao Yi the most talked-about genius in Tianqing Kingdom at the moment?


    Xiao Yi nced at the three and said, speechlessly, "Speak any more nonsense, and I''ll have you roll back home!"


    The four of them promptly shut up.


    Xiao Yi, holding Fang Qingzhu''s hand, smiled and said, "The Spring Breeze and Rain Pavilion is backed by the royal family, naturally it is a lot more imposing! Brother Jiang should already be inside, let''s go in!"


    "Yes!"


    Fang Qingzhu nodded obediently.


    Suddenly, a harsh whooshing sound came hurtling towards her shoulder, and Little Lin tensed up on her shoulder. He quickly turned and dodged as a streak of silver light, avoiding it just in time as a dark shadow shed by.


    Swish!


    The cloth on Fang Qingzhu''s shoulder was torn apart.


    "Diao,e back!" An arrogant voice called out.


    The dark shadow quickly returned to the shoulder of a youth in brocade robes, with a face like a jade carving and a handsome, spirited appearance. Astonishingly, it was a gray-colored fourth-grade demon fox marten. The fox marten''s fiery eyes were fixed on Little Lin, who had climbed back onto Fang Qingzhu''s shoulder, its gaze filled with greed.


    Fox martens were naturally fond of preying on snake-type demons, and it had just tried to prey on Little Lin.


    "Are you all right?" Xiao Yi hastily inquired.


    Fang Qingzhu shook her head, her face slightly pale, but immediately hugged Little Lin in her arms, checking him over to make sure he wasn''t injured. Only then did she look at the youth, "You..."


    Before she could finish speaking,


    The youth arrogantly said, "My Diao has taken a fancy to your snake, sell it to me!"


    Meanwhile,


    The youth flicked his finger, and a silver note of one hundred silver floated towards Fang Qingzhu.


    Frowning with displeasure, Fang Qingzhu raised her hand and sent a gust of wind to blow the silver note back, saying coldly, "Little Lin is not for sale!"


    "Is it that you find the money too little?" demanded the young man impatiently, "One thousand silver!"


    Today, the Spring Breeze and Rain Pavilion was already full of people, and many recognized the youth: "Isn''t that the son of the Minister of War, Li Heng? He''s a master on the Flying Tiger List, and also proficient in The Way of Beast Tamer, truly one of the elites among the young generation!"


    "Youngdy, you should just sell that demon beast to Young Master Li!"


    "Young Master Li is not someone you can afford to provoke!" the crowd advised in turn.


    Despite Xiao Yi''s growing reputation, very few people had actually seen him.


    Not to mention Fang Qingzhu.


    Fang Qingzhu retorted angrily, "Little Lin is our partner, and we will absolutely not sell him!"


    Over these past months, she had developed a deep, rooted bond with Little Lin, regarding him as a friend and family member. She would not sell him for mere thousands of silver, not even for a million yuan stones!


    Little Lin seemed to understand, holding its head high, its little eyes fixed on Fang Qingzhu.


    Squeak squeak squeak!


    The green marten on Li Heng''s shoulder let out a few piercing shrieks, standing its fur on end and drooling uncontrobly.


    "Alright, alright, I know you''re hungry!"


    Li Heng doted on the marten by rubbing its head, then looked towards Xiao Yi and the others, saying arrogantly, "I''ll say this onest time, hand over that little snake, crawl under my crotch, and I''ll let bygones be bygones. Otherwise, I..."


    His words were cut off.


    A crisp p suddenly sounded across his face.


    Li Heng''s body spun on the spot from the impact, seeing stars, and he looked around in disbelief, "Who? Who hit me?"


    He was at the Peak of the Divine Ability Realm, along with a martenparable to the First Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm.


    How could he not have seen who pped him?


    All was silent around.


    Nobody had seen who made the move.


    Li Heng''s face turned ashen with rage, unable to find the assant, his eyes filled with venomous hate as he stared at Xiao Yi and hispanions, "You... it must be you who ambushed me!" He patted the marten on his shoulder, "Little Diao, kill them for me!"


    The green marten was a fiercely murderous beast.


    Upon receiving Li Heng''smand,


    It gave a squeak.


    Whoosh!


    It turned into a grey streak of light, charging straight towards Fang Qingzhu, aiming to y her and then capture Little Lin on her.


    Li Heng wore a look of triumph, "This is the fate of those who offend me!"


    However...


    Faced with the rapidly approaching marten,


    Xiao Yi merely gestured towards the void, invisible energy coalescing into a giant hand that snatched the marten firmly.


    Squeak squeak squeak...


    The marten red with rage, struggling hysterically.


    Li Heng''s face underwent a drastic change, seeing Little Diao caught in Xiao Yi''s hand, powerless to break free, his heart skipped a beat, realizing he was facing a real expert. Li Heng spoke hastily, "Release Little Diao, and I will not pursue any grudge with you..."


    To tame that marten, he had exhausted countless resources and wealth.


    Just finding a young green marten had cost him nearly ten million silver pieces!


    "Not hold a grudge with us?"


    Xiao Yi let out a sneer, ncing sideways at Li Heng and suddenly clenching his fists harder.


    Crack!


    The sound of breaking bones made one''s scalp tingle.


    Squeak...


    The marten let out a pitiful cry, its life hanging by a thread.


    Xiao Yi tossed it towards Little Lin, "Here''s something for you to enjoy with your drink!"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Hiss!


    With a single swallow, Little Lin consumed the marten.


    Little Lin was alreadyparable to a primary fourth-tier demonic beast, possessing strength equivalent to the Fifth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm. Once it assimted the marten, chances were it would break through to the middle fourth-tier.


    After swallowing the marten, Little Lin returned to Xiao Yi''s embrace.


    In front of the Spring Breeze and Rain Pavilion, silence reigned.


    Pant! Pant!


    Li Heng watched Xiao Yi with disbelief. Had his painstakingly nurtured marten died just like that?


    But now, he didn''t dare to move an inch!


    If Xiao Yi could subdue a martenparable to the Golden Core Realm with a single p, how could he be his match?


    While Li Heng was in panic, his eyes suddenly brightened, and he sprinted towards the figure emerging from the Spring Breeze and Rain Pavilion, "..."


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 102 Its You Who Should Kneel!

    Li Heng''s face was filled with excitement and elation as he ran towards the figure emerging from the Spring Breeze and Rain Pavilion.While running,


    Li Heng turned his head back to look at Xiao Yi and his companions, his face twisted with smugness and ferocity, "You mangy curs, you will soon know just how terrifying the consequences of offending this young master are! Hahaha..."


    "Lei, you must stand up for me!"


    Li Heng, jogging all the way, arrived in front of the young man, sobbing his heart out.


    His father was the imperial Minister of War, a dignitary of the first rank.


    In the capital,


    Li Heng also belonged to the cream of the second generation.


    It was natural that he was acquainted with Yun Lei!


    Yun Lei was stunned; he had been entertaining guests on behalf of the crown prince when he heard a conflict brewing outside and came out to see what was going on.


    He hadn''t expected to step outside just to encounter Li Heng running up to him, crying his eyes out with a runny nose. The Yun Family had a good relationship with the Li Family, and Yun Lei had known Li Heng for many years. Seeing the fiery red palm mark on his face, Yun Lei furrowed his brows and asked, "Heng, how did you end up like this?"


    With a face full of resentment, Li Heng said, "Lei, someone killed my Diao and beat me up like this. You must seek justice for me!"


    But he was indeed reversing right and wrong!


    He did not mention at all that it was his own silver fox that had struck first, attempting to capture and kill Little Lin, and when his offer of one thousand taels of silver to forcefully buy Little Lin was declined, he resorted to murder. He only mentioned the killing of the silver fox and the fact that he was beaten.


    Yun Lei''s brows were tightly knit.


    He had been an earth-grade student himself but had stepped into the First Layer of the Golden Core Realm half a month earlier, becoming a heaven-grade student ¨C his status soaring high, basking in the height of success.


    Seeing his childhood friend beaten up like this, he swung his great hand and said coldly, "What audacity, to dare beat the son of the current Minister of War in the middle of the street! Heng, point out that lunatic, and Lei will avenge you!"


    "It''s them..."


    With his face full of excitement, Li Heng pointed towards Xiao Yi and his companions.


    But he hadn''t noticed...


    As soon as he saw he was pointing at Xiao Yi, Yun Lei''s expression turned exceedingly grim.


    Strutting up to Xiao Yi and the others with an air of superiority, Li Heng said with a smug face, "Brat, I told you, offending this young master would lead to no good end. My Lei is a heaven-grade student of the Royal Martial Arts Academy and also the crown prince''s confidant. Having offended me is like offending the crown prince, and if you don''t want to die, kneel down and crawl between my legs right now, then kneel before me and kowtow to apologize..."


    Shi Yaodu shook his head and sighed, "Li Heng, is it? I bet you''re going to cry!"


    "Hmm?"


    Li Heng was taken aback as Yun Lei came to his side.


    Feeling bold with Yun Lei beside him, Li Heng shouted, "Lei, it was this beast that hit me!"


    With a dark face, Yun Lei barked, "Kneel down!"


    Li Heng crossed his arms, looking triumphantly at Xiao Yi and the rest, "Did you hear that? Lei is telling you to kneel!"


    "I''m telling you to kneel down!"


    Standing by his side, Yun Lei suddenly let out a low roar, and immediately following, Li Heng felt his legs in severe pain as his knees knocked on the ground with two thumps. The pain made Li Heng grimace, and he looked at Yun Lei in confusion, pointing at Xiao Yi, "Lei... Lei, you must have kicked the wrong person. You should kick him..."


    Before he could finish speaking,


    Yun Lei had already grabbed the finger Li Heng was using to point at Xiao Yi and brutally broke it, causing Li Heng to scream in agony, his eyes turning bloodshot as he glared at Yun Lei, "Yun Lei, have you gone mad?"


    "The one who''s mad here is you!"


    Yun Lei slapped Li Heng across the face, sending him reeling with stars in his eyes as he shouted angrily, "Do you know who he is? He is Xiao Yi from the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy..."


    "What?"


    Li Heng could no longer care about the pain.


    His complexion turned deathly pale, and large beads of cold sweat rolled down his forehead.


    Who within the Tianqing Kingdom today did not know the name of Xiao Yi?


    This is someone who even dares to kill the owner of Sword Mountain Manor!


    Killing the son of a Minister, what''s that to him?


    Gulp!


    Li Heng swallowed hard, crying with a grim face as he looked at Xiao Yi, "Xiao, Xiao... I didn''t recognize Tai Shan; please spare me..."


    Yun Lei''s face carried a pleasing smile, "Xiao, please be magnanimous and let him off this time!"


    With Xiao Yi''s current talent and strength, even the eldest prince wants to recruit him.


    Once Xiao Yi agrees to the eldest prince''s recruitment, he will definitely be the first fierce general under the eldest prince. That''s why Yun Lei is behaving like this!


    Xiao Yi looked at him with a strange expression, "Is Yun Fan your brother?"


    Yun Lei''s face twitched.


    He naturally knew that Yun Fan had died at Xiao Yi''s hands, but thinking of the eldest prince''s intention to recruit Xiao Yi, he had to suppress the hatred in his heart, smiling obsequiously, "I''ve heard about Little Fan''s incident. It was all his own doing; Xiao can''t be blamed for it!"


    Xiao Yi sized up Yun Lei and sneered, "If today you would seek revenge for your brother and strike at me, I might still respect you. As for now..."


    Yun Lei forced a smile, "Xiao is joking... The Crown Prince has been waiting inside for a long time. Now, look at this..."


    Xiao Yi glanced at Li Heng and waved his hand, "Let him kneel! Let him leave after the banquet is over!"


    "Rest assured, Xiao!"


    Yun Lei nodded firmly and glared fiercely at Li Heng, "Did you hear Xiao''s words? Kneel right here for me!"


    Li Heng was on the verge of tears, "..."


    He never imagined that he would hit a snag today!


    He could only kneel obediently in front of the Spring Breeze and Rain Pavilion.


    "Ladies and gentlemen, this way, please!"


    Yun Lei led the way at the front, guiding Xiao Yi and the others into the banquet hall, "Xiao, the banquet will be held here shortly. You all can have a look around the banquet hall for now, or try some of the pastries here! The banquet will start very soon!"


    "Go attend to your duties!"


    Xiao Yi waved his hand.


    The others stood in the banquet hall. Shi Yaodu''s eyes lit up, "What a huge roasted pig, and that fatty beast leg..."


    "Eat, we must eat our fill!"


    "And pack some to take back for the Institute Director and Da Li..."


    The Shi Family''s four brothers dashed away, vanishing among the array of delicious foods.


    Xiao Yi, on the other hand, was holding Fang Qingzhu''s hand, starting to savor various delicacies with her.


    At this moment, Xiao Yi did not know...


    After leaving, Yun Lei went to the eighth floor of the Spring Breeze and Rain Pavilion. With a respectful expression on his face, he spoke to Jiang Shanhe, who was standing with his hands behind his back, gazing outside through the window, "Your Highness, I''ve brought Xiao Yi to the banquet hall."


    "Hmm!"


    Jiang Shanhe didn''t turn around, his eyes narrowed to slits as he looked outside and said, "Yun Lei, do you blame this prince?"


    Xiao Yi had killed Yun Fan.


    And Yun Lei could not take revenge; instead, he had to serve Xiao Yi with all due respect.


    Yun Lei said in fear, "Your Highness jests; how could I blame you? Your actions are all about the bigger picture, and I swear my unwavering loyalty!"


    "Good, this prince was not mistaken about you! Rest assured..."


    Jiang Shanhe narrowed his eyes, looking at the bustling Tianqing capital, a flash of icy cold light quickly passing through his gaze, "If he obediently complies and agrees to serve me, then let him live for a few more years. If he disobeys, this prince will personally hand him over to you..."


    "Your Highness''s great kindness is unforgettable!" Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Yun Lei bowed deeply, his lowered eyes filled with a fierce cold light, "Little Fan, your brother will surely avenge you!"

 Chapter 103 Is It Him?

    Xiao Yi''s arrival naturally attracted the attention of many people.This was the current genius of the Tianqing Kingdom who was in the spotlight¡ªif it had been any other time, countless powerful individuals would have approached to befriend him.


    But now...


    Less than a month remained until the deadline for the duel between Xiao Yi and the Royal Martial Arts Academy.


    For the crowd.


    The Royal Martial Arts Academy and Xiao Yi were at odds, with an evident lean towards Xiao Yi.


    In their eyes, Xiao Yi''s life and death were uncertain, and in this gamble, the Royal Martial Arts Academy was clearly more likely to win. To befriend Xiao Yi now and, should he die at the hands of the Academy in a month, they might face retribution come autumn.


    That''s exactly why.


    Even though many in the banquet hall nodded and made polite gestures towards Xiao Yi, not one person came forward to start a conversation.


    "Amitabha!"


    Xiao Yi was tasting the delicacies with Fang Qingzhu when a hoarse voice echoed in his ear.


    It was a bald monk, but on top of his head were not the usual scars of monkhood, but three ferocious claw marks running across his forehead and the back of his skull, making his appearance particularly vicious. At this moment, he had his palms together, smiling at Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, "From the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple?"


    "Amitabha, this poor monk Dao Tian is a disciple of the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple!" Dao Tian said with a smile.


    Xiao Yi replied indifferently, "What do you want with me?"


    He didn''t have much fondness for these hypocritically benevolent monks.


    Dao Tian kept a smiling face, seeming amiable, and spoke in a not-so-loud voice, "Xiao benefactor, a few days ago our abbot had a dream in which the Buddha said you have a destiny with our Buddha. The poor monk has come uninvited today, wishing to invite you to the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple to receive the baptism of the Buddhist Law!"


    The news that Xiao Yi was able to slay a practitioner of the Eighth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm with a cultivation at the Four Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm had long since reached the ears of various forces.


    Even Dao Tian, a disciple of the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple, coveted this secret.


    The abbot of the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple ordered him to bring Xiao Yi back to the temple, and then to brainwash and control him with Buddhist Law. If they could force the secret of his ability to fight beyond his level out of him, the great prosperity of the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple was in sight.


    Xiao Yi waved his hand dismissively, "I won''t go!"


    "Xiao benefactor, the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple is the orthodox sanctuary of Buddhism, with a Buddha''s light that shines over all, it is a sacred place. Generally speaking, even the royal lineage cannot set foot there at will. Our Buddha is merciful and wishes to convert you with the Buddhist Law, so you should not refuse!" Dao Tian kept smiling, but his tone became somewhat stern.


    Xiao Yi said, "According to what you''re saying, going to the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple would be an honor for me then?"


    Dao Tian replied, "Of course it is!"


    He was a contemporary chosen disciple, usually hidden from the world, not even listed on the Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List. But Dao Tian''s strength was not to be underestimated¡ªstanding at the Golden Elixir Realm Seventh Layer Peak, he was comparable to Jiang Tai before his breakthrough!


    "Amitabha!"


    Dao Tian brought his hands together and reached out to grab Xiao Yi''s shoulder, "Xiao benefactor, come with me!"


    However...


    His palm rested on Xiao Yi''s shoulder, and with a fierce jerk, Xiao Yi didn''t budge an inch.


    "Hmm?"


    Dao Tian''s expression tightened.


    Xiao Yi said emotionlessly, "It seems that I have a destiny without affinity with your Buddha. However, I do think you have a destiny with the King of Hell!"


    "Huh?"


    Dao Tian was taken aback.


    Xiao Yi raised his palm and clamped onto his wrist, followed by a crisp crack¡ªDao Tian''s arm broke on the spot. Before he could even scream, Xiao Yi kicked out, striking Dao Tian in the abdomen.


    Whoosh!


    Dao Tian screamed miserably, collapsed to the ground holding his stomach.


    Spittle gushed from his mouth like a breached dam.


    After days of cultivation, Xiao Yi''s level had stepped into the Seventh Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm. The strength from the thirty-five thousand God Sealing Seeds made his physical power even more formidable.


    His martial prowess was comparable to the peak of the Golden Elixir!


    Was Dao Tian even a match for him?


    The commotion here naturally drew the attention of the surrounding crowd. Watching Xiao Yi casually cripple Dao Tian with ease, expressions of shock were evident on everyone''s faces. "As expected from the genius ranked equal to the crown prince on the Teng Long List, Xiao Yi''s strength is truly unfathomable!"


    "Dao Tian is a Buddha''s son from the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple. Although a Buddha''s son is detached from worldly concerns and not ranked, he definitely has the strength of the top five on the Teng Long List. Yet he couldn''t even take one move from Xiao Yi. Among the younger generation, I fear only the crown prince can suppress Xiao Yi!"


    The whispers in the crowd abruptly ceased.


    The crowd surrounding them automatically parted, creating a path, as Jiang Shanhe, arrayed in brocade robes, appeared within everyone''s sight, escorted by Yun Lei.


    His gaze was serene, and he wore a smile as he walked towards Xiao Yi.


    Their eyes met.


    Jiang Shanhe said with a smile, "Do me a favor and let him live, how about it?"


    Xiao Yi shrugged his shoulders, "Drag him away!"


    Jiang Shanhe glanced at Yun Lei.


    Yun Lei stepped forward, intending to help Dao Tian up, but Xiao Yi stopped him.


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "I said drag him away!"


    Yun Lei was taken aback and looked to Jiang Shanhe.


    Jiang Shanhe frowned slightly, then gestured with his hand. Yun Lei immediately understood his intentions, grabbed Dao Tian by the ankle, and dragged him out of the Spring Breeze and Rain Pavilion like a dead dog.


    "Shall we have a good drink later?" Jiang Shanhe asked with a smile.


    Xiao Yi replied, "Only if it''s good liquor!"


    Jiang Shanhe nodded, "Royal brews guaranteed not to disappoint you!"


    Xiao Yi said with a smile, "Sounds good!" sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Jiang Shanhe said, "I''ll find you later!"


    "Suit yourself!"


    Watching Jiang Shanhe''s departing figure, Fang Qingzhu said softly, "Xiao Yi, I don''t like him!"


    Little Lin raised his head and nodded.


    As if expressing his agreement with Fang Qingzhu''s opinion.


    Xiao Yi asked curiously, "Why?"


    Fang Qingzhu''s brows furrowed slightly, and a strange light flickered in her beautiful eyes. "I can''t exactly put my finger on it, but I feel his smile is very fake, it gives an uncomfortable feeling!"


    "In this life, we can hardly avoid wearing a few masks, especially those born into the imperial family. But¡­" Xiao Yi smiled and then continued, "I don''t like him either, so avoid him!"


    "Okay!"


    Fang Qingzhu nodded obediently.


    Around them, however, no one else dared to approach.


    They only nodded to him from a distance, in a gesture of goodwill.


    Xiao Yi was rather pleased with the peace and quiet.


    "Xiao, come over here for a second!" Shi Yaoqian gestured to him with a mysterious air.


    Xiao Yi was startled, looking at him curiously, "What is it?"


    Shi Yaoqian whispered, "Xiao, you have a storage ring, right?"


    Xiao Yi nodded subconsciously.


    Shi Yaoqian glanced around, then pulled open the collar of his clothes, revealing an astonishing array of crystal cups, plates, vases, and more stuffed inside his loose clothing. Xiao Yi''s eyes twitched, completely at a loss as to how Shi Yaoqian managed to fit all these items into his clothes.


    Shi Yaoqian said, "Xiao, open up your storage ring quick, these things are worth a fortune!"


    Xiao Yi''s face turned as black as coal: "¡­"


    He wanted nothing more than to smack this humiliating fool and send him flying.


    How embarrassing would it be if someone saw this?


    Shi Yaoqian whispered urgently, "Xiao, what are you waiting for? Hurry up and stash these things! I even spotted a table made from Azure Dragon wood over there; make sure to take that too later..."


    Xiao Yi, with a darkened expression, said, "Scram!"


    He took Fang Qingzhu by the hand and walked away.


    At that moment...


    Jiang Shanhe''s voice suddenly resounded throughout the banquet hall: "Welcome everyone to the Qingyun Banquet. It''s an honor given by the King for me to host this event. Before we begin, please allow me to introduce a distinguished guest!"


    He pointed towards the entrance.


    All eyes turned as one to look.


    Xiao Yi also saw the figure at the entrance and couldn''t help but reveal a trace of coldness in his eyes: "Is it him?"

 Chapter 104 Are You Satisfied Now?

    At the entrance to the banquet hall.Zhou Xin, resplendent in his robes, strode in with authority as the crowd parted to either side to make way, "Law Enforcement Elder Zhou Xin of the Royal Martial Arts Academy? Why did he return here?"


    "I heard Zhou Xin made a breakthrough to the Eighth Layer of the Golden Core Realm and has been promoted to the Deputy Head of the Royal Martial Arts Academy!"


    "Deputy Head? No wonder even the Crown Prince calls him an honored guest!"


    Amidst the whispering.


    Zhou Xin approached Jiang Shanhe with a beaming smile, "His Highness the Crown Prince is too polite. How can I, Zhou, be worthy of such a guest title?"


    "Please take a seat, Deputy Head Zhou!" Jiang Shanhe gestured invitingly.


    Zhou Xin smiled and sat beside him.


    His gaze swept through the crowd, eventually settling on Xiao Yi, the smile on his face slowly fading, replaced by a hint of amusement.


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, staring intently at Zhou Xin.


    When he was being troubled by Ge Qingyun and others, it was Zhou Xin, the Law Enforcement Elder, who brazenly shielded them.


    This led to Xiao Yi causing an uproar at the Royal Martial Arts Academy!


    "Many thanks to His Highness the Crown Prince!"


    Zhou Xin bowed to Jiang Shanhe and then took the seat to Jiang''s left.


    Jiang Shanhe spoke loudly, "Ladies and Gentlemen, you must be wondering why Deputy Head Zhou would grace the Qingyun Banquet with his presence."


    The crowd turned their gaze toward him.


    Jiang Shanhe looked at Zhou Xin.


    Zhou Xin slowly stood up, face wearing a radiant smile, his eyes sweeping across those present before coming to rest on Xiao Yi, he declared, "Zhou has come to the Qingyun Banquet today for just one purpose!"


    "Xiao Yi, this seems to be targeted at you!" Fang Qingzhu said.


    Xiao Yi acknowledged with a hum, quietly waiting for what was to come.


    Zhou Xin said unhurriedly, "Perhaps everyone has heard, there was some misunderstanding between the Royal Martial Arts Academy and Xiao Yi, and all of it was because I, Zhou, was deceived by slander and wrongly accused him!"


    "Ah..."


    "What''s going on? Has someone from the Royal Martial Arts Academy actually admitted they were wrong?"


    "The Royal Martial Arts Academy, such a domineering entity, has actually admitted fault? Just how strong is this Xiao Yi, to make the Royal Martial Arts Academy capitulate... "


    All eyes focused on Xiao Yi.


    Surprise appeared on Xiao Yi''s face; he had thought of many reasons why Zhou Xin might appear here but had never considered that he would openly apologize to him?


    To know...


    Zhou Xin was now the Deputy Head of the Royal Martial Arts Academy.


    Wait a minute...


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, his face showing thick sarcasm, "So that''s how it is... No wonder they would promote him to Deputy Head at this time..."


    If Zhou Xin were still the Law Enforcement Elder, his public apology to Xiao Yi would mean that the Royal Martial Arts Academy''s Law Enforcement Hall would suffer a loss of dignity and justice, and even lead others to question the rules of the Martial Arts Academy.


    But now Zhou Xin was the Deputy Head.


    His apology could entirely be attributed to him personally, minimizing the impact on the Royal Martial Arts Academy!


    Zhou Xin bowed deeply to Xiao Yi, his voice solemn, "Xiao Yi, it was all because I misbelieved malicious gossip, wrongly accusing you! This has nothing to do with the Royal Martial Arts Academy, it''s all my personal mistake. When we return, I will request the Head to relieve me of my position as Deputy Head!"


    Boom!


    A wave of astonishment swept through the crowd once more.


    The disturbance was hard to calm!


    To appease Xiao Yi''s anger, was Zhou Xin actually prepared to resign in acknowledgment of his fault?


    "Xiao Yi, that''s enough!"


    "Deputy Head Zhou has already gone to this extent; if you keep pursuing this, you''ll truly be ungracious!"


    "Enough is enough!" the crowd urged.


    In their view, the Royal Martial Arts Academy had already conceded to such an extent, with full sincerity. Xiao Yi ought to accept Zhou Xin''s apology and no longer pursue the matter.


    However...


    Xiao Yi remained seated in his place, warmly serving vegetables to Fang Qingzhu: "This tastes good, and this too... Look at how thin you''ve become. You need to eat more meat, understand?"


    Fang Qingzhu smiled gently, dutifully nodding her head.


    Hiss hiss!


    Little Lin stood up, sticking out its tongue.


    Xiao Yi rubbed its head, offering it a few pieces of meat: "Alright, alright, you need to eat meat too!"


    He seemed to have not seen Zhou Xin''s actions at all.


    "Xiao Yi, please forgive me!"


    Zhou Xin, still in a bowing posture, had a face that turned livid, but remembering Zhou Yuan''s command, he could only take a deep breath and said in a deep voice, "I truly come to offer an apology with all my heart. Whatever you ask of me, I can agree to it!"


    Xiao Yi said playfully, "Even if I asked for your life?"


    "This..."


    Zhou Xin was startled, the murderous intent in his eyes already seething, yet he forcibly suppressed it and said sternly, "Xiao Yi, I, Zhou, indeed made the first mistake, but today I have set aside my pride to apologize to you. Do you really intend to be mercilessly thorough?"


    Yun Lei said with unease, "Xiao Yi, no matter what Vice Head Zhou did wrong before, he has already apologized to you. Even if you still harbor resentment, he is, after all, your elder. Don''t you think you are being too excessive?"


    "Who the hell are you to lecture me on what to do?" Xiao Yi looked up at Yun Lei, with a face of indifference.


    "You..."


    Yun Lei was taken aback, his face turning an iron blue.


    Xiao Yi pointed at Zhou Xin, who was still maintaining a bowing posture, and sneered, "You think he''s really apologizing to me? He is but trying to manipulate public opinion, making everyone believe that I, Xiao Yi, am unreasonable and unyielding even when I''m in the right... In this way, no one will blame the Royal Martial Arts Academy for bullying others, nor will anyone remember how you twisted truth and justice, attempting to put me to death everywhere. Am I right?"


    His mocking gaze turned to Jiang Shanhe.


    Yun Lei''s expression changed.


    As a confidant of Jiang Shanhe, he naturally knew that all of today''s events were orchestrated by Jiang Shanhe''s hands. The plan was to first offer an apology with Zhou Xin, manipulating public opinion against Xiao Yi.


    Afterward...


    Jiang Shanhe would step in to placate Xiao Yi.


    If they could subdue Xiao Yi, his reputation would be greatly enhanced; even if Xiao Yi refused in the end, the Royal Martial Arts Academy would shed the accusation of oppressing the weak, a strategy that would kill several birds with one stone.


    But this plan was supposed to be top secret! S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi had pinpointed the crux of the scheme with a single statement. Yun Lei instinctively looked towards Jiang Shanhe.


    Jiang Shanhe narrowed his eyes, the plan indeed coming from him, and he never expected Xiao Yi to see through it. Yet he showed no panic, calmly tasting the dishes on the table.


    Zhou Xin straightened up, his face the picture of despair, "Xiao Yi, why can''t you trust me? Do you really need my life to extinguish your anger?"


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Yes! Are you willing to give it?"


    "You..."


    Zhou Xin''s mouth twitched violently.


    Was he willing?


    Of course not!


    All of this was just an act!


    Jiang Shanhe, who had been silent the whole time, suddenly spoke up, "Vice Head Zhou, since it''s an apology, you should show some sincerity!"


    Zhou Xin''s expression changed drastically.


    Under Jiang Shanhe''s cold gaze, he gritted his teeth and said, "Please enlighten me, Your Highness!"


    Pfft!


    With a flick of his sword finger, Jiang Shanhe severed Zhou Xin''s right arm at the shoulder, the bloody limb falling in front of Xiao Yi. Jiang Shanhe narrowed his eyes and asked, "Are you satisfied now?"

 Chapter 105 Who Else?

    "Are you satisfied now?"Jiang Shanhe''s face remained expressionless, his calm gaze fixed on Xiao Yi.


    The blood-drenched severed arm lay in a pool of blood, its fingers still twitching slightly. Zhou Xin covered his bleeding shoulder, not even daring to let out a cry of pain.


    Xiao Yi looked up at Jiang Shanhe and smiled, "What if I said I wasn''t satisfied?"


    "Hmm?"


    Jiang Shanhe was taken aback, his sword-like eyebrows slightly furrowed.


    He did not speak.


    On the side, Yun Lei was already furiously indignant and rebuked, "Xiao Yi, don''t push your luck! His Highness has already severed a limb of Deputy Zhou, what more do you want?"


    "Are you talking to me?" Xiao Yi looked towards Yun Lei.


    His gaze was very calm, like an ancient well, without a ripple.


    But it was this calm look that struck Yun Lei like a bolt from the blue, turning his face abruptly pale, as if his throat was being choked, leaving him with a suffocating feeling.


    With just that one look, Yun Lei''s back was already drenched in cold sweat, thoroughly soaked.


    Gulp!


    Yun Lei swallowed reflexively, his words strained, "Xiao, Xiao Yi, this is the Qingyun Banquet, you..."


    He did not finish his sentence.


    Yun Lei''s vision went dark.


    Boom!


    A palm made of condensed energy descended from the heavens and with a thud, smashed down on Yun Lei''s head, driving it deep into his chest cavity.


    Blood gushed out like a fountain.


    Hisss...


    The banquet hall fell silent.


    Even Jiang Shanhe showed a look of shock, looking at Xiao Yi with disbelief, and so did everyone else, their gazes towards Xiao Yi as if looking at a madman: "Has this guy gone insane?"


    "Yun Lei is the Crown Prince''s confidant, did he just kill Yun Lei in front of the Crown Prince?"


    "He''s completely torn faces with the Crown Prince!"


    Amidst the exclamations of shock,


    Jiang Shanhe leaned forward slightly in his elevated chair and said gravely, "Are you satisfied now?" Stay updated via empire


    He indeed very much wanted to recruit Xiao Yi.


    After all...


    The fact that Xiao Yi could grow from the mere Physical Body Realm to his current state in such a short time, as well as his secret technique for slaying an Eighth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm with the Golden Elixir Realm Fourth Layer Cultivation, these were secrets that made Jiang Shanhe''s heart race.


    That''s why.


    Jiang Shanhe had convinced Zhou Yuan and sent Zhou Xin to apologize to Xiao Yi publicly.


    Even if Xiao Yi killed Yun Lei in front of him, as long as he could obtain the secrets Xiao Yi possessed, it was still acceptable to him.


    Xiao Yi pointed at Zhou Xin: "And him!"


    Jiang Shanhe took a deep breath, his eyes narrowing as he fell into contemplation.


    He was considering whether sacrificing another Zhou Xin was worth it.


    Zhou Xin was very aware of Jiang Shanhe''s thoughts and ruthlessness. His face changed suddenly, and he quickly said, "Your Highness, you must not be deceived, this is Xiao Yi sowing discord..."


    "Shut up!"


    Xiao Yi shouted coldly, "The Crown Prince is wise and martial, how could I provoke him?"


    "You..."


    Zhou Xin clutched his severed arm, looking nervously at Jiang Shanhe.


    Whoosh!


    Jiang Shanhe narrowed his eyes while his thoughts raced, weighing the losses and gains.


    Zhou Xin had lost an arm and was old, at most he might grow to reach the Ninth or even the Tenth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm.


    Xiao Yi was young and strong with infinite potential.


    Moreover...


    If he obtained Xiao Yi''s secrets, with Jiang Shanhe''s current cultivation of the Ninth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, he could even battle against the powers of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    The throne would be within easy reach.


    As for Xiao Yi''s affront to him?


    Once he obtained those secrets, Jiang Shanhe was fully confident that he could slay Xiao Yi with his sword!


    With this thought,


    Jiang Shanhe exhaled a long breath and calmly said, "Deputy Zhou, everything is for the Martial Arts Institute..." He paused, then continued, "You, end it yourself!"


    Hisss!


    The surrounding crowd was dumbfounded.


    They had thought that Xiao Yi, by killing Yun Lei to his face, had completely enraged Jiang Shanhe, and was surely on a path to his death.


    But no one could have imagined...


    Jiang Shanhe''s final choice was actually to have Zhou Xin commit suicide?


    "Indeed... the royal family is ruthless!"


    "For the Crown Prince, as long as he achieves his goal, he wouldn''t even frown if the whole world died, right?"


    Everyone discussed amongst themselves.


    Zhou Xin''s complexion turned from white to red, from red to blue, and finally to a powerless pale.


    Ha!


    Haha!


    Hahaha...


    Zhou Xin suddenly started laughing hysterically, his shoulders twitching nonstop, his eyes bloodshot. His teeth rattled, and his eyes were filled with blood vessels: "Well done, Jiang Shanhe, well done, merciless royalty... You just want to recruit Xiao Yi and obtain the secrets he possesses, don''t you? Willing to let me die for that? I won''t let you have your way..."


    Whoosh!


    All of a sudden, Zhou Xin burst up and rushed out of the banquet hall.


    He only wanted to save his own life!


    Once he escaped from this place, he would flee far away.


    "Seeking death!"


    A cold light flashed in Jiang Shanhe''s eyes, and with a flick of his finger, a cold glint condensed at his fingertip. This was a swordsharp as a writing brush, whizzing through the air.


    Thud!


    The sword just grazed Zhou Xin''s throat.


    A jet of blood sprayed out.


    Zhou Xin''s body lurched forward for a dozen steps, but his head had already tumbled to the ground.


    The banquet hall fell silent.


    Only Jiang Shanhe''s voice echoed through the hall: "Xiao Yi, are you satisfied now?"


    Xiao Yi still had his legs crossed, smiling comfortably: "Satisfied, very satisfied!"


    As if the deaths of Yun Lei and Zhou Xin had nothing to do with him.


    Jiang Shanhe squinted and said: "Since that''s the case, you can now publicly declare your departure from the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy and return to the Royal Martial Arts Academy. I have discussed with Zhou and can grant you the status of a heavenly-class student. Moreover, I will personally request a noble title from the Emperor on your behalf and strive to grant you the five cities of Nanhuang as your fief. How do you feel about that?"


    Hisss!


    Everyone looked at Xiao Yi, their eyes filled with shock and envy.


    Heavenly-class student and a noble title.


    While Xiao Yi''s strength was just average, being granted the five cities of Nanhuang as a fief was a grand gesture.


    You should know.


    Even someone like Ye Feng before him didn''t have a fief!


    Jiang Shanhe had indeed paid enough to recruit Xiao Yi!


    Xiao Yi said with a smile: "Satisfied, extremely satisfied!"


    Jiang Shanhe heaved a sigh of relief; he had made enough concessions, and fortunately, the outcome didn''t disappoint him. His smile became gentler, and a trace of eagerness flickered deep in his eyes: "Since that is the case, you can kneel and swear loyalty to me now!"


    Jiang Shanhe looked relaxed, leaning back in his chair.


    Once Xiao Yi swore loyalty and left the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, his way back would be cut off. By then, forcing him to reveal his secret techniques, Xiao Yi would surely not dare to disobey.


    However...


    As Jiang Shanhe was reveling in his daydreams, Xiao Yi looked shocked and incredulously asked: "Your Highness, how could you be drunk before the banquet has even started? When did I ever say I would swear loyalty to you?"


    Huh?


    Jiang Shanhe''s face stiffened, his body suddenly tensed, gripping the armrests tightly, his eyes narrowing as he stared at Xiao Yi: "What did you say?"


    Xiao Yi''s face was full of innocence: "When have I ever said I would swear loyalty to you? Is there a witness?"


    Jiang Shanhe''s face turned ashen.


    He really felt like cursing out loud!


    To recruit Xiao Yi, he had watched his confidant and lackey Yun Lei get slapped to death, and personally executed Zhou Xin of the Eighth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm.


    And this was the result?


    Jiang Shanhe looked around the banquet hall, suppressing the rage in his heart: "Xiao Yi, I do not enjoy jokes! Before the eyes of everyone here, they are all witnesses!"


    "Oh?"


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow and also looked at everyone, "Who heard me say I would be loyal to him?" S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A young man at the peak of the Divine Skills Realm stepped forward: "I heard it... I..."


    Before he could finish...


    Xiao Yi slapped him, and with a bang, the man was turned into a pile of mush. Blinking innocently, he said: "Sorry, my hand was itchy, I couldn''t help it... Is there anyone else who can testify?"


    "..."


    In the banquet hall, save for the grinding sound of Jiang Shanhe''s teeth, there was dead silence...

 Chapter 106 The Dragons Reverse Scale, Touch It and Die!

    Xiao Yi''s gaze swept over the people in the banquet hall.His eyes were icy and sharp, as if they could see right through someone.


    Anyone under his intense stare felt a sense of fear and involuntarily bowed their heads, remaining silent as cicadas in winter.


    Xiao Yi looked at Jiang Shanhe, who was clenching his teeth, and shrugged, "Crown Prince, it seems that you were indeed hallucinating earlier!"


    Jiang Shanhe''s complexion turned from green to white.


    The Qingyun banquet today was specially prepared by him to make Xiao Yi submit in front of everyone.


    Unfortunately...


    He had exhausted all his means, and not only did his plans fall through, but he had also lost Zhou Xin and Yun Lei. Now even his own face was swollen.


    Jiang Shanhe took a deep breath and then exhaled slowly, saying in a deep voice, "Indeed a good move, no wonder Ye Feng and Zhuang Bifan fell to you. But do you really think you''ve got me cornered?"


    Xiao Yi looked at him with interest, "Whatever tricks you have, go ahead and use them!"


    "Hmph!"


    With a cold snort, Jiang Shanhe''s eyes narrowed into slits, with a cold light flickering within, "I had wanted you to willingly join under my command; I could promise you a lifetime of wealth and glory. Unfortunately, all this is now irrelevant to you..."


    No sooner had he finished speaking.


    Jiang Shanhe suddenly stood up and strode towards Xiao Yi.


    Each step was like a prehistoric beast walking amongst men, the cold oppression was so intense that the banquet hall became silent except for the sound of his footsteps.


    Pat!


    The sound of Jiang Shanhe''s footsteps abruptly stopped, and there he stood, in front of Xiao Yi.


    The two of them looked into each other''s eyes.


    The tangible glares struck like lightning in the air, bursting into a fierce blaze.


    The crushing aura pressed down on Xiao Yi like a towering peak, and Jiang Shanhe said with narrowed eyes, "Xiao Yi, I''ll give you a chance to live. All you have to do is announce your withdrawal from Tianqi Martial Arts Academy and pledge your loyalty to the Royal Martial Arts Academy and myself. Tell me the secrets of your cultivation, and I will spare your life!"


    Xiao Yi cocked his head and looked past Jiang Shanhe''s shoulder at the sky outside, "The night''s just begun, why are you already dreaming?"


    "You..."


    Jiang Shanhe''s expression turned rigid as they locked gaze.


    Xiao Yi saw the cold intent to kill in Jiang Shanhe''s eyes; Jiang Shanhe saw the indifference and chill in Xiao Yi''s.


    Whoosh!


    Jiang Shanhe let out a long breath, "You''ve personally severed your only path to survival!"


    Xiao Yi shrugged, neither servile nor overbearing, each word ringing like a bell tolling, deafening, "I''d rather die standing than live on my knees!"


    "Then go and die!"


    Jiang Shanhe lashed out with a palm strike without warning.


    As the esteemed Crown Prince, the most probable successor to the throne, and the first-ranked fighter on the Tianqing Tenglong List, Jiang Shanhe felt he had made significant concessions to get Xiao Yi''s secret.


    Yet Xiao Yi still refused him!


    This was a challenge to his authority!


    "One palm to decide the world!"


    In Jiang Shanhe''s palm seemed to flow an endless river, with raging waves and towering mountains, aimed at Xiao Yi''s head. Your journey continues on empire


    The terrifying force generated a massive gust.


    The wave walls over a hundred meters high seemed to be the hands of gods descending from the heavens. This palm was so mighty that even an ordinary practitioner at the Tenth Layer of the Golden Core Realm would struggle to bear it.


    "Get away quickly!"


    "The Crown Prince''s ''One Palm to Decide the World'' is a high-level fourth-rank martial art, containing unparalleled destructive power. Xiao Yi is doomed..."


    "If he had turned away from the dark and joined the Crown Prince, becoming a noble or a general in the future would have been easy, but alas..."


    Sighs and remarks filled the air, and of course, there were also some who were gloating, "The Crown Prince has already extended an olive branch to him, who asked for his refusal, so ignorant of death?"


    "It''s one thing for heaven to commit evils, but quite another for a man to bring disaster upon himself!" sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Amidst the discussion.


    Jiang Shanhe''s palm strike had already reached Xiao Yi''s front.


    The wild palm wind roared past, shattering the surrounding tables and chairs, and bursting the floor tiles as well, with sand and rocks hitting Xiao Yi''s body.


    But before anyone could get close, they were shredded into powder by the fierce surge of energy from Xiao Yi''s body.


    As Xiao Yi looked up, a cold glint flashed in his eyes, "Vajra Subdues Demons!"


    Hum!


    Elemental energy roared out from within him like a tidal wave, transforming into a towering golden figure, with its right fist smashing fiercely towards the giant palm descending from the sky.


    The fist and the palm collided mid-air.


    Thud!


    In the midst of a world-shaking boom,


    From the point of contact between the fist and the palm, an invisible shockwave surged outwards in all directions, the rumbling noise unceasing to the ear. Surrounding tables and chairs were all shattered to pieces, and many powerful fighters were caught in the calamity, sent flying in all directions.


    Amongst cries of agony,


    The two forces disappeared in an instant.


    Xiao Yi defied gravity and soared up, engaging in close-quarters combat mid-air, exchanging blows with fists and palms.


    Bang!


    Bang!


    Bang!


    Xiao Yi and Jiang Shanhe''s figures were like two streaks of light, moving with extreme speed. Every collision between them set off tremendous roars that shook the heavens.


    After dozens of exchanges,


    The entire Spring Breeze and Rain Pavilion was a wreck, its roof completely torn off by their fight, leaving them standing on the broken eaves, facing each other from afar.


    Xiao Yi stood proudly atop a broken wooden column.


    With his hands behind his back, a gentle breeze caressed his face, his black hair dancing wildly, his face remained calm, "Ranked alongside me at the top of the Teng Long List? Do you really think you''re worthy?"


    Jiang Shanhe wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, his blood-shot eyes ice-cold, "I never expected that you''d already broken through to the Seventh Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm..."


    His gaze was icy, but his heart was surging with emotion.


    It had only been about two months since the trip to the secret realm.


    Had Xiao Yi really risen from the Four Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm to the Seventh Layer?


    Advancing three minor realms in two months?


    "Such a pace of cultivation is rare in the world. Even that Xiao Tianjiao probably isn''t this fast, right? If I could get my hands on such a treasure, not to mention the Tao Tribulation Realm, even the elusive Longevity Secret Realm might be within reach. I might even become a being that stands shoulder to shoulder with Xiao Tianjiao..."


    Jiang Shanhe took a deep breath, suppressing the excitement in his heart, and said in a deep voice, "With your current strength, Xiao Yi, even the palace might not be certain of defeating you. But don''t forget, you''re not alone. Your wife, and your brothers from Tianqi Martial Arts Academy... If the palace were to use its power against them, how many do you think you could save?"


    Hum!


    The wind that had been blowing around them seemed to stop all of a sudden.


    The smile on Xiao Yi''s face gradually faded, and what replaced it was a chilling gleam, "Jiang Shanhe, you''re courting death!"


    Fang Qingzhu was his inverse scale.


    To touch the dragon''s inverse scale is to court death!


    "Hm?"


    Jiang Shanhe''s expression changed. Xiao Yi''s aura had suddenly turned cold, instilling a deep sense of dread in him. Just as he was about to speak,


    A violent gust of wind surged towards him head-on, entering his mouth and forcibly pushing back the words that had reached his lips.


    When he opened his eyes again...


    Xiao Yi had already appeared before him, and a fist was coming straight toward his face.


    "Fuck!"


    Jiang Shanhe''s complexion changed drastically, devoid of his prior arrogance and pride. Crossing his hands defensively, he instinctively protected his chest. With a thud, Xiao Yi''s punch sent him flying.


    Wow!


    Jiang Shanhe spat out a mouthful of blood, his body flung through the air like a falling star, soaring hundreds of meters before crashing onto the street with a boom.


    The unyielding force continued, dragging Jiang Shanhe along and carving a trench hundreds of meters long on the ground.


    Soil and rocks were upturned, dust filling the air.


    There lay Jiang Shanhe in the pit, bleeding from every orifice, his life and death unknown...

 Chapter 107 Martial King of the Nation

    Half of the Spring Breeze and Rain Pavilion was reduced to ruins.The top talent on the Teng Long List, Great Prince Jiang Shanhe of the Tianqing Kingdom, couldn''t withstand Xiao Yi''s punch and was blasted hundreds of meters away.


    Such a scene left the tens of thousands of onlookers dumbstruck and speechless.


    The gazes that fell on Xiao Yi were filled with shock and awe, with fear and disbelief being the only other emotions left.


    "How on earth did he cultivate? Advancing from the Four Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm to the seventh layer in two months?"


    "Such a speed of cultivation is simply terrifying!"


    "I''m afraid only Tianjiao of the Great Qian Dynasty can match him!"


    "There are rumors that Xiao Yi is also from the Xiao Family of the Great Qian Dynasty, I initially thought it was true. But now, how could I feel it''s false? How could the Xiao Family send such a talent to Nanhuang City to be someone''s son-in-law?"


    "Unless the people of the Xiao Family are blind!"


    "The Xiao Family had given birth to Tianjiao, how could they be blind? This rumor is mostly false!"


    The murmurs among the crowd naturally reached Xiao Yi''s ears, and he slightly lifted the corners of his mouth in a trace of faint mockery: "Xiao Zhengde, if you heard these words, you must feel very embarrassed, right?"


    Originally, Xiao Zhengde had sent him to the Fang Family as a son-in-law to secure a breeding beast for Tianjiao''s mount.


    In the end...


    Wasn''t it because they thought Xiao Yi was useless?


    The stronger and faster Xiao Yi became, the more severe the slaps on Xiao Zhengde and Tianjiao''s faces were.


    He was even somewhat impatient to know, what would the expressions of Xiao Zhengde and Tianjiao look like when they heard this news!


    Boom!


    Suddenly, a dull and rapid sound of horse hooves came from the front, as if thousands of troops were galloping.


    A moment later...


    A group of several hundred Black Dragon Cavalry clad in black armor appeared on the streets, with two fast horses taking away the now unconscious Jiang Shanhe. The Black Dragon Cavalry moved imposingly, closing in on Xiao Yi.


    "This, this is the Black Dragon Cavalry of the imperial guards, even they have been alerted?"


    "In the entire Tianqing Kingdom, only His Majesty can command the Black Dragon Cavalry. It seems His Majesty has already learned of the situation here, Xiao Yi is in danger now!"


    Black Dragon Cavalry.


    They were all elite soldiers at the Peak of the Divine Ability Realm, and with their armored Black Dragon steeds, each was worth a hundred in the fight.


    When the hundreds of Black Dragon Cavalry charged collectively, even warriors in the High-Layer Golden Core Realm were in danger of losing their lives.


    "Xiao Yi..."


    Fang Qingzhu stood by Xiao Yi''s side, tightly clutching his palm with a look of concern on her face.


    The Shi Family''s four brothers also put away their usual irreverent expressions and stood solemnly by Xiao Yi''s side, ready to step in without hesitation if the Black Dragon Cavalry really launched a charge.


    Xiao Yi patted Fang Qingzhu''s hand and said with a light chuckle, "Don''t worry."


    Clip-clop!


    Amidst the crisp sound of horse hooves, a Black Dragon cavalry leader, clad in black armor, carrying a pitch-black long spear, and standing tall like a pine tree, came before Xiao Yi, his cold voice tinged with a metallic quality: "Xiao Yi, the King summons you!"


    "Hmm?"


    Everyone was taken aback, "The Black Dragon Cavalry came not to kill Xiao Yi?"


    "Strange... The Great Prince has just been seriously injured by Xiao Yi and is unconscious, yet His Majesty is summoning Xiao Yi, what in the world is happening?"


    Xiao Yi also raised an eyebrow and asked, "Just me alone?"


    "Yes!"


    The Black Armored leader nodded, still as cold as ever, "His Majesty summons you, please proceed immediately with me to the palace!"


    "Xiao Yi..."


    Fang Qingzhu''s face still wore a worried expression.


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes in thought for a moment, then nodded, "Alright, I will accompany you!" He turned to the Shi brothers, "You guys, see to it that Qingzhu safely makes it back to the Martial Arts Institute!"


    "Rest assured, Brother Xiao, we will definitely protect Miss Fang!" Shi Yaoquan patted his chest and said earnestly.


    Xiao Yi nodded and addressed the Black Armored leader, "Lead the way!"


    "Please!"


    Xiao Yi leaped up and landed on the back of one of the Black Dragon steeds, galloping away into the distance.


    Shi Yaodu looked at Fang Qingzhu with a smile on her face, full of concern, and laughed, "Good things come from harmony, I bet Xiao wouldn''t have a problem!"


    Experience exclusive tales on empire


    Shi Yaoqian rubbed the two silver ingots in his hands, "Fang, just ease your heart! If His Majesty had any intentions to harm Xiao, the Black Dragon Cavalry would have already launched an attack!"


    "Let''s head back to the Martial Arts Institute first!"


    Fang Qingzhu kept looking back every three steps, her face still filled with worry.


    ......


    The Royal Palace.


    Luxurious and majestic.


    Xiao Yi followed the lead of the black-armored general and came all the way to the Jade Dragon Pavilion, where the Emperor of Tianqing Kingdom, Jiang Tianchen, resided.


    The Jade Dragon Pavilion was at the very center of the entire palace, not only heavily guarded but also protected by dozens of formations.


    To the east, west, north, and south, each was overseen by a high-level practitioner of the Golden Core Realm. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Even a peak Golden Core Realm powerhouse would find it utterly impossible to enter the Jade Dragon Pavilion without a sound, and the current Emperor of Tianqing Kingdom was now holding a scroll, sitting on the Dragon Throne with a commanding presence.


    "Your Majesty, Xiao Yi has been brought here!" declared the black-armored general respectfully.


    Jiang Tianchen put down the scroll in his hands and looked up at Xiao Yi, his gaze full of wisdom and unfathomable depth.


    Hmph!


    Jiang Tianchen suddenly let out a cold snort, making the temperature inside the grand hall drop tens of degrees in an instant, his voice containing a hint of coldness and ruthlessness, "Xiao Yi, do you know your crime?"


    The black-armored general was already so frightened that he knelt down with a clang.


    He couldn''t help but take a covert look at Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi, however, curled up the corners of his mouth and said, "I don''t."


    "Hmm?"


    Jiang Tianchen squinted his eyes, silent.


    But it was this silence that soaked the tough black-armored general, who had charged through battlefields and bloodshed, in cold sweat, and he gulped down his saliva before lowering his voice, "Won''t you kneel and admit your mistake to His Majesty?"


    Xiao Yi remained silent, just staring at Jiang Tianchen.


    They locked eyes.


    Then suddenly...


    Ha ha ha ha!


    The robust laughter of Jiang Tianchen echoed throughout the Jade Dragon Pavilion, like the rumbling of war drums and thunder from the heavens resonating long within the grand hall, deafening.


    A moment later.


    Jiang Tianchen''s laughter came to an abrupt stop, and with narrowed eyes, he said, "I heard... You have a bet with Zhou Yuan, to level the Royal Martial Arts Academy in a month?"


    "Yes!"


    Xiao Yi nodded, "Why? Does Your Majesty wish to stop me?"


    The black-armored general beside them wished he could cover his ears.


    Who dares to speak to Jiang Tianchen like this in all of the vast Tianqing Kingdom?


    Isn''t that seeking death?


    However...


    Jiang Tianchen, who sat high on the Dragon Throne, instead of getting angry, laughed heartily and said, "Good, good, good, young people should have this kind of spirit. If you really can level the Royal Martial Arts Academy, I will grant you the title of Martial King of the Nation of Tianqing Kingdom..."


    Boom!


    The black-armored general was scared out of his wits.


    Martial King of the Nation?


    The words "of the Nation" were not to be given lightly!


    If Xiao Yi truly became the Martial King of the Nation, he would be comparable to the Emperor in the future!


    The black-armored general looked at Xiao Yi with eyes full of envy.


    However...


    Xiao Yi frowned and said with a look of disdain, "Sorry, I refuse!"

 Chapter 108 Certain Death

    "What, what? He actually refused?"The armored general was dumbfounded, unable to believe what he was seeing. He even forgot to kneel.


    Seated on the dragon throne, Jiang Tianchen''s initially certain and confident smile suddenly froze, and he blinked, subconsciously saying, "What did you say?"


    Xiao Yi curled his lips, "I said, I refuse to be the Martial King of the Nation!"


    Hiss!


    The armored general inhaled sharply and began to scold, "How daring of you, Xiao Yi. Do you know what being the Martial King of the Nation means? It is the highest title in the Tianqing Kingdom. Once you become the Martial King of the Nation, even the Royal Martial Arts Academy won''t dare to harm you, and even princes would have to show you the respect due between ruler and subject. You, you actually refuse?"


    Being the Martial King of the Nation!


    Since the founding of the Tianqing Kingdom, there had only been two occurrences.


    The first was the former Tianqi King from the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, who created the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy and single-handedly delineated the borders of Tianqing Kingdom with Tianlan and Purple Robe Kingdoms. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi actually refused?


    "Are you out of your mind?" the general exclaimed subconsciously.


    Xiao Yi rolled his eyes and cast a sidelong glance at Jiang Tianchen, speaking indifferently, "Don''t think I don''t know what you''re plotting..."


    This Jiang Tianchen had said that if he were victorious in the battle with the Royal Martial Arts Academy, he would be named the Martial King of the Nation.


    Indeed.


    As the Martial King of the Nation, Xiao Yi''s influence and status would be comparable to that of the monarch of a country.


    But...


    If he were to defeat the Royal Martial Arts Academy alone, his strength alone would be comparable to that of a monarch. Would he still need to be the Martial King of the Nation?


    And once he became the Martial King of the Nation, he wouldn''t just be receiving a title; it would also be a responsibility, the responsibility to protect the entire Tianqing Kingdom.


    He was solitary and carefree.


    Why should he put shackles on himself for a mere title?


    Jiang Tianchen''s profound gaze shimmered with wisdom as he tapped his fingers lightly on the table, thud thud thud, each tap striking at the heart.


    The armored commander was sweating profusely, wishing he could personally press Xiao Yi to the ground.


    This was the current sovereign!


    The ruler of a country!


    Even Zhou Yuan, the head of the Royal Martial Arts Academy, wouldn''t dare to speak to him like this!


    "This is the end, this young man is so arrogant, he will surely enrage His Majesty¡­ he is as good as dead¡­" thought the commander.


    At that moment,


    Jiang Tianchen''s knocking on the table abruptly stopped, and his usually impassive face suddenly burst into a radiant smile as he laughed heartily, "Interesting, truly interesting!"


    Huh?


    He''s not angry? Find more to read at empire


    The armored general was bewildered and had begun to question his life, "Is this the same unpredictable, emotionless killer sovereign I know?"


    Jiang Tianchen waved at the armored general.


    "I shall take my leave!"


    The armored general retreated cautiously.


    Jiang Tianchen walked around the table and strutted up to Xiao Yi, staring at him, "Xiao Yi, are you truly not afraid I will kill you?"


    "You won''t kill me," Xiao Yi said lightly.


    Jiang Tianchen, neither joyous nor sad, his eyes a profound abyss revealing no emotions, casually remarked, "Oh? What makes you so sure?"


    Xiao Yi said, "You can''t kill me!"


    "What a joke!"


    Jiang Tianchen narrowed his eyes, leaning forward slightly as he stared straight at Xiao Yi. The two were so close they could feel each other''s breath, "I am the ruler of a nation, commanding an army of a million strong, with a host of powerful warriors at my disposal, and within the palace sits an old ancestor at the Tribulation stage. Yet you claim that I cannot kill you?"


    Indeed, Jiang Tianchen''s cultivation was no weaker than that of Zhou Yuan or Gu Junhe, also existing at the Golden Elixir Realm Peak.


    His imposing, non-angry yet threatening gaze had once literally scared a powerful minister, who wielded great influence over the court, to death.


    Who would dare to meet his gaze?


    But Xiao Yi showed no fear, meeting his eyes directly, neither servile nor overbearing.


    The Jade Dragon Pavilion was silent for quite a few moments.


    The icy expression on Jiang Tianchen''s face gradually melted away, revealing a hint of admiration as he smiled and said, "You may go!"


    "Uh..."


    Xiao Yi blinked in astonishment, looking at Jiang Tianchen, "Just like that, you''re letting me go?"


    Jiang Tianchen glanced at him, "Do you expect me to beg and plead for you to stay?"


    "There''s no need for that!" Xiao Yi waved his hand, "Since that''s the case, I will take my leave!"


    In the spacious Jade Dragon Pavilion.


    Jiang Tianchen stood with his hands clasped behind his back, squinting at the dragon throne before him, murmuring, "Some people would disown their kin, turn on their brothers, or even kill their parents for power and for this throne... And yet there are those who, when offered power, still look upon it with disdain..."


    "That must be human nature! Some value wealth, some value honor, and others value affection..." A hoarse voice seemed to come from all directions.


    Jiang Tianchen murmured, "Old Ancestor, what do you make of this young man?"


    The hoarse voice from all around fell silent for a moment before coming in fragments, "Your Majesty already has a decision in mind, why ask me?"


    Jiang Tianchen''s deep eyes shimmered with a flash of wisdom as he spoke to himself, "Then I shall trouble the Old Ancestor!"


    "Hmm!"


    The voice from the darkness quietly faded away.


    ......


    Within the Royal Martial Arts Academy.


    Zhou Yuan''s face was grim as he looked at Jiang Shanhe, whose face was pale, "Has that little bastard grown to such an extent that even you are not his match?"


    "He has already reached the Seventh Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, and his vitality is mixed with pure essence, his strength formidable beyond belief..."


    Jiang Shanhe''s face was dark, Xiao Yi''s punch had nearly shattered his internal organs, every breath he took now brought with it agonizing pain that tore at his heart and lungs, his eyes filled with overwhelming hatred, "Master, this boy is a disaster, he must not be left alive!"


    Zhou Yuan clenched his fists so tightly they creaked, "How could I not know that this boy must not be spared? In just a few months since his arrival in the capital, he has advanced from the Divine Skills Realm to the Seventh Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm; his rate of cultivation surpasses even that of Xiao Tianjiao. In another month, even I may not be his match..."


    The mere thought of a few months ago when Xiao Yi had told him he would flatten the Royal Martial Arts Academy within a year, and his own scorn at the time...


    Zhou Yuan found his face burning with humiliation.


    At the same time, he felt extreme loathing towards Zhou Xin and the others.


    Had it not been for Zhou Xin driving Xiao Yi away, Xiao Yi would have been a disciple of the Royal Martial Arts Academy. How could it have come to this current situation?


    "He wants to step on the head of my Royal Martial Arts Academy? No chance!" Zhou Yuan''s eyes flashed with a sinister light.


    Jiang Shanhe''s eyes shone as he eagerly asked, "Master, have you thought of a way to deal with him?"


    "I had not wished to use that item, but the little brute is too troublesome. We have no choice but to use it..."


    Zhou Yuan took a deep breath and took a black jade box from his storage ring, slowly opening it. A surge of overwhelming energy emanated from the jade box; he observed the object lying quietly inside.


    Joy erupted on Jiang Shanhe''s face, his eyes filled with the ecstasy and excitement of impending revenge, "With this item, Xiao Yi is as good as dead!"

 Chapter 109 Xue Yilou

    Time fled rapidly.As the life-and-death duel between Xiao Yi and the Royal Martial Arts Academy drew ever closer, the bustling capital of Tianqing Kingdom became increasingly lively.


    In the streets and alleys, one could see many powerful martial artists coming and going.


    The frequency and intensity of the patrols within the capital also rose several notches.


    Even the Black Dragon Cavalry joined in the patrols.


    A troop of Black Dragon Cavalry slowly roamed the streets, led by the same black-armored general who had previously escorted Xiao Yi to meet Jiang Tianchen.


    "General, there are only seven days left until the battle between Xiao Yi and the Royal Martial Arts Academy begins. Who do you think will have the last laugh?" asked a deputy at his side.


    "Isn''t that obvious? It will surely be the Royal Martial Arts Academy!"


    "The Royal Martial Arts Academy is home to many strong fighters, and Zhou Yuan, the head of the academy, is at the Golden Elixir Peak. Xiao Yi doesn''t stand a chance against him... "


    As the black-armored general listened to the discussion of his subordinates, his eyes narrowed, recalling the scene in the Jade Dragon Pavilion when Xiao Yi refused Jiang Tianchen''s rewards.


    A glint of insight flashed in his eyes as he murmured, "Perhaps, the outcome will be beyond everyone''s expectations."


    At that moment...


    The gaze of the black-armored general suddenly sharpened as two figures in red cloaks flashed through the crowd and disappeared among the throng of people. His expression turned grave, "Why would they appear here? I hope I am mistaken..."


    Within the capital...


    In a secluded courtyard...


    Two figures, wrapped tightly in red cloaks that concealed their identities, stepped into the enclosure.


    In the courtyard...


    Two figures cloaked in black had been waiting for some time. One of the red-cloaked figures spoke in a sharp voice, "Was it you who summoned us?"


    "Yes!"


    The figure in the black cloak narrowed their eyes into slits, tossed a letter casually, and it landed in the hand of the person clad in red. With a stern voice, he commanded, "Bring the one inside this letter to me!"


    The figure in red glanced at the letter, raised an eyebrow, and asked, "Dead or alive?"


    "Preferably alive, but if resistance is met, you may kill them!" came the indifferent reply.


    "No problem!"


    The figure in the red cloak grinned with a somewhat ferocious smile, "That will be fifty million silver."


    "Fifty million silver?"


    The figure under the black cloak on the right frowned, "There is not a single person in the Golden Core Realm mentioned inside, why would it be so expensive?"


    The figure in red responded, "It''s true that the targets are not in the Golden Core Realm, but behind them stands the hottest young talent in Tianqing Kingdom today. Offending such a talent with limitless potential, fifty million silver is not a high price to pay!"


    "Alright then!"


    The two exchanged glances and produced three silver notes, "Here are thirty million silver. The rest will be paid after the job is done!"


    "Within three days, we will bring the person before you!" the figure in red assured, taking the silver notes.


    The two nodded and turned to leave.


    The figure in red casually lifted the letter, and with a ''whoosh,'' it ignited into flames, burning brightly. Amidst the fierce blaze, the names of several people were faintly visible; among them was the name Fang Qingzhu...


    ¡­


    Tianqi Martial Arts Academy.


    Behind the mountains, beneath the waterfall.


    A surge of robust momentum suddenly erupted from Xiao Yi''s body. This vigor transformed into rolling waves of energy, rebelling against the heavens and rising mightily. Amidst the thunderous roaring, it forcefully pushed back the plunging waterfall.


    The waterfall, hundreds of meters high, was disrupted for a full ten breaths.


    The surge of energy around Xiao Yi gradually retracted back into his body, and within his dantian, a golden core was buoyed up and down by nine golden halos.


    This was the sign of stepping into the Ninth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm!


    After refining all the spirit stones, Xiao Yi''s cultivation had ascended to the Ninth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, and the number of God Sealing Seeds within him had reached an alarming forty-five thousand.


    The yuan energy in his body, after being tempered by those forty-five thousand God Sealing Seeds, had completely transformed into God Sealing Power, bringing his physical body to the peak condition of the Golden Elixir Realm.


    It is no exaggeration to say...


    With Xiao Yi''s current strength, even peak Golden Core Realm fighters couldn''t withstand even one of his punches!


    As for the fighters of the Tao Tribulation Realm, Xiao Yi can only ensure he remains undefeated with his current abilities!


    After all,


    There is but a step between the peak of the Golden Core Realm and the Tao Tribulation Realm, but the gap that exists between them is still immensely vast.


    Those in the Tao Tribulation Realm have transformed their Innate Divine Abilities into the Martial Dao Divine Fruit and are able to borrow a portion of the power of heaven and earth.


    Controls the weather as spoken about in the legends of mortals, in actuality, are the abilities of Tao Tribulation Realm fighters to manipulate the forces of heaven and earth.


    Their combat power surpasses the secular world.


    Even with Xiao Yi''s terrifying capability to fight across levels, he can only manage to maintain an undefeated status against Tao Tribulation Realm fighters. It''s worth noting that even just this is enough to shock the world. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Just think about it...


    Golden Core Realm fighters are powerful in their own right, but how can human strength contend with the power of heaven and earth?


    Xiao Yi too relies on the power of the God Sealing Seed to purify and temper his body, giving him strength far beyond others in his realm, and the refined power of the God Sealing Seed to stand up to Tao Tribulation Realm fighters.


    If it were any other Golden Core Realm fighter, even at the peak, capable of breaking mountains and splitting stones with one punch, they would still fall short against Tao Tribulation Realm fighters who can lift mountains from dry land and tear the earth apart with their bare hands.


    How could they compare?


    Find your next adventure on empire


    "It''s a pity there are not enough spirit stones; otherwise, I could attempt to break through to the Tenth Layer of the Golden Core Realm. In that case, even if it were a novice Tao Tribulation Realm fighter, I could battle and prevail!" Xiao Yi said with a sigh of regret.


    "Xiao Yi, you have a letter!" Fang Qingzhu''s voice came from not far away.


    "Hmm?"


    Startled, Xiao Yi leaped down in front of Fang Qingzhu. Through this period of cultivation, Fang Qingzhu''s own cultivation had also reached the peak of the Shentong Realm, getting ever closer to the Golden Core Realm.


    And with her advancement in cultivation, Fang Qingzhu exuded a faint aura of cold and unworldly grace, reminiscent of a fairy who does not partake of earthly smoke and fire.


    Only in the face of Xiao Yi would she be as gentle and serene as ever.


    "Whose letter?" Xiao Yi asked, puzzled.


    Fang Qingzhu shook her head: "I don''t know. The person who delivered the letter just left it and went away!"


    Xiao Yi took the envelope, and his eyebrows slightly furrowed.


    The envelope had a faint trace of blood scent.


    Thud!


    As soon as he opened the envelope, a blood-stained finger dropped to the ground, and on the finger was a distinct green ring. Xiao Yi''s pupils contracted slightly; the ring before him was all too familiar.


    "I hope it''s not him..."


    Taking a deep breath, Xiao Yi pulled out the blood-soaked letter within, which read: Before sunset, Zhuilong Valley!


    Boom!


    A raging energy wave burst forth from within Xiao Yi.


    A cold glint flickered in his eyes.


    Fang Qingzhu''s eyebrows furrowed as she gazed at the ring on the severed finger and said gravely, "Xiao Yi, isn''t this finger from Elder Yan?"


    "Yes!"


    Xiao Yi nodded; the ring belonged to Yan Mingli.


    Back in Nanhuang City, Yan Mingli had always been respectful towards Xiao Yi, considering himself a disciple. It was only recently that Xiao Yi heard Elder Yan and Lin Bingxin were coming to the capital, but instead of meeting them, he was greeted with a cut-off finger.


    "Xiao Yi, whoever captured Elder Yan and Bingxin is doing this to lure you there, this journey may be fraught with much danger than safety," Fang Qingzhu said, worried.


    Taking a deep breath and slowly exhaling, Xiao Yi''s eyes narrowed into slits, the cold light within as sharp as a knife''s edge: "No matter, even if it''s through a mountain of blades or a sea of flames, I will make my way!"


    "I will go with you!" said Fang Qingzhu.


    "No!"


    Xiao Yi shook his head, "With the Martial Arts Institute head and Jiang Tai in seclusion, you should stay here and hold the fort. I will go to Zhuilong Valley myself. I want to see who dares to make a move at this critical juncture..."

 Chapter 110 Ready for Battle!

    Xiao Yi immediately summoned the four brothers of the Shi Family and Niu Dali as well."Xiao, what''s so urgent that you''ve called us here?" Shi Yaoqian asked.


    Niu Dali, still groggy, yawned sleepily.


    Xiao Yi spoke in a deep voice, "I have to leave for a while. The dean and Jiang Tai are in seclusion, and only a few of you remain in the Martial Arts Institute. You must stay vigilant."


    "Don''t worry, with us here, there won''t be any problems!" The group hurriedly patted their chests in assurance.


    Fang Qingzhu spoke in a serious tone, "Xiao Yi, you must be careful yourself!"


    No one knew what awaited him in Zhuilong Valley!


    The unknown is always the most dangerous.


    Xiao Yi rubbed her head, and a silver figure slid down from his sleeve, landing on Fang Qingzhu''s shoulder.


    Only then did Xiao Yi leave the Martial Arts Institute.


    Zhuilong Valley was over a hundred kilometers away from Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, and even at Xiao Yi''s current speed, the round trip would take about an hour and a half.


    Half an hour after Xiao Yi left Tianqi Martial Arts Academy. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    At the foot of the mountain where the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy was located, more than a dozen figures quietly emerged, converging together. The leader, cloaked in a blood-red robe, asked, "Has he definitely left?"


    "Our people have followed him all the way, there is no mistake!" one of them said.


    "Quick battle, quick decision. Take them all down with the utmost speed!" With a wave of his hand, the leader sent the dozen or so blood-clad figures sprinting towards the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy.


    Inside the institute.


    Fang Qingzhu and the others were gathered together when suddenly, Little Lin on her shoulder stood up straight and hissed, alerting them.


    Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!


    The sound of cutting through the air approached.


    Fifteen figures wrapped in blood-red cloaks landed all around, encircling Fang Qingzhu and the others.


    Fang Qingzhu''s expression changed, a cold aura emanating from her as she frostily regarded them: "Who are you riffraff, daring to barge into Tianqi Martial Arts Academy?"


    "Tianqi Martial Arts Academy is nothing! Just a Martial Arts Academy that''s nearing its end. The Xue Yilou wouldn''t be scared of it!" one of the blood-robed figures sneered.


    "Xue Yilou?"


    The faces of Fang Qingzhu and the others all changed.


    Xue Yilou.


    The strongest assassin organization across the ten nations of Nanhuang, with each member being a top-notch assassin. In the hundreds of years since its establishment, they had never failed.


    This was because Xue Yilou had an unwritten rule; if the first batch of assassins failed, they would send a stronger second batch and continue sending stronger ones with each failure.


    Only if someone withstood ten waves of Xue Yilou''s assassination attempts without dying would they cease their mission.


    Up until now...


    No one had ever survived an assassination attempt by Xue Yilou.


    They were a group dwelling in the darkness, reapers that made countless powerful figures pale at the mention of their name.


    "It''s an honor that you''ve heard of us. I am Xue Jiu, a Profound Level assassin from Xue Yilou¡­"


    Xue Jiu''s eyes, hidden beneath the cloak, glinted with a wolf-like green glow, "As a reward, if you surrender without a fight, I can assure you that I''ll only cripple your cultivation and not take your lives!"


    "Dali, when the time comes, you protect Qingzhu and flee first. Leave this to us!" Shi Yaoqian said in a deep voice.


    Shi Yaodu''s dice spun lightly in his hand as he coldly fixated on the surrounding Xue Yilou assassins, "I bet today is more likely bad than good... Gentlemen, take heed."


    Niu Dali''s eyes turned blood-red, he nodded firmly, looking at Fang Qingzhu.


    Experience tales with empire


    However...


    Fang Qingzhu firmly shook her head, "If we leave, we leave together!"


    "Qingzhu..."


    The others looked at her anxiously.


    But Qingzhu smiled and shook her head, her gaze calm yet resolute, "Xiao Yi left this place in my care. I won''t abandon you!"


    "This..."


    The group exchanged glances, their eyes all becoming determined.


    Xue Jiu furrowed his brow and shook his head, "Two at the Peak of the Divine Ability Realm and four at the Seventh Layer of the Divine Passage Realm think they can stop us? Quick battle, quick decision. Take them down, and kill without mercy if they resist!"


    "Yes!"


    The fourteen blood-clad Xue Yilou experts surged forward.


    ```


    The mighty ones rose and attacked as one.


    "I bet your blade can''t kill me!" Shi Yaodu braced himself with both hands, as six dice circled around his body, each one deflecting the incoming saber blows.


    Shi Yaoqian clutched two silver ingots, which were engraved with mysterious runes.


    They emitted a brilliant silver light.


    With a casual flip of the silver ingots, he cast them forward, "Harmony brings wealth!"


    Bang!


    The silver ingots expanded continuously, slamming into their targets like small mountains, and with a thunderous roar, the ingots burst apart.


    Shi Yaoqian''s eyes turned bloodshot, "My money... you dared to destroy my money, I''ll fight you to the death!"


    Boom!


    Countless silver ingots flew out from Shi Yaoqian''s body, clinking as they gathered around him, forming a complete suit of armor made of silver ingots.


    His entire being transformed into a three-meter-tall silver giant.


    "Thousand Gold Fist!"


    Shi Yaoqian''s punch unleashed, forming a silver torrent of steel with numerous silver ingots, which enveloped one after another of the Xue Yilou''s mighty ones.


    Shi Yaoqian brought his hands together in a loud clap.


    The numerous silver ingots exploded, piercing the bodies of the Xue Yilou''s mighty ones.


    The attacks from Shi Yaoquan and Shi Yaose were no less fierce.


    Especially Shi Yaose.


    Usually lascivious, he was as cold as a killing god when it came to fighting. A pink glow flowed in his peach blossom eyes, as he made the Xue Yilou strongmen in front of him dazed with just a coquettish glance.


    At the same time, with a light sweep of his slender fingers, he slit his opponent''s throat, or ripped open their chest and crushed their heart.


    The attacks from Niu Dali and Fang Qingzhu were also formidable.


    In an instant.


    More than half of the dozen or so Xue Yilou strongmen had fallen!


    Xue Jiu''s face suddenly darkened, "A bunch of trash, you can''t even handle six from the Divine Passage Realm?"


    Boom!


    Xue Jiu''s body surged with blood-colored light, and a blood-colored longsword emerged in his hand, his cultivation having reached the Fifth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm.


    "Blood Shadow Sword!"


    "Blood Demon Sword!"


    "A sword without blood..."


    Xue Jiu''s sword was frighteningly fast, and under his blood sword, the four Shi brothers and Niu Dali were no match for him at all.


    They were knocked to the ground one after another.


    In an instant.


    Only Fang Qingzhu was left standing in front of Xue Jiu, who held a longsword with an icy gaze, "You''re the only one left, such a pretty face would be a shame to scar. I advise you to surrender quietly..."


    "If it''s a fight you want, it''s a fight you''ll get!"


    Fang Qingzhu''s tone was icy as she lashed out with her Purple Dragon Whip, which whistled through the air as it struck at Xue Jiu.


    "Courting death!"


    Xue Jiu snorted coldly, grasping the air with one hand as blood-colored energy swirled around his palm, catching the Purple Dragon Whip firmly in his grasp. With a fierce yank, he pulled Fang Qingzhu rapidly toward his longsword.


    "Qingzhu..."


    "No..."


    Niu Dali and the others looked on in despair.


    If Fang Qingzhu collided with that blood-colored longsword, it would surely be a fatal blow!


    At that moment...


    A streak of silver light burst forth from Fang Qingzhu''s chest, it was unexpectedly Little Lin!


    "Hm?"


    Xue Jiu blinked in surprise; Little Lin''s speed was indeed fast, and an ordinary person at the Fifth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm would surely not be able to dodge his surprise attack. But Xue Jiu was an assassin, whose strength was speed.


    Whoosh!


    Xue Jiu sidestepped to avoid Little Lin''s sneak attack, while simultaneously sending out a palm strike, landing a heavy blow directly above Little Lin''s vital inch...


    ```

 Chapter 111 Phoenix Spreads Its Wings, Annihilating the Blood-Clothed!

    Hiss!Little Lin shuddered all over, having been slapped to the ground by Xue Jiu, who then stepped on Little Lin with one foot.


    A trace of surprise appeared on Xue Jiu''s face, "Snake demon beasts of the Golden Core Realm are pretty standard, but I have never seen the likes of this one. Little guy, as long as you submit to me, I will spare your life!"


    Hiss hiss!


    Little Lin struggled desperately, its small eyes filled with human-like anger and hatred. It opened its tiny mouth, attempting to bite at Xue Jiu''s foot with its venom.


    "Hmm?"


    With a cold sneer and a sinister smile, Xue Jiu revealed his stark white teeth, "If you are so intent on seeking death, I will oblige you!"


    Swish!


    A bloody sword edge raised high, chopping down towards Little Lin''s head.


    The radiant blood-red sword light, piercingly bright, traced a scarlet arc through the air, promising to severe Little Lin''s head once it fell.


    "No!"


    Fang Qingzhu roared in anger.


    Throughout these days, both she and Xiao Yi had come to treat Little Lin as family.


    How could she possibly watch it be killed right before her eyes?


    "Get lost!"


    Xue Jiu merely raised his hand, backhanding and snatching the Purple Dragon Whip from Fang Qingzhu''s grasp. With a ripping sound, Fang Qingzhu''s palm was left bloody and mangled, dripping with fresh blood.


    He then flung the Purple Dragon Whip.


    Crack! sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This strike landed on Fang Qingzhu''s body.


    It burst her clothes open, leaving a bloody wound across her back.


    "Let him go..." Ignoring the intense pain in her back, Fang Qingzhu gathered her vital energy and once again charged at Xue Jiu.


    "Foolish woman, oblivious to death!"


    Xue Jiu casually swung his hand, slapping Fang Qingzhu across the face and toppling her to the ground. He then kicked out fiercely, striking her in the abdomen.


    Swish!


    Fang Qingzhu was savagely kicked away, pushed horizontally and violently crashing against the wall. Half the wall collapsed thunderously, and Fang Qingzhu spat out a mouthful of blood.


    Hiss hiss...


    Discover hidden content at empire


    Little Lin howled in anger, struggling ever more fiercely.


    Xue Jiu paused, looking at Little Lin with amusement, "You don''t want me to kill her? Just submit to me, and I can spare her from death..."


    Hiss hiss!


    Little Lin glared back in rage.


    "If you don''t submit, then don''t blame me for being merciless!" Xue Jiu reached out into the void, and with a swoosh, he grabbed Fang Qingzhu and dragged her before him.


    He punched her over and over again before Little Lin''s eyes.


    He held nothing back with each punch.


    Every blow landed heavily, each fist shot exacerbating Fang Qingzhu''s injuries, blood dripping from every orifice. She was nearly unconscious, her drooping eyes faintly glowing with ice-blue light.


    Yet all of this went unnoticed by Xue Jiu.


    He continued to bombard Fang Qingzhu with punches, taunting Little Lin, "If you don''t submit, she''s going to die!"


    "Let her go!"


    "Damn you, have the guts to come at me!"


    Niu Dali and the four brothers of the Shi Family bellowed with veins bulging, their eyes filled with madness.


    With a mocking laugh, Xue Jiu looked at them, "You''re like ants, killing you would only dirty my sword!" He stared at Xia Lin, "This final punch, I will directly obliterate her Golden Core. If you don''t want her to become a cripple, then submit to me obediently!"


    Hiss!


    Despair painted Little Lin''s eyes, reflecting a very human emotion.


    It clearly understood how important Fang Qingzhu was to Xiao Yi; it could not bear to watch Fang Qingzhu die before itself.


    However...


    Just as it was about to bow its head in submission,


    The temperature around plummeted suddenly.


    Whoosh!


    Whoosh whoosh!


    Whoosh whoosh whoosh...


    A fierce wind tore through heaven and earth, growing larger and colder, sharp as a blade''s edge, slicing across onto faces as if to peel the skin off their flesh.


    Snowflakes like goose feathers began to drift between heaven and earth.


    "What''s going on?"


    "Is it snowing? But it''s June..."


    "What situation is this?"


    Xue Jiu too was taken aback, his confusion promptly turning to a chill when he felt an icy cold on his palm and subconsciously looked down to see an ice-blue hand firmly grasping his wrist.


    "What is this...?"


    Xue Jiu''s pupils suddenly narrowed, he lifted his head urgently and followed the direction from the icy blue hand.


    Standing before him, Fang Qingzhu was covered in a layer of blue frost crystals like a sculpture made of ice. She slowly raised her head, her pupils completely turning the color of ice blue.


    Her eyes held a coldness within.


    "What the hell is this? Get out of my way!"


    Xue Jiu kicked towards Fang Qingzhu''s lower abdomen, a kick that could overturn a small mountain, but it stopped abruptly before it could touch Fang Qingzhu.


    Crack, crack, crack!


    Chains of ice crystallized on his foot, binding him as if with icy shackles.


    The bone-chilling cold spread instantaneously from his foot up through his entire left leg.


    The ice continued to spread rapidly.


    Suddenly, it had surpassed his knee.


    In a matter of life and death.


    With a slash of his sword, Xue Jiu severed his leg at the knee, but the intense pain did not quell the shock in his heart. An icy chill was also transmitted from his wrist.


    "Let go!"


    Xue Jiu roared in anger, violently twisting his palm.


    Pop!


    His palm shattered at the wrist.


    The hand turned to ice sculpture fell to the ground, and in the blink of an eye, Xue Jiu had lost a hand and a foot. He staggered backward, unable to believe what he was seeing as he looked at Fang Qingzhu, whose body was covered in frost, "What kind of monster are you?


    He had never seen such a fearsome entity before.


    She was clearly just at the Peak of the Shentong Realm!


    And she had caused him to lose a hand and a foot in the blink of an eye?


    "I, sentence you, to death!"


    Fang Qingzhu lifted her head, and her face was covered with a layer of frost, giving her an extreme pallor, but it wasn''t terrifying; instead, there was a sacred sense of icy coldness.


    Fang Qingzhu spread her arms, and a huge ice-blue phoenix emerged behind her.


    "What, what is that?"


    "It seems like a phoenix?"


    "Impossible! Phoenixes belong to fire; they are creatures of supreme yang, but this..." The Shi Family''s four brothers and Niu Dali looked at the ice-blue Phantom Phoenix with horror and disbelief.


    Gazing at that ice-blue phoenix, Xue Jiu''s pupils contracted violently, and he felt a bone-piercing chill engulf his entire body.


    If it were his heyday, he would still have the confidence to fight.


    But now...


    The loss of a hand and a foot made him dare not linger any longer.


    Glancing at the Shi Family''s four brothers and Niu Dali, Xue Jiu let out a low growl, "Take them and leave..."


    The several Xue Yilou powerhouses immediately grabbed the five people.


    "Die!"


    Fang Qingzhu snorted coldly, and a gust of icy wind howled past, with the ice-blue Phantom Phoenix behind her taking flight. Behind her trailed a series of icy wind trails, and where it passed, the earth was sealed, and plants were frozen.


    The Xue Yilou powerhouses, while still in the posture of grabbing people, were covered with a layer of frost.


    As the ice-blue Phantom Phoenix behind Fang Qingzhu cried out to the heavens,


    Crack, crack, crack!


    The Xue Yilou powerhouses burst on cue, turning into a sky of ice fragments.


    The Phoenix flapped its wings, exterminating the Xue Yilou!


    For a moment...


    In the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, which had become a land of frost, only Xue Jiu remained from the Xue Yilou. The surrounding frost couldn''t compare to the coldness in his heart.


    "Now it''s your turn!"


    Fang Qingzhu turned into a blue streak of light and shot forth, skimming across the ground with fierce winds and swirling snow in her wake.


    Xue Jiu''s expression changed drastically, a crazed look filled his eyes, "You''re forcing me!"


    Whoosh!


    A blood-red bead was thrown by him.


    This was a Sword Orb!


    Only by understanding the third level of Sword Intent, the fusion of man and sword, could one condense such a Sword Orb!


    Its strongest swords moves were integrated within!


    Boom!


    The Sword Orb exploded, and a sky full of sword shadows enveloped everything, with a thunderous roar, shattering the frost around Fang Qingzhu.


    When the Sword Orb had completely dissipated, Fang Qingzhu suddenly trembled all over.


    The ice-blue Phantom Phoenix shadow behind her disappeared into nothingness, and she fell to the ground with a thud, as the Sword Orb had depleted all her strength.


    Gasp!


    Gasp!


    Xue Jiu, with a look of ecstasy on his face, laughed loudly, "Ha ha ha, so your secret technique has its limits? Without this secret technique''s blessing, killing you would be as easy as crushing an ant!"


    Just as Xue Jiu raised his sword with the intention of going forth to claim Fang Qingzhu''s life, an icy voice suddenly rang out, "Move again, and I''ll surely kill you!"

 Chapter 112 Come out and die!

    "Move again, and I will kill you!"From the cold voice, Xiao Yi''s figure slowly descended from midair.


    His gaze fell on Fang Qingzhu, Little Lin, and Niu Dali among others. He finally breathed a sigh of relief when he realized they were not in mortal danger. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He held Fang Qingzhu in his arms, feeling her weak life force, his rage thundering in his heart.


    "Xiao, Xiao Yi? How did you come back so soon?" Xue Jiu looked at Xiao Yi with a shocked face.


    This was a man who could defeat Jiang Shanhe from the Ninth Layer of the Golden Core Realm. With his strength, he was no match for Xiao Yi. Precisely because of this, Xue Jiu had used Yan Mingli''s severed finger to lure Xiao Yi away.


    According to his plan...


    It would take nearly an hour for Xiao Yi to reach Zhuilong Valley.


    Even if he realized that it was a feint the moment he arrived at Zhuilong Valley and came back, it would still take an hour and a half, enough time for him to have captured Fang Qingzhu and the others.


    Xiao Yi sneered, "I never went to Zhuilong Valley!" Explore stories at empire


    After he left the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, he raced at full speed toward Zhuilong Valley, but halfway there, he discovered a spy from Xue Yilou tailing him.


    Xiao Yi captured the Xue Yilou expert, forced their plan out of him, and immediately turned back.


    But he was still a step too late!


    If Fang Qingzhu hadn''t unleashed that ice-blue phoenix at the critical moment, by now, they would probably have been taken away by Xue Jiu and his people. The thought made Xiao Yi shudder.


    Xue Jiu closed his eyes in despair, "I have pulled every lever I could, yet I forgot that with your strength, those who have just entered the Golden Core realm would ultimately betray themselves. It seems this mission is my failure!"


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Who is behind all this?"


    "Do you think I will tell you?"


    Xue Jiu let out a sneer filled with disdain, "There are countless strong individuals in Xue Yilou. You might have evaded this wave, but can you withstand the forces Xue Yilou musters from the Qing Dynasty? I am not afraid to tell you, we have warriors from the Tao Tribulation Realm in Xue Yilou. Once a Calamity Realm warrior takes action, do you think you can defend against it?"


    The most terrifying thing about Xue Yilou was the endless assassinations and the unpredictable killing methods.


    This wave had failed.


    They would immediately plan the second wave.


    And then the tenth!


    Xiao Yi looked at Xue Jiu with cold eyes. With a raise of his hand, his vitality formed an invisible hand in the air that tightly grasped Xue Jiu''s neck, lifting him up, "Tell me, who is behind all this, and I will spare your life!"


    "I will never tell you!" Xue Jiu scoffed.


    Splat!


    Xiao Yi tore off his right arm in one move, disregarding Xue Jiu''s face twisted in pain, and demanded, "Will you speak or not?"


    "No..."


    Splat!


    This time, he tore off Xue Jiu''s right leg.


    "I would rather die than tell you..."


    Splat!


    Xiao Yi cut off Xue Jiu''s third leg with a sword.


    Ahh...


    Xue Jiu''s screams of agony were continuous, his body convulsed and trembled uncontrollably.


    Xiao Yi''s voice was like a soul-hooking incantation, "Say it again, who exactly is it?"


    "I..."


    As soon as Xue Jiu began to speak, Xiao Yi ripped off his ears, one by one pulling out his hair. Xue Jiu''s entire head was bloodied and dripping, suffering unbearable pain, he shouted in despair, "I''ll tell, I''ll tell... please, just put an end to my agony, I''ll tell..."


    Xiao Yi threw the bloody, skin-covered hair to the side, "Who?"


    Bearing the excruciating pain, Xue Jiu gritted his teeth and said, "It was Yun Feiying from the Yun Family, and Jia Yisheng from the Jia Family..."


    "Yun Feiying? Jia Yisheng?"


    Xiao Yi''s pupils contracted slightly, recalling their identities. They were the heads of the Yun and Jia Families., also the fathers of Yun Lei and Jia Sidao, "So it was them... they are simply courting death!"


    Xue Jiu gasped for air, "I... I have told you, now... can you give me a swift end?"


    The mission failed, and it also exposed the employer.


    Xue Jiu, even if he left alive, would become a target for assassination by Xue Yilou.


    Death was certain!


    Xiao Yi said, "Where are Yan Mingli and Lin Bing Xin?"


    Xue Jiu swallowed a mouthful of blood and said, "After they were captured, they were sent to the Jia Family. According to Jia Yisheng, the death of his youngest son has something to do with Yan Mingli; they were imprisoned in the dungeons of the Jia Family."


    Jia Sichun died in Nanhuang City.


    And Yan Mingli was in Nanhuang City, Xiao Yi''s most loyal supporter.


    "I''ve told you everything I know..." Xue Jiu said with difficulty.


    "Hmm!"


    Xiao Yi responded indifferently, tightening his grip and twisting off his neck.


    Then, he looked toward Niu Dali and the others: "Are you all right?"


    "No, no problems..."


    Niu Dali and the others hurriedly shook their heads.


    They had never seen such a terrifying side of Xiao Yi before.


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath, glanced at the courtyard covered with frost, and said solemnly, "What exactly is going on here?"


    Niu Dali quickly relayed to Xiao Yi the scene where Fang Qingzhu had turned into an ice-blue phoenix behind him and killed the formidable foes from Xue Yilou.


    Xiao Yi frowned slightly, recalling the ice-blue phoenix that appeared on Fang Qingzhu when she broke through to the Shentong Realm: "I''ve never heard of such divine skills. It seems Qingzhu also has secrets hidden on her."


    But he didn''t probe any further.


    Everyone has their own secrets.


    Just like his Eternal Tomb, unless absolutely necessary, he would never reveal it to anyone.


    Xiao Yi checked their injuries and said in a deep voice, "Your injuries are not serious, and Qingzhu is just overly exhausted. She will recover with proper rest. You guys stay and guard the Martial Arts Institute; I''m going to the Royal Martial Arts Academy!"


    "Xiao, are you going to the Royal Martial Arts Academy to find the Yun Family and the Jia Family?" Shi Yaoquan asked.


    Xiao Yi nodded.


    Shi Yaoqian said with a wry smile, "Xiao, this is a troubled time. The battle between you and the Royal Martial Arts Academy has already attracted countless powerful figures. Before going into seclusion, Jiang advised us that we must not allow you to make any more enemies. Both the Yun Family and the Jia Family are prominent households in the capital, and they are high-ranking officials in the court. If you kill them, I''m afraid it will infuriate that person in the palace..."


    "No need to say more!"


    Xiao Yi waved his hand, his eyes cold, "The good are bullied, and the meek are preyed upon. The more this happens, the less we can afford to be weak. I''ll be back shortly!"


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi walked on air, heading straight for the capital.


    Shi Yaoqian and the others looked at each other, their faces filled with anxiety: "We must inform the institute head and Jiang immediately!"


    "This is going to be a big deal!"


    That was the capital!


    Whether it''s Yun Feiying or Jia Yisheng, those are high-ranking officials of the second grade or above.


    Whoever dares to touch them is shaking the foundation of Tianqing Kingdom!


    Becoming an enemy of the entire kingdom!


    They seemed to already see Xiao Yi becoming the target of all, a one-man-against-an-entire-nation situation.


    Just as they were in a frenzy to go to the seclusion area to try to wake Gu Junhe and Jiang Tai, within the capital, inside the Jia Family''s dark dungeon.


    Before Jia Yisheng stood Yan Mingli and Lin Bing Xin, who were bound hand and foot.


    Jia Yisheng''s wife, holding a red-hot iron, approached the nearly unconscious Lin Bing Xin with a malicious look on her face: "Hehe, you wretched woman, you look so pretty, you must be very close to Xiao Yi, right? Tell me, if I burn your face to resemble a toad''s, will he still fancy you?"


    "No, don''t come any closer..."


    Lin Bing Xin had a face of despair.


    Yan Mingli, who was beside her, barely conscious, opened his mouth but could not make a sound, tears of despair falling from his eyes.


    But just as the red-hot iron was about to touch her face, a loud boom suddenly came from outside the dungeon, followed by an angry roar like thunder: "Jia Yisheng, come out and die!"

 Chapter 113 One Man Destroys a Clan

    "Jia Yisheng, come out and meet your death!"The cold voice, like a thunderous roar from the heavens, shook the sky and resounded above the entire Jia Mansion. It even penetrated the multiple barriers and entered the dungeons down below.


    Mrs. Jia''s hand trembled, and the branding iron clattered to the ground, bouncing before settling on the top of her foot.


    Hiss!


    The top of the shoe was instantly burned through, and the scorching hot branding iron cooked the top of her foot in a mere moment.


    Ow...


    Mrs. Jia subconsciously withdrew her foot, but the branding iron tore off the flesh from the top of her foot as it stuck, leaving her with a blood-drenched wound as a hysterical scream escaped from her mouth.


    "Madam, are you alright?" Jia Yisheng, who had been watching coldly until then, changed his expression and rushed over immediately.


    He supported Mrs. Jia with his arm, his face full of concern.


    Slap!


    Mrs. Jia slapped Jia Yisheng across the face, her expression ferocious as she bellowed in anger, "Don''t you see the state of my foot? Do you think I could be alright?"


    Seated high in the halls of power, the formidable second-ranked official Jia Yisheng was actually a henpecked husband.


    Facing Mrs. Jia''s furious roar, Jia Yisheng instinctively shrank his neck and helped her sit down beside him, "Don''t panic, Madam. I''ll apply some medicine to you right now..."


    "What medicine? Go out and see which bastard dares to make trouble in my Jia Mansion and is responsible for hurting me like this... I want him torn to pieces!" Mrs. Jia said bitterly.


    Jia Yisheng quickly nodded, "I-I''ll go at once!"


    ......


    Jia Mansion.


    This estate was originally a gift from Jiang Tianchen to the Jia Family. The large vermillion gate stood five meters tall, three meters wide, and was extremely thick.


    But now...


    The gate was in disarray, utterly destroyed and in tatters.


    From the gate leading directly to the main hall of Jia Mansion, the path was littered with the bodies of the guards, each with an almost imperceptible bloodstain on their necks.


    Able to take their lives with a single sword strike!


    No one was spared!


    In front of the main hall...


    The manager of the Jia Family, Jia Fugui, was ghostly pale as he kept retreating under the protection of a group of guards. The eyes of all the guards looking towards the young man with the red longsword in his hand, inching closer with each step, were filled with terror.


    "Where is Jia Yisheng?" Xiao Yi asked indifferently.


    Gulp!


    Jia Fugui instinctively swallowed, glaring with rage, "Audacious thief! You dare slaughter the Jia Family''s guards in broad daylight. Do you know where you are?"


    "Silence!"


    With his sword in the air, Xiao Yi, exhibiting the strength of the Ninth Layer of the Golden Core Realm, faced the guards in the Divine Skills Realm as if slicing through vegetables.


    Where the sword''s edge passed, heads rolled.


    "Who dares cause trouble in my Jia Mansion?"


    Jia Yisheng had just come out of the dungeon when he saw the corpses everywhere and Jia Fugui, the manager of the Jia Family, kneeling on the ground, continuously kowtowing to Xiao Yi. He immediately spoke up to scold.


    No sooner had his words fallen.


    A streak of blood flashed before his eyes, and Jia Fugui''s head flew up, landing right in front of him.


    Xiao Yi smirked, looked up at Jia Yisheng, and said, "You''ve finally shown up!"


    "Xiao, Xiao Yi? Shit..."


    Jia Yisheng froze for a moment, and upon recognizing Xiao Yi''s face, he didn''t hesitate to turn around and run.


    "Since you''re here, don''t even think about leaving!"


    Xiao Yi reached out with his right hand, and an invisible force seized Jia Yisheng, pulling him fiercely and smashing him heavily onto the ground.


    The entire Jia Mansion roared as if an earthquake had struck.


    The ground was covered in dust, and within a human-shaped crater, Jia Yisheng lay there face up, bleeding from all orifices, looking up at Xiao Yi in despair, "Xiao, Young Master Xiao, don''t be impulsive... There must be some misunderstanding between us..."


    Xiao Yi, not saying a word, pressed on."


    Jia Yisheng scrambled backward in panic, his face filled with fear, "Young Master Xiao, you can''t kill me. I am an imperial officer. If you kill me, the Emperor will never let you go, and you will have no place in Tianqing Kingdom..."


    "Are you, threatening me?" Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes and said.


    "I..."


    Jia Yisheng swallowed nervously. Jia Sichun and Jia Sidao both had died at Xiao Yi''s hand, and he wished he could flay Xiao Yi alive a thousand times over.


    Experience new stories with empire


    But...


    When facing Xiao Yi, he didn''t even have the courage to talk tough, and he quickly shook his head in a servile manner, "No, no dare, how could I threaten you? To you, I am nothing but an ant you could squash effortlessly. Murdering me to become the target of public criticism, that''s not worth it!"


    Who could have imagined that such a high-ranking official could also have such humble moments?


    At this moment, Jia Yisheng was full of regret.


    His son had died, but he could have another; why did he have to provoke this formidable foe?


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Where are Yan Mingli and the others?"


    "In the dungeon, I''ll take you there right away..." Jia Yisheng said hastily. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi nodded.


    Jia Yisheng scurried ahead like a dog, crawling and groveling as he led the way.


    They made their way to the dungeon.


    Mrs. Jia was limping towards Lin Bingxin, holding the freshly reheated branding iron, about to stamp Lin Bingxin''s cheek.


    "Stop!"


    Jia Yisheng was terrified to the core; if she stamped down, he''d have no way out!


    Mrs. Jia was startled and turned around, only to be struck by a fierce slap from Jia Yisheng, sending her flying into the wall. With a thud, the branding iron fell into the collar of her garment.


    Hiss hiss...


    A scent of charred flesh emanated from within her bosom, accompanied by her hysterical screams, "Ahh... help, save me..."


    Jia Yisheng ignored Mrs. Jia, turning to Xiao Yi with a sycophantic look, "Xiao... Xiao, you can see... they both are here!"


    Mrs. Jia, enduring the intense pain, roared, "Jia Yisheng, have you grown too bold? Dare you lay hands on your own wife?"


    "Shut up!"


    Jia Yisheng ground his teeth, wishing he could gag her mouth with a cloth.


    After all, the dreaded Xiao Yi was standing right by his side!


    If he angered Xiao Yi, he and his wife would be done for!


    Xiao Yi squinted his eyes as he looked at the unconscious Elder Yan and Lin Bingxin, the vicious wounds all over their bodies darkening his expression, "Release them!"


    "I... I''ll do it now!" Jia Yisheng hurried forward.


    Yet Mrs. Jia blocked his path, menacingly yelling, "I''d like to see who dares! These two bastards, together with that dog bastard Xiao Yi, killed my son. I''d like to see who dares release them?"


    "Shut up, if you want to die don''t drag me into it..." Jia Yisheng glared at her furiously, frantically signaling her, "Don''t you see Xiao is here? Get out of my way!"


    "Xiao? Is he Xiao Yi?"


    Mrs. Jia snapped back to reality, glowering at Xiao Yi with a ferocious face, screaming venomously, "Good for you, Jia Yisheng. Your son''s killer stands before you, and you''re as cowardly as a shrinking turtle? Won''t you kill him to avenge your son?"


    "Avenge? I''ll avenge your granddad..."


    Jia Yisheng exploded in anger, previously it was Mrs. Jia who had urged him to join forces with Flying Eagle and hire Xue Yilou to take action, and now that the Jia Family was nearly annihilated, Mrs. Jia was not without blame, "You stupid woman, if you don''t shut your mouth, I''ll kill you myself!"


    "Kill me? Come on, you impotent fool, you have no guts to avenge your son, and now you help his murderer against your own wife? If you lack the guts to take revenge for your son, I''ll do it myself!" As Mrs. Jia spoke, she grabbed a red-hot iron from the furnace, lunging at Lin Bingxin.


    "Seeking death!"


    Xiao Yi''s cold hum was followed by a swift strike that split Mrs. Jia in half, his icy gaze then turning to the dispirited Jia Yisheng, "You go die as well!"


    "No..."


    Jia Yisheng watched in despair as the sword''s blade pierced his body.


    Bang!


    Having consecutively killed Jia Yisheng and Mrs. Jia, the entire Jia Family was extinguished!


    Xiao Yi sheathed his Fire Qilin Sword and rescued Elder Yan and Lin Bingxin from the rack, sighing in relief after checking on them, "Thankfully, it''s just excessive blood loss, and there''s no danger to their lives!"


    He gave them pills to stabilize their injuries.


    At this moment...


    Outside Jia Mansion, a sea of people had gathered.


    They kept their distance, looking at the Jia Mansion strewn with bodies, "This... this is outrageous!"


    "Who could it be? Who would dare to massacre a high-ranking official''s entire family in broad daylight?"


    "Look, look... someone''s coming..."


    Within that grand gate, Xiao Yi walked out powerfully, carrying the two with him...

 Chapter 114 By His Majestys Decree, Annihilate the Entire Clan!

    "Is that Xiao Yi?""My God! Is it really him? How... how does he dare to do such a thing..."


    "This is the residence of a second-rank official of the court, and he dared to annihilate his entire clan? Quick, quick, notify the city guards, this is a provocation against the entire Tianqing Kingdom..."


    Gasps of shock arose from the crowd.


    Onlookers outside the Jia Mansion scrambled out of the way, not daring to come within thirty feet of Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi''s face was expressionless.


    He simply carried two people and made his way to the Treasure Pavilion.


    He was spotless, but a pungent smell of blood and overwhelming Evil Qi surrounded him, causing everyone to make way wherever he went.


    And the news of Xiao Yi single-handedly exterminating the Jia Family spread like wildfire.


    Countless powerhouses received the news.


    In an instant.


    Everyone came upon hearing the news.


    "A major event has occurred, Xiao Yi has wiped out the entire Jia Family... he''s defying the heavens!"


    "I think he''s on a suicide mission, this is going to be interesting to watch. Since the establishment of the Tianqing Kingdom, no one has dared to do such a thing, the emperor will definitely not let him off!"


    "It seems Xiao Yi won''t last until seven days later, he is going to die today!"


    Powerhouses from all directions gathered with the intent to witness Xiao Yi''s bold challenge against the Royal Martial Arts Academy in seven days.


    But now it seems...


    They won''t be able to wait!


    Along the way, more and more onlookers joined.


    Xiao Yi carried Yan Mingli and Lin Bingxin all the way to the Treasure Pavilion, where the guards were on high alert. Not until Xiao Yi handed over the two did he say, "Take good care of them!"


    "This, this..."


    The guards were at a loss.


    Xiao Yi calmly stated, "If there''s any negligence, I will hold you accountable!"


    The guard hastily replied, "Xiao, rest assured, Elder Yan is originally one of us at the Treasure Pavilion, we will ensure nothing happens to them!" S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi nodded and then soared into the sky, like an eagle gliding through the air, heading toward the Yun Family.


    More and more powerhouses followed him, a dense crowd like a wave of black steel, unrelentingly chasing across the ground.


    They reached the Yun Family.


    Yun Feiying was an Imperial Secretary, holding a first-rank position, and he himself was a cultivator in the Golden Elixir Realm Sixth Layer Cultivation, much stronger than Jia Yisheng.


    Especially the Yun Family''s Elder Yun He, who had stepped into the Golden Elixir Realm a hundred years ago, unfathomable in his depth.


    "What is Xiao Yi doing at the Yun Family?"


    "Could it be... he wants to obliterate the Yun Family too?" someone in the crowd speculated.


    "Are you mad or is he mad? It''s not enough for him to have destroyed the Jia Family, he''s actually thinking of obliterating the Yun Family? Even if he had multiple lives, they wouldn''t be enough..."


    The crowd scoffed at this guess.


    But soon...


    These people were fiercely slapped in the face.


    Two guards, with grave expressions, looked at Xiao Yi and the immense crowd behind him, frowned and said, "Who goes there? This is the residence of the Imperial Secretary, all unrelated persons should get out!"


    "Bring Yun Feiying out to see me," Xiao Yi said indifferently.


    "How audacious, to address the Imperial Secretary by name... Seize him!" With a cold snort from one of the guards, they rushed toward him from both sides, full of murderous intent.


    The two simultaneously grabbed Xiao Yi''s shoulders, sneering, "Kneel down!"


    "Scram!"


    Xiao Yi''s figure did not move, yet his body vibrated fiercely. Discover stories with empire


    Hum!


    A violent surge of Qi erupted from within, flinging the two guards away, booming as they smashed into the vermilion gates on either side.


    Xiao Yi flipped his palm and the Fire Qilin Sword appeared in his grasp; he lifted the sword to the sky, "Solitary Nine Swords¡ªSword Breaking Style!"


    His vital energy surged, igniting the fiery red scale patterns on the Fire Qilin Sword to burst into dazzling light, and a ten-zhang-long Sword Qi descended from the heavens.


    Boom!


    As the Sword Qi plummeted, the earth shook, and the entire front gate of the Yun Family was cleaved in two.


    "How dare you, who dares to cause trouble at the Yun Family?"


    "No matter who you are, you are surely doomed!"


    Shouts of fury echoed from within the Yun Family, and numerous guards rushed out from the estate. There were at least a hundred of them, forming a dark mass.


    Xiao Yi, alone with his sword, charged into the midst of the guards, his sword light filling the sky, heads rolling everywhere; the elite Yun Family guards could not stop his advance.


    Flying Eagle Yun was among them.


    He recognized Xiao Yi at a glance and saw that in this short time, more than thirty guards had already perished under Xiao''s sword. His pupils shrank suddenly as he bellowed, "Elder Ancestor, come quickly to my aid!"


    Boom!


    From the depths of the Yun Family estate, a heaven-shaking Sword Intent soared into the sky.


    "Who dares to cause trouble in my Yun Family? Do you wish for death?" Amidst the powerful and authoritative voice, an aged figure tore through the void, wielding a black war saber.


    His Qi-Blood surged like dragons and tigers.


    It was none other than Elder Yun He, whose cultivation had already reached the Ninth Layer of the Golden Core Realm.


    This was a formidable expert that had not appeared in the world!


    Flying Eagle Yun bowed respectfully towards Elder Yun He and declared, "Elder, this thief has killed Yun Lei and Yun Fan. Now he even dares to attack our Yun Family''s doorstep. I implore Elder Ancestor to execute this scoundrel!"


    "Hmph, such young age and extraordinary cultivation indeed show exceptional talent, but the stench of blood and Evil Qi on you is strong, you have killed many. Let this Elder take your life, to act on behalf of heaven!" Yun He''s face was expressionless as his saber swept through the air, slicing outwards.


    The strike was extraordinarily sharp, with the edge of the saber gleaming with cold light.


    The terrifying Sword Intent caused the sabers in the hands of the watching powerhouses to hum as if they were about to leap out of their sheaths. Each of them suppressed their weapons, faces filled with shock: "Is that the second level of Sword Intent? Such a fearsome power, is the Yun Family Elder this terrifying?"


    "A hundred years ago, Yun Family Elder became a Golden Core Realm powerhouse. After a century of seclusion, his combat power is fearsomely strong. Xiao Yi has really hit a snag this time..."


    Amidst the exclamations of the crowd,


    Xiao Yi''s eyes flashed with a chill as he swung his sword, "Sword Breaking Style!"


    The Solitary Nine Swords had nine techniques, each with its own characteristics.


    Sword Breaking Style.


    Specifically used to counter the enemy''s saber techniques.


    It was the bane of saber methods!


    Together with Xiao Yi''s own Sword Intent at the second level, he had no fear of Yun He''s attack. With a thunderous bang, the fearsome saber light burst apart on cue.


    Yet the Sword Qi merely paused for a moment before crashing down relentlessly.


    Spurt!


    Yun He let out a pained scream, cleaved in two by the Sword Qi.


    Hiss...


    There was dead silence within the Yun Family.


    The onlooking crowd was dumbfounded.


    "He, he''s dead just like that?"


    "A Golden Core Realm expert of a hundred years, who painstakingly practiced saber techniques and mastered the second level of Sword Intent, couldn''t even block a single sword strike from Xiao Yi?"


    "My goodness..."


    The most shocked was none other than Flying Eagle Yun; Yun He was his greatest support.


    It was only because of Yun He''s presence that he dared to urge Jia Yisheng and hired Xue Yilou to make a move!


    Now...


    Yun He had died right in front of him.


    Xiao Yi turned his gaze to Flying Eagle Yun among the crowd, whose face was ashen, "Now it''s your turn!"


    "I, I..."


    Flying Eagle Yun''s pale face was full of terror, and just as he began to speak, a rumbling noise approached. The onlooking crowd automatically dispersed to reveal a formidable group of armored cavalry approaching.


    It was the Black Dragon Cavalry!


    "Hahaha, the Black Dragon Cavalry has arrived! Xiao Yi, you are doomed. The Black Dragon Cavalry is the king''s most elite force. You dare to kill the Yun Family Elder and destroy the gates of the Ministry in broad daylight. This is an affront to the Tianqing Kingdom; the king will not let you off!" Flying Eagle Yun''s face showed the ecstasy of a narrow escape.


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes.


    The imposing Black Dragon Cavalry was already close at hand.


    The leader was the black-armored commander whom Xiao Yi had met once before. At this moment, the commander''s countenance was cold and indifferent, mounted on a Black Dragon steed, radiating murderous intent.


    Flying Eagle Yun hastily called out, "General Li, the villain Xiao Yi dares to destroy my entrance and kill my Yun Family Elder. I beseech General Li to apprehend him!"


    The black-armored General Li slowly drew his sword, and behind him, the Black Dragon Cavalry also drew their black lances. Like a colossal beast of black steel, the terrifying presence of their Evil Qi was enough to drive one to despair.


    "It''s over; with the Black Dragon Cavalry''s deployment, Xiao Yi is as good as dead!"


    "Who asked him to be so arrogant? First obliterating the Jia Family, and now daring to provoke the Yun Family..."


    Flying Eagle Yun''s ferocious face was brimming with triumph, his eyes fixed on Xiao Yi: "You little bastard, I only regret not being able to kill you with my own hands!"


    Clang!


    General Li pointed with his longsword, but it was not at Xiao Yi; instead, the blade was directed at Flying Eagle Yun. With an indifferent face, he spoke, "By the king''s command, Flying Eagle Yun colluded with Jia Yisheng to plot against Tianjiao of the kingdom. We, the Black Dragon Cavalry, are hereby ordered to eradicate the entire Yun Clan!"


    "What, eradicate the entire clan?"


    Flying Eagle Yun''s look of triumph disappeared in an instant, his face a picture of stunned disbelief as he dropped to the ground with a thud...

 Chapter 115 They Come to Kill!

    Flying Eagle slumped to the ground, his face full of despair.He never imagined that the Black Dragon Cavalry, which he viewed as his lifesaver, would become the final straw that crushed him!


    "Why, why? I, I am a first-rank great official of the court, my Yun family has been loyal and courageous, why does His Majesty treat me this way?" Flying Eagle roared with bloodshot eyes.


    His Yun family was a deeply-rooted powerful family in the Tianqing Kingdom.


    With the backing of the crown prince and the Royal Martial Arts Institute, as well as the strength of his ancestor Yun He to suppress others, the Yun family was one of the most powerful in the Tianqing Kingdom.


    Even the current emperor would have many concerns about eliminating the Yun family.


    But now...


    He merely paid to hire the strong from Xue Yilou to kidnap an important person close to Xiao Yi to avenge Yun Fan and also to intimidate Xiao Yi into restraint, thus currying favor with Jiang Shanhe and Zhou Yuan.


    In his view, even if the plan failed, Xiao Yi would still not be able to do anything to him.


    "Hmph!"


    General Li, clad in black armor, scoffed coldly, showing no emotion, and waved his hand, "Kill them!"


    Boom!


    The Black Dragon Cavalry turned into a black iron flood and surged forward, slaughtering all the strong members of the Yun family and leveling the grand Yun estate.


    For a moment.


    Dust billowed, and the clash of battle shook the heavens.


    The strong onlookers from afar were stunned, their faces confused, "We thought the Black Dragon Cavalry came to capture Xiao Yi, but they actually came for the Yun family?"


    "Just what is Xiao Yi''s background? He has destroyed the Jia Family and now almost obliterated the Yun Family without consequences?"


    "Haven''t you noticed... that when Xiao Yi killed the ancestor of the Yun family just now, he only used one move?"


    Hiss...


    Everyone drew a sharp breath.


    Only then did they return to their senses, realizing that Yun He was a Ninth Layer Golden Core Realm expert, who had also comprehended the second stage of the Dao of the Blade, yet was slain by Xiao Yi with a single sword strike.


    Just how strong was Xiao Yi''s combat prowess?


    The eyes of everyone looking at Xiao Yi were filled with shock and awe.


    Indeed, the Black Dragon Cavalry was the most elite force of the Tianqing Kingdom, and in just an instant, the entire Yun family was wiped out. General Li, in black armor, approached Xiao Yi.


    He dismounted from his horse.


    Discover more stories at empire


    General Li looked at Xiao Yi with complex eyes, this was the man who had refused the title of Martial King of the Nation from Jiang Tianchen and had slain a Ninth Layer Golden Core Realm existence with a single sword.


    General Li saluted Xiao Yi with a fist wrapped in another, his words also filled with extra reverence, "Xiao, His Majesty has already sent someone to locate the branch of Xue Yilou in the Tianqing Kingdom. His Majesty has instructed that if Xiao has any needs, the Black Dragon Cavalry is willing to serve you to the best of our ability!"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback and asked, "Is His Majesty not afraid of offending Xue Yilou?"


    Xue Yilou was an assassination organization that spread across the ten countries of Nanhuang, and it was said that the shadow of a Great Qian Dynasty''s big shot loomed behind it. For this reason, the Tianqing Kingdom had always refrained from acting against Xue Yilou.


    After all.


    Even though Jiang Tianchen, as the ruler of a nation, had a legendary figure of the Tao Tribulation Realm stationed in the palace and was not afraid of the assassination attempts of Xue Yilou.


    But were the other members of his royal family not afraid? Was the entire court, both civil and military, not afraid?


    If they provoked Xue Yilou and the organization kept sending assassins to murder members of the royal family and the entire court, even the mightiest of kingdoms couldn''t withstand such assaults!


    But now...


    Jiang Tianchen was actually willing to become an enemy of Xue Yilou for his sake.


    This was truly a costly move!


    General Li said, "The thoughts of His Majesty are not something I dare to speculate on!"


    Xiao Yi let out a long breath.


    He wasn''t someone who failed to recognize a good turn, even if he knew Jiang Tianchen had ulterior motives for wooing him. The mere fact that Jiang Tianchen chose to stand by him at such a critical time was a favor too great to repay.


    He looked up at General Li and said in a deep voice, "Then I''ll have to trouble General Li to accompany me to Xue Yilou''s branch..."


    A flash of joy crossed General Li''s heart.


    Once Xiao Yi accepted the help of the Black Dragon Cavalry, it meant that Xiao Yi was accepting Jiang Tianchen''s friendly overture!


    With a wave of his hand.


    A majestic Black Dragon steed was led over, and General Li said sternly, "Xiao, please mount the horse!"


    "Let''s go!"


    Xiao Yi leaped onto the horse.


    General Li left ten members of the Black Dragon Cavalry in charge of tidying up the Yun Family''s mess and, with a wave of his hand, hundreds of Black Dragon Cavalry roared off towards the west of the city under Xiao Yi''s lead.


    ...


    The west of the Royal Capital.


    This was also an extremely prosperous area, vast, with its many shops standing in great numbers.


    The throng of people passing to and fro was like a torrential flood.


    Xiaoyao Tower was the most luxurious place in the western part of the city, where expenses were particularly extravagant, a hallmark of opulence. Many princes and nobles, wealthy merchants, and powerful families often lingered there.


    Aside from the sumptuous food and fine wine, Xiaoyao Tower also boasted cloud-like beauties and the largest casino in the entire Royal Capital.


    It was a den of iniquity and decadence where money rotted away, as well as a hedonistic paradise of extravagance. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As long as you had money...


    There was nothing Xiaoyao Tower couldn''t do.


    It was said...


    Even if you took a fancy to the daughter of a high-ranking official, as long as you could pay enough, Xiaoyao Tower would bring her to your bed.


    At this moment.


    Xiaoyao Tower, within the top floor.


    Within this room, resplendent with gold, a man clad in a brocade robe with long hair sat behind an enormous and luxurious desk, tapping his fingers lightly on the surface, producing a ''thud, thud, thud'' sound.


    In front of him, a figure in a blood-red robe knelt on the ground, not daring to raise his head.


    "You can''t even handle such a simple task; you''ve really disappointed me!" the long-haired man said coldly.


    The figure in the blood-red robe replied with sincere trepidation, "Headquarters master, please calm your anger. We had not anticipated that Xiao Yi would not fall for it. Had he not returned in time, our men would not have failed!"


    "Silence!"


    With a wave of his hand, the long-haired man sent him crashing to the floor with a slap, his gaze filled with a cold, venomous, and chilling look, "Since I''ve taken charge of the Tianqing Kingdom branch, this is the first time an operation has failed. You have three days to send someone to fetch those people back to me. As for Xiao Yi... if he dares to spoil Xue Yilou''s plans again, let him simply disappear from this world!"


    "Yes!"


    The figure in the blood-red robe quickly nodded.


    "Leave!"


    The long-haired man dismissed him with a wave of his hand.


    The figure in the blood-red robe let out a silent sigh of relief and respectfully left the room.


    The long-haired man continued to tap on the desk, his half-closed eyes flickering coldly, making the temperature inside the room drop significantly, adding to the already ominous atmosphere, "The top genius of Tianqing Kingdom? The number one on the Teng Long List? Hmph, if I want you dead, it''s as easy as crushing an ant!"


    He narrowed his eyes and leaned back in his chair, humming a little tune.


    Suddenly...


    Bang!


    The door was suddenly burst open; it was the blood-robed figure who had left earlier, staggering back in. He gazed at the long-haired man with a face full of panic, bellowing, "Headquarters master, disaster strikes, Xiao Yi is coming here to kill us..."

 Chapter 116 I Am Naturally Invincible, Why Need to Borrow Momentum?

    "Xiao Yi has come to my door to kill!"The blood-robed figure spoke in a panic.


    Bang!


    The long-haired middle-aged man suddenly stood up, overturning the vermilion table in front of him with a overly vigorous motion, his face filled with anger, "What did you say? Xiao Yi has come to kill at our door? Does he really think he is invincible? How dare he openly provoke Xue Yilou?"


    Xue Yilou has existed for nearly a thousand years.


    Behind them stood a powerful figure from the Great Qian Dynasty, capable of reaching the heavens, which is why Xue Yilou had branches in both the Great Qian Dynasty and its affiliated kingdoms.


    For years.


    Xue Yilou has executed countless missions, beheading powerful warriors and even nobles from various factions, but still no kingdom dares to openly confront Xue Yilou.


    But now...


    Xiao Yi, he actually dares to attack Xue Yilou alone?


    "L-lord, it''s not just Xiao Yi, there''s also the Black Dragon Cavalry..." The blood-robed figure gasped for air, terror filling the eyes covered by his cloak.


    The Black Dragon Cavalry!


    They are the elite forces of the Tianqing Kingdom.


    They serve the current King of Tianqing Kingdom.


    If the Black Dragon Cavalry has made a move, it means Tianqing Kingdom intends to eradicate Xue Yilou!


    "Has Jiang Tianchen gone mad? How dare he become an enemy of Xue Yilou?" The long-haired middle-aged man was utterly stupefied; he couldn''t understand Jiang Tianchen''s decision.


    Just then...


    Boom!


    A tremendous explosion swept through the entire Carefree Pavilion.


    The ground shook and buildings collapsed with the roaring sound, turning the grand and lavish Carefree Pavilion into ruins. Among the ruins, numerous nobles and wealthy merchants who were in the Carefree Pavilion fled in disarray.


    But as they barely escaped with their lives, they were confronted by the cold blades of the Black Dragon Cavalrymen.


    General Li, standing proudly atop his black dragon steed, his eyes cold and merciless behind his mask, spoke loudly, "Black Dragon Cavalry is handling matters. Everyone surrender or be executed without mercy!"


    "Kill without mercy!"


    "Kill without mercy..."


    The Black Dragon Cavalry shouted in unison, their voices echoing like a great bell, louder than thunder.


    Besides the deafening roar, there was also a sky-high Evil Qi.


    This Black Dragon Cavalry in Tianqing Kingdom is infamous, a symbol of slaughter, and messengers of the Grim Reaper. No one dares to oppose the Black Dragon Cavalry, one by one, the warriors surrendered without a fight, not daring to resist.


    Because those who did resist...


    Were all beheaded!


    Amidst the ruins.


    A blood-colored figure burst forth from the rubble, soaring into the sky, his blood-colored Evil Qi swirling with his wildly dancing black hair, he looked both divine and demonic.


    "Li Qing? My Xue Chou and your Black Dragon Cavalry have always kept to our own affairs, why do you help Xiao Yi against Xue Yilou?" Xue Chou''s face was filled with resentment as he looked at Li Qing, beholding the Carefree Pavilion turned into ruins, and the many fallen warriors of Xue Yilou, his eyes brimming with vicious bloodlust, as if they might explode at any moment.


    Li Qing was the commander of the Black Dragon Cavalry.


    He sat astride his black dragon steed, his eyes heavy with a solemn light. His cultivation was only at the Ninth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, whereas this Xue Chou was a genuine powerhouse at the Tenth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm.


    His combat strength was far superior to Li Qing''s.


    "Damn it, who would have expected this madman to personally be present in the Carefree Pavilion?"


    Li Qing''s expression shifted slightly. According to the intelligence he had, Xue Chou was not supposed to be in the capital these days. But now that things had come to a head, there was no turning back. He could only lower his voice and say, "Xiao, my Black Dragon Cavalry will hold off Xue Chou at all costs. You take the chance to leave..."


    Naturally, Xue Chou heard Li Qing''s words.


    His gaze was fixed on Xiao Yi.


    In his eyes, blood swirled, choosing its prey.


    Xue Chou said sinisterly, "So you are Xiao Yi? You''re just a little bastard. I underestimated you. I didn''t expect Jiang Tianchen would choose to stand by your side. If it weren''t for relying on Jiang Tianchen''s power, you wouldn''t even be able to step through the entrance of Carefree Pavilion!"


    "How bold, Xue Chou! Who gave you the audacity to call His Majesty by his name?" Li Qing roared angrily, raising his long spear.


    CLANG CLANG CLANG! Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Hundreds of Black Dragon Cavalry behind him simultaneously raised their weapons and struck their shields, making a resounding thud.


    In the deafening roar, an overwhelming battle intent fused with surging evil Qi created an aura that made one''s heart tremble with fear.


    Xue Chou narrowed his eyes, about to speak.


    But Xiao Yi suddenly stepped aside, bypassing Li Qing.


    Li Qing was startled and anxiously said, "Xiao..."


    "No matter!"


    Xiao Yi waved his hand and strode towards Xue Chou, his voice slowly spreading across Carefree Pavilion''s skies, "It seems you are somewhat mistaken. I''ve not relied on anyone''s power, nor do I need the backing of any force. Today, the one who will destroy Xue Yilou is me!"


    "Ridiculous!"


    Xue Chou laughed scornfully, "Without the Black Dragon Cavalry and Jiang Tianchen supporting you, what makes you think you can destroy Xue Yilou?"


    "Just because I am Xiao Yi!"


    Xiao Yi stretched his muscles and let out a series of crackling pops, "I am inherently invincible. Why would I need to borrow power?"


    "Invincible? Hahaha, I admit you are indeed strong, but to call yourself invincible is far too arrogant. You ignorant junior, today I shall teach you a lesson, so you learn that there is always someone stronger, there are always higher heavens!" Xue Chou gritted his teeth and emitted a hysterical bellow.


    He was a venerable powerhouse of the Tenth Layer of the Golden Core Realm and a faction leader of Xue Yilou.


    How could he fear a junior?


    BOOM!


    Around Xue Chou, a surge of blood illuminated his form, which suddenly shook and turned into a blood-colored rainbow, covering dozens of meters in an instant to appear right before Xiao Yi. The experts of Xue Yilou were most skilled in movement techniques.


    Their unpredictable methods, coupled with vicious and extreme assassination techniques. Explore more stories at empire


    This was the reputation that Xue Yilou had built for itself.


    "Be careful!"


    Li Qing''s expression changed as he saw a flash of red streak past, with Xue Chou already appearing before Xiao Yi.


    Li Qing believed that if it had been him in Xiao Yi''s position, he would undeniably be dead.


    However...


    Xiao Yi''s lips curled up slightly, and he calmly lifted his right hand. The Yuan energy inside him, transformed by the power of deification, turned into a vast surge of energy and concentrated on the Fire Qilin Sword. He unleashed a slash mighty enough to sweep away thousands of troops: "Solitary Nine Swords¡ªArmor Breaking Style!"


    SWISH!


    A sword cut through the sky.


    CLANG!


    His sword collided with the weapon thrust by Xue Chou. But after just a moment of being stationary, the fourth-grade Yuan weapon in Xue Chou''s hand exploded. Under his frightful and incredulous gaze...


    The Fire Qilin Sword in Xiao Yi''s hand spat out dazzling fire, resembling a ferocious twisting fire dragon.


    Opening its giant maw.


    BOOM!


    Xue Chou''s figure violently shook, and under the mad onslaught of the blood-colored fire dragon Sword Qi, his body was torn apart. His corpse fell to pieces, limbs severed, even the driving force was sliced into dozens of parts.


    A mighty Tenth Layer Golden Core Realm powerhouse faced off against the Ninth Layer Golden Core Realm Xiao Yi and couldn''t even withstand a single sword strike!


    At this moment...


    In the silence around the Carefree Pavilion, the words that Xiao Yi had said earlier echoed in the minds of countless people: "I am inherently invincible. Why would I need to borrow power?"

 Chapter 117 Then There is No Return!

    The vast Carefree Pavilion had turned to ruins.Dust billowed up, and corpses covered the ground.


    Before this...


    No one knew that the infamous Xue Yilou was hidden within the Carefree Pavilion, and when Xue Chou appeared in front of everyone, they all thought Xiao Yi had kicked an iron plate.


    Even Li Qing didn''t think Xiao Yi would be a match for Xue Chou.


    But now...


    Powerful as he was, Xue Chou had already been reduced to scattered pieces of corpse.


    Xiao Yi looked at the head of Xue Chou, eyes wide open in fury, lifted his foot, and with a loud ''bang,'' he crushed it. Xue Yilou dared to lay hands on Fang Qingzhu, and that was a violation of his inverse scales.


    A dragon''s inverse scales, touch them and you die!


    Xiao Yi''s inverse scales, likewise, must not be infringed!


    "Xiao, these are the treasures we found in the Carefree Pavilion, and also Xue Chou''s storage ring!" Li Qing wiped the blood off the storage ring with the corner of his clothes and presented it to Xiao Yi.


    There were a total of five storage rings.


    Xiao Yi took them and briefly examined them.


    Inside Xue Chou''s storage ring, apart from some precious medicinal herbs, elixirs, spirit weapons, and secret manuals, there were also a thousand lower-grade spirit stones, ten middle-grade spirit stones, and one top-grade spirit stone.


    As for the other four storage rings, they contained nearly a billion silver, as well as some property deeds and land titles.


    These items were of little use to Xiao Yi. He casually tossed the billion silver and the deeds to Li Qing, saying, "Commander Li, you''ve worked hard. The things inside, distribute them to the brothers!"


    "This..."


    Li Qing was astonished.


    A billion silver, plus property and land deeds, worth no less than two billion, just given away like that?


    Xiao Yi waved his hand. "Go on and distribute them!"


    Gulp!


    Li Qing swallowed hard. Although he was a commander of the Black Dragon Cavalry, he had many expenses for his cultivation and a large family to support, with not much property.


    These billions, even if he could only get a portion, would allow his family not to worry about expenses for more than a decade.


    "Thank you, Xiao!"


    Li Qing gave Xiao Yi a serious fist salute, then shouted to the few hundred Black Dragon Cavalry, "Brothers, Xiao has distributed treasures worth two billion silver to us, shouldn''t we thank Xiao?"


    Hisss!


    All the Black Dragon Cavalry sucked in a breath of cold air.


    Grateful glances turned toward Xiao Yi. They could hardly wait to swear loyalty right then and there, "Thank you, Xiao, for your generous reward!"


    "Xiao is mighty!"


    Everyone shouted one after another.


    Xiao Yi smiled, then looked at Li Qing. "Commander Li, I''ll leave this place to you; I have other business and must leave now!"


    "Rest assured, Xiao, we have this covered!" Li Qing replied.


    Watching Xiao Yi leave.


    Li Qing clutched the storage ring tightly in his hand and muttered to himself, "One must never be an enemy of Xiao! Great Prince Jiang Shanhe... you''d better take care of yourself."


    ...


    Xiao Yi made his way to the Treasure Pavilion.


    The guards at the entrance, upon seeing Xiao Yi, came forward eagerly, saying warmly, "Xiao, Elder Yan has awakened. He instructed me to wait here. Once you arrive, I will take you to see him!"


    "Lead the way!"


    Xiao Yi nodded.


    A moment later...


    He saw Elder Yan in the Treasure Pavilion, lying on a cot covered in medicinal salve. Beside him stood an elder as well as a chubby middle-aged man.


    The elder was conversing with Elder Yan, while the middle-aged man stood by with a sycophantic smile on his face.


    This middle-aged man was Zhang Kang, who had previously driven Xiao Yi out.


    "Why is it him?"


    Zhang Kang saw Xiao Yi walking in, frowned, and angrily shouted, "Boy, who gave you the audacity to barge into the Treasure Pavilion? Guards, break this ignorant kid''s legs and throw him out!"


    He had previously offended Xiao Yi in an attempt to flatter Chen Di.


    And lost a batch of spirit weapons.


    This affair caused him to be severely reprimanded and he even forfeited a year''s salary.


    He wished he could slaughter Xiao Yi!


    Read exclusive adventures at empire


    "Scram!"


    With a casual slap from Xiao Yi, Zhang Kang cried out in agony as his head slammed hard against the floor.


    "How audacious!"


    The elder sitting by the bed''s face darkened as he bellowed out loudly.


    Struggling up from the ground, Zhang Kang, with a face full of blood, pitifully looked at Chen Fu, "Pavilion Master, do you see what this mongrel has done to me? You must seek justice for me..."


    Chen Fu nodded indifferently, "Rest assured, I will indeed seek justice for you!"


    Zhang Kang looked triumphantly at Xiao Yi, for Chen Fu was at the pinnacle of the Golden Elixir Realm Peak and was particularly protective of his own. In Zhang Kang''s view, Xiao Yi daring to assault him in front of Chen Fu meant certain death, "Hehe, you mongrel, your doom is sealed!"


    However...


    Chen Fu''s slap landed on his face instead.


    Smack!


    Zhang Kang was sent tumbling to the ground, his teeth shattered from the blow, and he looked at Chen Fu in stunned confusion, "Pav..., Pavilion Master, you hit the wrong person..."


    "It''s you I''m hitting! Open your dog eyes and look clearly, this is Xiao Yi, the top warrior of the Teng Long List. How dare you be so disrespectful to him?"


    Chen Fu huffed coldly. He had deduced Xiao Yi''s identity upon seeing him; Xiao Yi was not just the top warrior of the Teng Long List but also the savior of Yan Mingli.


    How could Chen Fu, as Yan Mingli''s senior brother, side with Zhang Kang?


    "What? The top of the Teng Long List? Xiao... Xiao Yi?"


    Zhang Kang''s head buzzed dully as he collapsed onto the ground, his face filled with despair.


    This was the very same man who had slain the master of Mingjian Manor and defeated the Great Prince Jiang Shanhe!


    He was an existence who could crush Zhang Kang like an ant.


    And he had foolishly provoked Xiao Yi?


    "Please spare me... Young Master Xiao, please spare my life..." Zhang Kang, sobbing bitterly, crawled and rolled over to Xiao Yi.


    Chen Fu snorted coldly, "Someone, take Zhang Kang away, investigate if he has engaged in any dereliction of duty during his term. Should anything be uncovered, execute him without hesitation!"


    "Yes, sir!"


    Two strong men immediately entered, carrying away the limp Zhang Kang. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He had embezzled quite a bit during his time in charge; if that was discovered, there would be no escaping death!


    At this moment, Zhang Kang was full of regret.


    Why did he provoke such a formidable person?


    Alas, there''s no medicine for regret in this world...


    Chen Fu looked at Xiao Yi with a smile, "Young Master Xiao, are you satisfied with how I''ve dealt with this?"


    "Hmm."


    Xiao Yi nodded, then turned to Elder Yan, "How is Elder Yan''s injury?"


    "Thanks to Young Master Xiao''s fortune, the injury didn''t affect me fundamentally..." Yan Mingli was speaking as he tried to sit up, but Xiao Yi stopped him.


    Xiao Yi said, "Since Elder Yan is alright, I can rest easy. This hundred low-grade spirit stones should help Elder Yan recover sooner!"


    "How could I possibly accept this?" Yan Mingli hurriedly refused.


    Xiao Yi didn''t entertain any discussion and placed the spirit stones into his hands.


    Chen Fu nodded slightly on the side, hesitating for a moment before speaking in a deep voice, "Young Master Xiao, do you have a battle scheduled with the Royal Martial Arts Academy in seven days?"


    "Hmm."


    Xiao Yi nodded, looking puzzled at Chen Fu. The news had already spread throughout the Tianqing Kingdom, why would Chen Fu ask something he already knows?


    Chen Fu said gravely, "I see Young Master Xiao being so young with such cultivation, and I thought the Royal Martial Arts Academy would have been unable to bother you before. But now, it might not be the case!"


    "Hmm?"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback.


    Chen Fu said seriously, "I have received news that the Great Prince has gotten full support from the Royal Martial Arts Academy and has reached the Tenth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm. Moreover, Zhou Yuan obtained a Martial Dao Divine Fruit from the Tao Tribulation Realm''s secret chamber, using it to break through to the Calamity Realm."


    Xiao Yi''s expression slightly changed.


    The Golden Core Realm and the Calamity Realm were completely different concepts!


    With Xiao Yi''s current strength, if he faced several warriors at the Golden Elixir Realm Peak alone, he would have no fear. However, facing a warrior of the Calamity Realm was problematic.


    "It seems I need to hurry up and break through to the Tenth Layer of the Golden Core Realm, or even to the Peak!" Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, contemplating to himself.


    He had enough spirit stones to support a breakthrough to the Tenth Layer of the Golden Core Realm, but with less than seven days until the battle, there might not be enough time!


    Chen Fu wore a smile as if he held a winning hand, "Young Master Xiao, you must be aware of the power behind my Treasure Pavilion! If you join the Treasure Pavilion, with its backing, not even Zhou Yuan would dare to touch you with ten times the courage. What do you think?"


    Xiao Yi glanced at Chen Fu and walked over to Yan Mingli, patting him on the shoulder, "Rest well, and come find me once you''re healed!"


    With that,


    Xiao Yi headed straight for the door, "How could a man of honor live at the mercy of others?"


    "A good bird chooses a tree to nest in. How can that be considered living at the mercy of others?" Chen Fu hadn''t expected Xiao Yi to refuse his proposition and said gravely, "Without the support of the Treasure Pavilion, you are bound for a one-way journey!"


    Xiao Yi replied indifferently, "Then it shall be a one-way journey!"

 Chapter 118 Movement from All Sides

    "Then there''s no return!"Xiao Yi, standing with his back to Chen Fu, simply waved his hand, his silhouette growing longer under the setting sun.


    Gazing at his figure as it disappeared from view.


    Only then did Chen Fu come back to his senses, his face looking particularly ugly, "Ungrateful!"


    Yan Mingli, who was lying in bed, however, smiled. Even with his face covered in plasters, one could still see the bright and steadfast gaze in his eyes, "Senior brother, you have underestimated him!"


    "Hmm?"


    Chen Fu was taken aback and said airily, "Underestimate him? I admit that his talent is strong, and indeed he can be called the first in the small land of Tianqing Kingdom. But compared to those true favored children of heaven, he still has a considerable gap. Take Xiao Tianjiao, for example, at his age, he had already reached the Tao Tribulation Realm..."


    "Senior brother, do you know what realm Xiao was in ten months ago?" Yan Mingli asked.


    Chen Fu frowned and said, "Shentong Realm?"


    Yan Mingli shook his head, the scene of their first meeting with Xiao Yi surfacing in his mind, revealing a trace of genuine admiration, "Ten months ago, he was only at the Physical Body Realm!"


    Hiss!


    Chen Fu sucked in a breath of cold air.


    Physical Body Realm ten months ago? And now he''s comparable to the Golden Elixir Peak?


    Chen Fu said in disbelief, "How is this possible? How could he go from the Physical Body Realm to comparable to the peak of the Golden Core Realm in ten months? Even Xiao Tianjiao wasn''t as fast as him!"


    "Exactly!"


    Yan Mingli shifted slightly, took a deep breath, and still found it hard to contain the shock in his heart.


    "No wonder he looked down on my Treasure Pavilion..."


    Your journey continues on empire


    Chen Fu took a deep breath and murmured to himself, "The Xiao Family actually exiled such a monstrous talent, sending him to the Fang Family to be a son-in-law? Have the entire Xiao Family gone blind?"


    ...


    Tianqi Martial Arts Academy.


    Xiao Yi returned to his separate courtyard.


    Fang Qingzhu had already transformed; she had completely forgotten the previous incidents and was sitting dumbly at the head of the bed, her face full of confusion, "Xiao Yi, am I a monster? Dali said I''ve become a bird person..."


    "..."


    Xiao Yi glared fiercely at the innocently faced Niu Dali beside him and gently rubbed her head, smiling, "How could my Qingzhu possibly be a monster? What''s important now is for you to rest well, understand?"


    "Yes!"


    Fang Qingzhu''s eyes curved like crescent moons, and she smiled sweetly.


    As long as she was with Xiao Yi, she was no longer the cold and detached ice maiden but became tender and obedient, a jade of a house.


    Xiao Yi rubbed her head again, "You rest well; I need to go cultivate in the back mountain!"


    "Yes! Xiao Yi, good luck!" Fang Qingzhu cheered him on, waving her small, pink fists.


    Xiao Yi nodded, left Little Lin with Fang Qingzhu, and gestured to Niu Dali and the others to go out with him.


    Outside the door.


    Xiao Yi, looking at the few who seemed like they''d done something wrong, said sternly, "From now on, no one is allowed to mention her transformation in front of Qingzhu, especially you, Dali... If you dare call her a bird person again, I will personally castrate you!"


    Niu Dali''s face fell, "I know..."


    Looking at the battered few, Xiao Yi sighed, "You should also rest well these days. In seven days, follow me to the Royal Martial Arts Academy!"


    "Yes!"


    As soon as the Royal Martial Arts Academy was mentioned, everyone''s fighting spirit was ignited, and they responded with vigor and enthusiasm.


    Xiao Yi made a beeline for the back mountain.


    Completely immersed in his cultivation, Xiao Yi had no idea that the news of his consecutive annihilation of the Jia Family, the Yun Family, and the Carefree Pavilion had already spread throughout the entire Royal City.


    Within the royal palace.


    Jiang Tianchen sat upright with tension, his fingers lightly tapping on the desk. He waved his hand at Li Qing, who had just finished reporting, "You may leave now."


    "Yes!"


    Li Qing immediately left.


    In the empty great hall, Jiang Tianchen suddenly burst into loud laughter, "What a Xiao Yi indeed, annihilating two clans on his own, crushing Xue Yilou. Hahaha, such is the genius that my Tianqing Kingdom should boast of!"


    "Has Your Majesty made up Your mind?" A gentle voice asked from the darkness.


    Jiang Tianchen nodded emphatically, saying, "Xue Yilou, relying on the forces behind them, acts wantonly, even daring to assassinate the members of my royal family. This is a provocation against my royal authority. Yet among the many talents in the country, who dares to be the enemy of Xue Yilou? Only Xiao Yi!"


    The voice from the darkness fell silent for a moment, then said, "The old one understands."


    Within a secluded courtyard.


    A figure in a red robe, eyes filled with resentment, gazed at the messenger hawk soaring high into the sky, "Xiao Yi? Daring to oppose my Xue Yilou, I will make sure you have no grave to bury!"


    Inside the Royal Martial Arts Academy. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zhou Yuan was sitting cross-legged in the secret chamber, his body bathed in a radiant glow, the vital energy he inhaled and exhaled was so vast that it turned into a thick mist filling the entire chamber.


    Above his dantian, the Golden Core had transformed into a Martial Dao Divine Fruit, and one of the ten rings of light on its surface had shattered, leaving only nine intact.


    This was the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    Using the power of heaven and earth to shatter the luminous shackles on the Martial Dao Divine Fruit, breaking and then establishing anew!


    Each shattered ring meant a step forward!


    Zhou Yuan had just entered the Tao Tribulation Realm, therefore there were still nine complete rings of light, while the shattered one had turned into specks of starlight, adhering to the Martial Dao Divine Fruit.


    Once all the rings are shattered, these specks will turn into Dao patterns.


    Only then will the Martial Dao Divine Fruit be truly perfected.


    Even though it was just his initial entry into the Tao Tribulation Realm,


    the current aura of Zhou Yuan was dozens of times stronger than before. Opening his eyes, a cold glint flashed past, causing Jiang Shanhe before him not to dare make eye contact, repeatedly cupping his hands, "Congratulations, Master, for advancing further on your illustrious path of cultivation!"


    "It is only because I consumed the Martial Dao Divine Fruit that I was able to step into the Tao Tribulation Realm so smoothly. But blessing and misfortune come hand in hand, relying on the Martial Dao Divine Fruit to enter the Tao Tribulation Realm means my future advancements will be exceedingly difficult!" Zhou Yuan said somberly.


    Jiang Shanhe clenched his teeth and said bitterly, "It''s all that Xiao Yi''s fault. If not for his aggression, would Master have destroyed his own prospects..."


    "Enough!"


    Zhou Yuan waved his hand and said sternly, "You just said Xiao Yi annihilated the Yun and Jia families, and also killed Yun He and Xue Chou?"


    "Yes!"


    Jiang Shanhe''s eyes took on a stern serious hue, "Master, Yun He might be a small concern, but the strength of Xue Chou... even if your disciple were to break through to the Tenth Layer of the Golden Core Realm, I would only just match him. If Xiao Yi could slay Xue Chou, I''m afraid I''m no match for him!"


    "Afraid of what?"


    Zhou Yuan''s gaze was icy cold, like a venomous snake lurking in the dark, waiting for an opportunity to strike, "Master has long been fully prepared. On the journey to the Tao Tribulation secret realm, Xiao Yi has killed many. The Tianlan Kingdom, Sword Mountain Manor, Nine Profound Sect, Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple... Now add Xue Yilou to that list. Perhaps you and I, master and disciple, won''t even need to lift a finger, as others will take his life!"


    "But if perchance..." Jiang Shanhe said with concern.


    Having been previously defeated by Xiao Yi, an indelible shadow had been cast over his heart.


    "Perchance? Then we shall utilize every means to ensure an absolute success. You just need to..."


    Zhou Yuan revealed a sinister expression, whispering a few words into Jiang Shanhe''s ear. Extending his palm into the air, he suddenly clenched it shut. Countless vital energies condensed to the extreme before explosively bursting apart. A fierce wind stirred wildly, the vital energy surging like overwhelming clouds, "Besides, even should the unthinkable happen, there is still your master. With my current strength, crushing him would be like crushing an ant!"

 Chapter 119 Possessed by Evil?

    ```In the middle of the night.


    Despite the darkness, the entire Royal Capital was brightly lit, and countless individuals were unable to sleep this night.


    Tomorrow was the day of the challenge between Xiao Yi and the Royal Martial Arts Academy.


    Whether it was powerful martial artists or ordinary citizens, everyone was eagerly anticipating this moment.


    Ever since the decline of the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy five hundred years ago, no one had dared to challenge the authority of the Royal Martial Arts Academy. Xiao Yi''s emergence had become the hope to shake this overlord, and many were longing for him to accomplish this feat.


    Under that night sky...


    A few figures quietly left the Royal Capital, heading straight for the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy.


    Squeak, squeak, squeak!


    The silent Tianqi Martial Arts Academy was filled with the sounds of birds and insects.


    A gentle breeze blew through the leaves, accompanied by the rustling noises, it was exceptionally tranquil.


    In front of Fang Qingzhu''s separate dwelling, Fang Qingzhu, Niu Dali, the Shi Family''s four brothers, and the seventh prince Jiang Tai were seated around a bonfire.


    Niu Dali stared at the roaring flames before him, the orange-red glow reflecting on his face. Even though it was midnight, he was full of energy: "I just can''t fall asleep!"


    "Yeah, I''ve tried counting thousands of sheep while lying in bed, but still can''t sleep!" Shi Yaoqian yawned and said with a wry smile.


    Jiang Tai looked helplessly at everyone and saw Fang Qingzhu frowning slightly with a touch of worry between her brows. He then smiled and said, "Qingzhu, don''t worry too much. The Principal and I will also go there tomorrow. If Xiao runs into any danger, the Principal will definitely take action!"


    "Hmm!"


    Fang Qingzhu nodded. Just as she was about to speak, the Little Lin in her arms suddenly leapt out.


    The small creature was tense, standing upright, staring intently at the pitch-black sky, and hissing anxiously.


    "What''s going on?"


    "Is someone there?"


    Jiang Tai and the others'' expressions changed. They saw in the space under the starry sky, ten figures shot through the air. Leading them was the Great Prince Jiang Shanhe, clad in brocade robes, his face wore a cold expression: "All here? That saves me the trouble of looking for you all!"


    "Jiang Shanhe? What are you doing here?" Jiang Tai''s face changed, and he demanded.


    Although his cultivation had reached the Eighth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, the Jiang Shanhe before him had reached the Tenth Layer of the Golden Core Realm.


    Moreover...


    The nine people behind him, each one was a strong practitioner of the Golden Core Realm.


    All were celestial-level students of the Royal Martial Arts Academy.


    In contrast, they only had Jiang Tai and Little Lin with the combat prowess of the Golden Core Realm. Jiang Tai stepped in front of Fang Qingzhu and lowered his voice, "Qingzhu, we''ll hold them off. You run to the back mountain immediately."


    "Run? None of you are going anywhere!"


    Jiang Shanhe sneered, gesturing with his hand, "Leave Jiang Tai to me, take the others back. If they resist, kill them on the spot!"


    "Yes!"


    The nine Golden Core Realm experts attacked at the same time.


    "I''d like to see who dares to touch them!"


    Jiang Tai was furiously outraged, standing firm in front of everyone.


    Jiang Shanhe snorted, "You piece of garbage thinks you can stop me?"


    Hum!


    A silver energy swirled uncertainly in the palm of his hand, as the Tenth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm''s cultivation burst forth in an instant, a vast surge of energy rolling toward them. With Jiang Shanhe''s cultivation and strength far surpassing Jiang Tai''s, the latter had no chance to block him at all.


    Bang!


    A muffled sound.


    Jiang Tai was sent flying backward, trampled to the ground under Jiang Shanhe''s foot.


    At the same time.


    The other nine experts also captured Fang Qingzhu and the remaining people. Each one had a lute lock in their hand, piercing through everyone''s shoulder blades, sealing their cultivation. Fang Qingzhu''s shoulders were drenched in blood as she shouted towards the trembling Little Lin who was facing two Golden Core Realm experts, "Run... Little Lin, you need to run..."


    Hiss...


    Little Lin looked at Fang Qingzhu anxiously.


    As Fang Qingzhu''s complexion grew paler, though she had some days of recovery, she was still not fully healed, and she cried out, "Go find Xiao Yi..."


    Hiss!


    Little Lin swiftly slinked away to the side.


    ```


    "Think you can escape? Die!"


    Great Prince Jiang Shanhe pointed a finger, and his ice-cold elemental power transformed into a massive pillar, which with a booming sound, struck Little Lin. The attack sent Little Lin flying, pieces of its silver Scale Armor sprinkled with blood fell to the ground. After struggling for a moment on the ground, Little Lin vanished into the darkness with a swish.


    "Your Highness, the beast has escaped¡­" a Martial Artist of the Third Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm reported back, his pursuit fruitless.


    Jiang Shanhe waved his hand dismissively, "Just a beast; let it run. Take them all back immediately!"


    "Yes!"


    Nine people flew away, escorting Fang Qingzhu, Niu Dali, and the four brothers of the Shi Family.


    "Jiang Shanhe, you''re shameless. If you''re so brave, go challenge Xiao directly. What kind of man does this make you?" Jiang Tai roared in humiliation and anger.


    "My dear brother, in this world, it''s survival of the fittest. Mercy is just asking for death!"


    With a sneer, Jiang Shanhe leaned forward, patting Jiang Tai''s face, "Didn''t you put all your hopes on Xiao Yi? Tell him I''ll be waiting at the Royal Martial Arts Academy, hahaha¡­"


    Whoosh!


    Jiang Shanhe rose into the sky and disappeared into the night. Enjoy exclusive content from empire


    "Damn it¡­"


    Jiang Tai struggled to his feet, the suddenness of it all turning his face into an ugly grimace, "This is trouble¡­ With Fang Qingzhu in Jiang Shanhe''s hands, Xiao Yi will surely hesitate, what to do now?" Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Whoosh!


    Whoosh!


    Two sharp sounds of breaking through the air suddenly approached.


    It was Gu Junhe and Xiao Yi, one after the other, landing in the courtyard.


    Seeing the blood on Jiang Tai''s mouth and the footprint on his face, as well as the disheveled courtyard, Gu Junhe''s brow furrowed, "What exactly happened?"


    Xiao Yi, with the blood-covered Little Lin in his arms, urgently asked, "Where are Qingzhu and the others?"


    Jiang Tai said with self-reproach, "Headmaster, Xiao... it''s my fault for not being able to protect them. Just now, Jiang Shanhe and nine Martial Artists of the Golden Core Realm launched a surprise attack and captured Qingzhu and the others..."


    Gu Junhe''s expression turned extremely grim, "I apologize, I was busy with my cultivation and didn''t anticipate their shameless behavior, failing to save Qingzhu and the others in time..."


    "Don''t blame yourselves... I''m the only one to blame. I thought that after wiping out the Jia and Yun families along with Xue Yilou, no one would dare lay hands on Qingzhu and the rest... It''s all my fault... all my fault¡­" Xiao Yi said, blaming himself, slapping his head with his hands, his eyes bloodshot.


    Boom!


    Suddenly, a surge of elemental energy burst forth from Xiao Yi''s body.


    It turned into a tornado that enveloped his whole body.


    Dust was kicked up from the ground.


    Auras of Evil Qi swirled around him.


    The horrifying intent to kill caused the temperature in the vicinity to drop considerably.


    "Rage-driven madness?"


    Gu Junhe''s expression changed.


    Ordinary people, when faced with great upheaval, would go mad, commonly known as going insane!


    For Martial Artists caught in such a situation, it is referred to as rage-driven madness.


    At best, they would fall into the demonic path and become bloodthirsty demons; at worst, their cultivation would be completely destroyed, leaving them beyond redemption!


    Just as Gu Junhe was about to intervene.


    All 45,000 God Sealing Seeds inside Xiao Yi trembled simultaneously, and the figures sealed within the Seeds, including the Reaper Scholar, Bian He, and Sword Demon Dugu, all shone brilliantly.


    These radiant lights shrouded Xiao Yi.


    His body shook violently.


    Hum!


    Xiao Yi''s cultivation leaped forward, stepping into the Tenth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm.


    The fierce and violent aura within the air then finally dispersed.


    He had actually used the stimulation of rage to achieve a breakthrough in his realm.


    At the Tenth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, the power emanating from 50,000 God Sealing Seeds brought Xiao Yi''s combat strength to a higher level!


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath and exhaled, his clear eyes reflecting the flames scattered around. Underneath the orange glow of the flames, his lips curled into a subtle, sinister smile as he spoke in a cold and menacing tone, "Very well, Jiang Shanhe, very well, Royal Martial Arts Academy. I, Xiao Yi, swear here that if I do not slaughter every last one of you at the Royal Martial Arts Academy, I shall no longer consider myself human!"

 Chapter 120 Lifting a Mountain with One Hand

    The next day.Early morning.


    When the royal guards opened the city gates, they were collectively stunned.


    In front of the vast and huge Vermilion Bird Gate.


    Xiao Yi stood alone, with a ten-meter-high and five-meter-wide black stele behind him. The stele was starkly empty without any inscriptions, and a chain as thick as an arm connected Xiao Yi to the stele.


    One hand was gripping one end of the chain.


    With every step Xiao Yi took, the stele would boom loudly, leaving a fierce scar on the ground.


    Hiss!


    The guards responsible for opening the gates, as well as some strong individuals hurrying out of the city, couldn''t help but gasp for air, their faces filled with shock, "This stele must weigh at least several hundred thousand pounds, right? This is like dragging a small mountain!"


    "He must be a Golden Core Realm powerhouse, otherwise, it would be impossible to have such strength!"


    "I remember now, he is Xiao Yi!"


    "What? He is the Xiao Yi who is challenging the Royal Martial Arts Academy today? But why is he dragging such a huge stone..."


    The crowd quickly made way to both sides, whispering amongst themselves.


    The guard sergeant braced himself to approach and interrogate, "Xiao, this stele cannot go in..."


    "Move aside!"


    Xiao Yi''s step did not stop, his expression ice cold as he spoke.


    Fang Qingzhu and others were taken away by Jiang Shanhe, and the resentment and anger in his heart had been suppressed all night, no longer able to be contained.


    The guard sergeant''s face turned somewhat ugly, but under Xiao Yi''s cold aura, he dared not show the slightest displeasure, and said in a deep voice, "Xiao, please don''t make it difficult for me. This stele is so heavy that if dragged all the way in, Vermilion Bird Avenue will be ruined, and I cannot take responsibility for that!"


    Xiao Yi''s brows furrowed, glancing back behind him.


    Where the giant stone passed, a deep trench was left behind on the avenue, like a ferocious scar upon the road. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Just as the guard sergeant had said, if he really dragged it all the way to the Royal Martial Arts Academy, Vermilion Bird Avenue would be destroyed!


    "Xiao, what do you think..." the guard sergeant asked Xiao Yi anxiously.


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Then carry it!"


    "Carry, carry it? This thing?"


    The guard sergeant looked bewilderedly at the stone that was as tall as several floors, weighing several hundred thousand pounds. To drag it by one''s own strength already far exceeded the power of an ordinary Golden Core Realm cultivator.


    As for carrying it...


    Was that possible?


    Xiao Yi turned around and approached the underside of the giant stone. Standing in front of it, he was unbelievably small, and his right hand plunged into the stone like a steel spike.


    His muscles tensed instantly, and his veins popped out like writhing dragons. With a roar like thunder, he bellowed, "Lift!"


    Boom!


    The stone that weighed several hundred thousand pounds was forcibly lifted by Xiao Yi.


    Carrying the mountain with one arm, he moved forward.


    Each step made a thunderous rumble resonate.


    Amidst the booming sounds,


    Xiao Yi carried the giant stone into the city, each step leaving behind a deep pit.


    The guard sergeant had already forgotten to obstruct him, and it was not until he saw the sequence of deep pits that he collapsed on the ground, "Is this even humanly possible?"


    Such terrifying strength, the deafening noise, carrying several hundred thousand pounds of giant stone with just one''s power, he walked through Vermilion Bird Avenue.


    This scene had already attracted countless strong individuals.


    Thud!


    Thud!


    Thud!


    Stay tuned to empire


    With every step that echoed, the ground trembled violently, and the houses on both sides of Vermilion Bird Avenue shook intensely with the steps.


    Tiles fell, tables and chairs bounced up, and people rushed out of their homes, "Is there an earthquake?"


    "No, no, look, someone''s carrying a mountain..."


    Unbeknownst to them,


    more and more people gathered behind Xiao Yi, forming a black iron flood trailing closely behind: "Xiao Yi is heading to the Royal Martial Arts Academy!"


    "What''s he doing with such a huge rock at the Royal Martial Arts Academy?"


    On his way there,


    a figure suddenly appeared ahead - it was Elder Wang.


    Elder Wang, looking at Xiao Yi carrying the giant rock on his shoulder, forced a wry smile: "Why torture yourself so? Can''t this be resolved?"


    Elder Wang had been trying to mediate these past days,


    but Zhou Yuan was resolute and wouldn''t heed his counsel.


    As for Xiao Yi...


    Elder Wang felt ashamed to face him.


    But today...


    on the day of Xiao Yi''s showdown with the Royal Martial Arts Academy, he had no choice but to step forward to prevent Xiao Yi from going to his death: "Xiao Yi, heed my advice, do not be obstinate. Zhou has entered the Tao Tribulation Realm, you can''t possibly be his match..."


    "Step aside!"


    Xiao Yi said indifferently.


    Elder Wang pressed on with a grave voice: "Xiao Yi, I''m trying to save you! Other than the Royal Martial Arts Academy, forces like Mingjian Manor, Nine Profound Sect, Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple, Tianlan Kingdom, Xue Yilou... their powerhouses all want your life, you..."


    "Thank you!"


    Xiao Yi nodded. He was aware that Elder Wang truly wanted to protect him, but the grudge between him, Zhou Yuan, and the others was irreconcilable, "Zhou Yuan has no shame, he attacked me and left me severely injured and then sent strong men to besiege me in the secret realm. Now, they have taken Qingzhu and my brothers. Today, nobody shall stop me from leveling the Royal Martial Arts Academy!"


    "I..."


    Before Elder Wang could finish, Xiao Yi stepped forward, and a powerful gust blew Elder Wang away.


    Elder Wang was dumbfounded.


    His cultivation wasn''t particularly strong; a warrior of the High-Layer Golden Core Realm could blow him away, but for Xiao Yi to do so with such ease, without Elder Wang even having the will to resist, was something not even those at the Golden Elixir Realm Peak could easily do.


    "His strength has become so terrifying? It''s only been half a year, hasn''t it? This..."


    Elder Wang closed his eyes in despair, "Zhou Yuan... you are leading the Royal Martial Arts Academy to its doom..."


    Xiao Yi suddenly stopped in his tracks.


    He scanned his surroundings.


    "Come out, you hidden rats!" Xiao Yi shouted coldly, like a muffled thunder.


    The once-bustling streets were now eerily silent on both sides.


    "Will you not show yourselves? Then don''t blame me!"


    Suddenly, Xiao Yi swung his arm, hurling the massive rock towards the side of a building, smashing it violently.


    With a massive roar, rows of houses were crushed to dust.


    The rock, propelled by Xiao Yi, rolled over the debris, leaving behind a trail of wreckage and scattered remains.


    With that single throw, he destroyed hundreds of civilian homes and killed dozens of strong men hidden in the dark.


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!


    Amidst the sound of tearing air, nearly a hundred powerful figures appeared before Xiao Yi.


    "Nine Profound Sect, Mingjian Manor... Just the two of you?" Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, observing the nearly hundred powerhouses in front of him.


    Jin Sheng, once beaten into a retreat by him, was among them.


    Besides him stood another powerhouse, at the Ninth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm - the Sect Master of the Nine Profound Sect, known as ''Nine''.


    On Mingjian Manor''s side was Elder Jian San among the crowd, along with several other strong individuals. The strongest among them was an old man in an elegant white robe, bearing the refined air of a sage with seven longswords on his back. This man was Feng Qingge, a peerless genius of Mingjian Manor!


    It was rumored that Feng Qingge had disappeared for a hundred years, yet today, he had also made his appearance here.


    "We two are more than enough!"


    ''Nine'' said, his eyes cold as ice and with an air of arrogance.


    Feng Qingge stood beside him, the seven longswords buzzing behind him, his chilling gaze fixed on Xiao Yi: "Xiao Yi, you''ve gone against the Tao, wantonly slain the innocent, your sins unforgivable. Today, we shall be the instruments of Heaven and take your damned life!"

 Chapter 121 The Child of Destiny

    "Upholding justice in place of the heavens? Uphold your mother''s justice!"Xiao Yi cursed aloud.


    His words starkly interrupted Feng Qingge''s speech.


    Feng Qingge''s face stiffened, his air of an immortal marred in an instant, his face twisted with a ghastly expression as he roared, "Xiao Yi, you desecrated our Sword Mountain Manor''s ancestral sword burial ground, killed the four great Sword Sons and Manor Lord Zhuang Bifan. And now, without any sign of remorse, you attempt to overthrow the sacred martial arts site of Tianqing Kingdom. You are truly seeking your own death!"


    "Ask the old dog Jian San beside you why I destroyed the sword burial ground. As for the sacred martial arts site... Once I annihilate the Royal Martial Arts Academy, Tianqi Martial Arts Academy will naturally take its place as the new sacred site!" Xiao Yi said.


    "Arrogance!"


    Feng Qingge sneered, "You think you can level the Royal Martial Arts Academy? Such foolish wishful thinking!"


    Jiu Ye spoke impatiently, "Feng Qingge, why bother with pointless talk? Just kill him!"


    "Attack!"


    With a wave of Feng Qingge''s hand, nearly a hundred skilled subordinates stepped forward to engage.


    Jiu Ye and Feng Qingge also rose up with their troops. Your next read awaits at empire


    "Those who block my path shall die!"


    Xiao Yi held a boulder weighing a hundred thousand catties in his right hand, yet his figure was agile like an ape. With each step he took, his right arm swung fiercely forward.


    With every swing, the boulder cut through the air like a mobile mountain.


    Boom!


    Boom!


    Boom! Boom! Boom...


    With each fall of the huge rock, swathes of strong warriors had their lives snuffed out.


    The almost hundred warriors couldn''t form any sort of resistance.


    Xiao Yi brutally blazed a trail of blood, the stone drenched in blood, with bits of crushed flesh and severed limbs embedded in its surface.


    "Run..."


    "We can''t stop him; he''s a madman..."


    Among the crowd, Jian San''s face was filled with despair as he turned to flee.


    Xiao Yi had already had him in his sights, the huge rock plummeting down and smashing Elder Jian San into a pulp with a thud. Instantly, of the nearly hundred strong adversaries, only Feng Qingge and Jiu Ye remained standing. Xiao Yi, maintaining his grip on the boulder, beckoned at the two of them, "Your turn!"


    Hiss!


    The two exchanged a glance.


    Who had ever seen someone wield a mountain as a weapon?


    But they were, after all, high-ranking practitioners in the High-Layer Golden Core Realm, seasoned in countless battles, their combat prowess far beyond ordinary people.


    "Jiu Ye, we must join forces, no holding back!" Feng Qingge said solemnly.


    Jiu Ye nodded firmly with a grave expression, "Rest assured. As long as we kill him, his secret of how he broke through from the Physical Body Realm to the Golden Core Realm in merely one year will fall into our hands. By then, both Sword Mountain Manor and the Nine Profound Sect will surely rise to a new height!"


    "Good!"


    The two attacked Xiao Yi from the left and the right simultaneously.


    Jiu Ye practiced the ''Nine Lives Phantom Divine Skill'', which allowed him to manifest nine shadows, each possessing fifty percent of his power.


    Nine figures of Jiu Ye lined up in a row, all bristling with killing intent.


    Feng Qingge was the peerless sword genius.


    With a flick of his fingers as if holding a sword, seven longswords unsheathed themselves from behind him.


    Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!


    The swords wailed as they rent the sky.


    The seven longswords stood side by side like seven scorching suns between heaven and earth, charging straight toward Xiao Yi.


    The two''s combined onslaught was dazzlingly brilliant and overwhelming.


    It was relentless.


    Within the crowd, as they beheld this spectacular assault, exclamations erupted, "Truly formidable veterans who have made a name for themselves over the years! Just dealing with Jiu Ye''s Phantom Divine Skill is already difficult. And there''s the sword prodigy from a century ago, Feng Qingge. With the two of them teaming up, Xiao Yi is in danger!"


    "It''s truly a heart-pounding situation! Who would have thought that even before reaching the Royal Martial Arts Academy, he''d be intercepted by such powerful opponents."


    "It looks like it''s not just a matter of whether he can level the Royal Martial Arts Academy; the real question is whether he can survive and reach the Royal Martial Arts Academy..."


    "Master, shouldn''t we intervene?" Jiang Tai asked in a deep voice, hidden within the crowd.


    Gu Junhe squinted his eyes and shook his head slightly.


    His gaze penetrated the crowd as he watched Xiao Yi who effortlessly lifted mountains. He couldn''t help but recall how, not long ago while passing a small mountain, Xiao Yi had uprooted it entirely.


    Such strength was far beyond the Golden Core Realm!


    If Xiao Yi did not seem to have the aura of the Martial Dao Divine Fruit about him, Gu Junhe would have suspected that Xiao Yi had already ascended to the realm of Dao Tribulation.


    "Royal Martial Arts Academy, Zhou Yuan¡­ driving away Xiao Yi will likely be the most foolish decision of your lives!" Gu Junhe murmured to himself, "Hm... maybe the one to regret the most should be the Xiao Family of the Great Qian Dynasty? To go from the Physical Body Realm to the Tenth Layer of the Golden Core Realm in one year... Such talent makes even Xiao Tianjiaao pale in comparison. If Xiao Zhengde knew he had treated such a monstrous son as trash and given him away to the Fang Family as a son-in-law, I wonder what his expression would be like?"


    Initially, the Fang Family had widely publicized their marital alliance with the Xiao Family.


    This piece of news that Xiao Yi came from the Xiao Family of the Great Qian Dynasty was not a secret to Gu Junhe and the others.


    It was simply because of Xiao Tianjiao that not many knew the man was actually the brother of Xiao Tianjiao.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Series of loud noises interrupted Gu Junhe''s thoughts, and he sharply turned his gaze forward.


    On the ground, there were two huge pits, each more than ten meters deep; amidst the swirling dust and smoke, Xiao Yi picked up the gigantic rock.


    With one hand, he lifted the boulder and strode away.


    Within those deep pits...


    Feng Qingge and the Ninth Elder had already been reduced to two puddles of flesh.


    Hisss!


    The group of powerful individuals gathered behind Xiao Yi could only feel their scalps tingle; these were two Ninth Layer of the Golden Core Realm powerhouses that had been smashed into a paste after just a few moves by Xiao Yi.


    "Just how strong is this Xiao Yi?"


    "With such terrifying strength, he might really have a chance to flatten the Royal Martial Arts Academy!"


    The opinions of the crowd began to change from initially thinking that Xiao Yi was courting death.


    This is absolute power!


    Passing through Vermilion Bird Avenue, more than a thousand meters from the Royal Martial Arts Academy, the grand architectural complex of the academy could vaguely be seen. In front of Xiao Yi, there appeared a youthful monk dressed in Buddhist robes with a handsome face. He sat properly in front of a short table, on which rested a bright red wooden fish.


    Clack clack clack!


    Each strike of the wooden fish emitted a crisp sound.


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, "Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple?"


    "Amitabha!"


    The handsome monk slowly stood up with his hands pressed together and a kind smile, "This humble monk is Dao Yun, a Buddhist disciple from the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple."


    "He''s actually a disciple from the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple?"


    "The Buddhist disciples of the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple are detached from worldly matters, unwilling even to be listed on the Teng Long List, always worshiping Buddha at the temple. I didn''t expect him to come here!"


    "It seems like there are not a few who wish for Xiao Yi''s life!"


    Although Dao Yun was not on the Teng Long List, his reputation was not shallow.


    Merely the title of a Buddhist disciple already set him apart.


    "Monk Dao Yun, are you also here to stop me?" Xiao Yi said impatiently.


    He disliked those from the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple who had the appearance of being virtuous.


    "Amitabha!"


    Dao Yun smiled, "Several days ago, while worshiping Buddha, this humble monk received a vision of the Buddha in a dream. Buddha said, ''Xiao is a great demon of this world, destined to bring disaster to the living. This humble monk has come here following the Buddha''s decree to take Xiao and suppress him beneath a Buddhist stupa and convert him with the Buddhist Law...''"


    "I convert your mom!"


    Xiao Yi snorted coldly and suddenly stomped forward. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Dao Yun''s cultivation was indeed not weak, having reached the Tenth Layer of the Golden Core Realm.


    Even stronger than Jiang Shanhe before his breakthrough.


    He was enveloped in golden light, utilizing the Buddhist Canon''s Vajra Secret, like a Vajra descending, trying to lift Xiao Yi with hands propped towards the heavens: "Amitabha, the Buddha was right, the donor really is a great demon... Let me use Buddhist Law to... fuck..."


    Mid-sentence, Dao Yun''s face suddenly changed.


    His hands failed to overturn Xiao Yi, instead, they experienced a sharp pain as he was forcefully kicked away by Xiao Yi''s foot.


    What followed...


    A fierce force crashed down on his chest.


    Wow!


    Dao Yun spat out blood violently, trampled to the ground by Xiao Yi''s foot, bleeding from all orifices, his face filled with confusion: "Weren''t you just at the Four Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm? How... how can you be so strong?"


    "Go ask your Buddha in the Western Paradise!"


    The gigantic stone in Xiao Yi''s hand was about to fall.


    In this moment of life and death.


    "Stop!"


    Dao Yun placed his hand in front of him and said with righteous indignation, "Donor Xiao, this humble monk is not afraid of death. If my death can dispel the resentment in you, I am willing to die!"


    These impassioned, righteous words immediately touched many: "Worthy of a Buddhist disciple, indeed profound in Buddhist Law!"


    "This is how a Buddhist prodigy should act, unlike those fake monks, with feigned benevolence and righteousness, but when it comes to their own interests, they are worse than ordinary people..."


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes and said, "Then go die!"


    Hum!


    The boulder swung, creating a fierce wind.


    Dao Yun''s complexion turned from green to white, and suddenly he yelled: "Donor Xiao, wait..."


    "Hmm?"


    Xiao Yi frowned and looked at him, "Didn''t you say you would resolve my resentment with your life?"


    Dao Yun took a deep breath and said seriously, "In the moment between life and death, this humble monk has broken through the Zen mystery. The Buddha told this humble monk, ''Donor Xiao is not a great demon; you are the child of destiny of this era. The Buddha commands this humble monk to support Donor Xiao with all his might.''" As he spoke, regardless of the stunned onlookers, he kneeled before Xiao Yi with a thud.


    Bowing deeply to the ground, he said in a loud voice that resonated between heaven and earth: "Dao Yun greets the child of destiny, my lord!"


    Watching the meticulously kneeling Dao Yun, Xiao Yi''s eye corner twitched fiercely: "..."

 Chapter 122 Corpses for Graves, Bloodstains on the Epitaph!

    Xiao Yi: "..."He had seen shameless people, but he had never seen such shamelessness!


    The surrounding onlookers were dumbfounded, as the image they had of the disciples from the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple crumbled completely. They had never expected that just a moment ago, this disciple appeared as if a living Buddha descended to Earth,


    yet at this moment, he was so shameless.


    What happened to the fearsome Great Demon?


    What happened to converting with Buddhist Law?


    In the blink of an eye, he became a favored child of destiny? This great monk who came to vanquish demons, he just recognized him as his master? Continue reading stories on empire


    Within the crowd.


    Jiang Tai was utterly dumbfounded: "Holy shit! Is this Dao Yun really so shameless?"


    Gu Junhe glanced at him but replied nonchalantly, "Haven''t you seen the true colors of those people from Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple? They go on and on about the boundlessness of the Buddhist Law, the salvation of all beings, staying detached from the world... but whenever there''s a precious treasure to be found, are they ever not fighting and scrambling for it?"


    Jiang Tai grunted and touched his nose: "Seems like it... "


    He looked at Dao Yun with a strange expression.


    Dao Yun lifted his head, brought his palms together in front of his chest, slightly tilted his head with a bloodied face, and forced a splendid smile, blinking as he said: "Master! Little Yunyun has long been displeased with the Royal Martial Arts Academy, please allow Little Yunyun to take the lead in storming through the gates of the Royal Martial Arts Academy!"


    Xiao Yi felt his scalp tingle.


    Little Yunyun?


    Master?


    Bang!


    Xiao Yi, suppressing the urge to vomit, kicked Dao Yun flying: "Get the hell away from me¡­"


    "As you wish, Master!"


    Dao Yun soared into the sky like a runaway horse, and in the blink of an eye, he had vanished.


    This damn guy has completely fled!


    Xiao Yi''s eyes twitched: "..."


    He had never imagined that a disciple from the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple would turn out to be such a character.


    Phew!


    Xiao Yi looked up toward the Royal Martial Arts Academy, which was now faintly visible ahead: "There should be no one left to stop me now, right?"


    As he had expected.


    Along the way, Xiao Yi had slain Ninth Master and Feng Qingge one after another, and even trampled over the disciple Dao Yun. The news had already reached ahead, and the powerful figures who had been lying in wait had all withdrawn.


    The path was clear and unobstructed, and he finally arrived at the outskirts of the Royal Martial Arts Academy.


    Gazing at the high walls, grand courtyard, and descending stairway to the sky.


    Xiao Yi let out a long breath of turbid air.


    A few months ago.


    The memories of his first visit to the Royal Martial Arts Academy returned to him, but back then Xiao Yi had come to take the assessment. Now, returning to the same place, he was here to destroy what the people of Tianqing Kingdom considered a martial sanctuary!


    Rustle!


    The moment Xiao Yi reached the gate, the strong within the Royal Martial Arts Academy had already been notified.


    A horde of disciples swarmed out like a black tide, spreading out to both sides like a steel flood which surged from the gates and dispersed to the left and right.


    They resembled two long snakes proceeding from both sides, encircling Xiao Yi in the middle.


    The Royal Martial Arts Academy boasted over sixty thousand teachers and students, and excluding those in the Qi Gathering Realm from the lower academies, there were over thirteen thousand in the Shentong Realm and above.


    At this moment, there were no fewer than four thousand gathered before him.


    And on either side of that stairway, every step was flanked by two formidable figures, standing to the left and right.


    The further towards the end of the stairway, the stronger their power.


    "It seems the Royal Martial Arts Academy is well-prepared!"


    "In five hundred years, this is the first time someone dares challenge the Royal Martial Arts Academy, they naturally can''t tarnish their reputation!"


    "Although Xiao Yi''s power exceeds our expectations, he is still just one person after all... "


    Amidst the chatter,


    a middle-aged woman dressed in black emerged from the powerhouses of the Royal Martial Arts Academy. Her build was even more robust than many men, with muscles rippling across her frame and cold eyes resting on the giant boulder in Xiao Yi''s hands. She frowned slightly, "Do you bring your own tombstone, knowing you''re courting death?"


    "This is prepared for you all!"


    Xiao Yi shook his head, squinting, "Where is my wife and brothers?"


    "Them? His Highness the Crown Prince has ordered that should you make it to the end of the stairway, you will naturally see them!"


    The middle-aged woman pointed behind her to the dense crowd of strong individuals and scoffed, "But, I''m afraid you won''t be seeing them!"


    ```


    Clang!


    Xiao Yi transferred the huge rock to his left hand and, with the Fire Qilin Sword in his right, swept a blood-red sword rainbow across the sky, declaring coldly, "Whether you can see it or not, ask my sword in hand!"


    The middle-aged woman shook her head, "You are deluded. Since you are so eager to meet death, I shall grant your wish!"


    She raised her right hand high, "Offenders of the Royal Martial Arts Academy¡ªshall be killed without mercy!"


    Clang, clang!


    The warriors of the Royal Martial Arts Academy encircling Xiao Yi, as well as those standing on the stairway to heaven, all drew their weapons in unison.


    "Kill!"


    "Kill!"


    "Kill!"


    Cries of thunderous rage rolled like claps of thunder on a clear day.


    "Kill!"


    The middle-aged woman swung her arm fiercely, and a longsword materialized in her palm, shooting out like a silver serpent towards Xiao Yi. She was an elder of the Royal Martial Arts Academy, with the cultivation of the Fifth Layer of the Golden Core Realm, skilled in spear techniques, and held considerable prestige within the academy.


    Whoosh!


    The silver spear light sprawled across the void, twisting like a dragon emerging from the sea.


    Her spear moved incredibly fast.


    Surpassing the group of disciples from the Royal Martial Arts Academy who were rushing towards Xiao Yi, as the silver spear light approached, he lightly tapped forward with the Fire Qilin Sword in his hand, "Claiming lives!"


    Ding!


    A crisp sound, like the needle''s point touching the wheat awn.


    Where the tip of the sword met the tip of the spear, two waves of energy burst outward.


    The force of the blast sent several of the nearby academy warriors flying, and Xiao Yi took the chance to spin, smashing the huge rock in his left hand through the air. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Boom!


    The rock descended like a world-ending meteor.


    Its speed and power were astonishingly terrifying!


    Wherever the rock passed, it utterly crushed everything in its path.


    "No..."


    "Save me..."


    One after another, the strong warriors of the Royal Martial Arts Academy faced the onslaught of the rock, their weapons shattering, their bodies pulverized into mush.


    With each person he killed, Xiao Yi took a step forward.


    One step, ten deaths.


    What he left behind was a scattered field of corpses, and rivers of blood.


    Ten.


    A hundred.


    A thousand...


    Xiao Yi''s body was completely drenched in blood, and the number of strong warriors dead by his hand had reached more than fifteen hundred.


    He had almost wiped out half of those who had blocked the mountain gate; the nauseating stench of blood lingered in the air, suffocating.


    "Solitary Nine Swords¡ªBreaking Spear Skill!"


    The angle of Xiao Yi''s sword was exceedingly tricky. Using the sword''s body and his own formidable strength, he deflected the middle-aged woman''s spear. Burgeoning forward, he closed the distance between them and swept his sword, bisecting the woman.


    "How is this possible..." The middle-aged woman''s face was filled with bewilderment and despair.


    Xiao Yi, with the giant rock in one hand and the blood-dripping sword in the other, stepped over the spread of corpses. His bloodied gaze swept across the group of powerhouses on the heavenly stairway, and his deep voice thundered like the roar of celestial thunder, "Today, I, Xiao Yi, shall cleanse the Royal Martial Arts Academy in blood. This will be your gravestone!"


    Whoosh!


    The Fire Qilin Sword in his hand burst forth with a blood-red sword light, carving on the boulder¡ªHHere Lies the Royal Martial Arts Academy in bold characters!


    The letters were deep, dark, and gloomy.


    But Xiao Yi furiously swung the boulder down, smashing it mightily, the corpses becoming minced flesh embedded in the deep lettering.


    Gradually, the dark lettering was filled in, cast in the fresh, bloody red flesh.


    Xiao Yi looked towards the stairway to heaven,


    Striding proudly.


    In his wake...


    Corpses for gravestones.


    Blood for inscriptions!


    ```

 Chapter 123 The End of the Heavenly Ladder

    Only the strong at the foot of the mountain had already scattered and fled.These low-level disciples had long been terrified by the killings and dared not block Xiao Yi''s path in the slightest.


    Above the Heavenly Ladder.


    All of them were at least at the Shentong Realm, among them many powerful figures with golden light circling their bodies, unmistakably from the Golden Core Realm.


    Although among the disciples of the Royal Martial Arts Academy, there were only a few dozen with a cultivation level above the Golden Core Realm.


    But that was only among the currently enrolled disciples.


    Among the strong who had graduated in previous years, there were also many who dominated on their own.


    This time, Xiao Yi stormed the Royal Martial Arts Academy, and these strong individuals who had graduated years ago responded by returning one after another.


    "His Highness said, if you can reach the end of the Heavenly Ladder, you will see your wife and friends. However, I am afraid you won''t make it to the end!" two powerful beings at the Third Layer of the Golden Core Realm sneered continuously.


    "Noise!"


    Xiao Yi swept across with his sword.


    Two blood-drenched heads rolled down, their expressions still locked in a smug sneer.


    They simply intended to provoke Xiao Yi; they never expected him to act immediately and take their lives.


    "Demon!"


    "This man is a Great Demon of our time, kill him!"


    "Kill..."


    Above the Heavenly Ladder.


    With every step Xiao Yi took, opponents charged at him.


    A tidal wave of sword and saber radiance merged and surged, rolling furiously towards him.


    Xiao Yi walked as though he was the very person who commands the tides, his head held high.


    Everywhere he passed, a sword strike would resolve the opponent.


    His gaze was fixed on the end of the Heavenly Ladder, for reaching that point meant seeing Fang Qingzhu and the others.


    "Xiao Yi, you..."


    Two powerful beings at the Peak of the Divine Ability Realm barely began speaking before they were crushed to death under Xiao Yi''s foot.


    He had no inclination for parley.


    Whenever he struck, it was with full force.


    A deadly blow!


    Instant kill!


    An immediate kill...


    The opponents in front of him grew stronger, but he was also getting closer to the end of the Heavenly Ladder.


    Swish! Swish!


    Amid the fierce sound of tearing through the air, a full thirty beings at the Peak of the Divine Ability Realm swarmed toward him, each pair wielding a large metal net. Amidst the clanging sounds, fifteen metal nets were flung toward Xiao Yi, their mesh so tough that even the Fire Qilin Sword could not split it at that moment.


    "Die!"


    "Xiao Yi, this is the fate of those who defy the authority of the Royal Martial Arts Institute..."


    Two strong beings at the Sixth Layer of the Golden Core Realm burst forth from behind the thirty, closely following in order to wait until everyone else had bound Xiao Yi, then they would strike to kill him.


    However...


    The moment the two appeared...


    The layered metal nets in front of them were violently shredded by a burst of crimson sword light; the frigid sword gleam took the lives of those thirty beings at the Divine Ability Realm.


    Xiao Yi simultaneously hurled a boulder.


    Boom!


    The boulder brutally crushed one of the powerful beings at the Sixth Layer of the Golden Core Realm into pieces, while his cold gaze turned to the remaining individual.


    That person trembled all over, pupils drastically constricting, the earlier bravado and confidence gone, replaced by horror and fear, and despair, "I, I surrender..."


    With an expressionless face, Xiao Yi slashed with his sword, splitting the man in two, walking past him, "Sorry, it''s too late!"


    Thud!


    The powerful being at the Sixth Layer of the Golden Core Realm''s body lay in halves on a pool of blood.


    Sweeping through.


    Xiao Yi had lost count of how many strong beings he had killed; he had completely become a bloodied figure, but the blood was all from his enemies. The pungent stench of blood lingered in the air, nauseating. Xiao Yi looked ahead with pride. There were only the last ten steps to the end of the Heavenly Ladder, "Qingzhu, I''m coming!"


    Whoosh! Whoosh!


    Suddenly, ten figures appeared in front of Xiao Yi.


    They were the powerful warriors guarding the last ten levels of the heavenly staircase.


    Each of them was above the Seventh Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, including two at the Ninth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm. All were prominent officials in charge of different regions in the Tianqing Kingdom.


    They were once disciples of the Royal Martial Arts Academy.


    A woman clad in silver armor, heavily made-up, turned to the man in golden armor beside her, "Big brother, this kid is a tough cookie!"


    "With such talent, if he could become a disciple of our Royal Martial Arts Academy, his future prospects would be boundless. Alas... Zhou Xin and Jia Sidao have missed a vital opportunity for our Royal Martial Arts Academy''s rise..."


    The man in golden armor sighed. He was one of the three great commanders of the Tianqing Kingdom, "But no matter how talented you are, defying our Royal Martial Arts Academy means only one thing¡ª a dead end. Little sister, don''t fight with me for his head later..."


    "Hahaha, then it''s each to their own abilities!" the woman in silver armor laughed.


    The man in golden armor grinned, "Let''s see who kills him first, then my century-old Ling Monkey Brew will belong to them!"


    "I want that wine!"


    "No one dare try to steal it from me..."


    The ten people were brimming with confidence.


    The weakest among them was at the Seventh Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, and they were all seasoned warriors who had returned from the battlefield. In their eyes, even if they faced someone at the peak of the Golden Elixir Realm, they dared to engage in battle. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Trade my head for wine?"


    Xiao Yi''s eyes were filled with a bloody light, and the corners of his mouth curled up into a grim, cold smile, "Let me send you to hell for Meng Po Soup instead!"


    Xiao Yi leapt into the air.


    Huge stones smashed against the attacks of the few, and amid a series of booming noises, the stele shattered considerably.


    And just as their attacks ended.


    Xiao Yi swiftly took back his boulder, swung his longsword widely, slashing out a fan-shaped wave of red sword light.


    Pfft pfft pfft!


    Blood spurted out like fountains.


    This sword bisected six people at the waist.


    Hisss!


    The remaining four took in sharp breaths of cold air. The woman in silver armor, clutching the ghastly wound on her belly, with intestines and blood uncontrollably pouring out, wore a look of utter despair, "Save me... Brother, save me..." Your next chapter is on empire


    "Damn..."


    The man from the Jin Family''s expression changed drastically as he rushed towards her.


    Xiao Yi''s sword edge was already upon them.


    At the critical moment.


    The man in golden armor steeled his heart and threw the woman in silver armor towards the sword edge.


    "No..."


    The woman in silver armor let out a scream of despair as Xiao Yi bisected her with one sword stroke.


    The man in golden armor wore a face full of terror; he was the youngest of the three great commanders and could even have become the military''s number one in the future.


    How could he lose his life here?


    The man in golden armor bellowed, "Xiao Yi, I''m leaving now, let me go..."


    "Sorry, I don''t agree!"


    Xiao Yi swung the boulder down fiercely, smashing the man in golden armor from midair while his right hand''s Fire Qilin Sword emitted a swirl of fiery sword light. With a crisp pfft, the man in golden armor was cleaved in two, and as his body fell from the sky...


    The remaining few also died at the hands of Xiao Yi.


    Open space lay before him.


    Whew!


    Xiao Yi exhaled a breath of turbid air and strode like a dragon and a tiger to the end of the heavenly staircase, and with a thump, he threw the blood-stained gravestone onto the ground.


    The whole world trembled with a roar.


    At this moment...


    The Royal Martial Arts Academy was utterly silent.


    Xiao Yi had truly swept through thousands of the Royal Martial Arts Academy''s warriors single-handedly and reached the end of the heavenly staircase.


    This was something no one had dared to believe beforehand.


    But he had indeed done it!


    Standing proudly at the end of the heavenly staircase, Xiao Yi surveyed his surroundings and spoke coldly, "Jiang Shanhe, I''m coming for you!"

 Chapter 124 Dare to Fight?

    "Jiang Shanhe, I''m here!"Xiao Yi''s voice, like rolling thunder, echoed across the skies above the Royal Martial Arts Academy.


    Clang!


    The tightly closed doors of the grand hall burst open.


    There stood Jiang Shanhe, who had brought with him a luxurious chair, sitting on it with all the grandeur of a king.


    Jiang Shanhe glanced at the huge tombstone and the river of blood and corpses that stretched across the entire staircase, his pupils violently contracting.


    He had seen the battle earlier from the shadows, clear as day.


    If before...


    He had broken through to the Tenth Layer of the Golden Core Realm, holding a seventy percent certainty of defeating Xiao Yi.


    But now...


    Jiang Shanhe only held a fifty percent certainty.


    However.


    He was not the least bit panicked.


    Jiang Shanhe confidently smiled and said, "I didn''t expect you to really make it here!"


    Xiao Yi asked, "Where are they?"


    "Don''t rush!"


    Jiang Shanhe smiled and gently clapped his hands.


    Boom boom boom!


    A series of loud noises came from inside the grand hall, as six prison carts were slowly pushed out.


    Each prison cart was jet-black, made of Xuanming iron, exceptionally sturdy¡ªso much so that a Golden Core Realm expert trapped inside would find it difficult to escape.


    At each corner of the prison cart, there was a strong guard standing watch.


    The moment Xiao Yi saw the prison carts, his eyes turned completely blood-red, his breathing rapid and heavy.


    His fists clenched tightly, the bones cracking, his muscles and veins pulsing wildly.


    The flames of his rage seemed almost tangible.


    Within the prison carts...


    Fang Qingzhu, Niu Dali, and the four brothers of the Shi Family were all trapped inside.


    On both sides of each person''s shoulders, they were pierced through by pipa locks, as thick as an adult''s forearm, brutally penetrating their shoulders. The blood had already dried up, turning into dark red scabs, and the other end of the pipa locks was connected to the wheels of the carts.


    Every time the wheels rolled, they dragged at their wounds.


    Each rotation of the wheels was a heart-wrenching, agonizing pain for them.


    Apart from the pipa locks.


    The prison cart also had sharp spikes pointing toward their bodies. Even a slight heave of the chest during breathing would cause their flesh to be pierced by the spikes, leaving no part of their body unscathed.


    "Xiao, Xiao Yi..."


    Fang Qingzhu saw Xiao Yi, guilt filling her eyes, and with a hoarse voice, she shouted with the last of her strength, "Go... Xiao Yi, leave quickly..."


    Niu Dali just looked up, only for several spikes to pierce through his neck, blood gushing out, as he hysterically roared, "Boss, get out of here... Zhou Yuan has already broken through to the Tao Tribulation Realm, run..."


    "Get out..."


    "Go..."


    Whether it was Fang Qingzhu, Niu Dali, or the four brothers of the Shi Family, they all used every ounce of their strength to urge Xiao Yi to leave.


    "Too noisy!"


    Jiang Shanhe dug at his ear, saying impatiently.


    The strong guards surrounding the prison carts acted at the same time, lifting the carts and violently kicking the wheels.


    Clang clang clang...


    The wheels spun rapidly, making the chains of the pipa locks clank, cruelly tearing open their wounds once again.


    Blood gushed forth like a fountain.


    The pain caused them to faint, only to be awoken again by the excruciating agony.


    Xiao Yi''s heart bled!


    He watched helplessly as Fang Qingzhu and the others were tortured inhumanely before him.


    His eyes deep red, he exclaimed, "Jiang Shanhe, if you''ve got the guts, come at me. What kind of man does this?"


    "The victor becomes king, the defeated an outlaw; as long as victory is achieved, any means is fair game, isn''t it?"


    Jiang Shanhe casually waved his hand, and the people placed the prison carts down, yet their blades rested on the necks of Fang Qingzhu and the others.


    Jiang Shanhe took out an incense burner.


    He lit a stick of incense.


    Wearing a brilliant smile on his face, he stood up while twisting his neck and stretching his limbs, speaking indifferently, "Xiao Yi, you want to save them, don''t you? Come, let''s battle. If you can defeat me within the time it takes for this incense stick to burn, I will spare them. Of course, if you lose, not only will you die, but they will have to accompany you in death."


    "Fine!"


    Xiao Yi said in a deep voice.


    With his current strength, slaying Jiang Shanhe was nothing more than a trivial task.


    However...


    Jiang Shanhe, however, shook his head with a smile and said, "I haven''t finished speaking! The Fire Qilin Sword in your hand is a fifth-grade prime weapon, which would be a huge unfair advantage against me."


    "What do you want?" Xiao Yi frowned and asked.


    Jiang Shanhe threw out a wooden sword, smiling, "Use it to fight me!"


    As he said this,


    he pulled out the black Coiling Dragon Spear in his hand, which turned out to be a fifth-grade Yuan weapon.


    Inside the prison cart, Niu Dali endured the acute pain and roared angrily, "Damn it, Jiang Shanhe, can you be any more shameless? You let the boss use a piece of wood as a weapon, while you arm yourself with a fifth-grade Yuan weapon?"


    "Did I allow you to speak? Slap him!" Jiang Shanhe said indifferently.


    The guard next to Niu Dali''s prison cart immediately made his move.


    Slap slap slap!


    A series of consecutive slaps rendered Niu Dali unconscious.


    Jiang Shanhe made a welcoming gesture, "Do you dare to fight?"


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath and exhaled turbid air, planting the Fire Qilin Sword into the ground and picking up the wooden sword on the ground.


    The wooden sword was exceptionally light, covered with cracks.


    It seemed as if it could split apart at any moment.


    Jiang Shanhe revealed a cold smile of conspiracy succeeded; with a leap, he instantly arrived in front of Xiao Yi. However, he did not close in, even though Xiao Yi had discarded the Fire Qilin Sword. He still maintained the most cautious approach, leveraging the Black Coiling Dragon Spear''s advantage of an inch longer being an inch stronger, keeping as much distance between them as possible.


    The black spear was like an angry dragon emerging from the sea.


    The dark gleam skimmed just above the ground, sending dust whirling in its wake, the ground itself being peeled away layer by thick layer. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This dust, under the power of Yuan energy, aggregated into a mass, forming a rolling, surging wave of soil.


    Experience exclusive tales on empire


    Sharp spear gleams hid within the soil wave.


    Xiao Yi kept retreating, avoiding the rolling waves of soil, relying on the advantage of his movement technique to thwart Jiang Shanhe''s several attacks.


    Jiang Shanhe huffed angrily.


    The strong men guarding the prison cart raised it up and kicked at the wheels fiercely.


    Clang! Clang! Clang!


    The wheels tumbled violently, pulling on the pipa locks, making Niu Dali and the others scream in pain, but Fang Qingzhu kept biting her lips, her pale pretty face completely contorted with pain, yet she resolutely refrained from letting out even a single cry of pain.


    She was afraid her screams would disturb Xiao Yi''s mind.


    "Jiang! Shan! He!"


    Xiao Yi bellowed with a heart-wrenching howl.


    His heart was bleeding!


    "Shout! The louder you scream, the angrier you get, the more excited I become! Hahaha..."


    Jiang Shanhe laughed with arrogance, having captured Fang Qingzhu and the others exactly for this moment, right?


    To make Xiao Yi hesitate, to disrupt his mind.


    In the battle between masters, victory often hinges on a single thought.


    As long as he affected Xiao Yi''s mind, in a battle where the combatants were equally matched, the scales of victory would naturally tip in his favor!


    However...


    Jiang Shanhe had calculated everything but had never anticipated that Xiao Yi had inherited the legacy of the Sword Demon Dugu.


    The Sword Demon Dugu had practiced sword all his life.


    By his late years, he had already reached a realm comparable to the third stage of Sword Intent, where one is at unity with the sword¡ªanything could become a sword!


    "Demon Dragon Creates Havoc in the Sea!"


    Yuan energy vast as misty waves surrounded Jiang Shanhe. The Black Coiling Dragon Spear in his hand seemed to merge with his body. With a whoosh, the spear tore through the Yuan energy mist in front of him. With a resounding boom, the spear, carrying a terrifying destructive force, thrust straight towards Xiao Yi''s heart.


    Xiao Yi faced forward, holding up the wooden sword.


    Jiang Shanhe burst into laughter, "Idiot, the thing in your hand is not a fifth-grade Yuan weapon; it''s just a wooden sword. You think you can block my attack?"


    "Who said a wooden sword can''t stop you?"


    Xiao Yi suddenly smiled coldly, his face full of mockery.


    "Huh?"


    Jiang Shanhe was taken aback, but that wooden sword didn''t try to counter the spear head-on and instead lightly tapped the spear''s body. Using the recoil, Xiao Yi soared into the air, stepping on the spear and moving as fast as the wind.


    In the blink of an eye.


    Xiao Yi had already appeared in front of Jiang Shanhe, their faces almost touching.


    "Not good..."


    Jiang Shanhe''s expression changed dramatically. In his pupils, the wooden sword, which could shatter at any moment, transformed into a deadly blade that grew larger and larger as it aimed for the center of his forehead.


    A sense of death instantly enveloped him.


    Like limitless darkness, it brought him despair and the sense of death.


    Just at this critical moment...


    Jiang Shanhe suddenly let out a roar, "Act now, or I''ll be dead for sure!"


    "Huh?"


    Xiao Yi''s pupils dilated, and from the corner of his eye, he caught sight of a silver gleam piercing through the air.


    But it was too late to dodge, and with a muffled thud, Xiao Yi''s shoulder erupted in a burst of blood, his figure staggering and falling to the ground¡­

 Chapter 125 Kill Them Like Slaughtering Pigs and Dogs!

    Xiao Yi tumbled to the ground, and with a deft roll, he evaded the attack.In the path of his roll, a row of feather arrows stuck in the ground, totaling sixteen arrows.


    If it weren''t for Xiao Yi''s timely evasion, he would have become a hedgehog by now.


    Phut!


    Xiao Yi tore an arrow from his shoulder; its triangular head and shaft were engraved with the words "Tianlan."


    The Tianlan Kingdom?


    Xiao Yi''s pupils suddenly constricted as he looked in the direction from which the arrows had come.


    Out of thin air,


    a young man carrying a quiver on his back and wielding a two-meter long horn bow stepped forward. A playful smile on his face, he mocked Jiang Shanhe with his gaze, "Jiang Shanhe, you really are regressing the more you live. So much for being the number one on the Teng Long List of the Tianqing Kingdom, you''re nothing special, eh!"


    "Scram!"


    Jiang Shanhe snorted coldly, his hateful gaze locked on Xiao Yi, and he gritted his teeth, "Xu Feiying, help me kill him!"


    Xu Feiying.


    The number one on the Teng Long List of the Tianlan Kingdom.


    At the same time...


    He was also Zhang Tianyi''s close friend.


    "Helping you kill him is no problem, but..."


    Xu Feiying squinted, his gaze filled with greed as it swept over Fang Qingzhu, his blood-red tongue licking his lips, "In addition to the conditions you promised me, I want this woman!"


    "No problem!"


    Jiang Shanhe agreed without any hesitation.


    In his eyes, as long as Xiao Yi was eliminated, Fang Qingzhu and the others were of no use.


    Giving Fang Qingzhu to Xu Feiying was just a waste to be utilized!


    "Hahaha, Jiang Shanhe, Xu Feiying, such a good opportunity should not just benefit the two of you!"


    "Fair''s fair, we don''t want the woman, but we can''t lack the secret of how Xiao Yi broke through such a realm in such a short time!"


    Several sounds of breaking air suddenly came.


    Seeing the figures appearing out of thin air, both Jiang Shanhe and Xu Feiying''s faces changed simultaneously, "Baijing Kingdom''s Bai Xing, Qingyun Kingdom''s Ping Sifang, and Sihai Kingdom''s Nie Hechuan? How did these three guys get here?" S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xu Feiying said angrily, "These three are no weaker than you or me."


    "This is troublesome..."


    Jiang Shanhe''s eyebrows furrowed tightly, but he had no choice but to clasp his fist towards the three men, "Gentlemen, forgive us for not greeting you from afar."


    Bai Xing, clad in a starry robe, was particularly eye-catching as he descended in front of Xiao Yi. His curious gaze sized up Xiao Yi, "You don''t have three heads and six arms, yet you managed to break through from the Physical Body Realm to the Tenth Layer of the Golden Core Realm in just one year? Tsk tsk, I must admit, I''m envious. How about this, tell me the secret of your training, and I can help you deal with Jiang Shanhe and the others!"


    "Xiao Yi, right? I am the number one on the Teng Long List from the Sihai Kingdom and also the Crown Prince, Nie Hechuan. Just tell me your secret, and my Sihai Kingdom will surely protect you with all its might!" he said arrogantly.


    "Why do you two need to go through all this trouble? I refuse to believe that if we cripple his cultivation and torture him severely, he won''t talk!"


    Ping Sifang from the Qingyun Kingdom glanced impatiently and coldly at Xiao Yi, "Boy, if you don''t want to die, tell me the secret immediately, otherwise, this day next year will be the anniversary of your death!"


    "Ping Sifang, shouldn''t we observe some order of who arrived first?"


    "You can''t do this..."


    The men actually started arguing among themselves, completely overlooking Xiao Yi.


    "I didn''t expect to meet so many old friends today!"


    Another hearty laugh came from the void, and a young man with his pant legs rolled up high and wearing a farmer''s hat, as if just coming back from the fields, stepped through the air. He carried a hoe on his shoulder, but the hoe flashed with a cold light, clearly a fifth-grade Yuan weapon!


    "Yue Cang?"


    "How did he get here?"


    Jiang Shanhe and the others looked at Yue Cang with colors of wariness in their eyes.


    Among the ten countries of Nanhuang,


    the Purple Robe Kingdom might not be the strongest, but Yue Cang of the Purple Robe Kingdom was acknowledged as one of the top three existences among the younger generation in the ten countries.


    Yue Cang landed in front of Xiao Yi, curiously examining him.


    Xiao Yi frowned, "Are you here to threaten me as well?"


    "No no no!"


    Yue Cang hurriedly waved his hand and cheerfully said, "I''ve been asked to help you!"


    "Hmm?"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback.


    Yue Cang winked at him, "Yue Ling''er is my sister!" Then he turned his face into a mournful expression, looking at Ping Sifang and the others, and lowered his voice, "Man, you''ve really angered quite a few people! These five guys are not far off from me; I can handle three at most at the same time, leaving two for you?"


    "No need!"


    Xiao Yi said indifferently.


    "Huh?"


    Yue Cang was taken aback.


    Xiao Yi said, "A few jumping clowns, no need for help!"


    "So confident?"


    Yue Cang raised an eyebrow and then scratched his head, "But I promised Ling''er I''d help you. You can''t let me make a fruitless trip, right?"


    Xiao Yi frowned and said, "If possible¡­ I hope you can help me save them. I will be deeply grateful in the future!"


    Following Xiao Yi''s gaze, Yue Cang saw Fang Qingzhu and the others in the prison cart, and looking at their miserable state, he cast a disdainful glance at Jiang Shanhe: "Jiang Shanhe, you really regress the more you live. In a battle between equals, you actually took someone''s friends hostage as a threat?"


    "A true man doesn''t sweat the small stuff. As long as the final victory is achieved, what does it matter which means were used?" Jiang Shanhe said with a cold laugh.


    "A true man doesn''t sweat the small stuff..."


    Yue Cang''s face was full of mockery. He turned back to Xiao Yi, "I''ll help you save them¡­ but taking on five alone, are you sure it''s no problem?"


    Even with his strength, he wouldn''t dare say he could take on five opponents and defeat the five Jiang Shanhe at the same time!


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Killing them is like slaughtering pigs and dogs!"


    "What a ''slaughtering pigs and dogs.'' Then I shall wait and see!" Yue Cang''s eyes sparkled more the more he looked at Xiao Yi, and with a leap, he positioned himself to the side, seeking an opportunity to rescue Fang Qingzhu and the others.


    In the midst of the battlefield.


    Only Xiao Yi remained, facing Jiang Shanhe and the other four alone.


    These five individuals were all Tenth Layer cultivators of the Golden Core Realm, the top contenders on the Teng Long List of their respective nations.


    Jiang Shanhe''s face was full of spring, very self-satisfied.


    Before, he was only fifty percent sure on his own, but now, he was completely certain he could kill Xiao Yi.


    Jiang Shanhe said proudly, "Xiao Yi, if you kneel and surrender now, I might consider leaving you a whole corpse."


    "What a load of crap!"


    Xiao Yi reached toward the ground with his palm, grabbed the Fire Qilin Sword out of thin air into his hand, swept the longsword through the air, his fighting spirit surging to the skies, "If it''s a fight you want, it''s a fight you''ll get!"


    "Arrogant fool!"


    "You actually look down on us so much? Who wants to make the first move?"


    Jiang Shanhe said in a deep voice, "This kid is troublesome; it''s better to join forces."


    Ping Sifang sneered, "Join forces? Are you planning to drag us down with your disgrace? To kill him, I alone am more than enough!"


    Swish!


    Ping Sifang moved with the force of a dragon and the agility of a tiger, stepping out in a blink. Under the influence of his qi, his step became as massive as a small hill.


    Majestic and as flawless as snow!


    "Evil Python Coiling Around The Tree!"


    Xiao Yi rose against the current, his sword edge tearing open the qi, striking right at the center of Ping Sifang''s foot.


    Wow!


    Ping Sifang let out a miserable howl as his foot was pierced by a large hole, blood gushing profusely. He limped back in retreat.


    Jiang Shanhe mocked, "Didn''t you say you alone were more than enough?"


    "Damn it, shut your mouth!"


    Ping Sifang''s face alternated between shades of green and white, never having expected to be so embarrassingly outdone on his first attack. With a ferocious look toward Jiang Shanhe and the others, he shouted, "What are you standing around for? Attack together!"


    Without further delay, the five of them made their move at the same time.


    Facing the joint assault of five great masters and with Fang Qingzhu in the hands of others, Xiao Yi, concerned about harming a mouse for fear of breaking a vase, fought as he retreated, but was fiercely suppressed by the five.


    "Didn''t you say killing us was like slaughtering pigs and dogs?"


    "Why are you only capable of defending now?"


    "Just accept your death graciously..."


    The more Jiang Shanhe and his four companions fought, the more courageous they became, and Xiao Yi was gradually forced into retreat.


    As he was being firmly suppressed by the five.


    All of a sudden, Yue Cang''s voice came from not far off: "Xiao Yi, I''ve rescued them!"


    Boom!


    A terrifying surge of qi burst forth from Xiao Yi, pushing Jiang Shanhe and the other four back. His face bore a bloody thirst for battle as he laughed loudly, "Jiang Shanhe... your time to die has come!"


    Boom! Stay updated via empire


    No longer concerned about Fang Qingzhu and the others,


    Xiao Yi at this moment was like an Azure Dragon diving into the sea¡­

 Chapter 126 Cutting Down the Tianjiao with a Sword

    "Not good..."Jiang Shanhe''s expression suddenly changed.


    He had gone to great lengths to capture Fang Qingzhu and the others to keep Xiao Yi in check and to make him hesitate to act.


    Find adventures at empire


    As he had expected.


    Xiao Yi, concerned about the safety of Fang Qingzhu and the others, had been holding back during their previous encounter, greatly affecting his ability to fight.


    But now...


    Fang Qingzhu and the others had been rescued by Yue Cang, and Xiao Yi, free from his bonds, was like a tiger breaking free from its cage.


    A pair of cold eyes fell upon them.


    "Everyone be careful!" Jiang Shanhe said in a deep voice.


    Ping Sifang sneered, "Jiang Shanhe, it seems he has scared you! No matter how strong he is, could he really be a match for the five of us joining hands? Let''s make it quick and capture him first..."


    Bai Xing and Nie Hechuan felt the same way. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    They were each the top contender of the Teng Long List from their respective countries, the number one among the younger generation.


    Now joining forces against Xiao Yi was already shameful enough. If the five of them together could not bring Xiao Yi to his death, they would lose all face.


    This was a battle for honor.


    And a life-and-death battle.


    "Eighteen Arhats..."


    Xu Feiying leaped into the air and retreated backward, landing dozens of meters away. The bowstring of the huge horn bow in his hands was taut, and with each release, an arrow would shoot out with the sound of thunder.


    Swoosh swoosh swoosh!


    Amidst the whooshing sounds of the air being pierced, a total of eighteen arrows were fired in rapid succession.


    Jiang Shanhe growled, "Xu Feiying will disrupt from a distance, while the four of us will engage him in close combat. I refuse to believe that Xiao Yi can withstand the siege of us five talents!"


    "Good!"


    "Capture him, cripple his cultivation, break his limbs..."


    "His woman¡ªI, Ping Sifang, will take her!"


    A series of growls were like sudden thunder on a flat ground.


    The five experts were from the five great kingdoms.


    Half of the top contenders of the Teng Long List from the ten nations of Nanhuang were present, and their target was Xiao Yi, who just a year ago was merely in the Physical Body Realm.


    Xiao Yi, now free from the shackles of Fang Qingzhu and the others, no longer needed to hold back, and the killing intent suppressed in his heart was also thoroughly unleashed. Over the past days, the Royal Martial Arts Academy and people like Jiang Shanhe had been relentless in their tactics, repeatedly trying to put him to death and even capturing Fang Qingzhu and the others as a threat.


    Their actions had intensified Xiao Yi''s desire to kill to the extreme.


    "Soul Snatching and Life Taking!"


    Xiao Yi pointed his sword, emitting a dazzling cold light as bright as day.


    "Merely a petty trick!"


    Ping Sifang sneered, and with a flick of his finger, a silver stream of Qi erupted from his index finger.


    The beam of light was incredibly condensed, like a towering giant finger.


    One Finger Pierces the Heavens.


    Boom!


    The giant finger collided with the sword light, each eroding the other''s energy.


    Gales raged wildly.


    A cold gleam erupted from Xiao Yi''s eyes as he tightly gripped the Fire Qilin Sword to face the opposition. His left hand, however, punched out, golden Qi clinging to the surface of his fist, its radiant brilliance blinding, as if a great sun was attached to his fist: "Vajra Subdues Demons!"


    Thud!


    The power of this punch was to the extreme.


    As soon as he punched.


    The wild power on the fist hammered out a wall of air, pushing forward with a loud bang and landing heavily on Ping Sifang''s body.


    Pff...


    Ping Sifang''s body trembled, his legs involuntarily lifting off the ground, flying backward like a kite with its string cut.


    Bang!


    Xiao Yi took a violent step forward, instantly catching up to Ping Sifang, and reached out with his left hand.


    "Not good!"


    "Quick, save him..."


    Everything happened so suddenly, and Xiao Yi''s speed was astonishingly fast.


    Just as Jiang Shanhe and the others were about to step in and rescue Ping Sifang, Xiao Yi''s hand, which resembled an eagle''s claw, already snapped onto Ping Sifang''s ankle with a smack, and with a fierce swing, Ping Sifang was thrown like a human weapon, smashing hard into Jiang Shanhe and the others behind him.


    Jiang Shanhe and the others instinctively raised their weapons.


    "No..."


    Ping Sifang, seeing the cold blades coming straight at him, eyes wide with terror, let out a roar of despair.


    Jiang Shanhe and the others had no choice but to forcefully retract their weapons.


    But this also meant that they lost their initial advantage.


    Bang!


    Bang!


    Bang!


    Xiao Yi used Ping Sifang as a weapon, consecutively knocking back Jiang Shanhe, Nie Hechuan, and Bai Xing.


    The three of them, with frustration on their faces, could only passively endure it, not even daring to defend with their full might.


    Otherwise, if they accidentally killed Ping Sifang,


    the troubles would be endless!


    Jiang Shanhe bellowed, "Xu Feiying, why aren''t you taking action?"


    Xu Feiying, a few dozen meters away, holding a horn bow, looked helpless upon hearing Jiang Shanhe''s words: "Take action my ass..."


    Every time he bent his bow and readied an arrow, preparing to take a shot,


    Xiao Yi would use Ping Sifang as a shield in front of himself. If Xu Feiying took the shot, he didn''t know whether he could hit Xiao Yi, but Ping Sifang''s body would definitely gain a few more holes.


    He was in a dilemma over hurting the hostage.


    Fearful and hesitant.


    At this moment, Jiang Shanhe felt extremely stifled. Just moments before, holding Fang Qingzhu and Niu Dali among others at his mercy, he had been so brazenly threatening Xiao Yi. But now, how the tables had turned¡ªit was they who were handicapped, facing Xiao Yi who treated Ping Sifang like a weapon, they simply couldn''t find an opening to strike!


    "Xiao Yi, if you have the guts, release Ping Sifang and fight us fair and square!" Nie Hechuan said through clenched teeth.


    Xiao Yi glanced at him, "One-on-one?"


    "I..."


    Nie Hechuan''s face stiffened.


    The five of them, even when combined, were still being pressured to this state by Xiao Yi.


    If it were one-on-one...


    He truly had no confidence.


    "Xiao Yi, release me, and I swear no longer to be your enemy..." Ping Sifang, his head covered in blood, like a dead dog dragged behind Xiao Yi, shouted.


    Xiao Yi glanced back at him.


    The man was indeed in a sorry and pitiable state.


    Most of the bones in his body were broken.


    Most of his head was smashed out of shape, swollen and bruised beyond recognition.


    What he regretted most at this moment was getting involved in this mess.


    Xiao Yi looked at Ping Sifang, and with a sneer said, "Once I begin, it''s a fight to the death. There''s no room for surrender."


    "You, you want to kill me? I am..." Before Ping Sifang could finish,


    Xiao Yi had already swung violently, hurling him out like a thrown spear.


    Whoosh!


    Ping Sifang''s body flew like a sandbag, crashing towards Jiang Shanhe and the others.


    The three continuously retreated.


    But just as Ping Sifang appeared before them, suddenly, a crimson sword light tore through Ping Sifang''s body. With a splat, it struck Bai Xing square in the body. The sword light came too suddenly, and with Bai Xing''s line of sight blocked by Ping Sifang, he had no time to dodge.


    When the sword light dissipated,


    Ping Sifang was bisected at the waist by Xiao Yi''s sword.


    A blood trail ran through the center of Bai Xing''s forehead, spurting blood from the top of his head like a fountain.


    One sword to slay a Tianjiao!


    With one sword, Xiao Yi had killed both Ping Sifang and Bai Xing, two geniuses of the Tenth Layer of the Golden Core Realm!


    Whoosh!


    The crimson sword light swept across the sky, and Xiao Yi looked towards Jiang Shanhe and the others: "Your turn now..."

 Chapter 127 Sorry, I Disagree!

    Whoosh!Whoosh!


    Jiang Shanhe and Nie Hechuan retreated in succession, standing shoulder to shoulder with Xu Feiying, their expressions grave as they looked at Xiao Yi.


    Their eyes were filled with tumultuous waves.


    There was a time...


    Bai Xing and Ping Sifang were on par with them, dominating figures among the younger generation of the ten nations of Nanhuang, the strongest of existences.


    As long as the older generation of the Tao Tribulation Realm did not step in, they were nearly invincible.


    They had never imagined they would die at the hands of someone their own age.


    Especially not by someone who, just a year ago, was nothing more than waste at the Physical Body Realm.


    "He, he was really just at the Physical Body Realm a year ago?" Xu Feiying swallowed hard, asking in disbelief.


    Nie Hechuan too looked at Jiang Shanhe with a shocked face.


    Gurgle!


    Jiang Shanhe swallowed his saliva subconsciously and said with a wry smile, "According to the information I received, when he first came to Nanhuang City a year ago, he was merely at the initial stage of the Physical Body Realm."


    Hiss!


    Xu Feiying and the other person gasped in amazement.


    A year''s time, ah!


    For them, advancing even one realm might be tough, but Xiao Yi had spanned across a full four major realms in just one year!


    Such a cultivation speed, they had neither seen nor even heard of before!


    "Xu Feiying, Nie Hechuan... If we do not take out this lad, give him just a few more years... No, perhaps just a few more months, and we will not be his match..." Jiang Shanhe said with a somber expression and a gloomy face.


    Xu Feiying narrowed his eyes, and raised his hand to touch his hooked nose, "You''re right... But with the three of us combined, I''m afraid we''re no match for him!"


    Even when five of them joined forces, Xiao Yi managed to kill two.


    What more now that only the three of them were left?


    A ruthless look flashed in Jiang Shanhe''s eyes, "I have a poison at hand called Soul Dispelling Powder. Colorless and odorless, just a single breath of it, and even a Golden Core Realm powerhouse will lose their ability to fight. Nie Hechuan, each of us takes some Soul Dispelling Powder, and later on, let''s use our Innate Divine Abilities to entangle Xiao Yi. We will find a way to use the Soul Dispelling Powder to strip him of his combat power, and then Feiying will strike at the right moment, how about that?"


    "Soul Dispelling Powder? That''s a fifth-grade elixir, worth over a hundred million silver, you''re really quite willing to use it!" Nie Hechuan looked at Jiang Shanhe in surprise.


    Jiang Shanhe snorted coldly, "You can''t set a wolf trap without giving up a child, just tell me if you''ll do it or not?"


    "Using poison is a bit shameful... But if we can get his secret, it will all be worth it!" Nie Hechuan took the Soul Dispelling Powder from Jiang Shanhe''s hand.


    Discover stories with empire


    Xu Feiying nodded, "Let''s do it!"


    No sooner said than done.


    Jiang Shanhe and Nie Hechuan, one on the left and one on the right, transformed into two roaming dragons, sweeping towards Xiao Yi with two gusts of fierce wind.


    They moved so fast that in the blink of an eye, they were already in front of Xiao Yi.


    "Furious Dragon Shakes the Sea!"


    Jiang Shanhe''s long spear stood tall, like a Black Dragon entering the world.


    Nie Hechuan, expressionless, held a longsword in each hand. The twin swords whirled fiercely, attacking Xiao Yi from both sides with continuous and unrelenting strikes.


    Xu Feiying was further away, repeatedly looking for opportunities to shoot arrows.


    Oftentimes, just as Xiao Yi had dodged the attacks of Jiang Shanhe and the other, and sought to press forward, Xu Feiying''s arrow would fall in front of him, blocking his pursuit and causing him to miss several chances to eliminate the two.


    Xu Feiying, holding a great bow, said with a smug look, "Xiao Yi, with me here, you can forget about touching them again!"


    "Damn it!"


    A flicker of cold light flashed in Xiao Yi''s eyes, "It seems I can''t continue the fight without taking down Xu Feiying."


    "Breaking Spear Skill!"


    "Saber-Breaking Style!"


    Xiao Yi suddenly increased his speed, continuously invoking the Solitary Nine Swords, pushing back Jiang Shanhe and the other person time after time.


    His swordplay became faster and sharper.


    Like clouds flowing through the sky.


    It was as if the man and sword had merged into one...


    This made Xu Feiying''s arrows fail several times to stop Xiao Yi''s momentum, resulting in Jiang Shanhe and Nie Hechuan suffering several strikes from Xiao Yi''s sword.


    Jiang Shanhe was furious, "Xu Feiying, what the hell are you doing?"


    Nie Hechuan wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, also extremely angry, "Just a bit more... and I would have been beheaded..."


    Xu Feiying too appeared helpless, "How can you blame me for this? His sword is just too fast..."


    In the crowd.


    Gu Junhe''s eyes showed shock, "This... Is this the third level of Sword Intent, the unity of man and sword? No, it''s still a bit off, but he has already touched upon that barrier... What kind of monster is this guy? He''s not even twenty years old, yet he has grasped the third level of Sword Intent at the Golden Core Realm? This... this... "


    Yue Cang also had a glint in his eye, "What an impressive Xiao Yi... No wonder my silly sister took a liking to you, such talent is indeed terrifying. I''m somewhat tempted to fight with you myself! However..." He looked down at Fang Qingzhu who lay unconscious beside him and rubbed his brow, "Oh, my foolish little sister, I''m afraid it''s a case of unrequited love with you!"


    He was very aware of the massive gap in Xiao Yi''s combat strength before and after Fang Qingzhu was rescued.


    There was only one explanation for such a result...


    In Xiao Yi''s heart, Fang Qingzhu held an extremely important position.


    At that moment...


    Xiao Yi suddenly pushed the two back with a sword strike, but his figure sharply changed direction, rushing straight towards Xu Feiying.


    "Not good!"


    The complexions of Jiang Shanhe and the other changed drastically.


    If they lost Xu Feiying skirting on the sidelines, ready to act and distract Xiao Yi, then a Xiao Yi with no further concerns would be even more formidable.


    The two of them joined forces to chase after Xiao Yi.


    Xu Feiying wore a fierce smile, "Kill me? That''s a fool''s dream. Just eat my dust behind me!"


    Xu Feiying''s forte was long-range attacks.


    He ran while launching attacks.


    He lured Xiao Yi along as if flying a kite.


    "Hahaha. Xiao Yi, you''ll never catch up to me..." Xu Feiying laughed heartily.


    "Is that so?"


    Xiao Yi suddenly smirked,


    A trace of thick mockery appeared on his face, causing Xu Feiying''s complexion to change abruptly, filled with a strong sense of unease. Almost at the same time, the Xiao Yi behind him suddenly vanished, his speed inexplicably quadrupling. It turned out he had employed the Blood Explosion Skill, doubling his strength and speed, and he threw a punch from mid-air.


    Boom!


    The heavy fist, tinted with a blood-colored airflow, struck Xu Feiying.


    Xu Feiying''s body shuddered, like a star falling from the sky, crashing to the ground with great force.


    With a loud crash,


    Xu Feiying hit the ground, his head smashed into a bloody pulp, transforming into a headless corpse.


    "Now''s our chance, release the poison!" Jiang Shanhe roared lowly.


    Nie Hechuan nodded fiercely.


    The two simultaneously scattered the powder in their hands.


    Swish! Swish!


    Two streams of white powder enveloped Xiao Yi.


    Just as Xiao Yi was about to be covered, he flipped his hand with a slap.


    With a swish, a gust of wind swept by, rolling back the white powder, wrapping Nie Hechuan and the other in its grasp.


    "It''s over..."


    The two wore faces of despair.


    Bang! Bang!


    The pair felt a numbness and weakness throughout their bodies and fell to the ground with two thuds.


    Tap tap tap!


    Xiao Yi, sword in hand, walked over to the two men.


    Nie Hechuan''s pale face was filled with bitter pleading, "I am the Crown Prince of Sihai Kingdom, you can''t kill me..."


    "That reason doesn''t work!"


    Xiao Yi shook his head and slit his throat with his sword.


    Nie Hechuan covered his throat, unable to stop the gushing blood, lying in a pool of blood. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi''s gaze fell on Jiang Shanhe, his eyes filled with brutality and coldness, "Should I hack you a thousand times? Or should I make it quick for you?"


    "No... don''t kill me, Xiao Yi, I realize I was wrong. Please don''t kill me..." At this moment, Jiang Shanhe had lost all his past arrogance, leaving only despair and the fear of facing death.


    Xiao Yi said, "Tell me, where did you go wrong?"


    "I, I..."


    Jiang Shanhe''s face showed panic.


    He didn''t feel he''d done anything wrong.


    He was only pleading to save his life.


    "It seems you still haven''t realized your mistake!"


    Xiao Yi lifted his longsword, and with two swishes, two arms flew high into the air.


    Aaah...


    Jiang Shanhe screamed continuously, enduring the severe pain, "I was wrong... I shouldn''t have let Ye Feng and the others try to kill you..."


    "Still wrong!"


    Xiao Yi struck again, this time severing Jiang Shanhe''s legs.


    Argh...


    Jiang Shanhe convulsed, suffering unbearable agony, his face completely twisted, tears streaming down, "I... I see my mistake now... I shouldn''t have opposed you, I shouldn''t have captured Fang Qingzhu and others to threaten you. I was wrong... Xiao Yi, Lord Xiao, I truly admit my fault, please spare me..."


    "You finally got it right this time, but unfortunately, it''s too late!"


    Xiao Yi smiled, his expression appearing as a nightmarish demon in the eyes of Jiang Shanhe, who shouted in terror, "Save me... Master, save me..."


    Boom!


    A thunderous roar, reminiscent of a clap of thunder, suddenly emanated from the depths of the Royal Martial Arts Academy, an authoritative voice thundered like a divine decree, "Xiao Yi, release His Highness, and I''ll spare your life!"


    The terrifying pressure caused nearly ninety percent of the powerhouses present to feel weak in the knees.


    Yue Cang''s expression changed, "Tao Tribulation Realm?"


    Gu Junhe squinted his eyes, as if facing a great enemy, "This shameless fellow really did use the Martial Dao Divine Fruit, this is troublesome..."


    Facing Zhou Yuan, who appeared in the void, godlike and devilish,


    Xiao Yi smirked, "Sorry, I don''t agree!"


    Thrust!


    A single sword strike.


    A severed head rolled away.


    Jiang Shanhe''s face still held a look of relief and ecstatic joy at having survived, and a touch of confusion...

 Chapter 128 Even the Dao Tribulation Can Be Confronted!

    At the moment Zhou Yuan appeared.Everyone thought that Jiang Shanhe''s life was surely saved.


    Even Jiang Shanhe himself thought so.


    After all...


    Zhou Yuan had already stepped into the Tao Tribulation Realm, a far more terrifying existence than the previous Golden Elixir Realm Peak.


    If the earlier Zhou Yuan still needed to give face to the King of Tianqing Kingdom, now, even if he killed the King, he could easily leave the Tianqing Kingdom. Even the legendary ancestor backing Tianqing Kingdom certainly wouldn''t offend a Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouse over a dead King.


    But what was the result?


    Xiao Yi didn''t give Zhou Yuan any face at all.


    Without a word.


    He beheaded Jiang Shanhe!


    "Xiao! Yi! I told you to stop, didn''t you hear me?"


    Zhou Yuan stood suspended in the air, his face''s proud smile shattered, replaced by shock and disbelief.


    Xiao Yi had killed Jiang Shanhe right in front of him after he had spoken out to stop him.


    This was a slap to his face in public! Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    At that moment, Zhou Yuan felt a burning pain on his face.


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, looking up at Zhou Yuan with defiance. Indeed, the aura of a Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouse was robust, and even though he had broken through to the Tenth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, he still felt a bit of pressure.


    Facing Zhou Yuan''s questioning.


    Xiao Yi shrugged, "Sorry, I don''t understand the barking of a dog!"


    Hiss!


    A series of gasps rose and fell in succession!


    Everyone''s gaze towards Xiao Yi was as if they were looking at a madman: "How dare he speak to Zhou like this? That''s a Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouse..."


    "With his talent, if he had kept a low profile for a few decades, he might also have had the chance to step into the Tao Tribulation Realm, becoming a dominant overlord. It''s a pity that this man doesn''t know how to judge the situation, always being so stubborn and reckless; this will only lead to the senseless waste of his life..."


    "Too young!"


    Even Gu Junhe couldn''t help but shake his head, whispering to Jiang Tai beside him: "Xiao Yi is no match for Zhou Yuan no matter how strong he is. Once Xiao Yi is in danger, I will intercept Zhou Yuan at the first instant. Then you take the opportunity to take Xiao Yi and escape to the palace and ask for the King''s protection¡­"


    "But¡­ Xiao Yi just killed my brother, I''m afraid Father¡­" Jiang Tai hesitated.


    Gu Junhe shook his head, "Now that Jiang Shanhe is dead, you are the most likely successor to the throne. Even if your father is furious, he will still think about building a foundation for you. He wouldn''t let go of a talent like Xiao Yi."


    "We have no other choice..."


    Jiang Tai nodded heavily.


    ......


    Zhou Yuan narrowed his eyes, looking at the bodies scattered across the Heavenly Ladder.


    The Stele standing at the end of the Heavenly Ladder.


    And the corpses of Jiang Shanhe and the others...


    Whoo!


    Zhou Yuan took a deep breath and then forcefully exhaled, stirring up a gust of wind with his breath, which actually formed a gale amidst heaven and earth.


    The wind howled loudly.


    Under the raging wind.


    Sand flew and rocks were swept away.


    A scene of desolation and silence.


    Zhou Yuan stared at Xiao Yi: "I didn''t expect that the five-hundred-year prosperity of the Royal Martial Arts Academy would be ruined by your hands. I have to admit, allowing Zhou Xin to chase you away was the most foolish decision I''ve made since taking charge of the Royal Martial Arts Academy!"


    In just one year, from the Physical Body Realm to the Tenth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm!


    If such a genius were to be included in the Royal Martial Arts Institute, it would certainly make it even more splendid.


    He might even have a chance to leave Tianqing Kingdom and enter the Great Qian Dynasty.


    But due to his erroneous decision, he had forced Xiao Yi to the opposing side of the Royal Martial Arts Academy.


    Only Zhou Yuan understood the regret in his heart.


    Unfortunately, there is no medicine for regret in this world.


    The slight remorse on Zhou Yuan''s face dissipated like smoke, replaced by a bone-chilling coldness: "Since it is my mistake, I must resolve it with my own hands. After I kill you, the Royal Martial Arts Academy will still be the sacred martial place of Tianqing Kingdom, unshakable by anyone!"


    What does it matter if many disciples have died or are injured?


    As long as Zhou Yuan is still here, the Royal Martial Arts Academy won''t possibly fall.


    And...


    He had already ascended to the Tao Tribulation Realm, and under his leadership, the Royal Martial Arts Academy would only grow stronger.


    "Kill me? With your strength from the first layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm, which you broke through using the Martial Dao Divine Fruit, I''m afraid it''s not enough!" Xiao Yi said with a playful laugh.


    So what if it''s the Tao Tribulation Realm?


    With his current strength, he could even fight against the Tao Tribulation!


    Within the crowd.


    Yue Cang shook his head and said, "It seems that the previous victory has gone to Xiao Yi''s head... This is a warrior of the Tao Tribulation Realm we''re talking about, among the young generation in the ten countries of Nanhuang, I''m afraid only that one person could compete with a Tao Tribulation Realm warrior. But even he could only remain undefeated in the face of the Tao Tribulation, as for defeating a Tao Tribulation Realm warrior, it''s absolutely impossible!"


    There are over a hundred subordinate countries under the Great Qian Dynasty.


    Among them, there are ten major kingdoms surrounding Nanhuang, but throughout their history, there has never been one who could defeat a Tao Tribulation Realm existence with only the power of the Golden Core Realm.


    Gu Junhe also shook his head and sighed, "After all, he is still too young, but it''s good for him to suffer a little setback! Only by witnessing the strength of a Tao Tribulation Realm warrior firsthand will he understand that there are always greater powers out there..."


    Jiang Tai also nodded in agreement with his view, "However, speaking of which... If it were me, I''m afraid I wouldn''t even have the courage to face a Tao Tribulation Realm warrior!"


    After returning from the secret realm.


    With the treasures he obtained, Jiang Tai had stepped into the Eighth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, with his talent and martial skills, he could fight even against someone at the Tenth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm.


    But the Tao Tribulation Realm?


    Even if one day he reached the peak of the Golden Elixir Realm, he wouldn''t have the courage to challenge it.


    After all.


    A Tao Tribulation Realm warrior is a legendary existence in the ten countries of Nanhuang.


    The position of the king could be challenged, but the might of the Tao Tribulation should not be disrespected!


    "Hahaha, this is the first time I''ve heard of a little Golden Core Realm daring to challenge the existence of the Tao Tribulation..."


    Zhou Yuan sneered and shook his head, looking at Xiao Yi as if he were looking at a cold corpse, and drew a circle beneath his feet with the tip of his foot, "In light of your commendable courage, I will let you make three moves. Within these three moves, I will only defend and not attack. If you can force me out of this circle, I will acknowledge that you have the power to match the Tao Tribulation!"


    "Three moves?"


    Xiao Yi gently shook his head.


    Zhou Yuan was stunned and mocked, "What? Are three moves not enough? How about I let you make ten moves instead?"


    Xiao Yi waved his hand and said, "No no no, what I mean is three moves are too many. If you''re still within the circle after one move, I will surrender myself!"


    "Huh?"


    Zhou Yuan''s pupils suddenly constricted, feeling an unprecedented insult, and he scoffed repeatedly, "Very well, very well, a single move it is... If you can really force me out of this circle within one move, I will kneel before you, and all grievances between you and the Royal Martial Arts Academy will be wiped clean! But if you fail, before I kill you, I will execute your wife and friends right before your eyes!"


    "It''s a deal!"


    Xiao Yi grasped his sword hilt with both hands.


    Hum!


    The sword edge trembled, emitting a whooshing sound.


    "Nine Swords as One!"


    Xiao Yi leaped into the air, his figure suddenly turned into nine shadows, stacking and merging into each other.


    When he arrived in front of Zhou Yuan, the nine shadows merged into one.


    Swish!


    The cold light cleaved through the air, a dazzling cold star.


    Swish!


    A ten-foot-long Sword Qi surged violently, tearing up the ground wherever it passed, creating a fierce gale.


    This one sword made Zhou Yuan''s composed and smug face dissipate into nothingness in an instant, and shock flashed across his pupils, "This sword..."


    From that Sword Qi, he felt the threat of death.


    Even if he didn''t want to admit it.


    Zhou Yuan did not dare to be careless, crossing his hands in front of him, conjuring a series of elemental shields.


    The shields blocked before him, but the nine layers of elemental shields were continuously shattered by the Sword Qi, the invisible sword light nearly reaching his body.


    In a critical moment.


    Zhou Yuan had to leap back.


    Just as he leaped away...


    Boom!


    The Sword Qi furiously descended.


    Rumble!


    The entire Royal Martial Arts Academy trembled violently, cracks spread out in all directions on the ground, and a ten-foot-long fearsome sword mark almost tore the earth apart.


    Xiao Yi stood with his sword, mocking expression on his face, looking at Zhou Yuan whose complexion alternated between green and white, "You lost!"

 Chapter 129 Kill! Kill! Kill!

    "You lost!" S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.Xiao Yi stood with his sword, his face thick with mockery as he stared at Zhou Yuan, who had retreated dozens of yards away.


    A whirlwind swept up, scattering the flying sand.


    The web-like cracks spread far and wide, along with that horrendous ten-yard-long sword mark, made all the mighty onlookers silent as cicadas in winter, not daring to make the slightest sound.


    Yue Cang was utterly dumbfounded, "Tha¡ªThat sword just now¡­"


    To be fair,


    if that sword had landed on him, he would have been dead without a doubt.


    Before this¡­


    Yue Cang still thought that he was worthy of a battle with Xiao Yi, but that sword had just driven him to despair, and he self-deprecatingly said, "I actually thought I could fight him? With Xiao Yi''s strength now, even Gai Qinglong, the number one in the ten nations of Nanhuang, wouldn''t be his match, right?"


    Gu Junhe was also left speechless, "Genius, this is a true genius! The Xiao Family, oh the Xiao Family, you actually treated such a genius as trash and sent him to the Fang Family as a son-in-law? Was Xiao Zhengde''s brain kicked by a donkey? Or was Xiao Tianjiao blind?"


    Fang Qingzhu slowly regained consciousness, just in time to witness that sword.


    Excitement and agitation were visible on her pale face, "Xiao Yi, he''s¡­ so strong!"


    Her eyes were filled with admiration and happiness.


    This was her man, after all!


    For Zhou Yuan, there was nothing more shocking than that sword.


    Watching the sword mark spreading under his feet, the corner of his eye twitched madly, and his eyes flickered with disbelief, "That sword¡­ How could someone in the Golden Core Realm unleash such a powerful strike?"


    Just moments before,


    he was full of confidence, claiming that if Xiao Yi could force him back within three moves, he would admit defeat voluntarily.


    But the result...


    Xiao Yi used just one sword strike!


    Not only did he force him back, but he also nearly inflicted serious injuries!


    That sword was like an invisible slap that harshly struck his face, leaving him seeing stars.


    The gaze of the crowd was like needles on his back.


    The humiliation!


    An unprecedented humiliation!


    It was even harder for him to bear than almost having the Royal Martial Arts Academy single-handedly demolished by Xiao Yi.


    "Zhou Yuan, you should be kneeling now!" said Xiao Yi.


    "You..."


    The skin on Zhou Yuan''s face twitched fiercely.


    He had just said that if Xiao Yi could push him out of the ring with one move, he would kneel to Xiao Yi.


    But that was just a figure of speech, how could he actually kneel?


    "Xiao Yi, you are too bullying!" Zhou Yuan said through gritted teeth.


    "I''m too bullying? Hahaha¡­ Zhou Yuan, don''t you feel ashamed saying that? Initially, when I sincerely applied for the Royal Martial Arts Institute, it was you who distorted the truth and forced me to leave. When I left, despite you being at the Golden Elixir Peak, you attacked me, who was only in the Shentong Realm, and nearly took my life."


    All of a sudden, Xiao Yi let out a long howl to the sky, his face full of mockery, "In the Tao Tribulation secret realm, it was also you who issued the kill order, wanting to put me to death. It was you who had people capture Qingzhu to threaten me. Now, the same you, the director of the Royal Martial Arts Institute, a mighty Tao Tribulation Realm master, reneged on his word¡­ Is this what you call too bullying?"


    These words had been suppressed in his heart for too long.


    Today, they burst out all at once.


    The loud voice spread throughout the entire Royal Martial Arts Institute...


    The secrets not known to others, and today they were made public.


    "What? The Royal Martial Arts Institute is too much of a bully, isn''t it?"


    "I used to think that Xiao Yi was too arrogant to challenge the Royal Martial Arts Institute, but who knew there was such a twist to the story?"


    "If that''s indeed the truth, the Royal Martial Arts Institute is really too bullying!"


    At that moment,


    the Royal Martial Arts Institute and Zhou Yuan became the targets of widespread scorn.


    The scapegoat for everyone''s arrows!


    Zhou Yuan''s face alternated between green and white, never expecting the situation to develop to this point, with the reputation of the Royal Martial Arts Institute becoming tarnished. Knowing that once the news spread, the Institute would truly become the target of public criticism, with this thought in mind, Zhou Yuan''s cold gaze fell on Xiao Yi, "As long as he is killed, all rumors and slander will also end. Kill him, no mercy!"


    Boom!


    Zhou Yuan transformed into a silver streak, piercing the void like a river soaring through the sky, and in an instant, he charged toward Xiao Yi.


    Even before the punch arrived,


    The punch wind was already striking the face.


    The howling wind stirred Xiao Yi''s clothing, whistling like a blade scraping his face, bringing bouts of intense pain.


    Xiao Yi''s face was expressionless, sword in hand, "Break Fist Style!"


    Boom!


    A glint of cold light hit the center of the fist shadow.


    Thud!


    The earth trembled, and the wind surged violently.


    Xiao Yi''s figure retreated thirty feet, while Zhou Yuan was also shaken back several yards.


    No sooner had the two landed than they were charging at each other again.


    The fist danced like a phantom.


    The sword glided like a dragon.


    Their fists and swords clashed continuously, each collision stirring up waves of energy that shocked the heavens and earth, mighty in all directions, imposing from every angle. Neither held back in their attacks, Zhou Yuan intent on killing Xiao Yi to wipe away his previous shame, Xiao Yi''s killing intent was no less than Zhou Yuan''s.


    "Blood Explosion Skill!"


    Xiao Yi suddenly ignited three-tenths of the blood within his body, his strength and speed suddenly tripling.


    The sudden increase in power and speed overwhelmed Zhou Yuan, who struggled to cope.


    Splat!


    A dot of cold light pierced through the air, penetrating Zhou Yuan''s palm.


    At the same time, he employed the Divine Skills of Weapon Fusion, his arms and the Fire Qilin Sword melding into one as dark light coursed through them. His left hand transformed into a claw and reached out, with a snap, it grabbed Zhou Yuan''s shoulder, violently tearing away a chunk of flesh.


    Ahhh...


    Zhou Yuan cried out in agony, continually retreating.


    A sword mark pierced through the palm of his right hand, and his left shoulder was missing a piece of flesh, horrifically exposing bone.


    "You mongrel, I swear I''ll kill you, kill everyone related to you..." Zhou Yuan''s face was ferocious.


    Xiao Yi advanced with his sword, his body surrounded by circulating blood light, laughing loudly, "You no longer have a chance!"


    Whoosh!


    The blood-colored sword edge was terrifying.


    With this sword, he forced Zhou Yuan to retreat.


    Xiao Yi''s voice rang out again, "Those who bully or insult me, kill!"


    The Life-Chasing Soul Sword was delivered in rapid succession.


    Zhou Yuan kept losing ground.


    "Harm my family, kill!"


    "Hurt my brothers, kill!"


    "Kill! Kill! Kill!"


    Xiao Yi grew increasingly valiant in battle, his murderous aura explosively unleashed, his entire being radiating with bloody light, and his offensive onslaught was like a tempestuous storm.


    Boom!


    Punch after punch landed solidly, unstoppable.


    Zhou Yuan was bloodied by the blows.


    Xiao Yi''s aura grew ever more frenzied, with half his blood now aflame, his strength and speed increased fivefold, completely overpowering Zhou Yuan.


    Zhou Yuan kept losing ground, absolutely unable to withstand the barrage of attacks from Xiao Yi, "Madman. You''re a madman..."


    His mouth flowed with blood, his body riddled with sword cuts, countless bones shattered.


    "Nine Swords as One!"


    Xiao Yi, holding the sword with both hands, raised it above his head and brought it slashing down.


    Boom!


    That sword tore through Zhou Yuan''s qi seal, a spurt of blood shooting skyward, savagely splitting open a ferocious wound in his chest. Amid a wretched scream, Zhou Yuan collapsed to the ground, blood spewing from his mouth, hair disheveled and face filled with terror, "Impossible, this can''t be... How can I, a practitioner of the Tao Tribulation Realm, be defeated by you?"


    Xiao Yi''s sword tip rested on Zhou Yuan''s throat, he said coldly, "Half a year ago, I vowed to flatten the Royal Martial Arts Academy. Today is the day you, Zhou Yuan, meet your demise, the day the Royal Martial Arts Academy falls!"


    "Impossible, impossible... I am of the Tao Tribulation Realm, how can this be..."


    Zhou Yuan was utterly dispirited.


    The blow was too great!


    Xiao Yi''s expression was unreadable, his longsword ready to strike, but just then, a cold voice suddenly reached his ears, "Xiao Yi, see who I have here?"

 Chapter 130 Kneel my ass!

    "Xiao Yi, look who I have in my hand?"A sharp voice suddenly erupted by his ear.


    Xiao Yi shivered all over.


    A strong sense of unease rose in his heart, the bone-chilling cold instantly swept through his body, and large beads of cold sweat soaked through the back of his clothes at this instant.


    As he looked up.


    He saw a blood-red chariot suspended in the void above, and before the chariot were four majestic demonic beasts with crimson bodies, single horns on their heads, tiger-like shapes, but with wings on their backs. Each of these demonic beasts emitted a presence no weaker than Zhou Yuan''s, clearly four Sixth-Layer Path Tribulation Realm beasts.


    And on that chariot...


    A middle-aged man dressed in a blood-colored robe, wearing a silver mask, and with a burly figure, leaned against the side of the chariot.


    In his hand extended from the chariot.


    Fang Qingzhu was being held by her neck, suspended in midair.


    The four Sixth-Layer Path Tribulation Realm Flying Heavenly Demon Tigers flapped their wings, stirring up howling gales that battered against Fang Qingzhu.


    Causing Fang Qingzhu''s black hair to dance wildly, her face growing even paler.


    The Pipa Locks on her shoulders clanked and clanged.


    "Qingzhu?"


    Xiao Yi''s pupils suddenly constricted as his eyes instantly turned blood red.


    Yue Cang, looking haggard, raised his hand to wipe the fresh blood from the corner of his mouth, a deep fear and reverence surfacing on his pale face, "Xiao, I''m really sorry, the opponent was too strong."


    Xiao Yi nodded.


    Anyone who could employ four Tao Tribulation Realm beasts to pull a chariot must indeed be powerful.


    Possibly someone from the High-Layer Tao Tribulation Realm, or even the stronger Dharma Manifestation Realm!


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath and stared at the blood-colored figure, "Who might you be, sir?"


    "Heh heh!"


    The middle-aged man in the blood-colored robe spoke in a voice that was difficult to distinguish as male or female, especially piercing, "Xiao Yi, you dared to destroy my Xue Yilou''s branch and kill my Xue Yilou branch master. Do you really not recognize who I am?"


    "A person from Xue Yilou?"


    "The blood-colored chariot... This, this is Xue Mantian, the Ninth Master of Xue Yilou!"


    "The Ninth Master? As far as I know, Xue Yilou has a total of eighteen Masters, and the weakest are at the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm. And this Ninth Master Xue Mantian, who was at the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm more than a hundred years ago, could very well be a Dharma Manifestation Realm powerhouse..." Gu Junhe''s expression in the crowd turned extremely grave.


    With his current strength, if he exerted his full power, he could indeed contend with an ordinary Tao Tribulation Realm combatant.


    But facing the Dharma Manifestation Realm...


    Let alone being an adversary, he wouldn''t even have the courage to engage in battle!


    In the Dharma Manifestation Realm, one''s lifespan exceeded a thousand years.


    Unlike the Calamity Realm where one could borrow some of the world''s power, the Dharma Manifestation Realm had already mastered most of that power.


    A breath could call forth gales and storms.


    A stomp was like a dragon turning over beneath the earth!


    Unimaginably terrifying!


    "This is troublesome..." Gu Junhe''s face showed a look of anxiety.


    Zhou Yuan''s face, however, revealed hysterical madness as he laughed proudly, "Hahaha, Xiao Yi, the heavens want to destroy you! With Xue Mantian himself descending, no matter how a hundredfold or a thousandfold stronger your talent is, you''re no match for him. You''re doomed, hahaha, the last laugh will still be mine..."


    "Shut up!"


    Xiao Yi swung his sword backhand and sliced off Zhou Yuan''s jaw clean.


    Blood spurted uncontrollably from his mouth.


    Zhou Yuan howled miserably.


    But Xiao Yi no longer paid any attention to Zhou Yuan, his furious gaze fixed on Xue Mantian, "Xue Mantian, it was I who destroyed your Xue Yilou branch and killed your branch master. It has nothing to do with Qingzhu. Let Qingzhu go, and direct your issues at me!"


    "Irrelevant to her?"


    Xue Mantian laughed mockingly, speaking slowly and deliberately, "You dared to provoke my Xue Yilou, so your relatives, friends... anyone related to you, must all die. Do you think she can escape?"


    His pale, slender finger reached toward Fang Qingzhu''s face.


    Fang Qingzhu turned her head defiantly to avoid Xue Mantian''s finger, looking toward Xiao Yi with tears in her eyes, "Brother Xiao Yi, don''t worry about me... Leave, get away..."


    "Qingzhu... I won''t let anyone hurt you..." Xiao Yi clenched his fists tightly, his teeth grinding with a grating sound, he roared.


    Tears fell unstoppably from Fang Qingzhu''s face as she staunchly shook her head, "No... Brother Xiao Yi, you''ve already sacrificed too much for me. Ever since I''ve been with you, I have been your burden... I don''t want to burden you anymore, even if it means death, I won''t bear to see you sacrifice for me... Brother Xiao Yi, being with you these days, becoming your wife... I have no regrets in dying!"


    "Qingzhu, Fang Qingzhu... what are you doing?" Xiao Yi suddenly felt an intense unease, his eyes turning fierce as he roared.


    Fang Qingzhu gave him a bright smile.


    Her white teeth contrasted sharply against her pale face.


    Her eyes, brimming with tears, carried a resolute hue.


    Fang Qingzhu suddenly turned her head back, opening her mouth to bite at the palm of Xue Mantian fiercely.


    "Seeking death!"


    A cold light flashed through Xue Mantian''s eyes. He was of the Dharma Manifestation Realm, how could he possibly be bitten by Fang Qingzhu?


    With a slight tremor of his hand, a muffled ''thump'' echoed, and Fang Qingzhu trembled all over. Both of her shoulder bones were shattered by the impact. The chains binding her arms broke as well, one could only imagine how terrifying Xue Mantian''s palm strike was!


    Splat!


    Blood spurted wildly from Fang Qingzhu''s mouth, her complexion turning even paler, her breath as thin as a thread.


    "Lowly ants, dare to try and harm my body? Die!"


    Xue Mantian fiercely swung his hand.


    Whoosh!


    Fang Qingzhu was flung high into the air, tossed toward the four flying Heavenly Demons.


    Roar!


    The four flying Heavenly Demons'' eyes radiated a brutal light, showing their teeth and lunging for Fang Qingzhu to bite and tear.


    These were beasts comparable to a warrior of the Tao Tribulation Realm!


    Let alone Fang Qingzhu, who was only of Spiritual Realm Cultivation, even a common warrior of the Tao Tribulation Realm, once caught in their bite, would either be severely injured or become a feast in their mouths!


    "No..."


    In the nick of time,


    Xiao Yi erupted with unprecedented speed, rushing in front of Fang Qingzhu with a bang, grasping her and throwing her towards the crowd, "Dean..."


    Whoosh!


    Gu Junhe burst out from the crowd with a flash.


    Catching Fang Qingzhu in his arms.


    Simultaneously...


    The four flying Heavenly Demons, having lost their target, turned their razor-sharp fangs towards Xiao Yi.


    "Get lost!"


    Xiao Yi was surging with energy, but against the four Heavenly Demons as strong as the warriors of the Tao Tribulation Realm, these energy barriers were ineffective.


    Amidst a succession of crackling sounds, the energy shields burst one after another, and sharp fangs pierced through his back.


    Blood sprayed wildly.


    Xiao Yi fell like a shooting star, crashing to the ground with a loud bang.


    The entire Royal Martial Arts Academy trembled violently.


    Within the enormous crater, dust roiled, and cracks spread across the ground like a spiderweb.


    "Xiao Yi brother..."


    Fang Qingzhu''s eyes were wide with rage, struggling wildly.


    Gu Junhe held on tight to her hands, "Don''t go over there... going now is suicide..."


    "No... Even if it''s death, I want to be with Xiao Yi brother..."


    Fang Qingzhu exhausted all her strength struggling, the chains on her shoulders clanging noisily, her flesh torn and blurred, blood gushing like a fountain. Her pale face was filled with worry and despair; after all, those were four beasts as strong as warriors of the Tao Tribulation Realm!


    Xiao Yi had resisted the attacks of the four mighty beasts; despite his incredibly strong body,


    he was now gravely injured and might even be in danger of losing his life.


    Her hands, under Gu Junhe''s restraint, were torn open, blood dripping down.


    At this moment, the only thought in Fang Qingzhu''s mind was to rush to Xiao Yi''s side, "Let go, let go..."


    Despair and hope intermingled, overflowing her mind.


    Despair over Xiao Yi''s injuries.


    Hope that Xiao Yi could stand back up.


    Rustle, rustle...


    The disordered sound of falling gravel was heard as Xiao Yi shakily climbed out of the pit, his body swaying as he knelt on the ground, bracing himself with his hands, spewing blood violently. After a moment, he slowly recovered, wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, staggeringly stood up, and raised his head to look at Fang Qingzhu. His mouth full of white teeth stained with blood, he managed to squeeze out a bright smile, "Qingzhu... I''m alright..."


    Fang Qingzhu, eyes wide with anguish, watched the unsteady Xiao Yi and cried out in heart-wrenching pain, "Xiao Yi brother..."


    High above,


    Xue Mantian raised an eyebrow and sneered, shaking his head, "Lowly ants love to play out these melodramas of parting and death. Xiao Yi, if you kneel and become my blood slave, I can spare you and that girl from death!" Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Ha... hahaha... hahahaha..."


    Xiao Yi laughed uproariously, his blood boiling as a reddish fog surrounded him. Blood-red light pulsed from his eyes, "Kneel my ass!"

 Chapter 131 Fight! Fight! Fight!

    "Kneel before your fucking mother!"Xiao Yi''s body surged with blood, a thick layer of blood mist covering him.


    His entire frame radiated a profoundly potent blood qi, the very essence of the Blood Explosion Skill, which burnt up fifty percent of his fresh blood to boost his power fivefold.


    "Hmm?"


    Xue Mantian couldn''t help but straighten his posture, his eyebrows sharp like swords twitched lightly, his expression amused, "Burning qi-blood to enhance strength in such a short time? This increase is stronger than my Xue Yilou''s ''Blood Demon Great Skill''? An interesting little fellow!"


    He remained lazily leaned against the palanquin.


    With his status as the ninth floor master of Xue Yilou, not even the rulers of the hundred subordinate countries under the Great Qian Dynasty could make him take notice.


    If Xue Mantian wasn''t just passing through Tianqing Kingdom, he would not have made a move himself.


    "It''s rare to come across such an interesting little fellow..."


    Xue Mantian''s face was full of amusement as he looked on as if watching a jumping clown, and with a light flick of his finger said, "Number Four, go play with him!"


    "Yes, Master!"


    Among the four Winged Demon Tigers, the one at the end, capable of human speech, broke free from its shackles.


    With a flap of its wings, it soared towards Xiao Yi.


    The other three Winged Demon Tigers looked at each other, envy in their eyes: "Master indeed favors Number Four more; such a tasty little fellow is a treat for him!"


    "Don''t worry, Number Four won''t enjoy him all by himself; he''ll at least leave us a leg each!"


    Xue Mantian leaned back on the palanquin, spoke calmly and deliberately, "Don''t rush... Xiao Yi''s wife and his brothers are still here, aren''t they? Even if we can''t eat Xiao Yi, eating them is also possible!"


    "Master is wise!"


    The three Winged Demon Tigers said in unison. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Meanwhile...


    Number Four had already flown in front of Xiao Yi, its giant paw swiping down at him.


    Once mature, a Winged Demon Tiger is a fifth-order high-level beast, comparable to the peak of the Golden Core Realm. These four Winged Demon Tigers, nurtured by Xue Mantian, had grown into sixth-order beasts. Their combat strength matched the Tao Tribulation Realm, and Number Four''s power was about equal to a fighter at the Second Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    The tiger paw tore through the sky, borrowing the world''s power, drawing gusts of fierce wind.


    The howling wind swirled about.


    In an instant...


    It came crashing down towards Xiao Yi''s head.


    Xiao Yi''s body glowed with blood; even before using the Blood Explosion Skill, he could match a fighter from the Tao Tribulation Realm. Now, with five times the speed and strength, he was comparable to someone in the Third Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    "Nine Swords as One!"


    The Fire Qilin Sword burst into fiery light, a crimson sword beam sweeping across the incoming storm.


    With a thunderous boom,


    The storm shattered explosively.


    "Vajra Subdues Demons!"


    With a heavy punch, he struck down at Number Four, who reacted very quickly, twisting its body, and its tail swept at Xiao Yi.


    There''s an old saying that one must never touch a tiger''s butt!


    And it was precisely because of this tail!


    As the tiger''s tail swept over, its force was akin to a dragon''s tail lash.


    Thud!


    His iron fist landed heavily on the tiger''s tail.


    The savage force nearly swept Xiao Yi away, but in the moment he was about to be thrown off, he reached out with an open hand and snatched the oncoming tail, while the Fire Qilin Sword sliced upward from below.


    Spurt!


    In a flash of blood, Number Four''s tail was severed.


    Howl...


    Number Four let out a miserable cry.


    Losing its balance due to the loss of its tail, it staggered, and Xiao Yi seized the opportunity. The Fire Qilin Sword stabbed towards the exposed rear of the tiger.


    "How dare you¡­ Stop!" Xue Mantian on the palanquin showed his true concern for the first time, his face murderous, bellowing with sky-shaking rage.


    "Stop your fucking grandfather..."


    Xiao Yi snorted coldly, his longsword not hesitating for a moment!


    Spurt!


    Amidst the sound of flesh and blood churning, Xiao Yi''s Fire Qilin Sword pierced into Number Four''s rear, and a mass of minced flesh and innards sprayed out from its mouth.


    Boom!


    The massive body of the Winged Demon Tiger dropped to the ground. Explore more adventures at empire


    The Winged Demon Tiger, a match for the Tao Tribulation Realm, thus died by the blade of Xiao Yi.


    "Evil beast, didn''t you hear me when I told you to stop?" Xue Mantian roared ferociously, his heart bleeding inside. To nurture these four Tao Tribulation Realm Winged Demon Tigers, he had spent untold resources, raising them from the time they couldn''t even open their eyes. Xue Mantian had no children, so he considered these four Winged Demon Tigers as his own kin!


    But now...


    The beloved youngest, the one he cherished most, had actually died at the hands of Xiao Yi, whom he had never taken seriously.


    "Youngest brother..."


    "Master, let us tear that little bastard apart..."


    The three Sky Demon Tigers twisted their bodies in madness, emitting wave after wave of earth-shaking roars.


    Xue Mantian''s face darkened, "Kill him for me!"


    Roar!


    Roar!


    Roar!


    The three Sky Demon Tigers broke free from their shackles and lunged at Xiao Yi.


    These were three beings of the Tao Tribulation Realm!


    Especially the largest Sky Demon Tiger, which was comparable to a sixth-order high-level demon beast at the Seventh Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm. Facing the onslaught of the three Sky Demon Tigers, even Xiao Yi, who had burned fifty percent of his blood, was forced to retreat step by step.


    Claws and fangs left ferocious wounds all over his body.


    Blood covered his entire body.


    "Tear him to shreds!"


    "Avenge our youngest brother!"


    The eyes of the three Sky Demon Tigers gleamed coldly as they encircled Xiao Yi, watching him with covetous eyes.


    "Dean... please let me go, I want to help Xiao Yi..." Fang Qingzhu cried with stubborn tears streaming down her face.


    Gu Junhe took a deep breath and said firmly, "Enough, I''ll go!"


    Whoosh!


    Gu Junhe flashed by and landed in front of Xiao Yi.


    "Dean..." Xiao Yi blinked in surprise.


    "You are a disciple of the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, and I, as the dean, cannot stand idly by and watch you be bullied," he said.


    Gu Junhe squinted at Xue Mantian and declared loudly, "Tianqi Martial Arts Academy Dean Gu Junhe, I request to fight!"


    Xue Mantian''s face was indifferent as he waved his hand dismissively, "Kill!"


    From beginning to end.


    He never spared Gu Junhe a glance for a moment, for to him, anyone below the Dharma Manifestation Realm simply wasn''t worth noticing.


    "Jiang Tai, the seventh prince of the Tianqing Kingdom, requests to do battle!"


    Jiang Tai leaped into the air, standing shoulder to shoulder with Xiao Yi.


    "Damn it, I can''t just watch this anymore!"


    "Is the Dharma Manifestation Realm so great? Are you saying that my Tianqing Kingdom has no one else?"


    "Brothers, let''s go together and show them that the Tianqing Kingdom has no cowards..."


    One by one, the strong warriors came forward.


    In no time at all.


    More than a thousand people had already gathered around Xiao Yi, many of whom had come just for the spectacle, but now all stood by Xiao Yi''s side.


    It was because in their hearts, Xiao Yi was one of them, a person of the Tianqing Kingdom.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Amidst the thunderous noise, a black cavalry, like a steel torrent, came swarming in. Leading them was Li Qing, "The Black Dragon Cavalry of the Tianqing Kingdom, requesting to join the battle!"


    In the void.


    Several figures stepped through the air.


    At the forefront stood a man in a yellow robe with his hands behind his back, Jiang Tianchen. He wore a purple crown and was expressionless, "Xiao Yi is our National Protection Martial King of the Tianqing Kingdom. The Tianqing Kingdom stands or falls with him! Whoever wishes to harm him, the Tianqing Kingdom will fight to the last, even if it means bringing the country to its knees!"


    Xiao Yi watched as more and more powerful people gathered by his side.


    His blood boiled inside him.


    This feeling was unprecedented.


    Before this...


    He felt no sense of belonging to the Tianqing Kingdom, but now, as countless citizens of the Tianqing Kingdom, the Black Dragon Army, the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, and the royal presence represented by Jiang Tianchen all stood with him, he felt an unparalleled sense of emotion.


    This was the sense of belonging!


    This was home!


    Whew!


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath and with a loud exhalation, he raised his longsword to the sky, "Battle!"


    The voices of the people around him merged into a torrent of sound, thundering in unison, "Battle!"


    "Battle!"


    Battle...

 Chapter 132 Tragic

    "A bunch of ants dares to defy the Azure Dragon?"Xue Mantian still lounged lazily atop the carriage.


    With his strength, even if the Tianqing Kingdom mobilized their entire nation, he would not take them seriously.


    Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    Commanding the laws of heaven and earth, possessing the power to reach the heavens!


    A casual wave could summon fierce winds, a shouted command could call down thunder.


    Such a being would not fear thousands of troops and horses even in the face of an army; moreover, his back was supported by the mighty Xue Yilou, and behind Xue Yilou stood a great figure from the Great Qian Dynasty.


    Even annihilating the Tianqing Kingdom would at most earn Xue Mantian a scolding.


    "Ada, whoever dares to hinder your killing of Xiao Yi, kill them all!" Xue Mantian said indifferently.


    "Yes, master!"


    Three flying Heavenly Demon Tigers were surrounded by a floating black aura, a black halo enveloped their forms, and their two pitch-black wings flapped vigorously, as if surrounded by divine light. Their massive bodies soared with a leap and crashed down with force.


    Like three giant black beasts, they charged toward Xiao Yi and the others.


    Jiang Tianchen, dressed in royal robes and wearing a purple jade crown, drew the gold-inlaid longsword from his waist. "Subjects of the Tianqing Kingdom, follow your king into battle!"


    "Black Dragon Cavalry, kill!"


    "Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, kill!"


    "King Tieshan''s forces, kill!"


    "Kill..."


    More and more powerhouses from the crowd surged toward the three great flying Heavenly Demon Tigers.


    Although Jiang Tianchen was only at the peak of the Golden Core Realm, the sword in his hand was a high-grade, fifth-level famous sword, which legend claimed was forged from the spine of a peak Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouse, a sword of an emperor.


    The sword''s edge broke through the air, the sky dyed a uniform color.


    This enabled Jiang Tianchen to wield combat power comparable to the First Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    With the help of the Black Dragon Cavalry and others, they managed to barely entangle the youngest of the flying Heavenly Demon Tigers.


    Discover exclusive content at empire


    A key pillar of the royal house, clad in black robes.


    Always hidden in the shadows, the royal ancestor Jiang Wei, with his invincible power at the Fourth Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm, blocked the leader of the tigers, whose strength was comparable to the Seventh Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm, alone.


    The second of the flying Heavenly Demon Tigers charged toward Xiao Yi.


    Gu Junhe, Jiang Tai, Yue Cang, and others assisted Xiao Yi, facing the formidable flying Heavenly Demon Tiger without the slightest negligence. Xiao Yi, with a bloody light flowing around him, took the lead in the offense.


    Gu Junhe and Jiang Tai, among others, provided support.


    Facing the siege of the crowd.


    The second tiger''s face was full of ferocity and rage, amidst thunderous roars, its claws, sharp as scythes, swatted away Jiang Tai, tearing open his chest.


    Blood gushed like a fountain.


    "Monster, you''re courting death!"


    Gu Junhe, enraged, swung a three-meter-long sledgehammer down fiercely.


    The third tiger snorted coldly and swung its tail fiercely!


    Crack!


    Tremendous force sent Gu Junhe flying into the air, and at the same time, with a thrust of its head, it roared like thunder. Terrifying sound waves rolled forth, aimed directly at Gu Junhe in midair. Xiao Yi switched his hand seals, and pure Yuan Qi converged into a circular shield.


    The circular Yuan Qi shield spread across the sky, blocking the rolling sound waves.


    Boom!


    In a thunderous explosion.


    The Yuan Qi shield shattered.


    Gu Junhe fell from the sky, his body like a sword, piercing the heavens, and a sharp sword light slashed down with a swish.


    "Roar!"


    The third tiger''s wings curled around its body in a swift roll.


    The fierce sword strike landed heavily on the wings.


    Rumble!


    The highly concentrated Yuan Qi sword light exploded, triggering a terrifying energy storm that slammed the third tiger violently into the ground. Blood and tattered wings flew in all directions; nearby, Jiang Tai, who had just stopped his bleeding, showed a trace of ecstatic joy on his face: "Did we succeed?"


    Gu Junhe also quietly breathed a sigh of relief.


    However, Xiao Yi''s face suddenly changed, and he pushed Gu Junhe beside him away with a palm.


    Whoosh!


    Caught off guard, Gu Junhe was pushed away dozens of meters by Xiao Yi.


    "Xiao Yi, what are you..."


    Just as Gu Junhe opened his mouth, he saw a tiger tail that was tens of meters long fiercely lash down on the spot where he had just been standing. The tiger tail swept up the building Gu Junhe had been standing in front of, wrapping around it and flinging it away with a violent twist.


    Boom!


    The building, over ten meters high, was crushed into smithereens.


    Whoosh!


    Amidst the rising dust, Lao San''s massive figure shot out like an arrow released from a bow, appearing instantly in front of Xiao Yi. Xiao Yi had just pushed Gu Junhe away and was too late to dodge.


    In a moment of life and death,


    Xiao Yi swiftly turned around, presenting his back to Lao San.


    Roar!


    Lao San''s sharp claws struck Xiao Yi''s back fiercely, blood spraying wildly, leaving three vicious claw marks on Xiao Yi''s back, deep enough to see the bone. His body was sent flying with the impact.


    With a thunderous noise, Xiao Yi crashed into a cluster of buildings below.


    Rumble!


    Plowing through, one building after another collapsed.


    After smashing through six buildings, Xiao Yi finally came to a stop, the blood light surging around his body gradually dimming.


    Roar!


    Lao San flapped its wings and dived, disappearing into the rubble, then shot up into the sky once more, lifting a pile of debris.


    It had Xiao Yi in its mouth. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The sharp fangs pierced through half of Xiao Yi''s body.


    "Xiao Yi..."


    "Let him go..."


    Gu Junhe and the others tried to intervene but were entangled to death by the other two flying Heavenly Tigers.


    Roar!


    Lao San took to the air again, attempting to carry Xiao Yi up high and then drop him.


    But just at that moment,


    A purple whip shadow tore through the air, and with a smack, it coiled around its neck.


    The person who took action was Fang Qingzhu!


    Gu Junhe had unlocked her pipa lock, and now that she had regained some strength, her Purple Dragon Whip wound around Lao San''s neck. Clenching the Purple Cloud Whip tightly in both hands, she tried to stop it from rising, "Let go of my Xiao Yi brother..."


    "A mere ant dares to stop me?"


    Lao San flew into a rage, advancing instead of retreating, instantly closing the distance with Fang Qingzhu.


    Its sharp claws swept down towards Fang Qingzhu''s head.


    "Qingzhu... dodge..." Xiao Yi''s eyes were wide with desperation.


    Thump!


    Fang Qingzhu was sent flying, spewing fresh blood, her life force growing increasingly weak.


    "Wretched ant!"


    Lao San snorted disdainfully and took to the air once more.


    But just as it started to fly, the whip around its neck tightened fiercely, and with a bang, it was yanked forcefully back to the ground. Fang Qingzhu, trembling and unsteady on her feet, wrapped the Purple Dragon Whip around her waist.


    She held on firmly.


    "Qingzhu... let go... hurry and let go..." Xiao Yi felt Lao San''s intense murderous intent and struggled frantically with his exhausted body.


    "No... absolutely not..."


    Fang Qingzhu clenched her teeth, blood spilling from the corners of her mouth, appearing oblivious to the pain, as she stared down the flying Heavenly Tiger, "Xiao Yi brother, you''ve always been the one protecting me. Today, it''s my turn to protect you! Nobody is going to take you away from me, nobody..."


    "If you refuse to let go, then die!"


    Lao San held its head high, tossing Xiao Yi up into the air, and with a swift move, caught Xiao Yi in its claw.


    At the same time, it opened its gaping maw, lunging to tear apart Fang Qingzhu.


    The breath of death instantly shrouded Fang Qingzhu...

 Chapter 133 Tragic

    Death seemed to transform into a massive hand that shrouded Fang Qingzhu beneath its palm.Darkness, despair, and coldness came from all directions, like walls of despairing boulders, pressing down on the hearts of Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhu.


    Once bitten by the third beast,


    It would certainly mean certain death.


    "No¡­ no¡­"


    Xiao Yi suddenly erupted in a thunderous roar, and the blood light that enveloped him erupted like a volcano, surging tumultuously. Waves of terrifying blood-red energy swept across, fully activating the Blood Explosion Skill to its limit.


    All of his blood!


    Xiao Yi had actually burned all the blood in his body.


    This was a mad, suicidal move.


    But for Fang Qingzhu¡­


    Xiao Yi had no choice!


    With a tenfold increase in strength and speed, Xiao Yi managed to pull his hands free, violently grabbing the third beast''s two tiger claws.


    Then, he twisted them outwards.


    Pop, pop!


    Two streams of blood burst forth, and Xiao Yi forcefully snapped off the tiger claws, causing the third beast to howl in agony and its body to tremble violently. The saying ''every finger feeling the heart''s pain'' wasn''t just about humans; it applied to beasts just as well.


    At the moment the tiger claws were snapped off, the third beast''s body also came to a sudden halt.


    Xiao Yi grabbed the beast''s sharp claws with both hands and, with a crack, brutally broke them, blood dripping over the jagged white bones.


    The intense pain made the third beast''s expression savage as it howled: "Human, go to hell!"


    Its sharp fangs turned viciously towards Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi''s body flickered as he flipped onto the third beast''s back, tightly grasping its ear with his left hand. Meanwhile, his right hand formed into a fist, and amidst swirling red energy, he pummeled the beast''s head with punch after punch.


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    No matter how sturdy the third beast''s skull was, under Xiao Yi''s iron fists, blood surged.


    "Oww¡­"


    The third beast shrieked repeatedly.


    Trying to use its tail, claws, and even wild thrashing to throw Xiao Yi off its back.


    But Xiao Yi just kept ripping out its fur by the handful, bloody skin, flesh, and hair tearing away inch by inch. He had burned too much blood, and his consciousness grew increasingly blurry.


    He suddenly opened his mouth wide and bit down hard on the beast''s neck.


    Ow¡­


    The third beast''s body shuddered, trembling and struggling even more frantically.


    Xiao Yi instinctively kept devouring the blood in the beast''s body, the gulping noises making the third beast feel like the grim reaper was beckoning: "Save me¡­ Big brother, second brother¡­ my master¡­"


    "Third brother¡­"


    "Damn you, let go of the third¡­"


    The eldest and the second Flying Heavenly Demon Tigers changed color in shock, never expecting the seemingly victorious third beast to fall into such wretchedness.


    But as they wanted to intervene to help the third beast, Jiang Tianchen and the others held them tightly in place.


    Preventing them from freeing themselves to help.


    Stay updated with empire


    In the moment of life and death.


    Xue Mantian suddenly snorted coldly, his face turning iron blue: "Useless wastes, struggling against such trash, yet they still require my personal intervention?"


    Whoosh!


    Xue Mantian pointed a finger.


    Hum!


    That finger, compressed with pure energy, instantly turned into a streak of light, shooting straight towards Xiao Yi.


    "Xiao Yi, be careful¡­"


    Seeing this, Fang Qingzhu''s face changed dramatically as she stretched out her arms and threw herself in front of Xiao Yi.


    Boom!


    The blood-colored pillar instantly engulfed Fang Qingzhu. Amidst a loud noise, her body trembled, and blood sprayed from her mouth, splattering all over Xiao Yi''s face.


    The nearly unconscious Xiao Yi jolted as his eyes regained some lucidity.


    In that instant of clarity.


    Xiao Yi saw Fang Qingzhu spewing blood, struck by the pillar and flung away, her familiar figure flying horizontally before him, with her scalding blood landing on his face.


    "No, no¡­"


    Xiao Yi''s hoarse voice let out a desperate roar.


    He unleashed his final power.


    With a sudden reach of his right hand, his vital energy surged like a spring, turning into a ribbon that coiled around Fang Qingzhu''s waist, pulling her into his embrace. At the same time, his left hand reached out, and the Fire Qilin Sword, belching red flames, flew back from afar.


    Man and sword as one!


    "Die!"


    Hum!


    A sword slashed down, heavily landing atop the head of the third brother.


    Splat...


    Blood sprayed in the air.


    The massive head of the third brother of the Flying Heavenly Demon Tigers was directly cleaved off by Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi, holding Fang Qingzhu, tumbled to the ground, rolling over several tens of meters, desperately protecting her. Struggling to maintain his will, he looked at Fang Qingzhu in his arms,"Qing, Qingzhu... are, are you okay?"


    "Xiao, Xiao Yi..." Fang Qingzhu, with trembling hands, tried to wipe the blood from the corner of Xiao Yi''s mouth.


    But no matter how hard she tried, she just couldn''t reach Xiao Yi.


    Her injuries were simply too severe!


    Xiao Yi felt the life force within him continuously slipping away, and memories of his life filled his mind.


    Before he was eight, although not valued by his family, at least he had his mother.


    Then he was imprisoned for ten years.


    During those ten years, he saw neither sun nor moon.


    Even his mother left him.


    It wasn''t until he was sent to the Fang Family by his father and elder brother, reduced to a lowly son-in-law, that he met Fang Qingzhu.


    Aside from his mother, she was the first person who truly cared for him, who entered his heart.


    But now...


    "I''m sorry... I, I couldn''t fulfill my promise, couldn''t protect you..." As Xiao Yi spoke, fresh blood uncontrollably flowed out.


    "Xiao Yi, meeting you has been the most fortunate thing in my life!" Fang Qingzhu said with a smile, shaking her head, but the bloodied pale face made one feel even more heartbroken.


    "What a pathetic couple, full of love, but alas, you have actually caused the death of my war beast, you all must die!"


    Xue Mantian''s voice suddenly resonated in their ears.


    Xue Mantian was seen striding through the sky, with a cold and gloomy face, reaching out with both hands.


    "Don''t even think about harming my students from Tianqi Martial Arts Academy!"


    "Are my people of Tianqing Kingdom something you can kill at will?" S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Gu Junhe, Jiang Tianchen, and an elder from the Jiang Family all made their moves.


    Two figures, comparable to the Tao Tribulation Realm, along with the elder from the Jiang Family, withstood Xue Mantian''s earth-shattering blow.


    But the expressions of the three were extremely ugly.


    Xue Mantian squinted, "A bunch of ants dare to block my path? Die!"


    Hum!


    Xue Mantian pointed his finger to the sky.


    Countless vital energy surged like an ocean, gathered into a huge, cold finger, and with a loud boom, shot towards the group.


    The elder from the Jiang Family, surrounded by dragon shadows, cried out, "Tianqing''s protection!"


    Roar!


    Numerous vital energy formed into a dragon shadow, spanning in front of everyone, but against Xue Mantian''s attack, the Azure Dragon illusion only paused for a moment before shattering into pieces. With a loud bang, the elder from the Jiang Family was sent flying.


    Blood spurted from his mouth, his breath weak as a thread.


    Xue Mantian, surrounded by a flow of blood energy, commanded, "Kill!"


    The leader and second brother of the Flying Heavenly Demon Tigers transformed into demon gods, leaving behind a trail of decapitated heads and rivers of blood wherever they went.


    Jiang Tai was bitten on the arm by a Flying Heavenly Demon Tiger, ripping the limb clean off.


    Niu Dali''s abdomen was pierced by the sharp claws of the tiger.


    Even the four brothers from the Shi Family, uniting their strength, were still blown away with a palm strike, their bones completely shattered.


    The Black Dragon Cavalry under Li Qing''s command, despite their formidable power against the Tao Tribulation Realm''s monstrous beasts, were smashed to pieces. Li Qing himself was impaled atop his steed.


    Tragic!


    Bloody!


    Watching helplessly as one powerful being after another died in front of him to protect him, Xiao Yi''s eyes were completely stained red with blood.


    "Feels quite desperate and helpless, doesn''t it?"


    Xue Mantian''s voice echoed in his ears as he walked on air, easily knocking away any strong being who dared to block him. With a ferocious laugh, he reached out towards Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhu, "This is the fate of those who provoke Xue Yilou!"

 Chapter 134 Frozen for Thousands of Miles

    ```Whoosh!


    The cold vital energy surged mightily.


    The terrifying pressure made it impossible for Xiao Yi and his companion to resist, capturing them into the air from afar.


    Xue Mantian swept his icy gaze over the two of them, "Your love for each other is truly touching. Therefore, I''ve decided... after you die, I will dismember your bodies, feed one to the eagles in the sky, and throw the other into the river to feed the fishes. Even in death, you shall be separated by heaven and earth, never to meet again!"


    "Xue! Mantian!"


    Xiao Yi''s eyes were blood red as he stared daggers at Xue Mantian, as if to etch every bit of him into the depths of his soul.


    No words of hatred, no oaths of vengeance.


    At this moment...


    Hatred had reached its peak.


    If he could survive, he would surely seek his revenge!


    "Brother Xiao Yi, if you become a fish, then I''ll transform into an osprey... If you are an osprey, I''ll become the flying fish, and in the end, we will meet again..." Fang Qingzhu''s pale face suddenly revealed a radiant smile, and her tender voice was filled with unwavering determination.


    Xiao Yi trembled all over and nodded heavily towards Fang Qingzhu.


    "Hmph, whether you die together is not up to you to decide!"


    Xue Mantian sneered, "I shall slaughter Xiao Yi first, and then I will keep this damsel well for a hundred and eighty years. After Xiao Yi''s soul has utterly dispersed, then I will kill you, and I want to see how you''ll continue your affair with the osprey then!"


    Buzz!


    A stream of blood shot towards Xiao Yi.


    In that moment between life and death...


    Suddenly, a spotless blue light appeared between heaven and earth.


    In an instant, the world seemed to transform into a snowy domain, and the cold blood arrow was covered with a thick layer of ice amidst the clicking sounds. Just a finger''s width away from Xiao Yi''s forehead, the blood arrow was completely frozen.


    "Hm? What''s going on?"


    Xue Mantian''s expression changed.


    At the same time.


    The temperature between heaven and earth dropped dozens of degrees in an instant, and the wind blowing in the air contained slivers of icy blue coldness. The touch on one''s face was like the scrape of an ice blade, threatening to slit the skin at any moment.


    In the flowing cold wind.


    Snow began to drift down!


    Amidst the big flurry-like snow.


    Flashes of blue light, which were faintly visible, became brighter and more mysterious.


    "This, this is..."


    Everyone''s gaze turned uniformly towards the blue light, which was gathering around Fang Qingzhu.


    She was enveloped in a layer of blue light, which turned her long hair into an icy blue color, and her long eyelashes trembled slightly, seemingly covered with frost. Within her brows, a strange ice-blue rune flickered in and out of view.


    Behind her...


    There emerged a massive ice-blue Phantom Phoenix, poised to strike. Enjoy more content from empire


    The moment that ice-blue Phantom Phoenix materialized, everything around Fang Qingzhu turned to ice.


    Even the vital energy that Xue Mantian used to bind her was instantly frozen.


    Crack, crack, crack!


    The frost spread along the vital energy relentlessly, forming an ice pillar heading straight for Xue Mantian. Startled, Xue Mantian''s hand trembled violently, cutting off the flow of vital energy, nearly at the moment the energy flow was severed.


    The frost had already reached the column of vital energy.


    The intense chill even caused Xue Mantian''s palm to become covered with frost.


    Hiss!


    Xue Mantian drew a sharp breath, disbelieving as he looked at Fang Qingzhu, who resembled an ice fairy, "What, what is this?"


    "Is that Fang Qingzhu?"


    "Is that the same ice-blue phoenix again? When the assassin from Blood Shadow Tower came to Tianqi Martial Arts Academy previously, it was Sister Qingzhu who summoned this ice-blue phoenix and saved us..."


    "Could it be her Innate Divine Ability? But I''ve never heard of such a Divine Skill..."


    The crowd looked at each other in disbelief.


    Fang Qingzhu looked emotionless at Xue Mantian: "Let him go!"


    "Pretending to be a ghost..."


    Xue Mantian let out a cold laugh, and with a wave of his hand, a torrent of vital energy surged out, "Asura Great Palm Imprint!"


    Buzz!


    A blood-red palm, mountainous in size, loomed over Fang Qingzhu.


    Facing this blood-red palm.


    Fang Qingzhu just snorted coldly, and the ice-blue Phoenix behind her flapped its wings and flew right into the palm. Amidst the cracking sounds, the giant palm, forged entirely from vital energy, instantly turned into an ice sculpture shaped like a palm.


    In a burst of crackling sounds, it shattered into shards of ice that filled the sky.


    "This..."


    Xue Mantian''s expression changed dramatically.


    That strike was powerful enough to kill an ordinary practitioner of the Tao Tribulation Realm, and yet Fang Qingzhu, who was merely at the Peak of the Divine Ability Realm, could so easily destroy it?


    This was something he had never heard of!


    ```


    Fang Qingzhu''s slender palm reached out towards Xiao Yi, and a beam of ice sliced through the air, freezing everything it touched. The elemental energy that restrained Xiao Yi also shattered, accompanied by a howling chill wind.


    Within the raging wind, snowflakes danced.


    All was turned to a powdery dust.


    An ice-blue phoenix scooped up Xiao Yi and flew back to Fang Qingzhu''s side, her face growing ever more pale, a trace of tenderness flashing in her eyes.


    "Qingzhu, you..." Xiao Yi looked at her with a complex expression.


    Fang Qingzhu shook her head gently, "Xiao Yi, you''ve always been the one to protect me. Today, let it be my turn to protect you!"


    As soon as she spoke.


    Fang Qingzhu waved her hand, sending Xiao Yi to Gu Junhe''s side. Meanwhile, the ice-blue phoenix behind her took to the skies, transforming into a beam of blue light that soared towards Xue Mantian.


    "You''re not worthy of my master''s effort!"


    "Die!"


    The leader and the deputy of the Flying Heavenly Demon Tigers charged out together.


    These two demonic beasts had been raised by Xue Mantian from their youth and were utterly loyal to him.


    "Die!"


    Fang Qingzhu just let out a cold snort.


    The ice-blue phoenix swept past, its tail elongated with swirling frost and snow, passing through the void. The two enormous Flying Heavenly Demon Tigers continuously accumulated thick layers of frost on their bodies.


    In the blink of an eye.


    They had turned into two ice sculptures.


    Boom! Boom!


    Two beasts, comparable to the sixth rank of the Tao Tribulation Realm, fell from the sky and smashed heavily onto the ground, shattering into broken ice.


    Hiss!


    At this moment...


    All was silent between heaven and earth.


    All eyes turned to her with shock and fear.


    With a mere flick of her wrist.


    She had slain two sixth-rank demonic beasts. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Such ability would only be found in the Dharma Manifestation Realm, wouldn''t it? But Fang Qingzhu was clearly at the Peak of the Divine Ability Realm!


    "Little beast, you dared to kill my battle pets, I''ll take your life!" Xue Mantian was furious, and as he raised his hand, the entire royal capital shook violently. The massive palace at the capital''s center was ripped from the earth by his might.


    The huge palace was held aloft in the void single-handedly by Xue Mantian.


    This was the power of a Dharma Manifestation Realm expert.


    With the slightest motion, they could harness the power of the heavens and the earth.


    "Die!"


    The enormous palace crashed down towards Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhu as Xue Mantian flicked his finger.


    Confronted with the massive palace, should it fall, a significant part of the royal capital would be destroyed.


    In this moment of life and death...


    The ice-blue phoenix behind Fang Qingzhu suddenly spread its wings and flew up, its cry like thunder from the nine heavens, shaking the sky as it soared. The blue phoenix swelled, becoming immensely large, with a wingspan of thousands of feet.


    Wherever it passed...


    The world turned into a frozen realm.


    Rumble! Rumble!


    Thunder boomed in winter, and Feng Xue fluttered.


    The entire royal capital...


    Was transformed into a realm of ice sculptures under the impact of the ice-blue phoenix, and yet the icy storm had not ceased. The blue phoenix flew past, heading straight for Xue Mantian, whose expression changed drastically as he raised his hand to block.


    But, his elemental energy couldn''t stop the blue phoenix.


    Crack! Crack!


    Amid the crisp sounds of freezing ice, Xue Mantian''s arms were frozen solid, his expression suddenly changed, and he hastily soared into the skies.


    His arms were numb and lifeless.


    If this went on...


    He might well lose his hands, and yet the ice-blue phoenix continued to chase after him, causing the prestigious Xue Mantian of the Dharma Manifestation Realm to show fear as he glared at Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhu: "You just wait... Having offended my Blood Shadow Tower, you will all die!"


    Whoosh!


    Xue Mantian shot up, disappearing into the sky.


    Over the vast royal capital...


    Beneath the giant ice sculpture of the palace, Fang Qingzhu, surrounded by ice-blue light, gazed at Xue Mantian as he disappeared into the heavens. Suddenly, she staggered, collapsing into Xiao Yi''s arms.


    The giant ice sculpture of the palace also fell from the sky, crashing to the ground with a loud bang.


    The chill covered thousands of miles!


    The people of Tianqing Kingdom looked at each other, their suspended hearts finally coming to rest, as their current crisis had been temporarily averted.


    But...


    Neither the departed Xue Mantian nor the unconscious Fang Qingzhu, nor Xiao Yi and the others knew. Just as Fang Qingzhu had fully unleashed the ice-blue phoenix, in the far north, amidst the endless snowstorm, within a massive palace, an immensely authoritative voice commanded: "Bring her back!"

 Chapter 135 The Curtain Falls

    This day was a catastrophic disaster for the capital of the Tianqing Kingdom.The palace alone, symbolizing royal dignity and supreme power, was destroyed in an instant, delivering a massive blow to the royal family of Tianqing Kingdom.


    Besides that...


    In her final outburst, Fang Qingzhu froze the entire palace into ice.


    It came crashing down.


    The razed buildings nearly covered half of the capital.


    At the very center of the capital, where the palace once stood, there was now an immense crater. It was the result of the palace being uprooted by Xue Mantian, looking from afar like a vast gaping hole.


    Inside the Royal Martial Arts Academy.


    The scene was chaotic, land everywhere scorched by war, mountains of bodies and rivers of blood.


    Amidst the ruins.


    Zhou Yuan was tightly bound and kneeling before Jiang Tianchen and others, his face twisted with ferocity and madness, "Hahaha, Xiao Yi, Jiang Tianchen... what does it matter that I have fallen into your hands? You''ve offended Xue Yilou, and you, together with the entire Tianqing Kingdom, have but one path left¡ªdeath..."


    Jiang Tianchen''s face was extremely somber.


    Xiao Yi, who stood by his side, had managed to recuperate some Qi-Blood, thanks to Fang Qingzhu''s sudden burst, which prevented his Blood Explosion Skill from completely burning away his blood.


    Even so...


    Xiao Yi was still exceedingly weak at this moment, holding Fang Qingzhu in his arms, his icy gaze fixed on Zhou Yuan, "Even if Xue Yilou doesn''t come for me, I will go after them!"


    The appearance of Xue Mantian had not only nearly brought him and Fang Qingzhu to their deaths.


    But it also resulted in the demise of Li Qing and many other powerful warriors.


    All of whom had lent a hand in the moment of crisis, aiding him.


    Xiao Yi was filled with self-reproach over their sacrifices.


    And his hatred towards Xue Yilou was equally intense.


    "Seek revenge on Xue Yilou? That''s just about the most ridiculous joke I''ve ever heard."


    Explore hidden tales at empire


    Zhou Yuan was startled, his face covered in viciousness, and sneered, "Xiao Yi, I admit your talent is strong, but Xue Yilou becoming the strongest assassin organization among the more than a hundred subordinate nations under the Great Qian Dynasty...their strength far exceeds your imagination. Someone as powerful as Xue Mantian is only one of the Nine Masters. Do you really think you can take your revenge on Xue Yilou? You''re delusional!"


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "That''s not for you to worry about anymore!"


    "Xiao Yi, what do you think should be done with him?" Jiang Tianchen looked towards Xiao Yi and asked.


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, "Kill!"


    "Alright!"


    Jiang Tianchen nodded, his cold gaze falling upon Zhou Yuan, he waved his hand, "Execute him!"


    Jiang Weisheng made his move without delay. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He brought down a palm.


    Boom!


    Zhou Yuan, the mighty head of the Royal Martial Arts Academy, was turned into a pile of flesh.


    Amongst the flesh.


    Jiang Weisheng retrieved a blood-stained Martial Dao Divine Fruit and passed it to Jiang Tianchen, "Your Majesty, this is Zhou Yuan''s Martial Dao Divine Fruit!"


    Jiang Tianchen nodded and took it.


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath, nodded to Jiang Tianchen, and said, "Your Majesty, the Tianqing Kingdom has offered support in good faith, and I, Xiao Yi, am no ingrate. As long as I draw breath, I''ll stand with the Tianqing Kingdom through thick and thin!"


    "Good, very good!"


    Jiang Tianchen let out a long sigh of relief and laughed heartily with contentment.


    For him...


    The destruction of the palace, the devastating losses to the capital, the near annihilation of the Black Dragon Cavalry, none of that compared to Xiao Yi.


    An Xiao Yi, at present, seemed immeasurably more valuable than today''s losses.


    But in Jiang Tianchen''s heart, what he valued even more was Xiao Yi''s future!


    One year''s time.


    From the Physical Body Realm, he had grown into someone who could match a fighter from the Tao Tribulation Realm, and for this very reason, Jiang Tianchen decided to intervene at the last moment. If Xiao Yi hadn''t demonstrated such formidable strength during his confrontation with Zhou Yuan,


    Jiang Tianchen certainly wouldn''t have known about Xue Mantian''s intervention and still chosen to firmly support Xiao Yi.


    It turned out he had made the right bet!


    "Xiao Yi, I have noticed that Miss Fang..." Jiang Tianchen''s worried gaze fell upon Fang Qingzhu.


    Xiao Yi shook his head; with the inheritance of the Underworld Doctor, he had already examined Fang Qingzhu''s condition and found that she had merely fainted from exhaustion without life-threatening injuries. He then said, "Qingzhu is not in any serious danger, she just needs a good rest!"


    Jiang Tianchen breathed a sigh of relief, looking at the frail Fang Qingzhu, as an image of a figure with an ice-blue phoenix behind her, spreading its wings and taking flight,


    frost sealing thousands of miles, and forcing Xue Mantian back.


    He felt that Fang Qingzhu was also hiding a great secret.


    However...


    He did not inquire further.


    Jiang Tianchen said solemnly, "Xiao Yi, once I have properly settled the Royal Capital, I will issue a royal decree to all, proclaiming you as the Martial King of Tianqing Kingdom. This time, you won''t refuse me again, right?"


    Xiao Yi replied, "I am grateful for His Majesty''s reward!"


    Jiang Tianchen smiled in satisfaction, then turned to look at Gu Junhe, whose face was pale, "Headmaster Gu, the Royal Martial Arts Academy has been destroyed, but there are still many disciples who are innocent. My Tianqing Kingdom cannot do without a Martial Arts Institute. Would your Tianqi Martial Arts Academy be willing to accept them?"


    The Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, ever since Wang Tianqi disappeared five hundred years ago, had been brutally suppressed by the Royal Martial Arts Academy.


    Now reduced to its current state, with only a few people left including Xiao Yi.


    After this battle.


    The Royal Martial Arts Academy had completely disappeared, and it was only logical for the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy to take its place.


    Although he had speculated as much, Gu Junhe still couldn''t help but feel excited, his eyes red with emotion as he nodded vigorously, "Your Majesty need not worry, I will lead the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy to cultivate even more powerful fighters!"


    "The future of our Tianqing Kingdom is in your hands!"


    Jiang Tianchen patted Gu Junhe''s shoulder, his gaze sweeping across the crowd and coming to rest on Jiang Tai.


    He had lost an arm.


    His face looked somewhat saddened at the moment.


    A ruler of a nation should be a man of perfection.


    Being physically incomplete, even with his greatest competitor, the Crown Prince, dead, he could never become the chosen heir to the throne. Yet, Jiang Tianchen merely smiled faintly, "Tai, from this day forward, you shall be the Crown Prince of Tianqing Kingdom. I hope you will not disappoint me, your father!"


    "Crown Prince? Me?"


    Jiang Tai''s face was a mix of confusion and disbelief as he looked at Jiang Tianchen.


    Jiang Tianchen nodded solemnly.


    Thud!


    Jiang Tai fell to his knees, his face filled with excitement, "I thank Your Majesty for your trust; I will do everything within my power to not let down your high esteem!"


    Xiao Yi watched the people before him, as well as the ruins of the Royal Capital.


    Yet in his eyes, he seemed to envision the great revival of the Tianqing Kingdom on the rise, clenching his fists tightly as he looked into the distance, "Xiao Tianjiao, within one year, I have already become a match for the Tao Tribulation Realm. I must be getting closer and closer to you, right?"


    However...


    Xiao Yi did not realize,


    that for him...


    for the Tianqing Kingdom...


    it was only just the beginning!


    A great storm, aimed at him and the Tianqing Kingdom, was quietly brewing...

 Chapter 136 Wedding Date

    ```Time flew by.


    A month had passed since the Royal Martial Arts Academy was destroyed.


    Over the past month, the capital had been in a state of complete reconstruction.


    The majestic royal palace was rebuilt, and with the assistance of Jiang Weisheng, the Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouse, a large mountain was moved to block the massive pit. The mountain peak was flattened, and a more imposing palace was erected.


    The capital itself had also recovered to a great extent.


    Yet, even after a month...


    The area where the Royal Martial Arts Academy once stood was still thick with the scent of blood.


    It was a place people went out of their way to avoid.


    Jiang Tianchen had originally intended to level it to the ground, but Gu Junhe suggested that the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy be built on the site instead.


    For one, it would place the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy within the capital, which would be more convenient for its disciples and members.


    Secondly, it served as a reminder to the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy not to follow in the footsteps of the Royal Martial Arts Academy.


    In response to this, Jiang Tianchen specially consulted Xiao Yi''s opinion, and with Xiao Yi''s affirmation, the site was then handed over to Gu Junhe to manage. Niu Dali and the four Shi brothers had performed exceptionally well in the recent battle and had caught the eye of Gu Junhe.


    They all took up important positions in the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, assisting Gu Junhe in restructuring it.


    The entire Tianqing Kingdom could be said to be recovering from ruin.


    And during this month...


    Xiao Yi was focused on healing his wounds and taking care of Fang Qingzhu.


    In the elegant courtyard,


    Xiao Yi was practicing his swordplay in the courtyard. Each move and each posture improved significantly with continuous practice, and his mastery of the third phase of Sword Intent, the unity of man and sword, became increasingly proficient.


    The battle had helped him accumulate experience, and Xiao Yi''s cultivation officially stepped into the Tenth Layer of the Golden Core Realm.


    The number of God Sealing Seeds in his body officially entered the ranks of fifty thousand.


    However...


    Even with fifty thousand God Sealing Seeds, Xiao Yi still was unable to open the next tomb. He had an intense premonition that to unlock the next tomb, the number of God Sealing Seeds must reach at least one hundred thousand.


    At the same time,


    Once the God Sealing Seeds reached one hundred thousand, huge changes would occur to his body.


    This feeling became more intense as Xiao Yi''s cultivation deepened.


    "Xiao Yi brother, dinner''s ready!"


    Fang Qingzhu''s voice came from behind. She and Lin Bingxin, one after the other, brought sumptuous dishes into the courtyard.


    "Coming!"


    Xiao Yi sheathed his Fire Qilin Sword, and the three sat down together.


    "Qingzhu, try this fish!"


    "Xiao Yi brother, eat more as well. I specially made this soup for you, to replenish your Qi-Blood!"


    "Qingzhu, try this..." Enjoy new adventures from empire


    Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhu served each other food, enjoying a harmonious moment.


    They completely ignored Lin Bingxin, who sat beside them with a look of grievance.


    With wide watery eyes, she watched as they served food to each other, her pupils moving left and right following their movements, and suddenly let out a long sigh, "I really shouldn''t have come to suffer this¡­"


    "Uh..."


    Xiao Yi and the other exchanged glances and then burst into laughter.


    Fang Qingzhu''s face turned red, and she glared at Xiao Yi before serving a piece of meat to Lin Bingxin, softly saying, "Bingxin, here''s some meat for you. Eat more too!"


    "It''s Qingzhu who treats me the best!"


    Lin Bingxin smiled sweetly, sending a challenging gaze towards Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi shook his head helplessly.


    ```


    Tastes surpassed only by the rich complexity of life.


    Xiao Yi put down his bowl and chopsticks and said in a deep voice, "Qingzhu, his majesty has sent a message. He''s preparing to hold my coronation ceremony in half a month, declaring to all that I shall be honored as the Martial King of the Nation. I''ve already told him that on that day, I plan to make up for our wedding!"


    "Ah?"


    Fang Qingzhu was stunned, her chopsticks falling onto the table as her face blushed, "A make-up wedding?"


    Xiao Yi nodded solemnly, "Our marriage was rushed, and I was even in a coma throughout. I owe you a grand wedding... Qingzhu, what do you think?"


    "I, I''ll listen to whatever Xiao Yi says!" Fang Qingzhu''s face was flushed as she lowered her head.


    Xiao Yi gently wrapped his arm around her shoulders.


    "Oh my, I can''t watch this anymore, I''m going to go blind, I need to wash my eyes out..."


    Lin Bingxin covered her face with an exaggerated expression, stood up, and trotted out. Behind her came Fang Qingzhu''s chiding voice: "It''s all your fault... Now Sister Bingxin has seen us and laughed..."


    Xiao Yi laughed heartily.


    But neither of them noticed that as Lin Bingxin ran, she slowed down, and between the fingers covering her face, a crystal-clear tear rolled down.


    She raised her hand to wipe away the tear from the corner of her eye.


    Lin Bingxin turned back to look at the courtyard not far away, a stubborn look on her face as she murmured to herself, "As long as they''re happy, that''s what matters, right?"


    The next day.


    The people from the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy and the royal family all received the news.


    Half a month from now, Xiao Yi would be coronated as the Martial King of the Nation and would hold his wedding with Fang Qingzhu. This wedding would be unprecedented in its grandeur, its scale even comparable to that of the king''s own wedding to the queen.


    KIng Jiang Tianchen of the present will officiate the wedding, with all preparations being taken care of by the current Crown Prince, Jiang Tai.


    In addition.


    The headmaster of the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, Gu Junhe, and the only Tao Tribulation Realm elder of the Tianqing Kingdom, Jiang Weisheng, will serve as elders for both the bride and the groom.


    The news of this wedding spread far and wide.


    Inside the palace of the Purple Robe Kingdom.


    Yue Cang gave a wry smile as he looked at the tightly closed door in front of him, his face gloomy: "Ling''er, didn''t you know long ago that Xiao Yi had a wife? They''re just redoing the wedding ceremony, why do you have to torment yourself like this?"


    "Brother... I''m fine, I just want to be alone for a while, you go ahead!" came Yue Ling''er''s low voice from inside the room.


    Yue Cang sighed helplessly: "This man... Being too outstanding is also a sin!"


    In the capital of the Tianqing Kingdom, within the Treasure Pavilion.


    Elder Yan looked at Lin Bingxin, who was bustling about, preparing the congratulations gift, and sighed softly: "Girl, aren''t you going to tell Xiao how you feel? If you''re too embarrassed to speak up, I''ll do it for you!" Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "No!"


    Lin Bingxin quickly turned around, "Master, please let me handle this, okay?"


    "You..."


    Elder Yan embraced Lin Bingxin with a look of heartache, gently patting her back.


    Lin Bingxin buried her head in Elder Yan''s chest, her tears falling uncontrollably as she bit her lip and murmured: "This is good... really... it''s good..."


    "Silly girl, silly girl..."


    Elder Yan''s heart ached deeply.


    Meanwhile, as the entire Tianqing Kingdom was busy preparing for Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhu''s wedding.


    Within Jin Country, ranking first among the hundred subordinate nations of the Great Qian Dynasty.


    In the Xue Yilou.


    Xue Mantian, who had lost his arms, listened to the report of his subordinate, his face covered in a fierce grin: "Hehe... A wedding? I shall turn this wedding into their funeral..."


    At the same time.


    In the boundless void.


    Though flames blazed brightly, snowflakes suddenly began to drift down high in the sky. Amidst the flying snow, a colossal snow-white ship tore through space. Standing on the deck of the ship was a young man, dressed in a white robe, as handsome as a jade statue, with a golden crown upon his head.


    He squinted his eyes, gazing in the direction of the Tianqing Kingdom: "Soon, we''ll arrive very soon!"

 Chapter 137 Turn Against Each Other

    boom! boom! boom!in the skies above the capital of tianqing kingdom, fireworks exploded one after another, the sound of salute cannons thundering.


    the entire capital was bedecked with lights and decorations, brimming with a festive atmosphere from top to bottom.


    "martial king of the nation''s grand wedding, everything in our store is half off!"


    "come take a look! our store has the very room the martial king and his wife once stayed in, just a hundred taels of silver for a visit..."


    "martial king''s hearty hairstyle, only ten taels..."


    on the newly refurbished vermilion bird avenue, hundreds of lavish carriages swept grandly by, bearing precious gifts. leading the procession were the royally dressed imperial guards, with xiao yi riding on a tall steed followed by a gold, festively decorated carriage.


    the carriage was pulled by eight beasts comparable to the golden core realm, an impressive and majestic sight.


    inside the carriage.


    fang qingzhu, dressed in a red wedding gown and wearing a red veil, nervously clutched lin bingxin''s hand and said in a low voice, "bingxin, i... i''m a bit nervous..."


    lin bingxin was startled for a moment, then gently patted the back of her hand and smiled, "you and xiao yi have been husband and wife for a while now, what''s there to be nervous about?"


    "it''s not the same..."


    fang qingzhu shook her head, "during our previous wedding ceremony, xiao yi was unconscious throughout, and i was like a walking corpse. moreover, the fang family looked down on xiao yi, so everything was kept simple, but now..." sea??h th§× ¦Çovelfire.¦Çet website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    the wedding held previously at the fang family was one in which xiao yi was continuously unconscious.


    and fang qingzhu...


    her most vivid memory was being on the wedding ceremony where someone from the xiao family descended to strip her of her cultivation.


    how could she remember any details of the wedding?


    fang qingzhu said, "bingxin, do you know? when i married xiao yi, i was truly in despair, to the extent that i wanted to kill him. because of him, my cultivation was destroyed, because of him, i received cold looks from my family... i never thought that i would fall in love with him so hopelessly..."


    lin bingxin asked curiously, "when did you start falling in love with him?" discover hidden stories at empire


    "it was probably when he rushed into the zhang family''s dungeon and rescued me! in my most desperate moment, xiao yi appeared before me like a god descending from the heavens..." fang qingzhu murmured softly.


    as she recounted the past, she also gradually relaxed.


    listening to their story piece by piece, lin bingxin felt a bittersweet pain in her heart: "it''s because you''ve experienced so much together that you could truly fall in love with each other! just like me..."


    the image of being locked up in a dungeon, with xiao yi coming to her rescue, surfaced in her mind.


    that moment with xiao yi...


    wasn''t he also like a god descending in her eyes?


    "huh? like who?" fang qingzhu was startled and asked.


    lin bingxin quickly said, "no, i was just saying i''m really envious of you!"


    "heehee, bingxin, you will meet that person too!" fang qingzhu said sweetly.


    lin bingxin managed a forced smile.


    before long...


    the procession had entered the royal palace and arrived at the grand hall.


    this wedding was held inside the royal palace, an unprecedented honor, yet everyone present understood that xiao yi deserved this honor. just by being the martial king of the nation, it was clear how important he was to tianqing kingdom.


    inside the grand hall, lanterns and streamers adorned the space, with guests filling the seats.


    gu junhe and jiang weisheng, representing the families of the bride and groom, sat in high seats at the front.


    jiang tai was in charge of all arrangements.


    jiang tianchen personally presided over the wedding, loudly announcing, "let us welcome the bride and groom!"


    xiao yi, holding fang qingzhu''s hand, walked into the grand hall.


    "truly a match of talents and grace!"


    "worthy of the martial king, such bearing... only miss qingzhu is fitting for him!"


    the crowd murmured one after another.


    jiang tianchen declared loudly, "bride and groom... kneel to heaven and earth..."


    "second bow to the high hall¡­"


    "husband and wife bow to each other¡­"


    xiao yi and fang qingzhu faced each other, ready to perform the ceremony.


    but just at that moment¡­


    with a loud clang.


    ten cold iron chests landed at the entrance of the hall, and blood-cloaked figures burst through the air, led by none other than xue mantian. his hands had been frozen by fang qingzhu; after returning, they could not be treated and had to be amputated.


    now, the handless xue mantian seemed even more sinister and venomous.


    "xue mantian?"


    "he, how did he get here?"


    "it''s over, it''s over, this must be xue yilou seeking revenge¡­ i knew it, how could offending xue yilou end so easily¡­"


    inside the entire hall, everyone wore a cautious expression.


    xiao yi held fang qingzhu''s hand tightly, his eyes squinting at xue mantian, "xue mantian, what are you here for?"


    "hehe, your grand wedding, xiao yi, how could i be absent?"


    xue mantian smiled sinisterly, glanced at a xue yilou assassin beside him, and several went to the front of the ten iron chests, xue mantian''s face filled with malice as he said, "inside these, are the congratulatory gifts i prepared for you two, congratulations on your joyous wedding!"


    clang! clang! clang!


    one by one, the chests were opened, and the pungent smell of blood instantly enveloped the entire hall.


    hisss!


    everyone inhaled sharply.


    "this, these are human heads?"


    "wow¡­ how many people did this take to kill? my heavens¡­"


    each iron chest was filled with bloody human heads, each more horrific than the last, with gouged eyes, cut ears, and pulled out tongues; their deaths were incredibly gruesome.


    xiao yi''s pupils suddenly constricted: "is it them?"


    lin bingxin and others turned deathly pale.


    the chests contained heads from nanhuang city, those who had past interactions with xiao yi.


    lord sikong, the entire zhao family¡­


    the heads of all the people in nanhuang city who had been friendly with xiao yi were all present.


    xue mantian smirked, "how about that? do you like my gifts? to prepare this congratulatory gift for you, i dispatched five hundred elite assassins to nanhuang city, hastening over day and night. each head, freshly warm¡­"


    giggle!


    xiao yi''s fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned pale, his eyes instantly filled with bloodshot fury.


    rage!


    his anger surged to the heavens!


    grinding his teeth, xiao yi said word by word, "they never provoked you¡­"


    "but you provoked me! i said those who offend me don''t end well, you must die, your family must die, your friends must die, everyone related to you must die!"


    xue mantian''s ferocious yell interrupted xiao yi, laughing cruelly, "these are just the beginning. next, i will cleanse the capital city with blood, even the entire tianqing kingdom. i will make the billions of souls in the tianqing kingdom my war pets, as a burial for my arms¡­"


    "madmen, everyone in xue yilou is a madman!"


    "xue, we have nothing to do with xiao yi, you can''t involve us¡­"


    "xiao yi, you reek of evil, bringing calamity upon the people of tianqing kingdom. we''ve long found you displeasing. today, as xue seeks to rid you like a tumor, we shall fully support xue in this endeavor¡­"


    "xiao yi must be executed, to return tianqing kingdom to its clear skies¡­"


    for a moment,


    there were nearly half of the guests who stood on xue mantian''s side, turned against xiao yi, and pointed fingers¡­

 Chapter 138 The Heavenly White Jade Capital, Twelve Towers and Five Cities!

    "hahaha, xiao yi, do you see? even the guests you invited think you deserve to die!"xue mantian laughed heartily, his face full of mockery.


    inside the grand hall.


    peace was no more.


    everywhere was filled with verbal attacks on xiao yi; when he had been in power, of course, they stood by his side. but now, xue mantian was evidently more powerful, and they had chosen to switch sides.


    such was human nature.


    "how dare you!"


    "xiao yi is the martial king of the tianqing kingdom; how dare you all act like this?" jiang tai was furiously enraged.


    xue mantian chuckled sinisterly, but his gaze fell on jiang tianchen, "jiang tianchen, you once claimed that you would use the entire country''s strength to protect xiao yi, do you think you can keep him safe?"


    jiang tianchen took a deep breath, and spoke solemnly, "as the martial king of the tianqing kingdom, i would not fear even the fall of our nation to protect him!"


    "is that so? but this tianqing kingdom is not yours alone. why don''t you ask them if they agree?" xue mantian said mockingly, looking at those who had turned their coats.


    many shouted, "my king, you can''t be so selfish!"


    "we do not wish to offend xue yilou just for xiao yi, we don''t want to die..."


    "jiang tianchen, do you really want the whole tianqing kingdom to be buried with him? if so, what right do you have to be our king?"


    "xiao yi, how can you be so selfish as to drag innocent people into your personal desires? just kneel to xue and beg for mercy..."


    "please don''t be so selfish..."


    faced with everyone''s accusations and curses.


    jiang tianchen''s face was extremely unsightly.


    xue mantian was smug, "you see, xiao yi? they''re all dying for you to die!"


    whoosh!


    jiang tianchen let out a long, turbid breath, his gaze complex as he looked at the people before him, but he said firmly, "we of the tianqing kingdom, vow to share fate with our martial king!"


    "vow to share fate with our martial king!"


    "share fate!"


    jiang tai and the people from tianqi martial arts academy roared with anger.


    their momentum managed to suppress that of xue mantian and the others.


    "who knew there are still fools who do not cherish their lives..." xue mantian sneered and shook his head, raising his hand as a group of assassins from blood shadow tower drew their weapons, ready to kill at his indifferent command.


    xiao yi and his party''s vital energies fluctuated.


    a great battle was on the verge of breaking out.


    but just then...


    suddenly, the air was filled with flurries of white snowflakes.


    "huh? it''s snowing? but it''s the middle of summer..."


    "snow in the summertime, what''s going on?"


    "you, you guys look..."


    suddenly someone shouted, and the crowd looked towards the outside of the hall.


    above the dome of the sky...


    countless snowflakes were falling.


    within the sacred snowflakes, a twelve-story building, white as jade, was slowly descending. around this ship, the snow continued to fall endlessly, turning wherever it was into a world of ice and snow.


    lofty and solemn chanting echoed between heaven and earth...


    heavenly white jade capital, twelve stories and five cities.


    immortals touch my head, knots of hair bestow eternal life...


    a white-robed youth with his hands behind his back stood on a snow path amid the wind and snow, calmly descending. behind him, ten men and women followed.


    all dressed in white.


    five men, five women. read new adventures at empire


    each one was a handsome man or a beautiful woman, ethereal and elegant, and incredibly powerful.


    each of those ten attendants had cultivation levels of the tao tribulation realm.


    not to mention the leading man, whose depth was unknowable. he was like the vast expanse of the stars, boundless, unfathomable, facing whom even the mighty xue mantian seemed diminished.


    "white jade capital?"


    "what place is this? how have i never heard of it?"


    "that ship... must be worth a fortune, right?"


    the crowd was dumbfounded.


    the white-robed youth frowned and glanced at the last person who spoke.


    a cold-looking woman behind him waved her hand, and the man was enveloped by the falling snow, turning into an ice sculpture. then with a clench of her fist, the man shattered into countless ice fragments.


    the youth''s face was indifferent, his icy gaze sweeping over the crowd.


    in the palm of his hand.


    a white jade pendant fell into her hands, and a faint white light emanated from it. with a whoosh, it flew out of her grasp and hovered above fang qingzhu''s head. after circling for a moment, it fell into her hands.


    the holy white light enveloped fang qingzhu.


    "it''s really here!"


    following the direction in which the jade pendant flew, and seeing fang qingzhu in her bridal attire, covered by a red bridal veil¡ªespecially when seeing her hand being held by xiao yi¡ªa frigid murderous intent flashed in his eyes. he said coldly, "kill him!"


    "yes!" s§×arch* the n??efire.¦Çet website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    the man behind him, who was at the first layer of the tao tribulation realm, nodded respectfully, took a step forward, and waved a flurry of snowflakes.


    the snowflakes condensed into a chilling ice sword, slashing towards xiao yi.


    without a word, the intent to kill was unleashed.


    a cold light flashed in xiao yi''s eyes as he scoffed and his fist struck out like a dragon: "seeking death!"


    hum!


    that punch was like one thrown by jingang subduing demons.


    boom!


    the ice shattered.


    the fist impacted, hitting the man squarely.


    wow!


    the man screamed miserably.


    under xiao yi''s devastating punch, half his body exploded, turning into a cold corpse.


    his cultivation had reached the tenth layer of the golden core realm, and the power of the god sealing seed fed back by 50,000 others had elevated his strength to a new level. with one punch, he killed a common individual at the first layer of the calamity realm as easily as crushing an ant.


    "hmm?"


    the youth in white raised an eyebrow and sneered, "to think a nobody from such a remote corner could have such strength. it''s a shame, though, that you''re going to die!"


    "hehe, do you need my assistance, brother?" xue mantian suddenly interjected with a smile.


    slap!


    the youth in white spun around and slapped him across the face, the strike sending xue mantian reeling in confusion.


    he couldn''t even resist?


    the indifferent gaze of the youth in white bore into him: "what do you count for? you think to assist me?"


    "you..."


    color drained from xue mantian''s face, then returned, his eyes filled with dread.


    that slap was no ordinary one!


    to render him, a dharma manifestation realm expert, utterly powerless, the youth''s strength must have been at least ten times greater than his. such a young dharma manifestation realm expert could only be matched by xiao tianjiao, the strongest genius of the great qian dynasty!


    he dared not provoke such a person!


    "good that he and xiao yi are enemies, not friends..." xue mantian thought to himself.


    the youth in white looked at xiao yi with a cold expression: "commit suicide! i don''t want to dirty my hands."


    "who are you? xiao has never met you before, why do you seek my death?" xiao yi squinted, scrutinizing the youth in white.


    it wasn''t just that he had never met him, he had never even heard of him before.


    yet the youth''s intent to kill him was incredibly strong.


    the youth in white sneered, "who do you think you are to deserve to know my identity? within three breaths, end yourself here, and i''ll spare their lives. otherwise, everyone present today will die!"


    "no, no, this gentleman mustn''t do this, we have nothing to do with xiao yi!"


    "yes, we''ve long been displeased with xiao yi and his wife, the pair of thieves and prostitutes..."


    "xiao yi is a sly villain, and fang qingzhu is nothing but a cheap woman..."


    the people who had turned against him earlier shouted one after another.


    the youth in white paused, frowning at them: "you called her a cheap woman?"


    "yes, yes!"


    "a scum like xiao yi can only marry a cheap woman..." thinking they found a lifeline, the crowd continued speaking.


    the youth in white uttered an "oh" and glanced back at his followers: "kill them!"


    "yes!"


    the nine of them acted simultaneously.


    heads rolled.


    all of those who had turned against him were killed, each screaming miserably, "why? why is this happening..."


    the youth in white''s face remained impassive: "a sacred maiden of baiyu can be slandered by the likes of you?"


    "sacred maiden?"


    "damn it..."


    despair filled the faces of the powerful individuals.


    so she was your sacred maiden, why didn''t you say so earlier!


    but alas...


    there is no medicine for regret in this world.


    all these petty, two-faced turncoats died miserably right there in the hall.


    the youth in white turned again to xiao yi: "for daring to defile the sacred maiden of baiyu, you too, must die!"

 Chapter 140 Kill Them All!

    inside the great hall, there was silence.the atmosphere was particularly oppressive.


    the festive lights and decorations, meant to convey joy, instead made the oppression feel even heavier, leaving people afraid to even breathe too loudly.


    everyone''s gaze swept over xiao yi, wishing to offer comfort but not knowing what to say.


    it was supposed to be a day of great joy.


    yet, the bride had been forcibly taken away during the wedding ceremony, a blow that would be difficult for any man to bear.


    among the crowd,


    lin bingxin wanted to step forward but was stopped by elder yan, who shook his head gently at her.


    lin bingxin could only look at him with worried eyes.


    after a moment of silence,


    xiao yi came back to his senses, saw the concerned faces around him, and managed a slight smile, saying, "why do you all look at me like this? don''t worry, i''m okay!"


    "xiao yi¡­"


    "your highness the martial king¡­"


    people were still full of concern.


    xiao yi waved his hand, having already collected his thoughts.


    if fang qingzhu had left on her own volition, he might still feel lost and heartbroken.


    but this was a situation forced upon her.


    and it was because he was too weak!


    if only his strength were enough, if he was in the dharma manifestation realm, or even better, the longevity secret realm, how could ye qingyu and the so-called baiyu possibly have taken fang qingzhu away by force? in the end, it was all because he wasn''t strong enough!


    just like back then with the xiao family¡­


    it was also because he wasn''t strong enough that he ended up as a live-in son-in-law sent to the distant fang family.


    "xiao junior brother, are you really okay?" jiang tai asked solemnly.


    "rest assured!"


    xiao yi waved his hand, looking at jiang tai''s severed arm, and said in a deep voice, "elder brother jiang, i saw earlier that ye qingyu gave a heaven''s remnant elixir to xue mantian, which could regenerate his severed limb. if there''s a chance in the future, i will certainly find one for you!"


    "this..."


    jiang tai was stunned.


    your wife has just been snatched away, and you''re still thinking about my severed arm?


    the looks of concern on everyone''s faces grew more pronounced.


    they feared that xiao yi was merely pretending to be at ease.


    xiao yi said in a grave voice, "please rest assured, my friends. i, xiao yi, am not so easily defeated. today, due to my lack of strength, i could only watch helplessly as my wife was taken away. but one day, i will go to baiyu myself and bring qingzhu back!"


    only then did everyone feel somewhat reassured.


    xiao yi then turned to jiang tianchen, "your majesty, although qingzhu has constrained xue mantian, preventing xue yilou from setting foot in the tianqing kingdom for three years, given xue yilou''s power, they might incite other kingdoms to act against us. therefore, it''s crucial that our tianqing kingdom recruits several more tao tribulation realm powerhouses!"


    "recruit several more tao tribulation realm powerhouses? that''s easier said than done," jiang tianchen said with a wry smile.


    xiao yi took out three martial dao divine fruits from his storage ring and handed them over to jiang tianchen, "these three martial dao divine fruits can help our tianqing kingdom rapidly gain three tao tribulation realm powerhouses. as for whom to give them to, your majesty will decide."


    the power held in the hands of the royal family is definitely not as simple as it seems on the surface.


    perhaps there is indeed only one person, jiang wei, who is a tao tribulation realm powerhouse.


    but there are definitely more than just jiang tianchen at the golden elixir peak.


    jiang tianchen, holding the three martial dao divine fruits in his hands, showed an elated expression and said repeatedly, "with these three martial dao divine fruits, tianqing kingdom can quickly create three tao tribulation realm pillars of the state. xiao yi, your actions are a monumental feat for our tianqing kingdom. if there''s anything you need, just let me know!"


    "this incident started because of me; this is what i should do!" xiao yi said dismissively.


    after discussing the tianqing kingdom''s countermeasures for some time, everyone dispersed.


    this was the day xiao yi was to be crowned the martial king of the nation, as well as his wedding day, but the bride was taken away, and the couple was separated. it really left no mood to continue the banquet.


    in the days that followed...


    the tianqing kingdom did go through some peaceful times.


    all industries flourished.


    the strength of the experts from the tianqi martial arts institute was rapidly enhancing, and their numbers were also increasing.


    xiao yi, however, stationed himself at the old site of the tianqi martial arts institute outside the city. ever since that day, his cultivation became even more desperate. his cultivation level was advancing in an orderly manner, but stepping into the tao tribulation realm still required a certain amount of time to accumulate, as well as the right opportunity.


    however...


    this peaceful life lasted only for ten days.


    ......


    inside the palace.


    jiang tianchen gathered xiao yi and the others, his expression extremely serious as he pointed to the sand table in front of him and said, "gentlemen, according to the scouts'' reports... the tianlan kingdom, sihai kingdom, baijing kingdom, and qingyun kingdom have formed an alliance of four nations, advancing with two million troops southward!"


    hiss!


    a group of court officials gasped, "our tianqing kingdom has always had a feud with the tianlan kingdom, but our relations with the other three kingdoms have always been good. why would they join forces?"


    "i have received information that all of this is manipulated by xue yilou behind the scenes..."


    "xue yilou? isn''t this because of the martial king of the nation..."


    "what''s the use of discussing this now? your majesty, do you know who is leading their army?"


    jiang tianchen narrowed his eyes and said, "the leader of the tianlan kingdom''s army is the kuchan elder, for the sihai kingdom it is the co-king nie tong, baijing kingdom''s leader is the first beastmaster jing yi, and for the qingyun kingdom, it is zhang ren, the commander of the three armed forces."


    "what? are all the leaders of the four nations in the calamity realm?" enjoy exclusive adventures from empire


    "how can this be good? our tianqing kingdom can''t possibly withstand four great calamity realm..." sea??h th§× novelfire.net* website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "let alone four great calamity realm masters, we can''t hold off the two million strong army alone..."


    the court officials were wailing.


    it''s true that the tianqing kingdom had an army that numbered two million, but aside from the garrison troops defending the major cities, and the three hundred thousand troops in the south desolate guarding against the sudden uprising of magical beasts in the southern desolate mountain range that could not be deployed elsewhere.


    the actual number of troops that could be committed to warfare was only around one million.


    how could they withstand the onslaught of two million lions from the four-nation alliance?


    moreover...


    they also have four powerful calamity realm leaders commanding the army.


    jiang tianchen said in a deep voice, "this time, i wish to lead the campaign personally, with the crown prince overseeing the state affairs."


    "your majesty, you must not!"


    "you are only at the peak of the golden elixir realm; if the enemy calamity realm powerhouses attack, you..."


    jiang tianchen raised his hand to silence them and said sternly, "the martial king gave me three martial dao divine fruits. this time, i will use these divine fruits to attempt to break through to the calamity realm. in addition, great general xia yuan will also consume a martial dao divine fruit. by then, i will personally lead one army in the campaign, great general xia yuan, the martial king of the nation, and our ancestor will each command one army, vowing to stop the four-nation alliance at our nation''s gates!"


    given the ages of jiang tianchen and xia yuan, they still had plenty of opportunities to break through to the calamity realm on their own.


    if the situation were not absolutely critical, they would not easily consume the martial dao divine fruits.


    after all.


    once they consumed the martial dao divine fruits, they would be severing their potential and limiting their future growth ceiling!


    but now, with the nation in crisis and troops at the city walls.


    they had no choice but to make a do-or-die effort.


    seeing the court officials go silent.


    jiang tianchen''s gaze fell on xiao yi, and he said solemnly, "martial king, do you have anything to say?"


    xiao yi slowly stood up, his eyes flashing with coldness as he articulated each word, "meet force with force; where there are troops, there is resistance. let them come, and we''ll slaughter them all!"

 Chapter 140 Kill Them All!

    inside the great hall, there was silence.the atmosphere was particularly oppressive.


    the festive lights and decorations, meant to convey joy, instead made the oppression feel even heavier, leaving people afraid to even breathe too loudly.


    everyone''s gaze swept over xiao yi, wishing to offer comfort but not knowing what to say.


    it was supposed to be a day of great joy.


    yet, the bride had been forcibly taken away during the wedding ceremony, a blow that would be difficult for any man to bear.


    among the crowd,


    lin bingxin wanted to step forward but was stopped by elder yan, who shook his head gently at her.


    lin bingxin could only look at him with worried eyes.


    after a moment of silence,


    xiao yi came back to his senses, saw the concerned faces around him, and managed a slight smile, saying, "why do you all look at me like this? don''t worry, i''m okay!"


    "xiao yi¡­"


    "your highness the martial king¡­"


    people were still full of concern.


    xiao yi waved his hand, having already collected his thoughts.


    if fang qingzhu had left on her own volition, he might still feel lost and heartbroken.


    but this was a situation forced upon her.


    and it was because he was too weak!


    if only his strength were enough, if he was in the dharma manifestation realm, or even better, the longevity secret realm, how could ye qingyu and the so-called baiyu possibly have taken fang qingzhu away by force? in the end, it was all because he wasn''t strong enough!


    just like back then with the xiao family¡­


    it was also because he wasn''t strong enough that he ended up as a live-in son-in-law sent to the distant fang family.


    "xiao junior brother, are you really okay?" jiang tai asked solemnly.


    "rest assured!"


    xiao yi waved his hand, looking at jiang tai''s severed arm, and said in a deep voice, "elder brother jiang, i saw earlier that ye qingyu gave a heaven''s remnant elixir to xue mantian, which could regenerate his severed limb. if there''s a chance in the future, i will certainly find one for you!"


    "this..."


    jiang tai was stunned.


    your wife has just been snatched away, and you''re still thinking about my severed arm?


    the looks of concern on everyone''s faces grew more pronounced.


    they feared that xiao yi was merely pretending to be at ease.


    xiao yi said in a grave voice, "please rest assured, my friends. i, xiao yi, am not so easily defeated. today, due to my lack of strength, i could only watch helplessly as my wife was taken away. but one day, i will go to baiyu myself and bring qingzhu back!"


    only then did everyone feel somewhat reassured.


    xiao yi then turned to jiang tianchen, "your majesty, although qingzhu has constrained xue mantian, preventing xue yilou from setting foot in the tianqing kingdom for three years, given xue yilou''s power, they might incite other kingdoms to act against us. therefore, it''s crucial that our tianqing kingdom recruits several more tao tribulation realm powerhouses!"


    "recruit several more tao tribulation realm powerhouses? that''s easier said than done," jiang tianchen said with a wry smile.


    xiao yi took out three martial dao divine fruits from his storage ring and handed them over to jiang tianchen, "these three martial dao divine fruits can help our tianqing kingdom rapidly gain three tao tribulation realm powerhouses. as for whom to give them to, your majesty will decide."


    the power held in the hands of the royal family is definitely not as simple as it seems on the surface.


    perhaps there is indeed only one person, jiang wei, who is a tao tribulation realm powerhouse.


    but there are definitely more than just jiang tianchen at the golden elixir peak.


    jiang tianchen, holding the three martial dao divine fruits in his hands, showed an elated expression and said repeatedly, "with these three martial dao divine fruits, tianqing kingdom can quickly create three tao tribulation realm pillars of the state. xiao yi, your actions are a monumental feat for our tianqing kingdom. if there''s anything you need, just let me know!"


    "this incident started because of me; this is what i should do!" xiao yi said dismissively.


    after discussing the tianqing kingdom''s countermeasures for some time, everyone dispersed.


    this was the day xiao yi was to be crowned the martial king of the nation, as well as his wedding day, but the bride was taken away, and the couple was separated. it really left no mood to continue the banquet.


    in the days that followed...


    the tianqing kingdom did go through some peaceful times.


    all industries flourished.


    the strength of the experts from the tianqi martial arts institute was rapidly enhancing, and their numbers were also increasing.


    xiao yi, however, stationed himself at the old site of the tianqi martial arts institute outside the city. ever since that day, his cultivation became even more desperate. his cultivation level was advancing in an orderly manner, but stepping into the tao tribulation realm still required a certain amount of time to accumulate, as well as the right opportunity.


    however...


    this peaceful life lasted only for ten days.


    ......


    inside the palace.


    jiang tianchen gathered xiao yi and the others, his expression extremely serious as he pointed to the sand table in front of him and said, "gentlemen, according to the scouts'' reports... the tianlan kingdom, sihai kingdom, baijing kingdom, and qingyun kingdom have formed an alliance of four nations, advancing with two million troops southward!"


    hiss!


    a group of court officials gasped, "our tianqing kingdom has always had a feud with the tianlan kingdom, but our relations with the other three kingdoms have always been good. why would they join forces?"


    "i have received information that all of this is manipulated by xue yilou behind the scenes..."


    "xue yilou? isn''t this because of the martial king of the nation..."


    "what''s the use of discussing this now? your majesty, do you know who is leading their army?"


    jiang tianchen narrowed his eyes and said, "the leader of the tianlan kingdom''s army is the kuchan elder, for the sihai kingdom it is the co-king nie tong, baijing kingdom''s leader is the first beastmaster jing yi, and for the qingyun kingdom, it is zhang ren, the commander of the three armed forces."


    "what? are all the leaders of the four nations in the calamity realm?" enjoy exclusive adventures from empire


    "how can this be good? our tianqing kingdom can''t possibly withstand four great calamity realm..." sea??h th§× novelfire.net* website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "let alone four great calamity realm masters, we can''t hold off the two million strong army alone..."


    the court officials were wailing.


    it''s true that the tianqing kingdom had an army that numbered two million, but aside from the garrison troops defending the major cities, and the three hundred thousand troops in the south desolate guarding against the sudden uprising of magical beasts in the southern desolate mountain range that could not be deployed elsewhere.


    the actual number of troops that could be committed to warfare was only around one million.


    how could they withstand the onslaught of two million lions from the four-nation alliance?


    moreover...


    they also have four powerful calamity realm leaders commanding the army.


    jiang tianchen said in a deep voice, "this time, i wish to lead the campaign personally, with the crown prince overseeing the state affairs."


    "your majesty, you must not!"


    "you are only at the peak of the golden elixir realm; if the enemy calamity realm powerhouses attack, you..."


    jiang tianchen raised his hand to silence them and said sternly, "the martial king gave me three martial dao divine fruits. this time, i will use these divine fruits to attempt to break through to the calamity realm. in addition, great general xia yuan will also consume a martial dao divine fruit. by then, i will personally lead one army in the campaign, great general xia yuan, the martial king of the nation, and our ancestor will each command one army, vowing to stop the four-nation alliance at our nation''s gates!"


    given the ages of jiang tianchen and xia yuan, they still had plenty of opportunities to break through to the calamity realm on their own.


    if the situation were not absolutely critical, they would not easily consume the martial dao divine fruits.


    after all.


    once they consumed the martial dao divine fruits, they would be severing their potential and limiting their future growth ceiling!


    but now, with the nation in crisis and troops at the city walls.


    they had no choice but to make a do-or-die effort.


    seeing the court officials go silent.


    jiang tianchen''s gaze fell on xiao yi, and he said solemnly, "martial king, do you have anything to say?"


    xiao yi slowly stood up, his eyes flashing with coldness as he articulated each word, "meet force with force; where there are troops, there is resistance. let them come, and we''ll slaughter them all!"

 Chapter 141 The Black Cliff Army

    outside the capital.a column of imperial guards was fully equipped and ready to depart, and jiang tai, dressed in full armor, was leading a tianqing savage bull that was entirely red.


    this tianqing barbarian bull was jiang tianchen''s war beast, comparable to the fifth-order high-level demon beasts at the golden elixir realm peak. jiang tai handed the reins over to xiao yi and said solemnly, "xiao, i entrust heiya city to you!"


    by now, over half of the ten countries of nanhuang had already declared war on the tianqing kingdom, with the tianlan kingdom''s forces reaching the battlefield first, having conquered three border cities in a row and pressing close to the stronghold of heiya city. once heiya city is forced to capitulate, the tianlan kingdom''s army will march straight in and head for the capital of the tianqing kingdom.


    jiang tianchen and the others still needed to assimilate the martial dao divine fruit to break through to the tao tribulation realm and resist the powerful enemies.


    jiang weisheng needed to remain stationed in the capital.


    at this moment, xiao yi was the most suitable candidate to be dispatched.


    xiao yi took the reins, nodding and saying, "this matter arose because of me, and i am also the martial king of the nation. how can i sit by idly?"


    if not for the interference of xue yilou, how could the ten peaceful countries of nanhuang suddenly wage war against the tianqing kingdom? ultimately, all this was related to xiao yi, and when previously facing xue yilou, jiang tianchen had even mobilized the country''s full strength to protect him thoroughly.


    now that the tianqing kingdom was beset on all sides, he naturally would not stand on the sidelines.


    jiang tai took two steps back and bowed solemnly, "i await your triumphant return!"


    behind him...


    all the civil and military officials, as well as the citizens of the capital, bowed respectfully: "we quietly await the triumphant return of the martial king of the nation!"


    the roar was thunderous, shaking the clouds above the sky.


    xiao yi mounted the tianqing savage bull, pulled the reins and said, "let''s set off!"


    boom, boom, boom!


    the tianqing savage bull stepped forward, followed closely by fifty thousand imperial guards.


    a vast and mighty current of steel, arrayed across the land.


    .........


    heiya city.


    built into the mountain, flanked by black mountain on the left and heartbreak cliff on the right, it was thus named heiya city.


    the entire city was elongated, with towering walls making it easy to defend and hard to attack.


    while a single tao tribulation realm powerhouse could completely breach the city gates on their own, there were constraints between nations. unless the opposing side''s tao tribulation realm powerhouse made a move, it was absolutely forbidden for any force greater than the calamity realm to appear on the battlefield. otherwise, any tao tribulation realm powerhouse could annihilate tens of thousands, or even hundreds of thousands, of troops.


    this was an agreement reached under the advocacy of the great qian dynasty.


    anyone who dares to break this agreement would be sanctioned by the great qian dynasty.


    inside heiya city, the atmosphere was incredibly tense.


    stationed to defend heiya city was tianqing kingdom''s famed general, known as general baisheng, zhang baisheng.


    zhang baisheng, conferred the title of marquis, was also a being at the golden elixir realm peak.


    read new chapters at empire


    within the city lord''s mansion.


    bang!


    zhang baisheng, in full military attire with his armor covered in blood, furiously slammed his helmet onto the table and glared around, "where are the reinforcements? how much longer until the reinforcements arrive?"


    hou sailei, a middle-aged general with a beard under his command, hurried forward and bowed, "general, we''ve received news from the capital; the reinforcements set out three days ago. they are estimated to reach heiya city by tomorrow..."


    "but what?"


    zhang baisheng unbuckled his armor where there was an arrow shaft embedded in his shoulder.


    the military physician, already prepared by the side, glanced at it and said indifferently, "there''s no sign of poisoning in the muscle, and the arrow is not poisoned. it just needs to have the wound opened to be removed."


    "yan, make sure to check thoroughly, are you certain there is no poison on this arrow?" hou sailei quickly asked.


    not long ago...


    the tianlan kingdom''s army launched an attack on heiya city, with general zhang baisheng personally leading the troops to stand alone. however, he was struck by a hidden arrow from the enemy and had to temporarily call for a retreat. general zhang baisheng is the calm sea divine needle of heiya city; any mishap with him would be a massive blow to the city.


    military healer yan ning was a third-grade medical officer.


    he was also the most skilled healer in heiya city and had his pride. with a cold snort, he said, "if general hou does not trust yan, you are free to diagnose yourself!"


    hou sailei replied hastily, "that''s not what i meant..."


    "enough, leave the healing to master yan. what business does an outsider like you have meddling in this?" general zhang baisheng waved his hand impatiently, hesitated for a moment, then looked at the bearded general in front of him, hou sailei, "send scouts immediately to find reinforcements and urge them to hasten their march!"


    "yes!"


    hou sailei saluted and was about to turn and leave.


    but a faint voice came from outside the door, "if you directly remove the arrowhead, then you''d better prepare for general zhang''s funeral!"


    "hmm?"


    "who?"


    everyone in the hall changed their expressions and turned to look at the door in unison.


    general zhang baisheng''s gaze was sharp as lightning, falling on xiao yi who stood at the entrance.


    hou sailei''s hand rested on the hilt of his sword, ready for battle.


    yan ning furrowed his brows tightly, his face filled with anger, and he said sternly, "who is this young upstart? how dare you spout nonsense and disrupt military morale here?"


    xiao yi strode into the hall with the grace of a dragon and the ferocity of a tiger, bowed to general zhang baisheng, and said solemnly, "xiao yi pays his respects to general zhang."


    "xiao yi?"


    general zhang baisheng was taken aback, his eyes shooting out two sparks of recognition, "you are xiao yi, the martial king of the nation?"


    "indeed, it is i!" sear?h the n?vel_fire.¦Çet website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    xiao yi nodded and said gravely, "reinforcements will arrive at heiya city within half a day. concerned about the battle, i have come ahead."


    general zhang baisheng scrutinized xiao yi, squinting his eyes, "it must have been tough for his highness the martial king. however, with me here, heiya city will certainly not face any mishaps. yet, you, your highness, abandoning the reinforcements and acting alone, that''s not what a general should do!"


    xiao yi shook his head, "when i first arrived at heiya city, i also felt this trip was superfluous. but now, it seems my arrival is timely. had i been any later, i''m afraid my tianqing kingdom would be one general baisheng short!"


    "hmm?"


    general zhang baisheng was startled.


    yan ning''s complexion suddenly changed and he rebuked angrily, "your highness, one can eat indiscriminately but one must not talk nonsense! are you implying that yan has the intent to harm general zhang by your earlier words?"


    "whether it is deliberate or an unintentional mistake, we can talk about that later," xiao yi waved his hand dismissively and continued calmly, "right now, the most important thing is to treat general zhang''s poisoning. any longer delay, and even if a divine healer descended, it would be too late to save him!"


    "treat the poisoning?"


    "didn''t master yan just say there was no poison on the arrow? how could there be poisoning then?"


    "your highness, you couldn''t be mistaken, could you? master yan is a third-grade medical officer, an expert in the medical field. he has examined the arrow wound, and there were no signs of poison!" hou sailei spoke with gravity, and upon seeing xiao yi''s puzzled look, he quickly introduced himself, "i am hou sailei, the vanguard officer under general zhang''s command!"


    looking up at an angry yan ning, xiao yi spoke lightly, "master yan is certain there is no poison on the arrow?"


    yan ning sneered, "one hundred percent certain!"


    "what if there is poison?" xiao yi asked.


    "if there is poison on this arrow, then yan has failed in his duty, and your highness is free to punish me as you see fit. however..."


    yan ning''s face was full of pride, and he looked at xiao yi with a cold laugh, "if there is no poison, then your highness is slandering an official. i will have you kneel and apologize to me!"

 Chapter 142 Slap in the Face Hard

    xiao yi couldn''t help but narrow his eyes, revealing a playful look, "you, want me to kneel before you?"zhang baisheng also snorted coldly, his face showing displeasure.


    even though he had more faith in yan ning''s medical skills, xiao yi after all was the esteemed martial king of the nation. not even required to kneel before the current king, how could he kneel to a mere third-rank medical officer?


    zhang baisheng rebuked, "yan ning, this is nonsense. apologize to his highness the martial king right now!"


    hou sailei and a group of military officers were also constantly giving yan ning meaningful glances.


    this was the martial king of the nation.


    a noble royal title, holding the most rising prestige among the young generation of the tianqing kingdom, he was the future pillar of the state.


    for a mere medical officer to contend with him, wasn''t it like an old immortal eating arsenic seeking death?


    however...


    yan ning remained unmoved, standing tall, defiantly looking at xiao yi, "when it comes to martial arts talent and cultivation, i, a humble official, cannot even catch up to his highness the martial king if i were to spur a horse. however, i have been studying medicine under the tutelage of lord jin, the current first-rank imperial physician, since my childhood. even lord jin has said that within fifty years i am certain to surpass him. how can i allow an outsider to challenge my authority?"


    everyone was startled, their eyes turning towards xiao yi.


    yan ning was a disciple of the first person in medical expertise at the imperial physician hall, first-rank medical officer jin zhen.


    he was a well-known medical genius.


    in terms of medical expertise, even the senior generation of physicians found it hard to match him.


    as for xiao yi...


    his martial arts talent was unparalleled, but human capacity has limits. for one to achieve such accomplishments in martial arts and be so young, it was impossible to also give attention to medicine.


    even zhang baisheng couldn''t help but say, "your highness the martial king, you see..."


    xiao yi, however, raised his hand to stop zhang baisheng, looking calmly at yan ning, "you have immense confidence in your medical skills?"


    yan ning proudly nodded, "as much as his highness the martial king has in your martial arts talent!"


    "ha!"


    xiao yi smiled and gently stretched his neck, lightly laughing, "confidence is a good thing, but overconfidence is not. especially for a healer, once one is blindly overconfident, it can harm not only oneself but also others."


    "i, yan ning, have saved lives and helped the wounded. i do not claim to have merits as high as the heavens, but i am confident i have never harmed anyone!" yan ning said mockingly, narrowing his eyes as he sized up xiao yi.


    xiao yi shrugged his shoulders, saying, "you have already examined general baisheng''s shoulder wound earlier, confirming that there was no poison on the arrow, and that it only needed to be pulled out, correct?"


    "that''s right!"


    when it came to the arrow injury, yan ning said earnestly, "if there were poison on the arrow, the flesh at the site of injury would surely have turned black, but the blood from the general''s wound is still brightly colored, and the skin and flesh are also of a normal hue, showing no signs of poisoning. with my forty years of experience, i guarantee that there is no poison on this arrow!"


    "arrogance!"


    xiao yi shook his head, a mocking tone in his voice, "there are more than a thousand kinds of poison in this world. can you identify all signs of poisoning with just a glance of your naked eye?"


    yan ning confidently replied, "of course i cannot do that, neither can lord jin. however, according to medical texts, there are only two poisons that can cause poisoning without darkening the flesh and showing signs of poisoning. and these two have long been lost and could not possibly appear here."


    xiao yi walked forward.


    with each step, his imposing aura grew stronger.


    the overwhelming presence made yan ning retreat step by step, his back already soaked in cold sweat, "two kinds? ridiculous. to my knowledge, the poisons that can kill silently and invisibly without leaving a trace are no less than a hundred varieties!"


    "a hundred? laughable. you''re merely spouting nonsense, making things up. could your knowledge possibly surpass that of the medical texts? forget about a hundred. if you can name the two poisons i spoke of, then i, yan ning, will kneel before you to apologize, admitting my inferiority in medical expertise..." yan ning tried to maintain composure, laughing coldly.


    xiao yi said, "moluo herb, grows in the land of extreme yin, invisible and colorless, causes no symptoms of poisoning and lets a person die in their sleep. fire god flower, grows in lands of extreme yang, often around volcanoes, and when it blooms, its poisonous powder can be collected. once it enters the body, it is a peculiar fire poison. from the outside, one cannot see any injuries, but it can burn the viscera from inside out, killing the target!"


    "you, you..."


    yan ning was dumbfounded.


    these two poisons were precisely what he had mentioned earlier. he never imagined that xiao yi would actually name them, even knowing their habitats and effects so clearly.


    yan ning took a deep breath, clenched his teeth, and argued defensively, "who would have thought you actually knew of these two poisons? but even if you''re aware, what of it? these two poisons have been extinct for over a hundred years..."


    "bullshit extinction!"


    xiao yi sneered and cupped his fists towards zhang baisheng, "old general, my apologies for the offense!"


    "hmm?" sea??h th§× novelfire.net* website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    zhang baisheng was startled.


    then he saw xiao yi suddenly reach out, grabbing his shoulder in a grip.


    "ah..."


    zhang baisheng cried out in pain.


    "stop it!"


    "let go of the general..."


    hou sailei and the others'' expressions changed drastically, about to step forward, but saw zhang baisheng raise his hand to stop them, "wait a moment..."


    everyone was stunned.


    they saw xiao yi''s fingers on zhang baisheng''s shoulder, channels of qi transforming into fine threads as thin as hair, penetrating into zhang baisheng''s wound through his pores. and when this qi completely enveloped the flesh around the wound and the arrowhead, zhang baisheng''s complexion dramatically changed.


    he had previously only felt a faint pain in the wound, but now, that throbbing pain had vanished?


    xiao yi looked at yan ning with a mocking gaze, "open your eyes wide and see clearly, this is the ''extinct'' demonic laurel grass you spoke of!"


    pfft!


    xiao yi''s palm gave a fierce tug.


    a chunk of bloody flesh wrapped around an arrowhead was forcibly pulled out by xiao yi.


    "hiss!"


    having a piece of flesh brutally torn off, zhang baisheng merely inhaled a cool breath, feeling no pain at all. instead, he felt a great relief in his body. it was as if a massive stone of thousands of pounds that had been pressing on his shoulder was suddenly lifted, with xiao yi channeling his qi to seal the wound and stop the bleeding.


    the chunk of flesh wrapped around the arrowhead was thrown onto the ground by him.


    with a flick of his finger, continue your adventure at empire


    a ball of qi enveloped the chunk of flesh, and with a booming sound, a fierce fire ignited.


    sizzle sizzle sizzle!


    there was a pervasive aroma of barbecued meat.


    zhang baisheng and the others just looked at the meat burning in the blazing flames in amazement, while yan ning was dumbfounded.


    he stared with disbelief at the arrowhead in the flames, which was emitting a faint, cold black glow, "legend has it that when demonic laurel grass is fused onto metal and subjected to intense fire, it permeates the metal, preventing the metal from turning red in the fire but instead making it shine with a glossy black. is this really demonic laurel grass?"


    clap clap clap!


    in the void, one could almost hear the crisp sound of being slapped in the face.


    yan ning felt his cheeks burning with embarrassment.


    the arrow truly was poisoned!


    and it was the deadly poison of demonic laurel grass!


    if zhang baisheng had truly followed his diagnosis and carelessly pulled out the arrow, he probably wouldn''t live to see tomorrow''s sun!


    "are you convinced now?" xiao yi asked indifferently.


    thump!


    yan ning fell heavily to his knees, wholeheartedly conceding, "the prince of martial king is supremely talented, i, yan ning, willingly admit defeat..."

 Chapter 143 Seizing Power?

    ```the hall was silent.


    yan ning knelt on the ground, clutching his knees tightly, his face ashen and full of deep self-reproach.


    since childhood, he had demonstrated a powerful talent for medicine and had studied under the first physician of the tianqing kingdom, believing that no one among the younger generation could surpass him in medical skills.


    with his medical expertise, if he had examined carefully, he could have definitely detected the poison from the moro herb, but he was overconfident and hadn''t done any investigation at all. he merely glanced at zhang baisheng''s wound and concluded there was no poisoning.


    if xiao yi hadn''t showed up in time to stop his foolish actions¡ª


    after tonight,


    zhang baisheng would have died in his sleep.


    now, with the tianlan kingdom''s army on the verge of laying siege, it''s clear how huge an impact zhang baisheng''s demise, as the commander, would have on the battle.


    by dawn tomorrow, tianlan kingdom may well have broken through to heiya city.


    he would have become an eternal sinner!


    zhang baisheng and hou sailei, among others, also let out a long sigh of relief.


    zhang baisheng looked at xiao yi with complicated eyes. before this, he had felt dissatisfied with xiao yi, a young man who, despite his tender age, held a higher title than him¡ªa seasoned general who fought many battles and won great honors for his kingdom.


    now however, he was already very much persuaded by xiao yi.


    "there''s no need for mr. yan to be like this!"


    xiao yi waved his hand, seeing yan ning''s sincere admittance of guilt, and he didn''t continue to make things difficult, "no one is perfect, but doctors are unlike ordinary people. a doctor saves lives, and any negligence could potentially cost someone their life. there absolutely must not be any room for errors!"


    "your highness the martial king has taught me well. i''ll engrave this lesson in my heart and never make the same mistake again!" yan ning said earnestly.


    xiao yi smiled and nodded, then turned to zhang baisheng, "old general, i''ve removed the poison from your body, but you shouldn''t engage vigorously in battle for a short time."


    "thank you, your highness the martial king, for saving my life!"


    zhang baisheng clasped his hands gratefully and chuckled bitterly, "now that the tianlan kingdom''s army is at our doorstep, and having already clashed with them before, the enemy troops are the elite tianlan army this time. in their army, there are two generals at the golden elixir peak, and their commander is none other than ling wufengyun, the national advisor of the tianlan kingdom. an old man like me cannot afford to rest, alas!"


    ling wufengyun, the national advisor of the tianlan kingdom.


    she was also the only female among the ten nations of nanhuang to reach the tao tribulation realm.


    her cultivation had reached the second layer of the tao tribulation realm, far surpassing zhou yuan, who had forcefully advanced to the tao tribulation realm by using the martial dao divine fruit.


    this was the reason why there were restrictions among the kingdoms that forbid those in the tao tribulation realm from taking direct action in wars.


    otherwise...


    with just ling wufengyun alone, she could forcibly breach heiya city and lead the tianlan kingdom''s army to storm through.


    xiao yi said, "old general, rest assured. since i''m here, i won''t allow the tianlan kingdom''s army to advance any further!"


    "hmm?"


    zhang baisheng was startled, catching on to xiao yi''s confidence and said in a deep voice, "your highness the martial king, could it be that you already have a strategy to repel the enemy?"


    hou sailei and others all turned their attention to him.


    the defending army of heiya city numbered only two hundred thousand, while the tianlan kingdom''s army had a full million soldiers!


    even general baisheng, a veteran of countless battles, had no strategy to repel the enemy.


    could xiao yi have one?


    hou sailei said gravely, "your highness the martial king, this concerns the life and death of the tianqing kingdom. this is no matter for jokes!"


    "your highness the martial king, we respect your martial prowess and medical skills, but in terms of leading troops into battle, any one of us here has more experience than you..." brigadier general zheng le frowned and spoke.


    he was a young prodigy too.


    he had joined the military at a young age.


    therefore, he had not made it onto the dragon tiger list.


    but his talent was certainly not weak. at the age of thirty-three, he had already reached the fifth layer of the golden elixir realm, achieving great military accomplishments and becoming the youngest general in the tianqing kingdom.


    zhang baisheng, worried that zheng le''s words would irritate xiao yi, hurriedly said, "your highness the martial king, this is brigadier general zheng le from my command. don''t let his youth fool you, he has led ten thousand troops to annihilate thirty thousand of the tianlan kingdom''s army."


    zheng le looked proud.


    xiao yi laughed indifferently, "if it''s about going into battle and leading troops in warfare, i naturally cannot compare with all of you. but if everything could only be achieved through the accumulation of experience, what''s the point of being a prodigy?"


    ```


    "uh..."


    everyone was dumbfounded.


    zheng le''s expression also darkened. as a leading figure in the military, and hailed as the successor to zhang baisheng, the fact that xiao yi dared to mention the word "genius" in front of him was unthinkable. zheng le narrowed his eyes and taunted sarcastically, "so, his highness the martial king means to say that your talent in leading troops into battle is stronger than mine?"


    xiao yi responded indifferently, "i wouldn''t dare claim my ability to lead troops into battle is stronger than yours, but at least i have a method to defeat the tianlan kingdom''s army, which you do not!"


    "you..."


    zheng le''s complexion shifted slightly.


    indeed, he had no way to stop the tianlan kingdom.


    even before xiao yi arrived...


    he had been advocating for a retreat to the capital and to negotiate peace with the tianlan kingdom!


    xiao yi claimed he could defeat the tianlan kingdom?


    zheng le sneered, "if you truly can defeat the tianlan kingdom''s army, i, zheng le, am willing to personally hold your horse!"


    "really?"


    your journey continues with empire


    "a gentleman''s word is as good as his bond!"


    "good!"


    xiao yi smiled faintly and turned to zhang baisheng. he gave a respectful bow and said, "old general, xiao yi has a strategy to defeat the tianlan kingdom''s army, but it will require some sacrifice on your part!"


    "what are you talking about, your highness the martial king! if we really can defeat the tianlan kingdom, even if it means this old body has to die right now, i''m willing!" zhang baisheng hastened to his feet and spoke earnestly.


    xiao yi nodded and said solemnly, "then please, old general, hand over the tiger talisman to me first!"


    the tiger talisman!


    the symbol of military command.


    possessing the tiger talisman means one can mobilize the entire army.


    "absolutely not!" zheng le protested.


    hou sailei also looked worried.


    although xiao yi was the martial king of the nation, he had just arrived and was already asking for the commander''s seal.


    if xiao yi''s strategy failed, it could very well doom all the soldiers and civilians of heiya city!


    xiao yi''s demeanor remained calm, the corners of his mouth lifted slightly, wearing a faint smile.


    he did not say much more, only quietly looking at zhang baisheng.


    waiting for his decision.


    after a moment of silence.


    zhang baisheng took a deep breath, held it for a moment, then slowly exhaled. he took a black tiger talisman out from his storage ring and handed it solemnly to xiao yi, "your highness the martial king, the lives of the hundreds of thousands of heiya city''s soldiers and civilians, and the fate of the tianqing kingdom, are now in your hands!"


    "be at ease, general!"


    xiao yi solemnly accepted the tiger talisman and said in a deep voice, "old general, to carry out my plan, we must kill you first!" sea??h th§× n?velfire.net website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "hm?"


    zhang baisheng was stunned.


    at that moment, xiao yi pointed a finger, and a wave of energy rippled wildly from the center of zhang baisheng''s forehead. with a buzzing sound, zhang baisheng spat out a mouthful of fresh blood, his body rigidly falling backward...


    "general!"


    "xiao yi, you''re seeking death!"


    hou sailei and zheng le were beside themselves with rage, wishing they could tear xiao yi to pieces.


    he actually made a move to kill the old general, zhang baisheng?


    was this a grab for power?


    in an instant...


    the hall was plunged into complete chaos...

 Chapter 144 Night Raid

    "what are you doing?""how dare you, xiao yi, attack general zhang?"


    hou sailei and zheng le''s faces suddenly changed, their angry roars echoing throughout the hall.


    the two of them transformed into streaks of light, shooting towards xiao yi from the left and right.


    zheng le was at the fifth layer of the golden elixir realm, and hou sailei was even stronger, at the sixth layer of the golden elixir realm. both experienced in numerous battles, they had accumulated a formidable evil qi. together, they could even challenge a warrior at the seventh layer of the golden core realm.


    facing the encirclement of the two men,


    xiao yi didn''t even turn his head, one hand supporting zhang baisheng, while the other executed a spinning back kick.


    smack! smack!


    between the two thuds.


    xiao yi completely crushed their thunderous attacks, stepping on their heads and pinning them to the ground.


    cracks spread all over the ground.


    the two men clutched the ground with both hands, continuously roaring in fury, "xiao yi, general zhang has made great contributions to the tianqing kingdom. how dare you kill him? even if i become a ghost, i will not let you go..."


    "idiot!"


    xiao yi huffed coldly, speaking indifferently, "which of your eyes saw me kill general zhang?"


    "you still want to argue?"


    "we witnessed it with our own eyes..."


    their faces were now buried in the dirt, shouting furiously.


    at this moment,


    yan ning''s voice came, "generals, please calm your anger. general zhang is not dead!"


    "huh?"


    both of them were taken aback.


    only then did xiao yi lift his foot, looking down at the two men covered in mud and in a sorry state, his voice carrying a grave tone, "considering you two were concerned for general zhang''s safety, i''ll spare you this time. if there''s a next time, i won''t be merciful!"


    zheng le and his companion exchanged a look, wearing expressions of confusion.


    they had seen with their own eyes xiao yi killing zhang baisheng with a single finger strike!


    how could he be alright?


    yan ning had already taken zhang baisheng from xiao yi''s hands, checked him over, and looked at xiao yi with ever-increasing admiration and awe, his voice deep, "generals, his highness the martial king just used a special technique to induce a state of false death in the general!"


    "false death?"


    the two men were utterly bewildered.


    xiao yi offered no explanation but took out the tiger talisman, his voice firm, "zheng le, hou sailei, step forward to receive orders!"


    the two men glanced at each other.


    although they still didn''t understand why xiao yi had put zhang baisheng into a state of false death, knowing that zhang baisheng''s life was not at risk, they were somewhat relieved. kneeling on one knee, they spoke solemnly, "hou sailei (zheng le) is listening to the orders!"


    xiao yi''s voice was stern, "hou sailei, effective immediately, you are in charge of the city''s defense, and you must bring down all the guards from the top of the walls. however, increase the inner city patrols to ten times their usual number!"


    "yes!"


    hou sailei was startled, not understanding the reason behind xiao yi''s orders, but military orders are as heavy as mountains, so he saluted and accepted the command.


    xiao yi then turned to zheng le, "zheng le, starting now, you are responsible for guarding general zhang''s quarters, and you shall not allow anyone to enter his bedroom!"


    "your highness martial king, may i know why?" zheng le asked, full of confusion.


    with the army of tianlan kingdom looming at the gates, xiao yi was withdrawing guards from the ramparts yet intensifying city patrols. moreover, he was assigning him, a high-ranking general, to guard zhang baisheng''s bedroom? s§×arch* the n?vel(f)ire.¦Çet website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    if zhang baisheng had been in mortal danger, it would have been understandable for him to be in charge of guarding him.


    but zhang baisheng was clearly just in a state of false death.


    with no threat to his life.


    so why wasn''t he, a warrior at the fifth layer of the golden core realm, involved in patrols or defending the city, but instead guarding a sleeping zhang baisheng?


    xiao yi replied indifferently, "this is a military order. just carry it out!"


    zheng le opened his mouth but, seeing the tiger talisman in xiao yi''s hand, he could only nod and say, "this subordinate obeys the command!"


    xiao yi then turned to yan ning, "from now on, you must stay inside the old general''s bedroom, and you are not allowed to leave without my order. additionally, i''ll arrange for someone to bring you a batch of medicinal herbs and food every three hours!"


    "yes!"


    yan ning nodded vigorously.


    he had been completely subdued by xiao yi, naturally, he would not disobey.


    a series of commands were issued.


    xiao yi personally shouldered zhang baisheng, his face no longer calm but anxious, and said in a deep voice, "hou sailei, go and strengthen the patrol immediately, zheng le and yan ning, follow me to take the old general to his bedroom!"


    "yes!"


    the crowd saluted with cupped hands.


    hou sailei left immediately.


    zheng le and yan ning, one on each side, guarded xiao yi as they carried zhang baisheng toward the bedroom.


    no one noticed.


    above heiya city, within the gloomy clouds, a pair of cold eyes was paying attention to everything happening inside the city. they watched hou sailei withdraw the soldiers from the ramparts while strengthening the patrols inside the city, and xiao yi and others anxiously carrying zhang baisheng into the bedroom.


    after watching intently for two hours, those eyes finally disappeared into the sky.


    and just as those eyes vanished...


    xiao yi in the bedroom, sensing something, glanced outside the window and the corner of his mouth lifted slightly, "the show is about to start!"


    ...


    outside heiya city, inside the military camp of tianlan kingdom.


    this time, tianlan kingdom had deployed a million soldiers, led by the current national advisor ling wufengyun as the chief commander, with two generals at the golden elixir realm peak assisting him, truly a formidable presence!


    in the central command tent.


    geng jie and li tenglong, the two generals at the golden elixir realm peak, sat at the two main seats on the left and right, while their subordinates sat upright and tense.


    the dim firelight flickered, casting sallow light upon them.


    geng jie said in a deep voice, "gentlemen, scouts have reported that heiya city has suddenly withdrawn its soldiers from the ramparts, what do you think?"


    a golden core realm general under him said in a deep voice, "general, could this be a feint by zhang baisheng?"


    "if something had happened to zhang baisheng, they should be strengthening their defenses. in my opinion, zhang baisheng hasn''t been injured at all. he is deliberately setting a trap to lure us in..."


    li tenglong squinted his eyes, his fingers lightly tapping on the table, and said in a deep voice, "stop arguing, we will know when the national advisor returns!"


    whoosh!


    a gust of cold wind blew.


    a figure wrapped in a black robe quietly landed in the commanding seat.


    shush shush shush! continue reading on empire


    all the generals stood up and saluted toward the figure in the black robe, "we pay our respects to the national advisor!"


    the position of the national advisor in tianlan kingdom was extraordinary, on a par with xiao yi, the martial king of the nation.


    moreover, she was the only practitioner in the tao tribulation realm in tianlan kingdom.


    even the king of tianlan kingdom would have to show the deference of a disciple in front of ling wufengyun.


    ling wufengyun gestured for everyone to be seated and said, with a soft yet undeniably authoritative voice, "in half an hour, we attack heiya city at night!"


    li longteng said in a deep voice, "national advisor, is it because of zhang baisheng..."


    ling wufengyun nodded and said faintly, "zhang baisheng has been poisoned with the mo luo grass and has fallen into a coma. right now, heiya city is defended by hou sailei and zheng le. they have withdrawn the soldiers from the ramparts in order to confuse us. however, inside the city, the defense has actually increased tenfold, further proving that something has happened to zhang baisheng!"


    "it is indeed impressive for xue yilou to possess such a poison as the mo luo grass..."


    "it''s a pity for zhang baisheng, the illustrious general baisheng, to not die on the battlefield but by poison..."


    the crowd shook their heads and sighed.


    the national advisor snorted coldly and said flatly, "now is not the time to sympathize with the enemy. get ready immediately. tonight, this national advisor will break down the gates of heiya city!"

 Chapter 145 Are you looking for him?

    ```the night was deep and the world was silent.


    however, atop the parapets of heiya city, there were only a few sparse guards on patrol.


    but within the city, it was all hustle and bustle, with patrols of soldiers following one wave after another.


    inside the city lord''s mansion.


    xiao yi once again convened zheng le, hou sailei, and the generals, his voice grave, "gentlemen, the decisive moment is upon us!"


    "hm?"


    "martial king your highness, now that the great general''s life or death is unknown, we..."


    the generals wore faces of concern. sea??h th§× nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    even though they knew that all of this was part of xiao yi''s strategy, zheng le and hou sailei were also showing expressions of worry at this moment.


    despite the fact that xiao yi''s fame as a warrior had spread far and wide over these past few months.


    but that was all about his martial arts talent!


    as for leading troops into battle, xiao yi was completely a novice!


    xiao yi directly took out the commander''s seal.


    clang clang clang!


    the generals kneeled on the ground one after another.


    as soldiers, obeying orders was their sacred duty.


    xiao yi said in a cold voice, "hou sailei, immediately lead fifty thousand troops around black mountain. when the beacon smoke rises, charge the enemy''s main camp."


    "this subordinate obeys the order!"


    hou sailei responded respectfully.


    xiao yi continued, "zheng le, you lead fifty thousand troops along the concealed pathway of heartbreak cliff to launch a surprise attack, also waiting for the beacon smoke as the signal to strike the enemy''s main camp."


    "yes!"


    zheng le respectfully accepted the order.


    xiao yi turned to the remaining generals, his eyes narrowing with a hint of cold intent, "the rest of the generals will lead the remaining garrison to defend heiya city with this prince." after a pause, xiao yi summoned yan ning, "yan ning, how is the preparation for the things i had you arrange going?"


    yan ning, with a face full of excitement and agitation, came forward, holding a storage ring in both hands, and said in a deep voice, "reporting back to your highness, your subordinate has made all the necessary preparations!"


    "good!"


    the gleam in xiao yi''s eyes was sharp as he said gravely, "lead the medical department personnel immediately and distribute these items. have our own men take precautions... the net is spread, we just wait for the prey to leap into it!"


    ......


    the night was deep and the world was silent.


    thick clouds obscured the stars and moon above.


    rustle rustle!


    in the darkness, tianlan kingdom''s three hundred thousand-strong army quietly approached heiya city under the command of li tenglong and geng jie.


    "general geng, i''ve always had a bad feeling..." li tenglong looked at the vast city looming ahead, furrowing his brow and speaking in a hushed tone.


    geng jie spoke indifferently, "the national advisor has personally investigated, there will not be any oversight. all you and i need to do is to act according to the national advisor''s plan, besides..." he looked up at the looming city, "if zhang baisheng had not met with any mishap, with his cautiousness he would have deployed heavy troops to defend the parapets. the fact that it is loose on the outside but tight on the inside is proof that something has happened to zhang baisheng. this approach is just to make us believe that heiya city is well defended and deter us from rash action!"


    "i hope that''s the case!"


    li tenglong hesitated for a moment, but felt that information personally investigated by ling wufengyun should not be wrong.


    "you wait here, i''ll personally ascend the city wall and dispose of these guards. once i open the city gates, you all can drive straight in!" geng jie''s eyes glowed brightly in the darkness.


    "be careful, general geng!" li tenglong said solemnly.


    geng jie laughed heartily, "even if this is indeed one of zhang baisheng''s traps, with my skills i can come and go as i please. just wait for good news from me!"


    whoosh!


    geng jie led ten elite soldiers, leaping onto the city walls.


    ```


    the few hundred soldiers atop the city walls were easily slaughtered with the assistance of geng jie, who was at the peak of the golden elixir realm, and ten elites from the shentong realm.


    geng jie stuck his head out above the city wall and waved the flag in his hand.


    beneath the city.


    li tenglong clenched his fists, his eyes sparkling with intensity, "it seems i was overly cautious. now that the defenses on the city walls have been removed, we just need general geng to open the gates, then we can drive straight in!"


    at the same time¡­


    inside the city.


    geng jie looked at the corpses of a hundred guards lying in pools of blood, patted his hands, and sneered, "just wait until we break through heiya city, then our army can drive straight in and march directly to the capital of tianqing kingdom. i will be the first to set foot in the capital of the tianqing kingdom, and the position of a duke will be within easy reach, not to mention my name will go down in history!"


    "sorry, but i''m afraid you won''t have that chance!"


    as geng jie was basking in his smugness, a taunting voice emerged like a specter at his ear.


    "who?"


    geng jie''s face changed dramatically as he looked towards the source of the sound.


    explore hidden tales at empire


    he saw xiao yi, dressed in white, with his arms crossed and an amused expression on his face.


    those cold eyes were like knife blades, causing geng jie a chill from deep within his heart. xiao yi''s appearance had long been known throughout the ten countries of nanhuang, and geng jie recognized him instantly, "martial king of the nation xiao yi? not good, it''s a trap..."


    "realizing it''s a trap now is too late!" xiao yi grinned.


    "run!"


    geng jie bellowed, trying to instruct his men to scatter.


    however¡­


    as his voice fell, those ten men didn''t move an inch.


    while geng jie was puzzled...


    bang, bang, bang!


    all ten men fell to the ground, each with a bloody hole the size of a fingernail in their foreheads.


    a silver figure stood upon the head of the closest powerful warrior to him, twisting its body with emerald green eyes fixed intently on him.


    it was none other than little lin!


    through training during this period, as well as countless golden cores xiao yi had obtained from slaying numerous experts and fed to little lin, it had reached the advanced tier of the fifth stage¡ªcomparable to the peak of the golden elixir realm. besides, its speed was incredibly fast, and launching a surprise attack to solve ten elite warriors instantly was easy.


    "li..."


    geng jie''s mouth flew open, trying to send out a message.


    but his voice seemed to be choked off.


    it stayed stuck in his throat, unable to come out.


    his pupils madly contracted, and as he followed the arm that was gripping his throat, he saw xiao yi''s expressionless face before him, and heard his cold voice echoing in his ear, "watch with your own eyes how your troops are completely annihilated!"


    "heh, heh heh..."


    geng jie struggled furiously but could not break free from xiao yi''s hold, the despair in his eyes spreading like ripples to fill his entire gaze.


    a moment later.


    creak!


    the city gate opened thunderously.


    li tenglong, who had been waiting for a long time, gave the order, and 300,000 soldiers swarmed in, flooding into the city like mad.


    thanks to the massive construction of the city gates of heiya city, this army of 300,000 surged in like a steel torrent, taking only the time of half a stick of incense to all pour into the city. the surroundings were still darkly packed, and everyone could vaguely see geng jie standing atop the city wall, hands behind his back, watching everything unfold.


    as soon as the army had fully entered the city, the figure of geng jie on the city walls disappeared.


    li tenglong wore a bewildered expression, "who has seen general geng?"


    the words had barely left his lips.


    when a thunderous boom was heard, the city gates slammed shut, and at the same time, a mocking voice rang out, "are you looking for him?"

 Chapter 146 Shut the Door and Beat the Dog

    "are you looking for him?"the calm, playful voice sent chills skittering across li tenglong''s body.


    bang!


    a dark shadow abruptly fell at his feet, a headless corpse.


    blood gushed from the wound on the neck, staining his boots red. li tenglong''s complexion changed drastically, and his breathing became hurried, "this, this is impossible..."


    although the corpse was headless, the clothes were all too familiar.


    but... s§×ar?h the n??efire.¦Çet website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    geng jie was a strongman at the golden elixir realm peak, unless someone from the tao tribulation realm took action, how could he have been beheaded without a sound?


    "sorry, i forgot to give this to you as well!" xiao yi''s voice came again; with a wave of his hand, he threw geng jie''s head over.


    that head, with eyes wide open and a face full of despair, wasn''t it geng jie''s?


    thump! thump!


    li tenglong''s heartbeat grew faster and faster, but his face became even paler. he looked up at xiao yi, "this, all of this was a trap you set up?"


    xiao yi smiled faintly, "congratulations, you''re right. as a reward, i''ll personally send you on your way!"


    "you insolent brat!"


    li tenglong drew his longsword with a sudden motion, glaring at xiao yi, "under my command are three hundred thousand soldiers, do you think i''d be afraid of you? all soldiers, heed my command, break through the city gates..."


    "wouldn''t it be nice to die quietly? why do you struggle?"


    xiao yi shook his head gently, clapping his hands. the crisp clapping sound was like a soul-hooking devil''s tune.


    swoosh! swoosh! swoosh!


    from within the pitch-black buildings, amidst the thickets of trees, from within the city walls, one figure after another emerged. these were all soldiers stationed in heiya city, each with a thick white cloth over their faces, carrying a jar of wine in their hands. at xiao yi''s command, hundreds of thousands of jars were viciously thrown amongst the tianlan kingdom''s troops.


    bang! bang! bang!


    the jars exploded one by one, and the white vapor, filled with the sharp, pungent smell of alcohol, dispersed.


    "what is this stuff?"


    "wine? what are they doing throwing wine at us?"


    "no, something is wrong... it must be poison, it''s definitely poison..." li tenglong''s complexion changed drastically. under the envelopment of the white smoke, some of the tianlan kingdom''s soldiers were already staggering.


    li tenglong leapt into the air, intending to escape.


    however...


    just as he left the ground, a dark shadow suddenly appeared before his eyes. find exclusive stories on empire


    it was a black foot.


    growing larger and larger in his vision!


    bang!


    a foot slammed down on his face, driving his head brutally into the ground. xiao yi, with an amused look, watched li tenglong try to push himself off the ground to rise, "why are you in such a rush to leave? wouldn''t it be nice to see how your tianlan kingdom''s troops get annihilated?"


    "despicable... you actually used poison? you lowlife coward..." li tenglong''s face contorted with rage as he yelled.


    in just this short moment, over a hundred thousand soldiers of the tianlan kingdom already lay fallen.


    the remaining two hundred thousand soldiers were also staggering, devoid of any combat strength.


    "despicable?"


    xiao yi sneered, "when you poisoned great general zhang baisheng, why didn''t you call that despicable? i am simply giving you a taste of your own medicine! moreover, the poison i used was developed from the moruo grass poison you used, so i should actually thank your tianlan kingdom. otherwise, where would i find the long-lost moruo grass?"


    "how, how can this be, is heaven intending to destroy my tianlan kingdom..."


    li tenglong''s face turned ashen.


    if this army of three hundred thousand were to be completely annihilated, it would be a crippling blow to the tianlan kingdom, especially since he and geng jie, both peak golden elixir generals, had perished together.


    be it morale or strength.


    it was also too much for tianlan kingdom to bear!


    xiao yi gently bent down, gripped li tenglong''s neck, and lifted him up. amidst the crackling sounds, he crushed li tenglong''s hands and feet, disabling his cultivation at the same time. with his vital energy, he sealed all the acupoints in li tenglong''s body, rendering him mute and immobile, just like a puppet on strings, which xiao yi placed atop the horse.


    he had already guessed the reason why xiao yi didn''t kill him, his eyes filled with despair.


    as the massacre of the heiya city defense forces ensued, those of the tianlan kingdom''s army poisoned by the demon ravana grass had no strength to resist and were easily slaughtered.


    xiao yi waved his hand: "everyone, according to plan, put on the tianlan kingdom''s army armor!"


    whirr!


    the men rapidly began to change their armor.


    in a moment.


    an army of one hundred thousand from the tianlan kingdom reappeared before everyone''s eyes.


    excitement and fervor were written on every face, their gazes blazing as they looked at xiao yi.


    before this...


    faced with an army of a million from the tianlan kingdom, they had lost all hope, entertaining only thoughts of a death struggle.


    but now.


    the situation had drastically changed.


    without exerting any effort, they annihilated two generals at the golden elixir realm peak of the tianlan kingdom and wiped out three hundred thousand troops, right when their morale was at its peak after a big victory.


    xiao yi immediately ordered everyone to open the city gates.


    majestically, the army of one hundred thousand poured out of the city.


    at the same time...


    xiao yi glanced at a young general at the peak of divine skills, who promptly launched a signal arrow. with a whoosh, a streak of silver light shot across the sky. shortly thereafter, the ground shook and quaked as an imposing army of four hundred thousand from the tianlan kingdom surged towards them.


    "general li, what''s the situation inside the city?" a general at the first layer of the golden elixir realm asked.


    under xiao yi''s control, li tenglong''s voice came out: "heiya city has been taken, the national advisor is welcome to enter the city!"


    "enter the city!"


    the army of four hundred thousand marched towards the city.


    they immediately saw corpses lying haphazardly in pools of blood within the city; the vast majority of them were dressed in the tianqing kingdom''s defensive army armor. the soldiers of the tianlan kingdom were overjoyed: "worthy of the national advisor''s personal intervention, heiya city has fallen, and we can now drive straight in, flattening the capital of tianqing kingdom within half a month!"


    "sorry, but i''m afraid you won''t ever get to see the capital of tianqing kingdom in this lifetime!" xiao yi''s cold voice came as the city gates thunderously closed.


    "huh?"


    the generals of the tianlan kingdom were startled, only to see xiao yi leading a hundred thousand strong, frantically hurling jar after jar.


    boom! boom! boom!


    amidst the spreading white smoke...


    the tianlan kingdom''s army fell in swathes.


    "kill them!"


    at xiao yi''s command, the tianqing kingdom''s army ruthlessly slaughtered on all sides, while signal fires blazed high atop the city walls.


    xiao yi looked at li tenglong''s face, filled with despair, and released the seals on his body: "thank you for your help, general li. without you, they would not have trusted me so easily!"


    "you¡ªyou''ll not die a good death... the national advisor will avenge us..." li tenglong said through clenched teeth.


    xiao yi calmly replied, "the national advisor? ling wufengyun? i will send him to join you!"


    thump!


    xiao yi clenched his palm and brutally snapped li tenglong''s neck, then leaped high. a streak of silver landed on his shoulder. little lin spoke, "boss, the signal fires have been lit, zheng le and hou sailei must have already launched their attack!"


    xiao yi nodded, his eyes narrowed as he looked towards the dark mass of the distant camp: "after tonight, tianlan kingdom will be a toothless tiger, no longer a concern!"

 Chapter 147 Tearing the Wind Barehanded

    the tianlan kingdom camp was ablaze with lights.before this nighttime attack, they had dispatched seven hundred thousand troops, leaving only over two hundred thousand to defend the main camp out of the million-strong army.


    in ling wufengyun''s view, seven hundred thousand troops should have been enough to take down heiya city. once achieved, the western gate of tianqing kingdom would be wide open, exposed before the vast armies of tianlan kingdom.


    she just needed to lead the army and march straight in to capture the royal city of tianqing kingdom!


    "as long as i can break through the royal city of tianqing kingdom and capture xiao yi to hand over to xue yilou, i will have the chance to visit the headquarters of xue yilou in the great qian dynasty. with the strength of xue yilou''s headquarters, i will surely break through to the dharma manifestation realm¡­"


    ling wufengyun sat within the main tent, holding a cup of clear wine, her crimson tongue curling the wine stained on her lips into her mouth as she took a deep breath, "father, mother, once your daughter breaks through to the dharma manifestation realm, i will have enough strength to avenge you. the 1,635 members of the ling family cannot have died in vain!"


    a cold light flickered in her eyes.


    boom! boom! boom!


    suddenly, the sound of marching troops erupted from outside the camp.


    ling wufengyun urgently sat up straight, her sharp eyes seeming to penetrate the tent, looking out towards the camp with a hint of excitement, "it must be that the two generals have already taken heiya city!"


    however¡­


    just as she was about to step out of the tent, an urgent sound of war drums came from the outside, "enemy raid! enemy raid!"


    dong! dong! dong! sear?h the n?velfire.n§×t website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    the sound of the war drums was quick and urgent, with a hint of panic.


    bang!


    the wine cup in ling wufengyun''s hand suddenly burst, and she stood up abruptly, her face a picture of shock, "an enemy raid? how is that possible... with general geng and the others leading seven hundred thousand troops to attack heiya city at night, from where would an army dare to assault our main camp?"


    rustle!


    a young officer suddenly rushed into the tent, disheveled and in a sorry state, "diviner, something terrible has happened... general geng and general li have been wiped out. the army from heiya city disguised themselves as our forces to approach the camp and have already breached it. diviner, we, we have been defeated¡­"


    defeated?


    defeated?


    ling wufengyun dropped into her seat with a thump, her face blank in disbelief, "we have been defeated? a million-strong army, defeated just like that? impossible, absolutely impossible¡­"


    "diviner, we truly have been defeated, we must retreat quickly!" the young officer''s face was filled with bitterness.


    explore more at empire


    "no!"


    ling wufengyun''s eyes blazed with madness as she clenched her teeth and snarled, "with me here, i''d like to see who can breach our main camp!"


    "diviner, you mustn''t!"


    the young officer spoke anxiously, "as a powerful being of the tao tribulation realm, you can serve as the commander sitting in the camp, but you absolutely cannot directly engage in the battlefield. otherwise, it would be a provocation to the authority of the great qian dynasty, and our country simply cannot withstand the sanctions from the great qian dynasty!"


    those in the tao tribulation realm were not allowed to directly participate in wars between nations.


    this was an agreement between the great qian dynasty and its subordinate nations. otherwise, if tao tribulation realm experts freely intervened, slaying the opposing generals or even their kings, would not the world be thrown into utter chaos?


    ling wufengyun''s eyes narrowed into slits, filled with fierceness, and she sneered, "what fear? as long as we kill them all, who will spread the news of my intervention? without leaving any survivors, completely slaughtering the enemy, even if tianqing kingdom suspects that i have intervened, they will have no evidence!"


    "this..."


    the young officer stared at the maniacal ling wufengyun with a look of shock.


    ling wufengyun''s face twisted with ferocity, her fists clenched tightly, "no one shall stop me from taking revenge, those who do, kill!"


    boom!


    ling wufengyun soared into the sky.


    the huge tent was flung away by her, and auras of black light ebbed and flowed around her body, her cultivation reaching the second layer of tao tribulation realm.


    a terrifying surge of energy formed a violent wind as she waved her hand, "come, wild wind!"


    tao tribulation realm experts could sense the heaven and earth through the martial dao divine fruit inside their bodies and harness a portion of the world''s elemental power. the martial dao divine fruit inside ling wufengyun was of the wind attribute, allowing him to borrow some of the wind''s power between heaven and earth. with a move of his hands and feet, a violent wind would rise, and his combat power was far beyond that of zhou yuan, who had stepped into the tao tribulation realm by relying on the absorption of the martial dao divine fruit.


    whoosh!


    the furious wind raged like an azure dragon ascending to the heavens.


    amidst the storm, tents were lifted high into the air, the terrible tempest carrying the might of apocalyptic destruction.


    numerous mighty warriors were flung into the sky, tents ripped out from their roots, and warhorses torn to shreds by the raging wind.


    the storm grew larger and stronger.


    it did not distinguish between friend or foe.


    a young soldier gripped onto a wooden stake, half of his body whirling in midair, his face filled with despair, "it''s over, it''s over, the national teacher has actually made a move... if we can''t kill all the strong warriors of the tianqing kingdom this time, once the news of the national teacher taking action spreads, our tianlan kingdom will become the target of public criticism... "


    "blow them away for me!"


    ling wufengyun stood suspended in the air, his hands constantly waving, and gusts of fierce wind surged from within his sleeves.


    the wind''s ferocity grew more terrifying.


    whoo whoo whoo!


    the sound of the wind passing by was akin to the wailing of ghosts and howling of wolves.


    within the crowd.


    zheng le and hou sailei''s expressions changed drastically, seeing that tens of thousands of vanguard troops had been lifted into the air, their eyes were splitting with rage, "retreat quickly... these bastards from the tianlan kingdom have actually sent a tao tribulation realm expert to act, retreat quickly..."


    "brothers, retreat fast!"


    under the lead of zheng le and others, the army of the tianqing kingdom turned around and fled in disarray.


    but the raging wind, under the control of ling wufengyun, pursued them relentlessly. once overtaken, one would be swept into the high skies, and only the strong warriors above the golden core realm could escape with their lives while the other ordinary soldiers had almost no way out.


    "it''s over, it''s over..."


    "scum of the tianlan kingdom, you won''t die a good death..."


    the great army of the tianqing kingdom watched the hurricane bearing down on them like a demon, its maw wide open, their faces filled with despair.


    but just at this critical juncture...


    a figure suddenly soared into the sky, his silver armor gleaming brilliantly under the sparse star and moonlight. perched upon his shoulder was a silver serpent, which raised its head proudly, gazing at the enraged wind. xiao yi''s eyes gleamed sharply as he looked through the storm at ling wufengyun, who was making the wind surge, and a cold smile appeared on his face: "a great tao tribulation, yet you lay hands on these ordinary soldiers, the tianlan kingdom is really nothing special!"


    "victors are kings, losers are bandits. as long as you achieve the ultimate victory, who cares about the means used?" ling wufengyun said expressionlessly.


    xiao yi burst into hearty laughter, "do you really think you''ve got us in the bag?"


    "i''m not a waste like zhou yuan!" ling wufengyun obviously recognized xiao yi, the beauty mark at the corner of his mouth curling into a sneer.


    "you may not be much stronger than zhou yuan!"


    xiao yi chuckled coldly as endless yuan qi within him whirled madly, surging into his hands.


    hum hum hum!


    the yuan qi converged on his arms, and xiao yi abruptly reached out.


    "the martial king actually intends to catch the hurricane barehanded?"


    "isn''t this foolhardy? no matter how powerful a golden core realm is, it is still human power. how can it contend with the power of heaven and earth?"


    "my wind incorporates the power of heaven and earth, how could your mere golden core withstand it? and you still fantasize about catching the wind with bare hands, it''s simply..." ling wufengyun said with a mocking face, but his smile froze suddenly, replaced by a look of shock and disbelief.


    "open for me!"


    xiao yi roared angrily as his hands violently tore to both sides.


    the hurricane, which had rolled up tens of thousands of soldiers and steeds, was actually torn in two by his flesh-and-blood palms...

 Chapter 148 Martial King Supreme, Forever Dominates Tianqing!

    boom! boom! boom!raging between heaven and earth, like a hurricane connecting sky and land.


    in xiao yi''s hands, it was torn apart into two halves.


    the tearing winds suddenly dissipated into nothingness in the void, and the soldiers caught in the hurricane fell from the sky; without the barrier of the fierce winds, they did not sustain serious injuries.


    however, on the entire battlefield...


    hundreds of thousands of soldiers fell utterly silent.


    every gaze was fixed on the figure standing in the sky, clad in silver armor¡ªxiao yi.


    gulp!


    someone swallowed hard, breaking the deathly silence.


    like a stone dropped into an ancient well, ripples spread out...


    "damn! damn! damn!"


    "what did i just see? tearing the wind with bare hands? did the martial king actually do that?"


    "heavens above, i must be hallucinating... this is the power of nature, how can someone tear a hurricane apart with human strength? it''s unbelievable..."


    zheng le exchanged a glance with hou sailei, both seeing the terror and shock in the other''s eyes.


    hou sailei teased with a sneer, "general zheng, you had a wager with his highness the martial king before; it looks like you are destined to lose!"


    "i, i..."


    zheng le opened his mouth, but with an excited expression, he said, "so what if i lose? losing to such a martial king is my honor. do you qualify to make a wager with his highness? when history records this battle, my name, zheng le, will surely be on it... hmm, when i return, i must explain this part to the imperial censor personally. the young general zheng bravely wagered with his highness the martial king and gloriously lost!"


    looking at zheng le''s proud and self-satisfied demeanor.


    hou sailei''s lips twitched: "such thick skin..."


    at the same time.


    xiao yi''s voice suddenly came, "hou sailei, zheng le, what are you dawdling for? wipe out those tianlan kingdom bastards for me!"


    "ah?"


    "don''t worry, your highness, we''re on it!"


    zheng le and his men hurriedly got the troops in order and launched another attack.


    xiao yi''s feat of tearing the wind had turned into a nightmare, seared into the hearts of the tianlan kingdom soldiers, completely robbing them of their will to fight.


    a defeated army fell like a crumbling mountain.


    watching the forces of tianqing kingdom charging and sweeping through his troops, ling wufengyun recovered from his astonishment and stared at xiao yi with clenched teeth: "who would have thought tianqing kingdom could produce someone like you. no wonder xue yilou was so eager for us to attack tianqing kingdom, to remove you quickly."


    xiao yi indifferently said, "so it indeed was xue yilou scheming behind the scenes!"


    "that''s right, xue yilou!"


    ling wufengyun nodded, took a deep breath, his dark eyes filled with a predatory chill, "xiao yi, although we have no grudges or hatred, you''ve blocked my path."


    xiao yi was taken aback: "blocked your path?"


    "that''s right!"


    ling wufengyun''s lips were tightly pressed, "xue yilou promised me that if i could bring about the downfall of tianqing kingdom and capture you, they would allow me to go to the headquarters of xue yilou in the great qian dynasty and give me the method to break through to the dharma manifestation realm. why didn''t you just surrender peacefully? why did you resist, why oh why..."


    ling wufengyun grew more agitated as he spoke, his shoulders trembling slightly, almost madly.


    seeing the tianlan kingdom''s army collapse like a fallen mountain, she knew conquering tianqing kingdom was no longer possible.


    the only option now.


    was to capture xiao yi and exchange him at xue yilou for the method to break through to the dharma manifestation realm.


    whizz!


    ling wufengyun''s black cloak trembled violently and took flight, opening like a pair of dark wings. under the cover of that black cloak, gusts of wind roared in. the wind was not as massive as before, but it was extremely condensed, pouring down like a torrent of arrows.


    facing the overwhelming assault of wind arrows, xiao yi''s eyes narrowed, and the fire qilin sword fell into his grasp: "chasing stars, pursuing the moon!"


    "python entwining the tree!"


    "sword breaking style..."


    xiao yi had already reached the realm where the man and his sword were one; the fire qilin sword was like an extension of his body, following his command.


    wherever the sword''s edge passed, no storm of arrows could approach him.


    rather, as he continuously destroyed the arrows, xiao yi steadily closed in on ling wufengyun. as ling wufengyun loomed before him, xiao yi''s swordplay shifted, swiftly drawing a circular arc: "enemy-breaking style!"


    this sword arc was incredibly dazzling, as bright as the moon.


    swipe!


    the sword edge carved a path straight ahead.


    xiao yi dived forward and was now only a step away from ling wufengyun: "nine swords as one!"


    nine sword shadows pierced through the air, only merging into one as they finally reached their target.


    the sword''s edge whistled, thrusting straight for ling wufengyun''s brow.


    ding!


    that sharp, unstoppable sword tip came to a halt right at ling wufengyun''s forehead, blocked by a shield formed by winds compressed to the extreme. the sword edge and the tempest shield stood off against each other, unable to advance even a fraction more. the enormous force caused the fire qilin sword to bend like a bow, the blade trembling with a buzzing sound.


    of course...


    ling wufengyun wasn''t having an easy time either.


    the immense pressure caused her skin at the brow to burst open, with blood trailing down her cheeks.


    "windless motion!"


    finally unable to withstand the massive pressure, ling wufengyun thrust her palm forward, a ferocious wind swept up, enveloping her body and blasting her backward in a retreat. seeing xiao yi with sword in hand in close pursuit, a cold light burst forth in ling wufengyun''s eyes, and in her slender jade-like hand appeared a cyan feather fan. this fan, adorned with nine peacock feathers, was swung violently, "three months of beacon fires!"


    swish, swish, swish!


    with every flick of the feather fan, the eyes on the nine peacock feathers radiated a cyan glow.


    this was a sixth-order yuan weapon!


    empowered by the yuan weapon,


    the fierce winds became even more terrifying, howling and condensing into a wall made of sharp gales, stretching for hundreds of feet.


    continue your adventure with empire


    it was like the beacon fires on a battlefield, burning for three months without extinguishing.


    boom!


    the fire qilin sword struck the wind wall but couldn''t shake it in the least, instead causing xiao yi''s palm to crack from the recoil.


    "dragon''s lament of wind!"


    ling wufengyun waved her feather fan once more.


    whoosh!


    the roaring wind transformed into nine wind-formed azure dragons intertwining with one another, creating a massive wind torrent.


    xiao yi''s pupils suddenly shrunk as he blocked his chest with the fire qilin sword.


    thump!


    the wind-formed azure dragon slammed against the blade.


    the terrifying force sent xiao yi shooting toward the ground, like a fallen star crashing with a loud noise, shaking the earth. a huge crater erupted with dust flying everywhere, but within that cloud of dust, a sword light shot up into the sky: "nine swords as one!"


    swish!


    the sword''s edge reached its ultimate speed.


    in an instant...


    with a thud, it pierced through ling wufengyun''s shoulder.


    ling wufengyun shuddered, and the face beneath the cloak changed drastically. she hastily retreated, but she was a step too slow. with a ripping sound, the mask over her face was torn off by xiao yi.


    their eyes met.


    "hmm?"


    xiao yi was stunned, could there be such stunning beauty in this world?


    even fang qingzhu could not compare!


    ling wufengyun also noticed the mask in xiao yi''s hand. her eyes went from shocked to bewildered, and then to a complex mix of fury and subtle affection. she glared fiercely at xiao yi and suddenly soared into the sky: "xiao yi, i will remember you! the grudge of today, i shall return it another day!"


    swish!


    ling wufengyun broke through the air, wrapped in the howling winds and disappearing into the night.


    she was too fast.


    even xiao yi couldn''t catch up.


    he looked down at the mask in his hand and frowned, "this woman..."


    at that moment...


    the tianlan kingdom''s army, now without ling wufengyun, was thoroughly routed, utterly demoralized, and surrendered en masse.


    in this battle, tianqing kingdom achieved an unprecedented victory! s~ea??h the n?vel(f)ire.n§×t website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    heiya city''s two hundred thousand army annihilated the one-million-strong force of tianlan kingdom!


    at that time...


    ten thousand soldiers, under the leadership of zheng le and hou sailei, shouted loudly. their voices thundered, as if scattering the thick clouds above, and the light of the stars and moon fell down: "martial king is invincible, eternally dominating tianqing!"


    "martial king is invincible!"


    "eternally dominating tianqing..."

 Chapter 149 The Pit of Ten Thousand People

    the following day, at dawn.the scent of blood filled the air inside and outside heiya city; everywhere one could smell the pungent reek of blood.


    in every street and alley lay corpses and traces of blood.


    yet the soldiers and citizens of heiya city were displaying extreme resistance and excitement. not only the garrison but also the citizens of heiya city spontaneously went onto the streets to help clean up the battlefield.


    tianlan kingdom had already captured three cities, and countless tianqing kingdom civilians had fled to heiya city, multiplying the city''s population several times over. with their help, the post-battle cleanup of heiya city was much more efficient and quicker.


    moreover, xiao yi had long since given his military order.


    any citizen who participated in cleaning up the battlefield would keep all loot, such as silver taels, except for weapons and armor.


    this further stimulated the enthusiasm of the citizens.


    "martial king his highness is truly incredible, in one night he annihilated the million-strong army of tianlan kingdom!" sear?h the n?vel_fire.¦Çet website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "you did not see last night... i was hiding on the rooftop and saw everything clearly. there was a tornado that reached to the sky among the tianlan kingdom''s army, and it was torn asunder by martial king his highness..."


    "you''re joking, right? even if martial king his highness is strong, he''s only at the golden core realm, how could he possibly tear apart a tornado?"


    "this is no lie at all; i also heard some soldiers discussing it..."


    "to have a genius like martial king his highness in our tianqing kingdom is truly a great fortune! it''s said that the royal martial arts academy and the crown prince even schemed against his highness before. they were really blind..." your next read awaits at empire


    "mind your words!"


    "afraid of what? who dares to touch martial king his highness now?"


    the discussions among the citizens were overheard by passing soldiers, who not only did not take offense but actually agreed wholeheartedly.


    they had witnessed xiao yi''s miracles with their own eyes!


    tearing the wind with bare hands.


    defeating tao tribulation with the sword!


    truly terrifying!


    in the city lord''s mansion...


    zhang baisheng had awoken; a night''s sleep had flushed his cheeks slightly, and his injuries were gradually stabilizing with the help of xiao yi''s elixirs.


    zhang baisheng, hou sailei, zheng le, and others were standing respectfully in the hall, quietly waiting for xiao yi''s arrival.


    with a wry smile, zheng le said, "general, you''ve just recovered. please, take a seat!"


    zhang baisheng scanned the room with a tiger''s glare, and snorted coldly, "before martial king his highness arrives, how can i sit?"


    "this..."


    zheng le and hou sailei exchanged a helpless glance.


    "hahaha, who has offended the old general so early in the morning, causing him to be unhappy?" xiao yi''s hearty laughter came from outside the door.


    clothed in silver armor, he looked even more majestic and handsome.


    "martial king his highness!"


    "your highness!"


    zheng le and hou sailei hurriedly bowed in respect.


    zhang baisheng turned to face xiao yi and was about to kneel on one knee, greeting him, "subordinate zhang baisheng welcomes your highness..."


    "old general, you must not!"


    xiao yi quickly raised his hand, and with an unseen burst of qi, prevented zhang baisheng from kneeling.


    a flash of astonishment crossed zhang baisheng''s eyes.


    his cultivation had reached the peak of the golden core realm, yet xiao yi could stop him from kneeling with qi from afar, indicating his masterful control over qi.


    "no wonder even the experts of the calamity realm are no match for him..."


    zhang baisheng thought to himself and said with a deep voice, "your highness, this is me kneeling on behalf of the million soldiers and civilians of heiya city!"


    "we are all citizens of tianqing kingdom; there''s no need for such gestures!" xiao yi shook his head.


    seeing this,


    zhang baisheng had to relent, straightening his back once more and gesturing for xiao yi to sit, "your highness, please take your seat!"


    xiao yi was taken aback, then smiled wryly, "old general, you flatter me too much. you are the city''s commander; how can i sit in the seat of honor?"


    however...


    zhang baisheng had an unscrupulous look on his face as he said, "if your highness refuses to sit, then this old man shall remain standing!"


    "this..."


    xiao yi felt somewhat helpless as he looked towards zheng le and the others, who were also standing straight, indicating that if he did not sit, they would also remain standing.


    xiao yi shrugged his shoulders, "fine then!"


    only when xiao yi had taken his place in the main seat did everyone else sit down on either side.


    xiao yi said, "general hou, how are the post-battle affairs progressing?"


    hou sailei stood up and clasped his hands, replying, "your highness, with the assistance of the citizens of heiya city... the city has been cleared. the main camp of the tianlan kingdom will need half a day more. however, the main issue now is what to do with the four hundred thousand prisoners of war¡ªwe are uncertain how to handle them!"


    after the main camp was taken down, that alone resulted in the capture of over a hundred thousand soldiers.


    there were also about two hundred thousand soldiers within the city who were poisoned by the maluo grass but not killed, totaling four hundred thousand prisoners.


    xiao yi looked towards zhang baisheng, "what does the old general think?"


    "everything is up to your highness to decide!" zhang baisheng said solemnly.


    a cold light flashed in xiao yi''s eyes as he said coldly, "then kill them all!"


    hiss!


    a series of sharp intakes of breath echoed through the hall.


    it''s true that countless lives are lost on the battlefield, but that''s in the heat of combat. as for prisoners, they are generally used as slave labor, or as bargaining chips in negotiations between nations.


    directly executing hundreds of thousands of prisoners.


    this is something that''s never been done before!


    zhang baisheng frowned and said, "your highness, this is not appropriate! if we execute them all, it will tarnish your highness''s reputation!"


    "yes, your highness, if we kill them, future imperial censors will certainly record it in the history books, and later it might lead to you being labeled as brutal and inhumane..."


    "this could damage your highness''s prestige!"


    everyone was trying to persuade him.


    but xiao yi just laughed heartily, saying, "damage my prestige? brutal and inhumane? remember this, prestige is not won through kindness." his gaze became sharp and piercing, as if it were a sword thrusting into the depths of everyone''s soul, "think about it¡ªif it were us who were prisoners, if it were the citizens of tianqing kingdom, how would they treat us? look no further than the three cities they conquered¡ªhow many were spared?"


    everyone fell silent.


    in those three cities, apart from the refugees who fled...


    all of the soldiers and civilians were slaughtered.


    wherever the tianlan kingdom''s army went, they killed, burned, and plundered without mercy...


    how utterly ruthless!


    with ice in his eyes, xiao yi stood up and declared, "let these four hundred thousand prisoners be buried in a pit outside heiya city, creating a mass grave. through the heads of these four hundred thousand soldiers of the tianlan kingdom, i will show the world that whoever offends tianqing, no matter how far, will be punished!"


    everyone was visibly shaken.


    their fists clenched tightly, and in their eyes blazed a fierce fire of war.


    by noon that day...


    the four hundred thousand soldiers were escorted to an area outside heiya city, where they were executed and buried in the massive pit created by the battle between xiao yi and ling wufengyun.


    this mass grave exuded a chilling aura.


    but at the same time...


    it also became a formidable sword to deter the world!


    and as the mass grave was completed, the news of the great victory at heiya city spread like the plague, reaching all corners of tianqing kingdom at an alarming speed.


    at that moment...


    the entire nation erupted in celebration!


    the name of xiao yi once again thundered across tianqing!


    nevertheless...


    xiao yi himself was indifferent to all of these achievements; at this moment, he was leading the belated fifty thousand imperial guards, setting off on a campaign towards the tianlan kingdom...

 Chapter 150 With Him, Tianqing Will Never Perish!

    within the territory of the tianqing kingdom.a steed after steed galloped from heiya city and sped away toward every corner of the tianqing kingdom.


    at present, the tianqing kingdom was besieged on all sides, facing enemies everywhere. the morale within the country was low and the populace was in a state of panic.


    and because of this¡­ sear?h the n?velfire(.)net website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    the tianqing kingdom needed a grand victory to boost spirits more than ever before.


    zhang baisheng well understood this concept, and as soon as he had triumphed over the million-strong army of the tianlan kingdom, he dispatched no less than eight hundred scouts, each with two horses, to quickly spread the news of this great victory throughout the tianqing kingdom.


    "victory! victory!"


    "the martial king of the nation, with his divine might, led his troops to completely annihilate the million-strong army of the tianlan kingdom, creating a pit of ten thousand corpses with forty thousand captives'' heads, deterring the world!"


    "the martial king of the nation, with his divine might..."


    such news spread throughout the tianqing kingdom.


    at first, everyone was incredulous.


    but as one report followed another, xiao yi''s fame had soared to its peak.


    the dilapidated mingjian manor.


    since xiao yi had destroyed the royal martial arts academy, the elite of mingjian manor had all perished there. the once-glorious and renowned mingjian manor had gradually fallen into decline, becoming nothing more than a large forge base providing military equipment for the kingdom, with all the once-formidable warriors of the manor reduced to blacksmiths.


    when news of xiao yi''s major victory reached mingjian manor, any lingering hopes were thoroughly extinguished: "our leader was so foolish, why provoke xiao yi?"


    "the third elder is the criminal of mingjian manor. even our ancestors won''t forgive him in the afterlife..."


    the nine profound sect.


    nowadays, the nine profound sect had already crumbled, with its disciples dispersing and fleeing, leaving behind only a few loyalists.


    they had hoped to find a new master to follow once the tianqing kingdom was destroyed.


    but at this moment...


    upon learning that xiao yi had led his troops to wipe out the million-strong army of the tianlan kingdom, tearing apart the wind with his bare hands, and repelling the tao tribulation with his sword, they were utterly intimidated: "let''s go... our hope for revenge is completely extinguished!"


    "let''s sell off all of the nine profound sect''s property. didn''t the treasure pavilion offer to pay five hundred million silver? let''s sell these assets to them and return to our hometown to live as wealthy landowners..."


    the same news also reached the ten thousand buddhas temple.


    inside the ten thousand buddhas temple.


    a young monk named dao yun was sitting in front of an old monk, his face twisted with ferocity: "abbot, i beg you to pass on the buddha-demon scripture to me. i vow to catch up with xiao yi and use the buddhist law to convert him!"


    "why pursue him?"


    the old monk, who was the current abbot of the ten thousand buddhas temple and whose cultivation had also reached the peak of the golden core realm, just one step away from entering the tao tribulation realm, clasped his hands together in prayer, his expression solemn as he spoke, "foolish child, you must let go of your obsession..."


    "abbot, are you truly unwilling to give it to me?" dao yun''s expression turned savage.


    amitabha!


    the abbot chanted the buddha''s name and shook his head with a wry smile: "dao yun, you have fallen into the demonic way... from today, you are... pfft..."


    in the midst of speaking, the abbot spat out a mouthful of fresh blood.


    he wore a look of disbelief on his face, staring at dao yun who stood before him, his hands stained red with blood, clutching the abbot''s golden core.


    he never imagined...


    dao yun, whom he had raised from a young age, would actually turn on him.


    dao yun''s face contorted with rage as he said, "you old fool, i asked you for the buddha-demon scripture, and you should have just given it to me. why waste words? i, dao yun, as a monk, held in high regard, was forced by xiao yi to kneel before his rule¡ªthis grudge is irreconcilable."


    "you, you¡­" the abbot opened his mouth, but could not stem the tide of blood rushing forth.


    as his golden core was lost, his life force rapidly drained away.


    meanwhile, dao yun leaped onto a buddha statue, reached beneath the lotus platform, and extracted a scroll. he howled to the heavens: "the buddha-demon scripture... finally in my hands!"


    gurgle!


    he actually took the bloodstained golden core into his mouth and chewed it before swallowing it down,


    huff! huff! huff!


    two golden cores burst out of his body, revolving around him ceaselessly.


    one of the golden cores was replenished with buddha patterns, holy and precious; the other was shrouded in black energy, emitting an eerie ghostly aura.


    dao yun was surrounded by a brilliant glow.


    he instantaneously reached the peak of the golden core realm.


    at times his face was engulfed in dark energy, fierce and ferocious, and at other times his visage was solemn, akin to that of a buddha.


    "hahaha, xiao yi, once i master this buddha-demon scripture, it will be the time for your demise!" dao yun rose into the sky, flipping over the massive scripture with sheer force.


    in an instant...


    screams of agony echoed throughout the ten thousand buddhas temple.


    after dao yun departed, the once peaceful ten thousand buddhas temple was left as a mountain of corpses and a sea of blood.


    ......


    in the tianqing kingdom, at the royal capital, on vermilion bird avenue.


    "victory announcement! victory announcement!"


    "the martial king of the nation, with overwhelming divine might, led the army to annihilate the entire million-strong army of the tianlan kingdom. with four hundred thousand enemy heads, he built the pit of ten thousand corpses, deterring the whole world!"


    the messenger soldier charged through recklessly, but the people along the way had not a hint of complaint; instead, they celebrated jubilantly, and the oppressive air in the royal capital was swept away, plunging everyone into ecstatic joy. the whole city''s populace was shouting, "the martial king of the nation, with divine might..."


    in the midst of the celebration, there were also those who worried, "his highness the martial king''s meritorious achievements surpass the king''s, could it be that he will become the target of his majesty''s jealousy?"


    "this might not necessarily be a good thing!"


    but such concerns were quickly dispelled.


    all because jiang tianchen issued a royal decree, proclaiming to all, "the martial king of the nation, xiao yi, with peerless contributions, is hereby bestowed the title of guardian martial god of the tianqing kingdom. orders are given for temples to be built and statues cast in his likeness throughout the cities in the nation..."


    guardian martial god!


    building temples, casting statues!


    this was to worship xiao yi as a god!


    a man, can have achievements that overshadow the monarch!


    but what about a god?


    rising above all things, transcending royal authority!


    in other words...


    even if xiao yi commanded them to change the emperor, the royal family would have absolutely no complaints!


    this decree shattered the rumors that xiao yi''s achievements were too great and that his life would soon be in jeopardy.


    at the same time.


    within the royal palace.


    jiang tianchen, who had already entered the tao tribulation realm, looked at jiang tai with a full measure of satisfaction in his eyes. however, upon seeing jiang tai''s severed arm, a hint of sorrow flashed across his eyes, and he said solemnly, "tai, i had planned for the ancestor to guard the royal capital, but now that elder gu has broken through to the tao tribulation realm, he will be the guardian. i will lead an army alongside xia, the great general, and the ancestor to meet the enemy at the frontier. i leave the royal capital in your care!"


    jiang tai''s eyes reddened and he nodded fervently, "father king, please take care!"


    "hahaha, why such concern? now that the guardian martial god has annihilated a million soldiers of the tianlan kingdom, they are no longer a threat. other nations will surely get the news, and our tianqing kingdom will certainly triumph in this great war!" jiang tianchen laughed heartily.


    jiang tai nodded emphatically.


    jiang tianchen stood up, patted his shoulder, and spoke firmly, "tai, if something does happen to me, you shall open this edict and ascend the throne..."


    "father king..." jiang tai gasped, looking incredulously at jiang tianchen. your next read awaits at empire


    jiang tianchen waved his hand dismissively and laughed heartily, "as long as the guardian martial god is here, our tianqing kingdom shall not fall! you must remember, even if our jiang family is reduced to a single soldier, we must never betray the guardian martial god. with him, tianqing shall never perish!"

 Chapter 151 Those Who Are Not of Our Kind Will Surely Have Different Hearts

    tianqing kingdom''s border.si shui pass, this was one of the three cities that had previously fallen to the tianlan kingdom.


    xiao yi led fifty thousand imperial guards, along with fifty thousand elite troops from heiya city, and with zhang baisheng and zheng le pushed forward directly towards the tianlan kingdom.


    as for hou sailei, he was assigned to stay and defend heiya city.


    this arrangement nearly brought the seven-foot man to tears!


    "your highness, si shui pass is just ahead¡­" zheng le said in a deep voice.


    zhang baisheng looked distantly at si shui pass that lay stretched across the land, his expression somewhat sorrowful, "the original commander of si shui pass was an officer under my command¡ª an honest man, brave in battle. unfortunately, he was killed by a rain of arrows while covering the retreat of the civilians when geng jie and others broke through si shui pass¡­"


    "rest assured, general, their sacrifices will not be in vain!" xiao yi declared solemnly.


    "hmm!"


    zhang baisheng nodded his head.


    if xiao yi had said this a few days ago, he would have just smiled and dismissed it.


    but now¡­


    after the battle at heiya city, xiao yi had completely earned their respect.


    "report¡­"


    suddenly, a scout hurried back from the front, his face filled with urgency, "cavalry general, fifty li ahead, a village has been discovered, but¡­ but¡­"


    "but what?" zhang baisheng asked, frowning.


    the scout''s eyes reddened, his teeth clenched as he relayed, "but all the villagers in that village have been slaughtered."


    "what?"


    "lead us there quickly!"


    everyone followed the scout.


    a moment later.


    they arrived at the village, which was not a small one, containing a hundred households.


    only¡­


    the village before them was in complete disarray, with signs of burning everywhere, and bodies strewn about in all positions.


    men, women, the elderly, and children, all were mercilessly killed, not a single survivor!


    "those tianlan kingdom bastards, how could they... they even slaughter innocent civilians?"


    "your highness, look over there¡­"


    zheng le suddenly pointed ahead.


    xiao yi followed his gaze, and his pupils constricted sharply, as if the temperature around him dropped dozens of degrees instantly.


    everyone felt a bone-chilling coldness.


    it was a mill with a large stone mill covered in uneven bloodstains.


    what truly enraged xiao yi were the severed hands and feet still lying on that stone mill. these limbs were small; the largest were merely those of a two or three-year-old child, and the smallest even of a newborn¡ª they had been ground into pulp by the millstone, now scattered on the ground¡­


    ugh¡­


    some of the soldiers who couldn''t bear the sight covered their mouths, violently retching.


    xiao yi, zhang baisheng, and zheng le, however, shivered with rage!


    fury!


    fury that reached its peak!


    kill!


    the will to kill soared to the skies!


    "how could these animals¡­ how could they bring themselves to do such a thing?" zheng le gritted his teeth, feeling as if a raging fire was burning within his chest, wishing it could burst forth at any moment.


    zhang baisheng''s face was ashen, his fists clenched tightly, crackling with tension.


    his nails dug into his flesh, with blood streaming down through his fingers, yet he seemed totally unaware.


    looking at the half-meter-high pile of minced flesh surrounding the stone mill, with broken bodies on top.


    your next chapter awaits on empire


    they could almost see the infants still in swaddling clothes, or toddlers just beginning to speak, being brutally thrown by tianlan kingdom soldiers onto the stone mill, ground into flesh and blood by the grinding stones. some of these children couldn''t even talk yet, some had not even opened their eyes before being reduced to pulp between those massive stones!


    gritting sounds¡­


    xiao yi clenched his fists, his jaw clenched tight, his eyes bloodshot as he looked towards zhang baisheng and zheng le, "do you still think my massacre of those four hundred thousand prisoners was too cruel?"


    "it was too merciful; they should have been cut into a thousand pieces!"


    "these beasts¡­"


    zheng le and zhang baisheng had eyes red with anger.


    whoosh!


    xiao yi took a deep breath, squatting on the ground, and looking at the scattered flesh around him, he clenched his teeth and said, word by word, "i, xiao yi, swear here that i will definitely crush tianlan kingdom and avenge you all!"


    indistinctly.


    it seemed to xiao yi and the others that in the midst of the shredded flesh, the color-drained shackles fell away from the smiling children, and they ascended to heaven.


    they were freed!


    "settle the remains of our fellow villagers properly!" xiao yi instructed.


    the crowd set to work, clearing the remains within the village.


    after the cleanup was done.


    it was already sunset.


    xiao yi gathered his army of one hundred thousand, his face covered with frost, his sharp gaze sweeping over his men.


    the army seemed unusually suppressed.


    gone was the joy of a great victory that had come with the start of the campaign.


    clearly, everything that had happened in this village had become a huge stone, weighing on everyone''s heart.


    "non-kin, their hearts must differ!"


    xiao yi''s sudden voice drew everyone''s attention, and they all looked up at him, "you''ve also seen what happened, this is war. if we fail, the tianlan kingdom''s army will invade, and countless citizens of tianqing kingdom behind us will suffer this same fate. our relatives, our friends, our loved ones¡­ no one will be spared!"


    the crowd was tense, gritting their teeth.


    xiao yi raised his voice, "do you want to see such scenes again?"


    "no!"


    the crowd shouted loudly.


    xiao yi''s voice grew louder, echoing among the hundred thousand soldiers, "then what should we do?"


    "kill!"


    "kill!"


    "kill!"


    a hundred thousand men, their killing intent soaring into the sky.


    whoosh!


    xiao yi abruptly drew the fire qilin sword, the blade cleaving the air, and with one stroke, he cut off a piece of his garment, declaring loudly, "i, xiao yi, hereby swear that wherever our weapons point, we must break through tianlan! should i break this oath, may i be like this garment!"


    zhang baisheng raised his longsword likewise, cutting off a piece of his garment, "wherever our weapons point, we must break through tianlan!"


    zheng le followed suit, "should i break this oath, may i be like this garment!"


    whoosh!


    whoosh! s§×ar?h the n??efire.¦Çet website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    whoosh!


    the action of the hundred thousand was uniform.


    raise arms.


    cut garments!


    "wherever our weapons point, we must break through tianlan!"


    "should i break this oath, may i be like this garment!"


    the roar of a hundred thousand men shattered the skies, their murderous intent and battle spirit coalescing into a blood-red cloud that hovered over their heads.


    xiao yi pointed forward with his longsword, "advance!"


    the sound of the hundred thousand-strong army rolled like a tide of iron, moving forward.


    along the way.


    the hundred thousand-strong army led by xiao yi was unstoppable wherever they went.


    the several thousand tianlan kingdom soldiers stationed at si shui pass had already fled at the sight of them, leaving behind a burning ghost town. the roaring flames reached for the sky, but as xiao yi''s army passed by, heavy clouds gathered above, chill winds howled, and torrential rains fell, extinguishing the flames until the sky cleared after the storm!


    following that, huai shui city, liu yin city¡­


    without much effort, these two cities were also reclaimed by xiao yi and his men.


    the three cities lost to the tianlan kingdom were all returned to the hands of the qing tian kingdom.


    it was only at this point...


    that xiao yi and his entourage finally set foot on the territory of the tianlan kingdom.


    a grand feast of slaughter hence began to unfold¡­

 Chapter 152 Easy to Meet the King of Hell, Tough to Deal with His Underlings!

    tianlan kingdom, zhenxi city.this was a border fortress between tianlan kingdom and tianqing kingdom and also served as the gateway city to the west of tianlan kingdom.


    it was even more massive than heiya city.


    the city walls alone were a hundred meters high, and the extensive walls stretched for dozens of miles like an azure dragon lying across the land, guarding the western gate of tianlan kingdom. continue reading stories on empire


    the commander of zhenxi city was the king of zhenxi, zhao qiankun, known for his impregnable defense.


    inside the city lord''s mansion.


    zhao qiankun''s face was dark as he looked at the scout reports, kicked the table and chairs in front of him to the ground, and cursed, "useless trash, geng jie and li tenglong, these two pieces of rubbish, a million-strong army, just like that completely annihilated? what the hell were they doing?"


    "please calm your anger, my lord!"


    "your highness, what''s most critical now is to consider how to fend off the tianqing kingdom''s army..."


    "to assemble that million-man army, our tianlan kingdom almost emptied out the nest, even zhenxi city had a hundred thousand troops pulled away. now, with only a hundred thousand left, what are we supposed to do..."


    one after another, zhao qiankun''s subordinates offered their advice.


    tianlan kingdom was more or less on par with tianqing kingdom; there was little difference in national strength between the two countries.


    but now...


    having lost a million troops all at once, they were grievously wounded.


    "given the circumstances, what else can we do but make a last stand?"


    zhao qiankun said coldly, "at the time when it was decided to wage war against tianqing kingdom, i disagreed, yet all of you thought that tianqing was beset on all sides, at its weakest. now that trouble has arisen, you come to ask me what to do? what were you doing earlier?"


    all along.


    zhao qiankun had been defending zhenxi city, while zhang baisheng had been guarding heiya city.


    although there were minor frictions between the two armies, they had never engaged in large-scale warfare.


    this was because zhao qiankun had a clear understanding of the strength of the two nations; neither could truly overpower the other.


    but this time...


    it truly was a war that could lead to the destruction of a nation!


    from the moment tianlan kingdom mobilized en masse, dispatching a million-strong army to attack tianqing kingdom, it was destined that only one of the two countries would continue to exist.


    just then.


    a messenger from outside announced, "my lord, an imperial envoy has arrived!"


    "let him in!"


    zhao qiankun commanded with a grim face.


    a moment later.


    an old eunuch with a sly look walked in, holding a royal edict, and proclaimed in a deep voice, "king of zhenxi, receive the order!"


    "your servant receives the order!"


    zhao qiankun and the others all knelt.


    the eunuch unfolded the royal edict and intoned, "by the mandate of heaven, the king decrees: zhenxi city is the western gateway of tianlan kingdom, zhao qiankun is hereby ordered to ensure that the enemy forces are kept out of zhenxi city, let this be known!"


    "your servant obeys the order!"


    zhao qiankun received the royal edict with a dark face, almost wishing he could tear the edict to shreds.


    the eunuch stepped forward, his sharp voice slightly grating, "my lord, his majesty orders you to hold zhenxi city at all costs, the armies of baijing kingdom and sihai kingdom will soon launch an attack. as long as we withstand this wave of the tianqing kingdom''s army, the final victory will surely be ours..."


    "i know!"


    zhao qiankun responded coldly, "given the urgency of the war situation, i will not detain you any longer, please!"


    the eunuch named zheng yu was a trusted confidant of tianlan kingdom, and even the royal princes would show him some respect. when had he ever carried out an edict without some personal gain?


    zhao qiankun actually gave him a direct order to leave?


    zheng yu narrowed his eyes, sizing up zhao qiankun, gave a sinister smile, and said, "if that''s the case, i will take my leave first!"


    zheng yu walked towards the exit.


    from behind him came the conversation between several generals and zhao qiankun, "my lord, this zheng is a close confidant of his majesty and is notoriously greedy. you sent him away without even offering a tip, i fear..."


    "fear what? zhenxi city is in imminent danger, yet you expect me to indulge him with lavish hospitality? an old castrated cur that does nothing but stir up trouble, would he dare to bite me?" zhao qiankun''s chilly voice came through, followed by an impatient remark, "enough about that old cur, promptly inform me about the detailed reports on the tianqing kingdom''s army..."


    outside the door.


    zheng yu''s smile on his face grew increasingly malevolent, like a ferocious venomous snake, he sneered in a chilling voice, "what a zhao qiankun, what a king of zhenxi, hmph..."


    ...


    eight hundred li outside zhenxi city.


    xiao yi, leading the army, swept all before him, sniping the scouts sent by zhenxi city one by one and was now resting here.


    before the campfires.


    xiao yi and the others were waiting for the meat to finish roasting, while zhang baisheng was speaking about the king of zhenxi, zhao qiankun, "i have crossed swords with zhao qiankun for twenty-eight years and understand him extremely well. i excel in attack, while he excels in defense, so trying to use the same method that trapped li tenglong and geng jie might not work. this is going to be a tough battle!"


    the king of zhenxi, zhao wuji, was known as the copper wall and iron rampart.


    this reputation was forged from one brilliant defensive battle after another.


    "is it possible for his highness the martial king to break through their city gates directly?" zheng le tentatively asked.


    although xiao yi possessed the combat strength of the tao tribulation realm, his realm was only at the peak of the golden core realm after all.


    even if he took action, others couldn''t seize any handle on him.


    xiao yi was also somewhat tempted.


    with his strength, forcibly breaking through to zhenxi city and blasting open the gates before withdrawing in one piece was still somewhat assured.


    but zhang baisheng just bitterly smiled and shook his head, "you''re all being too optimistic... his highness''s power is beyond doubt, but zhao qiankun surely knows this too. do you think he wouldn''t be prepared? if he were to lay a trap with a net reaching the sky and a snare covering the earth and use a human wave tactic to entrap his highness, then with human lives to exhaust his highness..."


    this was the reason why those in the tao tribulation realm were not allowed to participate in direct combat.


    the tao tribulation realm could harness the forces of nature for wide-ranging attacks.


    like ling wufengyun, a wave of his hand could summon howling gales, able to stand against tens of thousands, or even hundreds of thousands of enemies all by himself.


    but those in the golden core realm, no matter how powerful, could not match such destructive power.


    if zhao qiankun used tens of thousands of troops and strategies like nets to entangle xiao yi and then employed relentless volleys of arrows regardless of the cost, he could still potentially capture xiao yi.


    in the midst of their conversation,


    a scout nearby brought over a skinny young man, saying, "your highness, generals, i found him while patrolling ahead. he claims to have come to help us take zhenxi city!"


    "hmm?" s§×ar?h the nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    xiao yi and the others exchanged glances, looking at the young man with curiosity.


    xiao yi frowned and asked, "who are you?"


    "this humble one is a little shadow under the command of eunuch zheng from tianlan kingdom''s internal affairs!" replied xiao ying, his face revealing a submissive and deferential expression.


    xiao yi raised an eyebrow, "the head of internal affairs? if you''re from tianlan kingdom, why would you help us take zhenxi city?"


    "this... this..." xiao ying hesitated, unable to complete his sentence.


    zheng le, with a flourish of his long knife, pressed it against the young man''s neck, frightening xiao ying to kneel and kowtow for mercy. zheng le said, "spit it out, or i''ll end you!"


    xiao ying quickly exclaimed, "honorable lords, this is all because the king of zhenxi insulted my master and infuriated him. he ordered me to bring the defensive layout of zhenxi city and the city''s patrol schedule to you, generals. i swear to the heavens, everything i''ve said is true, if there''s even half a lie, may i be struck by lightning and die without a complete corpse!"


    while saying this,


    xiao ying produced the defense map of zhenxi city and the patrol schedule.


    xiao yi passed them to zhang baisheng.


    after inspecting them, zhang baisheng gave a slight nod toward him.


    xiao yi then instructed the scout, "take him away and guard him well!"


    "yes!"


    the scout immediately departed.


    only then did xiao yi look at zhang baisheng, "old general, how credible do you think this is?"


    "at least ninety percent credible!"


    zhang baisheng took a deep breath and then said, "i''ve heard of this zheng yu. he is a greedy eunuch and very narrow-minded, one who seeks revenge for the smallest slights. with zhao qiankun''s temper, offending him is quite normal, and indeed, this defense map and patrol schedule are flawless, very much matching zhao qiankun''s style of military disposition!"


    "with that said... breaking through zhenxi city is within reach!" exclaimed zheng le, excitedly.


    zhang baisheng nodded emphatically.


    xiao yi exhaled deeply, looking at the defense map, and shook his head slightly, "even the king of hell is easy to see, little devils are tricky to deal with! zhao qiankun, probably never imagined that, despite his wisdom, he would be ruined at the hands of a eunuch..."

 Chapter 153 Plan to Win the Heart

    that night.xiao yi and his men spurred their horses, rushing toward zhenxi city at top speed.


    eight hundred li.


    for this carefully selected elite force of a hundred thousand, it was but a three-hour journey.


    as the dawn''s first rays appeared the following day.


    the defending army within zhenxi city was shocked to find that the army of the tianqing kingdom had already set up camp ten li away from the city, and all this had been accomplished right under their noses without drawing the attention of the zhenxi city''s defenders. this indeed caused zhao qiankun inside the city to wipe away a cold sweat as he went personally to the top of the city wall.


    clatter clatter clatter!


    zheng le, carrying a command flag, rode a tall horse to the gates of zhenxi city.


    "is general zhao qiankun there?" zheng le called out loudly.


    atop the city walls.


    zhao qiankun narrowed his eyes and said in a deep voice, "who are you?"


    "i am zheng le, the vanguard officer serving directly under his highness xiao yi, the martial king of tianqing kingdom. i have come to deliver a message to general zhao!" zheng le''s voice was loud and solemn, booming like a large bell, resounding thunderously.


    zhao qiankun narrowed his eyes and deliberately said, "what martial king xiao yi? who is this youngster whose hair hasn''t even grown fully? i have never heard of him."


    "then that indicates your ignorance!"


    unangered, zheng le laughed heartily and then continued, "my lord has stated, limit general zhao to surrender within three days to spare your life. should you still stubbornly resist after three days, my lord will lead the great army of the tianqing kingdom to crush through zhenxi city. anyone who obstructs the tianqing kingdom''s army shall be killed without mercy!"


    "arrogance!"


    "you scoundrels of tianqing kingdom, we don''t need three days, if you dare, attack now!"


    "we shall see whether it is your tianqing kingdom''s soldiers that are sharp, or if our zhenxi city is more impenetrable!"


    one by one, the generals under zhao qiankun loudly taunted.


    with a sneer, zhao qiankun said, "go back and tell your master, if he kneels and begs for mercy, i might spare your lives!"


    bang!


    zheng le abruptly planted the command flag into the ground and proclaimed, "by the orders of my lord, this flag stands here. from this moment on, each day you fail to surrender, we will execute one of your generals and hang their head from this flag! after three days, our army will launch a full assault and flatten your zhenxi city!"


    clatter clatter clatter!


    zheng le immediately rode his tall horse, leaving swiftly.


    atop the city walls.


    the tianlan kingdom''s generals were utterly furious: "damn it, these bastards from tianqing kingdom, they''ve gone too far!"


    "are they suggesting that zhenxi city has no one capable?"


    "send orders down, implement the original plan and double the patrols and defenses!"


    zhao qiankun coldly snorted and with a casual flick, shot an arrow that split the command flag, and squinting, he looked toward the distant encampment of xiao yi and his men, "my zhenxi city is a net of heaven and earth, i would like to see how you would execute my generals!"


    but as for zheng le...


    when he returned to the camp, he guzzled down water, wiped his lips, and looked at xiao yi with a wry smile: "my lord, please don''t send me to do such things in the future. you didn''t see the look in those generals'' eyes under zhao qiankun''s command; they looked like they wanted to eat me alive!"


    xiao yi said indifferently, "if that''s the case, then you''re relieved from your position as vanguard officer and can become the quartermaster instead!"


    "no, my lord!"


    zheng le became anxious and quickly said, "i only spoke off the cuff!"


    "hahaha..."


    both xiao yi and zhang baisheng laughed heartily.


    causing zheng le to look embarrassed.


    xiao yi said in a serious tone, "what is the state of zhenxi city''s defenses?"


    enjoy new adventures from empire


    "extremely stringent!"


    zheng le also turned serious and said in a deep voice, "based on the defensive setup i saw, it is indeed identical to the one shown on that defense map."


    "so it seems that the defense map is indeed credible!" xiao yi nodded.


    of course, they could not simply believe in the authenticity of the defense map based on just a few words from a minor eunuch.


    this time, they had sent zheng le to provoke the enemy, firstly to disrupt the enemy troops, and secondly to confirm the authenticity of the defense map.


    zhang baisheng said, "my lord, you had zheng le set up that commanding banner and even claimed that every day a head of an enemy soldier would be hung on it, are you going to take action personally?"


    "mm!"


    xiao yi nodded.


    zheng le frowned and said, "by doing so, although we can disturb their military heart, it will also make zhao qiankun become alert. he might increase his defensive forces, which is not advantageous for us!"


    zhang baisheng gave him a glare and said, "do you think you''re the only one who can think of that?"


    "ah?"


    zheng le was stunned.


    zhang baisheng revealed a meaningful smile, "in military strategy, direct confrontation is inferior, psychological warfare is superior. his highness has a well-thought-out plan. let''s just wait and enjoy the show!"


    that very night.


    within the western city, a group of generals gathered together.


    general zhang ti was one of zhao qiankun''s fierce generals, with a cultivation at the fifth layer of the golden core realm, and possessed innate divine strength. fierce and fearless in battle, he had established a mighty military record. however, his temper was too impulsive, suitable as a general but not as a commander, unable to hold his ground alone.


    witnessing zhao qiankun increase the defensive forces overnight, zhang ti was very dissatisfied, muttering, "my lord, xiao yi is nothing but a green youth. why such a fuss over his words?"


    "shut up!"


    zhao qiankun sharply interrupted, "carry out the defense and guard according to plan, and also pay attention to your own safety. xiao yi is the top talent of the tianqing kingdom. even the national master was defeated by him. do not underestimate him, lest he takes your heads!"


    "rest assured, my lord, we have been fighting wars for years, and we will not make such a novice mistake!"


    "if he dares to come, i will ensure he does not return!"


    the men swore their oaths earnestly.


    watching the men leave, zhao qiankun squinted up at the star-filled sky, rubbing his brows, "i hope... these are only my misgivings!"


    the next day, at dawn.


    zhao qiankun suddenly awoke from deep sleep, his forehead drenched in cold sweat. he looked around and then let out a long breath, "good, it was just a nightmare..."


    as soon as those words fell.


    an urgent knocking sound came from outside the door, "my lord, something terrible has happened; general zhang ti''s head has been hung on the flag outside the city gate!"


    "what?"


    zhao qiankun was shocked, his body springing up from the bed, rushing out the door.


    along the way, he could continuously hear whispers among the military and civilians, "did you hear? general zhang ti had his head cut off and hung outside the city gate. even the general''s wife lying beside him didn''t realize until she woke up this morning."


    "i heard it too... some say that our tianlan kingdom has incurred the wrath of the heavens, and that deities are aiding the tianqing kingdom!"


    "alas... why bother with such a battle? the tianqing kingdom never took the initiative to provoke us, and now, it has made everyone panic..."


    hearing the murmuring of the people.


    zhao qiankun''s face turned exceedingly grim.


    he faintly understood the purpose behind xiao yi''s move; it was to scatter the hearts of the military and civilians of the western city!


    when zhao qiankun reached the top of the city wall, he saw yet another banner erected below. s§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lfire .net website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    on the banner hung the head of zhang ti.


    the blood had already dried, but his face still bore the peaceful expression of deep sleep.


    bang!


    zhao qiankun smashed a brick on the city wall with his palm, his face somber as he looked towards his subordinates, "increase the guard forces by fivefold. additionally, combine the generals in pairs to stay together, all centralized in the city lord''s residence. i want to see how xiao yi will kill under my watch..."

 Chapter 154 Zhèn Xī City, Finished!

    the next day, early morning.inside the city lord''s mansion.


    zhao qiankun had not slept all night, sitting with legs astride in the front courtyard of the city lord''s mansion, with his flame moon battle saber placed beside him.


    the saber radiated a cold light that shocked the heavens, its edge strikingly apparent.


    having kept watch all night, he had not noticed any disturbances and finally let out a sigh of relief, a confident smile curling up at the corners of his mouth, "xiao yi? humph, nothing but a callow youth. do you think you can contend with me with such trivial tricks and heresies? your heart-striking strategy is indeed fierce, but once you fail to honor your promise and behead my commanders, you''ll face the backlash of your own psychological ploy¡­"


    "your highness!"


    two guards stepped forward.


    zhao qiankun spoke indifferently, "have all the generals gather at the city walls immediately!"


    "yes!"


    the two guards immediately departed.


    zhao qiankun narrowed his eyes, chuckling coldly, "once the military and civilians of our western command city realize that not a single commander has been killed today, xiao yi''s psychological warfare will collapse on itself. instead, it will be the morale of the tianqing kingdom that suffers a great blow!"


    a group of commanders gathered in the front courtyard, "your highness!"


    "we are grateful to your highness for protecting us through the night!"


    gratitude filled the eyes of the crowd.


    zhao qiankun asked, "is anyone missing?"


    "no one!"


    the crowd briefly scanned their ranks and responded.


    "let''s go!"


    zhao qiankun laughed heartily, "let us go to the top of the city wall and witness the disappointment on xiao yi''s face! right, liu yi, go inform the citizens to also come up to the city walls to see how i will humiliate xiao yi!"


    "i''ll go at once!" liu yi hurriedly left.


    the generals were in an especially joyful and relaxed mood, the stone that weighed on their hearts due to zhang ti''s unexplained death the day before had now been lifted, "it''s thanks to your highness''s strategy of having us stay together, and with your highness personally standing guard, leaving xiao yi no opportunity to strike. letting the civilians onto the battlements to see for themselves will stabilize the military and civilian hearts alike!"


    "truly worthy of your highness, killing two birds with one stone!"


    the crowd sang praises in unison.


    a look of pride appeared on zhao qiankun''s face.


    when zhao qiankun, together with a group of commanders, arrived at the bottom of the city wall, he found that many citizens had already gathered there.


    "your highness, nothing happened last night, right?"


    "your highness..."


    zhao qiankun gestured for calm with a relaxed expression, "rest assured, my people, i kept personal vigil last night and all the generals are safe and sound. as long as we, as military and civilians, stand united, the tianqing kingdom shall not set foot within our western command city!"


    "long live your highness!"


    "truly the ''iron wall and bronze wall'' as they say, your highness is our calm sea divine needle indeed!"


    amidst the cheers of the citizens, zhao qiankun declared loudly, "everyone, follow me to the walls and take a look. later, i will need to trouble you to shout out loudly, to let the soldiers of the tianqing kingdom know the people and military of western command city are united and impregnable!"


    "rest assured, your highness!"


    "we won''t let you down!"


    the people followed zhao qiankun''s lead, heading up to the city wall.


    however...


    he had barely set foot on the city wall when he saw a guard rolling and scrambling up to him, his face a mess of distress.


    thud!


    zhao qiankun''s heart skipped a beat, his face suddenly changing as the guard approached with a look of panic, "your... your highness, something terrible has happened... general liu yi''s head has been hung on the flagpole without anyone noticing!"


    "what?"


    zhao qiankun''s face turned ashen.


    the smiles froze on the faces of the surrounding commanders, replaced by shock and terror.


    behind them, the citizens looked at each other in confusion, bewildered, "didn''t they say nothing happened? how did another general die?"


    "i heard that your highness kept personal vigil last night, how could something have gone wrong again?"


    "could it really be as the rumors say, divine wrath? are there gods helping the tianqing kingdom?"


    the human heart is the most obstinate yet simultaneously the most fragile.


    if no commander''s head had been displayed on a flagpole today, xiao yi''s threat would have been broken, and the spirits of both military and civilians in western command city would have soared, solidifying their unity. united as one, they could have made western command city an unbreachable fortress. but now, both military morale and civilian spirits had once again been dealt a devastating blow.


    looking at one disconcerted commander after another and the changing gazes of the citizens¡ªwhich no longer held the unwavering trust they had before¡ªzhao qiankun''s face grew increasingly pale, a sweetness rising in his throat as a mouthful of hot blood surged up and he spat it out.


    "this isn''t good!"


    "the prince has collapsed, quickly help him back..."


    "where''s the royal physician? find the royal physician quickly..."


    the entire town of western zhensi was thrown into chaos.


    nobody noticed.


    in that corner, a silver figure witnessed it all and then quietly slipped underground.


    a moment later.


    within the tianqing kingdom''s military camp.


    little lin emerged from the ground and climbed onto xiao yi''s shoulder, "boss, everything went according to your plan. zhao qiankun was so furious he spat blood and fainted. now the town of western zhensi is in total disorder!"


    "good!"


    xiao yi rubbed little lin''s head, "you''ve worked hard these past two days!"


    only little lin could sneak into the town of western zhensi under zhao qiankun''s watchful eye and silently kill a golden core expert!


    little lin flicked its tongue and asked, "boss, shall we continue tonight?"


    xiao yi shook his head, "no, we won''t kill tonight. i''ve already had someone make a hundred thousand copies of this defense plan and patrol schedule overnight. your task tonight is to distribute these defense maps and patrol schedules throughout the town of western zhensi. i want everyone in the town to know that zheng yu has betrayed them..."


    "we can''t kill anymore? sigh..." little lin looked disappointed.


    explore stories at empire


    xiao yi tapped his head and glared at him sternly.


    little lin flicked its tongue again.


    only then did xiao yi turn to zhang baisheng and zheng le, "generals, rally the troops. tomorrow morning, we launch the full assault!"


    "yes!"


    the two men were visibly excited.


    that very night...


    zhao qiankun, who was lying in bed, had regained some of his qi-blood. a group of generals gathered around the bed, looking at him worriedly.


    zhao qiankun shook his head, "don''t worry, i''m not dead yet!"


    "my lord, with our military morale scattered and the public unsettled, what should we do now?" the generals looked to him, completely at a loss.


    zhao qiankun said sternly, "it doesn''t matter. we still have the advantage of defense. as long as..."


    he hadn''t finished speaking.


    suddenly, a commotion arose outside.


    zhao qiankun frowned, "what''s going on?"


    creak!


    a soldier rushed in frantically, clutching a scroll of paper, his face full of panic, "my lord, something terrible has happened..."


    thud!


    a jolt of alarm went through everyone present in the bedroom.


    over these days...


    they were most afraid of hearing those words!


    it was like a summons of life or death tolling its bell!


    zhao qiankun frowned, "what happened?"


    the soldier immediately presented the scroll, "the message says that zheng, the eunuch, has leaked our defense map and patrol schedule of the town of western zhensi to the tianqing kingdom. zheng has betrayed us all..."


    "what?"


    "that''s impossible!"


    everyone''s expression changed dramatically.


    but when they saw the defense maps and patrol schedules depicted on the scroll, each person''s face turned horribly grim, ashen with despair, "it''s truly our defense map!"


    "zheng yu, that damned eunuch, deserves to be cut into a thousand pieces..."


    "how dare he do this..."


    "my lord, what do we do?" the generals looked at zhao qiankun in dread.


    with the defense map and patrol schedule exposed, it was too late for them to make any adjustments.


    it meant that everything within the town of western zhensi was exposed to the people of the tianqing kingdom. s~ea??h the novel(f~)ire.net website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    there were simply no secrets left!


    zhao qiankun remained silent, his hand that held the paper trembling violently.


    suddenly...


    zhao qiankun threw his head back and spewed a mouthful of fresh blood, his qi-blood immediately weakened, and two drops of blood tears fell from his eyes, "the town of western zhensi... is finished..."

 Chapter 155 With My Body, I Shall Forever Guard This City!

    ```the next day, at dawn.


    the sky had just brightened, with the golden morning sun casting its glow upon the land.


    casting a long, long shadow of the entire zhenxi city, the banners on the city walls fluttered against the blue sky, creating a rustling sound, but the wind brought with it a feeling of desolation.


    the vast zhenxi city was bleak, top to bottom.


    the spirit of the soldiers, the hearts of the people, all were dim.


    boom!


    boom, boom!


    rumbling...


    a series of earth-shattering sounds approached from afar, mighty and vast, it was the tianqing kingdom''s hundred-thousand-strong army led by xiao yi, forming like a dark demonic cloud, marching towards zhenxi city.


    their pace was not fast, but it exuded an extremely heavy and suffocating presence.


    like a colossal stone weighing down on everyone''s chest.


    it was stifling to the point of breathlessness.


    atop the city walls, the defending army of zhenxi city gazed at the dense battle formation, feeling as if every step taken by the enemy forces were invisible hammers ruthlessly pounding against their chests.


    so oppressive, they could hardly speak.


    cough, cough, cough!


    a series of urgent and weak coughs were heard, as the esteemed martial king of tianlan kingdom, zhao qiankun, known as the impregnable great general of the era, appeared to have aged decades in moments. his hair was white, his stature hunched, his face gaunt, as if a gust of wind could knock him over at any time, teetering on the edge.


    a group of zhenxi city''s defending generals followed behind him, each with their heads bowed and eyes bloodshot.


    their hands clenched into fists, shoulders trembling slightly.


    opressiveness.


    the atmosphere was oppressively terrifying! s§×arch* the n??elfir§×.net website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    thud!


    the sound of the war drum suddenly stopped.


    xiao yi and his men had already arrived at the base of zhenxi city.


    the two armies faced each other.


    riding a heavenly blue bull python, xiao yi, adorned in white armor, his black hair billowing, cape fluttering, with the fire qilin sword at his waist emitting a blinding light. handsome and majestic, like a dragon among men, he rode atop the heavenly blue bull python, and alone he seemed like an entire army, exuding a powerful sense of oppression.


    "what a xiao yi, what a martial king of the nation..."


    zhao qiankun gazed at xiao yi with intense eyes, unblinking, and then with a sense of resignation and defeat, he sighed, "if tianlan kingdom had such a heroic figure, why would we lack a prospering era? alas, it''s a pity..."


    "general..."


    "my lord..."


    a group of generals, tears in their eyes, stared at zhao qiankun, who just three days ago had been a majestic king of zhenxi but now appeared as weak and frail as an elderly neighbor gravely ill, each of them struggling to say what they wanted.


    zhao qiankun waved his hand with a smile and said, "since it''s been decided, then proceed as i''ve instructed!"


    "yes!"


    the generals fought back tears, nodding compressedly.


    zhao qiankun supported himself with both hands on the city walls, gazing down at xiao yi and at zhang baisheng who appeared by his side, basked in the warm, golden sunlight. he gently rubbed the bricks of the city wall in front of him, so familiar to him¡ªhe had guarded this place for decades: "every era produces its own talents, and now, it''s time this old bone stepped down!"


    whoosh!


    zhao qiankun let out a long breath, circulated his qi-blood, and made his voice resonate, loud and clear, spreading throughout zhenxi city, "martial king xiao yi, would you care to talk with this old man?"


    "your highness, be wary of deceit!" zheng le cautioned in a deep voice.


    zheng baishang, however, shook his head. he fixed his gaze on zhao qiankun high upon the city walls, all too familiar with this old adversary, and said in a serious tone, "zhao qiankun is not that kind of man!"


    xiao yi smiled faintly, stood tall and levitated in front of the city walls.


    the old and the young, eyes locked on each other.


    xiao yi gave a bow and said, "the younger generation, xiao yi, pays respect to the king of zhenxi!"


    continue your journey on empire


    "you''re young, so very young! it''s good to be young!"


    zhao qiankun laughed warmly, his eyes on xiao yi held no resentment or hatred, only helplessness and envy for the youthfulness, "this old man will venture to call you xiao yi!"


    "hmm!"


    ```


    xiao yi nodded.


    zhao qiankun said, "xiao yi, could you agree to one condition for me?"


    "speak," xiao yi replied.


    zhao qiankun said in a deep voice, "spare the soldiers and civilians within the city, can you do that?"


    xiao yi slightly frowned.


    he remembered the villagers who had been slaughtered, the babies ground into pulp beneath the millstones.


    seeming to sense xiao yi''s hesitation, zhao qiankun said solemnly, "i can guarantee with my life that none of the people under my command have ever laid a finger on any innocent civilians outside the battlefield!"


    xiao yi looked back at zhang baisheng.


    zhang baisheng nodded slightly.


    he had been zhao qiankun''s opponent for many years and knew the other man''s character very well.


    xiao yi let out a breath and said solemnly, "alright! as long as they don''t stand against me, i won''t kill them! as for the citizens within the city, they will henceforth be subjects of my tianqing kingdom, and i naturally won''t harm them!"


    "whew!"


    zhao qiankun let out a long, turbid breath and smiled, "no wonder even the old fellow zhang baisheng is willing to follow you. you truly are exceptional, losing to you is not unjust." after a pause, zhao qiankun took out a commander''s seal and handed it to xiao yi, announcing loudly, "all people of zhenxi city, from now on, you shall no longer be enemies with the tianqing kingdom. in seeing xiao yi, you are seeing me!"


    whirrrr!


    all the soldiers and civilians of zhenxi city knelt in unison, the atmosphere incredibly oppressive.


    some soldiers could not hold back their tears any longer.


    even more civilians wailed loudly.


    but they understood...


    zhao qiankun was doing this only to save their lives.


    xiao yi held up the commander''s seal and also spoke loudly, "listen, everyone in zhenxi city, i, xiao yi, hereby swear, as long as you do not resist my tianqing kingdom, i shall not harm you one bit! i will protect you just as i protect the citizens of the tianqing kingdom!"


    "open the gates!"


    zhao qiankun shouted with all of his strength.


    the guards already at the city gates immediately opened them¡ªboom! the gates that had sealed off the western border of the tianlan kingdom for hundreds of years were finally opened.


    this gateway to the west of the tianlan kingdom was completely opened!


    but there were no cheers from the generals of the tianqing kingdom, only silent procession into the city, accepting the surrender of the soldiers of zhenxi city.


    atop the city walls.


    xiao yi looked at zhao qiankun, whose form was swaying before him, and said with gravity, "senior king of zhenxi, i have here some pills that nurture qi-blood..."


    "no need!"


    zhao qiankun smiled, propped himself up using the battlements, tilted his head back to greet the golden sunlight, and revealed a radiant smile, "xiao yi, do you know why i chose to surrender without a fight?"


    xiao yi nodded, "you knew that if there was a battle, not even one in ten would survive, and zhenxi city would be brought to ruin. besides that... your heart has been thoroughly wounded!"


    whew!


    zhao qiankun nodded, "yes, wounded beyond repair. i have been defending zhenxi city for decades, never allowing the army of the tianqing kingdom a single step across our borders, exerting all my effort without daring to relax in the slightest. but that zheng yu, he betrayed the million soldiers and civilians of zhenxi city over a single dispute. and zheng yu is that foolish ruler''s confidant. in the face of such a state of affairs, i am weary..."


    xiao yi remained silent.


    he knew very well that the most hated people on zhenxi city now were not him, but zheng yu and the king of tianlan kingdom.


    and for this reason...


    the officers did not stop zhao qiankun''s surrender!


    "senior king of zhenxi..."


    just as xiao yi began to speak, zhao qiankun interrupted him with a wave of his hand. he shakily walked over to the flag that symbolized the tianlan kingdom, gently caressing it, and said wistfully, "my tianlan kingdom has paid countless lives to defend this city. so many young people, who should have been full of vigor, died early just to hold on to this place. now, it has been breached by my hands..."


    "xiao yi!"


    xiao yi looked sharply at zhao qiankun.


    "i''ve lost!"


    zhao qiankun seemed to summon all his energy to say these three words, and his aura immediately became even more wilted. he suddenly yanked the flag from its place, waving it back and forth causing it to flutter fiercely. suddenly, zhao qiankun threw the flag high into the air, and with a thunderous crash, it plummeted down, piercing through his cranial point, rooting firmly atop the city walls.


    it fixed his body firmly to the battlements of zhenxi city.


    the aged voice, but still resonant and powerful, echoed through the heavens and earth, "with my body, i shall eternally guard... this city..."

 Chapter 156 Slapped to Death

    "general...""your highness..."


    all the soldiers and civilians in zhenxi city knelt on the ground, wailing and howling, their cries echoing to the heavens.


    zhao gaoyi, the deputy general of zhenxi city and at the eighth layer of the golden elixir realm, let out a mournful howl, "foster father, may your journey be peaceful..."


    in his life, zhao qiankun fought and battled for the western gate of the tianlan kingdom, with no children of his own but thirteen foster sons. now, only zhao gaoyi was left. he looked up at the sky, his face streaming with tears, fists clenched tightly, his eyes fierce and terrifying, "foster father... i swear i will personally take zheng yu''s life, that old eunuch dog, to avenge you!"


    "take the life of the eunuch dog..."


    "revenge! revenge! revenge!"


    cries and shouts shook the heavens.


    xiao yi remained silent, landing atop the city wall, facing zhao qiankun who stood to death upon zhenxi city, he deeply bowed and said in a solemn voice, "someone, build a tomb for the king of zhenxi outside the city!"


    "thank you, martial king of the nation!"


    "thank you, general xiao!"


    the commanders of zhenxi city were moved to tears.


    they didn''t care that they were generals of a defeated army, xiao yi could have simply burnt zhao qiankun''s body, or even sent him back to the capital of tianqing kingdom to claim merit. but he chose not to do so, instead respecting zhao qiankun''s final wish by building a tomb to fulfill his desire to eternally guard zhenxi city.


    zhao gaoyi said loudly, "the defenders of zhenxi city are willing to serve your highness with the loyalty of dogs and horses!"


    xiao yi turned back to the commanders of zhenxi city, waving his hand forcefully, "gentlemen, are you willing to follow me and breach the heart of the tianlan kingdom?"


    "kill! kill! kill!"


    the commanders roared in response.


    in the crowd.


    zheng le was dumbfounded as he watched the two hundred thousand defenders of zhenxi city roaring, looking towards zhang baisheng and swallowing hard, "general, this, this prince''s tactics are too terrifying, aren''t they? without spending a single soldier, he conquered zhenxi city and directly took command of its two hundred thousand strong army, this, this..."


    it was simply unimaginable!


    zhang baisheng also looked astonished, but unlike zheng le, he did not find it incredible, and said in a deep voice, "such is the charisma of his highness. with such a prodigy in our tianqing kingdom, why should we worry about not prospering!"


    the reorganization of zhenxi city did not take much time.


    after all, zhao qiankun was a man of integrity. having chosen to surrender, he was upfront and honest.


    furthermore, xiao yi''s actions had won the approval of the disillusioned soldiers and civilians of zhenxi city.


    everything proceeded in an orderly fashion.


    leaving ten thousand soldiers from tianqing kingdom to defend zhenxi city, xiao yi led the remaining two hundred ninety thousand troops, marching mightily towards the heart of tianlan kingdom on the next day.


    tianlan kingdom had already lost a million soldiers and had also lost zhenxi city.


    now another two hundred thousand soldiers were gone.


    inside the kingdom, emptiness had long since taken hold.


    with zhao gaoyi and others leading the way as the vanguard, many cities along the road didn''t even require an assault; the enemy would open their gates and willingly fall into xiao yi and his army''s hands.


    pressing forward and sweeping through.


    they were like a relentless longsword, mercilessly tearing through tianlan kingdom.


    three cities.


    five cities.


    ten cities...


    in the blink of an eye, half a month quietly passed, and during this half-month, xiao yi and his forces had reached the capital of tianlan kingdom. the entire capital of tianlan kingdom was in chaos; in this war, they had nearly exhausted all their resources. now, only fifty thousand soldiers and wu yu, who was at the peak of the golden elixir realm, remained to defend the capital.


    "great general, the army of tianqing kingdom will be here within ten miles!"


    on the sprawling city walls of the great capital, a general at the golden core realm stood before wu yu, speaking in a grave tone.


    wu yu held a longsword, standing proudly atop the city wall.


    beneath his furrowed brows, his eyes were as sharp as a hawk''s, gazing directly ahead, as if he could see the formidable army approaching from ten miles away. his expression was incredibly complex, "never did i imagine... it''s been only a little over half a year, and that lad has grown to this extent. i regret not having fought with all i had to kill him back then. one mistake leads to another..."


    "general, we..."


    the officer glanced around at the dispirited soldiers and said with a wry smile, "in this battle, i fear our chances of victory are slim!"


    seventy percent of tianlan kingdom''s territory was now occupied by xiao yi.


    only the capital and a few cities in the east remained.


    unable to withstand the irresistible army of tianqing kingdom.


    wu yu took a deep breath and commanded in a firm voice, "pass down my order, fight to the death!" discover stories with empire


    "yes!"


    the general immediately left to carry out the order.


    a short while later.


    ```


    boom boom boom!


    the mighty army of the tianqing kingdom had already arrived before the capital. along their march, they had been capturing and conscripting prisoners. xiao yi''s forces now numbered up to five hundred thousand. facing an enemy ten times their own, the fifty thousand soldiers within the capital showed nothing but despair on their faces, void of even the slightest desire to fight.


    "surrender and you shall not be killed!"


    "surrender and you shall not be killed!"


    "surrender and you shall not be killed..."


    zhao gaoyi and zheng le took the lead, bellowing with their army of five hundred thousand.


    their roars shook the heavens.


    it is only in complete despair that one musters everything to fight back. as xiao yi''s army shouted, those soldiers who had intended to fight to the death saw their last line of defense collapse within their hearts.


    "no, no more fighting, why struggle when defeat is certain?"


    "we surrender, we surrender..."


    in a moment, a third of the five thousand defending soldiers were shouting, ready to open the city gates and surrender.


    wu yu, his face ashen with rage, cut down more than a dozen men and bellowed, "sowing discord among our ranks will be met with death!"


    but he could not stem the tide of those determined to surrender in order to live.


    seeing the city gates being opened, wu yu''s face was filled with despair, knowing that the last barrier of the tianlan kingdom had been breached.


    but he could not retreat!


    he could not surrender even more so!


    "killing xiao yi is the only chance to turn the tide of this battle!" wu yu suddenly soared into the sky with a boom, transforming into a streak of light rushing towards xiao yi.


    "xiao yi, meet your demise!"


    the mighty wu yu, at the peak of the golden elixir realm, enveloped in endless blade light, wielding an astonishing war saber. the massive saber light, dozens of yards long like a blade slicing the heavens, slashed towards xiao yi, the dreadful light extending dozens of yards. where the blade passed, even the invisible air seemed to be cleaved, turning into violent winds rolling out in all directions.


    wu yu''s features twisted ferociously, eyes locked onto xiao yi.


    a hint of a smile played on xiao yi''s lips. s~ea??h the novel(f~)ire.net website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    back then, outside the tao tribulation secret realm, this wu yu had repeatedly tried to kill him, and now the moment for revenge had finally arrived.


    "my lord, be careful!" zhao gaoyi''s face drastically changed as he bellowed out.


    he was about to step forward when zheng le stopped him.


    zhao gaoyi glared at zheng le, "what are you doing, zheng le? don''t you see the lord is in danger? that''s wu yu, an existence at the peak of the golden core realm, the war god of our tianlan kingdom..."


    zheng le spoke carelessly, "what damned war god? in the presence of our lord, he''s nothing but trash!"


    "uh..."


    zhao gaoyi was taken aback.


    "perfect timing!"


    xiao yi maintained a serene demeanor sitting atop the tianqing mangy bull, and as he faced the sky-covering blade light, he simply raised his right hand.


    "what? you''re trying to catch my blade light with your bare hands? you''re seeking death!" wu yu''s pupils dilated suddenly, his face filled with manic joy. his single slash was something even those in the tao tribulation realm could not withstand!


    however...


    as the dozens-of-yards-long blade light fell upon xiao yi''s hand, only a clang of a massive impact was heard, and incredibly, xiao yi caught it outright.


    "impossible..."


    wu yu''s eyes nearly split with fury.


    xiao yi grinned and uttered, "shatter!"


    he clenched his five fingers.


    crack!


    the massive blade light burst asunder.


    the horrific backlash caused wu yu to spurt blood violently, his eyes filled with terror, "run, i must run..."


    no longer did he harbor any thoughts of slaying xiao yi.


    to crush a saber light dozens of yards long with bare hands.


    even ling wufengyun of the tao tribulation realm couldn''t accomplish that!


    how could he dare to continue the fight?


    "since you''ve come, don''t even think of leaving!"


    xiao yi''s voice suddenly rang in wu yu''s ears, and the latter, catching a glimpse from the corner of his eye, was stricken with panic. he saw a cold hand descend from the sky and with a thunderous crash, forcefully smacked wu yu down from the heights. he slammed into the ground, and the land roared beneath him, leaving behind a gigantic hand-shaped crater several dozens of meters long on the surface.


    within the crater,


    wu yu had become nothing more than a heap of smashed flesh.


    the mighty war god of the tianlan kingdom, struck dead by xiao yi''s palm!


    ```

 Chapter 157 The Last Emperor, Died by Lingchi!

    inside the capital of tianlan kingdom, the flames of war reached to the skies.a blood-soaked figure rushed into the golden throne hall, wailing, "your majesty, the great general has fallen in battle, the city gates have been breached, we, we have lost..."


    boom!


    as the current king of tianlan kingdom, xu zhengnan, sat on the dragon throne, upon hearing the news, his whole body violently shook, nearly toppling from his seat.


    "lost? we have lost..."


    xu zhengnan abruptly stood up, his eyes bloodshot with fury, glaring at the silent ministers below, "have you all gone mute? huh? when you were all eager to persuade me to agree to xue yilou''s demands, to send troops to attack tianqing kingdom and divide it up, weren''t you very vocal then? why are you all silent now?"


    the ministers bowed their heads even lower.


    bang!


    xu zhengnan furiously kicked over the table in front of him, his eyes nearly bursting with rage, gritting his teeth, "half a month, merely half a month, and my tianlan kingdom''s army of a million men has been annihilated, even allowing the army of tianqing kingdom to advance unchecked, now even my capital city has been breached. what use are you all?"


    "we, your ministers, deserve death..."


    the ministers quickly knelt down to take the blame.


    "deserve death? even if i were to flay you alive, could that save my tianlan kingdom?" xu zhengnan said, with his chest heaving violently.


    "we, your ministers, deserve death..."


    the ministers knelt in obeisance once more.


    looking at the ministers before him, xu zhengnan suddenly burst into maniacal laughter, "i understand now... this empire is mine alone, you are just ministers. even if the king is replaced, you can still serve as ministers, you do not truly care about my empire. since that is the case, let you all accompany my kingdom in death!"


    clang!


    xu zhengnan drew his longsword, charging into the midst of the ministers.


    thud, thud, thud!


    with each sword stroke, a minister was slain.


    "your majesty, spare our lives..."


    "i have been loyal to you, your majesty..."


    "loyalty? i no longer need your loyalty, all of you shall accompany my kingdom in death..." xu zhengnan, appearing to be crazed, frantically killed the ministers before him.


    he had now reached the end of his rope.


    an emperor at his wit''s end, no longer seeing any hope.


    the frenzied slaughter drenched xu zhengnan in blood, when suddenly, his gaze turned to zheng yu, who was hiding to the side, his expression even more ferocious, "you eunuch dog, if not for you, how could zhenxi city have been so easily breached? you''ve been emboldened by my favor to commit all sorts of evils, but zhenxi city is the gateway to my tianlan kingdom, how dare you set a trap at such a critical moment. i will kill you..."


    "don''t, your majesty, please spare your servant..."


    with a face full of terror, zheng yu clung desperately to xu zhengnan''s leg.


    "spare you? if i spare you, who will spare my tianlan kingdom?" xu zhengnan roared, his longsword poised to stab at zheng yu. continue your saga on empire


    but just then...


    thrust!


    a sharp sword suddenly pierced through his lower body, straight out from his chest, with blood and shredded organs trailing behind.


    thrust!


    xu zhengnan violently spat out a mouthful of blood, collapsing onto the dragon throne, looking blankly at zheng yu with bloodied hands, "you, you, you..."


    with a cold snort, zheng yu''s face turned icy, "must have felt good to call me an old dog and a eunuch, huh? now you''re just a king of a fallen country, still thinking you''re a king? you still want to kill me? humph, i had only planned to secretly contact lord xiao yi and coordinate from within and without. since you insist on killing me, then don''t blame me for being ruthless! all i need to do is take your head to lord xiao yi and that would be a great contribution. then i will be the powerful chief minister once again!"


    "i, i hate this..."


    xu zhengnan closed his eyes in despair.


    thrust! s§×ar?h the n?vel(f)ire.n§×t website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    zheng yu decapitated him and turned his cold, merciless gaze onto the ministers, sneering, "gentlemen, do you want to avenge this foolish king? or would you follow me to offer surrender?"


    they looked at each other in dismay.


    having just experienced xu zhengnan''s murderous rampage, and now witnessing zheng yu execute him, they were utterly confused. but as xu zhengnan had said earlier, they didn''t truly care who the king was; even if tianlan kingdom were destroyed, they could still offer their allegiance to another, merely switching masters.


    for a moment.


    ministers echoed in unison, "we wish to follow zheng!"


    "hahaha, rest assured, i will lead you to surrender to lord xiao yi, and glory and riches will still be ours!" zheng yu was brimming with pride, feeling increasingly fortunate about his decision to betray the zhenxi army, "with my contribution of supplying the defense map of zhenxi city, i will at least be heavily relied upon by the royal family of tianqing kingdom, perhaps even becoming a great territorial official!"


    with zheng yu at the forefront, he walked towards the palace exit, head of xu zhengnan in tow.


    the ministers followed closely behind him.


    as they approached the palace entrance, xiao yi and his party had just arrived there as well.


    with haste, zheng yu approached, offering xu zhengnan''s head with both hands, falling to his knees, "your humble servant, zheng yu, greets lord xiao yi! long live the lord, for ten thousand years..."


    "zheng yu..."


    general zhao''s face suddenly twisted with ferocity within the crowd.


    hot streams blew from the nostrils of his battle steed, hissing loudly.


    zheng yu proclaimed, "lord xiao yi, your humble servant has beheaded the king of tianlan kingdom, xu zhengnan, to demonstrate allegiance and wishes to submit to tianqing kingdom!"


    the ministers knelt down in succession, "we are willing to submit to tianqing kingdom!"


    xiao yi looked at zheng yu with a playful expression, "you killed xu zhengnan?"


    zheng yu immediately nodded, overflowing with pride, "the defense map of zhenxi city was also delivered to your highness by someone on my command. i have long been in awe of your renowned name, lord. at last, my wish has been fulfilled. i am willing to serve under your command with the utmost devotion, even if it means grinding my bones to dust, without a word of complaint!"


    "willing to grind your bones to dust without a word of complaint? truly?" xiao yi narrowed his eyes and said.


    "if i break this oath, may thunder strike me from the sky!" zheng yu continued to demonstrate his loyalty.


    in his view...


    no one dislikes flattery.


    it was by his silver tongue and his supreme flattery that he had won xu zhengnan''s favor, "your highness is a celestial being, blessed with a unique destiny. wherever your highness resides, that land is graced with your radiance. even i have abandoned the darkness and turned towards the light, simply captivated by your majestic fame!"


    xiao yi nodded, stroking his chin, "your knack for flattery is indeed quite remarkable!"


    thinking that xiao yi was praising him, zheng yu quickly spoke with false modesty, "your humble servant is not flattering, i speak only the truth!"


    "since that''s the case, i would not want to overlook your sincere devotion..."


    xiao yi said with a smile.


    overjoyed, zheng yu exclaimed, "it is an honor to serve your highness!"


    however...


    xiao yi''s next sentence sent chills through zheng yu as if plunging into the eighteenth layer of hell, "since you say you''re willing to grind your bones to dust, then this prince shall fulfill your wish. general zhao, i entrust this old dog to you. whether to behead, to cook in boiling oil, or to execute by dismemberment is for you to decide!"


    "thank you, my lord!"


    zhao gaoyi was ecstatic, stepping forward with a bow, his gaze ferocious as he stared at zheng yu.


    zheng yu trembled uncontrollably, in disbelief, "no, no... my lord, i have contributed to you, i have contributed to tianqing kingdom, no, this cannot be..."


    xiao yi, however, was expressionless, paying him no further attention.


    with the force of a thunderclap, zhao gaoyi savagely broke zheng yu''s limbs, binding him in front of the palace gate, "zhenxi army, hear my command, this traitor before us is zheng yu, who betrayed his foster father. each of us will take a turn with the blade, let him endure the sentence of dismemberment!"


    "kill!"


    "kill!"


    "kill..."


    the two hundred thousand strong zhenxi army, each wielding a blade, sequentially sliced off pieces of zheng yu''s flesh.


    one cut.


    two cuts.


    three cuts...


    in agonizing pain, zheng yu felt life was unbearable, gazing upon the daunting ranks of the zhenxi army, his face etched with despair...

 Chapter 158 The Legendary Land

    outside the palace gates.xiao yi and his five hundred thousand troops had not advanced a single step, simply waiting there quietly.


    not until zheng yu was dismembered and executed by the two hundred thousand-strong army of zhenxi city, his flesh carved, his bones picked clean until not a single scrap remained, did they stop.


    clang! clang!


    zhao gaoyi, leading the two hundred thousand troops, knelt before xiao yi in unison, each face bearing heartfelt worship and gratitude, "thank you, lord xiao, for avenging the general!"


    "thank you, lord xiao!"


    the two hundred thousand troops roared in unison.


    they were thoroughly conquered by xiao yi.


    xiao yi raised his hand and said, "rise, if the king of zhenxi has a spirit in heaven, he would not wish to see you living in the past. from now on, you are all subjects of the tianqing kingdom!"


    "long live the martial king of the nation!"


    "long live the tianqing kingdom!"


    shouts erupted, earth-shattering, the roars seemingly shattering the clouds in the sky.


    xiao yi said in a deep voice, "zhang baisheng, take charge of the capital''s guard immediately." he paused, then continued to look at zhao gaoyi, "zhao gaoyi, i command you to lead the zhenxi army, conquer all cities that have not yet been brought into tianqing kingdom territory, and show no mercy to any who resist!"


    "yes!"


    "your subordinate obeys the order!"


    the troops split into two forces, with zhao gaoyi and zhang baisheng leading them away separately.


    xiao yi then led the remaining fifty thousand imperial guards into the royal palace; this conquest of the tianlan kingdom was definitively a colossal victory.


    after the battle, naturally, came the collection of the spoils of war.


    in the cities conquered in the past, xiao yi advocated a non-disturbance policy and did not loot any treasure. but this was the royal palace, once the dwelling place of the tianlan royal family, gathering the greatest wealth and treasures of the tianlan kingdom. at xiao yi''s command, zheng le led the men to enter the palace to start collecting the spoils.


    as well as to purge the remnants within the palace.


    as for the royal orphans hiding in the palace, they were to be captured alive if they surrendered, but killed immediately if they resisted.


    for a time.


    smoke of conflict rose within the palace.


    before long...


    inside the golden throne hall.


    zheng le, escorting a plump, graceful and luxurious woman, came before xiao yi and respectfully said, "your highness, this is the queen of the tianlan kingdom."


    "oh?"


    xiao yi raised his eyebrows, looking at the beauty kneeling before him.


    the queen of the tianlan kingdom indeed possessed bewitching beauty, every movement radiating a dignified and regal air. her eyes, seemingly electrifying, looked at xiao yi and she respectfully said, "i have seen lord xiao!"


    truly seductive in every aspect.


    even zheng le beside her couldn''t help but swallow his saliva.


    however...


    xiao yi''s face remained expressionless as he said indifferently, "put away your seductive act; it''s useless against me!"


    "uh..."


    the queen''s face stiffened, showing a tinge of embarrassment.


    xiao yi spoke indifferently, "where is the royal treasury?"


    "i do not know..." the queen''s eyes flickered as she spoke.


    xiao yi uttered a sound of acknowledgment, then waved his hand towards zheng le, "take her away and behead her!"


    "yes!"


    zheng le responded solemnly.


    the queen''s face suddenly changed, and she quickly said, "wait, lord xiao... i have just remembered. there is a secret chamber within the king''s chambers; perhaps he may have hidden treasures there."


    "lead the way!"


    xiao yi said indifferently.


    the queen no longer dared to conceal anything, leading xiao yi and zheng le to xu zhengnan''s bedchamber, where she opened the entrance to the secret chamber beneath the bed.


    xiao yi glanced at the queen, "take her down and guard her well!"


    zheng le immediately escorted the resentful-looking queen away.


    xiao yi then entered the secret chamber.


    the secret chamber was underground.


    it was built very large, with lamps made of mermaid oil on both sides of the passage that could burn for a thousand years in adequate air. walking through the long narrow passage, xiao yi reached the chamber, which was sealed by a bronze door. xiao yi took out his fire qilin sword and slashed the bronze door open.


    clang! clang! clang!


    inside the secret chamber, there was a dazzle of jewels and gold.


    there was over ten billion in silver alone here, not to mention the many rare treasures and ancient paintings and calligraphy.


    the total value was definitely close to a hundred billion silver taels!


    hiss hiss!


    little lin popped out from xiao yi''s arms, eyes shining, "boss, there are so many treasures here!"


    xiao yi nodded, "little lin, see if there are any heavenly treasures here."


    he was now at the peak of the golden core realm, just a step away from the tao tribulation realm.


    with sufficient vital energy accumulation and bodily refinement, he had reached the standard for breaking through to the tao tribulation realm; only his understanding of the forces of nature was a hair''s breadth shy. if he could find some treasures that enhanced the perception of natural forces, like the legendary azure dragon wood, windstorm stone, diamond rock, and other heavenly treasures, he could increase his comprehension of the forces of nature and step into the calamity realm.


    little lin flicked its tongue, searching through the pile of treasures.


    a moment later.


    little lin emerged from amongst the treasures and shook its head at xiao yi, "boss, i couldn''t find any heavenly treasures, but, i did find an interesting place!"


    "oh?"


    xiao yi was surprised, "what place?"


    little lin was a variant beast, and even it didn''t know what species it belonged to, but it had an unparalleled sense for treasures.


    if little lin called it an interesting place, it was definitely out of the ordinary.


    little lin led xiao yi through the treasures to a corner where there were several large chests full of silver taels. xiao yi pushed them aside and found a hidden entrance. little lin pointed its tail at the entrance, "boss, i smell a strange scent coming from here!"


    "stand back, i''ll blast this entrance open!" xiao yi said, taking a deep breath and throwing a punch.


    boom!


    the whole secret chamber shook violently, with countless treasures falling from the shelves, littering the ground with jewels.


    but the entrance didn''t budge.


    "this..."


    xiao yi''s pupils slightly constricted.


    with his current cultivation and combat power, one punch could directly shatter a small mountain.


    yet this entrance remained immovable?


    "i don''t believe this..."


    xiao yi took out his fire qilin sword and only after a dozen continuous strikes did he manage to bust the entrance open. and, as the entrance broke apart, there seemed to be an ancient roar coming from below.


    ao!


    this roar was earth-shaking.


    stay connected with empire


    fierce wind gushed out violently, almost flipping over both xiao yi and little lin.


    the two looked at each other, "what on earth is this place?"


    only after the wild wind from the entrance had ceased did they quietly approach it; the elemental energy of heaven and earth filling the air was several times denser than the outside. sea??h th§× novelfire.net* website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    an existence from the legends suddenly flashed across xiao yi''s mind and he subconsciously swallowed, "could it be? is my luck that good? did i really encounter that legendary place?"

 Chapter 159 Dragon Vein Spiritual Pool, Shocking Bad News!

    "boss, where are you talking about?"little lin looked at xiao yi, puzzled, and climbed up to his shoulder along his leg.


    he had never seen xiao yi so excited! find exclusive stories on empire


    xiao yi said in a deep voice, "if it''s really the place from the legends, we could make a fortune!"


    then, with a leap, xiao yi dove into the cavern.


    whoosh!


    the cavern was extremely deep. xiao yi fell for a hundred meters before landing on the ground, surrounded by millet-yellow stalactites. these stalactites had very strange shapes, some growing from the ground like spines, while others fell from the dome of the cavern, connecting the heaven and earth of the cavern.


    "boss, the elemental energy of the heavens and the earth here is so dense!" little lin exclaimed.


    the elemental energy in this cavern was ten times that of the outside!


    xiao yi nodded, his eyes growing brighter, "eight or nine out of ten, it is that place!"


    drip, drop!


    drip, drop!


    the crisp sound of water droplets entered their ears, echoing loudly in the silent cavern. xiao yi followed the sound and soon saw a swath of stalactites ahead, winding and stretching like a massive azure dragon with spines on its back.


    they were actually at the position of the dragon''s tail.


    following the pathway formed by these stalactites, they walked for nearly a kilometer before reaching the end. there was a pond made of pure white liquid, and the stalactite azure dragon extended right up to this pond.


    two particularly thick stalactites protruded from within the pond, vaguely resembling the two horns on the head of an azure dragon.


    a breeze blew past.


    faint dragon chants emanated from between the two horns, carrying a trace of dignity and evoking a feeling of awe.


    little lin shrank back, "boss, i''m feeling a bit uncomfortable!"


    "uncomfortable is the right reaction. this is the legendary dragon vein spiritual pool that can suppress a nation''s destiny. that''s why the tianlan kingdom is just a small dependent country. according to the legends, the great qian dynasty is suppressing a dragon vein spiritual lake, and that spirit vein has already developed awareness. if the great qian dynasty weren''t powerful enough to use it to suppress the nation''s destiny, it would have already transformed into a dragon and ascended to heaven, leaving far behind the nine heavens!" xiao yi laughed.


    little lin was a snake.


    the dragon is the chief among countless such creatures.


    though the dragon vein spiritual pool in front of them had not yet developed awareness, it naturally exerted a suppressive effect on him.


    "boss, this dragon vein spiritual pool just seems to have denser elemental energy, there''s nothing special about it!" little lin asked doubtfully.


    xiao yi rubbed his head, smiling, "then you''re mistaken. this dragon vein spiritual pool not only has extremely dense elemental energy but more importantly, it contains a strand of dragon''s will. dragons are the chiefs of all such creatures, able to summon wind and call rain, dance with thunder and play with lightning, and foster all living things. according to legends, where dragon''s blood drops into rivers, the fish and shrimp within will gain awareness; where dragons pass over mountains and forests, the vegetation all become spiritual plants¡­"


    dragon''s blood that can give awareness to fish and shrimp in rivers?


    passing over mountains and forests, turning all into spiritual plants?


    little lin was dumbfounded.


    this was like something out of a fairy tale!


    xiao yi continued with a smile, "once this dragon vein spiritual pool is refined, i can step into the tao tribulation realm. however, to refine the dragon vein spiritual pool, i need to prepare some methods. little lin, you stay here and guard it, make sure no one else approaches. i will go back and get ready!"


    "understood!"


    little lin leaped up and landed on one of the horns.


    xiao yi then returned to the palace and summoned zheng le, "zheng le, i need the items on this list, prepared for me as quickly as possible!"


    "yes!"


    zheng le left immediately.


    xiao yi narrowed his eyes, "i thought i would need another year and a half to break through to the tao tribulation realm, but i didn''t expect to encounter the dragon vein spiritual pool here, saving me a lot of effort. once i''ve helped the tianqing kingdom resolve this calamity, i can leave this place."


    in his mind, several figures appeared.


    fang qingzhu, xiao tianjiao¡­


    "qingzhu, i will find you, no one will be able to tear us apart!"


    xiao yi clenched his fists tightly, his gaze trailing off into the distance toward the direction of the great qian dynasty, "xiao tianjiao, xiao zhengde¡­ when i stand before you once more, i wonder what your feelings will be¡­"


    however¡­


    xiao yi did not wait for zheng le to gather and refine the necessary materials for the spirit vein spiritual pool, but instead, niu dali came to him.


    "dali, aren''t you cultivating at the martial arts institute? what brings you here all of a sudden?" xiao yi asked, eyeing the travel-worn niu dali with confusion.


    huff puff huff puff!


    niu dali was panting heavily. after gulping down a few mouthfuls of water, his breathing finally steadied, and he said with a wry smile, "boss, something big has happened¡­"


    "hmm?"


    xiao yi''s face turned grim, "what has happened?" sea??h th§× n??el fire.n§×t website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    niu dali said, "great general xia yuan has defected and pledged allegiance to the baijing kingdom, leading his troops deep into our territory. elder gu himself led our forces to babao pass to meet the enemy. elder jiang has been gravely injured and is in retreat, with the sihai kingdom having already breached six of our cities. moreover¡­ the jin kingdom suddenly declared war on the tianqing kingdom and dispatched two tao tribulation realm powerhouses to the qingyun kingdom battleground. his majesty, he¡­"


    "what happened to his majesty?" xiao yi pressed.


    why was xiao yi willing to accept the position of martial king of the nation?


    why did he lead troops to attack the tianlan kingdom?


    all this was because of jiang tianchen!


    when he became the target of widespread hostility and faced enemies on all sides, it was jiang tianchen who stood up for him, ready to mobilize the entire nation to ensure his safety.


    it can be said that if not for him¡­


    the tianqing kingdom would never have found itself besieged on all sides.


    niu dali''s eyes reddened as he spoke word by word, "his majesty led our forces and had already breached the qingyun kingdom''s army, but jin kingdom''s powerhouses suddenly descended and captured his majesty. they pressured him to hand you over, but his majesty refused, and thus, he was beaten to death by the jin kingdom''s tao tribulation realm powerhouses and was hung outside po jun city. they want the crown prince to exchange you for his majesty''s corpse, but the crown prince refused, and has already personally led the troops to po jun city¡­"


    buzz!


    xiao yi instantly turned pale.


    his head was buzzing, and stars danced before his eyes.


    jiang tianchen was dead?


    brutally beaten to death by jin kingdom''s powerhouses and his body hung outside po jun city?


    this was earth-shattering bad news.


    xiao yi couldn''t help but recall jiang tianchen''s voice and smile, his amiable demeanor at their first meeting, his willingness to use the nation''s power to protect him during their second encounter¡­ and now, were they truly separated by life and death?


    with a grave voice, niu dali said, "knowing that the jin kingdom has entered the war, the crown prince realized that our tianqing kingdom stands no chance of victory. he personally led the troops to po jun city, merely to stall the jin kingdom''s army. the crown prince sent me to find you, asking you to take the crown princess consort, who carries the royal heir, away from the tianqing kingdom, the farther the better. the crown prince has a message for you: with you alive, tianqing shall not perish!"


    boom!


    xiao yi''s expression went through a series of changes.


    in the face of national destruction.


    faced with certain death.


    jiang tianchen and jiang tai still entrusted all their hopes in him, showing him absolute trust.


    xiao yi took a deep breath, slowly exhaling, "if his majesty and the crown prince have such trust in me, how could i, xiao yi, let them down?"


    "boss, we need to leave here quickly¡­" niu dali urged.


    "we''re not going anywhere¡­"


    xiao yi shook his head, squinting his eyes with a chilling glint, "his majesty wasn''t wrong; with me here, tianqing shall not perish!"

 Chapter 160 Crazy Decision, Tomb of Heaven Abnormality!

    "with me here, tianqing shall not perish!"this sentence was the admonition of jiang tianchen to jiang tai.


    as long as xiao yi was present, the tianqing kingdom would not fall, even if it did, there would still be a chance for a resurgence.


    it was for this reason...


    upon learning that the body of jiang tianchen was hung outside po jun city, that great general xia yuan had rebelled and gone over to the enemy, and that the elder jiang weisheng was seriously injured, jiang tai knew that going to po jun city meant a slim chance of survival. yet, he still chose to trust xiao yi, entrusting the crown princess consort and the child within her womb to xiao yi to ensure the survival of the tianqing kingdom.


    this was an unconditional trust from two generations of the kingdom''s monarchs.


    xiao yi would never betray this trust.


    "boss, you, you¡­" niu dali''s eyes widened as he stared at xiao yi, unable to utter a word.


    he very much wanted to persuade xiao yi to escape immediately.


    the farther, the better.


    but he also knew that even if he said so, it would be of no use.


    xiao yi would absolutely not flee!


    he would not become a coward, abandoning the trust of jiang tianchen and his son. that was xiao yi!


    hu!


    niu dali let out a long sigh of turbid breath and said with a wry smile, "i just knew it would be like this, how could you possibly run away?"


    xiao yi said in a deep voice, "dali, where is the crown princess consort?"


    "the crown princess consort, weary from the journey, has been resting inside the carriage all along. i''ll go invite her over right now!" niu dali replied.


    xiao yi waved his hand, "i''ll go!"


    moments later.


    xiao yi met the crown princess consort in front of the carriage for the first time.


    the crown princess consort, named yue shuang, was a commandery princess from the purple robe kingdom.


    "xiao yi pays his respects to the crown princess consort!" xiao yi greeted with a bow.


    yue shuang was gentle and quiet, with a slightly bulging belly, her palm instinctively protecting it as she bowed to xiao yi, "yue shuang pays her respects to the guardian martial god!"


    xiao yi was stunned, "guardian martial god?"


    yue shuang nodded, "the war god might not be aware, but when you were breaking through the western stronghold, my father had ordered you to be named the guardian martial god. with you here, the tianqing kingdom exists!"


    weng!


    xiao yi''s body trembled.


    a man dies for his confidant.


    xiao yi never intended to hold office, nor was he particularly keen on power.


    however, jiang tianchen''s unconditional trust and the kindness of the nation protecting him at all costs were things that xiao yi, who believed in repaying even the smallest kindness, had eternally etched into his heart. xiao yi took a deep breath and said solemnly, "crown princess consort, from now on, you shall stay here! as for his majesty, i will go to him personally!"


    yue shuang nodded quietly, took a few steps forward, then suddenly paused and turned back.


    before xiao yi could even react to stop her, she knelt on the ground, "on behalf of the jiang family, yue shuang thanks the guardian martial god!"


    xiao yi stood with his hands behind his back, not saying anything more.


    ......


    late that same night.


    zheng le eventually found all the materials required, all of which were needed for refining the dragon vein.


    xiao yi took the materials and returned once more to the cave.


    hiss hiss!


    little lin crawled out from a corner. the scales on its body had become increasingly bright, and on its forehead, two small bulges were faintly visible. xiao yi was startled, "little lin, what happened to you?"


    little lin shook its head, looking a bit intoxicated, "i, i couldn''t help but drink some of the water here..."


    his little tail pointed at the dragon vein spiritual pool in front of him.


    xiao yi was speechless, "you, the energy in this dragon vein spiritual pool has condensed into a liquid essence. drinking like that without bursting is already your great fortune. quickly consume these herbs, and we will refine this dragon vein together."


    "burp..."


    little lin swallowed the herbs, quivered all over, and let out a satisfied belch.


    then, both person and snake plunged into the spirit pool.


    "without limits, the cosmos reverses..."


    xiao yi sat cross-legged in the spirit pool, facing the sky with his five hearts, practicing the divine enthronement heaven subduing skill.


    the energy around his body surged like stormy seas, and all thirty-six thousand pores of his body opened at once, devouring the liquid essence of the spirit pool like a gluttonous beast.


    during the absorption, s§×ar?h the nov§×lf~ire.net website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    xiao yi could clearly feel the energy inside his body strengthening incessantly. in just one day, he had already reached the limit of what the golden core realm could hold. however, he had yet to sense the dragon spirit will within the dragon vein spiritual pool. only by comprehending the dragon spirit will would the true purpose of absorbing the dragon vein spiritual pool be revealed.


    otherwise, it was just the absorption of some cosmic essence, which was of no help in breaking through to the tao tribulation realm.


    "what''s happening? could it be that this dragon vein is too weak, with the dragon spirit will being too faint?" xiao yi knitted his brows tightly.


    until the next day.


    roar!


    a clear and loud dragon''s roar suddenly resounded, startling xiao yi. he opened his eyes wide just in time to see little lin shooting up into the sky. the silver scale armor around its body emanated an increasingly holy white light, enveloping the entire body in a vast glow, with two horns crazily growing from its forehead.


    beneath its belly, five sharp claws were faintly visible.


    starting from the back of the head, tufts of pale golden fluff broke through the skin, extending to the tail.


    whoosh!


    little lin opened its mouth wide, and a fist-sized golden core was spat out.


    in the sky, a bizarre rune emerged, containing unparalleled destructive power. it violently struck the golden core.


    boom crack!


    with a loud noise,


    one of the ten golden halos floating atop the golden core exploded under the impact of the rune.


    it transformed into dao patterns, merging into the golden core.


    to reach the tao tribulation realm, one must shatter the halos on the golden core, turn them into dao patterns, and brand them into the core, transforming it into a martial dao divine fruit. the entire process of the tao tribulation realm is to shatter all the halos, turning them into dao patterns. the fracturing of each dao pattern signifies a greater mastery of the cosmic forces. at the peak of the tribulation realm, one could control one-tenth of the cosmic power.


    hum!


    the martial dao divine fruit retreated back into little lin''s body, and its cultivation officially stepped into the calamity realm.


    little lin gently descended, lying down by the edge of the dragon vein spiritual pool.


    he was digesting the breakthrough of his realm.


    and xiao yi... find more adventures on empire


    watching little lin break through to dragonhood, his head buzzed, a flash of inspiration passing through.


    "the strength of the tao tribulation realm is largely measured by the strength of the dao patterns. and the foundation for all this is the golden core realm. why should there be only ten layers in golden core realm? why only ten rings on a golden core? if there were twenty, thirty... when others at the peak of the tribulation realm can control one-tenth of cosmic power, when i am at the same realm but can control three-tenths, or even four-tenths or more..."


    a terrifying thought emerged in xiao yi''s mind.


    that was to delay breaking through to the tao tribulation realm!


    to continue refining the golden core.


    to solidify the golden elixir halo!


    "the ten rings of the golden core are definitely not the limit. i feel that my golden core can still endure. i can do it..."


    xiao yi took a deep breath as an infinite amount of water from the pool rushed into his mouth. he again went crazy with the divine enthronement heaven subduing skill, continuously compressing the cosmic essence and directing it towards the golden core.


    however, at this moment, xiao yi didn''t know...


    when he made this decision, in the deepest part of the ancient heavenly tomb, the central pyramid shook violently, breaking the restraints of the ancient heavenly tomb. it transformed into a golden ray of light, flying towards him...

 Chapter 161 Limitless Golden Elixir, Qingyun Sword Song!

    Hum!Xiao Yi, seated within the Spirit Pool, was shaken to his core.


    His body suddenly appeared in the ancient tomb from times immemorial, and as he looked around in bewilderment, a golden light burst forth from the depths of the tomb.


    "This, this is¡­"


    Xiao Yi''s pupils contracted suddenly. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The golden light surged from the depths of the ancient tomb, disturbing one enormous tomb after another on its path. In the void, massive black chains attempted to bind him, ghastly giant white bone claws tried to capture him, and the sharp edges of swords that could split the heavens and shatter mountains charged at him...


    But...


    The golden light was like a fearless War God, crashing headlong into the fray.


    Shattering the chains.


    Snapping the claws.


    Destroying the glint of swords...


    Hum!


    The golden light suddenly entered between Xiao Yi''s brows, and at the same time, in his mind, the "Divine Enthronement Heaven Subduing Skill" suddenly mutated, and an additional chapter materialized.


    "Limitless Golden Elixir!"


    These four words were deeply imprinted in his mind.


    At the same time, an old but dignified voice echoed in his mind, "All things under heaven operate by the Tao; every creature is bound by chains... Without breaking, nothing can be established; only through destruction comes creation!"


    "Every creature is bound by chains?"


    Xiao Yi''s body quivered, as he seemed to see his Golden Core, with ten rings, wrapped in chains, preventing him from reaching the eleventh Golden Elixir Halo. That streak of golden light had transformed into the sharpest weapon of war, blasting the chains asunder with a powerful strike, causing Xiao Yi to abruptly open his eyes.


    He had left the ancient tomb from times immemorial and returned to the Dragon Vein Spiritual Pool.


    His eyes swirled with golden light.


    "Breaking the limit, eleven rings of the Golden Elixir!"


    Xiao Yi roared in a low voice.


    The surrounding heaven and earth vitality rushed towards him frantically, forming one vortex after another, devouring the energy of heaven and earth without rejection.


    The abundant heavenly and earthly vitality continuously flowed into his body.


    Making Xiao Yi''s entire body seem translucent, a Golden Core with ten overlapping rings flew out into the cosmos, hovering above his head.


    Countless streams of heaven and earth vitality poured into it.


    Crack!


    Invisibly, one could hear the sound of chains shattering, and a sea of golden light condensed into a ring, landing on the Golden Core.


    The eleventh halo took shape.


    But Xiao Yi did not stop there, continuing to devour the heaven and earth vitality madly, "Continue, keep condensing..."


    Hum!


    Hum!


    Hum...


    Above his Golden Core, halos formed one after another.


    Twelve rings.


    Thirteen rings.


    Fourteen rings...


    He stopped only after the fifteenth Golden Elixir Halo had formed, because the heaven and earth vitality inside the Dragon Vein Spiritual Pool had been thoroughly consumed by him. In the faintness, one could hear a mournful, tragic cry of the Azure Dragon, with Xiao Yi holding the Golden Core adorned with fifteen halos, he reached out with his palm.


    Pfft!


    His palm crushed the stalactites, snatching a transparent crystal as thick as a finger from within.


    This was the essence of the Dragon Vein that had accumulated in the Dragon Vein Spiritual Pool!


    It was struggling frantically.


    "I never expected you to be hiding inside here. One of you is worth two Dragon Vein Spiritual Pools; devour you, I shall!" Xiao Yi opened his mouth wide and stuffed the struggling Dragon Vein into his mouth. Read exclusive content at empire


    Boom!


    The Dragon Vein was the essence, its pure energy far surpassing the entire Dragon Vein Spiritual Pool.


    Terrifying power of the Dragon Vein circulated throughout his body.


    Above Xiao Yi''s head, the halo of his Golden Elixir once again climbed.


    Sixteen.


    Seventeen.


    Eighteen...


    It soared to a full twenty golden halos that encircled the Golden Core, shimmering and sinking, their might enhanced dozens of times more than before. But this was not the end; as the twentieth Golden Elixir Halo condensed, the abundant energy within the Golden Core began to feed back, madly surging into the God Sealing Seed within Xiao Yi''s body.


    The energy contained in the twenty Golden Elixir Halos was far more potent than breaking through to the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    The quantity of God Sealing Seeds also skyrocketed like crazy.


    Sixty thousand.


    Seventy thousand.


    Eighty thousand...


    One by one, the God Sealing Seeds were activated, and in the blink of an eye, they broke through the hundred thousand mark, reaching a terrifying two hundred thousand.


    According to Xiao Yi''s previous conjectures, to achieve two hundred thousand God Sealing Seeds, he would have to wait at least until the Second Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    This meant that possessing a twenty-haloed Golden Core now allowed him to stand in realm, no weaker than a powerhouse of the Second Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    Whoosh!


    The twenty haloed Golden Core once again merged back into his body, and the heaven and earth Qi, refined by the two hundred thousand God Sealing Seeds, became the power of Divine Enthronement and re-integrated into the Golden Core. This power of Divine Enthronement, while roaming through his body, made it even stronger.


    Sitting in meditation within the Spirit Pool, Xiao Yi stabilized his cultivation and pondered, "Two hundred thousand God Sealing Seeds, I wonder which ancient tomb they can unlock?"


    With a thought, his figure appeared within the Eternal Heavenly Tomb.


    Xiao Yi discovered that the gate to the second layer of the area had unexpectedly opened.


    There are nine layers in the whole Eternal Heavenly Tomb, and he had always been in the outermost layer. He never expected that after breaking through two hundred thousand God Sealing Seeds, he would actually unlock the second layer.


    Just the outermost layer alone allowed him to inherit the legacies of formidable beings like the Death Envoy and Sword Demon Dugu.


    What kind of gains would this second layer bring?


    Xiao Yi stepped inside.


    The moment he entered the second layer of the tomb area, Xiao Yi''s gaze fell on the ancient tomb of Martial God Zhao Wuji, and he licked his lips as he walked towards it. Although there was an invisible resistance, the God Sealing Seeds on him shone brightly, blocking the obstruction from Zhao Wuji''s ancient tomb, causing Xiao Yi''s heartbeat to grow even more frantic.


    This was Martial God Zhao Wuji!


    The first in Qingtian Realm''s history to shatter the void and ascend to the divine level.


    What a pity...


    Xiao Yi was still some distance away from Martial God Zhao Wuji''s tomb and could only shake his head dejectedly, "After all, this is the pinnacle existence of Qingtian Realm, I''m afraid I will need over a million God Sealing Seeds to suppress it. Martial God Zhao Wuji, just you wait, it won''t be long before I take your inheritance!"


    Moments later, Xiao Yi stood in front of another legendary powerhouse''s ancient tomb.


    One sword cleaved the heavens, Qingyun Sword Saint!


    This being, who existed in the same era as the young Martial God Zhan Wuji, had superlative swordsmanship, and his Qinglian Sword Anthem dominated the Qingtian Realm!


    "Suppress!"


    Xiao Yi threw a fierce punch, and endless Divine Enthronement power surged wildly, shattering the low mound in front of him. The mound burst explosively, and a heaven-piercing Sword Intent soared upward, revealing a majestic middle-aged man with a sword on his back, wearing plain robes with a refined face, his eyes sharp as swords, staring at Xiao Yi.


    His mouth curled up slightly, then he spoke, "Straight down the three thousand feet cascade!"


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!


    The longsword behind him soared to the heavens, splitting from one into two, and from two into four, forming thousands upon thousands of sword shadows that spanned across and fell like a curtain from the sky. Like a waterfall plummeting straight down three thousand feet, the endless sword shadows poured down insanely. Xiao Yi, tilting his head back, snorted coldly, "Godly Prison of Suppression!"


    Crash!


    The two hundred thousand God Sealing Seeds erupted simultaneously with black light, turning into a sky filled with black chains, fiercely smashing through the sword rainfall.


    Clang! Clang! Clang!


    The black chains wrapped around Qingyun Sword Saint, binding him tightly and forcibly pulling into Xiao Yi''s body. Qingyun Sword Saint struggled fiercely, unable to break free from the God Sealing Seeds'' restraint, ultimately transforming into a statue poised proudly with a longsword on his back.


    At the same time.


    Xiao Yi''s mind buzzed, and the tune of the "Qinglian Sword Anthem" was imprinted in his mind.


    Phew!


    Xiao Yi exhaled a long breath, his eyes sparkling with bright essence, "Po Jun City, here I come!"

 Chapter 162 Only He Cannot Die!

    Tianlan Kingdom, royal palace.Crown Princess Consort Yue Shuang looked anxiously at Xiao Yi, her face full of worry, "Lord Xiao, are you really going to Po Jun City?"


    In her eyes, aside from anxiety, there was also a hint of expectation.


    Jiang Tai went to Po Jun City with a heart ready to die. Without a miracle, facing the aggressive suppression of Qingyun Kingdom and Great Jin Kingdom, Jiang Tai had no chance of survival.


    Xiao Yi had become the only person she could rely on.


    Niu Dali clenched his fists tightly at the side, "Boss, let me go with you!"


    Xiao Yi shook his head, his voice solemn, "You need to take good care of the Crown Princess Consort. With General Zhang Baisheng here, there won''t be any problems. Leave Po Jun City to me!"


    "Alright then!"


    Niu Dali hesitated for a moment before nodding in resignation.


    With his strength, even if he went to Po Jun City, he wouldn''t be of any help.


    Instead, he would be a burden.


    Xiao Yi did not say it outright, as he did not want to discourage him.


    "General!"


    Xiao Yi turned to look at Zhang Baisheng and took out a Martial Dao Divine Fruit¡ªone of the three obtained from that secret realm¡ªand handed it to him, "This is a Martial Dao Divine Fruit. If you refine it, General, you can step into the Tao Tribulation Realm. With this, I will have no worries!"


    "This..."


    Zhang Baisheng''s hands trembled as he took the Martial Dao Divine Fruit, took a deep breath, and said earnestly, "Your Highness, rest assured. As long as this old man draws breath, I will not let anyone harm the Crown Princess Consort!"


    "Hmm!"


    Xiao Yi nodded vigorously, then looked at everyone, "Everyone, take care!"


    "Your Highness, we''ll wait for your triumphant return!"


    "Guardian Martial God, invincible in battle!"


    "Waiting for your triumphant return..."


    The crowd shouted out loud one after another.


    Xiao Yi waved his hand, and a Tianqing wild ox charged into the sky; he leapt up onto its back and broke through the air.


    Although this Tianqing wild ox was only a fifth-order beast, its speed was comparable to that of an average Tao Tribulation Realm expert. Moreover, its stamina was astonishing, making thousand-mile journeys in a day no problem.


    It was a full three thousand miles from the capital of Tianlan Kingdom to Po Jun City.


    Under Xiao Yi''s urging, the Tianqing wild ox burst forth with unprecedented speed. Watching the capital grow smaller and smaller behind him, Xiao Yi clenched his fists tightly, "Jiang Tai, wait for me!"


    ......


    Po Jun City.


    This is the northern border of Tianqing Kingdom, bordering on Qingyun Kingdom.


    Once...


    Qingyun Kingdom and Qing Tian Kingdom were of the same lineage, but a thousand years ago, a prince who failed to secure the throne launched a coup, and Qingyun Kingdom seceded.


    After a thousand years of development.


    Qingyun Kingdom''s national strength is no weaker than Qing Tian Kingdom.


    With the historical grudge between the two nations, they have become sworn enemies, never interacting with each other.


    The man leading the troops from Qingyun Kingdom was Jiang Shihai, known as the Supporting Mountain King of Qingyun Kingdom, who is also the paternal uncle of Jiang Tianchen. In the initial clashes between the two kingdoms, Jiang Tianchen managed to halt the advance of Jiang Shihai''s forces by taking advantage of Po Jun City''s defenses.


    That was until the powerhouse of Great Jin Kingdom arrived on the battlefield.


    Three Tao Tribulation Realm experts attacked Jiang Tianchen at the same time, and the elite Golden Crow Guards of Great Jin Kingdom launched an assault, cutting down a hundred thousand elites of Tianqing Kingdom.


    This led to the fall of Po Jun City.


    Jiang Tianchen himself was taken prisoner, and when the experts from Great Jin Kingdom forced him to hand over Xiao Yi, he refused and was brutally killed. To this day, eight days later, Jiang Tianchen''s body has been hanging outside the gate of Po Jun City, marred by signs of decay, occasionally attracting flies to buzz and settle.


    In the sky, vultures circle and swoop down from time to time to snatch away pieces of flesh.


    The once-dignified King of Tianqing Kingdom not only died in battle but now his body was beyond recognition.


    If it weren''t for Jiang Tai leading his army here, upon seeing this scene, deploying ten divine archers to guard Jiang Tianchen''s corpse, and once they discovered any vultures immediately shooting them down with arrows, by now, Jiang Tianchen would probably be nothing but a skeleton.


    "Father Emperor..."


    Jiang Tai stood within the military camp, gazing at Jiang Tianchen, who was hanging above the city gate; his palms clenched into fists.


    His fingernails were also digging into his palms.


    Blood trickled down through the gaps between his fingers.


    "Crown Prince, messengers from the Qingyun Kingdom have delivered a letter!" Shi Yaoquan respectfully said, presenting the letter with both hands.


    The four Shi brothers had also set out with Jiang Tai to Po Jun City.


    Shi Yaoquan had already broken through to the Golden Core Realm, becoming the commander of Jiang Tai''s trusted aides.


    Jiang Tai took the letter, opened it, and his body suddenly staggered, nearly tumbling down.


    "Your Highness..."


    Shi Yaoquan, startled, quickly steadied Jiang Tai.


    Jiang Tai''s eyes were bloodshot, and the letter in his hand was crumpled into a ball, producing a creaking sound between his knuckles, "This is outrageous, absolutely outrageous!"


    "Your Highness, what exactly happened?" Shi Yaoquan asked in a shocked and puzzled tone, looking at Jiang Tai. In his memory, Jiang Tai had always been able to control his emotions well, never allowing his joy or anger to show. But now, he was visibly shaken by a letter.


    Jiang Tai, trembling, handed the crumpled letter to him.


    Shi Yaoquan quickly unfolded the wrinkled letter, and upon reading it, his complexion too changed drastically, "Is this, this, this the act of humans?"


    The letter stated...


    Only two hours remain of the three-day ultimatum. If Jiang Tai still refuses to hand over Xiao Yi within the next two hours, a cauldron of boiling oil will be placed outside Po Jun City, and Jiang Tianchen''s corpse will be fried in it!


    The corpse had been suspended for eight days, left to rot, in the utmost humiliation.


    And now they actually want to deep fry it?


    "Your Highness, we should..." Shi Yaoquan''s eyes were filled with blood.


    Jiang Tai took a deep breath, his teeth clenched, "Summon all the generals, mobilize the troops. The moment they dare to fry Father Emperor''s body, we will launch a full-scale attack!"


    "Yes!"


    Shi Yaoquan immediately withdrew.


    Shortly after. Continue reading at empire


    The central army tent.


    All the generals had gathered, looking at Jiang Tai, who had a face as dark as thunder. They glanced at each other, not even daring to breathe too loudly. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    They had already read the contents of that letter.


    Fearing they might provoke Jiang Tai.


    Left Army Commander Lei Ming hesitated for a long time, then with a toughened resolve, spoke in a grave voice, "Your Highness, given the current disparity in forces between us and the enemy, it is really not suitable to go to war!"


    "Not suitable to go to war? Then when is it suitable? Do we have to wait until they fry my father''s body for it to be suitable?"


    Jiang Tai smashed the table in front of him with a slap, his face grim, as he roared furiously.


    The right Imperial Censor muttered, "Actually... we just need to hand over Xiao Yi, and it would be fine. This whole mess was his doing..."


    "Idiots!"


    Jiang Tai looked at Shi Yaoquan, "Drag him out and chop his head off!"


    "Yes!"


    Shi Yaoquan immediately stepped forward, seized the Imperial Censor, who was only at the peak of the Divine Ability Realm, and dragged him out of the tent.


    The right Imperial Censor wailed miserably, "Spare me, Your Majesty, please spare me..."


    Jiang Tai''s gaze was ice-cold as he looked towards the crowd, every word deliberate, "Every single one of you listen up, you can die, I can die, Father Emperor can also die, but the Guardian Martial God must not die! As long as he lives, there is hope for our Tianqing Kingdom! If he stands, our nation stands, if he falls, our nation falls! Anyone who dares to speak such demoralizing words again, questioning the foundation of our nation, will be executed without mercy! Do you hear me?"


    "We will heed your orders with utmost care!"


    Fearfully and respectfully, they responded.


    Jiang Tai took a deep breath, narrowing his eyes, with a surge of fighting spirit, "Main army, prepare for battle!"

 Chapter 163 Why Has the Sky Darkened?

    Boom! Boom! Boom!The war drums within and outside Po Jun City thundered, sounding like heaven''s wrath.


    The army of the Tianqing Kingdom was already fully equipped and ready to go, consisting of all the remaining soldiers, even the city guard soldiers from the royal capital were brought over.


    Altogether, three hundred and fifty thousand.


    Inside Po Jun City, there were eight hundred and ten thousand troops from the Qingyun Kingdom, plus thirty thousand of the most elite Golden Crow Guards from the Great Jin Kingdom.


    These thirty thousand Golden Crow Guards were worth a hundred thousand ordinary soldiers.


    The battle drums roared, the banners flew against the clear sky, fluttering noisily.


    A menacing atmosphere spread across the dome of the sky, forming thick clouds that turned blood red in the sunset, like a crimson cloud hanging in the sky, exceptionally oppressive, making it difficult to breathe. In front of the formation, Jiang Tai, clad in golden armor, held a long spear in his hand, his face expressionless as he stared ahead.


    From within Po Jun City, black iron torrents of troops were pouring out in great numbers.


    Like ants emerging from their nest.


    To facilitate the movement of the army and also to obstruct the enemy, the entrance to Po Jun City was made particularly large, while the exit facing the Qingyun Kingdom was narrow.


    The massive armies of Qingyun Kingdom and Great Jin Kingdom spilled out of the city gates, scattering to both sides outside Po Jun City, dividing into two huge square formations of soldiers. The armies swiftly swelled to over five hundred thousand, and only then did Jiang Shihai slowly ride out on a fiery dragon-lion steed.


    Positioning himself in front of the troops.


    Jiang Shihai looked coldly at Jiang Tai and sneered, "Jiang Tai, little nephew, not greeting your uncle when you see him?"


    "Jiang Shihai..."


    Jiang Tai''s face turned steel blue as he gritted his teeth and said, "Return my father''s body to me!"


    "Return it? Of course, I will return it! But, I''ve made my terms clear to you. If you hand over Xiao Yi, not only will I return Jiang Tianchen''s body to you, but I will also immediately withdraw my troops!" Jiang Shihai said indifferently, resting his elbow on the saddle and leaning to the side as he chuckled, "Of course, if you refuse, soon your father''s body will be returned to you fried in oil!"


    Jiang Tai''s eyes split with rage as he roared, "Jiang Shihai, we are both of the Jiang clan, from the same root, why be so hasty to turn on each other!"


    "Hahaha, when your old ancestor dubiously snatched the Tianqing Kingdom''s rulership, did he consider we were from the same root?"


    Jiang Shihai laughed scornfully, "It seems you are reluctant to hand over Xiao Yi. Tsk tsk, I thought you, being younger, would know how to read the situation and understand that a good bird chooses the tree it perches on. I didn''t expect you to be as foolish as he was, wagering the fate of an entire kingdom for someone who has no relation to you? Ridiculous, truly ridiculous!"


    "Xiao Yi is the Guardian Martial God of Tianqing Kingdom; as long as he lives, Tianqing shall not perish. I, Jiang Tai, can die, my father can die, all of my Jiang family can die, but he alone cannot die!"


    Jiang Tai pronounced each word distinctly, his voice unwavering with determination.


    These words were what Jiang Tianchen had once said to him.


    All along.


    Jiang Tianchen had always been a wise and sagacious ruler, leaving an indelible mark in Jiang Tai''s heart.


    If Jiang Tianchen was willing to sacrifice his life and wage war for Xiao Yi.


    Naturally, Jiang Tai would not go against Jiang Tianchen''s wishes. Discover hidden tales at empire


    "Fool! I really don''t understand what kind of spell Xiao Yi has cast on you, but since you''re so stubborn, don''t blame me then!"


    Jiang Shihai shook his head in contempt and sneered, "Someone, bring out the oil cauldron; let''s show the Tianqing Kingdom a performance of frying an emperor!"


    "Frying an emperor!"


    "Hahaha, my lord, this will surely be a dish to be remembered through the ages!"


    Generals under the Qingyun Kingdom laughed aloud.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Dozens of soldiers pushed out a cauldron of boiling oil, under which wood was stacked to stoke a fierce fire.


    Bubbles continuously erupted from the oil cauldron, exploding and spraying scalding hot oil onto the ground with a hissing sound.


    Creak! Creak! Creak!


    Two Qingyun Kingdom soldiers slowly operated the ropes, gently lowering Jiang Tianchen''s body down, one in front and one behind, carrying Jiang Tianchen''s corpse towards the cauldron. By the side of the cauldron, both men were ready, just waiting for Jiang Shihai''s order to throw Jiang Tianchen''s body into the oil.


    Jiang Shihai slowly raised his right hand, smirking coldly as he looked at Jiang Tai. "Within three breaths, if you choose to surrender and hand Xiao Yi over to me, I will return the body to you!"


    Thud!


    Jiang Tai dismounted from his horse with a flip.


    Shi Yaoquan and a host of other generals and soldiers did the same, dismounting in unison.


    Hundreds of thousands of men, uniformly coordinated.


    Thud!


    One by one, they knelt on the ground.


    Jiang Tai''s eyes were bloodshot, he clenched his steel teeth so hard that blood seeped from the corners of his lips as he roared, "Father, may you have a safe journey ahead!"


    "Your Majesty, may you have a safe journey ahead!"


    "Your Majesty, take your time!"


    Jiang Shihai''s eyebrows were tightly furrowed. He had already counted to two, but Jiang Tai''s actions were causing him great irritation and anger. He shouted, "Since you all remain so obstinate, you can''t blame me! Blow him up!"


    "Yes!"


    Two soldiers carried the corpse of Jiang Tianchen and ascended to the platform next to the cauldron of oil.


    With a loud bang, Jiang Tai flipped back onto his horse.


    Clang, clang, clang!


    The generals and soldiers mounted their horses simultaneously.


    Pointing his spear forward, Jiang Tai roared, "Generals and soldiers, follow me into battle!"


    "Kill! Kill! Kill!"


    "Kill¡­"


    Rumble!


    Three hundred and fifty thousand warriors, in uniform motion, their voices shaking the heavens.


    As the saying goes, mournful troops are sure to win!


    In the hearts of every soldier of the Tianqing Kingdom, there burned a fierce rage, watching helplessly as their sovereign was about to be thrown into a cauldron of oil and fried alive. Every Tianqing Kingdom soldier wished they could tear into the enemies of the Qingyun Kingdom with their bare hands.


    "Blow him up!"


    Jiang Shihai unsheathed his longsword. As the sword swept across the sky and his fighting spirit soared, he bellowed, "My sons, follow me into battle!"


    Rumble!


    The armies of both sides surged forward simultaneously.


    They were like two cataclysmic floods, madly rushing towards each other.


    The earth roared and the mountains trembled.


    The armies were separated by a few miles, but as they charged at full strength, they grew ever closer.


    It appeared that the two forces were about to collide.


    The two soldiers had already climbed onto the platform, lifting high the body of Jiang Tianchen and were about to throw it into the cauldron of oil. But just as they looked up, their pupils suddenly shrank; a black dot had appeared in the blue sky above them. The dot grew nearer and larger, eventually filling their sight.


    It even turned into a vast black shadow that covered half the battlefield.


    "Why has the sky darkened?"


    "What''s happening?" S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You¡ªyou all look, what is that thing in the sky?"


    Sudden cries of alarm rang out from the crowd.


    Even the charging armies instinctively slowed, looking up towards the heavens. And when they did, everyone''s face changed¡­

 Chapter 164 Throwing Thousands of Mountains, Slaughtering a Hundred Thousand Enemies!

    "Is that... a mountain?""How can a mountain fly in the sky?"


    The faces of the crowd were filled with astonishment.


    Jiang Shihai''s face suddenly changed. He, riding on a fierce Flame Dragon Lion, turned back to look at his own troops behind him, who had been stunned by the flying mountain peak, and roared, "Get out of the way, all of you, move..."


    However...


    His voice was completely drowned out by the whistling sound of the falling mountain.


    "Damn it..."


    Jiang Shihai''s face turned ashen, but with the mountain peak now only a hundred meters away, all he could do was flip off his mount and land heavily, placing his hands on the ground, he roared, "Rise!"


    Boom, boom, boom!


    Waves of elemental energy surged from within him and poured into the earth.


    The ground shook as if a dragon beneath the earth had turned over.


    Boom boom boom!


    With Jiang Shihai at the center, mounds of earth rose from the ground, standing tall around his body. They protected the hundred thousand soldiers inside the mounds, and although they tried to spread outward, it was already too late. With a thunderous crash, the giant mountain peak rolled down.


    Continue reading at empire


    Boom, boom, boom...


    Heaven and earth shook. The sun and the moon lost their light. To the soldiers, it seemed as though the entire world had turned to darkness.


    The massive mountain, hundreds of meters high and enormously large, fell violently, shattering the ground. The terrifying impact destroyed tens of thousands of soldiers, crushing them into pulp, and then, propelled by the huge force of the impact, the mountain rolled madly on.


    Boom, boom, boom!


    The mountain continued to crush everything in its path.


    Along the way, soldiers from the Qingyun Kingdom screamed in agony, "Run, run for your life..."


    "Help me..."


    "I don''t want to die..."


    Countless soldiers scattered in all directions, in utter disarray.


    But how could they escape under the rolling of this several hundred-meter-high mountain?


    Where the nest is overturned, no eggs remain intact.


    When the mountain finally stopped several miles away, the earth was caved in, and within those cavities were corpses everywhere, all crushed to bits, and the number of injured was countless, with severed hands, severed legs, bodies cleaved in half... each lying in pools of blood, wailing, screaming, like a depiction of hell on earth.


    This mountain had crushed nearly a hundred thousand as it rolled past!


    After all.


    The closeness of the troops during the charge had been too great.


    Besides being crushed by the mountain, many others were trampled to death by their own comrades and horses.


    All was silent between heaven and earth.


    The cold wind howled sharply, the horizon was clear for thousands of miles, the setting sun hung in the sky, yet it gave a desolate and bone-chilling cold feeling.


    Even the likes of Jiang Tai and the other champions from the Tianqing Kingdom, were dumbfounded at this moment, their faces perplexed, "What... what''s going on? Did the Qingyun Kingdom incur the wrath of the heavens?"


    "I''ve never heard of a mountain falling from the sky..."


    "No, it''s not the wrath of the heavens, look quickly..." Shi Yaoqian suddenly bellowed from the crowd.


    The crowd looked up.


    They saw yet another mountain slowly flying from the horizon, but the focus of everyone''s gaze was not on the mountain, but on the figure below it, holding up the several hundred-meter-high mountain with a single hand. Compared to the massive mountain, that figure was not large, even minuscule, but at that moment, it gave off an impression of a divine demon descending to the world.


    With one hand holding up the hundred-meter-high mountain, he proceeded through the sky.


    What tremendous strength was this?


    "That''s... The Guardian War God!"


    "The Guardian War God? Xiao Yi?"


    Jiang Tai was also shocked, squinting his eyes to scrutinize that figure, and when he saw the familiar face, joy erupted on his face. But that joy quickly turned to horror, "No, this cannot be... Xiao Yi, leave quickly, go..."


    As he had said before, he could die, Jiang Tianchen could die, everyone in the Tianqing Kingdom could die!


    But Xiao Yi could not!


    Xiao Yi was the beacon of hope for the Tianqing Kingdom.


    And now...


    It wasn''t just Jiang Shihai from the Tao Tribulation Realm here, but also two experts from the Great Jin Dynasty within the same realm.


    The Great Jin Kingdom, ranking first among the more than one hundred affiliated nations under the Great Qian Dynasty, was a country with numerous powerful individuals, including the existence of a Dharma Manifestation Realm. Such a behemoth was far beyond what the Tianqing Kingdom could contend with¡ªall the more so if Xiao Yi hadn''t shown up, the experts of the Great Jin Kingdom might not have taken action.


    But Xiao Yi had appeared...


    And the experts of the Great Jin Kingdom would definitely not let him leave.


    Boom!


    The mound covering Jiang Shihai and others vanished. Jiang Shihai turned back to gaze upon the mountains of corpses and seas of blood, his eyes blood-red with fury as he glared at Xiao Yi, "Xiao Yi? I didn''t expect you to actually show yourself? Good, very good, you..."


    Before he could finish his sentence.


    Xiao Yi threw the giant mountain in his hand once again.


    Swish!


    The vast peak plummeted from the sky, faster than the previous one and even more massive.


    "Damn it!"


    Jiang Shihai''s threats turned into an expletive as he hurriedly raised up dirt mounds again.


    The gigantic mountain slammed onto the mounds with a thunderous impact.


    Boom!


    The mounds burst apart, and the shockwave from the collision caused many hiding warriors'' organs to shatter. As the mountain rolled over, it crushed tens of thousands of soldiers, and while the second mountain was mightier than the first, the casualties were not as staggering due to the soldiers spreading out.


    Even so...


    After two waves of attacks, nearly two hundred thousand soldiers from the Qingyun Kingdom were lost.


    Almost a hundred thousand died in battle, with the injured numbering well over a hundred thousand.


    This army of five hundred thousand was nearly decimated by half!


    Swish!


    Seizing the chaos on the battlefield, Xiao Yi teleported, charging toward the cauldron like a shooting star.


    "Let go!"


    With a reach across the distance, Xiao Yi pulled Jiang Tianchen''s corpse into his grasp, hoisting it onto his shoulder. Casting a glance at the boiling cauldron, with a sweep of his hand, the two soldiers responsible for carrying Jiang Tianchen''s body were thrown into the oil by him.


    Hissss!


    The moment the two entered the cauldron, it began to boil fiercely.


    "Help..."


    "Ah..."


    Screams were quickly submerged by the scalding oil.


    When Jiang Shihai emerged from the mounds once more, Xiao Yi had already returned to stand before Jiang Tai and others, carrying Jiang Tianchen''s body with heavy steps.


    Thump!


    Jiang Tai fell to his knees, holding back tears as he roared, "Welcome back, Your Majesty!"


    "Welcome back, Your Majesty..."


    Soldier after soldier knelt on the ground in unison.


    Their cries resounded to the heavens.


    Xiao Yi slowly placed Jiang Tianchen onto the back of the Tianqing wild ox, his regular mount.


    Moo!


    The Tianqing wild ox bellowed mournfully to the sky, tears welling in its eyes.


    Xiao Yi tore down the military flag and covered Jiang Tianchen''s body with it.


    Taking the Fire Qilin Sword in hand, he led the Tianqing wild ox and pointed forward, "Tianqing Kingdom''s generals, will you follow me into battle?"


    Three hundred and fifty thousand soldiers roared in unison...


    "Kill! Kill! Kill!"


    Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 165 Cutting Down the Dao Tribulation Effortlessly

    "Kill! Kill! Kill!"Three hundred and fifty thousand soldiers of the Tianqing Kingdom marched mightily, led by Xiao Yi, they charged at the army of Qingyun Kingdom, which had already lost its formation.


    In the standoff between the two armies, the beleaguered troops of Tianqing Kingdom already possessed superior morale.


    Now, with Xiao Yi having thrown mountains and annihilated two hundred thousand troops, the morale of the Tianqing Kingdom''s army was deeply invigorated.


    What diminished one side only made the other grow stronger.


    Under the onslaught of the Tianqing Kingdom''s army, the Qingyun Kingdom''s soldiers were ground down like meat through a grinder.


    Defeat spread like a landslide.


    Atop the city tower of Po Jun City,


    stood two figures, a man and a woman, hands behind their backs, they were the Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouses from the Great Jin Kingdom.


    The man was the Guardian Martial God of the Great Jin Kingdom''s Eastern Factory, Yu Huaxian, and the woman was the leader of the Great Jin Kingdom''s foremost intelligence organization, known as ''the Lady in Red'', Li Moqiu.


    "Guardian Yu, aren''t you going to take action?" Li Moqiu said calmly.


    Yin and yang indistinguishable in his voice, Yu Huaxian''s slender fingers gently pinched the strands of hair by his temples, his orchid-like fingertips causing Li Moqiu to frown slightly, "Why should I? It''s not the citizens of Great Jin who are dying!"


    "Are we just going to watch?" asked Li Moqiu.


    With a giggle, Yu Huaxian covered his mouth, "Don''t you find it beautiful to watch a bunch of ants slaughtering each other, their blood and corpses piling up?"


    As he spoke, his crimson tongue licked around his lips.


    His eyes glinted with excitement.


    Li Moqiu frowned slightly and huffed, "The mission is led by you; we will follow your command!"


    "No rush, no rush!"


    Yu Huaxian smiled and watched Xiao Yi gallop through the crowd on his horse as if he owned the field, his eyes brimming with excitement and greed, "Such a handsome young man, so powerful yet so young. Those two mountains just now would not be so easily lifted even by me. No wonder Xue Yilou wants him so badly. Hmm, before handing him over to Xue Yilou, I must savor this young man!"


    Li Moqiu''s eyes twitched as a deep repulsion crossed her face.


    Meanwhile, on the battlefield,


    the winds and clouds transformed, and the army of Tianqing Kingdom was unstoppable.


    Xiao Yi, like a god of slaughter from ancient times, allowed no one to come within thirty feet of him.


    Wherever he passed, the dead piled up like mountains; blood flowed like rivers!


    "Cease!"


    Jiang Shihai mounted his fiery dragon lion, charging forth like wind and fire. Tianqing Kingdom''s soldiers were sent flying by his rush, then immolated to ash by the flames belching from his mount. In no time, he was face to face with Xiao Yi, "You wretched little bastard, how dare you slaughter my soldiers. Your death is certain!"


    "Hasn''t the Great Qian Dynasty decreed that Tao Tribulation Realm experts shouldn''t directly partake in battles? You are overstepping the mark!" Xiao Yi''s gaze was icy as he stared down Jiang Shihai.


    Jiang Shihai laughed coldly, "Rules are meant to bind the weak. With the Great Jin Kingdom at my back, so long as I slay all of you, who would know I have intervened?"


    Only because of the special relationship between the two kingdoms did Jiang Shihai dare to act.


    The two nations, though of one lineage, had been splintered apart for a millennium.


    If he could unite them single-handedly, then he would be the unparalleled hero of the Qingyun Kingdom.


    His name would live on for eternity, spoken of through the ages!


    Jiang Shihai, the Supporting Mountain King of Qingyun Kingdom, was also a powerhouse of the Second Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm. Now, all he sought was the pinnacle of Martial Arts and prestige.


    It was precisely because of this¡­


    That he threw all caution to the wind and intervened personally!


    Xiao Yi shook his head, "Ever heard of ''the mantis trying to stop the chariot''?"


    "Hmm?"


    Jiang Shihai was taken aback.


    Xiao Yi said, "You, are that mantis!"


    "Insolent brat!"


    Jiang Shihai became furious. He, the illustrious Supporting Mountain King, a second-level Tao Tribulation Realm master, was being called a mantis overestimating its own strength by Xiao Yi. His complexion turned thunderous, "You arrogant mongrel, let this king see what the Guardian Martial God of Tianqing is made of!"


    Boom!


    Jiang Shihai spurred his fiery dragon lion.


    Roar!


    The fiery dragon lion, a rank six lower-tier demonic beast, comparable to a First Layer Tao Tribulation Realm expert, was shrouded in soaring flames. The mane around its neck licked the air like tongues of fire, and with an open mouth, it shot a fierce fireball.


    "Little Lin!"


    Xiao Yi muttered with a cold snort.


    Swoosh!


    A streak of silver light burst forth from his arms ¨C it was Little Lin, who had reached the sixth tier.


    "Holy shit..."


    Little Lin faced the fireball as it appeared, its silver scales shining brilliantly. With a fierce open mouth, it swallowed the fireball whole.


    Hiss!


    Little Lin''s belly abruptly swelled into a round ball, as if it might burst at any moment!


    The ferocious Dragon-Lion roared like thunder, laughing heartily, "Where did this little snake come from, daring to swallow this Lion King''s attack? You can go to die now!"


    However...


    The words of the ferocious Dragon-Lion had barely faded.


    Little Lin suddenly spewed out a cloud of black smoke, its distended belly deflating back to normal. After belching contentedly, Little Lin''s emerald-green eyes rolled, staring intently at the ferocious Dragon-Lion, "Where did this big cat come from? A mere fireball wants to kill the young master? Such a delusion!"


    "Roar! Little snake, you''re courting death!"


    The ferocious Dragon-Lion charged at him furiously.


    Little Lin''s body shone with silver light as he suddenly grew larger.


    Transforming into a ten-zhang long snake, he tangled with the ferocious Dragon-Lion.


    Meanwhile...


    The battle between Xiao Yi and Jiang Shihai also erupted in full force. Jiang Shihai wielded a long spear. The tip gleamed with silver light, the dark shaft was tall and slender, adorned with the pattern of a dragon and tiger, the tassels fluttering, "Pierce through the dragon!"


    That spear thrust came at lightning speed.


    Vital energy was vigorous, clinging to the spear shaft like a dark yellow flood dragon, charging with bared teeth and claws.


    Xiao Yi swept his sword horizontally across his chest to block.


    Clang!


    A sharp sound resonated in the air.


    A burst of firelight shot into the sky as the spear tip struck the sword.


    Xiao Yi remained motionless.


    Jiang Shihai''s spear, however, bent completely under the enormous force, the shaft bowing like a full arch. No matter how much he exerted himself, he still couldn''t shake Xiao Yi in the slightest. This left Jiang Shihai utterly dumbfounded, "Impossible... This kid clearly hasn''t reached the Tao Tribulation Realm, so how can he possess such terrifying strength?"


    "With just this level of ability, you think you can kill me?"


    Xiao Yi smiled relaxedly, then his eyes suddenly narrowed into slits, the smile on his face dissipating instantaneously, replaced by a trace of coldness, "Let me show you what real power is!"


    As soon as he finished speaking,


    Xiao Yi flicked the blade of his sword with his left hand, and with a humming resonance, the Fire Qilin Sword trembled violently.


    The quivering force transmitted from the tip to the shaft of the spear, growing more terrifying by the second.


    Hum hum!


    The long spear was almost shaken out of Jiang Shihai''s hands.


    "What?"


    Jiang Shihai looked astounded. He gripped the end of the spear tightly and finally managed to stabilize it, but his palm was burst open from the vibration, blood dripping down. He looked at Xiao Yi in shock, "Just a light flick on the blade, and such a terrifying force? Can this guy really not be from the Tao Tribulation Realm?" Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Enjoy new tales from empire


    At that moment, Jiang Shihai no longer looked down on Xiao Yi, as his gaze became extremely solemn.


    Little did he know...


    Though Xiao Yi wasn''t in the Tao Tribulation Realm, he was surpassing it.


    Limitless Golden Elixir with twenty loops!


    In terms of sheer strength and vital energy, he was already comparable to a Second Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm expert.


    Moreover...


    Xiao Yi''s ability to fight above his level was already far beyond that of his peers. How could his strength be comparable to Jiang Shihai''s?


    "Take my sword!"


    Xiao Yi brandished his sword from afar, "Torrents descend three thousand feet!"


    Hum!


    Sword shadows flickered and fluttered, one splitting into two, two into four...


    In the blink of an eye, dense sword shadows fell from the sky like a three thousand feet waterfall.


    "Black Dragon Searches the Sea!"


    "Dragon Battles in the Wilderness..."


    Jiang Shihai consecutively deployed his strongest spear techniques, but he simply couldn''t stop the endless waves of sword energy. Overwhelmed by the sword waves, he was forced to retreat in panic, while Xiao Yi pressed on relentlessly.


    Boom!


    The long spear was chopped away fiercely.


    "No..."


    Jiang Shihai''s eyes nearly split with fury as he turned to look in the direction of Po Jun City, "Lord Yu... Save me..."


    "Xiao Yi, stop!"


    A voice, indistinguishable between Yin and Yang, came from Yu Huaxian as he walked alone in the sky, hands behind his back.


    However...


    Xiao Yi merely glanced at him, his longsword not ceasing!


    Thud thud thud!


    A series of sword lights pierced through his body, severing his hands, cutting off his legs. Following up with a thrust of the spear, he impaled Jiang Shihai''s body, then with a fierce toss, Jiang Shihai''s body was flung out with a swoosh and fell with a thud into the bubbling cauldron, his hysterical screams filling the air.


    Supporting Mountain King of Qingyun Kingdom, the formidable Second Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm expert Jiang Shihai, was fried to a golden crisp...

 Chapter 166 Who Won

    ```In the cauldron of oil.


    Jiang Shihai''s body had already been fried to a golden brown, bubbling up and down with the hot oil.


    The smile on the nonchalantly walking Yu Huaxian''s face solidified, his venomous eyes locked onto Xiao Yi and he said deliberately and slowly, "Didn''t you hear this overseer tell you to stop?"


    "Who the hell are you?"


    Xiao Yi looked up at him, snorted coldly, "I don''t like talking to people looking up. Come down here!"


    Whoosh!


    His right hand reached into the void.


    In the void, the qi became like silk threads, forming a giant qi palm that grasped Yu Huaxian and smashed him forcefully towards the ground.


    Yu Huaxian had not expected Xiao Yi to strike without a word.


    It was too late to counter.


    Boom!


    The elegant, effeminate Yu Huaxian was slapped harshly into the ground, half of his body buried in the earth, his face a picture of bewilderment as he looked up at Xiao Yi above him.


    Xiao Yi looked down from above, nodding in satisfaction, "That''s much more comfortable!"


    "You, you..."


    Yu Huaxian was so enraged that his hair stood on end, his eyes blood-red.


    Fury!


    Extreme fury!


    He was the overseer of the Eastern Factory in the Great Jin Kingdom, a figure of renown even amongst the sea of powerful beings in Great Jin. Even the lofty officials and wealthy gentry of the Great Jin had to address him respectfully as Overseer Yu!


    But now...


    He had been half buried in the ground with a slap by a boy not even twenty years old? Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Boom!


    Rumble!


    Gusts of wind erupted from Yu Huaxian''s body, the ground thundering and trembling, violently churning around him as the epicenter.


    Fierce cracks spread in all directions.


    The cracks grew more numerous and wider.


    Like a spider''s web.


    The surrounding land was lifted several meters high, and the ground around Yu Huaxian burst apart as he extricated himself. Floating in the air, a sweep of the wind around him blew the dust away, his cold eyes filled with ferocity, fixed on Xiao Yi, "You little bastard, you''ve completely enraged this overseer!"


    "What''s with the androgynous act here? Stop your meaningless yapping!" Xiao Yi said with a disgusted scold.


    "An-androgynous?"


    Yu Huaxian''s face suddenly stiffened.


    Rage!


    Livid with rage!


    The thing he hated most was to be described as androgynous!


    Yu Huaxian spat viciously, pointing at Xiao Yi with a pinching gesture, and growled, "This overseer didn''t want to hurt you, but now this overseer has changed his mind!"


    "Scram!"


    Xiao Yi slapped him away.


    Yu Huaxian snorted coldly, "Ignorant fool, you mistook my oversight for weakness. Do you think the same trick would work twice?"


    Yu Huaxian easily waved and smashed the qi palm into pieces.


    He said smugly, "See that, you..."


    Bang!


    His words were cut off abruptly.


    Xiao Yi''s palm had contained a surge of Sword Qi; Yu Huaxian managed to shatter the qi palm, but failed to guard against the Sword Qi blast.


    It sent him flying, burying his body halfway into the ground once again, and Xiao Yi quickly followed up.


    Strike the sick, take the life!


    He kicked towards Yu Huaxian''s face.


    Bang!


    Yu Huaxian''s chin took the blow, his body spinning like a top with a clump of earth as he was thrown through the air, rolling dozens of meters before coming to a stop.


    "You little bastard, bastard... You''ve dirtied this overseer''s clothes? Damn it, you deserve to die a thousand deaths..."


    ```


    Yu Huaxian trembled and struggled to his feet, looking at his pristine white robe now sullied with mud and blood, even with chunks of flesh hanging on his belt. His eyes were completely covered with a blazing red as he raged uncontrollably, "Xiao Yi, if I don''t flay you a thousand times, I won''t be able to quell the hatred in my heart!"


    Boom!


    Yu Huaxian leaped into the air, flicking his wrist, and in the blink of an eye, a series of silver needles whizzed through the air.


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!


    The needles broke through the sky, trailing bright red threads.


    They wove into a dazzling red peony in mid-air as Yu Huaxian''s voice, indistinct between Yin and Yang, sent chills down the spine, "A thought and the flower blooms!"


    Swoosh!


    The peony flower actually burst into full bloom.


    And those blooming petals were numerous needles and red threads linked together, as if each needle had its own renowned name, firing towards Xiao Yi from different directions.


    There were simply too many needles.


    Xiao Yi tapped the ground and leaped backward to retreat.


    Bang!


    The needles landed where he had been standing, burrowing into the ground, and as Yu Huaxian gave a tug on the threads, a clump of earth heavy as a hut was lifted high into the air. It was shredded by the red threads in mid-flight, and in a flash, countless needles charged at Xiao Yi once more.


    Xiao Yi fought as he retreated.


    The crisp sounds of clashing echoed continuously.


    Find more chapters on empire


    The Fire Qilin Sword collided with the needles, emitting a series of dazzling sparks.


    "The Epiphyllum blooms for but a moment!"


    As Yu Huaxian''s fingers weaved an otherworldly sequence, the incoming needles and red threads suddenly vanished.


    Xiao Yi first froze, then immediately felt a chill up his spine.


    Instinctively, he swung the Fire Qilin Sword behind him.


    Ting Ting Ting!


    A series of crisp sounds followed and a great force pushed Xiao Yi forward.


    "Not good!"


    Xiao Yi''s pupils dilated instantly, as dozens of needles appeared out of thin air ahead of him, coming straight at him.


    In a critical moment,


    Xiao Yi instinctively executed a sword move: "Parting the White Egrets on the Twin Waters!"


    This was a move from the "Qinglian Sword Song."


    With a thrust forward, rolling waves of air formed on the blade, splitting everything in front ahead into two halves.


    The air, the wind, and even those needles.


    All were split apart.


    They flew past Xiao Yi on either side, and he seized the opportunity to burst forward, breaking through the needle blockade and closing the distance with Yu Huaxian. Yu Huaxian was at the Fifth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm, and his tactics were extremely bizarre and skilled in ranged attacks; Xiao Yi had to close the distance between them.


    "The Torrent Plunges Down Three Thousand Feet!"


    The sword shadows transformed into a waterfall, pouring down.


    The numerous needles before him were shattered.


    Yu Huaxian''s pupils shrank, the sharp sword point now only half a foot from his brow as he stumbled backward. Meanwhile, his hands weaved in front of him, red threads forming the shape of an ancient zither, as Yu Huaxian''s slender palms gently fluttered across the strings.


    Zeng Zeng Zeng!


    Amidst the ear-piercing sound of the zither, countless red-threaded needles burst forth.


    The needles and the sword shadows, like the point of a needle against a wheat awn.


    They collided, dissipating one another!


    "Nine Swords Unite as One!"


    Xiao Yi merged all his sword shadows into unity, jabbing forward with one thrust.


    Yu Huaxian''s expressionless face, hands pressed forcefully on the zither strings, "A Hundred Flowers Blossom Together!"


    Countless needles and red threads woven into an image of a hundred flowers competing in beauty, the blossoms exploded, and the collision of swords and needles made the void around them seem to stand still.


    In the blink of an eye¡­


    Boom!


    An eye-blinding orb of light appeared out of nowhere.


    Right after, the orb expanded tenfold and burst with a loud bang.


    In an instant, Xiao Yi and Yu Huaxian were engulfed in the brilliance.


    Above the battlefield, everyone stopped fighting and looked towards the gradually dimming orb of light: "Who won?"

 Chapter 167 Unrivaled with Me!

    "Who won?"All eyes were fixed on the light orb that was gradually shrinking.


    Even on the walls of Po Jun City, another expert from the Great Jin Kingdom at the Tao Tribulation Realm, Li Moqiu, was squinting his eyes into slits at this moment.


    Suddenly...


    The light faded, revealing a silhouette.


    "Is it him?"


    "Hahaha, we won, Yu won¡­"


    "The bastards of the Tianqing Kingdom, your Guardian Martial God has lost!"


    The figure appearing within the light was none other than Yu Huaxian, and at that moment, the faces of everyone from the Qingyun Kingdom showed ecstatic joy.


    The death of Jiang Shihai had dealt a heavy blow to their morale.


    But if Yu Huaxian could kill Xiao Yi, it would be a tremendous boost for them as well.


    "No, that''s not right¡­"


    An exclamation of surprise suddenly came from the crowd.


    As the light dissipated from Yu Huaxian''s body, a red light appeared on his forehead¡ªit was unmistakably the Fire Qilin Sword. The blade was breathing out fierce red flames, pointing directly at Yu Huaxian''s forehead. As the light faded away, the body of the Fire Qilin Sword was revealed.


    And holding the Fire Qilin Sword, floating in the air was Xiao Yi!


    Xiao Yi had not been defeated!


    He had won!


    In the midst of the battlefield...


    The people of the Tianqing Kingdom let out a collective sigh of relief, followed by excited roars: "With our Guardian Martial God, we are invincible!"


    "How could our Guardian Martial God possibly lose?"


    "The bastards of the Qingyun Kingdom, go to hell¡­"


    Jiang Tai let out a roar that reached the heavens, waving his spear with one arm, his fighting spirit soaring endlessly: "Wipe them all out!"


    On the other side.


    Little Lin bit down on the neck of the Flaming Dragon Lion, its silvery body coiling mightily, entangling the Flaming Dragon Lion tightly. Its terrifying power crushed the Flaming Dragon Lion''s bones to powder, the sickening cracks accompanying the desperate screams of the beast, before its massive body fell to the ground with a thud.


    Roar!


    Little Lin let out a furious roar towards the sky.


    In the void.


    Xiao Yi stood holding his sword, the corner of his mouth dripping with blood, but his eyes were bright: "You, lost!"


    Spurt!


    Yu Huaxian''s body trembled, blood uncontrollably spraying from his orifices, his face revealing a pitiful and bitter smile: "You... really aren''t at the Tao Tribulation Realm?"


    Xiao Yi shook his head, "No!"


    "Not at Tao Tribulation, yet you surpass it¡­"


    Yu Huaxian stared intently at Xiao Yi for a moment, before bitterly smiling, "I lost, losing to someone like you isn''t an injustice! Strike now!"


    Yu Huaxian had a resigned look and closed his eyes.


    Xiao Yi raised his eyebrow, about to take action when suddenly, a noise tore through the air, and Xiao Yi reflexively swung his sword to his side.


    Thud!


    The heavy impact nearly shattered Xiao Yi''s eardrums, and the wild force sent him flying. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His body spun several rotations in the air before it finally stopped.


    No sooner had Xiao Yi steadied himself than he tapped the void with the tip of his foot, springing upwards. He turned around mid-leap for a sword strike: "A Stroke That Surprises the Wind and Rain!"


    Pitter-patter!


    The rain of swords surged, like a torrential downpour.


    In front of him was a nine-section crimson whip, covered in silver knives that gleamed with poison. A nick would seal one''s throat upon bleeding. Fortunately, Xiao Yi had chosen retreat earlier; if he had been hit by this poisonous whip, the consequences would have been unimaginable.


    The rain of swords surged, repelling the long whip.


    Crimson Fairy Li Moqiu stood mid-air, whip in hand, her phoenix eyes filled with surprise as she sized up Xiao Yi: "No wonder even Yu Huaxian is no match for you. You indeed have some skills!"


    "Who are you?" Xiao Yi asked, narrowing his eyes.


    "Crimson Fairy Li Moqiu!"


    Li Moqiu spoke indifferently, "You''re much more formidable than that trash Jiang Tianchen!"


    "Jiang Tianchen was killed by you?" Xiao Yi asked with a frown.


    Li Moqiu shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly, speaking carelessly, "I told him to hand you over, but he refused, so I lashed him a few times. I never expected such an old fool to be so useless, dying from my lashes alone."


    Xiao Yi said, "You, deserve to die!"


    Jiang Tianchen had treated him with true kindness.


    And it was to protect him that Jiang Tianchen was killed by Li Moqiu.


    This vengeance must be avenged!


    "Kill me? You should be thinking about how to save your own little life!"


    Li Moqiu coldly smiled, her scarlet tongue licking her lips like a venomous crimson chain viper about to strike its prey.


    All of a sudden.


    Li Moqiu''s mouth slightly curled up, her figure becoming blurred.


    Xiao Yi''s pupils shrank. "Afterimage?"


    Realizing what was happening, Xiao Yi turned and struck at the same time, but behind him was still an afterimage, the crimson sword light shattering it. However, Li Moqiu''s chilly laughter came to his ears, "Not bad, a pity you''re still one step too slow!"


    Swish!


    The crimson nine-section whip pierced through Xiao Yi''s body.


    A look of amusement appeared on her face. "Little guy, you''re still too green to fight me!"


    "That''s not necessarily true!"


    Xiao Yi''s voice, ghostlike, rang out beside her ear, causing Li Moqiu''s pores to erupt.


    The Xiao Yi in front of her, who had been pierced by the nine-section whip, also rippled and blurred into an afterimage, just like water.


    Li Moqiu cursed inwardly.


    The nine-section whip whistled, coiling around her body, forming whip rings that fell down, trying to protect her body beneath them. But her actions were still one step too late, the whip had just coiled around her neck when she heard a clear ''ding'' sound. It was Xiao Yi blocking the nine-section whip with the Fire Qilin Sword and reaching out with his palm at the same time.


    "Vajra Subdues Demons!"


    He slapped his palm onto Li Moqiu''s shoulder.


    Wow!


    Li Moqiu violently spat out a mouthful of blood, tumbling down like a kite with its string cut.


    Xiao Yi pointed with his longsword, entangling the nine-section whip, and pulled back at the same time.


    Li Moqiu, who was falling, suddenly jerked as she was pulled back. Xiao Yi''s right hand lifted, and with a fierce downward elbow strike.


    Bang!


    The elbow landed on the back of Li Moqiu''s head.


    Hum!


    Stars swirled before Li Moqiu''s eyes, her head spinning, feeling as if her head no longer belonged to her.


    Xiao Yi''s attack was not yet over.


    He dived down in an instant, catching up to Li Moqiu, his body spinning like a top, and a heavy whip kick viciously struck her waist.


    Thud!


    The kick possessed an incredibly powerful force.


    She was forcefully kicked back into midair, with Xiao Yi relentlessly following, his fists pounding out like phantoms.


    Bang bang bang!


    Each punch was unreserved, all hitting Li Moqiu''s body.


    Her body had completely deformed!


    Almost all her bones were smashed.


    Tendons shattered.


    All her internal organs were damaged.


    Blood sprayed from her seven orifices.


    With every strike from Xiao Yi, she was lifted tens of meters, now positioned hundreds of zhang in the air. Xiao Yi violently surged heavenward, surpassing Li Moqiu, and as she watched in despair, a sword fell, "A thousand miles in Jiangling, returned in a single day!"


    Swish!


    A silver river of swords appeared in the void.


    The sword river fell from the sky, engulfing Li Moqiu.


    Li Moqiu was like a sailboat navigating the river of swords, plummeting from the sky with a boom, and with a thunderous crash, she fell from the high sky down to the ground. In the blink of an eye, Li Moqiu crashed to the earth with a bang.


    The silver river of swords composed of countless sword shadows followed closely behind.


    Boom boom boom!


    The earth shook, and mountains collapsed!


    The ground continued to sink, and when the sword light dissipated, a giant pit dozens of meters deep appeared on the battlefield.


    The pit was funnel-shaped, at the bottom lay a corpse so mangled it was unrecognizable, lying in a pool of blood.


    Xiao Yi stood proudly in midair, his longsword like a dragon, his roar shattering the sky, "With me, invincible!"


    On the battlefield.


    The hundreds of thousands of Tianqing Kingdom''s grand army roared hysterically, "The Guardian Martial God, invincible!"


    "Invincible..."

 Chapter 168 Azure Dragon Guard

    "Guardian Martial God, with me, Wudi!""Wudi..."


    Bellowing roars of fury echoed between heaven and earth.


    Hundreds of thousands of Tianqing Kingdom soldiers seemed to take this opportunity to vent all the grievances and frustrations accumulated over the past month.


    Over the past month,


    Tianqing Kingdom was besieged on all sides, facing enemies from every direction, almost crushing every soldier and civilian under its weight, leaving them gasping for air.


    This was especially so after Great General Xia Yuan turned traitor during battle, leaving the royal ancestor Jiang Weisheng gravely wounded and forced into retreat. Moreover, the current King Jiang Tianchen was killed and his body hung outside Po Jun City, a series of blows that weighed on everyone''s hearts like a massive mountain.


    Until now...


    Xiao Yi''s emergence, the emergence of Tianqing Kingdom''s Guardian Martial God.


    He hurled mountains, slaughtering a hundred thousand foes!


    With a casual hand, he cleaved Tao Tribulation beings, effortlessly cutting down Chilian.


    All these glorious victories finally shattered the dark clouds hovering overhead, giving them a glimpse of hope.


    When people in despair see hope, they chase after the light with all their might, like bloodthirsty ants!


    The soldiers of Tianqing Kingdom were in just such a state!


    "Kill!"


    "Those who offend Tianqing, though far away, shall be punished!"


    "Die..." S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Each one appeared frenzied, their fighting spirits high.


    As if possessed by the War God.


    In contrast, the soldiers of Qingyun Kingdom now resembled mourners at a funeral.


    With Xiao Yi''s appearance, he annihilated over a hundred thousand of them with two mountains, and then strongly executed Jiang Shihai, frying his body to a golden crisp.


    But at that time, they had not yet fallen into despair.


    In the hearts of Qingyun Kingdom''s people, behind them stood strong allies from the Great Jin Kingdom.


    However...


    As Yu Huaxian and Li Moqiu fell, their last hope crumbled too.


    Endless despair followed suit.


    As one side waxed, the other waned.


    The military of Qingyun Kingdom collapsed like a house of cards.


    Under the crushing sweep of Tianqing Kingdom''s soldiers, hundreds of thousands either fled in disarray or begged for mercy on their knees. This battle, Tianqing Kingdom had already won!


    Clip-clop, clip-clop!


    Amidst the sound of horse hooves, Jiang Tai, flanked by the Shi Family''s four brothers, came to Xiao Yi''s side.


    Kneeling before Xiao Yi with his hands behind his back was Yu Huaxian.


    Yu Huaxian''s face was pale; the earlier clash with Xiao Yi had left him badly wounded, and now he looked like a prisoner at the foot of the steps, his face wearing a bitter smile, "No wonder Tianqing Kingdom regards you as their Guardian Martial God, no wonder Jiang Tianchen and the others would rather die to protect you..."


    "As long as I''m here, Tianqing Kingdom will not fall!" Xiao Yi said indifferently.


    "You''re very confident, it''s just a pity..."


    Yu Huaxian let out a sneer and said lightly, "Your enemy this time is too strong, much stronger than you could ever imagine!"


    "You''re talking about Xue Yilou, right?" Xiao Yi said.


    Yu Huaxian nodded.


    Xiao Yi spoke indifferently, "One day, I will personally eradicate Xue Yilou!"


    "Hmm?"


    Yu Huaxian blinked in surprise, frowning as he looked at Xiao Yi, "Eradicate Xue Yilou? Do you have any idea how powerful Xue Yilou is? They have thirteen Lords, even the weakest among them is at the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm, and among them, there are no lack of Dharma Manifestation Realm beings, even up to the peak of that realm..."


    "I know!"


    Xiao Yi nodded, being from the Xiao Family of the Great Qian Dynasty, he was naturally aware of Xue Yilou, "So what? If they are the enemy, then it''s either them or us!"


    "If you go head-to-head with Xue Yilou, the most likely outcome is that you''ll be crushed to pieces, with no hope of redemption..."


    Xiao Yi said, "Then let there be no hope of redemption!"


    Yu Huaxian fell silent.


    A moment later,


    Yu Huaxian looked up again, gazing steadily at Xiao Yi, "Are you truly confident in eradicating Xue Yilou?"


    Xiao Yi said lightly, "More than a year ago, I was but in the Physical Body Realm!"


    "Er..."


    Yu Huaxian was taken aback, "Over a year ago, you were just at the Physical Body Realm? So what? With that, you think you can challenge Xue Yilou... wait, what did you say? A year ago you were just at the Physical Body Realm? A year ago?"


    Yu Huaxian looked at Xiao Yi with a dumbfounded face.


    Xiao Yi nodded.


    Yu Huaxian, incredulous, looked towards Jiang Tai and others.


    Jiang Tai shrugged, "I felt the same when I first found out. But, it''s all true!"


    The four brothers of the Shi Family, "It''s true..."


    "Damn..."


    Yu Huaxian suddenly cursed, a struggle apparent on his face, and after a moment he fiercely clenched his teeth, "Xiao Yi, I am willing to submit to you, but I have one condition..."


    Xiao Yi asked, "What condition?"


    Yu Huaxian took a deep breath, articulating each word, "If one day, you have the capability, help me annihilate the royal family of the Great Jin Kingdom!"


    "Uh..."


    Xiao Yi was startled.


    Jiang Tai frowned, "Annihilate the Great Jin Kingdom''s royal family?"


    Shi Yaodu looked confused, "Aren''t you the supervisor of the Eastern Factory for the Great Jin Kingdom? Logically, you should be a staunch loyalist to the Great Jin Kingdom''s royal family..."


    "No, in their eyes, I am nothing but a dog. I bite whoever they tell me to bite, and if they want me dead, I''m the dog that can''t refuse to die..." Yu Huaxian suddenly smiled, but his smile was especially ferocious.


    Xiao Yi squinted and said, "That reason isn''t enough to make me believe you!"


    Yu Huaxian hesitated for a moment, took a deep breath, and said, "I had a sister who died at the hands of the Great Jin Kingdom''s Third Prince."


    "Hmm?"


    Xiao Yi looked at Yu Huaxian seriously.


    In his eyes now, there was only hatred and coldness.


    After a moment of contemplation, Xiao Yi said, "I promise you, if one day I have sufficient power, I will help you flatten the Great Jin Kingdom''s royal family!"


    "My lord above, please accept Yu Huaxian''s bow!" Yu Huaxian knelt heavily, his voice indistinguishable between Yin and Yang, he called out.


    Xiao Yi: "..."


    That voice was somewhat unbearable!


    Xiao Yi said in a deep voice, "From now on, just call me Xiao!"


    "Yes, Xiao!"


    Yu Huaxian said respectfully.


    "Rise!"


    Xiao Yi helped him to his feet and said solemnly, "Yu Huaxian, how do you plan to deal with the thirty thousand Golden Crow Guards within Po Jun City?"


    Yu Huaxian replied, "Xiao, rest assured, the Golden Crow Guards were trained by me. I will have them all pledge allegiance!"


    "Good, go and get the Golden Crow Guards in order!" Xiao Yi said.


    Yu Huaxian nodded and replied, "I will do it now!"


    Watching Yu Huaxian''s departing figure, Jiang Tai''s face showed a contemplative expression, he whispered, "Xiao, can we really trust this man?"


    Xiao Yi said, "I don''t know!"


    "Uh..."


    Jiang Tai blinked, "He''s a Fourth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm power, is it really okay to keep him by your side?"


    Xiao Yi continued, "Intuition tells me he''s not lying. Besides... with me here, he can''t cause any trouble!"


    Jiang Tai was startled, then shook his head with a wry smile.


    A moment later.


    Yu Huaxian returned, his once immaculate white clothes now stained with fresh blood, and only twenty thousand of the thirty thousand Golden Crow Guards followed him to the presence of Xiao Yi and others. Yu Huaxian knelt on one knee and said solemnly, "Xiao, mission accomplished; these twenty thousand brothers of the Golden Crow Guards wish to follow me!"


    The remaining ten thousand, obviously unwilling to submit, had been dealt with.


    "Very well!"


    Xiao Yi nodded, looking at the Golden Crow Guards kneeling neatly behind him, he proclaimed loudly, "From now on, you are no longer the Golden Crow Guards of the Great Jin Kingdom, you are the Azure Dragon Guards of the Tianqing Kingdom. You, the Azure Dragon Guards, are you willing to fight with Xiao?"


    The twenty thousand soldiers of the Azure Dragon Guards looked up at Xiao Yi.


    In the previous battle.


    The formidable power Xiao Yi had displayed had completely subdued them, and with Yu Huaxian stepping forward, everyone proudly said, "We swear to follow the Guardian Martial God!"


    "We swear to follow!"


    Xiao Yi looked satisfied at the twenty thousand Azure Dragon Guards before him, the equivalent of a hundred thousand strong army.


    Xiao Yi waved his hand and announced loudly, "Azure Dragon Guards, heed my command, follow me in the counterattack against the Qingyun Kingdom!"

 Chapter 169 You Do Not Deserve

    Within the borders of Qingyun Kingdom.A formidable army of three hundred thousand marched forth in a vast, iron-black current that continuously twined through the Qingyun Kingdom.


    Everywhere it passed, it was invincible in battle, and unstoppable in attack!


    It was an unstoppable force that no one could withstand! S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Within the marching formation...


    Shi Yaoqian, with a profound sense of emotion on his face, watched the Azure Dragon Guards leading the way and said, "Xiao, the combat power of these Azure Dragon Guards is too frightening, isn''t it? Seizing cities and taking fortresses, there''s nothing they can''t accomplish..."


    "Indeed! Along the way, it has almost always been them earning merits!"


    "We''re just spectating the show..."


    The four Shi brothers were chatting with each other. Shi Yaose admired Xiao Yi and said, "Xiao''s discernment is truly unique! If you hadn''t taken Yu Huaxian under your wing, we wouldn''t have gotten the Azure Dragon Guards, and our journey wouldn''t have been this smooth..."


    Xiao Yi glanced at them calmly and said indifferently, "What if I said that I spared him out of sheer curiosity about a question, would you believe me?"


    "Hmm? What question?"


    The four brothers were puzzled.


    Even Yu Huaxian, who was standing beside him and twiddling his orchid fingers, looked at Xiao Yi curiously, also somewhat unclear as to why Xiao Yi hadn''t just killed him. From Yu Huaxian''s interactions with Xiao Yi over the past few days, he knew that Xiao Yi was decisively ruthless towards his enemies, just as he was with Li Moqiu, whom Xiao Yi had slain without hesitation.


    Yet, he had spared Yu Huaxian instead.


    Xiao Yi coughed lightly and looked at Yu Huaxian: "Huaxian, what made you do it... out of desperation?"


    The four Shi brothers'' eyes lit up, turning their gaze simultaneously to Yu Huaxian.


    Yu Huaxian''s face twitched violently, never having expected that Xiao Yi''s curiosity stemmed from this.


    Xiao Yi said, "If it''s really inconvenient, then just pretend I never asked."


    Yu Huaxian, twirling a lock of hair by his temple, hesitated but eventually said, "It''s not that it''s inconvenient, but you mustn''t laugh at me after hearing it..."


    Xiao Yi: "I promise not to laugh!"


    The Shi brothers: "Whoever laughs is a dog!"


    "Alright then!"


    Yu Huaxian took a deep breath, and with a defeated look on his face, he said, "To make ends meet, I joined the army at eighteen and became a soldier. But due to my average cultivation, I never received any recognition. Everything changed when I stumbled upon a scroll. Initially, I didn''t practice the art within, but after the Third Prince caused the death of my sister, I vowed to master it."


    "The opening of the scroll read, ''to train in this art, one must first be castrated!''"


    Hiss!


    Everyone drew in a cold breath of air.


    Their gaze towards Yu Huaxian softened, filled with sympathy: "For your sister''s sake, you went through a great deal!"


    "It wasn''t easy indeed!"


    "Don''t be sad, as long as you follow Xiao, you''ll have your day of revenge!"


    The four comforted him.


    However...


    Yu Huaxian then leisurely said, "Before, I had never turned to the last page of the scroll. It wasn''t until I broke through to the Tao Tribulation Realm that I finally read it, and it said, ''No castration necessary, success is still achievable...''"


    Xiao Yi: "..."


    The Shi brothers: "..."


    Pfft!


    All five of them couldn''t contain their laughter and burst out laughing uncontrollably.


    Yu Huaxian looked at them with a resentful gaze...


    "My apologies, it wasn''t intentional, I just can''t hold it back... pfft..."


    "Such, such misery..."


    "Hahaha..."


    They all laughed so hard they were bent double.


    As the group was talking, a colossal city loomed on the horizon, twice the size of the capital of the Tianqing Kingdom.


    This was the capital of Qingyun Kingdom.


    "Ahead is the capital of Qingyun Kingdom. Now that Qingyun Kingdom has no Tao Tribulation Realm experts, with only about two hundred thousand troops to defend the city, they are no match for us," said Shi Yaoqian, his eyes gleaming as he stared at the enormous city ahead. This was a campaign that would wipe out a nation, and they were about to become heroes of such a war.


    In the hearts of the people of Tianqing Kingdom, Qingyun Kingdom was a traitor.


    For millennia.


    Generations of the Tianqing Kingdom always harbored the desire to reclaim Qingyun Kingdom.


    Today...


    They were finally about to fulfill that desire!


    "Lord Xiao, I request to lead the charge!" Yu Huaxian declared solemnly.


    He had already been thoroughly convinced by Xiao Yi, and Xiao Yi had given him hope of becoming a man once again.


    Now, his loyalty to Xiao Yi was unshakable.


    Xiao Yi said, "Granted!"


    Yu Huaxian''s face beamed with ecstasy, and with a squeeze of his legs, his warhorse charged out, "Azure Dragon Guards, follow me to break through the city!"


    Shi Yaodu, stroking his chin, pondered, "The capital''s defenders still number two hundred thousand, and although the Azure Dragon Guards are powerful, it is impossible for them to take the city quickly. I bet that it will take Yu Huaxian at least three days to breach the city!"


    "Makes sense!"


    The crowd nodded in agreement.


    The capital was built with imposing grandeur, easy to defend and difficult to attack, defended by a large army of two hundred thousand.


    Indeed, taking such a city was no simple feat.


    However...


    When they arrived at the capital, they were stunned by the scene before them.


    They saw Yu Huaxian''s Azure Dragon Guards halted several miles outside the city while the gates were wide open. King of Qingyun Kingdom, Jiang Tianxiao, with his ministers in tow, approached in a horse-drawn carriage. With a fawning smile and a slight bow, Jiang Tianxiao rubbed his hands together and said, "Which one among you is Lord Xiao, the Guardian Martial God of Tianqing Kingdom? I am Jiang Tianxiao, and here I am, leading my ministers to request surrender..."


    Yu Huaxian: "..."


    The Shi brothers: "..."


    Xiao Yi: "..."


    Surrender?


    With two hundred thousand troops in hand, presiding over such a mighty city, yet you request surrender without a fight?


    Xiao Yi, mounted on a Tianqing wild bull, stepped out from the formation, his icy gaze upon Jiang Tianxiao: "You don''t deserve the Jiang surname!"

 Chapter 170 Devouring the Dragon Vein, Suppressing the Medicine Saint?

    "You''re not worthy of the Jiang surname!"Xiao Yi looked indifferently at the obsequious monarch of the Qingyun Kingdom standing before him.


    Compared to the Tianqing Kingdom''s Jiang Tianchen and his son Jiang Tai, who fought to their death for their state and stood guard at the kingdom''s gates with decisiveness and valor, this Jiang Tianxiao was nothing but trash.


    When the pillar of the Qingyun Kingdom, Jiang Weisheng, fell in battle.


    When the Azure Dragon Guards approached the city walls.


    Jiang Weisheng did not choose to continue resisting; instead, he chose to open the city gates and surrender.


    This was an absolute disgrace!


    It was an insult to the Jiang lineage!


    Jiang Tianxiao''s face showed no hint of shame, still with a flattering demeanor, he meekly said, "Lord Xiao is right, I am not worthy of the Jiang surname!"


    The courtiers of the Qingyun Kingdom were no different.


    Fawning and bootlicking, they took sycophancy to extremes.


    Huh!


    Xiao Yi let out a long sigh of relief and said in a deep voice, "Take them away and escort them back to the capital to be dealt with by the Crown Prince!"


    With his status, and Jiang Tai''s trust in him.


    Even if he were to execute these people on the spot, no one would dare to utter a word of objection.


    But Xiao Yi felt a sense of belonging to the Tianqing Kingdom and considered it his own homeland, so naturally, he would not commit such an overstep. Taking Jiang Tianxiao and the others back to be dealt with by Jiang Tai was the most appropriate choice.


    He might be draped in dragon robes, but Jiang Tianxiao showed not the slightest hint of kingly aura.


    "How did such a man come to sit on the throne of a king?" Xiao Yi wondered.


    Seeing his expression, Yu Huaxian guessed his thoughts and said softly, "Lord Xiao, this Jiang Tianxiao was merely an idle king who never had a chance at the throne. All of this is the result of the secret manipulations of the Supporting Mountain King, Jiang Shihai of the Qingyun Kingdom. He''s nothing but a puppet monarch raised to power."


    Xiao Yi was startled, then suddenly realized, "So that''s how it is..."


    A monarch promoted by Jiang Shihai would naturally be someone he could use and control.


    Naturally, he would not elevate a wise ruler.


    With a character like Jiang Tianxiao''s, he was indeed very well-suited to be a puppet monarch.


    "Yu Huaxian, take the Azure Dragon Guards and assume control of the two hundred thousand Qingyun Kingdom''s defending forces right away. Have them set up camp outside the city. At the same time, Shi Yaoquan, you and your four brothers lead the troops to take over the capital city''s defenses¡ªmake no mistakes!" Xiao Yi immediately began issuing commands, and everyone set off to carry out their orders.


    Xiao Yi then led his men towards the royal palace.


    Now that both the Qingyun Kingdom and the Tianlan Kingdom had been conquered by him, and he had even incorporated Yu Huaxian and his Golden Crow Guards,


    the situation seemed very favorable for the Tianqing Kingdom.


    In reality...


    The Tianqing Kingdom was still in grave danger.


    Not to mention the distant threats,


    even the Sihai Kingdom and the Baijing Kingdom had not yet been dealt with. Moreover, with the death of Li Moqiu and Yu Huaxian bringing his Golden Crow Guards over, news would surely reach the Great Jin Kingdom, a power far greater even than Nanhuang. With Xiao Yi''s current strength, although he could contend with a Fifth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm-level power, the Great Jin Kingdom even had Dharma Manifestation Realm experts!


    Within the palace,


    with Little Lin''s help, he quickly located the dragon vein.


    This Dragon Vein Spiritual Pool was even more enormous than that of the Tianlan Kingdom, its reserves at least twice as abundant.


    Little Lin, coiled around the stalactites, showed a human-like excitement, "Boss, this Dragon Vein Spiritual Pool is huge!"


    "Hmm!"


    Xiao Yi nodded and said, "The Qingyun Kingdom, in just a thousand years, surpassed the Tianqing Kingdom in national strength, which must be closely related to this dragon vein bolstering the nation''s fortunes!"


    National fortunes may seem illusory, but they do indeed exist.


    Just like a person''s luck!


    Walking on the same path, some people may stumble and suffer injuries, while others might find money.


    What Xiao Yi didn''t know at this moment was that the prince who had failed in the Qingyun Kingdom''s succession struggle had decided to proclaim himself king precisely because he had discovered this dragon vein.


    "Little Lin, we each take a side and see who can absorb more of nature''s elemental energy!" Xiao Yi ruffled Little Lin''s head, laughing as he spoke.


    Little Lin flicked his tongue out, looking unimpressed: "Is this really something humans do?"


    He was very aware of how terrifyingly fast Xiao Yi could absorb the earth''s elemental energy; even he, a mutated mystical beast, was far from comparable!


    While saying so,


    Little Lin twisted his body and settled into a corner, soaking in it as if he were taking a bath.


    He absorbed the elemental energy in a leisurely, unhurried manner.


    Xiao Yi smiled indulgently and leaped into the center of the Spirit Pool.


    Boom!


    The entire Spirit Pool instantly transformed into a vortex, with countless strands of nature''s elemental energy frantically converging towards Xiao Yi, pouring into his body.


    On his body, a twenty-ring enhanced Golden Core bobbed up and down. As the elemental energy surged crazily into him, the rings of light on the Golden Core also increased steadily.


    An incredibly terrifying pressure emanated from the Golden Core.


    Little Lin, watching the surrounding elemental energy diminish, sighed: "I knew it would be like this..."


    Time flew by.


    Xiao Yi''s retreat this time lasted a full three days and three nights.


    As the elemental energy in the Dragon Vein Spiritual Pool was completely absorbed by him, the hidden dragon vein was also pulled out by Xiao Yi. At that moment, above Xiao Yi''s head, the floating Golden Core was surrounded by thirty rings of light. Xiao Yi crushed the dragon vein in his hand, and with a bang, it transformed into a sky filled with dazzling light, merging into his body.


    Xiao Yi trembled all over, a streak of golden light flashed across his eyes, tearing through the void as if it were tangible.


    Hum!


    The Golden Core shook violently.


    The rings of light rapidly coalesced.


    Thirty-one.


    Thirty-two.


    Thirty-three...


    In the blink of an eye, he reached thirty-five rings of light; only then was the energy of the dragon vein entirely depleted. At this moment, Xiao Yi''s cultivation was enough to rival a practitioner of the Third Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    Combined with the legacy of the Azure Sword Saint and the God Sealing power that surpassed other practitioners of the same realm,


    Even facing a practitioner of the Sixth Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm, he could fight!


    "I will elevate the God Sealing Seed with all the elemental energy..." Xiao Yi channeled all the elemental energy into his body at once.


    Pop, pop, pop!


    The sounds of the God Sealing Seed breaking apart could be heard.


    The God Sealing Seeds inside Xiao Yi''s body exploded in number like mad.


    They increased to a total of three hundred fifty thousand!


    Three hundred fifty thousand God Sealing Seeds fed back an endless supply of God Sealing power; Xiao Yi''s figure directly entered the Eternal Heavenly Tomb, heading straight for the second layer. In front of him appeared that tomb which had enticed Xiao Yi since his first entry into the Eternal Heavenly Tomb - the tomb of Medicine Saint Feng Lei!


    This was the person hailed as the progenitor of the Qingtian Realm''s medicine world!


    A legend in the world of medicine!


    "Medicine Saint Feng Lei..."


    A fiery light filled Xiao Yi''s eyes, and black light swirled around him. Three hundred fifty thousand God Sealing Seeds erupted with a surge of thick and vast God Sealing power,


    Forming a huge black palm that smashed down towards the tomb of Medicine Saint Feng Lei.


    This palm made of God Sealing power was lifelike,


    To the extent that even the lines on the palm could be seen. As it appeared, the Medicine Saint Feng Lei''s tomb also burst out with a terrifying glow. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The two collided in the void like the meeting of the tip of the needle and the head of wheat.


    Being the progenitor of the Qingtian Realm''s medicine world, his methods were unpredictable and mysterious; even Xiao Yi wasn''t completely confident about successfully suppressing it...

 Chapter 171 Peerlessly Elegant, Medicine Saint Venerable!

    Medicine Saint Feng Lei Venerable.He was not only the founder of the Qingtian Realm''s pharmaceutical world, but today''s most mainstream alchemy techniques and numerous concoction methods were also of his creation.


    At the same time...


    He was also a martial arts genius comparable to the likes of Qingyun Sword Saint and Martial God Zhao Wuji.


    His Wind Thunder Battle Body, in particular, was the only physique among the top ten Sacred Bodies that could be cultivated through acquired practice.


    It ranked ninth among the ten Sacred Bodies.


    If Xiao Yi could obtain the heritage of the Wind Thunder Venerable, not only would his strength increase to a new level, but he might even acquire the training method for the Wind Thunder Battle Body, thus gaining the chance to possess a Sacred Body.


    More importantly...


    The alchemy techniques of the Wind Thunder Venerable and the endless concoction methods would bring immense benefits to Xiao Yi, as well as to the Qing Tian Kingdom.


    Of course.


    All these premises required that he be able to suppress the Wind Thunder Venerable!


    Boom!


    A black palm suddenly descended, yet the tomb of the Wind Thunder Venerable also erupted with a terrifying glow.


    This radiance was a confluence of purple-gold and cyan.


    The cyan wind and the purple-gold lightning intertwined into a storm of wind and rain, with the spectacle of lightning and thunder.


    Boom!


    The two energies dissipated at the same time.


    However, the terrible shockwave blasted open the tomb of the Wind Thunder Venerable, sending a pillar of light soaring into the sky, in which a bronze sarcophagus slowly rose.


    "Hmm?"


    Xiao Yi''s pupils suddenly contracted.


    This was the first time he had seen a burial with a sarcophagus in the Ancient Heavenly Tomb.


    Even the powerful Qingyun Sword Saint didn''t have a sarcophagus!


    Crash!


    The bronze sarcophagus suddenly trembled, the lid flipped open a crack, and a pale hand thrust out from the dark sarcophagus to fling aside the lid.


    Boom!


    The lid fiercely smashed towards Xiao Yi.


    "Vajra Subdues Demons!" S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi threw a punch, as though a Wrathful Vajra had come to life, his body shimmering with golden light, and his heavy punch landed on the lid of the sarcophagus.


    Thud!


    The lid trembled violently.


    Cracks spread across the lid, eventually disintegrating into countless fragments that fell from the sky.


    In front of Xiao Yi, numerous bronze fragments fell, and inside the sarcophagus, a breeze blew as lightning condensed into a glowing ball. Atop that lightning, a figure slowly emerged from the sarcophagus, wearing a cyan robe with purple-gold hair and beard, his eyes shining like precious gems.


    Standing with his hands behind his back, he looked as if he was the sole master of this world!


    Graceful and unparalleled, Medicine Saint Venerable!


    The gem-like eyes of the Wind Thunder Venerable landed on Xiao Yi, "Little fellow, what place is this?"


    "Hmm?"


    Xiao Yi was stunned.


    Since he had obtained the Ancient Heavenly Tomb, this was the first one to speak. Xiao Yi bowed to the Wind Thunder Venerable and said, "This junior is Xiao Yi, we are in the Ancient Heavenly Tomb!"


    "Ancient Heavenly Tomb? A graveyard?"


    The Wind Thunder Venerable was taken aback, looking around in all directions, a hint of astonishment and shock appeared on that usually unflappable face, "Zhao Wuji? The Twin Star Elder... What, what''s going on? How are they all dead? How could they be dead? Impossible, this is impossible..."


    Wind Thunder Venerable''s face was full of bewilderment.


    Many of the beings here belonged to the same era as he did, with astonishing talent, suppressing their generation.


    Among them, Martial God Zhao Wuji, even stood at the very pinnacle of that brilliant, peerless era where prodigies were as numerous as the ocean.


    How could they possibly be dead?


    And all buried here?


    Wait a moment...


    Wind Thunder Venerable looked incredulously at Xiao Yi, "Xiao Yi, my young friend, are you saying that this place is a tomb? Was even I buried here?"


    "Yes!"


    Xiao Yi nodded.


    Wind Thunder Venerable clasped his hands on his head, his fingernails digging into his scalp as if to pierce through: "How could this be? What exactly happened? Why can''t I remember anything at all? Why? What on earth happened?"


    Boom!


    Rumble!


    Ula la...


    A burst of purple-gold thunder erupted from Wind Thunder Venerable''s body. The thunder lit up the sky, its rumbling deafening. A fierce wind blew, it seemed as though heaven and earth were on the verge of collapse. Inside the Eternal Celestial Tomb, the ground shook violently as chains emerged from beneath the earth, sealing the ancient tombs within.


    Not even the wind and thunder could get close to them.


    The apocalyptic storm of wind and thunder continued for several breaths before it dispersed, and Wind Thunder Venerable regained his composure. He gazed at Xiao Yi, "Who exactly are you? And why are you here?"


    Xiao Yi hesitated, then said, "Senior, I am the master of the Eternal Celestial Tomb, as well as the current Heaven-defending Divine General. I preside over the Eternal Celestial Tomb, and as long as I can subdue the buried powerhouses within these firmaments, I can obtain their true inheritance..."


    He had seen records of Wind Thunder Venerable in history books.


    This was a being worthy of trust.


    It was said...


    Wind Thunder Venerable initially focused solely on martial arts, but upon witnessing the suffering of the common people plagued by illness, he embarked on a journey across the world, tasted all herbs, and eventually forged a path in alchemy, benefitting countless lives.


    Such a being who for the sake of the common folk tasted all herbs and created the path of alchemy.


    Xiao Yi couldn''t bear to deceive him.


    "To subdue powerhouses and obtain their true inheritance?"


    Wind Thunder Venerable was taken aback, speechless. After many breaths, Wind Thunder Venerable firmly said, "Young friend, why do you practice martial arts?"


    "Me?"


    Xiao Yi frowned, recalling his life''s experiences, "At first, I only wanted to prove myself, to have my parents acknowledge my existence. Later, I practiced martial arts to seek revenge, to make those who wronged me pay the price... But now... I want to become stronger in order to better protect those I love and those who love me..."


    A flash of insight crossed Wind Thunder Venerable''s eyes, as deep as a sea of thunder, and he nodded in satisfaction, "Good, very good! My young friend, I can feel the power of this Eternal Celestial Tomb. You being able to wield such a divine artifact means your future is boundless. I would like to ask a favor of you..."


    "Senior, please speak!" Xiao Yi said earnestly.


    Wind Thunder Venerable said, "I once crafted a Medicine Canon, but it was incomplete when I left the Qingtian Realm. After I finished it, I was unable to return to the Qingtian Realm. I hope that after you inherit my legacy, you could go to the heavenly realm, find Shennong Valley, and pass my Medicine Canon on to my descendants. Would you be able to do this?"


    "Senior, I will do my utmost to fulfill your request!" Xiao Yi said solemnly.


    "Good!"


    Wind Thunder Venerable smiled and nodded, then his figure suddenly shifted, transforming into a gleam of light that flew into Xiao Yi''s brow.


    In an instant.


    Xiao Yi''s body jolted.


    The God Sealing Seed within him erupted, covering his body in a black light, and eventually, Wind Thunder Venerable transformed into a statue inside the God Sealing Seed.


    An immense amount of information and inheritance deeply imprinted into Xiao Yi''s soul.


    The Wind Thunder Battle Body Skill, Shennong Medicine Canon, and so on...


    This inheritance brought significant benefits to Xiao Yi, as just the numerous alchemical methods and formulas recorded in the Shennong Medicine Canon were enough to make him the theoretically strongest Alchemist in the world, bar none!


    As Xiao Yi was assimilating the inheritances, Wind Thunder Venerable''s voice sounded in his mind, "My young friend... be extremely wary of Zhao Wuji..."

 Chapter 172 As You Wish!

    "Be extremely cautious of Zhao Wuji..."The voice of the Wind Thunder Venerable boomed like a tide, crazily echoing in his mind.


    Xiao Yi''s head buzzed with the sound.


    His complexion also turned deathly pale due to this revelation, perplexed by the severity, he asked, "Senior, you say to be cautious of Zhao Wuji? What do you mean? Senior..."


    However...


    Transformed into a statue, thoroughly suppressed by the God Sealing Seed, the Wind Thunder Venerable gave no further response.


    Xiao Yi''s eyebrows were tightly knitted: "What exactly does it mean? Tell me to be cautious of Zhao Wuji?"


    Martial God Zhao Wuji.


    The most legendary figure in the history of the Qingtian Realm.


    He possessed the Chaos Tyrant Body, ranked first among the Qingtian Realm''s top ten Sacred Bodies.


    In the entire history of the Qingtian Realm, aside from Zhao Wuji, no one else had ever been born with the Chaos Tyrant Body, which firmly occupied the first position among the top ten Sacred Bodies.


    Even Xiao Tianjiao''s Supreme Overlord Holy Body was only ranked third on the list of the top ten Sacred Bodies.


    It was imaginable.


    Just how terrifying Zhao Wuji must be!


    With his own strength, he overwhelmed peerless geniuses like the twin hermits, Qingyun Sword Saint, and the Wind Thunder Venerable.


    He left behind countless legends.


    The Wind Thunder Venerable actually warned him to be wary of Zhao Wuji?


    "Senior Wind Thunder Venerable must have a reason for his warning... It seems that to suppress Zhao Wuji, I need to plan for the long term!" Xiao Yi squinted his eyes, his fingers lightly stroking his chin as he murmured to himself.


    He had originally planned to suppress the legendary figure Zhao Wuji as soon as the God Sealing Seed could approach Zhao Wuji''s ancient tomb.


    Perhaps he could obtain his peerless Cultivation Technique, as well as the top-ranked Chaos Sacred Body.


    But now...


    The last warning from the Wind Thunder Venerable made Xiao Yi instinctively vigilant, casting a deep glance at Zhao Wuji''s ancient tomb, deciding he would not make a move on it for at least the short term!


    Fortunately, the inheritance from the Wind Thunder Venerable also brought Xiao Yi tremendous benefits. Not to mention the unparalleled Alchemy and infinite elixir recipes of the Wind Thunder Venerable, just the cultivation method of the Wind Thunder Holy Body alone was priceless. It was the only one among the top ten Sacred Bodies that could be cultivated later on as a special constitution.


    Although it''s not as good as the Supreme Overlord Holy Body, it was at least far superior to ordinary prodigies.


    "The Wind Thunder Holy Body uses the body as a crucible to absorb the power of the Heaven and Earth Gangfeng and thunder to strengthen oneself..."


    Xiao Yi''s mind conjured the cultivation method of the Wind Thunder Holy Body, causing him to sigh inwardly, "No wonder since the Wind Thunder Venerable, no one has heard of anyone who has cultivated such a Sacred Body. Common Heaven and Earth Gangfeng and various thunders are minor, but every time one undergoes Wind Thunder Body Refinement, it causes huge damage to the body. It must be accompanied by the corresponding elixir recipes and cultivated with the respective elixirs..."


    The cultivation of the Wind Thunder Holy Body fundamentally strengthens the body with the power of Wind Thunder, while also gaining the power of Wind Thunder.


    There are dozens of types of Heaven and Earth Gangfeng, the most common of them being the Five Elements Gangfeng, the Annihilation Gang Wind, the Cleansing World Gangfeng, and so on.


    The number of thunders is considerably greater.


    The most basic thunder of the thunder domain, then the Five Elements Jielei, Five Elements Divine Thunder, Nine Heavens Divine Thunder, and so forth...


    Finding these Gang Winds and thunders was not difficult.


    But whether it''s the Heaven and Earth Gangfeng or the various thunders, their destructive power is extremely terrifying!


    Every time one forcibly undergoes Wind Thunder Body Refinement, there is certain damage to the body, some of which is irreversible. The Wind Thunder Venerable, based on the uniqueness of the Wind Thunder Holy Body, formulated nine elixir recipes corresponding to the nine realms of the Wind Thunder Holy Body. After each Wind Thunder Body Refinement, consuming the specific elixir could eliminate the damage.


    Take the essence, discard the dross!


    "The Wind Thunder Holy Body has nine turns. The first turn only requires ordinary Gangfeng and the thunder from a stormy day, but I need to prepare the materials to concoct the First-turn Fenglei Elixir. These materials should be found in the Qingyun Kingdom!" Xiao Yi took a deep breath, glanced at Little Lin who was laying beside him, fallen into a deep sleep after devouring a great amount of heavenly and earthly energy, and was slowly digesting it.


    Taking Little Lin into his arms, Xiao Yi left the Dragon Vein Spiritual Pool.


    ...


    "Xiao, I''ve finally found you..." Xiao Yi had just appeared when he heard Shi Yaoqian''s voice.


    Xiao Yi was taken aback, "Shi Yaoqian? What do you want with me?"


    "Xiao, where have you been? You''ve been gone for three or four days..."


    Shi Yaoqian looked depressed, then slapped his forehead and said, "Right, Xiao, you need to come with me quickly, there''s trouble!"


    Xiao Yi frowned and asked, "What kind of trouble?"


    After entering the Dragon Vein Spiritual Pool, he had gotten lost in his cultivation and lost track of time, and he hadn''t expected it had been three or four days already.


    Shi Yaoqian explained urgently, "Yu Huaxian was taking inventory of the treasures in the palace when he encountered a strange old man in the imperial physician''s room. They''re arguing fiercely now, and it''s about to come to blows..."


    "Strange old man? Haven''t all the people from Qingyun Kingdom surrendered? Where did this strange old man come from?"


    Xiao Yi was utterly perplexed.


    Then, he followed Shi Yaoqian to the imperial physician''s room.


    This was the place where medicine was stored in the old palace.


    From Shi Yaoqian''s story, Xiao Yi learned that this strange old man had appeared suddenly today and that his strength was unfathomably strange, even Yu Huaxian couldn''t match him, and he was profoundly wary of him.


    When Xiao Yi and Shi Yaoqian reached the exterior of the imperial physician''s room, Shi Yaoqian was about to push the door open but Xiao Yi grabbed his collar and pulled him back. Almost at that moment, a thud was heard, and a shadow flew out backward. With a bang, the door was broken, and with another thud, the figure hit the ground. Looking closely, wasn''t this Yu Huaxian?


    At this moment, Yu Huaxian''s delicate white skin had turned purple-black, she was foaming at the mouth and convulsing on the ground.


    Shi Yaoqian''s face changed, "Yu Huaxian? What happened?"


    Just as he was about to step forward, Xiao Yi grabbed him, "If you don''t want to die, don''t go over there. She''s been poisoned by Manggu Zhuha!"


    Manggu Zhuha?


    Shi Yaoqian was completely baffled.


    He had never heard of such a thing.


    At that moment...


    A harsh, old voice came from inside the room, "Eh? Young man, you''re not old, but you''re quite informed. Can you tell at a glance that she has been poisoned by Manggu Zhuha?"


    Tap, tap, tap!


    A bright red walking stick was the first to poke out from the threshold, followed by a hunchbacked and aged figure tremblingly stepping out.


    He looked as feeble as a candle flickering in the wind, ready to fall at any moment.


    But this person''s cultivation was definitely not weak!


    On the old man''s wrinkled face, which resembled the bark of an old tree, the deep lines seemed capable of trapping flies. He said proudly, "Since you know it''s the poison of Manggu Zhuha, then you should know that unless I personally take action, there''s no cure under the heavens. Young man, where is the Dragon Vein of Qingyun Kingdom? Offer it to me, and not only will I spare your lives, but I will also save her!"


    Xiao Yi looked up at him, "It''s just the poison of Manggu Zhuha, I can solve it with a flick of my finger, why would I need to trade the Dragon Vein for it?"


    "You know nothing!"


    The hunchbacked old man sneered, "The Manggu Zhuha is a rare venomous creature. It only grows on the towering Manggu Mountain Range, its body golden with purple poison stripes. It exhales a breath of poison mist that envelops a thousand-zhang tall mountain for half a month, within which all creatures die. The only antidote is the venom sac fluid from its back. There''s no second way to cure it, not even for me!"


    Xiao Yi shook his head, "Ignorant and uninformed indeed!" S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Hmm? Are you saying I''m ignorant and uninformed?"


    The hunchbacked old man''s face darkened, his wrinkled face trembling slightly with fierceness, "I was playing with poison when you didn''t even know where you were! And you dare to say that I''m ignorant?"


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "The poison of the Manggu Zhuha, I have at least ten ways to cure it!"


    "Ten methods? Forget ten, if you can cure this poison of Manggu Zhuha, I will immediately kneel down to you and acknowledge you as my master! But..."


    The hunchbacked old man sinisterly said, "If you lose, you must offer the Dragon Vein to me with both hands and become my poison slave. Do you dare to bet?"


    Xiao Yi shrugged, "As you wish!"

 Chapter 173 The Undying Ghost Doctor

    "As you wish!"Xiao Yi shrugged his shoulders and then walked into the physician''s room.


    The poison from Manggu Zhuha was exceedingly terrifying; once it entered the human body, it would completely merge with the blood.


    Even the hunchbacked old man who had been raising the Manggu Zhuha all his life had not found a second method to detoxify it, and he simply did not believe that Xiao Yi, a youth under twenty years old, could have a way to solve the poison of the Manggu Zhuha.


    However...


    The hunchbacked elder did not know that Xiao Yi had received the inheritance of the ancestor of Qingtian Realm''s alchemy, the Wind Thunder Holy Body, mastering all of the alchemy techniques and experience of Wind Thunder.


    Wind Thunder had traveled all over the world, tasting every herb.


    He also conducted thorough research on Manggu Zhuha.


    "Poria, Golden Lotus, Hundred-Year Frost Ginseng..."


    Xiao Yi found more than twenty types of herbs and returned to the outside of the physician''s room.


    The area was already surrounded by the Azure Dragon guards and the four brothers from the Shi Family, who encircled the hunchbacked elder with a watchful demeanor.


    The hunchbacked elder leaned on his cane, full of self-confidence, calm and collected, gently stroking his beard, smiling at the sight of Xiao Yi reappearing before him, "Young man, if you''re not confident, don''t force yourself. If this guy''s poison is not resolved, it will seep into the marrow, and by then even I won''t be able to turn things around!"


    Xiao Yi glanced at him and said indifferently, "Watch carefully, this is the first method!"


    Swish!


    Xiao Yi reached out into the air, and his surging Yuan Qi roared forth.


    Under Yu Huaxian''s body, a layer of Yuan Qi cushion formed, gently straightening Yu Huaxian''s body.


    The intense poison of Manggu Zhuha on his body meant that even if an outsider touched his skin with their palm, they would be infected by the toxin. Xiao Yi had not yet cultivated the Wind Thunder Holy Body and was also not immune to these toxins.


    With the support of Yuan Qi.


    Yu Huaxian stood upright, his skin dark and purplish, his aura becoming increasingly faint.


    Xiao Yi took out the Golden Lotus, Poria, and several other herbs, grinding them into stems and leaves in the palm of his hand, then pointed his sword finger forward.


    Pfft!


    A silver Sword Qi streaked past.


    It effortlessly cut open Yu Huaxian''s wrist, and Xiao Yi pressed the liquid from the herbs into the wound. Yu Huaxian''s body trembled violently. The wound on his wrist, anointed with the green herbal juice, began to emit plumes of black smoke and as the smoke rose continuously, the dark color on Yu Huaxian''s body rapidly faded away.


    "This, this is impossible..."


    The hunchbacked elder stood up straight, disbelieving the scene before him.


    He was well aware of the tyrannical nature of the Manggu Zhuha''s poison.


    How could it be resolved so easily?


    But the reality before his eyes left him no choice but to believe.


    After ten breaths.


    Yu Huaxian''s complexion had returned to normal, and his breath had stabilized, his eyes weakly opened, and he saw Xiao Yi standing before him.


    Although he had been poisoned into unconsciousness earlier, he was still clear-headed.


    He was well aware that it was Xiao Yi who had saved him!


    Yu Huaxian cracked a smile, expressing his gratitude, "Thank you so much, Xiao... "


    "It''s all right now!"


    Xiao Yi looked at the hunchbacked elder and said indifferently, "You lose!"


    "No, I haven''t lost..."


    The hunchbacked elder grasped his cane with both hands, clenching his teeth, his eyes shining brightly, "You said there were many methods to offset the poison, right? This is just one of them..."


    Xiao Yi said, "Still not convinced? Then let your Manggu Zhuha bite him again!"


    Yu Huaxian shuddered, "..."


    To be bitten again?


    Having been poisoned by the Manggu Zhuha, his blood felt as if it was being scorched by blazing flames, an unbearably painful experience!


    He certainly did not want to endure that torment a second time.


    But the hunchbacked elder was quicker than him. From his sleeve, a yellow figure sprang out and bit Yu Huaxian''s arm. Yu Huaxian cried out, his figure stiffening, and from the bite, a ring of blackness spread across his entire body, turning him once more into a charred, dark-purple figure.


    Xiao Yi, from a distance, lifted Yu Huaxian, made a small cut on his heel, and applied a second entirely different medicinal mixture.


    Hissss!


    Black blood gushed out like a fountain.


    Yu Huaxian regained consciousness once again, teetering on the brink.


    Xiao Yi looked at the hunchbacked old man, "The second method!"


    "This, this..."


    The hunched elder sized up Yu Huaxian, pried open his lips to check his teeth, lifted his clothes to peek underneath, and pulled at his pants... until Yu Huaxian desperately shielded himself, looking toward Xiao Yi with tears in his eyes and pleading, "Save, save me... Xiao save me..."


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Are you convinced, or not?"


    The hunchbacked elder''s face turned shades of green and white, clenching his teeth, and angrily said, "If you can produce a third method, I''ll admit you''re better!"


    "No, don''t..."


    Yu Huaxian stumbled and fell to the ground, crawling and rolling toward the side.


    But the Manggu Zhuha was even faster!


    Croak!


    It bit him right on his buttock.


    "Ow..."


    Yu Huaxian lay on the ground, his buttock swelled up high, and he extended his right hand toward Shi Yaodu in front of him, begging, "Save, save me..."


    Shi Yaodu instinctively wanted to reach out and help.


    Croak!


    The Manggu Zhuha directly jumped onto Yu Huaxian''s head, eyeing him with a predatory gaze.


    Shi Yaodu quickly withdrew his hand, unable to help, and said sympathetically, "Brother, hang in there, huh!"


    Yu Huaxian''s eyes rolled back: "..."


    Fortunately, Xiao Yi didn''t let him down. Moments later, the poison in Yu Huaxian''s body was completely cured.


    Xiao Yi used yet another entirely different method and looked at the hunchbacked elder, "A bet''s a bet, you agree?" S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I..."


    Just as the hunchbacked elder opened his mouth to speak.


    Yu Huaxian had already flipped over, clung tightly to his thigh, and burst into sobs, "Senior, Big Boss, Ancestor, oh... Can you maybe try it on someone else? I, I really can''t take it anymore..."


    His indistinct voice laced with resentment and grievance was genuinely creepy!


    The hunchbacked elder shuddered, looking at Yu Huaxian''s pitiful appearance. His face, wrinkled like old tree bark, twitched slightly, and, with a wry smile, he looked at Xiao Yi, "I concede, I concede! I, Xue Bufan, have wandered the worlds for many years and seen countless geniuses, but someone like you, I have never encountered before. Losing to you feels no injustice!"


    "Xue Bufan?"


    "You are the Undying Ghost Doctor Xue Bufan?"


    "My heavens, it''s actually you?"


    Shock and surprise were etched on the faces of all the spectators around.


    The Undying Ghost Doctor Xue Bufan!


    Legend has it...


    He is from the Great Qian Dynasty''s number one alchemical family, the Xue Family, yet because he peeked at the Xue Family''s secret manual meant only for the head of the family, he was expelled from the Xue Family.


    Since then, he wandered Jianghu, traveling between various nations.


    His medical and alchemy skills were both notoriously famous, to the extent that even the King of the Great Jin Kingdom once offered a tremendous price to invite him to become the Chief Imperial Physician of the Great Jin Kingdom.


    No one expected that this disheveled, hunchbacked old man in front of them was actually the renowned Undying Ghost Doctor!


    "This old servant Xue Bufan, greets master!"


    Xue Bufan bent his knee, about to kneel down to Xiao Yi. Experience more on empire


    But Xiao Yi prevented him from doing so, lifting him upright and said with a smile, "I, the junior, had no idea that the senior was Xue Bufan. I cannot accept such a grand gesture."


    Although Xue Bufan''s methods were a bit bizarre, earning him the title of ''Ghost Doctor, he had never been reputed to harm anyone. Poisoning Yu Huaxian earlier was only because Yu Huaxian made the first move and there was no real intent to kill him.


    Xue Bufan shook his head and said, "Master Xiao, I, Xue Bufan, am a man of my word. There was a bet, and I willingly accept the loss. From now on, I shall be an old servant before you, and I ask for Master Xiao''s instructions and care!"


    Xiao Yi raised his eyebrows slightly.


    Not only did this Xue Bufan possess profound medical and alchemical skills, but he was also a master of the Sixth Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    Having such a master to watch over the Tianqing Kingdom could only be beneficial.


    With this thought in mind.


    Xiao Yi said with a smile, "In that case, I shall ask for Elder Xue''s advice and guidance in the future!"

 Chapter 174 The Initial Formation of the Sacred Body

    Within the palace of the Qingyun Kingdom.Xiao Yi sat facing the Undying Ghost Doctor Xue Bufan; the two were sitting opposite each other, discussing the path of alchemy.


    Alchemist.


    In the entire Qingtian Realm, it was a most prestigious occupation, its status even higher than that of ordinary martial artists. However, becoming an alchemist was no easy task. Firstly, the most basic requirement was that one''s cultivation had to reach at least the Shentong Realm, and one needed to possess Divine Skills with a Fire Attribute.


    Only in this way could one control the alchemic fire and refine the medicinal pills.


    Additionally, every single pill recipe was incredibly precious.


    Even the most basic pill recipe was worth at least a hundred thousand silver.


    One would also need a pill furnace, as well as countless herbs for practice.


    Therefore.


    Within the ten nations of Nanhuang, there wasn''t even a single true alchemist.


    "The way of alchemy and martial arts actually complement each other. The stronger one''s martial arts, the more exquisite control over strength one has, the better the effect of the pills one refines. An alchemist from the Golden Core Realm and an alchemist from the Tao Tribulation Realm would produce pills with vastly different effects under the same conditions..."


    Xiao Yi spoke eloquently, his inheritance from the Wind Thunder Sage making him the unquestioned number one in theoretical alchemy knowledge within the Qingtian Realm. Even a few words from him could give Xue Bufan a sense of enlightenment, feeling as if his eyes were suddenly opened, "Now, alchemists often fall into a misconception, believing that the more precious the herbs, the better the quality and effects of the pills produced. This is not the case, however. Without sufficient cultivation and alchemical experience, one might not be able to utilize precious herbs properly, not only wasting heavenly resources but also greatly reducing the effects of the pills produced!"


    Xue Bufan nodded sometimes, frowned sometimes, and occasionally stretched out with an excited smile.


    The two had a long, heart-to-heart conversation.


    Not far from them, Little Lin lazily sprawled over the railing, watching a Manggu Zhuha on a lotus leaf in the pond, flicking its tongue out to catch the insects flying by.


    Xiao Yi and his companion talked nonstop, exchanging knowledge.


    Xue Bufan was completely convinced by Xiao Yi.


    The next day.


    Early in the morning, warm sunlight fell.


    Whoosh!


    Continue your adventure at empire


    Xue Bufan slowly stood up and bowed deeply to Xiao Yi, "Thank you, Xiao, for the guidance. Listening to your insights is better than reading for ten years. If I had met you earlier, perhaps these old bones of mine could have made further progress!"


    "You flatter me, Elder Xue!"


    Xiao Yi smiled humbly, "Elder Xue is still vigorous in spite of age. As long as you research along the lines I mentioned before, within a year you will surely break the five-star barrier and step into the six-star alchemist level!"


    Alchemists were divided into seven stars, and above seven stars, they were known as masters, grand masters, Medicine King, and Medicine Saint!


    A total of eleven levels.


    As far as Xiao Yi knew...


    The chief imperial physician of the Great Qian Dynasty''s royal family was a master-level alchemist, whose status could compare with that of the Emperor of the Great Qian Dynasty!


    "Xiao, I have been enlightened and need to meditate in seclusion," Xue Bufan said eagerly.


    The day and night of exchange had been immensely beneficial to him.


    Xiao Yi nodded, "Have Shi Yaoqian lead you to the quiet room for your seclusion!"


    "Thank you, Xiao!"


    Xue Bufan respectfully withdrew.


    Xiao Yi stood up, stretching his limbs with a series of crackles and popping his joints, he yawned and said, "Little Lin, summon Yu Huaxian to see me!"


    "Alrighty!"


    Little Lin turned into a streak of silver light and vanished into the sky.


    A short while later...


    Yu Huaxian arrived in front of him, spirited and beaming, bowing and saying, "I''ve seen Xiao!"


    "Congratulations. With your current state, you should be able to step into the Sixth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm within half a month!" Xiao Yi looked Yu Huaxian up and down, teasing, "You don''t resent me now for using you as a guinea pig and letting the Manggu Zhuha bite you repeatedly, do you?"


    The toxicity of the Manggu Zhuha is lethal. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But as long as the poison is neutralized in time, not only will it not endanger one''s life, but it can also greatly enhance the vitality of one''s qi-blood.


    It is beneficial to cultivation!


    For this reason...


    Previously, Xiao Yi had allowed the Manggu Zhuha to bite Yu Huaxian time after time. Now, Yu Huaxian''s qi-blood is dozens of times more vigorous than before, his energy is abundant, and his realm has become more profound. In about half a month, he should be able to step into the Sixth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm. With Yu Huaxian''s unpredictable attack methods, by then, he could battle even ordinary warriors at the Seventh Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm.


    Yu Huaxian chuckled and then said, "Xiao, is there something important that you have summoned me for?"


    Xiao Yi nodded, "Yesterday, I asked you to send someone to find a place that possesses both Heaven and Earth Gangfeng and lightning. Is there any news?"


    Entering the Wind Thunder Holy Body is not difficult, one only needs to find an ordinary place with Heaven and Earth Gangfeng and lightning.


    "It has been found!"


    Yu Huaxian nodded eagerly, "Three hundred li east of the royal capital, there is a Wind Thunder Canyon. The terrain of that canyon is extremely peculiar, with year-round presence of Heaven and Earth Gangfeng and thunder!"


    Xiao Yi took the map presented by Yu Huaxian, memorized the route, and instructed, "I will be gone for some time, perhaps seven to eight days, or as few as two to three days. During this period, clean up the forces within the royal capital, I do not wish that no sooner have we left than the Qingyun Kingdom revives from the ashes!"


    "At your command!"


    Yu Huaxian assured with a serious face.


    Xiao Yi gave additional instructions and then, with Little Lin, he soared into the sky.


    Three hundred li.


    For him, it was just over half an hour before he arrived at the Wind Thunder Canyon as described by Yu Huaxian.


    Still dozens of li away, he could already see a thick, pitch-black cloud circling above the canyon, with purple-gold lightning striking down within the clouds from time to time. The lightning, resembling a lantern, caused the canyon to flicker in and out of brightness. From a distance, it looked just like a ghost canyon haunted by devils.


    "Little Lin, you wait outside the canyon later!" Xiao Yi instructed.


    Little Lin nodded, lying on top of a towering tree beside the canyon.


    Xiao Yi entered the canyon shrouded with wind and thunder.


    "Wind and Thunder fortify my body, smelt my flesh¡­"


    Xiao Yi''s figure shook, immersing himself in the midst of wind and thunder.


    The wild winds and astonishing thunder, as if a pack of wolves had encountered their prey, launched a fierce attack, each landing on him.


    Boom, boom, boom!


    The knife-like wind and the arrow-like lightning continuously bombarded his body.


    Xiao Yi circulated the Wind Thunder Battle Body Skill, constantly absorbing the power of the Gangfeng and lightning, refining his entire body. This Wind Thunder Holy Body starts with the skin, then the flesh, followed by the tendons, after which the internal organs, and finally refining the bones... to reach a state where the spine is like an Azure Dragon of Wind and Thunder, and the internal organs are unbreakable. The first turn is to fortify the skin.


    It is also the simplest realm.


    Once the cultivation is successful, the skin will be as tough as copper, impervious to water and fire.


    Time flies.


    Immersed in the wind and thunder, Xiao Yi appears like a god or a demon; what began as a tearing pain with the first onslaught of wind and thunder has now become fearlessness.


    This wind and thunder might surround him, but it can no longer hurt a single hair on his body!


    Xiao Yi, enveloped by wind and thunder, took the prepared First-turn Fenglei Elixir, a faint cyan light traveled around his body, causing his skin, which was like black iron, to return to its normal color. The surrounding Gangfeng and lightning fell but formed an invisible barrier around his body, fundamentally unable to get close.


    The first turn of the Wind Thunder Holy Body has been achieved!


    Meanwhile...


    Ten li away from the Wind Thunder Canyon, a massive figure flew through the midair, a Golden Crown Black Eagle, a huge beast of the Tao Tribulation Realm that could travel five thousand li in a day.


    Atop this massive beast, several figures stood proudly.


    Their clothing bore distinct insignia, unmistakably from the Great Jin Kingdom!

 Chapter 175 How Do You Want to Die?

    A group of powerful beings from the Great Jin Kingdom passed by this place.Suddenly, they were attracted by the commotion caused by Xiao Yi''s cultivation and turned their eyes in that direction, only to see Xiao Yi amidst the Wind Thunder.


    They were captivated by the sight of him absorbing the power of Wind Thunder to temper his physical body.


    One must know...


    Even within the Great Jin Kingdom, such a secret technique that devours the power of heaven and earth to cultivate the body is extremely rare!


    One of them had a hunch and looked towards Wind Thunder Canyon, squinting his eyes, "Is there someone who can absorb the power of Wind Thunder to refine their body? Such body-refining secret skills are not even possessed by our Great Jin Kingdom. How can these lowly commoners from inferior kingdoms be qualified to cultivate them?"


    Another person laughed arrogantly, "Let him hand over that body-refining secret technique!"


    "What if he refuses?"


    "He''s just an insignificant ant, killing him is all it takes!"


    The young man who started speaking reminded, "Your Highness, our mission is to execute Yu Huaxian, the traitor, and to bring Xiao Yi from the Tianqing Kingdom back with us. If unintended problems arise and His Majesty becomes aware, I fear it could reflect poorly on you."


    This party was indeed from the Great Jin Kingdom.


    The news that Yu Huaxian had led the Golden Crow Guards to betray the nation had already reached the Great Jin Kingdom.


    The King of the Great Jin Kingdom was furious. Your journey continues at empire


    He immediately sent the seventh prince, Liu Mubai, to kill Yu Huaxian and capture Xiao Yi.


    Liu Mubai was the pride and joy of the heavens in the Great Jin Kingdom, just twenty-eight years old, yet he had already reached the Second Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm. Besides, there was also the commander of the Great Jin Kingdom''s Imperial Guards, Zhan Bitao!


    Zhan Bitao, the Bloodless Swordsman!


    This man was a Sword Intent prodigy, at the Sixth Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm, with the third stage of the human-sword unity Sword Intent.


    His combat strength was not inferior to an ordinary Seventh Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm warrior!


    Zhan Bitao stood proudly beside Liu Mubai, with his hands clasped around his sword, and said indifferently, "Your Highness, if you wish to obtain this person''s body-refining technique, later on I will take action to capture him directly. It shouldn''t take much time!"


    "No!"


    Liu Mubai waved his hand dismissively, "Considering that this person does not have the aura of divine skills, he is probably not at the Tao Tribulation Realm. Why use a butcher''s knife to kill a chicken? Wu Lun, you handle it later. If he obediently hands over the body-refining technique, that would be it. If he does not cooperate, break his limbs first, then force him to hand it over!"


    "Rest assured, Your Highness!"


    Wu Lun was the young man who had spoken first, with a cultivation reaching the peak of Golden Core Realm. His power was far more than ten times stronger than that of Jiang Shanhe.


    "Hm?"


    Little Lin, who was resting on the tree canopy, shuddered and suddenly looked up at the sky.


    The Golden Crown Black Eagle was incredibly fast, and in the blink of an eye, it was already outside Wind Thunder Canyon. As they saw several people intending to enter, Little Lin spoke lazily, "Stop right there!"


    "Hm?"


    The group was startled and looked in the direction of the voice.


    The eagle eyes of the Golden Crown Black Eagle were incredibly sharp, they stared fixedly at Little Lin''s direction, emitting a series of low cries.


    Little Lin climbed down leisurely from the tree canopy, stood up straight, and said indifferently, "My boss is cultivating. You can''t go in there!"


    "What a cute little snake!"


    "I''ve studied the Compendium of Hundred Beasts diligently, but I''ve never seen such a small snake before. Could it be a mutated magical beast? It''s worth a fortune. If I capture it and present it to my mother, she will be overjoyed!" Liu Mubai''s eyes lit up as he glanced at the Golden Crown Black Eagle beside him, "Catch it!"


    "Yes, Your Highness!"


    With a soft tweet, the Golden Crown Black Eagle flapped its wings and swept up a great wind, turning into a streak of black light swooping down.


    Its sharp talons reached out from under its belly, grabbing towards Little Lin.


    The Golden Crown Black Eagle, being at the initial stage of the sixth tier, was comparable to the Second Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm, and its speed was incredibly fast. Even strong warriors at the Third Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm had difficulty contending it.


    In its eyes, the aura emanating from Little Lin was merely at the fifth tier.


    It should have been an easy catch.


    Little did they know...


    Having followed Xiao Yi for so long, Little Lin had picked up many things from him, especially the skill of concealing his true cultivation level, in which he had surpassed the master. Although the aura he displayed was only that of a fifth-grade senior, comparable to the peak of the Golden Core Realm, in reality, after ingesting the essence of the Dragon Vein Spiritual Pool twice, Little Lin had reached the Third Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    His speed was even faster than that of the Golden Crown Black Eagle.


    When faced with the sudden attack of the Golden Crown Black Eagle, Little Lin curled up into a ball, and at the moment when the sharp claws came down, he shot out violently.


    Little Lin was like an arrow leaving the bow.


    Whoosh!


    A streak of silver light tore through the void, perfectly evading the claws of the Golden Crown Black Eagle, burrowing into its forehead and flying out the back of its head. The giant Golden Crown Black Eagle shuddered, falling to the ground with a thud, while Little Lin once again dived into its body, emerging with a Martial Dao Divine Fruit in his mouth, which he swallowed in one gulp.


    Standing proudly on the head of the Golden Crown Black Eagle, he squinted his eyes and, with a human-like provocativeness, stared down at Liu Mubai and the others.


    Hiss!


    Liu Mubai and his companions took a sharp intake of breath.


    This Golden Crown Black Eagle was a foe that even a human expert at the Third Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm would find difficult to handle, yet this seemingly pretty little snake had killed it with one strike?


    "What a silver demon snake, this prince will take it for himself!"


    Liu Mubai''s eyes shone as he turned to Zhan Bitao, "Zhan, capture this beast alive!"


    "A mere beast, I will subdue it with one sword strike!"


    Zhan Bitao held his sword with both hands, his fishtail outfit rustling in the air, and in an instant his sword was drawn, with no visible sword moves, and the longsword returned to its sheath.


    At the same time, a dense mass of sword scars suddenly appeared around Little Lin, intersecting and striking down.


    Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh!


    Little Lin kept dodging, his speed remarkably fast. A streak of silver light weaved through countless sword beams, untouched like a leaf that does not stick to any flower in a field of thousands.


    Zhan Bitao''s face stiffened as he felt a burning humiliation on his cheeks.


    He had vowed only a moment ago that he could subdue Little Lin with a single sword strike.


    And yet, that strike hadn''t even touched a scale on Little Lin''s body.


    How embarrassing indeed!


    Zhan Bitao glared furiously: "Little creature, how dare you insult me thus? Meteor from Beyond the Heavens..."


    Zhan Bitao thrust his sword out as he spoke.


    This thrust was his signature move, extremely fast and tricky to defend against¡ªa bloodless strike! sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Little Lin''s pupils suddenly constricted. His speed was undeniably astonishing, but Zhan Bitao was after all at the Sixth Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm, far superior to him. With a clink, the cold glittering sword tip fell squarely on him, silver scales shattering instantly, fresh blood sprayed from Little Lin''s mouth as his body was sent flying.


    "Hahaha, little fellow, come obediently to this prince''s hands!" Liu Mubai was ecstatic as he reached out for Little Lin.


    But at that moment...


    An icy chill swept through him suddenly.


    Liu Mubai shivered as if he had fallen into an ice cellar.


    Bang!


    In front of him, there was an invisible wall of energy, abruptly halting his advance.


    Little Lin turned into a streak of silver light, landing on Xiao Yi''s shoulder, his face bearing a look of grievance: "Boss, if you didn''t come, they would have beaten me to death..."


    "As long as I''m here, I will seek justice for you!"


    Xiao Yi rubbed his head, narrowing his eyes as he stood up and looked towards Liu Mubai and the others, "You hurt my brother, how would you like to die?"

 Chapter 176 Wind Thunder Starts to Show Its Power

    "How do you want to die for harming my brother?"Xiao Yi''s gaze was icy as he looked at Zhan Bitao and the others.


    He had sensed the presence of the group earlier when the Golden Crown Black Eagle arrived. At the time, he was digesting the First-turn Wind Thunder Elixir, healing his body from the erosion of the gang winds and thunder.


    He couldn''t move hastily.


    He hadn''t expected Little Lin to nearly encounter a fatal accident, and his rage was uncontrollable.


    Liu Mubai frowned and looked at Xiao Yi with a sneer on his face, scoffing, "I wondered who it was, turns out it''s just a mere Golden Core Realm Peak. Boy, I see your Body Refinement Technique is not weak, just hand over that technique and the serpent-like magical beast, and I can leave you a whole corpse."


    Xiao Yi sighed, "Leave me a whole corpse? I''m afraid you can''t afford to do so!"


    "Hmm?"


    Liu Mubai let out a cold laugh, seeing Xiao Yi at just the peak of Golden Core Realm, he was not worth his attention at all, he turned to Wu Lun and said, "Cut off his limbs!"


    "Rest assured, Your Highness!"


    Wu Lun smiled confidently, striding towards Xiao Yi like a dragon stalking a tiger.


    In his footsteps.


    Each step was firm and powerful, showing his mastery in leg techniques.


    His leg muscles tensed in an instant, as tough as if they were cast from gold and iron. With a ferocious push against the ground, a resounding boom filled the air and dust flew from the ground as he suddenly leaped into the air. In a flash, he appeared before Xiao Yi, and as he spun in the air, two white whips flew from his hands.


    These whips were intertwined with chains and were incredibly sturdy.


    With two clanking sounds, they wrapped around Xiao Yi''s hands.


    Liu Mubai laughed derisively, looking at Zhan Bitao by his side, "I thought he was some kind of expert, but it turns out he''s just a silver-spearhead that looks good without substance. Once bound by Wu Lun''s bloodthirsty white satin, even an ordinary warrior at the Tao Tribulation Realm would struggle to break free! After Wu Lun severs his limbs, we''ll use severe torture to extract the Body Refining Techniques from him!"


    "Congratulations to Your Highness for acquiring a set of Body Refining Techniques!" Zhan Bitao said with a smile.


    Xiao Yi''s cultivation was merely at the Golden Elixir Realm Peak.


    He had not yet stepped into the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    In their eyes, he was no different from an ant.


    "Certainly, congratulations are in order, only..."


    Liu Mubai glanced at the Golden Crown Black Eagle lying in a pool of blood, shaking his head with regret, "This Golden Crown Black Eagle was a gift from my mother, and now it has died here, truly a pity!"


    "Your Highness, that little silver snake is much stronger than the Golden Crown Black Eagle. I believe the Queen Mother will also like it!" Zhan Bitao said in a heavy voice.


    The queen of the Great Jin Kingdom was a rare Beast Tamer.


    Many formidable magical beasts of the Great Jin Kingdom were personally tamed by her.


    Her greatest hobby was collecting powerful magical beasts with pure bloodlines and extremely rare mutated magical beasts.


    The two were talking when suddenly a harsh crackling sound came from ahead. The men looked at each other and both laughed, "Wu Lun doesn''t hold back, does he? That sounded like a crippling fracture!"


    However...


    When they followed the sound to look, both were momentarily stunned.


    Xiao Yi still appeared easy and carefree, standing with his hands behind his back.


    But Wu Lun''s limbs were broken, and like a flagpole, he was stuck into the ground, half his body buried in the earth, blood spurting from every orifice, his face pale with horror and despair as he shouted towards them, "Save me... Your Highness, save me..."


    "Wu Lun?"


    Liu Mubai looked on in astonishment.


    Zhan Bitao also showed a surprised expression, "What happened? How did he break free from the bloodthirsty white satin?"


    That bloodthirsty white satin was a genuine Yuan weapon, exceptionally tough, and not easily broken even by warriors at the Calamity Realm in a short time.


    What exactly had happened?


    "Your Highness, save me..." Wu Lun bellowed, his face covered in blood.


    Liu Mubai''s complexion alternated between pale and flushed as he looked at Zhan Bitao, his face distorted with ferocity, and he growled, "Kill him, kill him for me!"


    "Yes!"


    Zhan Bitao slapped his hand on the hilt of his sword; with a piercing sound of metal slicing through air, the longsword he cradled shot out of its sheath, becoming a silver streak heading forward. Zhan Bitao tapped the ground with his foot, skimming swiftly across the surface like a swallow, grabbing the sword hilt and slashing a sword arc in follow-through, "Diagonal Moon!"


    Swish!


    The silver arc, like a diagonal moon, swept close to the ground.


    Swish, swish, swish!


    Wherever the sword arc passed, the ground was torn apart, and the air itself was cleaved open, forming walls of force on either side of the sword edge.


    Xiao Yi reached out a hand, spread his fingers, and grasped toward the sword arc.


    "You think you can catch my sword with your flesh and blood? That''s delusional wishful thinkin¡ª" Zhan Bitao''s fierce and confident expression froze on his face.


    The sharp sword light could not advance an inch further in Xiao Yi''s hand.


    "That''s all!"


    Xiao Yi closed his hand.


    Crack!


    The sword arc shattered, scattering a sky full of sword light.


    "A sword without a trace!"


    Zhan Bitao, after all, was a battle-hardened warrior. Shock quickly gave way to composure, as he gripped his longsword with both hands, his figure turning into a phantom.


    Whoosh!


    His figure suddenly vanished from the spot.


    By the time he reemerged,


    he stood behind Xiao Yi.


    The two stood back to back.


    Zhan Bitao slowly raised his longsword in front of him and gently stroked the blade, a proud look on his face, "With this sword of mine, my strikes are always met with blood. Until now, no one of my realm has ever avoided it. Take pride in dying by this sword!"


    As he spoke,


    Zhan Bitao intended to sheathe his longsword!


    However...


    There suddenly came a crisp crack from the longsword, followed by a spreading crunching sound.


    Apart from a section of the tip that had entered the sheath, the rest of the blade shattered to pieces.


    Turning into fragments on the ground.


    Zhan Bitao: "..."


    His body jolted as if struck by lightning, before freezing in place, disbelievingly staring at the fragments on the ground, his throat moving up and down.


    Gulp!


    Zhan Bitao forcefully swallowed his saliva, stiffly turning to look at Xiao Yi, "You-you-you aren''t dead?"


    "Indeed, your sword strike was remarkable!"


    Xiao Yi snapped back to reality, touched his neck, finding a white line of a sword scratch there.


    The speed of the strike had indeed been extremely fast.


    Even Xiao Yi had been grazed slightly, and for any ordinary fighter even a slight touch would have been enough to slit their throat.


    Xiao Yi relied on the power of his Wind Thunder Holy Body to protect his throat at the crucial moment, leaving only a sword scratch.


    The fifth-grade Yuan weapon, however, was shattered by the power of Wind Thunder.


    That''s what led to this scene.


    "No-no way, my sword has never failed..." Xhan Bitao''s eyebrows twitched violently, his face full of shock.


    Xiao Yi looked up at him and said indifferently, "You did not miss, but you just didn''t break through my defense. As it happens, my Body Refining Technique is newly completed, so I''ll use you to practice."


    Boom!


    Xiao Yi suddenly dove forward, the wild force from his body blasting the ground apart.


    A cloud of dust billowed behind him.


    His iron fist was already in sight.


    "Damn it!"


    Zhan Bitao crossed his arms in front of him and suddenly, his whole body shook, with a terrifying power of Wind Thunder coursing through him, paralyzing his body in an instant.


    The terrible force spread throughout his body.


    Zhan Bitao was sent flying more than fifty meters away, plowing through everything in his path.


    Boom!


    Zhan Bitao''s whole body became embedded in the rock wall, blood covering all his orifices.


    Xiao Yi shook his arm, the Wind Thunder power fading away from his fist, "Worthy of the Wind Thunder Holy Body, being this powerful even in the first-turn realm!"


    Xiao Yi withdrew his fist and turned back to look at a stunned Liu Mubai.


    Thud!


    Liu Mubai''s legs gave out, and he knelt on the ground, his face full of fear and trepidation, "Spare me, young hero, spare my life. Here''s a billion in silver notes as compensation, please let me live..."


    Whether it was the common folk or the high and mighty emperors and generals,


    when faced with death, most are the same.


    Xiao Yi gave him a cold glance, casually taking the billion silver notes and said indifferently, "Today I''ll spare your life. Remember to be more careful with your eyes in the future!"


    "Yes, yes, Mubai will keep it in mind!" Liu Mubai was earnestly fearful.


    Xiao Yi snorted and took off into the sky.


    Long after Xiao Yi had left, Liu Mubai finally stood up, his body drenched in sweat. He glanced at the dumbstruck Wulun, steeled his heart, and with a ferocious face walked towards Wulun.


    Wulun trembled and struggled frantically, "Your Highness, please don''t kill me... I swear I won''t speak of today''s events, please don''t kill me..."


    "Only the dead can keep secrets!"


    Liu Mubai smashed Wulun''s skull with a palm strike, then approached Zhan Bitao, finding that Zhan was knocked unconscious, and heaved a sigh of relief. He pried him from the rock wall, fed him Healing Pills, and after a while Zhan Bitao came to, his face full of pain, "Your Highness, I failed my duty and couldn''t protect you..."


    "Zhan, you exaggerate. This man is beyond you and me, it''s not your fault," Liu Mubai consoled him. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zhan Bitao managed a bitter smile, "Your Highness, now that both my hands are shattered, I won''t be able to wield a sword for some time. Are we still heading to Qingyun Kingdom?"


    "Why wouldn''t we go?"


    Liu Mubai''s eyes were filled with ferocity, "We can''t afford to provoke that young man, but what''s Xiao Yi to us? I have the top-quality Golden Healing Elixir that can restore fifty percent of your injuries. Even if you can''t wield a sword, Zhan, you should still be able to capture him. Besides, if it weren''t for Xiao Yi, we wouldn''t have come to this godforsaken place and ended up like this. I will make Xiao Yi pay dearly..."

 Chapter 177 How is it you?

    Qingyun Kingdom, the capital city.It had been only two days since Xiao Yi left, and there hadn''t been any changes in the capital.


    Just as he returned to the palace...


    Xiao Yi heard a scream coming from within the palace, yet the patrolling guards seemed accustomed to it, leaving him puzzled, "What''s going on here?"


    "Lord!"


    After a respectful bow, a guard said with a strange expression, "Lord Xue is conducting an experiment..."


    "Conducting an experiment?" Xiao Yi was startled.


    The guard struggled to hold back his laughter and said, "Lord Xue seems to have developed some new elixir, and Lord Shi Yaoqian was deeply interested, so he volunteered to test it. However, pfft..."


    The guard could no longer restrain his laughter.


    Another guard beside him hurriedly said, "It seems there was a problem with the medicine, and now Lord Shi Yaoqian, he has been out of control since yesterday, rampaging around like a mad bull..."


    "Pfft!"


    "Hahaha..."


    The surrounding guards all doubled over with laughter, "You don''t know... after Lord Shi took the elixir, he became as strong as a humanoid beast, invulnerable to knives and spears, impervious to water and fire..."


    Xiao Yi: "..."


    Listening to the guards'' descriptions, he became increasingly interested in the new drug developed by Xue Bufan.


    What on earth had Xue Bufan developed?


    Thinking this, Xiao Yi followed the noise and came to the imperial garden, where a crowd was gathered at the entrance, each craning their necks to look inside.


    Shi Yaoquan, Shi Yaodu, Shi Yaose, and Yu Huaxian were also in the midst of the crowd.


    Each one stretched their necks to look inside.


    "What''s going on?"


    Xiao Yi was puzzled and levitated to get a better view inside; what he saw left him dumbfounded.


    In the imperial garden.


    Shi Yaoqian was running wildly.


    His body glowed red as if drenched in fresh blood, charging through the garden and smashing everything in his path to pieces.


    Xue Bufan was in hot pursuit with a dagger: "Don''t run... If I cut open a wound over your heart and drain the poisoned blood, you''ll return to normal. Why run? Just one slice, you have to trust me..."


    "I trust your evil intentions, you wretched old man..."


    Shi Yaoqian, enraged and continuously roaring, said, "You told me it was just for strengthening and maintaining health, with absolutely no side effects. Look now... I haven''t been able to stop since yesterday..."


    Xiao Yi was completely bewildered.


    He then noticed that the imperial garden was in complete disarray, as if a frenzied mythical beast had rampaged through it.


    At that moment...


    Shi Yaoqian tripped by accident.


    Xue Bufan swiftly caught up and pinned him to the ground: "I''ve finally got you!"


    "Shi Yaoqian is in big trouble..."


    "It looks like he won''t be able to dodge this knife..."


    As everyone expressed their nervous sympathy, they suddenly heard the sound of Xiao Yi clearing his throat behind them, and they quickly straightened up, respectfully saying, "Lord, you''re back!"


    Xiao Yi cleared his throat and with a stern face, said, "What is everyone doing here? Don''t you have work to do?" He looked at Shi Yaoquan and the others, "The lot of you, hurry up and prepare the troops. Aside from those staying to protect the capital, the rest will come back with me to Tianqing Kingdom. The troops from Sihai Kingdom and Baijing Kingdom haven''t withdrawn yet!"


    "Yes!"


    Shi Yaoquan and Yu Huaxian and the others quickly retreated.


    Inside the imperial garden.


    Shi Yaoqian was finally in Xue Bufan''s hands, as he pinned Shi Yaoqian to the ground and used his vital energy to form chains that bound his limbs.


    He fiercely guzzled a mouthful of strong alcohol and sprayed it on the dagger.


    Xue Bufan smiled and said, "Don''t be afraid, it will be over in just a moment!"


    "No..."


    Shi Yaoqian closed his eyes in despair.


    "Wait!"


    Xiao Yi sighed, having no choice but to intervene. If this knife strike could indeed release some poisoned blood, it would also severely damage Shi Yaoqian''s meridians.


    "Xiao... save me..." Shi Yaoqian clutched at him like a lifeline.


    Xue Bufan''s face was a mask of embarrassment, "Xiao, you''re back? It was just a small accident, I can handle it right away!"


    Xiao Yi bitterly smiled and said, "Elder Xue, if you make this cut, he can forget about making any progress in this lifetime!"


    "Uh..."


    Xue Bufan blinked and said, "Is it that serious?"


    "The pill and his blood have to integrate completely for him to lose control of his body. If you release a large quantity of blood now, it will damage his meridians. Take Shi Yaoqian to the back kitchen, find a large steaming basket, and steam him on a gentle fire. Slowly expel the poisoned blood and that should do it!" Xiao Yi said earnestly, "This way we can fully detoxify him, not just release all the poisoned blood at once..."


    "I see!"


    With a sudden realization, Xue Bufan carried Shi Yaoqian off toward the back kitchen.


    Shi Yaoqian wailed miserably, "Xiao, save me..."


    "What a headache this old man is..."


    Xiao Yi sighed in resignation, preparing to head to the kitchen to keep an eye on things when his expression shifted slightly, revealing a hint of amusement, "What are they doing here?"


    ......


    In front of the Golden Throne Hall.


    Two figures walked side by side, killing the guards that attempted to stop them and leaving their bodies strewn about.


    In their path...


    Yu Huaxian and the Shi Family brothers stood shoulder to shoulder, their expressions solemn as they faced the newcomers.


    "Yu Huaxian, do you not kneel and greet this prince?" Liu Mubai stood with his hands behind his back, his face cold as he stared at Yu Huaxian.


    Zhan Bitao stood by his side, having regained mobility with the help of the Golden Healing Elixir.


    Although he was unable to wield his sword for a while,


    his power at the Sixth Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm was still enough to suppress Yu Huaxian.


    Yu Huaxian''s expression shifted. Especially upon looking at Zhan Bitao, his expression turned more solemn as he said in a deep voice, "Your Highness, the Seventh Prince, Commander Zhan, it has been a while. Are you unharmed?"


    "Heh, what do you think? The chief supervisor of my Eastern Factory has sided with the enemy along with the Golden Crow Guards. Do you think I would be well?" said Liu Mubai with a sneer.


    His smile was ferocious, sending chills down the spines of those who saw it.


    Zhan Bitao quietly released the overpowering aura of the Sixth Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm, instilling trepidation in everyone present, "Yu Huaxian, why do you not kneel before His Highness?"


    "I am no longer a subject of the Great Jin Kingdom, why should I kneel to him?" Yu Huaxian spoke with neither arrogance nor servility.


    "Once a dog of the royal family, always a dog. The Seventh Prince is your master. It''s not just kneeling¡ª even if he commands you to die, you can only obediently comply!" Zhan Bitao spoke dispassionately, enunciating every word.


    Yu Huaxian''s face suddenly changed, "You..."


    "Yu Huaxian, you are just a neutered dog raised by our royal family. A dog should have the awareness of being a dog. If you dare to bite the hand that feeds, there is only one path left for you¡ªdeath!" Liu Mubai said dismissively, "By the way, where is that bastard Xiao Yi? Has he not come out to kneel before this prince yet?"


    As he finished speaking,


    a taunting voice emerged from the Golden Throne Hall, "You say... I should kneel and welcome who exactly?"


    "Of course, it''s kneel before this prince, prince, prince..."


    Liu Mubai looked up proudly following the voice, but as he saw Xiao Yi emerging from the Golden Throne Hall, his face became stricken as if an invisible hand had clutched at his throat, and the words he was about to speak choked off. Stunned and disconcerted, he stammered, "How... how... how is it you?"


    sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 178 One Man Suppresses a Country

    "How, how, how is it you?"Liu Mubai looked utterly bewildered at the sight of Xiao Yi standing before him.


    He had never imagined that the person who, like a nightmare, had inflicted a heavy blow on Zhan Bitao and frightened him into kneeling and begging for mercy would appear before him so soon. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Yu Huaxian and others quickly bowed to Xiao Yi, "We''ve seen the Guardian Martial God, sir!"


    "The, the Guardian Martial God? You, you''re Xiao Yi?"


    Liu Mubai was dumbfounded.


    Cold sweat the size of beans oozed from his forehead, flowing down in a torrent.


    Zhan Bitao next to him was also pale, with both hands uncontrollably shaking. Not long ago, those same hands had been shattered by Xiao Yi!


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, examining the two, especially lingering on Zhan Bitao''s hands, "It seems the Healing Pills from the Great Jin Kingdom aren''t bad, huh? In such a short time, they''ve reconnected the broken bones in your hands!"


    "I, I..."


    Zhan Bitao turned green with grief, a bitter smile on his face, "It''s, it''s not that great, it still hurts terribly..."


    Liu Mubai''s lips turned even paler.


    In that Wind Thunder Canyon, the indelible impression Xiao Yi left on him was crystal clear!


    How could he dare to oppose Xiao Yi now?


    Liu Mubai forced a smile, "Xiao, Lord Xiao, I am Liu Mubai, the seventh prince of the Great Jin Kingdom..."


    Xiao Yi nodded, "I''ve heard already. You were the one who said you wanted my life, right?"


    "I¡­"


    Liu Mubai''s shoulders trembled like sieves, and he said with a wry smile, "What are you talking about, sir? How could I possibly want your life?"


    Yu Huaxian and the others standing by were flabbergasted.


    A moment ago.


    Liu Mubai and Zhan Bitao were so proud and domineering!


    Yet upon seeing Xiao Yi, they were like mice that had seen a cat.


    Seeing them sweating profusely and acting so cautiously, where was there any trace of their previous arrogance?


    The onlookers'' gaze towards Xiao Yi grew more fervent.


    Yu Huaxian was even more certain of his decision to side with Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Don''t want to? I think you''re not daring to, right?"


    Liu Mubai uttered an awkward laugh and could only smile sheepishly.


    Xiao Yi glanced at the dozens of corpses lying haphazardly in front of him ¨C these were the guards killed by Zhan Bitao ¨C and his expression turned slightly cold. He narrowed his eyes and said, "Liu Mubai, you''ve killed so many of my men, we need to settle this account properly!"


    "Compensation, I''ll compensate with money!" Liu Mubai replied hastily.


    Xiao Yi sneered, "Compensate with money? I wonder how much they''re worth in your eyes?"


    Liu Mubai hesitated for a moment, then clenched his teeth and said, "Ten million for each, how about that?"


    "Ten million Silver for each? As expected of the seventh prince of the Great Jin Kingdom, you are indeed generous."


    Xiao Yi spoke nonchalantly, and just as Liu Mubai breathed a sigh of relief, Xiao Yi suddenly let out a cold snort, "My guards are worth ten million each, then I wonder, how much is your life, Liu Mubai, worth?"


    "I, I¡­"


    Liu Mubai was at a loss for words.


    How much is it worth?


    Of course, he wanted to say priceless!


    He was the proud seventh prince of the Great Jin Kingdom, and his mother was even the current leading Beast Tamer.


    But how could he dare?


    Xiao Yi said lightly, "Let''s settle the life debt with life, shall we?"


    "Life?"


    Liu Mubai shuddered, his complexion turning deathly pale, and he quickly waved his hands, "Xiao, Xiao, have mercy. I''m the seventh prince of the Great Jin Kingdom, dearly loved by my father the Emperor and mother the Empress. If you kill me, it will surely enrage them both. Then, the elite forces of the Great Jin Kingdom will officially declare war on the Tianqing Kingdom..."


    Xiao Yi leaned forward slightly, "Are you threatening me?"


    Liu Mubai hastened to shake his head, "No, no, no, I wouldn''t dare threaten you! What I mean is, if you spare me, I can plead with my father the Emperor and mother the Empress to spare the Tianqing Kingdom."


    Zhan Bitao chimed in from the side, "The Tianqing Kingdom and our Great Jin Kingdom don''t have any deep grudges; all this is Xue Yilou stirring troubles behind the scenes. Moreover, with the strength you, Xiao, have shown, even if the Great Jin Kingdom really wanted to annihilate Tianqing Kingdom, the loss would be significant. I believe after weighing the options and with your mediation, they would definitely not send troops against the Tianqing Kingdom!"


    Their words also reached the ears of Yu Huaxian and the others.


    The three Shi Family brothers all thought it made sense.


    Yu Huaxian spoke softly, "Xiao, given the current strength of Tianqing Kingdom, trying to confront the Great Jin Kingdom is not realistic. If peace can truly be negotiated, it would be beneficial and harmless to us!"


    Meanwhile.


    Liu Mubai was secretly communicating with Zhan Bitao, "First, keep them stable, you can even promise many benefits. Once we return, I will have the emperor send a large army to flatten Tianqing Kingdom!"


    "Your Highness, rest assured, our Great Jin Kingdom is powerful, with countless mighty warriors; crushing Tianqing Kingdom is as easy as the flick of a wrist!" Zhan Bitao also communicated in secret.


    The two were covertly discussing how to annihilate Tianqing Kingdom.


    But on the surface, they wore obsequious smiles.


    Smiles that concealed knives.


    Harboring ulterior motives!


    Under the expectant gazes of the two, Xiao Yi''s mouth curved slightly as he leisurely walked up to them, "Have you ever heard a saying?"


    "Hmm?"


    The two were taken aback, both looking at him intently.


    Xiao Yi spoke leisurely, not fast in speech, but with unwavering resolve, and even as he spoke, his figure seemed to become even more imposing, "As long as I am here, Tianqing shall not fall!"


    Just seven simple words.


    Yet at that moment, they resounded like a bolt from the blue, a thunderclap in a clear sky, shaking people''s hearts.


    They left Liu Mubai and Zhan Bitao''s faces colorless with shock and astonishment in their eyes.


    Xiao Yi''s voice rolled like a massive wave, "If Tianqing Kingdom is to stand tall in this world, it will do so with our own fists and blades, slashing down every enemy. There''s no need for you to plead on our behalf. Your Great Jin Kingdom may be strong, but if you wish to annihilate Tianqing Kingdom, then come at us! We will meet the troops with our generals, and stem the water with our earth..."


    "If you want a battle, I''ll give you one!" Xiao Yi said, his expression icy cold.


    These six words seemed to carry a profound power, echoing in the air, reverberating long and far.


    Immediately, the faces of the three Shi Family brothers turned crimson with impassioned vigor as they clenched their fists, "If you want a battle, we''ll give you one!"


    Yu Huaxian, too, was deeply moved, his neck flushed red and veins throbbing, "If you want a battle, I''ll give you one!"


    "If you want a battle, I''ll give you one!"


    "If you want a battle..."


    "I''ll give you one!"


    "Battle!"


    "Battle!"


    "Battle!"


    Throughout the palace, throughout the capital, the Azure Dragon Guards and Tianqing Kingdom''s soldiers, without exception, were yelling at the top of their lungs, with voices like rolling thunder, dominating the skies.


    Liu Mubai and Zhan Bitao fell back step by step.


    The two were so shocked they couldn''t speak.


    Xiao Yi''s gaze fell upon them, pointing at the dozens of bodies lying in pools of blood, "My brothers cannot die in vain! Since you want to compensate, let it be a life for a life!"


    "No... you can''t kill me, I am the seventh prince of the Great Jin Kingdom, you can''t..." Liu Mubai was hysterical, roaring in fear, "Zhan Bitao, save me..."


    Zhan Bitao''s expression was ferocious, "Your Highness, run..."


    Buzz!


    Countless sword lights erupted from his body, charging head-on towards Xiao Yi.


    Liu Mubai soared into the sky.


    Zhan Bitao bellowed, "To kill His Highness, you''ll have to step over my dead body!"


    "Then I shall oblige you!"


    With a cold snort, Xiao Yi stepped forward, his Wind Thunder Holy Body radiating the light of Wind Thunder, and with a booming stomp he crushed Zhan Bitao''s head into his chest cavity, while launching an aerial feint with his hand as a sword, pointing out, "Sailing a thousand miles to Jiangling... in just one day!"


    Whoosh!


    A silver sword light burst forth.


    Puff!


    Liu Mubai, who was fleeing rapidly through the void, trembled, his body split in two and fell from the sky...

 Chapter 179 One Man with a Sword, Charging into the Enemy Camp Alone!

    The seventh prince of the Great Jin Kingdom, Liu Mubai.In a torrent of blood, his bifurcated body plummeted, crashing to the ground with two thumps, shattering to pieces.


    His death meant that there would be no end to the rivalry between Tianqing Kingdom and the Great Jin Kingdom until one was annihilated!


    However...


    Whether it was the ordinary soldiers or powerhouses like Yu Huaxian and the three Shi brothers, not a single person blamed Xiao Yi.


    Their hearts were ablaze with the will to fight.


    Just as Xiao Yi had said, no strong nation had ever emerged from compromise!


    If Tianqing Kingdom was to rise, it could only rely on itself!


    Meet warriors with warriors, counter water with earth!


    What of the Great Jin Kingdom?


    As long as one is sufficiently powerful, one can completely repel them at the nation''s gates, or even sweep through the Great Jin!


    Of course...


    The reason Xiao Yi did this, apart from his confidence in his own strength, was that he had acquired the inheritance of the Wind Thunder Venerable, equipping him with countless alchemy formulas. Among them was one that could greatly enhance the strength of basic martial artists in a short period of time, and once this set of formulas was successfully concocted.


    Within three months, Tianqing Kingdom would have a million-strong Azure Dragon Guard!


    It is to be noted that the Azure Dragon Guard was formerly the Golden Crow Guard!


    The most elite military force of the Great Jin Kingdom.


    According to Yu Huaxian, even with the full might of the Great Jin Kingdom, the armies that could rival the Golden Crow Guard were no more than a hundred thousand strong. Stay updated via empire


    If Tianqing Kingdom could muster a million Azure Dragon Guards, and with powerhouses like Xiao Yi, Yu Huaxian, Xue Bufan, and others to defend it, even the Great Jin Kingdom would be helpless against them!


    This was the source of Xiao Yi''s confidence!


    "Xiao, the news of Liu Mubai''s death can hardly be concealed, and it will most likely reach the Great Jin Kingdom within half a month. When that happens, the Great Jin Kingdom will be enraged and may lash out in full force, provoking a war of annihilation. We must be on guard!" Yu Huaxian knew well the strength of the Great Jin Kingdom and spoke with a grave expression.


    Xiao Yi nodded and said, "Don''t worry, I have a plan in mind. Immediately arrange for men. Tomorrow morning, follow me back to the kingdom with the Azure Dragon Guard!"


    "Understood!"


    Yu Huaxian bowed and withdrew.


    Xiao Yi turned to Shi Yaodu and the other two, "How goes the collection of medicinal herbs I tasked you with?"


    Shi Yaodu promptly replied, "We have gathered all the herbs that could be found in the capital."


    "Very good!"


    Xiao Yi squinted his eyes and said, "First, hand over all the collected herbs to me. Tomorrow, I will return to the kingdom with Huaxian and the Azure Dragon Guard. We must resolve matters with Sihai and Baijing Kingdoms as soon as possible. As for you... on the way back, collect every single herb I mentioned in every city, without exception."


    "Yes, sir!"


    Shi Yaoquan handed a storage ring to Xiao Yi. The three bowed respectfully and then withdrew.


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, looking toward the horizon where the red sun was slowly setting: "Your Majesty, I promised to protect Tianqing Kingdom, and I will keep that promise. Overthrowing the Great Qian Dynasty is too distant a goal, so let me first overthrow the Great Jin Kingdom, and make Tianqing the supreme beneath Great Qian!"


    ......


    Babao Pass. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Gu Junhe sat in the governor''s residence.


    Indeed, he was a man of extraordinary talent, having stepped into the Tao Tribulation Realm relying solely on his comprehension.


    Moreover, he had single-handedly withstood Xia Yuan and Bai Jianfeng from Baijing Kingdom, both Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouses, and staunchly defended Babao Pass, preventing them from gaining even an inch of ground.


    With news of Xiao Yi''s consecutive annihilation of Tianlan Kingdom and Qingyun Kingdom reaching Babao Pass, the morale of Tianqing Kingdom''s soldiers was high, repeatedly thwarting the advance of Baijing Kingdom''s army. Yet, in such brutal warfare, the army defending Babao Pass for Tianqing Kingdom had dwindled from its original four hundred thousand to now only one hundred and eighty thousand.


    More than half had died in battle!


    On the other hand, though Baijing Kingdom had also suffered heavy casualties, they still commanded an army of six hundred thousand.


    A medical officer beside Gu Junhe was treating his wounds with meticulous care. His back was covered with dozens of fierce sword marks, inflicted by the combined efforts of Xia Yuan and Bai Jianfeng.


    Gu Junhe remained expressionless, allowing the medical officer to tend to his savage wounds, and asked the officer before him, "Cheng De, how much longer can our provisions last?"


    "To report to the general, our provisions will only suffice for seven more days."


    Cheng De, having lost an arm, revealed a grim expression, "That bastard Xia Yuan, when he pledged allegiance, he burnt our granaries to the ground, leaving nothing behind. Otherwise, we wouldn''t be in such a passive position."


    "General, the attacks from Baijing Kingdom''s army have become increasingly ferocious these past few days. I fear the men won''t be able to hold out much longer!"


    "I suggest we first evacuate Babao Pass, and once Guardian Martial God Lord Xiao arrives with support, we can counterattack..."


    "Once Babao Pass is lost, the vast prairie lies beyond. How will we defend against the Baijing Kingdom''s army once they spread out?"


    "We must not retreat!"


    "But if we don''t retreat, how can just our 180,000 men hold out?"


    The generals argued fiercely.


    At that moment...


    A messenger rushed in from outside the door, out of breath: "Report..."


    "What''s the matter?"


    The generals turned their anxious eyes to the messenger, "Has the Baijing Kingdom''s rabble launched another attack?"


    Bang!


    Gu Junhe slammed his palm down on the table, eyes blazing with fury: "This is intolerable! Bring me my armor; I''m going to fight them myself!"


    "No, no, no, that''s not it..."


    The messenger finally caught his breath and quickly said, "It''s... It''s the War God himself who has appeared. He alone, with a single sword, has gone to the Baijing Kingdom''s military camp..."


    "What?"


    "The National God of War Xiao Yi himself?"


    "He''s going into the camp alone? Isn''t that suicide?"


    "All men, heed my command, rush out of the city to meet the enemy... No matter what, we must protect Xiao Yi!" Gu Junhe shouted anxiously.


    Despite the continuous good news from Xiao Yi during this period,


    there were even rumors...


    that even those in the Tao Tribulation Realm couldn''t withstand a single move from him.


    But those were just rumors!


    The Baijing Kingdom has two beings of the Tao Tribulation Realm, and hundreds of thousands of troops. With Xiao Yi charging into the camp alone, isn''t this like sending a lamb into the tiger''s mouth?


    For a moment,


    Babao Pass was in chaos.


    At the same time,


    Xiao Yi, riding the Tianqing wild ox, appeared alone in front of the Baijing Kingdom''s camp.


    "Who goes there?"


    The soldiers guarding the camp gate tensed up, spears and swords ready, and the archers on the arrow tower aimed their arrows at Xiao Yi.


    Now that the two countries were at war, they could not be too careful with a man appearing alone in front of their camp.


    Xiao Yi glanced at them and said indifferently, "Summon Xia Yuan and Bai Jianfeng to see me!"


    "How dare you!"


    "General Xia and Mr. Bai are not names you can call out directly!"


    "Seize this arrogant fool at once!"


    The guard captain waved his hand, and two alert guards stepped forward.


    Xiao Yi shook his head slightly and flicked his fingers.


    Bursts of vital energy shot out like a torrential rain of arrows.


    Swish, swish, swish!


    A dozen guards fell to the ground at the sound.


    "This is bad!"


    "It''s an attack!"


    "Kill him..."


    The archers on the arrow tower continuously fired volleys, but their arrows came to an abrupt halt half a meter from Xiao Yi, then reversed direction. With the sound of thuds, they struck down the soldiers on the tower, one by one. In an instant, the guards at the front of the Baijing Kingdom''s camp were wiped out, and Xiao Yi''s voice boomed like a song, reverberating between heaven and earth: "The National God of War of the Tianqing Kingdom, Xiao Yi, is here. Xia Yuan, Bai Jianfeng, come out and face your deaths!"

 Chapter 180 Capturing the Generals Head as Easily as Reaching into a Bag!

    "Xia Yuan, Bai Jianfeng, aren''t you coming out to meet your death?"Xiao Yi''s voice boomed like the tide, reverberating above the military camp of the Baijing Kingdom.


    There was a moment of silence within the camp, followed by an explosive outburst.


    "Who is this bastard that dares to come knocking at our door looking for trouble?"


    "Brothers, kill him..."


    The entire camp was boiling over, as countless soldiers swarmed out.


    Amidst the explosive sound like that of a bursting flood, hundreds of thousands of soldiers from the Baijing Kingdom''s army poured out of the camp in an orderly and united manner. In an instant, there were a sea of people in front of Xiao Yi, each with ferocious looks in their eyes, staring intently at him.


    Inside the camp.


    Two figures walked side by side, and the surrounding soldiers voluntarily stepped aside to make way for them.


    The two were none other than Xia Yuan and Bai Jianfeng. Explore more stories with empire


    Xia Yuan had an impressive appearance with sword-like eyebrows and starry eyes. He had entered the First Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm with the help of the Martial Dao Divine Fruit.


    Bai Jianfeng, by his side, was also of the Second Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm.


    But he had stepped into the Tao Tribulation Realm relying on his own talent, genuinely surpassing Xia Yuan by quite a bit!


    When Xia Yuan saw Xiao Yi, his pupils shrank sharply, and then he sneered, "I was wondering who it was. It turns out to be the great Guardian Martial God Xiao Yi!"


    "Xia Yuan, you, as the Great General of the Tianqing Kingdom, betrayed your country on the eve of battle. What crime should you be charged with?" Xiao Yi''s gaze was fixated on Xia Yuan as he spoke coldly.


    Xia Yuan''s betrayal had nearly led to the fall of the Tianqing Kingdom.


    Had it not been for Gu Junhe stepping into the Tao Tribulation Realm in time and heading to Babao Pass to stop their advance, the army of the Baijing Kingdom might have already stormed through the capital of Tianqing Kingdom by now.


    "What constitutes betrayal?"


    Xia Yuan scoffed, his expression twisting viciously as he said deliberately, "It is the wise who recognize the times. I have served the Jiang Family for nearly a hundred years, fought battles on many fronts, and made illustrious military achievements. Yet Jiang Tianchen did not even bestow upon me a title of nobility, instead giving you the title of Guardian Martial God... I do not accept this!"


    Xia Yuan''s contributions to the Tianqing Kingdom were indeed not insignificant.


    But he was already sitting in the position of Great General, commanding the armed forces, with powerful troops at his disposal.


    Before Xiao Yi''s rise...


    He was one of the most powerful people in the Tianqing Kingdom, second only to Jiang Tianchen alone.


    But so it is with human hearts!


    Never satisfied!


    Upon seeing Xiao Yi was named Guardian Martial God, and after being promised high office and rich rewards by the Baijing Kingdom, Xia Yuan decisively chose to betray.


    Xiao Yi said, "Achievements? Have you ever expanded the borders of the Tianqing Kingdom?"


    "I¡­"


    Xia Yuan''s face froze.


    Before this, there had been few major wars in the Tianqing Kingdom. Though his military achievements were remarkable, they were in defense of the nation, without any territorial expansion!


    Xiao Yi spoke indifferently, "I eliminated Tianlan and then erased Qingyun, incorporating their lands into the territory of Tianqing. Are you sure you want to compare achievements with me?"


    "I, I¡­"


    Xia Yuan''s complexion fluctuated, turning from green to white. Under Xiao Yi''s oppressive presence, he involuntarily started to step back.


    Xiao Yi''s momentum was simply too strong!


    It was so overwhelming that Xia Yuan found it hard to breathe.


    Xiao Yi pressed on step by step, creating an invisible wave of energy that forced the soldiers on either side to fall back. Unaware, he was now only a hundred meters away from Xia Yuan, his expression cold, "You say the Jiang Family treated you unfairly. With the position of Great General in all these years, how many assets have you embezzled? How much bribery have you accepted, do you really think His Majesty was unaware? Did he ever punish you for it?"


    "I¡­"


    Xia Yuan trembled all over, speechless.


    Since becoming Great General, he had embezzled up to a billion taels of silver just in military funds.


    And that wasn''t even to mention the other various grey incomes. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He had always thought he was seamless, but now, he realized that Jiang Tianchen had actually known all along and had even hinted at reminding him.


    Xia Yuan was drenched in cold sweat.


    "To hold oneself above others, accept bribes, and pervert the law, this is inhuman."


    "When the nation was in peril, you sided with the enemy, disregarding the suffering of the people, this is disloyal."


    "His Majesty''s favor upon you is as heavy as a mountain, yet you betrayed him, this is unjust."


    Xiao Yi''s expressionless face, his scolding voice becoming louder and more sonorous, his words increasingly resounding, "How dare someone as disloyal, inhumane, and unjust as you continue to live in this world?"


    Boom!


    Dark clouds suddenly clustered above the firmament, and a bolt of lightning roared as it fell from the sky.


    The flash of lightning connected heaven and earth, as if illuminating the world.


    Confronted with Xiao Yi''s soul-piercing questioning, and suddenly hearing the thunderous sound, Xia Yuan''s face turned deathly pale, and he abruptly clasped his hands onto his hair. His nails dug deep into his skull, and blood instantly smeared his entire face as he bellowed hysterically, "No... you''re spouting nonsense, I did nothing wrong, I did nothing wrong..."


    "Obstinate fool!"


    Xiao Yi formed a sword gesture with his hand, his gaze icy, "In the name of the Guardian Martial God, I sentence you to death!"


    Swish!


    A single pointed finger thrust forward.


    The sword light, like a fiery meteor, vanished in an instant.


    Thud!


    Xia Yuan''s body shook, and a dot of blood burst from his brow, struck dead by Xiao Yi with one finger!


    Hiss!


    All the soldiers around could not help but show shock and fear.


    Xia Yuan, a genuine First Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouse, had just been so effortlessly killed by Xiao Yi?


    The most shocked of all was Bai Jianfeng.


    Xia Yuan''s death was beyond his expectations.


    What shocked him even more was that Xiao Yi, with just a few reprimands, had thoroughly unsettled Xia Yuan''s mind, a feat akin to ghostly sorcery, unheard of. By the time he realized what had happened, Xia Yuan had already become a corpse, and seeing Xiao Yi''s gaze turn toward him, the corner of Bai Jianfeng''s eye twitched, and he roared, "Kill him for me, whoever takes his head will be rewarded with a billion silver, promoted three ranks, and given a city as a fief..."


    "Kill!"


    "Xiao Yi, prepare to die!"


    Immense rewards breed brave warriors.


    In an instant.


    Tens of thousands of soldiers, their eyes red, regarded Xiao Yi as their prey, swarming toward him like a pack of hungry wolves.


    Xiao Yi was instantly engulfed by the overwhelming mass of Baijing Kingdom''s soldiers.


    Bai Jianfeng, standing behind tens of thousands of soldiers, had his face twisted with ferocity: "No matter how strong you are, two fists can''t beat four hands, let alone my tens of thousands of valiant warriors under my command."


    But at that moment...


    Within the crowd, a terrifying Sword Intent suddenly soared into the sky.


    "Why is my sword not obeying my command..."


    "No... my sword has flown away on its own..."


    Exclamations of astonishment followed.


    Swords filled the sky, rising into the air.


    Xiao Yi, master of the third stage of Sword Intent, the realm of unity between man and sword, could control the ordinary weapons in the hands of these soldiers with his powerful Sword Intent. Among the tens of thousands, one third were swordsmen; tens of thousands of longswords lifted into the sky, forming a spherical sword orb, wrapping Xiao Yi within.


    Xiao Yi stood aloft, sweeping his sword fingers: "Kill!"


    Swish, swish, swish!


    Countless rains of swords fell, and the warriors around were scattered and dismembered, suffering heavy casualties under the frenzied onslaught of falling swords.


    All of a sudden.


    Xiao Yi''s gaze swept forward, past hundreds of thousands of people, fixing on the appalled Bai Jianfeng: "Divide the water into two parts for White Egret Island!"


    Rustle, rustle, rustle!


    Countless longswords gathered above his head, over a hundred thousand blades forming a kilometer-long greatsword held aloft. Xiao Yi brought the greatsword down with one slash, a kilometer-long blade falling from the sky with a swish, the Sword Qi tearing a gash through the soldiers in front, and with a bang, it landed on Bai Jianfeng''s body.


    Bai Jianfeng, merely at the Second Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm, how could he be Xiao Yi''s opponent?


    "No..."


    A scream echoed.


    The sword blade fell.


    Boom!


    The entire military camp trembled violently, the earth splintering, and hundreds of thousands of Baijing Kingdom warriors were thrown into chaos.


    At the end of that blade...


    Bai Jianfeng was decapitated!


    To take the head of a general amid an army of ten thousand was like reaching into a bag for an object!


    In that moment, Xiao Yi was like a god, like a demon, single-handedly suppressing hundreds of thousands of Baijing Kingdom soldiers, none daring to move a muscle...

 Chapter 181 Xiao Yi Triumphant Return

    ```Bai Jianfeng fell. Find more chapters on empire


    Tens of thousands of Baijing Kingdom warriors were headless dragons, momentarily dazed, standing still in their place.


    They never expected that someone as strong as Bai Jianfeng couldn''t even block a single sword strike from Xiao Yi.


    At the same time...


    The ground thundered with vibrations.


    Dust and smoke rolled in the distance; banners pierced the sky. It was Gu Junhe leading the eighteen thousand-strong army of Tianqing Kingdom from Babao Pass to assist.


    When they saw from afar the congregation of Baijing Kingdom warriors inside the camp, Gu Junhe''s expression suddenly changed, "This is bad, Xiao Yi must have been surrounded by them... The lad is too reckless, no matter how strong he is, how can he contend against hundreds of thousands of troops?"


    As he thought, Gu Junhe''s expression turned increasingly grim.


    Whoosh!


    He fiercely pulled out his weapon and roared, "Bai Jianfeng, if you dare harm a single hair on Xiao Yi, I swear to explode myself to take you down with me!"


    "Kill!"


    "Protect the Guardian Martial God..."


    In that moment, the entire eighteen-thousand-strong army of Tianqing Kingdom was furious, rushing towards the enemy camp with utmost speed.


    However...


    When they truly approached the Baijing Kingdom camp, they all froze in shock.


    The Baijing Kingdom camp was in shambles, corpses strewn everywhere. The tens of thousands of soldiers, upon seeing their ferocious charge, were shedding their armors and weapons. Some surrendered right there, others fled in complete disarray; where was the ferocity and fierceness they had displayed earlier?


    Amidst the crowd, neither Xia Yuan nor Bai Jianfeng, the two Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouses, could be seen.


    "What, what''s going on?"


    "You, you look... Isn''t that Xia Yuan''s body?"


    "Damn... it can''t be, can it?"


    Everyone felt as if they had been struck by lightning, their faces filled with disbelief.


    All of them couldn''t help but entertain a wild idea that emerged in their minds.


    This idea was even somewhat terrifying!


    "It can''t be possible, can it?"


    "If it''s true, then, then haven''t we won?"


    Boom boom boom!


    The eighteen thousand cavalry charged wildly, how could the soldiers of Baijing Kingdom, who had lost their will to fight, be their match?


    Like a landslide, defeat was imminent!


    A moment later.


    Gu Junhe arrived at the central command tent, and Xiao Yi had been waiting there for quite some time. Seeing Gu Junhe arrive, his face broke into a radiant smile, "Dean, congratulations on your grand victory over the Baijing Kingdom''s camp!"


    "You lad..."


    Gu Junhe felt a warmth in his eyes, understanding that Xiao Yi was attributing the credit to him!


    He hesitated for a moment, then said in a deep voice, "Xia Yuan and Bai Jianfeng..."


    Xiao Yi nodded his head.


    Gu Junhe took a sharp intake of breath and sized up Xiao Yi. After a moment, he shook his head with a wry smile, "Incredible, truly incredible..." A year ago, when he first met Xiao Yi, the latter was just a little guy in the Shentong Realm, and now he stood at a height that even he could hardly reach. "Are the people of the Xiao Family blind? Such a genius, yet they treated him as trash? Even Xiao Tianjiao is no match for Xiao Yi!"


    ```


    Ah!


    Gu Junhe exhaled deeply, his gaze complex as he looked at Xiao Yi, "Had I not seen it with my own eyes, I truly could not believe that someone could achieve such terrifying accomplishments within a mere year!"


    Xiao Yi shrugged his shoulders and smiled, "Just luck!"


    "Luck?"


    Gu Junhe rolled his eyes, "How come I never have such good luck?"


    Xiao Yi spread his hands in a helpless gesture.


    Gu Junhe said in a deep voice, "Now that the Baijing Kingdom''s power is waning, should we take advantage of our victory and pursue them?"


    Xiao Yi shook his head, "We have already conquered Tianlan and Qingyun; it is not advisable to make a move on Baijing and Sihai Kingdoms for now. Let them jump around for a few more days! Moreover...I killed the seventh prince of the Great Jin Kingdom, so at the earliest in one month, and at the latest in three, the Great Jin Kingdom will arrive at our doorsteps. Our priority should be to consolidate our strength and deal with the Great Jin Kingdom!"


    Gu Junhe, with a confused expression, asked, "The Great Jin Kingdom?"


    That was known as the strongest power among the more than one hundred subordinate countries under the Great Qian Dynasty.


    There was even a saying, ''Below the Great Qian, the Great Jin reigns supreme.''


    The Great Jin Kingdom had countless powerful warriors, including the Golden Crow Guards who were reputed to be worth ten each and an army said to number five million.


    Even if it were just an ordinary army, that was five million people!


    After such successive tough battles, the Tianqing Kingdom''s army of a million had diminished to about half. Even with three months'' respite, dealing with the Great Jin Kingdom would be extremely difficult, or even utterly impossible!


    Xiao Yi, on the other hand, smiled and said, "Don''t worry, I already have a plan. And this time, while indeed it is a calamity for the Tianqing Kingdom, it is also a big opportunity... If we succeed in overthrowing the Great Jin Kingdom, from then on, it will be ''Below the Great Qian, Tianqing reigns supreme''!"


    "Below the Great Qian, Tianqing reigns supreme?"


    Gu Junhe''s body shook, and he suddenly felt his blood boiling, as if a fierce battle were raging within him.


    As a warrior born and bred in the Tianqing Kingdom. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He naturally very much looked forward to witnessing his own country''s rise in strength.


    If they could truly replace the Great Jin and become the strongest nation under the Great Qian Dynasty, their names would be forever etched in the history of the Tianqing Kingdom.


    With this thought in mind.


    Gu Junhe nodded vigorously and said, "Although your idea is extremely crazy... if one is not crazy in youth, they are wasting their years. I''ll be crazy with you this one time!"


    Xiao Yi said, "I am sure you won''t be disappointed, Chancellor!"


    In his mind, Xiao Yi recalled the medicinal pills previously developed by Xue Bufan. The recipe had been personally given to Xue Bufan by him. Although there had been some mistakes in its development, as long as Xiao Yi took action, it could be perfected. With Xue Bufan, the undead doctor, and Xiao Yi himself working on it, the plan could certainly be executed perfectly.


    Once it was possible to elevate tens of thousands of the Tianqing Kingdom''s soldiers to match the Golden Crow Guards, who would then dare to compete under the Great Qian Dynasty?


    Subsequently...


    Gu Junhe took over the tens of thousands of soldiers captured from the Baijing Kingdom, incorporated them into the ranks, and, after handing over the responsibility of guarding Babao Pass to Cheng De, he set off on the road back to the capital with Xiao Yi.


    As Xiao Yi and the others left Babao Pass.


    In another battlefield of the Tianqing Kingdom, Yu Huaxian led twenty thousand Azure Dragon Guards in support of Jiang Weisheng. They slaughtered their way through, coordinating from inside and outside, and completely routed the tens of thousands of soldiers from the Sihai Kingdom. The tactics of the Azure Dragon Guards and Yu Huaxian were far beyond what the Sihai Kingdom''s army could match. Defeat was like a landslide, and, after this battle, Tianqing Kingdom''s perilous situation was temporarily averted.


    Out of the four kingdoms that had declared war on the Tianqing Kingdom, two had been destroyed.


    The remaining Baijing and Sihai Kingdoms had also suffered heavy losses; within their countries, barely a tenth of their forces remained.


    At this point, the rulers of Baijing and Sihai Kingdom had no more thoughts of currying favor with Xue Yilou or waging war against the Tianqing Kingdom. They were already planning on how to please the Tianqing Kingdom to avoid the fate of devastation like Tianlan Kingdom and Qingyun Kingdom.


    These two kingdoms could no longer stir up any trouble.


    Meanwhile...


    Xiao Yi, Gu Junhe, Yu Huaxian, Jiang Weisheng, and others had already made their way back to the capital, one after another.

 Chapter 182 Gambling with Life

    Tianqing Kingdom, within the royal capital.It was a time of peace and prosperity, overflowing with joy and celebration.


    The Tianqing Kingdom of today was no longer the vulnerable nation beset by dangers on all sides that it had been two months prior.


    Xiao Yi alone had subdued the Tianlan Kingdom and the Qingyun Kingdom, incorporating these two nations, neither of which was weaker than the Tianqing Kingdom, into his own territory.


    At the same time, he had also repelled the Sihai Kingdom and the Baijing Kingdom.


    He had thus become the undisputed overlord among the ten nations of Nanhuang.


    Even more so...


    If one were to discuss area alone, the Tianqing Kingdom could now enter the top ten among the more than one hundred vassal nations under the Great Qian Dynasty.


    The name of Xiao Yi was sung by everyone, as he deservedly became the Guardian Martial God, a matchless hero!


    In the vast Tianqing Kingdom, almost every household enshrined Xiao Yi''s Longevity Stela.


    Particularly in Nanhuang City, where Xiao Yi used to be, a huge Martial God Temple had been built to worship a statue of Xiao Yi, and the temple was bustling with devotees.


    Within the palace.


    Jiang Tai sat at the main seat, laughing and toasting three cups with Xiao Yi before jestingly saying, "Xiao, your reputation has far outshone mine nowadays. In Nanhuang City, your Martial God Temple has been thronged with worshippers since its establishment. I''ve heard that even many people from the surrounding areas come in droves to pray for marriage, for martial fortunes, for wealth, and even for children..."


    "Hahahaha..."


    "Lord Xiao, can you truly grant children? If so, you''ll have to give me a pair of dragon and phoenix twins!"


    Everyone laughed merrily, full of joy and happiness.


    Xiao Yi shrugged helplessly and said, "I can''t guarantee gifting children, but I can definitely pour you a few drinks! Daring to tease me, come on, drink three cups in a row..."


    The official hastily said, "Three cups it is!"


    People had gradually come to understand Xiao Yi''s character.


    As long as one didn''t foolishly provoke him, he was easy to get along with.


    Of course...


    To truly gain Xiao Yi''s approval was not so easy!


    After three rounds of drinks and five courses of food.


    Xiao Yi glanced at Jiang Tai.


    In an understanding nod, Jiang Tai waved his hand to dismiss the servants by his side, leaving the court officials in the great hall.


    All eyes turned to Jiang Tai in unison.


    Jiang Tai took a deep breath and said in a deep voice, "Today is a day of great joy for our Tianqing Kingdom, with the Guardian Martial God Xiao Yi wiping out both Tianlan and Qingyun Kingdoms, Dean Gu Junhe repelling the Baijing Kingdom, Yu Huaxian together with our ancestors annihilating the army of 700,000 from the Sihai Kingdom, slaying their Tao Tribulation Realm progenitor. Among the ten nations of Nanhuang, our Tianqing Kingdom shall stand as first!"


    Boom!


    A thunderous applause suddenly erupted.


    Everyone''s eyes burned with passion, sharing in the glory.


    As important officials of the court, when the kingdom was strong, so were they, and the kingdom''s glory was also theirs.


    Jiang Tai continued, "Now our Tianqing Kingdom is in need of rebuilding. With strong presences like the Guardian Martial God, Dean Gu Junhe, our ancestors, Yu Huaxian, and the Undying Ghost Doctor Xue Bufan, these five Tao Tribulation Realm beings, as well as 20,000 Azure Dragon Guards and more than 400,000 regular soldiers, our national strength can be described as the most flourishing ever."


    "Long live the King, long live, long live the King!"


    "Tianqing Kingdom, for a thousand autumns and ten thousand generations, shall never fall!"


    The court officials shouted one after another.


    However...


    Jiang Tai let out a cold snort and mocked, "A thousand autumns and ten thousand generations? Never fall? Do you truly believe that?"


    "..."


    The expressions of joy gradually faded from the officials'' faces.


    Jiang Tai turned to Xiao Yi and said, "Xiao, tell them!"


    "Hmm!"


    Xiao Yi slowly stood up, his gaze sharp as a knife sweeping across the officials, and he spoke with a heavy voice, "According to reliable information, within three months, the Great Jin Kingdom will launch a full-scale attack on our Tianqing Kingdom. By that time, there will be as many as 100,000 soldiers as powerful as the Azure Dragon Guards and the army sent by the Great Jin Kingdom will certainly not be less than one million, perhaps even more..."


    Hiss!


    The officials looked at each other, their faces filled with horror.


    They were completely unaware of this news!


    For a moment,


    the expressions on the officials'' faces were no longer smiles, but fear and unease.


    Amidst the crowd,


    an old man with snow-white hair, yet emanating a dignified aura, stood out. This person was Ge Zheng, the Right Chancellor of the Tianqing Kingdom. Ge Zheng clasped his fists and said, "I dare to ask Lord Xiao, the Great Jin Kingdom had not previously launched a major offensive. Now that our Tianqing Kingdom has achieved this brilliant victory, why have they struck again?"


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "I killed the seventh prince of the Great Jin Kingdom and the Grand Commander Zhan Bitao!"


    Whoosh!


    The courtiers were in an uproar.


    "This, this is too impulsive, isn''t it?"


    "That was a prince¡­ If I were the King of the Great Jin Kingdom, I wouldn''t be able to swallow this pride either..."


    Ge Zheng said in a deep voice, "Lord Xiao has indeed made great contributions to our Tianqing Kingdom, but whether it was the initial attack by the four countries or now the impending Great Jin Dynasty, everything has pointed to Lord Xiao as the catalyst..."


    "Mr. Ge, what are you implying?" Jiang Tai narrowed his eyes, showing a displeased expression.


    However, Xiao Yi remained as nonchalant as ever, toying with the wine cup in his hand.


    Ge Zheng straightened his back and said sternly, "Your Majesty, I mean no disrespect. Now that our Tianqing Kingdom has just survived a great disaster, albeit strong as Lord Xiao may be, I fear he may not be able to stop the Great Jin Dynasty. I think, as the Guardian Martial God of our nation, Lord Xiao should protect the Tianqing Kingdom at all costs. I earnestly request that Lord Xiao, for the sake of billions of our Tianqing citizens to avoid a catastrophe, should go alone to the Great Jin Dynasty and quell their rage!"


    "Outrageous¡­"


    Yu Huaxian''s expression darkened, and he rose from his seat, slamming the table.


    Yet Xiao Yi raised his hand to stop Yu Huaxian, with an intriguing look in his eyes as he gazed at the courtiers who, just a moment ago, were toasting and shedding tears of gratitude with him.


    Upon meeting Xiao Yi''s gaze,


    many of the officials lowered their heads, not daring to look back at him.


    Xiao Yi''s gaze finally settled on Ge Zheng, "Mr. Ge, are you aware of what fate awaits me should I go to the Great Jin Dynasty?"


    Ge Zheng''s pupils shrank slightly.


    What fate could there be?


    Of course, it would be a dead end!


    But he could not say this outright. After a moment of consideration, Ge Zheng spoke righteously, "Even at the cost of one''s life, a true man should act with righteousness! Lord Xiao is the Guardian Martial God of our Tianqing Kingdom. If your life could, in exchange, ensure the peace and prosperity of billions of our citizens, it might not be such a bad deal. Of course, we will also not forget Lord Xiao''s kindness. In the future, your temples will surely be built across the Tianqing Kingdom, to pay tribute to your spirit in heaven, and engrave your name in everlasting history!"


    "Mr. Ge is right!"


    "If Lord Xiao is willing to sacrifice himself, my government office will erect a Longevity Stela in your honor to be worshiped for generations!"


    "We assure you, the incense will never cease to burn..."


    Suddenly, one third of the courtiers stood out.


    The majority kept their heads down, staying out of the affair.


    Only a minority of officials spoke up in defense of Xiao Yi, "Do you all have no conscience? If not for Lord Xiao, we would have long been slaves to a fallen nation..." Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "The late King, even in his death, did not wish to sacrifice Lord Xiao. What are you all doing?"


    "Slaves of a fallen nation? Without him, would we be surrounded by enemies, facing formidable foes?"


    "Now, the Great Jin Kingdom has sent troops because of him..."


    The two sides quarreled incessantly.


    "Enough!"


    Ge Zheng shouted lowly, silencing everyone. He then focused his gaze on Xiao Yi, "Lord Xiao, don''t be so selfish!"


    Xiao Yi leaned slightly forward, squinting his eyes at Ge Zheng, "Mr. Ge, if I were to tell you that your life in exchange could ensure the everlasting prosperity of Tianqing Kingdom, would you be willing?"


    "This..."


    Ge Zheng''s face changed slightly, then with a cold huff and righteous words, he said, "For the Tianqing Kingdom, Ge is naturally willing¡­ However, Ge''s life is insignificant, dying a thousand or ten thousand times would still not be enough to stop the Great Jin Dynasty. Lord Xiao, you..."


    Xiao Yi waved his hand, saying, "Mr. Ge, would you dare to make a bet with me?"


    "Hmm?"


    Ge Zheng was momentarily taken aback, "Bet what?"


    "Bet our lives!"


    Xiao Yi spoke each word deliberately, looking at Ge Zheng and the rest of the officials, "I bet the lives of all of you!"

 Chapter 183 Four Symbols Legion

    "Bet all of your lives!"Xiao Yi squinted his eyes, intently staring at the ministers who had just asked him to sacrifice himself to save the Tianqing Kingdom.


    The ministers looked at each other in dismay.


    Ge Zheng''s aged face trembled slightly, and his muddy eyes fixed on Xiao Yi with deep sorrow and anger, "Madness, you are utterly mad! Lord Xiao, we are all pillars of the Tianqing Kingdom. The absence of any one of us could cause unimaginable turmoil to the kingdom. How can you be so selfish? Just for your own desires, you would drag us all down with you?"


    "That''s right, your death might save the Tianqing Kingdom, but our deaths would only cause chaos in the kingdom, with no other benefits!"


    "We earnestly implore you, Lord Xiao, to prioritize righteousness. The countless people of the Tianqing Kingdom will surely remember your merit!"


    "Ah, Lord Xiao, if the Great Jin Kingdom had targeted me, I would have willingly gone to the Great Jin Kingdom to apologize, working diligently till death. But their target isn''t us!"


    For a moment.


    The ministers were in an uproar.


    This was about their lives at stake; how could they not fight for themselves?


    Xiao Yi watched the crowd, their faces filled with pain and righteousness as he passed by.


    This was human nature!


    Just a moment before¡­


    They had been cheering and flattering him.


    And now?


    They would love nothing more than to kill him themselves and offer his head to the Great Jin Kingdom to appease their anger.


    Whew!


    Xiao Yi let out a long, turbid breath and said deliberately, "Who said your lives can''t save the Tianqing Kingdom? I have a secret technique that can create an army of a million elite soldiers comparable to the Golden Crow Guards in a short period. Tell me, if we had an army of a million soldiers as strong as the Golden Crow Guards, could we not save the Tianqing Kingdom?"


    "A million Golden Crow Guards?"


    "This, this... if we could really create such an army, we wouldn''t just be talking about resisting the Great Jin Kingdom, but even possibly usurping them!"


    "But how could that be possible? The Great Jin Kingdom, as strong as it is, has only trained about a hundred thousand Golden Crow Guards¡­"


    Ge Zheng''s face also underwent inexplicable changes. After contemplating for a moment, he then spoke, "Lord Xiao actually has such a secret technique?"


    "Hmm!"


    Xiao Yi nodded and said indifferently, "However, to use this secret technique, I require your lives as a sacrifice. I wonder if you would be willing to lay down your lives for the Tianqing Kingdom? Rest assured, once this army is formed, not only will it hold off the Great Jin Kingdom''s forces, but our Tianqing Kingdom could even take their place and become the foremost vassal state under the Great Qian Dynasty. You all will be the prime contributors and will be remembered throughout history. I believe the millions of people in the kingdom will remember your kindness!"


    Yu Huaxian, Gu Junhe, Jiang Tai, Xue Bufan, and others looked at the ministers with a sarcastic gaze.


    However¡­


    The ministers looked at each other, and not one spoke.


    Yu Huaxian twirled a lock of hair around her finger and laughed mockingly, "Didn''t you lords say that you would exert all efforts till death if it could save the kingdom? Why has everyone fallen silent now?"


    "Rest assured, Mr. Ge," said Gu Junhe as he raised his cup, "if you sacrifice yourself, the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy will definitely train enough capable ministers at the fastest speed to take over your positions and protect the Tianqing Kingdom!"


    Ge Zheng''s face twitched, turning red with embarrassment.


    What a slap in the face!


    This was an excruciating blow. Just a moment ago, they had been coercing Xiao Yi with talk of duty, and now the roles had reversed, leaving them in an untenable position.


    Jiang Tai sat in the seat of honor, tapping his fingers lightly on the armrest, and said leisurely, "Mr. Ge, Minister Wang, Minister Li¡­ Are you few willing to sacrifice yourselves for the eternal glory of the Tianqing Kingdom?"


    Thump!


    Wang Yi, Minister of Revenue, was the first to kneel on the ground, frightened and anxious, "Your Majesty, spare my life, I¡ªI still have a hundred-year-old mother at home, and newly wedded concubine¡­"


    "Your Majesty, spare my life¡­"


    Minister Li also knelt on the ground.


    Ge Zheng''s face alternated between shades of pale and flushed as his crafty eyes flickered. Finally, he sighed, "Your Majesty¡­ this old servant¡­ this old servant is aged, and I request to retire and return home¡­" sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Seeing this.


    Many ministers immediately stood up, "We too request to resign our offices and return home!"


    Of the six ministers, four offered their resignations.


    Inside the great hall, a good forty percent of the officials knelt on the ground.


    Ge Zheng''s formerly drooping mouth corners lifted slightly, marking his strategy of advancing by seeming to retreat.


    He didn''t mention a word about the sacrifices.


    Instead, he proposed retiring and returning to his hometown.


    This was also a threat to Jiang Tai¡ªif you push this old man too far, I''ll retire and return home. With his status and position, many of the court''s high officials were his disciples. If these ministers resign en masse, the court would descend into chaos without needing the Great Jin Kingdom''s armies to strike, and in Ge Zheng''s view, Jiang Tai, the new king, with his unstable grip on the kingdom, would not dare allow the court to fall into further disorder.


    Such a clever ploy would likely compel any other monarch to relent.


    But this time, his scheme fell through.


    Not to mention Jiang Tai was carrying out the will of Jiang Tianchen, and as long as Xiao Yi was there, Tianqing would not perish.


    Jiang Tai was keenly aware of the trump card Xiao Yi held, so there was no need to worry about these ministers.


    Jiang Tai gave Xiao Yi a glance.


    Xiao Yi nodded slightly.


    Jiang Tai sat up straight and said indifferently, "Since all you respected ministers feel powerless to assist me, then I shall fulfill your wishes! Guards, remove the black gauze hats from their heads!"


    "Your Majesty..."


    "Your Majesty, this..."


    Ge Zheng and the others wore faces of utter bewilderment, unable to believe what they were seeing from Jiang Tai.


    In their plan, Jiang Tai was supposed to insist on their staying, eventually having no choice but to yield!


    How could things have gone completely contrary to their expectations?


    Ge Zheng''s hands trembled, and he stared incredulously at Jiang Tai: "Your Majesty, I..."


    "Mr. Ge is of advanced age; I understand that there''s no need to say more," Jiang Tai retorted indifferently.


    Ge Zheng''s complexion alternated between pale and flushed, watching as the black gauze cap¡ªa symbol of power and glory¡ªwas taken off by the guards. He was so angry he spurted out blood, glaring furiously at Jiang Tai and Xiao Yi: "Your Majesty, are you willing to drive us, the old officials who have worked hard and made significant contributions, to our deaths for the sake of Xiao Yi? You... you... you are acting as a wayward king..."


    "Silence! Old fool, the War God and I have already given you a chance. And what about you? You all claim to act for the Tianqing Kingdom, pressuring Xiao Yi to his death. But when it''s your turn, you threaten me with resignation? You think I, as the new king, can''t handle you?" Jiang Tai, unable to bear any longer, glared furiously. "I''m not afraid to tell you that this was also my father''s will. In the Tianqing Kingdom, everyone but Xiao Yi can be sacrificed, even me! What do you count for, daring to threaten me with resignation? Then I shall fulfill your wish! Guards, throw them all into the heavenly prison! Yu Huaxian, I appoint you as Imperial Censor to investigate them thoroughly. If they are found guilty of bribery or law-breaking, execute or punish them accordingly..."


    Yu Huaxian stood up at once and said respectfully, "Your servant obeys the decree!"


    As the director of Great Jin Kingdom''s Eastern Factory, let alone that these men were not clean, even if they were all upright officials, he could still dig out dirt on them!


    Thump!


    Ge Zheng and the others collapsed on the spot.


    Jiang Tai then stood up and declared loudly, "Undying Ghost Doctor Xue Bufan, step forward to receive your title!"


    "This old man is here!" Xue Bufan said.


    Jiang Tai continued, "Elder Xue, I appoint you as the National Healing King of the Tianqing Kingdom, to assist the Guardian Martial God in creating the Four Symbols Legion!"


    "Yes!"


    Xue Bufan nodded his head.


    Jiang Tai went on, "Gu Junhe, I appoint you as the Great General of the Kingdom, to assist the Guardian Martial God in creating the Four Symbols Legion!"


    "As you command!"


    Gu Junhe stated solemnly.


    Finally, Jiang Tai''s gaze rested on Xiao Yi, as he rose to his full height, bowing deeply, "War God, the fate of the Tianqing Kingdom is in your hands."


    "I shall not fail the trust placed in me!" Xiao Yi responded gravely.


    Thump!


    Listening to Jiang Tai''s series of commands, Ge Zheng and the others turned deathly pale, finally realizing that all of today''s events were traps that Xiao Yi and Jiang Tai had meticulously prepared to purge the court, to silence any dissenting voices, to establish Jiang Tai''s authority as the new king, and to clear the obstacles for the construction of the Four Symbols Legion.


    Ge Zheng and the rest exchanged despairing looks.


    They were utterly ruined!

 Chapter 184 The Peoples Allegiance, Great Jins Fury!

    Everything that occurred within the royal palace quickly spread throughout the entire Tianqing Kingdom, with the consent of Xiao Yi and Jiang Wei.Upon learning that Ge Zheng and a group of important court officials had actually considered sacrificing Xiao Yi in exchange for the kingdom''s safety after his imprisonment, not a single voice within the entire Tianqing Kingdom rose to plead their case. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    There was unanimous celebration and applause.


    The reason being...


    Before Xiao Yi''s time.


    Although Jiang Tianchen was also a wise king, there were several great kingdoms eyeing them covetously from afar, and the Royal Martial Arts Academy meddled in succession disputes, staying close to the bed but reaching for the throne. This distracted Jiang Tianchen, leading to rampant corruption among his officials and a life for his people that was far from peaceful and content.


    Until the appearance of Xiao Yi.


    First, he annihilated Tianlan, then wiped out Qingyun.


    Now, he even managed to repel the Baijing Kingdom and the Sihai Kingdom.


    What''s more...


    Xiao Yi leveled the Royal Martial Arts Academy. In its stead, the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, now the holy land of martial arts in the Tianqing Kingdom, was recruiting students from all the populace. As long as one could pass the examination, regardless of background, they could enter the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy.


    Without any exaggeration, Xiao Yi alone changed the destinies of the people of the Tianqing Kingdom.


    When they heard that Ge Zheng and others were conspiring against Xiao Yi, the first to refuse were these very people!


    As for the Great Jin Kingdom''s army that was about to lay siege to their city?


    With the numerous miracles Xiao Yi had performed before, the people had an even firmer belief than Xiao Yi himself that they could win this war.


    "Have you heard? The War God is planning to create the Four Symbols Legion and is recruiting soldiers right now!"


    "Are you serious?"


    "Of course, I am... Hey, hey, hey, where are you going? Your noodles just came to a boil..."


    "I''m not eating anymore; I have to go back and get my sons to enlist..."


    "Right, enlist!"


    In the past, enlisting in the army was a bitter ordeal for the people, and everyone wished they could hide their menfolk at home.


    Now, they could hardly wait to send their sons to enlist upon hearing the news.


    Gu Junhe, who was in charge of the recruitment, sighed softly upon receiving this news and looked down at the recruitment plan he had diligently prepared all night, "The hearts of the people are with us... this is truly the hearts of the people being with us..."


    The following day.


    When the Tianqing Kingdom''s enlistment sites opened, the officers responsible for recruitment were completely stunned; there were long queues outside the door. Each person was brimming with energy, a stark contrast to the usual disheartened attitude of being forced to enlist, wishing they could be dismissed by the officers to return home.


    The recruitment went astonishingly smoothly.


    In one day, they managed to recruit an army of 150,000 men.


    This was still due to insufficient staffing at various locations; many people who came to enlist were unable to complete testing in time.


    Gu Junhe, looking at the thick roster in his hands, sought out Xiao Yi overnight.


    Xiao Yi was discussing medicine with Xue Bufan. The medicine that Xue Bufan had concocted for Shi Yaoqian was provided by Xiao Yi''s prescription.


    It was just that there had been a small mistake in Xue Bufan''s concoction, which caused Shi Yaoqian to lose control.


    "Xiao, with your guidance, all four medicines are showing promise. Without any mishaps, mass production can begin in three days..." Xue Bufan looked at Xiao Yi excitedly, his cloudy eyes shining with both admiration and fervor.


    Xiao Yi''s attainments in medicine truly startled Xue Bufan.


    Xiao Yi nodded, "The medicine is in your hands; I just wonder how smoothly the recruitment is going!"


    "Smoothly? It''s been beyond smooth!"


    Gu Junhe''s voice came from outside the door; he spoke with a wry smile, "This is just the first day, and we''ve already recruited 150,000 people. That''s with us being unprepared and understaffed, so many people couldn''t complete the tests. I came over to discuss with you whether we should expand the number of recruits to 1.5 million if the medicine can keep up."


    If they recruited another 1.5 million, the Tianqing Kingdom''s total military strength would reach two million.


    Xue Bufan spoke gravely, "As long as the medicinal materials can keep up, there will be no issues with the medicine!"


    Xiao Yi pondered for a moment and then said, "Wait here; I''ll go to the Treasure Pavilion. If the Treasure Pavilion is willing to assist us, there will absolutely be no problem with the medicinal materials!"


    "Good!"


    Both nodded repeatedly.


    Xiao Yi turned and left ...


    ...


    Great Jin Kingdom.


    This was the only one among more than a hundred vassal states under the Great Qian Dynasty that possessed a warrior of the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    However, this Dharma Manifestation Realm warrior was in closed-door cultivation all year round, seldom showing his face, serving more as a deterrent.


    Under the Great Qian, Great Jin reigned supreme!


    This was no idle boast ...


    The sprawling palace of the Great Jin Kingdom was ten times the size of the capital of the Tianqing Kingdom, immensely vast and majestically imposing. For an ordinary person to walk from one end of the palace to the other took at least ten days to half a month. The entire palace was actually a formation, and there were even rumors that beneath the palace lay the suppressed dragon veins of the Great Jin Kingdom!


    Boom, boom, boom!


    Outside the Golden Throne Hall, the heavenly drum thundered.


    Only in emergencies would this heavenly drum be sounded.


    In an instant,


    Countless ministers hurried toward the palace. Along the way, many of them encountered their colleagues and asked each other, "Do you know what has happened?"


    "I have no idea ..."


    "Isn''t that Minister Qin up ahead? Let''s ask him ..."


    Qin Yu, Minister of War of the Great Jin Kingdom, warrior of the Eighth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm.


    Riding on a tall horse, Qin Yu glanced at the few ministers who had caught up to him. In response to their inquiries, Qin Yu said indifferently, "If this minister is not mistaken, it should be related to the Tianqing Kingdom!"


    "Tianqing Kingdom?"


    The ministers were momentarily stunned.


    In their eyes, Tianqing Kingdom was but a speck of dust, a place hidden in the remote recesses of the Nanhuang region.


    How could such a small country stir the heavenly drum?


    With various thoughts in mind,


    The ministers arrived at the Golden Throne Hall; after they took their stand, a soft voice came through, "His Majesty arrives!"


    "We greet His Majesty!"


    "His Majesty''s contributions last a thousand generations, his legacy endures forever!"


    The crowd shouted in unison.


    This was the difference between the Great Jin Kingdom and the Tianqing Kingdom!


    The ruler of the Tianqing Kingdom could only be referred to as "may he live forever," but the Great Jin Kingdom could acclaim "may he live for thousands of generations and eternity," while the emperor of the Great Qian Dynasty was referred to as "may his reign last forever."


    This was a sign of hierarchical standing, and at the same time, a reflection of strength!


    The Jin Emperor was dignified and magnanimous, draped in a dragon robe wrapped with golden dragons, his movement was like a true dragon striding upon the earth, his eyes as brilliant as if they harbored the sun, moon, and stars, sitting atop the dragon throne, his presence was commanding without anger. A calm voice issued from him, "My seventh son is dead, the chief commander of my imperial guards is dead ..."


    Two simple sentences chilled the assembled ministers to the bone.


    They exchanged looks, full of shock and disbelief.


    The seventh prince was dead?


    Who was so brazen as to dare to assassinate the seventh prince?


    The Jin Emperor coldly asked, "Is Qin Yu present?"


    "Your servant is here!"


    Qin Yu stood up straight, his towering figure presiding over the court.


    The Jin Emperor commanded coldly, "I grant you one hundred thousand Golden Crow Guards, one million troops, lead the Four Kings from the east, south, west, and north to the Tianqing Kingdom, flatten Tianqing for me, and bring back the head of Xiao Yi!"


    "Your servant obeys the edict!"


    Qin Yu respectfully accepted the command, his head held high, his face full of determination and confidence: "Your Majesty, rest assured, your servant will flatten Tianqing, and avenge the prince!"

 Chapter 185 Ill Give it a Try!

    ```Long since his last visit to this place, Xiao Yi couldn''t help feeling somewhat wistful.


    Back when he was in Nanhuang City, he had started his road to fortune at Treasure Pavilion; only, with the increase in his strength and status, coupled with the recent frequent battles surrounding Tianqing Kingdom on all sides, Xiao Yi''s connection with Treasure Pavilion had grown much fainter.


    Stepping through the entrance.


    A servant smiled and approached, "May I help you with anything?"


    Xiao Yi said, "Please let Elder Yan know that an old friend from Nanhuang is here to visit!"


    "Of course, please wait a moment!"


    The messenger left at once.


    After a short while...


    Elder Yan Mingli rushed out in a flurry, his hair unkempt and his face covered in grime, his clothes torn and tattered as though he had been smoked by fire.


    On his charcoal-black face, two eyes shone with unmatched brightness. From a great distance, he caught sight of Xiao Yi and hurried over, "Xiao, what wind has blown you here!"


    Xiao Yi looked at Yan Mingli quizzically, "What happened to you, Elder Yan?"


    "Let''s not talk about it. Elder Chen is refining a pill and I got like this while assisting him!"


    Yan Mingli wiped his face, chuckled, and said, "Xiao, it''s rare for you to visit Treasure Pavilion; come and sit with me in the back hall. Elder Chen should be done soon. He''s been talking about you ever since you last left!"


    Xiao Yi smiled, just about to reply, when suddenly his brows knitted, "Elder Yan, better take me to where Elder Chen is refining pills first!"


    "Eh? Xiao, you''re interested in alchemy as well?" Yan Mingli was surprised.


    Xiao Yi shook his head, "If we don''t go now, I''m afraid Elder Chen''s batch of pills will be ruined!"


    "Eh?"


    Yan Mingli''s face showed utter astonishment.


    He was well aware of Elder Chen''s alchemy skills¡ªhe was the only one in the entire Tianqing Kingdom who had reached the stellar level as an Alchemist. Within Tianqing Kingdom, if anyone talked about alchemy, Elder Chen was the one to beat.


    He had been refining this batch for seven days and nights, about to succeed!


    How could it possibly fail?


    But...


    Yan Mingli knew very well the kind of person Xiao Yi was; he wouldn''t speak without cause. He immediately said, "Let''s go, I''ll take you there now!"


    The two arrived at the back yard''s alchemy room.


    This alchemy room was connected directly to the earth''s fire, and from afar, one could feel the temperature rising.


    "Congratulations to Master, cheers to Master, once this Second-layer XuanYang Elixir is completed, Master will become a two-star Alchemist!" A sycophantic voice came from inside the alchemy room.


    Laughter from Chen Fu also followed, "Haha, Chen Yu, this time I owe it to your and Elder Yan''s assistance. Once your master becomes a two-star Alchemist, there will be great rewards!"


    "Thank you, Master!"


    Chen Yu''s face was beaming with joy when suddenly his eyes shifted and he spotted Elder Yan and Xiao Yi hurriedly entering through the door. His brows furrowed and he said displeasedly, "Elder Yan, the alchemy room is a restricted area, no outsiders allowed. How could you just bring someone in?"


    Yan Mingli had no time to explain and instead turned to Chen Fu, "Elder Chen, stop quickly, there''s a problem with this batch of pills!"


    "Hmm?"


    Chen Fu was taken aback, "A problem? What kind of problem?"


    Yan Mingli was at a loss for words; he didn''t know what the problem was, so he looked to Xiao Yi, "Xiao, you see..."


    Xiao Yi gestured politely to Chen Fu, about to speak, when Chen Yu beside him interrupted with a sneer, "Elder Yan, bringing some green kid here and daring to instruct my master in alchemy? Aren''t you looking down on my master a bit too much? Who doesn''t know in the vast Tianqing Kingdom that my master is the number one in the field of alchemy?"


    Chen Fu was certainly aware of Xiao Yi''s identity, but he also knew Xiao Yi for his martial talent.


    In his view, no matter how talented Xiao Yi was, he couldn''t possibly be well-versed in both martial arts and alchemy at such a young age.


    Moreover, his confidence soared as he watched his batch of pills nearing completion, further buoyed by Chen Yu''s flattering praise just now. And here was Xiao Yi claiming his batch of pills was about to be ruined.


    ```


    How could he accept that?


    Chen Fu also said with an unpleasant face, "Xiao, this batch of elixir will be ready soon. Please wait in the back hall for a while!"


    Elder Yan''s face showed an anxious look, "Elder Chen, Xiao said there''s a problem with this batch of elixir, you..."


    "Enough!"


    Chen Yu said angrily, "Elder Yan, you know how much our master has put into this batch of elixir. At such a critical moment, you don''t help, and now you even want to disturb our master''s mind? What are you really thinking? Could it be that you don''t want to see our master become a two-star alchemist?"


    "I..."


    Yan Mingli''s face went from pale to flushed, he opened his mouth to argue but was stopped by Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi smiled, "Since they don''t want to listen, let''s just watch from the side!"


    Yan Mingli hesitated for a moment, and seeing that Xiao Yi had already taken a stance of watching indifferently, he could only sigh and stand aside.


    Chen Fu watched the pill furnace intently, his face expressionless.


    Chen Yu''s face was laced with mockery, "Still thinking about instructing our master? You really don''t know how high the sky is... This kid is not even twenty years old. If he can point out where our master went wrong in alchemy, I''m willing to take my head off and use it as your night pot. Really don''t know the immensity of heaven and earth..."


    However...


    His words had just ended.


    Stay tuned with empire


    Suddenly, the pill furnace trembled violently.


    Boom!


    With a loud noise, the earth fire splattered around, and a column of fire shot into the sky, actually bursting through the roof of the alchemy room.


    Bang!


    The whole roof was blown off, and the fire column, dozens of meters high, completely enveloped the entire pill furnace.


    The scorching heat forced Chen Fu and his disciple to retreat.


    "What, what''s happening?" Chen Yu''s eyes bulged, his legs softened with fright.


    If it weren''t for Chen Fu pulling him away just in time, that column of fire could have incinerated him to ashes! S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Fu was also at a loss, seeing the flames wrapping the pill furnace and faint cracks emerging, his face showed a look of despair, "Why is this happening? It was about to be a success, I was about to step into the level of a second-layer alchemist, why did it turn out like this? Why..."


    "Master, what, what exactly happened?" Chen Yu was completely bewildered.


    Chen Fu was covered in cold sweat, his face the picture of despair, "The earth fire has lost control. If this continues, the furnace will explode..."


    "What? Explode?"


    Chen Yu''s face turned deathly pale, his head buzzing, his mind went blank, then he suddenly looked viciously at Xiao Yi, "It''s all your fault... you''re the jinx. If you hadn''t mentioned an explosion, how could it have come to this?"


    Xiao Yi: "..."


    Yan Mingli glared at Chen Yu, "Nonsense! Xiao had warned you earlier, but you refused to listen to his explanation, and now you''re blaming it on him?"


    "I, I..."


    Chen Yu was at a loss for words, his face burning with shame.


    It was him who had just rebuked Xiao Yi for knowing nothing and yelling nonsense.


    He hadn''t expected to be proven right by Xiao Yi!


    Chen Fu laughed bitterly in despair, "Forget it, forget it... It seems that fate has decreed I won''t become a second-layer alchemist... Let''s leave this place quickly. Chen Yu, immediately have everyone evacuate from the Treasure Pavilion. Should the furnace explode, the consequences are unthinkable..."


    "Yes!"


    Chen Yu nodded hurriedly.


    But just then...


    Xiao Yi''s voice, leisurely, rose, "Let me give it a try!"

 Chapter 186 His Name is Xiao Yi!

    ```"Let me try."


    Xiao Yi sighed and stepped forward.


    The previous attitude of Chen Fu and the other had made him not want to meddle.


    However...


    If the Four Symbols Legion were to develop smoothly, they still needed the massive resources of the Treasure Pavilion, so helping now would make future transactions much easier.


    Chen Yu was taken aback, then angrily said, "Boy, do you even understand alchemy? The situation is completely out of control, and there''s no way to save it now. If you mess around and it causes a huge explosion, the backlash of the earth fire could turn the entire capital into a sea of fire. Can you bear the consequences?"


    Xiao Yi frowned and gave him a cold look, causing Chen Yu to tremble all over as if he had fallen into an ice cellar, swallowing the words he was about to say.


    Xiao Yi''s face was indifferent, "Keep whining, and I''ll tear your mouth apart!"


    "You..."


    Chen Yu shuddered, his face turned pale, feeling as if Xiao Yi had turned into a terrifying beast that left him without the courage to speak.


    Xiao Yi looked at Chen Fu, "Let me try."


    Chen Fu''s expression changed rapidly, but he was out of options and could only respond with a wry smile, "We are grateful for your assistance, Xiao."


    "Hmm."


    Xiao Yi nodded slightly and casually walked up to the alchemy furnace.


    Boom, boom, boom!


    The earth fire boiled, fiery columns shot into the sky, and the terrifying waves of fire seemed as if they could engulf everything.


    The crimson glow of the flames reflected on his face.


    Chen Yu sneered repeatedly, "Elder Yan, is your friend out of his mind? With the earth fire out of control, even my master can''t handle it. Who does he think he is?"


    Elder Yan gave him a look and watched Xiao Yi anxiously.


    Just then...


    Xiao Yi suddenly extended his palm into the blazing flames.


    Chen Yu''s face showed an even more mocking expression, "Has this guy gone mad? That''s earth fire! Even the vital energy of someone in the Golden Core Realm can''t withstand the high temperature of the earth fire. Is he planning to perish with it?"


    However.


    As Xiao Yi''s hand entered the flames, the raging fire that boiled ceaselessly seemed to meet its natural enemy and avoided him. Continue your adventure with empire


    His hands moved to the left and right, forcibly tearing a gap in the wall of flames that had converged in front of him.


    He wasn''t harmed in the slightest!


    "What?"


    Chen Yu was dumbfounded, "This is impossible..."


    That was earth fire!


    The vital energy of someone in the Golden Core Realm would be instantly incinerated, yet Xiao Yi could tear apart the earth fire with his bare hands?


    Chen Fu was also deeply shocked, "Incredible, absolutely incredible!"


    Elder Yan''s face showed excitement, and he smiled proudly, "I''ve always said Xiao could do anything, now do you believe me?"


    Chen Fu nodded in astonishment.


    Chen Yu, clenching his fists tightly and unwilling to accept defeat, said, "Hmph, this only shows that his vital energy is strong, it proves nothing else."


    "Open!"


    Xiao Yi uttered a light shout.


    Vital energy burst out from around him, completely tearing apart a fire column tens of meters high while pushing forward with one hand. His left hand grabbed the red-hot pill furnace, and amidst a series of harsh sounds, a puff of black smoke rose up, and Xiao Yi forcefully lifted the furnace.


    Sss!


    Chen Fu and the others were stunned, completely dumbfounded.


    This alchemy furnace weighed tens of thousands of pounds.


    It was burning hot, and Xiao Yi lifted it with one hand?


    Xiao Yi held the alchemy furnace aloft with his right hand while pushing forward with his left, vital energy gushing wildly from his palm, coalescing into a column of energy, and suddenly crashing down towards the outlet of the earth fire, "Seal!"


    Boom!


    The column of vital energy smashed down, blocking the earth fire outlet with a bang.


    At the same time, the energy column dispersed, its pure energy seeping into the broken Earth Fire Array, causing the fearsome flames to dissipate into the air.


    Thud!


    Xiao Yi set the alchemy furnace to one side, dusted his hands, and looked at Chen Fu with a smile, "It''s just that the Earth Fire Array is worn out after years and your use of it for too long this time caused it to break. I''ve sealed the array; now, as long as someone repairs it, there''ll be no more problems!"


    "Thank you, Xiao, for saving our lives!" Chen Fu, finally recovering, said with a serious expression.


    Xiao Yi waved his hand dismissively, "It was nothing."


    "Hmph, he''s just relying on his great strength..." Chen Yu muttered unconvincedly.


    "Shut up!"


    Chen Fu gave him a stern look and scolded, "Aren''t you going to apologize to Xiao?"


    "Apologize? What did I say that was wrong..."


    Chen Yu stiffened his neck, "He previously said my master made a mistake during the alchemy process, just showing off. It was just luck that he encountered a broken earth fire array, and he''s only relying on his strong cultivation. What did I say wrong?"


    ```


    "Xiao, this boy has been spoiled by me, please forgive him!"


    Chen Fu said with a bitter smile as he clasped his hands towards Xiao Yi, but in his heart, he agreed with Chen Yu''s view, regretfully looking at the pill furnace covered in cracks, "It''s just a pity for this batch of pills, it was only one step away from success, but now all efforts have been in vain..."


    "It doesn''t matter, it was just that the temperature was too high during the solidifying pill process. All you need to do is add a measure of Frost Condensing Herb!" Xiao Yi said from the side.


    Chen Fu was startled: "Frost Condensing Herb?"


    Chen Yu folded his arms across his chest, full of sarcasm: "Sure enough, a layman. Do you even understand alchemy? The nature of the Mysterious Yang Elixir is of yang fire, while the Frost Condensing Herb is a medicinal herb with yin cold properties. If these two are combined, it will lead to a chaos in the medicinal properties and turn directly into a poison pill. And you''re saying to add Frost Condensing Herb?"


    Chen Fu couldn''t help but shake his head as well.


    Xiao Yi smiled as he looked at the two of them: "You don''t believe me?"


    "Your words are nothing but nonsense, what''s there to believe?" Chen Yu sneered, "My master was practicing alchemy when you didn''t even know where you were!"


    Chen Fu said in a deep voice: "Xiao, we still have to thank you for stepping in to help!"


    "Forget it!"


    Xiao Yi shook his head and sighed, "Since you don''t believe, then let it be!"


    He had no intention of casting pearls before swine.


    However, Yan Mingli said solemnly from the side: "Elder Chen, I think you should give it a try!"


    "Hmm?"


    Chen Yu frowned and said, "Elder Yan, are you questioning my master?"


    Chen Fu''s face showed a trace of displeasure, being the number one figure in the Tianqing Kingdom''s alchemy world. Seeing Yan Mingli would rather believe Xiao Yi than himself, his expression also turned somewhat unsightly.


    Yan Mingli said solemnly: "Elder Chen, at this point, it''s just a waste of a Frost Condensing Herb either way, why not give it a try?"


    "Master, just try it as he says, lest someone remains unconvinced!" Chen Yu said in a tone tinged with sarcasm.


    Chen Fu sighed: "Alright then!"


    The Frost Condensing Herb wasn''t a precious medicinal herb; they were stocked in the alchemy room.


    The entire Frost Condensing Herb was dark green, its surface dotted with crystal-clear crystals like ice, cool to the touch. Chen Fu threw the Frost Condensing Herb into the pill furnace. At the same time, he activated the Condensing Elixir Art, with qi converging inside the pill furnace. After a while, the pill furnace stopped trembling, clearly indicating the end of the pill condensing.


    Chen Fu could not be bothered to look at the ''poison pills'' and sighed: "Chen Yu, go and take out the pills."


    "Yes!"


    Chen Yu looked at Xiao Yi triumphantly, "Let''s see what you have to say now!"


    Thud!


    Chen Yu lifted the lid of the pill furnace.


    However¡­


    The moment the pill furnace was uncovered, the smug look on Chen Yu''s face disappeared: "This, this is impossible..."


    A rich fragrance of medicine pervaded the entire alchemy room.


    Chen Fu''s eyes widened: "This, this is..."


    He pulled Chen Yu aside and took out the three pills from the pill furnace.


    The pills were entirely red, and they felt warm in the hand.


    "This, this is a Mysterious Yang Elixir? Moreover, a top-quality Mysterious Yang Elixir? How is this possible..." Chen Fu was utterly dumbfounded.


    Top-quality indeed!


    Normally, only a second-grade middle-level alchemist could refine pills of this quality.


    This was clearly supposed to be just a batch of waste pills!


    How could it be that simply by adding a stalk of Frost Condensing Herb, not only was the situation turned around from waste to treasure, but it even became top-quality?


    "Top-quality?"


    Chen Yu was also shocked, disbelievingly staring at the pills in Chen Fu''s hand, his face turning alternately pale and flushed as if he had just been viciously slapped dozens of times.


    Yan Mingli laughed heartily: "Hahaha, Elder Chen, Xiao hasn''t let you down, has he!"


    "It''s not just about not being let down, it''s simply a miracle! Indeed, there are people beyond people and heavens beyond heavens. Chen admits to not recognizing the greatness in front of him!"


    Chen Fu shook his head self-deprecatingly and clasped his hands towards Xiao Yi, "Xiao, I hope you can forgive my shortsightedness!"


    Yan Mingli said leisurely: "I do remember someone saying that if one really turns waste into treasure, they''re willing to unscrew their head and use it as a night pot!"


    "I..."


    Chen Yu''s face turned ashen as he knelt on the ground, his neck stiff, "Xiao, please take my head!"


    "Get up. Elder Yan was merely joking, no need for such extreme measures!"


    Xiao Yi laughed heartily as he looked at Chen Fu, "Elder Chen, I have a matter to discuss with you!"


    "Xiao, please speak!"


    Chen Fu bowed.


    Chen Yu looked at the disappearing backs of the two, turning towards Yan Mingli. "Elder Yan, who exactly is he?"


    Yan Mingli looked at him with an odd expression and said indifferently: "His name is Xiao Yi!"


    "Xiao Yi?"


    Chen Yu was stunned, his face suddenly changing, incredulous, "He, he, he... the Guardian Martial God?" S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 187 My Hatred Will Not Be Quelled Until Xiao Yi Dies!

    Inside the Treasure Pavilion.Chen Yu''s face was brimming with eagerness and admiration as he respectfully stood to one side, serving Xiao Yi tea and water.


    Xiao Yi, seeing his demeanor, felt somewhat helpless, "You needn''t go to such lengths!" Discover hidden content at empire


    Chen Yu promptly shook his head, not showing the slightest bit of his previous arrogance and pride, speaking with utter sincerity, "War God, I did not realize it was you earlier, and I inadvertently offended you. You, being magnanimous, did not take my petty actions to heart. But all these are things I ought to do..."


    Chen Fu chuckled, "Xiao, you can ignore him. This lad has really taken you as his idol!"


    "Heh heh!" S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Yu scratched his head and said, "In the Tianqing Kingdom these days, almost everyone regards you as an idol!"


    Xiao Yi couldn''t help but laugh and cry, then he turned to look at Chen Fu, "Chen, I''ve taken the liberty to come today because we are forming the Four Symbols Legion, to respond to the Great Jin Kingdom. However, there is quite a shortfall when it comes to medicinal materials. We hope to establish a cooperation with the Treasure Pavilion. Of course, we''ll still purchase the materials at market prices!"


    The royal family was footing the bill for these materials, so naturally, Xiao Yi didn''t need to worry about the cost in silver taels.


    Chen Fu nodded, "Xiao, rest assured, I, Chen Fu, am also a man of the Tianqing Kingdom. Whatever medicinal materials you need, just give me a list. I will arrange for it to be transferred from other branches as quickly as possible!"


    "Then, I shall trouble you, Chen," Xiao Yi said with a smile.


    "It''s my duty!" said Chen Fu earnestly.


    Chen Yu, who was at the side, seemed hesitant to speak. Xiao Yi inquired with curiosity, "Chen Yu, is there something on your mind?"


    Taking a deep breath and mustering all his courage, Chen Yu said, "War God..."


    "You can address me by my name!" Xiao Yi interjected.


    "Then, then I''ll follow my master and call you Xiao from now on!" Chen Yu chuckled, then continued, "Xiao, regarding the Four Symbols Legion you mentioned, I was wondering if I can qualify to join?"


    His cultivation had also reached the Peak of the Divine Ability Realm, and he was not far from the Golden Elixir Realm.


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow, "You? Does Chen really feel willing to let you enlist?"


    Even though the Four Symbols Legion was to be built to the standards of the Golden Crow Guards, it was, after all, about joining the military.


    In the future, they were to be deployed to the battlefield.


    This was a matter of risking one''s life.


    With Chen Yu''s status, studying the art of medicine under Chen Fu''s guidance and possibly even taking over the position of Pavilion Master someday...


    Why take the risk?


    Chen Yu spoke in a determined voice, "As a man in this world, one should be like Xiao, entering the battlefield, slaying enemies, and protecting the homeland. I¡ªI want to try!"


    Xiao Yi looked towards Chen Fu.


    Chen Fu gazed deeply at Chen Yu, his eyes filled with relief. He nodded, "Xiao, go ahead and agree to his request!"


    "In that case, you just need to go to the recruitment spot tomorrow to enroll!"


    Xiao Yi smiled, thinking that Chen Yu''s entry into the Four Symbols Legion was all to the good. With this setup, Chen Fu would definitely be more active in providing medicinal materials to the Legion. Therefore, he warned, "However, let me be clear upfront, once you join the Four Symbols Legion, you will be a soldier, not Chen''s disciple anymore. I will treat everyone the same; there will be no special treatment!"


    "Xiao, rest assured, I promise not to disgrace you or my master!" Chen Yu pledged, thumping his chest.


    Xiao Yi nodded then stood up, "Chen, then I''ll leave the matter of the medicinal materials in your hands. I still have other matters to attend to, so I''ll take my leave now!"


    "Xiao, take care!"


    Said Chen Fu, continuously.


    "Master, let me see Xiao off!" Chen Yu quickly offered.


    "Go ahead!"


    Watching the departing duo, Chen Fu smiled and turned to Yan Mingli by his side, "Mingli, this Xiao is really extraordinary! Not only is his martial arts talent so formidable, capable of leading troops into battle, but he also has such a profound knowledge in medicine. This man''s gift, I''m afraid, is not even a bit inferior to the legendary Xiao Tianjiao!"


    Yan Mingli chuckled, "Who could disagree? I''m becoming more and more curious whether the Xiao Family is entirely blind..."


    ......


    Inside the royal palace.


    When Jiang Tai learned that the Treasure Pavilion had agreed to help provide medicinal herbs, he also quietly let out a sigh of relief, "Xiao brother, Father Emperor was right, with you here, Tianqing will not fall!"


    "If you keep praising me like this, I might just ascend to the heavens!"


    Xiao Yi said helplessly before continuing, "Right now, there''s no need to worry about the medicinal herbs. Elder Xue will handle the pill concoction, and as for the training of the Four Symbols Legion, Yu Huaxian and Gu will work together¡ªthere won''t be any problems. Next, I plan to take a trip out."


    "Where to?"


    Jiang Tai asked, puzzled.


    Xiao Yi said solemnly, "Weapons. I found a massive mine in Iron Mountain City before, with an extremely rich reserve. I''m planning to go to Iron Mountain City, first to develop that vein, then to have Iron Mountain City put all their efforts into forging weapons and armors!"


    He intended to create special armor and weapons for the Four Symbols Legion.


    All these required a massive amount of ore.


    That mine, with reserves worth over ten billion Silver Taels, had never been developed before due to a lack of time, and now was the moment.


    Jiang Tai said, "If that''s the case, then let the Shi Family brothers lead the Imperial Guards to accompany you there."


    "That works!"


    The Shi Family brothers had all advanced to the Golden Elixir Realm Cultivation, and with their help along with the Imperial Guards, at least clearing the beasts around the vein wouldn''t be a problem, and it would save a lot of effort.


    The two were discussing this matter.


    However, they hadn''t noticed that an old eunuch who had been standing by their side with bowed head had a glint of sharpness flash through his eyes.


    Deep into the night, all was quiet.


    Within the dungeon.


    Ge Zheng and a group of people were imprisoned inside, waiting for Yu Huaxian to thoroughly investigate their crimes before a public judgment.


    In the dim and damp dungeon.


    A shadowy figure quietly appeared before Ge Zheng and knelt down before him, "Righteous father!"


    Ge Zheng opened his bleary eyes and looked at the shadow before him, "Why are you here? Didn''t I tell you to be extremely careful and not to expose our relationship?"


    "Righteous father, your son has an urgent matter that requires your decision!" the shadow said.


    Ge Zheng frowned and inquired, "What''s the matter?"


    The shadow spoke in a grave tone, "Your son has received news that Xiao Yi is headed to Iron Mountain City with the Shi Family brothers and fifty thousand Imperial Guards. They have seemingly discovered an astonishingly large mine there. Xiao Yi plans to develop that mine to forge weapons for the Four Symbols Legion!"


    "Oh?"


    Ge Zheng''s pupils suddenly dilated.


    He was already a prisoner, and with the relationship between Jiang Tai and Xiao Yi, there was no chance they would allow him to turn the tables.


    Unless...


    The formation of the Four Symbols Legion failed.


    The Tianqing Kingdom was defeated by the Great Jin Kingdom.


    Then, perhaps he would have a way out.


    With this thought in mind.


    Ge Zheng gave a hideous smile, "Well, this is really a godsend opportunity." He looked at the shadow before him, took out a peace charm from his bosom, and said in a deep voice, "This is your father''s token. Take it and quickly go to the depths of Nanhuang to find that person. That person owed your father a favor, and as long as you present this charm, he will certainly make a move to help you. Have him kill Xiao Yi."


    "Righteous father, rest assured, your son will surely fulfill the trust!" the shadow reverently withdrew.


    Ge Zheng''s eyes gleamed savagely as he raised his head to look at the pitch-black dungeon, and he sneered sinisterly, "Xiao Yi, my hatred will not be soothed until you are dead!"

 Chapter 188 Who Are You?

    Outside Iron Mountain City. Explore stories on empireThe Iron Arm Princess, Hu Qingbi, led the people of Iron Mountain City as they waited outside the city.


    She had already received the news that Xiao Yi would be arriving in Iron Mountain City.


    Hu Qingbi combed her hair and straightened her clothes while still feeling uncertain, she turned to her maid and asked, "Xiao Yun, is my hair messy? Is this outfit really okay?"


    Xiao Yun rolled her eyes and said helplessly, "Commandery Princess, it''s only been an hour, and you''ve already asked me over thirty times."


    Hu Qingbi glared at her and said, "It''s always you who talks too much¡­"


    "Oh¡­ Commandery Princess, your clothes are fine and so is your hair, I guarantee that Lord Xiao won''t be able to take his eyes off you¡ªnow are you satisfied?" Xiao Yun muttered.


    A flush of embarrassment emerged on Hu Qingbi''s face as she said in feigned anger, "Who told you I dressed up like this for Xiao?"


    Xiao Yun rolled her eyes again, "Right, right, right, you''ve dressed up so beautifully for them, not for Xiao¡ªhappy now?"


    "..."


    Hu Qingbi looked at the burly blacksmiths surrounding her, her pretty face turning dark.


    At that moment...


    A series of rumbling sounds approached, amid clouds of dust and smoke.


    Xiao Yi, leading fifty thousand Imperial Guards, appeared majestically on the horizon, quickly arriving in front of Iron Mountain City.


    "Qingbi pays her respects to Xiao!" Hu Qingbi hurried forward.


    Xiao Yi laughed heartily and said, "The Commandery Princess is so thoughtful. I wonder if the experienced mining masters you''ve arranged are ready?"


    Hu Qingbi said, "Xiao, you must be exhausted from the journey. Why not enter the city and rest for a while?"


    Xiao Yi waved his hand and said, "No need, military duties beckon, I can''t delay!"


    "Alright then..."


    Hu Qingbi gazed at Xiao Yi with a look of unfulfilled longing and sighed, "The arrangements have been made, we can set out now!"


    "Then let us be on our way!"


    Xiao Yi ignored Hu Qingbi''s gaze.


    In his heart, there was only Fang Qingzhu. He really had no spare attention for anything else.


    Moreover...


    He was but a passing traveler in the Tianqing Kingdom. He would leave once the Kingdom overcame its current crisis and established stability. Rather than foster any ambiguous feelings in Hu Qingbi that might deepen into love, it was better to nip any budding hopes in the bud.


    Upon receiving Xiao Yi''s message, she had gathered all the experienced mining masters of Iron Mountain City.


    They were now fully prepared and ready to depart.


    Xiao Yi glanced at the crowd by the city gates and said solemnly, "Gentlemen, you will accompany me to the Iron Mountain Range. There lies an undeveloped Tungsten Iron Mine with vast reserves. I hope you all will assist me with all your might to develop this mine as soon as possible!"


    "Tungsten Iron Mine?"


    "Are there still undeveloped Tungsten Iron Mines in the Iron Mountains?"


    The crowd was taken aback.


    Every person seated was an experienced master miner, and they had developed more than seventy percent of the mines within the Iron Mountains.


    It wasn''t an exaggeration to say¡­


    They knew the mountains better than anyone else.


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "If I say there is, then there is."


    The group of master miners looked at each other and whispered, "This Guardian Martial God is really too arrogant. We''re certainly no match for him in martial arts, but how could he possibly compare with us in mining?"


    "We were mining when he was still wearing split pants!"


    "Let it be, after all, he''s the Guardian Martial God. They say even the King of Tianqing listens to him. All we need to do is follow orders. Once we can''t find the mine, he''ll naturally take our advice..."


    Shi Yaoqian whispered, "Xiao, these guys don''t respect you, huh!"


    Xiao Yi smiled without commenting, "It''s fine. Once they see the mine, they''ll know who''s right."


    A procession of people moved majestically towards the Iron Mountain Range.


    The Iron Mountain itself was already dotted with numerous mines.


    Thanks to the continuous development by generations of people from Iron Mountain City, many wide roads had also been constructed along the way to facilitate the transport of ores.


    Even a fifty-thousand-strong Imperial Guard army could advance with ease.


    According to the map.


    Xiao Yi led everyone through mountains and over ridges, and after spending two days, they finally arrived at the Tungsten Iron Mine.


    "Shi Yaoqian, level that forest ahead for me!" Xiao Yi commanded.


    "Yes!"


    The four brothers of the Shi Family soared into the sky, with four Golden Core experts acting simultaneously.


    Their momentum was enough to change the color of the heavens and the earth.


    The dense jungle in front of them was razed to the ground, creating space enough to accommodate a hundred thousand people. Xiao Yi immediately arranged for everyone to set up camp, while leading several thousand mining masters to the entrance of the mine: "Inside here lies the Tungsten Iron Ore!"


    "How could there be Tungsten Iron Ore in a place like this?"


    "The conditions for the birth of Tungsten Iron Ore are very strict, this place does not meet the requirements for Tungsten Iron Ore to form at all¡­"


    A group of mining masters murmured among themselves.


    Xiao Yi said, "Just go in and see for yourselves whether it''s true or false!"


    The crowd was skeptical.


    Not until they saw the dazzling Tungsten Iron Ore within the mine were they completely dumbfounded: "Holy shit! Holy shit! There''s really Tungsten Iron Ore here? And the quality of these ores is incredibly high, this, this is impossible! We''ve been here many times before, how did we never discover this vein?"


    "Based on my experience, this Tungsten Iron Ore vein must have at least ten billion taels of silver in reserve!"


    "I think it''s more than that! With a vein this large, it''s very likely that we''ll find Tungsten Iron Ore concentrate. If we do find the concentrate, its value could multiply several times over¡­"


    Shi Yaoqian, looking at the dumbfounded mining masters with a weird intonation, said, "Didn''t you all conclusively say there was no vein here? Take a good look at what this is. Does your face hurt? Isn''t this embarrassing?"


    The mining masters looked at each other, their faces flush with shame.


    They knelt down and bowed to Xiao Yi: "Lord War God, your wisdom and valor are unsurpassed, we are ashamed!" S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi cast a glance at Shi Yaoqian, finding him rather vengeful.


    However¡­


    Giving these mining masters a bit of a scolding didn''t do any harm.


    Xiao Yi spoke indifferently, "Everyone, please stand. What''s most important now is to get a clear understanding of the full extent of this vein and to develop the fastest mining process. I don''t expect all the Tungsten Iron Ore to be extracted from the vein. However, within ten days, we must see the first batch of ore reach Iron Mountain City; the Iron Arm Princess and a host of forging masters are waiting there!"


    "Rest assured, Lord, we will do our utmost!" the crowd said in unison.


    "Yaoqian, I''m leaving this place in your care!" Xiao Yi said.


    Shi Yaoqian patted his chest, "Brother, rest assured, as long as I''m here, not a single ore will be missing!"


    His eyes glinted with eagerness, almost as if he wanted to sleep with these priceless ores, cradled in his arms.


    Xiao Yi shook his head helplessly and left the mine.


    Hiss hiss!


    Little Lin climbed onto his shoulder and gently nudged Xiao Yi''s cheek with its head, a faint sadness emanating from it: "Boss, I don''t know why, but I feel so sad when I''m here¡­"


    Xiao Yi was startled, then remembered that Little Lin''s mother was buried nearby.


    Gently rubbing Little Lin''s head, Xiao Yi said, "I''ll take you somewhere!"


    "Where?"


    Little Lin looked up with human-like confusion.


    Without saying much, Xiao Yi soared into the sky and soon arrived at the place where Little Lin''s mother was buried.


    However¡­


    When Xiao Yi reached the site, his expression suddenly changed, a cold murderous intent flashing in his eyes: "Who are you?"

 Chapter 189 Lord of Nanhuang

    Xiao Yi''s face was covered with a layer of frost, and his eyes were filled with killing intent.However, the grave where Little Lin''s mother had been buried had now been dug open, and her body was exposed to the air.


    Next to that grave,


    a gaunt figure clad in yellow robes had his back turned to Xiao Yi and the others. Squatting on the ground, he was actually roasting meat. And that meat was alarmingly cut from Little Lin''s mother''s corpse, the faint aroma of cooked meat wafting into the air, tempting one''s taste buds.


    Xiao Yi''s face darkened, "Who are you?"


    He and Little Lin were as close as brothers.


    Little Lin''s mother was the same as an elder to him.


    To have the bones of an elder dug out from their grave and their flesh cut and roasted, Xiao Yi wished he could immediately chop the man before him to pieces.


    "Hm?"


    The man in the yellow robes slowly stood up, pushing the golden-brown skewer of meat forward with a smile, "I didn''t expect to encounter such a pure beast in this forsaken place. Although it''s been dead for quite some time and the quality of the meat has deteriorated, the taste is still not bad. Would you like to try some?"


    "I''ll taste your grandpa!"


    Before Xiao Yi could speak, Little Lin on his shoulder let out an angry roar.


    Upon seeing that body, the connection of blood had let him know that she was his mother.


    To have his own mother''s body exhumed and used for roasting meat,


    Little Lin''s eyes instantly turned blood red, and with a whiz, he shot out from Xiao Yi''s shoulder. As he crossed the air, his body shone with a silver brilliance and swelled in size, transforming into a thirty-meter-long silver serpent as thick as a barrel. With a tremendous lash of its tail, it violently struck at the gaunt figure.


    His cultivation had also reached the Third Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm, with fighting prowess comparable to the Sixth Layer of the realm.


    With a sweep of the tail,


    even mountains and rivers could be leveled by his power.


    However...


    the man in the yellow robes simply held the skewer in one hand and casually flicked the other.


    A wave of yellow light surged, as countless grains of sand came together to form a massive hand, which firmly caught Little Lin''s tail.


    Then, with a fierce upward swing,


    Little Lin''s body was violently flung to the ground with a thud.


    This repeated over a dozen times.


    Little Lin saw stars, his mouth filled with blood, his silver light receding, transforming back into his original size, lying on the ground, barely alive.


    Xiao Yi reached out through the air and pulled Little Lin back to him.


    After confirming there was no threat to his life, he then placed him back into his arms.


    The man in yellow robes looked at Little Lin in Xiao Yi''s arms with amusement, "No wonder your mother''s flesh is so delicious; it turns out she bore a mutated beast. Once I take you back and raise you slowly, I''ll take your bloodline."


    "Who exactly are you?"


    Xiao Yi scrutinized the man, aware that anyone who could defeat Little Lin so easily was not to be underestimated.


    The gaunt figure split into a proud smile and arrogantly said, "I am Huang Bo, the lord of Nanhuang!" S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "The lord of Nanhuang?"


    Xiao Yi was startled, his face suddenly changing.


    He had heard Yan Mingli mention before that deep in the Southern Desolate Mountain Range there was a high-tier sixth-order Beast King. But a demonic beast couldn''t possibly transform into human form unless they reached the Dharma Manifestation Realm. Could it be that the beast before him was a seventh-order, comparable to the Dharma Manifestation Realm?


    "No. That''s not right. A Dharma Manifestation Realm expert would emanate power of the heaven and earth, and he is not a Dharma..."


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes as he intensely watched Huang Bo. "Why aren''t you in Nanhuang? What are you doing here?" Enjoy exclusive chapters from empire


    Huang Bo grinned, "Someone paid me to take your life, so here I am!"


    Xiao Yi''s pupils suddenly shrank.


    Someone wanted his life?


    The Great Jin Kingdom?


    Something is wrong!


    With the power of the Great Jin Kingdom, if they truly wanted to send a master to take his life, they wouldn''t have needed to rely on Huang Bo''s help. Tianlan and the other three major kingdoms couldn''t possibly do it either, as they were too preoccupied with their own troubles to even think about killing him.


    The only possibility was someone from within the Tianqing Kingdom itself.


    An image flashed through Xiao Yi''s mind as he said in a heavy voice, "Ge Zheng?"


    He had also considered whether it might be remnants from the Nine Profound Sect, Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple, or Mingjian Manor, but those powers had long since crumbled to dust, especially the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple, which had been slaughtered by the once Buddhist disciples. Moreover, if these forces were related to Huang Bo, they would not have waited until now to ask for his help.


    Considering all the people he had offended recently, only Ge Zheng, who once had overwhelming influence in the court and countryside, had the capability.


    After all.


    Ge Zheng had once defended Nanhuang City!


    Huang Bo was startled, then burst into laughter, "Indeed intriguing, you actually guessed that it was that old guy Ge Zheng who sent this king to kill you." He bit off one end of the meat skewer, yanked the stick out with one pull, his mouth brimming with the aroma of meat, which he chewed and swallowed before staring at Xiao Yi and saying, "In light of the delicious meal you''ve given this king, I''ll give you three breaths'' time to leave your last words!"


    Xiao Yi''s eyes narrowed as he stared intently at Huang Bo and said in a deep voice, "Save your last words for yourself!"


    "Oh?"


    Huang Bo raised an eyebrow, sneering, "Since you''re seeking death, then don''t blame this king!"


    Boom!


    His figure violently shook.


    A yellow mist swirled and Huang Bo''s figure transformed into a massive wall of sand, surging towards Xiao Yi.


    "Vajra Subdues Demons!"


    Xiao Yi threw a punch, and the expanse of yellow sand before him exploded with a bang. However, the sand immediately flowed to fill in the gap torn by Xiao Yi. The vast wave of yellow sand rolled towards Xiao Yi, who leaped into the sky. Amidst the whooshing sounds, palm after palm made of yellow sand shot out vigorously.


    Grasping continuously towards Xiao Yi.


    Each attempt failed to catch him.


    Huang Bo''s expression turned ugly, and with a cold snort, he pressed both hands to the ground, "Chaotic Sand Sea!"


    Rustle!


    The entire land trembled, and countess grains of yellow sand from within the earth swarmed over, covering a hundred zhang all around.


    The ground turned into golden yellow gravel.


    Rumble!


    The entire sand sea erupted violently.


    Sand and dust formed long spears that furiously shot towards the sky, each spear made of sand was exceedingly tough and unrivaled in sharpness.


    "A Waterfall Flows Down Three Thousand Feet!"


    "A Stroke That Surprises the Wind and Rain..."


    Xiao Yi stood in the sky, his swordsmanship brilliant, releasing a swath of sword lights that covered the sky densely and rained down. The sword light collided with the yellow sand in the sky, like needle tips against wheat stalks, setting off explosions that resounded like thunderclaps. The vast sand in the heavens gathered into a thick mass, resembling dark clouds stretching across the sky.


    "Annihilation Sandstorm!"


    Huang Bo''s figure soared, his body emanating a crazed yellow glow, and a wild wind rose, whipping up the sand that filled the sky.


    The entire world was obscured by the sandstorm.


    Turning into a world of yellow sand.


    Though Xiao Yi''s swordsmanship was astonishing, it could not slice through all of the sand.


    Countless sand grains raged around him, merging and forming into a spherical prison, trapping him within. The overwhelming sand continued to compact, finally turning into a giant sand sphere with a diameter of a hundred zhang, with Xiao Yi firmly locked inside. Huang Bo''s lips curved up in a sinister smile, and raising his right hand, he clenched his palm, "Shatter!"


    Boom!


    The massive sand sphere exploded thunderously, sending sand cascading down from the sky.


    But in the void.


    Xiao Yi''s figure... was nowhere to be seen...

 Chapter 190 Submit, or Die!

    In the void, sand filled the sky.Only Xiao Yi''s figure was nowhere to be seen.


    Huang Bo stood suspended in the air, squinting at the drifting sand ahead, with a slight upturn at the corner of his mouth and a cold sneer, "A mere Golden Elixir Realm Peak, and yet you forced me to use my Annihilation Sandstorm, you are the first. Sigh, how lonely it is to be invincible, hahaha!"


    "Invincible? Are you that confident?"


    As Huang Bo was about to leave, he suddenly heard Xiao Yi''s voice near his ear.


    The voice was so close that it sent shivers down his spine.


    "Not good!"


    Huang Bo instinctively dodged to the side, but as soon as he moved, he banged his head against a wall composed of Sword Qi.


    The collision broke Huang Bo''s nasal bone.


    Blood gushed wildly from his nostrils.


    Tears streamed out uncontrollably.


    He clutched his head wailing, and it took a good while before he recovered, looking around with a befuddled face.


    At some point, several Qi walls, entirely condensed from Sword Qi, had appeared around him. The walls were extremely strong; he had just rammed into one of them. Rubbing his broken nose, which was now completely crooked, he clicked it back into place. Huang Bo''s pupils contracted slightly, staring at Xiao Yi, "How did you break free from my Annihilation Sandstorm?"


    Annihilation Sandstorm.


    It was Huang Bo''s Innate Divine Ability merged with the power of heaven and earth, a lethal move. With his cultivation nearly at the Seventh Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm, even when facing someone from the Eighth Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm, he could entrap and kill them.


    That Xiao Yi managed to slip away without him realizing was truly astonishing.


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Your move is indeed powerful, but its weakness is also very obvious. As long as one''s speed is fast enough, one can leave before your sand completely seals off the area. It''s not difficult."


    "Impossible!"


    Huang Bo angrily said, "I was watching the whole time, you were clearly surrounded by the sand..."


    Xiao Yi scoffed, "Watching the whole time? Are you sure what you saw was me?"


    "Hmm?"


    Huang Bo was stunned. He rapidly recalled the previous moment, and his expression suddenly changed, "The one trapped was just your afterimage?"


    Xiao Yi gave a mysterious smile.


    When Huang Bo deployed the Annihilation Sandstorm, Xiao Yi sensed the terror of the move.


    With the help of the sandstorm, he escaped the encircling sands at incredible speed, leaving only an afterimage wrapped in the dust.


    But in Huang Bo''s view, it appeared as if it was his real body that was trapped.


    All of this seemed simple.


    Yet achieving it was exceedingly difficult.


    First and foremost, one needed to have an extremely fast movement technique, and additionally, a keen sense of timing was required.


    Escape too early, and the afterimage would disappear before the sand had enveloped it.


    Escape too late, and the sand would''ve formed an enclosure, preventing escape.


    Huang Bo''s face went from pale to flushed. He never imagined his seemingly unbeatable trump card would be directly broken through by Xiao Yi. His face twisted into a vicious expression, "No wonder Ge Zheng used up that favor to have me come kill you. You indeed are a troublesome opponent. However, do you really think this mere Sword Qi can stop me?"


    Whoosh!


    Huang Bo raised his arm, and countless grains of sand burst forth from his yellow robe, crashing against the Sword Qi walls around him.


    Boom, boom, boom!


    After several collisions,


    the Sword Qi walls remained unmoved. Instead, countless grains of sand filled the cage, binding Huang Bo''s range of motion.


    "How is this possible? I can''t break through this mere Sword Qi?" Huang Bo looked around in astonishment.


    Never underestimate the sand in his hands, which seemed weak and powerless when scattered, but once gathered together, were as hard as mysterious iron and as sharp as any ordinary primordial weapon.


    Xiao Yi hovered in the air, "Let me see you off!"


    Swish!


    Xiao Yi felt the divine power within him converge, flowing into the Fire Qilin Sword.


    The Fire Qilin Sword glowed red, its scale-like patterns coming to life, as the fiery heat and Sword Qi surged forth. In an instant, the temperature within the cage of Sword Qi soared, turning everything into a world of flames, akin to being inside a volcano, facing the terrifying blaze.


    The yellow sand began to melt, transforming into rolling magma.


    Huang Bo, trapped within the magma, grimaced in excruciating pain. While the magma couldn''t kill him, it inflicted unbearable, agonizing pain. "You scoundrels... Despicable humans, release me if you dare, and fight me fairly!"


    "You, a high-ranking sixth-tier Beast King, dares to attack me, a mere human at the Golden Core Realm, and you speak of fairness?" Xiao Yi scoffed repeatedly.


    "I, I..."


    Huang Bo''s face twisted in ugliness, his teeth clenched in anger, "Xiao Yi, release me, or I swear I''ll annihilate your entire clan..."


    "Clueless fool!"


    Xiao Yi vibrated the blade of his sword.


    Shua! Shua! Shua!


    Sword Qi from all directions swarmed in, merging with the magma.


    Chi! Chi! Chi!


    The sword''s edge effortlessly sliced open Huang Bo''s body, leaving vicious wounds over him, and the magma seeped into every opening.


    Should Huang Bo''s demonic power not cover him in time, the magma would infiltrate and burn his flesh.


    The piercing pain!


    The scorching burn!


    It completely drove Huang Bo mad. His face turned beet red, his body crisscrossed with ferocious wounds, many of which were scorched.


    Finally...


    Huang Bo gave up resistance: "I admit defeat..."


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow, "That''s it? You surrender just like that?"


    "Hmph!"


    Huang Bo snorted coldly, "Using such despicable tactics..."


    "It seems it''s not enough!"


    Find your next read on empire


    Xiao Yi sighed, pointing his sword, "A Stroke That Surprises the Wind and Rain!"


    Shua! Shua! Shua!


    Sword beams fell like rain, bombarding Huang Bo frantically.


    Incapable of dodging within the magma, Huang Bo resolutely bore the brunt of the relentless sword beams, frustrated and furious, "Xiao Yi, are you so desperate to force a fight to the death with me?"


    "Still talking tough?"


    "Ao... Xiao Yi, I command the allegiance of a million demonic beasts in Nanhuang. Believe me or not, if I instigate a beast tide..."


    "A beast tide? Then I shall sacrifice you to Nanhuang!"


    "No..." S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Xiao, ancestor Xiao, I admit my defeat... I was wrong... I lost..."


    "Stop, please... no more..."


    Huang Bo, covered in wounds and barely alive, had completely ceased to resist. He looked at Xiao Yi with dodging and fearful eyes, "Stop... I surrender..."


    Xiao Yi''s mouth curled into a small smile, "You surrender?"


    "I surrender!"


    Huang Bo nodded hastily, fearing to anger Xiao Yi further, "As long as you don''t kill me, I''ll agree to anything you ask!"


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, "If you don''t want to die, then submit to me!"


    "What? Don''t even dream of it, I am the noble ruler of Nanhuang..."


    Xiao Yi''s Fire Qilin Sword thrummed with power, "Submit or die! The choice is yours!"


    Huang Bo gulped down saliva nervously, quickly changing his stance, "I submit! I submit! I, the king, submit..."

 Chapter 191 Million Demon Beasts

    "I submit, this king submits..."Faced with the threat of death, Huang Bo made a very decisive choice to submit.


    Xiao Yi then ceased his attack.


    At this moment, Huang Bo was in an extremely miserable state, with almost no part of his body unharmed. His face was not just swollen and bruised; he had also broken dozens of bones throughout his body.


    He was covered in wounds, with sword scars crisscrossing and blood flowing freely.


    What''s more, many of his wounds were seared, and the smell of cooked flesh filled the air.


    With a face full of grievance, Huang Bo looked at Xiao Yi and muttered, "You, you humans are indeed the most terrifying creatures in this world!"


    Xiao Yi rolled his eyes, "If you hadn''t provoked me, would I have gone to Nanhuang to deal with you?"


    "..."


    After thinking it over, Huang Bo said with indignant resentment, "It''s all Ge Zheng''s fault, that old husband. Otherwise, I would still be in Nanhuang, leading my million demon beasts. How could I have ended up in such a plight?"


    A million demon beasts?


    Xiao Yi''s eyes shone slightly.


    He had always been lamenting that the Four Symbols Legion only relied on pills to temporarily improve the warriors'' cultivation while enhancing their combat strength with equipment. They hadn''t managed to assemble a powerful cavalry force. After all, in this world of martial artists, ordinary warhorses used as cavalry, if faced with elite troops like the Golden Crow Guards, would have minimal effect.


    But what if he could have a million demon beasts as mounts?


    When the million demon beast cavalry charge together, even the Golden Crow Guards would have to avoid their sharp edge, right?


    Watching Xiao Yi''s gleaming gaze fixed on himself, Huang Bo subconsciously shuddered, looking warily and asking, "What, what, what do you want to do?"


    Xiao Yi rubbed his hands together and smiled with a grin, "Huang Bo, are you comfortable living in Nanhuang?"


    "Huh?"


    Huang Bo was taken aback and said with pride, "I am the lord of Nanhuang. With a million demon beasts under my command, I''m waited on hand and foot for food and lodging. How could it not be comfortable?"


    "What do you eat? What do you wear? And where do you live?"


    Xiao Yi pointed at him, "Are you talking about this poor quality yellow robe you''re wearing? Is your food just roast meat? Don''t tell me you live in a cave?"


    Huang Bo: "..."


    The physiques of demon beasts are much stronger than humans, but they are far inferior in terms of creativity.


    Just as Xiao Yi said, he lived in a cave!


    Xiao Yi tutted, "The august lord of Nanhuang actually still lives in a cave. If word of this got out, wouldn''t people die laughing?"


    "I, I..."


    At a loss for words, Huang Bo could only say indignantly, "If not in a cave, where else could I live? We demon kind don''t build cities..."


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes and said, "Let''s cooperate!"


    "Cooperate?"


    Huang Bo looked at Xiao Yi with a strange expression.


    Xiao Yi nodded earnestly, "I''ll have the king confer upon you the title of a Protectorate Divine Beast, a status equivalent to that of a noble in the Tianqing Kingdom. In due course, His Majesty will build a Beast King City for you near Nanhuang. Imagine having top human chefs prepare you lavish meals, top human tailors crafting you beautiful clothes, and living in a palace..."


    Heaving! Heaving! Heaving!


    Huang Bo''s face turned red, and his breathing quickened.


    The demon beast race was indeed very envious of human life.


    Especially after he became capable of transforming, Huang Bo found himself adopting many human living habits.


    If his life could truly be as Xiao Yi described, with a city built for him and servants to attend to his every need, the days would be blissful!


    But...


    Suppressing the excitement in his heart, Huang Bo said with a trembling voice, "What would this king have to give in return?"


    Xiao Yi squinted and said, "I plan to form a cavalry of a million monster beasts. All you need to do is let your million monster beasts cooperate with us and become the combat companions of my cavalry."


    "Let my children be mounts? No, that won''t do¡­" Huang Bo shook his head hurriedly.


    Xiao Yi said, "Not as mounts, but as combat partners, and when the time comes, your children will also be rewarded for their merits and promoted nobly! Look at my clothes, soft in texture and luxuriously fashioned. You, as the ruler of Nanhuang and the majestic Beast King, what are you wearing?"


    Huang Bo subconsciously tightened his yellow robe.


    This clothing, which had once filled him with immense satisfaction, now seemed uglier the more he looked at it. It would be embarrassing to be seen in it!


    Xiao Yi pressed on his advantage: "Look at what you''re eating. Roasted meat without a hint of seasoning. Try this¡­" S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He took out a stack of osmanthus cakes from the storage ring.


    Huang Bo took a bite, his eyes squinting into slits, a look of satisfaction on his face.


    Xiao Yi spoke leisurely: "This is just a dessert after dinner. The real delicacy is far more delicious than this! Imagine, in your Beast King City, lying in a luxurious palace under the sun, with a chef cooking various gourmet dishes by your side, a tailor custom making beautiful and noble garments for you..."


    Thump!


    Thump!


    Huang Bo''s heartbeat sped up, his gaze fixed on Xiao Yi, "Done! Isn''t it just being a mount? I, the king, have decided. When you need them, I will bring my children right away!"


    Xiao Yi''s heart leapt with joy and he said, "Within half a month, have all the monster beasts arrive in Jing Mountain outside the capital, and they must travel through the wild mountains and rivers along the way, without revealing the news of the million monster beasts. Can you manage that?"


    "No problem!"


    Huang Bo patted his chest, his face showing a peculiar expression, "You''re planning to ambush someone, aren''t you?"


    "Don''t put it so crudely. It''s just a strategic necessity!" said Xiao Yi.


    Huang Bo rolled his eyes and said, "Then shall I return to Nanhuang now to bring the children over?"


    Xiao Yi nodded and asked further, "By the way, you''re not a Dharma Manifestation Realm beast, how can you transform?"


    Huang Bo said, "I found a Transforming Herb in Nanhuang once, so I could transform early."


    "Is there any more Transforming Herb in Nanhuang?" Xiao Yi asked.


    Huang Bo shook his head and said, "No more. The Transforming Herb blooms once in a thousand years, and it takes another thousand years to mature. It''s not so easy to come by!"


    "Forget it!"


    Xiao Yi waved his hand resignedly and took out a token to give to him, "When you bring the monster beast army to the capital, take this token to find Gu Junhe, and he will know how to arrange things for you!"


    Find adventures on empire


    "No problem!"


    Huang Bo accepted the token, hesitating before he left, he asked, "You''re just letting me go like this? Aren''t you afraid I''ll disappear and never return?"


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "If you disappeared, I guarantee that there would be no more monster beasts in Nanhuang. Even at the Ends of the Heaven, I would take your head!"


    Seeing the Fire Qilin Sword in Xiao Yi''s hand emitting flickering flames, Huang Bo shivered all over and said with an awkward smile, "Rest assured, am I the kind of person who reneges on a promise?"


    Whoosh!


    Huang Bo soared into the sky.


    Xiao Yi squinted his eyes, thinking of the time when the two armies would face each other.


    With a sudden appearance of a million monster beast cavalry on his side, sweeping through everything, what kind of scene would that be!


    "With the addition of a million monster beast army, my Four Symbols Legion will truly be perfect!"


    Xiao Yi took a long breath, already foreseeing the invincible scene of the Four Symbols Legion, and he unconsciously gripped the Fire Qilin Sword in his hand tighter.


    But just then...


    A shocking explosion came from afar, the ground shook and the mountains trembled, and a purple light column could be seen shooting up into the sky.


    Wasn''t that in the direction of the Tungsten Iron Mine?


    Xiao Yi''s expression changed dramatically, "Has something happened?"

 Chapter 192 Good Death!

    Xiao Yi soared into the sky, flying towards the direction of the mine vein where purple light was shooting into the heavens.The entire vicinity of the vein was in utter chaos; everyone was stunned by the scene unfolding before their eyes.


    Had it not been for the fifty thousand Imperial Guards maintaining order, those thousands of mining masters would have already fled. "What on earth is happening? I, I''ve been mining for so many years and have never seen such a bizarre sight!"


    "Could it be that we''ve disturbed the Mountain God?"


    "We can''t mine any further..."


    A host of mining masters, filled with sincere fear, knelt on the ground praying for the Mountain God''s forgiveness.


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi landed at the entrance of the mine, and Shi Yaoqian approached him. "Xiao, our men were working on the mine when it suddenly turned into this. Now, those mining masters dare not enter, fearing they''ve alarmed the Mountain God and brought down heavenly wrath..."


    "Heavenly wrath?"


    Xiao Yi shook his head with a wry smile. Ignorance is truly frightening; they had clearly unearthed a vein of elemental stones!


    "Wait here, I''m going to explore the depths of this mine!" Xiao Yi''s figure flashed, disappearing into the mine.


    The mine was filled with elemental energy so dense it was palpable.


    The purple radiance was the result of elemental energy in its purest form.


    Along with it, the Tungsten Iron in the mine began to slowly transform, becoming superior in quality to how it had been initially.


    Xiao Yi descended deeper, reaching five hundred meters underground.


    All around him lay purple elemental stones.


    Looking as far as the eye could see.


    Tens of thousands of low-grade elemental stones, thousands of medium-grade, and even hundreds of high-grade stones lay before him.


    What shocked Xiao Yi even more was that at the very depths of the mine, there were precisely ten supreme grade elemental stones.


    The elemental stones he had obtained within the Tao Tribulation Realm were not even one-thousandth of what was here!


    "Now this is a true fortune!"


    Xiao Yi turned into a busy miner, prying out each elemental stone with his Fire Qilin Sword and collecting them into his storage ring.


    He busied himself for the better part of the day.


    Only then had he collected all of the stones in the mine, by rough count, fifty-one thousand three hundred low-grade, three thousand two hundred twenty-five medium-grade, five hundred twenty-one high-grade, and fifteen supreme grade elemental stones.


    These many elemental stones were not only sufficient to enhance his cultivation by several levels.


    They could also enable the birth of several more Tao Tribulation Realm experts for the Tianqing Kingdom!


    "Acquiring this vein of elemental stones is better than creating thousands of troops and horses!" Xiao Yi took a deep breath.


    After excavating these stones, the elemental energy that filled the mine diminished significantly, but even so, mining here and bathing in the residual elemental energy could still prolong life and improve health.


    Xiao Yi returned to the surface to see Shi Yaoqian and the group of mining masters, stating solemnly, "Gentlemen, this is not about disturbing the Mountain God, but rather the mine is rich in elemental energy. Bathing in this energy will not only cure your chronic diseases but can also prolong your lives; it poses no threat to your safety!" sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He held an extremely high status among the people.


    Hearing this, the crowd finally let go of their fears and apprehensions.


    The strong miners re-engaged with the development of the vein.


    Xiao Yi then called Shi Yaoqian and his three brothers over, giving each of them one thousand low-grade, one hundred medium-grade, and ten high-grade elemental stones, saying, "These stones are enough for you to reach the peak of the Golden Core Realm. Over this period, guard this place, excavate the Tungsten Iron Mine, and send the forged weapons to the capital."


    "Thank you, Xiao!" The four brothers were visibly excited.


    Xiao Yi waved his hand and said, "I have matters to attend to and must leave for now, so I''m entrusting this place to you!"


    "Rest assured, Xiao!" the four of them nodded repeatedly.


    Xiao Yi shot up into the sky, disappearing into the horizon.


    ...... Discover hidden stories at empire


    Half a day later.


    The capital, Sky Prison.


    Ge Zheng, sitting deep within the Sky Prison, suddenly opened his eyes. When he saw Xiao Yi appear before him, Ge Zheng''s face changed drastically, ultimately settling into a resigned, bitter smile. "So, I have failed after all? To think, not even he could deal with you!"


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Who told you I was in the Iron Mountain Range?"


    "Do you think this old man would tell you?" Ge Zheng scoffed.


    Crack!


    His right arm shattered in response.


    Ahh...


    With a miserable howl, Ge Zheng glared at Xiao Yi, "You... you dare?"


    Crack!


    The left arm shattered.


    Ge Zheng screamed hysterically, "I am the current Prime Minister, how dare you treat me this way?"


    Crack!


    Both legs shattered.


    Lying in a pool of blood like a lump of mud, with beads of cold sweat seeping from his forehead, Xiao Yi''s face remained expressionless, "Last chance! If you don''t confess, I''ll strip you naked and hang you at the city gates, let everyone see what this former Prime Minister looks like..."


    "I... I..."


    An intense contraction filled Ge Zheng''s pupils; if he really was stripped and hung at the city gates as Xiao Yi said, his lifetime reputation would be ruined. Clenching his teeth, he closed his eyes, "The Imperial Secretary Teng Yi is my adoptive son..."


    "The Imperial Secretary Teng Yi?"


    Xiao Yi''s eyes narrowed into slits as he turned and walked away.


    In the darkness.


    Ge Zheng found himself surrounded by countless rats, scared to the point that his hair stood on end. The rats, drawn by the scent of blood and no longer deterred by Xiao Yi''s presence, swarmed upon him. Crazy gnawing sounds and bloodcurdling screams echoed from the prison...


    Meanwhile.


    At the residence of the Imperial Secretary Teng Yi.


    Teng Yi sat in his study, humming a tune, "Just waiting for that person to kill Xiao Yi, Tianqing Kingdom will surely fail. Then I can pledge allegiance to the Great Jin Kingdom and definitely rescue my adoptive father..."


    An icy voice suddenly rang in his ear, "I''m afraid you no longer have that chance!"


    Teng Yi''s body shivered, and the brush in his hand dropped to the ground.


    His complexion turned deathly pale as he looked in disbelief at the figure of Xiao Yi appearing before him, gulping down saliva, "Xiao... Xiao Yi?"


    Thud!


    Teng Yi hastily knelt on the ground, "This subordinate pays his respects to Lord Xiao!"


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "It seems like quite the surprise to you that I''m not dead, doesn''t it, Lord Teng?"


    "What Lord Xiao is saying, you are the mainstay of Tianqing Kingdom, I pray day and night for your endless longevity..." Teng Yi hurriedly said.


    "Endless longevity? You must wish me buried in foreign lands," pausing for a moment, Xiao Yi sneered, "I forgot to tell you, Ge Zheng is dead!"


    "What?"


    Teng Yi''s body trembled, collapsing to the ground.


    Ge Zheng is dead?


    The reappearance of Xiao Yi here, didn''t it mean his relation with Ge Zheng was exposed?


    Thud!


    Kneeling on the ground, Teng Yi''s head thudded against the floor, trembling in fear, "Spare me, Lord Xiao, please spare my life..."


    "The love between you and your adoptive father is deep, now you can reunite as a family in the Yellow Springs!"


    Xiao Yi''s palm came crashing down.


    Bang!


    This current first rank minister became a pile of broken corpse.


    The next morning, servants in Teng Yi''s house discovered his body and immediately reported the incident to the court. The response they received was just three icy words: Good that he''s dead!

 Chapter 193 Extreme Training Skill

    ```Ge Zheng and Teng Yi.


    To Xiao Yi, those two were nothing more than annoying flies, easily crushed with a flick of his hand.


    He didn''t consider them worthy of attention.


    After dealing with Teng Yi, Xiao Yi headed to Jing Mountain alone.


    Jing Mountain was the training ground for the Four Symbols Legion.


    In the past ten days of recruitment, the numbers had already reached a staggering one million, with more soldiers from the Four Symbols Legion still being transported to Jing Mountain from all directions.


    Gu Junhe and Yu Huaxian were stationed at Jing Mountain, in charge of the legion''s training.


    Particularly, the twenty thousand Azure Dragon Guards under Yu Huaxian''s command were all valiant warriors refined from the ferocious battles within the Golden Crow Guards. Yu Huaxian scattered them among the Four Symbols Legion to supervise and train these new recruits. The effect was extremely apparent, and in just a few days, the Four Symbols Legion had begun to take shape.


    At the very least, they looked like an army with strict military discipline.


    Of course... Continue reading at empire


    This was also inseparable from Xiao Yi''s involvement.


    The Four Symbols Legion was Xiao Yi''s own force, with people joining in admiration of his name, naturally not wanting to tarnish his reputation.


    Inside the central military tent. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Gu Junhe and Yu Huaxian looked at Xiao Yi with befuddled expressions, "What did you say? A million monster beasts?"


    Xiao Yi nodded, "I''ve ordered that a million monster beasts be brought to Jing Mountain within half a month. You two will be responsible for coordinating and arranging them when the time comes!"


    "Damn, an army of a million monster beasts! The Great Jin Kingdom once attempted to build a monster beast cavalry as well, but due to overwhelming costs, they could only maintain about fifty thousand... that was already claimed to be the foremost army under the heavens of Great Qian. I never thought we could actually create a million-strong monster beast cavalry..." Yu Huaxian''s delicate face was filled with deep shock.


    Gu Junhe nodded earnestly, "I''m already impatient to see what expressions they''ll have when we deploy our million-strong monster beast army in front of the Great Jin Kingdom!"


    Monster beasts are incredibly difficult to tame.


    Even after taming them, the cost of maintaining a single monster beast is colossal.


    Even a country with the might of the Great Jin Kingdom can''t support too many monster beast cavalry units.


    But Xiao Yi was different; his million-strong monster beast cavalry could simply be led back to Nanhuang by Huang Bo after the battle, without worrying about unsustainable expenses.


    Xiao Yi asked, "Are there any issues with the training of the Four Symbols Legion?"


    Gu Junhe shook his head, "With Yu Huaxian''s Extreme Training Skill and the elixirs provided by Elder Xue, everything is proceeding smoothly, without any problems."


    Yu Huaxian added, "We estimate that the Four Symbols Legion will be able to form combat capability within a month!"


    "Hmm!"


    Xiao Yi was very confident in the two of them. He then inquired, "Any news from the Great Jin Kingdom?"


    Yu Huaxian nodded, "I was just about to discuss this with you... Elder Yan from Treasure Pavilion came to see us yesterday. According to the information passed through the pavilion, the Great Jin Kingdom has dispatched one hundred thousand Golden Crow Guards and a million-strong army. They are led by the Minister of War, Qin Yu, and it will take them about two more months to reach the border!"


    "Qin Yu?"


    They had already predicted the military force the Great Jin Kingdom would send, and the numbers were close. Xiao Yi was more interested in this commander, "What about him?"


    Fear flashed in Yu Huaxian''s eyes as he said in a grave tone, "His cultivation is at the Seventh Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm, and there are rumors he possesses the Blood Demon Battle Body, second only to the top ten holy lands, making him extremely tough to deal with."


    "Seventh Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm peak? Blood Demon Battle Body? Then his combat strength should be comparable to the Eighth, or even Ninth Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm..."


    ```


    Xiao Yi stroked his chin, pondering, "Indeed, he''s a formidable adversary!"


    He was now at the thirty-fifth ring of the Golden Core realm.


    Comparable to the Third Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm, with the enhancement of the Wind Thunder Holy Body and the Divine Enthronement power, he could rival the power of a Seventh Layer Tao Tribulation Realm expert.


    This Qin Yu was at the peak of the Seventh Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm himself, and possessed the Blood Demon Battle Body. With Xiao Yi''s current strength, if he clashed with him, his odds of victory were less than fifty percent.


    "Dean, Yu Huaxian, I have some elemental stones here, you two divide them up!"


    Xiao Yi left a portion of elemental stones for each of them.


    They did not have God Sealing Seeds, and they weren''t practicing a heaven-defying cultivation technique like the Divine Enthronement Heaven Subduing Skill, so their speed and efficiency in absorbing elemental stones were far less than Xiao Yi''s.


    The number of elemental stones he gave them was enough for them to cultivate for a half month at least, and they could possibly increase by a minor realm.


    The two looked at the elemental stones in their hands, exchanging glances, "Where did you find these elemental stones?"


    Among them were even two top-grade elemental stones.


    These were treasures beyond price!


    Xiao Yi laughed heartily, recounted the news of the mineral vein, which earned him their envious looks, "You truly are a child of fortune!"


    Xiao Yi simply shrugged, "Among these are some lower and middle-grade stones, suitable for Golden Core realm experts to use. See which Golden Core realm experts in the army could use them." He then prepared another two portions of elemental stones, "These two are for you to kindly deliver to Elder Xue and Elder Jiang on my behalf!"


    Jiang Weisheng''s injuries had not yet healed, but with the aid of elemental stones, he would surely be able to recover before the arrival of the Great Jin Kingdom, and he might even make further progress in his cultivation.


    Gu Junhe nodded and said, "Xiao Yi, you''re planning to go into seclusion, aren''t you?"


    "Yes!"


    Xiao Yi spoke solemnly, "With my current strength, I''m still insufficient to face the top experts of the Great Jin Kingdom!"


    Gu Junhe said, "Then you can go to the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, their cultivation chambers are always vacant!"


    He was naturally referring to the old site of the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy.


    Xiao Yi hummed in affirmation; he had already planned to retreat to the cultivation chambers of Tianqi Martial Arts Academy to break through to higher realms, "The management of the Four Symbols Legion is in your hands now!"


    "It''s all for the Tianqing Kingdom!" the two said in unison.


    After discussing a bit more, Xiao Yi then set off.


    He was really too busy now.


    Since returning from Iron Mountain City, he had gone to the sky prison, then arrived at Jing Mountain, and now he was heading to the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy.


    He was practically non-stop.


    Gu Junhe sighed softly, watching as Xiao Yi disappeared, "He keeps himself so busy, probably also to avoid having idle moments that would make him remember every bit and detail about Qingzhu..."


    It could be said that Gu Junhe had watched Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhu grow up step by step, respecting and admiring each other, until they were ultimately forced to part.


    Yu Huaxian said solemnly, "With Xiao''s talent and strength, one day he will become the most paramount being under these stars. And then, no one in this world will be able to stop him from being with Miss Qingzhu!"


    These days, he too had heard quite a bit about Xiao Yi from Gu Junhe.


    And he admired him even more for it.


    Every time Xiao Yi''s talent was mentioned, Gu Junhe couldn''t help but nod in agreement, "You''re right, with his talent, in the future under these stars, he will surely be the most dazzling existence. He might even become like the resplendent sun at high noon..."

 Chapter 194 Slaughter the City! Slaughter the City! Slaughter the City!

    Tianqi Martial Arts Academy''s former site.The new Tianqi Martial Arts Academy is located above the former Royal Martial Arts Academy, leaving this old site vacant.


    Walking along the familiar tree-lined path.


    Xiao Yi''s gaze lingered for a long time on some familiar places, where memories of him and Fang Qingzhu existed.


    Only the peach blossoms remain the same.


    The place is there, but the people are gone!


    The beloved is no longer by his side...


    "Qingzhu, are you doing well?" Xiao Yi gazed into the vast starry sky, where countless stars shone with dazzling light.


    The stars filled the sky, yet he could not find the one that belonged to him.


    Huff!


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath, releasing a surge of turbid air; just as Gu Junhe had said, keeping himself busy was largely to temporarily forget the pain of separation. His fists clenched quietly as the scene from that day at the Royal Martial Arts Academy emerged in his mind. Powerless to stop the people from Baiyu taking Fang Qingzhu away, he was incapable of intervention.


    That sense of powerlessness and despair, he did not want to experience a second time!


    "Qingzhu..."


    Xiao Yi clenched his fists. "I will definitely find you!"


    In the hazy distance.


    He seemed to see Fang Qingzhu''s smiling face formed by the numerous stars in the sky, smiling sweetly at him.


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath and slipped into the cultivation quiet room.


    Rustle!


    Before him lay a dazzling array of elemental stones. For him now, the effects of the middle-to-lower grade elemental stones were minimal, and they were mostly given to Yu Huaxian and the others.


    He retained several hundred superior elemental stones and ten top-grade elemental stones.


    A single top-grade elemental stone was equivalent to the heaven and earth qi contained in one hundred thousand low-grade elemental stones.


    "Use the body as a tomb, seal the divine within the tomb, Godly Suppression of Heaven..."


    Xiao Yi''s body shook, transforming into a tremendous Taotie. A vast vortex emerged around him, and elemental stones were thrown into the vortex, frantically drawing in the heaven and earth qi.


    As the heaven and earth qi surged into his body.


    Above Xiao Yi''s head, a Golden Core gradually appeared.


    Ordinary Golden Elixir Peak experts would not dare to let their Golden Core leave their bodies.


    But Xiao Yi was different...


    His Golden Core far surpassed the ordinary peak Golden Cores, with thirty-five golden rings encircling it. As Xiao Yi continued to devour elemental stones, more rings gradually appeared.


    Thirty-six.


    Thirty-seven.


    Thirty-eight...


    He was as serene as a meditating monk.


    Little Lin also crawled out, lying beside him, devouring the scattered heaven and earth qi around Xiao Yi.


    Both man and beast were continuously enhancing their cultivation.


    Time flew by.


    In the blink of an eye, more than a month had passed, and the cultivation quiet room was littered with the husks of elemental stones that had been devoured.


    Little Lin''s scales, shimmering with silver light, had turned a faint gold.


    The golden, shiny scale armor looked as if it were forged from gold.


    Enjoy more content from empire


    It was exceptionally dazzling.


    Its cultivation had also greatly improved, rising from the initial sixth rank to the mid-level tier, akin to the Fourth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm, making Little Lin''s combat power no weaker than ordinary Sixth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm experts.


    If it were to launch a surprise attack, using its potent venom, it could even potentially poison a Seventh Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm master.


    Of course...


    The one with even more terrifying improvement was Xiao Yi.


    Above his Golden Core, there now shone forty-nine rings.


    The rings floated around the Golden Core, rising and falling, radiating a dazzling light.


    The aura this invisible Golden Core gave off was enough to crush most Martial Dao Divine Fruits.


    In fact...


    Five days ago, he had already reached forty-nine rings, and despite devouring the remaining elemental stones over these five days, his progress had stalled. The Limitless Golden Elixir seemed to have truly reached its limit, unable to advance even an inch further, and the Ancient Heavenly Tomb had only given him a glimpse of inspiration, informing him of the Limitless Golden Elixir''s existence.


    As for the specific cultivation method and the path he should follow, there was not a single record.


    This forced Xiao Yi to grope his way forward on his own.


    Now stuck at the Forty-Nine Rings Golden Elixir, unable to condense any more halos, Xiao Yi tried to shatter the halos and step into the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    The result...


    was still fruitless.


    He also couldn''t shatter the halos and was firmly stuck at the level of the Forty-Nine Rings Golden Elixir.


    At the same time.


    The number of God Sealing Seeds within Xiao Yi''s body had also reached a massive forty-nine thousand, and he was now barely able to approach Zhao Wuji''s tomb.


    However, with the previous warning from the Wind Thunder venerable, Xiao Yi did not take action against Zhao Wuji.


    "Whew!"


    Xiao Yi let out a long breath of foul air and opened his eyes, "It seems like it''ll be impossible to step into the Tao Tribulation Realm in the short term, but with my current strength, I should be enough to deal with that Great Jin war god!"


    Blood Demon Battle Body.


    This was the first time he was facing someone with a special physique. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The newly formed Wind Thunder Battle Body versus the Blood Demon Battle Body.


    Who was stronger and who was weaker?


    Xiao Yi had a vague feeling that the battle will within him was growing more and more intense...


    ......


    Sihai Kingdom, the capital.


    The current Sihai Kingdom''s Sea King Hai Ruidong was drenched in cold sweat, kneeling on the ground, looking at Qin Yu in blood-colored battle armor with eyes full of pleading, "Please spare us, General Qin, I beg you to spare us..."


    Qin Yu''s gaze was icy as he regarded the Sihai Kingdom''s royal family and ministers prostrated before him and said coldly, "Had it not been for your disastrous handling of the battle, would my seventh prince have suffered at the hands of Xiao Yi? I am ordered to avenge the seventh prince, so let''s use the fresh blood of every living being in the Sihai Kingdom''s capital to pay respects to his spirit in heaven!"


    "No..."


    "General Qin, you must not do this..."


    Hai Ruidong''s face was filled with desperation.


    But Qin Yu simply waved his hand coldly, "Kill!"


    Boom!


    Boom!


    Boom!


    At this command, his hundred-thousand-strong Golden Crow Guards turned into bloodthirsty demons and charged into the capital.


    Killing gods when they encountered gods, and Buddhas when they found Buddhas.


    It only took half a day.


    One of the once ten countries of Nanhuang, the capital of Sihai Kingdom, became a sea of blood.


    Nearly ten million civilians within the capital were slaughtered.


    The royal family members and officials could not escape their fate.


    "General, there''s not a single living soul left in the city!" one of the Golden Crow Guards reported expressionlessly.


    Qin Yu nodded, reined in his horse, and said indifferently, "Everyone listen, the vengeance for the seventh prince is just beginning! From this day forth, one city will fall every day until we reach the Tianqing Kingdom... sparing none we encounter in any city, killing on sight¡ªdo you understand?"


    "Spare none in every city!"


    "Kill on sight!"


    "Kill..."


    Roars shook the earth and sky.


    No one noticed...


    In that massacred capital, countless Qi-Blood were wandering in the air, frantically converging toward Qin Yu.


    Devouring the Qi-Blood of these millions made Qin Yu''s expression ever more exhilarated, his eyes gradually covered in a layer of crimson. A faint smile curved his lips as he watched the blood pearl condensing in his palm. He threw it into his mouth and chewed, his mouth quirked slightly, "Once every city in the Tianqing Kingdom is emptied, that strength from their Qi-Blood should allow me to step into the Dharma Manifestation Realm, right? Hehehe..."


    As this Great Jin legion set off, dreadful news followed one after the other.


    Wherever Qin Yu went, cities were slaughtered.


    Slaughter the city!


    Slaughter the city!


    Slaughter the city!


    One city per day, none were spared!


    All ten countries of Nanhuang were in panic; Qin Yu''s name hung over them like a dark cloud. This oppression and fear finally descended on the borders of the Tianqing Kingdom after ten days...

 Chapter 195 Inhumanity

    Tanglang City.A border town between Tianqing Kingdom and Sihai Kingdom.


    Tanglang City is by no means inferior to Heiya City, safeguarding between Tianqing Kingdom and Sihai Kingdom.


    Because the border area between Sihai Kingdom and Tianqing Kingdom is an endless grassland, most of the war horses of both countries are raised on this plain, hence the border towns between the two countries are built very massive.


    It''s an easy task to garrison a million troops.


    Above the city gate.


    Xiao Yi, Gu Junhe, Yu Huaxian, Jiang Weisheng, Xue Bufan, Jiang Tai, Huangpao, and others were all present.


    The banners whipped against the azure sky, fluttering in the wind.


    On the plain below, a fierce cold wind blew across the boundless expanse, where Great Jin Kingdom''s hundred thousand Golden Crow Guards and a million-strong army were arrayed in line. They made no attempt at concealment; in the eyes of Great Jin Kingdom, Tianqing Kingdom was nothing but ants, easily crushed by hand, especially since this battle was one of vengeance for Great Jin Kingdom.


    They aimed not only to annihilate Tianqing Kingdom but also to intimidate their vassal states.


    To showcase the might of Great Jin Kingdom!


    Beneath the Great Qian, Great Jin reigns supreme!


    Therefore.


    As soon as Qin Yu arrived outside Tanglang City, he ordered his troops to fully deploy, with an imposing momentum, and powerful murderous intent condensed into blood-red clouds.


    Over a million people stood in silence, with only the banners against the sky and the war horses neighing.


    The mere sight of this was enough to send shivers down one''s spine, hair standing on end.


    This time, the lead commander was Xiao Yi!


    Even Jiang Tai, the lord of Tianqing Kingdom, had to stand aside, but he did so without any complaints.


    In the past, Tianqing Kingdom had only one person in the Tao Tribulation Realm, Jiang Weisheng, but now there were six, including extraordinary beings like Xue Bufan, Yu Huaxian, and Huangpao, who were far beyond the typical Tao Tribulation Realm.


    Behind him stood an even more formidable force of two million from the Four Symbols Legion.


    A million beast cavalry!


    All of this was thanks to Xiao Yi!


    The sound of hooves clopped rapidly.


    A figure rushed out from the Great Jin Kingdom''s camp, heading straight for Tanglang City.


    This was a general at the peak of the Golden Core Realm, clad in golden armor.


    This person was a commander of the Golden Crow Guards.


    The golden-armored warrior stood below Tanglang City, slightly tilting his head up to look at Xiao Yi and the others above the city gate with a face full of arrogance, "Who is the lord of Tianqing Kingdom, Jiang Tai?"


    Jiang Tai stood with his hands behind his back, squinting as he replied, "I am he!"


    "So it''s you!"


    The golden-armored warrior sneered with contempt, "By the order of General Qin, Tianqing Kingdom''s lord Jiang Tai is demanded to open the city gates swiftly and present the traitor Xiao Yi''s head. Otherwise, our army will purge Tianqing Kingdom, sparing not a single soul!"


    Boom!


    Above the city gate, everyone was furious.


    Pairs of cold eyes landed on the golden-armored warrior.


    Yet he stood confident with the backing of Great Jin Kingdom, utterly unafraid of the crowd, "General Qin gave you one hour to consider. However, to prevent that hour from being too dull, General Qin has prepared some entertaining performances for you all¡ªI hope you''ll enjoy them! Hahaha¡­"


    With that, the golden-armored warrior strode away.


    When he returned to the ranks.


    Within the Great Jin Kingdom''s military formation, a dense crowd of people appeared.


    At a rough count, their number exceeded two hundred thousand.


    "Those seem to be the civilians from Sihai Kingdom!"


    "What is Qin Yu planning to do? Surely he doesn''t intend to drive the refugees from Sihai Kingdom to assault our Tanglang City?"


    While everyone was puzzled.


    Behind each civilian from Sihai Kingdom emerged a soldier of Great Jin Kingdom.


    "Not good!"


    "They plan to execute at the front of the army?"


    The faces of Xiao Yi and the others suddenly changed...


    Puu, puu, puu!


    A series of blade lights tore through the air, the silver glint of the blades extremely dazzling amidst the blazing flames.


    Wherever the blade''s edge passed.


    Heads hit the ground!


    Two hundred thousand people, none were spared!


    Above the great land, heads rolled and blood flowed, converging into rivers of blood, dyeing the fields a bright shade of red.


    Two hundred thousand people were killed just like that!


    "Beasts, these are nothing but beasts..." S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Among them were many children, could they really bring themselves to kill even children?"


    All the generals of Tianqing Kingdom had their eyes split with rage, unable to contain their fury.


    In their anger,


    they became even more determined to win this battle!


    If they were to fail...


    Should the armies of Great Jin Kingdom enter Tianqing Kingdom, the fate of Tianqing''s people would be the same as those two hundred thousand.


    Clip-clop, clip-clop!


    The golden-armored general made his return trip, his face bearing an arrogant look, and declared, "This is the spectacle General Qin has prepared for you... If within an hour Xiao Yi is not handed over, when Great Jin Kingdom''s iron hooves flatten Tianqing Kingdom, everyone from the top down in your Tianqing will meet this end! Remember, you only have one hour, hahahaha..."


    Continue your saga on empire


    Watching the golden-armored general leave with high strides,


    the top of the city gate was immersed in silence.


    Bang!


    Jiang Tai abruptly shattered the stone tiles in front of him, his eyes blood-red as he gnashed his teeth and said, "How dare Great Jin Kingdom do this?"


    Yu Huaxian said indifferently, "This is the law of the jungle, where the weak can''t even control their own life or death."


    "Qin Yu is delusional, thinking he can make me hand over Xiao? Ridiculous!"


    Jiang Tai, with a fiery gaze towards everyone, suddenly bowed deeply, solemnly saying, "I entrust you, generals, to protect Tianqing Kingdom, to not let those beasts step even half into Tanglang City!"


    With Qin Yu''s tactics,


    once they got past Tanglang City, once Tianqing Kingdom was conquered, they genuinely might go as far as to massacre the whole country!


    This is not just a mere city''s slaughter,


    but the butchery of a nation!


    Massacring an entire country!


    Before this...


    They couldn''t even imagine such things.


    But Qin Yu, he was someone who truly could do it.


    After all,


    as Xiao Yi had previously trapped and slaughtered several hundred thousand of Tianlan Kingdom''s army, it was because both armies were locked in battle, where either you die or I perish. Even after he later breached Tianlan Kingdom and Qingyun Kingdom, he never laid a hand on any innocent civilians, but Qin Yu was different. As the owner of the Blood Demon Battle Body, the more he killed, the stronger he became.


    Should he massacre an entire nation, he might even manifest his Dharma and step into the Dharma Manifestation Realm!


    This is also why Qin Yu''s march to war involved daily city slaughters.


    He is using this opportunity to enhance his cultivation, aiming for Dharma Manifestation!


    Inside the military formation of Great Jin Kingdom.


    The Eastern War King laughed, "General Qin, those scums of Tianqing Kingdom are probably shaken by your move, now they must be in a state of panic!"


    The Southern War King cleaned his ears, speaking lightly, "The mere Tianqing Kingdom dares to provoke Great Jin Kingdom; they truly have no sense of living or dying. What''s the big deal even if we massacre their entire population?"


    "We should first congratulate General Qin, once he massacres the entire Tianqing Kingdom, his Blood Demon Battle Body might reach complete maturity, and Dharma is not far off!" The Western War King looked at Qin Yu with deep wariness and a tinge of envy, "By then, we will rely on General Qin''s support!"


    The Blood Demon Battle Body!


    Capable of devouring the Qi-Blood of living beings to rapidly increase one''s cultivation.


    They too coveted such a heaven-defying physique!


    However...


    In the past, Great Jin Kingdom seldom engaged in wars, so it was impossible to start a war of annihilation just for Qin Yu''s sake, and he could only covertly kill to absorb Qi-Blood. Now, however, he has a legitimate opportunity, even the chance to strike at Dharma Manifestation Realm, naturally, he will not squander such a perfect chance.


    Qin Yu laughed heartily, "Well said, well said!"


    On this campaign across Sihai Kingdom, he had slaughtered over a dozen cities; his cultivation had progressed from the Seventh Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm to the Eighth Layer Realm. He was eager to breach Tianqing Kingdom, massacre the whole country, and make his push towards Dharma Manifestation.


    An hour passed in the blink of an eye.


    "It seems Tianqing Kingdom''s rabble has decided to resist to the end!"


    Taking a deep breath, Qin Yu glanced at the golden-armored general beside him and coldly ordered, "Sound the drums, attack!"

 Chapter 196 The Ghost Gods Soldiers

    Boom! Boom! Boom!The war drums of the Great Jin Kingdom sounded in the distance.


    Rumbling, rumbling, rumbling!


    The ground shook as if a dragon were turning over beneath it.


    A troop of one hundred thousand soldiers split from the enemy''s formation, forming ten square units that advanced neatly toward the front.


    Each of these hundred thousand soldiers was clad in golden armor, wielding a long sword and bearing a war shield on their shoulders.


    An icy, deadly aura emanated from each of them.


    Just from the uniformity of their footsteps, devoid of any other noise, one could tell this was an elite force!


    At the very front of these one hundred thousand, there were two figures in white battle armor from the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    "They are the Eastern War King and Western War King from among the Four Symbols Kings. Every one of them is a strong practitioner above the Fifth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm, and behind them are the hundred thousand Golden Crow Guards,"


    Yu Huaxian said with a grave voice, "This is General Qin Yu''s usual tactic, to strike the enemy down with the Golden Crow Guards in the front. Then the cavalry, half a million strong, will swoop down to completely break the enemy, followed by the infantry..."


    "A hundred thousand Golden Crow Guards?"


    Xiao Yi nodded and gave an order, "Gu Junhe, Yu Huaxian, hear my command, I order the two of you to lead fifty thousand from the Four Symbols Legion each to meet the enemy!"


    "Your subordinate obeys!"


    Gu Junhe clenched his fists, full of an overwhelming desire to fight.


    With the help of Xiao Yi''s elemental stones, he too had stepped into the Third Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm.


    He was fully capable of dealing with a practitioner of the Fifth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm.


    As for Yu Huaxian, he had reached the Seventh Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm, and a great battle was just what he needed to exhibit his power.


    After the two had left,


    Xiao Yi continued, "Jiang Weisheng, Huangpao, hear my command... You two immediately organize the Beast Riders. Once Generals Gu and Huaxian break through the Golden Crow Guards, the Beast Riders will charge. If Qin Yu wishes to slaughter all the people of the Tianqing Kingdom, then I will bury his army of over a million right outside Tanglang City!"


    "Yes!"


    The two immediately withdrew.


    Clang!


    The city gates flung open.


    Yu Huaxian and Gu Junhe led the one hundred thousand of the Four Symbols Legion and charged out, heading straight for the one hundred thousand Golden Crow Guards.


    In front of the Golden Crow Guards,


    The Eastern War King in white battle armor, expressionless, said, "Yu Huaxian, that eunuch, has indeed defected to the Tianqing Kingdom. When His Majesty appointed him to manage the Eastern Factory, I vehemently opposed it. Eunuchs are truly unreliable!"


    "The soldiers behind them are not simple either!"


    Coming from a military background, the Four Symbols Kings could see at a glance how exceptional the Legion was. The Western War King spoke in a deep voice, "Send the order down, tell the men not to take this lightly, they must hit them hard. Ideally, we should annihilate these one hundred thousand before the cavalry even makes a move!"


    They had complete confidence in the Golden Crow Guards of the Great Jin Kingdom.


    The one hundred thousand Golden Crow Guards struck their shields with their swords.


    Boom! Stay tuned for updates on empire


    Boom!


    Boom!


    The sound resonated through the sky, fierce as wolves and aggressive as tigers.


    Gu Junhe pointed with his Longsword and roared, "Four Symbols Legion, be unstoppable! Kill..."


    "Kill!"


    "Kill!"


    "Kill..."


    The shouts from the Four Symbols Legion were thunderous, rivaling the Golden Crow Guards.


    Boom!


    The two sides collided in an instant.


    The Western War King and Eastern War King were respectively held up by Yu Huaxian and Gu Junhe.


    The remaining Golden Crow Guards and the Legion clashed like two giant waves meeting each other.


    The sounds of fierce battle filled the sky.


    Within the military formation,


    The Southern War King nodded slightly, saying, "No wonder the four major kingdoms combined could not trouble the Tianqing Kingdom; their military strength is truly not weak!"


    Qin Yu''s face was cold, his sneer continuous, "They are but grasshoppers after the autumn, not able to bounce around for much longer. The Golden Crow Guards of my Great Jin Kingdom are unstoppable, how can they compare with such a tiny country?"


    "Of course!"


    The Northern War King laughed, his figure immensely bulky, to the extent that the low-level six-stage beast he was riding seemed to struggle under his weight. "General Qin, after we break the Tianqing Kingdom, do you truly intend to slaughter the entire nation?"


    Qin Yu nodded, "Only by exterminating the Tianqing Kingdom can we truly avenge His Highness!"


    The Southern and Northern War Kings looked at each other, and there was not a hint of pity in their eyes, but rather a nod of agreement, "You speak sense, the dignity of our Great Jin Kingdom cannot be tarnished!"


    "The Golden Crow Guards should be about to crush the opposition, we can let the cavalry..." the Southern War King was saying when his expression abruptly changed, his pupils shrinking dramatically, "What, what is this situation?"


    On the battlefield.


    The Eastern War King had already been slain by Yu Huaxian.


    The Western War King was also entangled by Gu Junhe and could not extricate himself.


    But what shocked them even more was the Golden Crow Guards who had been invincible...


    They were actually on the verge of complete collapse under the onslaught of the one hundred thousand Four Symbols Legion.


    In just a brief moment.


    Over half of the one hundred thousand Golden Crow Guards had been lost!


    "Impossible!"


    "How, how could the Tianqing Kingdom possibly have such elite troops?" The Southern War King''s face changed wildly, looking to Qin Yu, "General Qin, what should we do?"


    Qin Yu''s face was ashen.


    He had also not anticipated that the Golden Crow Guards, who had previously been invincible, would face such a setback against the Tianqing Kingdom, which he had never taken seriously!


    With a gloomy face, Qin Yu snapped angrily, "A hundred thousand magical beast cavalry charge the enemy ranks, followed closely by the remaining four hundred thousand cavalry. Tianqing Kingdom, a small and insignificant country, these one hundred thousand elites must be all their military strength, as long as we annihilate these one hundred thousand men, Tianqing Kingdom will have no more power to resist..." S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The war drums thundered, and the earth trembled.


    One hundred thousand magical beast cavalry, along with four hundred thousand regular cavalry, burst out of the military ranks and charged towards the Four Symbols Legion.


    The vast army of five hundred thousand, like a black tide, left no grass growing or tile intact wherever it passed.


    The Western War King and Gu Junhe, trembling with excitement, showed a look of wild joy on their faces, "Haha, Gu Junhe, you''re doomed!"


    "Is that so?"


    Gu Junhe simply gave a cold, mocking smile, suddenly retreated, and along with Yu Huaxian, led the hundred thousand Four Symbols Legion away from Tanglang City.


    "Charge, don''t let them get away!"


    "Wipe them out!"


    The Western War King, having been suppressed by Gu Junhe, who was of a lower cultivation level than him, was already frustrated to no end. Seeing the Southern War King and the Northern War King leading the cavalry to pursue, and the Four Symbols Legion in ''disorganized retreat'', how could he miss this chance to regain his honor? Immediately taking the lead, he chased after them with the remaining Golden Crow Guards.


    However...


    As Gu Junhe and Yu Huaxian neared Tanglang City, they did not flee into the city but scattered to both sides.


    Almost simultaneously.


    The ground trembled with a series of terrifying quakes.


    The earth shook as if stricken by an earthquake.


    "That, what is that?"


    From within Tanglang City, suddenly a black iron torrent swelled forth, each one clad in tungsten iron armor, holding a tungsten iron spear.


    Their bodies shone with a dim black light.


    Underneath them were hulking and powerful magical beasts.


    One hundred thousand.


    Two hundred thousand.


    Three hundred thousand...


    A full million magical beast cavalry charged out from Tanglang City.


    Leading them were none other than Jiang Weisheng and Xue Bufan.


    Jiang Weisheng roared loudly, "Kill!"


    The rumble of a million magical beast cavalry was like an iron torrent, like the army of specters.


    The terrifying momentum stunned the five hundred thousand cavalry of Great Jin Kingdom. The Western War King''s eyes burst with madness, "Flee, flee for your lives!"


    "Retreat, retreat!"


    The Southern War King and the Northern War King, faces filled with terror, reined their horses to retreat.


    But their battle formation was such that the magical beast cavalry were in front, with the regular cavalry behind. Now that they had to turn around, how could the regular cavalry outrun the magical beasts? They were directly crushed by their own side''s magical beast cavalry, thoroughly disorganizing the entire battle formation. Along with the onrush of a million magical beast cavalry from Tianqing Kingdom, the million-strong army of Great Jin Kingdom collapsed like a landslide.


    Across the plains, blood flowed into rivers, and a sea of corpses piled high.


    Of the Great Jin Kingdom''s million-strong army, only a fifth escaped in all directions, fleeing desperately for their lives.


    The Western War King was pierced through by Xue Bufan and trampled to death by magical beasts.


    The Southern War King and the Northern War King were also gravely injured and managed to flee to Qin Yu''s side.


    The few of them looked out over the plains, where a million magical beast cavalry stood in a line, eyes bursting with madness, "We''ve lost... we have lost..."

 Chapter 197 You All Must Die!

    "We lost, we''ve lost..."The Southern War King''s face was a picture of defeat.


    The Northern War King covered his face with his hands, roaring in disbelief, "Who can tell me where these beast cavalry came from? A million beast cavalry, even the Great Jin Kingdom doesn''t possess such forces, what on earth is going on..."


    A million beast cavalry!


    That was a massive killing machine!


    Even with powerful Beast Tamers, Great Jin Kingdom had taken over a hundred years to form a beast cavalry of just a hundred thousand.


    And Tianqing Kingdom had directly produced a million?


    A million beast rampaging was something an ordinary soldier simply couldn''t stop!


    You must understand...


    These common soldiers were merely at the Physical Body Realm, reaching the Divine Skills Realm meant becoming a captain of a hundred, to the middle phase of Divine Skills Realm they became a captain of a thousand, and late phase or peak meant becoming a captain of ten thousand.


    The Golden Core Realm were the generals, and the Tao Tribulation Realm were army commanders, even commanders-in-chief of three armies.


    But within an army of a million.


    The Golden Core Realm comprised just one in ten thousand.


    The Tao Tribulation Realm was even scarcer: one in several hundred thousand.


    The vast majority were still in the Divine Skills Realm and Physical Body Realm, such strong individuals faced with rampaging beasts were simply being crushed.


    Just now, with a charge from the million beast cavalry, they had trampled tens of thousands, even up to a hundred and fifty thousand.


    It was a completely one-sided crushing.


    Annihilation!


    "General Qin, what should we do now?" the Southern War King asked, his gaze fixed on Qin Yu, who remained silent.


    Qin Yu sat atop his mount, watching as the million-strong army dwindled to barely two hundred thousand, yet his face showed no expression.


    He was still utterly detached.


    Qin Yu''s eyes fixed on those two hundred thousand soldiers, he said coldly, "Charge for me, anyone who retreats dies!"


    "What?"


    "That''s a million beast cavalry you''re sending them to confront, are you not sending them to their deaths?" yelled the Southern War King in anger.


    However...


    Qin Yu sneered coldly, "Indeed, I am sending them to their deaths!"


    "Huh?"


    The Northern War King was stunned.


    Qin Yu said chillingly, "We''ve already lost this battle. Whether it''s twenty thousand left or none makes no difference. To win this battle, we need only to slay all the higher-ups of Tianqing Kingdom. My Blood Demon Battle Body is about to achieve great success; by absorbing the Qi-Blood of these two hundred thousand, I will be able to reach the Nine-fold layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm. Then, who in Tianqing Kingdom can stand against me?"


    "You ¨C you mean to use these two hundred thousand warriors as a sacrifice for your cultivation?" The Southern War King shuddered, speaking with teeth chattering. Your journey continues at My Virtual Library Empire


    The Northern War King glared furiously at Qin Yu, "Madman, you''re a madman... they are the children of the Great Jin Kingdom..."


    Splat!


    Before the Northern War King could finish his sentence, he was suddenly grasped by the head in Qin Yu''s claw.


    The fingers crushed the crown of the Northern War King''s skull.


    The fingers dug deep into the head.


    Gurgle gurgle gurgle!


    The streams of Qi-Blood were sucked out frantically, absorbed into Qin Yu''s body, his form flickering with a crimson glow. Tossing aside the Northern War King''s corpse, now like a dried husk, Qin Yu licked his scarlet tongue across his lips, his fierce gaze turned towards the Southern War King, "Do you also plan to stop me?"


    Hiss!


    The Southern War King drew a sharp breath, his eyes wide with fear looking at Qin Yu.


    He had never imagined Qin Yu would be so deranged.


    To devour even the Northern War King without a second thought. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Gulp!


    The Southern War King swallowed hard and hastily said, "General Qin jests, how could I dare to obstruct you?"


    Clang!


    South War King drew his battle saber, pointing the blade forward as he roared, "Men, follow me into battle and slay the enemy!"


    Yet the two hundred thousand men looked at each other in dismay, not daring to move an inch.


    There were only two hundred thousand wounded soldiers left on their side, while facing them was an army of a million monster cavalrymen. How could they possibly fight this?


    Splat!


    The South War King''s saber gleamed as it swept across, slicing several retreating soldiers in two as he bellowed, "Any who retreat¡ªshall be shown no mercy!"


    Under the threat of death,


    The two hundred thousand could only grit their teeth and charge forward.


    Yu Huaxian sneered repeatedly, "Kill them all!"


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The million-strong army of monster beasts rushed forward uncontrollably.


    In an instant,


    The two hundred thousand were ruthlessly slaughtered to the last man, leaving only a scattered few thousand kneeling and begging for mercy, or fleeing in all directions.


    Even the South War King himself soared into the sky, fleeing to the distant horizon.


    He dared not provoke Qin Yu, but he was also unwilling to lose his life here.


    "Qin Yu, I will make everything clear to His Majesty. You dared to kill the Northern War King and led to the annihilation of a million-strong army of Great Jin Kingdom, turning them into nourishment for your cultivation. His Majesty will never let you off!" The South War King''s voice thundered like rolling thunder, but his figure had already retreated into the high sky, disappearing into the clouds.


    Qin Yu looked up towards his departing direction and sneered, "It''s just killing one from Tao Tribulation Realm, losing a million-strong army. Once I kill off all these rabble from Tianqing Kingdom and step into Dharma Manifestation Realm, I will even contend for the throne of the Jin Emperor. Why fear his punishment?"


    Boom!


    Qin Yu soared into the sky.


    With arms wide open, the blood light around him surged violently, "Blood Demon Body, melt the qi-blood, devour!"


    Whoosh!


    Suddenly, a bloody wind whipped through the heavens and earth.


    In the bloody storm, the qi-blood within the corpses on the battlefield was forcibly extracted, turning each and every body into a dried husk. The qi-blood that flowed on the ground and that which dispersed in the air gathered into streams of scarlet ribbons, rushing into Qin Yu''s body.


    The qi-blood of this million-strong army was far more than that of slaughtering tens of millions of ordinary people.


    An endless amount of qi-blood coalesced around Qin Yu into a blood cocoon.


    This blood cocoon was bleak and terrifying, with an icy chill that caused the million monster beasts to hesitate, emitting sounds of intense disquiet and low growls.


    Yu Huaxian''s face suddenly changed, "Not good, Qin Yu is devouring qi-blood. His Blood Demon Battle Body is about to be fully realized..."


    Gu Junhe tightened the reins, pacing back and forth atop his steed, "What a Qin Yu... I knew that with his title as a god of war, the battle wouldn''t have been this easy even with our forces holding absolute advantage. All of this was his overt scheme. Whether we lost or they did, he could devour an enormous amount of qi-blood power."


    "Madman, this guy is simply insane..."


    "We absolutely cannot let him devour enough qi-blood power, or else we will stand no chance against him!"


    Jiang Weisheng, Xue Bufan, and the others also spoke with heavy expressions.


    Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!


    Several figures soared into the sky.


    Yu Huaxian flung his sleeves, releasing a downpour of silver needles.


    Gu Junhe''s saber cleaved through the air, its light like the moon, slant-slicing through the firmament.


    Jiang Weisheng''s spear shone like a rainbow, piercing the heavens.


    Xue Bufan''s staff hammered down, transforming into a massive mountain of vital energy, ruthlessly smashing downward...


    On the ground below, archers collectively released a torrent of arrows.


    Countless attacks darkened the sky, filling it as they enveloped Qin Yu''s blood cocoon.


    However...


    Just as those attacks were mere meters away from the blood cocoon, the blood light around it suddenly expanded a hundredfold, forcefully stalling the overwhelming onslaught in its tracks.


    Followed by hissing sounds,


    All of the attacks, along with the arrows, were corroded by the blood light, turning into a sky full of black smoke.


    Crack!


    A palm suddenly burst forth from within the blood cocoon, followed by another, pushing violently outward to either side. Qin Yu, cloaked in a radiant red glow, stood tall in the void with the corners of his mouth slightly raised. His eyes, filled with blood threads, were brimming with an overwhelming desire to kill, sending shivers down the spine. He uttered the chilling and sinister words, "You all, must die!"

 Chapter 198 Xiao Yi Battles Qin Yu

    ```"You, all of you shall die!"


    Qin Yu hovered in the air, his eyes a deep blood red.


    Suddenly, his body turned into a streak of red light, stretching a hundred meters across the sky, instantly appearing in front of Yu Huaxian and the others.


    "Storm Pear Blossom!"


    Yu Huaxian''s expression changed slightly as he flicked his hand, sending out countless fine needles.


    Qin Yu sneered coldly, "Blood Demon Transformation!"


    Whoosh!


    A surge of blood light swirled around him, gathering on the surface of his body, turning into a huge blood-colored demon shadow. Opening its gaping maw, it swallowed all the fine needles in one gulp, and then with a shake of its head, the needles flew out in reverse, the sound of them tearing through the air targeted squarely at the Four Symbols Legion.


    Puff puff puff!


    Streaks of blood soared into the sky.


    In that swift exchange of moves, thousands had fallen into pools of blood.


    The Qi-Blood of thousands rushed into Qin Yu''s body. His scarlet tongue licked his lips, showing a thirst for blood: "Delicious, hahaha, indeed, the Qi-Blood of the strong is the most savory!" His gaze turned to Yu Huaxian and the others, "Yu Huaxian, this general has yet to taste what the Qi-Blood of a eunuch is like..."


    "You''re probably not going to get the chance!"


    With that calm statement, Xiao Yi''s figure appeared in front of Qin Yu.


    "Xiao Yi?"


    Qin Yu''s blood-red eyes fixed on Xiao Yi, and his tongue involuntarily slipped out at the surging Qi-Blood beneath his gaze, his voice sinister, "Your blood must taste exceedingly fine. I had planned to save you for last so you could watch them die before you, to slowly savor your Qi-Blood. But since you''ve willingly come to me, then this general shall oblige you!"


    "Indulge me? We''ll see if you have the ability!"


    Xiao Yi''s palm surged with Wind Thunder. He glanced over at Gu Junhe and the others, "Principal Gu, you must lead the people back to the city quickly. I''ll hold him off!" Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Be careful!"


    Gu Junhe deeply understood that if Qin Yu turned his attention to the Four Symbols Legion, it would result in a terrible slaughter.


    And...


    Qin Yu''s Blood Demon Battle Body only grew stronger with every life it took.


    They must not allow the Four Symbols Legion to become his "Human-shaped Elixir" to advance his cultivation.


    Several of them organized the Four Symbols Legion to retreat.


    "Do you think that can stop this general? Useless, even after I kill you, they''ll still not escape death. But don''t worry, I won''t kill you right away. I''ll let you watch first hand how I slaughter every last one of your Tianqing Kingdom people."


    Qin Yu sneered, "Heh, your Tianqing Kingdom''s billions of citizens will serve as the stepping stones for this general to ascend to the Dharma Manifestation Realm, they should feel proud even in death!"


    Xiao Yi pointed to the towering city behind him, "If you can step past Tanglang City, then consider it my loss."


    Continue your journey on My Virtual Library Empire


    "Tremble in endless fear!"


    Qin Yu''s arms shook, and with a crackling sound from his chest, it swelled violently, only to collapse instantly, letting out a roar: "Die!"


    Buzz! Buzz! Buzz!


    Waves of sound burst forth from his mouth.


    The circular sound waves rolled in, growing larger and larger, deafening to the ear.


    Anyone caught within the waves would be overtaken with splitting headaches and stars before their eyes.


    Whoosh!


    Qin Yu turned into a blood rainbow, appearing in a flash right in front of Xiao Yi, his fingers tipped with nails like scythes, slashing down towards Xiao Yi''s head: "Five-Colored Blood Claw!"


    Crackling!


    The claws had not yet touched Xiao Yi when they were engulfed by thunder.


    ```


    ```


    Ao!


    Qin Yu let out a wretched scream as he was flung backward.


    On his ten fingers, the scythe-like nails all exploded into black carbon, with streaks of purple lightning floating above them before falling off.


    Shock appeared on his face, "Thunder? How come there''s thunder on you?"


    "Sorry, you''re not the only one with a special physique!"


    As soon as his words ended,


    lightning covered Xiao Yi''s body, and a wild wind rose around him.


    Thunder wrapped around his body, each hair standing on end as lightning surged in and out.


    With every move he made, he resembled a giant of wind and thunder.


    Swish!


    The Fire Qilin Sword appeared out of thin air, his figure stepping through the void. As he grasped the hilt, the sword came out like a dragon: "A Stroke That Surprises the Wind and Rain!"


    In his hands, the Fire Qilin Sword was like a brush soaked with ink, its tip decorating the void, accompanied by a roaring wind and startling thunder. Amidst the fusion of wind and thunder, a torrential rain of thunderous sword energy formed, drizzling down. The everywhere sword rain shone brightly, displaying extraordinary power. Just a touch would paralyze one with thunder and sweep them away with violent winds.


    The blood light that made countless strong individuals wary around Qin Yu now seemed like a campfire in a storm.


    The blood light was pushed back, step by step.


    The sword struck Qin Yu''s shoulder with a ''pfft,'' piercing through it.


    Wa!


    A stream of fresh blood spurted from Qin Yu''s mouth.


    He struck out at the void with both hands, creating waves of blood-red Qi-Walls in front of him, and only then did he manage to withdraw a hundred yards away.


    He glared at Xiao Yi from across the distance.


    Their gazes locked in confrontation.


    As tangible as substance, their stares collided in the void, sparking brilliant flashes of light.


    A vacuum zone formed between the two.


    The blood light on Qin Yu surged, flowing into the wound on his shoulder, where the sword cut was rapidly healing before his eyes. Qin Yu squinted, "One of the ten Sacred Bodies, the Wind Thunder Holy Body?"


    "You do know a bit!" Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow.


    "Unexpected, really, that such a long-lost Sacred Body would reappear in the world!"


    Qin Yu took a deep breath, his eyes suddenly sharpening as he sneered, "Pity though! If I''m not mistaken, your Wind Thunder Holy Body is merely in its initial stage. If it were fully developed, I would stand no chance against you. But now, the distance is far for you to defeat me with it."


    Xiao Yi said, "You can try!"


    "Heh heh, spare me the bluster here. Xiao Yi, if you tell me how to cultivate the Wind Thunder Holy Body, I can spare your life. Furthermore, once I''ve slaughtered the citizens of the Tianqing Kingdom and stepped into the Dharma Manifestation Realm to seize the throne of the Jin Emperor, I could even make you the Comrade King of Great Jin, equal to me. What do you think?" Qin Yu''s eyes were ablaze as he stared greedily at Xiao Yi.


    The Wind Thunder Holy Body is the only one among the ten Sacred Bodies that can be cultivated later in life.


    His Blood Demon Battle Body, though strong, did not rank among those ten Sacred Bodies.


    If he could get the cultivation method for the Wind Thunder Holy Body, combined with the special trait of his Blood Demon Battle Body to consume Qi-Blood for improvement, his combat power would surely make a qualitative leap!


    He might even be able to rival the top entities of the Great Qian Dynasty!


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow, "You want the cultivation method for the Wind Thunder Holy Body?"


    Qin Yu, with a fervent face, "Exactly!"


    Xiao Yi said, "No problem, but you''ll need to exchange something for it!"


    "What thing? As long as I possess it, I can give it to you!" With his crimson tongue licking his lips, Qin Yu stared at Xiao Yi with greed.


    He thought that as long as he could obtain the cultivation method for the Wind Thunder Holy Body, he would even agree to give up the Jin Emperor''s throne to Xiao Yi if asked¡ªsince he could simply kill Xiao Yi after advancing to the Dharma Manifestation Realm later on!


    Xiao Yi cracked a smile and said, "Exchange it for your life!"


    ```

 Chapter 199 Beyond the Limits

    "Your life for mine!"Xiao Yi''s gaze was ice cold as he looked at Qin Yu, speaking every word deliberately.


    Huh?


    The greedy smile on Qin Yu''s face suddenly froze, slowly twisting into a venomous hue. He ground his teeth and spat out, "You dog-like thing, dare to play with me? Go to hell!"


    "Blood Demon Hand!"


    Blood-red Qi surged wildly, pouring out like breaching floodwaters.


    Before him, it transformed into a huge blood-colored claw, resembling a sky-covering blood cloud, reaching out for Xiao Yi.


    This blood-red Qi possessed an extremely strong corrosiveness.


    Once caught,


    even with the Wind Thunder Holy Body, he would probably not last long.


    After all,


    his Wind Thunder Holy Body was only at the first stage.


    If he had cultivated it to a more advanced level, he could repel Qin Yu''s blood demon power with a single shake of the surrounding wind and thunder.


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi kept retreating.


    But the blood-colored palm missed him and regathered for another grab, relentlessly pursuing.


    "A heron divides the billowing waves amidst the two rivers!"


    "A separate realm unlike the human world!"


    "A thousand miles back to Jiangling within a single day..."


    With his sword moves emerging in rapid succession, Xiao Yi''s Green Lotus Sword Song was exquisite beyond measure. Fortified by the power of wind and thunder, it shattered Qin Yu''s attacks time and again.


    This further infuriated and exasperated Qin Yu.


    His speed lagged significantly behind Xiao Yi''s, and he was being led by the nose. Qin Yu fiercely slapped his chest, "Blood Demon Wings!"


    Crack crack!


    Sounds of bones shifting could be heard from within his body.


    He bent his torso.


    Bulges on his back writhed continuously, then burst through the skin with two popping sounds, forming two blood-colored bony wings. With a wingspan of ten meters, red blood veins ran along the bones, and numerous vein-like structures writhed like worms, entwined with each other, forming flesh. Eventually, they became two bright blood-red meaty wings.


    Whoosh!


    Whoosh!


    The flesh wings beat the air, whipping up a foul wind.


    "Let''s see where you can run now!"


    With the Great Accomplished Blood Demon Battle Body, one can transform into a blood demon.


    At this moment, Qin Yu, having deployed the Blood Demon Wings, could travel tens of thousands of li in a day with such speed that Xiao Yi was somewhat caught off guard.


    "Blood Demon Sword!"


    Utilizing the speed granted by the Blood Demon Wings, Qin Yu maneuvered behind Xiao Yi, and with a forward thrust of his right hand, a blood-colored light congealed into a longsword. The blood-colored longsword traced a semicircular arc in the air, a perfect combination of speed, angle, and power, representing the pinnacle of Qin Yu''s skill.


    Xiao Yi''s complexion shifted slightly as he raised the Fire Qilin Sword behind him.


    Clang!


    The swords collided with a piercing ring.


    However, the Blood Demon Sword suddenly went limp, coiling around Xiao Yi like a serpent wrapping around a tree.


    Xiao Yi''s pupils contracted. If he was entangled, he would struggle to break free. He smacked the hilt of his sword, using the rebound force to plunge towards the ground. Almost the moment he escaped, the Blood Demon Sword had formed a cage, but it closed on empty air.


    "Blood Demon Sea!"


    Qin Yu bellowed from above.


    Whoosh!


    His Blood Demon Wings beat frantically behind him, shedding countless blood droplets that fell below, swiftly covering a hundred zhang in all directions with a sea of blood.


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!


    Amidst the churning of the blood sea''s massive waves, numerous gigantic blood-colored hands emerged, grasping at Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi, drawing upon the Wind Thunder Holy Body, conjured a shield with wind and thunder, warding off the relentless blood hands.


    "Blood Demon Sky Net!"


    Qin Yu brought his hands together in front of him, and strands of blood-red silk shot out, weaving a vast blood-colored net in the air, plummeting towards the ground.


    Below was the sea with its gigantic blood hands, above was the blood-colored net.


    No matter where Xiao Yi tried to escape, he couldn''t avoid being caught between the two. In this crisis, a glint of cold light flashed in Xiao Yi''s eyes as he channeled the power of wind and thunder into the Fire Qilin Sword. A mix of different forces coalesced on the sword¡ªwind, thunder, and fire¡ªthreatening to overwhelm its capacity. But Xiao Yi had no other choice. With both hands on the sword, he swung upwards against the heavens, "Green Lotus Reincarnation!"


    One of the two ultimate moves of the Green Lotus Sword Song.


    It was supposed to be used only at the Dharma Manifestation Realm, but he had no choice but to use it now.


    Boom!


    A green lotus formed in front of the sword''s tip, with cyan wind, purple-gold thunder, and crimson flames. The tri-colored forces intertwined on the sword lotus hovering above his head.


    The tri-colored petals spun continuously.


    Life inexhaustible!


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Under the intertwined crushing of the Three-Colored Sword Lotus, the crimson net was forcibly torn open, creating a large hole. Freed from its constraints, the Sword Lotus suddenly burst forth. The tricolor sword light soared into the sky, and before Qin Yu could react, it pierced through his chest with a ''puh'' sound. Blood spurted out like a fountain, and Qin Yu screamed in agony.


    His face twisted with ferocity as he, without any hesitation, once again gathered the large net to envelop everything below.


    Boom!


    He forcefully pushed Xiao Yi back.


    "Hehehe, I never imagined you could break through this general''s Blood Demon Sky Net, but you will definitely not succeed a second time. Xiao Yi, you are bound to die today!" Qin Yu said with a sinister tone.


    While being pushed back by the mighty Blood Demon Net, Xiao Yi''s legs were also seized by the massive hands made of blood.


    In a rush.


    His hands were also bound.


    With hands and feet restrained, he couldn''t move at all.


    He could only watch helplessly as his body was engulfed in bloodlight.


    He raised his head to look at Qin Yu, whose chest was still hemorrhaging, "You are also seriously injured. As soon as Yu Huaxian and the others take action, you will have only one path left¡ªdeath!"


    "Hahaha, do you think the Great Accomplished Blood Demon Battle Body is so easy to defeat? I''m not afraid to tell you that the Great Accomplished Blood Demon Battle Body possesses terrifying regenerative abilities. As long as the Qi-Blood remains, even the gravest of injuries can heal back to normal..." Qin Yu laughed triumphantly, his Qi-Blood surged, covering the ferocious gap in his chest.


    Strands of blood wove together, visibly repairing the fatal wound at a speed noticeable to the naked eye.


    "How is this possible?" Xiao Yi''s complexion changed abruptly.


    Patting his chest with pride, Qin Yu said, "Give up struggling, you''re doomed!"


    "Blood Grinding Disc!"


    Qin Yu brought his hands together in prayer.


    The Blood Demon Sky Net and the Blood Demon Sea, one above and one below, morphed into a massive blood-red grinding disc.


    It began rotating to the left and right.


    Attempting to grind Xiao Yi into oblivion!


    Caught between the two opposing forces tearing at him, Xiao Yi''s body seemed ready to be ripped apart and ground into pieces at any moment.


    "Hahaha, Xiao Yi, you''re done for! Once the Blood Grinding Disc shreds your body, your Qi-Blood power will become mine... You do not possess the Blood Demon Battle Body, you can''t recover from injuries like I can and heal back to normal... Just die obediently!" Qin Yu laughed boastfully.


    However, Xiao Yi, entrapped within the Blood Grinding Disc, shuddered.


    A buzzing filled his mind, "Heal back to normal? Heal back to normal? Wait, I understand now, I finally see the path that lies beyond the Limitless Golden Elixir!"


    "Hahaha, Qin Yu, I thank you!"


    Xiao Yi roared to the sky.


    Qin Yu looked perplexed: "Thank me? Has this guy''s brain been mashed by the Blood Grinding Disc?"


    "Since forty-nine halos is the limit, then I shall do the opposite. By fusing the halos and refining them anew, I am also breaking the limit!"


    The Golden Core within Xiao Yi vibrated intensely as countless amounts of heavenly and earthly energy surged into it.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    As seas of heavenly and earthly energy converged.


    Xiao Yi no longer focused on condensing a Golden Core Halo; he chose fusion instead!


    Hum! Hum! Hum!


    The forty-nine Golden Core Halos collided fiercely, trembling violently. The energy they produced was so intense that it nearly caused Xiao Yi''s Golden Core to break apart. Excruciating pain almost caused Xiao Yi to faint, but his iron willpower kept him conscious. His teeth clenched tight enough to bleed, veins throbbed as if they would burst, and his fists clenched so hard his nails dug into his flesh.


    Pain!


    Endure!


    Agony!


    Endure!


    Finally...


    After countless collisions, the forty-ninth and forty-eighth halos smashed into each other on Xiao Yi''s Golden Core, bursting loudly and then merging together.


    Spurt!


    Xiao Yi spewed a mouthful of blood, but a brighter smile appeared on his face: "Break for me!" S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Boom!


    Boom!


    Boom!


    One halo after another collided and fused with each other.


    The number of halos on the Golden Core diminished.


    Forty-eight.


    Forty-seven.


    Forty-six...


    Until there were only thirty left, the Golden Core trembled violently, releasing a mysterious power that enveloped his body. Suddenly, the scene before Xiao Yi''s eyes changed. He saw a vast and immense Heaven and Earth Spiritual Pool suspended in the depths of infinite space, with boundless heavenly and earthly forces pouring madly into his body.


    Tao Tribulation Realm, comprehending the power of heaven and earth.


    With these heavenly and earthy powers infusing him, patterns started to appear on Xiao Yi''s Golden Core!


    These were the Dao patterns that only those in the Tao Tribulation Realm could condense.


    Yet, he had already formed them while still in the Golden Core Realm.


    Explore hidden tales at My Virtual Library Empire


    At the same time...


    The number of God Sealing Seeds within Xiao Yi''s body skyrocketed, reaching a staggering six hundred thousand.


    Thirty Golden Core Halos, patterns one after another, six hundred thousand God Sealing Seeds!


    When Xiao Yi reopened his eyes, the Blood Demon power that had been an insurmountable obstacle seemed incredibly frail. A cold and grim smile curled on the corner of his mouth, "Qin Yu, your time of death has come!"

 Chapter 200 You Lost!

    "Qin Yu, your time has come!"Cold light burst forth from Xiao Yi''s eyes.


    When his Golden Core had forty-nine rings, his cultivation was comparable to the Fourth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm.


    Although now only thirty rings remain on his Golden Core, he has recondensed nine Golden Elixir Halos, making Xiao Yi now comparable to the realm of the Fifth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm.


    In addition to the Wind Thunder Holy Body, and the support of divine power.


    He could match a practitioner of the Nine-fold Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "A stream cascades down three thousand feet!"


    Whoosh!


    The Fire Qilin Sword burst into flight, hovering above his head.


    It split into two, two into four, four into eight...


    Countless showers of swords rained down.


    Boom, boom, boom!


    The sea of blood and the Blood Demon Sky Net shattered under the onslaught of the sword rain, the Sky Net ruptured, and the blood sea crumbled apart.


    Freed from his bindings, Xiao Yi soared into the sky.


    As he passed by the Fire Qilin Sword, he reached out into the void, and the longsword came to him, settling into his palm. Like a swift swallow slicing through the air, he hovered aloft, brandishing his sword with one hand in a sweeping motion: "The white egret isle divides the two streams!"


    Whoosh!


    The sword tip pointed forward.


    The air, the wild wind, the space itself seemed to have been sliced in two, with the incredibly sharp edge of the sword cutting relentlessly through everything!


    Qin Yu''s complexion was unspeakably grim.


    He had thought Xiao Yi would undoubtedly die, but unexpectedly, Xiao Yi had managed to break free from his restraint. Blood-red cold light burst forth from his eyes, and behind him, a pair of Blood Demon Wings vibrated frantically. A fishy wind engulfed the sky above, growing ever more fierce and covering a hundred-yard radius. Even blowing from high above, it still caused gusty winds to sweep across the plains.


    The boundless green grass swayed in circles of green waves.


    Xiao Yi stood amidst the fierce winds, but his sword was able to cut through even the wind, and his figure was unhindered.


    In an instant.


    Xiao Yi had torn through the hurricane and appeared mere meters in front of Qin Yu, his sword technique transitioning: "Green Lotus Reincarnation!"


    Whoosh!


    Blue wind, purple-gold thunder, and crimson flame.


    The tri-colored energies interwove and twined around each other.


    They formed a trifecta of Three-Colored Sword Lotus at the tip of the sword, which rotated slowly, and in an instant, was upon Qin Yu''s proximity.


    Qin Yu had witnessed the horror of this sword lotus; once it was unleashed, even he found it hard to withstand.


    With a tremble of his Blood Demon Wings through the air, he continuously retreated backward.


    Almost at the same time he retreated,


    The Sword Lotus exploded with a bang, the terrifying brightness of the sword radiance stunning, like a brilliant sun across the sky, dazzling to behold.


    Qin Yu only felt a flash before his eyes, and by the time he recovered, he could no longer see Xiao Yi''s figure: "Where is he?"


    "Right here!"


    Xiao Yi''s voice suddenly came from behind him.


    "What? How could it be so fast?" Qin Yu''s face changed drastically; he hadn''t noticed that Xiao Yi was already behind him.


    This speed was several times faster than before!


    Xiao Yi had now executed the Blood Explosion Skill, but with the lessons learned from previous experiences, he dared not overstimulate this self-detrimental technique; he only burned thirty percent of his blood. Yet, it still tripled his strength and speed. Together with the breakthrough of the Limitless Golden Elixir, his combat power surged.


    Bang!


    Qin Yu had just turned his head when his mind went blank with a buzz; Xiao Yi''s elbow had smashed into the back of his head.


    Whoosh!


    Qin Yu''s head tipped forward, and like a falling meteor, he plummeted toward the ground.


    Boom, boom, boom!


    Qin Yu''s head smashed fiercely into the ground.


    The entire grassland roared violently, as if a dragon beneath the earth had turned over, seeming to herald the end of the world.


    Amidst the flying grass and mud, a huge crater formed on the ground, and within the deep pit dozens of meters deep, Qin Yu struggled to his feet and shook his head, still seeing stars.


    The back of his head was thoroughly caved in.


    But as Qin Yu possessed the Blood Demon Battle Body, as long as his Qi-Blood was not exhausted, even having his heart torn apart, he could recover.


    Threads of blood covered the sunken area at the back of his head, patching up the dent as he shook his head. With a fierce leer, he stared at Xiao Yi and sneered, "I didn''t expect you to have hidden your strength before. But so what if you did? As I said, as long as my Qi-Blood is not exhausted, I will not die. You cannot defeat me!"


    "Qi-Blood not exhausted, you won''t die?"


    Xiao Yi''s narrowed eyes suddenly opened wide, the gleam within as piercing as lightning, "Then I will grind down your Qi-Blood, and I want to see if you die or not!"


    The Blood Demon Battle Body''s Qi-Blood energy was all stored within the Golden Core or the Martial Dao Divine Fruit.


    As a practitioner of the Tao Tribulation Realm, Qin Yu naturally condensed his Qi-Blood energy within the Martial Dao Divine Fruit. If Xiao Yi wanted to cut off his Qi-Blood, the only way was to shatter his Martial Dao Divine Fruit. But the Martial Dao Divine Fruit was the essence of a martial artist''s life, protected by Dao patterns, extremely solid and durable, impervious even to a sixth-order divine weapon.


    "Let''s gamble!"


    Xiao Yi moved in an instant, tracing a silver streak across the sky.


    Whoosh!


    It was just a fleeting flash.


    Xiao Yi had already appeared on the ground, his left hand clenched into a fist, his right hand wielding a sword.


    Launching two attacks at the same time.


    Vajra Subdues Demons.


    The Qinglian Sword Song!


    Both lethal moves fell like fiery meteors, as Qin Yu, surrounded by a flow of bloody light, forcefully withstood Xiao Yi''s assault.


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    Each collision, each confrontation between the two, released a terrifying energy that wreaked astonishing destruction on the surroundings. Across the plains, every burst of thunderous noise left, in their wake, gaping holes sprawling densely across the grassland as the ground collapsed upon their departure.


    Atop the city wall.


    Yu Huaxian gasped in shock, his face a picture of horror, "Xiao, where exactly is Xiao''s limit..."


    "He..."


    Gu Junhe hesitated, "Maybe he simply doesn''t have one!"


    Huang Bo''s face twitched fiercely, muttering to himself as he recalled the past encounter in the Iron Mountain Range, "Good thing that day in the Iron Mountain Range Xiao planned to let me off; otherwise, he might have beaten me to death!"


    Jiang Tai, anxious, looked at the others, "Honored sirs, who has the greater chance of winning this battle?"


    Xue Bufan, without blinking, stared at the battlefield. Upon hearing the question, he spoke, "Xiao''s strength at the Golden Core Realm is indeed terrifying, but that Qin Yu''s Blood Demon Battle Body is not easy to deal with! Unless Xiao can find a way to destroy his Martial Dao Divine Fruit, otherwise, Qin Yu will stand on invincible ground!"


    "Destroying the Martial Dao Divine Fruit isn''t so easy, is it?"


    "Most likely, Xiao will end in a draw!"


    "Prepare for battle!"


    "We cannot let anything happen to Xiao¡­"


    The crowd quietly tightened their grip on their weapons.


    Meanwhile¡­


    Under the relentless bombardment of Xiao Yi, Qin Yu kept spitting blood, continuously injured, and was incredibly frustrated, "You doglike thing, you''re forcing my hand!"


    Qin Yu fiercely slapped his chest.


    Humm!


    A Martial Dao Divine Fruit emerged outside his body and violently smashed towards Xiao Yi.


    This Martial Dao Divine Fruit was exceptionally sturdy and contained a hint of the power of heaven and earth. In Qin Yu''s view, this blow was bound to inflict heavy damage, or even kill Xiao Yi.


    However¡­


    What Qin Yu never anticipated was that this was the moment Xiao Yi had been waiting for.


    "Shatter it for me!"


    Xiao Yi pointed his sword forward.


    The dazzling Golden Core shot out, slamming ferociously into the Martial Dao Divine Fruit.


    "Idiot, you actually think you can use your Golden Core to smash my Martial Dao Divine Fruit? That''s simply the musing of a fool... wait, this Golden Core¡­ why does it have thirty rings?" Qin Yu''s eyes split open, his face that was full of pride emptied of its smugness, watching in horror as thirty swirling Golden Elixir Halos enveloped the luminous core.


    Boom!


    The Golden Core and the Martial Dao Divine Fruit collided fiercely.


    The world seemed to freeze for a moment.


    Then, from the point of collision between the Golden Core and the Martial Dao Divine Fruit, an immensely terrifying energy shockwave erupted.


    "Has Xiao gone mad?"


    "He actually used his Golden Core to strike the Martial Dao Divine Fruit? Isn''t that like using an egg to smash a rock?"


    "It''s over, it''s all over..."


    Despair covered the faces of everyone on top of the city wall. Explore more stories with My Virtual Library Empire


    Within the silent world.


    Crack! Crack! Crack!


    A series of cracking sounds drew everyone''s attention, as they nervously stared towards the core of the light.


    When all the light had dissipated.


    Xiao Yi''s Golden Core swiftly flew back into his dantian, while looking at Qin Yu, his Martial Dao Divine Fruit was completely shattered, turning into a shower of energy that scattered across the ground.


    "No..."


    Qin Yu roared in despair, as the bloody glow furiously retracted into his body, and the Blood Demon Wings behind him disappeared with a swoosh.


    Thud!


    Hit the ground hard, blood seeping from all orifices, and in a face filled with despair, Xiao Yi appeared in front of him.


    Gazing down at Qin Yu from above.


    Xiao Yi spoke coldly, "You lost!"

 Chapter 201 The Counterattack

    "You''ve lost!"Xiao Yi''s face bore a cold hue, as the sharp point of the Fire Qilin Sword rested against Qin Yu''s throat.


    A mere sweep of the blade.


    And Qin Yu would be no more than a corpse.


    Gurgle!


    Qin Yu swallowed spit, his Adam''s apple moving slightly against the tip of the Fire Qilin Sword, easily splitting open his skin¡ªboth a chilling sensation and the scalding of fresh blood fused together, sweeping over him with the breath of death.


    "Don''t, don''t kill me¡­" Qin Yu stammered.


    Now that he had lost the Martial Dao Divine Fruit, he was nothing more than a cripple.


    Even the Blood Demon Battle Body could no longer repair his physique.


    Xiao Yi, having used the Blood Explosion Skill, looked somewhat pale but regarded him coldly, "Give me a reason not to kill you!"


    Qin Yu''s complexion changed repeatedly, "I, I can serve you like Yu Huaxian, be your dog..."


    The higher one climbs, the more afraid of death one becomes.


    He was once the esteemed Minister of War in the Great Jin Kingdom, the mighty Great General.


    Even now, with his cultivation destroyed, he still did not want to die.


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "I don''t lack such a dog, especially not one that could bite back!"


    "You¡­"


    Qin Yu''s complexion fluctuated between green and white, his survival instincts pushing him to abandon all dignity, "You could use me as a trophy; I could spread word of your power everywhere, so that everyone knows you have defeated me, defeated the Great Jin Kingdom. Truly, I am willing to help you, just let me live..."


    "That reason is still not enough!" Xiao Yi declared.


    Qin Yu racked his brains and hastily added, "I''ve just remembered, I know a secret about the Great Jin Kingdom..."


    "What secret?" Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes.


    Qin Yu said, "You, you must swear not to kill me before I''ll tell you the secret. It''s a matter of life and death for the Great Jin Kingdom..."


    "Oh?"


    Xiao Yi''s eyes flickered, "I swear, I will not kill you!"


    Qin Yu breathed a sigh of relief.


    Gathering his thoughts in a rush, he said, "The Great Jin Kingdom''s Dharma Manifestation Realm protector ancestor left the kingdom a hundred years ago, and it''s highly likely that he has fallen."


    "Hm?"


    Xiao Yi''s pupils slightly constricted.


    This was indeed a very important piece of news.


    His greatest concern at present was the Dharma Manifestation Realm protector ancestor of the Great Jin Kingdom.


    If he had indeed died.


    Then Xiao Yi was certain that he could lead the Tianqing Kingdom to overthrow the Great Jin Kingdom, truly becoming the foremost kingdom under the Great Qian Dynasty.


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, "Do you have any evidence?"


    "Ten years ago, I was stuck at the peak of the Golden Core Realm and couldn''t break through. The Jin Emperor granted me a month inside the Dragon Vein Spirit Cave for cultivation. In the cave, the soul tablet of the ancestor was enshrined, and I saw with my own eyes that the soul tablet was shattered..." Qin Yu, desperate to save his life, did not hold back any secrets.


    Soul tablet.


    Many powerful forces would create a soul tablet for their top experts.


    Once that person died, the force would be the first to know.


    If the protector ancestor''s soul tablet of the Great Jin Kingdom was shattered, then there was a ninety-nine percent chance that he had perished.


    Xiao Yi''s gaze sharpened, "Are you sure his soul tablet is shattered?"


    "I am sure!"


    Qin Yu nodded vigorously, "I can swear on my life! Xiao, I, I have now told you the secret, you can let me go, right?"


    Xiao Yi nodded and retracted the Fire Qilin Sword.


    "Thank you, Xiao, for sparing my life!"


    Qin Yu hastily expressed his gratitude, though inwardly he vowed: Damn mongrel, I, Qin Yu, will return this debt a hundredfold, a thousandfold in the future!


    In that moment...


    Yu Huaxian and the others approached, puzzled to see Xiao Yi letting Qin Yu go.


    Yu Huaxian said anxiously, "Xiao, you absolutely cannot let him go!"


    Gu Junhe also spoke gravely, "A tiger returning to the mountain will eventually become a threat!"


    Qin Yu''s face shifted subtly, his gaze flickering toward Xiao Yi with trepidation.


    Xiao Yi shrugged, "I promised I wouldn''t kill him!"


    Relief washed over Qin Yu as he laughed heartily at Yu Huaxian and the others, "Hehe, Xiao has already promised not to kill me. Surely you don''t want to make him break his word? I suggest you step aside and let this general leave..."


    ```


    However...


    He had just finished speaking.


    Xiao Yi''s languid voice then came from the side, "But, I never said you couldn''t kill him!" S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "What?"


    Qin Yu''s body trembled, and he looked at Xiao Yi with a ferocious face, "Xiao Yi, how dare you play me?"


    Xiao Yi shrugged his shoulders, "I''m playing you, what are you going to do, bite me?"


    "I..."


    Qin Yu''s face was filled with despair.


    In a turn of his head.


    He saw Yu Huaxian, Gu Junhe, Jiang Weisheng, Xue Bufan and others had already surrounded him.


    One after another, Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouses threw punches and kicks.


    "I''ll teach you to be arrogant!"


    "Keep being arrogant now! Damn it..."


    Amidst the screams.


    This Minister of War from the Great Jin Kingdom, the owner of the Blood Demon Battle Body, was beaten into a pile of mush, so much so that even his mother couldn''t help but come over.


    Hu!


    Jiang Tai had also taken the opportunity to kick a few times, exhaling a satisfied breath, "Hahaha, I have now kicked a Tao Tribulation Realm expert too!"


    Yu Huaxian, standing by with a wistful look on his face, "Your Majesty, you just kicked me..."


    He pointed at the two large footprints on his face.


    Read new chapters at My Virtual Library Empire


    Jiang Tai: "..."


    Everyone laughed heartily.


    Yu Huaxian was also speechless, touched his face, and began to laugh.


    This battle had been weighing on everyone''s hearts for far too long.


    Today''s battle.


    Completely released the pent-up frustrations of this period.


    Killing was satisfying!


    Fighting was exhilarating!


    Winning was invigorating!


    Jiang Tai looked towards Xiao Yi and said solemnly, "Xiao, after this battle, the most elite Golden Crow Guards and the hundred thousand beast cavalry of the Great Jin Kingdom have been annihilated; they probably won''t dare to send troops against us again. What do you think we should do next?"


    Everyone''s eyes turned to Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi, with narrowed eyes, said, "Your Majesty, what do you want to do?"


    The two locked eyes with each other.


    Suddenly...


    Their mouths both curled up at the same time, and in unison, they said, "Counterattack!"


    "Counterattack?"


    Yu Huaxian exclaimed with a grave voice, "Xiao, absolutely not! The Great Jin Kingdom has indeed suffered heavy losses this time, but they still have a guardian ancestor, a Dharma Manifestation Realm existence..."


    Gu Junhe also pondered, "Think thrice about this!"


    Xiao Yi shook his head, "Qin Yu said that the guardian ancestor of the Great Jin Kingdom has fallen!"


    "What?"


    "Fallen? If this is true, then with our strength, perhaps we really can counterattack the Great Jin Kingdom..."


    Xue Bufan said in a deep voice, "But can we take Qin Yu''s words for truth?"


    Yu Huaxian asked, "Xiao, how did Qin Yu say it?"


    Xiao Yi recounted what Qin Yu had said.


    Yu Huaxian pondered, "If that''s the case, then it is most likely true! To my knowledge, every Royal Road Tribulation Realm and above strong person in the Great Jin Kingdom makes a soul stele to be enshrined in the Dragon Vein Spirit Cave!"


    "If so, then we''ll counterattack the bastards!"


    "The Great Jin Kingdom has been overbearing for years, it''s time they paid the price!"


    The opinions of everyone were surprisingly in agreement.


    Xiao Yi and Jiang Tai exchanged glances, and Jiang Tai said solemnly, "Then it''s decided, we''ll regroup our troops and counterattack the Great Jin!"


    Xiao Yi''s eyes narrowed with fighting spirit soaring to the heavens, "After this battle, below the Great Qian, Tianqing reigns supreme!"


    ```

 Chapter 202 - A Sword Breaks the City

    Xiao Yi and the others settled on a plan to counterattack the Great Jin Kingdom. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.Immediately, they began mobilizing troops, horses, and supplies.


    The entire Tianqing Kingdom''s army was almost entirely assembled in Tanglang City, which saved a great deal of effort.


    Among them, Jiang Weisheng remained in Tianqing Kingdom, guarding the rear.


    Xiao Yi as the commander-in-chief, with the support of Yu Huaxian, Gu Junhe, Xue Bufan, and Huang Bo, led the army towards the Great Jin Kingdom.


    In just three days.


    Outside Tanglang City.


    Upon the marshal''s platform.


    The black banners against the clear sky, cold wind howling, even though three days had passed, the air over the grassland was still thick with the pungent stench of blood.


    The crimson of fresh blood could still be seen on the grass.


    Jiang Tai stood proudly on the marshal''s platform, proclaiming loudly, "Soldiers, today our Tianqing Kingdom, by the will of heaven, led by our Guardian Martial God, Xiao Yi, will counterattack the Great Jin Kingdom. I, in the capital, will wait for your triumphant return!"


    "Triumphant return!"


    "Triumphant return!"


    One million demon beast cavalry and one million soldiers of the Four Symbols Legion shouted in unison, loud and clear.


    Jiang Tai said in a deep voice, "I invite the Guardian Martial God Xiao Yi to the marshal''s platform!"


    "The Guardian Martial God is mighty!"


    "The Martial God is mighty!"


    The million-strong army roared in unison, shaking the heavens.


    Xiao Yi''s prestige among the military and the civilians was at its peak.


    It even far surpassed that of Jiang Tai, the King.


    However, Jiang Tai held no dissatisfaction, for he knew that the present state of Tianqing Kingdom was all thanks to Xiao Yi''s contributions. Otherwise, Tianqing Kingdom would still be a bottom-rung power among the ten nations of Nanhuang, tucked away in an obscure corner. How could they possibly have assembled such an invincible army, how could they have mobilized a million-strong army to counterattack the Great Jin Kingdom?


    Clip-clop, clip-clop!


    Xiao Yi climbed the marshal''s platform with steady, deliberate steps.


    Jiang Tai handed over the Tiger Talisman to him, saying solemnly, "Xiao, I am counting on you!"


    "Your Majesty, rest assured!"


    Xiao Yi held up the Tiger Talisman and roared, "With me, invincible!"


    "With us, invincible!"


    "Invincible!"


    "Invincible..."


    Wave after wave of roars pierced the heavens, as if shattering the clouds.


    Under the vast sky.


    Two million soldiers formed a black, iron flood that rolled towards the Great Jin Kingdom.


    One million demon beast cavalry, each accompanied by a soldier from the Dragon Elephant Legion.


    All marched on demon beasts.


    This speed was many times faster than Qin Yu and his forces.


    As the Sihai Kingdom advanced, their numbers only grew, because when the people of the Sihai Kingdom heard that Xiao Yi was preparing to counterattack the Great Jin Kingdom, tens of thousands of soldiers and civilians spontaneously organized to follow them.


    Qin Yu''s previous slaughter of more than a dozen city-states in the Sihai Kingdom had thoroughly enraged its citizens.


    Furthermore, Xiao Yi and his group never interfered with local civilians, leaving behind a good reputation.


    When they left the territory of the Sihai Kingdom.


    The two million-strong army had swelled to three million.


    Lying between the Sihai and Great Jin Kingdoms were the Great Yuan, Cheng Han, and Xin Yu Kingdoms.


    These three kingdoms had long suffered under the oppression of the Great Jin Kingdom.


    Upon hearing that Xiao Yi had defeated the Great Jin Kingdom''s million-strong army and was now leading two million troops to attack Great Jin, many people from these three kingdoms volunteered to join the battle against Great Jin.


    And so...


    A month later.


    By the time Xiao Yi and his forces reached Luoyan Pass, a border fortress of the Great Jin Kingdom, their army had grown to a staggering five million!


    An immense five million stood arrayed in formation.


    "What do you think Tianqing Kingdom is planning to take down Luoyan Pass with?"


    "The defender of Luoyan Pass, He Xing, is a powerful Tao Tribulation Realm practitioner from the Great Jin Kingdom. It is said that he is a master of the Fifth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm, with more than five hundred thousand troops under his command. This battle will not be easy!"


    "Let''s wait and see..."


    Amidst everyone''s discussions.


    A figure flew out from Luoyan Pass, it was the defending commander of Luoyan Pass, He Xing.


    He Xing looked at Xiao Yi and the others with an expressionless face, standing in midair, and coldly said, "Which one of you is Xiao Yi?"


    "I am!"


    Xiao Yi calmly looked at him.


    He Xing''s pupils shrank slightly. The King of the Southern War had already transmitted the news back to the Great Jin Kingdom, and because of this, the defensive troops of Luoyan Pass were raised from the original five hundred thousand to one million. Apart from He Xing, there were also two Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouses within the pass, currently ambushed in the city. He Xing said in a deep voice, "By the Jin Emperor''s oral decree, Tianqing Kingdom has launched a major invasion against the Great Jin Kingdom, an act of rebellion and a crime punishable by death. Order Xiao Yi to surrender and be escorted to the capital to await judgement¡­"


    "What did you say?" Xiao Yi cleared his ear and asked.


    He Xing frowned and said, "His Majesty orders you to surrender and¡­"


    Slap!


    Xiao Yi slapped him across the face.


    He Xing''s half of the face swelled up, and he glanced at Xiao Yi in complete confusion: "You¡­"


    Slap!


    Xiao Yi slapped him again.


    He Xing was forcefully slapped down from midair, and with a palm reaching out into the air, Xiao Yi forced He Xing to kneel on the ground before saying, "I don''t like talking to someone with my head tilted back. Repeat what you just said!"


    "I, I¡­"


    After being slapped several times, He Xing was dizzy with his eyes seeing stars. He shook his head vigorously and said with a trembling voice, "His Majesty the Jin Emperor invites you to a meeting at the capital¡­"


    "Oh!"


    Xiao Yi nodded and said, "Don''t worry, once I''ve breached your Great Jin capital, I naturally will meet your emperor!"


    "Breach the capital?"


    He Xing was stunned, then realized he had been played, and said with a laugh full of anger, "Nonsense. You won''t even be able to get past this Luoyan Pass, let alone the capital¡­"


    "Is that so?" Enjoy more content from My Virtual Library Empire


    Xiao Yi looked amusedly at He Xing, smiling said, "Care to make a bet with me?"


    He Xing was caught off guard: "Bet on what?"


    Xiao Yi said, "On how long it will take me to break through this Luoyan Pass. If you win, I will immediately withdraw my troops. If I win, you are at my disposal!"


    He Xing frowned and firmly said, "I bet you can''t breach this city!"


    "Brave!"


    Xiao Yi gave him a thumbs-up, then slowly turned his thumb towards the ground and lightly tapped it, "Sadly, you''re destined to lose!"


    He Xing proudly said, "Luoyan Pass is the strongest fortification of the Great Jin Kingdom, now defended by a million-strong army, plus there are two Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouses aside from me. The city wall, designed by the Great Qian Dynasty''s formation master Xu Yao, is simply impregnable!"


    At this moment...


    Yu Huaxian approached with a cup of hot wine, saying, "Xiao, the wine has just been heated!"


    Xiao Yi waved his hand, "Set it aside for now, I''ll be right back!"


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi leaped into the air, hovering before Luoyan Pass.


    Looking at the majestic fortification before him, Xiao Yi''s mouth curved slightly, and the Fire Qilin Sword appeared in his hand with a flip.


    Hum!


    The sword''s edge glowed with a crimson firelight.


    Xiao Yi''s eyes sparkled with cold light, and he raised the longsword high above his head, then brought it down: "Qinglian Rebirth!"


    Hum!


    Three-colored light converged, and a giant sword hundreds of feet long materialized in the air.


    This sword seemed like one that could split the heavens.


    This sword was mightier than the Earth Dragon''s Sword!


    This sword...


    Descended from the skies with extraordinary might!


    Rumble!


    The hundred-foot sword light crashed down on the huge fortification, and with a loud boom, the great city wall, built by the Great Jin Kingdom at great expense, burst apart. The wall, more than fifty meters high and over ten meters wide, was smashed to pieces by Xiao Yi''s sword, collapsing over a stretch of more than five hundred meters, causing the army within to fall in disarray.


    Xiao Yi stood in the air, sword in hand, and commanded, "Attack!"


    Rumble!


    A million beast cavalry charged forward.


    The earth shattered, it was like the end of days!


    When Xiao Yi returned to his camp, the cup of wine was still emitting a faint warmth. The cup of wine that broke the city wall, Xiao Yi looked at the bewildered He Xing before him: "The city is breached!"

 Chapter 203 Unstoppable Force, Straight to the Capital!

    "The city has fallen!"Xiao Yi''s voice brought He Xing back to reality, as if waking from a dream.


    Looking at the steaming cup of hot wine in Xiao Yi''s hand, he swallowed reflexively.


    This Luoyan Pass, which cost a fortune and was guarded by a million-strong army and three Tao Tribulation Realm masters, had been breached just like that? Find your next read on My Virtual Library Empire


    With a single sword?


    Gulp!


    He Xing swallowed hard, looking at Xiao Yi with deep fear and awe, his voice trembling, "I, I''ve lost..."


    "Since you''ve lost, you should know the consequences," Xiao Yi said.


    He Xing''s face twitched.


    He didn''t want to die!


    It had taken him most of his life to cultivate to the Tao Tribulation Realm, and he had finally climbed to his current position.


    He really didn''t want to die.


    After a moment''s hesitation, He Xing fell to his knees with a thud, his tone filled with fright, "Xiao, I am willing to submit to you, please spare my life!"


    "Submit?"


    Xiao Yi''s face showed a hint of amusement.


    He neither agreed nor refused.


    This silence made He Xing feel even more helpless and powerless. Clenching his teeth, he said in a deep voice, "Xiao, I know the way from Luoyan Pass to the royal capital like the back of my hand, and the hardest to conquer is surely Jinmen City. Now that Luoyan City has just fallen, as long as you kill the other two Tao Tribulation Realm masters in the city and prevent the news from spreading, I can lead you to take Jinmen City without wasting a single soldier..."


    "Oh?"


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, "How can you make me believe that you won''t set traps in Jinmen City to kill me?"


    He Xing''s heart skipped a beat.


    Indeed, he had contemplated just that¡ªfeigning surrender, leading Xiao Yi and his people to Jinmen City. Meanwhile, he would collude with the defenders there, capturing Xiao Yi and his men in one fell swoop, trapping and killing them alive.


    Clearly, Xiao Yi was not so easily deceived.


    After much hesitation.


    He Xing realized that in the face of Xiao Yi, who was watertight, he couldn''t find any opportunity to execute his schemes and finally laughed dejectedly, "Xiao, what must I do for you to trust me?"


    Xiao Yi looked back at Xue Bufan.


    The Undying Ghost Doctor Xue Bufan, besides his medical skills, was best at making people beg for life and unable to beg for death.


    This title of his, the Undying Ghost Doctor, came largely from this!


    Xue Bufan took out a red elixir the size of a red bean, grinning, "This is the Nine Leaves Nine Worms Elixir. Once ingested, an antidote must be taken every half an hour, and it must be taken continuously for a month to detoxify. Without the antidote, the nine toxic herbs in the elixir will stimulate a toxic worm to awaken and start burrowing into your heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys. If you don''t take the antidote for four consecutive half-hours, the nine toxic worms will leave your body riddled with holes, yet curiously, they won''t let you die, and you''ll be forced to watch your own body being penetrated..."


    "You, don''t try to scare me; how could there be such a vicious poison in this world?" He Xing''s face turned pale.


    Xue Bufan chuckled, "Don''t believe it? Then give it a try!"


    He stepped forward, grabbed He Xing''s chin, and forced the Nine Leaves Nine Worms Elixir into his mouth.


    Whimper!


    The elixir melted as soon as it touched his tongue.


    No matter how much He Xing tried to force it out, he couldn''t expel it from his body.


    An hour passed quickly.


    By then, Luoyan City had been thoroughly cleared by the monster cavalry; a million defenders had been executed, and the two mighty Tao Tribulation Realm masters had fallen at the hands of Yu Huaxian and Huang Bo.


    "Ah..."


    He Xing convulsed, curling up on the ground in a frenzied struggle.


    He gripped at his abdomen desperately, the location of his liver.


    He felt as if someone were relentlessly stabbing his liver with a needle, creating countless tiny holes, leaving him in excruciating pain that tore through his heart and lungs, unbearable to endure.


    He Xing, his face a savage snarl, saliva dripping from his mouth, bellowed, "Antidote, give me the antidote... "


    Xiao Yi watched with detached interest.


    Xue Bufan and the others paid him no attention, simply allowing two soldiers from the Dragon Elephant Legion to prop him up and continue forward. This round of poison torment lasted for the duration of an incense stick, leaving the formidable He Xing from the Tao Tribulation Realm completely drained. His face was ashen, and the look he gave Xue Bufan and Xiao Yi was filled with nothing but fear and awe.


    Xiao Yi spoke indifferently, "Take us to Jinmen City, you know what to do!"


    "Understood!" He Xing quickly nodded.


    Fearing a late response might lead to not receiving the antidote from Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi turned to Xue Bufan, "Elder Xue, give him an antidote."


    "Alrighty!" S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xue Bufan handed him a green elixir, saying, "Be sure to use it sparingly, one antidote can only last for half an hour!"


    "I, I understand..."


    He Xing carefully stored away the antidote, his life hanging on it.


    Jinmen City wasn''t far from Luoyan Pass.


    The city was defended by three hundred thousand troops, and its commander was even more powerful than He Xing, having reached the Seventh Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    However, this city was built against a mountain, which made it difficult even for the beast cavalry to effectively charge; as He Xing had said, even beast cavalry couldn''t get through, truly making it an impregnable fortress.


    The group took their positions in a dip between hills.


    Hiding their presence.


    He Xing suggested, "Xiao, as long as you send men in the armor of the Great Jin Kingdom, pretending to be defeated soldiers from Luoyan Pass, they will surely open the gates! Once the gates are open, I will join you in killing their commander, and we can take down the city doors, allowing the army to march straight in!"


    "Yu Huaxian, Huang Bo, you two lead ten thousand Dragon Elephant Legionnaires to follow him into the city," Xiao Yi instructed.


    "Yes!"


    Huang Bo and Yu Huaxian changed into the Great Jin Kingdom''s armor along with He Xing and headed towards Jinmen City.


    Now that He Xing had tasted the effects of the Nine Leaves Nine Worms Elixir, he dared not entertain any other thoughts. He successfully fooled the gatekeepers and, alongside Yu Huaxian and the others, managed to overwhelm the commander in Tao Tribulation Realm.


    Subsequently, they destroyed the city gates from the inside out.


    Xiao Yi and his forces entered swiftly and took the final barrier standing before the capital of the Great Jin Kingdom; the remaining cities that led to the capital were no longer a concern.


    Inside Jinmen City.


    He Xing looked at Xiao Yi with utmost respect, "Xiao, I have not failed in my duty!"


    Now that there was no turning back, he wholeheartedly submitted to Xiao Yi.


    "You''ve done well," Xiao Yi nodded in approval.


    Xue Bufan brought out a bottle of antidote, "This should last you ten days; come find me after it''s gone!"


    "Thank you, Elder Xue!" He Xing, as if receiving a treasure, carefully accepted the antidote.


    The army moved in an unstoppable mighty wave.


    In merely five days.


    They had conquered thirteen cities and arrived before the capital of the Great Jin Kingdom.


    The capital of the Great Jin Kingdom was known as Jindu!


    Like a behemoth sprawling across the land, the massive city was square-shaped, with gray walls standing a hundred meters tall, facing from north to south. The southern wall boasted eight massive gates, now tightly shut; the battlements swarmed with people, with every powerful individual''s face stern.


    Standing before Jindu.


    As Xiao Yi''s army began to establish camp behind him, his gaze pierced through the void, landing on the imposing figure atop the city walls, who watched them with icy indifference.


    This individual was the ruler of the Great Jin Kingdom¡ªJin Emperor!


    Xiao Yi, riding on his Tianqing savage bull, slowly approached Jindu. Positioned beneath the city gates, he smiled faintly, "Jin Emperor, at last we meet!"

 Chapter 204 Its actually him?

    ```"Jin Emperor, we finally meet!" Xiao Yi said, his eyes playing over the Jin Emperor''s figure.


    The Jin Emperor''s face betrayed no emotion.


    The ministers at his side, however, were livid with anger, "How daring of you, Xiao Yi, to see the Jin Emperor and not kneel?"


    "Aren''t you going to kneel?"


    Xiao Yi frowned slightly, looking up at the few ministers who were shouting the loudest, showing his impatience with a dismissive wave of his hand, "Noisy!"


    Continue reading at My Virtual Library Empire


    Whoosh!


    A streak of golden light shot out from his chest.


    Little Lin''s cultivation had broken through yet again, and its speed had doubled. It was nothing but a streak of light as it flew to the top of the city wall.


    When it returned, it was perched on Xiao Yi''s shoulder, raising its head slightly, and sticking out its tongue, "Where did these old dogs come from, daring to speak to my boss like that? They''re simply asking for death!"


    As soon as these words were spoken,


    the ministers who had pointed and cursed Xiao Yi all burst into blood at the center of their foreheads.


    They fell to the ground one by one, lifeless.


    The city wall descended into chaos.


    The Jin Emperor, who had been silent all along, finally spoke, "Enough!"


    His voice was not loud, but it carried an imposing authority.


    The chaos on the city wall came to an abrupt halt.


    The Jin Emperor narrowed his eyes, like a fierce tiger eyeing its prey, and said coldly, "I rarely admire anyone, but you are one exception."


    "This is my honor!" Xiao Yi laughed.


    The Jin Emperor snorted coldly, speaking indifferently, "Being able to lead the Tianqing Kingdom''s army here by yourself is indeed surprising to me, and it could even be called a miracle. However, miracles are fleeting and cannot last."


    Xiao Yi responded lightly, "Are you talking about the Great Jin Kingdom?"


    "You..."


    The Jin Emperor''s face darkened, and his words lost the nonchalance and calm of before. This was the first time that the Great Jin Kingdom had been attacked all the way to its capital, "Xiao Yi, if you retreat immediately, I can let bygones be bygones. Otherwise, you and the Tianqing Kingdom will pay a heavy price for today''s actions."


    Xiao Yi slapped the Tianqing buffalo, turned around, and headed towards the military camp. With his back to the Jin Emperor, he waved his hand, "By noon tomorrow, your capital will fall!"


    "Outrageous!"


    "This boy is too arrogant!"


    "Do you think the Great Jin Kingdom is without its people? You mangy cur..."


    The intimidated ministers jumped up as soon as they saw Xiao Yi leaving, hurling insults and jeers.


    The Jin Emperor looked at his ministers with a cold gaze, anger burning in the depths of his eyes.


    Why had they all turned mute just a moment ago?


    Now they are jumping and cursing for whom to see?


    Moreover...


    The Great Jin Kingdom indeed has no one left, doesn''t it?


    How many of the Great Jin Kingdom''s powerhouses had Xiao Yi killed in this battle?


    Even counting the Jin Emperor himself and the shabbily recalled Southern Battle King, there were only six strong Tao Tribulation Realm warriors left in the entire court.


    How could these warriors be a match for the Tianqing Kingdom?


    Xiao Yi alone could sweep them all away, couldn''t he?


    "Your Majesty, as Xiao Yi said, they will launch the total attack at noon tomorrow. What should we do?" a minister asked, his eyes twitching nervously as he looked at the Jin Emperor.


    The Jin Emperor watched him coldly, "What do you think we should do?"


    The minister hesitated, then said in a heavy voice, "Perhaps... we should negotiate peace?"


    "Negotiate peace? Good, very good!"


    The Jin Emperor laughed heartily, and the minister''s face lit up with joy at his words, about to speak further, but then he heard the Jin Emperor''s laughter slowly turn cold, "I, the Great Jin Kingdom, have raised a bunch of useless things like you, negotiating peace? You must be kidding, go to your death!"


    Bang!


    The Jin Emperor''s palm came crashing down.


    The minister was turned into a lump of flesh and blood.


    The Jin Emperor''s icy gaze swept over the ministers, his words piercing their hearts, "I don''t care how many of you are thinking of surrendering or negotiating peace. You better put away those thoughts right now. Even if the Great Jin falls and our families are destroyed, we will never surrender. The Great Jin has only ministers who die in battle, not cowards who live on their knees!"


    "Your Majesty, please calm your anger!"


    "We know our sins..."


    The ministers were sincerely frightened.


    The Jin Emperor swept his sleeves and strode away.


    The group of ministers looked at each other, not daring to say any more.


    After a while,


    Inside the royal palace, the Jin Emperor went to the inner court.


    In a courtyard filled with birdsong and floral fragrance, a beautiful woman was feeding two mythical beasts that resembled cats, but the aura emanating from these beasts was enough to deter any ordinary Tao Tribulation Realm from approaching. These were two bloodthirsty dragon cats, whose docile appearance belied their savage lineage. If they were to rage, even the most average Tao Tribulation Realm warrior could be in grave danger when they combined forces.


    ```


    "My queen!"


    The voice of the Jin Emperor came from outside the courtyard.


    This beautiful woman was none other than the Empress of the Great Jin Kingdom, a revered Beast Tamer.


    Empress Jin lifted her head to look at the Jin Emperor, a touch of warmth flickered in her eyes, "Your Majesty, has the murderer who killed Prince Mubai arrived?"


    The Jin Emperor nodded, sat beside Empress Jin, and gently embraced her, "My queen, I am useless... I can''t even deal with the killer of our son. He has even made it to the capital..."


    "Your Majesty, you needn''t be so hard on yourself!"


    Empress Jin smiled slightly, beneath her radiant smile lay a venomous chill, "I have already sent Bai to the Great Qian Dynasty to inform our eldest prince. As long as he returns from the Great Qian Dynasty, no matter who the opponent is, they will inevitably meet their demise!"


    "Oh?"


    The Jin Emperor was taken aback.


    The crown prince had had a conflict with the Jin Emperor and afterwards, he ventured alone into the Great Qian Dynasty.


    Over the years, the crown prince had only been in contact with Empress Jin.


    The Jin Emperor said solemnly, "Can the eldest prince deal with Xiao Yi?"


    Empress Jin laughed softly, a cold light flickered in her eyes, "He definitely can!"


    ......


    The next day, at noon.


    The sun blazed overhead, scorching the earth.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The war drums sounded in succession, thunderous and deafening.


    Leading with a million demon beast cavalry and followed by a million dragon-elephant legions, the followers from various kingdoms were also closely behind.


    The vast army of over four million spread before the capital of the Great Jin Kingdom.


    A sea of heads moved under a dark expanse.


    With banners against the clear sky, they fluttered in the wind, driving the cold to howl, and there was an underlying aura of deadly silence. The cold evil Qi cleared the skies for miles around, and under the bright sun, Xiao Yi rode a Tianqing wild ox to the front of his army, sweeping his gaze over the solemn faces of the Jin Emperor and others on top of the city gates, "Jin Emperor, the appointed time has come, and here I am!"


    The Jin Emperor glared back fiercely with an icy expression, his longsword soaring through the air, "Deploy the troops!"


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The massive city gates flung open, and countless figures swarmed out from within, with no fewer than two million in number.


    This was the final strength of the Great Jin Kingdom.


    The War King of the South, the Director of the Western Factory Cao Tiancheng, and the Great General Nalan Hai, these three Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouses, led the charge at the forefront.


    "Kill!"


    "Fight!"


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The urgent beat of war drums suddenly filled the heavens and earth as both sides launched their charge at the same time.


    Boom!


    The great battle erupted instantaneously.


    The Tianqing Kingdom aimed to break the Great Jin Kingdom.


    The Great Jin Kingdom, on the other hand, vowed to defend the capital to the death.


    Both sides fought with the certainty of victory in their hearts.


    The battle was exceedingly brutal.


    But Xiao Yi''s million demon beast cavalry were simply too terrifying; ordinary soldiers couldn''t withstand their charge.


    Defeated like a landslide.


    As they witnessed the two million-strong army being slaughtered, the outcome was sealed!


    At the top of the city walls.


    The face of the Jin Emperor was as dark as water, and the court officials of the Great Jin Kingdom looked at each other in horror and fear.


    The battle had lasted only two hours...


    The last two million army of the Great Jin Kingdom was utterly routed, the three Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouses were all slain, and Xiao Yi''s million demon beast cavalry pushed forward, breaking into the capital of the Great Jin Kingdom.


    The banner of victory was within grasp!


    Atop the city walls.


    Xiao Yi''s lips curled up slightly as he looked at the Jin Emperor, whose face was as dark as water, "I have won!"


    The Jin Emperor''s face was pitch black as he said coldly, "I am not yet dead, and my Great Jin has not fallen!"


    "Then go to your death!"


    The Fire Qilin Sword buzzed in Xiao Yi''s finger, spewing hot flames, ready to strike.


    But just at that moment, a chilling voice suddenly exploded, "I would like to see who dares to run wild in my Great Jin Kingdom!"


    "Hmm?"


    Xiao Yi was startled, finding the voice eerily familiar. He looked up sharply, his pupils suddenly constricting, "It''s him?" sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 205 I Am Xiao Yi!

    "Could it be him?"Xiao Yi''s pupils contracted sharply as he stared at the newcomer.


    In the midst of the sky.


    Three figures broke through the air, and the leader bore a resemblance to the Jin Emperor, with a red mole between his brows and a radiant yet sinister appearance.


    He was the crown prince of the Great Jin Kingdom, Liu Qin.


    But what caused Xiao Yi to react was another identity he held.


    He was one of the one hundred and eight generals under Xiao Tianjiao!


    Xiao Tianjiao, considering himself the reincarnation of a Heavenly Emperor, had emulated the ancient Heavenly Emperor and created one hundred and eight generals to follow him, and Liu Qin was among them.


    At the same time...


    Liu Qin was also one of the powerful individuals originally arranged by Xiao Tianjiao to monitor Xiao Yi in that secluded courtyard.


    It was unexpected that their next encounter would be under such circumstances.


    Whoosh!


    Liu Qin landed on the ramparts, glancing indifferently at Xiao Yi as he passed by and walked up to the Jin Emperor, bowing his hands and saying, "Father, your son is late!"


    "Not late at all, hahaha, it''s good that my son has returned!" The Jin Emperor laughed heartily, turning to look at the two people beside him.


    Liu Qin said in a stern voice, "Father, these two are the war slaves bestowed to me by my master, you may call them Liu Yi and Liu Er."


    "Master?"


    The Jin Emperor''s face stiffened.


    The crown prince of the Great Jin Kingdom had a master?


    An Imperial Censor by the side rebuked angrily, "Your Highness, please choose your words carefully, you are an exalted prince, who in this world has the right to be your master?"


    "Die!"


    Liu Qin said dispassionately.


    With a point of his finger, Liu Yi Yi caused the Imperial Censor''s head to burst with a bang, and amidst the spray of fresh blood, Liu Qin placed his right hand over his left chest, his face filled with fervor and adoration, "My lord is the reincarnation of the Heavenly Emperor, the strongest genius under this starry sky. Anyone who dares to oppose my lord has but one path¡ªto die!"


    Hisss!


    Everyone was taken aback.


    The Jin Emperor couldn''t help but swallow, never having imagined that his usually fearless crown prince would show such reverence towards his master.


    An image formed in the Jin Emperor''s mind.


    Read latest stories on My Virtual Library Empire


    It was of the hottest talent in the entire Great Qian Dynasty, who was also one of the most powerful beings in the Great Qian Dynasty at present. Containing his excitement, the Jin Emperor asked, "My son, is the master you speak of that Xiao Tianjiao, Lord Xiao, who is known as the number one genius in the history of the Great Qian Dynasty?"


    "Correct, my master is Xiao Tianjiao!" Liu Qin said proudly.


    Hisss!


    The Jin Emperor drew in a sharp breath, then burst into ecstatic laughter, "It''s really him, hahaha, to think that my son could have Xiao Tianjiao as his master. With this, my son will surely be able to protect our Great Jin Kingdom!"


    "Father, rest assured, with your son here, even if a prince from the Great Qian Dynasty were here, he would have to show me some respect!"


    Liu Qin smiled confidently, then turned to look in Xiao Yi''s direction, his expression icy as he said, "Is it you who wishes to destroy our Great Jin Kingdom?"


    Xiao Yi smiled, "That''s right! If you hadn''t appeared, the Great Jin Kingdom would have changed hands by now!"


    Liu Qin actually hadn''t recognized him.


    But that was also to be expected...


    Back when Liu Qin was guarding him, Xiao Yi was only ten years old, and afterwards Liu Qin was called away by Xiao Tianjiao.


    Moreover.


    Perhaps Liu Qin and the others had never truly looked at him with open eyes from beginning to end; in their eyes, Xiao Yi was nothing more than an ant that could be squashed at will, a stain upon their supreme and flawless lord. Plus, given the great changes in Xiao Yi, it was not surprising that he hadn''t been recognized.


    Standing with his hands behind his back, Liu Qin said indifferently, "You think you have the ability to destroy our Great Jin Kingdom? You, commit suicide!"


    Commit suicide?


    These one hundred and eight generals really follow the same style as Xiao Tianjiao.


    So domineering!


    Xiao Yi said, "Won''t you ask me why I want to annihilate your Great Jin Kingdom?"


    "Is it important?"


    Liu Qin said with an impatient face, "No matter the reason, I want you dead, and you will die."


    Xiao Yi revealed a smile and said, "You might want to ask your father emperor what my name is first!"


    Liu Qin frowned and scrutinized Xiao Yi with sharp eyes before coldly laughing, "It doesn''t matter what your name is, nor the power or backing behind you. I want you dead, and you will die!"


    Xiao Yi said, "You should really ask, otherwise you''ll regret it!"


    "Hmm?"


    Liu Qin was startled. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He hadn''t expected Xiao Yi to be so insistent on his name. Upon looking at Xiao Yi more closely, he couldn''t shake a sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu, so he turned toward the Jin Emperor.


    The Jin Emperor said hastily, "My son, his name is Xiao Yi, from the Tianqing Kingdom!"


    "Xiao Yi? Tianqing Kingdom?"


    Liu Qin''s expression suddenly changed, his incredulous gaze fixed on Xiao Yi as if to confirm his identity. But he quickly shook his head, "Impossible, this person cannot be the Xiao Yi I know. That one was nothing but trash, how could they be the same person?"


    The entire Xiao Family knew that Xiao Yi was trash.


    A trash that even his own father and brother despised.


    He had been imprisoned in separate quarters since childhood.


    Over a year ago,


    Xiao Tianjiao, to breed his mount, had kicked Xiao Yi out of the family and sent him to a minor family in Nanhuang of Tianqing Kingdom as a live-in son-in-law. Back then, Xiao Yi wasn''t even in the Physical Body Realm, yet the man before him was at the peak of the Golden Core Realm. Even his master, Xiao Tianjiao, whom he thought omnipotent, couldn''t possibly have stepped from the Physical Body Realm to the peak of the Golden Core Realm in just over a year!


    Xiao Yi''s lips curled up with a hint of amusement, "General Liu, it''s only been a few years since we last met, don''t you recognize me anymore?"


    Hum!


    Liu Qin''s mind went blank.


    His breathing became hurried, his eyes staring blankly, disbelievingly at Xiao Yi, "Really, really, you?"


    Xiao Yi grinned, "Back then, it was General Liu himself who escorted me to the Yulan Court! I remember, even when my mother wanted to send me some food, it had to go through General Liu''s thorough inspection. It seems you''re a person who forgets things once you''re in power, forgetting me so soon!"


    Thump thump thump!


    Liu Qin staggered back several steps, his face growing pale.


    It really was him!


    This youth before him was indeed the Xiao Yi he knew!


    A disgrace of the Xiao Family.


    Xiao Tianjiao''s brother he refused to acknowledge!


    "Impossible... the master said you were trash, that you''d never achieve anything in the martial path in your lifetime, how could this be possible?"


    Liu Qin shook his head repeatedly, unable to believe that the genius who nearly destroyed the Great Jin Kingdom was Xiao Yi.


    Even less could he believe...


    That Xiao Yi, who was merely in the Physical Body Realm a year ago, was now at the Golden Elixir Realm Peak!


    Just over a year''s time!


    Even the miracle that Xiao Tianjiao, whom he deemed omnipotent, couldn''t accomplish!


    "You are not wrong, I am indeed the Xiao Yi whom Xiao Tianjiao mentioned as a failure who is so shameful that even the blood flowing within me, the same as his, is deemed a disgrace by him. He would rather send me away as a live-in son-in-law to someone else, to breed his mount!"


    Xiao Yi''s mouth twisted with a cold sneer, his mocking eyes fixed on Liu Qin''s shocked face, "Surprised? Or were you not expecting this?"

 Chapter 206 Just So-So!

    Xiao Yi had a playful expression on his face, "Surprised? Unexpected?"Liu Qin''s face was a picture of mixed emotions.


    He had never imagined that Xiao Yi, who he had never taken seriously, and who was even considered a disgrace by all of the Xiao Family, including their one hundred and eight generals, would have a day of resurgence.


    However...


    Liu Qin snorted coldly, and said indifferently, "Indeed, your achievements are beyond our expectations. But compared to our master, you are still nothing but trash."


    "Trash?"


    In Xiao Yi''s mind emerged the figure who once stood like a mountain, whom he could only look up to, and now he was getting closer and closer to him!


    "Of course, you are trash!"


    Liu Qin sneered with pride, "The master awakened the Supreme Overlord Holy Body before the age of three, possessing the divine power to lift a thousand-pound cauldron with one arm. At the age of five, he broke through to the Tenth Layer of the Physical Body Realm; at seven, he stepped into Qi Gathering with Ten Layers; and at eight, he successfully entered the Shentong Realm, becoming the youngest Shentong Realm powerhouse in the history of the Great Qian Dynasty. At the age of ten, he entered the Shentong Realm with Ten Layers, thus joining the Tianjian Sect, the top sect of the Great Qin Dynasty, and became a direct disciple."


    "Now, at only twenty-two, he has successfully stepped into the realm of Dharma Manifestation, becoming the youngest Dharma Manifestation Realm powerhouse in both the Great Qian Dynasty and the Qingtian Realm."


    Liu Qin stopped inflating his chest with pride, and his companions, Liu Yi and Liu Er, also wore ecstatic expressions, "In front of our master, you will always be nothing but an ant!"


    As Liu Qin said, the halo of glory on Xiao Tianjiao was indeed countless.


    Incredibly dazzling.


    Unique in this era.


    However...


    Xiao Yi laughed and said, "At the age of five, reaching the Tenth Layer of the Physical Body Realm. When he broke through to the Golden Core Realm, he was already eleven years old; that took six years. As for me, I took only a year and a half to break through from the Physical Body Realm to the peak of the Golden Core Realm. Even so, do you still think I''m trash? That I''m not as good as him?"


    Liu Qin snorted coldly.


    A year and a half to break through from the Physical Body Realm to the Golden Elixir Peak, not to mention Xiao Tianjiao¡ªeven the legendary Martial God Zhao Wuji did not have such monstrous talent.


    But he would never admit that Xiao Yi was better than Xiao Tianjiao.


    Liu Qin said coldly, "What if you broke from the Physical Body Realm to the peak of the Golden Core Realm in a year and a half? If the master calls you trash, then you will always be trash, and that is all you can be!"


    "Hahaha, so are you planning to cripple my cultivation just like you did to Qingzhu back then?" Xiao Yi laughed angrily.


    Fang Qingzhu was once the treasured daughter of the Fang Family.


    Only because she married him.


    Xiao Tianjiao, with his words ''a trash husband can only match a trash wife,'' personally crippled Fang Qingzhu''s cultivation.


    Who would have thought...


    After a year and a half...


    Liu Qin, under the command of Xiao Tianjiao, when facing Xiao Yi, made the same choice.


    Liu Qin nodded slightly, his expression indifferent, "The master is the true destined son of heaven, a reincarnation of the Celestial Emperor. He could never be wrong. His life does not tolerate any blemishes, and the purpose of our one hundred and eight generals is to clear away any blemish that tries to taint the master. Since the master said you are trash, you should remain trash for life, instead of rebelling against the master!" Your journey continues on My Virtual Library Empire


    "Hahaha, Liu Qin, do you really think I am still the same Xiao Yi you can bully at will? As for crippling my cultivation, let alone you, even if Xiao Tianjiao were here it would be absolutely impossible!"


    The eight years of imprisonment, the humiliation of being reduced to a son-in-law for the sake of breeding his steed, being kicked out of his family and even stripped of his right to worship his own mother, crippling Fang Qingzhu''s cultivation...


    The actions of Xiao Tianjiao had long wounded Xiao Yi beyond repair.


    There was no longer any fraternal affection.


    Only hatred!


    Only resentment!


    Liu Qin snorted coldly, "How audacious, to directly call the master by his name... Liu Yi, Liu Er, cripple his cultivation for me!"


    "Yes!"


    Liu Yi and Liu Er were also experts at the Fifth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm.


    The two were death warriors.


    Ruthless and fearless.


    Unyieldingly loyal!


    Whoosh!


    ```


    Whoosh!


    The two men charged at Xiao Yi from the left and right, simultaneously.


    The Jin Emperor said in a deep voice, "My son, do not underestimate him. Even Qin Yu died at his hands..."


    "No worries!"


    With a wave of his hand, Liu Qin was full of confidence, "Liu Yi and Liu Er are the death soldiers cultivated by our lord, far stronger than ordinary warriors of the Tao Tribulation Realm. With their participation, Xiao Yi''s death is certain!"


    However...


    He had barely finished speaking.


    With two muffled groans, two figures fell at his feet in quick succession.


    It was Liu Yi and Liu Er.


    They lay before him, one to the left and the other to the right.


    Blood streamed from their seven orifices, and their internal organs had been shattered.


    Hiss!


    Liu Qin''s pupils suddenly constricted, incredulously looking at Xiao Yi: "You dared to kill them?" S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You said they were death soldiers groomed by Xiao Tianjiao, so I used fifty percent of my strength. I didn''t expect them to be so frail and die instantly. It seems the death soldiers groomed by Xiao Tianjiao are just so-so!" Xiao Yi shrugged nonchalantly, an innocent look on his face.


    "Bastard!"


    Liu Qin flew into a rage. Xiao Tianjiao was his idol, how could he tolerate any doubt or insult? His eyes narrowed, a cold glint shining like a knife, and with a whoosh, a three-meter-long cyan greatsword fell into his hand. The blade trembled violently, emitting a series of chilling sword cries, "The master was right; your existence does nothing but sully his name. Today, I shall cut you down!"


    Whoosh!


    Like the crescent moon, a semi-circular blade of light tore through the void, descending from the sky.


    This strike contained an incomparable sword intent, reaching the second stage of the sword intent realm.


    The buzzing of the sword made one''s scalp tingle.


    The wild wind of primeval qi raised caused even the Jin Emperor and the other powerhouses of the Great Jin Kingdom to feel a chill: "No wonder he is one of the 108 Heavenly Generals under Xiao Tianjiao''s command; this strike is powerful enough to threaten even a Nine-fold Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm expert."


    "Even if Xiao Yi could take this strike, he would be gravely injured!"


    "I really didn''t expect that Xiao Yi was the brother of the famous Xiao Tianjiao, but it seems Xiao Tianjiao doesn''t like his brother much..."


    "Who cares whether he likes him or not, he''s about to die..."


    "Our Great Jin Kingdom is saved..."


    The courtiers of the Great Jin Kingdom wore expressions of wild joy.


    In contrast, representatives from Tianqing Kingdom like Yu Huaxian stood with their arms crossed over their chests, appearing completely unconcerned: "Really makes you wonder what''s going on in the heads of the Xiao family, considering they think of Xiao as useless..."


    "Is Xiao Tianjiao even comparable to Xiao?"


    "Could Xiao Tianjiao go from the Physical Body Realm to the peak of the Golden Core Realm in a year and a half? Does Xiao Tianjiao know alchemy?"


    Amidst murmured conversations.


    Liu Qin''s strike had already landed on Xiao Yi, yet the anticipated scene of Xiao Yi being gravely wounded or even cleaved in two did not occur.


    There was only the clang of a loud noise.


    The stone slabs under Xiao Yi''s feet burst apart, and cracks spread across the walls within a hundred meters. In contrast, Xiao Yi still stood tall and straight like an ancient pine, upright like a sharp sword. And at the spot where the greatsword struck him, there was not even the slightest mark...


    "This is impossible..."


    Liu Qin''s face underwent a drastic change.


    He was a cultivator of the Seventh Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm, and in full force, he could kill even an Eighth Layer expert with one slash.


    But now...


    Xiao Yi didn''t dodge or evade and had withstood his strike without a scratch?


    "I stand still and let you slash, yet you can''t injure me! Is this the strength of one of the 108 Heavenly Generals?"


    Xiao Yi shook his head slightly, his lips curving into a cold, cruel smile, "I thought all those years following Xiao Tianjiao would have taught you some invincible techniques. Turns out, that''s all there is to it!"


    ```

 Chapter 207 One Man Destroys a Country

    "The 108 Heavenly Generals are nothing more than this!"Xiao Yi''s face bore a thick layer of mockery as he sized up Liu Qin with an amused gaze. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His right hand slowly lifted.


    With two fingers, he pinched the three-meter-long sixth rank Yuan weapon saber, and as the force of Wind Thunder circulated within his palm, a series of crackling sounds ensued, and he actually flattened the blade of the saber.


    Hisss!


    The crowd inhaled sharply, looking at Xiao Yi as if he were a monster.


    This was a sixth rank Yuan weapon, after all,


    incredibly sturdy.


    And he managed to flatten the blade with his bare hands?


    "That is a Yuan weapon granted by my master, and you dare to destroy it? You''re seeking death!"


    Liu Qin looked at the flattened blade, his eyes nearly splitting with rage as he roared, his arm muscles tensed in an instant while bulging veins coiled like dragons along his arms. A savage power swept down the saber in the blink of an eye, like an endless torrent of river water, furiously aiming to chop at Xiao Yi''s neck.


    One force to overcome ten meetings.


    Though the blade edge was now flat, under the overwhelming suppression of absolute strength, even a piece of wood could become a lethal weapon.


    Faced with Liu Qin''s storm-like assault,


    Xiao Yi just snorted coldly and flicked his finger on the saber.


    Boom!


    Amidst the piercing boom,


    the saber bent violently, and with it, Liu Qin''s body was sent flying.


    Xiao Yi stepped forward and reached out to grab the saber''s hilt from the air, "Let go!"


    Whoosh!


    As Xiao Yi twisted his wrist sharply, the saber span wildly like a spinning top, stirring up fierce winds, and he forcefully snatched it from Liu Qin''s grasp. Leaping into the air, the saber descended from the heavens, "whoosh" it pierced through Liu Qin''s chest, and with a "thud" half of the saber embedded itself into the city wall, nailing Liu Qin firmly to it.


    Blood dripped down the hilt.


    Xiao Yi floated down, standing over Liu Qin with the edge of the saber, looking down disdainfully at the struggling man, "To die by the Yuan weapon given by your master is quite an honorable end!"


    Back then, Xiao Yi had been confined to a separate courtyard.


    His mother, in her attempts to see him, had been obstructed by Liu Qin on numerous occasions.


    Now,


    the tables have turned.


    Liu Qin had finally fallen into his hands.


    Liu Qin spat out a mouthful of fresh blood, his eyes filled with horror, and he looked at Xiao Yi in disbelief, "Impossible, this can''t be¡­ You are just at the peak of the Golden Core Realm, how can you be this strong?"


    At this moment,


    Liu Qin''s unwavering beliefs began to waver.


    Was Xiao Yi really a waste?


    Really a blot on Xiao Tianjiao''s life?


    Even at the peak of the Golden Core Realm, Xiao Tianjiao couldn''t possibly have easily defeated a Seventh Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouse, could he?


    Xiao Yi squatted down, the cold wind blowing through, stirring his black hair, his robes billowing messily, "Do you think I''m strong? Do you think even Xiao Tianjiao wasn''t as good as I am when he was at this level? Do you feel like I''m not the waste you all imagined me to be, am I not?"


    His barrage of questions rendered Liu Qin speechless.


    He desperately wanted to say no!


    But the reality was right before his eyes!


    This time¡­


    The invincible Xiao Tianjiao had really made a mistake.


    Xiao Yi was not a stain on his life, nor a worthless waste; he was actually a peerless genius with more talent than Xiao Tianjiao!


    However,


    that thought was only momentary before Liu Qin fiercely banished it from his mind, staring hideously at Xiao Yi and screaming hysterically, "No, my master is the strongest, the Xiao Family is enough with just my master. No matter how strong your talent is, you''ll never surpass my master, it''s impossible!"


    Each of the 108 Heavenly Generals was Xiao Tianjiao''s absolute confidant.


    Utterly loyal to him.


    Even if reality shook his faith, he would never admit it.


    Even in death,


    he would never acknowledge it!


    Liu Qin clenched his steel teeth and said hysterically, "Don''t be so smug, you will always be nothing but an ant in front of the master. With just the flick of his finger, he could crush you, this insignificant ant!"


    "Is that so? Sadly, you won''t live to see that day!"


    Xiao Yi slowly rose to his feet.


    Puff!


    Xiao Yi''s foot stomped down.


    He crushed Liu Qin''s head into his chest cavity, and blood sprayed wildly from his shoulders.


    Xiao Yi landed back on the city wall, his cold gaze turned to the Jin Emperor who was looking on in dumbstruck horror, "Killing you means the end of the Great Jin Kingdom, doesn''t it?"


    "Xiao Yi, I am the Jin Emperor, enfeoffed by the royal family of the Great Qian Dynasty. If you dare kill me, the Great Qian Dynasty will never spare you!" The Jin Emperor clenched his fists and said in a low voice, "Whatever benefits Tianqing Kingdom has offered you, I can give you the same, tenfold, a hundredfold..."


    Xiao Yi shook his head and said, "As long as it does not shake the rule of the Great Qian Dynasty, he will not care about the life and death of a subordinate nation. If the Great Qian Dynasty really cared about the survival of your Jin Country, my army wouldn''t have been able to get here."


    "You..."


    The Jin Emperor''s face turned ashen.


    He knew full well the mindset of the Great Qian Dynasty. Just as Xiao Yi had said, as long as their rule wasn''t shaken.


    As for who occupied the seat of this superior subordinate nation, the Great Qian Dynasty didn''t care at all!


    "The national protector ancestor of my Great Jin Kingdom is a high-level master of the Dharma Manifestation Realm, if you dare to kill me, he will surely not spare you..." The Jin Emperor threatened.


    Xiao Yi scoffed, "If your Jin country''s ancestor was still alive, why would he not have shown up by now? Stop bluffing, Jin Emperor, let me send you on your way!"


    "No..."


    The Jin Emperor''s face was the picture of despair as he turned to flee into the sky.


    Find more to read on My Virtual Library Empire


    Puff!


    A fiery-red sword light flashed across his neck.


    The mighty Jin Emperor fell at that moment.


    This also marked the end of an era for the Great Jin Kingdom, now over for good.


    From this day forward...


    Under the Great Qian, Tianqing reigns supreme!


    Xiao Yi, holding the severed head of the Jin Emperor in one hand, hovered in the air and called out towards the inside of the royal capital, "The head of the Jin Emperor is here, those who surrender will not be killed!"


    "Those who surrender will not be killed!"


    "The Jin Emperor is dead, those who surrender will not be killed!"


    For a moment.


    Mourning was widespread within the royal capital.


    Countless strong individuals chose to surrender, while the stubborn ones were brutally suppressed.


    This splendid and powerful Great Jin Kingdom, after a thousand years of glory, had met its downfall today.


    And the one who had personally buried and obliterated this colossal entity was Xiao Yi!


    A youth who had created miracle after miracle, ascending from the Physical Body Realm to the peak of the Golden Core Realm in just over a year!


    Within the luxurious royal palace.


    In front of Yu Huaxian, a line of royal orphans, the queen, and various princes kneeled, all bound and kneeling on the ground.


    In their midst was Yu Huaxian''s sworn enemy, the third prince, responsible for the death of his sister. At this moment, the faces of these princes and grandsons were pale with despair.


    Xiao Yi glanced at the people, patted the shoulder of Yu Huaxian, who was biting her lip tightly, her fists clenched, and shoulders trembling, "I leave them to you."


    "Th-thank you, Xiao!"


    Yu Huaxian''s eyes were bloodshot with excitement, and her gaze, filled with the intent to devour, fell upon the third prince, "Did you ever imagine this day would come? I swore that I would grind your bones to dust, and today, today is when I fulfill that promise..."


    "No..."


    The third prince screamed in utter despair.


    The sound of flesh being torn apart by hand was enough to make one''s skin crawl.


    As for Xiao Yi...


    He walked alone through the ravaged royal capital post-battle. The bustling capital was no longer as vibrant as before, with signs of war everywhere.


    Along the way.


    Everyone who saw Xiao Yi stepped aside from afar, their expressions a mix of respect, fear, and curiosity.


    It was this young man...


    Who alone, brought down an entire nation!

 Chapter 208 Emperor Qian

    Great Qian Dynasty.This vast kingdom could rank among the notable names in Qingtian Realm, with over a hundred subsidiary nations under its command. Stay tuned with My Virtual Library Empire


    Its prosperity was therefore no surprise.


    Martial Artists and traders alike traversed its lands in countless numbers, ensuring the swiftest spread of news throughout the imperial city.


    The fall of Great Jin Kingdom was carried back by these roaming merchants.


    In an instant.


    The Great Jin Kingdom, Tianqing Kingdom, and Xiao Yi became the talk of the town.


    "Have you heard? One of our first-class subsidiary nations, Great Jin Kingdom, has been annihilated!"


    "What? Someone annihilated Great Jin Kingdom? Who did it?"


    "It seems to be a small country called Tianqing Kingdom. Do you know who led Tianqing Kingdom to destroy Great Jin Kingdom? I heard it''s the younger brother of Xiao Tianjiao, the number one prodigy of our Great Qian Dynasty..."


    "Are you talking about the one the Xiao Family kicked out as a waste?"


    "Shh... that''s no waste, I heard the Xiao Family was worried he was too outstanding, overshadowing Xiao Tianjiao''s brilliance, so they sent him off to Tianqing Kingdom as a son-in-law to some minor family. What they didn''t foresee was Xiao Yi''s growth speed..."


    Inside an elegant carriage.


    The coachman, listening to the people''s conversation and standing beside the carriage, cautiously said, "Master, the one they say destroyed Great Jin Kingdom, it''s Xiao... indeed, it''s Xiao Yi!"


    "Xiao Yi?"


    A moment of silence lingered inside the carriage before the voice resumed, "Who would have thought that even a salted fish could turn over. But to raise his cultivation from the Physical Body Realm to the peak of Golden Core Realm in just a year and a half? There''s already talk his talent surpasses Tian''er. No, this can''t be allowed to happen, or else our Xiao Family will become a laughing stock among the major families!"


    Seated inside the carriage was none other than Xiao Zhengde, the patriarch of the Xiao Family.


    With his right hand adorned with a jade ring, Xiao Zhengde gently touched his nose and narrowed his eyes, displaying a cold and predatory glint as he spoke to the coachman outside, "First take me back to the estate, then summon General Greedy Wolf and General Po Jun to my residence!"


    "Yes, Master!"


    The carriage slowly made its way towards the Xiao family''s residence.


    Xiao Zhengde squinted his eyes, the cold gleam flickering within, "My Xiao Family has always been brilliant, never to be tarnished by others!"


    The Xiao Family was indeed at the height of its power.


    With Xiao Tianjiao''s advancement into the Dharma Manifestation Realm, the family''s reputation was unmatched for the time being.


    If it were revealed now that Xiao Yi, whom they had expelled from the family, possessed an even stronger talent than Xiao Tianjiao, people would surmise they had done so out of jealousy and fear of Xiao Yi''s superior talent, casting a detrimental shadow over both the family and Xiao Tianjiao.


    As for Xiao Yi...


    Xiao Zhengde looked down at the ring on his hand, his expression ice-cold, "Having Tian''er is more than enough for the Xiao Family. Xiao Yi, if there''s anyone to blame, it''s that you were born too late..."


    Meanwhile.


    Inside the imperial palace.


    The supreme Emperor of Great Qian Dynasty examined the secret letter in his hands with a playful expression, "Xiao Yi? Xiao Tianjiao''s younger brother? From Physical Body Realm to the peak of Golden Core Realm in a year and a half, yet with the combat power of Tao Tribulation Realm? Interesting, this kid is quite interesting..."


    In front of Emperor Qian, a handsome young man respectfully inquired, "Father Emperor, shall we invite Xiao Yi?"


    Emperor Qian looked at the young man, his face smiling, "What do you think?"


    This young man was Emperor Qian''s youngest son, the Thirteenth Prince, Yang Ling.


    He was intelligent and had exceptional martial talents.


    Raised by Emperor Qian''s side since childhood, deeply favored and cherished, there were even rumors that Emperor Qian intended to bestow the Crown Prince''s title to Yang Ling.


    Yang Ling spoke in a deep voice, "Xiao Tianjiao is attracting too much attention. It might be worth considering cultivating a chess piece to counterbalance him!"


    Emperor''s Mind Art is about balance.


    The younger generation of the Great Qian Dynasty is almost entirely overshadowed by Xiao Tianjiao, to the extent that the Xiao Family is becoming overwhelmingly dominant, even showing signs of emerging as the fifth great clan of the dynasty. The original four great clans kept each other in check, creating a delicate balance that the royal family could control. If another great clan were to be added, this would not be good news for those in power. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With the royal family''s methods and intelligence, they naturally could grasp the grievances between Xiao Yi and Xiao Tianjiao.


    If Xiao Yi could be nurtured to offset Xiao Tianjiao and limit the Xiao Family''s development...


    Emperor Qian, his expression unreadable, asked, "What do you think should be done?"


    Yang Ling frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and said, "The position of head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute has been vacant for a decade. I believe Xiao Yi is quite suited for this position!"


    "Oh?"


    Emperor Qian squinted and said, "Why not summon him to court to become an official, or bestow a title upon him?"


    Yang Ling replied seriously, "Balance! Once a title is bestowed or he is appointed to an official position at court, it would disrupt the balance between the royal family and Xiao Tianjiao. However, the Xiaoshanhe Institute is different. This sect, once one of the top ten sects and on par with the Tianjian Sect, has declined since submitting to the dynasty and is now far from its former glory among those top ten sects. Appointing Xiao Yi as the head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute wouldn''t be a clear sign that the royal family is taking his side..."


    The Xiaoshanhe Institute, once one of the ten great sects, ranking alongside the Tianjian Sect.


    The royal family of the Great Qian Dynasty has always wanted to consolidate the imperial power and eliminate the exceptional influence of the ten great sects.


    But in the end, only the Xiaoshanhe Institute submitted to the royal authority.


    Over the years...


    Under the pressure of the other ten great sects, the Xiaoshanhe Institute has been in decline, to the point where for ten years no one has been willing to take the position of its head, resulting in it being practically non-existent.


    By making Xiao Yi the head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, not only could the royal family convey their goodwill to him, but also it wouldn''t overly provoke Xiao Tianjiao and the others.


    Indeed, it was a solution that could serve two purposes beautifully.


    "Hahahaha!"


    Emperor Qian let out a satisfied laugh and nodded, saying, "My son, the fact that you have thought of these things shows that you have not been slacking off over the years."


    "Thank you, Father, for the praise!" Yang Ling replied with a grin.


    Emperor Qian shook his head: "However, you have overlooked one thing, my son!"


    "Oh?"


    Yang Ling was startled, "Please enlighten me, Your Majesty!"


    "Issue my decree, promote the Tianqing Kingdom to a first-class vassal state, bestow the title of ''Qianqiu'' upon Lord Jiang Tai and reward him with a Resurrection Elixir, appoint Xiao Yi, the Guardian Martial God of the Tianqing Kingdom, as the head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute; promote Xiao Zhengde, the head of the Xiao Family, to the title of Guardian Duke, and appoint Xiao Tianjiao as the National God of War of the Great Qian Dynasty..."


    Emperor Qian gestured to the old eunuch beside him to draft the edict, then looked towards Yang Ling, "Do you understand now?"


    Yang Ling had an epiphany: "Thank you, Father, for pointing this out. I understand now!"


    He had only thought about appointing Xiao Yi as the head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, which would not cause much dissatisfaction within the Xiao Family.


    But he had forgotten about the relationship between Xiao Yi and the Xiao Family.


    Xiao Yi had been expelled from the Xiao Family, and rumors were circulating everywhere that it was because Xiao Tianjiao was jealous of Xiao Yi''s talent. Now, by raising Xiao Yi to the position of head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, it would inevitably create some resentment in Xiao Tianjiao''s heart.


    Now not only Xiao Yi was elevated to the position of the head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, but also Xiao Zhengde and Xiao Tianjiao were appointed.


    This would minimize the dissatisfaction of the father and son of the Xiao Family.


    This would achieve true balance!


    "Good that you understand!"


    Emperor Qian smiled faintly, his eyes narrowing to slits as he stared into the distance, "The Xiao Family? Heh, truly interesting!"

 Chapter 209 A Visitor from the Xiao Family!

    Great Jin Kingdom, within the capital city.A month had passed since the Great Jin Kingdom was destroyed, and during this month, Xiao Yi had been staying in the Dragon Vein Spirit Cave within the Great Jin Kingdom''s royal palace.


    The Tianqing Kingdom would soon relocate its capital here.


    Naturally, Xiao Yi could not completely consume the Dragon Vein of this place, but fortunately, the Dragon Vein Spirit Cave of the Great Jin Kingdom stored an enormous amount of heavenly and earthly energy. Over the month of cultivation, Xiao Yi had compressed his Golden Core to only twenty rings, and the number of God Sealing Seeds he possessed had reached eight hundred thousand. Even Little Lin had ascended to a high-level sixth order, comparable to the Seventh Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    Even so,


    only thirty percent of the heavenly and earthly energy in the Dragon Vein Spirit Cave had been consumed.


    "Xiao, people from the Xiao Family of the Great Qian Dynasty have come!"


    While Xiao Yi was in cultivation, he heard the voice of Yu Huaxian from outside.


    Xiao Yi''s eyes snapped open. "The Xiao Family?"


    Two substantial beams of cold light burst forth from his pupils.


    He had thought that it should be the royal family of the Great Qian Dynasty sending people over, but to his surprise, it was the Xiao Family who had come first.


    "Have them wait, I''ll be over shortly!" Xiao Yi said.


    Yu Huaxian bowed respectfully. "Understood!"


    "Xiao Zhengde, sending people over at this time, what exactly is your game?" While dressing, Xiao Yi called for Little Lin and left the Dragon Vein Spirit Cave.


    Inside the front hall,


    General Po Jun, Zhao Ying, and Hai Fu were seated boldly within the hall.


    These two were experts left by Xiao Tianjiao at Xiao Zhengde''s side. However, Xiao Yi had not seen them much, after all, his movements within the Xiao Family were confined to a secluded small courtyard.


    "Greedy Wolf, the reports say that waste only took a year and a half to rise from the Physical Body Realm to the Peak of the Golden Elixir Realm. How much of that do you believe?" General Po Jun asked. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Hai Fu narrowed his eyes, speaking indifferently, "Once we see him, we''ll naturally know if it''s true or not!"


    "That''s also true!"


    Zhao Ying nodded, his face wearing an odd expression, "It''s strange to say, that waste actually managed to come this far!"


    As the two conversed,


    Xiao Yi''s figure appeared in the hall.


    "Hmm?"


    The two looked at Xiao Yi, their sharp gazes scrutinizing him back and forth. When they realized that Xiao Yi truly was at the Peak of the Golden Core Realm, they couldn''t help but exchange glances, "Indeed, he is at the Peak of the Golden Core Realm¡­"


    Both could see the shock in the other''s eyes.


    A year and a half!


    From Physical Body Realm to the Peak of the Golden Core Realm, this rate of cultivation was far superior to even Xiao Tianjiao.


    Xiao Yi swept a glance at the two, speaking faintly, "Is this how Xiao Tianjiao teaches his subordinates, not even a greeting when they see me?"


    Zhao Ying replied indifferently, "Our master told us, some people deserve respect and therefore ought to be greeted. As for wastes, they need not be bothered with!"


    "Heh, that''s truly Xiao Tianjiao''s style!"


    Xiao Yi scoffed, then walked straight to the main seat and sat down, fiddling with the cup on the tea table without a word.


    Silence fell over the hall.


    Discover exclusive content at My Virtual Library Empire


    Zhao Ying and the other exchanged looks.


    Hai Fu took a deep breath, stood up and said, "By the order of Xiao Zhengde, head of the Xiao Family, I have come to read out the family decree, Xiao Yi, will you not kneel to receive the order?"


    Xiao Yi still leaned back in his chair, relaxed, and uttered indifferently, "Speak!"


    "Hmm?"


    Hai Fu''s expression darkened, and a cold light flashed in his eyes as he stared at him, "I told you to kneel down and receive the order!"


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, staring intently at Hai Fu, saying nothing.


    Tangible gazes collided in the air.


    The piercing eyes that seemed capable of penetrating one''s heart made Hai Fu feel somewhat dazzled, his momentum unconsciously weakened. He took a deep breath and said, "The family head has ordered you to secretly transfer control of the Tianqing Kingdom to us. From now on, the Tianqing Kingdom will be secretly controlled by the Xiao Family. At the same time, the family head has heard that you have reached the Golden Core Realm and orders you to present your cultivation technique and breakthrough method to the family. Furthermore, one Xiao Tianjiao in the Xiao Family is enough. You, Xiao Yi, are ordered to cripple your own cultivation. If you defy this, you will be executed without mercy..."


    "Ha ha, ha ha ha... Interesting, interesting... Xiao Zhengde, oh Xiao Zhengde, you really have some nerve!"


    Xiao Yi laughed in anger.


    The order in his palm burst into flames with a bang, turning into ashes that scattered all around.


    Xiao Zhengde actually intended to control the Tianqing Kingdom from the shadows and even wanted Xiao Yi to secretly hand over the reins to someone from the Xiao Family.


    He was also demanded to hand over his cultivation technique and the secret to his breakthrough...


    Even worse...


    Xiao Zhengde actually wanted Xiao Yi to cripple his own cultivation!


    The underlying reason was simply that he didn''t want Xiao Yi to outshine and thus affect Xiao Tianjiao.


    Any of these demands alone would be enough to drive Xiao Yi to murder, let alone all three!


    Each one was a statement of heart-slashing cruelty.


    Sigh!


    Xiao Yi exhaled a long breath of turbid air, his icy gaze fixed on the two men in front of him, "Roll back and tell Xiao Zhengde that I, Xiao Yi, am no longer a person of the Xiao Family. His dog-shit family head order has nothing to do with me."


    Zhao Ying was furious, "Xiao Yi, are you planning to defy the family head''s order?"


    Xiao Yi leaned slightly forward, "Are you talking to me?"


    "Who else could it be? Even though you have been expelled from the Xiao Family, you still carry the Xiao Family''s blood in your veins. All that you have obtained was bestowed upon you by the Xiao Family. You should unconditionally contribute everything back when the family head demands it..."


    Zhao Ying didn''t finish his words.


    A chill suddenly locked onto him, making Hai Fu feel as if he had fallen into an ice cellar, and with a thump, his legs gave out, and he knelt rigidly on the ground.


    A weight as heavy as a towering mountain seemed to press down on Zhao Ying, preventing even a single thought of resistance¡ªan icy feeling spread throughout his body.


    He was at the Fifth Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm!


    Xiao Yi had, with a casual gesture, forced him onto his knees, unable to rise; such skill was indeed terrifying.


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "If you refuse to speak standing, then speak kneeling!"


    "You..."


    Zhao Ying opened his mouth, but under Xiao Yi''s dangerous gaze, he could only steel himself and say, "Xiao Yi, do not be obstinate. Offending the Xiao Family, you won''t be able to move a step. Only by obeying the family head''s orders do you have a path of survival, just, just, just..."


    Toward the end, Zhao Ying''s voice began to tremble.


    He felt the surrounding temperature dropping lower and lower, to the point that his blood seemed about to freeze solid.


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi reached out into the air with his right hand, and the order stamped with the Xiao Family head''s seal landed in his hand. The contents were exactly as Hai Fu had described. With a flick of his wrist, flames enveloped the letter, burning fiercely in his palm. Xiao Yi squinted at the two men, "Go back and tell Xiao Zhengde, I, Xiao Yi, have debts to settle and vengeance to claim. It won''t be long before I visit the Xiao Family to take back what is mine!"


    "Xiao Yi, don''t be willful!"


    "The master has already broken through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm. Once he learns that you dare to defy the family order, he will never let you go!"


    The two men Zhao Ying threatened.


    "He won''t let me go?"


    Xiao Yi slowly stood up, his figure suddenly vanishing from the spot, and when he reappeared, he was behind the two men. Hai Fu and his companion were kneeling on the ground, clutching their stomachs. Each had a bloody hole in their lower abdomen, and the Martial Dao Divine Fruit had been taken by Xiao Yi. The icy voice sent a bone-chilling coldness through them, "There''s no need for him to look for me. It won''t be long before I go looking for him!"

 Chapter 210 You Want Me to Be the Dean?

    "Xiao!"Yu Huaxian walked in from outside the door and looked at Xiao Yi with respect, "I have arranged for people to send them back to the Xiao Family in the Great Qian Dynasty!"


    "Hmm!"


    Xiao Yi nodded.


    Yu Huaxian expressed his concerns, "Xiao, after all, they are generals under Xiao Tianjiao''s command, I''m afraid Xiao Tianjiao won''t let us off easily for doing this!"


    Yu Huaxian''s expression was filled with anxiety.


    The name Xiao Tianjiao was indeed very well-known, an absolute giant-like figure.


    He was even the most hopeful person to step into the Longevity Secret Realm in the Great Qian Dynasty over the past millennium!


    Now, he had even broken through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    No matter how strong Xiao Yi was, he was merely at the peak of the Golden Core Realm; how could he possibly be a match for a master of the Dharma Manifestation Realm? Moreover, this Dharma Manifestation Realm being was none other than the famous Xiao Tianjiao!


    Xiao Yi naturally understood Yu Huaxian''s thoughts and smiled, "Do you think that by entertaining them with good food and wine, and agreeing to their conditions, Xiao Tianjiao would let me off?"


    "This..."


    Yu Huaxian hesitated for a moment, "After all, you are blood brothers; he probably wouldn''t..."


    "Wouldn''t?"


    Xiao Yi shook his head and smiled, a smile that was somewhat cold and fierce, "If he really cared about brotherly affection, do you think he would have expelled me from the home to be someone''s son-in-law just to breed his mount? If he cared about brotherly affection, would he threaten me at this time?"


    When it came to this brotherly affection, and that father-son affection,


    Xiao Yi had long since despaired.


    The vast Xiao Family...


    The only thing worth his yearning was his mother.


    Yu Huaxian was speechless on the side.


    He never thought there could be family members so heartless and cruel. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Imprisoned for eight years, expelled from the family, reduced to a son-in-law, his wife discarded.


    Not a word of concern!


    Now that they saw Xiao Yi rising, they began to covet the power he obtained, the secrets of his breakthroughs, and even for the sake of maintaining Xiao Tianjiao''s face, they wanted him to cripple his cultivation.


    Yu Huaxian took a deep breath, "Xiao, no matter if the road ahead is lined with sword mountains or sea of flames, I, Yu Huaxian, will stand by your side!"


    "Hahaha..."


    Xiao Yi laughed heartily and patted Yu Huaxian''s shoulder, "How much longer until His Majesty arrives?"


    The Tianqing Kingdom was about to relocate its capital here.


    As for the original territory of the Tianqing Kingdom, it would be controlled by Jiang Weisheng, with Huang Bo successfully becoming the Protector Beast King, ruling over Nanhuang.


    Jiang Tai even specially built a brand-new Nanhuang Beast King City for Huang Bo to rule!


    A million cavalry and a million monsters living together in Nanhuang Beast King City, and if there was a war, they could straightaway form a million-strong monster cavalry, becoming the sharpest blade in the hands of the Tianqing Kingdom, waging war in all directions!


    "He should arrive at the capital by tomorrow at the latest!" Yu Huaxian said, "At that time, Gu from Tianqi Martial Arts Academy and Chen from Treasure Pavilion will both relocate here!"


    Xiao Yi said, "I have confidence in the way you handle things. I''m going to cultivate; call me when they arrive!"


    "Yes!"


    Yu Huaxian nodded.


    Xiao Yi returned to the Dragon Vein Spirit Cave, but after the recent events, he found it hard to calm his mind all of a sudden.


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi simply exhaled deeply, leaning against the side.


    Flashes of the past surfaced in his mind.


    Hiss hiss!


    Little Lin felt Xiao Yi''s despondent mood, climbed up to his shoulder, and gently nudged his face, "Boss, no matter when, Little Lin will always be with you!"


    Your next chapter is on My Virtual Library Empire


    "Thank you, little fella!"


    Xiao Yi held Little Lin in his arms, gently rubbing his little head, his eyes half-closed, "Qingzhu, are you okay?"


    ¡­


    The next day.


    Jiang Tai had already led everyone into the capital, taking up residence in the palace.


    Looking at the splendid Golden Throne Hall, Jiang Tai held the spiritual tablet of Jiang Tianchen in his arms, "Father, when you took me here to celebrate the Jin Emperor''s birthday, you once said, how wonderful it would be if one day we could make the palace as splendid as this. Now, not only do we have such a palace, but we have also overthrown the Great Jin Kingdom..."


    At this moment, Jiang Tai was incredibly excited.


    This was a feat that not even generations of rulers of the Tianqing Kingdom dared to dream of!


    "The former emperor in heaven must be very happy!" came Xiao Yi''s voice from behind.


    Jiang Tai snapped back to reality, flashed a grin, handed Jiang Tianchen''s spiritual tablet to the old eunuch beside him, and went forward to give Xiao Yi a tight hug.


    Patting Xiao Yi''s back hard, Jiang Tai said solemnly, "Brother, thank you!"


    "Hahaha, you''re calling me brother, why so formal with me?" Xiao Yi rolled his eyes and said.


    Jiang Tai grinned.


    The two of them then sat side by side on the threshold of the Golden Throne Hall, chatting with each other. Not knowing how long had passed, Jiang Tai hesitated for a moment, then said, "Xiao Yi, I heard that the Xiao Family sent someone over and you crippled the envoy and sent them back?"


    Xiao Yi nodded and recounted the contents of the family head''s order.


    Jiang Tai''s face turned angry, especially upon hearing that Xiao Zhengde actually demanded Xiao Yi to cripple his own cultivation. He couldn''t help but curse, "How can there be such fathers and brothers in the world? I really want to cut them open and see if their hearts are black..."


    "Hahaha, if I ever encounter Xiao Tianjiao, I''ll be sure to pass the message on!" Xiao Yi joked.


    Jiang Tai''s expression darkened, "..."


    With his strength, not to mention Xiao Tianjiao, even the Xiao Family wasn''t something he could handle!


    Xiao Yi patted Jiang Tai on the shoulder and laughed, "Don''t worry, I''ll take care of it!"


    Jiang Tai said somberly, "Xiao Yi, no matter where you go in the future, whatever you encounter, our Tianqing Kingdom will always stand by your side. Tianqing may perish, but you, Xiao Yi, must not die!"


    Tianqing may perish, but Xiao Yi must not die!


    These words, once spoken by Jiang Tianchen, were now passed on to Jiang Tai...


    The promise of two generations.


    "I remember!"


    Xiao Yi nodded and enunciated, "If I don''t die, Tianqing won''t perish!"


    Both men fell silent.


    In the glow of the setting sun, the entire palace was bathed in crimson, symbolizing victory and hope alike.


    In the following days...


    Xiao Yi, Jiang Tai, and others were busy taking over the Great Jin Kingdom. The territory of a single Great Jin Kingdom was hundreds of times larger than that of the Tianqing Kingdom, not an easy task to manage. Fortunately, with the wealth of powerful figures in the current Tianqing Kingdom, plus Xiao Yi''s battle earlier, which had nearly annihilated the military and officials of the Great Jin Kingdom, they had thoroughly intimidated the populace.


    Jiang Tai also didn''t encounter any obstacles.


    Until the tenth day.


    The envoy from the Great Qian Dynasty arrived in the capital.


    The one leading the envoy was the young prince Yang Ling. Atop the Golden Throne Hall, Yang Ling held up a golden imperial decree and proclaimed loudly, "Lord Jiang Tai of the Tianqing Kingdom, National God of War Xiao Yi, heed the decree!"


    The others all knelt down.


    Xiao Yi and Jiang Tai, however, stood to receive the decree.


    Yang Ling showed no hint of displeasure and loudly decreed, "By the mandate of heaven, the Emperor of Great Qian decrees, promote the Tianqing Kingdom to a first-class vassal state, Lord Jiang Tai to be crowned with the title enduring through thousands of ages. Appoint the Protector Martial God of Tianqing Kingdom, Xiao Yi, as the headmaster of the Xiaoshanhe Institute of the Great Qian Dynasty, to accompany the prince Yang Ling to the Xiaoshanhe Institute to assume the position! Let it be known!"


    Xiao Yi was utterly baffled, "What the heck? They want me to be a headmaster?"

 Chapter 211 The Princes Mouth, Deceiving Ghost!

    Xiao Yi was completely baffled as he looked at Yang Ling, "You want me to be the dean?"Yang Ling gave a light cough, "Accept the decree first!"


    Jiang Tai hurried forward, "Jiang Tai accepts the decree with gratitude!"


    Yang Ling handed the sacred decree to Jiang Tai, smiling as he said, "Monarch Jiang, my father is aware that you''ve lost an arm and has specially bestowed upon you a six-star Resurrection Elixir. As long as you consume it, your severed limb will regrow."


    "Resurrection Elixir?"


    Jiang Tai''s face changed, he had never expected the Emperor of the Great Qian Dynasty to bestow upon him such a precious elixir, and he gratefully said, "Jiang Tai deeply thanks Emperor Qian, may His Majesty live forever!"


    Yang Ling took out a brocade box and handed it to Jiang Tai, "Try taking it now and see!"


    "Okay, okay!"


    Jiang Tai, fighting back his excitement, opened the brocade box.


    Inside lay a pea-sized, emerald green pill, its surface etched with mysterious patterns and the scent of the medicine was intoxicating.


    Gulp!


    Jiang Tai swallowed the pill in one gulp.


    Hisss!


    His face went deathly pale as large beads of cold sweat continuously broke out on his forehead, and suddenly, he let out a scream as a spurt of fresh blood sprayed from the stump of his arm. Then, wisps of blood intertwined, and lo and behold, a brand new arm formed at a visible rate. The Resurrection Elixir indeed could regenerate lost limbs. Jiang Tai looked at the newly grown arm, his face full of excitement and gratitude, "Your Highness Yang Ling, I cannot thank you enough!"


    "No need for such formalities, Monarch Jiang!"


    Yang Ling smiled, looking at Xiao Yi, who was still in a baffled state, and said, "Dean Xiao, it seems you do not wish to become the dean of Xiaoshanhe Institute?"


    Xiao Yi rolled his eyes, saying speechlessly, "What is Emperor Qian thinking, actually letting me manage Xiaoshanhe Institute?"


    All he wanted was to improve his cultivation as soon as possible.


    Only by possessing sufficient strength,


    could he prove to everyone that he was stronger than Xiao Tianjiao, disowning him was the Xiao Family''s biggest mistake. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    What''s more important is...


    he wanted to return to the Xiao Family to pay homage to his mother openly and honorably.


    After settling the grudges with the Xiao Family, the next step would be to go to Baiyu and take back Fang Qingzhu.


    He had never thought about being any dean!


    Yang Ling had long investigated Xiao Yi''s various deeds and also knew that not long ago the Xiao Family had sent people to find him, resulting in two experts of the Tao Tribulation Realm being crippled and the loss of Martial Dao Divine Fruit.


    If it weren''t for Yang Ling''s timely appearance, presenting rewards and simultaneously revealing the news that Xiao Yi would become the dean of Xiaoshanhe Institute,


    the Xiao Family''s retaliation would have arrived much earlier.


    Yang Ling said gravely, "Xiao Yi, do you know what Xiaoshanhe Institute is?"


    Xiao Yi frowned, "I''ve heard of it, it was once one of the top ten sects but was later annexed by the Liyang Sect."


    Before he was imprisoned by Xiao Tianjiao, he had some understanding of the Great Qian Dynasty.


    "You''re right,"


    Yang Ling nodded, speaking softly, "Xiaoshanhe Institute, unlike the top ten sects, is a sect under the royal family of the Great Qian Dynasty. My father hopes that you can lead Xiaoshanhe Institute, revitalizing its glory and returning it to the ranks of the top ten sects. Even more, to reach a level that can rival Tianjian Sect!"


    "Rival Tianjian Sect?"


    Xiao Yi was stunned, thoughts racing through his mind; he quickly understood the Emperor''s intentions.


    Today''s royal family wanted to consolidate imperial power, but the top ten sects and the four great clans stood in the way.


    They desperately needed a game-changer.


    Xiaoshanhe Institute was the perfect choice to disrupt this balance.


    As for Xiao Yi...


    Given his relationship with Xiao Tianjiao, it was impossible for him to join forces with the top ten sects, and with the Xiao Family on the verge of becoming the fifth great clan, Xiao Yi could not side with the great clans either.


    It was most suitable for him to take charge of Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    What''s more important is...


    Continue your journey with My Virtual Library Empire


    Xiao Yi was certainly heading to the Great Qian Dynasty.


    Whether it was for cultivation resources or a stronger environment, the Great Qian Dynasty was undoubtedly more expansive than the Tianqing Kingdom.


    But with the influence of Xiao Tianjiao and the Xiao Family,


    The ten major sects would never accept him, and even if they did, they would give him endless trouble and make things difficult at every turn.


    But if Xiao Yi were to take up the position of head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, first of all, the Xiao Family and Xiao Tianjiao would hesitate to make a move against him, at least not overtly, as that would be a public slap in the face of the royal family. Secondly, backed by the royal family, the Institute would have access to a multitude of resources, which would be a huge advantage, whether for his personal cultivation or for building his own power base.


    This is a mutually beneficial cooperation!


    Seeing Xiao Yi showing interest, Yang Ling continued, "In fact, my father had other options, but in the end, he still chose you, primarily because we value your character!"


    "Hmm?"


    Xiao Yi looked at him, puzzled.


    Character?


    Yang Ling spoke earnestly, "We have investigated everything about you; you are a partner we can trust!"


    This point genuinely came from Yang Ling''s own feelings.


    If it were someone else...


    After Jiang Tianchen''s fall, they probably would have already taken the opportunity to seize the position of Monarch.


    Where would they have gone to such lengths to assist Jiang Tai?


    Xiao Yi fell silent for a moment, then gave a wry smile, "It seems I don''t have a better option... However, if I am to become the head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, there is one condition that you must agree to!"


    "Speak!" said Yang Ling.


    Xiao Yi said in a deep voice, "The royal family must not interfere in the management of the Xiaoshanhe Institute!"


    Yang Ling frowned; Emperor''s Mind Art is about balance, and his original idea was to place another royal expert as the deputy head of the Institute.


    He hadn''t expected Xiao Yi to cut off this possibility directly.


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "This is my only demand. If you can''t agree, then there''s no need to discuss further!"


    After pondering for a moment, Yang Ling responded, "Alright, I agree!"


    "Pleasure doing business!"


    "Congratulations, Director Xiao!"


    Yang Ling smiled, looked around, then lowered his voice, "To be honest with you, I really dislike Xiao Tianjiao too!"


    Xiao Yi simply smiled non-committally.


    The mouth of a prince is a lying ghost!


    I trust you -- as if!


    That night...


    Jiang Tai held a grand feast in the palace, with toasts and laughter all around.


    It wasn''t until noon the next day that everyone gradually awoke.


    Outside the palace.


    Jiang Tai handed a storage ring to Xiao Yi, "You''ll find many ways to spend money in the capital. Inside is fifty billion silver, and if this isn''t enough, I can send more!"


    "Alright!"


    Brothers don''t need to thank each other, Xiao Yi accepted it naturally.


    Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!


    In the sky above, a massive shadow swept down. It was a Sixth-Layer High-Grade Fiend, Liyang Jade Sculpture, a being comparable to a Tao Tribulation Realm Peak. With a wingspan of a hundred meters, it could carry a hundred people on its back, and could travel tens of thousands of miles a day. It was the flying fiend that the Great Qian Dynasty''s delegation was riding. Yang Ling boarded the back of the Liyang Jade Sculpture and looked towards Xiao Yi and the others, "Xiao Yi, we can set off now!"


    "Hold on a moment!"


    Xiao Yi looked at Jiang Tai and said, "Take care!"


    "Take care!" Jiang Tai said solemnly.


    Then...


    Jiang Tai, Yu Huaxian, Yan Mingli, Lin Bingxin, and Xue Bufan all boarded the Liyang Jade Sculpture, the people Xiao Yi was taking to the Xiaoshanhe Institute as instructors.


    Chirp, chirp!


    The Liyang Jade Sculpture spread its wings and soared into the sky.


    Watching the Liyang Jade Sculpture disappear from sight, Jiang Tai took a deep breath and muttered to himself, "I will make Tianqing Kingdom stronger and become the strongest support for you!"

 Chapter 212 The Imperial Capital

    The fierce sun jade sculpture travels ten thousand li in a day.Such speed cannot be said to be slow.


    But the Great Qian Dynasty was really too vast; even at the pace of the fierce sun jade sculpture, it took a full seven days and nights to reach the destination.


    Sitting on the back of the fierce sun jade sculpture.


    Passing through the thick clouds, the fierce sun jade sculpture was rapidly descending, and the scene below also appeared before everyone. Yang Ling said with a smile, "The imperial capital is up ahead!"


    Everyone looked in that direction.


    They could see on the horizon...


    A massive city that occupied nearly half of the horizon, akin to a black dragon lying across the land, stretching for hundreds of miles. Yang Ling''s voice resonated in everyone''s ears, "Our Great Qian Dynasty''s imperial capital is eight hundred sixty-nine kilometers long, seven hundred eighty-five kilometers wide, with a permanent population exceeding one billion..."


    Hisss!


    Everyone couldn''t help but gasp in amazement.


    As they drew closer to the imperial capital, dark shadows flew out from within the royal city.


    At least ten dark shadows grew closer.


    "No need to worry, those are the Imperial Guards of the imperial capital!" Yang Ling said.


    Moments later.


    The dozen or so dark shadows appeared before them, indeed ten Golden Core Realm experts, with the leading person being a First Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm. He obviously recognized Yang Ling and saluted, "Subordinate Ye Chao, greets Your Highness!"


    "General Ye, you have worked hard!"


    Yang Ling smiled and, pointing at Xiao Yi and the others, said, "They are Father Emperor''s honored guests; please allow them to pass, General Ye!" S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ye Chao glanced at Xiao Yi and the others and nodded, "Please, follow me!"


    Ye Chao led the way with ten men, and the fierce sun jade sculpture closely followed behind.


    The fierce sun jade sculpture was a flying beast exclusively used by the royal family of the Great Qian Dynasty and was also the only one allowed to fly over the royal city. Nearing the city gate, Ye Chao said, "Your Highness, everyone, I still need to patrol, so I shall leave you here!"


    "Thank you, General Ye!"


    Everyone saluted him.


    Whoosh!


    The fierce sun jade sculpture flew swiftly past, entering the imperial capital and landing at the post house.


    Crackle and pop!


    As soon as Xiao Yi dismounted from the fierce sun jade sculpture, he couldn''t help but stretch his limbs, producing a series of crisp sounds.


    After continuous travel for seven days and nights, he was truly a bit tired.


    Yang Ling twisted his neck, said helplessly, "The fierce sun jade sculpture is very fast, but sitting on it is indeed uncomfortable. If there''s a chance in the future, I''ll get a suspended carriage ¨C that would be comfortable!"


    Xiao Yi looked at him, "Being a prince, don''t you have a suspended carriage?"


    In their days together, they had become much more casual with each other.


    Yang Ling rolled his eyes, "A suspended carriage is worth ten billion silver, and although I am a prince, my fortune isn''t as great as yours!"


    While it''s true that a prince is indeed noble, he still had his father above him!


    After handing over the fierce sun jade sculpture to the post house, Yang Ling led Xiao Yi and the rest towards the outside, "You all rest here today, I will go to report to Father Emperor. Probably by tomorrow, Father Emperor will summon you, and then I will take you to the Xiaoshanhe Institute!"


    This post house was intended for entertaining state guests.


    The decoration was indeed luxurious.


    After assigning an individual room to each person, Yang Ling then left the post house.


    Everyone gathered in Xiao Yi''s room.


    Yu Huaxian, Xue Bufan, Yan Mingli, and Lin Bingxin sat before him as Xiao Yi spoke solemnly, "Having you all accompany me to the Xiaoshanhe Institute this time is an uncertain journey, I''m afraid it''s going to be tough on you!"


    "What are you saying, Xiao!"


    Yan Mingli hurriedly waved his hand; with Xiao Yi''s help, he had also stepped into the Golden Core Realm, becoming even younger, "It''s an honor for Mingli to follow Xiao!"


    Xue Bufan stroked his walking stick and said with a chuckle, "As long as Xiao can give me more guidance in the art of alchemy, even serving you in your chamber is no problem at all!"


    "..."


    Xiao Yi rolled his eyes.


    Yu Huaxian said, "Xiao, what do you plan for us to do? I can train troops, but if I''m to be a mentor in the Shanhe Court, I have no experience at all!"


    Xiao Yi replied, "Lack of experience can be gradually accumulated. For now, I only have some rough ideas; we''ll have to see the state of the Xiaoshanhe Institute before I can be certain!" He looked at Yan Mingli and took out the Storage Ring that Jiang Tai had given him, containing fifty billion silver, "Elder Yan, keep this silver with you, you''ll manage it!"


    Yan Mingli''s face was flushed with excitement as he took the storage ring with trembling hands, "Mingli will definitely not disappoint Xiao!"


    That was five billion silver taels!


    If he weren''t considered one of their own, how could they entrust him with such a responsibility?


    Xiao Yi smiled, "Don''t be nervous, everyone. It''s also my first time serving as the dean, so let''s grope our way forward together!" He paused, then said, "Emperor Qian won''t summon us until tomorrow, so after dinner, you can all take a stroll through the capital city!"


    Yu Huaxian was about to speak when Xue Bufan tugged at his sleeve.


    Glancing at Yan Mingli and squeezing his eyes, Xue Bufan cleared his throat lightly, "Xiao, we''ll skip dinner, the three of us have some matters to discuss. How about this, you take Bing Xin for a stroll, it''s rare for her to come to the capital city anyway..."


    Realization dawned on Yan Mingli, and he also said, "Bing Xin, you should go with Xiao then!"


    The two of them quickly took Yu Huaxian, who was still in a daze, and hurried away.


    "Teacher, Master¡­"


    Lin Bingxin''s cheeks were bright red; she couldn''t even dare to lift her head to look at Xiao Yi along the way. She hadn''t anticipated that Xue Bufan and the others would just leave her with Xiao Yi. Her head hung low, fingers pinching the corner of her clothes nervously, and she said timidly, "Xiao Yi, if you don''t want to go, that''s okay too!"


    Find your next read at My Virtual Library Empire


    Xiao Yi smiled helplessly.


    How could he not know Lin Bingxin''s feelings?


    It was just that he had Fang Qingzhu in his heart and truly had no desire to start another romance.


    But seeing Lin Bingxin''s hesitant look, he sighed lightly, "After dinner, we can take a walk together!"


    "Huh?"


    Lin Bingxin was stunned, then nodded joyfully, "Then I''ll go back and change my clothes, and my hair is a mess too¡­"


    Xiao Yi: "..."


    He feared it would be a long wait indeed!


    True enough...


    By the time Lin Bingxin emerged dolled up and ready, the sky had darkened.


    Lin Bingxin was somewhat embarrassed, "I''m sorry¡­"


    Xiao Yi waved it off, "It''s fine, let''s just go get some late-night snacks instead. There''s a food street in the east of the city that''s very lively at night!"


    "Okay! I''ll listen to you!" Lin Bingxin said, beaming sweetly.


    She was deliberately dressed in a fiery red long dress, with a white embroidered sash tied around her waist, accentuating her slender figure, irresistibly captivating.


    After washing up, her hair emitted a faint fragrance, as intoxicating as orchids, stirring hearts and inciting desires, the handsome man and beautiful woman looking like a match made in heaven!


    The two made their way to the food street in the east of the city.


    Nearly a decade had passed.


    The food street hadn''t changed much, it was still as bustling as it had been in his memories.


    Xiao Yi had always loved this place when his mother used to bring him here as a child.


    "Fresh out of the oven, golden donkey meat here!"


    "Dragon blood tofu made from this morning''s fresh dragon blood, come and try it..."


    "Freshly sliced Eight Treasure Dragon Fish, delicious and beautifying..."


    "Roasted Tianqing wild ox meat skewers..."


    Amongst the cries of the vendors, the entire street was filled with tantalizing aromas.


    With a plethora of delicacies on display, it was a feast for the eyes sure to whet anyone''s appetite.


    Lin Bingxin was looking around with excitement, glancing left and right, holding two skewers in one hand and a bag in the other, her happiness plain to see.


    Xiao Yi followed closely behind her with a smile on his lips.


    As they walked...


    Suddenly, a figure burst out from the crowd and with a ''plop'', landed in Xiao Yi''s arms. Frowning, Xiao Yi asked, "Are you alright?"


    "I''m, I''m fine¡­"


    The girl was dressed in a white gown, about to say something, when suddenly several voices cursed from behind her, "Damn it, where do you think you''re running to!"


    "You little wench, why don''t you hand it over?"


    Four menacing-looking men emerged from the crowd, eying the girl in the white dress with malicious intent.


    The girl''s eyes darted about, then suddenly she pointed at Xiao Yi and shouted, "Brother, give them what they want, I''ll be going first¡­"

 Chapter 213 Call as Many People as You Want

    "Return their stuff to them; I''m leaving first!"As soon as the girl in the white dress finished speaking, she ran into the crowd.


    Xiao Yi''s brows furrowed, "Come back here..."


    However...


    The girl in the white dress slipped away like an eel, vanishing into the crowd without a trace.


    The group of fierce-looking men surrounded Xiao Yi in an instant, with the leader tilting his head and a menacing look on his face, "Kid, aren''t you going to return the stuff to me?"


    "If I say I don''t know her, would you believe me?" Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow and asked.


    The man was taken aback, then sneered, "Do you think I''m an idiot? If you don''t know her, why did she throw herself into your arms?"


    Xiao Yi sighed, feeling quite aggrieved as he could only say, "I don''t have what you''re looking for on me. If you want to get your stuff back, you''d better chase after her now. Otherwise, once she gets away, you''ll really end up with nothing!"


    "You say it''s not on you; why should we believe you?" the man with the tilted head said.


    Xiao Yi pointed to his clothes, "Look at my clothes. Do they look like they can hide anything?"


    "Boss, that wench stole five hundred silvers from us; indeed, these clothes can''t hide that much!"


    "It seems he really isn''t in cahoots with that girl!"


    "However..."


    The man with the tilted head licked his crimson tongue over his lips, his eyes filled with greed as they swept over the storage ring on Xiao Yi''s finger, "Kid, you must have hidden our stuff in that storage ring. Hand over the storage ring for me to search; if it really doesn''t contain my stuff, then I''ll let you go!"


    Xiao Yi frowned and said humorously, "Hand over the storage ring? Are you still dreaming?"


    A storage ring cannot be given to just anyone.


    Moreover...


    The storage ring on his own finger was priceless; did he need to steal a mere five hundred silvers from you?


    The surrounding crowd also began to say, "Just by looking at this young hero, one can tell he''s not a thief!"


    "Whoever can afford a storage ring wouldn''t need to steal!"


    "You''re really wronging him..." Continue reading stories on My Virtual Library Empire


    The man with the tilted head glared venomously at the crowd and said spitefully, "Who asked you to talk? Keep chirping, and I''ll kill you!" He looked up at Xiao Yi, "Kid, hand over the storage ring honestly, or don''t blame us for being ruthless!"


    Facing the man''s aggressive stance, Xiao Yi completely lost his patience and sighed, "I''ve already told you it''s not with me, why won''t you believe me?"


    "You..."


    One of the men pointed at Xiao Yi and had just begun to speak when Xiao Yi broke his finger. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The right index finger folded ninety degrees towards the back of the hand, and with a push to the elbow, Xiao Yi shoved the whole hand into the man''s mouth.


    Immediately turning around with a kick, he sent two others flying simultaneously.


    In an instant.


    Only the man with the tilted head remained in front of him. Seeing Xiao Yi turn his gaze toward himself, the man dropped to his knees with a thud, pitifully saying, "Big brother, great hero, I was wrong, I won''t dare again..."


    "Scram!"


    Xiao Yi said coldly.


    The men scrambled to their feet and ran into the crowd. After some distance, the man with the tilted head turned back, his face twisted with malice as he looked at Xiao Yi, "Kid, you''ve got yourself into trouble. Daring to meddle with the Black Hawk Gang''s business, you''re dead for sure, and no one can... ow..."


    He hadn''t finished his sentence when he was hit squarely on the head by a large pot thrown by Xiao Yi.


    With blood streaming from his head, he no longer dared to linger and fled in a sorry state.


    Xiao Yi took out a hundred silvers and placed them on a nearby stall, "Shopkeeper, I borrowed your pot; this is to compensate you!"


    "This, this..."


    The shopkeeper, panic-stricken and hesitant, said, "Esteemed guest, you should leave quickly; the Black Hawk Gang is not to be trifled with!"


    "No matter!"


    Xiao Yi waved his hand, but he didn''t see Lin Bingxin. Just as he was wondering, he heard a shout from the crowd, "A very beautiful girl is in trouble at the Clean Clothes Tower, everyone, go have a look!"


    Xiao Yi was momentarily startled before instinctively sensing that the beautiful girl was very likely to be Lin Bingxin, and so he followed over.


    Just as he arrived outside the Clean Clothes Tower.


    Sure enough, he could hear the somewhat aggrieved voice of Lin Bingxin, "I haven''t even touched this piece of clothing, how could it be that I''ve damaged it? Furthermore, an item like this is worth at most a hundred Silvers, yet you demand one hundred thousand from me. You are clearly extorting me!"


    "Where did this bumpkin come from? You dare to come to our Clean Clothes Tower without money?"


    "You have two choices, either pay up for the clothes or I''ll have you sent to a brothel to pay off the debt..."


    A few passersby beside Xiao Yi whispered among themselves, "This girl really has bad luck, who doesn''t know that Clean Clothes Tower specifically targets foreigners?"


    "Now there''ll be a good show to watch!"


    The crowd started to press forward, craning their necks to get a better look inside.


    Suddenly...


    Bang!


    Bang!


    Bang!


    A burst of intense fighting noise came from inside, along with shrill, furious shouting, "This little wench is pretty feisty, come on people, tie her up for me."


    Boom! Boom!


    The aura of two Golden Core Realm experts emanated from within the Clean Clothes Tower. Xiao Yi''s expression changed subtly, and he squeezed his way through the crowd, moving forward.


    Inside the Clean Clothes Tower.


    Lin Bingxin was tied up tightly, with two Golden Core Realm experts standing in front of her. A middle-aged woman with heavy makeup and bright lipstick, hands on her hips, looked at Lin Bingxin with triumph, "You little wench, you''re unlucky to be caught by this old lady. So smooth and tender, with a good figure and a pretty face, you''ll go for at least a million Silvers."


    "You..."


    Lin Bingxin bit her lips stubbornly.


    She was full of regret.


    She had thought of sneaking out to buy a piece of clothing for Xiao Yi while he wasn''t paying attention, but had not expected to run into this situation.


    The middle-aged woman ordered, "Take her away for me!"


    Just then.


    Xiao Yi''s voice suddenly came from outside the door, "I''d like to see who dares!"


    "Xiao Yi..." Lin Bingxin''s face lit up with joy.


    The middle-aged woman frowned at Xiao Yi, sizing him up from top to bottom, then scoffed, "Looks like there''s an accomplice, eh? What, are you here to pay the money?"


    "Pay? How much?" Xiao Yi asked with narrowed eyes.


    The middle-aged woman''s eyes spun, and she stood up with fingers pulled out of the hat: "Five million Silvers, and you can take her away. Otherwise, this old lady will have her sold off to a brothel to pay off the debt!"


    "Five million Silvers? That''s too little!"


    Xiao Yi shook his head, walking up to Lin Bingxin''s side, "Given her appearance, this figure, not even a hundred million Silvers would be enough!"


    "A hundred million?"


    The middle-aged woman''s eyes gleamed as she rubbed her hands together, "Oh? Are you willing to spend a hundred million to buy her?"


    Xiao Yi shook his head, raising three fingers.


    The middle-aged woman paused, saying instinctively, "Three hundred million?"


    Xiao Yi shook his head, "No, three punches!"


    As soon as his voice fell.


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    Three fist shadows heavily struck the three individuals, sending the two Golden Core Realm experts and the middle-aged woman flying out. The Golden Core Realm experts were knocked out cold, while the middle-aged woman rebounded off the wall and landed on the ground, howling in agony. With a mouth full of blood and a face contorted in rage, she looked at Xiao Yi, "You, you dare cause trouble in my Clean Clothes Tower, you''re done for. Stay if you dare...I''ll be waiting."


    Xiao Yi, while untying Lin Bingxin, looked at her coldly, "Call as many people as you want, I''ll be waiting!"

 Chapter 214 Dont Drag Me into Your Mess!

    Lin Bingxin''s face was full of self-reproach, "Xiao Yi, it''s all my fault..."Xiao Yi smiled and consoled, "It''s just a trivial matter. By the way, how did you end up here?"


    Lin Bingxin''s pretty face blushed, and she whispered, "I, I saw that the clothes here were pretty, and wanted to secretly buy one for you. Little did I know that before I even touched the dress, she accused me of damaging it and demanded a compensation of a hundred thousand taels of silver..."


    "Buying clothes for me?"


    Xiao Yi was startled and had not expected Lin Bingxin to come to the clothing store to buy clothes for him.


    Looking at the fresh red palm print on her face, Xiao Yi let out a light sigh, "Silly girl, does it hurt?"


    Lin Bingxin shook her head like a rattle-drum.


    Just then...


    The middle-aged woman sneered, "Hahaha, you dog couple, now there''s no chance for you to run away!"


    Whoosh!


    A gang of fierce and evil-looking men swarmed in from outside the door.


    There were at least twenty of them.


    Each one was holding a longsword or a dagger, their ferocious gaze fixated on Xiao Yi and Lin Bingxin: "Daring to stir up trouble in the territory of the Black Hawk Gang, are you tired of living, kid?"


    Among the twenty-odd Black Hawk Gang members...


    There was that man with the cocked head, his face red from the scald of a hot pot, maliciously pointing at Xiao Yi and shouting to the man with one eye beside him, "One-Eyed Brother, it''s this brat that beat us!"


    The cultivation of One-eyed Dragon was at the Seventh Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm.


    He was a steward of the Black Dragon Gang.


    Tasked with collecting protection money on Food Street, he had a fierce reputation, and people on Food Street would normally stay far away from him. His one eye glanced over Xiao Yi, then landed on Lin Bingxin, as he gulped down saliva, his one eye blazing with desire, "What a beautiful girl... Brothers, beat that brat to death for me, and bring that little beauty back for my enjoyment!"


    "Yes!"


    "Big Brother, after you''re tired of her, let your brothers have a taste too!"


    The One-eyed Dragon laughed heartily, "No problem, when the time comes, I will let you taste the flavor of this beauty!"


    As the twenty or so Black Hawk Gang members crowded around, Xiao Yi sighed, "Isn''t it good to live peacefully? Why look for death!"


    His figure flickered suddenly.


    He left a trail of afterimages in place as he weaved through the crowd of twenty people.


    When Xiao Yi returned to Lin Bingxin''s side...


    Only then did the twenty men let out a synchronized scream, clutching their bellies as they fell to the ground, curled up and shivering.


    Their dantians had all been destroyed by Xiao Yi, with no possibility of repair.


    Gurgle!


    The One-eyed Dragon, scared witless, dropped his longsword to the ground, his face filled with terror: "You, you''ve got trouble now, kid. The Black Hawk Gang is not something you can mess with..."


    "Still planning to call for backup?"


    Xiao Yi''s face turned cold as he said indifferently, "Go ahead, call them. Today, I shall act as an agent of heaven and exterminate your damned Black Hawk Gang."


    "Good lad, you''ve got guts. You just wait..." the One-eyed Dragon was about to leave.


    Xiao Yi flicked his fingers.


    Puff!


    A burst of vital energy pierced through his abdomen, completely shattering his dantian as he said coldly, "Crawl out of here!"


    The One-eyed Dragon, a formidable practitioner at the Seventh Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, had his cultivation ruined in the blink of an eye.


    He was so terrified that he fled, tumbling and scrambling.


    The middle-aged woman was even more frightened, kneeling on the ground and sobbing: "Please spare my life, young hero, please..."


    "You should be grateful I don''t like hitting women!" Xiao Yi said coldly.


    "Phew..."


    The middle-aged woman had just breathed a sigh of relief, only to be smacked away with a crisp slap, crashing into the wall with a thud. Lin Bingxin''s angry voice followed, "Xiao Yi does not hit women, but that doesn''t mean I don''t! How dare you try to extort me? And you even thought about selling me to a brothel? I''ll slap you to death..."


    Slap! Slap! Slap!


    Lin Bingxin''s palm, like a shadow, struck the middle-aged woman''s face over and over, eventually knocking her unconscious.


    Her face was swollen like a pig''s head.


    Looking at the unresponsive middle-aged woman, Lin Bingxin then shook off her hand, "This woman''s face is so thick, it made my hand hurt from slapping..."


    Xiao Yi glanced at the middle-aged woman who was nearly unrecognizable and then at Lin Bingxin''s slightly reddened palm, the corner of his eyes twitching, "A woman in rage is indeed terrifying..."


    Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh!


    Suddenly, a burst of hurried footsteps came from outside, and the onlookers at the door had already dispersed on their own.


    A crowd of more than a hundred people surged into the Clean Clothes Tower.


    Looking at the twenty or so people lying on the ground wailing, their Dantians destroyed, three powerful individuals walked out from the crowd.


    From left to right, a trio of varying heights and builds.


    These three were the leaders of the Black Hawk Gang¡ªBlack Falcon, Black Dog, and Black Tiger. Both Black Dog and Black Tiger were at the Golden Elixir Peak, while Black Falcon was at the First Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm. Having the capability to establish the Black Hawk Gang in the imperial capital and collect protection money, they did indeed have some strength.


    Cyclops, following at Black Shadow''s side with a pale face, pointed at Xiao Yi, "Boss, it''s this little bastard who injured me and the brothers..."


    "Kid, give me your name!"


    Experience more content on My Virtual Library Empire


    Black Tiger, with a machete slung over his shoulder, sneered, "I, Black Tiger, don''t kill the nameless!"


    Black Dog licked his lips, "Kill the men, chop them up to feed the dogs. Take the women back for the brothers to enjoy!"


    No sooner had he finished speaking.


    Both men made their move.


    Cries of shock came from the crowd, "All three leaders of the Black Hawk Gang are here? That man and woman are definitely dead!"


    "How pitiful, they offended the Black Hawk Gang and didn''t even run!"


    "That man probably wanted to show off, not expecting to hit rock bottom..."


    Just when everyone was waiting to see Xiao Yi chopped to death by the chaotic blades, Black Dog and Black Tiger suddenly halted in their tracks, as Xiao Yi stepped on their heads, one foot each, smashing them brutally into the ground. Their heads burst open, brains splattering, as Xiao Yi spun with a kick, hitting the arms Black Falcon used to block in front of his chest.


    Crack!


    Bones shattered, and Black Falcon screamed as he fell to the ground.


    Hiss!


    The onlookers, who had just been posturing and making bold declarations, fell silent.


    The crowd watched in disbelief at the scene before them.


    Two at the Golden Elixir Peak and one at the First Layer of the Calamity Realm, all brought down to two dead and one injured in just an instant?


    The members of the Black Hawk Gang looked at each other, at a loss.


    Splat!


    Black Falcon spat out a mouthful of blood, looking at Xiao Yi with horror.


    "What''s going on?"


    "How dare you cause trouble in the imperial capital, do you not want to live?"


    A voice of authority sounded from the outside. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A squad of city guards in battle armor walked in, looking at the wailing members of the Black Hawk Gang on the floor, and the corpses of Black Dog and Black Tiger. The city guards raised their weapons in unison, eyeing Xiao Yi fiercely.


    "Hahaha, you little bastard, you''re done for!"


    Upon seeing the city guards, Black Falcon appeared as though he had found a life-saving straw, limping over, he shouted, "General, I am Black Falcon of the Black Hawk Gang. I''ve met you before, brought by Li. General, this little bastard killed my two brothers and hurt so many people, you must bring him to justice!"


    Having established the Black Hawk Gang in the imperial capital to collect protection money, Black Falcon naturally had powerful backing.


    The general of the city guard before him was good friends with his backer.


    Black Falcon looked smugly at Xiao Yi, "You little bastard, you''re done for!"


    The city guard general said coldly, "Take him down!"


    Black Falcon laughed heartily, "Kid, you think you''re strong? Go ahead and resist, attacking city guards is a capital offense... hey, hey, hey, what are you doing? Not me, him, get him..."


    Black Falcon looked dumbfounded as he was bound by the city guards, and he shouted hysterically, "General Ye, you got the wrong one... I''m with Li, you''re supposed to get him..."


    "I''m seizing your ass, you''re trying to get me killed too?"


    This General Ye was none other than Ye Chao.


    Upon entering, he recognized Xiao Yi at once; Yang Ling had said that Xiao Yi was a guest of Emperor Qian. He looked coldly at Black Falcon, "I had long heard that your Black Hawk Gang was acting atrociously, lawlessly. Seeing it today, it is indeed true. To dare to strike against His Majesty''s guest is simply courting death. Guards, seize everyone from the Black Hawk Gang!"


    Black Falcon stood dumbfounded.


    A guest of Emperor Qian?


    Ye Chao approached Xiao Yi, and with a cupped fist salutation, said, "My sincerest apologies for startling you, sir!"


    "It''s alright," Xiao Yi waved his hand, saying, "But it would be best to purge such a malignant tumor."


    Ye Chao replied earnestly, "Rest assured, I will immediately eradicate this tumor..."


    Hearing this, Black Falcon''s face was the picture of despair as he slumped down like mud, "It''s over, it''s completely over for me..."

 Chapter 215 If You Cant Win an Argument, Start a Fight!

    Inside the post station.Xiao Yi looked at the faint handprint on Lin Bingxin''s face and said with a bitter smile, "Remember to apply medicine when you get back, otherwise, it won''t look good if it swells tomorrow!"


    "Mhm, mhm, mhm!"


    Lin Bingxin obediently nodded, her eyes slightly squinted, looking like two crescent moons.


    Xiao Yi said, "Get some rest early!"


    "Xiao Yi... brother..."


    Lin Bingxin mustered up her courage and called out.


    Xiao Yi was startled and turned back, only to have two fair hands cup his face directly, followed by a pair of red lips pressing onto his.


    Buzz!


    Xiao Yi''s mind went blank.


    Fuck!


    What''s happening?


    By the time he came back to his senses, Lin Bingxin''s figure was nowhere to be seen.


    Only the faint warmth and fragrance on his lips reminded him that what had just happened was not an illusion. Xiao Yi touched his lips, his face filled with distress, "What does this mean..."


    He turned back.


    At the end of the corridor, three heads were staring at him with an ambiguous expression. When Xiao Yi looked towards them, the three heads swiftly retracted.


    Xiao Yi: "..."


    Meanwhile.


    Leaning against the room door, Lin Bingxin''s heart thumped wildly, and she breathed rapidly with deep gasps, her face flushed red, "I scared myself to death... Lin Bingxin, you must be out of your mind..." she muttered to herself for a while, then clenched her fists, psyching herself up, "Xiao Yi, I know your heart is with Qingzhu... Let me take care of you before Qingzhu returns..."


    This night.


    Was destined to be sleepless.


    ...


    Early the next morning.


    Upon stepping out from his room, Xiao Yi saw Yang Ling already waiting at the door.


    Yu Huaxian was telling him something, but upon seeing Xiao Yi, Yu Huaxian quickly dashed away.


    Yang Ling looked at Xiao Yi with a strange expression, making him feel uncomfortable all over. Xiao Yi frowned, "What did that beast tell you?"


    "Beast?" Yang Ling was taken aback.


    Xiao Yi said, "Yu Huaxian..."


    "Ah¡­ the beast¡­"


    Realization dawned on Yang Ling, and he laughed out loud, shaking his head, "He didn''t say anything."


    Xiao Yi stared at him with suspicion, "Then why are you looking at me so strangely?"


    Yang Ling gave a wry smile and said, "The matter with the Black Hawk Gang is now well-known; they say you, in a rage for a beauty, slaughtered the Black Hawk Gang."


    Xiao Yi: "I was eliminating a menace to the people. Speaking of which, the fact that such a cancer exists in the capital of the Great Qian Dynasty, have you never thought of getting rid of them?" S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Where there''s light, there''s shadow. Just like where water is clean, there are no fish. The world has both darkness and light coexisting, and one cannot exist completely without the other¡­"


    Yang Ling sighed, continuing, "Behind the Black Hawk Gang is the son of the Minister of Rites, Li Shengtian, named Li Chen. This man is extremely domineering, and Li Shengtian is very indulgent towards his son. After the morning court ended today, Li Shengtian didn''t leave the palace but instead went to see our father, the Emperor. I''m afraid he might make things difficult for you, so be extra careful!"


    Xiao Yi nodded, "I''ll try my best to resist killing him!"


    Yang Ling''s eye twitched: "..."


    Emperor Qian summoned only Xiao Yi, so just the two of them headed towards the palace.


    By now, the morning court had passed.


    Emperor Qian was to receive Xiao Yi in his imperial study. Under the guidance of Yang Ling, they made their way there.


    At the doorway, an old eunuch holding a white horsetail whisk, with all white hair and beard, was waiting, and said respectfully, "Your Highness, His Majesty has decreed that you may both enter directly upon arrival!"


    "Thank you for your trouble, eunuch!"


    Yang Ling smiled and nodded, leading Xiao Yi as they pushed open the door and entered.


    Inside the imperial study.


    Besides the Emperor Qian, who was sitting on the throne dressed in regular imperial robes and holding a scroll of ancient text, there were three more figures in official attire.


    Yang Ling whispered, "Those three are the Imperial Censor Geng Li, the Minister of Punishments Tian Xiao, and the Minister of Rites Li Shengtian."


    Xiao Yi slightly nodded.


    He noticed Geng Li and Tian Xiao had their eyes slightly closed, paying no attention to him, while Li Shengtian had a hint of hostility in his eyes as he looked at him.


    Yang Ling said reverently, "This son pays his respects to Father Emperor!"


    "Dispense with the formalities!"


    Emperor Qian smiled and looked at Xiao Yi with interest.


    "How audacious, why don''t you kneel upon seeing His Majesty?" Li Shengtian scolded with a cold face.


    Yang Ling tugged at the hem of Xiao Yi''s robe.


    Xiao Yi turned his head to look at Emperor Qian and said with cupped hands, "Xiao Yi pays his respects to His Majesty, the Emperor of Great Qian!"


    Emperor Qian smiled without uttering a word.


    Li Shengtian, however, exploded in anger, "Audacious Xiao Yi, where do you get the courage to not prostrate before the Emperor? Are you disrespecting His Majesty and not taking the Emperor seriously?"


    "Of course, I have not taken His Majesty seriously in my eyes!"


    Xiao Yi said indifferently.


    "How audacious!"


    "You''re courting death!"


    Li Shengtian and Tian Xiao scolded simultaneously.


    Xiao Yi sneered, "His Majesty deserves to be respected from the heart and not to be falsely worshipped with lip service or kept in the eyes. Could it be that you two lords wish for me to hold His Majesty in my eyes?"


    "Uh..."


    Li Shengtian and Tian Xiao were momentarily at a loss for words.


    You''ve said that holding him in the heart is to respect, while keeping in the eyes is hypocrisy.


    What could we possibly say to that?


    "Well, these are but empty courtesies, there''s no need to quibble over them!"


    Emperor Qian broke the deadlock with a chuckle, his gaze calm as he looked at Xiao Yi, "Xiao Yi, I have entrusted you with the management of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, you must not disappoint me!"


    Xiao Yi had not yet spoken.


    Li Shengtian immediately stepped forward to say, "Your Majesty, this must not be done! The Xiaoshanhe Institute is an important part of the dynasty; it cannot be entrusted to a green youth just wet behind the ears. Please reconsider, Your Majesty!"


    Tian Xiao also stepped forward, "Your Majesty, please retract this command!"


    Emperor Qian, expressionless, his demeanor neither joyous nor sorrowful, looked at the only person who had not yet spoken, Geng Li, "Mr. Geng, what do you think?"


    Geng Li, drowsy and seemingly awakened by Emperor Qian''s words, made a hasty bow and said, "Everything is for Your Majesty to decide!"


    Emperor Qian put down the ancient book he was holding and rubbed his brow, "I have already promised to entrust Xiaoshanhe Institute to Xiao Yi. Do you intend to make me break my word?"


    "Your Majesty, the Xiaoshanhe Institute is vital to our nation''s foundations, and should be managed by a person of high virtue and esteem within the court. I suggest Mr. Li take the position of the head of the institute. As for Xiao Yi... he is still young, and he could serve as a mentor, learning from Mr. Li on how to manage the Xiaoshanhe Institute. Once he is mature enough, then it can be handed over to him to manage," said Tian Xiao, evidently well-prepared with his argument.


    Li Shengtian spoke righteously, "Your Majesty, I am willing to devote myself to this task, to toil away without rest until death!"


    Emperor Qian sighed, "Your loyalty and dedication are a comfort to me. However..." he looked towards Xiao Yi, "Xiao Yi, as this pertains to you, what is your opinion on what the two lords have proposed?"


    Enjoy new tales from My Virtual Library Empire


    Xiao Yi looked at Emperor Qian, "May I speak truthfully?"


    "It is the truth that I wish to hear!" said Emperor Qian.


    Xiao Yi let out an "Oh," and with an indifferent gaze that swept over Li Shengtian and the others, he said coldly, "I have read few books and my belly does not have all those twists and turns that these lords have. I definitely can''t out talk them. When His Majesty asks me to tell the truth, then I can only tell the truth... I can''t beat them in argument, and when I face this kind of situation, if I can''t win with words, then I start to fight!"


    Crackling sounds!


    Between Xiao Yi''s fists, Wind Thunder roared, and a chilling aura filled the entire Imperial Study.


    Hiss!


    Li Shengtian and Tian Xiao looked at each other with astonishment on their faces.


    Both had heard of Xiao Yi''s terrifying battle achievements, nearly the power to destroy a nation single-handedly!


    They were both civil officials, not deeply versed in martial arts.


    How could they possibly be Xiao Yi''s match?


    And looking at Emperor Qian...


    He showed no intention of intervening.


    If a real fight broke out, they wouldn''t die but would certainly be stripped of a layer of skin!


    Under the pressure of absolute martial force, Tian Xiao''s complexion shifted rapidly, and he quickly said, "Your Majesty, I have suddenly realized that the Xiaoshanhe Institute is, after all, a place for cultivating martial arts; it would be more suitable for Dean Xiao to take charge!"


    Li Shengtian: "..."


    Emperor Qian looked at Li Shengtian with a strange expression, "Mr. Li, what do you think?"


    On Xiao Yi''s palms, the sound of crackling continued.


    Li Shengtian''s eyelid twitched and through gritted teeth, he said, "Dean Xiao would indeed be more appropriate..."

 Chapter 216 Xiaoshanhe Institute

    Li Shengtian and Tian Xiao''s faces were black as coal. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.Yang Ling only felt a cold sweat on his forehead and wished he could go up and cover Xiao Yi''s mouth himself.


    If you can''t win an argument, just start a fight!


    This was the Imperial Library, and sitting before them was the mightiest existence of the entire Great Qian Dynasty, those three ministers were even more powerful in the dynasty.


    Xiao Yi was about to start a fight at the drop of a hat.


    However, considering Xiao Yi''s past military exploits, his threat was not without foundation.


    If Li Shengtian and Tian Xiao continued to be oblivious to what was good for them, he might indeed start a fight right in front of Emperor Qian!


    "Cough cough!"


    Emperor Qian coughed lightly and glared at Xiao Yi, pretending to be displeased, "This is my Imperial Library, what kind of decorum is this?"


    Seizing the opportunity, Xiao Yi retracted his Wind Thunder power and cupped his hands towards Emperor Qian, "Your Majesty, please forgive me!"


    "Enough, considering this is your first offense, I will spare you this time, but do not let there be a next time!"


    Emperor Qian said indifferently, "Since the courtiers have no objections, then the position of head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute is yours, Xiao Yi. Xiao Yi, you must not let me down, you must manage the Xiaoshanhe Institute well, do you understand?"


    Xiao Yi nodded earnestly and said, "Rest assured, Your Majesty!"


    Emperor Qian waved his hand, "Everyone, withdraw!"


    All the officials left in succession.


    Outside the door.


    Li Shengtian''s face was dark, and he looked at Xiao Yi with a mockingly sinister expression, "Director Xiao, managing the Xiaoshanhe Institute is not so easy, Li wishes you good luck!"


    Xiao Yi glanced at him and said, "Keep squawking and see if I don''t smack you, believe it or not?"


    Li Shengtian''s face twitched, his anger rising, turning his eyes bloodshot red, "You''re too insolent to conspire with!"


    With a fierce flick of his sleeve, Li Shengtian strode away.


    Tian Xiao quickly followed after him, "Mr. Li, wait for me..."


    Yang Ling watched Xiao Yi with a mix of tears and laughter, "Xiao Yi, didn''t you promise to keep yourself in check?"


    "I am keeping in check. Otherwise, you''d be arranging his funeral right about now!"


    Xiao Yi looked at Yang Ling seriously, with a corner of his eye glancing in the direction of the Imperial Library and a slight smile on his lips, "Besides, don''t you think that what I''m doing aligns more with Emperor Qian''s expectations?"


    "Hm?"


    Yang Ling paused, pondering.


    Meanwhile.


    Inside the Imperial Library, Emperor Qian picked up ancient texts and put them down several times, unable to help but burst into laughter, "Interesting, very interesting, Xiao Yi... Xiao Zhengde, are you blind or mad? To cast aside such a prodigy, hahaha..."


    The old eunuch standing by rarely saw Emperor Qian so amused and asked out of curiosity, "Your Majesty, that Xiao Yi was so reckless, daring to threaten a minister in the Imperial Library, yet why are you so pleased with him?"


    "Reckless?"


    Emperor Qian shook his head and laughed, "Old Dog, do you really think that young man is reckless?"


    The old eunuch asked in confusion, "Is he not?"


    "The kid is quite shrewd!"


    Emperor Qian stood up slowly, his eyes shining like a rainbow as if he could see through everything, "He knows that by handing him the Xiaoshanhe Institute, besides balancing the ten major sects and the noble families, I''m also weighing the court... If he were to try to please everyone, to cringe and bow, I would have to be wary and guard against him everywhere. His seemingly reckless behaviour has offended Li Shengtian to death, leaving himself isolated, surrounded by enemies. As a result, I will naturally trust him completely..."


    The old eunuch had a sudden realization, "I did not expect someone of his young age to be so thoughtful!"


    Emperor Qian gazed ahead, "Xiao Yi, Xiao Tianjiao... Things are getting more and more interesting!"


    ......


    Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Located at the eastern side of the imperial capital was Imperial Dragon Peak.


    Legends say...


    The first emperor of the Great Qian Dynasty had once tamed a true dragon here. After Xiaoshanhe Institute pledged allegiance to the royal family, they were granted Imperial Dragon Peak as their sect''s entrance.


    One, to manifest the royal family''s regard for Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Two, to have Xiaoshanhe Institute guard Imperial Dragon Peak, as the royal family''s ancestral and heavenly worship ceremonies were always held here.


    However,


    With the decline of Xiaoshanhe Institute, Imperial Dragon Peak gradually became desolate.


    Aside from the annual ancestral ceremony, it was mostly unvisited.


    Even with the once flourishing institute that had tens of thousands of disciples and countless experts, now there were only over a thousand disciples left, and only about twenty or thirty instructors, a severe decline in talent.


    Indeed, due to the decline of Xiaoshanhe Institute, the royal family had not been able to bring any other sect under their wing.


    Yang Ling, leading Xiao Yi and the others, arrived at Imperial Dragon Peak and, looking down at the building complex that nearly covered the entire peak and was comparable in size to the former palace of Tianqing Kingdom, everyone couldn''t help but lament the past prosperity of the Great Qian Dynasty. Even a fallen Xiaoshanhe Institute had such a magnificent scale.


    As for those high above¡ªthe glorious ten great sects¡ªwhat must their grandeur be like?


    Yang Ling said in a deep voice, "Xiao Yi, for the past ten years, Xiaoshanhe Institute has not appointed a dean, and all of the institute''s matters have been managed by Mr. Chen Shuiwen, the vice dean. He''s not an easy character to deal with; you must be very careful!"


    Although Xiaoshanhe Institute had fallen, the royal family still came here for the ancestral rites every year.


    The funding allocated to Xiaoshanhe Institute was also substantial.


    Moreover, there was the status of an official title.


    Chen Shuiwen, holding the position of vice dean for over a decade, had long viewed himself as the dean. With Xiao Yi suddenly parachuted into the role of his superior, Chen Shuiwen would certainly feel disgruntled.


    Xiao Yi nodded to show his understanding.


    Whoosh!


    The fierce sun eagle sculpture swooped down, landing on the vast square of Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    The large square was devoid of anyone.


    Experience tales at My Virtual Library Empire


    Yang Ling slightly frowned, "Strange, I had already sent someone to inform Chen Shuiwen yesterday. Why is there not a single person here?"


    Xiao Yi smiled and said, "Here they come!"


    "Hmm?"


    Yang Ling was startled, only to see a bald figure approaching from the distance, strolling over leisurely with a beaming smile, "Ah, Your Highness Yang Ling, my apologies for the delay. Something came up, and I only managed to rush over now."


    Yang Ling raised his eyebrows, "Mr. Chen, this is Xiao Yi, the new dean of Xiaoshanhe Institute. And these are the instructors that Dean Xiao has brought along¡ªXue Bufan, Yu Huaxian, Yan Mingli, Lin Bingxin!"


    "Hahaha, Dean Xiao, I''ve long heard of your great reputation, and seeing you today, you are indeed extraordinary!"


    Chen Shuiwen laughed heartily as he nodded to Xiao Yi and the others, clicking his tongue and commenting, "Dean Xiao truly has an imposing presence. I''ve heard that you alone eradicated the Great Jin Kingdom. Such a young age yet with such achievements, you are truly remarkable! Welcome to Xiaoshanhe Institute¡ªtreat this as your home from now on!"


    This was a smiling tiger.


    Xiao Yi was inwardly on alert. Better to face an honest scoundrel than a smiling tiger!


    All smiles to your face, but ready to stab you in the back.


    Despite the warm words Chen Shuiwen had expressed, he essentially positioned himself as the host and treated Xiao Yi and his party as guests.


    Furthermore...


    Yang Ling had already sent a message previously. Logically, Chen Shuiwen should have brought the institute''s instructors and disciples to welcome them, but no one was present.


    This was his way of intimidating Xiao Yi.


    It was as if he was telling Xiao Yi in an intangible manner: This is my turf, Chen Shuiwen''s!


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, and the corners of his mouth turned up slightly: "Interesting. It seems my days at Xiaoshanhe Institute won''t be boring..."

 Chapter 217 Double-faced and treacherous

    "Mr. Chen, haven''t I already sent someone to notify you that today is the day Xiao takes office? Why hasn''t a single person shown up?"It was clear that Yang Ling had also noticed something amiss and spoke with veiled hints.


    His status meant he couldn''t say some things outright.


    Chen Shuiwen exactly seized on this point, rubbed his bald head, and smiled, "Unfortunately, today happens to be the disciples'' time for quiet cultivation. Everything must prioritize their practice. I believe Xiao shares this sentiment, don''t you think so, Xiao?"


    Quiet cultivation?


    The entire Xiaoshanhe Institute, thousands of people cultivating quietly at the same time?


    Are you fucking kidding me?


    Xiao Yi sneered inwardly, but his face showed agreement, "Mr. Chen is right, we should indeed prioritize the disciples'' cultivation."


    Hearing Xiao Yi stress the words "Mr. Chen" with particular emphasis made Chen Shuiwen''s eyelids twitch abruptly.


    His smile also showed a moment of stiffness.


    But he quickly concealed it.


    Chen Shuiwen responded with a chuckle, "I''m truly grateful that Xiao can be so understanding!"


    Xiao Yi waved his hand and said, "After all, this is my Xiaoshanhe Institute, and as the headmaster, it''s only natural to look after the teachers and disciples, including Mr. Chen, as my own! What do you think, Mr. Chen?"


    As my own?


    He''s comparing them to his children and grandchildren!


    Chen Shuiwen gritted his steel teeth, which ground together audibly. He had intended to make Xiao Yi uncomfortable, but Xiao Yi, in just a few words, not only turned the situation around but also belittled him by a generation. With a forced smile on his face, Chen Shuiwen swiftly changed the subject, "Prince Yang Ling, Xiao, I''ve already had food and drinks prepared in the back garden to welcome and refresh you!"


    "I shall not go, and you take good care of Xiao and the others. Remember to hand over the work to Xiao as soon as possible!"


    Yang Ling gave Xiao Yi a meaningful look and said, "Xiao, I leave the Xiaoshanhe Institute in your hands. Also, the Emperor asked me to tell you that in three months, it will be this year''s ancestor worship ceremony, and he hopes to see a different Xiaoshanhe Institute then!"


    "Three months, you say? Tell His Majesty he won''t be disappointed!" Xiao Yi smiled and nodded.


    This was more than just an ancestor worship ceremony. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It was also Emperor Qian''s test for Xiao Yi, to prove his abilities within three months.


    The greater the ability, the more privileges and resources one has.


    To receive greater support from Emperor Qian, one must demonstrate one''s capabilities.


    Yang Ling mounted the back of the fiery sun jade sculpture and began to ascend leisurely, looking at Chen Shuiwen, "Mr. Chen, I hope you will fully support Xiao''s work!"


    "Rest assured, Prince, I will certainly cooperate well!"


    Chen Shuiwen nodded with a smile, watching Yang Ling rise into the sky, as the smile on his face slowly faded to be replaced by a hint of coldness.


    Xiao Yi looked at Chen Shuiwen, "Mr. Chen, didn''t you say there was food and drink prepared? Shall we eat and talk?"


    "Ah? Food and drink? Oh dear, look at my poor memory. I forgot everyone is in quiet cultivation, and there''s no one to cook!" Chen Shuiwen slapped his bald head, looking self-reproachful, "I''m really sorry, Xiao; it''s all my oversight. Please punish me as you see fit!"


    Xiao Yi watched Chen Shuiwen with an amused smile in the corner of his mouth, silently observing his performance.


    When Yang Ling was here, you volunteered to have food and drinks ready in the back garden.


    No sooner had Yang Ling left,


    than you changed your story, saying no food or drinks were prepared?


    Truly a duplicitous character!


    Xiao Yi smiled and said, "No matter, if there''s no food and drink prepared, then I''ll just take care of lunch myself!"


    Chen Shuiwen nodded and said, "For now, your accommodations will be arranged in the east wing''s side rooms. There are many vacant rooms there, but the Xiaoshanhe Institute is short on manpower, so you, Xiao, will have to tidy up by yourself. I still have matters to attend to, so I will be leaving now. If there''s anything you need my help with, Xiao, you can find me in the west wing''s side rooms!"


    "Sure, you go ahead and take care of your business!"


    Xiao Yi watched as Chen Shuiwen left.


    Yu Huaxian frowned and said, "Xiao, that old jerk is really hateful..."


    Xiao Yi smiled and replied, "No worries, we have all the time in the world to play his little games slowly!"


    Meanwhile.


    Inside the west wing''s room, when Chen Shuiwen returned, a table full of lavish dishes and drinks was already waiting.


    Several instructors from the Xiaoshanhe Institute had long been there, waiting.


    As soon as they saw Chen Shuiwen arrive, they stood up hastily, "Mr. Chen!"


    Chen Shuiwen gestured with his hand for everyone to sit down.


    Looking at each other with puzzled expressions, the instructors asked, "Mr. Chen, has His Highness Yang Ling not blamed us?"


    "Why would anyone blame you? It''s understandable that instructors and disciples in quiet cultivation couldn''t spare the time to welcome him."


    "I heard it was His Highness Yang Ling who suggested handing over the Xiaoshanhe Institute to that damned Xiao Yi. It''s beyond me why the Emperor Qian would entrust the Institute to such an inexperienced kid..."


    The people around chimed in.


    Chen Shuiwen took a sip of his wine and said indifferently, "Who can comprehend the Emperor''s mind? But I, Chen Shuiwen, have worked diligently at the Xiaoshanhe Institute for many years. The idea that he can just come in and take over is pure fantasy." Squinting his eyes, he declared coldly, "Listen up, all of you. The ancestral worship ceremony is in three months. If he fails to handle it properly, I''ll have ways to drive him out. Inform all the instructors and disciples that anyone who cooperates with Xiao Yi will be my enemy!"


    "Don''t worry, Mr. Chen!"


    "The brothers know what to do!"


    "And as for the disciples... we''ll withhold their cultivation resources. Who would dare to oppose us then?"


    They all said, laughing.


    With a smug smile, Chen Shuiwen raised his cup, "Now, let''s feast and enjoy ourselves!"


    Looking at the sumptuous food in front of him, the corners of Chen Shuiwen''s mouth turned up slightly, revealing a cold smile, "Xiao Yi? Nothing more than a stray dog driven out of the Xiao Family, daring to scavenge from the tiger''s maw? He truly doesn''t know he''s courting death!"


    Nobody noticed...


    In that corner, a faint golden figure quietly slipped away.


    In the east wing''s room.


    Xiao Yi and the others were organizing the disorderly room, which was filled with dust and a musty smell, having been long abandoned.


    "Boss!"


    Little Lin had come back, landing on his shoulder, "Just as you expected, Chen Shuiwen is in the west wing, eating and drinking with a dozen instructors. That bastard, he even claimed there was nothing prepared to eat, he''s really hateful!"


    Xiao Yi said, "Did you remember who all were there?"


    Little Lin nodded its little head, "I remembered."


    As Xiao Yi continued to tidy up the room, he looked at the dusty table beneath the windowsill and bent down slightly, "Indeed, this is a fine table; both the material and the craftsmanship are exceptional. However, covered with so much dust, it''s treated like trash. To restore this table to its former glory, we need to sweep away all this dust!" Continue your saga on My Virtual Library Empire


    Whoo!


    He blew out a breath.


    Swish!


    The thick layer of dust covering the table was blown away in an instant...

 Chapter 218 Who do you think you are?

    Under the veil of night.Xiao Yi and the others had finally tidied up the room, and Lin Bing Xin had personally cooked, preparing some food and drink.


    They sat around the table.


    Yan Mingli took a sip of wine and said with a heavy voice, "Xiao, the Xiaoshanhe Institute is not easy to manage!"


    The entire Xiaoshanhe Institute, under the control of Chen Shuiwen for more than a decade, had already been shaped into an impenetrable fortress.


    It had become a little kingdom belonging to Chen Shuiwen.


    To put it bluntly...


    If Xiao Yi directly employed drastic measures, with one command from Chen Shuiwen, I''m afraid all the tutors and disciples of Xiaoshanhe Institute would follow him and leave.


    When that time came, Xiaoshanhe Institute would be left with just a few of them, existing in name only.


    As for showing weakness and trying to win people over?


    With their brief interaction with Chen Shuiwen today, everyone understood that this path was also absolutely impossible.


    Chen Shuiwen would definitely not be content to be inferior to others.


    "Let''s wait and see how things unfold for now, then slowly look for a breakthrough!" Xiao Yi said. Enjoy more content from My Virtual Library Empire


    "However, we don''t have much time left. In three months, the Ancestral Worship Ceremony will take place. If we cannot achieve some results by then, it will be difficult to explain to Emperor Qian!" Yan Mingli said gravely. For the sake of following Xiao Yi, he had even declined the opportunity to succeed as the Pavilion Master of the Treasure Pavilion in the Tianqing Kingdom.


    Yu Huaxian said impatiently, "In my opinion, just kill those who don''t obey. Kill one to warn a hundred. I don''t believe they wouldn''t be afraid!"


    This was the former Supervisor Yu Huaxian of the Eastern Factory.


    The principle followed by the Eastern Factory was to quench killing with killing!


    Those who don''t obey?


    Kill!


    Those who aren''t honest?


    Kill!


    Kill until everyone dares not disobey.


    Xiao Yi glanced at him and said speechlessly, "We are a sect here, not your Eastern Factory. Let alone killing them, if I take out any one of them and scold them, wouldn''t a bunch of tutors immediately follow Chen Shuiwen to offer their resignations?"


    "Resign? Wouldn''t that be perfect? Let them get lost, and leave Xiaoshanhe Institute to us!" Yu Huaxian asserted as if it were the most natural thing in the world.


    Xiao Yi rolled his eyes and didn''t bother to respond.


    Yan Mingli sighed, "To the people of Xiaoshanhe Institute, we are all outsiders. Once we anger them, it''s not just a matter of them all resigning; what if all the tutors go on strike? Who''s going to teach those thousands of disciples? Besides, can you be certain that those disciples will listen to us? You''re too naive!"


    Xiao Yi said gravely, "Elder Yan, tomorrow you and Yu Huaxian go check Xiaoshanhe Institute''s finances, see if we can start from there. Elder Xue, the several elixir formulas I gave you before, hurry up with your research and refine them as soon as possible. They will be greatly needed!"


    "Leave it to us!"


    Elder Yan and the others said one after another.


    Lin Bing Xin blinked, "Xiao Yi, what about me?"


    "You?"


    Xiao Yi was startled, looking at the table with plenty of dishes left, "Your primary task for now is to improve your cooking skills!"


    Yan Mingli, "That makes sense!"


    Yu Huaxian, "I second that!"


    Xue Bufan, "Do your best!"


    Lin Bing Xin, "..."


    ...


    The next day.


    Xiao Yi and his group split into four teams.


    Lin Bingxin indeed remained in the kitchen to deepen her culinary skills.


    Yu Huaxian and Yan Mingli went to check the accounts in the storeroom, while Xue Bufan holed up in his room to research elixir recipes.


    Xiao Yi started wandering around the Xiaoshanhe Institute in his black robe, which added a bit of majesty to his bearing. Xiaoshanhe Institute resembled more of an academy, where the disciples had scheduled classes every day. As he reached the martial arts training field, he could see from afar two instructors lazily lying under the shade of a tree while dozens of disciples were scattered around in various corners.


    Some were chatting away, others were sound asleep, and still others were arm in arm with fellow disciples of the opposite sex.


    There were very few who were genuinely cultivating.


    "No wonder the Xiaoshanhe Institute was squeezed out of the top ten sects. How many strong cultivators can be created like this?" Xiao Yi shook his head slightly.


    His arrival naturally drew the attention of the instructors and disciples on the training field.


    One of the skinnier instructors spoke up in a deep voice, "Zou, Xiao is here. Shouldn''t we gather the disciples?"


    "Gather what?"


    Zou spat out dismissively, "In Xiaoshanhe Institute, as long as we follow closely behind Chen, we can soar to great heights. This Xiao hasn''t even grown a full set of whiskers yet. He won''t last long and will be out of here in no time!"


    The disciples whispered among themselves, "Is this the new head of the institute? He looks even younger than us. And he thinks he can be the head?"


    "I heard he was personally selected by the emperor. Do you think he could be the emperor''s illegitimate child?"


    "Very likely, haha..."


    "Look, Zheng Dongsheng is heading over to the new head now, isn''t he?"


    The two instructors noticed a burly young man walking towards Xiao Yi. Zou chuckled, "Now this will be fun to watch. Zheng Dongsheng is a real thorn; even I can''t suppress him. Our new head here is probably going to have a tough time!"


    On the martial arts training field.


    All the instructors and disciples looked over excitedly.


    Xiao Yi was a bit taken aback, watching this muscular young man with a full beard who was two heads taller than himself, his eyes filled with a hint of confusion.


    Zheng Dongsheng''s voice was the complete opposite of his imposing build; it was soft and gentle, "You are the new head?"


    Xiao Yi nodded, "Who are you?"


    "Fight me! If you win, then I''ll admit you''ve got the qualifications to be our head and deserve to know my name," Zheng Dongsheng pointed his thumb at himself, stating proudly, "If you lose, it proves you''re not fit to lead us and should get the hell out of Xiaoshanhe Institute immediately!"


    "Hahaha, I knew it. Zheng Dongsheng is as wild as ever. I want to see what the new head is going to do about it!" Zou boasted with pride. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zheng Dongsheng''s cultivation was at the peak of the Golden Core Realm.


    Plus, he had Innate Divine Strength.


    Among those of the same realm, he was nearly invincible!


    "Do you think the new head will dare to accept Zheng Dongsheng''s challenge?"


    "He might refuse, right? After all, his cultivation is only at the peak of the Golden Core Realm. Wouldn''t it be embarrassing if he lost to Zheng Dongsheng?"


    "But if he refuses, wouldn''t that also be humiliating? An institute head who''s afraid to accept a challenge from a disciple..."


    Everyone discussed animatedly.


    Zou got up, dusted himself off, and came over, rebuking, "Zheng Dongsheng, who gave you the guts to talk to the new head like that? All you know is fighting; don''t you know that fists have no eyes? What if you injure Xiao, and something terrible happens? Could you afford that?" He turned to Xiao Yi, gestured with his hands in respect, and said, "Xiao, he''s just a kid who doesn''t know any better. Don''t hold it against him!"


    This seemed like Zou was trying to get Xiao Yi out of a tight spot.


    But in reality, he was hinting that Xiao Yi was inferior to Zheng Dongsheng and that if the two of them fought, Xiao Yi was bound to lose!


    If at this moment Xiao Yi indeed refused Zheng Dongsheng''s challenge, it would be an admission that he was less capable than Zheng Dongsheng, and a significant blow to Xiao Yi''s reputation.


    Just when everyone was waiting to see Xiao Yi make a fool of himself.


    Xiao Yi lifted his eyes, looked at Zou in front of him, "Did I allow you to speak? Who do you think you are, prattling on like that in front of me?"

 Chapter 219 Fist and foot have no eyes

    "Who the hell do you think you are?"Xiao Yi looked at Zou with an indifferent gaze and spoke coldly.


    Err...


    Zou''s face stiffened, and a flash of anger flickered deep in his eyes as his fists suddenly clenched with a grating sound.


    But upon recalling Chen Shuiwen''s instructions not to initiate any attack and avoid giving Xiao Yi any leverage, he had no choice but to grit his teeth and suppress his anger. He forced a smile and said, "Director Xiao, my name is Zou Zheng, and I am an instructor at the Xiaoshanhe Institute. It''s normal that Director Xiao, being new here, wouldn''t recognize me!"


    Zou Zheng turned around and said to Zheng Dongsheng, "Zheng Dongsheng, hurry back and stop causing trouble!"


    "Hmph!"


    Zheng Dongsheng snorted in dissatisfaction and turned to leave.


    Zou Zheng was an expert of the First Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm, and he was not a weak presence among the many instructors at the Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    "Wait!"


    Xiao Yi called out to Zheng Dongsheng. His detached gaze fell upon Zou Zheng as he said indifferently, "Are you the head of the institute, or am I?"


    Zou Zheng was taken aback and said, "Naturally, you are, Director."


    Xiao Yi uttered an "oh" and said, "Anyone who didn''t know better would think you were the head of the institute. I hadn''t even spoken, yet you''ve already taken it upon yourself to decide for me."


    Zou Zheng''s face darkened. He had always been arrogant and overbearing thanks to his good relationship with Chen Shuiwen. But now, with Xiao Yi questioning him repeatedly, the anger in his heart was increasingly hard to control. Taking a deep breath and with a dark face, Zou Zheng said, "Director Xiao, do you have an issue with me? If you do, you''re free to state it openly. Why the insinuations and sarcasm?"


    "Me, insinuations and sarcasm?"


    Xiao Yi laughed heartily, leaning slightly forward. The piercing look in their locked eyes nearly forced Zou Zheng to look away. "Instructor Zou Zheng, if I did have an issue with you, you''d be dead by now."


    Zou Zheng retorted angrily, "Director Xiao, are you threatening me? I, Zou Zheng, am an upright and honorable man. I''ve come here with the best of intentions to help you settle this conflict, yet you fail to appreciate my goodwill and even go as far as to give me a hard time at every turn. And now you dare threaten me?"


    "A threat? Who do you think you are to deserve a threat from me?" Xiao Yi''s mouth curled up in a mocking smile.


    He was provoking Zou Zheng.


    If Zou Zheng were to strike first, he''d fall right into Xiao Yi''s trap.


    It would be the breakthrough he needed!


    Zou Zheng''s fists were tightly clenched, with a cold glare flashing in his eyes, and the vital energy on his palms surged, ready to make a move.


    But just then...


    A cold shout came from behind, "Zou Zheng, what are you playing at?"


    "Hm?"


    Zou Zheng''s face changed as he looked at the stern middle-aged man with sword-like eyebrows by his side. A deep reverence flashed in his eyes, and with a wronged expression, he said, "Elder Sun, you''ve arrived just in time. You must stand up for me!"


    "Shut up!"


    Sun Zhengyi snorted coldly, his frosty aura putting out Zou Zheng''s fiery temper like a bucket of ice water. Sun Zhengyi then looked at Xiao Yi, "You must be the new Director Xiao here, right? I am Sun Zhengyi, the third elder of the Xiaoshanhe Institute!"


    Xiao Yi nodded.


    Without waiting for Xiao Yi to speak, Sun Zhengyi turned to Zou Zheng and asked with a frown, "What''s going on here?"


    As Xiao Yi was about to speak, he narrowed his eyes and touched his nose, watching the two men with interest.


    Sun Zhengyi saw him ready to speak, but chose to ignore him, instead fixing his gaze on Zou Zheng. It seemed he was another one of Chen Shuiwen''s people!


    Zou Zheng, with a look of grievance, repeated the events that had just taken place.


    "This is outrageous!"


    Sun Zhengyi coldly snorted but directed the comment at Xiao Yi, adding unnecessarily as if to clarify, "Director Xiao, please don''t take it the wrong way, I wasn''t speaking about you."


    Xiao Yi remained silent with a smile.


    However, Sun Zhengyi turned to Zou Zheng and said, "Director Xiao is the new head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute and, as such, has the responsibility to advise all the disciples and instructors of the institute. Since Zheng Dongsheng wanted to challenge Director Xiao, and Director Xiao being the head of the institute is in some way his instructor, Xiao can''t just ignore it. Yet you interfered, how could Director Xiao not be upset?"


    Zou Zheng, catching the frantic signals from Sun Zhengyi, quickly revised his story with an aggrieved voice, "I¡ªI was just worried about the risks of physical confrontation. What if Director Xiao got hurt by Zheng Dongsheng!"


    "What nonsense are you spouting?"


    Sun Zhengyi''s heart burst with joy, but his face showed righteous indignation, "How could Director Xiao possibly be injured? If he couldn''t take care of a Zheng Dongsheng, then what face would he have to continue as the head of our Xiaoshanhe Institute? Even if Director Xiao is no match for Zheng Dongsheng, you shouldn''t have refused on his behalf! Don''t you owe Director Xiao an apology?" Experience new tales on My Virtual Library Empire


    Zou Zheng looked towards Xiao Yi, "I''m really sorry, Director Xiao. It was all my oversight!"


    The two of them went back and forth.


    They coordinated quite well with each other.


    Seizing the moment, Sun Zhengyi spoke up, "Listen here, disciples, Director Xiao is new to our institute, and no one is allowed to challenge him from below their station, understand?"


    However...


    These words only provoked strong dissatisfaction among the disciples, "Why not? We can usually spar with our instructors; does our esteemed Director not even have the courage for that?"


    "If that''s the case, why is he still the director? He might as well just roll back home!"


    Zheng Dongsheng''s voice thundered, "Elder Sun, I want to challenge Director Xiao!"


    "Right, right, right, keep pushing him..."


    Sun Zhengyi''s heart was overjoyed, but he wore a troubled expression as he looked at Xiao Yi, "Director Xiao, what do you think about this?"


    Xiao Yi smiled, looking at the excited crowd of disciples, "So you all think I should accept Zheng Dongsheng''s challenge, is that right?"


    "Exactly!"


    "Accept the challenge!"


    "Or just get lost..."


    With a smile still on his face, Xiao Yi looked at Zheng Dongsheng, "Zheng Dongsheng, let me ask you a question first, between you and Instructor Zou Zheng, who is stronger and who is weaker?"


    Zheng Dongsheng hesitated, "I am but at the peak of the Golden Core Realm, and even though I have greater strength, Instructor Zou Zheng is a genuine First Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm power. I am no match for him!"


    Xiao Yi nodded and said with a laugh, "My fellow disciples, you don''t know much about me, and there are some things you may not be clear about. Most of my cultivation has improved through fighting, and I don''t really pull my punches. If I really were to spar with Zheng Dongsheng, I might hurt him by accident, and then it would look like I, the Director, am beating up a student!"


    "Pfft, you''re just afraid to fight!"


    "Stop with those grandiose excuses..."


    "I think you should just roll out of Xiaoshanhe Institute!"


    The disciples shouted one after another.


    Sun Zhengyi''s face was full of smug satisfaction, and he winked at Zou Zheng.


    "You''re much more cunning!"


    Zou Zheng stealthily gave a thumbs up, snickering, "This way, if Xiao Yi refuses to accept the challenge, his reputation will be ruined, and if he accepts, regardless of win or loss, he''ll acquire the disgrace of bullying the weak..."


    Xiao Yi caught a glimpse of the two men from the corner of his eye and took note of their little schemes, his lips lifting slightly in a smile, "Everyone, please calm down. I only said that it''s inappropriate to accept Zheng Dongsheng''s challenge. However, Zheng Dongsheng just admitted that Instructor Zou Zheng is stronger than him. If I were to defeat Instructor Zou Zheng, that would mean I could also defeat Zheng Dongsheng, wouldn''t it?"


    "Huh?"


    "That could work!"


    "If Director Xiao can really beat Instructor Zou Zheng, then that means his power is indeed above that of Zheng Dongsheng, and he is genuinely concerned about injuring a student, not cowardice in battle!"


    The disciples nodded one after another, agreeing with Xiao Yi''s reasoning. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Instructor Zou, since everyone agrees, please accept my challenge!"


    Xiao Yi smiled at the bewildered Zou Zheng and made a welcoming gesture, "But I must say before we begin, fists and feet are blind¡ªso if I accidentally injure you later, I hope Instructor Zou will forgive me!"


    The disciples were excited, "Instructor Zou, hurry up and accept the challenge!"


    "Go Instructor Zou!"


    "If you win, you''ll be the man who defeated the Director..."


    Zou Zheng: "..."


    Sun Zhengyi: "..."

 Chapter 220 What a Good Dean!

    Zou Zheng looked bewilderedly at Sun Zhengyi.Sun Zhengyi''s eyes twitched, feeling like his heavy punch had landed on soft cotton.


    He had seen the conflict between Xiao Yi and Zou Zheng earlier and had devised a plan, urging Xiao Yi to battle with Zheng Dongsheng.


    When the time came...


    Whether Xiao Yi lost or won,


    he could spin the story to damage Xiao Yi''s reputation.


    If Xiao Yi refused Zheng Dongsheng''s challenge, then Xiao Yi would inevitably lose credibility, and the disciples would look down on this young institute head even more.


    If Xiao Yi won against Zheng Dongsheng, they could proclaim that Xiao Yi bullied the weak.


    And if Xiao Yi lost?


    Even better!


    He would spread the news of today''s battle far and wide, letting everyone know that the new head of Xiaoshanhe Institute couldn''t even defeat a disciple of the same realm. By then, public opinion would be entirely on their side, potentially affecting Emperor Qian and possibly even leading to Xiao Yi''s removal from his position as head of Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    After all,


    Xiaoshanhe Institute, though now in decline, had once been glorious.


    How could it be led by someone who couldn''t even defeat a disciple?


    What he never expected was that Xiao Yi would use a retreat as advance, refusing his challenge under the pretext of not wanting to hurt Zheng Dongsheng, and instead proposed to challenge Zou Zheng.


    Zou Zheng was indeed stronger than Zheng Dongsheng!


    If Xiao Yi won against Zou Zheng, naturally he could defeat Zheng Dongsheng.


    At the same time...


    Xiao Yi and Zou Zheng were peers, one a head and the other an instructor; their sparring was nothing out of the ordinary. Plus, Zou Zheng was more than twenty years older than Xiao Yi. Even if Xiao Yi lost, it would be Zou Zheng who was accused of bullying the younger.


    Although they knew this was Xiao Yi''s strategy of advance through retreat, they couldn''t refuse.


    Otherwise, they would have to swallow the bitter fruit they had just seeded themselves!


    And they would be labeled as bullies forcing the head''s hand.


    "Quite a move, Xiao Yi, it seems we have all underestimated you!" sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Sun Zhengyi was secretly annoyed, but then he thought that Xiao Yi was just at the peak of the Golden Core Realm, whereas Zou Zheng was at the First Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm. If the two fought, Zou Zheng was bound to win. Sun Zhengyi winked at Zou Zheng and said, "Instructor Zou Zheng, since Xiao wishes for it, you should fight him!"


    Zou Zheng nodded, "Since Xiao wishes for this, I shall comply! However, blows and kicks are blind; should I inadvertently harm Xiao, I hope he will forgive me!"


    "This..."


    Xiao Yi feigned hesitation.


    This made Sun Zhengyi even more certain that Xiao Yi only wanted to use Zou Zheng to escape, having no confidence in defeating Zou Zheng. With this thought, Sun Zhengyi said, "Head Xiao, let''s be petty people before we are gentlemen. After all, blows and kicks are blind. What I mean is, let''s sign a life-and-death agreement first, to prevent any unexpected consequences from leading to someone being held accountable!"


    Zou Zhen nodded, "Let''s sign the life-and-death agreement!"


    "Alright then!"


    Xiao Yi sighed and then the two signed the life-and-death agreement in front of Sun Zhengyi and the disciples.


    The crowd of disciples dispersed.


    Xiao Yi and Zou Zheng moved to the center of the martial arts field.


    Their eyes met.


    Zou Zheng grinned, "Head Xiao, blows and kicks are blind!"


    Xiao Yi gestured invitingly, "Come on!"


    Whoosh!


    Zou Zheng''s body shook, and his figure suddenly transformed into three afterimages, charging towards Xiao Yi from three different directions at an astonishing speed, difficult to track, eliciting gasps from the onlooking disciples, "As expected of Instructor Zou Zheng, his speed is just too fast."


    "Instructor Zou Zheng''s Divine Skills are like the wind, incredibly fast. Among the instructors in our Xiaoshanhe Institute, his speed ranks in the top ten!"


    "Look at Head Xiao; why isn''t he moving?"


    "Probably because he can''t detect Instructor Zou Zheng''s position and doesn''t know what to do!"


    Standing among the crowd with crossed arms, Sun Zhengyi wore a smug look, "As long as Zou Zheng wins, Xiao Yi will lose face, and Head Chen will surely reward us handsomely!"


    At that moment...


    The previously unmoving Xiao Yi suddenly stretched out his arms.


    Bang!


    Pushing his hands backward, he caught the exact moment Zou Zheng materialized, his palms striking Zou Zheng''s face.


    Wow!


    With a pitiful cry, Zou Zheng fell backward with his nose broken, blood spurting wildly from his nostrils as he lay sprawled on the ground.


    Sun Zhengyi: "..."


    All: "..."


    "Damn, Director Xiao''s luck is against the heavens, just stretching his arms and he actually strikes Instructor Zou Zheng?"


    "But luck always runs out eventually, the next attack he surely won''t be able to dodge!"


    Whoosh!


    Zou Zheng propelled himself up, wiping the blood from under his nose, his eyes shooting cold light as he growled through gritted teeth, "Fierce Wind Strong Grass!"


    Whoosh whoosh whoosh!


    Zou Zheng, with a sweep that could take out an entire army, radiated a vast aura that turned into waves of green energy, covering the ground like an emerald lawn appearing out of nowhere. His body was able to change positions continuously on the green grass, sometimes left, sometimes right, and when he reappeared before Xiao Yi.


    Swoosh swoosh!


    Beams of green light soared into the sky, turning into green chains that bound Xiao Yi''s hands and feet.


    Several figures of Zou Zheng overlapped, appearing right in front of Xiao Yi, with his right hand extending into a sword finger aiming straight at him.


    Read latest stories on My Virtual Library Empire


    Hum!


    Countless green lights condensed into a green longsword.


    This sword broke through the air, cut across space, and its speed was as fast as lightning.


    Xiao Yi''s hands and feet were bound and he couldn''t dodge at all.


    Seeing this sword, Xiao Yi was sure to be gravely wounded!


    Amidst thousands of troops...


    Xiao Yi''s body shook, and the green chains binding him shattered, Zou Zheng, who was inches away, saw Xiao Yi''s face reveal a mocking smile, causing a buzz in Zou Zheng''s head, "Not good..."


    He thought of dodging, but it was too late.


    Bang!


    A powerful slap landed on his face.


    Whoosh!


    Zou Zheng was sent flying, tumbling dozens of meters across the ground. Xiao Yi let out an "Aiyo," "Instructor Zou, are you okay? It wasn''t intentional!"


    Whoosh!


    He suddenly kicked back and charged toward Zou Zheng.


    To the onlookers, it seemed like Xiao Yi was worried about Zou Zheng''s injury, rushing forward to help him up.


    Crack!


    Xiao Yi, seemingly flustered, stepped heavily on Zou Zheng''s left leg, which broke with a snap, causing Zou Zheng to howl in agony. Xiao Yi ''panicked'' and quickly apologized, "I''m sorry, it wasn''t intentional..."


    Crack!


    The right leg was severed as well.


    "Aooo..."


    Zou Zheng screamed in pain, both legs broken!


    Xiao Yi looked remorseful: "My fault, Instructor Zou Zheng, are you okay? It wasn''t intentional. Here, let me help you up!"


    Xiao Yi quickly squatted down, helping Zou Zheng to his feet, and while no one was paying attention, he gave a shove to Zou Zheng''s elbow. Zou Zheng''s right hand involuntarily swiped at Xiao Yi''s chest. Xiao Yi let out an exaggerated scream, his figure flying backward while seemingly pushing Zou Zheng away instinctively.


    Bang bang bang!


    Zou Zheng''s body rolled across the ground like a log.


    His head struck the ground, blood gushing open from the wound; his hands folded backward from the rolling, bones snapping; his skin was severely grazed over large areas, blood covered his face, extremely distressed.


    Xiao Yi also rose with a pained expression: "Instructor Zou Zheng, I was just going to help you up, why did you try to sneak attack me? Is this what a teacher should do?"


    Zou Zheng opened his mouth: "..."


    But his jaw was dislocated from the fall, his limbs broken, he couldn''t get up at all.


    The surrounding disciples were indignant: "That''s too much, Instructor Zou. Director Xiao went to help him kindly, and he attacked..."


    "Director Xiao really is a good director!"


    "Instructor Zou Zheng shouldn''t have done that..."


    Within the crowd.


    Sun Zhengyi''s eye twitched, his face alternating between shades of green and white: "..."


    In the martial arts training field.


    Zou Zheng, listening to the disciples'' comments, was so frustrated that he spurted out a mouthful of blood, his eyes rolled back, and he passed out completely...

 Chapter 221 Youre the One Who Should Get Lost!

    "Zou Zheng..."Sun Zhengyi rushed over immediately. When he finished checking Zou Zheng''s body, his face turned an iron blue, and he looked at Xiao Yi with a cold fury, accusing him, "President Xiao, wasn''t your attack too harsh? Instructor Zou''s limbs have been broken, and the fractures are comminuted. How can you, as the president, act so viciously?"


    He was now trying to smear Xiao Yi''s name.


    Only by branding Xiao Yi with the labels of despicable, shameless, and ruthlessly cruel could Zou Zheng''s sacrifice not be in vain.


    However...


    Before Xiao Yi could speak.


    The surrounding disciples were already voicing their dissatisfaction, "Elder Sun, aren''t you going too far? We all saw with our own eyes that President Xiao was just trying to be careful with Instructor Zou, and the injury was an accident. The last strike was also because Instructor Zou made a sneak attack first, and President Xiao was forced to strike back. He is the real victim here!"


    "Right, with so many of us as witnesses, could it still be false?"


    "Moreover, President Xiao is only at the peak of the Golden Core Realm, and when facing Instructor Zou of the Tao Tribulation Realm, he naturally had to give it his all. Accidents happen in a fight, and you always said that¡ªit''s not President Xiao''s fault!"


    "You, you..."


    Sun Zhengyi was so angry he was almost spitting blood. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This was completely different from what he had anticipated!


    The one who should be receiving these accusations was Xiao Yi!


    Xiao Yi''s mouth curved into a slight smile as he stepped forward, "Gentlemen, please don''t blame Elder Sun any further. He is also concerned for Instructor Zou''s safety and spoke rashly out of eagerness. Moreover, I do bear some responsibility for Instructor Zou''s current state. To make amends, I am willing to personally contribute five hundred silver taels to buy some ginseng to replenish Instructor Zou''s health!"


    As he was speaking.


    Xiao Yi took out five hundred silver taels and handed them to Sun Zhengyi.


    The disciples nodded one after another, "No wonder President Xiao occupies the seat of president. Look at his generosity, and then look at Elder Sun..."


    "Clearly Instructor Zou launched a sneak attack, and President Xiao was forced into a corner, but he still warmly offers silver as a consolation. At least I acknowledge President Xiao''s character!"


    Sun Zhengyi''s hand, holding the five hundred silver taels, was trembling, and he was so angry his teeth nearly cracked, yet he had to say, "Thank you, President, for your concern. I will make sure to buy some high-quality ginseng to help Instructor Zou recover!"


    He deliberately emphasized the words "high-quality ginseng."


    Zou Zheng''s injuries would require several million silver taels for medicine alone, and he would have to lay in bed for one or two months¡ªthe five hundred silver taels were hardly useful!


    But still, he had to express his thanks!


    Otherwise, he would be seen by the disciples as returning kindness with ingratitude!


    "Hmm!"


    Xiao Yi nodded, then turned to the disciples and said aloud, "Gentlemen, today''s incident has thoroughly demonstrated a lesson to us all¡ªthat cultivation level is not the sole criterion for strength or weakness. If one is careless and underestimates the enemy, they can stumble even against a weaker opponent. I hope that in the future, no matter who you face, you all will remember that even when a lion fights a rabbit, it must use all its might¡ªnever be careless or underestimate the enemy!"


    "We will heed the president''s teachings!" the crowd said in unison.


    Xiao Yi hummed in acknowledgment and said, "Instructor Zou is seriously injured. Tomorrow, I will arrange another instructor to guide your cultivation. That will be all for today."


    "Have a safe walk, President!"


    "President, if you have time, remember to guide us in our cultivation!" the people shouted.


    Xiao Yi waved his hand and walked straight towards the direction of the Zen Martial Hall.


    The Zen Martial Hall, also known as the Lecture Martial Hall.


    This place is mainly for disciples who have just entered the path of martial arts to learn the theoretical knowledge of martial arts.


    Although the path of martial arts emphasizes personal cultivation and accumulation of actual combat experience.


    Theoretical knowledge is also indispensable!


    Otherwise, even with an excellent secret manual in hand, if one cannot understand it, how is one to cultivate?


    And then, what are the effects of various kinds of pills, what should be emphasized in each stage of cultivation? These are all necessary knowledge. Otherwise, if one were to explore the path of martial arts by themselves, what would be the purpose of having a sect and instructors?


    Xiao Yi arrived outside the Zen Martial Hall.


    A cold voice came from within, "The path of martial arts values talent, and higher talent means higher potential achievements. Just like Tianjiao of the Great Qian Dynasty, the number one genius, he is the strongest talent of contemporary times. At the age of five, he broke through the Tenth Layer of the Physical Body Realm. At seven, he stepped into the Qi Gathering with Ten Layers, and at eight, he successfully challenged the Shentong Realm. By ten years old, he entered the Shentong Realm with Ten Layers... Now, he has even stepped into the Dharma Manifestation Realm and will certainly enter the Longevity Secret Realm within ten years!"


    "Mr. An, I think your statement is biased. Talent is certainly important, but hard work and persistent cultivation can also lead to a breakthrough and possibly even catch up with, or surpass, those geniuses!"


    In a corner, a handsome youth stood up, his face set with determination as he said, "I believe that as long as one endures the toughest hardships, my future accomplishments may not fall short of Xiao Tianjiao''s, and might even surpass him!"


    "Surpass Xiao Tianjiao?"


    "Ye Heng, have you lost your mind?"


    "I''m dying of laughter, you''re fifteen years old and still only in the Qi Gathering Realm, yet you dream of surpassing Xiao Tianjiao?"


    The disciples in the Zen Martial Hall cast mocking glances at the young Ye Heng.


    "Silence!"


    In front of the lectern, a woman in a purple dress with a pleasant appearance gave him a cold look and said indifferently, "Ye Heng, one must have self-awareness and not aim too high. No one in this world can surpass Xiao Tianjiao. He is the dragon among men, the reincarnation of the Heavenly Emperor. His existence breaks all conventions and creates a record of brilliance that is unprecedented and will be unrivaled."


    When mentioning Xiao Tianjiao, adoration and fervor filled the face of this purple dress instructor.


    Xiao Tianjiao indeed had many followers in the Great Qian Dynasty.


    "Unprecedented and unrivaled? As far as I know, shouldn''t Martial God Zhao Wuji be stronger than him? And what about Qingyun Sword Saint, Wind Thunder Sovereign, and these legendary powerhouses, isn''t each one stronger than Xiao Tianjiao?" Ye Heng stood tall, defiance on his face.


    An Rujing said coldly, "The era in which these powerhouses lived had a richer atmosphere of Heaven and Earth, and many more natural treasures than today. They achieved such accomplishments because of various fortuitous encounters, whereas Xiao Tianjiao''s achievements are all due to his own efforts."


    "On his own?"


    Ye Heng curled his lip, "I heard that for the sake of breeding his mount, Xiao Tianjiao would even sacrifice his own brother. Is that what you call relying on oneself?"


    "Shut up!"


    An Rujing''s expression was as cold as water, "Ye Heng, if you continue to slander Xiao Tianjiao with your nonsense, I''ll have you roll out of my classroom!"


    Ye Heng stood his ground, "I haven''t done anything wrong, why should you kick me out?"


    A young man sitting in the first row stood up, his haughty gaze sweeping over Ye Heng, "Ye Heng, who gave you the courage to speak to Mr. An like that? I order you to kneel down immediately and apologize to Mr. An!"


    "Ye Tian, this is none of your business!" Ye Heng said through gritted teeth.


    He and Ye Tian were from the same clan.


    Only¡­


    His talent was far inferior to that of Ye Tian. At fifteen, Ye Tian was already at the Third Layer of the Shentong Realm.


    And him?


    Merely the Seventh Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm.


    Ye Tian let out a cold laugh, "Mr. An is my mentor in martial arts. By defying her, you are challenging me. I''ll say it again, kneel down and apologize to Mr. An!"


    "Apologize to your mother¡­" Ye Heng shot back angrily.


    "You''re courting death!"


    With a cold snort, Ye Tian''s figure rushed forward, appearing instantly in front of Ye Heng. As he smashed out a heavy punch, even though Ye Heng crossed his arms in front of his chest, he couldn''t withstand the terrible punch. With a booming sound, he was sent flying, crashing heavily against the wall, his mouth full of blood.


    Ye Tian grabbed hold of Ye Heng''s hair and said coldly, "I told you to kneel!"


    From beginning to end, An Rujing watched coldly from the side, never lifting a finger to stop it.


    "I''ll kneel to your mother!"


    Ye Heng''s face was a mask of ferocity and stubbornness. He shook his head violently to free himself from Ye Tian''s grasp and then, with a thud, headbutted Ye Tian''s chin, knocking Ye Tian to the ground.


    Swiftly!


    Like a hungry tiger pouncing on its prey, Ye Heng pinned Ye Tian beneath him, ready to throw punches.


    "Enough!"


    An Rujing suddenly spoke up. With a flick of her finger, she sent Ye Heng flying, then pointed to the door and said coldly, "I''ll tell you one last time, get out!"


    At that moment¡­


    From outside the door came the voice of Xiao Yi, "If you ask me, the one who should be rolling out is you!"

 Chapter 222 Men Cant Be Cowards, Fight If You Disagree!

    "You''re the one who should be rolling out!"Xiao Yi''s voice came from outside the door, bringing silence to the Zen Martial Hall.


    An Rujing''s brows slightly furrowed as she looked towards Xiao Yi with a hint of confusion in her eyes, "Who are you? This is a critical area of the Zen Martial Hall. The likes of you have no place here, roll out at once!"


    "Mr. An, you sure carry an imposing aura!"


    Xiao Yi snorted coldly and flashed his headmaster''s waist badge, "Are you sure you can drive me out?"


    "A headmaster''s waist badge? Are you the new headmaster?"


    An Rujing was taken aback for a moment and somewhat surprised but showed no reverence as she said indifferently, "So, it''s Headmaster Xiao. My apologies for not greeting you from afar. However, this is my classroom, and it''s hardly appropriate for Headmaster Xiao to barge in like this, is it?"


    An undeniable authority radiated from Xiao Yi, enveloping An Rujing as he sneered, "I am the headmaster of Xiaoshanhe Institute; there''s nowhere I cannot go. Besides, had I not happened to come here today, would I have had to watch impassively as a genius student from my Xiaoshanhe Institute was destroyed by your hands?"


    "Genius student?"


    An Rujing was taken aback again and pointing to Ye Heng in the corner she asked, "Is he the one Headmaster Xiao refers to?"


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Correct!"


    "Hahaha..." Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "The new headmaster actually says Ye Heng is a genius?"


    "Headmaster, are you sure you''re not mistaken about the person?"


    Ye Tian looked at Ye Heng with contempt, "This person is called Ye Heng, and at fifteen he''s only at the Seventh Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm, hardly different from trash. How could he possibly be a genius?"


    An Rujing watched with a cold gaze, her eyes thick with provocation as she looked at Xiao Yi.


    Even the disciples think Ye Heng is trash.


    And you, the grand headmaster, claim he''s a genius?


    I''d like to see how you get yourself out of this one!


    Xiao Yi, however, was staring at An Rujing and asked, "Mr. An also thinks Ye Heng is trash?"


    An Rujing shrugged her shoulders, "The facts speak for themselves!"


    Xiao Yi''s gaze swept across all those present as he asked, "In your view, who in this Zen Martial Hall is a genius?"


    An Rujing pointed at Ye Tian, who straightened up cooperatively, and she continued, "This person is called Ye Tian, he''s Ye Heng''s kinsman and even half a month younger than Ye Heng. Yet he is now at the Third Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, while Ye Heng is merely at the Seventh Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm..."


    "Ye Tian? Fifteen and in the Third Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, indeed not bad. However..."


    Xiao Yi gestured for Ye Heng to come over to his side and said lightly, "I still think Ye Heng is the one with the highest talent here!"


    An Rujing scoffed, "You''re the headmaster, whatever you say goes!"


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, "You disagree?"


    "Heh heh..."


    An Rujing pointed at the people inside the Zen Martial Hall, "The headmaster can ask them if they agree with your opinion!"


    "Ye Tian is the strongest!"


    "What''s a Ye Heng compared to Ye Tian? Does he even deserve to be compared?"


    Hearing the words of the crowd, An Rujing smiled sarcastically, "Headmaster, you''ve heard it. It seems no one shares your opinion!"


    "Ye Heng, how do you think you compare to Ye Tian?" Xiao Yi asked, looking down at Ye Heng who only reached his chest.


    Ye Heng was startled, then looked up at Xiao Yi, his clear eyes sparkling with emotion.


    From a young age...


    He had always been the least regarded in his family, and even after coming to the Xiaoshanhe Institute it was the same. Whether it was family members, fellow disciples, or teachers, everyone focused on Ye Tian and habitually ignored him.


    This was the first time someone had placed such trust in him!


    Ye Heng took a deep breath, and said emphatically, "I am stronger than him!"


    "Hahaha, that''s hilarious, Ye Heng, oh Ye Heng, who gave you such courage?"


    "Your skin is really thick!"


    Ye Tian''s face was full of mockery as he gave Ye Heng a thumbs-up and then slowly turned it downward, haughtily saying, "Ye Heng, you will never catch up to me in this lifetime!"


    Ye Heng clenched his teeth tightly.


    Xiao Yi patted Ye Heng''s shoulder and said, "Ye Heng, I have a way to help you surpass Ye Tian within seven days, but it''s extremely painful. Are you willing to try it?"


    "Surpass Ye Tian in seven days?"


    Ye Heng was stunned, recalling all the years he had been oppressed by Ye Tian, how everyone had discarded him like a worn-out shoe. Clenching his fists tightly, he nodded firmly and said, "I am willing! My mother used to say, ''To be superior, one must endure hardship.'' I am not afraid of suffering!"


    "Good!"


    Xiao Yi nodded, looked at An Rujing, and said, "Mr. An, didn''t you say that talent determines everything? Starting today, I''ll be guiding Ye Heng, and you will mentor Ye Tian with all your might. Let them face off after seven days. Do you dare?"


    Ye Heng looked up at Ye Tian, "Ye Tian, do you dare accept my challenge?"


    Ye Tian, full of self-confidence, sneered, "What''s there to fear? It wouldn''t matter if you had seven days, seven years, or even seventy years, you could never catch up to me!"


    "Since the headmaster is interested, I am happy to oblige to the end!" An Rujing narrowed her eyes, revealing a playful smile, "But since it''s a competition, there naturally should be stakes. If Ye Tian wins, I want you to publicly apologize to me!"


    Xiao Yi replied, "No problem! And if you lose, you''ll have to apologize to Ye Heng!"


    "Mr. An, don''t worry, I can''t possibly lose!" Ye Tian said confidently.


    An Rujing nodded and said, "Agreed. After seven days, at the martial arts field, we will see who is better!"


    "Ye Heng, let''s go!"


    Ye Heng followed closely behind, and the two of them strode away.


    Ye Tian stepped forward and confidently said to Mr. An, "Don''t worry, I won''t let you down!"


    "Hmm!"


    An Rujing nodded, then squinted her eyes and muttered to herself, "Hasn''t Chen been looking for an opportunity to deal with him all this time? Isn''t this a perfect opportunity?"


    At the same time.


    Xiao Yi took Ye Heng back to his residence.


    The two stared at each other.


    Feeling somewhat uneasy, Ye Heng said, "Head, Headmaster, can I really defeat Ye Tian in seven days?"


    Xiao Yi smiled and said, "Weren''t you very confident just now? How come you''ve lost faith in yourself?"


    Ye Heng replied with a bitter smile, "Wasn''t I provoked by Ye Tian? My mother always said that a man should never show weakness, and if you can''t accept it, just fight it out! But... I''m only at the Seventh Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm, while he''s at the Third Layer of the Shentong Realm, and there are only seven days..."


    What can you really get done in seven days?


    Even with the help of medicinal pills, at most he could advance to the Eighth Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm, right?


    How could he possibly defeat Ye Tian?


    Xiao Yi patted his shoulder and said, "Take on the spirit you had at the Zen Martial Hall. It''s just the Third Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, isn''t it? If you can''t even defeat Ye Tian, how can you talk about surpassing Xiao Tianjiao..."


    Ye Heng bit his teeth and nodded, "Right, what''s there to fear? A man should never back down, if you can''t accept it, just fight it out!"


    "Hahaha, well said!"


    Xiao Yi patted his shoulder in satisfaction, his lips curling slightly upward as he looked in the direction of the west wing, "Chen Shuiwen, I''ve made my move, now it''s your turn!"

 Chapter 223 The Desire to Win

    Ye Heng''s seven-day challenge to Ye Tian quickly spread throughout the entire Xiaoshanhe Institute.Among the many new disciples, Ye Tian was quite a famous talent, and not a few knew of him.


    In contrast, Ye Heng was unremarkable.


    Many hadn''t even heard his name.


    After some inquiries, learning that Ye Heng, at fifteen, was only at the Seventh Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm, everyone''s first thought was that Ye Heng had gone mad.


    Until news came out...


    It was the newly appointed President of the Xiaoshanhe Institute who had Ye Heng challenge Ye Tian.


    The consensus then was that Xiao Yi had gone mad!


    Seven days, ah!


    Even with the aid of elixirs, it was impossible for a waste at the Seventh Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm to catch up to a genius at the Third Layer of the Shentong Realm.


    "Could the new president have gone completely mad?"


    "It''s the delusion of a madman, if Ye Heng can defeat Ye Tian, I''ll twist off my head and let him use it as a stool!" Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Similar sentiments echoed throughout the Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Meanwhile...


    An Rujing was bringing Ye Tian before Chen Shuiwen.


    Chen Shuiwen, with a satisfied look, let his gaze sweep over An Rujing and Ye Tian and chuckled, "Mr. An, you''ve done quite well this time."


    "Thank you for the compliment, President!" An Rujing said serenely.


    Chen Shuiwen nodded and narrowed his eyes, "From now on, Ye Tian will cultivate with me!"


    An Rujing''s cultivation was at the Golden Elixir Realm Peak, still a distance away from the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    Chen Shuiwen, however, was genuinely at the Tao Tribulation Realm Peak, only a step away from the Dharma Manifestation Realm. Having Chen Shuiwen personally mentor Ye Tian was definitely more suitable than cultivating under An Rujing.


    An Rujing smiled and said, "With the President personally taking charge, it will surely be within our grasp."


    "Hahaha..."


    Chen Shuiwen laughed proudly; he had been looking for an opportunity to deal with Xiao Yi but hadn''t found an opening. Now with the agreed battle between Ye Tian and Ye Heng, it was like a pillow had arrived for his drowsiness. Contemplating this, he then handed a brocade box to An Rujing, "Inside is a Divine Passage Elixir, which can increase the chance of breaking through to the Tao Tribulation Realm by thirty percent."


    "Thank you, President!" An Rujing showed a look of excitement.


    At this moment, the Divine Passage Elixir was a six-star elixir, incredibly precious. Even at her level of the Golden Elixir Realm Peak, her entire fortune was barely enough to afford such an elixir.


    Chen Shuiwen said indifferently, "As long as you are loyal to me, you won''t be short of what you deserve!"


    An Rujing nodded firmly.


    Chen Shuiwen then turned to look at Ye Tian, who was somewhat restrained, and stroked his chin with a playful expression, "Little fellow, you''d better not disappoint me!"


    Ye Tian quickly patted his chest, full of confidence, and assured, "Don''t worry, President Chen, I''ve been with Ye Heng since we were kids, and he has never won a fight against me. Now, with President Chen''s personal guidance, the gap between him and me will only widen. In the battle after seven days, I am completely confident I can win!"


    For the past fifteen years, Ye Tian had bullied Ye Heng quite a bit.


    All along.


    In his eyes, Ye Heng was like an ant, easily crushed at any time.


    Chen Shuiwen laughed heartily, "Good, very good! Ye Tian, go back and pack up, then move over here. You will be staying with me for these seven days!"


    "Yes!"


    Ye Tian stepped back, his face flush with excitement.


    If he could gain Chen Shuiwen''s approval within these seven days and become his disciple, that would be like a carp leaping through the dragon''s gate!


    After Ye Tian left, he turned to An Rujing beside him, "Mr. An, please prepare a batch of invitations for me, and send them to the nobles within the imperial capital. This will be our Institute Head Xiao''s first time giving guidance since taking office, and it cannot be too lackluster!"


    An Rujing gave a sweet smile, "Director, rest assured, leave this to me. I will make sure everyone knows about the battle in seven days!"


    "Hahaha..."


    Chen Shuiwen''s fingers gently tapped on the table surface, his eyes twinkling with slyness and a cold gleam, "Xiao Yi, Xiao Yi, you''ve really brought this upon yourself!"


    ...


    Inside the eastern wing room.


    Xiao Yi and others sat in a circle, while Ye Heng stood in the small courtyard in front of them, maintaining a very peculiar posture under the moonlight that enveloped him.


    "Xiao, this Xiaoshanhe Institute is utterly corrupt. When we went there to check the accounts, they first used various excuses to prevent us from viewing the ledger and settled us in the front courtyard. It was just the time it took to drink a cup of tea when the backyard caught on fire, and all the ledgers were burnt to ashes..." Yan Mingli clenched his fists tightly, his face filled with rage.


    Yu Huaxian nodded and said, "When I was the supervisor of the Eastern Factory, I also investigated many cases of corruption and fraud, but even those high-ranking officials would not dare destroy evidence and corpses so blatantly!"


    Xue Bufan, the old man, however, was much calmer, speaking indifferently, "Chen Shuiwen has been running the Xiaoshanhe Institute for decades, turning it into an iron fortress. We simply can''t intervene. Now we can only hope that this young fellow can help us break the stalemate!"


    The group looked toward the courtyard.


    Ever since they''d returned, they found Ye Heng maintaining that posture.


    Three hours had passed, and Ye Heng was drenched in sweat with pale lips, yet he meticulously maintained his stance.


    Xiao Yi stroked his chin and said, "For the upcoming period, we don''t need to do anything. Let''s wait until after seven days to discuss further!"


    "Xiao, with just seven days, can this young man really do it?" Yu Huaxian asked worriedly.


    Ye Heng was only at the Seventh Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm, while Ye Tian was at the Third Layer of the Shentong Realm.


    There was already a vast gap between them.


    Moreover, to ensure victory, Chen Shuiwen would surely utilize all resources to nurture Ye Tian.


    He might even resort to forcing growth, trading Ye Tian''s future for a short-term burst of power.


    Xue Bufan squinted his eyes and said, "I do have a few elixirs that could allow him to break through to the Shentong Realm in the shortest time possible, but doing so would mean he would be stuck in the Shentong Realm for the rest of his life..."


    The group turned to look at Xiao Yi.


    To them, the only way to make a Seventh Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm practitioner capable of defeating a Third Layer of the Shentong Realm master within seven days was to stimulate his potential at all costs. Although this could ruin Ye Heng''s future, what was most important to them at the moment was to break the stalemate.


    Xiao Yi had been watching Ye Heng standing outside the door, not answering directly, but instead saying, "It''s almost four hours now. I just told him that if he wants to defeat Ye Tian, he should maintain this posture, and he didn''t ask why but just did it!"


    The group was startled.


    Following Xiao Yi''s gaze to the courtyard.


    In the dim moonlight of the courtyard, Ye Heng meticulously kept the exact posture, utterly still.


    Even when mosquitoes landed on him and bit him, he didn''t move a muscle.


    All this because he possessed a heart set on victory!


    The group couldn''t help but fall silent.


    "I''ll take him out for a bit. We''ll come back after seven days!"


    Xiao Yi slowly stood up, stretching his limbs gently as he walked toward the door. As his left foot crossed the threshold, it paused slightly, and his calm voice echoed in everyone''s ears, "Seven days may be short, yet they are enough to create a miracle!"

 Chapter 224 Four Symbols Spiritual Blood

    Great Liang Mountain.This place was located a thousand and three hundred miles from the imperial capital; even with Xiao Yi''s speed, it took a full three hours.


    Within the vast mountains.


    Xiao Yi looked at Ye Heng in front of him and said, "For the next seven days, we will be spending our time here."


    "Principal, what should I do?" Ye Heng asked with burning eyes.


    Just a moment ago, Xiao Yi had taken him to soar through the sky, and that feeling of looking down upon the world had left him utterly captivated.


    Xiao Yi said, "You just need to do as I tell you, without needing to know too much!"


    "Yes!"


    Ye Heng nodded heavily.


    For fifteen years.


    Apart from his mother, Xiao Yi was the first person, and the only one, who truly cared for him.


    In Ye Heng''s heart, he had long accepted Xiao Yi.


    Even if Xiao Yi now told him that he needed to exhaust all his potential and fight Ye Tian in seven days, he would agree without any hesitation.


    Xiao Yi spoke in a serious tone, "You should be aware of the gap between yourself and Ye Tian, which is why I have tailored a cultivation plan just for you in the next seven days. This cultivation plan will be extremely brutal for you. I''ll ask you one more time, are you really willing to try it?"


    "I am!"


    Ye Heng said solemnly.


    His clear eyes were filled with an unwavering will to fight.


    Xiao Yi nodded, took out a set of specially made clothes and shoes from the storage ring; these were treasures obtained from the treasury of the Great Jin Kingdom.


    The entire set was made from silkworm threads infused with Xuan Heavy Stone.


    It seemed light and thin but was actually quite hefty.


    This set of clothes and shoes together weighed a full thousand pounds.


    Xiao Yi threw this set of Xuan Heavy clothing to Ye Heng. Caught off guard, Ye Heng almost knelt to the ground under the weight of the clothes, his face filled with astonishment and shock: "Prin... Principal, what material is this clothing made of? Why is it so heavy?"


    "This is Xuan Heavy clothing. Starting now, unless I tell you to take it off, you cannot remove it¡ªwhether you''re eating, sleeping, or training!" Xiao Yi said gravely.


    This set of Xuan Heavy clothing was worth a fortune.


    Don''t be fooled by its weight of over a thousand pounds; it was soft and comfortable due to the weaving of silkworm thread, warm in winter and cool in summer.


    Ye Heng quickly changed into the Xuan Heavy clothing.


    This Xuan Heavy clothing was extremely heavy; even with Ye Heng''s Seventh Layer of Qi Gathering Realm cultivation, he felt as if he was filled with lead when wearing this set of clothes. Even the most routine movements became incredibly difficult. Ye Heng, with a face as if on the verge of tears, said, "Principal, this Xuan Heavy clothing is truly too heavy."


    "You''ll gradually get used to it!"


    Xiao Yi looked up at the depths of Great Liang Mountain deep; Little Lin followed his arm down to the ground, "Little Lin, from now on, you supervise Ye Heng and make sure he completes all the training tasks I have given him!"


    "Don''t worry, Big Boss, I''ll keep a close eye on him!" Little Lin''s tail lifted, pointed at Ye Heng, and then at its own eyes.


    Xiao Yi was very assured with Little Lin watching over this place.


    Xiao Yi then left quickly and headed toward the depths of Great Liang Mountain.


    Little Lin perched on Ye Heng''s shoulder, sticking out its tongue and said, "Kid, from now on, you''re in Little Master''s hands; we''ll start with the first training item, run around this valley for me! Listen up, if you''re too slow, watch out for a whipping from me!"


    Smack smack! Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Little Lin suddenly flicked its tail, sending out two bursts of air that chiseled two dozens-of-meters-long cracks into the rock face.


    Hiss!


    Ye Heng was so scared that his scalp tingled and he hurriedly broke into a run.


    Only...


    He was now wearing the Xuan Heavy clothing, equivalent to carrying a thousand pounds of weight. For Ye Heng, who was only at the Seventh Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm, the burden was still enormous. His pace was uneven and slow, but luckily, Ye Heng''s will was extremely tenacious. Having been despised and bullied since childhood, he valued every opportunity to grow stronger greatly.


    He didn''t need Little Lin''s urging; he would give it his all regardless.


    Enjoy exclusive adventures from My Virtual Library Empire


    The valley was more than a thousand meters in circumference.


    Ye Heng ran laps around the valley.


    One lap.


    Two laps.


    Three laps...


    By the end, even Ye Heng himself didn''t know exactly how many laps he had run; his face had turned pale, stars danced before his eyes, and his will nearly collapsed, holding on through sheer determination. With each lift of his legs, pain tore through him as if ripping his heart and lungs out, large beads of sweat rolled down, having already soaked his clothes through and through.


    Panting! Panting! Panting!


    The only sounds left in Ye Heng''s ears were his heartbeat and heavy breathing.


    Little Lin perched on a rock nearby, nodding slightly, "No wonder the boss values him so highly. Just by this will alone, it''s destined that this kid''s future achievements are boundless!"


    If martial artists are likened to an army,


    cultivation is the soldier, but will is the commander.


    Though the number of soldiers can decide the outcome of many battles, as long as the commander is strong enough, there''s still a chance to stage a comeback from the weaker side against the strong.


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi''s figure returned to the valley, with a corpse of an armored boar on his shoulder. He glanced at Ye Heng who was still persistently running, one step shallow, one step deep, "How long have you been running?"


    "Since you left, he hasn''t stopped; by now, it''s already over one hundred and sixty laps!" Little Lin cocked its head, thinking and speaking.


    One lap is over one thousand meters, meaning that Ye Heng had continued to run for over a hundred thousand meters, even with over a thousand catties weighing in his belly.


    Even though his speed was not fast, the fact that he had held on until now was already very impressive!


    Xiao Yi tossed the beast to Little Lin, "You roast it; I''m going to apply medicine to the kid first!"


    This extreme training was highly effective but the training content and intensity were still secondary; the biggest reason Xiao Yi had confidence that Ye Heng would defeat Ye Tian within seven days was due to Ye Heng''s special physique and a way in Xiao Yi''s inheritance from the Wind Thunder Venerable to stimulate Ye Heng''s potential.


    "Ye Heng, you can stop now!" Xiao Yi said.


    "..."


    As if he heard nothing, Ye Heng continued to run forward.


    Xiao Yi was stunned, then realized that Ye Heng''s eyes had already lost focus, relying entirely on will to keep going; he couldn''t help but admire, "Good lad, just as said in the Wind Thunder Venerable''s medical canon, those with this kind of physique have unexpectedly strong wills. Kid, stop for me!"


    With a wave of his hand through the air, Xiao Yi stopped Ye Heng and tossed him into the lake on one side of the valley.


    Hissss!


    The cold lake water stimulated him, gradually bringing back Ye Heng''s consciousness, but he was exhausted to the point of being unable to move his arms. The profound heavy clothing made him especially heavy, and his body involuntarily sank towards the bottom of the lake.


    Luckily, Xiao Yi promptly reached out and pulled him up, looking at the weakened Ye Heng, Xiao Yi took out four jars.


    They contained the blood of beasts previously hunted deep within Great Liang Mountain: Green-eyed White-foreheaded Tiger, Purple Crowned Golden Python, Camel Mountain Tortoise, and Red-bellied Brocade Chicken. These four beasts were descendants of Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Black Turtle, the Four Symbols Divine Beasts, each carrying a trace of Divine Blood.


    Mixing the blood of these four beasts together, it was known as Four Symbols Spiritual Blood. Although it was not as potent as the fabled Divine Blood of the Four Symbols Divine Beasts, it was still ample for Ye Heng, who was only at the Seventh Layer of Qi Gathering Realm.


    Of course.


    Apart from the Four Symbols Spiritual Blood, Xiao Yi had added a multitude of medicinal herbs for healing and recovery into the mixture.


    Only through this could he stimulate the awakening of Ye Heng''s physique while negating the fatigue from a day of strenuous cultivation.


    "Master... Master..."


    Ye Heng opened his mouth, squeezing out a forced smile.


    Xiao Yi nodded and said, "It''s going to hurt a bit; bear with it."


    "Mm!"


    Ye Heng weakly nodded his head.


    Xiao Yi applied the Four Symbols Spiritual Blood mixed with the medicinal herbs onto his body.


    At first, the reaction was mild, eliciting only a slight feeling of heat.


    But before long...


    As the Four Symbols Spiritual Blood began to take effect, Ye Heng''s eyes suddenly widened, his hands and feet desperately pushed back, veins pulsating wildly, eyes bloodshot, and he opened his mouth wide but was utterly unable to make a sound.


    Little Lin gasped, "Boss, isn''t this too painful?"


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath, "This is just the beginning. Whether he can withstand it or not is up to him now..."

 Chapter 225 Jade Fetal Elixir

    ```Roar!


    In the valley, there came a series of hysterical agonizing cries.


    "Ugh ah..."


    "So painful, so painful..."


    "Ye Heng, hold on, Ye Heng..."


    In the valley.


    The ground where Ye Heng was located had been completely smoothed out, covered with traces of struggle, as well as countless claw marks from fingers.


    Even on the hard stone, there were claw marks all over.


    Utterly terrifying.


    It was hard to imagine the extreme pain he had endured.


    The Four Symbols Spiritual Blood in Ye Heng''s body had changed from dark red to a bright red color, shiny like magma, with waves of heat sweeping through. His entire body seemed to be immersed in magma; the intense pain was as though countless bloodthirsty ants were crawling on him, gnawing at his flesh.


    The pain was penetrating to the core, heartrending and soul tearing.


    Little Lin could no longer bear to watch and had curled up in Xiao Yi''s embrace, poking out her little head, "Boss, how much longer will this take?"


    Xiao Yi glanced at the time, "The first time takes longer, probably about the time it takes an incense stick to burn!"


    "Alright then!"


    Little Lin sighed, "Boss, what kind of physique does Ye Heng actually have? Just to awaken his potential, it has to be this troublesome?"


    Xiao Yi couldn''t help feeling a bit envious when Ye Heng''s physique was mentioned, "This little guy has quite a domineering body! It''s even stronger than my Wind Thunder Holy Body, the Battle War Holy Body, which is made for combat. It ranks sixth among the top ten holy bodies. However, under normal circumstances, the Battle War Holy Body will not awaken on its own. It requires the use of special methods to stimulate the body''s potential to fully unleash it!"


    When Xiao Yi first saw Ye Heng, he was only impressed by his drive.


    It wasn''t until Xiao Yi saw Ye Heng fighting Ye Tian at the Zen Martial Hall that he realized Ye Heng''s body was very likely the Battle War Holy Body mentioned in the Pharmacopoeia by the Wind Thunder Venerable.


    That was the start of Ye Heng''s seven-day challenge with Ye Tian!


    "I see!"


    Little Lin had an epiphany, "That''s what I thought. If he was really just an ordinary person, no matter how miraculous Boss''s methods are, unless forcing growth by overfeeding and recklessly improving his cultivation, it wouldn''t be possible in just seven days to give him the strength to defeat Ye Tian!"


    Seven days was indeed too short.


    Even Xiao Yi, after immersing himself in the Physical Body Realm for ten years and building a foundation, took nearly a month to break through to the Shentong Realm.


    After an incense stick had burned down.


    Finally, Ye Heng slowly stopped screaming, lying on the ground and twitching slightly, the Four Symbols Spiritual Blood on his body completely absorbed.


    "You go wake him up," Xiao Yi said.


    Little Lin glided forward and patted Ye Heng''s face with her tail.


    "Woo..."


    Ye Heng struggled to open his eyes and looked around vaguely, "Am I, am I not dead? Am I still alive?"


    It was almost unbearable pain just now!


    He thought he was surely going to die several times!


    Little Lin rolled her eyes, not pleased, "You''re not dead, you''re quite alive! Get up now, dinner is ready, hurry up and eat to continue training tonight!"


    "Eh? There''s still training tonight?" Ye Heng looked confused.


    Little Lin said without amusement, "Seven days, you only have seven days!" Find your next read at My Virtual Library Empire


    Ye Heng: "..."


    He struggled to his feet, shakily walked over to the bonfire, and eyed the roasted pig weighing around five hundred pounds, swallowing his saliva.


    Bang!


    Xiao Yi split the roasted pig into three portions; he kept two pounds for himself, Little Lin got over three hundred pounds, and the remaining nearly two hundred pounds were placed in front of Ye Heng, Xiao Yi spoke indifferently, "The next part of your training is to eat all of this!"


    ```


    Gulp!


    Ye Heng swallowed hard, "Head, headmaster, you aren''t joking, are you? This, this is over two hundred pounds..."


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "If I tell you to eat, you eat!"


    "..."


    Ye Heng wanted to cry but had no tears. Staring at the roasted pig in front of him, heavier than himself, he swallowed his saliva and had no choice but to brace himself and start eating. However, what Ye Heng did not expect was that he was eating voraciously without feeling full at all, as if the meat vanished immediately upon entering his stomach.


    Ten pounds.


    Twenty pounds.


    Thirty pounds...


    His speed of eating meat was almost on par with Little Lin''s, leaving Little Lin staring dumbfounded, "My goodness, isn''t this more of a Gluttonous Holy Body rather than a Battle War Holy Body?"


    Xiao Yi said flatly, "The Battle War Holy Body is born for battle. He has only been baptized with the Four Symbols Spiritual Blood once, simply unlocking part of the Battle War Holy Body''s abilities. His current digestion and absorption capacity is dozens of times stronger than before. Tonight, we''ll give him some magic pills to supplement with the meat of this armored boar. By tomorrow morning, he should be able to step into the Eighth Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm and by tomorrow night reach the Ninth Layer... However, the Qi Gathering Realm is only the foundation; it''s much faster to pile up one''s cultivation level. The real key is the fourth day..."


    "The fourth day?"


    Little Lin looked at Xiao Yi with confusion.


    Xiao Yi nodded, "The Four Symbols Spiritual Blood can stimulate the potential of his Battle War Holy Body every day, but after all, this is not the pure blood of the Four Symbols Divine Beasts, and there are still flaws. The potential can be activated up to four times. Whether he succeeds or not will depend on the fourth day... If successful, the Battle War Holy Body will awaken; if not, this bet will most likely be lost!"


    The two of them looked in unison towards the Ye Heng who was gobbling down the two hundred pounds of meat and eagerly eyeing the piece in front of Little Lin.


    ......


    Meanwhile.


    Within the confines of Xiaoshanhe Institute...


    Chen Shuiwen sat before Ye Tian, with seven jade vials placed in front of Ye Tian. Each vial contained a precious five-star magic pill, any one of which was incredibly valuable.


    Chen Shuiwen said solemnly, "Ye Tian, you should take one of these pills every day. In seven days, your cultivation level should at least rise to the Sixth Layer of the Divine Skill Realm. Coupled with the sword techniques and martial skills I''ve prepared for you, I believe you will surely defeat Ye Heng in seven days. You must not disappoint me. As long as you win against Ye Heng, you will become my recognized disciple!"


    "Headmaster, rest assured, I will definitely not let you down!" said Ye Tian earnestly.


    Excitement and fervor filled his eyes.


    This was a magnificent opportunity for him to leap into prominence!


    As long as he became Chen Shuiwen''s disciple, he could walk sideways in Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Seeing the excitement on Ye Tian''s face, Chen Shuiwen smiled and said, "Cultivate well here."


    "Yes!"


    Ye Tian nodded emphatically, opened a jade vial, and gulped down the pill, "Ye Heng? Just a piece of trash, and like before, I will crush you beneath my feet!"


    The pill entered his body and felt slightly cool.


    Transforming into pure medicinal power, it merged into his body. Ye Tian could clearly feel his vital energy circulating much faster. Overjoyed, he thought, "Worthy of a pill given to me by the headmaster, at this rate, I might even reach the Seventh Layer of the Divine Skill Realm in seven days..."


    Outside the secret chamber.


    Sun Zhengyi stood before Chen Shuiwen, bowing. Chen Shuiwen frowned and asked, "What did you say? Xiao Yi has disappeared with Ye Heng?"


    "Yes!"


    Sun Zhengyi nodded, with cold sweat on his forehead, and said with a grave voice, "Xiao Yi is too fast, our people couldn''t catch up."


    "Never mind!"


    Chen Shuiwen waved his hand dismissively, his eyes narrowing into slits, radiating a cold light, "Even if he has the power to turn the tide, what does it matter if Ye Heng breaks through to the Divine Skill Realm in seven days? I''ve spent a great price to buy seven Jade Fetal Elixirs. Seven days are enough for Ye Tian to at least step into the Sixth Layer of the Divine Skill Realm. Unless a miracle happens, Ye Heng has no chance of winning!"


    "Jade Fetal Elixir? Headmaster, with Ye Tian taking this pill, not only will his progress be confined to the Divine Skill Realm for life, but his lifespan will also shorten to only ten years. This..." Sun Zhengyi inhaled sharply.


    Chen Shuiwen waved his hand, "Great undertakings are not bogged down by trifles. Besides, there are still ten years, aren''t there?"


    Sun Zhengyi opened his mouth but changed the subject, "Headmaster, Mr. An has already sent out the invites. By then, most of the capital''s elite will be here. Officials like Li and Tian will also be present to witness the fight..."


    "Well done with this task!"


    Chen Shuiwen stood with his hands behind his back, his eyes flashing coldly, "Seven more days... I''m already getting impatient!" S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 226 Battle War Holy Body

    The setting sun descended, and the red glow set the sky ablaze, enveloping the entire Great Liang Mountain.Above the sky, a gigantic eagle with massive wings skimmed the air, its sharp talons drawn up into its belly as its eagle eyes, capable of seeing through dozens of miles, rotated smoothly.


    Within its golden pupils reflected the image of a mountain valley.


    A young man clad in black armor tightly bound by two iron chains, each as thick as an arm and dozens of meters long, was tied at the other end to four armored boars. Each boar weighed over a thousand jins, covered in black armor with tusks like spears. These tough-skinned and formidable beasts were unusually docile at the moment.


    They were desperately running in the opposite direction to the young man.


    These four armored boars were lower tier second realm monstrous beasts, comparable to the first layer of the Divine Passage Realm in strength, with incredibly tough hides and supernatural strength.


    When charging at full speed, even warriors of the third layer of the Divine Passage Realm couldn''t stop them.


    But now¡­


    Despite the four armored boars frenziedly sprinting, they still couldn''t impede the young man''s progress and were forcibly dragged behind.


    The young man''s speed kept increasing. Continue reading stories on My Virtual Library Empire


    This caused the four armored boars to scream continuously as their iron hooves carved deep trenches into the ground.


    Cheep cheep!


    The eagle''s gaze swept over the valley and spotted a person and a snake sitting to the side, causing its entire body to tremble as it hurriedly flapped its wings to fly away into the distance.


    Within the valley.


    Ye Heng, dragging the four armored boars, sprinted wildly with an iron chain in each hand.


    Merely four days'' time.


    Ye Heng''s body had undergone earth-shattering changes. Although his cultivation was only at the Tenth Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm and he had not yet broken through to the Divine Passage Realm, the muscles on his body bulged conspicuously. Compared to his slightly leaner appearance before, the transformation was drastic, even sharpening the features of his face.


    The muscles on the arms that pulled the chains were particularly pronounced.


    In the midst of running, the muscles on his legs were chiseled and nearly perfect as well.


    Bang Bang Bang!


    Ye Heng''s speed continued to accelerate, and when all four armored boars had been dragged into unconsciousness, collapsing softly on the ground, he remained full of vigor and vitality.


    Xiao Yi stood up.


    Seeing this, Ye Heng also stopped, conscientiously carrying the armored boars to the side and methodically skinning and butchering them before setting them over a campfire. Then, with a leap, he plunged into a lake to let the icy water wash over his body before returning to Xiao Yi, his eyes brimming with excitement, "Principal, I''m ready!"


    Xiao Yi nodded and with a wave of his hand tossed four barrels of Four Symbols Spiritual Blood in front of him, "Today is the critical moment. The quantity of materials used is the sum of the past few days, and of course, the pain you will endure is tens of times that of the previous days. If you can withstand it, you will awaken the Battle War Holy Body. If you fail, you will never be able to awaken it in this lifetime!"


    "Ye Heng understands!" Ye Heng said solemnly.


    Xiao Yi nodded, "Begin!"


    Ye Heng took a deep breath and clenched his fists.


    These four days had been longer than the fifteen years he had lived prior, but for Ye Heng, they were the days that would change his destiny.


    Every day, he could acutely feel the changes within himself.


    All this was thanks to Xiao Yi.


    "I absolutely cannot let the Principal down!" Gritting his teeth, Ye Heng rubbed the Four Symbols Spiritual Blood on his body and suddenly coiled the two chains tightly around himself, sealing his own body within them.


    After a moment...


    Ye Heng''s entire body tensed up, covered in a red glow.


    Half an incense stick later...


    Ye Heng''s body was trembling with bulging veins, drenched in a cold sweat, yet he gritted his teeth and held fast.


    After one incense stick of time...


    The two arm-thick iron chains were strained to their breaking point and snapped, and there he was, kneeling on the ground, repeatedly pounding his hands and head against the earth.


    The thudding echoed throughout the valley.


    The suppressed screams and roars of agony caused the monstrous beasts within a hundred miles to be terror-stricken, all fleeing in panic.


    Roar!


    Roar!


    Roar...


    Ye Heng kept screaming miserably, his roars shaking the heavens and making one''s scalp tingle.


    At the place where he knelt, the ground had already sunk deeply by four or five meters.


    Bloodied head, broken fingernails, shattered fingers.


    An image of extreme wretchedness.


    "Hold on..."


    "Ye Heng, hold on..." S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His voice had become incredibly hoarse, screaming to the point of exhaustion.


    "Hang in there!" Little Lin shouted softly.


    Xiao Yi''s face was expressionless, but his gaze never left Ye Heng.


    One hour.


    Two hours.


    This intense pain lasted for three full hours. As the blood-red glow on Ye Heng''s surface gradually faded, there was still no sign of him awakening the Battle War Holy Body, prompting Xiao Yi to sigh and say, "It seems like it''s still a failure..."


    Little Lin looked at Xiao Yi with concern: "Boss..."


    Xiao Yi waved his hand and smiled, "It doesn''t matter! Although he still hasn''t awakened the Battle War Holy Body, however..."


    Before he finished speaking.


    Ye Heng''s body suddenly shook, and as he finished absorbing the Four Symbols Spiritual Blood, a series of red glows suddenly burst forth from his body.


    The red light became more and more intense, already covering his entire body.


    "Break! Break! Break!"


    Ye Heng suddenly straightened his back, shuddered his arms behind him, let out a long howl to the sky, red beams burst from his seven apertures stretching towards the heavens, "Fight! Fight! Fight!"


    A series of low growls, deafening.


    Boom!


    The red light emanating from his body all converged into a soaring red pillar of light, connecting the heaven and earth. Within that red light pillar, the energy of heaven and earth surged madly towards Ye Heng, and his aura continued to rocket, climbing ever higher.


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    His body made thunderous booming sounds as if he was beating a drum.


    Humm!


    The red glow around Ye Heng suddenly converged, and at the same moment, a gigantic blood-colored figure leaped out from within his body.


    This figure was towering and majestic, pitch black, with eyes a fiery red.


    Its massive body was like a mountain.


    "This is... the legendary Battle Saint Ape!" Xiao Yi''s pupils suddenly constricted, "This is the Innate Divine Ability of the Battle War Holy Body, the manifestation of the Battle Saint Ape! We''ve succeeded, we did it!"


    Little Lin looked at the black giant ape and swallowed: "Boss, I think this monkey is really strong!"


    "The real Battle Saint Ape is an existence that stands shoulder to shoulder with the Four Symbols Divine Beasts like Azure Dragon and White Tiger!" Xiao Yi nodded, unable to hide his excitement.


    The imposing giant ape entered Ye Heng''s body.


    Ye Heng slumped in the deep pit.


    Little Lin''s expression changed: "He''s alright, isn''t he?"


    Xiao Yi said, "He''s just extremely tired. Let him have a good rest tonight, for now, he has awakened the Battle War Holy Body, and from tomorrow on, he can start the second round of actual combat training. The Battle War Holy Body is born for battle, and it can grow fastest in combat. I wonder what their faces will look like in seven days when they find out that Ye Heng is the Battle War Holy Body among the ten great sacred bodies!"

 Chapter 227 A Man Should Commit Murder!

    As the seven-day appointment between Ye Tian and Ye Heng drew near,news of this battle had already spread throughout the imperial capital, from high-ranking nobles down to common peddlers, almost everyone was talking about this fight.


    After all¡­


    everyone knew that this battle was not just between two disciples, but also a contest between Xiao Yi and Chen Shuiwen.


    Whoever won


    would gain an advantage in the upcoming struggle for control over Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    "Have you heard? Chen has been cultivating Ye Tian with all his might, and it seems he has already broken through to the Sixth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, with a very likely chance of entering the Seventh Layer of the Divine Passage Realm before the duel!"


    "It''s unbelievable, in just six days, Ye Tian has broken through from the Third Layer of the Divine Passage Realm to the Sixth Layer. Advancing one layer every two days, such a speed of cultivation, we couldn''t catch up even if we were on horseback!"


    "Is there any news from Xiao Yi''s side?"


    "Not a single word¡­"


    "Could it be that he''s afraid of losing face and has run off?"


    "Hahaha¡­"


    The crowd laughed together.


    On the wide street, a luxurious carriage slowly passed by, and sitting inside, Li Shengtian smiled coldly as he listened to the passersby''s conversations, "Tian Xiao, it seems that this Xiao, whom His Majesty holds in high esteem, is going to take a fall this time!"


    Tian Xiao stroked his beard, chuckling, "I heard that His Majesty will be sending Prince Yang Ling to supervise the battle at Xiaoshanhe Institute tomorrow. We shall have quite a show to watch!"


    "Indeed!"


    Li Shengtian said with a gleeful smile, "These past few days, this official has been tossing and turning in bed, all for the sake of witnessing Xiao Yi''s embarrassment!"


    Tian Xiao spoke solemnly, "What about this official? When I heard the news, I was so angry that I punished my newly taken concubine!"


    "Hahaha¡­"


    Meanwhile¡­


    Within the grand imperial palace,


    Emperor Qian glanced over the memorial, without looking up, and said indifferently, "In tomorrow''s battle, your duty is to oversee, not to intervene!"


    Yang Ling replied respectfully, "Your child obeys the order!"


    "You may withdraw now!"


    After sending Yang Ling away, Emperor Qian placed the memorial on the desk and, playing with the ring on his thumb, muttered, "Xiao Yi, how will you break the situation this time?"


    ......


    In the depths of Great Liang Mountain,


    Monstrous beasts roamed rampant, and Ye Heng traveled through the forest.


    Ever since awakening the Battle War Holy Body, his cultivation speed had increased by dozens of times. In just two days, with Xiao Yi''s elixirs and the constant battles with beasts, Ye Heng had already broken through to the Third Layer of the Divine Passage Realm.


    Ye Tian''s method of rushing cultivation at the expense of potential, advancing one layer every two days, had been highly praised.


    If people knew about Ye Heng advancing one layer a day, they would probably be dumbfounded!


    These two days, he continuously hunted monstrous beasts, and each was specially prepared by Xiao Yi; every beast required his full effort in a life-and-death struggle to defeat. Between life and death, there was great terror but also great opportunity, and it was in these life-and-death battles that Ye Heng''s actual combat experience skyrocketed.


    With his current strength, even without invoking his Innate Divine Ability, the Battle Saint Ape, he could easily defeat a Sixth Layer of Divine Skill Realm opponent.


    Roar!


    A Yin-Yang Leopard suddenly appeared in front of Ye Heng, displaying a mix of black and white. The Yin-Yang Leopard, a third-tier junior monstrous beast, was comparable to the Seventh Layer of the Divine Passage Realm. Especially adept at sneak attacks, it pounced like a starving tiger toward Ye Heng, who seemed to be unprepared, but Ye Heng suddenly contracted his body at the last moment, avoiding the Yin-Yang Leopard''s sharp teeth.


    In the instant the Yin-Yang Leopard and he brushed past each other, Ye Heng''s hands shot out, grabbing the hind legs of the leopard.


    He threw his arms forcefully toward the ground!


    Thud!


    Amidst a loud crashing noise, the Yin-Yang Leopard was fiercely slammed to the ground, Ye Heng flipped onto the back of the leopard, holding tightly to its ears, and then his fists hammered down hard on its head.


    Thump thump thump!


    After a dozen punches, the Yin-Yang Leopard''s head burst open, dead for certain.


    Ye Heng wiped the blood on his hands onto the fur of the Yin-Yang Leopard, and as his stomach growled loudly, he couldn''t help but touch his belly and decided to start a bonfire to roast meat on the side.


    Ever since awakening the Battle War Holy Body, Ye Heng''s appetite had become even more frightful.


    He now consumed over five hundred pounds of meat each meal!


    Moreover, all the meat he consumed was perfectly transformed into strength; although he was eating, it was actually akin to cultivating whilst eating.


    Roast meat on the rack.


    Suddenly...


    Urgent footsteps sounded from ahead, and a bloodied young man ran out. Upon seeing Ye Heng, a look of ecstasy appeared on his face, and he rushed towards Ye Heng, "Brother, save me, please save me..."


    The young man ran straight to Ye Heng''s side and moved behind him.


    At the same time.


    Four figures followed closely, each fierce and vicious, staring at them with greedy eyes and sneering, "Kid, I advise you mind your own business and hand him over to me. Otherwise, this big brother will kill you too!"


    The nervous young man behind Ye Heng said, "Brother, you mustn''t believe them. I went into the mountains with the village hunting team, and these guys coveted our game. They killed all the people in our village and wanted to silence me as well. Please, help me..."


    "Murder for loot?"


    Ye Heng frowned and looked up at the four men, "Get lost quickly, or don''t blame me for being rude!"


    "Hahaha, you wet-behind-the-ears brat, you haven''t even grown all your hair yet, dare to meddle in this big brother''s business?"


    "Brothers, let''s slaughter him!" sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The four charged at Ye Heng.


    Among them, the strongest was only in the Fifth Layer of the Divine Skill Realm; they naturally stood no chance against Ye Heng. After several rounds of fighting, the four lay on the ground wailing. Ye Heng spoke indifferently, "Get lost!"


    "You little punk, just you wait..."


    The four glared at him with resentment.


    The young man''s eyes rapidly shifted as he seized the opportunity to come close to Ye Heng, saying excitedly, "Thank you for rescuing me, brother. If it weren''t for you, I would surely be dead under their knives."


    "No need to be polite..."


    As Ye Heng was speaking, he suddenly caught a flash of silvery cold light in the corner of his eye.


    Whoosh!


    The young man''s face still wore a smile, but his eyes were filled with ferocity and coldness. He thrust a dagger towards Ye Heng''s waist.


    "Not good!"


    Ye Heng''s complexion turned pale.


    He was completely unguarded, and at such close distance, the stab could not be avoided.


    Just when he was in despair...


    A blast of vital energy shot forth.


    Clang!


    It shattered the dagger, sending the young man''s entire arm bursting apart, and he lay on the ground alongside the four robbers, wailing in agony.


    Ye Heng, still shaken, looked at the figure that appeared before him, "Director... Director..."


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Do you realize that if it wasn''t for me, you would be dead by now!"


    Enjoy exclusive chapters from My Virtual Library Empire


    "Director, I..."


    Ye Heng bowed his head in shame.


    Xiao Yi, with an icy expression, said, "You made two mistakes in this battle. Do you know which two?"


    Ye Heng nodded, "First, I shouldn''t have trusted a stranger so easily; second, I didn''t kill those four immediately to prevent future troubles, giving him an opportunity to exploit..."


    "Ye Heng, remember the lesson of today. As a man in this world, you should kill. Treating your enemies with mercy will only become a weapon for your enemies to use against you!" Xiao Yi said solemnly.


    He had sensed the presence of the five individuals as soon as they appeared.


    But he did not make a move.


    It was to let Ye Heng understand the perilous nature of the human heart.


    Xiao Yi said, "You know what to do now, right?"


    "I know!"


    Ye Heng nodded firmly, stepped forward boldly, and disposed of the five people one by one under their terrified gazes.


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "That''s enough cultivation for today. Go home, take the medicinal pills, and try to break through to the Fourth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm. Return to Xiaoshanhe Institute early tomorrow..."

 Chapter 228 The Gap Is Too Big!

    Imperial Dragon Mountain, Xiaoshanhe Institute.Besides the days of ancestral worship ceremonies, today was the busiest day of the year for Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Below Imperial Dragon Mountain, figures surged everywhere, gathering into a black sea of people all climbing toward Imperial Dragon Mountain. Of course, there were also some wealthy nobles riding in carriages, ascending along the official road.


    There were official roads and mountain paths on Imperial Dragon Mountain.


    Peasants and commoners could only take the mountain paths.


    Officials and dignitaries of the fourth rank or above were allowed to ride carriages up the official road straight to the middle of the mountain.


    As for the official road that leads directly to the mountain top.


    That was a privilege reserved only for members of the royal family and first-rank officials of the court.


    Even so.


    The number of commoners coming to watch the battle was still immense, reaching a hundred thousand. This was because Xiaoshanhe Institute had lived up to its reputation over the years. If it had been at its peak, the event could have drawn upwards of a million people, including masters from the other ten great sects coming to watch the battle.


    But now...


    Xiaoshanhe Institute had fallen into decline for many years, unable to recover.


    At least the younger generation despised coming here!


    This battle would take place at the martial arts field located on the waist of the mountain at Xiaoshanhe Institute, which had also once been glorious, possessing disciples and sect members in the tens of thousands.


    This martial arts field could accommodate millions of people.


    Housing these hundred thousand was a piece of cake.


    Once the peasants and commoners arrived, they were directed into the stands of the martial arts field, while the officials and nobles were greeted by Sun Zhengyi, who had arranged the best viewing spots for them, particularly.


    Chen Shuiwen stood at the carriage stop in the middle of the mountain.


    Seeing several carriages slowly approaching from a distance, his face beamed with a splendid smile, and he hurriedly went to greet them.


    The carriages stopped.


    Yang Ling, Li Shengtian, and Tian Xiao stepped down from the carriages one after another, and Chen Shuiwen''s face was full of smiles, "Your Highness Yang Ling, Mr. Li, Mr. Tian!"


    Yang Ling nodded.


    Li Shengtian glanced at Yang Ling beside him and said with great concern, "Chen, I heard that this challenge was initiated by Xiao Yi himself? Xiao Yi has just taken office, and you as an elder of Xiaoshanhe Institute should have been fully supporting his management. How did it end up in such a state?"


    Chen Shuiwen, as perceptive as he is, caught the meaning in Li Shengtian''s eyes and stepped onto his train of thought.


    Chen Shuiwen sighed, appearing quite helpless, "Mr. Li, this is really unfair to Chen! By the time Chen knew about the matter, it had already happened... even if I had wanted to stop it, it was too late..."


    "What exactly happened? I heard that Xiao Yi got into a conflict with a female instructor, which led to this battle appointment?" Tian Xiao feigned surprise.


    These details had already been conveyed to them when Chen Shuiwen sent out the invitations with An Rujing''s help.


    They were simply bringing it up intentionally in front of Yang Ling.


    Chen Shuiwen stealthily sized up Yang Ling; although Emperor Qian''s most beloved prince was Yang Ling, the position of Crown Prince couldn''t be obtained by affection alone. Chen Shuiwen and the likes of Li Shengtian supported the Great Prince Yang Guang from Tianjian Sect.


    Therefore, he wasn''t concerned about the attitude of Yang Ling toward him. He sighed and said, "I shouldn''t say much about this matter, but I truly feel aggrieved for Mr. An. That day, she was explaining martial arts knowledge to her disciples at the Zen Martial Hall. The issue arose simply because she praised Xiao Tianjiao a few times, and by happenstance, Xiao came by and heard it, thus starting the conflict."


    "What is this behavior? Does the head of Xiaoshanhe Institute, of all people, not have even that much tolerance?" Li Shengtian exclaimed in anger.


    Tian Xiaoyi spoke out righteously, "When we return, I will file a report against him!"


    Yang Ling''s expression turned cold, and he frowned, "It''s about time, isn''t it?"


    Li Shengtian said, "Important matters come first; let''s head to the martial arts field."


    Chen Shuiwen immediately led them into the martial arts field. Yang Ling sat right in the center. The spot to Yang Ling''s left should have been for the master of Xiaoshanhe Institute, Xiao Yi, but after Li Shengtian took the first seat on the right, he called out to Chen Shuiwen, "Chen, why don''t you take this spot here? It''s closer to us, and it''ll be more convenient to explain things later!"


    "Well... Chen will respectfully comply!" Chen Shuiwen immediately took the first seat on the left.


    The crowd had almost all arrived.


    Li Shengtian asked, "Mr. Chen, where is Xiao Yi? The appointed time is almost upon us. Why has he still not shown up?"


    Chen Shuiwen pretended to look around with a troubled expression, "I also don''t know..."


    Within the area where instructors were seated.


    Yu Huaxian spoke in a deep voice, "Your Highness Yang Ling, Xiao has taken Ye Heng to cultivate, and they should be back any moment now!"


    "Hmm!"


    Yang Ling nodded, "Then let''s wait a little longer!"


    As Yang Ling represented the royal family, once he spoke, naturally no one dared to say more.


    Time passed.


    In the blink of an eye, the hour of the duel arrived, but Xiao Yi was still nowhere to be seen, which caused dissatisfaction among the crowd: "What''s going on here? Ye Tian is already waiting in the arena, why haven''t Xiao Yi and Ye Heng appeared yet?"


    "Could it really be that knowing he is outmatched, he has already fled?"


    "Impossible, right? He is the respected head of Xiaoshanhe Institute after all. If he fled now, how would he face anyone in the Great Qian Dynasty thereafter..."


    Just then...


    A sharp whistling sound came from the sky.


    Two figures descended from the heavens like shooting stars, quickly landing in the arena in an instant.


    Xiao Yi placed Ye Heng below the stage, then leapt up to the stands, glanced over at Yang Ling''s side, and said indifferently, "Move!"


    Chen Shuiwen''s face darkened. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He did not expect Xiao Yi to be so disrespectful, telling him to move as soon as he arrived.


    Li Shengtian let out a cold snort, and sneered sarcastically, "Such airs Mr. Xiao has!"


    Xiao Yi glanced at him coldly and said indifferently, "Did I allow you to speak?"


    Stay updated via My Virtual Library Empire


    "You..."


    Li Shengtian''s face changed, ready to retort, but he saw Xiao Yi say with an icy voice, "Keep yapping and I will rip your mouth apart!"


    "..."


    Li Shengtian fumed, puffing up his beard and glaring.


    He was a high-ranking official; everyone who met him normally greeted him with reverence, calling him ''Mr. Li''. Yet, in front of Xiao Yi, he had been rebuked twice in a row, leaving him with no reply.


    Yang Ling spoke lightly, "Enough, with so many onlookers, let''s speak less!" He turned to Chen Shuiwen, "Mr. Chen, Xiao is the principal and your superior. This seat is rightfully his!"


    Chen Shuiwen''s face turned shades of purple and white, as if he had been slapped dozens of times.


    He gritted his teeth in fury.


    "You little wretch, enjoy your moment of pride for now. I want to see how you handle what''s to come!"


    Chen Shuiwen thought bitterly to himself while maintaining a humble smile on his face, "His Highness is absolutely right, Mr. Xiao, please take the seat!"


    He immediately got up and sat down to one side.


    Xiao Yi did not even look at him as he took his seat.


    Yang Ling lowered his voice, "These old fellows are waiting to see you make a fool of yourself. Are you really confident?"


    Xiao Yi smiled mysteriously, "You''ll find out soon enough!"


    Yang Ling made a noncommittal noise.


    At that moment...


    Ye Tian and Ye Heng had already made their way onto the stage.


    Looking at Ye Tian with his robust Qi-Blood and the Seventh Layer of the Divine Passage Realm''s energy unrestrainedly released, then at Ye Heng dressed in a black and heavy-looking outfit, seemingly disheveled, the first thought of the tens of thousands in the arena was: "The gap is too huge! Ye Heng stands no chance at all!"

 Chapter 229 One Move Is Enough

    "The gap is simply too great!""Look at Ye Tian, full of spirit, with Qi-Blood surging like a rainbow, and then there''s Ye Heng, who seems utterly unremarkable..."


    "There''s no need for a fight; the outcome is already decided, Ye Heng is bound to lose!"


    In the stands, over a hundred thousand people whispered amongst themselves.


    Almost no one was betting on Ye Heng.


    Li Shengtian looked at Xiao Yi with a mocking smile, but recalling the several times Xiao Yi had left him speechless, he turned to Chen Shuiwen and said, "Chen, that Ye Tian is only fifteen years old, isn''t he? Judging by the fluctuations of his aura, he must be at the Seventh Layer of the Divine Passage Realm now. He advanced four minor realms in just seven days. If you can apply this method to the other disciples of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, why worry about not being able to revitalize it?"


    Chen Shuiwen''s eyes darted about, and he said with a smile, "Mr. Li, Chen has been searching for a way to revitalize the Xiaoshanhe Institute for years. However, after all, I am only a vice president and do not have the final say!"


    Li Shengtian looked at Xiao Yi, "Xiao, if Chen has such capability, why don''t you let him take the lead if you can''t revitalize the Xiaoshanhe Institute?"


    "Hasn''t he been in charge of the Xiaoshanhe Institute for the past decade or so?" Xiao Yi glanced at Li Shengtian and asked with a puzzled expression.


    Li Shengtian''s face stiffened: "..."


    Chen Shuiwen''s expression was also one of embarrassment: "..."


    As Xiao Yi said, the Xiaoshanhe Institute hadn''t had a president for over a decade; it was all directed by Chen Shuiwen.


    If he really had the capability to revitalize the Xiaoshanhe Institute, why wait until today?


    Chen Shuiwen coughed lightly, easing his embarrassment, and changed the subject, "The time has come, Elder Sun, please preside over this duel!"


    "Yes!"


    Sun Zhengyi bowed to Yang Ling and others, then leaped onto the stage, standing between Ye Heng and Ye Tian, he said, "This battle is a challenge by Ye Heng against Ye Tian; fists and feet have no eyes, life and death will not be attributed to blame. If Ye Tian loses, An Rujing must apologize to Ye Heng in public. If Ye Heng loses, Xiao shall apologize to An Rujing''s mentor in public. I, Sun Zhengyi, shall be the referee. Please, everyone be witnesses!"


    Yang Ling said indifferently, "Begin!"


    "Yes!"


    Sun Zhengyi glanced at the two Ye Tian, "You may begin now!"


    Whoosh!


    He stepped back behind them, standing at the edge of the stage.


    Ye Heng and Ye Tian locked eyes.


    The two were cousins and had known each other for fifteen years.


    In these fifteen years, Ye Tian was the favored child of heaven, surrounded by stars; Ye Heng was dull as dust, enduring bullying, with no one caring for him.


    Ye Tian stood tall and confident, with an air of confidence on his face. He gestured a thumbs-up to Ye Heng and then inverted his finger to point at the ground, disdainfully saying, "You''ve never been my match in these fifteen years, not before, not now, and certainly not in the future. Within three moves, I will defeat you!"


    Ye Heng shook his head and held up one finger, "Three moves are too many, one will suffice!"


    "Uh..."


    Ye Tian was taken aback but then laughed, "You do have some self-awareness, acknowledging the huge gap between us. You can''t even withstand one move from me!"


    Ye Heng shook his head, speaking earnestly, "What I mean is, one move is all I need to defeat you."


    Ye Tian: "..."


    The audience in the stands: "..."


    Li Shengtian shook his head, looking at Xiao Yi with a mocking gaze, "Just as the master, so is the disciple. The master disregards everyone, and the disciple does not know his own limits. The gap between them is as vast as a chasm, and yet he dares to boast that he will defeat Ye Tian in a single move?"


    "Confidence is a good thing, but blind confidence is not!" Tian Xiao said, shaking his head and body.


    Xiao Yi said lightly, "Do you all firmly believe that Ye Heng will lose?"


    "Of course!"


    "In seven days, at most, you may have helped him move from the Seventh Layer of Qi Gathering Realm to step into the Divine Passage Realm. How could he possibly be a match for Ye Tian?"


    The others looked self-assured.


    Xiao Yi squinted his eyes and said, "What if Ye Heng wins?"


    Li Shengtian said, "If he wins, I''ll eat this table!"


    Xiao Yi knocked on the table and clicked his tongue, "Then you are in for a treat, as this is a table made from Qinggang rock!"


    "Hmph, what if he loses?" Li Shengtian stared intently at him.


    Xiao Yi shrugged his shoulders, "If he loses, I''ll eat the table as well!"


    "Good!"


    "Agreed!"


    Li Shengtian turned to Yang Ling and the others, "Your Highness, please serve as a witness!"


    Yang Ling sighed, "Since both of you insist on this, I shall be the witness..."


    Meanwhile.


    On the stage, Ye Tian was already enraged by Ye Heng''s contempt, gritting his teeth, clenching his fists, his body trembling. His eyes filled with coldness and ferocity: "Ye Heng, prepare to die!"


    Boom!


    An aura whirled around Ye Tian, and with a flourish of his hand, a long spear appeared from his sleeve¡ªit was a Threefold Spear. Normally it could fold into three layers and be stored like an arm''s length in the sleeve, but in battle, it transformed into combat form.


    Under the cover of elemental energy, the spear tip tore through the void, buzzing loudly.


    Whoosh!


    A silver spear light burst forth, transforming into a dragon-like figure, skimming just above the ground as it sped towards its target.


    Its momentum was massive, and its sharpness unparalleled!


    The power of this strike was such that even a common warrior of the Seventh Layer of the Divine Passage Realm would not dare to take it head-on.


    "Excellent spear technique!"


    "With a lifetime devoted to the blade and the staff, those who bring their spear skills to such a realm are truly geniuses. This Ye Tian is indeed worthy of that title."


    "In my view, he''s nearly capable of congealing spear intent..."


    Ye Tian''s side was filled with great momentum.


    In contrast, Ye Heng stood firm like a pine tree, motionless.


    In fact...


    This was a habit Ye Heng had formed from repeated life-and-death struggles with demonic beasts, responding to change with the unchanging, always maintaining the most composed state. When the long spear was but three inches away from him, Ye Heng''s mild eyes suddenly shot forth a cold, predatory light, and he reached out with a swift claw.


    Clang!


    His palm firmly gripped the long spear, followed by a back shoulder throw.


    Whoosh!


    Ye Tian, along with his spear, was flung away by Ye Heng, crashing down onto the platform with a bang.


    The platform shattered, cracks spreading all around, and Ye Tian grimaced in pain.


    Ye Heng said indifferently, "You''ve lost!"


    "I have not!"


    Ye Tian got up, saying with furious embarrassment, "That was just a moment of negligence. Ye Heng, prepare to die!"


    "Too slow, your power is superficial, your cultivation is merely piled up with the help of elixirs... Your combat strength is even inferior to that of an armored boar!" Without using any martial skills, Ye Heng employed his extensive experience from fighting demonic beasts to continuously dodge Ye Tian''s splendid spear technique while leisurely making his comments.


    His attempts at striking were ineffective every time.


    The crowd in the stands, witnessing Ye Tian being completely suppressed by Ye Heng, could not hide their astonishment: "This can''t be possible, right? Ye Tian clearly has the upper hand in cultivation level, how can he not even touch Ye Heng?"


    "Incredible, Ye Heng is likely to pull off an upset victory!"


    Ye Heng''s heart-piercing comments, coupled with the completely different discussions of the spectators, infuriated Ye Tian: "Shut up! All of you, shut up!"


    "Twin Dragons Seeking the Pearl!"


    Whoosh! Whoosh!


    Two spear shadows surged out at the same time, like evil dragons competing for a Dragon Ball, charging straight at Ye Heng.


    "Now is the moment!"


    Just as Ye Tian made his move, Ye Heng''s eyes burst forth with two gleams of sharp light.


    With a sudden halt to his backward step, he pushed off the ground with hands and feet, shooting forth like an arrow released from a bow.


    Whoosh!


    His body barely passed between the two spear shadows and then leapt high into the air, bringing up his knee sharply and slamming it into Ye Tian''s chin with a loud bang.


    Wow!


    Ye Tian cried out in agony as his entire jaw shattered.


    Blood spurted from his mouth.


    His figure flew backward.


    Bang! Bang!


    Ye Tian landed in disarray, tumbling repeatedly, and was about to tumble out of the platform. Ye Heng darted after him with a flash, grabbing his throat with one hand and slowly lifting him up.


    "You, you..."


    Ye Tian''s eyes were bloodshot, and his face was burning with excruciating pain.


    He never imagined that Ye Heng, whom he had bullied for fifteen years, would actually defeat him!


    From beginning to end, Ye Heng had indeed made only one move!


    All of his pride and confidence crumbled away in that moment.


    Ye Heng looked calmly at Ye Tian: "You''ve lost!" Find exclusive stories on My Virtual Library Empire S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Lost?"


    A strange, sinister smile suddenly appeared on Ye Tian''s ferocious face, saying eerily, "Ye Heng, do you really think you have won? Look what this is..."


    Struggling, Ye Tian took out a magical pouch from his bosom.


    Seeing the magical pouch in his hand, Ye Heng''s expression suddenly changed: "..."

 Chapter 230 You Deserve to Die!

    "Ye Tian, what have you done to my mother?"Ye Heng''s pupils suddenly constricted with a furious change of color, contorting his face so much that it was unrecognizable from its original form, fixating on Ye Tian with the intensity of a hellish Asura.


    His eyes flickered with a dangerous red glow, the cold edge of a blade ready to strike.


    It made Ye Tian''s heartbeat falter sharply in front of him.


    Gulp!


    Ye Tian instinctively swallowed, his face taking on a venomous tinge to mask his inner turmoil and fear, "Don''t worry, your mother is fine, at least for now. However, if you dare to fight back in the upcoming battle, I can''t guarantee your mother will live to see tomorrow''s sun!"


    Feeling Ye Heng''s grip on his hand instinctively loosen, Ye Tian also breathed a sigh of relief.


    At the same time, he became increasingly brazen.


    Bang!


    Ye Tian threw a punch, blasting Ye Heng ten meters away and tumbling to the ground. Twisting his neck, he rubbed his stinging cheek and sneered, "Ye Heng, I never imagined that in a short seven days, you could become this terrifying. I must admit, Xiao is somewhat skilled, but it''s a pity, in the end, it''s still me, Ye Tian, who will have the last laugh."


    Bang!


    Ye Tian unleashed a kick, striking Ye Heng in the abdomen.


    Wow!


    Ye Heng let out a muffled groan, skidding ten meters across the ground and raising his head, his icy, angry gaze locked tightly on Ye Tian.


    The brocade pouch was a personal item of his mother''s.


    It had never left his mother''s hand.


    Ye Heng had never imagined that this pouch would end up in Ye Tian''s hands.


    "Ye Tian, if you dare harm a single hair on my mother, I will grind you to dust¡­" Ye Heng gritted his teeth.


    "Tsk tsk, still daring to threaten me after all this?"


    Ye Tian charged forward abruptly, throwing a punch at Ye Heng.


    Ye Heng instinctively dodged while also catching the punch.


    Having awakened the Battle War Holy Body, Ye Heng''s strength far surpassed Ye Tian''s, and having spent his days under Yi''s guidance, fighting life-and-death battles against powerful beasts, his combat awareness and experience were incomparable to Ye Tian''s, who only increased his power through pills. One fully committed strike would be enough to break Ye Tian''s arm.


    But as he prepared to act, Ye Tian''s voice rang in his ears: "You dare fight back? It seems you don''t want to see your mother again!"


    "Despicable¡­"


    Ye Heng''s eyes turned blood-red, he bit his teeth, but ultimately, he had no choice but to let go.


    Bang!


    Taking advantage, Ye Tian spun around and landed a heavy hook on Ye Heng''s face, sending him crashing away. Blood sprayed from Ye Heng''s mouth as he soared like a kite with its string cut, and Ye Tian followed closely, grabbing Ye Heng''s ankle and starting to spin in place, whipping up gusts of wind.


    Whoosh!


    Ye Tian suddenly released his grip, flinging Ye Heng high into the air.


    "Ye Heng, you are destined to be trampled under my feet your whole life. You are merely a pitiful ant, an absolute failure, while I am a genius, exalted above all. For a ruin like you to defy me is to go against heaven¡ªgo to your death!"


    Whoosh!


    Ye Tian roared, ascending rapidly to catch up with Ye Heng.


    He twisted mid-air, delivering a leg whip from above, fiercely striking Ye Heng''s back.


    Wow!


    Ye Heng''s body arched backward from the force, plummeting from the sky like a falling star, and crashed to the ground with a whoosh.


    Boom!


    Ye Heng landed hard on the stage.


    The whole martial arts field shook violently, while dust and smoke billowed on the stage, lines of cracks spreading across it.


    Cracks spread in all directions, resembling a spiderweb.


    The arena fell silent before erupting into terrified cheers, "Holy shit! What on earth happened? Wasn''t Ye Heng in the lead? How did he suddenly end up being the one getting thrashed?"


    "I guess Ye Tian must have been pulling his punches before, otherwise, it''s hard to explain such a huge contrast!"


    In the VIP seats.


    Li Shengtian clicked his tongue and chuckled strangely, saying in a mocking tone, "Director Xiao, it seems the Ye Heng you advised isn''t so great after all! At this rate, he''s going to lose!"


    Yang Ling frowned, and although he didn''t speak, his eyes, full of worry, fell on Xiao Yi.


    If Ye Heng lost today, it would be a tremendous blow to Xiao Yi''s reputation.


    If someone used this as an excuse to propagate the idea, even Yang Ling and Emperor Qian, who advocated for Xiao Yi to take over as head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute would be affected, facing immense pressure.


    Xiao Yi squinted his eyes; he didn''t know what had happened to Ye Heng, but he saw everything clear as day¡ªit all started when Ye Tian took out that brocade bag. Xiao Yi''s eyebrows knitted tightly, and all of a sudden, he turned to glance at the smugly smiling Chen Shuiwen beside him, "Director Chen, truly clever tactics!"


    "Ah?"


    Putting on a surprised look, Chen Shuiwen said with an innocent face, "Chen doesn''t know what Director Xiao is referring to. If it''s about advising disciples in their cultivation, after all, Chen has been a vice director for many years and has mentored no small number of students. Director Xiao, after all, is still young. To be able to guide Ye Heng to such a level of combat strength in just seven days is indeed commendable!"


    The brocade bag in Ye Tian''s hands was, of course, his masterpiece.


    Although he spent a fortune to buy the Jade Fetal Elixir for Ye Tian, just in case, he had someone kidnap Ye Heng''s mother and handed the brocade bag to Ye Tian.


    It was just a precaution.


    Now looking at it...


    If it weren''t for his shrewd move, today he would have likely taken the fall here.


    With this thought.


    Chen Shuiwen, amidst his triumph, grew even more wary of Xiao Yi.


    He never expected Xiao Yi to be able to train Ye Heng, a mere Seventh Layer of Qi Gathering Realm, to such strength in just seven days. If it weren''t for Ye Tian holding the brocade bag, Ye Heng would have already won the victory!


    Xiao Yi''s expression became slightly tense.


    Watching Ye Heng continuously suffering Ye Tian''s relentless beating without being able to fight back, Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes and suddenly said to Yang Ling beside him, "Your Highness Yang Ling, Ye Heng possesses one of the top ten Sacred Bodies, the Battle War Holy Body. I think he should be cultivated with emphasis. If he wins this battle, I hope Your Highness can secure a reward for Ye Heng!"


    Explore more at My Virtual Library Empire


    "Battle War Holy Body?" sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Yang Ling exclaimed with surprise.


    Chen Shuiwen, Li Shengtian, and others were also baffled.


    The Battle War Holy Body, ah!


    Ranked high among the top ten Sacred Bodies, although not as formidable as Xiao Tianjiao''s Supreme Overlord Holy Body, it was still extremely powerful.


    Within the entire Great Qian Dynasty, strong individuals possessing a Sacred Body were rarities, pillars of the major sects.


    If Ye Heng indeed possessed the Battle War Holy Body, his future would be boundless, and even the royal family would treat him as a treasure, investing limitless resources to nurture him.


    Xiao Yi nodded, "Yes, it is the Battle War Holy Body!"


    Yang Ling said gravely, "If Ye Heng truly has the Battle War Holy Body, on behalf of my Emperor Father, I can promise to bestow upon him the title of a first-class earl, and moreover, until he reaches the Tao Tribulation Realm, all resources will be borne by the royal family!"


    Xiao Yi asked, "What about his family?"


    Yang Ling replied, "His family will naturally also be rewarded, and his parents will also be ennobled, receiving the protection of the royal family. Whoever dares to harm his family will be making an enemy of the Great Qian royal house!"


    Whir!


    Yang Ling''s words turned Chen Shuiwen''s face pale.


    Xiao Yi nodded, then shouted towards the arena, "Ye Heng, stop holding back, as long as you win this fight, His Highness promises you the title of a first-class earl, and your family will also be protected; no one will dare to threaten them!"


    On the arena.


    As Ye Heng''s head was bombarded relentlessly by Ye Tian, his expression dramatically changed and a fierce battle light shone in his eyes. With his body shaking, he let out an angry roar that sent a terrible surge around him, flinging Ye Tian away.


    Ye Heng slowly rose to his feet, his face fierce as he stared at Ye Tian, "Ye Tian, you deserve to die!"

 Chapter 231 The Battle War Holy Body First Shows Its Might

    "You should die!"Ye Heng''s eyes were cold as ice as he looked at Ye Tian.


    From childhood to adulthood.


    He had suffered under Ye Tian''s bullying, and for a long time, no one in the Ye Family wanted to lay eyes on him.


    Especially after his father''s death.


    The Ye Family gave no living space to him and his mother, his mother was driven out of the former courtyard by Ye Tian''s father, even treated worse than some servants.


    He and his mother could only live in a shed for firewood.


    To support his cultivation, his mother washed clothes for the young masters and mistresses of the Ye Family, and she went out to mend clothes for others to earn a living. But even under such difficult circumstances, Ye Heng''s mother never cut back on his food, she didn''t compromise his attire, nor did she stint on his medicinal pills.


    Mother and son had been reliant on each other for more than ten years.


    During this time...


    No matter in the Ye Family or in the Xiaoshanhe Institute, Ye Tian never stopped oppressing him.


    If it wasn''t for Xiao Yi this time, Ye Heng would have feared living under Ye Tian''s oppression for his entire life.


    It was Xiao Yi who gave him the chance to rise up.


    It was Xiao Yi who enabled him to stand up again.


    At the same time.


    Ye Heng was also very clear about what this battle represented, it was not only a grudge between him and Ye Tian, but also a gamble between Xiao Yi and Chen Shuiwen.


    Because of this.


    Ye Heng wanted to defeat Ye Tian from the beginning, but Ye Tian threatened him with his mother''s keepsake, which caused Ye Heng to hesitate and not dare to fight back. He could only passively take a beating, and if not for the amazing resilience of the Battle War Holy Body, under Ye Tian''s frenzied attacks, he would have been seriously injured, even close to death.


    He wanted to resist, but worrying about the safety of his mother and wife''s lives, he didn''t dare to fight back.


    That kind of frustration could drive a person insane.


    Until now...


    At his most helpless moment, Xiao Yi once again stood up for him.


    As long as he won this battle, he would have the title of a first-class earl, and even his mother would be the mother of an earl.


    In this way. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Even Chen Shuiwen, who was behind Ye Tian, would not dare to touch Ye Heng''s mother anymore.


    Knowing that his mother and wife''s lives were safe, Ye Heng naturally stopped holding back.


    Gululu!


    Ye Tian swallowed hard, a flash of annoyance crossing his eyes, "Ye Heng, don''t you care about your mother anymore? How much has she suffered for you these years, could it be that you..."


    Slap!


    Ye Heng cut him off with a slap.


    Ye Tian''s left cheek swelled up, his mouth bloody and teeth shattered, he looked at Ye Heng blankly, "Are you crazy?"


    Slap! Slap!


    This time, a back and forth slap made Ye Tian see stars and feel dizzy, Ye Heng said coldly, "Do you still dare to mention the suffering my mother has endured? If it wasn''t for your family targeting us at every turn, would my mother have had such a hard life?"


    Bang!


    A punch landed on Ye Tian, causing him to spray blood continuously, Ye Heng said coldly, "If you hadn''t come every so often to beat me up with your cronies, would my mother need to wash clothes for others in the dead of winter, earning money to heal me?"


    "I, I..."


    Boom!


    Ye Heng grabbed Ye Tian''s head with both hands and slammed it into his knee, Ye Tian''s nose bridge shattered, blood spraying and falling onto Ye Heng''s body.


    Ye Heng seemed unfazed, clutching Ye Tian''s neck tightly and smashing him to the ground with a thunderous noise, blood bursting out from the back of Ye Tian''s head. Ye Heng''s voice turned even colder, "Ye Tian, you have called me trash over and over again, today, I will let you know who the real trash is!"


    "Battle War Holy Body, invincible in all battles!"


    Boom!


    Ye Heng''s roar shook the heavens.


    Golden streams of Qi swirled around his body, their speed and number increasing rapidly.


    In an instant.


    They had transformed into a golden storm, enveloping his figure.


    His robe whipped about noisily, and his hair danced wildly.


    Roar!


    A massive sound suddenly emerged behind him.


    It was unmistakably the Battle Saint Ape!


    As the ten-zhang-tall Battle Saint Ape materialized, it provoked shocked exclamations from the martial arts field: "Holy shit, what is that?"


    "Innate Divine Ability! Ye Heng has reached the Shentong Realm, awakening his Innate Divine Ability... unbelievable, how exactly did Xiao Yi do it? In just seven days, he actually helped the Seventh Layer of Qi Gathering Realm Ye Heng break through to the Shentong Realm..."


    "This, this seems to be the legendary Battle Saint Ape, is Ye Heng the possessor of a Battle War Holy Body?"


    "My god! So Xiao Yi was right after all, Ye Heng is the true genius, a peerless genius with a Battle War Holy Body..."


    In the VIP seats.


    Chen Shuiwen''s face alternated between shades of green and white, his hands crushing the armrests into powder, his veins throbbing wildly.


    Li Shengtian and Tian Xiao also had gloomy expressions.


    Continue your journey at My Virtual Library Empire


    Their faces burning.


    As if they had been viciously slapped dozens of times.


    But Yang Ling was incomparably excited, forgetting Emperor Qian''s admonitions as he stood up from his seat, slapping the table and exclaiming, "Hahaha, Xiao Yi, you truly did not disappoint me and Father Emperor! A Battle War Holy Body! The Great Qian Dynasty has produced another Sacred Body, your contributions are immeasurable. Giving Xiaoshanhe Institute into your hands was indeed the right choice!"


    Xiao Yi''s mouth curved in a slight smile, scanning the extremely embarrassed Chen Shuiwen, Li Shengtian, and the others with a cold chuckle in his heart.


    Of course...


    The most awkward was the once insufferably arrogant An Rujing.


    At this moment, An Rujing stood dumbfounded, her complexion deathly pale, her body quivering uncontrollably, disbelief written all over her face: "How, how can this be? Ye, Ye Heng is a Battle War Holy Body? This, this is one of the ten great Sacred Bodies, my former student is actually a possessor of a Sacred Body? I, I''ve always treated him like trash?"


    At this moment, An Rujing felt the world spinning, everything becoming incredibly dark.


    This was one of the ten great Sacred Bodies!


    Within the vast Great Qian Dynasty, only a scarce few people possessed a Sacred Body.


    Each of them standing at the pinnacle of the Great Qian Dynasty''s martial path.


    If she had been the one to cultivate Ye Heng, then An Rujing''s name would have gone down in history. But now, all that glory had nothing to do with her anymore.


    Looking at the triumphant Ye Heng, and then at Ye Tian, lying on the ground like a lump of mud.


    An Rujing felt as if she must be blind, to have ignored a treasure and instead wasted her time on Ye Tian, a mere copper coin.


    Let''s pause the crowd''s reaction for now.


    Turning back to the stage above...


    Seeing the enormous Battle Saint Ape behind Ye Heng, Ye Tian was so terrified that he shook uncontrollably, soiling himself, scrambling on hands and knees towards Ye Heng, continuously kowtowing and begging for mercy: "Ye Heng, spare my life! I realize my mistake, please, for the sake of us being from the same clan, let me go this time, I dare not do it again..."


    Ye Heng looked down with icy eyes, and said indifferently, "Principal Xiao once told me a saying, ''Being merciful to the enemy is being cruel to oneself''. In your next life, remember to be a good person!"


    "No..."


    Ye Tian''s eyes were filled with cracks, as he howled in despair.


    Ye Heng lifted his foot, and so did the Battle Saint Ape towering behind him, its giant foot coming down from the sky with a buzzing sound.


    Boom!


    A thunderous noise echoed over the entire martial arts field.


    When the Battle Saint Ape behind Ye Heng disappeared, what remained on the ground was only a squashed pile of flesh...

 Chapter 232 Mr. Li, Please Start Your Performance!

    "..."The vast martial arts arena was silent as a graveyard.


    All the strong men were dumbfounded, as if invisible hands were gripping their throats tightly, leaving them unable to speak.


    They had all heard of the might of the Sacred Body, but none had ever witnessed it with their own eyes.


    But now...


    Ye Heng showed them what a Sacred Body was!


    Bang!


    The Battle Saint Ape behind Ye Heng returned to his body, tears streaming down its eyes as it fell to its knees with a thud and bowed deeply to Xiao Yi, as if mustering all its strength to shout, "Xiao, I, your disciple Ye Heng, have not disappointed you!"


    This roar released all the frustration he had bottled up over the past decade.


    All his resentment vanished in that moment.


    Xiao Yi''s mouth curved into a smile as he slowly stood up, "Well done!"


    Continue reading on My Virtual Library Empire


    "Thank you, Xiao!"


    Ye Heng expressed his thanks but remained on the ground, his head continuously knocking against the floor, making a thudding sound, and declared loudly, "Disciple Ye Heng earnestly requests Xiao to accept me as his disciple!"


    Whir!


    The entire martial arts field fell even quieter.


    All eyes turned to Xiao Yi, "Ye Heng is choosing to take a master at this time? He is a Battle War Holy Body after all, and following this battle, his name will spread throughout the Great Qian Dynasty. Soon, not only Xiao Yi, but even the leaders of the top ten sects will be vying to take him as a disciple, there''s surely no need for him to do this now!"


    "That, you probably don''t know, huh? Xiao is his benefactor. If not for Xiao Yi, Ye Heng would still be buried in obscurity!"


    "That''s true, I too felt that Xiao Yi was too young to be head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute. But now it seems he is indeed the most suitable candidate for the position!"


    "Hmph, it''s just good luck! Xiaoshanhe Institute will only flourish under Chen''s leadership!"


    "Good luck? Flourish? Brother, are you Chen Shuiwen''s own son by any chance? If he was really capable of revitalizing the Xiaoshanhe Institute, why has its reputation fallen increasingly over the past decade? If he had the ability, would Ye Heng have remained hidden for so long without being discovered?"


    "I know him, he''s an instructor from Xiaoshanhe Institute, Zou Zheng..."


    "So he''s one of Chen Shuiwen''s dogs..."


    For a time.


    Under the relentless jeering and mockery from the crowd, Zou Zheng fled with his tail between his legs, not daring to stay in the stands any longer.


    People''s gaze returned to Xiao Yi once more.


    Waiting for Xiao Yi to take a disciple.


    Xiao Yi''s gaze flickered; indeed, he had taken a liking to Ye Heng. Over these seven days, Ye Heng''s resilience and circumstances were very similar to his own.


    Just as Xiao Yi was about to agree.


    Li Shengtian and Tian Xiao were secretly communicating, "Xiao Yifeng is too prominent. If he takes a Sacred Body as his disciple, it will be much harder for us to bring him down later."


    Tian Xiao, "We absolutely cannot let him take a disciple!"


    Chen Shuiwen said, "We must stop it!"


    With that thought.


    Li Shengtian coughed lightly and looked at Yang Ling, "Your Highness, the matter of the Sacred Body taking a master is of great importance; I believe it is best to inform His Majesty and let him decide!"


    Tian Xiao agreed, "Indeed, this decision cannot be made lightly!"


    Chen Shuiwen made a show of nodding, "Xiao is indeed excellent, but as for whom Ye Heng should take as a master, I think that is still up for discussion!"


    "This..."


    Yang Ling furrowed his brows, as he naturally wouldn''t hinder Ye Heng from becoming Xiao Yi''s disciple.


    But with Li Shengtian and the others exerting significant influence and adamantly objecting, even invoking Emperor Qian,


    it wasn''t his place to overstep.


    This matter must be reported to Emperor Qian.


    Yang Ling took a deep breath and cast an apologetic glance at Xiao Yi before saying, "Mr. Li''s words make sense. Let''s discuss this matter later. Xiao, what do you think?"


    Xiao Yi gave Li Shengtian and the others a deep look filled with conceit, shrugged his shoulders, and said, "Then let''s follow His Highness''s wishes."


    Yang Ling nodded and turned to Ye Heng on the stage, "Ye Heng, you''ve heard what Mr. Li and the others said as well. Let''s talk about the matter of accepting disciples another day!"


    Ye Heng was unmoved and just looked at Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi smiled, "Ye Heng, please get up first!"


    "Yes!"


    Ye Heng immediately stood up, swept his gaze over the crowd, and fixed it on An Rujing, "Mr. An, does our bet still stand?"


    An Rujing''s face stiffened.


    Have her apologize to a disciple in public?


    How would she continue to stay at Xiaoshanhe Institute after that?


    An Rujing looked at Chen Shuiwen with a pleading gaze, hoping that he would intervene to extricate her from the situation. However, at this moment, Chen Shuiwen was thinking of currying favor with Ye Heng, hoping Ye Heng would eventually accept him as a mentor. How could he help her and offend Ye Heng?


    "Ahem!"


    Chen Shuiwen cleared his throat and spoke righteously, "Mr. An, a bet is a bet. Won''t you apologize to Ye Heng?"


    "..."


    Faced ashen, An Rujing knew she wouldn''t be able to leave the training field today unless she apologized, and so she reluctantly walked up to the stage. Biting her lips tightly, her delicate hands clenched into fists, her nails digging deep into the palms of her hands, blood flowing through her fingers, she gritted her teeth and said, "Ye Heng, it was my fault for not recognizing talent and causing you to be hidden in the dust. I beg for your forgiveness!"


    Swish!


    An Rujing made a meticulous bow at ninety degrees as she apologized.


    Now her heart was filled with regret.


    If only she had known, she wouldn''t have been biased against Ye Heng.


    But alas, there''s no such thing as a regret medicine in this world.


    Ye Heng looked at An Rujing, who had insulted him several times and even sided with Ye Tian when he was bullying him. Taking a deep breath, he said, "Mr. An, I hope you remember this saying, ''Never bully the young and poor!''"


    An Rujing clenched her teeth, "An Rujing has learned her lesson!"


    Thereupon...


    An Rujing turned around and bowed deeply to Xiao Yi and Yang Ling. She said solemnly, "Your Highness Yang Ling, Headmaster Xiao, I am aware that I am not competent enough for the position of an instructor, and I voluntarily resign!"


    How could she face staying at Xiaoshanhe Institute now?


    Better to leave right away. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi and Yang Ling exchanged glances, and Yang Ling said, "Granted!"


    An Rujing bowed to everyone, then walked towards the exit of the training field. As she walked, whispers entered her ears: "It''s for the best that such a harmful instructor is gone!"


    "Indeed, who would dare to send their child to her anymore?"


    An Rujing''s delicate frame trembled, and she bit her teeth firmly, only letting out a mouthful of fresh blood after she had left the training field.


    Her eyes were full of resentment and hatred: "Xiao Yi, Ye Heng, Chen Shuiwen... I will not let you off..."


    In the VIP seating area.


    Chen Shuiwen''s eyes flickered as he tentatively asked, "Your Highness, since the fight today is over, should we let everyone disperse?"


    Tian Xiao also spoke up, "Your Highness, there are important matters to deal with in the court. Let''s call it a day!"


    Yang Ling was taken aback, about to speak, but was interrupted by Xiao Yi.


    "Have you gentlemen forgotten so quickly? It has only been a short while, and you''ve already forgotten about the bet between Mr. Li and myself!"


    Xiao Yi lifted the red silk covering the table, tapped his finger on the cyan-inkstone table producing a dull thud, and looked at Li Shengtian, whose face was ashen, with a smile, "Mr. Li, please begin your performance!"

 Chapter 233 Stirring All Directions

    "Mr. Li, please begin your performance!"Xiao Yi pointed at the green oak stone table in front of him and made a welcoming gesture.


    Yang Ling: "..."


    Tian Xiao: "..."


    Chen Shuiwen: "..."


    The expression on Li Shengtian''s face kept changing, and he squinted his eyes as he measured up Xiao Yi, pronouncing each word carefully, "Principal Xiao, are you sure you want to be so aggressive?"


    "Me, aggressive?"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback, then couldn''t help but laugh, "When you snatched the principal position from me in the imperial palace, why didn''t you say it was aggressive? Before Ye Heng and Ye Tian fought, when you were everywhere trying to set up a wager with me, why wasn''t that considered aggressive? When Ye Heng became a disciple and you intervened to stop it, why didn''t you find that aggressive? Now you have the nerve to accuse me of being aggressive¡ªdo you think the higher your office, the thicker your face becomes, expecting everyone to show you respect?"


    There was no direct conflict between him and Li Shengtian.


    If we''re talking about grievances...


    It was just that the Black Hawk Gang under the command of Li Shengtian''s son, which bullied and oppressed the common people, had been wiped out by him.


    Because of this... Continue your journey on My Virtual Library Empire


    Li Shengtian had targeted him at every turn. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A gentleman avenges his grievances, does he not?


    And who more so than Xiao Yi?


    "You..."


    Li Shengtian''s face turned shades of green and white with rage, his moustache puffing as his eyes bulged in anger, staring fixedly at Xiao Yi, "Xiao Yi, very well, this matter¡ªI, Li Shengtian, will remember it!"


    Bang!


    Li Shengtian slammed his palm down on the table, and the entire green oak stone table was smashed into powder.


    He snorted coldly and strode away.


    This old rogue had opted to play dirty!


    Xiao Yi called out loudly, "Yu Huaxian, pack up this green oak stone table powder and send it to Mr. Li''s residence, to nourish his body!"


    "Yes!"


    Yu Huaxian responded loudly.


    Li Shengtian, who was walking ahead, stumbled and nearly fell to the ground, but did not dare to stop and fled in a panic.


    Yang Ling gave a wry smile as he looked at Xiao Yi, "Why push so hard? Mr. Li has many followers, and his father-in-law is even an elder of the Tianjian Sect. Offending him like this, I fear there will be much trouble ahead."


    Xiao Yi rolled his eyes, "Do you really think that if I hadn''t done this, he would be grateful to me?"


    "Uh..."


    Yang Ling was taken aback and shook his head helplessly.


    With Li Shengtian''s domineering character, who couldn''t tolerate even the slightest dissent, how could he just let it go?


    Yang Ling sighed and then said, "I''ll report back to Emperor Qian immediately. As for the matter of Ye Heng becoming a disciple, you needn''t worry; it''s just a formality. Both Emperor Qian and I definitely support him becoming your disciple!"


    Emperor Qian had entrusted Xiaoshanhe Institute to Xiao Yi because he wanted to support the Institute to restrain the ten major sects and the four great clans and to help empower the imperial family.


    He would naturally support Xiao Yi wholeheartedly.


    Xiao Yi nodded, "Let''s have a good gathering at the discipleship banquet later!"


    "Good, I''ll swipe a few jars of fine wine from Emperor Qian''s wine cellar for you!" Yang Ling grinned and went on his way.


    Xiao Yi glanced at the crowd in the martial arts field that had not yet dispersed.


    When he first arrived, many people were extremely indifferent towards him, and many even thought he was completely incapable of managing Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    But now...


    The looks many people gave him had undergone a complete transformation.


    From initial indifference, it had turned fervent, even to the point of adoration.


    Clearly, he had already garnered the recognition of many people.


    Xiao Yi lightly coughed to get everyone''s attention and then spoke loudly, "Ladies and gentlemen, as the new head of Xiaoshanhe Institute, I will soon be opening our doors to recruit both students and mentors. Anyone who believes they possess a unique skill or is willing to join the Xiaoshanhe Institute is welcome to try out. I trust that no one will be disappointed!"


    In the previous decade, Chen Shuiwen had been using his power for personal gain and amassing influence.


    He mostly treated the Xiaoshanhe Institute as a tool for his own power and benefits, to the point where the reputation of the institute had deteriorated, leading to its gradual decline.


    Now that Xiao Yi had taken over the Xiaoshanhe Institute, he had broken the stalemate, using Ye Heng as a breakthrough point.


    The Xiaoshanhe Institute was bound to face a brand new situation.


    "Principal Xiao, rest assured, we will definitely support you!"


    "My younger brother originally wanted to go to the Kuangdao Sect, one of the top ten sects, but now I think it''s worth letting him try out the Xiaoshanhe Institute¡­"


    "Principal Xiao has only been here a few days and already identified a Sacred Body such as Ye Heng. With your discerning eye for talent, I believe the Xiaoshanhe Institute will become stronger and stronger under your leadership¡­"


    "Principal Xiao, when is the Xiaoshanhe Institute next recruiting students and mentors?"


    The crowd responded one after another.


    Xiao Yi said with a smile, "The plan is to hold it three days from now. As long as you pass the assessments and join the Xiaoshanhe Institute, all disciples'' cultivation resources will be fully covered by us. In addition, if anyone becomes a mentor in the Xiaoshanhe Institute, I, Xiao Yi, guarantee to provide all necessary resources until they break through to the Tao Tribulation Realm. After that, each person will be provided with a fourth-grade Yuan weapon!"


    Hisss!


    A gasp of astonishment rose from the crowd.


    Cultivation resources, fourth-grade Yuan weapons!


    Each was worth a fortune!


    The crowd was stunned by Xiao Yi''s generous offer.


    For a moment,


    Countless powerhouses were secretly tantalized.


    Since ancient times, there has been a saying of the poor scholar and the rich warrior. For the cultivation of martial arts, talent is indeed important, as is a good mentor, but what truly stumps the vast majority is the lack of resources!


    Ever since Ye Heng had defeated Ye Tian, Chen Shuiwen, whose face had been extremely unsightly, suddenly showed a look of wild joy when he heard Xiao Yi''s announcement. Over the years, Xiaoshanhe Institute had almost been hollowed out by him, and even the recently audited account books by Yan Mingli and others had been destroyed.


    The Xiaoshanhe Institute''s available resources couldn''t even suffice for the monthly cultivation of a single Golden Core Realm expert.


    In such a situation,


    Xiao Yi was actually planning a large-scale recruitment of students and mentors, and committing to cover the cultivation resources. This seemed like a road to ruin in Chen Shuiwen''s eyes!


    Once the recruits come and there''s no money to be had,


    Not only Xiao Yi''s reputation would be ruined, but if those students and mentors made an uproar, even his position as head of the institute would be in jeopardy!


    "Hahaha, this is truly Heaven helping me!"


    Chen Shuiwen was ecstatic in his heart, yet his face displayed a look of concern as he feigned advice, "Principal Xiao, with the current state of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, I''m afraid it will be difficult to support the cultivation resources for too many students and mentors!"


    Xiao Yi looked at Chen Shuiwen intently and smiled, "No matter, I will find a way!"


    "Find a way? What can you possibly do? Go ahead, recruit more. When you can''t provide the necessary resources, I''ll see what you do!"


    Chen Shuiwen sneered internally but maintained a solemn appearance, "Principal Xiao is truly a man valued by Emperor Qian, I believe that under your stewardship, the Xiaoshanhe Institute will certainly regain its former glory!"


    "I believe so too!"


    Xiao Yi said, smiling.


    The two of them were cordial on the surface, but each harbored their own devious motives!


    The atmosphere was quite awkward!


    A short while later¡­


    The crowd gradually dispersed, and the news of Xiao Yi massively recruiting mentors and students for the Xiaoshanhe Institute, as well as the revelation that Ye Heng was a Battle War Holy Body, spread like wildfire throughout the Great Qian Dynasty.


    For the first time, the name Xiao Yi sent shockwaves in all directions!

 Chapter 234 Im Really Fucking Poor!

    Inside the western chamber.Chen Shuiwen convened with Sun Zhengyi and others once again, but this time, the gathering clearly had a few fewer attendees than before.


    With a sullen face, Chen Shuiwen asked, "Where are Wang Li and Jiang Yue?"


    Sun Zhengyi answered, "When I went to call them, they said they weren''t feeling well..."


    "Not feeling well?"


    Chen Shuiwen let out a cold snort and sneered contemptuously, "Most likely, they perceive that I''m at a disadvantage in this round and want to distance themselves from me. Never mind them, once I''ve dealt with Xiao Yi, let''s see how I''ll pinch them."


    Sun Zhengyi hurriedly said, "Chancellor, rest assured, we are firmly on your side and will definitely not be fence-sitters like those two!"


    "Right, in life we are yours, in death we are your ghosts!"


    "What''s Xiao Yi anyway? It''s just that he''s had some good luck today, even running into Ye Heng..."


    Several people added hastily.


    Although Chen Shuiwen knew they were simply flattering him, their words were still music to his ears.


    Chen Shuiwen''s expression softened somewhat, and he spoke indifferently, "The matter with Ye Heng isn''t over yet. Today, Mr. Li stepped in to intervene, preventing Ye Heng from successfully becoming a disciple. Sun Zhengyi, from now on, you must stay in contact with Mr. Li and make sure to prevent Ye Heng from taking Xiao Yi as his master. Otherwise, having a disciple with a Sacred Body will become a big problem!"


    "Chancellor, don''t worry. I will head to Mr. Li''s residence right after this!" Sun Zhengyi stated.


    Chen Shuiwen nodded and continued, "Xiao Yi wants to recruit disciples and mentors, and he will certainly need your help..."


    Zou Zheng said with a fawning face, "Chancellor, rest assured, we definitely won''t let Xiao Yi recruit any disciples!"


    "Nonsense!"


    Chen Shuiwen rebuked sharply, his face twisted into a malicious grin, "Not only must we not stop it, but we must also assist Xiao Yi with all our might, ensuring he recruits as many people as possible."


    "Ah?"


    The crowd was momentarily stunned, confused yet impressed.


    If Xiao Yi recruited enough disciples and mentors, wouldn''t Xiaoshanhe Institute fall into his control?


    In the corner.


    A middle-aged man with a sharp chin and monkey-like cheeks spoke in a sinister tone, "Chancellor, this is a brilliant move!"


    "Hm?"


    The others looked at him, not understanding.


    Zou Zheng asked in confusion, "God of Wealth, what do you mean by that?"


    This person was none other than Chen Shuiwen''s absolute confidant, a Nine-fold Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouse Chen Xing, who also managed the finances of Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    All resources of Xiaoshanhe Institute had to pass through his hands.


    Thus, people called him the God of Wealth!


    Grinning widely, Chen Xing said with a sly look, "Xiao Yi has made a grand claim that he will cover all cultivation resources for the disciples and mentors. Do you know how huge an expense that is? Not to mention anything else, just with the current size of Xiaoshanhe Institute, providing resources in his promised manner would cost three hundred million Silver Taels monthly. If he recklessly doubles the number of disciples and mentors, that''s a monthly expense of six hundred million Silver Taels. And right now, there''s less than a hundred million in Xiaoshanhe Institute''s accounts..."


    Hiss!


    Everyone drew a sharp breath.


    Then they understood Chen Shuiwen''s intention.


    "The Chancellor is indeed astute!"


    "When Xiao Yi can''t provide the resources, won''t the newly arrived mentors and disciples tear him apart?"


    Chen Shuiwen smiled smugly, saying, "As long as you follow me properly, naturally you''ll reap your benefits! As for that Xiao Yi... just a wet-behind-the-ears boy thinking he can arm wrestle with me? He''s still too naive..."


    ......


    In the eastern wing room.


    Xiao Yi and the others were also gathered together, with Little Lin climbing onto his shoulder, "Boss, it''s just as you expected, Chen Shuiwen has called all those people together."


    Yu Huaxian asked, "Little Lin, what is their plan?"


    Little Lin nodded, his face showing a human-like mockery, "They are thinking of obstructing Ye Heng from becoming an apprentice, and at the same time they will do their utmost to help us recruit disciples and tutors, just waiting to see you fail to produce the promised resources so they can laugh at us!"


    "These guys are really cunning!"


    "Xiao is truly formidable, everything is just as you predicted..."


    Xiao Yi waved his hand and said in a deep voice, "There''s no need to worry about Ye Heng. As long as he is determined to take me as his master, even if Emperor Qian speaks out, it will be useless. Moreover, Emperor Qian will stand on our side..." He paused, then continued, "As for recruiting disciples and tutors, Chen Shuiwen and others are waiting to laugh at us, but this time they definitely won''t trip us up; on the contrary, they will help us by all means possible. We should recruit as many disciples and excellent tutors as possible, and I will also find a way to bring in some experts!"


    Currently, almost all tutors and disciples at the Xiaoshanhe Institute belonged to Chen Shuiwen''s faction.


    Xiao Yi must quickly cultivate his own loyal followers; otherwise, in the struggle for control of Xiaoshanhe Institute with Chen Shuiwen, he would ultimately be at a disadvantage.


    "Yu Huaxian, leave the recruitment of disciples to you and Bing Xin. Elder Yan and Elder Xue will be responsible for the tutors!" Xiao Yi assigned the tasks.


    Everyone nodded.


    Yan Mingli hesitated for a moment before asking, "Xiao, how many should we recruit this time?"


    Xiao Yi pondered for a moment and replied, "For now, let''s recruit twice the current size!"


    "Currently, the Xiaoshanhe Institute has seventy-three tutors and just over four thousand nine hundred disciples... If we recruit at twice the size, we''ll need roughly one hundred fifty tutors and ten thousand disciples..."


    Yan Mingli''s deep eyes sparkled with wisdom.


    Find exclusive stories on My Virtual Library Empire


    Xiao Yi nodded, "Based on that scale, how much would our expenses be each month?" S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Yan Mingli replied with a wry smile, "Almost one billion per month, and that doesn''t even include the granting of a fourth-rank Yuan weapon should any tutor break through to the Tao Tribulation Realm."


    "One billion silver taels a month? Good gracious!" Yu Huaxian swallowed hard.


    Xiao Yi knew the expenses would be large, but he didn''t expect them to be this enormous; frowning, he asked, "Elder Yan, how much money do we still have?"


    When he left the Tianqing Kingdom, Jiang Tai had given him fifty billion silver taels as a reserve.


    "There were fifty billion silver taels that you previously gave me. A few days ago, you withdrew five billion for Ye Heng''s cultivation. Adding some expenses during this time, we still have forty-four billion five hundred million silver taels. Ten billion of which must be reserved for the ancestral worship ceremony in three months. This means we can support our expenses for at most three months!" Yan Mingli explained clearly, then added, "And if any tutors break through to the Tao Tribulation Realm within these three months, that expense is additional!"


    Xiao Yi''s eyebrows were tightly knit.


    He had thought that fifty billion was a lot, but who would have guessed that it was only enough to cover three months of expenses?


    Although if he just asked, Jiang Tai would provide the silver, even if he had to sell his last pot, Xiao Yi was unwilling to do that.


    The Tianqing Kingdom was in need of advancement in all trades and industries. If too much silver was drawn, it would certainly impact the development of the Tianqing Kingdom.


    "When will the royal subsidies arrive?" Xiao Yi inquired.


    Yan Mingli replied with a bitter smile, "This year''s subsidy was distributed half a year ago. Now that all the account books have been destroyed, there''s less than one billion silver taels left in the treasury..."


    "Those bastards..."


    Xiao Yi immediately felt a headache coming on. But the situation was such that they had to shoot the arrow since it was already on the string, so he said, "I''ll figure out a way for the funds. You just proceed according to the plan!"


    "Yes!"


    Everyone nodded and then dispersed.


    Xiao Yi leaned back in his chair and tapped his fingers lightly on the table, feeling a sense of helplessness wash over him.


    He had thought himself rather wealthy, but now it seemed...


    I''m truly damn poor!

 Chapter 235 Only a Fool Would Not Take Advantage of a Bargain

    Xiaoshanhe Institute.Ye Heng, dressed in a profound garb, carried two large cauldrons on his shoulders as he ran rapidly around the martial arts field.


    His speed was incredibly fast, each cauldron weighing several thousand pounds, yet he carried them with ease. His tiptoes touched the ground as if he were a dragonfly skimming water, barely making contact before taking off again.


    His swift pace kicked up clouds of dust behind him.


    He had been persisting in his training since before dawn.


    The martial arts field measured a couple thousand meters in circumference, and only after fifty laps did he stop, placing the two cauldrons back in the corner of the field.


    Thud, thud!


    The cauldrons landed with a resonant sound.


    "Ye Heng!"


    A clear voice suddenly came from behind him; a graceful young lady approached him, her white dress flowing as she moved.


    Ye Heng paused, wiping the sweat from his forehead, and said, "Nangong!"


    Nangong Liuyun.


    The lady of a collateral branch of the Nangong Clan, one of the Great Qian Dynasty''s four main noble families, and also the goddess in the hearts of all male disciples in Ye Heng''s cohort.


    In the past...


    Nangong Liuyun rarely even gave him a second glance.


    He hadn''t expected her to initiate a greeting today.


    With a gentle smile on her face, Nangong Liuyun took out a handkerchief attempting to wipe Ye Heng''s sweat, but he dodged her, looking at her questioningly, "Nangong, do you need something from me?"


    Seeing that Ye Heng refused to let her wipe his sweat, Nangong Liuyun showed no displeasure, simply putting the handkerchief away. A radiant smile appeared on her face, which was as beautiful as a portrait, "Ye Heng, actually, from the first time I saw you, I already liked you."


    Ye Heng was taken aback, raising an eyebrow, "Nangong, don''t joke with me. You are the pride of heaven, how could you possibly have taken a liking to me?"


    "I knew you wouldn''t believe me, which is why I didn''t know how to tell you!"


    Nangong Liuyun looked hurt, sighed, and said, "But now I''m afraid, if I don''t speak my feelings, I may never have another chance. I don''t want to miss out on you, Ye Heng. Would you be willing to be with me?"


    Nangong Liuyun tilted her head slightly, blinking her watery large eyes.


    Her exquisite face bore an expression of slight grievance and expectation, truly mesmerizing.


    Gulp! sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ye Heng swallowed, after all, she was once his goddess!


    Ye Heng hesitated for a moment, then grabbed Nangong Liuyun''s hands, rubbing them in his palms, and said, intoxicated, "Nangong, actually, I have always liked you too. Can, can I hug you?"


    "Ah?"


    Nangong Liuyun was stunned.


    Ye Heng looked injured, "Forget it, just pretend I never said anything. I know, it was indeed too presumptuous of me!"


    "Oh, no, it''s not that."


    Nangong Liuyun''s complexion changed, she quickly embraced Ye Heng, saying hurriedly, "I''m not unwilling, it was just... a bit sudden!"


    Ye Heng''s lips curled up slightly, his hands gliding across Nangong Liuyun''s body.


    She felt extremely uncomfortable, twisting her body continuously.


    Ye Heng said, "Nangong, since we''re both willing, why don''t you come to my room?"


    "Ah?"


    Nangong Liuyun was shocked, unable to break free from Ye Heng''s embrace, his body rubbing against hers. She steeled herself and said, "Ye Heng, we can''t be like this. You, if you want to have me, you must at least marry me in a proper ceremony!"


    Ye Heng said, "But... I have no power or influence, would the Nangong Family be willing to let you marry me?"


    "This, this might be a bit difficult, but..." a flash of anticipation and excitement crossed Nangong Liuyun''s eyes as she said, "If you are willing to marry into my Nangong Family, I am sure I can persuade my parents!"


    At this moment, Nangong Liuyun''s heart was filled with excitement.


    She had received a message from her family instructing her to win over Ye Heng at all costs and preferably have him join the Nangong Family.


    That''s why...


    Nangong Liuyun had braced herself to find Ye Heng, this insignificant person who had never caught her attention before.


    If Ye Heng hadn''t awakened the Battle War Holy Body and become the target of contention among various powers, she, Nangong Liuyun, would never have had anything to do with such a small character in her entire life.


    Upon hearing Nangong Liuyun''s words, Ye Heng''s lips curved slightly, and he sneered in his heart: As expected, no one visits a temple without a cause!


    He took a deep breath and agreed outright, "Nangong, I am willing to marry into your Nangong Family, but... I need to find a master, and I want to prepare a gift for my future mentor... I''ve heard that the master of the Tianjian Sect also intends to take me as a disciple, and the gift must not be taken lightly..."


    "What? The master of the Tianjian Sect?" Nangong Liuyun was flabbergasted.


    Her first reaction was that Ye Heng was lying.


    But then she thought...


    Ye Heng had awakened the Battle War Holy Body, which, although inferior to Xiao Tianjiao''s Supreme Overlord Holy Body, was also not much different.


    It wasn''t impossible for the master of the Tianjian Sect to want to take him as a disciple.


    If she could win over Ye Heng and help the Nangong Family forge a connection with the Tianjian Sect, that would be a great achievement!


    With that thought...


    Nangong Liuyun clenched her teeth and said, "You will marry into our Nangong Family sooner or later, so let the Nangong Family prepare the gift for the master for you. But Ye Heng, you are sure you will marry into our Nangong Family, right?"


    Ye Heng nodded, cradling Nangong Liuyun''s cheeks in his hands, and said sternly, "Nangong, my admiration for you flows like the endless rivers and shines like the sun and moon that never fall..."


    Nangong Liuyun was very confident in her own charm and nodded, "I will go back to my family now to fight for you, wait for my good news!"


    "Nangong, I''ll wait for you!"


    As Ye Heng watched Nangong Liuyun leave, the smile on his face gradually vanished and looking at his hands, he murmured, "They do smell rather nice!"


    "Cough, cough!"


    A series of light coughs made Ye Heng''s body shake, and he quickly stood up straight, turning to look at Xiao Yi leaning casually against the corner of the wall, wearing a strange expression as he looked at him; Ye Heng chuckled, "Master, what brings you here?"


    Although they hadn''t officially become master and disciple yet, in Ye Heng''s heart, Xiao Yi was already his master.


    Xiao Yi rolled his eyes, "Did I interrupt you?"


    "No, not at all!" Ye Heng scratched his head.


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow, gesturing towards the direction Nangong Liuyun had left, "What''s going on?"


    Ye Heng curled his lips and disdainfully said, "What else but knowing I''ve awakened the Battle War Holy Body and thinking about winning me over!"


    Xiao Yi''s face showed amusement, "Did you agree?"


    "No way!"


    Ye Heng quickly shook his head and sneered disdainfully, "Back when I was worthless, she couldn''t avoid me fast enough. Now she suddenly comes up and says she likes me, how could I possibly believe her?"


    Xiao Yi uh''d, "So you still let her help you prepare the master''s gift? When has anyone from the Tianjian Sect contacted you?"


    Ye Heng touched his nose and grinned sheepishly, "Master, please don''t misunderstand! Not to mention the master of the Tianjian Sect hasn''t looked for me, even if he really came to me, I wouldn''t accept him as my master. In my eyes, there is only one master, and as for Nangong Liuyun... heh heh, didn''t you say we needed money? The four great aristocratic families are all very rich, so I thought, why not take advantage of it and get some..." Continue reading on My Virtual Library Empire


    Take advantage of it and not be a fool?


    Xiao Yi''s eye twitched, looking at Ye Heng''s naive and earnest laughter, speechless: "Who the hell did you learn this from?"

 Chapter 236 Combat Pavilion

    ```"Who the hell did you learn this from?"


    Xiao Yi looked bewilderedly at the simple-faced Ye Heng in front of him.


    In his memory, this guy was a straightforward boy!


    How did he turn out like this?


    Ye Heng, feeling somewhat embarrassed by Xiao Yi''s gaze, touched his nose and said awkwardly, "Master, can you stop looking at me like that?"


    Xiao Yi withdrew his gaze, speaking earnestly, "Ye Heng, if you truly wish to become my disciple, then you must first refrain from engaging in such self-serving acts. Throughout my life, I have conducted myself with integrity. We cannot allow others to point at our spine and curse, understand?"


    "Master, I realize my mistake. I''ll explain the situation to Nangong as soon as I can!"


    Ye Heng looked ashamed, but upon thinking of the Nangong Family''s vast wealth and influence, he couldn''t help but sigh regretfully, "It''s just a pity, if the Nangong Family were to intervene, the treasures wouldn''t be worth less than a billion, right?"


    "Not less than a billion?"


    Xiao Yi was startled, then coughed lightly, speaking righteously, "Ye Heng, have the other three great clan families tried to recruit you?"


    Ye Heng: "Eh?"


    Xiao Yi touched his nose and said, "I''ve heard that the four great clans have numerous businesses, including brothels, gambling houses, and even slave trading¡ªall of which are ill-gotten gains. If we were to take this money and use it for the construction of Xiaoshanhe Institute and to benefit the common folk, that would be a great deed!"


    "But Master... didn''t you say that we shouldn''t let others point at our spine and curse?" Ye Heng said, puzzled.


    Xiao Yi waved his hand and said, "Aren''t you being a bit too old-fashioned? We would be robbing the rich to help the poor. The common people would praise us, not curse us! Don''t you think that''s the right thing to do?"


    Ye Heng nodded subconsciously.


    "Let''s go, I''ll take you around the imperial capital!" Xiao Yi called out to Ye Heng as they headed out of the combat field.


    As the master and disciple walked along, they discussed whether the other three great families had any intentions of soliciting Ye Heng...


    In a corner of the combat field,


    Yu Huaxian looked befuddled as he watched the master and disciple walking away, finally managing to say, "What a shameless pair of master and student..."


    The journey from Imperial Dragon Mountain to the imperial capital was not far.


    Xiao Yi flew through the air, and in a short while, they arrived outside the imperial capital.


    He had originally intended to come alone today to find ways to make money, but after running into Ye Heng in the combat field, he decided to bring him along.


    Within the imperial capital.


    Though it was only early morning, the place was already bustling with activity.


    Along the way, the master and disciple were discussing various money-making strategies.


    As for swindling the other three great families,


    after discussing it, they unanimously decided that such actions should be taken only as a last resort, absolutely not otherwise.


    Otherwise...


    The two of them would probably end up like rats on the street, everyone shouting to hit them.


    This made Xiao Yi feel somewhat regretful. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Should we sell elixirs? Or appraise treasures?"


    Ever since finding out that the monthly expenses exceeded a billion silver taels, Xiao Yi felt pitifully poor and now had only thoughts of making money.


    But with his current level of cultivation, he could at most concoct four-star elixirs, which wasn''t very profitable.


    Even though Xue Bufan could make five-star elixirs, Xue Bufan''s alchemy efficiency was too low.


    That path was a dead end too.


    As for appraising treasures...


    He did have the Life-Snatching Scholar''s ability to appraise treasures; for instance, at the Treasure Pavilion in Nanhuang City, he had easily earned several hundred thousand silver taels.


    However,


    Finding treasures also depended on fate! They weren''t just lying around everywhere.


    "Brothers, was my hospitality last night to your liking?" a boisterous voice came from the crowd.


    Five burly men walked shoulder to shoulder.


    ```


    Everyone reeked of alcohol, mixed with the scent of rouge, clearly having just left a brothel after a night of revelry.


    "Third Brother''s arrangements are absolutely beyond reproach!"


    "Tsk tsk, that girl was really quite sprightly... By the way, Third Brother, you must''ve spent a fortune yesterday, right?"


    "Not much, not much, just a hundred thousand silver taels!" Third Brother said with a wave of his hand.


    The robust man beside him said with a look of envy, "Third Brother won three million silver taels at the Combat Pavilion yesterday, so this hundred thousand is just a mere trifle to him!"


    In the face of the envious glances from the others, Third Brother laughed heartily, "It''s just luck! The one called Dongfang''s winnings were truly something else. Just one match and Dongfang won five hundred million silver taels, that''s five hundred million! If you piled up all that silver, it would probably be as tall as a mountain!"


    "Combat Pavilion? Five hundred million in one day?"


    Xiao Yi was startled.


    He was now very sensitive to money.


    Xiao Yi looked at Ye Heng beside him and asked, "Ye Heng, do you know about the Combat Pavilion?"


    "I know!"


    Ye Heng nodded and said, "The Combat Pavilion is also a gambling house. They arrange battles between martial artists, and people can place bets on the fighters they favor. Of course, one can also apply to become a combatant and fight; if you win, you get a certain percentage. However, the Combat Pavilion is very dangerous, with frequent fatalities."


    "How substantial are the Combat Pavilion''s financial resources?" Xiao Yi asked.


    "From what I''ve heard, the Combat Pavilion is backed by the Great Qian Dynasty''s most mysterious assassination organization, Xue Yi Tower, so their financial strength is undoubtedly immense!" Ye Heng replied.


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow, "Xue Yi Tower?"


    That was an old nemesis of his!


    If it hadn''t been for an assassin from Xue Yi Tower, Fang Qingzhu wouldn''t have had to use her Innate Divine Ability multiple times, which led to her being detected and taken away by people from Baiyu.


    There was also Xue Mantian...


    The encirclement of the Tianqing Kingdom from all sides had something to do with him as well.


    "Ye Heng, your master has found a way to make money!" Xiao Yi said with a grin.


    Ye Heng was startled, "Master, you''re not thinking of going to the Combat Pavilion, are you?"


    "Let''s go!"


    Xiao Yi grabbed Ye Heng and started walking forward, "Master will show you how to rob the rich to aid the poor!"


    Ye Heng looked speechless, "Master, the Combat Pavilion is to the east, you''re going the wrong way..."


    Xiao Yi: "..."


    ......


    Combat Pavilion.


    Located in the eastern part of the imperial capital, it covered an extremely vast area.


    The entire Combat Pavilion was square-shaped, divided into four areas: Heaven, Earth, Mysterious, and Yellow.


    The Heaven Character Pavilion was of the highest grade, while the Yellow Character Pavilion was the lowest.


    The Yellow Character Pavilion was for fighters of the Physical Body Realm, the Mysterious Character Pavilion for the Divine Skills Realm, the Earth Character Pavilion for the Golden Core Realm, and the Heaven Character Pavilion for the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    For the Mysterious and Yellow Character Pavilions, one simply needed to buy a ticket to enter and watch the battles or place bets.


    To enter the Earth Character Pavilion, your net worth had to be verified, and those with less than ten million silver taels were not allowed in.


    The Heaven Character Pavilion had even higher requirements, demanding a minimum net worth of one hundred million silver to gain entry.


    Xiao Yi spent two hundred silver taels to buy two tickets and entered the Mysterious Character Pavilion.


    As soon as they entered,


    they were greeted with a deafening cacophony: "The next match is about to start, place your bets quickly!"


    "Put ten thousand taels on Tiger King for me!"


    "Tiger King my ass, this round is definitely going to the Azure Dragon Association. Put fifty thousand taels on Azure Dragon for me..."


    On the way there, Ye Heng had explained that in the Combat Pavilion, many martial artists who didn''t want to reveal their identities would choose to use nicknames instead.


    Both Tiger King and Azure Dragon were martial artists of the Divine Skills Realm.


    Xiao Yi and his companion had just arrived and did not place bets immediately. Instead, they went into the arena to have a look around, intending to get a feel for the place before making a move. They had just found good seats in the stands when the fighters for the next battle entered the ring, and a fierce fight erupted instantly...

 Chapter 237 One Hundred Million Chips!

    The entire Combat Pavilion was protected by a formation.Each of the four sub-pavilions had its own Protective Formation, capable of withstanding a clash from warriors at the Peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm, so there was no need to worry about damaging the Combat Pavilion or endangering innocent bystanders or the audience in the stands.


    Despite it being morning...


    There were still many people inside the Combat Pavilion.


    In the circular duel arena, iron gates on the east and west sides respectively opened slowly, and two figures emerged from within.


    The person from the east was extremely muscular, with a blood-red tiger tattoo on his chest, and his cultivation had reached the Third Layer of the Divine Passage Realm.


    He was the Tiger King!


    On the west was Azure Dragon, wearing a black mask and wielding a Green Cloud Coiling Dragon Spear, his cultivation also at the Third Layer of the Divine Passage Realm.


    If one were to look solely at cultivation, the two men were evenly matched.


    "Tiger King, snap that lad''s neck, I''ve placed a wager of five million heavyweight on you!"


    "Azure Dragon, kill the Tiger King..."


    "Kill him!"


    Shouts and roars echoed above the duel arena.


    Inside the duel arena.


    Azure Dragon and Tiger King both let out furious roars and charged at each other with murderous intent. Killing the other would allow them to gain a certain percentage of the wagered chips. Given the reputation of Tiger King and Azure Dragon, this battle attracted stakes that started from at least one billion, and even one ten-thousandth of that was a hundred thousand silver.


    The Tiger King had immense strength and was poor; his fighting style was fierce and dominant.


    He continuously suppressed Azure Dragon.


    Gaining the upper hand.


    Those who had placed bets on Tiger King were all yelling excitedly at the top of their lungs.


    As for those who had wagered on Azure Dragon, they clenched their fists tightly with foreheads dripping with cold sweat.


    Xiao Yi watched for a while but soon found it rather dull, and turning to Ye Heng beside him, he asked, "Who do you think will win?"


    Ye Heng was taken aback for a moment and furrowed his brows, saying, "Master, I think it should be Azure Dragon!"


    "Oh?"


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow and smiled, "Why?"


    Ye Heng rested his chin on his hand and spoke in a deep voice, "Although it looks like Azure Dragon is at a disadvantage and is being completely suppressed by Tiger King, I see that Azure Dragon''s battle does not show any hint of panic. On the contrary, it seems as if he is deliberately putting himself in an unfavorable position... It feels like he''s digging a pit, waiting for Tiger King to jump in!"


    "Your little brat''s hair hasn''t even grown fully, what do you know?"


    "Didn''t you see Tiger King completely suppressing Azure Dragon? When narrow paths meet, the brave wins, and the winner will definitely be Tiger King!"


    A few people beside Ye Heng mocked him with their remarks.


    Ye Heng''s brow furrowed deeper, and just as he was about to speak, a wave of shocked gasps cascaded down from the stands like rolling waves, "What just happened? How did Tiger King die?"


    "What?"


    "Tiger King is dead?"


    "That''s impossible... My money... I bet my wife and daughter''s dowry and just lost it like that, how am I supposed to redeem my wife and daughter now..."


    All those who had placed bets on Tiger King were collectively stunned.


    Just a moment ago, Tiger King was completely dominating Azure Dragon, yet suddenly, he was dead? Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Several warriors seated next to Xiao Yi and Ye Heng had bloodshot eyes; their gazes fixed dead on the two, infuriatedly roaring, "Dammit, it must be you two jinxed bastards. Before you opened your mouths, Tiger King was completely suppressing Azure Dragon, but as soon as you say Tiger King''s going to lose, he dies. You two, compensate us for our losses!"


    "I bet five hundred thousand silver on him, you have to compensate us!"


    "I staked a million silver..."


    Facing a crowd of people with fierce gazes fixed on them, Xiao Yi and Ye Heng exchanged a glance, speechless.


    Were they supposed to take the blame for this, too?


    Xiao Yi touched his nose, and said playfully, "This isn''t fun! Are you blaming us for your wrong bets?"


    "Go to hell, are you compensating or not?"


    "If not, watch your backs trying to leave this Combat Pavilion!" The five men across from them bore malicious expressions as they glared at Xiao Yi and Ye Heng.


    The five had already encircled them.


    Their fists clenched, making crackling noises.


    Ye Heng looked to Xiao Yi, "Master, what should we do?"


    "Mix it up!"


    Xiao Yi rolled his eyes and said, "If anyone dares to make a move, break their arms and legs and throw them out!"


    Having said that.


    He crossed his arms over his chest and leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes as if nothing concerned him.


    Ye Heng stood by his side like a statue.


    The surrounding spectators all drew back a distance, watching them with interest; such conflicts were very common in the Combat Pavilion and no longer surprising: "That youngster is unlucky, to have provoked those five gambling addicts."


    "I remember last time there was a bald guy who just because he sat next to them, and when these five guys lost money, they blamed that bald guy for bad luck and beat him to death!"


    "Young man, you might as well compensate them with the money! It''s not worth losing your life over money!"


    Faced with the crowd''s advice, Ye Heng smiled and said, "Thank you all for your concern, but five flies are no trouble at all!"


    "This brat actually dares to call us flies?"


    The five men exchanged glances and said ferociously, "Damn it, kill him!"


    Whoosh!


    The five men charged at once.


    Bang bang bang!


    After a series of muffled sounds of fists meeting flesh, calm was restored.


    It was all over in the space of three breaths.


    The crowd: "..."


    They saw the five fierce men already scattered on the floor, with broken hands or feet, completely incapacitated.


    Ye Heng searched the men and took out five purses, counted the silver notes inside, and said speechlessly, "Five grown men together have only a hundred thousand silvers? You''re really too poor, aren''t you?"


    The five men rolled their eyes together and passed out: "..."


    Rustle rustle!


    The guards of the Combat Pavilion arrived one after another, carrying the five men away without even asking about the cause and effect.


    The Combat Pavilion does not prohibit fighting between guests.


    For any damages caused, pay tenfold compensation!


    If you don''t pay?


    Throw them directly into the dueling arena, let them out when they''ve made enough money, and if they die, just throw them onto the pauper''s grave.


    After this disturbance, it became much quieter around Xiao Yi.


    At that moment...


    A girl in a red dress appeared in the center of the dueling arena, her delicate voice echoing in the Combat Pavilion: "The next duel will be between the newcomer, Blind Swordsman, with cultivation in the First Layer of the Divine Passage Realm. The other is Liu Meng with a broadsword, at the Third Layer of the Divine Passage Realm."


    Clang!


    Clang!


    Two iron gates opened.


    The man from the east was the tyrannical Liu Meng, with eyes like lightning and a burly figure, holding a nine-ring saber, exuding an impressive aura.


    The swordsman from the west was thin and wore ragged clothes; his eyes were hollow, revealing he was blind.


    "Eh?"


    Xiao Yi suddenly opened his eyes, looking towards the direction of the Blind Swordsman.


    The Blind Swordsman seemed to sense something, his hollow gaze wandering before it landed in the direction of Xiao Yi. His grey and white eyes moved around, then he lowered his head once more, a deathly stillness emanating from him, as if his life was nearing its end.


    The iron gates were open for about a hundred breaths before closing again, and the girl in the red dress announced loudly: "You all have half an incense stick''s time to place your bets!"


    "Do we even need to choose? It''s obviously free money for us, with Liu Meng suspected to be a disciple of the Kuangdao Sect and with a higher cultivation than the other; of course, I choose him!"


    "The odds for Liu Meng are 1.5 to 1, while the Blind Swordsman is 3 to 1; clearly, even the Combat Pavilion thinks Liu Meng has a higher chance of winning!"


    "Look at that Blind Swordsman, scrawny and blind, no way he could win..."


    Ye Heng looked at Xiao Yi: "Master, which side should we bet on?"


    Xiao Yi exhaled a deep breath and said, "Blind Swordsman!"


    "Okay!"


    Ye Heng nodded, then asked, "How much?"


    Xiao Yi squinted his eyes and said solemnly, "One billion!"

 Chapter 238 A Loss of Ten Billion

    "A hundred million?"Ye Heng stared at the stack of silver notes Xiao Yi handed to him, completely flabbergasted.


    This was a hundred million taels of silver!


    Actual, tangible silver!


    Xiao Yi nodded and said, "Go ahead!"


    When he saw the blind swordsman, he had a peculiar feeling, an intuition that exists between swordsmen.


    Xiao Yi was certain that the blind swordsman must have mastered the power of Sword Intent.


    In contrast, the overbearing Liu Meng displayed no hint of blade intent. Even if the blind swordsman''s mastery was only the first stage of Sword Intent, he was more than capable of defeating someone at the Third Layer of the Divine Passage Realm!


    Xiao Yi''s bet of a hundred million taels of silver truly shocked many people.


    You have to understand...


    Bets starting at a hundred million usually took place in the Earth Character Pavilion or even the Heaven Character Pavilion!


    There weren''t many inside the Mysterious and Yellow Pavilions who could place a bet of a hundred million taels of silver.


    Someone kindly advised, "Brother, betting a hundred million on that blind man is simply throwing your money away! Liu Meng the Overbearing Swordsman has nine consecutive wins. Even facing a master at the Fourth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, he can easily deal with them!"


    "Yeah, you should change your bet while your disciple hasn''t placed it yet!"


    The crowd urged.


    Xiao Yi smiled and replied, "It''s fine, it''s just a hundred million. If I lose it, then so be it!"


    "..."


    The crowd exchanged glances, speechless.


    To him, a hundred million was nothing!


    The crowd''s gaze at Xiao Yi carried a tinge of envy, of course, that was also because of Ye Heng''s previously demonstrated strength, which prevented them from harboring other thoughts.


    Otherwise...


    There would likely be many more who would set their sights on him!


    It didn''t take long for Ye Heng to return, holding the betting slip in hand. He asked, "Master, can that blind swordsman really win?"


    Xiao Yi indifferently answered, "In this world, there is no such thing as absolute certainty, the battle will begin shortly!"


    Ye Heng instantly closed his mouth.


    Boom! Experience new stories with My Virtual Library Empire


    Boom!


    Two iron gates opened at the same time.


    The blind swordsman and Liu Meng the Overbearing Swordsman appeared on the dueling ground, facing each other. The blind swordsman held a long bamboo cane, gently tapping it on the ground as he fumbled forward, his grayish-white eyes moving left and right without focus. In contrast, his opponent Liu Meng wielded a big nine-ring saber, muscles like lead, radiating a domineering presence.


    Liu Meng forcefully implanted his nine-ring saber into the ground, opened his arms wide, and repeatedly clapped his hands over his head, calling out loudly, "Cheer, come on!"


    "Overbearing Swordsman!"


    "Victory to the Overbearing Swordsman!"


    Liu Meng laughed heartily, thoroughly enjoying the sensation of being the center of attention. With a tip of his foot, he kicked up the nine-ring saber, grasping the hilt midair with one hand.


    Clang, clang, clang! Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The rings on the saber collided, producing a series of crisp sounds.


    Liu Meng''s gaze was ice-cold as he addressed the blind swordsman, "Blind man, you take the first move. I''ll let you have ten strikes!"


    The blind swordsman cocked his head, his grayish-white eyes wandering aimlessly.


    He made no reply.


    All that could be seen was his right hand gripping one end of the long bamboo cane, followed by a buzzing sound that resonated sharply. A streak of silver light flashed along the cane and then vanished.


    The blind swordsman, leaning on the long bamboo cane, tapped it around and stumbled toward the iron door on the east side.


    The crowd was puzzled, "What''s going on? Is he forfeiting?"


    "The fight hasn''t even started, why is he leaving?"


    Just as everyone was brimming with confusion, a soft sigh suddenly arose, "He has already won."


    All eyes turned in unison towards Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, a sharp light swirling within: "What swift swordplay¡ªjust now, in that instant, he actually unleashed nine swords!"


    "Nine swords?"


    Ye Heng was shocked.


    Just then...


    In the middle of the dueling arena, Liu Meng suddenly trembled, a speck of blood spurting from his neck followed by fountains of blood gushing forth like geysers, nine jet streams instantly dyeing the ground red.


    Bang!


    Liu Meng fell into the pool of blood.


    Hiss!


    A dead silence fell around the dueling arena, which after a brief pause, erupted like a flash flood: "Holy shit! Can someone tell me what the hell just happened? How did Liu Meng die without me seeing anything?"


    "Incredible, the Bling Swordsman''s sword is just too fast!"


    "In that split second, Liu Meng was hit by nine swords, this, this..."


    Several strong individuals next to Xiao Yi were shocked by the Blind Swordsman''s power, and they also remembered that Xiao Yi had placed a bet of one hundred million silver on the Blind Swordsman; envy appearing on their faces: "Congratulations, the Blind Swordsman was at three-to-one odds, you just made two hundred million with that bet!"


    "Brother, who are you planning to bet on in the next match? We''ll follow your lead..."


    Everyone was excitedly looking at Xiao Yi.


    In two consecutive duels, Xiao Yi had accurately predicted the outcome.


    Especially in the match with the Blind Swordsman.


    When almost everyone was doubting the Blind Swordsman, Xiao Yi resolutely placed a heavy bet of one hundred million silver on him, earning two hundred million silver in one go.


    This truly made people envious and at the same time, won their admiration.


    They all wanted to follow his bets.


    To Xiao Yi, this was of little concern, after all, the Combat Pavilion was backed by Blood Shadow Tower; to carve a slice from the enemy, why not revel in it?


    And so...


    The third match.


    The fourth match.


    The fifth match...


    Xiao Yi accurately predicted the outcome of nine consecutive matches, his wealth now accumulating to twelve billion. This was despite the odds not being as rare as the three-to-one seen in the Blind Swordsman''s match; otherwise, his profits from nine consecutive victories would have far exceeded this number.


    Even so, Xiao Yi was quite satisfied.


    In just a couple of hours, he had earned what Xiaoshanhe Institute spent in a month.


    "Combat Pavilion, indeed a right place to come!" Xiao Yi muttered to himself.


    If he were to engage in alchemy and marketing, just gathering the herbs would take a significant amount of time!


    Meanwhile...


    In the very center of the Combat Pavilion, within an area standing alone, where outsiders were not permitted...


    "Pavilion Master, there''s a big problem!" A powerful individual from the Combat Pavilion rushed in, frantic, facing a figure in a blood robe.


    "What''s the issue?"


    The figure in the blood robe frowned.


    The urgent individual said, "There''s a major problem from the Mysterious Character Pavilion''s side; a young man has been precisely predicting the outcome of each match. He has now won nine consecutive matches and earned more than ten billion silver."


    The figure in the blood robe impatiently responded, "So he won, just ten billion, we can afford to lose that much!"


    "It''s not that, Pavilion Master..."


    The person with a distressed face said, "Now, everyone in the Mysterious Character Pavilion is betting with him, and everyone''s making a killing. A rough estimate, in just one or two hours, we''ve lost over one hundred billion silver."


    "What?"


    The figure in the blood robe suddenly opened his eyes wide.


    One hundred billion silver!


    Even if the Combat Pavilion was a goldmine, that''s still a substantial amount.


    The figure in the blood robe narrowed his eyes, speaking gravely, "Go invite him here... no, I will see him personally. I want to see who is so audacious as to cause trouble in my Combat Pavilion!"

 Chapter 239 Are You Threatening Me?

    After Xiao Yi had won nine consecutive battles.The Mysterious Character Pavilion temporarily halted the next fight.


    As everyone was puzzled, Xue Wuhen, clad in a blood robe, approached Xiao Yi with a gentle smile on his face and said, "My name is Xue Wuhen, I am the Pavilion Master of the Combat Pavilion, may I inquire as to your esteemed name?"


    Xiao Yi glanced at him and replied indifferently, "Does my name really matter?"


    "Indeed, it does not!"


    Xue Wuhen smiled, sat down next to Xiao Yi, and spoke softly, "You''ve won quite a bit, why not quit while you''re ahead?"


    Xiao Yi looked at him amusingly, "What? Can the mighty Combat Pavilion not afford to lose?"


    "The strength of our Combat Pavilion is far beyond what you can imagine, how could we not afford to lose? However, greed is an insatiable snake that swallows elephants, and those who are overly greedy tend to meet bad ends. I''m merely considering your well-being. Take the money you''ve won and leave; you can still enjoy it greatly once you return. If you continue, it''s very likely you''ll lose everything..." The smile never left Xue Wuhen''s face, but the chill in his eyes grew ever more piercing.


    Not only was Xue Wuhen the Pavilion Master of the Combat Pavilion, he was also the lord of Xue Yilou.


    His cultivation had reached the Nine-fold Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm.


    An air of icy coldness emanated from him, prompting the surrounding crowd to scatter and avoid getting too close.


    Xiao Yi sized up Xue Wuhen, noting an aura similar to that of Xue Mantian¡ªclearly, both had cultivated the techniques of Xue Yilou.


    Such an aura was exactly the kind Xiao Yi detested the most.


    If not for Xue Mantian, would he and Fang Qingzhu have been separated?


    Xiao Yi spoke calmly, "Wealth is but an external possession; loss is simply loss."


    "Are you determined to oppose my Combat Pavilion to the bitter end?" Xue Wuhen squinted and asked.


    Xiao Yi shrugged his shoulders.


    Xue Wuhen chuckled, stood up, and straightened his clothes, saying, "Very well, then I wish you continued good luck!"


    Before his voice had faded.


    He stroked his sleeve and strode away.


    Ye Heng looked at Xiao Yi with worry, "Master..."


    "It''s alright!"


    Xiao Yi waved his hand, revealing a serene smile, "I want to see what tricks he has up his sleeve!"


    Shortly after.


    The tenth battle commenced, this time a Blind Swordsman would face a bald young man of the same realm.


    "The Blind Swordsman is the one who slew Liu Meng of the Third Layer of the Divine Passage Realm with a single sword strike; isn''t this bald kid of the First Layer of the Divine Passage Realm seeking death?"


    "I''m betting on the Blind Swordsman this round!"


    As they watched the Blind Swordsman in the arena, the crowd had fresh memories of his swift swordsmanship and commented one after another.


    Ye Heng asked, "Master, should we put all our silver on the Blind Swordsman?"


    "No!"


    Xiao Yi shook his head, and watching the crowd place heavy bets on the Blind Swordsman, he said in a serious tone, "Place everything on the bald kid!"


    Several people around were startled, "On the bald kid?"


    "Young master, the Blind Swordsman is definitely stronger than the bald kid..."


    Xiao Yi said calmly, "I haven''t forced you to believe me!"


    While the people hesitated, someone spoke up, "Gentlemen, in my opinion, he''s been bluffed by the Pavilion Master of the Combat Pavilion. He''s thinking of intentionally losing the money back to them. We shouldn''t trust him!"


    "Exactly, anyone can see that the Blind Swordsman will win. Yet he insists we bet on the bald kid, for sure he''s chickened out!"


    "Don''t listen to him!"


    The crowd placed their bets on the Blind Swordsman.


    Ye Heng looked at Xiao Yi worriedly, "Master, this..."


    Xiao Yi laughed, "It''s their own money!"


    Ye Heng fell silent.


    Thump!


    The battle commenced.


    Just as Xiao Yi had said, the blind swordsman indeed lost, losing in a somewhat inexplicable manner.


    Xiao Yi''s 1.2 billion turned into 1.5 billion.


    The others, however, suffered a crushing defeat.


    Less than a tenth had followed Xiao Yi''s bet.


    For a moment¡­


    The crowd looked at Xiao Yi as if he were an enemy, "It''s all your fault, you yourself bet on the bald kid, yet you made us bet on the blind swordsman¡­"


    "I really hate you, how could you harm us like this?"


    "I bet all my fortune on this, and now you''ve ruined me¡­"


    "You must have colluded with the Combat Pavilion to swindle our money¡­"


    Faced with the crowd''s accusations and provocation, someone even charged towards Xiao Yi, "Give us back our hard-earned money!"


    A chill flashed through Xiao Yi''s eyes, and with a casual wave of his hand, a torrent of vital energy surged out.


    Boom, boom, boom!


    One strong fighter after another was sent flying, sprawling across the ground in all directions. Discover more stories at My Virtual Library Empire


    Xiao Yi''s face remained expressionless.


    Ye Heng burst into a furious rage, "Have you no conscience? My master never asked you to follow his bets. When you make money, you forget his goodwill, but when you lose, you come to blame him? Besides, my master already said he would bet on the bald kid. It was you who thought you knew better and bet on the blind swordsman. Now that you''ve lost everything, it''s your own fault. Anyone who talks nonsense again, be careful lest I tear your mouth apart!"


    Looking at the few people wailing on the ground, everyone exchanged glances, not daring to utter another word.


    The eleventh pair of fighters made their appearance on the dueling stage.


    However¡­


    This time, Ye Heng returned, smiling bitterly, "Master, Xue Wuhen at the betting station, he won''t accept our chips."


    "Hm?" S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow and stood up, making his way to the betting station.


    Xue Wuhen, with his legs crossed and an air of nonchalance, looked amused, "Oh, what brought you here?"


    Xiao Yi spoke indifferently, "My disciple says you won''t take my chips?"


    "We won''t!"


    Xue Wuhen spoke defiantly, "Even if you calculate it accurately, I still won''t accept your chips. You also don''t need to think about predicting the outcome and letting others bet. I can change the outcome at any time." He slowly raised his right hand and clenched it lightly, "No matter how powerful you are, you will never be able to escape from the palm of my hand!"


    Xue Wuhen looked at Xiao Yi, smugly.


    He didn''t care about losing ten or so billion.


    After all¡­


    The latest round with the blind swordsman had allowed him to recoup a hundred billion.


    But Xiao Yi had previously disrespected him, which irritated Xue Wuhen, prompting him to deliberately make things difficult for Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, "You mean to say, today it''s impossible for me to bet at the Combat Pavilion?"


    "Not just today, tomorrow, the day after¡­ for the rest of your life, don''t even think about placing a bet at my Combat Pavilion again, don''t even think about earning a single silver tael from my Combat Pavilion. Of course¡­"


    Xue Wuhen leaned forward slightly, a radiant smile on his face as he spoke ominously, "If you have the courage, you can directly participate in the duels. If you win, you will get a share of the bets. Moreover, the more consecutive victories at my Combat Pavilion, the higher the share. Ten consecutive victories entitle you to a tenth of the share, twenty consecutive victories a fifth¡­ If you can win a hundred consecutive matches, then congratulations, all the earnings are yours! However, if you participate in the duels, you could very well lose your life in the process!"


    Xiao Yi stared intently at Xue Wuhen with narrowed eyes, "Are you threatening me?"


    Xue Wuhen shrugged his shoulders confidently, "I am threatening you. What can you do about it?"


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi let out a long breath and said, "I only wanted to make some money quietly and leave, but since you insist on pushing me, so be it!"

 Chapter 240 Who Can Withstand My Unbeatable Punch?

    "As I wish?"Xue Wuhen was taken aback, his eyes narrowed into slits as he looked at Xiao Yi with a playful expression, "Kid, you''re not actually thinking about participating in the dueling arena, are you?"


    In his eyes, Xiao Yi must have lost his mind.


    The duels within the Combat Pavilion were a matter of life and death.


    However...


    All of this, in Xiao Yi''s view, was exactly what he desired.


    Wasn''t this a great opportunity to make money?


    Winning ten consecutive matches would yield one-tenth of the prize, and winning a hundred matches in a row would grant him all the wagers.


    Such a streak of victories may be difficult for others.


    But to Xiao Yi, it seemed as simple as reaching into a bag and taking what he needed.


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Don''t you just wish for me to join the duel in the Combat Pavilion?"


    Xue Wuhen frowned and said, "Kid, do you really prefer to die rather than yield to me? Don''t forget, this is my turf, and if you really get on the dueling ground, killing you wouldn''t be any harder than crushing an ant!"


    "I''ll also tell you, you''re forcing me into the duel now, but later you will be kneeling and begging me to leave!" Xiao Yi said with a cold laugh.


    "Hahaha..."


    Xue Wuhen straightened his body, his tangible gaze fixed on Xiao Yi as he said deliberately, "Little bastard, since you''re so bent on courting death, I''ll grant your wish!" Xue Wuhen shouted to someone behind him, "Bring someone here, prepare a token for this foolhardy kid, and take him to the Earth Character Pavilion!"


    Among the four pavilions of Heaven, Earth, Xuan, and Huang, the Earth Character Pavilion is where the Golden Core Realm powerhouses fight.


    Xiao Yi''s cultivation level was of the Golden Core Realm; naturally, he was directed to the Earth Character Pavilion.


    A strong member of the Combat Pavilion approached, took out a token, and said, "Please state your name, or you may use a nickname as a substitute!"


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes and said, "One Punch!"


    "One Punch?"


    The servant was momentarily startled, looking at him in confusion, "Does this name carry any special meaning?"


    Xiao Yi glanced at Xue Wuhen behind the servant and said deliberately, "Who can withstand my undefeated punch?"


    With those words...


    A sense of arrogance and confidence was like an invisible storm, crushing everything.


    Hiss!


    The servant holding the token trembled violently, and the token almost fell to the ground.


    "Who can withstand your undefeated punch? That''s quite the bold claim. You''re not considering yourself Xiao Tianjiao, are you?"


    Xue Wuhen mocked incessantly, his face full of disdain and impatience, as he waved to the servant, "Take him to the Earth Character Pavilion and arrange his fight!"


    "Yes!"


    The attendant immediately led Xiao Yi to the Earth Character Pavilion.


    As for Ye Heng, he was taken by Xue Wuhen to the VIP area and was not allowed to place bets on the way.


    This left Ye Heng quite helpless.


    Meanwhile...


    Xiao Yi had already been led by the servant to the prep area of the Earth Character Pavilion, where hundreds of powerhouses were meditating with their eyes closed.


    Each of these people was a Golden Core Realm existence, and every one of them was exceptionally indifferent, only giving Xiao Yi a glance when he appeared before slowly withdrawing their gaze.


    "Please prepare a mask for me!" Xiao Yi said. Discover exclusive content at My Virtual Library Empire


    "Please wait a moment!"


    Shortly after, the servant brought over a silver mask.


    As soon as Xiao Yi put on the mask, the servant said, "The Pavilion Master has given special instructions that as long as you don''t cry halt, we can keep arranging opponents for you. He regards this as a special favor to you!"


    Xiao Yi nodded, stood up, and walked toward the dueling arena.


    Within the VIP area.


    Xue Wuhen sat in a bold manner, with his legs crossed and relaxedly tasting his fine wine, his eyes narrowing into slits as he gazed at Ye Heng beside him who seemed somewhat apprehensive, "Kid, if you hand over those billions to me now and have your master kneel and apologize to me, I might consider sparing you both!"


    Ye Heng gave him a look and said, "You better think about how you''re going to beg my master to leave the dueling ground later on!"


    "Oh? It seems you have quite the confidence in your master!" Xue Wuhen said with a laugh.


    Ye Heng replied, "My master is invincible in battle!"


    "Invincible? Hahaha..."


    Xue Wuhen shook his head, chuckling disdainfully, "Then let''s just wait and see!"


    Xue Wuhen snapped his fingers.


    Boom, boom, boom!


    The grand gates on both sides of the dueling arena burst open, and at the same time, a graceful woman appeared in the center of the arena and announced loud and clear, "The combatants for this battle: on the left side, our Barbarian King. The other is a newcomer; his name is quite unique, called One Punch. According to him, the meaning behind this name is ''Who can withstand my punch undefeated''!"


    The rules of Earth Character Pavilion are different from those of Huang Xuan''s pavilions.


    Here, they don''t publicize the combatants'' cultivation levels, but rather let people guess based on their feelings.


    "..."


    The vast Earth Character Pavilion fell silent.


    Then a burst of roaring laughter erupted, "Hahaha, isn''t this kid way too arrogant? Who gave him the courage?"


    "I''ve seen the arrogant, but never this arrogant!"


    "Barbarian King, beat him to death!"


    In the middle of the dueling arena.


    The Barbarian King snickered continuously, standing at a towering height of three meters, reportedly a strong man from a barbaric tribe living in remote forests. His hands kneading each other, producing a crackling sound that was loud and clear, he said coldly, "Kid, I''ll let you have the first punch!"


    "Oh!"


    Xiao Yi nodded agreeably.


    He threw a punch that seemed casual and light.


    Full of mockery, the Barbarian King remarked, "Your punch is so slow, and your power so weak, are you trying to tickle me?"


    However...


    The smile on his face suddenly vanished.


    It wasn''t that the fist had hit him, but just the force of the punch approaching.


    Whoosh!


    The Barbarian King didn''t even have time to scream before being blasted away by the force of the punch, without even being touched by the fist itself!


    Thud!


    The Barbarian King slammed hard against the Array and rebounded back onto the ground, completely knocked out cold.


    Hiss!


    The strong ones who were previously mocking Xiao Yi collectively fell silent.


    They all stared stupefied at Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi looked up at the graceful girl and said, "Next!"


    The graceful girl had already received instructions, to continuously provide him with opponents as long as Xiao Yi didn''t call a stop.


    Previously, the Barbarian King was only at the fifth layer of the Golden Core Realm; this time, the challenger was at the sixth layer.


    And then...


    Bang!


    The Seventh Layer of the Golden Core Realm.


    Bang!


    The Eighth Layer of the Golden Core Realm.


    Bang...


    Even when a fighter of the Ninth Layer of the Golden Core Realm stood before Xiao Yi, he was brutally smashed away, with none even capable of forcing Xiao Yi to throw a second punch.


    Just like the name he chose¡ªWho can withstand my punch undefeated?


    As Xiao Yi continued to challenge.


    His winning streak was rapidly increasing.


    Ten rounds.


    Twenty rounds.


    Thirty rounds...


    Without realizing it.


    Xiao Yi''s consecutive victories had reached fifty, meaning that Xiao Yi could now take half of the total bets placed in each of his following battles.


    You should know...


    Due to his continuous victories, and so far no opponent being a match for even one of his punches, Xiao Yi''s reputation soared. More and more powerful figures came to place bets in his name. Now, for every battle of Xiao Yi''s, the Combat Pavilion had to pay out at least two to three billion Silver, and that''s not even including the half of the chips Xiao Yi now claimed with each battle. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Inside the VIP room.


    Xue Wuhen was drenched in cold sweat, his hands tightly gripping the armrests, his face pale, listening to the reports from his subordinates: "What did you say?"


    "P-Pavilion Master, now with every battle One Punch fights, we have to pay out around one hundred and fifty billion total. Moreover, as his share of the winnings grows greater, more and more people come to bet on him. If this continues, we''re doomed..." The attendant''s face was full of despair and bitterness.


    "You little bastard, you''re forcing my hand!"


    Xue Wuhen''s face turned an iron blue, his eyes filled with fierce light, he gritted his teeth and ordered, "You, go fetch Ghost General immediately..."

 Chapter 241 Records are Meant to be Broken!

    VIP room.Clang clang clang!


    A series of metallic clashing noises came, and a figure appeared before Xue Wuhen and Ye Heng, clad in blood-colored metal battle armor, disheveled, and with long hair caked with congealed blood, sticking together, his face indistinct amidst the tousled strands.


    The very moment this person appeared,


    Ye Heng felt the temperature inside the VIP room plummet to freezing point.


    The drink in his hand also turned to ice.


    "There''s such a heavy evil Qi on this person..." Ye Heng silently cautioned himself.


    Beneath the disheveled hair, a pair of blood-red eyes flickered with cold, detached glimmers of light, fixing on Xue Wuhen: "Why did you summon me?"


    Xue Wuhen pointed towards Xiao Yi in the dueling arena and said in a deep voice, "Didn''t you instruct me to wake you if I encountered a strong enough contender worthy of being your opponent? Such a person has appeared. This man is nicknamed ''One Punch'' and has achieved a fifty-win streak. I want you to kill him!"


    "Fifty-win streak?"


    The Ghost General''s voice was ice-cold yet resonant, as he sneered, "Call me when he reaches his ninetieth match!"


    His voice was like that of a haunting spirit.


    At times delicate, at times rough, the yin and yang were indistinguishable.


    Xue Wuhen angrily retorted, "Why wait until the ninetieth match? Do you know how much I stand to lose?"


    The Ghost General replied indifferently, "When Xiao Tianjiao was in the Golden Core Realm, he defeated me on his ninetieth match, thus achieving an unprecedented ninety-win streak. It''s precisely because I failed to stop Xiao Tianjiao that I agreed to guard the Combat Pavilion. Let me take action when he reaches his ninetieth match!"


    The Ghost General then dragged his heavy body away,


    Completely ignoring Xue Wuhen''s angry roar, "Damned bastard..."


    Ye Heng quietly heaved a sigh of relief.


    For some reason...


    Even when he heard Xue Wuhen ordering the Ghost General to strike down Xiao Yi, he felt no worry at all.


    In his heart, Xiao Yi was invincible.


    No one could threaten his life.


    There was simply no need for concern.


    Xue Wuhen stared fixedly at Ye Heng, grinding his teeth as he said, "Boy, just who is your master?"


    Ye Heng answered lightly, "When my master completes a hundred-win streak, let him tell you himself!"


    "A hundred-win streak? Pure folly!"


    Xue Wuhen sneered as if looking at a madman, staring at Ye Heng, "Not even Xiao Tianjiao, the top talent of the Great Qian Dynasty, achieved more than ninety consecutive victories in the Golden Core Realm, a record that has been maintained for years. No one has ever been able to come close to his record. Do you think your master can be stronger than Xiao Tianjiao?"


    "Xiao Tianjiao?"


    Ye Heng was taken aback. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    That name was thunderous in his ears. Find your next read at My Virtual Library Empire


    The number one talent of the Great Qian Dynasty, the Saint Heir of Tianjian Sect, and now a master of the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    An existence comparable to the proud sun above the sky.


    Yet Ye Heng hadn''t imagined that Xiao Tianjiao also only managed a ninety-win streak back in the day?


    What then, had stopped him from achieving the hundred-win record?


    Narrowing his eyes, Ye Heng muttered to himself, "If it were my master, he should be able to reach a hundred consecutive victories, right?"


    Xiao Yi''s winning streak continued to rise.


    Even when faced with opponents who were at the peak of the Golden Core Realm, they were still no match for a single punch.


    "One Punch, Unbeatable!"


    "Unbeatable!"


    As soon as Xiao Yi''s opponent entered the stage, the entire Earth Character Pavilion was filled with thunderous cheers and roars.


    Xiao Yi never disappointed the crowd.


    No matter where you came from, all were brought down by one punch!


    Unconsciously...


    The win streak had reached the ninetieth match.


    The graceful lady''s figure reappeared before the crowd, her gaze filled with reverence as she looked at Xiao Yi, and announced loudly, "Ladies and gentlemen, the following contender is our Combat Pavilion''s ultimate warrior. Additionally, he is the only one who caused Xiao Tianjiao to use two moves to win during his Golden Core Realm duels in our Combat Pavilion. His name is¡ªGhost General!"


    Boom!


    Boom!


    Boom!


    The war drums thundered relentlessly.


    "The Ghost General? My god, the Combat Pavilion actually sent him out?"


    "I was here when Xiao Tianjiao stormed the Combat Pavilion. He was truly invincible! Before he faced the Ghost General, no one could withstand even one of his moves. It wasn''t until his ninetieth fight that he met the Ghost General, and it took Xiao Tianjiao two moves to defeat him, thus setting the Combat Pavilion''s longest winning streak of ninety consecutive victories."


    "Ninety consecutive victories? With Xiao Tianjiao''s strength, wouldn''t a hundred consecutive victories be easy?"


    "What do you know? After Xiao Tianjiao defeated the Ghost General, no one in the Earth Character Pavilion''s Golden Core Realm was his match. He went straight to the Heaven Character Pavilion to challenge those in the Tao Tribulation Realm, winning nine straight victories there and accumulating nearly a trillion silver, angering the Pavilion Master who personally intervened and defeated him, halting his streak at ninety-nine consecutive victories!"


    In the midst of the whispering crowd.


    The Ghost General appeared in front of Xiao Yi, a tall and burly figure clad in blood-colored iron armor, clanking as he moved.


    His disheveled hair fell across his face, and his blood-red eyes stared at Xiao Yi as he said firmly, "You, are strong!"


    Xiao Yi squinted, assessing the Ghost General.


    There was a terrifying evil qi emanating from the man, chilling the air to freezing point. Within ten paces of the Ghost General, the ground was frosted over, the frost reaching up to Xiao Yi and stopping there uncannily.


    Xiao Yi said, "I heard it took Xiao Tianjiao two moves to beat you?"


    "Yes!"


    The Ghost General spoke with a muffled voice, "He is the strongest Golden Core Realm warrior I''ve ever seen, and no one has been able to break his record!"


    Xiao Yi cracked a smile, "Records are made to be broken. It took him two moves to defeat you, but I only need one punch!"


    "One punch? Hahaha, that''s the funniest joke I''ve ever heard!" The Ghost General''s laughter carried a hint of murderous intent as he took Xiao Yi''s claim of defeating him with one punch as a great insult, "As a reward for amusing me, I''ll leave your body intact!"


    As soon as the words fell.


    The Ghost General''s body shook, and the gray qi beneath him surged into a fierce gray steed.


    Mounted on the gray qi steed, clad in his blood-colored battle armor, and wielding a black spear, the Ghost General''s legs clamped down hard, and with a loud boom, he transformed into a blur of black and red, shooting past.


    His speed was so fast that all one could see was a trail of afterimages.


    "Ghost King Spear!"


    Boom!


    On the black spear, a fierce wind howled, emitting a wailing sound as it cut through the air, akin to the ghost king''s roar.


    Along the spear''s light, white frost continuously formed under the invasion of evil qi.


    Like the fangs of a ghost king, it thrust straight at Xiao Yi''s heart.


    In the VIP seats.


    Xue Wuhen reclined comfortably in his chair, smirking at Ye Heng, "Stop watching, your master''s fate is sealed. Over the years, aside from Xiao Tianjiao, no Golden Core Realm powerhouse has managed to survive against the Ghost General!"


    "No!"


    Ye Heng stated emphatically, "My master will not lose!"


    "Stubborn till the end..."


    Xue Wuhen let out a sneer.


    Meanwhile¡­


    Faced with the Ghost General''s lethal strike, Xiao Yi''s lips curved slightly upward, his right fist drawn back to his waist, then suddenly hammered out like an arrow from a bow.


    Rustling!


    Endless qi gathered atop his fist.


    This punch, seemingly effortless, was imbued with the power of wind and thunder. With a massive boom, his punch landed solidly on the sharp spear tip. Amidst another resounding boom, the long spear shattered.


    The violent gust of wind sent the Ghost General flying backwards.


    Boom!


    The Ghost General slammed harshly into the protective array and fell noisily to the ground, his body crackling with thunder, unable to get up again.


    One punch, instant kill!


    "Holy shit, he actually defeated the Ghost General with one punch?"


    "This is the Ghost General who could withstand two of Xiao Tianjiao''s moves, who on earth is this one-punch guy?"


    Amidst the crowd''s speculation, Xiao Yi paid them no attention.


    His gaze turned towards the VIP area, his voice calm but filled with a fervent warlike intent, "Xue Wuhen, I want to challenge the Heaven Character Pavilion!"


    "..."


    At these words, the world was shocked...

 Chapter 242 Stirring in All Directions

    The Earth Character Pavilion was filled with silence.All eyes converged on Xiao Yi.


    Before the battle began¡­


    The majority believed the odds were evenly split between Xiao Yi and the Ghost General, with only a few thinking Xiao Yi could defeat the Ghost General, but certainly not with the two-move victory that Xiao Tianjiao achieved.


    However¡­


    When the scene truly unfolded before them.


    The first reaction of the crowd was disbelief.


    This was the Ghost General, who, just a few years ago, could withstand Xiao Tianjiao''s two moves before succumbing. No one believed Xiao Yi could outdo Xiao Tianjiao.


    Or rather, no one throughout the entire Great Qian Dynasty thought anyone could surpass Xiao Tianjiao.


    Until this moment.


    They witnessed Xiao Yi''s strength and excellence with their own eyes, as he defeated the formidable Ghost General with a single punch.


    Keep in mind.


    When Xiao Tianjiao faced off against the Ghost General back then, he was also at the Golden Elixir Realm Peak, and so is Xiao Yi now. Under the same level of cultivation, and with the Ghost General having undergone years of hard training to become even stronger than before.


    Yet under such circumstances, Xiao Yi still defeated the Ghost General.


    It was a one-hit kill!


    Without any doubt!


    While the crowd was still immersed in the shock of Xiao Yi''s victory over the Ghost General, Xiao Yi then proposed the challenge of fighting in the Heaven Character Pavilion.


    That''s the Heaven Character Pavilion!


    It''s filled with practitioners of the Tao Tribulation Realm, even those at the peak of the realm.


    Years ago, after Xiao Tianjiao single-handedly secured ninety consecutive victories in the Earth Character Pavilion, he went on to win nine matches in the Heaven Character Pavilion, earning a trillion silver. With just one more victory, he would have accomplished a hundred consecutive victories and create a miracle.


    The result was that in the tenth match at the Heaven Character Pavilion, Xue Wuhen, the Pavilion Master of the Combat Pavilion, personally intervened to target Xiao Tianjiao.


    At that time, Xue Wuhen was at the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    Xiao Tianjiao''s cultivation was also at the Golden Elixir Realm Peak.


    Even Xiao Tianjiao had not defeated the Xue Wuhen of that time, let alone the current Xue Wuhen whose cultivation had increased several-fold from a few years back, "He couldn''t possibly be thinking of breaking Xiao Tianjiao''s record, could he?"


    "With ninety consecutive victories in the Earth Character Pavilion, and having defeated the Ghost General, there is no one in the Earth Character Pavilion who can match him. It seems he really intends to challenge Xiao Tianjiao''s record!"


    "I think he''s been addled by his victories¡­"


    Inside the VIP room.


    Xue Wuhen was also startled, a trace of astonishment appearing on his face, "Could this kid really be intending to break Xiao Tianjiao''s record? How preposterous!"


    Back then, he had interfered to prevent Xiao Tianjiao from achieving a hundred consecutive victories because the final bet was a staggering ten trillion silver, and should Xiao Tianjiao win, the Combat Pavilion would have been bankrupted.


    He had no choice but to take action.


    Even though he ultimately won and stopped Xiao Tianjiao, that battle also damaged his foundation, preventing him from ever advancing to the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    Xue Wuhen never imagined that Xiao Yi was thinking of replicating Xiao Tianjiao''s feat?


    Ye Heng confidently said, "What does Xiao Tianjiao amount to? My master said that records are meant to be broken, and he will definitely break Xiao Tianjiao''s record!"


    "Nonsense!"


    Xue Wuhen sneered with irony, recalling his own battle with Xiao Tianjiao, he couldn''t help but express his feelings, "That Xiao Tianjiao was truly a favored son of heaven, exceptionally brilliant, unparalleled in ages past. That battle drew countless strong individuals, with even the ten great sects sending experts. That brought about a betting round of eighteen trillion silver, forcing me to intervene!"


    Eighteen trillion silver?


    Ye Heng inhaled sharply.


    Carrying several billion silver notes on him, he already felt immensely wealthy.


    How much would eighteen trillion silver be?


    Xue Wuhen squinted his eyes, looking down at Xiao Yi in the dueling arena, and spoke out loud, "Young man, do you know who''s inside the Heaven Character Pavilion? Your strength is not bad, but there are plenty stronger than you in there, and one careless move could cost you your life!"


    Xiao Yi looked up proudly in the direction of the VIP room, "Just say whether you dare let me go to the Heaven Character Pavilion or not?"


    Hiss!


    All those present drew in a breath of cold air.


    That was none other than the Pavilion Master of the Combat Pavilion, the Master of Xue Yilou, a being at the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    Xiao Yi actually dared to speak to him like that?


    Xue Wuhen snorted coldly and said, "What is there to dare?" After a pause, Xue Wuhen spoke aloud, "Open the Heaven Character Pavilion!"


    Boom! S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The entire Combat Pavilion thundered.


    A series of ear-splitting, resounding bell tolls echoed across the emperor''s capital.


    The Heaven Character Pavilion was different; those who fought there were all strong practitioners of the Tao Tribulation Realm. When could one usually witness experts of the Tao Tribulation Realm clashing? Therefore, every time the Heaven Character Pavilion opened, the Combat Bell would ring to attract countless skilled individuals to come and watch the battle.


    At the same time...


    The tickets for the Heaven Character Pavilion were also extraordinarily pricey.


    Just the entry ticket alone was worth a million taels of silver, and the vast Heaven Character Pavilion could accommodate ten thousand people.


    It meant that selling all the tickets would bring in a revenue of a hundred billion taels of silver!


    This was truly a business without any capital!


    Just the ticket was priced at a million, and the betting amounts by strong practitioners in the Heaven Character Pavilion were even more staggering¡ªusually no less than tens of millions, and many were even amounts in the tens or hundreds of billions. For instance, the battle between Xiao Tianjiaao and Xue Wuhen that year attracted a record-breaking betting amount of eighteen thousand billion taels of silver!


    A girl in a flowing red dress came before Xiao Yi and said respectfully, "Lord Yiquan, activating the formation of the Heaven Character Pavilion requires a vast amount of Yuan stones and will take two hours. Please, would you wait in the backstage area?"


    "Hmm!"


    Xiao Yi nodded.


    In fact.


    This mentioned adjusting of Yuan stones was just an excuse; they were waiting for those big shots to hear the news and come to the Heaven Character Pavilion.


    Without those big shots participating, how could there be massive betting?


    Xiao Yi had no objections to this.


    After all...


    With his current ninety consecutive wins, he could earn a ninety percent share of the betting amount for each battle. The more bets placed, the more he would earn¡ªwhy wouldn''t he be happy?


    At the same time.


    The sounding of the Combat Bell in the Heaven Character Pavilion spread the news that a youth called ''One Punch'' would go to the Heaven Character Pavilion with his cultivation at the peak of the Golden Core Realm to challenge the record of ninety-nine consecutive wins set by Xiao Tianjiaao the news spreading throughout the emperor''s capital.


    Discover hidden content at My Virtual Library Empire


    It even quickly reached the ears of the experts from the ten great sects.


    All ten great sects had branches in the emperor''s capital.


    In the Tianjian Sect''s branch, an arrogant youth, upon hearing the news, laughed coldly, "I want to see exactly who is so confident as to dare challenge the record of Saint Heir!"


    At the Vast Righteousness Pavilion''s branch, a man in white with a righteous aura smiled slightly, "Challenge Xiao Tianjiaao''s record? Interesting, truly interesting; it might be worth taking a look..."


    "The Heaven Character Pavilion is reopening, a perfect chance to make money!"¡ªKuangdao Sect''s branch.


    In the Yin Yang Dao Arena''s branch, "Immeasurable Heavenly Honored, child, follow your master to the Combat Pavilion..."


    Apart from the powerful individuals of the ten great sects, the four great noble families¡ªDongfang, Ximen, Nangong, and Beitang¡ªalso received the news and each sent their experts toward the Combat Pavilion.


    Inside the royal palace.


    Yang Ling put down the book in his hand, narrowed his eyes, and murmured with an odd expression, "Challenge Xiao Tianjiaao''s record? Golden Elixir Peak? It couldn''t be Xiao Yi, could it? Interesting, with nothing else much to do, let''s go take a look!"


    At the Xiao Family, they too received the news.


    Xiao Zhengde sneered and tossed the secret letter in his hand aside, scoffing, "What audacity, to think he can challenge the record set by my son? Someone, prepare my carriage; I will go to the Combat Pavilion..."


    If the emperor''s capital was bustling with activity, countless prominent figures were all converging towards the Combat Pavilion...

 Chapter 243 Father and Son Reunion

    Combat Pavilion.This has always been one of the liveliest places in the imperial capital.


    But today, the Combat Pavilion was exceptionally bustling, filled with a cacophony of voices, as countless officials and nobles converged toward it.


    "Why won''t you sell to me? Is two or three hundred million not enough to qualify my worth?"


    "You think two or three hundred million is a lot? My master has eight hundred million, and they still won''t sell to him..."


    "It''s said that there are too many people coming to watch this time, the Combat Pavilion has temporarily raised the threshold. Without a net worth of ten billion, you can''t even buy a ticket..."


    "Is it that exaggerated?"


    "Nonsense... It''s said that people from the top ten sects, the four major noble families, and the royal family have all sent people..."


    The entrance to the Heaven Character Pavilion was a surging sea of people.


    In the past, those with a net worth of one billion could enter the Heaven Character Pavilion by spending only one million Silver, but now the requirement has been raised to a ten billion net worth, and each ticket has been scalped to a price of ten million Silver.


    Those buying tickets were swarming like moths to a flame.


    Just from this one ticket sale, the Combat Pavilion could earn hundreds of billions of Silver.


    Xue Wuhen looked at the sea of people outside, with many crushing their heads in their eagerness to buy tickets, a playful smile appeared on his face, "Xiao Tianjiao''s reputation really is useful, just hearing that someone wants to challenge Xiao Tianjiao''s record, and so many people have rushed over!"


    "After all, he is the number one talent of the Great Qian Dynasty, the current Saint Heir of Tianjian Sect, and he has just recently broken through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm, he''s really in the limelight!"


    "Pavilion Master, all the tickets have been sold out!"


    "The top ten sects, the four major noble families, the royal family, the Xiao Family... basically, anyone in the imperial capital who is qualified to buy a ticket is here!"


    Listening to the continuing stream of good news from his subordinates, Xue Wuhen nodded, squinting his eyes, "How are the personnel arrangements going?"


    "As per your orders, personnel from the First Layer to the Ninth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm have all been arranged."


    A Golden Elixir Realm Peak expert revealed a sinister smile, "I''ve also discussed it with them, the first eight will intentionally lose to Yi Punch, then we''ll defeat him with the ninth!"


    Xue Wuhen squinted his eyes, speaking indifferently, "Remember to have them perform convincingly, don''t let any flaws be detected."


    "Pavilion Master, rest assured! They are all experienced at this!"


    Xue Wuhen nodded in satisfaction, gesturing, "Send Yi Punch to the Heaven Character Pavilion then!"


    "Yes!"


    Several people immediately withdrew.


    Xue Wuhen took a gentle sip of the drink in his hand, clucking in admiration, "Good wine must be savored slowly... All these fellows are supremely shrewd, it really takes a big bait to coax the money out of their pockets!"


    On the way to the Heaven Character Pavilion duel arena.


    Xiao Yi, his face covered by a black mask, paused in his steps as a figure appeared before him.


    That figure was so familiar.


    Their four eyes met.


    Xiao Yi recognized the other party at a glance, but it seemed as though the other party did not recognize him at all.


    This person was Xiao Zhengde, the head of the Xiao Family!


    The Combat Pavilion strongman guiding the way respectfully said, "Xiao Family Head!"


    "Mhm!"


    Xiao Zhengde nodded, his face displaying arrogance as he sized up Xiao Yi with a slant eye, "Kid, are you the one boldly claiming to challenge the record set by my son?"


    Xiao Yi''s body went rigid, his fists clenched involuntarily.


    Even though he kept telling himself that that family had nothing to do with him anymore, that the man before him was not his father,


    when truly facing him, he still inevitably held some expectation, hoping that Xiao Zhengde would recognize him. However, reality once again disappointed him. Taking a deep breath, Xiao Yi nodded, "Yes, it''s me!"


    Tsk!


    Xiao Zhengde scoffed, his arms crossed as he circled Xiao Yi, shaking his head, "I can''t see what''s so special about you. You don''t look like a fool, so how could you have such an unrealistic idea? Young man, I''d advise you to give up. My son Tianjiao is the number one talent of the Great Qian Dynasty, the Saint Heir of Tianjian Sect, a tremendous expert in the Dharma Manifestation Realm at just twenty-four years old. What gave you the courage to challenge his record?"


    Indeed.


    Nothing has changed at all!


    In his eyes, there is only Xiao Tianjiao. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi let out a long breath of foul air and struggled to calm himself, speaking lightly, "There''s always someone better, how can one know without trying?"


    "Hahaha, what a sayings, ''There''s always someone better.'' While it''s true, it''s meant for ants like you. My son Tianjiao, is the ''someone better'' you speak of..." Xiao Zhengde stated confidently, full of mockery.


    Xiao Yi''s tightly clenched fist quietly relaxed and he said, "I might not be inferior to Xiao Tianjiao, how would I know without trying?"


    This sentence had been buried in Xiao Yi''s heart for a very long time!


    During those eight years of imprisonment, when Xiao Zhengde coldly announced that Xiao Yi should go to the Fang Family to become a live-in son-in-law, he had longed to say these words to Xiao Zhengde. However, Xiao Zhengde had never given him the chance.


    Today, he finally said them.


    Although...


    Xiao Zhengde did not recognize him at all.


    Xiao Zhengde was stunned, then shook his head and sighed, "Well, let us wait and see!"


    The two passed by each other.


    The sliver of hope in Xiao Yi''s heart, already so faint, was completely extinguished at this moment.


    What replaced it was a trace of icy coldness and determination.


    ...


    The Heaven Character Pavilion was ten times the size of the Earth Character Pavilion, after all, those who fought here were practitioners of the Tao Tribulation Realm, and the scale of their battles was countless times greater than that of Golden Core Realm fighters. The protective arrays around were also stronger.


    Just maintaining this protective array for an hour would consume elemental stones worth over a hundred million silver.


    Explore more stories at My Virtual Library Empire


    It could easily withstand the battles of those at the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    The seats for spectators had already been filled.


    The highest level on each of the four corners, east, south, west, and north, contained rows of VIP rooms, and each VIP room ticket started at ten million silver. Today, they had sold for as much as one hundred million silver. Anyone who could enter the VIP rooms was either a regional powerhouse or a merchant wealthy enough to rival nations.


    Inside the VIP room on the east.


    Yang Ling''s face was cold. Sitting next to him was a man in a luxurious robe who bore some resemblance to Yang Ling.


    This was Yang Ling''s imperial brother, the sixth son of Emperor Qian, Yang Jin.


    Yang Lin, a disciple of the Tianjian Sect and also in charge of the sect''s division in the imperial capital, sat there boldly, one leg crossed over the other, a mocking smile on his face, "Imperial brother, did I hear it was you and our father who recommended that Xiao Yi take charge of the Xiaoshanhe Institute?"


    Yang Ling nodded expressionlessly.


    Yang Jin clicked his tongue and said, "Foolish! Don''t you know about Xiao Yi''s relationship with Xiao? You let him sit as the head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute; isn''t that just offending Xiao for no reason?"


    Yang Ling replied indifferently, "Whether it''s Xiao Yi or Xiao Tianjiao, they are all subjects of the Great Qian Dynasty. What''s wrong with my recommendation of Xiao Yi?"


    "Even if you recommended a beggar or even a cat or a dog, there would be nothing inappropriate. But you specifically recommended Xiao Yi, which is slapping Xiao in the face, stirring up trouble between Xiao and the royal family..."


    Yang Jin scoffed coldly, fully aware he had no qualifications to compete for the throne and always supporting the eldest prince Yang Kun, he naturally did not show goodwill towards Yang Ling, "Once this matter is over, immediately submit a petition to our father to dismiss Xiao Yi, and go to the Tianjian Sect to find Xiao and apologize to him in person, begging for his forgiveness. That is the eldest prince''s wish!"


    "Dismiss Xiao Yi? Apologize to Xiao Tianjiao?"


    Yang Ling caught his breath, then sneered and shook his head, "Go back and tell the eldest prince that if he wants to ingratiate himself with Xiao Tianjiao, that''s his business. Expect me, Yang Ling, to bow to him? Sorry, I can''t do that!"


    "You..."


    Yang Jin''s face turned alternately pale and flushed, his eyes instantly turned cold, and he huffed, "Very well, I hope you can still be so defiant when Xiao''s wrath descends!"


    Yang Ling responded coolly, "You needn''t worry yourself, Imperial Brother!"


    "Hmph!"


    Yang Jin snorted and stormed off.


    Yang Ling''s palm clenched the armrest so hard it burst apart, and as the wood chips fluttered, his gaze turned toward the dueling arena, "Xiao Yi, you better not disappoint me!"

 Chapter 244 Punch Explosion!

    ```In the dueling arena.


    The cold wind howled, swirling up dust and sand.


    It carried with it a hint of desolation.


    Tens of thousands in the stands were gathered, buzzing with excitement. Each person was deep in discussion, "Do you think this guy named Yi can hope to break the record set by Xiao Tianjiao?"


    "Are you still asleep? Why are you talking in your dreams in broad daylight? How could anyone surpass Xiao Tianjiao?"


    "He is the strongest genius of our Great Qian Dynasty. The only one who could probably break his record is himself!"


    Almost no one in the crowd of tens of thousands fancied Xiao Yi''s chances.


    At that moment...


    The figure of Xue Wuhen appeared in the dueling arena.


    The Heaven Character Pavilion has always been presided over by him personally.


    "Welcome everyone to the Combat Pavilion. As I believe you all know, today''s battle will be rather special. The challenger Yi, just two hours ago, defeated the Ghost General and achieved ninety consecutive victories at the Peak of the Golden Core Realm, and has announced his attempt to enter the Heaven Character Pavilion to challenge the record set by the Great Qian Dynasty''s number one genius, Xiao Tianjiao!"


    Xue Wuhen''s face bore a calm smile as he stood aloft, surveying the crowd, "Today, we invite all of you to witness whether Xiao Tianjiao''s record is nearly unshakable, or whether this young genius known as Yi can create another miracle!"


    "Xue Wuhen, don''t even think about tricking us into betting on someone named Yi..."


    "As if we don''t know your tricks already."


    "Hurry up and start! When it''s time to bet, we will naturally make our move,"


    Everyone chimed in.


    Xue Wuhen, feigning helplessness, said, "It seems the richer people are, the stingier they get! The Combat Pavilion''s business isn''t easy either, so please, do bet a bit more generously!"


    "Hahaha, I''ll definitely support, betting a hundred taels!"


    "I''m betting ten taels..." the crowd joked among themselves.


    Xue Wuhen shrugged his shoulders, pretending to be aggrieved, "Ladies and gentlemen, that''s too much! Surely you could start with at least ten thousand taels?"


    In the VIP seats to the west, an impatient Xiao Zhengde urged, "Just get started!"


    Honor follows upon one''s offspring.


    Ever since Xiao Tianjiao made his breakthrough into the Dharma Manifestation Realm, the Xiao Family''s status rose like the sun at midday, and it seemed they were on the cusp of becoming the fifth great clan, so even Xue Wuhen had to show some respect.


    "Don''t rush, everyone. We''re about to begin!" Xue Wuhen nodded and declared loudly, "The two powerhouses in this battle are Yi, at the Golden Elixir Realm Peak, and the Moonshadow Demon Blade, at the First Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm. Ladies and gentlemen, betting will stop after ten breaths'' time, please place your bets!"


    The betting in the Heaven Character Pavilion didn''t require any special registration; each person''s ticket bore an engraved Formation, and bets could be placed using these tickets.


    People had not yet witnessed Xiao Yi in battle.


    Thus, the betting was cautious, and certainly not just a matter of a few thousand or tens of thousands of taels, as was joked before.


    After all...


    They were all notable figures who couldn''t afford to lose face.


    A rough estimate.


    The betting amount for this round reached one hundred billion, with less than forty percent betting on Xiao Yi''s victory.


    Xue Wuhen was not satisfied with this figure, but he knew this was only the first battle and that it was understandable for people to be cautious. He immediately said, "Betting is now closed. Please welcome the duelists for this round¡ªfrom the eastern district, Yi, and from the western district, the Moonshadow Demon Blade!"


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The heavy iron doors on both sides were opened by two powerhouse fighters at the Peak of the Divine Ability Realm.


    Xiao Yi and the Moonshadow Demon Blade''s figures gradually became visible.


    Xiao Yi was still wearing his black mask, his gaze icy and hands clasped behind his back.


    As soon as the Moonshadow Demon Blade made his appearance, he fixed his black eyes directly on Xiao Yi, the corners of his mouth lifting in a slight sneer, rich with disdain: "A mere ant dares to challenge Xiao Tianjiao''s record? How utterly delusional¡­ If it weren''t for the substantial conditions offered by the Combat Pavilion, I could take such an ant''s life with a single slash of my blade. Still, the Combat Pavilion didn''t say I couldn''t teach him a lesson..."


    With this thought...


    ```


    The Moonshadow Demon Blade pulled the black long sword from his back, blade grazing the ground, baring his teeth in a grin, "Xiao Tianjiao is my idol. You''re just unlucky to face me!"


    "Oh!"


    Xiao Yi nodded indifferently and looked up at Xue Wuhen, "Can we start now?"


    Xue Wuhen glared fiercely at the Moonshadow Demon Blade and urged, "Begin!"


    Boom!


    The Moonshadow Demon Blade dragged his long sword, sparks flying from the ground.


    In an instant. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He had already reached Xiao Yi, his sword slashing down from the air, "Starry Moonshadow!"


    Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!


    The sparks that flew off converged into a vast expanse of stars, and within that embrace of countless stars, a silver crescent moon-like blade light descended from the sky. With a swift motion, it aimed directly for Xiao Yi''s head to chop down, its chill clearly perceptible even before the blade itself had closed the distance.


    The sharp blade light seemed like it would cut Xiao Yi open on the spot.


    Xiao Yi didn''t move a muscle.


    As if he hadn''t reacted at all.


    "Holy shit!"


    Xue Wuhen''s eyes twitched violently. The Moonshadow Demon Blade''s strike held nothing back, a definite killing blow, "The Moonshadow Demon Blade couldn''t be unable to stop, could he? If he finishes off Xiao Yi in one fight, how am I supposed to make money?"


    At this moment...


    A crisp clang echoed throughout the combat arena.


    Continue your journey on My Virtual Library Empire


    "Won?"


    "It can''t be over just like that, right?"


    The crowd turned their gaze toward Xiao Yi.


    Somehow, Xiao Yi had already thrown a punch, his fist colliding with the blade.


    But at this time...


    Jagged cracks sprawled across the sharp battle blade which, with a loud bang, shattered into pieces, sweeping toward them. Amid the dull thudding sounds, fragments of the long sword pierced through the Moonshadow Demon Blade''s body.


    The Moonshadow Demon Blade lay on the ground like a porcupine, blood flowing freely, body convulsing uncontrollably.


    Hiss!


    The previously noisy Heaven Character Pavilion fell silent as a grave.


    "Am I seeing things? Flesh and blood, and he smashed the Moonshadow Demon Blade with a single punch?"


    "If I saw it right, that blade of the Moonshadow Demon Blade''s is a fourth-grade high-level Yuan weapon..."


    "This guy called ''One Punch'' is no simple character!"


    Amidst the chorus of exclamations.


    Countless faces were slapped.


    Yang Ling had confirmed Xiao Yi''s identity the moment he appeared, and had been nervous for Xiao Yi when he faced the Moonshadow Demon Blade. Now, he relaxed, baring his teeth with a smile, "As expected of Xiao Yi, he really didn''t disappoint me!"


    In the next private room, Yang Jin wore a mocking expression, "The Moonshadow Demon Blade is just at the First Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm. Back then, Xiao could defeat a Nine-fold Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouse at just the Golden Elixir Realm Peak. Even Xue Wuhen at the Tao Tribulation Realm Peak was left severely injured by Xiao, unable to step into the Dharma Manifestation Realm for a long time. How can this kid compare to Xiao..."


    In a private room to the west.


    Xiao Zhengde shook his head, "He''s not bad, but compared to my son Tianjiao, the gap is more than just a tiny bit!"


    Although Xiao Yi''s defeat of the Moonshadow Demon Blade with one punch was indeed astonishing, no one was optimistic about his chances against the record of Xiao Tianjiao. Predictions abounded, "Within three matches, ''One Punch'' is bound to lose!"


    And at this moment...


    A second opponent appeared in front of Xiao Yi...

 Chapter 245 One Punch, Still One Punch!

    Xue Wuhen hovered in midair and declared loudly, "For the second fight, Yi''s opponent is a Second Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm master, who boasts a fifty victories streak record in my Combat Pavilion''s Earth Character Pavilion¡ªGeziyi with the Green Edge Sword!""Geziyi?"


    "This is a born female swordsman, wielding the Green Edge Sword that moves with the wind, not to be underestimated!"


    "However, I find that Yi interesting. He could explode the Moonshadow Demon Blade with a single punch. I''m planning to bet on him and see..."


    Ten breaths later, betting ends.


    The total bet amount reached fifty billion, of which eighteen billion was placed on Xiao Yi, yet still the vast majority believed he would lose.


    In the dueling arena.


    Geziyi, clad in a green-tight fitting garment with a white silk veil covering her face and gem-like bright eyes, appeared before Xiao Yi.


    They looked into each other''s eyes.


    Geziyi smiled slightly, "Three swords!"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback, "Hmm?"


    Geziyi said, "It will take only three swords to defeat you!"


    "Oh!"


    Xiao Yi nodded, gestured to her with his hand, "Stop talking, let''s get on with it!"


    "Hmm?"


    Geziyi''s expression stiffened. As a beautiful female swordsman, this was the first time she had encountered such a cold reception. She snorted coldly, "You''ve thoroughly angered me. With one sword, I shall disable you!"


    Whoosh!


    Breezes swirled around Geziyi.


    The sound of rushing wind was incessant.


    In an instant.


    The breezes merged into a storm, which then turned into a violent wind, concealing Geziyi''s figure within, making it difficult to capture her silhouette. This was the power of mastering the elemental wind of heaven and earth, applied to swordsmanship.


    The wind conceals the sword, the sword becomes the wind!


    Unpredictable!


    Swish, swish, swish!


    A series of spine-chilling whooshing sounds as sword shadows disappeared in the violent wind, unseen, yet the ice-cold intent to kill was palpable.


    Xiao Yi''s robe fluttered loudly as the corners of his mouth lifted slightly, "Playing with wind? I''m your forefather in that!"


    Wind Thunder Holy Body.


    Mastery over the power of wind and thunder.


    Xiao Yi merged instantly with the wind, and suddenly he threw a punch into the invisible violent wind: "Vajra Subdues Demons!"


    Whoosh!


    A golden Wrathful Vajra phantom condensed behind him, his arm shining like cast gold, swinging his fist that seemed to tear through the void, instantly disappearing within the dueling arena.


    Hum!


    The violent wind pervading the entire dueling arena came to a sudden halt.


    A streak of blood traced a graceful arc across the sky, followed by numerous tornadoes condensing and forming the figure of Geziyi being blown away in retreat.


    Thud!


    She crashed heavily against the Defensive Array, bounced, and fell to the ground.


    She completely lost consciousness.


    Xiao Yi conquered another battle!


    This battle, still just one punch!


    The Second Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm''s Green Edge Sword Geziyi was defeated.


    Without suspense! Continue reading at My Virtual Library Empire


    At this moment...


    Some of the strong figures who had come just to watch the excitement began to look serious, some who thought Xiao Yi was overestimating himself in challenging Xiao Tianjiao''s record started to change their minds, and some who had already been looking forward to Xiao Yi performing a miracle felt increasingly excited.


    With two battles, Xiao Yi resolved both with single punches, and was slowly beginning to change everyone''s opinion.


    Inside the VIP room.


    Yang Ling laughed heartily, the light flashing in his eyes, "Good job, Xiao Yi, I knew you wouldn''t disappoint me. How could a man who annihilated numerous strongmen from the Great Jin Kingdom at the peak of Golden Elixir Realm be simple? Perhaps, he really has a chance to break Xiao Tianjiao''s record!"


    Yang Ling was taken aback by his own thoughts as he calmed down.


    That was Xiao Tianjiao!


    Universally recognized as the number one prodigy of the Great Qian Dynasty!


    Every record he created was said to be unmatched, unparalleled, unbreakable by anyone!


    Could this immortal legend really be broken?


    Yang Ling was excited and anticipatory, in contrast to Yang Jin, Xiao Zhengde, and others.


    Yang Jin snorted coldly, narrowing his eyes with disdain, "He has only defeated a Second Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouse. Each layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm is like a different heaven. I want to see how long he can keep winning!"


    Xiao Zhengde had smashed two cups in front of him, and the maidservant beside him, with a bloody palm print on her face, looked at him in terror.


    Bang!


    Xiao Zhengde hurled another cup, his gaze icy cold. "This damned brat indeed has some skill. But to break Tian''er''s record? You''re still far from it!"


    No matter what everyone thought, Xiao Yi''s battles did not stop.


    And as he won two consecutive battles, the betting amounts grew larger, and the odds on him grew higher.


    The third battle.


    The betting amount reached eighty billion, with thirty-five billion on Xiao Yi.


    In the end, Xiao Yi still resolved his opponent with a single punch.


    The fourth battle.


    The betting amount broke one hundred billion for the first time, reaching one hundred twenty-three billion and five hundred million, with the first time over fifty percent on Xiao Yi¡ªsixty-six billion.


    The fifth battle.


    The sixth battle.


    The seventh battle...


    Xiao Yi maintained his unbeaten record for eight consecutive battles, exploding his opponents with one punch every single time.


    Those present were regulars of the Combat Pavilion, but when had they ever seen such satisfying combat?


    No matter your cultivation level!


    No matter your streak of consecutive victories!


    All blown apart with one punch!


    This aggressive, dominant Xiao Yi had conquered most of the strong fighters.


    By the ninth battle, Xiao Yi''s opponent became an ace assassin from Xue Yilou, a Nine-fold Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm. He was a superstar who had achieved sixty-five consecutive victories in the Heaven Character Pavilion, known as the Thousand-Handed Blood Butcher, Xue Asura.


    Thud, thud!


    Xue Asura''s steps were heavy as he entered the dueling arena.


    He tilted his head back slightly, opened his arms, and his eyes were slightly closed.


    In past battles...


    As soon as he took this stance, everyone would cheer for him, shouting his name.


    Today was no exception.


    Only, echoing through the Heaven Character Pavilion, the roaring cheers were not calling his name: "Wudi with one punch!"


    "Explode him with one punch!"


    "One punch..."


    The crowd was frenzied, chanting Xiao Yi''s title within the Combat Pavilion. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As for Xue Asura...


    Indeed, there were a few loyal fans shouting his name, but they were quickly drowned out by the resounding cheers.


    "Huh?"


    Xue Asura opened his eyes, looking bewildered around him as the familiar faces were not only failing to chant his name but were also calling for Xiao Yi to blow him away with one punch!


    This made Xue Asura''s face turn extremely ugly; his eyes coldly fixed on Xiao Yi.


    High above.


    Xue Wuhen''s expression was not pleasant either. According to his plan, Xiao Yi would have been defeated in the eighth battle.


    However, that Eightfold Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouse he had put his hopes on was still blown away by Xiao Yi with one punch.


    This had Xue Wuhen feeling stuck!


    Now, Xiao Yi''s popularity was skyrocketing, and the betting amount for the ninth battle had reached more than fifty-three trillion, with over forty trillion placed on him. If Xiao Yi won this battle, he would not only cause the Combat Pavilion to pay out over forty trillion, but he would also equal Xiao Tianjiao''s record!


    He absolutely could not allow this to happen.


    Xue Wuhen narrowed his eyes and transmitted his voice, "Xue Asura, at all costs, kill him!"


    Whoosh!


    Xue Asura let out a long breath, his cold gaze fell on Xiao Yi, "Leave it to me!"

 Chapter 246 Unbreakable? Then Let Me!

    Xue Asura was the ace assassin meticulously nurtured by Xue Yilou.Nine-fold Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm cultivation.


    With a mysterious movement technique and his art of killing, he was second only to the level of the sect leader within Xue Yilou.


    Discover hidden content at My Virtual Library Empire


    This time, had it not been for the promise of a benefit worth a hundred billion silver from Xue Wuhen, he would not have been willing to cross hands with Xiao Yi, who wasn''t even of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    Inside the VIP room.


    Yang Ling''s pupils constricted slightly, recognizing the formidable strength of Xue Asura, especially his unpredictable art of killing. Xue Asura once, all by himself, successfully assassinated a powerhouse at the Peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    His combat power far surpassed the previous eight opponents.


    "I can''t believe Xue Wuhen would actually send Xue Asura, now things are troublesome¡­ Xiao Yi, can you win?" Yang Ling clenched his fists tightly. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Yang Jin''s mouth curled upward, revealing a fierce expression, "With Xue Asura taking action, Xiao Yi is bound to lose."


    "The last opponent was a powerhouse at the Eighth Layer Peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm, and Xiao Yi burst him with a punch. It seems that Xiao Yi''s strength must far surpass an Eightfold Realm, and though Xue Asura is powerful, Xiao Yi might not be unable to defeat him!"


    "The odds for both of them are nearly the same, this could be a battle of equals!"


    Bang!


    Xiao Zhengde''s cup shattered in his hand again, his face ashen, as he roared in anger, "Are all the people at the Combat Pavilion incompetent? So many people yet they can''t stop a junior at the Golden Core Realm Peak? Damn it, damn it¡­"


    Watching Xiao Yi win another round would allow him to tie Xiao Tianjiao''s record.


    How could Xiao Zhengde tolerate that?


    In his heart¡­


    His son, Xiao Tianjiao, was the reincarnation of the Heavenly Emperor, an unrivaled prodigy and pride of the heavens from past until present.


    Not to mention someone breaking Xiao Tianjiao''s record.


    Even equaling it was an insult to Xiao Tianjiao.


    "Patriarch, please be calm. Xue Asura''s strength is second only to Xue Wuhen in the Combat Pavilion. I believe he can surely defeat that boy!" said a Xiao Family guard solemnly by Xiao Zhengde''s side.


    Xiao Zhengde nodded, "You are right, Xue Asura will surely win." He glanced at the betting pool, "These idiots, so many think he can win? It''s simply laughable to the extreme. Bet on Xue Asura for me, five hundred billion¡­"


    The guard opened his mouth.


    He really wanted to remind Xiao Zhengde that in the previous eight fights, they had already lost nearly a hundred billion silver.


    Even for the Xiao Family, which was at its peak, such a loss was enough to cause significant damage.


    But he was just a guard and could only swallow the words that reached the tip of his tongue.


    Meanwhile¡­


    Within the duel arena, Xue Asura had already approached Xiao Yi, his aura of murderous intent making it difficult for anyone to look him in the eye. He said coldly, "To reach this step as a Golden Core Realm Peak, aside from Xiao Tianjiao, you are the first!"


    Xiao Yi calmly responded, "I intend to keep going!"


    "Impossible!"


    Xue Asura shook his head with indifference, "With me here, you can only stop here!"


    Xiao Yi smiled, "Nothing is impossible, what Xiao Tianjiao has done, I can do too. What Xiao Tianjiao hasn''t done, I still can!"


    "Truly arrogant!"


    Xue Asura laughed repeatedly, respect showing on his proud face when mentioning Xiao Tianjiao, "Xiao Tianjiao is the reincarnation of the Heavenly Emperor, an unrivaled genius. To this day, he has created countless miracles, and no one has ever been able to break these records!"


    Xiao Yi grinned, right hand casually opening and then firmly clenched, a muffled thump exploded within his palm. With each word firmly emphasized, he declared, "Unbreakable by anyone? Then let me be the one!"


    "Hmm?"


    Xue Asura was taken aback and then laughed heartily.


    His laughter was still echoing.


    Yet the expression on his face slowly became blurred, like a reflection in water, gradually fading away.


    This was just an afterimage!


    During their conversation.


    Xue Asura had silently launched an attack.


    Whoosh!


    A streak of blood light suddenly burst from behind Xiao Yi, dazzling to the eye, as if piercing from the depths of a void. Appearing silently and without warning, its power was extraordinary.


    Xiao Yi''s body was wreathed in the power of wind and thunder, crackling as it transformed into a purple-gold streak of lightning. He swiftly dodged with a swish.


    Whew!


    The scarlet sword made a futile stroke.


    It did not touch Xiao Yi''s body.


    From the air came Xue Asura''s ethereal, dreamy voice, "Asura Sword Prison!"


    Hum!


    Beneath Xiao Yi''s feet, a round patch of blood-red light suddenly surfaced. No matter how Xiao Yi tried to dodge, it continued to follow him. As Xue Asura''s voice reached him, the blood-red light suddenly rippled, much like the waves on the surface of water.


    Whoosh whoosh whoosh!


    Blood-red chains burst forth, and in the midst of their clanking sounds, hundreds of blood-red chains sealed Xiao Yi within.


    At the same time.


    Xue Asura''s figure appeared before Xiao Yi. As the blood-red chains clanged and collided with each other, they twined together, continuously compressing the space where Xiao Yi stood.


    Atop the chains, longswords bristling with murderous intent simultaneously appeared.


    Hundreds, thousands of longswords, their sharp points directed straight at Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Zhengde suddenly rose to his feet, his hands clenching a cup so tightly that it trembled. His eyes burned with fervent light, "Exactly, just like that... Kill him, Xue Asura, kill him for me!"


    Yang Jin leaned forward slightly, "This man must die!"


    Xiao Tianjiao was the Great Qian Dynasty''s strongest genius.


    And...


    He was also the Saint Heir of Tianjian Sect!


    He represented the fusion and face of Tianjian Sect.


    Every disciple of Tianjian Sect looked up to Xiao Tianjiao as an idol and would not tolerate any stain on his illustrious deeds.


    As Xiao Yi grew closer to breaking the record set by Xiao Tianjiao, Yang Jin grew more and more eager for his death.


    Yang Ling clenched his fists tightly, holding his breath, "Xiao Yi, you can''t lose, you absolutely can''t lose!"


    Trapped within the Asura Sword Prison.


    Xiao Yi''s mouth curved up slightly as he looked through the chains at Xue Asura standing before him, and he smirked, "Your movement technique is indeed good. I couldn''t even lock onto your position. If you had kept engaging me with that mysterious movement technique, you might have had a chance to live. But now, you''ve lost!"


    "Hmm?"


    Xue Asura was taken aback.


    Xiao Yi spoke indifferently, "After deploying this martial skill, you can no longer move freely, right?"


    Xue Asura''s expression suddenly changed.


    Just as Xiao Yi had said...


    After deploying the Asura Sword Prison, he had to maintain a continuous flow of his vital energy into the prison; otherwise, he could not sustain it and was unable to move freely. That was why his Asura Sword Prison was designed to trap first, then kill the enemy!


    This technique was unbeatable!


    Even when he faced the assassination of a peak Tao Tribulation Realm expert before, it was with this move that he had slain the attacker within the prison.


    "Don''t dream of disturbing my focus..." Xue Asura snorted coldly, full of confidence, "This Asura Sword Prison is my Innate Divine Ability fused with the power of heaven and earth, not even a peak Tao Tribulation Realm expert could break through!"


    "We''ll see about that!"


    The smile on Xiao Yi''s face suddenly vanished, his sword-brows shot up, and his eyes sparked with brilliance like lightning.


    Swish!


    A crimson longsword landed in his palm.


    Wielding the Fire Qilin Sword with one hand, he drew several sword flowers, then suddenly unleashed a slash, "Reincarnation of the Azure Lotus!"


    Swish!


    The Three-Colored Sword Lotus condensed, ever regenerating in endless cycles.


    Boom!


    Under the impact of the Sword Lotus, the blood-red chains were crushed to pieces, and under the disbelieving gaze of Xue Asura, the Three-Colored Sword Lotus infused with the power of Wind Thunder struck Xue Asura''s chest with a swish.


    Immediately following...


    The Three-Colored Lotus bloomed.


    Gorgeous petals scattered about, completely enveloping Xue Asura within.


    Boom!


    A burst of blinding light obscured the sky.


    When the light faded and the Azure Lotus withered away.


    Xue Asura lay as a lifeless corpse in a pool of blood.


    "..."


    The vast Heaven Character Pavilion fell completely silent.


    In this moment...


    The words of Xiao Yi echoed in everyone''s mind, "Unbreakable? Then let me be the one to break it!"

 Chapter 247 Battle with Xue Wuhen

    No one can break it?Then let me be the one!


    Before this...


    This sentence had been the butt of many jokes, with people thinking Xiao Yi was overrating his own abilities.


    But now.


    Xiao Yi had actually done it.


    At least.


    In the Combat Pavilion, under the same conditions of being at the Golden Elixir Realm Peak as Xiao Tianjiao was at the time, he reached the same level as Xiao Tianjiao.


    Ninety-nine consecutive victories!


    He had equaled Xiao Tianjiao''s record!


    "Impossible, how could this be possible? My son Tianjiao''s record has been equaled? No, it can''t be..." Xiao Zhengde was completely enraged, venting like a madman in the VIP room, smashing tables and chairs, beating maidservants.


    Read exclusive content at My Virtual Library Empire


    The floor gained a few more cold corpses.


    All beaten to death by him.


    The guard was trembling with fear, hiding in the corner and watching the hysterical Xiao Zhengde with a sense of dread.


    "My son Tianjiao is the reincarnation of the Heavenly Emperor, unique through the ages... The record he set was unprecedented and unmatched; how could it be equaled? Why has it come to this..."


    Xiao Zhengde''s eyes were bloodshot.


    In his heart, Xiao Tianjiao was perfect; no blemish could be tolerated.


    But now...


    Xiao Yi''s equaling Xiao Tianjiao''s record was like a black blemish on a pure and flawless piece of jade, tarnishing the beautiful gem, utterly ruining that perfect jade pendant.


    "Bastard, damn it all!"


    Suddenly, Xiao Zhengde, like a man possessed, looked at the guard and grabbed him by the neck.


    He needed to vent his frustration and anger through killing.


    The guard''s face turned red, struggling desperately, he yelled with all his might, "Master, I have a way..."


    "Hmm?"


    Xiao Zhengde paused, loosening his grip a little, he frowned and said, "What did you say?"


    The guard gasped for breath, disregarding his narrow escape from death and said hastily, "He, he has not quite equaled the young master''s record yet. In the young master''s hundredth fight back then, he withstood two moves from Xue Wuhen before showing signs of defeat, and he also seriously injured Xue Wuhen. As long as he dies at the hands of Xue Wuhen, the record will still belong to the young master!"


    Xiao Zhengde''s eyes lit up, he laughed and said, "You''re right, if Xue Wuhen kills this boy in one move, the record will still be my son Tianjiao''s. Go, tell Xue Wuhen that if he kills that boy within one move, I will grant him a breakthrough opportunity to the Dharma Manifestation Realm, and besides, the Xiao family will owe him a favor."


    "I will go immediately!"


    The guard let out a long sigh of relief and quickly left the VIP room.


    A moment later.


    He found Xue Wuhen through the Combat Pavilion.


    Xue Wuhen was preparing to take the field himself; he didn''t care whether Xiao Yi could break Xiao Tianjiao''s record, what mattered to him was that he absolutely could not let Xiao Yi achieve a hundred consecutive victories.


    At this time, the guard of the Xiao family actually came to him.


    Xue Wuhen squinted and said, "He?"


    The guard hastily said, "Pavilion Master Xue, my master asked me to inform you... if you can kill that boy within one move, our Xiao family will grant you a breakthrough opportunity to the Dharma Manifestation Realm, additionally owing you a favor!"


    "Hmm?"


    Xue Wuhen was startled, a trace of burning desire flashed in his eyes.


    A favor from the Xiao family meant a favor from Xiao Tianjiao.


    That was worth a fortune!


    Moreover...


    There was the opportunity for a breakthrough to the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    If it had been anyone else who made such an offer, he might have had doubts, but the Xiao family, with a monster like Xiao Tianjiao, indeed had the ability to offer such an opportunity.


    Plus, Xue Wuhen already intended to stop Xiao Yi from getting a hundred consecutive victories.


    To go with the flow, why not?


    Xue Wuhen nodded and said, "Go back and tell Xiao, I accept this matter!"


    "Then I hereby wish Pavilion Master Xue a triumphant victory in advance!" The guard also breathed a sigh of relief.


    No sooner had the guard left.


    Yang Jin appeared in front of Xue Wuhen. Xue Wuhen dared not treat Yang Jin as lightly as he did the guard, he saluted with his hands and said, "Your Highness!"


    Yang Jin nodded and said indifferently, "I want you to kill him!"


    "Rest assured, Your Highness!"


    Xue Wuhen bared a ferocious and cold smile, "I will execute him!"


    "Hmm!"


    Yang Jin left with an indifferent expression on his face.


    Xue Wuhen took a deep breath, his eyes glinting with a cold, knife-like light, "Kid, you can''t blame me for this. Too many people want you dead!"


    ...


    In the dueling arena.


    Xiao Yi sat cross-legged, with his eyes closed, gathering his strength.


    Whoosh!


    He suddenly opened his eyes to see Xue Wuhen appearing not far in front of him.


    Their eyes locked.


    Xue Wuhen spoke indifferently, "I didn''t want to kill you, but someone came to me, wanting your life!"


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow, "The Xiao Family?"


    "Not just the Xiao Family!"


    "Tianjian Sect?"


    Xue Wuhen nodded, not surprised that Xiao Yi could guess the Xiao Family and the Tianjian Sect. Within the vast Great Qian Dynasty, probably only these two powers wouldn''t want to see the legend of Xiao Tianjiao shattered.


    With firm steps approaching Xiao Yi, Xue Wuhen said with an indifferent expression, "To make it this far at the peak of the Golden Core Realm, you are truly strong, even giving me the impression that you''re stronger than Xiao Tianjiao in his early days. If it were me back then, even if I could beat you, it would be extremely difficult. But now, killing you would be as easy as flipping my hand!"


    The murderous aura on his body became more and more concentrated, chilling to the bone.


    A cold breath enveloped the entire Heaven Character Pavilion.


    Everyone subconsciously tightened their collars.


    The chill was bone-piercingly cold.


    It was the concentration of a supreme killing intent.


    Tao Tribulation Realm Peak!


    Even if the great battle back then had damaged his foundation, after many years of healing, his injuries had long since recovered. Even without stepping into the Dharma Manifestation Realm, he was much stronger than before. Xue Wuhen beckoned, "Sword, come!"


    Whoosh!


    A flood of blood erupted from within his body, spreading up his arm, ultimately condensing in his palm.


    A blood-colored longsword appeared.


    The sword was coiled with a blood snake; its scales were lifelike, as if it were alive.


    "A Sixth-Layer Primal Soldier Bloody Mang Sword?"


    "Who would have thought Xue Wuhen would bring out this sword ¡ª he''s going to slice that man with a single strike!"


    "It''s over, it''s over, I, I actually placed a hundred billion on him! If he loses now, won''t I be ruined?"


    "Idiot, we knew from the start that the Combat Pavilion wouldn''t let him win easily. We all bet on Xue Wuhen to win. You dared to place a bet on him; if you lose, who can you blame?"


    A low shout drowned out the murmured discussions.


    "Blood Python Swallowing the Dragon!"


    Xue Wuhen thrust out the Bloody Mang Sword in his hand.


    Whoosh!


    The blood snake on the sword seemed to come to life, its eyes emitting a dim, cold light, and a blood snake over ten meters long opened its huge mouth.


    A blood-colored glow instantly covered the entire dueling arena.


    The ground of the platform thundered and roared wherever the blood sword light passed, like a dragon turning over, shattering the ground with loud noises. Everything seemed to be on the verge of destruction, even the protective Array surrounding the dueling area was violently trembling, appearing as if it might shatter.


    Xiao Yi''s pupils suddenly contracted, as he struck against the tide with his Fire Qilin Sword, "Azure Lotus Rebirth!"


    Whoosh!


    A Three-Colored Sword Lotus condensed. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    However...


    Xue Wuhen''s strength was ultimately far too much for him, as a giant blood python swallowed the Three-Colored Sword Lotus in one bite.


    With a booming sound.


    Xiao Yi''s figure flew backward, vomiting fresh blood, landing staggeringly.


    The Fire Qilin Sword in his hand shattered into pieces amidst crackling sounds, and fresh blood continuously spilled from Xiao Yi''s mouth.


    After all, he was only at the Golden Elixir Realm Peak.


    Even though the Golden Elixir Halo had been reformed and had shrunk back to twenty layers, and even though he was bolstered by the Wind Thunder Holy Body, he was only comparable to an ordinary Tao Tribulation Realm Peak. Faced with Xue Wuhen, who was among the top warriors of the Tao Tribulation Realm Peak, Xiao Yi''s current cultivation was still not enough.


    "You lost!"


    Xue Wuhen said expressionlessly, "In consideration of your talent, I will leave you a whole corpse!"


    "Heh, heh-heh..."


    Xiao Yi, however, wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and let out a series of low chuckles, slowly raising his head and staring intently at Xue Wuhen. On his body, a layer of blood-colored light continued to spread as he said, word by word, "This is just the beginning!"

 Chapter 248 You, Lost!

    ```"This is just the beginning!"


    A brilliant smile appeared on Xiao Yi''s face as he grinned and said.


    His voice wasn''t loud, yet it echoed in the ears of everyone in the Heaven Character Pavilion.


    Accompanied by that hint of vivid red at the corner of his mouth, it gave off a chilling sensation.


    In a trance...


    It was as if on a battlefield littered with corpses, a general standing alone with a bloodstained battle flag in hand, proudly standing between heaven and earth, faced tens of thousands of enemies without a hint of retreat.


    One man holds the pass, ten thousand men can''t break through!


    "You are indeed very strong, but after all, your cultivation is too weak. Just at the peak of the Golden Core Realm, being able to come this far, you are already comparable to Xiao Tianjiao," Xue Wuhen spoke indifferently, the blood-colored sword light in his hand humming and pulsating.


    If the sword light moved forward just a tad more, it would be able to pierce through Xiao Yi''s heart.


    In the VIP room.


    Xiao Zhengde''s voice came through: "Xue Wuhen, what are you hesitating for?"


    His voice was somewhat impatient, and even more so furious.


    One move had passed.


    Xiao Yi had lost.


    As long as he took one more step and killed him, then the record of his beloved son, Xiao Tianjiao, would not be tied, much less broken.


    Xue Wuhen frowned, staring at Xiao Yi and said in a deep voice, "Little guy, I''m sorry. The benefits promised by Xiao Zhengde are simply too tempting. I can only say sorry to you! But don''t worry, I won''t let anyone harm your corpse..." S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi grinned and replied, "Thanks in advance!"


    Based on his understanding of Xiao Zhengde.


    Once he died, it was very possible that Xiao Zhengde would indeed claim his body to torment him in various ways.


    To not even let him rest in peace after death!


    This was a person verging on madness!


    To protect Xiao Tianjiao, Xiao Zhengde could carry out acts of insanity that people couldn''t comprehend.


    For example...


    Imprisoning his own flesh and blood for eight years.


    And for example...


    To arrange a mate for Xiao Tianjiao''s mount, he sent his own son to a remote place to become a son-in-law, even going as far as removing his name from the family register.


    Such actions, for a father, were terrifying and mad to the extreme.


    However.


    None of that mattered anymore.


    Today''s Xiao Yi was no longer someone who could be manipulated at will!


    "When I break your precious son''s record and unmask myself, I wonder what your expression will be? My dear father..." Xiao Yi''s eyes flashed coldly as he watched the longsword in Xue Wuhen''s hand thrust towards his chest.


    A blood-red light had completely enveloped his body.


    Blood Explosion Skill!


    The fifth level!


    Immediately burning fifty percent of his blood, a loud boom resounded, and the blood-red light around his body surged.


    Endless blood light converged into a suit of blood-colored armor. With a clang, the longsword in Xue Wuhen''s hand was forcefully blocked by the blood-colored armor, unable to advance any further, let alone shatter his heart.


    "What?"


    Xue Wuhen''s expression changed drastically.


    His left hand simultaneously placed itself on the hilt of the sword, pushing forward continually.


    But no matter how hard he tried, the blade just wouldn''t advance an inch further!


    At that moment, Xiao Yi''s strength and speed, both enhanced fivefold by the Blood Explosion Skill, exceeded Xue Wuhen''s.


    Relying on his Wind Thunder Holy Body, the power of becoming a god, and his Limitless Golden Elixir, he already possessed the power to contend with the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm. Now with all aspects of his power quintupled, he had surpassed Xue Wuhen.


    Clang!


    Xiao Yi reached out abruptly with his right hand, gripping the blade of Xue Wuhen''s Blood Mang Sword.


    As two blood-colored lights collided, a series of terrifying spatial ripples burst forth, followed by raging winds that swept out in all directions. Amid those raging winds, Xiao Yi''s left hand slapped the ground.


    Boom!


    ```


    The ground cracked open, and as dust flew about, Xiao Yi leaped into the air.


    In the midst of his ascension,


    Xiao Yi grabbed hold of the Blood Mang Sword and yanked it back, "Let go!"


    Whoosh!


    Propelled by a brutal force, the Blood Mang Sword shot out of hand, tearing apart the palms of Xue Wuhen, with blood spurting wildly, as the crimson glow surged madly from Xiao Yi''s body.


    It turned into a massive blood-red hand, extending over ten meters, and with a loud bang, it grasped the ground.


    The ground burst open.


    The blood-red hand, like a dog''s paw, firmly grasped the ground, simultaneously pulling back Xiao Yi''s form, shooting toward the back of Xue Wuhen like an arrow released from its string. Xue Wuhen''s face changed abruptly, the loss of the Blood Mang Sword causing a momentary lapse in concentration.


    At that moment, he snapped back to reality as a piercing whoosh sounded from behind him.


    The battle-hardened Xue Wuhen let out a cold snort without turning his head, and thrust his hands backward, "Blood Demon Great Palm Imprint!"


    Hum!


    Amidst the sea of blood light, a cold and blood-colored hand emerged in the void, only to be shattered by Xiao Yi with a loud bang.


    Taking advantage of this split second,


    Xue Wuhen lunged forward, avoiding by tens of meters.


    Almost simultaneously¡­


    Xiao Yi landed with a thunderous noise where Xue Wuhen had been standing, the ground beneath exploding and cracks spreading out in all directions, with large chunks of stone and soil jutting out. Amidst the rolling dust, Xiao Yi abruptly pulled back and propelled himself away.


    In the moment of his evasion,


    Xue Wuhen''s counterattack was already on its way.


    This was a sea of blood, spreading across the ground, just shy of engulfing Xiao Yi.


    "Blood Sea Purgatory!"


    Xue Wuhen spat out a mouthful of vital blood, merging it into the torrent of crimson.


    The blood fervently expanded.


    Ten meters.


    Fifty meters.


    Your next read awaits at My Virtual Library Empire


    In the blink of an eye¡­


    The entire dueling ground was covered in a layer of bright red, forcing Xiao Yi to hover above, while Xue Wuhen stood smugly atop the blood sea, "Blood Demon Devouring God!"


    Crash!


    Waves of blood surged monstrously, towering tens of meters high.


    Like a colossal wall of blood.


    Blood-colored hands emerged from the waves, clawing and reaching frantically toward Xiao Yi.


    These waters were intensely corrosive and paralytic.


    The moment one came into contact,


    Even a mere touch to the skin would instantly corrode it, paralyze the entire body, depriving one of the strength to fight again. Xiao Yi had witnessed such tactics firsthand when facing Xue Mantian.


    Though the moves differed, their effects were strikingly similar.


    "The power of Wind Thunder, eradicate all!"


    Xiao Yi shook all over.


    Unleashing the power of the Wind Thunder Holy Body, a blend of azure winds and purple-gold lightning enveloped him like a net of electricity. His speed surged, and he blasted through the massive blood waves with a thunderous roar.


    The force of thunder was inherently overpowering.


    With the added annihilating force of the raging wind, it was even more terrifying!


    Hisss!


    Xiao Yi tore through the blood wave, and at the same time, his gaze landed on the figure that had appeared before him.


    Xiao Yi''s lips curved into a smirk as he threw a punch at the astonished face of Xue Wuhen.


    Thud!


    Amid a resounding noise as loud as evening drums and morning bells, Xue Wuhen screamed in agony, flying backward like a kite with its string cut.


    With a loud crash,


    Xue Wuhen hit the ground, and just as he attempted to rise, he saw a cold and blood-colored edge already resting upon his throat, accompanied by Xiao Yi''s indifferent voice, "You''ve lost!"

 Chapter 249 Xiao, Please Wait!

    "You, lost!"Xiao Yi stood proudly in the middle of the duel arena, with a blood-colored light converging at his fingertips, forming a blade pressed against Xue Wuhen''s throat.


    A drop of blood fell from his neck.


    Just a little further and he would sever his throat and decapitate him.


    A look of confusion flashed across Xue Wuhen''s face.


    He was the master of Xue Yilou, the Pavilion Master of Combat Pavilion, a towering presence at the Tao Tribulation Realm Peak.


    Today...


    He had actually lost!


    And to a junior at the Golden Elixir Realm Peak?


    A deep sense of defeat swept over him, and Xue Wuhen''s face turned pale. He wanted to activate his profound energy and fight again. But as the thought occurred to him, the energy blade in Xiao Yi''s hand had already cut through his neck.


    The sharp pain and the hot blood flowing from his neck made Xue Wuhen shudder.


    After much hesitation.


    The profound energy inside him subsided.


    With a forced smile, he defeatly said, "I lost!" S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Boom!


    With those three words, the entire Heaven Character Pavilion erupted: "Damn, won? Just like that?"


    "A hundred consecutive victories! A Golden Elixir Realm Peak junior actually defeated a Tao Tribulation Realm Peak powerhouse, achieving a hundred consecutive victories..."


    "Xiao Tianjiao''s record wasn''t just tied, it was broken!"


    "Being at the same Golden Elixir Realm Peak and facing the same Xue Wuhen, Xiao Tianjiao took two moves and was defeated, but this man directly overcame Xue Wuhen. The difference is clear, at least within the same realm, Xiao Tianjiao is no match for him!"


    "My money... it''s all gone..."


    "Hahaha, I tripled my billion silver, hahaha..."


    The odds for Xiao Yi''s victory were set at three to one, while Xue Wuhen''s were at two to one, and nearly everyone believed Xue Wuhen would have the last laugh before the end of the fight.


    Reality proved...


    Reality and fantasy have a huge gap.


    In the VIP seats.


    "Useless trash."


    Yang Jin''s face was incredibly grim as he stared at Xiao Yi with a deadly gaze, "This man, he must not remain!"


    Strong representatives from several other sects saw potential: "With such talent, even if he''s not comparable to Xiao Tianjiao, the difference is slight. If cultivated well, he could possibly become the next Xiao Tianjiao. We must pull him into our sect!"


    "If he doesn''t submit, then we should eliminate him before he grows!"


    Among the Four Great Clans.


    Nangong Jingtang, patriarch of the Nangong Family, narrowed his eyes and stroked his mustache: "My Nangong Family has successfully recruited Ye Heng. If we can bring this young man under our wing, who then can stop the Nangong Family''s rise?"


    Dongfang Yuechu, the head of the Dongfang Family, and Ximen Yijian, the head of the Ximen Family, exchanged a glance. These two families had close bonds: "We must discover this man''s identity. If he can''t be a friend, we must eliminate him as soon as possible!"


    Representing the Beitang Family was the young master, Beitang Yu, who meanwhile stroked his chin with a pondering smile: "Interesting, really interesting... Xiao Tianjiao, your legend has been broken, and I can''t wait to see the expression on your face when you hear this news! Hahahaha..."


    In the VIP room where Xiao Zhengde was.


    The guard was once again gripped by the throat and pinned against the wall by Xiao Zhengde, who furiously punched him, "Scum, scum, scum..."


    His eyes were bloodshot, his breathing as rough as a wolf''s howl, and he was radiating a fierce killing intent.


    Xiao Tianjiao''s record had been broken.


    The undefeated legend of Xiao Tianjiao had been broken.


    This once pure and flawless jade now bore an indelible blemish.


    No matter how powerful Xiao Tianjiao was, he would no longer be like before, almost a deity, unparalleled among his peers.


    Whenever anyone mentioned Xiao Tianjiao, they would surely think of Xiao Yi!


    This man, also at the peak of the Golden Elixir Realm, broke the sealed record of Xiao Tianjiao...


    Some are happy, some are in despair.


    Upon seeing Xiao Yi claim the final victory and create a new record surpassing Xiao Tianjiao''s hundred consecutive wins,


    Yang Ling abruptly sprang up from his chair, his face awash with ecstatic joy as he murmured to himself, "Truly worthy of being the one who nearly destroyed the entire Great Jin Kingdom single-handedly, he actually did it..."


    It was Yang Ling''s idea to recommend Xiao Yi as the head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    The initial scheme of Yang Ling and Emperor Qian was to let Xiao Yi succeed the position as institute head in order to balance the powers of the four major noble families and the ten great sects.


    But he never expected...


    That Xiao Yi would be so strong!


    His growth rate was so fast!


    What surprised him even more was that Xiao Yi''s talent was in no way inferior to that of Xiao Tianjiao, the top genius of the Great Qian Dynasty.


    Narrowing his eyes, Yang Ling''s face showed excitement, "I''ll go meet Xiao Yi first, then go back and tell my father this news. He will definitely be very pleased!"


    Xiao Tianjiao is incredibly proud, not even regarding the royal family in his eyes.


    In contrast to Xiao Yi...


    Enjoy new tales from My Virtual Library Empire


    He is amicable, and especially values loyalty!


    When Jiang Tianchen was willing to exert his nation''s full strength to confront Xue Yilou for his sake, Xiao Yi single-handedly flattened Tianlan, crushed Qingyun, defeated the Four Seas, broke through the White Whale, and ultimately annihilated the Great Jin Kingdom.


    He propelled Tianqing Kingdom, once ranked at the bottom among the 100+ vassal nations of the Great Qian Dynasty, to become the strongest subordinate nation.


    Under Great Qian, Tianqing reigns supreme.


    "As long as we treat Xiao Yi sincerely, I believe he will definitely stand on the side of our royal family..." Yang Ling thought, becoming even more firm in his decision to forge a genuine bond with Xiao Yi.


    At the same time...


    In the duel arena, Xue Wuhen closed his eyes in despair, waiting for Xiao Yi to take his life.


    But what he got instead was Xiao Yi''s impatient voice, "How long do you plan to lie there?"


    "Huh?"


    Xue Wuhen was taken aback, opened his eyes, and looked incredulously at Xiao Yi, "You, you''re not going to kill me?"


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Do you really want to die? I can oblige you if you wish!"


    He never had a strong intent to kill Xue Wuhen, especially since during their previous encounter, Xue Wuhen had insisted that no one should defile his corpse, which in itself gained Xiao Yi''s respect and led him to decide to spare his life.


    Xue Wuhen: "..."


    His face changing, he finally let out a deep breath and said with a wry smile, "Losing to you is not a disgrace."


    Xiao Yi said lightly, "But you can''t owe me a single cent of the money you lost to me!"


    "..."


    With a bitter smile, Xue Wuhen said with pained expression, "Don''t worry, you won''t be shortchanged!"


    A hundred consecutive wins, no less!


    Just from the last match alone, Xiao Yi would take away thirteen trillion silver.


    Add to that the various other shares from previous matchups.


    This time, Xiao Yi could claim thirty-seven trillion silver from the Combat Pavilion, which in real gold and silver and based on the Xiaoshanhe Institute''s monthly expenditures of ten billion, would suffice to fund the institute for more than three thousand years.


    "It seems like the scale of Xiaoshanhe Institute can be expanded a bit more this time!" Xiao Yi''s lips curved into a slight smile.


    All of a sudden...


    He caught a glimpse of Xiao Zhengde leaving the VIP room from the corner of his eye. Xiao Yi fell silent for a moment, then turned to Xue Wuhen beside him, "Do me a favor!"


    "Hmm?"


    Xue Wuhen was taken aback.


    Xiao Yi said in a low voice, "Arrange a room for me. Have Xiao Zhengde come see me!"


    "Xiao Zhengde?"


    Xue Wuhen blinked in surprise but didn''t overthink it and nodded, "I''ll get to it right away!"


    A moment later...


    At the exit of the Heaven Character Pavilion, Xiao Zhengde walked out with a dark expression. Just then, he heard the voice of Xue Wuhen from behind, "Pavilion Master Xiao, please wait a moment!"

 Chapter 250 Hes Xiao Yi?!

    "Pavilion Master Xiao, please wait!"The voice of Xue Wuhen echoed from behind, causing Xiao Zhengde to halt in his steps.


    His face was extremely ugly, and his body was stained with copious amounts of fresh blood.


    The guard and several maidservants were nowhere to be seen, obviously having become the objects of his vented fury, all of them slain by his hand.


    Although Xiao Zhengde''s cultivation talent was subpar, with the help of Xiao Tianjiao, he had also reached the Third Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm. Cold light flickered in his eyes as he glared at Xue Wuhen, revealing a smile that did not reach his eyes as he said contemptuously, "Pavilion Master Xue, what wisdom do you have to impart?"


    His mood was terribly sour at the moment.


    His treasured son, Xiao Tianjiao''s record of being invincible had been shattered.


    What''s more...


    This trip to the Heaven Character Pavilion had cost him several hundred billion silver taels.


    Naturally, he bore no goodwill towards Xue Wuhen.


    Xue Wuhen smiled wryly, well aware of why Xiao Zhengde was so icy, but he was helpless. After all, standing behind Xiao Zhengde was none other than Xiao Tianjiao. Even Xue Yilou, which backed him, was exceedingly cautious of Xiao Tianjiao and dared not provoke him lightly.


    Xue Wuhen promptly said, "Pavilion Master Xiao, Lord Yiquan has requested to see you!"


    "Yiquan?"


    Xiao Zhengde was stunned, then scoffed disbelievingly, "What? Is he not satisfied with winning the contest and now wishes to mock me to my face?"


    Xue Wuhen let out an ''eh'' and said with a wry smile, "Pavilion Master Xiao, you misunderstand!"


    "Hmph!"


    Xiao Zhengde snorted coldly, paying no heed to Xue Wuhen, and dismissed him with a wave of his hand, "Lead the way! It will be good for me to see for myself, what this junior who broke my son''s record really looks like."


    At this moment, Xiao Zhengde had no idea that the person he was speaking of was the very son he had always despised and looked down upon, Xiao Yi!


    ......


    Xue Wuhen was actually quite capable in handling matters.


    He had specially prepared a VIP room for Xiao Yi and personally brought Xiao Zhengde to its door, saying, "Lord Yiquan is inside!"


    "Hm!"


    Xiao Zhengde, with a cold face, pushed the door open and entered.


    Xue Wuhen then took his place sitting at the door.


    Xiao Yi stood with his back to Xiao Zhengde, hands behind his back, still wearing that black mask on his face.


    Upon entering the VIP room, Xiao Zhengde took a seat dominantly in the chair, legs crossed, eyeing Xiao Yi with a hostile gaze and said coldly, "Boy, did you have someone bring me here to show off in front of me? If that''s the case, then you have seriously miscalculated." Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In his eyes, Xiao Tianjiao was invincible and the strongest!


    No one could surpass Xiao Tianjiao!


    "Pavilion Master Xiao, you misunderstand!"


    Xiao Yi knew all too well what Xiao Zhengde was thinking. He slowly turned around, his icy gaze piercing through the mask and falling upon Xiao Zhengde as he said indifferently, "Pavilion Master Xiao, I have heard that you have two sons. Your eldest son, Xiao Tianjiao, has been a genius since childhood, and your younger son, Xiao Yi, is also not weak. He has recently destroyed the Great Jin Kingdom and has even become the head of Xiaoshanhe Institute..."


    "Shut up!"


    Xiao Zhengde snorted coldly, "I have but one, Tianjiao, as a son."


    "Hm?"


    Xiao Yi''s hands trembled slightly.


    Am I so unworthy that I don''t even have the right to be acknowledged by you?


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath to calm his emotions and feigned ease as he spoke, "Why must Pavilion Master Xiao be this way? There are many in the Imperial City who are aware of this matter. Why do you deny it? Besides, Xiao Yi''s achievements by now should not bring shame to the Xiao Family, should they?"


    "Bullshit! What is he?"


    Xiao Zhengde scoffed, his face full of contempt, "If it weren''t for the face of my late wife, I would have disposed of that little bastard long ago. He is a waste, carrying the same blood as my son Tian. That itself is an insult to my son Tianjiao. Just recently, Xiao Tianjiao made a breakthrough to the Dharma Manifestation Realm and has been busy with important affairs, with no time to care for him. Otherwise, for daring to return to the Imperial City and making a spectacle of himself, he would have only one path - death!"


    In Xiao Zhengde''s eyes, not only did Xiao Yi have no status, he was even a source of disgrace.


    Feigning confusion, Xiao Yi said, "As a father, don''t you wish to see your sons being amicable and respectful toward each other?"


    "Amicable and respectful? That trash deserves to be on equal terms with my son Tianjiao? Couldn''t he just stay in Nanhuang and be a waste? If he truly didn''t want to be a son-in-law to the Fang Family, he could have just killed himself. Instead, he had to come to the capital and lose face... I wish that troublemaker would just die sooner!"


    With an air of indifference, Xiao Zhengde casually ranted before saying impatiently, "Did you have Xue Wuhen stop me just to ask these meaningless questions?"


    Enjoy new chapters from My Virtual Library Empire


    Xiao Yi nodded without saying a word.


    Xiao Zhengde sneered, "Kid, whether you had Xue Wuhen call me over to show off, or for some other purpose, you need to know that you''ve only broken the record my son Tianjiao set years ago. Now, my son has already become a master of the Dharma Manifestation Realm, and not even if you rode the fastest horse could you catch up!"


    No sooner had he finished speaking than Xiao Zhengde pushed the door and left.


    Xue Wuhen, who was leaning against the door, was startled, "He''s leaving just like that?"


    Xiao Zhengde glanced at him and said indifferently, "Pavilion Master Xue, the fighters in your Combat Pavilion really are degenerating with each generation. Back when they fought with my son Tianjiao, each and every one of them was a talented powerhouse. But look at them now, nothing but a bunch of good-for-nothings. I advise you to recruit more strong fighters. Otherwise, any Tom, Dick, or Harry could come and rack up several hundred victories..."


    Xue Wuhen: "..."


    Xiao Zhengde snorted coldly, flicked his sleeves, and strode away, only to run into Yang Ling along the way and promptly greet him, "Xiao Zhengde pays respects to His Highness Yang Ling!"


    "Pavilion Master Xiao?"


    Yang Ling was taken aback. Seeing that Xiao Zhengde was coming from the direction of the private room where Xiao Yi was, he subconsciously said, "Pavilion Master Xiao, you''ve just met with Xiao Yi and returned?"


    "Xiao Yi?"


    Xiao Zhengde was stunned. His eyes widened in disbelief as he looked at a perplexed Yang Ling, "You, you mean that ''Lord Yiquan''... is Xiao Yi?!"


    "Eh? You didn''t know?"


    Yang Ling''s expression changed, cursed himself silently for his loose tongue, and left with a gloomy face.


    "Lord Yiquan is Xiao Yi?"


    Standing there dumbfounded, Xiao Zhengde muttered incredulously to himself, "How could this be? That''s impossible... Xiao Yi is nothing but trash, how could he be the one who broke Tianjiao''s record?" His head shook in disbelief at the reality.


    His head buzzed with noise.


    His face turned ghostly pale in an instant.


    Thump!


    He staggered and leaned against the wall.


    As the world spun around him, Xiao Zhengde felt unable to hear any sound from his surroundings, there was only his rapid heartbeat and labored breathing. He found it hard to believe that the person who had shattered his beloved son Tianjiao''s record was none other than Xiao Yi, the very person he never took seriously and even considered a shame.


    Even upon learning that Xiao Yi had reached the Golden Core Realm and even succeeded as head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    He had never felt such shock and regret.


    But now...


    For the first time, Xiao Zhengde felt regret.


    Both being at the Golden Elixir Realm Peak, facing the even more formidable Xue Wuhen, Xiao Yi was able to achieve victory. Just this alone was enough to prove that his talent was not weak, perhaps even stronger than that of Xiao Tianjiao!


    He thought of how he had been willing to find a breeding beast for Xiao Tianjiao''s mount, and yet he disdainfully gave away a prodigy of heaven to the Fang Family to become a son-in-law.


    Xiao Zhengde sincerely wished he could slap himself.


    "With Tianjiao at the helm and if we could add Xiao Yi to the Xiao Family, it would be like adding wings to a tiger! At that point, not to mention becoming the fifth major noble family, becoming the strongest family wouldn''t be out of the question..."


    In his shock, the first thing Xiao Zhengde thought of was how much a genius not inferior to Xiao Tianjiao could benefit the Xiao Family.


    He hurriedly rushed towards the private room where Xiao Yi had been.


    But was informed that Xiao Yi had already left.


    Xiao Zhengde''s face tightened, he pondered for a moment, and clenched his fists, "He is now the head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, right? I will go to the Xiaoshanhe Institute to find him. If he knows I am willing to let him rejoin the Xiao Family, he will surely be overjoyed and immensely grateful to me!"


    As he thought to himself.


    Full of pride, Xiao Zhengde strode out of the Combat Pavilion...

 Chapter 251 Dog Fighting

    Within the Combat Pavilion.Xiao Yi, Yang Ling, and Xue Wuhen sat together, with Xue Wuhen meticulously making some Spiritual Tea.


    He now knew the identity of Xiao Yi.


    The shock in his heart was indescribable.


    He who was despised by the Xiao Family, expelled and sent to the remote Nanhuang to be a son-in-law, had managed to rise from no cultivation to reaching the Golden Elixir Realm Peak in just over a year.


    Moreover, his strength was comparable to that of the Tao Tribulation Realm Peak, an unparalleled feat at the Golden Elixir Peak.


    At the same time¡­


    Xue Wuhen was also extremely curious about the Xiao Family.


    Just what kind of family would be so blind as to expel a talent like Xiao Yi?


    Yang Ling''s face showed an apologetic expression, "Xiao Yi, I''m really sorry. I thought Xiao Zhengde knew your identity and I accidentally let it slip¡­"


    Xiao Yi waved his hand to show it didn''t matter.


    Yang Ling offered a wry smile, "Now, various powers are investigating who the ''One Punch'' of the Combat Pavilion really is. If Xiao Zhengde leaks your identity, I''m afraid you''ll face many unnecessary troubles!"


    In just over a year, to advance from the Physical Body Realm to the Golden Elixir Realm Peak, this was already shocking enough to the world.


    Moreover.


    Xiao Yi was able to defeat Xue Wuhen at the Tao Tribulation Realm Peak while at the Golden Elixir Realm Peak.


    These two secrets, each on their own, were enough to drive countless powerful beings insane, let alone Xiao Yi having both. Once his identity got out, many would covet such an individual.


    If it were merely enticement with benefits, it would be one thing.


    The worst Yang Ling feared was that some powerful entities would take a darker approach in dealing with Xiao Yi.


    An innocent man is in trouble because he has a gem!


    That was the principle!


    Xue Wuhen, thoroughly convinced by Xiao Yi''s abilities, earnestly nodded, "From the end of the duel until now, seven out of the ten major sects have inquired, as well as people from the four great noble houses; I''ve managed to fend them all off. But we must remain vigilant!"


    Xiao Tianjiao also faced the covetous pursuit of many powers. The sect masters of the ten major sects even broke out in a terrifying war to fight over him.


    In the end, it was the Pavilion Master of the Tianjian Sect that stood above the rest and took Xiao Tianjiao under his wing.


    It was thanks to the backing of the number one sect in the Great Qian Dynasty that Xiao Tianjiao could grow in peace. Even so, Xiao Tianjiao had faced numerous life-threatening assassinations.


    "For them, anything or anyone they cannot possess and might become a threat, has only one fate¡ªdestruction!"


    While saying this, Xue Wuhen reminded, "Unless absolutely necessary, it''s best to keep your true identity hidden!"


    Yang Ling voiced his concern, "I just hope that Xiao Zhengde won''t leak your identity!"


    Explore more at My Virtual Library Empire


    Aside from the three of them, only Ye Heng and Xiao Zhengde knew that ''One Punch'' was Xiao Yi.


    There was no need to worry about Ye Heng.


    But Xiao Zhengde¡­


    As both of them looked at him worriedly, Xiao Yi smiled and said, "Don''t worry, Xiao Zhengde won''t leak my information!"


    "Hm?"


    The two men blinked, looking at him confused.


    Xiao Yi scoffed, "If people were to know that I, who was expelled from the Xiao Family, had broken Xiao Tianjiao''s records, it would be a huge blow to Xiao Tianjiao''s prestige. Xiao Zhengde would not allow that to happen. Not only will he not leak it, but he will also help me cover it up!"


    At that moment.


    Ye Heng walked in from outside, came to Xiao Yi''s side, and looked provocatively at Xue Wuhen, "Master, I have retrieved the silver!"


    Xue Wuhen rolled his eyes, "Why are you looking at me like that? Would I actually renege on a debt?"


    Ye Heng curled his lip, "I just don''t like how you guys in the Combat Pavilion abandon your conscience for money!"


    "What do you mean?" Xue Wuhen was taken aback.


    Xiao Yi also looked towards him.


    Ye Heng said in a deep voice, "Master, do you know who I saw when I first arrived?" Seeing several people looking at him, Ye Heng continued gravely, "The blind swordsman who has fought with you before, his tendons in his hands and feet were severed by someone, and he was thrown onto the street outside the Combat Pavilion. If I hadn''t saved him, he would have been crushed to death by a carriage."


    "What?"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback, as he had a rather deep impression of that blind swordsman. He frowned and looked toward Xue Wuhen.


    Xue Wuhen hurriedly waved his hands, saying, "I don''t know what happened, let me ask around!"


    A moment later.


    Returning with a grim face, Xue Wuhen forced a smile and said, "This matter has nothing to do with our Combat Pavilion. That blind swordsman is not a martial artist nurtured by our Combat Pavilion. He is a fighting dog kept by that young master of the Dongfang Family, Dongfang Bai, specifically used to participate in competitions at the Combat Pavilion and covertly manipulate the outcomes of the matches to make money. You''re aware of the forces of the Dongfang Family. Unless they go too far, it''s not good for me to intervene."


    "A fighting dog? He''s clearly a person, why is he called a fighting dog?" Ye Heng asked, puzzled as he looked at Xue Wuhen.


    Xue Wuhen shrugged: "Reduced to such a plight, do they still have the dignity to be called human? Their master commands them to live or die, and they endure a life worse than that of a dog. The blind swordsman ended up like this simply because Dongfang Bai ordered him to intentionally lose the match, but he did not comply. In a fit of rage, Dongfang Bai had his limbs disabled..."


    "Scoundrel!"


    "How can they be so cruel?"


    Ye Heng''s expression turned extremely ugly. Having been oppressed by Ye Tian all this time and living at the bottom of society, he felt a strong aversion to such unfair treatment.


    As they were discussing this.


    A powerful individual from the Combat Pavilion hurried in, glancing at Xiao Yi and the others, hesitating to speak.


    Xue Wuhen gestured with his hand: "Speak, it''s alright."


    The strong individual pointed at Ye Heng and said solemnly, "Pavilion Master, Ye Heng previously entrusted the blind swordsman to our care, and now Dongfang has found out. He''s bringing people to demand the blind swordsman from us, nearly resorting to violence..."


    "What?"


    "After severing his hand and foot tendons, they still refuse to let him go? This is too much to bear!"


    With a face ashen as iron, Ye Heng looked toward Xiao Yi, "Master..."


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes into slits, "Let''s go have a look!"


    Side by side they walked.


    Just as they approached the doorway, they heard a haughty voice calling out, "He''s nothing but a fighting dog I''ve raised, merely a dog. He can live only if I allow it, and he cannot refuse death if I command it. Even if I discard my dog, you all cannot pick him up. Now, hand him over to me!"


    "Young Master Dongfang, this blind swordsman is also temporarily entrusted to us by another guest. If we hand him over to you, we won''t be able to explain ourselves when that guest returns. Please don''t make it difficult for us..." said a Combat Pavilion attendant with a helpless expression.


    "What? You mean to say that guest is more esteemed than I, Young Master Dongfang?" The voice of Dongfang Bai was chillingly cold.


    Previously, he had ordered the blind swordsman to intentionally lose a match, but after being provoked by the opponent''s words, the swordsman ended up killing his adversary with a single stroke, causing Dongfang Bai to lose a hundred million taels of silver.


    That was why he had disabled the blind swordsman''s limbs and left him in the street to fend for himself or die. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This wasn''t the first time he had done something like this.


    Ordinarily, no one dared to meddle in his affairs.


    But this time...


    He encountered Ye Heng.


    Who actually saved the blind swordsman.


    In a towering rage, this scene unfolded.


    "Young Master Dongfang, I wouldn''t dare..." said the attendant with a wry smile.


    "Wouldn''t dare? If you wouldn''t dare, then get lost. Today, I will beat this dog to death myself, and I want to see what that guest you mentioned can do to me..." Dongfang Bai snorted coldly.


    His two subordinates immediately pushed the attendant in front of them aside, one of them charging toward the barely alive blind swordsman.


    With a cold palm forming into sharp claws, he reached for the blind swordsman''s throat.


    Just as those claws were about to crush the blind swordsman''s windpipe, a cold sword light shot through the air.


    Swish!


    Amid a burst of blood, the strong man''s wrist snapped off, blood gushing out. Amid his screams, a cold voice came from behind them, "I would like to see who dares to touch him today!"

 Chapter 252 Apologize, or Die

    "I want to see who dares to touch him today!"The icy voice came from Xiao Yi.


    Ye Heng had already reached the side of the blind swordsman, propping up the swordsman, who lay on the ground with a lifeless face, and straightening his body. After a brief check, Ye Heng''s expression changed slightly, "Master, the blind swordsman''s dantian has been destroyed..."


    "Hmm?"


    Xiao Yi''s pupils contracted slightly.


    He never expected Dongfang Bai and his people to be so ruthless.


    Not satisfied with merely severing the tendons of his hands and feet, they had now even destroyed his dantian.


    Xiao Yi looked expressionlessly at Dongfang Bai, "Who did it?"


    Dongfang Bai glanced at him indifferently then looked away. In his view, Xiao Yi was just at the peak of the Golden Core Realm, and within the Dongfang Family, there were even strong individuals in the Dharma Manifestation Realm. Why would he take Xiao Yi seriously?


    Even facing Yang Ling, the prince, Dongfang Bai just gave a perfunctory hand clasp and said with a proud expression, "Prince Yang Ling!"


    Yang Ling frowned. The power of the four great clan families was extremely terrifying, and they generally stood together against outsiders, often disrespecting the royal family. Naturally, he didn''t show a good face either and said lightly, "Dongfang Bai, did you not hear Pavilion Master Xiao ask you a question?"


    "Pavilion Master Xiao?"


    Dongfang Bai was slightly startled and looked Xiao Yi up and down with narrowed eyes, chuckling scornfully, "Oh ho, so you''re the new head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, Xiao Yi? You look quite the part, so why were you kicked out of the Xiao Family by Xiao Tianjiao? Oh, my apologies, I forgot Xiao Tianjiao doesn''t recognize you as part of the Xiao Family. So, that means you..."


    Slap!


    The words were cut off by the crisp sound of a slap.


    "..."


    Everyone was dumbfounded.


    They all turned to look at Xiao Yi''s indifferent face. This was the Dongfang Family''s young master he had just slapped in public.


    Dongfang Bai''s eyes were crimson, exhaling a chilling light that seemed ready to devour someone, and he stared dead at Xiao Yi, "You little bastard, you dare to hit..."


    Slap!


    Another slap.


    Xiao Yi still stood there with his hands behind his back, as serene as a gentle breeze and soft clouds.


    "Holy shit..."


    Slap!


    "You..."


    Slap!


    No one could see how Xiao Yi made his move, but everyone knew these slaps had to be his doing.


    Looking at Dongfang Bai again...


    His cheeks were swollen like a pig''s head, blood streaming from the corners of his mouth, leaving him unable to speak. In his bloodshot eyes, there was resentment and rage, and more noticeably, a shade of fear.


    "Young master, are you alright?" asked several strong men of the Dongfang Family tentatively.


    Bang! Stay connected with My Virtual Library Empire


    Dongfang Bai kicked them to the ground viciously, roaring in anger, "Do I look alright to you? Don''t just stand there, kill him! Whichever hand he used to hit me, I want you to chop it off and feed it to the dogs..."


    Five Golden Elixir Realm strong men immediately stepped forward, eyeing Xiao Yi with predatory gaze.


    "Pavilion Master Xiao, you can''t just hit our young master and expect things to end like this. I advise you to surrender without a struggle and not to resist," one of them said.


    "The Dongfang Family is not afraid of your little Xiaoshanhe Institute..."


    The five of them surrounded Xiao Yi.


    Yang Ling frowned and looked at Dongfang Bai with concern, "Dongfang Bai, I advise you to pull your men back!"


    "Prince Yang Ling, this matter doesn''t concern you," said Dongfang Bai venomously. "I know this kid is your recommendation for head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, but since he dared to hit me, he''s slapped the Dongfang Family in the face, and no one can help him!"


    Yang Ling sighed, "I''m trying to help you!"


    Dongfang Bai sneered, "Help me? Does Dongfang Bai look like he needs your help?" His face twisted hideously as he stared at his men, "Kill him for me!"


    "Kill!"


    "First cripple his cultivation..."


    Five men advanced at the same time.


    Among them, two were at the Golden Elixir Realm Peak, and the other three were also experts of the Seventh Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm.


    Dongfang Bai was the most cherished grandson of Dongfang, the head of the Dongfang Family.


    Even his bodyguards were at the Golden Elixir Realm Peak.


    Five men teaming up could even put up a fight against a warrior of the First Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    Faced with the onslaught of five assailants, Xiao Yi merely waved his hand casually. Cold light fluttered at his fingertips, exploding out like dazzling light rainbows. Amidst muffled sounds, the five figures trembled violently, blood spraying wildly as they fell to the ground.


    On their brows and fingertips were points of red.


    A one-strike kill!


    Hiss!


    Complete silence surrounded the area.


    With an expressionless face, Xiao Yi approached Dongfang Bai. "You just said you wanted to break my hands, right?"


    "You, you, you... don''t come any closer..."


    Dongfang Bai''s face turned deathly pale. He had never imagined that Xiao Yi would be so terrifyingly powerful, instantly slaying his five major bodyguards in a blink.


    Feeling the cold Evil Qi emanating from Xiao Yi.


    Dongfang Bai felt his legs go weak, stumbling back tremulously: "I am the eldest young master of the Dongfang Family. If you dare to hurt me, you will make an enemy out of the Dongfang Family. You... ah..."


    A sudden scream burst forth from Dongfang Bai''s mouth.


    Blood arrows shot from his hands and feet, and among the torn flesh, one could vaguely see severed tendons twitching slightly.


    Dongfang Bai slumped to the ground like a pile of mud.


    Xiao Yi acted quickly and decisively.


    By cutting the tendons in his hands and feet, and shattering them completely, he left Dongfang Bai crippled for life unless a magical elixir was used to reattach his limbs. Lying on the ground, wailing, Dongfang Bai looked at Xiao Yi with a face full of terror, not daring to threaten wildly as before, but instead pathetically begged for mercy. "Spare me, Director Xiao, spare my life. I won''t dare to do it again..."


    In the face of life and death, even those who hold high positions and have powerful backing will still become humble.


    Xiao Yi walked up to Dongfang Bai, slightly bent over, grabbed his hair, and pointing to the deathly still blind swordsman said, "You as well as he, both are born of mothers and fathers, have only one life, and are not necessarily more noble than the other. If you don''t want to die, apologize to him immediately by kowtowing!"


    "I, I should kowtow to him?"


    Dongfang Bai looked astonished; the blind swordsman was just a fighting dog he owned, no more than a dog in his eyes!


    Xiao Yi actually wanted him to apologize to the blind swordsman by kowtowing?


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, "Apologize, or die. Choose for yourself!"


    "..."


    Under the threat of death, Dongfang Bai''s head thudded to the ground with tears of humiliation on his face as he gritted his teeth and said, "I''m sorry..."


    Those three words seemed to drain all his strength.


    He collapsed to the ground in defeat.


    A cold glint flashed in Xiao Yi''s eyes; he believed in utterly rooting out problems. Crippling Dongfang Bai would surely not be forgotten by the Dongfang Family, so it might be better to finish him off once and for all. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    However...


    Yang Ling, who was standing by, said in a low voice, "Do me a favor and spare him this time!"


    After all, he was a prince, and if he could become the Crown Prince and succeed the Great Qian Dynasty, it wouldn''t be good to fall out with the Dongfang Family completely.


    Xiao Yi nodded, "Fine!"


    Discarding Dongfang Bai aside as if tossing away trash, Xiao Yi walked toward the blind swordsman and, with Ye Heng on one side and another on the other, helped the blind swordsman walk outside.


    "Dongfang Bai, I hope this ends here!"


    Yang Ling looked toward Xue Wuhen, who had been silent all along, "Please, Pavilion Master Xue, take him back to the Dongfang Family."


    "Leave it to me!" Xue Wuhen nodded.


    Yang Ling chased after Xiao Yi, who was already heading outside...

 Chapter 253 Tian Mang

    Within the Yang Ling mansion.Ye Heng, with the blind swordsman on his back, laid him onto the bed. Looking at the swordsman''s deathly stillness and silence, Ye Heng''s face showed a hint of concern.


    Yang Ling offered consolation, "I have sent for the Imperial Physician."


    Ye Heng responded with a grateful look.


    A moment later.


    An old man with white hair entered; this was Bian Yihong, the Imperial Physician of the Great Qian Dynasty''s royal court, and also an Underworld Doctor. As Bian Yihong examined the blind swordsman, he shook his head and sighed, "Your Highness, this man is intent on dying, all medicines are ineffective, please forgive this old man''s powerlessness."


    "Imperial Physician Bian, is there really no hope left?" Yang Ling asked.


    Bian Yihong shook his head.


    Ye Heng quickly turned to Xiao Yi, "Master, I beg you to save him!"


    During special training, he had personally witnessed Xiao Yi preparing various herbs and even personally concocting elixirs to enhance his cultivation.


    Those skills were truly awe-inspiring.


    Xiao Yi had yet to speak.


    An arrogant young man beside Bian Yihong scoffed, "My master is a four-star Alchemist, as well as a rare inheritor of the line of Underworld Doctors. Even he says there is nothing to be done, there is no second person in the Great Qian Dynasty who can save him!"


    Ye Heng ignored him and continued to gaze at Xiao Yi, "Master, I beg of you, please help him!"


    Seeing Ye Heng ignore himself, the youth''s face showed a trace of anger as he mocked, "Are you deaf? My master already said he''s beyond saving, what use is begging him?"


    "Shut up!"


    Ye Heng glared at him fiercely, angrily retorting, "Your master can''t do it, but that doesn''t mean my master can''t!"


    "You insolent fool, you..." the youth burst out in rage.


    "Shut up!"


    However, Bian Yihong coldly snorted, his old face showing displeasure as he looked at Xiao Yi with a hint of mockery, "This old man''s skills are limited; perhaps this young hero really does possess a life-saving technique..."


    His words contained an implicit challenge and defiance.


    Xia Yi glanced at him and said indifferently, "I don''t have a life-saving technique, but saving him should be no problem!"


    "Oh?"


    Bian Yihong scoffed, arrogantly saying, "If that''s the case, then I beseech you to take action, and let this old man broaden his horizons!"


    The youth''s challenging gaze rested on Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi shrugged; he hadn''t wanted to intervene, but Ye Heng''s continuous pleas made it difficult for him to disappoint his newly accepted disciple. He then turned to Yang Ling, "Your Highness, do you have any demonic cores in the mansion?"


    "Yes!"


    Yang Ling nodded, "What kind of demonic core do you need?"


    Xiao Yi asked, "Do you have one with dark attributes?"


    Yang Ling thought for a moment, "Father bestowed upon me a Black Prison Scorpion core previously, would that be sufficient?"


    Black Prison Scorpion.


    A fifth-order high-level demonic beast, comparable to the peak strength of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    Xiao Yi said, "That will do, have someone bring that core here immediately!"


    "One moment!"


    Yang Ling immediately ordered someone to fetch it.


    The youth, with a sneer, said, "Are you actually going to save him or not? His injuries are too severe, his limbs'' tendons completely severed, his Dantian destroyed, despairing with a death wish; not to mention just a fifth-order beast''s core, even a ninth-order beast''s core wouldn''t save him!" Continue reading stories on My Virtual Library Empire


    "Shut up!"


    Xiao Yi let out a cold humph, causing the youth''s complexion to pale. In that instant, he felt as if he were on the verge of plunging into an ice cellar, and he dared not speak again.


    Xiao Yi approached the bedside and looked at the blind swordsman on the bed, who was in utter despair, and said softly, "I know you can hear me, I have a way to repair your Dantian and heal your limbs. If you want to live, then nod your head. If you don''t want me to heal you, then shake your head, and I won''t waste any more effort!"


    Hum!


    The blind swordsman, previously enveloped in an aura of death, trembled all over upon hearing these words, as if a drowning man had found a lifeline.


    He struggled to nod his head.


    He wanted to live.


    He still had many unfulfilled wishes.


    The blind swordsman''s pale, cracked lips moved slightly, opening with difficulty, "Really, you can restore my Dantian?"


    "Yes!"


    Xiao Yi spoke solemnly.


    The blind swordsman fell silent for a moment, his hoarse voice somewhat weak: "If... if you can really heal my dantian and my limbs, I am willing to recognize you as my master, my life will be yours..."


    "We can talk about this later!"


    Xiao Yi said indifferently.


    A moment later.


    The demon core was delivered into Xiao Yi''s hands.


    The young man muttered disdainfully under his breath, "I have never heard of a demon core being able to heal a destroyed dantian, I think he is just showing off..."


    "Shut your mouth!"


    This time, it was Bian Yihong who spoke.


    His murky eyes were fixed intently on Xiao Yi, his breathing involuntarily becoming rapid.


    Watching Xiao Yi''s technique, he suddenly thought of a legend within the Underworld Doctor lineage¡ªTransferring Flowers and Connecting Trees Skill!


    Reconstructing a dantian with a demon core.


    Making a shattered dantian come back to life once again.


    But...


    This kind of secret technique, even within the heritage of the Underworld Doctor, had been lost; could it be that this young man in front of him truly understood such a secret technique?


    Bian Yihong clenched his fists tightly, watching Xiao Yi with a face full of excitement and anticipation.


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath.


    Now, performing Transferring Flowers and Connecting Trees Skill for another person, using the demon core in place of the dantian, was much easier than when he had replaced the demon core for Fang Qingzhu.


    Xiao Yi emitted a suffocating vital energy fluctuation from his body, this vital energy refined through the God Sealing Seed and infused with the power of God Sealing. Dozens of times stronger than ordinary vital energy, it condensed into a vortex above the blind swordsman''s lower abdomen.


    The demon core, rotating in the midst of the vortex, merged into the blind swordsman''s body with a swish.


    Finding its place within the blind swordsman''s dantian.


    At the same time...


    Xiao Yi, using the Transferring Flowers and Connecting Trees Skill, guided the vital energy into the blind swordsman''s body, constructing a vital energy bridge, linking the demon core with the meridians.


    At this moment, the blind swordsman''s body appeared transparent, his meridians crisscrossing and coming into view.


    As these meridians communicated with each other.


    The vital energy, taking the demon core as the nucleus, began to circulate within the blind swordsman''s dantian.


    "Is this, this, really the Transferring Flowers and Connecting Trees Skill? Who in the world is this person? How can he understand such a lost secret technique..." Bian Yihong''s face was full of astonishment, his body soaked in sweat, watching Xiao Yi''s silhouette with excitement.


    His breathing became even heavier.


    This was a secret technique that had been lost in the Underworld Doctor lineage!


    He had never imagined that he would be able to witness such a miraculous method with his own eyes.


    Buzz!


    The blind swordsman trembled, sitting up straight from the bed, his vital energy flowing more and more smoothly.


    One complete cycle.


    Two complete cycles...


    After a full thirty-six complete cycles, the demon core had fully integrated with his body, transforming into a brand-new demon core dantian. At the same time, the blind swordsman''s cultivation had also returned to the Peak of the Divine Ability Realm.


    As for the tendons in his hands and feet, they were also reconnected with Xiao Yi''s help.


    Thump!


    The blind swordsman, under everyone''s astonished gaze, rolled out of bed and knelt before Xiao Yi, speaking in a deep voice, "Above all, Master, please accept Tian Mang''s bow!"


    "Tian Mang?" S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi helped the blind swordsman to his feet, showing a hint of confusion.


    Tian Mang nodded, "Master, I was born blind, and my parents abandoned me. My grandmother gave me the name Tian Mang. A few years ago, my grandmother also passed away, and I sold myself to the Dongfang Family to bury her, becoming a fighting dog under Dongfang Bai; he gave me the name ''blind swordsman''!"


    "I see, from now on you should still be called Tian Mang!"


    Xiao Yi smiled, then said, "Tian Mang, from now on you should call me Institute Director! From today onwards, you are a disciple of Xiaoshanhe Institute!"


    "Thank you, Master... Institute Director!" Tian Mang said respectfully.


    He would not have any defiance towards Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi nodded, about to speak, when he heard a hurried voice from outside the door: "Your Highness, the people from the Dongfang Family have come knocking at our door!"

 Chapter 254 Revenge for the Smallest Grievances

    "Your Highness, people from the Dongfang Family have come knocking at our door!"The expression of the guard outside the door was uneasy as he spoke.


    Yang Ling''s eyebrows knitted together, and a cold light flashed through his eyes as he let out a cold snort, "What an audacious Dongfang Family, they really don''t take me seriously!"


    Although he had not yet become the Crown Prince of the Great Qian Dynasty, he was still a prince!


    For the Dongfang Family to dare bring trouble to his residence was nothing short of a public slap in the face, and Yang Ling''s complexion turned extremely ugly.


    Tian Mang''s complexion changed slightly as he said in a deep voice, "Your Highness, Director, this matter started because of me, it would be better to just hand me over..."


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Since you have joined Xiaoshanhe Institute, it is my responsibility to ensure your safety! Just stay here at ease, even if the Dharma Manifestation Realm ancestor of the Dongfang Family itself comes today, they can forget about taking you away!" Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Dharma Manifestation Realm, living over a thousand years.


    In any power, they are the pinnacle of existence.


    Now, even though Xiao Yi knew that Dongfang Bai was the great young lord of the Dongfang Family, he still reached out to save Tian Mang with the confidence of being able to fight even against a beginner of the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    On the aged face of Bian Yihong, the shock gradually subsided, but his gaze at Xiao Yi still carried heat and admiration.


    He coughed lightly and said, "Director Xiao, why must you take action personally? I have some acquaintances with the ancestor of the Dongfang Family, and they will certainly give me some face!"


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Mr. Bian, I appreciate your kindness, but..."


    Before he could finish.


    Lin Qian, a disciple of Bian Yihong, spoke up and scolded, "My master is willing to help you, and that''s your honor. With my master''s status and position, even the head of the Dongfang Family would have to show him some respect!"


    All this time.


    He had always taken great pride in being a disciple of Bian Yihong.


    But earlier...


    The incurable Tian Mang, who had been diagnosed by Bian Yihong, had miraculously come back to life in Xiao Yi''s hands, and even his shattered dantian had been restored.


    This made him feel as if he had lost face, like he had been slapped dozens of times.


    Now, seeing the Dongfang Family actually pressuring them at their door, if his master could resolve this matter, it would definitely turn the tables. In his view, one of the reasons Bian Yihong volunteered to step forward was precisely this.


    Little did he know.


    Bian Yihong was astounded by the Transferring Flowers and Connecting Trees Skill displayed by Xiao Yi, it was miraculous, and he thought of currying favor with Xiao Yi in order to learn this long-lost Secret Technique of the Underworld Doctor lineage from him.


    "Shut up!"


    Bian Yihong glared at him fiercely, fearing he would anger Xiao Yi, and said with nerves, "Director Xiao, my foolish disciple is ignorant, I hope you won''t hold it against him!"


    "Master..."


    Lin Qian was utterly bewildered.


    He thought he was helping Bian Yihong; how did it turn into a scolding?


    "Speak another word of nonsense, and I''ll expel you from the sect!" Bian Yihong turned and slapped him across his face, scolding him in anger.


    Lin Qian''s face stiffened, and he dared not say anything more.


    But in those downcast eyes, there was a flicker of hatred and resentment.


    Xiao Yi looked at Bian Yihong''s ingratiating face and sighed, "Then you may try!"


    "Don''t worry, Director Xiao, I will not let you down!"


    Bian Yihong''s heart leapt with joy.


    Yet his aged body moved with agility, quickly making his way outside to meet the people from the Dongfang Family.


    At this moment...


    Over a hundred Dongfang Family powerhouses were surrounding a carriage, on which lay Dongfang Bai, wrapped up like a zongzi. The person leading them was one of the five great elders of the Dongfang Family, Dongfang Mu.


    "Elder Mu, you must stand up for me!" Dongfang Bai said with a face full of grievance.


    Dongfang Mu nodded, his face darkening as he said, "Young Master, rest assured, even if Xiao Yi is protected by Yang Ling, he can''t injure my Dongfang Family''s people over a mere fighting dog. Today, I will make him hand over Xiao Yi to kowtow and apologize to you!"


    Dongfang Mu crossed his arms over his chest, a green light circulating around his body, his cultivation reaching the nine-fold layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    Creak!


    The gates swung open wide.


    Standing before him was Bian Yihong, with his immortal-like demeanor, causing Dongfang Mu to pause and frown, "Bian Yihong? What is he doing here?"


    Bian Yihong approached Dongfang Mu and greeted him with a fist-and-palm salute, "Elder Mu, long time no see, how have you been recently?"


    "So it''s Mr. Bian, indeed it''s been a while!"


    Dongfang Mu returned the gesture to Bian Yihong, but he made sure not to be too cold, considering Bian had a not inconsiderable relationship with the head of the Dongfang Family, and asked, "What brings Mr. Bian here?"


    Bian Yihong replied, "I came to His Highness''s residence to treat a good friend of his. But as for Elder Mu, what brings you here?" Find more to read at My Virtual Library Empire


    Dongfang Mu saw no reason to doubt him and said, "Yang Ling''s friend, Xiao Yi, has severely injured our family''s young master. I have come here to seek justice."


    "Xiao Yi?"


    Bian Yihong raised an eyebrow and said, "Elder Mu, your timing is not good. Xiao Yi has already left; he went back to the Xiaoshanhe Institute. If you go there now, you might be able to find him!"


    "He''s gone?"


    Dongfang Mu was taken aback.


    If Xiao Yi had left Yang Ling''s residence to return to the Xiaoshanhe Institute, then it wouldn''t be easy for him to seek revenge directly.


    Imperial Dragon Mountain.


    That is the site chosen by the royal family for offering sacrifices to the heavens and ancestors.


    Furthermore, with the Xiaoshanhe Institute''s special status, even the great clans like theirs cannot simply set foot there.


    Just when Dongfang Mu found himself in a precarious situation.


    Lin Qian, standing beside Bian Yihong, curled the corner of his mouth slightly, revealing a trace of maliciousness, and feigned surprise, "Master, are you mistaken? Didn''t we just part ways with Mr. Xiao and the others? They are now inside the residence!"


    Boom!


    Bian Yihong''s body suddenly trembled, disbelievingly looking at his disciple beside him.


    He had not at all expected his beloved disciple to trip him up at such a moment.


    Dongfang Mu''s face turned an ashen blue as his cold gaze fixed on Bian Yihong. He sneered with a sinister laugh, "Mr. Bian, the Dongfang Family always had a decent relationship with you, yet you do this for an outsider. Isn''t that quite inappropriate?"


    Bian Yihong stared intently at Lin Qian and said in a deep voice, "Elder Mu, could you do me the honor of letting this matter go?"


    "Let it go?"


    Dongfang Mu pointed to Dongfang Bai inside the carriage and roared, "Open your eyes and see for yourself, what condition has my young master been beaten into? This is a slap in the face to my Dongfang Family! Bian Yihong, I, Dongfang Mu, have treated you with respect because of our past affiliations, yet you have played me for a fool. From this day onward, you, Bian Yihong, are forever barred from setting foot in my Dongfang Family!"


    Whoosh!


    Bian Yihong''s complexion instantly turned pale.


    He never imagined that because of a single sentence from Lin Qian, he would be blacklisted by the Dongfang Family.


    And furthermore...


    The four great noble families are branches of the same tree.


    Once shunned by the Dongfang Family, it meant the other three great families, any related families, officials, and citizens would no longer welcome him, Bian Yihong. For Bian, who made his living as a doctor, this was akin to having his limbs cut off and his eyes gouged out!


    And the mastermind behind it all was his cherished disciple!


    Bian Yihong''s body shook with fury and, in his extreme anger, he spat out a mouthful of blood, pointing at Lin Qian, "You, you unfilial disciple..."


    "Unfilial disciple? Humph, old man, you should have thought of today when you slapped me in public to please Xiao Yi."


    Lin Qian gave him a cold glance. He had always been the type to hold grudges. Bian Yihong had slapped him in public to appease Xiao Yi, and how could he swallow such an insult? With a fawning expression, he walked up to Dongfang Mu and pointed to the large estate: "Elder Mu, Xiao Yi and the others are inside!"

 Chapter 255 The Dying Man

    "Elder Dongfang Mu, Xiao Yi and the others are in there!"Lin Qian stood before Dongfang Mu, bowing and scraping, with a fawning expression.


    Dongfang Mu''s face was cold as he glanced at him.


    He truly despised those who would betray even their own masters.


    However...


    Considering that Lin Qian still had some usefulness at the moment, Dongfang Mu couldn''t be bothered to argue, his gaze turned toward the residence of Yang Ling. Sensing the aura of Yang Ling and the others, he called out coldly, "Your Highness Yang Ling, please show yourself!"


    Inside the residence.


    Xiao Yi walked out shoulder to shoulder with Yang Ling.


    As their eyes met,


    a hint of icy coldness flashed through Dongfang Mu''s eyes, and he sneered, "So you''re Xiao Yi?"


    Xiao Yi glanced at Bian Yihong, pale-faced, and Lin Qian, standing beside Dongfang Mu with a smug look, before his gaze settled on Dongfang Mu, "I am Xiao Yi!"


    "I never thought... that even Tianjiaao would misjudge."


    Dongfang Mu sized up Xiao Yi from head to toe, noting that Xiao Yi''s aura was no weaker than that of an ordinary warrior from the Tao Tribulation Realm. He jeered with a cold smile, "Xiao Yi, even though you are the head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, there will be a price to pay for offending someone of the Dongfang Family!"


    Xiao Yi squinted his eyes and asked, "What price?"


    Yang Ling spoke in a heavy voice, "Dongfang Mu, don''t go too far!"


    "Your Highness, rest assured, I, Dongfang Mu, know my limits!"


    Dongfang Mu gave a respectful hand clasp towards Yang Ling, the corners of his mouth lifting into a chilling smile as he stared at Xiao Yi, "Since His Highness Yang Ling is protecting you, I will give him this face. You crippled Dongfang Bai''s hands and feet, but I won''t make it difficult for you. Sever your own hands and feet, and we''ll call the matter settled, how about that?"


    Inside the carriage.


    Dongfang Bai roared furiously with a ferocious face, "Second Elder, you can''t let him off so easily!"


    Dongfang Mu waved his hand, signaling him to be patient.


    Ye Heng sneered, "What''s Dongfang Bai worth? Even a single hair from my master is more precious than his life, and you want my master to sever his own hands and feet? That''s an absolute fantasy!"


    "Where did this little bastard come from, what right do you have to speak?" Dongfang Mu let out a cold snort.


    The oppressive aura of the Nine-fold Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm was released.


    It bore down on Ye Heng like a great mountain.


    Ye Heng, being only of Spiritual Realm Cultivation, how could he withstand such a powerful pressure?


    With a muffled grunt,


    Ye Heng''s form trembled slightly, and he was just about to be forcibly pressed to his knees when Xiao Yi casually waved his hand and shattered the terrifying pressure.


    "Hmm?"


    Dongfang Mu''s pupils suddenly constricted.


    With a mere wave of his hand, he had shattered the pressuring force of a Ninth Layer Tao Tribulation Realm warrior.


    This move made him take Xiao Yi much more seriously. Narrowing his eyes, he sized up Xiao Yi, "Such formidable skill. To think you can achieve this while at the peak of the Golden Core Realm, no wonder His Highness Yang Ling recommended you to be the head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute."


    Xiao Yi replied blandly, "You flatter me."


    Lin Qian had thought that once Dongfang Mu made a move, Xiao Yi would immediately be taught a harsh lesson.


    But instead, he saw how extraordinary Xiao Yi was.


    Realizing that if things continued this way, his hopes for revenge would likely be dashed,


    his eyes rolled shiftily.


    Suddenly, Lin Qian said, "Elder Mu, Xiao Yi has a secret technique that can re-connect severed limbs and tendons, and can even repair others'' damaged ''Golden Cores''!"


    Hisss!


    Upon hearing this, everyone present couldn''t help but draw in a sharp breath.


    "You scoundrel, do you know what you''re doing?" Bian Yihong''s face changed drastically, looking incredulously at Lin Qian.


    Lin Qian let out a cold laugh, confident and unafraid, "How could I not know?" His venomous gaze fell on Xiao Yi as he sneered repeatedly, "Xiao Yi, this is what happens when you offend me!"


    Dongfang Mu''s pupils shrank slightly.


    Repairing a shattered ''Golden Core.''


    Connecting severed tendons.


    These techniques were nothing short of miraculous!


    To think...


    Even the strongest alchemist of the Great Qian Dynasty, the Chief Imperial Physician of the Imperial Pharmacy, a Seven-Star Alchemist Lian Wencheng, couldn''t achieve this feat.


    Dongfang Mu squinted his eyes, his face showing less anger and more solemnity, "Head of the Xiao, can you truly heal a shattered ''Golden Core''?"


    Xiao Yi was expressionless.


    Lin Qian pointed to Tian Mang, who stood beside Ye Heng, "Elder Mu, I did not deceive you. Just now, he indeed cured that blind man..."


    Dongfang Bai, on the carriage, had an incredulous look on his face, "Second Elder, that''s my fighting dog, the Blind Swordsman. I had someone ruin his Golden Core and limbs previously, but, but how is he unscathed now?"


    "What?"


    Dongfang Mu''s expression changed dramatically, looking at Tian Mang with disbelief.


    At this moment, Tian Mang had intact limbs, and the vital energy flowing faintly around his body was clearly that of the Spiritual Realm Cultivation.


    How could that be the appearance of someone with a destroyed Golden Core?


    By Lin Qian''s side, he sneered inwardly, "Xiao Yi, oh Xiao Yi, how strong are you? With just a little ploy of mine, I can make life difficult for you... This blind man was crippled by young master Dongfang Bai, yet you saved him, which is a slap in the face for the Dongfang Family. They will definitely not let you off!"


    Just as Lin Qian was self-congratulating for his cleverness and for having allied with the Dongfang Family,


    all of a sudden, Elder Dongfang Mu deeply bowed to Xiao Yi, saying respectfully, "I implore Xiao, the head of the institute, to lend your assistance!"


    Huh?


    Lin Qian was dumbfounded.


    Isn''t he supposed to reprimand him?


    Why are you bowing to him?


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow, looking at Dongfang Mu, "You''ve come to me with such a threatening manner, aren''t you here to seek justice for Dongfang Bai? Why are you begging me now?" S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Second Elder, I..."


    Dongfang Bai shouted in anger.


    Before he could finish,


    Dongfang Mu coldly huffed, interrupting him, and said respectfully to Xiao Yi, "Please forgive Elder Dongfang Mu for not recognizing the dangers of Imperial Dragon Mountain and nearly offending you. If the head of the institute would render your assistance this time, the Dongfang Family is willing to become your most loyal ally!"


    Yang Ling''s pupils suddenly constricted, his breathing becoming slightly rapid.


    This is the Dongfang Family!


    One of the four great noble families!


    If he could persuade the Dongfang Family to support him, his position as the Crown Prince would certainly be much more secure.


    However...


    After weighing in his heart, Yang Ling felt that Xiao Yi''s influence far exceeded that of the Dongfang Family and thus swallowed back the words he was about to say. This actually made Xiao Yi look at him with a hint of respect, his lips curling up slightly as he looked at Yang Ling, "Your Highness Yang Ling, do you think I should help them?"


    Yang Ling felt a stirring in his heart, seeing the smile on Xiao Yi''s lips as he looked at him, and then seeing the pleading eyes of Elder Dongfang Mu.


    He immediately understood that Xiao Yi was deliberately offering him the favor.


    Phew!


    Yang Ling took a deep breath, his grateful gaze on Xiao Yi, and he said solemnly, "The Dongfang Family are the arms and legs of our Great Qian Dynasty, I implore you, Brother Xiao, to lend them your assistance!"


    Elder Dongfang Mu looked at Yang Ling with gratitude.


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "I must give face to His Highness Yang Ling, but my fees for lifting a finger are not low!"


    "You can rest assured, Xiao Institute Head, as long as it is within the means of the Dongfang Family, you may name your condition!" Elder Dongfang Mu said earnestly.


    Xiao Yi nodded, looking at Bian Yihong, whose face was pale, "Mr. Bian, are you willing to accompany me on a trip?"


    "Ah?"


    Bian Yihong was stunned, then ecstatically said, "I am willing, I am most willing!"


    Just when it seemed that an imminent conflict was about to erupt, not only had Lin Qian not gotten revenge, but he had also deeply offended both Bian Yihong and Xiao Yi, his complexion turned pale. Sheepishly, he approached and said, "Congratulations to Xiao Institute Head, my felicitations, you..."


    However...


    Xiao Yi just coldly glanced at him, saying indifferently, "It''s rather unlucky to have a dead man constantly in sight!"


    "A dead man?"


    Lin Qian was startled, completely baffled.


    Elder Dongfang Mu''s eyes shifted, and he said with a smile, "Institute Head Xiao truly is a divine being, even capable of predicting the future!"


    "Predicting the future?"


    Lin Qian was even more bewildered.


    He couldn''t understand at all!


    But in the next moment, he understood what the two meant by their words. Stay updated through My Virtual Library Empire


    All he saw was Elder Dongfang Mu casually waving his hand, and a surge of green vital energy turned into numerous green vines that wildly wrapped around Lin Qian. Under the envelopment of those vines, Lin Qian''s body shuddered, his life force swiftly draining away.


    It only took a few moments.


    He was completely drained, and when the vines dissipated, Lin Qian''s body thudded to the ground, utterly disintegrating as if he were nothing but a pile of ash...

 Chapter 256 The Strength of Xiao Tianjiao

    The Dongfang Family.One of the four major noble houses of the Great Qian Dynasty.


    These four major noble families were the closest trusted aides to the founding emperor when the Great Qian Dynasty was first established, each one being the most loyal supporter of the founding emperor.


    After the founding emperor united the Great Qian Dynasty, he also bestowed upon them generous rewards and power.


    However...


    As time passed and dynasties changed,


    the heads of the four noble families rotated and, coupled with the rise of the ten great sects challenging their authority, the imperial family gradually became weaker, and their bond with the royal house began to disintegrate.


    At least for now, the four major noble families still stand by the side of the royal family.


    But as their ties with the ten great sects grow closer, they have been showing signs of slipping out of the royal control.


    This point was crystal clear in both Emperor Qian''s mind and Yang Ling''s heart.


    And yet, there was nothing they could do about it.


    After all.


    Although the royal family was powerful, it couldn''t completely fall out with the four major noble families.


    Precisely for this reason, S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    when Xiao Tianjiao emerged from the Xiao Family, Emperor Qian supported the Xiao Family with all his might. What he hadn''t expected was that Xiao Tianjiao''s ambition and rate of growth were far beyond his expectations, and now he had exceeded his control.


    If this continued,


    a fifth major noble family would emerge.


    On the road,


    Dongfang Bai was being carried by several guards of the Dongfang Family, looking woefully at the carriage in front of him.


    That should have been his carriage!


    But...


    Dongfang Mu had directly thrown him off the carriage, letting Xiao Yi and others sit inside.


    However,


    Explore more at My Virtual Library Empire


    the five great elders hold significant power within the Dongfang Family, and he didn''t dare to disobey, only growing more resentful and sorrowful in his gaze.


    To think that he, the grand young master of the Dongfang Family, was not only beaten and had his limbs broken, but couldn''t even keep his own carriage.


    Truly a sad plight!


    Inside the carriage,


    Xiao Yi curiously asked the slightly nervous Dongfang Mu, "Elder, may I ask who in your residence has encountered trouble?"


    With a bitter smile, Dongfang Mu glanced over the others and finally sighed, "I will not conceal it from you, the person who is in trouble is my eldest brother, Dongfang Jin!"


    The five great elders of the Dongfang Family were named after the five elements: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth.


    Dongfang Jin was the leader of the five great elders.


    And...


    He was also the strongest among them, having entered the Dharma Manifestation Realm fifty years ago. Since then, he has mostly kept to himself, rarely taking action, but his status is second only to the Patriarch and the old ancestor of the Dongfang Family.


    "Dongfang Jin?"


    Bian Yihong was startled and frowned, "How could it be him? When our side met with him recently, he seemed fine!"


    Dongfang Mu responded with a wry smile, "Mr. Bian, when I arranged for you to meet with Elder Jin, it was actually to see if you could detect anything unusual about him."


    Bian Yihong''s face froze.


    Dongfang Mu hadn''t stated it explicitly, but his meaning was clear.


    Obviously, Bian Yihong hadn''t noticed anything unusual about Dongfang Jin, which proved his medical skills were not up to par, and the Dongfang Family naturally wouldn''t tell him voluntarily.


    Each of the four noble families has two individuals in the Dharma Manifestation Realm. If the news of Elder Jin of the Dongfang Family having his dantian destroyed were to get out, the Dongfang Family would fall to the lowest ranks among the four noble houses.


    If it weren''t for hearing from Lin Qian that Xiao Yi could heal a shattered dantian, and having witnessed Tian Mang''s shattered dantian restored to its original state with his own eyes, he would not have taken the initiative to expose this secret that could potentially plunge the Dongfang Family into an abyss.


    Yang Ling had not expected it to be Elder Jin, he frowned and said, "Second Elder, as far as I know, after Elder Jin broke through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm fifty years ago, he has rarely shown himself. When was his dantian damaged?"


    Dongfang Mu''s face showed a hint of hesitation.


    Xiao Yi said, "The reasons for a shattered dantian are varied and so are the methods of healing. It''s best not to conceal anything."


    Upon hearing this,


    Dongfang Mu gave a bitter smile, his expression tinged with barely concealed rage and hatred, he gritted his teeth and said, "My elder brother stepped into the Dharma Manifestation Realm fifty years ago, and he has been in seclusion ever since. A few years ago, he had already broken through to the fifth level of the Dharma Manifestation Realm and had found a quiet place to manifest his Dharma. Unfortunately, he disturbed a young genius making a breakthrough to the Tao Tribulation Realm. A conflict erupted between them, and my brother''s dantian was shattered by a single blow from that person..."


    "Hmm?"


    "A young genius?"


    "A single blow from someone in the Tao Tribulation Realm shattered the dantian of a fifth level Dharma Manifestation Realm powerhouse? This..."


    The others exchanged glances.


    This Dongfang Jin, who had stepped into the fifth level of the Dharma Manifestation Realm, had his dantian crushed by a blow from someone who had just broken through to the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    How formidable must that strength be?


    And moreover...


    That was a youth?


    Yang Ling''s face revealed a look of shock, "Who was that person?"


    "I think... I might guess who it is!"


    Seeing everyone looking towards him, Xiao Yi let out a long breath, his fists involuntarily clenched, "If I''m not mistaken, that person should be Xiao Tianjiao!"


    "Xiao Tianjiao?"


    "How is that possible? Even for Xiao Tianjiao, to be that strong seems unlikely, right?"


    All eyes uniformly turned to Dongfang Mu.


    Dongfang Mu gave another bitter smile and nodded, "Dean Xiao has not spoken wrongly, that person is indeed Xiao Tianjiao." Fear flickered in his eyes, "This person is truly the reincarnation of a Heavenly Emperor, unmatched in this world. According to my brother, Xiao Tianjiao had just stepped into the Tao Tribulation Realm and was still not stable..."


    When one has just broken through a realm, the energy within the body is most turbulent, and the mastery over one''s own realm is not yet proficient.


    Xiao Tianjiao dared to engage in combat with a fifth level Dharma Manifestation Realm expert at such a crucial moment, and it took only one move to shatter the opponent''s dantian?


    What a terrifying power!


    Everyone instinctively looked at Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi closed his eyes slightly, his fists quietly clenched under his sleeves.


    Until now, they had known that Xiao Tianjiao was strong, but they had never imagined he would be strong to this extent.


    Barely entering the Tao Tribulation Realm, he could kill a fifth level Dharma Manifestation Realm expert with one strike.


    Now, having been in the Dharma Manifestation Realm for over half a year, with his speed of cultivation, what realm has he reached now? And what kind of strength does he have?


    The name Xiao Tianjiao, to countless people, is an insurmountable mountain.


    One could only look up to it, unable to climb it!


    But for Xiao Yi...


    This mountain must be climbed, must be surpassed!


    "Xiao Tianjiao... One day, I will definitely catch up to you, surpass you..." Xiao Yi took a deep breath, calming the restlessness in his heart.


    Meanwhile,


    The carriage came to a slow stop, and they had arrived at the Dongfang Family''s estate.


    Dongfang Mu took the lead in getting off, lifted the carriage curtain, and his tone carried a trace of respect, "Your Highness Yang Ling, Dean Xiao, please!"


    They got off one after another.


    The Dongfang Family''s residence in front of them occupied nearly half the street, grand and luxurious, ornate and solemn

 Chapter 257 Quietly Watching You Show Off!

    "Is this the Dongfang Family''s grandeur? It seems rather unimpressive!"Zhang Yang''s voice carried arrogance and a sense of superiority, instantly drawing the focused gaze of Xiao Yi and the others.


    There stood a man dressed in garish clothes, with a palm-sized Buddha amulet around his neck, a string of shiny black Buddha beads in his left hand, and in his right hand he held a flag that read: "Miraculous Hands Rejuvenation Skill, the medicine that won''t let you die!"


    Accompanying him was a young man, his face brimming with flattery: "Mr. Liu speaks the truth, our Dongfang Family''s estate has indeed been constructed many years ago and has certainly aged a bit!"


    Dongfang Mu''s face darkened as he said in a low voice, "Dongfang Qing, what are you doing?"


    The Dongfang Family was one of the four major noble families.


    The magnificence and luxury of their estate were top-ranking throughout the Great Qian Dynasty. When had they ever been humiliated like this?


    The young man was startled, looking up to see Dongfang Mu looking at him with an angry expression. He quickly stepped forward and said, "Dongfang Qing pays his respects to the Second Elder!"


    Dongfang Mu glanced at Mr. Liu and asked with a gloomy face, "What''s the meaning of this?"


    Dongfang Qing hurriedly replied, "Second Elder, please keep your voice down, we wouldn''t want to anger Mr. Liu. He is a reclusive expert whom I managed to find with great difficulty, a sacred hand in the field of medicine, capable of returning the dying to life, mending flesh and bones, rejuvenating with miraculous hands. There''s no ailment in the world he can''t cure!"


    Dongfang Mu: "..."


    Xiao Yi: "..."


    The crowd: "..."


    Returning the dying to life, mending flesh and bones, an ailment-free world.


    Such titles were quite resounding!


    "Hmmph!"


    Mr. Liu let out a displeased snort, tapping his flag against the ground, producing a thudding sound, "Dongfang Qing, time is extremely precious to me. Aren''t you going to take me to see the patient?"


    "Please wait a moment, Mr. Liu. I''ll take you there immediately!"


    Dongfang Qing hastily responded and led Mr. Liu forward, saying, "Second Elder, this Mr. Liu, the miraculous healer, is indeed powerful. I personally witnessed him reviving someone from the dead."


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow, seemingly intrigued by Liu the miraculous healer: "He can even revive the dead?"


    "Doubtful?"


    Liu the miraculous healer swept his indifferent gaze over Xiao Yi and the rest, with a slightly raised chin he haughtily said, "But how could you ordinary mortals possibly comprehend the wonders of such a lost art? As long as I take action, there is no disease that cannot be healed!"


    Xiao Yi revealed an amused expression: "Does the gentleman possess such abilities?"


    "Naturally!"


    Liu the miraculous healer snorted coldly, pridefully adding, "Have you ever heard of the last chief Imperial Physician of the Imperial Pharmacy, Mr. Bian Yihong?"


    "Uh¡­"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback, glancing at Bian Yihong standing beside him with an equally puzzled expression, and said with a smile, "I have heard of him, but I''ve never met the man himself!"


    Dongfang Mu, Ye Heng, and the others wore expressions of disbelief.


    Bian Yihong was right beside them; how could Xiao Yi say he never met him?


    Liu the miraculous healer held his chin high, full of pride as he said, "I won''t hide it from you, Bian Yihong and I come from the same master. He is my senior brother. However, his medical talent was so poor, he failed to inherit the master''s mantle and was expelled from the sect. I, on the other hand, was the apple of our master''s eye and received his true heritage. In terms of medical skill, a hundred Bian Yihongs couldn''t compare to me!"


    Xiao Yi and the others looked at Bian Yihong with peculiar expressions.


    Bian Yihong''s face twitched, and he rolled his eyes inwardly, thinking: "When did I have such an experience?"


    Liu the miraculous healer sighed and continued, "Actually, my senior brother''s medical skills are just passable! Though he''s far from my level, he''s enough to be the chief Imperial Physician of the Imperial Pharmacy!"


    Xiao Yi struggled to stifle a laugh and asked, "May I know who your master is?"


    "My master is a reclusive expert, beyond the reach of your level. However, I can let slip that our lineage is under the tutelage of the venerable Wind Thunder," Liu the miraculous healer declared proudly, puffing out his chest. "Master once said that my medical talent is comparable to that of Wind Thunder''s own master. With my current medical expertise, there is no one in the vast Qingtian Realm to match me; it is indeed the lonely plight of a great master. Oh well¡­ such loneliness and solitude are well beyond the grasp of you ordinary mortals!"


    Xiao Yi: "..."


    The crowd: "..."


    Dongfang Mu''s face was ashen.


    He had already concluded that this man before them was most certainly a fraud.


    And that wasn''t all... sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The most blatant giveaway was Liu the miraculous healer claiming Bian Yihong was his senior brother.


    Can''t you see Bian Yihong right there, giving you a forlorn look?


    Liu, seeing everyone''s eyes on him, wore a look of smug satisfaction and said, "Well, I have already wasted enough time here, so hurry and bring me to the patient! But let me make it clear beforehand, my fees are quite steep!"


    Dongfang Qing hurriedly responded, "Rest assured, Mr. Liu, we will meet whatever conditions you propose!"


    Dongfang Mu, with a dark expression on his face, was about to expose Liu, but then Xiao Yi shook his head at him.


    With a playful tone, Xiao Yi said, "Second Elder, today we are fortunate enough to witness the disciple of Mr. Bian, the successor of the renowned Wind Thunder. It''s a rare opportunity to see him in action. Could we possibly observe from the sidelines?"


    Dongfang Mu''s mouth twitched. Observe his technique, huh? You just want to watch him show off, don''t you?


    He coughed lightly and said, "Mr. Liu, what do you think about this..."


    Liu feigned difficulty, then took on an air of mystery: "Allowing you to observe is not a problem, but my profound medical skills might be too complex for you to understand. Moreover, my deep knowledge of medicine cannot be disclosed lightly, so you will have to pay a hefty tuition fee!"


    Dongfang Mu suppressed the urge to hit him and said, "No problem, we will pay this fee along with the visiting fee!"


    "That''s very good!"


    Liu nodded in satisfaction.


    The group then entered into the Dongfang estate.


    Moments later.


    They saw Dongfang Jin, whose complexion was slightly pale, yet he moved like a dragon and a tiger, showing no sign of ailment.


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes slightly as he assessed Dongfang Jin and realized with understanding, "It seems there''s a force of Dharma Manifestation clinging to his body, which conceals the abnormality of his dantian. This must be the work of that old ancestor from the Dongfang Family!"


    "Big brother!"


    Dongfang Mu helped Dongfang Jin to take a seat.


    With respect, Dongfang Qing said, "Elder!"


    Yang Ling also bowed to Dongfang Jin, for even as a prince he must show the courtesy due to a junior when facing such a stalwart of the Dharma Manifestation Realm, "Elder Jin, it has been a long time since we last met. I hope you''ve been well!"


    "Why, it''s Prince Yang Ling. Indeed, it''s been some time. Please forgive me for any lack of hospitality!" Dongfang Jin said with a cheery demeanor.


    Yang Ling replied with a smile, "You are too kind, Elder Jin!"


    Dongfang Mu gestured towards Xiao Yi as he introduced, "Big brother, this is the head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, Xiao Yi!"


    "Oh? Head Xiao, I''ve long admired your great reputation, and indeed, seeing is believing, a true case of a young hero!" Dongfang Jin''s demeanor towards Xiao Yi was obviously much colder, and his eyes held a trace of animosity.


    After all, he was the one crippled by Xiao Tianjiao.


    How could he possibly show a friendly face to someone from the Xiao Family?


    Dongfang Jin''s gaze swept over the attendees and, upon seeing the forlorn Bian Yihong, his eyes lit up with interest, "Mr. Bian, what brings you here? Have you perhaps thought of a way to assist this old man?"


    Bian Yihong replied with a wry smile, "Elder Jin, I am incapable and have thought of no solution."


    "This¡­"


    Dongfang Jin''s face fell slightly, but then he shook his head with a bitter smile, "It''s not your fault, Mr. Bian..."


    At that moment.


    Dongfang Qing spoke up, "Elder, I have invited a distinguished hermit on your behalf, claiming he has the means to cure you!"


    "Oh?"


    Dongfang Jin''s eyes brightened as he looked towards Liu, "And who might you be?"


    Liu cleared his throat and said with arrogance, "I am Liu, the most outstanding successor of the Wind Thunder lineage. Surely, I am not yet famous as I have just left seclusion. But you must have heard of my senior brother, Bian Yihong!"


    "What did you say?"


    The smile on Dongfang Jin''s face froze as he looked at Liu, "Your senior brother is Bian Yihong?"


    Liu, with chin held high, asserted, "Correct, though my senior brother''s natural talent in medicine is mediocre compared to mine, which is why our master expelled him long ago. As for me, I have fully inherited my master''s true teachings..."


    "Wait, hold on a moment!"


    Dongfang Jin frowned and pointed to Bian Yihong, asking, "Do you recognize him?"


    "With my status and position, how could I possibly recognize some obscure individual? This person is simply an admirer of my great name, coming here to witness my profound medical skills!"


    Liu glanced at Bian Yihong curiously and added, "Oh? But from what you''re saying, Elder Jin, you also share the surname Bian?" Experience exclusive tales on My Virtual Library Empire


    "If I remember correctly..."


    Bian Yihong coughed lightly and said with an odd expression, "I am indeed Bian Yihong..."

 Chapter 258 Dragon Blood, Reverse Scale!

    "If I''m not mistaken..."Bian Yihong said with a troubled face, "My name is Bian Yihong!"


    "Bian Yihong? Hmm, that''s a fine name, I''ll observe carefully later... Wait, what did you say your name was?" Liu, who had been speaking proudly, stiffened and stared at Bian Yihong in disbelief.


    With a wry smile, Bian Yihong said, "My name is Bian Yihong, I just recently stepped down from the position of Chief Imperial Physician. However, I am definitely not from the lineage of the Wind Thunder venerable, and I don''t have any junior brothers..."


    "Bian Yihong? But that''s not right, Mr. Liu said you were his senior brother, how can you not have any junior brothers?"


    Dongfang Qing looked at Liu with a puzzled expression and asked, "Mr. Liu, what is going on here?"


    Liu''s face twitched, a desire to cry welling up in him: "..."


    He had spent his whole life bluffing, deceiving countless people.


    He never expected to accidentally blunder right into the man himself.


    He too had recently arrived in the imperial capital and had inquired about the most prestigious medical expert in the capital, finally setting his sights on the elusive Bian Yihong.


    But then...


    He had never imagined he would actually run into the real Bian Yihong.


    And to show off in front of the man!


    Liu glanced at Xiao Yi and the others, seeing that everyone was barely holding back their laughter, looking at him with amusement, it was clear they all knew his true identity and were just watching him put on a show.


    In an instant.


    Liu fell to his knees with a thud, bursting into tears and begging, "Mr. Bian, spare my life, please... I, I was just trying to make a living, I meant no disrespect to you, please forgive me!"


    Dongfang Qing: "..."


    At this point, how could he not understand that he had been played by Liu.


    Dongfang Qing''s face turned shades of green and red.


    He had hoped to impress Dongfang Jin and show off in front of him, but instead, he had thoroughly showcased his lack of intellect.


    "I''m finished, the elders must think I''m a fool..."


    Dongfang Qing internally wailed, his gaze turning fierce as he glared at Liu and shouted angrily, "You, Liu, dare to fool me, the young master? I, I''ll kill you, you bastard..."


    "What the hell, you want to bite me? I''ll bite you to death..."


    Liu counterattacked.


    The two of them scuffled together.


    Dongfang Jin''s pale face flushed with anger, and he slammed the table furiously, yelling, "Guards, break this swindler''s arms and legs and throw him out. And you, Dongfang Qing, you disgrace, starting from now you are to reflect in the family shrine, not to leave the house for half a year!"


    "No..."


    "Please, elder, no..."


    The two of them wailed as they were dragged out.


    Dongfang Jin let out a long breath of turbid air, looking embarrassedly at Xiao Yi and the others: "Your Highness Yang Ling, Headmaster Xiao, my apologies for the farce you had to witness!"


    "It''s alright!"


    Yang Ling waved his hand hurriedly.


    Even though he really wanted to laugh, the occasion didn''t permit it!


    Xiao Yi touched his nose: "In a big forest, all sorts of birds can be found, it''s understandable!"


    Dongfang Jin: "..."


    He could only awkwardly shift the topic, looking towards Dongfang Mu: "Second brother, do you think Headmaster Xiao can cure my illness?"


    Dongfang Mu snapped back to reality and nodded earnestly, "Big brother, I''ve already informed Headmaster Xiao about your condition. He truly has the ability to cure you!" Explore more adventures at My Virtual Library Empire


    "Hmm?"


    Dongfang Jin''s eyes turned cold, seeming to chide Dongfang Mu for having disclosed his condition directly.


    But Dongfang Mu, as if he had not seen that look, said solemnly, "Big brother, I haven''t deceived you. Dongfang Bai, that brat, had his dantian destroyed, and it was Headmaster Xiao who stepped in to help him recover his Golden Core..."


    Dongfang Jin was taken aback, looking towards Tian Mang.


    Tian Mang''s energy surged forth, mighty and peerless.


    There were no traces of injury to the dantian at all.


    Dongfang Jin frowned and said, "Are you sure... his dantian is damaged?"


    "Positive!"


    Dongfang Mu quickly said, "His dantian was personally destroyed by that kid Dongfang Bai, and it happened just a few hours ago. This has already been confirmed from the mouth of Dongfang Bai. Brother, you are saved!"


    Hum!


    Dongfang Jin''s face flushed with excitement. Ever since Xiao Tianjiao had crushed his dantian with a single blow,


    he had resigned himself to his fate.


    After all,


    With the power of the Dongfang Family, they had already searched through the prominent physicians of the Great Qian Dynasty, but none had any solution.


    And now...


    He finally saw hope. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Xiao..."


    Dongfang Jin gave Xiao Yi a deep bow, speaking solemnly, "If you truly can restore my dantian, my life, Dongfang Jin, will be in your hands. In the future, whenever you commission me, whether to climb a mountain of swords or descend into a pot of boiling oil, I, Dongfang Jin, will follow you to the death!"


    Despite his sincere words, he was actually harboring some ulterior motives.


    He only offered his personal loyalty, not bringing the Dongfang Family into the pledge.


    After all,


    seeing the relationship between Xiao Yi and Yang Ling, if Yang Ling were to compete for the Crown Prince position in the future, Xiao Yi would surely stand behind Yang Ling.


    The Dongfang Family had not yet clearly supported any prince.


    He could not entrust the interests of the family to one individual.


    Xiao Yi naturally caught the meaning behind his words but didn''t mind, saying indifferently, "Restoring your dantian is not difficult. However, my consultation fee is not cheap!"


    Dongfang Jin hesitated for a moment, then said solemnly, "Mr. Xiao, given your status, I imagine you wouldn''t care for mundane wealth. I once had the fortune of encountering a Nine-headed Demon Python undergoing tribulation to become a dragon and obtained one dragon scale, as well as a jar of Dragon Blood. Would these suffice as compensation?"


    As he spoke,


    Dongfang Jin took out a piece of cyan dragon scale as big as a calf and a crystal vase thick as an arm from his storage ring.


    The dragon scale shimmered with azure light, with strange natural patterns etched upon it.


    Merely placing it in front of one...


    Instilled a heart-trembling sensation, with a faint oppressive aura spreading, comparable to that of a Dharma Manifestation Realm powerhouse.


    The Dragon Blood within the crystal vase was crystal clear, with light undulating inside it.


    From different angles, the Dragon Blood showed different colors.


    Faintly,


    The vibrant colors formed a tiny dragon shadow moving within the blood.


    The dragon is the leader of all scaled beings.


    Legend has it...


    that when a divine dragon soars between heaven and earth, it can hide within the rivers and mountains and travel amidst the clouds and winds. When a divine dragon traverses a mountain, the grass and trees become spirited; when it plays in the water, the fish and shrimp become divine. Should mortals drink a mouthful of Dragon Blood, they could live forever, watch the rivers and mountains change with the years, and remain forever young.


    The energy contained within this drop of Dragon Blood was indeed not weak; although not reaching the legendary level of a divine dragon, it was still of a true dragon''s lineage.


    "The dragon loses its scales twice in its life, once when it transforms into a dragon, and once when it falls. This scale, with its slightly weaker dragon aura, must have been shed during the Nine-headed Demon Python''s transformation. This Dragon Blood, with its stronger dragon aura, must have been left after the transformation into a dragon."


    Xiao Yi''s eyes glinted as he regarded the scale and the Dragon Blood, "This scale could be used to forge a sixth-grade elemental weapon, and the energy in this Dragon Blood... is enough for Little Lin and me to further our cultivation..."


    Little Lin was already at a high-tier fifth order, comparable to the Eighth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm.


    Xiao Yi''s Limitless Golden Core had reversed twenty cycles.


    Any further breakthrough would require consuming a great deal of energy.


    Having a jar of Dragon Blood, was worth countless elixirs.


    With this thought,


    Xiao Yi looked at Dongfang Jin and said in a deep voice, "Deal!"

 Chapter 259 Full of Loopholes

    "Deal!"Xiao Yi''s face was adorned with a radiant smile as he accepted the Dragon Blood and the inverse scales from Dongfang Jin''s hands.


    Even if Dongfang Jin had not offered treasures tempting enough to stir his heart, he would have chosen to lend a hand to him anyway.


    After all. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The fact that Xiao Tianjiao had destroyed Dongfang Jin''s Dantian, and the prospect of restoring what Xiao Tianjiao had damaged back to its original condition, promised a most entertaining reaction from Xiao Tianjiao when he next saw Dongfang Jin!


    Dongfang Jin, of course, had no inkling of Xiao Yi''s thoughts and was somewhat nervous when he offered the two treasures.


    Though Dragon Blood and inverse scales were indeed very precious, repairing a damaged Dantian was a feat unmatched by anyone in the Great Qian Dynasty. Even had Xiao Yi demanded an exorbitant price, he would have had no choice but to comply.


    Luckily, Xiao Yi was not greedy, which allowed Dongfang Jin to breathe a sigh of relief.


    Dongfang Jin asked in a grave tone, "Dean Xiao, may I know what I need to prepare?"


    "This list contains the medicinal ingredients you need to get ready!"


    Xiao Yi handed Dongfang Jin a list, "In addition to the items on this list, you will also need to find a monster core from a beast of at least the sixth order with the Metal attribute."


    Now that Dongfang Jin had reached the Dharma Manifestation Realm, and considering his desire to repair his Dantian, a monster core of a sixth-order beast was necessary as the foundation. Naturally, Xiao Yi did not disclose to him that the biggest drawback of the transplant method was that once the monster core replaced the Dantian,


    If he wished to advance his cultivation in the future, he would need to find a stronger monster core as a substitute.


    After all.


    He did not have any deep ties with the Dongfang Family, and if they managed to earn his approval someday, he would naturally think of a way to help Dongfang Jin replace the monster core.


    Otherwise...


    Dongfang Jin would be resigned to the Dharma Manifestation Realm for the remainder of his life.


    "A sixth-order Metal attribute monster core?" Dongfang Jin''s expression faltered slightly; such a core was not something the Dongfang Family had!


    Elder Dongfang Mu spoke with a heavy tone, "The Ximen Family killed a Six-Armed Sky-Climbing Ape tenth year ago, and its core should still be in the hands of our family''s elder. I will ask the elder to secure that monster core for us!" Elder Dongfang Mu declared solemnly.


    Explore hidden tales at My Virtual Library Empire


    Dongfang Jin said, "I should be the one to speak with the elder. You go ahead and take Dean Xiao and His Highness Yang Ling to the back garden to rest for a while, and meanwhile get the medicinal ingredients on the list ready. I believe that once the elder steps in, obtaining the monster core will be swift!"


    "Alright!"


    Elder Dongfang Mu nodded.


    Then he arranged for Xiao Yi and the others to be accommodated in the backyard and had people prepare a lavish spread of fruits and wines.


    The Dongfang Family''s backyard was vast, with an artificial lake at its center and a Lake Heart Pavilion erected on the lake.


    It was in this Lake Heart Pavilion that Xiao Yi and the others rested. Ye Heng took a bite of a Spirit Fruit, savouring the refreshing taste as he gazed at the lush green waters surrounding him and mused, "The life of the wealthy is indeed blissful. If one were to raise some spirit fish in this lake, to catch a few leisurely for grilling and dining, how delightful that would be!"


    Xiao Yi teased, "Would you like a few beauties to attend to you as well?"


    "Uh..."


    Ye Heng''s face twisted in embarrassment, "That won''t be necessary, right?"


    Xiao Yi rolled his eyes and turned his gaze to Tian Mang, who sat quietly to the side, chuckling, "Tian Mang, are you troubled by something?"


    Tian Mang shook his head, replying, "I was just imagining what this back garden looks like from your descriptions."


    Ye Heng glanced at Tian Mang''s sightless grey-white eyes and his expression darkened. He turned to Xiao Yi, "Master, your medical skills are unparalleled; is there a way to heal Tian Mang''s eyes?"


    Tian Mang tensed up, an evident hint of hope in his demeanor.


    Xiao Yi shook his head, declaring, "Tian Mang''s blindness is congenital. There''s nothing I can do."


    Tian Mang''s facial expression dimmed for a moment before he forced a smile, "It''s okay, I''m used to it!"


    "There''s no need to be like this, Tian Mang. In truth, having sight does not necessarily mean seeing the world clearly. Though you lack physical eyes, you can cultivate the Heart Eye Skill. It is with the Heart Eye that one can truly perceive the essence of this world!" Xiao Yi explained.


    "The Heart Eye?"


    The group was taken aback, their gazes filled with confusion as they looked towards Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi''s mind conjured up the swordsmanship he had seen Tian Mang executing during a match in the Combat Pavilion, and he spoke in a deep voice, "Think back to when you were fighting someone. How did you judge your opponent''s moves and their position?"


    Tian Mang replied subconsciously, "I can''t explain it clearly, but during battle, even though I can''t see the enemy, I can somehow picture their moves and positions in my mind..."


    "That is the power of the Heart Eye Skill. You just didn''t know the proper method to cultivate it before. When we return, I will teach you the ''Heart Eye Skill.'' Use the sword as your heart, and your heart as your sight. Then, you will be able to see the world with your heart eye..." Xiao Yi said.


    This ''Heart Eye Skill'' was also one of the inheritances he had acquired from the ancient tomb.


    Use the sword as your heart, and your heart as your sight.


    The Heart Eye can observe all things in heaven and earth, and see through the true essence of the world.


    It is even more powerful than the naked eye!


    It is indeed most suitable for Tian Mang to cultivate.


    While they were speaking...


    Suddenly...


    A crisp voice came from not far away, "Who are you? Who gave you permission to stay at Lake Heart Pavilion? Don''t you know this is my personal sword training spot?"


    The group looked toward the source of the voice.


    Aboard a small boat that followed the waves, a girl in blue dress stood with a sword at her waist, frowning at them. Beside the girl was a middle-aged man who held a longsword, with a red mole between his eyebrows, his face expressionless and arrogant.


    Whoosh!


    The middle-aged man jumped up, bringing the girl with him to land in the center of Lake Heart Pavilion.


    Yang Ling said with a smile, "We are friends of Elder Dongfang Mu, resting here!"


    "Mr. Mu? Since it''s arranged by Mr. Mu, then you may stay here. However..."


    The girl uttered an "Oh," then continued indifferently, "Mr. Bai will soon be instructing me in my sword practice. You best keep away and not try to secretly learn!"


    The middle-aged man swept them a glance and snorted arrogantly, "No need for such concern, my disciple. My mastery in the way of the sword has already transcended the ordinary, even if they watch, they wouldn''t understand!"


    Xiao Yi and the others: "..."


    This fellow''s cultivation had also reached the peak of the Golden Core Realm, but the fluctuation of his Sword Intent was extremely weak, clearly only having a rudimentary understanding of the first stage of Sword Intent. Such a mediocre talent, and yet he dared to snub them?


    The group watched with interest.


    The girl was performing a sword technique, the moves stiff and unpolished.


    However, the middle-aged man commented with satisfaction, "Not bad, very good. It''s just that the angle of your ''Sand Falling, Geese Landing'' move isn''t quite right. Let your master demonstrate it for you!"


    The middle-aged man leaped into the air, his longsword drawn from its sheath in a flash, and with a piercing ring of the blade, a silvery light streaked before their eyes.


    As the middle-aged man raised his arm, silver sword light ripped through the air, tracing brilliant shadows in the sky, like a flock of geese landing.


    Even after he sheathed his sword, the sound of it still hummed in the air.


    If an ordinary person witnessed this sword technique, they would find it exquisitely peerless, but to Xiao Yi and his companions, it was full of flaws.


    The girl in the white dress clapped her hands excitedly, "Mr. Bai truly is a master of swordsmanship, it would take me decades of hard work to reach your level!"


    "The pursuit of swordsmanship is indeed not something that can be achieved overnight!"


    The middle-aged man looked coldly at Xiao Yi and others with a smirk of faint mockery saying, "You all have been secretly observing, have you figured out the essence of my sword technique?"


    Xiao Yi and his companions exchanged looks and smiled, "We really did not see any essence!"


    "Hmph, a bunch of rotten wood!" The middle-aged man''s face showed an expected expression.


    The girl in the white dress also shook her head and said, "My master is the great swordsmanship master Bai Zuotang, you are fortunate enough to have witnessed him personally demonstrate swordsmanship, and yet you do not take the chance to humbly learn. It''s truly a pity!"


    The middle-aged man, Bai Zuotang, proudly said, "Disciple, my swordsmanship is profound, its essence is difficult for even a sword expert to grasp, let alone these commoners."


    Seeing Bai Zuotang''s haughty demeanor, Xiao Yi couldn''t help but feel helpless and shook his head, "Indeed, we didn''t see the essence of swordsmanship, only a sword technique full of flaws and incompetence..."

 Chapter 260 Misleading the Young

    "I''ve failed to see the essence of swordsmanship, instead, I''ve seen a sword technique full of flaws..."Xiao Yi said calmly.


    Bai Zuotang''s expression of pride abruptly solidified, his sword-like eyebrows furrowed tightly, and the red mole between his brows, set within a ''´¨'' character, took on a chill as he stared at Xiao Yi, "Are you saying that my sword technique is full of flaws?"


    He was considered a swordsmanship master from the True Martial Hall.


    The Dongfang Family had specially invited him to guide the practice of this young lady in white in the art of swordsmanship.


    The True Martial Hall was one of the top ten sects.


    Bai Zuotang, priding himself on having mastered the true teachings of the True Martial Hall and having a divine command of swordsmanship, never used to pay any heed to the common folk.


    But now...


    The very commoner he disdained was criticizing his swordsmanship as a technique full of flaws?


    How could he tolerate this?


    "What''s most contemptible about you commoners is your pretension and self-proclaimed excellence. Perhaps your talents are not bad among the common folk, but in the sects teeming with geniuses, you wouldn''t even qualify to be at the bottom."


    Bai Zuotang said scornfully, laughing in anger, "Clearly, it''s your mediocre abilities that prevent you from grasping the essence of my swordsmanship, yet you insist my swordsmanship is flawed. It''s utterly laughable!"


    Xiao Yi, holding a Spirit Fruit, stuffed the flesh into his mouth and, clutching the stick-like stem, said indifferently, "I haven''t studied the ''Falling Goose Sword Skill'' extensively, but from the sword technique you just demonstrated, you couldn''t even grasp the fundamentals, let alone the essence of this swordmanship. I truly don''t understand why the Dongfang Family would invite someone like you, who misguides the younger generation, to teach swordsmanship!"


    The ''Falling Goose Sword Skill'' is a high-grade, third-tier sword technique widely spread in the Great Qian Dynasty. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It was created by Master Ge.


    Xiao Yi had received Master Ge''s complete legacy, and although he wasn''t an expert in all of his created sword techniques and martial skills, he was quite familiar with them.


    Bai Zuotang''s face darkened as he said sarcastically, "From what you said, it seems you have also practiced the ''Falling Goose Sword Skill''?"


    Xiao Yi replied indifferently, "Somewhat."


    "Hmph, overestimating yourself!"


    Bai Zuotang sneered, "You either know it or you don''t, and yet you claim to know it somewhat. I''ve seen plenty of people like you who clamor for attention. If you''re so capable, then show it to me. I doubt you can perform even one complete move..."


    "Sigh!"


    Xiao Yi sighed, saying, "Open your eyes and watch carefully, this is the true ''Falling Goose Sword Skill''!"


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi leaped into the air and landed on the surface of the lake.


    With that stick-like fruit stem in his hand, he began indifferently, "The ''Falling Goose Sword Skill'' consists of three moves, ''Swans Separating'', ''Geese Falling on Level Sands'', and ''Plucking the Goose''. I will demonstrate it only once, watch carefully, and learn whatever fortune allows you to grasp!"


    "Hmph, I''d like to see what tricks you can pull off!" Bai Zuotang said, with a look of anger.


    He felt deeply humiliated.


    As a disciple of the True Martial Hall, he was handsomely paid by the Dongfang Family to guide the young lady, Dongfang Ying, in swordsmanship. Always respected, he was the one to give instruction, never had someone dared to criticize his methods.


    "The first move, ''Swans Separating''!"


    Whoosh!


    A sharp sword light shot out from the fruit stem in Xiao Yi''s hand, which split into two and fiercely darted in different directions.


    Boom boom!


    As the sword lights hit the lake, two towering columns of water surged skyward.


    At the same time...


    Xiao Yi''s voice came again, "The second move, ''Geese Falling on Level Sands''!"


    Whoosh!


    The fruit stem in Xiao Yi''s hand was like a heaven-cleaving sword, controlled as nimbly as one''s own limb, striking out with a sweeping motion. With a sharp whistle, a surge of sword qi swept across the lake''s surface, creating ripples and waves.


    In the midst of the raging waves, the entire lake was covered with ripples.


    And then...


    Xiao Yi leaped high into the air and called out, "The third move, ''Plucking the Goose''!"


    Whoosh whoosh whoosh!


    The fruit stem, like a sword, descended from the sky, and a rain of sword lights fell, plunging into the lake.


    Boom boom boom!


    Waterspouts rose above the lake surface, thrusting into the sky, dozens of meters high water columns instantly shattering. Pieces of water splashed down like plucking feathers from a goose, akin to feathers falling from a wild goose.


    Pitter-patter!


    Strings of water drops fell into the lake continuously, creating dazzling ripples one after another.


    The Lake Heart Pavilion was engulfed in silence.


    Bai Zuotang was dumbstruck.


    The girl in the white dress saw stars.


    Xiao Yi''s execution of the sword technique flowed like clouds and water, each move complete, his mastery refined to perfection. Although he held no sword, just a leftover fruit stem, it was as though he wielded a divine sword, merging man and sword into one, unfathomably profound.


    This was the true master of the sword path!


    This was the ultimate realm he had been pursuing all his life!


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi floated elegantly back into the Lake Heart Pavilion, the fruit stem still intact in his hand. With a flick of his fingers, the stem whizzed and pinned itself into the stone table. It penetrated the stone by three parts, the stem quivering slightly. Xiao Yi shook his head and sighed, "Indeed, even the simplest sword techniques require frequent practice. I''ve barely cultivated this ''Falling Goose Sword Skill'', and it has become somewhat rusty!"


    Clap clap clap!


    Bai Zuotang felt a burning pain on his face.


    The swordsmanship he regarded as flawless was seen as lacking by Xiao Yi?


    Xiao Yi looked up at Bai Zuotang and asked indifferently, "How does my swordsmanship compare to yours?"


    "This..."


    Bai Zuotang''s face turned alternately ashen and pale. He had to admit that Xiao Yi''s swordsmanship was vastly superior to his own, but to bow his head like that was impossible. He snorted coldly, "You indeed have the upper hand with this ''Falling Goose Sword Skill'', but I have only dabbled in this technique. The essence of my sword path lies in the ''Subduing Tiger Sword Skill''!"


    ''Subduing Tiger Sword Skill''?


    Xiao Yi was astonished. Could there be such a coincidence in the world?


    Back in Nanhuang City, he had obtained the ''Subduing Tiger Sword Skill'', and now Bai Zuotang also knew this technique?


    Xiao Yi smiled and said, "Oh? I have also dabbled in this technique. Why don''t we exchange some pointers?"


    "Watch carefully!"


    Bai Zuotang huffed and demonstrated the ''Subduing Tiger Sword Skill'' once, proclaiming proudly, "How about that?"


    Xiao Yi shook his head in disappointment and sighed, "Seeing your confidence, I thought you were at least somewhat proficient. But it turned out you''ve only grasped the basics. Watch carefully; this is the true ''Subduing Tiger Sword Skill''!"


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi performed the technique, each stroke fierce as a tiger pouncing down a hill, every slash capable of taming a ferocious tiger.


    Broad and expansive motions, the momentum grand and imposing.


    Far beyond what Bai Zuotang could compare to.


    Bai Zuotang''s face turned a shade of iron blue, his teeth nearly shattering from clenching, he angrily said, "I also have a unique sword technique ''Azure Dragon Nine Swords''. That will make you admit defeat!"


    Whoosh whoosh whoosh!


    Bai Zuotang demonstrated his technique, which indeed was more exquisite compared to his previous swordsmanship, proudly saying, "How about that? This sword technique is the unique heritage of the True Martial Hall; have you ever seen it before?"


    "Seeing you perform it once, let me try..."


    Based on memory, Xiao Yi repeated the performance Bai Zuotang had just shown.


    Whether it was the proficiency of the sword moves or the smooth transitions between techniques, he was far superior to Bai Zuotang.


    Xiao Yi said, "This sword technique indeed has its unique aspects, but unfortunately, when you execute it, it''s full of flaws and unbearable to behold. With your half-baked skill level, how could the Dongfang Family have been blind enough to hire you to instruct their juniors? Aren''t you misleading their children?"


    "You, you, you..."


    Bai Zuotang''s face turned from ashen to red, never expecting Xiao Yi to learn his ''Azure Dragon Nine Swords'' after one glance and even surpass him by several grades.


    Faced with Xiao Yi''s mockery, Bai Zuotang could not retort.


    Overcome by rage, he spewed a mouthful of fresh blood.


    He lay rigidly on the ground.


    The Lake Heart Pavilion was silent again as everyone turned their gaze towards Xiao Yi, their eyes filled with awe.


    The girl in the white dress was even more starry-eyed, clasping her hands in front of her chest, blinking her large eyes, and said with admiration, "Senior, please take me as your disciple! This guy is just unwanted trash compared to you..."


    Bai Zuotang, who had just regained consciousness, heard these words and spewed another mouthful of fresh blood, his eyes rolling back as he passed out once more...

 Chapter 261 You, finally came!

    When Dongfang Mu arrived at the Lake Heart Pavilion and saw the unconscious Bai Zuotang, as well as the white-dressed young girl serving Xiao Yi tea and water with a fawning expression, he too was utterly confused.This girl in the white dress was Dongfang Ying, the youngest daughter of the patriarch of the Dongfang Family.


    She was indeed the pearl of the Dongfang Family.


    Among the younger generation of the Dongfang Family, she was the only girl!


    Greatly pampered.


    For this reason...


    The Dongfang Family had spared no expense in hiring Bai Zuotang to teach her swordsmanship one-on-one.


    All along.


    Dongfang Ying had always greatly respected and wholeheartedly followed Bai Zuotang in learning swordsmanship. But now, seeing her not caring about Bai Zuotang lying on the ground and instead following closely behind Xiao Yi, Dongfang Mu couldn''t help but feel utterly confused, "Ying, what... what is going on here?"


    "Grandpa Mu!"


    With a brilliant smile on her face and hugging Dongfang Mu''s arms, Dongfang Ying gently shook them, "Grandpa Mu, this Bai Zuotang is just a swindler leading people astray. His swordsmanship is nothing compared to big brother''s. From now on, I want to learn from big brother!"


    "Ah?"


    Dongfang Mu''s eyelids twitched, his face full of puzzlement.


    He remembered how much Dongfang Ying had adored Bai Zuotang''s swordsmanship before!


    Dongfang Ying quickly recounted what had happened earlier.


    Dongfang Mu looked at Xiao Yi with a face full of astonishment, his shocked gaze sweeping over him.


    While he wasn''t surprised that Xiao Yi could perform the Falling Goose Sword Skill and the Subduing Tiger Sword Skill, what truly astounded him was that Xiao Yi had merely watched Bai Zuotang''s sword technique once, and improved upon it, outdoing the master.


    This ability to learn was nothing short of terrifying!


    "Grandpa Mu, please agree to it!" Dongfang Ying swayed his arm.


    "Stop fooling around. He''s Xiao, the headmaster of Xiaoshanhe Institute, not just some ''big brother''," Elder Mu scolded with a voice, seeing Dongfang Ying pursing her lips with a longing look. He couldn''t help but rub his forehead with a headache, chuckling bitterly, "Grandpa can''t decide this. You''ll have to ask your dad!"


    "Hmph!"


    Dissatisfied, Dongfang Ying snorted and pouted, "I will ask the old ancestor!"


    As she spoke. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Dongfang Ying boarded a small boat and paddled towards the lake''s edge, looking back at Xiao Yi and waving, "Headmaster brother, I will definitely convince the old ancestor to let me study at Xiaoshanhe Institute with you!"


    Dongfang Mu looked at Xiao Yi with a peculiar expression, "Headmaster Xiao, Ying has been spoiled. Please forgive her!


    "It''s alright!"


    Xiao Yi awkwardly touched his nose, pointing to Bai Zuotang on the ground, "Elder Mu, about this..."


    Dongfang Mu sighed, "I will have someone send him back to True Martial Hall!" He paused for a moment, then said, "Headmaster Xiao, everything is ready. We will rely on you for the next part!"


    "Lead the way!"


    Xiao Yi nodded.


    Under the lead of Dongfang Mu, everyone came to the underground chamber of the Dongfang Family.


    This chamber was a thousand meters below the ground.


    The chamber was exceptionally quiet.


    It had a Spirit Gathering Formation, making the spiritual energy here much denser than that on the surface.


    Dongfang Jin was already waiting inside the chamber. Upon seeing Xiao Yi arrive, he hurriedly greeted him, unable to hide the excitement on his face, "Headmaster Xiao, we entrust everything to you!"


    Xiao Yi nodded.


    Yang Ling and the others stood guard outside the chamber.


    Dongfang Jin sat cross-legged in front of Xiao Yi, staring at the young man whose appearance bore a resemblance to Xiao Tianjiao, Dongfang Jin seemed hesitant to speak.


    Xiao Yi asked curiously, "Elder Jin, do you have something to say?"


    "Headmaster Xiao, my question may be a bit abrupt, and it''s fine if you don''t wish to answer..." Seeing that Xiao Yi didn''t mind, Dongfang Jin asked, "With your talent and strength, even though you may not be on par with Xiao Tianjiao, you''re still a top-tier genius. Why did the Xiao Family expel you?"


    Xiao Yi briefly paused, then smiled and said, "That''s something you''ll have to ask Xiao Tianjiao about!"


    His grudge with the Xiao Family didn''t need to be openly discussed with everyone.


    Dongfang Jin started in surprise, then pondered for a moment before sighing softly, "I was indeed too abrupt!"


    "No harm done!"


    Xiao Yi smiled and proceeded to use the Transferring Flowers and Connecting Trees Skill.


    The destruction of Dongfang Jin''s dantian was thorough¡ªif it weren''t for Xiao Yi''s proficiency in the Transferring Flowers and Connecting Trees Skill, there would''ve been no chance for recovery.


    The demon core entered his body.


    Guided by Xiao Yi''s vital energy, it continuously repaired Dongfang Jin''s damaged dantian, merging it with his body.


    Dongfang Jin, being a strong practitioner from the Dharma Manifestation Realm, indeed exhausted Xiao Yi as he restored his dantian.


    "Congratulations, Elder Jin, your dantian has been fully restored! However, it would be wise not to use your vital energy too much for the next half month," Xiao Yi said gravely.


    The vital energy of a Dharma Manifestation Realm practitioner was immensely powerful.


    The newly integrated demon core was still very fragile and needed to be gradually nurtured. All connections had to be thoroughly solidified before it could withstand the flow of vital energy. Dongfang Jin understood this point well and nodded vigorously, his gaze filled with gratitude as he looked at Xiao Yi: "Thank you, Director Xiao. If there''s anything the Dongfang Family can do for you in the future, my family will spare no effort to help!"


    There was a distinct change in Dongfang Jin''s attitude.


    Previously, he had pledged to repay Xiao Yi only in his personal capacity, but now he was making a commitment on behalf of the entire Dongfang Family.


    The two left the secret chamber.


    In just six hours, witnessing the restoration of vital energy circulation within Dongfang Jin''s body, Dongfang Mu''s face lit up with ecstatic joy.


    The Four Great Noble Families each had two practitioners from the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    If the loss of Dongfang Jin''s dantian became known, the Dongfang Family would certainly face suppression from other forces. Without exaggeration, Xiao Yi was the savior of the entire Dongfang Family. Dongfang Mu said solemnly, "Director Xiao, the patriarch wishes to meet with you!"


    "Dongfang Patriarch?"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback.


    Even Yang Ling beside him showed a look of surprise.


    The Dongfang Patriarch, known as Dongfang Kuang.


    This man was a Dharma Manifestation Realm master from five hundred years ago, a peer to the patriarchs of the ten major sects.


    In the history of the Great Qian Dynasty, he too had left a significant mark as a legend.


    Xiao Yi said in a deep voice, "Lead the way!"


    "Please follow me!"


    Dongfang Mu immediately guided Xiao Yi toward the deepest part of the secret chamber.


    Dongfang Kuang was the Calm Sea Divine Needle of the Dongfang Family.


    He rarely appeared in public.


    Very few knew that he actually resided at the most recondite part of this underground chamber.


    At the end of the secret chamber, a place brightly lit by lamps.


    In the middle, a massive bronze door slowly opened, revealing a dark entrance. Dongfang Mu spoke with a respectful face, "Director Xiao, the patriarch awaits you inside!"


    Xiao Yi frowned, "Just the two of us?"


    "The patriarch did not instruct us to enter; we cannot set foot in this forbidden place," Dongfang Mu quickly replied.


    Xiao Yi nodded and then entered the pitch-black secret chamber alone.


    Clang!


    The heavy bronze door slowly shut.


    Scrape, scrape, scrape!


    One after another, torches were lit in the dark chamber.


    The Tongtian flames illuminated the entire chamber.


    At the same time¡­


    A hoarse and deep voice echoed within the chamber, "You have finally arrived!"

 Chapter 262 Yin Yang Tower

    "You, you''ve finally arrived!"The low voice carried a sense of weight and ancientness.


    Coming from the deepest part of the secret chamber, the voice actually caused a subtle vibration in the air, prompting the surrounding flames to flicker continuously.


    Xiao Yi felt a chill sweeping over his body, which sent shivers down his spine, "How could Dongfang be living in a place like this?"


    Whoosh!


    A sudden force of suction came from ahead.


    As if countless invisible hands were pulling him toward the depths of the secret chamber.


    A moment later.


    There was a sudden openness in front of Xiao Yi, revealing an underground palace that was dazzling with gold and glittering with luxury. The hundred-meter-high palace''s dome was studded with fist-sized Luminous Pearls, with more than three thousand pearls lighting the place up as bright as day.


    The floor was laid with lustrous glazed tiles, and walking on them, there was a faint sensation of warmth.


    In front...


    Seven nine-story tall black towers stood out somewhat abruptly.


    At this moment.


    In front of those seven towers stood a black-haired man smiling at him, his presence contained, with strands of natural essence flickering around him as if converging into his body like a primal spring.


    His pair of pitch-black eyes seemed to have two stars rotating within them.


    Bright and dazzling, they were deep enough to draw one in, making it feel as if one would be absorbed into their depths, unable to extricate oneself.


    "Could this be Senior Dongfang Kuang?" Xiao Yi asked in a deep voice.


    The voice of Dongfang Kuang did not quite match his appearance, sounding much more ancient, "Young fellow, come over here!"


    Xiao Yi stepped forward, "Junior Xiao Yi, pays respects to Senior!"


    "Hmm!"


    Dongfang Kuang smiled slightly, a friendly expression on his face. His eyes were bright with sharpness, their gaze so penetrating as if they could see right through a person. He said with a smile, "Very good, really good, no wonder Dongfang Mu holds you in such high esteem. Xiao Zhengde really was blind to expel you from the Xiao Family. Young fellow, would you be interested in taking the Dongfang surname? If you''re willing, you can be the next head of the Dongfang Family!"


    "Uh..."


    Xiao Yi was taken aback, his face showing surprise.


    Take the Dongfang surname?


    Wasn''t that asking him to marry into the family?


    Although just changing a surname would allow him to control a huge family with thousands of years of inheritance, becoming one of the most powerful entities in the Great Qian Dynasty, Xiao Yi still shook his head with a smile, "Thank you for your generous offer, Senior. My name was given to me by my mother, and I do not wish to change it!"


    "It''s fine if you don''t change your surname. I have a great-granddaughter named Dongfang Ying, lively and lovely, whom you can marry. You would become the favoured son-in-law of the Dongfang Family, how about that?" Dongfang Kuang said with a sly smile.


    Xiao Yi wore an embarrassed expression, "..."


    What exactly was Dongfang Kuang planning?


    Wasn''t he proposing that Xiao Yi either take his surname


    Or marry into the family?


    Xiao Yi shook his head with a rueful smile, "Thank you for your kindness, Senior, but my ambition lies elsewhere."


    "Well, let it be!"


    Dongfang Kuang sighed with a trace of regret and then straightened up, saying, "You cured Dongfang Jin, which is a life-saving grace to my Dongfang Family. In my life, Dongfang Kuang has never begged nor owed anyone. I see that your cultivation has reached the Golden Elixir Peak, just a step away from the Tao Tribulation Realm. You can try your luck in the Yin and Yang Tower behind me; it might be helpful for you!"


    The Yin and Yang Tower.


    Its full name is the Yin Yang Five Elements Tower, divided into seven parts.


    Legend has it...


    When the founding emperor of the Great Qian Dynasty and his four sworn brothers obtained five Divine Artifacts from a secret realm, one of them was the Yin Yang Five Elements Tower, which was secured by the ancestor of the Dongfang Family as a treasure to protect the clan.


    Inside the Yin Yang Five Elements Tower, there are Elemental Combat Automatons of Yin and Yang.


    The realm of these Elemental Combat Automatons is identical to those who enter the tower, and by defeating one, you could absorb a portion of the Yin Yang and Five Elements heavenly forces.


    You must know...


    To advance from the Golden Core Realm to the Tao Tribulation Realm, one needs to grasp the power of heaven and earth to shatter the Golden Elixir Halo and condense the Dao patterns.


    But trying to comprehend the power of heaven and earth directly from nature yields minimal results.


    However, inside this Yin Yang Five Elements Tower, the power of heaven and earth is several times, or even dozens of times stronger than the outside world.


    Dongfang Kuang casually tossed a Token into Xiao Yi''s hand, saying in a deep voice, "Everyone can control different attributes of the power of heaven and earth. See which tower you can enter, and it will represent the corresponding attribute of the heavenly force you can control."


    Xiao Yi gazed at the seven Yin Yang Five Elements Towers and muttered, "Can I only choose one? Can''t I choose them all?"


    "All of them?"


    Dongfang Kuang was taken aback and then burst into loud laughter, "Kid, you really are daydreaming! Even Xiao Tianjiao, relying on the Supreme Overlord Sacred Body enabling him to master the Five Elements of heaven and earth, has become the most astonishing genius of the Great Qian Dynasty in thousands of years. And you''re thinking of choosing all? With your talent, at most you could master three, certainly no more!"


    Xiao Yi''s pupils constricted slightly, "Xiao Tianjiao has mastered the Five Elements of heaven and earth? No wonder he could shatter Dongfang Jin with one strike without stepping into the Dharma Manifestation Realm. However, if he could master the Five Elements of heaven and earth, why couldn''t I master them all?"


    With that thought.


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath and walked toward the Yin Yang Five Elements Tower.


    The first one. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Metal Tower!


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi entered with no resistance; a golden puppet appeared before him, its cultivation equal to his, both at the Golden Elixir Realm Peak.


    Whoosh!


    The golden puppet flashed violently, surrounded by fluctuating golden light, as its sharp metal-like blade thrust forward.


    "Break for me!"


    Xiao Yi simply struck down with one palm.


    Bang!


    The golden puppet exploded into pieces, turning into a sky full of golden dust, which melded into his body.


    Xiao Yi could clearly feel his mastery over the Metal attribute of the heaven and earth''s power had increased slightly, "No wonder it''s the clan''s treasure, just the first level equals the effect of my six months of arduous understanding."


    Xiao Yi''s gaze shifted toward the entrance of the second level.


    The second level, this time two puppets appeared.


    Though they were both at the Golden Elixir Realm Peak, Xiao Yi was a Limitless Golden Elixir!


    He shattered them all with one palm.


    This time, the Metal power of heaven and earth he received was twice that of the first level.


    Xiao Yi continued to move forward...


    The third level.


    The fourth level.


    The fifth level...


    All the way to the ninth level.


    Hum!


    The Metal power within Xiao Yi''s body had actually reached one-tenth of its potential, and at the same time, countless Metal powers of heaven and earth converged on his Golden Elixir, wildly bombarding the Golden Elixir Halo.


    Boom, Boom, Boom!


    After repeated impacts, the fluctuating halos around the Golden Elixir suddenly exploded.


    Crack! Crack!


    Two successive halos burst, transforming into a pattern that was branded onto the Golden Elixir. At the same time, surging energy flooded into the God Sealing Seed, wildly increasing it by two hundred thousand, achieving the number of one million.


    Generally, as long as one condenses the pattern, they could step into the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    But Xiao Yi was still at the Golden Elixir Realm Peak.


    "To enter the Tao Tribulation Realm with a Limitless Golden Elixir, I must shatter all the Golden Elixir Halos, transforming them into Martial Dao Divine Fruit."


    Xiao Yi let out a long breath; he had already topped the Metal Tower, which was a major step toward the Tao Tribulation Realm, "Eighteen more Golden Elixir Halos to go, let''s shatter them in one fell swoop!"


    With that thought.


    Xiao Yi left the Metal Tower and appeared in front of Dongfang Kuang.


    Dongfang Kuang was completely stunned, "You came out so soon?"


    Xiao Yi nodded, "I''ve already reached the top!"


    "Reached the top?"


    Dongfang Kuang was dumbfounded, "It''s only been a short while, and you''ve already reached the top? How is that possible? When Xiao Tianjiao came to use the Yin Yang Five Elements Tower, it took him half an hour just for the first tower, and you..."


    Xiao Yi smiled and said, "He is him, I am me!"


    "This, this..."


    Even Dongfang Kuang, who had lived for hundreds of years, felt his emotions surge for the first time as he looked at Xiao Yi with anticipation, "Are you preparing to challenge the second Yin Yang Tower?"


    Xiao Yi nodded, then walked toward the second tower, the Wood Tower.


    Dongfang Kuang couldn''t help but watch intently, "Can he... succeed?"

 Chapter 263 Breaking Xiao Tianjiaos Record Again!

    ```


    Thump! S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Thump!


    Thump!


    Xiao Yi felt his heartbeat quickening, his breath grew short and rapid as he approached the second Wood Tower before him.


    Ever since the establishment of the Great Qian Dynasty,


    Xiao Tianjiao had set countless records, and Xiao Yi never expected that even in the Dongfang Family''s Yin Yang and Five Elements Tower, records left by Xiao Tianjiao would exist. Ever since the day he was expelled from home, Xiao Yi had vowed to let the world know he was stronger than Xiao Tianjiao.


    So...


    The countless records left by Xiao Tianjiao naturally lay before him.


    "The records in the Combat Pavilion are just the beginning, not the end!" Xiao Yi took a deep breath, now standing before the Wood Tower.


    Hum!


    A green glow flashed from the token in his hand, and he stepped inside.


    Hiss!


    Dongfang Kuang inhaled sharply, his body tensing suddenly, "He actually went in? Can this kid really comprehend both the Golden and Wood elemental powers? What kind of dumb luck has the Xiao Family stumbled upon, first with an exceptional genius like Xiao Tianjiao, and now another, Xiao Yi..."


    Even after seeing Xiao Yi enter the Wood Tower,


    Dongfang Kuang still didn''t believe that Xiao Yi could break the record left by Xiao Tianjiao.


    After all,


    Someone wielding the power of the five elements of heaven and earth alone was an incredibly rare talent, not just in the Great Qian Dynasty, but in the entire Qingtian Realm.


    Simultaneously,


    Inside the Wood Tower, the first wooden puppet appeared before Xiao Yi.


    It was a tree-man, wrapped in bark, exuding vigorous vitality. With a lift of its hand, green tendrils shot out like hundreds of twisting green snakes.


    Confronted with this tree-man puppet, Xiao Yi used only a single palm.


    Bang!


    The puppet shattered.


    The Wood elemental power of heaven and earth surged into his body.


    Xiao Yi looked up towards the entrance to the second level...


    The third level.


    The fourth level.


    The fifth level...


    Just as before, ten hours later, Xiao Yi emerged outside the Wood Tower.


    Upon topping the Wood Tower, he had mastered ten percent of the Wood Attribute elemental power of heaven and earth, shattered two more Golden Elixir Halos, solidified a second dao pattern, and the quantity of his God Sealing Seed had climbed to one million two hundred thousand.


    But he still had not stepped into the Tao Tribulation Realm!


    Dongfang Kuang''s face twitched, "He topped it again?"


    "Hmm!"


    Xiao Yi nodded, looking towards the third.


    Gulur!


    Dongfang Kuang swallowed nervously, "Are you going to keep trying?"


    Xiao Yi hummed in affirmation, "Xiao Tianjiao conquered five towers, I will not be weaker than him!"


    Dongfang Kuang gave a wry smile, "Xiao Tianjiao''s situation is different from yours; he is an unparalleled Tianjiao..."


    "Are you certain I am not?" Xiao Yi asked.


    Dongfang Kuang: "That..."


    Xiao Yi smiled and stepped toward the third Water Tower.


    "It can''t be¡ªdamn..."


    Dongfang Kuang hadn''t finished speaking when Xiao Yi had already set foot inside the third Water Tower.


    After ten hours.


    Xiao Yi stood before the fourth Fire Tower.


    With only fourteen Golden Elixir Halos remaining, having solidified three dao patterns of gold, wood, and water, the quantity of his God Sealing Seed soared to one million four hundred thousand.


    Watching Xiao Yi step into the Fire Tower.


    ```


    At this moment, Dongfang Kuang could no longer remain seated and stood up abruptly, his fists clenched tightly. On his usually impassive face, a strong shock surfaced along with deep anticipation, "This kid, he, he might really have a chance at catching up to Xiao Tianjiao''s record!"


    He had never thought that, in his lifetime, he would see someone catching up to Xiao Tianjiao''s record.


    As for breaking this record?


    He didn''t even dare to entertain such a thought!


    After all.


    Controlling five kinds of elemental forces was already considered miraculous.


    Ten hours later.


    Xiao Yi made his way to the fifth tower, which was also the last of the Five Elements Tower in the Yin Yang Five Elements Tower, the Tower of Earth.


    Thump!


    Thump!


    Thump!


    Dongfang Kuang, with clenched fists, held his breath, and even closed his eyes at the moment when Xiao Yi was about to enter the Tower of Earth, hardly daring to open them, "Did he succeed? Has he entered? Xiao Yi? Xiao Yi?"


    "..."


    All was silent in front of him, no one responded.


    Gurgle!


    Dongfang Kuang cautiously opened a slit in his eyes, but Xiao Yi''s figure was nowhere to be seen. Sweat had soaked through his clothes, his fists clenched, his veins throbbing wildly, "He, he actually succeeded? My heavens, this is unbelievable, he''s really done it, matching Xiao Tianjiao''s record, it''s just too inconceivable!"


    Ten hours later.


    When Xiao Yi appeared before him again, Dongfang Kuang displayed a look of wild joy and burst out laughing as he approached, "Xiao Yi, you lad are truly beyond expectations! Hahaha, congratulations, you''ve matched Xiao Tianjiao''s record. In terms of talent alone, you are definitely no lesser than Xiao Tianjiao!"


    "Senior, please make way," Xiao Yi said unruffled.


    Dongfang Kuang was startled and blinked, "You still want to attempt the sixth? Alright, there''s no harm in trying... However, throughout the history of the Qingtian Realm, there have been legendary figures who could simultaneously control either Yin and Yang or the Five Elements of nature. But to simultaneously master both Yin Yang and the Five Elements, the seven forces of nature, that''s never happened before. Even if you fail, you don''t need to feel dis...dis...dis...holy shit..."


    Dongfang Kuang leapt up abruptly.


    "He really succeeded? This breaks Xiao Tianjiao''s record? Martial God above, this can''t be real, I must be hallucinating..."


    He swung his palm fiercely, slapping his own face again and again, at least a dozen times, yet his expression was still one of bewilderment, "The Xiao Family must be blind to have expelled such a monster from their home..."


    Inside the Tower of Yin.


    Xiao Yi''s battle was not as easy as before, the battle puppets in the Tower of Yin were clearly much stronger, and even with Xiao Yi''s strength, the fight took many times longer.


    One hour later.


    Xiao Yi reached the ninth layer and successfully broke through the five Golden Elixir Halos, condensing the Yin Dao patterns.


    The count of God Sealing Seeds climbed to three million three hundred thousand!


    Continue your journey with My Virtual Library Empire


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi returned to the secret chamber, ignoring the stunned Dongfang Kuang, and went straight into the last Tower of Yang.


    "Yin Yang and the Five Elements forces of nature," Dongfang Kuang murmured, his fists clenched, his eyes bloodshot, his entire body trembling, "He, he''s defying the heavens!"


    Throughout the history of the Qingtian Realm.


    There had never been an existence that simultaneously mastered the seven forces of Yin Yang and the Five Elements.


    Today...


    He was fortunate enough to witness the birth of such a prodigy.


    However.


    This time, Dongfang Kuang waited for two full hours, yet he still hadn''t seen Xiao Yi emerge from the Tower of Yang.


    He was growing anxious.


    Three hours.


    Four hours.


    Ten hours...


    "What''s going on? Could something have happened?" Dongfang Kuang''s face was filled with worry as he paced back and forth with his hands behind his back.


    Only when ten hours had passed, just as Dongfang Kuang was about to forcibly enter the Tower of Yang, a dazzling light suddenly burst forth from within the Tower. The light contained terrifying energy, its grandeur like a wild storm, which hurled Dongfang Kuang away.


    Within the brilliant, multicolored light, a vague figure could be seen, approaching through the air¡­

 Chapter 264 The Heavenly Calamity Arrives, Ten Thousand People Are Shocked!

    Within the secret chamber.


    Xiao Yi was surrounded by dazzling, multicolored lights, radiating an otherworldly divine presence.


    He stood suspended in midair.


    With every step he took, the ground trembled, and the air seemed to solidify around him. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A massive Golden Core floated above his head, marked with nine Daopatterns.


    There was one pattern for each of the Five Elements.


    And two patterns for Yin and Yang respectively.


    A total of nine Daopatterns were imprinted on the Golden Core, yet it hadn''t transformed into a Martial Dao Divine Fruit. Right after thoroughly shattering the Golden Elixir Halo and condensing the Daopatterns, Xiao Yi sensed the approaching Celestial Tribulation.


    Typically speaking.


    The Celestial Tribulation only appeared after one had broken through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    But now...


    Xiao Yi, having just stepped into the Tao Tribulation Realm, had actually triggered the Celestial Tribulation.


    This took Xiao Yi somewhat by surprise.


    Enveloped in light, Xiao Yi looked toward Dongfang Kuang, who had been blasted away by his aura, and said in a deep voice, "Senior, open the chamber''s exit quickly, I must transcend the tribulation!"


    He could sense that the Celestial Tribulation would descend in just an hour.


    If he continued to stay in the secret chamber, he feared that the entire Dongfang Family estate would be leveled to the ground.


    "What the hell? You''re going to transcend the tribulation?" Dongfang Kuang stared at Xiao Yi blankly, unable to believe what he was hearing.


    To transcend the tribulation!


    He had never heard of anyone needing to transcend a tribulation just for breaking through to the Tao Tribulation Realm!


    Xiao Yi smiled bitterly and said, "Senior, do you think I have the time to joke with you? In an hour, the Celestial Tribulation will arrive. Open the chamber so I can leave, otherwise, your Dongfang Family will be implicated..."


    "Holy shit!"


    Dongfang Kuang was stunned, speechless.


    He felt as if his nearly a thousand years of life had been in vain.


    A few years ago, Xiao Tianjiao appeared, mastering the Five Element Daopatterns alone and creating shock and admiration as the new surpasses the old in an ever-evolving wave.


    But now...


    It hadn''t been long before Xiao Yi emerged.


    He broke the records set by Xiao Tianjiao, which seemed impossible to surpass, and he even condensed the unprecedented Yin Yang and Five Element Daopatterns. Look at the Golden Core floating above Xiao Yi''s head, shining with ten thousand zhang of light!


    That''s no ordinary Golden Core!


    Who has ever seen a Golden Core larger than a Martial Dao Divine Fruit?


    Who has seen a Golden Core condensed with the Yin Yang and Five Element Daopatterns?


    Who has seen a Golden Core that can bring about the Celestial Tribulation?


    This is simply a divine pill, for goodness'' sake!


    Dongfang Kuang felt today''s experiences could become bragging rights for him in front of others in the future.


    With myriad thoughts in his mind, Dongfang Kuang''s actions were swift. He led the way, his voice resolute, "Your current state cannot be directly exposed in the imperial capital, or it would attract unnecessary trouble. I have a secret passage that leads directly to Great Liang Mountain. Quick, follow me!"


    The four major noble families had been operating in the imperial capital for many years.


    Naturally, they had retreat routes for their families.


    This secret passage...


    Only the ancestors of the Dharma Phase Realm Peak were privy to it, not even the head of the Dongfang family knew; it was only to be used when the Dongfang Family faced the threat of extinction. But now, Dongfang Kuang had opened this passage, sealed for countless ages, for Xiao Yi.


    Dongfang Kuang, with his cultivation at the Dharma Phase Realm Peak, led the way, and Xiao Yi followed closely behind.


    The brilliant, multicolored light from Xiao Yi illuminated the entire passage as if it were day.


    His speed was in no way inferior to Dongfang Kuang, surprising him slightly, "It''s no wonder he''s a monster who has mastered seven types of natural forces of both Yin Yang and the Five Elements simultaneously. Just breaking through to the Tao Tribulation Realm he can draw forth the Celestial Tribulation; I can''t even imagine what it will be like when he steps into the Dharma Manifestation Realm!"


    If it had been before...


    Rushing from the imperial capital to Great Liang Mountain at full speed would have taken Xiao Yi three to four hours.


    But now...


    His speed had increased several-fold, and with the shortcut the secret passage offered, they arrived at Great Liang Mountain in just half an hour.


    The secret passage''s exit was hidden behind a waterfall.


    Blocked by a huge rock.


    Dongfang Kuang lifted the boulder, quickly exiting, and almost at the moment he left the passage, the dazzling light ripped through, creating a booming sound. The massive waterfall, cascading down thousands of feet, was forcefully torn apart.


    The flow of the entire waterfall was intercepted.


    It surged backward.


    Crash!


    The water below the cascade surged rebelliously toward the heavens.


    The roaring sound was unceasing.


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi rushed out from the secret passage and stood suspended in midair, his body enveloped in increasingly brilliant light. He gave Dongfang Kuang a fist salute, "Thank you, senior. I will find a place to transcend the tribulation. I will visit to express my gratitude another day!"


    "Go quickly!"


    Dongfang Kuang, who had once experienced the Celestial Tribulation himself, nodded hurriedly, "I will protect you from afar, doing my best to prevent any disturbances during your breakthrough!"


    "Thank you, senior!"


    Without another word, Xiao Yi soared into the sky.


    The light around him grew even more radiant, expanding from its initial ten zhang.


    A hundred zhang.


    A thousand zhang.


    Ten thousand zhang...


    Even from hundreds of kilometers away in the imperial capital, one could see in the skies above Great Liang Mountain a resplendent and orb-like rainbow of light floating and bobbing. Above this orb of light, in the void, black clouds churned and thunder and lightning roared.


    It was a scene similar to the coming of the apocalypse.


    In the imperial capital.


    "What is that?"


    "Such beautiful radiance... Could it be that a treasured light is emerging?"


    "That direction seems to be Great Liang Mountain? Could it be that a powerful monster is about to breakthrough to the sixth tier? But that''s not right either. How could breaking through to the sixth tier create such a massive commotion?"


    "Could it be that someone is about to breakthrough to the Dharma Manifestation Realm?"


    "Very likely! Have you forgotten when Xiao Tianjiao broke through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm, he triggered a Heavenly Tribulation that spanned a hundred miles..."


    The disturbance from the direction of Great Liang Mountain naturally attracted the prying eyes of countless powerhouses.


    Within the palace.


    Emperor Qian suddenly opened his eyes, beams of light shooting from his pupils as if piercing through ancient void space, gazing in the direction of Great Liang Mountain. A hint of shock flickered across his eyes, "Is someone undergoing tribulation? So close to the imperial capital, could it be that one of the four major clans is stepping into the Dharma Manifestation Realm?"


    "Old Dog!"


    Emperor Qian gave a cold command.


    "Your Majesty!"


    The old eunuch always standing by with his hands down approached.


    Emperor Qian gazed at him and said solemnly, "You, go to Great Liang Mountain with the Dragon Guards immediately. If it is one of those four family clans, you know what to do, right?"


    "This servant understands!"


    The old eunuch respectfully withdrew, stepped out of the palace gate, and soared into the sky.


    Whoosh whoosh whoosh!


    Inside the palace, four figures suddenly shot up into the sky, closely following him. At this moment, the old eunuch bore no trace of his servility before Emperor Qian. Right now, his Qi-Blood surged like a dragon and tiger.


    Behind him, the four Dragon Guards were all at the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    Inside the Dongfang Family.


    Dongfang Jin gazed in the direction of Great Liang Mountain, his expression slightly changing, "What''s happening?"


    The Nangong Family.


    The Ximen Family.


    The Beitang Family.


    Treasure Pavilion.


    Combat Pavilion.


    The branches of the top ten sects in the imperial capital...


    Countless powerhouses from the imperial capital''s forces soared into the air, rushing toward Great Liang Mountain.


    In the void.


    Countless powerhouses encountered each other, among them was Yang Jin, the head of the Tianjian Sect''s division in the imperial capital. Grinning at Xue Wuhen flying beside him, he joked, "Pavilion Master Xue, are you also interested in joining in on the excitement?"


    Xue Wuhen glanced at him and replied indifferently, "I''ve been trapped at the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm for many years. Perhaps observing this Heavenly Tribulation will give me some enlightenment, and I might even step into the Dharma Manifestation Realm!"


    "Hahaha, that punch from the Saint Heir back then really did give you a hard time!" Yang Jin laughed heartily.


    Xue Wuhen snorted coldly, his expression indifferent, "Xiao Tianjiao''s record in my Combat Pavilion has been broken, have you passed on the news to him? Knowing his record has been surpassed, he must be feeling quite uncomfortable, right?"


    "You..."


    Yang Jin''s face darkened.


    Xiao Tianjiao was indeed extremely enraged upon learning that his record had been broken, and the whole Tianjian Sect was greatly upset.


    Your journey continues at My Virtual Library Empire


    In the eyes of the Tianjian Sect...


    Xiao Tianjiao was perfect, flawless. Anyone breaking his record was seen as defiling his perfection.


    Xue Wuhen sneered, speaking lightly, "The fact proves Xiao Tianjiao is not invincible. There are many Tianjiaos in the world, and there are still people who can surpass him!"


    In his mind, the image of Xiao Yi surfaced, and he thought to himself Privately he thought, if Xiao Tianjiao knew that the one who broke his record was that brother he considered a disgrace, I wonder what he would think?


    Yang Jin snorted coldly and quickened his pace to widen the gap between them.


    The crowd drew closer and closer to Great Liang Mountain.


    Within Great Liang Mountain, the monsters began fleeing en masse to the outside.


    From the weaker first-tier monsters to the powerful fifth-tier ones, all were fleeing in panic.


    Only some high-level fifth-tier, even sixth-tier monsters, remained in Great Liang Mountain. Heavenly Tribulation represents both destruction and opportunity. If one could glean understanding from it, there might be a chance to take the final step.


    Of course...


    If the one undergoing the tribulation were to be killed by the Heavenly Tribulation, they could have a share of the spoils!


    As the saying goes, fortune favors the bold!


    This applies to both humans and monsters alike!


    Boom rumble!


    The closer to Great Liang Mountain, the clearer the dreadful nature of the Heavenly Tribulation.


    The black clouds in the sky roiled incessantly, a dark expanse where one could faintly hear thunder and see flashes of lightning. The terrifying momentum was so oppressive it made it difficult to breathe. These Tribulation clouds had already covered a hundred-mile range and still showed no signs of stopping.


    Before the thunder struck, the fierce winds had already begun.


    Whoosh!


    Whoosh whoosh!


    A terrifying storm swept across the vast Great Liang Mountain, uprooting countless grasses and trees, lifting sand and rocks. River water was drawn up into the sky, like a dragon leaving the sea, connecting heaven and earth, with fierce winds howling as if it were doomsday!


    Gurgle!


    "Back when Xiao Tianjiao broke through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm, his tribulation only spanned a hundred miles. Xiao Yi is just breaking through the Tao Tribulation Realm, and it''s already beyond a hundred miles..."


    Even from dozens of miles away, Dongfang Kuang still felt his heart skip a beat. Clenching his fists, he murmured to himself, "Are the Xiao Family brothers fated rivals? Is Xiao Yi intent on breaking even Xiao Tianjiao''s record for the Heavenly Tribulation?"


    Time swiftly passed by.


    All of a sudden...


    The Tribulation clouds had already enveloped over two hundred miles of the sky.


    It was like the end of days.


    And just then...


    Xiao Yi suddenly looked up, squinting at the thunder rolling and the storm howling in the Heavenly Tribulation above, "Is it finally coming?"

 Chapter 265 Terrifying Heavenly Tribulation

    Read exclusive chapters at My Virtual Library Empire


    "Is it finally coming?"


    Suspended in the void, Xiao Yi suddenly lifted his head, staring at the dark oppressive tribulation clouds above, a hint of solemnity in his gaze.


    Back when Xiao Tianjiao broke through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm, it had only drawn a tribulation that spread out for a hundred miles around.


    But now...


    He was merely stepping into the Tao Tribulation Realm and yet the tribulation it induced already faintly exceeded a hundred miles.


    The dark, oppressive tribulation clouds were thick and gloomy, floating above the firmament like an all-encompassing hand as if to take control of this world within the grasp of a palm. Inside the black cloud mass, there was lightning and thunder.


    Violet-gold thunder lit up heaven and earth.


    Within the vastness of Great Liang Mountain, countless monster beasts were still desperately running amok.


    Trying to escape to the skies.


    Under the majesty of the heavens, all beings submit.


    The one closest to Xiao Yi was doubtlessly Dongfang Kuang, his forehead streaming with cold sweat: "This kid... what kind of monster is he? Just for breaking through to the Tao Tribulation Realm, he actually drew such a terrifying heavenly tribulation..."


    When he had broken through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm, the tribulation he had attracted had only covered a ten-mile radius.


    At that time, it had nearly destroyed a city.


    Whenever Dongfang Kuang recalled the terrifying scene of surviving that tribulation, he couldn''t help but shiver with fear, his hair standing on end.


    Until recently...


    When Xiao Tianjiao stepped into the Dharma Manifestation Realm and elicited a tribulation that spanned a hundred miles, Dongfang Kuang had been astounded.


    And now.


    Not only had Xiao Yi broken Xiao Tianjiao''s record, but he had also mastered the seven powers of Yin Yang and the Five Elements, and even upon stepping into the Tao Tribulation Realm, he had already attracted a heavenly tribulation, leaving Dongfang Kuang at a loss for words to describe his current feelings.


    Whoosh! Whoosh!


    The wild winds sweeping through heaven and earth grew ever stronger, and where the storm passed, not a blade of grass remained.


    Countless creatures failed to escape in time and were swept up high into the sky.


    There, they were torn apart by the omnipresent ferocious winds.


    It was truly terrifying!


    Boom! Boom!


    Within heaven and earth, numerous wild winds coalesced into a massive tornado storm, linking heaven and earth with tornadoes that twisted their colossal columns of wind, lifting rocks and uprooting grass and trees, and even small mountain peaks were being swept up into the sky.


    The tempestuous wind and rain, in an instant, spread across most of Great Liang Mountain!


    Terrifying!


    Despair!


    The end of days!


    These were the thoughts shared by the countless beings within Great Liang Mountain.


    Even some high-ranking monster beasts that had thought to wait for Xiao Yi''s tribulation to fail and then take advantage of the chaos were now running madly towards the outskirts of Great Liang Mountain.


    The might of the heavenly tribulation had not yet descended, and yet it had already struck fear into all living things.


    "We''ve got to run... This kid is envied by the heavens!" Dongfang Kuang had intended to help Xiao Yi by preparing the sword array, but under the apocalyptic scene, he dared not linger any longer and turned to run towards the outskirts of Great Liang Mountain.


    Along the way.


    The monster beasts that normally fought upon sight now ran shoulder to shoulder with him.


    Whether human or monster beast, there was only one thought at the moment¡ªrun!


    By the time they reached the edge of Great Liang Mountain.


    Yang Jin, the old eunuch, and other powerful beings arrived in quick succession, and their eyes immediately fell on Dongfang Kuang.


    A flash of cold light flickered in the old eunuch''s eyes, his face wearing a grim smile: "Dongfang, is this tribulation passer from your Dongfang family?"


    Dongfang Kuang, upon seeing the look in the old eunuch''s eyes, showed a hint of wariness.


    This inconspicuous old eunuch was none other than one of the strongest warriors of the Great Qian Dynasty''s royal family, a Peak Dharma Manifestation Realm existence.


    Dongfang Kuang spoke gravely, "Old fellow, there''s no need for you to fish for information here. I also felt the tribulation''s fluctuations and rushed over, but..." Glancing at the tribulation clouds that almost covered half of Great Liang Mountain, he said with a wry smile, "This heavenly tribulation is just too terrifying!"


    With these words spoken.


    All eyes turned eagerly towards the tribulation clouds, with everyone nodding in agreement.


    Even the few demonic beasts by his side looked on with faces full of shock, speaking in human tongue, "This king has never witnessed such a terrifying heavenly tribulation!"


    "The person undergoing tribulation, if not a Great Demon inciting the wrath of heaven and the hatred of people, must be an unparalleled genius!"


    Yang Jin squinted his eyes, sizing up the high-level demonic beasts, and said solemnly, "Gentlemen, have any of you seen clearly the one who is undergoing the tribulation?"


    Dongfang Kuang shook his head and said, "Can''t see clearly!"


    The several demonic beasts also shook their heads, "Too terrifying, we simply can''t see!"


    Yang Jin and the others all frowned.


    If it had been Dongfang Kuang, they might have suspected he was lying.


    But since even these powerful demonic beasts said so, it obviously meant they had not seen clearly the person undergoing the tribulation, nor did they know the identity of that person.


    "With such a terrifying heavenly tribulation, could it be that someone is breaking through the secret realm of immortality?"


    "Impossible, the heavenly tribulation of the secret realm of immortality is far more terrible than this, it is said to be accompanied by the five disasters of heaven and man..."


    "When Xiao Tianjiao underwent his tribulation, the Tianjian Sect set up a ninety-nine layered sword array for him, and Xiao Tianjiao, with the power of the sword array, forcefully shattered the heavenly tribulation. The scene was truly terrifying. This person suddenly appeared at Great Liang Mountain and does not have a grand array to assist; it is unknown how he will overcome the tribulation!"


    "He chose Great Liang Mountain probably to make use of the mountain''s numerous peaks to offset the power of the tribulation thunder. However, these ordinary mountains might not be able to withstand the thunder, and he is likely to die under it..."


    Just as everyone was talking...


    Boom!


    A thunderous roar came from within the tribulation clouds.


    In the sky above, within those black tribulation clouds that stretched over a hundred miles, a column of purple-gold thunder descended like a pillar of water. Amidst the rumble, the space where the thunder light passed seemed to be torn apart.


    All of heaven and earth were shaken, and all beings were subdued.


    Great Liang Mountain, which looked as dark as night under the press of the Black Cloud, was transformed into a sea of purple-gold under this flash of thunder.


    The thunder struck directly at Xiao Yi.


    Crackle and pop!


    Xiao Yi shook violently, his body instantly turned charred black, and blood spurted from his mouth.


    The first thunder alone was as powerful as a full blow from a peak Tao Tribulation Realm expert. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Of course.


    If Xiao Yi had resisted with force, the thunder would not have made him spit blood.


    But he did not defend, instead he completely opened up, calmly bearing the baptism of the tribulation thunder.


    Under the heavenly tribulation...


    He was actually cultivating the Wind Thunder Holy Body!


    The Wind Thunder Holy Body requires the baptism of the heavenly thunder to temper the physical body and the Heaven and Earth Gangfeng to polish the body.


    At this moment, under the heavenly tribulation, the Heaven and Earth Gangfeng was raging, and the thunder was the fearsome tribulation thunder.


    It was indeed the perfect opportunity to cultivate the Wind Thunder Holy Body!


    "With my body, baptized by heavenly thunder, tempered by Gangfeng, Wind Thunder Holy Body¡ª"


    Xiao Yi suddenly looked up, letting out a thunderous roar.


    Enshrouded with a radiance of myriad colors, in the watchful eyes of numerous horrified experts, he not only did not dodge the thunder, but instead rose against the heavens and charged toward the rolling clouds of tribulation thunder, where dragons of lightning danced.


    All of this happened in the blink of an eye.


    The experts who had previously commented that Xiao Yi could not possibly succeed in his tribulation were stunned, "Has he gone mad? Instead of hiding, he heads straight towards the tribulation clouds?"


    "Mad, truly mad!"


    "Perhaps he knows that he cannot successfully get through the tribulation and has given up on himself?"


    "Look quickly... the second thunder is coming down, and each one is stronger than the last. The power of the ninth thunder is a hundred times that of the first. Charging directly into the tribulation clouds, he might not even withstand the second thunder..."


    At that moment...


    The radiance of the thunder, many times thicker than the first, enveloped Xiao Yi with a boom.


    There was silence between heaven and earth.


    In the minds of the onlookers, the same thought arose simultaneously: "It''s over..."

 Chapter 266 Destroying the Heavenly Calamity, Eradicating Tianjiao!

    "It''s over!"


    The terrifying thunderbolt descended from the heavens, a purple-gold lightning bolt cascading down like a waterfall, falling from the sky.


    Xiao Yi''s figure was instantly engulfed by the thunderbolt.


    Swallowed whole.


    Explore more stories with My Virtual Library Empire


    His trace could no longer be seen...


    Everyone felt a chill crawl over their scalps, not daring to get close.


    The ferocity of the descending thunder showed no signs of abating, and with a loud bang, it struck the ground, covering a mountain of a hundred zhang. In the noise of the explosion, the mountain was split in half.


    The debris was blasted in all directions, and then, under the relentless lightning, it ground to nothingness.


    In just the blink of an eye.


    The hundred-zhang mountain had been leveled to the ground!


    A fifth-tier superior beast roared in despair, a hot tear falling from its enormous eyes.


    The crowd looked at it with confusion.


    A sixth-tier monster capable of human speech said, "That was its home!"


    The crowd looked at it with sympathy.


    Auuwoo!


    The beast wailed, tears the size of fists rolling down.


    "Even a mountain has been flattened, when such terrible heavenly thunder strikes a person, isn''t it likely they will be blasted to ashes without a trace?"


    "No, look, the clouds of calamity haven''t dissipated..."


    "Is that person not dead?"


    Everyone''s attention returned to the sky.


    The giant pillar of thunderbolt began to shrink rapidly, until it disappeared without a trace, and Xiao Yi, surrounded by a myriad of colors, stood with his robe torn apart, faint traces of lightning flashing across his body.


    Above his head.


    The Golden Core shone brilliantly, dazzling like a deity.


    "Hahaha, exhilarating! This feeling...bring it on!" Xiao Yi shook all over, Little Lin landed on his shoulder, looking utterly baffled.


    Little Lin''s body glowed with golden light, covered with a faint layer of thunder light.


    Xiao Yi casually took out the vial of Dragon Blood and tossed it to Little Lin on his shoulder, "Little Lin, consume this vial of Dragon Blood and ascend with me!"


    Little Lin had reached the Peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    Once it ascended.


    It would be a sixth-tier beast comparable to the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    "Boss..."


    Without any hesitation, Little Lin swallowed the Dragon Blood, its body shining with an exceptionally brilliant golden light, and with a tremendous jolt. In the noise of the explosion, Little Lin transformed into a hundred-zhang giant serpent, soaring into the sky.


    Xiao Yi stood atop its head.


    Together, man and serpent, they stood suspended.


    In the distance...


    Watching the multi-colored light, where a hundred-zhang long serpent suddenly emerged, all were taken aback with astonishment, "A monster?"


    "Has that man gone mad? He actually plans to transcend heavenly tribulation alongside a beast?"


    "With two beings transcending together, the power of the Heavenly Tribulation will double..."


    "Madman, madman..."


    Dongfang Kuang''s eyes twitched madly, he watched in terror as Xiao Yi rode on top of Little Lin, facing the thunder.


    Only now...


    Did Dongfang Kuang realize he had still underestimated Xiao Yi.


    Before this.


    He thought Xiao Tianjiao breaking the record, commanding the Yin Yang and Five Elements¡ªseven great forces of heaven and earth alone was crazy enough.


    Then Xiao Yi triggered a Heavenly Tribulation upon breaking through to the Tao Tribulation Realm, and he realized he had underestimated Xiao Yi.


    And then...


    Faced with such a terrifying Heavenly Tribulation, Xiao Yi neither dodged nor evaded but charged straight into the thunderbolt.


    Once again, his understanding of madness was redefined.


    Now. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In the face of such a terrifying Heavenly Tribulation, Xiao Yi even dared to let his combat pet ascend and transcend tribulation alongside him.


    "This guy is simply a lunatic..." Dongfang Kuang''s forehead sweated profusely.


    At the same time...


    The tribulation clouds, sensing the presence of Little Lin, actually stopped their descent, continuing to accumulate energy and expand ceaselessly.


    They swelled to cover an area of two hundred li.


    The terrifying dark clouds blocked out the sun and obscured the sky.


    But the end was not yet in sight¡­


    Just when everyone thought the heavenly lightning was about to strike, the clouds began to shrink.


    One hundred eighty li.


    One hundred sixty li.


    One hundred fifty li¡­


    They returned to a range of one hundred li.


    But the might of the heavens did not diminish but increased. Although it was still an area of one hundred li, the power of the heavens was ten times more terrifying than before.


    Gurgle!


    The crowd involuntarily gulped, "I''ve never seen tribulation clouds that can shrink after expanding¡­"


    "This isn''t shrinking, this is compression!"


    "Could it be that the person undergoing the tribulation and his beast have become so powerful that even the tribulation clouds find them difficult to handle and have no choice but to compress their force?"


    "Terrifying, who on earth is this sacred being?"


    Amid the exclamations,


    Yang Jin''s gaze swept over the crowd, especially lingering on the powerful figures from the top sects, and he said in a deep voice, "Everyone, regardless of who this sacred being is, if their divine tribulation is this terrible and they succeed in stepping into the Dharma Manifestation Realm, they will likely become a great concern for us in the future!"


    The representatives of the top sects in the capital from True Martial Hall, Vast Righteousness Pavilion, and others squinted thoughtfully.


    Indeed, as Yang Jin had said¡­


    Merely observing the horror of the heavenly tribulation, it was likely that they were witnessing a being who could rival Xiao Tianjiao.


    If such an existence could not be utilized by the top ten sects, it would inevitably become a major concern, threatening the foundation of the top sects.


    "Yang Jin, what do you propose?" Tie Yun, the top representative of Kuangdao Sect in the capital, a peak powerhouse from the Tao Tribulation Realm, said in a deep voice.


    All eyes turned to him.


    A cold glint flashed in Yang Jin''s eyes, "Let us watch and wait. If this person perishes under the heavenly tribulation, then all will be well. But if there is a possibility that they survive the tribulation, we shall act together to increase the tribulation''s might. Regardless, we must nip this threat in the bud!"


    Prior to this¡­


    They had thought that the person undergoing the tribulation was a strong individual from the top ten sects, or perhaps from one of the four great families.


    But now,


    This person was not from any of their powers.


    The Great Qian Dynasty was vast, and between the top sects, the imperial family, and the four great families, a subtle balance had already formed. Should a new, uncontrollable force now emerge, it would disturb this balance.


    This was something none of the parties wished to see.


    Seeing this, Dongfang Kuang''s heart skipped a beat and he said in a grave tone, "My Dongfang Family will not partake in this!"


    "Hmm?"


    Everyone''s eyes simultaneously turned to Dongfang Kuang.


    The patriarch of the Nangong Family, Nangong Shengtian, furrowed his brows, "Dongfang, don''t tell me you know this person?"


    Dongfang Kuang kept a straight face and calmly said, "The method you all are proposing doesn''t guarantee we can eliminate the opponent. If we fail to kill him and with this person''s strength, if they seek revenge afterward, my Dongfang Family cannot afford this risk."


    As soon as these words were spoken,


    Many showed a look of hesitation.


    Just as Dongfang Kuang had said¡­


    An existence that could summon such a terrifying tribulation - if the plan failed and they did not completely deal with them,


    It would likely bring about the retaliation of a super-genius not weaker than Xiao Tianjiao.


    All the powers wanted to avoid this.


    With this thought,


    An elder eunuch said, "My royal family will also not interfere!"


    The head of the Ximen Family, Ximen Jianxue, stared at Dongfang Kuang and spoke in a serious voice, "I also believe that what the Dongfang elder said is correct, and thus, my Ximen Family will not be involved!"


    Yang Jin''s expression turned somewhat unsightly.


    With the Dongfang, Ximen, and the royal family opting out, sabotaging the heavenly tribulation would be much more difficult for them.


    However¡­


    As they watched Xiao Yi overcome yet another level of the tribulation, Yang Jin looked at the remaining people, "What do the rest of you think?"


    The remaining people exchanged glances.


    No one else backed out.


    The top ten sects, along with the Nangong and Beitang families, the twelve pinnacle forces of the Great Qian Dynasty, came to an agreement, "Destroy the tribulation, eradicate the Tianjiao!"

 Chapter 267 Heaven and Earth Shattering

    "Since we are cooperating, when the time comes to act, none of you can hold back any longer!"


    Yang Jin''s eyes glinted with an icy sharpness as he spoke in a heavy tone, "This person has already withstood the Sixth-Heavy Tribulation Thunder, and there are three more¡­ If he can withstand the Eighth-Heavy Tribulation Thunder, we shall all strike together!"


    "No problem!"


    "Many of us are at the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm, as long as we stimulate our profound skills together to impact the Dharma Manifestation Realm, it will be sensed by the heavenly tribulation and thus amplify its power!"


    "Nearly twenty peak Tao Tribulation Realm experts triggering the heavenly tribulation simultaneously, even if this person has extraordinary talents, there''s no way he can withstand it¡­"


    "He is certain to die!"


    A smug look appeared on everyone''s faces.


    Dongfang Kuang''s expression was indecisive, but he couldn''t make a move.


    He was very clear about the nature of Xiao Tianjiao and the Tianjian Sect.


    They would never tolerate any factors that could shake their status.


    Given the relationship between Xiao Yi and Xiao Tianjiao, once Xiao Yi''s identity was exposed, the Tianjian Sect would be the first to go all out to destroy him. Even with Xiao Yi''s great talent, he was still too weak in the face of the Tianjian Sect and Xiao Tianjiao.


    "Damm it¡­ Under the heavenly tribulation, I am simply unable to send a message¡­" Dongfang Kuang wore an anxious look, though willing to help, he found himself incapable.


    Meanwhile.


    The seventh wave of the heavenly tribulation had already descended.


    Xiao Yi still charged into the midst of the thunder, eagerly devouring the power of the lightning.


    Devouring the previous six waves of tribulation thunder had already brought his Wind Thunder Holy Body to the third stage.


    As long as he fully absorbed these Nine-Heavy Tribulation Thunders, Xiao Yi was confident that he could step into the fourth stage.


    Once the Wind Thunder Holy Body was cultivated to the fourth stage, Xiao Yi alone, with just the power of his physical body, would be able to easily defeat those at the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    The most noticeable change was in Little Lin.


    After undergoing the Heavenly Thunder Tempering, he had refined two-thirds of the dragon blood within his body; his hundred-zhang body had already swelled to three hundred zhang, and his entire body was covered in scale armor that flickered with gold light. Intricate patterns subtly marked the scales, while two protuberances rose from the top of his head.


    These protuberances were like dragon horns and still growing.


    If this trend continued¡­


    Little Lin might very well evolve into a true dragon.


    But what puzzled Xiao Yi was that Little Lin had a pair of flesh wings growing on his back; the wings were not particularly large for the time being but were undeniably growing. Dragons could grow large enough to soar through the heavens, swallowing stars and moons, or shrink to hide within mud and dwell upon a single leaf.


    Yet among true dragons, none had flesh wings!


    Boom!


    The seventh wave of tribulation thunder dissipated completely.


    In the heavens above.


    The black tribulation clouds churned wildly, and purple-gold lightning, taking the form of thunder dragons and serpents, zigzagged through the cloud masses. The Eighth-Heavy Tribulation Thunder suddenly descended, and Xiao Yi, defying the heavens, rose again to forcibly devour this robe of tribulation thunder.


    The Wind Thunder Holy Body made further progress toward the fourth stage.


    Watching the Ninth-Heavy Tribulation Thunder already churning and taking shape inside the tribulation clouds.


    But just at that moment¡­


    Startling waves of energy suddenly converged from all directions.


    Xiao Yi''s pupils shrank abruptly, following the energy fluctuations, he saw that led by Yang Jin, experts from ten major sects as well as, the Nangong Family and the Beitang Family, these twelve forces had simultaneously had over twenty peak Tao Tribulation Realm experts emerge.


    Every one of them began attempting to break through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    They had not yet reached the Dharma Manifestation Realm themselves, but their grand attempts to break through under the heavenly tribulation still provoked a response from it.


    Rumble!


    The Ninth-Heavy Tribulation Thunder that was about to fall was suddenly halted.


    A purple-gold spherical orb, as if a gigantic gem embedded within the black clouds, burst forth with dazzling light that shot into the sky; its brilliance spanned ten thousand zhang, pulsing and flickering. The surrounding hundred li of tribulation clouds furiously gathered, with countless energies converging toward the orb.


    The energy within the tribulation thunder was accumulating swiftly, climbing higher.


    The force increased at a rapid pace.


    Tenfold.


    Twentyfold.


    Thirtyfold¡­


    The hundred li tribulation clouds condensed into a ten-li radius, all other energies congregating into that Ninth-Heavy Tribulation Thunder.


    The suppressed thunder, which had yet to be released, radiated a terrifying pressure that made the creatures within hundreds of li shudder in fright.


    Especially powerful beings like Yang Jin, who were scared out of their wits.


    Their legs could not help but tremble.


    Bowing in reverence to that heavenly might!


    "How terrifying the tribulation lightning is..."


    "Hahaha, we succeeded, the power of this tribulation lightning has increased by dozens of times, the one undergoing tribulation is doomed to die without doubt!"


    Yang Jin clenched his fists tightly, his face filled with malevolence, "The Saint Heir also underwent tribulation no more than a hundred miles away, who do you think you are to compare with him? No matter who you are, under such a terrifying heavenly tribulation, there is absolutely only the path to death, hehehe..."


    Xiao Tianjiao was the face of the Tianjian Sect.


    His position on the throne as the number one talent within the Great Qian Dynasty brought immense benefits to the Tianjian Sect.


    The complexities of the interests involved are beyond words.


    In short...


    Apart from the Tianjian Sect, the top ten sects and the four great families actually didn''t want to see such an uncontrollable variable emerge frequently.


    This was also why, when Yang Jin proposed the idea of borrowing the power of the heavenly tribulation to destroy Xiao Yi, he immediately gained everyone''s agreement.


    Boom!


    A thunderous beam of lightning, eclipsing the sun, fell from the sky, so fierce that it shattered a part of the tribulation clouds upon impact. Lightning bolts and electric snakes rolled incessantly, with a hissing sound that was deafening, and a storm of destruction rushed towards them.


    Above Xiao Yi''s head, the Golden Core floated, with nine Dao patterns erupting into brilliant light simultaneously.


    The Wind Thunder Holy Body was fully unleashed.


    Little Lin stayed by his side, his massive body shrouded in golden light circulating like a gold-carved dragon, opening its huge mouth, with specks of blue light converging into a round light orb.


    Whoosh!


    A blue light pillar gathered from Little Lin''s mouth, shooting straight into the sky, colliding with the lightning head-on.


    Boom!


    The terrifying Ninth-Heavy Tribulation Thunder crashed down.


    Like a sky-covering waterfall, it enveloped and devoured everything.


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi and Little Lin were engulfed by the lightning pillar in an instant, violently pushing them towards the ground in a rapid descent.


    Boom!


    The light pillar landed in the midst of Great Liang Mountain.


    A massive roar echoed from the point of contact between the lightning pillar and the ground, followed by a thud, as the earth trembled and the sky shattered. A circular shock wave emanated from the lightning pillar above.


    The shock wave came quickly, but it also subsided quickly.


    Everything seemed frozen in time.


    Until several breaths later.


    Boom!


    Boom!


    Boom...


    Terrible tremors followed by earth-shattering explosions resounded, mountains collapsed, the earth cracked, and everything was destroyed, pulverized, and leveled by the impact of the thunderous blast.


    At the epicenter of where the lightning struck, a gigantic circular mushroom cloud soared into the sky, reaching for the clouds.


    As this cloud shot up.


    When everything dispersed...


    In the midst of where Great Liang Mountain once stood, there was now a huge circular plain with a diameter of twenty miles...


    Thick tribulation clouds above slowly cleared away.


    Golden sunlight gradually fell down.


    All the strong beings held their breaths, not daring to utter a single sound, all looking towards the heart of the lightning strike.


    One breath.


    Two breaths.


    Three breaths.


    After a full ten breaths, the crowd saw no sign of any living being in the plain.


    Yang Jin suddenly clenched his fists tightly, "Hahaha, we did it!"


    "Those who cannot be controlled should not exist in this world!"


    "The Great Qian Dynasty has the royal family, the top ten sects, and the four great families, that''s more than enough!"


    Dongfang Kuang''s face turned pale, his clothes soaked in cold sweat. Your next chapter awaits on My Virtual Library Empire


    In despair, he slowly closed his eyes. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But just as his eyes were about to shut, he suddenly opened them wide, staring intently at the center of that plain, at a pile of rubble, where a pebble the size of a thumb trembled slightly and rolled down from the pile of stones...

 Chapter 268 How Do You Want to Die?

    Crack!


    Crack crack!


    As one piece of rubble fell away, stone after stone followed suit.


    Indistinctly...


    Inside that mountain of rocks, a series of intense rumbling sounds echoed without end, as massive boulders burst apart, scattering in all directions, or else falling and smashing into the ground.


    Boom!


    With a loud noise, rocks pierced through the air.


    Two figures shot up from the midst of the stone debris.


    In the blink of an eye.


    The two figures were now suspended in midair, Little Lin still transformed into a hundred yards in size, his body shimmering with golden light, his head crowned with dragon horns, his dragon whiskers fluttering, his dragon scales dazzling with brilliant light, emitting an unparalleled majesty.


    A pair of golden wings grew from his back, stirring up gusts of wind with their slight quiver.


    Below his belly, his four claws reached into the void, creating ripples in the air.


    The aura of the Beast King seeped out.


    It made all of the surviving beasts around them kneel on the ground, quivering in fear.


    A sixth-rank Beast King!


    Comparable to the human Dharma Manifestation Realm! sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Above Little Lin''s head, Xiao Yi sat cross-legged between two dragon horns.


    The power of Wind Thunder circulated around his body, obscuring his features.


    The ninth lightning strike, bolstered by the likes of Yang Jin and others, held a power that was dozens of times stronger than a normal ninth lightning strike; had he not cultivated the Wind Thunder Holy Body and swallowed the majority of the lightning''s power, that recent strike would have sufficed to erase both him and Little Lin from this world.


    Even so...


    The Wind Thunder power inside him was still violent beyond measure, hindering the condensation of the Martial Dao Divine Fruit.


    Xiao Yi was exerting his entire strength to suppress the tumultuous power of Wind Thunder, enabling the Wind Thunder Holy Body to officially step into the fourth realm, and in turn, to solidify the Martial Dao Divine Fruit.


    "He... he''s not dead?"


    "Impossible! Such a powerful Heavenly Tribulation, and they still didn''t die?"


    The smug expressions on the faces of Yang Jin and the others abruptly solidified.


    Each of them stared dumbfounded at the person and beast hovering in the sky.


    Dongfang Kuang clenched his fists tightly with a flicker of excitement in the depth of his eyes, silently breathing a sigh of relief, "I knew it... With a talent far surpassing Xiao Tianjiao, how could you possibly die under that Heavenly Tribulation?"


    The facial expressions of Yang Jin and other prior attackers changed in unison.


    Could it be that the Heavenly Tribulation triggered by the unrestrained outbreak of twenty Tao Tribulation Realm experts still failed to kill them?


    "He has just overcome the Heavenly Tribulation and must be at his weakest, this moment is the best opportunity to eliminate them..." Ye Lun, the chief officer of True Martial Hall in the imperial city, narrowed his eyes and spoke gravely.


    Yang Jin''s face was expressionless, "This child cannot be spared, he''ll be a continuous threat, make your move!"


    The crowd mutually exchanged glances, silently forming a consensus.


    Swoosh swoosh swoosh!


    One by one, powerful beings soared into the sky, streaking towards Xiao Yi.


    In the void.


    Little Lin shook his head; the last wave of Heavenly Tribulation had been almost entirely devoured by Xiao Yi, so he wasn''t greatly affected. Suddenly seeing Yang Jin and others coming to kill, a hint of cold light passed through his eyes, "Was it not these guys who almost killed my boss just now, still harboring ill intentions, intent on putting me and the boss in danger?"


    Little Lin remembered very clearly, it was these people who burst forth with their energy at the critical moment, igniting the Heavenly Tribulation, that led him and Xiao Yi into a life-and-death crisis.


    Now...


    These people were thinking of attacking Xiao Yi at the critical moment of condensing the Martial Dao Divine Fruit, how could Little Lin not be furious?


    Roar!


    As Little Lin roared, his huge body flickered with golden light, his mouth forming a purplish-black orb of light that shot towards Yang Jin and the others with a swish. This purplish-black orb was surrounded by lightning, and serpentine bolts churned around it, containing a destructive force.


    Yang Jin and the others changed expressions, simultaneously raising their hands to form barriers of Yuan energy.


    Hum!


    The purplish-black orb struck the Yuan energy barrier, and both forces stuck against each other like a needle to wheat.


    Suddenly...


    Boom!


    Crack!


    With a gigantic boom,


    the purple-black orb exploded violently, causing cracks to spread over the energy barrier like a spider web, covering the entire barrier.


    Crack, a crisp sound echoed.


    The energy barrier shattered instantly, and the purple-black energy orb flew into Yang Jin and others, exploding with a loud bang.


    Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!


    Countless black chains flew out from within the purple-black energy orb.


    Yang Jin and the others couldn''t have anticipated a second attack hidden inside the black energy orb. In an instant, four Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouses were too late to dodge, caught by the black chains, and rendered immobile. As the chains wrapped around them, Little Lin suddenly burst out, opening its huge bloodthirsty maw, and bit into the two nearest True Martial Hall Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouses.


    Splat! Splat!


    Two streams of blood shot out.


    Little Lin swallowed both powerhouses whole and chewed with a crunching sound that sent shivers down one''s spine.


    In the blink of an eye,


    both of the True Martial Hall''s Tao Tribulation Realm experts stationed in the imperial capital had become a feast in Little Lin''s belly. Its pair of cold eyes swept over Yang Jin and the others, "You''re next!"


    "Damn it!"


    Yang Jin''s heart skipped a beat, a flash of horror crossed his dark eyes, and he gritted his teeth, "This beast is ferociously cruel. If we let it escape alive, it will become a disaster for the world. Dongfang, Ancestor Nangong, Qi, please assist me in capturing this monster!"


    The ten great sects had not stationed any Dharma Manifestation Realm experts in the imperial capital.


    With Little Lin having stepped into the Dharma Manifestation Realm, they, who were mere Tao Tribulation Realm experts, could not contend with it.


    Yang Jin was hence appealing to the likes of Dongfang Kuang and others.


    Among the Dharma Manifestation Realm experts present,


    Qi and Dongfang Kuang, both at the Peak of the Dharma Manifestation Realm, were the most revered. Nangong Shengtian was not far behind, with the cultivation of the sixth level of the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    If the three of them made a move,


    it was certain that Little Lin could only be captured.


    However, Qi simply said indifferently, "Your Highness Yang Jin, please forgive me, His Majesty has not permitted this old servant to take action!"


    Emperor Qian had only sent him to be present in case the person undergoing the Heavenly Tribulation was from the four great families or one of the ten major sects; only then should he take the opportunity to eradicate them. But clearly, Little Lin was not a powerhouse from either of these forces, and naturally, he would not rashly act and make an enemy for the royal family.


    "You wretched old dog... when my elder brother ascends the throne, I will have you executed!"


    Yang Jin glared fiercely at Qi, deeply dissatisfied. Even as a prince, Qi did not take him seriously at all, and he thought maliciously to himself, then turned to look at Dongfang Kuang, "Dongfang, you..."


    Dongfang Kuang said with an expression of difficulty, "Your Highness Yang Jin, please forgive me, I have recently encountered a problem with my cultivation and really should not exert myself!"


    "You..."


    Yang Jin''s eyes were filled with ruthless venom, a problem with cultivation? As if he was trying to fool ghosts!


    He could only turn to Nangong Shengtian.


    At this moment...


    The twenty-two Tao Tribulation Realm experts from the ten great sects had already lost three more members in the battle against Little Lin. Tie Yun of the Kuangdao Sect had been bitten in half by Little Lin, with his upper body falling to the ground, his hands struggling to crawl forward as a trail of blood was dragged behind him. If no one from the Dharma Manifestation Realm stepped in to suppress Little Lin soon, all these people might be killed by it.


    Nangong Shengtian narrowed his eyes, having also played a part in luring the Heavenly Tribulation earlier, and with a gleam flashing in his eyes, he said in a deep voice, "Kill it, the beast''s corpse belongs to the Nangong Family!"


    This was the corpse of a rank-six Beast King.


    Every part of it was a treasure!


    Yang Jin nodded, "As long as Ancestor Nangong is willing to make a move and kill this beast, its corpse is all yours!" Your next chapter is on My Virtual Library Empire


    "Good!"


    Nangong Shengtian burst into laughter, leaping into the air. He slapped down from above, and a huge energy palm descended like a mountain peak, shaking heaven and earth with his cold voice, "You demon, surrender now!"


    Boom!


    The massive peak slammed hard onto Little Lin''s body.


    Little Lin, being a novice at the sixth rank, how could it be a match for Ancestor Nangong of the Dharma Manifestation Realm with six levels of cultivation?


    Sputter!


    Little Lin trembled all over, crushed by the energy palm and fell with a crash into the Great Liang Mountain. The massive energy palm in the sky condensed into a cold sword light and slashed down towards Little Lin.


    This strike aimed to split Little Lin in two!


    Just as the moment was at its most critical...


    An icy voice suddenly pierced through heaven and earth, "Harm my brother, how do you wish to die?"

 Chapter 269 Are You Worthy?

    "How do you wish to die?"


    The icy voice suddenly arose.


    Meanwhile...


    In front of Little Lin, an invisible palm gradually became visible to everyone''s eyes. The light of wind and thunder slowly dissipated, and it was Xiao Yi, who had been sitting cross-legged above Little Lin''s head. He now grasped the qi blade single-handedly.


    The five fingers tightened quietly.


    Bang!


    The qi blade burst into explosion.


    Xiao Yi slightly lifted his head and looked toward Nangong Shengtian, Yang Jin, and the others who were not far away.


    "Hmm?"


    Everyone was startled.


    At the beginning of the descent of the heavenly tribulation, they instinctively assumed the person undergoing tribulation was Xiao Yi.


    Yet now...


    Looking at Xiao Yi standing in front of Little Lin, it was clear that he merely possessed the aura of the First Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm!


    "Could it be that the one who actually underwent the tribulation was that beast?"


    "This guy is just at the Tao Tribulation Realm, and he has just broken through not long ago. There''s no way he could have induced such a heavenly tribulation. The only possibility is that beast. However, for a beast to draw a tribulation comparable to when Xiao Tianjiao advanced, its bloodline must also be incredibly strong..."


    "It seems like a dragon but has wings... Such a beast is unheard of; it could very well be a mutant!"


    "If we could subdue this creature, its future would be boundless!"


    The gazes of the strong beings towards Little Lin became fervent, while Xiao Yi was instinctively overlooked by them.


    In their eyes...


    Xiao Yi was merely basking in Little Lin''s light.


    A youngster who had just broken through to the Tao Tribulation Realm, in front of these giants at the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm or even the Dharma Manifestation Realm, indeed seemed as insignificant as an ant.


    Of course.


    Dongfang Kuang and Qi from the crowd did not see it that way.


    Listening to everyone''s discussion, Dongfang Kuang laughed scornfully, "A bunch of idiots... How could you know that the heavenly tribulation was induced by Xiao Yi? Tsk tsk, to trigger a tribulation comparable to the one Xiao Tianjiao faced when breaking through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm upon advancing to the Tao Tribulation Realm, this kid''s talent is definitely far beyond Xiao Tianjiao''s. It''s limitless! Now, only I know that it was Xiao Yi who brought about the tribulation. This is an opportunity for the Dongfang Family!"


    Although the sarcasm and triumph on his face were subtle, they were still caught in the eyes of Qi. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Qi also recognized Xiao Yi''s identity and, seeing Dongfang Kuang''s various expressions, suddenly transmitted his voice, "Old Dongfang, it seems you share a close relationship with President Xiao!"


    "Naturally, he... uh..."


    Dongfang Kuang subconsciously retorted and immediately thereafter, his expression changed. Angrily glancing at Qi, he said, "You old man, how dare you trick me into speaking?"


    "Hmph!"


    Qi snorted coldly and said solemnly, "Old man, we have known each other for hundreds of years, you should know my temperament. What should be hidden from me and what should not, you ought to be clear on that, right?"


    Dongfang Kuang''s face slightly changed.


    He did not want to expose Xiao Yi''s talent but only wished for the Dongfang Family to be on good terms with Xiao Yi alone.


    But then he thought...


    After all, Xiao Yi was the President of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, and at least for now, the royal family seemed to have a good attitude towards him. With this thought, Dongfang Kuang gave Xiao Yi a deep look and transmitted back, "The tribulation just now was induced by Xiao Yi." He didn''t care about the astonishment on Qi''s face and continued, "Xiao Yi has passed through my seven Yin Yang Five Elements Towers!"


    Hiss!


    Qi couldn''t help but inhale sharply.


    He knew all too well what it meant to have passed through seven Yin Yang Five Elements Towers!


    Back then...


    Xiao Tianjiao had only traversed five of the Five Elements Towers when he entered the Tao Tribulation Realm, and even so, he had already become the most talented individual in the history of the Great Qian Dynasty.


    Could Xiao Yi be even stronger than Xiao Tianjiao?


    Was that Heavenly Tribulation really brought about by Xiao Yi?


    Qi said in a heavy voice, "He is merely at the Tao Tribulation Realm..."


    Dongfang Kuang scoffed, "Who told you that someone at the Tao Tribulation Realm can''t trigger a Heavenly Tribulation?"


    Hiss!


    Qi looked at Xiao Yi, his eyes filled with disbelief. Before this, the royal family had already placed great emphasis on Xiao Yi, especially after learning that he, under the alias One Punch, had broken Xiao Tianjiao''s consecutive victory record at the Combat Pavilion. Emperor Qian''s attention to Xiao Yi had reached new heights. Now it seemed that the royal family''s understanding of Xiao Yi was still too limited.


    "With talent surpassing Xiao Tianjiao, combat strength beyond that of Xiao Tianjiao at the same realm, and capable of drawing a Heavenly Tribulation upon breaking through to the Tao Tribulation Realm... this boy must be firmly recruited!"


    Qi, who had spent his life loyally serving the royal family, had a flash of thought in his mind and made a decision, transmitting his voice solemnly, "Dongfang, we must protect Xiao Yi with all our might!"


    "Rest assured!"


    Dongfang Kuang nodded his head.


    Their conversation, all through voice transmission, took but a moment.


    Meanwhile...


    Nangong Shengtian''s intense gaze shifted from Little Lin to speak in a heavy tone, "Boy, in consideration of your young age and ignorance, I forgive your disrespect. However, while death may be avoided, punishment cannot be escaped. Kneel before me now and swear loyalty to the Nangong Family, and I shall spare you both!"


    Yang Jin''s eyes, too, burned with eagerness as he looked at Little Lin. Even the Heavenly Tribulation triggered by Xiao Tianjiao''s fire dragon''s breakthrough to the sixth rank was no more than half as intense as Little Lin''s. If he could bring Little Lin back and present it to Xiao Tianjiao, it would definitely be a tremendous achievement. He immediately said in a deep voice, "Although the Nangong Family is strong, it still does not compare to our Tianjian Sect. As long as you join our sect, I will secure a position as a Core Disciple for you¡ªan opportunity countless people dream of!"


    "Come to our Vast Righteousness Pavilion!"


    "Our Yin Yang Dao Arena is not bad either..."


    One after another, people began to speak up, attempting to recruit.


    Before this.


    They all thought it was Xiao Yi who was undergoing the tribulation, and so a human strongman, with talent not inferior to Xiao Tianjiao and beyond their control, was naturally someone they desired to deal with swiftly.


    But now...


    They thought the one undergoing the tribulation was Little Lin.


    This was a mythical creature!


    To recruit it would be akin to possessing a mythical beast to protect their sect!


    Compared to the ambitious and difficult-to-control human strongmen, such a talented mythical creature was naturally easier to control, and at the same time, an immediate combat force that all major sects and powers were eager to obtain!


    As several people competed to recruit.


    Xiao Yi''s lips curled up slightly as he looked at Little Lin on his shoulder, "Little Lin, what do you think?"


    Continue your saga on My Virtual Library Empire


    Little Lin grinned, "Wherever big brother goes, I go!"


    "You all heard him!"


    Xiao Yi smiled, his expression playful as he leisurely said to the crowd, "However, I have no intention of joining any of your sides!"


    "Hmm?"


    All of them frowned.


    Nangong Sheng''s face was as dark as water.


    Yang Jin sighed, his expression turning cold and sinister as he said, "Boy, if you know what''s good for you, you''ll make your beast recognize me as its master. As long as you hand it over to our Tianjian Sect, I not only spare you from death, but I will also recommend you to Brother Xiao Tianjiao, so that you can become a servant under his command and care for this creature. Otherwise, don''t blame me for being ruthless... It''s not difficult to simply kill you and then make this beast recognize a new master!"


    Yang Jin''s gaze was icy, aggressively pressing.


    Facing Yang Jin''s coercion.


    Xiao Yi let out a light sigh, his body leaning forward slightly as he locked eyes with Yang Jin, "Have Little Lin recognize you as master? You''re not even fit to ask¡ªlook in the mirror before you say such things."

 Chapter 270 Come at me all together!

    "You''re not even fit to speak,"


    Xiao Yi''s face was thick with scorn and disdain, as his slightly leaning figure loomed like a towering mountain about to collapse, bringing with it an oppressive heaviness.


    Even Yang Jin, at the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm, felt a shiver in his heart under Xiao Yi''s intense gaze.


    A clench gripped Yang Jin''s heart; when he met Xiao Yi''s icy stare, he had the feeling of being utterly seen through. It was as if he stood naked before Xiao Yi, completely exposed. Such a sensation, he had only felt in the presence of some Dharma Manifestation Realm masters.


    But...


    Upon reflection, Yang Jin sneered, "Kid, you''re the most arrogant one I''ve ever seen among our peers!"


    Xiao Yi shrugged his shoulders, "Thanks for the compliment!"


    "Hmph!"


    Yang Jin snorted coldly, his smile turning cruel, "Arrogance requires capital, and without sufficient strength, such arrogance is simply a death wish. Since you refuse to hand over the monster obediently, I''ll just have to take it myself!"


    The robed elder from Yin-Yang Dao said in a deep voice, "Yang Jin, everyone who sees has a share, this monster cannot be yours alone!" Stay updated via My Virtual Library Empire


    "That''s right!"


    "Although your Tianjian Sect is powerful, if this monster is well nurtured, in the future it might become a being not the least bit inferior to Xiao Tianjiao!"


    "When it comes to nurturing monsters, my Ten Thousand Beasts Sect is the true expert. Better hand it over to me!"


    One after another, the powerhouses started to speak up.


    They completely disregarded Xiao Yi, discussing the ownership of Little Lin.


    After all.


    In their eyes, Xiao Yi, merely at the First Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm, was far too weak.


    As insignificant as an ant.


    Could be crushed with a single finger.


    Yang Jin''s complexion went from pale to flushed, never expecting that others would dare to vie with Tianjian Sect for the beast. His expression was dark as he said, "Shut up... Since everyone wants this monster, let''s take matters into our own hands! Whoever captures this young man first gets the monster, how about that?"


    Although Tianjian Sect was powerful, they did not wish to completely offend the other nine major sects.


    Left with no choice.


    Yang Jin could only make a concession, allowing everyone to make their move simultaneously, and whoever captured Xiao Yi first would effectively own the monster.


    The crowd exchanged looks.


    This was the fairest method at the moment.


    "Swish!"


    A powerhouse from the Vast Righteousness Pavilion, at the Fifth Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm, suddenly made a move, instantly appearing before Xiao Yi. Looking at the unguarded Xiao Yi, his face revealed an excited expression, "Haha, gentlemen, this monster shall belong to my Vast Righteousness Pavilion!"


    "Damn it!"


    "The scoundrels of Vast Righteousness Pavilion are as cunning as ever..."


    "Stop right there!"


    Yang Jin and the others were furious.


    The Vast Righteousness Pavilion had a name that suggested righteousness, but their actions often ran contrary to their name.


    Seeing one of their members already in front of Xiao Yi, Yang Jin and the others were seething with anger as if Little Lin was already slipping away from them.


    After all.


    The one who had made a move was at the Fifth Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    Xiao Yi was merely at the First Layer!


    The gap was too great!


    Crack!


    The Vast Righteousness Pavilion''s powerhouse''s hand landed on Xiao Yi''s shoulder without impediment, his face alight with excitement as he laughed heartily, "Boy, give yourself up and hand over the monster to my Vast Righteousness Pavilion. Otherwise, don''t blame me..."


    Before he could finish.


    His voice was cut off abruptly.


    Xiao Yi had, at some point, broken his wrist, and while following the motion, he clasped the assailant''s throat with a claw-like grip. Tightening his fingers, a crisp snap sounded, and the Vast Righteousness Pavilion''s strong man shuddered, spewing out a gush of blood. His head twisted to one side, his neck broken by Xiao Yi, dead before he could finish his threat.


    Hiss!


    Yang Jin and the others, who were originally furious, were now dumbfounded.


    This was a powerful being from the Fifth Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm!


    Logically speaking...


    With his strength, taking on Xiao Yi, who was merely at the First Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm, should have been a walk in the park.


    How could he have died just like that?


    Another Vast Righteousness Pavilion martial artist from the Seventh Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm, who had been obstructing the crowd, suddenly saw his companion killed. His eyes instantly turned blood red, and he bellowed, "You dog, how dare you kill my junior brother? You''re dead for sure, no one can save you now!"


    Whoosh!


    The martial artist from the Seventh Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm soared into the air.


    Whoosh!


    Behind him, three silver Sword Qi burst forth, and in the midst of boundless light, three longswords, shimmering with silver luminescence, hovered in mid-air.


    "Vast Righteousness Qi!"


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!


    Three streams of Sword Qi transformed into three silver streaks, stretching across heaven and earth like falling silver meteors, and in an instant, they appeared before Xiao Yi. This attack contained the power of Gold, sharp without equal, and also incomparably swift, a speed that not even ordinary martial artists at the Peak of the Golden Core Realm could evade.


    "Not good, Xiao Yi is in danger!" exclaimed Dongfang Kuang, his face changing rapidly.


    But Qi knew that Xiao Yi had defeated Xue Wuhen from the Tao Tribulation Realm Peak when he was at the Golden Elixir Realm Peak, and he shook his head at Dongfang Kuang, saying, "Don''t worry, if he can''t even block an attack of this level, he doesn''t deserve our protection."


    "Huh?"


    Dongfang Kuang was taken aback.


    At that moment...


    Facing the three sharp Sword Qi hurtling towards him, Xiao Yi yawned and casually swung his hand.


    Whoosh!


    As he slapped his hand down.


    Brilliance circulated upon his palm as dazzling light swirled around it, the slap growing larger and larger.


    Just in an instant...


    Bang!


    The palm landed on the three streams of Sword Qi.


    The Sword Qi trembled violently.


    And then, under the force of the palm, burst explosively apart.


    "What?"


    "Those were high-grade fifth-tier spiritual weapons, even sixth-tier spiritual weapons would not easily break them, he, he shattered those three high-grade fifth-tier spiritual weapons with just one slap?"


    "How is that possible?"


    All the martial artists were agape with astonishment.


    A casual slap had shattered three high-grade fifth-tier spiritual weapons!


    It was simply unbelievable.


    Little did they know...


    Xiao Yi had cultivated his Wind Thunder Holy Body to the fourth realm, his physical strength alone was comparable to a sixth-tier spiritual weapon, and with the power of the Seal of Divinity refined in his body, his vitality far surpassed martial artists of the same realm. Even against a primary sixth-tier spiritual weapon, he could withstand it with his flesh, let alone a high-grade fifth-tier spiritual weapon?


    After crushing the three spiritual weapons.


    Xiao Yi reached out and grabbed a broken sword fragment, thrusting it forward.


    Whoosh! sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The thrust was incredibly fast.


    So fast that the martial artist from Vast Righteousness Pavilion was unable to react, as the sharp broken sword pierced his brow with a ''puff'' sound.


    And with a thunderous explosion, burst out from the back of his skull.


    His entire back of the head split apart, fresh blood instantly saturated his entire body, his face still wore an expression of deep shock and disbelief, as he laid straight in a pool of blood.


    After slaying two martial artists from the Vast Righteousness Pavilion in the Tao Tribulation Realm, Xiao Yi shook his hands lightly and looked at Yang Jin and the others, crooking his finger, "One by one is too slow, come at me all together!"

 Chapter 271 One Against Ten

    "All of you, come at me together!"


    Xiao Yi said with an indifferent expression on his face, his voice calm.


    The expressions of Yang Jin and the others changed dramatically.


    The two Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouses from the Vast Righteousness Pavilion were now slain, and Little Lin had killed three from the True Martial Hall and the Kuangdao Sect.


    Out of the twenty-two Tao Tribulation Realm experts from the ten great sects, a quarter had perished.


    For the ten great sects, this was an outright slap in the face!


    They had already forgotten when the last time someone from the ten great sects was killed!


    Hu!


    Yang Jin took a deep breath, his cold eyes sweeping over the remaining sixteen people.


    Still present at the scene were the powerhouses from the Tianjian Sect, Kuangdao Sect, Three Seas Mountain, Liyang Sect, Feixue Temple, Wendao Villa, Ten Thousand Beasts Sect, and Yin Yang Dao Arena.


    Each person''s gaze toward Xiao Yi held a weight it previously didn''t, rather than the previous disdain, there was now a serious undertone.


    Despite Xiao Yi only being at the First Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm.


    The ease with which he had slain the two Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouses from the Vast Righteousness Pavilion revealed his strength to be that of a formidable opponent.


    The old Daoist from the Yin Yang Dao Arena narrowed his eyes, staring fixedly at Xiao Yi, his horsetail whisk trembling slightly in his hand, "A mere First Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm, yet possessing such terrifying power, this young man could not possibly be some nobody!"


    The Liyang Sect powerhouse, surrounded by swirling red Yuan Qi, looking as ferocious as a wild beast with a miniature sun emitting a crimson glow above his head, the heat waves rolling off of it, spoke in an extremely cold voice, "No matter who he is, daring to challenge the dignity of our ten great sects, he must die!"


    "We must kill him, otherwise where would the dignity of our ten great sects stand?" said the iron follower of the Kuangdao Sect, his blood-red tongue licking the handle of his saber with a sinister tone.


    The middle-aged woman from the Feixue Temple, dressed in a blood-red gown, her expressionless face surrounded by drifting snow, her eyes as cold as frost, said, "Since he insisted on seeking death, we shall grant it to him."


    The experts from the ten great sects exchanged glances.


    They had reached an understanding!


    This was the reason the ten great sects were such a headache for the imperial family: they were constantly competing with each other, but once an outside force touched their interests, challenging their authority and status, the ten great sects would unite at the first opportunity, presenting a united front. This unity was why the once flourishing Xiaoshanhe Institute had fallen to such a state.


    And the suppression from the ten great sects played no small part in that.


    For instance, during a training exercise, the disciples of the ten great sects would do nothing but join forces to suppress the Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Thousands of disciples would enter a mysterious realm for training, and fewer than a hundred would come out alive.


    Situations like this happened all the time.


    Eventually...


    Naturally, no one dared to join the Xiaoshanhe Institute anymore.


    Today.


    The appearance of Xiao Yi challenged the authority of the ten great sects, and they immediately came to an agreement to collaborate and suppress Xiao Yi together.


    Shua shua shua!


    Among the seventeen experts, there were seven at the Tao Tribulation Realm Peak, with the rest being experts above the Fourth Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm. When these seventeen people joined forces, the multicolored Yuan Qi filled the sky, and amidst the ten thousand rays of light, terrifying fluctuations of Yuan Qi converged into a dazzling, rainbow-like streamer.


    As a top disciple of the Tianjian Sect and the person in charge of its branch in the royal capital, Yang Jin naturally took the lead.


    Shua!


    A pierced-heaven sword appeared around Yang Jin.


    This sword was shrouded in a turquoise light, with mysterious runes inscribed upon its blade, a sixth-grade Yuan weapon!


    Being the son of Emperor Qian and a loyal supporter of the Crown Prince and Xiao Tianjiao, his strength was naturally formidable. His cultivation might not have been at the Tao Tribulation Realm Peak, but it was no weaker than the vast majority who were, especially when bolstered by this sixth-grade Yuan weapon and employing the Tianjian Sect''s secret Sword Control Technique.


    Taking the head of an enemy general from a hundred miles away was as easy as reaching into a bag.


    His combat power was not to be underestimated!


    "Sword, come!"


    Yang Jin roared low, a flick of his sword finger.


    With a series of grating clashing sounds, a sixth-grade longsword split in two, then four... until it became sixty-four longswords.


    The strength of Sword Control Technique is measured by the number of flying swords one can manipulate at the same time.


    Manipulating sixty-four flying swords at once, Yang Jin''s combat power was by no means weaker than that of a warrior at the Peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    "Sword Control sixty-four?" Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Dongfang Kuang thought of the eldest Crown Prince, second only to Xiao Tianjiao in the Tianjian Sect, and Yang Ling, whose depth no one could fathom, and he couldn''t help shaking his head and sighing, "I didn''t expect Prince Yang Jin''s strength to be so formidable. If it weren''t for the Crown Prince and Prince Yang Ling, he''d have a good chance at contending for the throne..."


    "The matter of the successor is for his Majesty to decide, best we don''t discuss it!"


    Qi said indifferently, then with a squint, he added, "As far as I know, Prince Yang Jin''s Sword Control Technique was instructed by Xiao Tianjiao himself that''s how he achieved such proficiency."


    "Indeed, Xiao Tianjiao is an unrivaled genius with no equal, having cultivated the three great secret techniques of the Tianjian Sect to a very high realm. Just the Sword Control Technique alone, it is said that he can manipulate two hundred and fifty-six flying swords simultaneously. However..."


    Dongfang Kuang narrowed his eyes, his gaze landing on Xiao Yi, reminded of the miracles Xiao Yi had created along the way, he said solemnly, "I think Xiao Yi might very well surpass him!"


    "Oh?"


    Qi looked deeply at Dongfang Kuang, a flicker of surprise darting through the depths of his eyes. Enjoy exclusive chapters from My Virtual Library Empire


    Xiao Tianjiao''s strength had already taken deep root in people''s hearts.


    Firmly entrenched!


    Almost everyone believed that no one could surpass Xiao Tianjiao within a thousand years.


    Until now...


    Dongfang Kuang had thought so too.


    Especially after he had personally seen Xiao Tianjiao conquer the Five Yin Yang Five Elements Towers and condense the five elemental Dao patterns, he became an even firmer proponent of this view.


    But now.


    His thoughts had undergone earth-shattering changes.


    Both of them turned their attention to Xiao Yi.


    The attacks from Yang Jin''s Sword Control Technique, the Mad Demon Saber Skill from Kuangdao Sect, the Mysterious Tao Skill from Yin Yang Dao Arena, the Snow Transformation from Feixue Temple, and others filled the skies like a catastrophic flood, inundating from the ten major sects'' experts.


    One against ten.


    How would Xiao Yi respond?


    Under their watchful eyes...


    Xiao Yi suddenly soared into the sky, the power of Wind Thunder greatly stirring; purple-golden lightning and cyan winds twirled around his body, amidst ear-splitting explosive sounds, Xiao Yi stood aloft, reaching forward with his right hand, energy converging into a sword, sweeping out: "The waterfall cascades down three thousand feet!"


    Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!


    The number of energy longswords kept increasing, instantly turning into hundreds of energy blades.


    These blades condensed into a silver waterfall.


    Like a galaxy cascading down three thousand feet.


    Boom, boom, boom!


    Wherever the sword qi waterfall passed, colliding with Yang Jin''s flying swords, it was like the point of a needle against the broad side of wheat. Amidst a series of earth-shaking roars, the flying swords fell one after another, defeated by the onslaught of thunder.


    "A Stroke That Surprises the Wind and Rain!"


    Xiao Yi reached out, seizing one of the flying swords, turning himself into a sword, becoming one with the sword!


    Whoosh!


    A streak of sword light spanned the sky, with silver threads covering his form, he seemed to become a tens of zhang long beam of sword light, thrusting forward...

 Chapter 272 My Name is Xiao Yi!

    Xiao Yi stood suspended in the air, seizing one of the flying swords that had been struck down by a blade of elemental energy.


    His Fire Qilin Sword had already shattered.


    He had no handy weapon at the moment.


    With the flying sword in hand, he became one with the sword.


    His body as the sword, the sword as his weapon.


    "A Stroke That Surprises the Wind and Rain!"


    Xiao Yi pointed forward slightly, and sword light surged around him, carrying the supreme sharpness of sword energy, transforming into a beam tens of meters long. This beam of sword light stood across the sky like a pillar holding up the heavens, its dazzling brilliance making it impossible for one to open their eyes. As Xiao Yi''s gaze moved, the sword''s edge swiftly shot out toward the spot he pointed at.


    It was as if a pen that writes the universe of black and yellow descended upon the firmament.


    Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!


    Where the sword light landed, elemental energy exploded, turning into a sky filled with sword rain.


    A violent storm erupted, and the sword rain poured down.


    This torrential sword rain fell, crushing the dozens of flying swords before it to pieces, like a terrifying river of swords opening its gaping maw and swallowing the swords in its path.


    Yang Jin''s face split with rage, filled with shock, "How can this be? My Sword Control Technique can''t command the flying swords..."


    Sword Control Technique.


    Controlling swords with one''s mind.


    Where his thoughts went, the flying swords followed.


    But...


    Under the assault of Xiao Yi''s elemental energy sword river, his thoughts were abruptly cut off from the flying swords, as if they had been severed.


    Yang Jin had never seen such an eerie sight, but Dongfang Kuang and Qi had!


    The two exchanged glances, each seeing the shock in the other''s eyes, "Sword Intent at the third layer, unifying man and sword? This is the power of Sword Intent, honed to perfection, using it to shatter the telekinesis attached to the flying swords by Yang Jin... We never expected that Xiao Yi, so young, has already advanced his power of Sword Intent to such a realm..."


    "With Sword Intent this strong, he''s probably not far from the fourth layer, where the sword moves at will!" Dongfang Kuang said gravely.


    The deeper they understood Xiao Yi, the more terrifying they found him to be!


    Initially... S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    They thought Xiao Yi had managed to break through from the Physical Body Realm to the Golden Elixir Realm Peak in just one or two years, astonishingly fast in his cultivation.


    But then...


    They realized that Xiao Yi''s combat power was also terrifyingly strong.


    Combat Pavilion, breaking Xiao Tianjiao''s winning streak!


    Afterward.


    Xiao Yi also passed through seven Yin Yang Five Elements Towers, even condensing nine Dao patterns, and with the cultivation at the initial stage of the Tao Tribulation Realm, he triggered the heavenly tribulation.


    This was like an unfathomable treasure!


    With continuous excavation, there were always new discoveries.


    Boom!


    A thunderous noise suddenly disrupted their thoughts.


    They saw Xiao Yi breaking through Yang Jin''s Sword Control Technique, and his figure turned into a streak of light in mid-air, with unrivaled speed, rushing past, and appearing in front of the old Daoist from the Yin Yang Dao Arena. The Daoist had earlier fired several talismans, which contained Profound Mysteries Formation, with raging flames and freezing ice.


    They kept hitting Xiao Yi.


    Had his Wind Thunder Holy Body not reached the fourth layer, he would also have suffered greatly under these stealthy talisman attacks.


    Now that his hands were free, it was natural to deal with the powerful ones from the Yin Yang Dao Arena first. Read the latest on My Virtual Library Empire


    "Damn it!"


    The old Daoist''s face drastically changed, waving the horsetail whisk in his hand.


    Whoosh, whoosh!


    The horsetail whisk shone with white light, constantly extending in length, similar to a white dragon, twisting its huge body in the air, rolling towards Xiao Yi.


    This was no ordinary item.


    It was made from the Heavenly Profound Silkworm Silk, harvested from a Sixth-Layer High-Level Monster Heavenly Profound Silkworm, extremely tough, and once it entangled someone, even a master of the First Layer of Dharma Manifestation Realm would struggle to get free in a short time.


    Whoosh!


    The horsetail whisk entangled the flying sword in Xiao Yi''s hand, and began to spread towards his arm.


    Xiao Yi instinctively let go.


    And at the same time, he retreated.


    "Come down to me!"


    The old Daoist''s face turned icy as he lifted his arm, and the whisk aggressively followed.


    Behind Xiao Yi...


    The woman in white from the Feixue Temple had her face set like still water, cold as an iceberg, as she slapped the air with her slender palm. The falling snow condensed into a world of white ice and snow, and under its cover, it formed into a giant hand that blotted out the sky.


    As the giant hand reached across the sky, it aimed a strike at Xiao Yi''s back.


    Bang!


    Xiao Yi''s body trembled as he was forcefully halted by the giant hand, and at the same time, the horsetail whisk tangled around his waist.


    The old Taoist burst into laughter, "Attack quickly, he''s bound by my horsetail whisk and cannot break free..."


    Two Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouses from the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect commanded two monsters to charge at him simultaneously.


    These were two Fifth Layer High-Level Monster Black Wind Wolves, known for their incredible speed, akin to dark night gales, appearing in an instant before Xiao Yi, one biting at each of his legs, left and right.


    "Hahaha, Black Wind Wolves, bite off his legs!" the two proud powerhouses from the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect exclaimed.


    However...


    Beneath the sharp fangs of the Black Wind Wolves, instead of seeing Xiao Yi''s legs bitten off, they emitted a series of spine-chilling, brittle cracks.


    "How is this possible?"


    The two Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouses from Ten Thousand Beasts Sect looked at each other in disbelief.


    The Black Wind Wolves were infamous for their razor-sharp fangs, yet they couldn''t pierce through Xiao Yi''s flesh?


    "Seeking death!"


    Xiao Yi shook his legs, and with a snap, the fangs of the Black Wind Wolves shattered, their mouths gushing with blood, and they looked at Xiao Yi with terrified eyes before they turned and fled in panic. But Xiao Yi wasn''t about to let them escape so easily. His figure darted forward, catching up with the two Black Wind Wolves and grabbing them by their necks.


    Crack!


    With two crisp sounds, he broke the necks of the Black Wind Wolves.


    And then he leapt into the air.


    Chasing after the two powerhouses from the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect.


    The woman in white from the Feixue Temple''s face changed, and a blizzard swirled from her sleeves, producing a fierce storm of snow in an instant. It formed a barrier of wind and snow in front of the two powerhouses from the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect and the old Taoist from the Yin Yang Dao Arena, enclosing all three of them.


    The three heaved a sigh of relief and looked towards the woman in white, "Thank you!"


    The woman in white nodded slightly, about to speak, when suddenly Yang Jin''s voice, filled with shock and rage, came from behind, "Get out of the way, quickly!"


    "Hm?"


    In their daze, they suddenly heard Xiao Yi roar from behind the snowy barrier, "Er Shui Zhong Fen Bai Lu Zhou!"


    Whoosh!


    A sky-shocking blade of sword light split the snowy wall in front of them in two, the terrifying sword light whistling past, cutting the four, who were completely unprepared, into halves.


    In that instant.


    Seventeen Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouses, four more fell.


    Xiao Yi remained calm and collected, surrounded by raging Wind Thunder, his icy gaze fixed on Yang Jin and the others, "Your turn now!"


    Gulp!


    Yang Jin and the others swalowed hard, their faces filled with terror.


    Seventeen Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouses, nearly half at the Tao Tribulation Realm Peak, this array of true strength could even stand up to those in the Dharma Manifestation Realm!


    And the result...


    They were so easily defeated by Xiao Yi, merely at the First Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm?


    "Who, who are you really?"


    "I''ve never heard of such a powerful being within the Great Qian Dynasty..."


    To possess such strength at the First Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm, even more terrifying than Xiao Tianjiao of the same realm!


    How could such a person exist without renown?


    Suddenly...


    Yang Jin''s complexion drastically changed as he recalled the mysterious powerhouse he had seen at the Combat Pavilion, who bore a striking resemblance to the man before him. His face showed disbelief as he stared intently at Xiao Yi, "You, you are ''One Punch'' from the Combat Pavilion?"


    "What?"


    "He is ''One Punch''?"


    "Despite our inquiries, Xue Wuhen refused to reveal the identity of that ''One Punch'', could it really be this man before us?"


    All were displaying looks of utter astonishment.


    Ever since Xiao Yi surpassed Xiao Tianjiao''s record, all factions had been exhaustively searching for the mysterious "One Punch," naturally to no avail.


    But now...


    That enigmatic, even claimed to surpass Xiao Tianjiao, powerhouse was right before their eyes?


    "Yes, I am the ''One Punch'' you''ve been searching for. However, you might be more familiar with another name of mine..."


    Xiao Yi''s lips curled into a peculiar smile, and he spoke deliberately, "My name, is Xiao Yi!"

 Chapter 273 Purple Flame Brown Qilin Lion

    "My name is Xiao Yi!"


    Xiao Yi stated each word with pauses, enunciating clearly.


    Each word resounded like rolling thunder, echoing between heaven and earth.


    Humming!


    Yang Jin and the others felt their heads buzzing, their eyes wide with disbelief as they stared at Xiao Yi, who watched them with an amused smile on his face.


    Xiao Yi?


    He is Xiao Yi?


    Yang Jin felt his world spinning, stars bursting before his eyes, "Impossible, how could this be possible? How could Xiao Yi be so strong?"


    Within the Imperial Capital.


    There were no small number of people who were aware of Xiao Yi''s existence.


    Especially after Xiao Yi returned to the Imperial Capital and became the headmaster of the Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Even more people became aware of his identity and thus learned that Xiao Yi had been expelled from the Xiao Family, but in everyone''s eyes, Xiao Yi was seen as a disgrace by Xiao Tianjiao.


    How could he possibly be this young man in front of them?


    After all...


    This young man before them had broken the consecutive victory record set by Xiao Tianjiao in the Combat Pavilion. Continue your journey on My Virtual Library Empire


    This young man was stronger than Xiao Tianjiao at the same realm.


    Such a peerless genius.


    How could he possibly be Xiao Yi, whom Xiao Tianjiao viewed as a disgrace and thus expelled from the Xiao Family?


    If all this were true, wouldn''t it imply that Xiao Tianjiao was blind? The very person he discarded as trash, the shame in his eyes, the Xiao Yi who, in his opinion, didn''t even deserve a place in the Xiao family''s genealogy, was actually a peerless genius who could continuously break the records that Xiao Tianjiao took pride in.


    "Impossible, how can you be Xiao Yi?" Yang Jin''s eyes were bloodshot as he roared hysterically.


    If the person before him truly was Xiao Yi.


    If...


    Everything he achieved was real.


    Then, wouldn''t it mean that Xiao Tianjiao was wrong?


    Yang Jin was a loyal supporter of Xiao Tianjiao, who had always idolized Xiao Tianjiao as the hero of his life, how could he admit that Xiao Tianjiao was wrong? S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His eyes bloodshot, he said through clenched teeth, "Who exactly are you? Who gave you the guts to impersonate Xiao Yi?"


    "Idiot!"


    Xiao Yi scoffed coldly and casually took out the headmaster''s token of the Xiaoshanhe Institute from his storage ring. This token was impossible to replicate, and its presentation was an undeniable proof of Xiao Yi''s identity, "Open your eyes wide and see what this is?"


    Gulp!


    Yang Jin swallowed subconsciously.


    His mind was buzzing, blank.


    Around him...


    With the exception of Dongfang Kuang and Qi, everyone was dumbstruck, speechless.


    The shock in everyone''s hearts was immeasurable: "I previously thought that since Xiao Yi was expelled by Xiao Tianjiao, he must have been worthless as Xiao Tianjiao claimed. But now it seems, Xiao Tianjiao is wildly mistaken! This is not a worthless person, this is a peerless genius not in the least bit inferior to Xiao Tianjiao..."


    "There were rumors saying that Xiao Tianjiao was jealous of Xiao Yi''s talents, hence he expelled him from the family and prevented him from cultivating since childhood. I didn''t believe it before, but now it seems there might be some truth to those rumors!"


    "Could it be possible? Xiao Tianjiao isn''t that kind of person, is he?"


    "It''s hard to know what lies behind a face! If that wasn''t the case, how could he treat his own younger brother so ruthlessly?"


    The murmurs of the crowd reached Yang Jin''s ears, causing his face to turn a complex shade of angry red and pale green.


    Just the few people present who recognized Xiao Yi''s exceptional talent had already spread many theories.


    If the entire Imperial Capital, the whole of the Great Qian Dynasty, were to know about this?


    How many unspeakable assertions would that breed then?


    "To completely eliminate this hidden danger, the only way is..."


    His gaze landed on Xiao Yi, a chilling glint passing through the depths of his eyes, "to get rid of him! As long as he''s killed, who would believe a dead man?"


    With this thought,


    Yang Jin suddenly let out an angry shout, "Audacious villain, how dare you impersonate the head of Xiaoshanhe Institute? You are challenging the majesty of my royal family. Gentlemen, I ask for your assistance in eradicating this individual, to set the record straight for all to witness!"


    Dongfang Kuang glanced at him coldly, a sneer on his face.


    Qi remained expressionless.


    How could they not guess what was on Yang Jin''s mind? He planned to do away with Xiao Yi, to nip any future trouble in the bud.


    However...


    Neither Dongfang Kuang nor Qi would lift a finger.


    Yang Jin turned his gaze toward Nangong Shengtian.


    Nangong Shengtian''s face was devoid of any expression. After realizing that the young man before him was Xiao Yi, Nangong Shengtian too had his own plans.


    The four great families certainly didn''t intend to tear their faces with the royal family.


    Xiao Yi was now the royal family''s spokesperson, fully supported to balance the power of the ten great sects. Why would he take action at this time?


    Yang Jin felt immense annoyance inside. He could only look to the remaining experts of the ten great sects, "Gentlemen, if this child is not removed, he will definitely become a great thorn in our sides..."


    "You mean a great thorn in the side of your Tianjian Sect, right?"


    "Xiao Yi''s feud with your Saint Heir is complicated; it''s really not our place to intervene!"


    The crowd spoke one after another.


    Though the ten great sects shared a common bond, that was only when facing external threats. Internally, there were many disputes among them.


    Ever since Xiao Tianjiao rose to power,


    the Tianjian Sect had so overwhelmed the other nine sects that they hardly had room to breathe. Now, the presence of Xiao Yi seemed to be a potential threat to both the Tianjian Sect and Xiao Tianjiao. Naturally, they were happy to sit on the sidelines and watch the fight. Everyone had their own thoughts, and Yang Jin''s expression grew even more unsightly. His gaze shifting coldly, Yang Jin suddenly turned to the two Beast Kings from Great Liang Mountain.


    "Two honored Beast Kings, if you assist me in slaying this child, my Tianjian Sect is willing to offer you the position of our sect''s guardian beasts!" Yang Jin said gravely.


    These two Level 6 demon beasts were twin brothers.


    Both were Purple Flame Brown Qilin Lions.


    The two beasts had occupied Great Liang Mountain for many years, but they didn''t dare cause trouble because of Benlin''s presence in the Imperial Capital, opting to seclude themselves deep within the mountains.


    If they could gain the support of the Tianjian Sect, their situation would change entirely.


    With this thought,


    The two beasts exchanged a glance and spoke in human tongue, "This king can help you, but you must fulfill the promised terms!"


    "Rest assured, Beast King, I, Yang Jin, never go back on my word!"


    Yang Jin pounded on his chest in guarantee, his eyes coldly fixated on Xiao Yi as he sneered, "Xiao Yi, no matter how talented you are, what does it matter? You''re not even worthy to carry the shoes for the Saint Heir... without the Saint Heir lifting a finger, I can send you to your death!"


    Boom!


    Roar!


    The two Purple Flame Brown Qilin Lions twisted their massive bodies, one on the left and one on the right, pacing toward Xiao Yi.


    Both of these Purple Flame Brown Qilin Lions were at the initial stages of Level 6, comparable to the cultivation of the first layer of the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    After all, Great Liang Mountain is not far from the Imperial Capital.


    The Great Qian Dynasty wouldn''t allow excessively powerful demon beasts near the capital; the two beasts had stayed low-key, secluding themselves in the mountains. Had it not been for this heavenly tribulation forcing them out, they would not have appeared before humans, nor would they have acted against the powerhouses of the Great Qian Dynasty. However, now faced with the chance to become guardian beasts for the Tianjian Sect,


    They naturally wouldn''t let this opportunity pass!


    The Purple Flame Brown Qilin Lions spoke in human tongue, their eyes shining with ferocity, as they stared intently at Xiao Yi, "Human, blame only that you''ve offended someone you shouldn''t have!"

 Chapter 274 Beat Up the Beast King, A Battle to Gain Fame!

    Roar!


    Roar!


    The two Purple Flame Brown Qilin Lions simultaneously let out fierce roars, their blood-red eyes filled with chilling light seeking prey, sending shivers down people''s spines.


    Purple light flowed around their bodies, like flames burning fiercely in a purple hue.


    The scale-like mane on their necks resembled royal crowns, adding an air of majesty to their presence.


    Whoosh! Whoosh!


    The two Purple Flame Brown Qilin Lions charged from the left and the right with extreme speed; their hefty bodies moved nimbly. As they rushed forth, they trailed twin ribbons of purple light. Their figures intertwined, with layers of purple light coiling around each other. In an instant, they appeared before Xiao Yi.


    The one from the left suddenly raised its claw, and beneath the fluffy fur, sharp claw blades shot out with two metallic sounds.


    The silvery claws were incredibly sharp, their ringing sound chilling to the bone.


    Xiao Yi summoned the power of Wind Thunder around him, his movements exuding vital energy that he directed to his arms, forming a pillar-like barrier at his side.


    Boom!


    Amidst the thunderous noise,


    Xiao Yi''s figure was forcefully knocked sideways.


    After all, the Purple Flame Brown Qilin Lion was a sixth-tier Beast King; combined with the innate physical superiority of mythical beasts over humans, it was able to temporarily suppress Xiao Yi.


    Meanwhile,


    The other Purple Flame Brown Qilin Lion had already been waiting aside. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As Xiao Yi was sent flying, this lion opened its mouth wide, and the air around it swirled as the essence of heaven and earth converged into its maw. It formed a dazzling golden orb, condensed to the extreme, and its surface flickered with purple flames breathing in and out.


    Whoosh!


    The golden light orb shot out at an incredible speed, tearing through the void like a bolt of golden thunder.


    Striking Xiao Yi square on.


    Boom!


    In an explosion, the golden light orb burst apart.


    Amidst the blinding gold light, clusters of purple flames raged fiercely.


    The purple flames formed a sea of fire engulfing Xiao Yi completely; this was the Innate Divine Ability of the Purple Flame Brown Qilin Lion, the Purple Heavenly Fire.


    Forged from the absorbed essence of the sun and the moon,


    Capable of burning all things!


    "Hahaha, Xiao Yi, Xiao Yi, now let''s see how you die!" Yang Jin gloated, "The Purple Heavenly Fire of the Purple Flame Brown Qilin Lion can burn all things. Even those in the Dharma Manifestation Realm find it hard to resist, let alone you, merely at the First Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm. Keke, this is the fate of those who oppose the Saint Heir..."


    No sooner had he finished speaking,


    A violent wind suddenly appeared within the blazing purple flames.


    A cyan storm lifted the fiery purple blaze, forming a fire tornado that spiraled into the sky.


    Within the storm,


    Crackle and pop!


    Streaks of purple-gold thunderbolts emerged, and under their assault, the Purple Heavenly Fire released by the Purple Flame Brown Qilin Lions was forcefully dispersed.


    When all settled,


    Xiao Yi walked out from the scorched earth, unharmed.


    His hands were clasped behind his back, the corner of his mouth raised slightly, and his blazing gaze fell upon the two Purple Flame Brown Qilin Lions, "Not bad at all. The two stone beasts at the gates of my Xiaoshanhe Institute are somewhat damaged. Capturing you two to stand guard would be just perfect!"


    "How dare you!"


    "We are esteemed Beast Kings; how could you think of having us stand guard? You''re courting death!"


    Both Purple Flame Brown Qilin Lions roared in anger.


    They were the Beast Kings of the Great Liang Mountain, beings of the sixth tier, on par with the giants of the Dharma Manifestation Realm among humans.


    Even when Yang Jin recruited them, he had promised them the lofty position of guardian divine beasts.


    And now Xiao Yi dared to suggest they should stand guard?


    "For you to stand guard for me is already giving you too much credit!"


    Xiao Yi licked his lips, his hands rubbing together with a snapping sound. As he stepped forward, a series of afterimages were left behind, and with a piercing swoosh, Xiao Yi abruptly appeared in front of the Purple Flame Brown Qilin Lion to the left. "Vajra Subdues Demons!"


    Hum!


    Behind him, it was as if a Wrathful Vajra had opened its eyes.


    Those majestic, ice-cold eyes exuded a sharpness that made one''s heart tremble with fear.


    Boom!


    A massive golden palm descended from the sky like an imposing mountain, fiercely pressing down upon the Purple Flame Brown Qilin Lion.


    Roar!


    With a pained cry, the Purple Flame Brown Qilin Lion was struck by Xiao Yi''s palm, its legs buckling before it slammed into the ground with a thud. The ground caved in with a loud crash, cracks spreading in all directions like a spider''s web, as chunks of rock shot through the air. Xiao Yi stomped his foot, and the power of the earth surged below.


    Rumbling!


    As the ground trembled, stalagmites burst forth, crisscrossing to trap the Purple Flame Brown Qilin Lion beneath.


    "Big brother, save me..."


    The Purple Flame Brown Qilin Lion roared in anger, it was the younger of the two Beast Kings.


    "Let go of my second brother!"


    The other Purple Flame Brown Qilin Lion abruptly opened its mouth, a golden light orb condensing within.


    Xiao Yi''s figure flashed, suddenly appearing in front of it.


    With a reach of his right hand, golden light dots converged in his palm, a vast aura of vitality forming an enormous hand that seemed to cover the sky. This golden-cast hand swiftly clamped over the Purple Flame Brown Qilin Lion''s mouth. Its eyes widened in shock as the energy orb continued to condense, swelling its mouth round and taut.


    And then...


    Boom! Read exclusive content at My Virtual Library Empire


    The energy orb exploded right inside its mouth.


    The terrifying energy nearly killed the Purple Flame Brown Qilin Lion on the spot.


    Its body violently trembled before crashing to the ground, black smoke billowing from its seven orifices.


    Its tongue hung limply to the side.


    It had already passed out.


    Hisss!


    The onlookers were absolutely stunned by the scene before them. The two sixth-rank Beast Kings, unable to hold out even a mere quarter-hour against Xiao Yi.


    Looking at the two Beast Kings...


    One had passed out, while the other was immobilized by the earthen spikes.


    The crowd felt a chill run down their spines.


    "Is this Xiao Yi really just at the Tao Tribulation Realm?"


    "Why do I feel like he''s even stronger than a typical Dharma Manifestation Realm expert?"


    "The Xiao Family and Xiao Tianjiao really blinded themselves. Such a powerful being was driven out of his own family as if he were trash? If my clan had such a descendant, we would worship him like an ancestor..." Ximen Jianxue said, shocked.


    Dongfang Kuang: "..."


    The crowd felt their minds go blank.


    Yang Jin was swallowing nervously, constantly backing away, his gaze filled with awe when looking at Xiao Yi, "How can the First Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm be this powerful? It''s simply impossible..."


    He looked utterly dispirited.


    His world had crumbled.


    In Yang Jin''s world, there was only a distinction between Xiao Tianjiao and commoners; no other genius was comparable to Xiao Tianjiao.


    But now...


    He realized that even Xiao Tianjiao, whom he thought was unrivaled in his heart, didn''t possess the battle prowess Xiao Yi had when he was at the First Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm!


    "Yang Jin, it''s your turn now!"


    Xiao Yi''s voice suddenly interrupted Yang Jin''s train of thought.


    Following the sound,


    He saw Xiao Yi standing on the Purple Flame Brown Qilin Lion, gesturing towards him with a hooked finger.


    Gulp!


    Yang Jin instinctively took a few steps back, looking pleadingly at the people around him for help, but they all averted their gaze. Having witnessed Xiao Yi''s formidable strength, no one was willing to face him anymore. It was no exaggeration to say that Xiao Yi had made a name for himself with this battle. Although he might not be at Xiao Tianjiao''s level yet, it was believed that soon, the Great Qian Dynasty''s list of Saint Heirs would include another name!


    Another peerless genius on par with Xiao Tianjiao!

 Chapter 275 Not Convinced? Then Well Fight Until You Are!

    "Yang Jin, it''s your turn now!"


    Xiao Yi''s face carried a playful expression as he hooked his finger towards Yang Jin.


    Thud thud thud!


    Yang Jin subconsciously took three steps back, his complexion paling with each retreat.


    If it had been before this moment...


    He might have had the confidence to battle Xiao Yi.


    But after witnessing how easily Xiao Yi had subdued two powerful sixth-order Beast Kings, that formidable figure had left an indelible mark in his heart, like a nightmare that made it impossible for him to harbor any thoughts of hostility against Xiao Yi. This was the crushing force of absolute power, just like the countless strong individuals in the Great Qian Dynasty felt when facing Xiao Tianjiao, lacking even the courage to fight.


    Yang Jin''s face alternated between shades of green and white, grinding his teeth with determination, he stiffly said, "Xiao Yi, I admit you''re very strong. But don''t go too far, I am a noble imperial prince, and also a disciple of the Tianjian Sect. Offending me... In the Great Qian Dynasty, you''ll find it hard to make any moves..."


    Xiao Yi said with amusement, "So that means... you can represent the imperial family and the Tianjian Sect of the Great Qian Dynasty?"


    "That''s naturally..." Yang Jin arrogantly replied.


    In his view, neither the imperial family nor the Tianjian Sect would ever allow Xiao Yi to challenge their majesty.


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes but looked towards Qi, the eunuch at the side, and asked, "Eunuch Qi, may I ask if His Highness Yang Jin can possibly represent the will of Emperor Qian?"


    Eunuch Qi glanced at Yang Jin with an almost contemptuous look, seeing him no different from Lou Yi, and said unhurriedly, "Director Xiao, please don''t misunderstand. His Majesty holds Director Xiao in high regard. Otherwise, he would not have entrusted the Xiaoshanhe Institute to you."


    Although these words did not directly refute Yang Jin, their meaning was self-evident.


    Yang Jin''s face turned from green to white.


    As if he had swallowed a fly, his expression was horribly ugly.


    He never expected Eunuch Qi to snub him so publicly, it was a slap in the face!


    Xiao Yi smiled playfully, looking at Yang Jin, "It seems you can''t represent the imperial family after all!"


    "Hmph!"


    Yang Jin snorted, "I am a disciple of the Tianjian Sect, I..."


    Snap!


    Before he could finish speaking.


    Yang Jin was already slapped to the ground by Xiao Yi, covering his face, he looked at Xiao Yi in a daze, "You, you, you dare to hit me?"


    Snap!


    Xiao Yi slapped him across the face again, "The Tianjian Sect is remarkable, huh?"


    "You..."


    Snap!


    "I don''t like someone pointing fingers at me!"


    "I..."


    Snap!


    "Your gaze makes me uncomfortable!"


    "¡­"


    Snap snap snap!


    After a merciless barrage of slaps.


    Yang Jin lay limp on the ground like a lump of mud, twitching, his face bruised and swollen, the very picture of misery. He lay there weakly on the ground, his eyes filled with fear and resentment, staring fixedly at Xiao Yi, "Xiao... Xiao Yi... you won''t get off easy for offending the Tianjian Sect..."


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes and said, "Are you threatening me?"


    A cold and chilling killing intent enveloped Yang Jin.


    Darkness, despair, coldness. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As if plunging into an ice cellar of a thousand years.


    It was like an invisible hand gripped his throat, forcing the words about to leave his mouth back down.


    Sigh!


    A sigh suddenly sounded.


    Eunuch Qi appeared beside Yang Jin like a ghost, giving a bow towards Xiao Yi, his ambiguous voice said, "Director Xiao, please, for His Majesty''s sake, spare his life!"


    After all, Yang Jin was an imperial prince.


    Though not favored, he was still of imperial blood.


    If he were to be killed right in front of him, Eunuch Qi could not escape punishment.


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, surveying Eunuch Qi with a slight smirk, "Eunuch Qi jests. After all, he is of the imperial family; how could I possibly harm his life?"


    Eunuch Qi was about to express his gratitude.


    But Yang Jin behind him suddenly howled with a ferocious face, "Eunuch Qi... this man dares to assault a prince, are you just going to stand there and watch? Don''t forget your place. You are nothing but an old dog raised by our royal family! If the master cup doesn''t protect me, what use are you?"


    Eunuch Qi''s face twitched slightly.


    "Eunuch Qi, it seems someone does not respect your command!" Xiao Yi said with a laugh.


    Eunuch Qi gave a wry smile and shook his head.


    Yang Jin roared, "Old dog, I order you to kill him right now..."


    "Eunuch Qi, don''t trouble yourself; leave it to me!"


    Xiao Yi smiled as he walked past Qi and aimed a kick at Yang Jin''s mouth.


    Bang!


    A muffled sound erupted.


    Yang Jin''s teeth were kicked out root and all, his mouth filling with blood as he wailed in agony. Xiao Yi didn''t stop; his fingertip pulsing with vital energy, four streaks of blood shot out as he ruthlessly severed Yang Jin''s tendons in both hands and feet. The pain made Yang Jin pass out, eyes rolling back as he lay rigidly in a pool of his own blood.


    Seeing Yang Jin lying there like a dead dog, a mocking glint passed across the depths of Qi''s eyes. He gave a respectful cupped fist salute to Xiao Yi, "Headmaster Xiao, I must return to the palace to report back to His Majesty. I will take my leave first!"


    "Eunuch Qi, safe travels!" Xiao Yi replied with a smile.


    Qi promptly ordered his men to carry Yang Jin away and left soaring through the sky.


    Nangong Shengtian glanced at Xiao Yi and cupped his fists, "Headmaster Xiao, I acted rashly earlier without knowing your status. Please forgive me. When I''m free someday, I will personally visit to apologize!"


    Beitang Feng said, "Headmaster Xiao, please forgive us!"


    The surviving Calamity Realm powerhouses from Wendao Villa, Feixue Temple, Liyang Sect, and others came forward one after another, "Headmaster Xiao, we were also provoked by Yang Jin today, please understand!"


    Xiao Yi looked at them all with a faint smile and said indifferently, "Do you all intend to leave just like this?"


    "Hmm?"


    "What do you mean by that, Headmaster Xiao?"


    The crowd was momentarily stunned, frowning in confusion.


    In their view...


    The battle of today had already come to an end.


    Xiao Yi surely wouldn''t dare to trouble them further!


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "I have never been at odds with any of you, yet on your arrival, you triggered a heavenly tribulation that almost killed my two brothers. After the tribulation, you then joined forces trying to put me in a deadly predicament. Do you really think you can just walk away like that?"


    "Headmaster Xiao, we should show some leniency for the sake of future relations. Don''t be too harsh!"


    "We were also misled by others. How can you blame us?"


    "Headmaster Xiao, you are indeed powerful, but we are not pushovers either. Our ten great sects may not have anything else, but we have countless strong individuals. You should think carefully about the consequences of offending us..." the crowd warned threateningly.


    Backed by the ten great sects, they were brimming with confidence!


    The corners of Xiao Yi''s mouth turned up slightly as he said, "The ten great sects? That''s quite an impressive tone. I just wonder, if I were to kill you all right now, would your respective sects really be willing to take a stand against me for a bunch of dead men?"


    Enjoy more content from My Virtual Library Empire


    The complexion of the crowd changed dramatically.


    Indeed, as Xiao Yi had said...


    If they died here, would their respective forces really engage in a deadly struggle with Xiao Yi over them?


    The answer, clearly, was no!


    Let alone the fact that they had been in the wrong to begin with, just the power Xiao Yi had displayed was enough to make the sects behind them wary.


    Moreover...


    Xiao Yi was the head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, with the royal family at his back.


    One hair affects the whole body.


    Troubling Xiao Yi could potentially serve as an excuse for the royal family to reorganize the ten great sects.


    Upon this realization,


    the faces of the crowd all fell.


    The Calamity Realm expert from the Liyang Sect, Ye Zheng, spoke in a deep voice, "Headmaster Xiao, what do you want?"


    Xiao Yi replied coolly, "My Shanhe Court needs resources for reconstruction. Each of your sects gives me one hundred billion silver taels, and we can consider the matter settled!"


    "What?"


    "One hundred billion? You might as well just rob us!"


    "Xiao Yi, you are too outrageous!"


    The crowd flew into a rage.


    Xiao Yi''s eyes narrowed to slits as he looked at them with a smile, "I am bullying you, and what can you do about it?"


    "Do you really think we''re afraid of you?"


    In the face of these furiously glaring people, Xiao Yi sighed softly, "Refuse a toast only to drink a forfeit, don''t blame me then!"


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi made his move with the force of thunder.


    In an instant...


    All these Calamity Realm powerhouses were flipped onto the ground by Xiao Yi. Not satisfied? Then he would just beat them until they were!


    Looking coldly at the bruised faces before him, Xiao Yi said, "Pay up or use your lives as collateral, the choice is yours!"


    "We... we don''t have that much money..." the crowd said with mournful faces.


    Xiao Yi replied indifferently, "Then, write a debt acknowledgment."


    Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!


    Several debt acknowledgments appeared before the crowd, who looked at each other helplessly and ultimately signed their names.


    Xiao Yi collected the acknowledgments, clapping his hands in satisfaction, "On behalf of the disciples of the Shanhe Court, I thank you all for your generous donations!"

 Chapter 276 The Sky Wont Fall!

    The group of mighty figures watched as Xiao Yi stored the humiliating debt note into his storage ring, their faces as black as charcoal.


    They represented the ten great sects.


    All along,


    it was only they who extorted others; when had they ever been extorted?


    The ten billion silver wasn''t too much for them, but it represented their face and reputation!


    At least until this debt was repaid.


    They couldn''t hold their heads high in front of Xiao Yi, always feeling inferior!


    However, when they thought about the fates of the several strong figures from True Martial Hall and Vast Righteousness Pavilion, they felt their situation wasn''t that bad.


    Xiao Yi glanced at the crowd with a radiant smile, cupped his hands, and said, "On behalf of all the tutors and disciples of Xiaoshanhe Institute, Xiao gives his thanks for your generous assistance. Should there be an opportunity in the future, you are more than welcome to visit Xiaoshanhe Institute to share your guidance!"


    "Xiao, you''re too polite!"


    "Under your leadership, Xiaoshanhe Institute will certainly regain its glory!"


    "If there''s anything you need our help with, Xiao, just say the word. As long as it''s within our power, we will certainly help!" Hai Wei of Three Seas Mountain, a peak Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouse, said with a falsely smiling face as he cupped his hands.


    No sooner had he finished speaking,


    than Xiao Yi took the opportunity to say, "Indeed, I do need your help with something, but I felt embarrassed to ask after just beating you. Since you''ve offered now, I won''t be polite... I wish to build a large Spirit Gathering Array within Xiaoshanhe Institute. I''ve heard that both Three Seas Mountain and Wendao Villa have an abundance of array stones; I''ll have to trouble the two of you to prepare some array stones for me! I won''t ask for much, just a hundred thousand catties of array stones from each of you should suffice, on behalf of all members of Xiaoshanhe Institute, I thank you both!"


    Puff!


    Hai Wei and the powerhouse from Wendao Villa''s complexions abruptly changed, nearly spitting out a mouthful of old blood.


    The powerhouse from Wendao Villa shot a look full of resentment towards Hai Wei, wishing to devour him alive.


    That''s what you get for your loose tongue!


    Those hundred thousand catties of array stones were worth no less than fifty billion! S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Hai Wei only felt a bitter taste in his mouth and regretted it to his guts.


    He did have the intention to refuse.


    But seeing Xiao Yi''s smiling gaze fixed on them, he feared that if he dared to refuse, he might immediately face another beating. So, he could only grit his teeth and manage a tearful expression as he said, "Xiao, that, that hundred thousand catties is truly too..."


    "What? Too little? How about one hundred and fifty thousand..." said Xiao Yi, feigning surprise.


    "No!"


    Hai Wei hurriedly straightened his back, thumped his chest, and said, "One hundred thousand catties, I will make sure it is delivered to Xiaoshanhe Institute within ten days!"


    "Then I thank you very much!"


    Xiao Yi nodded in satisfaction, then turned his gaze toward the other strong figures.


    The crowd trembled all over.


    "Xiao, I still have a pot of soup on at home, I must get going now!"


    "Aiya, my granddaughter is about to give birth, I must excuse myself..."


    Fearing that Xiao Yi would catch them to squeeze another sum, they hurriedly took their leave, each breaking through the air to leave.


    This left people like Dongfang Kuang dumbstruck.


    When everyone had left,


    Xiao Yi''s gaze fell on Nangong Shengtian and Beitang Feng, who had previously made their moves against him.


    Nangong Shengtian slightly furrowed his brows; although he was a six-layer Dharma Manifestation Realm powerhouse and wasn''t afraid of offending Xiao Yi,


    considering Xiao Yi''s identity, he didn''t want to provoke him excessively. Cupping his hands, he said, "Xiao, I didn''t know your identity before, which is why I was swayed by Yang Jin to take action. I ask for your forgiveness!"


    Beitang Feng touched his nose, "Same here!"


    Xiao Yi rolled his eyes.


    His treatment towards the four great families was clearly different from that towards the ten great sects.


    Xiao Yi said in a deep voice, "What are the two elders talking about? It''s true that no fight means no acquaintance!"


    "Chairman Xiao is right, without a fight, we can''t really get to know each other. If you need anything in the future..."


    Nangong Shengtian laughed heartily and was about to continue when he suddenly thought of Hai Wei''s fate and immediately changed the subject, "We must surely keep in touch more often in the future!"


    Beitang Feng also said, "Same for me!"


    Xiao Yi curled his lips, thinking to himself, "Old fox." However, he had his own reason for letting the Nangong Family off so easily, and went on to say, "Ancestor Nangong, I hear that the Nangong and Beitang Families mainly deal in pills and medicinal herbs. My Xiaoshanhe Institute is about to be rebuilt, and I urgently need a large number of pills and medicinal materials. I wish to do business with the two of you!"


    "Hmm?"


    Nangong Shengtian was taken aback, giving Xiao Yi a meaningful look.


    He was puzzled before...


    Given Xiao Yi''s strong stance against the top ten sects, how could he let him off so easily? It turns out it was for this reason.


    The four major families spread their influence across various trades within the Great Qian Dynasty, with the Nangong and Beitang Families controlling over sixty percent of the pill and medicinal herb business. The Dongfang and Ximen Families, on the other hand, control over seventy percent of the weapon and weapon material business. In their respective fields, all four families are dominant.


    Unshakeable by anyone.


    Nangong Shengtian narrowed his eyes. For Xiaoshanhe Institute to rise, it was essential to have access to pills and medicinal herbs. He then smiled and said, "So Chairman Xiao is here for this matter. We can provide pills and medicinal materials, but as for the price..."


    Xiao Yi looked Nangong Shengtian up and down.


    This old man thought he held Xiao Yi''s lifeline, planning to manipulate him!


    Xiao Yi said, "Seventy percent, I can pay seventy percent of the market price for the materials and pills I need!"


    This was also because Xiaoshanhe Institute was short of manpower. Otherwise, with Xiao Yi and Elder Xue''s methods, they could have been self-sufficient.


    Why would they need to purchase pills from outside?


    Beitang Feng looked towards Nangong Shengtian.


    The two families complemented each other and always followed the lead of the Nangong Family.


    As long as Nangong Shengtian nodded, he would naturally not refuse.


    "Seventy percent, huh..."


    Nangong Shengtian stroked his chin, showing a troubled expression, and said, "Chairman Xiao, I''m afraid there''s a misunderstanding. Actually, the profit from the pill industry isn''t that high. Seventy percent is really too much, so here''s what I can do¡ªI can give you the most favorable price. The Nangong Family and the Beitang Family can provide Xiaoshanhe Institute with the pills and materials it needs, but the lowest price can only be ninety-five percent of the market price!"


    Ninety-five percent?


    Discover hidden tales at My Virtual Library Empire


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow.


    The profit on pills was at least double; not to mention seventy percent, even if they sold them at fifty percent, the Nangong and Beitang Families would make a killing.


    He did not expect Nangong Shengtian to be so inconsiderate.


    Ninety-five percent?


    Xiao Yi smiled, but his words turned much sharper, "Is Ancestor Nangong joking with me?"


    Nangong Shengtian replied with a grin that didn''t reach his eyes, "Chairman Xiao is joking, do you think I need to joke with you?" He was used to being high above others and naturally couldn''t bow down in front of a junior like Xiao Yi, confidently saying, "Although the Great Qian Dynasty is large, when it comes to the pill and medicinal material business, without the Nangong Family''s approval, no one would dare to supply you regardless of the price¡ªeven if it''s higher than ninety-five percent!"


    The contempt and disdain were evident in his words.


    Xiao Yi''s eyes narrowed to slits, "Isn''t what Ancestor Nangong said a bit too definitive?"


    "Definitive? I''m merely stating the plain truth. After all, the Nangong Family has the strength and confidence to do so!"


    Nangong Shengtian looked at Xiao Yi with a mocking gaze, as if to say, "Aren''t you very strong? Aren''t you very impressive? Now you still come asking for my help?" With an air of nonchalance, he said, "Chairman Xiao, think it over when you return! If you''ve made up your mind, come find me again!"


    With those words, Nangong Shengtian gestured, and with Beitang Feng, they soared away into the sky.


    For a moment.


    Only Xiao Yi, Dongfang Kuang, and Ximen Jianxue were left behind.


    Dongfang Kuang said in a heavy tone, "Chairman Xiao, Nangong Shengtian is right. Without them, it would be tough to purchase pills and medicinal materials!"


    Xiao Yi watched the direction in which Nangong Shengtian disappeared, his eyes flashing coldly like shooting stars, "Without anyone, the sky still won''t fall!"

 Chapter 277 Take your paws off!

    "Xiao, what are you planning to do?"


    Dongfang Kuang looked at the cold light in Xiao Yi''s eyes and couldn''t help but feel a shiver run through him as he asked.


    Just as the Nangong and Beitang Families were as close as branches on the same tree, the Ximen and Dongfang Families were also tightly knit.


    Ximen Jianxue said in a deep voice, "Xiao, if Xiaoshanhe Institute needs materials for Yuan weapons, my Ximen Family can provide them at half price." He paused, then continued, "As for pills and medicinal materials, I advise you to think it over. Nangong Shengtian''s words were unpleasant, but he has his confidence. If the Nangong Family does not give the nod, no one dares to sell you pills and medicinal materials!"


    Dongfang Kuang nodded in agreement.


    The Nangong Family and Beitang Family had been rooted in the medicinal pill and material trade for centuries.


    They almost had control over all the channels.


    Xiao Yi smiled and said, "Don''t worry, I won''t be reckless!"


    Seeing this, the two men didn''t press further.


    Xiao Yi said, "Dongfang, Ximen, regarding Yuan weapons and the materials for forging them, we must rely heavily on both of your cooperation!"


    "Of course!"


    Dongfang Kuang nodded, then said, "Henceforth, for any Yuan weapons and materials supplied to Xiaoshanhe Institute, we will give them to you at fifty percent of the market price!"


    Xiao Yi smiled and shook his head.


    Dongfang Kuang was taken aback and explained, "Xiao, you know that the difficulty of forging Yuan weapons is extremely high, and the material waste is great. The profits are not as high as that of medicinal pills. Fifty percent of the market price is already the limit we can afford!"


    "Dongfang, don''t be so formal and call me ''Xiao''," Xiao Yi said with a smile, "Just call me by my name!"


    Xiao Yi chuckled and then said, "I, Xiao Yi, don''t like to take advantage of my own people. Whatever the market price is, let''s just trade at that rate!"


    "This..."


    Dongfang Kuang and Ximen Jianxue looked at each other. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    They had thought Xiao Yi was haggling for a lower price, but he didn''t want any discount at all.


    Xiao Yi said, "We''re all family here!"


    "Right, right, right, we''re all family!" Dongfang Kuang laughed.


    Ximen Jianxue also smiled and nodded his head.


    With the strength Xiao Yi had shown, as long as he didn''t fall, his future achievements would be boundless.


    This was greatly beneficial for both their families as well.


    Read exclusive chapters at My Virtual Library Empire


    Xiao Yi said, "I will have someone take over the cooperation matters!"


    "Shall we head back then?"


    "Hmm!"


    The three of them left, piercing through the air.


    Dongfang Kuang and Ximen Jianxue headed straight for the imperial capital, while Xiao Yi made his way toward Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Now, with the funds for rebuilding Xiaoshanhe Institute secured¡ªa whopping trillion taels of silver¡ªhe could support an expansion of the institute''s scale by tenfold for decades. The most pressing issue was recruiting new disciples and instructors, and Xiao Yi also had a comprehensive reform plan in mind for Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    All these needed to be set in motion.


    ......


    Imperial Dragon Mountain, Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Xiao Zhengde sat in the guest hall with great authority, his leg propped up arrogantly as he said, "This Xiaoshanhe Institute really isn''t up to much, is it? This place used to be comparable to the top ten sects, and yet there isn''t even one large-scale Spirit Gathering Array. This is far too modest. Mr. Chen, it''s time you made some serious improvements..."


    Chen Shuiwen stood by his side with a sycophantic smile on his face, wringing his hands as he said, "Xiao is right, Xiaoshanhe Institute has truly fallen on hard times."


    Nowadays, the Xiao Family was on the rise.


    Ever since Xiao Tianjiao stepped into the Dharma Manifestation Realm, the Xiao Family had been showing signs of becoming the fifth great noble family.


    Compared to Xiao Yi, who had been expelled from the Xiao Family, Chen Shuiwen dared not show any pretense in front of Xiao Zhengde.


    Xiao Zhengde was very pleased with Chen Shuiwen''s attitude.


    He was about to speak.


    Catching a glimpse of a figure passing by the doorway in the corner of his eye, Xiao Zhengde''s interest was piqued, and he called out, "Stop there!"


    ```


    "Hm?"


    Lin Bing Xin was startled.


    As she happened to be passing by the guest hall, she suddenly heard Xiao Zhengde''s voice and subconsciously looked back.


    Xiao Zhengde''s gaze swept over her, a hint of lust passing through his eyes. Lin Bing Xin''s figure and appearance were exceptional, igniting lustful thoughts in Xiao Zhengde. A faint smile on his face, he said, "Mr. Chen, who is this lady?"


    Chen Shuiwen knew all too well what Xiao Zhengde was thinking.


    He quickly said, "This is Lin Bing Xin, a teacher from the Xiaoshanhe Institute!" Chen Shuiwen turned to Lin Bing Xin and said, "Lin Bing Xin, this is the head of the Xiao Family, the father of Xiao Tianjiao, the number one genius of the Great Qian Dynasty, Xiao Zhengde. Aren''t you going to come over and pay your respects?"


    "Mr. Chen, how can you speak to a beautiful woman like that?"


    Xiao Zhengde pretended to be displeased as he glanced at Chen Shuiwen, but the smile on his face remained bright. He adjusted his clothes and approached Lin Bing Xin: "Teacher Lin, I am Xiao Zhengde!"


    He couldn''t help but straighten his back.


    In his eyes...


    Any woman who learned of his identity would naturally flock to him.


    This was an opportunity to rise to the top.


    However.


    Lin Bing Xin''s face was expressionless, and even a deep disgust flashed in her eyes as she glanced at him.


    She was well aware of Xiao Yi''s status. It was this man before her who had expelled Xiao Yi from the family and sent him to the Fang Family to become a son-in-law. Of course, she wouldn''t show any courtesy to Xiao Zhengde and said to Chen Shuiwen, "Mr. Chen, I have other matters to attend to, so I will take my leave now!"


    "Hm?"


    Xiao Zhengde''s face stiffened, his eyes narrowing to slits.


    Chen Shuiwen''s face darkened as he rebuked, "Lin Bing Xin, did I give you permission to leave?"


    However, Lin Bing Xin ignored him and continued to walk towards the exit.


    "Mr. Chen, your teachers from the Shanhe Institute do carry themselves with quite the air!" Xiao Zhengde said sarcastically, with a Yin-Yang tone.


    Chen Shuiwen quickly said, "Please forgive her, Xiao. I''ll have her come back immediately!"


    Chen Shuiwen immediately chased after her, shouting at Lin Bing Xin, "Lin Bing Xin, did I permit you to leave? Get back here!"


    "Idiot!"


    Lin Bing Xin looked back at him, sneered coldly, and continued on her way out.


    Chen Shuiwen''s face alternated between green and red.


    As he was caught in his dilemma...


    Xiao Zhengde''s voice echoed in his ear, "Mr. Chen, it seems the quality of your Shanhe Institute''s teachers is truly lacking. Let me, the head of the household, discipline her on your behalf!"


    Whoosh!


    A surge of vital energy burst forth.


    A colossal hand of energy formed in the air and with a swish, it grabbed Lin Bing Xin. Amidst her screams, Lin Bing Xin''s body was yanked back by Xiao Zhengde. He held her throat with one hand and took a deep whiff from her hair, the faint fragrance making his eyes shine. Smugly looking at Chen Shuiwen, he said, "Mr. Chen, one must use forceful measures to deal with disobedient people. See, now she''s being obedient, isn''t she?"


    Chen Shuiwen flattered him with a reply, "What you say is absolutely right, Xiao!"


    Xiao Zhengde, still smiling, looked at the pale-faced Lin Bing Xin and said, "My beautiful lady, my son Xiao Yi is the dean of the Shanhe Institute, which essentially makes it mine. As you''re a teacher of the Shanhe Institute, you belong to me. Serve me well, and I guarantee you''ll get to live in luxury..."


    Lin Bing Xin''s eyes were filled with despair.


    Her throat was seized, and she couldn''t utter a word.


    Tears of desperation sparkled in her eyes.


    Xiao Zhengde laughed heartily, "That''s right, that''s right, I like that look of desire in your eyes..."


    As he spoke,


    Xiao Zhengde''s hand reached out towards Lin Bing Xin''s body.


    At that moment...


    A chilling voice boomed like thunder, "If you don''t want to die, take your filthy paw off her now!"


    ```

 Chapter 278 Born but Not Raised, Cut Off a Finger to Make Amends!

    "Bring your dog paw here!"


    The icy voice made Xiao Zhengde''s movements abruptly stiffen.


    Whoosh!


    As Xiao Zhengde lifted his head, he followed the sound and squinted his eyes into slits, glaring at the newcomer with an eagle''s vigilance and a wolf''s wariness.


    At the entrance of the meeting hall.


    Dressed in black, with eyebrows sharp as blades and eyes flashing like lightning, stood Xiao Yi, exuding a chilling aura.


    Xiao Yi stood at the doorway, his eyes fierce like a tiger''s, emanating a chilling light as he stared at Xiao Zhengde, who was choking Lin Bingxin by the neck and about to lay his hands on her. A murderous intent began to build intensely around him.


    "Who are you?"


    Xiao Zhengde suddenly spoke.


    Xiao Yi was taken aback.


    Chen Shuiwen, who had just opened his mouth, also stiffened, his puzzled gaze sweeping back and forth between Xiao Zhengde and Xiao Yi.


    His eyes filled with confusion, he subconsciously said, "Xiao, isn''t this Xiao Yi, the head of Xiaoshanhe Institute? You... you don''t recognize him?"


    This is your son!


    Although more than a year had passed and Xiao Yi had changed conspicuously in temperament, cultivation, and even height, his appearance had hardly altered. How could you not recognize him?


    Xiao Zhengde was also startled. For nearly a decade, he had only seen Xiao Yi once, the day he had announced that Xiao Yi would go to the Fang Family. Moreover, on that day, all of Xiao Zhengde''s attention had been on Xiao Tianjiao; how could he have noticed Xiao Yi''s appearance? That was why he did not recognize Xiao Yi at the moment.


    Watching the fleeting confusion on Xiao Zhengde''s face, Xiao Yi felt suffocated and agitated, an indescribable restlessness stirring within him.


    Despite continually telling himself,


    he had no relationship with the Xiao Family anymore.


    But standing in front of Xiao Zhengde, his biological father who couldn''t recognize him, the sensation still struck at the core of his soul.


    Hu!


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath, slowly exhaled, and said with a firm voice, "Let her go!"


    Xiao Zhengde''s brows knitted, anger appearing on his face as he rebuked, "Is this how you speak to your father? Since you are the head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, I am the institute head''s father. Everything within this institute belongs to me. I am merely asking for a woman from your institute, and you dare to speak to me this way? Your guts have truly grown fat!"


    Seeing this, Mr. Chen thought to himself: No wonder the rumors say that tensions run high between father and son in the Xiao Family. It seems all of it is true. Heh, Xiao Yi, how will you handle your father, no matter how powerful you are?


    With that thought.


    Mr. Chen fanned the flames, saying, "Xiao, it''s your fault here! Not to mention Xiao is your father, just his status as the head of the Xiao Family means that Lin Bingxin is honored by his attention. Not only should you not obstruct this, but you should also facilitate it, for this could be Lin Bingxin''s opportunity to soar from the branch to the phoenix''s perch!"


    Xiao Zhengde slightly raised his chin, very pleased with Mr. Chen''s statement, "Did you hear that? Mr. Chen here knows the ways of the world. And look at you... not even knowing how to respect your own father. I should have listened to your elder brother back then and had you killed and thrown into the mass graves. All the care I''ve wasted on you..."


    Hum!


    Xiao Yi''s head buzzed.


    Back then...


    If not for his mother, who had threatened her own life to save him, he would have died ten years ago.


    Where would there have been eight years of imprisonment?


    Seeing the profound disgust on Xiao Zhengde''s face, Xiao Yi let out a breath of foul air, pronouncing each word, "When you sent me to the Fang Family to be a son-in-law, I told you that our ties of kindness and righteousness were severed. I, Xiao Yi, owe you nothing. And now you speak to me of parental grace? Ha ha ha, Xiao Zhengde, don''t you feel ashamed saying these words?"


    During those eight years of imprisonment...


    In the entire Xiao Family, aside from his mother, had anyone given him a glance?


    Had anyone brought him a meal?


    Had anyone offered him clothes?


    No!


    Nothing at all!


    "Bastard!"


    Xiao Zhengde was enraged, tossing the unconscious Lin Bingxin to the side and furiously glared at Xiao Yi, "You unfilial, forgetful wretch, I brought you into this world, and that is the greatest kindness. No matter how I treat you, I am still your father. I command you to kneel right now!"


    "Kneel?"


    Xiao Yi laughed heartily, leaning forward and asking coldly, "Are you worthy?"


    Am I worthy?


    Deserve to have me kneel before you?


    Throughout my entire life...


    in Xiao Zhengde''s eyes, there was only Xiao Tianjiao. When had he ever spared a thought for this younger son of his?


    Every birthday, Xiao Tianjiao would have grand banquets, while I didn''t even receive a single word of blessing.


    Recalling my childhood efforts to capture my father''s attention, to no avail¡ªnever earning even a word of praise¡ªXiao Yi''s heart grew gradually cold. Yet before that, he still harbored hope that once he became stronger, once he was outstanding enough, Xiao Zhengde would surely look his way.


    And the result?


    My efforts ultimately served only as a bargaining chip to procure a mystical beast for Xiao Tianjiao''s mount, sending me off to the Fang Family as a despised son-in-law.


    Does such a father even deserve my kneeling?


    Under the calmly intense gaze of Xiao Yi, Xiao Zhengde frowned and said condescendingly, "I came today to inform you that I will summon your elder brother back. Once he returns, you will be notified to come back home, and as long as you obediently offer an apology to your brother by kowtowing, with me by your side speaking in your favor, combined with your current achievements, I believe he will allow your name to re-enter the family records!"


    Looking at Xiao Zhengde''s pride, as though bestowing a favor for which I should be profoundly grateful.


    Xiao Yi''s fists clenched quietly, rage boiling within him as he sneered, "Kneel to him? By what right? Because he imprisoned me for eight years? Because he sent me to the Fang Family to be a live-in son-in-law, just so his mount could mate? Or because he disowned me and deprived me of the right to pay respects to my own mother?"


    Xiao Zhengde, so furious that smoke could have billowed from his ears, raised his right hand to strike Xiao Yi''s face. "I''ll beat you to death, you unfilial son!"


    Slap!


    Xiao Yi neither dodged nor evaded, taking the slap head-on.


    Half of his face turned bright red, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth.


    Xiao Yi''s face was calm, his eyes coldly fixed on him.


    Xiao Zhengde bellowed, "Giving you life is the greatest kindness. Whether I kill you or sell you, you have no right to defy me."


    "Giving me life is a kindness?"


    Xiao Yi let out a bitter, mournful laugh, filled with desolation, "Xiao Zhengde, ask yourself, did you ever look at me as I grew up? Did you ever fulfill the responsibilities of a father? If not for my mother, I''d have been erased from this world long ago in shame by you all. Now how can you so self-righteously stand before me and say these things? Go back. Since the moment you cast me out, I''ve had no relation to the Xiao Family!"


    "You scoundrel!"


    Xiao Zhengde wasn''t able to contain his fury. He had thought that with his appearance and offer to let Xiao Yi return to the Xiao Family, Xiao Yi would be grateful and willingly come back with him. Not expecting a rejection, Xiao Zhengde''s face turned a deep shade of red as he roared, "You ungrateful cur, I should have listened to Tian''er back then and killed you, saved myself the trouble of dealing with your defiance now! No, I should have thrown you out to the mass graves the moment you were born..."


    Thud, thud, thud!


    Xiao Yi involuntarily took three steps back. Such cruel words, so venomous!


    "Haha, hahaha..."


    Amidst Xiao Yi''s laughter tinged with sorrow, the look in his eyes towards Xiao Zhengde became unflinchingly steady.


    Whoosh!


    A silver gleam surged forth, and with a splat, severed a thumb. Xiao Yi tore off a piece of his clothing to wrap the severed finger, and looking at a stunned Xiao Zhengde, he spoke deliberately, "If unbred yet nourished, gratitude lasts a lifetime; if bred but not nurtured, breaking a finger settles the debt! Take back this finger, from now on, all ties of father and son between us are completely severed!"


    "You, you, you..."


    Xiao Zhengde''s eyes leaped wildly at the sight of the severed finger, his face alternating shades of anger and pallor. He bellowed like a furious lion, "You insolent brat, you''re nothing! Only I, the Xiao Family, can disown you, since when can you sever ties with me?" sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Whoosh!


    He raised his right hand high, intending to strike at Xiao Yi''s face once more.


    Slap!


    Xiao Yi raised his right hand and firmly caught his palm, speaking coldly, "I no longer have any ties with you. If you dare to raise your hand again, I will cripple you!"


    Boom!


    Experience more content on My Virtual Library Empire


    Xiao Zhengde was forcefully blasted away by the frigid aura emanating from Xiao Yi.


    With a loud crash, he landed in the front courtyard.


    Watching Xiao Yi, with a face as cold as frost, Xiao Zhengde''s expression underwent several rapid changes, but recalling Xiao Yi''s strength that even defeated Xue Wuhen, he gritted his teeth and viciously said, "Alright, alright, Xiao Yi, good show! You just wait, I''ll make you regret ever being born..."


    "Get out!"


    Xiao Yi roared furiously.


    Xiao Zhengde, terrified, plopped down on the ground, the icy killing intent making him feel chilled to the bone, and he no longer dared to linger, quickly scrambling outside.


    Gazing at that ignominious retreat, Xiao Yi calmly withdrew his gaze and turned to land on Chen Shuiwen who stood beside him, dumbfounded...

 Chapter 279 Wanting to Add to Ones Crimes

    "..."


    Chen Shuiwen shivered all over.


    Before this...


    When he faced Xiao Yi, he didn''t have any special feelings.


    After all.


    He himself was an impressive existence at the Peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm, while Xiao Yi was merely at the Peak of the Golden Core Realm. He was far superior to Xiao Yi in cultivation, which naturally couldn''t exert any pressure on him.


    But now...


    Xiao Yi in front of him gave him the feeling of an insurmountable mountain, as if it was a peak that could not be surpassed.


    Especially when Xiao Yi''s cold gaze fell on him, it was like millions of battle-hardened, bloodied elite troops were staring at him. An intrinsic chill spread throughout his body in the blink of an eye, causing Chen Shuiwen''s face to turn a tinge pale.


    This was naturally because Xiao Yi had reached the Tao Tribulation Realm and condensed a unique Martial Dao Divine Fruit.


    At the First Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm, one possesses nine Dao patterns.


    This was simply unprecedented!


    Xiao Yi said coldly, "As the Vice Head of Xiaoshanhe Institute, you watched your own mentor being humiliated without taking action, merely standing by. What crime should you be held responsible for?"


    Gulp!


    Chen Shuiwen instinctively swallowed his saliva, the corners of his mouth rising slightly to form a forced smile, "Head Xiao, after all that man is your father..."


    Smack!


    Xiao Yi returned a slap across his face.


    Chen Shuiwen''s body stiffened, half of his face swelling up, and he looked at Xiao Yi with a dumbfounded expression, unable to believe it, "You, you dare hit me?"


    Smack!


    Xiao Yi slapped his face again.


    Chen Shuiwen saw stars, feeling dizzy and disoriented.


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "As the Vice Head of Xiaoshanhe Institute, you failed to protect the mentors and disciples of the Institute, even aiding the tyrant instead. These two slaps are to remind you of your identity."


    "You..."


    Chen Shuiwen regained some sobriety, his face turning shades of green and white, and in his fluctuating gaze was a hint of horror.


    With his cultivation at the Peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm, he hadn''t even seen how Xiao Yi struck.


    He had no power to resist those two slaps.


    Chen Shuiwen considered his own strength not to be weak, and even a common practitioner at the First Layer of the Dharma Manifestation Realm wouldn''t be able to do this in front of him!


    How did Xiao Yi manage it?


    Xiao Yi was already helping Lin Bingxin sit to one side. At this moment, Lin Bingxin had not yet woken up, but she was not in danger of losing her life, so Xiao Yi let go of his worries. Now that he returned to Xiaoshanhe Institute, his primary objective was to oversee the recruitment of disciples and mentors, but he encountered this scene instead.


    Ever since his arrival at Xiaoshanhe Institute, Chen Shuiwen had been putting obstacles in his way at every turn.


    Before this.


    Xiao Yi hadn''t fully grasped the situation in Xiaoshanhe Institute and didn''t want to make a major move, but now he had enough resources and also enough strength and connections.


    He naturally no longer needed to endure Chen Shuiwen.


    To secure the exterior, one must first stabilize the interior!


    Removing Chen Shuiwen was the first step in rectifying Xiaoshanhe Institute!


    Xiao Yi sat authoritatively at the head seat, looking coldly at Chen Shuiwen standing before him, "Vice Head Chen, are you aware of your crime?"


    Chen Shuiwen regained his composure and said in a deep voice, "Your subordinate does not know!"


    Xiao Yi responded indifferently, "Over the past decade or so, the imperial family has been allocating ten billion silver taels every year, but as far as I know, only one billion is actually spent on the Xiaoshanhe Institute each year. Where has the rest gone?"


    "I have served the Xiaoshanhe Institute diligently and honestly, never embezzling a single silver tael. Moreover, every expense of the Xiaoshanhe Institute is recorded in the ledger. If you have any doubts about my management of the Institute''s finances during my tenure, you are more than welcome to examine the books. If there is any problem, I, Chen Shuiwen, am willing to twist off my own head and kick it around like a ball!"


    Chen Shuiwen stood tall and proud, his voice filled with earnest pain, "Director Xiao, I have served the Xiaoshanhe Institute with dedication. If you humiliate me without any evidence, I, Chen Shuiwen, will even bring my case before Emperor Qian to clear my name!"


    The ledgers had already been burned to ashes.


    There could not possibly be any clue or trace left!


    It was precisely because of this.


    That Chen Shuiwen could be so confident and fearless!


    How could Xiao Yi not know what Chen Shuiwen was thinking? He chuckled coldly and clapped his hands, "Little Lin, bring them in!" S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Whoosh!


    A streak of golden light flashed by, transforming into a creature the size of a person. Little Lin fluttered into the hall, its claws carrying Chen Xing, known as the Fortune God. Little Lin dropped Chen Xing on the ground and perched on Xiao Yi''s shoulder. Upon seeing Chen Shuiwen assist Xiao Zhengde against Lin Bingxin, Xiao Yi was determined to reorganize the Xiaoshanhe Institute that very day, hence he had Little Lin bring Chen Xing over.


    Chen Xing''s face was filled with panic.


    He had just been resting in his bedroom when he was caught by Little Lin without any resistance.


    He was a practitioner at the Nine-fold Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    To be captured without any resistance, Little Lin must be an existence of the Dharma Manifestation Realm. Seeing Xiao Yi seated in the place of honor, Chen Xing''s complexion shifted slightly and he quickly looked towards Chen Shuiwen beside him, "Mr. Chen..."


    Chen Shuiwen shook his head at him.


    Xiao Yi looked at Chen Xing and spoke lightly, "Chen Xing, let me ask you... these years, you have been in charge of the accounts, handling all expenditures of the Xiaoshanhe Institute. As I know, every year the imperial family allocates ten billion silver taels to the Institute. Where has all this money gone?"


    "All this money was spent on the construction of the Xiaoshanhe Institute. This can be attested to by Mr. Chen!" Chen Xing said hastily, "Moreover, every transaction is recorded in the account books. If you, Director, do not trust it, you may check the accounts!"


    Chen Shuiwen said, "Director Xiao, you heard it yourself, I haven''t deceived you!"


    "Hahaha, check the accounts? The ledgers have already been destroyed by you; how can I check them?" Xiao Yi sneered.


    Chen Xing hurriedly said, "Director Xiao, you are our director, but you can''t wrong us like this! The ledger has always been fine, but something happened the day your people came to check the books. If there is any suspicion, your subordinates are more suspect, aren''t they? After all, I have managed the accounts without a single discrepancy these years!"


    Chen Shuiwen also added fuel to the fire, "Elder Chen, are you saying that the incident in the account room occurred while Director Xiao''s people were checking the accounts? Why didn''t you say so earlier?"


    "Mr. Chen, I... I didn''t dare! After all, they are Director Xiao''s people..." Chen Xing said with a look of grievance.


    Chen Shuiwen glared at Xiao Yi and denounced, "Director Xiao, you must give us an explanation for this matter."


    Xiao Yi looked at the two of them with amusement.


    This is playing a double act, putting the blame squarely on me!


    Xiao Yi chuckled, "How does destroying the previous accounts benefit me?"


    Chen Shuiwen pretended to agree, winking at Chen Xing, "Director Xiao is right, what''s in it for him to do this?"


    Chen Xing hesitated pretentiously.


    Chen Shuiwen said, "Speak freely and boldly, no one can falsely accuse you!"


    Chen Xing sighed and said, "Mr. Chen, it''s easy to find a pretext to accuse someone. If the ledger were still here, our past accounts could prove our innocence. But if the ledger is destroyed, then some slanderous accusations could be pinned on us, leaving us utterly defenseless!" Find exclusive stories on My Virtual Library Empire


    "I see, so the person who did this is truly malicious at heart!" Chen Shuiwen feigned sudden understanding, casting a provocative glance at Xiao Yi.


    You have no evidence.


    As long as I insist that you are framing us.


    What can you do to me?


    Chen Shuiwen and Chen Xing exchanged a proud look¡­

 Chapter 280 Those who follow me prosper, those who oppose me perish!

    "Are you done talking?"


    Xiao Yi watched the two of them exchanging words, speaking slowly and methodically.


    Chen Shuiwen and the other person were startled.


    Xiao Yi fiddled with the cup in his hands, his face wearing a faint smile, "If you''re finished, then it''s my turn!"


    Chen Shuiwen frowned, "Mr. Xiao, what exactly do you want?"


    Xiao Yi said, "Actually, whether this is about trumping up charges or you getting what you deserve ¡ª none of that truly matters..."


    "Mr. Xiao, what do you mean by that?" Chen Shuiwen looked at him, puzzled.


    Xiao Yi stood up, stretching his limbs, and smiled, "Since Emperor Qian has handed Xiaoshanhe Institute over to me, everything within it is at my disposal. If I say you are guilty, then you are guilty; if I say you are innocent, then you are innocent. Whether there is evidence or not is beside the point!"


    "You..."


    Chen Shuiwen''s face went through a series of changes, showing a hint of horror in his eyes.


    In his view...


    Xiao Yi would surely not dare to confront him head-on if he wanted to control Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Otherwise...


    If he and a group of instructors and disciples banded together to resist, not to mention revitalizing Xiaoshanhe Institute, even the most basic management would become problematic for Xiao Yi.


    Then he would incur severe punishment from Emperor Qian.


    Moreover...


    Having managed Xiaoshanhe Institute for over a decade, Chen Shuiwen had turned it into an impregnable fortress, beyond the reach of others. It was precisely for this reason that Chen Shuiwen was so confident and fearless, confronting Xiao Yi head-on, intending to make Xiao Yi''s life difficult until he had no choice but to leave, and the control of Xiaoshanhe Institute would once again fall into his hands.


    As for forcefully removing them?


    Chen Shuiwen had never thought Xiao Yi would do such a thing, or to put it another way, in his view, Xiao Yi absolutely wouldn''t dare to do so.


    After all...


    He had deep roots in Xiaoshanhe Institute, and should Xiao Yi forcefully oppose him, he could simply take all instructors and disciples and leave. What then, with Xiao Yi alone, could be said about revitalizing Xiaoshanhe Institute?


    If it were under normal circumstances, anyone else taking Xiao Yi''s position indeed wouldn''t dare to do so.


    But now...


    Xiao Yi had already resolved to expand Xiaoshanhe Institute, and once new disciples and instructors were recruited, Chen Shuiwen''s departure, along with that of his cadre of parasites, would have absolutely no impact on Xiaoshanhe Institute. In addition, Xiao Yi held a capital of a trillion two of silver and had also formed alliances with the powerful Dongfang and Ximen families.


    As long as the issue of the elixirs was resolved, a completely new Xiaoshanhe Institute could be established.


    Why would a Xiao Yi, who had no concerns for the consequences, fear them?


    "Mr. Xiao, stop posing and posturing here. Xiaoshanhe Institute can do without you, Xiao Yi, but it can''t do without me, Chen Shuiwen!" Chen Shuiwen said confidently.


    Chen Xing nodded from the side, "Mr. Chen has devoted all his efforts to Xiaoshanhe Institute; without him, there would be no Xiaoshanhe Institute today! If you dismiss Mr. Chen without any evidence, all the teachers and students of Xiaoshanhe Institute will not stand for it, and we will surely petition to Emperor Qian about your actions!"


    "Very well, since you want evidence, I will give you evidence!"


    Xiao Yi reached out with one hand.


    Whoosh!


    The vitality was like a sea, instantly binding Chen Xing.


    Chen Xing''s body involuntarily hung in midair, his hands clutching at his neck desperately, his face full of shock, his limbs flailing wildly, "Let me go... Xiao, Xiao Yi, what are you doing? Let me go..."


    Chen Shuiwen''s face was extremely unsightly, and he gritted his teeth, "Xiao Yi, are you really going to tear our faces apart?"


    Vitality fluctuated around him.


    Hiss, hiss!


    A series of low hissing suddenly echoed in his ears; Little Lin had unknowingly landed on his shoulder, its sharp fangs glinting a cold light.


    Gulp!


    Chen Shuiwen''s body trembled all over.


    The arrival of Little Lin sent a chill throughout his body, as if he had fallen into an ice cellar.


    This was the feeling of death!


    It made him dare not move.


    Xiao Yi squinted his eyes, staring at Chen Xing. Under the powerful pressure that crushed down, Chen Xing''s face turned extremely pale, completely bloodless, his voice icy, "Chen Xing, if you confess truthfully, I can spare you from death. Otherwise, I will make you understand what it means to neither live nor die at will!"


    "I, I don''t know what you''re talking about..." Chen Xing gritted his teeth.


    "Is that so?"


    Xiao Yi gave a faint smile.


    Thud!


    A streak of silver light flashed by, severing Chen Xing''s right arm at the shoulder.


    The severed arm flew high into the air and fell to the ground.


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Speak? Or not?"


    "I don''t know..."


    Thud!


    His left arm was cut off.


    Chen Xing screamed in agony, his eyes reddening, "Xiao Yi... you are framing me, I..."


    Thud!


    Both legs were severed.


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "If you confess honestly, not only will I spare your life, but I will also procure a Jade Fetal Elixir for you, allowing your severed body to be reborn. If you remain deluded, the next thing to part from your body will be this head of yours!"


    "I, I..."


    Chen Xing''s face was filled with terror as he watched the silver light dancing on Xiao Yi''s fingertips. His complexion shifted constantly until the silver light reached in front of his eyes, when he quickly bellowed, "I''ll talk, I''ll talk... I have backups of all the ledgers in my Storage Ring. Over the years, Chen Shuiwen has been embezzling imperial funds. He has swallowed nearly a hundred billion by himself, for all of which I have evidence..."


    "Chen Xing, how dare you betray me?" Chen Shuiwen''s eyes were about to split with fury.


    Chen Xing said with a bitter smile, "Mr. Chen, I, I had no choice..."


    "You..."


    Chen Shuiwen''s face was as black as coal.


    Xiao Yi took the ledger that Chen Xing handed over, his eyes narrowing, "Mr. Chen, do you have anything to say?"


    Chen Shuiwen''s face alternated between green and white, his eyes filled with venomous hatred as he gnashed his teeth, "Xiao Yi, you''re ruthless. I admit my loss today. Yet, over these years at Xiaoshanhe Institute, I have endured hardships even if I haven''t made meritorious deeds. So what if I embezzled this money? Do you really dare to kill me?"


    Over these years.


    Although Chen Shuiwen was insatiably greedy, he had indeed cultivated many strong individuals.


    Among these strong individuals, many held high positions, or were powerful figures in their own right.


    Even if the evidence was conclusive and all submitted to Emperor Qian.


    Emperor Qian would not kill him!


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "I will not kill you, but Xiaoshanhe Institute can no longer accommodate you. Leave!"


    Xiao Yi''s aim had never been to kill Chen Shuiwen but to simply expel him from Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Chen Shuiwen sneered, "Xiao Yi, as the saying goes, ''The mountains do not turn, but the waters do.'' Today, I, Chen Shuiwen, have underestimated you and fallen into your hands. But don''t get too comfortable. There will come a day when I will claim back today''s humiliation with interest!"


    A cold snort.


    Chen Shuiwen stalked off with a flick of his sleeve. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Explore stories on My Virtual Library Empire


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, remaining silent.


    A moment later...


    Little Lin flew in from outside, landing on his shoulder: "Boss, that old guy is gathering instructors and students..."


    "If those parasites choose to leave with him, it saves me the effort of weeding them out one by one."


    Xiao Yi waved his hand, then narrowed his eyes, speaking indifferently, "Little Lin, you tell those people, if they want to leave, I won''t stop them, but if they stay, they must abide by my rules."


    Little Lin blinked, "Boss, what rules?"


    Xiao Yi enunciated each word, "Those who follow me will prosper, those who oppose me will perish!"

 Chapter 281 Name Remains, Essence Gone?

    Xiaoshanhe Institute, Martial Arts Field.


    Chen Shuiwen stood on the high platform, with thousands of people standing before him. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    These were all the current instructors and disciples of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, and over the more than a decade that Chen Shuiwen had been in charge, they had become his steadfast supporters.


    "Ladies and gentlemen, I, Chen Shuiwen, have exhausted all my efforts for the Xiaoshanhe Institute for decades, but ''when the hare is dead, the hound is cooked...''"


    With a sorrowful expression, Chen Shuiwen spoke in a heavy voice, "Now that Xiao Yi has ascended to the position of head of Xiaoshanhe Institute, I, Chen Shuiwen, have lost my usefulness. Just a moment ago, Xiao Yi asked me to resign from the position of Deputy Head. I, Chen Shuiwen, cannot bear to leave and cannot bear to part with all of you; I was unwilling to resign. Xiao Yi then coerced Elder Chen Xing into slandering me by accusing me of embezzling more than a hundred billion taels. If I do not leave, he will use this crime of embezzlement against me. I have no other choice but to resign from the position of Deputy Head of Xiaoshanhe Institute effective immediately..."


    Boom!


    As soon as this was said,


    The entire Martial Arts Field boiled over.


    Thousands of people widened their eyes in shock and bewilderment.


    Chen Shuiwen looked toward Sun Zhengyi, Zou Zheng, and others in the crowd.


    Sun Zhengyi, in stark anguish, cried out, "Ladies and gentlemen, over the years, Mr. Chen has given his all for the Shanhe Court. Xiao Yi has barely arrived at the Xiaoshanhe Institute and is already trying to eliminate dissidents, repressing Mr. Chen. Can you tolerate this?"


    "We cannot!"


    Zou Zheng shouted, "Mr. Chen has worked tirelessly for our benefit. What is Xiao Yi? What contributions has he made to the Xiaoshanhe Institute?"


    "Right, we support Mr. Chen!"


    "If Xiao Yi wants to drive Mr. Chen away, he has to drive us all away together!"


    "It should be him leaving, why should you be the one to go?"


    "We support having Xiao Yi resign from the position of Head..."


    The crowd shouted one after another.


    The unified shouting of thousands of people was like thundering war drums reverberating in the skies above the Martial Arts Field.


    The corners of Chen Shuiwen''s mouth lifted slightly, revealing a smile of successful intrigue. He clasped his hands together in front of his chest, tears glistened in his bloodshot eyes: "Ladies and gentlemen, there is no need for this. Xiao, the Head of the Institute, has the Emperor Qian''s instructions and is the rightful leader of Xiaoshanhe Institute. And what am I, Chen Shuiwen? I have treated the Xiaoshanhe Institute as my home, and for over a decade I have diligently and unswervingly worked without a moment''s laziness... but none of that matters anymore. Since Xiao the Head cannot accommodate me, then let me depart! Ladies and gentlemen, you should stay at the Xiaoshanhe Institute, I trust that Xiao the Head will certainly lead you to a glorious future!"


    His words were earnest and touched the heart of every hardship and difficulty he had faced over the past decade.


    It brought pain to those who heard it, and tears to those who saw it.


    The instructors of Xiaoshanhe Institute had long received Chen Shuiwen''s instructions and began to speak one after another: "Ladies and gentlemen, we absolutely cannot let Mr. Chen''s years of hard work be wasted!"


    "We support Mr. Chen; if Xiao the Head insists on driving Mr. Chen away, we will leave with him!"


    "Right, we will advance or retreat together with Mr. Chen!"


    The disciples, who usually spent more time with their instructors than the newly arrived Head Xiao Yi, began to speak up, "We are willing to advance or retreat together with Mr. Chen!"


    "If Xiao the Head wants to drive Mr. Chen away, then drive us all away!"


    "Advance or retreat together!"


    Sun Zhengyi raised his arms and shouted. Seeing a sea of disciples worked into a fervent state, their spirit fully ignited, a look of pride appeared on his face as he looked toward Chen Shuiwen.


    In Chen Shuiwen''s eyes flashed a hint of satisfaction. Feigning emotion, he said, "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for your recognition and support of me. Since you all wish to follow me, I will certainly not let you down! I will find a way to establish a new Xiaoshanhe Institute. If you trust in me, Chen Shuiwen, then leave with me, and I, Chen Shuiwen, promise that you will not be treated unfairly!"


    "I am willing to follow you!"


    "Mr. Chen, we will always support you!"


    For a moment.


    Experience more tales on My Virtual Library Empire


    All the instructors and two-thirds of the disciples chose to follow Chen Shuiwen as he left.


    Those who remained were students with mediocre talents coupled with a lack of flattery. They received scant resources usually and were extremely dissatisfied with Chen Shuiwen and the various instructors. In Chen Shuiwen''s eyes, these people were trash that couldn''t be helped up, and he naturally did not care about their departure, laughing as he said, "Everyone, please believe in Chen, I definitely won''t let you down!"


    "Long live Dean Chen!"


    "Following Dean Chen''s lead is indeed the correct choice!"


    Oozing with pride, Chen Shuiwen turned his gaze to Xiao Yi, who appeared on the edge of the training field, his face wearing an arrogant look, and he proclaimed loudly, "Dean Xiao, if a place does not welcome me, I will find one that does. Today, due to your stubbornness, you forced us to leave the Xiaoshanhe Institute. I believe it won''t be long before you regret today''s decision!"


    Xiao Yi''s shoulder was home to Little Lin.


    Standing behind him were Yu Huaxian and others, their gazes towards Chen Shuiwen and his people icily sharp.


    Xiao Yi''s mouth curled up slightly, glancing at the crowd before him, excited, with each person standing behind Chen Shuiwen¡ªboth instructors and disciples¡ªwith an indifferent look, "If you step out of the Xiaoshanhe Institute today, you will never be employed again, having no further ties with my Xiaoshanhe Institute!"


    "Who wants to have anything to do with you?"


    "Since we''ve chosen to leave with Dean Chen, we naturally won''t come back!"


    "Dean Xiao, you can stay here and play the lone commander..."


    Sun Zhengyi wore a mocking smile, laughing derisively.


    All the instructors and disciples felt the same.


    Nobody was optimistic about Xiao Yi.


    A top powerhouse in a sect is indeed important, but the true foundation lies in the disciples and the strength of various instructors. Without them, one is but a lone commander, of what use is strength then?


    "Everyone, follow me and leave!"


    Chen Shuiwen made a grand sweeping gesture, and everyone closely followed him.


    As he brushed past Xiao Yi, Chen Shuiwen''s step faltered slightly, revealing a smug smile, "Xiao Yi, there''s just over two months until the ancestor worship ceremony, I''d like to see how you explain yourself to Emperor Qian!"


    "You needn''t worry yourself over that!" Xiao Yi replied indifferently.


    "Truly a case of not crying until seeing the coffin!"


    Chen Shuiwen shook his head, leading Sun Zhengyi, Zou Zheng, and the rest of the instructors and disciples away, striding off with great steps.


    For a moment.


    On the training field, only Xiao Yi''s party remained, along with the bottom third of disciples from the Xiaoshanhe Institute who had not left.


    They looked at each other, their faces a picture of bewildered uncertainty.


    Although they were unwilling to follow Chen Shuiwen, staying in the Xiaoshanhe Institute, they also saw no hope.


    After all.


    Compared with the experienced and renowned Chen Shuiwen, Xiao Yi was indeed far less famous in managing a sect.


    Moreover...


    Now that almost all instructors and disciples of the Xiaoshanhe Institute had left, with the Institute in name only, how could it return to its former glory?


    The vast training field was cast in dreary gloom.


    Xiao Yi''s sharp gaze swept over everyone, how could he not understand their thoughts? His mouth rose slightly, and he was about to speak astonishingly, "..."

 Chapter 282 Turning Hand into a Mountain of Silver!

    "If you wish to leave, I will not force you to stay!"


    Xiao Yi''s words were startling.


    The over one thousand disciples left on the training ground all looked at each other in disbelief, unable to believe what they were hearing from Xiao Yi.


    In their eyes...


    Presently, all the instructors of Xiaoshanhe Institute, along with two-thirds of the elite disciples, had followed Chen Shuiwen away.


    They were all that was left of Xiaoshanhe Institute''s foundation.


    Shouldn''t Xiao Yi exhaust every effort to keep them instead of letting them leave?


    Was he planning to throw in the towel and give up on Xiaoshanhe Institute completely?


    For a moment.


    Many disciples wavered and ultimately chose to leave, "Sorry, Director Xiao..."


    "I apologize, Director Xiao..."


    One.


    Continue your journey on My Virtual Library Empire


    Two.


    Three...


    Once someone took the lead, others quickly followed.


    In the blink of an eye.


    One-third of the group had left, leaving only over seven hundred still standing in their places.


    Xiao Yi''s gaze swept over these seven hundred and saw a trace of satisfaction flash in the depths of his eyes, knowing that those who still wished to stay must be truly loyal to Xiaoshanhe Institute at heart.


    Their talents might not be high.


    But with Xiao Yi there, was a lack of talent a problem?


    Even for those considered talentless, he could create a demon core Dantian!


    Xiao Yi''s mouth curved into a smile as he spoke loudly, "I''m glad you chose to stay. I know many of you are doubting whether I can lead Xiaoshanhe Institute to its former glory¡­"


    The crowd was silent.


    But their gazes all fell on him.


    Just as Xiao Yi had said, they were indeed doubting his abilities.


    Xiao Yi''s smile grew slightly, and a powerful pressure suddenly burst forth from him as the Martial Dao Divine Fruit floated above him.


    That golden Martial Dao Divine Fruit radiated myriad halos and a thousand streaks of auspicious light.


    Under the enveloping pressure.


    The crowd felt their spirits lifted, gazing at the Martial Dao Divine Fruit above Xiao Yi''s head in disbelief. They had never seen a Divine Fruit of the Martial Dao so pure, so holy, so powerful.


    At least in terms of power¡­


    Xiao Yi had given them a strong impact and confidence, after all, not even Chen Shuiwen had ever exerted such terrifying pressure on them.


    Looking at the awe and admiration in the eyes of the crowd, Xiao Yi knew he had achieved the desired effect.


    The Martial Dao Divine Fruit retracted into his body.


    The terrible pressure disappeared without a trace.


    The crowd''s gaze was unprecedentedly unified, all focused on Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi spoke solemnly, "Please believe in me, I am certain I can lead Xiaoshanhe Institute back to its glory!"


    "Director Xiao, all the instructors of Xiaoshanhe Institute have now followed Deputy Director Chen, how then can you lead us back to glory?"


    "I am sure Director Xiao is also aware that our talents are not outstanding among the disciples of Xiaoshanhe Institute, we might even be considered the bottom tier. It is precisely because of this that we were always neglected, which is why we didn''t follow Deputy Director Chen when he left..."


    "Director Xiao''s strength is there for all to see, but your strength alone does not mean you can make us strong too!"


    The disciples said one after another.


    Xiao Yi nodded, clearly understanding their concerns, but he had long been prepared for these questions. He responded, "Please rest assured, the current predicament of Xiaoshanhe Institute is only temporary. Soon, you will meet a batch of outstanding instructors, as well as a group of talented fellow disciples. I am confident that Xiaoshanhe Institute will shine once more, and those who left today will regret their decision for the rest of their lives!"


    "Director Chen, did you hear what he said? It appears that our Director Xiao is unaware of what it truly takes to strengthen Xiaoshanhe Institute!" Sun Zhengyi''s voice came from the edge of the training ground.


    It turned out they had already packed their belongings, ready to leave Xiaoshanhe Institute, and had overheard Xiao Yi''s words while passing by.


    Chen Shuiwen, with his arms folded across his chest and a smile curving his lips, spoke in a mocking tone, "Director Xiao, let me remind you... the strength of a sect requires not only a sufficient number of strong figures to guide the disciples in their Cultivation Technique, and not just disciples with enough talent in numbers. It also needs a vast amount of resources, medicinal pills, elemental weapons, martial skills... all of these are indispensable."


    Zou Zheng expressed regret, "It''s just a pity that Xiaoshanhe Institute really doesn''t have any spare silver left for you. Oh right, it seems the manuals for the martial arts Cultivation Techniques also lack proper management and have been damaged by worms. Tsk tsk, it''s such a waste!"


    "Director Chen, how about we each donate a Silver Tael to help them out a bit? Otherwise, with Xiaoshanhe Institute in its current state, I''m afraid they won''t even be able to afford ordinary grains and fodder!" Sun Zhengyi said with a smirk by the side, his eyes filled with ridicule and provocation as he looked at Xiao Yi.


    As Chen Shuiwen''s confidant, he naturally knew that over the past decade.


    Xiaoshanhe Institute had already been hollowed out by Chen Shuiwen.


    In the treasury room.


    Leaving several hundred thousand taels of silver was already an act of great charity from Chen Shuiwen.


    No people, no money.


    How could they possibly revitalize the Xiaoshanhe Institute?


    Faced with everyone''s ridicule and provocation, Xiao Yi noticed that the expressions on the seven hundred disciples'' faces also showed a trace of sorrow.


    Xiao Yi turned to look at Chen Shuiwen and said with a cold smile, "You''re right, the resources you mentioned are indeed essential for the revival of the Xiaoshanhe Institute. However, who told you that the Xiaoshanhe Institute is lacking in these?"


    "Hmm?"


    Chen Shuiwen was startled.


    Sun Zhengyi sneered, "Head Xiao, there''s no need to pretend here. The Xiaoshanhe Institute''s treasury can''t even produce a million taels of silver, let alone have a sufficient number of cultivation techniques, and even the tutors have all left. Could it be that you think just the few of you are enough to revive the Xiaoshanhe Institute? Don''t overestimate yourself!"


    Zou Zheng clicked his tongue and mocked, "Chen is preparing to establish a new Shanhe Court. If Head Xiao really can''t make ends meet, feel free to come over. I''ll personally put in a good word with Chen for you and get you a job as a gatekeeper!"


    Pretending to be displeased, Chen Shuiwen rebuked, "Zou Zheng, what nonsense are you talking? He has Emperor Qian''s support, how could he possibly need to come to us to make a living?"


    "Chen is right..."


    Sun Zhengyi also chimed in, winking and teasing, "With Head Xiao''s relationship with the imperial family, if he really can''t make it, he could completely become a chief steward in the palace!"


    "Hahaha..."


    The crowd burst into laughter.


    The look in their eyes towards Xiao Yi became even more filled with mockery.


    "Bastards..."


    "I really want to tear their mouths apart..." Yu Huaxian and the others'' faces turned green and then white, looking terribly ugly.


    They were about to make a move, but Xiao Yi stopped them.


    Xiao Yi looked at Chen Shuiwen and the others, who were full of pride, and said lightly, "My Xiaoshanhe Institute may lack everything, but it certainly doesn''t lack resources."


    "It''s not up to you to decide whether you lack resources or not!"


    "Hahaha, Head Xiao, could it be that you can conjure up a mountain of gold out of thin air?"


    Facing their ridicule and teasing,


    Xiao Yi shook his head with a smile and said, "A mountain of gold may be out of the question, but a mountain of silver is quite easy to come by!"


    "Hmm?"


    "A mountain of silver?"


    The crowd was taken aback.


    With a wave of Xiao Yi''s hand, a swath of silver light suddenly burst forth.


    From his storage ring, box after box of silver taels fell to the ground.


    Ten thousand.


    One hundred thousand.


    One million.


    Ten million...


    In the blink of an eye.


    An entire one trillion taels of silver were laid out in the martial field, piling up into a dazzling mountain of silver.


    Looking at the blinding mountain of silver, those who were just mocking Xiao Yi were dumbfounded.


    They felt their faces burn as if they had been viciously slapped dozens of times: "How is this possible?" Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "There has to be several trillion taels of silver here, right?"


    "With so much money... what resources couldn''t be bought? My god, where did Xiao Yi get all this money? How much can he buy with it? What have we exactly missed?"


    "With so much money in the Xiaoshanhe Institute, how could there be any worry about rejuvenation? Why did we choose to leave?"


    "..."


    For a time.


    Many disciples who had left with Chen Shuiwen were full of regret and beat their chests in frustration.


    Chen Shuiwen and the others were even paler, looking at the mountain of silver that rose dozens of feet high, their eyes wide...


    Xiao Yi''s mouth curved into a slight smile as he looked at the stunned crowd and said, "Isn''t this mountain of silver spectacular?"


    Clap clap clap!


    Chen Shuiwen and the others'' cheeks twitched violently, they glared viciously at Xiao Yi but ended up leaving in a sorry state...

 Chapter 283 Do Not Move or Die!

    Chen Shuiwen and his party left in disarray.


    Excitement was painted on the faces of the several hundred disciples who chose to stay at the Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    This was a trillion silver taels!


    One should know...


    Even considering the former scale of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, the monthly expenses were only about three hundred million silver taels, even if the costs increased a hundredfold it would only amount to one hundred billion. Here, the silver was enough to sustain for more than a decade, and with the resources increasing by tens of times, even if their talents were not as good as those who followed Chen Shuiwen, they could completely make up for it with the resources!


    In that moment,


    Those who had been full of doubts, thinking that Xiao Yi couldn''t lead the Xiaoshanhe Institute to its former glory, all showed excited expressions.


    Even Yu Huaxian had never seen so many silver taels before, and he swallowed subconsciously, turning to Yan Mingli beside him, "Elder Yan, do you think Xiao managed to get his hands on so much silver? He couldn''t have sold himself, right?"


    Yan Mingli twitched the corner of his eye: "..."


    Xue Bufan and others also gave him a deep look, with weird expressions on their faces.


    Touching his chin, Yu Huaxian felt even more convinced that his guess was right and pondered, "It''s only been a few days since Xiao left, and he''s made a trillion silver taels! This business is definitely worth it... It''s just that I don''t know if it can be a long-term deal. If it can last, it may be worthwhile for Xiao to make a few more trips..."


    "Yu Huaxian, I happen to know a place where you can sell your ass, are you interested?" A sinister voice suddenly rang in his ear.


    "Of course I''ll go... uh..." Find more to read at My Virtual Library Empire


    Yu Huaxian''s face stiffened as he turned to look at Xiao Yi, who had appeared before him, his face dark as coal, staring at him. He swallowed instinctively, and with a sheepish laugh, said, "Xiao... Xiao, I won''t dare... ah..."


    A scream pierced the air.


    Yu Huaxian was directly grabbed by Xiao Yi, who changed his direction and with a thud, buried his head in the ground.


    His legs stood straight up,


    Like an uprooted green onion.


    Xiao Yi said, "You''re not allowed to come out until it gets dark!"


    Yu Huaxian''s aggrieved voice came from the ground: "&*()..."


    Xiao Yi looked towards Yan Mingli and spoke in a deep voice, "Elder Yan, I will entrust these silver taels to your management. From now on, you will lead all matters related to finance at the Xiaoshanhe Institute!"


    "Yes!"


    Yan Mingli''s face was filled with excitement.


    This was entrusting him with the financial authority of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, a sign of absolute trust.


    He looked at Xiao Yi with eyes full of gratitude.


    Xiao Yi then looked towards Xue Bufan and spoke solemnly, "Elder Xue, we will be expanding the recruitment of disciples and instructors next. There will be a large shortage of medicinal pills. List out what kinds we need, and I will find a way to source them."


    "Xiao, the medicinal pills in the Great Qian Dynasty are all controlled by the Nangong and Beitang families, shall I go see them?" Xue Bufan asked.


    Xiao Yi pondered for a moment. Although Nangong Shengtian was previously overbearing and aggressive, just as Xue Bufan said, the medicinal pill and herb market within the Great Qian Dynasty was in the hands of these two families. If they could cooperate with them, it would definitely save a lot of trouble: "First, go to the Nangong Family to negotiate. If things don''t work out, we will find another way!"


    "Sure!"


    Xue Bufan nodded, "I''ll go right away!"


    Struggling, Yu Huaxian pulled his head out of the ground, spat out a mouthful of dirt, and expressed his concern, "Xiao, now that Chen Shuiwen has taken away all the instructors, as well as so many elite disciples. Our priority should be to recruit new disciples and instructors. Otherwise, just with us here... Not to mention revitalizing the Xiaoshanhe Institute, we won''t even be able to cope with the ancestral ceremony in two months!"


    Yan Mingli nodded, "Xiao, Yu Huaxian makes a good point!"


    Xiao Yi said, "Don''t worry, I have my plans for these matters!"


    His eyes narrowed into slits.


    The resurgence of the Xiaoshanhe Institute was of great significance. After all, if he wanted to truly surpass Xiao Tianjiao, it would not be possible just by fighting alone.


    The Xiaoshanhe Institute was the perfect platform.


    Muttering to himself, Xiao Yi thought, "Xiao Tianjiao, you pride yourself on the backing of the Tianjian Sect and its massive power. But I wonder what your expression will be when I build the Xiaoshanhe Institute to rival the Tianjian Sect?"


    "Yu Huaxian, from this moment on, these disciples'' cultivation is entrusted to you. I will have Elder Xue and Elder Yan assist you. Whatever resources are needed, tell them directly. Spare no cost in providing for you. I want to see results in the shortest amount of time!" Xiao Yi instructed.


    He was determined to thoroughly reform the Xiaoshanhe Institute. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This reform was bound to face pressure from all sides, and with his current strength, he could barely resist these pressures. But what was truly important was to address all potential concerns of the Xiaoshanhe Institute. Among these, the most critical was to secure the loyalty of the few hundred disciples before him, to offer them sufficient benefits, and to enable them to breakthrough their realms in the shortest time possible.


    These individuals were the gold-plated signboard he planned to send out into the world.


    Yu Huaxian understood the gravity of the situation; he patted his chest and solemnly promised, "Xiao, rest assured, I will not let you down!"


    His eyes fell on the few hundred disciples, and the corners of his mouth lifted slightly: "Boys, brace yourselves for Grandpa Yu''s thunderstorm!"


    The few hundred disciples shuddered.


    They felt a chill all over.


    At this moment, they did not yet know that a storm as terrifying as hell would soon descend upon them.


    Of course...


    This storm was also a tremendous opportunity.


    An opportunity that could change their lives!


    After making all the arrangements, Xiao Yi returned to his private residence, "The strength of a sect, apart from having top warrior forces, also requires sufficient expert guidance, a substantial and high-quality group of disciples, and various types of resources... As for attracting enough experts and geniuses to join, one must show the strengths of the Xiaoshanhe Institute!"


    Now that the Xiaoshanhe Institute had experienced the departure of people like Chen Shuiwen, its reputation would inevitably plummet to its lowest.


    This posed a great challenge for both the Xiaoshanhe Institute and Xiao Yi.


    A single misstep.


    Could lead to a tarnished reputation, and then no one would wish to join the Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    But this was also an opportunity.


    Chen Shuiwen would undoubtedly widely publicize their departure, and at that time, many eyes would turn to the Xiaoshanhe Institute. If at this moment, they could instill confidence in everyone, letting them know the tremendous benefits of joining the Xiaoshanhe Institute, how could it worry about not attracting people?


    "The formation stones from Three Seas Mountain and Wendao Villa will arrive in two days. If I can turn the entire Xiaoshanhe Institute into a cultivation holy land, it will surely attract a group of followers." At this thought, Xiao Yi''s figure flashed, and he entered the eternal tomb.


    His cultivation had now reached the First Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm, and the number of God Sealing Seeds he possessed was a terrifying tens of millions!


    His eyes couldn''t help but fall upon the tomb of Zhao Wuji.


    This was a presence that stood at the very pinnacle of the outermost layer of the pyramid in the eternal tomb, Martial God Zhao Wuji, a figure shrouded in legend, a being spoken of as both god and devil.


    Simultaneously...


    He was also the only being among many strong figures who could be termed a "God."


    Before this.


    With several million God Sealing Seeds in Xiao Yi''s possession, he was already close to accessing Zhao Wuji''s ancient tomb. Now, with tens of millions of God Sealing Seeds, he could naturally progress further. But just as he was about to touch Zhao Wuji''s ancient tomb, the God Sealing Seeds inside his body suddenly began to tremble violently, and in his mind, the anxious voice of the Wind Thunder Venerable suddenly rang out: "Do not touch! To touch is to die!"


    Hiss!


    Xiao Yi''s face drastically changed, and he quickly withdrew his hand.


    The tomb of Zhao Wuji in front of him seemed to be greatly angered, and the tombstone trembled thunderously.


    The formidable pressure made Xiao Yi''s face turn even paler.


    The tens of millions of God Sealing Seeds inside his body trembled wildly, the terrifying black light shrouded him, and only then was he barely able to withstand that terrible pressure.


    Xiao Yi drew a cold breath, looking at the ancient tomb in front of him with lingering fear: "What exactly is hidden inside Zhao Wuji''s ancient tomb? Why is Wind Thunder Venerable so wary of it? Well, I will deal with it after I truly step into the Dharma Manifestation Realm!"


    His gaze reluctantly moved away from Zhao Wuji''s ancient tomb.


    Xiao Yi arrived at the destination of his journey...


    In front of this low tomb was a standing green tombstone that read¡ªTomb of the Great Formation Master Twin Star Taoist!

 Chapter 284 The Twin Star Taoist

    ```


    Twin Star Taoist.


    His life was legendary.


    This man was born into a martial arts family. His martial arts talent was mediocre, not valued by his clan.


    Thus, he took a different path and delved into the study of formation arts.


    It is said¡­


    Throughout his life, Twin Star Taoist created over 63,000 formations, virtually encompassing all conceivable arrays.


    Explore more stories at My Virtual Library Empire


    Though he wasn''t hailed as the Medicine Saint like the Wind Thunder revered one, nor considered the pioneer of the path of alchemy, his status in the realm of formations was no less than that of the Wind Thunder revered one in alchemy. The most famous battle in Twin Star Taoist''s life was against Zhao Wuji, during which he laid down over 13,800 killing formations and 21,056 trapping formations.


    He had trapped Zhao Wuji for an entire century.


    To break free from that world of formations, Martial God Zhao Wuji had forcibly shattered the once whole Qingtian Realm into bits and pieces.


    This resulted in the current five continents of north, south, east, west, and central Qingtian Realm.


    And the former world of formations, as the main battlefield, was directly sunk into the depths of the ocean.


    The path of formations, the path of alchemy, the martial path.


    Mastering any of these could grant power to rival the gods.


    If Zhao Wuji was considered the pinnacle of the martial path, then Twin Star Taoist was the dominant force in the world of formations!


    In terms of being troublesome, he was undoubtedly the first in all ages throughout Qingtian Realm!


    It was for this reason...


    Xiao Yi had held back from making his move until now.


    "Once I''ve excavated Twin Star Taoist''s grave, the only other tomb that seems promising is Zhao Wuji''s¡­" Xiao Yi looked around, even though there were many tombs here, there weren''t many that caught his eye!


    However¡­


    The Wind Thunder revered one''s consecutive warnings had made Xiao Yi more cautious and wary of Zhao Wuji''s tomb.


    He was determined not to touch it until he truly broke through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    Swish!


    Inside Xiao Yi, tens of millions of God Sealing Seeds furiously converged, forming a pitch-black palm that fiercely struck toward Twin Star Taoist''s tomb.


    Boom!


    The tomb exploded.


    Suddenly, countless formation flags shot out, with up to a thousand of them landing around Xiao Yi.


    The surrounding space twisted, revealing a piece of tranquil land.


    It was an ancient village.


    The villagers were coming and going, their faces bearing happy smiles. They looked at Xiao Yi with very gentle eyes.


    "May I ask¡­"


    Xiao Yi saw a girl appear ahead of him. The girl was exquisite, as if carved from jade.


    Her pigtails on either side were especially cute, and she held a tanghulu in her plump hands, hopping past Xiao Yi. When she heard Xiao Yi speak, the girl stopped, curiously sizing him up with her head tilted, her voice as pleasant as an oriole''s, "Big brother, how come I''ve never seen you before? Are you new to our village?"


    Xiao Yi subconsciously nodded, "Little sister, what''s your name? Where is this place?"


    The girl tilted her head and said with a beaming smile, "My name is Qingzhu, Fang Qingzhu!"


    "Huh?"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback.


    Fang Qingzhu?


    How could she be Fang Qingzhu?


    While Xiao Yi was stunned, he saw the girl suddenly thrust the tanghulu in her hand forward, stabbing at a young boy passing by her side. The candied hawthorn stick was as sharp as a knife, and with a ''puff,'' it sliced off the young boy''s head. His fresh blood sprayed onto the tanghulu, making the string of candied fruits even more vividly red.


    The surrounding villagers continued to go about their business with happy smiles on their faces.


    As if they hadn''t seen any of it.


    The girl clapped her hands, her face beaming with excitement and joy, "My tanghulu is sweeter now! Big brother, do you want to try some?"


    In front of Xiao Yi¡­


    The girl''s appearance began to change, her body transforming to look exactly like Fang Qingzhu.


    Xiao Yi''s pupils suddenly contracted, disbelief in his eyes, "How can you kill people at will?"


    "Big brother, my tanghulu wasn''t sweet anymore, but after killing them, it''s sweet again!" said the girl innocently.


    She stuck out her blood-red tongue and licked the tanghulu.


    ```


    The sugar coating on the hawthorn fruit skewers gradually faded. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The girl frowned in dissatisfaction, looking at the villagers coming and going around her, "How annoying! The candied hawthorn isn''t sweet anymore, big brother, wait for me, okay? I''m going to add some sugar to the skewers!"


    Swish!


    Swish!


    The girl''s smile remained on her face, as beautiful as Fang Qingzhu''s, while the candied hawthorn in her hand turned into a deadly weapon.


    One life after another was claimed by the candied hawthorn.


    Blood added to the bright red color on the skewers.


    The taste became increasingly sweet.


    "Stop!"


    Xiao Yi flashed in front of her, staring at the girl, "You can''t just kill people at will!"


    The girl''s eyes brimmed with longing, looking at Xiao Yi with a look of grievance, her slender palm covering her heart, "Big brother, don''t you like me anymore? I just wanted to eat the candied hawthorn, why must you stop me?"


    "You..."


    Xiao Yi looked at that familiar face, filled with a sorrowful expression, and his heart twisted in pain.


    For a moment...


    It was as if it really was Fang Qingzhu standing before him.


    The girl said with a look of grievance, "You promised that you would do anything for me, are you going back on your word now? You don''t love me anymore?"


    Every word the girl spoke, every character was filled with a magic power.


    Striking directly at Xiao Yi''s heart.


    An alluring voice appeared in his mind, "It''s just killing a few people, isn''t it? She is the one you love the most; what''s the big deal?"


    Xiao Yi''s heart wavered.


    On one side was the person he loved the most; on the other, strangers who meant nothing to him.


    Suddenly...


    Xiao Yi gritted his teeth, shook his head forcefully, and the confusion and hesitation in his eyes vanished as he snorted coldly and seized the neck of the Fang Qingzhu in front of him.


    "Big brother, you... are you going to kill me? You said you''d love me and protect me for a lifetime, will you really kill me for their sake?" The girl''s eyes welled up with longing tears, her aggrieved appearance almost irresistibly stirring the impulse to protect her.


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi exhaled a long breath, his voice sinking, "The real Qingzhu would never slaughter the innocent like you... You can''t influence me!"


    His state of mind was ascending.


    As firm as iron, unbreakable.


    No matter how the girl in front of him tried to beguile or look aggrieved, she could not shake his spirit.


    The look of grievance on the girl''s face disappeared in an instant, transforming into a strange smile. Everything around him shattered. The villagers vanished; the village disappeared. In front of Xiao Yi, the girl turned into a middle-aged man dressed in starry Daoist robes.


    He had somehow broken free from Xiao Yi''s grasp, his hands behind his back, and a warm smile on his face as he looked at Xiao Yi and nodded, "To break the Dream-Entering Formation of this old man in such a short time, lad, you''ve done well!"


    "Are you... the Twin Stars Daoist?" Xiao Yi''s pupils shrank slightly as he took in the Ancient Heavenly Tomb reappearing around him, "Was that just a formation? How could a formation feel so real..."


    "Real? Unreal? What''s the difference? If the false resembles the true, then the true also becomes false, and if the true is taken for the false, then the false also becomes true. As long as you hold steadfast to your original heart, there''s no need to distinguish between reality and illusion!"


    The Twin Stars Daoist chuckled, then continued, "Lad, I sensed the aura of the Wind Thunder Holy Body on you! What is your relationship with that fellow Wind Thunder? And what is this place?"


    Xiao Yi said, "This is the Ancient Heavenly Tomb. I am the Celestial War General, the master here. You share the same fate as the venerable Wind Thunder, buried within the Ancient Heavenly Tomb. As its keeper, once I subdue you all, I can obtain your inheritances..."


    "The Ancient Heavenly Tomb? The Celestial War General?"


    The Twin Stars Daoist seemed taken aback, clearly unfamiliar with the Ancient Heavenly Tomb, a look of foreignness on his face, then he shook his head and said, "Well, if that old fellow Wind Thunder has also been subdued by you, and you were able to break my formation, I won''t make it difficult for you. Come, let''s see, how does the master of this Ancient Heavenly Tomb subdue us?"


    "Senor, forgive my offense!"


    Xiao Yi''s God Sealing Seed vibrated, transforming into a colossal black hole, swallowing the Twin Stars Daoist with a swish.


    A moment later...


    Inside it, another statue appeared within the God Sealing Seed.


    At the same time...


    All knowledge of the Twin Stars Daoist regarding formations flowed into Xiao Yi''s mind, deeply imprinted within his soul, indelible!


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi exhaled deeply, finally obtaining the inheritance of the Twin Stars Daoist, and then instantly vanished from the Ancient Heavenly Tomb.


    When he reappeared in his bedroom, the anxious voice of Ye Heng came from outside the door, "Master, the people from Three Seas Mountain and Wendao Villa have arrived! They''ve also brought two formation masters with them, and their intentions aren''t friendly..."

 Chapter 285 Im not targeting anyone!

    Xiaoshanhe Institute, in the guest hall.


    Representatives from Three Seas Mountain and Wendao Villa, Hai Wei and Li Jinjun, stood with bowed heads. Before them sat a man and a woman.


    These two had considerable reputations.


    The man was known as the Purple-robed Daoist. Although he was only at the Tao Tribulation Realm Peak, his status within Wendao Villa was by no means inferior to that of any cultivator in the Dharma Manifestation Realm. After all, he was a six-star Array Master.


    The woman hailed from Three Seas Mountain: Li Youruo.


    Li Youruo''s cultivation was also at the Tao Tribulation Realm Peak, and like the Purple-robed Daoist, she was a six-star Array Master, holding a significant position within Three Seas Mountain.


    Yu Huaxian stood to the side, chest out, head held high, vigilantly watching the four of them.


    The Purple-robed Daoist said impatiently, "Your Director Xiao sure puts on quite the air. Even meeting with Emperor Qian wouldn''t have us waiting this long!"


    Yu Huaxian responded indifferently, "Director Xiao is preoccupied with important matters and cannot get away at the moment. I''ve sent someone to notify him, and I believe he will be here shortly!"


    "Hmph!"


    The Purple-robed Daoist snorted coldly, glanced around, and then turned to Li Youruo by his side and said, "I''ve always heard that the Xiaoshanhe Institute has fallen into disrepair for quite some time now, but I never knew to what extent. Now that I''ve seen it with my own eyes, it indeed is in a sorry state! Despite being a former presence among the top ten sects, you don''t even have a Spirit Gathering Array¡­"


    Li Youruo nodded, her words dripping with sarcasm, "In the vast Great Qian Dynasty, aside from the Tianjian Sect, which other sect''s formations can compare to ours? Before, when I heard that Xiao Yi requested a hundred thousand array stones, I thought the Xiaoshanhe Institute had some grandmaster of formations, which is why I went out of my way to come by. But now, it seems we might be returning disappointed!"


    Among the top ten sects.


    Every sect possessed a Spirit Gathering Array, of which Tianjian Sect''s was the most effective, boasting a fivefold increase in gathering efficacy.


    Immediately following were Three Seas Mountain and Wendao Villa. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Both sects'' Spirit Gathering Arrays achieved a fourfold increase in efficacy.


    The condensed spiritual energy from heaven and earth transformed their respective sects into holy grounds for martial cultivation.


    Hai Wei and Li Jinjun displayed a smug look on their faces, their gaze toward Yu Huaxian growing more disdainful by the moment.


    Yu Huaxian clenched his teeth in anger yet had no words to refute.


    At that moment...


    Xiao Yi''s voice suddenly came from outside the door, "Rest assured, the two of you will not make this trip in vain!"


    "Oh?"


    The group was taken aback and looked towards the entrance.


    Xiao Yi entered the guest hall, led by Ye Heng.


    Yu Huaxian quietly breathed a sigh of relief, stood up, and said with pride, "The two of you, this is our Director of Xiaoshanhe Institute, Xiao Yi!"


    "So you are Xiao Yi? Having the cultivation of the Tao Tribulation Realm at such a young age is indeed not weak!" Li Youruo squinted her eyes, scrutinizing Xiao Yi from head to toe, then nodded slightly. She followed up with ridicule, "You say we won''t be disappointed? Yet in my opinion, that''s unlikely! I heard that all the instructors of Xiaoshanhe Institute, including Chen Shuiwen, have left. Does anyone else among you understand formations?"


    Formation arts are easy to start but extremely difficult to truly master.


    Before this...


    Xiaoshanhe Institute had Chen Shuiwen, who was a four-star Array Master himself.


    Now that Chen Shuiwen had left the Xiaoshanhe Institute, in the eyes of Li Youruo and the Purple-robed Daoist, there was no longer anyone who understood formations.


    Xiao Yi smiled faintly and said, "Xiao has some understanding."


    "Some understanding?"


    Li Jinjun, who stood behind the purple-robed Daoist, snickered with contempt, "Headmaster Xiao, do you know who these two are before you? This purple-robed Daoist and Senior Li Youruo are both illustrious Array Masters of the Meteor Formation. Within the Great Qian Dynasty, there are hardly a handful of people who excel beyond them in the art of formations."


    Xiao Yi raised his eyebrows, his face taking on a strange expression as he looked at Li Youruo and the purple-robed Daoist and saluted, "So the two seniors grace us with their presence, I''ve long admired you! May I know what brings the two seniors here today?"


    Li Youruo said coldly, "Is it you who made our two families deliver a hundred thousand array stones?"


    Xiao Yi glanced at Li Jinjun and Hai Wei, who averted their gazes briefly, and he smiled, "Indeed! I believe they''ve also told you the reasons why you should deliver the array stones to me. Have the two seniors personally come here intending to go back on your word?"


    "Go back on our word? Three Seas Mountain is not so low as to renege on a hundred thousand array stones, however..."


    Li Youruo''s face, resembling old tree bark, carried an indifferent tone, "Array stones are extremely precious, and as Array Masters, we will never allow anyone to waste them."


    The purple-robed Daoist nodded and said, "If your Xiaoshanhe Institute can make good use of these array stones, we naturally won''t interfere. However, your institute most likely lacks the capability!"


    The sole Array Master of Xiaoshanhe Institute had left.


    Who else had the ability to use array stones?


    Xiao Yi smiled.


    If they had come before, he indeed wouldn''t have had a retort.


    But now...


    Xiao Yi said, "You needn''t worry about that, seniors. Since I''ve requested these array stones, naturally I have the ability to make them serve their purpose without wasting a single one."


    "Is that so?"


    Li Youruo examined Xiao Yi with a mocking gaze and scoffed, "What big talk, Headmaster Xiao! Even when we are setting up formations, they can hardly avoid some damage. Yet, you claim to have such confidence that you won''t waste a single array stone. I wonder which master you plan to invite for the task? Surely it''s not the Headmaster Xiao who has ''some understanding'' of formations himself?"


    The purple-robed Daoist burst into laughter and said, "Li Family''s young lady, why do you speak such harsh truths? Aren''t you embarrassing Headmaster Xiao?"


    Li Youruo snorted coldly, "Embarrass him? Wasting those hundred thousand array stones for nothing would be the true embarrassment!"


    Hai Wei smiled with irony and said, "Headmaster Xiao, if you can''t find someone to set up the formation, you could ask Elder Li to step in! Of course, Elder Li''s services don''t come cheap!"


    The purple-robed Daoist said with a smile, "Xiao Yi, as long as you sincerely ask me, I can also set up the formation for you!"


    In their eyes, Xiao Yi clearly had no one to set up the formations, which is why they were so brazen.


    Faced with their teasing and mockery,


    Xiao Yi shrugged playfully and said with a sly smile, "There''s no need for the seniors to trouble themselves. Just setting up a few simple formations, Xiao can manage that!"


    "What? You''re going to do it yourself?"


    "That''s just nonsense, the ways of the formation are not like martial arts. Without sufficient time for understanding and practice, how can you possibly set up a formation?"


    "Do you understand how to set up formations? Don''t think reading a few books on formations makes you impressive!" Find adventures at My Virtual Library Empire


    "You needn''t concern yourselves with that, my institute doesn''t need to set up any sophisticated formations; just a simple Spirit Gathering Array with tenfold effect is enough for Xiao to handle. Moreover, when it comes to understanding and crafting formations, you are all but trash compared to me!"


    Xiao Yi looked at the furious Li Youruo and the purple-robed Daoist, and with a smile, he said, "I''m not targeting anyone, but when it comes to formations, you all present are trash!"

 Chapter 286 The Indenture of Sale

    "I''m not singling anyone out, everyone seated here is trash!"


    Xiao Yi''s face bore a peaceful smile as he spoke one word at a time, extremely earnest.


    Pfft!


    Yu Huaxian and Ye Heng couldn''t help but laugh aloud.


    Li Youruo, and the Purple-robed Daoist¡ªtheir faces alternated between shades of green and white, instantly turning unsightly.


    Especially the Purple-robed Daoist and Li Youruo, who slammed their fists onto the table and stood up, their eyes fiery red as if shooting flames, glaring steadfastly at Xiao Yi with clenched teeth, their eyes filled with wrath and humiliation.


    The Purple-robed Daoist bellowed, "You little bastard, how dare you insult me like this? Do you know, before you were even born, I was already known as a grandmaster of formations..."


    Li Youruo''s face was frosty as he said with a gloomy expression, "This is utterly absurd. No wonder Chen Shuiwen led his people away from Xiaoshanhe Institute... What on earth was Emperor Qian thinking? To entrust Xiaoshanhe Institute to someone as ignorant as you?" Explore hidden tales at My Virtual Library Empire


    When it comes to mastery of formation arrays.


    They indeed were among the top in the Great Qian Dynasty, with perhaps only the Elder of the Tianjian Sect being able to utterly surpass them in the field of formations.


    That person is a Dharma Manifestation Realm expert, a seven-star senior array master!


    What is Xiao Yi?


    In their eyes, nothing but an insignificant whelp.


    Within their sects, those of Xiao Yi''s age would, at most, only be three or four-star Array Masters, even if they were hailed as formation geniuses. Moreover, Xiao Yi had been imprisoned for many years; they didn''t believe Xiao Yi had any chance to come into contact with any knowledge about formations.


    Not to mention receiving guidance from a renowned master.


    How could he possibly surpass them in the art of formations?


    This feeling was like a beggar standing in front of two rich men, mocking them for being poor.


    Boom, boom, boom!


    The oppressive aura of two Tao Tribulation Realm Peak powerhouses was simultaneously released, significantly increasing the invisible pressure in the guest hall, making the tables and chairs creak.


    At any moment, they might just fall apart!


    Yu Huaxian''s face changed abruptly, as he clenched his twin blades in his hands, vigilantly watching the two.


    In the face of the two enraged individuals.


    Xiao Yi simply waved his hand, and an invisible force dissipated the tense atmosphere as if cutting through it with a knife, and the oppressive aura of the two also vanished without a trace in an instant.


    "This..."


    Li Youruo and the Purple-robed Daoist exchanged glances, both seeing the shock in each other''s eyes.


    With a wave of his hand, he had crushed the oppressive aura of the two of them.


    Such a feat could only be achieved by a true Dharma Manifestation Realm expert!


    But there was no sign of Dharma Manifestation energy on Xiao Yi, who was undoubtedly at the Tao Tribulation Realm level!


    Li Jinjun and Hai Wei still had shock in their eyes, remembering the battle at Great Liang Mountain. They involuntarily swallowed their saliva, their backs soaked with cold sweat.


    Xiao Yi looked at the two indifferently and said, "When Xiao calls you trash, are you two not convinced?"


    "Of course, we''re not convinced!"


    The Purple-robed Daoist snorted coldly, and once the topic turned to formations, he brimmed with self-confidence, "I''m not bragging, but in the entire Great Qian Dynasty, only the Elder of Tianjian Sect truly surpasses us in the art of formations. And you? Hmpf, even if I give you a hundred, a thousand years, you might not be able to catch up to us!"


    "We have immersed ourselves in the art of formations for nearly a hundred years. If we can''t outmatch a young fellow like you, then these hundreds of years truly would have been wasted," said Li Youruo.


    Xiao Yi shook his head and said, "It seems you two have some misconceptions about the art of formations! If living long and spending a lot of time studying formations guaranteed high skill, then what''s the need for talent? Both of you have cultivated for over a hundred years and are only at the Tao Tribulation Realm Peak. Whereas I, two years ago, was still at the Physical Body Realm. Now, between you and me, who is stronger?"


    "..."


    The two faced each other, at a loss for words for a moment.


    Xiao Yi''s cultivation history had not spread throughout the Great Qian Dynasty, but the ten major sects had already grasped it.


    They were extremely shocked that Xiao Yi had been able to grow to his current level in just two short years. However, there was another saying within the ten major sects, that Xiao Yi had always been cultivating but had been suppressing his cultivation level because of Xiao Tianjiao''s existence. It was only after leaving the Xiao Family that he revealed his true power without hiding it.


    This view was acknowledged by the vast majority of the powerhouses.


    After all,


    two years to go from the Physical Body Realm to the Tao Tribulation Realm was simply too inconceivable!


    And yet...


    Xiao Yi was not even twenty years old, and after a mere ten or so years of cultivation, his cultivation level was almost catching up to theirs.


    This speed of cultivation truly made them feel inadequate!


    Li Youruo snorted defiantly, "Xiao, what we''re discussing is prowess in formations, not comparing our cultivation levels!"


    "Let''s be clear, your cultivation talent indeed leaves us in the dust, but I don''t believe your strength in formations surpasses ours!" said the man in purple robes with a sneer.


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, "What if my prowess in formation arts really is above yours?"


    The man in purple robes said proudly, "If your formation arts truly surpass ours, I will gladly acknowledge you as my master!"


    "Oh?"


    Xiao Yi''s eyes brightened. The most pressing lack of the Xiaoshanhe Institute was strong figures to uphold it. These two were at the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm and were also six-star Array Masters. If he could get them to join the Xiaoshanhe Institute, it would not only greatly enhance the institute''s strength but also deal a heavy blow to the ten major sects.


    To have Elder-level existences from the esteemed ten major sects join Xiaoshanhe Institute would be excellent publicity!


    With this thought in mind.


    Xiao Yi turned to Li Youruo, "What about you?"


    Li Youruo frowned.


    Behind her, Hai Wei hurriedly warned, "Elder Li, you mustn''t!"


    "What''s so impossible about that? Could it be that you think his formation arts truly do surpass ours?"


    Li Youruo glared fiercely at Hai Wei and snorted coldly, her gaze fixed on Xiao Yi, "Just like Ziyi, if your formation arts prowess is actually above ours, I, Li Youruo, will also take you as my master! However, if you lose, then we''ll forget about the one hundred thousand formation stones, and in addition, you''ll have to kneel and apologize to both of us!"


    Xiao Yi smiled and said, "It''s a deal!"


    "Not even four horses can catch it up!"


    Li Youruo and the man in purple robes spoke at the same time.


    Xiao Yi snapped his fingers, pulled out a scroll, and elaborately wrote a gambling agreement, "Empty promises count for nothing. Please sign your names on this gambling agreement! Of course, if you are afraid, you naturally don''t have to sign!"


    "Hmph!"


    "Afraid of you? Impossible!"


    The two snorted coldly, their faces defiant, and signed their names on the scroll.


    A signed pledge.


    With this scroll in hand, if the two dared to renege, Xiao Yi had a hundred ways to make them pay dearly.


    And for such elder powerhouses, their reputation was of the utmost importance. They naturally would not risk their reputation by behaving dishonestly. Xiao Yi, satisfied, put the scroll into his storage ring, the corners of his mouth slightly upturned, sporting an amused expression as he watched the two.


    The angered pair did not yet realize that what they had just signed was essentially an indenture!


    Xiao Yi smiled and said, "Gentlemen, please propose the terms of how we shall compare our skills!"


    S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 287 Formation Path Overwhelm

    "How would the two of you like to compare? Propose a set of rules!"


    Xiao Yi said with a smile.


    He carried the double-star Daoist''s Array heritage, not to mention Li Youruo and the Purple-robed Daoist, these two mere six-star Array Masters. Even if he searched the entire Qingtian Realm, no one could surpass him in Array mastery!


    Of course...


    What he mentioned was only mastery of Array theory, not the setting up of Formations.


    After all.


    Many Formations require strong cultivation as support. Otherwise, it is simply impossible to set them up.


    With Xiao Yi''s current strength, he was more than capable of setting up any Formation below nine stars.


    Li Youruo spoke in a deep voice, "For an Array contest, it is natural to use the Formation as the standard of judgment. We won''t bully you. You requested Array stones to set up a Spirit Gathering Array, didn''t you? Let''s compete in setting up Spirit Gathering Arrays. Whoever sets up the Spirit Gathering Array with the best effect will naturally be the winner!"


    The Purple-robed Daoist nodded, agreeing with the proposed method of competition: "Just as the Li family''s young lady said, let''s compete in setting up Spirit Gathering Arrays!"


    Spirit Gathering Array.


    It is an extremely peculiar Formation.


    The weakest is the One-star Gathering Spirit Formation, while the strongest can even exceed nine stars, becoming a Divine-level Gathering Spirit Formation.


    It is said that the Divine-level Gathering Spirit Formation can achieve a ten-thousand-fold Spirit gathering effect.


    However...


    This Divine-level Gathering Spirit Formation had already been lost to history.


    Existing only in legend.


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow, setting up Spirit Gathering Arrays was just a small test for him, and so he said, "Let''s do it the way you said, but I have one more condition!"


    "Speak!"


    The two were brimming with confidence.


    Xiao Yi said, "A Spirit Gathering Array can be big or small. Let''s limit it to one hundred Array stones and see whose Formation has the better effect!"


    "One hundred stones?"


    Li Youruo and the Purple-robed Daoist exchanged glances, both seeing a hint of hesitation in each other''s eyes.


    Limiting the number of Array stones greatly increased the difficulty.


    When they set up Spirit Gathering Arrays at Three Seas Mountain and Wendao Villa, they used a million Array stones to achieve a four-fold Spirit gathering effect.


    One hundred!


    At most, they could set up a One-star Gathering Spirit Formation, and an increase of fifty percent in Spirit gathering effect was already the limit.


    "What? Are you afraid?" Xiao Yi taunted with a smile.


    The two had never been so belittled.


    They snorted coldly and nodded, "What would we be afraid of? We''re just worried that Director Xiao might not even be able to form a Spirit Gathering Array, making a fool of himself!"


    "Then there''s no need for the two of you to worry!"


    Xiao Yi said, laughing.


    "Hmph!"


    The two snorted coldly.


    They took out three hundred Array stones, and each person took a hundred.


    The crowd moved to the martial arts field.


    Xiao Yi divided the area into three sections, each a hundred meters long and wide, a perfect square, with each person occupying one.


    The commotion here naturally attracted the attention of the disciples from Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Hundreds of disciples gathered at the martial arts field.


    Some recognized Li Youruo and the Purple-robed Daoist and couldn''t help but be anxious for Xiao Yi, "Those are the six-star Array Masters, Li Youruo and the Purple-robed Daoist from Three Seas Mountain and Wendao Villa. Director Xiao is going to compete with them in setting up Formations? Isn''t this asking for trouble?"


    "Keep it down, be careful that Director Xiao hears you!"


    "Sigh... our Shanhe Court really faces constant troubles..."


    The crowd discussed among themselves.


    Li Youruo sneered, "Director Xiao, even your own disciples have no faith in you!"


    Xiao Yi shrugged his shoulders and replied with a laugh, "So I''ll have to rely on the two distinguished guests to give me a boost, so these disciples can regain their confidence in their Director!"


    Read exclusive adventures at My Virtual Library Empire


    "Hmph!"


    The two of them snorted coldly.


    The Purple-robed Daoist spoke blandly, "We have the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, let''s begin!"


    Swish!


    Yu Huaxian lit an incense stick and placed it in the censer in front of the three of them. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Swish! Swish!


    Li Youruo and the Purple-robed Daoist had their vital energy swirling around them, with the Array stones flying up and encircling their bodies. As their fingers continuously pointed to different spots, the Array stones fell into their corresponding positions.


    Their movements were fluid and graceful.


    "Such an impressive Array setting technique!"


    "It''s so fast! They don''t even need to draw an Array diagram first, they can set up the Formation from thin air. Worthy of being six-star Array Masters!"


    "Why is Director Xiao still watching them? Director Xiao, please focus, it would be too embarrassing to lose like this..."


    The disciples shouted one after another.


    However, Xiao Yi was completely unfazed, his arms crossed as he watched the two setting up their Formations. He nodded and shook his head from time to time, as if a teacher guiding his students: "The Array setting technique is indeed proficient, and your control of the Array stones is perfect. Worthy of being six-star Array Masters. However, your understanding of the Formation is still lacking!"


    The Purple-robed Daoist''s mouth twitched, almost wishing he could tear Xiao Yi''s mouth apart.


    What does he mean by ''understanding of the Formation is lacking''?


    Did he not see their wondrous Array setting technique? In what way is it lacking?


    Li Youruo spoke sternly, "Don''t be influenced by him, focus on setting up the Formation!"


    Time kept slipping away.


    Half an incense stick''s burn time.


    Two-thirds of an incense stick''s burn time...


    As time passed, already two-thirds gone, the purple-clad Daoren and Li Youruo''s formations were beginning to take shape, yet Xiao Yi remained utterly composed, without making a single move. All the disciples from the Xiaoshanhe Institute had lost hope, "It seems that Xiao has given up!"


    "Had we known it would be like this, he shouldn''t have competed at all!"


    "It''s truly humiliating..."


    The crowd sighed with these sentiments.


    At that moment.


    The purple-clad Daoren and Li Youruo completed their formations one after another, leapt up, and stepped out of the Spirit Gathering Array, roaring in unison, "Activate the Array!"


    Boom!


    Boom!


    The array stones burst into radiant light at the same time, connecting with one another; a series of light beams linked together to form two dazzling arrays. Within the arrays, the spiritual energy of heaven and earth continuously converged, and the spiritual energy within them escalated.


    One part.


    Two parts.


    Three parts...


    In just a few breaths'' time, the formations had reached their peak.


    "A fifty-five percent Gather Spirit effect, not bad at all!" the purple-clad Daoren said with a face full of pride. One hundred array stones had achieved a fifty-five percent Gather Spirit effect, which was an extraordinary performance from him!


    Li Youruo''s face was brilliant with a smile, "A sixty percent Gather Spirit effect, it seems I still have the upper hand!"


    The purple-clad Daoren nodded; indeed, Li Youruo was more accomplished in the Spirit Gathering Array. Both turned to look at the motionless Xiao Yi, sneering, "Xiao, there''s not much time left, yet you haven''t begun to set up your formation. It looks like the outcome of this wager is settled, you''ve lost!"


    The purple-clad Daoren said, "Kneel down and offer apologies to both of us with your head to the ground!"


    "Don''t rush! There''s still time left!" Xiao Yi laughed as he glanced at the quarter of the incense stick left.


    Li Youruo scoffed, "With so little time left, you couldn''t possibly complete the formation!"


    "Even if you did, it would just be a useless formation, I''m afraid it wouldn''t even have a ten percent Gather Spirit effect!" the purple-clad Daoren shook his head, confidently critiquing.


    Xiao Yi smiled, "There''s plenty of time!"


    Crack crack crack!


    He rubbed his hands lightly, causing a series of crisp sounds, and the smile on his face suddenly vanished as he intensely focused his energy. In that moment, Xiao Yi seemed like a different person altogether, his brows slightly furrowed, utterly serious, and with each movement of his hands, array stones shot out and the crisp sounds embellished as they landed around him.


    Every array stone that fell traced a strange path, completely unlike the two purple-clad individuals.


    "Such a messy array stone layout could never possibly succeed!"


    "If that formation works, I would willingly become his disciple..."


    The two purple-clad individuals shook their heads in unison.


    At that time...


    The last bit of the incense burned out.


    Yu Huaxian announced, "Time''s up!"


    Simultaneously.


    Xiao Yi leaped backward, standing outside of the formation, and exclaimed while smiling, "Looks like I haven''t practiced enough, but fortunately I made it in time!" He looked at the two challengers with a smile and snapped his fingers, "Gentlemen, please open your eyes wide and observe what a real formation is!"


    Boom!


    Above those array stones, beams of light soared, miraculously transforming into columns of light.


    The columns of light connected to each other, and chains of light interlocked, actually creating a formation!


    A vast white merging took place, and a gentle breeze began to swirl in the martial arts field.


    Whoo!


    Whoo whoo!


    Whoo whoo whoo!


    The wind picked up in strength.


    And above Xiao Yi''s formation emerged a vortex, with the spiritual energy of heaven and earth continuously converging, and the internal energy of the formation soaring.


    Three parts.


    Five parts.


    Seven parts...


    In the blink of an eye, it had surpassed the Gather Spirit Array of the two purple-clad Daorens.


    "This, this is impossible..."


    "How could this be? He, he was clearly acting recklessly, such a messy formation could never possess such immense power..." Li Youruo and his companion were dumbfounded, their faces etched with shock.


    The disciples of the Xiaoshanhe Institute also shared a look of disbelief.


    This gathering of spiritual energy continued for a full fifty breaths of time, far exceeding the other two''s ten breaths.


    When everything settled!


    Inside the Gather Spirit Array, the spiritual energy of heaven and earth had actually formed a thin layer of white mist, achieving a staggering effect of one and a half times its original strength!


    Thump!


    Thump!


    The purple-clad Daoren and Li Youruo collapsed to the ground, staring incredulously at the Gather Spirit Array before them.


    With the same one hundred array stones, they had exerted their utmost power to produce a Gather Spirit effect of sixty percent, which was already astounding.


    But what about Xiao Yi?


    His Gather Spirit Array reached one and a half times the effect, which was already at the level of a three-star Gathering Spirit Formation!


    One hundred array stones forming a three-star Gather Spirit Formation!


    No one had seen, let alone heard of such a thing!


    The thought of their earlier mockery and disdain for Xiao Yi made their faces burn; this wasn''t a contest in the way of the Array, it was complete domination by Array! This Xiao Yi, whom they had never taken seriously, had utterly crushed them in Array prowess, reduced them to dust completely.


    Xiao Yi looked at the two challengers with a smile, "It seems, I have won!"

 Chapter 288 Suing Xiao Yi!

    "It seems I have won!"


    Xiao Yi smiled as he looked at the two people slumped on the ground.


    Li Youruo and the purple-robed Taoist exchanged looks, finding it difficult to accept the reality before them.


    They had always been proud of their deep mastery of Formation Path and never took Xiao Yi seriously. In their eyes, Xiao Yi''s challenge in Formation Path was like an ant shaking a tree, a tiny spark trying to outshine the bright moon.


    But reality had slapped them hard!


    In the end...


    They were the tiny sparks and Xiao Yi was the true bright moon.


    His brilliance overwhelmed them completely.


    They both felt as if they had lived their last hundred years in vain.


    "Enough is enough, I admit defeat without resentment!"


    The purple-robed Taoist let out a resigned smile, looking at his own Array that he had been so proud of for its 55% Spirit Gathering effect, then at Xiao Yi''s which completely crushed his with a 1.5 times multiplier, and he suddenly came to terms with it, "Xiao... no, Master above, please accept your disciple Chen Ziyi''s bow!"


    The purple-robed Taoist''s real name was Chen Ziyi.


    It was just that after becoming an Array Master, people had grown accustomed to his Taoist name.


    Chen Ziyi bowed deeply at a 90-degree angle in front of Xiao Yi, meticulously, obviously completely convinced by Xiao Yi.


    Li Youruo''s face twitched.


    Although she was impressed by Xiao Yi''s mastery of Array Path, the thought of actually taking him as her master was still somewhat hard to accept when she looked at his youthful face.


    But seeing Chen Ziyi keeping his word, she hesitated for a moment and then, with a wry smile, said, "Master above, please accept your disciple Li Youruo''s bow!"


    Li Jinjun and Hai Wei looked at each other with cold sweat dripping down their faces, pale and bloodless.


    Hai Wei''s hands trembled, "It''s over... we''re finished..."


    Chen Ziyi and Li Youruo were pivotal figures in Wendao Villa and Three Seas Mountain, with high status and significant influence.


    They had thought to bring these two to regain some prestige.


    But now...


    Not only did they lose their wives, but also their soldiers!


    These two had become direct disciples of Xiao Yi and even joined Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    The ten great sects absolutely did not allow anyone to be part of two sects, which meant that Chen Ziyi and Li Youruo would be expelled from their sects. This was an immeasurable loss for Three Seas Mountain and Wendao Villa. Hai Wei and Li Jinjun could almost foresee the massive shock this news would cause their sects.


    At that time, they would inevitably suffer the consequences, with a very high probability of being executed!


    Li Jinjun lamented with a wretched face, "What are we to do? I, I really don''t want to be nailed to death on Wen Dao Stage..."


    "I don''t want to cross the Sea of Knives and Flames either..." Hai Wei also looked desperate.


    Within Three Seas Mountain, there was a punishment called the Sea of Knives and Flames, which was truly a fate worse than death, an ordeal where one could neither live nor die!


    Yu Huaxian, who stood beside them, raised an eyebrow with a teasing look, "Why don''t the two of you join Xiaoshanhe Institute? With Xiao''s protection, I believe your sects won''t be able to do much to you!"


    "Uh..."


    The two men were stunned, looking at each other.


    They were about to rebuke Yu Huaxian, but then they thought about it, and this seemed to be the only way out!


    Although Xiaoshanhe Institute had fallen, it was still backed by the royal family, and the ten great sects had to give face to the royal family.


    "Can we really do this?" Hai Wei asked tentatively.


    Yu Huaxian smiled and called out to Xiao Yi, "Xiao, these two also wish to join Xiaoshanhe Institute!"


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow, looking at the two men with awkward and strained expressions, and said with a smile, "Xiaoshanhe Institute is indeed in need of people. As long as you are sincere in joining, I naturally welcome you with open arms!"


    "Damn it, since it''s a dead end either way, I''ll take the plunge!"


    Li Jinjun clenched his fists tightly, gritted his teeth, and stepped forward, "Li Jinjun pays respects to Head Xiao; I''m willing to serve you loyally!"


    Hai Wei hesitated for a moment, then stepped forward as well, "To meet Head Xiao, Hai Wei is willing to toil like a dog and horse!"


    "Hahaha, welcome both of you to Xiaoshanhe Institute!"


    His gaze turned to Chen Ziyi and Li Youruo in front of him, "Chen Ziyi, Li Youruo, starting today, you two are my, Xiao Yi''s, named disciples. Would you like to join Xiaoshanhe Institute?"


    "Do we have any other choice?"


    The two exchanged a glance and revealed a bitter smile, "Disciples are willing to follow teacher''s lead!"


    "Very good!"


    With a hearty laugh, Xiao Yi waved his hand, and two scrolls fell into their hands. He said, "These are the ''Hundred Volumes of Array Path.'' You two should study them carefully. It should be no problem to enter the Seven Stars Array Master within a month."


    Hiss!


    Chen Ziyi and Li Youruo held the scrolls, looking at each other in disbelief.


    Breaking through to Seven Stars Array Master within a month?


    The two of them quickly opened the ''Hundred Volumes of Array Path,'' which detailed the path of cultivation from a Six Stars to a Seven Stars Array Master. Just as Xiao Yi had said, as long as they studied the formations recorded on the scrolls, they would definitely be able to reach the long-desired realm of Seven Stars Array Master in a short time. It must be noted that the shackles between Six and Seven Stars had stymied them for several decades.


    Within the Great Qian Dynasty, only that person from Tianjian Sect knew how to break through to Seven Stars Array Master.


    They never expected...


    That Xiao Yi would casually give them hope for a breakthrough.


    Any hint of grievance and dissatisfaction in their hearts towards Xiao Yi vanished in that moment, replaced by sincere joy and obedience.


    "Disciple thanks teacher!"


    "We will not disappoint teacher. We will do everything in our power to assist teacher!" said Chen Ziyi and Li Youruo with the utmost respect.


    The corners of Xiao Yi''s mouth curled slightly.


    He knew how to wield both grace and authority.


    To him, the ''Hundred Volumes of Array Path'' was nothing more than doodles made in passing, yet it managed to secure the heartfelt submission of the two Six Stars Array Masters. Xiao Yi helped them to their feet, laughing, "As long as you two are loyal to me, being a Seven Stars Array Master is certainly not the end!"


    Gulp!


    The two swallowed hard. Explore more at My Virtual Library Empire


    If Xiao Yi had spoken this way before, they would have scoffed.


    But now...


    They were completely convinced by Xiao Yi and, considering that his achievements in the Array Path far exceeded Seven Stars, they naturally harbored no doubts at all.


    Chen Ziyi said gravely, "Teacher, I have some trusted aides and belongings in Wendao Villa. Please allow me to go back and bring them to join Xiaoshanhe Institute."


    "I also have some people I wish to bring into Xiaoshanhe Institute!" Li Youruo added.


    Xiao Yi felt a surge of joy.


    Since they were their trusted aides, they were bound to be the elite of Three Seas Mountain and Wendao Villa. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With Xiaoshanhe Institute in need of manpower, his policy was naturally to welcome all who came.


    Li Jinjun also spoke up, "Principal, I''ve also cultivated some aides in the capital..."


    "And I still have some subordinates..." Hai Wei added.


    The two had been in charge of the capital and had managed to build up some power of their own.


    Xiao Yi burst into hearty laughter, "Good, good, good. I await your good news!"


    This was truly an unexpected joy!


    Not only did he acquire two disciples about to break into Seven Stars Array Master, but also two peak warriors of the Tao Tribulation Realm. Moreover, he had swept up all their direct followers in one fell swoop.


    Once this news spread out...


    It would be enough to offset the negative impact caused by the departure of Chen Shuiwen and the others.


    After handing over two hundred thousand array stones to Xiao Yi, Chen Ziyi and Li Youruo hurried back to pack their bags, intending to bring their people to Xiaoshanhe Institute before the news leaked out.


    Xiao Yi waved his hand to disperse the formation in the training ground, ready to begin setting up the Spirit Gathering Formation throughout Xiaoshanhe Institute. Just then, the figure of Qi appeared in the training ground. He looked at Xiao Yi and said, "Principal Xiao, His Majesty summons you!"


    "Qi? May I ask what it''s regarding?" inquired Xiao Yi.


    Qi spoke gravely, "Li Shengtian and Tian Xiao are lodging a complaint against Principal Xiao before His Majesty..."


    "Li Shengtian? Tian Xiao?"


    Xiao Yi paused, his eyes narrowing into slits, his gaze emanating two chilling beams, "Those two old men are indeed persistent ghosts!"

 Chapter 289 Confrontation in Court

    The imperial palace, the imperial study.


    Li Shengtian was filled with righteous indignation, "Your Majesty, Xiao Yi has gone too far. He has the audacity to drive Mr. Chen out of the Xiaoshanhe Institute; this is already undermining the very foundation of the institution!"


    At his side, Tian Xiao added fuel to the fire, "Your Majesty is unaware, when Chen Shuiwen left, nearly all the instructors and over two-thirds of the disciples at the Xiaoshanhe Institute voluntarily followed him. One can imagine how unpopular Xiao Yi is. To monopolize power, he actually drove the hardworking and meritorious Chen Shuiwen away, it is truly disheartening!"


    On one side of them.


    Chen Shuiwen was kneeling on the ground, his face filled with grief and despair, his shoulders twitching, unable to cry out, "Your Majesty, this subordinate is not coveting the position of deputy director. It is truly because over the years, I have devoted myself wholeheartedly to the Xiaoshanhe Institute. I have come to regard it as my own home. Xiao Yi expelled me from the Xiaoshanhe Institute for no reason, my heart aches..."


    Li Shengtian spoke with righteous indignation, "How can such a person be in charge of the Xiaoshanhe Institute? I implore Your Majesty to rescind the order, and let Chen Shuiwen continue to manage the Xiaoshanhe Institute!"


    Tian Xiao declared loudly, "I implore Your Majesty to rescind the order!"


    Emperor Qian sat upright behind the desk.


    Squinting his eyes.


    Listening quietly as the three of them argued back and forth, he remained silent and showed no sign of any emotional change.


    After hesitating for a moment, Li Shengtian said gravely, "Your Majesty, I have heard that Xiao Yi even crippled His Highness Yang Jin. This man is simply lawless, showing absolutely no regard for Your Majesty!"


    "Exactly, he even dared to cripple a prince, isn''t this an act of rebellion?" Tian Xiao said.


    "Rebellion? The two of you are placing a heavy accusation upon me; I really can''t bear such a charge!"


    Xiao Yi''s voice came from outside the door, "Your Majesty, Xiao Yi seeks an audience!"


    Emperor Qian raised an eyebrow, his squinted eyes opening slightly, and said, "Enter!"


    "Yes!"


    Xiao Yi entered the imperial study with his head held high and chest out.


    Head held high, chest out.


    His stature as upright as pine and cypress, his backbone like a piercing heavenly sword.


    Xiao Yi bowed to Emperor Qian, "Xiao Yi pays respects to Your Majesty!"


    "Hmm!"


    Emperor Qian, neither joyous nor sad, with an unreadable expression, said indifferently, "Xiao Yi, Mr. Li and Tian, along with Chen Shuiwen, accuse you of clinging to power for your own personal gain, forcing Chen Shuiwen to leave the Xiaoshanhe Institute. Is there truth to this?"


    Xiao Yi, with a detached gaze, glanced at the three men and said, "There is!"


    "Your Majesty, see, he has admitted it!" Li Shengtian said.


    Tian Xiao followed up, "How brazen, Xiao Yi! Chen Shuiwen is the deputy director appointed by Your Majesty. Who gave you the authority to dismiss him?"


    Emperor Qian remained silent.


    Xiao Yi, calm and composed, looked at the two men and spoke neither humbly nor haughtily, "The authority granted to me by Your Majesty, is that sufficient?"


    "The authority given to you by His Majesty?"


    Li Shengtian scoffed, "Xiao Yi, oh Xiao Yi, do you dare spout nonsense in front of His Majesty? His Majesty is a wise ruler, how could He grant you such authority?"


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow, "Are you suggesting, Mr. Li, that if this authority really were granted by His Majesty, He would be a negligent ruler?"


    "Of course..."


    Li Shengtian nodded subconsciously, immediately regretting his words as soon as they left his mouth. Continue reading at My Virtual Library Empire


    "How audacious!"


    Xiao Yi already had raised his voice to rebuke, his roar like thunder, causing Li Shengtian''s complexion to suddenly turn stark white, "Li Shengtian, what are you worth? How dare you insult His Majesty by calling him a negligent ruler?"


    Li Shengtian''s face turned pale, and he quickly denied, "You, you, you''re farting, when did I ever say that His Majesty is a muddle-headed ruler?"


    Xiao Yi bowed respectfully towards Emperor Qian and said, "When His Majesty initially appointed me as head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, he mentioned that the institute would be under my full responsibility. Since it is full responsibility, then not to mention expelling the institute''s parasites, even if I decided to kill them, outsiders could not fault me. You say His Majesty is a wise ruler, and wouldn''t endow me with such power. Now that I have been granted this power by His Majesty, are you not implying that His Majesty is a muddle-headed ruler?"


    "I, I..."


    Li Shengtian, sweating profusely, quickly turned to Emperor Qian.


    Emperor Qian spoke solemnly, "Indeed, it is a power I gave him."


    Thump!


    Li Shengtian fell to his knees, his head banging against the floor, "Your Majesty, forgive me, your servant... your servant never had such intentions, this is all Xiao Yi''s misinterpretation of your servant..."


    "Enough, Li, there is no need for this, you are my trusted official, and I naturally trust you," said Emperor Qian.


    Emperor Qian waved his hand, signaling Li Shengtian to stand up. He turned to Xiao Yi and said, "Xiao Yi, although I have given you the authority, you are in charge of the Xiaoshanhe Institute. I should not intervene, but since Mr. Li and Mr. Tian have filed a complaint against you, you should tell them why you expelled Chen Shuiwen from the Xiaoshanhe Institute."


    "Yes!"


    Xiao Yi nodded and said, "The royal family allocates ten billion silver to the Xiaoshanhe Institute every year, but according to my investigations, the institute''s monthly expenditure is merely three hundred million silver. There should be a surplus of over sixty billion silver each year. Chen Shuiwen has been in charge of the Xiaoshanhe Institute for over a decade, which by reasoning should have resulted in a fund of no less than one hundred billion silver, yet now the treasury only holds a few million silver..."


    "What?"


    "A few million silver?"


    Even Li Shengtian and Tian Xiao were taken aback, glaring at Chen Shuiwen.


    This information was something Chen Shuiwen had not told them!


    But Chen Shuiwen was prepared, and with a sinister smile, he drew out from his bosom a thick account book that appeared aged. He thought to himself with silent glee: Thank goodness I was clever enough to prepare a true and a false set of account books.


    The true account book had already been burned away.


    The false account book was the one in his hands.


    Xiao Yi''s eyebrows tightened.


    Chen Shuiwen gave him a provocative look.


    Emperor Qian flipped through the account book. Indeed, inside were detailed records of all expenses, including nearly seventy billion spent on just one ancestral worship ceremony. Emperor Qian frowned and said, "An ancestral worship ceremony requires seventy billion?"


    "Your Majesty may not know, the ceremonial standards for the ancestral worship are the highest and naturally the expenses are a bit more!" Chen Shuiwen cried out with an anguished face, "Oh, Your Majesty, I have been wholeheartedly loyal to you! Not only have I not embezzled a single penny, the yearly allocation isn''t even sufficient to support the institute''s expenses. I have been dipping into my own pockets to cover them. But as a servant of the emperor, it is my duty to relieve Your Majesty''s worries, and I have never complained to Your Majesty about my hardships. Yet Xiao Yi uses this as a threat, even so far as to burn the treasury to destroy the account books and to wrongly incriminate me. I am truly wronged!"


    Li Shengtian said harshly, "Your Majesty, how can such a loyal official be defamed and framed by others? Please, Your Majesty, stand up for Chen Shuiwen!"


    "Please, Your Majesty, stand up for justice!"


    Tian Xiao also said.


    Emperor Qian frowned slightly and looked towards Xiao Yi, "Xiao Yi, what is your view?" sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Gazing at the united front presented by Chen Shuiwen and the others, Xiao Yi''s eyes narrowed slightly and the corners of his mouth lifted up subtly. He said, "Your Majesty, I have a way to prove innocence!"

 Chapter 290 Do As You Wish, Ill Take a Nap!

    "Oh?"


    Emperor Qian was taken aback and raised an eyebrow at the composed expression on Xiao Yi''s face, "What method? Let''s hear it!"


    Li Shengtian and the others also turned their attention to Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi walked straight up to Chen Shuiwen, who looked up at him with a puzzled expression.


    Emperor Qian and the others were also full of confusion.


    You want to prove your innocence?


    What is this about?


    At that moment...


    Slap!


    A crisp sound left everyone dumbfounded.


    They saw Xiao Yi deliver a clean and swift slap across Chen Shuiwen''s face, sending him crashing to the ground, his head striking the floor violently and bursting open.


    Hiss!


    Li Shengtian and the others were dumbstruck.


    Chen Shuiwen saw stars, felt dizzy, and looked at Xiao Yi with a face full of shock and anger, roaring, "You, you dare to hit me?"


    Bang! Your adventure continues at My Virtual Library Empire


    Xiao Yi met him with a punch straight to Chen Shuiwen''s face.


    Wow!


    Chen Shuiwen fell backwards, blood spurting from his mouth and nose.


    "Audacious Xiao Yi!"


    "In the Emperor''s presence, how dare you be so reckless?" Li Shengtian and Tian Xiao''s expressions changed rapidly as they angrily rebuked him.


    This is the Imperial Study, in the presence of Emperor Qian.


    Xiao Yi actually dared to strike without any regard?


    However, Xiao Yi seemed not to hear the rebukes of the two and reached out into the air with his palm, his elemental energy forming chains that wrapped around Chen Shuiwen''s body, lifting him into the air. Xiao Yi''s face was expressionless, but his hands did not stop.


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    Punch after punch landed on Chen Shuiwen''s body.


    The strength of each punch was immense, showing no mercy.


    The crowd went from initial bewilderment to numbness and shock.


    Numb at Xiao Yi''s audacity, beating Chen Shuiwen in front of Emperor Qian, and shocked at Xiao Yi''s strength, that he could render the Tao Tribulation Realm Peak''s Chen Shuiwen powerless to resist?


    After a thorough beating,


    Chen Shuiwen was left with a bruised and swollen face, four or five broken ribs, damaged internal organs, and a head swollen like a pig''s.


    Xiao Yi held up Chen Shuiwen as if holding up a dead dog.


    Emperor Qian raised an eyebrow, "Xiao Yi, is this your method of proving your innocence?"


    Xiao Yi nodded and said, "Your Majesty, if I wanted to deal with Chen Shuiwen, I have a hundred ways to kill him without anyone noticing. Do you think I need to frame him falsely?"


    Emperor Qian uttered an "eh" sound, looking at Chen Shuiwen''s pitiful state and said with a wry smile, "I suppose... not!"


    Xiao Yi looked at Li Shengtian and Tian Xiao, "What do the two lords think?"


    "..."


    Li Shengtian and Tian Xiao looked at each other, at a loss for words.


    Before coming, they had anticipated all the methods Xiao Yi might use, but they had never imagined that Xiao Yi would be so bold, so decisive. To beat Chen Shuiwen up in front of Emperor Qian to prove his innocence.


    This made all the evidence and tactics they had prepared before completely useless!


    In front of absolute power, all schemes and tricks are garbage!


    Bang!


    Xiao Yi tossed Chen Shuiwen aside like a dead dog and bowed to Emperor Qian, "Your Majesty, it seems that the two lords also believe that I have been wronged!" S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Emperor Qian cleared his throat and looked toward Li Shengtian and another adviser, "My dear subjects, what do you think?"


    "With Xiao''s strength, he indeed has no need to frame others; there must be other secrets behind this!" Tian Xiao said with a pained expression.


    "It seems there is indeed some misunderstanding, however..."


    Li Shengtian, unable to resign himself and unwilling to let Xiao Yi off so easily, begrudgingly said through gritted teeth, "Xiao Yi is stubborn and exclusive, making Xiaoshanhe Institute a mess is a fact. Now that the tutors have collectively left Xiaoshanhe Institute, and two-thirds of the disciples have also gone, I think this is all Xiao Yi''s fault. He is not suitable to continue as the head of Xiaoshanhe Institute!"


    "I see it the same way, he has only been in charge of Xiaoshanhe Institute for less than a month, and has already reduced it to nothing more than a name, I earnestly request Your Majesty to strip him of his position as the head of the institute!" Tian Xiao also said.


    Emperor Qian narrowed his eyes, sizing up Xiao Yi, "Xiao Yi, what do you think?"


    "May I ask Your Majesty, could Chen Shuiwen and the others possibly compare to two six-star Array Masters?" Xiao Yi inquired.


    "Hmm? What do you mean by that?" Emperor Qian asked, puzzled.


    "After expelling Chen Shuiwen, I have already recruited four Tao Tribulation Realm Peak powerhouses for Xiaoshanhe Institute, including two six-star Array Masters."


    Xiao stood tall and spoke with confidence. After finishing, he turned to look at Li Shengtian, "May I ask Mr. Li, compared to each other, have my merits outweighed my faults? Or have my faults outweighed my merits?"


    Li Shengtian''s face changed slightly.


    The strongest among Chen Shuiwen and his group was only Chen Shuiwen himself at the Tao Tribulation Realm Peak; how could they compare to four great Tao Tribulation Realm Peaks?


    Moreover...


    There were also two six-star Array Masters!


    It''s known that even among the Array Masters serving the royal family, the strongest are only at six-star level.


    "If that is true, naturally the merits are greater. However, words alone are not proof..."


    Li Shengtian said with a cold face, then added with disbelief, "Where are these four great experts you speak of? What are their identities? Six-star Array Masters, huh? There are only so many in the entire Great Qian Dynasty; I wonder who Mr. Xiao is referring to?"


    Xiao Yi replied indifferently, "Li Youruo and Hai Wei from Three Seas Mountain, as well as the Purple-robed Monk Chen Ziyi and Li Jinjun from Wendao Villa."


    Buzz!


    Everyone, including Emperor Qian, felt a buzzing in their heads.


    Li Youruo from Three Seas Mountain?


    The Purple-robed Monk from Wendao Villa?


    Not to mention the two renowned Array Masters, even Hai Wei and Li Jinjun had extraordinary backgrounds, being the representatives of Three Seas Mountain and Wendao Villa in the imperial city! These people were influential figures within their own sects.


    How could they possibly betray their sects to join Xiaoshanhe Institute?


    "Nonsense!"


    "Xiao Yi, the people you mentioned could never join Xiaoshanhe Institute, you''re deceiving the Emperor..." Li Shengtian and Tian Xiao declared sternly.


    "Deceiving the Emperor? Such a grave accusation!"


    Xiao Yi leaned slightly forward, staring at the two, "What if everything I said was true?"


    "True?"


    Li Shengtian snorted in derision. If Xiao Yi had mentioned someone else, he might have hesitated, but Li Youruo and the Purple-robed Monk? Renowned Array Masters and the public faces of Three Seas Mountain and Wendao Villa; how could they possibly betray their sects to join Xiaoshanhe Institute?


    Li Shengtian defiantly said, "If what you say is true, I, Li, will let you deal with me as you please. However, if it is proven that your words are false, I will have you kneel before me to kowtow and apologize, and you will resign as the head of Xiaoshanhe Institute!"


    Tian Xiao voiced his agreement, "I share the same sentiments!"


    "Good, I''ve tolerated the two of you for quite some time now!"


    Xiao Yi chortled coldly and casually presented the ''indenture agreements'' signed by Chen Ziyi and Li Youruo, which he handed to Emperor Qian, "Please have a look, Your Majesty."


    Emperor Qian glanced at the scroll.


    His eyes twitched sharply, and with a sympathetic look at Li Shengtian and Tian Xiao, he said with a wry smile, turning to Xiao Yi, "As you wish, I''m going to take a nap!"


    "Ah?"


    "Your Majesty, what do you mean by that?"


    Li Shengtian and Tian Xiao were utterly baffled.


    "What do I mean? His Majesty''s words mean that I can honor our wager and give the two of you a sound beating!"


    With a cold laugh, Xiao Yi, like a hungry tiger pouncing on its prey, rushed forward, unleashing a flurry of punches and kicks on the two men...

 Chapter 291 Undercurrents Surge

    Screams echoed within the royal study.


    As for Li Shengtian and Tian Xiao, the two who kept troubling him, Xiao Yi showed no mercy. Although the beatings weren''t fatal, he aimed for the most humiliating and painful spots.


    A thorough thrashing.


    He beat Li Shengtian and Tian Xiao until their faces were swollen and bruised, leaving them in a pitiful state, screaming in agony, yet their lives were spared.


    "Cough cough!"


    Emperor Qian coughed lightly, and Xiao Yi kicked Li Shengtian once more before satisfyingly ceasing his actions and bowing toward Emperor Qian, "Your Majesty, please forgive my impropriety!"


    Emperor Qian rolled his eyes.


    Impropriety?


    You actually know the meaning of impropriety?


    This is practically perverse! Since the enthronement of Emperor Qian, this was the first time someone dared to beat a minister in the royal study!


    However...


    Seeing the miserable state of Li Shengtian and Tian Xiao, Emperor Qian felt quite pleased as they had often caused him headaches. But due to his status, it wasn''t appropriate for him to act personally. Watching Li Shengtian and the others wailing, Emperor Qian touched his nose and called out to Qi, who was outside the door, "Why haven''t you taken them to the Imperial Pharmacy yet?"


    "Yes!"


    Qi walked in from outside and motioned for several guards to carry Li Shengtian and the others away.


    For a moment.


    Only Xiao Yi and Emperor Qian were left in the royal study.


    Emperor Qian looked at Xiao Yi, who seemed disengaged and nonchalant, and coughed lightly, "Feel better now?"


    Xiao Yi cracked his neck, producing a snapping sound, and grinned, "I feel completely relieved!"


    "..."


    Emperor Qian was speechless.


    Qi looked at Xiao Yi with a strange expression on his face.


    Emperor Qian waved his hand, stood up, walked up to Xiao Yi, and said gravely, "Although you have driven Chen Shuiwei away, his methods are not simple, and he will not let this go so easily."


    "No matter, ''When soldiers come, a general will block them, when the water rises, the earth will cover it!''" Xiao Yi smiled and didn''t elaborate further.


    Emperor Qian looked deeply at Xiao Yi and nodded, "Since I''ve entrusted the Xiaoshanhe Institute to you, I naturally trust your methods. The process is not important; I only care about the results!"


    "Your Majesty, just wait and see," said Xiao Yi.


    Emperor Qian nodded, strolled over to the desk, and began idly flipping through the books, speaking indifferently, "You may leave now. If there''s anything you need in the future, you can come directly to the palace to see me!"


    "Xiao Yi takes his leave!"


    Xiao Yi immediately departed.


    With his back to Xiao Yi, Emperor Qian didn''t turn around until long after he had gone. He then slowly turned, squinting his eyes at the closed door, and said leisurely, "Old dog, what do you think of this young man?"


    Qi, with his head bowed, voiced faintly, "Your Majesty has already made a decision, why need you ask this old servant for more words?"


    Emperor Qian glanced at him and chuckled, "You old dog, when did you learn to protect yourself with such prudence?" He paused, then added mysteriously, "Are you sure the heavenly tribulation wasn''t brought upon by him?"


    "It shouldn''t be!"


    After thinking for a moment, Qi continued, "At that time, the demonic beast he carried with him had been hidden all along, only revealing itself when the heavenly tribulation struck. However, it''s indeed strange for Xiao Yi to withstand several strikes of the heavenly tribulation with just the cultivation of the Tao Tribulation Realm!"


    Emperor Qian hummed without any expression, revealing no emotion, "It''s best that way... Otherwise, a single Tao Tribulation Realm being able to summon a heavenly tribulation, a genius even more fearsome than Xiao Tianjiao, might not necessarily be a good thing!"


    Qi remained silent.


    ......


    Inside the Imperial Pharmacy.


    After being treated, the three people including Li Shengtian had finally woken up.


    Xiao Yi hadn''t hit their vital spots, but the pain would last for several days. The three lay in their sickbeds, grimacing in agony. Especially Chen Shuiwen, who had suffered quite a few underhanded blows from Xiao Yi, now found even talking to be excruciatingly painful. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Li Shengtian, enduring the intense pain, his eyes filled with hatred and venom, gnashed his teeth and said, "That bastard Xiao Yi, this official will never let him off!"


    "Mr. Li, do you have any strategies?" Tian Xiao asked with difficulty as he turned his body.


    Li Shengtian narrowed his eyes and looked towards Chen Shuiwen, whose head was bandaged like a pig''s head. "Chen Shuiwen, didn''t you say you wanted to create a new Shanhe Court to challenge Xiao Yi?"


    Chen Shuiwen said, "I did have this idea before, but Xiao Yi has recruited four masters at the Tao Tribulation Realm Peak in such a short time, and even has two Array Masters¡ªZiyi Daoist and Li Youruo. I''m not confident in competing with him now¡­"


    He was acutely aware of the caliber of Xiaoshanhe Institute''s instructors and students.


    Ziyi Daoist or Li Youruo alone would be stronger than the group of instructors he had taken with him.


    Li Shengtian sneered and said, "What''s there to fear? It would naturally be impossible with just you and your people, but rest assured, this official will support you with all his might. Plus, since Xiao Yi dared to undermine Three Seas Mountain and Wendao Villa, they certainly won''t let things slide. Not to mention my relationship with the Nangong Family, we can completely cut off the supply of elixirs to the Xiaoshanhe Institute. With our support, what do you have to fear?"


    Tian Xiao, with narrowed eyes, said, "Actually¡­ we could also rope in that person!"


    "Which person?" Chen Shuiwen appeared puzzled.


    Li Shengtian showed a shocked expression, "You mean that person?"


    "Exactly!"


    Tian Xiao nodded emphatically.


    Li Shengtian hesitated, then looking at the confused Chen Shuiwen, he said in a deep voice, "The one behind Xue Yilou¡­"


    Hss!


    Chen Shuiwen gasped in shock, his heartbeat doubled in an instant, and he swallowed hard before saying, "Can we really invite that person?"


    "Don''t worry, Tian Xiao is on good terms with that person!"


    Li Shengtian''s face held a malicious expression as he sneered coldly, "Xiao Yi, oh Xiao Yi, I will make you understand the consequences of offending this official. You wish to revive the Xiaoshanhe Institute? I will specifically prevent your wish from coming true. In two months'' time, it is the Ancestral Worship Ceremony, and at that time, we will utterly trample your New Shanhe Court underfoot¡­"


    Ferocity flickered in the three men''s eyes.


    At this moment, Xiao Yi was unaware that Chen Shuiwen and his group had already formed an alliance.


    After leaving the palace, he headed straight for the Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Only¡­


    Before Xiao Yi could return to the Xiaoshanhe Institute, he encountered the carriage of Yan Mingli and Xue Bufan on the way. While Xiao Yi had gone to the palace, Yan Mingli and Xue Bufan had also gone to the Nangong Family, attempting to seek a partnership. Read new adventures at My Virtual Library Empire


    "How did they return so quickly?"


    Xiao Yi frowned, a trace of surprise flickering in his eyes.


    In the air around the carriage, there was a faint hint of the scent of blood.


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi landed in front of the carriage.


    Hush¡­


    Ye Heng was the carriage driver; he abruptly pulled on the reins, and upon recognizing the appearance of Xiao Yi, the bruised Ye Heng cried out with a wronged look, "Master, you must stand up for us!"


    Xiao Yi glanced at Ye Heng''s appearance, who had clearly been beaten up, and with the faint smell of blood wafting out from the carriage.


    Xiao Yi''s demeanor grew terribly somber as he said in a deep voice, "What exactly happened?"

 Chapter 292 Then Leave Both Hands Behind

    "What the hell is going on?"


    Xiao Yi''s face darkened as he yanked open the carriage curtain.


    A strong stench of blood assailed his nostrils.


    Xiao Yi''s expression changed drastically at the sight within the carriage, where Xue Bufan and Yan Mingli lay breathing faintly. Both men''s right arms were amputated at the shoulder, their clothes soaked red with blood, and their pale faces looked even more horrifying under the sunlight.


    Xiao Yi''s pupils shrank suddenly, his gaze fixed furiously on Ye Heng, "Weren''t you supposed to be discussing a partnership with the Nangong Family? How did you end up like this?"


    "This, this..."


    Ye Heng''s face showed hesitation.


    Xiao Yi bellowed, "What exactly happened?"


    Ye Heng clenched his fists tightly, his face contorted in ferocity and anger as he gritted his teeth and said, "Master, all of this was done by the Nangong Family. We went to discuss cooperation with them, and they made us wait in the reception hall for three full hours. During the negotiations that followed, they refused to give any ground..."


    As Ye Heng continued to recount the events, Xiao Yi came to understand what had transpired.


    The Nangong Family had no intention of cooperating with them at all.


    They had simply been looking to trouble and target them at every turn.


    The arrogance of the Nangong Family completely infuriated Xue Bufan and Yan Mingli, leading them to decide to visit the Treasure Pavilion. Find adventures on My Virtual Library Empire


    "Members of the Nangong Family said that unless you, Master, personally go to ask them, our Xiaoshanhe Institute wouldn''t even be able to buy a blade of grass... Elder Xue couldn''t stand their arrogance and got into a verbal conflict with them, which led us to be besieged by the Nangong Family''s experts..."


    Ye Heng, pointing at Xue Bufan and Yan Mingli''s amputated arms, his eyes bloodshot, said, "Elder Yan''s and Elder Xue''s arms were chopped off by the third young master of the Nangong Family, Nangong Jian. He, he even said they weren''t worthy to die by his hands, so he only took their arms..."


    Boom!


    The ground beneath Xiao Yi''s feet shattered violently, a fierce wind whipping up, causing the two horses drawing the carriage to nearly kneel down.


    "Very good, a fine Nangong Family indeed, claiming ''unworthy to die by your hands''..."


    Xiao Yi looked at the unconscious Xue Bufan and Yan Mingli, a cold light flashing in his eyes as he said in a deep voice, "Take them back. I''ll return shortly!"


    Ye Heng hurriedly said, "Master, are you heading to the Nangong Family? Or should we wait until we return to Imperial Dragon Mountain to gather more people and go with you..."


    Xiao Yi waved his hand, "No need. The Nangong Family is nothing to worry about, I alone am enough!"


    Whoosh!


    A cold wind rose, shooting directly towards the heavens.


    Xiao Yi strode through the air, flying towards the direction of the Nangong Family...


    ......


    The Nangong Family.


    As one of the four major aristocratic families of the Great Qian Dynasty, the Nangong Family''s influence was indisputably powerful.


    The vast Nangong Family estate was the epitome of luxury.


    Though it was less than one-fifth the size of the imperial palace, in terms of lavishness, it was certainly far beyond the palace.


    The current patriarch of the Nangong Family, Nangong Lie, had three sons and one daughter. The most outstanding eldest son had entered Tianjian Sect under a senior elder, while the second and third sons were disciples of Three Seas Mountain and Wendao Villa respectively.


    The third son, Nangong Jian, was flanked by a beautiful maidservant on each side. His face bore a satisfied smile as he watched the graceful dance in front of him, shaking his head and commanding, "You dance well, but you''re wearing too many clothes. Strip for your young master and continue dancing..."


    Four dancers, with flirtatious expressions, obediently did as they were told.


    The gorgeous maidservant in his arms delicately fed Nangong Jian a fruit, her eyes full of seduction as she said, "Third young master, you are truly impressive. Those two old men from Xiaoshanhe Institute were just like ants before you..."


    "Hahaha, never mind just two old dogs, even if Xiao Yi from Xiaoshanhe Institute were here, he would be no different from an ant in front of this young master!"


    Nangong Jian reveled in the ministrations of a beautiful woman, his face was thick with disdain, "Just a small institute like Xiaoshanhe Institute, do they really think they can stand equal to our Nangong Family by leaning on the royal family? This time, unless Xiao Yi himself kneels before me, his institute won''t get a single blade of grass..."


    At this moment.


    Suddenly, a servant hurriedly ran in from outside, an anxious look on his face, "Thir¡ª Third Young Master, a young man has arrived at the gate, specifically asking for you to come out!"


    "What are you good for? Do I have to meet every Tom, Dick, or Harry who comes? Have someone break his arms and legs and throw him into the mass graves to feed the dogs!" Nangong Jian glared hard at the servant, waving his hand impatiently.


    The servant''s face was the picture of misery, "Third Young Master, you should go yourself... That person is very strong; he has already beaten down dozens of our guards!"


    "Hmm?"


    Nangong Jian stood up abruptly, a violent rage on his face, "What audacity! I want to see who is so blind as to cause trouble in my Nangong Family''s territory?"


    Nangong Jian charged out like a raging fire, heading directly to the main gate.


    The residence of the Nangong Family was built on the bustling Vermilion Bird Avenue, with people coming and going and the commotion here had already attracted the attention of countless onlookers. In front of that magnificent gate, dozens of the Nangong Family guards were piled haphazardly.


    Xiao Yi stood with his hands behind his back, stepping on these dozens of the Nangong Family guards.


    In front of him, over a hundred guards at the Nangong Family''s gate looked at him warily.


    The Nangong Family was replete with strong individuals.


    Among these hundred-odd guards, there were fully ten warriors from the Tao Tribulation Realm, including a Fifth Layer master of Tao Tribulation Realm. This person was the Deputy Commander of the Nangong Family guards, Nangong Tu, who was now kneeling before Xiao Yi.


    The long knife shattered, lying beside him.


    Nangong Tu was drenched in cold sweat, not daring to move in the slightest.


    "Who has such guts to cause trouble in my Nangong Family?" Nangong Jian''s voice was remarkably loud, his expression fierce as he walked out from inside the Nangong Family compound.


    His eyes, sharp as knife blades, fixed onto Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi glanced at him, "You''re Nangong Jian?"


    "That''s me!"


    Nangong Jian looked at Nangong Tu, who knelt before Xiao Yi. Although Nangong Tu was not as strong as he was, he was also a Fifth Layer master of Tao Tribulation Realm who had been defeated by Xiao Yi? Nangong Jian frowned, gazing at Xiao Yi, "Who are you? Daring to make trouble in my Nangong Family, are you not afraid of death?" S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi''s face was expressionless, he spat indifferently, "Isn''t it you who wanted me to come to you personally?"


    "Hmm?"


    Nangong Jian paused, then realized, "You''re Xiao Yi?"


    Xiao Yi nodded his head.


    Nangong Jian''s face immediately turned ashen, he raged, "It seems those two old dogs didn''t convey my words to you. I wanted you to come begging on your knees. And now you dare to strike my Nangong Family men, it seems you are tired of living!"


    "Which hand did you use?" Xiao Yi asked.


    "Hmm?"


    Nangong Jian paused.


    Xiao Yi stated coolly, "I''m asking, which hand did you use to break Xue Bufan and their arms?"


    "..."


    Nangong Jian, with a look of disbelief, scoffed, "Do I need to do it myself to break the arms of those two old dogs?"


    "Since you won''t say..."


    Xiao Yi shook his head, casually stepping off the bodies of the several dozen guards, "then just leave both arms behind!"

 Chapter 293 One Man Guards the Pass, Ten Thousand Are Unable to Open!

    "Then both of your hands will stay behind!"


    Xiao Yi''s face was tinged with indifference, as his eyes swept over both of Nangong Jian''s hands.


    Yan Mingli was one of the earliest powerhouses to follow him, and it could even be said that without Yan Mingli, Xiao Yi''s initial progress wouldn''t have been so rapid.


    There was also Xue Bufan.


    Ever since he followed him, Xue Bufan had been hardworking and complaint-free.


    But now...


    Nangong Jian had not only severely injured both of them and severed an arm but also declared that this was just because he didn''t want to dirty his hands, disdainfully saying that he wouldn''t kill them personally.


    Disdain!


    What was Nangong Jian to be so arrogant?


    He disabled the arms of his companions, inflicting severe injuries, and it was all because of disdain to kill?


    Nangong Jian, upon hearing Xiao Yi''s words, showed a face full of mockery and laughter and arrogantly said, "Leave behind my hands? You must be out of your mind. I am Nangong Jian. Not to mention crippling my hands; if you even hurt a single hair on me, you will pay with your life!"


    Bang!


    The words had just been spoken.


    Nangong Jian''s body suddenly trembled, springing up from the ground with his legs, rotating three hundred and sixty degrees in mid-air, and with a bang, his head smashed forcefully onto the ground.


    Buzz!


    Nangong Jian propped himself up from the ground with his hands, violently shaking his head, feeling dizzy and seeing stars. After a great struggle to steady himself, Nangong Jian looked at Xiao Yi with bloodshot eyes: "Bastard, you dare to hit me?"


    Slap!


    Another slap followed.


    "Fuck..."


    Slap!


    Slap slap slap!


    Xiao Yi reached out into the void with one hand, and invisible "Yuan Qi" firmly clutched Nangong Jian''s throat, lifting his body into the emptiness. His right hand fell like phantom shadows.


    Crack crackle!


    During the chilling sound of crisp snaps, Nangong Jian''s cheeks swelled enormously, and a mix of fresh blood and saliva dripped down.


    At this moment, Nangong Jian''s features were completely disfigured, and even if his own mother were here, she might not recognize him!


    Hiss!


    The surrounding people couldn''t help but gasp for air, their faces dumbfounded, looking in horror at Nangong Jian who was still held aloft by Xiao Yi.


    "I must be seeing things, right?"


    "Xiao Yi actually dares to beat up Nangong Jian in front of the Nangong Family''s gate?"


    "Is he planning to completely sever ties with the Nangong Family?"


    All of this happened too quickly.


    So fast that a group of the Nangong Family''s powerhouses couldn''t react in time. Now hearing the crowd''s discussions, they awakened with a start, looking at Nangong Jian whose features were distorted beyond recognition of a human.


    A group of the Nangong Family''s guards changed their expressions drastically, glaring at Xiao Yi with blood-red eyes and roaring, "Bastard, release our Third Young Master now!"


    "Xiao Yi, you''re seeking death!"


    Over a hundred of the Nangong Family''s guards surrounded him fiercely.


    Xiao Yi held Nangong Jian in his hand and faced the crowd. Xiao Yi coldly shouted, "Whoever dares to take a step forward, I will finish him immediately!"


    Discover hidden content at My Virtual Library Empire


    "Stop!"


    "Hold your hand!"


    "Don''t you dare harm the life of our Third Young Master..."


    Everyone''s faces went pale.


    For a moment, over a hundred fiercely murderous Nangong Family guards were caught in a dilemma.


    Nangong Jian, too, came to his senses, with an excruciating burning pain on his face and the comments from the crowd like thorns in his back, making him appear as black as coal. The venom in his eyes was chilling, and he yelled hysterically, "Xiao Yi... you''re dead, I definitely won''t let you go, I will kill you, kill you..."


    "Shut up!"


    Xiao Yi let out a cold snort, and with a casual punch, he hit his face squarely.


    Wow...


    Nangong Jian cried out in agony, blood gushing from every orifice. He clutched his mouth with both hands, no longer able to utter a word.


    Xiao Yi''s face was expressionless, "You injured an elder of Xiaoshanhe Institute and even crippled his arm. Today, I will repay the debt, breaking both your arms as a warning to others."


    "No..."


    Nangong Jian watched as Xiao Yi''s fingertips swirled with silvery Qi, and his eyes nearly split with fury.


    He had thought that Xiao Yi would never dare to lay a hand on him.


    But those dozens of slaps had already let him know that Xiao Yi wouldn''t care at all about the Nangong Family.


    Nangong Jian shouted in terror, "Xiao¡­ Xiao Yi¡­ Director Xiao, I was wrong. Please spare me, I¡­I am willing to compensate Xiaoshanhe Institute. Don''t you want to cooperate with us? As long as you don''t kill me, I am willing to sell elixirs to you at market prices..."


    Under the threat of death, even the usually arrogant Nangong Jian completely cowered at this moment.


    In his view...


    If Xiaoshanhe Institute didn''t have the support of the Nangong Family, they wouldn''t even be able to obtain the most basic elixirs.


    Xiao Yi would surely be unable to resist the temptation to cooperate with the Nangong Family!


    However...


    Xiao Yi sneered and shook his head, "Sorry, your Nangong Family is not worthy of cooperating with me!"


    Whoosh!


    A streak of silver light swept past Xiao Yi''s fingertips.


    Blood gushed like a fountain, and a jet of blood spurted out.


    Nangong Jian''s body shook, his pupils dilating as a blood-soaked arm flew off his body. Then a second blood sword burst into the air, and another arm flew up.


    Two severed arms, both dripping with fresh blood, landed in front of him.


    Both arms were neatly severed at the shoulder.


    It all happened too fast!


    It wasn''t until two arms landed in front of him that Nangong Jian finally felt a surge of sharp pain from his shoulders. His facial features twisted together in an instant, emitting a scream so miserable it seemed inhuman, "Ahhh... My hands, my hands..."


    Bang!


    Xiao Yi casually threw him aside.


    Nangong Jian slammed heavily onto the ground, and two guards from the Nangong Family quickly came forward to help him up, looking at his bloody, armless shoulders.


    The guards'' faces went pale in an instant.


    Nangong Jian, enduring the intense pain, snarled venomously, "What are you looking at? Kill him for me! I want to tear him to shreds, chop him up and feed him to the dogs..."


    Faced with Nangong Jian''s roar, the guards of the Nangong Family exchanged glances.


    Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!


    Sharp blades glinted as they rose to the sky, and over a hundred guards rushed towards Xiao Yi at once. Facing the oncoming tide of guards like a steel flood, Xiao Yi remained expressionless.


    He simply raised his right hand and pushed it forward.


    Hum! sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Eyecatching earthen-yellow light bursts blazed, landing on the ground, shaking the earth as if a dragon were turning over. Wall after wall of yellow earthen surged upwards, forming a wave of earth.


    Boom, boom, boom!


    Under the surge of earth waves, the strongest of whom was merely at the Fifth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm, the guards lay sprawled on the ground, each pinned down by a mound of earth.


    Unable to move, as if they were sealed.


    This was the part of the power of heaven and earth that Xiao Yi could wield after stepping into the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    In just a single palm move.


    Xiao Yi had suppressed all those hundred-odd guards. With such power, the remaining strong were all halted in their tracks, not daring to advance any further. At this moment, Xiao Yi, standing with his hands behind his back, was like the War God himself.


    A single man holding back ten thousand, unbreakable by any!


    Hiss!


    The surrounding onlookers were also completely shocked by the sight before them, "Is this¡­ is this Xiao Yi''s strength? So¡­ so terrifying..."


    "How can there be such a big gap within the same Tao Tribulation Realm?"


    "The Nangong Family really hit a wall this time!"


    Just then...


    A cold and indifferent voice suddenly came from the crowd, "Who dares to cause trouble in the Nangong Family territory? Do you no longer wish to live?"


    Hearing this voice.


    A look of ecstatic joy appeared on Nangong Jian''s pale face as he yelled, "Master, avenge me!"

 Chapter 294 Disciple pays respect to the Master!

    "Master, quickly avenge your disciple!"


    Nangong Jian, like a drowning man who had found a life-saving straw, had an ecstatic look on his face as he bellowed toward the middle-aged man who stepped out from the crowd.


    The middle-aged man was dressed in luxurious brocade.


    He wore a white cloud belt around his waist, his long hair tied behind him, holding a folding fan in his hand.


    Upon hearing Nangong Jian''s shout, the middle-aged man was first startled, and his fan paused. He then followed the sound and saw Nangong Jian''s pitiful state, his face suddenly contorted, and he snapped the fan shut with a loud clap.


    Whoosh!


    The middle-aged man was, in a flash, standing right in front of Nangong Jian.


    Looking at Nangong Jian, whose arms were severed at the shoulders.


    The middle-aged man''s eyes were blood-red.


    This person was none other than Lu Chen, a martial arts expert of Three Seas Mountain, with a cultivation that reached the Nine-fold Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm, only slightly more powerful than Nangong Jian. But he was an Array Master, and Nangong Jian was studying the art of formations under his command.


    This Nangong Jian was his prized disciple, and also his cash cow!


    Backed by the Nangong Family, every month, Nangong Jian provided Lu Chen with innumerable benefits. The medicinal pills and precious herbs he presented as a tribute during holidays alone were worth several hundred million Silver a year.


    Now that Nangong Jian had fallen to such a state, it was as if someone had destroyed his source of wealth!


    "Master, you must take revenge for me!" Nangong Jian roared fiercely.


    "Rest assured, my disciple, I absolutely will not let the murderer go unpunished!"


    Lu Chen nodded solemnly, his cold eyes looking toward Xiao Yi''s direction. Seeing the Nangong Family guards lying all around Xiao Yi in disarray, Lu Chen sneered, "No wonder you dared to cripple my disciple''s arms, kid. You indeed have some skill! However, running into me, Lu Chen, is your ultimate misfortune today!"


    Boom!


    A powerful surge of energy suddenly burst from Lu Chen''s body.


    The surge soared into the sky.


    It formed a cyan tornado, which with a roar, transformed into a column of wind connecting heaven and earth.


    Lu Chen slowly ascended within the column of wind, his aura of the Nine-fold Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm unveiled without reservation, so intense that it could be felt for tens of miles around, filled with a terrifying intent to kill.


    Within the imperial city, many a formidable person sensed this powerful aura.


    "Is that coming from the direction of the Nangong Family?"


    "Who could be so bold as to initiate a conflict within the territory of the Nangong Family?"


    "This seems to be Senior Brother Lu''s aura..."


    Within the Three Seas Mountain''s division in the imperial city, a young man''s complexion changed, and looking at an old lady beside him, he said, "Master, Senior Brother Lu Chen might be in trouble!"


    The old lady squinted, huffing coldly, "I want to see who dares to mess with my disciples. Follow me!"


    Whoosh!


    Behind the old lady, more than twenty formidable individuals stood up together, quickly following her towards the Nangong Family''s location.


    In a quiet courtyard.


    Nangong Shengtian was sitting inside, toying with a Jade Pendant in his hands, muttering, "Go back and tell your master, our Nangong Family accepts their proposal of cooperation. However, the details of the cooperation will have to wait until we meet in person to discuss further!"


    "This subordinate will return and relay your message!" the young man responded respectfully.


    "Hm!"


    Nangong Shengtian nodded, suddenly raising his head to look in the direction of the Nangong Family, his brows furrowed and a cold light flashing in his eyes, "Who dares to cause trouble in my Nangong Family''s territory?"


    Whoosh!


    Nangong Shengtian tore through the sky.


    Meanwhile...


    At the main entrance of the Nangong Family''s estate.


    The cyan storm forced the surrounding strong individuals to retreat, and those guards who were bound by the earth and rocks, were violently pulled out from beneath the ground, tossed into the air.


    The fearsome tempest left many strong individuals with astonished expressions: "Is this the power of the Nine-fold Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm? Truly, as an expert of Three Seas Mountain, such strength, indeed, even the common peak powers of the Tao Tribulation Realm cannot match him!"


    "Xiao Yi has really kicked an iron plate this time!"


    "Who would have thought that Lu Chen would suddenly appear here?"


    "But... even if Lu Chen hadn''t shown up, Xiao Yi would have been doomed with the Nangong Family''s influence. After all, they are one of the four grand clan families..."


    Amidst the chatter.


    Lu Chen stood suspended in the air, looking down on Xiao Yi from on high: "Kid, you injured my disciple and even dared to confront me. Won''t you kneel and kowtow in admission of your guilt?"


    Xiao Yi looked up at Lu Chen, his neck slightly craning, and said impatiently, "I don''t like looking up to people."


    "Hm?"


    Lu Chen was taken aback.


    Xiao Yi continued to speak, "Get down here!"


    Stay updated through My Virtual Library Empire


    "You''re looking for..."


    Lu Chen had just opened his mouth when suddenly, countless spiritual energies of heaven and earth began to wildly coalesce in the void. They actually tore open the wind column, and amidst the raging winds, they transformed into chains of wind.


    They bound Lu Chen completely within them.


    Tightly trussed up.


    Lu Chen couldn''t move an inch and could only watch helplessly as Xiao Yi''s palm pressed towards the ground. Then, with a whooshing sound breaking through the air, Lu Chen''s body plummeted from the sky.


    Like a falling star.


    Bang!


    Lu Chen smashed hard onto the ground, creating a human-shaped crater.


    With his face toward the dirt, Lu Chen was embedded in it, his limbs twitching slightly.


    "..."


    There was dead silence all around.


    When Lu Chen appeared, everyone thought Xiao Yi was certainly doomed.


    But now...


    Xiao Yi had taken down the imperious Lu Chen with just one move.


    Considering the several hundred meters he fell from the sky, even smashing a huge pit into the ground, even a mighty practitioner of the Tao Tribulation Realm would probably find it unpleasant!


    Spurt!


    Lu Chen was hoisted up by Xiao Yi with one hand, spitting out a mouthful of dirt; his face was swollen and bruised, staring at Xiao Yi in utter bewilderment, "You, you, who on earth are you?"


    In his eyes, Xiao Yi was just a practitioner of the First Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm. In front of him, a proud Nine-fold Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm master, Xiao Yi was like an ant, easily crushed.


    But now...


    Xiao Yi''s strength far exceeded his expectations.


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Xiaoshanhe Institute, Xiao Yi!"


    "Hmm?"


    Lu Chen was taken aback, then frowned, "You''re the new head of Xiaoshanhe Institute, Xiao Yi?"


    "Guaranteed genuine!" Xiao Yi nodded.


    Lu Chen shouted angrily, "I don''t care if you are real or fake, you dared to break my disciple''s arms and cause me such humiliation; you''re on a path to death!" S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "A path to death? By your hand?" Xiao Yi said with amusement.


    Lu Chen sneered, "I admit I underestimated you. But don''t forget who I am. I am a four-star Array Master, and my master is none other than Li Youruo from Three Seas Mountain, the number one Array Master. My master is a respected six-star Array Master. If she knows I''ve been injured by you, she will definitely not let you off. Just with a trap or killing array set by my master at your Xiaoshanhe Institute, your whole institute would be wiped out in the blink of an eye. Scared now?"


    A six-star Array Master, whose status was comparable to a practitioner of the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    As long as Li Youruo was willing to personally set up a formation for someone, even practitioners of the Dharma Manifestation Realm would be willing to take action.


    This was where Lu Chen''s confidence and assurance lay.


    "Li Youruo is your master?"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback, showing a strange expression, "Are you sure, she will avenge you?"


    "Of course... she is my master. If she knows I''ve been injured by you, she will never let it go. Just one formation by my master at your Xiaoshanhe Institute, and your entire institute will be annihilated in an instant. Feeling fear now, aren''t you?"


    Lu Chen sneered, "So, why don''t you put me down and kneel before me, begging for my forgiveness? If I personally plead for you to my master, considering my face, my master might spare you a way to live!"


    Looking at the haughty Lu Chen, Xiao Yi''s expression grew even more peculiar.


    Suddenly.


    He felt something and turned to look at the crowd.


    He saw a group of figures rushing over, led by the expressionless Li Youruo.


    "Master?"


    Lu Chen was startled, then burst into laughter, "Xiao Yi, you''re done for. My master has come..." he shouted towards Li Youruo, "Master, come save me!"


    Whoosh!


    Li Youruo landed with a leap in front of Xiao Yi.


    With a venomous look on his face, Lu Chen gazed at Xiao Yi, "Hahaha, you''re like a dog now. It''s too late for regrets. Kneel down now and beg for my forgiveness!"


    Xiao Yi looked at Li Youruo with amusement, "Li Youruo, your disciple says that with your arrival, my end is certain?"


    However...


    In the full view of everyone.


    Li Youruo suddenly knelt before Xiao Yi, loudly saying, "Disciple pays respects to master! I earnestly beg for master''s forgiveness. I have failed in disciplining, and I must punish this wicked disciple severely..."


    For a moment.


    Everyone was utterly baffled, "..."

 Chapter 295 So What If I Bully You?

    "..."


    In front of the Nangong Family''s gates, everyone was staring dumbfounded, their faces a picture of utter confusion.


    Lu Chen was the most baffled of all.


    His eyes were wide open, his mouth agape, and his face was filled with bewilderment. His black pupils, thick with shock and incomprehension, shifted back and forth between Xiao Yi and Li Youruo.


    His pupils slowly dilated, and his gaze was replaced by alarm and fear.


    Who was Li Youruo?


    An elder of Three Seas Mountain, a Peak Tao Tribulation Realm existence, and also the only six-star Array Master of Three Seas Mountain.


    Any of these identities, even on their own, could make a person''s name resound throughout the Great Qian Dynasty and hold a pivotal status.


    It''s no exaggeration to say that apart from the Dharma Manifestation Realm ancestors, Li Youruo, the Purple-clad Daoist Chen Ziyi were among the very top existences.


    Yet such a being...


    Was now kneeling before Xiao Yi, addressing him as master?


    Gulp!


    Lu Chen swallowed hard, his eyelid twitched, and with a face as if at a funeral, he tentatively asked, "Mas, Master, are, are you mistaken about the person?"


    Find more adventures on My Virtual Library Empire


    "Shut up!"


    Li Youruo glared daggers at him and backhanded him across the face with a slap.


    She was acutely aware of how terrifying Xiao Yi was!


    With the cultivation of the First Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm, he had slain numerous Tao Tribulation Realm Peak existences on Great Liang Mountain. He was even able to completely overwhelm her and Chen Ziyi on the path of formation mastery with his power alone.


    Most importantly...


    The "Hundred Volumes of Array Path" Xiao Yi gave her had left her utterly astounded.


    For many reasons...


    Li Youruo had been completely won over. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Willingly, and even proudly, she took Xiao Yi as her master.


    Now, she would have done anything to please Xiao Yi, yet Lu Chen dared to lay hands on him publicly, even attempting to put Xiao Yi in mortal danger?


    How could Li Youruo tolerate that?


    "Master, you, you hit me for that kid..."


    Lu Chen looked at Li Youruo with a face full of grievance.


    He was Li Youruo''s proud disciple, deeply favored and trusted by her; she had never even scolded him before. When Li Youruo first appeared, he thought his backing had arrived!


    In his mind...


    Li Youruo would definitely stand up for him and fiercely teach Xiao Yi a lesson!


    But now Li Youruo was not only kneeling before Xiao Yi, calling him master, but she also slapped him hard across the face?


    Lu Chen felt his world was shattering.


    "Shut up!"


    Li Youruo slapped him again, a series of slaps that made Lu Chen''s head spin with stars, and she scolded with a huff, "Talking about ''that kid'' this, ''that kid'' that, the person standing before you is your grandmaster!"


    "Ah?"


    Lu Chen was flabbergasted, his face full of shock, "Mas, Master, you''re not joking, are you?"


    "Could Master Li have gone mad?"


    "Impossible, right as Master Li appeared, she addressed Xiao Yi as master!"


    "What on earth is going on here? What merits or abilities does Xiao Yi have to become Master Li''s master?" Not only could Lu Chen not accept it, but all the onlookers were also utterly baffled, feeling as if they were hallucinating.


    Speaking of cultivation, Xiao Yi was just at the First Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm, whereas Li Youruo was at the Tao Tribulation Realm Peak.


    Age-wise, Li Youruo was old enough to be Xiao Yi''s grandmother!


    How did she become his master?


    Li Youruo did not explain but turned around and respectfully saluted Xiao Yi, pleading for her disciple, "Master, please spare his life for my sake!"


    Xiao Yi nodded.


    Li Youruo''s face lit up with joy, and she glared fiercely at Lu Chen, "Aren''t you going to come over and kowtow to apologize to your grandmaster?"


    A spasm twitched at the corner of Lu Chen''s eye, "..."


    Just moments ago.


    He was thinking about making Xiao Yi kneel down and beg for mercy, but in the blink of an eye, he was forced by Li Youruo to kneel and kowtow to Xiao Yi, even referring to him as grandmaster.


    How fortunes turn.


    But when it turned to him, it was simply too fast!


    Lu Chen was extremely bitter in his heart, but he was helpless, unable to defy Li Youruo''s wishes. His head banged repeatedly on the ground as he said with a mournful face, "Grandmaster above, please forgive your disciple''s utter disrespect!"


    "Get up!"


    Xiao Yi waved his hand and said earnestly, "Remember to keep a low profile in the future when you behave."


    "Grandmaster''s lesson is well taken!" Lu Chen hurriedly replied.


    From the side...


    Nangong Jian was completely dumbstruck.


    He felt that today was just the pinnacle of bad luck.


    When Xiao Yi appeared, he relied on the backing of the Nangong Family, thinking Xiao Yi wouldn''t dare to touch him.


    Then his arms were broken.


    When Lu Chen appeared, he relied on having Lu Chen as his support, believing he could take revenge and wash away his humiliation.


    As a result, Lu Chen too was beaten up by Xiao Yi!


    Finally, with Li Youruo''s arrival, Nangong Jian thought he saw light through the clouds, the light of hope finally descending upon him.


    Hopes of vengeance seemed attainable!


    Yet...


    This grandmaster, who was equivalent to a Dharma Manifestation Realm ancestor in Three Seas Mountain, actually kneeled before Xiao Yi, calling him master!


    "What sins have I committed?" Nangong Jian wore a face of misery, a strong sense of regret welling up inside him.


    If he had known earlier.


    Why did he have to act so arrogantly at that time, insisting on breaking the hands of Yan Mingli and the others?


    "Xiao Yi, who gave you the courage to cause trouble within the Nangong Family?" Just then, a roar like thunder came from the sky, as a figure descended from above.


    Boom!


    The figure was surrounded by roiling energy, with a terrifying pressure that weakened the others'' legs, nearly bringing them to their knees.


    The person was none other than the patriarch of the Nangong Family, Nangong Shengtian!


    "Ancestor... You''ve finally come. That dog bastard Xiao Yi broke my arms, I beg you to take revenge for me!" Just as Nangong Jian was losing all hope, he once again found hope and shouted loudly.


    Nangong Shengtian was stunned for a moment, scrutinizing Nangong Jian for a long time, and frowned, "Who are you?"


    Nangong Jian: "..."


    Now with a swollen face beyond recognition, and his arms severed, sitting slumped on the ground, he was indistinguishable from a beggar. It took Nangong Shengtian a moment to recognize him, as Nangong Jian said with a bitter face, "Ancestor, I... I''m little Jianjian..."


    "..."


    Nangong Shengtian looked baffled, studying Nangong Jian up and down, and finally recognizing his identity, "You... you''re Nangong Jian? Damn, how did you end up like this?"


    Nangong Jian, with a pitiful face, exaggerated his story, "Ancestor, it was all Xiao Yi''s doing. Following your instructions, I refused the person from Xiaoshanhe Institute who came to discuss cooperation. Unexpectedly, Xiao Yi came knocking. He beat me into this state and even severed my arms, you must avenge me..."


    "Alright, alright, what a Xiao Yi!"


    Nangong Shengtian''s eyes blazed with a blood-like red, his teeth clacking with rage, and his ferocious gaze fell on Xiao Yi, he ground his teeth and said, "Xiao Yi, you''ve gone too far!"


    Hum!


    A terrible surge of energy formed a fierce wind that rushed towards them.


    Among the flying sand and rolling stones.


    The layers of tiles on the ground rose and shot towards Xiao Yi.


    Bang bang bang!


    An invisible barrier formed in front of Xiao Yi, blocking the wind and debris. His eyes slitted, he stared unabashedly at Nangong Shengtian, "So what if I bully you?"

 Chapter 296 At Your Disposal!

    "So what if I bully you?"


    Xiao Yi''s face bore a playful expression as he faced the fierce wind and flying rocks without even blinking, speaking in a neither servile nor overbearing tone.


    Nangong Shengtian''s face stiffened: "..."


    After all, he was the venerable ancestor of the Nangong Family, a master of the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    Even Emperor Qian had to address him as Ancestor Nangong.


    Who had ever dared to belittle and provoke him like this?


    Boom!


    Nangong Shengtian stomped fiercely, and the ground trembled thunderously as if a dragon were turning beneath it. Fissures spread from beneath his feet towards Xiao Yi, and terrifying surges of earth formed spikes thrusting straight at Xiao Yi and those beside him, including Li Youruo.


    "Master, be careful!" Li Youruo''s face changed drastically, ready to intervene.


    Xiao Yi raised his hand to signal her not to panic.


    Hum!


    Xiao Yi tapped the ground with the tip of his foot, half of his sole sinking into the earth, followed by an explosive burst of ferocious power from within his body, like the waters of a river rushing into the open sea, surging beneath the ground.


    Boom!


    Rumble!


    The entire ground vibrated around Xiao Yi as a center, wave after wave of terrifying energy pulsating outward in deafening explosions towards what lay ahead.


    The two waves of earth collided with a crash.


    Bang bang bang!


    The two waves kept smashing against each other, grinding the other down, while at the point of collision, mounds of earth and rocks piled up.


    One zhang.


    Two zhang.


    Three zhang...


    When the turbulent energy on the ground had dissipated, the earth wave halted two meters in front of Xiao Yi, having formed a small mountain of earth and stone ten zhang high as a result of their collision.


    "Nangong Shengtian, I came to the Nangong Family in good faith, hoping to seek cooperation. Even if you refuse to cooperate, I would have voiced no complaints," Xiao Yi said, leaping onto the summit of the earthen mountain and looking down at Nangong Shengtian from on high. "However, Nangong Jian has severely injured my men, Yan Mingli and Xue Bufan, even breaking their arms. Do you still think the blame lies on me today?"


    The surrounding crowd, having heard Xiao Yi''s words, whispered among themselves: "So there are these reasons behind the incident. If that''s the case, indeed the Nangong Family is in the wrong!"


    "The Nangong Family may be large and powerful, but the Xiaoshanhe Institute is not to be trifled with. Nangong Jian''s actions are an insult to the Xiaoshanhe Institute and Xiao Yi, no wonder he is so enraged!"


    "The fault lies with the Nangong..."


    "Nangong Jian deserves it!"


    The crowd spoke one after another.


    These murmurs reached Nangong Shengtian''s ears, causing his expression to flicker and turning his face extremely ugly.


    Indeed, they did not have a leg to stand on in this matter.


    However...


    Nangong Shengtian had long been accustomed to acting tyrannically.


    His face was thick with mockery as he sneered, "Xiao Yi, who doesn''t know that for the sole purpose of dominating Xiaoshanhe Institute, you drove out Chen Shuiwen and all his associates. How could my Nangong Family possibly cooperate with someone like you, a petty person who will stop at nothing to exclude others for your own selfish desires?"


    "Exclude others?"


    Xiao Yi smiled faintly and replied, "That''s an internal matter of Xiaoshanhe Institute. Since when does the Nangong Family have to consider such things in their business dealings?"


    "I am good friends with Chen Shuiwen. Over the years, Chen Shuiwen and my Nangong Family have had a very harmonious collaboration. You expelled him from Xiaoshanhe Institute; I can''t trust you, and naturally, I won''t work with you!" S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Nangong Shengtian''s figure slowly rose until he was eye-level with Xiao Yi and said with a mocking tone, "I''m not afraid to tell you that Chen Shuiwen has already allied with various forces, preparing to build a new Martial Arts Institute to contend against your Xiaoshanhe Institute. My Nangong Family will enter into comprehensive cooperation with him, providing all of our elixirs at a mere thirty percent of the market price. You must be quite furious now, aren''t you? Hahaha..."


    Xiao Yi''s expression changed ever so slightly.


    He hadn''t expected Nangong Shengtian to be so willing to sell to Chen Shuiwen at merely thirty percent of the market price.


    That was almost no profit at all!


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath and scoffed, "Nangong Shengtian, don''t tell me you really think the Nangong Family can cover the sky with one hand? In the vast Great Qian Dynasty, I refuse to believe that, apart from you, there isn''t another power daring to sell elixirs to us!"


    "Hahaha, sorry, but in the elixir industry, my Nangong Family indeed can cover the sky with one hand!" Nangong Shengtian said pridefully, "With just one word from me, throughout the entire Great Qian Dynasty, you won''t be able to obtain even the lowest-grade Blood Qi Elixir. You must be really angry now, right? Hahaha, young man, trying to fight me? You''re still too green!"


    Seeing Xiao Yi remain silent,


    "Ladies and gentlemen, the former vice dean of Xiaoshanhe Institute, Chen Shuiwen, accompanied by all instructors and disciples, is about to establish a brand-new Martial Arts Institute."


    Nangong Shengtian looked around at everyone, his voice amplified with vital energy, deep and resonant, echoing between heaven and earth: "At that time, both the Nangong Family and the Beitang Family will fully support Chen Shuiwen. If you wish for your children to have access to the best resources, you may consider joining Chen Shuiwen''s Martial Arts Institute, and definitely avoid a place like Xiaoshanhe Institute, which is fraught with scheming and discord, ostracizes others, and can''t even supply its own elixirs..." Explore more at My Virtual Library Empire


    "A new Martial Arts Institute?"


    "With support from both the Nangong and Beitang families, the resources of this new institute will undoubtedly be impressive!"


    "Xiaoshanhe Institute has been decaying over the years, and now having lost all its instructors, it has been cut off from the elixir resources by the Nangong Family. If we join them, we probably won''t even be able to satisfy the most basic cultivation needs!"


    Everyone joined in the chorus.


    The voices that prophesied doom for Xiaoshanhe Institute grew more and more numerous, louder and louder.


    Nangong Shengtian''s face was filled with smugness as he provocatively looked at Xiao Yi, "See? Just with one word, I can bring you down, kid. When a praying mantis tries to stop a chariot, it''s on a path to certain death! Of course, if you kneel down and beg me now, I might just agree to supply some elixirs to you at twice the market price out of sheer mercy!"


    "Master..."


    Li Youruo looked at Xiao Yi with concern.


    Xiao Yi waved his hand.


    Whoosh!


    He exhaled a long breath of turbid air, fixing his gaze on Nangong Shengtian: "Nangong Shengtian, I did not wish to be your enemy, but since you insist on being aggressive, then I, Xiao Yi, have no choice but to take up this challenge. You pride yourself on the Nangong Family being able to cover the sky with one hand in the Great Qian Dynasty? One month..."


    Xiao Yi held up a finger.


    The cold light in his eyes was piercing as he stared at Nangong Shengtian and enunciated, "Within one month, I will force all the Nangong Family pharmacies to shut down and cease business."


    "What?"


    Nangong Shengtian was taken aback, then burst into laughter, "Have you lost your mind, beginning to spout nonsense? Let alone one month, even if I gave you a hundred years, a thousand years, you wouldn''t be able to shake the Nangong Family!"


    "Don''t believe it? Let''s try!" Xiao Yi challenged.


    "Hmph, I''m not afraid of you!"


    Nangong Shengtian sneered, "If you really can make the Nangong Family Pharmacy close within one month, my Nangong Family will willingly provide all elixir resources to your Xiaoshanhe Institute free of charge. But, if you fail, what then?"


    Xiao Yi''s words rang out firmly, "At your disposal!"

 Chapter 297 All the World Rushes for Profit

    "Agreed!"


    A glint flashed through Nangong Shengtian''s eyes.


    He simply did not believe that Xiao Yi could shut down all of the pill shops owned by the Nangong Family within a month.


    After all...


    The Nangong Family had dominated the medicinal pill industry for many years.


    Just in the imperial capital alone, they owned over a hundred pill shops, and throughout the vast Great Qian Dynasty, the number surpassed ten thousand. Even if Xiao Yi sought the royal family''s help, it was impossible for all his pill shops to be forced to close!


    "Xiao Yi is too impulsive, this is simply an impossible task!"


    "In the end, he is just too young!"


    The murmuring discussions that vaguely came from the crowd made Li Youruo''s face turn a bit unsightly. She looked at Xiao Yi worriedly, "Master, we have no chance at winning this bet!"


    "No matter, I have my plans!" Xiao Yi''s eyes narrowed into slits.


    The Nangong Family was indeed strong!


    Especially in the medicinal pill industry, they held a pivotal position.


    But...


    When it came to medicinal pills, who could Xiao Yi fear?


    "Li Youruo, are these your close confidants?" Xiao Yi looked at the twenty or thirty people behind Li Youruo. Among them, six were in the Tao Tribulation Realm, and the rest were in the Golden Core Realm or the Shentong Realm, each with a decent posture and robust physique.


    Although there were only about thirty people, their quality was comparable to the group of instructors that Chen Shuiwen had taken away.


    Li Youruo nodded, pride also evident in her expression, but thinking of her departure being known by Three Seas Mountain, a trace of bitterness appeared on her face: "Master, when I left, the Deputy Sect Master of Three Seas Mountain came to intercept me. I trapped him with a formation. But knowing Three Seas Mountain''s way of doing things, they will absolutely not let this go..."


    "Let them come!"


    Xiao Yi waved his hand to signal Li Youruo not to worry and said indifferently, "At least before the ancestral worship ceremony, they would not dare to openly deal with us. There are still more than two months left, enough for us to build up strength. Once the ceremony is over, it will be too late for them to start dealing with us!"


    Li Youruo opened her mouth to speak but then hesitated. Looking at Xiao Yi''s confident face, she ultimately swallowed her words.


    Xiao Yi said, "You take people back to Xiaoshanhe Institute first, I will make a trip to the palace!"


    "Yes!"


    Li Youruo promptly led the people away.


    Lu Chen was even dragged by her, like an injured puppy, his face full of despair.


    Moments later.


    Xiao Yi arrived at the imperial palace. Before even seeing Emperor Qian, Qi was already waiting at the entrance. Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow and stepped forward with a cupped-fist salute: "Eunuch Qi!"


    "Director Xiao, His Majesty is aware of your purpose for coming, and he instructed this old servant to wait for you here!" Qi said with a smile.


    Xiao Yi nodded, not surprised in the least.


    The incident with the Nangong Family was not a small matter, and with the means of the royal family, if they could not control what happened within the imperial capital, then Emperor Qian would not be sitting where he was.


    "These are two Jade Fetal Elixirs, enough to regrow the severed limbs of the two people under your command. Besides..."


    Qi handed a clear jade vial to Xiao Yi, his eagle-like eyes glanced around, and he lowered his voice, "His Majesty instructed me to tell you that the royal family cannot help you deal with the Nangong Family, and you must resolve the matter of the bet yourself!"


    Xiao Yi accepted the jade vial and smiled, "Please tell His Majesty that the Nangong Family is just a trivial matter. If I can''t even handle them, how can we talk about revitalizing Xiaoshanhe Institute?"


    A look of surprise crossed Qi''s face as he gazed at Xiao Yi.


    That was the Nangong Family!


    Even he and Emperor Qian, upon learning of Xiao Yi''s bet with Nangong Sheng, felt that Xiao Yi was too arrogant.


    That bet had no chance of success!


    But now...


    Seeing Xiao Yi so confident, Qi couldn''t help but be curious. What means did Xiao Yi have? Experience more tales on My Virtual Library Empire


    However, he also knew Xiao Yi would not tell him.


    Qi chuckled, "Then this old servant will wish Director Xiao a swift and resounding success in advance!"


    ```


    "Thank you!"


    Xiao Yi clasped his hands together, "Xiao Yi shall take his leave now!"


    "Go ahead!" S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Qi smiled, watching as Xiao Yi strode away with long steps. He raised his hand to stroke his chin, muttering to himself, "He really is an unfathomable young fellow¡­ It''s great to be young, even this old man is somewhat excited to see what the outcome will be in a month!"


    Pedaling swiftly away from the capital, Xiao Yi then took to the air, flying towards Imperial Dragon Mountain.


    With his current speed.


    It was only the time it takes for an incense stick to burn from the capital to Imperial Dragon Mountain. When he returned to the Xiaoshanhe Institute at Imperial Dragon Mountain, Li Youruo and the others had not yet arrived. Xiao Yi went straight to find Elder Yan and Elder Xue.


    The two had already awakened, lying on their beds.


    Seeing Xiao Yi''s arrival, they struggled to sit up, their pale faces filled with deep self-reproach, "Xiao, we have failed your trust¡­"


    "Why should you say so?"


    Xiao Yi, with a gesture of his palm, helped the two of them up, saying, "This matter arose because of me, and if anyone should apologize, it is I who should be apologizing to you. Right, I have requested two Jade Fetal Elixirs from His Majesty, which after taking, will allow you to regrow your severed limbs!"


    "Jade Fetal Elixir?"


    "This, this¡­"


    The two faces were filled with excitement as they received the jade vials.


    With trembling hands, they both took the elixir one after another.


    Hiss!


    A wave of intense pain made their scalps tingle, their foreheads'' veins throbbing, and cold sweat poured out. Where their arms had been severed, streaks of blood spread out, and at a visible rate, new arms began to grow.


    Moments later.


    The two had their severed arms regenerated.


    "Thank you, Xiao, for granting us new life!" The two tested their new arms. Though they still felt somewhat unfamiliar, with some time they could easily master their function, both faces filled with gratitude.


    Xiao Yi waved his hand, saying, "You two should focus on recovering for a day. Tomorrow, Elder Yan, you will need to accompany me on a trip to the Treasure Pavilion!"


    Afterward.


    Xiao Yi informed everyone about his wager with Nangong Shengtian.


    Yan Mingli and Xue Bufan looked at each other.


    Being the most knowledgeable about the Great Qian Dynasty''s elixir industry, they were also acutely aware of how terrifying the Nangong Family''s hold on the elixir industry was, with one Beitang Family controlling the medicinal resource and the Nangong Family controlling the elixir resource.


    Overthrowing them seemed as difficult as scaling the heavens!


    Yan Mingli said with a wry smile, "Xiao, if it were just about getting the Treasure Pavilion to provide elixir resources, I might have some confidence, but with your current wager with Nangong Shengtian, I fear the Nangong and Beitang households will certainly do everything to block us. I''m afraid that the Treasure Pavilion¡­"


    The Treasure Pavilion held a powerful position throughout the Qingtian Realm.


    But in the Great Qian Dynasty¡­


    The Treasure Pavilion was suppressed by the four big families'' joint effort, only occupying a small part of the market, completely unable to compete with them!


    After all.


    Everything that the Treasure Pavilion could offer, the four big families could too.


    And because the four big families were on their home ground, their costs were lower and their prices more competitive. Even in the price wars, which the Treasure Pavilion was best at, they couldn''t beat them!


    For that reason¡­


    The Great Qian Dynasty''s elixir and Yuan weapon industries were firmly controlled by the four big families.


    The Treasure Pavilion could only struggle to survive in the cracks!


    They certainly couldn''t afford to offend both the Nangong and Beitang families to death just to aid Xiao Yi!


    "Don''t worry, I have my ways to make the Treasure Pavilion cooperate with us!"


    Xiao Yi smiled, narrowing his eyes, "All under heaven are attracted to profit, I do not believe the Treasure Pavilion is willing to settle for being beneath others¡­"


    ```

 Chapter 298 Two Dharma Aspects in One Day

    That night.


    Li Youruo, Chen Ziyi, and others also arrived at Xiaoshanhe Institute in succession.


    Everyone gathered together.


    This time...


    It was no longer as deserted as before.


    Just the people brought by Li Youruo and Chen Ziyi numbered over seventy, and with the confidants that Li Jinjun and Hai Wei brought, the count had already surpassed a hundred.


    Among them, there were thirty-seven powerful practitioners above the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    There were five at the Tao Tribulation Realm Peak.


    Hai Wei, Li Jinjun, Li Youruo, Chen Ziyi, and his wife Zhou Jing.


    Five great Tao Tribulation Realm Peak powerhouses, thirty-two practitioners above the Tao Tribulation Realm, along with Xiao Yi, Xue Bufan, and Yu Huaxian, brought the number of Tao Tribulation Realm strong practitioners in Xiaoshanhe Institute to forty.


    Yu Huaxian looked at the people present, shook his head with a sigh, and said, "How do I feel like I''m becoming less and less useful here with Xiao?"


    Elder Yan''s eye corner twitched, "Then what about me?"


    His cultivation was only at the Golden Core Realm.


    In front of the Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouses, he was as fragile as an ant.


    Yu Huaxian glanced at him, patted his shoulder, and said, "Don''t worry, you have your disciple to back you up!"


    "Damn..." sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Elder Yan glared fiercely at him.


    Xiao Yi scanned the crowd and said, "When you left your respective sects, there were no complications, I hope?"


    Hai Wei and Li Jinjun shook their heads and said, "Our confidants are all in the capital, so there were no other incidents. However, Elder Li and Elder Chen did encounter some obstacles on the way!"


    Xiao Yi nodded and looked towards Chen Ziyi.


    He already knew about the pursuit of Li Youruo by the Deputy Sect Master of Three Seas Mountain, but Chen Ziyi had not said much. However, Xiao Yi sensed a hint of blood on him.


    Chen Ziyi remained silent.


    Zhou Jing gave a bitter smile and said, "Xiao, my husband Chen is in a bad mood because his direct disciple did not come back with us. Please forgive him!"


    Xiao Yi hummed in acknowledgment, but seeing Chen Ziyi''s complexion, he knew it was not as simple as just the missing direct disciple, "Ziyi, what exactly happened?"


    Chen Ziyi sighed softly and said, "Master, my direct disciple exposed me, and on the way here, we were intercepted by practitioners from the Dharma Manifestation Realm. My second disciple was captured while trying to protect us, and I know nothing of their life or death..."


    Xiao Yi''s pupils contracted slightly.


    A betrayal by a direct disciple and the capture of the second disciple while they covered their escape.


    No wonder Chen Ziyi was so heavy-hearted.


    Xiao Yi patted his shoulder and said solemnly, "Ziyi, rest assured, I will definitely bring back your second disciple!"


    "Thank you, Master!"


    Chen Ziyi nodded, still looking disheartened.


    After all, that was someone who fell into the hands of Wendao Villa.


    Even a Dharma Manifestation Realm practitioner wouldn''t dream of taking someone from Wendao Villa, let alone Xiao Yi, who was only at the First Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm. Wendao Villa would never release a captive!


    Xiao Yi was of course aware of Chen Ziyi''s concerns, but he did not elaborate further. Instead, he turned to the others and said, "Ladies and gentlemen, since you have joined Xiaoshanhe Institute, you are from now on my companions. I, Xiao Yi, hereby assure you that I will never let you regret today''s decision!"


    With that said,


    Xiao Yi glanced at Lin Bingxin beside him.


    Lin Bingxin stepped forward immediately, taking out a chest from her storage ring.


    Clang!


    Lin Bingxin opened the chest, and everyone''s gaze converged on it. Inside the chest were scrolls piled up.


    Experience tales with My Virtual Library Empire


    Under the confused gazes of the group, Xiao Yi said in a deep voice, "During dinner, I observed everyone, and these scrolls are martial arts techniques tailored for you. Your names are on them, as gifts to welcome you to Xiaoshanhe Institute!"


    A martial art specifically tailored for the individual?


    The crowd was taken aback.


    Some marveled.


    Some were puzzled.


    Others scoffed.


    They all came from Three Seas Mountain and Wendao Villa, which, compared to the declining Xiaoshanhe Institute, were behemoth sects.


    They didn''t think Xiao Yi could offer any high-level martial arts.


    Xiao Yi didn''t explain but just smiled, watching everyone.


    He was, after all, the heir to the Dao Yan legacy.


    And who was Dao Yan?


    He was the strongest martial theory master in the history of Qingtian Realm, who had created countless martial arts and cultivation techniques in his lifetime. For Xiao Yi, who possessed Dao Yan''s inheritance, to tailor martial arts and techniques for the powerhouses beneath the Longevity Secret Realm was simply a matter of ease.


    Lin Bingxin distributed the scrolls to everyone.


    Xiao Yi said with a smile, "Take a look for yourselves!"


    Everyone thought to just put the scrolls away, but seeing Xiao Yi suggesting so, they opened them half-heartedly.


    Upon looking...


    The crowd couldn''t recover their senses.


    Each one was dumbfounded, their attitudes shifting from casual to astonished, staring at the scrolls intently, reading every word with great focus.


    Even Chen Ziyi and the four others at the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm were staring at the scroll''s content with serious expressions. Some furrowed their brows, some marveled, some were puzzled, and some suddenly understood...


    Buzz!


    Suddenly, a terrifying surge of aura burst forth as Li Youruo suddenly lifted his head to look at Xiao Yi and knelt on the ground with a thud, "Thank you, Master, for your gift. I have sensed the opportunity to break through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm, and I request your permission to enter seclusion to strive for it!"


    "Granted!"


    Xiao Yi nodded, then turned to Lin Bingxin, "Take Youruo to..."


    Before he could finish,


    Another buzz echoed.


    Chen Ziyi trembled all over, his eyes shining with a brilliant light, and he too knelt with a thud, "Thank you, Master, for your gift. I, too, have sensed the opportunity to break through to the Dharma Manifestation and need to enter seclusion to attack the realm!"


    "Very good, very good, two Dharma Manifestations in a single day, what worries could Xiaoshanhe Institute have about not thriving?"


    Xiao Yi laughed heartily, having anticipated that the contents of the scroll could lead them to breakthroughs but not expecting it to happen so quickly. Xiao Yi said in a deep voice, "Both of you go and seclude yourselves in the secret chamber. However, you must inform me in advance when you''re about to break through. I will take you to a secluded place for your breakthroughs!"


    Nowadays, everyone looked down on Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    They didn''t think it could be revitalized.


    At this time, of course, he couldn''t reveal all his strength in front of everyone. He had to conceal his power. When the time came for the ancestral worship ceremony, several Dharma Manifestation experts would emerge alongside a host of strong disciples cultivated by Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    At that time...


    It would certainly shock everyone!


    "Xiao, I can hardly wait to see the expressions on Nangong Shengtian and others'' faces when they see our Xiaoshanhe Institute suddenly boasting so many experts!"


    "Hahaha, it will definitely be very exciting!"


    The crowd laughed in agreement.


    With the guidance of Xiao Yi, Li Youruo, and Chen Ziyi on the verge of their breakthroughs, the other powerhouses who received the scrolls also had significant gains. The way they looked at Xiao Yi was now filled with an intense warmth and inner admiration.


    The experts brought by Li Youruo and others were already won over by Xiao Yi.


    Phew!


    Xiao Yi let out a long breath, squinted his eyes toward the star-studded night sky outside the door, and muttered to himself, "As long as we solve the Dan medicine resource supply, the rise of Xiaoshanhe Institute is within reach!"

 Chapter 299 The Dying Man

    The next day, early in the morning.


    Xiao Yi, Yan Mingli, and Lin Bingxin went together to the Imperial Capital Treasure Pavilion.


    Treasure Pavilion.


    This was an incomparably vast organization, its influence spread throughout the entire Qingtian Realm. There were rumors that behind the Treasure Pavilion was an enormously powerful force, many times stronger than the Great Qian Dynasty.


    Even though the four great noble families could suppress the Capital Treasure Pavilion, they dared not drive it into a corner.


    Otherwise, once they incited the wrath of the force behind the Treasure Pavilion, even the four great families couldn''t withstand the consequences.


    "Xiao, Master Nalan Qianqiu is a close friend of my mentor, but they were also contenders in the past. I''ve had some disputes with his disciples, and I fear we might encounter some of them this time. If they are impolite in their speech, please, teacher, for my sake, let it slide!" Standing in front of the Treasure Pavilion, Yan Mingli said.


    Xiao Yi nodded.


    The three of them entered the Treasure Pavilion.


    This Imperial Capital Treasure Pavilion was far from comparable to those in the Tianqing Kingdom; it was similarly divided into an Inner Cabinet and an Outer Cabinet.


    The Outer Cabinet was primarily made up of street stalls, a dazzling array of items, everything available, but it was a mix of good and bad, with no guarantee of quality. However, if one were lucky, it was possible to find precious treasures at extremely low prices.


    Just as Xiao Yi had found the Golden Radiance Stone Spirit in the Outer Cabinet of the Treasure Pavilion in Nanhuang.


    The Inner Cabinet dealt in high-end products, but the values were extremely expensive; even a single piece of clothing could cost over a hundred taels of silver, enough to cover a common family''s expenses for a year. Few ordinary people would spend in the Inner Cabinet.


    Xiao Yi and his companions made their way to the Inner Cabinet.


    "May I help you with something?" A good-looking young man stepped forward, his gaze subtly sweeping over the three of them, the smile on his face growing more brilliant and enthusiastic upon seeing the quality of their attire.


    Yan Mingli said, "Brother, we are here to see Master Nalan!"


    "To see our Pavilion Master?"


    The young man was taken aback and asked, puzzled, "May I know who you are?"


    Yan Mingli said, "My name is Yan Mingli. Please notify the Master; I believe he will want to see us!"


    "Alright... please wait here!" The young man promptly left.


    After a short while.


    The young man came back with a haughty-looking youth.


    The young man pointed at Xiao Yi and his group: "Steward Ning, it is they who wish to see the Pavilion Master!"


    "Hmm, you can go now!"


    Ning, the steward, waved his hand dismissively and slightly lifted his chin, his indifferent gaze sweeping over Xiao Yi and the others. His eyes paused briefly when they landed on Lin Bingxin, a flash of sharpness passing through them before he stepped forward and asked, "May I know how to address this miss?"


    Lin Bingxin''s brows creased slightly: "Lin Bingxin!"


    "Lin Bingxin? A name as pure as ice; indeed, a fine name!"


    Ning, the steward, chuckled, presumptuously flicking his hair, "I am Ning Kang, a first-level steward at the Treasure Pavilion!"


    There were three levels of stewards at the Treasure Pavilion.


    The first level was the highest, just below the Pavilion Master.


    The second and third levels were subordinate to the first.


    Ning Kang, being a first-level steward at such a young age, must have a formidable background. His face carried a radiant smile. Just as he was about to speak, Yan Mingli said, "Young brother, we came today to see Master Nalan. Is he currently available?"


    "And you are what exactly? Didn''t you see that I was speaking with Miss Lin?" Ning Kang rebuked loudly, displeasure showing on his face.


    Yan Mingli''s expression changed slightly.


    Ning Kang snorted, turning back to Lin Bingxin with a radiant smile: "Miss Lin, I infer from your accent that you are new to the Imperial Capital. There are quite a few interesting places here in the capital. If you''re interested, I could show you around!"


    "No need!"


    Lin Bingxin looked at Ning Kang with disgust and shook her head.


    Ning Kang hadn''t given up yet, and continued, "Miss Lin..."


    Stay tuned to My Virtual Library Empire


    Yan Mingli took a deep breath, "Ning, we have something to discuss with Master Nalan, please..."


    Slap!


    Ning Kang turned around and slapped Yan Mingli across the face, fuming, "How can you be so clueless, old man? Don''t you see that I am talking to Miss Lin? Why don''t you take a look in the mirror and see what kind of person you are, thinking you have the right to see the Pavilion Master? Do you think you''re worthy?"


    "You..."


    Yan Mingli''s face turned a ghastly shade.


    Bing Xin''s eyes were ablaze with fury. Yan Mingli was not only her master but also her only family member. She glared at Ning Kang, "Who gave you the right to hit someone?"


    Whoosh!


    Lin Bingxin raised her delicate palm to strike his face.


    Slap!


    Ning Kang quickly caught Lin Bingxin''s wrist, his face full of disdain, "Giving you face, huh? I''ve seen plenty of women like you, virtuous and righteous in public, but who knows how wanton you are behind closed doors. You want to see the Pavilion Master? As long as you serve me well, I will surely arrange a meeting for you with the Pavilion Master!"


    He sneered malevolently, eyes glancing over Lin Bingxin''s chest.


    A scarlet tongue licked his lips.


    His hand, resembling a salacious pork trotter, was about to reach out.


    But then there was a snap.


    Ning Kang''s smile abruptly disappeared from his face, replaced by shock, then overtaken by horror and paleness, "Ah... my hand, my hand is broken..."


    Ning Kang''s entire arm was dangling lifelessly in pieces at his side.


    His face contorted in excruciating pain.


    Clutching his broken arm, he staggered back repeatedly.


    Xiao Yi''s cold gaze fell upon him, he said indifferently, "If you dare to make another move, I''ll twist off your neck!"


    "You, you..."


    Ning Kang''s face turned ashen.


    Though his cultivation was at the Golden Elixir Realm Peak, Xiao Yi had broken his arm effortlessly, an indication of strength far surpassing his own.


    Ning Kang eyed Xiao Yi warily, with boundless hatred flaming in his heart, he gritted his teeth, "Just you wait... How dare you cause trouble in the Treasure Pavilion, I won''t rest until I make you beg for life and death!"


    Clang, clang, clang!


    The sound of metal clashing heralded the arrival of an eleven-person team rushing in.


    The leader was a formidable Third Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm expert.


    This person was Ning Luo, the deputy master of the Imperial Capital Treasure Pavilion, and a favored student of Nalan Qianqiu.


    He was also Ning Kang''s father!


    "Kang''er, how did this happen to you?" Ning Luo, upon seeing Ning Kang''s shattered arm, his eyes filled with ferocity. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With a vengeful look, Ning Kang turned to Xiao Yi and his companions, "Father, it was them who broke my arm. Capture them for me; I want the woman to become a plaything under me, and as for the men, chop them into pieces and feed them to the dogs¡­"


    "Don''t worry, your father will not let them off!"


    Ning Luo nodded his head, his savage eyes turning to Xiao Yi and his group. Just as he was about to speak, he suddenly noticed Yan Mingli among the three, revealing a look of astonishment, which quickly morphed into ferocity and bitterness, "How dare someone cause trouble at the Treasure Pavilion? So it''s you? Yan Mingli, you dared to abet someone to harm my son, I will ensure you are torn to pieces!"


    At that moment...


    A deep voice caused Ning Luo to freeze abruptly, "A man about to die still dares to talk of tearing people to pieces?"

 Chapter 300 Three-Flower Seven-Leaf Herb

    ```


    "A dying man still has the nerve to think about crushing others to pieces?"


    Xiao Yi''s voice eerily reached Ning Luo''s ears.


    Ning Luo''s movements abruptly stalled.


    His sword-like eyebrows contracted, as he turned towards the speaking Xiao Yi: "Boy, what nonsense are you spouting?"


    Xiao Yi coolly responded, "What? Isn''t Master Nalan, the Pavilion Master of Treasure Pavilion, a Seven-Star Alchemist? Can''t he even see that you are on death''s doorstep?"


    Hum!


    Ning Luo''s complexion dramatically changed.


    Behind him...


    Ning Kang roared, "You little bastard, what rubbish are you spouting? My father..."


    "Shut up!"


    Ning Luo turned back and glared at him fiercely, his expression solemn as he regarded Xiao Yi, unconsciously adding a hint of reverence, "May I know how to address you, sir?"


    Xiao Yi glanced at the increasingly curious onlookers and remained silent.


    Ning Luo immediately understood and gestured invitingly, "This way, please!"


    "Dad, he just broke my arm..." Ning Kang''s face was filled with confusion, not understanding why his father, who always doted on him, was showing such respect to the enemy who had broken his arm.


    "Quiet!"


    Ning Luo barked in anger, then said to the guard beside him, "Take Steward Ning to have his wound dressed!"


    "Yes!"


    The guard promptly carried away a bewildered Ning Kang.


    "Please, this way," Ning Luo said, leading Xiao Yi and the others towards the back hall.


    Along the way.


    Ning Luo''s attitude towards Yan Mingli became much gentler: "Brother Mingli, it has been over twenty years since we last met, how have you been these years?"


    Observing the warmth on Ning Luo''s face, Yan Mingli''s mouth twitched slightly.


    Just a moment ago.


    This guy was thinking about tearing him to pieces!


    And now, he was all smiles and pleasantries.


    Knowing he was at fault, Ning Luo quickly said, "Brother Mingli, my son is injured, and I was just concerned to a fault! Please understand the heart of a parent!"


    With things said to this point, Yan Mingli didn''t continue to hold back and said, "I have been staying in Nanhuang these years, now I''m following Xiao to the imperial city, seeking a career!"


    "Xiao?"


    Ning Luo was taken aback, his face full of shock, "This, this gentleman is Xiao Yi? Director Xiao?"


    Yan Mingli nodded.


    Ning Luo gasped in surprise.


    Of late...


    The name Xiao Yi has been on everyone''s lips.


    In the entire imperial city, who does not know Xiao Yi?


    At the peak of the Golden Core Realm, in control of Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Forcefully expelled Chen Shuiwen.


    Just yesterday, he even set a one-month agreement with the Nalan Family.


    Ning Luo took a deep breath, seeing that Xiao Yi was not looking at him, he quietly asked Yan Mingli, "Brother Mingli, what brings you here today?"


    Yan Mingli replied, "We came today hoping to meet with Master Nalan, I wonder if it''s convenient?"


    "My master received an ancient elixir prescription a few days ago and has been immersed in studying it recently. May I know the purpose of your visit? If it is urgent, I can pass on the message, but..." Ning Luo pointed to himself and made an eye gesture at Yan Mingli, implicitly indicating. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Yan Mingli looked towards Xiao Yi.


    ```


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "As long as I see Master Nalan, I have a way to save your life!"


    Ning Luo frowned slightly, hesitating, "Master Xiao..."


    "I know what you''re worried about!"


    Xiao Yi glanced at him, his sharp gaze seemed as if it could see right through him, "I still have a way to deal with the poison of the Three-Flower Seven-Leaf Herb!"


    Hiss!


    Ning Luo''s face suddenly changed.


    He was indeed poisoned by the Three-Flower Seven-Leaf Herb.


    This was something that even Ning Kang didn''t know, only he and Nalan Qianqiu were aware of it.


    The ancient prescription that Nalan Qianqiu was studying was an attempt to find a way to cure his poisoning. Xiao Yi was able to determine the poison he was afflicted with in a single statement, and the last shred of doubt in Ning Luo''s heart also vanished.


    With a respectful expression, he led the three to a reception room and said solemnly, "Master Xiao, please wait here for a moment, I will go and ask my master to come out!"


    Inside the reception room.


    Xiao Yi and his companions waited quietly. Yan Mingli asked with curiosity, "Master Xiao, the symptoms of Three-Flower Seven-Leaf Herb poisoning only manifest when the person is near death. How could you tell at a glance that Ning Luo was poisoned by the Three-Flower Seven-Leaf Herb?"


    "It''s the scent on his body!" Xiao Yi said.


    Yan Mingli was startled.


    Xiao Yi explained calmly, "The Three-Flower Seven-Leaf Herb grows in extremely yin places, and where this herb grows, there must be a three-tailed bamboo leaf green snake nearby. This extremely poisonous snake likes to urinate on the herb, leaving a faint bamboo leaf fragrance. Just now, I smelled that tinge of bamboo leaf scent on Ning Luo..."


    Clap clap clap!


    A crisp round of applause followed.


    In front of Ning Luo, an old man in plain clothes with white hair but a youthful face wore an appreciative look, "To deduce the Three-Flower Seven-Leaf Herb from that faint scent, Master Xiao''s understanding of medicinal herbs even surpasses that of this old man!"


    "Master Nalan!" Yan Mingli quickly stood up and said respectfully.


    Lin Bingxin bowed slightly as a greeting.


    Xiao Yi cupped his hands towards Nalan Qianqiu and said, "Master Nalan is too kind!"


    "No, no, no!"


    Your journey continues on My Virtual Library Empire


    Nalan Qianqiu shook his head, speaking earnestly, "Master Xiao, there''s no need for modesty. I wasn''t flattering, just stating the truth. Even I didn''t initially realize what poison Ning Luo had been afflicted with and had to consult many ancient texts before figuring it out!"


    Xiao Yi replied modestly, "It was purely by accident!"


    Nalan Qianqiu smiled and didn''t dwell on the matter any further, asking, "Master Xiao, Ning Luo tells me you have a way to cure the Three-Flower Seven-Leaf Herb poison?"


    Three-Flower Seven-Leaf Herb, colorless, tasteless, extremely yin and chilling.


    This poison is extremely terrifying!


    The poisoned person won''t show any signs but will become very sensitive to heat, and only at the moment of death will their meridians burst and a pattern similar to the Three-Flower Seven-Leaf Herb appear on their body.


    Ning Luo also discovered something was amiss due to his frequent handling of alchemical fires for his work as an alchemist.


    This past month, he had been relying on Nalan Qianqiu''s medicine to suppress the toxins in his body; otherwise, he would have died from exploding veins long ago.


    Nalan Qianqiu said with a guilty look, "I''ve consulted ancient texts but haven''t been able to find a cure for this poison. If Master Xiao can truly save Ning Luo''s life, Nalan Qianqiu would be eternally grateful!"


    "Master..."


    Ning Luo''s face was full of emotion, as he was an orphan who had been raised by Nalan Qianqiu since childhood.


    He was not just a master to him, but even more a father!


    Xiao Yi said, "Saving him is not difficult, but, I have a matter I would like Master Nalan to agree to!"


    Nalan Qianqiu replied, "Master Xiao, feel free to speak. As long as it is within my capabilities, I would go through fire and water without hesitation!"


    "I believe Master Nalan knows that Xiaoshanhe Institute is now in my hands."


    Seeing Nalan Qianqiu nod, Xiao Yi continued, "I would like to establish cooperation with Treasure Pavilion, having Treasure Pavilion supply us with pills and medicinal herbs."


    Nalan Qianqiu had been engrossed in researching ancient prescriptions lately and was not fully informed about the happenings within the imperial capital. Hearing this, he nodded and said, "I thought it was something serious, but it turns out to be merely a supply of pills and medicinal herbs. Rest assured, Master Xiao, my Treasure Pavilion..."


    Just as Nalan Qianqiu seemed ready to agree, a faint voice came from outside the door, "Master Xiao, dragging Master Nalan to accompany you in death doesn''t seem too appropriate, does it?"

 Chapter 301 Incompetent Doctor Causes Harm

    "Xiao, you''re taking Master Nalan with you to your grave, that''s hardly proper, is it?"


    A voice came from outside the door.


    Two figures appeared together in the parlor.


    Yan Mingli''s face changed slightly as he quickly lowered his voice and said, "Xiao, the visitors are ill-intentioned!"


    "Who are they?" Xiao Yi asked.


    In a grave tone, Yan Mingli said, "The one on the left in black is called Nangong Shoucheng, a six-star Alchemist from the Nangong Family. The one on the left in white is Beitang Kong, also a six-star Alchemist."


    The six-star Alchemists from the Nangong and Beitang Families had appeared together.


    Clearly, as Yan Mingli had said, the visitors had bad intentions.


    It must have been that they found out that he had come to see Nalan Qianqiu, and they had specifically sent these two to disrupt and sabotage the cooperation between him and Nalan Qianqiu.


    Nalan Qianqiu had known the two men for many years and greeted them with a cupped-hand salute, confusion showing on his face, "What exactly did you mean by your previous words, gentlemen?"


    With a mocking look, Nangong Shoucheng said sardonically, "Master Nalan, you should ask Xiao about this matter!"


    "Tsk tsk, Xiao, you''re on a road to death yourself and dragging others down with you. That''s not very ethical!" Beitang Kong''s tone was gloomy as he provocatively stared at Xiao Yi.


    Nalan Qianqiu was completely baffled.


    Xiao Yi''s face was expressionless.


    Nangong Shoucheng, brimming with conceit, said, "Master Nalan, let this old man tell you! This Xiao Yi, ignorant of the vastness of heaven and earth, has made a bet with our family elder, boasting that he will cause all the pill shops of the Nangong Family to close down within a month. He must be seeking your Treasure Pavilion now, intending to strike at the Nangong Family!"


    "What?"


    Nalan Qianqiu''s face stiffened, and he looked incredulously at Xiao Yi.


    He knew all too well how powerful the Nangong and Beitang Families were when united in the pill medicine industry.


    Xiao Yi actually wanted to contend with these two giants?


    Not to mention just him alone...


    Even if he brought the Treasure Pavilion into the fray, it would be a death sentence!


    Otherwise,


    Why would the Imperial Capital Treasure Pavilion be suppressed so severely by the four great families?


    Annoyed, Nalan Qianqiu was quite displeased with Xiao Yi''s concealment, "Xiao, what you have done is somewhat¡­"


    Xiao Yi cupped his hands toward Nalan Qianqiu and said, "Master Nalan, I did not disclose the full truth to you, and for that, I indeed erred. As an apology, I will now rid Vice-Master Ning of the poison!"


    As his voice fell,


    Xiao Yi''s figure had already appeared beside Ning Luo, and with a single strike in the air, he knocked Ning Luo out with a slap to the back of his neck before the latter, at the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm, could react.


    Ning Luo''s body went limp, and Xiao Yi swiftly pointed at Ning Luo''s waist.


    At the same time, his arm shook.


    Whoosh!


    Ning Luo''s body was forcibly pushed into the air by Xiao Yi, and his surging Qi wrapped around Ning Luo, actually condensing into an ethereal Qi Pill Furnace.


    "Qi manifesting into form? Such an exquisite technique; this youngster''s control over Qi is exceptionally strong..." Nangong Shoucheng''s face showed a slight change. Even having spent many years at the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm, he could not manipulate Qi so skillfully.


    Beitang Kong squinted his eyes and sneered, "This young man''s control over Qi is indeed astonishing, but the poison of the Three-Flower Seven-Leaf Herb has no cure in this world. I see this is but a show of smoke and mirrors!"


    "Shut up!"


    Yan Mingli glared coldly at them and said indifferently, "Xiao is curing Ning Luo''s poison. If you disrupt and cause a delay because of your disturbance, can you bear the consequences?"


    "How dare you..." Stay connected with My Virtual Library Empire


    Beitang Kong''s expression darkened as the power of the Calamity Realm pressed towards Yan Mingli.


    "Stop!"


    Nalan Qianqiu let out a cold hum.


    The presence of the Dharma Manifestation Realm rolled out like a vast tide, scattering Beitang Kong''s energies. His unblinking gaze fell on Xiao Yi, giving Beitang Kong the feeling of being tightly watched by a blade-like stare, "Whoever dares to disturb Xiao, I will kill them!"


    Beitang Kong''s face turned alternately green and white, but he did not dare to defy Nalan Qianqiu.


    He glared at Yan Mingli fiercely.


    Beitang Kong and Nangong Shoucheng stood to one side. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Meanwhile...


    Inside the energy furnace created by Xiao Yi''s vital energy, streaks of crimson light circulated and drilled into Ning Luo''s body.


    Roar!


    Ning Luo''s whole body trembled.


    His muscles instantly tensed, his body arched backward, like a bow drawn taut.


    The blue veins on his body turned wildly prominent.


    Vein after vein, they coiled around his body like writhing dragons.


    Waves of severe pain turned Ning Luo''s body a scarlet red as beads of sweat the size of beans rolled off him, some even tinged with strands of fresh blood, falling to the ground.


    As these beads hit the floor, a sizzling noise ensued.


    "Roar..."


    "Ugh..."


    Ning Luo''s screams of agony were continuous.


    The sound of his cries was heart-wrenching to hear, tear-inducing to see, and utterly devastating.


    Beitang Kong spoke with cold-hearted ridicule, "This isn''t detoxification, it''s clearly murder!"


    Nangong Shoucheng nodded in agreement, adding, "In all the ancient texts, where has there been such a method of detoxification? In my opinion, he''s just playing with Deputy Pavilion Master Ning''s life as a joke!"


    Nalan Qianqiu''s expression was taut as he watched Ning Luo scream in agony, passing out multiple times from the pain.


    He couldn''t bear it.


    Just as he was about to call a halt,


    he heard Xiao Yi roar lowly, "Needles!"


    Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!


    From his storage ring, a series of hair-thin silver needles burst out, numerous as cow''s hair and sparkling like countless stars in the sky.


    With a flick of Xiao Yi''s finger,


    hundreds, thousands of silver needles shot out rapidly, silently landing on the many acupoints on Ning Luo''s body.


    One could vaguely see,


    the needles on Ning Luo''s body forming the image of a ghastly face with green features and sharp fangs.


    "This, this is..." Nalan Qianqiu''s pupils suddenly contracted, his face showing disbelief and shock.


    Both Nangong Shoucheng and Beitang Kong exchanged glances, voicing their concerns, "Xiao Yi, are you planning to murder Deputy Pavilion Master Ning? With so many needles piercing into his body, if the poison doesn''t kill him, your needles will..."


    "Master Nalan, you should stop Xiao Yi quickly. A quack is endangering someone; Deputy Pavilion Master Ning''s life is in danger!"


    "Shut up, both of you!"


    Nalan Qianqiu turned around and slapped both men to the ground, glaring at them fiercely and cursing out loud, "What the hell do you know? Damn quacks endangering people, what Xiao is using is the Ghost King Needle..."


    Beitang Kong, clutching his face in confusion, said, "What, what''s the Ghost King Needle?"


    Not caring about the burning pain on his face, Nangong Shoucheng looked shocked, "The Ghost King Needle? The legendary technique of the Underworld Doctor that has been lost for many years, which can revive the dead? Impossible, Bian once said that even in Southern Border, the ancestral land of the Underworld Doctor lineage, the Ghost King Needle had long been lost. How could he possibly know this lost supreme technique?"


    Just then...


    "The Ghost King Order, Death fears, to revive the dead..."


    Xiao Yi roared lowly.


    Pup, pup, pup!


    Silver needles exploded from Ning Luo''s body, embedding themselves into the floor and the ceiling above. Each needle carried black poisonous blood. Once all the thousands of needles had disappeared from his body,


    Xiao Yi waved his hand casually, and Ning Luo fell in front of everyone.


    Xiao Yi bowed his hands to Nalan Qianqiu, "Mission accomplished!"

 Chapter 302 Have You Ever Seen Alchemy with a Single Finger?

    "I was successful in my mission!"


    Xiao Yi cupped one hand in the other before his chest toward Nalan Qianqiu with a smile.


    Ning Luo also opened his eyes at this moment, subconsciously looking at his own hands. A fierce flame surged up in the palm of his hand. This was the Pill Fire condensed from the fiery attribute of his vital energy.


    During the time when he was poisoned by the Three-Flower Seven-Leaf Herb, let alone condensing Pill Fire, even being near flames would make him feel unbearably uncomfortable.


    But now...


    He could once again clearly sense the familiarity emanating from the Pill Fire.


    "Master, I am healed, I am completely healed..."


    Excitement and ecstasy covered Ning Luo''s face as he ran to Nalan Qianqiu''s side.


    Nalan Qianqiu''s eyes were red-rimmed, with tears threatening to spill, for he had been restless and losing sleep over Ning Luo''s poisoning these past months. This was not only his direct disciple but also a loved one he regarded as his own kin.


    But after searching through ancient tomes, he found absolutely no way to cure the poison of the Three-Flower Seven-Leaf Herb.


    Now.


    The poison afflicting Ning Luo was finally cured.


    Nalan Qianqiu cupped his hands toward Xiao Yi, full of gratitude, "Thank you, Master Xiao, for saving his life!"


    Ning Luo also came back to his senses, hurriedly paid respects to Xiao Yi, and said respectfully, "Thank you, Master Xiao, for saving my life!"


    "There''s no need for such formalities. As I said, consider this a token of penance for not having been able to disclose the full truth," Xiao Yi waved his hand, then looked at Nalan Qianqiu, "Pavilion Master Nalan, I wonder if the Treasure Pavilion is willing to collaborate with my Xiaoshanhe Institute?"


    Nalan Qianqiu was stunned, showing a hesitant look, "This..."


    He never liked to be indebted to someone.


    Xiao Yi had just saved Ning Luo, so he really couldn''t refuse.


    But...


    To directly confront the Beitang and Nangong families to the point of a life-and-death struggle, Nalan Qianqiu also couldn''t make up his mind. After all, it could potentially send the Imperial Capital Treasure Pavilion into an abyss with no return.


    Nangong Shoucheng quickly said, "Pavilion Master Nalan, you must think this through. If you collaborate with him, you will be making enemies of both the Nangong and Beitang families, to the bitter end!"


    "Think thrice before you act!" Beitang Kong also spoke up.


    The two families controlled one the channels for medicinal ingredients, and the other the channels for pill elixirs.


    The pill elixir industry of the Great Qian Dynasty was in their hands.


    Even if the Treasure Pavilion wanted to purchase medicinal ingredients and pill elixirs within the Great Qian Dynasty, it would have to go through them. As for the Treasure Pavilion bringing in resources from outside the Great Qian Dynasty, given the four major families'' control over the Great Qian Dynasty, they definitely had the ability to make those transported resources mysteriously disappear en route.


    This kind of incident had indeed happened before!


    With righteous indignation, Nangong Shoucheng looked at Xiao Yi, "Master Xiao, if you seek your own end, don''t drag others down to die with you!"


    Beitang Kong nodded, saying, "Master Xiao, one mustn''t be so selfish in life!"


    Nalan Qianqiu looked towards Xiao Yi with a troubled expression.


    Xiao Yi smiled and said, "Pavilion Master Nalan, I will only ask you one thing..."


    Nalan Qianqiu frowned at him.


    Xiao Yi spoke slowly, emphasizing each word, "Are you, willing to remain beneath others?"


    Whoom!


    Nalan Qianqiu shuddered all over.


    Willing to remain beneath others?


    Of course not!


    Treasure Pavilions were spread across all corners of the Qingtian Realm, and except for a few of them, nearly ninety percent of the Treasure Pavilions were the absolute rulers of their respective localities. But what about him?


    Since the foundation of the Treasure Pavilion in the Great Qian Dynasty, it had always been suppressed by the four major families.


    And with that, Nalan Qianqiu also faced scorn at the headquarters of the Treasure Pavilion.


    Those who were once no better than him, or even slightly inferior, now held power and status in the Treasure Pavilion that surpassed his own. All this was due to the awkward position of the Imperial Capital Treasure Pavilion of the Great Qian Dynasty.


    Facing the oppression of the four major families.


    He was powerless to turn the tide!


    Nalan Qianqiu thought of turning his fortunes around at all times, but after several failed attempts, he had long since lost his fighting spirit. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Easier said than done..." Nalan Qianqiu sighed.


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Master Nalan, I naturally understand that this matter is not easy. You only need to tell me, are you willing to be subordinate to others?"


    Nalan Qianqiu hesitated for a moment, then gritted his teeth and said word by word, "No!"


    "That''s enough!" Discover exclusive tales on My Virtual Library Empire


    Xiao Yi relaxed, his biggest worry being that Nalan Qianqiu had lost all will to fight. As long as he still had the desire to turn the tables, there was still a chance, "Master Nalan, I''d like to borrow your alchemy room."


    "Hmm?"


    Nalan Qianqiu was stunned.


    Weren''t they discussing cooperation?


    Why did he suddenly want to go to the alchemy room?


    Although he was puzzled, he still nodded and said, "Please follow me."


    Nangong Shoucheng and Beitang Kong exchanged glances and followed as well.


    Nalan Qianqiu''s alchemy room was extremely large, containing four pill furnaces in total. Each one was of the sixth-order Yuan weapon level, each worth more than a hundred billion Silver.


    "Xiao Yi, what on earth are you trying to pull?" Nangong Shoucheng frowned.


    Beitang Kong said coldly, "Playing mysterious."


    Xiao Yi paid no attention to the two men and instead walked toward the medicine cabinet where the herbs were stored. He took some herbs and said as he walked, "The competition in the elixir industry comes down to efficacy and price. For the same efficacy, the cheaper one is superior; for the same price, the one with better effects is superior. If the effects are outstanding and the price is low, then that elixir will be invincible, without any opponents!"


    "Everyone knows that, but if you want to lower the price, you need to control costs. And how can you improve the efficacy of the elixirs once you control the costs?" Nangong Shoucheng said with a face full of scorn.


    Beitang Kong sneered, "My Beitang Family controls the medicinal resources, and the Nangong Family controls the elixir resources. United, we are invincible."


    "What you call united is actually collusion!"


    Xiao Yi''s face was scornful then he looked at Nalan Qianqiu seriously, "Master Nalan, what are the best-selling elixirs on the market now? And what is the cost?"


    Nalan Qianqiu said, "The bestseller is Qi Gathering Elixir with a cost of ten Silver, Qi and Blood Elixir with a cost of a hundred Silver, Divine Passage Elixir with a cost of a thousand Silver, Gold Cloud Elixir with a cost of five thousand Silver..."


    Ning Luo continued, "These four types of elixirs nearly occupy seventy percent of the market."


    "Let''s take these four elixirs then!"


    Xiao Yi suddenly made a statement.


    The crowd had not yet come back to their senses.


    They saw Xiao Yi throwing batches of herbs into each of the four pill furnaces, then with a flick of his finger, his elemental energy transformed into a pill flame, pure azure in colour landing on the furnaces.


    Boom!


    Underneath the four pill furnaces blazed the pill flames forcefully.


    "What? He''s going to concoct four types of elixirs at the same time?"


    "Isn''t he too arrogant? Even as six-star alchemists, we can''t manage to multitask to such an extent!"


    "Don''t mention you... Even I cannot multitask in this manner, let alone concoct four different types of elixirs at the same time..." said Nalan Qianqiu, shocked.


    Different elixirs require different strengths of pill flames, steps in their concoction, and timing for the pills to form.


    The difficulty of concocting four different elixirs at the same time even exceeds that of concocting eight furnaces of the same elixir.


    "Drawing the crowd to show off!"


    "Absolutely impossible to succeed!"


    Nangong Shoucheng and Beitang Kong confidently said.


    They had been immersed in the art of alchemy for a hundred years. Xiao Yi, even if he had started alchemy from the womb, had only been at it for twenty years. How could he succeed with the difficulty increased by dozens of times when they themselves could not?


    Just as everyone was full of doubt and surprise, Xiao Yi turned around and looked at them, "Have you ever witnessed single-finger alchemy?"


    "Ah?"


    "What, what is single-finger alchemy?" The crowd was baffled.


    Xiao Yi''s mouth curved slightly upwards, with a playful arc, "Open your eyes wide and watch carefully, the moment of witnessing a miracle has arrived!"

 Chapter 303 Astonishingly Talented

    ```


    "The next moment is when we witness a miracle!"


    Xiao Yi''s mouth curled into a slight, mysterious smile.


    To make Nalan Qianqiu agree to cooperate, it was necessary to leave him with no worries, and the simplest method was to let Nalan Qianqiu witness his formidable abilities firsthand.


    Whether it be martial arts, formations, or alchemy, the simplest and most practical approach was to overpower the other party with sheer strength!


    Only by showing off enough power,


    could one make others submit.


    A flick of a finger alchemy.


    This was a unique move that only the Wind Thunder Sage could perform by harnessing the Wind Thunder Holy Body.


    Hiss, hiss!


    Electricity flickered around Xiao Yi''s body, followed by a fierce wind thunder that concentrated on his fingertips. His hands moved through the air like playing a piano, with rhythmic motions.


    A tempest of blue winds raged.


    In the air, they formed the embryonic shapes of nine pill furnaces.


    At the same time...


    Purple-gold thunderbolts shot out like snakes, twisting and coiling around the blue furnace shapes, turning into the spiraling serpentine Wind Thunder Pill Furnaces.


    "Ingredients!"


    With a call from Xiao Yi, he summoned objects from afar.


    One by one, the medicine cabinets opened automatically.


    Various herbs flew out.


    These herbs gathered into ten medicinal streams that, drawn by the force of the wind thunder, each entered one of the ten Wind Thunder Pill Furnaces.


    "Are those ingredients for refining the Earthly Treasure Elixir?"


    "Those are for the Heavenly Treasure Elixir..."


    "That is..."


    The crowd, with their eyes on the diverse herbs forming streams into the Wind Thunder Pill Furnaces, could naturally discern what type of elixir was being crafted, thanks to their alchemical knowledge.


    Ten different elixirs, plus those four pill furnaces, made for fourteen completely different types of elixirs.


    From the lowest Grade 1 elixirs to Grade 6.


    And all were the most popular kinds on the market.


    "Has this guy gone mad?"


    "Mad? I think he''s practically a god... Leaving aside whether he can succeed in refining, just this technique of solidifying the qi pill furnace is priceless..." Nangong Shoucheng''s eyes blazed with greed.


    Aside from herbs, formulas, and alchemical methods, the thing that troubled alchemists the most was the pill furnace!


    Pill furnaces are hard to craft.


    Even for a seasoned artifact refiner, the success rate is extremely low when forging pill furnaces. After all, while a formation carved on a weapon is sufficient, it must be inscribed inside a pill furnace.


    An excellent artifact refiner is definitely a top-tier array master.


    But array masters, how rare and precious they are!


    In major forces, they are worshipped like ancestors!


    How could they be used for artifact refining?


    But what about Xiao Yi?


    He could actually solidify qi into a pill furnace and proceed smoothly with alchemy. If he truly succeeded in forming pills, this method of qi-solidifying pill furnaces would be a technique that all alchemists would desperately seek.


    "If Xiao Yi loses the wager with the old ancestor, he''ll have to comply with whatever the old ancestor wishes. By then, he must make him hand over this technique of qi-solidifying pill furnaces..." Nangong Shoucheng was already fantasizing about the benefits after winning the wager.


    But Nalan Qianqiu stared without blinking, fixated on those fourteen pill furnaces.


    Xiao Yi''s control of four pill furnaces previously had already impressed them.


    Now, he was simultaneously controlling fourteen furnaces!


    This was simply divine!


    "If he can succeed in making pills like this, as long as the quality of the elixirs can keep up, cooperating with him might offer a chance to suppress the Nangong and Beitang families..." Nalan Qianqiu''s eyes narrowed into slits, murmuring to himself.


    At this moment,


    burst after burst of medicinal fragrance suddenly emitted from the pill furnaces.


    From the time Xiao Yi put the ingredients into the furnaces, it had only been the time it takes for an incense stick to burn.


    To have fragrance within the time it takes an incense stick to burn?


    This meant that Xiao Yi had completed the refining of the ingredients, capturing their essence. What followed was the solidifying of pills. If he succeeded at solidifying, this round of alchemy would be a complete success.


    What remained to be seen was the quality of the elixirs and the cost after distribution.


    For example, a Qi Condensing Pill''s cost was ten silvers each.


    Xiao Yi''s batch of ingredients was worth thirty silvers; if it yielded three pills, it would meet the average standard. If there were five pills, then the cost of each would be six silvers, far below the market cost.


    "Hmph, refining ingredients is the easiest part, the key is solidifying the pill!" Beitang Kong declared.


    Nangong Shoucheng nodded, "Solidifying the pill will be a failure if unsuccessful. If he focused on crafting one batch of elixirs, the success rate would undoubtedly be high. But he is so arrogant as to craft fourteen kinds of elixirs at the same time, I believe it is impossible for him to succeed!"


    Solidifying pills is what consumes the most focus.


    ```


    Ordinary alchemists concentrate on refining a single batch of pills, and even then, the success rate isn''t high.


    What''s more for Xiao Yi, who was refining fourteen batches of pills at the same time?


    Under the watchful eyes of the crowd.


    A dazzling light radiated from the top of each of the fourteen pill furnaces as Xiao Yi''s figure floated ethereally, his slender fingers dancing gracefully as if caressing the strings of a harp, leaving behind a trail of afterimages.


    In a splendid display.


    Xiao Yi''s eyebrows knitted together as he let out a low roar, "Pills solidified!"


    Boom, boom, boom!


    Fourteen pill furnaces trembled simultaneously.


    "Bing Xin, collect the pills!" Xiao Yi commanded in a low shout.


    "Yes!"


    Lin Bingxin leaped up, floating gracefully like a fairy or a nimble swallow soaring through the air, flitting amongst the pill furnaces. She reached out with her pill bottles, and one by one, the pills flew into the bottles.


    A moment later. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    All ten Qi Condensing Pill furnaces had disappeared.


    The flames around the other four furnaces had also quietly subsided.


    In front of everyone stood fourteen pill bottles in a row.


    Everyone was dumbstruck...


    Gulp!


    Nangong Shoucheng swallowed hard, "He, did he really finish? Refining fourteen different kinds of pills at once, and all of them solidified?"


    "Incredible, is this even possible for a human to achieve?" Beitang Kong was astounded.


    Ning Luo sucked in the cold air, unable to speak.


    Admiration and pride filled the eyes of Yan Mingli and Lin Bingxin.


    Nalan Qianqiu''s eyes sparkled with intense anticipation.


    Xiao Yi looked at Nalan Qianqiu with a smile, "Master Nalan, please inspect them!"


    "Alright!"


    Nalan Qianqiu took a deep breath and opened the first bottle of Qi Condensing Pills, counting as he opened, "Qi Condensing Pills, normally one can get three pills from one batch of materials, but in this bottle, there are one, two..."


    With each number he uttered, everyone''s heart pounded heavily.


    When the count reached four.


    Nangong Shoucheng and Beitang Kong''s expressions stiffened.


    As Nalan Qianqiu''s count reached five, their faces turned pale.


    "That''s it, right?"


    "It must be, right? There are already five pills; the average cost is six taels..."


    Both were nervous.


    However...


    Nalan Qianqiu''s mouth didn''t stop, "Six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven..." with each number, his hands shook more violently, until at fifteen, Nalan Qianqiu was drenched in cold sweat.


    His hands trembling, he looked at Xiao Yi in disbelief, "Fifteen pills? One batch of materials yielded fifteen pills? How, how is this possible?"


    "Impossible, even if we perform beyond expectations, we can at most get eight or nine pills from a batch... Fifteen, how can this be?"


    "The efficacy must be subpar..."


    Nangong Shoucheng and the others pushed past Nalan Qianqiu, but when they saw the fifteen lustrous, jade-like pills, they fell to the ground with a thud.


    All fifteen pills were of the highest quality!


    "No, it must only be this one; the others definitely cannot compare..." They could not give up and opened the other bottles.


    Earthly Treasure Elixir, ten pills.


    Gold Cloud Elixir, ten pills solidified.


    Ten pills!


    Fifteen pills...


    All fourteen types of pills, at least ten pills solidified, all uniformly of the highest quality!


    Thud!


    Thud!


    Nangong Shoucheng and Beitang Kong slumped, legs weakening, faces turning pale, cold sweat soaking through their clothes. Their gazes towards Xiao Yi shifted from the previous scorn and mockery to shock and fear.


    Read new chapters at My Virtual Library Empire


    This man was worth hundreds of six-star alchemists!


    "What kind of existence have we provoked?" They looked at each other, at a loss.


    Xiao Yi didn''t pay heed to them, smiling at Nalan Qianqiu, "Master Nalan, is this cooperation to your satisfaction?"


    Gulp!


    Nalan Qianqiu swallowed hard, barely containing his excitement, and said through gritted teeth, "Very satisfactory!"

 Chapter 304 Black Market News

    Outside Treasure Pavilion.


    Two figures supported each other, but their legs were still weak and wobbly, like those of a soft-shelled shrimp. Even clinging to each other, they seemed on the verge of collapsing.


    They looked up at the somewhat piercing sunshine, their faces growing paler.


    With his mind filled with those dazzling arrays of pills, Nangong Shoucheng''s pale lips quivered, "It''s over, what kind of existence have we provoked?"


    "We must inform the family head immediately..."


    Beitang Kong said hastily.


    With each step as soft as the last, they headed towards their respective family estates.


    Meanwhile...


    Xiao Yi in Treasure Pavilion was signing a contract with Nalan Qianqiu.


    The contract specified:


    Treasure Pavilion would supply the medicinal materials, while Xiao Yi would advance the training of Treasure Pavilion''s alchemists, ensuring that their pill success rate would increase at least twofold, and all pill production costs would be reduced to one-third of the average baseline.


    Afterward, Treasure Pavilion would handle the sales.


    Just think about it.


    When these pills, stronger in effects but priced at only one-third or even lower appear on the market, what business could the Nangong Family''s pill shops possibly have left? Enjoy more content from My Virtual Library Empire


    By then, they would be unable to sell their stockpiled medicinal materials and pills.


    Their financial chain would break.


    Not to mention a month...


    It would be troublesome for them even to hold out for half a month.


    "Xiao, our Treasure Pavilion indeed has some stockpiled medicinal materials, but compared to the scale of the Beitang and Nangong families, it is still lacking, enough for at most ten days," Nalan Qianqiu said, now that they had decided on a partnership, he no longer had any reservations to hide.


    Xiao Yi squinted his eyes and said, "Ten days is definitely not enough, we still need to resolve the issue of medicinal materials. Master Nalan, where does the Beitang Family get their medicinal materials from?"


    Nalan Qianqiu spoke in a deep voice, "It''s not a big secret. The medicinal materials for the Beitang Family and indeed the entire Southern State are actually supplied by Medicine King Valley."


    "Medicine King Valley?"


    Xiao Yi was startled, as he had never heard of this place.


    Nalan Qianqiu explained, "Medicine King Valley is located within the Medicine King Mountain Range of the Nantian Dynasty. The Nantian Dynasty is incredibly far from us; even for Dharma Manifestation Realm experts crossing the void, it would take several years."


    "That far?" Xiao Yi said in surprise, "How does the Beitang Family conduct trade with them?"


    After pondering, Nalan Qianqiu said, "Medicine King Valley has outposts in every dynasty, and our Treasure Pavilion also cooperates with them. However, before we came to the Great Qian Dynasty, the Beitang Family had already struck a deal with them. Moreover, it seems that the old ancestor of the Beitang Family has some relationship with an elder in Medicine King Valley, so we cannot snatch the supply channel from their hands!"


    Squinting his eyes, Xiao Yi asked, "Is there any other way?"


    "Actually..." S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After a moment''s hesitation, Nalan Qianqiu said, "Apart from Medicine King Valley, there''s a black market on Beast Emperor Island within the Beast Emperor Sea to the east, which is no less potent than Medicine King Valley, where we could also purchase medicinal materials. However, the black market is a place of mixed repute, and if one doesn''t have sufficient strength, they might be swallowed whole without a trace!"


    The black market, a marketplace hidden in the shadows.


    It''s naturally an unlawful place!


    There...


    Strength is respected, and it''s the law of the jungle.


    Without sufficient strength, going to the black market can mean not coming back, let alone buying medicinal materials. That''s why, even though Treasure Pavilion is aware of the black market, they have not sourced goods from there.


    After all.


    The risks are simply too great!


    Squinting his eyes, Xiao Yi said, "First, gather all of Treasure Pavilion''s alchemists, I''ll give them a round of training. At the very least during these ten days, we''ll bring down the market price of pills, and leave the rest to me to resolve!"


    "We have no other choice!"


    Nalan Qianqiu nodded, then ordered Ning Luo to summon all of Treasure Pavilion''s alchemists.


    In the following two days.


    While Xiao Yi was instructing the group of alchemists, he was also concocting some pills for the Xiaoshanhe Institute, which he gave to Lin Bingxin to take back to the Institute.


    On this day.


    Xiao Yi looked at the hundreds of alchemists in front of him and, under the adoring gaze of the crowd, spoke in a deep voice, "After two days of intensified training, each of you should at least be able to refine two furnaces of medicinal pills simultaneously. In the coming time, it will be hard on you all! Should we win this bet, Xiao guarantees to teach you the method to refine three, even four furnaces of pills at once!"


    "Pavilion Master Xiao, rest assured, we will give it our all!"


    "We definitely won''t let you down!"


    The crowd shouted in unison.


    "Elder Xue, Elder Yan, I''ll have to trouble you two to keep an eye on things here!"


    After giving instructions to the two, Xiao Yi turned to Nalan Qianqiu, "Master Nalan, we need you to put in more effort regarding our previous agreement for the Treasure Pavilion and the Xiaoshanhe Institute to join forces in preparing for the talent battle!"


    "Don''t worry, you won''t be disappointed!"


    Nalan Qianqiu patted his chest. His alchemy skills had skyrocketed before Xiao Yi, and he had almost reached the threshold of an eight-star alchemist; he was sincerely impressed with Xiao Yi, "Xiao, please be extra careful on your trip to the Beast Emperor Sea!"


    Xiao Yi nodded solemnly, "I''m taking my leave first!"


    After the time it takes to burn a joss stick had passed.


    Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    In front of the mountain gate, where two stone lions used to stand, now sat two sixth-order Beast Kings of Dharma Manifestation Realm. Upon seeing Xiao Yi''s arrival, the two magical beasts immediately straightened up, "Welcome back, Institute Head!"


    "Hmm!"


    Xiao Yi gave them a glance and said, "You''ve done quite well, take these two pills as a reward."


    They were two sixth-grade medicinal pills.


    They could potentially double the effectiveness of comprehending the forces of heaven and earth, with the effect lasting a full ten days.


    The two beasts'' eyes shone brightly, "Thank you, Institute Head!"


    "Guard the mountain gate well; substantial rewards will follow in the future!" Xiao Yi said.


    "Yes!"


    The beasts'' voices thundered like rolling thunder.


    Xiao Yi nodded slightly, feeling a sense of expectation, "When the Ancestral Ceremony comes and everyone sees that the gatekeepers of my Xiaoshanhe Institute are Beast Kings comparable to the Dharma Manifestation Realm, I wonder what their expressions will be?"


    As he mused, Xiao Yi returned to the interior of Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    He summoned Hai Wei, Li Jinjun, Zhou Jing, and Yu Huaxian, and instructed, "I have already discussed the details of the talent battle with Nalan Qianqiu. Three days from now, while we release the new type of medicinal pills, we will also announce the talent battle. The battle will begin in ten days, and it''s crucial to the revival of our Xiaoshanhe Institute that nothing goes wrong."


    "Institute Head, rest assured, we will not fail our mission!"


    "We guarantee to complete the task!"


    The four said, thumping their chests.


    After dismissing the four, Xiao Yi then went to the secret chamber to look at Li Youruo and Chen Ziyi, who were still in seclusion. However, their aura seemed ever more profound, "It seems by the time I return, they might already be in the Dharma Phase Sutra. If that''s the case, my Xiaoshanhe Institute will have five Dharma Manifestation Realm powerhouses, which should give us enough standing to set foot in the Great Qian Dynasty''s capital."


    A moment later.


    Xiao Yi arrived at the back mountain of Xiaoshanhe Institute, amid a flurry of sword lights and shadows.


    Ye Heng was engaged in fierce combat with Little Lin.


    Ye Heng''s strength was growing daily, with advances in his Battle War Holy Body¡ªthe most important thing for him was to fight!


    Non-stop fighting.


    Fighting to nourish warfare!


    Only after half the time it takes to burn a joss stick did Ye Heng get beaten down by Little Lin once again, laying on the ground unable to rise, and that''s when Xiao Yi finally made his appearance.


    "Master..." Ye Heng struggled to get up, speaking respectfully.


    "Very good, you haven''t been lazy these past days!"


    Xiao Yi nodded in satisfaction and tossed him several bottles of pills, "These are for you. Strive to reach the Seventh Layer of the Golden Core Realm or higher by the Ancestral Ceremony!"


    "I will not let down your high expectations, Master!" Ye Heng replied respectfully.


    "Hmm, you continue your cultivation for now, and if there''s anything you don''t understand, ask Yu Huaxian and the others!"


    After giving some last instructions, Xiao Yi then looked at Little Lin perched on his shoulder, "Little Lin, accompany me to the Beast Emperor Sea..."

 Chapter 305 The Legend of the Sea Demon!

    Under the cover of night.


    A figure quietly entered the Nangong Family''s premises, heading straight to the backyard.


    At this moment, the backyard was gathered with top figures, each capable of causing the Great Qian Dynasty to tremble with a mere stomp of their feet.


    Ancestor Nangong, Nangong Shengtian, and Nangong Ye, the patriarch of the Nangong Family.


    Ancestor Beitang, Beitang Zun, and Beitang Feng, the patriarch of the Beitang Family.


    Continue reading stories on My Virtual Library Empire


    The first-rank officer of the current court, Li Shengtian, and Tian Xiao.


    Yun Ruowang, the Deputy Sect Master of Three Seas Mountain.


    Sword Inquiry Taoist, the Deputy Master of Wendao Villa.


    In front of these people¡­


    A young man stood somewhat nervously among them. Facing the array of powerhouses, Ning Kang''s face turned pale and he swept his uneasy gaze over them before lowering his head.


    Sitting high above, Nangong Shengtian said, "Ning Kang, just think of it as if you are at home, there''s no need to be so nervous!"


    "Yes, Ancestor Nangong..." Ning Kang feigned calmness, but the fear and trepidation in his heart were still hard to conceal.


    This caused several of the top figures to shake their heads involuntarily.


    Nangong Shengtian spoke in a deep voice, "Ning Kang, you said you have urgent intelligence, what exactly is it?"


    Ning Kang hurriedly said, "Reporting to the ancestors, I... I heard that Xiao Yi is about to leave the Great Qian Dynasty, heading for the Beast Emperor Sea!"


    "Beast Emperor Sea? What is he doing there at this critical time?"


    "Beast Emperor Sea... Could it be that he''s going to the black market?" Beitang Kong''s eyes gleamed as he spoke.


    "What? To the black market?"


    "With the medicinal herbs hoarded by Treasure Pavilion, they simply cannot sustain for long, the only possibility is that he is going to the black market of Beast Emperor City to purchase medicinal materials."


    "Hahaha, truly heaven is aiding us!"


    "In the imperial capital, we fear being discovered by His Majesty, and we cannot lay hands on him. But now that he''s headed to the Beast Emperor Sea, a place known for being unforgiving, even if His Majesty were to find out he died and it was related to us, there would be no evidence!" Joy was apparent on everyone''s faces.


    Ever since learning from Nangong Shoucheng and Beitang Kong that Xiao Yi could actually reduce the cost of elixirs to one-fifth or even lower while maintaining their quality,


    the Nangong and Beitang families became anxious.


    If these elixirs were to flood the market, their market share would be squeezed to the limit.


    But Xiao Yi was, after all, the head of Xiaoshanhe Institute selected by the royal family, and they could not just attack him directly. Now, they had finally waited for an opportunity!


    "Ning Kang, you have made great contributions. Shoucheng, take Ning Kang down and give him a hundred million silver!" Nangong Shengtian laughed heartily, his face radiant as he spoke.


    Nangong Shoucheng nodded, "Yes!"


    "Thank you, ancestor!"


    Ning Kang was overjoyed.


    Just for a piece of information, he had obtained a hundred million silver!


    His eyes narrowed into slits, "Xiao Yi, Xiao Yi, who made you so arrogant? To think you dared to break my hand? This is the consequence of provoking me, hehehe¡­"


    Within the backyard.


    The group of top figures continued their discussion. Nangong Shengtian said, "Gentlemen, although Xiao Yi''s strength is not weak, we can''t kill him in the Dharma Manifestation Realm. Since our goal is the same, let''s discuss how to proceed."


    "Three Seas Mountain is willing to dispatch a second layer Dharma Manifestation Realm expert!" Yun Ruowang spoke up.


    Sword Inquiry Taoist narrowed his eyes and said, "Xiao Yi dared to poach the couple Chen Ziyi and Li Jinjun from my Wendao Villa, I absolutely cannot forgive him. However, His Majesty will surely notice if we make a move. Wendao Villa will also send a second layer Dharma Manifestation Realm expert then!" sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Nangong Family and Beitang Family are currently fully engaged in handling Treasure Pavilion and cannot be freed."


    Nangong Shengtian narrowed his eyes and turned to Li Shengtian and Tian Xiao, "Mr. Li, Mr. Tian, if you want our support for Chen Shuiwen, you can''t simply stand by without doing anything, right?"


    "Right, why hasn''t Chen Shuiwen come? Does he look down on us?" Sword Inquiry Taoist asked.


    "Sword Inquiry Taoist, you misunderstand. Chen Shuiwen received some opportunities from that person and is attempting to break into the Dharma Manifestation Realm. He is preparing for the establishment of the new Martial Arts Institute!"


    Li Shengtian explained hurriedly, then said, "Our side is ready to dispatch a master at the tower leader level to make a move!"


    "Tower leader?"


    "May I know which one?" The people asked.


    If it were just Li Shengtian and another person, they wouldn''t qualify to sit with them.


    The reason there were seats for two was because of the person behind them!


    It was an imposing presence who controlled Xue Yilou, with over a dozen followers in the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    Li Shengtian grinned, "Xue Mantian, the master of Xue Yilou!"


    Hiss!


    The crowd gasped in astonishment.


    "If Xue Mantian makes a move, Xiao Yi is bound to die beyond a doubt!"


    "I''ve heard that Xue Mantian and Xiao Yi have a deep grudge, it''s only appropriate that he takes action!"


    Nangong Shengtian squinted and said, "Remember to instruct the person making the move, before killing him, he must hand over his profound alchemy skills. Right, and his Cultivation Technique is also very peculiar, both must not be missed!"


    One by one, their eyes gleamed with blood, as if they had already seen Xiao Yi dead....


    ......


    Linhai City.


    This was the city where the Great Qian Dynasty''s ports to enter the Beast Emperor Sea were located, and it was a day and a half''s journey from the capital of the Great Qian Dynasty.


    The entire Linhai City was built along the coastline, stretching for hundreds of kilometers. As it faced the constant onslaught of the Beast Emperor Sea''s giant waves and attacks from Sea Beasts, Linhai City''s walls were exceptionally high.


    They stood over five hundred meters tall and were more than a hundred meters wide.


    Upon the pitch-black walls, there were fierce claw marks from beasts, as well as dark bloodstains.


    These were the medals earned from long years of resisting the assault of demonic beasts!


    The port was built inside Linhai City.


    When the tide was high, the dock''s gates would open, and ships could freely enter and exit. When the tide was low, the gates were closed to prevent Sea Demons from getting inside. And if one missed the time when the gates opened, then they could only stay on the Beast Emperor Sea.


    If you were lucky, wait until the next day to enter the city.


    If you were unlucky,


    in the dead of night, you would be devoured by countless marine Sea Demons.


    Under the bright sunshine,


    Xiao Yi walked through Linhai City, looking at the countless ships docked at the port, the smallest of which were a hundred meters long, and the largest stretched for ten thousand meters. Hundred-meter vessels could only sail in the near seas, to go to Beast Emperor City, one must board the ten-thousand-meter giant ships.


    Otherwise, a single giant wave or a slightly strong Sea Demon could overturn the ship.


    Xiao Yi spent one million Silver to buy a boat ticket, but he had to wait until the next day to depart. With time to spare, he strolled around the dock, where the air was filled with the cries of vendors selling all sorts of wares.


    There were those selling Sea Demon Beasts, those selling so-called treasures from overseas, and even slave traders.


    Regularly voyaging on the Beast Emperor Sea was akin to betting one''s life, and the people here were more uninhibited, with a mix of the good and the bad, and conflicts could erupt at any time.


    After wandering around, Xiao Yi stopped in front of a blind old man''s stall.


    A crowd had gathered in front of the stall.


    "You''ve never seen it before, but the Sea Demon is more beautiful than the most beautiful woman in the world. Moreover, their singing voices are incredibly captivating. Whenever a Sea Demon appears, it''s accompanied by a fog that covers the sky, and within that fog, a beautiful song can be heard."


    The old man''s voice was a bit hoarse, sending a chill down one''s spine, "If you encounter such a situation, you must not leave the cabin, approach the water, or seek out the source of the voice; it''s the Sea Demon luring souls and claiming lives! If you really get enchanted by a Sea Demon and cannot extricate yourself, you must poke out your own eyes to escape this disaster..."


    "Tsk, old man, you''re fooling people again!"


    "The legends say Sea Demons kill on sight. If you''ve really seen one, how could you have survived to return?"


    The old man was furious, "You bunch of little brats, why would I deceive you? I poked out my own eyes to avoid being captured by a Sea Demon; look at this necklace, I took it from a Sea Demon..."


    "Tsk, you just want to trick us into buying your necklace!"


    "Old man, we''ve seen these tricks before, we won''t fall for it!"


    Laughing, the crowd dispersed.


    The old man was frustrated but helpless.


    He clutched at a necklace made of colorful, speckled seashells. Xiao Yi''s gaze fell upon the necklace for a brief moment before he planned to leave, but suddenly, a crisp and pleasant voice reached his ears: "..."

 Chapter 306 Beast Emperor Sea

    "Save me... save me..."


    The clear and melodious voice suddenly rang in his mind.


    Xiao Yi was startled and looked around, but there was not a single woman nearby. He couldn''t help but frown, "Could it be an illusion?"


    "Save me..."


    Your journey continues at My Virtual Library Empire


    That clear voice sounded again.


    Xiao Yi''s pupils suddenly shrank as his gaze turned towards the necklace in the old man''s hands. It was at that moment he sensed a strange fluctuation emanating from the necklace.


    It seemed to be calling out to him.


    "Could it be this necklace?"


    Xiao Yi couldn''t help but recall the old man''s previous tale about the Sea Demon legend. His eyes flickered slightly as he squatted in front of the old man, "Old man, how much for this necklace?"


    "Hmm? Young man, do you believe what I said?" the old man asked excitedly.


    Xiao Yi smiled, "In this vast world, nothing is too strange to exist. Why wouldn''t I believe?"


    "Good, good, good, finally someone believes me!"


    The old man''s milky white eyes rolled around, revealing a sly smile. He said, "Young man, you fancy this necklace? If you really like it, I''ll sell it to you ¨C just for one million taels of Silver!"


    Xiao Yi stood up, "Keep it for your own amusement!"


    "Don''t go..."


    The old man hastily called out to Xiao Yi, showing a struggling expression with difficulty on his face, "How about this, half a million... no no no, one hundred thousand¡­"


    Xiao Yi replied indifferently, "One hundred taels of Silver!"


    "..."


    The old man pursed his lips, his face darkened as he said, "Get lost, I''d rather it rot in my possession..."


    Xiao Yi uttered an "oh" and stood up, ready to leave.


    The old man quickly shouted, "Enough, enough, one hundred taels then. Who made me so fated to meet you?"


    Xiao Yi curled his lip.


    He paid one hundred taels of Silver and took the necklace into his hands.


    Xiao Yi fiddled with the necklace in his hand, trying to infuse it with his vitality, but still, there was no effect. It was as if that faint fluctuation he had just felt was merely an illusion.


    "Could it really have been my illusion?"


    Xiao Yi frowned in puzzlement, unable to figure it out, so he simply put the necklace away. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As he was distracted, a figure collided head-on into him. Xiao Yi''s Wind Thunder Holy Body was at the fourth realm, hitting him was like crashing into a city wall.


    Xiao Yi didn''t budge an inch.


    The person opposite him cried out in pain, flipping backward and falling to the ground.


    Xiao Yi snapped back to reality and asked with concern, "Are you alright?"


    "Are you blind? Can''t you walk with your eyes open? Didn''t you see me walking here? You motherless bastard, pay me money. Today, this matter won''t be settled without ten to eighty thousand!" the person retorted, flipping up to his feet, glaring angrily at Xiao Yi, and cursing at him.


    Xiao Yi''s brow furrowed tighter, "Watch your mouth!"


    Anything about his mother was his Achilles'' heel.


    The young man sneered, rolled up his sleeves to reveal his muscular arms, and said ominously, "Little bastard, I just have a dirty mouth. What can you do about it? Have the guts to hit me, come on, do you dare?"


    The young man stretched his face forward, challenging him defiantly.


    "I''ve never seen such a shameless request..."


    Xiao Yi shook his head, not wanting to escalate the situation further.


    However, the young man was relentless, reaching out with a grab toward Xiao Yi''s shoulder.


    "Scram!"


    Xiao Yi sidestepped the young man''s grab while a low growl escaped his lips. With a sonic boom erupting from his mouth, the young man was blasted away by the force.


    Whoosh!


    The young man was sent flying for a good thirty meters, thudding to the ground with a roll.


    Xiao Yi gave him a cold glance, then turned and vanished into the crowd.


    The young man lay on the ground for quite a while, and after struggling for some time, he finally got up. As he searched around and did not see Xiao Yi anywhere, a fierce look crossed his face, "Damn it, you little bastard, you better hope I never run into you again!"


    ...


    An uneventful night passed.


    At dawn, the sound of the tide was roaring as it poured through the open floodgates and into the harbor.


    Ships floated on the surface of the sea while the wharf bustled with people, all of whom became busy. Some were moving goods; others were setting sails out to sea.


    Besides merchant vessels, there were many ships dedicated to hunting sea demons.


    After all.


    The number of sea demons in the sea was simply too vast, and their flesh was delicious; once it was sold inland, the price could multiply by dozens of times.


    Xiao Yi, holding his ticket, boarded the colossal ship that stretched ten thousand meters and was clad in azure-gray.


    The ship''s hull was inscribed with dozens of Formations, including the Wave Breaking Formation, Wind Riding Formation, and so on. Even if hundred-meter-high waves struck, they wouldn''t be able to shake the ship in the slightest.


    "Cabin number ninety-eight, first-class, at the topmost level!" The crew member checked Xiao Yi''s ticket and pointed to the top layer of the massive ship.


    Xiao Yi nodded, "Thank you!"


    The cabins on this giant ship were divided into four classes: A, B, C, and D. The first-class cabin that Xiao Yi chose cost a million taels of Silver. The cheapest, class D, only cost a few hundred taels of Silver. However, Xiao Yi decisively gave up on the idea of squeezing into a room with dozens or hundreds of people.


    Money was no object!


    It was all about caprice!


    As they say, you get what you pay for. The first-class cabins were for two persons each.


    In cabin number ninety-eight, first-class, a graceful woman who had arrived before Xiao Yi was sitting inside. She wore a long blue dress with a wide hem that tightly wrapped her legs. A pale blue veil covered her face, and she held an ancient zither in her hands.


    Upon seeing Xiao Yi enter, the enchanting woman glanced at him with her phoenix eyes, then swiftly looked away.


    Xiao Yi touched his nose, "Sorry, I didn''t know there were coed accommodations here..."


    The melodious voice from beneath the woman''s veil sounded light and pleasant, like a warbling oriole, "It''s fine!"


    "Hm."


    Xiao Yi nodded and sat down on another bed.


    A screen separated the two, giving them a measure of privacy and reducing the awkwardness.


    "Set sail!"


    About half an hour later, a series of resonant shouts woke Xiao Yi.


    Through the window, he saw the giant ship''s Formations shining brightly as the vessel trembled and leisurely left the harbor. While imposingly vast within the harbor, once it entered the Beast Emperor Sea, it became as insignificant as a grain of sand in the Azure Sea.


    Utterly minuscule.


    Whoosh!


    The ship cut through the wind and waves, speeding up as it went.


    Under the support of the Formations, the ship was especially stable, without a hint of rocking.


    Xiao Yi noticed more people had emerged on deck, all admiring the seascape.


    "I wonder how long it will take to reach Beast Emperor City from here!" Xiao Yi mused as he walked out of his cabin, intending to ask someone.


    The decks for cabins of classes A, B, C, and D were separated and interconnected, but only passengers from higher-class cabins could enter the decks of lower classes. Those from the lower-class cabins were not allowed to access the areas designated for the higher class.


    There''s always a hierarchy, a division between the noble and the common, no matter where you are.


    Standing on the deck.


    The sea breeze blowing in his face carried a faint saltiness, giving one a sense of the boundless ocean.


    Just as Xiao Yi was about to approach a crew member ahead with his questions, he heard a brash voice from behind, "Hahaha, you little wretch, it truly is a small world. Never thought I''d run into you here!"

 Chapter 307 Cutting the Sea with a Single Strike

    "You little bastard, I didn''t expect to run into you here, really, enemies do cross paths!"


    In the midst of Zhang''s wild laughter.


    The youth Xiao Yi bumped into yesterday emerged from behind him, his face tainted with a vengeful grimace, followed by a bald strong man with a heavy saber on his back.


    The gazes of the two men landed on Xiao Yi, filled with a cold evil qi.


    Xiao Yi furrowed his brows and cursed his bad luck under his breath, then said indifferently, "Indeed, I didn''t expect to bump into someone spewing crap like you here!"


    "Who are you calling a crap-spouter?"


    The youth flew into a rage, pointing at Xiao Yi and cursing, "You bastard who''s born without upbringing, I..."


    Crack!


    A streak of silver light flashed by.


    Experience more on My Virtual Library Empire


    His finger broke off cleanly and he fell to his knees in front of Xiao Yi with two thuds.


    Xiao Yi looked down with an icy face, "Dare to curse me again, and the next thing to break will be your head!"


    "You bastard, let go of my brother!"


    The bald strong man''s face darkened as the heavy saber on his back hummed, ready to make a move, when an icy rebuke came, "Who allowed you to start a fight here? If you want to fight, get off my ship and do it!"


    A group of sailors closed in.


    At the forefront was a one-eyed man in a large coat, his sole surviving eye sharp as an eagle''s, resting on the trio. Around him, the sailors were full of killing intent, grinning maliciously at them.


    "Cyclops?"


    The youth''s face changed, and he quickly called out, "Boss Cyclops, this isn''t my fault! It was, it was him who struck first!"


    "Shut up!"


    Cyclops sneered coldly, "Don''t think I didn''t see what just happened. Trouble should not extend to family, nor insults to parents. You cursed his mother, so him breaking your finger is only just and fair!"


    Xiao Yi raised his eyebrows, casting a curious look at Cyclops.


    He hadn''t expected Cyclops to say something like that.


    The youth''s face turned from pale to green, but he didn''t dare to retort, pressing down the resentment in his heart and said to Xiao Yi, "Earlier, it was indeed my fault. Please forgive me!"


    "Get lost!"


    Xiao Yi flicked his arm and gave a cupped fist salute towards Cyclops.


    Cyclops nodded and limped towards the cabin, his left leg below the knee a pitch-black short sword.


    The youth glared at Xiao Yi viciously, "You little bastard, since Boss Cyclops has spoken, I''ll spare your life today. If you dare to leave the ship, I''ll make sure to avenge this day''s disgrace!"


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "I''ll be waiting!"


    "Hmph!"


    The youth huffed coldly and left with the bald strong man.


    Only then did Xiao Yi find a sailor to ask, "How long will it take to reach Beast Emperor City from here?"


    "We should arrive by early morning the day after tomorrow!" said the sailor.


    Xiao Yi nodded, "Thank you!"


    "Think nothing of it!"


    Seeing that Xiao Yi''s aura was profound, and his cultivation far exceeded his own, plus the fact that only a few who could stay in a first-class cabin were ordinary people, the sailor was quite polite.


    If it were in the lowest class cabin, even asking a simple question would cost you!


    Sea voyages are extremely tedious and dull.


    But they are also full of change and danger.


    Morning might shine with blazing sunshine and clear skies, but by afternoon it has become a torrential downpour with fierce winds and towering waves. The huge ship''s formations were buzzing intensely, pushing to their limits.


    Doing everything possible to stabilize the vessel.


    Without these formations, the ship, even a hundred meters long, would have no fate other than sinking into the vast ocean under such severe weather.


    Boom!


    Rumble!


    Through the window, Xiao Yi saw the pitch-dark world outside, lined with successive thunderbolts connecting heaven and earth, and huge waves a kilometer tall crashing down as if a colossal beast was opening its maw to swallow the lightning.


    "Come out and look, there''s someone on the sea!"


    "Look, that person is daring to cross the sea in this weather; is he exceptionally skilled and brave, or just ignorant of death?"


    "No, he''s practicing with a saber..."


    Shouts of surprise reached Xiao Yi''s ears.


    He arched an eyebrow.


    In such harsh weather, with driving rain, fierce winds, towering waves, and thunder striking the world, even warriors at the Peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm would not dare to cross the sea.


    And yet someone was practicing with a saber at sea now?


    Xiao Yi left his cabin and headed for the deck.


    He did not notice...


    ...that the veiled woman opened her eyes as he left, a hint of azure light flashing through her pitch-black pupils. A persistent sadness lingered between her brows.


    Above deck, despite the protection of the formation, the storm raged on.


    Raindrops, as big as beans mixed with sea spray, struck the face with a tearing pain.


    In the boundless thunder ahead.


    A figure stood proudly upon the pinnacle of the wind and waves, his feet stepping on kilometer-high waves, holding a black long knife in hand. His body stood tall like a pine, his spine arrogantly erect like a sword, facing the descending purple-gold thunder without flinching or avoiding.


    Suddenly...


    He swung his knife down.


    Boom!


    The black knife light rose shockingly into the sky, a thousand-zhang blade aura tearing through the void, the terrifying black light actually obscuring all the brilliance between heaven and earth, plunging this area into darkness.


    Suddenly.


    The black blade aura ferociously slashed down, and with a thunderous boom, the knife light passed, shattering thunder and dispersing the wild wind.


    Only the massive wave beneath his feet continued to surge relentlessly.


    "Wrong!"


    Xiao Yi''s pupils suddenly contracted.


    He saw that the kilometer-high waves beneath that person''s feet were like a piece of silk, torn apart by force. Starting from the crest of the wave, a crack spread along the direction where the blade aura vanished.


    A hundred meters.


    A kilometer.


    Ten thousand meters...


    On the sea surface stretching for ten thousand meters, the water was literally split in half.


    A single strike severed the sea.


    A ten-thousand-meter-long trench appeared on the sea surface, the water walls on both sides stood tall, and the sea water kept pouring into the trench, the thunderous sound even drowning out the shocking thunder and the storm.


    The figure who had shattered the Azure Sea then sheathed his long knife, broke through the air, and disappeared into the horizon.


    "This one strike..."


    Xiao Yi stared at that terrifying stroke, his mind exploding like a thunderclap.


    He suddenly closed his eyes.


    Repeating that one stroke over and over in his mind.


    The stroke swift as thunder, the slash that shattered the Azure Sea.


    "Speed, speed pushed to the extreme¡­ The speed of that one strike has surpassed the wind and the thunder, that''s why it could shatter them, even splitting the sea with one strike¡­" Xiao Yi closed his eyes tightly, his pores opening freely.


    He was feeling the wind, feeling the thunder, feeling the storm and the thunderclap.


    Suddenly...


    Xiao Yi''s eyes snapped open, as he pointed a sword finger forward.


    Whoosh!


    Without using any elemental qi, just a single finger thrust, but Wind Thunder was only dispersed, not shattered.


    "Still not fast enough!"


    Xiao Yi continued making his moves.


    Whoosh!


    Whoosh!


    Whoosh!


    Time after time, each move met with Xiao Yi''s own rejection.


    Many onlookers also noticed Xiao Yi''s actions, including that young man from the morning who was among the crowd, sneering over and over, "Has that guy gone mad? Does he think he''s the one who can sever the sea with a single strike? Ridiculous..."


    "If just by watching someone else perform a move, one could learn it, what''s the point of martial arts heritage?"


    "He''s way out of his league!"


    People around shook their heads and laughed.


    Only the one-eyed man, looking at Xiao Yi, revealed a trace of amazement.


    "No, that''s not right..."


    He kept recalling that one strike in his mind. Suddenly, a glint of understanding swept across Xiao Yi''s eyes, "Right... Wind, thunder... Wind Thunder are elemental forces of nature, going against them naturally meets great resistance, but what if one follows their path? Going with the wind, with the thunder..."


    Xiao Yi carefully felt it out, and then suddenly unleashed a sword finger strike.


    Whoosh!


    A single sword finger point created a vacuum zone within ten feet in front of him.


    The wind was broken.


    The rain extinguished.


    The thunder disappeared.


    This finger actually carried a hint of the essence of that one strike!


    "How, how is this possible?"


    "Damn, he actually learned it?"


    "Is he even human?"


    Amid the shocked cries, the young man''s face alternated between green and white, feeling as if he had been slapped hard across the face, he glared at Xiao Yi viciously, grinding his teeth, "Motherfucker, this brat has just lucked out..."


    He angrily returned to the cabin of the ship.


    At this moment, Xiao Yi was completely immersed in the sensation of that last finger strike, the corners of his mouth slightly curved upward, "Sword Intent at the fourth layer, the sword moves at will, I never expected to encounter such a marvelous adventure on this sea voyage!" S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 308 Midnight Knocking

    Above the deck.


    The fierce wind was raging, the storm volatile.


    Xiao Yi stood amidst the wind and rain, he slowly opened his arms, his Sword Intent at the fourth stage responding to his will. He was perceiving the force of heaven and earth, acting with the flow, capable of surpassing the wind, surpassing the power of lightning and thunder.


    Riding the waves might be exhilarating, but it''s not as effortless as drifting with the current.


    Defying the heavens indeed has its flair, but it''s not as comfortable as acting in harmony with them.


    This is the fourth stage of Sword Intent.


    Generally speaking¡­


    Only upon reaching the Dharma Manifestation Realm and fully mastering a force of heaven and earth could one attain this level. Even many masters of the Dharma Manifestation Realm had not grasped the fourth stage of Sword Intent.


    Yet Xiao Yi had reached this realm while still in the First Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    His talent in the way of the sword was certainly extraordinary.


    He opened his arms and slightly closed his eyes.


    Feeling the clear sensation of wind and rain falling on his body, Xiao Yi''s figure didn''t seem to move at all, even the crowd around him didn''t notice any change in his position.


    But if one observed carefully, a shocking discovery could be made.


    "Look, the wind and rain are not falling on him!"


    "It''s not that they''re not falling on him, but he''s actually avoiding the wind and rain? How, how did he do that?"


    Astonished cries filled the deck.


    In this torrential downpour, where the raindrops nearly formed a curtain, Xiao Yi, without using his elemental power to create a barrier, relied on extremely subtle movements to cleverly avoid all wind and rain.


    In the remaining eye of the one-eyed dragon, a spark of sharpness flickered.


    Even with his vast experience, he had never seen such a terrifying movement technique.


    "This lad, he''s not simple!" said the one-eyed dragon, his facial expression reflecting his amusement. His leg, braced by a short sword, gently tapped the deck, seemingly eager to try.


    After a long time.


    Xiao Yi slowly opened his eyes, having just entered the fourth stage of Sword Intent.


    The act of avoiding the wind and rain was an application of Sword Intent in motion.


    Moving with the wind, with the thunder, with the rain. Going with the wind and rain created a trajectory that perfectly avoided the storm. Such mastery, if applied to the sword, would be extraordinarily powerful.


    Imagine this...


    Two people moving at the same speed, one needing to overcome the resistance of the wind, while Xiao Yi could move with the wind, not only unimpeded by the wind but also able to use it to his advantage.


    Who is stronger, who is weaker?


    It''s obvious at a glance!


    Heading straight back to his cabin, Xiao Yi found the veiled woman tightly embracing her ancient zither with her eyes closed, seemingly unaware of his entrance.


    Xiao Yi shook his head lightly, and sat down cross-legged on his bed.


    This trip to the Beast Emperor Sea had allowed his Sword Intent to step into the fourth stage, an unexpected joy.


    It also increased his combat strength.


    At the very least, facing a second-layer master of the Dharma Manifestation Realm, he would have the strength to fight!


    With his eyes closed, Xiao Yi immersed himself in cultivation, and before long night had fallen. The storm outside had stopped, but there was no light from stars or moon. The huge ship entered into a patch of fog, surrounded by dense whiteness.


    In the deep silence of the night.


    Xiao Yi heard a captivating song, ethereal as if descendent of heaven.


    "Hmm?"


    Xiao Yi opened his eyes, the crisp and pleasing song coming into his ears, momentarily causing him to lose focus. But at that moment, the necklace he had bought the day before suddenly radiated a warm wave of energy, flooding into his mind.


    This strange energy wave wiped the blankness from Xiao Yi''s eyes, bringing back clarity.


    Thump!


    Thump, thump!


    Suddenly, an increasingly urgent knock came from outside the cabin door.


    Xiao Yi''s pupils constricted instantly, but before he could speak, a pale, icy hand covered his mouth¡ªit was the woman embracing the ancient qin, her azure blue eyes flashing with fear and solemnity as she shook her head at him, signaling him to be silent.


    Thud! Continue reading at My Virtual Library Empire


    Thud thud!


    Thud thud thud!


    The relentlessly urgent knocking was hair-raising, especially deep in the middle of the night, out on the vast ocean. The sudden rise of fog and the intermittent singing were unsettling enough, and now this relentless knocking.


    It was enough to make one''s heart pound with terror.


    The knocking persisted for a moment before gradually fading away.


    Xiao Yi looked at the girl beside him and asked, frowning, "What on earth is going on?"


    The girl shook her head lightly, the panic in her eyes not receding, and pointed outside the window.


    Xiao Yi carefully lifted a corner of the curtain to look outside, and saw in the midst of the thick fog, figures moving like walking corpses, walking out from the cabins.


    They ambled about on the deck, each holding a torch in their hand.


    Flaring and dimming in the mist, they resembled numerous fireflies.


    Plunk!


    Plunk!


    Xiao Yi was horrified to discover that quite a few people walked straight to the edge of the sea, then leaped up and plunged into the icy waters below.


    In the sea,


    Xiao Yi caught glimpses of green figures flitting by, quickly dragging those who jumped into the water into the depths, disappearing from sight.


    The seductive singing still sporadically reached his ears, and Xiao Yi couldn''t help but recall the old man''s tale of Sea Demon legends. He turned to the graceful woman beside him, "Are these the doings of a Sea Demon?"


    "No, not a Sea Demon!"


    The graceful woman shook her head emphatically.


    Xiao Yi, frowning, said, "I heard when Sea Demons appear, they bring dense fog and singing. Once you hear the singing, you get bewitched and controlled by the Sea Demon. Doesn''t this coincide with what''s happening here?"


    "It really isn''t a Sea Demon. Sea Demons don''t harm people!"


    The woman was extremely certain in her response. As she spoke, a dark shadow suddenly passed by the window. The figure paused abruptly by the window, a pair of blood-red eyes looking into the cabin.


    Staring straight at the graceful woman.


    At that moment,


    beneath the blood-colored figure, a black face cracked into a grin, revealing rows of serrated fangs, and a ghastly, hoarse voice sent shivers down the spine, "So you''re here..."


    Boom!


    The shadow violently thrust out a clawed hand, shattering the window with a bang, reaching for the graceful woman.


    "Be careful!"


    Xiao Yi yanked the graceful woman back to his side and reached out reflexively with his hand, seizing the wrist of the black-clawed hand. Then, gripping tightly, he broke off the black claw with a series of crisp snaps.


    Awooo!


    The shadow let out an agonized scream, piercing to the ear.


    Almost at the same time,


    numerous mighty figures on the deck shuddered as if under a Binding Spell, rooted to the spot, while among the crowd, shadow after shadow leaped into the air, converging swiftly towards Xiao Yi''s cabin.


    Under the thick fog, their faces were indiscernible.


    "The target is here, hurry up!" S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Heh heh, don''t even think about escaping..."


    Among the spine-chilling, sinister laughter, the sound of rushing air kept drawing nearer.


    Mostly, the presence was that of beings with the aura of the Golden Core Realm, and there were many at the level of the Tao Tribulation Realm. The number was astonishingly high, densely packed, swiftly encircling the cabin where he was located, trapping him with no way out.


    A pair of blood-colored eyes fell upon Xiao Yi and the girl, and a grating voice emanated from the throats of the dark figures: "Kill him..."

 Chapter 309 The Fog of Murder

    "Kill him!"


    A group wrapped in darkness charged towards Xiao Yi, intent on killing him.


    These figures were completely covered in black garb, their features indiscernible, only their eyes shining with a blood-red light, like rubies, ghastly and ghostlike.


    Their red eyes flickered with ferocity and a chilling intent to kill.


    Xiao Yi pulled the young girl behind him and said in a deep voice, "Stay here, and don''t go out!"


    Whoosh!


    His figure suddenly leapt up.


    The sword followed his intent.


    In his mind, the trajectory of every hidden claw within the darkness was crystal clear, and with the subtlest of movements, he managed to dodge those sharp claws.


    "The waterfall descends three thousand feet like a flying stream!"


    From Xiao Yi''s palm, a fourth-grade longsword unsheathed and moved with the wind.


    This stroke was silent and unperceived.


    Pff!


    Xiao Yi moved fluidly like a fish in the sea, darting and weaving, leaving trails of blood wherever he passed. Black figures were decapitated, and in an instant, dozens of corpses lay around him.


    More and more black figures converged around him.


    "You lot hold him off, I''ll grab the girl!" a figure emanating the aura of the Tao Tribulation Realm growled. With agile maneuvers, he bypassed Xiao Yi and headed straight for the veiled young girl.


    "Over my dead body!"


    Xiao Yi leapt forward, but suddenly, more than a dozen people appeared in front of him, surrounding him.


    A cold light flashed in Xiao Yi''s pupils: "A Stroke That Surprises the Wind and Rain!"


    "A white egret splits the waters in two!"


    He thrust his sword repeatedly.


    The sword edge danced with the wind, moving effortlessly.


    The shadows blocking him were continuously cut down, but the brief delay allowed the powerhouse of the Calamity Realm to reach the girl.


    His blood-red eyes were filled with greed and desire as he reached out with his dark, sharp claws toward her.


    "Damn it¡­"


    Xiao Yi''s eyes were about to split with rage.


    He wanted to help, but it was too late.


    The girl''s blue eyes suddenly flashed with a cold light, and a delicate voice sounded under her veil as her slender fingers gently plucked her ancient zither.


    Clang! Clang! Clang!


    The zither strings vibrated, sending out waves of sound.


    Hum!


    The Calamity Realm strongman seemed to be controlled, a look of bewilderment flashed across his eyes, followed by what seemed like countless wires wrapping around his body, slicing it into a grid.


    The wires tightened more and more.


    Boom!


    He was forcefully torn into countless pieces.


    Amid the rain of fresh blood and flesh.


    The girl continued to play the Qin Xuan, the pleasant clanging sound caused all the black figures surrounding Xiao Yi to tremble violently, their eyes filled with confusion.


    Pff pff pff!


    Stay tuned with My Virtual Library Empire


    One by one, the figures were shredded into pieces.


    Xiao Yi''s pupils contracted sharply, staring at the girl holding the ancient zither in disbelief, never having imagined that such a seemingly fragile girl possessed such extraordinary methods.


    The carnage here had also drawn the attention of countless powerhouses nearby, with more and more shadows gathering.


    Xiao Yi''s expression changed slightly, and he turned to the veiled girl, about to speak.


    Suddenly, from the dense fog over the sea, a bewitching flute melody could be distinctly heard.


    The flute''s melody wafted through the air, pleasing and melodious.


    The shadowy figures trembled all over, their eyes filled with unwillingness and hatred as they glared harshly at Xiao Yi and the masked girl, before they gathered up the pile of blood and flesh on the ground and quietly disappeared into the mist.


    As these shadows dissipated, the thick fog also quietly receded.


    As if they had never been there in the first place.


    "What on earth is going on?"


    Xiao Yi was completely baffled, turning to look at the masked girl, only to hear her retch and spew a mouthful of fresh blood. Her eyes rolled back, and she fainted onto the guqin, unconscious.


    "Hey... are you okay?"


    Xiao Yi quickly propped up the girl. He checked her breathing and, finding no life-threatening danger but realizing she had fainted from weakness, he let out a sigh of relief. He took out a pill to restore her Qi-Blood and fed it to her; Xiao Yi then noticed that the ship had already sailed out of the foggy area.


    Ahead, the light of the stars and moon shone brightly, reflecting off the surface of the sea in dazzling, scattered points of light.


    The sparkling waves softly glowed, and from afar, a mass of mist could be seen drifting farther and farther away.


    Within that mist.


    It seemed as if a pair of cold eyes were fixed on this very ship.


    "Who were those people? And that fog... Why does it feel as if it were being controlled by someone? It''s like they were searching for something..." Xiao Yi was utterly confused, his mind full of questions.


    Time flies...


    In the blink of an eye, it was morning.


    Many powerful individuals awoke to find themselves lying on the deck, each with a look of astonishment and surprise on their faces: "What happened?"


    "I clearly remember sleeping inside the cabin, how did I end up on the deck?"


    "Last night, I seemed to hear someone singing, then I fell asleep, without knowing what happened..."


    "Wait, my roommate is missing..."


    "My brother is missing too..."


    A cry of grief filled the entire ship.


    Many realized that their companions had vanished without a trace, and some even found themselves hanging halfway off the mast, nearly falling into the sea.


    You must know...


    There were tens of thousands of people on this ship, among them not a few from the Golden Core Realm and the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    What sort of power could control tens of thousands of people to leave their cabins silently?


    And to be completely oblivious to what had happened?


    At this moment.


    Tales of sea demons began to circulate among the ship''s passengers, and some said the ship was haunted... There were various theories, and some attempted to confront the one-eyed shipowner to demand an explanation.


    After all.


    A quick estimate revealed that last night, no fewer than a thousand people had disappeared.


    The one-eyed man''s face looked extremely grim; after waking up, he had also been on the deck, and even his deputy captain had vanished without a trace. That was an individual in the Calamity Realm, who had disappeared so quietly.


    "One-eyed Sir, you should give us an explanation for this, don''t you think?"


    "We paid a lot for these tickets, and now so many people have vanished without reason. You wouldn''t be behind this, would you?"


    Facing the crowd''s questioning.


    The one-eyed man''s face turned icy, and he said coldly, "Shut up, all of you."


    Whoosh!


    From his black shortsword, a black flash suddenly burst forth, its ominous shine deterring anyone from coming close. Only then did he continue to speak: "I will investigate what happened last night. Additionally, if anyone can provide clues, I am willing to offer a reward of one hundred million Silver!"


    "One hundred million?"


    "It seems the one-eyed man doesn''t know what happened either!"


    The crowd whispered among each other.


    At that moment...


    Suddenly, a voice emanated from the crowd: "I know what happened!"


    sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 310 Three Strikes

    ```


    "I know what happened!"


    This sudden voice drew everyone''s attention.


    The speaker was the young man who had a conflict with Xiao Yi yesterday, and behind him was still the bald muscular man carrying a black heavy sword.


    Seeing the crowd''s gaze converging on himself, the youth''s face flashed with excitement, and he strode forward to stand before the One-Eyed Dragon. With a cold expression, he said, "Boss One-Eyed Dragon, my name is Ren Wu, and I know what happened last night!"


    "Hmm?"


    One-Eyed Dragon squinted at him and said coldly, "Do you know what will happen if you lie?"


    Ren Wu promptly patted his chest and said, "Who doesn''t know of Boss One-Eyed Dragon''s fame? How could I possibly deceive you?"


    One-Eyed Dragon nodded and said, "Speak then, what exactly happened?"


    "When I woke up this morning, I saw everyone on the ship was outside, except for one cabin whose door was closed." Ren Wu said with a malicious look, "That was cabin number ninety-eight ''A'' class, the door was closed, and nobody from inside came out!"


    Hiss!


    Everyone''s expressions changed in unison.


    To know...


    Even the captain, the One-Eyed Dragon at the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm, appeared on deck without anyone noticing. And now someone was still hiding inside their own cabin?


    "Cabin number ninety-eight ''A'' class? Who was staying there?"


    "Now that you mention it... I remembered, when I passed by there just now, I noticed that the window of cabin ninety-eight was shattered..."


    "Who lives in cabin number ninety-eight? We must have him come out..."


    Everyone was saying.


    With a cold expression, Ren Wu''s mouth curled slightly and he whispered to himself with a sneer, "Heh heh, you little bastard, this is what you get for provoking me. You''re not dead yet?"


    One-Eyed Dragon''s remaining eye narrowed slightly, and with a wave of his hand, he said, "Gentlemen, please follow me to cabin number ninety-eight!"


    The group set off together.


    They arrived at the cabin where Xiao Yi was staying.


    Knock knock knock! sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The cabin door was knocked.


    Xiao Yi opened the door and saw One-Eyed Dragon standing with a crowd blocking the doorway. He couldn''t help but frown, "Is there something you need?"


    One-Eyed Dragon scanned the inside of the cabin, indeed noticing the shattered window.


    The cabin was also a mess.


    Clearly, a fight had occurred.


    In the cabin, aside from Xiao Yi, there was a masked girl lying asleep on the bed. One-Eyed Dragon and others felt even more suspicious of Xiao Yi, and One-Eyed Dragon asked in a deep voice, "Where were you last night?"


    Xiao Yi answered frankly, "I was inside the cabin."


    But considering those shadows seemed to be after the masked girl, he didn''t reveal anything further.


    Ren Wu, standing on his tiptoes among the crowd, called out, "See... I didn''t lie, did I? We were all mysteriously on the deck, yet he was safely in his cabin. If you say this matter has nothing to do with him, I wouldn''t believe it even if you beat me to death!"


    "Young man, you better come clean. What exactly happened last night?"


    "Is this incident related to you?"


    "So many people have mysteriously disappeared, yet you are unharmed. You owe us an explanation!"


    Everyone was speaking.


    One-Eyed Dragon stared at Xiao Yi, enunciating each word, "You''d better not hide anything, otherwise, don''t blame me for being impolite!"


    He was extremely angry at the moment.


    An eerie incident had occurred on the ship, and even his first mate had mysteriously disappeared.


    He was currently brimming with fury.


    Eager to find an outlet for his wrath.


    Looking at One-Eyed Dragon without a hint of subservience, Xiao Yi said in a steady voice, "As I said, I was asleep in the cabin last night. It was your knocking that woke me up just now!"


    "Sleeping? Then what happened here?" Ren Wu spoke with an eerie tone, "Don''t tell me this was from your tossing and turning in sleep?"


    ```


    The one-eyed Long Yi remained silent, but the cold light in his eyes grew increasingly icy.


    Xiao Yi swept a disdainful glance at Ren Wu. That guy was causing a ruckus here, leading everyone to direct their hostility towards him. Xiao Yi snorted coldly, "It''s the third time now!"


    "Hmm?"


    The crowd was startled.


    Xiao Yi stared intently at Ren Wu and said coldly, "This is the third time you''ve provoked me. There won''t be a fourth because you can die now!"


    Ren Wu was taken aback, then burst into laughter, arrogant and fearless, "Kid, who do you think you are? You think just because you say I should die, I will? You don''t even realize the situation you''re in, and you''re still thinking about killing..."


    Before he could finish speaking.


    Xiao Yi''s figure had already moved past Long Yi and the others, appearing in front of him.


    With a single hand raised, he directly grasped Ren Wu''s neck and lifted him up.


    "Save... save me..." Ren Wu grabbed desperately at Xiao Yi''s hand, his legs flailing, his face filled with terror.


    How Xiao Yi had appeared next to Ren Wu without anyone noticing was beyond them all.


    The bald strongman was furious, "Let go of my brother!"


    Hum!


    The heavy sword slashed down towards Xiao Yi, edgeless but with enormous force.


    Clang!


    Amidst a crisp sound.


    Xiao Yi casually lifted his left hand, and with just two fingers, he firmly clamped the heavy sword, his icy gaze falling onto the bald strongman, "Die!"


    Bang!


    With a tightening of his two fingers.


    The heavy sword shattered, with countless fragments flying backwards, piercing through the bald strongman''s body in a series of thuds, leaving him lying in a pool of blood.


    Xiao Yi''s eyes, cold as ice, looked at Ren Wu in his grasp, "You''ve provoked me several times, and now you even try to frame and harm me. I cannot tolerate you!"


    Find your next read on My Virtual Library Empire


    "No, don''t..."


    Ren Wu was filled with regret.


    He had thought that with Long Yi and the others present, Xiao Yi would surely be unable to do anything to him, hence he had instigated others and sowed discord. But now, facing a dominant Xiao Yi, none of the bystanders stepped forward to stop him.


    Regret filled his heart.


    But alas...


    There is no medicine for regret in this world.


    Crack!


    Xiao Yi''s palm clenched, and he crushed Ren Wu''s neck, tossing him to the side. Only then did he turn back to Long Yi and the others, "Believe it or not, last night''s affair has nothing to do with me."


    The crowd exchanged glances.


    Long Yi stared deeply at Xiao Yi; the bald strongman was a powerhouse of the Third Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm, yet he couldn''t withstand a single move from Xiao Yi and was easily killed on the spot.


    This was enough to discern that Xiao Yi''s strength was far beyond what he showed, not merely at the First Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    Long Yi squinted his eyes and said coldly, "You had better be honest. If I find out last night''s incident is related to you, I will surely cut you down without mercy!"


    Thud!


    Xiao Yi closed the cabin door directly.


    Long Yi and the others also left one after another. After all, with Xiao Yi''s show of strength, they had no evidence and indeed could not continue to press him.


    Inside the cabin.


    Xiao Yi sensed that Long Yi and the others had left, waved his hand casually, and a burst of vital energy formed a barrier sealing the cabin. Xiao Yi patted his chest, and Little Lin emerged. Xiao Yi instructed, "Keep a watch on our surroundings!"


    "Roger that, boss!"


    Little Lin nodded its head and swam around the cabin.


    Only then did Xiao Yi turn to the unconscious girl and said in a deep voice, "Since you''re awake, stop pretending. Get up and let''s talk. What exactly happened last night?"

 Chapter 311 Beast Emperor City

    "Get up and let''s talk about what exactly happened last night!"


    Xiao Yi squinted his eyes, staring at the veiled girl who was lying down, seemingly still asleep.


    The veiled girl kept her eyes tightly shut, appearing as if she were still deep in slumber and hadn''t woken up.


    Xiao Yi sneered, "If you don''t wake up, then don''t blame me for taking apart your zither!"


    The veiled girl remained unmoved.


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi reached for the zither.


    It was only then¡­


    ¡­that the girl finally opened her eyes, grabbed the zither, and curled up in the corner, her blue eyes warily watching Xiao Yi.


    Sigh!


    Xiao Yi exhaled a turbid breath. The girl''s blue eyes were like an endless ocean, their depth making one feel as if they couldn''t extricate themselves. He said in a deep voice, "Who are you, really? And what were those things last night?" S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The wariness in the veiled girl''s eyes did not dissipate.


    She was still clutching the zither nervously.


    Xiao Yi sighed, "If I had wanted to harm you, I wouldn''t have helped you last night, and I wouldn''t have concealed your presence just now when they came over!"


    The veiled girl''s gaze flickered a few times, her hands relaxing slightly around the zither. Experience new tales on My Virtual Library Empire


    Her guard against Xiao Yi wasn''t as strong as before.


    She hesitated for a moment and then a melodious voice like that of an oriole came from beneath the veil, "They were underlings of Sha Kun, the deputy city lord of Beast Emperor City."


    "Hmm?"


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow, a strange expression on his face, "The deputy city lord of Beast Emperor City? Then who are you? Don''t tell me you are the city lord?"


    The veiled girl shook her head, "My name is Huang Yuwei. The city lord of Beast Emperor City, Huang Baitao, is my father. When I was very young, my father sent me to my mother''s family. Not long ago, I received news that my father was gravely ill, so I rushed back."


    Xiao Yi wondered, "You''re the princess of Beast Emperor City? If that''s the case, those people last night indeed came for you. Isn''t Sha Kun one of your father''s subordinates? But those men didn''t seem like they were there to escort you back!"


    "They were Black Shark Guards under Sha Kun. Sha Kun is my father''s sworn brother, but they have been at odds for a long time. It''s because of him that my father sent me to my mother''s family,"


    Huang Yuwei hesitated for a moment before slowly saying, "Sha Kun wants to capture me and threaten my father to pass on the city lord''s position to him¡­"


    Xiao Yi squinted his eyes.


    He was considering the truth of Huang Yuwei''s story and asked, "Do you have any proof to back up what you''re saying?"


    Huang Yuwei hesitated, then took out a token from her bosom.


    The token glittered with gold light.


    It was carved with beast claws all around. The front bore the character for ''beast'', and the back had the character for ''emperor''.


    Huang Yuwei''s voice was firm as she said, "This is one of the five city lord tokens of Beast Emperor City. I hold one of them. If you don''t believe me, when you get to Beast Emperor City, you can verify if this token matches the city''s flag!"


    "Fine, I''ll take your word for now,"


    Xiao Yi nodded and then said solemnly, "We are still a day and a night''s journey from Beast Emperor City. Will those people appear again tonight?"


    The tactics of the Black Shark Guards were too strange.


    If it weren''t for his necklace that activated just in time, he too would''ve been bewitched last night.


    If they plan to come again tonight, they must be prepared in advance!


    "They shouldn''t!"


    Huang Yuwei shook her head, "The Black Shark Guards never strike the same target twice. Moreover, we''re not far from Beast Emperor City now. They wouldn''t dare to be too obvious."


    "Let''s hope so,"


    Xiao Yi nodded.


    But in his heart, he remained on guard, believing only half of what Huang Yuwei said.


    It''s better to be wary than to be harmed.


    In this world where the strong prey on the weak,


    being naive and without guile,


    one would likely die without even knowing how!


    Just as Huang Yuwei had said, the Black Shark Guard did not appear again, and the next morning, a gigantic island appeared on the surface of the sea.


    This island was suspended above the sea, and atop it sat an immensely huge city.


    This was Beast Emperor City.


    A powerful faction owning countless wealth, situated above the Beast Emperor Sea.


    Even the Great Qian Dynasty, when faced with the Beast Emperor City, dealt with it on an equal footing. After all, Beast Emperor City, apart from sitting deep in the Beast Emperor Sea and being incomparably wealthy, was also a place where powerful figures were as common as clouds.


    It was not any weaker than any of the top ten sects!


    "Beast Emperor City is almost upon us, everyone prepare your entrance fee!" The voice of the one-eyed dragon spread throughout the entire vessel.


    The entrance fee for Beast Emperor City is determined by one''s strength.


    For the Qi Gathering Realm, one hundred taels.


    For the Shentong Realm, one thousand taels.


    For the Golden Core Realm, ten thousand taels, and for the Tao Tribulation Realm, one hundred thousand taels.


    Of course...


    If a warrior of the Dharma Manifestation Realm were to enter Beast Emperor City, they would not be charged any fee and would even receive treatment befitting a VIP. After all, even the powerful Beast Emperor City would have a headache if it provoked the existence of someone from the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    Xiao Yi had known these rules since he boarded the ship and handed over one hundred thousand taels of silver to the sailor.


    Boom!


    The ship entered the port of Beast Emperor City, the enormous dock of Beast Emperor City was several times larger than that of Linhai, and there were four such docks in Beast Emperor City.


    Just think...


    The entrance fee for a vessel like this one could amount to tens of millions of taels of silver.


    A single port could accommodate tens of thousands of such vessels, and just the entrance fees from the four major ports constituted a vast wealth. It''s a glimpse into the extent of Beast Emperor City''s affluence.


    After leaving the ship.


    Huang Yuwei put on a cloak and waved at Xiao Yi, "Let''s part ways here. If you run into any trouble, you can find me at the city lord''s mansion!"


    "Alright!"


    The two parted ways.


    No sooner had Xiao Yi stepped off the dock than he saw several carriages in front of him, all available for rent. One thousand taels of silver a day, and the coachmen were all residents of Beast Emperor City.


    They were extremely familiar with Beast Emperor City.


    "My lord, do you wish to rent a carriage? I am Lei Sanwang, my ancestors have been in this business for three generations, there''s no place in the whole of Beast Emperor City I don''t know about..." A middle-aged man with a pointed face and a goatee below his nose approached with a smile.


    Xiao Yi nodded and said, "Take me to the black market!"


    "Right away!"


    Lei Sanwang''s face was glowing with a bright smile as he skillfully ushered Xiao Yi onto the carriage and then, whipping the reins, drove the carriage towards the city.


    Beast Emperor City was simply too large.


    Even while sitting in the carriage,


    they traveled for a full hour before arriving at the location of the black market, Lei Sanwang''s voice came from outside, "My lord, we''ve arrived at the black market!"


    "Hmm?"


    Xiao Yi stepped out of the carriage and looked at the black market, which covered the entire East City, showing a puzzled expression, "This entire place is the black market?"


    "Yes!"


    Lei Sanwang smiled proudly, "Our Beast Emperor City''s black market is the largest in Southern State, the whole East City is the black market. However, carriages are not allowed inside the black market, we will need to go on foot. What are you planning to purchase? I can take you there!"


    Xiao Yi said, "I want to buy medicinal materials..."


    "Medicinal materials?"


    Lei Sanwang spoke with practiced familiarity, "Then you''ve come to the right place. I know all the medicinal material merchants in the black market, big and small. But there''s no need to bother with the smaller ones, I''ll take you to the three major medicinal material merchants!"


    "That works!"


    Xiao Yi nodded, about to speak when suddenly, an urgent shouting and curses came from behind, "Move aside, all of you move aside for me!"


    Xiao Yi frowned and turned around.


    But what he faced was a streak of black that swooped towards him with the sound of the air being torn apart...

 Chapter 312 The Black Market

    Whoosh!


    The black whip shadow broke through the air, aiming straight for Xiao Yi''s face.


    The whip was extremely fast.


    Xiao Yi''s sword-like eyebrows furrowed as he instinctively raised his hand to grab the whip and then slammed it to the ground. With a loud bang, a dark shadow fell and smashed heavily onto the surface.


    Ouch...


    A wail followed.


    This was a young man dressed in black, riding a beast that was pitch black all over, with two horns on its head, shaped like a bull, rampaging along the way. On its path, it had knocked over quite a few people. Find your next adventure on My Virtual Library Empire


    Unexpectedly, he had fallen into the hands of Xiao Yi.


    Whoosh!


    The young man got up from the ground, glared at Xiao Yi with clenched teeth and said, "You scoundrel, who gave you the guts to block my way? Get over here and kneel down to apologize!"


    Xiao Yi squinted his eyes and said, "In broad daylight, in the middle of the street, you dare to ride a beast so recklessly. If I hadn''t reacted quickly enough, you would have knocked me down just now. And you think you have the right?"


    "Damn it, even if I just knock over a few people, so what if I killed someone?"


    The young man''s cultivation was merely at the Golden Elixir Peak, but his aura was as if he were a figure of the Dharma Manifestation Realm, disdainful of everything, he said coldly, "Kid, kneel down and apologize to me immediately if you know what''s good for you, or I''ll make sure you enter upright and leave horizontally!"


    Lei Sanwang, who saw the beast behind the young man, had already turned pale, stepped forward, and tugged at Xiao Yi, whispering, "Sir, you should apologize to him! This is Master Tan Huajian of the Tan Family, the largest slave trading merchant in Beast Emperor City, their power is immensely great..."


    Slave trading merchant.


    No matter where, those who dared to engage in such trade always had significant backing.


    The Tan Family could control such trade in Beast Emperor City, their family head was a formidable expert at the first level of Dharma Manifestation Realm, and they also had close relations with Sha Kun.


    The surrounding crowd was also persuading in unison, "Young man, apologize to him!"


    "That''s Master Tan, he''s not someone to provoke!"


    Tan Huajian''s face showed an arrogant look as he coldly watched Xiao Yi, "Did you hear that? Are you not going to kneel for me?"


    "Kneel your mother!"


    Xiao Yi retorted with a slap.


    Slap!


    Tan Huajian was struck and sent flying, holding his face in bewilderment as he looked at Xiao Yi, "You, you, you dare to hit me?"


    Xiao Yi''s expression was as calm as still water, "Get lost! If I see you around me again, I will cripple you!"


    Hum!


    A pressure from the Tao Tribulation Realm weighed down upon Tan Huajian. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Thump!


    Tan Huajian was pressed so hard that his legs went weak, forcing him to kneel on the ground, with cold sweat emerging on his forehead and his face turning pale. In the depths of his eyes was a deep resentment, "Fine, fine, fine, I''ll admit defeat today. The mountains won''t turn but the waters will; you''d better pray you don''t fall into my hands!"


    Tan Huajian mounted the beast and sped away.


    Lei Sanwang wore a face of despair, "My lord, you, you''ve really stirred up trouble now..."


    Xiao Yi asked, "What? Are you scared?"


    Lei Sanwang gave a wry smile, "How could I not be? There''s not a single person in the Tan Family who is merciful. Not long ago, a friend of mine just because he didn''t yield a parking space to someone from the Tan Family, the whole family was taken away to be slaves..."


    "The Tan Family is so domineering? Doesn''t anyone deal with them?" Xiao Yi frowned.


    So Beast Emperor City was in such chaos?


    Lei Sanwang hesitated for a moment, then spoke in a lower voice, "If the City Lord were still in charge, they wouldn''t dare be so rampant. But these past few months, with the City Lord severely ill and not concerned with worldly affairs, and Deputy City Lord Sha Kun having such a close relationship with the Tan Family, who do you think would dare to intervene?"


    Looking at Lei Sanwang, Xiao Yi knew he was backing down.


    He casually took out some silver notes and threw them to Lei Sanwang, "Here are fifty thousand silver notes. You better leave!"


    "This, this..."


    Lei Sanwang looked at the silver note in his hand and then at Xiao Yi with gratitude-filled eyes, saying, "Thank you for your generous gift... If you want to purchase medicinal materials, you might want to go to the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce, the Starlight Chamber of Commerce, and the Heavenly Treasure Chamber of Commerce to take a look. These three are the biggest medicine material commerce gatherings in the black market!"


    Xiao Yi nodded.


    Not daring to linger, Lei Sanwang quickly urged his carriage on and departed swiftly.


    Xiao Yi wandered alone in the black market.


    Besides shops selling all kinds of goods, there were also taverns and entertainment venues from all over, offering everything one could ask for. Especially the brothels, which one could see on every street.


    The hookers, scantily clad, stood at the doorway luring clients with their charming postures.


    It was truly a sight of luxury.


    Hiss hiss!


    Little Lin poked his head out, asking in wonder, "Boss, what is this place? Why are these women wearing so little..."


    Xiao Yi''s face darkened as he pushed Little Lin back in, "Not suitable for children!"


    Little Lin: "..."


    After asking for directions along the way, Xiao Yi finally arrived at the Heavenly Treasure Chamber of Commerce.


    The three big medicine material commerce gatherings were actually built together, mere hundreds of meters apart. Each chamber was exceptionally luxurious and grand. From a distance, one could even smell the fragrance of medicinal herbs wafting through the air.


    Xiao Yi entered the nearest Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    Inside, people bustled to and fro; it was a vibrant scene.


    "Hm?"


    Xiao Yi saw a crowd of strong individuals gathered ahead. The place was buzzing with noise and was extremely lively when suddenly, curiosity was piqued by an exclamation from the crowd, "Holy shit, bro, you''re awesome! With just 100 taels of silver, you actually picked out a Purple Glow Dragon King Ginseng worth several million!"


    "Whimper, why don''t I have such luck? I''ve already spent over a million and only got a three-year-old Polygonum Multiflorum, which hasn''t even fully grown yet..."


    "Your luck is just too bad!"


    Xiao Yi, puzzled, stopped a passerby, "Brother, may I ask what''s happening over there?"


    The passerby glanced in the direction Xiao Yi was pointing and laughed, "That''s the medicine gambling! The Heavenly Treasure Chamber of Commerce sealed some medicinal materials in ninety-nine containers. People can bid for them, and the highest bidder wins. If you choose the right one, you''ll become rich overnight, but if you choose wrong, you might lose everything you have!"


    "Medicine gambling?"


    Xiao Yi''s eyes twinkled. He had heard of betting on stones and money but had never heard of gambling on medicine. He thanked the passerby with a gesture of his hand, "Thanks!"


    "You''re welcome!"


    The passerby then left.


    Xiao Yi hesitated for a moment, then also headed to the medicine gambling area.


    In front of him was a giant disc with grooves. Inside the grooves were white spheres. Each sphere was sealed with a Formation, making it impossible for even Dharma Manifestation Realm experts to see what was inside.


    The spheres were numbered from one to ninety-nine.


    An expert from the Heavenly Treasure Chamber of Commerce was shouting, "It''s about to begin, place your bets and no more after that!"


    "Number ninety-nine for one hundred taels!"


    "Number eighteen for five hundred taels..."


    Various strong individuals kept outbidding each other.


    Xiao Yi stared at the disc, and suddenly Little Lin whispered from his embrace, "Boss, there''s something good inside number eight!"


    "Hm?"


    Xiao Yi was startled and looked at number eight. The highest bid so far was nine thousand taels of silver. Xiao Yi immediately offered ten thousand taels on the sphere numbered eight.


    Thud!


    A bell chimed.


    The expert from the Heavenly Treasure Chamber of Commerce announced, "Bets are locked in! Let''s start the draw!"


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow, a trace of curiosity in his gaze, "It must be something good if even Little Lin thinks it is a ''good brother.'' I wonder what''s really inside number eight! Just hope it''s not a loss!"

 Chapter 313 A Punch to the Head

    ```


    After the bidding for the medicine concluded.


    The powerful members of the Heavenly Treasure Chamber of Commerce opened each sphere in sequence, starting with number one, and the herbs within each sphere were promptly revealed to the audience upon their opening.


    "Number one, a strand of Qingluo Root!"


    "Number two, a piece of Monk Fruit..."


    Seven spheres were opened in succession, and all contained extremely cheap common herbs.


    The person who got sphere number one fared the worst.


    He had bet a hundred thousand to win this number one sphere, only to end up with a Qingluo Root worth a hundred silver, and then sphere number eight was opened, to which Xiao Yi also looked forward with some anticipation.


    Crack!


    The sphere opened. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A fragrance of herbs wafted through the air.


    Instantly, it prompted a wave of gasps, "This, this seems to be a fifth-grade Spiritual Medicine Purple Jade Dragon King Ginseng!"


    "Looking at its quality, it must have a hundred years of maturity. Brother, for this herb I offer one million..."


    "One million for a Purple Jade Dragon King Ginseng of such fine quality? You must be joking. I bid five million, sell it to me!"


    "I bid six million..."


    In no time, Xiao Yi found himself surrounded by a throng of people, each eagerly bidding to acquire the Purple Jade Dragon King Ginseng.


    Xiao Yi: "..."


    Seeing Xiao Yi remain unmoved, a middle-aged man stepped forward and said, "Young man, my mother is gravely ill and in dire need of the Purple Jade Dragon King Ginseng to survive. I''m willing to pay ten million silver, could you please sell it to me?"


    Ten million?


    Experience more content on My Virtual Library Empire


    Xiao Yi blinked, marveling at how he had spent only ten thousand silver but had gained an herb worth ten million.


    A ten thousand percent profit!


    "Young man, please..." the strong man begged with a piteous face.


    Xiao Yi sighed and said, "All right, I''ll sell it to you."


    "Thank you, thank you so much!"


    The middle-aged man''s face lit up with ecstasy, as he took out a stack of silver notes from his Storage Ring, ready to make the transaction. But at that moment, an arrogant voice cut through the crowd, "Eh? This Purple Jade Dragon King Ginseng looks good. Taking it back for soup would be highly nourishing; I''ll take it, young master!"


    "Hm?"


    The middle-aged man''s face slightly changed as he looked over to the source of the voice.


    A young man named Zhang Yang, hands clasped behind his back, appeared before the crowd with an air of aloofness.


    The middle-aged man''s expression turned ugly as he said in a deep voice, "Brother, I saw this herb first and I hope..."


    Smack!


    A burly man standing behind the young man backhanded the middle-aged man across the face, sending him tumbling to the ground while saying coldly, "Who do you think you are? Worthy to call our young master brother?"


    "You..."


    The middle-aged man''s face turned ashen.


    The young man looked up at Xiao Yi, his lips curling with amusement, "Kid, it''s a small world, isn''t it? I didn''t expect to bump into you so soon!"


    Wasn''t this young man Tan Huajian?


    The cultivation of the burly man beside him was at the Fifth Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm. His muscles were like heavy slabs of metal, intricately outlined, stands next to Tan Huajian like a chunk of solid iron.


    Xiao Yi frowned as he helped the middle-aged man to his feet, saying, "Keep the Purple Jade Dragon King Ginseng for yourself."


    "This..."


    The middle-aged man was taken aback.


    Xiao Yi handed back the silver notes to him and said with a smile, "Better for you to take it to save your mother, than to let it be wasted by some beasts unworthy of it!"


    "Brother, thank you!"


    The middle-aged man took the Purple Jade Dragon King Ginseng gratefully, shooting a glance filled with gratitude at Xiao Yi, and whispered, "Please be careful, they''re dangerous."


    Xiao Yi waved his hand dismissively, "Don''t worry, they''re just annoying flies."


    As Xiao Yi handed over the Purple Jade Dragon King Ginseng to the middle-aged man, Tan Huajian''s face turned livid as he said coldly, "Kid, are you deaf? Didn''t you hear me? I said I wanted the Purple Jade Dragon King Ginseng, how dare you give it to someone else?"


    Xiao Yi glanced at him, "And you are? Do I know you?"


    "You..."


    Tan Huajian''s face contorted with displeasure.


    He had no use for the Purple Jade Dragon King Ginseng himself; his intention had been merely to spoil Xiao Yi''s deal. And now, Xiao Yi had the audacity to give the ginseng away right in front of him.


    In Tan Huajian''s eyes, it was an utter affront to his own dignity!


    Tan Huajian turned to the burly man beside him, "Ah Long, cripple his cultivation, break his arms and legs!"


    "Understood!"


    Ah Long cracked his neck, producing a series of crisp sounds.


    He stepped forward.


    Ah Long was now in front of Xiao Yi, his right hand clenched into a fist, his knuckles crackling like thunder. With a punch thrown, the whistling of his fist carried the fury of wind and thunder, heading straight for Xiao Yi.


    This punch was infused with the essence of fist intent.


    ```


    A cage of condensed fighting intent had formed, trapping Xiao Yi within its confines.


    An immense pressure bore down from all directions.


    "This is the Tan Family''s Iron Fist Ah Long. It is said that he was once a slave, but was kept by the Tan Family due to his exceptional combat talent..."


    "The strongest aspect of Iron Fist Ah Long is his pair of fists, which are said to have reached the third stage of fighting intent, extremely terrifying!"


    "That youngster is in danger!"


    Mastering the third stage of fighting intent at the Fifth Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm, his combat power could rival someone at the Seventh Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm; even among the top ten sects, a being like Ah Long could be considered a genius.


    Xiao Yi''s eyes sharpened, a glint of cold light flashing through them like thunder.


    All that could be seen was a flash of black light before him.


    Xiao Yi''s right hand formed a palm and blocked in front of him; with a crisp snap, that mocking, iron fist was steadied firmly in his grasp.


    Hiss!


    Sparks flew from under Xiao Yi''s feet as he slid backward two meters, fist and all.


    The power of that punch was imaginable.


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow, "At the Fifth Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm, you can make me retreat? If I were to bring this man back, my Xiaoshanhe Institute could gain another remarkable warrior!"


    Amazement painted Ah Long''s face, shock overwhelming his heart, "A mere First Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm blocked my Invincible Iron Fist?"


    His expertise was in boxing.


    The name Iron Fist Ah Long was already famous throughout Beast Emperor City.


    Even among those desperados on the Slave Battlefield who licked the edges of blades, there were few who could withstand more than three moves from him. Xiao Yi was only at the First Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm, yet he had so easily blocked his punch.


    This level of strength was truly terrifying!


    Tan Huajian, unaware of Ah Long''s shock, assumed Ah Long had not put forth his full strength. He raised his black whip and lashed toward him, and with a crisp snap, the piercing sound of flesh being torn followed.


    A sinister streak of blood appeared on Ah Long''s back, soaking his clothes red in an instant.


    Tan Huajian bellowed, "Useless thing, why haven''t you killed him for me yet?"


    Ah Long grimaced in pain, a flash of hatred and resentment crossing the depths of his eyes, but as a mere slave, defying his master would mean being hunted by the entire Beast Emperor City.


    Grinding his teeth, Ah Long could only lash out again with his fists, "Invincible Iron Fist!"


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    Fists rained down like a torrential downpour.


    Xiao Yi''s figure moved with ease, dodging the overwhelming barrage of fists from Ah Long and whispered, "Your name is Ah Long, right? Would you like to follow me?"


    "Huh?"


    Ah Long''s punches faltered.


    Xiao Yi continued whispering, "If you follow me, we will be partners. I''ll give you your freedom; you''ll no longer be a slave!"


    Hum!


    Ah Long''s expression changed dramatically.


    Freedom!


    That word could only appear in his dreams.


    Ah Long''s punches did not lessen; he whispered back begrudgingly, "Stop talking nonsense... I am but a slave; the Tan Family would never let me leave."


    "Don''t worry, as long as you''re willing to follow me, I''ll handle the Tan Family!" Xiao Yi said with a smile.


    Ah Long halted his assault, frowning, "You''ll handle the Tan Family? What makes you think I can trust you?"


    Tan Huajian, seeing Ah Long stop, was instantly furious, "You dog, did I tell you to stop? Kill him for me, get to it¡­"


    Snap! Snap! Snap!


    The black whip continued to strike Ah Long''s body relentlessly.


    Even with Ah Long''s strong physique, he was covered in wounds from the whip''s lashes.


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow, flashed past Ah Long, grabbed the whip with a fierce yank, pulling Tan Huajian in front of him. The whip coiled around Tan Huajian''s neck as he looked at Ah Long with amusement: "This is the proof!"


    "What are you doing? Let go of me¡­"


    Pinned to the ground by Xiao Yi, Tan Huajian was a picture of humiliation and fury, roaring at Ah Long, "Bastard, you see me being held down here and do nothing? Kill him for me or I swear I will kill you..."


    Roar!


    Ah Long''s eyes blazed red, his fists clenched tightly, veins pulsing on his arms.


    Whoosh!


    He threw a punch forward.


    Xiao Yi remained smiling, not moving an inch.


    Tan Huajian''s face showed a smug satisfaction, "You bastard, you''re done for..."


    Before he could finish.


    His expression of satisfaction turned to horror and disbelief; the punch was not meant for Xiao Yi, but headed straight for his head. With a loud bang, Tan Huajian''s head exploded, leaving his body beyond recognition.


    Huffing! Huffing!


    Ah Long gasped for air, his reddened eyes filled with exhilaration and a sense of liberation, staring intently at Xiao Yi, "You said, you would give me freedom!"


    Xiao Yi smiled broadly, "Welcome to Xiaoshanhe Institute!"

 Chapter 314 Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce

    Heavenly Treasure Chamber of Commerce, within the main hall.


    A dead silence filled the area, as everyone stared dumbfounded at Tan Huajian, who had become a headless corpse lying in a pool of blood.


    This was the young master of the Tan Family.


    To have been publicly killed like this was a major incident!


    The look in people''s eyes when they turned to Xiao Yi was full of deep awe and shock. Of course, there were quite a few who gazed at him and Along with schadenfreude and mockery, "You two are dead meat, the Tan Family is a giant in Beast Emperor City!"


    "They control the slave market and have many powerful followers under their command. Killing Tan Huajian will surely bring about the Tan Family''s retribution!"


    "Especially that big guy, he''s a slave! To dare turn on his master, he''s going to be dismembered..."


    Murmurs ran through the crowd.


    Along looked at Xiao Yi with a worried expression.


    He had also been seduced by the promise of freedom that Xiao Yi talked about, and had killed Tan Huajian in a rage after being humiliated over and over again by him. Now that he had calmed down, he was filled with regret.


    A slave turning on his master was a serious offense.


    Xiao Yi laughed and said, "Afraid of what? They are talking about a slave turning on his master, but you are not a slave!"


    "I¡ªI''m not a slave?"


    Along paused, looking incredulously at Xiao Yi.


    Ever since he could remember, he had been a slave, and countless of his tribe members were slaves as well.


    Along had forgotten when was the last time he hadn''t been branded with a slave mark.


    Xiao Yi patted his shoulder, laughing, "Don''t worry, from now on you are my companion. Since you are a companion, you are naturally free. How could you possibly be a slave?"


    "But the Tan Family..." Along hesitated.


    He was acutely aware of how terrifying the Tan Family was!


    His people had once lived carefree on a remote island above the Beast Emperor Sea.


    It was the appearance of the Tan Family, like demons, slaughtering, looting, and capturing... that nearly wiped out his tribe. Many of his fellow tribesmen, who had suffered the same fate, were still in the Tan Family''s slave market.


    Xiao Yi patted his shoulder again and smiled, "We can''t stay here long; let''s go somewhere else to look around."


    The strongest of the Tan Family was only a Dharma Manifestation Realm level-one strongman, and with Xiao Yi''s current strength, even if a Dharma Manifestation Realm level-three expert were to come after him, he was confident he could escape unscathed.


    That was the confidence that had emboldened him to behead Tan Huajian!


    The two of them had just left.


    A group of powerful warriors clad in battle armor appeared within the Heavenly Treasure Chamber of Commerce.


    Looking at the headless corpse, this group of law enforcers felt a tingling on their scalps. Killing fights were forbidden in Beast Emperor City, yet someone from the Tan Family had died, and a slave of the Tan''s was taken away.


    This was a major incident.


    The leader of the Law Enforcement Team rubbed his brow, feeling a headache coming on, "Send Tan Huajian''s body back to the Tan Family. This is no longer something we can intervene in; let the Tan Family deal with it themselves!"


    ......


    Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce.


    Xiao Yi looked at Along, who had changed into a new set of clothes and was holding a roasted beast leg, savoring it deliciously, speechlessly asking, "Is that thing really so tasty?"


    Along rolled his eyes, his mouth greasy, and mumbled indistinctly, "I can''t remember the last time I ate meat!"


    Xiao Yi paused mid-step, frowning, "Along, are there many slaves in this Beast Emperor City?"


    "Hmm!"


    Along nodded, his eyes red as he spoke, "All under the control of the Tan Family. Just from my tribe alone, more than ten thousand of our people have been made slaves by them."


    Xiao Yi frowned, "How are these slaves in terms of talent?"


    "Talent?" S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Along paused, thought for a moment, and said, "Those who are kept by the Tan Family as slaves generally have some talent. However, those with truly high talent are all in the Slave Battlefield, kept by various powers as tools for gambling and entertainment!"


    At the mention of the Slave Battlefield, Along involuntarily exuded a terrifying Evil Qi.


    That was the slaughterhouse of slaves.


    A paradise for the high and mighty!


    Countless slaves battled for their lives on the Slave Battlefield, and freedom from slavery was theirs if they could secure a hundred victories. But how many could achieve a hundred wins?


    Even the mighty Along had only won sixty-five battles so far.


    Xiao Yi stroked his chin and said, "The Tan Family has such a vast slave resource in their hands. If I could find more people with Along''s talent to bring back and make them disciples of my Xiaoshanhe Institute, why should my institute worry about not prospering?"


    At this thought.


    Xiao Yi''s eyes gleamed brighter, but he was well aware that behind the Tan Family stood Sha Kun, who was a sixth-level expert in the Dharma Manifestation Realm. With his current strength, confrontation was not an option. "It seems I must find a way to enhance my realm first. The matter of the slaves can wait!"


    "Institute Head, the people from the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce have arrived!" Along''s voice rang in his ear.


    Xiao Yi looked ahead and saw a beautiful figure in a red dress with a curvaceous and graceful silhouette approaching. A beauty mark sat by her lips, and she smiled charmingly, "Shi Feiya pays respects to the young master. I hear you''re looking for me for a big trade?"


    Shi Feiya had striking beauty and a natural allure.


    Every frown and smile seemed to stir the heart.


    "Xiao Yi has met President Shi!"


    Xiao Yi, with a mind unmoved, clasped his hands toward her and said, "I wish to purchase a large quantity of medicinal materials. May I inquire if President Shi is interested?"


    Shi Feiya was startled and raised her eyebrows. "Mister Xiao, may I ask just how ''large'' is the volume you speak of?"


    Xiao Yi threw out a list. "As stated in the list!"


    Shi Feiya took the list and couldn''t help but gasp.


    Even though her Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce was one of the three major medicinal material chambers in Beast Emperor City, it was rare to see an order of such magnitude. According to the list, the annual transaction amount was over a hundred billion.


    However...


    Shi Feiya furrowed her brows slightly and said gravely, "Mister Xiao, our Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce can certainly handle this order, but the problem is your Xiaoshanhe Institute is located within the Great Qian Dynasty. That''s the territory of Medicine King Valley. Aren''t you afraid of offending them by working with us?"


    "What? Is President Shi afraid of Medicine King Valley?" Xiao Yi said with a hint of jest.


    "Yes indeed, I''m just a defenseless woman, and Medicine King Valley is the overlord of the Southern State. How could I not be afraid?" Shi Feiya raised her eyebrows with a seductive and vulnerable look that could not help but provoke a protective instinct in others.


    Xiao Yi smiled. "If so, I''ll just find someone else!"


    Watching Xiao Yi turn to leave.


    Shi Feiya''s enticing and vulnerable expression froze. Stamping her foot in vexation and gritting her teeth, she called out, "Please wait a moment, Mister Xiao..."


    "Hm?"


    Xiao Yi looked at her with amusement.


    Shi Feiya said helplessly, "This order is also a great opportunity for the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce, but it requires further discussion. Please come back to this place after three days, and I promise to give you an answer. How does that sound?"


    Xiao Yi shook his head. "No later than tomorrow!"


    "This..." Discover hidden content at My Virtual Library Empire


    Shi Feiya hesitated and, seeing Xiao Yi''s firm demeanor, relented, "Alright, I''ll have an answer for you tomorrow!"


    Xiao Yi nodded and then asked, "President Shi, may I ask if there''s any place worth visiting in Beast Emperor City?"


    "A place worth visiting?"


    Shi Feiya''s brows slightly furrowed and her eyes lit up. "Mister Xiao must have just broken through to the Tao Tribulation Realm, right? In the west of the city, there is a Cave of Desire. You might want to try visiting it; perhaps you''ll come across an unexpected gain!"


    "Cave of Desire?"


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow and clasped his hands toward her. "Thank you for the suggestion, President Shi. I''ll be back tomorrow to discuss the matter!"


    Watching the retreating figure of Xiao Yi.


    Shi Feiya''s lips curled slightly at the corners, revealing a dimple near the beauty mark, "What an interesting young man..."

 Chapter 315 Cave of Desire

    Beast Emperor City was immense beyond compare.


    It was divided into five major city districts: east, south, west, north, and central, with the East City District being the black market.


    The West City District was also bustling with activity.


    Under Along''s lead, Xiao Yi rented a horse-drawn carriage and, for the cost of ten thousand Silver, arrived at the Cave of Desire located in the West City. This Cave of Desire was a huge cavern.


    To the left and right of the cave, a nine-story tower was constructed respectively.


    Along explained, "These two towers are known as the Demon Suppression Towers... It is said that deep within the Cave of Desire, an evil Demon Spirit brimming with wickedness is sealed. The first City Lord of Beast Emperor City built these two towers in an attempt to suppress the Demon Spirit within the Cave of Desire!"


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow.


    He didn''t believe in such tales of suppressing Demon Spirits.


    As the two approached the Cave of Desire, they found that many powerhouses were already queuing up in front, and at the entrance of the Cave of Desire, there were ten strong men dressed in the armor of the Law Enforcement Team standing guard.


    In the center, an old man sat nonchalantly at a small table.


    "This old man is not simple!"


    Xiao Yi watched the old man, warily on guard inside.


    Even though this person''s cultivation might not have reached the Dharma Manifestation Realm, he was still more terrifying than the usual peak Tao Tribulation Realm cultivator!


    Xiao Yi''s gaze swept around.


    At the entrance of the Cave of Desire, there was actually a black stele.


    On the stele, there were names inscribed.


    The one at the top was none other than Xiao Tianjiao!


    Behind Xiao Tianjiao''s name, there were seventeen golden stars twinkling.


    "Why would Xiao Tianjiao''s name be here?"


    Xiao Yi turned to Along and asked, "Along, who are the people listed on that stele?"


    Along, who somehow had produced a roasted beast leg to gnaw on, mumbled vaguely, "That''s the ranking for the Cave of Desire. See the one ranked first, Xiao Tianjiao? It is said that he comes from the Great Qian Dynasty and is an unparalleled genius. He once came to the Cave of Desire when he was at the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm and bravely made it to the seventeenth level. At that time, the entire Beast Emperor City was shaken!"


    Xiao Yi murmured, "Peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm? The seventeenth level? Just how many levels does the Cave of Desire have?"


    Along said, "There are a total of eighteen levels. It is said that the Evil Demon Spirit is sealed on the eighteenth level. If one can enter there, they can gain the strength of the Demon Spirit. However, to this day, no one has ever reached the eighteenth level..."


    "Evil Demon Spirit?"


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, "Even Xiao Tianjiao was stopped at the seventeenth level? I''m curious as to where my limit lies!"


    "Make way, all of you, make way!"


    There suddenly came a hurried rush of footsteps from behind the crowd, and a haughty young man followed by a group of people walked over. This young man had an air of arrogance, with a look of disdain for everyone, and a dark long spear on his back.


    The people in line stepped aside to make room.


    "Who is that?" Xiao Yi asked, puzzled.


    Along shook his head.


    He was just a slave, how could he know so much?


    The cultivator from the Fifth Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm who had been standing in front of Xiao Yi turned around and said, "You don''t know him? He is Sha Ying, the Vice City Lord Sha Kun''s son from our Beast Emperor City. He''s considered an extraordinary genius, and it''s said that he has always idolized Xiao Tianjiao, striving to surpass him. He''s already made it to the fifteenth level before but refuses to leave his name on the ranking. He''s probably here this time to challenge Xiao Tianjiao''s record!"


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow, looking with interest at the imperious Sha Ying, "To idolize Xiao Tianjiao? That''s quite interesting!"


    Sha Ying quickly entered.


    The crowd continued to queue, and after a short while,


    it finally came to their turn. The old man sat there calmly, his eyes not even bothering to look up, "Tao Tribulation Realm, one million entry fee per person!"


    Xiao Yi rolled his eyes and handed over two million Silver.


    This Beast Emperor City really does charge money for everything!


    If a poor person were here, they wouldn''t even be able to afford a meal.


    As Xiao Yi entered the Cave of Desire, he found himself in a narrow passageway. While walking, he suddenly discovered that Along had disappeared from his side. Abruptly, two diverging paths appeared before him.


    Between the two paths stood a stele.


    On the stele was written: Left for life, right for death.


    Choose the path of life, leave the cave!


    Choose the path of death, risk falling!


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow, "Just entered and then leave? I doubt anyone would choose that!"


    He headed straight for the path on the right.


    Suddenly, everything in front of him changed dramatically. A pitch-black space materialized before him, and amidst clanging noises, massive black stone walls fell into place all around him.


    They formed a square cage, sealing Xiao Yi within.


    Woosh!


    Woosh!


    Two beams of light fell in front of Xiao Yi. The left transformed into a group of elderly, women, and children, while the right became a host of fierce-looking bandits exuding evil qi.


    A hoarse voice echoed in the air: "Choose one group as your opponent, kill them all, and you may proceed to the next level!"


    One side held bandits, the other the elderly, women, and children.


    If one wished to pass easily, naturally they would choose the latter.


    Xiao Yi shrugged his shoulders but, without a second thought, walked straight toward the bandits.


    Roar!


    The bandits'' eyes revealed a ferocious look, their glow disappearing, and like unleashed wild horses, they charged towards Xiao Yi. Facing this group of bandits, Xiao Yi showed no mercy, unleashing a sword finger slash that swept through the air.


    Woosh!


    A silver sword light burst forth from his fingertips.


    Wherever the light passed, the bandits were ground into pieces, left without a resting place in death.


    And after these bandits died, they turned into glimmers of light resembling stars, swiftly merging into Xiao Yi''s body. A glint of understanding flashed across his eyes, "This, this feeling... Is this the power of heaven and earth?"


    Those fallen bandits turned out to be manifestations of the force of heaven and earth.


    Upon being crushed, this force of heaven and earth merged into his body.


    Xiao Yi could distinctly feel his Martial Dao Divine Fruit becoming even more refined, hinting at the forming of a second layer of Dao patterns. He revealed a look of wild joy, "This Cave of Desire actually has such miraculous effects, it seems I really came to the right place!"


    Just as Xiao Yi was about to continue to the next level.


    Those elderly, women, and children who he had not chosen displayed warm smiles, their hands pressed together as they directed looks of gratitude and praise towards him.


    Woosh, woosh, woosh!


    They too transformed into a vast expanse of stars, merging into Xiao Yi''s body.


    Xiao Yi''s Martial Dao Divine Fruit possessed nine Dao patterns, with the five elemental Dao patterns each representing one of the five elements of the force of heaven and earth, and the Yin-Yang Dao patterns each representing two parts of the Yin and Yang forces of heaven and earth.


    Now... S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After absorbing these two waves of light, the heavenly forces he controlled each increased by half a part. Experience more tales on My Virtual Library Empire


    With a gleam in his eyes, Xiao Yi moved towards the entrance of the second layer that had appeared before him.


    This time, two choices again presented themselves before Xiao Yi.


    In front of him...


    On the left was Fang Qingzhu, and on the right was also Fang Qingzhu.


    An icy voice subsequently rang in his mind, causing Xiao Yi''s expression to undergo a sudden change: "..."

 Chapter 316 Breaking Records Again, The 18th Layer!

    "Within half an incense stick''s time, killing any one person will let you pass this round!"


    A cold voice echoed in his mind.


    On the left, Fang Qingzhu wore a serene smile, in the prime of her youth; on the right, a pregnant Fang Qingzhu, her belly swollen, was speaking to Xiao Yi, "Xiao Yi, our child will be born soon!"


    Two Fang Qingzhus.


    They were the most important people to Xiao Yi.


    However, the one on the left was alone, while the one on the right was with child, carrying Xiao Yi''s baby.


    Within half an incense stick''s time!


    He must kill one!


    As time dripped away, Xiao Yi sighed, walked towards the two Fang Qingzhus, and gently caressed their faces, as real as any, "Qingzhu, are you doing well now? Wait for me; I will definitely come find you!"


    The cold voice sounded again: "Time''s up, please make your choice!"


    "Choose my ass!"


    Xiao Yi curled his lip, "Even if they''re fake, I refuse to make any choice between them!"


    The cold voice fell silent for a while, its tone chilling and threatening, "If you don''t choose, you will be expelled from the Cave of Desire. You should know, with your talent and strength, it is very likely you will surpass Xiao Tianjiao and gain the power of the demon spirit!"


    "I do crave power, but if it means exchanging it for the people I treasure, I''d rather not have that power!" Xiao Yi''s voice was calm, but his resolve was unwavering.


    The cold voice completely disappeared.


    The two "Fang Qingzhus" in front of him vanished at the same time, turning into stars that merged into his body.


    Hum!


    Xiao Yi''s whole body shook.


    The Martial Dao Divine Fruit emerged from his body, gathering above his head, and with a crisp "pop," nine more Dao patterns condensed on it.


    The power of the Five Elements reached twenty percent.


    The power of Yin and Yang reached thirty percent.


    Xiao Yi''s cultivation officially stepped into the Second Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    "Just two layers, and I''ve already broken through a minor realm? What kind of power is hidden in this Cave of Desire? Unbelievable, truly unbelievable!" Xiao Yi absorbed the Martial Dao Divine Fruit back into his body and stepped into the third layer.


    Then the fourth layer.


    The fifth layer.


    The sixth layer...


    Xiao Yi advanced unobstructed.


    The choices he faced became increasingly bizarre, but Xiao Yi always kept his initial resolve and pressed forward decisively.


    In the blink of an eye.


    Xiao Yi had already reached the seventeenth layer, and the forty-five Dao patterns on his Martial Dao meant that his cultivation had reached the Fifth Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    With his current strength, even if he faced an expert at the Fifth Layer of the Dharma Manifestation Realm, he had the confidence to fight!


    "The seventeenth layer, Xiao Tianjiao stopped at this layer. When you reached this step, Xiao Tianjiao, you were already at the Peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm, yet I am merely at the Fifth Layer..."


    Xiao Yi licked his lips, his eyes shining as he stared at the two pillars of light that had appeared in front of him, "As long as I get through this, I will have broken another one of your records!"


    This journey.


    The Combat Pavilion, the Yin Yang Five Elements Tower, the Tribulation of Heaven in the Tao Tribulation Realm!


    Xiao Yi had already consecutively broken three records that Xiao Tianjiao took pride in!


    Now...


    The fourth record was right in front of him!


    Hum!


    The two pillars of light paused.


    In front of Xiao Yi, two figures appeared; on the left was Xiao Tianjiao, but he was in a sorry state, tied to a wooden stake. In front of him, a cursed demon sword enveloped in runes, its black aura swirling.


    On the right was a low grave, with a tombstone standing over it.


    The tombstone read¡ªThe grave of Mrs. Liu from the Xiao Clan!


    It was the grave of Xiao Yi''s mother!


    The cold voice sounded at the same time, "The sword on the left is the Cursed Demon Sword, use it to slay Xiao Tianjiao, and the curse will manifest in reality; Xiao Tianjiao will die from the curse, and killing Xiao Tianjiao will let you pass. On the right is your mother''s grave, kneel and worship, and you may also pass!"


    This voice was utterly calm, yet held a strange magic power within it.


    Xiao Yi could clearly hear his own heart pounding.


    It was as if a million mouths were whispering in his ear, tempting him, "Kill Xiao Tianjiao, and no one will be able to threaten you anymore!"


    "Once you kill Xiao Tianjiao, the Xiao Family will lose their support, and they will have to beg you to return. Then you can worship your mother; why waste the opportunity here?"


    "Kill Xiao Tianjiao..."


    Wave after wave of seductive voices arose in his ears.


    Xiao Yi involuntarily walked towards Xiao Tianjiao, his palm already gripping the demon sword.


    Xiao Tianjiao!


    This was one of Xiao Yi''s heart demons, which he vowed to slay!


    Hum!


    The demon sword had been pulled out from the ground, the blade enveloped in black demonic Qi and the runes shimmered with dazzling light. With just a slight thrust forward, he could completely eradicate the heart demon that was Xiao Tianjiao.


    Afterward, his martial path would be unimpeded.


    He could even use a curse to kill Xiao Tianjiao.


    The sword''s tip moved constantly forward.


    Just as he was about to behead Xiao Tianjiao, a buzzing sounded in Xiao Yi''s mind.


    "My heart is as iron, unbreakable; my heart is as a sword, peerlessly sharp!"


    Mysterious sounds emanated from Xiao Yi''s mouth, dispelling the countless beguiling voices around him. He abruptly flung his arm, tossing the demon sword aside, and began to gasp for breath.


    In that instant, he was already drenched in a cold sweat.


    Huff! Huff!


    Xiao Yi gasping heavily, stared at Xiao Tianjiao tied to the wooden post and snorted coldly, "I, Xiao Yi, will deal with you myself..."


    He promptly turned around.


    Xiao Yi kneeled before the lowly grave with a thump, respectfully kowtowed three times, and spoke solemnly, "Mother, please forgive your unfilial son for not being able to worship at your grave. But believe me, it won''t be long before I can pay tribute to you openly and honorably!"


    Hum!


    The image of Xiao Tianjiao and the lowly grave vanished before him.


    An extremely terrifying surge of energy madly flooded into Xiao Yi''s body.


    The Martial Dao Divine Fruit left his body once more, hovering above his head as the Dao patterns continued to climb. It increased to fifty-four Dao patterns, and his cultivation formally stepped into the Sixth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm!


    At the same time...


    The heavenly and earthly energies within Xiao Yi''s body surged into the God Sealing Seed, increasing their number by tens of millions, reaching a total of sixty million!


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi''s figure darted into the eighteenth layer.


    He...


    Once again broke the record set by Xiao Tianjiao!


    Moreover.


    Xiao Yi also became the only one since ancient times to enter the eighteenth layer of the Cave of Desire.


    Find more to read at My Virtual Library Empire


    And just moments before Xiao Yi stepped into the eighteenth layer...


    Outside the Cave of Desire.


    Sha Ying''s figure appeared before everyone, his mouth slightly curving upwards, enjoying the adulation and gazes of the crowd with a proud face.


    "Young Master Sha Ying, have you broken Xiao Tianjiao''s record this time?"


    "Is that even a question? Last time Young Master Sha Ying reached the fifteenth layer, and now that his cultivation has ascended to the Peak of Tao Tribulation Realm, he''s definitely stronger than Xiao Tianjiao!"


    The crowd flattered him.


    Sha Ying''s eyes twinkled with pride, but he maintained a nonchalant facade and waved his hand, "Xiao Tianjiao is, after all, the strongest genius in the history of the Great Qian Dynasty. I still have some distance to cover. This time, I barely reached the sixteenth layer, just one step away!"


    "The sixteenth layer?"


    "That''s terrifying as well. Since the emergence of the Cave of Desire, there have been no more than nine individuals who have reached the sixteenth layer. Young Master, you are the youngest among them. Once you''re on the ranking, you will definitely be second only to Xiao Tianjiao!" S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The crowd remarked one after another.


    Sha Ying feigned difficulty, nodded his head, and said, "So be it, I shall leave my name then!"


    Sha Ying, with a smile, turned to the elder, "Elder, please inscribe my name on the ranking board!"


    "Hmm!"


    The elder nonchalantly wrote down Sha Ying''s name.


    Watching his name placed second, just behind Xiao Tianjiao, Sha Ying''s mouth curved upward, bearing a proud demeanor.


    However...


    The elder suddenly let out a sound of surprise.


    His gray eyebrows furrowed tightly, then relaxed as his palm gently swept over the ranking board. Xiao Tianjiao''s name moved back a step, and Sha Ying''s name also fell to the third position.


    Sha Ying''s face stiffened with self-satisfaction, and he looked puzzled at the elder, "Elder, what does this mean?"


    The elder let out an "Oh" and spoke in a haunting tone that left Sha Ying''s face resembling a liverish hue, "Someone has reached the eighteenth layer. Xiao Tianjiao is now historically second, and you, third..."

 Chapter 317 Kneel Not to the Heavens Above, Nor to the Earth Below!

    "Xiao Tianjiao ranks second, and you''re third!"


    The elder spoke slowly and deliberately.


    What?


    Sha Ying''s face, which was filled with triumph and excitement, suddenly froze, and he looked at the elder in confusion, asking in disbelief, "What, what did you say? Someone entered the eighteenth level?"


    "Yes!"


    The elder nodded.


    Thump, thump, thump!


    Sha Ying''s face was a picture of confusion, turning pale and then flushing red, as he roared in disbelief, "This is impossible... Even when Xiao Tianjiao was at the Peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm, he only reached the seventeenth level. How can anyone enter the eighteenth level? Could it be that some old ancestor from the Dharma Manifestation Realm has entered?"


    He simply couldn''t imagine, if Xiao Tianjiao himself couldn''t break through the seventeenth level, how could anyone else manage to reach it.


    The surrounding crowd, shocked, nodded in agreement, "It must be an old ancestor of the Dharma Manifestation Realm challenging it. Among those in the Tao Tribulation Realm, no one should possess greater talent than Xiao Tianjiao!"


    "Was there a Dharma Manifestation Realm old ancestor just now? How come I didn''t notice?"


    "What kind of status does a Dharma Manifestation Realm old ancestor have? If he didn''t want you to notice him, even standing right in front of you, you wouldn''t recognize him!"


    However...


    The elder shook his head and said, "Not Dharma Manifestation, just Tao Tribulation!"


    Not Dharma Manifestation, just Tao Tribulation?


    Merely eight words.


    To Sha Ying, they sounded like a bolt out of the blue thundering in his ears, causing his face to alternate between pale and flushed, showing an intense color of disbelief, "How can this be? I don''t believe it, I can''t believe it... In the Tao Tribulation Realm, who can be stronger than me, stronger than Xiao Tianjiao? How can such a being exist..."


    His face was extremely ugly.


    Recalling how he had just breached the sixteenth level, only one step away from his idol.


    He was so happy, so excited, so proud!


    But now...


    Reality had slapped him hard across the face.


    No!


    This was rubbing his face in the dirt!


    "Damn it, who is this person who has the audacity to humiliate me so? I will tear you to pieces..." Sha Ying''s eyes were bloodshot, his initial shock turning into venomous hatred.


    Today was supposed to be the most glorious day of his life.


    But now...


    All of it had turned into a mirage, into a stepping stone for Xiao Yi.


    Sha Ying''s eyes gleamed with a vicious cold light. Had the person breaking through been an old ancestor of the Dharma Manifestation Realm, he would have hesitated to seek revenge, but the elder in front of him had already clarified that the other party was not an old ancestor from the Dharma Manifestation Realm. With his status, wasn''t it a simple matter for him to crush the other party as he pleased?


    At this moment.


    Xiao Yi, deep within the Cave of Desire, had no idea of Sha Ying''s thoughts.


    He had already entered the eighteenth level.


    In front of him was an endless expanse of pitch darkness, with an aura of ghostly solemnity. The world was pitch black without any light. Yet strangely, in such an environment, Xiao Yi could still clearly see everything in front of him.


    In the center of this dark space, a colossal figure lay prostrate on the ground.


    "What is that?"


    Xiao Yi''s pupils shrank slightly. Upon seeing the figure, he instinctively felt a heart-throbbing sensation.


    Even Little Lin in his arms was restless and uneasy.


    Wriggling its body and poking its head out, its eyes full of wariness, it said, "Boss, I have a very bad feeling about this..."


    "Don''t worry, I''m here!"


    Xiao Yi patted its head reassuringly as he cautiously approached the massive figure.


    In this entire dark space, there was only this one dark existence.


    The mountain appears near but is far in reality.


    What seemed to be a mere few hundred meters away turned out to be several kilometers in distance. As Xiao Yi approached the dark figure, he couldn''t help but inhale sharply.


    This immense body was a thousand zhang tall, towering and reaching into the Azure Sea.


    It was not a mountain peak.


    This was, shockingly, half a head.


    Just half a head, and yet it was a thousand zhang tall. What kind of massive creature could this be?


    "You''ve come!"


    An ancient voice suddenly rang out.


    It seemed to come from the depths of the void, echoing throughout the empty Cave of Desire on the eighteenth layer, vast and filled with majesty, and even a trace of vicissitude.


    As if it had witnessed the ancient vastness, seen the Azure Sea turned into mulberry fields.


    "Who is the senior?" Xiao Yi asked.


    Humm!


    Above the enormous beast''s head, a shadowy figure fell. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Continue reading at My Virtual Library Empire


    It was an elder with a cane.


    With kind eyebrows and benevolent eyes, and a red mole between the eyebrows, compassionate and merciful, his eyes were peaceful and profound, like a calm ocean. In his eyes, seemingly a cycle of vast phenomena, they rested upon Xiao Yi and Little Lin in his arms.


    "I had thought that it would be Xiao Tianjiao who could enter the eighteenth layer, but he stopped at the seventeenth. You, you are even more outstanding!" The elder''s ancient gaze carried a hint of peculiar colors.


    Making one''s state of mind unconsciously become tranquil.


    Xiao Yi raised his eyebrows, "May I ask who the senior is?"


    "You may call me Xuan!"


    Xuan smiled, then said, "Little fellow, aren''t you curious about what Xiao Tianjiao encountered on the seventeenth layer?"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback.


    Xuan waved his hand.


    A screen of light fell before Xiao Yi, showing the figure of Xiao Tianjiao within it. Before him appeared two choices. On the left was Xiao Yi, and on the right was the grave of Xiao Yi''s mother.


    "Nothing but trash, killing him would dirty my hands. As for this..."


    Xiao Tianjiao''s proud words came from the screen, his gaze directed at the humble grave: "I, Xiao Tianjiao, do not kneel to heaven above or earth below, how could I kneel to a dead person?"


    Xiao Tianjiao, with a wave of his hand.


    Boom!


    The entire grave burst apart.


    Even though it was merely an illusion, Xiao Yi''s body still tensed, his eyes turning completely red in an instant. He gritted his teeth tightly, making a grinding noise: "Xiao Tianjiao..."


    Each word was uttered with exceptional weight.


    As if he wanted to grind him to dust.


    Xiao Tianjiao''s pride and strength were evident.


    The illusion had not confused his mind.


    But his pride made even the thought of annihilating Xiao Yi''s illusion feel like a disgrace, as if killing Xiao Yi would taint his hands. Even in front of the grave of his birth mother, he disdained to offer tribute.


    Not kneeling to heaven or earth.


    What was his mother?


    What right did she have to make me, Xiao Tianjiao, kneel?


    With just a palm strike, shattering the mother''s grave, even though it was an illusion, the indifference and ruthlessness of Xiao Tianjiao could still be seen.


    The light screen quietly disappeared.


    Xuan gazed at Xiao Yi, saying, "Do you hate him?"


    "What does it have to do with you?"


    Xiao Yi looked up at Xuan, speaking neither humbly nor arrogantly.


    Xuan narrowed his eyes, saying, "I can give you the power to surpass him!"


    The voice was enticing and mesmerizing.


    Those with weak wills,


    Would surely be affected.


    Xiao Yi bit his tongue, the sweetness and sting helping him to regain clarity, he said coldly, "Without you, I can still surpass him, Xiao Tianjiao!"


    Xuan fell silent.


    After a long moment,


    Xuan revealed a gratified smile, "Having passed the test of the seventeenth layer of the Cave of Desire, you truly did not disappoint me. Xiao Yi, aren''t you very curious about my identity?"


    Xiao Yi squinted his eyes.


    Xuan slowly began, "I am¡­"

 Chapter 318 The Nine Cauldrons Seal Eternal Life

    Xuan slowly spoke, revealing his identity, "I am right beneath your feet!"


    "Hm?"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback.


    He subconsciously looked toward the ground, asking in confusion, "You are the Cave of Desire?"


    "..."


    The corner of Xuan''s eye twitched, he said, "I am the Beast Emperor Island beneath your feet!"


    Xiao Yi: "..."


    What the hell?


    Beast Emperor Island?


    He did not know the full size of the entire Beast Emperor Island, but he did know how vast the Beast Emperor City was, with billions of inhabitants, and it took two hours to travel from East City to West City by carriage.


    And that was no ordinary carriage.


    It was one pulled by Sea Dragon Horses, capable of travelling a thousand kilometers a day without breaking a sweat.


    Two hours, almost three hundred kilometers!


    Between two city districts, that''s nearly three hundred kilometers, so how massive was the whole Beast Emperor Island?


    At least four to five hundred kilometers in length and width!


    Xuan was actually saying he was the Beast Emperor Island?


    Has the island become incarnate?


    Xiao Yi sized up Xuan from head to toe and ventured, "Senior, have you become an island incarnation?"


    "..."


    Xuan''s eyelid twitched violently as he glared at Xiao Yi and said through clenched teeth, "What island incarnation... This Beast Emperor Island is my body, refined into an island by someone as a sacrifice."


    Boom!


    Xiao Yi''s mind went blank.


    He naturally knew about the methods of sacrifice, and indeed many powerful beings would refine the bodies or bones of powerful beasts into prime weapons. But after such a refinement, they usually remove the dross, and the scale only gets smaller.


    After Xuan''s body was refined, it was still a massive four to five hundred kilometers in length and width.


    How terrifying must his true form have been?


    "I was originally one of the Nine Beasts guarding the Hall of Longevity. Since Zhao Wuji shattered the Qingtian Realm in battle, the Hall of Longevity escaped into the depths of the void, and we, the Nine Beasts, scattered across various places in the Qingtian Realm."


    Xuan spoke unhurriedly, "I was on the brink of death back then, so I refined my body into this Beast Emperor Island. One, to transform my soul into an Artifact Spirit, managing to cling to life. And two, to protect one of the Nine Tripods, in hope that when the Hall of Longevity reappears in the world, I could return and be resurrected..."


    "Hall of Longevity?"


    Xiao Yi was startled.


    Having received the legacy of sages like the Wind Thunder, he naturally knew of the Hall of Longevity''s existence.


    Legend has it...


    In the Ancient Era, the Qingtian Realm was united, and the natural energy of heaven and earth was a thousandfold, even ten-thousand-fold more abundant than it is now.


    But in that era when martial arts were first burgeoning, the martial arts system was in a chaotic, primitive state, with cultivation at its peak being no more than the Dharma Phase Realm Peak.


    Thus, an ancient mighty one crafted nine cauldrons and suppressed the martial fate of the Qingtian Realm within the Hall of Longevity. From then on, genuine martial arts began to flourish, and some powerful beings broke through the shackles of heaven and earth, stepping into the Longevity Secret Realm.


    It was precisely because of this.


    The world started to say, "The Nine Tripods secure longevity!"


    Yet even in the legacies of sages like Wind Thunder, references to the Hall of Longevity were scarce and ambiguous.


    Xiao Yi said solemnly, "Senior, are you saying that to step into the Longevity Secret Realm, one must truly have the Hall of Longevity?"


    "Not at all!"


    Xuan shook his head and chuckled, "Rumors are often exaggerated. Although there indeed are ways within the Hall of Longevity that allow one to enter the Longevity Secret Realm, its existence is not actually about breaking free from limitations to achieve longevity. The notion of ''The Nine Tripods secure longevity'' is about stabilizing heaven and earth with the nine cauldrons, constraining the great dao so that the powerhouses of the Longevity Secret Realm can move freely between heaven and earth. Have you noticed that ever since the Hall of Longevity vanished, those who walk the Longevity Secret Realm are as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns?"


    Xiao Yi nodded.


    That was precisely his confusion.


    Xuan continued, "The Longevity Secret Realm is too powerful; if its beings were allowed to roam freely between heaven and earth, the impact on the world would be enormous. A single Longevity Secret Realm being could draw all the natural energy of a nation with a mere breath... ''The Nine Tripods secure longevity'' stabilizes the earth and heaven, the great dao itself. Now that the Hall of Longevity has been struck by Zhao Wuji into the depths of the void, those from the Longevity Secret Realm naturally cannot wander freely between heaven and earth..."


    Xiao Yi suddenly realized, "So ''The Nine Tripods secure longevity'' refers to such anchoring!"


    No wonder, even a power such as the Great Qian Dynasty doesn''t have beings from the Longevity Secret Realm in existence.


    Perhaps the Longevity Secret Realm beings of the Great Qian Dynasty have just never walked among the world.


    Xuan said gravely, "Xiao Yi, I''ve waited for so many years, and you are the only one who has managed to come here. I am willing to bestow upon you one of the Nine Tripods of longevity. If one day the Hall of Longevity reappears in the world, I hope you can bring the Nine Tripods back to me, bringing my soul back to the Hall of Longevity!"


    The nine beasts of longevity were born together with the Hall of Longevity.


    If they could return to the Hall of Longevity, there was still hope for revival and rebirth!


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, immersed in deep thought.


    He didn''t fully trust the ancient fellow before him who had lived for untold years. Dealing with such beings required extreme caution, or else one might be devoured to the point of leaving no remains.


    Seeing Xiao Yi''s hesitation to agree, a look of urgency flashed in the depths of Xuan''s eyes, and he continued, "To show my sincerity, I am willing to give you two drops of the Beast Emperor''s heart blood!"


    Hum! Hum!


    With a casual gesture from Xuan, two drops of golden blood flew down from the peak of a thousand feet.


    The blood was like pearls.


    Crystal clear.


    It contained an overwhelming surge of the Qi of heaven and earth within.


    What is a Beast Emperor?


    Above the seventh rank, comparable to the Human Race''s Longevity Secret Realm!


    The heart blood of the Beast Emperor was especially precious. It was said that a seventh-rank Beast Emperor could only condense a few dozen drops of heart blood in its lifetime, and consuming it could extend one''s life by a thousand years.


    It also had tremendous benefits for martial artists.


    Little Lin was itching to move, its eyes gleaming as it looked at the two drops of heart blood.


    Xiao Yi squinted his eyes, "Senior, please assist me and my brother in refining the heart blood!"


    "No problem!"


    Xuan nodded his head.


    With a wave of his hand.


    A dazzling golden cauldron fell between the two, and Xuan said, "This is one of the Nine Cauldrons, driven by the Qi of heaven and earth, it can speed up the refinement process. Place the heart blood within, and with your strength, you should be able to increase the refining speed by a hundredfold!"


    Xiao Yi''s pupils contracted slightly, a hundredfold refining speed?


    What if it was a Dharma Phase Realm practitioner, or even a master of the Longevity Secret Realm?


    Wouldn''t that be thousands or tens of thousands of times faster?


    One must know... Experience new stories on My Virtual Library Empire Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Even consuming medicinal pills required a considerable amount of time.


    But if one could increase the speed of refinement, for instance, by a hundredfold, what would normally take a year would now only take three days. What kind of heaven-defying Divine Artifact was this?


    Xiao Yi and Little Lin sat cross-legged before the small cauldron, dropping the heart blood into it, with the Qi of heaven and earth driving the cauldron. Golden light circulated around the small cauldron, nine golden dragons moved about its body, and it began to vibrate with a humming sound.


    Brilliant rays of light enveloped both Xiao Yi and Little Lin.


    They could distinctly feel their power rising rapidly¡ªsuch a refining speed was indeed terrifying!


    One hour.


    Two hours.


    Three hours...


    After just ten hours,


    the heart blood within the small cauldron was completely refined. Little Lin''s body flickered with golden light, its scale armor shining brilliantly. It had reached the high level of the sixth rank, comparable to the seventh layer of the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    Xiao Yi also advanced two realms, reaching the Eighth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm, and the number of God Sealing Seeds increased again to eighty million.


    With his current strength, he was a match for a practitioner of the Dharma Phase Realm at the eightfold level!


    "Under normal circumstances, refining these two drops of heart blood would take at least three to four months, but now it''s only taken ten hours. With this hundredfold refining speed and with this Divine Artifact''s assistance, what difficulty would there be for my Xiaoshanhe Institute disciples to grow stronger?"


    Xiao Yi looked at the golden cauldron before him with a fervent gleam in his eyes. Turning to Xuan, he said, "Senior, I am willing to assist you!"


    "Excellent!"


    Xuan smiled with relief and eagerly said, "Xiao Yi, then quickly bond with this Longevity Cauldron! Simply drop a bit of fresh blood onto it!"


    Xiao Yi, looking thoughtful, glanced at Xuan and squeezed out a drop of essential blood, letting it fall onto the small cauldron.


    Hum!


    The golden cauldron shimmered, enveloping him within its light.


    Watching Xiao Yi covered in golden light, the benevolent expression on Xuan''s face vanished, replaced by a vicious and mad grin: "Hehehe, after being trapped for so many years, this emperor will finally escape! Hahaha, boy, your body now belongs to this emperor!"


    Hum!


    Xuan transformed into a streak of light and entered Xiao Yi''s brow.


    Witnessing this, Little Lin''s pores exploded, its eyes widened in fury, and two terrifying words surfaced in its mind¡ªbody snatching!

 Chapter 319 Youre the one seeking death!

    Body Possession!


    Xuan had actually used Xiao Yi to refine the Longevity Cauldron, and in the moment when he released his mind, he entered Xiao Yi''s forehead in an attempt to take over Xiao Yi''s body.


    Little Lin''s face showed humanized signs of anxiety, circling back and forth in desperation, "Xuan... you old thief, if you dare to hurt my boss, I will fight you to death and drag you to hell... "


    A smug voice from Xuan came out of Xiao Yi''s mouth, "Little one, if you dare to hurt me, you would be hurting your master."


    "Aaaargh..."


    Little Lin roared furiously.


    He was anxiously circling like an ant on a hot pan.


    Meanwhile...


    Xuan had already entered Xiao Yi''s soul, his face brimming with excitement, "To have passed the trial of the Cave of Desire, this boy''s willpower is strong enough to endure my soul. Coupled with the fact that his talent is not the slightest bit inferior to Xiao Tianjiao, even stronger, it seems that missing Xiao Tianjiao back then turned out to be a blessing in disguise! Hahaha... "


    In Xuan''s eyes, this body was already within his grasp.


    After all.


    He was the mighty Beast Emperor, comparable to the existence of the Longevity Secret Realm.


    And he had lived for countless years.


    His soul was exceptionally strong, by no means comparable to a mere twenty-year-old youth; to possess Xiao Yi''s body with his soul was as easy as taking something from one''s pocket.


    However...


    When Xuan entered Xiao Yi''s soul, he did not find Xiao Yi''s soul there.


    Xuan was baffled, "What''s going on? Where''s his soul? Without a soul, how can I devour it? How can I possess the body?"


    "Are you looking for me?"


    Suddenly, a playful voice came through.


    "Hmm?"


    Xuan was startled and looked in the direction of the sound.


    On that glance.


    His pupils suddenly dilated, and his eyes revealed intense shock and disbelief, "How, how, how is this possible? What, what exactly is that thing behind you?"


    In front of him...


    Xiao Yi''s soul stood suspended in mid-air, but behind him stood a vast graveyard.


    This was a graveyard floating in the midst of the stars, with countless stars falling like rain, giant celestials whizzing by, creating space ripples that stretched for billions of miles.


    Find exclusive stories on My Virtual Library Empire


    The entire black graveyard, set amidst the stars, was encircled by four exceptionally dark dragons, as if cast from black iron, massive in size and connected head to tail around the graveyard.


    Like pillars supporting the heavens, they seemed to pierce through the entire starry sky.


    No fewer than eighty-one gigantic black chains hung from the tops of the pillars, on one end, extending deep into the depths of space, and on the other end, they hung upon eighty-one suns blazing with incomparably bright and hot light.


    The burning flames from each of the eighty-one suns could incinerate a realm, but they were firmly held up under the constraint of the black chains, upholding this mysterious pitch-black graveyard.


    Xiao Yi was currently standing at the entrance of the graveyard.


    To his left and right stood two cyan stone pillars, inscribed with two lines of blood-red characters, framing a couplet.


    A thousand calamities, a hundred lifetimes of hardship, pass in the blink of an eye throughout eternity.


    An immortal body, an indestructible soul, who can rival across ancient and present times?


    Above his head...


    Four towering characters emitted a despair-inducing aura¡ªEternal Heavenly Tomb!


    "Who exactly are you? What place is this?" Xuan felt as if his countless years of life had been lived in vain; he had never heard of such a terrifying existence.


    Xiao Yi stood proudly before the Eternal Heavenly Tomb, his hands slowly opening, a hint of a cold smile on his lips, "I am Xiao Yi, the Heaven-Suppressing Divine General. This is my Eternal Heavenly Tomb!"


    Boom!


    As Xiao Yi spread his arms.


    The gates of the Eternal Heavenly Tomb burst open.


    Xuan''s eyes nearly exploded, his scalp going numb.


    What did he see?


    The tomb of Martial God Zhao Wuji?


    The tomb of Medicine Saint Feng Lei?


    Each of these figures had made a name for themselves through the ages, and yet they were all buried here.


    Thump!


    Thump!


    Thump!


    Xuan''s heart pounded wildly, his soul nearly fleeing, his eyes no longer daring to look at Xiao Yi, with only one thought in his mind¡ªescape!


    Whoosh!


    Xuan transformed into a golden stream of light, attempting to escape from Xiao Yi''s soul.


    Xiao Yi''s lips curled up slightly, "Do you think you can escape?"


    Xiao Yi reached forward with his right hand. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Boom!


    Within the Ancient Tomb of All Ages, there suddenly came a loud rumbling, as chains of black shot out frenziedly. These chains, like black Azure Dragons, twisted their massive bodies, shaking heaven and earth, startling even time and space.


    Clash!


    In an instant, numerous chains wrapped around Xuan, who tried to flee.


    Xuan could not break free at all.


    As he watched himself being dragged toward the Ancient Tomb of All Ages by the black chains, his eyes were filled with terror and despair, "Let me go, Xiao Yi, release me... I am willing to submit to you, I acknowledge you as my master, no..."


    Boom!


    The black chains yanked him into the Ancient Tomb of All Ages, enveloping and turning him into a low, small mound.


    Xiao Yi raised his palm, "Bring forth the stele!"


    Swish!


    A tombstone appeared in Xiao Yi''s hand, upon which he swiftly inscribed, before casting it in front of the small mound.


    It read: Tomb of Xuan, the Eternal Beast of Longevity!


    Staring at the small grave before him, Xiao Yi fell into contemplation. The moment Xuan invaded his soul and tried to possess it, he discovered that he could control the Ancient Tomb of All Ages and seal it.


    Xiao Yi''s gaze swept over the vast Ancient Tomb of All Ages, "Are all the graves here similarly sealed by the Heaven Seal Divine Generals themselves? It cannot all be soul possessions... Could it be that in the future, the Ancient Tomb of All Ages might appear in the world again, sealing the strong from all realms?"


    Just thinking about standing among the heavens and earth one day, facing innumerable strong foes, and summoning the Ancient Tomb of All Ages.


    Are you a descendant of Martial God?


    Your ancestor''s grave is in my hands!


    Are you a disciple of Medicine Saint?


    Your master''s grave is in my hands!


    Tsk, tsk...


    "It feels exhilarating just to think about it..." Xiao Yi muttered to himself, regaining control of his body.


    Almost at the same time.


    The Longevity Cauldron before him had also completed its refinement.


    With a flip of his palm, the Longevity Cauldron entered his body.


    "Who exactly are you?" Little Lin asked Xiao Yi cautiously.


    Xiao Yi burst into laughter and ruffled his head, "Who do you say I am?"


    Little Lin ventured, "Boss?"


    Xiao Yi nodded, his gaze turned to the towering peak and said, "Xuan had just taken the Beast Emperor''s heartblood from there; I wonder if there''s more left! Little Lin, go and see if you can find any treasures and bring them back!"


    Little Lin had a unique talent for treasure hunting!


    Swish!


    Little Lin dashed towards the towering peak, and moments later, he excitedly returned with a storage ring in front of Xiao Yi, proudly proclaiming, "Boss, look what I found!"


    Xiao Yi was startled, then took the storage ring and bound it to himself.


    He checked the treasures inside.


    Ecstasy spread across Xiao Yi''s face as he discovered not only ten drops of the Beast Emperor''s heartblood and a pitch-black magic sword within but many other treasures as well. Especially this pitch-black magic sword was the same one he had seen on the seventeenth layer.


    The seventh-tier magic sword, Moon Slayer!


    "A seventh-tier magic sword... must not be used until a critical moment!" Xiao Yi''s mind was clear as a mirror. Such a weapon was a treasure of the Longevity Secret Realm level, and its revelation would surely tempt even the leaders of the top ten sects to act impulsively.


    "Little Lin, it''s time for us to go back!"


    This trip to the Cave of Desire had brought him peerless treasures; it was time to return.


    ...


    At the entrance of the Cave of Desire.


    Along was covered in blood, impaled firmly on the ground by a black, blood-stained spear. A middle-aged man, who bore a slight resemblance to Tan Huajian, stood before him with an expressionless face, "Along, quit stalling and tell us, who killed my son?"


    This man was Tan Huajian''s father, the current head of the Tan Family, Tan Zheng.


    "Ptui!"


    Along spat a mouthful of blood at the man, his voice fierce, "Don''t dream of making me betray Xiao!"


    "You''re courting death!"


    A flash of cold light passed through Tan Zheng''s eyes as a frigid sharpness smashed towards Along''s head.


    At that moment.


    An ice-cold voice, booming like thunder, exploded, "The one courting death is you!"

 Chapter 320 Its My Honor

    "You''re the one seeking death!"


    The cold voice was filled with ghastly murderous intent.


    Xiao Yi burst forth from the Cave of Desire, bringing with him a gale that with a bang, pounced directly upon Tan Zheng.


    "Hmm?"


    Tan Zheng''s face changed, his body radiating light for a hundred yards.


    Vast amounts of vital energy converged in front of him, forming an energy shield that gleamed with the luster of gold, as if forged from the metal itself. It was immensely solid, such that even the common warriors at the Tao Tribulation Realm Peak would dream of shattering it.


    However...


    Under the sweep of this ferocious wind.


    This powerful energy shield exploded with a bang.


    The violent wind enveloped Tan Zheng, hurling his form viciously through the air.


    Wow!


    Tan Zheng let out a scream, his body flying backward like a kite with its string cut, bright red blood spraying wildly from his mouth. It traced a beautiful arc in the air and then crash-landed dozens of meters away with a thump.


    Hiss!


    Before the Cave of Desire, a deathly silence prevailed.


    Everyone was staring, dumbstruck at the scene before them.


    Tan Zheng was a warrior at the Tao Tribulation Realm Peak, yet the mere air disturbance caused by Xiao Yi''s rush was able to destroy his vital energy shield?


    How terrifying must that strength be?


    Even a common master at the first layer of the Dharma Manifestation Realm would likely find it difficult to manage this feat, wouldn''t they?


    Gulp!


    Sha Ying involuntarily swallowed, his arms which were previously crossed in front of his chest with an indifferent spectator''s gaze, unconsciously loosened and fell to his sides.


    Xiao Yi helped Along up and pulled out the long spear from his body.


    He threw him a pill to consume.


    Xiao Yi said with a dark face, "Are you alright?"


    Along forced a weak smile on his pale face, "I won''t die!"


    "That''s good. You rest here; the rest is up to me."


    Xiao Yi''s icy gaze turned to the trembling Tan Zheng as he struggled to stand up, fresh blood continuously pouring from his mouth and his pale face with a pair of pitch-black eyes glaring fixedly at Xiao Yi, "Who on earth are you?"


    Xiao Yi coldly said, "Weren''t you looking for the culprit who killed Tan Huajian? It is I!"


    "You..."


    Tan Zheng''s face changed slightly, and with a somber expression, he said, "With your strength, why would you have to deal such a ruthless hand to my son?" Your next read awaits at My Virtual Library Empire


    Xiao Yi replied, "Your blind son wanted to kill me; if I don''t kill him, should I just stretch out my neck for him to do the deed?"


    "..."


    Tan Zheng was left speechless, his expression changing uncertainly, and he said sternly, "Even if my son was wrong, you could have spared his life, and I would have made him apologize to you. That would have been the end of it. Yet you cruelly took his life..."


    Xiao Yi responded with an "Oh," and said, "I''m sorry!"


    "Ah?"


    Tan Zheng was stunned.


    The surrounding crowd was equally bewildered.


    What was going on?


    Xiao Yi clearly had the absolute upper hand, so why had he suddenly apologized?


    While Tan Zheng was still in a daze.


    Xiao Yi indifferently said, "I apologize to you first, then I shall kill you, and that will be the end of it!"


    Tan Zheng stared, dumbfounded: "..."


    Just as he was about to speak.


    He suddenly felt the world spin, and before his progressively blurring vision, his own body appeared.


    It turned out...


    His head had taken off on its own.


    Flying towards the ground behind him.


    Bang!


    Tan Zheng''s head landed firmly on the ground, while Xiao Yi shook his head, looking at Along, "I''ve never heard such a peculiar request before, that an apology could permit killing..."


    Along: "..."


    Sha Ying: "..."


    Everyone: "..."


    Xiao Yi, too lazy to pay attention to the crowd, walked straight to the elder and said, "Senior, please trouble yourself to write my name up there!"


    "Alright!"


    The elder, facing Xiao Yi again, no longer acted as casual as before and his expression became more solemn. He said, "May I ask for your name, young master? To which level of the Cave of Desire did you reach?"


    Xiao Yi enunciated each word, "Xiao Yi! The eighteenth level!"


    Boom!


    Even though everyone had a premonition when they saw Xiao Yi make a move, they still couldn''t help but gasp in shock when they heard Xiao Yi himself speak of reaching the eighteenth level.


    The elder''s hand trembled slightly as he meticulously wrote Xiao Yi''s name on the leaderboard.


    A full eighteen dazzling gold stars.


    All were incredibly brilliant.


    Like a blazing sun, they outshone all other lights in the world.


    The one most directly affected...


    ...was none other than Xiao Tianjiao, who once topped the list as the idol and target of everyone''s pursuit!


    Those once highly glorious seventeen stars.


    In front of Xiao Yi, became dim and lacklustre!


    Looking at the name Xiao Tianjiao beneath his own, Xiao Yi''s lips curled up slightly, "Xiao Tianjiao, I''m getting closer and closer to you!"


    After the elder had written Xiao Yi''s name on the leaderboard, it seemed he remembered something and looked towards Sha Ying: "Sha Ying, didn''t you say earlier that you wanted to be notified immediately if anyone reached the eighteenth level? His name is Xiao Yi, this young master right here!"


    Sha Ying, who had been preparing to sneak away, felt a shiver down his spine and cold sweat ran down his back; he wanted to curse that old man to death! sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His mouth twitched into a smile uglier than a cry as he cupped his hands towards Xiao Yi: "Xiao, Xiao Yi, congratulations on breaking Xiao Tianjiao''s record."


    Xiao Yi''s face showed a hint of amusement: "You''ve been waiting here to congratulate me?"


    "That, that of course!"


    Sha Ying nodded hastily, having witnessed Xiao Yi slaughtering Tan Zheng like a pig or dog, he dared not entertain any other notions.


    The onlookers looked at Sha Ying with thick disdain: "Just now, we didn''t know who was spouting bold claims, saying something about letting the person who broke into the eighteenth level know why the flower is so red!"


    "Now he''s chickened out..."


    "But Xiao Yi is indeed powerful, killing Tan Zheng as if crushing ants. Speaking of which, he also has the surname Xiao; since when did the Xiaos have so many geniuses..."


    Sha Ying''s face turned green.


    The whispered conversations of the crowd felt like thorns in his back.


    Damn it!


    Shut your mouths!


    Sha Ying looked towards Xiao Yi and, seeing the mocking look in his eyes, hurriedly said: "Brother Xiao''s talent is astonishing, and his martial prowess is unmatched. I am utterly in awe. I would like to offer you a banquet at Dragon Phoenix Tower, Brother Xiao, and wonder if you would honor me with your presence?"


    "Xiao, I''m hungry..." Along suddenly said.


    Little Lin in his arms: "Boss, I''m hungry too!"


    Xiao Yi: "..."


    He looked at Sha Ying and shrugged his shoulders, "Then I''ll trouble you!"


    Sha Ying was dumbstruck.


    He was just being polite, trying to change the subject.


    But who would have thought that Xiao Yi would actually agree?


    Sha Ying wanted to cry but had no tears: I really don''t want to spend another moment with you!


    Still, he could only manage a forced smile and said humbly, "It''s no trouble, it''s my honor..."


    The party of three headed straight for the Dragon Phoenix Tower.


    Dragon Phoenix Tower in Beast Emperor City is a top-tier restaurant where even a casual meal costs several thousand silver, and the most extravagant Dragon Phoenix Banquet is worth a hundred million silver.


    Today, Sha Ying had reserved the Dragon Phoenix Banquet to celebrate reaching the sixteenth level of the Cave of Desire.


    He also invited many friends.


    As Sha Ying stepped into Dragon Phoenix Tower, a group of friends greeted him, congratulating him one by one: "Hahaha, Brother Sha, congratulations on your new achievement!"


    "Now, aside from Xiao Tianjiao, you''re the one on the Cave of Desire leaderboard, right?"


    "Today, we''re definitely going to have a good time at your expense..."


    Listening to his friends'' congratulatory words, Sha Ying''s eyes twitched, and he felt like crying but couldn''t. Just as he was about to reply, he heard one of them, a sly-looking young man, step forward and say: "Brother Sha, we''ve gone to great lengths to celebrate for you, even tricking the young lady from the city lord''s manor to come here..."

 Chapter 321 If You Dont Fill It Up, Whats the Point of Drinking?

    "Hmm?"


    Sha Ying was taken aback.


    The sharp-tongued, gaunt-faced young man was his childhood friend, Lin Bo, the son of the vice president of the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce of the Beast Emperor City. They had grown up together and were as close as brothers, sharing every secret.


    On normal days, the two would collude and were no strangers to causing trouble.


    Lin Bo could be said to understand him best.


    Sha Ying raised an eyebrow, seeing this as the only piece of good news he had heard today, and his eyes revealed a shade of greed, "Are you sure you coaxed her to come? That damn woman, since she''s been back, I''ve tried inviting her out several times, but she''s refused to show up!"


    Lin Bo smirked sinisterly, "You know the condition that old codger of a city lord is in now. She came to the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce yesterday to seek medicine from my father and happened upon me. I told her to come along, promising to speak to my father on her behalf if she made me happy, and she agreed!"


    "Good lad, you really have a way!"


    Sha Ying laughed heartily, the gloom in his heart somewhat dispersed.


    Only then did Lin Bo look towards Xiao Yi and Along standing behind him, frowning slightly, "Sha, who are these two?"


    "Uh..."


    Sha Ying was startled, only then remembering Xiao Yi and his companion; however, he did not want to reveal Xiao Yi''s identity in front of his good friend.


    After all.


    He had invited everyone to this banquet under the pretense of celebrating his rise to the second spot on the Cave of Desire''s leaderboard.


    If he were to reveal Xiao Yi''s identity now, wouldn''t it make Xiao Yi the main attraction?


    This would only undermine his own reputation.


    Sha Ying said, "This is Xiao Yi, and that''s his companion Along!"


    "Oh!"


    Since Sha Ying didn''t emphasize the introduction, Lin Bo and the others defaulted to thinking that Xiao Yi was just a tagalong for food and drinks and that he held no special status, so they merely gave a perfunctory bow.


    As for the attitude of the others, Xiao Yi didn''t mind it at all.


    Discover hidden tales at My Virtual Library Empire


    After all, he was just there to enjoy a meal with Along and Little Lin.


    The group made their way to a private room on the third floor.


    There were about a dozen people seated, all of whom were prominent figures in the Beast Emperor City, each with a distinguished family background and impressive status. However, they were clearly there for Sha Ying, flattering him one after another, "We have Sha to thank for today''s feast; if it weren''t for him, we wouldn''t have had the chance to enjoy this dragon and phoenix banquet."


    "Everyone knows Sha is exceptionally talented and is bound to surpass Xiao Tianjiao."


    Lin Bo stood up, raising his glass, "Let''s toast to Sha! He''s taken another step towards surpassing Xiao Tianjiao!"


    Everyone raised their glasses.


    Xiao Yi and Along also politely lifted their cups.


    Only Sha Ying looked awkward.


    For the love of...!


    Can we please not bring this up?


    The number one in the Cave of Desire, the genius who would surpass Xiao Tianjiao, is sitting right here!


    Why are you all showering me with praise?


    Isn''t this just rubbing salt in my wound?


    Sha Ying was on the verge of tears, restless as if sitting on pins and needles, wishing he could just dig a hole and bury himself.


    Lin Bo then stood up again, "Sha, why don''t you tell us what it''s really like inside the Cave of Desire?"


    Embarrassed, Sha Ying glanced at Xiao Yi and noticed that he was just focused on his meal, not paying any attention to him.


    Relieved, he began, "Alright then, I''ll tell you about... the fifteenth level of the Cave of Desire..."


    Inhale! Slurp! Inhale! Slurp!


    The sound of someone noisily eating noodles interrupted Sha Ying''s speech.


    The others frowned.


    Looking towards the source...


    They saw Along holding a bowl of noodles, hungrily wolfing them down, while Lin Bo and others looked displeased. Just as they were about to speak up, Sha Ying quickly continued, "That fifteenth level, well..."


    Whoosh! Whoosh!


    Bang!


    Lin Bo slammed the table fiercely, causing the dishes to shudder. Furiously glaring at Along, he said, "Are you a starving ghost reincarnated? Didn''t you see Sha is explaining the Cave of Desire here?" S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Along slurped up the noodles into his mouth, wiped the grease from his lips with his hand, and muttered, "Isn''t it just the sixteenth level? I really want to know what''s inside the Cave of Desire. I''ll just ask Xiao later; he''s even been to the seventeenth and eighteenth levels..."


    "Hahaha, did you guys hear that? This guy actually dares to brag in front of Sha about the seventeenth and eighteenth levels? Even Xiao Tianjiao stopped at the seventeenth level, where did you get the eighteenth from?"


    "Xiao? He wouldn''t happen to be saying he knows Xiao Tianjiao, would he? With your starving ghost looks, how could you possibly know someone like Tianjiao?"


    "Brother, there''s no shame in bluffing, but if your bluff is called out, you''ll lose face completely..."


    "Hahaha..."


    Listening to his friends mocking Along, Sha Ying wished he could dig a hole and bury himself. He wanted to tell everyone: He''s not bluffing, the Xiao he''s talking about isn''t Xiao Tianjiao, but the even more impressive Xiao Yi!


    Along frowned, about to speak, but then the doors to the private room opened.


    A svelte figure appeared in their view.


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, wasn''t the person coming Huang Yuwei?


    Although Huang Yuwei had changed clothes and wasn''t wearing a veil, Xiao Yi recognized her at a glance.


    Huang Yuwei naturally saw Xiao Yi as well, and she paused for a moment. Seeing Xiao Yi sitting with Sha Ying, a hint of disgust flashed in her eyes. Her gaze then fell on Lin Bo.


    Lin Bo quickly stood up, smiling, "Oh my, let''s all welcome the little princess of Beast Emperor City!"


    "Princess Yuwei, what brings you here?"


    "You must have come to congratulate Sha Ying, right?"


    "Come on in!"


    Everyone chimed in.


    Huang Yuwei''s face showed difficulty, and Lin Bo, with eyes narrowed and feeling invincible, said, "Princess Yuwei, if you look down on us, you are free to leave. But then, that matter would become..."


    Huang Yuwei''s face changed slightly.


    Her teeth tightly clenching her lower lip.


    She took a deep breath and walked in.


    Lin Bo gave up the seat next to Sha Ying and pointed to it, "Princess Yuwei, please!"


    Sha Ying sat with his legs crossed, looking over Huang Yuwei with a sense of entitlement, a slight smile curving his lips as his gaze swept over her exquisite face, like something out of a painting. He revealed a glint of Greed and heat, "Yuwei, sit next to me and keep me company while I drink!"


    Huang Yuwei looked a bit resistant.


    Lin Bo said indifferently, "Behave, or else..."


    Huang Yuwei''s complexion turned somber, her lips tightly pressed together, yet she had no choice but to sit beside Sha Ying.


    Sha Ying filled Huang Yuwei''s cup with wine, smilingly said, "Yuwei, how about a drink?"


    Huang Yuwei replied, "I''m sorry, I can''t hold my liquor!"


    "Oh, can''t hold your liquor, huh!"


    Sha Ying slammed the wine cup onto the table and looked at Lin Bo, "Lin Bo, since Princess Yuwei is so unappreciative, you might as well let her go back!"


    Lin Bo laughed, "Why should Sha get upset? I believe Princess Yuwei can drink, and drink well at that. Am I right, Princess Yuwei?"


    Her face chilled with the cold threat.


    Huang Yuwei''s delicate frame shivered, her teeth clenched, as she lifted her cup, "Sha Ying, I toast you!"


    She tilted her head back to drink.


    Smack!


    Sha Ying slapped the cup from her hand, coldly said, "My cup''s empty, you expect me to drink from an empty cup while you drink by yourself?"


    Huang Yuwei''s face paled, her eyes reddening with tears.


    Tears swirled in her eyes.


    She wanted to run away.


    But remembering that the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce was her only lifeline, she had to endure the humiliation and picked up the wine jug, intending to pour wine for Sha Ying. But at that moment, a calm voice echoed inside the dining room, "Sha Ying, my cup''s empty too, if you don''t fill it up, what kind of drink could you be enjoying?"

 Chapter 322 Huang Yuwei, Ive Got Your Back!

    "Don''t fill it up for me, and you drink with such gusto yourself?"


    Xiao Yi''s voice echoed in the private room, and the faces of all the strongmen present changed.


    Especially Sha Ying, who stiffened on the spot.


    In front of him¡­


    Huang Yuwei, holding the wine jug, paused slightly and subconsciously looked towards Xiao Yi, with a hint of gratitude in her eyes.


    However, Lin Bo was furious, "Bastard, what do you count for? Do you even have a say here?"


    "Hm?"


    Xiao Yi squinted his eyes and leaned forward slightly, about to rise.


    But Sha Ying suddenly spoke up, "Xiao is right, you''re a guest, how could we not fill your cup?" Having witnessed Xiao Yi''s terror firsthand, the instantaneous slaying of Tan Zheng at the Peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm, he dared not provoke Xiao Yi and looked towards Huang Yuwei immediately, "Why don''t you fill up Xiao''s cup?"


    Huang Yuwei took a deep breath and stood up, walking over to Xiao Yi''s side.


    However¡­


    Just as she was about to pour the wine, Xiao Yi raised his hand to stop her.


    While Huang Yuwei was puzzled,


    Xiao Yi gently tapped the table with his finger, pointing at Lin Bo, and said, "I want him to pour it!"


    Bang!


    Lin Bo slammed his hand onto the table, causing the dishes to rattle loudly. With bloodshot eyes, he stared fixedly at Xiao Yi, grinding his teeth, "Kid, who do you think you are? You want me to pour wine for you? You must be dreaming!"


    He was the son of the vice-chairman of the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce.


    In the entire Beast Emperor City, he was a person of standing.


    Among his peers.


    Apart from a few like Sha Ying, no one else had the qualifications to make him pour wine.


    Xiao Yi squinted at Sha Ying, "Your friend doesn''t give me face, huh!"


    Two cold flashes shot from his eyes, directly onto Sha Ying, giving him a chilly feeling as if he had fallen into an ice cellar.


    Hiss!


    Sha Ying inhaled sharply, and gave Lin Bo meaningful looks, saying, "Lin Bo, for my sake, let''s not spoil the harmony!"


    Read exclusive content at My Virtual Library Empire


    "Sha¡­"


    Lin Bo looked at Sha Ying incredulously.


    They had been best friends since childhood, as close as brothers.


    Now, seeing him humiliated, Sha Ying did not stand up for him but was instead helping Xiao Yi?


    Sha Ying had his own difficulties and said with a bitter smile, "I''m sorry to wrong you!"


    Whoosh!


    Lin Bo let out a long sigh and stared at Xiao Yi with icy eyes, gritting his teeth, "Fine, for Sha Ying''s sake, I''ll pour the wine for you!"


    Lin Bo picked up the wine jug and walked over.


    Just as he was about to pour,


    Xiao Yi tapped his toes, retracted backward, and the cup bounced up from the table and flew into his hand. With his legs crossed, Xiao Yi nonchalantly pointed at the wine cup in his hand and said, "As for you, you''re not qualified to stand and pour for me, kneel down!"


    Hiss!


    Inside the private room, a sudden sound of sharp inhalations arose.


    Having the son of the vice-chairman of the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce pour wine was already seen as a great insult to Lin Bo by everyone, and now they were asking him to kneel to pour wine?


    This was simply humiliation, a provocation!


    Bang!


    Lin Bo violently smashed the wine jug onto the floor, with wine and fragments of the pot scattering everywhere. He looked ferociously at Xiao Yi, "You little bastard, no one has ever dared to humiliate me like this!"


    He turned back to Sha Ying and said through gritted teeth, "It''s not that I don''t give you face, Sha Ying, it''s just that this kid is too arrogant."


    Sha Ying''s face was full of bitterness.


    The moment Lin Bo smashed the wine jug, he knew something bad was about to happen.


    Before Sha Ying could open his mouth, Lin Bo moved swiftly, already seizing a dish basin and smashing it toward Xiao Yi''s head.


    "It''s over..."


    Sha Ying''s face instantly turned pale. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Bang!


    The dish basin burst apart with a loud crash.


    But it did not land on Xiao Yi; instead, it smashed directly onto Lin Bo''s face.


    The person who acted was not Xiao Yi, but Along beside him.


    Along held Lin Bo''s neck with one hand, lifting his body and pressing him against the wall. In his other hand, he held a golden roasted beast leg, gnawing on it as he turned his head to look at Xiao, "Xiao, how should we deal with this?"


    Xiao Yi spoke indifferently, "This room is a bit empty; it lacks decorations!"


    "Oh!"


    Along nodded.


    With a slurp, he sucked the meat off the beast leg in his hand, and with a probing motion of the two bones, a double sound of flesh being pierced could be heard as the bones directly penetrated Lin Bo''s shoulders.


    Impaling him onto the wall.


    Blood nearly flowed down the bones.


    Only then did Along let go of his grip.


    With a face flushed red from struggle, Lin Bo was finally able to scream, wailing pitifully with bloodshot eyes fixed on Xiao Yi, "Ah... you scoundrels, how can you treat me like this? My father is Lin Yuejin, the Vice President of the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce. You treat me this way, I will surely have you torn to pieces..."


    Xiao Yi, annoyed, dug at his ear, "It''s a bit noisy!"


    "Oh!"


    Along picked up a ball of carpet from the ground and stuffed it into Lin Bo''s mouth with a ''pfft.''


    Lin Bo''s eyes nearly burst with rage, but he could only make muffled ''wuwuwu'' noises.


    All this happened in a flash.


    The onlookers all had shocked expressions on their faces as they looked at Xiao Yi and Along, filled with both awe and fear. Their backgrounds might be formidable, but except for Sha Ying, their own cultivation levels were quite ordinary.


    Like that Lin Bo, he was merely at the First Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    Gurgle!


    The crowd turned their eyes to Sha Ying.


    Sha Ying''s face was full of bitterness, but he knew all too well that if he did not stand up now, his prestige within this group would be utterly swept away. He said gravely, "Xiao, doing this might not be quite appropriate, right?"


    Xiao Yi glanced at him, "What''s inappropriate about it?"


    "This..."


    Sha Ying frowned and, sensing the stares of everyone on him, felt as if he were on pins and needles. He steeled himself and said, "We were merely asking Princess Yuwei to pour wine, and yet you fly into such a rage, pinning Lin Bo to the wall like this. Such an action seems rather overbearing!"


    "Overbearing?"


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow, and without any visible movement from him, the chair came to Sha Ying''s side on its own.


    The two men locked eyes.


    They could even feel each other''s breath.


    A sense of oppression stronger than anything Sha Ying had felt before caused his face to change slightly, his gaze dodging as he dared not meet Xiao Yi''s eyes. Xiao Yi then spoke leisurely, "This is how I, Xiao Yi, have always acted. If you''re not comfortable with it, you can try to be more overbearing than me!"


    Thump!


    Thump!


    Under Xiao Yi''s gaze, sharp as a blade, Sha Ying''s face alternated between shades of green and white.


    Since birth,


    This was the first time he had felt so embarrassed in front of a peer.


    Xiao Yi slowly withdrew his gaze, turning to the disoriented Yuwei beside him and pulling her to his side. His cold eyes swept across the people in the private room, and he spoke with a deliberate cadence, "Huang Yuwei is under my protection. Whoever dares to bully her, this will be their fate!"


    Following the direction of his finger,


    The crowd saw Lin Bo, with a carpet stuffed in his mouth and his shoulders impaled by bones, pinned to the wall in pain...

 Chapter 323 Seeing Shi Feiya Again

    Watching Lin Bo''s miserable state, everyone couldn''t help but gasp in shock.


    At the same time, the looks they gave Huang Yuwei were no longer filled with mockery and ridicule as before.


    Sha Ying''s pupils shrank slightly, and he hadn''t expected that Xiao Yi would do this for Huang Yuwei. He looked at Huang Yuwei deeply and said solemnly, "I didn''t expect that Yuwei actually knew Xiao!"


    Huang Yuwei nodded, not saying much.


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "I can see that everyone here doesn''t seem to welcome me much. Yuwei, let''s find another place."


    "Okay!"


    Huang Yuwei nodded obediently.


    This made Sha Ying''s mouth twitch slightly, and a deep jealousy and resentment flashed through the depths of his eyes.


    He and Huang Yuwei were betrothed.


    But Huang Yuwei had always been indifferent to him, and even her few invitations were mercilessly rejected by Huang Yuwei, which had caused him resentment and the urge to humiliate her severely.


    He never imagined...


    Not only did the humiliation fail, but it turned into a severe slap in his face.


    Now.


    The Huang Yuwei, who had been indifferent to him, was so compliant and obedient to Xiao Yi. Sha Ying''s eyes nearly popped out; he felt as if there was a glaring greenness above his head, with the wind blowing and waves of green surging!


    "Along..."


    Xiao Yi called out, but then he heard slurping noises. Turning his head, he saw Along enjoying a large basin of food. Xiao Yi''s face darkened, "Along, we''re leaving!"


    "Ah? Oh!"


    Along tore off a piece of beast leg from the table and, holding a jug of wine in his right hand, followed along.


    Not until they had all left.


    Bang!


    Sha Ying suddenly flipped the table, scattering the dishes and cups, and nobody dared to make a sound.


    Panting!


    Panting!


    Sha Ying''s chest heaved violently, his eyes smoldering with toxic resentment; it was as if something was choking him, making his voice hoarse and gravelly, "Xiao Yi, Huang Yuwei...what a pair of treacherous lovers, if I don''t avenge this, Sha Ying swears I won''t be human!"


    "Sha, we..."


    A group of strong men tentatively consoled the furious Sha Ying.


    "Get lost! Get lost!"


    Sha Ying roared furiously with bloodshot eyes.


    No one dared stay any longer, and they scattered, fleeing like birds and beasts.


    For a moment, only Sha Ying and Lin Bo remained in the private room. Sha Ying took deep breaths to calm down slightly before finally letting Lin Bo down from the wall. Lin Bo had a pale face, his eyes filled with as much venomous resentment as Sha Ying''s.


    Enduring the severe pain from his shoulder, Lin Bo gritted his teeth and said, "Sha, who exactly was that man just now?"


    Sha Ying, with a gloomy face, replied, "He''s called Xiao Yi, the first person to reach the eighteenth level of the Cave of Desire." He paused briefly before continuing, "Tan Huajian and Tan Zheng, they were both killed by him!"


    Hiss!


    Lin Bo inhaled sharply. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Tan Zheng was the head of the Tan Family, his status was not unlike Lin Bo''s father.


    No wonder Sha Ying didn''t dare to provoke such a person lightly.


    "Sha, are we really going to let this go?" Lin Bo hesitated, then asked in a deep voice.


    Sha Ying angrily replied, "Do you think I''m willing to let it go? Right now, my father is at a critical juncture, and I definitely can''t afford to cause any distractions. If it affects my father''s fight for the position of city lord, even death won''t let me escape responsibility!"


    "No, there''s no need for Deputy City Lord to take action!"


    Lin Bo said with a sinister smile, "Didn''t Xiao Yi kill Tan Zheng and Tan Huajian? Naturally, the Tan Family will deal with him. As for that Huang Yuwei...hmpf, her brothers are nothing but good-for-nothings. With a bit of intimidation and temptation, I believe they will cooperate with us willingly!"


    Sha Ying''s eyes lit up.


    These insidious schemes were always Lin Bo''s specialty.


    He squinted his eyes and touched his chin, nodding, "Alright, we''ll do as you say!"


    ......


    Upon the carriage.


    Xiao Yi furrowed his brow at Huang Yuwei before him and said, "How is your father doing?"


    With a bitter smile, Huang Yuwei replied, "My father''s illness is getting worse... I have sought help throughout the entire Beast Emperor City, but most are Sha Kun''s people, and nobody is willing to help me. That''s why I turned to Lin Yuejin, the vice president of the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce and a six-star alchemist, but..."


    She did not continue, but Xiao Yi could guess the rest.


    Huang Yuwei must have failed to enlist Lin Yuejin''s help, hence she thought of reaching out through Lin Bo to get in touch with Lin Yuejin.


    After pondering for a moment.


    Xiao Yi asked, "What exactly is wrong with your father?"


    Huang Yuwei looked hesitant.


    Xiao Yi spoke indifferently, "Perhaps I can help!"


    "Oh?"


    Huang Yuwei was startled, she furrowed her brows and contemplated for a moment before speaking, "My father has been poisoned, and no one knows what poison he has been afflicted with. It''s just that Lin Yuejin has a Hundred Tribulations Elixir, which is said to cure all poisons in the world, so..."


    "Hundred Tribulations Elixir?"


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow; he was familiar with this medicine.


    The process of making the Hundred Tribulations Elixir was extremely complex and painstaking, requiring over one hundred and eighty different herbs, and the details down to the age of each ingredient could not be off by even the slightest.


    Moreover, during the concoction, it was also necessary to find a place where lightning was densest on a stormy day with thunder and lightning.


    One had to refine the elixir while facing the tempering of the thunder.


    Therefore...


    Each Hundred Tribulations Elixir was extremely valuable and rare.


    Xiao Yi said, "I need to make a trip to the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce. After things here are finished, I will go to the city lord''s mansion with you to see your father. Maybe, I can be of assistance!"


    "This..."


    Huang Yuwei fell silent for a moment, then biting her lip, she said, "Okay!"


    Before long.


    Along''s voice came from outside the carriage: "Xiao, we''ve arrived at the Hundred Herbs Chamber!"


    "Mm!"


    The trio stepped into the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce and stated their purpose.


    After a short while.


    Explore more at My Virtual Library Empire


    The enchantingly attractive Shi Feiya appeared before them, twisting her waist, with a radiant smile on her face. She had come to know of Xiao Yi breaking the record of Xiao Tianjiao in the Cave of Desire, reaching the unprecedented eighteenth level.


    Now, her treatment of Xiao Yi was even warmer.


    "Xiao, you''ve finally come!" Shi Feiya said with a beaming smile.


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow and said, "President Shi, we agreed that today you would give me an answer. How did your discussions go?"


    "Naturally, we would not let Xiao down!"


    Shi Feiya grinned coyly, her gaze swept subtly over Huang Yuwei and Along, and said, "This isn''t the place to talk. Shall we discuss the details upstairs?"


    Xiao Yi nodded.


    The group followed her to the top floor, to the office of Shi Feiya.


    The entire room was very large, decorated in an elegant and solemn style, filled with a faint fragrance.


    Shi Feiya, twisting her waist, brought two contracts and placed them on the table, saying, "After our discussions, we decided that the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce will sign a cooperation agreement with your Xiaoshanhe Institute. For the next ten years, we will supply you with the listed medicinal herbs annually at thirty percent of the market price."


    "Thirty percent?"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback.


    He had been expecting fifty percent, yet Shi Feiya was only asking for thirty percent of the price?


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes and said, "If I''m not wrong, there must be conditions behind this price, right?"


    "Indeed, you can''t be fooled!"


    Shi Feiya smiled faintly, then she opened the second contract, "The condition is this!"


    With an amused smile, Xiao Yi''s gaze fell on the contract, and as he read it, his expression suddenly changed: "..."

 Chapter 324 The Tan Family Visits

    Xiao Yi''s face changed slightly.


    His gaze fell on the contract, which indeed stipulated the terms Shi Feiya had mentioned.


    It was to assist the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce in annihilating the Tan Family!


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes and sized up Shi Feiya, "President Shi, what do you mean by this?" S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Shi Feiya smiled charmingly, leaning forward slightly, her ample bosom exposed in an enticing way, her seductive voice causing a wave of restlessness, "Xiao has already become known for his deeds, Feiya has heard. You cut down Tan Huajian, slaughtered Tan Zheng, and braved through the eighteen levels of the Cave of Desire. Now, Xiao is at the point of no return with the Tan Family. By agreeing to the terms of this contract, not only can you eliminate a powerful enemy, but also acquire medicinal materials at a third of the market price. Why would you refuse such an offer?"


    Xiao Yi leaned back slightly, resting against the chair.


    His eyes narrowed into slits, scrutinizing Shi Feiya through them.


    This woman was extremely dangerous.


    A wasp''s sting comes from its tail, and the most venomous is a woman''s heart.


    Especially someone like her who had made her way in the commercial world and even managed to become the president of the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce in a place like Beast Emperor City, she was definitely not as simple as she appeared on the surface.


    A stream of thoughts ran through Xiao Yi''s mind, and he figured out the crux of the matter, leaning forward almost to touch Shi Feiya, "Are you trying to enter the Slave Market?"


    "Xiao is truly formidable, nothing can be hidden from you! The medicinal materials market in Beast Emperor City has long been clear-cut, with the three major guilds occupying about eighty percent and none able to do anything about the others," Shi Feiya said, her face showing a hint of surprise and amazement at how quickly Xiao Yi had caught on to the key point. She shrugged her shoulders and moved back a bit, "If the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce wants to grow, we must find a new path. The Slave Market is exactly what we need. And these medicinal materials are what you need as well. It''s just mutual benefit. Xiao, what do you think?"


    Xiao Yi''s fingers tapped lightly on the table surface.


    Just then...


    A hurried voice came from outside the door, "President, it''s bad news. The Tan Family patriarch Tan Feng is coming here with his men."


    Xiao Yi raised his eyebrows, observing the calm on Shi Feiya''s face, and frowned, "I''m afraid that the Tan Family could find this place so quickly because President Shi also put in a lot of effort, don''t you think?"


    "You''ve caught me," Shi Feiya didn''t deny it, nodding with a smile.


    Xiao Yi sighed.


    He slowly rose to his feet.


    Xiao Yi, looking at Shi Feiya, said, "Pleasure doing business with you!"


    "Pleasure doing business with you!"


    Shi Feiya was about to stand, smiling, but Xiao Yi stopped her with a hand, Shi Feiya blinking in confusion, "Xiao, do you not want Feiya to cover your flank?"


    "No need!"


    Xiao Yi waved his hand and turned to look at Along and Huang Yuwei, "Wait here for me, I''ll be right back!"


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi shook his sleeve and strode out towards the outside.


    Shi Feiya looked at Along in astonishment, "Aren''t you going to follow him out? The Tan Family hasn''t just sent one person, and that Tan Family patriarch Tan Feng is a Dharma Manifestation Realm expert!"


    "No need, Xiao said it''s not a problem, then it''s not a problem."


    Along burped contentedly, saying, "President Shi, could you get me a bowl of warm wine? I just ate too much!"


    "Uh..."


    Shi Feiya blinked her eyes and snapped her fingers, signaling someone to bring a bowl of warm wine.


    The wine was steaming hot.


    Meanwhile.


    At the entrance of the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce.


    Mounted on a horned demonic beast, the formidable and fierce Tan Feng held a square halberd high as he stood in front of the gate, flanked by hundreds of murderous-looking warriors.


    There were over fifty just from the Tao Tribulation Realm alone.


    The strongest among them was naturally Tan Feng!


    Dharma Manifestation Realm, at the first layer.


    "Let Xiao Yi come out and die!" Tan Feng demanded with a sullen face.


    "Please calm down, Patriarch Tan Feng. I''ve already sent for the president..." A member of the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce, drenched in cold sweat and with a face pleading for mercy, said.


    Tan Feng snorted coldly, "Hurry up and get him out here, or else don''t blame me for not giving face to the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce!"


    "Why is Tan Feng clashing with the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce?"


    "It''s said that someone killed Tan Huajian and Tan Zheng, and the murderer is within the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce..."


    "Hiss! Someone actually killed Tan Zheng and his son? They were the ones Tan Feng cherished the most; this is a blood feud that won''t end until death!"


    Tap tap tap!


    A series of crisp footsteps came from inside the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce as Xiao Yi looked at Tan Feng, "Are you the one looking for me?"


    Tan Feng narrowed his eyes, looking down on Xiao Yi from a superior position, "You are Xiao Yi?"


    Xiao Yi nodded.


    Tan Feng snorted coldly again, thunder faintly rumbling around him¡ªa sign of a Dharma Manifestation Realm expert, whose anger could change heaven and earth, "Since you''re Xiao Yi, then I''ve found the right person. Men, kill him for me and avenge my son and grandson!"


    "Yes!"


    Hundreds of the Tan Family''s experts pressed towards Xiao Yi.


    Fifty from the Tao Tribulation Realm, several hundreds from the Golden Core Realm.


    The Tan Family, being the biggest slave trader in Beast Emperor City, commanded a multitude of fighters, each one a desperate reprobate who licked blood off the edge of the blade in the Slave Battlefield. Faced with the siege of hundreds of experts, Xiao Yi, calm and collected, stared directly at Tan Feng.


    Capture the king to defeat the enemy!


    As long as Tan Feng was slain, the fighters would naturally fall apart!


    "Boy, prepare to die!"


    A Nine-fold Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm expert leaped high, his longsword cutting across the sky, its silver radiance like a falling Milky Way, reaching Xiao Yi in the blink of an eye. Facing the sword that tore through the air, Xiao Yi stretched out his flesh and blood palm into the void.


    Bang!


    His palm collided with the tip of the sword, and amidst a piercing shattering sound,


    The sword light exploded.


    Xiao Yi grasped the longsword and shouted lowly, "Release it!"


    Swish!


    The longsword flew out of the opponent''s hand, his arm bones shattered by the force, and Xiao Yi, gripping the longsword, lightly tapped his toes on the ground.


    His figure moved like a fish through water.


    Gliding among the hundreds, untouchable as if moving through a dense thicket without a leaf sticking to him, in the blink of an eye, he was already in front of Tan Feng. A piercing sound through the air made one''s scalp tingle, and Tan Feng''s face turned from initial complacency to sheer surprise.


    Swish!


    He thrust his legs fiercely and shot upwards into the air.


    Discover exclusive tales on My Virtual Library Empire


    Almost at the same time.


    Xiao Yi''s sword had transformed into a thirty-foot sword beam that cut the sixth-order high-level beast beneath Tan Feng into two halves. Amid the gushing blood, Xiao Yi leaped into the sky.


    His body was like an arrow released from the bowstring.


    Fast!


    Astonishingly fast!


    In just a moment...


    Xiao Yi had already caught up with Tan Feng.


    Tan Feng''s face twisted with ferocity and ice, and he roared lowly, "Direct assault to the core!"


    Hum!


    The Fangtian huaji in his palm spun continuously, generating a fierce storm that came head-on. The tempest roared, stirring up the clouds above the sky, enveloping the space around Xiao Yi.


    Turning it into a vacuum zone.


    At the same time.


    At the center of that storm, a gleam of cold light suddenly appeared.


    It was Tan Feng''s Fangtian huaji, taking advantage of the storm for cover, striking unexpectedly. By the time the cold light appeared in his field of vision, the sharp point of the Fangtian huaji had already touched Xiao Yi''s body¡­

 Chapter 325 Warm Wine Beheads Tan Feng

    Whoom!


    The halberd''s edge shone like a glint of cold light, piercing through the layers of storms, and in an instant, appeared before Xiao Yi.


    It aimed directly at his face.


    This edge was incomparably sharp; a single strike could shatter a small city.


    The swirling gusts contorted Xiao Yi''s facial features, as the knife-like wind blades seemed to tear at his skin at any moment.


    Cries of alarm rose from the ground: "The victor will be decided now!"


    "As expected of a Dharma Manifestation Realm powerhouse, whether it is speed or strength, every aspect is completely suppressing Xiao Yi!"


    "Xiao Yi has been too reckless. How dare he, merely from the Tao Tribulation Realm, challenge the Dharma Manifestation Realm?"


    Whoosh!


    The halberd''s cold light thrust forward, piercing through Xiao Yi''s head.


    Tan Feng''s face revealed a trace of ecstatic joy, but in the next instant, that joyful expression vanished, replaced by shock: "Not good!"


    Almost at the same time.


    A chilling sharpness assaulted him from behind.


    A fleeting glimpse in the corner of his eye left Tan Feng with a cold feeling all over.


    It was a sword shadow.


    This sword was shockingly fast yet silent, wielded by Xiao Yi, who had mastered the fourth tier of Sword Intent. The sword followed his intention, moved with the wind, and without the wind''s obstruction, its speed increased several times.


    At the same time¡­


    The sword strike was utterly silent.


    A silent sword strike meant that by the time one''s opponent noticed it, it was already too late to react.


    Thud!


    A streak of blood soared to the sky.


    The sharp sword edge grazed Tan Feng''s neck, a trail of blood surging open, while the Xiao Yi in front of him, pierced by the halberd, was slowly dissipating like a reflection in rippling water.


    It was but an afterimage!


    Whoosh!


    Tan Feng dodged repeatedly in mid-air, reappearing hundreds of meters away in a blink.


    He touched his neck.


    The fresh, thick blood had a pungent odor, and his eyes twitched: "An Eighth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm, and yet such terrifying speed and swordsmanship. I didn''t even notice how he appeared behind me. Who exactly is this young man?"


    Xiao Yi stood suspended in midair.


    With his sword held high, the wild winds blew against him, making his robes flutter loudly.


    He was like a peerless swordsman!


    In his hand¡­


    From the fifth-order longsword, droplets of fresh blood trickled down, plinking onto the ground and sending plumes of dust into the air. At that moment, Xiao Yi''s figure abruptly vanished.


    Whoosh!


    Like a fish diving into the sea, an Azure Dragon breaking free and soaring into the heavens!


    Around Xiao Yi, there seemed to be an invisible barrier of air currents, merging with the winds and air around him without hindering his movement.


    "This, this is¡­ Sword Intent following his will? He''s on the Eighth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm, and he has mastered the fourth tier of Sword Intent? How is this possible?" Tan Feng''s pupils shrank suddenly, shock written all over his face.


    The fourth tier of Sword Intent.


    Even among the sword masters in Dharma Manifestation Realm, very few could comprehend this level of understanding.


    Within the vast Beast Emperor City, the strongest in swordsmanship was none other than Sha Kun''s eldest son, Sha Diao. Sha Diao was currently in the third stage of Dharma Manifestation Realm, but he too only comprehended the third tier of Sword Intent.


    He was still far from stepping into the fourth tier. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi was merely an Eighth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm!


    And yet, he had already grasped the fourth tier of Sword Intent¡ªsomething unheard of.


    "Damn it, this kid was able to break into the eighteenth layer of the Cave of Desire. It seems he''s not just mentally resolute, but his martial talent is also no weaker than Xiao Tianjiao from back then. If let to grow, he will surely become a great problem; he must be eliminated!" Tan Feng''s thoughts raced in the split second.


    Boom!


    Tan Feng let out a low roar, his body trembling violently.


    Behind him¡­


    A vast and ancient tree suddenly rose up. The tree was thirty feet tall, glowing with a verdant light and covered with mysterious and profound runes.


    Dharma Manifestation Realm!


    He controlled an entire force of nature and earth.


    Stay connected through My Virtual Library Empire


    Therefore, with the power of nature and earth, he manifested the Dharma; Tan Feng''s path was one of the five elements, the path of wood, mastering the earthly power of wood. This manifestation was the Dragon Scale Wood, according to legend, the very first piece of Dragon Scale Wood came from a true dragon that sprinkled a drop of Dragon Blood in a forest.


    It grew after being nurtured by the Dragon Blood.


    It grew an inch every thousand years.


    This was an extremely tough divine wood.


    Tan Feng also chanced upon a piece of Dragon Scale Wood and, after visualizing it, formed it with the power of nature and earth. As soon as the Dragon Scale Wood appeared, the leaves on its crown fluttered like the tips of needles.


    Streams of green light enveloped Tan Feng''s body, as Dragon Scale Wood is one of the most solid divine woods.


    Under the shelter of the Dragon Scale Wood Dharma Manifestation, Tan Feng was surrounded by a hundred zhang of green light.


    Defense, invincible!


    Boom!


    Xiao Yi''s sword struck Tan Feng''s body but was met with a thunderous sound, as if lightning had torn through the sky.


    That green light didn''t weaken at all, and his sword hadn''t caused Tan Feng any harm!


    "Hahaha, Xiao Yi, I admit your strength is strong. Being in the Eighth Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm to force me to use the power of Dharma Manifestation, you are the first. But with the protection of my Dragon Scale Wood Dharma Manifestation, you can''t even break through my defense. This battle is destined to be your loss!" Tan Feng said arrogantly, standing between heaven and earth.


    The Dragon Scale Wood behind him rustled, his green light covering the sky, as if mocking and provoking.


    Xiao Yi''s eyes narrowed to slits.


    This was the first time he''d faced a Dharma Manifestation Realm powerhouse head-on; before this, the only real fight he''d had was with Xue Mantian. But with Xiao Yi''s strength at that time, he couldn''t force Xue Mantian to use the power of Dharma Manifestation.


    "Is this the power of Dharma Manifestation? No wonder it becomes extremely difficult to fight across levels after reaching the Dharma Manifestation Realm. The power of Dharma Manifestation is indeed terrifying!" Xiao Yi carefully looked at Tan Feng, who was enveloped in green light, eyes flickering with a trace of amazement.


    The power of Dharma Manifestation was indeed the command of a complete force of nature and earth, combined with the visualization of powerful living beings in the world.


    The power it possessed was indeed terrifying.


    However...


    Xiao Yi''s longsword trembled in the air, its edge vibrating with a buzzing sound, as sharp as a swift storm. The sword''s edge encircling Xiao Yi condensed into a green lotus.


    "Green Lotus Rebirth!"


    "Eternal Life!"


    Xiao Yi moved, standing upon the green lotus, performing a dance with his sword.


    Gorgeous and smooth as flowing clouds and streaming water.


    Nine sword edges, condensed into green lotus swords, connected with each other, and as they slowly rotated, they shot towards Tan Feng.


    Tan Feng snorted coldly, believing in the nearly invincible defense of the Dragon Scale Wood, and stood on invincible ground. Holding a square halberd in one hand, he cut down at the green lotus swords: "Dragon Slayer Slash!"


    Roar!


    A resounding dragon''s roar filled the air.


    The halberd flashed with light, condensing into a golden Azure Dragon, crushing towards the green lotus swords.


    However...


    What Tan Feng did not expect was that his halberd''s light shattered continuously with a series of bangs under the pressure of the intertwining green lotus swords. In a blink of an eye, the halberd''s light was completely pulverized.


    In an instant, nine green lotus swords surrounded Tan Feng.


    Eternal life, undying.


    Beneath the rotation of the green lotus swords, the green light on his body was continuously compressed, and behind him, the Dragon Scale Wood thundered loudly. A crack spread with a snap, followed by a bone-chilling series of cracking sounds, like beans frying.


    "No. No..."


    Tan Feng''s pupils dilated to the extreme, filled with terror in his eyes.


    He had never imagined...


    that the powerful Dragon Scale Wood, known for its nearly invincible defense, would burst with a bang under the pressure of the green lotus swords. With the Dharma Manifestation shattered, Tan Feng spurted blood violently, and his orifices were filled with blood.


    His pale face showed fear, and as he turned his head sharply, a sword mark flashed before his eyes.


    Xiao Yi leaped up and disappeared into the crowd.


    Only the headless corpse plummeted from the sky with a loud bang, crashing into the crowd, causing screams and shouts of terror.


    At the same time...


    Within the top floor of the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce.


    Bang!


    A blood-drenched head rolled in front of the dumbstruck Shi Feiya. She was breathless with shock, her face disbelieving as she looked at the hideous head with blood spurting from its seven orifices, still with eyes wide open.


    "You, you, you really killed Tan Feng?"


    Shi Feiya swallowed hard, unable to stop her gaze from drifting to the table, where a bowl of wine was still steaming¡­

 Chapter 326 Hundred Tribulations Elixir

    Gurgle!


    Shi Feiya gulped down mouthful after mouthful of water, her delicate face adorned with strong shock and disbelief.


    The cup of wine had yet to cool.


    Xiao Yi had already slain Tan Feng.


    This was a genuine Dharma Manifestation Realm powerhouse!


    Since when had the existence of the Dharma Manifestation Realm become so fragile?


    Xiao Yi looked at Shi Feiya and spoke indifferently, "Tan Feng has been killed by me, how to control the slave market next will depend on your own capability, Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce!"


    "Ah? Ah!"


    Shi Feiya snapped back to reality, her gaze towards Xiao Yi filled with several shades of reverence as she said solemnly, "Rest assured, our Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce has long been prepared. Now with Tan Feng dead, the slave market will surely be within my grasp."


    Excitement began to replace the shock on her face.


    The slave market of Beast Emperor City was incredibly large, with yearly profits exceeding hundreds of billions of Silver.


    If she could take control of the slave market of Beast Emperor City into her hands, her position in the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce would become even more secure. Shi Feiya immediately brought out two contracts, "Xiao, shall we sign this contract then?"


    Xiao Yi waved his hand and said, "Not in a rush, the terms on the contract need to be changed!"


    "Hmm?"


    Shi Feiya was taken aback.


    Xiao Yi leaned forward slightly, smiling as he looked at her, "I will take thirty percent of the profits from the slave market. In addition, I will need a hundred slots per year to select from the slave market in priority. Also, the slave market will cooperate with Xiaoshanhe Institute. In the future, I will send disciples from Xiaoshanhe Institute to the Slave Battlefield to fight and enhance their combat experience."


    Flowers in a greenhouse can never withstand storms.


    Xiao Yi could provide the best cultivation environment and the most abundant resources for the disciples of Xiaoshanhe Institute, but just having cultivation was not enough¡ªcombat experience was equally important.


    Real powerhouses are never created through mere consumption of elixirs.


    Only through battle...


    Especially the battle between life and death, can one''s potential be thoroughly stimulated.


    Shi Feiya''s lovely eyebrows furrowed lightly, the last two conditions were not a problem, but Xiao Yi actually wanted thirty percent of the slave market''s profits, which amounted to over a hundred billion Silver a year.


    At her core, Shi Feiya was still a merchant. She shook her head and said, "I can agree to the last two conditions right now, but the first one... Thirty percent is really too much. You have to understand that controlling and maintaining the slave market requires a huge expenditure. Moreover, you should be aware that behind the Tan Family is Deputy City Lord Sha Kun. Now with Tan Feng dead, we also need to establish connections, and the annual expenses here are not small... "


    This was indeed the truth.


    Just like the Tan Family...


    They had been able to control the slave market of Beast Emperor City for so long, earning so much money each year, but why did the clan only have one Dharma Manifestation Realm cultivator? That was why.


    It was because the Tan Family had to give over fifty percent of their profits to Sha Kun every year.


    After deducting all the various maintenance fees and expenses for training powerhouses, having twenty percent left was already considered good.


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Don''t worry, from now on the slave market will be under my protection, no need to find another backer!"


    "Uhh..."


    Shi Feiya paused, her phoenix eyes flashing with an inexplicable radiance as she said with a wry smile, "Xiao, Feiya knows you are strong, but in Beast Emperor City, to protect such a large piece of juicy meat from being coveted by others, it''s still somewhat insufficient!"


    Beast Emperor City, where might makes right, was a place of rampant strength.


    This place was a jumble of dragons and snakes, full of desperate desperadoes who would lick the edge of a knife for survival.


    No matter how strong Xiao Yi was as an individual, he could not deter everyone.


    In the vast Beast Emperor City, the only people who had the power and status to protect the slave market were the former City Lord and Sha Kun alone.


    Although Shi Feiya didn''t make it explicit, the implication in her words was self-evident.


    Huang Yuwei, who had been silent all this while, said, "What if you add me to the equation?"


    "Hmm?"


    Shi Feiya was startled, she knew full well Huang Yuwei''s identity and laughed ruefully, "Princess Yuwei, with all due respect... If your father were here, indeed there would be no issues. But now, your father is... "


    "My father is only poisoned. As long as President Shi can provide me with the Hundred Tribulations Elixir from Vice President Lin''s hands, I can definitely wake my father," Huang Yuwei said with furrowed brows, biting her lip. "As long as President Shi is willing to help me, once my father wakes up, I will have him protect the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce, and in addition to the conditions Xiao Yi has negotiated with you, we will not take any benefits!"


    Shi Feiya''s gaze flickered.


    If she could secure the City Lord''s protection in Beast Emperor City, that would naturally be most desirable.


    However...


    Shi Feiya gritted her teeth and said, "Alright, I''ll go find Vice President Lin and get that Hundred Tribulations Elixir for you!"


    Half an incense stick of time later.


    Shi Feiya returned to everyone, her face wearing a light, relieved smile, "The Hundred Tribulations Elixir is in hand, Princess Yuwei, I hope you will keep your promise."


    "President Shi, please be assured!"


    Huang Yuwei excitedly took the Hundred Tribulations Elixir.


    Xiao Yi said, "President Shi, please prepare the herbs on the list for me, and once we''ve woken up the city lord, we''ll return to sign the contract!"


    "As it should be!"


    Shi Feiya nodded emphatically.


    Xiao Yi called out and left the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce with Along and Huang Yuwei.


    ......


    Find more to read at My Virtual Library Empire


    City Lord''s Mansion.


    Located in the central city.


    The entire City Lord''s Mansion covered a vast area, with buildings closely packed together in an arrangement resembling the Eight Trigrams. If someone unfamiliar entered, they could easily become lost and unable to find their way out.


    Huang Yuwei led Xiao Yi and Along, heading straight for the Beast Emperor Pavilion where her father resided.


    The Beast Emperor Pavilion was situated at the very depths of the City Lord''s Mansion.


    Huang Yuwei carefully cradled the elixir, and as she arrived at the Beast Emperor Pavilion, she was stopped at the entrance. Two guards crossed their weapons in front of her, saying coldly, "By the young master''s order, without his permission, no one is to enter!"


    "Hmm?"


    Huang Yuwei''s face changed slightly as she rebuked, "Are you blind? Even I can''t go in?"


    "Sorry, young mistress!"


    The two guards spoke coldly.


    "You..." Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Huang Yuwei''s face went from pale to flushed with anger. She never imagined that after going through so much trouble to acquire the precious medicine, she would be blocked at the door by her own family. She shouted into the pavilion, "Huang Jinghong, get out here!"


    "Who is so bold as to make such a racket in the City Lord''s Mansion? Do they no longer wish to live?"


    An arrogant voice came from inside as a haughty young man who bore a slight resemblance to Huang Yuwei walked out boldly, dressed in brocade clothes and wearing a golden crown.


    This person was Huang Yuwei''s older brother, Huang Jinghong!


    At the Third Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    Huang Jinghong squinted at Huang Yuwei, his eyes filled with deep contempt and ridicule, "So it''s you, you wild girl. Father needs to cultivate in peace, and yet you''re causing a commotion. What sort of decorum is this?"


    Huang Yuwei bit her teeth and said, "Huang Jinghong, have your men stand aside. I have acquired the Hundred Tribulations Elixir for father, which can save his life. If you delay and something happens, can you take responsibility?"


    "Hmm? Hundred Tribulations Elixir?"


    Huang Jinghong''s face changed slightly.


    He was of course aware of such a medicine; it was a treasure that had been lost to time.


    It could cure all poisons!


    "No, I absolutely can''t let this girl give the elixir to father, or the great credit will be hers..."


    Huang Jinghong''s thoughts quickly turned, and he said, "Hand the Hundred Tribulations Elixir to me, and I will personally administer it to father."


    "No way, I must personally give it to father!" Huang Yuwei said.


    Huang Jinghong huffed, frustrated, and said, "Huang Yuwei, how can you be so selfish? Do you think I, your elder brother, care about such petty credit? I, too, am thinking of father''s safety... What do you think is more important, your credit or saving father''s life?"


    Huang Yuwei''s expression changed, her teeth biting down on her cherry lips.


    After hesitating for a moment.


    Huang Yuwei handed the medicine box to Huang Jinghong, admonishing, "You must administer it to father!"


    "Leave it to me!"


    Huang Jinghong, his face filled with excitement, took the medicine box and ran towards the pavilion...

 Chapter 327 Turning Black into White

    At the Beast Emperor''s Private Gardens entrance.


    Huang Yuwei anxiously paced in circles, occasionally glancing toward the interior of the private garden.


    Xiao Yi reassured her, "Don''t worry, everything will definitely be okay!"


    "Mm!"


    Huang Yuwei squeezed out a forced smile and hesitated before bitterly saying, "Sorry, I must be making a spectacle of myself!"


    Xiao Yi shook his head, the image of his brother, who had imprisoned him for eight years and even sent his own younger brother away as a groom to provide a mating partner for his mount, floated through his mind and he said with a laugh, "I''ve seen even more outrageous siblings, this is nothing!"


    "Mm?"


    Huang Yuwei was taken aback.


    Seeing Xiao Yi''s smile without further explanation, she did not press the issue.


    Meanwhile...


    Inside the Beast Emperor''s Private Gardens.


    A group of City Lord Huang Baitao''s confidants and several elders of the Huang Family were gathered here, Huang Jinghong''s mother Ji Lingluo sat beside the bed, her face full of worry.


    Seeing Huang Jinghong walk in, Ji Lingluo frowned and said, "Is that wild girl making trouble outside again? Your father is already in this state, yet she knows no restraint!"


    "Mother, don''t get upset over that wild girl, I''ve already taken care of it!"


    Huang Jinghong spoke and then turned toward an elderly man with grey hair beside him, "Senior Elder, I have someone fetch a Hundred Tribulations Elixir, supposedly it can neutralize all poisons, I wonder if it could save father?"


    "Hundred Tribulations Elixir?"


    The Senior Elder Huang Zheng was taken aback, his murky eyes revealing a trace of wild joy, "If it really is the Hundred Tribulations Elixir, there''s a great chance it could save the City Lord."


    Second Elder Huang Yi patted Huang Jinghong''s shoulder, praising, "Jinghong, you truly haven''t let us down! The Hundred Tribulations Elixir has long been lost to history, to think you could actually find it, quickly administer it to your father!"


    Ji Lingluo watched as the two elders, previously unsatisfied with Huang Jinghong, changed their attitude drastically and even praised him unprecedentedly. Her smile grew even brighter as she said, "Jinghong, quickly give the Hundred Tribulations Elixir to your father, if it can revive him, that would be a great service indeed!"


    "Mother, what are you saying? Even if it''s not just the Hundred Tribulations Elixir, even if it''s my life in exchange for father''s, I would not hesitate!"


    Huang Jinghong patted his chest, saying righteous words.


    The gazes of the people turned tenderer and more approving.


    The Second Elder whispered, "Elder brother, it seems we''ve been too prejudiced against this child in the past!"


    "Even if his talent is a bit weak, with us old bones to help him, he should still be able to make something of himself!"


    The Senior Elder nodded, very satisfied with Huang Jinghong for having found the long-lost Hundred Tribulations Elixir to save Huang Baitao, "Once the City Lord recovers, we should propose that Jinghong take over as the successor to the City Lord!"


    At the same time.


    Huang Jinghong carefully fed the Hundred Tribulations Elixir to Huang Baitao, who lay motionless on the bed.


    The Hundred Tribulations Elixir glowed with a golden light.


    It was covered in golden pill patterns, and a faint medicinal fragrance filled the air.


    Everyone felt invigorated: "This is the real Hundred Tribulations Elixir, the City Lord is saved!"


    "The eldest young master has made a great contribution!"


    Listening to the people''s praises, Huang Jinghong slightly tilted his chin, his face brimming with pride, thinking to himself, "Oh, my foolish little sister, I owe you one this time. Don''t worry, once father wakes up, I will make sure to hasten your marriage to Sha Ying. That way, as Sha Ying''s brother-in-law, the Sha Family would surely feel embarrassed to compete for the City Lord''s position with me, hahaha!"


    However...


    Huang Baitao lying on the bed suddenly shivered, convulsing wildly as if he were in agony.


    Thump thump thump!


    Huang Baitao''s body shook uncontrollably, making the entire bed tremble violently as blood began to flow from his nose and mouth. Black blood spurted wildly from all his orifices.


    Spurt, spurt, spurt!


    Huang Baitao''s pale face turned pitch black instantly.


    It was the violent onset of the poison!


    "Damn it, hold him down quickly!" S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Huang Zheng and Huang Yi acted at the same time, their vital energy transformed into chains that firmly locked Huang Baitao to the bed. Only with their combined efforts pressing down on him did Huang Baitao finally stabilize.


    But the black blood from his seven orifices was a gruesome sight.


    Huang Baitao''s breath grew increasingly fainter and his face dark as death.


    After a brief examination, Huang Zheng''s complexion changed drastically, "Damn it, the lord of the city is suffering from an extremely potent poison, a hundred times more intense than the poison he was originally afflicted with. He, he''s not likely to live through the night..."


    "What?"


    "How did he get poisoned? Didn''t he already take the Hundred Tribulations Elixir?"


    "Wait, the Hundred Tribulations Elixir?"


    The Second Elder, Huang Yi''s face suddenly twisted, his eyes sharpening as he stared straight at Huang Jinghong, furiously accusing, "Jinghong, what exactly did you bring? Are you trying to poison your father to death with poison?"


    Huang Jinghong was utterly dumbfounded.


    He too was petrified by the scene unfolding before him.


    His legs gave way, and he collapsed to the floor.


    Facing Huang Yi''s interrogation, Huang Jinghong''s voice shook as he said, "Second Elder, it''s a misunderstanding, I''m wronged..."


    "Wronged? You brought the Hundred Tribulations Elixir, and your father became like this after taking it. What''s so wrongful about that? Fess up, who made you do it?" Huang Zheng bellowed fiercely, his face livid.


    Ji Lingluo was also beside herself with anxiety, desperately saying, "Speak up, quickly!"


    "Thi-this, this Hundred Tribulations Elixir was... was brought back by that wild girl..."


    Huang Jinghong said with a sorrowful face, revealing the truth.


    If it truly was the Hundred Tribulations Elixir, saving Huang Baitao would certainly be a great merit, and it was naturally not something he would let fall into the hands of others.


    A perilous situation...


    This was outright poison!


    Aimed at taking Huang Baitao''s life.


    Let the comrade die rather than the pauper.


    Huang Jinghong promptly shifted all the blame onto Huang Yuwei, "Eldest Elder, Second Elder, listen to me... This must all be Huang Yuwei''s conspiracy. She brought this pill back just now, telling me it was the Hundred Tribulations Elixir that could save our father. I let her come in to deliver the medicine. But she said she wanted to give me credit for it, told me to inform you that I was the one who found the Hundred Tribulations Elixir. I, I didn''t realize it was poison!"


    "What?"


    "Yuwei did this?"


    Everyone was flabbergasted. Stay updated via My Virtual Library Empire


    Ji Lingluo roared with a distorted face, "I knew it... That wild girl returned with impure motives at this time; she certainly wanted to kill the city lord through Jinghong. How vicious this woman is, Eldest Elder, Second Elder, you mustn''t let her off!"


    Huang Jinghong''s face was a picture of sorrow, his hands clutching his hair, "I get it now... Huang Yuwei must have known she had no hope of succeeding as the city lord, so she thought to poison our father, then marry Sha Ying. For the Sha Family, killing our father would be an immense merit; it must be so... This woman is just too malicious..."


    Listening to the mother and son echo each other''s sentiments.


    The Eldest Elder, Huang Zheng, and Second Elder, Huang Yi, exchanged a glance, their expressions extremely grim.


    Huang Zheng said with a grim face, "Second brother, bring Yuwei in here. We must investigate this thoroughly. If Yuwei really did this, I will kill her myself..."

 Chapter 328 Shut Your Mouth!

    ```


    Huang Yi nodded heavily, his face darkening as he said, "Don''t worry, big brother, I will bring her in right away!"


    Huang Yi, with a gloomy face, walked out of the other garden.


    At the entrance of the other garden.


    Xiao Yi, sensing someone approaching, gently patted Huang Yuwei''s shoulder, "Someone''s coming!"


    "Hmm?"


    Huang Yuwei was taken aback as she saw Huang Yi with a dark expression on his face walking toward her, his gaze filled with wariness and confusion. But Huang Yuwei''s heart was concerned about Huang Baitao''s safety, and she paid no attention to the change in Huang Yi''s expression, hastily calling out, "Second Elder, how is father doing?"


    Huang Yi squinted at Huang Yuwei, "Did you bring back the Hundred Tribulations Elixir?"


    Huang Yuwei nodded subconsciously.


    Huang Yi''s gaze paused briefly on Xiao Yi and Along, frowning, "Who are they?"


    Huang Yuwei said, "These are my two friends, Xiao Yi and Along! It''s thanks to their help that I was able to obtain the Hundred Tribulations Elixir. Second Elder, my father should have recovered by now, right?"


    "Greetings, Second Elder!" Xiao Yi and the other greeted.


    Huang Yi said, "Come in with me."


    "Okay!"


    Huang Yuwei hurriedly walked toward the inside of the Beast Emperor''s other garden, Xiao Yi and the other following with furrowed brows.


    Upon entering the room.


    Huang Yuwei saw Huang Baitao on the couch, tears filling her eyes instantly, "Father..."


    She tried to step forward.


    But the Second Elder barred the way with an outstretched arm in front of her.


    The atmosphere in the room made Xiao Yi''s brows tighten slightly.


    He noticed that everyone in the room looked at them with wariness and hostility. Especially the First Elder, who, as soon as they entered, waved his hand to close the door.


    There was also a surge of energy, locking onto the three of them.


    Xiao Yi glanced around and saw Huang Baitao on the couch with a blackened face and blood pouring from his seven orifices, and his heart skipped a beat, "This is bad, trouble''s brewing..."


    As if to confirm his conjecture.


    Ji Lingluo was the first to accuse, "Huang Yuwei, did you bring that Hundred Tribulations Elixir?"


    Huang Yuwei was startled, her eyes full of tears, without taking her gaze off the bed, she nodded, "Auntie, the Hundred Tribulations Elixir was indeed brought by Yuwei."


    Discover stories at My Virtual Library Empire


    Huang Zheng said in a heavy voice, "Yuwei, the Hundred Tribulations Elixir has been extinct for many years, where did you find it?"


    "I got it from Vice President Lin Yuejin of the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce!" Huang Yuwei said through tears.


    Huang Zheng frowned, "The Hundred Tribulations Elixir is extremely valuable, how could Lin Yuejin bear to give it to you?"


    Huang Yuwei''s gaze remained fixed on Huang Baitao, the worry and pain in her eyes not diminishing one bit, "All thanks to Xiao Yi''s help, he knows Shi Feiya from the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce, and we got the Hundred Tribulations Elixir through her from Vice President Lin."


    "Oh?"


    Huang Zheng narrowed his eyes into slits, sizing up Xiao Yi, "May I know where this young brother comes from to have such influence, that Shi Feiya would help you get a Hundred Tribulations Elixir?"


    Xiao Yi frowned slightly and said, "I come from the Great Qian Dynasty, with some cooperation with President Shi!"


    "Just ''some cooperation'', and she would give such a precious pill to you, just for your sake?" Ji Lingluo said in a peculiar tone.


    Huang Yuwei was taken aback, too, sensing something amiss in the atmosphere, and frowned, "Auntie, what do you mean by that? Xiao Yi has helped us, and yet you''re questioning him like this..."


    "Helped us? Hmph, I think it''s you, this wild girl, colluding with outsiders, intentionally using poison to harm your father!" Ji Lingluo snorted coldly, her eyes glaring angrily and her voice piercingly sharp.


    ```


    Hum!


    Huang Yuwei''s face turned pale as she looked at Ji Lingluo in disbelief, "Auntie, what are you saying? How could I possibly harm my father?"


    "How could it not be possible?"


    Huang Jinghong snorted coldly from the side. In an effort to exonerate himself, he spared no effort to push all the blame onto Huang Yuwei, "Everyone knows that you were engaged to Sha Ying. Now that father is seriously ill, Sha Kun can hardly wait to seize the position of city lord. I think you want to poison our father to please your future father-in-law, so you can be the young madam of the city lord''s family!"


    "You¡ªyou''re talking nonsense!"


    Huang Yuwei''s forehead pulsed with anger as she glared at Huang Jinghong.


    "I''m talking nonsense? Humph, I think you are the one with a guilty conscience. If the Hundred Tribulations Elixir isn''t poison, why would you hand it over to me, letting me take all the credit for nothing?" Huang Jinghong said with a strange intonation.


    Huang Zheng and Huang Yi squinted their eyes, though they said nothing, they seemed to agree with Huang Jinghong''s words.


    After all,


    the calls for Huang Yuwei to inherit the position of city lord were already strong. If she could save Huang Baitao at this time, those neutral elders would surely switch their support to her.


    Yet, at this critical moment, she had given the Hundred Tribulations Elixir to Huang Jinghong, her competitor¡ªindeed, it didn''t make sense!


    Ji Lingluo''s tone was dark and frosty, each word she uttered was like a dagger piercing Huang Yuwei''s heart, "Huang Yuwei, I didn''t expect you to have such a malicious heart. Just for your own selfish desires, you even wouldn''t spare your own father!"


    "Auntie, I didn''t, I''ve been wronged¡­" Huang Yuwei''s eyes pleaded as she looked at Huang Zheng and Huang Yi, "Elders, I am truly wronged. You must believe me, I couldn''t possibly harm my father, I am innocent¡­"


    However¡­


    Everyone seemed to turn a deaf ear.


    At this moment, Huang Yuwei was like a child lost at a crossroads, with the sky darkened and no light from the sun or moon. She couldn''t find anyone to trust, couldn''t find anyone willing to believe her.


    Loneliness, helplessness, darkness, coldness, and despair.


    It was as if these elements had intertwined into a vast black net, firmly trapping her beneath it.


    Unable to move.


    Unable to struggle. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Her heart was already completely shrouded by the darkness.


    It was at this time,


    a gentle voice suddenly pierced her dark world, "I believe you!"


    "Hmm?"


    Huang Yuwei felt the darkness before her eyes tear away, a ray of light shining upon her.


    There stood Xiao Yi beside her.


    With tears in her eyes, Huang Yuwei murmured, "Xiao Yi¡­"


    Xiao Yi gently wiped the tears from her face, his calm gaze sweeping over everyone before finally settling on Huang Jinghong, and spoke coldly, "Let me tell you why Yuwei went to great lengths to obtain the Hundred Tribulations Elixir, yet didn''t bring it in herself!"


    "Shut up, this is the Huang Family, you outsider have no place to speak here!" Huang Jinghong''s face changed as he quickly berated.


    He had only just managed to push the blame onto Huang Yuwei.


    If Xiao Yi revealed the truth now, wouldn''t all his previous schemes be in vain?


    "Shut your filthy mouth! If you dare utter one more word, I will kill you!"


    Two solid beams of cold light shot from Xiao Yi''s eyes, the intensity of his gaze pushing Huang Jinghong back against the wall, his back already drenched in cold sweat.


    Xiao Yi''s gaze swept over everyone, and he began to speak calmly, "¡­"

 Chapter 329 Who Says Hes Been Poisoned?

    Stay updated with My Virtual Library Empire


    "The moment Yuwei got her hands on the Hundred Tribulations Elixir, she rushed back to the Beast Emperor''s Private Garden to deliver it. But at the entrance, Huang Jinghong''s men stopped us, not allowing us in..."


    Xiao Yi''s gaze was fixed on the crowd, "Even after Huang Jinghong learned that Yuwei had brought the Hundred Tribulations Elixir, he still wouldn''t let us in. Instead, he took the elixir from Yuwei''s hands and insisted on bringing it in himself. Do you think it was Yuwei who wanted to harm him, or was it he who wanted to steal the credit?"


    Everyone was stunned.


    Their eyes involuntarily fell on Huang Jinghong.


    The people of the Huang Family were all too familiar with Huang Jinghong''s character¡ªa selfish and extremely greedy man, with little to no genuine ability.


    Despite the many resources provided by Huang Baitao, he had only achieved the Tao Tribulation Realm through the excessive use of drugs.


    Given the same resources, anyone else would have already reached the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    They might even have begun attempting to break through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    But Huang Jinghong took no shame in his mediocrity, instead, he took pride in it.


    Such an arrogant person doing these things was indeed understandable.


    "Nonsense!"


    Ji Lingluo''s face twisted with rage, and her makeup-caked face showed a venomous hue, "How could my son be such a person? It must be you setting a trap deliberately, deceiving him into taking the poison to the city lord..."


    Slap!


    Xiao Yi''s hand flew out in a backhand slap across her face.


    Ji Lingluo clutched her face, completely dumbfounded: "You... You dare to hit me?"


    Slap!


    Xiao Yi delivered another backhand slap, his voice cold, "I don''t like being interrupted when I''m speaking. If there''s a next time, I will cut out your tongue!"


    Ji Lingluo''s cheeks swelled up significantly, and her eyes were filled with fear as she looked at Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi spoke with deliberate emphasis, "You keep insisting that Yuwei wanted to harm her father, but do you know that on her way here, she narrowly escaped an attack by Sha Kun''s Black Shark Guard?"


    The crowd was shocked.


    The Black Shark Guard were Sha Kun''s loyal death squads, demons that lurked in the night.


    Huang Yuwei never mentioned this incident to them after she returned.


    Xiao Yi continued, "You repeatedly accuse her of wanting to earn meritorious accolades and curry favor with Sha Kun. But do you know she repeatedly rejected Sha Ying''s invitations and refused to meet with him? And yet to obtain the Hundred Tribulations Elixir, she was willing to pour wine and apologize to Sha Ying?"


    The expressions of the people changed, and they looked at Huang Yuwei with softer eyes.


    Huang Yuwei''s character was resolute and unyielding, and this was witnessed by all. Yet such was her temperament, she had actually been willing to pour wine and apologize to Sha Ying?


    With every word he uttered, Xiao Yi took a step forward.


    Huang Jinghong kept stumbling backward.


    Until his back, drenched with cold sweat, was against the wall, and his heels were raised high. If not for the wall behind him, he would probably have continued to retreat.


    "Yuwei did everything within her power to save her father. And you?"


    Xiao Yi''s words weighed heavily, striking his face, "As her family, as her elder brother, instead of understanding her, trusting her, at this time you try to take her credit and, once things went wrong, you pushed the responsibility onto her. Is this the way the people of the Huang Family act? If so, perhaps Huang Baitao is not worth saving..."


    Thump!


    Huang Jinghong''s body trembled, his legs gave out, and he slid down the wall, collapsing to the ground. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His face was deathly pale.


    Seeing his condition, Ji Lingluo''s eyes were filled with pity yet she dared not come close, for fear of angering Xiao Yi and actually having her tongue cut out.


    Like mother, like son.


    When disaster struck,


    Ji Lingluo decisively chose to protect herself, having no regard for her son whom she might shield.


    Huang Zheng and others also lowered their heads.


    Xiao Yi''s words pierced their souls and left them filled with immense guilt.


    Whew!


    Huang Zheng let out a long sigh of relief and bowed deeply to Huang Yuwei, "Yuwei, we misjudged you, we are sorry!"


    Huang Yi looked at Huang Yuwei, his eyes regaining their usual tenderness, "Yuwei, I''m sorry!"


    "Miss, I''m sorry!"


    ```


    People were talking all around.


    Huang Yuwei had long since been in tears, choking back sobs as she shook her head, "It''s okay, I''m fine, please don''t be like this..."


    Her gaze towards Xiao Yi was filled with gratitude.


    In her most desperate moment,


    Xiao Yi appeared before her, tearing through the suffocating despair and bringing her the light of renewed hope. It was also Xiao Yi who vindicated her, making her family understand her true intentions.


    "Xiao Yi, thank you!" Huang Yuwei whispered in a voice only she could hear.


    "Yuwei, go see your father!"


    Xiao Yi walked up to her and said.


    "Okay!"


    Huang Yuwei nodded vigorously.


    Since her return, Ji Lingluo and Huang Jinghong had been preventing her from seeing Huang Baitao; she had only managed to catch a glimpse of him from a distance before Ji Lingluo drove her away.


    This was the first time she was so close to her father.


    Xiao Yi stood by the bedside, gazing at Huang Baitao on the bed, and suddenly exclaimed in surprise, "That''s not right, who said he was poisoned? This is just ridiculous; it''s no wonder that the Hundred Tribulations Elixir not only failed to revive him but made him suffer from severe poisoning. He wasn''t poisoned in the first place..."


    "What?"


    "Not poisoned?"


    Everyone was shocked.


    Huang Zheng said with seriousness, "Xiao Yi, my young friend, are you sure the city lord was not poisoned?"


    Xiao Yi nodded and affirmed, "Of course, I''m certain. The Hundred Tribulations Elixir indeed can counter most poisons, but it does so by using poison to fight poison; it is inherently a highly toxic substance. If one who wasn''t poisoned took the Hundred Tribulations Elixir, it would be a deadly poison. Huang Baitao wasn''t poisoned before, so taking the Hundred Tribulations Elixir is what caused his current condition!"


    "Impossible!"


    "We had the president of the Heavenly Treasure Chamber of Commerce, none other than the Seven-Star Alchemist Master Yuan himself, diagnose the city lord. Master Yuan personally said that the city lord was suffering from severe poisoning¡ªhow could he be wrong?"


    The crowd looked at each other, completely befuddled.


    Huang Yi said in a grave tone, "Xiao Yi, my young friend, are you certain the city lord wasn''t poisoned before?"


    "Absolutely certain!"


    Xiao Yi nodded, saying, "Only those poisoned by the Hundred Tribulations Elixir would bleed black blood from all seven orifices and turn black all over, as if struck by lightning. Look at Huang Baitao''s symptoms; it''s solely from the poison of the Hundred Tribulations Elixir itself!"


    "Master Yuan?"


    Huang Yuwei suddenly looked up at everyone, "Elder, I had previously gone to the Heavenly Treasure Chamber of Commerce to find Master Yuan, who told me that Vice President Lin had a Hundred Tribulations Elixir that could save my father."


    Boom!


    Huang Zheng and the others felt their minds explode, going blank.


    It was Master Yuan who had diagnosed Huang Baitao, and at that time he had not mentioned anything about the Hundred Tribulations Elixir.


    It was only after Huang Yuwei visited him that he brought up that Lin Yuejin had a Hundred Tribulations Elixir.


    Everyone connected these clues together.


    Master Yuan was the key link in it all.


    Everything seemed to have started because of him.


    But if not for Xiao Yi''s discovery that Huang Baitao had not been poisoned before, nobody would have thought to connect this matter with Master Yuan. He was the one who had instigated everything, yet he had managed to extract himself perfectly from the situation.


    "Could it be that Master Yuan wanted to harm the city lord?"


    "But we have always had no conflicts with the Heavenly Treasure Chamber of Commerce..."


    Huang Zheng''s face fluctuated between shades, "If I''m not mistaken, all of this must be Sha Kun''s conspiracy."


    "Sha Kun?"


    The expressions of everyone changed.


    Sha Kun stood to benefit the most from Huang Baitao''s death.


    Furthermore...


    Only someone like Sha Kun had the influence to compel a prestigious Seven-Star Alchemist to act!


    While everyone was filled with anger over this matter, Huang Yi''s eyes shone brightly as he looked at Xiao Yi, "Xiao Yi, my young friend, since you were able to tell at a glance that the city lord was not poisoned before taking the Hundred Tribulations Elixir, it seems you have profound knowledge in the art of alchemy. I wonder, do you have a way to save the city lord?"


    Whoosh!


    All eyes suddenly fell on Xiao Yi, waiting for his reply...


    ```

 Chapter 330 Sha Kun Visits!

    "Xiao Yi, you can save my father, can''t you?"


    Huang Yuwei looked at Xiao Yi with a face full of hope.


    Under the focused gaze of everyone around.


    Xiao Yi touched his nose and gave a wry smile, "I do have a way, but, it''s just that I don''t know if you would trust me!"


    Huang Zheng said, "Xiao Yi, my friend, of course I trust you!" Experience more content on My Virtual Library Empire


    "Whatever your demands may be, just state them. As long as we can fulfill them, we will do our utmost!" Huang Yi said gravely.


    Now, they were truly grasping at straws.


    After all.


    The strongest alchemist in Beast Emperor City, Fu Yuan, was suspected of playing an ignoble role in this affair, and they were out of options.


    Huang Yuwei clutched Xiao Yi''s hand, "Xiao Yi, I beg you to save my father..."


    "Enough!"


    Xiao Yi sighed and said, "Bring me paper and ink!"


    "Right this way!"


    Huang Yi gestured invitingly as there was a desk in the room. He went forward to spread out the paper and personally ground the ink for Xiao Yi, "Please."


    Xiao Yi took up a brush and wrote down a list of medicinal ingredients with flourish.


    On that list.


    There were no fewer than three hundred different ingredients.


    The poison of the Hundred Tribulations Elixir was extremely complex; the method of detoxifying it also could not follow the beaten path.


    Xiao Yi handed the list to Huang Yi, "Elder Huang, have all the items on this list ready within three hours."


    "Leave it to me!"


    Huang Yi took the list and immediately left.


    Then.


    Xiao Yi looked at the people and said, "Except for Yuwei, everyone leave the Beast Emperor Villa. I am going to heal Huang Baitao and drive out his poison." He turned to the great elder Huang Zheng, "Great Elder, once Elder Huang has prepared the items, the two of you may bring them in together! During this time, make sure no one disturbs me!"


    "No problem!"


    Huang Zheng solemnly promised, his icy gaze sweeping over Huang Jinghong and the others, "Everyone get out!"


    Huang Jinghong and Ji Lingluo, though reluctant, did not dare linger and left supporting each other.


    A group of people gathered outside the villa.


    Huang Zheng personally guarded the entrance, his cold gaze pausing on Huang Jinghong, "You and your mother, go back to your room and reflect behind closed doors. When the city lord awakens, we will decide how to deal with you!"


    "Yes, Great Elder!" Ji Lingluo quickly agreed, pulling away a resentful and unwilling Huang Jinghong.


    On their way.


    Huang Jinghong''s face was clouded over, "Mother, why are you pulling me away?"


    Ji Lingluo looked around and whispered in a lowered voice, "Hong''er, go find Sha Kun right now!"


    "Hm?"


    Huang Jinghong was startled and frowned, "What do we need him for?"


    Ji Lingluo''s eyes flickered cunningly, carrying a venomous tone, "Given the current situation, if your father wakes up, that wild girl will surely become the heir. What chance of survival would you and I possibly have then?"


    Hiss!


    Huang Jinghong sucked in a breath of cold air, "Mother, you mean..."


    He made a throat-slitting gesture.


    Ji Lingluo nodded, her eyes filled with viciousness, "As long as your father dies and Sha Kun ascends to the position of city lord, we''ll get him to grant you the deputy city lord position. With Sha Kun''s help, we can then eliminate those two meddlesome old fools. The Huang Family will be ours, and we can still enjoy wealth and glory!"


    Upon hearing that the whole Huang Family would be under his command.


    Huang Jinghong''s breathing quickened, and he nodded emphatically, "Okay, I''ll contact Sha Kun right away..."


    Ji Lingluo turned back to look in the direction of the Beast Emperor Villa, her eyes sweeping past a glint of extreme cruelty, "You forced my hand, don''t blame me for being ruthless..."


    ...¡­


    Only an hour and a half had passed.


    Huang Yi had returned with all the items on the list, not just over three hundred kinds of medicinal ingredients but also ten huge wooden barrels.


    "Xiao, the items are all ready!" Facing Xiao Yi, Huang Yi showed a few more signs of respect.


    By now, Huang Baitao was full of silver needles all over his body.


    The black color on his skin had also faded somewhat.


    Huang Zheng said gravely, "Xiao, what else do we need to do?"


    Xiao Yi replied in a deep voice, "Place the wooden barrels inside the house and fill them with water. Use your vital energy to boil the water within. Meanwhile, have someone start preparing the medicine according to the prescription, dividing it into ten separate batches..."


    Huang Yuwei said, "With the two Elders here helping out, I can take care of brewing the medicine!"


    Xiao Yi nodded, "Remember, you must follow the exact method laid out in the prescription, and not miss a single step."


    "Mhm!"


    Huang Yuwei immediately left.


    Xiao Yi called out to Along, "Along, move Huang Baitao into the first barrel."


    Along stepped forward, hoisting Huang Baitao up and lowering him into the first barrel.


    Huang Zheng and the other man used their vital energy to constantly bring the water in the barrels to a boil.


    Gurgle, gurgle, gurgle!


    Bubbles rose one by one, and a layer of white mist filled the room.


    After half an hour.


    Huang Yuwei had finished preparing the first dose of medicine. Xiao Yi poured it into the first barrel, the medicinal liquid clear as water. But upon touching Huang Baitao''s body, the bubbles in the barrel turned a dark purple color.


    The water in the barrel became a dark, murky purple.


    Another half an hour passed.


    Huang Yuwei brought the second batch of medicine.


    "Switch to the second barrel!" Xiao Yi ordered.


    And so it went on.


    The third barrel.


    The fourth barrel...


    In an instant, seven barrels later and after many relentless hours of work, everyone was extremely fatigued. Huang Yuwei''s face was pale, her eyelids fought each other, and she was on the verge of falling asleep.


    She was preparing the eighth batch of medicine.


    At this moment...


    A figure appeared behind her¡ªit was none other than Ji Lingluo. Huang Yuwei was startled, "Auntie, why have you come?"


    Disgust and bitterness flitted through Ji Lingluo''s eyes, but her face wore an expression of worry and guilt, "Yuwei, it was all Auntie''s fault before, I didn''t treat you right. Today''s events have made me realize my past mistakes. From now on, I will treat you well. Let''s be a harmonious family together..."


    "Auntie..."


    Having a soft heart, Huang Yuwei saw the self-reproach and the guilt on Ji Lingluo''s face and smiled, shaking her head, "Don''t be like this, Auntie. Don''t worry, I have no intention of competing with Big Brother for the position of heir. Once Father wakes up, I will go back!"


    "No, Yuwei, you can''t go. Your mother left us too soon, from now on I am your mother, and we''ll be a family together!" Ji Lingluo said.


    Huang Yuwei''s eyes reddened, and she nodded emphatically, "Mhm, we''ll be a family together!"


    A cold sneer played in Ji Lingluo''s mind while she glanced at the medicine being prepared, "Yuwei, it looks like you''re tired. Why don''t you take a rest and let Auntie handle this?"


    "This..."


    Huang Yuwei hesitated, her face showing indecision.


    She clearly remembered Xiao Yi''s instructions; there must not be the slightest mishap. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Impatient in her heart, Ji Lingluo''s face bore a look of self-reproach, "Yuwei, let Auntie do this. I feel guilty, allow me to contribute this small effort as an atonement!"


    Seeing this.


    Huang Yuwei naturally felt it was hard to refuse any longer, and she indeed was very tired, so she leaned to one side, and soon fell into a deep sleep.


    "Yuwei, Yuwei!"


    Ji Lingluo woke Huang Yuwei up, saying, "The medicine is ready!"


    "Ah? Good, I''ll take it now!"


    Huang Yuwei immediately took the medicine and left; she was extra cautious and told Xiao Yi, "Xiao Yi, this medicine was prepared by Auntie, please check if there''s anything wrong with it!"


    "Hmm?"


    Xiao Yi was surprised but after checking, he shook his head, "No problem!"


    "That''s a relief, it seems Auntie really has learned from her mistakes!" Huang Yuwei breathed a sigh of relief.


    Afterward, the eighth barrel.


    The ninth barrel.


    The tenth barrel was also prepared by Ji Lingluo, and Huang Yuwei personally delivered them to Xiao Yi''s hands.


    About half an hour after the tenth barrel of medicine was sent to the Beast Emperor City annex, a signal arrow suddenly shot across the void from within the city lord''s mansion. Barely a dozen breaths later.


    A grand and domineering voice echoed above the city lord''s mansion, "Huang, Sha Kun has come to visit. Why have you not come out to meet me?"

 Chapter 331 Sorry, I let you down!

    "Lord Huang, Sha Kun has come to visit, and you still won''t come out to meet me?"


    The domineering and thunderous voice rolled like thunder, echoing in the skies above the lord''s mansion.


    For a moment.


    All the powerhouses of Beast Emperor City had heard this voice, and countless strong individuals turned their gazes toward the lord''s mansion.


    Within the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce.


    Shi Feiya stood with her hands clasped behind her back, looking in the direction of the lord''s mansion through the window.


    Behind her, a middle-aged man furrowed his brows and said, "President, you had me deliver the Hundred Tribulations Elixir to Huang Yuwei, but if Sha Kun learns of this, I fear he won''t let us off easily!"


    "Besides you and me, who knows about this?" Shi Feiya said indifferently.


    "Uh..."


    Lin Yuejin was taken aback, then realized, "I understand now, President, your methods are indeed clever. If the Hundred Tribulations Elixir truly manages to save Lord Huang, we will be the heroes and naturally receive the protection of the lord''s mansion. If it fails, no one will be aware of it, and we can still cooperate with Sha Kun!"


    Shi Feiya narrowed her eyes, Xiao Yi''s figure emerging in her mind: "You, can you create a miracle once again?"


    Meanwhile.


    In the Heavenly Treasure Chamber of Commerce, at the very top.


    The Seven-Star Alchemist Master Yuan let out a sigh and murmured to himself, "After today, the ownership of Beast Emperor City will probably be changed to Sha!"


    Throughout Beast Emperor City.


    Nearly everyone believed that Sha Kun''s provocation at this moment meant the lord''s mansion would inevitably be unable to resist.


    After today.


    Beast Emperor City will surely change its name to Sha!


    This had almost become a consensus among everyone!


    Not a single person was optimistic about the lord''s mansion...


    ...... S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Inside the lord''s mansion.


    Several figures soared into the air, led by Huang Zheng and Huang Yi.


    Thousands of guards from within the lord''s mansion also rose into the sky, densely packed, standing beside the two''s divine beasts.


    The faces of the few were extremely ugly, staring at Sha Kun and the tens of thousands of Black Shark Guards behind him. They were Sha Kun''s strongest trump cards, the grim reapers who walked in the shadows. Find adventures on My Virtual Library Empire


    No one knew how many strong individuals had died at the hands of the Black Shark Guard.


    Today, Sha Kun had brought the Black Shark Guard directly above the lord''s mansion; this was a blatant challenge to the authority of the lord and disregard for the honor of the Huang family''s lord!


    Huang Zheng spoke in a deep voice, "Sha Kun, the lord has strict orders not to allow the Black Shark Guard into Beast Emperor City. Are you trying to rebel?"


    Sha Kun, dressed in a robe with python patterns, stood on a cloud of sand below him, looking down at Huang Zheng and others with disdain, and arrogantly said, "Rebel? Huang Zheng, that''s a heavy accusation you''re laying down there, I, Sha Kun, can''t bear it!"


    "Hmph!"


    Huang Yi snorted coldly, his face gloomy, "Is there anything in this world you, Sha Kun, dare not do?"


    Sha Kun said flatly, "Today, Sha has come here at the behest of someone to support the rightful order of Beast Emperor City. Instead, you few have colluded with outsiders, taken control of the lord, and plotted rebellion, a crime punishable by death. Sha has come here to rescue the lord and defend the safety of Beast Emperor City!"


    "Bullshit!"


    Huang Yi, quick-tempered, cursed outright, "Which damned bastard invited you here?"


    "I did!"


    A venomous voice suddenly came from within the lord''s mansion.


    The expressions on the faces of Huang Zheng and the others all changed at once, as they turned to look in the direction of the voice.


    They saw Huang Jinghong and Ji Lingluo walking on air, flying straight past Huang Zheng and the rest, and arriving in front of Sha Kun.


    Huang Jinghong bowed to Sha Kun and said, "Jinghong greets Uncle Sha, thank you for your help!"


    "This humble woman thanks Deputy Lord Sha!" Ji Lingluo also said, bowing gracefully.


    "Sister-in-law, worthy nephew, please rise!"


    Sha Kun smiled as he pretended to lift the two, his scornful gaze falling on Huang Zheng and Huang Yi. He raised his eyebrows with a mocking expression, "Huang Zheng, Huang Yi, now do you know who invited me here?"


    Huang Zheng''s eyes almost burst with rage as he looked at Huang Jinghong and his mother with contempt. "Huang Jinghong, Ji Lingluo, do you realize what you''re doing?"


    "Damn it," Huang Yi roared, "it''s you two bastards. Do you realize you''re burying the legacy of our Huang Family that has lasted for hundreds of years?"


    Huang Jinghong smiled and said, "Elders First and Second, please calm down."


    "Shut up!"


    Huang Zheng shouted angrily, "I truly regret not slapping you to death just now!"


    Huang Jinghong shrugged, emboldened by Sha Kun''s presence. "Elder First, you should shut up first! Don''t you know why I''m doing this? If you had supported me as the heir to the City Lord, instead of that wild girl, do you think I would have done this? The ruin of the Huang Family''s legacy is not my doing, it''s yours!"


    "Huang Zheng, Huang Yi, you are the eternal culprits of the Huang Family. And my son is the hero who continued the glory of the Huang Family in adversity. Sha Kun has already agreed, as soon as he ascends to the position of City Lord, he will appoint my son as the Deputy City Lord..."


    Ji Lingluo said proudly, "I advise you to surrender without a fight, and stop your futile resistance..."


    "You shut up!"


    Huang Zheng erupted in fury, his gaze icy to its limits, "Ji Lingluo, the City Lord is not yet dead, and you can''t wait to hand over the seat of our Huang Family to others?"


    Ji Lingluo sneered, "Don''t think I don''t know, the City Lord has already been killed by you in collusion with that wild girl."


    "Elders First and Second, my father treated you sincerely and entrusted you with important tasks, hoping you could support me in ascending to the position of City Lord."


    Huang Jinghong''s face was filled with grief as he stared at Huang Zheng and the others with the vengeful look of someone facing his father''s murderer: "And what about you? You colluded with that wild girl and that outsider named Xiao Yi to persecute me and my mother, and you even killed my father. I, Huang Jinghong, swear to the heavens, I will personally execute both of you, to avenge my father and wash away his humiliation..."


    Sha Kun, pretending to be dignified, said, "My dear nephew, do not be sad. Your uncle promises to capture these two treacherous bastards and hand them over to you for disposal!"


    "Thank you, Uncle Sha..."


    Huang Jinghong bowed in gratitude to Sha Kun but heard a snort from Sha Kun. His body trembled slightly, and with a swift glance, he loudly said, "Thank you, Lord Sha, for taking charge for me!"


    "Hahaha, well said, well said!"


    Sha Kun''s face was beaming with a radiant smile.


    Behind him...


    Sha Kun''s eldest son, Sha Diao, led a group of powerhouses, all loudly exclaiming, "Long live the City Lord!"


    "Long live the City Lord!"


    Amidst the ringing shouts, Sha Kun''s face grew even brighter with smiles.


    He lifted his chin slightly, an arrogant gaze falling upon Huang Zheng and the others. With a grand gesture pointing forward, he declared, "Black Shark Guard, listen to my command! The former City Lord, Huang Baitao, has been framed by traitors and now hangs by a thread. Follow me into the City Lord''s mansion and rescue City Lord Huang. Whoever dares to obstruct, kill without mercy!"


    "Whoever dares to obstruct, kill without mercy!"


    "Kill without mercy!"


    The crowd shouted in unison, fervently echoing the command.


    Whoosh!


    Whoosh!


    Whoosh!


    One by one, the Black Shark Guards, shrouded in black clothing with only their blood-red eyes visible, surrounded by thick fog, led by Sha Diao, were ready to launch an attack on Huang Zheng and the others.


    But at that moment...


    A voice full of authority came from within the City Lord''s mansion: "I''d like to see who dares touch anyone from my City Lord''s mansion!"


    "Hmm?"


    Sha Kun''s complexion changed drastically.


    The faces of Ji Lingluo and Huang Jinghong beside him also turned pale with a whoosh, devoid of any color.


    Three figures stepped out of the City Lord''s mansion, walking on air.


    To the left was Xiao Yi, to the right Huang Yuwei.


    The person in the middle, dignified, holding a Golden Trident, landed in front of Huang Zheng and the others.


    Hisss!


    Sha Kun gasped, shock painting his face: "Huang Baitao? Aren''t you supposed to be dead?"


    Huang Baitao smiled coldly, squinting his eyes, "Sorry to disappoint you!"

 Chapter 332 Youre Still Lacking!

    Huang Baitao''s face bore a touch of icy coldness, "Sorry to disappoint you!"


    His eyes were fixed deathly on Sha Kun, as well as the mother and son pair of Ji Lingluo by his side.


    In his gaze was anger, sorrow, and an unprecedented iciness.


    These were his wife and child.


    At the most critical moment...


    They had actually chosen to betray him.


    In Huang Baitao''s heart, Ji Lingluo and Huang Jinghong had already equated to cold corpses.


    Sha Kun''s face was ashen. He turned to Ji Lingluo and Huang Jinghong beside him and bellowed angrily, "Is this your so-called foolproof plan? Didn''t you say that Huang Baitao was already dead?"


    "I, I had no idea..."


    Huang Jinghong''s face was a picture of confusion. Under the threat of death, he played his blame-shifting trick again, pointing at Ji Lingluo, "All this was done by my mother. She told me to do everything according to your orders."


    Hiss!


    Ji Lingluo''s triangular eyes widened in shock as Sha Kun turned to look at her. With a face of mourning, she said, "I did as you instructed and tampered with their last batch of medicine. They didn''t notice at all!"


    Sha Kun''s expression shifted unpredictably.


    He was certain that Ji Lingluo and Huang Jinghong wouldn''t dare deceive him.


    His gaze turned to Huang Baitao, with a cold glint in his eyes, he sneered, "I was truly careless. I never expected that you''d have such a capable person by your side who could even detect the Drunken God Powder."


    Drunken God Powder.


    Colorless and odorless, ranked among the eighth grade.


    In strict terms...


    Drunken God Powder was not a poison, but a special kind of elixir that only alchemists of eight stars and above could concoct.


    As its name implies.


    Once taken, even gods would be overpowered by its effects. Enjoy new chapters from My Virtual Library Empire


    It was by chance that Sha Kun had gotten his hands on two doses of Drunken God Powder.


    The first was used to drug Huang Baitao, then he had Fu Yuan diagnosed Huang Baitao as poisoned, and calmly arranged his plot, using others to attempt poisoning Huang Baitao with the Hundred Tribulations Elixir.


    Sha Kun''s plan was seamless.


    But now.


    Everything had come to naught!


    "Sha Kun, I always treated you well, yet you plotted to poison me and take over the city lord''s position. I am deeply disappointed in you!" Huang Baitao lamented.


    He and Sha Kun had been as close as brothers, but now they stood on opposite sides, enemies to the death.


    "Hmph!"


    Sha Kun snorted coldly, his eyes shining with a cold light. He scoffed, "Treat me well? That''s just wishful thinking on your part. Over these years, you''ve been ordering me around, always using your position as the city lord to suppress me. If it wasn''t for your constraints, the slave trade would have expanded a hundredfold by now. Beast Emperor City could have opened trade with those inland dynasties and prospered beyond measure compared to its current state. Under your rule, Beast Emperor City can only decline, only I can make it thrive!"


    Sha Kun''s ambition was boundless.


    He wanted to turn Beast Emperor City into a maritime kingdom and even sought to reach into the inland dynasties.


    But Huang Baitao had always been unwilling to stir up war.


    He simply wished to maintain the status quo.


    Their ideologies clashed; Sha Kun had no choice but to take action and eliminate Huang Baitao.


    "Sha Kun, you might as well surrender!"


    Huang Baitao sighed. Although he was conservative, he was not a backward thinker, especially after his recent brush with death had awakened him, "I have recovered, and you cannot take the city lord''s seat. I promise to only take your life and spare your family. If you remain willfully blind, then don''t blame me for totally uprooting the Sha Family!"


    "Surrender? Do you think that''s possible?"


    Sha Kun gave a cold laugh, his hand waved, and a ''whoosh'' echoed as countless grains of sand filled the sky.


    The golden sand gathered together, forming two heavy hammers in his hands.


    Thud, thud!


    These were the Sixth-Layer High-Grade Primordial Vajra Hammers, forged from a millennium of flowing sand, each hammer weighing ten thousand pounds. The hammers swung in his hands, stirring up a fierce wind, kicking up clouds of sand.


    His black hair whipped wildly as his python robe burst open.


    The sandstorm swirled around him.


    Transforming into a suit of golden armor.


    Sha Kun bellowed furiously, "Kill them all for me!"


    "Stubborn fool!"


    Huang Baitao''s eyes spat cold electricity, his wrist twisting as the Golden Trident in his grasp whirred to life, spinning wildly at the hum of its sound, he charged towards Sha Kun with the trident poised for battle.


    Boom!


    The two collided with immense force.


    The terrible clash of energies produced two circular shockwaves that swept outwards in all directions.


    Wherever the shockwaves passed, every building trembled with loud roars, crumbling into a sky-full of dust.


    Huang Baitao roared, "Sha Kun, fight me in the sea!"


    "Afraid of you?"


    Sha Kun, wielding a pair of Primordial Vajra Hammers, stepped across the sky filled with sand and dust, appearing godlike and demonlike as he pursued hotly.


    At the same time.


    Huang Zheng and Huang Yi were also fighting towards Sha Diao and others.


    The city lord''s guards were locked in fierce battle with the Black Shark Guard.


    On the side of the city lord''s mansion, there were Huang Zheng and Huang Yi, both at the Dharma Manifestation Realm, whereas Sha Kun''s side had Sha Diao, Slave King Meng Tuo from the Slave Battlefield with ninety victories, and a sixth-layer intermediate rank beast, the Desert Poison Scorpion, equivalent to the fourth level of Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    Two against three.


    Huang Zheng and his companion were being pushed back step by step. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Especially Sha Diao, whose combat prowess was also extraordinary.


    With his third-level Dharma Manifestation Realm cultivation and mastery of Half-Step Fourth-Order Sword Intent, plus his control over the mist where the Black Shark Guard dwelled. He hid within the mist or suddenly appeared among the Black Shark Guard, making him unpredictable and hard to defend against.


    Wuu wuu wuu!


    Suddenly, the sound of a flute burst forth.


    Huang Yi''s eyes glazed over as he fought the Desert Poison Scorpion. Behind the Scorpion, in the mist, the figure of Sha Diao suddenly emerged.


    He held a flute in one hand and a Longsword in the other.


    Hum!


    In an instant, the sword''s edge appeared at Huang Yi''s back.


    Without a sound.


    This sword would have ended Huang Yi''s life, but at that moment, a fair hand reached out from the void. It caught the Longsword, and Huang Yi came to his senses in that moment, drenched in cold sweat as he fled.


    Looking back, Huang Yi saw Xiao Yi gripping Sha Diao''s Longsword, heaving a sigh of relief, "Thank you!"


    "Leave this to me!"


    Xiao Yi waved it off, looking up at Sha Diao wrapped in the black mist, raised his eyebrows, "The person I encountered on the Beast Emperor Sea, that was you, wasn''t it?"


    Sha Diao squinted his eyes, and two red lights shone through the mist. He quietly retracted his Longsword, his voice dark and chilly, "I didn''t expect to meet again!"


    "Hiding in the shadows, too scared to show your face?" Xiao Yi said.


    The mist around Sha Diao swirled, his voice coming from all directions, elusive as his form, "At the moment when you die, I will let you see me!"


    "That is truly unfortunate, looks like I won''t have the chance to see you in this lifetime!" Xiao Yi chuckled.


    "Is that so?"


    Sha Diao''s voice echoed from every direction.


    Xiao Yi''s pupils slightly constricted.


    A sword finger erected.


    He pointed behind himself.


    Clang!


    A crisp sound rang out from within the mist, and sparks flew. It was Xiao Yi''s sword finger meeting a cold sword tip, clashing like a needle against wheat.


    "Hmm?"


    Surprise tinged Sha Diao''s voice, "You can actually sense my sword?"


    "Half-Step Fourth-Order Sword Intent is indeed strong, but..."


    Xiao Yi''s lips curled up, the genuine aura of Fourth-Order Sword Intent released without restraint, he coldly laughed without regard for Sha Diao''s cry from within the mist, "Compared to me, you''re still lacking!"

 Chapter 333 The Dharma Form Shatters, Sword Slays the Sha Diao!

    "You''re still not quite there compared to me!"


    The energy of the Fourth-Order Sword Intent around him was released without any reservation.


    It was a terrifying presence.


    In an instant, within the black fog, Sha Diao lost his voice, "Fourth-Order Sword Intent? Impossible, you''re just at the Tao Tribulation Realm, how could you possibly understand the Fourth-Order Sword Intent?"


    Sha Diao was acclaimed as the number one sword genius of Beast Emperor City.


    Now at the Third Layer of Dharma Manifestation Realm, he had reached Half-Step Fourth-Order Sword Intent.


    Even when compared to some of the peerless geniuses in the mainland, he was not to be outdone.


    But now¡­


    A youngster a dozen years his junior, who was also only at the Eighth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm, actually mastered true Fourth-Order Sword Intent, how could he not be shocked?


    "Who exactly are you?" Sha Diao''s voice was unprecedentedly solemn.


    Xiao Yi''s lips curved slightly upward, "Xiaoshanhe Institute, Xiao Yi!"


    "It can''t be¡­ Xiaoshanhe Institute has long been in ruins; how could they produce a powerhouse like you?"


    Find exclusive stories on My Virtual Library Empire


    Even though Beast Emperor City was situated in the distant seas, it still kept some contacts with the mainland and was well-aware of the news of powerful geniuses and sects among the various dynasties of the mainland.


    He had never heard of the name Xiao Yi.


    As for Xiaoshanhe Institute, it had declined decades ago.


    How could they have nurtured such genius?


    Xiao Yi said, "I am not a disciple of Xiaoshanhe Institute; I am the current dean of Xiaoshanhe Institute!"


    "No matter who you are, today, you must die!" Sha Diao roared repeatedly.


    His voice, besides the cold killing intent, was filled with intense jealousy.


    Even now, he had not mastered Fourth-Order Sword Intent.


    Xiao Yi was just at the Tao Tribulation Realm, what right did he have to wield such power?


    Wuu wuu wuu!


    All of a sudden, a gust of wind swept through the land, the sound of the wind piercing, and Xiao Yi found that the fog around him was getting thicker. The pale fog had severely affected Xiao Yi''s vision.


    Under normal circumstances¡­


    Xiao Yi would have clearly seen an ant on a tree several kilometers away.


    But now.


    With the fog blocking his view, Xiao Yi found he could only see things half a meter away; the energy from the fog obstructing his vision was truly terrifying.


    "There!"


    Xiao Yi turned and launched a sword strike.


    Pu!


    His strike tore through the thick fog in front of him, but he did not find Sha Diao''s figure.


    Xiao Yi paused, "Did he escape?"


    "This!"


    "This!"


    "This¡­"


    Xiao Yi shifted his attack direction time and again but still couldn''t locate Sha Diao.


    Attack after attack missed its mark.


    This made Xiao Yi''s expression rather unsightly.


    Within the fog.


    The cold laugh of Sha Diao came, still coming from all directions, making it impossible to pinpoint his location, "Is this all you''ve got? If so, you can die now!"


    Shua!


    Xiao Yi''s pores suddenly exploded as he instinctively brought the longsword to protect his back.


    Dang!


    Amid a crisp sound.


    A ferocious force swept from behind, sending Xiao Yi flying. In that silent moment, Sha Diao''s sword had appeared behind him; Xiao Yi''s pupils shrank suddenly.


    Longsword above his head.


    Dang!


    Another loud noise.


    A longsword slashed out of the dense fog, striking heavily upon Xiao Yi''s longsword, sending sparks flying, and Xiao Yi''s longsword broke apart.


    The violent sword waves continued to force Xiao Yi to retreat explosively.


    At that moment...


    Wuu wuu wuu!


    A flute sound made one drowsy.


    Luckily, the necklace in Xiao Yi''s bosom emitted a wave of warmth; the heat spread into his body, and in an instant, he regained clarity. At the same time, Xiao Yi sensed a subtle fluctuation in the air behind him.


    "Come down!"


    Xiao Yi turned quickly and grabbed at the stabbing longsword.


    Vital energy coursed through his palm, firmly gripping the longsword.


    At the same time, his right hand swung, "A Stroke That Surprises the Wind and Rain!"


    Shua shua shua!


    Sword beams flew out one after another, following the longsword into the dense fog.


    "Awoooo..."


    An hysterical scream suddenly came from within the fog, and a spurt of blood gushed forth, as Xiao Yi withdrew his longsword from the mist. Clasped upon the hilt was a pale hand.


    Severed by Xiao Yi right at the elbow.


    An enraged and venomous howl came from within the fog, "Xiao Yi, for the enmity of my severed arm, we are irreconcilable, I will slaughter you!"


    "A rat that hides its head but shows its tail still dares to threaten my life?"


    Xiao Yi snorted coldly and tossed the severed arm aside, but he took possession of the longsword.


    This longsword was actually a sixth-order high-grade Yuan weapon.


    Now the demonic sword could not be used.


    Having this longsword, however, was enough to use for a period of time.


    Hum!


    A sixth-grade Yuan weapon was not so easily controlled, and it buzzed in Xiao Yi''s hand; he tightly grasped the hilt as the power of Sword Intent enveloped the longsword.


    Sword Intent!


    Commanding the swords of the world!


    Hum!


    The longsword''s vibration slowly subsided.


    In the blink of an eye, this sixth-order high-grade Yuan weapon was suppressed by Xiao Yi; looking at the ''Flowing Cloud'' inscribed on the blade, Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow, "So your name is Flowing Cloud Sword, you belong to me now!"


    As the Flowing Cloud Sword was subdued, Sha Diao already sensed it.


    Earth-shaking roars came from within the black fog, "Xiao Yi, you broke my arm, and stole my treasured sword, our grudge is irreconcilable!"


    "Such nonsense!"


    Xiao Yi sneered, looking around at the thick fog, his heart growing more composed, "What exactly is this mist? Sha Diao is actually concealed within it, aside from Dharma Manifestation, I have never heard of anyone else capable of utilizing such natural force..."


    Suddenly.


    Xiao Yi''s eyes lit up, "Dharma Manifestation? Could it be, this mist is his Dharma Manifestation?"


    Dharma Manifestation, full of marvels.


    In ancient times.


    It is said that some people used the sun and the moon as their Dharma Manifestations, there was once a clan that used the sun as their Dharma Manifestation.


    Once the Dharma Manifestation was deployed, it was as if the sun was plummeting to earth.


    A barren land for thousands of miles, drought for three years!


    If Sha Diao truly used the mist as his Dharma Manifestation, condensing the mist into a Dharma Manifestation, employing the force of nature to hide himself within it, this would also explain why he could control the mist.


    With this thought.


    Xiao Yi''s eyes shone, the corners of his mouth curved upward with a playful arc, "Sha Diao, you are as good as dead!" S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Hum!


    Brilliant light swirled around Xiao Yi.


    In his hands, the Flowing Cloud Sword traced sword flowers in front of him, dazzling sword flowers twinkled with silver light, like quicksilver spilling onto the ground. The terrifyingly sharp edge of the sword hummed thunderously, deafening.


    "Unblemished Revolution!"


    "Eternal Life!"


    One blossom.


    Two blossoms.


    Three blossoms...


    Forty-nine Sword Dao lotuses appeared around Xiao Yi, each one containing an unparalleled sharp Sword Qi. The Sword Qi filled the sky, crisscrossing and obscuring the sun.


    "Go!"


    Xiao Yi flicked his fingers.


    Forty-nine Sword Qi lotuses plunged into the fog.


    Boom boom boom!


    Amidst thunderous explosions, the might of the Sword Qi lotuses burst forth without reserve, wherever they struck within the mist, echoed with violent sounds, a constant stream of carnage. The fog that shrouded the entire lord''s mansion was ultimately obliterated under the slaughter of the forty-nine Sword Qi lotuses.


    And just then...


    In front of Xiao Yi appeared a pale-faced young man with a chilling aura, his right arm broken, holding a short flute in his left hand.


    Seemingly bewildered as he stared at Xiao Yi.


    As their eyes met.


    Xiao Yi commanded in a low voice, "Sword, come!"


    Hum!


    The Flowing Cloud Sword spun several times before landing into his grasp, he held the hilt with both hands and slashed forward, "Dividing the Egret Islet amidst the Dual Streams!"


    Whoosh!


    A hundred zhang of sword light, pure and white as driven snow.


    It cleaved through the mist attempting to condense once again, roaring as it swiftly passed over Sha Diao.


    As the sword light faded.


    The mist in the void gradually dispersed.


    Xiao Yi stood in the void with sword in hand, the wild wind swirling around him, his robes snapping in the wind, his black hair dancing with the gusts. And in front of him, Sha Diao''s body slowly split in two...

 Chapter 334 The Majesty of Dharmakaya

    Sha Diao''s corpse fell from the sky.


    Without Sha Diao''s mist to cover them, the Black Shark Guard were like eagles without wings, facing the counterattack of the experts within the city lord''s mansion, and their defeat was as rapid as a landslide.


    Xiao Yi stood amidst the crowd and did not make another move.


    Huang Zheng and Huang Yi were also suppressing their respective opponents, and the battle on the side of the city lord''s mansion was gradually becoming clear.


    Victory was only a matter of time.


    But what truly decided the battle today was not the fight on the side of the city lord''s mansion, but the confrontation in the Beast Emperor Sea between Sha Kun and Huang Baitao. Whoever could have the last laugh between them was the key.


    "Little Lin, stay here and protect Yuwei!" Xiao Yi patted Little Lin''s head.


    Now, Little Lin''s combat power was comparable to that of an Eightfold warrior of the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    With his protection...


    Huang Yuwei would definitely be safe.


    Little Lin nodded, "Boss, rest assured, I will take care of this place!"


    Xiao Yi broke through the air and left.


    A moment later.


    He arrived above the vast Beast Emperor Sea, where the endless sea was filled with surging winds and waves. Huge waves, a kilometer high, viciously slapped the sea surface, stirring up ripples that surged in all directions.


    "Where are they?"


    But Xiao Yi couldn''t find Huang Baitao and Sha Kun.


    Suddenly...


    In the calm sea ahead, two huge whirlpools appeared out of nowhere.


    The whirlpools grew larger and larger, swirling countless amounts of water, which they devoured into the bottomless black hole in their midst. The terrifying sound of the water waves was deafening.


    The whirlpools expanded to a diameter of tens of kilometers.


    Suddenly.


    Whoosh, whoosh!


    Two figures burst out of the whirlpools, raising two columns of white water.


    The water columns reached for the sky, hundreds of meters high, like two water dragons. They furiously swallowed the white waves, twisting their bodies as they charged at each other.


    Above the terrifying water columns.


    Huang Baitao, holding the Golden Trident, and Sha Kun, swinging a pair of Primordial Vajra Hammers, stood proudly on the wave crests.


    Boom!


    The two collided above the sea, creating massive waves that crashed into each other, forming a circular water wall. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Countless amounts of water fell from the sky, forming a torrential downpour amid the loud splashing sounds.


    The entire area was sprinkled with rainfall, falling onto the sea surface.


    There were also remains of magical creatures, falling from the water columns.


    Thud!


    The Golden Trident clashed heavily with the Primordial Vajra Hammer, sparks flew in a flash, and fireworks bloomed in the sky. The two combatants crossed weapons, exerting all their strength in a contest of power.


    Their elemental weapons were both high-tier, sixth-order, invaluable and overwhelmingly powerful.


    Like the tip of the needle against the wheat awn.


    Series of terrifying roars sent shivers down one''s spine.


    Sha Kun pressed the attack with his dual hammers, forcing Huang Baitao into a retreat and sneered, "Huang Baitao, it seems your strength is merely so-so!"


    Huang Baitao sneered coldly, gripping the Golden Trident tightly, he began pushing Sha Kun back step by step, "You''re enough to be dealt with!"


    Boom!


    The two of them separated at once.


    Between them.


    Two completely different elemental energies exploded with a bang.


    Whoosh!


    A massive shockwave covered a hundred miles around.


    In its path...


    The water wall soared into the clouds.


    Atop the terrifying energy-infused water wall, azure water thundered down.


    When Xiao Yi''s vision cleared in front of him...


    All he saw above the ocean.


    Were two colossal figures, towering over and facing each other.


    Huang Baitao, holding the Golden Trident, stood on the shoulder of an imposing figure with a fish body and a human head. This imposing figure held a trident, with eyes as vast as the sea and surrounded by tumultuous waves.


    The Sea God Dharma Idol!


    Huang Baitao had visualized the statue of the Sea God to condense the Dharma Idol, as if a true deity had descended to the mortal world.


    Behind Sha Kun, a sky of sandy dust formed a dome of earthy yellow.


    Under that canopy.


    A massive desert scorpion was shaking its huge and formidable tail.


    Its pincers clanged loudly, sparking flames.


    Sha Kun observed the Dharma Idol formed by his desert poisonous scorpion mount. Mounted on the back of the desert poisonous scorpion, half of his body merged into the scorpion''s Dharma Idol.


    The hammers swung and rumbled mightily, like thunder.


    "Wrath of the Sea God!"


    Amid Huang Baitao''s roaring bellow,


    A fierce wind suddenly whipped up over the entire sea surface, stirring up colossal waves. The roaring waves, one after another, rolled towards Sha Kun to crush him.


    Sha Kun stood atop the desert poisonous scorpion, pointing forward with both hands.


    The scorpion''s iron pincers also slammed down on the water, the immense force stirring up huge waves as well, with yellow sand blending into them.


    The earthy yellow water waves burst forth like a mountain torrent.


    As the saying goes, meet the soldier with a general and stem the water with earth.


    This mixture of water and sand created waves far more solid than mere water could ever be.


    Upon collision,


    The water waves shattered continuously, but the wall of sand and water grew ever taller.


    Suddenly...


    The desert poisonous scorpion beneath Sha Kun leaped into the air, plummeting from the sky in an instant, its iron pincers smashing fiercely towards Huang Baitao. Strands of yellow sand spread, enlarging the pincers with each moment.


    The iron pincers, each a hundred zhang in size, crashed down like two small mountains.


    "Sea God''s Protection!"


    Unperturbed, Huang Baitao responded calmly.


    A tremor ran through his trident.


    The Sea God Dharma Idol flickered with blue light as its hands slowly opened, as if summoning the sea itself to awaken.


    Boom, boom, boom!


    Countless giant waves coalesced into pillars, soaring into the sky like water dragons.


    One.


    Two.


    Three...


    Over a hundred tremendous waves interlaced, protecting Huang Baitao within their midst.


    Thump!


    Amid the earth-shattering noise,


    The two iron pincers of the desert poisonous scorpion''s Dharma Idol smashed violently on the water wall.


    In that moment...


    The wind stopped, and the water stilled.


    It was as if time itself had frozen.


    Suddenly,


    A series of cracking sounds erupted.


    The iron pincers exploded, and at that moment, a golden light slashed through the water wall. With a swish, it pierced upward through the body of the desert poisonous scorpion''s Dharma Idol.


    Splat!


    The Golden Trident pierced through Sha Kun''s body.


    Wow!


    Explore more stories at My Virtual Library Empire


    Sha Kun let out a miserable scream as blood spewed forth.


    The Dharma Idol shattered.


    A shower of yellow sand fell from the sky, instantly swallowed by the sea.


    The majestic Sea God Dharma Idol also vanished without a trace.


    Only Huang Baitao stood proudly between heaven and earth, holding the Golden Trident single-handedly, skewering Sha Kun''s body in mid-air. Huang Baitao''s face was expressionless, his hair fluttering with the sea breeze swirling around him.


    Huang Baitao looked at the dying Sha Kun with a calm gaze, "You, have lost!"


    "Heh, hehe..."


    Sha Kun coughed out a mouthful of blood, his energy much depleted. Grinding his teeth, he said, "I always knew I was no match for you... No, but you didn''t win this time because of your own skills..."


    His bloodshot eyes turned towards Xiao Yi.


    In those eyes were hatred and resentment, mixed with helplessness.


    Had it not been for Xiao Yi unlocking the Drunken God Powder, how could he have fallen into such a state?


    "I... I hate this..."


    Sha Kun''s eyes rolled back, and he lost all signs of life.


    Huang Baitao''s face remained expressionless as he shook the trident, shattering Sha Kun''s body. Bits of flesh and blood mixed into the slightly salty sea breeze, and Huang Baitao murmured to himself, "I will leave a single bloodline for the Sha Family!"


    Whoosh!


    Huang Baitao stepped into the void and walked towards Xiao Yi, saying solemnly, "I owe you thanks for this assistance, young friend!"


    "No need for formalities, Yuwei is a friend of mine!" Xiao Yi said.


    "Please wait a moment, after I have dealt with the rebels, I will properly express my gratitude to you!"


    After saying so, Huang Baitao teleported away, flying towards the Beast Emperor City.


    Xiao Yi''s lips slightly curved in a schadenfreude smile, "Someone''s in for it now!"

 Chapter 335 Deputy City Lord

    Over the manor lord''s residence.


    The battle was still raging on.


    Huang Zheng was locked in an inseparable fight with the Slave King, a formidable fighter the Sha Family had bought from the slave market, who was also a death warrior.


    Constantly on the line between life and death, a desperado by any name. Discover stories with My Virtual Library Empire


    Fighting as if he had no regard for his own life.


    Even if his cultivation was inferior to Huang Zheng''s, he still managed to severely restrain his opponent.


    Suddenly,


    a beam of golden light descended from the sky.


    Thud!


    The golden trident pierced through the Slave King''s body, splitting him in twain. Amidst a downpour of blood, Huang Baitao, stood above the heavens, his authoritative voice echoing throughout the entirety of Beast Emperor City, "Sha Kun is dead, surrender and you shall not be harmed!" S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Sha Kun is dead, surrender and you shall not be harmed!"


    "Surrender and you shall not be harmed!"


    The shouts came one after another from the people in the manor lord''s residence, thundering through the air and leaving the powerhouses of the Sha line looking at each other in disbelief.


    Apart from the death warriors of the Black Shark Guard.


    All other powerhouses ceased their assaults, and some even turned their weapons against their former allies, aiding the manor lord''s forces in a massacre of the Black Shark Guard. Blood rained down from the sky.


    Tens of thousands from the Black Shark Guard were spared no mercy, all were slain.


    Outside the manor lord''s residence.


    Huang Baitao stood with his hands behind his back.


    Behind him were Huang Zheng, Huang Yi, Huang Yuwei and Xiao Yi, and before him was a host of powerhouses who had sided with the Sha Family, including influential figures from large clans within Beast Emperor City and merchants with considerable strength.


    At this moment, all the powerhouses were kneeling before Huang Baitao, filled with fear and trepidation.


    Sha Kun was dead.


    They had lost their backbone and could only surrender.


    Huang Baitao''s gaze was icy as he looked down at Huang Jinghong and his mother kneeling at the very front.


    At that moment...


    the mother and son duo were in tears, wailing loudly.


    Huang Jinghong, choking with sobs, cried out in self-pity, "Father, spare my life! It was all mother''s doing, you know it... I would never dare defy you, it was mother who made me harm you..."


    "You, you¡­"


    Ji Lingluo, furious at his lack of resistance and with a face twisted with rage, glared at Huang Jinghong and hissed through clenched teeth, "Husband, you mustn''t believe this traitor. It was he who wanted to claim the throne of the manor lord. He feared you wouldn''t pass the position to him, which is why he plotted with Sha Kun to harm you. He even resorted to threatening his own life; it was all his doing..."


    "Bullshit, you vile woman, all this was clearly your idea!"


    "You''re the one bullshitting. I gave birth to you and raised you, and you dare to harm me?"


    "Since you already gave birth to me and raised me, why can''t you die for me?"


    "I carried you in my womb for ten months, you should be the one to die for me..."


    "You malicious woman..."


    "You unfilial son..."


    The two of them began to tear at each other, hitting one another.


    Xiao Yi''s eyelid twitched. "..."


    What a bizarre pair indeed!


    He glanced at Huang Yuwei beside him, "How could your father have married such a woman... it''s good that you''re not her daughter!"


    Huang Yuwei: "..."


    Huang Baitao: "..."


    Everyone: "..."


    Ahem!


    Huang Baitao coughed lightly, casting Xiao Yi a sharp glare as if to say, ''Kid, do you think I don''t need face?''


    Xiao Yi gave an awkward smile.


    Huang Baitao''s cold gaze lingered on the quarreling pair, his eyes filled with disgust. He turned to Huang Yi beside him and said, "Elder, take these two away and deal with them according to family law!"


    "Yes!"


    Huang Yi stepped forward, grabbed the two of them, and left.


    In the distance, their pitiful pleas for mercy could be heard.


    Xiao Yi whispered, "Dealt with by family law? What''s going to happen to them?"


    Huang Yuwei shook her head.


    Huang Zheng said, "Chop them into pieces and throw them into the Beast Emperor Sea to feed the fish!"


    Hiss!


    Xiao Yi took in a cold breath, the family law was harsh indeed!


    In front of everyone...


    The powerful followers who had rebelled with Sha Kun looked on as Huang Baitao showed no mercy even to his wife and children. They, one after another, were terrified and kowtowed frantically, "City Lord, we were also momentarily blinded by greed and led astray. Spare our lives, please!"


    "We beg the City Lord for mercy..."


    Huang Baitao''s indifferent gaze swept over them as he said calmly, "Take your own lives! I will not involve your families."


    The pleas for mercy ceased abruptly.


    The crime of rebellion.


    It''s not to be taken lightly.


    In the dynasty, it would merit the execution of the entire extended family.


    Huang Baitao was indeed very merciful to only kill them. In that instant, everyone thanked him profusely, "Thank you, City Lord!"


    "Thank you, City Lord..."


    Thump, thump, thump!


    The thousands of powerful individuals present all took their own lives.


    Huang Baitao glanced at Huang Zheng, who nodded and said, "Don''t worry, City Lord, I will have their bodies cleaned up immediately..."


    "Hmm!"


    Huang Baitao nodded, then turned to look at Xiao Yi, softness appearing on his face. He especially swept over Xiao Yi and Huang Yuwei back and forth with a smile, "Xiao Yi, if it weren''t for you, Beast Emperor City would have changed hands. Ask for any reward you desire, and you shall have it!"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback and scratched his head, "I haven''t thought of what benefit I want yet!"


    "How about... marrying my precious daughter to you?" Huang Baitao said jokingly.


    "Father..."


    Huang Yuwei''s pretty face flushed as she chided.


    Her eyes inadvertently stole a look at Xiao Yi. Apart from shyness, there was a hint of expectancy in her gaze.


    Huang Baitao laughed heartily, "The little girl is shy, eh?" He looked at Xiao Yi, "What do you say? She''s my only daughter. If you agree to this marriage, all of Beast Emperor City will be yours one day!"


    Wow!


    Xiao Yi was startled.


    All of Beast Emperor City?


    That dowry was indeed impressive!


    However...


    Xiao Yi shook his head with a wry smile, "Sorry, City Lord Huang, I already have a wife!"


    "Hmm?"


    Huang Baitao''s brows drew together sharply.


    A look of disappointment flitted through Huang Yuwei''s eyes as she forced a smile, "Father, are you really so eager to marry off your daughter? I left your side when I was young and don''t want to be married off so soon. I want to spend a few more years with you!"


    Huang Baitao was well aware of Huang Yuwei''s feelings and sighed inwardly, "How could I bear to marry off my precious daughter? Let''s not talk about this anymore!"


    "Mmm!"


    Huang Yuwei nodded and stood obediently at his side.


    Xiao Yi looked at Huang Yuwei gratefully. If she hadn''t actively defused the situation, things could have become very awkward.


    After pondering for a moment, Huang Baitao said, "In that case, with Sha Kun dead, Beast Emperor City just happens to need a Deputy City Lord. From now on, you will be the Deputy City Lord of Beast Emperor City. Your authority and status will be second only to mine. What do you think?"


    Xiao Yi was surprised.


    The overall strength of Beast Emperor City was comparable to the top ten sects; becoming the Deputy City Lord was no small privilege. Moreover, this would make the cooperation between his Xiaoshanhe Institute and Beast Emperor City in the future even more convenient.


    Beast Emperor City controlled Beast Emperor Sea.


    The resources were immensely abundant.


    This was nothing but beneficial for Xiaoshanhe Institute!


    Xiao Yi gave a respectful bow to Huang Baitao, "I accept your offer with thanks... Xiao Yi hereby expresses his gratitude to the City Lord!"


    "Hahaha, with the relationship between you and Yuwei, there''s no need for such formalities between us. You may call me Uncle..." He paused, then took out a Token¡ªit was the City Lord''s Token¡ªand handed it to Xiao Yi, "From now on, you are the Deputy City Lord of Beast Emperor City. With this Token, you may exercise all the powers of the City Lord!"


    "Thank you, Uncle!"


    Xiao Yi said as he bowed his hands.


    Huang Baitao said with a hearty laugh, "Come on, come on, we must drink well today..."

 Chapter 336 Visiting to Apologize

    The next day.


    Xiao Yi woke up to find himself lying on the bed.


    He smacked his head hard.


    Last night, he was dragged by Huang Baitao and others to drink all night, and those were strong liquors made from spiritual medicine. Even those with deep cultivation couldn''t withstand it.


    Xiao Yi only remembered before he passed out.


    There was not a single person at the table who could stand.


    "Damn, this feeling is so painful, I definitely can''t drink with them again..." Xiao Yi got out of bed, only to feel his legs go soft, and he nearly collapsed to the ground.


    Creak!


    Huang Yuwei pushed open the door, carrying a bowl of hot porridge as she walked in. Seeing Xiao Yi''s state, she covered her mouth and chuckled, "Xiao Yi, you''re finally awake!"


    "Ah? Yuwei, how much did I drink last night? How come I can''t remember anything that happened afterward?"


    Xiao Yi scratched his head, sat at the table, and as he smelled the fragrant porridge, his stomach growled. He gave a thumbs up, "This porridge smells amazing!"


    As Huang Yuwei served Xiao Yi a bowl of porridge, she said with a hint of reproach: "You still have the nerve to talk! Last night, my father, the First Elder, and the Second Elder were knocked unconscious by your heavy drinking, and they were still throwing up this morning. And you, you even dragged my father and the elders to swear brotherhood of a different surname..."


    Xiao Yi''s face turned embarrassed, "Really?"


    Huang Yuwei rolled her eyes and said, "Could it be anything else? My father and they said they don''t hope to be born on the same year, month, and day, but hope to die on the same year, month, and day. Do you know what you said?"


    "What?"


    Xiao Yi managed to swallow a couple of spoonfuls of porridge, and a warm sensation brought him some relief.


    Huang Yuwei covered her mouth and laughed out loud, "You said... a bunch of old farts, and I am still in the prime of my youth, you guys are taking advantage of me. This got my father and the others to drink a few more jars with you..."


    Xiao Yi''s eyes twitched: "..."


    He hadn''t expected that so many embarrassing things happened after he got drunk.


    Huang Yuwei said, "By the way, President Shi came to look for you early in the morning, but since you weren''t awake, I asked her to come back later. However, she didn''t leave and has been waiting in the guest hall!"


    "Oh? Just her alone?" Xiao Yi asked.


    Huang Yuwei replied, "There''s also Deputy President Lin and Lin Bo!"


    "Heh..."


    Xiao Yi continued drinking his porridge, not even lifting his head, and said with a smile, "It seems she''s a bit anxious. Let her wait a little longer, I''ll see her later!"


    "Mhm!"


    Huang Yuwei sat across from Xiao Yi, resting her chin on her hands and quietly watched him.


    ......


    In the guest hall.


    Shi Feiya was meditating with her eyes closed, while Lin Yuejin, who was beside her, shook his leg impatiently, picking up and setting down his cup repeatedly, glancing toward the door now and then, but no one was coming.


    Lin Yuejin glared at Lin Bo, who was kneeling before him with a bruised face, and kicked him hard, "Dammit, kneel properly!"


    Lin Bo looked aggrieved: "..."


    Conscience of heaven and earth!


    He had been kneeling here since this morning without daring to frown!


    And you just keep kicking me now and then.


    Is that really necessary?


    "Enough!"


    Shi Feiya could not help but intervene.


    Lin Yuejin, dissatisfied, said: "President, I think that Xiao Yi is doing this on purpose, just leaving us hanging..."


    Shi Feiya helplessly said, "Even if we know he is deliberately letting us wait, what can we do? It used to be him seeking us, but now it is us who are seeking him..."


    The wheel of fortune turns, she just did not expect it to turn this quickly.


    "President Shi, Deputy President Lin, I''m terribly sorry for drinking too much last night and making you wait," Xiao Yi''s voice came from outside the door as he walked in cheerfully, yet he did not glance at Lin Bo from beginning to end.


    Shi Feiya and her companion quickly stood up, "Deputy City Master Xiao, you shouldn''t say that! We''ve only waited a moment!"


    Xiao Yi chuckled to himself.


    They had arrived early in the morning, and now it was almost lunchtime.


    Enjoy new chapters from My Virtual Library Empire


    A moment?


    Xiao Yi rubbed his head, "Drinking is indeed harmful. The City Master still hasn''t woken up!"


    "We too didn''t know that Deputy City Master Xiao had too much to drink. We should have come later to bother you... truly..." Shi Feiya began to say, hoping to lead into the main topic.


    But Xiao Yi pretended as if he hadn''t caught on.


    He looked at Lin Bo with feigned surprise, "Isn''t that Lin, Young Master Lin Bo? What are you doing kneeling here?"


    Shi Feiya''s eyes twitched.


    Lin Yuejin responded stiffly, "Deputy City Master Xiao, my son lacks manners and caused trouble with Sha Ying, offending you and Princess Yuwei. I have specifically brought him here to apologise." He looked at Lin Bo, "Rebellious child, aren''t you going to apologize to Deputy City Master Xiao?"


    Lin Bo knelt on the ground, moving in front of Xiao Yi, "Vice City Lord Xiao, it was all my fault before, please forgive me!"


    "Hehe, I dare not assume such a role!" Xiao Yi said with a composed expression.


    Lin Yuejin slapped him hard on the head, angrily saying, "Is this the attitude you apologize with?"


    Lin Bo''s fists were clenched tightly, his teeth grinding audibly.


    What humiliation!


    When had Lin, as the young master, ever been subjected to such an insult?


    However¡­


    When he thought about how the powerful Sha Family had already been wiped out.


    He could only submit.


    Bang bang bang!


    Lin Bo''s head hit the ground, striking it repeatedly, his face earnest as he said, "Vice City Lord Xiao, I, Lin Bo, was blind and offended both you and Princess Yuwei. Please forgive me this time!"


    At this moment, Lin Bo was nothing like his arrogant and domineering self at the Dragon Phoenix Tower.


    The circumstances were stronger than the person!


    Even his father had to tread lightly in front of Xiao Yi, what ground did he have to be arrogant and haughty?


    Xiao Yi indifferently said, "Get up."


    Lin Bo was stunned.


    He had thought Xiao Yi would continue to humiliate him, but he was actually letting him stand up?


    Yet Lin Bo didn''t dare to move, cautiously looking towards Lin Yuejin.


    Lin Yuejin said, "Vice City Lord Xiao told you to get up. Why are you still kneeling? Haven''t you thanked Vice City Lord Xiao for sparing your life?"


    "Many thanks for the great kindness and mercy of Vice City Lord Xiao!" Lin Bo quickly stated.


    Xiao Yi waved his hand, and then turned to Shi Feiya saying, "President Shi, regarding the cooperation we talked about before¡­"


    "Vice City Lord Xiao, my visit today is indeed for this matter. After our discussion, we felt that the previous contract was too unfair to you, so we have redrafted the contract."


    Lin Yuejin presented the redrafted contract, and Shi Feiya continued, "Over the next ten years, the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce is willing to provide the Xiaoshanhe Institute with medicinal materials at no cost. You''ll get forty percent of the profits from the slave market, and at the same time, the Slave Battlefield will cooperate fully with the Xiaoshanhe Institute."


    Full cooperation mentioned here was clearly stipulated in the contract.


    Should disciples from the Xiaoshanhe Institute come to the Beast Emperor City, the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce would bear all expenses, and victory rewards in the Slave Battlefield were guaranteed. For example, there were different rewards for ten victories, twenty victories, and so on.


    And the reward standards were quite high!


    Xiao Yi briefly looked over the contract; it was definitely full of sincerity!


    Xiao Yi, narrowing his eyes, asked, "What about the restrictions?"


    "There are no restrictions!"


    Shi Feiya hurriedly said.


    The contract involved a tremendous sacrifice from the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce, foregoing billions of silver annually. However, in exchange, they would have Xiao Yi as their powerful backer.


    The slave market would be entirely in the hands of the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce.


    After a moment of contemplation, Xiao Yi said, "The terms of the contract are mostly fine, even that forty percent profit¡ªI will take just twenty percent. But you must agree to one condition from me!"


    "Hmm?"


    Shi Feiya and Lin Yuejin looked at each other, surprised that Xiao Yi voluntarily proposed to lower his share of the profits; both said, "What condition?"


    Xiao Yi said solemnly, "The targets for capturing slaves in the slave market need to change, prioritizing those who are extremely vicious and felons caught on battlefields, among others."


    He vividly remembered Along''s tribe, which lived on an isolated island in the Beast Emperor Sea.


    Living peaceably and without conflict. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It was because of the Tan Family''s slave captures that their whole tribe was uprooted.


    He couldn''t change the world, but at least within his capacity, he could make it better!


    Xiao Yi added, "I will help you liaise with the royal family of the Great Qian Dynasty!"


    The royal family had a substantial number of war criminals and extremely vicious felons.


    As slaves, they were most suitable!


    They looked at each other.


    Shi Feiya nodded and said, "No problem!"


    With the new term added to the contract, in duplicate, Xiao Yi smiled, "Pleased to cooperate!"


    "Pleased to cooperate!"


    Shi Feiya smiled as she took the contract, then said, "Vice Institute Head Xiao, the medicinal materials will be ready by tomorrow. Also, our people have already taken over the slave market. There are quite a few outstanding slaves there; would you be interested in taking a look?"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback, arching an eyebrow and responding, "Good, let''s take a look!"

 Chapter 337 Shi Feiyas Gift!

    Under the guidance of Shi Feiya, Xiao Yi and his party arrived at the Slave Market.


    The entire Slave Market was filled with noise and despair, with most slaves facing bleak futures.


    The lucky ones, like Along, could become enforcers for powerful forces, and although they lacked freedom, at least they had food and clothing and could stay alive in this world.


    The unlucky ones.


    They might not even know how they died.


    In the countless black cages, numerous slaves curled up inside, each one''s face filled with bitterness, despair, or unwillingness, despair, and darkness, were the main theme of the Slave Market.


    The atmosphere was oppressively terrifying.


    Upon entering the Slave Market, Along''s fists clenched tight, and his breathing lost its steady rhythm.


    His eyes were blood-red.


    There was a time.


    He, too, was like these slaves, locked up in black cages like animals, starving and waiting for buyers to decide their fates.


    Shi Feiya knew Along''s identity and was very cautious with her words, "Xiao, these slaves are mostly brought back by the Tan Family from Beast Emperor Sea, with a few from the inland regions. Depending on cultivation level and talent, the slaves are divided into four grades¡ªA, B, C, and D, each with different prices!"


    Lin Yuejin said in a deep voice, "Grade A, those above the Tao Tribulation Realm; Grade B, above the Golden Core Realm; Grade C is above the Shentong Realm; the Physical Body Realm and Qi Gathering Realm are both Grade C. Those not even in the Physical Body Realm, unless they are very beautiful women, would not even qualify to enter the Slave Market!"


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes and asked, "If during the capture process, they encounter someone not even at Grade C, how are they generally dealt with?"


    "This..." Continue reading on My Virtual Library Empire


    Lin Yuejin and Shi Feiya were taken aback, hesitating to speak.


    Along''s eyes turned blood-red, and he bit his steel teeth tightly, his words punctuated with pauses, "Death, unless it''s a very beautiful woman who could still fetch a price. As for the old, the weak, women, and children, they have only the path of death!"


    When the Tan Family captured Along and his people, they killed all the old, weak, women, and children of their tribe.


    Those were hundreds of thousands of living souls!


    All buried by the Tan Family in the depths of the sea.


    Shi Feiya quickly said, "Xiao, don''t worry, we would absolutely not resort to the Tan Family''s methods, we would never harm those old, weak, women, and children!"


    "Hmm!"


    Xiao Yi nodded.


    He couldn''t put an end to the slave trade, nor was he a saint.


    If such a trade existed, it had its own rationale.


    All he could do...


    Was to minimize the harm to innocent people within his power!


    Along looked at Shi Feiya and Lin Yuejin with disdain, "You would be so kind-hearted?"


    Shi Feiya gave a wry smile, "Xiao used two percent of the Slave Market''s profits as a condition to sign a contract with us, how dare we deceive him?"


    Xiao Yi was now the deputy ruler of Beast Emperor City.


    His status was second only to Huang Baitao.


    With just one word, he could shut down the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce, how could they dare to deceive Xiao Yi?


    Along was startled, his gaze falling unexpectedly upon Xiao Yi, filled with heartfelt gratitude.


    He was very aware of how terrifying the profits from two percent of the Slave Market were, a colossal fortune of hundreds of billions of silver pieces, which Xiao Yi had chosen to forgo in order to add that condition.


    This made Along even more grateful to Xiao Yi. After a moment of silence, Along said in a low voice, "Xiao, thank you!"


    "No need to be polite, we''re companions, aren''t we?"


    Xiao Yi smiled indifferently, then turned to Shi Feiya, "President Shi, didn''t you say you had a surprise for me?"


    Shi Feiya quickly nodded, "Xiao, please follow me!"


    They walked on.


    Shi Feiya led Xiao Yi to the deepest part of the Slave Market, a place formerly occupied by the Tan Family, which had now been taken over by the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce following the Tan Family''s ousting.


    Shi Feiya said, "Xiao, the surprise I''ve prepared for you is in here!"


    "Hmm?"


    Xiao Yi looked puzzled as he stared at the large black gate ahead.


    Clap Clap!


    Shi Feiya gently clapped her hands.


    Boom Boom Boom!


    The black gates burst open, and a ray of light, like that of a sliver of sky, shone through. Xiao Yi squinted slightly, waiting for the light to dissipate before finally seeing the scene inside the gate.


    It was a massive duel arena, and at that moment, there were ten carriages within the arena.


    The carriages were draped with black cloth.


    Shi Feiya glanced at Lin Yuejin, who immediately stepped forward with a smile, "Xiao, please look!"


    Boom!


    The black cloth on all ten carriages disappeared at once.


    In their place were cages, each imprisoning ten slaves. These slaves, both men and women, had an impressively profound aura.


    The weakest among them was at the First Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    The strongest were even three powerhouses of the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    "This is..."


    Xiao Yi''s pupils shrank slightly, one hundred beings at the Tao Tribulation Realm as the weakest?


    Among those three from the Dharma Manifestation Realm, a man appearing around forty with graying hair exuded a rather eerie presence. Xiao Yi''s eyes narrowed slightly, for this man was at least at the fifth layer of the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    Along took a sharp intake of breath, incredulously saying, "How is this possible? How, how could they be here?"


    Xiao Yi turned to Along: "You know them?"


    Gulp!


    Along nodded emphatically, swallowing hard, and said, "These people are all ranked in the top hundred of the Slave Battlefield, especially those three Dharma Manifestation Realm powerhouses, each one has achieved over a hundred victories. However, wasn''t it rumored that they regained their freedom? How could they be here¡­"


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow.


    He had heard from Along about the horrors of the Slave Battlefield, a meat grinder where losing meant death.


    These individuals were ranked among the top hundred on the Slave Battlefield, which was sufficient proof of their strength.


    Especially those three from the Dharma Manifestation Realm¡­


    They had even achieved over a hundred victories.


    "Indeed, those three achieved over a hundred victories. The Tan Family had publicly declared that they regained their freedom and left the Beast Emperor City. In reality, they were taken away by Sha Kun, just like the Slave King. However, unlike the Slave King who chose to submit, these three refused to submit, and thus have been secretly detained in the slave market," Shi Feiya said with a smile as she looked at Xiao Yi, speaking in a low voice, "Xiao, that white-haired man known as Shadow Demon, is an existence that achieved a hundred victories even before the Slave King. Now, his cultivation has reached the fifth layer of the Dharma Manifestation Realm!" S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi''s gaze swept over the three individuals, noticing that all of them wore pipa locks on their collarbones.


    These pipa locks could seal their power.


    Making them as ordinary people.


    Unable to exert their powerful combat strength.


    It was for this reason¡­


    That the Tan Family was able to imprison them for so many years.


    Xiao Yi withdrew his gaze, showing great interest as he looked at Shi Feiya: "What does President Shi suggest?"


    Shi Feiya smiled, "This is the surprise I have for you! Your Xiaoshanhe Institute is in the process of rebuilding, it is in need of people, and I believe they can provide great assistance to you!"


    Xiao Yi said playfully, "I''m afraid there''s more to it than just that, isn''t there?"


    "Uh¡­"


    Shi Feiya was taken aback, then she gave a bitter smile, "Nothing escapes you! With the strength of the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce, we truly can''t intimidate those three Shadow Demons, but it would be a pity to kill them. I believe you, Xiao, will certainly be able to subdue them!"


    "President Shi, that is a hard gift to accept! But¡­"


    Xiao Yi smiled, his eyebrows raising slightly, "I do like a challenge!"

 Chapter 338 Hundred Calamities, Three Dharma Aspects!

    "I just love doing challenging things!"


    With an indifferent smile on his face, Xiao Yi walked toward the prisoner carriage where the Shadow Demon and others were.


    Among these more than one hundred slaves, the strongest was the Shadow Demon.


    As long as he subdued the Shadow Demon, why would he worry about other strong ones not submitting?


    Inside the carriage.


    The Shadow Demon sat squarely in the middle, flanked by two other Dharma Manifestation Realm experts.


    One was Zhang Ling of the first level of Dharma Manifestation Realm, and the other was Shu He of the second level.


    The Shadow Demon kept his eyes closed, motionless.


    Shu He looked at Xiao Yi with a playful gaze.


    Boom!


    Continue reading at My Virtual Library Empire


    Zhang Ling, who had the hottest temper, shook his body violently, slamming against the carriage. His hands desperately clung to the black iron bars, his eyes filled with coldness and resentment, like an enraged lion, "Kid, let us out!"


    Xiao Yi glanced at him but did not respond; his gaze moved past Zhang Ling and fell on the Shadow Demon.


    He whistled at the Shadow Demon.


    Xiao Yi said with a playful tone, "If you''re still alive, squeak!"


    Bang!


    Zhang Ling, shaking the prisoner carriage with rage, glared at Xiao Yi, "You little bastard, who gave you the courage to talk to my brother like that?"


    "If you don''t shut up right now, I''ll make sure you never speak again!" Xiao Yi''s icy gaze fixed on Zhang Ling.


    "With you?"


    Zhang Ling''s face was thick with scorn, and he laughed mockingly, "Kid, don''t think I look down on you. If it wasn''t for this damned pipa lock, one spit from me could drown you. What the hell, a mere Tao Tribulation Realm, and you dare to clamor in front of me?"


    "Oh?"


    Xiao Yi looked at Zhang Ling with an amused, mocking gaze, "Are you so sure I''m not your opponent?"


    Zhang Ling said proudly, "Isn''t that obvious? You''re just a mere Tao Tribulation Realm, while I am of the Dharma Manifestation Realm. If it wasn''t for this damned pipa lock, I wouldn''t even let you stand in front of me with my power unleashed!"


    "Is that so?"


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow and chuckled, "Then let''s give it a try!"


    "Hmm?"


    Zhang Ling was startled.


    At that moment...


    A streak of silver light shot out from between Xiao Yi''s fingers, smashing the pipa lock on Zhang Ling''s shoulder to pieces with a thud.


    Hum!


    The entire prisoner carriage shook violently.


    Following that...


    Countless amounts of qi from heaven and earth gathered crazily, pouring into Zhang Ling''s body.


    "Roar!"


    Zhang Ling was first stunned, then realizing he truly had gained freedom, his face broke into ecstatic joy. He thumped his chest with both arms, emitting hysterical roars as countless qi from heaven and earth furiously gathered.


    His aura also climbed rapidly.


    A fierce wind blew, and the prisoner carriage rattled loudly.


    It lasted for dozens of breaths before finally quieting down.


    Zhang Ling looked at Xiao Yi incredulously, "You, you just set me free, aren''t you afraid I''ll kill you on the spot?"


    "What''s there to be afraid of?"


    Xiao Yi laughed lightly, standing in front of Zhang Ling, he made a welcoming gesture; "The pipa lock has been unlocked, now I''m quite curious to see how you''ll make me unable to stand!"


    "You..."


    Zhang Ling''s face changed colors repeatedly; after hesitating for a moment, he said solemnly, "Kid, considering that you unlocked my shackles, I won''t take your life. If you can''t hold out, just squeak!"


    "Bring it on!"


    Xiao Yi laughed.


    Boom!


    Zhang Ling''s body shook, and an unrivaled oppressive force rolled towards Xiao Yi in an instant.


    This oppressive aura was akin to a great mountain.


    All the Tao Tribulation Realm slaves within the prison cart turned pale, with cold sweat drenching them.


    As for Xiao Yi...


    He remained as calm as a breeze or a gentle cloud.


    Completely unaffected!


    "Hmm? You''ve really got something there. I''ve already used fifty percent of my oppressive power, and you can withstand it? Kid, I''m going to increase it to seventy percent now, you''d better be careful..." Zhang Ling put away his underestimation.


    However...


    Seventy percent still couldn''t shake Xiao Yi.


    "Is this all you''re capable of?" Xiao Yi shook his head and said.


    "Damn it!"


    Zhang Ling''s eyes were a fierce red as he angrily said, "This is what you asked for!"


    Whir!


    The oppressive force climbed again.


    This time, it rose to a full hundred percent, and beads of sweat appeared on Zhang Ling''s forehead: "This time, you won''t be able to resist, right?"


    "Hey, your brother is too weak. It''s your turn to come!" S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi''s calm voice suddenly sounded, causing Zhang Ling''s face to stiffen as he saw Xiao Yi looking relaxed at the Shadow Demon behind him, saying, "Shadow Demon, right? I heard you''re the first to claim a hundred victories on the Slave Battlefield. Don''t you long for freedom?"


    Swish!


    The Shadow Demon, who had been indifferent, suddenly opened his eyes.


    Those were deep and pitch-black eyes, like a night sky without a trace of light.


    His gaze was like an abyssal black hole.


    A single glance could pull you in deep.


    The Shadow Demon stared at Xiao Yi, fell silent for a moment, then spoke, "Freedom? You just want me to submit to you and do your bidding. If I were willing to bow down, I would have already bowed to Sha Kun like that slave king, would I end up in such a state?"


    Xiao Yi calmly said, "I''m different from Sha Kun. If you''re willing to become my companion and join my Xiaoshanhe Institute, just stay at the Xiaoshanhe Institute for ten years. After that, whether you leave or stay, I will not stop you!"


    "Ten years?"


    The Shadow Demon was startled.


    Dharma Manifestation Realm experts lived for more than a thousand years.


    Ten years was merely a fleeting moment.


    He had been imprisoned for several decades!


    The Shadow Demon asked in a deep voice, "How can I trust you?"


    "I am the head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute of the Great Qian Dynasty, and I am also the deputy city lord of the Beast Emperor City..."


    Xiao Yi spoke solemnly, "If these titles are not enough for you to trust, I can sign a contract with you, how about that?"


    Listening to their straightforward talk.


    Zhang Ling felt like crying but had no tears: Do I have no dignity at all? We are in the middle of a bet here! You are dealing with my strong oppression, and you just ignore me like this, is that really okay? Do you think this is easy for me?


    Clap, clap!


    Shu He couldn''t stand it anymore, walked forward, patted his shoulder, and sighed, "Third brother, pack up your pitiful oppression!"


    Zhang Ling: "..."


    The Shadow Demon looked at the two, "What about you?"


    Shu He smiled and said, "I listen to big brother!"


    Zhang Ling, with a woebegone face, said, "You call the shots!"


    The Shadow Demon was silent for a moment before stating his condition, "I can sign a contract with you, but my two brothers and I will only follow you for ten years. After ten years, you cannot interfere with our decision to leave or stay. Aside from us three brothers, the same goes for these brothers here; include them in the contract as well, and after ten years, you cannot stop them from leaving."


    "No problem!"


    Xiao Yi agreed readily, summoned Shi Feiya to draft the contract immediately, and also released the zither locks from the two.


    Looking at the nearly a hundred Tao Tribulations and the three Dharmas before him.


    Xiao Yi''s mouth curved slightly upward. With the addition of these people, the Xiaoshanhe Institute finally had the strength to stand up to the top ten sects. As for the ten-year agreement? Xiao Yi didn''t take it to heart at all. With his means, he thought that after ten years, he probably wouldn''t be able to get rid of these people even if he tried!


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath and narrowed his eyes: "The Tournament of Geniuses is about to start; it''s time to go back!"

 Chapter 339 Another Person Joins!

    When Xiao Yi left the slave market,


    a hundred strong followers were trailing behind him, ninety-seven of which were from the Tao Tribulation Realm and three from the Dharma Manifestation Realm. Notably, the Shadow Demon''s cultivation had reached the pinnacle of the Fivefold Heaven in the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    He was just one step away from entering the Sixfold Heaven of the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    The Shadow Demon''s strength was very powerful.


    However...


    At this moment, the way the Shadow Demon looked at Xiao Yi was filled with reverence.


    Previously, at the slave market, the Shadow Demon had fought with Xiao Yi, and the outcome speaks for itself. This existence, comparable to the so-called Slave King, was forcefully rubbed against the ground by Xiao Yi.


    Since then,


    the Shadow Demon, Zhang Ling, Shu He, and those dozens of ferocious and evil Tao Tribulation Realm slaves dared not underestimate Xiao Yi any longer.


    Let alone challenge his authority!


    "Shadow Demon, you take everyone to the docks to rent a boat, let everyone get on board, order some food, and have a good rest. Later, have Along tell me which boat it is. I''ll make a trip to the city lord''s mansion, and then we can all ride back!" Xiao Yi instructed.


    These slaves had their food and clothing strictly controlled in the slave market.


    Especially these past few days.


    The Tan Family was overthrown, and Sha Kun rebelled; nobody paid any attention to them. They had been starved for days.


    Upon hearing that Xiao Yi was letting them go eat first, their eyes lit up.


    The Shadow Demon nodded, "Thank you, Xiao."


    Xiao Yi waved his hand, gave the Shadow Demon several silver notes, and then went with Shi Feiya to the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce.


    Shi Feiya had already prepared the many medicinal materials, the value of which totaled one hundred billion silver. It took ten storage rings to hold them all. The storage rings alone were worth more than ten billion silver, demonstrating the lengths Shi Feiya went to ingratiate herself with Xiao Yi.


    "Xiao, I heard that in another two months, the Great Qian Dynasty''s imperial family will be holding the ancestral worship ceremony?" Shi Feiya asked.


    Xiao Yi nodded, "What about it? Does President Shi have an interest in taking a trip there?"


    "If Xiao doesn''t mind, Feiya does wish to brazenly go and take a look!" Shi Feiya said with a charming smile, enchanting to anyone who saw it.


    Xiao Yi smiled, "Then I shall await President Shi''s honored visit!" Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "As long as Xiao doesn''t mind Feiya''s bothering you," said Shi Feiya with a smile.


    Xiao Yi exchanged pleasantries for a few moments, then he left.


    Watching his retreating figure,


    Shi Feiya turned to Lin Yuejin standing beside her, her gaze serious, "Send out the order, from now on, any business dealings related to Xiao must go through my approval and be treated with the highest standards!"


    "Understood!"


    Lin Yuejin nodded gravely.


    As he watched Xiao Yi leave, Lin Yuejin replayed the scene from the slave market in his mind.


    With just a slap, Xiao Yi had knocked the Shadow Demon, a fivefold Dharma Manifestation Realm cultivator, to the ground. Although the Shadow Demon had been imprisoned for many years and his combat strength had not yet recovered to its peak,


    it was enough to prove the extent of Xiao Yi''s strength and terror.


    What was even more crucial was...


    Xiao Yi had only reached the Eighth Layer Cultivation in the Tao Tribulation Realm!


    What if he broke through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm?


    "Perhaps even Tianjiao can''t compare to him!" Lin Yuejin murmured to himself.


    Explore stories at My Virtual Library Empire


    Meanwhile,


    Xiao Yi arrived at the residence of the city lord.


    Huang Baitao had already awakened, his whole body reeking of alcohol, listening to Huang Yuwei "educating" him with his head lowered, "Father, you''ve just recovered from a serious illness, and yet you drank so much last night. You even think about becoming sworn brothers with Xiao Yi, can''t you quit drinking?"


    Huang Baitao''s head drooped down.


    The lord of Beast Emperor City, who feared nothing in heaven or earth, only feared this beloved daughter of his.


    Huang Baitao''s eyes lit up, hastily shouting, "Xiao Yi, you''re here?"


    "Ah?"


    Huang Yuwei was momentarily stunned, her pretty face flushed slightly with anger, as she glared fiercely at Huang Baitao. She withdrew her hands from her waist and looked towards Xiao Yi with a gentle smile, "Xiao Yi, how come you''re back?"


    Xiao Yi touched his nose.


    Seeing the way Huang Yuwei scolded Huang Baitao, he felt even more amused and said, "I have come to bid farewell!"


    Huang Yuwei was startled again, and a hint of loss and sadness appeared on her face as she muttered, "So soon, you''re leaving?"


    "Yes!"


    Xiao Yi nodded, "The reconstruction of Xiaoshanhe Institute is imminent, and I must hurry back." After a pause, Xiao Yi said with a smile, "Uncle, Yuwei, in two months, it will be the Great Qian Dynasty''s ancestral worship ceremony, which will take place in my Xiaoshanhe Institute. If you don''t mind, you are welcome to come and visit then!"


    "Really? Can we, can we really go?" The gloom on Huang Yuwei''s face vanished in an instant.


    Xiao Yi smiled, "Of course you can!"


    Huang Yuwei quickly turned to Huang Baitao, "Father, we will definitely go then, won''t we?"


    "Naturally, Xiao Yi is our Beast Emperor City''s Vice City Lord. We must go to support him then!"


    Huang Baitao laughed heartily and then cast a mysterious glance at Xiao Yi, "Xiao Yi, I had guessed that you would be going back, so I arranged for a gift for you!"


    "A gift?"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback.


    Clap, clap!


    Huang Baitao clapped his hands twice, and Huang Zheng and Huang Yi entered from outside the door.


    In front of these two was a white-haired elder.


    This man was none other than the Seven-Star Alchemist Master Yuan from the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    "This is¡­"


    Xiao Yi looked puzzled.


    Huang Baitao smiled and said, "I have already spoken with Master Yuan. He has agreed to go to Xiaoshanhe Institute to assist you for ten years. After ten years, you can send him back to Beast Emperor City!"


    "Hmm?"


    Xiao Yi was stunned.


    As he pondered,


    the voice of Huang Baitao echoed in his mind, "Although Master Yuan indeed had dealings with Sha Kun, the Heavenly Treasure Chamber of Commerce is not easy to shake, and we cannot kill him. Now that your Xiaoshanhe Institute is being rebuilt, don''t you need more help? Master Yuan is a Seven-Star Alchemist, and his help will be only beneficial to your institute without a single drawback!"


    Xiao Yi looked at Huang Baitao, touched by his gesture.


    A Seven-Star Alchemist! No matter where, such a person is a top-tier existence.


    Huang Baitao could have kept him by his side, but instead, he offered Master Yuan to him. Although it was only for ten years, these ten years could very well bring Xue Bufan into the Seven-Star realm.


    Xiao Yi bowed to Huang Baitao and said solemnly, "Thank you, uncle!"


    "Hahaha, you''re being too polite!"


    Huang Baitao waved his hand dismissively. His gaze fell on Master Yuan, "Master Yuan, once you''re at Xiaoshanhe Institute, follow Xiao Yi''s orders without slackening. I will ensure the Heavenly Treasure Chamber of Commerce takes care of you!"


    "City Lord, rest assured, Master Yuan understands what''s important!"


    Master Yuan looked towards Xiao Yi and bowed, "Xiao, I hope for your care in the future!"


    "Master, you''re too courteous!"


    Xiao Yi returned the gesture meticulously.


    The group exchanged pleasantries for a while.


    Along arrived, signaling that the ship was about to set sail.


    Xiao Yi immediately took Along and Master Yuan and headed straight for the docks.


    Before long,


    Xiao Yi was boarding the colossal ten-thousand-meter ship, which was not the same one he had arrived on, but it was just as massive. The Shadow Demons were already resting inside the cabin, and Xiao Yi didn''t want to cause a big stir, so he didn''t call everyone together.


    At this moment, Xiao Yi had not noticed.


    From the moment he appeared on the docks, there were several eyes watching him secretly. When he boarded the ship, two Sky Eagles took off and disappeared into the vast ocean...

 Chapter 340 Meeting with the City Lord!

    Above the endless ocean.


    Huge waves reached for the sky, and the storm raged on ceaselessly, with the blue sea vast and limitless.


    A kilometer-long warship was positioned within the high waves.


    Rising and falling.


    This ship was about half a day''s distance from Linhai City, exactly blocking the essential sailing route for the ships returning from Beast Emperor City. Motionless, it resembled a hunter waiting patiently for his prey.


    On the ship.


    Xue Mantian stood at the bow with his hands clasped behind his back, facing the sea wind without so much as a frown.


    Suddenly.


    His gaze shifted toward the sky, just as a figure glided through the wind and waves, landing on his shoulder.


    Xue Mantian removed the envelope from the eagle''s claw.


    "They''ve already set out?"


    Xue Mantian squinted his eyes, and the envelope in his hand exploded with a bang, "I never imagined that the lad who once seemed no more than an ant could have come this far. However... this time you won''t have the aid of the experts from Baiyu, and I, Xue, will take your head personally!"


    Tap, tap, tap!


    A series of footsteps came from within the cabin.


    It was none other than two experts of the Dharma Manifestation Realm''s second stage, Xu Jinlong from Three Seas Mountain and Ge Ruoyi from Wendao Villa!


    Apart from these three great practitioners of the Dharma Manifestation Realm, on this ship, there were also powerhouses from the Nangong Family, the Beitang Family, and Xue Yilou from the Tao Tribulation Realm. Out of the hundreds of experts, there were as many as thirty from the Tao Tribulation Realm alone.


    Xu Jinlong stepped forward and said, "Xue, we''ve received news that Xiao Yi left Beast Emperor City yesterday and should arrive here in less than half a day!"


    Ge Ruoyi played with a dagger between his fingers and chuckled, "The Nangong Family sure thinks highly of Xiao Yi. The two of us alone could easily dispose of him, yet they even had you, Xue, make a personal appearance!"


    Xue Mantian was at the fourfold peak of the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    He was quite a bit stronger than the two of them.


    Xue Mantian said indifferently, "This kid is not that simple; we must not allow any mistakes."


    "Xue, did you once cross paths with Xiao Yi in the Tianqing Kingdom?" Ge Ruoyi asked.


    Xue Mantian glanced at him and said expressionlessly, "It wasn''t quite a confrontation. But, that kid was indeed full of oddities. When I encountered him, he was merely at the Golden Core Realm. But now..."


    A look of astonishment flashed in his eyes.


    Even if he didn''t see Xiao Yi as a threat, Xue was still shocked by his innate talent for cultivation.


    From the Physical Body Realm to the Tao Tribulation Realm in just two short years.


    Such speed of cultivation was utterly astonishing!


    The two men were stunned. Continue reading on My Virtual Library Empire


    Ge Ruoyi nodded thoughtfully, "His progression in cultivation is indeed bizarre. The vice villa owner of Wendao Villa personally instructed me to force out his cultivation technique!"


    "And his Alchemy skills are said to be extremely fearsome as well," Xu Jinlong added somberly.


    Xue Mantian said lightly, "Have someone constantly watch the sea, we absolutely can''t let him get away!"


    "Rest assured!"


    "He has no chance of escape!"


    A cold, cruel smile spread across the faces of the three.


    ......


    It would take a full two days to reach Linhai City from Beast Emperor City.


    On the stormy, rain-lashed sea, a ten-kilometer gargantuan ship cut through the waves.


    Boom!


    A deafening roar echoed across the entire ship.


    The tremendously long vessel shook violently and came to an abrupt halt amidst the winds and waves, resulting in a chorus of curses from within the cabin: "What the hell?"


    "Did we hit a reef?"


    "What''s going on? Nearly shook me off the bed..."


    At that moment.


    An icy voice suddenly spread throughout the entire ship: "Xiao Yi, come out and face your death!"


    "Xiao Yi, come out and face your death!"


    "Come out and face your death!"


    The thunderous sounds reverberated through the storm and waves.


    The terrifying presence of the Dharma Manifestation Realm enveloped the ship in an instant.


    The mighty suppressive force of the Dharma Manifestation Realm caused the cursing to cease abruptly.


    People either left the cabin or looked through the windows to see what was happening outside.


    In the midst of the storm.


    Xue Mantian, Ge Ruoyi, and Xu Jinlong, leading a group of three, stood proudly atop the wind and waves, surrounded by hundreds of formidable experts lined up in a row. Just in the Tao Tribulation Realm alone, there were more than thirty people.


    Their momentum was grand, their presence overwhelming.


    The owner of the ship was a lean man, who had also reached the Peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm, but faced with the pressure of the three great Dharma Manifestation figures, his face had gone pale, and he hurried forward, saying, "Jin Yu pays respects to the three seniors, may I ask the esteemed reasons for your visit?"


    "Let Xiao Yi roll out here, or this seat will have everyone on this ship join him in death!" Ge Ruoyi said with an icy expression.


    Jin Yu''s face changed drastically, and he responded quickly, "Seniors, might there be some misunderstanding? There... there''s no one called Xiao Yi on our ship..."


    "Shut up!"


    Xu Jinlong barked, his face full of scorn, "Do you think we have the time to be joking with you?"


    Xue Mantian said indifferently, "Xiao Yi, if you don''t come out now, don''t blame this seat for being ruthless!"


    At that moment.


    From inside the cabin, a series of curses could be heard: "Who is Xiao Yi? Get out there and face death quickly, don''t drag us into this!"


    "Xiao Yi, you get out there yourself, we don''t want to die for you!"


    Amidst the cursing of the crowd.


    Xiao Yi, with his hands behind his back, walked leisurely out from the cabin. Facing the howling wind and pelting rain, Xiao Yi wore an unchanging smile, amusingly watching Xue Mantian and the others suspended in mid-air.


    "Xiao Yi!"


    "You really are here!"


    Xue Mantian''s eyes showed a trace of coldness as he sneered, "Xiao Yi, long time no see, didn''t expect you''d still end up in my hands, did you?"


    Xiao Yi laughed as he glanced at the strong figures surrounding Xue Mantian. Although he was smiling, the killing intent in his eyes was increasingly cold: "Xue Mantian, long time no see! I''ve waited a long time for this day!"


    "Hm?"


    Xue Mantian was taken aback, looking at him puzzled, "You''ve been waiting for this day?"


    Xiao Yi nodded, "Ever since that day in the Tianqing Kingdom, I''ve been thinking non-stop about personally slaughtering you!"


    "..."


    Xue Mantian was at a loss for words.


    Ge Ruoyi laughed heartily, "Xiao Yi, who gave you the courage to even dream of provoking the Master of Xue Yilou?"


    "Leave aside the Master of Xue Yilou, even we could crush you as easily as crushing an ant!" Xu Jinlong looked at Xiao Yi, shaking his head with a disdainful smile.


    In their eyes...


    Those below Dharma Manifestation are merely ants!


    Xiao Yi wasn''t even at the Dharma Manifestation Realm, how could he possibly be their opponent?


    Xiao Yi cast a glance at Xue Mantian and the others, and said with a smile, "Xue Mantian, to come kill me, this few people you''ve brought just aren''t enough!"


    "Hahaha, that has to be the funniest joke I''ve ever heard in my life!"


    "Xiao Yi, to kill you we have deployed three great Dharma Manifestation figures, more than thirty Tao Tribulation Realm experts, nearly a hundred Golden Core Realm... we''ve already outnumbered you, and yet you say we''re not enough?"


    Xu Jinlong and the others shook their heads with laughter, faces full of mockery.


    Xiao Yi sighed, "This many people and you still talk about overwhelming with numbers? It seems you have a misunderstanding about what overwhelming with numbers truly means!"


    "Hm?" S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The group was momentarily taken aback.


    Xiao Yi said with a smile, "Let me teach you what it means to ''overwhelm with numbers''!"


    Snap!


    Xiao Yi slowly snapped his fingers.


    All of a sudden.


    Whoosh whoosh whoosh!


    From the cabin, over a hundred figures burst forth at once.


    Leading them were none other than the four Dharma Manifestation Realm powerhouses, Shadow Demon, Zhang Ling, Shu He, and Fu Yuan, followed by ninety-eight Tao Tribulation Realm experts, including Along.


    One hundred and two people, lined up behind Xiao Yi.


    Especially the formidable Shadow Demon, at the Fifth Layer of the Dharma Manifestation Realm Peak, whose chill seemed to overshadow even Xue Mantian.


    "How, how could there be so many people?"


    "Good heavens! Four great Dharma Manifestations, and all the rest are Tao Tribulation Realm?"


    "Who are all these people?"


    As everyone was in a state of shock and uncertainty.


    Starting with Shadow Demon at the lead, the one hundred and two people turned simultaneously to look at Xiao Yi and spoke in unison, their voices thundering like a storm, eclipsing the sound of the fierce wind and rain, "We greet the Lord of the City!"

 Chapter 341 One Move is Enough!

    "Greetings, City Lord!"


    Over a hundred powerful individuals cried out in unison, their voices thunderous, drowning out the stormy weather.


    Their shouts reverberated between heaven and earth.


    Aboard the giant ship, tens of thousands of strong figures were intimidated by this noise, turning pale and standing agape.


    The three figures of Xue Mantian in the void were also clueless.


    "City Lord?"


    "Where does this City Lord come from? Could it be Huang Baitao, the City Lord of Beast Emperor City?"


    "Is he also on this ship?"


    Everyone looked bewildered, constantly scanning their surroundings, trying to locate this legendary City Lord.


    The three people from Xue Mantian looked at each other in confusion.


    Ge Ruoyi said in a deep voice, "Huang Baitao is a seventh-ranking power in the Dharma Manifestation Realm, and it is said that he had an encounter with the Sea God and condensed the Sea God Dharma Idol. On the ocean, his combat power is nearly on par with a peak Dharma Manifestation Realm expert. If he is here, we must not offend him!"


    "Damn it, who would have thought Huang Baitao would be here. We can''t disturb him. We must make this a quick battle!" Xu Jinlong said, his expression grave.


    Xue Mantian nodded and called out loudly, "I was unaware of Huang''s presence; my offense was unintentional. I, Xue Mantian, am here on orders to capture Xiao Yi, and I had no intention of disturbing the City Lord!"


    "..."


    Yet no one inside the ship responded to him.


    While Xue Mantian was frowning,


    Shadow Demon and the others already stood up, looking at him with strange expressions on their faces.


    Suddenly...


    Xue Mantian''s face violently changed, the corners of his eyes twitching uncontrollably as he looked at Xiao Yi with disbelief.


    Gulp!


    Xue Mantian swallowed hard, a dreadful thought emerging in his mind, and he hastily shook his head: "Impossible, absolutely impossible..." S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Your next chapter is on My Virtual Library Empire


    At that moment,


    Shadow Demon had already approached Xiao Yi, bowing and saying, "City Lord, this man dares to target your life. Please give the order to execute this criminal!"


    Hum!


    Xue Mantian''s complexion turned ashen.


    Ge Ruoyi and Xu Jinlong stood dumbfounded, their perplexed faces burning as if slapped dozens of times.


    What the hell!


    The City Lord is Xiao Yi?


    Xiao Yi is the City Lord who made the four major Dharma Manifestation experts and nearly a hundred Tao Tribulation experts bow?


    Gulp!


    A twitch appeared at the corner of Ge Ruoyi''s mouth as he tasted bitterness: "I, I must be hallucinating, right?"


    Xu Jinlong glanced at him blankly: "I, I seem to be hallucinating too. They are actually calling Xiao Yi the City Lord? Hehe, isn''t that funny..."


    Xue Mantian: "..."


    Funny my ass!


    Hallucinations my grandpa!


    All of this is real!


    Indeed, they were addressing Xiao Yi as the City Lord, and Xiao Yi was that City Lord whom the four major Dharma Manifestation experts and nearly a hundred Tao Tribulation experts willingly served!


    At this moment...


    Xue Mantian only wanted to flee for his life.


    Even just Shadow Demon alone was enough to make him feel his life was in jeopardy, not to mention the other three high-ranked Dharma Manifestation Realm experts and the nearly a hundred Calamity Realm powerhouses!


    He couldn''t imagine how the young man who could have been crushed by a mere finger not so long ago had in just a little over a year reached a height that he could only look up to.


    Xiao Yi looked on with a playful expression, staring intently at Xue Mantian and said with a smile, "Xue Mantian, Xue, weren''t you going to bully with numbers?"


    "..."


    Xue Mantian felt his face resounding with slaps.


    His face was burning from the metaphorical slaps!


    Xue Mantian said with a dark face, "Xiao Yi, I admit I underestimated you. I never thought that in just over a year, you would have come this far. Today I will take my loss, but the tables will turn. One day, you will fall into my hands!"


    Knowing he was no match, Xue Mantian decisively chose to retreat.


    Just the four major Dharma Manifestation experts were trouble enough for them, let alone nearly a hundred Tao Tribulation experts.


    This time, the attempt to kill Xiao Yi was already impossible!


    "Want to leave now? It''s too late!"


    Xiao Yi gave a cold smile and looked at Shadow Demon, "Leave Xue Mantian for me, kill all the others!"


    "Yes!"


    Shadow Demon nodded vigorously.


    Even he was no match for Xiao Yi, let alone Xue Mantian, a mere fourth level of the Dharma Manifestation Realm?


    However...


    Xue Mantian, who was intent on fleeing, stopped in his tracks when he heard this, pointed at himself, and looked at Xiao Yi in disbelief, "What did you say? You want to kill me?"


    Xiao Yi nodded, "Why not?"


    "Interesting, really interesting. Xiao Yi, it seems that not only has your cultivation improved over the years, but you''ve also become completely arrogant. You, a mere Tao Tribulation Realm, think you can kill me? That''s utterly ridiculous. Since you''re determined to seek death, then I shall fulfill your wish!"


    Xue Mantian laughed heartily. He had thought there would be no chance to kill Xiao Yi. Unexpectedly, Xiao Yi was the one who delivered himself to the door. He turned to Ge Ruoyi and the others, "Hold them off, don''t let them get free to help Xiao Yi. Once I''ve killed this lad, we''ll make a quick escape!"


    "Rest assured!"


    "With such arrogance, Master Xue needs to teach him a good lesson!"


    Ge Ruoyi and his companion responded in succession.


    Xue Mantian said with confidence, "Rest assured, within three moves, I will have his head!"


    Looking at the confident Xue Mantian.


    Shadow Demon and the others shook their heads and sighed inwardly, "This idiot!"


    At the same time.


    Xiao Yi had already soared into the sky, confronting Xue Mantian in the air above.


    Xue Mantian said confidently, "Within three moves, I will take your head!"


    "Three moves?"


    Xiao Yi shook his head, a strange expression on his face, "Three moves are too many, one is enough!"


    "Hmm?"


    Xue Mantian was taken aback and then laughed, "It seems you''re not hopelessly arrogant after all, knowing that I only need one move to finish you off!"


    "Wait a minute!"


    Xiao Yi raised his hand to stop the self-satisfied Xue Mantian, saying seriously, "What I mean is, to kill you, I only need one move!"


    Huh?


    Xue Mantian''s face turned from red to white. He was, after all, a formidable fourth-level expert of the Dharma Manifestation Realm and the ninth master of Xue Yilou; even his peers wouldn''t dare claim they could beat him in one move.


    Xiao Yi was merely at the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    And yet he had the audacity to proclaim he could defeat Xue Mantian in one move?


    In Xue Mantian''s view, this was an intolerable humiliation and provocation.


    Xue Mantian laughed angrily, "One move? I shall stand right here, not moving an inch, and see how you can defeat me in one move!"


    "As you wish!"


    Xiao Yi''s smile suddenly vanished from his face.


    Whiz!


    His figure soared into the sky, and as the vital energy within him surged, the sky and earth changed color, and storms raged. Countless gales and thunderbolts fused into the palm of his hand, forming a purple-gold spear out of Wind Thunder.


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi flung his hand.


    The purple-gold spear tore through the void, pulling along a golden trail of light, and headed straight towards Xue Mantian. The terrifying sound, accompanied by booming thunder, approached, and the horror of the energy fluctuation caused Xue Mantian''s smug smile to suddenly freeze.


    His eyes bulged with rage and filled with terror, "This... this power..."


    The might rolling off the purple-gold thunderous spear made Xue Mantian feel the threat of death; light surged around his body, forming a circular energy barrier.


    Shielding himself.


    Simultaneously.


    The purple-gold spear struck swiftly, and with a thunderous explosion, the energy barrier shattered instantly.


    Within the purple-gold light, thunder surged over the spear.


    Splat!


    The spear effortlessly pierced through Xue Mantian''s shoulder.


    Ahhh...


    Xue Mantian screamed miserably as he was thrown backward with the spear, crashing into the sea with a bang. A hundred-foot-high wave rose into the sky, and Xiao Yi hovered in the air, gazing at the sea surface as it returned to calm.


    He reached out with his palm.


    Whoosh!


    A vast whirlpool appeared on the surface of the sea, and a water tornado shot up into the sky. Within that watery vortex, the pale-faced Xue Mantian was grasped by the neck by Xiao Yi and lifted up in front of him, "You, have lost!"

 Chapter 342 My Word Is The Evidence!

    "You lost!"


    Xiao Yi grasped Xue Mantian''s throat with one hand, lifting him to face himself, his expression void of emotion as he spoke.


    The purple-gold lightning spear above Xue Mantian''s shoulder had vanished, but blood continued to gush profusely from the gaping wound.


    His pale face was filled with intense shock and disbelief.


    Staring fixedly at Xiao Yi.


    In his eyes, there was also a hint of sudden realization and confusion.


    Once upon a time...


    Back in the Tianqing Kingdom, Xiao Yi was as insignificant as an ant in his presence, not even capable of resisting. But now, in just a little over a year, Xiao Yi had risen to heights he could only look up to. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Pu!


    Xue Mantian''s mouth uncontrollably spewed out a mouthful of fresh blood, his eyes crimson as he stared at Xiao Yi, "I, I never imagined that in just a short year, you could become so strong. However, if you dare to kill me, Xue Yilou will never let you off!"


    Xue Yilou, the most formidable assassination organization of the Great Qian Dynasty.


    Behind it stood a weighty figure of the Great Qian Dynasty.


    Within the vast ranks of Xue Yilou, even Xue Mantian, who was just the ninth floor''s master, had already reached the fourth level of the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    This meant that there were at least eight others stronger than him.


    It was unquestionably a force that could not be ignored.


    However...


    Xiao Yi, with an expressionless face, said indifferently, "Xue Yilou? If they don''t provoke me, then fine, but if they dare... I''ll kill them one by one, a pair for every pair that comes..."


    Overbearing, confident.


    In this moment, Xiao Yi exuded a disdainful coldness that overlooked everything under the heavens.


    "Xue Mantian, let me send you on your final journey!"


    Xiao Yi''s hand suddenly exerted force.


    Ka-chak!


    Xue Mantian''s head tilted to the side, life extinguished completely.


    At the same time.


    Shadow Demon and the others had also dealt with Zhang Ling and Shu He, as well as the hundreds of strong individuals from various powers.


    Bodies drifted in the sea water, fresh red blood saturating the surrounding area.


    Moving with the waves.


    Stirring up waves of crimson foam.


    Not far away...


    Some beasts eyed them greedily, just waiting for Xiao Yi and his group to leave so they could launch a fierce attack to contest the corpses floating in the water.


    Xiao Yi stepped onto the deck.


    All the powerhouses on the ship shivered, looking at him with awe on their faces.


    Xiao Yi looked at the ship''s master and said indifferently, "Gather up all these bodies!"


    "Yes!"


    The ship''s master, not daring to disobey, immediately sent men to begin collecting the corpses.


    An hour later.


    All the bodies had been retrieved, the ship''s master looked at Xiao Yi uneasily, "Sir, some of the bodies were too fragmented, we could only find some pieces, the rest have been collected!"


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow, noticing that many of the bodies on the deck were missing arms and legs.


    Zhang Ling touched his nose, his expression awkward, "Xiao, I''m really sorry, I just couldn''t hold it any longer!"


    Zhang Ling had achieved a hundred victories in the Slave Battlefield ten years ago, and after that, he was imprisoned by Sha Kun and spent the last decade in a dark and sunless dungeon.


    Now that he was free, he had finally encountered a fight where he could go all out without any restraint.


    Naturally, he had to vent thoroughly.


    Xiao Yi rolled his eyes and waved his hand, "It''s fine, just remember to be more measured next time!"


    Too much bloodshed is not good!


    Zhang Ling nodded, "Don''t worry, in the future, I''ll try to leave them intact!"


    *Thump*


    The ship''s master''s legs went weak, nearly kneeling on the ground.


    Experience more on My Virtual Library Empire


    What the hell!


    What kind of people are these?


    Being more measured means leaving a whole corpse?


    The ship''s master''s head was practically buried in his chest; he dared not lift his eyes to look at these fearsome and threatening figures!


    Xiao Yi glanced at him and ordered, "Tie all these corpses to that small boat; we ourselves will pilot the small boat back!"


    "Ah?"


    The captain was taken aback.


    He had thought that Xiao Yi would ask them to take the small boat and the bodies back, and he was worried about being implicated. To his surprise, Xiao Yi volunteered this request, leaving the captain utterly grateful; he knelt on the ground and said, "Thank you, sir, for your mercy!"


    "This matter has nothing to do with you; there is no need for such actions!"


    Xiao Yi waved his hand dismissively.


    Then, the group took the bodies of Xue Mantian and the others to the small boat, hanging them around the small ship before sailing towards Linhai City.


    That vast ship, however, followed far behind.


    Half a day later.


    Linhai City appeared in their sight.


    Shu He steered the boat mightily towards Linhai City.


    Linhai is the only port of the Great Qian Dynasty that leads into Beast Emperor City. Countless ships come and go every day; among them are gigantic ships thousands of meters in length.


    Their thousand-meter-long small ship was unremarkable in the port of Linhai City.


    But now...


    As soon as Xiao Yi''s ship appeared, it caused a sensation.


    This sensation spread through the entire Linhai City harbor like a plague: "Look over there, why is that ship tied with so many bodies?"


    "Wait, I recognize that person; he is a strong warrior from Three Seas Mountain!"


    "That is the Taoist robe of Wendao Villa..."


    "Is that person tied at the bow wearing clothes from Xue Yilou? Isn''t that Xue Mantian, the ninth master of Xue Yilou? My heavens, how could he also be dead?"


    The entire dock was boiling over with excitement.


    Astonishment and terror were written all over the faces of countless powerhouses as they looked at each other.


    Fearing they were caught in an illusion.


    Clang clang clang!


    Amidst the sound of clashing metal, a troop of over a thousand people surged into the dock - it was Linhai City''s enforcement military.


    Leading them was none other than the city lord of Linhai City, the second-ranked General Li Bin.


    Li Bin was clad in silver battle armor and riding a Sea Dragon Horse, his eyes filled with gravity. He had only received news of a ship full of corpses entering Linhai City and had immediately come with the enforcement soldiers.


    Not until he saw with his own eyes this little ship teeming with severed heads did Li feel a chill engulfing his body.


    The situation has blown up!


    That was Li Bin''s first reaction.


    He recognized not only Xue Mantian but also Ge Ruoyi.


    The hundreds of corpses on this ship included powerhouses from Three Seas Mountain, Wendao Villa, the Nangong Family, the Beitang Family, and Xue Yilou!


    Which one of them was easy to provoke?


    Rumble!


    The small ship docked at the shore.


    A group of figures walked out from the cabin, with Xiao Yi at the forefront, followed closely by the Shadow Demon, Fu Yuan, Zhang Ling, and Shu He. Then came Along and the other ninety-eight Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouses.


    Hiss!


    The appearance of these hundred-plus people, four Dharma Manifestation Realm, and over a hundred Tao Tribulation Realm, seemed to calm the turbulent waters of the harbor.


    Everyone held their breath, not daring to make a sound.


    Sweat poured down Li Bin''s forehead; he too was at the Tao Tribulation Realm Peak, but among this group, there were more than a dozen whose aura was no less than his.


    Especially the Shadow Demon and the other three, each of them was unfathomable to him.


    Gulp!


    Li Bin desperately swallowed, his previous assertive aura completely doused. He stepped forward and said, "City Lord Li Bin of Linhai bids welcome to all the distinguished guests!"


    "City Lord Li!"


    Xiao Yi nodded and said, "I am Xiao Yi!"


    "Xiao Yi?"


    Li Bin was taken aback, his pupils suddenly narrowing, "You, you are Xiao, the head of Xiaoshanhe Institute?"


    Xiao Yi hummed affirmatively, then pointing to the corpses of Xue Mantian and others, he spoke indifferently, "These people attacked me and have all been executed. You need not trouble yourself, City Lord Li!"


    "This..."


    Li Bin hesitated. Xiao Yi''s reputation was indeed not weak, but it still didn''t compare to the intimidating power of Xue Yilou, the Nangong Family, and the Beitang Family. In a grave voice, Li Bin said, "Director Xiao, this is a matter of great importance. You say they attacked you, do you have any evidence?"


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes as he scanned Li Bin.


    The Shadow Demon and the others behind him also turned their gaze towards Li Bin.


    Thud!


    Li Bin trembled all over, feeling as if he had fallen into an ice cellar, with darkness, despair, and bone-chilling cold enshrouding him.


    He only heard Xiao Yi''s icy voice ringing in his ears, "My word is the evidence!"

 Chapter 343 Taking You to See the Play!

    "My words are evidence!"


    Xiao Yi''s face sported a frosty hue as he stared intently at Li Bin, enunciating each word, "What? Do you have an objection?"


    Gulp!


    Li Bin swallowed reflexively.


    His complexion turned deathly white.


    Under Xiao Yi''s oppressive aura, it felt as if an invisible giant hand was clutching his throat, leaving him unable to make the slightest sound. Even his legs were trembling. He could only muster the strength to stand before Xiao Yi.


    Whew!


    Li Bin let out a long breath of foul air and said somberly, "Director Xiao jests. This subordinate wouldn''t dare have any opinion." After a pause, he asked, "Director Xiao, would you like this subordinate to send someone to help you handle these corpses?"


    "No need!"


    Xiao Yi waved his hand and then looked toward Shadow Demon and the others, "Take down the masts on the ship for me, and hang their corpses on them. We''re heading back to the imperial capital!"


    "Yes!"


    The Shadow Demon and the rest promptly took action.


    The masts were disassembled.


    One by one, corpses were suspended from the masts.


    A total of ten masts.


    Each one hung with more than a dozen bodies, shouldered by two Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouses. Xiao Yi swept his gaze over Li Bin and said indifferently, "City Lord Li, I shall take my leave first!"


    Swish!


    A group of figures soared into the sky.


    As he watched the ten masts laden with corpses, Li Bin felt a chill run down his spine and could no longer stand, collapsing to the ground with a thud. Breathing heavily, his pale face was filled with shock and fear, and he looked toward the enforcing soldiers at his side, "Quick, send a message to the imperial capital..."


    He looked up at Xiao Yi and the others, growing distant and disappearing into the void.


    Li Bin realized he was soaked in cold sweat and murmured to himself, "It''s over, this is going to cause major trouble!"


    ...¡­


    In the imperial capital, Xuanwu Square.


    This vast square located in Beicheng was the main battlefield for the Xiaoshanhe Institute''s Genius Battle, set to begin in half an hour.


    But now...


    The grand Xuanwu Square was nearly empty.


    Eerily desolate.


    Hai Wei, Yu Huaxian, and Li Jinjun sat on a high platform, and their expressions were somber.


    Swish!


    Amidst a whooshing sound.


    Ye Heng''s figure appeared in the square. He bowed to the three of them and said solemnly, "Three elders, I have ascertained the situation. Everyone has gone to the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy!"


    "Shanhe Martial Arts Academy?"


    "The one established by Chen Shuiwen and others?"


    The three Yu Huaxian were taken aback.


    Chen Shuiwen, after leaving the Xiaoshanhe Institute, was set on creating a martial arts academy of his own.


    Through the connections of Li Shengtian and Tian Xiao,


    Chen Shuiwen got in touch with heavyweights such as Three Seas Mountain, Wendao Villa, the Beitang Family, and the Nangong Family. Supported by these giants, Three Seas Mountain and Wendao Villa dispatched experts to populate the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy.


    The Beitang and Nangong families provided herbal and alchemical resources.


    The Shanhe Martial Arts Academy, even before its establishment, had already overshadowed the Xiaoshanhe Institute in terms of influence.


    "They changed their inaugural grand ceremony, originally scheduled seven days from now, to today. Anyone attending the founding ceremony will receive ten pieces of silver as a gift. Right now, the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy has gathered several hundred thousand people, and¡­"


    Ye Heng nodded gravely and continued, "I have just heard that Chen Shuiwen announced that anyone who joins the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy today and becomes its disciple will receive resources for cultivation worth a hundred thousand pieces of silver. Moreover, those with exceptional talent can even become disciples of masters in the Tao Tribulation Realm and even the Dharma Manifestation Realm. Now, everyone is heading there!"


    Hiss!


    Yu Huaxian and the others'' faces changed simultaneously.


    All the hustle and bustle of the world is for profit.


    Just by attending the opening ceremony, one could receive ten Silver, which was hardly different from picking it up for free; naturally, the common folk would head that way.


    Moreover, simply by joining the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy today, one could obtain cultivation resources worth a hundred thousand Silver¡ªthese offerings alone could attract countless powerhouses to give it a try.


    A hundred thousand Silver!


    For many people of modest family background, that was a substantial sum.


    And more importantly...


    They could possibly become disciples under masters of the Tao Tribulation Realm and Dharma Manifestation Realm, a dream coveted by so many, wasn''t it?


    Chen Shuiwen''s move hit the Xiaoshanhe Institute right where it hurt!


    Bang!


    Yu Huaxian slammed his hands hard on the table, his eyes a fiery red: "That bastard Chen Shuiwen, he wants to put an end to our talent competition!"


    "What are we to do now? Before Xiao left, we promised that there would be no issues, but now..." Hai Wei said with a worried face.


    Li Jinjun offered a wry smile, "Shall we... raise the rewards too?"


    This was their first mission after siding with the Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    If they messed this up...


    How could they continue to mix in at the Xiaoshanhe Institute in the future?


    Yu Huaxian shook his head: "It''s no use!" S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiaoshanhe Institute, at best, had the trillion Silver that Xiao Yi won, whereas behind Chen Shuiwen''s Shanhe Martial Arts Academy stood multiple forces like Three Seas Mountain, Wendao Villa, the Beitang Family, and the Nangong Family.


    Any one of these forces was wealthier than the Xiaoshanhe Institute. Experience tales with My Virtual Library Empire


    In terms of money, resources, and foundation...


    The Xiaoshanhe Institute had no advantage whatsoever.


    As they were pondering...


    A streak of golden light descended from the sky, landing instantly before them. This golden light was none other than Little Lin, who stood upright with a human-like grin, "It looks like you guys are in trouble!"


    "Little Lin?"


    "Why have you come back? Where''s Xiao Yi? Didn''t he return with you?"


    Yu Huaxian and Ye Heng were taken aback, looking around, yet they found no trace of Xiao Yi.


    Little Lin chuckled and scanned Ye Heng, "Little Ye, not bad at all! Already at the Fourth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm. It seems that you haven''t been slacking off in the days I was away!"


    "Uncle Master Little Lin..."


    Ye Heng gave a wry smile, "Shouldn''t we be more worried about other matters right now?"


    Little Lin nodded, "Don''t worry, the boss already knows about the situation here. He sent me to tell you guys, the talent competition is on hold, and he wants you all to go to Shanhe Martial Arts Academy to watch the show!"


    "Go to Shanhe Martial Arts Academy to watch the show?"


    Yu Huaxian and the others were stunned.


    Ye Heng''s eyes shone, "Is Master at Shanhe Martial Arts Academy?"


    Little Lin nodded.


    Yu Huaxian laughed heartily, the gloom on his face clearing entirely, as he looked at Hai Wei and Li Jinjun, "Let''s go to Shanhe Martial Arts Academy, we finally get to see Xiao Yi take action personally again!"


    Since they had wiped out the Great Jin Kingdom, it had been some time since he had seen Xiao Yi in action.


    Hai Wei and the others were taken aback.


    Li Jinjun murmured, "Xiao Yi indeed is a real dragon among men, but the forces behind Shanhe Martial Arts Academy are formidable, what good can he do by coming back alone?"


    Little Lin glanced at him, speaking lightly, "You''ll find out soon enough!"


    Everyone promptly headed in the direction of Shanhe Martial Arts Academy.


    Each person''s heart was filled with both confusion and anticipation.


    The Xiao Yi, who had created countless miracles before, how would he deal with Shanhe Martial Arts Academy this time?

 Chapter 344 The Mountain Opening Ceremony

    Shanhe Martial Arts Academy.


    Located in the bustling East City, this estate originally belonged to the Nangong Family, which was used to support Chen Shuiwen in establishing the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy to counter the Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    The Nangong and Beitang Families bought up more than a dozen other courtyards in the vicinity.


    It is said.


    That just the land in the area where the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy is situated cost a total of 500 billion Silver Taels.


    That''s real, genuine silver.


    "This Shanhe Martial Arts Academy really is luxurious!"


    "How could it not be luxurious? I heard that they even invited a seven-star Formation Master from the Tianjian Sect to set up a Spirit Gathering Array. The vitality of heaven and earth inside the academy is five times that of the outside, which has significantly boosted the heaven and earth vitality throughout the entire imperial capital!"


    "This is way more generous than the Xiaoshanhe Institute!"


    "Isn''t that the truth? That''s why almost all the participants from the previous Talent Battle have rushed over here!"


    "The people from Xiaoshanhe Institute must be crying. They went through so much trouble to hold a Talent Battle, only for no one to show up..."


    Hundreds of thousands of people gathered outside the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy, clogging up Xuanwu Avenue so tight that not even water could flow through. Among the crowd, members of the Nangong and Beitang Families occasionally moved through, distributing Silver Taels.


    Anyone willing to come to the opening ceremony of the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy would receive ten Silver Taels.


    This gimmick really attracted quite a crowd. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Inside the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy.


    Chen Shuiwen''s face was alight with excitement as he watched the sea of people outside and smiled at Nangong Shengtian beside him, "Ancestor Nangong, you truly are wise and resourceful! You''ve managed to make the Xiaoshanhe Institute''s doors beg for visitors, by spending just a few million Silver Taels!"


    "Don''t underestimate these ten Silver Taels. People are greedy, and nobody wants to miss out on a pie falling from the sky," Nangong Shengtian said calmly.


    Beitang Feng also laughed scornfully, "To think that Xiao Yi, a boy whose whiskers haven''t even fully grown, would dare to compete with us? He''s simply a moth flying into the flame!"


    Sun Zhengyi stood by with a flattering look on his face, "Chancellor, honored ancestors, the time is almost upon us. We should head to the front and host the opening ceremony!"


    "Hmm!"


    Nangong Sheng nodded his head and made a welcoming gesture to Chen, smiling, "Chancellor Chen, you are today''s star. Please, after you!"


    "Thank you, Ancestor Nangong. Then I won''t be courteous!"


    Chen Shuiwen laughed heartily with a ruddy complexion, striding forward with the vigor of a dragon and the step of a tiger.


    Vital energy radiated wildly from his body, already showing signs of leaking out.


    The Sword Inquiry Taoist watched his receding figure and murmured, "He is truly worthy of that person''s favor; in just a few days, Chen Shuiwen has made such great progress. With his condition, he can already step into the Dharma Manifestation Realm. I suspect he''s been purposely suppressing it until today to make a breakthrough!"


    "That person has controlled Xue Yilou for many years, and his power is certainly not inferior to yours or mine," Yun Ruowang said indifferently.


    Nangong Sheng smiled, "Now that he stands with us, the stronger his power, the better for us." He paused, narrowed his eyes, and shook his head with a sigh, "It''s a pity, though, that we won''t be able to see Xiao Yi''s expression when he sees all this!"


    "In another two or three days, Xue Mantian will probably be able to bring his head back, right?"


    As everyone talked.


    They had arrived at the gate of Shanhe Martial Arts Academy. Read exclusive adventures at My Virtual Library Empire


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    A series of resonant bell tolls suddenly rang out, quieting the noise from the hundreds of thousands of onlookers on Xuanwu Avenue, as they all turned to look toward the huge vermillion gate of the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy.


    Above the gate, a bright red sash concealed the plaque.


    At the time of the opening ceremony.


    Chen Shuiwen himself would uncover the red cloth, and at that moment, the red gates thundered and slowly swung open.


    "They''re coming out!"


    "Is that Chen Shuiwen, the headmaster of the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy?"


    "Look behind him; isn''t that Ancestor Nangong Shengtian from the Nangong Family? And Beitang Feng from the Beitang Family..."


    "Those two are Yun Ruowang, the Deputy Sect Master of Three Seas Mountain, and the Sword Inquiry Taoist, the Deputy Master of Wendao Villa!"


    "It seems the rumors are true; the forces behind the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy are much stronger than those behind the Xiaoshanhe Institute. Besides, inside the academy, there is even a Heaven and Earth Vitality Gathering Array that boosts vitality by five times. Why bother with the Xiaoshanhe Institute?"


    For a moment,


    The crowd was abuzz with excitement.


    "Ahem!"


    Chen Shuiwen cleared his throat, and his voice spread among the people, proclaiming loudly, "Today is the grand opening of our Shanhe Court. First and foremost, I thank you all for coming to witness the event..."


    A series of tedious ramblings.


    "As everyone knows, I, Chen Shuiwen, was once the Deputy Headmaster of the Xiaoshanhe Institute; however, due to the machinations of some petty individuals, I was forced to leave. After my departure, all instructors and over sixty percent of the disciples from the Xiaoshanhe Institute chose to leave with me. To avoid disappointing them, I began preparations for this Shanhe Martial Arts Academy!"


    Chen Shuiwen''s voice grew heavier as he continued, "Your presence here today proves that you trust me, Chen Shuiwen. I assure you that by joining the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy, you will be provided with cultivation resources worth one hundred thousand Silver Taels. Those who are exceptionally talented may even have the chance to become disciples of masters in the Tao Tribulation Realm and Dharma Manifestation Realm, gaining access to even more cultivation resources. Ancestor Nangong and the others can vouch for this!"


    Ancestor Nangong Shengtian nodded and said, "My Nangong Family will fully support Headmaster Chen''s Shanhe Martial Arts Academy!"


    Beitang Feng added, "My Beitang Family will fully support Headmaster Chen!"


    Yun Ruowang declared, "Three Seas Mountain will send ten Tao Tribulation Realm cultivators and one Dharma Manifestation Realm cultivator to take residence at the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy!"


    "Wendao Villa has decided to send ten cultivators in the Tao Tribulation Realm and one in the Dharma Manifestation Realm to reside in the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy!" The Sword Inquiry Taoist, his gaze sharp as a blade, swept over the crowd and said indifferently.


    Boom!


    An ecstatic cheer suddenly erupted among the crowd.


    With just Wendao Villa and Three Seas Mountain, they were supporting the academy with twenty Tao Tribulation Realm and two Dharma Manifestation Realm masters.


    Additionally, the Nangong and Beitang Families were providing pill and medicinal herb resources.


    The teaching faculty and the resources of the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy far exceeded those of the Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    "I heard that the strongest in the Xiaoshanhe Institute is only at the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm, and they don''t even have a Dharma Manifestation Realm cultivator!"


    "The entire Xiaoshanhe Institute has less than ten people in the Tao Tribulation Realm. How can they even compare?"


    "I was thinking of having my son attend the genius battle at Xiaoshanhe Institute, but now it seems there''s no need to choose. The Shanhe Martial Arts Academy is obviously the right choice..."


    Hearing the discussions among the crowd, the smile on Chen Shuiwen''s face became even brighter.


    "Ladies and gentlemen..."


    Chen Shuiwen, his face aglow with joy, continued to speak, "I would like to express my gratitude here to the Nangong and Beitang Families, Three Seas Mountain, and Wendao Villa for their generous support. At the same time, today, at the grand opening of my Shanhe Martial Arts Academy, I, Chen Shuiwen, have another piece of great news to announce!"


    "Great news?"


    "What on earth could it be?"


    The crowd looked puzzled.


    The corners of Chen Shuiwen''s mouth turned up slightly, and a terrifying aura suddenly surged to the heavens from him.


    His cultivation was climbing rapidly.


    He had reached the pinnacle of the Tao Tribulation Realm Peak, and at the same time, a black cloud began to gather above him. The wind and clouds churned, lightning tumbled, and with a loud laugh, Chen Shuiwen rose slowly into the air, "Today, I, Chen Shuiwen, will step into the Dharma Manifestation Realm. I invite you all to bear witness!"


    "Damn, is Headmaster Chen about to break through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm?"


    "Doesn''t that mean Shanhe Martial Arts Academy will have three great Dharma Manifestation Realm masters presiding over it?"


    Just as everyone was expressing their amazement and Chen Shuiwen was wearing a look of pride, at that moment, a mocking voice came from the void: "Are we here to witness your failed tribulation?"

 Chapter 345 I, Can Help You!

    A sardonic and cold voice suddenly spread throughout heaven and earth.


    Chen Shuiwen''s face, previously filled with self-satisfaction, abruptly froze, his eyes lifted in shock as he turned towards the source of the sound, pupils shrinking abruptly as he exclaimed in disbelief, "Xiao Yi? How could it possibly be you?"


    Within his line of sight.


    Xiao Yi was approaching, walking in mid-air, his hands behind his back, his face carrying a taunting gaze as he looked at Chen Shuiwen.


    At the entrance.


    Nangong Shengtian, Beitang Feng, Sword Inquiry Taoist, and Yun Ruowang were all exchanging unbelieving looks, saying with shock, "How can this be? Could it be that Xue Mantian has failed?"


    "With Xue Mantian''s pinnacle cultivation in the Fourth Layer of the Dharma Manifestation Realm, plus the help of Zhang Ling and another, how could they possibly fail?"


    "Could it be that they did not encounter Xiao Yi?"


    "Damn, this brat is really lucky!"


    Everyone was seething with irritation.


    In their opinion...


    If Xiao Yi had encountered Xue Mantian and the others, he would surely have only one path¡ªto death.


    Now that Xiao Yi was able to appear here, it must be that Xue Mantian and the others had not met him. At this moment, Nangong Shengtian and the others could not possibly have imagined that Xue Mantian and his compatriots had already perished at Xiao Yi''s hands.


    In mid-air.


    Chen Shuiwen, his face icy, stared at Xiao Yi, his expression had returned to normal, and he laughed coldly, "You really are lucky... But this is also good, to let you see with your own eyes, your Xiaoshanhe Institute being trampled under my feet, this would satisfy the hatred in my heart!"


    "Trample my Xiaoshanhe Institute under your feet? With just you?"


    Xiao Yi laughed, the corners of his mouth lifted slightly, revealing a thick sneer.


    Chen Shuiwen snorted coldly, saying arrogantly, "Xiao Yi, I admit you are strong and talented, but I now have the backing of Xue Yilou, both the Nangong and Beitang Families, as well as Three Seas Mountain and Wendao Villa. Moreover, I am about to traverse the Heavenly Tribulation and step into the Dharma Manifestation Realm. What do you have to contend with me?"


    "Heavenly Tribulation?"


    Xiao Yi looked up at the tribulation clouds covering ten miles of the sky, the corner of his mouth curling slightly.


    When I broke through to the Tao Tribulation Realm, I drew a Heavenly Tribulation that spanned a hundred miles.


    You''re breaking through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm, and you only draw a ten-mile-wide Heavenly Tribulation.


    Why do you feel so proud?


    Chen Shuiwen, observing Xiao Yi''s silence, assumed Xiao Yi was intimidated by the might of the Heavenly Tribulation and straightened his spine, his smile growing more proud, "Xiao Yi, open your eyes wide and see clearly¡ªthis is the might of Dharma Manifestation. Once I achieve Dharma Manifestation, with support from Ancestor Nangong and the others, my Shanhe Martial Arts Academy will surely trample your Xiaoshanhe Institute under its feet. Hahaha..."


    Boom!


    Chen Shuiwen soared into the sky.


    Rumbling!


    Above the heavens, the pitch-black clouds teemed with zigzagging purple-golden lightning.


    Thunderous roars reverberated, deafening to the ears.


    On Xuanwu Avenue, countless citizens who had never seen such a terrifying heavenly might exclaimed in fear, "Is this the Heavenly Tribulation? Chen is able to draw such a terrifying Heavenly Tribulation; his power is indeed formidable!"


    "Chen is about to step into the Dharma Manifestation Realm. With the support of the Nangong Family, the rise of Shanhe Martial Arts Academy is within sight!"


    Listening to the praises of the crowd.


    Experience new stories on My Virtual Library Empire


    Chen Shuiwen, full of conceit, bellowed, "Everyone, today is the day I, Chen Shuiwen, overcome the tribulation. Open your eyes wide and watch how I, Chen Shuiwen, defy the heavens..."


    Boom!


    Silver light radiated around Chen Shuiwen, expanding to a hundred feet, as if he were a silver War God himself.


    Swish!


    He leapt into the air, hurtling toward the thunderclouds.


    Watching the lightning roar above, the purple-golden rays within the black clouds flickering uncertainly, the terrifying Heavenly Tribulation brewing, ready to strike.


    But at that moment...


    Xiao Yi''s voice once again reached Chen Shuiwen''s ears, "Since Chen wishes to perform a heaven-defying act for everyone to see, how could I, Xiao Yi, come empty-handed? Let me add a few bricks and mortar to your grand feat!"


    "Hmm?"


    Chen Shuiwen, single-mindedly preparing to traverse his tribulation and showcase his mighty power, stiffened.


    He whipped around, staring incredulously at Xiao Yi.


    A look of terror crept into his eyes.


    Even his voice trembled, "Xiao Yi, what do you want to do?"


    "No good!"


    "Xiao Yi is planning to enhance the power of the heavenly tribulation!"


    "Damn it, we must stop him..."


    "Don''t even think about intervening, if our power is detected by the heavenly tribulation, it will only make its power grow stronger."


    Nangong Shengtian and others turned pale and helpless.


    Beitang Feng growled with rage, "Chen Shuiwen, that idiot, should have found a safe place to hide while undergoing tribulation, but he chose to do it in front of a crowd to show off. This has provided Xiao Yi with an opportunity, yet we can only watch helplessly. What should we do..."


    In order to inaugurate the grand opening ceremony of the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy, they had exhausted every means and effort to attract all the attention of the imperial capital.


    If Chen Shuiwen could safely get through the tribulation, naturally, it would enhance the prestige.


    But if he failed, it would be disgraceful!


    Hum!


    The aura of the Eighth Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm emanating from Xiao Yi immediately made the heavenly tribulation restless. The roaring sound was deafening, and the purple-gold lightning surged without stopping, causing the clouds of tribulation to swell abruptly.


    From a ten-mile radius, it directly climbed to twenty miles.


    Thirty miles.


    Forty miles...


    It surged to a fifty-mile radius.


    The power of the heavenly tribulation increased by more than fivefold, the terrifying heavenly might caused Chen Shuiwen''s bones to crackle and his body was soaked with cold sweat.


    Gurgle!


    Chen Shuiwen turned deathly pale, "It''s over, it''s over, how can I possibly get through such a tribulation?"


    Boom!


    The first lightning strike of the heavenly tribulation violently descended.


    "Taiji without limits!"


    Chen Shuiwen ran his Qi to its limits throughout his body, forming a Qi Taiji above his head, hoping to fend off the heavenly tribulation.


    Crack!


    The bucket-thick lightning shattered the Qi Taiji.


    The terrible lightning engulfed him in an instant. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Wow!


    Chen Shuiwen screamed miserably, his body charred, falling from the sky.


    With a thud, he crashed to the ground.


    In a huge pit, the second bolt of heavenly tribulation struck down violently, and a ghastly scream emerged from within the pit: "Awooo..."


    "Damn it!"


    "Is this a tribulation failure?"


    "How can it not be a failure? Chen Shuiwen''s realm was forced through with the secret techniques of Xue Yilou, and now the tribulation has increased fivefold, how could he withstand it?"


    Nangong Sheng and the others looked at each other, their faces also turning grim.


    And at this moment, they couldn''t even intervene!


    After all.


    That was the heavenly tribulation!


    Fortunately, there was a brief interval before the third lightning, and Chen Shuiwen, covered in soot and spitting blood, climbed out of the pit with a wretched face, emitting a puff of black smoke from his mouth.


    Chen Shuiwen looked at Nangong Shengtian and others: "Ancestor Nangong, help, help me..."


    Nangong Shengtian was powerless to assist: "Sorry, there''s nothing I can do!"


    The Sword Inquiry Taoist and others also had bitter expressions on their faces.


    Watching the purple-gold lightning reaccumulate within the tribulation clouds above, Chen Shuiwen''s face turned green with fright. Just as he was losing all hope, Xiao Yi''s voice reached his ears: "Need help? I can help you!"

 Chapter 346 Sword Slashing the Heavenly Tribulation

    "I can help you!"


    Xiao Yi squatted in front of the pit, smiling as he looked at the Chen Shuiwen before him.


    Your journey continues on My Virtual Library Empire


    On Chen Shuiwen''s pitch-black face, two blood-stained eyes stared fixedly at Xiao Yi, and he sneered, "You? It''d be good enough if you don''t kill me. How could you possibly help me? Besides, this is the Heavenly Tribulation..."


    In Chen Shuiwen''s view,


    It would be good enough if Xiao Yi didn''t kill him.


    How could he possibly help him?


    Besides...


    Nangong Shengtian and the others were powerless against the Heavenly Tribulation''s might. How could Xiao Yi possibly help him?


    At this moment,


    The third thunderbolt from the sky above suddenly descended, a thick, purple-gold lightning bolt coalesced into a mighty dragon, twisting its massive body as it fell from the heavens.


    In an instant, it illuminated half of the sky, seemingly about to strike right behind Xiao Yi.


    In the nick of time,


    Xiao Yi, without turning his head, simply slapped his hand out!


    Hum!


    That terrifying thunderbolt suddenly froze, followed by a surge of peerless elemental power, ascending rebelliously. It enveloped that bolt of lightning and, with a hissing sound, shattered the thick thunderbolt completely.


    Hiss!


    On Xuanwu Avenue, a collective gasp rang out.


    "Impossible!"


    "This is the Heavenly Tribulation! How could Xiao Yi shatter the Heavenly Tribulation with just a slap?"


    "Has the power of the Heavenly Tribulation weakened? No, that''s not right. With nine levels of Heavenly Tribulation, each level is stronger than the last... How did Xiao Yi do it?"


    Everyone was dumbfounded.


    Chen Shuiwen was even more dumbstruck, staring at Xiao Yi in disbelief, "You, you, you..."


    Xiao Yi shook his hand, purple-gold lightning snakes coursing around his palm before they disappeared into his hand. Xiao Yi smiled and said, "Now do you believe that I can help you?"


    Chen Shuiwen showed hesitation on his face.


    Xiao Yi continued, "There are still six more levels of the Heavenly Tribulation to go! You can take your time to think about it!"


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi withdrew and retreated quickly.


    Simultaneously...


    The fourth thunderbolt of Heavenly Tribulation fell, its terrifying divine might turning Chen Shuiwen''s complexion ashen. Gritting his teeth, he said, "I refuse to believe that I can''t withstand a thunderbolt that can be destroyed by a slap from that kid!"


    Hum!


    Silver light swirled around Chen Shuiwen''s body, as if he was a giant formed of poured silver.


    In his palm, a purple-gold long knife hummed and slashed towards the thunderbolt. However, when that fifth-grade weapon touched the lightning, there was a loud crack, and the combat knife was cleaved apart and destroyed by the lightning.


    With its impediment gone, the lightning struck Chen Shuiwen directly.


    Boom!


    This bolt of lightning connected heaven and earth, blowing up the area where Chen Shuiwen stood, creating a ten-meter-deep pit in the ground. Spitting out blood, Chen Shuiwen embarrassedly crawled out of the pit.


    Seeing the fifth wave of the Heavenly Tribulation about to descend,


    Chen Shuiwen no longer dared to be arrogant and quickly looked at Xiao Yi, transmitting his voice, "Xiao Yi, save me!"


    Xiao Yi dug at his ear as if he hadn''t heard a thing.


    Chen Shuiwen''s face turned from green to white, fully aware of Xiao Yi''s intentions; he was expected to loudly beg Xiao Yi for help. But doing so would surely damage his reputation!


    The Headmaster of Shanhe Martial Arts Academy asking for help to survive the tribulation?


    Yet his life was at stake now.


    Chen Shuiwen took a deep breath, and under the threat of death, he closed his eyes and bellowed, "Headmaster Xiao, please save me!"


    "Didn''t Headmaster Chen claim he would trample the Xiaoshanhe Institute underfoot? Now he''s actually begging Headmaster Xiao for help?"


    "I thought Headmaster Xiao handled the Heavenly Tribulation very easily earlier. Why is it so difficult when it reaches Headmaster Chen? Could it be that Headmaster Chen is too weak?"


    The surrounding hundreds of thousands of onlookers all turned their eyes to Chen Shuiwen, murmuring amongst themselves.


    Prior to this...


    Chen Shuiwen was as humiliated as he had been arrogant and smug, and at this moment, his face couldn''t have been more scandalized!


    His complexion turned to the ugliest shade, his eyes nearly bleeding tears. He had gone to great lengths and spared no expense to gather these people here, timed perfectly with the day the geniuses'' battle began, for the grand opening of his institution.


    He had hoped to severely dampen the spirits of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, but now everyone was laughing at him instead.


    Chen Shuiwen felt so mortified, he practically wished for death!


    Xiao Yi glanced at him and said coolly, "Is this how you ask someone for help?"


    "I..."


    Chen Shuiwen''s face turned incredibly ugly as the fifth bolt of Heavenly Tribulation struck down, burying him underground once again. This time, he broke four ribs, suffered internal injuries in all organs, and blood spewed from his every orifice.


    If he delayed any further...


    At most, by the seventh strike of the Heavenly Tribulation, his life would be over.


    Out of desperation,


    Chen Shuiwen closed his eyes in despair, tears of humiliation falling, and he fell to his knees with a thud, pulling at his neck with bulging veins, and roared, "Institute Head Xiao, please save me!"


    "Save me..."


    His roar actually drowned out the sound of thunder.


    At the entrance,


    Nangong Shengtian and the others exchanged glances, all seeing the disagreeable expressions on each other''s faces and the disappointment in their eyes.


    All of their meticulous preparations.


    Had been utterly ruined by Chen Shuiwen''s kneeling!


    As he looked at Chen Shuiwen kneeling before him, the corners of Xiao Yi''s mouth lifted slightly. As the sixth heavenly bolt descended, he declared in a loud voice, "Chen, why go through such lengths? Get up quickly, it''s just a minor Heavenly Tribulation. Watch as I help you transcend this tribulation!"


    "A minor Heavenly Tribulation?"


    "Such grand words, I truly want to see how you will help him transcend this tribulation..."


    Nangong Shengtian and the others all turned their attention to Xiao Yi, watching the tribulation clouds that spanned fifty miles across the sky. A sliver of expectation and hope arose in their hearts, "Wouldn''t it be exactly what we wanted if Xiao Yi died under the Heavenly Tribulation?"


    The several hundred thousand spectators were also fixedly watching Xiao Yi.


    How would he deal with the same Heavenly Tribulation that had nearly killed Chen Shuiwen?


    Under the watchful eyes of the crowd.


    Xiao Yi reached to his side with his right hand and commanded sharply, "Sword, come!"


    Humm!


    A fifth-grade Longsword shot out from his Storage Ring, landing in the palm of his hand.


    Xiao Yi gripped the sword with one hand.


    Facing the rolling thunder clouds, he tilted his head back with a cold glint in his eyes and let out a low roar, "A mere Heavenly Tribulation, behold my sword cutting it down!"


    Swish!


    A chill enveloped the blade.


    At this moment...


    Xiao Yi transformed into an invincible Sword God. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Longsword in his hand buzzed, and a terrifying streak of Sword Qi condensed atop the blade, fluctuating erratically like a green galaxy piercing through the void. With a swift motion, it slashed towards the tribulation clouds above.


    Humm!


    With one stroke, the sword''s chill reached across nineteen provinces!


    This sword, as if a mystic sun had descended, lit up the whole imperial city!


    Countless strong men found the Longswords they wore or hung on the walls all buzzing, as if eager to unsheathe themselves, as though thousands of swords sensed the presence of the Sword Ancestor, wishing to pay homage!


    The dreadful Sword Intent made countless experts pale with shock.


    In full view of the crowd, the Sword Qi vanished into the pitch-black tribulation clouds.


    With a thunderous boom...


    Beams of light shot from within the clouds; they were beams of Sword Qi that cleaved the fifty miles of tribulation clouds in half. The violent thunder dissipated abruptly, and the clouds were also torn asunder under the relentless assault of the boundless Sword Qi!


    The Heavenly Tribulation that had nearly sent Chen Shuiwen to his death was shattered by Xiao Yi with a single slash!


    At this moment...


    All eyes on Xiao Yi, apart from shock and awe, were filled with fear...

 Chapter 347 Complete Domination

    Whoosh!


    The calamity clouds were cleaved apart and scattered by Xiao Yi, as if a torrential rain began to pour down from the heavens.


    The rain came swiftly and left just as quickly.


    In the blink of an eye,


    the sky cleared up again with no cloud in sight, and the sun shone brightly.


    However, the people within the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy no longer held the pride and excitement they had before, looking as if they had lost their dear parents.


    It was supposed to be a joyous occasion as their own Institute Director was transcending the heavens'' tribulation and breaking through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    It was an opportunity to bolster the prestige of the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy.


    But then Xiao Yi suddenly appeared...


    Not only did Chen Shuiwen fail to withstand a single heavenly thunderbolt, but he also knelt and begged for help in public, losing all face. Now that Xiao Yi had shattered the tribulation with one sword stroke, it was Xiao Yi''s might that reached its peak.


    Looking at the adoration and fervor in the eyes of those tens of thousands of people as they gazed at Xiao Yi,


    the grand ceremony meticulously organized by Chen Shuiwen and the others had largely failed!


    "I see this Chen Shuiwen is nothing special after all!"


    "A heavenly tribulation that Xiao, the Institute Director, could shatter with a single sword, nearly took his life..."


    "This only shows that Chen, the Institute Director, was not as skilled, but that doesn''t prove the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy is inferior! After all, with so many powerful forces backing it, even without Chen, the Institute Director, there are still two figures in the Dharma Manifestation Realm and dozens in the Tao Tribulation Realm!"


    "The teaching staff and resources simply cannot be compared to those of the Xiaoshanhe Institute!"


    Tens of thousands of people were shocked by Xiao Yi''s strength, but the strength of a sect depends more on resources and the number of strong practitioners. A single top martial artist alone can''t sustain an entire sect.


    The crowd was still more optimistic about the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy.


    Hearing the crowd''s discussions, Chen Shuiwen''s ash-like heart ignited with hope once more. His body shook as he forcefully suppressed his injuries, restoring a few shades of color to his pitch-black face.


    Quickly changing into a new set of clothes, Chen Shuiwen endured the pain and looked towards the crowd. He did not mention the tribulation, but declared loudly, "Ladies and gentlemen, the grand opening of our Shanhe Martial Arts Academy continues. Next up, please welcome Ancestor Nangong to unveil the academy''s plaque for us... Please witness the ceremony!"


    Nangong Shengtian immediately stepped forward.


    Continue reading stories on My Virtual Library Empire


    Whoosh!


    With a wave of his hand,


    the red silk was torn off, revealing a plaque with black background and golden characters.


    Inscribed with the lively characters¡ªShanhe Martial Arts Academy!


    Nangong Shengtian swept a cold glance at Xiao Yi and said indifferently, "The Nangong Family congratulates the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy on its grand opening and presents a gift of medicinal pills valued at five hundred billion silver."


    Boom!


    A ripple of astonishment spread through the crowd.


    Medicinal pills worth five hundred billion silver!


    That could cultivate how many strong practitioners?


    Beitang Feng said, "Institute Director Chen is wholeheartedly committed to cultivating more strong practitioners, which deeply moves me. The Beitang Family has decided to donate medicinal herbs valued at five hundred billion silver."


    Wow!


    The crowd boiled over again.


    Another five hundred billion?


    That''s a total of one trillion silver!


    Chen Shuiwen''s face glowed with triumph as the shadows of his failed tribulation completely dissipated. He cast a provocative gaze at Xiao Yi.


    Yun Ruowang said indifferently, "Considering that the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy is about to welcome many new disciples and students, the Three Seas Mountain is willing to add ten more Tao Tribulation Realm practitioners, one hundred Golden Core Realm practitioners, and one more Dharma Manifestation Realm figure!"


    "Wendao Villa will do the same!" declared the Sword Inquiry Taoist.


    Chen Shuiwen''s face glowed as he bowed to the supporters, gratefully saying, "Thank you all for your support. I, Chen Shuiwen, promise not to let everyone down! Anyone who joins the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy will definitely receive guidance from the most top-tier practitioners and abundant resources!"


    "Shanhe Martial Arts Academy is truly wealthy and powerful!"


    "With this, the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy will have four Dharma Manifestation Realm experts, over forty Calamity Realm experts, and more than two hundred Golden Core Realm experts. This strength surpasses the Xiaoshanhe Institute countless times over!"


    "Xiaoshanhe Institute only has Xiao Yi, and he''s not even in the Dharma Manifestation Realm. How can they compete with the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy?"


    Under the influence of several major powers'' crazy resource-dumping, the impact of Chen Shuiwen''s failed tribulation greatly diminished.


    Chen Shuiwen, with a challenging look at Xiao Yi, boastfully said, "Institute Director Xiao, the people''s eyes are sharp. It seems they trust our Shanhe Martial Arts Academy more after all!"


    Xiao Yi glanced at him, smiled, and said, "Institute Director Chen, you are truly adaptable!"


    "Humph, you only know how to twist words to your favor!"


    Chen Shuiwen snorted coldly, his chin raised arrogantly as he said, "Our Shanhe Martial Arts Academy will have four Dharma Manifestation Realm figures and nearly fifty Calamity Realm strong practitioners. What do you have to compare with me?"


    Xiao Yi replied indifferently, "Institute Director Chen is, after all, a product of my Xiaoshanhe Institute. Since Ancestor Nangong and the others have been so generous, I, Xiao Yi, should not be petty. I have specially prepared a great gift for Institute Director Chen¡ªI hope you will like it!"


    "Hmm?"


    Chen Shuiwen was stunned.


    As he looked at Xiao Yi''s calm face, he suddenly felt a strong sense of unease.


    At that moment...


    Xiao Yi had already snapped his fingers!


    Click!


    The crisp sound echoed through the void.


    Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh!


    Figures flew in from afar.


    Taking the lead were the Shadow Demon, Fu Yuan, Zhang Ling, and Shu He. Without any restraint, they released their fluctuating auras, each one of them a master of the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    Especially the Shadow Demon and Fu Yuan, both of whom possessed the cultivation of the fifth layer of the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    Of course...


    The truly awe-inspiring sight wasn''t these four formidable beings, but rather the mass of people behind them, including Yu Huaxian and others, comprising over a hundred masters of the Tao Tribulation Realm!


    Over a hundred Tao Tribulation Realm masters stood densely packed.


    Without a word.


    Their terrifying presence created an overwhelming pressure, suffocating those nearby.


    It abruptly quelled the whispers and murmurs of the hundreds of thousands of onlookers!


    Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh!


    Under the lead of the Shadow Demon, more than a hundred people knelt on one knee behind Xiao Yi and announced loudly, "Reporting to the Institute Director, the forces of the Xiaoshanhe Institute are here by your command, awaiting your review!"


    Swoosh!


    All faces shifted at once, the crowd looking in disbelief at the group that had suddenly appeared in the void.


    Four Dharma Manifestation masters!


    Over a hundred Tao Tribulation masters!


    Such a terrifying lineup wasn''t something even the ten great sects could easily muster!


    "They, they all belong to the Xiaoshanhe Institute?"


    "Since when did the Xiaoshanhe Institute have so many powerful beings? Four Dharma Manifestation Realm masters and over a hundred Tao Tribulation Realm masters, this, this..."


    Shock was written all over everyone''s faces.


    Chen Shuiwen, Nangong Shengtian, and the others exchanged glances, each seeing the shock and disbelief in the other''s eyes.


    The Shanhe Martial Arts Academy too had four Dharma Manifestation masters!


    But those were gathered from the Three Seas Mountain and Wendao Villa, and were either first or second layer Dharma Manifestation Realm masters. Xiao Yi, however, had two fifth layer Dharma Manifestation Realm powerhouses!


    As for the Tao Tribulation Realm...


    The two major sects together had only gathered forty people for Chen Shuiwen.


    Xiao Yi, on the other hand, had over a hundred!


    Quantity, quality.


    Both were utterly crushed!


    How the hell were they supposed to compete with this?


    "Thank you for your hard work!"


    Xiao Yi smiled, then introduced, "Director Chen, allow me to introduce them to you. These four are the elders of my Xiaoshanhe Institute, the Shadow Demon at the peak of the fifth layer of the Dharma Manifestation Realm, Fu Yuan, a seven-star Alchemist at the fifth layer, and Zhang Ling and Shu He from the first layer..."


    Hiss!


    Already reeling from the blow, Chen Shuiwen and the others took in another sharp breath.


    Among the two fifth layer Dharma Manifestation Realm masters, one was also a seven-star alchemist?


    In the vast Great Qian Dynasty, each seven-star alchemist was a rare treasure, with only one each in the royal family, the Tianjian Sect, the Treasure Pavilion, and the Nangong Clan. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And now a seven-star alchemist had emerged from the Xiaoshanhe Institute?


    The value of just that one seven-star alchemist far surpassed the ten trillion silver worth of medicine resources of the Nangong and Beitang Families!


    Chen Shuiwen''s face had turned ashen, his expression becoming extremely ugly.


    Today''s inaugural ceremony was supposed to completely crush the Xiaoshanhe Institute, but now, it was the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy that was truly underfoot. Chen Shuiwen felt cold despair, nearing hopelessness.


    The Shanhe Martial Arts Academy had been utterly overpowered by the Xiaoshanhe Institute!


    And yet Xiao Yi''s voice made him feel as though he were falling even deeper into the abyss of despair, "Shadow Demon, why don''t you present our prepared gift to Director Chen and the others?"

 Chapter 348 Coughing Up Blood!

    "Shadow Demon, have you not presented our prepared gift to Principal Chen yet?"


    Xiao Yi turned his head to look at the Shadow Demon and said indifferently.


    This remark immediately caught everyone''s attention, and hundreds of thousands of people looked towards the Shadow Demon en masse.


    Curiosity filled every pair of eyes.


    This Chen Shuiwen was once the Vice Principal of Xiaoshanhe Institute. Now that he has established his own institute, it is clear that he intends to challenge Xiaoshanhe Institute. Xiao Yi had also brought people to the opening ceremony of the mountain to make Chen Shuiwen lose face.


    Under such circumstances, what kind of gift could Xiao Yi possibly send?


    Even Chen Shuiwen was bewildered.


    Without any delay, the Shadow Demon stood up and walked in front of Chen Shuiwen, announcing loudly, "Principal Chen, my Principal Xiao has learned that your Shanhe Martial Arts Academy is hosting the mountain-opening ceremony today and has specially prepared a grand gift for you!"


    Click, click!


    Imitating Xiao Yi''s manner, the Shadow Demon snapped his fingers twice.


    And then...


    Ten Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouses lined up in a single row and walked to the front gate of Shanhe Martial Arts Academy.


    The confusion on everyone''s faces intensified.


    What kind of gift would require ten Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouses to act together?


    Just at that moment.


    All ten Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouses simultaneously raised their right hands and, in unison, gave Chen Shuiwen and the others the middle finger.


    Chen Shuiwen: "..."


    Nangong Shengtian: "..."


    All the onlookers were dumfounded: "..."


    Those ten raised middle fingers stood there provocatively, quite an eyesore!


    "What do you mean by this?" Chen Shuiwen''s face darkened.


    The Shadow Demon laughed, "Don''t be hasty, the gift is only now making its appearance!"


    Whoosh!


    All ten of them emitted blinding vital energy glows from their bodies, which merged into the storage rings, and streaks of light flashed before their eyes. In front of each Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouse, a mast now stood.


    Ten masts, each over ten meters tall.


    All were erected in front of the gate of Shanhe Martial Arts Academy.


    Lined up in a row.


    On those masts, corpses were hung one by one.


    Each person had been impaled by the mast, and the naked bodies of over a hundred corpses hung before all to see.


    Upon witnessing this scene, everyone was dumbstruck: "What, what is going on?"


    "Xiao Yi actually sent over a hundred corpses to Chen Shuiwen?"


    "Wait a minute... Look... Those seem to be people from Three Seas Mountain..."


    "That''s from Wendao Villa!"


    "And that''s... Xue Yilou? People from the Nangong & Beitang Families..."


    A series of exclaims erupted one after another.


    Like a flood breaking its banks, they could no longer be contained and spread among the crowd.


    Gulp!


    Chen Shuiwen''s face turned extremely pale.


    Nangong Shengtian, Beitang Feng, the Sword Inquiry Taoist, Yun Ruowang, and others had eyes bloodshot red, struggling to breathe while staring at the corpses hanging from the masts.


    Just a moment before.


    They had thought Xiao Yi was lucky not to have encountered the likes of Xue Mantian.


    But now...


    They finally understood why there had been no word from Xue Mantian.


    They had been killed by Xiao Yi!


    "Xiao Yi..."


    The Sword Inquiry Taoist, with eyes burning red, stared intently at Xiao Yi. The fluctuations of the Dharma Manifestation Realm radiated from him. But just as he was about to take action, the Shadow Demon and Fu Yuan stepped forward together. Although their auras were not as strong as that of the Sword Inquiry Taoist, they still caused his momentum to abruptly falter.


    Xiao Yi stepped out from the crowd, smiling at Chen Shuiwen and the others, "Ladies and gentlemen, do you like my gift?"


    ```


    Gurgle!


    Chen Shuiwen and the others gritted their teeth so hard they wished they could tear Xiao Yi into pieces alive.


    Xiao Yi smiled and said, "These people dared to ambush and attempt to kill me in Linhai. Luckily, I have great fortune and barely managed to dodge a calamity. It seems that these few have a close relationship with you, so I have specifically brought back their bodies for you, to lay them to rest properly!"


    Thump!


    Crack!


    Boom!


    Nangong Shengtian and the others were either gritting their teeth, clenching their fists, or seething with rage...


    Each of them was on the verge of losing control.


    However...


    Even though they could arrange for people to assassinate Xiao Yi in secret, they absolutely could not admit it publicly. After all, Xiao Yi was the head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, personally appointed by Emperor Qian. If they dared to openly send people to assassinate Xiao Yi, it would be a slap in the face of the royal family.


    Although with their strength, even Emperor Qian wouldn''t easily provoke them.


    Still, it was a dishonorable act.


    If it fell into the hands of Emperor Qian, becoming a handle against them, the loss would outweigh the gain.


    The Sword Inquiry Taoist clenched his teeth tightly and said in a deep voice, "Head Xiao is joking, I don''t know these people!"


    Yun Ruowang also said, "These people dare to impersonate our forces, it must be an attempt to provoke discord. Head Xiao, please don''t be fooled!"


    "How could we possibly send someone to assassinate you?"


    "Head Xiao, there must be a misunderstanding here!"


    Everyone spoke in turn.


    "A misunderstanding?"


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow and with a playful look, which glided over the individuals, said with a smile that was not quite a smile, "I was thinking, all of you are reputable individuals in the Great Qian Dynasty. How could you engage in such lowly acts? Since they''re not your people, I will have to deal with these bodies myself!"


    "This..."


    "Head Xiao, it''s also good for us to keep their bodies!" Yun Ruowang and the others said.


    Not to mention that these bodies served as evidence.


    Just the Martial Dao Divine Fruits from the three Dharma Manifestation Realm and Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouses, like Xue Mantian, were treasures of immeasurable value. If they could recollect the bodies and take their Martial Dao Divine Fruits, they could create many powerhouses.


    However.


    "There''s no need to trouble yourselves, as my Xiaoshanhe Institute is about to hold the Genius Battle, and we''re actually in need of some rewards. I hereby announce that the top three winners of the Genius Battle will receive the Martial Dao Divine Fruits from these three Dharma Manifestation Realm powerhouses, and the top twenty will receive this Tao Tribulation Realm Martial Dao Divine Fruit!"


    Xiao Yi interrupted Yun Ruowang and the others'' wishful thinking with an air of righteousness, then turned to look at the several hundred thousand powerhouses and announced loudly, "As all of you can see, my Xiaoshanhe Institute has four Dharma Manifestation Realm powerhouses, over a hundred Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouses, a Seven-Star Alchemist, and two Six-Star Array Masters. Moreover, my Xiaoshanhe Institute has established cooperation with the Treasure Pavilion. As long as the disciples of my institute have sufficient talent and cultivation, we will not limit the supply of medicinal pills!"


    Boom!


    These words, like oil on fire, instantly ignited the crowd.


    The sea of people roiled, and shouts resounded to the skies.


    "Top three get Dharma Manifestation Realm Martial Dao Divine Fruit, top twenty get Tao Tribulation Realm Martial Dao Divine Fruit... with such rewards, who needs the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy?" Experience new tales on My Virtual Library Empire


    "As long as we have enough talent and strength, they won''t limit the supply of medicinal pills, can it be possible?"


    "What''s impossible? Xiaoshanhe Institute has a cooperation with the Treasure Pavilion, plus that Master Fu Yuan, means Xiaoshanhe Institute has two Seven-Star Alchemists. Medicinal pills are nothing to them!"


    "Hurry and go sign up for the Genius Battle!"


    "I must join Xiaoshanhe Institute..."


    In an instant.


    Among the several hundred thousand people present, there was a tumultuous uproar, fluctuating like waves one after another. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Listening to the crowd''s shouting and talking.


    The faces of Chen Shuiwen''s group were as dark as the bottom of a pot, and they watched helplessly as powerhouse after powerhouse left the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy, signifying that the plans they had spent countless resources constructing over these days, had already been defeated.


    Xiao Yi looked towards Yu Huaxian in the crowd and said, "What are you still standing around for? Didn''t you see that everyone is going to participate in the Genius Battle? Go and get ready!"


    "Ah? Right away!"


    Yu Huaxian promptly nodded and led people away into the sky.


    The stream of people also turned into a black steel torrent, heading towards Xuanwu Square.


    Xiao Yi gave a fist salute to Chen Shuiwen, "Head Chen, I won''t disturb your opening ceremony anymore. I wish your Shanhe Martial Arts Academy a thriving influx of students and talent that astonishes the world, ha ha ha!"


    "Xiao Yi, I will not share the sky with you..."


    Chen Shuiwen''s face turned from red to white, anger causing him to spit out a mouthful of fresh blood, and he fainted dead away...


    ```

 Chapter 349 Battle of Genius

    The vast Shanhe Martial Arts Academy, deserted.


    Apart from Chen Shuiwen and his enthusiastic entourage, everyone had left the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy to converge towards Xuanwu Square.


    Chen Shuiwen had hoped to use the grand opening ceremony to disrupt the battle of talents at the Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    It was also a powerful declaration of the establishment of the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy.


    For this purpose...


    They had not only spent a great deal of resources but also promised generous compensation.


    Chen Shuiwen himself had been forcefully suppressing the timing of his breakthrough, all to pass through heavenly tribulation with an overwhelmingly strong stance during the grand opening ceremony, and step into the Dharma Manifestation Realm to boost the prestige of the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy.


    Unfortunately.


    Reality and fantasy always have a huge gap!


    Not only did Xiao Yi''s appearance turn his tribulation into a joke, but even his own cultivation had failed to enter the Dharma Manifestation Realm. With his current state, if he wanted to enter the Dharma Manifestation Realm again, he would likely have to wait several more years.


    If Chen Shuiwen was the only one who failed, the impact on the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy would not be too great.


    After all.


    Nangong, Beitang, Three Seas Mountain, and Wendao Villa had promised to send experts to support the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy, which included several in the Dharma Manifestation Realm and dozens from the Tao Tribulation Realm!


    Such a formidable lineup of experts could barely rival any of the top ten sects.


    As a result...


    Xiao Yi directly brought over a hundred from the Tao Tribulation Realm and four from the Dharma Manifestation Realm, among them even a seven-star Alchemist.


    In both quantity and quality, he thoroughly crushed the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy.


    Just when Chen Shuiwen thought everything was over, Xiao Yi dropped another bombshell; the corpses of Xue Mantian and others became the final straw that broke the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy.


    The corpses of Xue Mantian and the others not only severely slapped the face of the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy.


    Xiao Yi even used their Martial Dao Divine Fruits as rewards, attracting countless talented experts who wished to join the Xiaoshanhe Institute. These were the Martial Dao Divine Fruits of the Dharma Manifestation Realm and Tao Tribulation Realm!


    If one could obtain it, it would be more important than acquiring resources worth hundreds of billions of Silver!


    What''s more...


    All those people were sent by Chen Shuiwen and his allies!


    Nangong Shengtian and the others looked at the comatose Chen Shuiwen with extremely ugly expressions. Strictly speaking, it was they who had handed over the Martial Dao Divine Fruits of Xue Mantian and others directly to Xiao Yi!


    "Ancestor Nangong, do make a decision. What should we do?" Yun Ruowang said gravely.


    The Sword Inquiry Taoist narrowed his eyes, his Sword Intent was earth-shattering, and his rage was no less intense than his Sword Intent, "Where did Xiao Yi get those experts from? A seven-star Alchemist, four from the Dharma Manifestation Realm, over a hundred from the Tao Tribulation Realm, that''s no small lineup!"


    "I see that those people are suffused with Evil Qi, and Xiao Yi has just come back from Beast Emperor City. I''m afraid they are all the experts he garnered from Beast Emperor City," Beitang Feng said darkly, pondering.


    All eyes turned to Nangong Shengtian.


    The capital they had invested in the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy was substantial. If it all fell through now, they would suffer complete losses.


    Nangong Shengtian squinted his eyes and said, "No matter, we still have one opportunity left!"


    "Hm?" S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The crowd looked at him expectantly.


    Nangong Shengtian''s eyes radiated a chilling glint, his gaze cold to the extreme as he sneered, "In less than two months, it will be the Ancestral Worship Ceremony. As long as the disciples of the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy can trample the people of the Xiaoshanhe Institute underfoot during the ceremony, there''s still hope for the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy!"


    "Ancestor Nangong, given the current state of the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy, how is it possible to trample the Xiaoshanhe Institute underfoot?"


    "The strongest among the disciples of the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy are only at the peak of the Golden Core Realm..."


    Nangong Shengtian smiled coldly and said lightly, "If we can support the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy with those in the Calamity Realm and Dharma Manifestation Realm, are we lacking in disciples?"


    Hum!


    The crowd exchanged glances.


    Yun Ruowang said in a deep voice, "Let''s do it just like that!"


    "We must trample the Xiaoshanhe Institute beneath our feet!"


    Clutching his fists tightly, Nangong Shengtian looked toward the direction of Xuanwu Square, his eyes filled with a gloomy madness, "Xiao Yi, daring to oppose me, you are still too inexperienced!"


    ...


    Xuanwu Square.


    The square was vast and could accommodate hundreds of thousands of people without feeling crowded.


    "Ladies and gentlemen, today is the great day of the genius battle at our Xiaoshanhe Institute. As Xiao mentioned before, the top three of this genius battle will each get a Martial Dao Enlightenment Fruit of the Dharma Manifestation Realm, while the top twenty will each get a Martial Dao Divine Fruit of the Tao Tribulation Realm."


    The Xiaoshanhe Institute had long set up a ring, and Yu Huaxian appeared in the center, announcing with an elevated voice, "All other disciples who pass the genius battle and enter our Xiaoshanhe Institute will receive great benefits. Next, please come forward to collect your Identity Tokens, the genius battle of our Xiaoshanhe Institute is about to begin!"


    Rustle!


    Figures surged out from the crowd to collect their Identity Tokens.


    A total of thirty thousand Tokens were distributed for this genius battle, and the last ten thousand people remaining would enter the Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    At the same time...


    This genius battle would also rank the top one hundred, with rich rewards for each rank.


    After the incident in front of the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy, the number of warriors willing to join the Xiaoshanhe Institute had multiplied, and the thirty thousand Tokens were quickly distributed.


    Yu Huaxian immediately began arranging the matches, and pairs of powerful fighters took to the ring, where the situation changed in a split second.


    On the elevated platform.


    Xiao Yi sat upright, watching the competitors on the ring, and nodded slightly, "Not bad, the quality of these disciples is quite good. If they are well-trained, they can absolutely support the Xiaoshanhe Institute!"


    "Director, there is less than two months left until the Ancestor Worship Ceremony, I''m afraid we might not have enough time," Hai Wei said, his expression hesitant with concern.


    Li Jinjun nodded and said, "Based on what I know about Nangong Shengtian and the others, they will definitely not stop here. It is likely that the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy will cause trouble during the Ancestor Worship Ceremony."


    Xiao Yi waved his hand and said with a smile, "Don''t worry, I have my own strategy!"


    After all, he had the Elixir of Immortality at his disposal.


    This Divine Artifact, capable of enhancing refining efficiency, had a refining effect a hundredfold greater; two months with the aid of the Elixir of Immortality was equivalent to two hundred months.


    That was nearly twenty years!


    It was completely enough for the disciples of the Xiaoshanhe Institute to increase their cultivation by several levels!


    "By the way, how is everything going with the Treasure Pavilion?" Xiao Yi asked, looking at Li Jinjun.


    Li Jinjun replied gravely, "The first batch of elixirs from the Treasure Pavilion has already been delivered to various places. However, since you have not returned, Master Nalan and Elder Xue have not launched an attack immediately."


    Xiao Yi nodded.


    Without his return, the supply of medicinal materials not being secure, the Treasure Pavilion dared not rashly launch an attack.


    Once the bow is drawn, there is no turning back.


    If they start the encirclement against the Nangong and Beitang Family''s elixir shops only to have the supply of medicinal materials cut off mid-way, they would face the two families'' furious counterattack. Read exclusive content at My Virtual Library Empire


    The corners of Xiao Yi''s mouth turned up slightly, and a cold light flickered in his eyes as he said, "Li Jinjun, take Elder Fu to the Treasure Pavilion, and tell Master Nalan to begin the attack!"


    "Yes!"


    With respect, Hai Wei and Fu Yuan set off towards the Treasure Pavilion.


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, looking down at the heated ring below and revealing a chilling smile, "Nangong, Beitang... your end has come!"

 Chapter 350 Is This Also Inspired by Xiao?

    Inside Treasure Pavilion.


    Nalan Qianqiu, Xue Bufan, and Yan Mingli exchanged glances, their faces troubled, "When can Xiao return? Our stock of medicinal materials has run out!"


    "The first batch of elixirs has already been delivered to the Treasure Pavilions across the Great Qian Dynasty, just waiting for the order to ignite this price war. But if the follow-up materials can''t keep up, there''s no way to start the battle!" Nalan Qianqiu said with a bitter smile.


    Right at this moment.


    Ning Luo hurried in with a look of excitement, "Master, Xiao has sent someone!"


    "Hmm?"


    Nalan Qianqiu was startled, his face breaking into ecstatic joy, "Quickly, invite them in!"


    A moment later.


    Li Jinjun arrived in front of the group with Fu Yuan.


    Li Jinjun greeted everyone with a bow, showing no disrespect even though Yan Mingli''s martial arts prowess fell far short of his, "Jinjun pays respects to the sirs, the headmaster sent me to assist you with Master Yuan!"


    "Fu Yuan?"


    "The only seven-star alchemist, Master Yuan, from Beast Emperor City?"


    Nalan Qianqiu''s complexion changed dramatically, his incredulous gaze falling upon Fu Yuan. Taking two steps at once, he approached Fu Yuan and burst into laughter, "Hahaha, Fu Yuan, it is indeed you!"


    The two embraced each other, patting each other on the back.


    Fu Yuan''s face was filled with emotion, "Qianqiu, it''s been many years; you haven''t changed a bit!"


    "But you have aged a lot!"


    Nalan Qianqiu laughed heartily, his face showing a hint of confusion as he asked, "Old fellow, when I asked you to join my Treasure Pavilion, you refused to budge. Why have you come now?"


    Fu Yuan let out a sigh, "Don''t mention it!"


    He then recounted his misadventure in Beast Emperor City, how he mistakenly threw in his lot with Sha Kun, which almost resulted in the destruction of the Heavenly Treasure Chamber of Commerce, and finally, how he traded ten years of loyalty to ensure the Chamber''s survival to Nalan Qianqiu.


    Fu Yuan''s face bore a bitter smile, "Now, I am just waiting for this ten-year period to end, and then I can regain my freedom!"


    Nalan Qianqiu was taken aback and gave Fu Yuan a strange look, "Are you sure that after ten years you will leave?"


    "Hmm?"


    Fu Yuan was puzzled as he looked at Nalan Qianqiu, saying somewhat annoyed, "After ten years, if not leave, should I continue to stay here?"


    Nalan Qianqiu coughed lightly and said, "I advise you not to leave; follow Xiao''s footsteps closely instead!"


    "Hmm? What do you mean by that?"


    Fu Yuan frowned, displeasure on his face, and said haughtily, "I am a distinguished seven-star alchemist; if it weren''t for Huang''s face, Xiao Yi wouldn''t have the capacity to request my presence at the Xiaoshanhe Institute."


    Yan Mingli sneered, "Thinking too highly of yourself? It''s as if Xiao was begging you to come!"


    Xue Bufan also showed disdain, "Having the opportunity to be by Xiao''s side is a fortune for you!"


    "Ridiculous, do you know who I am? How dare you speak to me like this?"


    Fu Yuan''s face darkened; he had not, like the Shadow Demon and others, witnessed Xiao Yi''s terrifying side. Moreover, as a seven-star alchemist, unless someone could surpass him in alchemy, it was impossible for them to earn his respect, "I acknowledge Xiao Yi''s martial arts talent is strong, but in terms of alchemy..."


    Before he could finish.


    Nalan Qianqiu, touching his nose, interjected, "In terms of alchemy, you are even less a match for Xiao!"


    "Hmm?" S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Fu Yuan''s face stiffened, his expression one of disbelief as he turned to Nalan Qianqiu, "Qianqiu, do you know what you''re saying? I am inferior to him? You''re joking..."


    "Fu Yuan, what do you think of me?" Nalan Qianqiu asked.


    Fu Yuan slightly furrowed his brow.


    Having known Nalan Qianqiu for many years, he was aware that Nalan Qianqiu''s talent and strength in alchemy were on par with his own.


    Fu Yuan said in a deep voice, "You and I are on par."


    "That was in the past!"


    Nalan Qianqiu responded and then took out a bottle of elixir from the side and handed it to Fu Yuan, "Take a look at these elixirs!"


    "Hmm? Aren''t these just Three-Star Elixir Shen Yi Elixirs? Are you still making such low-level... Eh? Wait, these, these elixirs..."


    The disdain and contempt on Fu Yuan''s face crumbled as he looked at the elixirs poured onto his palm; his face went through cycles of pallor and flush, constantly changing: "This, this is impossible... All of these thirty-plus elixirs are from the same batch? And, and the quality is so pure? All of them are of top-grade quality?"


    Even with the current level of Fu Yuan''s alchemy skills, when making Shen Yi Elixirs, a batch would at most yield twenty elixirs, and it would be considered an exceptional performance if half of them were top-grade.


    But the batch in his hands actually had more than thirty, and all of them were of top-grade quality!


    To achieve such an effect,


    only an alchemy level surpassing his own by an entire rank could explain it!


    Fu Yuan looked at Nalan Qianqiu solemnly, his breathing hastening, "Qianqiu, could it be that an Eight-Star Alchemy Grandmaster has made these? Where is that Grandmaster? Can you introduce me?"


    Nalan Qianqiu sighed, pointing to himself, "I made these elixirs!"


    "Ah?"


    Fu Yuan was startled and frowned, "Don''t joke with me, how could I not know your level?" He paused for a moment, and then Fu Yuan understood, "I see now, you must have received guidance from an Eight-Star Alchemy Grandmaster, right?"


    Nalan Qianqiu smiled bitterly, "Indeed, it was me, but it wasn''t under the guidance of an Eight-Star Alchemy Grandmaster, but Xiao."


    "What?"


    Fu Yuan''s face stiffened.


    Xiao Yi?


    He shook his head like a rattle-drum, "Qianqiu, I know Xiao is gifted in martial arts, but alchemy is entirely different from martial arts. How old is he? How can he master both..."


    He absolutely refused to believe that Xiao Yi, who was merely twenty years old, could be stronger than him in alchemy!


    Nalan Qianqiu sighed, pointing to Yan Mingli and Xue Bufan standing behind him, "How about these two?"


    "Them?"


    Fu Yuan wrinkled his eyebrows, directly disregarding Yan Mingli, who was merely at the Golden Core Realm, and said to Xue Bufan, "This one is indeed promising, and he might be able to reach a Seven-Star level in the future, but whether he can reach our heights depends on his opportunities!"


    No sooner had he finished speaking.


    Xue Bufan and Yan Mingli both took out a medicinal bottle and poured out the elixirs inside.


    The same Shen Yi Elixirs.


    Xue Bufan''s bottle contained twenty-eight, all of them top-grade.


    Yan Mingli had slightly fewer, only twenty-two, but they were also all of top-grade quality.


    Nalan Qianqiu said in a grave voice, "These elixirs were all personally crafted by them."


    Read new chapters at My Virtual Library Empire


    "These, were these also guided by Xiao?"


    Fu Yuan looked dumbfounded, completely baffled.


    Even with his skills in making Shen Yi Elixirs, a successful batch would yield a maximum of twenty elixirs, with half being top-grade at best. But now, even Yan Mingli, who was at the Golden Core Realm, had surpassed him?


    Nalan Qianqiu and the other two looked at him with sympathy, nodding in unison.


    Gulp!


    Fu Yuan swallowed hard.


    Remembering his earlier disdain and contempt for Xiao Yi in the field of alchemy, he felt his face burning as if he had just been slapped dozens of times...

 Chapter 351 Thoroughly Convinced

    Before arriving at the Great Qian Dynasty.


    Fu Yuan''s sole intention had been to do just enough to get by, hoping only to endure these painful ten years so he could regain his freedom.


    But now...


    Facing his old friend Nalan Qianqiu and those who were far inferior to him, Yan Mingli and Xue Bufan, had Fu Yuan really become the worst Alchemist among them?


    Of course.


    This was only in terms of concocting low-grade medicinal pills; if it was about creating seventh-grade pills, he would naturally be far superior to both Yan Mingli and Xue Bufan.


    After all.


    Their cultivation levels limited them from concocting such high-grade medicinal pills.


    But those who truly understood Alchemy wouldn''t take the ability to concoct the highest-grade pills as the only standard; the success rate and the rate of producing top-quality pills for the same level of pills were the real criteria for measuring an Alchemist''s skill.


    Take the Shen Yi Elixir, for example.


    Even now, as a seven-star Alchemist, Fu Yuan could at most produce twenty elixirs in a single batch, and having half of them be of top-quality was already an exceptional performance.


    Yet, even at his best, his success rate and top-quality rate still didn''t match those of the four-star Alchemist, Yan Mingli!


    Gurgle!


    Fu Yuan swallowed hard and stared at Nalan Qianqiu, saying gravely, "Qianqiu, does Xiao ever come to the Treasure Pavilion?"


    Nalan Qianqiu was taken aback and shook his head, "Xiao seldom comes here."


    A trace of disappointment appeared on Fu Yuan''s face.


    Nalan Qianqiu smiled and said, "Fu Yuan, do you want to wait for Xiao to give you guidance?"


    "This..."


    Fu Yuan''s face stiffened, remembering his previous disdain for Xiao Yi. Now he was desperately eager for Xiao Yi''s guidance, which made him feel quite embarrassed. He managed a wry smile and said, "Just, just to discuss, I guess!"


    "Hahaha!"


    Nalan Qianqiu laughed and shook his head, patting his shoulder, "No need to be embarrassed. Xiao is like the starry sky, profound beyond our comprehension as mere mortals. We simply cannot fathom how vast the heavens are. Don''t you just want to learn Xiao''s Alchemy techniques? Let little Yan teach you!"


    "Uh... him?"


    Fu Yuan was taken aback.


    He had assumed Nalan Qianqiu would personally give him guidance, not that he would ask Yan Mingli to instruct him?


    How could a mere four-star Alchemist give pointers to him, a mighty seven-star Alchemist?


    Nalan Qianqiu said with a smile, "Just give it a try!"


    "This... alright then!" S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Fu Yuan nodded and turned to Yan Mingli, "Brother Mingli, I''ll be in your care!"


    "Master Fu, you''re too kind!"


    Yan Mingli smiled meticulously, then took out some herbs and began to demonstrate and instruct Fu Yuan. At first, Fu Yuan wore a look of scorn on his face, but as Yan Mingli began Alchemy.


    His expression kept changing.


    From initial disdain and contempt, he became serious and solemn.


    He watched every move of Yan Mingli''s without blinking.


    Now frowning, now exclaiming, now bewildered...


    "Is it really possible to do it this way?"


    "Damn, such a subtle technique, could it really be conceived by a mortal?"


    "Terrifying, truly terrifying..."


    All of Fu Yuan''s pride dissipated.


    He looked at Yan Mingli with a face full of shock, and suddenly, with a humming sound, the Pill Furnace abruptly opened. A fragrance of medicine wafted out; it was the Shen Yi Elixir again, and this time Yan Mingli had indeed outperformed himself.


    There were twenty-nine elixirs, with twenty-eight of top-quality.


    The remaining one was also of high quality.


    Yan Mingli smiled and said, "Xiao left in a hurry at that time, just giving me one session of guidance. There are many areas where I still don''t measure up, please forgive me, Master Fu!"


    "..."


    Fu Yuan''s face was a picture of shock.


    To achieve such astonishing results from just one piece of advice?


    Just how terrifying was Xiao Yi''s mastery in the field of alchemy?


    Gulp!


    Fu Yuan swallowed hard, his eyes brimming with excitement as he looked at Nalan Qianqiu, "Qianqiu, if Xiao personally does the alchemy, what''s the success rate for forming pills? And the rate for producing top-quality ones?"


    Nalan Qianqiu was taken aback and said, "The success rate is over thirty percent, all top-quality..."


    He didn''t finish his sentence.


    Fu Yuan breathed a sigh of relief and said, "If that''s the case, I can accept it."


    In his opinion, after all, even Nalan Qianqiu could achieve over thirty percent success, all top-quality, and with more practice, Fu Yuan was confident he could catch up to, and even surpass, Xiao Yi.


    After all.


    He had learned quite a few exquisite techniques and skills from the earlier demonstration by Yan Mingli.


    Just as Fu Yuan was feeling self-satisfied.


    Nalan Qianqiu coughed lightly, "I haven''t finished yet! Such success and top-quality rates were achieved by Xiao while refining fourteen batches of pills at the same time. After all, Xiao himself said he wasn''t a professional alchemist, and it was rare to see him give his all..."


    "..."


    Fu Yuan was dumbstruck, the medicine bottle in his hand fell to the ground with a clatter, and he blinked, "What, what the hell? Refining fourteen batches at the same time? You''re not joking with me, right? Refining fourteen batches at the same time?"


    "We saw it with our own eyes!"


    "Fourteen furnaces, each one containing different pills..."


    In the alchemy room, Ning Luo and the others also nodded in unison.


    Hisss!


    Fu Yuan''s hand trembled, and he couldn''t help but take a sharp breath.


    Just the thought of achieving such success and top-quality rates with one batch of pills had already amazed him. And Xiao Yi could control fourteen batches at once?


    You should know...


    Fu Yuan himself could multitask, but he could at most control three pill furnaces.


    And he could not guarantee success and top-quality rates.


    Controlling fourteen pill furnaces at once, let alone seeing it, he had never even heard of it!


    At this moment.


    All the arrogance Fu Yuan had been carrying vanished without a trace, and the image of Xiao Yi surfaced in his mind, murmuring to himself, "There is always someone better, heaven beyond the heavens, the ancients truly did not deceive me."


    Seeing Fu Yuan completely convinced, and even showing unconscious admiration and fervor on his face when mentioning Xiao Yi.


    Li Jinjun sighed inwardly, "Truly worthy of being Xiao, he didn''t even need to make an appearance himself, and he had already completely subdued the proud Seven-Star Alchemist. Who could compare with such means?"


    At this moment.


    Xiao Yi, who was actually sitting at Xuanwu Square, had no idea that he had just made Fu Yuan run errands with medicinal materials to Nalan Qianqiu, and it turned into a personal show-off session!


    He utterly suppressed this proud Seven-Star Alchemist!


    In the alchemy room.


    Continue reading on My Virtual Library Empire


    Fu Yuan put aside his arrogance, and his attitude became much more humble as he looked at Nalan Qianqiu, "Qianqiu, Xiao asked me to bring these medicinal materials over, and all these ten storage rings are full of them. By the way, what does Xiao need so many medicinal materials for?"


    Ten storage rings fell into Nalan Qianqiu''s hands.


    Looking at the storage rings in his hand and briefly inspecting them, he saw an accumulation of medicinal materials like a mountain inside.


    You should know...


    These medicinal materials represented goods worth a hundred billion silver after being discounted by thirty percent from the market price by the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce. At regular prices, it would be equivalent to three to four hundred billion silver to gather this many materials.


    Even the storages of the Beitang Family might not have this much!


    Nalan Qianqiu''s face lit up with extreme joy, "Great, with these materials supplied, we can finally launch a full-scale offensive in our price war against Nangong and the Beitang Family!"

 Chapter 352 Something Big Happened!

    The Imperial City.


    Above Vermilion Bird Avenue.


    There are a total of four grand avenues in the Imperial City: Vermilion Bird, Xuanwu, Azure Dragon, and White Tiger. They crisscross each other, running through the entire Imperial City.


    Among them, Vermilion Bird Avenue is the most prosperous street.


    This Vermilion Bird Avenue is more than five hundred meters wide, enough to accommodate nearly three hundred carriages side by side, while on either side is a row of towering buildings. These buildings have an elegant style, with a strong Great Qian Dynasty character.


    The front row is five stories high above and below, and the further back, the higher the floors.


    Inside each building are shops with different decorations, bustling with people coming and going, thriving and prosperous.


    Vermilion Bird Avenue is the main artery of the Imperial City.


    During grand festivals, the royal procession always parades through the entire Vermilion Bird Avenue to demonstrate the majesty of the royal family.


    In the most bustling central location.


    The Nangong Pharmacy of the Nangong Family and the Treasure Pavilion Pharmacy stand opposite each other, constantly engaging in overt and covert battles on normal days. Only, the Nangong Family''s cost for medicinal ingredients is extremely low, so the pills they sell are half as cheap as those of Treasure Pavilion.


    As a result, the Treasure Pavilion Pharmacy has been repeatedly suppressed and is helpless to fight back.


    After all.


    The Nangong Family and the Beitang Family are branches of the same tree.


    The Beitang Family has a monopoly over the entire medicinal market of the Great Qian Dynasty. Apart from them, there is no second family in the vast Great Qian Dynasty that can buy any medicinal herbs from Medicine King Valley, not even Treasure Pavilion.


    The persistently high costs made it impossible for Treasure Pavilion to wage a price war against the Nangong Family.


    Just think...


    Even though the prices are half as cheap as the same category of pills from Treasure Pavilion, the profits of the Nangong Family are still much higher than Treasure Pavilion''s.


    On this day.


    Nangong Shou, the manager of the main Nangong Pharmacy on Vermilion Bird Avenue, was sipping his tea leisurely, legs crossed confidently, humming a little tune and squinting smugly at the Treasure Pavilion Pharmacy across the street, proudly saying, "Treasure Pavilion? In the face of the compelled tribute family, whether you''re a dragon you have to coil up, and if you''re a tiger you must lie down."


    "Hmm?"


    Suddenly, Nangong Shou narrowed his eyes as he caught sight of someone posting a notice in front of the Treasure Pavilion Pharmacy.


    It quickly attracted a crowd of onlookers.


    Raising an eyebrow, Nangong Shou spoke to a servant behind him, "Go see what trick Treasure Pavilion is up to."


    "Right away, manager!"


    The servant hurried off, and returned moments later with an urgent face, saying, "Manager, it''s bad news. Treasure Pavilion has posted a notice, all their pills are being sold at a 10% discount, and now many people are heading over there!"


    "A 10% discount?"


    Nangong Shou was stunned, then said carelessly, "What''s there to worry about? They can''t hold out for long, don''t pay them any mind!"


    The first day.


    The second day.


    The third day...


    Before he knew it, four days had passed. Nangong Shou watched as several servants were dozing off at the counter, and with a bang, slapped the table and angrily exclaimed, "What the hell are you all eating? With that lazy look of yours, if a customer comes in and sees, what would they think?"


    "Manager, there hasn''t been a customer at all!"


    "Yeah, there were a few people the day before yesterday, but from yesterday afternoon until now, not a single one!"


    "What did you say? Not a single person?"


    Nangong Shou''s face stiffened, then he looked towards the hall, and besides those servants, there wasn''t a single person in sight.


    In the past.


    This place was as busy as a marketplace, especially when opening the doors every day, customers would flock in droves. Listening to the servant''s words, there hasn''t been a single customer since yesterday afternoon¡ªwhat on earth is going on?


    Nangong Shou said sternly, "It must be because of your poor attitudes that you''ve offended the customers!"


    "Manager, it really has nothing to do with us! It''s all because of the tricks played by Treasure Pavilion across the street..."


    "Actually, our number of customers has been decreasing for the past three days, and since yesterday afternoon not a single customer has come in¡ªthey''ve all gone over to the Treasure Pavilion across the street!" sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Everyone said one after another.


    "Treasure Pavilion?"


    Nangong Shou frowningly said, "Impossible, the Treasure Pavilion has been across from us for more than a day or two. Our business has always been better than theirs, how could our customers possibly be taken away by them?"


    "Shopkeeper, what you''re talking about is all in the past. Now all the elixirs at the Treasure Pavilion Pharmacy are being sold at a 10% discount, half a percent cheaper than ours."


    "Now everyone is heading over there!"


    Suddenly, Nangong Shou recalled the poster that the Treasure Pavilion had put up four days ago, advertising a 10% discount, and he said with a frown, "Do you mean to say that for these four days, the Treasure Pavilion has been consistently selling elixirs at a discount? How is that possible? Where does the Treasure Pavilion get so many elixirs?"


    He marched straight to the door and looked out across Vermilion Bird Avenue to the opposite side.


    A long queue had formed outside the elixir shop of the Treasure Pavilion.


    Then looking back at their side...


    The entryway was so deserted, not even a bird cared to linger.


    "Shopkeeper, what should we do? Should we report this to the family?" a servant asked.


    Nangong Shou gave him a cold glare and sneered, "Report this trivial matter to the family? Do you want our family head to think I''m incompetent?" After a pause, Nangong Shou said in a deep voice, "It''s just a price reduction, isn''t it? If he dares to offer a 10% discount, then we''ll offer a 15% discount. In any case, our profits will still be very considerable even if we sold at that discount!"


    "Yes!"


    The servant immediately went to prepare the notice.


    Nangong Shou glanced at the long line across the street, sneering, "Trying to wage a price war with the Nangong Family? You''re deluded!"


    However...


    On the fifth day,


    when Nangong Shou arrived at the pharmacy, he found that his side still had not a single customer. He couldn''t help being furious, "What''s going on? I''ve already offered a 15% discount, and we still can''t beat the Treasure Pavilion?"


    A servant came forward with a gloomy face, "They''ve offered a 20% discount on the opposite side!"


    "20% discount?"


    Nangong Shou''s complexion suddenly changed, a fierce look flashing in his eyes, "It seems they''re really determined to go head-to-head with us. Is it just about lowering prices? The Nangong Family has never been afraid of anyone! Post a notice that we''ll give a 25%... no, a straight 40% discount. I refuse to believe that the Treasure Pavilion will dare to compete with us!"


    Even with a 40% discount, their profits would still be quite substantial.


    But the cost of medicinal herbs for the Treasure Pavilion was much higher than theirs; a 40% discount was almost equal to their cost price.


    Nangong Shou confidently said, "Unless the Treasure Pavilion is truly determined to compete with us at a loss, there''s no way they would dare to drop their prices any further." Read the latest on My Virtual Library Empire


    "Shopkeeper, you are wise!"


    "Tch, tch, a 40% discount, I''m afraid the Treasure Pavilion will be scared witless now..."


    The servants all said in succession.


    Only...


    On the sixth day, they still had not a single customer on their side.


    Meanwhile, the Treasure Pavilion Pharmacy was bustling with people, a long line snaking from the door.


    The servant panted heavily, his face pale as he said, "Shopkeeper, the Treasure Pavilion is now selling all elixirs at a 50% discount..."


    Thump!


    Nangong Shou''s eyes bulged, his fan dropping to the ground and the tea cup was left empty, only the rocking chair creaked back and forth as it swayed. Beads of sweat formed on Nangong Shou''s forehead as he forced down a gulp of saliva, feeling an icy chill throughout his body, "Something''s wrong, a big problem is brewing."


    He quickly turned to the servants, "You keep an eye on the opposite side for me, I''ll be back in no time!"


    Nangong Shou hurried toward the Nangong Family home, frantic and flustered.


    However...


    When he arrived at the entrance of the Nangong Family home, he discovered that the people in charge of over a hundred elixir shops in the imperial city had all gathered here, including some pharmacy shopkeepers from cities near the imperial capital.


    Seeing the deep worry on everyone''s faces, Nangong Shou turned pale, "I fear a major incident has indeed occurred!"

 Chapter 353 Tip-Off!

    Inside the vast estate of the Nangong Family.


    At this moment, however, it was filled with the pharmacy managers from around a dozen cities surrounding the imperial capital¡ªa scene that usually only occurred during the once-a-year clan meeting.


    After all,


    Given the Nangong Family''s booming pharmacy business across the regions, with daily transactions worth tens of billions, no one could afford any delay.


    "Nangong Shou? Why are you here too?"


    "Nangong Xiao, your Tianfeng City pharmacy is doing such good business. How dare you leave without permission?"


    "You all..."


    There were nearly ten thousand Nangong Family pharmacies within the entire Great Qian Dynasty, and this was only a small fraction of them here. Yet, the number had already surpassed a hundred. People who knew each other were all showing a look of surprise on their faces.


    You must know that...


    Even during clan meetings in the past, the better the pharmacy did, the later its manager would arrive.


    Today, everyone was hastily gathered here.


    A sense of unease began to form in everyone''s heart.


    The pharmacy where Nangong Shou worked ranked within the top ten of all the Nangong Family Pharmacies. On regular days, his pharmacy''s daily business volume was in the hundreds of millions of silver. At its peak, it even reached a staggering twenty billion silver in a single day.


    His status among the managers was also very high.


    Nangong Shou approached Nangong Xiao; the two of them were brothers by blood and naturally had a closer relationship. "Second brother, why did you suddenly run back here?"


    Nangong Xiao replied with a wry smile, "Big brother, if you''re back at this time, I''m afraid you''ve encountered the same situation as us. Don''t ask now. The family head and the old ancestor will be here soon. We can talk about it then!"


    "Hmm?"


    A sense of foreboding struck Nangong Shou.


    His gaze swept across the faces of the crowd, noting that everyone looked very upset.


    Recalling his own experiences over the past few days, Nangong Shou''s brows furrowed with increasing anxiety.


    At this moment,


    Nangong Shengtian and the current family head of the Nangong Family, Nangong Shengji, appeared before everyone. In an instant, over a hundred powerful managers quieted down. Although the Nangong Family''s old ancestor was Nangong Shengtian, the one who truly held the reins was Nangong Shengji.


    This man was of the same generation as Nangong Shengtian but much younger in age.


    Yet, even Nangong Shengtian, before this young family head, acted with utmost respect.


    This was the Nangong Family''s number one expert, a being at the Peak of the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    "We already know the reason why you have all come back," Nangong Shengji said, getting right to the point.


    The people looked at each other and grimaced.


    Nangong Shengtian spoke indifferently, "Let each pharmacy manager report their situation!" His gaze swept across the crowd and landed on Nangong Xiao, "Nangong Xiao, you go first!"


    "Yes!"


    Nangong Xiao grimaced, steeling himself as he spoke, "Seven days ago, the Treasure Pavilion''s pharmacy started selling pills at a ten percent discount. At first, I didn''t pay much attention, thinking it was just a promotion to clear their stock."


    The crowd nodded in understanding.


    The Nangong Family and the Treasure Pavilion''s pharmacies had been competing overtly and covertly for many years, with the Nangong Family usually having the upper hand.


    As a result, the Treasure Pavilion''s pharmacies would often reduce prices to clear their inventory.


    But such sales wouldn''t last too long,


    Usually not more than three days.


    Nangong Shengtian narrowed his eyes and said, "Continue!"


    Nangong Xiao''s bitter smile persisted, "Who knew that by the third day, there were still no changes; they continued with the ten percent discount. Only then did I realize something was wrong and immediately dropped our prices. However, the Treasure Pavilion also lowered their prices, and every time, they were lower than ours. Until today, we have been doing a forty percent discount, yet they have gone down to fifty percent off."


    "What?"


    "Fifty percent? Has the Treasure Pavilion gone mad? Their profit margin is only around thirty percent. A fifty percent discount means a loss. What on earth are they doing?"


    "What''s fifty percent? The Treasure Pavilion in our place has started to sell pills at a thirty percent discount. If it weren''t for that, why would I have rushed back so urgently..."


    "Thirty percent? They get their medicinal materials from the Beitang Family at twice the price we pay. Isn''t Nalan Qianqiu afraid of going bankrupt?"


    The crowd began to express their distress.


    Upon hearing this.


    The expression on Nangong Shengtian''s face became increasingly ugly. Based on everyone''s reaction, it meant that Treasure Pavilion wasn''t just clearing out stock on a small scale¡ªthis was a price war against the Nangong Family!


    "Shut up!"


    Nangong Shengtian huffed coldly, and seeing that people turned to look at him, he continued with a stern face, "Have any of you sent people to verify the quality of the medicinal pills from Treasure Pavilion? How is it?"


    Nangong Xiao hurriedly responded, "Elder Ancestor, I also thought that they might be passing off inferior products as good quality, so I sent people to buy some of their medicinal pills. But the comparison results are..."


    "They are selling them so cheaply, the quality of the medicinal pills must definitely not be guaranteed?"


    "It''s very likely they are passing off inferior products as good quality!" Explore more at My Virtual Library Empire


    However...


    Nangong Xiao''s face looked gloomy as he said, "The lowest quality of the medicinal pills they sell is high-grade, and the rate of top-quality pills even exceeds fifty percent. If it weren''t for the outstanding quality of their pills, just the price alone wouldn''t leave us at a loss!"


    As he spoke.


    Nangong Xiao took out several medicine bottles and respectfully presented them to Nangong Shengtian and another person.


    "Patriarch, please take a look!"


    Nangong Shengtian handed a few jade bottles to Nangong Shengji.


    The two opened the medicine bottles.


    A rich fragrance of medicine wafted out.


    The pills were round and lustrous, full and substantial, with especially clear pill patterns contained on them, absolutely of excellent quality. Moreover, these medicinal pills were none other than the varieties sold by the Nangong Family in the market.


    Unable to compete in price.


    Unable to match in quality as well.


    In such a situation...


    Who would still buy the Nangong Family''s medicinal pills?


    "Patriarch..."


    Nangong Shengtian''s face was dark and terribly grim as he looked towards Nangong Shengji.


    Nangong Shengji squinted his eyes and slowly opened them, speaking coldly, "Treasure Pavilion wants to have a price war, then let''s compete with them. Additionally, Shengtian, you must immediately go to the Beitang Family and have them cut off all medicinal material supplies to Treasure Pavilion and also reduce the price of our materials by another fifty percent."


    "Reduce by another fifty percent?"


    Nangong Shengtian''s expression changed, saying, "Patriarch, I''m afraid Beitang Feng will not agree to it."


    The Nangong Family was already purchasing medicinal materials from the Beitang Family at half the market price.


    If the price were to be pushed down by another fifty percent.


    The Beitang Family would be losing money!


    Nangong Shengji sneered coldly, his face arrogant, "What right does Beitang Feng have to disagree? Tell Beitang Feng, if he doesn''t agree, then he can forget about recovering the debt we have accumulated over the years!"


    Over the years, the Nangong Family owed the Beitang Family a total of more than one hundred trillion silver.


    One must know...


    The Beitang Family also has to answer to the Medicine King Valley behind them, and if this huge sum can''t be returned, even the relationship between the Beitang Family and Medicine King Valley is likely to be completely severed.


    Nangong Shengtian nodded, "I know what to do!" S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    At this moment.


    A thin figure appeared beside Nangong Shengji. The person was slender, with a face like jade, dressed in clothes whiter than snow. It was Nangong Yi, the direct disciple of Nangong Shengji. He stepped forward and said, "Master, someone outside is requesting an audience, claiming to have important information regarding Treasure Pavilion!"


    "Who is it?"


    Nangong Shengji was startled.


    Nangong Yi said with a grave voice, "He says his name is Ning Kang!"


    "Ning Kang?"


    Nangong Shengtian''s eyes brightened, saying, "Patriarch, this man is the son of Ning Luo, the Vice Pavilion Master of Treasure Pavilion. He previously had some conflicts with Xiao Yi. The last time Xiao Yi went to Beast Emperor City, it was this very person who tipped us off!"


    "Oh? Let him in!"


    Nangong Shengji squinted his eyes, a fierce cold light in his gaze, "Treasure Pavilion? Hmph, I really want to see what exactly Nalan Qianqiu is up to!"

 Chapter 354 Unexpected Joy

    In the main hall.


    Find your next adventure on My Virtual Library Empire


    Nangong Shengtian and Nangong Shengji sat high and mighty on the main seats, looking down at Ning Kang as he entered the hall under Nangong Yi''s lead.


    Ning Kang''s legs trembled uncontrollably as he stood before the two, his face slightly pale.


    Both of these individuals were of the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    In the entire Great Qian Dynasty, they were titans capable of shaking the earth thrice with just a stomp of their feet.


    Either could match his master''s ancestor, the overall Pavilion Master of the Treasure Pavilion of the Great Qian Dynasty, Nalan Qianqiu.


    "Ning Kang pays respect to the two seniors!" Ning Kang knelt before them with a thud, his voice quivering.


    Nangong Shengji squinted his eyes, looking completely at ease.


    Nangong Shengtian said indifferently, "Ning Kang, what business do you have with us?"


    Ning Kang hurriedly said, "Ancestor Nangong, I have come across a piece of vital news concerning the life and death of the Nangong Family and have made a special trip to notify you both!"


    "Heh, my Nangong Family has stood at the pinnacle of the Great Qian Dynasty for many years, who could possibly threaten the Nangong Family?" Nangong Shengtian said with an indifferent face, his confidence and determination in his words showing no sign of concern for the all-out assault the Treasure Pavilion was mounting against the Nangong Family.


    The Nangong Family had indeed stood firm for many years, with their own foundation and confidence.


    After all.


    The actions of one of the four great families could affect them all.


    Even though the Dongfang and Ximen Families were at odds with the Nangong Family, if there truly was a force intending to uproot the Nangong Family, those two families would not stand idly by.


    You should know...


    The reason these four great families have managed to stand for so many years is their unity!


    As Nangong Shengtian spoke, Ning Kang''s heart became somewhat chaotic, and he hurriedly said, "Ancestor Nangong, please believe me, this news truly relates to the life and death of the Nangong Family."


    Nangong Shengtian said, "Then let''s hear it."


    "This..."


    Ning Kang feigned hesitation.


    Nangong Shengtian said calmly, "If your news is as you say, concerning the life and death of the Nangong Family, I naturally will not mistreat you. Did I not give you a hundred million Silver when you disclosed Xiao Yi''s whereabouts before? If this news is indeed as important as you claim, I can promise you ten times that amount!"


    Gulp!


    Ning Kang swallowed hard.


    Ten times?


    That would be a billion Silver!


    With so much money, why would he stay at the Treasure Pavilion? He could just take the money and flee, living a life of wealth!


    With that thought in mind.


    Ning Kang said solemnly, "Ancestor Nangong, have you noticed that recently the pharmacies in the Treasure Pavilion have been lowering their prices across the board? I''ve learned that Nalan Qianqiu now has a mysterious master by her side, a man with extremely adept alchemy skills. He''s the one who arrived at the Treasure Pavilion seven days ago, and from the second day onwards, our Treasure Pavilion began heavily discounting all the medicinal pills for sale!"


    "Hm?"


    "A master?"


    Nangong Shengji''s tightly closed eyes sprang open, a flash of cold light passing through them as he leaned forward and said in a stern voice, "Do you know the master''s name and surname?"


    "I know, I know, my father calls him Master Fu Yuan!" Ning Kang hurriedly said.


    ''Master Fu Yuan?'' sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I remember now, among the powerhouses Xiao Yi brought back from Beast Emperor City, there was a Seven-Star Alchemist called Fu Yuan!"


    Nangong Shengtian''s face changed dramatically, his handgrips bursting from his grip, "Damn it, all of this must be Xiao Yi''s doing, that little bastard has a bet with me for a month. I wondered why the Treasure Pavilion suddenly started fighting us recklessly¡ªit must be because of that bastard Xiao Yi. I''m going to Xiaoshanhe Institute right now to kill him..."


    "Stop!"


    Nangong Shengji said coldly.


    His voice boomed like thunder, exploding through the hall.


    A chilling aura pervaded the entire hall, causing the enraged Nangong Shengtian to tremble and come to a sudden halt.


    Nangong Shengji squinted his eyes as he sized up Ning Kang, speaking indifferently, "If that''s the information you''re talking about, it''s certainly not worth ten billion!"


    Ning Kang''s lips turned white.


    Nangong Shengji''s presence made him feel as though he had fallen into an ice cellar, his body trembling slightly, he quickly said, "Reporting to the Nangong, I, I have brought another piece of information... The reason the Treasure Pavilion can suppress the prices of their elixirs so low is all because Master Fu Yuan has a secret recipe that can double the success rate and rate of top-quality elixirs no matter what kind of elixir it is once it''s added!"


    Hiss!


    As soon as these words came out, Nangong Shengtian and the others couldn''t help but take a sharp breath.


    The success rate and rate of top-quality elixirs can both be doubled?


    If that''s really the case...


    It meant that the cost could be reduced by at least half, and with the increase in success and top-quality rates, the cost might very well be controlled to around thirty percent!


    "No wonder the Treasure Pavilion dares to push the prices down to this level!"


    "If this secret recipe is real, and we can get our hands on it, considering the price at which we purchase from the Beitang Family, wouldn''t we be making a profit even if we sold it at ten percent of the current price..."


    Nangong Shengji and Nangong Shengtian exchanged glances.


    But neither of them trusted Ning Kang on this alone, Nangong Shengji, still squinting his eyes, said, "Ning Kang, would you like to earn more money?"


    "Hm?"


    Ning Kang was startled.


    Nangong Shengji continued, "If you can get your hands on this secret recipe, I can reward you with one hundred billion silver, and additionally, I promise to let you join the Nangong Family and grant you the Nangong surname."


    Thump!


    Thump!


    Ning Kang''s heartbeat suddenly accelerated, his breathing became hurried, and his eyes reddened.


    Not to mention joining the Nangong Family, just that hundred billion silver was enough to make his heart race.


    Of course.


    If he actually did this...


    He would also be completely standing against the Treasure Pavilion.


    After hesitating for a moment.


    Ning Kang said in a deep voice, "The two ancestors can rest assured, I will definitely find a way to get that secret recipe!"


    "We await your good news!"


    Nangong Shengji gave a slight smile and then looked towards Nangong Yi, "Yi''er, take Ning Kang down and give him ten billion silver as a reward!"


    "Yes!"


    Nangong Yi immediately led Ning Kang away.


    Leaving only Nangong Shengji and one other...


    Nangong Shengtian asked in a grave voice, "Family head, do you believe what he said?"


    "Does it matter whether I believe it or not? If he truly can bring us that secret recipe and it proves effective after we test it, then it will be an unexpected joy. If not, we have lost nothing!" Nangong Shengji said indifferently, then squinting at Nangong Shengtian, "Let Nangong Yi handle the matters concerning the Beitang Family. You go to the Treasure Pavilion at once and try to meet Master Fu Yuan. If you can persuade him to join us, that would be best. If not, find a way to get rid of him..."


    "Yes!"


    Nangong Shengtian left at once.


    Meanwhile.


    On the Xuanwu Square, the genius battle had finally come to its last fight, a clash that would determine the top talent of this event.


    The vast Xuanwu Square was already teeming with people.


    On the high platform.


    Xiao Yi sat squarely in the center, his gaze fixed on the two figures on the stage, a peculiar light flickering through his eyes, "He actually managed to hold out until now, what a pleasant surprise!"


    PS: Explosion tomorrow!!!!!!

 Chapter 355 Do You Still Remember Me?

    "I didn''t expect her to last this long, it''s quite the pleasant surprise!"


    Xiao Yi revealed a hint of amusement as he watched the purple silhouette on the arena.


    The white figure was the woman Xiao Yi had encountered upon his arrival at the imperial city, the one who had intentionally drawn the attention of the Black Hawk Gang to him.


    During the earlier rounds, Xiao Yi had discovered the woman''s identity, but since she was only at the peak of the Shentong Realm, he had not taken her too seriously. However, to his surprise, she had managed to reach the final.


    And she was even competing for the title of number one genius.


    Although the competition limited the age of participants to under thirty, the temptation of the Martial Dao Divine Fruit offered by those three Dharma Manifestation Realm experts still attracted many talents from the Golden Core Realm.


    That the woman had managed to endure until the end was indeed a pleasing surprise.


    And quite unexpected!


    Swish!


    The young girl in the white dress stood with her hands clasped behind her back, facing her opponent with a calm expression.


    Her adversary was a youth who looked as imposing as a humanoid beast.


    With a gleaming bald head and muscles like blocks of lead that traced explosive lines of power, the youth''s cultivation also reached the Second Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, combined with Innate Divine Strength.


    Throughout the tournament, many strong contenders had been blasted out of the arena by his fists.


    "You, a little girl, dare to compete with me for the first place?" sneered Lei Li, the bald youth, with disdain.


    The white-dressed girl, Jin Feiyan, raised an eyebrow, showing a look of grievance while pouting and said plaintively, "Big brother, can''t you let me win? When I was three, I lost my dad, and at the age of six, I no longer had a mom. I was sold to a landlord''s house to be a maid at five. I drank dew when thirsty and ate grasshoppers when hungry. I''m so pitiful..."


    Lei Li frowned and scoffed, "Stop playing the pity card here; I''m not falling for it!"


    "It''s okay, big brother, if you don''t want to let me win, it''s no big deal. If later you break my limbs, I''ll just apply the medicine myself. I''m just a child with no one to love me; I''ve been used to it since I was young, really, you don''t have to feel sorry for me!"


    Jin Feiyan''s face was covered in tears, her look full of sorrow as she looked around at the crowd, "Everyone, please don''t blame him for hitting me; we can''t hold it against him!"


    Moments later.


    A chorus of condemnation rang out around the arena: "Lei Li, are you even a man?"


    "How can you bully a weak girl like this, where is your conscience?"


    "If I were you, I would just concede! How can you, a big guy, bully a young girl like that, are you not ashamed?"


    "Lei Li, if you don''t surrender immediately, I will look down on you!"


    Lei Li''s face twitched uncontrollably, wanting to cry without tears!


    What the hell!


    I just want to fight in the arena, don''t I?


    How did I become a crime against morality?


    "Silence!" Continue your journey on My Virtual Library Empire


    The voice of Yu Huaxian suddenly resounded, cutting through the noise abruptly as his gaze settled on the two in the arena, "Three breaths, then the battle begins!"


    On the high platform.


    Hai Wei looked at Xiao Yi beside him and asked, "President, who do you think will win the final victory?"


    Xiao Yi smiled and replied, "What do you think?"


    Hai Wei paused before answering, "It should be Lei Li who has a higher chance of winning!"


    Li Jinjun said, "I think so too; whether it''s in cultivation or combat strength, Lei Li seems to have the upper hand. I''ve also watched Jin Feiyan''s previous fights; she relies more on clever tricks..."


    "Hahaha..."


    Xiao Yi suddenly laughed, squinting his eyes as he sized up Jin Feiyan on the arena with an amused look, "Then you are seriously underestimating her!"


    "Huh?"


    The crowd was taken aback.


    At that moment...


    Yu Huaxian struck the bronze gong: "The battle begins!"


    Swish!


    Whoosh!


    On the stage, both fighters struck simultaneously, turning into streaks of light rushing towards each other, and in an instant, the wind rose and clouds surged, dust billowing. Lei Li''s figure sprinted wildly like a ferocious beast, covered in terrifying waves of force, sweeping over everything.


    Jin Feiyan''s figure seemed frail, like a seagull in a storm, as if it could be swallowed by the tempest at any moment.


    Just when everyone was tense about Jin Feiyan''s safety.


    Suddenly, Jin Feiyan''s figure twisted, nimbly dodging Lei Li''s fierce punch with a swift whoosh, as agile as a swallow.


    At the same time...


    Jin Feiyan, like a clinging maggot, stuck close to Lei Li''s body without creating any distance between them. Lei Li indeed possessed Innate Divine Strength, but his moves were overly forceful and lacking in variation.


    Facing Jin Feiyan''s close-quarters combat, Lei Li found himself with immense power but completely unable to deploy it.


    This frustration made Lei Li more and more impatient.


    "Thunderstorm Fist!"


    Lei Li roared furiously, his fists sweeping across horizontally.


    Above these fists, energy crackled like lightning, creating a massive vacuum bubble. Like an arrow shot from a bowstring, it whooshed towards Jin Feiyan, compressing the surrounding air to the extreme.


    Even with Jin Feiyan''s agile movement technique, there was a sense of difficulty in moving.


    Just as the punch was about to hit.


    A pitiful look suddenly appeared on Jin Feiyan''s face, and in the midst of the buzzing noise, Lei Li was reminded of the words previously said by Jin Feiyan and the accusations of the people around the stage against him.


    He seemed to have already envisioned the scene where, once his punch landed, Jin Feiyan would be grievously injured and he would become the target of public criticism!


    On the high platform.


    Xiao Yi noticed Lei Li''s moment of hesitation and shook his head, "Lei Li has lost!"


    "Huh?"


    Hai Wei and the others were startled.


    Wasn''t Lei Li oppressing Jin Feiyan at the moment? How could he have lost?


    On the stage.


    Jin Feiyan noticed Lei Li''s momentary hesitation, her lips slightly lifted into a smile, and her figure flickered, like a ghostly white silhouette. With a swift whoosh, she dodged Lei Li''s fierce punch and circled behind him.


    At the same time, a palm strike landed on the back of Lei Li''s neck.


    Spurt!


    Lei Li''s body trembled, his energy dissipated, and he thumped onto the ground.


    Falling unconscious.


    Hiss!


    Around the stage, a collective intake of breath could be heard.


    Nobody had expected Lei Li, who seemed to have victory in his grasp, to be turned over at the last moment.


    Yu Huaxian was also taken aback, then spoke out loud, "The first place winner of this Genius Battle is Jin Feiyan!"


    On the stage.


    Jin Feiyan''s face revealed a serene smile, and she cheered as she looked towards Yu Huaxian, "Elder Yu, they say that the first-place winner of the Genius Battle will receive a Martial Dao Divine Fruit of the Dharma Manifestation Realm, is that true?"


    "That is indeed true; the dean himself will be presenting it to you shortly!"


    Elder Yu smiled.


    He held a favorable impression of this girl who seemed so fragile yet had made her way to first place in the Genius Battle.


    "Yay!"


    Jin Feiyan clenched her fists excitedly, her face full of thrill.


    At that moment...


    A playful voice suddenly sounded in her ear, "Jin Feiyan, do you still remember me?" S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 356 Supervisory Group

    "Jin Feiyan, do you still remember me?"


    Xiao Yi''s playful voice suddenly came through, causing Jin Feiyan to start.


    She raised her head and looked in the direction of the voice.


    She saw Xiao Yi looking at her with a half-smile, though Jin Feiyan just felt that the person before her was somewhat familiar. With a slight knit of her brows, she shook her head and said, "I don''t know you... Little brother, are you trying to hit on me? Sorry, though you''re handsome, I''m not looking to date anyone at the moment!"


    Xiao Yi: "..."


    Yu Huaxian: "..."


    Everyone: "..."


    Xiao Yi touched his nose and said with a wry smile, "I''m not trying to date you..."


    "Then are you trying to keep me as a mistress? That won''t do either. I''m a girl with principles, and I don''t do such things..." Jin Feiyan''s head shaking was as resolute as a rattle-drum as she firmly said.


    Xiao Yi: "..."


    Pfft!


    Yu Huaxian and others had never seen Xiao Yi this flustered; they couldn''t help but laugh out loud.


    Xiao Yi glared at them fiercely.


    Only then did Yu Huaxian speak, "Jin Feiyan, the man standing before you is the head of Xiaoshanhe Institute, Xiao Yi!"


    "Eh?"


    Jin Feiyan, startled, sized up Xiao Yi but showed no sign of embarrassment. With her hands balled into fists propping up her chin, her eyes sparkling with stars, she said, "Little brother, you''re our academy''s head? I''ve long heard that the head of Xiaoshanhe Institute, Xiao Yi, is young and handsome and possesses immense strength. Seeing you today truly lives up to your reputation!"


    Xiao Yi cleared his throat to interrupt Jin Feiyan''s words.


    This guy changes faces faster than flipping through a book.


    Xiao Yi said, "Jin Feiyan, you really do forget important people easily, huh! Black Hawk Gang, remember that?"


    "Hmm?"


    Jin Feiyan''s whole body stiffened, and her eyes widened in shock. Her autumn-water-like pupils shone with astonishment and surprise as she sized up Xiao Yi, "You, you, you''re the one who wiped out the Black Hawk Gang?"


    How could she forget Xiao Yi?


    Back then, all she had in mind was to use Xiao Yi to escape; later, she heard that the Black Hawk Gang was exterminated.


    At the time, Jin Feiyan was shocked as well.


    She specifically fled to the countryside and hid for a while until she recently heard that the top three geniuses would receive a Dharma Manifestation Realm''s Martial Dao Divine Fruit, and only then did she return to the capital.


    She didn''t expect...


    She still couldn''t avoid it, after all!


    Jin Feiyan looked crestfallen and said, "Head Xiao, I really didn''t do it on purpose. How about this, I don''t want the Martial Dao Divine Fruit anymore, can you just let me go like it was nothing?"


    "..."


    Xiao Yi''s lips curved slightly, his face full of amusement as he said, "Since you''ve walked into the net of your own accord, it''s impossible to let you go now. However, if you''re willing to join Shanhe Court, I might consider not punishing you!"


    "Huh?"


    Jin Feiyan stunned, looked at Xiao Yi in disbelief, her slender finger pointing to her nose, "You want me to join Shanhe Court?"


    Xiao Yi nodded.


    Jin Feiyan hesitated for a moment, then asked tentatively, "Are you sure you want me to join Shanhe Court, and not just thinking of tricking me there so you can punish me later?" S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi said, "Securing the first place in the talent competition sufficiently proves your potential, enough to become a disciple at Shanhe Court!"


    Jin Feiyan''s eyes showed a hint of wariness as she asked, "Are you sure it''s my talent you''re interested in, and not... lusting after my body?"


    Xiao Yi: "..."


    God damn lusting after your body!


    Yu Huaxian and the others couldn''t hold back any longer and burst into laughter.


    Even when facing the powerhouses in the Dharma Manifestation Realm, the always composed Xiao Yi had never been so vexed. He shook his head and said indifferently, "Just keep your mind at ease, I''m not interested in little apples!"


    "Little, little apple?"


    Jin Feiyan was taken aback, subconsciously glanced at herself, then immediately puffed out her chest, angrily saying, "Who says I''m a little apple? You''re a little apple, your whole family is little apples..."


    Xiao Yi gave her a glance, refusing to be led by the nose by a woman, he indifferently said, "Fine, since you''re unwilling to join Shanhe Court, then you can forget about the first place prize."


    "Wait a minute..."


    Jin Feiyan''s face showed urgency as she called out quickly, "I am willing to join Xiaoshanhe Institute, but I need you to agree to one condition!"


    "Hmm?"


    Xiao Yi looked at her.


    Jin Feiyan said, "I want to take you as my master!"


    "Take me as your master?"


    Xiao Yi was startled for a moment, then looked at her with a playful expression and said, "You may first join my sect and become my nominal disciple. If within half a month, you manage to step into the Golden Core Realm, I will consider taking you as my disciple!"


    "Master, please accept your disciple''s bow!"


    Jin Feiyan quickly knelt down and kowtowed deeply.


    With a casual wave of his hand, Xiao Yi lifted Jin Feiyan with an invisible surge of Qi and looked towards Yu Huaxian, "Notify the top ten thousand talents of the battle to rest tonight and return to Xiaoshanhe Institute tomorrow at noon for the initiation ceremony."


    "Yes!"


    Yu Huaxian accepted the order with an excited expression.


    The disciples who ranked among the top ten thousand talents all had good potential, and if these new forces were to join Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    With Xiao Yi''s methods, it was definitely possible to nurture a large group of strong practitioners.


    This was the hope for the rise of Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Jin Feiyan followed closely alongside Xiao Yi and asked curiously, "Master, why don''t we return to Xiaoshanhe Institute right now?"


    Xiao Yi squinted his eyes, his lips curling up with a hint of amusement, "We ought to give those people some time, shouldn''t we?"


    "Hmm?"


    Jin Feiyan was stunned, and then thinking of the ''those people'' Xiao Yi referred to, probably the strong practitioners from the top ten thousand, she didn''t ponder any further. As she saw Xiao Yi preparing to leave, she hurriedly followed, "Master, where are you planning to go?"


    Xiao Yi glanced at her and said, "To the Treasure Pavilion."


    "Treasure Pavilion?"


    Jin Feiyan''s eyes lit up, "Master, can you take your disciple with you?"


    Upon Jin Feiyan''s pleading, Xiao Yi shook his head helplessly, "Going together is no problem, but you must control your hands!"


    This guy had a history of misconduct!


    If she were to sneak around in the Treasure Pavilion, it would be an embarrassment!


    After Jin Feiyan promised repeatedly, Xiao Yi led her to the Treasure Pavilion. Explore more at My Virtual Library Empire


    Meanwhile...


    Inside the palace.


    Li Shengtian, Tian Xiao, and Chen Shuiwen were kneeling in front of Emperor Qian, having done so for a full two hours already.


    Emperor Qian set down the memorial, his face expressionless as he said, "My loyal subjects, are you truly resolved to this?"


    "Your Majesty, our actions are not driven by personal grievances but by a profound sense of responsibility towards the countless citizens of the Great Qian Dynasty!" Li Shengtian spoke with a heavy voice.


    Tian Xiao''s head banged against the ground, tears streaming down his face as he said, "Your Majesty, those who have distinguished themselves in the genius battle are definitely the future pillars of the Great Qian Dynasty. How can we stand by and watch them thrown into a pit of fire?"


    Emperor Qian narrowed his eyes and said, "Pit of fire? Xiaoshanhe Institute is a sect supported by our royal family, how can you speak of it as a pit of fire?"


    "Your Majesty, Xiaoshanhe Institute has been in decline for many years and lacks even a Spirit Gathering Array... Even though Xiao Yi has brought in those powerful people from Beast Emperor City, to the best of my knowledge, they are slaves bought from the slave market... How can they become qualified mentors? To hand over the future pillars of the Great Qian Dynasty to a group of slaves for guidance is to ruin them..."


    Chen Shuiwen knelt in front of Emperor Qian, tearfully imploring, "Your Majesty, we humbly request you to send an inspection team to Xiaoshanhe Institute to audit it, sending those disciples to Xiaoshanhe Institute is truly a waste of heaven''s gifts!"


    Emperor Qian tapped his fingers lightly on the table, speaking indifferently, "Sending an inspection team to examine isn''t a problem, but if, as you say, Xiaoshanhe Institute fails to provide a suitable cultivation environment for those disciples, what should be done with the more than ten thousand of them?"


    Li Shengtian said, "I believe although Shanhe Martial Arts Academy is newly established, it has strong teachers and is deeply rooted. They can be sent to Shanhe Martial Arts Academy!"


    "I second the motion!"


    Tian Xiao also spoke up.


    Chen Shuiwen pounded his chest and said, "Your Majesty, rest assured, your servant will not let you down!"


    Emperor Qian pondered for a moment, then spoke solemnly, "So be it, since you insist, I will appoint Qi together with the three of you to form an inspection team and go to Xiaoshanhe Institute for the audit. If it''s as you say, and Xiaoshanhe Institute is unable to provide those disciples with a suitable cultivation environment, then have them go to Shanhe Martial Arts Academy. However, if it turns out that what you say is not true, don''t blame me for charging you with the crime of defaming and entrapping an important court official..."


    "Your Majesty is wise!"


    "Please rest assured, Your Majesty!"


    The three of them, excited, exchanged glances, revealing vicious and triumphant expressions, "Xiao Yi, Xiao Yi, the disciples you worked so hard to recruit are about to become ours!"

 Chapter 357 Coming to Find Death!

    Treasure Pavilion.


    Xiao Yi and Jin Feiyan moved unhindered and arrived in the alchemy room.


    Fu Yuan and others were in the process of concocting pills. The Treasure Pavilion had launched a full-scale total offensive against the Nangong Family, and pill pharmacies throughout the Great Qian Dynasty had lowered their prices. The daily consumption of pills was extremely terrifying.


    "Xiao!"


    "Director, you''re here!"


    Everyone said one after the other.


    Fu Yuan also put down his work, walked up to Xiao Yi, and respectfully saluted, "Xiao, I was blind before and failed to recognize that you are the true Alchemy Grandmaster. Please punish me!"


    Ever since the day Nalan Qianqiu and the others passed on the alchemy techniques advised by Xiao Yi to Fu Yuan.


    Fu Yuan could now control five Pill Furnaces at the same time.


    This leap in progress made Fu Yuan completely convinced and sincerely impressed by Xiao Yi.


    Now, it wasn''t just a matter of voluntarily leaving after the ten-year agreement.


    Even if Xiao Yi drove him away, he wouldn''t be willing to leave.


    Xiao Yi raised his palm lightly and helped Fu Yuan stand up slowly, saying with a smile, "Fu, you''re too polite. Since we''re all fellow members of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, we are companions. How can there be punishment between us?"


    Gratefulness filled Fu Yuan''s heart. He opened his mouth, seemingly having something to say but hesitated.


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow, "Fu, is there something you wish to discuss with me? There''s no need for such caution between us, just speak plainly!" S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "This..."


    Fu Yuan hesitated for a moment, then said, "Xiao, I am puzzled about something in alchemy..."


    "Hahaha, I thought it was something serious. Go on and tell me!" Xiao Yi laughed.


    Fu Yuan promptly said, "I have been a Seven-Star Alchemist for many years, but I have never found the clue to concocting Grade-Eight pills. Although every attempt does complete each step properly, the quality of the pills I create is extremely low. Until now, the most successful Grade-Eight pill I have made is only of low quality..."


    Xiao Yi said, "So, that''s the issue... Fu, if I''m not mistaken, since you entered the fifth level of the Dharma Manifestation Realm, you''ve had no breakthroughs in at least thirty years, correct?"


    Fu Yuan showed a look of surprise; he didn''t expect Xiao Yi to discern his cultivation issue at a glance. He nodded and said, "It''s been thirty-one years. No matter how I cultivate, I can never make any further progress..."


    "And that''s where the problem lies!"


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "The quality of a pill is deeply related to the purification of the herbal essence and the refinement of the heaven and earth energies during the Solidifying Pill process. When Fu broke through the fifth level of the Dharma Manifestation Realm, it must have been with the aid of external forces. But these forces also affected the quality of your qi, naturally preventing you from perfectly enhancing the quality of Grade-Eight pills!"


    Hiss!


    Fu Yuan looked perplexed, staring incredulously at Xiao Yi.


    His breakthrough to the fifth level of the Dharma Manifestation Realm indeed happened because he accidentally acquired a Thousand-Year Golden Dragon Herb, which allowed him to break through his shackles.


    But other than himself, no one knew about this!


    How could Xiao Yi pinpoint it exactly?


    Fu Yuan watched Xiao Yi with an excited face, earnestly saying, "Please save me, Xiao!"


    Xiao Yi laughed, "It''s actually quite simple, just enter the Pill Furnace!"


    "Ah?"


    Enjoy new stories from My Virtual Library Empire


    Fu Yuan was taken aback.


    Enter the Pill Furnace?


    Jin Feiyan was astonished, "Master, are you planning to make a Human Refining Elixir?"


    Fu Yuan and the others: "..."


    A line of black lines crossed Xiao Yi''s forehead as he glared at her fiercely, then explained, "What aided your breakthrough contained an overbearing medicinal power which, despite facilitating your breakthrough, left a substantial amount of medicinal power lingering in your body. Over these years, this medicinal power has taken deep root, and only by refining it through the Pill Furnace can the problem be fundamentally resolved!"


    "This..."


    Fu Yuan''s face showed hesitation. Entering the Pill Furnace was truly alarming!


    If there were any mishaps, one would become a literal human pill.


    After hesitating for a while.


    Fu Yuan gritted his teeth and said, "Please assist me, Xiao!"


    Whoosh!


    Fu Yuan directly headed towards one of the pill furnaces and dove into it like a wisp of smoke, immediately sealing the furnace from inside. Xiao Yi''s figure soared into the air, and with a push of his palm towards the front, the gigantic pill furnace roared as it uprooted from the ground.


    It hung in midair, entwined and buoyed by countless threads of elemental qi.


    The surrounding hundreds of alchemists all stopped their actions, each looking on with a horrified expression. They had never heard of someone being refined inside a pill furnace. It was well-known that the temperature inside a pill furnace could easily reach thousands of degrees, and at its highest, it could even soar to tens of thousands of degrees.


    Even the physical body of someone from the Dharma Manifestation Realm would struggle to endure such a terrifyingly high temperature.


    This required an extremely high level of control over the furnace fire.


    Xiao Yi''s form danced in front of the pill furnace, his ten fingers flickering with flames that he breathed into the furnace.


    Hiss Hiss!


    The flames blazed fiercely, with Fu Yuan''s pained grunts occasionally emanating from within.


    "He''s not going to refine the person to death, is he?"


    "Xiao''s alchemical skills are incredibly impressive; how could he make such a novice mistake?"


    Everyone discussed amongst themselves.


    Suddenly.


    The pill furnace buzzed and with a bang landed back on the ground.


    Xiao Yi clapped his hands and said, "Open the furnace after 24 hours, and no one is allowed to come near it in the meantime!"


    "Don''t worry, Xiao, I''ll personally keep watch!"


    Nalan Qianqiu quickly nodded, stepping forward to take his position in front of the pill furnace.


    Xiao Yi nodded and then waved his hand to disperse the crowd before asking, "Master Nalan, how are things going?"


    Nalan Qianqiu squinted his eyes and murmured in a low voice, "Everything is proceeding according to plan!"


    "Good!"


    Xiao Yi''s mouth curved into a slight smile, a cold light flickering in his narrowed eyes, "The trap has been set, just waiting for you to jump in!"


    ......


    The following day, at high noon.


    Outside the Imperial Capital''s Vermilion Bird Gate.


    Xiao Yi, Yu Huaxian, Hai Wei, and Li Jinjun had been waiting here for quite some time. All the warriors who ranked among the top ten thousand geniuses had gathered, each wearing a look filled with intense anticipation and excitement.


    After seven days of genius battles, they had emerged victorious.


    About to join the Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    To receive the many rewards promised by Xiao Yi.


    Inside the Great Qian Dynasty, there stood numerous sects, especially the ten great sects.


    If one''s family had some connections, or one possessed sufficiently dazzling talent, they were generally spotted by one of the great sects around the age of ten or so. Among these people, many were over twenty years of age.


    The ten great sects did not regard them highly.


    If they had to rely on themselves, their martial arts journey would undoubtedly be difficult, with limited prospects.


    Now, the Xiaoshanhe Institute was offering them hope!


    "Dean, everyone has arrived!" Yu Huaxian stepped forward and said respectfully.


    Xiao Yi smiled, "No rush, we are still waiting for some people!"


    "Eh?"


    Yu Huaxian was baffled.


    After a momentary wait...


    Hoofbeats could be heard approaching, led by Chen Shuiwen, Li Shengtian, and Tian Xiao, with Qi and Yang Ling at their side.


    Yu Huaxian looked surprised and frowned, "What are they doing here?"


    Xiao Yi smiled faintly, his words deliberate, "They''ve come to meet their death!"

 Chapter 358 Who Goes There?

    "Here to die!"


    Xiao Yi''s mouth corners subtly lifted, his eyes flickering with a chilling glint.


    Yu Huaxian and the others were all momentarily stunned.


    At this moment...


    Yang Ling and his group had already arrived before them, with Yang Ling giving Xiao Yi a knowing wink.


    There was no mention of him in the initial inspection group roster, but upon learning of the conspiracy by Li Shengtian and others, Yang Ling volunteered to join the group. Emperor Qian was extremely fond of Yang Ling, naturally he wouldn''t reject his request.


    Chen Shuiwen and his two associates wore thick smirks of mockery, their provocative gazes fixed on Xiao Yi.


    Qi spoke in a deep voice, "Xiao, by the emperor''s command, we''ve formed the inspection group to join you back to Imperial Dragon Mountain, to review whether Xiaoshanhe Institute indeed has the capacity to guide these ten thousand disciples in their cultivation. These are official duties, and I hope Xiao doesn''t take offense!"


    Xiao Yi responded with a half-smile, "Is this the emperor''s wish?"


    "How audacious!"


    Chen Shuiwen shouted coldly, his face full of arrogance, "Xiao Yi, regardless of whose idea it was, it ultimately represents the emperor''s edict. Are you dissatisfied with the emperor''s edict?"


    "Who let something slip because they didn''t fasten their belt properly?" Xiao Yi said feigning confusion.


    "You..."


    Chen Shuiwen''s face turned an iron shade of green.


    What kind of thing would slip out if a belt isn''t tightened?


    Wasn''t Xiao Yi insulting him by calling him that ''thing''?


    "Oh, isn''t this Headmaster Chen? How come your Shanhe Martial Arts Academy is so empty that you have the time to join this inspection group and investigate our Xiaoshanhe Institute?" Yu Huaxian said, his face full of surprise as he loudly addressed Chen Shuiwen.


    Xiao Yi cleared his throat and pretended to be displeased, "Yu Huaxian, how can you speak to Headmaster Chen like this? He is the busy head of the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy, who has taken time out of his packed schedule to review our Xiaoshanhe Institute. What an honor for us!"


    "Hahaha, well then we''ll have to trouble Headmaster Chen!" Yu Huaxian bowed mockingly to Chen Shuiwen, his face full of provocation.


    Chen Shuiwen''s face alternated between shades of green and white.


    His Shanhe Martial Arts Academy didn''t even have one new disciple, what busy matters could he possibly have?


    Under Xiao Yi and Yu Huaxian''s mocking, his face turned as black as coal. He snorted coldly and said with a stern voice, "Xiao Yi, don''t rely on your verbal agility here. Today, we, as part of the inspection group, are acting with a sense of responsibility toward these ten thousand plus individuals. If your Xiaoshanhe Institute doesn''t have the capacity to support their cultivation, then these disciples will be transferred to our Shanhe Martial Arts Academy!"


    Li Shengtian spoke indifferently, "Shanhe Martial Arts Academy has a fourfold Spirit Gathering Array, is supported by the resources of the Nangong and Beitang Families'' pills, and is provided martial arts techniques from Three Seas Mountain and Wendao Villa, among others. Their foundation is far stronger than that of Xiaoshanhe Institute."


    Tian Xiao said with a sinister tone, "Headmaster Xiao, let''s not waste everyone''s time. Today our inspection group will act impartially, and if Xiaoshanhe Institute is truly qualified, these disciples will naturally belong to you. However, if you are not up to par, we will have to take these disciples away!"


    "Headmaster Xiao..."


    Chen Shuiwen boasted, "The doors of Shanhe Martial Arts Academy are already open for them. I''ll preemptively thank Headmaster Xiao for selecting these talented disciples for our Shanhe Martial Arts Academy!"


    Xiao Yi''s lips curved in a slight smile, "You might just end up regretting it!"


    "That''s far from certain!"


    "We''re very clear about the state of Xiaoshanhe Institute!"


    "This time, you''re destined to be dressed up with nowhere to go!"


    Chen Shuiwen and the others were brimming with pride.


    Yang Ling frowned, "It''s getting late; let''s set off."


    "Let''s depart!"


    The three led the way.


    Xiao Yi glanced at Yu Huaxian, then signaled his followers, and headed toward Imperial Dragon Mountain.


    Yang Ling came to Xiao Yi''s side. Since the first time he escorted Xiao Yi to Xiaoshanhe Institute, he hadn''t been back since. He knew the place well and spoke with concern, "Xiao Yi, I''ll try my best to meddle and save some disciples for you when the time comes."


    Xiao Yi smiled and said, "Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness, but no one has yet been able to snatch away a disciple from my Xiaoshanhe Institute!"


    "Hmm?"


    Yang Ling was slightly stunned and, squinting at the confidence on Xiao Yi''s face, he said, "You''re that confident?"


    Xiao Yi nodded: "Of course, I have confidence."


    Yang Ling''s lips curled up as he said, "If that''s really the case, then you''ll have to slap them hard in the face for me. Even Emperor Qian has become angry this time. If it turns out that they have been misrepresenting the truth, at the very least, the hats on the heads of Li Shengtian and Tian Xiao won''t stay secure!"


    "Oh?"


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow, looking at the three smug figures ahead, a playful look in his eyes.


    Finally, the group arrived at the foot of Imperial Dragon Mountain. Read new chapters at My Virtual Library Empire


    The Spirit Gathering Array of Xiaoshanhe Institute had not yet been activated and still appeared somewhat desolate. Chen Shuiwen and the other two''s smiles grew even brighter. Turning to look back at Xiao Yi, they said coldly, "Headmaster Xiao, does your Xiaoshanhe Institute not have a Spirit Gathering Array? Just look at how scarce the natural energy of heaven and earth is here, how can anyone cultivate in this place?"


    "Xiao Yi, oh Xiao Yi, with such conditions at your Xiaoshanhe Institute, you still dare to recruit so many disciples? You''re really misleading these young people!"


    "And you even treat slaves brought back from Beast Emperor City as instructors? Do you wish for a group of slaves to guide these pillars of the future Great Qian Dynasty?"


    The three chastised in deep concern and indignation.


    Within the crowd.


    The tens of thousands of disciples also felt bewildered. They hadn''t expected Xiaoshanhe Institute to be in such a state of decay and exchanged glances, whispering among themselves: "We''d heard that Xiaoshanhe Institute was in decline, but didn''t expect it to have fallen this far. Are we really going to cultivate here?"


    "It seems now it would be really better to join the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy!"


    "At least they have a fourfold Spirit Gathering Array, and also experts from Three Seas Mountain and Wendao Villa to guide us... "


    With that, unexpectedly, over a thousand people had second thoughts, unwilling to join Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Chen Shuiwen''s lips tilted upwards as he spoke out loud: "Everyone, no need to worry. The doors of Shanhe Martial Arts Academy are always open to you. If you do not wish to join Xiaoshanhe Institute, please stand on my side. Once the review is complete, I will take you back myself!"


    "Thank you, Headmaster Chen!"


    "We are willing to go to Shanhe Martial Arts Academy!"


    More than twelve hundred people stood behind Chen Shuiwen.


    Yu Huaxian''s face turned ashen; he had not expected that even before they had entered the mountain gate, more than a thousand people had already changed their mind. He was about to scold them but was stopped by Li Shengtian: "Yu Huaxian, do you intend to threaten them in front of us and force them to join Xiaoshanhe Institute?"


    Chen Shuiwen spoke with heartfelt pain, "After all, whether these disciples choose Xiaoshanhe Institute or go to Shanhe Martial Arts Academy should be their own choice. How can we force them? By doing this, how can you assure us that you''re fit to take care of these future pillars?"


    At that moment.


    Another three hundred people joined the ranks behind Chen Shuiwen.


    Even before they had entered the mountain gate, there were already fifteen hundred people who had chosen to join the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy.


    Yu Huaxian''s face looked incredibly displeased.


    Xiao Yi, however, appeared indifferent and said lightly, "Don''t be in such a hurry. It''s only just begun!"


    Chen Shuiwen nodded and said in a sardonic tone: "That''s right, it has just begun. Let''s continue with the review. Perhaps by the time we reach the mountain''s peak, you won''t have a single person left behind you! Hahaha..."


    The group moved majestically towards the mountain gate.


    From a distance.


    The gate had not a single disciple guarding it; shaking his head, Li Shengtian said, "This is Xiaoshanhe Institute? Without any disciples to guard the mountain, the gate simply lies open here, allowing anyone to freely enter and exit, it''s really disappointing!"


    Chen Shuiwen said with pride, "Don''t worry, Mr. Li. The doors of Shanhe Martial Arts Academy are guarded year-round by disciples in the Golden Core Realm; they certainly don''t lack discipline like this place!" S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    No sooner had he finished speaking.


    From the direction of the mountain gate came two thunderous roars: "Who goes there?"

 Chapter 359 Eye-Popping

    "Who goes there?"


    A thunderous roar suddenly erupted, like a startling clap of thunder from the clear sky, nearly knocking Chen Shuiwen and his two companions off their horses.


    Hiss!


    Chen Shuiwen, Li Shengtian, and the third person''s faces turned pale, their hands clutching their ears, as their heads buzzed loudly.


    It was an utterly embarrassing sight.


    Chen Shuiwen glared in the direction of the mountain gate, "Who dares to be so bold, hiding your head and showing your tail, intentionally frightening us?"


    Xiao Yi glanced at him and said indifferently, "Chen, you worry too much. We of the Xiaoshanhe Institute are upright and aboveboard; how could we engage in such sneaky acts?"


    "Upright and aboveboard? Hmph, if you really were, why would you hide your gate guardians?" Chen Shuiwen retorted with a dark face. That voice had almost scared him off his horse.


    It was certainly embarrassing.


    He had already heard many of the disciples discussing his panicked state.


    Yu Huaxian said indifferently, "Chen, you''re showing your ignorance. Our Xiaoshanhe Institute has never hidden its gate guardians..."


    "Not hidden?"


    Li Shengtian sneered, "If they aren''t hidden, then why can''t we see them?"


    Tian Xiao scoffed, "You''re not going to say there''s something wrong with our eyes, are you?"


    Yu Huaxian nodded and said, "Indeed, there is something wrong with your eyes. These two Mountain Guardian Demon Beasts are right in front of you, yet you look right through them!"


    "Mountain Guardian Demon Beasts?"


    Everyone was taken aback.


    All eyes turned towards the mountain gate, and there, in front of the white jade stone gate, sat a formidable demon beast on each side. These two demon beasts were meticulous and immobile, making them seem like statues.


    Gululu!


    Chen Shuiwen and the other two exchanged glances, "These are demon beasts?"


    Chen Shuiwen approached one of the demon beasts and reached out to test its authenticity.


    And then...


    Boom!


    Chen Shuiwen was sent flying, tracing a beautiful arc through the air, and crashed to the ground with a thud. Blood spewed from his mouth, and he looked utterly bewildered, while the demon beast he had touched coldly said, "Don''t you even look at what you are, daring to touch me with such filthy hands?"


    Hiss!


    Everyone couldn''t help but take a sharp breath.


    They looked at the two demon beasts in astonishment.


    Chen Shuiwen was at the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm, and yet, this demon beast sent him flying with such ease, leaving him no chance to resist. The only possibility was that this beast was a Sixth Order Beast King.


    Sixth Order Beast King!


    Read new chapters at My Virtual Library Empire


    This was an existence comparable to the Dharma Manifestation Realm, and even the ten great sects would treat such a creature as a guardian spirit beast!


    The Xiaoshanhe Institute was using them as gatekeepers?


    "It must be a hoax, it has to be!"


    "How could anyone bear to use a Sixth Order Beast King as a gatekeeper?"


    "Even if they were willing to use it as a gatekeeper, such a proud being would never stand for such an insult!"


    All faces were a picture of bewildered confusion.


    Sixth Order Beast Kings, known for their immense pride.


    Let alone guarding a gate.


    Even taming them as mounts had an extremely low chance of success.


    Qi narrowed his eyes, withdrew his gaze from the two demon beasts, and turned to Xiao Yi, his eyes gleaming, "Xiao, if I''m not mistaken, these two Beast Kings are the very ones you subdued on the Great Liang Mountain, right?"


    Xiao Yi smiled and nodded, "Qi, you have sharp eyes indeed. After I gave these two beasts a beating, they insisted on guarding my gate with shameless persistence; I couldn''t even drive them away!"


    Everyone: "..."


    The two demon beasts: "..."


    A look of sorrow filled their eyes as they gazed at Xiao Yi.


    They had thought about fleeing more than once, but initially, they were subdued by Xiao Yi''s formidable martial force. Later, Xiao Yi offered them precious elixirs. In just over a month, the two mighty Beast Kings made breakthroughs from being comparable to the first level of the Dharma Manifestation Realm to the second level.


    You must understand...


    Demon beasts typically relied on the passage of time to cultivate.


    Where would they find such precious elixirs?


    Now, the two of them were genuinely committed to staying here; they need not worry about being ambushed, nor fret over cultivation. Why would they object?


    Gululu!


    The crowd swallowed hard.


    The complexions of Chen Shuiwen, Li Shengtian, and Tian Xiao turned exceedingly grim, especially Chen Shuiwen, who wished he could burrow into a hole and hide. He had been so proud, boasting about the permanent presence of Golden Core Realm experts guarding his gate.


    Yet at Xiao Yi''s, there were beings of the Dharma Manifestation Realm stature!


    The blow to their pride was severe.


    For a moment...


    Within the crowd of over fifteen hundred people, some began to stir: "The Xiaoshanhe Institute can have Beast King experts guard its gate¡ªsuch grandeur, even the ten great sects might not be able to accomplish that, right?"


    "Then why did we even leave Xiaoshanhe Institute?"


    "Let''s go back!"


    More than three hundred people tried to return to where Xiao Yi and the others were.


    However...


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "What do you think Xiaoshanhe Institute is? A place you can come and go as you please? Get lost and head back!"


    Boom!


    As if from nowhere, a violent gust of wind pushed those three hundred people back behind Chen Shuiwen.


    Chen Shuiwen''s face looked incredibly displeased.


    Scowling, he turned to the more than fifteen hundred people and said solemnly, "Everyone, remain calm... What truly offers assistance to you in a sect is not the gatekeeper but the powers within the sect and its various resources. This Xiaoshanhe Institute doesn''t even have a Spirit Gathering Array¡ªcultivating here is no different from cultivating at home! My Shanhe Martial Arts Academy, however, has a Spirit Gathering Array that is four times as effective..."


    Li Shengtian''s eyes also lit up, his defeatist attitude swept away as he stared at Xiao Yi, "Dean Xiao, the most fundamental standard for establishing a sect is the Spirit Gathering Array, and you don''t even have one..."


    "Don''t rush!"


    Xiao Yi smiled and said, "The Spirit Gathering Array has already been laid out by my people, and I estimate they will activate it very soon. Follow me and see for yourself!"


    "Being laid out? Humph, who doesn''t know that within the Great Qian Dynasty regarding Spirit Gathering Arrays, only that person from Tianjian Sect is the top one! The Shanhe Martial Arts Academy''s array was personally laid out by that very person. Do you mean to tell me that your Xiaoshanhe Institute found an Array Master even more skilled than him?" Chen Shuiwen said with disdain.


    Xiao Yi simply replied with a smile, "Let''s go up and have a look!"


    The group began to make their way toward the summit.


    Shortly after...


    They entered the Xiaoshanhe Institute, and at that moment, in the practice arena of Xiaoshanhe Institute:


    Chen Ziyi and Li Youruo were leading a group of disciples waiting there.


    As soon as Xiao Yi and his people reached the foot of the mountain, they had received voice transmissions from the two Beast Kings and were specially waiting here.


    "Hmm?"


    "Chen Ziyi? Li Youruo? It looks like the two of them really did betray Three Seas Mountain and Wendao Villa!" Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "But... These two are only six-star Array Masters; even if they work together, they couldn''t possibly set up a Spirit Gathering Array more powerful than the one at Shanhe Martial Arts Academy..."


    Li Shengtian sneered at Xiao Yi, "Dean Xiao, is the Spirit Gathering Array you mentioned laid out by these two? If that''s the case, it seems we needn''t bother to look any further, as there''s no way they can set up a stronger Spirit Gathering Array than the one at Shanhe Martial Arts Academy!"


    "That''s not necessarily true!"


    Xiao Yi smiled and looked toward Chen Ziyi and Li Youruo, "You heard Mr. Li. Why don''t you activate the Spirit Gathering Array and let them check it out?"


    "Yes!"


    The corners of their mouths raised slightly as they both ascended into the air.


    Each of them held an array flag in their hands. With a whoosh, the array flags entered into the mountain, and the two of them shouted in unison, "Activate the array!"


    Boom!


    A column of light, indescribably powerful, shot up into the sky.


    This pillar connected heaven and earth.


    Within the immense column of light, a profusion of stars ebbed and flowed, sketching out a magnificent star chart in the void that aligned with the trajectories of the constellations above, forming a massive vortex atop the sky of Imperial Dragon Mountain.


    Rumble rumble!


    Countless elements of heaven and earth began gathering.


    Within ten miles.


    Within a hundred miles.


    Within a thousand miles...


    All the elements within a thousand miles seemed to be instantly drained.


    And the concentration of the heaven and earth''s essence within Xiaoshanhe Institute continued to soar.


    Twice as dense.


    Three times denser.


    Four times denser...


    In the blink of an eye, it had already surpassed the fourfold concentration of the Spirit Gathering Array at the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy.


    "This, this is impossible..."


    "How could it be like this? What kind of terrifying formation is this, it''s actually..."


    Chen Shuiwen and his group were dumbfounded, their faces filled with horror.


    An hour later.


    The Spirit Gathering Array was fully operational, and the concentration of the heaven and earth''s essence within the Xiaoshanhe Institute had reached a staggering tenfold!


    Ten times the density of the heaven and earth''s essence caused the somewhat barren Imperial Dragon Mountain to begin covering itself with greenery at a speed visible to the naked eye. Flowers bloomed in abundance, dead wood sprang to life, bursting with vitality...


    Xiao Yi''s lips curled upwards, his gaze playful as he looked at Chen Shuiwen and the others, "Gentlemen, what do you think of my Spirit Gathering Array?"


    "..."


    The three of them were speechless, at a loss for words.


    The scene before them...


    Completely blew their minds!


    A Spirit Gathering Array with tenfold efficiency could be called a miracle!


    Chen Shuiwen''s eyes were bloodshot, unable to utter a word, only feeling a burning pain on his face. His smug fourfold Spirit Gathering Array seemed like trash compared to Xiaoshanhe Institute''s Spirit Gathering Array!

 Chapter 360 Turning Heaven and Earth Upside Down

    ```


    Slap! Slap! Slap!


    Chen Shuiwen could only feel a series of crisp slapping sounds beside his ear, the sharp sound of slapping, and his face was in excruciating pain.


    Today, he had come with the determination to wipe away the disgrace of the past.


    But the result...


    At the mountain gate.


    The Golden Core Realm disciples whom he took pride in, acting as gatekeepers, were directly crushed into powder by two sixth-order Beast Kings.


    Afterward.


    The fourfold Spirit Gathering Array he boasted about was once again battered beyond recognition by Xiao Yi''s tenfold Spirit Gathering Array.


    One failure after another caused Chen Shuiwen''s heart to sink to rock bottom.


    Behind him...


    The one thousand five hundred disciples were even more enraged, their eyes bloodshot and their breathing became rapid; their gazes filled with venom and hatred towards the three individuals like Chen Shuiwen. If not for them, it would be they who were cultivating under the tenfold natural energy of heaven and earth.


    Now.


    They had chosen betrayal.


    If it were before...


    They were already very content with cultivating under the fourfold Spirit Gathering Array at the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy.


    But now, having seen the tenfold Spirit Gathering Array of the Xiaoshanhe Institute with their own eyes, by comparison, it was naturally ten times more attractive!


    Unfortunately, there is no medicine for regret in this world.


    Especially for betrayal.


    Once is enough!


    Xiao Yi would absolutely not allow those who chose betrayal to return to the Xiaoshanhe Institute ever again.


    Yang Ling spoke indifferently, "Sirs, do you have any further objections regarding the inspection of Xiaoshanhe Institute?"


    It was he who had originally proposed Xiao Yi as the head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Li Shengtian and others had repeatedly targeted Xiao Yi; in Yang Ling''s view, they were targeting him as well.


    So, he had no pleasant expressions for the three of them.


    Li Shengtian''s face was as dark as the bottom of a pot.


    They had not easily convinced Emperor Qian, allowing them to inspect the Xiaoshanhe Institute in the capacity of an inspection team; all of this was well-prepared. Before going to see Emperor Qian, they had sent people to probe around the Xiaoshanhe Institute three times.


    Each probe ended with the same result as Chen Shuiwen had stated; the Xiaoshanhe Institute was nothing special.


    That''s what led to this inspection.


    They had never imagined...


    That their plans would be shattered once again.


    Thinking of the military order they had issued in front of Emperor Qian, if they were to report back with such results, the three of them would indeed face severe punishment from Emperor Qian. Li Shengtian could even be sure that at the very least, he''d lose his official hat!


    "I have painstakingly reached this far, how could it end like this?" Li Shengtian''s eyes were blood-red with determination.


    "Mr. Li..."


    Yang Ling, with a piercing gaze, stared at Li Shengtian, pressing on.


    Li Shengtian took a deep breath and fixed his gaze on Xiao Yi, "Head Xiao is indeed formidable, having established the Xiaoshanhe Institute to such a state in just over a month. I believe the institute will flourish under your leadership. However, whether a sect can teach outstanding disciples is not only about these factors; what''s more important is the number and quality of the strong members within the sect!"


    Yang Ling said calmly, "As I am aware, there are now four individuals at the Dharma Manifestation Realm in Xiaoshanhe Institute..."


    Xiao Yi smiled and said, "Your Highness, I must correct you there!"


    "Oh?"


    Yang Ling was startled.


    Xiao Yi smiled and pointed to Li Youruo and Chen Ziyi, who had already come before the crowd, "Chen Ziyi and Li Youruo have broken through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm, and at the same time, both of them have also stepped into the ranks of seven-star Array Masters!"


    Hiss!


    Yang Ling took in a breath of cold air, his pupils shrinking sharply.


    Qi was also showing a discerning glint.


    Li Shengtian, Chen Shuiwen, and Tian Xiao''s faces changed colors continuously, looking incredulously at Li Youruo and Chen Ziyi.


    ```


    ```


    These two, they are very familiar with.


    Elders of Three Seas Mountain and Wendao Villa, but previously, both had been stuck at the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm for many years, their progression in formations stopped at a six-star advanced level without any improvement. Even the seven-star Array Master from Tianjian Sect had said that in this life, they had no hope of becoming seven-star Array Masters!


    Now, both of them have actually broken through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm?


    And both stepped into the ranks of seven-star Array Masters at the same time? S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Plus that seven-star Alchemist, Fu Yuan.


    Doesn''t that mean...


    The Xiaoshanhe Institute now has a seven-star Alchemist and two seven-star Array Masters?


    Xiao Yi smiled and said, "Your Highness, my Xiaoshanhe Institute now has three great Beast Kings of the sixth order, six Dharma Manifestation Realm experts. There are over a hundred powerful individuals in the Tao Tribulation Realm; I wonder if such a lineup is enough to instruct these disciples?"


    Glug!


    Even Yang Ling, who had always supported Xiao Yi, couldn''t help but swallow his saliva when he suddenly heard the current lineup of the Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    He was acutely aware that, before Xiao Yi''s arrival, the Xiaoshanhe Institute only had a few thousand disciples, a hundred or so instructors, and fewer than ten individuals in the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    How long has it been since Xiao Yi took over the Xiaoshanhe Institute?


    Just one or two months in total.


    In just one or two months, if we include those three Beast Kings, it means the Xiaoshanhe Institute has gained a whopping nine Dharma Manifestation Realm powerhouses, and over a hundred in the Tao Tribulation Realm. Moreover, it has established an unprecedented tenfold Spirit Gathering Array from nothing at the Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    What a heaven-and-earth-shattering change!


    With the Xiaoshanhe Institute in its current state, even compared to the top ten sects, the difference would only be in the top experts and elite disciples!


    Yang Ling''s face showed excitement; he held his chin high, his disdainful gaze fell upon Li Shengtian and his two companions, and his words contained an added sense of pride, "The three of you, do you have anything else to say?"


    "I, I..."


    Li Shengtian was momentarily at a loss for words.


    Tian Xiao''s face turned pale, his limbs feeble.


    Chen Shuiwen''s face showed struggle; he gritted his teeth and bravely said, "Your Highness, it is indeed beyond our expectations that Xiao has made the Xiaoshanhe Institute so powerful. However, as far as I know, those powerhouses in the Xiaoshanhe Institute are all slaves; they..."


    Slap!


    Before he could finish speaking.


    Chen Shuiwen was suddenly struck across the face by Xiao Yi, sending him flying sideways, his head striking the ground with a thud.


    The martial arts field trembled violently.


    Half of Chen Shuiwen''s head was buried in the dirt as Xiao Yi said coldly, "Anyone who joins my Xiaoshanhe Institute is a comrade of mine, Xiao Yi. I will not allow anyone to insult them based on their origins and backgrounds. Today, I spare your life, but if you dare to insult again, this will be the result!"


    Hum!


    Xiao Yi held his hand in the air, exerting force to manipulate an object from afar.


    Swoosh!


    Read the latest on My Virtual Library Empire


    A stone the size of a human head fell into his hand, and with a squeeze of his five fingers, the stone shattered into four or five pieces, spraying dust all around.


    Hiss!


    Everyone couldn''t help but gasp, their gazes towards Xiao Yi filled with awe.


    Jin Feiyan and the other disciples who chose to follow Xiao Yi were dazzled, looking at Xiao Yi''s not particularly tall figure with admiration and fervor. Powerful, calm, proud, protective...


    Who else could be more suited to be their Institute Head than Xiao Yi?


    "Long live the Xiaoshanhe Institute!"


    "Long live Institute Head Xiao!"


    "Long live..."


    The group of disciples shouted loudly, their emotions surging.


    In contrast...


    The fifteen hundred disciples who had chosen to follow Chen Shuiwen and his group all hung their heads low, faces full of regret and frustration. Their gazes towards Chen Shuiwen and his companions were filled with spite and ferocity.


    If it weren''t for the words of those three, would they have chosen betrayal?


    "Damn it, to hell with Shanhe Martial Arts Academy, I''ll wait for the Xiaoshanhe Institute''s next recruitment to come back..."


    "I''ve decided, it''s Xiaoshanhe Institute or nothing!"


    Just as Chen Shuiwen, who had just been awakened by Li Shengtian, suddenly heard the words of the crowd, he let out a painful scream, spewing a mouthful of blood, his eyes rolling back as he fainted once more...


    ```

 Chapter 361 The Golden Throne

    "Chancellor Chen, Chancellor Chen..."


    Li Shengtian and Tian Xiao''s complexions changed dramatically as they hastily supported Chen Shuiwen.


    Their faces were as grey as death.


    The current Xiaoshanhe Institute was like an impregnable iron barrel, the only weakness being the slave status of its strong members, which could barely serve as a breach for them. But now Xiao Yi was so domineering and tyrannical that they dared not mention this matter anymore. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This inspection aimed at the Xiaoshanhe Institute had utterly and completely failed.


    Yang Ling said indifferently, "Gentlemen, I will definitely report to the Emperor that this inspection of the Xiaoshanhe Institute was entirely baseless, surely someone has been secretly instigating trouble, intending to slander Chancellor Xiao. I believe the Emperor will surely give Chancellor Xiao a satisfying explanation!"


    Whoosh!


    The complexions of the three men, Li Shengtian, turned deathly pale in an instant.


    Qi eyed the three of them and having a favorable impression of Xiao Yi, coupled with a deep understanding of Emperor Qian''s thoughts, said indifferently, "I too will report the truth!" Discover hidden content at My Virtual Library Empire


    Hum!


    Li Shengtian and his companions felt a buzz in their heads, a wave of numbness washing over their scalps.


    It''s over!


    Completely over!


    The three men exchanged looks, and their vision darkened; they all fainted on the spot.


    "What a disgraceful display..."


    Yang Ling looked coldly at the three men, then turned to Xiao Yi, saying, "Xiao Yi, I will take them back to report. You can rest assured, after this they will not die but will be severely punished!"


    "Thank you, Your Highness!"


    Xiao Yi smiled and then took out two bottles of elixirs, which he had personally crafted the previous evening at the Treasure Pavilion.


    A total of two bottles.


    He handed them to Yang Ling and Qi, smiling, "These are just some elixirs I made when I had the time!"


    Yang Ling smiled and directly accepted them.


    However, Qi seemed somewhat embarrassed.


    Xiao Yi added, "They''re just some trifles, no need for you to be so polite!"


    Yang Ling said, "Grand Eunuch Qi, just accept them!"


    "Well..."


    Grand Eunuch Qi hesitated for a moment, then received the jade bottle, saying, "Thank you, Chancellor Xiao!"


    "No need for thanks!"


    Xiao Yi shook his head.


    Immediately after...


    Yang Ling and Grand Eunuch Qi, taking the three persons with them, soared into the sky and left.


    In the void.


    Yang Ling saw Qi fiddling with the jade bottle and suggested, "Grand Eunuch Qi, since you''re curious, why not open it and take a look?"


    "Alright!"


    Upon opening the jade bottle, Qi inhaled sharply and then forced a smile, saying, "It appears I now owe Chancellor Xiao a tremendous favor!"


    Yang Ling, too, opened his own bottle, and his expression drastically changed.


    The bottles contained seventh-grade elixirs.


    Yang Ling, who was stuck at the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm and just a step away from the Dharma Manifestation Realm, found that his bottle contained the high-level seventh-grade Law-Phase Elixir, which could dramatically increase the chances of breaking through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm by fifty percent, a veritable miracle drug.


    The bottle in Grand Eunuch Qi''s hand contained the seventh-grade Pine Crane Longevity Elixir, which could extend one''s lifespan by a hundred years!


    Those in the Dharma Manifestation Realm could live for a thousand years.


    Grand Eunuch Qi, whose lifespan was not much longer, now had a Pine Crane Longevity Elixir that could add another hundred years to his life, and possibly even more, significantly increasing his chances of reaching for that legendary Longevity Secret Realm.


    The two exchanged a glance.


    Their eyes simultaneously fell on the three men including Chen Shuiwen.


    Yang Ling said, "Grand Eunuch Qi, I''m afraid I''ll need your assistance with this matter!"


    "Rest assured, Your Highness!"


    Qi nodded, his eyes cold, "They are undoubtedly dead men!"


    The two immediately put away the elixirs and headed towards the imperial palace.


    ...


    Within the Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Jin Feiyan looked at Xiao Yi with curiosity and asked, "Master, why didn''t you just kill them directly?"


    Xiao Yi glanced at her and said indifferently, "They are already on the path to death, so why bother taking action myself?"


    Li Shengtian and his group had targeted them time and again, which had touched Emperor Qian''s sore spot.


    After all.


    The Xiaoshanhe Institute had the royal family''s backing.


    Li Shengtian and the others had even teamed up with Three Seas Mountain, Wendao Villa, the Nangong Family, and the Beitang Family to establish the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy to target the Xiaoshanhe Institute. Now, they wanted to put the Xiaoshanhe Institute in a desperate situation, and Emperor Qian was merely lacking a reason to put them to death!


    Now...


    He had that reason.


    With the help of Yang Ling and Qi, their death was certain!


    "Huh?"


    Jin Feiyan was stunned, not understanding.


    Xiao Yi did not explain but turned to Yu Huaxian: "Huaxian, go to the back mountain and gather the Shadow Demons. Taking advantage of today''s recruitment of disciples into the Xiaoshanhe Institute, we should also establish some new rules!"


    "Yes!"


    Yu Huaxian left immediately.


    A moment later...


    The Shadow Demons, who had been training those few hundred disciples in the back mountain, returned to the practice arena. With them came the several hundred disciples who had originally chosen to stay at the Xiaoshanhe Institute. Along with the more than eight thousand newcomers, they formed a group of nearly nine thousand disciples.


    Outside, five Dharma Manifestation Realm masters, over a hundred Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouses, and dozens of Golden Core Realm teachers formed the instructor lineup.


    With a bitter smile, Yu Huaxian said, "We must be the only sect where the number of people from the Tao Tribulation Realm outnumbers those from the Golden Core Realm, right?"


    Xiao Yi smiled wryly.


    As Yu Huaxian said, the proportion from the Tao Tribulation Realm in the Xiaoshanhe Institute was indeed excessive.


    He looked at the few hundred disciples, who under the training of the Shadow Demons had made significant breakthroughs in just seven days. Each of them had gained an invisible aura of evil qi and fighting spirit.


    One must know...


    The Shadow Demons all came from the Slave Battlefield, where every battle was a matter of life and death.


    It was fight or perish!


    Every move they made was a deadly attack risking their own lives.


    They dared not hold back in the slightest.


    Under their guidance, the growth of these disciples was also astonishingly fast.


    Shadow Demon stepped forward and reported, "Chief, all disciples and instructors have arrived!"


    Xiao Yi nodded and waved his hand.


    With a booming sound, the land beneath their feet rose abruptly amidst a series of loud noises. High platforms made of earth and stone emerged from the ground in the practice arena, towers several dozen feet tall.


    Thrones carved from sturdy rocks appeared in the center of the high platforms.


    There were eleven thrones in total.


    The one in the center radiated a brilliant and noble golden light, while the five on each side shone with a silver glow.


    All eyes focused on those eleven thrones.


    Everyone''s face showed a look of confusion.


    No one knew what Xiao Yi was planning!


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi, under the gaze of nearly ten thousand pairs of eyes, took his place on the central golden throne. Sitting upright, the golden light from the throne made him seem even taller and filled with authority.


    Although his cultivation was not the highest among those present, even Shadow Demon felt no disloyalty when facing Xiao Yi.


    Sitting upon the golden throne.


    Xiao Yi looked down upon the more than nine thousand people. His calm gaze carried an indescribable weight of pressure.


    The crowd couldn''t help but clench their fists, feeling as if their blood had been ignited.


    Their blood boiled with excitement!


    Xiao Yi slowly withdrew his gaze and said in a loud voice, "..."

 Chapter 362 Comprehensive Reforms

    "Today, as you join the Xiaoshanhe Institute and become disciples under me, this is a momentous occasion!"


    Xiao Yi slowly began, his voice clear and resonant like a thunderclap on a sunny day, the reverberating thunder striking every ear.


    It echoed over the vast Imperial Dragon Mountain.


    All eyes fixed intently on Xiao Yi, unblinking, carefully listening to every word he spoke.


    Xiao Yi''s voice became ever more tranquil, yet the authority in his words grew increasingly powerful, "I believe that many of you must have heard of the Xiaoshanhe Institute before this."


    The crowd nodded.


    "Go on, tell me, what is the Xiaoshanhe Institute like in your minds?" Xiao Yi asked.


    The crowd exchanged glances, at a loss for words.


    Amidst the people,


    Jin Feiyan, always the lively one and rather brazen, blurted out, "Trash! What I''ve heard the most is that if you don''t make an effort, you''ll end up in the Xiaoshanhe Institute..."


    The crowd: "..."


    Ye Heng glared fiercely at her.


    Jin Feiyan had a aggrieved look on her face, "Brother, I''m not wrong!"


    "Hahaha, Fei Yan is correct. Once, in the eyes of everyone in the Great Qian Dynasty, the Xiaoshanhe Institute was nothing more than a trash bin. Only those who were rejected by the top ten sects and the four major families would come to the Xiaoshanhe Institute!"


    Xiao Yi was frank, and his words made the faces of those who had already been in the Xiaoshanhe Institute grow somewhat solemn.


    Just as Xiao Yi had said¡­


    When they first entered the Xiaoshanhe Institute, there were not any tests to speak of.


    Anyone who came to sign up could join straight away.


    There were even some ordinary people who had not reached the Physical Body Realm; as long as they paid a certain amount of money, they could enter the Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Bearing the identity of a disciple from the Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    That was a disgrace!


    During that shameful period, everyone was reluctant to admit they were disciples of the Xiaoshanhe Institute out in the world.


    Xiao Yi''s tone shifted, his voice growing more uplifting, "Those days are gone!"


    "Hmm?"


    The crowd suddenly looked up.


    With each word he spoke, it was as if he could strike the deepest chord in their souls, "From now on, being a disciple of the Xiaoshanhe Institute will no longer be a mark of disgrace. You can stand tall and proud, you can tell anyone loudly that you are from the Xiaoshanhe Institute!"


    The crowd''s breathing began to grow rapid.


    "From now on, the identity of a disciple of the Xiaoshanhe Institute will be a glory, will be the highest radiance. When everyone knows your identity, they will no longer scorn and mock but envy and look up to you. The identity of a Xiaoshanhe Institute disciple will also become synonymous with the strong, with genius!"


    Xiao Yi''s voice was high-spirited, his gaze cutting through the crowd like a knife edge, thunderous and resounding, he asked like a thunderclap from a clear sky, "Do you want to be trash?"


    "No... we don''t!"


    The crowd''s response was somewhat intermittent, somewhat disordered.


    "Do you wish to become a disgrace?" Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "We do not!"


    The crowd''s voice became much more unified.


    "Do you want to become stronger?"


    "We do!"


    This time nearly seventy percent of the people started shouting at the top of their lungs.


    "Do you want to stand equal with, or even surpass, the disciples of the top ten sects?"


    "We do!"


    "I dream of it!"


    Almost all the disciples were screaming hysterically.


    Among them were former disciples of the Xiaoshanhe Institute and also those commoners who had hit walls at the top ten sects, without money or influence, until the opportunity from Xiaoshanhe Institute finally gave them a path to rise.


    In this moment...


    The fighting spirit that had been dormant within them for years, their edges worn down by reality,


    Were simultaneously ignited by Xiao Yi!


    "Xiaoshanhe Institute once experienced glory, and it also fell into decline..."


    Xiao Yi''s voice suddenly deepened, then rose high, like a person''s heartbeat, causing everyone''s breathing to become rapid at times and deep at others, "I will lead you, lead Xiaoshanhe Institute to a new era of splendor, to surpass the past. Would you trust me?"


    Boom!


    The faces of the crowd turned red, even those strong individuals from the Beast Emperor City stretched their necks at that moment, their veins pulsing: "Believe! Believe! Believe!"


    Roars shook the heavens.


    Echoing through the sky!


    The rolling sound waves surged like pillars, rushing towards the heavens, forcefully scattering the clouds above the sky.


    A faint smile appeared on Xiao Yi''s lips, revealing a look of satisfaction.


    Before this...


    Their sense of belonging to Xiaoshanhe Institute wasn''t strong, but now, Xiao Yi had planted a seed in everyone''s heart.


    As long as this seed took root and sprouted, grew strong.


    It would surely become a towering tree in the future!


    "Ladies and gentlemen!"


    Xiao Yi looked towards Shadow Demon, Li Youruo, Yu Huaxian, and others, and said solemnly, "Effective immediately, our Xiaoshanhe Institute will no longer be just about instructors and students. All instructors will be divided into Elders and Deacons based on strength and contributions, and all students will be collectively known as disciples, also divided into levels based on your cultivation and contributions!"


    "What? Divided into levels?"


    "Elders and Deacons? How is that to be divided?"


    "Disciples are also based on cultivation and contributions? What exactly does that mean?"


    Everyone''s hearts were filled with both anticipation and hesitation.


    Before this...


    The amount of resources every disciple at Xiaoshanhe Institute received was completely up to the instructors.


    If you were in good terms with your instructor, you naturally received more resources.


    If you were someone without backing, like Ye Heng previously, and not favored by your instructor, you might not even receive a single silver.


    "From the first to the third realm of the Golden Core Realm, you will be One-Star Deacons, from the fourth to the sixth you are Two-Star, and from the seventh to the ninth, you are Three-Star Deacons. The Tao Tribulation Realm will be Elders, also divided into three stars. Those strong in the Dharma Manifestation Realm will be Hall Masters, entitled to a throne!"


    Xiao Yi continued, "As for the disciples, those below the Shentong Realm will be up to Three-Star, Golden Core Realm from four to six stars, Tao Tribulation Realm from Seven to Nine-Star disciples. Dharma Manifestation Realm disciples will be True Disciples, and the top-ranking True Disciple will be the Saint Heir! Whether instructors or disciples, from this moment on, you will enjoy the appropriate level of benefits. Those who join Xiaoshanhe Institute in the future, in addition to cultivation requirements, will also need to accumulate points in order to rise in level!"


    Hiss!


    All the strong ones looked at each other for a moment.


    The instructors present were almost all above the Golden Core Realm, meaning they were at least One-Star Deacons.


    If they were to join Xiaoshanhe Institute in the future, in addition to fulfilling the requirements of cultivation, they would also need to accumulate points. This clearly favored those currently present, and everyone accepted this without objections.


    After all...


    Those still here could rightly be called the veterans!


    Ye Heng stepped forward and said solemnly, "Master, what is meant by ''Hall Master''?"


    All eyes turned to Xiao Yi.


    This ''Hall Master'' he just mentioned was someone who could enjoy the honor of a throne!


    Their gazes fell upon the ten silver thrones shimmering beside Xiao Yi, their eyes turning envious for a moment.


    To be able to sit upon a silver throne at Xiao Yi''s side.


    That would be a supreme honor!


    Your journey continues at My Virtual Library Empire


    The corners of Xiao Yi''s mouth curved slightly as he said, "From this moment on, our Xiaoshanhe Institute will be divided into five halls. These five halls will be the Punishment Hall, in charge of law enforcement; the Skill Transmission Hall, in charge of cultivation technique inheritance and the management of the scripture vaults; the All Things Hall managing resource distribution; the War Hall in charge of external campaigns; and the Task Hall responsible for the distribution of disciples'' tasks and point tallying."


    The Punishment Hall was the internal law enforcement system.


    The Skill Transmission Hall was responsible for teaching cultivation techniques and secret manuals, and the strong individuals in this hall must be skilled in guiding cultivation.


    The All Things Hall was essentially the previous accounting office.


    The War Hall would inevitably be the location of the strongest military force in the future.


    The Task Hall was for points and task coordination; in Xiao Yi''s vision for the reformed Xiaoshanhe Institute to function smoothly, this Task Hall was crucial.


    For a moment.


    Everyone''s eyes were fixed on Xiao Yi, awaiting the announcement of the chosen masters for each hall...

 Chapter 363 The Five Hall Masters

    Xiao Yi sat upright on the golden throne.


    He pointed to the first seat to his left and said in a clear voice, "Punishment Hall Hall Master, Xiao Lin!"


    Whoosh!


    A beam of golden light burst forth from him, as a golden figure soared through the nine heavens.


    The figure, originally only the size of a palm, twisted its huge body in the sky, constantly enlarging with the swallowing and spitting of golden light until it became a gigantic figure a hundred yards long.


    A pair of shimmering golden wings flapped on either side, each beat causing the clouds above to burst open.


    Four claws hung in the air as if capable of shredding the void.


    Two dragon horns on top of its head were exceptionally dazzling.


    Majestic!


    Little Lin let out a long howl to the sky, the sound thunderous and earth-shaking. Suddenly, a violent wind arose, dark clouds gathered, and rolling thunder crashed down, covering the entire Imperial Dragon Mountain with the aura of a sixth-order high-level Beast King.


    Boom! Boom!


    At the mountain gate.


    The two sixth-order Beast Kings guarding the gate exchanged glances, their eyes filled with terror as they looked at the enormous golden figure in the void.


    The two creatures lay prostrate on the ground, shivering.


    Within a hundred miles of Imperial Dragon Mountain, all the demon beasts lay down on the ground as if worshipping their supreme king!


    At this moment, Little Lin''s aura was comparable to that of an Eightfold Dharma Manifestation Realm creature, causing even figures like Shadow Demon to change color.


    Whoosh!


    Little Lin''s form shrank rapidly, returning to Xiao Yi''s side and taking his place on the first throne to the left. Though his form was no longer as towering and immense as before, the looks everyone gave him were still filled with awe and fear.


    This was a being on par with the top existence of the Eightfold Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    Explore hidden tales at My Virtual Library Empire


    And at the same time...


    From the moment he flew out of Xiao Yi''s arms, it was clear what Little Lin''s relationship was with Xiao Yi.


    With him presiding over the Punishment Hall, no one dared to disobey.


    Xiao Yi continued, "The Hall Master of the Skill Transmission Hall will be Chen Ziyi!"


    Whoosh!


    Chen Ziyi, dressed in a purple robe, flashed his form and landed in front of Xiao Yi, "Disciple obeys the order of the master!"


    Hiss!


    As soon as these words were spoken, a surge of astonished voices rose from the training field, "What? Mr. Chen is actually Xiao''s disciple?"


    "You don''t know the whole story. Mr. Chen was able to break through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm and become a Seven Stars Array Master so quickly all thanks to Xiao!"


    "Xiao is that formidable?"


    Even the various Dharma Manifestation Realm powerhouses looked at Xiao Yi with growing reverence.


    Amidst the exclamations.


    Chen Ziyi immediately walked to the first throne on the right hand side.


    When he was at Wendao Villa, he was in charge of transmitting skills and Formations. Now that he has broken through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm and become a Seven Stars Array Master, no one objected to him taking the position of Hall Master of the Teleportation Hall.


    "The Hall Master of the All Things Hall, Fu Yuan, is currently on a mission. Next, let us welcome the Hall Master of the Battle Hall, Shadow Demon!" Xiao Yi looked towards Shadow Demon in the crowd.


    Shadow Demon was stunned.


    He had not expected Xiao Yi to entrust him with such an important responsibility, to take the position of a Hall Master.


    And such a crucial one as the Battle Hall!


    Just as the Punishment Hall manages the internal affairs of Xiaoshanhe Institute, the Battle Hall is the strongest martial force meant for external affairs.


    Shadow Demon was originally a slave, Xiao Yi had restored his freedom, and now he was entrusting him with a heavy responsibility. His eyes turned blood red as he shot forward to Xiao Yi. He knelt down with a thump and said loudly, "Principal, rest assured, Shadow Demon will not disappoint you!"


    "Lord Shadow Demon, please take your seat!" Xiao Yi raised his hand in a gesture, helping Shadow Demon to his feet. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Shadow Demon acknowledged with a heavy grunt and took his seat in the second position on the right.


    Xiao Yi''s gaze swept over the crowd, noticing that everyone was looking at him, clearly everyone was anticipating the identity of the last Hall Master of the Task Hall.


    Xiao Yi''s mouth curled slightly upwards, and his eyes rested on Li Youruo, "Task Hall Hall Master Li Youruo!"


    Whoosh!


    Li Youruo soared into the sky and landed in front of Xiao Yi, saying with great respect, "Thank you, Master. Your disciple will surely not fail your trust!"


    Even with Chen Ziyi before him, Li Youruo nevertheless addressed Xiao Yi as Master.


    It once again caused a stir among the crowd.


    That two Dharma Manifestation Realm powerhouses were willing to become disciples of Xiao Yi was enough to prove Xiao Yi''s strength and terror.


    The likes of the Shadow Demon looked at Xiao Yi with eyes increasingly filled with awe.


    Within the crowd.


    Jin Feiyan looked at Ye Heng with a worried frown, "Senior brother, our Master actually has two disciples from the Dharma Manifestation Realm? The pressure on us is so great!"


    "Don''t be afraid!"


    Ye Heng smiled.


    Jin Feiyan was taken aback, and said sweetly, "Senior brother is so kind, always knowing how to comfort junior sister!"


    As soon as she finished speaking.


    Ye Heng said indifferently, "Master said that I am a Battle War Holy Body, and as long as I follow his guidance, breaking through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm is almost a certainty."


    "I..."


    Jin Feiyan was instantly in disarray.


    On the high platform.


    With the five Hall Masters already having their candidates, who then are the remaining five thrones for?


    Xiao Yi looked at the expressions on everyone''s faces and said solemnly, "Vice Hall Master Yu Huaxian of the Punishment Hall, Vice Hall Master Xue Bufan of the Skill Transmission Hall, Vice Hall Master Yan Mingli of the All Things Hall, Vice Hall Master Shu He of the Battle Hall, and Vice Hall Master Zhang Ling of the Mission Hall. Except for Yan Mingli and Xue Bufan, who are occupied with tasks and absent, let the other three come up quickly!"


    Swish, swish, swish!


    Yu Huaxian, Shu He, and Zhang Ling all flew up to the high platform at the same time.


    Yu Huaxian looked at everyone with a bitter smile on his face, "Institute Head, everyone present is a Dharma Manifestation Realm expert, I..."


    Xiao Yi indifferently said, "I believe in you!"


    "..."


    Yu Huaxian''s body trembled.


    Having started off on the wrong foot with Xiao Yi, Yu Huaxian had followed him all this way. Xiao Yi had never let him down, and now, he was entrusting him with a heavy responsibility.


    This trust.


    Caused Yu Huaxian''s eyes to heat up.


    "Huaxian, this is the thing I promised you!" Xiao Yi tossed out a bottle of medicinal pills.


    Yu Huaxian had castrated himself for the sake of cultivating the Cultivation Technique.


    Ordinary Jade Fetal Elixir could not regenerate his ''thing,'' but yesterday, Xiao Yi had finally found enough medicinal ingredients to refine a special Jade Fetal Elixir that, once taken, should enable Yu Huaxian to regain his manhood.


    Thump!


    Yu Huaxian held the jade bottle in both hands and heavily knelt on the ground, "Thank you, Institute Head, for granting me a new lease on life. Huaxian will lay down his life in gratitude, never to betray you!"


    "You''re already the Vice Hall Master of the Punishment Hall, what kind of dignity is it to kneel at every turn?"


    Xiao Yi raised his hand, and Yu Huaxian stood up once more. Xiao Yi said lightly, "You must work hard, and break through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm as soon as possible!"


    "Yes!"


    Yu Huaxian nodded heavily.


    Without too many words, his resolute heart spoke volumes.


    Everyone took their seats.


    Although Fu Yuan, Yan Mingli, and Xue Bufan were absent, leaving three thrones empty, the lineup of eight people sitting up there still gave a sense of looking up. These eleven thrones would be the very top existence of Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    At the same time...


    They were also like the Calm Sea Divine Needle, suppressing the entire Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    All eyes unanimously turned to Xiao Yi, sitting in the center, the man who had changed the once disorganized Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Indeed, he had united the entire Xiaoshanhe Institute as never before!


    Xiao Yi''s gaze swept over everyone, seeing some of the disciples showing signs of anxiety on their faces ¨C these were the disciples who had participated in the Genius Battle and were waiting for their rewards. The corners of Xiao Yi''s mouth lifted slightly, and he looked at Mission Hall Master Li Youruo, "Youruo, both the main and deputy heads of the All Things Hall are absent, so let you, the Hall Master of the Mission Hall, distribute the rewards for the Genius Battle!"

 Chapter 364 Beheading at the Meridian Gate

    Li Youruo immediately rose to her feet, standing before the elevated platform.


    She received the talent battle rankings list from Yu Huaxian and promptly unfolded it, announcing loudly, "This genius battle started with ten thousand disciples and now there are eight thousand four hundred and fifty-two remaining."


    The lost thousand and more were precisely those who had previously chosen to follow Chen Shuiwen.


    Xiao Yi had already made it clear that Xiaoshanhe Institute was not a place they could come and go as they please.


    Having chosen to leave, they could not possibly be employed again.


    Even if Xiaoshanhe Institute were to recruit disciples in the future, they would definitely not be selected.


    Li Youruo said solemnly, "Every disciple outside the top hundred will gain an additional hundred points. Each point is worth ten thousand taels of silver, which can be exchanged for cultivation resources at the All Things Hall."


    Boom!


    An exclamation erupted from the crowd instantly.


    Thousands of people were boiling with excitement!


    The Shanhe Martial Arts Academy had promised one hundred thousand taels of silver, but Xiaoshanhe Institute granted points worth a million taels of silver. The treatment for the ordinary disciples was tenfold greater in difference!


    Li Youruo continued, "From the twenty-first to the hundredth place, each person will receive a reward of one thousand points!"


    One thousand points.


    This was a resource reward worth ten million taels of silver!


    This was absolutely a grand gesture!


    Everyone''s gaze inevitably fell on the top twenty strong individuals, as their rewards would surely be even more substantial.


    Li Youruo went on, "From the eleventh to the twentieth place, you may receive a reward of three thousand points, from the fourth to the tenth place five thousand points. In addition, each of the aforementioned disciples will receive one Martial Dao Divine Fruit from a Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouse."


    Boom!


    This time, the crowd was completely boiling over!


    The points awarded for such rankings were no longer important; what truly made people envious was the Martial Dao Divine Fruit from the Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouses.


    Each one was worth billions of taels of silver.


    The crowd''s breathing grew rapid.


    Jin Feiyan and Lei Li, who had obtained the top three places, were especially staring wide-eyed.


    Continue your journey on My Virtual Library Empire


    As for the third-place Hong Zilong...


    He had previously chosen to follow Chen Shuiwen in leaving, and naturally, his name was missing from the rewards list.


    Jin Feiyan murmured, "That guy is probably crying somewhere, unaware of this!"


    Lei Li next to her nodded, heaving a sigh and saying, "I don''t know why, but thinking of him crying somewhere makes me feel so good!"


    "How can you be like that? It''s wrong to take joy in other people''s misfortunes!"


    Jin Feiyan glared at him, then lowered her voice, "Although, I feel the same way, but reveling in another''s misfortune should be done quietly!"


    "Mhm, mhm!"


    Lei Li nodded in agreement.


    At that moment,


    Li Youruo announced solemnly, "The second-place Lei Li will receive a reward of ten thousand points, and he will also obtain a Martial Dao Divine Fruit from the Dharma Manifestation Realm!"


    Boom!


    The crowd was thoroughly astounded.


    When Xiao Yi proposed using a Martial Dao Divine Fruit from a Dharma Manifestation Realm powerhouse as a reward, many strong individuals still expressed doubt. After all, even if a Dharma Manifestation Realm powerhouse was slain, they would usually self-destruct their Martial Dao Divine Fruit before death.


    This was an extremely rare treasure!


    A Martial Dao Divine Fruit from the Dharma Manifestation Realm was worth over a hundred billion taels of silver!


    And it was priceless!


    If Lei Li were to really sell it, countless people would likely fight over it, and selling it for hundreds of billions of taels of silver wouldn''t be a problem!


    Gurgle!


    Jin Feiyan swallowed her saliva, her eyes shining, fixated on Li Youruo.


    Li Youruo gave her a slight smile and said, "The first-place Jin Feiyan will receive a Martial Dao Divine Fruit from a fourth-tier Dharma Manifestation Realm powerhouse, along with a reward of twenty thousand points!"


    "Yay!"


    Jin Feiyan leaped up joyously like a spirited swallow, her cheeks flushed with excitement.


    Li Youruo put away the list in her hands, speaking in a deep voice, "These are the rewards for all the disciples in this genius battle. Additionally, I will announce another decision from Director Xiao. Every disciple who chose to stay at Xiaoshanhe Institute will receive a reward of one thousand points."


    Boom!


    The original disciples of Xiaoshanhe Institute, who had been somewhat disheartened, were now utterly dumbfounded.


    They had thought that with Xiao Yi obtaining these excellent disciples selected through the genius battle, they had been forgotten about. Unexpectedly, Xiao Yi still remembered them and awarded each of them one thousand points.


    Though compared to the rewards for Jin Feiyan and Lei Li, one thousand points wasn''t much,


    These were rewards from the genius battle.


    By merely choosing to stay at Xiaoshanhe Institute, they could gain one thousand points, which made these disciples all the more grateful to Xiao Yi. They were aware that they were the ones whom Chen Shuiwen had looked down upon, the marginalized at Xiaoshanhe Institute who hardly got any resources.


    Now, Xiao Yi valued them greatly.


    Immediately, everyone felt a sense of pride and belonging to Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    "Report to the Headmaster, the mission has been completed!" Li Youruo said to Xiao Yi, giving a respectful cupped fist salute.


    Xiao Yi nodded, stood up tall, and ascended the high platform.


    His gaze swept over everyone''s faces as he spoke in a deep voice, "My friends, I hope you all can treat Xiaoshanhe Institute as your own home. Let us work together to revitalize our homeland!"


    "Revitalize our homeland!"


    "Long live the Headmaster..."


    Cheers erupted, shaking the heavens and the earth.


    Under the nourishment of the world''s life energy, the grass and trees in the mountainsides and the myriad flowers competed for beauty.


    It was as if everything was heralding a new beginning for Xiaoshanhe Institute!


    With a grand wave of his hand, Xiao Yi gently lowered the platform and the eleven thrones also descended into the ground. This was an application of the power of earth and heaven, which, at its ultimate extent, even allowed legends of unparalleled beings to create continents with a mere gesture.


    However...


    Xiao Yi was still a considerable distance away from such a realm.


    Just as Xiao Yi was concluding the reorganization and reforms of Xiaoshanhe Institute, within the imperial palace, Emperor Qian had already summoned his officials and was in the midst of a thunderous rage.


    Boom!


    Boom!


    Boom!


    Emperor Qian furiously threw the memorials and tea cups onto the ground, looking down at Chen Shuiwen and two others kneeling below, as well as the silent court officials with heads bowed, he coldly said, "Look, take a good look, these are the loyal ministers of the Great Qian Dynasty!"


    "Your Majesty, please calm your anger!"


    The court officials chorused.


    "Calm my anger? How do you expect me to calm my anger?"


    Emperor Qian, like an enraged Azure Dragon, let out a low roar like thunder, "I have set my heart on revitalizing Xiaoshanhe Institute, but look at what they are doing? Time and again they aim at Xiaoshanhe Institute, they even frame and defame, and do not hesitate to establish their own faction in defiance of me. Are these the loyal ministers who claim loyalty to me? Ah? Is this your so-called loyalty?"


    "Your Majesty, please calm your anger!"


    "We deserve to die a thousand deaths!"


    The court officials kneeled down one after another.


    Li Shengtian and the others did not dare to raise their heads and trembled uncontrollably.


    "A thousand deaths? Since you all believe they should die, then I will satisfy you... Guards, take these three men and behead them at the Wumen gate!" Emperor Qian growled, his icy gaze sweeping over the court officials.


    Especially pausing slightly over the figure who stood at the first position on his left, who had kept his eyes closed and silent.


    Buzz!


    Li Shengtian and the others'' faces changed repeatedly as they frantically kowtowed, begging for mercy, "Your Majesty, spare our lives, oh spare us..."


    "Your Majesty, we won''t dare to do it again!"


    "Take them out!"


    Emperor Qian snorted coldly, "After the beheading, send their heads to Xiao Yi!"


    "Yes!"


    Several guards immediately escorted the three men away.


    Silence fell upon the Golden Throne Hall.


    Emperor Qian resumed his seat, only to see the person at the first position on his left step forward and speak, "Your Majesty, with Chen Shuiwen sentenced, Shanhe Martial Arts Academy is without a leader. This is an excellent opportunity to bring it under Your Majesty''s control."


    "Oh?"


    Emperor Qian narrowed his eyes, looking at the man, "What are your thoughts, Uncle Royal?"


    This person was Yang Yuhuan, the unrivaled war king of the Great Qian Dynasty and a figure at the peak of the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    Yang Yuhuan spoke indifferently, "Your servant believes that Prince Yang Ling is the most suitable person to serve as the headmaster of Shanhe Martial Arts Academy!"


    "Hm?"


    A cold light flickered in Emperor Qian''s eyes.


    Everyone knew that Yang Ling strongly supported Xiao Yi.


    Appointing him as the headmaster of Shanhe Martial Arts Academy, how would he get along with Xiao Yi?


    The old fox!


    Emperor Qian snorted inwardly, speaking indifferently, "Yang Ling is still young and not suited for this position. I think it''s the son-in-law of the Royal Uncle, Brave General Sun Yao, who is the right candidate."


    "Sun Yao?" S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Yang Yuhuan frowned slightly and said, "Your Majesty, Sun Yao is in command of the border army..."


    "It''s fine, the border army can be entrusted to someone else!"


    Emperor Qian waved his hand, smiling faintly, "Issue my edict, appointing Brave General Sun Yao as the headmaster of Shanhe Martial Arts Academy. Command Deputy Commander Pang Yi to proceed to the eastern frontier army to take over Sun Yao''s post!"


    "Yes!"


    "His Majesty is wise!"


    The officials all responded in unison.


    Emperor Qian and Yang Yuhuan exchanged glances, their gazes colliding in the void like actual substances, sparking fierce flames.


    Yang Yuhuan''s eyes grew slightly cold as he cupped his fists, "This servant will obey Your Majesty''s decree!"

 Chapter 365 Someone from the Nangong Family Comes

    The Imperial First-Rank Minister Li Shengtian, along with Tian Xiao and the headmaster of the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy, Chen Shuiwen.


    News of their scheduled public beheading outside the Meridian Gate spread quickly throughout the entire imperial capital.


    Countless strong figures hurried towards the Meridian Gate.


    To know that...


    Just a few days ago, during the opening ceremony of Shanhe Martial Arts Academy, Chen Shuiwen was a name known throughout the imperial capital.


    Of course.


    This was not a good reputation, but it indeed made him a topic of conversation. It was unexpected that just a few days had passed, and they were to be beheaded outside the Meridian Gate, one could imagine the immense sensation it caused.


    Especially for the Nangong Family and the Beitang Family, the news shocked the whole clan.


    The Nangong Family residence.


    With a gloomy face, Beitang Feng looked at Nangong Shengtian in front of him, "Ancestor Nangong, could His Majesty''s sudden move against Mr. Li and the others be related to the establishment of Shanhe Martial Arts Academy?" Explore more stories with My Virtual Library Empire


    "Impossible!"


    Nangong Shengtian shook his head and said in a deep voice, "With His Majesty''s tactics, it is absolutely impossible for him to vent his anger on Li Shengtian and the others over the affairs of Shanhe Martial Arts Academy. I have already sent people to inquire in the palace, and I believe news will come soon!"


    Beitang Feng nodded, but his expression remained grave, "I hope it''s not bad news."


    An hour later.


    Nangong Yi rushed back hastily, and after saluting the two, he said gravely, "Ancestor, Mr. Beitang, I have found out the details. This time, it was the three of them, Li Shengtian, who took matters into their own hands and erected a military order, forming an inspection team to audit the Xiaoshanhe Institute. This is what provoked His Majesty, leading to their doom!"


    "A military order?"


    The two men were stunned.


    Nangong Yi then proceeded to relay every detail of the information he had gathered to them.


    "Idiots!"


    Nangong Shengtian shook his head, "These three are truly courting death!"


    Beitang Feng was speechless, "It seems that the setback from the earlier opening ceremony has driven Chen Shuiwen out of his senses. If Xiao Yi dared to hold this genius battle, how could he possibly be unprepared? This is clearly a trap, yet he jumped into it headlong¡­"


    Nangong Shengtian narrowed his eyes, "Do we know who will replace Chen Shuiwen?"


    Beitang Feng also looked towards Nangong Yi.


    This was the most important matter at the moment.


    With Chen Shuiwen''s death, Shanhe Martial Arts Academy would be leaderless.


    The Nangong Family and Beitang Family had invested many resources in the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy, with just those lands alone valuing hundreds of billions of silver. If the academy were now to be taken over by the royal family, it would be a tremendous loss for them.


    With an odd look, Nangong Yi said, "According to the information I''ve received, His Majesty has appointed Brave General Sun Yao to replace Chen Shuiwen!"


    "Sun Yao?"


    The two men, Nangong Shengtian, paused, looking at each other, "Is that the grandson-in-law of the Peerless War King?"


    "Exactly him!"


    Nangong Yi said.


    Beitang Feng furrowed his brows, "Strange, the Peerless War King has always been at odds with His Majesty. How could His Majesty entrust Shanhe Martial Arts Academy to Sun Yao?"


    "No, giving it to Sun Yao is the most appropriate choice!"


    Nangong Shengji''s eyes twinkled with wisdom as he lifted his gaze to the door, speaking ominously, "Our His Majesty is a sovereign ruler; if he were to directly control Shanhe Martial Arts Academy now, it would surely make Xiao Yi wary. But by entrusting it to Sun Yao, he can ingeniously use Xiao Yi and the Peerless War King to weaken each other, while he reaps the benefits!"


    "Then what about us¡­" Beitang Feng asked doubtfully.


    Nangong Shengji narrowed his eyes, revealing a cold smile, "Currently, our greatest enemy is Xiao Yi. He has joined forces with Treasure Pavilion, attempting to suppress our medicinal business, so he must be eliminated!"


    Beitang Feng inquired, "Do you already have a plan?" S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With a sly smile, Nangong Shengji said, "We just need to do this¡­"


    ¡­


    Imperial Dragon Mountain, Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Xiao Yi was arranging a Formation, and now that the Xiaoshanhe Institute has established five halls, each with its own duties, although there was still some unfamiliarity among them, the machinery had started to operate. As long as the halls got through the initial teething period¡ª


    the Xiaoshanhe Institute would surely get on the right track in the future.


    In a huge cave dug a hundred meters deep underground.


    Li Youruo and Chen Ziyi looked at Xiao Yi as he inscribed one formation glyph after another, showing expressions of confusion. Even though the two of them had become Seven Star Array Masters, facing the Formation Xiao Yi was setting up, they still felt clueless.


    Chen Ziyi asked, "Master, what exactly is this Formation?"


    Xiao Yi smiled, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and said, "What do you think our Xiaoshanhe Institute is lacking the most right now?"


    "Lacking the most?"


    Chen Ziyi was stunned and frowned slightly.


    His wife, Zhou Jing, said, "Master must be talking about the disciples'' cultivation, right?"


    Xiao Yi nodded and said with a smile, "Zhou Jing is correct. Currently, the strength of the elders in charge at our Xiaoshanhe Institute is barely comparable to the top ten sects, but in terms of the number and quality of disciples, we are far inferior to them."


    "Master, then this Formation?" Li Youruo asked in confusion.


    As far as they knew, except for the Spirit Gathering Array, there wasn''t any Formation that could assist in cultivation!


    Xiao Yi laughed and said, "Once the Formation is complete, you will understand." He paused, then handed them the formation diagram, "Follow the markings here and inscribe the glyphs around the perimeter."


    "Yes!"


    The two nodded and began to inscribe the Formation glyphs.


    At this moment...


    Ye Heng came in from outside and said to Xiao Yi, "Master, Nangong Yi from the Nangong Family requests an audience!"


    "Who?"


    Xiao Yi was startled and looked up at Ye Heng.


    Ye Heng said solemnly, "The visitor claims to be Nangong Yi, the Direct Disciple of the Nangong Family head, and has important matters to seek an audience for!"


    "Oh?"


    "Master, the people from the Nangong Family coming to us at this time, could it be that they want to reconcile?"


    Xiao Yi stroked his chin, showing a hint of amusement, "No matter what they''re here for, continue inscribing the glyphs. I''ll go see what this is about!"


    A moment later.


    Xiao Yi met Nangong Yi in the guest hall. This person was at the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm, yet his demeanor was very respectful. When he saw Xiao Yi come out, Nangong Yi bowed to him, performing the salutations meticulously: "Nangong Yi pays respects to Head Xiao!"


    "Please, have a seat!"


    Xiao Yi sat in the seat of honor, watching Nangong Yi sit down and showing a playful look, "What brings you to me?"


    Nangong Yi said in a deep voice, "Head Xiao, I wonder if you''ve heard about His Majesty ordering the beheading of Chen Shuiwen, Li Shengtian, and Tian Xiao at the noon gate?"


    Xiao Yi nodded, "About half an hour ago, His Majesty just had their heads sent over, I''ve already thrown them to the dogs in the back mountain!"


    "..."


    Nangong Yi''s face twitched slightly.


    He hadn''t expected Xiao Yi to be so blunt, not bothering to cover up the facts.


    After all¡ª


    Even though there was a deep hatred between them, to the dead goes respect. Xiao Yi disposing of their heads by feeding them to the dogs in the back mountain to vent his anger was not exactly honorable. Most people would much likely have tried to cover it up.


    Xiao Yi being so candid was something Nangong Yi found hard to adapt to.


    Xiao Yi laughed, "What, you''re not here to claim their heads, are you? If that''s the case, you might still find a few bones if you go to the back mountain now!"


    "Er..."


    Nangong Yi let out a wry smile and said, "Head Xiao, you misunderstand, my visit this time is for..."

 Chapter 366 Men Die in Pursuit of Wealth, Birds Die in Pursuit of Food

    "I am here to deliver a gift to Director Xiao!"


    Nangong Yi''s face bore a mysterious smile.


    With the flick of a finger.


    A secret letter flew out from his storage ring and landed in Xiao Yi''s hand.


    The seal on the secret letter was intact, unbroken.


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow, "What is this?"


    Nangong Yi smiled and said, "You will know once you''ve read it!"


    Xiao Yi opened the secret letter.


    It was addressed to Xiao Zhengde.


    The gist of the content was that Xiao Tianjiao had received Xiao Zhengde''s letter, aware that Xiao Yi had taken over the Xiaoshanhe Institute. Xiao Tianjiao''s disdain for Xiao Yi was palpable, even leaping off the page from just a few words, which still made it clear that in Xiao Tianjiao''s eyes, Xiao Yi was no more than an ant.


    At the end of the letter...


    Xiao Tianjiao told Xiao Zhengde that he had important matters to attend to and couldn''t return in a short time.


    He instructed Xiao Zhengde to use this letter to seek help from the unrivaled War King Yang Yuhuan, to deal with Xiao Yi.


    Bang!


    Flames blazed in Xiao Yi''s palm, burning the letter to ashes. Xiao Yi looked calmly at Nangong Yi, his eyes serene as he said, "I have read the letter. What exactly is your purpose in handing it to me!"


    Nangong Yi spoke solemnly, "Director Xiao, my great ancestor tasked me to pass on a message to you: there are no eternal enemies. The Nangong Family has invested a tremendous amount of capital in Shanhe Martial Arts Academy, but now the Emperor has handed over the academy to Sun Yao, who is the War King''s son-in-law. The great ancestor hopes we can set aside past grievances and join forces to drive Sun Yao out of Shanhe Martial Arts Academy. The great ancestor is willing to turn hostility into alliance with you!"


    Xiao Yi leaned back in his chair.


    His fingers gently tapped on the armrest.


    All of this seemed flawless, as if just as Nangong Yi had said.


    Yet it was this seemingly impeccable rationale that made Xiao Yi sense something extraordinary. However, he did not outright reject the offer, but instead said, "Go back and tell your great ancestor that I have received the letter. As for the cooperation, we shall discuss it after the one-month agreement is over!"


    Nangong Yi maintained his composure, replied with a smile, "Good, I will relay your message to the great ancestor!"


    Watching Nangong Yi''s retreating figure.


    Little Lin emerged from Xiao Yi''s embrace and coiled around his shoulder, "Boss, the Nangong Family harbors ill intentions!"


    "Hmm!"


    Xiao Yi nodded and gently rubbed Little Lin''s head, saying, "Follow him!"


    Whoosh!


    Little Lin transformed into a streak of light, vanishing from sight.


    Xiao Yi''s head rested against the back of the chair, his eyes narrowed to slits, with a cold glint flickering within, "Xiao Tianjiao... It''s been over two years since we last met, and you remain as prideful as ever! In your eyes, am I still not worth your personal attention?"


    The fingers tapping on the armrests suddenly paused.


    Xiao Yi stood up and left.


    Only after his figure had completely disappeared did the chair he had been sitting in explode with a bang, reducing it to dust.


    ......


    After leaving Xiaoshanhe Institute, Nangong Yi immediately headed back to the Nangong Family.


    But he didn''t realize that as he left, a golden light had already hidden itself within his body.


    Within the Nangong Family.


    Nangong Shengtian had been waiting for some time; seeing Nangong Yi return, he looked anxious, "How did it go?" S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Nangong Yi gave a wry smile, "The secret letter has been delivered to Xiao Yi, but he refuses to bite. He only told me to convey to you that everything will wait until after the one-month agreement is concluded!"


    Bang!


    Nangong Shengtian smashed the table beside him in fury, "Damn it, this cunning kid..."


    "Ancestor, Xiao Yi refuses to fall for it. What should we do?" Nangong Yi asked.


    Nangong Shengtian''s face was gloomy as he snorted coldly, "Since he won''t take the bait and making him clash with Yang Yuhuan to buy us time is impossible, we can only hope that Ning Kang succeeds in stealing that secret recipe. If he can produce a higher quality pill, we might be able to turn defeat into victory!"


    Over the past few days... Explore stories at My Virtual Library Empire


    The price war between the pills of Treasure Pavilion and the Nangong Family has been escalating.


    Currently, Treasure Pavilion is selling pills at a 60 percent discount.


    The Nangong Family is simply unable to replicate this.


    After all...


    Even if they reduced their prices further, Treasure Pavilion would immediately match them, and moreover, over these past days, the word has spread that the quality of Treasure Pavilion''s pills far surpasses those of the Nangong Family''s. At equivalent prices, no one is buying the Nangong Family''s pills.


    The Nangong Family is suffering huge losses every day.


    With the financial resources of the Nangong Family, they can only hold out for about another ten days.


    "Nangong Yi, go see Ning Kang immediately and urge him to act faster... and also, give him this package. If there''s a chance, throw this into their Pill Furnace¡­" Nangong Shengtian instructed as he handed a paper package to Nangong Yi, "Remember, do not let anyone discover this!"


    Nangong Yi nodded and said, "Rest assured in my handling of this!"


    Watching Nangong Yi leave, Nangong Shengtian took a deep breath and his face showed a chill expression, "Let''s hope everything goes smoothly! Whether it''s getting the secret recipe or using this package, either can put them in a dead end!"


    The moon rose to the treetops, and the starlight was dim.


    In the dark of night.


    A shadowy figure sneakily emerged from Treasure Pavilion, heading to a small courtyard nearby.


    Knock! Knock! Knock!


    After a few intermittent knocks, the room''s door finally opened, and the figure was quickly pulled inside.


    Nangong Yi looked at Ning Kang, "Did you get the thing?"


    Ning Kang nodded, a look of excitement on his face, "I got lucky today. Master Fu Yuan seemed to be preoccupied with something important, and the Pavilion Master and the rest were all guarding him. That gave me the chance to steal this secret recipe from the Pavilion Master''s room!"


    "No problems with the item, I hope?" Nangong Yi asked.


    Patting his chest, Ning Kang replied, "You can rest assured, I risked my life for this!"


    "That''s good!"


    Nangong Yi nodded, handed the package he was carrying to Ning Kang, and said in a low voice, "The Ancestor said, find a chance to throw this into their Pill Furnace. Once it''s done, leave Treasure Pavilion immediately. We''ll have someone to meet you. Afterward, I''ll call you Nangong Kang, and we''ll be brothers of the same clan!"


    Thump!


    Thump!


    With his face flushed red, Ning Kang nodded earnestly, "Rest assured, I''ll go do it right away!"


    Watching Ning Kang''s departing figure.


    Nangong Yi smiled coldly, looking down at the secret recipe in his hands, his eyes gleaming, "Finally in my hands. If Ning Kang can throw that package into the Pill Furnace, then it''s truly foolproof!"


    Whoosh!


    Nangong Yi immediately left.


    He did not realize...


    All of this was being watched by Little Lin, hiding in the shadows.


    With a slight shift in gaze, and a hint of coldness emerging, Little Lin moved toward Treasure Pavilion. After a moment, he stealthily entered the pill-making room, waiting until deep into the night, when a silent figure appeared in the quiet pill room.


    Ning Kang looked at the huge Pill Furnace with a cold gleam in his eyes, "Men die for wealth as birds die for food, don''t blame me for this. Who told you all to side with Xiao Yi?"


    Whoosh!


    Ning Kang took a deep breath and threw the paper package into the Pill Furnace...

 Chapter 367 Adding Fuel to the Fire

    Late at night. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After throwing that package into the Pill Furnace, Ning Kang fled in a mad dash, seeking refuge with the Nangong Family.


    Nangong Shengtian and Nangong Shengji personally received him.


    This made Ning Kang even more certain that his decision was the right one. He kowtowed respectfully to the two men and said, "Elders, head of the family, I have followed your orders and have thrown that package into the Pill Furnace!"


    "You''ve done very well!"


    Nangong Shengtian smiled and nodded, walking up to Ning Kang and patting his shoulder. "Ning Kang, now there is one more thing I need you to do. Once it''s done, you will be my adopted grandson!" Stay tuned for updates on My Virtual Library Empire


    "Please give me your instructions, Elder!" Ning Kang said excitedly, thumping his chest in assurance.


    Nangong Shengtian, with a smile, said, "The secret formula you brought back has already been tested by someone. Following that formula truly can greatly increase the success rate and the rate of producing top-quality pills. However, if it''s just that, we are still incapable of crushing the Treasure Pavilion!"


    They had started to test the formula in the evening as soon as they obtained it.


    The results, following the operations on the formula.


    For Nangong Shengtian, a Pill Furnace that typically produced about fifteen pills now yielded thirty, and every single one was a top-quality pill.


    This sent the Nangong Family into an ecstatic frenzy.


    But...


    Just as he said.


    If it were only that, the Nangong Family would still be unable to completely defeat the Treasure Pavilion.


    Ning Kang, whose mind was fully occupied with becoming Nangong Shengtian''s adopted grandson and reaching the peak of his life, hurriedly asked, "Elder, what else do you need me to do?"


    Nangong Shengtian narrowed his eyes and said, "Within these three days, my Nangong Family will spare no effort in hurrying to produce pills using the method from that secret formula. Three days later, we will also lower our prices and sell this batch of new pills. I need you, three days from now, to stand out as the deputy Pavilion Master''s son and accuse the pills sold by Treasure Pavilion of being highly poisonous!"


    "What?"


    Ning Kang''s body trembled, and he said in disbelief, "How can this be?"


    Whether it was stealing the secret formula or throwing that mysterious package into the Pill Furnace, these actions were done in secret.


    Even if the Treasure Pavilion found out, they would have no evidence.


    But if he were to openly stand against Treasure Pavilion, he feared that both Treasure Pavilion and Xiao Yi would be eager to kill him!


    Nangong Shengtian said, "Rest assured, with the protection of my Nangong Family, no one can harm your life!"


    "This..."


    Ning Kang showed a hesitant expression.


    Nangong Shengji spoke indifferently, "If you refuse to help us, we will tell Treasure Pavilion about your stealing the formula and poisoning the Pill Furnace. At the same time, we will personally escort you to Treasure Pavilion to ease the tension between our two parties!"


    "..."


    Ning Kang turned pale.


    The two old men, who in his eyes had always been benevolent, now seemed like fierce beasts ready to devour their prey.


    Ning Kang realized that he was in a predicament with no way out and, with a somber face, said, "Alright, alright! I can come forward, but the pills from Treasure Pavilion are of excellent quality. How could they possibly be deadly poisons..."


    "Did you forget the package I had you throw into the Pill Furnace? There were no deaths before, but within three days, people will certainly die!" Nangong Shengtian said with a chillingly sinister smile.


    That laugh was enough to send shivers down the spine.


    A forced smile appeared on Ning Kang''s face.


    Nangong Shengtian glanced at Nangong Yi, "Take him down and take good care of him. In three days, let him come forward!"


    "Yes!"


    Nangong Yi immediately stepped back.


    Inside the great hall, only Nangong Shengtian and his companion remained. His face bore a look of excitement as he spoke in a deep voice, "I never imagined that such a miraculous secret formula truly existed in the world, one that could increase the success rate of pill creation and the rate of producing superior-grade pills. It''s a wonder where they got it from!"


    "No matter where they got it from, it now belongs to us!"


    Nangong Shengji''s face was adorned with a radiant smile, "Right, have all the pills been tested?"


    "They''ve all been tested!"


    Nangong Shengtian smiled, and as he recalled the astonishing outcomes of trying to concoct pills with that secret formula, he couldn''t help but remark, "If it hadn''t been for Ning Kang, in this battle with the Treasure Pavilion, we probably would have suffered a crushing defeat!"


    Only ten days had passed.


    The losses of the Nangong Family had already exceeded eight hundred billion Silver. If it hadn''t been for the Beitang Family taking on the pressure of the urgent debts from Medicine King Valley, the Nangong Family would have already collapsed.


    However...


    Now that they had the secret formula in hand, and with Ning Kang adding that packet of material to the Pill Furnace, they were confident they could strike back from the brink of defeat.


    "If we can crush the Treasure Pavilion in one fell swoop and bring them into our fold, who else in the Nangong Family could stand against us?"


    Nangong Shengji clenched his fists, greed evident in his gaze as he looked at Nangong Shengtian, "Go find Beitang Feng at once and have him gather the medicinal ingredients as soon as possible. Also, summon all the alchemists in the family to concentrate on concocting pills. In three days, I want to take down the Treasure Pavilion in one stroke!"


    Meanwhile.


    In the alchemy room of the Treasure Pavilion.


    Little Lin, Xiao Yi, Nalan Qianqiu, Fu Yuan, Yan Mingli, Xue Bufan, and Ning Luo were all gathered together.


    Ning Luo''s complexion was exceedingly pale as he looked at the packet of white powder in Xiao Yi''s hand, his fierce gaze mixed with a hint of heartache.


    Thud!


    Ning Luo knelt before Nalan Qianqiu, tears welling up, "Master, it''s all because I failed to teach my son properly. Please punish me, Master!"


    "Stand up!"


    Nalan Qianqiu sighed, helping Ning Luo to his feet, and said with a wry smile, "Ning Kang made his own choices, what does it have to do with you?"


    Xiao Yi spoke calmly, "Vice Pavilion Master Ning, there is no need for such self-reproach!"


    "Xiao..."


    Ning Luo said with a rueful smile, "Had you not uncovered that scoundrel''s conspiracy, he would have destroyed the Treasure Pavilion."


    Xiao Yi waved his hand and said, "The real culprits are the Nangong Family. Had they not incited and instigated the affair, I believe Ning Kang wouldn''t have committed such a folly."


    Nalan Qianqiu looked at Xiao Yi and asked in a serious voice, "Xiao, what exactly is this substance?"


    Xiao Yi smiled, lifting the packet of powder in his hand, and said, "This is pollen from the Other Shore Flower. Taken alone, it simply causes one to fall into a deep sleep, with no toxicity. However, it turns into a deadly poison when mixed with any medicinal ingredient. Furthermore, a Pill Furnace that has come into contact with Other Shore Flower pollen, or any pill that has been made using this pollen, will infect other pills it touches with this poison."


    Hiss!


    Everyone drew in a breath of cold air.


    Did it mean that once pills are concocted in such a Furnace, even if they were stored with other pills, they could turn the other pills into deadly poison?


    "The Nangong Family, they really have ruthlessly poisonous hearts!" Nalan Qianqiu clenched his fists tightly.


    Ning Luo glared indignantly, "I swear, I will not claim to be human until I have avenged this!"


    "Revenge is not urgent at this moment!"


    Xiao Yi, however, waved his hand and said with a smile, "What''s most important for us now is to add fuel to the fire for the Nangong Family!"


    "Add fuel to the fire?"


    Everyone was puzzled, not understanding the meaning behind Xiao Yi''s words.


    Xiao Yi''s eyes glowed like the deep expanse of the night sky as he smiled and said, "Pouring oil on the fire will make it burn even more fiercely... until it completely consumes the vast enterprise of the Nangong Family, burning it to ashes and oblivion..."

 Chapter 368 Digging Ones Own Grave

    Beitang Family.


    Beitang Feng looked troubled as he faced Nangong Shengtian, who was composed and at ease, and said with a wry smile, "Ancestor Nangong, please stop making things difficult for me!"


    Nangong Shengtian glanced at him and said indifferently, "Beitang Feng, considering the relationship between our two families over so many years, are you really unwilling to do me this small favor? I promise you that once the deal is successful, I will repay all the previous debts to you!"


    When he thought of the secret recipe he had received. Your next journey awaits at My Virtual Library Empire


    It was a secret recipe that could double the rate of successful pill concoction and the rate of producing premium-grade pills!


    With the low prices at which he obtained medicinal ingredients from the Beitang Family, even selling them at one-tenth of the price would be profitable.


    That was precisely where Nangong Shengtian''s confidence lay.


    Beitang Feng, with a mournful face, said, "Ancestor Nangong, for your sake, I''ve already been scolded by the people from Medicine King Valley several times for shouldering that previous debt of fifteen trillion Silver. Now you want me to procure another ten trillion Silver of goods, it''s simply impossible!"


    As it turned out.


    Nangong Shengtian had come this time to procure another ten trillion Silver worth of medicinal ingredients from the Beitang Family.


    However...


    They already owed fifteen trillion Silver from before, and it was only because the relationship between the Beitang Family and Medicine King Valley was strong enough that they had been able to delay payment. Otherwise, given the Medicine King Valley''s domineering manner of doing things, they would have already come knocking at their door.


    Bang!


    Nangong Shengtian slammed his cup onto the tea table and angrily said, "Beitang Feng, this time you have to help whether you like it or not. If you help us, I will give you an additional one trillion Silver on top of the debts owed by the Nangong Family as compensation!"


    "This¡­"


    Beitang Feng''s expression shifted slightly.


    Selling medicinal ingredients was not as profitable as selling pills.


    One trillion Silver was equivalent to his entire year''s profit.


    Seeing Beitang Feng tempted, Nangong Shengtian pressed his advantage and said, "Once we take down Treasure Pavilion and seize their market share, I am willing to give you thirty percent of Treasure Pavilion''s shops, how about that?"


    Thirty percent of the shops?


    Beitang Feng''s heart trembled, knowing that the shops of Treasure Pavilion were by no means fewer than those of the Nangong Family.


    If he could get one trillion Silver in rewards, plus the thirty percent of the shops.


    This deal would be equivalent to earning nearly two trillion Silver!


    With that thought.


    Beitang Feng was about to agree when, at that moment, a servant rushed in, "Master, Ning, the Vice Pavilion Master of Treasure Pavilion, is here requesting an audience!"


    "Hmm?"


    Beitang Feng was startled, "Ning Luo? What''s he doing here?"


    Nangong Shengtian''s gaze shifted and he said in a deep voice, "I''ll excuse myself for a moment!"


    "Alright!"


    Beitang Feng nodded, then turned to the servant, "Bring the person in!"


    A moment later.


    Ning Luo appeared in the hall, his face carrying a radiant smile as he greeted, "Mr. Beitang, long time no see, how have you been?"


    "Vice Pavilion Master Ning, it has been some time since you last visited my residence, what brings you here today?" Beitang Feng responded coolly, already accustomed to acting superior from having had a stranglehold on the medicinal ingredient supply to Treasure Pavilion for so long.


    Ning Luo replied with a wry smile, "Mr. Beitang, you should be aware that recently our Treasure Pavilion and the Nangong Family have been in a price war. We are quickly running out of medicinal ingredients and are urgently searching for supplies. The Pavilion Master asked me to come to you for help!"


    "Oh? I thought you had already found another source for your medicinal ingredients, why seek my help?" Beitang Feng said mockingly.


    Ning Luo shook his head with a bitter smile, "Mr. Beitang, you should know where those medicinal materials come from. The black market in Beast Emperor City is really too extortionate; they know about our critical struggle against the Nangong Family and suddenly broke the contract, unilaterally raising prices. We just can''t afford it, so we have no choice but to turn to you..."


    "Oh?"


    Beitang Feng''s eyes moved subtly, and Nangong Shengtian''s voice suddenly echoed in his mind, "Ask him how much medicinal ingredients he needs!"


    "Deputy Pavilion Master Ning, how much medicinal material do you need?" Beitang Feng asked.


    Ning Luo replied solemnly, "I won''t hide it from you, we had originally agreed with Beast Emperor City to purchase medicinal materials worth two hundred trillion Silver, but they suddenly raised the price, demanding three hundred trillion. The Pavilion Master hopes that you can sell us two hundred trillion worth of goods at the original price!"


    "Two hundred trillion?"


    Beitang Feng''s pupils shrank slightly.


    Goods worth two hundred trillion Silver, at the price he sold to Treasure Pavilion, would net a profit of fifty trillion Silver.


    "Agree to it!"


    The voice of Nangong Shengtian once again resounded in his mind, "But demand a hundred trillion Silver as a deposit!"


    Beitang Feng took a deep breath, squinting his eyes and said, "I can provide the goods for you, but I need a hundred trillion Silver as a deposit!"


    "A hundred trillion Silver for a deposit? Isn''t that too much?" Ning Luo''s face changed slightly, showing hesitation.


    Beitang Feng said indifferently, "If you think it''s too much, you don''t have to buy!"


    "This..."


    Ning Luo showed a struggling expression and, gritting his teeth, said, "Very well, please sign a contract with me, Mr. Beitang!"


    "Agreed!"


    Beitang Feng immediately took out paper and pen, and the two signed a contract.


    Treasure Pavilion paid a hundred trillion Silver as a deposit to order goods worth two hundred trillion Silver, and the Beitang Family would deliver within seven days. If the Beitang Family failed to provide the goods after seven days, they would compensate Treasure Pavilion with one hundred and fifty trillion Silver.


    At the same time...


    If Treasure Pavilion couldn''t come up with the remaining one hundred trillion Silver within seven days, the transaction would be void, and the deposit would not be refunded!


    All these were the same as the usual contracts.


    Beitang Feng wasn''t concerned.


    Ning Luo said solemnly, "Mr. Beitang, you must hurry. The goods must be delivered to me within seven days!"


    "Don''t worry, this isn''t our first transaction!" Beitang Feng said with a smile.


    Ning Luo left immediately.


    Only then did Nangong Shengtian come out from behind, watching the direction in which Ning Luo left with a cold smile on his face, "It''s really like a pillow arriving in time for someone wanting to sleep, Treasure Pavilion, oh Treasure Pavilion, it seems Heaven wants you doomed, don''t blame me for this!"


    Beitang Feng asked with a heavy tone, "Ancestor Nangong, what do you plan to do?"


    Nangong Shengtian said, "Naturally, I''m going to use your hundred trillion Silver to buy medicinal materials for myself!"


    "But that''s Treasure Pavilion''s deposit. If I use the money to buy materials for you, and they ask me for the goods, I won''t be able to produce them and will have to compensate with one hundred and fifty trillion Silver!" Beitang Feng frowned and said.


    "Don''t worry, they won''t last seven days!"


    Nangong Shengtian sneered with confidence, "As long as you get the goods to me as fast as possible, within three days, I will make sure that Treasure Pavilion can''t continue operating!"


    "Are you sure?"


    Beitang Feng frowned and said.


    This matter could not be taken lightly, a single misstep could shake the very foundation of the Beitang Family!


    Recalling the miraculous prescription in his mind, Nangong Shengtian patted his chest, guaranteeing solemnly, "Just be at ease, I assure you there will be no problem!"


    "If that''s the case, then I will trust you this time!" Beitang Feng said resolutely, nodding, "I will set off immediately, and at the latest by tomorrow morning, I will have the medicinal materials delivered to you!" S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Nangong Shengtian''s face glowed with anticipation, "Treasure Pavilion, this is really digging your own grave, hahaha..."


    A moment later.


    Nangong Shengtian quietly left the Beitang Family, riding away in his luxurious carriage.


    But Nangong Shengtian did not notice.


    Across from the Beitang Family, on top of a tavern where he was drinking with Ning Luo, Xiao Yi''s lips curved up slightly, watching the slowly departing carriage, "Nangong Sheng, you are really digging your own grave!"

 Chapter 369 Your Majesty Summons!

    Great rewards beckon the brave.


    Under the allure of money, Beitang Feng''s actions indeed were swift.


    That very night, he returned to the imperial city with medicinal materials worth a trillion silver, handing them over to Nangong Shengtian.


    Nangong Shengtian''s face was full of excitement as he burst into hearty laughter, "Good, good, very good! With these medicinal materials and that secret formula, we can surely produce pills worth thirty trillion silver. With this move, we''re talking about profits exceeding sixty trillion silver. We''ve struck it rich!"


    Even on Nangong Shengji''s eternally unchanging, icy face, a brilliant smile emerged.


    Sixty trillion silver!


    It could double the wealth of the Nangong Family!


    Beitang Feng, too, was secretly astounded. In the past, the profits of the Nangong Family merely doubled, but now they were set to quadruple, causing him also to feel an uncontrollable itch of greed as he said solemnly, "Ancestor Nangong, what mysterious treasure have you found that can increase the yield and quality rate of the pills by so much?"


    Nangong Shengtian smiled at him and squinted his eyes, "Of course we''ve made a great discovery!"


    "Ancestor Nangong, may I also take a look?" Beitang Feng asked with a sycophantic smile.


    Nangong Shengtian looked at Nangong Shengji.


    Nangong Shengji said, "It''s fine. Mr. Beitang is our most steadfast partner; there''s no need to guard against him!"


    He had his own plans as well.


    The Beitang Family was backed by Medicine King Valley, a connection they absolutely could not afford to lose.


    If Beitang Feng saw the Nangong Family''s strength, their cooperation would become even more solid.


    The group arrived deep within the Nangong estate.


    There was an underground palace constructed deep below the ground; the palace connected to an underground fire vein, using which they had built over a thousand Pill Furnaces. Every one of these thousand Pill Furnaces was manned by an alchemist. Discover exclusive tales on My Virtual Library Empire


    The reason the Nangong Family could stand firm, even unafraid to face Treasure Pavilion, was not only due to the Beitang Family providing medicinal materials at a low cost but also thanks to these thousand alchemists.


    This was the wealth that the Nangong Family had inherited over a thousand years.


    "Master!"


    Over a thousand alchemists called out in unison.


    Nangong Shengji nodded. These alchemists were orphans with the talent for alchemy, adopted from childhood, raised, and deeply loyal to the Nangong Family.


    Of course...


    How many of them were indeed orphans, and how many were made orphans by the Nangong Family, that was unclear.


    Nangong Shengji spoke calmly, "Everyone, our Nangong Family is currently facing a life-or-death crisis... Whether our Nangong Family lives or dies will depend on your performance in these next few days!"


    "Master, we swear to defend the Nangong Family to our dying breath!"


    "What do you need us to do?"


    The crowd asked.


    Nangong Shengji lifted the forty storage rings in his hand and said in a deep voice, "These contain medicinal materials worth a trillion silver. I need you to refine them into finished pills as quickly as possible."


    "Rest assured, Master, even if we die in front of the Pill Furnace, we will complete the task!"


    "Master, should we use the secret formula you provided earlier?"


    Nangong Shengji nodded and said, "Yes, use that formula. If this operation is successful, I promise you a month off after the task is completed, to reunite with your families!"


    "Master is wise!"


    These individuals had been brainwashed from a young age, devoted entirely to the Nangong Family.


    Nangong Shengji then distributed the medicinal materials, and instantly the whole underground palace was bustling with fervent activity.


    Flames surged.


    Over a thousand Pill Furnaces roared into operation, with over a thousand alchemists starting to craft pills.


    The sight was truly terrifying!


    Every person was giving it their all, exerting their full strength.


    With the help of the secret formula, the success rate of pill formation and the rate of producing top-quality pills from each Pill Furnace doubled. Watching pill after pill freshly come out of the furnace and being stored into medicine bottles, Beitang Feng was completely dumbfounded, "This, how is this possible? Thirty pills per batch, all of them top-quality?"


    Nangong Shengtian was smug, "How about it? You''re not worried now, are you, that we can''t afford to pay those sums?"


    "Impressive, truly impressive!"


    Beitang Feng sincerely exclaimed, "With such a Divine Artifact at hand, let alone the Treasure Pavilion of the Great Qian Dynasty, even the main pavilion of the Treasure Pavilion could be brought down by you one day!"


    Nangong Shengji laughed heartily and gently patted Beitang Feng''s shoulder, saying, "We owe it to your support! The glory of one is the glory of the other; should our Nangong Family profit, we won''t let you down!"


    "That goes without saying!"


    Beitang Feng''s smile was full of flattery.


    The entire Nangong Family was bustling, continuously refining pills and distributing them to various places.


    Meanwhile.


    Inside the imperial palace, the royal study.


    The lights in front of Emperor Qian were still bright as he put down the memorial in his hand and gently rubbed his sore brows, saying, "Old Dog, is the strife between the Treasure Pavilion and the Nangong Family still ongoing?"


    "Yes, Your Majesty!"


    Qi replied in a deep voice.


    Emperor Qian stretched his limbs, which caused a series of cracks, and said somewhat speechless, "How good it would be to be harmonious and make money, but they insist on making things so stiff."


    Qi replied, "Your Majesty, the Nangong Family has indeed become a bit uncontrollable over the years. Allowing the Treasure Pavilion to weaken them somewhat may not be a bad thing!"


    "What we need now is balance, and it''s not good to rashly break this balance!"


    Emperor Qian got up and walked towards the door, looking up at the sparse starlight in the sky. In the midst of the night, a meteor suddenly streaked across the sky, its brilliant and splendid tail spread out in the air, extending thousands of miles, "Just like this starry sky, the harmony of stars and moon is so peaceful, yet there must be a meteor that, despite its beauty and brilliance, is ultimately fleeting, tasteless to eat and regrettable to waste!"


    "What does Your Majesty imply?" Qi asked as he draped a heavy robe over Emperor Qian.


    Emperor Qian squinted and said, "Tomorrow night, let them come to the palace to enjoy the moonlit view!"


    "Yes!"


    Qi responded respectfully.


    Emperor Qian, with his back to Qi, spoke in a deep voice, "Old Dog, everyone has their self-interest, and I can understand that. But the affairs of the world have their rules, do not overstep them!"


    "This servant understands!" Qi''s figure paused slightly, then promptly returned to normal.


    Under the night sky.


    Master and servant stood tall for a long time, without moving an inch.


    ...


    The next day.


    Within the capital city, the figures of eunuchs appeared in many households.


    Inside the Nangong Family.


    "His Majesty invites you to enjoy the moon in the Imperial Garden tonight!"


    "Please tell His Majesty that Shengtian will surely be on time for the banquet!" Nangong Shengtian said.


    Within the Beitang Family, Beitang Feng: "Beitang Feng acknowledges the decree with thanks!"


    Treasure Pavilion.


    Nalan Qianqiu, looking at the imperial edict in his hand, had a complex expression, "What is His Majesty really thinking?"


    Within the Xiaoshanhe Institute. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Qi personally came before Xiao Yi and read the imperial edict, saying, "Dean Xiao, His Majesty has sent for you!"


    Xiao Yi smiled and said, "Eunuch, who else will be there tonight?"


    Qi squinted and said, "Those who should come, have all come!"


    Xiao Yi revealed an understanding smile, his eyes narrowing into slits, "It seems the great drama is about to begin!"

 Chapter 370 Youre Seeking Death!

    The moon shone bright with few stars, an excellent time for moon-gazing.


    The Imperial Garden had already been set with numerous tables and chairs, laden with an abundance of fine wines and delectable dishes.


    The silver moon had just risen above the willow tips, like a tempting silver-white fruit hanging from the branches.


    At this moment...


    In the Imperial Garden, seats had already filled with many powerful figures.


    Among them were influential court officials, noble families, and representatives of the top ten sects from the capital.


    Each one possessed immense clout.


    Any one of them could shake the capital with a mere stomp of their foot.


    Xiao Yi''s seat was in the first row to the left, a good spot, and right next to him was Yang Ling. Clearly, this was a deliberate arrangement; Yang Ling also whispered introductions of the attendees to Xiao Yi.


    "That one who nodded to you with his cup is Shi Yun, who replaced Li Shengtian because of your wish; it''s thanks to you that he could sit in this position!"


    "Next to Shi Yun is Qin Li, who took over Tian Xiao''s place. This man was once Tian Xiao''s confidant, be careful with him!"


    "And that one..."


    After the introductions, Xiao Yi had become acquainted with many of those present.


    Suddenly.


    The noisy Imperial Garden quieted down, and Xiao Yi frowned slightly; despite it being a summer night, he felt a chill. His gaze shifted to the entrance of the Imperial Garden. He saw many guests rising from their seats, bowing towards the garden gate.


    A young man dressed in green, with a purple jade crown on his head, walked in.


    The youth radiated a cold and solemn aura. Yang Ling''s pupils contracted slightly and he whispered, "Xiao Yi, this person is Brave General Sun Yao, who took over from Chen Shuiwen to lead the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy. He also has some history with you!"


    "Hmm?"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback.


    Experience tales at My Virtual Library Empire


    He had never seen this person before, how could there be history between them?


    Yang Ling whispered, "Sun Yao is from the Tianjian Sect, a senior fellow of Xiao Tianjiao. However, after marrying Princess Changping, the niece of the Emperor''s uncle, he left Tianjian Sect and has been defending the frontier for many years as the Brave General. He was expected to become the Great General after another two years'' wait, but now he has been appointed as the head of Shanhe Martial Arts Academy instead. He must surely bear a grudge against you!"


    Xiao Yi rolled his eyes helplessly.


    This was truly a mix of new grudges and old ones!


    Since he was Xiao Tianjiao''s senior fellow and because of Xiao Yi himself, who had killed Chen Shuiwen, Sun Yao had lost the chance to compete for the position of Great General.


    Moreover, Xiaoshanhe Institute and Shanhe Martial Arts Academy were natural rivals.


    This truly seemed like a fated enemy!


    Sun Yao also noticed Xiao Yi''s gaze and a glint of cold light flashed in his eyes. The aura of the seventh layer of the Dharma Manifestation Realm surged toward him like a vast, towering wave. His gaze, corporeal as it was, seemed even sharper than the edge of a blade.


    A normal person from the Tao Tribulation Realm would likely be scared out of their wits.


    Xiao Yi remained unmoved, his gaze just as sharp as he stared back at Sun Yao.


    Bang!


    The substantial gaze of the two collided mid-air, exploding into a terrifying blast that caused two nearby guests to scream in agony. Both were civil officials, their eardrums ruptured by the impact of the gaze.


    Yang Ling frowned, "Someone, take them away!"


    "Yes!"


    Two guards immediately escorted the pair away.


    Inside the Imperial Garden.


    All eyes were alternately sweeping over Xiao Yi and Sun Yao.


    Sun Yao walked straight up to Xiao Yi, looking down on him from above.


    Qin Li somehow made his way to Sun Yao''s side with a sycophantic expression, then turned to Xiao Yi, "This seat is Sun Yao''s now, you get lost!"


    "Scram!"


    Without even lifting his head, Xiao Yi simply responded with one word.


    "You little shit, who gave you the audacity..."


    Qin Li''s face changed, but before he could finish.


    He was met with Xiao Yi''s slap.


    Slap!


    With a scream, Qin Li flew backwards, smashing directly into a lotus pond.


    "How dare you strike my man? Do you no longer wish to live?"


    Sun Yao''s gaze hardened, his murderous intent surging like a raging tide.


    Yang Ling quickly stood up, placing himself between the two men, and spoke sternly, "General Sun, the seating for tonight''s banquet is fixed. Your seat is over there!"


    With narrowed eyes, Sun Yao assessed Yang Ling, then suddenly let out a sneer of contempt, his disdainful gaze falling on Xiao Yi, "Compared to brother Tianjiao, you still fall far short!"


    Xiao Yi glanced at him, "The dogs raised by Xiao Tianjiao are all so arrogant?"


    "You''re courting death!"


    Sun Yao''s expression darkened as he glared at Xiao Yi.


    Boom!


    A gust of wind burst forth from him, flipping the tables and chairs of several bystanders. Only Xiao Yi and Yang Ling''s seats remained immobile. Xiao Yi sat upright, watching him with interest, "What''s wrong? Hit a nerve? If you''re going to be a dog, act like one and tuck your tail to the side!"


    "You little shit, you''re looking to die!"


    Sun Yao erupted in fury as evil Qi rolled off him.


    "Hahaha, General Sun, let this old man give you a hand!" Nangong Shengtian strode in with amusement, standing shoulder to shoulder with Sun Yao.


    Beitang Feng also watched Xiao Yi with an amused expression.


    "I really want to see who dares to bully my little brother Xiao Yi!" The boisterous voice was none other than Dongfang Kuang, with Ximen Jianxue following at his side, as both landed one on each side of Xiao Yi.


    Nalan Qianqiu and Ning Luo also came strolling casually.


    They all had their swords drawn and crossbows cocked.


    A great battle was on the verge of erupting!


    Inside the Imperial Garden, some people took pleasure in the misfortune of others, while some showed worried expressions.


    But at that moment...


    An authoritative cough echoed, dissolving the tense atmosphere instantaneously. Emperor Qian and Qi stepped in, their gazes sweeping over everyone as they spoke indifferently, "Why is everyone standing? Tonight, I have invited you all to enjoy the moon!"


    "We welcome Your Majesty!"


    "Long live Your Majesty!"


    Everyone hastily paid their respects.


    Emperor Qian took his seat at the head, gesturing with his hand, "Please, sit down."


    Whoosh!


    Everyone sat down meticulously.


    Nangong Shengtian whispered, "General Sun, there will be plenty of opportunities to deal with this kid. Why cause His Majesty displeasure?"


    "Hmm!"


    Sun Yao nodded, his cold gaze sweeping over Xiao Yi, "You just wait!"


    "I will be waiting with open arms!"


    Xiao Yi replied evenly.


    "Hmph!"


    Sun Yao snorted and went back to his seat.


    Xiao Yi gave Dongfang Kuang and the others a cupped fist salute, "Thank you, everyone!"


    "How could I, your brother, miss out on a fight?" Dongfang Kuang winked.


    Ximen Jianxue smiled, "It''s nothing!"


    Nalan Qianqiu and Ning Luo smiled faintly, sitting down beside Xiao Yi.


    At the head seat.


    Emperor Qian said lightly, "Tonight the moon is full, and I have especially arranged this feast. I hope it hasn''t interrupted everyone''s life."


    "Your Majesty jests!"


    "To accompany Your Majesty in admiring the moon is an honor for us..."


    Everyone responded in turn.


    Emperor Qian nodded, "Tonight we won''t talk about state affairs, just drink wine and enjoy the moon..."


    No sooner had he spoken,


    then Sun Yao said, "Your Majesty, I believe that under such beautiful scenery, we should add some entertainment to the mix!"


    "Oh?"


    Emperor Qian looked at Sun Yao, his face breaking into a smile, "General Sun, what do you suggest?"


    Sun Yao''s chilling eyes flickered toward Xiao Yi as he said with a smile, "I have recently taken over the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy, where I have a sword prodigy. Tonight, I have brought him especially to present a sword dance for Your Majesty and the ministers!"


    "A sword dance?"


    "It is well-known that General Sun is the finest swordsman in the military. If you consider him a sword prodigy, he must be impressive!"


    Emperor Qian chuckled, "Then let him come forth and show us!"


    "By Your Majesty''s command!"


    Sun Yao nodded and then ordered someone to fetch the person.


    Shortly afterwards,


    a graceful young man appeared in the Imperial Garden, bowing respectfully to Emperor Qian and proclaiming, "Your Majesty, this humble person Jiang Feng presents a sword dance called ''Autumn Rain'', in hopes of bringing a smile to Your Majesty''s face!"


    "You may proceed!"


    Emperor Qian nodded, smiling brightly.


    Clang!


    Jiang Feng unsheathed his longsword, manoeuvring it as if it were an extension of his arm.


    The dance "Autumn Rain" flowed like drifting clouds and running water, exquisitely performed, eliciting waves of applause: "He truly is a sword prodigy from the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy!"


    "This young man''s mastery of the sword is extraordinary. Although he''s only at the peak of the Divine Ability Realm, he has already grasped half a step of Sword Intent. Remarkable indeed!"


    Emperor Qian also nodded in satisfaction, "Award him a thousand taels of silver and bestow upon him a flask of Imperial wine!"


    "Thank you, Your Majesty!"


    Jiang Feng looked up and drained the Imperial wine in one gulp, then wiping his mouth, he said loudly, "Your Majesty, I''ve heard that the Xiaoshanhe Institute is full of talent, and Xiao, the head of the institute, is a master of the sword. I humbly request Your Majesty''s permission for me to seek instruction from Xiao!"


    "Hmm?"


    Emperor Qian''s brow furrowed slightly, and his expression turned somewhat displeased.


    Just as he was about to reprimand,


    Sun Yao spoke up, "Your Majesty, as the head of an institute, Xiao surely wouldn''t begrudge offering guidance to the younger generation!" He looked at Xiao Yi with a smile, "Instructor Xiao, what do you say?" S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi turned his head to look at Sun Yao, curled his lip, and said indifferently, "Screw you!"

 Chapter 371 Can You Kill?

    ```


    "Shut the hell up!"


    Xiao Yi spoke coldly, silencing the imperial garden.


    Immediately after, a civil official cursed angrily, "Such vulgarity is disgraceful!"


    "How can you speak such foul language in the Emperor''s presence?"


    "He must be punished, punished indeed!"


    Sun Yao''s face turned an iron shade of blue. This was the first time he had been publicly reprimanded like this in his life, and with a gloomy face, he said, "Xiao Yi, you''re courting death!"


    "Enough!"


    Emperor Qian rebuked sharply, his face looking unpleasant as he said, "What behavior is this? I am still here, seated!"


    Xiao Yi shrugged his shoulders, "Your Majesty, please, calm down!"


    "Your Majesty, please, calm down!"


    Sun Yao quickly responded, then turned to look at Jiang Feng.


    Jiang Feng, holding a sword, stood in the center of the imperial garden, watching Xiao Yi icily, "Master Xiao, could it be that you are afraid your swordsmanship is inferior to mine, and thus you dare not compete with me?"


    "Afraid?"


    Xiao Yi shook his head with a smile and said indifferently, "You are not worthy!"


    "You..."


    Jiang Feng became furious, knelt down to Emperor Qian, and exclaimed loudly, "I beseech Your Majesty to grant permission for this humble one to duel with Master Xiao!"


    Emperor Qian''s eyebrows were tightly knotted.


    Cold light was flitting through his eyes.


    Xiao Yi said calmly, "Jiang Feng, is it? You needn''t trouble the Emperor. I have a disciple by the name of Tian Mang; if you can defeat him, then you''ll be worthy of my guidance!"


    "Where is Tian Mang?" asked Jiang Feng.


    Xiao Yi looked at Emperor Qian, "Your Majesty, Tian Mang is just outside the palace!"


    Emperor Qian rubbed his eyebrows and said, "Bring Tian Mang in!"


    Master Qi said, "This servant will go at once!"


    After a short while.


    Tian Mang appeared in the imperial garden, his arms cradling a sword, eyes hollow and unseeing. Yet his heart held a clear mirror, as he respectfully greeted Emperor Qian and then faced Jiang Feng, "Is it you who wishes to challenge the master?"


    "A blind man?"


    Jiang Feng frowned at Tian Mang, his face showing a hue of humiliation as he looked at Xiao Yi, "Xiao Yi, letting a blind man compete with me in swordplay¡ªis this not an insult to me?"


    "Win first, then speak!" Xiao Yi responded lightly.


    Jiang Feng, annoyed, looked at Tian Mang, "Blind man, if you can withstand three moves under my sword, I will spare your life!"


    Tian Mang ignored Jiang Feng''s provocation, simply turning to ask Xiao Yi, "Master, am I allowed to kill?"


    Xiao Yi glanced at Emperor Qian and then said, "How can we kill at will in front of His Majesty?"


    "Yes!"


    Tian Mang nodded, his expression indifferent, the regret seeming to tinge his tone. His vacant eyes shifted onto Jiang Feng as he made an inviting gesture, "Draw your sword!"


    Jiang Feng''s face darkened, "You make the first move! If I were to strike, within three moves, your death would be certain!"


    Tian Mang said, "If I make the first move, you won''t have the chance to strike at all!"


    Jiang Feng: "..."


    Sun Yao snorted disdainfully, "Like master, like disciple. Master Xiao, I wonder if all the disciples of Xiaoshanhe Institute are as arrogantly naive as this one?"


    Nangong Shengtian chuckled mockingly, "A blind man, daring to boast so grandly?"


    "It seems Master Xiao''s disciple is quite confident in himself! However, if he loses later on, it will certainly be quite the embarrassment!" Beitang Feng said mockingly, his fingers lightly tapping on the table surface.


    Yang Ling said indifferently, "In a martial competition, we stop at the first hit!"


    Sun Yao said, "Jiang Feng, since Yang Ling has spoken, just break his limbs and cripple his cultivation. Spare his life!"


    "Yes!"


    Jiang Feng agreed, and before his words trailed off, his figure suddenly moved.


    Whoosh!


    The sword leaped from its sheath, and in the next instant, Jiang Feng had appeared before Tian Mang.


    Hum!


    The longsword turned into a flash of silver, rushing towards Tian Mang in an instant. The sharp sword light, incredibly fast, was nearly reaching the realm of the first stage of Sword Intent and was about to slice through Tian Mang''s body.


    But at that moment...


    Tian Mang''s feet shook.


    Swish!


    Tian Mang brushed past Jiang Feng.


    The two stood back to back.


    "Hmm?"


    ```


    ```


    "That sword just now..."


    ```


    Among those present were surely no lack of experts, each of whom clearly saw everything that transpired in the moment of the clash between the two. Their gaze inevitably fell on the sword in Tian Mang''s embrace, from which a drop of fresh blood was sliding down the scabbard.


    Thud!


    Jiang Feng''s legs went soft, and he knelt directly on the ground, covering his dantian, hissing for breath.


    That momentary exchange.


    Tian Mang had already pierced his dantian!


    Emperor Qian toyed with his wine cup.


    He seemed indifferent to the outcome of the battle.


    Qi gave one of the guards a meaningful look: "Drag him away!"


    "Yes!"


    Two guards immediately came forward, each taking one of Jiang Feng''s arms, and led him away. Faintly, the onlookers heard a burst of vicious barking and the sounds of flesh being torn from where Jiang Feng was dragged. Clearly, Jiang Feng''s repeated provocations had angered Emperor Qian.


    After his cultivation was crippled, he was dragged away to be fed to the dogs!


    Sun Yao''s face was extremely ugly.


    Tian Mang, without uttering a word, walked over to Xiao Yi, still holding the sword.


    Read exclusive adventures at My Virtual Library Empire


    Xiao Yi said with some dissatisfaction, "Your sword is still too slow. It must be swift enough to kill without a trace of blood. Once we return, your training will be tripled!"


    Tian Mang expressionlessly acknowledged with a grunt.


    Xiao Yi smiled and looked at Sun Yao, "A sword prodigy from the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy, not so impressive after all!"


    "Hmph!"


    Sun Yao snorted coldly, his face ashen.


    Jiang Feng was a swordsmanship seedling he had brought from the military, hoping to cultivate him well in Shanhe Martial Arts Academy, but never expected to end up feeding him to dogs.


    He glowered at Xiao Yi, his teeth clenched in fury.


    On this day''s first confrontation, he had indeed come off worse.


    But with Emperor Qian present, he was also not in a position to make a scene, and could only swallow his grievances.


    After the third round of drinks and five flavors of dishes.


    Emperor Qian glanced in Yang Ling''s direction.


    Yang Ling immediately understood and asked, "Nangong, Master Nalan... I''ve heard that the prices at your pharmacies have been dropping for many days now, why is that?"


    "Here it comes!"


    Nangong Shengtian and Nalan Qianqiu tensed inside.


    The gathered individuals'' bodies shuddered slightly.


    They set down their wine cups.


    Clearly, this was the real reason behind this evening''s moon-viewing banquet. Emperor Qian intended to intervene in the dispute between the two families!


    Thinking to himself, Nangong Shengtian felt certain of victory and thus was unwilling to cease his efforts, casually responding, "It''s merely normal commercial competition!"


    Nalan Qianqiu also said, "We''ve just accumulated too much stock in the warehouse, so we decided to lower the prices to clear the inventory, that''s all."


    Both men had their own schemes.


    One was confident of victory, hoping to swallow up the Treasure Pavilion in the process.


    The other thought of the trap they had painstakingly set, which was about to yield results, how could they possibly back down now?


    Unseen, there was a tacit cooperation between the two.


    Yang Ling frowned slightly and looked at Emperor Qian.


    Emperor Qian squinted his eyes and asked, "You two still have a lot of stock in your warehouses?"


    Nangong Shengtian replied, "There''s quite a bit left!"


    Nalan Qianqiu nodded, "We''ve stockpiled too much before!" S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This was a refusal of the royal intervention.


    Everyone hardly dared to breathe.


    All waited for Emperor Qian to state his position.


    After a moment...


    Emperor Qian squinted his eyes and waved his hand, "Dismiss everyone!"


    Nangong Shengtian and Nalan Qianqiu both sighed a sigh of relief; Emperor Qian''s gesture meant he did not plan to get involved.


    "Farewell to Your Majesty!"


    "We take our leave!"


    People got up one after another and left.


    Emperor Qian squinted his eyes, waiting until everyone had gone before reopening them.


    Yang Ling said, "Father, about this matter..."


    Emperor Qian chuckled, waved his hand to interrupt him, and looked down to fiddle with the wine cup, saying indifferently, "Since they want to fight, let them fight! No matter how fierce a dog I raise, it cannot escape the control of a true dragon..."


    ```

 Chapter 372 Tit for Tat

    Outside the imperial palace.


    A throng of guests departed in their respective carriages.


    Dongfang Kuang and Ximen Jianxue bade farewell to Xiao Yi, also departing by carriage.


    "Tian Mang, bring the carriage over!"


    Seeing Nalan Qianqiu and Ning Luo approaching, Xiao Yi instructed the nearby Tian Mang.


    "Understood!"


    Tian Mang left with his sword in hand.


    Nalan Qianqiu stepped forward and, after exchanging formalities, asked in a grave voice, "Dean Xiao, there shouldn''t be any issues from His Majesty''s side, should there?"


    After all, the Nangong Family was nominally subject to the royal family.


    They were outsiders!


    Xiao Yi waved his hand to set Nalan Qianqiu at ease and spoke indifferently, "In that person''s eyes, everything in this world is but a chess piece, as long as it doesn''t affect his rule, he couldn''t care less about the struggles between the pieces!"


    Nalan Qianqiu breathed a sigh of relief, about to speak again.


    Suddenly...


    A loud boom came from ahead.


    Looking towards the source of the noise.


    One could see that the carriage driven by Tian Mang had been violently overturned, and the two horses that had been pulling it lay on the ground, barely alive. Tian Mang had managed to avoid calamity, but just as he landed, a black whip shadow lashed toward him.


    The speed of the whip was incredibly fast.


    And it was vicious!


    Crack!


    Caught off guard, Tian Mang was harshly struck by the whip on his back, his robe splitting open as blood gushed forth. The fresh, red wound on his back resembled a bloody centipede clinging to him, and then the second lash came down even faster.


    "Stop!"


    Xiao Yi''s expression darkened, and he leapt in front of Tian Mang, catching the black whip with his hand.


    The one riding a tall horse and wielding the long whip was none other than Qin Li.


    Qin Li, looking down from his high position, gazed emotionlessly at Xiao Yi and said coldly, "Control your dog. He blocked my way for no reason. Today, for your sake, I''m only whipping him once. If it happens again, he''ll certainly be executed!"


    He had previously been slapped into the lotus pond by Xiao Yi, utterly humiliated.


    Now, as everyone departed.


    Qin Li saw Tian Mang alone and immediately drove his warhorse to overturn Xiao Yi''s carriage.


    He even attempted to kill Tian Mang to ingratiate himself with Sun Yao.


    He hadn''t expected Xiao Yi to react so quickly and save Tian Mang''s life.


    Xiao Yi gazed at the ferocious wound on Tian Mang''s back with its flesh torn and bone visible. His eyes turned icy as he stared at Qin Li and said word by word, "You''re courting death!"


    "Hmph, I am a first-rank official; you dare to kill me?" Qin Li spoke with brash confidence.


    This was still the imperial palace.


    Who would dare to kill a high-ranking courtier in front of the imperial palace?


    Moreover...


    He saw Sun Yao''s carriage approaching and immediately raised his voice, "Xiao Yi, don''t think you can disregard everyone just because you are the dean of the Xiaoshanhe Institute. General Sun presides over the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy, and it won''t be long before your little Xiaoshanhe Institute is beneath our feet. Compared to General Sun, you are nothing but trash!"


    "Well said!"


    The voice of Nangong Shengtian came as he arrived alongside Beitang Feng in a carriage, abreast with Sun Yao''s.


    Sun Yao looked at Xiao Yi holding the whip and spoke indifferently, "Release it, kneel down, and apologize to Qin Li!"


    Qin Li''s face was triumphant as he watched Xiao Yi, "Did you hear that? General Sun is ordering you to kneel and apologize to me?"


    "Apologize?"


    Xiao Yi scoffed and a surge of violent force suddenly erupted from his arm, pulling Qin Li off his horse with a swoosh. With a thud, Qin Li hit the ground face first, ending up with a bruised nose and swollen face.


    Xiao Yi stepped on Qin Li''s face, pinning his head to the ground, and looked up at Sun Yao and Nangong Shengtian, "You want me to apologize? You''re not qualified!"


    "Scoundrel, if you harm a single hair on him, I will exterminate..." Sun Yao was furious.


    But he hadn''t finished speaking.


    A crisp cracking sound interrupted him.


    Xiao Yi''s foot crushed Qin Li''s head beneath it, as he nonchalantly shrugged at the enraged Sun Yao, "Oops, I might have used a bit too much strength by accident!"


    "You..."


    Sun Yao''s face twisted with ferocity.


    By his side, Nangong Shengtian frowned slightly and said gravely, "General Sun, there''s no need to fuss over such a soon-to-be dead man!"


    "Hmm?"


    Sun Yao was taken aback, frowning at Nangong Shengtian.


    "After all, Xiao is appointed by His Majesty, it wouldn''t be good for us to lay hands on him! However..."


    Nangong Shengtian sneered continuously, looking at Xiao Yi and Nalan Qianqiu behind him: "Xiao has a profound relationship with Master Nalan, as they are close as branches on the same tree. All the pills for the Xiaoshanhe Institute are supplied by the Treasure Pavilion. If Master Nalan''s Treasure Pavilion falls, I''m afraid Xiao''s Xiaoshanhe Institute will also be unable to provide pills for its disciples, and then it won''t be far from destruction."


    "You''re right, once the Xiaoshanhe Institute falls, we won''t need to lift a finger, the Emperor will be the first to want your head!"


    Sun Yao''s eyes lit up, and he laughed loudly, "Xiao Yi, now relying on the Emperor''s support, I''ll wait for the day your Xiaoshanhe Institute falls apart, the day you lose the Emperor''s favor. Let''s see who can save you then!"


    Xiao Yi said calmly, "It''s still not certain who will fall!"


    Nangong Shengtian spoke proudly, "In the end, it will definitely be us who laugh last!"


    Xiao Yi snorted coldly, "We''ll see!"


    "We''ll see!"


    Their gazes collided, sparking fierce flames.


    Tit for tat.


    It wasn''t until Qi appeared that the tense atmosphere loosened a bit: "The Emperor decrees that no misconduct shall occur in front of the palace!"


    "We shall heed the Imperial command!"


    Everyone bowed in respect.


    Qi looked helplessly at Xiao Yi: "Xiao, His Majesty has sent me to tell you, since it was Qin Li who initiated the fight, he will not punish you. But next time, be mindful of the place where you act!"


    "Hahaha, please tell His Majesty that Xiao Yi has taken note," Xiao Yi said, nodding with a laugh. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Nangong Shengtian, Sun Yao, and the others cast a cold glance at him and strode away.


    Xiao Yi squinted, watching their carriages leave, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly: "Who laughs last, it''s really not certain yet!"


    ...


    Time flew by.


    In just three short days, they had refined all of the medicinal materials worth a total of ten trillion Silver into pills, with a total value of sixty trillion Silver, all of which were sent to various pill stores.


    Starting from the third day.


    All pill stores owned by the Nangong Family restored their pill prices to a fifty percent discount.


    This move bewildered everyone.


    After all...


    The Treasure Pavilion was selling at a two-fold discount, yet you not only refrained from lowering prices but even increased them to fifty percent?


    For a time.


    The Nangong Family''s pill stores were utterly ignored.


    However, the people of the Nangong Family were not the least bit anxious, and right at noon on the third day, a flat cart appeared outside the headquarters of the Imperial Capital Treasure Pavilion. On the cart lay a young man, blood oozing from his seven orifices, his complexion pale, lifeless.


    Pushing the cart was an octogenarian old man, sobbing loudly: "Someone come quick, the cheap pills have killed a man!"


    "What?"


    "Treasure Pavilion''s pills have killed a man?"


    "That can''t be possible, can it? I also bought some before and had no problems at all! Moreover, the quality of the Treasure Pavilion''s pills is much stronger than those of the Nangong Family''s!"


    "It''s true, they''re causing trouble at the Treasure Pavilion headquarters right now, everyone hurry up and take a look!"


    Explore more at My Virtual Library Empire


    For a time.


    This news spread throughout the Imperial Capital with the help of those with vested interests.


    Numerous powerhouses converged toward the headquarters of the Treasure Pavilion.


    The Nangong Family.


    Nangong Shengtian received the news and immediately got up laughing with a slap on the armrest, "The batch of pills has finally shown its effects, hahaha, Treasure Pavilion, let''s see how you die this time!" He turned to Nangong Yi, "Notify Ning Kang immediately, he can make his move now. Also, command Beitang Feng to set off right away to the headquarters of the Treasure Pavilion!"


    "Yes!"


    Nangong Yi left at once.


    Nangong Shengtian laughed heartily as he boarded a carriage and headed for the Treasure Pavilion headquarters.


    By the time they arrived at the headquarters of the Treasure Pavilion, the place was already flooded with people, even the rooftops of the surrounding buildings were crammed with onlookers. Excitement and schadenfreude were evident on all their faces.


    The young man on the cart was starting to smell, and the old octogenarian sat on the ground, crying loudly: "Everyone, please stand up for me, cheap pills have taken a life, compensate my grandson''s life..."


    "The Treasure Pavilion hasn''t shown any response yet, aren''t they pushing people too far?"


    "Could it be an admission of guilt?"


    "There might be some misunderstanding!"


    As the crowd was speculating, a young man suddenly walked out from among them, his face showing grief, and he knelt down with a thunk before the old man, saying solemnly, "Old sir, I apologize to you on behalf of the Treasure Pavilion..."

 Chapter 373 Turning Black and White

    "Patriarch, I apologize on behalf of the Treasure Pavilion!"


    The young man knelt before the old man with a plop, his face full of intense self-reproach and guilt.


    This young man was none other than Ning Kang!


    Immediately, someone in the surrounding crowd recognized him, "Isn''t that Ning Kang?"


    "The son of the Treasure Pavilion''s Vice Pavilion Master Ning Luo¡ªhe just said he''s apologizing on behalf of the Treasure Pavilion to this patriarch? Could it be that the medicinal pills from the Treasure Pavilion really have issues?"


    "It''s very likely, otherwise why would he come out to apologize?"


    Whispers spread through the crowd.


    The old man looked at Ning Kang with confusion, "Young man, why are you apologizing on behalf of the Treasure Pavilion to me?"


    "Patriarch, you may not be aware, but my father is the Vice Pavilion Master of the Treasure Pavilion, Ning Luo. As I''m sure everyone has noticed, the Treasure Pavilion has been selling cheap medicinal pills recently. Actually, all these pills were concocted using inferior ingredients..."


    Ning Kang''s face was filled with sorrow as he continuously patted his chest, "I''ve always been advising my father and Nalan Qianqiu, telling them that this is an unconscionable act, and that they shouldn''t do it! But they never listened to me¡ªI''m of no importance and have little say..."


    "I knew something bad was going to happen, but I never imagined it would really lead to someone''s death."


    "It''s all my fault¡ªif only I had exposed the scheme behind this sooner, so many people wouldn''t have been deceived!"


    Ning Kang''s fists kept pounding the ground, producing thudding sounds. When he looked up again, his face was streaked with tears, "If only I had stopped them in time, it wouldn''t have led to death. Look at this¡ªthis was a living person, and they didn''t care about anything but making money..."


    At that moment,


    The crowd was in an uproar!


    "What? The Treasure Pavilion actually concocted medicinal pills with inferior ingredients?"


    "Isn''t this going too far?"


    "That''s not right, isn''t it said that all the medicinal materials in the Great Qian Dynasty are sold through the Beitang Family? Apart from them, no one else has access, so where did the Treasure Pavilion get these inferior materials from?"


    Nangong Yi, hidden in the crowd, suddenly questioned out loud.


    As expected, his question caught everyone''s attention.


    This was a scene that Ning Kang and Nangong Yi had orchestrated together, responding to each other. Ning Kang pretended to hesitate, making the others believe there were more secrets to uncover, "Ning Kang, rest assured and speak up boldly. We are all your strong backing!"


    "No matter what sort of entity is involved behind this, we support you!" The crowd shouted one after another.


    It was as if Ning Kang was a brave warrior daring to uncover the conspiracy.


    Ning Kang feigned difficulty and finally gritted his teeth, angrily saying, "Alright, I, Ning Kang, will risk my life if necessary to bring the truth to light. These materials were supplied through Xiao Yi, the head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute. It is said that he sourced these materials from the black market in Beast Emperor City..."


    Boom!


    This news, like a bombshell, ignited the anger of the people.


    Xiao Yi had once been to the Beast Emperor City and had returned with a group of powerful individuals¡ªthis news had long spread throughout the capital.


    Compared with what Ning Kang had said,


    The pieces fit together for the crowd!


    Xiao Yi had cooperated with the Treasure Pavilion, he had been to the Beast Emperor City, so he brought the channel for these cheap, inferior materials. The two struck a deal, conspiring together to exploit the hardworking masses, earning money at the expense of people''s lives!


    "Damn it, I actually thought Xiao Yi was a good guy before, who knew he was so heartless?"


    "This is scheming for money at the cost of human lives!"


    "He must be severely punished!"


    The public sentiment was inflamed!


    The sound of condemnation was deafening.


    Amidst the crowd,


    Nangong Shengtian wore a smug look, laughing loudly, "Xiao Yi, oh Xiao Yi, will you not be completely discredited this time? This is what happens when you oppose me¡ªI want you not only to fall from grace but also to die before me..."


    Beitang Feng''s figure suddenly appeared beside him, excitement on his face, "Ancestor Nangong, when do I make my move?"


    "Not yet!"


    Nangong Shengtian smiled crookedly, his face cold, "Wait for Nalan Qianqiu and the others to show up, then you take action."


    "No problem!"


    Beitang Feng nodded, looking at the angry crowd that seemed ready to smash the Treasure Pavilion, he shook his head, "Xiao Yi and Nalan Qianqiu are as good as dead this time, with no chance of turning things around. Ancestor Nangong is truly formidable, able to control these people with a simple flick of his fingers!"


    "Hahaha, it''s just standard procedure!" Nangong Shengtian said smugly.


    Just at that moment...


    Ning Luo and Nalan Qianqiu walked out of the Treasure Pavilion.


    "Nalan Qianqiu, a life for a life!"


    "Ning Luo, look at your son, he''s the true man. You actually did such an atrocious deed for wealth; you deserve a thousand deaths!"


    Facing the raging curses of the crowd.


    Ning Luo''s face was expressionless, as he just looked at Ning Kang before him, his gaze filled with coldness, but even more with despair and loss.


    This was his son, after all.


    Yet he had unexpectedly sided with outsiders, wishing to send his own father to death.


    Nalan Qianqiu slightly raised his hand and said, "Ladies and gentlemen, this matter has not yet been clarified. Please give me some time, and I will definitely provide everyone with a satisfactory response!"


    Ning Kang stood up, glared at Nalan Qianqiu and Ning Luo with fury, and said through clenched teeth, "Don''t fall for their lies; they are just trying to buy time. With the power of the Treasure Pavilion, they might be able to use a hefty bribe to settle these issues later on." Continue your adventure with My Virtual Library Empire


    "Ning Kang is right, we absolutely can''t wait any longer!"


    "The Treasure Pavilion is rich and powerful; if they choose to smooth things over in the end, they could completely cover up this incident!"


    "If it''s really being investigated, then let''s see the proof right here and now..."


    "We don''t believe you..."


    People shouted one after another.


    Ning Kang held his chin high, looking at Nalan Qianqiu with smug satisfaction, "Master Nalan, you must have heard the voice of the people. You must explain yourself here and now; otherwise, this matter is far from over today!"


    "Rebellious son, oh my rebellious son..."


    Ning Luo''s eyes were a blood-red hue as he glared at Ning Kang and roared furiously.


    In fact.


    When Xiao Yi told him that Ning Kang had secretly poisoned the pill furnace and stolen the secret recipe, there was still a sliver of hope and illusion in his heart.


    But now...


    Watching Ning Kang standing before him, head held high with an attitude of righteousness and menacing aggression, any last hope in his heart was thoroughly extinguished.


    Whoosh!


    Ning Luo let out a long breath of foul air, his vitality swirling around him like the wind.


    A cold sharpness thrust directly at Ning Kang.


    Ning Kang''s complexion suddenly changed, and he thundered loudly, "Ning Luo, what are you trying to do?"


    "What am I trying to do?"


    Ning Luo snorted coldly, "I, as your father, ought to properly discipline an unfilial son like you!"


    "You, you''re trying to coerce a confession? I will not submit, I..."


    The defiant rant of Ning Kang was abruptly interrupted by a scream. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Bang!


    "Damn it, Ning Luo, you..."


    "How dare you call your father by his name, I''ll beat you to death!"


    Bang bang bang!


    "You..."


    "What about you? You''re nothing but an ungrateful animal!"


    Bang bang bang!


    Ning Luo''s face showed no emotion as his fists fell relentlessly, a flurry of blows that left Ning Kang with a swollen nose and a face as bruised as a pig''s head. Curled up on the ground, he whimpered and mumbled, spitting out bloodied, broken teeth from his mouth.


    Shriek!


    Everybody around gasped in shock, a chill running down their spines.


    A glint of cold light flashed in Ning Luo''s eyes: "If not for the master taking us in, how could you and I have come to this day? You dared to betray the Treasure Pavilion; you are no son of mine..."


    Hum!


    A longsword, gleaming with cold light, fell into Ning Luo''s hands, ready to bring an end to Ning Kang.


    But at that moment...


    A cold snort echoed between heaven and earth: "Stop right there!"

 Chapter 374 Do You Dare?

    "Stop right there!"


    In the midst of chilling shouts, a soldier clad in iron armor broke through the crowd and appeared in front of Ning Luo and the others.


    Each of these soldiers exuded an icy, deadly aura.


    They were true lions of war who had fought on the battlefield.


    Bang!


    The leading general, with his saber held across, looked down from his high horse upon Ning Luo, his expression cold as he shouted, "In broad daylight, you dare to beat someone in the street, what crime do you think you''re committing?"


    Ning Luo glared at the newcomer and said in a deep voice, "General Yuan, I was merely disciplining my disobedient son, surely that''s not in violation of the law?"


    The newcomer was called Yuan Da.


    He was one of General Sun Yao''s fierce generals, at the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    On the battlefield, he was known as a meat grinder!


    Yuan Da sneered, "He is first and foremost a subject of the Great Qian Dynasty, and only secondly your son."


    Ning Luo frowned and said, "What, according to General Yuan, do I need to get your approval before I discipline my own son?"


    "Exactly!"


    Yuan Da, supporting himself with one hand on the horse''s head, leaned forward slightly, his cold gaze falling on Ning Luo as he smiled sinisterly, "Ning Luo, the affair of Treasure Pavilion selling fake medicine has already caused a huge stir. I have reason to suspect that you beat Ning Kang to silence him!"


    "You''re talking nonsense!"


    Ning Luo was furious. Yuan Da, as a high-ranking military commander, was outright accusing Treasure Pavilion of selling fake medicine, which could lead people to believe it was an official investigation, "You, a high official of the court, accuse my Treasure Pavilion of selling fake medicine without any evidence. That''s defamation!"


    "Defamation? Take a look at what this is..."


    Yuan Da pointed to the young man on the handcart and snorted coldly, "This is the evidence!" Then, pointing at Ning Kang who was whimpering on the ground, "And this is a witness! Now that the physical evidence and witness are both present, what excuse do you have left?"


    Within the crowd.


    Nangong Shengtian could not help but clap and cheer, "Worthy of being General Sun''s top fierce general, this Yuan Da truly is fierce!"


    "Even General Sun has intervened, Treasure Pavilion won''t have a chance to recover after this!" Beitang Feng also nodded excitedly.


    Back in the day, during the moon-viewing at the royal garden.


    Xiao Yi had a confrontation with Sun Yao, and Sun Yao would have killed Xiao Yi if not for Emperor Qian''s consideration.


    Now.


    Treasure Pavilion was undoubtedly Xiao Yi''s strongest support; rooting it up


    would be akin to cutting off Xiao Yi''s arms.


    In this way.


    Shanhe Martial Arts Academy would gain an advantage in its competition with Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    The Nangong Family and Beitang Family, meanwhile, eyed the market share and the priceless shops owned by Treasure Pavilion.


    The three parties struck a deal in perfect harmony, acting in concert.


    Beitang Feng asked in a low voice, "Ancestor Nangong, when should I step in?"


    "No rush!"


    Nangong Shengtian smiled maliciously, "Right now, Xiao Yi has yet to show himself. This time we are not just dealing with Treasure Pavilion, we must also drag Xiao Yi down with it. It''s best to wait until he shows up, then you make your move!"


    "Right!"


    Beitang Feng felt there was sense in the words and nodded firmly.


    A fierce light shone in his eyes.


    At the same time...


    Facing Yuan Da''s accusations, Ning Luo''s face alternated between pale and flushed, his rage uncontainable, "Yuan Da, you''re twisting the truth. Do matters of right and wrong depend solely on your word? My Treasure Pavilion sells countless medicinal pills daily, why did only this person have an issue? Why did you show up right after they arrived? I have reason to suspect there''s a scheme going on here..."


    "It seems you won''t give up until you''ve hit rock bottom! If that''s the case, I''ll turn your Treasure Pavilion inside out. Once we find those fake medicinal pills, I''d like to see how you''ll argue your way out of it!" Yuan Da said with a mocking smile.


    "How dare you!"


    Ning Luo spread his arms in front of him.


    Nalan Qianqiu''s face was grim, "General Yuan, my Treasure Pavilion is not a place you can just decide to investigate!"


    "Hm?"


    Yuan Da narrowed his eyes.


    Nalan Qianqiu said indifferently, "If you want to investigate my Treasure Pavilion, unless there is an imperial decree, no one should think about stepping inside!"


    Yuan Da sneered, "That might not necessarily be the case!"


    Nalan Qianqiu was startled.


    Just then, something appeared in Yuan Da''s palm, Nalan Qianqiu''s pupils suddenly contracted, for in Yuan Da''s hand was unmistakably a black Commander''s Seal shaped like a sprinting cheetah. Inscribed upon it were the characters for ''Unmatched'', Yuan Da bellowed coldly, "With the Unmatched War King Order here, who dares to obstruct?"


    Hisss!


    The surrounding strong echoes couldn''t help but draw a sharp breath.


    Unmatched War King!


    One of the two most overwhelmingly powerful men in the Great Qian Dynasty, some even believed he was the uncrowned king of the Great Qian Dynasty, with prestige that even surpassed that of Emperor Qian.


    Bearer of the Unmatched War King Order.


    Even if one were to barge into the imperial palace, no one would dare to stop them.


    Yuan Da laughed triumphantly, "Master Nalan, are you still planning to stop me now?"


    Facing Yuan Da''s aggressive approach.


    Nalan Qianqiu and Ning Luo''s complexions turned shades of green and white.


    With the corners of his mouth curling upward, Yuan Da flashed a smug cold smile, about to speak, when a playful voice came from within the Treasure Pavilion, "The Unmatched War King Order is always close to the Unmatched War King himself and rarely leaves his person. Does General Yuan have the ability to predict the future, that he even managed to request this order in advance from the Unmatched War King?"


    Following the voice, Xiao Yi''s figure slowly emerged from the Treasure Pavilion.


    A playful expression was on his face.


    He appraised Yuan Da with a half-smiling, half-mocking gaze.


    Yuan Da couldn''t help but narrow his eyes, eying Xiao Yi up and down with a dangerous gleam, and scoffed, "And who might you be?"


    "Xiao, the Director!"


    Nalan Qianqiu and Ning Luo nodded in acknowledgment and stepped aside.


    Although this was the Treasure Pavilion.


    They still held Xiao Yi in the highest regard!


    This caused Yuan Da''s pupils to constrict slightly; what was Nalan Qianqiu''s status? As the Pavilion Master of the Treasure Pavilion of the Great Qian Dynasty, his position was comparable to the heads of the four great families, and yet he was so deferential to Xiao Yi?


    Yuan Da demanded in a deep voice, "Are you Xiao Yi?"


    "Indeed, I am!"


    Xiao Yi nodded, staring at Yuan Da unflinchingly and with undisguised sarcasm in his voice, "Does General Yuan wish to enter the Treasure Pavilion?"


    "Yes!"


    Yuan Da narrowed his eyes, his face bearing a cold smile, "What? Do you also wish to stop me?"


    Xiao Yi shrugged and said, "With the General holding the Unmatched War King Order, naturally, I am not in a position to stop you. However, I would like to know, if the General finds counterfeit medicine in the Treasure Pavilion, what plans does he have?"


    "Hmph, I am only here to serve justice to the people. If counterfeit medicine is found, I will eradicate your Treasure Pavilion," Yuan Da replied with full confidence.


    Xiao Yi nodded, then continued to inquire, "What if counterfeit medicine is not found?" S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Yuan Da frowned, "If it''s not found, then it''s not found, what else can be done? Moreover, I am confident that justice is like a net spread far and wide: escaping it is unlikely. Your Treasure Pavilion''s sale of counterfeit medicine is an indisputable fact, and even if you''ve cleaned up thoroughly, there will definitely be clues left behind!"


    "Truly laughable to the extreme. If clues of counterfeit medicine are found, eradicate the Treasure Pavilion; if not found, then there''s no penalty at all?"


    Xiao Yi laughed heartily three times.


    His laughter boomed like thunder, causing Yuan Da''s face to shift slightly as he frowned and said, "What do you propose?"


    "If found, then as the General has said, destroy the Treasure Pavilion. But if no clues of counterfeit medicine are found, then the General has slandered the loyal and good, and I will have you kneel in front of the Treasure Pavilion to kowtow and apologize to Master Nalan and the others..."


    Discover more stories at My Virtual Library Empire


    As Xiao Yi spoke hurriedly, he abruptly paused, leaning slightly forward, eying Yuan Da intently, and demanded word by word, "Do you dare?"

 Chapter 375 I Want to Kill Him, Who Can Stop Me?

    "You, dare you?"


    Xiao Yi asked, his tone deliberate and forceful.


    His eyes, narrowed to slits, glittered with a piercing coldness, exuding an undeniable authority.


    Hiss hiss hiss...


    Yuan Da''s horse nervously stomped its hooves, snorting out wafts of hot air in its restlessness.


    Yuan Da''s complexion subtly changed.


    He had thought that by wielding the Unmatched War King Order, he would be invincible, without any obstruction.


    However, Xiao Yi''s neither servile nor overbearing attitude in the face of the Unmatched War King Order, and his absolute refusal to back down, caught Yuan Da off guard. Yuan Da''s expression shifted between sunlight and shadow as he suddenly heard Nangong Shengtian''s voice transmission: "General Yuan, agree to him! As long as Ning Kang leads people into the Treasure Pavilion, there will surely be gains!"


    Yuan Da''s thoughts twitched slightly. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He had learned from Sun Yao that all of this was a scheme orchestrated by the Nangong Family and the Beitang Family from the shadows.


    "Xiao Yi has offended the general. If I can use this opportunity to humiliate him severely, the general will undoubtedly reward me handsomely."


    As thoughts raced through Yuan Da''s mind, he scoffed coldly and said, "This general shall grant your wish, but if I find evidence related to counterfeit medicine in the Treasure Pavilion, it won''t be as simple as just eradicating the Treasure Pavilion."


    "Oh? What would you do?" Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow.


    Yuan Da sneered, "If indeed counterfeit medicine is found, your obstruction here today must be connected to the incident. I will have you kneel before me, lead my horse, and walk around the imperial capital!"


    Kneel and walk around?


    If that truly happened...


    How could Xiao Yi ever show his face in the imperial capital again?


    The corners of Xiao Yi''s mouth curved upward¡ªthose familiar with him would shiver uncontrollably at the sight of this playful smirk.


    For, every time Xiao Yi truly became angry, such a smile would appear on his face.


    "No problem, but if the investigation turns up nothing, I''ll have you kneeling here in the Treasure Pavilion for three days and three nights!" Xiao Yi said coldly.


    "Agreed!"


    Yuan Da nodded proudly, then turned to Ning Kang, "Ning Kang, lead the way for this general!"


    Ning Kang, with a bruised and swollen face, shakily stood up with the help of two soldiers. His gaze towards Xiao Yi and the others was filled with hatred and bitterness as he said loudly, "Rest assured, general. I will now lead you to search for the evidence!"


    "Hold on!"


    Xiao Yi blocked their path.


    Yuan Da frowned, "What now? You want to go back on your word?"


    Xiao Yi replied, "Since it''s a search, naturally you cannot go in alone. I''ve already informed His Highness Yang Ling, and I believe he will arrive shortly. Once His Highness is here, you can go in and search together!"


    "It doesn''t matter whom you''ve called, it won''t make any difference!" Yuan Da was full of confidence.


    A moment later.


    Yang Ling arrived in a hurry, and Xiao Yi explained the situation to him.


    Yang Ling nodded and looked towards Yuan Da, "General Yuan, let''s go inside!"


    "After you, Your Highness!"


    Yuan Da and Yang Ling immediately led people towards the Treasure Pavilion.


    Among the crowd.


    Onlookers watched them enter the Treasure Pavilion, all filled with curiosity: "Do you think General Yuan will find evidence?"


    "Seeing Xiao Yi that confident, there might be a twist in this affair!"


    "Could he just be bluffing?"


    Inside Nangong Shengtian''s carriage.


    Beitang Feng''s face showed concern, "Ancestor Nangong, could it be that Xiao Yi and the others have discovered your methods and cleared them away?"


    "Cleared away? Impossible!"


    Nangong Shengtian snorted derisively, full of conviction as he said, "You''re also aware of the properties of the Hell''s Mandrake pollen. Unless someone sees the act of poisoning with their own eyes, who could detect it? Moreover, even if they find an issue with the batch of pills, they''ll never suspect the traces left in the Pill Furnace¡ªand those are impossible to clean. The Treasure Pavilion and Xiao Yi will never rise again after this, hahaha!" Your next read is at My Virtual Library Empire


    Inside the Treasure Pavilion.


    Ning Kang, his face already beaten beyond recognition, ferociously led Yuan Da straight toward the pharmacy. "General Yuan, the evidence is within the pharmacy. I''ve urged them several times to stop these heinous acts against nature and reason, but they simply wouldn''t listen to me..."


    Yuan Da replied coldly, "Rest assured, as long as the evidence is found, I will report everything to His Majesty and you will be rewarded for your meritorious service!"


    "This is my duty; I cannot betray my conscience!" Ning Kang insisted righteously, pounding on his chest.


    Ning Luo''s face was as dark as coal, wishing he could strangle Ning Kang.


    The group arrived inside the pharmacy.


    Ning Kang didn''t point out the Pill Furnace directly; instead, he stood by with a cold and watchful eye.


    Yuan Da''s expression was ice-cold: "Search!"


    A group of soldiers began searching within the pharmacy.


    Yuan Da sneered as he watched Xiao Yi and the others: "You all seem quite composed!"


    "Why be nervous if our conscience is clear?" Xiao Yi responded calmly.


    "Hmph!"


    Yuan Da scoffed, "When the evidence is found, let''s see how long you can keep up your tough front!"


    Shortly after.


    As the soldiers seemed to find nothing, Yuan Da glanced at Ning Kang, who nodded and walked straight to the Pill Furnace. "General Yuan, the evidence is in this Pill Furnace!"


    Xiao Yi looked over at Nalan Qianqiu, who immediately stepped forward and said, "This Pill Furnace is in the middle of concocting pills. Rashly opening it will ruin these pills and the loss will be nearly a hundred million Silver. If nothing is found after opening it, can you afford the compensation?"


    "Hmph! If no evidence is found inside this Pill Furnace, I am willing to lay down my life as compensation!" Ning Kang declared with absolute certainty.


    He was the one who personally added the Styx flower powder to this Pill Furnace; how could he possibly be mistaken?


    Nalan Qianqiu''s face darkened with sorrow. Ning Kang had grown up under his watch, but now he had come to this. With a pained expression, he closed his eyes and stepped aside, "Go on, take a look!"


    Boom!


    Ning Kang struck the Pill Furnace with a palm, and with a muffled hiss, black smoke billowed out, bringing with it the charred scent of spoiled medicinal pills.


    Ning Kang looked on triumphantly, his provocative gaze aimed at Xiao Yi and the others: "The evidence is within the Pill Furnace."


    Yuan Da sneered, "Xiao Yi, what do you have to say now?"


    Xiao Yi rolled his eyes and said exasperatedly, "What evidence? These are just ruined pills, aren''t they?"


    "These ruined pills are the evidence; they are all laced with deadly poison!" Ning Kang said with a sneer.


    "Deadly poison?"


    Ning Luo sneered and directly grabbed some of the charred medicinal residue, throwing it into his mouth. He chewed and swallowed it, "This is the deadly poison that you claimed to be fatal? Aside from a bit of a burnt taste, there''s nothing wrong!"


    "I''ll try it too... tsk, tsk, such good medicinal ingredients gone to waste..." Yang Ling also took a handful and chewed and swallowed it, looking amused as he watched Ning Kang and Yuan Da.


    Yuan Da''s face stiffened: "..."


    Ning Kang was dumbfounded: "This is impossible, how could this be? There''s supposed to be..."


    "Supposed to be what?" Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes.


    "Supposed to be... something..." Ning Kang''s face turned pale, no longer possessing his earlier confidence and arrogance. Muttering in complete disarray, he stammered, "This can''t be, why isn''t it there? How did this happen?"


    Xiao Yi''s face bore a cold smile as he fixed his gaze on Ning Kang, "You said that if the Pill Furnace didn''t hold the evidence, you would pay with your life. Now, let''s settle the debt!"


    "No..."


    Ning Kang''s face suddenly twisted in terror and he quickly looked towards Yuan Da, "General Yuan, save me..."


    "No one can save you!"


    Xiao Yi let out a cold huff, flicking his finger; a streak of silver light shot out like a meteor.


    "Stop!"


    Yuan Da slapped it away, shattering Xiao Yi''s attack and looked at him icily, "Without my permission, let''s see who dares to kill him!"


    Xiao Yi gave him a glance, then suddenly flashed past him.


    The wind whipped up Yuan Da''s robes, and with a heavy thud, Ning Kang had already been reduced to mush by Xiao Yi''s palm, his cold voice echoing in Yuan Da''s ears, "When I want him dead, who dares to stop me?"

 Chapter 376 How Could It Be Him?

    "Who dares to stop me if I wish to kill him?"


    Xiao Yi''s voice echoed in the ears.


    Yuan Da''s body trembled violently as he stiffly turned around, only to see Xiao Yi standing with his hands behind him, watching him with a playful look on his face.


    Behind Xiao Yi, Ning Kang had already been reduced to minced flesh.


    Hiss!


    Yuan Da''s pupils suddenly constricted.


    With his cultivation at the Tao Tribulation Realm Peak, honed in battle on the battlefield, he was confident that he could defeat a first-layer practitioner of the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    But just at that moment...


    He hadn''t even noticed how Xiao Yi had made his move.


    Right under his eyes, Xiao Yi seemed to casually kill Ning Kang.


    If Xiao Yi had targeted him just now?


    Yuan Da felt a chill down his spine, and a shiver ran through his body. If Xiao Yi''s earlier target had been him, he was certain he would not have been able to evade.


    Gulp!


    Yuan Da swallowed hard, his eyes fixed on Xiao Yi, no longer as confident and arrogant as before, but now with a touch of solemnity and caution.


    Xiao Yi walked past Yuan Da.


    He approached Ning Luo.


    Ning Luo looked at the minced remains of Ning Kang, his expression complex and indescribable, filled with pain and regret. After all, this was his son, and although Ning Kang''s betrayal had deeply hurt him, he still couldn''t help but feel sad.


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Sorry!"


    "This, this is what he deserved!"


    Ning Luo forced a strained smile and said.


    He had no resentment toward Xiao Yi.


    If not for Xiao Yi, the actions of Ning Kang alone would have doomed Treasure Pavilion to an irreparable catastrophe.


    Yang Ling took a deep breath and stared at Yuan Da, "General Yuan, the investigation results are now out, proving that Treasure Pavilion did not manufacture fake medicine. You have no objections to this result, do you?"


    Xiao Yi said mockingly, "If there are no objections, then please, General Yuan, fulfill your promise!"


    Yuan Da''s face twitched slightly, and his heart was cursing Nangong Shengtian''s ancestors up and down.


    If Nangong Shengtian had not vowed to find evidence within Treasure Pavilion...


    Why would he have made a bet with Xiao Yi?


    Now...


    Having proved Treasure Pavilion''s innocence, would he not have to kneel outside for three days and three nights?


    This was something Yuan Da could never allow to happen!


    A soldier should kneel to no one but the sovereign!


    If he knelt, it would not only be his own face that was lost, but the face of the entire border army and also that of the unparalleled War King Yang Yuhuan.


    With this thought...


    Yuan Da took a deep breath, didn''t respond to Xiao Yi, but turned to Yang Ling and bowed his hands, "Your Highness, this time I was also deceived by a traitor. Now that it''s proven that Treasure Pavilion is innocent, and the traitor has been killed by Director Xiao, I shall take my leave!"


    Discover stories at My Virtual Library Empire


    "General Yuan seems to have a short memory of the privileged,"


    Xiao Yi paused, blocking Yuan Da''s path, and said with a smile, "General Yuan, are you planning to renege on our bet?"


    Yuan Da''s face darkened, and he said coldly, "Xiao Yi, don''t push your luck. I am the Cavalry Colonel General, a third-rank officer of the court, and directly affiliated with the valiant General. Challenging me is akin to slapping General Sun''s face. You cannot afford to provoke General Sun''s fury!" sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Sun Yao, is it? I''m sorry, but I really didn''t take his anger into consideration!" Xiao Yi replied, neither humbly nor arrogantly.


    "You..."


    Yuan Da''s face was as black as charcoal, with a threatening tone, "Xiao Yi, consider your actions carefully. If you let General Bei leave now, I can overlook the past. I may even speak favorably of you to General Sun. But if you continue in your folly, behind General Sun stands the unparalleled War King. Can you bear the War King''s rage?"


    "Enough nonsense!"


    Xiao Yi dug at his ear, clearly impatient, "Fulfill the bet; kneel at the gates of Treasure Pavilion for three days and three nights. Otherwise, I''ll break your legs and have you kneel outside for three days and three nights!"


    "Scoundrel, I will leave today, and I want to see who dares to touch me!"


    Yuan Da snorted and addressed his ten soldiers, "If anyone dares to make a move, kill without mercy!"


    "Yes!"


    The ten soldiers responded in unison.


    Clang clang clang!


    One by one, they aimed their weapons at Xiao Yi.


    Yuan Da, with a cold sneer on his face, directly walked away, his triumphant voice echoing inside the alchemy room, "Hahaha. Xiao Yi, you''re just a paper tiger. I''m leaving openly and nobly, what can you do to me?"


    "Seeking death!"


    A cold gleam swept through Xiao Yi''s eyes.


    Whoosh!


    His figure suddenly transformed into a streak of black light. The ten military men''s expressions drastically changed, as they all swung their swords toward Xiao Yi.


    Clang, clang, clang!


    Amidst the crisp ringing, sparks flew in all directions.


    The sounds of Wind Thunder were incessant.


    "No..."


    "Ah, my eyes¡­"


    Under the onslaught of Wind Thunder, the ten soldiers were instantly beheaded, turning into ten headless corpses lying in a pool of blood.


    Around Xiao Yi, lightning flickered and danced; with a burst of roaring wind, an icy qi hand formed and grabbed towards Yuan Da''s neck. Yuan Da''s face changed dramatically, already on guard, as a buzz sounded and a black long knife landed into his palm.


    Whoosh!


    The long knife cut through the air, creating a dazzling, colorful arc like a rainbow set in front of him.


    However¡­


    This slash, potent enough to threaten a Dharma Manifestation Realm first-level warrior, didn''t even manage to break the lightning coursing over Xiao Yi''s body.


    Xiao Yi stepped out.


    Bang!


    His foot hit Yuan Da squarely in the face.


    Wow!


    Amidst his screams, blood spurted from all seven orifices, as Yuan Da was stomped beneath Xiao Yi''s foot, his face twisted with ferocity and resentment, "Xiao Yi, release me at once. Otherwise, I will report to the prince and have you torn to pieces¡­"


    "Shut up!"


    A cold light passed through Xiao Yi''s eyes.


    Whoosh!


    Silver sword energy flickered at his fingertips. In a spurting burst of fresh blood, Yuan Da''s legs were severed just below the knees. Xiao Yi used telekinesis to grab one of the severed legs, complete with its shoe, and stuffed it directly into Yuan Da''s mouth.


    Yuan Da''s eyes were filled with fury, his body bound by Xiao Yi''s qi, reduced to making only muffled noises.


    Xiao Yi carried Yuan Da with one hand, walking out of the Treasure Pavilion.


    At the same time.


    The crowd waiting outside the Treasure Pavilion were growing impatient, "What on earth is happening inside?"


    "Has General Yuan found any evidence?"


    "Is the Treasure Pavilion wronged or innocent?"


    Within the crowd.


    Beitang Feng was somewhat anxious, "Ancestor Nangong, Yuan Da has been inside for so long, could something have happened?"


    Nangong Shengtian waved his hand, his face calm and confident, "Be patient, our plan is flawless. With General Yuan and Ning Kang cooperating, nothing can go wrong. We just have to wait for him to come out and reveal the truth to everyone!"


    As they were talking.


    A shadow suddenly flew out of the Treasure Pavilion.


    "Here it comes!"


    "Who is that?"


    "Could it be Xiao Yi?"


    The onlookers turned their curious eyes towards the shadow.


    Thud!


    The shadow fell heavily outside the Treasure Pavilion, kneeling on the ground facing the building, with a severed leg in its mouth.


    As the dust settled.


    The onlookers finally saw the person''s face and couldn''t help but take a sharp intake of breath, "Yuan Da?"


    Bang!


    The confidence on Nangong Shengtian''s face vanished, replaced by confusion, "How can it be him?"

 Chapter 377 Taking Advantage of Ones Predicament

    "How could it be him?"


    Nangong Shengtian looked bewildered at Yuan Da, whose legs had been severed and who now knelt on the ground in humiliation, unable to move.


    His aged face was filled with astonishment.


    No longer could he maintain his previous calm and composure.


    Surprised cries also arose from the crowd, "General Yuan Da? How did he end up like this?"


    "Damn it, could there really be a problem with the Treasure Pavilion?"


    "Could it be they''re planning to silence him by killing him?"


    Da da da!


    A series of footsteps came from inside the Treasure Pavilion.


    Xiao Yi and Yang Ling walked shoulder to shoulder, with Nalan Qianqiu and Ning Luo closely following behind.


    The group once again appeared before everyone.


    Yang Ling exchanged a glance with Xiao Yi, nodded, then stepped forward and scanned the crowd as he spoke in a deep voice, "It has now been ascertained that there is no trace of counterfeit medicine within the Treasure Pavilion; it was indeed Ning Kang who falsely accused the Treasure Pavilion. General Yuan Da honored his gambling agreement with Xiao, voluntarily kneeling in front of the Treasure Pavilion to repent for three days and three nights!"


    Everyone: "..."


    Looking at Yuan Da, whose legs had been cut off and who knelt motionless on the ground.


    Is this what is called ''voluntary''?


    However...


    Yang Ling was Emperor Qian''s most beloved prince, so naturally, no one would dare to speak rashly, so as not to offend the prince who might well ascend the throne in the future.


    Xiao Yi stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over everyone present.


    Passing through the crowd.


    His eyes briefly swept over the carriage where Nangong Shengtian and Beitang Feng were located, a cold smile curling the corners of his mouth as he spoke out loud, "Ladies and gentlemen, it has now been proven that the Treasure Pavilion has nothing to do with this counterfeit medicine incident..."


    "Wait a moment!"


    The voice of Beitang Feng suddenly cut through the crowd.


    Xiao Yi''s mouth twitched slightly, "So you couldn''t help but jump out, could you?"


    The crowd turned in the direction of the voice.


    There, Beitang Feng walked with his hands behind his back, a look of cold indifference on his face, approaching Xiao Yi and the others.


    He bowed respectfully to Yang Ling, then turned his gaze to Nalan Qianqiu who stood behind Xiao Yi, "Master Nalan, I have come for the final payment for that batch of medicinal herbs!"


    Ning Luo spoke in a heavy voice, "Mr. Beitang, our agreement was in seven days..."


    "Let me correct you, our agreement was within seven days!


    Beitang Feng laughed proudly, his gaze challenging as he looked at Xiao Yi and the others, "Now I''ve brought the medicinal herbs; if you pay the final sum immediately, I will hand them over to you. Otherwise, it shall be taken as Treasure Pavilion forfeiting the deal!"


    The contract they had signed was clear, in black and white.


    If the Treasure Pavilion forfeited the deal, the one hundred trillion silver deposit would go to the Beitang Family.


    This was exactly what Beitang Feng intended.


    Taking advantage of the counterfeit medicine scandal that erupted in the Treasure Pavilion, he came to press for the payment. With the financial resources of the Treasure Pavilion, given time, it was certainly possible to gather one hundred trillion silver, but Beitang Feng insisted on an immediate deal.


    He didn''t believe the Treasure Pavilion could come up with that much money!


    Ning Luo shouted in anger, "Beitang Feng, you''re taking advantage of someone''s misfortune!"


    Beitang Feng said indifferently, "Even if I am taking advantage of someone''s misfortune, what can you do about it?"


    Nalan Qianqiu frowned, "Mr. Beitang, we''ve worked together for decades; can you not grant an extension of a few days?"


    "Personal relationships are one thing; business is another, and the two should not be mixed!"


    Beitang Feng said impatiently, "Just tell me, do you still want the medicinal herbs? If not, the one hundred trillion silver deposit is mine!"


    "You..."


    Nalan Qianqiu and Ning Luo''s faces were gloomy.


    Beitang Feng was smug, rejoicing inwardly: I knew you didn''t have the money; getting one hundred trillion silver for nothing is just too exhilarating!


    Just when Beitang Feng was feeling self-satisfied.


    Xiao Yi''s voice suddenly interjected, "Why not want them?"


    "Hm?"


    Beitang Feng was stunned, his gaze fixed on Xiao Yi as he frowned, "Xiao Yi? I was speaking with Master Nalan, when was it your turn to interject?"


    Nalan Qianqiu spoke calmly, "What Xiao is saying is exactly what I intended to say!"


    "Huh?"


    Beitang Feng''s sword-like eyebrows knitted tightly as he sized up Xiao Yi and Nalan Qianqiu, saying in a heavy voice, "Make sure you heard me correctly, I''m talking about the final payment, a total of ten trillion taels of silver!"


    "Exactly ten trillion taels are here, the final payment has been settled. Now, hand over the medicinal materials!" Xiao Yi took out a storage ring, flicked it open with a swish, and a box of silver notes fell before Beitang Feng.


    Beitang Feng was instantly thrown into disarray: "..." S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Damn it!


    Where did you get so much money from?


    This is ten trillion taels of silver, not ten billion!


    Seeing Beitang Feng''s baffled face, Xiao Yi, Nalan Qianqiu, and the others couldn''t help but sneer inwardly, as if watching a clown perform.


    The money had been borrowed by Xiao Yi from Huang Baitao when he set this trap.


    Continue your journey on My Virtual Library Empire


    Now, it was being put to good use!


    Xiao Yi extended his palm towards Beitang Feng: "Hand over the medicinal materials to me!"


    "I, I..."


    Beitang Feng''s eyes twitched.


    Nalan Qianqiu narrowed his eyes and said, "Mr. Beitang, surely you don''t have no stock at all? If that''s the case, then you would be the one in breach of contract..."


    "Master Nalan, we''ve been working together for so many years..." Beitang Feng said with a dark face.


    "Personal feelings aside, business is business, and that''s what you said!"


    Nalan Qianqiu threw Beitang Feng''s own words back at him. Watching Beitang Feng''s twitching face, Nalan Qianqiu felt an immense sense of satisfaction, and mockingly calculated, "You owe us a total of fifteen trillion taels of silver!"


    Beitang Feng''s face turned pale: "..."


    Where would he get fifteen trillion taels now?


    The ten trillion taels of initial payment given to him by Ning Luo had already been used to pay the Nangong Family for goods.


    "It''s not that..."


    Beitang Feng looked confused, cold sweat rolling down his forehead, his voice somewhat stammering, "You have to think this through; the goods are worth twenty trillion taels of silver. Your Treasure Pavilion is barely staying afloat, won''t these medicinal materials just rot in your hands if you take them?"


    "Who says we can''t stay afloat?" Xiao Yi asked with an odd look on his face.


    Beitang Feng frowned and said, "Your pills have killed people, who would dare to buy your pills?"


    "Who says our pills have killed people?" Xiao Yi asked in surprise.


    "Xiao Yi, the fact is right before us, are you still trying to deny it?"


    Beitang Feng pointed at the corpses on the handcart, gritting his teeth.


    Xiao Yi wore an odd expression: "Yuan Da found no evidence of fake medicine in Treasure Pavilion, so what makes you claim that the fake and poisonous pills he consumed were ours?"


    "Hmph, Xiao Yi, it seems you won''t shed tears until you see the coffin. Others may not know why your pills killed people, but I understand perfectly!"


    Beitang Feng scoffed, decreeing righteously, "The reason Treasure Pavilion produced poisonous pills that led to deaths is because of the substandard medicinal materials you brought back from the black market of Beast Emperor City. Open your eyes and look, this man''s grandson was so young, and he was killed by your hands, where is your conscience?"


    He was now determined to change the subject.


    Otherwise, if Xiao Yi insisted on him delivering the goods, it would be disastrous!


    Xiao Yi observed Beitang Feng with amusement.


    I talk to you about friendship, you bring up business.


    I bring up business, and now you speak to me about conscience?


    "Who told you he was poisoned by Treasure Pavilion''s medicine?"


    Xiao Yi revealed a sly smile and walked straight toward the old man pushing the cart, saying, "Old man, did your grandson die from consuming Treasure Pavilion''s pills?"


    The crowd turned their gaze to the old man.


    Beitang Feng also watched him unwaveringly.


    However...


    The old man shook his head, looking bewildered, "Treasure Pavilion? No, my grandson died after taking the Nangong Family''s pills, isn''t this the Nangong Family''s pill shop?"


    Woosh!


    Once these words were uttered.


    The noisy crowd instantly quieted down.


    It was eerily silent!


    You could hear a pin drop...

 Chapter 378 Counterattack Begins

    "What, what did he say?"


    "He seemed to say that he died after taking the Nangong Family''s elixir..."


    "That''s not right. If he died from taking the Nangong Family''s elixir, why did he run to the Treasure Pavilion?"


    "Wait... I suddenly remember, this old grandfather never said his grandson died from the elixirs of the Treasure Pavilion. He only said that he died from taking elixirs..."


    The old man''s words struck like a bolt of thunder, exploding amidst the crowd.


    In the midst of whispers coming from all around,


    Nangong Shengtian nearly fell off his carriage. His face turned ashen, his eyes glaring with disbelief as he shook his head, "How could this happen? How did this get pinned on us?"


    Hearing that someone died from the elixirs of the Treasure Pavilion, Nangong Shengtian jumped to conclusions,


    Believing it was the contamination of his Bihai Flower Powder in the elixirs.


    That was why he excitedly hurried over here.


    He even called Beitang Feng and Sun Yao along, aiming to put the Treasure Pavilion in a dire situation.


    However...


    Under Xiao Yi''s hands, all his previous schemes were being thwarted one after another.


    First, Ning Kang''s attempt to smear the reputation of the Treasure Pavilion led to a brutal beating by Ning Luo.


    That did not have much of an effect at all.


    Then Yuan Da appeared to investigate and verify the evidence.


    The outcome,


    Not only was the evidence not found, but Yuan Da himself had his legs chopped off and was now kneeling in front of the Treasure Pavilion.


    Out of frustration,


    Nangong Shengtian could only let Beitang Feng make a move, using the final payment of ten trillion Silver as leverage to fiercely suppress the might of the Treasure Pavilion while also openly embezzling the ten trillion Silver deposit of the Treasure Pavilion.


    Finally...


    Beitang Feng was outright played for a fool by Xiao Yi and others.


    Not only did he fail to take advantage of the situation and force the Treasure Pavilion, but he also ended up trapping himself. Now stuck in a quandary, Beitang Feng could only shift the target, but he ended up throwing the blame onto the Nangong Family.


    "Damn... How could there be such a coincidence in this world... How come it seems like Xiao Yi and his companions anticipated everything..."


    Nangong Shengtian was furious.


    Suddenly,


    His body stiffened abruptly.


    Nangong Shengtian''s complexion turned pale, and he swallowed hard, his heart pounding wildly as sweat rolled down his forehead, "It can''t be, I must be overthinking, it''s impossible..."


    At the same time,


    Xiao Yi feigned surprise and said, "What did you say? Your grandson was poisoned to death by the elixirs of the Nangong Family?"


    "Yes..."


    The old man looked confused, "Isn''t this place the Nangong Family Pharmacy?"


    Continue your journey with My Virtual Library Empire


    Xiao Yi shook his head, "Old grandfather, you''ve got the wrong place. This is the Treasure Pavilion, and the Nangong Family Pharmacy isn''t here!"


    "Oh dear, I''m so sorry, I''m illiterate and came to the wrong place!"


    The old man seemed to finally come back to his senses. He quickly bowed and apologized to Xiao Yi and Nalan Qianqiu, and then asked, "Young man, do you know where the Nangong Family Pharmacy is? I must seek justice for my grandson!"


    Xiao Yi said, "Old grandfather, the Nangong Family is powerful and influential. It might be dangerous for you to go there alone. Since we''ve come across this matter today, we will definitely not ignore it. Let us accompany you to the Nangong Family Pharmacy to demand justice!"


    "That''s right, we''ll accompany you to get justice!" Ning Luo said.


    Nalan Qianqiu looked towards Yang Ling and called out loud, "Your Highness Yang Ling, please join us as we proceed to the Nangong Family Pharmacy to seek redress!"


    "..."


    Yang Ling looked at Xiao Yi and his companions exchange words, and suddenly realized the key to the situation.


    He couldn''t help but smile bitterly to himself.


    He hadn''t expected that all of this was Xiao Yi''s stratagem.


    Otherwise,


    How could the old man coincidentally confuse the Treasure Pavilion with the Nangong Family Pharmacy?


    "Nangong Shengtian... of all people to provoke, you just had to provoke Xiao Yi..."


    Yang Ling sighed, then nodded and said, "Master Nalan, rest assured, I will certainly accompany you all to investigate this counterfeit medicine incident thoroughly. I will not let any villain get away with it!"


    "Your Highness is wise!"


    Nalan Qianqiu exclaimed loudly.


    The old man, with tears streaking down his face, showed his gratitude: "Your Highness is wise, thank you for standing up for us!"


    Xiao Yi shouted to the crowd, "Ladies and gentlemen, would you like to join us to the Nangong Family Pharmacy, to seek justice for this poor grandfather and grandson?"


    "Let''s go together!"


    "We must get justice!"


    "If it''s really the Nangong Family''s medicine that killed people, they must give us an explanation..."


    Those who had initially targeted the Treasure Pavilion, now suddenly shifted their aim.


    Beitang Feng''s face turned pale in an instant, and he subconsciously looked towards the crowd for Nangong Shengtian. However, he didn''t catch a glimpse of Nangong Shengtian; the latter''s carriage had long since made a quick escape.


    "It''s over..."


    Beitang Feng felt a chill run down his spine.


    He was just about to lower his head and sneak away into the crowd when he suddenly saw a pair of feet in front of him. Looking up instinctively, he saw Xiao Yi with his arms crossed, gazing at him playfully, "Mr. Beitang, our deal isn''t done yet! Thinking of slipping away already? That doesn''t seem quite right, does it?"


    "Uh..."


    Beitang Feng''s face went through a series of awkward contortions, and with a light cough, he said, "Who said I was running away? Since you''re all going to the Nangong Family Pharmacy, I plan to go have a look as well!"


    "Oh? In that case, let''s go together!" Xiao Yi laughed heartily, and with one arm slung around Beitang Feng''s shoulder, said, "After we sort out the matter with the Nangong Family Pharmacy, we''ll continue discussing our deal for the two hundred trillion silver''s worth of medicine materials!"


    Beitang Feng: "..."


    Thinking of breaking free, but with Xiao Yi''s strength, how could he possibly shake him off?


    Poor Beitang Feng, the imposing master of the Beitang Family, was being led away by Xiao Yi like a little chick.


    The news of the poisonings from the Treasure Pavilion had spread throughout the entire capital, bolstered by the Nangong Family''s propaganda. The number of people who rushed to observe was in the hundreds of thousands, surpassing even the turnout for the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy''s grand opening.


    The crowd gathered into a dark, steel torrent, rolling towards the Nangong Family Pharmacy.


    Along the way,


    More and more people join the throng as they hear the news.


    The Nangong Family, one of the four great noble families, had stood tall in the Great Qian Dynasty for over a thousand years. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Such a behemoth had never before been openly challenged.


    But now...


    Led by the Treasure Pavilion and with Prince Yang Ling among them, as well as the rapidly rising star, Chancellor Xiao Yi of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, this group launched a sudden attack on the Nangong Family''s pharmacy.


    Naturally, it drew the attention of countless powerhouses.


    "Did the Nangong Family''s medicine really kill someone?"


    "I believe we will have a result very soon..."


    "Let''s go have a look!"


    Watching the crowd continuously gathering around, Xiao Yi''s lips curled up slightly: "The counterattack begins now!"

 Chapter 379 Youre going to kill me!

    Vermilion Bird Avenue.


    Since receiving the batch of new medicines sent by Nangong Shengtian and others, Nangong Shou felt as though he had taken a reassuring pill.


    He spent his days lounging lazily in a rocking chair at the entrance, swaying his body, with a fan in one hand and a teacup in the other.


    Tasting the fresh tea in his cup.


    With squinted eyes, Nangong Shou looked at the Treasure Pavilion Pharmacy across the street, his face gleeful at their misfortune: "I wonder how the situation is being handled over there. If the matter is confirmed, the Treasure Pavilion will never see a day of return!"


    Nangong Shou hummed a little tune to himself.


    Suddenly...


    The ground shook, and a series of rapid footsteps was heard.


    Nangong Shou was taken aback and frowned, only to see figures converging from both sides of Vermilion Bird Avenue.


    There were tens of thousands of them.


    "Hmm? Could they be coming to smash up the Treasure Pavilion?"


    Nangong Shou was startled, eager and anticipatory.


    These days...


    They had been tormented by the Treasure Pavilion, watching people come and go there, while here, their doorstep was deserted. Today, upon suddenly hearing that trouble had befallen the Treasure Pavilion, Nangong Shou had purposely moved a stool to the entrance to wait.


    Just to watch the drama unfold!


    However.


    These people were not heading to the Treasure Pavilion Pharmacy but were coming straight towards him.


    Nangong Shou''s heart skipped a beat: "What''s going on?"


    A servant beside him said instinctively, "Manager, could it be that something really happened at the Treasure Pavilion, so they''re all coming here to buy medicine?"


    "Hmm?"


    Nangong Shou was startled and smiled approvingly, "That''s right, it must be as you say. Have someone tidy up inside quickly; looking at this situation, we''re very likely to break our previous sales record today!"


    The servant hurried away.


    Watching the crowd that had already reached him, Nangong Shou greeted them with a smile: "My friends, are you here to buy medicine? Please come inside. Our Nangong Family Pharmacy has been in business for many years, with honesty for the young and the old, unlike those low-priced, inferior medicines!"


    However...


    The crowd was unmoved, their faces strangely looking at Nangong Shou and the pharmacy behind him.


    Nangong Shou was puzzled: "What''s happening?"


    From within the crowd.


    People whispered to each other: "Do you think that rumor is true?"


    "They say that it was the deceased young man''s family who personally claimed he died after taking medicine from the Nangong Family Pharmacy..."


    "Xiao and Yang Ling are on their way here to seek justice for the young man who passed away."


    Thud!


    Nangong Shou''s smile abruptly stiffened, and his eyes showed shock: "What do you mean? Someone died from taking our Nangong Family''s medicine? This, wasn''t it the Treasure Pavilion''s medicine that killed someone? How did it become ours..."


    At this moment. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A pathway suddenly cleared in the crowd, and a flatbed cart was slowly pushed out by Ning Luo. Your journey continues at My Virtual Library Empire


    Xiao Yi and others followed closely behind.


    Nangong Shou''s gaze fell on the body of the young man on the cart, his face drastically changing, his breathing becoming rapid: "A, a serious incident has happened..."


    "Are you the manager of this pharmacy?" Yang Ling''s gaze was cold as he stared at Nangong Shou.


    Nangong Shou had a bitter taste in his mouth but had no choice but to nod: "Indeed, I am, Your Highness Yang Ling. May I know your commands?"


    Yang Ling spoke indifferently, "Someone has accused that taking medicine bought from your Nangong Family Pharmacy has led to death. We need to conduct a search inside!"


    "This..."


    Nangong Shou said with a troubled face, "Your Highness, there will definitely be no issues with our Nangong Family Pharmacy. This must be someone framing us."


    ```


    "Whether there is a problem, let it be clear after investigation!" Yang Ling said.


    Nangong Shou''s face kept changing, his heart filled with anxiety as he thought about how to respond.


    Suddenly, a figure descended from the sky above.


    The person was none other than Nangong Shengtian.


    He had just gone to another pharmacy to completely clear out all the medicinal pills, storing them in his Storage Ring. He had not come to Vermilion Bird Avenue Pharmacy first because it had the widest sales, and he had specifically instructed Nangong Shou to stock up on pills in advance.


    They were not displayed on the shelves.


    That''s why he was in no hurry to come over.


    "Ancestor!"


    Upon seeing Nangong Shengtian, Nangong Shou felt as if he had seen a lifesaver and approached him excitedly.


    Nangong Shengtian nodded and said, "Leave this to me."


    "Yes!"


    Nangong Shou breathed a sigh of relief and stood beside Nangong Shengtian.


    Nangong Shengtian''s icy gaze swept over Xiao Yi, finally settling on Yang Ling as he said with a faint smile, "Your Highness Yang Ling, I didn''t know you were coming from afar, my apologies for not welcoming you sooner!"


    Yang Ling waved his hand and said indifferently, "Ancestor Nangong, someone has accused the Nangong Family Pharmacy''s pills of causing death!"


    Feigning shock, Nangong Shengtian said, "Caused death? Your Highness really knows how to joke. The Nangong Family has been in the pill business for so many years, let alone causing death, there hasn''t even been a single side effect. This must surely be a frame-up, perhaps the malicious competition of a rival!"


    While speaking, his gaze paused on Xiao Yi and Nalan Qianqiu.


    His eyes revealed an indescribable meaning.


    Nalan Qianqiu said lightly, "Ancestor Nangong, are you pointing at the mulberry tree to curse the locust?"


    Ning Luo said, "When they came to my Treasure Pavilion, we never said anything about malicious competition like this. We cooperated actively with the investigation. But you, Ancestor Nangong, are obstructing us here. Could it be that your Nangong Family Pharmacy actually has a problem?"


    Nangong Shengtian snorted coldly and said, "Nonsense, how could there be a problem with my Nangong Family''s pharmacy?"


    "If there''s no problem, then let''s perform the examination!" Ning Luo said.


    Nangong Shengtian sneered confidently, "If after the examination it is found that we have no issue, what then?"


    Nalan Qianqiu said, "If there is no problem, I am willing to apologize formally to you!"


    "That''s not enough!"


    Nangong Shengtian scoffed, his cold gaze landing on Xiao Yi, "If we are proven innocent, I want all of you to kneel down and crawl between my legs to apologize to me!"


    Yang Ling frowned and said, "Ancestor Nangong, aren''t you going too far?"


    Those present are all respectable people.


    Apologizing formally is already quite humiliating.


    To crawl between legs? To kowtow and apologize?


    Nangong Shengtian''s provocative gaze looked at Xiao Yi and the others, "Don''t you dare?"


    Nalan Qianqiu and others all looked towards Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, and a golden figure flashed through the pharmacy, his lips curling upwards, "What is there to fear? But if it is proven that your Nangong Family has a problem, what then?"


    "As you wish!"


    Nangong Shengtian was brimming with confidence.


    "Deal!"


    Xiao Yi looked at Yang Ling, "Your Highness, please!"


    Yang Ling nodded and immediately led people towards the interior of the pharmacy.


    Nangong Shengtian lowered his voice and turned to Nangong Shou beside him, "The batch of new pills that was distributed to you earlier are all well hidden, right?"


    "Uh... Ah?"


    Nangong Shou was dumbfounded, "Ancestor, I saw so many people coming just now, I assumed they were all here to buy medicine, so, so I had it all brought out."


    "What?"


    Nangong Shengtian''s face turned rigid and he almost spewed a mouthful of old blood, looking at Nangong Shou with grief and indignation, "I... I... I''m going to be killed by you!"


    ```

 Chapter 380 Its Over! Completely Over!

    ```


    "I''m fucking killed by you!" Nangong Shengtian''s eyes were about to split with anger as he bellowed furiously.


    Pfft!


    Nangong Shou spat out a mouthful of fresh blood due to the shock, his face turning deathly pale in an instant.


    Seeing that Yang Ling and others were about to enter the pharmacy, Nangong Shengtian whispered, "I''ll stop them, you go and collect all the new medicines right now, not leaving behind a single bottle!"


    "Understood¡­"


    Nangong Shou, enduring the excruciating pain as if his internal organs were being torn apart, nodded slightly.


    He had now realized the severity of the situation.


    Not daring to delay any further.


    Nangong Shengtian took a deep breath, sidestepped to block Xiao Yi and the others, and said in a deep voice, "Your Highness, Xiao, you may inspect the pharmacy, and there is no problem with that. But we must follow proper procedures, and once inside, you are not permitted to touch any of the medicines without permission. Of course, I will ensure that the pharmacy staff assist you fully!"


    From the corner of his eye, Xiao Yi noticed Nangong Shou had already circumvented the crowd and was heading towards the back yard of the pharmacy.


    "Get out of the way!"


    Xiao Yi took a step forward.


    "Xiao, don''t push it too far!" Nangong Shengtian threatened grimly.


    Xiao Yi let out a cold laugh, "What are you having Nangong Shou sneak off to the backyard for? I have reason to suspect you are destroying evidence, move aside¡­"


    "Nangong Shengtian, don''t push your luck. Do you really think I, Xiao Yi, am afraid of you?"


    Nangong Shengtian''s eyes turned a fierce red as he flew into a rage, his booming roar like thunder on a clear day, deafening, "Without my permission, no one dares set foot in part of the pharmacy. To do so would be considered a challenge to the Nangong Family''s authority, and my Nangong Family will fight to the death!"


    Hiss!


    His swearing was truly intimidating.


    It made those strong individuals who were following Xiao Yi and trying to enter the pharmacy dare not get too close.


    Little Lin''s voice echoed in his mind, "Boss, Nangong Shou has already entered the pharmacy from the backyard, do you want me to subdue him?"


    "Do not act rashly, if you strike they can completely frame us, claiming you placed those medicines on the shelves. I will find a way inside¡­" Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After Xiao Yi transmitted his message, he stepped forward, "Nangong Shengtian, if you don''t move aside within three breaths, don''t blame me for being merciless!"


    "Nangong Shengtian, I want to see how merciless you can be!" Nangong Shengtian mocked confidently.


    In his view¡­


    Xiao Yi''s cultivation level, no matter how strong, was ultimately only at the Eighth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm.


    While he was a Dharma Manifestation Realm sixth layer powerhouse.


    How could Xiao Yi possibly be his opponent?


    "One!"


    Nangong Shengtian scoffed, "Two, three! Three breaths have passed; what can you do to me?"


    "This is your own doing!"


    Xiao Yi harrumphed coldly.


    Between his brows, lightning flickered.


    All over his body, a fierce wind began to howl.


    The Wind Thunder Holy Body erupted in an instant, with terrible winds and thunder enveloping Xiao Yi. His right hand slowly drew to his waist, and with a sudden shout, his punch shot out like a dragon leaping from the sea.


    Boom!


    Amidst a terrifying boom.


    A colossal fist shadow mixed with wind and thunder appeared in front of Nangong Shengtian in an instant.


    "Trifling tricks, I can destroy them effortlessly¡­" Nangong Shengtian said confidently, sweeping his hand casually.


    A huge golden palm materialized in front of him.


    Crack!


    Amidst a harsh snapping sound.


    The golden palm exploded into pieces.


    Nangong Shengtian''s pupils constricted sharply as a terrifying energy storm turned his face instantly pale. His vital energy circulated around his body, trying to activate his Martial Dao Fasxiang, but at that moment, the Mad Wind Thunder Fist had already struck him.


    ```


    Crackling and popping!


    Amidst a sharp sound, lightning and electric arcs covered his entire body.


    Nangong Shengtian''s body stiffened.


    He was paralyzed all over.


    And immediately after¡­


    A fierce windstorm swept over his body, whooshing as it viciously flung him flying, the path of his figure marked by the howling wind and flashing lightning with thunderous roars. Nearly half of the pharmacy''s roof was blown away, and amidst the terrifying boom, Nangong Shengtian crashed down into the backyard.


    Hisss!


    A chorus of sharp intakes of breath rose from the crowd.


    As pair after pair of eyes turned towards Xiao Yi, they all revealed shock and surprise, "Is Dean Xiao that strong?"


    "To send Ancestor Nangong flying with a single punch, is that even possible for someone at the Eighth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm?"


    "Look at the pharmacy..."


    There, Nangong Shou was rapidly putting vials of medicine into his storage ring. He had only collected a small part when the pharmacy was blown open by Xiao Yi, exposing the inside of the Nangong Family Pharmacy to everyone''s gaze in an instant.


    His movements abruptly stiffened, hanging in midair.


    Pair after pair of eyes fell on him, "Isn''t that Nangong Shou? Wasn''t he outside the door just now? When did he sneak in?"


    "Sneaking around, now he''s gathering these medicines, could it be that the Nangong Family''s medicines really have issues?"


    "That''s not possible, right?"


    "Take another look, see if there''s anything wrong with the medicines in those vials..."


    The barrage of gazes felt like thorns on Nangong Shou''s back.


    Holding several vials in his hand, he was caught in a dilemma, uncertain whether to put them down or not.


    "Nangong Shou, what are you doing?" Yang Ling shouted angrily.


    Bang!


    The medicines in Nangong Shou''s hands dropped to the ground, as he said anxiously, "I, I was just tidying up the counter, to make it easier for Your Highness to inspect¡­"


    "Hand over all the medicines you''ve gathered!" Ning Luo stepped forward and grabbed Nangong Shou by the neck with one hand.


    "Let go, let go..."


    Nangong Shou struggled frantically, his face a picture of desperation.


    Ning Luo tossed Nangong Shou in front of Yang Ling and with a casual wave, gathered all the medicines that hadn''t been packed in time from the counter. Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, he placed the vials at the entrance.


    Yang Ling''s expression was cold as he glared at Nangong Shou. Discover stories with My Virtual Library Empire


    He had not expected Nangong Shengtian to dare such trickery right under his nose.


    Truly, he did not take him seriously.


    Yang Ling''s face darkened, "Just now, what were you doing?"


    Nangong Shou''s body trembled, but he refused to speak.


    "You think I can''t deal with you if you don''t talk?" Looking up at Ning Luo, Yang Ling said indifferently, "I detest those who play dirty tricks behind people''s backs the most. Break ten of his fingers first!"


    "Yes!"


    Ning Luo acted swiftly, breaking Nangong Shou''s fingers one by one.


    "Ah..."


    Nangong Shou convulsed in agony, his face so contorted that his features were squeezed together.


    Yang Ling said dispassionately, "If you don''t come clean now, I''ll break ten of your toes!"


    Hisss!


    Nangong Shou gasped in pain, not daring to hide anything any longer, and hastily confessed, "I''ll tell you everything... It was the ancestor who asked me to sneak in secretly, he instructed me to take these medicines and not let you discover them."


    "Are there issues with these medicines?"


    "If there weren''t any problems, why would Nangong Shengtian have Nangong Shou secretly collect them?"


    In the backyard.


    Nangong Shengtian, who had just crawled out from the ruins, suddenly heard the whispers in the crowd, as well as the vials placed in front of Yang Ling; his face turned deathly pale, the world spinning around him, "It''s over, the Nangong Family is completely finished..."

 Chapter 381 Disgraced

    "It''s over, the Nangong Family is finished."


    Nangong Shengtian felt the world spinning, dizzy and vision-blurred.


    The Nangong Family had stood strong for many years, and aside from the cheap medicinal materials supplied by the Beitang Family, the most important aspect was the Nangong Family''s potent alchemy team. Even without top alchemists, the middle- and low-end elixirs were enough to dominate the entire Great Qian Dynasty.


    Plus the hefty profits.


    That''s what allowed the Nangong Family to pass down their legacy, becoming one of the four great noble clans.


    Once there was trouble with the elixir shop.


    The financial lifeline of the Nangong Family was severed.


    Just the massive amount of money they owed the Beitang Family could nearly drain the Nangong Family''s resources, never to recover.


    What''s the thing the elixir industry fears the most?


    Exactly, problems with the elixirs! sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I just hope that all my suspicions are false, only then does my Nangong Family have a glimmer of hope!" muttered Nangong Shengtian, but even he felt that this hope was extremely slim!


    Meanwhile.


    Nangong Shou had already taken out all the elixirs from the storage ring.


    Elixir bottles, crystal-clear and flawless, were laid out on the ground, totaling over ten thousand bottles, each containing ten pills. Just here, there were elixirs worth over a hundred billion silver.


    Yang Ling picked up one of the jade bottles and poured out the elixirs inside.


    This was the Shen Yi Elixir.


    Yang Ling examined the color and quality, frowning slightly.


    These elixirs not only lacked any issues but also were all of the highest quality, definitely not fakes!


    "Your Highness, may I have a look?" Nalan Qianqiu spoke up.


    Yang Ling was startled, as Nalan Qianqiu himself was a seven-star alchemist. He indeed had more authority in assessing elixirs than Yang Ling, who immediately passed the elixirs to Nalan Qianqiu.


    "Shen Yi Elixir? Top quality?"


    Nalan Qianqiu inspected it carefully.


    Yang Ling frowned, "Master Nalan, are you saying there''s nothing wrong with these elixirs?"


    Nalan Qianqiu shook his head, sneering, "The fact that there''s nothing wrong is the biggest problem.


    "What do you mean by that?"


    Everyone looked at Nalan Qianqiu, puzzled.


    Nalan Qianqiu spoke gravely, "The Shen Yi Elixir uses thirty-six different herbs that interact with each other, capable of neutralizing most atypical medicinal properties. The only herb, Green Glaze Grass, would make the elixir have cold attributes. But these Shen Yi Elixirs have no cold properties, which means something else must have been added!"


    Yang Ling frowned, "Can you analyze what exactly was added?"


    Nalan Qianqiu shook his head, "With my expertise, I can''t tell, but..." He looked at Xiao Yi, smiling, "Dean Xiao, I''ll have to trouble you now!"


    Nangong Shengtian raged, "Nalan Qianqiu, even you can''t discern what extra has been added, so why pass it to Xiao Yi? He''s just a young boy, could his alchemy skills surpass yours? The elixirs from my Nangong Family would never have any problems; I think you''re intentionally saying this, trying to frame my Nangong Family!"


    In his view, this was a unique opportunity.


    As everyone knows.


    Xiao Yi is invincible among his peers, and he''s only twenty years old!


    With such a cultivation at twenty years of age.


    How could he possibly also practice the way of alchemy?


    Nalan Qianqiu looked at Nangong Shengtian as if looking at an idiot, shaking his head in a sigh, "Nangong Shengtian, to this moment you still don''t know how terrifying your opponent truly is. I really don''t understand where you got the courage to dare make an enemy of Dean Xiao!"


    "Hmm?"


    Nangong Shengtian was stunned, his face filled with bewilderment.


    Ning Luo spoke indifferently, "Dean Xiao''s alchemy skills far surpass ours."


    "What?"


    Nangong Shengtian''s eyes widened in disbelief, he shook his head, "Impossible, absolutely impossible. How old is he? Moreover, as far as I know, he was imprisoned by Xiao Tianjiao and has only truly been exposed to the martial path for less than three years¡­"


    Nangong Shengtian''s voice suddenly stopped.


    His face turned from pale to flushed repeatedly.


    Yes!


    A person who had been exposed to martial arts for less than three years had managed to grow from the Physical Body Realm directly to a realm comparable to the masters of the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    Could it be that he couldn''t cultivate the path of alchemy at the same time?


    Gurgle!


    Nangong Shengtian''s face turned pale as he muttered to himself, "Is there really such a genius in this world? Xiao Zhengde even said he was trash? Go to hell with your trash..." Stay connected via My Virtual Library Empire


    Xiao Yi gently sniffed the Shen Yi Elixir placed in front of his nose.


    "This has added millennium flower, hundred beasts'' blood, as well as heavenly centipede vine... all these ingredients can increase the pill success rate and the quality of the elixirs, but they all have one thing in common. That is, they cannot be preserved for long, generally undergoing changes within three days and turning into deadly poisons. Within seven days, all the elixirs will rot into mud!"


    Xiao Yi looked at the corpse on the cart with bleeding orifices, shook his head slightly, and sighed, "He must have taken the elixirs after they changed, that''s why he was poisoned and died. What a pity, if he hadn''t taken those elixirs immediately and waited a few more days, those pills would have thoroughly rotted away!"


    "Is there evidence?" Yang Ling asked.


    Xiao Yi nodded his head and approached the young man''s corpse.


    He pointed several times at his lower abdomen.


    Streams of Qi entered the body.


    Xiao Yi stepped back and said, "One of the characteristics of taking heavenly centipede vine is that after death, the stomach will turn into sticky black strip-like objects, resembling black centipedes."


    As soon as the words were out.


    The young man''s body shook violently, he opened his mouth with a "wow," and several black, sticky stripe-shaped objects spurted out from his mouth.


    They hung from the cart.


    Like black centipedes, they crawled between the cart''s boards.


    Hiss!


    All present inhaled sharply.


    The symptoms were exactly as Xiao Yi had described!


    "He really was poisoned!"


    "The poisoned components are the same as the ones added by the Nangong Family in their elixirs, it seems that he did indeed die from taking the Nangong Family''s elixirs..."


    "The Nangong Family has been in business for many years, how could they suddenly add these things?"


    "Didn''t you hear what Xiao Yi said? These ingredients can improve the success rate and quality rate of pills, just think about it, a batch of pills that would normally yield ten pills, adding these could lead to twenty or even thirty, cutting the cost down to one third!"


    "Isn''t that too unscrupulous?"


    "Who will dare to buy the Nangong Family''s elixirs again in the future?"


    "We must let everyone know about this. The Nangong Family has tens of thousands of elixir shops within the Great Qian Dynasty, we absolutely cannot let these unscrupulous merchants get away with it. From now on, when buying elixirs, only trust Treasure Pavilion!"


    Outraged curses continued to arise.


    In Nangong Shengtian''s ears, they were like numerous swords, repeatedly piercing his body.


    Nangong Shengtian''s vision darkened.


    Feeling as if all the strength had been drained from his body, his face was filled with despair. This time the Nangong Family was utterly disgraced.


    Completely defeated!


    Defeated beyond repair.


    There was no longer any possibility of rising again!


    Let alone the ruined reputation, it was now impossible for anyone to purchase elixirs from them again, just based on what Xiao Yi had just said, all elixirs made with those ingredients would turn to mud after seven days.


    For the sake of concocting this batch of elixirs, his Nangong Family had invested all they had!


    The elixirs, which were crafted from ingredients worth a total of ten trillion Silver, would turn into mud within a few days and all would be lost.


    At that moment...


    Nangong Shengtian suddenly realized.


    Ning Kang''s betrayal.


    The secret formula stolen.


    Poisoning!


    All of it was a trap laid out by Xiao Yi!


    With bloodshot eyes fixed on Xiao Yi, Nangong Shengtian spewed out a mouthful of fresh blood, and as his eyes rolled back, he let out a desperate and unwilling roar before fainting, "Xiao Yi... you have such a cruel heart..."

 Chapter 382 The True Dragon Among Men

    Nangong Shengtian slowly woke up.


    Experience more tales on My Virtual Library Empire


    He found himself still inside the pill shop on Vermilion Bird Avenue, raised his hand to pat his head, only feeling a bout of weakness throughout his body.


    "You''re awake?"


    A playful voice rang out beside his ear.


    Nangong Shengtian was startled and instinctively looked towards the sound, only to see Xiao Yi squatting next to him with a slight smile on his lips and a radiant expression, mockingly staring at him. The teasing in his eyes almost made Nangong Shengtian pass out again.


    "Cough, cough cough¡­"


    Nangong Shengtian coughed several times and finally regained some composure, staring intently at Xiao Yi, "I did not expect that I would actually fall into your hands."


    "There are many things you wouldn''t expect, such as¡­" Xiao Yi pointed behind him, and there was Beitang Feng, looking at him with a wry smile on his face, then stood up smiling, "You two have a chat first!"


    Beitang Feng cleared his throat with a light cough, his face showing a hint of embarrassment, said, "Nangong Shengtian, it''s about time to settle those debts your Nangong Family owes me!"


    "Hmm?"


    Nangong Shengtian''s face turned deathly pale as he coughed violently and pointed at Beitang Feng in fury, "Beitang Feng, do you really have to kick me when I''m down, taking advantage of someone''s misfortune, despite our acquaintance?"


    The batch of medical ingredients worth ten trillion silver had completely gone to waste.


    In a few more days, it would all turn to sludge.


    Moreover...


    He had already owed the Beitang Family over ten trillion silver in debts, and with a total of nearly thirty trillion silver, it was impossible to gather such a sum unless he sold off all of the Nangong Family''s properties!


    Beitang Feng sighed, "Friendship is friendship, but business is business, you were the one who taught me that!"


    "..."


    Nangong Shengtian trembled all over.


    Back then, outside the Treasure Pavilion, when he prompted Beitang Feng to demand repayment of the debt, it was he who taught Beitang Feng these very words.


    And now...


    In just a few hours, Beitang Feng returned those same words to him, unchanged.


    At that moment, Nangong Shengtian felt the world spin.


    His vision darkened, and he almost passed out again.


    Even a Dharma Manifestation Realm expert''s mental resilience is extremely strong, yet the fact that Nangong Shengtian was so infuriated that he nearly fainted multiple times shows just how great this blow was to him.


    Nangong Shengtian clenched his jaws, said in a deep voice, "Beitang Feng, you are well aware of the situation my Nangong Family is in. We have so many pills stockpiled and hardly any liquid silver..."


    The Nangong Family''s profit from the pill trade might have been very high.


    But they also had a large household with immense daily expenses!


    After a year''s time,


    If they could save a few hundred billion silver, that would be considered a prosperous year.


    Unless he sold all of the Nangong Family''s shops and the stockpiled pills, there was no way to come up with nearly thirty trillion silver. But with the reputation the Nangong Family now had in the pill industry, who would dare to buy their goods?


    Weren''t they afraid that a few days later, all those pills would turn to mud?


    Beitang Feng hesitated for a moment and said, "Nangong Shengtian, you have to understand my situation as well. Medicine King Valley has been pressing for the fifteen trillion silver debt from you, and because of your family, I have to compensate the Treasure Pavilion with fifteen trillion silver. If you don''t repay the money, my Beitang Family will also suffer!"


    "I, I really have no money!" Nangong Shengtian cried out in despair and indignation.


    Experts at the Dharma Manifestation Realm, the old ancestor of the Nangong Family, when had he ever been so subservient?


    Beitang Feng turned his head to look at Xiao Yi and Nalan Qianqiu and said in a deep voice, "I do have a way!"


    "Hmm?"


    Nangong Shengtian was stunned, a glint of hope flashing across his eyes.


    Beitang Feng said gravely, "Master Nalan and Xiao have promised that they are willing to spend the money to buy all of the Nangong Family''s shops and the medicinal pills they have hoarded."


    "Are they so kind-hearted?" Nangong Shengtian snorted coldly.


    Beitang Feng forced a smile and said, "Everybody acts for the sake of profit. Master Nalan, after all, is a businessman. He means to offer two hundred trillion silver to buy all of your Nangong Family''s shops and the hoarded medicinal pills."


    "Two hundred trillion? They must be dreaming!" Nangong Shengtian exploded in rage.


    Initially, just purchasing those shops had cost them nearly one hundred trillion silver, not to mention the hoarded medicinal pills, which were valued at least at two hundred trillion silver.


    Xiao Yi and his people wanted to swallow it all up for the price of two hundred trillion silver.


    In Nangong Shengtian''s view, this was nothing short of daydreaming!


    Beitang Feng shrugged his shoulders and said, "To speak frankly, those medicinal pills are worth that much only if you can sell them; if you can''t, they are just rubbish. I have said all that I can, the rest is up to you to consider!"


    This time, Beitang Feng, too, was driven into a corner.


    He had not yet found a way to pay back the one hundred and fifty trillion silver he had guaranteed for the Nangong Family at Medicine King Valley, and now he needed to compensate Treasure Pavilion with another one hundred and fifty trillion silver in damages.


    After paying these two sums, the Beitang Family would be almost emptied out.


    It was at this moment...


    Xiao Yi gave him a choice; as long as he could persuade the Nangong Family to sell their shops and medicinal pills to Treasure Pavilion, they would only need to return the one hundred trillion silver deposit. Moreover, from now on, Treasure Pavilion would continue to source from the Beitang Family.


    Now that the Nangong Family had fallen, Treasure Pavilion was certain to completely dominate the medicinal pill market of the Great Qian Dynasty.


    At that time, the volume of medicinal herbs consumed by Treasure Pavilion each year would be a frightening figure.


    After weighing his options, Beitang Feng could only choose to betray his allies!


    Just as Nangong Sheng had taught him, friendship was one thing, but business was business!


    A dead comrade is not a dead me!


    Watching Beitang Feng, who returned to Xiao Yi and the others, bowing and scraping and all smiles, Nangong Shengtian''s face turned ashen. Trembling, he struggled to get up and walked desolately toward the Nangong Family.


    The Nangong Family was not something he alone could decide for.


    Watching Nangong Shengtian leave, Ning Luo said in a deep voice, "Director Xiao, are you sure it''s okay to let him go like this?"


    This was a Dharma Manifestation Realm expert, after all!


    "Don''t worry, he won''t be able to escape!"


    With wise light flickering in his half-closed eyes, Xiao Yi smiled slightly and said lightly, "When the tree falls, the monkeys scatter. The Nangong Family''s tree has just fallen, and the demons and goblins have yet to make their move. Once they do, and he faces a real desperate situation, that''s when Nangong Shengtian will truly despair. That will be our chance to take over the Nangong Family!"


    Beitang Feng, standing by, secretly breathed a sigh of relief: Thank goodness my grudge with Xiao Yi wasn''t that deep, otherwise the one driven into a tight corner might have been me! S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He looked up at Xiao Yi in front of him.


    That handsome and young face, along with the achievements he had made in just three short years, Beitang Feng muttered, "Such a true dragon among men, why was he not born into my Beitang Family! But... that idiot Xiao Zhengde, to have abandoned such a heaven-sent child as if he were worthless, he is the truly pathetic one..."


    PS: The climax is not over yet, the explosion continues tomorrow!!!

 Chapter 383 When the Tree Falls, the Monkeys Scatter

    The news of the Nangong Family Pharmacy selling fake medicines swept through the entire imperial capital like a whirlwind.


    With the push from Treasure Pavilion, the news spread even further towards the countless cities of the Great Qian Dynasty.


    As the news spread...


    The Nangong Family Pharmacy saw sparse foot traffic, with hardly a single soul in sight.


    Eyes filled with despair.


    Not to mention these new medicines, even the previously hoarded high-quality pills were now unsellable.


    In just a mere two days.


    This news had permeated the entire Great Qian Dynasty, and more than thirty percent of the Nangong Family Pharmacies had been forced to close their doors. If it were just a matter of medicinal pills being unsellable, it would not have led to closure.


    What mattered more was that with the spread of this news.


    Strong figures who had bought pills from the Nangong Family Pharmacy before were knocking on the doors, requesting refunds, and even compensation.


    One or two families.


    Three or four families...


    Nearly every Nangong Family Pharmacy was faced with numerous strong figures seeking refunds and compensation.


    The Nangong Family had always been domineering, engaging in overt and covert battles, bullying many influential local forces. These locals had refrained from retaliating due to the Nangong Family''s strength, but now they had no more concerns.


    Just as Xiao Yi had said, when the wall falls, everyone pushes it, when the tree falls, the monkeys scatter.


    Seeing the colossal Nangong Family about to collapse, all kinds of evil spirits began to emerge.


    As a result.


    In just two days, thirty percent of the Nangong Family Pharmacies had chosen to shut down, and the shopkeepers in charge of these pharmacies had also fled back to the imperial capital.


    Nowadays, the Nangong Family was even busier than during the yearly family meetings.


    Only this bustle was something the Nangong Family did not wish to see!


    Within the expansive Nangong Family estate.


    Nangong Shengtian was lying on the bed with a pale face, purple lips, and hollow eyes, feeling utterly hopeless and filled with deep remorse and guilt. Beside the bed, Nangong Shengji''s face was grim, and he remained silent.


    "Patriarch, the shopkeeper from Falling Star City, Nangong Tao, has also returned and is outside asking to see you..."


    "Patriarch, the shopkeeper from Sanyang City has returned..."


    Voices called out from outside the door.


    Nangong Yi''s face also looked extremely grim, and he didn''t even dare breathe heavily as he waved his hands to dismiss the announcers at the door.


    Now every piece of news that came was like a poisoned sword of invisible killing, stabbing into Nangong Shengtian''s body.


    Spuuurt!


    Nangong Shengtian suddenly spat out a mouthful of fresh blood, his face growing even paler, and he turned his head with difficulty to look at Nangong Shengji beside him, "Family, family head, all of this is because I was careless for a moment, bringing trouble upon our family..."


    Nangong Shengji shook his head, "Don''t say that, I too bear responsibility. It''s not all on you!"


    "Cough, cough cough..."


    Nangong Shengtian was coughing violently.


    Nangong Yi quickly stepped forward, covering his mouth with a handkerchief.


    When Nangong Yi lifted the handkerchief, he found it stained with blood, his expression changed slightly as he looked towards Nangong Shengji.


    A peak Dharma Manifestation Realm expert, now bedridden with illness and even coughing up blood.


    This clearly showed how devastating the blow was to Nangong Shengtian.


    Nangong Shengji took a deep breath and said solemnly, "You need to rest well, I will handle everything within the family!"


    Nangong Shengtian shook his head, a wry smile on his face, "Family head, although Beitang Feng''s words were harsh, as he said, this is indeed the only way we can preserve the family. We..."


    "Don''t speak!"


    Nangong Shengji shook his head, his eyes a bone-chilling ice-cold, "The Nangong Family''s legacy has lasted for a thousand years, it cannot end in my hands."


    "But we..."


    Nangong Shengtian''s pale face was tinged with an unshakable sorrow.


    Nangong Shengji waved his hand, yet said nothing more. After advising them to take good care of themselves and rest well, he got up and left.


    A moment later.


    Nangong Yi also followed him out, standing behind him. He said in a deep voice, "Master..."


    Nangong Shengji narrowed his eyes, his complexion as cold as ice, and asked indifferently, "What did they say when you contacted them?"


    "Master..."


    Nangong Yi''s face showed anger as he clenched his fists and said in a deep voice, "They mean that they can help us through this difficult time and ensure the survival of the Nangong Family. However, our Nangong Family would have to become their house slaves..."


    "House slaves?"


    Nangong Shengji trembled all over.


    Boom!


    A terrifying wave of energy exploded from his body. This wave surged heavenward from his center, tearing up the grass and roots in the surrounding area and turning the large garden into a mess in an instant.


    This furious storm continued for ten breaths.


    The grass and trees that had been flung up into the sky began to fall back down.


    Whoosh!


    Nangong Shengji took a long breath and said sternly, "Go tell them I agree to their demands. However, the Nangong Family''s structure must remain unchanged, and they cannot touch any of our business enterprises!"


    "Don''t worry, Patriarch, I''ll tell them right away!" A look of terror appeared on Nangong Yi''s pale face. That terrifying ten breaths had made him feel like he was in a deathly ice cellar, where he could die at any moment.


    Right now, he was fleeing for his life, not daring to stay by Nangong Shengji''s side.


    Enjoy exclusive content from My Virtual Library Empire


    It was only after Nangong Yi had left.


    Nangong Shengji slowly opened his eyes, a flash of cold light flickering within: "Xiao Yi, Nalan Qianqiu... all of this is thanks to you both, I will absolutely not let you go!"


    Meanwhile.


    Inside the Treasure Pavilion.


    Nalan Qianqiu was standing in front of Xiao Yi, saying in a heavy voice, "Xiao, we''ve received news that Nangong Yi has left the Nangong Family and is heading to the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy."


    "The Shanhe Martial Arts Academy? It seems they''ve really made contact with the Unparalleled Martial King..."


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes.


    Nalan Qianqiu nodded. Ever since the scandal at the Nangong Family Pharmacy was exposed, they had been monitoring the Nangong Family non-stop. If it weren''t for the presence of Nangong Shengji, a Dharma Phase Realm Peak powerhouse, they would have taken advantage of the situation and completely crushed the Nangong Family by now.


    After all.


    If driven to desperation, the rampage of a Dharma Phase Realm Peak existence.


    The reckless retaliation.


    Even the Treasure Pavilion and Xiaoshanhe Institute would suffer heavy losses.


    "If the Nangong Family truly joins forces with the Unparalleled Martial King, his power could completely help them out of this difficulty. In that case, wouldn''t all our previous plans be in vain?" Nalan Qianqiu''s face was colored with worry. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    They had paid a huge price to bring down the Nangong Family this time.


    If they couldn''t swallow the Nangong Family whole in the end, their efforts would have been for naught.


    The Unparalleled Martial King.


    This person was not just Emperor Qian''s imperial uncle but also a military powerhouse with heavy troops at his command. Moreover, he was the backing force behind Xue Yilou.


    Ning Luo and the others looked on worriedly.


    Xiao Yi''s mouth curved up slightly, revealing a fervent fighting spirit. He spoke lightly, "I have the Nangong Family in the bag... No matter the Martial King or War King, if they dare to reach out, I''ll chop off their claws as well..."

 Chapter 384 The First Task

    "Whoever dares to reach out, I''ll chop off their claws as well!"


    Xiao Yi said with a cold gaze.


    For the sake of plotting against the Nangong Family, he had spent a considerable amount of time.


    Victory seemed within reach.


    At this moment, regardless of who it was, if they dared to meddle, they were destined to end up on Xiao Yi''s blacklist. Read exclusive adventures at My Virtual Library Empire


    I don''t care if you''re some Unparalleled War King!


    I''ll lay them all flat!


    "Xiao, do you have a plan?" Nalan Qianqiu and Ning Luo exchanged glances, asking curiously.


    Even though Xiao Yi was much younger than them, after the interactions they had had over this period, they were completely convinced by Xiao Yi and looked to him for leadership.


    Xiao Yi responded indifferently, "There are still three days left until my bet with Nangong Shengtian... But, we can''t idle away these three days!"


    "Are you preparing to..."


    Nalan Qianqiu looked on with curiosity.


    He couldn''t think of any strategy that Xiao Yi might have.


    After all.


    With the push from the Treasure Pavilion, the scandal of the Nangong Family Pharmacy had spread throughout the entire Great Qian Dynasty.


    Now the Nangong Family was collapsing, and everyone was eager to push them over.


    At this time...


    Unless they went to their door, they indeed had no other strategy.


    Xiao Yi cracked a sly smile, a playful look in his eyes, "The hermit has his own clever plans!"


    Two hours later.


    Xiaoshanhe Institute, Shanhe Court.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    A dull tolling of a bell sounded, reverberating throughout Imperial Dragon Mountain, the bell''s sonorous peals thunderously loud.


    The disciples of Xiaoshanhe Institute who were practicing, along with the presiding elders, were all startled: "Is that the bell from the Shanhe Court?"


    "Could it be that a task is finally being issued?"


    "I''ve used up all my points, at last a task has come!"


    Everyone hastily headed towards the Shanhe Court.


    This was the first time a task had been issued since Xiaoshanhe Institute''s restructuring. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Both disciples and presiding elders alike rushed towards the Shanhe Court.


    The five halls were newly built, and with the strength of the martial artists from Xiaoshanhe Institute, constructing these buildings was a matter of moments. The architecture of the five great halls was not luxurious but very grand and simple.


    The entire Shanhe Court was two stories tall.


    The first floor was for issuing and accepting tasks.


    The second floor was where, after completing tasks, disciples would submit their task completion applications. It was also where the Hall Master, the Vice Hall Masters, and those in charge of the Shanhe Court usually worked.


    Almost ten thousand people gathered in the first-floor hall of the Shanhe Court without it feeling crowded, with a ceiling height of thirteen meters. At the top, there hung an eight-sided pillar with a screen made of crystal on each side.


    These crystal screens contained an Eighth-layer Formation inscribed personally by Xiao Yi, capable of transmitting task information in real time.


    In the future, when there would be more tasks, all eight crystal screens would scroll through task information. If a task had already been completed, it would also be cleared from the screen immediately.


    Extremely convenient!


    When Xiao Yi first proposed this idea of crystal screens, it had stunned everyone for quite some time.


    It was astonishing!


    But now...


    The Shanhe Court had just opened, and the task information was sparse, just a single entry.


    Task 1: The Nangong Family Pharmacy has been selling fake medicines, seeking wealth and causing harm. Those with a conscience, join forces against it!


    Task Requirements: Ten people per team, both stewards and disciples may accept this task.


    Task Content: Each squad is responsible for one of the Nangong Family Pharmacies, helping those who have been deceived to seek justice and demand compensation!


    Task Reward: For each completed task, each member of the squad will be awarded 100 points!


    Hiss!


    Seeing the rows of bright red text, almost ten thousand people in the Shanhe Court inhaled sharply, their faces flushed with excitement, "They''re putting the Nangong Family on the road to doom!"


    "Do you even know how to speak? This is clearly about enforcing justice!"


    "Whether it''s putting oneself in danger or enforcing justice, I only know that every task completed earns you 100 points. If you complete a hundred tasks, isn''t that ten thousand points?"


    "Move, move, move..."


    "I want to receive a task!"


    One after another, strong figures stepped forward to receive their tasks.


    The method of receiving tasks was also quite peculiar; one simply needed to place their Token on the resonating Stele within the Task Hall, and options for selectable tasks would appear. By adding a chosen task, one could accept the task.


    Suddenly,


    Nearly ten thousand stewards and disciples had all received their tasks and left the Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Only a group of elders looked at each other with wry smiles on their faces. A Tao Tribulation Realm Peak martial artist from Beast Emperor City grumbled, "The head of the institute is really stingy, only allowing stewards and disciples to take on tasks. This is like free points falling from the sky, and yet we aren''t allowed to participate?"


    Yu Huaxian gave him a glance.


    The strong figure trembled and said with a forced smile, "Vice Hall Master Yu, I was just... just making a casual complaint!"


    With the help provided by the special Jade Fetal Elixir given by Xiao Yi, Yu Huaxian had rejuvenated his vigor. Even the beard he had purposefully grown gave him an air of additional dignity. Combined with his status as a Vice Hall Master of the Punishment Hall, even the various elders and stewards held him in high regard.


    Yu Huaxian said indifferently, "Don''t worry, the head of the institute hasn''t planned for you all to be idle."


    Swish!


    A new task appeared on a crystal screen, a task that only elders could accept¡ªto secretly protect the disciples of the Xiaoshanhe Institute who had gone out.


    Each elder could receive a reward of ten thousand points.


    This was equivalent to resources worth a hundred million Silver!


    Moreover...


    The treasures, cultivation techniques, secret manuals, weapons, and even elixirs that could be exchanged for points were all much cheaper than those sold outside. If these ten thousand points were to be sold, they could fetch at least one hundred and fifty million Silver.


    Of course.


    The points of the Xiaoshanhe Institute were incredibly valuable, and not many were willing to part with them.


    The elders accepted the tasks one by one and left the Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Half a day later.


    In the capital and its surrounding cities, disciples from the Xiaoshanhe Institute appeared. They either worked alone or in groups to assist the public in returning elixirs to the Nangong Family Pharmacy or demanding compensation.


    These disciples were determined to receive their compensation and resorted to all sorts of tactics.


    Some spent money to gather crowds, blocking the pharmacy until it was packed.


    Others simply began cultivating inside the pharmacy or even sparring for demonstration.


    This caused the Nangong Family''s pharmacy to be utterly helpless.


    Some shopkeepers, unable to bear the pressure, chose to return the elixirs or accept compensation.


    Suddenly,


    The news of the Nangong Family Pharmacy accepting returns and compensations for their elixirs spread like wildfire, and more and more people chose to return their elixirs and claim compensation, even those who did not suffer any adverse reactions from using the elixirs started returning them.


    After all...


    Although the prices of elixirs at the Treasure Pavilion had risen, they were still being sold at half price.


    There were even some thugs who deliberately consumed poison, claiming to have been poisoned by the Nangong Family''s elixirs, and sought compensation.


    By now, the Nangong Family was already in a predicament as they were caught with their pants down, unable to clear their name, and no one willing to believe their explanations.


    They had no choice but to compensate while gritting their teeth!


    This only added to the Nangong Family''s snowballing woes!


    One by one, the Nangong Family''s pharmacies had no alternative but to close down and dodge debts.


    One day.


    Two days.


    Three days...


    Within just three days, all of the pharmacies under the Nangong Family''s banner had shut their doors.


    Under normal circumstances, even if there was no business, it would be impossible for all of the Nangong Family''s pharmacies to close down. However, under the impetus of a single task from Xiao Yi, it became the last straw that broke the Nangong Family''s back.


    "Xiao, all the pharmacies of the Nangong Family within the Great Qian Dynasty have closed down!" Nalan Qianqiu exclaimed excitedly upon finding Xiao Yi.


    Gazing at Xiao Yi, his eyes were filled with awe.


    It was this young man who, almost single-handedly, had brought down one of the Great Qian Dynasty''s four major families in just one month''s time!


    "They''ve all closed down?"


    Xiao Yi opened his eyes, grinned, his eyes sparkling with a sharp light, "It''s finally my turn to take action!"

 Chapter 385 Who Do You Think You Are?

    The Nangong Family.


    A gloom filled the air.


    In just three short days, the amount of silver taels they had spent to recover medicines and to cover compensation had exceeded 1.3 trillion silver taels.


    This had nearly drained all the funds reserved by the various medicinal shops of the Nangong Family.


    Now, with all the medicinal shops closed, they could stem the loss of several hundred billion silver taels each day.


    This was an act of last resort!


    Nangong Shengtian had regained some vitality and, with the support of Nangong Yi, made his way into the main hall; today marked the deadline of the gambling bet with Xiao Yi. As the initiator of the wager, Nangong Shengtian naturally had to be present.


    "Ancestor!"


    "How did you become like this in just half a month..."


    Nangong Xiao and the others couldn''t help but exclaim upon seeing Nangong Shengtian, his hair white and his complexion pale and bloodless.


    Half a month ago.


    The Treasure Pavilion had just reduced its prices, and they had made a trip to the Nangong Family.


    How full of vigor and spirit had Nangong Shengtian been at that time?


    Now, he looked like an ordinary old man close to death.


    It was hard to imagine...


    What kind of power could have made such a being in the Dharma Phase Realm look this way.


    Nangong Shengji frowned and said, "Why did you come out?"


    Nangong Shengtian cracked a weak smile, "Since this situation arose because of me, even if I have to die today to atone for my sins, I cannot burden the family."


    ...


    Nangong Shengji fell silent.


    If it were indeed possible to exchange Nangong Shengtian''s life for the security of the Nangong Family, S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He would be the first to raise both hands in agreement.


    Only...


    Being the head of the Nangong Family, he could not voice this himself.


    Seeing Nangong Shengji''s silence, the various high-ranking members of the Nangong Family also lowered their heads.


    With Nangong Shengtian now in such a weakened state and given that this whole situation had started because of him, if not for his bet with Xiao Yi, Xiao Yi would have never targeted the Nangong Family like this.


    The once unassailable and powerful Nangong Family would not have fallen into such a dire state.


    Seeing that none of his usually respectful family members spoke out after hearing his willingness to trade his life for the safety of the family, Nangong Shengtian felt a desolate sadness.


    At this moment...


    Nangong Shengji''s expression changed slightly as he looked towards the entrance, "They''re here!"


    Swish!


    All eyes turned toward the direction of the main gate.


    ...


    Outside the great gates of the Nangong Family''s estate.


    Xiao Yi stood with his hands behind his back, with Nalan Qianqiu and Fu Yuan flanking his left and right.


    The Shadow Demon and others had not yet revealed themselves.


    However, just the three of them were already shockingly impressive.


    Three great Dharma Phase Realm figures!


    One was the head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, and another was the Pavilion Master of the Great Qian Dynasty''s Treasure Pavilion, a lineup that ordinary forces wouldn''t dare provoke.


    "Nangong Shengtian, Xiao Yi has arrived!" Xiao Yi''s voice echoed through the sky, billowing and booming with resonance.


    Clang!


    The heavy gates of the Nangong Family estate slowly opened.


    Nangong Shengji took the lead, followed closely by Nangong Yi, who aided Nangong Shengtian.


    A group of the Nangong Family''s strong figures also emerged from the residence, with more than fifty in the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    The strength of the Nangong Family''s foundation was undeniable!


    Nangong Shengji narrowed his eyes, inspecting Xiao Yi and those like Nalan Qianqiu next to him, and snorted coldly, speaking indifferently, "I am not sure why Master Xiao has come here. What is your purpose?"


    Xiao Yi glanced at Nangong Shengji.


    This man was none other than the patriarch of the Nangong Family, a towering figure at the peak of the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    A supreme being at the peak of the Dharma Manifestation Realm could stabilize a clan''s fortune for a thousand years without decline.


    He was an undisputed giant among men.


    Xiao Yi spoke calmly, "The deadline of our one-month agreement has arrived, I''m here today for the gambling agreement between me and Nangong Shengtian!"


    All eyes swiftly turned to Nangong Shengtian.


    The gambling agreement was witnessed by many back then, and if Nangong Shengtian dared to go back on his word, it would mean throwing away the face of the entire Nangong Family.


    Nangong Shengji took a deep breath and said gravely, "So it''s about the gambling agreement!"


    With that said.


    Nangong Shengji fell silent.


    Nangong Shengtian sighed lightly, trembling as he stepped forward, "Director Xiao, this gambling matter is a personal grievance between you and me, and has nothing to do with the Nangong Family!"


    "Oh?"


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow, his expression playful, "Is Ancestor Nangong preparing to default on the agreement?"


    Nangong Shengtian said in a deep voice, "Whether I default on the agreement or fulfill it, it has nothing to do with the Nangong Family. It is all my personal doing."


    What he wanted now was to extricate the Nangong Family from the situation.


    Otherwise.


    Just by fulfilling the agreement, providing the necessary elixirs to the Xiaoshanhe Institute at no cost, could plunge the Nangong Family deep into a quagmire from which they could not extricate themselves.


    You should know...


    The Xiaoshanhe Institute now has nearly ten-thousand disciples, hundreds of Tao Tribulation Realm stewards, and close to ten Dharma Manifestation Realm elders.


    The amount of elixirs they require daily is an astonishing number.


    It''s something the Nangong Family simply cannot afford at this time.


    The only way for the Nangong Family to get out of this situation was for Nangong Shengtian to personally bear the responsibility of the gambling agreement.


    Xiao Yi''s eyes shifted ever so slightly; he had already discerned Nangong Shengtian''s intentions.


    This was the strategy of sacrificing a piece to save the game!


    But...


    The Nangong Family was truly ruthless enough to abandon a top figure of the Dharma Manifestation Realm, just like that!


    The corners of Xiao Yi''s mouth lifted slightly, he was about to speak but then he heard a cold voice coming from the crowd, "Director Xiao, with daylight above us, you''ve brought such a large group to our doorstep, pressuring Ancestor Nangong like this, isn''t that a bit inappropriate?"


    Everyone was startled.


    They looked in the direction of the voice.


    They saw Sun Yao riding a tall horse, with Qin Li, whose legs had been broken, sitting in a carriage behind him.


    Qin Li''s eyes were filled with venomous hatred as he stared unblinkingly at Xiao Yi, his gaze brimming with loathing.


    Xiao Yi''s eyebrows knit slightly, as he hadn''t expected Sun Yao to appear here, and said indifferently, "If it isn''t Director Sun, I heard your Shanhe Martial Arts Academy is recruiting talents. As its director, how do you have time to wander around?" Enjoy more content from My Virtual Library Empire


    Ever since the grand opening of the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy had been disrupted by Xiao Yi.


    And after the rise of the Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Almost no one was willing to go to the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy, to say it was deserted would be an understatement.


    Sun Yao''s expression darkened, as he was someone with a strong desire to win.


    This was the case in the army.


    And it was even more so now that he was in control of the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy!


    Sun Yao snorted coldly and said indifferently, "I originally wanted to go to the Xiaoshanhe Institute to seek justice from Director Xiao, but when I heard you were at the Nangong Family residence, I hurried over. I wanted to ask Director Xiao how you plan to settle the matter of crippling the legs of my top general."


    "And how do you wish to settle it?" Xiao Yi looked at Sun Yao with amusement.


    Sun Yao''s gaze was icy, and he enunciated each word, "Whoever broke his legs should stand forward, kneel down before him, and apologize."


    Qin Li sat atop the carriage.


    His features twisted with callousness, he sneered viciously, "General Sun, it was Xiao Yi who broke my legs!"


    Sun Yao raised his eyebrows and stared coldly at Xiao Yi, "Kneel down and apologize!"


    "You''re asking me to kneel?"


    Xiao Yi''s mouth curled up slightly, his form leaning forward as he closed the distance between him and Sun Yao, and said deliberately, "You want me to kneel just like that... who the hell do you think you are?"

 Chapter 386 Kill with One Palm

    Xiao Yi looked at Sun Yao with an expressionless face.


    A chilling aura emanated from him, so intense that it was like a bone-piercing cold wind that instantly covered the entrance of the Nangong Family estate.


    All the strong ones standing close to Xiao Yi on the street shuddered uncontrollably under the assault of this cold wind, their faces turning pale.


    Especially Qin Li on top of the horse-drawn carriage, already badly wounded, he spat out a mouthful of fresh blood when faced with the cold momentum from Xiao Yi.


    He tumbled and scrambled down from the carriage.


    Supporting himself on his hands, he crawled desperately towards the distance.


    "General Qin..."


    "General Qin, please stop..."


    The several soldiers responsible for escorting Qin Li changed their expressions and quickly chased after him.


    But Qin Li was roaring in terror, "Don''t come near, Xiao Yi, don''t you come any closer..."


    His terrified posture was as if he had encountered a demon lord.


    A dark yellow liquid continuously flowed between his legs.


    As he kept crawling forward, a yellow stain dozens of meters long was dragged out on the ground, the foul smell of urine diffusing all around, making people frown.


    Sun Yao''s face was extremely unsightly.


    Qin Li was one of the four main lieutenants under his command, practically his right-hand man.


    But now...


    Qin Li had been scared into a frantic escape by Xiao Yi''s mere presence, like a dog that had lost its home.


    Many of the strong ones gathered around had already recognized Qin Li''s identity, looking at the disheveled figure and commenting, "Isn''t that Qin Li, one of the four great Vajra Subdues Demons under General Sun? What happened to him?" S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "To think he was called one of the four Vajra Subdues Demons with this behavior?"


    "If he can be one of the Vajra Subdues Demons like this, what kind of useless lot are the others around Sun Yao?"


    The whispers of the crowd were piercing to Sun Yao''s ears, like venomous steel needles stabbing into him!


    The four Vajra Subdues Demons.


    Each one had been carefully cultivated by him as his trusted aides.


    Over the years, Sun Yao had achieved great military feats with the four Vajra Subdues Demons, but now, Qin Li had turned all his years of hard work into nothing.


    "Disgraceful trash..." a hint of coldness flashed in Sun Yao''s eyes.


    A young man with a black whip at his waist and a black mask covering half of his face stepped forward and stood beside Sun Yao.


    Sun Yao said coldly, "Tie up this disgraceful trash!"


    "Yes!"


    This young man was Ghost God Whip Lin Xiao, a renowned expert comparable to Qin Li, one of the four Vajra Subdues Demons.


    Lin Xiao walked towards Qin Li.


    Whoosh!


    With a flick of the black whip, it coiled around Qin Li''s body, and with a vigorous tug, amid a whooshing sound of tearing the air, Qin Li was yanked back onto the carriage.


    With a light tap on Qin Li''s head, he fell unconscious.


    Having dealt with Qin Li,


    Lin Xiao then returned to stand silently beside Sun Yao, like a statue.


    Sun Yao looked at Xiao Yi expressionlessly; their previous two confrontations had ended in his defeat, and he had lost both Jiang Feng and Qin Li, his capable henchmen. However, his true motive for coming today was not to seek justice for Qin Li.


    With this thought,


    Sun Yao took a deep breath and said in a deep voice, "Xiao Yi, people are watching. I want to see just how long you can continue to be arrogant."


    "I''m afraid you won''t see me acting low-key in your lifetime!"


    Xiao Yi, impatient, waved his hand dismissively, "If you want revenge for Qin Li, bring it on. If not, then step aside; I didn''t come here for you today!"


    "Hmph!"


    Sun Yao''s face darkened, but he also knew he couldn''t prevail in a war of words and coldly said, "As for Qin Li, it was his bet with you beforehand, I can overlook that. However, the Nangong Family has already pledged allegiance to my Unparalleled War King''s Mansion; you cannot touch them!"


    This was Sun Yao''s purpose for coming.


    To prevent Xiao Yi from acting against the Nangong Family.


    To know...


    The four great noble families had always maintained neutrality between the royal family and the Unparalleled War King.


    Both the royal family and the Unparalleled War King were desperate to fully control the four families, a breakthrough had yet to be found. Now, the Nangong Family''s pill shop had closed down, and this fake medicine incident caused them heavy losses.


    They were truly desperate.


    Under normal circumstances...


    The Nangong Family''s first choice would undoubtedly have been Emperor Qian, but the relationship between Emperor Qian and Xiao Yi had led them to seek out the Unparalleled War King.


    For the Unparalleled War King, the Nangong Family was of great importance.


    As long as they held the Nangong Family firmly in their grip, they could then use them to infiltrate the Beitang Family.


    And thus, gained control over two of the four great families.


    That is precisely why...


    Sun Yao had appeared here.


    To prevent Xiao Yi from forcing the Nangong Family to honor their bet.


    Xiao Yi looked at Sun Yao with an indifferent gaze, the corners of his mouth lifted slightly, revealing a chilling, cold smile, "There''s a wager between Nangong Shengtian and me, on what basis do you say I can''t act, and I should heed your words?"


    Sun Yao, standing squarely in front of Xiao Yi, threatened with a chilly tone, "Xiao Yi, I advise you to think carefully before you speak. I''m here on behalf of the Unparalleled War King today."


    "The Unparalleled War King?"


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow.


    "Indeed!"


    Sun Yao folded his arms across his chest, his face displaying conceited pride.


    Within the Great Qian Dynasty, he was one of the two men with the greatest authority.


    A presence second only to the Emperor Qian!


    Who would dare not give him face?


    Sun Yao didn''t believe that Xiao Yi would dare to defy the Unparalleled War King.


    The multitude of powerful individuals from the Nangong Family behind Sun Yao all breathed sighs of relief, their looks towards Xiao Yi filled with mockery and scorn. Nangong Shengtian laughed heartily, feeling fortunate as if he had survived a great disaster, "Xiao Yi, weren''t you so arrogant? Dare you disobey the orders of the Unparalleled War King?"


    Sun Yao stood there complacent, fearless because of his backing.


    However...


    As they basked in their self-satisfaction, Xiao Yi let out a breath and responded indifferently, "I hadn''t expected the Nangong Family to already be under the command of the Unparalleled War King."


    "A fine bird chooses a tree to nest in, what''s wrong with that?"


    "With the support of the Unparalleled War King, even if those medicine shops don''t do business, we can still supply elixirs to the army under the Prince''s command. The Nangong Family will still stand tall!"


    "Xiao Yi, I''m afraid your plans will fall through!"


    The people of the Nangong Family spoke one after another, their words infused with triumph and provocation.


    Sun Yao slightly tilted his head, speaking indifferently, "By the Prince''s verbal decree, the bet between Xiao Yi and Nangong Shengtian is hereby nullified! Xiao Yi, you may leave now!"


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi let out a long sigh, shaking his head lightly, "Nangong Shengtian, since you insist on being dishonest and refuse to honor the bet, I guess I''ll have to settle this my own way!"


    "Hmm?"


    Nangong Shengtian startled.


    Sun Yao frowned, "Xiao Yi, did you not hear what I said? The Prince has ordered the cancellation of your bet with Nangong Shengtian, and you still refuse to see reason? Are you going to openly oppose the Prince?"


    "Heh, since the Unparalleled War King has given an order, naturally I''ll comply. The bet is cancelled indeed. However..."


    Xiao Yi''s mouth curved slightly upwards, looking at Sun Yao''s face with that smug and confident expression, he laughed coldly, "The Prince didn''t say I couldn''t seek revenge on Nangong Shengtian!"


    "Revenge?"


    Everyone was taken aback.


    Xiao Yi nodded and said, "On the day of my tribulation, Nangong Shengtian attempted to interfere with the Heavenly Tribulation, nearly causing my death beneath the tribulation lightning. This is a personal grudge, and even the Unparalleled War King has no right to intervene!"


    "Wait a minute..."


    Sun Yao suddenly spoke up, intent on intervening.


    But Xiao Yi''s figure had already disappeared in front of him like a phantom.


    Swish!


    "Be careful..."


    Sun Yao spun around sharply, looking towards Nangong Shengtian.


    At that moment, Nangong Shengtian, already incredibly weak, only realized what was happening when it was too late. He saw Xiao Yi appearing in front of him. As the hand descended from the air, Nangong Shengtian subconsciously brought his hands above his head to block.


    Bang!


    In a burst of cracking sounds,


    Nangong Shengtian''s arms shattered completely, a scream of agony escaping his lips.


    But that scream also abruptly ceased.


    There was only the humming sound of a dull thump.


    "Vajra Subdues Demons!"


    Xiao Yi''s palm fell like a small mountain, thundering down. Behind him, a surge of golden light spread out as if he were a Wrathful Vajra, his huge surge of qi manifested in his palm, which slammed down onto Nangong Shengtian with a thud, covering him completely.


    Hiss!


    All was silent between heaven and earth.


    When the dust settled, Xiao Yi landed back in front of Sun Yao.


    In the very spot where the palm had struck, a massive palm imprint lay on the ground.


    At the center of the palm imprint,


    A mass of pulped flesh was intermixed with blood, a ghastly sight...

 Chapter 387 The Most Shameless

    Quiet.


    Deathly quiet!


    In front of the vast estate of the Nangong Family, silence reigned; not a sound could be heard. Everyone watched agape as Nangong Shengtian lay on the ground, reduced to a pile of mangled flesh.


    This was the revered elder of the Nangong Family, and even more so, a powerful entity of the sixth level of the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    Even though he was extremely weak at the moment.


    But not even an entity of the Dharma Manifestation Realm could have so easily taken his life like this!


    "You, you..."


    Sun Yao looked at Xiao Yi, disbelief written all over his face, his eyes flickering with astonishment, truly unable to believe that this scene before him was real.


    Nangong Shengji was also dumbstruck.


    Xiao Yi had acted too quickly.


    So quickly that even he, a being at the Dharma Phase Realm Peak, had not had time to react, watching as Nangong Shengtian died right before his eyes. Even though he had resolved earlier that he could sacrifice Nangong Shengtian to preserve the Nangong Family,


    after Sun Yao appeared and revealed that the Nangong Family had already submitted to the Unparalleled War King''s Mansion.


    Nangong Shengji felt that Nangong Shengtian''s life was saved.


    Even if this meant they would stand in opposition to the royal family, with the might of the Unparalleled War King, they could well protect the Nangong Family without worry. After all, that was an existence second only to Emperor Qian in the entire Great Qian Dynasty.


    Holding sway over millions of elite troops.


    Among the ten chief commanders in the army, six were his direct disciples.


    Not to mention Xiao Yi, even Emperor Qian would find it difficult to move against the Nangong Family at this time.


    It was because of this...


    Nangong Shengji had never guarded against Xiao Yi.


    "Xiao Yi, you''re courting death!" Nangong Shengji''s eyes turned blood-red, the crimson pupils swallowing a savage cold light that threatened to devour its prey.


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow, looking disdainfully at Nangong Shengji, "Paying debts is a matter of principle. Since Nangong Shengtian refused to honor the bet, taking his life to settle the debt is only right, isn''t it?"


    "Ridiculous justification!"


    Nangong Shengji snorted coldly, his aura surging violently. "Even if Emperor Qian himself comes today, he won''t be able to save you!"


    "Hmph!"


    Nalan Qianqiu, standing beside Xiao Yi, suddenly let out a cold snort, her aura bursting forth unrestrained, as her icy gaze locked onto Nangong Shengji, "With Master this Pavilion Master here, you''ll never touch a hair on Xiao''s head!"


    "You..."


    Nangong Shengji''s complexion shifted slightly.


    Nalan Qianqiu was also a being at the Dharma Phase Realm Peak, and furthermore, Qianqiu possessed a Fire Spirit Physique, which, while not as immaculate as a Sacred Body, was still immensely powerful.


    She could even summon earth''s fire to transform into a flaming giant.


    Her combat power was incomparably fierce.


    Even with equal Cultivation Realm, Nangong Shengji was not sure he could defeat Nalan Qianqiu.


    For a time.


    Nangong Shengji''s expressions changed unpredictably, but he also held off on making a move for the moment.


    Sun Yao, however, had no such reservations. He let out a cold huff, his figure suddenly tensed, and he charged toward Xiao Yi. In an instant, Sun Yao had reached Xiao Yi, his hand outstretched in the air, sending a chill piercing through space.


    Sun Yao''s cultivation was also strong, having reached the Dharma Manifestation Realm fifth-level peak.


    Moreover, he had long been positioned in command of the military.


    Hardened in countless battles.


    He had cultivated a formidable combat strength, capable of battling even a seventh-level Dharma Manifestation Realm opponent.


    Confident in his mighty combat ability.


    Even after witnessing Xiao Yi kill Nangong Shengtian, Sun Yao did not take him seriously: "Destroying Army Finger!"


    Hum!


    Cold light condensed on his right forefinger, bursting forth like a pillar.


    Green auras coiled around the cold light, like a massive green serpent entwining itself around the column. Spinning like a top, it generated a howling gale, whistling sharply as it lunged forward.


    The piercing chill approached, and the sweeping cold wind felt as sharp as knives on the skin, causing stinging pain.


    "Be careful!"


    Nalan Qianqiu''s expression abruptly changed.


    Nangong Shengji sneered and waved, creating a blue aura barrier in front of Qianqiu, blocking her path and laughing coldly, "Master Nalan, don''t forget I''m also here!"


    "You..."


    Nalan Qianqiu''s pupils suddenly constricted, a trace of annoyance flashing across his face.


    Nangong Shengji, brimming with pride, said, "With me here, don''t even think about lifting a finger to help him." S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    At the same time...


    The mightily impressive finger, seemingly about to land on Xiao Yi, condensed horrifying destructive power. If it were to strike, even a seventh-layer master of the Dharma Manifestation Realm might face the danger of falling.


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes into a slit, a flash of silver light streaking across his dark and profound pupils.


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi''s right hand traced an arc of light out of thin air.


    Vital energy gathered into a silver ring, positioned in front of him. With a hissing sound, it encircled that sharp finger. Then Xiao Yi clenched his hand and shouted, "Vajra Vanquishing Demons!"


    Hum!


    The silver ring, like a Subduing Demons Ring, suddenly tightened, firmly trapping the sharp finger light.


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi slammed his palm towards the ground with force.


    Bang!


    The finger light suddenly struck the ground, and a thunderous boom followed, as the ground cracked open. As Xiao Yi retracted his hand, capturing the Subduing Demon Ring and stepping back, it was as if a dragon raced below the surface of the earth.


    Boom, boom, boom!


    Wherever it passed, the ground rose up, and a series of stones and sand flew about.


    After a good fifteen meters...


    Xiao Yi stepped back. With a humming sound, a column of earth burst forth from the ground, the violent energy finally dissipating. Xiao Yi''s mouth curved up in a smirk, standing atop the earthen pillar, looking down at Sun Yao: "Great General of the frontier army, is that all you''ve got?"


    "Damn it!"


    Sun Yao bellowed with rage.


    Before his words were finished...


    He was already in front of Xiao Yi, grasping at the air with one hand, and with a crisp buzzing sound.


    A streak of cold light burst forth from the storage ring on his finger.


    It was a silver long spear.


    With the long spear in hand, the cold air was biting.


    The silver long spear, reflecting blinding silver light, vibrated, emitting a humming sound. Holding the spear with one hand and standing on air, Sun Yao looked like an unrivaled War God.


    Sun Yao, with his bright eyes, fixed his gaze firmly on Xiao Yi, towering with war intent: "Xiao Yi, if you kneel and beg for mercy now, I can spare your life. Otherwise, don''t blame me if the weapons are ruthless and I can''t guarantee your safety!"


    "Kneel to you..."


    Xiao Yi suddenly caught a glimpse of Sun Yao''s lips, the almost imperceptible smirk and the sneer of conspiracy.


    His heart skipped a beat.


    Subconsciously, he looked behind him.


    Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a black flash coming at great speed¡ªit was a black arrow. Exquisitely forged, so silent when cutting through the air that not a sound could be heard.


    Ding!


    With a sharp sound...


    The black arrow struck Xiao Yi, who staggered and fell from the sky, crashing to the ground with a thud.


    "What?"


    "That, that''s the Silent Arrow, commonly used by assassins in the army?"


    Everyone was flabbergasted.


    Following the trajectory of the Silent Arrow, they saw Lin Xiao, his face expressionless, slowly retracting a crossbow. The arrow that struck was his doing.


    Nalan Qianqiu''s eyes were bloodshot as he roared, "Sun Yao, how dare you use a sneak attack?"


    "A sneak attack? This is called military strategy. When I gallop across the battlefield, I don''t rely solely on brute force, but more on this..."


    Sun Yao pointed to his head, saying disdainfully, "Why wade through a life and death struggle when you can conquer without fighting? Look, without mobilizing a single soldier, I''ve taken care of Xiao Yi!"


    Seeing the complacency and confidence on his face, there was not even a hint of shame for using a hidden weapon.


    This made Nalan Qianqiu''s eyes burn with fury as he kept shouting, "Shameless, outrageously shameless..."


    "Shameless? Hmph, as long as victory is achieved in the end, what does it matter the means used? Don''t forget, history is written by the victor..."


    Sun Yao sneered, unmoved by Nalan Qianqiu''s accusations, instead he turned to Lin Xiao not far off, "Lin Xiao, aren''t you going to check on our dear Director Xiao? Let''s not let him die too easily!"


    "Yes!"


    Lin Xiao put away the crossbow, holding a long knife, and walked towards Xiao Yi...

 Chapter 388 Who Won?

    Lin Xiao''s face was icy cold, like a callous killing machine.


    He walked straight up to Xiao Yi.


    The longsword in his hand gleamed with a chilling, icy light. With a deadpan expression, he looked at Xiao Yi like he was merely an ant, "My Silent Arrow is coated with a deadly poison that seals the throat upon contact with blood. Even masters of the Dharma Manifestation Realm will meet their death if they''re hit, you..."


    Before he could finish,


    Lin Xiao felt a blur before his eyes.


    Xiao Yi, who had been lying motionless on the ground, suddenly disappeared from sight.


    "Not good!"


    Lin Xiao''s face instantly changed.


    Having always followed at Sun Yao''s side and having experienced many battles, he had a strong instinctual sense of danger.


    Almost at the same time,


    Lin Xiao dodged to one side.


    But Xiao Yi''s cold sneer reached his ears, "It''s already too late!"


    Buzz!


    Xiao Yi''s palm suddenly loomed large in his pupils, grabbing Lin Xiao''s face and with a fierce surge of strength, he slammed Lin Xiao''s entire body toward the ground.


    Boom!


    Lin Xiao let out a muffled groan as his head struck the ground.


    With one hand pressing on Lin Xiao''s face, Xiao Yi charged forward, dragging Lin Xiao''s head across the ground like a shovel tearing up the earth.


    Dust flew up, and rocks scattered in all directions.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    A vicious trail was left dozens of meters behind Xiao Yi.


    A silvery light flowed within the palm of his hand, as surging Qi converged there, transforming into a silver ball of energy. With a dull buzzing sound, the ball expanded and finally exploded with a loud boom.


    The energy ball completely enveloped Lin Xiao''s body.


    Boom!


    The terrible energy surrounded Lin Xiao, as if countless palms were ripping apart his body from every direction, tearing it to shreds.


    His body disintegrated into a shower of blood and flesh.


    A prominent general at the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm was utterly erased from this world!


    All this happened in the blink of an eye.


    Even Sun Yao could not react in time.


    By the time he came to his senses,


    Lin Xiao was already dead at Xiao Yi''s hands. Sun Yao''s pupils shrank in disbelief as he looked at Xiao Yi, "This is impossible... Weren''t you hit by the Silent Arrow? Lin Xiao''s Silent Arrow has never missed its target, you..."


    Xiao Yi slowly came to his senses.


    He cracked a smile.


    Between his teeth was a black arrow.


    In that critical moment...


    Xiao Yi caught the Silent Arrow, capable of assassinating Dharma Manifestation Realm masters, with his teeth.


    Hiss!


    Sun Yao drew in a sharp breath.


    The Silent Arrow was their military''s secret weapon, fatal upon drawing blood, never known to fail.


    Against all odds, without any defense, Xiao Yi managed to catch the arrow with his teeth, something utterly inconceivable.


    Phew! S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi spat out the Silent Arrow with a flick of his mouth, and with a swoosh, it struck Sun Yao''s mount, a Fifth Layer Advanced Magical Beast Flying Dragon Colt. With a pitiful neigh, the colt collapsed to the side.


    The deadly poison on the Silent Arrow sealed the throat upon contact with blood.


    Even the Flying Dragon Colt, comparable to the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm, succumbed to the poison and died instantly.


    Hiss!


    Everyone watched in horror at the scene.


    When Sun Yao used the Silent Arrow to launch a sneak attack earlier, people felt he was despicable, and when faced with Nalan Qianqiu''s questioning, Sun Yao justified it saying that in war, deceit is not uncommon, making everyone think of him as shameless.


    But now...


    People''s impression of Sun Yao had turned exceedingly vile.


    How could mere despicable and shameless describe him?


    He was a ruthless, treacherous villain!


    "Who would have thought Sun Yao was such a person?"


    "He is still the head of Shanhe Martial Arts Academy. What future can the academy have under the leadership of such a person?"


    "I heard that the Unparalleled War King''s Mansion is the backer of Xue Yilou, which is full of assassins who lurk in the shadows, assassinating with treacherous means. It''s no surprise Sun Yao would employ such methods!"


    Listening to the discussions of the people, Sun Yao''s face turned shades of green and white.


    If his sneak attack had killed Xiao Yi,


    it would have been a case of the victor being the king and the defeated the bandit.


    No one would have dared to blame him one bit.


    But now...


    His sneak attack had not been successful. Instead, his favorite underling had been killed by Xiao Yi, the poisoning on the Silent Arrow had been exposed, and it was a failed surprise attack from the shadows.


    In such a situation,


    the image of Sun Yao in the eyes of the public had become synonymous with a sly and shameless villain.


    Whoosh!


    With a gloomy gaze, Sun Yao looked at Xiao Yi and said ominously, "Xiao Yi, knowing full well that the Nangong Family has submitted to my Unparalleled War King''s Mansion, you still dared to publicly kill Nangong Shengtian. Now, you''ve even killed my beloved subordinate. This is nothing short of contempt and provocation towards my War King''s Mansion. Today, even if I kill you in the street, no one can say a bad word against me!"


    "Kill me? That will depend on whether you have the ability!" Xiao Yi said with a cold laugh.


    Back in the imperial garden,


    Sun Yao had provoked him time and time again.


    Today,


    he even wanted to put him to death.


    How could Xiao Yi tolerate this?


    "Seeking death!"


    Sun Yao leaped into the air, rising instantly into the sky.


    The black aura around him rose and sank, and in his hands, a silver longspear stood across the sky, its icy edge flickering at the tip like a cold venomous snake, baring its sharp fangs.


    Hiss!


    The longspear suddenly swept up, turning into a silver gleam that shot forth.


    In the blink of an eye, it was in front of Xiao Yi.


    The silver spear light obscured the surroundings, casting layers upon layers of silver light and shadow, surging unceasingly and turning into a massive silver wave. The wave, dozens of feet high, rushed towards him with overwhelming momentum, making the numerous buildings below tremble violently,


    as if they could be shattered at any moment.


    Xiao Yi stood proudly on the ground.


    He looked up slightly,


    watching the overwhelming spear shadows approaching, with a slight upward curve of his lips, he extended his right hand towards the void and beckoned, "Sword come!"


    Swish!


    Countless auras condensed into his palm.


    The wind roared, and lightning flashed with thunderous might.


    A longsword, formed from the cyan wind and purple-gold thunder, landed in his hand. This longsword was conjured by Xiao Yi using the force of heaven and earth along with his aura.


    Holding the longsword in one hand, he slashed forward, "Parting the White Egret Islets with Indifferent Waters!"


    Hum!


    Multiple sword shadows flew out from the longsword.


    As the endless sword shadows overlapped and merged with each other, they formed a tremendous sword shadow dozens of feet in length.


    Boom!


    Wind and thunder enveloped the sword shadow.


    The howling wind and shaking thunder cracked the sky.


    With one stroke of the sword,


    the sky full of spear shadows was cleaved in half, the terrible noise deafening, roaring continuously. A dazzling white light forced the crowd of onlookers to instinctively close their eyes.


    "It''s so blinding... can someone tell me what just happened?"


    "Who won? Who''s the victor?"


    In a chorus of astonished cries,


    one could only hear a thunderous noise from the heavens, followed by the pervasive blinding light disappearing in an instant. Amongst the whistling sound of something slicing through the air, a figure was flung backward out of the vast whiteness.


    As they regained their sight, everyone hurriedly looked towards the shadow...


    "Who won?"

 Chapter 389 The War Kings Command

    ```


    "Who won?"


    The crowd looked towards the figure that was sent flying.


    This figure had flown out for a few hundred meters before it managed to stop midair with difficulty, holding a silver spear, as fresh red blood flowed down the shaft of the spear.


    Like a ferocious blood-red little snake, it coiled around the spear.


    Drip drop, drip drop!


    The blood fell, crystal clear, like rubies, emanating a powerful and pure energy.


    Practitioners at the Dharma Manifestation Realm had already harnessed a force of heaven and earth, using the Dharma Manifestation as the core to turn their bodies into a mini-universe of sorts with the element of Qi circulating on its own.


    At every moment, they were transforming their flesh and bodies.


    Allowing their bodies to continuously evolve.


    Becoming increasingly powerful.


    Their every drop of blood was a panacea, which, if consumed by mortals, could prolong life.


    And this figure...


    Was none other than the illustrious General Sun Yao.


    Sun Yao gasped for breath, and from the corner of his eyes caught a glimpse of a hideous sword wound on his shoulder - it was particularly glaring. Under the overwhelming barrage of spear shadows, Xiao Yi had sliced with a single sword stroke, and the dreadful Sword Qi even cut open his arm.


    It should be known...


    The distance between the two was over a hundred meters.


    Xiao Yi''s Sword Qi could still wound him from across that distance. Had they fought in close quarters, Sun Yao could hardly imagine what state he would be in now. His look towards Xiao Yi grew more solemn, "How can he be so strong? A mere Eighth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm, and he managed to wound me? Even Tianjiaao, when he was at the Tao Tribulation Realm, wasn''t this strong, right?"


    Xiao Tianjiao.


    He was universally recognized as the top talent of the Great Qian Dynasty.


    Sun Yao had practiced in the same sect as Xiao Tianjiao and was also a loyal follower of Xiao Tianjiao, fully aware of how terrifying he was.


    But even as powerful as Xiao Tianjiao was in the Tao Tribulation Realm, his combat prowess was definitely not as fearsome as Xiao Yi''s!


    "Daring to lose focus during our fight?" Xiao Yi''s voice, ghost-like, suddenly appeared in his ear, startling Sun Yao into a pale face.


    Subconsciously, he raised his silver spear and drew a beautiful arc beside him.


    He pushed the circular arc forward.


    Circle upon circle.


    Dozens of circular spear arcs stacked upon each other, lunging towards the sword light stabbing from Xiao Yi. A series of crisp ''bang bang bang'' sounds followed. The round spear arcs, one after another, burst apart.


    Xiao Yi''s sword in his hand was invincible, indestructible.


    Everywhere it passed...


    Everything was slashed to pieces.


    Amidst the thundering energy and the ear-splitting noise, Xiao Yi''s figure once again shifted, appearing above Sun Yao''s head. A glint flashed in Sun Yao''s eyes: "Straight to the heart!"


    Whoosh!


    His body suddenly halted, and as he tightened grip on his spear, he stabbed towards Xiao Yi.


    The spear thrust was like a venomous dragon across the sky.


    Hum!


    The silver spear tore through the air, unstoppable. Faced with the sudden thrust, Xiao Yi remained calm and composed, merely tapping a toe in the void, landing with a ''clang'' on the tip of the spear.


    Ripples like those on water spread outward.


    That seemingly casual tap from Xiao Yi added a weight to the silver spear, as if it had increased by tens of times in an instant. With a heavy ''boom'', the spear fell towards the ground.


    And with it, Sun Yao''s body plummeted like a falling star towards the earth.


    "Damn it!"


    Sun Yao''s descent was extremely fast. Clenching the silver spear in his right hand, he struck the ground with his left palm.


    An endless stream of Qi was struck towards the ground repeatedly.


    Using the resistance to stabilize his form, Sun Yao caught a glimpse of Xiao Yi following closely behind him, and the corners of Sun Yao''s mouth lifted in a hideous cold smile: "Turnabout Spear!"


    Whoosh!


    His swiftly falling figure abruptly stopped in the void.


    Sun Yao turned the direction of his spear, stabbing it straight towards the pursuing Xiao Yi from behind.


    The Turnabout Spear was sudden.


    Xiao Yi was close on his heels.


    In a back and forth encounter.


    It was like a needle pointing at a stalk of wheat, coming head-to-head, seemingly about to collide with the tip of the spear. Excitement appeared on Sun Yao''s face, as the Qi in his body boiled, bubbling with sound.


    In an instant, silver Qi covered his arm, spreading along the spear.


    Whoosh!


    ```


    The spear''s radiance swelled continuously.


    Like a torrent of silver flames, it surged forth. The surrounding space quivered visibly, as if it was about to be torn apart by the sharp spear''s glow.


    "This is bad!"


    "Xiao is in danger..."


    Ning Luo and Nalan Qianqiu exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with shock.


    Just as Nalan Qianqiu was about to take action, Nangong Shengji, who had been eagerly waiting for Xiao Yi to be unable to dodge the attack, snorted coldly. He leaped forward, his Yuan Qi undulating around him, transforming into a stream of Yuan Qi that blocked Nalan Qianqiu''s path. "It''s against the rules for you to intervene in the juniors'' fight!"


    "You..."


    Nalan Qianqiu was shaking with fury but was helpless.


    Nangong Shengji was on par with him in strength, and if he insisted on stopping her, there was nothing Nalan Qianqiu could do.


    In the blink of an eye.


    The silver spear''s glow was already half a foot from Xiao Yi''s face, the chilling sharpness contorting his entire face as if being pressed out of shape. In the critical moment between life and death, Xiao Yi suddenly shouted a low roar, "Shatter!"


    Hum!


    At that moment, the world seemed to freeze.


    Everything was as if petrified.


    The wind stopped, the clouds solidified, and everyone was eerily still.


    Immediately following...


    A terrifying sound wave, bolstered by Yuan Qi, blasted out. As it passed, the silver spear''s glow began to crumble amidst a series of cracking sounds and disintegrate into powder.


    Turning into a sky full of silver dust, it fluttered down like a heavy snow of goose feathers.


    Yet the sound wave did not stop.


    Hum hum hum!


    In an instant, the rolling sound waves engulfed Sun Yao.


    Waah!


    Instinctively, Sun Yao covered his ears, his eyes bulging with terror and his pupils rapidly contracting. Almost at the same time, Xiao Yi flipped in the air. His right leg whipped out like a long lash towards Sun Ao''s head.


    Bang!


    Sun Yao''s body shuddered as he was sent flying by Xiao Yi''s strike.


    Like a falling star, he plummeted rapidly towards the ground. Stay connected via My Virtual Library Empire


    "Not good!"


    Nangong Shengji''s complexion changed dramatically, and even his usually indifferent gaze became solemn and filled with worry at this moment.


    He had just joined General Yong Wu''s ranks; he absolutely couldn''t let Sun Yao die before his eyes.


    With that thought.


    Nangong Shengji was about to leap into action when suddenly a figure appeared in front of him¡ªthe one who acted was Nalan Qianqiu. His face bore a mocking smirk. "Intervening in the juniors'' fight isn''t appropriate, is it?"


    "You..."


    Nangong Shengji''s face turned green with anger.


    Moments ago, he used the same words to prevent Nalan Qianqiu from helping Xiao Yi, and now Nalan Qianqiu was using them against him.


    This left Nangong Shengji saddened and infuriated but powerless!


    All he could do was watch Sun Yao anxiously.


    Sun Yao, proving to be tough as a soldier, quickly recovered. He slapped the ground repeatedly with his hands. Breaths of Yuan Qi pulsated outwards, beating against the ground over and over, creating enough reverse thrust to considerably slow his fall.


    Plop!


    The moment he landed, Sun Yao bounced up and shot to the side. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But just as he was about to rise again...


    Xiao Yi had already caught up, and with a swipe, a sweeping force struck Sun Ao''s waist, sending him flying once more.


    Whoosh!


    Hugging the ground, Sun Yao flew over thirty meters. A dark shadow suddenly flicked past before him, and in just a moment, it had surpassed him, appearing overhead. Intuitively, Sun Yao looked forward, only to see Xiao Yi waiting with a playful look on his face.


    Watching helplessly as Xiao Yi raised his arms over his head, fists together, ready to smash down.


    "No..."


    Sun Yao''s eyes were wide with veins popping; despair filled his gaze.


    Death approached relentlessly.


    But just at this critical juncture...


    Whoosh!


    A black shadow shot through the sky.


    With a snap, it coiled around Sun Yao''s waist, and in a whoosh, yanked him out of harm''s way just as Xiao Yi''s punch hit nothing but air. As everyone looked on in confusion, a cold voice suddenly rang out from nearby, "By the order of General Yong Wu..."

 Chapter 390 Black and White Shuangsha

    "The War King has decreed that the Nangong Family is under the command of the Unparalleled War King''s Mansion. Anyone who dares to move against the Nangong Family is an enemy of the War King''s Mansion. Xiao Yi, the War King''s verbal order states that your feud with the Nangong Family is to be settled once and for all. If you remain obstinate..."


    A cold voice exploded in his ears, deafening like thunder, "No mercy will be shown!"


    All eyes followed the sound.


    A man and a woman were riding on dragon steeds, looking down at Xiao Yi from a high vantage point, their faces cold. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The two of them were dressed in black and white.


    Each wore black armored battle gear.


    The man in white had a face like a fine jade, wore a purple-gold crown, and held a feather fan in his hand, his manner graceful and poised.


    The woman in black had a solemn face, with a striking red birthmark on the left side, making her appear rather fierce. She held a purple-black long whip in her hand, and it was this very whip that had snatched Sun Yao away from the brink of death.


    "The Black and White Shuangsha?"


    "The Black-clad woman, Yama, and the White-clad funeral envoy... They are the personal guards of the Unparalleled War King, both are at the Seventh Layer of the Dharma Manifestation Realm. I didn''t expect that both of them would actually make an appearance!"


    "It looks like Xiao Yi is in big trouble..."


    Shock was evident on everyone''s faces.


    Ning Luo and Nalan Qianqiu wore solemn expressions, appearing beside Xiao Yi, guarding him on his left and right, their eyes filled with intense vigilance.


    Ning Luo lowered his voice and said gravely, "Xiao, these two are not to be trifled with. Let''s withdraw for now!"


    Xiao Yi''s eyes narrowed into slits as he sized up the two of them.


    Ever since he found out that the Nangong Family had allied themselves with the Unparalleled War King''s Mansion, he had anticipated that someone from the mansion would take action, even imagining that the Unparalleled War King himself might intervene.


    But he hadn''t expected...


    That the other side would send two trusted aides instead.


    Sun Yao, having finally caught his breath, glared at Xiao Yi with venomous hatred in his eyes, his hands clenched tightly, cracking sounds emanating from them, while the surrounding air vibrated with his fury, emitting a series of sonic booms.


    Whoosh!


    Grinding his teeth, Sun Yao commanded, "Black and White Envoys, kill him for me, kill him!"


    The female Yama frowned and cast a displeased look at Sun Yao, saying, "General Sun, mind your status. You represent the face of the War King''s Mansion."


    The figure in white, the funeral envoy, gently waved his feather fan, lifting a few strands of hair at his temples, and smiled, "As men of the Unparalleled War King''s Mansion, how could we lose our composure so?"


    "You are right in your admonishments!"


    Faced with their reprimands, the once-arrogant Sun Yao trembled all over but dared not show any sign of dissent.


    He was merely the War King''s son-in-law.


    These two, on the other hand, had been the War King''s absolute confidants for over a hundred years. Despite being offered the position of Great General by Emperor Qian, they had refused it.


    Offending the War King, he could still survive on account of being the son-in-law.


    But offending these two meant a certain dead end!


    With this thought...


    Sun Yao suppressed the anger in his heart and said sternly, "Honored ones, this scoundrel is extremely arrogant. I had already informed him that the Nangong Family has joined the ranks of the War King''s Mansion, yet he still killed Nangong Shengtian in front of me. Lin Xiao was also killed by him. If not for your timely intervention, I too would have died by his hand..."


    "You had already informed him that the Nangong Family is subordinate to the War King''s Mansion?" the funeral envoy in white frowned and asked.


    Sun Yao nodded his head.


    Glancing at the two, he noticed a slight hint of cold murderous intent on their faces.


    Feeling relieved inside, Sun Yao looked at Xiao Yi with a schadenfreude expression, thinking: Xiao Yi, oh Xiao Yi, aren''t you done for now? These two take the honor of the War King''s Mansion more seriously than their own lives!


    Indeed...


    The female Yama let out a cold harrumph, her icy gaze landing on Xiao Yi as she said deliberately, "Xiao Yi, you knew full well that the Nangong Family has been taken under the War King''s Mansion''s command, yet you still dared to strike against them. This is a provocation against the bottom line of the War King''s Mansion." Your next journey awaits at My Virtual Library Empire


    The pallbearer in white appeared elegant and graceful, but the sharpness in his voice was like a knife to the skin, sending chills down one''s spine, "Now you have two paths before you, one, go to the War King''s Mansion and kneel for three days and three nights to show your repentance. Two, the two of us will break your arms and legs, take you to the front of the mansion, and make you kneel for three days and three nights before letting you leave. Choose for yourself!"


    Sun Yao''s face was filled with schadenfreude as he said in a mocking tone, "This is the price you pay for offending the War King''s Mansion!"


    Every strong member of the Nangong Family showed an excited look on their faces.


    Before this.


    They had been overwhelmed by Xiao Yi, and the Nangong Family''s recent troubles had not been unrelated to Xiao Yi.


    Their hatred for Xiao Yi was sky-high!


    Now.


    Seeing Xiao Yi facing the pressure from Black and White Shuangsha, they felt an indescribable pleasure, secretly hoping that Xiao Yi would resist the two, so that his arms and legs could be broken, or even be killed on the spot!


    After all.


    The Nangong Family did not dare to kill Xiao Yi openly, as they feared providing Emperor Qian with a handle against them.


    But the Unparalleled War King''s Mansion didn''t have such fears!


    "Kill him!"


    "This bastard caused us to fall into such a state; he must die!"


    Under the gaze of everyone, Xiao Yi''s mouth twitched slightly, revealing a playful cold smile as he said indifferently, "I choose the third option!"


    "Huh?"


    The woman dressed in black, Yama, was startled and frowned, "Where is a third option for you to choose?"


    Sun Yao mocked, "Xiao Yi, you haven''t been scared stupid, have you? We only gave you two choices, where did the third come from?"


    "This third option is the choice I''m giving you!"


    Xiao Yi leaned slightly forward, the dust under his feet suddenly dispersing in all directions, a trace of indifference flashing in his eyes like a hungry wolf eyeing a flock of lambs.


    Under this predatory gaze.


    Even Black and White Shuangsha, used to big scenes, couldn''t help but exchange glances.


    They had never seen a younger generation maintain such composure against them.


    What was more important...


    Xiao Yi was only at the Eighth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm!


    The two exchanged glances.


    The hoarse voice of the woman in black, Yama, sounded, "Oh? I''m curious, what choice are you giving us?"


    "Scram quickly! Or else..."


    Xiao Yi''s voice paused, looking at the suddenly darkened faces of the duo, he continued, "Be buried here!"


    Boom!


    Boom!


    As these four words were uttered, two claps of thunder suddenly sounded from the horizon.


    Purple-gold thunder descended from the sky, and a thick layer of dark clouds appeared out of nowhere in the clear blue sky, making the atmosphere grow particularly heavy and oppressive.


    "..."


    All the strong ones around held their breath, not daring to let out the slightest sound.


    Everyone''s gaze swept back and forth between Xiao Yi and Black and White Shuangsha, finally settling on Black and White Shuangsha, the duo notorious for following the Unparalleled War King, capable of silencing a child''s night cries and striking terror into countless people''s hearts.


    Facing Xiao Yi''s threat, what choice would they ultimately make?

 Chapter 391 Six-Word Mantra Breaks the Devils Sound

    The Black and White Shuangsha exchanged glances.


    In the Great Qian Dynasty, both were notorious for their ferocity, credited with the ability to silence a child''s cries in the night.


    Like death gods incarnate.


    Apart from the unrivaled War King Yang Huanyu, there was no one who dared to treat them with such disrespect. Xiao Yi''s words had completely enraged them. In their eyes, a cold light flickered as if swallowing and spitting venom, while the woman clad in black, Yama, rolled her throat, emitting a chilling chattering laugh.


    This grating laughter became louder and more piercing.


    Invisibly.


    It was already making numerous powerful figures feel their scalps tingle, their body hair standing on end.


    It was as if this were a summoning of demons.


    With the sound came the awakening of countless devils, rushing into their bodies, relentlessly tearing at everyone''s soul. Amidst agonizing, heart-wrenching pain, the people''s complexions turned deathly pale.


    They clutched their heads, gripping their hair tightly, their features twisted, their expressions hideous, "It hurts, it hurts so much..."


    "What is this sound? So terrifying, I feel like I''m being torn apart..."


    "Run..."


    Watching the mighty warriors on Vermilion Bird Avenue in unbearable pain, fleeing in embarrassment.


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow, a hint of amused cold laughter on his face, "Phantom Demon Heavenly Sound? I didn''t expect that someone would still know this long-lost Sound Wave Martial Technique, it seems your fortune hasn''t been shallow!"


    Phantom Demon Heavenly Sound.


    A supreme class within the six-rank martial techniques, it was an extremely rare Sound Wave Martial Technique.


    Legend has it...


    There was once an unparalleled swordsman, deeply versed in the way of musical rhythm.


    He also possessed a voice like the music of heaven.


    But.


    In the end, due to the betrayal of a loved one, and even being poisoned in his food, although he managed to survive by virtue of his powerful cultivation, his voice was ruined. In his sorrow, this being used his hoarse and unpleasant voice to create the Phantom Demon Heavenly Sound.


    Such a martial technique could evoke the most evil demon within a person''s heart.


    Killing people invisibly!


    "Hmm?"


    Yama''s eyes sharpened, looking at Xiao Yi with interest, "I didn''t think that someone as young as you would be able to discern that this is the Phantom Demon Heavenly Sound?"


    "Just a mere Sound Wave Martial Technique, and it''s not only you who know it!"


    Xiao Yi shook his head and chuckled.


    He had received Dao Yan''s inheritance, mastering countless martial techniques and cultivation techniques.


    Sound Wave Martial Techniques!


    The number he possessed was no less than what could be counted on both hands.


    "You also master Sound Wave Martial Techniques? Truly laughable!"


    Yama let out a snort of disdain, confidently declaring, "In the vast Great Qian Dynasty, apart from myself, no one else has mastered a Sound Wave Martial Technique."


    These Sound Wave Martial Techniques had been lost for many years, plus they were extremely difficult to cultivate. She did not believe that Xiao Yi could understand and master one as well.


    "Xiao Yi, prepare to die!"


    Yama''s voice rolled thunderously, becoming more piercing, deafening to the ear.


    Swish swish swish!


    In these invisible sound waves, the vibration of the sound shifted the air, turning it into blades of compressed wind, like a rain of swords that flew towards Xiao Yi''s face.


    The fierce wind howled, the terrible sound waves stirring up a wild gale, lifting layer upon layer of stone tiles from the ground.


    Dust flew everywhere, stones scattered across the sky.


    Grasses and trees on either side were uprooted, crashing down towards Xiao Yi in a frenzy.


    Standing amidst the furious wind, Xiao Yi remained unmoved, standing tall and proud like a Cangsong pine, resolute as a divine sword. His hands suddenly joined together in front of him, his golden Qi swirling around him, a golden sun forming behind him.


    His body was submerged in golden light, as if adorned by the shadow of Buddha.


    With the majesty of the treasure''s appearance.


    Xiao Yi suddenly opened his eyes, enunciating each word as they reverberated like a great bell, thunderous and resounding through the heavens, "Om Mani Padme Hum!"


    The Buddhist Six Syllable Mantra!


    Among the many Sound Wave Martial Techniques passed down through his lineage, it was ranked among the top five.


    As the phrase was uttered, all laws of nature followed suit.


    As if the Buddha himself had descended to the mortal realm!


    Boom!


    Invisibly, the six characters swept up a sky full of golden light, surging upward, causing the raging winds swirling around to abruptly halt. A peaceful and sacred aura enveloped everyone present.


    Facing the heart-wrenching pain and severe headaches induced by the Phantom Demon Heavenly Sound, all completely vanished with the arrival of this sound.


    "What is this sound?"


    "My head, it stopped hurting?" Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Xiao Yi, it''s Xiao Yi helping us..."


    Everyone''s gaze turned uniformly toward Xiao Yi.


    The normally indifferent and indifferent Lady Yama watched as her seemingly invincible Phantom Demon Heavenly Sound was easily dispelled by Xiao Yi, and her complexion violently changed.


    Immediately following...


    Lady Yama shuddered, her eyes opening wide in fury as she turned deathly pale and vomited a mouthful of fresh blood.


    The fresh blood formed a mist in the air.


    Unyielding.


    Wa!


    Lady Yama kept spewing blood continuously from her mouth, and blood began to stream from her seven facial orifices as well, her form staggering almost to the point of falling from mid-air.


    "My lady!"


    The White-robed Enforcer''s face violently changed, hastily supporting Lady Yama, full of worry in his eyes, "My lady, are you alright?"


    Spurt!


    Lady Yama vomited another mouthful of fresh blood, her eyes filled with shock as her voice echoed in the Enforcer''s mind, "My lord, I¡ªI can''t speak, I¡ªI can''t hear you say anything... I''ve gone mute, deaf..."


    "What?"


    The Enforcer''s face violently changed, his body freezing on the spot.


    He couldn''t believe what he was seeing¡ªthe hysterical struggling of the Lady Yama in his arms, his face full of terror.


    Lady Yama was, after all, a powerful practitioner of the Dharma Manifestation Realm''s seventh layer, and her Phantom Demon Heavenly Sound was unbeatable. Even against more powerful opponents, it could still be effective.


    But now...


    Not only was Xiao Yi unscathed, but he had also countered with his own Sound Wave Martial Technique.


    Causing Lady Yama to suffer a backlash from Phantom Demon Heavenly Sound, silencing her voice and even rendering her ears deaf? Enjoy new adventures from My Virtual Library Empire


    "Revenge... My lord, avenge me..." Lady Yama was hysterical, hate distorting her face unrecognizably as she clutched at the White-robed Enforcer''s clothes, bellowing through thought transmission.


    "Rest assured, my lady, I will avenge you!"


    The White-robed Enforcer nodded solemnly, responding through thought transmission, "My lady, please calm down. Once I slay this scoundrel, we''ll return to consult His Highness. He will surely have a remedy for you!"


    "I want him torn to thousands of pieces... No, you rid him of his cultivation, break his limbs; I want to personally chop him up..." Lady Yama roared through thought transmission.


    "Worry not!"


    The White-robed Enforcer nodded resolutely, rising to his feet and brandishing his feather fan forward.


    A gale swept up.


    Standing upon the tempest, the White-robed Enforcer rode the wind and in an instant, arrived before Xiao Yi. Merely ten meters separated them as the White-robed Enforcer, with an expressionless face, declared, "Xiao Yi, you deserve to die!"


    "You are truly laughable. When you sought to kill me, my mere self-defense warrants a death sentence? Should I have extended my neck for you to chop?"


    Xiao Yi had already withdrawn his hands, looking mockingly at the White-robed Enforcer, and pointed to his own head, "Brains are a good thing, pity you don''t have any!"

 Chapter 392 Reincarnation Puppet

    "Brains are a good thing, too bad you don''t have any!"


    Xiao Yi sneered at the Black and White Evildoers.


    With their strength, if the two joined forces, Xiao Yi could have defeated them, but it would have cost him some price.


    But...


    This black-clad female Yama actually chose to use her Sound Wave Martial Technique.


    She attempted to suppress Xiao Yi with the most shocking method, thereby demonstrating the majesty of the Unparalleled War King''s Mansion.


    What she never anticipated was that Xiao Yi also mastered a Sound Wave Martial Technique, and it was even stronger than her "Phantom Demon Heavenly Sound"¡ªthe "Buddhist Six Syllable Mantra", rendering her Phantom Demon Heavenly Sound completely ineffective.


    Not only did it have no effect, but it even caused her to suffer a terrifying backlash, turning her into a deaf-mute.


    And it was still unknown whether she could ever recover!


    At this moment. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With only the white-clad funeral envoy left, Xiao Yi didn''t take him seriously at all.


    The funeral envoy''s complexion turned from green to pale, and his anger burned like a roaring flame, raising the temperature around him suddenly. Looking at Xiao Yi, his gaze turned icy cold, and he gnashed his teeth, "Xiao Yi, I will kill you today!"


    Hum!


    He flicked his feathered fan again.


    Riding on the wind, the funeral envoy''s speed was astonishingly fast. In the backdrop of the raging wind, his figure started to blur and split into five silhouettes.


    Diving down from five different directions.


    With overwhelming momentum and murderous intent.


    Facing the fiercely incoming funeral envoy, Xiao Yi remained emotionless, lifting one hand in the air, and pointing forward with one finger.


    Using his hand as a sword.


    Hum!


    A burst of azure Sword Qi surged forth, it was "A Stroke That Surprises the Wind and Rain" from the "Qinglian Sword Song", a stroke as if written by a peerless madman composing a matchless chapter.


    Freely flowing, the stroke moved like a dragon snaking through the sky.


    That Sword Qi howled towards its target.


    Boom!


    The void shook violently, and the heavens and earth trembled.


    This sword visibly shattered the clouds above the firmament, with a swooshing noise covering the area in front of him in a fan shape.


    It caused the gales under the funeral envoy''s feet to explode as well.


    The funeral envoy''s figure halted, and without the support of the wild winds, his five silhouettes also dissipated simultaneously. Xiao Yi''s mouth curved slightly, and he softly called out, "Sword, come."


    With a clanging sound.


    A black longsword abruptly appeared in his palm.


    With Xiao Yi''s cultivation at the Eighth Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm, plus the Wind Thunder Holy Body, the fourth tier of Sword Intent, and the power of the gods augmenting him. Even when faced with an opponent at the Eightfold Dharma Manifestation Realm, he had the confidence to fight.


    Confronted with the white-clad funeral envoy alone, he felt no pressure whatsoever.


    "Qinglian Reincarnation!"


    Xiao Yi''s black longsword exuded Sword Qi that surged and pulsated, its sharp edge fluttering like a lively sprite, dancing gracefully in the air, and transformed into a dazzling azure Sword Lotus.


    The Sword Lotus spun endlessly.


    One split into two.


    Two turned into four...


    The number of Sword Lotuses grew more and more, making it seem as if one were amidst a pond of lotus flowers, with those dozens of azure Sword Lotuses enveloping the white-clad funeral envoy.


    "Be careful, Lord Funeral Envoy..." Sun Yao''s face dramatically changed.


    He had personally crossed hands with Xiao Yi.


    He was acutely aware of Xiao Yi''s strength!


    Seeing the funeral envoy surrounded by the Sword Lotuses, he immediately grew worried.


    However, the funeral envoy sneered, full of pride, "Such trifling skills, you think they can harm my life? Xiao Yi, you''re overestimating yourself too much... Break for me!"


    Bursts of white light suddenly appeared around the Funeral Envoy.


    These spots of light, like stars in the night sky, were increasing in number, gradually enclosing him in a sphere.


    Under the cover of these white lights,


    to the left and right of the Funeral Envoy, two figures identical to him appeared.


    All three "Funeral Envoys" moved in perfect unison.


    It was as if there truly were three Funeral Envoys.


    "Xiao, be careful, this is the Funeral Envoy''s unique skill, Reincarnation Puppets," Ning Luo''s face changed drastically as he shouted loudly.


    Nalan Qianqiu also looked serious, "Reincarnation Puppets can instantaneously switch his main body with a puppet. Without striking his true body, even if you destroy the puppet, he can immediately bring out a new one. Xiao is in trouble now..."


    By his side,


    Nangong Shengji''s face lit up with a brilliant smile, previously thwarted by Nalan Qianqiu when he had the best chance to snipe Xiao Yi, which had gnawed at him. Now, he was filled with excitement and said in a strange tone, "Even you and I can barely discern which one is the Funeral Envoy''s true body. Xiao Yi''s combat strength is indeed against the heavens, but his cultivation is ultimately too weak. Nalan Qianqiu, it seems you''ve definitely lost this time!"


    "You..."


    Nalan Qianqiu''s face darkened as he quietly shifted his position, ready to make a move.


    Crack!


    A beam of cold light burst forth.


    It was a point of pure energy that suddenly landed in front of Nalan Qianqiu. The ground exploded with a bang, and the icy cold wind surged wildly.


    Nangong Shengji''s mouth curved slightly upward, with a hint of amused cold sneer, "Not while I''m here, you won''t save him!"


    "Nangong Shengji, do you realize what you''re doing? Xiao Yi is the head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute¡­" Nalan Qianqiu said angrily.


    Nangong Shengji shrugged his shoulders, scoffing, "So what? It wasn''t I who killed him, but the Funeral Envoy under War King''s command. If the Emperor wants to punish anyone, he''ll have to find the War King..."


    Nalan Qianqiu''s face stiffened.


    With the War King''s influence, would he fear Emperor Qian coming after him?


    Watching Nalan Qianqiu''s displeased expression, Nangong Shengji felt a wave of gratification.


    These past few days...


    He had been suffocated by Xiao Yi and the Treasure Pavilion.


    Seeing Xiao Yi about to be executed,


    Nalan Qianqiu, helpless, could only watch as Xiao Yi was killed. He felt a burst of spiteful relief and felt supremely refreshed. His venomous gaze fell upon Xiao Yi, "Xiao Yi, this is what happens when you oppose the Nangong Family!"


    All of this seemed slow, but in reality, it all happened in an instant.


    Xiao Yi''s black longsword whished through one of the Funeral Envoys, but under a puff of white smoke, it was just a puppet. The unconcerned voice of the Funeral Envoy came again, "Hahaha, you''ll never break my Reincarnation Puppets!"


    Whoosh!


    Whoosh!


    Amidst the piercing sounds of the air being split,


    all three "Funeral Envoys" attacked simultaneously, each wielding a blade that shimmered with cold light, aiming straight for Xiao Yi''s vitals.


    These three Funeral Envoys coordinated flawlessly.


    And it was even harder to tell which was real!


    Confronted with these tangible and intangible attacks, Xiao Yi was also forced to retreat step by step.


    In the void, Discover stories with My Virtual Library Empire


    Xiao Yi and the Funeral Envoy''s figures clashed like the wind, now dispersing, now colliding, now exchanging blows...


    Their battle became more and more intense.


    Clang!


    In a burst of resounding firelight,


    Xiao Yi''s black longsword fell from the sky, cleaving downward, but it was blocked by the bladed weapons held up by the two ''Funeral Envoys'' on either side.


    At the same time,


    the one in the center revealed a cold smile, and a gleam of cold light flew from his hand straight toward Xiao Yi''s dantian, "Xiao Yi, go to hell!"

 Chapter 393 Sorry, Youre Too Late!

    ```


    Transmigration puppets are an extremely bizarre method.


    The transitions between one''s main body and the two puppets are continuous, everything completed in the blink of an eye.


    Even powerhouses of the same realm fail to catch any clues. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As Xiao Yi attacked the puppets on both sides, the Funeral Envoy''s true body was in the middle, his cold edge stabbing towards Xiao Yi''s vitals. Xiao Yi''s whole body shook, fierce winds battered him, and thunder roared.


    Streaks of purple and gold lightning clung to his body, transforming into a suit of purple and gold battle armor.


    Clang!


    In the ear-splitting noise,


    the sharp weapon failed to penetrate Xiao Yi''s defenses, causing the Funeral Envoy''s expression to suddenly change, "Not good!"


    No sooner had he spoken,


    than Xiao Yi''s palm had already come crashing down from above.


    Spurt!


    A golden palm descended from the sky, and with a loud bang, the Funeral Envoy was smacked to the ground.


    Like a kite with a broken string, he plummeted from the sky.


    Enjoy exclusive chapters from My Virtual Library Empire


    Boom!


    The entire body slammed into the ground, raising clouds of dust, and amidst a swooshing sound of tearing through the air, Xiao Yi followed closely. In an instant, Xiao Yi also reached the pit where the Funeral Envoy had fallen.


    Rumble!


    The ground shook as though an earth dragon was turning over.


    An immensely powerful energy formed a shockwave, surging up from beneath the ground and splashing a column of dirt straight into the sky. Amidst the flying dust, a white figure over thirty feet tall tore through the layers of sand and shot into the air in an instant.


    This fifteen or so feet tall white figure turned out to be the Funeral Envoy.


    Behind him, a white Dharma Manifestation floated in the air, radiating a cold chill, while his snow-white face had a blood-red tongue that was seven or eight feet long, fluttering with the wind.


    The Funeral Envoy was on top of the Dharma Manifestation''s head, half of his body merged with the Dharma Manifestation.


    The Funeral Envoy''s face was swollen from Xiao Yi''s beating, and his eyes now seethed with a venomous look, fixed on Xiao Yi, "Xiao Yi, you''ve completely enraged me!"


    "Boundless Ghost Realm!"


    During the Funeral Envoy''s fierce roar,


    brilliant white light emanated from him, streams of white energy stretched across the sky, creating a ghastly white world.


    This white energy, like the waters of a white lake, rippled, revealing bluish silhouettes one by one amidst the waves¡ªthese were unmistakably blue coffins.


    "Boundless Ghost Realm?"


    "Has the Funeral Envoy gone mad? He dares to use this move within the imperial capital?"


    "Damn it, run!"


    The white-garbed Funeral Envoy, the controller of the Boundless Ghost Realm.


    This was the Funeral Envoy''s strongest move.


    It was also the Innate Divine Ability of his Dharma Manifestation.


    Within the Great Qian Dynasty, only he could use this Secret Technique. Once the Boundless Ghost Realm was initiated, the area in all directions would turn into a grim ghost realm.


    One after another, ancient bronze coffins appeared within the ghost realm.


    Clang!


    Clang!


    Amidst a series of chilling clanging sounds,


    the lids of the ancient bronze coffins began to open, some pushed forcefully, some gently shifted, and others shot up... From within these bronze coffins, one after another horrifying figure emerged.


    Some had green faces and fierce fangs, some were covered in rotting flesh, and others were just chilling skeletons...


    Every gaze that turned towards Xiao Yi carried resentment and coldness, as if looking at the enemy who had killed their father and stolen their wife.


    With a ferocious look, the Funeral Envoy sneered, "Xiao Yi, as someone of the Tao Tribulation Realm, you''re the first to force me to use the Boundless Ghost Realm."


    Xiao Yi smiled, "I''ve killed more than one in the Dharma Manifestation Realm!"


    "Hm?"


    The Funeral Envoy''s face darkened as he sneered menacingly, "Want to kill me? Let''s see if you have the ability!" He pointed forward with his right hand, and the ten-foot-tall long-tongued Dharma Manifestation raised its right hand, from within its wide sleeves, a ghastly white skeletal hand reached out, pointing at Xiao Yi.


    Roar!


    One after another, green-faced and fierce-fanged, terifyingly grotesque ghosts rushed towards Xiao Yi.


    As they charged, they brought with them a suffocating shadowy and deathly air.


    "A Stroke That Surprises the Wind and Rain!"


    Xiao Yi tapped his longsword in the void, every streak of sword light that appeared turned into a shower of blades.


    Swoosh swoosh swoosh!


    ```


    The sword rain filled the sky, tearing apart those ghosts one by one.


    But the moment they were destroyed,


    second and third heads would again pop out from within the bronze coffins...


    They were endless, unkillable!


    "Hahaha. Xiao Yi, do you really think my Boundless Ghost Realm is that simple? Within the Boundless Ghost Realm, these ghosts are infinite, you cannot kill or eradicate them all..." The Funeral Envoy laughed uproariously to the sky, his face full of ferocious glee.


    He slowly raised his hands, clasping them together in front of him, and let out a low roar, "Destroy!"


    Roar!


    Hundreds of ghosts converged into a black iron torrent, rolling in waves, making one''s scalp tingle and heart despair at a mere glance.


    Nangong Yi clenched his fists tightly, excitement on his face, "With such a powerful attack, Xiao Yi is undoubtedly doomed!"


    Sun Yao nodded heavily, "This is the fate of those who offend our Battle King Mansion!"


    Almost everyone believed that Xiao Yi had no chance of winning.


    Yet, even in such a situation...


    Xiao Yi still maintained his calm and composure, the corners of his mouth slightly turned up as he gently swung his sword.


    Hum!


    The sword edge cut through the air.


    A circular sword arc formed in front of him, the silver arc gradually dissipating and returning to tranquility. Xiao Yi, gripping a black longsword in one hand, seemed to merge with his blade.


    Becoming one!


    The man was the sword, and the sword was the man!


    "Slash!"


    In that moment, the sword in Xiao Yi''s hand appeared to move extremely slowly, yet it was so swift it was beyond human reaction, slicing through the air with supreme speed.


    Swish!


    This sword seemed utterly ordinary.


    Yet its power was astonishingly immense!


    Shrrk!


    A sound, akin to fabric being torn apart, abruptly filled the air.


    There was no storm with Xiao Yi''s sword stroke, no earth-shattering Sword Qi, nor did it summon thunder and fierce winds.


    It appeared mundane!


    However, its power was unbelievably strong.


    It was like the stroke that mysterious expert, practicing amongst the thunderstorm at the Beast Emperor Sea, had unleashed.


    Whatever the sword edge passed, everything else was an illusion!


    Ssss...


    The numerous ghosts, as if made of paper,


    burst under the edge of the sword, scattering into dust, vanishing into thin air. Within the Boundless Ghost Realm, the numerous bronze coffins were completely blown apart by Xiao Yi''s sword as well.


    The white Boundless Ghost Realm was cleaved in two by this one sword stroke.


    The terrifying sword aura didn''t dissipate.


    Sput!


    Within the cover of the sacred white light, the sword aura plummeted onto the ten-zhang tall Dharma Manifestation. A hysterical scream burst from the Funeral Envoy as the Dharma Manifestation beneath him exploded with a boom.


    "No..."


    The Funeral Envoy screamed, a torrent of blood spewing forth from his mouth.


    His body fell from the sky like a broken kite.


    With a bang, it smashed onto the ground.


    The Dharma Manifestation completely dissipated.


    Swish!


    Xiao Yi, following closely behind, soared with his longsword, chopping down towards the Funeral Envoy''s head.


    At the same time...


    A shout suddenly echoed through heaven and earth, "Spare a life under your sword!"


    However,


    Xiao Yi remained unmoved, his sword edge sweeping past, and with a thud, the Funeral Envoy''s head was gruesomely severed. Blood spurted out like a fountain, the Funeral Envoy''s body convulsing wildly, then suddenly stretching out, ceasing to struggle.


    Xiao Yi stood with his sword beside the headless corpse, his foot resting on the Funeral Envoy''s head that was still glaring in anger and unwillingness. He looked towards the newcomer and spoke indifferently, "Sorry, you''re too late!"

 Chapter 394 After Today, Nangong Will Be No More!

    Xiao Yi looked at the newcomer expressionlessly, "I''m sorry, you''re too late!"


    In the void.


    Qi''s face wore a strange expression as he looked at Xiao Yi, especially when his eyes lingered on the head of the funeral envoy at the latter''s feet, eventually turning into a wry smile, "Director Xiao, you really are..."


    Qi found himself at a loss for words.


    The funeral envoy.


    This was none other than the unwavering confidant of the peerless War King Yang Huanyu, who had followed him for over a hundred years!


    Even Emperor Qian would not dare to provoke such a being lightly.


    And yet Xiao Yi had just killed him?


    Seeing the shock on Qi''s face, Xiao Yi sneered inwardly.


    Although the Imperial Capital is vast,


    the news had already spread.


    He refused to believe that Emperor Qian had only received the news now. Qi was not early nor late, but chose to show up just as he had completely fallen out with Black and White Shuangsha, at the moment he was about to execute the funeral envoy.


    If one were to say it was a coincidence, Xiao Yi would absolutely not believe it!


    Emperor Qian must have been observing everything from the shadows.


    Indeed, as Xiao Yi had conjectured, Emperor Qian had been aware of everything happening here, long before they had failed to draw in the Nangong Family. However, Emperor Qian''s plan was to deepen the animosity between Xiao Yi and Black and White Shuangsha, aiming for a complete fallout with the peerless War King.


    But...


    Emperor Qian would not have wanted to see what was happening before him.


    After all,


    Your next chapter awaits on My Virtual Library Empire


    he only wished for Xiao Yi to stand against Yang Huanyu, not to engage in armed conflict with him just yet. That did not align with his immediate plans; Xiaoshanhe Institute was still too weak, and confronting the peerless War King head-on at this juncture was not a wise move.


    For that very reason,


    when he saw that Xiao Yi was about to defeat the funeral envoy, Emperor Qian immediately sent Qi to intervene.


    With Qi''s cultivation at the peak of the Dharma Phase Realm, traveling from the imperial palace to the Nangong Family''s residence was but a moment''s work. Yet, his speed still did not match Xiao Yi''s decisiveness.


    Countless thoughts ran through Qi''s mind.


    Sun Yao''s voice had reached him, "Eunuch Qi, Xiao Yi dared to brazenly kill the funeral envoy. You must seek justice for the funeral envoy!"


    "Eunuch Qi, I want him dead... I want Xiao Yi to join my husband in death..." Yama''s eyes brimmed with tears of blood, and the venomous gaze fixed on Xiao Yi like that of a viper, her hysterical roar echoed in Qi''s mind.


    She had been turned into a deaf-mute by Xiao Yi''s Six Syllable Mantra.


    Now, she could only communicate with others through the method of sound transmission.


    Qi narrowed his eyes, his face showing difficulty.


    Strike Xiao Yi?


    Out of the question!


    Xiao Yi was an extremely important part of Emperor Qian''s plan.


    But to ignore it?


    That was clearly not an option either.


    If the peerless War King took advantage of this, it could potentially trap Emperor Qian between a rock and a hard place.


    Just as Qi felt caught between two difficult choices, Xiao Yi''s voice rang in his mind, "Eunuch Qi, are you troubled about how to conclude this matter?"


    "You realize that this matter is difficult to conclude?" Qi glared at Xiao Yi, annoyance clear in his tone.


    He had received quite a few benefits from Xiao Yi.


    His treatment of Xiao Yi was naturally different from others.


    Xiao Yi cracked a grin and continued to transmit his voice, "The matter is actually quite simple!"


    "Hmm?"


    Qi was taken aback, looking at Xiao Yi with puzzlement.


    In his view...


    The situation was extremely difficult to handle.


    How could it become so simple when it came out of Xiao Yi''s mouth?


    Xiao Yi''s gaze shifted to Nangong Shengji and the rest of the Nangong Family members, his lips curling slightly upward, causing Nangong Shengji''s heart to race with a strong sense of ominous foreboding.


    With a playful look, Xiao Yi said without any hesitation, "As long as you and I join forces and wipe out them and the entire Nangong Family, wouldn''t it be enough to tell the War King that they fought amongst themselves until both sides were wounded?"


    "Er..."


    Qi''s eyes twitched with an indescribably absurd feeling, looking at Xiao Yi with a bizarre expression.


    Before he could speak.


    "Does Grand Eunuch Qi think this is too much of a child''s play? That neither the War King nor Emperor Qian would believe our words?"


    Qi rolled his eyes, as if to say you know this is a childish ploy, don''t you? But Xiao Yi remained unmoved and continued, "Such an outcome is exactly what Emperor Qian wants to see!"


    Buzz!


    Qi''s face changed dramatically.


    Xiao Yi''s words struck him like a thunderclap, giving him a sudden revelation.


    Indeed, as Xiao Yi said...


    The reason he came to stop the conflict was nothing more than to avoid a direct and uncontrollable outcome between Xiao Yi and the War King''s Estate. After all, Emperor Qian was not yet willing to have a direct clash with the War King''s Estate.


    However, if it were possible for Xiao Yi to extricate himself and deal with Black and White Shuangsha, Sun Yao, and the Nangong Family, who were the War King''s Estate''s minions.


    Emperor Qian would certainly be pleased to see this scene unfold.


    But...


    Grand Eunuch Qi conveyed through telepathy, "Aren''t you afraid of the War King blaming you?"


    "Blaming?"


    Xiao Yi sneered, speaking dispassionately, "Even if I let them go now and kneel in front of the doors of the War King''s Estate, would Yang Huanyu forgive and forget?"


    "This..."


    Qi was taken aback for a moment, at a loss for words.


    The domineering reputation of the Peerless War King Yang Huanyu was well-known, not to mention Xiao Yi had already killed the funeral envoy; just the fact that Sun Yao declared on behalf of the Nangong Family their allegiance to the War King''s Estate.


    Xiao Yi''s strong move to kill Nangong Shengji would definitely not be something the Peerless War King would let go of lightly.


    "Grand Eunuch Qi, don''t forget that the Nangong Family has openly sought refuge with the War King''s Estate! Furthermore..."


    Xiao Yi smiled slightly, "If Emperor Qian doesn''t want to clash with the War King''s Estate at this time, do you think the War King would want to fall out with Emperor Qian right now?"


    Buzz!


    Qi''s body shook.


    Indeed, Emperor Qian had his reservations about the War King''s power, but was the War King not afraid of Emperor Qian?


    The competition between the two most powerful men in the Great Qian Dynasty was not a matter of just a day or two. If they were truly confident in overcoming the other directly, they would have acted long ago.


    As Emperor Qian''s confidant, Qi knew Emperor Qian''s heart well.


    The Nangong Family''s outright allegiance to the War King''s Estate had already touched upon Emperor Qian''s taboo, but due to the War King''s Estate, Emperor Qian could not directly move against the Nangong Family.


    If it were possible to eliminate the Nangong Family without causing the War King''s Estate to retaliate, this would undoubtedly be something Emperor Qian would like to see!


    Upon this thought.


    Qi exhaled a long breath, his turbid eyes, which were in fact brimming with sharpness, fixed intently on Xiao Yi, "How confident are you?"


    Xiao Yi flashed a grin, "Nalan Qianqiu and you together can take care of Nangong Shengji. As for those beneath him, leave them to my Xiaoshanhe Institute!"


    "Hm?"


    Qi was startled and looked at Xiao Yi puzzledly, "Leave them to your Xiaoshanhe Institute?"


    Currently, Xiao Yi was the only one from the Xiaoshanhe Institute present.


    And yet the Nangong Family had gathered nearly seventy percent of their clan members here, with dozens within the Tao Tribulation Realm alone. Xiao Yi suggested he and Nalan Qianqiu deal with Nangong Shengji.


    Could it be that he intends to take care of all the remaining members of the Nangong Family by himself?


    Just as Qi was puzzled...


    Suddenly, Xiao Yi raised his right hand, his fingers quietly clenched. His cold gaze landed on Nangong Shengji, and with a chilling smile, he declared, "After today, the Nangong will be no more!" Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 395 More People?

    "After today, the Nangong Family will be no more!"


    As Xiao Yi bellowed lowly, his right hand, raised high, suddenly clenched into a fist and crashed down toward the ground.


    Almost simultaneously¡­


    The area surrounding the Nangong Family''s estate boundaries reverberated with gigantic booms that spread across the majority of the imperial capital. The deafening sounds made one''s ears ring as the ground trembled as if an earth dragon was turning over. Countless buildings collapsed amidst the roaring sounds, swallowed whole by the fissures that tore through the earth.


    Figure after figure hurriedly fled outside the area where the Nangong Family was located.


    No longer daring to remain and witness the battle.


    Rumble, rumble!


    Amidst the trembling earth,


    One after another, earthen walls suddenly sprang up from the cracked ground, hundreds of feet tall, soaring into the clouds and forming a circular barrier that completely enclosed the Nangong Family. Xiao Yi''s figure also rose into the air.


    Standing atop the earthen wall.


    Sun Yao''s face changed dramatically as he grabbed Yama, trying to take to the sky. "Xiao Yi, you''re outrageously audacious! To think you''d try to trap and kill us, you''re provoking the War King''s Mansion, you''re dead for sure¡­"


    "A dying man still dares to threaten me?" Xiao Yi said coldly, sneering.


    Sun Yao snorted coldly, "Xiao Yi, you are too arrogant! I admit your strength far exceeds my imagination, even Tianjiao couldn''t necessarily be stronger than you if he were at the same realm. But if I want to leave, do you think these mere earthen walls can stop me?"


    Whoosh!


    He stepped into the void and turned around, transforming into a streak of rainbow light, eager to break free into the air.


    "Without my permission, do you think you can leave?"


    Xiao Yi let out a cold laugh, lifting his hands.


    Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!


    Array stones shot out one after another, landing atop the earthen wall with plopping sounds.


    A total of nineteen thousand eight hundred array stones fell into their respective positions. Xiao Yi showed no expression, but his vital energy gushed out like water bursting through a dam. Amidst the roaring sounds of flowing energy, torrents of vital energy swarmed in, merging into the earthen wall, connecting each array stone with one another.


    "Activate the formation!"


    Xiao Yi raised his palms toward the sky, lifting his hands.


    Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!


    Streams of light soared to the heavens, forming a silver-white net in the sky above the wall.


    White light turned into mysterious runes, gathering on the surface of the earthen wall, and as these runes converged, the entire wall became incredibly sturdy. The silver net that accompanied it enshrouded this piece of sky and land.


    "A mere formation wants to stop me? Break!"


    Sun Yao bellowed, his spear striking the air in an overhead assault¡ªit came out like a roaring dragon amidst the stars.


    Terrible vital energy from all directions converged, gathering on the spear, and with a loud bang, it struck against the silver net obstructing his path.


    However¡­


    What Sun Yao thought was a frail silver net, under his mighty attack, merely buzzed with a ripple of silver waves before completely neutralizing the formidable strike.


    "This can''t be possible..."


    Sun Yao was full of confidence in his attack, accelerating to break through the air as he struck.


    The result...


    Bang!


    His head smashed directly into the net.


    The entire net burst into streams of silver light; as thunder boomed repeatedly, amidst crackling sounds, Sun Yao''s body coursed with swallowed lightning, instantly paralyzing him. He let out a wretched scream, tumbling from the sky.


    Boom!


    Sun Yao crashed to the ground heavily, blood spilling from his mouth, and even Yama in his arms was flung violently away.


    Crackle, crackle, crackle!


    Bolts of lightning snaked around his body incessantly.


    Sss!


    This scene made the Nangong Family''s powerhouses underneath the formation gasp in shock, eyes filled with horror. "What kind of formation is this that even Principal Sun''s full-force strike can''t break through? This..."


    "With a mere wave of his hand, Xiao Yi can set up such a terrifying formation, it seems the rumors of the Xiaoshanhe Institute''s Spirit Gathering Array that boosts energy gathering by ten times indeed came from him!"


    "Martial talent comparable to Xiao Tianjiao, and such terrifying talent in Formation arts... it''s said he''s even skilled in alchemy. What kind of monster is this?"


    "What kind of enemy has our Nangong Family actually provoked?"


    Amidst the cries of alarm.


    Nalan Qianqiu and Qi approached Nangong Shengji as the aura of the Dharma Manifestation Realm locked onto him.


    Nalan Qianqiu said with a smile, "Nangond, I''m afraid I''ve offended you!"


    Qi sighed, "Nangong, don''t blame me for this!"


    These were two beings whose cultivation was not at all inferior to his own.


    Together.


    Now, especially within these confines of the sky net, there was no chance of escape¡ªNangong Shengji had no choice but to fight to the death!


    As the two closed in, his expression grew increasingly grim.


    The Nangong Family, one of the four great noble clans, had been forced to such an extent that they had no choice but to seek refuge with the Peerless War King. This was an immensely shameful matter, and he felt he could no longer face the ancestors and forefathers of the Nangong Family.


    Now...


    Xiao Yi had even set up a Formation, intending to completely annihilate the Nangong Family.


    How glorious the Nangong Family once was!


    All because Nangong Shengtian had provoked Xiao Yi, they were faced with this calamity that could lead to their clan''s destruction.


    It''s just a pity...


    There''s no medicine for regret in this world!


    Nangong Shengji took a deep breath and then slowly exhaled it, looking back at Nangong Yi and the others, "Nangong Yi, I will hold them off later. Try to find a way to open a path for everyone... Take the clansmen and run... escape with as many as you can..."


    "Master..."


    "Family head..."


    The complexion of everyone present changed.


    Nangong Shengji was clearly prepared for a fight to the death, as if he was entrusting them with his last will!


    "Shut up!"


    Nangong Shengji bellowed angrily, his eyes full of resolve. Facing Nalan Qianqiu and Qi, he knew there was no chance of survival. All he could think about now was creating an opportunity for Nangong Yi and the others to escape, to preserve a sliver of lineage for the Nangong Family, "I am the family head, you all listen to me!"


    With red-rimmed eyes, Nangong Yi knelt to the ground and kowtowed thrice with a thud. He said with a solemn voice, "Master, rest assured, I will definitely take them with me, to preserve a lineage for our Nangong Family!"


    "Go!"


    Nangong Shengji''s body burst forth with a magnificent glow. With a thunderous boom, a swath of blood-red light enveloped him.


    Like a blood shadow. Experience new stories on My Virtual Library Empire


    Whoosh!


    The horrifying blood light ebbed and surged, and with a sweep of Nangong Shengji''s hand, the blood light actually wrapped around Nangong Yi and the others. With a whoosh, it turned into a beam of red light, blasting towards the sky net above.


    With the strength of his peak Dharma Phase Realm, he struck with all his might, causing the sky net to rumble violently.


    Over ten thousand array stones shone brilliantly.


    The earthen walls trembled thunderously.


    As if they might collapse at any moment.


    Just as the sky net was about to shatter, an icy sword light suddenly flew through the air. With a whoosh, it cleaved the blood-red light in half, splitting it apart and decapitating more than a dozen strong members of the Nangong Family with its fierce slash.


    Whoosh!


    Nangong Yi, Nangong Xiao, and the others fell back to the ground, regrouping with Sun Yao, Lady Yama, and the others.


    Nangong Yi said firmly, "General Sun, we must work together if we have any hope of escaping with our lives!"


    "Don''t worry!"


    Sun Yao nodded, his cold gaze falling on Xiao Yi as he sneered, "Xiao Yi, there are so many of us here. Do you think we are afraid of you?"


    "A matter of numbers, you say?" S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi''s lips curled slightly upwards. He waved his hand grandly, "Lads of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, all come out!"

 Chapter 396 The Army of Tigers and Wolves

    "Come out, all of you!"


    At Xiao Yi''s command, the radiant heavens'' net above the earthen wall suddenly tore open with countless fissures.


    Within those fissures...


    Shadows began to emerge bit by bit.


    Whoosh whoosh whoosh!


    These specks transformed into nearly ten thousand silhouettes, steadily descending and landing behind Xiao Yi.


    An oppressive sea of black, like a steel torrent, they lined up in neat squares, each face bearing an aura of severity.


    Leading them were none other than Little Lin and the Shadow Demon, among others.


    Whoosh!


    Turning into a two-meter-tall Little Lin, she moved her body, settling to Xiao Yi''s left, her golden scale armor shimmering with a dazzling light. Glittering and blinding, each scale looked as if it were forged from endlessly tempered metal, producing a chilling metallic sheen as she moved silently.


    Her two-meter stature stood erect, with four claws dangling from her underbelly and two particularly brilliant dragon horns atop her head.


    Her eyes sparkled like gemstones.


    The moment she released her aura comparable to the Eightfold Dharma Manifestation Realm, it made everyone, including Sun Yao, fall silent, only to hear Little Lin speak in human tongue, "Xiaoshanhe Institute Punishment Hall Master Xiao Lin, at your service, Institute Head!"


    Following closely.


    The Shadow Demon stepped forward, his towering figure like a humanoid bear, and his voice thunderous like shocking thunder, deafening, "Battle Hall Master Shadow Demon, at your service, Institute Head!"


    Whoosh!


    Fu Yuan''s hands blazed with two balls of fire, the corners of his mouth slightly upturned as the orange-red flame illuminated his face, casting distinct contours, "All Things Hall Master Fu Yuan, at your service, Institute Head!"


    Boom!


    Boom!


    Li Youruo and Chen Ziyi appeared one after the other, respectfully saying, "Greetings, Master!"


    "We are here to serve you, Institute Head!"


    Vice Hall Masters, as well as various Hall Elders and officials, and numerous disciples, all came forward in succession.


    Mere Dharma Manifestation Realm experts amounted to no less than seven people!


    Tao Tribulation Realm experts even exceeded a hundred.


    Behind these more than a hundred experts were several thousand disciples from Xiaoshanhe Institute, forming another overwhelming display, like a steel torrent.


    United, they knelt on one knee behind Xiao Yi.


    Despite the moment...


    These nearly ten thousand people didn''t shout loudly, but their uniform actions and the imposing aura oozing from the silence was terrifying. It was as if invisible hands were severely gripping their throats, leaving Sun Yao and others feeling breathless.


    Those of weak spirit, Read the latest on My Virtual Library Empire


    Even fainted outright upon witnessing this scene, rolling their eyes back in complete unconsciousness.


    Gulp!


    Sun Yao swallowed hard; just a moment ago, he was confident with their numbers and strength, but in the blink of an eye, the roles had been reversed. Looking at the nearly ten thousand powerful figures behind Xiao Yi, especially among the seven great Dharma Manifestation Realm figures, there were beings like Fu Yuan and the Shadow Demon, whom he couldn''t fathom.


    At that moment, Sun Yao felt as if he had swallowed a mouthful of Coptis, the bitterness overwhelming, "What kind of monster have I provoked?"


    Nangong Yi''s face was grim as he looked towards Nangong Xiao and others, "We''ve got no choice but to fight them now!"


    "If it weren''t for Xiao Yi, how could we have ended up like this?"


    "Kill them!"


    Under the pressure of impending death and despair, the eyes of the Nangong Family experts turned blood-red, filled with hatred and resentment as they looked at Xiao Yi and the Xiaoshanhe Institute folks behind him. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    They were descendants of the Nangong Family, once high and mighty.


    But now...


    They faced the threat of their family''s destruction and personal demise.


    In the eyes of the strong ones from the Nangong Family, all of this was because of Xiao Yi, because of Xiaoshanhe Institute!


    Hearing the roar and curses of the Nangong Family members, Ye Heng shouted, "Shut up... Have you not realized yet why things have turned out this way? Had you not repeatedly refused to cooperate with us and even attacked Elder Yan and Elder Xue, breaking their arms, and maximally humiliating them, would the Institute Head have targeted you?"


    From the beginning to the end, it was always the Nangong Family who were aggressive and domineering.


    Nangong Shengtian initially rejected Xiao Yi''s offer for cooperation.


    When Xiao Yi sent Yan Mingli and Xue Bufan to seek collaboration, they not only refused but also injured them grievously, breaking their arms.


    All of this was brought upon the Nangong Family by themselves!


    However.


    People like Nangong Yi would never see it that way.


    Nangong Yi sneered, "What a joke, our Nangong Family is one of the four great noble families. Do you even qualify to work with us? And those Elder Yan and Elder Xue you mentioned, who are they to us? We merely broke their arms; it''s their honor. You don''t appreciate our mercy, and yet you think about revenge?"


    "You..."


    Jin Feiyan stopped an angry Ye Heng, shaking her head and laughing, "Senior brother, why bother getting angry with these shameless people? In their eyes, only they are the noblest, and speaking reason to them is just wasting your breath. There''s only one way to deal with them!"


    "Oh?"


    Ye Heng was startled and curious. Having spent a considerable amount of time with Jin Feiyan recently, he had some understanding of this quirky junior sister and asked, "What way?"


    With a grin, Jin Feiyan''s eyes narrowed slightly, like crescent moons, she spoke slowly and clearly, "That is¡ªto make sure they can never speak again!"


    Never speak again?


    Ye Heng was shocked, then he understood.


    Who would never be able to speak again?


    Obviously, a dead person!


    Jin Feiyan, smiling cheerfully, looked at Xiao Yi, "Master, am I right?"


    "Hmm!"


    Xiao Yi nodded in satisfaction. Although his disciple Ye Heng possessed the Battle War Holy Body, his personality was much duller than the lively and agile Jin Feiyan. Under the proud gaze of Jin Feiyang, Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Fei Yan, Ye Heng, the two of you can have a contest... This time, whoever kills more people from the Nangong Family will receive a reward from me!"


    "A reward?"


    Jin Feiyan''s eyes gleamed, looking at Ye Heng, she said coyly, "Senior brother, you wouldn''t compete with your junior sister, right?"


    Ye Heng gave her a glance and snorted, "I will strive for the reward that our master grants with all my might!"


    "You... don''t you have any sense of being a senior brother? You''re my elder; you should be more humble!" Jin Feiyan complained on her tiptoes. After Ye Heng awakened the Battle War Holy Body, he had grown taller and more imposing, and even on her tiptoes, she barely reached his chest.


    Ye Heng pressed a hand on her head gently and said, "Sorry, we''re equals!"


    "You..."


    Jin Feiyan, vexed, slapped away Ye Heng''s hand from her head, and said angrily, "We''ll see who gets the master''s reward. It will definitely be mine!"


    Ye Heng confidently responded, "You don''t stand a chance!"


    Jin Feiyan huffed, her dark eyes whirling around.


    At that moment...


    The Shadow Demon had already waved his hand grandly, "All warriors of the War Hall, follow me to kill!"


    Little Lin howled to the sky, "All members of the Punishment Hall, kill!"


    "The Skill Transmission Hall..."


    "The All Things Hall..."


    "The Task Hall..."


    Command after command was given.


    Disciples of the Xiaoshanhe Institute charged like a fierce army at Sun Yao and his followers.


    For a moment.


    Only Yan Mingli, Xue Bufan, Zhou Jing, and Lin Bingxin remained by Xiao Yi''s side.


    Yan Mingli, curious about the competitive Ye Heng and Jin Feiyan, asked, "Who do you think will win between Ye Heng and Little Yanzi?"


    Xue Bufan said indifferently, "Little Yanzi is indeed clever, but she has only recently entered the Shentong Realm, whereas Ye Heng is at the Peak of the Divine Ability Realm, and he also possesses the Battle War Holy Body. He is certain to win!"


    Zhou Jing nodded in agreement.


    Lin Bingxin hesitated a bit and said, "I think Yanzi might win!"


    "Hmm?"


    Everyone looked at Lin Bingxin with puzzlement.


    In their eyes...


    Jin Feiyan seemed to have no chance of winning at all!


    Xiao Yi, however, smiled and said, "I also think Bing Xin is right. That foolish boy Ye Heng is likely to be at a disadvantage!"

 Chapter 397 The Unparalleled War King

    This time the people from Xiaoshanhe Institute joined the battle.


    The main purpose was still to train the disciples, hence, the Shadow Demon and others only took action against powerhouses like Sun Yao and the female Yama.


    The ordinary disciples from the Nangong Family were all left to the disciples of Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Ye Heng''s Battle War Holy Body was meant to grow through combat, to elevate amidst life and death battles, becoming increasingly brave as the war went on. He alone, cutting his way in and out of the crowd, was at the peak of the Divine Ability Realm, but even facing ordinary masters of the Golden Core Realm, he was not one bit cowardly; instead, he became more valiant as the fight progressed.


    The stronger the enemy, the stronger I become!


    Under Ye Heng''s frenzied slaughter, his battle achievements were rapidly improving.


    As for Jin Feiyan...


    She never focused on killing.


    But her movement technique was so elegant and nimble that even the common Golden Core Realm powerhouses found it extremely difficult to catch her.


    Your journey continues at My Virtual Library Empire


    Like a fish in water, she weaved through the crowd.


    Jin Feiyan''s voice kept ringing out, "Big sister, can you beat him half to death and leave him to me to finish off? If I get the reward from our master, I''ll share some with you!"


    "Big brother, can you let me handle the guy in your hands? Just help me out, and if I beat that unscrupulous senior brother of mine... I promise to hook you up with a beautiful girl..."


    "Grandpa Hall Master..."


    "Uncle Elder..."


    Wherever Jin Feiyan passed,


    the elders, deacons, and disciples of Xiaoshanhe Institute, and even the Hall Masters and Vice Hall Masters like the Shadow Demon, couldn''t resist her coquettish charm, continuously handing over their targets to her. Soon, the number of Nangong Family powerhouses Jin Feiyan hunted climbed steadily, ten, twenty, thirty...


    She had long left Ye Heng far behind.


    Ye Heng, locked in a tough fight with a Second Layer Golden Core Realm master, gritted his teeth in anger, cursing loudly, "Jin Feiyan, aren''t you just too despicable?"


    Lalalala!


    Jin Feiyan flicked her slender finger beneath her lower eyelid, pulling a face, and stuck her tongue out at him, "The heads I got with my abilities, how is that being despicable? Master didn''t say we couldn''t get help. If you have the skills, brother, you can also find someone to help you!"


    As she spoke,


    Jin Feiyan took a Golden Elixir Realm Peak powerhouse, who was at his last breath, from an elder''s hands, and with an effortless flick of her dagger, she slit his throat, killing him with a single strike.


    Ye Heng was speechless.


    He vented all his inner frustration on the Golden Core Realm master opposite him as his arms blurred like phantoms, fists and palms striking together, his sword energy soaring to the sky, "I''ll kill you, you despicable and shameless bastard..."


    The Nangong Family Golden Core Realm powerhouse: "..."


    A moment later,


    Under the resentful and unwilling gaze of the Golden Core Realm powerhouse, Ye Heng finished him off with a sword strike. Seeing his own kill count was far less than Jin Feiyan''s, Ye Heng clenched his teeth and steeled himself, "I refuse to believe... With my personal charm, I can''t beat this little girl?"


    And so,


    Ye Heng ran over to Yu Huaxian, "Uncle Huaxian, could you please..."


    Hiss!


    Yu Huaxian shuddered at Ye Heng''s soft and tender voice, and upon turning back to see Ye Heng blinking at him and acting coquettishly, Yu Huaxian shook all over, "Damn it, I''m a real man!"


    Bang!


    Yu Huaxian slapped Ye Heng away with a casual hand.


    "..."


    Ye Heng looked aggrieved, his gaze shifted to Little Lin not far away, who was fighting two Tao Tribulation Realm masters.


    Before he could speak,


    Little Lin coldly said, "Scram!"


    Ye Heng: "..."


    Having rebuked Ye Heng, Little Lin then moved over to Jin Feiyan, "Xiaoyanzi, I''ll leave these two to you!"


    With a flick of her tail, she placed two Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouses, both on their last breath, in front of Jin Feiyan.


    "Thank you, Uncle Little Lin!"


    Jin Feiyan was overjoyed, her dagger greeting the pair.


    The result...


    Ding ding!


    Two dazzling sparks of fire, but they failed to break through their defenses?


    Jin Feiyan wanted to cry but had no tears, a look of grievance on her face, "Little Lin Uncle-Master, I can''t beat them!"


    "Can''t beat them?"


    Little Lin was taken aback, then saw that two Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouses were secretly circulating their primordial energy, forming an invisible protective shield around themselves. How could such a defense be broken by Jin Feiyan of the mere Shentong Realm? Little Lin snorted coldly, his body tensed, and with a crisp crack, the bones of the two Tao Tribulation Realm strongmen were crushed amidst their screams. Little Lin laughed, "Little Yanzi, now you can do it!"


    Thud thud!


    Two slashes, life extinguished!


    Jin Feiyan giggled, "Thank you, Uncle-Master Little Lin!"


    "Hahaha, off you go!"


    Little Lin laughed, speaking human language, when suddenly he felt a chill on his back.


    Little Lin subconsciously turned around, just to see Ye Heng looking at him with a face full of resentment.


    "Uh..."


    Little Lin showed a humanized embarrassment on his face, somewhat annoyed, "What are you looking at?"


    "Lustful serpent..."


    Ye Heng muttered.


    Slap!


    The words were not yet complete.


    He was already smacked away by Little Lin''s tail, watching Ye Heng tumble into the crowd. Little Lin snorted coldly, proudly lifting his neck and twisting his body as he strutted away.


    Yan Mingli and the others watching the battle exchanged looks.


    Lin Bingxin couldn''t help but laugh and cry, "I knew it would end up like this!"


    Zhou Jing said with a bitter smile, "That girl Fei Yan really is incredible. Ye Heng''s loss is not unjust!"


    The battle situation was almost completely one-sided.


    Under the leadership of the Shadow Demon and others, the members of Xiaoshanhe Institute were invincible, slaying gods when obstructed by gods, slaying buddhas when hindered by buddhas. One after another, the strongmen of the Nangong Family fell before them, without any chance to resist. With the power Xiaoshanhe Institute now wielded, they had already far surpassed any of the four great noble families.


    It was enough to compare with the least of the top ten sects, the Liyang Sect and the Kuangdao Sect.


    Dealing with the mere Nangong Family was naturally a piece of cake!


    Looking at Nangong Shengji again...


    Under the siege of Qi and Nalan Qianqiu, who were by no means weaker than him, Nangong Shengji was forced to retreat step by step, his body covered in blood.


    His internal organs were all scorched by Nalan Qianqiu''s fiery primordial energy.


    As primordial energy circulated.


    His internal organs felt a severe burning pain, as if being scorched by a raging fire, and he was already at the end of his tether.


    Qi stood in the air holding a horsetail whisk, his body radiating a flowing halo.


    Nalan Qianqiu held aloft two fireballs in his hands, like two suns spitting firelight in his palms, looking down from high above at Nangong Shengji.


    Wow!


    Nangong Shengji violently spat out a mouthful of fresh blood, looking at the Nangong Family strongmen who died one after another. His face became extremely ferocious.


    These were the elites of his Nangong Family!


    And now more than half had perished.


    It was as if he could already see the once-glorious Nangong Family, one foot in the dust of history, on the verge of collapse. The cause of all this was that carefree boy not far off, the one he had once not taken seriously, like a mere ant.


    Step by step by step!


    Xiao Yi walked on air, landing in front of Nangong Shengji.


    He looked down at the once unassailable head of the Nangong Family. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Nangong Shengji struggled to lift his head, staring at Xiao Yi with venomous eyes, "You little bastard, don''t get too happy too soon. The War King won''t let you go..."


    "Is that so?"


    Xiao Yi grinned, speaking indifferently, "I''d like to see just how your so-called War King won''t let me go!"


    No sooner had he spoken than...


    At that moment...


    A terrifying axe light suddenly fell from the sky, and with a loud bang, the vast net in the sky was smashed to pieces. A majestic figure stood suspended in the air, his cold gaze sweeping over those below, finally resting on Xiao Yi, his substantial gaze sharp as a blade, causing one''s scalp to tingle.


    Xiao Yi''s pupils slightly constricted, he turned to look at the figure, showing a hint of solemnity, "The Peerless War King?"

 Chapter 1 - 1: The Youth Xiao Yi

    "Tian''er, this is the top-quality tea the old Emperor sent over. Why don''t you try some?"


    "Tian''er, the Dingguo Duke is thinking of sending his young granddaughter to the Tianjian Sect to attend to your daily needs..."


    "Tian''er..."


    Xiao Yi looked up at Xiao Zhengde, who was on the main seat with a face full of ingratiating, even somewhat abject, obsequiousness. In his calm gaze, there was a touch of bitterness and helplessness. As his glance moved, it settled on the handsome and extraordinary young man sitting boldly in front of Xiao Zhengde.


    He was Xiao Yi''s own elder brother, Xiao Tianjiao!


    An exceptional genius destined for greatness from birth.


    When Xiao Tianjiao was born, a fire dragon descended from the sky and acknowledged him as its master.


    Not even three years old, he awakened the Supreme Overlord Holy Body, possessing divine power strong enough to lift a thousand-pound cauldron with one arm.


    By the age of five, he had broken through to the Tenth Layer of the Physical Body Realm, stepped into the Qi Gathering with Ten Layers at seven, successfully struck the Shentong Realm at eight, becoming the youngest Shentong Realm powerhouse in the history of the Great Qian Dynasty, and entered the Tianjian Sect, the first among the top ten sects of the Great Qin Dynasty, and became its direct disciple at ten years old.


    Now at just twenty, Xiao Tianjiao had successfully stepped into the Tao Tribulation Realm and was hailed as the hope of the rise of the Great Qian Dynasty.


    The entire nation eagerly awaited his advance into the Longevity Secret Realm, becoming the first everlasting giant since the founding of the Great Qian Dynasty.


    Because of Xiao Tianjiao''s existence, the Xiao Family, which used to be a minor household, became the hottest noble family in the Great Qian Dynasty overnight, receiving gifts from the Holy Emperor himself during the holidays.


    One could say that there was not a person in the Qingtian Realm who did not know the name Xiao Tianjiao.


    As for Xiao Yi...


    Under the dazzling light of his brother Xiao Tianjiao, he was without any presence at all. Everyone who saw him would only say how fortunate your life is, to have such an outstanding brother.


    In everyone''s eyes, Xiao Yi was truly lucky¡ªhis brother was the number one talent of the age, and also the Saint Heir of the number one sect of the Great Qian Dynasty. Just giving him a little bit of resources could make him a top-notch expert.


    But the reality was that when Xiao Yi turned ten, Xiao Tianjiao strictly forbade him from continuing his cultivation.


    Even the most basic body tempering was not allowed.


    According to Xiao Tianjiao, having him as the one dragon in the Xiao Family was enough.


    He disliked the thought that when people mentioned him, they would remember he had a brother sharing the same blood, who was nothing more than an ordinary mortal with mediocre talent.


    That would tarnish his perfect image.


    If not for Xiao Yi''s mother, who protected him with her life, Xiao Tianjiao''s methods would have long since made him silently disappear from the world, forever eliminating any future trouble.


    Because of this...


    For the past eight years, he had been imprisoned in the most secluded courtyard in the depths of the Xiao Family. Even so, Xiao Tianjiao was still not at ease. To prevent Xiao Yi from escaping, he even arranged for two Shentong Realm powerhouses to watch over Xiao Yi, who was only at the Physical Body Realm, at all times.


    If it weren''t for his mother, who secretly sent him some books and passed him some news, he wouldn''t even know who the current emperor was.


    However.


    The mother who was the only one to cherish him also died suddenly three years ago. Since then, Xiao Yi had not taken a step out of the courtyard for three full years, as if the whole Xiao Family had forgotten about him.


    And today...


    Xiao Zhengde suddenly ordered for him to be called in.


    It had been two hours since he arrived at the great hall, yet Xiao Zhengde and Xiao Tianjiao acted as if they had never seen him.


    Looking at the two, high above and happily conversing, Xiao Yi''s heart turned cold as ice.


    Eighteen years.


    Living for eighteen years like the air, he was long accustomed to being ignored.


    There is no greater sorrow than a dead heart.


    Standing in the vast hall, facing what should be the closest relatives in this world, Xiao Yi was only left with loneliness and tranquility.


    After another half hour, it seemed Xiao Zhengde only then remembered Xiao Yi''s existence. As he turned around, the sycophantic and ingratiating smile on his face vanished, replaced by cold indifference, disgust, and loathing. It seemed he was too lazy to say more to Xiao Yi and said dismissively, "Go back and prepare. You will leave for Nanhuang City in the Tianqing Kingdom three days from now..."


    "The Tianqing Kingdom?"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback. The Tianqing Kingdom was a small country subordinate to the Great Qian Dynasty, bordering the vast and barren wilderness, a forsaken place where no bird would lay its eggs. He frowned and asked, "What am I to do there?"


    Xiao Zhengde said impatiently, "Your brother..."


    "Hmph!"


    Xiao Tianjiao snorted coldly, his expression showing a bit of displeasure and disgust.


    In his eyes, being Xiao Yi''s brother was a great shame.


    "Oh my, I misspoke..."


    Xiao Zhengde hastily said a word of appeasement, and, seeing Xiao Tianjiao''s expression slightly mollify, he continued, "The fire dragon of Tian''er took a liking to the Silver Winged Sword Dragon kept by the Fang Family in Nanhuang as their clan guardian beast. Yet the Fang Family absurdly thinks to climb up by this connection with our Xiao Family, stubbornly refusing to hand over the Silver Winged Sword Dragon. After discussing it, we decided unanimously to have you marry into the Fang Family to become their son-in-law in exchange for that Silver Winged Sword Dragon!"


    Thump!


    Thump!


    Thump!


    Xiao Yi felt as if there were no sounds in the world except for his own heartbeat and the cold expressions of Xiao Zhengde and Xiao Tianjiao. His usually tranquil mind, like still ancient wells, was now churning with shockwaves.


    To be sold off like goods just because Xiao Tianjiao''s mount, the fire dragon, took a fancy to the Silver Winged Sword Dragon? To be sent to the Fang Family as a live-in son-in-law?


    Xiao Yi''s head was spinning.


    Incredulous.


    Even though for over a dozen years Xiao Zhengde ignored him, and Xiao Tianjiao saw him as a stain and a disgrace, having imprisoned him for eight long years and prevented him from cultivating any cultivation techniques or martial skills, he had endured it all.


    But now...


    Xiao Yi''s face was full of bitterness, and with the last glimmer of hope in his eyes, he looked at the brother he once idolized and said in a deep voice, "Is this what you want?"


    Xiao Tianjiao glanced at him indifferently, his face showing dispassion.


    It seemed even speaking to Xiao Yi was a disgrace to him.


    "This is the will of the entire clan. Even though you''re useless, having stepped into the Physical Body Realm at eight years old and still remaining there after a full ten years, we have not mistreated you. You''ve never lacked for food or clothing. Now, it''s time for you to repay your debt..."


    Xiao Zhengde thought for a moment before continuing, "Today, I called you here to inform you, not to seek your opinion. You just need to follow our arrangements!"


    Just to inform me, huh?


    Indeed!


    Like my cultivation path, I don''t even have the right to choose!


    Xiao Yi looked up, his gaze intense, wanting to shout at the two of them that he was not useless, that he''d been stuck at the Physical Body Realm for ten years!


    It''s not that he lacked talent for staying in the Physical Body Realm for ten years, but because the seal over something inside of his body had yet to be broken.


    But now...


    It doesn''t matter.


    There''s no need!


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi let out a long breath, completely despairing of this family. His tense body gradually relaxed, and the fists he had been clenching quietly uncurled. This family no longer held anything worth yearning for. Gritting his teeth, he replied each word with deliberate force, "Becoming a son-in-law of the Fang Family, right? I will go, but before I leave... I would like to pay respects to my mother!"


    His mother had suddenly passed away three years ago.


    Xiao Yi was confined to a small courtyard, unable to pay his respects to his mother, let alone hear of her death. It was only two months later that he learned of her passing from the servants, and to this day he didn''t even know where her grave was.


    This was his only obsession with this family!


    However...


    Xiao Tianjiao looked at him with contempt, sneering, "There''s no need for you to pay respects to mother. I will do it myself."


    Xiao Yi''s eyes turned blood-red, his body shaking like chaff, and he growled through clenched teeth, "Xiao Tianjiao, she''s also my mother!"


    "No, from now on, she isn''t!"


    Xiao Tianjiao spoke calmly, "Your name has been struck from the family records. From this day forth, you will only be an idle son-in-law in the Fang Family of Nanhuang and have no relation to the Xiao Family."


    Thud! Thud! Thud!


    A bolt from the blue!


    Upon hearing these words, Xiao Yi stumbled back three steps with his face turning deathly pale, and he bellowed hysterically, "Xiao Tianjiao, are those even human words you speak? Huh? Ashamed of me, you stripped away my right to cultivate, confined me like livestock for eight long years¡ªeight whole years! And now, do you even wish to strip away my right to pay respects to my mother?"


    "Shut up!"


    Xiao Tianjiao leaned forward slightly, proud and towering, looking down from on high at Xiao Yi, "I am a true dragon above the heavens, and you are nothing but a mudfish struggling in the mire. What right do you have to pay homage to my mother? We are people of two different worlds, and my world is far too high for you..."


    "Too high for me? Hahaha, what a ''too high for me''..."


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath, his bloodshot eyes like two crimson moons, staring intently at Xiao Tianjiao and Xiao Zhengde, "Xiao Tianjiao, Xiao Zhengde, your bullying is too much... I swear, one day you will regret everything you have done today."


    "A vow, huh? An ant will always be an ant, and a vow is just a weakling''s futile struggle..."


    Xiao Tianjiao didn''t take Xiao Yi''s words to heart at all. He glanced at Xiao Zhengde and said dispassionately, "Father, even with the Dragon Blood steeds running day and night, it would take five days to reach Nanhuang. The longer the night, the more dreams. Better for him to leave right now."


    "Right now? Fine," Xiao Zhengde agreed without the slightest hesitation.


    Xiao Tianjiao''s voice came again, "To prevent any mishaps along the way or his escape, it''s best to knock him unconscious and have someone deliver him directly to the Fang Family." S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Face filled with grief and anger, blood-red eyes brimming with towering rage, Xiao Yi glared at Xiao Tianjiao, "Xiao Tianjiao, your tyranny is..."


    Bang!


    Before Xiao Yi could finish his words, he was struck by a palm from Xiao Tianjiao and sent flying. The violent wind filled his mouth, preventing him from uttering the rest of his words, and then he slammed into a pillar with a thud.


    Everything went black, and he fell into a deep faint.


    However...


    Nobody noticed that in the moment before Xiao Yi lost consciousness, his field of vision, which had turned pitch black, was suddenly pierced by a dazzling light.


    It was as though invisible colossal hands ripped through the darkness, completely engulfing his consciousness.


    In an instant.


    The darkness before Xiao Yi dispersed, and looking ahead, he found himself amidst a boundless expanse of starry sky. Countless stars spilled before his eyes, massive ones whizzing past, stirring ripples of space that stretched for billions of miles.


    Vast, majestic, endless, boundless.


    Not far in front of him in the starry sky, there floated a black mausoleum, ancient and enormous, suspended right there, with four huge black dragons, their bodies like black iron, coiled around the tomb, their heads and tails linked.


    Inside that mausoleum, nine sky-supporting pillars stood tall between heaven and earth, as if piercing the entire cosmos. Eighty-one massive black chains stretched from the top of the pillars into the boundless void, firmly locking onto eighty-one suns radiating intense and scorching light.


    The fierce flames emitted from each of the eighty-one suns could incinerate a whole realm, yet they were restrained by the black chains, staunchly supporting the mysterious dark mausoleum.


    Xiao Yi couldn''t contain the shock in his heart as he looked toward the entrance of the mausoleum. Two azure pillars flanked the gate, each inscribed with a line of blood-red characters, similar to a couplet.


    On the left: A thousand tribulations, a hundred hardships, through ancient times in the blink of an eye!


    On the right: An immortal body, an indestructible soul, who can rival throughout ancient and modern times?


    Connecting the two azure pillars was a black plaque, inscribed with four earth-shaking characters...


    Eternal! Celestial! Tomb!


    PS: Xiao Tian has created a public account. Just search for "Ye Tiandi" to find it. Xiao Tian will post some extras and the like there, I hope everyone will join!

 Chapter 2 - 2: The Eternal Celestial Tomb

    ```


    Gazing at the enormous black mausoleum before him, Xiao Yi was overwhelmed with shock.


    Everything he saw was beyond his comprehension.


    To construct a mausoleum in the endless starry sky, using the legendary true dragon as walls, and firmly anchoring eighty-one proud suns, what kind of terrifying existence could possess such means?


    "The Eternal Celestial Tomb..."


    Xiao Yi hesitated before pushing open the great doors of the mausoleum.


    The doors seemed to have not been opened for a long time, emitting creaking noises.


    Clang!


    The gates swung open.


    A surge of air burst forth, forming an enormous tornado that whisked past Xiao Yi, shooting out ten thousand miles away, extinguishing stars and dimming the sun and moon in its path.


    As everything dispersed, a series of chaotic tombs appeared before him.


    "The tomb of the Qingyun Sword Saint, this... Is this the number one swordsman of the Qingtian Realm from eighty thousand years ago, who was known to split heaven with a single sword? Wasn''t it said that he vanished after his battle with the Martial God Zhan Wuji? How could he be buried here?"


    As far as the eye could see, there were only tombs with names engraved on the steles that shocked Xiao Yi, prompting repeated exclamations, "The tomb of the Grandmaster of Formation, the Double Star Taoist? The tomb of the Medicine Saint Feng Lei? The tomb of the Martial God Zhan Wuji? My God, what is going on? Weren''t all of these beings legends who dominated their time and ascended to the celestial realm? They... They are all dead? And buried here? What on earth is happening..."


    Whether it was the Qingyun Sword Saint, the Double Star Taoist, or the Martial God Zhan Wuji...


    Each of them was a super-powerful being well-known in the Qingtian Realm.


    The Qingyun Sword Saint, whose Green Lotus Sword Song dominated all three realms; the Double Star Taoist, who could trap immortals with a wave of his hand in his formations; the Medicine Saint Feng Lei, whose profound alchemical skills were revered; and Zhan Wuji, widely recognized as the Martial God, who withstood the ascension tribulation with his mortal body, dispelling thousands of miles of tribulation clouds with a single punch, capable of annihilating millions of powerful beings.


    Besides them, there were many other names that Xiao Yi had never heard of, who, being buried alongside Zhan Wuji, must undoubtedly also be beings of the same caliber.


    Yet, such mighty beings...


    They had all died?


    And were buried in this mysterious mausoleum. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Before this...


    He only knew that the reason he had always remained at the Physical Body Realm was due to a mysterious seal inside him that had not been unlocked.


    But when the seal was unlocked, what appeared before him was this strange and eerie mausoleum, leaving him uncertain whether to feel joy or sorrow.


    "Exactly who built this mausoleum, burying so many powerful beings... And how did it end up within me?" Xiao Yi looked towards the depths of the graveyard. This was merely the outermost area, where the tombs were low and simple, where even the tomb of someone as strong as Zhan Wuji was just a few stones piled up.


    The tombs of mighty beings like the Qingyun Sword Saint were nothing more than a mound of yellow soil.


    Although the deeper parts of the mausoleum were shrouded in mist, one could still vaguely make out that the deeper into the mausoleum, the tombs became increasingly taller and more extravagant.


    Especially at the very center of the mausoleum, where one could faintly see nine pyramid-like golden tombs that stood between heaven and earth like piercing swords, with brilliant golden light radiating from those tombs. As his gaze reached the top of the pyramid, a tomb there infused his brow with an invincible aura that seemed to declare supremacy over all beneath heaven and earth.


    "The Divine Enthronement Stele finds its master, the Heaven-Subduing Divine General resumes its position! Subduing the heavens, sealing divinity, and extinguishing immortals!"


    At the same time, a voice containing supreme authority sounded within his mind, and a black stele suddenly rose from the ground in front of him.


    As the voice fell, countless glyphs and information flooded into his mind, morphing into a scripture of cultivation.


    The "Divine Enthronement Heaven Subduing Skill".


    "One sand grain, one world; one grass, one universe. Using the body as a tomb, sealing divinity with the tomb, wielding power to subdue immortals, awakening the cells within the body, evolving the God Sealing Seed, absorbing the legacies of the powerful within the celestial tomb, suppressing immortals and sealing gods!"


    Boom!


    At that moment, Xiao Yi''s body shook violently.


    Countless natural energies from heaven and earth converged within his body. With a crisp pop, divine light burst forth from him. At this odd moment, Xiao Yi could see his entire body as though he had a God''s-eye view, with his body appearing transparent, and the eighty million God Sealing Seeds like stars in the night sky.


    At this moment.


    One of the stars shed its surface layer of murky film and shone with an incomparably dazzling divine light.


    This God Sealing Seed was fully activated, and the surging energy feedback caused Xiao Yi''s cultivation to continuously break through.


    First Layer of the Physical Body Realm.


    Second Layer of the Physical Body Realm.


    Third Layer of the Physical Body Realm...


    He progressed all the way to the Fifth Layer of the Physical Body Realm before stopping.


    At the same time, an inconspicuous tomb in front of him was suppressed in an instant, and the legacy of its inhabitant was absorbed immediately, a cultivation technique named "Eight Extremes Fist," which he mastered on the spot.


    "Heaven-Subduing Divine General?"


    ```


    Looking at his continuously advancing body and the legacy that had unexpectedly appeared within, Xiao Yi''s eyes flashed with a glint of puzzlement, for he could feel it, an earth-shattering change had taken place in him at this moment, even his mind and nature had undergone a transformation.


    It seemed as if he himself were that Heaven Subduing Godly General! With the power to subdue the heavens, proudly looking down upon all existence.


    Even the Martial Saints and War Gods appeared so insignificant in his eyes!


    And what about his genius brother, Xiao Tianjiao? He was no more than an ant.


    This consciousness instantly etched itself deep into his bones!


    "Xiao Zhengde, Xiao Tianjiao, you treat me as rubbish, you shame me, you imprisoned me for eight long years. You forced me into an arranged marriage, and even took away my right to pay respects to my own mother... One day, I will return to the Xiao Family, and you will know who the real waste is!"


    With this thought, Xiao Yi suddenly felt a loud noise from outside, pulling his thoughts back to reality.


    His eyes opened, and he was in a simple bedroom.


    At this moment...


    The door had been violently smashed open, half of the broken door panel was lying on the ground, while the other half hung on the door frame creaking, a hulking figure was grabbing the wrist of a slender silhouette, pressing her down on a table, and sneered, "Heh heh, Fang Qingzhu, you pride yourself as the favored lady of heaven and look down on me, huh? Today, I''ll force myself upon you right in front of your waste of a husband, and what can you do about it? Hahaha..."


    The woman being pressed down on the wooden table had a graceful figure, and although her face could not be seen, her voice was incredibly melodious, like that of an otherworldly fairy, "Fang Ao, my husband is a man of the Xiao Family, dare you touch me?"


    "The Xiao Family? If you married Xiao Tianjiao, I would pack my things and flee immediately, not even daring to glance at you. However..."


    Fang Ao, tall and burly, with a cultivation that had reached the Fifth Layer of the Physical Body Realm, looked at Fang Qingzhu''s stunning face with hot and greedy eyes, "What you married is nothing but the waste that the Xiao Family cast aside. Forget about him being unconscious now¡ªeven if he woke up, I would dare to force myself upon you right in front of him!"


    Despair and bitterness covered the beautiful face of Fang Qingzhu.


    She was the favored daughter of heaven from the Fang Family.


    When news spread that Xiao Tianjiao wanted to acquire the Silver Winged Sword Dragon, the Fang Family proposed an alliance through marriage, and everyone thought she would marry Xiao Tianjiao. Even being a lesser, unloved concubine would have elevated the Fang Family''s status, making them the number one clan in the Tianqing Kingdom.


    For this reason, the Fang Family unanimously chose Fang Qingzhu as the successor to the family head.


    However...


    Only three days prior, when the unconscious Xiao Yi was delivered to the Fang Family, did everyone realize they had been tricked.


    The two families indeed had a matrimonial alliance.


    But the bridegroom was not Xiao Tianjiao, but Xiao Yi, the waste expelled from the Xiao Family''s clan records.


    What''s more...


    Xiao Tianjiao, worrying about a wife overpowering her husband, had Fang Qingzhu''s dantian destroyed, claiming concern that Xiao Yi would be at a disadvantage in the Fang Family. Fang Qingzhu, a woman of heavenly favor and peak Qi Gathering Realm cultivator at eighteen, was reduced to a cripple on her wedding day.


    Together with Xiao Yi, they were truly a couple of wastes.


    The Fang Family not only lost the Silver Winged Sword Dragon but Fang Qingzhu, their favored daughter of heaven, was also reduced to a cripple because of Xiao Yi.


    In the end, they got nothing but a discarded waste of a son-in-law from the Xiao Family, turning the affair into a colossal joke in Nanhuang.


    In a fit of rage, the head of the Fang Family threw Xiao Yi out to this small courtyard, left unattended.


    Only Fang Qingzhu was there to take care of him.


    Whenever Fang Ao thought about how he had schemed to pursue Fang Qingzhu, only to be repeatedly rejected, whilst she willingly took meticulous care of Xiao Yi, the one responsible for her dantian being destroyed, for three days and nights, he couldn''t help but feel enraged, gritting his teeth and asking, "Fang Qingzhu, what are you really after by doing this?"


    Lying on the bed, Xiao Yi heard the conversation between the two and his body involuntarily shook.


    He was very aware of the reason Xiao Tianjiao had destroyed Fang Qingzhu''s dantian. In Xiao Tianjiao''s eyes, Xiao Yi was a waste, and his woman could only be a waste too, regardless of Fang Qingzhu being innocent and uninvolved. He was adamant about ruining her.


    Because he would not allow Xiao Yi to have even the slightest chance of escaping the identity of a waste.


    What he didn''t expect, however...


    Was Fang Qingzhu''s decision.


    Far from resenting him, she actually took great care by his bedside for three days and nights.


    You have to understand.


    Fang Qingzhu had just had her dantian destroyed and was in a period of weakness herself.


    What was she really after by doing this?


    Not even Fang Ao understood, and Xiao Yi was full of doubts as well.


    Apparently realizing she could not break free, Fang Qingzhu stopped struggling. Tears rolled down from the corners of her eyes, and although her voice was soft, her stance was resolute, "To follow the husband like the hen follows the rooster, the dog follows the dog... Now that I have married Xiao Yi, we are husband and wife..."


    "What a fine saying¡ªto follow the husband... You''d rather suffer with this waste than be with me? Very well, I will, right in front of him, make you..."


    Fang Ao''s face contorted with fury as he roared.


    But before he could finish his words, he heard a cold voice from behind, "If you don''t want to die, I suggest you stop!"

 Chapter 3 - 3 Beating Up Fang Ao

    "Hmm?"


    Fang Ao and Fang Qingzhu were both startled.


    Fang Ao turned around to look, only to see Xiao Yi already walking down from the bed, looking at him with an indifferent face. Vaguely, Fang Ao felt as if he was facing a bloodthirsty tiger, the sharpness in his eyes causing him a pain as if being pricked by needles and sliced by knives.


    "You trash actually woke up?"


    Fang Ao was stunned, then immediately grabbed Fang Qingzhu''s hair, his face bearing a brilliant smile, "A piece of trash dares defy me, you''ve woken up just in time. Open your eyes wide and see how I take pleasure with your woman right before your eyes!"


    Xiao Yi patted the wrinkles on his clothes, his gaze calm as he looked at Fang Ao, "Make another move, and I''ll kill you!"


    Even though he had not a single shred of affection for Fang Qingzhu, the mere fact that she had taken care of him day and night for the past three days, not to mention her commitment to ''follow the man she married,'' had made it absolutely forbidden for Xiao Yi to allow anyone to harm her!


    Fang Ao was taken aback, sizing up Xiao Yi with a strange laugh, "You think you are Xiao Tianjiao? If it were Xiao Tianjiao saying this, I would immediately kneel down and crawl out of here. What are you worth? Be smart and just stand there and watch how I play with her. If you dare to spoil my fun again, I''ll make you regret ever being born!"


    Fang Qingzhu''s eyes carried a sense of despair. If her cultivation was still intact, a mere Fang Ao wouldn''t even be worthy of consideration.


    But now...


    Her cultivation had been wasted, and she was no match for Fang Ao.


    As for Xiao Yi?


    He was nothing more than an outcast of the Xiao Family, so what prowess could he have to protect her?


    Fang Qingzhu''s gaze toward Xiao Yi was filled with despairing indifference, "Don''t worry about me, you''re no match for him..."


    "You cheap woman, you are still defending him until now? I''ll do you right in front of him..."


    Fury burned in Fang Ao, his eyes filled with greed and fervor as he reached for Fang Qingzhu''s chest.


    Xiao Yi shook his head lightly, his face turning cold, "Clueless about death!"


    By the time he lifted his head again,


    his calm face showed a hint of indifference, and with a sudden stomp of his feet, there was a muffled bang.


    Xiao Yi, like an arrow released from its bow, shot out like a burst, carrying a violent gale of wind around him, with the sound of a sonic boom, he threw a punch at Fang Ao¡ªit was the Mountain Thrust from "Eight Extremes Fist."


    Powerful and forceful, with tremendous might and heavy force.


    "You trash, get out of my way!"


    Fang Ao didn''t take Xiao Yi seriously at all and turned around to throw a punch.


    His cultivation was also at the Fifth Layer of the Physical Body Realm, and a casual punch carried the impact of thousands of pounds, enough to shatter a tiger''s skull with a single blow.


    In Fang Ao''s view, he was at the Fifth Layer of the Physical Body Realm, while Xiao Yi was just a piece of trash discarded by the Xiao Family.


    There was no way he could block this punch.


    Even Fang Qingzhu closed her eyes in despair.


    Bang!


    The fists of the two collided mid-air like close combat, creating two gusts of wind in opposite directions that filled the simple bedroom.


    Rumble!


    The old table splintered into pieces, broken wood chips flying everywhere.


    Xiao Yi did not move an inch.


    As for Fang Ao, his face turned shades of pale and green, retreating seven steps and stopping only when his back hit the wall.


    Crack crack crack!


    Fang Ao discharged the remaining force of the impact onto the wall behind him, and cracks spread across the wall like a spider''s web.


    Wow!


    Fang Ao spat out a mouthful of blood, his legs went weak as he knelt on the ground, struggling to raise his head and look at Xiao Yi with disbelief, "How do you have such strong strength?"


    Xiao Yi rubbed his fist lightly, glancing down and said indifferently, "Trash." S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You mongrel dare to call me trash, go to hell!" Fang Ao let out an enraged roar, his voice also turning cold,


    "Mountain Splitting Fist!"


    Fang Ao didn''t wait for Xiao Yi to speak and snorted coldly, his feet thudding on the ground.


    The punch came down like an axe splitting a mountain, heavy and powerful.


    In the Heavenly Yuan Realm, martial techniques are divided into ten grades, each with three levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. The "Mountain Splitting Fist" was a first-grade beginner-level martial technique.


    Fang Ao had been practicing this boxing technique since he was young, reaching the pinnacle of mastery with his fists blazing with powerful intent.


    The terrifying fist wind howled towards him, with a force that could split mountains and shatter rocks effortlessly.


    "Be careful!"


    Fang Qingzhu''s eyes split with anger as she cried out a warning, "The Mountain Splitting Fist has great momentum and heavy force, don''t meet it head-on, quick, dodge!"


    Fang Ao sneered, "It''s already too late!"


    Indeed, it was too late!


    His punch came like a sudden storm, leaving no room to avoid it.


    Facing such a fierce assault from Fang Ao, Xiao Yi remained expressionless, instead taking a deep breath that chilled his body.


    His eyes sharpened like never before, and all of a sudden, Xiao Yi took a step forward.


    "Seeking death!"


    Seeing Xiao Yi rushing towards him, Fang Ao''s face grew even more ferocious, his eyes blood-red, exuding a biting chill that seemed eager to devour.


    However...


    The Xiao Yi in front of him suddenly ducked, allowing Fang Ao''s punch to whiz past his shoulder. Following closely, Xiao Yi spun around, his back facing Fang Ao, and with bent legs, he thrust himself forward powerfully, like a bowstring snapping back, and his back collided with a boom against Fang Ao''s chest.


    In an instant, Fang Ao''s complexion turned deathly pale, feeling a sharp pain in his chest as if several ribs were broken.


    Aow!


    Immediately afterwards, a terrible scream rang out from Fang Ao''s mouth.


    Shot out like an arrow, he flew more than ten meters before sliding another seven or eight meters across the courtyard and hitting the wall, only coming to a stop then. Cracks spread all around the wall, as if a breeze might topple it.


    Boom!


    The whole courtyard shook violently.


    Fang Ao leaned against the wall, his face ashen, blood spurting from his seven orifices, looking at Xiao Yi with horror, "You, you..."


    He was too shocked to finish his sentence.


    Fang Qingzhu''s pretty face was filled with astonishment. Everything had happened in the blink of an eye, leaving her momentarily disoriented.


    Xiao Yi walked up to Fang Ao, looking down at him from above, "The title of ''good-for-nothing'' suits you perfectly!"


    "Xiao, Xiao... wah..."


    Hatred filled Fang Ao''s eyes as he ground his teeth. Just as he started to speak, he spat out another mouthful of blood and gasped for breath before slowly regaining some composure. "You''re done for..." he hissed through his teeth. "Just wait, when my brother comes back, he will take your life... and when that time comes, both you and that bitch Fang Qingzhu will die..."


    "By then, you won''t be able to see it!" Xiao Yi''s pupils suddenly narrowed, a cold gleam flitted across his eyes as he raised his foot to stomp toward Fang Ao''s head.


    "Stop..."


    Fang Qingzhu''s voice suddenly came from inside the house.


    Xiao Yi paused, frowning as he looked towards her.


    Fang Qingzhu''s face was unable to hide the shock in her heart as she panted heavily and said, "Fang Ao''s younger brother Fang Jin is a master of the Tenth Layer of the Gather Qi Realm, and he is at the Royal Martial Arts Academy for assessment. Once he returns, it''s very likely he will be a Shentong Realm expert. If you kill Fang Ao, Fang Jin will definitely not let you go..."


    Xiao Yi''s brow furrowed slightly.


    Tenth Layer of the Gather Qi Realm?


    He, the Divine General of Zhentian, who commanded the Eternal Mausoleum of the Ages, how could he fear anything?


    Seeing Xiao Yi hesitate, Fang Ao mistook it for fear of Fang Jin and showed a triumphant look. Proudly he said, "So now you''re afraid? Kek, it''s too late... But, if you kneel in front of me now, beg for mercy, and personally bring Fang Qingzhu cleaned and delivered to my bed, I might consider asking my brother to spare you a dog''s life!"


    "I intended to kill you right now, but since you are so confident in Fang Jin, I shall spare your dog life and let you witness how he dies by my hand!"


    Xiao Yi shook his head gently, and under Fang Ao''s horrified gaze, he forcefully stomped down.


    Puh!


    The stomp landed squarely on Fang Ao''s groin, a yellow fluid mixing with the blood flowing from beneath him.


    Fang Ao''s body stiffened utterly, his face turning a ghastly shade of green, veins on his forehead popping like angry dragons.


    Aowu...


    With a miserable howl, Fang Ao completely lost consciousness.


    Xiao Yi, with an expressionless face, grabbed the collar of the unconscious man and threw him out of the courtyard...

 Chapter 4 - 4 A Thousand Miles in One Day

    Only Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhu were left in the courtyard.


    Gazing at the woman before him, Xiao Yi felt a twinge of guilt. If not for him, Fang Qingzhu would not have lost her cultivation. Taking a deep breath, he said, "I''m sorry, I''ve dragged you down!"


    "It has nothing to do with you. This must be my fate!" Fang Qingzhu forced a bitter smile and mocked herself.


    Seeing the self-mockery and unwillingness on Fang Qingzhu''s pale face, Xiao Yi frowned and said solemnly, "Don''t worry, I will take responsibility for you!"


    "Responsibility?"


    Fang Qingzhu looked at Xiao Yi oddly and shook her head with a cold sneer, unsure if she was mocking him or herself, "A dying person, and you still talk of responsibility? Fang Jin is very domineering and protective. Since you''ve crippled Fang Ao, he will definitely not let you off, and even I will face a lot of trouble..."


    Xiao Yi frowned and said, "If he dares to touch you, I will kill him!"


    "Xiao! Yi!"


    Fang Qingzhu''s phoenix eyes suddenly narrowed, and she called out his name coldly, pausing with each word, "Can''t you be a little more self-aware? What is your cultivation level? And what is Fang Jin''s strength? He is a powerful practitioner at the Tenth Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm, who could step into the Divine Passage Realm at any time. With what will you kill him? How will you protect me? Just because you belong to the Xiao Family? The Xiao Family does not acknowledge you, do you understand?"


    Xiao Yi fell silent.


    Depend on the Xiao Family?


    Ever since that day, he had long stopped considering himself a member of the Xiao Family.


    Seeing Xiao Yi''s silence, the frostiness on Fang Qingzhu''s face eased slightly, and she sighed, "Don''t worry. There are still three months before Fang Jin returns. I will try my best to delay him and strive to save your life. I''m a bit tired. You get some rest, and I will have someone send you food."


    "Fang Qingzhu..."


    Xiao Yi opened his mouth, but Fang Qingzhu didn''t turn back and walked straight toward the door.


    Looking at her thinning back, Xiao Yi clenched his fists and muttered to himself, "No matter what, you ended up like this because of me. I will change your fate!"


    The Eternal Tomb was filled with countless experts, including many specialists with strange abilities.


    People like Medicine Saint Feng Lei, Immortal Medicine King Xue Shengyi, and so on.


    As long as he could inherit the teachings of any one of them, there would certainly be a way to cure Fang Qingzhu, "Once this debt is settled, I will leave the Fang Family!"


    He had initially agreed to become a son-in-law to the Fang Family to escape Xiao Tianjiao''s control. However, this incident forced him to stay within the Fang Family. At least, he needed to help Fang Qingzhu recover her Dantian so he could leave without any regrets.


    However...


    To earn the inheritance of Feng Lei or the Immortal Medicine King with his current strength was far from sufficient.


    The Physical Body Realm was just the basic stage of martial arts. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Above it were the Qi Gathering Realm, the Divine Passage Realm, the Golden Core Realm, the Tao Tribulation Realm, and so on...


    He was currently at the Fifth Layer of the Physical Body Realm. Even though he had inherited Wu Zhong''s legacy and mastered the Eight Extremes Fist, which was comparable to a top-grade martial art, making his combat power no weaker than an ordinary warrior at the Eighth Layer of the Physical Body Realm, killing him would be as easy as crushing an ant for someone like Fang Jin at the Tenth Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm, let alone Xiao Tianjiao.


    "There are still three months before Fang Jin returns, three months is enough."


    If outsiders heard Xiao Yi''s words, they would likely think he was mad.


    Fang Jin was at the Tenth Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm, while he was merely at the Fifth Layer of the Physical Body Realm. Three months to surpass Fang Jin, break through to the Tenth Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm?


    Even Xiao Tianjiao, hailed as the strongest genius in the history of the Great Qian Dynasty, took two full years to break through from the Physical Body Realm to the Tenth Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm.


    And Xiao Yi claimed three months would suffice?


    That was pure fantasy!


    But that was just what the world thought.


    With the Divine Enthronement Heaven Subduing Skill and the control over the Eternal Tomb, these were not difficult feats for Xiao Yi.


    "One flower one world, one leaf one universe..."


    Xiao Yi focused entirely on his cultivation.


    The Physical Body Realm involved absorbing the essence of heaven and earth to refine the body, and the Divine Enthronement Heaven Subduing Skill''s absorption of this essence was far more rapid than ordinary techniques.


    The speed of his cultivation could be described as skyrocketing.


    Two days later, Xiao Yi entered the Sixth Layer of the Physical Body Realm.


    In four days, the Seventh Layer of the Physical Body Realm, in six days the Eighth Layer, and by the tenth day, he had already reached the Ninth Layer of the Physical Body Realm.


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi exhaled a long breath of turbid air and shook his head reluctantly, "After reaching the Ninth Layer of the Physical Body Realm, the pace has slowed. Indeed, the farther one goes in cultivation, the harder it gets¡­ I''m now at the Ninth Layer of the Physical Body Realm. I wonder how many God Sealing Seeds I can activate with the essence accumulated inside me?"


    He channeled his profound energy, directing the essence to surge wildly into the God Sealing Seeds.


    As flush after flush washed over them, the black membrane on the surface of the God Sealing Seeds continued to shatter.


    Pop!


    One.


    Two.


    Three...


    When all the accumulated essence inside Xiao Yi was depleted, he had activated a total of four God Sealing Seeds. The surging power of the God Sealing Seeds burst forth from within, feeding back into his body.


    His body shuddered, and his cultivation improved further, stepping into the Tenth Layer of the Physical Body Realm!


    "Now that I hold five Divine Sealing Seeds, should I be able to suppress another formidable being?"


    Xiao Yi made a move and entered the Wan Gu Tian Tomb.


    A search ensued.


    His target settled on a small grave just one foot tall. Wu Zhong''s tombstone had only been two inches high, whereas the wooden tombstone before him stood a full ten feet tall, with the inscription: Jin Wuheng from the Heavenly Yuan Realm, known as the Death-dealing Scholar!


    "The Death-dealing Scholar, Jin Wuheng? Could it really be him?" Xiao Yi was visibly surprised.


    The Death-dealing Scholar, one sword to chase the soul!


    This Jin Wuheng was a figure famous in the Great Qian Dynasty a hundred years ago, originally one of the four great talents of the Great Qian Dynasty, who had turned to the demonic path after being betrayed by his beloved. He had killed countless people in his life and once, with the Seventh Layer of the Divine Skills Realm, he had killed an expert of the Golden Core Realm before leaving without a trace, leaving behind a formidable reputation.


    His signature move, the Soul-chasing Life-taking Sword, was an advanced third-grade sword technique.


    "Death-dealing Scholar, Jin Wuheng, you will be the second being I''ll suppress!" With a firm step, Xiao Yi''s body resonated with the sound of the Divine Seeds, erupting into a brilliant light all around him.


    Hum!


    A myriad of lights gathered into a giant palm that swept down towards the grave.


    Boom!


    The tomb shattered apart.


    A figure emerged as a streak of light.


    This man was dressed like a scholar, holding a Green Peak Longsword, with a cold complexion, eyebrows sharp as swords, and eyes bright like the stars.


    With only a glance at Xiao Yi, devoid of joy or sorrow, a sword swept in from the west.


    Whoosh!


    The sword light soared to the sky, like a world-shaking rainbow.


    The sharp Sword Qi whistled in all directions, and in an instant, it appeared in front of Xiao Yi, pursuing him from every angle. These Sword Qi were so refined they were like meticulously crafted mysterious iron longswords. Before they drew near, they caused Xiao Yi''s body to feel waves of intense pain.


    "No matter how dazzling your former achievements were, now you must be suppressed by me!"


    With a single hand reaching into the void, he fully activated the Divine Seed. That giant palm reemerged in the air, and with a humming sound, it formed a massive black cage that with a loud roar blocked the myriad of sword edges and descended from above, imprisoning Jin Wuheng within the cage with a bang.


    "Godly Suppression of Heaven, to suppress all under heaven..."


    The five Divine Seeds shone brilliantly, and bathed in divine light Xiao Yi roared, "Suppress!"


    Boom!


    The figure of the Death-dealing Scholar dissipated into nothing, solidifying within the Divine Seeds into a statue of a scholar holding a three-foot Green Edge Sword, successfully suppressing the Death-dealing Scholar, Jin Wuheng.


    Boom!


    At the same moment.


    A cool sensation spread throughout his body, and in the depths of Xiao Yi''s mind emerged the cultivation method for the Soul-chasing Life-taking Sword. Deeply embedded into the recesses of his mind, this sword technique that once forged Jin Wuheng''s formidable reputation, every move and every form, along with Jin Wuheng''s understanding of swordsmanship, all merged for Xiao Yi''s use.


    Without discussing Xiao Yi''s current combat capabilities, just the theoretical grasp of swordsmanship alone was now no weaker than that of a swordsman who had devoted dozens of years to the pursuit.


    Beyond that.


    What surprised Xiao Yi was that even Jin Wuheng''s expertise in appraising antique calligraphy and paintings had been transferred to him.


    This Jin Wuheng too was an incredibly learned individual, renowned for his unique insights into antique calligraphy and painting, which turned out to be a fine acquisition.


    "Who would have thought that the Death-dealing Scholar, infamous enough to strike fear upon being mentioned, aside from his exceptional talent in swordsmanship, also had such accomplishments in painting and calligraphy!"


    Xiao Yi chuckled and shook his head, suddenly aware of someone entering the courtyard, he promptly left the Wan Gu Tian Tomb.


    Inside the courtyard.


    An elderly woman with a face full of wrinkles walked in. This was Mei Auntie, sent by Fang Qingzhu to bring food to Xiao Yi. Xiao Yi said with a smile, "Mei Auntie, what brings you here so early today?"


    Mei Auntie cast a cold glance at Xiao Yi, her eyes filled with disgust, and said indifferently, "If it weren''t for the Miss''s request, do you think this old woman would be willing to bring food to a scourge like you?"


    Xiao Yi managed a bitter smile; Mei Auntie had never shown a pleasant expression towards him in all these ten days.


    Bang!


    Mei Auntie threw the food on the ground, saying coldly, "The Miss asked me to tell you that in ten days, the family head will have his birthday feast. Here is one hundred silver coins; go and buy yourself a new set of clothes. She will prepare the birthday gift for you." Throwing a bag of Silver Coins at Xiao Yi, Mei Auntie complained, "You wretch, you''ve not only ruined the Miss''s dantian, but now she might even lose her position as the heir. If you dare do anything to wrong her, I won''t let you off!"


    Xiao Yi was stunned, then frowned and asked, "What family heir?"


    "You don''t know?"


    Mei Auntie said coldly, "The Miss was originally the heir to the family head, but now that her cultivation is destroyed, and she''s married to someone who isn''t like Xiao Tianjiao, the family head has decided to pass the position to Fang Jin once he returns. A man who has discarded his dignity to become a live-in son-in-law and can''t even protect his own wife; if I were you, I would simply hang myself with a rope..."


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath, completely unaware of what Mei Auntie was talking about.


    "Mei Auntie, please tell Qingzhu that with me here, no one can touch her," Xiao Yi said seriously.


    "You? Forget it. You''ve already crippled Fang Ao, and I''ve heard that he has sworn that once Fang Jin returns, he''ll tear you to pieces. You can''t even protect yourself, yet you talk of protecting the Miss?"


    Mei Auntie rolled her eyes, then sighed and looked at Xiao Yi with a slightly softer expression, "But it''s good you have the intention; you don''t owe the Miss, who has been running around negotiating for you these days... I have other matters to attend to, so I must leave. Leave the food container by the door, and I''ll come to fetch it. Remember to buy a set of clothes, and don''t embarrass the Miss any further!"


    With her hips swaying, Mei Auntie departed.


    Clenching the one hundred Silver Coins firmly in his hand, Xiao Yi''s gaze was sharp and determined, "Heir, you say? I declare it belongs to you, and no one can take it away..."

 Chapter 5 - 5 Goldlight Stone Spirit

    Nine days passed in the blink of an eye.


    Over these nine days, Xiao Yi''s cultivation had become increasingly stable, drawing ever closer to the Qi Gathering Realm.


    At noon, with the sun high in the sky,


    having risen early, Xiao Yi had already practiced the Eight Extremes Fist once and cultivated the Soul-chasing Life-taking Sword for two hours.


    "Xiao Yi, time to eat."


    Mei''s voice came from outside the door. After what happened that day, Mei treated Xiao Yi a bit more gently. Seeing him drenched in sweat, she frowned and said, "Tomorrow is the family head''s birthday feast. Miss asked me to check how your clothes preparations are going."


    "I''ll go in a bit!"


    "You better take this seriously! The family head''s birthday feast will bring all the notable figures of Nanhuang City, many of whom have pursued the Miss. You might not compare to those talents, but you should at least dress decently..."


    Mei nagged, "The hundred silver taels the Miss gave you are enough to buy a fine outfit at the Treasure Pavilion. Remember to go, don''t embarrass the Miss again!"


    ...


    Treasure Pavilion was situated in the south of Nanhuang City, divided into an outer and an inner cabinet.


    The outer cabinet mainly consisted of street stalls with a dazzling variety of goods on offer¡ªeverything under the sun, but with no guarantee of authenticity amidst a mix of the genuine and the fake.


    The inner cabinet, however, dealt in high-end merchandise, extremely expensive; a single piece of clothing could cost dozens of silver taels, enough for a typical family of five to live on for half a year. It was rare for ordinary people to shop at the inner cabinet.


    "Huh?"


    Xiao Yi''s eyes brightened as he passed a street stall.


    The stall owner was a thin old man with nothing but a black iron dragon statue on his display.


    "Goldlight Stone Spirit?"


    With the appraisal ability and experience in antiques and paintings he had acquired from the Life-taking Scholarte, Xiao Yi could tell at a glance that there was something special about the statue; it was not an ordinary object.


    "How much for this statue?"


    The old man said, "Fifty silver taels!"


    Xiao Yi''s eyes shifted, he said, "I''ll take it!"


    The old man''s face brightened as he reached for the silver in Xiao Yi''s hand.


    But just then, a lazy voice came from the side, "I''ll take that statue, young master!"


    The newcomer was a brocade-clad youth, lightly fanning himself, his face full of arrogance, completely ignoring Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi''s expression turned slightly cold, "It seems I was the first to take interest in this statue, wasn''t I?"


    "So what if you saw it first? Ask the stall owner if he''ll sell to you," the youth scoffed, looking at the old man, "Old man, who do you plan to sell this statue to?"


    The old man pretended to hesitate, "Indeed, this young brother was the first to show interest..."


    The youth casually said, "I''m offering a hundred taels!"


    The old man quickly looked to Xiao Yi.


    The youth taunted, "What''s the matter? Can''t afford a hundred taels?"


    "Quite a skilled performance,"


    Watching the youth and the old man, Xiao Yi sneered inwardly. Although they masked their intentions well, the small expressions they couldn''t keep in check didn''t escape his eyes.


    This little trick might fool others, but not the current him.


    "If you''re just shifting money from one hand to the other, then take it."


    After finishing his words, without another glance, Xiao Yi turned to leave. A statue containing a Goldlight Stone Spirit, although valuable, was of no great use to him¡ªhe was not about to waste his time playing childish tricks with this youth and the old man.


    "Huh?"


    Xiao Yi''s straightforward abandonment caught the old man and the youth off guard. They had used this tactic to provoke buyers many times before, and it was unexpected that this time it had failed.


    "Young brother, don''t leave. Although I love wealth, business is still about principles. You were the first to like this statue, so no matter how much others offer, I will sell it only to you for fifty taels, deal, and no going back!"


    Seeing the deal about to fall through, the youth immediately signaled the old man with his eyes. The old man hurriedly chased in front of Xiao Yi to deliver the statue, afraid that Xiao Yi would change his mind.


    "Deal!"


    Xiao Yi didn''t refuse, casually tossing the fifty silver taels to the old man, he prepared to leave.


    "Hahaha..."


    Once the transaction was settled, the youth suddenly burst into laughter, "Kid, I didn''t expect you actually had some insight, knowing I was maliciously bidding up the price and unwilling to spend more money. But what of it? This statue is just made from scrap iron, not even worth one silver tael. Fifty taels, I made a killing!"


    "What''s going on here?"


    "Didn''t he just try to outbid for the statue? Why is he suddenly saying it''s fake? Is he in cahoots with that old man?"


    The old man respectfully stepped forward, handing the fifty silver taels to the youth, and with a fawning expression said, "Lord Bao, brilliant!"


    "Damn, is this a scam?"


    "Lord Bao? Is he Lei Bao from the Black Tiger Gang?"


    Watching Xiao Yi get duped, the crowd felt no sympathy, only schadenfreude.


    Lei Bao flipped the fifty silver taels in his hand, "Kid, there''s no such thing as a free lunch. If it really were a priceless treasure, Lord Bao would have snatched it up long ago. Where would it be your turn? Hahaha..."


    "So full of himself, yet blind as a bat..."


    Xiao Yi glanced once, and smiled coldly.


    Just at that moment...


    An elderly figure emerged from the crowd, heading straight for Xiao Yi, his eyes revealing interest, "Young man, I''m quite intrigued by this statue. May I take a look at it?"


    Xiao Yi shrugged, "Be my guest!"


    Elder Yan took the statue and scrutinized it carefully.


    The more he looked, the graver his expression became.


    Seeing this, Lei Bao showed a cold sneer, arrogantly saying, "Old man, you might as well not waste your time here. This is just scrap iron my master acquired for a silver tael, not anything valuable..."


    The old man simply turned to glance at Lei Bao, his tone indifferent, "I, Yan Mingli, have managed the Treasure Pavilion for thirty years. Do you think I can''t tell the difference between trash and treasure?"


    "What? Is he actually Yan Mingli?"


    "Holy shit, Elder Yan is the Pavilion Master of the Treasure Pavilion, unrivaled in Nanhuang City for his ability to appraise treasures. And he''s actually interested in this statue? Could it be a rare treasure?"


    "A rare treasure?"


    Lei Bao was completely dumbfounded.


    He had naturally heard the great name of Yan Mingli, the bigwig of Nanhuang City''s treasure appraisal scene. Swallowing his saliva with a gulp, Lei Bao tentatively said, "Elder Yan, you couldn''t possibly have misjudged, could you? This is really just a piece of scrap iron¡­"


    Smack!


    Elder Yan turned around and gave Lei Bao a slap that saw stars in his eyes and snorted haughtily, "Even your father wouldn''t dare say I''ve misjudged." Gently caressing the statue with his palm, Elder Yan asked, "Young man, would you be willing to part with this statue?"


    Xiao Yi said, "If the price is right, naturally I''d sell!"


    Elder Yan tested the waters, "How about ten thousand silver taels?"


    Hiss!


    A collective gasp of shock went through the onlookers.


    Especially Lei Bao, whose eyes twitched and turned bloodshot as he stared fixedly at the statue in Elder Yan''s hands. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ten thousand silver taels!


    He had originally bought it for nothing more than a single tael, and now it was worth a ten-thousand-fold increase?


    He had just been smug about duping Xiao Yi out of fifty taels, thinking that Xiao Yi was a big-headed fool who didn''t know anything, and now in the blink of an eye, it was a treasure worth ten thousand taels?


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "That price lacks sincerity!"


    "What?"


    "You find ten thousand taels too low?"


    More and more people gathered around, their eyes popping in disbelief as they saw Xiao Yi reject Elder Yan''s offer.


    Burning with jealousy, Lei Bao felt malice rising at his gall and immediately shouted, "Brat, how dare you speak to Elder Yan like that? Elder Yan taking a liking to your item is your good fortune; you should be offering it to him as a gift¡­"


    "..."


    Elder Yan, however, completely ignored Lei Bao and after contemplating for a moment, nodded and said, "The young man is right, a statue made from a complete Goldlight Stone, ten thousand taels is indeed too stingy of me. How about this, I offer fifty thousand taels, what do you say?"


    Boom!


    Lei Bao swayed, almost tumbling over.


    Fifty thousand taels?


    I was satisfied with setting up a plot for a mere hundred taels, but I ended up gifting away a treasure worth fifty thousand taels?


    Fuck me...


    Lei Bao wished he could slap himself hard.


    "Still too low," Xiao Yi laughed.


    "Hmm?"


    Elder Yan''s brow furrowed, a touch of displeasure on his face.


    Fifty thousand was already a very fair price, and yet Xiao Yi was still not satisfied?


    Xiao Yi sighed, "I had hoped that someone capable of managing the Treasure Pavilion would not disappoint me in his appraisal skills, but it seems I was mistaken!"


    Elder Yan''s face darkened.


    Having managed the Treasure Pavilion for over thirty years, he had seen countless treasures and no one had ever dared to question his appraisal expertise. Now Xiao Yi had the audacity to belittle him as such? Even for someone as tempered as Elder Yan, his face couldn''t hide the growing anger.


    Seeing this, Lei Bao''s heart leaped with joy, and he vehemently reprimanded, "How insolent! Elder Yan has seen more treasures than meals you''ve eaten; who are you to question his appraisal skills?"


    Xiao Yi completely ignored Lei Bao, his clear eyes focusing on Elder Yan, "If it were a statue made from Goldlight Stone, fifty thousand taels would indeed be fair. But what if it were crafted from the Goldlight Stone Spirit?"


    Hum!


    Elder Yan''s body shuddered, and he began to breathe rapidly, "Goldlight Stone Spirit? You mean to say this statue is made from the Goldlight Stone Spirit?"


    Xiao Yi said, "You''ll know once you try!"


    Elder Yan flicked his finger and pure Qi surged into the statue.


    Hum!


    The pitch-black statue suddenly burst forth with dazzling light, the dragon''s body swiftly turning to gold, and within it flowed a ripple-like gold liquid.


    "It really is the Goldlight Stone Spirit! Never in my life did I imagine, Yan Mingli, that I would encounter the Goldlight Stone Spirit, hahaha¡­"


    Elder Yan was so excited he was moved to tears, leaving the entire crowd including a completely dumbstruck Lei Bao.


    What kind of treasure was this?


    Even the high and mighty Elder Yan was so excited that he cried?


    Lei Bao swallowed hard and tentatively looked at Elder Yan, "Elder, this statue is really worth fifty thousand?"


    Elder Yan said, "Fifty thousand? Hmph, double that is more like it!"


    Hiss!


    Lei Bao was struck as if by lightning, frozen in place.


    Elder Yan, with a newfound respect in his gaze towards Xiao Yi, acknowledged his appraisal skills, his voice solemn, "Young man, I am willing to pay one hundred thousand taels for this statue, what do you think?"


    Xiao Yi nodded, "Acceptable!"


    Elder Yan glanced around at the increasingly crowded scene and frowned, "There are too many prying eyes here; shall we discuss this in the Inner Cabinet?"


    The two left side by side.


    The crowd turned their mocking and pitying eyes towards Lei Bao, who stood there looking like a stunned chicken, "How awesome, the Black Tiger Gang has set up a lot of traps to harm people, but today, they couldn''t rob the chicken and have lost a handful of rice instead!"


    "A treasure worth one hundred thousand, and he plotted with all his might to hand it over as a gift¡­"


    "This is what they call karmic retribution!"


    Lei Bao trembled all over, the surrounding voices like invisible slaps to his face, hot and painful!


    "My, my money¡­"


    Lei Bao felt dizzy, the world spinning around him, his eyes flashing with ferocity and madness as he stared at Xiao Yi''s receding figure, "You damned bastard, daring to snatch food from the tiger''s mouth. I will make sure you spit it all out with interest!"

 Chapter 6 - 6: Subduing Tiger Sword Scroll

    Treasure Pavilion, fifth floor of the Inner Cabinet.


    "This is where I usually live; feel free to take a seat!"


    Elder Yan led Xiao Yi into the room, and upon seeing Xiao Yi appraising the collected items around, a hint of pride appeared on his face, as he smiled and said, "Young brother, my collection has caught your eye, hasn''t it?"


    Xiao Yi nodded, "These are indeed rare treasures!"


    "Of course, these are the results of the better half of my life''s work!"


    Elder Yan handed Xiao Yi ten silver notes with a face value of ten thousand each, "Here are one hundred thousand taels of silver, all issued by Tianqing Silver Bank. You can count them."


    Tianqing Silver Bank was a royal enterprise of Tianqing Kingdom and one could exchange the notes for cash or directly use them!


    Xiao Yi did not actually count the notes, simply putting them into his bosom.


    This satisfied expression spread across Elder Yan''s face, as he carefully placed the statue on the cabinet and asked, "Young brother, may I know your name?"


    "Xiao Yi!"


    "Xiao Yi? You are the useless son-in-law of the Fang Family?"


    A look of surprise flashed across Elder Yan''s face, as he quickly said, "I''m sorry..."


    Xiao Yi shrugged, "It doesn''t matter!"


    Elder Yan secretly marveled in his heart; rumors had it that Qingzhu from the Fang Family married a useless son-in-law, causing her dantian to be discarded and almost losing her position as the family heir.


    However, facing the Xiao Yi in front of him, he just couldn''t connect the two together.


    But since Xiao Yi himself didn''t make much of it, Elder Yan wasn''t looking to embarrass himself and subtly changed the subject, "Xiao Yi, I have many peerless treasures here, would you be interested in taking a look?"


    "It would be an honor!" Xiao Yi replied.


    Elder Yan immediately began to show Xiao Yi his prized collection.


    One had to admit that Elder Yan''s collection was indeed bountiful, with many rare and unique treasures to behold.


    The value of these collections alone was probably no less than that of any of the four major families'' entire fortunes.


    "Xiao Yi, come over here!"


    Elder Yan pointed to the gold-framed scroll on the wall, with a mysteriously pleased smile on his face.


    Xiao Yi glanced at it, recognizing an Autumn Frost and Rain Painting, "Strong and vigorous strokes, a very forceful style, the brushwork is smooth, a fine painting."


    Elder Yan''s opinion of Xiao Yi grew even more favorable, and he proudly said, "Young brother Xiao Yi has a keen eye. This painting is an original Tang Pu, and within my collection, it can easily rank within the top ten. A prince once offered eight hundred thousand taels of silver for it, but I couldn''t bear to part with it!"


    While Elder Yan was basking in his sense of accomplishment, he noticed Xiao Yi''s eyebrows deeply furrowed, his gaze fixed on the painting as if he had discovered some issue.


    Elder Yan asked puzzledly, "What''s wrong? Does this painting have a problem?"


    Xiao Yi spoke gravely, "There''s something odd about the painting!"


    "Odd?"


    Elder Yan stopped Xiao Yi and frowned, "Xiao Yi, are you saying that this painting is fake? That''s impossible. Several other old fellows and I have appraised it, and this is definitely an authentic Tang Pu!"


    "The painting is real, but I''m afraid the artist is someone else!" Xiao Yi said.


    "Where does this young nobody get off criticizing my teacher''s collection? I think you''re just showing off¡­"


    Just then, a cool voice came from behind.


    A stunningly beautiful woman appeared behind the two men, clad in a fiery-red qipao, tall and graceful, with long black hair cascading down her back. She bowed respectfully to Elder Yan and greeted, "Teacher, I saw the door open and came in on my own!"


    "No matter!"


    Elder Yan waved his hand and introduced, "Xiao Yi, this is my disciple, Lin Bingxin. Bingxin, this is Xiao Yi!"


    Xiao Yi nodded, "Hello."


    "I am not well!"


    Lin Bingxin looked at Xiao Yi with a face full of indifference, eyes brimming with disdain, "My teacher has studied Tang Pu''s paintings for decades. In the vast Tianqing Kingdom, if anyone is most familiar with Tang Pu''s works, he dares to claim second place because nobody has the courage to claim first. I don''t know where you get the confidence to say that my teacher''s authentic Tang Pu has problems!"


    "Nonsense!"


    Elder Yan glared harshly at Bingxin, then looked gravely at Xiao Yi, "Young brother Xiao Yi, this painting is one of my most cherished treasures. You just said that it''s not a Tang Pu? Do you have evidence?"


    Lin Bingxin, proud as a lofty swan, slightly tilted her chin upward, "Teacher is right. If you can provide a convincing explanation, I, Lin Bingxin, will acknowledge you!"


    Xiao Yi glanced at her and said indifferently, "Whether you acknowledge me or not, what does it have to do with me?"


    "You..."


    Lin Bingxin''s expression froze.


    She was famous alongside Qingzhu of Nanhuang City, known as one of the four great beauties of Nanhuang City!


    Which man wouldn''t yield to her and strive for her favor?


    And yet Xiao Yi was so dismissive of her?


    Biting her lip, Lin Bingxin said firmly, "If this painting turns out to be fake, I''ll call you grandpa! If it''s real, you''ll kneel and apologize to my master!"


    "To be my granddaughter? You''re too old!" Xiao Yi looked Lin Bingxin up and down and said, "But to be my niece might just be more suitable!"


    Lin Bingxin''s teeth itched with rage as she clenched her jaw and declared, "Deal! Let''s agree on that!"


    Elder Yan hesitated for a moment then said in a deep voice, "Xiao Yi, if you can prove what''s wrong with this painting, you may choose any one of my treasures. Isn''t the head of the Fang Family hosting a birthday banquet tomorrow? You must be here at the Treasure Pavilion to find a birthday gift, right?"


    Lin Bingxin''s complexion changed, as every treasure here was worth a fortune.


    "Since Elder Yan is so fond of Tang Pu, you should know that among the four great talents of the past, Tang Pu, known as the Calligraphy and Painting Noble, was in fact more skilled in painting rather than calligraphy."


    Xiao Yi, while letting Lin Bingxin take down the scroll, also asked for a dagger and spread the scroll out on the table. He continued, "Among the four great talents, the one who was best at calligraphy was none other than the Lifetaking Scholar, Jin Wuheng. However, due to Jin Wuheng''s excessive killing, almost all of his calligraphic works were destroyed and few remain." sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Lin Bingxin radiated an icy ''keep out'' chill, her beautiful eyebrows furrowed into a tight knot, "Lifetaking Scholar? What does that have to do with this painting?"


    "Just watch closely!"


    Xiao Yi''s hand plunged the dagger into the edge of the scroll with a ripping sound, slicing across the canvas.


    Lin Bingxin screamed in fright, "Are you trying to destroy this painting?"


    Elder Yan''s eyes twinkled with an inexplicable brilliance. Without a word, but with fists clenched white, it was clear his heart was also undergoing great turmoil.


    Whoosh!


    At that moment, Xiao Yi abruptly lifted his hand, peeling away the top layer revealing an image of a young man slaying a tiger with a sword.


    To the left of the painting were four bold characters, flying dragons and dancing phoenixes¡ªSubduing Tiger Sword Scroll.


    In the upper right-hand corner was a verse written with the strength of dragons and snakes: "Sword in hand, jade pendant at the waist, feasting on the head of a beautiful chieftain, drinking enemy''s blood to quench thirst. Love of men and women, set aside for now, the ambition in my endless heart, now I decide. A man travels a thousand miles with sword in hand, and every step on that path is unsettled."


    The handwriting was strong and magnificent, like dragons soaring and phoenixes dancing, with boundless sword intent rising to the sky.


    The signature was none other than the three characters of Jin Wuheng!


    Hiss!


    "This?"


    "It''s really not an authentic work by Tang Pu, even the teacher was mistaken?"


    "And Xiao Yi, he saw through the mystery with just one glance?"


    Lin Bingxin sucked in a breath of cold air, dumbfounded.


    "A man travels a thousand miles with sword in hand, every step on that path unsettled! What a Lifetaking Scholar, what an impressive Subduing Tiger Sword Scroll... It is said that Tang Pu and Jin Wuheng were close friends, and surely Tang Pu did not wish to see the fine works of Jin Wuheng lost to time, so he deliberately covered it with his own to preserve it. I thought I, Elder Yan, was the foremost among Nanhuang''s treasure appraisers, but I failed to notice such a glaring flaw..."


    Elder Yan''s face was flushed with emotion as he turned to Xiao Yi, "Xiao Yi, I honor my bets. This Subduing Tiger Sword Scroll is yours to take!"


    "Thank you! Though the painting is mine, the sword technique still belongs to Elder Yan." Holding the scroll, Xiao Yi glanced at the sword technique on it. He took the painting but did not want to owe any favors, saying, "Elder Yan, listen carefully!"


    "Sword! Break! Slash! Annihilate..."


    As Xiao Yi spoke, Elder Yan initially appeared puzzled, but as Xiao Yi continued to speak, Elder Yan was completely shocked. His body''s spiritual energy suddenly stirred.


    Every word from Xiao Yi''s mouth seemed like a sacred chant, transforming into human figures before his eyes.


    This... He was imparting swordsmanship!


    This method was unheard of by him!


    But amid his shock, Elder Yan immediately refocused, watching those characters that turned into little figures performing various sword moves. His eyes burst with intense brilliance, fully immersing himself.


    Less than half an incense stick''s time.


    Sword intent suddenly burst from Elder Yan''s body. Then he took two steps backward and respectfully bowed to Xiao Yi, "Respected teacher above, please accept your disciple, Yan Mingli''s bow!"


    "Ah? Teacher, you..." Lin Bingxin gasped in surprise.


    "I have no intention of taking disciples. We should regard each other as equals. As for the sword technique, it''s rightfully yours," Xiao Yi looked at Elder Yan and said.


    "Absolutely not!"


    Elder Yan quickly shook his head. If the identification of the Goldlight Stone Spirit and the real nature of the Subduing Tiger Sword Scroll were accidents, now he was completely in awe. Imparting teachings through sound to grasp an advanced third-grade sword technique in less than half an incense stick''s time was no ordinary feat!


    This genuflection was truly deserved by Xiao Yi!


    If he could become a disciple, he, Yan Mingli, would surely reach new heights!


    However, since Xiao Yi refused to take disciples, Elder Yan could only say, "If you don''t wish to take disciples, I can''t force you, but to consider ourselves peers is absolutely unacceptable. How about this, in front of others, I''ll address you as Young Master Xiao, and in private, I''ll call you teacher, would that be acceptable to you?"


    "Suit yourself!"


    Xiao Yi waved his hand dismissively and said, "I have other matters to attend, so I''ll take my leave now!"


    "Teacher, take care!" Elder Yan said respectfully.


    Xiao Yi cornered his mouth into a smile as he walked past Lin Bingxin, "Good niece, your uncle is leaving now!"


    "You..."


    Lin Bingxin''s face flushed with anger, cheeks puffed out, looking aggrievedly at Elder Yan, "Teacher, you see how he''s taking advantage of me..."


    "Taking advantage? My dear disciple, I would be overjoyed to become his uncle!" Elder Yan joked with a wry smile.


    Lin Bingxin was startled, "Teacher, why do you hold him in such high regard? He''s just been lucky..."


    "Just lucky? Could luck alone allow him to spot the Goldlight Stone Spirit in one day? Could luck discern the mystery behind this Subduing Tiger Sword Scroll? Could luck enable me to master an advanced third-grade sword technique in less than half an incense stick''s time?"


    Elder Yan''s words left Lin Bingxin utterly stunned; upon hearing this, Xiao Yi seemed truly formidable!


    "Everyone says that Xiao Tianjiao, the eldest son of the Xiao Family, is the reincarnation of a true dragon. Although I have never seen Xiao Tianjiao, this second young master of the Xiao Family is no ordinary person. The world, oh how shortsighted it is!"


    Elder Yan took a deep breath, his eyes reflecting wise light as he turned to Lin Bingxin, "Bingxin, go prepare a congratulatory gift. Tomorrow, I shall pay a visit to the Fang Family!"

 Chapter 7 - 7 Birthday Banquet

    "This trip has indeed yielded a rich harvest!"


    Walking home, Xiao Yi was very satisfied with the outcomes.


    Not only had he earned a hundred thousand taels of silver, but he also obtained the only surviving masterpiece of the Life-Chasing Scholar, truly making the journey worthwhile.


    "The ''Subduing Tiger Sword Technique'' is Jin Wuheng''s simplification of the ''Life-Chasing Soul Sword.'' This man truly was a natural-born swordsman!"


    Xiao Yi glanced at the scroll in his hand.


    Nanhuang City was just a remote small town.


    Even being one of the four great families, the Fang Family''s highest-level martial technique was only a third-grade intermediate.


    This ''Subduing Tiger Sword Technique'' could completely serve as a treasure to protect the clan and, as a birthday gift for Fang Tianhao, it would definitely suffice, "This gift should indeed make Qingzhu proud!"


    Presenting such a precious martial technique as a congratulatory gift wasn''t to curry favor with Fang Tianhao.


    It was merely to mitigate his own remorse towards Fang Qingzhu!


    ......


    The following evening.


    The setting sun burned the western sky red, as if a layer of Hongxia had been spread across it.


    Fang Qingzhu came to the courtyard to meet with Xiao Yi, and upon seeing his wrinkled clothes, her eyebrows knitted together, "Didn''t I give you a hundred taels of silver to buy clothes?"


    Xiao Yi touched his nose, "I''m sorry, I forgot."


    He had gone straight home after leaving Elder Yan yesterday, completely putting the matter of buying clothes out of his mind.


    "You..."


    Fang Qingzhu opened her mouth but ultimately let out a powerless sigh, "Never mind, even if you dressed up, those people wouldn''t look at you any differently. Let''s just go! It''s getting late, we should leave..."


    Xiao Yi asked, "Is it just the two of us?"


    He remembered that Fang Qingzhu''s parents were still alive, and she had a younger brother¡ªwhy were they nowhere to be seen?


    Fang Qingzhu''s eyes dimmed, not wishing to elaborate, she merely said, "They''ve already gone ahead!"


    "Alright, just wait a moment!"


    Xiao Yi returned to the house and brought out the ''Subduing Tiger Sword Scroll.''


    Fang Qingzhu frowned, "What is this?"


    Xiao Yi replied, "A birthday gift!"


    Fang Qingzhu looked deeply at Xiao Yi, said nothing more, and softly remarked, "I already told you I''d prepare the gift... But since you''ve prepared one yourself, let''s use yours then!"


    The two took a carriage to Mr. Fang''s main house.


    The vast Fang Family home was brightly lit and decorated, buzzing with joy and the hustle and bustle of people coming and going.


    The birthday feast was set in the Fang mansion''s banquet hall, with over thirty neatly arranged red tables, all seated with important figures from Nanhuang City.


    Chen Yong, the head of the Chen Family, Zhao Yu of the Zhao Family, and Zhang Yong, the head of the Zhang Family¡ªall important figures from the four great families¡ªwere seated in prominent positions.


    In addition, there were others like Lei Hu, the leader of the Black Tiger Gang, Nie Tianying, the head of the Flying Eagle Escort Agency, and so on, each bringing substantial gifts, reflecting the Fang Family''s status in Nanhuang City.


    Today''s birthday star was Fang Tianhao, the head of the Fang Family and also Fang Qingzhu''s grandfather.


    Fang Tianhao, donning a fiery red python robe, was beaming and enjoying a hearty conversation with the heads of the other three major families.


    Fang Qingzhu''s parents, Fang Zheng and Liu Yun, along with their son Fang Hao, were all smiles, warmly welcoming the guests arriving. Suddenly, a servant reported, "My lord, madam, Miss Qingzhu and the young master have arrived!"


    The smiling faces of Fang Zheng and his wife changed instantly, their smiles dissipating.


    It was as disgusting as stripping a beautiful woman only to discover she was a man.


    Fang Zheng scoffed, "So they''ve come, but am I supposed to greet them personally?"


    Liu Yun''s face was full of disdain as she scolded, "Remember, that worthless man is not our son-in-law. If you get it wrong again, you can leave the Fang Family!"


    The servant was terrified, "This servant understands the mistake."


    Fang Hao, dressed in a splendid robe and looking impatient, said, "Dad, Mom, stop arguing. I''ll go take a look."


    Fang Zheng''s face showed nothing but disgust as he nonchalantly waved his hand, "Just find them a corner to sit in!"


    "Understood!"


    Fang Hao lazily made his way to the entrance and glanced at Fang Qingzhu and Xiao Yi with a mocking tone, "Oh my, isn''t this my haughty sister and the worthless brother-in-law? You two finally decided to show up. I''ve specially arranged seats for you, come with me!"


    Back then, Fang Qingzhu was the pampered darling of the heavens, the entire family treated her like she was the moon surrounded by a halo of stars.


    Fang Hao had often been disciplined by Fang Qingzhu.


    But now...


    With Fang Qingzhu having fallen to a cripple and bound to lose her status as the family heir once Fang Jin returned, he couldn''t be more delighted.


    Fang Hao directly led the two of them to the most secluded corner. While others had grand red tables full of dishes and wine, all they had were two plates of cold dishes, not even a set of utensils.


    Fang Hao said, "We''re a bit short on space up front due to the number of guests, and grandfather''s wish is for you to stay out of sight to avoid displeasing the other guests. You''ll just have to make do here!"


    "Is this grandfather''s idea, or did our parents ask you to do this?" Fang Qingzhu asked tremulously, her words heavy with intent.


    There were several empty seats at the tables in front of them, how could it be that there wasn''t enough space for guests?


    This was clearly a deliberate humiliation!


    Since when did one have to worry about causing guest displeasure by sitting in the front at a birthday celebration for one''s own grandfather? Could it really be that their own family members ranked lower than these so-called guests?


    In the face of Fang Qingzhu''s interrogation, Fang Hao feigned innocence, "Sister, you''re thinking too much! Today is grandfather''s birthday, his happiness is what matters most. It''s just a seat; where does it matter where you sit, right?"


    Xiao Yi gave him a sidelong glance, his eyebrows arching, a cold smirk on his face.


    Where does it matter where you sit?


    Then why don''t you sit here? Why not arrange for the heads of the other three major families to sit here?


    But seeing Fang Qingzhu beside him, silent and speechless, Xiao Yi knew her heart was much heavier than his own. After all, it was her own younger brother who had arranged for her to be here. He understood all too well the feeling of being humiliated by one''s own flesh and blood.


    It was a desolation that words could not describe, a powerlessness and heartache.


    It cut deep to the heart.


    "Sister, just stay here for now! I have to get busy," said Fang Hao with a laugh, striding away.


    Their situation was naturally witnessed by the guests, who whispered and gossiped among themselves, their comments too offensive to bear: "Is that the Fang Family''s useless son-in-law? Well, he does look pretty handsome, but it''s a pity he''s useless..."


    "Not just useless, but a bringer of misfortune too! Fang Tianhao used to spoil Fang Qingzhu rotten, afraid she might fall and get hurt, or melt in his mouth, and now? Look at where they''ve been seated, in the furthest corner without even a decent dish..."


    At this moment, the banquet officially began.


    The guests toasted and made merry, the atmosphere lively.


    Only in the corner where Xiao Yi and his companion were seated, the desolation was emphasized by the two plates of cold dishes.


    After three rounds of wine and a multitude of dishes had been served,


    Fang Zheng, seated at the main table, gave a light cough, and seeing that everyone was looking at him, he began to speak, "Hao, haven''t you specially prepared a birthday gift? Isn''t it time to offer it to grandfather?"


    "Alrighty!"


    Fang Hao, his face flush with excitement¡ªhaving always been overshadowed by Fang Qingzhu at previous birthday feasts, it was now his turn to shine¡ªstepped forward cheerfully, "Grandfather, I have prepared for you a hundred-year-old ginseng, wishing you fortune as vast as the East Sea and a longevity greater than the southern mountains."


    A hundred-year-old ginseng was worth tens of thousands of silver, and Fang Tianhao''s smile was so wide he could barely close his mouth, "Good grandson, your gift is very much to grandpa''s liking!" sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Pleased with himself, Fang Hao maintained a facade of modesty, "As long as grandpa likes it, that''s all that matters!"


    "Family head, our younger brother couldn''t return from the capital to join in your birthday celebration. Before he left, he made me promise to deliver his gift personally!"


    Fang Ao had largely recovered after a month of recuperation, but his voice had taken on a colder, sharper edge. He presented a jade box to Fang Tianhao, "Our brother knows you enjoy studying sword manuals, so he prepared this ''Falling Leaves Sword Skill,'' a third-grade beginner-level sword technique. We hope you will find it to your liking!"


    Hisss!


    The crowd collectively gasped in astonishment, "That ''Falling Leaves Sword Skill'' must cost at least a hundred thousand silver!"


    "Even for the Fang Family, such a sword technique could be considered a treasure of the clan!"


    Watching the envious expressions in everyone''s eyes, Fang Tianhao reveled in his pride, "Very good, very good, Fang Jin indeed is the most outstanding son of the Fang Family, this gift has truly won my heart!"


    "If the family head is pleased, our younger brother will be extremely happy!"


    Fang Ao''s pale face twisted into a venomous smirk as he looked in the direction of Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhu and said mockingly, "Our younger brother, even from afar in the capital, remembered to prepare a birthday gift for the family head. Fang Qingzhu, you are the Fang Family''s heir apparent. What gift have you prepared for the family head?"


    At his words, all eyes turned toward the corner where Xiao Yi and his companion were seated¡­

 Chapter 8 - 8 Utter Disappointment

    Everyone''s gaze fell upon Xiao Yi and the person beside him.


    Fang Qingzhu inwardly sighed, knowing that what was meant to come, would always come.


    She glanced at Xiao Yi beside her and together they approached Fang Tianhao. With a clear voice, Fang Qingzhu said, "Qingzhu wishes Grandfather a long life of endless prosperity. Qingzhu knows Grandfather enjoys drinking tea, so I personally roasted this batch of pre-rain green tea, hoping Grandfather will like it!"


    In the past, even the mere presence of Fang Qingzhu before him would have delighted Fang Tianhao immensely.


    But now...


    Fang Tianhao merely responded with a dismissive tone, pointing to a side teatable without concealing the disdain on his face, "Put it there!"


    He didn''t even give it a glance.


    Fang Qingzhu''s eyes dimmed, her pale face flashing with a touch of disappointment and helplessness. This was the harsh reality, even her grandfather, who had adored her since childhood, had no more affection for her once he learned she had married Xiao Yi and lost her cultivation base.


    In Fang Ao''s resentful gaze gleamed a sense of vengeful pleasure. With feigned surprise, he said, "Xiao Yi, although you''re merely a live-in son-in-law leeching off our Fang Family, today is the family head''s birthday. Surely you haven''t come unprepared with a gift? This is after all the first time you''re attending the family head''s birthday feast since your marriage to Fang Qingzhu. It wouldn''t look good going empty-handed, would it? Wouldn''t that be a joke to outsiders?"


    The many guests in the hall looked at Xiao Yi with yet more scorn and contempt.


    "The Xiao Family is among the most reputable clans in the Great Qian Dynasty, how could they not understand the most basic social etiquette? This is simply outrageous!"


    "I heard he''s already been expelled from the Xiao Family, he can hardly be considered one of them!"


    The crowd''s commentary was like millions of sharp spikes piercing Fang Qingzhu''s heart.


    She looked pleadingly towards Fang Zheng and Liu Yun.


    Hoping her parents would step in to resolve this awkward situation.


    However...


    Fang Zheng and his wife displayed complete indifference, adopting a cold demeanor as if the matter was none of their concern, sinking Fang Qingzhu''s heart even deeper.


    At that moment...


    Warmth spread from her palm; Xiao Yi had taken her hand. Under Fang Qingzhu''s astonished gaze, Xiao Yi calmly said, "I did prepare a gift."


    "Oh? Then let''s see it!" Fang Ao demanded.


    The crowd echoed, "Yes, let us see and learn what someone from the Xiao Family of the Great Qian Dynasty would present as a birthday gift!"


    Xiao Yi produced the scroll and held it out to Fang Tianhao, "An ancient painting, wishing you longevity and health!"


    "An ancient painting?"


    "Even the cheapest ancient painting is worth thousands of silver pieces. If it''s a painting by Tang Pu, then any random scroll could be worth tens of thousands. I wonder whose masterpiece he has brought?"


    Fang Tianhao was also taken aback; if it truly was an ancient painting, then that would indeed be an acceptable gift. He turned to Fang Hao, "Hao, open this scroll and let''s see, whose prized work could this be?"


    "Yes, Grandfather!"


    Fang Hao took the scroll and slowly unrolled it.


    The crowd stretched their necks with anticipation, "Subduing Tiger Sword Scroll? What a domineering name!"


    "The painting is well-crafted, and those inscriptions are indeed unique, but whose masterpiece could it be?"


    When the scroll was fully unfurled, the crowd saw the signature ''Jin Wuheng'' and exchanged puzzled looks. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Fang Ao''s face exaggerated shock as he exclaimed, "Jin Wuheng? Who''s that? Never heard of him. Xiao Yi, don''t tell me you picked up some street stall trinket as a birthday present?"


    As Fang Tianhao heard these words, his expression darkened.


    He was the respected head of the Fang Family. If he truly accepted a street-vendor good as a birthday gift, wouldn''t it be a loss of face for the entire household?


    Fang Tianhao looked towards Zhang Yong, "Pavilion Master Zhang, you are known as a great collector in Nanhuang City. Have you ever heard of a master named Jin Wuheng?"


    Zhang Yong touched his nose with a peculiar look on his face, "The name Jin Wuheng sounds unfamiliar, but everyone should have heard of his nickname ''Life-Stealing Scholar.''"


    "The Life-Stealing Scholar? The one who was as famous as Tang Pu, and also one of the Great Qian Dynasty''s Four Great Scholars of the past?"


    "Wasn''t it said that because the Life-Stealing Scholar committed too many killings, all his works were destroyed, leaving no existing pieces?"


    "Pavilion Master Zhang, is this painting real or fake?"


    Zhao Yu''s voice was somber, "Pavilion Master Zhang, Xiao Yi''s reputation is at stake. It''s better to carefully appraise it!"


    Zhang Yong waved his hand dismissively, "As everyone mentioned, the Life-Stealing Scholar has no works that survived to this day. How can there be an authentic piece by him in the world? What else is there to appraise?"


    The crowd naturally grasped the implication of his words.


    If Jin Wuheng had no works that had been passed down, then this painting must be a fake!


    Fang Ao was inwardly delighted, but his face showed a look of disappointment akin to hating iron for not becoming steel, "Xiao Yi, you truly brought a fake gift as a birthday present?"


    "Aiyowei, Xiao Yi, that''s too much! Yesterday, you received a Goldlight Spirit Stone Statue at the Treasure Pavilion worth more than a hundred thousand silver, and you didn''t use it as a gift, but how could you bring a fake painting to deceive people?" Lei Bao, who had recognized Xiao Yi early in the crowd, stepped forward and said aloud.


    Fang Ao''s eyes lit up as he stirred the pot from the side, "Xiao Yi, you''ve truly disappointed us. We could have understood if you had no money to prepare a gift, but you just got a treasure worth more than a hundred thousand yesterday. Not offering it as a gift to our head is one thing, but to use a fake painting to humiliate the head..."


    "Enough!"


    This statement was like pouring oil on a fire, thoroughly enraging Fang Tianhao.


    With a fierce slap, he smashed the wooden table beside him to pieces, his face extremely ugly. He never liked Xiao Yi from the bottom of his heart and had never expected anything worthy as a gift.


    Just as Fang Hao said, Xiao Yi was humiliating him!


    Fang Tianhao''s face was so gloomy it seemed water could drip from it, and the disgust in his eyes grew stronger, "I, Fang Tianhao, have lived for so many years, but this is the first time someone has dared to insult me with a fake good. Out of respect for the Xiao Family, I won''t pursue this matter, but I want you to get out immediately and never set foot in the Fang Household ever again!"


    "No wonder even the Xiao Family is unwilling to acknowledge your status. It''s truly a disgrace!" Fang Ao shook his head in sighs, but the satisfaction of revenge was evident in his eyes.


    Lei Bao too shook his head, "Get going already, do you want to stay and lose more face?"


    Xiao Yi''s gaze, cold as it passed over everyone''s faces, softened as he felt warmth from the palm of his hand. Looking down at Fang Qingzhu, there was an inquiring look in his eyes.


    Fang Qingzhu smiled gently, "Since the people here don''t welcome us, let''s go!"


    The murderous intent in Xiao Yi''s eyes disappeared, and he nodded with a smile, "Alright!"


    The two of them, hand in hand, turned and walked away.


    Fang Ao and Lei Bao exchanged glances, but were they about to let him off that easily?


    "Take your fake good and leave with it. Don''t leave it here to dirty the Fang Household!" Fang Ao crumpled the scroll and threw it outside the door.


    Just as the scroll was about to hit the ground, at that moment, an old palm steadily caught it.


    At the same time.


    From outside the door came the trembling voice of a servant, filled with excitement, "Pavilion Master Elder Yan from the Treasure Pavilion has arrived¡­"

 Chapter 9 - 9 Whats Your Seniority?

    "Elder Yan from Treasure Pavilion has arrived!"


    The servant at the doorway, with an excited flush across his face, stretched his neck and shouted at the top of his lungs.


    His voice overshadowed all the sounds in the great hall.


    Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!


    One after another, the guests almost simultaneously stood up, shock apparent on each of their faces as they turned toward the direction of the main entrance.


    Fang Tianhao was so excited that he trembled, his face aglow with delight.


    The Zhang, Zhao, and Chen family patriarchs looked toward Fang Tianhao, their eyes filled with envy and jealousy.


    Chen Yong said with a wry smile, "Ever since Elder Yan came to Nanhuang City, I''ve invited him no fewer than ten times a year, but the old man has not accepted an invitation even once!"


    Zhang Yong sighed and said with a sour tone, "It''s Mr. Fang who has the grand face, to actually have Elder Yan come to personally celebrate his birthday!"


    Within Nanhuang City.


    Apart from the city lord''s mansion, the four great families reigned supreme.


    These four stood at the pinnacle of Nanhuang City''s power pyramid, and even the city lord''s mansion had to show them some courtesy. The only exception was Elder Yan from Treasure Pavilion, who never paid them much heed.


    Of course.


    The Treasure Pavilion, present throughout the entire Heavenly Yuan Realm, indeed had such strength and prestige.


    And because of this...


    Every family considered it an honor to be able to invite Elder Yan to their feast.


    However, Elder Yan had always abstained from these gatherings; even the city lord''s mansion could not persuade him!


    Today Elder Yan had actually come to the Fang Family, naturally causing everyone else to be green with envy.


    Fang Tianhao beamed from ear to ear, his eyebrows lifting slightly in a gesture of pride as he feigned helplessness, "Ah, Elder Yan and I have been good friends for many years. I am just a man of low-profile who does not wish to flaunt our friendship. This year is my eightieth birthday, and he insisted on coming to celebrate..."


    The surrounding guests, upon hearing this, felt their envy intensify.


    Any family that could establish a connection with Treasure Pavilion was like attaching itself to a hen that laid golden eggs. If not soaring high, at the very least the family''s power could multiply several times over a short period.


    Zhao Yu, the patriarch of the Zhao Family, said in a deep voice, "Mr. Fang, you must lend us your support in the future!"


    "Certainly, certainly!"


    Feeling the envious gazes of everyone around him, Fang Tianhao''s smile grew even more brilliant.


    Today was destined to be the most glorious moment in his life! The high and lofty Elder Yan personally coming to celebrate his birthday was something he hadn''t even dared to dream of. Over the years, the Fang Family had sent no small number of invitations to Elder Yan, but he had never accepted one. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Fang Tianhao thought to himself, "He must have heard about Fang Jin''s imminent admission to the Royal Martial Arts Academy, becoming a high and mighty royal disciple, so he specially came to curry favor with our Fang Family!"


    With that thought.


    Fang Tianhao stood up, straightened his clothes, and walked toward the entrance with light steps.


    With five or six meters still separating him from Elder Yan, Fang Tianhao extended his right hand, with an excited face he said, "Hahaha, Elder Yan gracing us with his presence truly brings glory to my Fang Family!"


    All the envious guests around him thought, "When will we ever be like Mr. Fang, to have dealings with a personage like Elder Yan?"


    However...


    Under the watchful eyes of everyone, the expected scene of the two towering figures engaging in pleasant conversation did not occur.


    Elder Yan simply walked past Fang Tianhao and headed toward someone behind him.


    Leaving a windblown Fang Tianhao behind, his hand outstretched and his face still wearing a beaming smile.


    Watching Elder Yan approach her direction, Fang Qingzhu''s heart tightened¡ªshe was very clear about the terrifying influence Elder Yan wielded in Nanhuang City.


    If she were to offend the person before her, it would definitely be a dead end!


    Fang Qingzhu quickly tugged at Xiao Yi, whispering urgently, "Quick, move aside¡ªthis is Elder Yan from the Treasure Pavilion; we mustn''t block his path!"


    But Xiao Yi remained motionless, with an odd expression, watching the approaching Elder Yan.


    "What on earth are you doing? This is Elder Yan; we can''t afford to provoke him..." Fang Qingzhu''s face was filled with anxiousness, as she was already thinking about how to seek Elder Yan''s forgiveness should Xiao Yi offend him.


    However, Elder Yan, who was like an uncrowned king in Nanhuang City, quickly stepped forward, stopping a meter away from Xiao Yi, with hands clasped together in utmost respect, "Yan Mingli pays his respects to young master Xiao!"


    What?


    Everyone was simultaneously petrified.


    Their unblinking eyes were fixed on Xiao Yi and Elder Yan, and the word "flabbergasted" was clearly written on everyone''s faces. The heads of the three great families looked at one another in confusion¡ªwhat was happening?


    Wasn''t it said that Elder Yan had been an acquaintance of Fang Tianhao for many years?


    Why was he completely ignoring Fang Tianhao and instead enthusiastically approaching the good-for-nothing, son-in-law of the Fang Family?


    The three of them stared fixedly at Fang Tianhao.


    Fang Tianhao''s face stiffened, feeling as though his cheeks were burning from the pain, as if he had been slapped dozens of times. Recalling the words he had said before, he wished he could dig a hole and bury himself in it.


    Elder Yan gave him a sly wink, as if to say, "Master, this should make you proud, right?"


    Xiao Yi shook his head helplessly, turning towards the dumbfounded Fang Qingzhu beside him, "Qingzhu, this is Yan Mingli, Elder Yan. You should just call him Elder Yan like I do!"


    "Elder¡­ Elder Yan?!" Fang Qingzhu repeated subconsciously.


    "Hahaha, I have long heard that Madam Xiao is a heavenly beauty, and seeing you today, it is indeed true! This bottle of ''Gestation Elixir'' is a gift I''ve specially prepared for our meeting. I hope Madam Xiao won''t find it too modest!" Elder Yan took out a bottle of elixir and thrust it into Fang Qingzhu''s hands without any further explanation.


    Hiss!


    Around them, a series of astonished gasps rang out: "The Gestation Elixir? Isn''t that a third-grade medicinal pill, worth five thousand silvers each? With at least ten pills in the bottle, that''s fifty thousand silvers, right?"


    "What exactly is going on? Wasn''t it said that Elder Yan was here to celebrate Mr. Fang''s birthday? Why is he completely ignoring him and instead seems to have come for Xiao Yi?"


    Fang Qingzhu looked panic-stricken, turning towards Xiao Yi with a helpless look.


    Xiao Yi patted the back of her hand, reassuring her with a smile, "Don''t worry, since it''s a gift from Elder Yan, just accept it with peace of mind!"


    Only then did Fang Qingzhu accept the elixir.


    Elder Yan also breathed a sigh of relief.


    "Is Elder Yan doing this just to curry favor with Xiao Yi?" Fang Qingzhu was shocked by her own thoughts. She saw how Elder Yan continually maintained a low profile in front of Xiao Yi, and was frightened by the speculation in her mind.


    This was the Pavilion Master of the Treasure Pavilion, whose status was incredibly exalted.


    Even when the four great families had sent him invitations several times, Elder Yan had been disdainful, yet now, he had brought a precious Gestation Elixir as a gift to please Xiao Yi?


    Was this really the same man who everyone despised as useless?


    Looking at Xiao Yi again, Fang Qingzhu felt as though there was a layer of mystifying fog surrounding him, one that was impenetrable to the eye, and the more she tried to investigate, the more she felt like she was sinking deeper, as if mired in the mud.


    "Excuse me for a moment..."


    Fang Tianhao, steeling himself, came over. He felt pins and needles all over, having just boasted proudly; if he couldn''t turn the situation around, it would be a huge embarrassment.


    With a glimmer of hope in his eyes, he tentatively asked, "Elder Yan, weren''t you here to celebrate my birthday? Why have you started chatting with this good-for-nothing?"


    "Good-for-nothing?"


    Elder Yan was momentarily taken aback before realizing Fang Tianhao was referring to Xiao Yi, and a glint of cold light flashed deep in his eyes. With utter disdain, he countered, "And who do you think you are? Worthy of me celebrating your birthday?"

 Chapter 10 - 10 The Frog in the Well

    "Who do you think you are? Worthy of me celebrating your birthday?"


    Elder Yan''s merciless words made Fang Tianhao tremble all over, his face turning from white to red, from red to green, and finally into a bloodless pale.


    This change of face was faster than flipping a book, utterly spectacular.


    Invisibly.


    Everyone seemed to hear the crisp sound of slapping echoing in the hall.


    Fang Tianhao''s chest heaved violently, feeling dizzy and almost fainting.


    A complete and utter humiliation!


    He had just boasted that he was on such good terms with Elder Yan that Elder Yan had come specifically to celebrate his birthday. Yet, Elder Yan''s words publicly burst his lie.


    For a moment.


    The gazes of the guests in the hall shifted from initial envy and jealousy to one of schadenfreude and pity.


    Chen Yong curiously asked, "Elder Yan, aren''t you here for the birthday banquet?"


    "Attend his birthday banquet? Is he worthy?"


    Elder Yan''s face was thick with mockery, his gaze shifting to Xiao Yi as he indifferently said, "I am here today specifically to pay my respects to Xiao!"


    Hiss!


    Chen Yong and others sucked in a breath of cold air.


    To pay respects to Xiao Yi?


    The gazes everyone directed at Xiao Yi underwent a drastic change, and the figure of this son-in-law of the Fang Family seemed to grow immensely in stature.


    "What merits and virtues does this waste have to warrant such respect from Elder Yan?"


    "Do you think Elder Yan is saying this just to give face to the Xiao Family?"


    "Impossible, Xiao Yi has already been expelled from the Xiao Family. Elder Yan couldn''t be unaware of that..."


    "Then how do we explain this?"


    "No matter what, this little son-in-law has really shot up in the world. With this connection to Elder Yan, who would dare to look down on him in the future?"


    Among the crowd.


    Fang Ao''s face turned from green to white, resembling a venomous snake coiled in wait, radiating a light of cold malice.


    Clenching his fists tightly, the knuckles turned pale from the force.


    Ever since Xiao Yi had crippled his ''fifth limb,'' Fang Ao''s heart had been thoroughly twisted.


    He thought of revenge every waking moment.


    But with Fang Jin''s delayed return, he could only wait. Today, he finally seized an opportunity to make Xiao Yi lose face. Yet, with Elder Yan''s appearance, Xiao Yi instead soared high into the sky, becoming Elder Yan''s cherished friend.


    Look at the way those people are staring at Xiao Yi. Their gazes were no longer filled with disdain and ridicule like before, but with fervent enthusiasm, almost wishing to transform into fawning dogs, eager to grovel at Xiao Yi''s feet.


    "Why does this waste deserve to have Fang Qingzhu, why does Elder Yan visit him? Why not me? I won''t accept this, I won''t..."


    Fang Ao took a deep breath, his eyes filled with insane hatred as he loudly said, "Elder Yan, please don''t be deceived by Xiao Yi, he is the scum of humanity, disloyal, unfilial, unrighteous, and unkind. Just before you arrived, Xiao Yi presented a fake painting as a birthday gift to our family head. When we exposed him, far from feeling any guilt, he walked away, completely disregarding the family head."


    Lei Bao also added fuel to the fire, "Fang Ao is right, Xiao Yi is an animal. Elder Yan is not aware, but yesterday, I was the first to take interest in that statue. However, he snatched it from me, accusing me of setting him up..."


    Both were weeping profusely as they poured out their tale.


    A hint of amusement flashed in Elder Yan''s eyes. Pretending to be serious, he asked, "Xiao, is what they''re saying true?"


    Xiao Yi touched his nose, "What do you think?"


    "I think..."


    Elder Yan pretended to ponder, then, amidst the expectant faces of Fang Ao and others, he suddenly glared, his invisible yuan qi transforming into two cold palms that fiercely slapped them to the ground. His cold voice sent chills down their spines, covering them with an icy dread, "They''re just talking nonsense!"


    Elder Yan unfurled the Subduing Tiger Sword Scroll in his hands, his expression cold as he said, "This fake painting you mentioned, is it this one in my hands?"


    Fang Ao, covering his face, struggled to his feet and nodded, "Yes, that''s the fake painting. Zhang, the head of the Zhang Family, personally authenticated it as a fake!"


    "No, that''s correct!" sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Lei Bao spat out a mouthful of blood mixed with teeth, his face a picture of grievance.


    Elder Yan looked at Zhang Yong and said indifferently, "Zhang Yong, you say this painting is a fake? What is your evidence?"


    Ah?


    Zhang Yong was taken aback and dared not lie under Elder Yan''s sharp gaze, he reluctantly nodded and said, "Elder Yan should know that although Jin Wuheng, the Life-Claiming Scholar, is one of the Four Great Talents alongside Tang Pu, he bore too much killing intent, and all his works were destroyed by enemies. There are no known surviving masterpieces of his. Moreover, this ''Subduing Tiger Sword Scroll'' has no mention in any historical records, which is why I concluded it was fake!"


    "See, Elder Yan, the Life-Claiming Scholar left no works behind, how could this painting possibly be genuine? We deduced that Xiao Yi definitely bought this substandard forgery from some unscrupulous counterfeiter, presenting it as a gift for longevity..."


    Fang Ao, thinking he had found the truth, spoke more and more proudly, "But what he never imagined was that Master Zhang is a major collector with an extensive understanding of ancient paintings and saw through the forgery at a glance, exposing his hypocritical guise!"


    Watching Fang Ao who seemed to have grasped the truth, Xiao Yi touched his nose and looked at Elder Yan with a strange expression.


    An unscrupulous counterfeiter?


    Elder Yan''s face turned green, with a gloomy expression, he said, "Do you know where he got this painting from?"


    Fang Ao shook his head, "I haven''t inquired that... I heard Elder Yan loathes counterfeiters and swindlers the most. I believe that with some stern interrogation, Xiao Yi will surely confess and bring the fraudster to justice!"


    "There''s no need for coercion, I know who the counterfeiter you''re talking about is!" Elder Yan said with a dark face.


    "Ah?"


    Fang Ao was stunned, then quickly put on a flattering smile and said, "Elder Yan is wise and martial, able to guess who the fraudster is without even stepping outside!"


    Elder Yan said flatly, "You know him too!"


    "I do?"


    Fang Ao looked confused.


    With a cold expression, Elder Yan enunciated deliberately, "This painting was taken from my study. The counterfeiter you''re talking about, if I''m not wrong, is me! Are you going to bring me to justice?"


    Thump!


    Fang Ao, terrified, collapsed on the ground, his face turned deathly pale, and he looked at Elder Yan in disbelief, "This, this, this painting is yours?"


    At that moment, Fang Ao felt so regretful he could have died.


    Damn it!


    He had actually called Elder Yan a counterfeit swindler? Wasn''t this like an old birthday deity ingesting arsenic because he was tired of living?


    Fang Ao trembled all over with fear, repeatedly opening his mouth to argue, but so nervous he could hardly make a sound, nearly close to tears.


    The surrounding crowd was also stunned.


    Nobody had anticipated such a twist.


    Gurgle!


    Fang Tianhao was the first to come back to his senses, disbelievingly looking at the ''Subduing Tiger Sword Scroll'' in Elder Yan''s hand, he ventured, "Elder Yan, if this painting is genuine, then, then its value must be incredibly high, right?"


    Standing beside him, Zhang Yong also full of shock, swallowed and said with a trembling voice, "If this is genuine, then it''s the only remaining precious artifact of the Life-Claiming Scholar Jin Wuheng in this world. Its value is immeasurable. At the very least, it''s worth millions of taels of silver."


    "What?"


    Everyone was astonished.


    Especially Fang Tianhao, who was shaking all over with tremors, wishing he could slap Fang Ao to death. If it wasn''t for Fang Ao''s instigating remarks just now, he wouldn''t have thought to discard the painting!


    This was worth millions of taels of silver!


    Even for the Fang Family, several million taels of silver was not a small amount.


    Elder Yan sneered with scorn, "A bunch of frogs at the bottom of a well, treating such a treasure like trash. If it were to fall into your hands, that would truly be a pearl covered in dust!"


    Fang Tianhao''s face turned extremely ugly. Although the Fang Family was not as prominent as Treasure Pavilion, being repeatedly disregarded by Elder Yan, the head of the Fang Family, his anger rose, and he stubbornly said, "While a million taels of silver is not a small amount, my Fang Family can still afford it. What pearl covered in dust?"


    "Idiot!"


    Elder Yan looked at him with contempt, and said indifferently, "I believe the Fang Family can come up with a million taels of silver, but what about a third-grade high-level sword technique? Does your Fang Family have it?"

 Chapter 11 - 11 Regret Beyond Recall

    "What, what did you say?"


    "A high-level tier-3 sword technique?"


    Fang Tianhao was stunned, looking at Elder Yan with a bewildered face.


    Weren''t we talking about the painting?


    How did it get connected to a sword technique?


    To know...


    In Nanhuang City, the highest grade of martial arts was high-level tier-3, possessed only by the city lord''s manor and the big four families. Such a level of martial arts could easily cost tens of millions of silvers, and for any family, it was considered a treasured heirloom. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Elder Yan scoffed and raised the scroll in his hand, saying, "The sword technique I''m talking about is inside this painting. It was Xiao who discovered the secret within this painting, yet he chose to give such a precious treasure to you as a birthday gift. And you? You treated it like trash? A frog in a well, lacking vision!"


    Hum!


    Fang Tianhao was shaken to the core, his face turning pale in an instant.


    This scroll contains a high-level tier-3 sword technique?


    This should have belonged to him!


    And he had rejected it?


    Treated it like trash and threw it back?


    "This, this..."


    Fang Tianhao shook his head violently, still refusing to believe it was true. "Impossible, how could a painting hide a sword technique? You must be making up lies to elevate Xiao Yi, right?"


    Elder Yan shook his head and chuckled, "Fang Tianhao, who do you think you are? That I, Yan Mingli, would need to concoct lies to deceive you?"


    "So, it''s true then? This painting really contains a high-level tier-3 sword technique? Doesn''t that mean, this painting is worth millions of silvers?"


    Fang Tianhao finally accepted reality.


    The painting that he had previously seen as trash, something Xiao Yi used to humiliate him, at that moment seemed to emit an endless divine light, a rare treasure of unmatched value.


    "I''ve always been unable to break through to the Golden Core Realm because the Fang Family''s treasure is a bladed technique. If I could practice this swordsmanship, I would have hope of stepping into the Golden Elixir Realm!"


    Fang Tianhao thought to himself, "But after all, as head of the family, I''ve already returned this painting, so I cannot simply ask for it outright. However, I believe that if I hint just a little, Xiao Yi will surely give it back to me..."


    With this thought in mind,


    Fang Tianhao cleared his throat, putting on a calm demeanor, and smiled at Xiao Yi, "Xiao Yi, I am truly pleased that you would offer me such a treasure..."


    Xiao Yi looked at him coldly, how could he not understand Fang Tianhao''s intentions, and indifferently said, "What does your happiness have to do with me?"


    Uh...


    Fang Tianhao''s expression stiffened.


    Damn it!


    I''ve hinted so blatantly, can''t you understand?


    Fang Tianhao was inwardly irate, but seeing that Xiao Yi showed no signs of offering the painting again, he had no choice but to steel himself and say, "Xiao Yi, since the ''Subduing Tiger Sword Scroll'' was prepared by you as a birthday gift for me, I can''t refuse your kindness..."


    Xiao Yi said, "This painting was originally meant for Qingzhu, but now it seems unnecessary."


    Fang Tianhao''s face darkened, and he extended his palm commandingly, "Xiao Yi, I order you to give the painting to me!"


    In his mind, having lowered his face, Xiao Yi surely wouldn''t dare to refuse again.


    Sure enough.


    Xiao Yi took the ''Subduing Tiger Sword Scroll'' from Elder Yan''s hands and turned to Fang Tianhao. Fang Tianhao''s heart surged with pleasure, proudly thinking: I refuse to believe I can''t handle a mere son-in-law, in the end, won''t you obediently hand over the painting?


    However...


    Xiao Yi merely brushed past him, his voice faint as it reached Fang Tianhao''s ears, "This sword technique, you are unworthy of it."


    "What do you mean by that?"


    Fang Tianhao''s face stiffened as if relishing a delicious meal only to have inadvertently swallowed two flies¡ªutterly discomforted.


    Xiao Yi walked straight up to Zhao Yu, "Do you want to learn the sword technique above?"


    Zhao Yu looked utterly baffled, "Huh?"


    Xiao Yi frowned, "You don''t want to learn?"


    "I..."


    Zhao Yu nodded vigorously and decisively said, "Want, of course I want!"


    Xiao Yi waved his hand nonchalantly and threw the scroll, "This painting is yours now."


    Zhao Yu, as if struck by lightning, ecstatically received the scroll, holding it close to his chest like a precious treasure. He stepped back three paces and, with hands clasped before him, bowed deeply to Xiao Yi, "Zhao Yu thanks Young Master Xiao for the gift of the painting. Should you have any orders in the future, the Zhao Family shall spare no effort!"


    "It''s what you deserve!" Xiao Yi said, waving his hand dismissively.


    Earlier, when Zhang Yong had asserted that the Subduing Tiger Sword Scroll was a fake, only Zhao Yu spoke up to remind him to examine it carefully. Although it was a small favor, Xiao Yi remembered it. As for the Subduing Tiger Sword Scroll itself, had it not been for preparing a birthday gift for Qingzhu, it would have been just a blank sheet to him.


    Having said that, he looked at Elder Yan with a smile, "Elder Yan, I''ve yet to find a place for dinner, would you be interested in joining me for a few hearty drinks?"


    "When Young Master Xiao asks, how could I refuse!"


    Elder Yan laughed heartily, "I know of a tavern with excellent dishes and drinks!"


    Xiao Yi walked up to Fang Qingzhu, took her small hand, and said with a smile, "Qingzhu, Elder Yan is treating us, shall I take you for a big meal?"


    Fang Qingzhu was startled.


    Her dark eyes locked onto Xiao Yi''s and, after a brief moment, she nodded gently, "Mhm!"


    The trio set off.


    Along the way,


    No one dared to stop them.


    Zhao Yu turned to Fang Tianhao and cupped his hands in greeting, "Mr. Fang, I suddenly remembered there is something urgent at home, I shall take my leave first!"


    No sooner had he finished speaking, without waiting for Fang Tianhao to respond, Zhao Yu took the Subduing Tiger Sword Scroll and departed.


    As the birthday banquet had not yet concluded, Zhao Yu''s early departure was tantamount to publicly slapping the face of the Fang Family, especially since he left with what should have been their Subduing Tiger Sword Scroll. This left the Fang Family and their associates looking extremely displeased.


    Chen Yong and Zhang Yong exchanged glances, quickly discerning each other''s thoughts and stepped forward together.


    Fang Tianhao''s forehead throbbed with visible veins as he clenched his fists tightly on the armrests, grinding his teeth, "I suppose you two also have something urgent at home?"


    Zhang Yong gave an awkward smile, "There''s a soup brewing at home, I need to see to the fire. My apologies!"


    "Mr. Fang..."


    Chen Yong, being more forthright, struggled to think of an excuse and simply said, "I have a stomachache, I''m leaving first!"


    "You... you..."


    Fang Tianhao''s rage surged to his heart, making his head spin.


    The crowd looked at Fang Tianhao and his family with eyes filled with schadenfreude and pity.


    The Fang Family''s loss today was indeed severe!


    The Fang Family members were enveloped in an air of gloom.


    "The Fang Family is truly pitiable. A high-grade, third-tier sword scroll, just like that, benefiting the Zhao Family!"


    "What''s there to pity? Think about how they have treated Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhu before! This is what you call reaping what you sow. Look at Zhao Yu, simply for one sentence, he got such an opportunity!"


    "When I get back, I definitely need to thoroughly educate the youngsters in our clan not to follow the Fang Family''s example!"


    Hearing the murmurs and secretive whispers, Fang Tianhao''s face turned paler still. Looking at Zhao Yu in the banquet area, his body trembling and his heart bleeding, he suddenly spat out a mouthful of fresh blood and lay stiff on the ground.


    That vivid red blood, the Fang Family members in disarray, and the strikingly large birthday character in the background formed a stark contrast...

 Chapter 12 - 12 Elder Yans Request

    The Fang Family, Inner Courtyard.


    The Fang Family, once brimming with joy, was now shrouded in gloom.


    The banquet had ended in disarray.


    Fang Tianhao, who seemed to have aged a decade overnight, lay on his bed, his eyes filled with regret and resentment as he clenched his fists tightly, "Damn Xiao Yi, he''s pushed me too far... *cough cough cough*..."


    Fang Zheng hurriedly patted Fang Tianhao''s back, "Father, please calm down! Care for your health!"


    "Care for my health? Do any of you even care about this old man''s well-being?"


    Fang Tianhao slapped away Fang Zheng''s hand with a look of cold indifference, "Look at the wonderful daughter you''ve raised! She always takes the side of others instead of her family. It''s one thing not to help your kin during critical moments, but she even ran off with that bastard Xiao Yi, as if her goal is to see me dead!"


    "This..."


    Fang Zheng and his wife exchanged a glance, both seeing helplessness and bitterness in each other''s eyes.


    Once upon a time, Fang Qingzhu was the pearl in their palms.


    But ever since Fang Qingzhu married Xiao Yi and lost her cultivation, and there were even suggestions to strip her of the position of family heir, their attitude towards Fang Qingzhu had drastically changed.


    What they never expected was that the useless son-in-law they thought little of would suddenly become the cherished friend of Elder Yan.


    Fang Tianhao''s heaving chest slowly calmed down as he said sternly, "I don''t care what methods you use, you must make Fang Qingzhu and Xiao Yi change their minds. Even if you have to kneel and apologize, you must do it, understand?"


    Fang Hao protested, "Grandfather, why should my parents humble themselves and beg that waste? Doesn''t the Fang Family still have me?"


    "You?"


    Disdain and contempt filled Fang Tianhao''s eyes. "If the Fang Family relied on you, I''m afraid our downfall wouldn''t be far off!"


    At seventeen, Fang Hao had also received a lot of resources by riding on the coattails of Fang Qingzhu''s status. Six months ago, he entered the Qi Gathering Realm First Layer ¡ª such talent wasn''t too bad.


    But to rely on him to revitalize the Fang Family? S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    That was a fool''s dream!


    Fang Tianhao didn''t bother with him anymore and turned to Fang Zheng with a tone that brooked no argument, "As long as you can bring Xiao Yi back, with his relationship with Yan Mingli, he will definitely help our Fang Family''s business to a new level. And when we get the news of Fang Jin joining the Royal Martial Arts Academy, the rise of the Fang Family will be unstoppable! You must bring Xiao Yi back, understand?"


    There''s power in wealth, and strength in writing.


    The rise of any family or individual is absolutely inseparable from resources.


    The Treasure Pavilion controlled more than seventy percent of Nanhuang City''s trade ¡ª it was a veritable money tree.


    Yet, thinking of how they must now beg the once-despised waste they''d reluctantly accepted as a son-in-law made his face burn with pain.


    Fang Zheng felt incredibly frustrated but dared not go against Fang Tianhao''s wishes, "Father, rest assured, I will bring them back!"


    Leaving Fang Tianhao''s separate residence.


    The reverence on the faces of the trio, Fang Zheng, Fang Hao, and Liu Yun, vanished once they were outside, Liu Yun said fiercely, "That old coot actually expects us to kneel and beg that waste to return? If we really did that, could you and I ever hold our heads high again?"


    "Rest assured!" Fang Zheng''s eyes glinted fiercely and menacingly, "If Xiao Yi obediently follows us back, so be it. But if he dares to resist, then he can''t blame me for being ruthless!"


    ...


    On the wide street.


    A carriage moved smoothly along. Pedestrians cleared the way upon seeing the symbol of the Treasure Pavilion on the carriage, fearing to disturb the important person inside.


    Inside the carriage.


    Fang Qingzhu was somewhat silent.


    Today at the birthday banquet, the actions of Fang Zheng and his wife, along with Fang Hao, had deeply wounded Fang Qingzhu''s heart.


    Xiao Yi kept holding her hand, his warmth comforting her.


    "Xiao, was dinner to your liking?" Elder Yan asked.


    Xiao Yi nodded and smiled, "Indeed, especially the Huadiao-steamed flying dragon. It was truly an extraordinary delicacy!"


    "That''s aged Huadiao Wine of over thirty years, and the dragon was just caught from the Southern Desolate Mountain Range this morning; before cooking, they were all lively creatures!"


    Elder Yan took out a jade bottle from his bosom, his eyes beseeching as he looked at Xiao Yi, "Xiao, there are a few Qi Gathering Elixirs inside this bottle, you must accept them!"


    Qi Gathering Elixir.


    A second-grade, low-level elixir, one worth a hundred taels of silver.


    Xiao Yi shook his head, "Without merit, I cannot accept the reward; I cannot take these elixirs."


    "Don''t be so quick to decline, I have a favor to ask of you!" Elder Yan chuckled, having seemingly anticipated Xiao Yi''s refusal.


    Xiao Yi''s inquisitive gaze met his.


    "On the fifteenth of next month, the Treasure Pavilion''s treasure appraising event of the five cities of Nanhuang will be held in our Nanhuang City. At that time, Pavilion Masters from the other four cities of Nanhuang, as well as some significant figures, will attend. Elder Yan Mingli of Sky Moon City''s Treasure Pavilion and I are old rivals, and just a few days ago, he sent me a challenge letter, declaring that the younger generation from both sides would compete."


    Nanhuang is boundless and vast, an incredibly large territory.


    Within the entire Nanhuang, there are five cities: Nanhuang City, Sky Moon City, Shouye City, Dinghai City, and Qingyang City. Each city has a branch of the Treasure Pavilion, and they constantly vie with each other, both openly and in secret.


    Elder Yan said gravely, "I''ve received word that he has recently taken on an exceptional disciple; although Bing Xin is quite competent, she still falls short in experience compared to Cheng Fu''s disciple. Therefore, I would like to ask for your help at the event, Xiao!"


    "I will go!"


    Xiao Yi agreed. To him, it was no more than lifting a finger.


    Elder Yan''s face broke into a thrilled smile, and without further ado, he stuffed the elixirs into Xiao Yi''s hand, "Now you can accept them with a clear conscience, right?"


    Xiao Yi could only smile helplessly and accept them.


    "Pavilion Master, we''ve arrived!" called the coachman from outside the carriage.


    The three stepped out of the carriage.


    Xiao Yi took Fang Qingzhu''s small hand, "Shall we go in and sit for a while?"


    Elder Yan glanced at the dilapidated courtyard in front of him, his eyebrows knitting slightly.


    This courtyard was truly too rundown.


    The walls were cracked, and the door was mostly broken, creaking in the wind.


    Elder Yan averted his gaze and shook his head with a smile, "The Treasure Pavilion still has matters to deal with; I won''t disturb you and Madam Xiao''s rest today!"


    Fang Qingzhu bowed her head, her pretty face flushed.


    Xiao Yi laughed heartily, unconcerned, "If that''s the case, I won''t keep you! I''ll remember the matter and will attend when you let me know!"


    "Then I''ll take my leave first!"


    Elder Yan gave a respectful bow to Fang Qingzhu, "Madam Xiao, do remember to visit the Treasure Pavilion when you have the time; let me have the honor of being a proper host!"


    Fang Qingzhu nodded, "Take care, Elder Yan!"


    "You two go ahead inside; no need to see me out!"


    Elder Yan waved his hand and slipped back into the carriage.


    They watched Elder Yan leave.


    Xiao Yi looked at Fang Qingzhu before him, "Do you want to stay here, or go back?"


    Fang Qingzhu bit her lip, a hint of struggle appearing on her face.


    What Fang Zheng and his wife did today had indeed chilled her heart; for the moment, at least, she did not wish to see them again.


    She inconspicuously slipped her hand out of Xiao Yi''s grasp, and said softly, "I''d like to be alone for a while."


    "There are vacant rooms in the courtyard. We can each take one," Xiao Yi said, not really minding.


    But before they could step inside, they heard hurried footsteps coming from behind, accompanied by Fang Zheng''s voice.


    "Wait!"

 Chapter 13 - 13: Humiliation Visits!

    Xiao Yi''s steps halted, and he saw Fang Zheng and his wife, with a reluctant Fang Hao in tow, approaching quickly.


    He instinctively glanced at Fang Qingzhu beside him.


    Fang Qingzhu hung her head low and shook it, "I don''t want to see them..."


    Having said that, she walked straight into the courtyard.


    Xiao Yi stood in front of the main gate, like a guardian deity, watching the three people approaching closely.


    Seeing Xiao Yi, Fang Zheng and the others cursed silently, but still put on a brilliant smile, "Xiao Yi, you''re finally back!"


    Liu Yun, who had never shown a good face to Xiao Yi, said affectionately, "Xiao Yi, you''ve been with our family for so long, and Qingzhu''s dad and I have been busy with clan affairs and haven''t found the time to see you, you''re not upset with us, are you?"


    Xiao Yi did not respond, but said indifferently, "Qingzhu doesn''t want to see you, please leave."


    "Uh..."


    Fang Zheng and his wife exchanged a look, their smiles fading as their gazes darkened.


    In their view, they had lowered their stance enough, and Xiao Yi should be grateful and flattering them. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But now, Xiao Yi was completely disregarding them!


    A flash of anger went across Fang Zheng''s eyes, but remembering the task given by Fang Tianhao, he suppressed his fury and spoke softly, "Xiao Yi, even if my wife and I have done something wrong in the past, that''s all behind us now. We''re family, any misunderstanding can be cleared up if we just talk it out."


    With that, he aimed a kick at Fang Hao, who was scowling beside them, "What are you standing around for? Hurry up and greet him!"


    Fang Hao reluctantly mumbled a greeting, "Brother-in-law..."


    Obviously, he was extremely reluctant to call Xiao Yi his brother-in-law!


    In his eyes, Xiao Yi being called brother-in-law was a stroke of fortune unbeknownst for eight generations!


    But as soon as the words left his mouth, a disdainful snort from Xiao Yi came forth.


    "What are you, that you deem yourself worthy to call me brother-in-law?"


    "You!"


    Fang Hao''s face fluctuated with varying shades.


    Reluctant to come and plead with Xiao Yi, the mockery from Xiao Yi made his anger rise uncontrollably.


    "I called you brother-in-law as a courtesy, so don''t be ungrateful! Isn''t it just good luck that you got Elder Yan''s support? You really consider yourself something special?"


    Fang Hao''s face was full of mockery, his voice laden with sarcasm, "Elder Yan is merely using you as a tool, and when you''re no longer of value, see if he still bothers with you! Without Elder Yan, you''re just a worthless piece of trash!"


    "Shut your mouth, how dare you talk to your brother-in-law like that?"


    Only after Fang Hao had finished speaking did Fang Zheng rebuke him with a feigned displeasure, smiling, "Xiao Yi, don''t stoop to Fang Hao''s level!"


    Xiao Yi''s expressionless face watched the three like they were a bunch of clowns.


    If he had really intended to stop Fang Hao, would he have waited for him to finish?


    Xiao Yi sneered, "If I really stooped to his level, he¡­ would already be dead!"


    "Xiao Yi, you''re going too far!"


    Fang Hao''s eyes widened as his vital energy surged, and his fists crackled with energy.


    A body full of vital energy, ready to burst!


    "Enough!"


    From inside the gate came Fang Qingzhu''s cold reprimand, her expression frosty as she stared at the three, her voice trembling slightly, "What are you doing here?"


    The actions of the three at the birthday banquet had already deeply wounded Fang Qingzhu.


    Fang Zheng frowned, quite displeased with Fang Qingzhu''s attitude.


    Stepping forward, Liu Yun presented a beaming smile, "Qingzhu, your father and I have come to tell you great news! Your grandfather has agreed to let Xiao Yi enter the main residence. From now on, our family can live together again!"


    Fang Qingzhu frowned slightly, finding the smile she once thought was kind on Liu Yun''s face now disgustingly insincere.


    A glint of icy disdain flashed in her eyes as Fang Qingzhu said lightly, "It was he who banished Xiao Yi from the main residence, and now it''s he who allows his return. Don''t you find that laughable? What exactly do you take Xiao Yi and me for? Tools at your beck and call?"


    "How dare you talk to your parents like that?"


    Liu Yun''s face stiffened.


    Accustomed to Fang Qingzhu''s obedience, she had lost her patience, commanding with a fierce face that left no room for refusal, "Help Xiao Yi pack up, and move back to the main residence with us!"


    In the past, although Fang Qingzhu was a pampered lady, favored by all, and esteemed, she was extremely filial, always obedient to her parents'' words.


    When Liu Yun spoke, Fang Qingzhu dared not refuse!


    But now, Fang Qingzhu shook her head, "We''re fine here, we won''t be going to the main residence."


    "You wretched girl, not even listening to your own mother?" Liu Yun''s face darkened as she raised her hand to slap Fang Qingzhu''s face.


    Slap!


    The slap came so unexpectedly that everyone was taken by surprise.


    Fang Qingzhu''s head was snapped to the side from the hit, a crimson handprint on her delicate cheek, a trickle of blood seeping from the corner of her mouth.


    Her eyes filled with confusion and helplessness!


    This was the first time in her life that Liu Yun had hit her!


    Fang Qingzhu looked incredulously at Liu Yun.


    "What''s with that look? I gave birth to you and raised you, not to mention hitting you, if I told you to die, you''d have to obey! Go pack your things this instant, and come back to the main residence with us!" Liu Yun said domineeringly, her face grim.


    Fang Qingzhu took a deep breath, her heart growing colder, but her expression was resolute, "I''m not going back!"


    "You wretch, you''re seeking death!" In a rage, Liu Yun raised her hand to deliver another slap to Fang Qingzhu!


    But just at that moment...


    Slap!


    Xiao Yi moved swiftly, shielding Fang Qingzhu and grabbing Liu Yun''s wrist, returning a slap across her face!


    With that slap, Liu Yun saw stars before her eyes and blood trickled from the corner of her mouth!


    The voice of Xiao Yi, as though coming from the depths of hell, also carried coldly through the air.


    "Get lost!"

 Chapter 14 - 14: Crazy beating this rude mother-in-law

    ```


    "You dare to hit my mother?" Fang Hao roared furiously, pouncing toward Xiao Yi like a tiger descending the mountain.


    Xiao Yi lifted his foot for a kick, even though he was only at the Tenth Layer of the Physical Body Realm, his combat strength was comparable to a Qi Gathering Realm Third Layer powerhouse, and he sent Fang Hao, who was at the Qi Gathering Realm First Layer, flying with a single kick.


    "Hit my son? Are you trying to start a rebellion?" Liu Yun was burning with rage, her other hand slashing toward Xiao Yi''s face.


    Smack!


    Just as she raised her hand, Xiao Yi backhanded her face again!


    "You..."


    Smack!


    Smack smack smack!


    With a volley of slaps, he struck the domineering mother-in-law''s face left and right, over a dozen times, then flung Liu Yun away, causing her to stagger backward!


    Xiao Yi''s icy gaze swept over the two of them, and he said, word by word, "If it wasn''t for Qingzhu calling you ''mother,'' you''d be dead by now!"


    The sharpness of Xiao Yi''s gaze was like a blade, and as cold as ice and snow, it suppressed the overpowering Evil Qi brought by the Lifetaker Scholar!


    At this moment, even a thick layer of makeup couldn''t hide the increasingly pale complexion of Liu Yun.


    The dozen or so slaps had indeed dazed the arrogant mother-in-law, and utterly frightened her!


    "Dare to hit my mother? I''ll fight you to the death!"


    Fang Hao, like a carp flipping back onto its feet, rebounded from the ground, and with a flick of his arm, he drew a Soft Sword from his waist.


    The Soft Sword shimmered with silver light, writhing in his hand like a serpent, and a continuous buzzing sound pierced the air as it thrust straight towards Xiao Yi''s heart.


    "Seeking death!"


    Xiao Yi''s eyes grew cold, and he reached out with a single hand.


    The flesh and blood palm made a grating clang as it met the Soft Sword, and Xiao Yi firmly grasped it in hand. Fang Hao''s face turned beet red with exertion, unable to free the Soft Sword from Xiao Yi''s grasp.


    At this moment, Fang Hao''s face was full of disbelief!


    "How can your physical body be so strong?"


    Xiao Yi scoffed disdainfully.


    "Scram!"


    The veins on his arm bulged as though the roar of the sky thundered faintly in the background.


    Eight Extremes Collapse!


    Boom!


    Fang Hao screamed as he was sent flying backward, the Soft Sword in his hand dropping to the ground as he violently coughed up mouthfuls of blood!


    The mighty power of the Eight Extremes Collapse had shattered five of his ribs!


    This scene made Liu Yun''s eyes nearly split with fury, clawing towards Xiao Yi with a ferocious expression on her face!


    "You little bastard, you dare to hit my son? I''ll fight you..."


    "Noisy!"


    Xiao Yi let out a cold snort, flinging his arm as if he was tossing trash, and sent Liu Yun flying more than ten meters away.


    Whoosh!


    Finally, Fang Zheng made his move, darting forward to catch Liu Yun, his face dark as he looked at Xiao Yi with a serious gleam in his eyes, "Worthy of being from the Xiao Family, even if you''re just a despised waste, you still possess such strength."


    Fang Zheng told Liu Yun to step aside.


    His body faintly vibrated with Vital Energy, much stronger than Fang Hao.


    Fang Qingzhu''s expression changed drastically, and a hint of urgency surfaced in her lost gaze.


    "Xiao Yi, he is a Qi Gathering Realm Fourth Layer powerhouse..."


    "You slut, how dare you side with an outsider against me? I''ve always said, raising a daughter is worse than raising a dog, and it seems I was right!" Fang Zheng roared angrily, his eyes chillingly cold.


    Fang Qingzhu''s face turned deathly white, tears streaming down unstoppably.


    Worse than raising a dog?


    How deeply Fang Zheng''s words must have hurt her?


    They chilled to the bone!


    "Fang Zheng, you are disgraceful as a father!" Xiao Yi said with a face as still as water.


    "She''s my daughter. I gave birth to her, raised her, and she ought to repay me! When she was useful, of course, I treated her as the jewel of my palm, but now? She''s nothing more than waste that can''t even secure the position of Family Head. An outsider who loses me money, why should I be polite with her?"


    Fang Zheng sneered continuously, "If you obediently obey and follow me back to the main residence and serve my Fang Family, I will still acknowledge her as my daughter. Otherwise, you two can become a couple of wandering souls beneath the Yellow Springs!"


    Whizz!


    Fang Zheng suddenly shot an arrow from his fingertip, as fast as a startling reflex, breaking through the air.


    Xiao Yi''s pupils shrank abruptly. Sidestepping the sudden cold arrow, he reached for the Soft Sword on the ground and sped towards Fang Zheng, the Longsword in his hand gleaming with sharp intent: "Chasing Stars, Pursuing the Moon!"


    Fang Zheng''s face darkened. The cultivation of Qi Gathering Realm Fourth Layer endowed him with much denser Vital Energy than Fang Hao''s, his palms pulsing with Vital Energy: "Coiling Snake Palm!"


    The sword shot out like a cold star streaking across the sky! S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The palm struck like a snake, coiling around its territory.


    In the blink of an eye, the palm and the sword''s edge collided heavily, the sword''s edge vibrating intensely and Xiao Yi was forced back several meters!


    ```


    Fang Zheng pursued relentlessly, his palm transforming into a claw as he targeted Xiao Yi''s heart from behind, "If you can''t be of use to me, then go die!"


    Black Tiger Heart Dig!


    This was a deadly strike.


    Fang Qingzhu''s eyes were filled with rage, and she moved instinctively, darting forward with her arms spread to shield Xiao Yi from the fatal blow from Fang Zheng.


    "They''re as good as dead!"


    "Dad, quickly kill these two ungrateful wretches!"


    Liu Yun and Fang Hao had ice in their gaze, brimming with intent to kill and void of any past affection!


    "Cheap wench, die!" Fang Zheng said coldly, without a hint of compassion.


    Just as Fang Qingzhu was about to die at the hands of her father, Xiao Yi suddenly turned around, his left arm encircling Fang Qingzhu''s waist and in a swift motion, he spun her out of harm''s way.


    At the same time, in his right hand, the Soft Sword took flight!


    "Soul Chase, Life Seize!"


    Whoosh!


    The sharp brilliance of the sword was like a fireball streaking across the sky, a sword chasing the soul, a life-seizing sword!


    "Ah..."


    Fang Zheng let out a terrible scream!


    This sword had pierced directly through his palm, continuing through the base of the palm and along the entire length of his arm!


    Xiao Yi casually flicked his wrist, and Fang Zheng''s entire right arm was split into two halves!


    Xiao Yi moved forward in one smooth motion.


    "Eight Extremes Collapse!"


    Bang!


    This blow struck Fang Zheng squarely in the chest, sending him flying backward with great force!


    Most of his bones shattered upon impact!


    Ugh!


    Fang Zheng spat out blood as he tumbled down in front of Liu Yun and Fang Hao.


    The family of three looked at Xiao Yi with horror-stricken faces, as if they were staring at a peerless God of Slaughter. Gone was their arrogance and flamboyance, leaving only terror and fear.


    "No, don''t kill us, I, I am your mother-in-law!"


    "Bro, bro-in-law... no, Xiao, Xiao spare our lives, I''m still young... Sister, please beg Xiao for me! Beg him!" Fang Hao shook in terror, stinking of fear.


    Xiao Yi turned his head to look at Fang Qingzhu.


    Fang Qingzhu took a deep breath, "Let them go!"


    Taking the Soft Sword from Xiao Yi, Fang Qingzhu walked in front of the three, her voice cold as frost.


    "From today on, I, Fang Qingzhu, sever all ties with you!"


    Whoosh!


    The Soft Sword gleamed coldly as it severed her jet-black hair, scattering it in the wind.


    The three stood there stunned, their complexions ashen.


    They... were being discarded by Fang Qingzhu like worthless ribs!


    Clip-clop, clip-clop, clip-clop!


    The sound of carriage wheels broke the deathly silence.


    Lin Bingxin looked on in astoundment at the scene before her, full of questions but not daring to ask any. She respectfully presented the deed to Xiao Yi, "Seeing that your residence was in ruins, my teacher purchased a villa next to the Treasure Pavilion and asked me to deliver the deed to you, please accept it!"


    "Much appreciated!"


    Xiao Yi received the deed with a light chuckle and then handed it to Fang Qingzhu. He looked at her earnestly, "Qingzhu, would you be willing to move there with me?"


    Fang Qingzhu stood there, dazed as she looked at Xiao Yi.


    She was now without a home, all alone.


    Seeing the sincerity in Xiao Yi''s eyes warmed her cold heart. A smile curled on her lips as she nodded emphatically, "I would be glad to!"


    "Xiao, Miss Qingzhu, please board the carriage, and I will take you to the villa right away!"


    "No... this is impossible! How could such trash deserve such a place?" Liu Yun couldn''t help but roar in anger!


    Now, with all ties severed and feelings betrayed, how could she accept such an outcome?


    "Impossible! You don''t deserve it! You never will!" Fang Hao''s body was trembling.


    And Fang Zheng was grinding his teeth in anger, his face dark and gloomy.


    "You lowlifes are only fit to live here! Only fit to stay here!"


    Lin Bingxin''s eyes turned cold as she respectfully invited Xiao Yi and his companion onto the carriage, then looked back at the trio with a touch of disdain in her eyes.


    "Even my teacher, who wanted to take Xiao as a master, was refused. With such a prodigious figure as your son-in-law, you didn''t treat him well but instead pushed him away? And you call Xiao trash? Truly laughable!"


    "Not to mention, I wonder who truly is the trash!"

 Chapter 15 - 15 Strange Phenomena of Heaven and Earth

    Driven by the Treasure Pavilion, every inch of land around it was worth its weight in gold.


    In Nanhuang City, everyone aspired to own a house near the Treasure Pavilion. Anyone who could buy an over three-hundred-square-meter mansion nearby would be considered a true winner in life.


    One of the four major families, the Zhang Family, was situated right beside the Treasure Pavilion.


    Zhang Ze was the young master of the Zhang Family, the only son of the family head, Zhang Yong.


    Among the younger generation in Nanhuang City, his talent was also among the top ranks.


    At the age of nineteen, he had already reached the Fourth Layer Cultivation of the Qi Gathering Realm.


    "Er Gouzi, why has the plaque on the mansion next door been changed?" Zhang Ze rode atop a tall horse, glanced at the mansion next to the Zhang residence with a brand new plaque, and asked.


    Leading the horse in front, Er Gouzi turned at the question, "Young Master, it seems that Elder Yan has bought this place!"


    "Oh? Elder Yan? Could it be that he''s planning to become our neighbor?" Zhang Ze''s eyes narrowed into slits. Elder Yan was the most prestigious figure in Nanhuang City.


    Although his cultivation was not the first in Nanhuang City, if one were to talk about status and power, even the lord of Nanhuang City could not compare to him.


    After all.


    The Treasure Pavilion was spread throughout the entire Great Qian Dynasty!


    Countless young talents dreamt of apprenticing under Elder Yan, but within the vast Nanhuang City, no one could catch his eye, so everyone set their sights on Lin Bingxin.


    Zhang Ze was also among Lin Bingxin''s suitors.


    "Young Master, look, isn''t that Miss Lin?" Exclaimed Er Gouzi all of a sudden.


    "Hmm?"


    Zhang Ze was startled and looked eagerly ahead, only to see Lin Bingxin walking out from that residence. He was about to approach when he saw a handsome young man following close behind her.


    Seeing the young man conversing happily with Lin Bingxin, Zhang Ze''s expression instantly turned gloomy, "Who is that kid? He seems very familiar with Bingxin? Er Gouzi, bring the horse over!"


    "Yes, Young Master!"


    Er Gouzi quickened his pace.


    In front of the residence.


    Xiao Yi said with a smile, "Please give my regards to Elder Yan!"


    "Don''t worry, I''ll remember!"


    Lin Bingxin nodded faintly, the inherent coldness in her, as if a millennia-old ice, tough to melt, "Take good care of Qingzhu after you get back, she hasn''t had it easy!"


    "I will!"


    Xiao Yi responded, recalling the way Fang Qingzhu rested her head on his shoulder and fell asleep, he couldn''t help but feel a pang of heartache.


    Lin Bingxin suddenly saw Zhang Ze on his tall horse, rushing over quickly. Her face slightly changed as she quickly said, "I have something else to do, I need to leave first!"


    Before the words had even finished.


    She was already running away like a trail of smoke.


    Xiao Yi: "..."


    What did she see that made her run so fast?


    Xiao Yi looked in Zhang Ze''s direction.


    Seeing Lin Bingxin speed up her departure at the sight of him, Zhang Ze did not give chase. Instead, he rode his tall horse to a stop in front of Xiao Yi, intending to figure out the relationship between this young man and Lin Bingxin!


    As their eyes met.


    Zhang Ze gently slapped his palm with the riding crop in his hand, his eyes narrowed into slits, emitting a dangerous light, "You look quite unfamiliar, just arrived in Nanhuang City, haven''t you?"


    Xiao Yi responded indifferently, "Less than a month!"


    "Less than a month?"


    Zhang Ze nodded slightly, "Although Nanhuang City isn''t big, its waters run deep. One careless move and you could drown. There are certain things you shouldn''t do, and certain people you shouldn''t mess with. Do you understand?"


    Xiao Yi furrowed his brows, "If you have something to say, just say it!"


    Zhang Ze stopped playing with the riding crop, leaned forward slightly with his elbow propped on the saddle, "Lin Bingxin is the woman I''ve taken a liking to, you''d best stay away from her. I tend to lose measure when I get jealous, and it wouldn''t be out of the ordinary for me to beat someone to death over it..."


    "Uh..."


    Xiao Yi suddenly realized. So he was being mistaken for a rival in love?


    He didn''t bother to explain. Innocence speaks for itself, and sometimes the more you explain, the less clear things become. Giving Zhang Ze a smile that was not particularly polite, Xiao Yi turned and walked towards the interior of the residence.


    Zhang Ze looked intently at the vermilion gate, squinted his eyes, and said, "Er Gouzi, I''m about to break through to the Fifth Layer of the Gathering Qi Realm. During this period, have someone keep an eye on this place. If he has nothing to do with Bing Xin, then all is well. But if he dares to pursue Bing Xin, once I come out of seclusion, I will flatten this courtyard!"


    "Young Master, rest assured, I know what to do!" Er Gouzi said respectfully.


    ......


    Inside the courtyard.


    Xiao Yi returned to Fang Qingzhu''s bedroom and looked at the figure lying in deep sleep on the bed. Seeing the faint teardrops hanging on her long eyelashes, Xiao Yi felt a twinge of heartache: "Qingzhu, with me here, I will absolutely not allow anyone to hurt you again!" S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Huff!


    He exhaled a long breath of turbid air.


    Xiao Yi returned to his own bedroom and sat cross-legged, taking out the bottle of medicinal pills Elder Yan had given him.


    Qi Gathering Elixir, a low-grade second-tier medicinal pill.


    Each pill was worth a hundred taels of silver, and consuming this pill could double the speed of absorbing the world''s qi for three hours. There were ten pills in this bottle.


    That was enough for someone at the Tenth Layer of the Physical Body Realm to break through to the Qi Gathering Realm.


    The cultivation practice in the Qi Gathering Realm was entirely different from the Physical Body Realm. The Physical Body Realm involved guiding the qi of heaven and earth to cleanse the body, strengthen the Qi-Blood, and temper one''s foundational constitution, whereas the Qi Gathering Realm required locking the qi of heaven and earth within oneself.


    To form a qi vortex in the dantian, allowing the absorbed qi of heaven and earth to gather within the vortex. With each minor breakthrough, the vortex gains an additional layer.


    Ten layers of qi vortexes stack together, complementing each other to form a loop, evolving into a Qi Sea.


    Once the Qi Sea is cultivated, the qi is abundant and concentrated, without dispersing.


    This allows one to wield various Divine Skills, which are beyond the Qi Gathering Realm, in the Shentong Realm.


    "Let''s break through to the Qi Gathering Realm in one go!"


    He threw the medicinal pill into his mouth, and a fresh stream flowed through his surroundings, his spirit unbelievably focused. His pores seemed to open completely, and his sensitivity to the qi of heaven and earth became much sharper.


    With the Xuan Gong in operation, Xiao Yi instantly became a bottomless pit, voraciously absorbing the world''s qi around him.


    The beginning is always the hardest.


    Condensing the first layer of qi vortex in the Qi Gathering Realm is the most difficult; usually, even strong practitioners take at least a year and a half to condense a qi vortex, transitioning from the Tenth Layer of the Physical Body Realm into the Qi Gathering Realm.


    Under the acceleration of the Qi Gathering Elixir, it was not until the morning of the third day that Xiao Yi successfully condensed a qi vortex, stepping into the cultivation of the Qi Gathering Realm First Layer.


    Only when the effects of the Qi Gathering Elixir wore off did Xiao Yi continue to channel qi into the God Sealing Seed within his qi vortex.


    Boom boom boom!


    One after another, the God Sealing Seeds were fully activated.


    One.


    Two.


    Three¡­


    Under the assault of all the qi contained within the First Layer of the Gathering Qi Realm, Xiao Yi managed to activate a total of fifteen God Sealing Seeds. Together with the original five, he now had twenty God Sealing Seeds within his body!


    The qi, transformed by the God Sealing Seeds into the power of god sealing, fed back into his body.


    Xiao Yi''s cultivation soared to a new level, completely stabilizing his realm at the First Layer of the Gathering Qi Realm.


    Immersed in his cultivation, Xiao Yi didn''t know that.


    At the moment when he broke through to the Qi Gathering Realm and activated a total of twenty God Sealing Seeds, a magnificent nine-colored light suddenly appeared in the sky above the mansion. The light, like a bridge, covered a hundred meters in radius.


    Thousands of birds gathered around the nine-colored light and did not disperse for a long time.


    Basking in the nine-colored light, they looked just like numerous colorful phoenixes and divine luan birds.


    Suddenly there was a long howl from inside the mansion, "Hahaha, I have finally broken through to the Fifth Layer of the Gathering Qi Realm!"


    Before long.


    A message spread throughout the entire Zhang residence: "The Young Master has broken through to the Fifth Layer of the Gathering Qi Realm. The heavens have displayed a nine-colored light, and myriad birds gathered without dispersing. This is a heavenly phenomenon celebrating the Young Master''s breakthrough!"


    "The Young Master is mighty, he has actually attracted a heavenly phenomenon, it''s truly miraculous!"


    The Zhang Family rejoiced.


    The patriarch of the Zhang Family, Zhang Yong, was so excited that he set up an altar and prepared abundant offerings to worship the ancestors. He also sent out invitations to the major families and powers of Nanhuang City: "To celebrate my son''s attracting a heavenly phenomenon, we will hold a grand banquet tomorrow evening..."


    As for Xiao Yi, the cause of the heavenly phenomenon, he was currently sitting with Fang Qingzhu, enjoying simple congee and dishes, in perfect harmony.


    Both ears deaf to the world outside the window...

 Chapter 16 - 16: Call Uncle!

    "Qingzhu, have you gotten used to living here?"


    Xiao Yi looked at the tranquil girl across from him and asked.


    Fang Qingzhu revealed a gentle smile on her face and nodded, "These three days might be the most relaxed and comfortable time I''ve ever had in my life!"


    "Hmm?"


    Xiao Yi was startled.


    "When I was a child, I trained harder than anyone else just so my parents would pay more attention to me. Growing up, not wanting to lose their attention, I had to compete. Xiao Yi, do you know why I agreed to this marriage?"


    Her slender fingers smoothed the hair in front of her forehead, the golden sunlight bathing her face with a sacred glow, Fang Qingzhu''s smile grew even more radiant, "Because Grandpa said, as long as I agree to this arranged marriage, he would hand over the position of family heir to me. I just thought that if I could ascend to the position of family head one day, they would look up to me, and I wouldn''t have to live under their shadow anymore¡­"


    Xiao Yi''s gaze became somewhat distant as he saw a reflection of himself in Fang Qingzhu.


    From his childhood, everyone''s focus was on Xiao Tianjiao.


    Xiao Tianjiao''s birthday was always a grand celebration, and his birthday, apart from his mother, no one even remembered. Even when his mother suggested holding a family banquet, it would be rejected.


    No matter how hard he worked, he could never get recognition.


    Until the year he was ten¡­


    Xiao Tianjiao imprisoned him and even stripped him of his right to cultivate.


    Their pasts were so similar.


    Whew!


    Xiao Yi let out a long breath and looked at Fang Qingzhu seriously, "Qingzhu, I will help you!"


    "Hmm?"


    Fang Qingzhu was taken aback.


    Xiao Yi said solemnly, "I will definitely find a way to heal your dantian, help you sit in the position of family head, and let your parents look up to you¡­"


    "Thank you, Xiao Yi, for comforting me!"


    Fang Qingzhu gave a bitter smile, "My dantian cannot be repaired at all, and even if I could repair my dantian, I''m afraid I wouldn''t be able to compete with Fang Jin¡­"


    Fang Jin was almost guaranteed to enter the Royal Martial Arts Academy, and by the time he returned from there, he might have already broken through to the Shentong Realm. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi didn''t say much, but his eyes grew more resolute, "Qingzhu, I will definitely help you fulfill your wish!"


    In the following day.


    Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhu spent their time within the residence, tending to plants, playing chess, and even catching fish in the water together, aside from the three meals a day. They even personally cultivated a small vegetable patch.


    This was the life Fang Qingzhu had never experienced but had always longed for.


    The two of them immersed themselves in this simple yet heartwarming joy.


    At night.


    Xiao Yi, sitting cross-legged on the bed, opened his eyes, and a sharp light swirled in his dark pupils, allowing him to appear within the Eternal Heavenly Tomb with a single thought.


    "Medicine Saint Feng Lei¡­"


    "Immortal Medical King Xue Shengyi¡­"


    Xiao Yi attempted one after another, but these tombs of great and renowned figures were utterly unapproachable. Having almost scoured the tombs within reach, Xiao Yi finally found his target.


    It was a grave two feet tall, with a wooden stele erected on it.


    The stele bore the information of the tomb''s occupant: Bian He, Heavenly Yuan Realm, known as the Underworld Doctor Ancestor.


    This was the only tomb specializing in medical skills that Xiao Yi could currently access: "Underworld Doctor Ancestor Bian He, I hope you won''t let me down!"


    Boom!


    The God Sealing Seed around him shone brilliantly, radiating splendidly.


    "Break for me!"


    A cold, large hand shattered the tomb before him, and an aged figure burst forth abruptly. This figure was hunched and slightly stooped, with a purple Lingzhi the size of a human head in his left hand, and a ginseng walking stick with roots coiling around it in his right.


    "God Sealing Seed, suppress and seal the gods!"


    Twenty God Sealing Seeds burst forth with brilliant light, forming a massive cage that trapped Bian He.


    Bian He''s purple Lingzhi and ginseng walking stick kept striking in all directions, causing the cage to thunder loudly, yet he couldn''t break free from its confines. He turned into a streak of spirit light and was suppressed within the God Sealing Seed by Xiao Yi.


    Inside the God Sealing Seed, a statue identical to him condensed.


    At the same time.


    Xiao Yi also received Bian He''s legacy, which included two items.


    One was the holy scroll of the Underworld Doctor lineage from the distant Southern Border, "Nether King Medical Canon," and the second was a Pupil Skill called "Blood Moon Underworld Pupil."


    The Underworld Doctors of the Southern Border emphasized diagnosis by inspection.


    Among them, "inspection" involved observing with the eyes to understand the patient''s physical condition, the root of the illness, and the nature of the symptoms, among other things.


    "Blood Moon Underworld Pupil" is divided into three realms: Star Pupil, Moon Pupil, and Nether Pupil.


    "The method to repair the dan tian..."


    Xiao Yi, who was quickly scanning through the "Nether King Medical Canon," trembled with excitement and a look of ecstasy crossed his face, "Grafting technique? Heaven really does not let down those who are determined, I''ve finally found it!"


    This ''grafting technique'' is a unique method of the Underworld Doctors, involving the replacement of the dan tian with a specific demonic beast''s core.


    This approach has a huge flaw.


    That is, the limit of one''s cultivation will be determined by the grade of the demonic beast''s core.


    For instance, if you use a second-grade demonic beast''s core to replace the dan tian, the highest one can achieve is the peak of the Qi Gathering Realm; if it''s a third-grade demonic beast core, the highest cultivation limit is the peak of the Divine Ability Realm.


    And so on...


    "Fortunately, these demonic beast cores can be replaced. As long as one becomes strong enough in the future, it''s entirely possible to hunt higher-level demonic beasts to take their cores and replace them with her new dan tian!"


    Xiao Yi sighed with relief and returned to the bedroom, "I won''t tell Qingzhu for now, I''ll wait until everything is ready before giving her a surprise. When dawn breaks, I''ll go to the Treasure Pavilion to buy the medicinal herbs and beast cores needed for the grafting technique. Qingzhu, I once promised to help you take the position of family head, and I will certainly not go back on my word!"


    Seeing that there were still a few hours until dawn, Xiao Yi simply started to cultivate "Blood Moon Underworld Pupil."


    The first realm of cultivating the Star Pupil is to draw in starlight and condense it within one''s eyes.


    Xiao Yi stood on the rooftop, gazing up at the starry sky, circulating the cultivation method.


    Vaguely...


    One could see specks of starlight falling from the myriad stars, merging into his eyes. His eyes became increasingly bright, and two hours later, Xiao Yi suddenly opened his eyes.


    Whoosh! Whoosh!


    His eyes shone like bright stars as he quirked the corners of his mouth and muttered to himself, "The Blood Moon Underworld Pupil isn''t that difficult to cultivate after all. Just two hours, and I have successfully condensed the Star Pupil!"


    If the people from the Underworld Doctor lineage in the Southern Border heard this, they would probably be driven mad.


    Even Bian He, who was hailed as the strongest genius of the Underworld Doctors'' lineage, had spent a whole day and night to successfully condense the Star Pupil!


    Of course.


    Xiao Yi was unaware of this.


    ......


    Treasure Pavilion, Inner Cabinet, first floor hall.


    The place was bustling with people.


    Xiao Yi stood among the crowd, believing that news of his arrival would soon reach Elder Yan and the others, so he simply waited there.


    "Is this brother also waiting for Miss Lin?"


    "Brother, take a look at us, who isn''t bringing a gift? Coming empty-handed doesn''t seem very sincere, right?"


    Seven or eight handsome young men stood beside Xiao Yi.


    Each was holding a gift of some sort, ranging from famous paintings, antiques, to fragrant flowers, everything was present.


    So these are all pursuers of Lin Bingxin!


    That icy woman, surprisingly, had quite a few admirers!


    Xiao Yi''s eyes twinkled as he said solemnly, "My mere presence here is the best gift. Once Lin Bingxin sees my face, she will come to me without needing me to greet her. Besides, I can make her call me ''uncle.'' Do you believe it or not?"


    "Pah, you''re blowing your own trumpet a bit too loudly!"


    "Let alone you, even Zhang Ze wouldn''t be given a second glance by Miss Lin... and Zhang Ze is someone who caused a phenomenon between heaven and earth, do you think you can compare with him?"


    "If it''s really as you say, I''ll swallow this antique vase I have in my hand!"


    Just as everyone was collectively condemning Xiao Yi, the young man who had first greeted Xiao Yi suddenly said, "Look, Miss Bingxin is coming out, hey hey hey... she''s, she''s heading this way..."


    "No, that''s not right, why is she, she walking towards this bragging king?"


    "Holy crap..."


    Amidst a succession of exclamations, Lin Bingxin walked straight up to Xiao Yi and said, "Xiao..."


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow and glanced sideways at the stunned crowd of young men, he said indifferently, "Call me uncle!"


    Hisss!


    The crowd inhaled sharply.


    Did he actually get Lin Bingxin to call him uncle?


    Was he asking to be beaten up?


    Lin Bingxin''s eye twitched, wishing she could slap Xiao Yi to death, but she didn''t dare to!


    How frustrating!


    Lin Bingxin took a deep breath, grit her teeth, glared fiercely at Xiao Yi, this bastard actually made her call him uncle in public?


    But when she remembered that the bet had been her own proposal, Lin Bingxin could only clench her teeth and call out the two words with sheer effort, "Uncle... Uncle..."

 Chapter 17 - 17 The Zhang Family Dinner

    "Teacher, what brings you to my place?"


    Elder Yan stood respectfully in front of Xiao Yi, such demeanor if witnessed by outsiders would surely shock them to the core.


    Xiao Yi replied indifferently, "I need some medicinal herbs!"


    "No problem!"


    Elder Yan patted his chest and said, "Teacher, just give me a list, and I''ll have Bing Xin prepare it right away!"


    Xiao Yi nodded and handed the list he had prepared earlier to Elder Yan.


    Without even looking at it, Elder Yan handed the list to Lin Bingxin: "Go to the storeroom immediately and bring everything the teacher needs. If it''s not there, get it from other city branches as fast as possible!"


    Lin Bingxin shot Xiao Yi a resentful glance before taking the list and leaving.


    "Elder Yan, it''s time for your medicine!" A white-haired elder came in, carrying a steaming bowl of herbal soup in his hands.


    Xiao Yi frowned and asked, "Sick?"


    "An old illness, I''ve been taking medicine but it hasn''t improved."


    Elder Yan offered a wry smile, pointing to the old man and said, "This is Luo, the alchemist I hired for a hefty sum. He''s one of the top ten alchemists in Nanhuang City."


    Luo, the alchemist, glanced at Xiao Yi and snorted coldly, slightly lifting his chin with an air of arrogance.


    Xiao Yi''s eyebrows furrowed slightly as he activated his Star Pupil to examine Elder Yan, then looked towards the bowl of soup, "What medicine are you giving him?"


    Luo spoke lightly, "Lung Cleansing Detox Soup. This is a divine medicine personally concocted by me. Can you, a wet-behind-the-ears kid, possibly understand?"


    "Elder Yan, Luo may be bad-tempered, but I beg you to calm your anger!" Elder Yan glared at Luo fiercely and respectfully apologized to Xiao Yi.


    "Calm my anger? You''re about to be killed by this quack!"


    Xiao Yi rolled his eyes in annoyance.


    "Ah?"


    Elder Yan was utterly bewildered.


    The color drained from Luo''s face as he bellowed, "Nonsense, when have I ever tried to harm Elder Yan? He has a fire toxin in his lungs; naturally, the Lung Cleansing Detox Soup is needed. You know nothing, you wild boy, spouting nonsense - be careful, or I''ll tear that mouth of yours!"


    Xiao Yi sneered, "Fire toxin? If it were a fire toxin in the lungs, it would indeed cause constant chest distress and coughing, and the pain should be the worst when the sun is at its zenith at noon. Yet his worst pain comes at midnight. How would you explain that?"


    "This, this..." Luo''s face turned from green to white, momentarily unable to respond.


    Xiao Yi pressed on, "Using the Lung Cleansing Detox Soup is correct if it were a fire toxin, but what if it were a cold toxin? Introducing cold from the soup would only add poison to poison; continuing with your medicine, he''d be undoubtedly dead within three months!"


    Thud!


    Luo collapsed on the ground, frightened and frantic, "Spare me, Elder Yan, spare me! It was only a momentary lapse in judgment, please forgive me..."


    Elder Yan could no longer be oblivious that Luo had been bought off.


    His face clouded over, and he waved his hand, "Take him away and interrogate him severely, find out who''s behind this!"


    "Yes!"


    Luo was dragged away by two Qi Gathering Realm strongmen. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Even now...


    He still couldn''t believe how this young man, who looked immature, could see through everything at a glance. Recalling his earlier accusations that Xiao Yi was ignorant and inexperienced, he felt his face burning with shame.


    Thud!


    Elder Yan knelt directly in front of Xiao Yi, "Teacher, I have no way to repay your life-saving grace, please accept my humble bow!"


    Xiao Yi waved his hand, "There''s no need for such formalities between us. I''ll give you a prescription; follow it for a month, and the cold poison in your lungs will be completely purged!"


    "Thank you, Teacher!" Elder Yan took the prescription with excitement.


    Looking at Xiao Yi with ever more admiration and fervor, Elder Yan couldn''t help but be astounded. Such a young person not only possessed extraordinary vision but also terrifying skills in swordsmanship, and now even boasted medical knowledge? Elder Yan marveled, "Teacher truly is a celestial being!"


    Before long.


    Lin Bingxin entered, holding an antique black Storage Ring in both hands. Elder Yan received the ring and respectfully presented it to Xiao Yi, "Teacher, this is the Storage Ring I specially prepared for you. All the medicinal herbs you requested are inside!"


    Bing Xin looked on enviously at Xiao Yi.


    This was a Storage Ring!


    Only those above the Golden Core Realm could craft it. In the immense Nanhuang City, those who could wear a Storage Ring were few and far between!


    Xiao Yi raised his eyebrows and accepted the ring, "I appreciate the gesture!"


    "It is my duty!"


    After a pause, Elder Yan continued, "Teacher, regarding that list you gave me earlier, we were unable to find the demon core of the Purple-Patterned Blood Python. However, I''ve had Bing Xin issue a reward for its whereabouts; we will notify you immediately if anyone locates it."


    "That''s fine, you handle it!" Xiao Yi nodded, about to stand up.


    Elder Yan respectfully said, "Teacher, yesterday, young Zhang Ze of the Zhang Family broke through to the Fifth Layer of the Gathering Qi Realm and attracted a heavenly phenomenon. The Zhang Family is hosting a banquet to celebrate and inviting everyone from Nanhuang. Would you be interested in attending?"


    He seldom took part in the gatherings of Nanhuang City''s major families, but a peerless genius from the Zhang Family that caused a heavenly phenomenon was indeed worth his attention!


    "A heavenly phenomenon?"


    Xiao Yi was startled, his eyes showing surprise.


    Anyone who could attract a heavenly phenomenon was unquestionably a favored child of heaven, a prodigy without match.


    Just like Xiao Tianjiaao of the past, whose birth had attracted a heavenly phenomenon and even summoned a fire dragon to acknowledge him as its master.


    Such geniuses were rare even in the Great Qian Dynasty, let alone being born in the remote Nanhuang City.


    Xiao Yi was also somewhat curious about Zhang Ze, who could attract heavenly phenomena, and said, "I have nothing better to do, so it wouldn''t hurt to take a look!"


    ......


    Today, the Zhang family''s residence was brightly lit and bustling with activity.


    On the streets leading to the Zhang''s, one could see carriages coming and going, with all the influential figures of Nanhuang City making personal visits.


    "The Zhangs are truly impressive, having given birth to such a unicorn who calls forth heavenly phenomena. In just over a decade, no one in Nanhuang City may be able to contend with the Zhang family!"


    "That''s not necessarily the case. Fang Jin of the Fang Family is also a true dragon among men. It is said that he is currently undergoing assessments at the Royal Martial Arts Academy in the capital and stands a very good chance of gaining admission."


    "Fang Jin of the Fang Family and Zhang Ze of the Zhang Family, these are the two true dragons of our Nanhuang City!"


    Along the way, one could hear many powerful individuals discussing the phenomena.


    Clearly, the impact of these heaven and earth phenomena was quite significant.


    At the entrance of the Zhang family''s home.


    Zhang Yong and his son were welcoming guests.


    "Brother Zhang Ze, you must take good care of me in the future," Chen Tao, the son of Chen Yong, said to Zhang Ze, winking and somewhat ingratiating.


    Zhao Xian, the young master of the Zhao Family, nodded at Zhang Ze, neither servile nor overbearing, and then apologized to Zhang Yong, "My father had already entered closed-door cultivation before receiving the invitation and could not come in person. I hope Uncle Zhang will forgive him!"


    Zhang Yong laughed, "No worries, Brother Zhao getting that Sword technique and starting to comprehend it immediately is only natural for a cultivator!"


    Until yesterday, he was quite envious that Zhao Yu had obtained the Subduing Tiger Sword Scroll.


    As for now...


    He looked at his son, Zhang Ze, with a face full of pride and self-satisfaction.


    What of a third-grade high-level Sword technique?


    His son was a peerless genius who attracted heavenly phenomena!


    "How come no one from the Fang Family has arrived yet?" Zhang Ze said with displeasure.


    Zhang Yong sneered, "The Fangs just lost face in such a big way a few days ago; they probably don''t have the nerve to send someone." While he was speaking, his expression suddenly changed, "Xiao Ze, look, isn''t that Elder Yan''s carriage?"


    "Father, it is indeed Elder Yan''s carriage!" Zhang Ze''s eyes lit up.


    The expressions of the guests at the door were all tinged with envy, "Even Elder Yan is coming to the banquet? The Zhang family is truly impressive!"


    Zhang Ze and his father wore expressions of pride and hastened to welcome the arrival.


    Elder Yan, supported by Lin Bingxin, stepped down from the carriage.


    Zhang Ze and his father said respectfully, "We welcome Elder Yan''s grand presence!"


    "Haha, congratulations, Patriarch Zhang, with such a unicorn, the Zhang family''s future is boundless!" Elder Yan said cheerfully.


    Zhang Yong said with a smug expression, "It''s all thanks to Xiao Ze''s own hard efforts! Elder Yan, please do come in!"


    Zhang Ze looked at Lin Bingxin with eager eyes, "Bing Xin, please come in!"


    Elder Yan waved his hand, "No rush, I am waiting for someone!"


    "Hmm?"


    Zhang Yong and his son looked at each other in confusion, wondering who had such esteem that Elder Yan would personally wait for them. They didn''t feel it was appropriate to inquire, so Zhang Yong said, "Then please, Elder Yan, go ahead to the front where we have prepared tables and chairs."


    "Thank you very much!"


    Elder Yan smiled and, together with Lin Bingxin, sat down on the chairs placed in front of the residence.


    "Who else in Nanhuang City would Elder Yan personally wait for?"


    "I heard that the lord of the city was also invited, could it be that the city lord will attend?"


    "In the vast Nanhuang City, aside from the city lord, who else would be qualified to have Elder Yan wait in person?"


    Amid the murmurs of speculation, the sound of horse hooves clattered from the front, a middle-aged man in a python robe with a figure as straight as a pine approached on horseback. This man exuded a formidable aura, appearing heroic and full of strength, his qi-blood vibrant as the roar of dragons and tigers together.


    He was the lord of Nanhuang City, the most powerful man in terms of martial prowess, existing at the Peak of the Divine Ability Realm, Sikong Nan.


    "The city lord has arrived?"


    "Look, Elder Yan has stood up; it seems he really is here to welcome Lord Sikong Nan of the city!"


    As everyone looked on, Elder Yan stood up and walked briskly towards Sikong Nan.


    Zhang Ze and the others followed closely behind.


    Sikong Nan dismounted, surprised to see Elder Yan personally welcoming him, his face breaking into a smile, "Elder Yan, you flatter me too much!"


    However...


    Elder Yan just nodded slightly at him and then walked past, turning to a man and a woman not far behind Sikong Nan to respectfully bow, "Young Master Xiao, Madam Xiao, you have finally arrived!"


    What?


    Sikong Nan''s smile stiffened on his face.


    Zhang Ze and the others also stopped in their tracks.


    All around, everyone was dumbstruck: "..."


    Damn!


    Welcoming the city lord, my ass!


    They were clearly waiting for that young couple!

 Chapter 18 - 18 Sword Intent Seed

    "Is that Fang Qingzhu from the Fang Family? And the man beside her is their son-in-law, Xiao Yi?"


    "Elder Yan was actually waiting for them?"


    Everyone felt their scalp tingle, finding it unbelievable.


    They had all thought Elder Yan was waiting for Sikong Nan, the lord of Nanhuang City. Even Sikong Nan himself believed so, as within Nanhuang City, the only one who could receive such warm enthusiasm from Elder Yan was none other than him.


    But now...


    Elder Yan had merely nodded at him.


    Instead, he showed such respect towards Xiao Yi.


    Sikong Nan stroked his chin, "The son-in-law of the Fang Family, Xiao Yi? Interesting!"


    When Zhang Ze saw Xiao Yi, his expression turned somewhat unsightly.


    He was a peerless genius who had attracted heavenly phenomena, yet Elder Yan had only casually complimented him, while he showed such respect toward Xiao Yi. "He''s just an insignificant son-in-law, what makes him worthy of such treatment?"


    Xiao Yi, unaware of their thoughts, looked helplessly at Elder Yan, "Didn''t I tell you to go in first?"


    He did not want to attract too much attention.


    Elder Yan chuckled and said in a low voice, "How could the disciple dare to take a seat before the teacher arrives?"


    "..."


    Xiao Yi helplessly shook his head.


    He had originally come with Elder Yan but couldn''t rest assured leaving Fang Qingzhu at home alone; he had made a special trip back to bring Fang Qingzhu with him.


    He had intended for Elder Yan to go in ahead of him, only to find that he was actually waiting here for him.


    "You walk in front!" Xiao Yi said.


    Given the level of respect Elder Yan had for him, he would surely not dare to walk ahead of him.


    But in doing so...


    The name of Xiao Yi would become famous throughout the vast Nanhuang City. Who else had the stature for Elder Yan to follow behind?


    Elder Yan also understood what Xiao Yi meant, and thus he led the way ahead, coming to Sikong Nan and Zhang Yong. He nodded toward Sikong Nan, then turned to look at Zhang Yong, "Zhang, it wouldn''t be a problem if I brought two extra people, would it?"


    "Of course not, it''s an honor for my Zhang family to have Xiao come," Zhang Yong replied continuously.


    He could not afford to disregard Xiao Yi''s face, let alone Elder Yan''s.


    Xiao Yi clasped his hands and said, "Congratulations, Zhang!"


    "Haha, please come inside, Xiao!" Zhang replied.


    Zhao Xian approached him, his demeanor respectful, "Xiao, my father is cultivating sword techniques in seclusion and cannot be present, so I am here to extend his regards to you."


    "Much appreciated!"


    Xiao Yi nodded and followed the crowd into the mansion.


    Sikong Nan watched the backs of Elder Yan and his group, stroking his chin.


    In the vast Nanhuang City, who didn''t flatter him with a few words upon meeting him?


    But Xiao Yi had dismissed him as if he were the air.


    He could tell this was not a pretense; in Xiao Yi''s heart, there was truly no fear of him, the first martial force of Nanhuang City. He was curious as he asked Zhang Yong, "Zhang, what is the relationship between that Xiao Yi and Elder Yan?"


    Zhang Yong replied, "That Xiao Yi has some talent for appraising treasures and helped Elder Yan identify a pair of heirlooms from a legendary scholar who could snatch lives with his writings, so Elder Yan holds him in high esteem."


    Zhang Ze scoffed dismissively and said, "Is he not just currying favor with Elder Yan through some clever tricks? In this world, one''s own strength is the foundation..."


    Sikong Nan simply smiled, neither agreeing nor disagreeing with Zhang Ze, but his interest in Xiao Yi grew, "If Elder Yan values him so much, surely it''s not something that can be done merely through clever tricks! The son-in-law of the Fang Family, Xiao Yi? Quite interesting indeed..."


    Zhang Yong said, "Lord of the city, the banquet is about to start, shall we also go in?"


    "Hmm!"


    ......


    The banquet hosted by the Zhang family was no small affair.


    Yesterday''s birthday banquet for Fang Tianhao had just over thirty tables, but here they had laid out a full sixty tables, all seats taken.


    As the guests took their seats,


    Zhang Yong said with a smile, "Thank you all for gracing tonight''s banquet with your presence. To celebrate Xiao Ze''s attracting the attention of heaven and earth with his anomaly, I have specially prepared a weapon-spirit integration ceremony to add some joy to the occasion."


    A weapon-spirit integration ceremony?


    All present couldn''t help but suck in a breath of cold air, their faces full of shock.


    ```


    Elder Yan also raised his eyebrows, "An elemental weapon? Such boldness from Zhang!"


    Sikong Nan''s eyes shone brightly, "I didn''t expect that Zhang could obtain an elemental weapon. I wonder what grade it is?"


    Elemental weapons!


    Only by infusing them with elemental energy can these blades be activated. They are categorized into nine grades, each invaluable.


    Even a ninth-grade elemental weapon is worth hundreds of thousands of silver, and that''s with a price yet without a market.


    Watching the envy and astonishment on everyone''s faces, Zhang Yong''s heart swelled with pride. He feigned modesty and said, "With limited capability, what Zhang has acquired is but a second-grade elemental weapon!"


    A second-grade elemental weapon.


    Only a warrior in the Shentong Realm could fully unleash its power.


    Its value surpasses one million silver!


    Even Sikong Nan, as the lord of Nanhuang City who oversees the fortress, has but a second-grade elemental weapon for his battle weapon. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zhang Yong having prepared a second-grade elemental weapon for Zhang Ze really is a bold move!


    Zhang Yong smiled and said, "Please wait a moment, I will bring the elemental weapon here!"


    A moment later...


    As he was conversing with Elder Yan, Xiao Yi''s form trembled slightly. His heartbeat suddenly accelerated, and the thumping sound seemed to echo in his ears, as if something was drawing him in.


    His gaze instinctively followed.


    He saw Zhang Yong approaching with a black wooden box in his hands, its surface carved with dragons and phoenixes, adorned with dazzling patterns. Seeing everyone''s attention turning towards himself, Zhang Yong revealed a smug smile, "Ladies and gentlemen, please behold, this is the second-grade elemental weapon, the Blazing Wind Pursuit Sword!"


    The wooden box''s lock snapped open and, as the lid was lifted, a longsword with a reddish body came into view of all present.


    The sharp blade seemed capable of slicing through anything.


    On the crimson body of the sword, auspicious clouds swirled around it, densely covering it, and within them a blood dragon seemed to be faintly outlined.


    This further lent the sword an additional touch of bone-chilling evil aura.


    Buzz!


    The moment Xiao Yi laid eyes on the longsword, his head buzzed, and the will that had merged with the entirety of the Sword Sage''s swordsmanship inheritance within him shook violently. In his mind, countless streams of sword light emerged, sword techniques flashing before his eyes.


    Eventually, it coalesced into an orb of Sword Qi. Inside the orb, there hung a blood-red divine sword in suspension.


    When Xiao Yi opened his eyes, Elder Yan who stood by his side shuddered in disbelief, staring at Xiao Yi.


    In just that brief moment...


    Elder Yan noticed that Xiao Yi seemed to stand even more upright, with a sharper aura surrounding him, resembling an unparalleled divine sword. Taking a deep breath, his eyes filled with shock, he said, "Is this... Sword Intent? No, this is merely the embryonic form of Sword Intent. Has Xiao cultivated a seed of Sword Intent?"


    Sword Intent.


    It''s a kind of martial concept.


    This is an extremely powerful force. Typically, only those in the Golden Core Realm and beyond are capable of comprehending martial concepts, but some unparalleled geniuses are able to grasp a portion of the martial concept''s power even in the Shentong Realm.


    This is a conceptual seed!


    Xiao Yi is but at the First Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm in terms of cultivation level and yet he has already comprehended a seed of Sword Intent ¨C it''s simply unbelievable!


    The piercing Sword Intent emanating from Xiao Yi was but a fleeting moment before it retreated into his body.


    Just as the Blazing Wind Pursuit Sword was presented before everyone, the sharp Sword Qi emanating from the sword''s blade overshadowed the trace of Sword Intent coming from Xiao Yi, which went mostly unnoticed.


    "This feeling is fantastic!"


    Xiao Yi let out a long breath, not showing much surprise.


    He had already received the Sword Sage''s swordsmanship heritage; now, by consolidating a Sword Intent seed under the stimulus of the Blazing Wind Pursuit Sword''s Sword Qi, it was just a matter of due course.


    His strength was already not inferior to a practitioner at the Fifth Layer of the Gathering Qi Realm, and with the addition of the Sword Intent seed...


    Even if he were to face off against an expert at the Sixth Layer of the Gathering Qi Realm, he would be able to fight!


    "Coming to this banquet was indeed the right decision!"


    Xiao Yi''s gaze rested on the Blazing Wind Pursuit Sword, feeling a subtle connection forming between him and the sword, as if with a mere thought, it would fly into his hand.


    Elder Yan beside him retrieved his gaze, looking towards Zhang Yong and his son with a peculiar expression, "The Zhang father and son are going to cry..."


    Meanwhile.


    Zhang Yong announced loudly, "I invite everyone to witness, my son Zhang Ze becoming the master of the elemental weapon!"


    ```

 Chapter 19 - 19 Swordsmanship Domination, the Elemental Weapon Acknowledges Its Master!

    Zhang Ze walked towards the Blazing Wind Pursuit Sword and stood before the longsword, taking a deep breath, his emotions surging.


    "I, Zhang Ze, am a peerless genius who has caused the heavens and the earth to manifest phenomena. Today, upon obtaining this Blazing Wind Pursuit Sword, I will surely make its name known throughout the world!"


    Hum!


    Zhang Ze bit his fingertip and flicked a droplet of blood, which shot out and fell upon the Blazing Wind Pursuit Sword.


    To claim a primeval weapon, one must drip one''s blood onto the blade.


    Fusing the primeval weapon with blood, then nurturing it with vital energy, is the only way to fully unleash the weapon''s might!


    However, the blood from Zhang Ze fell onto the edge of the sword and was not absorbed by the Blazing Wind Pursuit Sword¡ªit rolled off as if droplets of water on an oiled cloth, ''pit-a-pat'' falling to the ground, bursting open like a fresh red plum blossom.


    Zhang Ze''s expression stiffened, and the smile on Zhang Yong''s face disappeared!


    Failing to claim ownership... failed?


    A drop of cold sweat fell from Zhang Ze''s forehead; he refused to believe this evil omen and squeezed out another droplet of blood, yet it still did not merge with the longsword before him.


    Looking at the two gorgeous bloodstains on the ground, Zhang Ze was overwhelmed with frustration!


    Sikong Nan said solemnly, "Family Head Zhang, are you sure this primeval weapon has no owner?"


    Zhang Yong''s face was as gloomy as if he were mourning, "It surely is ownerless!"


    Sikong Nan frowned and said, "This is strange. If it is ownerless, then logically it shouldn''t be possible for the claiming to fail, unless..."


    "Unless what?" Zhang Ze hurriedly asked.


    Sikong Nan glanced at Zhang Ze and hesitated to speak.


    Elder Yan looked at Xiao Yi and said indifferently, "Unless, this primeval weapon has discovered someone present with a greater talent than you, someone more suited to be its owner!"


    "Impossible!"


    Zhang Ze''s eyes instantly turned bright red, and, disregarding his reverence for Elder Yan, he hysterically declared, "Who present has greater talent than I do? I am the unrivaled genius who has brought about the visions of the heavens and the earth. Does it refuse to acknowledge me? Would it rather recognize Chen Tao? Zhao Xian? Or Fang Qingzhu, this trash whose dantian is destroyed?"


    As soon as these words were uttered, the faces of Zhao Xian, Chen Tao, and the others immediately turned extremely ugly.


    A shadow of despair flashed in Fang Qingzhu''s eyes.


    Anybody present could possibly gain the recognition of the Blazing Wind Pursuit Sword, except her!


    Just as Zhang Ze said, she had lost her core, reduced to nothing but a cripple.


    How could the Crimson Flame Chasing Soul Sword possibly fancy her?


    But just at this moment...


    Bang!


    Xiao Yi abruptly stood up, his icy gaze landing on Zhang Ze, and his cold, hellish voice echoed out.


    "Apologize to Qingzhu!"


    "Apologize?"


    Zhang Ze was taken aback, the ferocity on his face not abating in the slightest, as he sneered, "Who do you think you are? You also dare to command me?"


    "Xiao Yi..." Fang Qingzhu looked anxious.


    Xiao Yi gave her a reassuring smile, then coldly stared at Zhang Ze, "Within three breaths, kneel and apologize to Qingzhu, and I''ll spare your life!"


    "Hahaha! Xiao Yi, Xiao Yi, do you really think so highly of yourself? Spare my life?"


    Zhang Ze''s face twisted with thick mockery as he sneered repeatedly, "Did I say something wrong? Is Fang Qingzhu not a trash? I am the peerless genius who has brought about the phenomena of the heavens and the earth. If I call you all trash, then you are trash!"


    Zhao Xian''s face darkened, "Zhang Ze, even if you are a genius that can invoke the visions of the heavens and the earth, there''s no need to belittle us like this, right?"


    Chen Tao''s expression was also displeased, "Just because you can''t get the weapon to recognize you, do you have to step on us in the process?"


    "Hmph, If I can''t make the primeval weapon recognize me, you all are even less capable!"


    Zhang Ze''s contemptuous gaze swept over everyone, his face cold with mockery, "Don''t say I''m bullying you. If any of you can make this primeval weapon recognize you, I, Zhang Ze, will kneel and apologize in public. If not, then shut your mouths!"


    Chen Tao and the others exchanged looks, left speechless.


    Zhang Ze turned to Xiao Yi, his face full of disdain, "You want to stand up for Fang Qingzhu? Then you''d better have the ability to do so!"


    With that, Zhang Ze moved towards the Blazing Wind Pursuit Sword, his eyes filled with madness, "I refuse to believe that I can''t tame a mere primeval weapon!"


    Hum!


    Zhang Ze''s body trembled slightly, his vital energy surging with the intent to forcibly refine the Blazing Wind Pursuit Sword!


    However, just as his hand was about to touch the Crimson Flame Chasing Wind Sword, the blood-colored longsword suddenly burst forth with a piercing buzz of Sword Qi, shattering the wooden box with a clang!


    The Blazing Wind Pursuit Sword transformed into a streak of blood-red light and shot towards Xiao Yi!


    Clang!


    The edge of the sword plunged into the ground, the sword hilt buzzing and trembling!


    "What... what''s happening?"


    "Why has the Blazing Wind Pursuit Sword run off to Xiao Yi?"


    Everyone was shocked!


    Elder Yan made a gulping sound, recalling Xiao Yi''s transformation from before, his face revealing a knowing look.


    Lord Sikong''s expression became contemplative, and after a moment his pupils suddenly narrowed, "Is the primeval weapon voluntarily recognizing its master? How is this possible? Only truly astounding and brilliant individuals can make a primeval weapon spontaneously acknowledge them. Xiao Yi, he..."


    "Could it be that Xiao Yi''s talent surpasses Zhang Ze''s?"


    "This is impossible! Zhang Ze is a genius capable of inciting visions in the heavens and earth!"


    Situ Kong''s words drove Zhang Ze to complete madness.


    His eyes were a blood-red, and he howled hysterically, "Impossible! I am the peerless genius who induces the visions of the heavens and the earth! If I can''t tame it, how could you, a worthless cur, manage it?"


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi shook his head gently and reached out towards the Blazing Wind Pursuit Sword in mid-air.


    Hum!


    The longsword turned into a blood rainbow, swooshing into Xiao Yi''s palm in a flash, his hand clutching the blade as the sword thrummed, as if rejoicing.


    With the Blazing Wind Pursuit Sword in hand, the Sword Intent seed inside Xiao Yi''s body emitted blood-red light. The blood clouds on the sword edge blossomed as if coming alive, radiating dazzling red light. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "It really recognized a master?"


    "Incredible! The elemental weapon actually abandoned an unparalleled genius and chose a worthless son-in-law as its master?"


    Shock filled the faces of the crowd.


    With a slight upturn of his mouth, Xiao Yi''s eyes were cool as he stared at Zhang Ze, "Three breaths have passed, if you don''t kneel and apologize to Qingzhu, I''ll take your life!"


    "I''ll kneel to your grandfather!"


    Zhang Ze roared angrily, as he unleashed the full power of his Fifth Layer of the Gathering Qi Realm.


    Shua!


    Zhang Ze''s longsword flew from his waist, the silver blade furiously stabbing towards Xiao Yi!


    With that slash, there were three swords! Three streams of silver Sword Qi howled forward!


    "Thunderous Triple Strike!"


    The sword was like a thunderbolt, one strike with the force of three!


    The keen Sword Qi skimmed the ground, cutting three vicious sword marks in it, sending sand and stones flying, showcasing its extraordinary power.


    Xiao Yi stood calmly, his sword in one hand, as he made a slashing motion forward.


    "Sweeping a Thousand Troops!"


    Shua!


    A blood-colored Sword Qi fanned out in front of him.


    With the augmentation from the Sword Intent seed, the power of this sword increased by another thirty percent!


    Clang clang clang!


    In the midst of the cacophonous clashing of metal, the silver Sword Qi was completely shattered, while the blood-colored Sword Qi went ''pfft'' as it struck Zhang Ze directly in the chest!


    Wa!


    A mouthful of fresh blood sprayed out as Zhang Ze staggered to the ground, a bloody gash traversing his entire chest!


    Xiao Yi turned the tip of his sword, resting it on Zhang Ze''s throat!


    "Stop!"


    Zhang Yong hurriedly stepped forward, looking solemnly at Xiao Yi, "Xiao, let''s talk this over, please spare Zhang Ze!"


    After speaking, he quickly turned to Zhang Ze, "Apologize to Fang Qingzhu now!"


    A deep unwillingness emerged on Zhang Ze''s pale face, but under the threat of death, he had no choice!


    "Fang Qingzhu, I am sorry!"


    Those three words nearly made him bite his tongue in frustration!


    "Let him go," Fang Qingzhu sighed softly, speaking in a low voice.


    Xiao Yi nodded slightly, flung the Blazing Wind Pursuit Sword, its tip embedding in the ground, pulled up Fang Qingzhu, and turned to leave!


    Ching!


    The Blazing Wind Pursuit Sword freed itself from the ground and chased after Xiao Yi, landing in front of him.


    Xiao Yi frowned.


    With envy on his face, Sikong Nan said, "Xiao Yi, this sword has chosen you!"


    With an aching heart yet aware that the Blazing Wind Pursuit Sword could no longer be retained, Zhang Yong forced a smile, "Xiao, since this sword is fated to be with you, we shall gift it to you."


    Xiao Yi''s eyebrows were tightly knitted.


    Elder Yan stepped forward, tossing a stack of silver notes to Zhang Yong, "Here are one million taels in silver notes. From this day on, the Blazing Wind Pursuit Sword has nothing to do with your Zhang Family anymore!"


    "Thank you, Elder Yan!" Zhang Yong said repeatedly.


    Elder Yan stepped forward with a smile, respectfully saying, "Xiao, you can take the sword with you now!"


    "Fine, if you insist on following me, then come along!" Xiao Yi shook his head, the Blazing Wind Pursuit Sword buzzing as if cheering, leaping up and landing in Xiao Yi''s hand.


    The group drifted away.


    Sikong Nan squinted his eyes and took his leave from Zhang Yong, "Lord Zhang, I have other matters to attend to, I shall take my leave first!"


    "Lord Sikong, you previously mentioned taking Xiao Ze as a disciple¡­" Zhang Yong said eagerly.


    Sikong Nan glanced at Zhang Ze and shook his head silently.


    "We''ll discuss this matter... another day!"


    Having said that, he followed after Xiao Yi.


    "It''s all over, we''re completely finished..."


    Zhang Yong and his son were utterly dejected.


    They had hoped to soar to the heavens with this opportunity, but instead, they were smashed down to the ground!


    The disparity between their expectations and reality was enough to drive one to despair!


    "Xiao Yi... Xiao Yi!" Zhang Ze''s eyes were bloodshot!


    In that moment, rage completely overwhelmed his reason!


    Meanwhile.


    At the gate of the neighboring compound of the Zhang Family.


    Elder Yan said respectfully, "Xiao, if there''s any news about the Purple-Patterned Blood Python, I will inform you immediately!"


    "Much appreciated!"


    Xiao Yi nodded, taking Fang Qingzhu back to the compound.


    Elder Yan, accompanied by Lin Bingxin, got into the carriage and drove off into the distance.


    They hadn''t noticed that Sikong Nan had observed all of this.


    His pupils contracted slightly as he looked at the two adjacent compounds, a terrifying speculation forming in his mind.


    "Could it be that the one who caused the heavenly phenomenon wasn''t Zhang Ze, but the despised second young master of the Xiao Family... Xiao Yi?"

 Chapter 20 - 20 Entering Nanhuang for the First Time

    Sikong Nan was startled by his own guess.


    But upon further thought...


    He grew more convinced that he was right, "That Zhang Ze''s talent can only be considered ordinary, and Xiao Yi''s ability to defeat Zhang Ze, who was at the Fifth Layer of the Gathering Qi Realm, while being only at the Qi Gathering Realm First Layer, and to bond with the Yuan weapon by initiating such a celestial phenomenon, makes it ninety percent likely that he''s the true master!"


    With this thought in mind. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Sikong Nan suddenly felt some sympathy for the Zhang family father and son.


    Not only had they lost face by hosting a banquet, but they had also lost a Yuan weapon.


    "No wonder Yan Mingli holds Xiao Yi in such high regard. If someone can cause a celestial phenomenon while just in the Qi Gathering Realm, such talent is definitely top-notch. This person must not be made an enemy; we have to befriend him!" Sikong Nan made up his mind.


    He had been stationed in Nanhuang City for over thirty years, but there had seldom been any battle achievements to speak of, which hindered his chances for promotion.


    If he could personally recommend a genius to the Royal Martial Arts Academy, that would be a great merit. Sikong Nan narrowed his eyes, "Fang Jin of the Fang Family wasn''t recommended by me; even if he joined the Royal Martial Arts Academy, I wouldn''t get any credit. I must find a way to recommend Xiao Yi to the academy. However, before that, I need to first strengthen the bond between us!"


    Meanwhile.


    The Zhang family estate was deserted.


    The father and son of the Zhang family gathered together, surrounded by chaos with dishes scattered, porcelain vases shattered, and decorative furniture smashed.


    "Father, I swear I won''t rest until I''ve exacted revenge!" Zhang Ze''s eyes were bloodshot, and he gritted his teeth with hatred.


    Zhang Yong''s face was ferocious, but he still kept a trace of reason, "Revenge? Xiao Yi has a close relationship with Elder Yan, and if he finds out we''re targeting Xiao Yi, how will you withstand Elder Yan''s wrath? Can our Zhang family withstand the retaliation from Treasure Pavilion?"


    Zhang Ze said coldly, "As long as we leave no evidence behind!"


    "What''s your plan?" Zhang Yong furrowed his brow.


    His hatred for Xiao Yi was just as intense as Zhang Ze''s!


    Not to mention that day at the Fang Family, Xiao Yi had embarrassed him, a renowned collector, with a set of the Subduing Tiger Sword Scroll, and just today at the Zhang Family, Xiao Yi had given Zhang Ze a heavy slap and walked away with the Blazing Wind Pursuit Sword he had painstakingly acquired.


    This was bound to set the stage for a life-and-death feud between the Zhang Family and Xiao Yi.


    Zhang Ze''s eyes narrowed into a slit, a cold light flashing, "The enemy of my enemy is a friend... I''ve already sent someone to contact Fang Ao of the Fang Family and Lei Bao of the Black Tiger Gang. United, we can certainly dispose of Xiao Yi without anyone noticing!"


    "Make sure to leave no evidence!" Zhang Yong cautioned.


    Zhang Ze nodded decisively, his eyes filled with viciousness, "Xiao Yi, you care about Fang Qingzhu so much, don''t you? I won''t kill you right away; I''ll force myself on Fang Qingzhu right in front of you, then grind you both to dust. One''s ashes scattered into an abyss, the other thrown into raging rivers ¨C ensuring even in death you cannot be together, keke..."


    ......


    Inside the separate courtyard.


    Xiao Yi was practicing his cultivation. Two days had passed since the banquet at the Zhang family''s house.


    His cultivation had improved significantly, bringing him even closer to the Second Layer of the Gathering Qi Realm.


    "Brother Xiao Yi, Bing Xin is looking for you!" A gentle voice came from outside, belonging to Fang Qingzhu. Since that day at the Zhang family, their relationship had progressed by leaps and bounds.


    Although they hadn''t yet broached a certain topic, there had been a dramatic change in the way they addressed each other.


    "Bing Xin is looking for me?"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback, then his face lit up with joy, "Could it be that there''s news about the Purple-Patterned Blood Python?"


    The core of the Purple-Patterned Blood Python was the most suitable material to replace Fang Qingzhu''s dantian at the moment, and with Fang Jin''s return date approaching, Xiao Yi had no time to lose.


    "I''ll be right out!"


    Xiao Yi donned his clothes and, upon arriving in the hall and seeing Lin Bingxin, asked, "Has there been any news about the Purple-Patterned Blood Python?"


    Lin Bingxin nodded her head, "The teacher has issued a bounty. Someone just came to the Treasure Pavilion with a clue, claiming to have spotted traces of the Purple-Patterned Blood Python in the Southern Desolate Mountain Range. The teacher asked me to notify you immediately. He also told me to relay to you that he can deploy the Treasure Pavilion''s beast-hunting team to assist you!"


    "No need, I can handle this matter on my own."


    Xiao Yi shook his head in refusal. He didn''t like to be indebted to anyone. After hesitating for a moment, he said, "During my absence, I''ll need you to help me take care of Qingzhu!"


    "Don''t worry about that, I can move in and stay with Qingzhu right away!" Lin Bingxin said.


    She and Fang Qingzhu had long since been calling each other sisters and had become best friends.


    Fang Qingzhu, standing to the side, looked worried, "Brother Xiao Yi, what do you want with the Purple-Patterned Blood Python? That is a second-tier high-level mystical beast, with combat power comparable to the Peak of the Qi Gathering Realm. You..."


    Xiao Yi smiled and replied, "Don''t worry, I have my ways of dealing with that beast. Just wait obediently at home for me. When I return, I will give you a tremendous surprise!"


    Fang Qingzhu''s dantian had been destroyed, and only by using the technique of transplanting a beast core in place of her dantian could she resume her cultivation.


    Given Fang Qingzhu''s talent, once she could cultivate again, her strength would increase exponentially.


    This venture to the Southern Desolate was a must!


    That very night.


    Xiao Yi left Nanhuang City on his own.


    He didn''t realize that after his departure, a shadowy figure vanished from a dark corner in front of his residence.


    Black Tiger Gang.


    "Xiao Yi has gone to the Southern Desolate Mountain Range? Hahaha, truly, heaven is helping me. Send for Fang Ao, Fang Hao, and Zhang Ze right away... No, to avoid being discovered, have them meet at the Qingyan Tower!"


    Lei Bao, listening to the reports from his subordinates, showed an excited expression on his face as he looked at the person before him, "Inform Zhao Shi and the others to keep a close eye on Xiao Yi and report his movements at all times!"


    "Yes, Deputy Leader!"


    The shadowy figure disappeared from sight.


    Lei Bao''s face twisted with a grim expression, his fists tightened, and his eyes cold, "Xiao Yi, the Southern Desolate Mountain Range will be your burial ground!"


    ...


    The Southern Desolate Mountain Range is part of the vast primordial wilderness.


    It is named the Southern Desolate Mountain Range, also known as the Hundred Thousand Mountains, for it lies near the southern part of the boundless wilderness.


    In this place, mystical beasts are rampant, and the danger is unparalleled. It is known as a forbidden area for mankind. Yet, where there is misfortune, there may be blessings hiding, and amidst the perilous Southern Desolate Mountains, countless opportunities and treasures are concealed.


    Take, for example, Sikong Nan, the lord of Nanhuang City. He was once just an ordinary soldier in the city''s defense force.


    It was precisely in the Southern Desolate Mountain Range that he stumbled upon a Spirit Fruit. After consuming it, his cultivation advanced greatly, and now he has become the top master of Nanhuang City.


    For precisely this reason...


    Apart from the warriors of the five cities of Nanhuang, many strong individuals from various places in the Tianqing Kingdom also enter the Southern Desolate Mountain Range for trials and training.


    In a forest clearing, an orange-red bonfire blazed fiercely. A thigh of a mystical beast was placed over the fire, roasting to a golden brown with sizzling droplets of fat, tempting one''s appetite. Sitting in front of the bonfire, Xiao Yi was cross-legged, attuning himself to nature.


    Suddenly.


    An arrow shot silently from the underbrush towards him...

 Chapter 21 - 21: You, Are Not Qualified!

    Whoosh!


    Under the cloak of night.


    A silvery streak of an arrow tore through the dark, hissing as it cut through the air, heading straight for Xiao Yi.


    "Not good!"


    Xiao Yi''s complexion changed drastically as he instinctively tumbled and rolled to the side.


    Thud!


    The cold arrow struck precisely where he had been.


    The fletching at the end of the arrow vibrated with a buzzing sound.


    Xiao Yi''s gaze hardened as he turned towards the direction the arrow had come from, only to hear a voice tinged with regret, "He actually dodged? What a pity, such a good opportunity missed. Otherwise, I could have presented your head to the young gang leader before he even reached the Southern Desolate Mountain Range!"


    "The young gang leader?"


    Xiao Yi''s gaze sharpened; the only person he knew who was called that was Lei Bao.


    Xiao Yi squinted at the figure emerging from the bushes, "Did Lei Bao send you?"


    The man approaching was burly like a bear, holding a large horn bow, eyes furious as if made of bronze bells, filled with a bloodthirsty glint.


    This was Zhao Shi of the Black Tiger Gang, known for his Lion Head Hammers slung on his back. He removed the hammers and clanged them together, producing a dull thud. Zhao Shi sneered, "That''s right, the young gang leader ordered me to watch you. But the chance just now was too good to miss, I couldn''t help myself. Too bad you dodged it!"


    Xiao Yi snorted coldly and advanced with his sword drawn, "Kill me? You''re not qualified!"


    "Qualified or not, my Lion Head Hammers will let you know!"


    As Zhao Shi sneered, his figure charged like a wild buffalo, making a thunderous noise as he stampeded forward.


    Xiao Yi leaped up.


    Had it been before, he might not have been a match for Zhao Shi, but now, having made another breakthrough in his cultivation, his combat prowess was incomparable to the past. With a flick of his wrist, the longsword landed in his palm as he thrust forward.


    With a tricky angle, he narrowly avoided Zhao Shi''s attack and, with two pff sounds, cut Zhao Shi''s tendons.


    Thud, thud!


    The two iron hammers fell to the ground with a crash as Zhao Shi howled in pain, looking at Xiao Yi in disbelief, "How can you be so powerful?"


    According to the intelligence he had, Xiao Yi should have been no match for him!


    But now...


    He had no power to fight back in front of Xiao Yi.


    "Damn it, I must hurry back and tell the young gang leader that Xiao Yi is much more powerful than we imagined..."


    Zhao Shi''s eyes flickered with venomous intent, and he turned to sprint into the dense forest behind.


    "Since you''re here, don''t even think about leaving!" Xiao Yi pursued with sword in hand.


    However...


    He had just rushed into the forest when Zhao Shi''s venomous voice echoed, "Hahaha, you fell for it! Brothers, chop him to pieces for me!"


    Within the dense forest.


    Xiao Yi was about to catch up with Zhao Shi when four figures burst forth, one with a malevolent expression on his face. A palm strike that had been looming suddenly came down, its ferocious force not holding back in the slightest.


    Even though the attack hadn''t reached him yet, the palm wind caused Xiao Yi''s robes to flutter and his face to contort.


    "Scatter!"


    Xiao Yi swiftly raised his sword, slicing open a gash along Zhao Shi''s back, and turned Zhao Shi into a severely struggling heap. At the same time, his sword swept through the air and with a pfft, severed the palm of the ambusher.


    "Ow... my hand, big brother, he actually cut off my hand, quick, get revenge for me!"


    The ambusher clutched his severed palm, his face sheet white.


    He looked up just in time to see Xiao Yi''s foot come crashing down, and with a bang, the man''s head was smashed into his chest cavity.


    Xiao Yi''s gaze turned to the remaining three men.


    Zhao Shi, struggling to his feet, glared at Xiao Yi with resentful eyes and roared, "Zhao Jin, what are you standing there for? Kill him quickly..."


    "I have my own judgment¡­"


    Zhao Jin''s face was ice cold, his eyes gradually solidifying with killing intent. In a deep voice, he said, "Old Two, Old Three, let''s go together. Kill him!"


    Zhao Jin led the charge, with Zhao Mu and Zhao Shui close behind.


    All three men were formidable in their own right.


    Zhao Mu and Zhao Shui were both at the Third Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm, while Zhao Jin was the strongest, reaching the peak of the Fourth Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm. Together, even a master at the Fifth Layer of the Gathering Qi Realm would not be without the power to fight them.


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, holding a blood-dripped twig, and took the initiative to meet the attack: "Sweeping a Thousand Troops!"


    The twig swept out.


    The blood smeared on the twig sprinkled forward, and with a ''plop,'' a drop of blood landed on Zhao Mu''s eye, causing him to reflexively close it. When he opened his eyes again, Xiao Yi had already brushed past him.


    Zhao Mu turned around, only to find that his body could not move, while only his head plummeted towards the ground.


    Thud!


    As the head hit the ground.


    Xiao Yi pointed the twig forward with a crisp ''clang,'' deflecting the long spear swung by Zhao Shui. With a surge forward, the twig stabbed into Zhao Shui''s chest, piercing through his back.


    "Zhao Mu, Zhao Shui..."


    Zhao Jin''s eyes were about to split, and in the blink of an eye, Xiao Yi had slain two men, completely intimidating him.


    Seeing Xiao Yi''s icy gaze fixed on him, Zhao Jin felt an icy chill over his entire body, his face filled with panic, and he no longer dared to linger, running crazily behind him.


    Xiao Yi relentlessly pursued.


    "Damn it, how can this kid, a mere beginner of the Qi Gathering Realm, be so powerful? No good, I can''t escape..." Zhao Jin''s complexion abruptly changed, realizing that Xiao Yi''s offensive was swiftly approaching him, he steeled his heart.


    He grabbed Zhao Huo next to him and threw him behind him.


    Thud!


    Zhao Huo''s body lined up with the twig in Xiao Yi''s hand, piercing through his body, adding one more cold corpse. Zhao Jin did not dare to linger any longer, pulled out a horn bow, and fired several arrows at Xiao Yi, then turned and fled.


    "Where do you think you''re running to?"


    Xiao Yi''s cold voice rang out behind him, sending chills all over Zhao Jin and making his scalp tingle.


    Blazing Wind Pursuit Sword!


    "Chasing Stars and Moons!"


    Xiao Yi held the arrow with one hand, his sword speed reaching its limits, each thrust breaking an arrow. He bloodily carved a path through the rain of arrows, a cold light flitted across his eyes: "Soul Chaser, Life Snatcher!"


    Whoosh!


    His figure left a trail of afterimages, and when they re-converged, he had already appeared in front of Zhao Jin.


    With a ''thrust,'' the sword pierced through Zhao Jin''s throat.


    With a flick.


    Zhao Jin''s head was split into two.


    In just a few breaths.


    Only Zhao Shi, barely clinging to life, remained. He was covered in blood, his legs gave out, and he knelt on the ground trembling.


    He never imagined that Xiao Yi would be so terrifying, slaughtering his five-man team in the blink of an eye. His lips quivered, "Don''t, don''t kill me, I was only following orders, please..."


    Thud! S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi swung his longsword, severing his right hand.


    "Don''t kill me..."


    Zhao Shi, enduring the severe pain, shakily handed over a sheepskin map, "I, I have a map on me, which marks the location of an ancient tomb, as long as you let me go, I''m willing to give you the map..."


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Killing you, the map is still mine!"


    "No, you can''t kill me, I am from the Black Tiger Gang..."


    Zhao Tianbao''s face filled with terror, screaming hysterically, but Xiao Yi couldn''t be bothered to listen to him speak any longer, raising the Blazing Wind Pursuit Sword in the air.


    Thud!


    The bloodied blade of the sword pierced Zhao Shi''s head, cleaving it in two.


    In an instant.


    All five experts from the Black Tiger Gang dispatched to surveil Xiao Yi were slain.


    Xiao Yi picked the sheepskin map with his sword, then rummaged for spoils of war, amassing a total of fifty-three thousand taels of silver, most notably obtaining twenty Qi Gathering Elixirs from Zhao Shi.


    "So it''s the tomb of a Shentong Realm expert? It happens to be where the Purple-Patterned Blood Pythons roam, worth a look. But..."


    He looked down at the map in his hand, "According to Zhao Shi, Lei Bao and the others are also on their way to the Southern Desolate Mountain Range, I should leave this place first. I''ll find a secluded area to refine these elixirs and enhance my cultivation. Once Lei Bao and the rest arrive, I''ll make sure they don''t leave!"

 Chapter 22 - 22 Breakthrough Again!

    Xiao Yi hadn''t been gone for long.


    In the dense woods, dozens of figures swiftly moved through, and shortly after, they settled at the site where Zhao Shi and his men met their end.


    "Young Master, Zhao Shi and his team have been completely annihilated..."


    Observing the bodies strewn across the ground, the newcomer made a thorough inspection of the corpses and said in a grave voice, "Judging by their wounds, it looks very much like the work of the Blazing Wind Pursuit Sword..."


    "Zhang Xiong, are you certain it was the Blazing Wind Pursuit Sword?" Lei Bao narrowed his eyes and asked.


    The man before them, dressed in black with a fierce scar on his face, was Zhang Xiong, the leader of the Zhang Family Hunting Team, at the peak of the Eighth Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm.


    And having battled demonic beasts in the Southern Desolate Mountain Range for years, his combat prowess was comparable to that of an ordinary Ninth Layer of the Gathering Qi Realm fighter.


    Fang Ao''s eyes blazed with a fierce light, "Zhang Ze''s Blazing Wind Pursuit Sword is in the hands of Xiao Yi; it seems that these men were all killed by him."


    Zhang Xiong nodded, focusing on the corpse of Zhao Shi, "Zhao Shi and Zhao Jin, the five of them combined were quite strong. Even I would have to expend some effort to deal with them. If Xiao Yi were able to kill them, and given the battle traces here, he was in absolute dominance over the five men, crushing them all the way through. Based on my estimate, his cultivation must be at least no weaker than the Sixth Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm!"


    "What? The Sixth Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm?" Fang Ao was utterly bewildered.


    Lei Bao''s face was also filled with shock, "The first time I saw him, he was only at the Tenth Layer of the Physical Body Realm. How much time has passed? And now he''s already comparable to the Sixth Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm?"


    Everyone couldn''t help but gasp.


    Since Xiao Yi had arrived in Nanhuang City, only a month had passed, yet he had grown from being completely devoid of cultivation to a powerhouse on par with the Sixth Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm.


    Such a rate of cultivation was indeed terrifying.


    Lei Bao''s face was gloomy, "We absolutely cannot let this child remain; if we allow him to continue growing, I''m afraid we will all have to look up to him in the future!"


    "We must find him immediately..." Fang Ao said.


    Zhang Xiong uttered a grunt of agreement, his eyes cold and filled with ferocity and madness, "Rest assured, I''ve brought the best of the hunting team. They''ll soon find Xiao Yi''s whereabouts. However, this forest makes it easy to hide one''s presence; we must not fail. Shadow, come out..."


    A dark figure emerged from the crowd, "Captain, rest assured, I know what to do!"


    ...


    Atop a towering great tree with dense foliage.


    Xiao Yi sat cross-legged, with his palms facing upwards, his eyes tightly shut, the aura around his body undulating and fluctuating.


    Streams of heaven and earth essence were absorbed into his body, and, with the rotation of his mysterious skill, amplified his own cultivation.


    Over these past two days...


    He had been refining the twenty Qi Gathering Elixirs he had plundered from Zhao Shi, and now, his cultivation had risen two levels, reaching the Third Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm.


    With a whoosh!


    He exhaled a long breath of turbid air. Xiao Yi channeled the gathered essential aura into the God Sealing Seed within him, activating the God Sealing Seed continuously.


    The twenty Qi Gathering Elixirs and the essential aura of the Third Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm activated a total of forty God Sealing Seeds, bringing the total number of activated God Sealing Seeds he possessed up to eighty. With the feedback of power from the God Sealing Seeds, Xiao Yi was surrounded by a luminescent glow.


    With his current strength, paired with the Sword Intent seedling and the Blazing Wind Pursuit Sword, he was capable of defeating a fighter at the Eighth Layer Peak.


    Xiao Yi entered the Eternal Tomb immediately, but even after awakening eighty God Sealing Seeds, he was still unable to find a new target to seal.


    "It seems my strength is still not strong enough," Xiao Yi helplessly left the Eternal Tomb, "With my current strength, I can barely handle the Ninth Layer of the Gathering Qi Realm, but that Purple-Patterned Blood Python is comparable to the Peak of the Gathering Qi Realm. I should head to the tomb of the Shentong Realm expert that Zhao Shi mentioned!"


    Following the map, Xiao Yi continued on his way.


    Since entering the Southern Desolate Mountain Range, three days and nights had passed.


    His cultivation had progressed from the Qi Gathering Realm First Layer to the Third Layer, and this was indeed key to the twenty Qi Gathering Elixirs contributed by Zhao Shi; otherwise, such rapid advancement would have been impossible.


    As he moved on, just as he was about to arrive at the ancient tomb indicated on the map, suddenly, a cry for help echoed from the bushes ahead, "Help, save me..."


    Xiao Yi was momentarily stunned.


    A disheveled and beautiful woman, looking desperate, was fleeing. Three fierce-looking young men were relentlessly chasing after her. The woman''s eyes lit up when she saw Xiao Yi, and she quickened her pace.


    She ran up to Xiao Yi and hid behind him, looking pitiful, "Young Master, save me..."


    The three young men followed closely, growling viciously, "Kid, don''t meddle in other people''s business!"


    "If you know what''s good for you, get lost, or else we''ll deal with you too!"


    Xiao Yi frowned and looked at the three young men, "Scram!"


    "You''ve got a death wish, kid!" one of them bellowed.


    "Brothers, kill him!"


    As the three of them exuded killing intent, Xiao Yi snorted coldly and quickly stepped forward, "Eight Extremes Collapse!"


    "Eight Extremes Lean!"


    "Eight Extremes Swing!"


    With a punch, a shove, and a swing, all three men were down on the ground, unable to move. The "Eight Extremes Fist" was a martial art known throughout the Blue Star Realm for its lethal potency.


    "Thank you, kind sir, for saving my life. I have nothing to return the favor, but here is a treasure for you," the woman said gratefully, standing in front of Xiao Yi. She bowed deeply, but as she rose, the gratitude and smile on her face were gone, replaced by a sly, chilling smirk, "Die!"


    Swish!


    A white powder flew from her hands.


    As the white powder landed on Xiao Yi, his body trembled, rendered immobile. The woman laughed heartily, "Xiao Yi, bet you didn''t see this coming, did you? With my Muscle-locking Powder, you''ll be paralyzed for the next half hour, completely at my mercy!"


    "Who are you? Why are you trying to harm me?" Xiao Yi''s brows knitted tightly.


    The woman sneered, "I''m a shadow from the Zhang Family Hunting Team, sent by the young gang leader to kill you!"


    "And us too!" S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Hahaha, Xiao Yi, even you have met your doom?"


    Amidst the deranged laughter, the figures of Zhang Xiong, Fang Ao, and Lei Bao appeared one after another. Both the Zhang Family Hunting Team and the Black Tiger Gang''s members, over thirty people in total, emerged and encircled him completely.


    "So it was you¡­" Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing Fang Ao and the others.


    "Didn''t expect that, huh? Thought you could rely on Elder Yan? If you''re so capable, call him now, hahaha..." Full of pride, Fang Ao was eager to step forward but still glanced at Zhang Xiong, "He can''t move, right?"


    Zhang Xiong nodded, "He''s hit with Muscle-locking Powder. He won''t be able to move for half an hour!"


    "Hehe, half an hour, eh? That''s more than enough!"


    Fang Ao approached Xiao Yi with a vicious smile, "Xiao Yi, didn''t you look down on me? Weren''t you too disdainful to kill me, saying you''d wait for my brother to come back so I could watch how you''d kill him? Now tell me, who is killing whom?"


    He pulled out a dagger and waved it in front of Xiao Yi, "So, should I stab this knife into your heart or should I slice open your throat and watch your blood slowly drain? Oh right, weren''t you saying I shouldn''t touch Fang Qingzhu? How about I castrate you, take your head, and then ravish Fang Qingzhu right in front of you? How does that sound?"


    "Dare to touch a single hair on Qingzhu''s head, and I will decimate your entire clan!" Xiao Yi glared, his eyes narrowing.


    "Aiyo, you''re about to die and you still threaten me? Go reunite with Fang Qingzhu in hell!"


    With a vicious laugh, Fang Ao swung his dagger toward Xiao Yi''s vitals...

 Chapter 23 - 23: Astonishing Sword

    ```


    Whoosh!


    The dagger, flashing with a chilling cold light, slashed toward Xiao Yi''s vitals.


    However...


    The dagger abruptly halted, unable to advance even half an inch further.


    A ferocious grimace froze on Fang Ao''s face, his eyes filled with shock and disbelief as he stared at his own wrist. It was being tightly gripped by a hand, and the terrifying force emanating from that hand had completely deformed his wrist.


    Agonizing pain shot through him instantly; the dagger fell from his grasp: "Aoooow... my hand..."


    Xiao Yi snatched up the dagger and, amidst Fang Ao''s screams, brought it down towards his groin.


    Splurt!


    A fountain of blood sprayed wildly, immediately turning the area beneath Fang Ao into a crimson swamp, as a piece the size of a pinky finger fell into the pool of blood. Fang Ao screamed in agony, while Xiao Yi remained expressionless, first slicing open his throat.


    Letting the fresh blood spurt freely.


    And then driving the dagger deep into Fang Ao''s heart.


    Thud! Thud!


    Fang Ao lay twitching in the blood pool until he bled out and died. Until his last moment, his eyes were wide open, filled with disbelief, unable to comprehend how a poisoned Xiao Yi could still move.


    After killing Fang Ao, Xiao Yi''s gaze slightly lifted to rest on Lei Bao, Zhang Xiong, and others who all wore expressions of horror.


    Zhang Ying said in disbelief, "You were clearly poisoned by my Muscle-locking Powder, how could you..."


    "Muscle-locking Powder? Are you talking about this?"


    Xiao Yi cracked a smile and tossed his hand aside, scattering a cloud of white powder.


    "Damn, that''s Muscle-locking Powder..."


    "Get out of the way, don''t let it touch you..."


    Zhang Xiong''s face changed drastically as he pushed Lei Bao away and quickly retreated.


    But Xiao Yi was faster!


    As soon as the Muscle-locking Powder spread in the air, the Blazing Wind Pursuit Sword was already in his hand, striking down the hunting team members and Black Tiger Gang one by one with his sword. These formidable opponents, caught off guard and paralyzed by the Muscle-locking Powder, stood helpless like wooden targets for Xiao Yi to slay.


    More than thirty people, in a blink of an eye, only six remained.


    Xiao Yi, wielding the Blazing Wind Pursuit Sword and bathed in blood, emanated evil Qi that pierced the heavens, while his Sword Intent seed turned even redder amidst the slaughter. What he comprehended was the Slaughter Sword Intent, a martial arts mentality focused on warfare and killing.


    Gurgle!


    Lei Bao shivered all over, his face completely drained of color.


    Watching Xiao Yi drenched in blood, this image had become a nightmare for him. Unless he could kill Xiao Yi, he would never be able to step out of the shadow for the rest of his life.


    Zhang Xiong''s expression was grim, and his face twisted into a ferocious scowl.


    He had brought along eighteen of the best from the Zhang Family Hunting Team, almost more than half of their fighting force, and now there were only him, Zhang Ying, and three other Qi Gathering Realm Third Layer experts left. The rest were all dead.


    This was a colossal blow to the Zhang Family!


    Zhang Ying''s eyes were bloodshot: "Why? You were clearly hit by my Muscle-locking Powder, so why weren''t you affected at all?"


    Xiao Yi shrugged nonchalantly and casually said, "I had suspected you were up to no good from the moment I saw you and was on guard against you. When you used the Muscle-locking Powder, I sealed off my senses and even collected some of the powder. I should thank you, otherwise, with so many of you, it wouldn''t have been so easy to deal with!"


    "You, you..."


    Zhang Ying was so furious that blood trickled from the corner of her mouth, her face turning even paler.


    Just a moment ago, she was gloating, thinking that she had trapped Xiao Yi.


    But...


    She had been played by Xiao Yi all along.


    Zhang Xiong said coldly, "Xiao Yi, I must admit that we all underestimated you, no... it should be said that everyone has underestimated you. The Xiao Family''s true dragon isn''t just Xiao Tianjiaao; you too are a true dragon..."


    Xiao Yi calmly looked at him.


    Zhang Xiong continued, "However, it''s a pity that the biggest difference between you and Xiao Tianjiaao is that he is a true dragon soaring across the heavens, whereas you are still struggling in the mire, trying to cross the dragon gate. It''s just too bad that you will never have the chance to cross it in this lifetime because today, within this Southern Desolate Mountain Range, you will meet your death!"


    No sooner had the words left his mouth.


    Zhang Xiong led the charge, with Lei Bao and the others close behind.


    All with faces full of savage ferocity.


    Zhang Xiong wielded a pair of gauntlets as his weapon: black as night, forged from tungsten iron, and covered with spikes, they were high-grade primary weapons. Black light swirled around the gauntlets, seemingly capable of devouring all light, and when he threw a punch, it formed a black canopy in the air.


    Lei Bao''s eyes brimmed with ferocity and hatred, holding a long spear like a venomous snake lying in wait, ready to strike at any moment.


    Zhang Ying and the other three hunters spread out to all sides, preventing Xiao Yi''s escape.


    They had absolute faith in Zhang Xiong''s strength, confident he could kill Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi faced the black canopy head-on and swept the Blazing Wind Pursuit Sword in front of him: "Sweeping a Thousand Armies!"


    Tear!


    A slash of crimson sword light tore the black boxing shadows into two halves.


    And within the splits of the shadowy fists, a black iron fist tore through the air. Instinctively, Xiao Yi raised the Blazing Wind Pursuit Sword horizontally across his chest. The black iron fist, with a roaring impact, struck the blade and sent Xiao Yi flying.


    ```


    Lei Bao seized the opportunity, a trace of madness flicking across his eyes, "Die!"


    Whoosh!


    The long spear, like a venomous snake discovering its prey in ambush, thrust fiercely towards Xiao Yi''s back.


    "Idiot, get out of the way!" Zhang Xiong''s face changed dramatically as he bellowed.


    "Huh?"


    Lei Bao froze, the ferocity on his face disappearing.


    In midair, Xiao Yi grabbed the spearhead, rolled with momentum, and clung to the spear shaft, circling to Lei Bao''s back. As they brushed past each other, Xiao Yi''s sword edge swiftly slashed across Lei Bao''s throat.


    The moment he landed.


    Xiao Yi kicked out, sending Lei Bao''s body and head flying toward Zhang Xiong.


    Boom! Boom!


    Zhang Xiong threw two consecutive punches, shattering both the head and body, but when the blood mist cleared, he had lost sight of Xiao Yi. Suddenly, three screams came from behind him; Xiao Yi had somehow made his way to his back, directly slaughtering the other three members of the hunting team.


    Of the thirty-strong group, only Zhang Xiong and Zhang Ying remained.


    "Zhang Ying, be careful!"


    Zhang Xiong''s eyes bulged with rage as he watched Zhang Ying, unable to dodge Xiao Yi''s cold sword edge, and bellowed furiously, "Xiao Yi, if you dare to hurt him, I will exterminate your entire clan!"


    Thud!


    Xiao Yi''s cold sword edge pierced Zhang Ying''s chest. With a twist of his wrist, the sword spun like a drill, gruesomely boring a bloody, gaping hole straight through Zhang Ying''s torso.


    Xiao Yi turned to look at the enraged Zhang Xiong, his face smeared with blood, and cracked a smile, "The Xiao Family of the Great Qian Dynasty is always ready for you to try and exterminate them!"


    "I..."


    Zhang Xiong''s face stiffened. The Xiao Family of the Great Qian Dynasty? Exterminate them, my ass!


    Let alone him, even the entire Zhang Family wasn''t enough to fill the gaps between their teeth!


    Zhang Xiong, looking at the corpses strewn all over the ground, realized that this venture had been a disastrous loss. The only way to justify himself was to return with Xiao Yi''s head: "Xiao Yi, I will grind your bones to dust!"


    "Thousand Leaves Demon-Subduing Hand!"


    Whoosh whoosh whoosh!


    Zhang Xiong''s fists pounded like pounding garlic, each strike conjuring dozens of fist shadows that coalesced into thousands, forming a dark steel torrent that swept toward him.


    "Grind my bones to dust? You''re not worthy yet!"


    Xiao Yi sneered coldly, as all eighty of his God Sealing Seeds burst forth simultaneously, fully activating the power of the God Sealing Seed. The Blazing Wind Pursuit Sword in his hand hummed, and the power of the Sword Intent seed made the sword light more concentrated. With a low roar, "Life from Despair!"


    This was the fourth stance of the Soul-chasing Life-taking Sword, Life from Despair!


    It condensed all of his internal energy in the sword edge, producing the most powerful strike, three times stronger than normal.


    Moreover...


    The energy within Xiao Yi was the power of God Sealing, and with the boost of the Sword Intent seed, this strike was ten times more powerful than his peak!


    Boom!


    The sword light was astonishing.


    It was like a beam of light piercing the horizon, tearing through the thousands of fist shadows, as if it could split the heavens and the earth.


    Zhang Xiong''s face changed drastically, raising his fists to block in front of him: "Absolute Defense!"


    Thump!


    This strike smashed through his pair of top-grade elemental fist guards, sending Zhang Xiong flying out, spewing blood. His hands trembled, his eyes filled with fear, "I almost got killed, can this really be the strength of someone in the Qi Gathering Realm Third Layer? This person... must not be allowed to live..."


    His eyes bore into Xiao Yi with a ruthless gaze.


    Xiao Yi''s heart skipped a beat, "Damn, I didn''t kill him?"


    Using that most powerful strike had almost drained all the energy from his body.


    Seeing Zhang Xiong chasing with a vicious face, Xiao Yi gathered his spirits and fled at full speed.


    During the chase, they had covered dozens of kilometers.


    Woooo...


    Amidst the howling cold wind, a dark cliff appeared ahead, thousands of meters high, its bottom invisible at a glance. A golden eagle soared through the canyon, the roaring wind whistling eerily.


    "Hahaha, keep running, will you? I want to see where else you can run to!" Zhang Xiong laughed viciously, following closely.


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath, retreating, inadvertently knocking a few pebbles down the cliff, unable to hear even the sound of their fall!


    Zhang Xiong said grimly, "Xiao Yi, you''ve got nowhere to run now, surrender quietly!"


    Xiao Yi''s expression was as still as water. In his current state, he stood no chance against Zhang Xiong. As for escaping? Ahead was an abyss thousands of feet deep, wait a minute...


    An image of a piece of parchment sprung to Xiao Yi''s mind, and suddenly, with a corner of his mouth lifted, he turned back with an expression of cold determination, "Once I return to Nanhuang, that will be the day your Zhang Family is annihilated!"


    Whoosh!


    He leapt into the abyss.


    Zhang Xiong rushed forward, but Xiao Yi''s figure was already gone. Frowning and snorting coldly, he muttered, "This cliff has walls sharp as swords on both sides, thousands of meters deep; falling means certain death. At last, the menace is gone..."


    sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 24 - 24 Iron Blade King

    The abyssal valley floor.


    A cold lake with rippling turquoise waves lay before him, the water ice-cold, with a chilling mist rising from it.


    Splash!


    Suddenly, the surface of the water exploded with white foam as a figure shot out, struggling to swim to the edge and lying down shivering and gasping for breath, spitting out mouthfuls of blood.


    Xiao Yi''s lips curled into a smile of relief at having narrowly escaped death, "Thank goodness Zhao Shi''s map didn''t lie to me, otherwise I would''ve been smashed to pieces this time!"


    Faced with Zhang Xiong''s relentless pressure, Xiao Yi had remembered that ancient tomb marked on Zhao Shi''s map was deep within the cold lake at the base of the cliff!


    The cold lake was vast, covering two-thirds of the base of the cliff, which was why he had decisively chosen to jump off.


    Of course, even with the cold lake below, plummeting from a cliff thousands of meters high was a sure path to death.


    Before hitting the water, Xiao Yi had exerted all his strength to propel the Eight Extremes Fist, repeatedly striking downward to slow his fall with the resistance of the air currents.


    Still, his body now felt as if it had fallen apart.


    Whoosh!


    Whisk!


    Mustering his spirit to sit up, Xiao Yi started to run the Divine Enthronement Heaven Subduing Skill. Eighty God Sealing Seeds bloomed with dazzling light, their radiance enveloping his body, voraciously consuming the natural essence of heaven and earth around him.


    The foggy mist rising from the cold lake was drawn towards him, enveloping his body.


    Mist swirled around him.


    In the distance, the valley was whipped by gusts of wind that howled incessantly.


    It took a whole day and night for the mist around Xiao Yi to dissipate, and his complexion regained some of its color.


    "Thankfully, it was only some minor internal injuries that did not affect my core. Now that I have recovered seventy percent of my strength, I''m curious to see what treasures lie in the tomb of this Divine Skills Realm expert!"


    As Xiao Yi got up, his body cracked and popped, and he plunged back into the cold lake.


    He followed the current down.


    At the bottom of the cold lake was a dark passageway. After swimming through it for over a thousand meters, Xiao Yi burst forth from the underwater channel.


    The view ahead suddenly opened up!


    This was a cavern filled with signs of human workmanship, its smooth, even walls appearing as though they were carved by an extremely sharp instrument in a single stroke.


    "The entire cave seems like a natural formation without any signs of secondary excavation. Could it be that someone hollowed out the mountain belly in one go, creating such a massive cave?"


    Xiao Yi found his own thought somewhat crazy.


    This was a rocky mountain. To carve out such a huge cave in one go would require an incredibly powerful being.


    His gaze swept the interior of the cave, and in the very center, there was a stone house.


    The stones on the stone house were covered in signs of age, with dark webs of spider silk indicating it had long been abandoned.


    Creak!


    He pushed open the dust-covered door, stirring up the dust enough to make Xiao Yi frown.


    The house was pitch black, yet Xiao Yi''s eyes were immediately drawn to a figure on the bed.


    It was a skeleton, dark yellow in color, sitting cross-legged on the bed.


    In its lower abdomen, a walnut-sized Golden Core floated serenely, radiating a brilliant golden glow.


    Xiao Yi inhaled sharply, "A Golden Core Realm expert?"


    Above Divine Skills is the Golden Core.


    Golden Core Realm experts are distinguished from ordinary flesh by not only their lifespan, which extends to two hundred years, but also because the bones of a Golden Core Realm expert turn to a bronze color, indestructible and eternal, hence the Golden Core Realm is also known as the Golden Body Realm.


    "I thought it was a Divine Skills Realm powerhouse, but it turned out to be from the Golden Core Realm..." Xiao Yi took a deep breath to calm his excitement.


    If it were merely the remains of a Golden Core Realm expert, it wouldn''t have made him lose his composure like this.


    But there was a complete Golden Core!


    The life''s cultivation of a Golden Core Realm expert was all contained within the Golden Core, where infinite energy was nurtured.


    What was Xiao Yi''s "Divine Enthronement Heaven Subduing Skill" most lacking? S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It was energy!


    "This Golden Core, if I could completely refine it, it might not be enough to get me into the Golden Core Realm, but it would definitely be sufficient for breaking through to the Shentong Realm!"


    Xiao Yi was ecstatic as he walked up to the remains of the Golden Core Realm expert, knelt down, and bowed his head: "Senior, this junior has offended you!"


    Crack!


    The moment the Golden Core was retrieved, the golden skeleton collapsed to the ground with a crash!


    From its finger bones, a dark red storage ring fell to the ground.


    A storage ring.


    Xiao Yi let his blood to claim it as his master.


    Inside the ring, there were only a few tens of thousands of pieces of silver, aside from that was a secret tome named "Mixed Yuan Purple Mist Skill," a golden token, and a letter.


    "Lucky junior, by the time you read this letter, I may have already perished. In an effort to break through to the Golden Core Realm, I spent all my savings, but just as I was about to succeed, I was betrayed by a close friend and, with grave injuries, hid here. The only thing I can''t stop worrying about is my daughter, still in swaddling clothes..."


    "I am Hu Yi, known as the Iron Blade King of Tianqing Kingdom; I only ask that you send my Clan Settling Skill ''Mixed Yuan Purple Mist Skill'' and the king''s token to the Iron Blade King''s estate for my daughter. Tell her that the person who killed me was none other than the Comrade King, Xu Shiheng. This Golden Core of mine shall serve as your reward... I am eternally grateful..."


    Xiao Yi was not from Tianqing Kingdom and had no idea who the Iron Blade King was.


    But to be bestowed a kingship in a kingdom and possess Golden Elixir Realm Cultivation, this Hu Yi was definitely no ordinary man!


    Xiao Yi pocketed the storage ring and solemnly said, "Senior, rest assured, I will deliver your belongings to the Iron Blade King''s estate!"


    Having said that, Xiao Yi dug a grave for him in the cave the skeleton was in, buried the remains, and erected a gravestone.


    The tomb of Hu Yi, the Iron Blade King of Tianqing Kingdom!


    After completing all this, Xiao Yi sat cross-legged inside the stone hut and began to refine the Golden Core on the spot.


    "With the energy of this Golden Core, just refining one-tenth of it would allow me to reach the peak of the Qi Gathering Realm. However, the Zhang Family has sent people to assassinate me, and I fear their next target will be Qingzhu. I must leave the Southern Desolate Mountain Range within ten days!"


    Hum!


    The mysterious skill started operating, and the energy within the Golden Core was greedily devoured!


    ...


    Inside Nanhuang City.


    Zhang Xiong respectfully looked at the two people in front of him, Zhang Yong, and spoke in a grave voice, "Family head, young master, your subordinate has completed the mission and killed Xiao Yi!"


    "Good! Zhang Xiong, you are indeed a pillar of our Zhang Family!" Zhang Yong laughed heartily and patted him on the shoulder forcefully.


    Zhang Ze spoke with a sinister tone, "Uncle Xiong, did you bring back Xiao Yi''s head?"


    Zhang Xiong sighed, "Young master, your subordinate is incompetent, Xiao Yi''s body fell into the gorge after his death, and his body was not recovered whole!"


    "Haha, it is already very good that you killed that little beast. If you couldn''t bring back the body, let it be!" Zhang Yong consoled him.


    "Although it''s a pity that we couldn''t bring his head back and let him watch me play with Fang Qingzhu, it doesn''t matter," Zhang Ze nodded and narrowed his eyes. The cold gleam within them flickered menacingly, "I''ve been keeping an eye on Fang Qingzhu this whole time. It''s just that Lin Bingxin has been inseparable from her, which makes it difficult to act. Uncle Xiong, leave this to you. From now on, you keep watch over Fang Qingzhu, and the moment she separates from Lin Bingxin, capture her immediately for me!"


    "Young master, rest assured!" Zhang Xiong patted his chest in assurance, then hesitated before saying, "Family head, what about Lei Bao and Fang Ao..."


    Zhang Yong waved his hand and said indifferently, "You don''t need to worry about this. Our Zhang Family has never sent anyone to assassinate Xiao Yi, this was all done by Lei Bao and Fang Ao. Do you understand?"


    Zhang Xiong''s eyes lit up, "Family head is brilliant!"

 Chapter 25 - 25 The Might of a Single Sword

    Within the Southern Desolate Mountain Range.


    In the depths of a dense forest, gloomy and terrifying, the humid air was filled with a pungent smell of blood.


    The trees had been snapped in half, the grass had been flattened to the ground, and chaos reigned. Corpses lay scattered in pools of blood, each body grotesquely deformed, some even crushed to a pulp¡­


    Boom!


    With a thunderous crash, a large tree over sixty meters tall collapsed, creating an empty space as it fell.


    A purple giant snake, over ten meters long, appeared from the woods, its tail coiling around the fallen tree and fiercely sending it flying with a flick.


    Whoosh!


    The tree blotted out the sky as it swept across, unstoppable.


    "Protect the young lady!"


    "This beast has actually advanced to the third order, let''s fight it with all we''ve got..."


    A group of strong protectors roared as they charged towards the purple giant snake.


    But the purple giant snake, having just stepped into the lower tier of the third order, was comparable to a First Layer of the Divine Passage Realm powerhouse. Its combat strength was incredibly terrifying, slaughtering those who came to surround and attack it.


    Its bloodthirsty eyes fixed on what was ahead, the snake twisted its body and pursued.


    From its gaping maw blew a foul wind, causing the other monsters of the forest to flee from afar, not daring to provoke this ruler of the outskirts of the Southern Desolate Mountain Range.


    Five black-clad strong protectors were evacuating with a young man and a lady, watching as the purple giant snake came chasing after them. The five turned to the young man, "Qi, we''ll hold off this beast. Take the young lady and leave quickly."


    "Rest assured, I will definitely bring Xue''er back to Nanhuang City safe and sound!" the young man replied continuously.


    He immediately picked up the girl, who was wearing a white dress and floated like a fairy, and ran at breakneck speed.


    The girl in the white dress was extremely pale, with a hint of bright red staining her long white dress at the chest. A look of despair filled her eyes, "Brother Tianying, just put me down and go on your own! I don''t want to drag you down..."


    "What nonsense are you talking? I will definitely take you back to Nanhuang City!" Qi Tianying said with a serious face.


    A glance over his shoulder caught sight of the fight.


    Those five who were blocking the purple giant snake had all been killed, and one of them was even swallowed whole in front of his eyes, causing Qi Tianying''s face to turn deathly pale as he saw the purple giant snake catching up.


    All of a sudden, Qi Tianying threw the girl he was carrying onto the road, ignoring her bewildered expression, and strode away, "Xue''er, stay here. I''ll go get help immediately!"


    The girl in the white dress, Xue''er, watched dumbfounded as Qi Tianying dashed into the dense forest, "&*()..."


    Go find your own reinforcements!


    He was clearly using her as a shield to delay the purple giant snake!


    "My life is over..."


    A fishy wind swept over her, and as the purple giant snake''s gaping maw was almost upon her, Xue''er closed her eyes in despair.


    But at that moment...


    A bloody sword light descended from the sky, punctuating a fierce wound on the purple giant snake''s body, causing it to scream incessantly. Its massive body swept across, bringing down a large part of the forest.


    Clap!


    Xiao Yi, in a green outfit, floated over gracefully. He leapt high off the ground, thrusting the Blazing Wind Pursuit Sword towards the purple giant snake, "Chasing Stars and Moons!"


    "Seizing Souls and Lives!"


    The edge of the sword radiated a bloody light, each strike effortlessly slicing through the body of the purple giant snake, causing it to wail continuously. Its resentful eyes glared at Xiao Yi as it let out a low growl, intending to flee.


    "Do you think you can escape?"


    Xiao Yi snorted coldly, leaped up high, holding the sword in both hands as surging qi converged at the tip of the sword.


    After ten days of cultivation...


    He had already refined one-twentieth of the Golden Core, stepping into the Seventh Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm. With a hundred and forty God Sealing Seeds within him, his combat strength could now fully rival a First Layer of the Divine Passage Realm powerhouse.


    The might of a single sword struck terror into the world!


    Boom!


    The crimson sword edge brutally beheaded the giant serpent, and its enormous body struggled for dozens of seconds before it completely lost its vitality.


    Xiao Yi expressionlessly sliced open the belly of the purple giant serpent and dug out a snake gallbladder and a beast core, "The snake gallbladder can replenish Qingzhu''s vital energy, but this beast core is an unexpected delight. A third-order beast core can certainly allow Qingzhu to step into the Spiritual Realm Cultivation!"


    This purple giant serpent was exactly the Purple-Patterned Blood Python he had been seeking.


    It had just advanced from a high-level second-order to a low-level third-order.


    Fortunately, it had just broken through; otherwise, with Xiao Yi''s current strength, he really wouldn''t have been able to handle it.


    "Thank you for saving my life, noble sir. May I ask how to address you?" A weak voice came from behind Xiao Yi.


    "I hunted this beast because I needed to kill it, not specifically to save you."


    Xiao Yi glanced at her and frowned, "Your injuries are severe. Use this to stop the bleeding first!"


    "Thank you, noble sir!"


    Xue''er was taken aback, receiving the golden sore medicine Xiao Yi tossed to her. She was about to speak when she heard an overjoyed voice, "Hahaha, Xue''er, it''s so good that you''re safe! I saw that the Purple-Patterned Blood Python didn''t follow, and I was worried something happened to you, so I rushed back right away to rescue you!"


    The person who came was Qi Tianying.


    Discovering that the Purple-Patterned Blood Python had not followed and that a fierce fight had taken place, he immediately rushed back.


    Seeing the Purple-Patterned Blood Python lying in a pool of blood, he then showed himself.


    Xue''er''s face darkened as her gaze towards Qi Tianying lost the earlier admiration and grew colder, "You went to find reinforcements, isn''t that so?"


    "Ah ha, it''s just that I couldn''t stop worrying about you!"


    Qi Tianying laughed it off, showing no guilt for having left Xue''er to flee alone. His eyes swept over the Purple-Patterned Blood Python behind Xiao Yi, and noticing its split-open belly, Qi Tianying furrowed his brow and said to Xiao Yi, "Young man, you''ve done a great deed by saving Xue''er. You can have the corpse of this Purple-Patterned Blood Python as a reward, but that snake gallbladder and beast core must be returned to me. Hand them over!"


    Xiao Yi: "..."


    Xue''er''s complexion turned ugly, "Qi Tianying, have you lost your mind? The Purple-Patterned Blood Python was killed by this gentleman, why should the snake gallbladder and beast core be given to you?"


    The most valuable parts of the Purple-Patterned Blood Python were indeed its gallbladder and beast core; as for the body, it wasn''t even worth one-tenth of the gallbladder!


    Qi Tianying frowned and said displeasedly, "What nonsense are you talking about, Xue''er? If it wasn''t for me leading everyone to encircle and weaken this Purple-Patterned Blood Python, how could this youngster have taken advantage of it?"


    "Shut your mouth!"


    Xue''er glared furiously. What bullshit about leading everyone? As soon as Qi Tianying discovered that the Purple-Patterned Blood Python had broken through to the third order, he stayed far behind, and in the end, he abandoned her and ran away on his own. And now he had the nerve to come and demand the snake gallbladder and beast core?


    Xue''er looked at Xiao Yi with an apologetic expression, "I''m truly sorry, sir!"


    Xiao Yi waved his hand, ready to leave.


    But Qi Tianying abruptly stepped in front of him, his expression dark, "Young man, do you know who I am? I am the Qi Family''s great young master from Shouye City. If you don''t leave that beast core and snake gallbladder behind today, do you know what the consequences will be?"


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes and said, "Are you threatening me?"


    "Threatening? You can see it that way if you like," Qi Tianying said with arrogance, "My Qi Family..."


    Before he could finish speaking.


    A sword light flashed before his eyes, severing his right arm at the shoulder, and Xiao Yi looked at Qi Tianying coldly, "I don''t like being threatened."


    "You''re doomed, my Qi Family will not let you off..."


    Qi Tianying clutched his severed arm, his pale face twisted with ferocity. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi sighed lightly, "I already said I don''t like being threatened."


    Thud!


    A sword sealed his throat.


    Qi Tianying fell to the ground clutching his bleeding neck, convulsing wildly, his eyes filled with despair and regret.


    "Miss, are you alright?" came several voices from afar.


    Xiao Yi glanced at the stunned Xue''er and spoke indifferently, "I''ll take my leave now!"


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi leaped gracefully, disappearing into the jungle and heading straight for Nanhuang City, "Zhang Family, I, Xiao Yi, have returned!"

 Chapter 26 - 26: Sorry, Im Late!

    Nanhuang City. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Even though it had been over ten days since he left, nothing here had changed.


    On his way to the residence, Xiao Yi was covered in the smell of blood, causing people to steer clear of him.


    "Qingzhu, I''m back!"


    As soon as he entered the house, Xiao Yi called out, but there was no response. A sense of intense unease gripped his heart.


    When he reached Fang Qingzhu''s bedroom, he discovered it was in complete disarray, with no one to be found.


    "How could this be? Where is everyone?" Xiao Yi''s face turned pale.


    At that moment...


    Lin Bingxin''s voice came from outside, "Qingzhu, are you not home? Why is the main door open?" Lin Bingxin appeared in the bedroom and saw Xiao Yi with his back to her, her eyes lit up, "Xiao Yi, you''re back?"


    Xiao Yi looked as grim as still water, turning to face Lin Bingxin.


    His eyes were fierce like a wild animal''s, emitting a chilling light that seemed to threaten to devour someone.


    Lin Bingxin felt a bone-chilling cold, she swallowed hard, her voice trembling, "What, what''s wrong with you?"


    Xiao Yi said with a cold face, "I asked you to take care of Qingzhu, where is she? Where did she go?"


    "Qingzhu is missing?"


    Lin Bingxin was startled, only then noticing the mess in the bedroom. Her face changed dramatically, "Impossible, she was still here when I left this morning, how could this happen¡­"


    Xiao Yi''s face remained as grim as water, "You just left this morning?"


    "Yes!"


    Lin Bingxin quickly said, "I had to deal with some matters at the Treasure Pavilion, I left for just an hour¡­"


    "The Zhang Family? The Fang Family? Or is it the Black Tiger Gang?"


    Xiao Yi''s mind raced like a fierce tiger as he headed for the door, "You''d better not have hurt Qingzhu, if even a single hair on her head is harmed, I''ll annihilate your entire clan!"


    Watching Xiao Yi rush out the door...


    Lin Bingxin stood in a daze for a moment, then came to her senses, "This is bad, a major disaster is about to unfold, I must report to my master immediately¡­"


    ...¡­..


    The Zhang Family.


    Two guards at the Physical Body Realm stood watch at the front. They barely caught a glimpse of Xiao Yi''s figure appearing before the gate. They called out, "Who goes there? This is the Zhang residence, trespassers will be killed without mercy!"


    "Bring out Zhang Yong to see me!" Xiao Yi said coldly.


    "How audacious!"


    One of the guards became furiously enraged, "You dare to call the family head by name, it seems you''re here to make trouble. Die!"


    The two guards raised their swords and slashed at Xiao Yi.


    Crash!


    Xiao Yi moved swiftly, kicking the Zhang family''s gate wide open, while the two guards still maintained their sword-swinging posture, but a red line grew across their throats, and their heads tumbled down.


    The commotion naturally drew the attention of the Zhang Family''s experts.


    Several strong figures appeared in front of Xiao Yi, with Zhang Xiong at the forefront, his face incredulous, "Xiao Yi? You, you''re actually alive?"


    Xiao Yi moved, his vital energy surging wildly, sending more than a dozen of the Zhang family''s experts flying away in an instant. In the blink of an eye, he appeared before Zhang Xiong, who reacted with horror and threw a punch in defense.


    Xiao Yi used his finger as a sword, severing Zhang Xiong''s arms, then grabbed his throat with one hand and said coldly, "Where is she?"


    Zhang Xiong''s face grew paler, his expression ferocious, "Xiao, Xiao Yi, you''re indeed formidable. Not only did you survive the jump from that abyss, but your strength has also improved tremendously. But what of it? Aren''t you supposed to protect Fang Qingzhu? Right now, she''s probably already been ruined by our young master, hahaha¡­"


    "Seeking death!"


    Xiao Yi''s face was unspeakably ugly, his eyes blood red.


    "Seeking death? Hahaha, if I, Zhang Xiong, were afraid of dying, would I lead a team to ambush and kill you?" Zhang Xiong laughed manically, "You just wait at home. Once the young master is tired of Fang Qingzhu, he will naturally send her back to you, hahaha¡­"


    "Not afraid of dying, are you? For every breath you don''t speak, I''ll kill ten of your Zhang Family. I will make your family accompany her in death!"


    With a casual swing of the Blazing Wind Pursuit Sword.


    He decapitated a Tenth Layer Physical Body Realm expert.


    "You..." Zhang Xiong''s eyes were split with rage.


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Two breaths!"


    Thud!


    Another person was beheaded.


    Thud!


    Three people!


    Four people!


    Five people...


    Xiao Yi had already slain more than thirty people, like a blood-colored god of death, the powerful members of the Zhang Family around him had lost their nerve early on and tried to flee. But as long as they dared to move a step, Xiao Yi''s sword would fall upon them.


    Looking at the corpses strewn across the ground, blood flowing into rivers, staining the entire front courtyard red.


    Despair filled Zhang Xiong''s eyes, "Devil, you are a devil..."


    "Devil? Even if I have become a demon, it was you who forced me!" Xiao Yi said coldly.


    "Brother Xiong, just tell him!"


    "We don''t want to die..."


    One after another, the strong members of the Zhang Family knelt on the ground, sobbing uncontrollably.


    Zhang Xiong watched Xiao Yi raise his longsword again, despair mixed with intense reluctance and resignation, "I''ll tell you, I''ll tell you... The young master and the family head took Fang Qingzhu to the dungeon in the backyard, please stop killing..."


    "Take me there!"


    Xiao Yi grabbed Zhang Xiong with one hand, while the sword point rested on the neck of a Qi Gathering Realm Third Layer strongman, who slumped his head down and led the way.


    In the backyard, in front of a rockery.


    Zhang Xiong said, "The entrance to the dungeon is behind the rockery."


    Crack!


    Xiao Yi''s fingers clenched, snapping Zhang Xiong''s neck, tossing his corpse aside. As he retracted his longsword, the strongman from the Zhang Family also had his throat sealed by the sword.


    Xiao Yi followed the entrance behind the rockery into the underground passage.


    Inside the dungeon, the firelight flickered dimly, adding to the sinister atmosphere.


    Now and then, one could see rats scuttling in the darkness.


    In the deepest cell.


    Fang Qingzhu, bound tightly, was trapped on a torture rack, hair disheveled, her body covered in whip marks stained with blood. Beneath her feet, two hollow bamboo tubes were inserted into her veins, her blood dripping down, leaving stains on the ground.


    Fang Qingzhu''s lips were pale and cracked, her dark eyes fixated on Zhang Ze father and son in front of her, "Is this all you''re capable of? Dreaming of vengeance against Xiao Yi with such skills?"


    "This bitch sure has a tough mouth..." Zhang Yong threw the bloodied whip on the ground, sitting on the Taishi Chair, panting, "Xiao Ze, look at how you''ve whipped this bitch to a pulp, it''s not even fun to play with her anymore!"


    Zhang Ze had a vicious smile, "Doesn''t father think it''s gratifying to grab a handful of blood while toying with her, causing her to scream in pain?"


    "Hahaha, your father has never played with a woman like this before!" Zhang Yong laughed heartily.


    Fang Qingzhu felt increasingly weak, gritting her teeth, "Xiao Yi won''t let you off..."


    "Your Xiao Yi is already dead, buried in a deep abyss, unless he becomes a ghost and comes back, he can''t save you!" Zhang Ze said boastfully.


    "Impossible, Xiao Yi can''t be dead!" Fang Qingzhu roared.


    "Hehe, I sent Zhang Xiong and Lei Bao to raid and kill Xiao Yi, and Zhang Xiong is an Eighth Layer of Qi Gathering Realm strongman, do you think Xiao Yi stands a chance?" Zhang Ze said.


    "Xiao Yi is dead? How can that be..." Fang Qingzhu''s face was full of despair.


    Zhang Xiong was the leader of the Zhang Family Hunting Team, a master of the Eighth Layer of Qi Gathering Realm.


    If he really made a move, Xiao Yi''s chances of survival were virtually non-existent.


    Zhang Ze''s face was smeared with a lecherous smile, his greedy and fervent gaze focused on Fang Qingzhu. As he walked towards her, he said, "Fang Qingzhu, Xiao Yi really cares about you! It''s just too bad that he couldn''t see for himself, he''ll only get to reunite with you down below, then I''ll tell him how you were killed by me, hahaha..."


    Zhang Ze lunged at Fang Qingzhu.


    But just at that moment...


    An icy, bloody sword light suddenly appeared, and with a ''pfft'', it cut Zhang Ze down, amidst his shrill screams. A cold voice came from behind him simultaneously, "Sorry, I''m late!"

 Chapter 27 - 27: A Rage to Crown!

    "Xiao Yi, I knew you were alright..."


    Even when she was tortured by Zhang Ze and his son without shedding a tear, Fang Qingzhu''s eyes reddened the moment she saw Xiao Yi. Ever since her dantian was destroyed, the loving faces of her parents had completely changed.


    She had completely lost hope in the Fang Family.


    Plus, with Xiao Yi''s company day and night during those days, he had left an indelible mark in her heart.


    When she heard earlier that Zhang Ze had sent Zhang Xiong to assassinate Xiao Yi, she was nearly in despair.


    After all,


    Zhang Xiong was far stronger than Xiao Yi.


    Until now...


    Seeing Xiao Yi alive and well in front of her, Fang Qingzhu was finally able to let her hanging heart settle down.


    Xiao Yi looked at Fang Qingzhu bound on the torture rack with a touch of distress in his eyes. He lifted his sword to release the chains that bound her, pulled out the two hollow bamboo tubes from her feet, and carefully applied golden sore medicine to her wounds.


    Fang Qingzhu looked at Xiao Yi with eyes brimming with emotion, bright as stars.


    "Does it hurt?"


    As Xiao Yi''s fingertips traced over the scars on her face, Fang Qingzhu involuntarily flinched in pain, pursed her lips, and said with a light laugh, "It doesn''t hurt!"


    Whew!


    Xiao Yi let out a long breath and said, "Wait for me a moment!"


    "Mhm!"


    Fang Qingzhu obediently nodded her head.


    Xiao Yi then stood up and turned to look at Zhang Yong, who was trying to stop Zhang Ze''s bleeding, his gaze icy cold, "How do you want to die?"


    Zhang Yong''s face was ashen.


    Zhang Ze''s lifeblood had been severed entirely; his life was completely ruined.


    Zhang Yong''s own lineage would end with him.


    His face twisted with maliciousness, he unleashed the full strength of his Third Layer of the Divine Passage Realm. His eyes filled with ferocious killing intent, he roared, "You mongrel, I will grind your bones to dust!"


    Zhang Ze, covered in blood below the waist, his face deathly pale and twisted, his voice becoming shrill and piercing, "Dad, cripple him for me. I want to personally carve him into a thousand pieces, eat his flesh, drink his blood..."


    Zhang Yong nodded and said, "Don''t worry. Since he made you no longer a man, I will make sure he can''t even be a ghost!"


    Boom!


    Zhang Yong''s figure didn''t move, only raised his right hand.


    Surging vital energy turned into thousands of fine threads, weaving in front of his palm, coalescing into an energy sphere. The sphere spun in the air and ignited a red flame with a roar: "Fiery Flame Palm!"


    Practitioners in the Shentong Realm could externalize their vital energy.


    By drawing on vital energy to activate Divine Skills.


    Their power was several times stronger than that of ordinary martial arts!


    The fireball sent waves of heat skyward, its crimson light illuminating half the dungeon. The licking flames made a piercing whooshing sound as it shot towards Xiao Yi. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Wherever the fireball passed, the bricks on the ground seemed as if they would melt.


    The wooden bars of the dungeon burst into flames.


    "Xiao Yi, be careful..." Fang Qingzhu shouted.


    Xiao Yi''s expression was solemn.


    His cultivation had reached the Seventh Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm, enough to defeat an ordinary practitioner of the First Layer of the Divine Passage Realm. However, Zhang Yong was at the Third Layer of the Divine Passage Realm. The gap between them was huge, and Xiao Yi could not afford to be the slightest bit negligent: "This battle cannot be delayed, it must be quick and decisive!"


    Zhang Yong, confident in his superior strength, did not take him seriously.


    To win this battle, Xiao Yi needed to take unconventional moves, strike first, and crush Zhang Yong before he could react!


    "Sweeping Thousands of Troops!"


    "Pursuing Stars and Chasing the Moon!"


    "Seizing Souls and Claiming Lives!"


    The Blazing Wind Pursuit Sword emitted a blood-red radiance all around, as if completely fused with Xiao Yi''s arm, showing a hint of unity between man and sword.


    This unity between man and sword was a sign of truly comprehending Sword Intent.


    The seed of Sword Intent fully burst forth.


    Xiao Yi''s sword moves suddenly grew thirty percent more formidable, with an edge that seemed to tear open the heavens itself.


    Whoosh!


    The move ''Sweeping Through Thousands'' first halted the momentum of the fireball, and then the technique ''Chasing Stars and Moons'' focused on the weakest point of the fireball, causing it to burst with a loud boom.


    Xiao Yi then burst through the exploding fireball, tearing open the sky filled with sparks, his blood-red sword edge mixed with sparks, thrusting towards Zhang Yong''s throat.


    The sword edge tore through the air, rustling Zhang Yong''s clothes noisily.


    His face expressionless, he scoffed, "Acting recklessly, overestimating your own abilities!"


    Whoosh!


    Vast vital energy surged, bursting forth from his body.


    It condensed on his palm.


    As if donning a red gauntlet, with a chime, he grabbed the blade and amidst a shower of sparks, the unstoppable momentum of the Blazing Wind Pursuit Sword came to an abrupt halt.


    Zhang Yong''s left hand then moved to his waist, and he suddenly thrust out a fist.


    Whoosh!


    Dazzling vital energy on his left hand solidified into a crimson blade and lunged toward Xiao Yi''s abdomen.


    Vital energy turned into a weapon.


    A signature move of a Shentong Realm expert.


    Though this weapon made of vital energy was not as strong as elemental weapons, its power vastly exceeded ordinary metal weapons. If this blade struck Xiao Yi, he would not die but be crippled for sure.


    "Hahaha, Xiao Yi, your death is certain," Zhang Ze hysterically screamed.


    His eyes were bloodshot, filled with intense excitement.


    But his joy was short-lived, as it tore open the wound in his crotch and blood gushed like a fountain¡­


    With his right hand trapped, Xiao Yi saw the attack coming toward his abdomen, and a gleam flashed in his eyes, "Eight Extremes Lean!"


    With a sudden force centered on his heel, he spun around on the spot.


    He narrowly dodged Zhang Yong''s left-handed attack but still sustained a gruesome wound on his waist, skin ripped and flesh burst, causing Xiao Yi to wince in pain. Despite the intense pain, Xiao Yi forcefully leaned back.


    Thud!


    His entire back slammed heavily against Zhang Yong''s chest.


    Xiao Yi''s strength had increased several-fold compared to before, and combined with the inherently powerful Eight Extremes Fist, this collision broke three of Zhang Yong''s ribs and caused internal injuries.


    Blood spurted from his mouth as his body was lifted from the spot and sent flying backward.


    Xiao Yi quickly turned around and chased after Zhang Yong, grabbing his ankle and smashing him down toward the ground with force.


    Thud!


    The entire dungeon vibrated.


    Zhang Yong''s back hit the ground, shattering floor tiles, and as dust and debris flew, Xiao Yi did not pause, "Kick them when they''re down!"


    Clutching Zhang Yong''s ankles, he smashed him down over and over again.


    Boom!


    Boom!


    Boom!


    Zhang Yong, like a human-shaped sledgehammer, shattered the ground, crashed into walls, and broke tables and chairs... It all happened so fast that Zhang Yong, dazed with stars in his eyes and injury upon injury, could not react in time.


    With the strength of a Third Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, he hadn''t even managed to display half of his power before he was left spewing blood from all seven orifices, on the brink of death.


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi spun in place like a tornado, generating gusts of wind. Suddenly releasing his grip, he flung Zhang Yong out viciously.


    Thud! Thud! Thud!


    Zhang Yong smashed through the bars of five cells before hitting a stone wall with a bang, becoming embedded in a huge human-shaped indent, unable to move.


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi dove down, and the Blazing Wind Pursuit Sword showed no mercy, piercing through Zhang Yong''s brow with a whoosh, nailing him firmly to the rock face. Zhang Yong''s body jerked, blood dripping down from the wall, his mouth agape, only able to let out hoarse gasps.


    In his eyes, there was nothing but regret.


    Xiao Yi''s gaze then turned to a dumbstruck Zhang Ze, "Your turn!"

 Chapter 28 - 28: Payback Tenfold

    "It''s your turn now!"


    Xiao Yi''s gaze fell upon Zhang Ze, his icy eyes sharp like the edge of a knife, making it unbearable to meet his stare.


    Thump!


    Zhang Ze''s body trembled as he knelt to the ground, the arrogance and fierceness previously etched on his pale face replaced by abjection and terror, "Mercy, Xiao, have mercy! This was all Fang Ao and Lei Bao''s doing, leading me astray... it has nothing to do with me..."


    Before this.


    Zhang Ze''s greatest support was the Zhang Family.


    But now...


    The strongest warrior of the Zhang Family, Zhang Yong, had been killed by Xiao Yi with the force of thunder, leaving him with no backbone. All he could hope for now was to save his own life, to survive and wait until he joined the Royal Martial Arts Academy, then find a way to seek revenge!


    However.


    Xiao Yi remained unmoved, his gaze towards Zhang Ze devoid of sympathy, only coldness, "I just counted, there are three hundred seventy-five whip marks on Qingzhu''s body!"


    "Ah?"


    Zhang Ze was stunned, not understanding Xiao Yi''s meaning.


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "I once said, for whoever dares to harm even a single hair on her, I would repay it tenfold. Three hundred seventy-five whip marks, I''ll repay you with three thousand seven hundred fifty sword strikes, and the two bamboo tubes used to bleed her feet will count for a thousand strikes, making a total of five thousand seven hundred fifty strikes. You have no objections, right?"


    Thump!


    Zhang Ze''s body shook violently, collapsing to the ground. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Five thousand plus sword strikes to the body?


    Wasn''t this the same as being smashed to pieces?


    "No, don''t... Xiao, I realize my mistake, I truly do... I''m willing to be your ox and horse, please spare me, please show me mercy just this once..." Zhang Ze crawled and rolled, desperately clutching Xiao Yi''s legs, wailing bitterly.


    Forget five thousand strikes¡ªbeing poked with an embroidery needle five thousand times would leave one riddled with holes!


    "Show mercy?"


    Xiao Yi let out a cold laugh, his deep voice laced with icy murderous intent, "When you sent men to kill me in the Southern Desolate Mountain Range, why didn''t you show mercy? When you captured Qingzhu and tortured her so harshly, why didn''t you think to show mercy? And now you''re begging me to save you? Don''t you see this is pure delusion?"


    Ever since his mother''s death, Fang Qingzhu was the first person to give Xiao Yi a sense of home''s warmth.


    How could he tolerate her being persecuted in such a way?


    Seeing Xiao Yi''s ice-cold and resolute face, Zhang Ze''s face filled with despair. In the face of imminent death, he mustered his viciousness, a flash of savagery in his eyes, "If you won''t let me live, then you''ll die with me!"


    Whoosh!


    From within Zhang Ze''s sleeve, a black dagger shot out, the blade smeared with a deadly poison, aimed straight at Xiao Yi.


    "A dog can''t change its habit of eating shit!"


    Xiao Yi snorted coldly as the Blazing Wind Pursuit Sword flicked upwards.


    Thwack! Thwack!


    Zhang Ze''s hands were chopped off at the wrists, the hand holding the dagger falling to the ground with a smack, pain distorting Zhang Ze''s entire face; "Ahh¡­ Xiao Yi, I won''t let you off even if I become a ghost..."


    "You can talk about that when you become a ghost!"


    Xiao Yi responded indifferently, lifting Zhang Ze by one hand and hanging him up on the rack.


    Snap!


    With a casual slap, he dislocated Zhang Ze''s jaw, making it impossible for him to even bite his own tongue and commit suicide.


    Xiao Yi turned towards Fang Qingzhu, his fierce expression softening, "Qingzhu, turn your head away, don''t look!"


    "Okay!"


    Fang Qingzhu obediently turned away.


    Whoosh!


    The Blazing Wind Pursuit Sword in Xiao Yi''s hand turned into countless petals descending colorfully, each streak of the sword light removing a piece of flesh from Zhang Ze''s body. Amid the blood and flying flesh, unbearable pain engulfed him, but all the jawless Zhang Ze could manage were choked breathing sounds.


    Tears, mingled with sweat, fell ceaselessly.


    Regret and despair took over his entire face.


    Thud!


    Thud!


    The silver gleam of the sword flickered in the dungeon; with each appearance, flesh was sliced and sent flying.


    "One thousand and eighty!"


    "One thousand and eighty-one!"


    "One thousand and eighty-two..."


    Xiao Yi''s voice sounded like a demonic chant that reaped souls, both of Zhang Ze''s arms had been whittled down to bone, and he had fainted several times from the pain, only to be revived by Xiao Yi.


    It was a pain so intense that life itself seemed undesirable.


    Zhang Ze had never thought that he would one day yearn for death''s arrival.


    Bang!


    The dungeon''s door was suddenly blown open, causing Xiao Yi''s sword to pause slightly, as a group of powerful individuals rushed in from outside. Leading them was Elder Yan, the Pavilion Master of the Treasure Pavilion, followed closely by Sikong Nan, the Nanhuang City Lord, and Zhao Yu, the head of the Zhao Family.


    "Quick, find Xiao!"


    "Zhang Yong, if you dare harm a hair on Xiao''s head, I will eradicate the Zhang Family!"


    However...


    When Elder Yan and the others saw the situation inside the dungeon, the words they had ready died on their lips.


    Hisss!


    A collective gasp of shock went through the crowd.


    Elder Yan spat out a mouthful of saliva, "Xiao, Xiao, are you alright?"


    Xiao Yi didn''t turn around, "You''re here? Wait a moment, four thousand more swords!"


    "Four thousand swords?"


    "What does that mean?"


    Everyone was momentarily stunned.


    Soon...


    They understood.


    "One thousand and eighty-three!"


    "One thousand and eighty-four..."


    With each sword stroke by Xiao Yi, a chilling number was uttered, and with each number, a piece of flesh was sliced from Zhang Ze.


    Hisss!


    The crowd gasped again.


    Watching Zhang Ze''s agonized face, unable to speak, with only the white of bone remaining in his two arms and legs, some of the weaker-strong individuals began to retch violently at the sight.


    "This, this is death by a thousand cuts! It''s too, too cruel..."


    "So, so terrifying... one must never cross Xiao Yi..."


    "Don''t talk... blargh..."


    Even Elder Yan and Sikong Nan, who were worldly and well-informed, looked at each other with pale faces at that moment.


    Sikong Nan murmured softly, "Even though I''ve been through hundreds of battles in the military, I''ve never seen someone execute a lingchi with such calm."


    Elder Yan nodded somberly, glancing deeply at Xiao Yi and gesturing towards Fang Qingzhu, "Look at her, and you won''t find Xiao cruel anymore!"


    Sikong Nan glanced at Fang Qingzhu, and although she was covered by Xiao Yi''s coat, her body was still visibly battered and bruised.


    Whoosh!


    Sikong Nan exhaled a long breath, silently reminding himself, "This young man is someone to befriend, not to be made an enemy of!"


    If these words were to spread, they would certainly cause a huge stir.


    He was, after all, the Nanhuang City Lord, the top expert of Nanhuang, and yet he did not wish to make an enemy of Xiao Yi?


    The pungent odor of blood permeated the dungeon; those unable to withstand the shocking sight before them had long since retreated, but the memory Xiao Yi left them with was nightmare-like, and they would likely never be able to forget it for the rest of their lives.


    Within the crowd.


    Zhao Xian was pale as a ghost, he had just been one of the most frantic vomiters, and he looked up blankly at Zhao Yu beside him, "Father, father, I''m so glad I heeded your advice and never crossed Xiao!"


    "Indeed!"


    Zhao Yu nodded gravely, "Once we return, immediately sever all ties with the Fang Family and the Black Tiger Gang, understand?"


    Zhao Xian hummed in agreement, puzzled, "Father, what about our collaboration with the Zhang Family?"


    "The Zhang Family?"


    Zhao Yu''s expression turned strange as he looked at the vast Zhang family estate, "After today, will there even be a Zhang Family in Nanhuang City?"

 Chapter 29 - 29: Fame Shakes Nanhuang

    ```


    Three hours later.


    Xiao Yi walked out of the dungeon, carrying Fang Qingzhu in his arms, with only Elder Yan and Sikong Nan closely following behind him.


    The others had already escaped the dungeon long ago.


    Not everyone could withstand the spectacle of a lingering execution!


    Even with the fortitude of Elder Yan and Sikong Nan, they too were pale at this moment, and the sight of anything red caused their internal organs to churn violently, giving rise to a strong urge to vomit.


    "Xiao!"


    "Xiao, Xiao¡­"


    Zhao Yu, Zhao Xian, and others looked at Xiao Yi with faces full of reverence.


    Xiao Yi was spotless, and with a gesture for silence, he gestured that Fang Qingzhu sleeping in his arms, and in a lowered voice said, "I will take her back to rest first, the rest is up to you guys!"


    Zhao Yu nodded heavily, whispering, "Xiao, rest assured, leave it to us!"


    Elder Yan and Sikong Nan both nodded their heads.


    Xiao Yi nodded to the group and then left the Zhang residence.


    Once Xiao Yi was gone, Zhao Yu looked at the two with a wry smile, "City Lord, Elder Yan, what should we do?"


    Elder Yan squinted and said, "The Zhang family has no reason to exist anymore!"


    Sikong Nan said indifferently, "The Zhang family''s properties should all be transferred to Xiao''s name. As for those of the Zhang family¡­ If you don''t remove the roots when cutting the grass, the spring breeze will bring them back to life."


    "I understand!"


    Zhao Yu nodded in realization, his face showing a hint of intrigue as he mumbled, "If the Fang family knew about all this, that old man Fang Tianhao would probably regret until his intestines turned green, wouldn''t he?"


    "I reckon he would be so angry he''d vomit blood!"


    Sikong Nan couldn''t help but laugh as well, "To think that an eighteen-year-old who could kill a Third Layer of the Divine Passage Realm expert, with such talent, would be driven out of the Fang family as a useless son-in-law, I don''t know whether to say Fang Tianhao''s standards are too high, or that he''s blind¡­"


    "Not only the Fang family is blind,"


    Elder Yan also sneered contemptuously, "The Xiao Family, in the far-off Great Qian Dynasty, only treasures Xiao Tianjiao while expelling such a real dragon as Xiao from their home, sending him to the Fang family as a door-to-door son-in-law. Who knows what the reaction of the Xiao Family will be if one day Xiao outshines Xiao Tianjiao?"


    Although it must be said that Xiao Tianjiao, at merely ten years of age, had already stepped into the Divine Skills Realm, boasting an incredible talent.


    But what about Xiao Yi?


    When he first came to Nanhuang City, he hadn''t even reached the first level of the Physical Body Realm, but now he could kill experts in the Third Layer of the Divine Passage Realm.


    And all of this in less than two months.


    So, who is the real dragon?


    Anyone with eyes can see!


    Sikong Nan and Zhao Yu both nodded in agreement, and the three of them couldn''t help feeling fortunate: "Good thing we chose to stand on Xiao''s side¡­"


    Afterward¡­


    The news of the Zhang family''s annihilation spread wildly, instantly causing an uproar throughout Nanhuang City.


    Meanwhile.


    Led by the Treasure Pavilion, with support from the Lord''s Mansion and the Zhao Family, a force began a comprehensive crackdown on the Zhang family''s influence. In just half a day, all of the Zhang family''s assets were transferred to Xiao Yi''s name, and simultaneously, the Treasure Pavilion and the Zhao Family declared a complete halt to all business dealings with the Fang Family and the Black Tiger Gang.


    An edict of banishment!


    This plunged the Fang Family and the Black Tiger Gang into endless despair.


    Within Nanhuang City¡­


    Word gradually spread that the person who caused all this commotion was none other than Xiao Yi, once expelled from the Fang family as a useless son-in-law.


    In no time, the name Xiao Yi was known throughout Nanhuang.


    It even became taboo!


    Within the Black Tiger Gang.


    The gang leader Lei Laohu was in a towering rage, smashing everything in the room, his face somber: "Xiao Yi, the Zhao Family, the Treasure Pavilion¡­ you''ve pushed us too far!"


    "Boss, what should we do? Our gambling houses have all been shut down, and if this continues, the gang won''t be able to sustain itself¡­" the deputy leader said with a morose face by the side.


    Lei Laohu''s chest heaved violently, and ultimately it turned into a helpless and unwilling sigh, he ground his teeth and said, "What else can we do? Who in Nanhuang City dares to provoke Xiao Yi now? Prepare a generous gift immediately; I will go and apologize in person!"


    An hour later.


    Bare-chested and carrying whips on his back, Lei Laohu personally dragged a cart full of apologies, kneeling in front of Xiao Yi''s courtyard gate.


    Yet the gate of the villa remained closed.


    Nonetheless.


    Lei Laohu was meticulous and dared not show any disrespect.


    At the same time¡­


    The Fang Family was in complete disarray.


    One piece of bad news after another arrived: "Patriarch, it''s terrible, our deals with the Zhao Family, Chen Family, and Zhang Family have all been cut off."


    "Patriarch, there''s been an incident, our Fang Family''s pharmacies have been smashed¡­"


    "Our cloth shops have been smashed too¡­"


    "Patriarch, word has spread throughout the city, saying our Fang Family is doomed. Some have even made up rhymes about it, singing that the Fang Family is amazing, forced a real dragon away, now as the real dragon soars through the skies, the Fang Family is bound to rise¡­"


    ```


    ```


    Pfft!


    Sitting at the head seat, Fang Tianhao trembled as he listened to one piece of bad news after another, his face turned pale, and with a ''wa'' sound, he spat out a mouthful of old blood. He aged dozens of years in an instant. Trembling, he pointed at Fang Zheng and his wife, barely containing his fury, "You, you two are competent at nothing but failures. I told you to invite Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhu back, and look what you''ve done?"


    Fang Zheng, left with only one arm, looked wronged, "Dad, how could I have known that waste would become so strong?"


    Liu Yun shamelessly said, "Dad, don''t be angry! We''ll be sincere this time, apologize in person. Qingzhu is softhearted, as long as we appease her with our suffering, she will definitely forgive us!"


    Fang Tianhao''s eyes lit up with a glint of hope, "Then what are you waiting for? Go and invite them back here!"


    ...¡­


    Outside the separate courtyard where Xiao Yi was residing.


    Fang Zheng''s family of three looked at Lei Laohu kneeling at the gate and exchanged glances. Fang Hao whispered, "Dad, isn''t that Lei Laohu? Why is he kneeling here too? Is Xiao Yi really that terrifying?"


    Shut up! Fang Zheng glared at him fiercely and said in a low voice, "Still dare to call him waste? Remember this ¨C lower your stance when we meet. Things are not like before, we are here to ask them to return to the Fang family!"


    "I understand¡­" Fang Hao shrank his neck. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The three approached the gate.


    At the entrance, Zhao Xian was on guard. Seeing the three, he frowned slightly, "This is a restricted area of Xiao''s residence, off-limits to outsiders!"


    Liu Yun, full of arrogance, slapped Zhao Xian across the face and said, "Open your eyes and see who I am! I am Xiao Yi''s mother-in-law. Hurry up and notify Xiao Yi, we are here to take them home!"


    Zhao Xian, holding his reddened face, looked astonished.


    Liu Yun, impatient, demanded, "What are you still dazed for? Go and report at once!"


    "No need!"


    Xiao Yi''s voice came from inside the gate. He had intended to meet Lei Laohu, but as he reached the entrance, he heard the slap Fang Zheng delivered to Zhao Xian and immediately pushed the door open.


    "Young Master Xiao¡­" Zhao Xian respectfully stepped aside.


    Fang Zheng''s face broke into a smile, even tinged with sycophancy, "You are finally out, Xiao Yi."


    "What Xiao Yi? This is our precious son-in-law!"


    Liu Yun nudged Fang Zheng aside, her face beaming with a radiant smile, "Son-in-law, you and Qingzhu have suffered a lot these days staying outside. Actually, your dad and I did all that for your own good, because only through the bitterest hardships can one become superior. Look, with our help, you''ve now achieved such success! We have come today because we feel that your trial is over and are inviting you both back home!"


    Their attitude had completely reversed from before, even showing a hint of subservience.


    This was the change brought about by power!


    Xiao Yi, however, didn''t even glance at them and instead said to Zhao Xian, "Where did he hit you? Hit him back exactly the same way!"


    "Ah?"


    Zhao Xian was taken aback.


    The smiles on the three members of the Fang family also froze, and Fang Zheng blinked, "Xian, Xian Yi, what are you, what are you talking about?"


    Xiao Yi repeated, "Hit back!"


    Zhao Xian, face alight with excitement, responded, "Alright!"


    Slap!


    He swung back his hand and slapped Liu Yun, stunning her.


    "Xiao Yi, have you gone mad?"


    "We came to take you back to the Fang family..."


    The three members of the Fang family were completely dumbfounded.


    "Too light!"


    Xiao Yi frowned at Zhao Xian, then turned his attention to Lei Laohu, "Aren''t you here to apologize? Leave them crippled, and then you can go back."


    "Yes, Young Master Xiao!"


    The once powerful leader of the Black Tiger Gang, now like a loyal enforcer, proceeded to brutally beat the three members of the Fang family.


    "Xiao Yi, you even beat your own mother-in-law; you have lost all morals..."


    "You heartless wretch..."


    Lei Laohu burst out in a rage, "Dare to insult Young Master Xiao? You''re seeking death!"


    Bang bang bang!


    Lei Laohu''s blows grew even fiercer.


    "I dare not..."


    "I won''t dare again, please spare me..."


    After half an incense stick burned.


    The three lay on the ground, barely alive. Xiao Yi looked down at them coldly, "If there''s a next time, there will be no mercy!"


    "Young Master Xiao, shall I, shall I take them back to the Fang family now?" Lei Laohu asked tentatively.


    Xiao Yi nodded.


    Lei Laohu dragged the barely alive three back toward the Fang family.


    The Fang family residence.


    Seeing the pitiful state of the three, Fang Tianhao''s face contorted even more, his teeth clenched tightly, his expression ferocious, "What a Xiao Yi, thinking my Fang family would fear him? Someone, send a message to Fang Jin, I want him to come back and tear Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhu to pieces..."


    ```

 Chapter 30 - 30: Transferring Flowers and Joining Trees, Xiao Yi Passes on His Power!

    Ever since the day Xiao Yi had Lei Laohu and Zhao Xian thoroughly thrash the three visitors from the Fang Family, led by Fang Zheng,


    the Fang Family had closed its doors to all visitors.


    All of their businesses were shut down.


    After all...


    Facing the suppression from the Zhao Family, Chen Family, and even the Treasure Pavilion, nobody was interested in the Fang Family''s businesses anymore.


    The once bustling Fang residence was now desolate, with hardly a visitor in sight.


    On the contrary, Xiao Yi''s residence was frequently bustling with traffic, and a long queue of gift-givers formed at the door. However, aside from Elder Yan, Zhao Yu, and Sikong Nan, Xiao Yi declined to meet anyone else.


    In the blink of an eye, ten days had passed.


    In these ten days, Xiao Yi, with the tremendous energy provided by the Golden Core, had advanced his cultivation level, reaching the Eighth Layer of Qi Gathering Realm.


    The number of God Sealing Seeds had reached one hundred fifty-five.


    His combat power had also improved significantly.


    Fang Qingzhu, after ten days of Xiao Yi''s meticulous care, had also recovered from her injuries.


    Inside the quiet room.


    Fang Qingzhu looked at Xiao Yi with confusion "Xiao Yi, what did you bring me here for?"


    Xiao Yi smiled and said, "Do you remember I told you I''d give you a surprise once your injuries healed?"


    Fang Qingzhu nodded, her voice tinged with a touch of melancholy "I''ve been asking you, and you wouldn''t tell me what kind of surprise..."


    "Now I can give you that surprise!"


    Xiao Yi smiled, and under Fang Qingzhu''s expectant gaze, he slowly said, "I can let you start cultivating again!"


    "Start... cultivating again?"


    Fang Qingzhu was stunned, suddenly standing up, she grabbed Xiao Yi''s shoulders and shook them, her voice filled with disbelief "Xiao Yi, are you, are you serious?"


    Xiao Yi chuckled "It''s true!"


    "How... how is that possible? My dantian is shattered, how could it possibly be repaired..." Fang Qingzhu murmured blankly.


    Xiao Yi said, "I have a technique called ''Transplanting Spirit and Space'', which can replace your dantian with a beast core. However, doing so will limit your maximum cultivation level to the grade of the beast core..."


    He explained the methods and limitations of the Transplanting Spirit and Space technique to Fang Qingzhu.


    Although the grade of the beast core would limit her maximum cultivation level, from another perspective, it also meant that Fang Qingzhu''s future was filled with more possibilities.


    Currently, Xiao Yi''s cultivation wasn''t strong enough; he could only hunt third rank magical beasts. But what about the future?


    If he could hunt ninth rank magical beasts, or even the legendary divine beasts...


    And replace Fang Qingzhu''s dantian with a divine beast''s core...


    Wouldn''t she have the potential to ascend to divinity?


    Xiao Yi earnestly said "Qingzhu, are you willing to accept this treatment?"


    Fang Qingzhu took a deep breath and said solemnly "I''m willing!"


    "Then let''s begin the Transplanting Spirit and Space technique now!" Xiao Yi touched his nose, looking somewhat embarrassed, "However, performing this technique requires that you take off your clothes, you see..."


    "..."


    Fang Qingzhu''s face turned as red as a ripe apple, and she responded shyly with a sound of acknowledgment.


    She then began to disrobe.


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath, his breathing became a bit more rapid, but after forcing himself to calm down, he began to perform the Transplanting Spirit and Space technique.


    This technique was not simple!


    Otherwise, it would not be considered a forbidden art by the Underworld Doctor lineage. Since the ancestor of Underworld Doctors, no one in the Southern Border''s lineage of Underworld Doctors understood how to perform this technique. Fortunately, Xiao Yi had received the inheritance of the Underworld Doctor ancestor, which made it relatively easy for him to carry out.


    After ten hours.


    Xiao Yi exhaled a long breath of stale air, his face beaming with a brilliant smile "Qingzhu, congratulations, you can start cultivating anew!"


    Fang Qingzhu put her clothes back on, her face as red as a ripe persimmon, as she nodded with a voice as faint as a mosquito''s whimper. The fragrance of a maiden filled the room, a light, enchanting scent that made one unable to help but have one''s thoughts run wild.


    With a light cough, Xiao Yi shifted his gaze away from her graceful figure and said, "Qingzhu, I have a Cultivation Technique here that is quite suitable for you, called ''Mixed Yuan Purple Mist Skill.'' It''s a high-grade technique of the fourth rank, strong enough to cultivate to the peak of the Golden Core Realm. I''ll pass it on to you now..."


    The mention of the ''Mixed Yuan Purple Mist Skill'' made Fang Qingzhu''s eyes shine even brighter.


    Meanwhile, as Xiao Yi was transmitting the technique to Fang Qingzhu...


    In the distant Tianqing Kingdom''s capital, within the renowned Royal Martial Arts Academy.


    The vast grounds of the Royal Martial Arts Academy could accommodate tens of thousands of people. The academy was divided into four levels: Heaven, Earth, Profound, and Yellow. The Heaven-level students were fewest in number but the strongest in might, all being experts of the Golden Core Realm. Each one was a noble conferred by the royal family, enjoying noble rank.


    Next were the Earth-level students, all surpassing the Seventh Layer of the Divine Passage Realm.


    Profound-level students were those above the Third Layer of the Divine Passage Realm.


    The remaining students below the Third Layer of the Divine Passage Realm were Yellow-level students.


    Fang Jin had just passed the Royal Martial Arts Academy''s assessment and successfully became a Yellow-level student. After training in the academy for two months, he had officially stepped into the Divine Ability Realm, standing out as one of the best among this new group of students.


    And because of this...


    Fang Jin also made quite a few friends among the higher-year students of the Royal Martial Arts Academy, especially Jia Sichun, a Profound-level student of the Sixth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, with whom he had the best relationship.


    Jia Sichun was from the capital''s Jia Family, his father being a second-rank official at court, with a prominent background.


    In particular, his elder brother, Jia Sidao, was among the top ten Earth-level students, at the peak of the Divine Ability Realm, capable of advancing to the Golden Core Realm at any moment to become a Heaven-level student.


    With his own talent being strong and backed by a prominent family, plus having a powerful and protective elder brother,


    Jia Sichun may have only been a Profound-level student, but even average Earth-level students dared not provoke him, which led to his arrogant and overbearing nature. Given to lechery, Fang Jin ingratiated himself by pandering to Jia''s tastes, thus becoming good friends.


    "Fang Jin, I''ll take you to the Myriad Flowers Pavilion!" said Jia Sichun, draping his arm over Fang Jin''s shoulder.


    But Fang Jin''s face was sullen as he replied, "Brother Jia, I''m afraid I won''t be able to accompany you. Something came up at home, and I need to make a trip back!"


    Jia Sichun looked disappointed, "What kind of issue could that tiny Fang Family possibly have?"


    Fang Jin spread the letter in his hands, his face carrying a look of hatred, "My brother was killed, and the Fang Family is surrounded by enemies and in grave danger. I have to go back!"


    "Didn''t you say the patriarch of the Fang Family was a fourth-layer expert of the Divine Ability Realm? Even though the Divine Skills experts from such a tiny and barren place as Nanhuang can hardly wake up their Innate Divine Skills, all false Divine Skills... A fourth-layer Divine Skill expert shouldn''t have many threats, right?" Jia Sichun frowned, puzzled.


    Nanhuang was nothing more than a tiny and impoverished place.


    Even the Divine Ability Realm experts from there were not regarded highly by them.


    Fang Jin said fiercely, "But our opponent can kill third-layer Divine Ability Realm experts, and with the backing of Treasure Pavilion, my Fang Family is no match for him."


    "Treasure Pavilion? Then your enemy does have some skills!" Jia Sichun nodded.


    Fang Jin felt a growing urgency in his heart.


    After learning of Xiao Yi''s strength, he knew it would be difficult to take revenge on his own and was intent on getting Jia Sichun''s help.


    Fang Jin''s eyes spun shrewdly, feigning a sigh, "It''s also my brother''s fault for not listening to me. Fang Qingzhu is as beautiful as a celestial being, the number one beauty of Nanhuang. I told him not to touch that woman. He wouldn''t listen, and in the end, he was killed by that good-for-nothing son-in-law Fang Qingzhu brought home. Sigh..."


    "As beautiful as a celestial being? The number one beauty of Nanhuang?"


    Jia Sichun was taken aback, his eyes lighting up, "Is this Fang Qingzhu you speak of truly that beautiful?"


    Fang Jin''s heart leaped with joy as he quickly responded, "Of course! Fang Qingzhu''s beauty is well-known throughout Nanhuang!"


    "How does she compare to the Oiran of the Myriad Flowers Pavilion?"


    Fang Jin shook his head, "A thousand oirans couldn''t compare to her!"


    Hiss!


    Jia Sichun''s eyes swiveled greedily; avarice and heat flashed through them as he licked his lips with a blood-red tongue, "Fang Jin, as brothers, your business is my business. I''ll accompany you back to Nanhuang City this time. With me there, even the Treasure Pavilion should show me some face! But, well..."


    Fang Jin slapped his chest, "Don''t worry, Brother Jia. I know what you mean! Once I''ve had my revenge, I''ll make sure to bring Fang Qingzhu to your bed..."


    "Hahahaha, good brother! You truly understand me!"


    Jia Sichun laughed heartily.


    Fang Jin forced a smile alongside him, but his eyes were growing colder, "Xiao Yi? Fang Qingzhu? Your days are numbered!"


    S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 31 - 31: Fang Jin Returns!

    "Grandfather, I have had someone find out for us¡ªthe house up ahead belongs to Xiao Yi!"


    On the wide street, a plainly dressed grandparent and grandchild walked side by side.


    The girl, in a white dress, carefully supported the white-haired and bearded old man beside her and pointed to a mansion ahead. Excitement sparkled in her eyes.


    The old man chuckled and nodded. His murky eyes studied the mansion and the long line of people waiting outside, and he laughed, "It seems that this Xiao Yi is not a simple character, attracting so many visitors bearing gifts!" Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The girl smiled broadly, "Grandpa, shall we go and find him now?"


    The old man shook his head, "No rush, Grandpa still has some matters to attend to. After they''re resolved, I''ll accompany you to properly thank them, all right?"


    The girl''s expression dimmed slightly, yet she obediently nodded, "Mhmm, I''ll listen to you, Grandpa!"


    "Haha, you''re such a sweet girl, not like your sister¡­"


    The old man affectionately ruffled the girl''s head and looked again at the mansion, as if he could see through the walls. A glint shimmered in his dim eyes, "A Golden Core? Quite the interesting youngster..."


    Inside the mansion.


    Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhu were cultivating, facing each other in a position that pointed toward the sky with all five hearts.


    Between their palms, a Golden Core the size of a walnut bobbed faintly.


    Strands of golden energy escaped from the Golden Core.


    And seeped into both their bodies.


    Xiao Yi''s body glowed with gold. His vitality surged, as powerful as a dragon or tiger.


    Fang Qingzhu''s face glowed with health, and a purple light flickered around her, like a fairy bathed in the glow of purple clouds.


    Whoosh!


    Both retracted their power at the same time, and the Golden Core fell into Xiao Yi''s hand. The storage ring on his fingertip flashed as he stored the Golden Core away. Both opened their eyes, and as they faced each other, Fang Qingzhu said with a smile, "Xiao Yi, brother, thank you!"


    "No need for thanks between you and me," Xiao Yi said with a mild smile.


    Fang Qingzhu gently nodded her head.


    It had been half a month since Xiao Yi performed the technique to shift flowers and:


    replace the core in Fang Qingzhu''s dantian with the beast core of a Purple-Patterned Blood Python.


    Over this half-month...


    Xiao Yi had been cultivating with her using the Golden Core. Fang Qingzhu had already been at the peak of the Qi Gathering Realm before her cultivation was crippled. Now that her dantian was restored, all she needed was to absorb enough energy to regain her cultivation. In just half a month, she had completely returned to her peak condition.


    Once again at the Peak of the Qi Gathering Realm.


    Ready to break through to the Shentong Realm at any moment!


    As for Xiao Yi, his progress hadn''t been slow either, having reached the Tenth Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm and activated two hundred God Sealing Seeds.


    He was just a step away from entering the Shentong Realm!


    Of course.


    By cultivating together with the Golden Core, they had used up a full fifth of the core''s energy.


    "Xiao Yi, brother, I feel like I am about to step into the Shentong Realm!" remarked Fang Qingzhu.


    Xiao Yi laughed, "I should be breaking through in the next couple of days as well. Let''s strive to enter the Shentong Realm together."


    "Yes!"


    Fang Qingzhu nodded vehemently, her eyes filled with resolve and determination, "As soon as I enter the Shentong Realm, I will have nothing to fear, even if Fang Jin returns. The position of family heir belongs to me!"


    Xiao Yi rubbed her head and said, "Don''t put so much pressure on yourself. What does it matter if you''re no match for Fang Jin? I''m here for you!"


    Fang Qingzhu squinted, her face breaking into a sweet smile.


    "Young Master Xiao, Yan Mingli requests an audience!" called a voice from outside¡ªYan Mingli''s.


    Fang Qingzhu softly said, "Xiao Yi, brother, Elder Yan must have urgent business. You should go see him first!"


    "Alright!"


    Xiao Yi walked outside and frowned at Elder Yan, whose forehead showed traces of sweat, "What''s the matter?"


    Elder Yan glanced inside the door and said in a low voice, "Xiao, I''ve just received a message that Fang Jin has returned to the Fang Family!"


    "Hmm?"


    Xiao Yi was somewhat surprised. Logically speaking, even if Fang Jin had returned, it wouldn''t have caused Elder Yan to lose composure like this. Xiao Yi frowned and asked, "But did he bring anyone back with him?"


    Elder Yan''s gaze held admiration as he looked at Xiao Yi and said, "The message from Lord Sikong is that Fang Jin has returned with a young man. That person is wearing the uniform of a Mysterious Rank student from the Royal Martial Arts Academy..."


    Xiao Yi arched an eyebrow.


    He was, of course, familiar with the levels of the Royal Martial Arts Academy.


    The Mysterious Rank Academy, that was at least the cultivation of the Third Layer of the Divine Passage Realm or higher.


    But a Third Layer Divine Passage Realm from the Royal Martial Arts Academy was far from being comparable to Zhang Yong. In Nanhuang City, a third-rank martial technique could become a clan''s treasure. Yet in the Royal Martial Arts Academy, it''s not to mention the third-rank martial techniques, even fourth-rank martial techniques were at the students'' disposal to study and understand at will.


    What''s more important was...


    There were Divine Skills above martial techniques!


    The power of Divine Skills of the same level far exceeded that of martial techniques of the same tier.


    It could be said without exaggeration that a student of the same Third Layer of the Divine Passage Realm from the Royal Martial Arts Academy would absolutely be stronger in combat than those who hadn''t mastered Divine Skills, even if they were of the Fourth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm.


    No wonder Elder Yan had lost his composure.


    However.


    Xiao Yi was now halfway into the Shentong Realm, and he also bore the seed of Sword Intent, his combat strength absolutely able to easily defeat a master of the Fifth Layer of the Spiritual Power Realm, unless the opponent had the cultivation of the Sixth Layer of the Divine Skill Realm or above and had mastered Divine Skills.


    Otherwise, Xiao Yi did not even consider them a threat!


    Xiao Yi smiled and said, "Let the generals handle the soldiers and the earth handle the flood; we shall watch quietly and see how things unfold!"


    Meanwhile.


    Within the Fang Family...


    Fang Tianhao was overjoyed, his face glowing as he looked at Fang Jin: "Fang Jin, you''re finally back!"


    "I pay my respects to the family head!"


    Fang Jin merely gave a perfunctory bow to Fang Tianhao. Ever since he became a student of the Royal Martial Arts Academy, he had been looking down on Fang Tianhao more and more. Then, with respect, he looked at Jia Sichun, "This is Brother Jia, he is a Mysterious Rank student at the Martial Arts Institute."


    "So it''s Jia, your visit truly brings light to our humble home!" Fang Tianhao said with sparkling eyes, Mysterious Rank students - these were high-level experts of at least the Third Layer of the Divine Passage Realm. He spoke with a fawning tone.


    As for Fang Jin''s perfunctory attitude, he did not dare to show the slightest dissatisfaction.


    Jia Sichun nodded slightly, looking at the Fang Family''s courtyard with a slight frown and a disdainful tone, "Your Fang Family is too rundown, aren''t they? If not for Fang Jin''s sake, you couldn''t have gotten me to set foot in this godforsaken place even if you carried me on a palanquin."


    "Uh..."


    Fang Tianhao wore an embarrassed expression.


    Jia Sichun spoke indifferently, "Fang Jin, aren''t you here for revenge? Have someone send a letter, tell that Xiao Yi to come over and meet his death right away. I can''t bear to stay in this dump for a moment longer!"


    Fang Jin immediately said, "Brother Jia, rest assured, I have already planned everything. I guarantee that all matters will be settled within three days!"


    "What does it matter to me how many days you take to settle things?"


    After a pause, Jia Sichun turned toward Fang Tianhao and directly ordered, "You, go call Fang Qingzhu here. Oh, right, she has a live-in son-in-law, doesn''t she? Have him personally bring Fang Qingzhu to me!"


    Fang Tianhao''s face stiffened, and he said with great trepidation, "Jia, Master Jia, that Xiao Yi is fierce, I dare not go!"


    Smack!


    Jia Sichun slapped Fang Tianhao across the face with the back of his hand, his voice cold as ice, "Useless trash, you can''t even handle such a simple task? Who among you will bring Fang Qingzhu back? I''ll reward them with a Shen Yuan Elixir!"


    The Shen Yuan Elixir, a high-grade elixir of the third rank, could allow a Divine Passage Realm strongman using it for the first time to break through a minor realm directly.


    It was an incredibly valuable elixir.


    Fang Jin had received a Shen Yuan Elixir from Jia Sichun''s hands, and now he already had the cultivation of the Second Layer Spiritual Power Realm.


    *Gulp!*


    Fang Tianhao was tempted by the Shen Yuan Elixir but just thinking about Xiao Yi''s terrifying strength in killing Zhang Yong, he could only lower his head. This only made Jia Sichun even angrier, but just then, a voice came from outside the door: "Master Jia, I am willing to serve you!"

 Chapter 32 - 32: Life and Death Platform!

    Everyone looked toward the door.


    They saw Lei Laohu, with his tiger''s back and bear''s waist, stride in, his face alight with excitement as he eyed the Shen Yuan Elixir in Jia Sichun''s hand.


    Fang Tianhao frowned and said, "Lei Laohu? Who let you in?"


    Lei Laohu ignored Fang Tianhao, respectfully bowed to Jia Sichun and Fang Jin, and said with a sycophantic smile, "Jia, Mr. Fang, I am the leader of the Black Tiger Gang. I share an irreconcilable feud with Xiao Yi, and the moment I heard you two had returned, I immediately came to pay my respects. Overhearing Jia''s words from outside, I took the liberty to offer my services, willing to follow your every command!"


    "Fourth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm? Being able to cultivate to such a level in this small place, you do indeed qualify to be this young master''s dog!"


    Jia Sichun sized up Lei Laohu and said indifferently, "Go, as long as you bring the person back, this young master will grant you a Shen Yuan Elixir!"


    "Rest assured, Jia, I will not disappoint you!" Lei Laohu, far from feeling humiliated at being called a dog by Jia Sichun, thanked him with a glowing face and strode off.


    Fang Tianhao hesitated and then said, "Jia, I''m afraid that Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhu will not be willing to come over!"


    Jia Sichun sneered, "Would he dare? Once I, Jia Sichun, make my name known, he''ll obediently send Fang Qingzhu to my bed! I just hope that little guy hasn''t touched her, or if he has, I''ll have to grind his bones to dust first..."


    ......


    Lei Laohu sat in his carriage, feeling the strength within him growing, his eyes becoming increasingly cold, "Xiao Yi, you killed my son, ended my lineage, and made me lose face completely. Today, it''s time for me, Lei Laohu, to take my revenge!"


    A moment later.


    Lei Laohu arrived at Xiao Yi''s residence.


    Thud!


    Lei Laohu carried a stele on his shoulder, rushing over with a swiftness.


    On the stele was inscribed "Tomb of Xiao Yi" in big characters as he planted it with a thud in front of the main entrance.


    Those in line to present their gifts couldn''t help but show shock on their faces, "Has Lei Laohu been hit on the head by a door?"


    "How dare he do this? Has he forgotten the lesson from the Zhang Family?"


    "Not long ago, he knelt here begging Xiao for forgiveness, how can he now dare to do this?"


    However, Lei Laohu paid no heed to the murmurs of the crowd, his icy gaze fixated on Zhao Xian as he growled dispassionately, "Tell that dog Xiao Yi to come out and see me!"


    Zhao Xian hurriedly opened the door and ran inside, looking for Xiao Yi, "Xiao, it''s bad news, Lei Laohu brought a tombstone and blocked the main gate, and he''s calling for Xiao to roll out and meet him!"


    "Lei Laohu? Has he gone mad?" Elder Yan frowned.


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes and said, "Fang Jin just got back, and Lei Laohu is causing trouble on my doorstep?"


    "You mean... Lei Laohu was sent by Fang Jin?" Elder Yan asked with a frown.


    Xiao Yi shrugged his shoulders, seemingly unconcerned, "Whoever sent him, we''ll know when we go out and see!"


    A group of people walked out of the residence.


    Seeing the red inscription on the stele, Xiao Yi''s pupils contracted slightly, revealing a hint of interest, "I have managed the Eternal Heavenly Tomb for ages, yet I never expected someone would deliver a tombstone for me!"


    Elder Yan was instantly furious; he regarded Xiao Yi as his honored master, and could not tolerate such provocation. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Elder Yan shouted coldly, "Lei Laohu, you are courting death!"


    Lei Laohu glanced at Elder Yan and said blandly, "Elder Yan, there''s no need to be angry. My visit today is also following orders."


    Xiao Yi and Elder Yan exchanged glances.


    As expected!


    Xiao Yi''s eyes narrowed, looking curiously at Lei Laohu, "Following orders? Whose orders are you under?"


    "I am here by the command of Jia, a Profound Level student from the Royal Martial Arts Academy!" Lei Laohu held his head high, proudly stating, "Jia ordered you to immediately bring Fang Qingzhu to the Fang Family; he wants you to personally deliver Fang Qingzhu to his bed..."


    Hiss!


    The surrounding crowd was utterly shocked.


    Who didn''t know that Fang Qingzhu was the wife of Xiao Yi?


    Asking him to personally deliver Fang Qingzhu to another man''s bed?


    This was not merely a challenge but an absolute disregard and humiliation!


    What man with even a shred of dignity could endure such a thing?


    Let alone Xiao Yi?


    His eyes emitted a cold glint as they locked onto Lei Laohu like icy daggers, "Are you looking for death?"


    "Hahaha, Xiao Yi, now that Lei Laohu has the backing of Jia, do you think I''d still be afraid of you?"


    Lei Laohu mentioned Jia with a face full of reverence and was extremely confident in his strength, sneering continuously, "If you behave and personally deliver Fang Qingzhu for Jia''s enjoyment, maybe Jia could leave you a whole corpse. Otherwise, this stele can be erected above your grave today..."


    "You think a mere Profound Level student from the Royal Martial Arts Academy can intimidate me?"


    Xiao Yi let out a cold snort, "You''re too naive!"


    His figure suddenly moved, with the force of thunder, he moved in an instant.


    Whoosh!


    A series of afterimages merged into one on the ground, and under Lei Laohu''s astonished gaze, appeared right in front of him. It was just a punch, casually landing on Lei Laohu''s body.


    Boom!


    Before Lei Laohu could react, he was sent flying, collapsing on the ground like a heap of mud.


    Blood couldn''t stop gushing out.


    His face was filled with astonishment, horror, fear, and a deep sense of disbelief: "You... you''re finished... I represent Jia, and by hitting me, you''re slapping Jia''s face. Even if you''re willing to deliver Fang Qingzhu to his bed now, he won''t let you go..."


    "Shut up!"


    Xiao Yi''s hand flashed with the light of his sword and cut off Lei Laohu''s left hand, asking indifferently, "Why does this Jia specifically want Qingzhu?"


    Lei Laohu, in pain, his face twisted, knew he had to cooperate or the next sword would sever his head, and hurriedly replied, "Fang Jin, it was Fang Jin who recommended Fang Qingzhu to Jia. That''s all I know..."


    "Fang Jin?"


    Xiao Yi''s eyes turned ice-cold in an instant, his intent to kill Fang Jin was stronger than ever.


    He was about to speak...


    Inside the gate, Fang Qingzhu''s cool voice was heard: "You go tell Fang Jin that three days from now, I, Fang Qingzhu, will face him on the Fang Family''s Life and Death Platform to decide our fate."


    "Qingzhu?"


    Xiao Yi looked at her.


    Fang Qingzhu took a deep breath, the icy expression on her face softened a bit, and with a smile at Xiao Yi said, "Big Brother Xiao Yi, leave Fang Jin to me to deal with!"


    Xiao Yi was silent for a moment, then nodded and said, "Alright!"


    He walked over to Lei Laohu, spoke lightly, "I will let you go back. Relay exactly what Qingzhu has said to Fang Jin. And by the way, tell Jia Sichun to clean his neck and wait!"


    Jia Sichun actually dared to covet Fang Qingzhu, even demanding that she be delivered to his bed.


    This man was now marked by Xiao Yi as someone who must be killed.


    "Yes, yes, I will relay the message exactly!"


    Lei Laohu was sincerely frightened, and the coachman quickly helped him into the carriage, which then hastily made its way back to the Fang Family.


    The Fang Family''s great hall.


    Fang Jin and the others looked at Lei Laohu, and for a moment the atmosphere turned silent.


    "Hehehe, what a Fang Qingzhu. Just a discarded wretch, and she dares to challenge me on the Life and Death Platform?"


    Fang Jin sneered and looked at Fang Tianhao, "Head of the family, spread the news tomorrow. Three days from now, I want everyone to witness who the real dragon of the Fang Family is!"


    "Don''t worry, I''ll have someone take care of it right away!" Fang Tianhao hurriedly nodded.


    However, Jia Sichun was squinting his eyes, sizing up Lei Laohu, "Did you tell him that you were sent by me?"


    "This humble one has told him it was Jia''s intention, but that Xiao Yi said, for you to clean your neck and wait..."


    Lei Laohu looked down at his severed left hand, a trace of spite flashing in his eyes, and embellished with malice, "Not only that, but Xiao Yi also said that killing Mr. Jia would be as easy as slaughtering pigs and dogs."


    Bang!


    Jia Sichun slammed his palm on the tea table, shattering it, his eyes ice cold, sneering continuously, "Such boldness, comparing me to slaughtering pigs and dogs? Hmph, isn''t Xiao Yi just a waste expelled by the Xiao Family, an impotent son-in-law? It''s fine for him to show off in this small place, but he dares to insult me like this?"


    Fang Jin said, "Brother Jia, after I defeat Fang Qingzhu in three days, I will take care of Xiao Yi for you, to let off some steam!"


    "No!"


    Jia Sichun''s sinister smile continued, "He looks down on me, right? I''ll let him see just how ridiculous all his pride and confidence are in front of me. Lei Laohu, I now grant you a Shen Yuan Elixir and a third-grade martial skill. Three days from now, I want you to publicly slaughter Xiao Yi, understood?"


    Lei Laohu''s breath became rapid, his eyes turning red, and with sincere trepidation, he said, "Thank you for your grace, Mr. Jia. I won''t let you down!"


    In his eyes, a cold and biting glint of determination was visible...


    "Xiao Yi, your death awaits in three days!"

 Chapter 33 - 33 Alarm Throughout the City

    "Have you heard? Fang Jin from the Fang Family has returned and he''s competing for the position of the heir to the Fang Family!"


    "The news I heard is that Fang Jin is already a student at the Royal Martial Arts Academy, he doesn''t even care about the position of the family head, but Fang Qingzhu refuses to give up the position of the heir, and she even challenged Fang Jin!"


    "What? Wasn''t Fang Qingzhu crippled? Challenging Fang Jin, isn''t that seeking death?"


    "That might not be the case, perhaps Fang Qingzhu will have Xiao Yi step in?"


    "This is destined to be a clash of the titans!"


    Such discussions became the most frequent topic in Nanhuang City over the past two days.


    Fang Qingzhu from the Fang Family, once the pampered princess, now a crippled nobody.


    Fang Jin from the Fang Family, always suppressed by the once-pampered princess Fang Qingzhu, had finally made a name for himself and became a distinguished disciple of the Royal Martial Arts Academy.


    The two of them were like heaven and earth.


    One could even say...


    If it wasn''t for Xiao Yi recently annihilating the Zhang Family single-handedly, right now everyone would assume Fang Qingzhu was as good as dead. However, the focus of attention is now on the battle between Xiao Yi and Fang Jin, and who will have the last laugh. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And not Fang Qingzhu versus Fang Jin.


    After all.


    In everyone''s eyes, Fang Qingzhu is nothing but a cripple.


    Within the Xiao Family''s side residence.


    Xiao Yi was dressed in a short gown of crescent moon white, his black hair a floating cascade, adding a sense of grace and flair to his demeanor. In front of him stood Fang Qingzhu in a tight-fitting purple leather armor, with a long purple whip at her waist.


    "Xiao Yi, how do I look in this outfit today?" Fang Qingzhu asked with a smile.


    Xiao Yi gave a thumbs-up, "Perfect!"


    "Giggle giggle giggle!"


    Fang Qingzhu laughed merrily, then suddenly stood on tiptoes and lightly pecked Xiao Yi on his cheek before blushing and fleeing with her hand over her face.


    Xiao Yi touched his cheek subconsciously, the lingering faint fragrance sending his heart racing, a smile unconsciously lighting up his face, "Did this girl just steal a kiss from me?" Watching her bounded away, her long hair swinging behind her, Xiao Yi''s smile gradually faded.


    In his mind, he couldn''t help but recall the night before, when the two of them practiced cultivation and had their breakthrough to the Shentong Realm.


    The ice-blue phantom phoenix that appeared behind Fang Qingzhu.


    The phoenix, king of mythical birds who fed on dragons, roaming the heavens and earth with unmatched strength. When Fang Qingzhu broke through to the Shentong Realm, an ice-blue phantom phoenix appeared behind her, and she awakened her Innate Divine Ability.


    It is known, not every Shentong Realm cultivator could awaken their Innate Divine Ability!


    Only those with exceptional talent, or a powerful bloodline inheritance, had a chance of awakening their Innate Divine Ability.


    Like Xiao Tianjiao...


    When he broke through to the Shentong Realm, he awakened his Innate Divine Ability, the Limitless Golden Body. By invoking this Divine Skill, he could make himself invulnerable to blade and fire, water and flame, and combined with the terrifying power of the Supreme Overlord Holy Body, he was invincible within his realm, fighting across levels as easily as drinking water.


    "The Fang Family''s ancestors have no records of birthing such powerful individuals, how did Qingzhu awaken her Innate Divine Ability?"


    As he pondered.


    Fang Qingzhu''s urging voice came from in front, "Xiao Yi, hurry up!"


    Ah!


    Why think so much?


    It only adds to one''s troubles!


    Xiao Yi let out a hearty laugh and responded, "I''m coming!"


    Elder Yan was already waiting outside, standing in front of an opulent golden carriage, respectfully saying, "Young Master Xiao, Madam Xiao, please get into the carriage!"


    "Thank you!"


    Fang Qingzhu smiled sweetly, looked to the left and right and not seeing Lin Bingxin, asked with curiosity, "Elder Yan, where is Bingxin?"


    Elder Yan smiled and said, "Bingxin is on her way, you will see her soon!"


    "Alright then!"


    Fang Qingzhu nodded and climbed into the carriage.


    Elder Yan personally drove the carriage, a truly astonishing level of deference.


    Tatata!


    The carriage slowly made its way toward the Fang Family, and Xiao Yi, sitting inside, narrowed his eyes and lifted the curtain.


    He saw figures darting out from all around the street, closely following behind the carriage.


    Within the crowd.


    It was possible to vaguely make out the figures of Lin Bingxin, Zhao Yu, Zhao Xian, and others.


    "Xiao Yi, brother, what are they doing¡­" Fang Qingzhu looked bewildered, why such a commotion?


    Elder Yan''s voice came from outside the carriage, "Xiao, Madam Xiao, this has been organized spontaneously by everyone. The shameless actions of the Fang Family have long been intolerable to everyone, today they are all here to cheer and support you!"


    Lin Bingxin had already caught up to the side of the carriage, riding a tall horse, smiling as she looked inside, "Qingzhu, sister, fight hard, you are not fighting alone!"


    "We support you!"


    "Go for it!"


    Cheers and shouts kept coming from outside the carriage.


    In these past few days...


    The Fang Family continually slandered Fang Qingzhu and Xiao Yi, both of whom had been focused on their closed-door training and were unaware of the events unfolding outside. However, Elder Yan, Zhao Yu, and the others were well aware, and they also mobilized their resources to expose the deeds of the Fang Family to the public.


    From the expulsion of Xiao Yi from the main courtyard by the Fang Family.


    To the humiliation and oppression of Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhu during Fang Tianhao''s birthday feast.


    And the shameless actions of Fang Zheng, Liu Yun, and others, as well as Fang Jin''s attempt to please a high-ranking disciple of the Royal Martial Arts Academy by offering Fang Qingzhu to Jia Sichun, and so on...


    The people deeply detested the despicable actions of the Fang Family.


    With the calls from the Treasure Pavilion and the Zhao Family, the scene that unfolded now was made possible.


    Tens of thousands of people surrounded Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhu, converging into an iron flood and majestically heading toward the Fang Family.


    Emptying every alley, startling the entire city.


    ......


    The Fang Family''s premises were already swarming with a sea of people.


    On the open ground outside the main gate, a huge fighting platform made of bluestone had been set up.


    This was the Life and Death Platform.


    By the side of the platform.


    Jia Sichun lounged lazily on a Taishi Chair, with a beautiful woman on each side attentively tending to him, with Lei Laohu, Fang Jin, and Fang Tianhao sitting to his left and right.


    As for Fang Zheng, Liu Yun, and Fang Hao, they didn''t even have the privilege of sitting, and stood behind the others.


    Jia Sichun caressed the waist of a woman beside him, enjoying the taste of the delicacies in his mouth, and impatiently said, "Haven''t Xiao Yi and the others arrived yet?"


    "They should be arriving soon!" Fang Tianhao said obsequiously.


    Boom boom boom!


    Suddenly, a thunderous noise like a multitude of armies on the move came from the front, rattling the cups on the table, as a black tide of steel gradually emerged on the street, almost covering the entire street.


    At the forefront of the crowd, a golden carriage slowly approached.


    "Here they come!" Fang Jin squinted.


    Jia Sichun raised his eyebrows, "Oh? The carriage from Treasure Pavilion? It seems this Xiao Yi has quite a special relationship with the Treasure Pavilion!"


    Fang Tianhao looked concerned, "Jia, the Elder Yan from Treasure Pavilion has an unbreakable bond with Xiao Yi, do we¡­"


    "No need to worry!"


    Jia Sichun waved his hand indifferently, "If it were the Pavilion Master of the capital''s Treasure Pavilion, I might fear him somewhat. But a mere branch Pavilion Master from Nanhuang, is someone I do not regard highly!"


    Fang Tianhao let out a sigh of relief.


    Meanwhile.


    Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhu also stepped down from the carriage.


    The moment Jia Sichun caught a distant glimpse of Fang Qingzhu, he abruptly stood up from his seat, his eyes glued to her, his gaze filled with a fiery passion, he swallowed and exclaimed, "Beautiful, incredibly beautiful, hahaha, Fang Jin, you have not disappointed me at all."


    Jia Sichun glanced at Lei Laohu and commanded, "You, go bring that Fang Qingzhu to me!"

 Chapter 34 - 34: You Think You Are Worthy?

    "Bring Fang Qingzhu to me!"


    Jia Sichun stared at Fang Qingzhu with excitement, giving orders to Lei Laohu.


    Lei Laohu''s whole body surged with Qi-Blood like a rainbow, bursting forth from his body, all over him lingered the ferocious aura of a recent breakthrough. Having received a Shen Yuan Elixir from Jia Sichun, he had progressed from the Third Layer of the Shentong Realm to the Fourth Layer.


    His combat strength had increased several-fold from before.


    It was the perfect moment for him to retaliate in high spirits and redeem his previous disgrace.


    "Rest assured, Jia," Lei Laohu respectfully said. "I''ll bring Fang Qingzhu to you right away!"


    Jia Sichun said, "Don''t harm the beauty, but as for the others," his eyes flashed with a cold light, "if they dare to obstruct, kill!"


    "Yes!"


    Lei Laohu strode towards Xiao Yi and the others with the confident gait of a despot.


    "Eh? Isn''t that the Black Tiger Gang''s Leader Lei? What is he up to?"


    "They say when the Zhang Family was just annihilated, Lei Laohu knelt in front of Xiao Yi''s residence begging for forgiveness. How come he''s now siding with that Jia?"


    "He''s probably looking to avenge his past humiliation. They say this Jia is from the Mysterious Rank Academy at the Royal Martial Arts Academy, with a deep background. With such a powerful patron, Lei Laohu naturally need not fear Xiao Yi anymore!"


    Amidst the murmuring.


    Lei Laohu arrived in front of Xiao Yi and Qingzhu, looking proud and indifferent. His gaze was cold as he regarded Xiao Yi, madness for revenge flashing in his eyes: "By Jia''s order, I''m to take Fang Qingzhu to serve him!"


    "How dare you!"


    Elder Yan''s expression darkened as he angrily reprimanded.


    Lei Laohu stared down Elder Yan without fear, raising his mangled left hand and feigning a fist salute in the direction of Jia Sichun, casually saying, "Elder Yan, consider carefully. This is what Jia wishes. Are you sure you want to oppose him?"


    "You..." Elder Yan''s face turned unsightly.


    Jia Sichun was not only backed by the Royal Martial Arts Academy, but his family background was also terribly strong.


    Even Elder Yan dared not offend him too much.


    As Elder Yan hesitated, Xiao Yi spoke indifferently, "You really are tired of living!"


    Instinctive fear flickered deep within Lei Laohu''s eyes, but upon thinking of Jia Sichun''s support and his newfound strength having broken through to the Fourth Layer of the Shentong Realm and having received a martial skill from Jia, he felt full of confidence.


    "Hmph, I am no longer the same Lei Laohu as before. I have successfully stepped into the Fifth Layer of the Shentong Realm with Jia''s help and acquired a third-grade high-level fist technique. I won''t be at a disadvantage even against you!"


    Lei Laohu arrogantly declared, "Xiao Yi, if you know what''s good for you, hand over Fang Qingzhu to Jia. Perhaps you can then clutch at life and maintain a semblance of it. Otherwise, this day next year will be your day of remembrance! If you doubt it, we can settle this with a fight!"


    Xiao Yi''s fingers slightly curled up, forming a sword-finger gesture, ready to make a move.


    Suddenly stepping forward, Zhao Yu bowed respectfully, "Xiao, such trash does not deserve to be on the receiving end of your hands. Please allow me to sever his head!"


    Taken aback, Xiao Yi looked at the earnest expression on Zhao Yu''s face and nodded. "Granted!"


    Whoosh!


    Zhao Yu let out a breath, ecstasy spreading across his face.


    With Xiao Yi''s permission for him to step forward, it indicated that he was regarded as one of Xiao Yi''s own.


    Lei Laohu eyed Zhao Yu standing in front of him, squinting, "Zhao Yu, has your brain been squeezed by a door? Behind me stands Jia, a student of the Mysterious Rank Academy of the Royal Martial Arts Institute, with a background both powerful and formidable. And yet you choose to stand with Xiao Yi?"


    Slowly drawing his longsword, Zhao Yu spoke calmly, "Jia Sichun? He''s not even qualified to carry Xiao''s shoes... Enough talk, it''s time to die!"


    "Since you seek death, don''t blame me for it!"


    Lei Laohu snorted coldly, "Barbaric Bull Power Fist!"


    He leapt into the air and charged ferociously towards Zhao Yu.


    This set of moves, known as the "Barbaric Bull Power Fist," was a third-grade high-level fist technique he had bought from Jia Sichun with over a decade''s accumulations of the Black Tiger Gang, far stronger than any martial skill he had previously mastered.


    Forceful and overwhelmingly fierce.


    However...


    Zhao Yu, on the other hand, appeared indifferent. Holding the longsword, he suddenly sidestepped, "Tiger-Slaying First Sword!"


    Swish!


    This sword strike, launched from below to above, barely forced Lei Laohu to dodge by tilting his body. Calm and composed, Zhao Yu immediately followed with the next move: "Tiger-Slaying Second Sword!"


    This sword came slashing diagonally from top to bottom.


    Lei Laohu felt a chill all over. Instinctively stepping to the side, he retreated backward.


    But just as he retreated, a breath of death had already struck from behind.


    With a glimpse out of the corner of his eye, Lei Laohu was chilled to the bone with fright.


    Zhao Yu had unknowly positioned himself behind him, "The Third Sword of Subduing the Tiger!"


    Swish!


    A single sword thrust, and even ghosts and gods were startled.


    Thrust!


    That thrust pierced through Lei Laohu''s throat, and he knelt on the ground, clutching his throat, trembling all over. Zhao Yu watched him coldly, "Both are third-grade high-level martial arts. Yours was bought from the Black Tiger Gang with more than a decade of savings, while mine was something Xiao discarded because he didn''t think it was good enough!"


    Thrust!


    Lei Laohu spurted a mouthful of fresh blood.


    Did the martial skill he spent more than a decade''s savings on actually amount to less than the trash Xiao Yi didn''t even want?


    Ah...


    Lei Laohu roared unwillingly, and with a loud boom, fell on his back, breathless in death.


    Zhao Yu put away his longsword under the awe-struck gaze of the crowd and stood before Xiao Yi, stating respectfully, "Xiao, I have not failed your expectations!"


    "Well done!"


    Xiao Yi nodded with a smile, then his gaze shifted to Fang Jin and Jia Sichun.


    The two had left their seats at the moment of Lei Laohu''s death.


    "Here, take him back!" S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi kicked Lei Laohu''s corpse to Jia Sichun''s feet.


    "Useless trash, a disgrace..."


    Jia Sichun, with an angry face, struck out with his palm, smashing Lei Laohu''s body into mincemeat. He looked up, locked eyes with Xiao Yi, and sparks flew, their glares clashing in the air with fiery intensity.


    "Brother Jia, don''t get angry. I''ll kill him momentarily to vent your anger!"


    Fang Jin let out a long howl, his figure soared to the sky, and in an instant, he was on the arena stage, looking down coldly at Fang Qingzhu, "Qingzhu, it''s your fortune that Brother Jia thinks highly of you. If you serve Brother Jia well, I will not only give you the position of family heir, but I will also plead for mercy on your behalf to spare the life of the dog, Xiao Yi. How about that?"


    Fang Qingzhu coldly responded, "The position of family heir is already mine, Hexu, it''s yours to give away!"


    "Oh? So you are keen on battling me? I''m not afraid to tell you, I''m a cultivator of the Second Layer Spiritual Power Realm and have even awakened my Innate Divine Ability. You''re just a cripple with a damaged dantian. Are you sure you want to fight me?"


    Fang Jin laughed heartily, his words laced with a nauseating smugness, "Or are you planning to have a husband and wife team-up and come to die together?"


    "You''re not worthy to make Brother Xiao Yi take action!" Fang Qingzhu coolly replied.


    Swish!


    Her figure flashed, and she leapt onto the arena stage, her face indifferent, "Begin!"


    "Hahaha, you should make the first move. If I start, you won''t even have the chance to react!" Fang Jin was full of pride.


    "Oh!"


    Fang Qingzhu just responded with a sound.


    The next second.


    Her figure vanished from Fang Jin''s sight.


    "What? Where is she?"


    Fang Jin was utterly befuddled, then suddenly, a burning pain spread across his face.


    Smack!


    Fang Jin spun around like a top, was flung ten meters away, tumbled for several turns, and crashed down from the arena stage.


    Hiss!


    The crowd gasped, their faces aghast, "What... what just happened?"


    "Such speed, wasn''t Fang Qingzhu''s dantian supposedly ruined? How... how does she have such strength and speed?"


    Fang Jin was slapped into a state of complete confusion.


    Fang Qingzhu walked to the edge of the arena stage, looking down with scorn at Fang Jin, mocking with a cold laugh, "Still thinking of challenging Brother Xiao Yi? Do you think you''re worthy?"

 Chapter 35 - 35: Overwhelming Domination

    "Impossible, how can this be possible?"


    Fang Jin''s face was filled with disbelief and shock.


    The news of Fang Qingzhu being crippled was known throughout Nanhuang City, but the strength and speed that Fang Qingzhu had just displayed, how could someone whose dantian had been destroyed possess such abilities?


    At the very least, that level of strength and speed was something even Fang Jin felt inferior to!


    Jia Sichun narrowed his eyes and looked at Fang Qingzhu with an increasingly intense gaze, his desire to possess her growing stronger: "Excellent, excellent, what a heavenly prodigy. To be able to break through to the First Layer of the Divine Passage Realm at such a young age in this remote place, if she can awaken her Innate Divine Ability, she would even be qualified to be a concubine of this young master!"


    "What? First Layer of the Divine Passage Realm?"


    "Is it true? Fang Qingzhu reached the First Layer of the Divine Passage Realm? Wasn''t her dantian destroyed?"


    The most shocked were undoubtedly Mr. and Mrs. Fang Zheng.


    They had personally witnessed Fang Qingzhu''s dantian being destroyed!


    And now Fang Qingzhu had actually broken through to the Divine Passage Realm?


    Elder Yan and Zhao Yu exchanged looks, also seeing the shock and astonishment in each other''s eyes, but compared to the confusion and incomprehension of others, they felt even more shocked.


    The two exchanged glances and turned simultaneously to look at Xiao Yi, who stood with his hands behind his back and a smile on his face.


    They could be certain that Fang Qingzhu had indeed been crippled!


    Yet now, Fang Qingzhu had broken through to the Divine Passage Realm.


    This was nothing short of a miracle!


    "It must be Xiao!"


    "Apart from him, no one else could create such a miracle... a reborn dantian, Xiao''s methods are truly profound and unfathomable..." As they looked at Xiao Yi, their eyes filled with even more reverence.


    Above the arena.


    Fang Qingzhu said indifferently: "Fang Jin, how much longer do you plan to lie there? Weren''t you going to take away the position of family heir? Come on, show me your full strength and let me see what makes you believe you can replace me!"


    Before her dantian was destroyed, Fang Qingzhu was already considered a heavenly prodigy.


    A prodigy has the pride of a prodigy!


    Ever since her dantian was destroyed, Fang Qingzhu had endured the world''s coldness and seen all its hideous faces.


    Her mentality became even stronger than before.


    But at the same time...


    It made her even colder towards her enemies.


    Fang Jin''s face alternated between pale and flushed, originally thinking that his breakthrough to the Divine Skills Realm, especially with Jia Sichun''s help to step into the Second Layer of the Divine Skills Realm, would mean a triumphant return. He would announce himself as the overlord of Nanhuang City in front of everyone.


    But...


    His dream was harshly shattered by Fang Qingzhu from the very start.


    "Damn it!" Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Fang Jin clenched his teeth, his eyes filled with ferocity and madness, "It was just my carelessness just now... Fang Qingzhu, you''ve completely infuriated me."


    "Oh?"


    Fang Qingzhu remained calm as usual, squinting her eyes and saying, "And what about it?"


    "I''m going to kill you!"


    Fang Jin, red-faced, let out a low roar and summoned a black longsword from his storage ring.


    The longsword was wrapped with a black dragon, the tip of the blade flickering with cold light, shining for ten miles.


    "Second-Grade Yuan Weapon Dragon Scale Sword!"


    "Half a year ago, this weapon was auctioned by Treasure Pavilion and bought by a mysterious person, I didn''t expect it to end up in his hands!"


    "This is bad, Fang Qingzhu''s weapon is only a First-layer High-Level Yuan Weapon Purple Cloud Whip, she''s at a big disadvantage just based on their weapons alone!"


    Fang Qingzhu squinted, her eyes flickering with sharp light, but she showed no sign of panic. Instead, she turned back to Xiao Yi with a playful smile: "Xiao Yi, that sword looks pretty good, do you like it?"


    Xiao Yi smiled: "It''s not bad!"


    "Alright!"


    Fang Qingzhu beamed with charm, sweetly saying, "Since Xiao Yi likes it, then it''s mine!"


    "You dare covet my weapon? You''re delusional!"


    "Poison Dragon Slash!"


    Fang Jin leaped up, the Dragon Scale Sword exuding a cold brilliance. The black dragon pattern coiling around the sword seemed to come alive, and amidst a deafening dragon''s roar, the glistening silver tip stabbed towards Fang Qingzhu.


    The strike was powerful and heavy, its angle extremely tricky.


    However...


    Fang Qingzhu''s face remained indifferent, her figure graceful as a celestial, her delicate hand flicking the Purple Cloud Whip.


    Crack!


    The Purple Cloud Whip danced wildly like a raging serpent, striking out in an instant, coiling around the blade of the Dragon Scale Sword. Following that, a faint ice-blue phantom flickered in her eyes, seemingly that of a soaring phoenix cloaked in icy blue.


    The Ice Blue Phoenix swept past.


    A dreadful cold swept down his palm, and a layer of cold ice had actually condensed on the longsword.


    "Not good!"


    Fang Jin''s face changed suddenly.


    In such an instant...


    His palm was already covered with a layer of frost, the entire palm numb.


    "Let go!"


    Fang Qingzhu sharply pulled her whip, and with a snap, she broke Fang Jin''s frozen grasp, revealing fierce cracks in the frozen palm. The mist of cold made the oozing blood instantly turn into crimson ice spikes.


    The Dragon Scale Sword fell into Fang Qingzhu''s hands.


    Taking advantage of the momentum, the whip coiled and snapped against Fang Jin''s chest.


    Clothes burst apart, skin split, flesh exploded, and blood gushed like a fountain!


    Fang Jin screamed miserably as he was hurled out, Fang Qingzhu pursued, and with the Purple Cloud Whip binding, she threw the longsword fiercely. With a piercing sound, it penetrated Fang Jin''s thigh, nailing him to the arena floor.


    All of this happened in a fleeting moment, in the blink of an eye.


    Fang Qingzhu had taken absolute advantage!


    In contrast, Fang Jin...


    This genius from the Royal Martial Arts Academy, now impaled on the arena floor like a dead dog, wailed miserably.


    "Holy shit, isn''t Fang Qingzhu too strong?"


    "Worthy of being the once number one beauty of Nanhuang City, her strength is terrifying!"


    "Fang Jin''s loss isn''t undeserved..."


    The crowd exclaimed at Fang Qingzhu''s strength, but Xiao Yi''s expression darkened, a glint of intense cold murderous intent flitting across his eyes.


    Just as Fang Qingzhu defeated Fang Jin, a figure suddenly sprang out from below the arena. A sword finger surged with overwhelming Yuan energy aimed directly at Fang Qingzhu, accompanied by Jia Sichun''s bitterly cold voice, "Fang Jin is my dog, hitting him means disrespecting me, get down on your knees!"


    Jia Sichun was a cultivator of the Sixth Layer of the Divine Skill Realm and a genius who had awakened his Innate Divine Ability.


    With his gesture, the breath of death enveloped Fang Qingzhu.


    As the sword finger was about to strike Fang Qingzhu...


    At that moment...


    Xiao Yi stepped forward into the air, crushing that sword finger with a stomp, and with a backhanded slap, a loud snap landed on Jia Sichun''s face.


    Flinging Jia Sichun away.


    Xiao Yi looked at him with icy eyes, "Dare to touch my woman, I see you''ve grown tired of living!"


    "You dare to hit me?"


    Jia Sichun''s face was full of ferocious hate, who had he ever been slapped by in public from childhood?


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "If you seek death, wait until Qingzhu has resolved the matter here, I will oblige you. If you dare to meddle again, I''ll cripple you right now!"


    Boom!


    The aura of the God-Sealing Demon-Suppressing General was unmatched, capable of subduing the heavens and sealing gods and demons.


    Jia Sichun''s pupils shrank suddenly, and an unprecedented solemnity rose in his heart, but he retreated to the side without a word.


    Xiao Yi turned to Fang Tianhao, "Mr. Fang, can you now announce who will be the Fang Family successor?"


    Whew!


    Fang Tianhao exhaled a long breath, looking at Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhu with a complicated expression. He had never imagined that the two whom he once drove out and never took seriously could come this far.


    His eyes carried ferocity and coldness, staring fixedly at the two but he shook his head and said, "Qingzhu, it''s a joy that you have recovered your cultivation. However, it''s still not your turn to be the successor of the Fang Family head."


    "Hm?"


    Fang Qingzhu was taken aback, her brows tightly knitted.


    She did not covet the position of head of the Fang Family, but it was the goal she had struggled for since childhood to prove herself.


    She wanted to prove to everyone that she Fang Qingzhu was no less than any man.


    To show her parents that she deserved their love and attention.


    And now...


    She had done it!


    She had defeated Fang Jin and proven her strength.


    But Fang Tianhao said she still couldn''t become the successor?


    Fang Qingzhu''s face turned pale, her lips tightly pursed as she asked word by word, "Why?"


    Fang Tianhao said coldly, "Because..."

 Chapter 36 - 36 The Origins of Fang Qingzhu

    Fang Tianhao said coldly, "Because you are not of my Fang Family''s bloodline!"


    Boom!


    Fang Qingzhu staggered back three steps, her pretty face turned deathly pale, and she looked at Fang Tianhao in disbelief, "What are you saying? I''m not of the Fang Family bloodline?"


    From her childhood, she was born and raised in the Fang Family.


    She had even been willing to become a sacrificial pawn for the Fang Family''s interests, sinking to the role of a tool for the Fang Family to cling to the Xiao Family through alliance marriage.


    But now...


    Fang Tianhao was actually telling her she was not of the Fang Family?


    Fang Tianhao glanced at the hiding Fang Zheng couple and said indifferently, "Do you still not come forth at this point?"


    The Fang Zheng couple came out from behind.


    They exchanged a glance, and Fang Zheng pushed Liu Yun, "You say it!"


    Liu Yun glared fiercely at Fang Zheng, her gaze toward Fang Qingzhu filled with complexity, and she sighed, "Qingzhu, the head of the family is right, you truly are not one of us. Eighteen years ago, on a snowy night, we found you in the Southern Desolate Mountain Range during our training and brought you back. You are just an unwanted wild seed!"


    Boom!


    Fang Qingzhu trembled, feeling an icy chill throughout her body.


    She was truly not of the Fang Family?


    She was just an unwanted wild seed?


    Fang Qingzhu clenched her lips tightly as fresh blood seeped from them, staining her pearly white teeth red. "I don''t believe it, you''re lying to me, right? You must all be conspiring to deceive me, right?"


    Her hoarse voice was laced with hysteria, and her bloodshot eyes were too intense to meet.


    "I..."


    Liu Yun looked at the girl she had raised for eighteen years, suddenly feeling a strange sense of fear and unfamiliarity. She opened her mouth but couldn''t make a sound.


    Fang Zheng, standing to one side, sighed and said, "Let me do it then!"


    "You are indeed not our daughter. At first, we thought to raise you only to have you serve as a maid, but at the age of eight, you showed exceptional martial arts talent, and we decided to keep your true origin a secret. Having a daughter with remarkable talents could stabilize our position within the clan. We hoped to keep this secret forever and treat you as our own, especially after arranging your marriage with the Xiao Family. But you were crippled and useless, and married to such a weakling, you hold no value for us now..."


    Fang Zheng looked up at Fang Qingzhu and said, "Fang Jin has Jia''s support, and even if you regain your cultivation, you cannot compete with him. Qingzhu, for the sake of eighteen years of affection, my advice to you is to submit willingly to Jia. As long as you serve Jia well, even if only as his lover, you will still be our good girl!"


    Thump! Thump! Thump!


    Fang Qingzhu suddenly realized why, as a child, Fang Zheng and his wife had always been so indifferent to her.


    It was only after she began to cultivate and displayed immense talent that they suddenly started showing her great concern.


    But once she was married to Xiao Yi, and her cultivation was destroyed, they became strangers to her.


    "So it turns out... I was nothing but a tool for you to use all along..." Fang Qingzhu murmured to herself. As she spoke, tears fell, and as she cried, she laughed as well.


    Yet her laughter was desolate, and her smile was terribly bitter.


    She felt as if the whole world plunged into endless darkness.


    Out of reach was any light or hope!


    Liu Yun, standing aside, shouted, "Your father is right, with Jia''s status, becoming his lover would hugely benefit us and the Fang Family. You''re nothing but an unwanted wild seed, becoming his lover is a great fortune for you, I urge you..." Ah...


    Before she could finish.


    Smack!


    Liu Yun was sent flying by a slap from Xiao Yi, her teeth shattered from the impact, and Xiao Yi''s cold gaze swept across them, "If you utter one more useless word, I''ll slaughter you right now!"


    Hiss!


    Fang Zheng and Fang Hao quickly bowed their heads, as silent as cicadas in winter.


    Watching Fang Qingzhu by his side, who alternated between laughing and crying, Xiao Yi''s eyes flashed with pain, and he gently embraced her, "Don''t be afraid, you still have me!"


    Fang Qingzhu stiffened, then gradually softened in his arms.


    The warmth emanating from Xiao Yi''s body felt like a lifesaving straw, pulling Fang Qingzhu out from the abyss of darkness and despair.


    Life returned to Fang Qingzhu''s eyes once more.


    She was not alone, she was not unwanted.


    She still had Xiao Yi!


    "What a touching display of love between a man and his girl¡­ However, you knew that I fancied her, yet you dared to be so intimate with her, isn''t that too dismissive of me?" Jia Sichun looked at Fang Qingzhu curled up in Xiao Yi''s embrace, his eyes filled with rage and jealousy, which diluted the awe his imposing aura should have commanded.


    His possessiveness was extremely intense.


    In his eyes, anyone or anything he desired was his.


    No one else was permitted to touch them!


    "You¡­"


    Just as Fang Qingzhu was about to speak, Xiao Yi stopped her and shook his head with a light chuckle, "Leave it to me!"


    Fang Qingzhu obediently nodded, "Mhm!"


    Watching Fang Qingzhu step off the platform, Xiao Yi''s soft smile quietly faded away, and his nearly closed eyes emitted a cold sharpness. Casually strolling by Fang Jin, he reached out his hand into thin air, and the Dragon Scale Sword whistled into his grip with a swift motion.


    "Owow¡­" Fang Jin cried out in pain.


    The Dragon Scale Sword had only pierced through his flesh when it went through his thigh, but Xiao Yi suddenly withdrew it, completely shattering his bones.


    Xiao Yi glanced sideways at the curled up Fang Jin who was screaming on the ground and said indifferently, "You''re too noisy!"


    The longsword pierced, penetrating Fang Jin''s throat.


    From the moment Fang Jin set his sights on Fang Qingzhu, his fate had already been sealed!


    "No¡­ you, you actually killed Fang Jin?" Fang Tianhao''s eyes were filled with fury.


    Now that their relationship with Fang Qingzhu had become irreparably volatile, Fang Jin was their Fang Family''s only hope.


    But now¡­


    Xiao Yi had personally crushed that hope.


    Fang Tianhao shouted to Jia Sichun beside him, "Jia, kill him, quickly avenge Fang Jin!"


    Bang!


    Jia Sichun made his move.


    Only...


    His palm struck Fang Tianhao''s head.


    Fang Tianhao''s body trembled, blood spurted from his seven apertures, and until his dying moment, he still couldn''t understand why Jia Sichun, clearly on the same side, would suddenly strike at him. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "A dog dares to give orders to me?"


    Jia Sichun withdrew his hand, took out a handkerchief to wipe his palm, and looked at Xiao Yi with disgust, "Xiao Yi of the Xiao Family? Your brother Xiao Tianjiao is indeed an impressive figure, said to have entered the Dharma Manifestation Realm half a month ago, becoming the Deputy Sect Master of Tianjian Sect, and he might reach the ranks of the ancient giants within ten years. But I heard he doesn''t think highly of you; he even considers you a disgrace and expelled you from the Xiao Family. If I kill you now, he should thank me, right?"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback, "He has reached the Dharma Manifestation already? That''s fast!"


    Though he harbored all sorts of hatred towards Xiao Tianjiao, he couldn''t help but admire his martial talent.


    Entering the Dharma Manifestation Realm in his twenties!


    Even in the history of the entire Heavenly Yuan Realm, such individuals are rare.


    "It seems I still have a long way to go to surpass him!"


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath, his gaze settling on Jia Sichun, the Dragon Scale Sword in his hand vibrating ever so slightly, its tip flickering with silver light, bright and cold for a hundred zhang, and he said coldly, "If you want to kill me to curry favor with Xiao Tianjiao, you''ll have to see if you''re capable!"


    Jia Sichun''s tongue, red as blood, licked his lips, and he sneered, "If you can withstand ten moves from me and hand over Fang Qingzhu to me, I''ll spare your life. How about it?"


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Killing you is like slaughtering pigs and dogs, ten moves? That''s too many!"

 Chapter 37 - 37 Visit Mr. Xiao

    ```


    "Killing you is like slaughtering pigs and dogs, ten moves? Too many!"


    Xiao Yi wore a look of indifference on his face as he gently shook his head.


    Although his cultivation was only at the First Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, the four hundred God Sealing Seeds within his body had been activated. Even though he hadn''t subdued any new foes, those seeds had infused his Sword Intent Seed with the power of the divine.


    He had completed the last step of transformation.


    True Sword Intent had formed!


    With Sword Intent in his grasp and having stepped into the First Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, he had also awakened his Innate Divine Ability.


    This elevated Xiao Yi''s power to a whole new level!


    He underwent a fundamental transformation!


    With his current strength, not even a Sixth Layer of Divine Skill Realm powerhouse like Jia Sichun was of any concern to him.


    "Killing me is like slaughtering pigs and dogs?"


    Jia Sichun''s face was filled with a hideous rage, experiencing humiliation like never before, he touched his cheek that had just been slapped by Xiao Yi, his eyes glinting with icy coldness, "A dog like you dares to humiliate me like this? I''ll show you how foolish it is to have angered me!"


    Boom!


    Jia Sichun''s fists flew through the air.


    Vital energy surged wildly along his arms as if cloaked in an armor of Qi, his figure as swift as the wind and lightning, racing forth in a blink.


    Whoosh!


    In the blink of an eye.


    Jia Sichun appeared before Xiao Yi, pointing his finger, "Four Directions Prison Dragon Finger!"


    Boom!


    Vital energy, fine as threads, burst forth from his fingertips, enveloping the space around Xiao Yi from all directions, interweaving into a cage of Qi.


    Jia Sichun''s face twisted malevolently, "Six Harmonies Extinction Sun Palm!"


    He opened his hands, one to the left and one to the right, with palms facing each other.


    From his palms erupted scorching vital energy like raging flames, transforming into two fiery dragons rushing towards Xiao Yi within the cage. The dragons appeared fierce and life-like, with flames that soared high enough to almost melt the arena itself.


    "Is this... really martial arts? Why do our techniques seem like child''s play before his, although we''re also in the Divine Skills Realm..." Zhao Yu swallowed nervously, his eyes filled with horror and dread.


    Elder Yan took a deep breath, his face tinged with bitterness, "This is true Divine Skills. What we''ve been cultivating is merely martial arts... Nanhuang is too small!"


    Nanhuang was indeed too small.


    So small that these family heads who presided over their respective areas couldn''t even awaken their Innate Divine Abilities when breaking through to the Divine Skills Realm.


    If they were in the capital, these Divine Skills Realm experts could only be called pseudo-Divine Skills.


    They were far inferior to those of the same realm who had awakened their Innate Divine Abilities. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Not to mention in the Great Qian Dynasty...


    Any Divine Skills Realm cultivator who hadn''t awakened their Innate Divine Ability, even in the military, would only be cannon fodder.


    Not far away, amidst the crowd.


    Lord Sikong wore a grave expression as he turned toward the elder beside him, his heart filled with unease, he ventured, "Elder Wang, should you intervene?"


    "Grandfather, won''t you take action?" The young girl standing beside him looked up.


    Elder Wang chuckled and shook his head, petting the girl''s head, he smiled, "No need, that young fellow named Xiao Yi has brought me quite a few surprises! And his wife, having such a rare Ice Attribute Innate Divine Ability, if I bring this couple back, those old fellows will surely be green with envy..."


    Sikong Nan''s face shifted slightly.


    He was well aware of Elder Wang''s status and naturally understood where the elder spoke of taking them.


    Sikong Nan calmed the envy and excitement in his heart, looking towards Xiao Yi, he thought to himself, "It seems it must have been Xiao who brought forth the heavenly phenomenon back then, and now he has even caught Elder Wang''s favor. Xiao''s future is boundless indeed!"


    Meanwhile.


    The fiery dragon from the flames had already rushed toward the Four Directions Prison Cage.


    Numerous flames spewed out tongues of fire, emitting intense heat as if to incinerate all in its path to ashes.


    "Die, Xiao Yi!"


    Fang Zheng and his family had faces full of venomous resentment.


    However...


    Amidst the flames, a heaven-shattering Sword Qi burst forth.


    ```


    ```


    Whoosh!


    The silver sword light cleaved the fierce flames into two halves, and along with the entire vital energy prison, crumbled to dust under Xiao Yi''s sword edge. Following closely, Xiao Yi''s figure emerged from the flames, like the deity of fire descending upon the world.


    "Impossible¡­ How, how could you possibly break my Four Directions Prison Dragon Finger?" Jia Sichun''s face was filled with shock, disbelief written all over it.


    This was a third-grade high-level martial skill, combined with the fire attribute vital energy brought by his Innate Divine Ability, it was tremendously powerful.


    Using these two consecutive moves against his opponents, he had always been invincible!


    Boom!


    Jia Sichun''s body shook violently as tongues of fire burst forth from within him, turning him into a human-shaped flame. Flames spewed from his eyes, revealing his Innate Divine Ability, the Flaming Devil Body.


    Enveloped in the soaring demon flames, the Flaming Devil Body charged towards Xiao Yi: "Trinity Palm!"


    "Four Symbols Thunderous Fist!"


    "Five Directions Demon King Finger..."


    With demon flames enhancing his body, over ten different skills came crashing down like a landslide, but Xiao Yi effortlessly neutralized each one. Facing Xiao Yi, who stood quietly before him, revealing no flaws, Jia Sichun, even with his demon flames, still felt an icy chill throughout his body.


    Xiao Yi held the Dragon Scale Sword, looking indifferently at what laid before him: "Ten moves have passed, now it''s my turn!"


    "Sweeping a Thousand Armies!"


    A horizontal sweep of the sword, its brilliance like thousands of galloping horses.


    Boom!


    The terrifying Sword Qi sent Jia Sichun tumbling into the air, and right then, Xiao Yi''s second sword strike was upon him: "Chasing Stars and Moons!"


    Whoosh!


    This sword strike snapped the tendons in both of Jia Sichun''s hands.


    "Life Seizing Soul Chaser!"


    In an instant, dozens of sword shadows descended upon Jia Sichun''s body, obliterating the flames and completely shattering the Innate Divine Ability, the Flaming Devil Body. Xiao Yi flashed forward in pursuit, a foot stomping down hard.


    Bang!


    Jia Sichun''s head smashed heavily onto the arena, reverberating with a thunderous boom, spreading spiderweb-like cracks all over the stage.


    Sand flew and dust tumbled.


    As the dust settled,


    Xiao Yi stood proud between heaven and earth, while Jia Sichun was pinned beneath his foot, his head having smashed a deep pit in the arena floor, blood oozing from all seven orifices, both hands limp with snapped tendons, looking every bit the cripple.


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "You''ve lost before ten moves were up!"


    Hiss!


    The arena was shrouded in silence, as quiet as death.


    Gulp!


    Someone swallowed nervously, breaking the eerie stillness.


    "I, I''m fuckin''¡­"


    "Xiao won? He, he actually defeated Jia Sichun?"


    "Jia Sichun is a Profound Level student at the Royal Martial Arts Academy, a genius who has awakened his Innate Divine Ability. Would this not mean that Xiao''s strength surpasses that of the Profound Level students at the Royal Martial Arts Academy?"


    "That''s terrifying!"


    "Xiao''s talent and strength are indeed frightening, but... he''s gotten himself into big trouble! I heard that Jia Sichun''s background is profound, his father holds a high position in the current court, and his brother is an Earth Level student at the Royal Martial Arts Academy. Xiao has no background; how can he deal with the Jia Family''s retaliation?"


    "Xiao is from the Xiao Family..."


    "The Xiao Family? They were about to expel Xiao from their family, why would they care about his life or death?"


    At this moment,


    a commotion suddenly arose from the crowd: "Lord Sikong is here!"


    "Make way, Lord Sikong must have come to save Jia..."


    "Xiao Yi is as good as dead!"


    Jia Sichun, still being stepped on by Xiao Yi, regained his senses. With a bloody face, he roared ferociously, "So what if you''re stronger than me, Xiao Yi? Can your strength possibly compare to the power of my Jia Family? You''re doomed... Lord Sikong, my father is Jia Jun, a second-grade officer of the court. Help me kill him!"


    However...


    Sikong Nan did not even give Jia Sichun a glance but bowed deeply to Xiao Yi in full view of everyone, speaking loud and clear: "Sikong Nan pays respects to Mr. Xiao..."


    ```

 Chapter 38 - 38: No Ones Face Works!

    "Greetings, Mr. Xiao!"


    Sikong Nan stood in front of Xiao Yi with a face full of solemn respect, meticulous in his demeanor.


    This scene left the crowd around the platform in utter shock, "Isn''t Lord Sikong here to help Jia? Why, why is he showing such respect to Xiao Yi instead?"


    "What on earth is going on?"


    Jia Sichun was thoroughly confused.


    The moment they saw Sikong Nan, everyone, including Jia, thought he was there to help them.


    But then...


    It was as if Sikong Nan didn''t even see him.


    It felt like an invisible slap had fiercely struck his face, causing a burning sting on his cheek. Gnashing his teeth, he said, "Sikong Nan, do you not see that this young master is trapped here? Won''t you lend a hand and rescue me?"


    "Shut up!"


    Xiao Yi kicked, shattering all of Jia Sichun''s teeth, then turned to Sikong Nan, "Lord Sikong, what brings you to me?"


    Sikong Nan''s respectful stance didn''t waver, "Mr. Xiao, Elder Wang wishes to see you!"


    "Elder Wang?"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback, not knowing who Elder Wang referred to, but his impression of Sikong Nan was not bad, so he replied, "Wait a moment. Once I have killed him, I will go with you!"


    "This..."


    Sikong Nan''s expression slightly changed.


    Because Elder Wang highly valued Xiao Yi, he pretended not to see Jia Sichun, but if Jia Sichun were to be slain by Xiao Yi right before his eyes, it would be difficult for him to escape blame when Jia''s father sought accountability.


    As Sikong Nan struggled with this dilemma, a hoarse voice came from the crowd, "Young friend, could you do an old man a favor and spare his life?"


    "Hmm?"


    Xiao Yi was stunned, and looked in the direction of the voice.


    Sikong Nan was already standing aside with respect, "Elder Wang!"


    "Hmm!"


    Elder Wang smiled, his expression kind as he looked at Xiao Yi, "I am Wang Zhiyuan!"


    "Wang Zhiyuan? Why does that name sound so familiar?"


    "Wait, isn''t the vice chancellor of the Royal Martial Arts Academy also named Wang Zhiyuan?"


    "Hiss! No way? The vice chancellor of the Royal Martial Arts Academy? Why, why would he come here?"


    Xiao Yi''s gaze towards Elder Wang was filled with confusion.


    If this man could serve as vice chancellor at the Royal Martial Arts Academy, he was definitely one of the top figures in the Tianqing Kingdom. Why would he come to this remote and desolate place?


    Just as Xiao Yi was about to speak, Jia Sichun, as if grabbing onto a lifeline, screamed hysterically, "Elder Wang, save me... my father is Jia Jun, my brother is Jia Sidao, please save me..." His face turned red with excitement as he stared at Xiao Yi with hatred, "Hahaha, you''re as good as dead, dog! Elder Wang is famously protective of his charges, and I am a genius disciple of the Royal Martial Arts Academy. He will definitely take a stand for me!"


    In Jia Sichun''s eyes, the arrival of Elder Wang was his ultimate reliance!


    The thought of being trampled underfoot by Xiao Yi, an ant he had never taken seriously, subjected to immense humiliation, made Jia Sichun''s heart brim with tremendous hatred.


    His vindictive gaze carried the thrill of revenge.


    Jia Sichun''s eyes glared fiercely at Xiao Yi, brimming with arrogance as he declared, "You dog, if you want to save your wretched life, you can kneel before this young master. If you kneel, beg for mercy, and send Fang Qingzhu clean to my bed, I might consider sparing your miserable life!"


    Elder Wang was present, always known to be protective.


    In Jia Sichun''s eyes, he was already out of harm''s way, naturally emboldened.


    Phew!


    Xiao Yi let out a deep breath and, with a raised eyebrow, looked at Wang Zhiyuan who had appeared in front of him and smiled, "As the saying goes, heaven may allow one to commit certain faults, but one brings destruction upon oneself. I was willing to spare him for the sake of Vice Dean Wang''s face, but he bore down on me aggressively, intent on laying hands on Qingzhu. Since he touched my reverse scale, nobody''s face can save him now!"


    His smile remained, but his expression became colder and colder.


    In his eyes,


    Cold lights flashed like knives, like swords, overwhelming.


    Jia Sichun sneered repeatedly, arrogantly saying, "Xiao Yi, you doglike creature really dare to put on airs! Nobody''s face can save me? Hmph, who do you think you are? Standing in front of you is the Vice Dean of the Royal Martial Arts Academy, and you dare to threaten me in his presence? You''re simply courting death!"


    Xiao Yi just looked at Wang Zhiyuan.


    Waiting for his response.


    "Alas..."


    Wang Zhiyuan glanced at Jia Sichun, who was still shouting, and a trace of helplessness swept across his face as he shook his head and said with a bitter smile, "Every dragon has a reverse scale, and touching it means death. For a man, his wife and children are his reverse scale... Jia Sichun, you''re determined to seek death, I truly cannot help you!"


    Boom!


    The radiant smile on Jia Sichun''s face instantly collapsed.


    He looked at Wang Zhiyuan with disbelief, his head buzzing as if his breath had ceased, "Wang, Vice Dean Wang, what, what did you say?"


    Wang Zhiyuan sighed, "If you seek death on your own, you can''t blame anyone else!"


    Thump!


    This sudden thunderbolt made Jia Sichun tremble as if struck by lightning, staring blankly at Wang Zhiyuan for a long while without saying a word. Suddenly, with a hoarse cry as if gasping for air after being suffocated, Jia Sichun began to breathe in great gulps, his face deathly pale, "Vice Dean Wang, I, I am a Profound Level student, my brother is an Earth Level student, my father is a second-ranked official of the current reign... How could you possibly not save me? You can''t not save me, hurry and kill this damn dog to save me, save me..."


    His voice grew louder, but it was also increasingly desperate.


    In the hysterical roar, S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Jia Sichun kept calling out his father''s and brother''s statuses, emphasizing the powerful background, that each alone belonged to the elite echelons of the Tianqing Kingdom.


    But today...


    The very things he once took pride in could not save him.


    "How, how could this be? This is just the remote Nanhuang, as long as I mention my name, who dares to disrespect me? As long as I mention my father and brother''s names, who dares not to treat me with the utmost respect? Why, why do you dare to kill me? Why..."


    Suddenly, Jia Sichun knelt on the ground with a plop, wailing pitifully, begging in a lowly manner, "Xiao, please spare my life, I beg you not to kill me, I know I was wrong, I will never dare again... "


    Thud, thud, thud!


    Jia Sichun kept kowtowing toward Xiao Yi, his head striking the ground heavily, creating a dull sound.


    Each impact made one''s heart skip a beat.


    All around the arena was silent.


    Not long ago...


    Jia Sichun was full of vigor, so dominant and aggressive.


    As if aside from Elder Tian, he was to be honored as the elder brother!


    And now?


    He was doing the very thing those lowly ants in his eyes used to do, kneeling humbly on the ground, kowtowing and begging for mercy, lowly like a dog!


    "If only you had known, why did you do it to begin with?"


    Xiao Yi looked at Jia Sichun who was begging fearfully like a dog that had lost its home. As he lightly shook his head, his sword swept across. The sword sealed the throat, blood gushed like a fountain, and with a thud, the head rolled onto the ground. As the blood sprayed till the last drop, that was also exactly when Xiao Yi''s treasured sword returned to its sheath.


    The silver light disappearing into the scabbard was an image forever unforgettable to those who witnessed this scene...

 Chapter 39 - 39: You Reap What You Sow

    Xiao Yi flipped his hand and put the longsword into the storage ring.


    The murderous intent on his face faded, replaced by a touch of gentleness. He smiled and said, "Elder Wang, please wait a moment, let me handle the matters here first!"


    "Please do!"


    Wang Zhiyuan nodded, his gaze at Xiao Yi filled with increasing admiration.


    To treat enemies with the cold ruthlessness of a harsh winter, yet extend the warmth of spring to friends.


    This is how a true man ought to be!


    Xiao Yi looked towards Fang Qingzhu, gently holding her soft palm, and smiled, "Qingzhu, from now on you will be the head of the Fang Family!"


    Fang Qingzhu was stunned, her expression complex.


    The head of the Fang Family, huh?


    She had exerted all her effort to keep her position as the heir apparent, merely seeking the recognition of her parents. But now that she knew she was not really a member of the Fang Family, what inheritance could she speak of?


    Fang Qingzhu forced a smile and said, "From today on, I have nothing to do with the Fang Family anymore. Whoever wants this position of family head can have it!"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback, then laughed, "Alright, then don''t take it!"


    Beneath the stage.


    Suddenly, Fang Hao''s voice rang out, "Sister, since you don''t want this position of family head, then give it to me!"


    Liu Yun''s eyes shone brightly, shamelessly saying, "That''s right Qingzhu, even though you''re not our own flesh and blood, we''ve raised you for more than a decade. Give the position of family head over to your brother! That way, it would be like repaying us for our kindness in raising you!"


    Fang Zheng''s face also showed interest.


    Before Fang Tianhao passed away, they had no chance at the position of family head.


    But now...


    With Fang Tianhao and Fang Jin gone, their branch would be the only one left in power in the Fang Family.


    Fang Qingzhu looked at the two with disdain in her eyes, took a deep breath, and slowly said, "Those who give birth without raising, a severed finger can repay. Those who raise without giving birth, eternal gratitude is owed. Although you raised me just to use me, I cannot repay this kindness. You can take the position of family head of the Fang Family if you want! Just from today onwards, I no longer have anything to do with you!"


    "Good, good, good, no more ties!"


    "Haha, Hao''er, you''ll be the family head from now on!"


    Fang Zheng and his family of three were overjoyed, hugging each other in celebration.


    Everyone around them couldn''t help but shake their heads in pity, "This family of three is incurably foolish!"


    "Given the current state of the Fang Family, even if they take control, how could they maintain such an inheritance?"


    "The entire Fang Family are fools... Had they sincerely apologized, Fang Qingzhu might have still been mindful of past kindness, and taken care of them in the future. Now... I reckon the Fang Family won''t last three months before their complete downfall!"


    "Three months? If he lasts a month, I''ll take your surname..."


    The chatter of the people made Fang Zheng''s trio come to a sudden realization.


    Without absolute strength, how could they possibly hold onto the Fang Family?


    Even if they took the position of family head now, who could preserve them against the increasingly fierce competition in the future?


    Upon this thought.


    The three hurriedly turned to Fang Qingzhu, "Qingzhu, we were wrong, we still treat you as our own daughter..."


    Fang Qingzhu''s face turned pale.


    She saw their true colors clearly and thoroughly.


    She took a deep breath, tears in her eyes, and said through gritted teeth, "I''ve already said, I have nothing more to do with the Fang Family, or with you!"


    "Fang Qingzhu you can''t do this, I raised you for eighteen years..."


    "You illegitimate child, it''s no surprise your own parents abandoned you..."


    "You ungrateful wretch..."


    As they watched Fang Qingzhu''s resolute face, Fang Zheng and his family were furious, roaring continuously.


    Fang Qingzhu had her eyes tightly closed, but Xiao Yi, standing by her side, could feel her body tremble slightly, a cold glint crossing his eyes as he glanced over Zhao Yu and Elder Yan.


    Both of them nodded at the same time, their looks of pity landing together on the family of three of Fang Zheng.


    It indeed confirmed what Xiao Yi had said earlier, "Heavenly sins can be forgiven, but one brings about his own destruction¡ªcannot live!"


    Truly, this family of three, Fang Zheng, had dug their own grave!


    Watching as Zhao Yu and Elder Yan took Fang Zheng and his family away, Xiao Yi took Fang Qingzhu by the hand and approached Wang Zhiyuan, "Elder Wang, sorry to have kept you waiting!"


    "Not at all!"


    Wang Zhiyuan chuckled, then said, "Xiao Yi, are you wondering why I managed to find you?"


    Xiao Yi nodded.


    Wang Zhiyuan smiled and called out to the crowd, "Xue''er, aren''t you going to come and greet Xiao Yi, young friend?"


    "Grandfather!"


    Xue''er walked out from the crowd, stood by Wang Zhiyuan''s side, and stuck out her tongue playfully towards Xiao Yi, "Brother Xiao Yi, do you remember me?"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback.


    Wasn''t this the woman he had saved in the Southern Desolate Mountain Range? He nodded his head, a look of realization dawning as he turned to Wang Zhiyuan, "I had no idea that Xue''er was actually the granddaughter of Elder Wang!"


    "Hahaha, such is the way of the world, everything is bound by destiny!" said Wang Zhiyuan with a smile, before continuing, "This girl Xue''er, being mischievous, ran out from home on her own. If she hadn''t encountered you, I''m afraid she might have already met with disaster!"


    While speaking, Wang Zhiyuan glared fiercely at Xue''er.


    Xue''er looked a bit wronged and pouted.


    Xiao Yi shook his head, "It was but a small effort, not worth mentioning!"


    "It may have been a small effort for you, but for me, it''s a favor as great as the heavens!"


    Xue''er was the Wang Family''s third generation''s only girl, greatly adored, and her mother''s background was extremely formidable. If anything had happened to Xue''er, let alone the five cities of Nanhuang being wiped off the map of the Tianqing Kingdom, even the Wang Family would suffer, he continued, "Xiao Yi, my reason for coming today is to give thanks for saving Xue''er and to offer you some treasures as a token of gratitude!"


    Xiao Yi shook his head to refuse.


    "Do not be hasty to refuse, just hear me out... Before meeting you, I intended to grant you some Cultivation Techniques or treasures as compensation, but now, I have changed my mind!"


    Wang Zhiyuan''s gaze was intense as he stared at Xiao Yi and said in a solemn voice, "Nanhuang is but a small corner of the world. Here, some pseudo-Divine Skills wielders are already considered big shots, but in the Royal City, in the Great Qian Dynasty... even in the whole Heavenly Yuan Realm, such pseudo-Divine Skills wielders are not worth mentioning. I believe you would never want to be confined here, right?" Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing Wang Zhiyuan, "Elder Wang, please speak frankly."


    Wang Zhiyuan took a deep breath and said solemnly, "The path of martial arts requires talent, for sure, but resources are equally indispensable. I want to invite you to the Royal City to join our Royal Martial Arts Academy. With your talent and strength, you will definitely shine. You will be able to obtain more resources from the Martial Arts Institute..."


    Xiao Yi frowned.


    Leaving Nanhuang was a certainty.


    But...


    He glanced at Fang Qingzhu by his side.


    Fang Qingzhu, holding Xiao Yi''s hand, wore a tender smile on her face and softly said, "Brother Xiao Yi, do you remember what I once told you?"


    Xiao Yi''s body trembled.


    How could he forget those words?


    To follow whomsoever she would marry!


    Fang Qingzhu continued, "As long as you don''t dislike me for being an unwanted orphan, wherever you go, I will follow!"


    Whew!


    Xiao Yi gripped Fang Qingzhu''s soft hand tightly and said firmly, "Alright, no matter where I go in the future, I will take you with me!" He looked up at Wang Zhiyuan and said in a deep voice, "Elder Wang, when do we depart?"


    Wang Zhiyuan''s face showed delight, saying, "There''s only half a month left until the next selection. We set off tomorrow, how does that sound?"


    Xiao Yi looked at Fang Qingzhu, and as the two of them had no attachment to Nanhuang City anymore, he nodded and said, "Then we leave tomorrow!"


    His gaze turned towards the distant horizon, towards the direction of the Royal City of the Tianqing Kingdom, and also the closest direction to the Great Qian Dynasty, his palm quietly clenched, his eyes suddenly sharp, "Xiao Tianjiao, the distance between us is getting shorter."

 Chapter 40 - 40: Mingjian Manor

    Late at night, the Fang Family.


    Fang Zheng, Fang Hao, and Liu Yun were gathered together.


    Fang Hao complained indignantly, "Dad, Mom, that Fang Qingzhu is really too ungrateful, isn''t she? We even allowed her to return to the Fang Family, yet not only did she refuse, but she also had Zhao Yu and Elder Yan drive us away. It''s truly hateful!"


    Liu Yun, too, had an aggrieved look and a venomous gleam in her eye, "That bastard is a white-eyed wolf, not valuing us at all!"


    "Shut up!"


    Fang Zheng snorted coldly, "Fang Qingzhu isn''t the little girl that we could manipulate before; she now has the backing of Xiao Yi, and Xiao Yi has gained the favor of that Elder Wang, who has unlimited prospects for the future."


    That''s the vice-principal of the Royal Martial Arts Academy!


    A figure who could rank within the top ten throughout the entire Tianqing Kingdom.


    If the Fang Family could connect with Elder Wang, not to mention dominating Nanhuang, it would even be possible to enter the royal capital and become one of the noble families of the Tianqing Kingdom.


    Liu Yun said hatefully, "They really have stumbled upon good luck."


    Fang Hao spoke with a worried face, "Dad, now that our family no longer has a warrior of the Divine Skills Realm to take charge, what shall we do in the future?"


    In this world where the weak are prey to the strong, without absolute martial dominance, even owning a mountain of gold would be emptied out.


    The Fang Family, being one of the four great families of Nanhuang City.


    Their main advantage had been having Fang Tianhao, a powerful warrior of the Divine Skills Realm.


    Now that Fang Tianhao had been killed, Fang Jin had perished, and Fang Qingzhu had been forced to leave the Fang Family.


    It was a precarious situation!


    Fang Zheng''s sinister smile emerged, "Don''t worry, I''ve already planned everything. Fang Qingzhu thinks she can cast us aside with just the position of family head? Simply a fool''s dream... Aren''t they going to the capital? Once they leave, we will sell off our assets, take the money, and go to the capital to seek them out."


    "Ah? Seek her out? She doesn''t acknowledge us anymore, what''s the point of going to her..." Liu Yun asked, puzzled.


    Fang Zheng laughed loudly, "She''s nothing but a bastard. It''s only we who can abandon her, since when does she have the right to abandon us? Once we get to the capital, if she dares to ignore us, we will spread the news everywhere that Fang Qingzhu abandoned her parents and siblings to please Xiao Yi. ''A person''s face is like the bark of a tree''... As long as she wants to make it in the capital, she won''t dare dismiss us. With their support, we can completely re-establish the Fang Family there in the capital..."


    "So, we''ll become nobility of the capital in the future?"


    "Hahaha, Dad''s plan is indeed the best!"


    While the family of three was smugly pleased with their calculations, a frosty voice suddenly rang out, "You might not live to see that moment!"


    "Huh?"


    "Who?"


    All three trembled, only to see Zhao Yu and Elder Yan stepping out from the darkness.


    Hiss!


    Their complexions suddenly changed.


    All traces of sinister expression vanished from Fang Zheng''s face, replaced by a hint of flattery and sycophancy, "Zhao Family Head, Elder Yan, may I ask why you have come late at night?"


    "On the orders of Young Master Xiao, we''re here to send you off to the netherworld!" Zhao Yu said calmly.


    The hint of pity in Elder Yan''s eyes had vanished upon hearing the conversation of the three, his expression turned ice cold as he said, "Such filthy creatures like you don''t deserve to live in this world."


    "No, you can''t kill us, I am Fang Qingzhu''s father..."


    "Xiao Yi, Fang Qingzhu, you ungrateful white-eyed wolves..."


    Elder Yan scoffed, "Kill them!"


    He acted simultaneously with Zhao Yu.


    Blood splattered, and three heads rolled in a pool of blood, their eyes wide with anger and filled with despair...


    ......


    Three days later, Mingjian City.


    This city lies on the essential path from Nanhuang to the royal capital, and with the Tianqing Kingdom''s number one Sword Forging Family, Mingjian Manor, located within, hence its name.


    This Sword Mountain Manor has been a swordsmithing family for generations.


    Inside the manor, there''s even a Sword Tomb.


    Countless famous swords were nurtured within the Sword Tomb, especially half of the renowned top ten swords of the Tianqing Kingdom originated from there.


    Each year, Sword Mountain Manor would open the Sword Tomb to the public. Anyone who pays ten thousand taels of silver could enter the Sword Tomb. If fated, they could obtain the acknowledgment of a primeval sword and take it away. Whenever the Sword Tomb opened, Mingjian City would be packed with people, attracting countless strong individuals from all over the Tianqing Kingdom.


    On a wide imperial road.


    Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhu rode on tall horses, looking from afar at the majestic Mingjian City and the bustling crowd along the way. Fang Qingzhu sighed and said, "I''ve long heard that the liveliest time in Mingjian City is when the Sword Tomb opens each year. I never expected that we''d coincide with it!"


    "The Sword Forging Skill of Sword Mountain Manor is indeed unparalleled in the Tianqing Kingdom. With half of the top ten famous swords coming from Sword Mountain Manor, naturally, there are many people who come for its fame," Xiao Yi nodded in agreement.


    The two of them were originally traveling with Wang Zhiyuan.


    But yesterday, Wang Zhiyuan received a secret missive from the Royal Martial Arts Academy and hurried away with Wang Xue''er, leaving only the two of them behind.


    "Xiao Yi, you have now reached the Spiritual Realm Cultivation. The Crimson Flame Chasing Wind Sword is no longer suitable for you as a weapon. Since it happens to be the time when the Sword Tomb is open, why don''t we go take a look together?" Fang Qingzhu looked at Xiao Yi with a smile, her lips slightly curving up, revealing a sharp little canine tooth.


    Xiao Yi thought for a moment, then nodded and said, "Alright, let''s go see what this Sword Tomb is all about!"


    After stepping into the Divine Skills Realm, a second-grade primeval weapon was indeed somewhat underpowered.


    Especially after he had mastered Sword Intent, his requirement for a primeval weapon had become much more stringent.


    If he could obtain a weapon that suited him, indeed, it could greatly increase his combat power.


    The two made their way to the city and settled down at an inn before heading to Sword Mountain Manor.


    The Sword Tomb would open at sunset.


    After paying twenty thousand taels of silver and receiving the pass tokens at Sword Mountain Manor, they waited outside the Sword Tomb.


    It was currently midday.


    The scorching sun was high, baking the earth as Xiao Yi and his companion found a quiet shady spot to sit under a tree.


    They had arrived early and it wasn''t long before the square gradually filled with people, becoming a sea of heads.


    Xiao Yi murmured, "Sword Mountain Manor is making a good business. Ten thousand taels per person, and there are at least a thousand people here... Just the entry fee alone nets them over ten million..."


    A second-grade primeval weapon is worth over a hundred thousand taels of silver, while a third-grade one values at over a million taels.


    However, each time the Sword Tomb opens, most that could be taken away are first and second-grade primeval weapons.


    Third-grade primeval weapons are extremely rare, let alone those that rank among the top ten swords of the Tianqing Kingdom, which are fourth-grade primeval weapons. These appear only once in several decades; for Sword Mountain Manor, this is indeed a no-loss business.


    "Hey, you two, get lost! This spot is mine now!" A chubby-faced young man appeared in front of them, with sweat drenching his body and an impatient expression as he urged them on.


    Xiao Yi frowned and glanced at a small patch of shade beside them, saying, "Isn''t there still space over there?"


    "Who the hell are you to sit next to this young master?" the young man, with his Qi-Blood flowing like a torrent, had cultivated to the Third Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, looked down at him with arrogance,"Make yourself scarce, or don''t blame this young master for not being polite!"


    Fang Qingzhu slightly furrowed her brows, "We were here first, why should we give up our spot to you?"


    "What a beautiful chick!"


    The young man leered at Fang Qingzhu, his eyes lighting up, his face wearing a lascivious grin, "Beauty, you can stay. Later, you can give this young master a shoulder massage or something. As for you, you''re like a dog and you think you deserve to sit next to such a beautiful girl? Get lost right now, or I''ll throw you out myself!"


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, "Get lost!"


    "Fuck, you''re asking for it!"


    Enraged, the young man''s palm surged with vital energy as he struck towards Xiao Yi''s head. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Boom!


    Amidst a muffled collision, the young man was sent flying backward for a good ten meters, crashing to the ground with a thud. He knelt on the floor, covering his abdomen, howling in pain, continuously vomiting acid, his venomous gaze locked on Xiao Yi, "You... you''re dead meat. I won''t let this go..."


    "If you don''t leave now, I''ll slaughter you!" Xiao Yi said coldly.


    The young man''s face turned ghostly pale, feeling chilled to the bone, not daring to delay any longer, he scrambled away in pain and embarrassment...

 Chapter 41 - 41 The Sword Tomb

    "Brother, you better get out of here fast. That fat guy just now is no ordinary person!"


    "Indeed, he is from the capital, said to be a student of the Royal Martial Arts Academy. Quite a few people have come from the academy this time; you really should leave quickly!"


    A few people whispered their warnings.


    Xiao Yi nodded his thanks to them but did not move an inch.


    Seeing this, the others said no more, only feeling that Xiao Yi was too confident, "Young people haven''t suffered enough; they don''t know how treacherous the world can be!"


    "We''ve warned him. If he doesn''t run, it''s not our fault!"


    Fang Qingzhu looked at Xiao Yi worriedly, "Brother Xiao Yi, we..."


    "Don''t worry!"


    Xiao Yi waved his hand dismissively; he had slaughtered students from the Martial Arts Institute before and said, "Qingzhu, remember to stay close to me once we enter the Sword Tomb!" Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Okay!"


    Fang Qingzhu nodded.


    Half a day passed by swiftly.


    The sun set in the west, and the silver moon began to rise.


    Dong!


    A dull bell toll suddenly sounded, and nearly two thousand formidable figures rose up in unison, their eyes blazing as they looked toward the hundred-foot-high hill before them. The hill lay within Mingjian Manor, and the Sword Tomb was built into the belly of this hill. As the rumble sounded, the stone door to the Tomb opened.


    Two Divine Skill practitioners from Sword Mountain Manor stood to the left and right, watching the crowd, "Gentlemen, the Sword Tomb will be open for an hour. Whether or not you obtain a Yuan weapon, you must come out within that time. Otherwise, you will be locked inside the Sword Tomb, and to come out, you will have to wait until next year''s opening!"


    "No worries, we understand the rules!"


    "If you haven''t gained recognition from a famed sword within an hour, then you''re just not destined for the swords inside. Staying longer would be a waste of time!"


    The crowd responded one after another.


    The two Divine Skill practitioners were not the least bit displeased by the interruption and said indifferently, "Inside the Sword Tomb, there are a total of 18,000 Grade One swords, 1,800 Grade Two swords, 180 Grade Three swords, and 18 Grade Four swords. Among them, six are regarded as the ten great famous swords of the Tianqing Kingdom, but five have already been taken, leaving only the last one still within the Sword Tomb!"


    The other continued, "Inside the Sword Tomb, you will see various sword steles, each representing a famous sword. As long as you gain the sword''s acknowledgment, you can take it with you. Gentlemen, please enter the Sword Tomb!"


    The crowd hurried toward the entrance of the Sword Tomb.


    Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhu walked shoulder to shoulder, but at the entrance, they encountered the fat man whom he had blasted away earlier.


    The fat man glared at Xiao Yi with venomous hatred; at his side were a young man and woman.


    Both were clad in brocade robes, and their Qi-Blood surged like dragons and tigers, their cultivation clearly at least at the Fifth Layer of the Spiritual Power Realm.


    The fat man pointed at Xiao Yi and said to the young man, "Brother Fan, this is the bastard who hit me!"


    The brocad-robed young man squinted at Xiao Yi and said coolly, "You''ve got guts to strike someone connected to Yun Fan. I''ll give you a chance to end yourself. If I make a move, you won''t even be able to die easily!"


    Xiao Yi snorted coldly, "A good dog doesn''t block the way!"


    "Hm?"


    Yun Fan''s face darkened, and he sneered, "Very well, very well. Since I became a Profound Level disciple of the Royal Martial Arts Academy, you''re the first to speak to me like that. You could have died quickly if you chose to commit suicide, but since you..."


    Yun Fan''s voice suddenly cut off.


    His body flew backward involuntarily, blood spewing from his mouth as he crashed with a thud ten meters away.


    Hiss!


    The surrounding crowd was dumbfounded, watching Xiao Yi in disbelief, "What, what just happened? What exactly went down just now?"


    ```


    "I, I didn''t even see how he made his move..."


    Yun Fan was spitting out blood, struggling several times to get up, only to heavily crash back onto the ground each time.


    The fatty and the brocade-robed woman wore expressions of astonishment, looking at each other, before turning their gaze to Xiao Yi in unison. The fatty said with a venomous look, "You dare injure Yun Fan? You''re dead meat. His brother is Yun Lei, the super genius on the Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List. He will never let you go!"


    "Enough noise!"


    With a casual slap, Xiao Yi''s palm landed on the fatty''s face. The latter''s head snapped around, his neck twisting grotesquely like a braided rope, and with a thud, he fell to the ground, dead.


    The fatty''s repeated provocations had thoroughly enraged him.


    He was a Heaven-Suppressing Godly General.


    Subduing the heavens, the God-Sealing Demon-Suppressing.


    How could he endure repeated provocation?


    His eyes swept over the brocade-robed woman as he said coldly, "You should feel lucky that I don''t hit women; otherwise, you would be a corpse by now!"


    "You, you''re insane, you dare..." As the brocade-robed woman was speaking, her face too was met with a slap.


    She covered her face in disbelief, turning to look at Fang Qingzhu who had appeared before her.


    Fang Qingzhu''s palm moved like a phantom, as slap after slap landed on the woman''s face incessantly, making her see stars and dizzying her. It was then that she stopped, dusting her hands off and saying, "Xiao Yi doesn''t deign to strike women, but I quite enjoy beating them. If you dare point fingers at Xiao Yi again, I''ll twist your neck off!"


    With tears welling up in her eyes and a face full of fear, the brocade-robed woman didn''t dare to say another word.


    Fang Qingzhu returned to her gentle demeanor, taking Xiao Yi''s arm, "Xiao Yi, let''s go."


    Xiao Yi sighed, following her into the Sword Tomb.


    Two powerhouses from Mingjian Manor exchanged glances. Such slaughter was commonplace in Sword Mountain Manor; which year had the Sword Tomb opening not resulted in the death of hundreds? They had long grown accustomed to it, and with a call, they ordered someone to carry the fatty''s body away.


    Only then did they turn to Yun Fan and the other, "Do you still want to enter the Sword Tomb?"


    "Enter my ass!"


    Yun Fan cursed angrily, wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth, his eyes filled with a ferocious murderous intent, "Dare to hit me? If I don''t tear him to pieces, I might as well write my name, Yun Fan, backwards..."


    "Fan, you must avenge me!" the brocade-robed woman said with a swollen face, looking pitiful.


    The murderous intent in Yun Fan''s eyes grew more intense: "My brother has some connections with the Third Elder of Sword Mountain Manor. I''ll go to him right now... This dog dares to hit me? And to kill my dog? I''ll make sure he''s torn to pieces..."


    The brocade-robed woman''s eyes flickered with a biting chill, and she gritted her teeth, "And that disgusting woman, I''ll scratch her face, then find a bunch of beggars to publicly humiliate her..."


    ......


    Inside the Sword Tomb.


    This was within the belly of the mountain, yet it was a world unto itself.


    The tomb was circular, surrounded by layers of caves, each housing a sword stele. In the very center, there was a gigantic circular cavern stretching over a kilometer, as if it led straight to the heart of the earth.


    Below...


    Strands of molten lava rolled, their fiery red color illuminating the entire Sword Tomb; the lower one went, the higher the temperature.


    At the same time...


    The stronger the swords became!


    "Xiao Yi, there are so many sword steles here, how do we choose?" Fang Qingzhu was somewhat dazzled by the view; the Sword Tomb contained over a hundred thousand steles, creating a dizzying array.


    Xiao Yi was about to speak, but his expression shifted, looking towards the deepest part of the Sword Tomb, "Over there... It seems like something is calling out to me?"


    ```

 Chapter 42 - 42 Suicide?

    "It seems like something is drawing me in..."


    Xiao Yi looked at the scalding lava below and spoke in a deep voice.


    Fang Qingzhu was startled and peered at the churning crimson lava. The rolling heat waves were still heart-stopping even from a kilometer away, "Xiao Yi, maybe there''s an unrivaled legendary sword down there that''s destined for you!"


    Just like the Blazing Wind Pursuit Sword before.


    Although Fang Tianhao had specially prepared it for Fang Jin, Fang Jin could not gain its recognition. Instead, Xiao Yi was able to control it with ease.


    This is the destiny of a sword!


    There has always been the saying that legendary swords are matched with heroes!


    This is not without reason, as some legendary swords have their own spirit and can choose their owners.


    Xiao Yi smiled and said, "Then let''s go down and have a look!"


    "Yeah!"


    The two of them walked towards the deeper parts of the sword grave.


    Along the way, they constantly encountered powerful individuals seeking swords, each trying to communicate with the sword stele.


    Some were joyful; some were sorrowful.


    Overall, the chances of being recognized by a legendary sword were incredibly low, about one in a hundred, and usually, it would be a first or second-tier elemental weapon.


    "I''ve heard that within the Mingjian Manor''s sword grave, there is actually a fifth-tier elemental legendary sword hidden. Once it appears, it could be ranked among the top three legendary swords. Who knows where it''s actually hidden?"


    "Even if you found that sword, you wouldn''t be able to take it away!"


    "It is said that the current Crown Prince once entered the sword grave and found that fifth-tier legendary sword, but still he could not take it with him..."


    "Hisss, the Crown Prince is the strongest Tianjiaao in the Tianqing Kingdom, and even he couldn''t get the sword''s recognition. Then who can take it away?"


    Hearing the conversations of many along the way, Fang Qingzhu squinted her eyes, longing for it, "A fifth-tier elemental weapon? How powerful must that weapon be?"


    In Nanhuang City.


    A second-tier elemental weapon alone can lead to a struggle among all parties.


    Let alone a fifth-tier one?


    Xiao Yi laughed and said, "If I can find that fifth-tier elemental weapon, I will try to tame it. Then you will know how powerful it is!"


    "Dude, you really don''t know the height of the sky!" A rough voice rang out beside them like muffled thunder, rumbling, "You think you can tame a fifth-tier elemental weapon? Are you sure you''re not joking?"


    The speaker was a muscular young man with a bald head, towering at two meters tall, his muscles as distinct as lead blocks, bristling with explosive power.


    He carried a pitch-black heavy sword on his back.


    And he was now looking at Xiao Yi with a mocking expression.


    Fang Qingzhu frowned slightly and said, "If my Xiao Yi can''t tame that fifth-tier elemental weapon, do you think you can?"


    "Of course, I, Niu Dali, am a born swordsman. If anyone here can get that fifth-tier elemental weapon, it must be me! As for him..." Niu Dali looked at Xiao Yi from the corner of his eye and sneered, "If he can get the recognition of that fifth-tier elemental weapon, I, Niu Dali, will call him my big brother!"


    At that moment...


    Whoosh!


    A strong individual attempted to forcefully break open a sword stele, only to be repelled by the stele, with endless Sword Qi soaring into the sky, sending him flying into the Lava Lake.


    The lava suddenly exploded, waves of heat shooting into the sky and swallowing the man whole.


    Not even his bones remained!


    Hisss!


    Everyone took a sharp breath, "Has this guy gone mad? How dare he attack a sword stele?"


    "I heard this person has already entered the Sword Tomb for the tenth time," someone said. "The previous nine times, he came away with nothing. It seems he''s gone mad..."


    "Attack the Sword Stele? He truly knows nothing of life and death!" Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Niu Dali sneered, and suddenly seeing Xiao Yi''s gaze firmly fixed on the scorching Lava Lake, he couldn''t help but tease, "What? You''re not seriously thinking about that fifth-grade Yuan weapon at the bottom of the lava, are you? You''re not the first one with that idea. There have been others who tried jumping into the Lava Lake, and they all ended up on a one-way road to death. I''m telling you, don''t be stupid!"


    Without saying a word, Xiao Yi''s eyes grew increasingly bright as he stared at the lava.


    That moment when the powerful figure was devoured by the lava, the feeling of being deeply attracted and called to had suddenly intensified.


    He was almost certain...


    That which was calling out to him was indeed beneath the scorching lava.


    Seeing Xiao Yi''s contemplative face, Niu Dali was startled, "Hey, you''re not really thinking of jumping in, are you?"


    Fang Qingzhu was also taken aback, her worried eyes fixed on Xiao Yi as she gently tugged at his sleeve, "Xiao Yi, safety first!"


    "No matter!"


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath, feeling an extremely strong premonition that a huge opportunity was waiting for him beneath the lava. However, even for a cultivator in the Golden Core Realm, falling into that scorching lava would most likely result in certain death.


    He had to be cautious.


    Xiao Yi drew out the Dragon Scale Sword and stabbed it towards the ground below.


    Whoosh!


    The Dragon Scale Sword plunged into the Lava Lake, immediately stirring up a series of towering flames. The entire Lava Lake seemed to come to life, as waves of heat overturned, and columns of lava shot up to the sky, turning into ferocious fire dragons that wrapped around the Dragon Scale Sword and dragged it into the lava.


    Xiao Yi''s actions caught everyone''s attention. They looked at him as if he were a lunatic, "Has this guy gone crazy? He just threw a second-grade Yuan weapon down there?"


    "You see him staring at the Lava Lake; he''s not thinking of jumping in, is he?"


    "Hahaha, I guess another failure who kept entering the Sword Tomb without success has lost his mind..."


    However...


    Xiao Yi seemingly did not hear their ridicule, his eyes shining with brilliance as he stared at the Lava Lake, his face revealing a look of ecstasy, "Yes, it''s down there... It''s calling me, telling me to jump!"


    "Xiao Yi..." Fang Qingzhu said with a face full of worry.


    Xiao Yi patted her hand reassuringly, "Don''t worry, I know what I''m doing! Just wait here for me, I''ll be right back!"


    Niu Dali frowned, "Buddy, don''t be impulsive! If you jump, you''re finished for life¡ªcalm down!"


    "Fortune favors the bold, and this risk is worth taking!"


    Xiao Yi leaped into the air, somersaulting several times amidst the crowd''s exclamations and with a whoosh, plunged towards the scorching Lava Lake below. The Blazing Wind Pursuit Sword appeared in his hand, and he unleashed a series of sharp moves, "Sweeping a Thousand Armies!"


    "Chasing Stars, Pursuing the Moon!"


    "Life Seizing Soul Chaser..."


    Under the bombardment of Xiao Yi''s sword moves, the Lava Lake exploded with noise, forcibly cleaved open a path.


    However...


    The Lava Lake was bottomless, and countless streams of lava converged from all directions, quickly filling in the path he had created. The surface of the lake went silent, showing no trace of Xiao Yi.


    "Hahaha, that idiot actually jumped in himself?"


    "This is killing me, I''ll be laughing about this joke for a lifetime!"


    Niu Dali sighed, "The guy''s got courage, but he''s a bit off in the head!"


    Fang Qingzhu bit her lip tightly, her eyes filled with determination, "Xiao Yi, Qingzhu will wait for your return. If the Sword Tomb closes and you haven''t come back, Qingzhu will go down to accompany you!"


    Just at that moment,


    a scar-faced man appeared before Fang Qingzhu, rubbing his hands in front of him, his eyes gleaming as he leered at her, "Pretty lady, your lover has already jumped into the Lava Lake to commit suicide. From now on, you''ll follow me!"

 Chapter 43 - 43 Sword Intent Shakes the Heavens, Ten Thousand Swords Chime in Unison!

    "From now on, you just follow me, sister! I''ll take good care of you!"


    The scar-faced man with a chubby face leered at Fang Qingzhu, rubbing his hands back and forth, looking sleazy.


    The newcomer indeed possessed considerable strength.


    Having reached the Sixth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, he exuded an aura filled with evil qi and was clearly of a malevolent nature.


    Fang Qingzhu frowned slightly, "Get out of my way!"


    "Oh? Fiery temper, I like a little chili pepper like you. Come, let brother touch you..." The scar-faced man licked his lips with his crimson tongue, his large palm reaching towards Fang Qingzhu''s body.


    "Back off!"


    Fang Qingzhu''s Purple Cloud Whip lashed out fiercely, sending the scarred man''s hand flailing back.


    A startling bloodstain appeared on the back of his hand.


    The scar-faced man''s expression darkened abruptly as he licked the blood on his hand with his blood-red tongue, his eyes filled with a touch of madness and ferocity.


    Smack!


    The scar-faced man struck suddenly, slapping Fang Qingzhu to the ground, grinding his teeth, "You wretched woman, you dare to hit me? You ungrateful thing, I wanted to be gentle, but since you''re asking for it, I''ll force myself on you!"


    Niu Dali stepped forward to shield Fang Qingzhu, speaking sternly, "Mate, what kind of skill is it to bully a woman? If you have the guts, come at me!"


    "Who do you think you are? Dare to mess with my fun?"


    The scar-faced man glared at Niu Dali with his bloodshot eyes, snorted coldly, and the evil qi surged towards him like a wind, "Step aside if you know what''s good for you, or I''ll throw you into the Lava Lake as well!"


    "Let''s see if you''ve got the ability!"


    "You''re seeking death!"


    With a low roar from the scar-faced man, a violent wind whipped up around him as he threw a heavy punch.


    Niu Dali snorted coldly, the longsword on his back slashing horizontally.


    Boom!


    As the iron fist collided with the longsword, a gust of wind erupted, and Niu Dali stumbled back several meters, blood spilling from the corner of his mouth.


    The scar-faced man looked at him with a cold smile, taunting, "That little skill and thinking of being a hero? Wait until I''ve thrown you into the Lava Lake, then I''ll have my fun with this beauty..."


    However...


    Just as the scar-faced man was about to make his move.


    Suddenly, the calm Lava Lake exploded with a boom, a giant pillar of fire shooting up. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Then a second, a third...


    Countless pillars of fire soared into the sky like dragons leaving their nest, causing the entire Lava Lake to boil over, with searing magma splashing everywhere, burning and melting the ground upon landing.


    An incredibly terrifying Sword Intent soared up from beneath the magma.


    Under the influence of this formidable Sword Intent, every sword monument within the Sword Tomb shone brightly, and from within them echoed the hum of swords.


    Hum!


    Humming...


    The sounds of swords ringing like a dragon''s roar reverberated throughout the vast Sword Tomb.


    All the swords were chiming in unison!


    Swish!


    A hundred-meter-tall column of magma burst forth, and as the fiery molten lava fell, a figure shrouded in a blood-colored glow appeared before everyone. He leaped gracefully down from the air and landed on the ground.


    The red glow was absorbed into the blood-red longsword in his hand, revealing his true face¡ªit was Xiao Yi, who had just jumped into the Lava Lake!


    "Xiao Yi? I knew you were alright!" Fang Qingzhu, disregarding the severe pain on her face, was ecstatic.


    Niu Dali was also dumbfounded, "Sheesh! He''s not dead?"


    "Damn, he survived jumping into the Lava Lake? Wait, look at the sword in his hands..."


    "Could that be a fifth-grade Yuan weapon?"


    Xiao Yi, however, paid no attention to the shouts of astonishment from everyone. His gaze locked first and foremost on the red slap mark on Fang Qingzhu''s face, his eyes suddenly turning ice-cold. With a flicker, he helped Fang Qingzhu up, his eyes filled with repressed anger and undisguised concern, "Who did this?"


    Niu Dali wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, unable to hide the shock in his eyes, he pointed at Scarface and shouted, "This bastard is the one who hit me!"


    Xiao Yi''s icy gaze turned toward Scarface.


    However, Scarface''s eyes were shining, seemingly indifferent to Xiao Yi''s frosty stare, fixated on the blood-red longsword in his hand, "Is this the sword you retrieved from under the lava? Hahaha, I''ll take this sword!"


    Whoosh!


    Scarface''s palm shot forward, grasping for the longsword in Xiao Yi''s hand with the swiftness of a hawk snatching a rabbit.


    "Seeking death!"


    Xiao Yi''s face was expressionless as he swiftly drew his longsword, a fiery red sword light flashed past, plunging into Scarface''s body. Scarface''s speed plummeted, and he thudded to his knees, eyes fixated on Xiao Yi, "Such, such a fast sword..."


    Spurt!


    A jet of blood sprayed out wildly.


    Scarface''s head soared high into the air, and a fountain-like gush of blood spurted from the severed neck.


    Hiss!


    The onlookers all gasped in astonishment.


    This Scarface was in the Sixth Layer of Divine Skill Realm, yet he couldn''t even take a single sword strike from Xiao Yi?


    "That, that sword is a fifth-grade Yuan weapon!"


    "Right, it must be a fifth-grade Yuan weapon, otherwise how could he, with just the strength of the First Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, so easily kill a strong man from the Sixth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm?"


    "Quick, grab it!"


    The horde of strong men all stepped forward, their eyes blazing with heat and greed as they looked at the longsword in Xiao Yi''s hand, "Boy, hand over that famous sword and spare yourself!"


    "If you remain stubborn, you and your companion will both die!"


    Surrounding Xiao Yi were no less than a hundred strong men, among whom the strongest was a Seventh Layer powerhouse from the Yan Family of the royal capital, Yan Ying. Yan Ying''s face was colored with greed, staring intently at the blood-red longsword in Xiao Yi''s hand, "I am Yan Ying from the royal capital''s Yan Family. Offer up the famous sword to me, and I''ll spare your life!"


    Xiao Yi looked coldly at the hundred or so men in front of him, with even more strong men watching silently around them.


    If he lacked the strength to keep this sword.


    The onlooking strong men would certainly swarm like hungry wolves.


    Fang Qingzhu remained silent, holding the Purple Cloud Whip, standing by his side.


    Niu Dali hesitated for a moment, sighed lightly and also stood shoulder to shoulder with him, looking at Xiao Yi askance, "Don''t look at me like that. I''m just honoring a bet! Since you''ve earned this famous sword''s recognition, from now on, you''re my brother. How can a younger brother stand by and watch you get mobbed?"


    Even with Fang Qingzhu and Niu Dali''s help, they were still three against a hundred.


    Completely at a disadvantage!


    Yan Ying sneered ominously, "Are you still not ready to give me the famous sword?"


    "Enough with the nonsense. The sword is in my hand, if you have the guts, come and take it!" Xiao Yi said coldly.


    "Seeking death!"


    Yan Ying''s eyes turned fierce, and he suddenly vanished from the spot, appearing in front of Xiao Yi with a whoosh. Clutching a third-grade Yuan longsword with a silvery gleam and dragon patterns coiling around it, he proclaimed, "According to the Pavilion, Listen to the Rain and Wind!"


    Rustle rustle!


    The sword chant sounded as if a sudden rainstorm was descending, straining straight for Xiao Yi''s heart.


    Faced with such a cunning thrust, Xiao Yi showed no expression as the power of Sword Intent enveloped him. The invisible and intangible force of Sword Intent was terrifying. As it surged, Yan Ying''s body shook, feeling as if the man before him had transformed into an invincible sword sovereign!


    Unmatched!


    "Not good..."


    It was this moment of distraction that allowed Yan Ying to regain his senses, his pupils constricting as he felt the aura of death envelop him.


    Thud!


    A sword stroke passed.


    Yan Ying screamed as Xiao Yi cleaved him in two!


    The astonishing Sword Intent soared into the heavens, causing all swords within the Sword Tomb to resonate in unison.


    Xiao Yi stood like a king among swords, stepping on Yan Ying''s corpse, and looked coldly at the crowd, "Who else?"

 Chapter 44 - 44 Pressing Hard

    "Who else?"


    Xiao Yi stood on Yan Ying''s corpse, holding the bloodstained longsword, his icy gaze sweeping over the crowd.


    For a moment...


    The would-be challengers among the strong were all effectively intimidated into inaction.


    None dared to step forward!


    Even Yan Ying, a powerhouse of the Seventh Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, was no match for a single stroke of his blade; who among them would dare to advance?


    While everyone was still considering their options, an icy voice suddenly rang out, "Do you really think you can steal the treasured heirloom of Mingjian Manor, commit murder within our Sword Tomb, and not have to explain yourself to me?"


    The crowd looked toward the source of the voice.


    It was an old man with youthful features and white hair, whose powerful aura was unmatched, having reached the Ninth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm.


    Following him were Yun Fan and the woman in brocade.


    The pair, with faces full of smug smiles, looked at Xiao Yi with a tilted gaze, Yun Fan said viciously, "I truly didn''t expect you to gain the approval of the heirloom sword of Mingjian Manor, but sadly for you, the sword will no longer be yours shortly!" S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The white-haired, youthful-faced elder looked at the Fire Qilin Sword in Xiao Yi''s hands, his eyes also shining with a greedy fervor that he couldn''t hide, "This sword is the heirloom treasure of Mingjian Manor, hidden beneath this Lava Lake, yet you had the audacity to steal it, a crime unforgivable!"


    "Who are you?" Xiao Yi asked with narrowed eyes.


    The elder gave a cold smile, "I am Jian San, the third elder of Mingjian Manor!"


    "Does everyone from Mingjian Manor have no shame like you?"


    Xiao Yi''s expression was indifferent, "Your Mingjian Manor made it clear that whoever gains the approval of a famous sword within the Sword Tomb could take it. Now that I have the Fire Qilin Sword''s approval, you accuse me of stealing your treasure? Do you think I''m an easy target?"


    "Humph, shameless ingrate, I am bullying you, and what can you do about it? The rules of Mingjian Manor are for us to dictate. If I say it''s yours, then it''s yours; if I say it''s not, then it''s not. What can you possibly do to me?" Jian San spoke coldly, with an air of arrogance.


    Mingjian Manor is stronger than you, so yes, I''m bullying you. What are you going to do about it?


    Yun Fan burst into laughter, "Kid, if you kneel and beg for mercy, maybe I can plead with the third elder on your behalf and let you keep your whole corpse!"


    The brocade-clad woman beside him ground her teeth, her eyes filled with hatred as she stared at Fang Qingzhu, "And this woman, I want her to crawl on her knees to me, begging for mercy, her face cut, thrown into a brothel..."


    Xiao Yi''s face turned cold, and the Fire Qilin Sword in his hand moved suddenly.


    A flash of fiery sword light passed.


    Thud!


    The brocade-clad woman''s body shuddered, her head soared into the air, blood spraying over Yun Fan.


    Yun Fan, dumbfounded, "You, you dare to kill her?"


    Xiao Yi responded coldly, "Keep your idle chatter to yourself, or I''ll slaughter you as well!"


    "You not only dare to steal the treasure of Mingjian Manor but also kill someone in my presence; don''t you think you are not giving Mingjian Manor the respect it deserves?" Jian San said darkly, with heavy emphasis on each word.


    Mingjian Manor presides over Mingjian City, and it is the oldest and most powerful sword-casting family in the Tianqing Kingdom.


    It has interactions with numerous aristocratic families.


    Even the royal family has close ties with them; isn''t their status exalted?


    Xiao Yi had dared to commit murder before him, and in Jian San''s eyes, this was a direct slap in the face.


    "Old dog, shut your mouth!"


    Xiao Yi looked coldly at Jian San, "The rules of the Sword Tomb were set by your Mingjian Manor. You change them at your whim, treating us like monkeys? Today I took the Fire Qilin Sword, but what if someone else takes a higher-grade sword tomorrow? Will you accuse them of stealing the treasure, too?"


    Yun Fan said with a sneer, "If anything, it''s your fault for not having a powerful enough background. My brother Yun Lei is not only the eldest son of the Yun Family but also a genius on the Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List, and he took a fourth-grade famous sword from the Sword Tomb!"


    Xiao Yi mused, "So, to take a sword from here, one must have a profound background, is that it?"


    "Of course!"


    Yun Fan said, full of pride.


    However, Jian San''s face darkened, silently cursing, realizing something was amiss.


    Indeed...


    Upon hearing Yun Fan''s words, the faces of the other powerhouses in the Sword Tomb changed, "The ones who previously obtained several famed swords were all from noble families in the capital, and if not, they were masters from the Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List. That''s why Mingjian Manor didn''t target them, right?"


    "Who would dare to come to Mingjian Manor after this?"


    "So you''re saying we common folk are just giving Mingjian Manor money for nothing? Even if we get hold of anything valuable, we won''t be able to take it with us, and might even lose our lives here..."


    Jian San''s face turned furious as he slapped his palm toward Xiao Yi, "You mongrel, how dare you tarnish the reputation of my Sword Mountain Manor? Die!"


    Hum!


    Shocking Sword Qi burst forth from the body.


    In Jian San''s hand appeared a cyan longsword with an Azure Dragon coiled around its edge, which emitted a dragon roar-like sword cry that was deafening as he swung the sword, "Human Sword Skill!"


    Whoosh!


    The Green Edge Sword drew a beautiful arc, and in an instant, it seemed as though dozens, if not hundreds, of sword shadows came slashing through the air. These sword shadows exploded in the sky, covering the heavens and earth with their impressive might. Niu Dali''s expression changed continuously, "Be careful, this is the ''Human Sword Skill'' from Sword Mountain Manor''s ''Heaven Earth Human Sword'', you cannot withstand it with brute force!"


    Xiao Yi''s face was expressionless, with an icy look in his eyes to the extreme, "Soul Chasing, Life Snatching!"


    Hum!


    The Fire Qilin Sword glowed red alarmingly, and under the envelopment of Sword Intent, the actual Fire Qilin Sword seemed to tremble faintly.


    Two beams of sword light collided like the tip of a needle against a stalk of wheat.


    Boom!


    The clashing sword lights scattered terrifying Sword Qi in all directions.


    Thump thump thump!


    Xiao Yi took several steps back, glanced at his palm, and saw that the tiger''s mouth had burst open, with blood rolling down, "A powerhouse of the Ninth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, indeed not someone I can currently contend with!"


    He felt a sense of admiration for Jian San''s strength in his heart.


    Jian San was equally shocked, "First Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, yet he has mastered the power of Sword Intent? Since when did the Tianqing Kingdom have such a genius?"


    Sword Intent.


    This usually indicates a high likelihood of achieving the Golden Core in the future!


    In Tianqing Kingdom, being in the Golden Core Realm would be a rightful giant, and the lord of Sword Mountain Manor was at the Golden Core Realm.


    A chill flashed in Jian San''s eyes, "This young man must not be spared. If allowed to grow, he will surely become a major threat to my Sword Mountain Manor in the future."


    Whoosh!


    As the thought flashed through Jian San''s mind, his longsword soared through the air, and he said coldly, "Earth Sword Skill!"


    "Heaven Earth Human Sword" is divided into three skills.


    Human Sword injures people.


    Earth Sword kills people.


    Heaven Sword vanquishes the soul!


    The Earth Sword Skill gushed close to the ground, sending Sword Qi soaring into the sky, and wherever it passed, several powerhouses were cut in two before they could dodge. Amidst the churning dust and smoke, the sword light headed straight for Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi raised his sword to meet the attack, his sword light shining like cold stars in the sky, constantly repelling Jian San''s assaults, but he himself was also forced back to the edge of the Lava Lake.


    Jian San, with a hideous smile, said, "To think you have grasped Sword Intent at the Divine Passage Realm, your talent is truly terrifying, but as long as I kill you, even the strongest talent will be in vain!"


    Hu!


    Suddenly, Xiao Yi exhaled a turbid breath, squinted at Jian San, and revealed a cruel smile, "I had no intention of becoming an enemy of Sword Mountain Manor, but you force my hand, don''t blame me!"


    "Force your hand? I am indeed forcing you, what can you do to me?" Jian San snickered.


    However, the next moment...


    The smile on his face vanished completely, he stared at Xiao Yi in stunned outrage, "You, you madman, stop at once..."

 Chapter 45 - 45 From Now On, No More Sword Tomb

    A boundless Sword Intent suddenly released from Xiao Yi''s body.


    The Sword Intent lotus within him bloomed completely, and a streak of blood-red light burst forth from within that lotus.


    It penetrated his body and enveloped his entire figure.


    In his hands, the Fire Qilin Sword trembled and buzzed, formidable sword light soaring into the sky while the blade itself vibrated intensely. A Fifth Grade Yuan Bing is not so easily forged; aside from needing precious materials, it also requires awakening.


    With the same materials, without awakening, it would at most be considered a peak Fourth Grade Yuan Bing.


    And upon completion of the awakening...


    It could then be called Fifth Grade!


    The Sword Spirit felt the boundless Sword Intent within Xiao Yi and seemed to send an excited cheer.


    The entire blade shook continuously, and all the swords in the hands of the strong ones within the Sword Tomb also began to buzz and tremble, as if they were about to unsheathe themselves: "What, what''s happening? Why doesn''t my sword obey me..."


    "This, this is Sword Intent, he''s using Sword Intent to summon the allegiance of a myriad of swords!"


    "Oh my gosh, something big is going to happen!"


    Everyone had a look of horror on their faces.


    Why is it that only Fifth Grade and above Yuan Bing require awakening and the gathering of an Artifact Spirit? It''s because Fifth Grade Yuan Bing are mostly in the hands of Golden Core Realm experts, and these experts all comprehend the martial dao''s essences.


    Only with the power of the martial dao''s essence can the Artifact Spirit truly be stimulated.


    Xiao Yi activated the Fire Qilin Sword''s Artifact Spirit with Sword Intent, thoroughly awakening it as if a slumbering sovereign had been roused.


    When the sovereign awakes, all nations submit.


    When the Sword Spirit revives, a myriad of swords come to pay homage!


    "Madman, you madman... you''re going to destroy the Sword Tomb, you''re trying to offend Mingjian Manor to death..." Jian San''s eyes were completely filled with bloodshot, and the cold light within them was as sharp as a blade''s edge.


    Jian San''s figure flashed, furiously rushing towards Xiao Yi.


    "Don''t you dare harm my Xiao Yi!"


    Fang Qingzhu stood in his way with a sidestep, her Purple Cloud Whip whirling through the air, coiled around Jian San''s ankle and yanked fiercely.


    Swish!


    Jian San was tripped unexpectedly and fell to the ground.


    The Purple Cloud Whip merged with Fang Qingzhu as one, as easy to command as her own limb, and as it waved, it coiled Jian San up high, then wrapped around him layer by layer. Jian San was unable to break free for a moment, his eyes flashing coldly: "You are courting death!"


    Swish!


    A light flashed on the storage ring, and the Green Edge Sword kept cutting the Purple Cloud Whip.


    Sparks flew everywhere.


    The Purple Cloud Whip was merely a First Grade Yuan Bing, while the Green Edge Sword was a Third Grade Yuan Bing. In their clash, the whip was severed by just three strokes. Jian San, once free, charged toward Fang Qingzhu: "You little wench, dare to block me, die!"


    Swish!


    Jian San slashed out with a palm, and Fang Qingzhu spat blood as she was sent flying backward, while a cold light flowed in his eyes: "Die!"


    The Green Edge Sword thrust forward, aiming straight for Fang Qingzhu''s heart.


    But at that moment...


    Niu Dali suddenly made a move, grasping a black great sword in both hands and with a thunk struck down on the Green Edge Sword, blocking Jian San''s attack. His black great sword was also covered in cracks, his eyes full of distress: "Dammit, what skill is there in hitting a woman? Have the guts to fight your grandpa Niu!"


    "You''re courting death!"


    Jian San was furious, sword in hand.


    But just at that time...


    Atop the Sword Tomb, a sword stele suddenly burst apart with a bang.


    Swish!


    A sword light soared into the sky.


    Then the second stele.


    The third stele.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    With every stele''s explosion, a sword rose to the heavens, converging toward Xiao Yi''s location.


    "No. No..."


    Jian San''s eyes were nearly splitting, each explosion of a stele signifying a famous sword breaking free from its seal. Without the protection of the steles, these masterless swords, though they could not be recognized by an owner, could still be taken away directly.


    The entire Sword Tomb kept rumbling, one sword after another appearing before everyone.


    All were stunned.


    Inside the Sword Tomb, more than a hundred thousand swords¡ªthis was the wealth accumulated by Mingjian Manor over hundreds of years¡ªwere now all exposed before everyone.


    Seeing the scattered Yuan Bing longswords all around, everyone felt as if an invisible hand was choking their throats, unable to breathe.


    Xiao Yi was covered in red Sword Intent, he roared, "What are you all waiting for? These swords now belong to no one, why aren''t you taking them?" S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Right, grab them quickly!"


    "Grab and run..."


    The crowd was momentarily stunned, and then their eyes turned bloodshot with excitement as they yelled out.


    Faced with a substantial reward, there will always be brave takers!


    Even the lowest grade of Yuan Bing was worth tens of thousands of silver, so grabbing any sword and you''d make a killing!


    One after another, strong figures began to crazily loot the longswords that were scattered everywhere.


    The scene descended into chaos.


    "Let''s go!"


    Seizing the chaos, Xiao Yi grabbed Fang Qingzhu and made a break for it, snatching up famous swords along the way and shoving them into his storage ring.


    "Stop..."


    Jian San''s eyes were filled with rage as he saw Xiao Yi taking away two fourth-grade famous swords, at least six third-grade famous swords, and not to mention the fifth-grade famous sword, the Fire Qilin Sword. Xiao Yi had practically looted half of the sword tomb!


    Jian San wanted to chase after Xiao Yi but was blocked by the other strong figures who were crazily looting the famous swords, "Get out of the way!"


    "Fuck off, can''t you see I''m busy grabbing swords?" several of them cursed back without even lifting their heads.


    "Stop right there! These treasures belong to Mingjian Manor. Whoever dares to take them, I''ll kill..." Jian San shouted hysterically, but his voice was gradually drowned out by the clamor of others fighting over the longswords.


    In the midst of the crowd.


    Niu Dali swallowed hard, hurriedly snatched up a few longswords and threw them into his storage ring, then dashed off in Xiao Yi''s direction, "Bro, wait for me..."


    "Xiao Yi, Yun Fan is over there..." Qingzhu spotted Yun Fan in the crowd, who was also grabbing swords.


    A cold light flashed in Xiao Yi''s eyes, "Die!"


    The longsword pierced through the air, and with a ''thud'', Yun Fan''s head, who was laughing heartily while holding a third-grade Yuan Bing famous sword, was lopped off. Even in death, his face retained an excited grin.


    Without stopping, Xiao Yi quickly dashed out of the tomb of swords.


    Outside the tomb of swords.


    Several figures from Sword Mountain Manor looked at the appearances of Xiao Yi and his companions in front of them, all taken aback and then laughed, "There''s still a while before the tomb closes, and you''re leaving already? Seems like you''ve found something good!"


    Xiao Yi nodded with a smile, "Lucky, got some loot!"


    "Haha, then congratulations!"


    "You''re too kind!"


    Xiao Yi gave a slight smile, then quickly left with Fang Qingzhu towards the outside of Mingjian Manor.


    The two figures from Sword Mountain Manor exchanged glances and laughed, "Looks like they got a nice sword and are worried others might covet it, that''s why they are running!"


    "At best, it''s a second-grade famous sword. You think it''s easy to get a third-grade or higher?" another sneered.


    "Yeah, without enough backing, even if you get the sword, you can''t keep it!"


    "All just fools giving away their money, thinking they''ve taken advantage, but in reality, aren''t they just being played like monkeys by our Mingjian Manor?"


    The two were still talking.


    Suddenly, several figures rushed out of the sword tomb without uttering a word and left directly.


    Soon after...


    The third, the fourth...


    About seven or eight hundred strong figures escaped from the sword tomb. All of them left without any delay, quickly disappearing.


    This left the two guards completely dumbfounded, "What''s happening?"


    "Stop them..."


    A furious roar rang out. Jian San, his body drenched in blood, appeared before the two men. His eyes were bloodshot with anger as he bellowed, "Where are the man and woman who were the first to leave? Where are they?"


    "Huh?"


    "They already left..." The two guards said, still confused.


    "Useless fools!"


    Jian San roared in fury and with a thunderous slap, inflicted severe injuries on the two. Blood swirled in his eyes as tears streamed down his face. He watched as more than a hundred thousand sword steles in the sword tomb were all destroyed. Even though he killed hundreds of strong men, tens of thousands of famous swords were still taken.


    What was worse...


    Xiao Yi had taken the one and only fifth-grade Yuan Bing Fire Qilin Sword, as well as fourth and third-grade famous swords...


    They were practically wiped clean!


    The long-renowned Sword Mountain Manor''s tomb of swords was thoroughly ruined.


    "It''s all over, completely over... The tomb of swords that has been passed down for hundreds of years in my Mingjian Manor is completely ruined..."


    Jian San''s eyes were filled with the fissures of rage. Beyond regret, there was a hysterical madness, "Someone, send out the Sword God Guard Brigade immediately. I want them to chase after that criminal. I will have him torn to pieces..."

 Chapter 46 - 46: A Formidable Enemy Arrives!

    Xiao Yi and his companions fled Mingjian City, running wildly without any pause.


    They ran for a whole day and night before finally stopping.


    Huff huff huff!


    Xiao Yi, Fang Qingzhu, and Niu Dali collapsed on the ground, leaning against the cold rock wall, gasping for air. The continuous running for a day and night had taken a tremendous toll on them.


    They rested for a while.


    Xiao Yi frowned at Niu Dali, "Why are you following us?"


    Gulping for air, Niu Dali said, "Didn''t we make a bet? I lost, you''re my brother, so of course, I have to follow you!"


    Xiao Yi glanced at Niu Dali''s bearded face and the profound worry lines on his forehead: "..."


    Fang Qingzhu stuck out her tongue, "You''re old enough to be our uncle..."


    Niu Dali glared, exclaiming, "Who says? I''m only eighteen this year!"


    Hiss!


    The two eyed him, "You''re just eighteen?"


    "Doesn''t it seem so?"


    Seeing their skeptical faces, Niu Dali grew annoyed, "I really am eighteen, I had my birthday last month. I just look a bit older... If I''m lying, may lightning strike me!"


    Xiao Yi looked deeply at Niu Dali, sighing, "You do look quite older for your age!"


    Fang Qingzhu nodded seriously.


    Niu Dali: "..."


    Nima!


    I''m still right here, alive and kicking! Can you consider my feelings?


    Xiao Yi said, "My name is Xiao Yi, and this is my wife, Fang Qingzhu."


    "Hello elder brother and sister-in-law!"


    Niu Dali stood up, straightened his clothes, and cupped his fist in greeting, "I''m Niu Dali, you can call me Dali, or Little Niu Niu!"


    "Little Niu Niu?!"


    Xiao Yi''s mouth twitched, "I''ll just call you Dali. We''ve already left the sphere of influence of Mingjian City. The people from Mingjian City probably won''t catch up to us now, so let''s part ways here!"


    "Don''t leave, big brother!"


    Niu Dali hurriedly said, "It''s not good for brothers to part so soon after recognizing each other. Wherever you go, I''ll follow!"


    Xiao Yi: "..."


    God damn recognition!


    Xiao Yi said with a dark face, "We''re going to the Royal Martial Arts Academy, you want to follow there too?"


    Thumping his thigh, Niu Dali chuckled, "See, that''s fate! Elder brother, I am also planning to apply to the Royal Martial Arts Academy, it''s the same path! Elder brother and sister-in-law, please take me with you!"


    Fang Qingzhu said, "Xiao Yi brother, back in the Sword Tomb, if it weren''t for Dali''s help, I would''ve died at the hands of Jian San!"


    After pondering for a moment, Xiao Yi nodded, "Alright, then we''ll go to the capital together."


    "Thank you, big brother, thank you, sister-in-law!"


    Niu Dali grinned, then his face showed a worried expression, "Big brother, we''ve raided the Sword Tomb, and the people from Mingjian Manor won''t let it go easily, right? I heard their manor master is a Golden Core Realm expert, if we fall into his hands, it will be a disaster for us!"


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Don''t worry, that manor master from the Mingjian Manor surely wasn''t in Mingjian City, otherwise, we wouldn''t have been able to escape. As long as we can reach the capital and enter the Royal Martial Arts Academy, even Mingjian Manor can''t do anything to us!"


    "Big brother is so wise!"


    "Cut the flattery. If you''re going to be my little brother, you need to be prepared to act like one. We haven''t eaten anything all day, go find us some food!" Xiao Yi commanded.


    "Right away, on it!"


    Niu Dali scampered off.


    Xiao Yi took out the swords, clanging them onto the ground, and began to count them one by one, "Two fourth-grade, seven third-grade, one hundred sixty-three second-grade swords, worth no less than eighty million silver. This trip to the Sword Tomb really paid off." S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Eighty million plus?"


    Fang Qingzhu gasped in astonishment, such wealth could be compared to the total assets of the four great families of the past.


    Xiao Yi nodded, "Once we reach the Royal Capital, we will sell these Elemental Weapons, then I''ll find one that suits you!"


    It didn''t take long for Niu Dali to return.


    He was carrying a First-layer Demon Beast Iron Leg Pig, his face beaming with a bright smile: "Big brother, sister-in-law, you two just sit back and rest for a while, and let me show off my skills with the legendary roasted whole pig!"


    While saying this, Niu Dali busied himself with starting a fire and roasting the meat.


    Xiao Yi couldn''t bother about him and took out the Fifth Grade Yuan Bing Fire Qilin Sword.


    Hum!


    Upon grasping the Fire Qilin Sword, a burst of fierce flames spat out instantly, scorching the ground into a charred patch where the sword''s edge passed.


    Hiss!


    Fang Qingzhu''s phoenix eyes widened in amazement, "Is this a Fifth Grade Yuan Bing? Just with its power erupting casually, it''s already this terrifying. If it were fully refined, how powerful would it be!"


    "Do you want to see? I''ll refine it right now, and later let you see how powerful it is," Xiao Yi fondled Fang Qingzhu''s head, his eyes filled with doting affection, smiling as he spoke.


    Fang Qingzhu nodded obediently.


    Xiao Yi then sat down cross-legged to begin refining the Fire Qilin Sword.


    Fifth Grade Yuan Bing.


    Even within the Royal Capital, it was considered a first-class existence.


    If Xiao Yi could refine it and completely master the Fire Qilin Sword, his combat strength would undoubtedly climb to another level.


    Under the shade of a nearby tree, Xiao Yi sat with legs crossed, refining the Fire Qilin Sword with a posture of ''five hearts facing the sky''.


    Before long, an hour had passed.


    The body of the Fire Qilin Sword in Xiao Yi''s hands buzzed, radiating streaks of crimson light. Then the red light retracted inwards, disappearing completely, and Xiao Yi opened his eyes. Holding the Fire Qilin Sword, he leaped up high and slashed diagonally, sending out a red sword light that howled forth with a whoosh.


    Five meters away, a thousand-pound boulder was split cleanly into eight pieces.


    Hiss!


    Niu Dali stood agape, bewildered: "Holy shit, is this sword really this powerful?"


    Fang Qingzhu also followed, her face filled with admiration, "Xiao Yi, have you finished refining the Fire Qilin Sword?"


    Xiao Yi nodded with a smile, "I can wield it proficiently now, it''s indeed a fine sword!"


    "Big brother, did you really fully refine this Fifth Grade Yuan Bing?"


    Niu Dali looked at Xiao Yi in shock, shaking his head with a wry smile, "You really are a freak! As far as I know, it usually takes ten days to half a month for one to refine a Fifth Grade Yuan Bing, but you did it in an hour, how do you cultivate?"


    Looking at Niu Dali''s plaintive gaze, Xiao Yi smiled, about to speak, but his expression suddenly changed.


    His eyes narrowed sharply.


    The Fire Qilin Sword in his hand trembled, emitting a hot red glow.


    "What''s wrong?"


    "Xiao Yi..."


    "Shush!"


    Xiao Yi made a silencing gesture, holding Fang Qingzhu protectively behind him, his eyes squinting into slits as he looked ahead.


    Thump, thump, thump...


    The urgent sound of galloping hooves grew louder as they approached.


    The ground trembled slightly, and pebbles on the ground kept bouncing.


    Suddenly...


    The sound of the hooves came to a fierce halt and then exploded into a sound several times louder, a cavalry troop of a hundred men riding through the forest swiftly, appearing before Xiao Yi and the others.


    The man at the forefront had an indifferent face, with a black greatsword on his back, his eyes emitting an icy chill, fixating on the Fire Qilin Sword in Xiao Yi''s hand. The corner of his mouth twisted into a sinister cold smile, "The Fire Qilin Sword? It seems you are the ones who caused a great uproar at Mingjian Manor, audacious villains. The Sword God Guard Brigade is here, will you not surrender willingly?"

 Chapter 47 - 47 Sword God Guard Brigade

    The Sword God Guard Brigade, numbering a hundred men, each rode a white steed, the Python Blood Horses with python blood lineage.


    Each one was priceless.


    To build the Sword God Guard, Mingjian Manor had spared no expense.


    Their equipment alone was comparable to the royal guards.


    The person leading them was none other than Jian San, the third elder of the Mingjian Manor.


    Jian San''s gaze was icy as he looked at the Fire Qilin Sword in Xiao Yi''s hand, a fiery greed flickered deep in his eyes. The Fire Qilin Sword, housed in the Sword Tomb, was the treasured heirloom of the clan, but even Mingjian Manor had never been able to bond with it despite years of effort. Yet now, Xiao Yi, a youth from the First Layer of the Shentong Realm, had claimed the Fire Qilin Sword.


    As the saying goes, "The innocent man who carries a jade will be blamed for it."


    The corners of Jian San''s mouth curled upwards as he coldly said, "Boy, I personally led the Sword God Guard to chase you here, aren''t you going to surrender without a fight?"


    Niu Dali''s forehead was covered in cold sweat, which rolled off like large beans and had already soaked his back. He said in a deep voice, "Big, big brother, why don''t we surrender? This is the Sword God Guard we''re dealing with, the three of us are no match for them..."


    Fang Qingzhu remained silent, simply standing by Xiao Yi''s side.


    Xiao Yi gently patted Fang Qingzhu''s hand, squinted at Jian San, and said, "So, you''re the third elder? May I ask what crime have I committed?" sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Jian San replied coldly, "Stealing the treasured Fire Qilin Sword of our Mingjian Manor, isn''t that a crime?"


    "The Fire Qilin Sword was obtained from within the Sword Tomb, and your Mingjian Manor has explicitly stated that whoever can make a sword from the Sword Tomb recognize them as master can become its owner. Mingjian Manor won''t obstruct this, will it?" Xiao Yi said solemnly, his hand gripping the Fire Qilin Sword tightly, ready to execute his sword moves.


    The shamelessness of Mingjian Manor was clearly displayed by Jian San.


    They would never talk rules with you.


    As Jian San said, expecting to take a high-grade famous sword from the Sword Tomb without any backing was nothing less than a fool''s dream!


    Xiao Yi believed that Jian San was no different.


    His previous words were merely a delaying tactic.


    Indeed...


    After hearing Xiao Yi''s words, Jian San burst into laughter, his face filled with mockery. He leaned on his horse''s back and said with a sneer, "Kid, you''re truly na?ve. Haven''t I told you before that not just anyone can take a famous sword from our Mingjian Manor? If that were so, our Mingjian Manor, no matter how powerful our sword forging capability, would still be overwhelmed and ruined!"


    "Enough of your blathering, hand over the Fire Qilin Sword, and I might leave you a whole corpse..." Jian San said coldly.


    Xiao Yi sighed and said, "Well, it seems like the Fire Qilin Sword is not fated to be mine. Then I''ll give it back to you!"


    "Hmm?"


    Jian San was startled, then he laughed out loud, saying, "Not bad, not bad, you are quite sensible." He turned to the two Sword God Guard powerhouses beside him, "You, go get the Fire Qilin Sword, and tie them up while you''re at it!"


    "Yes!"


    The two powerhouses of the Sword God Guard rode forward, looking down on Xiao Yi from their high horses, and with a swish, threw down a rope, "Hand over the Fire Qilin Sword and tie yourselves up!"


    However...


    The-face-that-had-been-creased-in-woe Xiao Yi now showed a trace of icy coldness. With a flourish of his arm, a flash of sword light cut down the two Sword God Guard powerhouses from their horses. Grabbing Fang Qingzhu, he mounted a horse and shouted to the stunned Niu Dali, "What are you waiting for? Mount up, and run!"


    "Ah? Oh..."


    Niu Dali quickly mounted as well.


    Whipping their horses...


    The trio fled on two horses.


    Jian San: "..."


    The entire Sword God Guard: "..."


    Looking at the two cold corpses on the ground, Jian San''s face twisted with ferocious rage as he roared, "Damn it, chase after them! That brat dares to play me for a fool, I''ll have him torn to pieces!"


    Thud, thud, thud!


    Xiao Yi and his two companions were fleeing madly ahead, with the Sword God Guard Brigade hot on their heels.


    During their frantic escape,


    a merchant caravan appeared up ahead, with several horse-drawn wagons and about several dozen guards accompanying them. Sensing the sound of approaching hoofbeats from behind, the head guard, Chen Jie, changed expression, drew his longsword, and roared, "Ambush! Defend!"


    Clang, clang!


    The guards unsheathed their weapons in unison, watching Xiao Yi and his party warily.


    "Make way, people ahead!" Xiao Yi shouted loudly.


    From behind, Jian San, seeing Xiao Yi getting further away, shouted, "Listen, people up front, we are from the Sword God Guard Brigade of Mingjian Manor, in pursuit of criminals. Please help us stop them, and Mingjian Manor will repay you handsomely!"


    Chen Jie''s face underwent a slight change as he glanced at the middle wagon.


    His mission was simply to escort the person and goods within the wagon and he didn''t wish to court trouble.


    However...


    Just as Chen Jie was about to step aside, a sprightly voice came from inside the wagon, "Mingjian Manor? This young lady has had the pleasure of meeting young master Huang Zijian from Mingjian Manor. Chen Jie, take your men and stop those three! If we can owe Mingjian Manor a favor, it will be more convenient to cooperate with them in the future!"


    "Chen Di, it''s better we don''t get involved in this mess..." another voice from the wagon cautioned.


    "Shut up!"


    The owner of the previous voice, Chen Di, spoke impatiently, "You spineless coward, always afraid of this and that, how can you ever achieve anything great? Chen Jie, what are you waiting for? Don''t just stand there, attack!"


    "Yes!"


    Chen Jie let out a helpless sigh and bellowed, "Stop them!"


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!


    The group of guards acted in unison, forming a line across the official road, blocking Xiao Yi''s path.


    Whoa!


    Xiao Yi pulled hard on the reins. The Sword God Guard Brigade was gaining from behind, while Chen Jie and his men blocked the road ahead. Xiao Yi spoke in a deep voice, "Brother, I bear you no grudge, and this is a personal grievance between myself and Mingjian Manor. Please step aside and let us pass!"


    Chen Jie did not speak.


    Chen Di''s cold laugh emerged from within the wagon, "This young lady has had the pleasure of encountering young master Huang Zijian from Mingjian Manor, and I know well that Mingjian Manor has always cherished its reputation, acting with justice and integrity. If the Sword God Guard Brigade is pursuing you, you must be extremely vile criminals. As martial artists, we have the duty to act chivalrously and uphold justice on behalf of the heavens!"


    Xiao Yi: "..."


    Fang Qingzhu: "..."


    Niu Dali, fuming with nostrils flaring, bellowed, "To hell with upholding justice on behalf of the heavens, you prattle without knowing the actual truth. If you have the guts, come out here, and I, old Niu, will punch your head into pieces!"


    Whoosh!


    Chen Di emerged from the wagon with a sullen face, her venomous gaze fixed on Xiao Yi and his company, "Hmph, this young lady is standing right here. Let''s see you try to smash my head!"


    "You..."


    Niu Dali''s face turned shades of red and white.


    Thud, thud, thud!


    The sound of approaching hoofbeats grew louder, accompanied by Jian San''s triumphant voice, "Hahaha, friends up ahead, thanks for your assistance. Three little runts, your end is sealed..."


    Xiao Yi''s expression darkened as if it could drip water, and he said in a grave tone, "I''m asking one last time, step aside!"


    "Hmph, what if I don''t?" Chen Di retorted confidently.


    Xiao Yi exhaled a long breath of turbid air, and said coldly, "Since you won''t move, then prepare to die!"

 Chapter 48 - 48: First Visit to the Royal Capital

    "If you won''t yield, then go to die!"


    Xiao Yi''s voice was filled with a chilling intent to kill.


    He had already spoken in good faith, but the other party wouldn''t give an inch.


    The Sword God Guard Brigade was getting closer and closer behind them.


    If they got caught between the two forces, the three of them were certainly heading down a path of no return.


    Facing Xiao Yi''s threat, Chen Jie''s expression turned grave, while Chen Di was fearless and mocking, "Die? Hahaha, you''re delusional. Just with you three? Among my guards, there are six at the Divine Passage Realm, and Chen Jie who leads them is a powerhouse at the Seventh Layer of the Divine Passage Realm. Who do you think you are? Hoping to kill all of us? Dream on..."


    While speaking,


    Chen Di glanced at Chen Jie with an air of indifference and said, "Chen Jie, cripple this brat for me, cut off his tongue, and gouge out his eyes. I want to see what he''s capable of that he dares to threaten me like this!"


    "Yes!"


    Chen Jie took a deep breath and looked at Xiao Yi, "An order from the master cannot be disobeyed, I apologize! But rest assured, I''ll make it quick for you!"


    Whoosh!


    The moment Chen Jie finished speaking, he swiftly thrust with his sword.


    Being at the Seventh Layer of the Divine Passage Realm and particularly confident in his exquisite sword technique, he had complete confidence in himself.


    However...


    Against Chen Jie''s rapid and relentless assault, Xiao Yi just let out a cold snort, and his Fire Qilin Sword cleaved through the air with a slash.


    Clang!


    A crisp sound echoed.


    Chen Jie''s figure suddenly halted.


    His longsword dropped to the ground with a clang, and his mighty steed continued forward two steps before collapsing, with both horse and rider being split in half.


    They had been cleaved in two by a single stroke of Xiao Yi''s sword.


    Hiss!


    The group of guards looked at each other in shock.


    Chen Di fell off the carriage with a thud, his face a picture of befuddled horror as he looked at Chen Jie, split into two halves, "This, this, how is this possible? Chen Jie was at the Seventh Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, and this kid is merely at the First Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, how can he be so strong..."


    Xiao Yi looked coldly at the remaining guards, "Scram, or die!"


    Whoosh!


    The guards dared not to obstruct any further.


    They stepped back one after another.


    Xiao Yi and his two companions spurred their horses and galloped away, raising a cloud of dust behind them.


    A moment later...


    Jian San and his men finally caught up, only to see Xiao Yi and his friends disappearing into the distance. He was unable to contain his fury, glaring at Chen Di, "What happened here? Weren''t you supposed to stop them? Why did you let them go?"


    Chen Di stuttered, "This, this lord, just now that young man was surprisingly strong, even the captain of my guards was slain by his sword, so... so..."


    Slap!


    Jian San slapped him across the face, sending Chen Di tumbling to the ground, and bellowed with a dark face, "Useless, all of you are useless... Your guards are nothing but cannon fodder, even if all had died, what would it matter? But now, you''ve let them get away for nothing... Men, kill all these wretches, leave none alive!"


    "No. Don''t..."


    Chen Di''s face immediately turned pale, devoid of any color, as he knelt on the ground and yelled.


    Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh!


    The Sword God Guard Brigade, in their rage, frantically began slaying Chen Di''s guards.


    Chen Di, his complexion drained of color, reeked of fear and had evidently completely lost control of his bladder.


    "Elder, what should we do with this woman?" a guard asked.


    Jian San responded coldly, "Kill her!"


    Clang!


    The guard raised his longsword.


    Just then...


    Huo Zhen suddenly burst out from the carriage, shielding Chen Di and shouting, "Lord, my young miss is acquainted with Mr. Huang Zijian, please consider Mr. Huang''s face and spare us!"


    "Hmm?"


    The guard hesitated, looking towards Jian San.


    Jian San squinted his eyes and asked, "You know Mr. Huang?"


    "Yes, yes..."


    Huo Zhen hastily nodded.


    Jian San stroked his chin and said, "Well then, since you know Mr. Huang, I''ll spare you this time. However, our Sword God Guard Brigade has been inconvenienced by you all, and these goods shall serve as compensation; we''re taking them!"


    "This is unacceptable..." Chen Di''s complexion changed.


    "What did you say?" Jian San narrowed his eyes, staring at him.


    Huo Zhen quickly covered Chen Di''s mouth and said with a forced smile, "It''s okay, it''s okay, you take it, please!"


    "Hmph!"


    Jian San snorted coldly, eyes still narrowed as he looked in the direction Xiao Yi and the others had left. "After half a day''s journey, we''ll arrive at the royal city, but at their current speed, we won''t catch up. No matter, we''ll head back to Mingjian Manor first and inform the master to see what to do next!"


    Then,


    The Sword God Guard Brigade, along with the Chen Family''s goods, made their departure.


    For a time,


    all that remained on the imperial road were Chen Di and Huo Zhen.


    Chen Di slumped to the ground, while Huo Zhen said with a look of pity, "Cousin, don''t be sad..."


    Slap!


    With a backhand slap, Chen Di struck Huo Zhen fiercely across the face, glaring at him with disgust and contempt in her eyes, "You''re useless, hiding in the carriage just now, and now coming out to comfort me? You and those three bastards all deserve to die..."


    "Cousin, it''s, it''s not their fault. If you hadn''t insisted on stopping them, none of this would have happened..." Huo Zhen said with a mournful expression.


    Slap!


    "Whose fault is it then if not theirs? They offended Sword Mountain Manor and got chased; they should simply have stopped and let Sword Mountain Manor capture them. Not only would we not have been implicated, but we could have also gained Sword Mountain Manor''s favor. But they resisted, causing us to suffer Sword Mountain Manor''s wrath..."


    Chen Di slapped him again, her eyes full of hatred and ferocity. As far as she was concerned, once Chen Jie made his move to stop them, Xiao Yi and his group should have surrendered. But Xiao Yi resisted, filling Chen Di with resentment. She gritted her teeth and said, "I''ve memorized that kid''s face. Even if he turns to ashes, I won''t forget him... He''d better pray he never meets me again, or I will tear him limb from limb... I will make him wish for death that he will not find!"


    ...


    Huo Zhen opened his mouth, but the burning pain on his face stopped him from saying anything further.


    Chen Di shakily got up, glaring at Huo Zhen, "What are you standing there for? Aren''t you going to drive the carriage and take me home?"


    "Yes, yes..."


    With a face full of resignation, Huo Zhen obediently took control of the carriage and headed towards the royal city.


    Meanwhile,


    Xiao Yi and his group were racing on their python-blood steeds, and after half a day''s travel, they finally saw the majestic royal city.


    "We''ve finally arrived!"


    "Once we''re in the royal city, Sword Mountain Manor will surely hesitate to take action..."


    Xiao Yi and the others heaved a sigh of relief.


    Moments later,


    They arrived at the city gate; facing the vast city, especially a gate five to six times larger than Nanhuang City, Fang Qingzhu couldn''t help but express in awe, "This is truly the royal city; it''s so grand, so prosperous..." S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Cut it out, what country bumpkin is this, coming to the city for the first time?" an inopportune voice remarked from the side, belonging to a young man in brocade, with a look of scorn.


    Fang Qingzhu''s expression dimmed, feeling as if she had embarrassed Xiao Yi, and she lowered her head.


    Xiao Yi held Fang Qingzhu''s gentle hand and said with a light laugh, "Don''t mind what others say; just being ourselves is enough."


    "Mhm!"


    Fang Qingzhu nodded obediently.


    As the young man opened his mouth, Niu Dali glared back at him with a fierce look.


    The young man''s breath caught.


    Anger flashed across his face. Just as he was about to speak, a luxurious carriage slowly approached. The young man''s face was filled with envy, "Damn, that''s the highest-class carriage from Treasure Pavilion, worth over a million silver each. I wonder who owns it... If I could just touch this kind of carriage once in my life, dying would be worth it!"


    As soon as he finished speaking,


    The carriage stopped right beside Xiao Yi and the others, and the elder driving it approached respectfully, "May I ask if you are Xiao Yi, sir?"


    "I am!" Xiao Yi nodded and asked, "And you are?"


    The elder''s face shone with a bright smile, "This humble servant comes at the command of Miss Xue''er, waiting especially for you, sir. The young mistress awaits you at her residence; would you please board the carriage?"


    "Thank you!"


    Xiao Yi, leading Fang Qingzhu, boarded the carriage.


    Before boarding, Niu Dali glanced at the dumbfounded young man and teased, "Want to come over for a touch?"


    Thud!


    The young man collapsed to the ground, his face burning with pain, "..."


    He''d never expected that the so-called country bumpkins were actually the owners of the sumptuous carriage he''d dreamed of touching...


    What a disgraceful turn of events!

 Chapter 49 - 49 Lingering Spirit

    Treasure Pavilion in Wangdu.


    This was not something that could be compared to any branch in Nanhuang, the facade alone was much taller than the city gates of Nanhuang City, and the interior decorations were even more luxurious.


    The area in front served as the business district, while the back was a luxury residential area.


    The high-ranking members of the Treasure Pavilion lived in this particular area.


    Xue''er''s home was among them.


    The carriage slowly came to a stop in front of Xue''er''s house, and the old man said with a smile, "Xiao, the young miss instructed that upon your arrival, you may directly enter."


    "Thank you!"


    Xiao Yi took out one hundred silver taels and handed them to the old man, smiling as he spoke.


    The old man hastily waved his hands, "This really isn''t necessary..."


    "It''s fine! You just take it," Xiao Yi said with a smile.


    The old man wore a grateful expression, "Thank you, young master!"


    Xiao Yi nodded, the guards at the door recognized the old man, and as they saw Xiao Yi and the two others get off the carriage, they came forward to greet them, "Xiao, please follow me!"


    They walked through a labyrinth-like corridor and arrived at the back courtyard.


    Xue''er, donning a white long dress, was sitting in the garden, supporting her cheek with her delicate hand, her eyes fixed on the glimmering ripples on the water''s surface. The guard''s voice reached from outside, "Miss, Xiao has arrived!"


    "Ah?"


    Xue''er was startled, then came back to her senses and saw Xiao Yi and the three people arriving. A bright smile appeared on her face, "Xiao Yi, Qingzhu, you''ve finally come, Xue''er has been waiting for you for quite some days!"


    She walked forward and took Fang Qingzhu''s hand, her face full of happiness.


    "Xue''er, what were you just looking at?" Fang Qingzhu asked curiously.


    Xue''er stuck out her tongue, "Nothing! It''s just that you weren''t here, and I was so bored... Qingzhu, your timing is just perfect... Tomorrow night, there will be a grand auction at the Wangdu Auction House, and I''ll take you both there to look around!"


    "The Wangdu Auction House?"


    "An auction? Xue''er, does that auction accept elemental weapons?" Xiao Yi asked.


    He now had a bunch of elemental weapons in his possession, including two fourth-grade ones. Although they were worth over eighty million, they were just a pile of scrap metal if he couldn''t sell them!


    Xue''er was surprised and curiously asked, "Xiao Yi, do you have elemental weapons to sell?"


    Xiao Yi nodded, "I''ve got some elemental weapons and was worrying about how to sell them."


    Xue''er said, "Xiao Yi, I''ve arranged a reception banquet for you tonight. You give me the elemental weapons, and I''ll have someone take them to the Wangdu Auction House for an appraisal. If the price is right, we''ll let them auction it off, how about that?"


    "No problem!"


    Xiao Yi smiled and handed over a pile of elemental weapons to Xue''er. He found searching for buyers too troublesome and was glad to have Xue''er handle it for him.


    Xue''er immediately called a guard and instructed him to take the elemental weapons to the Wangdu Auction House. She then led Xiao Yi and the others to the dining hall. She had been preparing for this reception banquet since she returned to Wangdu and didn''t call many people, just a young man dressed in fine clothes, with a handsome and distinguished appearance.


    Xue''er introduced them with a smile, "Xiao Yi, Qingzhu, Uncle Dali..." She directly ignored Niu Dali''s sorrowful gaze and continued, "This is Qi..."


    Before Xue''er could finish the introduction.


    The young man stepped forward with a smile and greeted the three with a bow, "My name is Jiang Tai, but everyone is accustomed to calling me Qi Shao!"


    "Nice to meet you, Jiang!"


    "Greetings, Qi Shao!"


    After exchanging greetings, they took their seats.


    The wine flowed and the courses continued, one after another.


    Jiang Tai raised his glass in a toast to Xiao Yi, smiling as he asked, "Xiao Brother, I often hear Xue''er talk about your heroic deeds. If it weren''t for your timely intervention at the Southern Desolate Mountain Range, that girl would have suffered a terrible fate!"


    "Brother Jiang Tai, you..." Xue''er looked at him with an aggrieved face. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Hahaha..."


    Jiang Tai laughed nonchalantly and then turned to Xiao Yi, asking meaningfully, "Xiao Brother, Xue''er mentioned that you are interested in applying to the Royal Martial Arts Academy?"


    Xiao Yi nodded, "I do have that intention!"


    Jiang Tai exclaimed with a hint of regret, "What a pity, I don''t really have any acquaintances at the Royal Martial Arts Academy... However, if you are interested, I could certainly recommend you to the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy!"


    "The Tianqi Martial Arts Academy?"


    "Hasn''t it been in decline for many years? What''s the use of going there..." Niu Dali said, puzzled.


    Xiao Yi glanced at him and said with a smile, "Let''s try the Royal Martial Arts Academy first. If it really doesn''t work out, I''ll definitely have to bother Brother Jiang then!"


    "Don''t mention it!"


    The meal passed in a harmonious atmosphere, and everyone dispersed afterwards.


    The night passed without event.


    Next morning.


    With an invitation card and a golden card in hand, Xue''er found Xiao Yi, who was practicing in the courtyard at dawn, "Brother Xiao Yi, there''s news from the Royal Martial Arts Academy... Those valuable soldiers they are providing two options, one is consignment, your share will be based on the auction price. The other is to buy them outright for one billion silver. They''ve already brought the money over, which option do you choose?"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback, "Buy them outright for one billion silver?"


    By his estimation, those valuable soldiers were worth only about eighty million, and the other party was offering a direct price of one billion?


    Xiao Yi looked at Xue''er and thought to himself, "Probably because they want to favor Xue''er."


    Reluctant to bother with it, he said, "Just sell them outright!"


    "Alrighty!"


    Xue''er handed the golden card to Xiao Yi, and then the invitation, "This is for the auction tonight, but I have something to do and can''t make it, so you''ll have to take Sister Qingzhu and the others!"


    "No problem!"


    Xiao Yi said with a smile, "You go ahead with your business!"


    "Mhm!"


    With a sweet smile, Xue''er bounced out of the courtyard and waved her hand at Xiao Yi without turning back, "Brother Xiao Yi, you should rest! I''m going to take Sister Qingzhu out for a stroll in the city. You haven''t even bought her a few pieces of jewelry; I''m really going to look down on you..."


    Watching the sprite-like Xue''er hop away, Xiao Yi touched his nose and said half-jokingly, "This girl¡­ she insisted on staying in the same room with Qingzhu last night, and I haven''t even seen Qingzhu this morning, and you''re already taking her out shopping?"


    He shook his head lightly.


    Xiao Yi sat cross-legged in the small courtyard and continued to immerse himself in his cultivation.


    By the time Fang Qingzhu returned, it was nearly evening, and Xiao Yi and his companions took a carriage straight to the Royal Martial Arts Institute''s auction house.


    As he presented the invitation, the guard at the door became noticeably more respectful: "So it''s Xiao, Xu has already instructed us that, should Xiao arrive, please have him take a seat directly in the VIP area!"


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow.


    VIP area?


    Although he was not very familiar with the Royal Auction House, he knew just how coveted the seats in the VIP area were.


    Could it just be because of the valuable soldiers he sold?


    However, considering the disposition of the Royal Auction House, those soldiers shouldn''t be enough for them to pay such special attention to him, should they?


    While Xiao Yi was musing, a hauntingly familiar voice suddenly came from behind, "Why are you guys here too?"

 Chapter 50 - 50 Auction House

    "Eh? You''re here too?"


    A surprised voice interrupted the trio''s conversation.


    Xiao Yi looked in the direction of the voice and saw Zhang Kang watching them with a look of disdain on his face.


    Chen Di and Huo Zhen followed behind Zhang Kang.


    Huo Zhen nodded towards the three as a greeting.


    Chen Di, with a look of contempt, sneered, "Uncle Zhang, it seems that the Imperial City Auction House is really going downhill under the pressure of your Treasure Pavilion, allowing just anyone to join the auction, eh?"


    "Xu Lai is truly getting worse at handling things, placing such people next to me. The Imperial City Auction House will really fall into decline under his management."


    Zhang Kang also showed a face of disgust, waving over to two guards not far away. Once they approached, he said, "Tell your manager Xu to throw these three out, or at least move them to a corner. They''re a blight on my sight!"


    Chen Di arrogantly said, "They''re just country bumpkins from some backwater village, what money would they have to attend your auction?"


    "This..."


    The two guards looked at each other and said, "Manager Zhang, we''re terribly sorry, we''ll go and call Manager Xu right away!"


    A few moments later.


    Xu Lai arrived in front of them, greeting Zhang Kang with a friendly smile: "Manager Zhang, you honor us with your presence; apologies for not welcoming you from farther away!"


    Although the two parties were competitors, they maintained a cordial facade on the surface.


    Zhang Kang spoke indifferently, "Manager Xu, you''re not being very fair in the way you handle things! I could overlook not being assigned a private box, but to have these three country bumpkins seated next to me is an insult to me, Zhang Kang, isn''t it?"


    Chen Di chimed in from the side, "Yeah, Manager Xu, just look at the three of them, their clothes and taste don''t resemble that of high society. Look at that woman; she doesn''t even have a single decent piece of jewelry on her. These lowly people should be..."


    Slap!


    Before he could finish.


    Chen Di''s face was struck by a slap, the bright red mark bringing a burning pain. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, his gaze as if choosing his prey, and spoke deliberately, "Say another word, and I''ll kill you!"


    "You, you dare to hit me? You..." Chen Di''s eyes were filled with rage and despair as he roared.


    Zhang Kang was furious, "Boy, you are too presumptuous!" He turned to Xu Lai, "Manager Xu, this incident happened in your Imperial City Auction House, aren''t you going to intervene?"


    Xu Lai looked at Zhang Kang coldly and said indifferently, "Indeed, this matter requires attention!"


    Chen Di looked at Xiao Yi triumphantly, "Kid, did you hear Manager Xu''s words? Aren''t you going to kneel down and apologize to your grandma..."


    Slap!


    Another slap resounded.


    However, this time it was not Xiao Yi who struck, but Xu Lai.


    He stared at the trio with a cold face and said, each word enunciated clearly, "Any guest who enters the Imperial City Auction House is a distinguished guest, and we treat all guests without discrimination. If you feel humiliated sitting here, feel free to leave on your own. Whoever dares to point fingers at our guests will have to deal with me. What''s more, in my eyes, Lin Lai, you don''t even qualify to carry Xiao''s shoes!"


    "You, I..."


    Chen Di''s face alternated between green and white.


    She never imagined that Xu Lai would side with Xiao Yi and his companions. Her eyes were bloodshot, filled with grievance and confusion.


    In her view, having the support of a seat like Zhang Kang''s should have made her status much higher than Xiao Yi''s.


    Lin Lai should have been on her side.


    But instead, Lin Lai completely disregarded her and showed Xiao Yi utmost respect.


    Zhang Kang''s gaze shifted repeatedly, knowing this was Lin Lai''s territory; he saw no need to antagonize Lin Lai over Chen Di and snorted coldly, "Fine, since Manager Xu said so, I naturally can''t disregard his face." He promptly sat down to the side, and seeing Zhang Kang keep silent, Chen Di naturally did not dare to speak another word.


    Only Huo Zhen was left on the side, quietly sighing and nodding at Xiao Yi, mouthing an apology.


    Xiao Yi nodded slightly in response.


    Xu Lai asked, "Xiao, would you like me to change their seats?"


    Hiss!


    Zhang Kang and his companions'' faces turned pale at once.


    If Xu Lai had slapped her because Xiao Yi was also there to participate in the auction, it was to show a gesture to the other guests.


    But now...


    Xu Lai actually showed such sincere respect towards Xiao Yi, which undoubtedly indicated there were other, deeper reasons.


    This young man must be extraordinary!


    Realizing this, Zhang Kang glared fiercely at Chen Di, "Didn''t you say they were just country bumpkins who had never seen the world?"


    Chen Di looked wronged, "I, I didn''t know either..."


    Zhang Kang was speechless.


    A moment later.


    The auction officially began.


    As each item was presented on stage, Xiao Yi showed no interest in any of them, and thus never made a move.


    In contrast, Chen Di had already helped Huo Zhen bid for a third-grade Element Weapon, costing over two million Silver, her face was full of smugness as she provocatively looked at Xiao Yi and his group, "Who else in the first row hasn''t bid for anything? Just you three country bumpkins, are you purely here to watch the show?"


    Xiao Yi glanced at her, "Talk nonsense again, and I''ll tear your mouth apart!"


    "I..."


    Chen Di opened her mouth but then, remembering the slap Xiao Yi had delivered without mercy earlier, she swallowed her words back down.


    Xiao Yi paid no attention to Chen Di and instead focused on the auction stage.


    "The next Element Weapon is a whip, named Purple Dragon. It is said to be crafted from the tendons of a demonic beast with the bloodline of a Purple Dragon, known as Purple Blood Jiao, and is a fourth-grade Element Weapon. The starting bid is five million Silver, is anyone interested?" the auctioneer said.


    "Five million!"


    "Five million five hundred thousand..."


    One after another, powerful individuals placed their bids.


    Quietly holding Fang Qingzhu''s hand, Xiao Yi chuckled, "Do you like it?"


    Fang Qingzhu nodded.


    Xiao Yi then declared, "Ten million!"


    Hisss!


    The crowd sucked in a breath of cold air.


    Ten million Silver?


    This was already close to the limit value of the Purple Dragon Whip. The auctioneer, excited, exclaimed, "Ten million Silver for the first time, ten million Silver for the second time... any higher bids? Ten million Silver for the third time, sold!"


    The moment the auction hammer fell, Chen Di shouted, "Wait a moment!"


    All eyes turned toward Chen Di.


    Pointing at Xiao Yi, Chen Di angrily declared, "They definitely can''t produce ten million Silver; he''s deliberately driving up the price!"


    "What?"


    "Someone is deliberately raising the price? Daring to cause trouble in the Capital''s auction house, does this kid no longer wish to live?"


    Faced with everyone''s questioning,


    Xiao Yi delivered a slap, "smack," flipping Chen Di onto the ground. In a flash, he was by her side, his foot grinding her face into the ground for a few seconds as he spoke coldly, "Do you really think I wouldn''t dare to kill you?"


    "Xiao, please wait!"


    Xu rushed over, wiping the cold sweat from his forehead, "Xiao, may I ask for a favor for my sake?"


    Though the Royal Capital''s auction house had the royal family as its backing, Chen Di''s status was not simple either; if she died here, it would ultimately bring trouble to him.


    Xiao Yi frowned.


    Huo Zhen stepped forward and said, "Xiao, please let Chen Di off this time. I promise she won''t provoke you again!"


    "Huo Zhen, why are you pleading with him? My father is a third-grade officer in the current administration. I don''t believe he''d really dare to kill me..."


    Chen Di was gnashing her teeth, venomously shouting, "Bastard, you''d better let me go now, and then kneel down and apologize to me. Otherwise, when my father takes action, I''m going to have you chopped into a thousand pieces. And that cheap woman with you, I''ll sell her to a brothel..."


    Before she could finish speaking,


    Bang!


    Xiao Yi stomped down, crushing Chen Di''s head...

 Chapter 51 - 51: Earth Fire Spirit Refining Array

    ```


    Hiss!


    Panic spread throughout the auction house.


    Xiao Yi actually killed Chen Di?


    This was a murder in the capital city''s auction house!


    Since the creation of the capital''s auction house, no one had ever dared to commit murder here.


    "Has this kid gone mad?"


    "He actually killed someone in front of Xu, the manager. Is he tired of living?"


    The crowd murmured among themselves.


    Huo Zhen and Zhang Kang were utterly dumbfounded. They had never anticipated that Xiao Yi would really kill Chen Di right in front of them. Huo Zhen felt dizzy and the world seemed to spin around him. Chen Di was his cousin, and now she had been slain by Xiao Yi right before his eyes.


    He could not shirk his responsibility!


    Zhang Kang''s face was also gloomy. He was friends with Chen Di''s father, but now...


    Zhang Kang, with a sullen expression, turned to Xu Lai: "Manager Xu, this incident happened in your auction house. You must give me a satisfactory answer!"


    Despite being shocked, Xu Lai also regained his composure. Under normal circumstances, he would have handed over Xiao Yi immediately, but the Seventh Prince had already instructed him to be on good terms with Xiao Yi. Keeping this in mind, he spoke in a deep voice: "I don''t think there is anything wrong with what Master Xiao did. The whole incident was a baseless accusation concocted by Miss Chen to slander Master Xiao!"


    "What do you mean?" Zhang Kang frowned.


    Xu Lai said indifferently: "With a personal wealth of over a hundred million silver, why would Master Xiao stoop to deceit over a mere ten million? Miss Chen blatantly framed and insulted Master Xiao; she brought this upon herself. You can''t blame others!"


    "What? A net worth of over a hundred million?"


    "So young and already possessing over a hundred million in wealth, who is this nobleman?"


    The crowd inhaled sharply. Suddenly, no one spoke up for Chen Di anymore.


    His net worth was over a hundred million.


    Yet you publicly called him a country bumpkin, randomly driving up prices!


    Isn''t that asking for death?


    Zhang Kang''s face turned even uglier. He suddenly remembered when Xiao Yi attempted to sell him some elemental weapons previously. If Xiao Yi was indeed so wealthy, would those weapons be of low quality? Zhang Kang could only feel resentful towards Chen Di: "That foolish woman has caused my downfall..."


    Huo Zhen was the only one looking utterly dejected.


    He had come to the capital to depend on the Chen Family, but now Chen Di was dead before him, and not being killed by the Chen Family in a fit of rage was already the best possible outcome.


    Xiao Yi, however, did not pay any attention to all of this. He calmly sat back down, collected the ten million silver, and handed over the Purple Dragon Whip to Fang Qingzhu: "Qingzhu, this is a gift for you!"


    "Thank you, Xiao Yi!" Fang Qingzhu said with a smile as she accepted the Purple Dragon Whip.


    The auction thereafter became somewhat uninteresting.


    Just as Xiao Yi was preparing to leave,


    Another item that piqued his interest appeared on the auction stage¡ªit was an Earth Fire Spirit Refining Array. The auctioneer excitedly announced, "This Earth Fire Spirit Refining Array, crafted by the great array master Ouyang Shang with a clump of earth fire at its core, can increase the speed of refining medicinal pills by a hundredfold with an effect lasting for 24 hours. The starting bid is ten million silver!"


    Interest fading, Xiao Yi''s expression suddenly became intense.


    A hundredfold refining effect?


    He currently held a Golden Core from the Iron Blade King, which he had been refining for several days, but the progress was slow.


    But if he had the hundredfold effect of this Earth Fire Spirit Refining Array, even if it only lasted for 24 hours, it would be equivalent to a hundred days of refinement for him. A hundred days would allow him to refine one third of the Golden Core''s energy.


    It would be enough to help him step into the Third Layer of the Shentong Realm, or even the fourth.


    The price at the auction had already reached thirty-five million, and the person bidding was Zhang Kang. He raised his hands to greet the crowd, "Ladies and gentlemen, I must have this Earth Fire Spirit Refining Array. I hope you will do me the courtesy of letting me have it!"


    "With Manager Zhang speaking, we naturally yield to you!"


    "We won''t compete!"


    Just as Zhang Kang was basking in his anticipated victory, Xiao Yi opened his mouth and said: "Forty million."


    Hiss!


    The crowd sucked in their breaths again.


    ```


    Zhang Kang is the chief steward of Treasure Pavilion, whom among the crowd wouldn''t give him some face?


    Xiao Yi actually dared to bid against him?


    Zhang Kang''s face darkened as he stared at Xiao Yi, "Kid, are you deliberately opposing me?"


    Xiao Yi replied with an innocent face, "In an auction, isn''t the item awarded to the highest bidder? Since when did it become whoever shouts the loudest gets the item?"


    "You..."


    Zhang Kang felt his face turn hot with anger, never expecting to be looked down upon by Xiao Yi, and said with a somber face, "Competing in wealth? Do you think I, Zhang Kang, would be afraid of you? Fifty million!"


    "Fifty-five million!"


    "Sixty million..."


    The bidding went on.


    Finally, when it reached seventy million, Xiao Yi said indifferently, "I will only go as high as seventy million, if you bid higher, it''s yours!"


    "Seventy million... I..." Zhang Kang gnashed his teeth in frustration.


    His money wasn''t his own, but belonged to Treasure Pavilion.


    The real value of the Earth Fire Spirit Refining Array was only around fifty million, seventy million had already far exceeded the value he could justify; with a cold snort, his eyes revealing a venomous look, he gritted his teeth and said, "Kid, you''re ruthless. We''ll see about this!"


    "Take your time, I won''t see you out!" Niu Dali burst into loud laughter.


    Zhang Kang nearly stumbled in anger.


    After paying seventy million Silver, he bought the Earth Fire Spirit Refining Array.


    As Xiao Yi and the two others were about to leave, Xu Lai took the initiative to approach them, "Sir Xiao, a distinguished guest wishes to meet with you!"


    "Hmm?"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback, then said, "Lead the way!"


    "Please!"


    Xu Lai led the trio to one of the VIP rooms, where only a young man with a handsome and noble aura was present. Upon seeing Xiao Yi arrive, he stood up with a smile, "I am Jiang Tai, pleased to meet you, Sir Xiao!"


    "Jiang Tai? Are you His Highness, the Seventh Prince?" Niu Dali exclaimed in surprise.


    Jiang Tai smiled, "Indeed, that''s me!"


    Xiao Yi nodded, "May I know what brings His Highness to seek me out?"


    Jiang Tai said solemnly, "Sir Xiao..."


    Xiao Yi said, "Just call me Xiao Yi, Your Highness!"


    "This... very well, Xiao Yi!" Jiang Tai nodded, and said earnestly, "Xiao Yi, I would like to invite you to join the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy."


    "Tianqi Martial Arts Academy?" Xiao Yi was taken aback.


    Niu Dali interjected, "Big brother, I have heard of Tianqi Martial Arts Academy... Before the Royal Martial Arts Academy rose to prominence, it was the strongest Martial Arts Institute in Tianqing Kingdom. However, it has been suppressed by the Royal Martial Arts Academy in recent years..."


    Jiang Tai gave a bitter smile and said, "Brother Dali is right, the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy has indeed been suppressed by the Royal Martial Arts Academy over the years. However, if you Xiao Yi are willing to join the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, I assure you the highest standard of treatment!"


    Xiao Yi bowed and replied, "I apologize, but I have already promised Elder Wang that I will go to the Royal Martial Arts Academy."


    "Elder Wang?"


    Jiang Tai was taken aback, as the name Wang Zhiyuan was renowned, and then he gave a wry smile, "I didn''t expect that Brother Xiao Yi had already caught the favor of Elder Wang, it seems that the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy has no fate with you!"


    Xiao Yi glanced at him apologetically.


    Jiang Tai shook his head indicating it was okay, then said, "Brother Xiao Yi, I heard from Steward Xu that you bought that Earth Fire Spirit Refining Array? It''s not easy to use such an array in ordinary places, so if you wouldn''t mind, you can cultivate inside the training room of the auction house!" S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Training room?"


    Xiao Yi was surprised and thought that since both he and Fang Qingzhu were at the Shentong Realm, refining the Golden Core would cause quite a disturbance. It would be inconvenient in an inn, so he said, "Then I''ll have to trouble the Seventh Prince!"


    "No trouble at all!"


    Xiao Yi then gave Niu Dali ten million Silver, saying, "Qingzhu and I need to go into closed-door training. This money is for you for now; I''ll repay what I owe later. Find us again in two days when it''s time for the trial at the Royal Martial Arts Academy!"

 Chapter 52 - 52: The Legacy of Dao Yan

    Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhu were escorted to the training room. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Jiang Tai and Xu Lai stood outside the training room. Unable to contain himself, Xu Lai said, "Your Highness, previously you showed no intention of recruiting Xiao Yi, but after he killed Chen Di, you actively sought him. Why is that?"


    The Chen Family that Chen Di belonged to was only a second-rate family in the Royal City, but Chen Di''s father was in the prime of his life and had great potential for further advancement.


    As for Xiao Yi, he was only at the first layer of the Shentong Realm.


    In Xu Lai''s view, offending the Chen Family for Xiao Yi''s sake was clearly not worth it.


    Jiang Tai said indifferently, "Elder Xu, do you know Xiao Yi''s identity?"


    "This..."


    Xu Lai shook his head.


    Narrowing his eyes, Jiang Tai said, "He is from the Xiao Family of the Great Qian Dynasty. Although this news was suppressed by the Xiao Family and only a small number of people in Nanhuang City know about it, someone passed a message from Nanhuang City a few days ago. This Xiao Yi is not simple at all! When he first arrived in Nanhuang, he was only at the Physical Body Realm. But in just a few months, he stepped into the Shentong Realm. Even Jia Sichun of the Jia Family died at his hands..."


    "What? He reached the Shentong Realm in just a few months and killed Jia Sichun? How is that possible?" Xu Lai''s eyes widened in shock.


    Only then did he understand why Jiang Tai suddenly sought to recruit Xiao Yi.


    A genius who could step into the Shentong Realm from the Physical Body Realm in just a few short months would undoubtedly achieve limitless heights in the future.


    "For ordinary people, it certainly isn''t possible, but don''t forget that he has the same blood as that person..."


    Taking a deep breath and unable to hide the shock in his heart, Jiang Tai ended with a sigh, "It''s just a pity that he has already agreed to help Elder Wang. Since he is someone valued by Elder Wang, I cannot take him no matter what!"


    Wang Zhiyuan held very high prestige and status within the Tianqing Kingdom.


    Nowadays, the position of the Crown Prince of Tianqing Kingdom is still up for grabs, and any prince who could gain Wang Zhiyuan''s support would significantly increase his chances of obtaining the title of Crown Prince.


    He didn''t want to offend Wang Zhiyuan for Xiao Yi''s sake.


    Jiang Tai continued, "Since we cannot recruit him, then we should forge good karma with him. Letting him use this training room, if he remembers this kindness, maybe he can also become a great asset to me in the future!"


    Xu Lai nodded, then, recalling that Xiao Yi had not only killed Chen Di but also offended Zhang Kang, hesitated and said, "Your Highness, according to what you said, hasn''t Xiao Yi already offended the Chen Family, Jia Family, and Zhang Kang? Any one of these parties is difficult to deal with, should we help him in secret?"


    "No need!"


    Jiang Tai waved his hand, his gaze calm and detached as he said, "The path to becoming a strong warrior is never smooth sailing. If he can''t overcome these difficulties, it just proves that he does not have the qualifications to be my Jiang Tai''s chess piece!"


    ...


    Inside the training room.


    Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhu sat facing each other, their palms aligned with the Golden Core of the Iron Blade King between them.


    Previously, in order to break through to the Shentong Realm, the two had already refined one-fifth of the Golden Core''s energy and had both stepped into the Shentong Realm. Now, resuming cultivation, they were further accelerating the process a hundredfold with the help of the Earth Fire Spirit Refining Array.


    It was likely that, by the end of this refining session, more than half of the energy of the Golden Core would be depleted.


    "Qingzhu, I''m about to activate the Earth Fire Spirit Refining Array. If you can''t handle it, exit immediately. Understand?" Xiao Yi warned Fang Qingzhu earnestly as he stared at her.


    His physical body was strengthened by the power of the God Sealing Seed, much stronger than that of a warrior of the same level.


    Naturally, he could endure the onslaught of power.


    But Fang Qingzhu''s physical body was incomparable to his, and her limit for enduring energy was naturally much lower.


    Fang Qingzhu nodded to show she understood.


    Xiao Yi flicked his finger, tossing an array flag between them.


    A thread of Yuan energy surged into it.


    Hum!


    The array was immediately activated, and red beams of light appeared beneath them, with red lines forming a circular array plate. Within the array plate, the red light wove into gray array patterns.


    The light shone brilliantly, like celestial light, like divine brilliance, bathing their bodies.


    Both channeled their profound energies at the same time.


    They could feel a surge of immense power rush into their bodies from the Golden Core.


    With a hundredfold increase in refining speed.


    This allowed them to constantly and distinctly feel their strength skyrocketing.


    After one hour.


    Two hours.


    Three hours...


    Both of their cultivation levels continued to rise. In just eight hours, Xiao Yi''s cultivation had reached the Third Layer of the Shentong Realm, and Fang Qingzhu had also kept pace, reaching the same realm as him.


    However, Fang Qingzhu apparently was struggling to withstand the surge of energy, as the ice-blue phantom phoenix behind her manifested once again.


    Though it was but a fleeting appearance,


    it still managed to coat the training room with a layer of frost.


    Whoosh!


    Fang Qingzhu immediately exited the array, as the sudden two minor realm increases in cultivation overwhelmed her, and she sat cross-legged to the side to begin refining and stabilizing her own realm.


    Xiao Yi, however, was still absorbing the energy transferred from the Golden Core.


    When 24 hours had ended,


    Xiao Yi''s cultivation had reached the Fourth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, and his Golden Core had shrunk down by half from its original walnut size. Xiao Yi took a deep breath and placed the Golden Core into his storage ring, then he began guiding the primal energy into the God Sealing Seed.


    The God Sealing Seed burst forth with dazzling light as Xiao Yi was bathed in divine radiance.


    Four hundred and one.


    Four hundred and two...


    At the First Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, his God Sealing Seed was activated with four hundred seeds, and now that he had reached the Fourth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, he had added as many as six hundred more. He had a total of one thousand God Sealing Seeds in his body!


    Boom!


    When the primal energy, refined by the essence of the one thousand God Sealing Seeds, transformed into the power of the gods and fed back into his dantian,


    Xiao Yi''s cultivation became firmly established.


    Simultaneously...


    His consciousness suddenly entered the Ancient Heavenly Tomb, where one thousand God Sealing Seeds could now allow him to suppress another being; his gaze swept across until Xiao Yi found a short grave that was a zhang high. However, this grave did not bear a wooden tombstone, but a stone one.


    From his several previous visits to the Ancient Heavenly Tomb, Xiao Yi had discerned some patterns: the taller the grave and the better the material of the tombstone, the stronger the entity within the grave.


    For instance, the grave of that Death-Dealing Scholar was but three feet tall!


    Yet the one in front of him stood at an entire zhang!


    "Divine General of Suppression, Crush the heavens, the God-Sealing Demon-Suppressing!"


    With a smash of his palm, Xiao Yi shattered the grave before him, and with a thunderous roar, a stream of light soared into the sky ¡ª it was a refined scholar. Clad in a blue Daoist robe, with a face like carved jade, friendly and amiable, Xiao Yi hardly needed to act, as it voluntarily burrowed into the God Sealing Seed.


    Turning into a statue, residing only within the God Sealing Seed.


    Simultaneously,


    Xiao Yi received information from the shadow in the robe: "Dao Yan, Heavenly Yuan Realm, a grandmaster in martial arts theory, the creator of the ''Martial Canon,'' ''Sword Canon,'' ''Saber Canon,''... among one hundred and eight sacred martial arts scriptures, directly or indirectly instructing nearly a million disciples. His number one disciple is a legend of the Heavenly Yuan Realm ¡ª Martial God Zhao Wuji!"


    Hiss!


    Xiao Yi took a sharp breath.


    This was Dao Yan? The master of Martial God Zhao Wuji?


    Dao Yan''s name was thunderously renowned!


    He was a prodigy who couldn''t cultivate himself yet possessed an incredibly high aptitude, a talent who spanned the heavens and earth. It could be said that the flourishing state of the martial way in the Heavenly Yuan Realm today owed much to Dao Yan''s contributions. Some had even hailed him as the mentor to the Martial God!


    After suppressing Dao Yan, Xiao Yi immediately gained his understanding and theoretical knowledge of the martial way.


    Many previous uncertainties also became clear to him.


    It''s no exaggeration to say,


    That in terms of martial arts theory, in the great Heavenly Yuan Realm, those who could surpass him could be counted on one hand!


    More importantly, he had also acquired a secret technique from Dao Yan''s heritage, the "Blood Explosion Skill."


    This secret technique could be classified as a fifth-grade technique, which by burning one''s own blood, offered a surge in strength for a short period, potentially reaching an increase of up to a hundredfold. However, the price was the complete combustion of one''s blood, and it was not to be used lightly.


    Although suppressing Dao Yan this time did not yield powerful martial techniques or cultivation methods, it did perfectly complement Xiao Yi in theoretical aspects, sparing him many detours on his future path in martial arts.


    Especially the "Blood Explosion Skill," it provided him with an additional lifeline; the intangible gains were immensely great.


    Indeed, from another perspective, this gain was even richer than if he had obtained a Martial God''s inheritance directly.


    After all...


    This was Dao Yan, who had taught a person like Martial God Zhao Wuji.


    "Brother Xiao Yi, time''s up; we should head to the Royal Martial Arts Academy now!"


    Suddenly, the voice of Fang Qingzhu came from outside, as Xiao Yi''s consciousness exited the Ancient Heavenly Tomb, the corners of his mouth curling up slightly, "The Royal Martial Arts Academy? Here I come, Xiao Yi!"

 Chapter 53 - 53: Royal Martial Arts Academy

    ```


    Outside the Royal Auction House.


    Xue''er''s carriage had been waiting for quite some time.


    As soon as she saw Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhu come out, Xue''er immediately approached them: "Xiao Yi, Qingzhu... We went to the Qingyan Pavilion yesterday to find you. Luckily, we ran into Dali, or else we wouldn''t have known you were here!"


    "I''m sorry, Xue''er, we came in a haste and forgot to leave you a message!" Fang Qingzhu said apologetically.


    Xue''er shook her head and said, "The assessment is about to start, let''s set off!"


    "Alright!"


    The group rode the carriage and headed straight for the Royal Martial Arts Academy.


    Inside the carriage.


    Xiao Yi asked, "Xue''er, Elder Wang hasn''t returned yet?"


    Xue''er shook her head and said with a bitter smile, "This time, my grandfather went out with the headmaster. It seems there has been the emergence of a secret realm belonging to someone from the Tao Tribulation Realm. They went together, and we don''t know when they''ll be back."


    "A secret realm of a Tao Tribulation Realm expert?"


    Xiao Yi and his companion exchanged a look.


    Above the Golden Core is the Tao Tribulation, signifying the tribulations of martial arts, it is also a transformative realm for leaping through the dragon gate to become a true dragon.


    It is said that in the vast Tianqing Kingdom, only the ancient forebear of the royal family is at the Tao Tribulation Realm, but that venerable ancestor has not shown himself for over a hundred years.


    "No wonder Elder Wang was in such a hurry to get back..." Xiao Yi murmured to himself.


    Xue''er said with a smile, "Xiao Yi, don''t worry! Before my grandfather left, he made all the arrangements, and with your strengths, getting into the Royal Martial Arts Academy will be a piece of cake!"


    ...... S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Royal Martial Arts Academy was established five hundred and thirty-one years ago.


    It is said that at that time, the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy was dominant and tried to influence the succession of the Crown Prince, which angered the King.


    To counterbalance the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, the King founded the Royal Martial Arts Academy.


    After more than five hundred years of development, the Royal Martial Arts Academy has completely surpassed the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy in all aspects.


    The entire academy is situated in the East City District, facing the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy of the West City District.


    Almost a quarter of the East City District belongs to the Royal Martial Arts Academy; the academy is home to sixty thousand Yellow Level students, twelve thousand Profound Level students, thirteen hundred Earth Level students, and thirteen Heaven Level students.


    Even the weakest Yellow Level students are above the Qi Gathering Realm.


    By the time Xiao Yi and the others arrived at the Royal Martial Arts Academy, the entrance was already a sea of people.


    Xue''er said, "Xiao Yi, you''re going to take part in the assessment soon. I''ve already prepared a banquet at the Qingyan Pavilion, waiting for your triumphant return!"


    "Don''t worry, we won''t disappoint you!" Fang Qingzhu said with a smile.


    Xiao Yi nodded in agreement.


    Niu Dali grunted: "It''s just the Royal Martial Arts Academy''s assessment. It''s a trifle for me, nothing but light rain!"


    "I bet you won''t pass the assessment!"


    A boastful voice came through, the speaker was a youth not even one and a half meters tall, "Don''t you know that the elimination rate of the Royal Martial Arts Academy''s assessment is as high as ninety percent? And you say it''s light rain? That''s sheer arrogance!"


    The youth had a small mustache under his nose and was pinching it with his chubby little hands, looking disdainfully at Xiao Yi and the others.


    Niu Dali snorted darkly, grabbing the youth by the collar: "Shorty, you''re itching for a beating, aren''t you?"


    "You big oaf, let me down right now, or I''ll start shouting for help!" the diminutive youth flailed his arms and legs, but being so short, he couldn''t reach Niu Dali and could only speak fiercely.


    Niu Dali laughed heartily: "Go ahead and shout, nobody will come to help you even if your throat breaks!"


    "Big brother, second brother, three of them, someone is bullying me!" the small fellow suddenly shouted.


    "Who dares to bully our brother?"


    "Looking for trouble, are they?"


    ```


    In the crowd.


    A little dwarf who was stealing someone''s purse dropped the purse and rushed out; another small dwarf who was negotiating with a few extravagantly dressed people walked out; and another was squeezing through the crowd, stealing touches, hustling over with a red bellyband in hand.


    Three dwarfs, none taller than four and a half feet, stood in front of Niu Dali, hands on hips, fiercely glared at him, and shouted in unison, "Put down our fourth brother!"


    "Damn, did I hit a dwarf nest?" Niu Dali''s eyes widened as he looked at the four little dwarfs in front of him.


    Xiao Yi said, "Dali, let him go."


    "Oh!"


    Niu Dali released his grip, and the little dwarf jumped down. After straightening his collar, he said with self-satisfaction, "I bet you wouldn''t kill me!"


    Niu Dali: "..."


    The short one bowed to Xiao Yi and said, "Dude, thank you for your righteous help. My name is Shi Yaodu; this is my eldest brother Shi Yaoqian, my second brother Shi Yaoquan, and my third brother Shi Yaose. From now on, you''re a friend of us four Shi brothers. If anyone dares to bully you, we brothers will tear him to shreds together!"


    Xiao Yi: "..."


    The crowd: "..."


    Money, Lust, Power, Gambling?


    What kind of names are these?


    And to top it all off, your surname is Shi, which, no offense, sounds like ''Shit'' Family''s four brothers!


    Shi Yaose walked up to Fang Qingzhu with his hands rubbing together and chuckled, "Everyone has a love for beauty... Beauty, our bed is big and soft..."


    Shi Yaodu whispered, "I bet third brother is about to get beaten up!"


    Bang!


    Xiao Yi kicked him out with a foot and said with a dark face, "Stay away from Qingzhu!"


    At that moment...


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Three dull bell tolls rang out, startling everyone and brightening their expressions.


    From within the gates of the Royal Martial Arts Academy, three figures emerged.


    The leader was a middle-aged man dressed in profound garments, with heroic eyebrows like unsheathed swords, breathing in one continuous flow, and eyes like stars, with a glint of cold light. Flanking him was a man and a woman, each exuding the aura of the Divine Skills Realm.


    Especially the middle-aged man in profound garments, he was a powerhouse of the High-order Divine Power Realm.


    "Welcome, everyone, to the quarterly assessment of the Royal Martial Arts Academy. I am the chief examiner, Ge Qingyun, and these two are earth-level students, Zhang Yi and Sun Ying. You will face three rounds of tests, and only by passing all three will you pass the assessment and become students of the Martial Arts Institute! The first round of assessment will be conducted by Sun Ying!" Ge Qingyun said indifferently.


    Sun Ying stepped forward, pointed at the stone lion on the left side of the gate, and said, "This stone lion can test your level of cultivation. Anyone over eighteen years old and below the Fifth Layer of the Gathering Qi Realm is unqualified. Please go ahead!"


    The crowd advanced one after another.


    This round easily eliminated forty percent.


    Xiao Yi and the others, of course, passed easily and then entered the second round of the assessment. Ge Qingyun said, "This second round will be conducted by Zhang Yi!"


    Zhang Yi stepped forward, his icy gaze sweeping over the crowd, pausing slightly on Xiao Yi and two others as he said indifferently, "The second round of the assessment tests your innate talent. All you have to do is touch the talent stone in my hand, and it will emit either white or black light, white light for elimination, black light for qualification!"


    The crowd stepped forward to test.


    Soon it was Xiao Yi''s turn. Zhang Yi''s lips curled up slightly, his eyes gleaming with amusement, "Go ahead!"


    Xiao Yi frowned and placed his hand on the talent stone.


    Whoosh!


    Bright black light burst forth, the deep black light especially eye-catching against the blue sky and white sun.


    However...


    Zhang Yi''s face showed a trivial expression, his lips curling up in a thick sneer, and he said lightly, "Disqualified..."

 Chapter 54 - 54: Reversing Black and White

    "Disqualified!"


    Zhang Yi''s face was laden with thick mockery, but the three words that left his mouth left everyone agape.


    The sneer on his face grew even more brilliant, his gleeful gaze sweeping over Xiao Yi, laden with intense mockery and provocation.


    The surrounding crowd was also stunned.


    "What''s going on here?"


    "I clearly saw black light just now, how could it be disqualified?"


    "Could I be seeing things?"


    "Keep your voices down... Can''t you see? He must have offended someone from the Royal Martial Arts Academy, so they''re intentionally targeting him!"


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, staring at Zhang Yi; "You''re saying I''m disqualified?"


    Zhang Yi indifferently replied: "That''s right, you are disqualified!"


    Fang Qingzhu immediately stepped forward, anxiously retorting: "We clearly saw white light, how can it be disqualified?"


    Niu Dali also shouted with a grim face: "Which eye of yours saw white light? Are you blind? When my big brother touched the talent stone, the black light was so evident, how could you not see it?"


    "How dare you! Are you questioning the authority of the Royal Martial Arts Academy? I am the examiner this time, and if I say he''s disqualified, then he is disqualified!"


    Zhang Yi was fearless, lowering his voice somewhat, "Kid, some people you can''t afford to offend, and this is your fate!"


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath and then turned to Ge Qingyun: "Instructor, you must have seen the results of the test just now, right? Do you also think I''m disqualified?"


    Ge Qingyun''s face was indifferent: "All I see is that you failed the assessment, yet you''re trying to force Zhang Yi to change the results! With such a poor character, even if your talent were outstanding, our Royal Martial Arts Academy would not accept you!"


    He was the chief examiner of this assessment.


    Since even he said that Xiao Yi didn''t pass, it was as good as set in stone.


    Fang Qingzhu''s face paled, and she quickly said: "Mr. Ge, we were referred here by Elder Wang, we hope you will treat us fairly..."


    "Elder Wang?"


    "Vice-Chancellor Wang? How could you know him?" Ge Qingyun''s expression changed dramatically. If Xiao Yi really knew Elder Wang, then he was in big trouble.


    Moreover...


    A person who had caught Elder Wang''s eye must definitely be a prodigy.


    Even if Elder Wang didn''t pursue the matter, the higher-ups of the Martial Arts Institute would consider it a serious crime if they found out that he had committed such injustice and turned away a prodigy for his own personal reasons!


    Standing by his side, Zhang Yi had already been aware of Xiao Yi''s identity, and whispered: "Mr. Ge need not worry, Brother Jia is the crown prince''s man, they have already handled everything... But just to be safe, we should eliminate him. Would Vice-Chancellor Wang really offend the crown prince over a dead man?"


    "Well said!"


    Ge Qingyun''s eyes lit up and he said, "Elder Wang is eminent and highly regarded, and he would definitely not want to see us engaged in any corruption. Not only have you disrupted the Royal Martial Arts Academy''s examination, but you have also slandered Vice-Chancellor Wang, the crime is heinous, and you must be executed! Zhang Yi, kill him for me, to serve as an example to others!"


    "At your command!"


    Zhang Yi appeared in front of Xiao Yi with a fiendish smile, going for a Black Tiger Heart Dig straight toward Xiao Yi''s chest.


    Facing such a ferocious attack from Zhang Yi, Xiao Yi merely raised one hand and firmly caught the palm.


    He then viciously slapped it away.


    Zhang Yi screamed miserably as he was sent flying by Xiao Yi''s slap, tumbling through the air like a kite with its string cut, as Xiao Yi pursued and kicked him in the face in midair.


    Bang!


    Zhang Yi harshly crashed to the ground, spewing out blood along with a mouthful of teeth.


    His face smeared with blood, he looked up at Xiao Yi, who was slowly withdrawing his foot.


    Zhang Yi''s cultivation was at the Fifth Layer of the Shentong Realm, and he was a master who had awakened his Innate Divine Ability; he didn''t expect to be sent flying by a kick from Xiao Yi? Zhang Yi glared furiously, grinding his teeth: "You... you dare hit me?"


    "I''ve already hit you and you''re still asking if I dare, it seems you lack not only a pair of eyes but also a brain..." Xiao Yi replied coldly.


    Zhang Yi''s face was red with rage as he bellowed, "You dare to insult me? You''re as good as dead, I..."


    "Save that nonsense for King Yama!"


    Xiao Yi''s fist suddenly smashed down.


    Boom!


    Zhang Yi''s head burst open instantly, turning into a mess of flesh scattered on the ground.


    A Profound Level disciple from the Royal Martial Arts Academy, he didn''t even have the chance to use his Innate Divine Ability before his head was blown apart by Xiao Yi''s punch.


    "Rascal!"


    Ge Qingyun, with a gloomy face, roared in fury, his eyes emitting a cold light as he locked his gaze onto Xiao Yi, "How dare you, a scoundrel, slaughter a student of the Royal Martial Arts Academy! It''s utterly unforgivable, a crime deserving of death a thousand times over!"


    "Deserving of death a thousand times over? Whether I passed the examination is clear to all, yet you insist on distorting the truth and framing me ¨C who truly deserves to die a thousand times over?"


    Xiao Yi laughed coldly, "You blind old dog, go keep him company!"


    Ge Qingyun, filled with murderous intent and a dark expression on his face, said, "In all my years at the Royal Martial Arts Academy, I have never seen someone as arrogant as you. It''s clear that you forced Zhang Yi to alter the test results, and when that failed, you resorted to murder. If someone as violent and ruthless as you were allowed to grow unchecked, you would surely become a scourge on this land. Today, I, Ge Qingyun, shall act in heaven''s stead and rid the world of you, a murderous devil!"


    Xiao Yi let out a loud laugh to the heavens, "Hahahaha, this is the Royal Martial Arts Academy? With such blatant disregard for right and wrong, truth and falsehood, I suggest you might as well close your doors now!"


    "Scoundrel, you''re courting death!"


    Ge Qingyun''s face turned alternatively green and white, his rage uncontrollable.


    The furious anger turned into a cold, tangible intent to kill, firmly targeting Xiao Yi.


    Ge Qingyun''s face bore a cold smile to the extreme, his voice sinister, "Daring to challenge the authority of the Royal Martial Arts Academy and openly threatening the chief examiner, you deserve to be torn to pieces!"


    As soon as his words ended¡­


    Ge Qingyun''s vital energy surged violently around him, and with a leap, he landed in front of Xiao Yi.


    He slapped down with one hand. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Void Shock Palm!"


    A high-tier, third-grade martial technique, the palm attack came rushing forward with the momentum of Move Mountains and Overturn Seas, containing layers upon layers within the palm, its power seemingly endless.


    With just one palm, it could ignore physical defense and directly shatter the internal organs.


    Such a formidable move, coupled with Ge Qingyun being at the Eighth Layer of the Divine Power Realm, had enough destructive power to crush even a common practitioner at the Eightfold Divine Power Realm.


    Xiao Yi''s cold gaze was fixed on the incoming attack that seemed unstoppable, as his understanding of Dao Yan''s punch flashed through his mind. His thoughts shifted in an instant, finding a flaw in what seemed to be an impenetrable assault.


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, focusing on the center of the palm fueled by vital energy.


    Having received Dao Yan''s legacy and the martial wisdom and heritage of the Martial God, he could see through the fatal flaw in Ge Qingyun''s move at a glance.


    In his eyes, across the vital energy-enveloped palm, faint blue liquid streams coursed like ghosts, and Xiao Yi instantly pinpointed the core where these blue streams converged, his lips curving up into a slight, cold arc, "Break for me!"


    Swish!


    At the strike of his finger, Ge Qingyun''s gathered assault crumbled to pieces.


    The sharp finger strike hit dead center on the palm.


    This was the weak point of his attack!


    Crack!


    Amidst the sound of bones shattering, Ge Qingyun let out a hysterical scream as his entire right arm was obliterated.


    Bone fragments protruded from his shoulder, and amidst the bloodied spectacle, there was also a chilling sense of desperation as Ge Qingyun crashed to the ground with a thud.


    Ge Qingyun, clutching his broken arm, looked at Xiao Yi with deep fear and regret in his eyes.


    With such strength, once he entered the Martial Arts Institute, he would at least be a Profound Level or even Earth Level student, and one day he might even become strong enough for the Heavenly Rank Academy. But alas, there''s no medicine for regret in this world. Having offended him now, he might as well offend him thoroughly!


    Ge Qingyun took out a summoning arrow and swiftly released it into the sky, his face simultaneously revealing a ferocious expression, "Impudent Xiao Yi, to brazenly assault and injure a Martial Arts Institute examiner without cause, showing complete disregard for the law. I''m going to immediately call for the Law Enforcement Team. You''re done for..."

 Chapter 55 - 55 Law Enforcement Team

    Whoosh!


    A command arrow pierced the sky, exploding above with a loud bang.


    In the blink of an eye,


    dozens of powerful auras surged out from the Martial Arts Institute.


    Equally matched in the Shentong Realm.


    This was the Royal Martial Arts Academy''s Law Enforcement Team, feared by all who heard their name.


    The person leading them radiated elemental energy, surrounded by a protective golden light; he was a superpower within the Golden Core Realm. His brows were sharp as blades, his eyes flickered with lightning, sweeping a cold gaze over the crowd.


    His eyes flickered with a cold light, "What is going on here?"


    Ge Qingyun wept bitterly, "Elder Zhou Xin, save me! This guy named Xiao Yi, unable to pass the talent test, was enraged and wanted Zhang Yi to change the results. Zhang Yi refused and has been killed by him. My teacher tried to intervene and has been seriously injured by him..."


    This Zhou Xin was the master of the Law Enforcement Hall.


    His cultivation had reached the Seventh Layer of the Golden Core Realm, one of the apex existences within Tianqing Kingdom''s martial ranks.


    Zhou Xin''s body was enveloped by golden elemental energy, resembling a radiant halo, majestic and solemn. His sharp eyes seemed capable of piercing into one''s soul, his cold gaze fixated on Xiao Yi, expressing a hint of doubt, "How could someone of such an age manage to slay Zhang Yi and defeat Ge Qingyun? He must be a genius, why would he fail the assessment?"


    Ge Qingyun''s face slightly changed.


    He was about to speak.


    But Zhou Xin waved his hand dismissively, "Nevertheless, it doesn''t matter. What our Royal Martial Arts Academy never lacks are geniuses. You dared to openly kill a student of my Royal Martial Arts Academy and severely injure an instructor, this cannot be easily resolved. Only your blood can wash away the disgrace you''ve brought upon our Institute. You, take your own life!"


    Xiao Yi looked at Zhou Xin indifferently, "Is this the justice of the Royal Martial Arts Academy''s Law Enforcement Hall? To depart from justice is unrighteousness, to be unable to discern right from wrong is folly, and to disregard the rules of the Martial Arts Institute is disloyalty. You, a person who lacks loyalty, intelligence, and righteousness, dare to sit in the position of the Law Enforcement Elder?" S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zhou Xin was strong.


    With the Seventh Layer of the Golden Core Realm, unless he employed the highest-level Blood Explosion Skill, burning all his blood, he was not someone Xiao Yi could currently contend with.


    But...


    As a War God, tasked with suppressing all the heavens and sealing all things,


    how could he fear anyone?


    Zhou Xin narrowed his eyes, his gaze cold and sharp. Having held the position of Law Enforcement Elder for many years, even students at the heaven-level revered him. When had anyone ever dared to rebuke him to his face? His expression turned as cold as ice, "You say this Elder is unfair? I want to see, aside from you, who else believes this Elder is unjust!"


    His gaze swept over everyone present.


    One by one, the strong ones stepped back, bowing their heads.


    Just as Zhou Xin was reveling in his triumph, a cold voice rang out. Fang Qingzhu stood by Xiao Yi''s side, "Xiao Yi is right. You are not only unjust but also disloyal, unwise, and unrighteous."


    "You..."


    Zhou Xin''s face stiffened; he thought nobody would dare confront him, yet immediately someone stood up and fiercely slapped him in the face.


    Following that, Niu Dali stepped forward, wielding his heavy sword, "Fairness and justice, do they have anything to do with you?"


    "Despicable..."


    Zhou Xin''s face grew even darker.


    "Peace leads to prosperity! Although I love money, I must say you really have nothing to do with fairness!" Shi Yaoqian played with two Silver Ingots in his hand, wearing a scornful smile on his face.


    Shi Yaose sniffed harshly at the red bellyband in his hands, squinting his eyes in enjoyment, "Everyone desires beauty... count me in!"


    Shi Yaoquan shrugged, "Logically, I should cling to you, but how could I when even my two brothers can''t stand it?"


    The last one to step forward was Shi Yaodu.


    He twirled a pair of dice in his hands, smiling at Zhou Xin, "I bet you can''t kill us today!"


    Including Xiao Yi, there were a total of seven of them.


    Zhou Xin''s face shifted between shades of green and white. He had never imagined that these seven people would dare to publicly defy him.


    "Good, good, good, you..." Just as Zhou Xin began to speak, another person stepped out from the crowd.


    It was Huo Zhen.


    He looked solemnly at Zhou Xin and said in a deep voice, "Elder Zhou, I have always admired the Royal Martial Arts Academy, but what you''ve done today is just too much."


    "Where did this mongrel come from, daring to criticize this Elder?" Zhou Xin, furious, struck out with his palm.


    As his icy palm drew near Huo Zhen, it landed with a smack, sending him flying.


    Huo Zhen spit out blood and stumbled to the ground.


    With a cold snort, Zhou Xin said, "You rabble who only wish for chaos, you all deserve to die! All Law Enforcement Team members listen to my command, capture these eight people. If they resist, show no mercy!"


    "Yes!"


    A group of strong individuals from the Law Enforcement Hall charged at them simultaneously.


    Twenty-something people faced off against eight!


    Xiao Yi took the lead, "To enforce law unjustly, what dignity do you have wearing those tunics? Brothers, strip them of their fa?ade!"


    "Strip them clean!" Niu Dali said viciously.


    "Fortune favors the bold. Take my fist!" Shi Yaoqian struck with intricate skill, his Third Layer of the Divine Passage Realm prowess enabling him to fight two other practitioners of the same level without falling behind.


    The attacks of Shi Yaoquan, Shi Yaose, and Shi Yaodu were no less formidable.


    Wielding her Purple Dragon Whip, Fang Qingzhu lashed out with whip strikes like phantoms ¨C graceful and seemingly sentient, handling her opponents with ease.


    Xiao Yi was like a War God himself, holding a third-grade elemental weapon in his hand. The Fire Qilin Sword was too dazzling, and he was not yet able to reveal its power casually. With the sword in hand, he executed the "Soul-chasing Life-taking Sword" to great effect.


    "Sweeping through a thousand troops!"


    "Chasing stars and moons!"


    "Life Seizing Soul Chaser..."


    Every strike of his sword injured someone, every move was lethal!


    With his current prowess at the Fourth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, even if he faced a practitioner of the Ninth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, he could emerge victorious. The rest of the opponents were simply swept aside.


    For a moment...


    Eight against twenty-seven, Xiao Yi''s side claimed a complete victory!


    Xiao Yi and his seven companions stood in line, staring coldly at Zhou Xin, whose face was turning shades of green and white, and said, "You claim I''m not qualified to enter the Royal Martial Arts Academy? I''d like to ask, these people lying here, what status do they hold within the Academy?"


    Zhou Xin''s face turned the color of liver, as if he had swallowed a kilogram of flies; the discomfort was palpable.


    The Law Enforcement Team comprised the elite students of various levels.


    If even they were easily defeated by Xiao Yi and his group, to say that Xiao Yi was not qualified and failed the examination would imply that more than ninety percent of the Academy''s students were also not qualified, wouldn''t it?


    He felt his face burning with an intense, unbearable pain.


    Seeing the peculiar looks of the other strong participants in the examination directed at him, Zhou Xin glared viciously at Ge Qingyun, cursing inwardly: You idiot, if you want to deal with him, at least use smarter methods!


    Now, he was in a difficult position!


    But he couldn''t tarnish the reputation of a Law Enforcement Elder. With a cold huff, he said, "Our Royal Martial Arts Academy not only values talent but also character. Just on that alone, none of you qualify, I..."


    Before he could finish, a long laugh interrupted him.


    A Cangyun Eagle soared into view, its wings spanning twenty meters, casting a shadow as if to cover the sky, descending from above.


    A cold voice came from on the back of the Cangyun Eagle, "Zhou Xin, your Royal Martial Arts Academy is as shameless as ever, isn''t it? Your Academy looks down on their character? From what I see, they are loyal, brave, and resourceful, which makes them far stronger disciples than those so-called geniuses you speak of. Gentlemen, are any of you interested in joining my Tianqi Martial Arts Academy?"

 Chapter 56 - 56 Lets go together!

    "Would you be willing to come to our Tianqi Martial Arts Academy?" S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A genial laugh echoed from the back of the Cangyun Eagle.


    Dressed in a refined, scholarly green shirt, the middle-aged man floated down, moving with the wind as if a celestial being had descended to the world. The gentle breeze swirling around him carried no trace of coercion but exuded a sense of majesty that was as awe-inspiring as a towering mountain.


    All eyes were drawn to him.


    "Gu Junhe, what are you doing here at the Royal Martial Arts Academy?" Zhou Xin''s eyes narrowed, filled with a serious countenance as he sized up the newcomer.


    Gu Junhe.


    Head of the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy.


    A peak existence of the Golden Elixir Realm, and the youngest record holder in the entire Tianqing Kingdom to reach that level.


    There were rumors...


    That the next person to step into the Tao Tribulation Realm in the Tianqing Kingdom would likely be this Gu Junhe.


    Gu Junhe''s face was adorned with a radiant smile, as he lightly said, "I was passing by when I suddenly saw your Royal Martial Arts Academy''s distress signal. I thought the Demon Sect''s followers were besieging your academy, so I hurried over to help. Little did I expect that instead of the Demon Sect, I would find your Royal Martial Arts Academy failing to discern right from wrong, reversing black and white, and bullying the younger generation!"


    "Bullshit!"


    Zhou Xin flew into a rage, blurting out without thinking.


    But no sooner had he uttered these words than his face abruptly changed, as a loud whoosh resonated from the void.


    An invisible slap landed heavily on his face.


    Wow!


    Zhou Xin was directly smacked to the ground, his head slamming into the earth with such force that stars sparkled before his eyes, his head spinning.


    Gu Junhe looked at Zhou Xin with a cold expression, his demeanor indifferent, "Even if Elder Wang and Shu Linghua were here, they wouldn''t dare talk to me like that. What are you that you dare say I''m spouting nonsense? If I farted, could you even handle it?"


    Zhou Xin twitched the corner of his eyes, hastily saying, "Head Gu, I misspoke earlier, please forgive me!"


    "Hmph!"


    Gu Junhe sneered, but as he turned around, his face was already filled with a brilliant smile, focusing on Xiao Yi and the others, "You youngsters have integrity and don''t bow to power, which suits my taste very well. Any interest in joining my Tianqi Martial Arts Academy?"


    "Tianqi Martial Arts Academy?"


    "Harmony brings wealth!"


    Shi Yaoqian muttered his mantra before adding, "Does your Tianqi Martial Arts Academy have a lot of money?"


    Gu Junhe paused, then nodded, "Yes, our Tianqi Martial Arts Academy has more money than we can spend!"


    Hiss!


    Shi Yaoqian''s eyes lit up, and he quickly nodded, "I''ll go, I''m going!"


    Shi Yaoquan squinted his eyes, "Ever since I saw you slap Zhou Xin away with just a palm strike, I knew I''d follow you for life!"


    The corner of Gu Junhe''s eye twitched.


    Shi Yaose licked his lips, rubbing his hands together, "Are there many beauties at Tianqi Martial Arts Academy?"


    "Uh..."


    Gu Junhe gave a serious reply, "As long as there are women, they are all peerless beauties!"


    "Hmm, I''m not lecherous. It''s just that training with both genders is less tiring. I''m willing to go!" Shi Yaose stated seriously.


    Gu Junhe unconsciously glanced at Shi Yaodu, who hesitated before saying, "I bet you will definitely take me in!"


    Gu Junhe then looked towards Niu Dali and Fang Qingzhu.


    Fang Qingzhu smiled, "Wherever Xiao Yi goes, I go there!"


    Niu Dali declared, "I''ll follow the big brother!"


    Gu Junhe''s gaze settled on Xiao Yi, a flash of excitement skimming the depths of his eyes. He had witnessed everything Xiao Yi had done previously, and he immediately said, "Xiao Yi, would you be willing to come to my Tianqi Martial Arts Academy?"


    Xiao Yi glanced at Gu Junhe.


    He didn''t believe Gu Junhe had really just happened to pass by, but seeing no malice from the man, Xiao Yi smiled and said, "Head Gu, I didn''t even pass the second round of assessment at the Royal Martial Arts Academy. Are you sure taking me in won''t be a loss for Tianqi Martial Arts Academy?"


    "They at the Royal Martial Arts Academy are blind!"


    Gu Junhe looked deeply at Xiao Yi, and although it was their first meeting, there was an unspoken understanding between them, "As long as you agree to come to my Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, I guarantee that within five years, you will be able to sweep through the entire Royal Martial Arts Academy!"


    Xiao Yi shook his head, "No, five years is too long!"


    "Hmm?"


    Gu Junhe was taken aback.


    Xiao Yi continued, "Elder Gu, since you want me to join the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, as the headmaster, you will protect me, right?"


    Gu Junhe nodded subconsciously, but as he saw the triumphant smile at the corner of Xiao Yi''s mouth, his heart skipped a beat. He was about to speak when he saw Xiao Yi had already approached Zhou Xin, slowly raised his thumb, then turned it down, and roared word by word, "Today, I, Xiao Yi of Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, on behalf of the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, challenge all students of the Royal Martial Arts Academy below the Profound Level!"


    What?


    Gu Junhe was stunned.


    Zhou Xin''s face flushed red with anger, "Xiao Yi, do you really think my Royal Martial Arts Academy has no one left?"


    Xiao Yi said coldly, "Didn''t you say I''m not qualified to enter the Royal Martial Arts Academy? Then let me see the so-called geniuses of your academy, if every single one of them is stronger and more outstanding than me, Xiao Yi! Anyone below the Profound Level, come one by one or two by two. If I lose, I, Xiao Yi, will kneel to death at the gates of your Royal Martial Arts Academy!"


    Zhou Xin roared, "Xiao Yi, you''re looking for death!"


    Xiao Yi looked at Gu Junhe, "Headmaster!"


    Gu Junhe''s face darkened, "Zhou Xin, didn''t you hear Xiao Yi''s words? Call out all disciples below the Profound Level of your Royal Martial Arts Academy. Otherwise, don''t blame me for losing my temper!"


    Zhou Xin, "..."


    In the capital of Tianqing, Gu Junhe had a famous nickname, known as the Unbeatable Naughty Boy.


    Once provoked, he didn''t care about consequences.


    Act now, talk later!


    If Zhou Xin didn''t follow his instructions, Gu Junhe might really cause a ruckus at the Royal Martial Arts Academy.


    With this thought,


    A cold light flashed in Zhou Xin''s half-closed eyes, and with a venomous stare fixed on Xiao Yi, he said coldly, "Fine, since you''re courting death, I won''t be to blame!"


    Whoosh!


    Zhou Xin took out a command arrow.


    The command arrow shot into the sky, bursting into a brilliant golden lightning.


    Boom boom boom!


    The sound of war drums resonated continuously, echoing between heaven and earth.


    "When the war drums sound, disciples gather!"


    "Three sounds, calling together the Earth, Yellow, and Profound levels? Quick, there must be some big trouble!"


    The entire Royal Martial Arts Academy was in an uproar.


    Disciples of Earth, Yellow, and Profound levels rushed towards the gates of the Royal Martial Arts Academy. Excluding those who were not within the academy, the gathered crowd exceeded twenty thousand. Nearly twenty thousand Yellow Level disciples, over three thousand Profound Level disciples, and nearly a hundred Earth Level disciples¡ªall of them glaring fiercely at Xiao Yi and the others.


    The atmosphere was extremely tense.


    "Elder Zhou, what happened? Why gather us in such haste?" A young man dressed in Earth Level disciple uniform stepped forward and asked. He was the strongest among many Earth Level disciples currently at the academy, ranked tenth among Earth Level disciples, Zhuge Shuangdao.


    Zhou Xin pointed at Xiao Yi and said icily, "This person named Xiao Yi, wishes to challenge all students of the Royal Martial Arts Academy below the Profound Level. This matter concerns the reputation of the Royal Martial Arts Academy for hundreds of years. Who dares to fight?"


    "What? Challenge all students below the Profound Level?"


    "That''s too arrogant! He''s simply asking for death!"


    "Kill him!"


    A Profound Level disciple leapt forward, looking at Xiao Yi coldly, "Royal Martial Arts Academy, Profound Level disciple Wang Ye, let me..."


    "Too much nonsense!"


    Xiao Yi snorted coldly, his figure suddenly vanished from its original spot, and when he reappeared, he had already used the move "Dragon Tail Whip" to fiercely send Wang Ye flying.


    With a heavy thud, Wang Ye from the Fifth Layer of the Spiritual Power Realm fell hard, foaming at the mouth, unable to move.


    Everyone was dumbfounded.


    A powerhouse of the Fifth Layer of the Spiritual Power Realm, defeated by a single kick?


    Xiao Yi, however, disregarded the shocked expressions of the crowd and said indifferently, "One by one is too troublesome; you all come at me together..."

 Chapter 57 - 57 Zhuge Shuangdao

    "All of you, come at me together!"


    Xiao Yi hooked his finger at the crowd, his eyes blazing with an intense desire for battle and excitement.


    The war-hungry gene inside him was now fully activated.


    Suppressor of the Heavens, War God,


    Subduing the myriad heavens, sealing deities in their place.


    He was the existence that fought against gods, immortals, the heavens, the earth, endless battling without loss.


    The repeated oppression from the Royal Martial Arts Academy had wholly sparked the war-like instinct within him, causing the God Sealing Seed inside to buzz and hum, and a faint glow ebbed and flowed around his body as if a celestial being had descended to the world. With a wave of his hand, a Tier-3 Yuan weapon landed within his palm.


    Whoosh!


    The sword''s edge sliced through the air, emitting a series of tearing sounds.


    The array of formidable experts standing before Xiao Yi exchanged glances¡ªtwenty thousand in number, and he was asking them all to attack at once?


    To face an army of thousands alone?


    That was, of course, impossible!


    Even if Xiao Yi dared to take them all on, they wouldn''t dare to rush him en masse; after all, if they did, the reputation of the Royal Martial Arts Academy would be utterly ruined.


    "Hmph, it was only because he was caught off guard for a moment that you managed to trick him. Let this old man teach you a lesson, you oblivious fool¡ª"


    A Fifth Layer of the Spiritual Power Realm expert soared high, his body sturdy and powerful, possessing Innate Divine Strength. His fists, hard as iron maces, brutally smashed down. With unparalleled strength, single-handedly capable of tearing apart tigers, panthers, wolves, those ruthless fists descended upon Xiao Yi, aiming to crush his skull and surely kill him if they connected.


    Facing this thunderous attack.


    Xiao Yi''s gaze lifted slightly, and the sword in his grip swung upward in a swift arc.


    Whoosh!


    The silvery sword light, like a crescent moon, sliced into the attacker''s body with a swish.


    Splat!


    The body of the strong opponent was cut clean in two; blood rained down like a downpour, and the two halves of the corpse fell to the ground.


    Hiss! S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The death of two Fifth Layer of the Spiritual Power Realm experts at Xiao Yi''s hand, and undeniably instantaneous kills at that, shocked all the rapidly arriving Royal Martial Arts Academy students, horror-stricken they exclaimed, "This guy''s strength is so formidable, who exactly is he? Why is he challenging us?"


    "I heard he was also participating in our Royal Martial Arts Academy''s disciple assessment, but he was eliminated during the second round!"


    "You must be joking, right? With his strength, he couldn''t pass because of poor talent? Then what are we?"


    "Which idiot was in charge of the assessment? Aren''t they just pushing a genius out the door?"


    "Keep your voice down. I heard it was by Brother Jia Sidao''s suggestion..."


    Listening to the discussions among the Royal Martial Arts Academy''s students, Zhou Xin''s face turned as livid as a pig''s liver, wishing he could flog the corpses of Ge Qingyun and Zhang Yi. But right now, he absolutely could not afford to lose his composure. Zhou Xin let out a cold snort, "Xiao Yi, aren''t you being a bit too ruthless?"


    Xiao Yi glanced at him and turned to address Gu Junhe, "Director!"


    Gu Junhe appeared in a flash before Zhou Xin, pressing a palm against his face and pushing him to the ground, rubbing it back and forth, as he coldly questioned, "What''s the matter? I''m still standing right here. Are you already planning to threaten my disciple?"


    Zhou Xin felt like crying, "When the hell did I threaten him?"


    "Still trying to talk tough?"


    Gu Junhe, gripping his face, smashed it against the ground over and over.


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    The ground was smashed into a deep pit.


    Zhou Xin''s nose was blue, and his face was swollen; if not for his Golden Core Realm body being as durable as a first-grade Yuan weapon, the impacts could have made his head burst open and bleed. Even so, Zhou Xin''s head had swollen like a pig''s, barely recognizable as human anymore.


    Smack smack smack!


    Gu Junhe dusted off his hands and looked at Xiao Yi, "You continue!"


    Xiao Yi''s mouth curled up as he looked towards Zhuge Shuangdao and the others, "Those of you in the Yellow or Profound Levels, don''t bother coming over to seek death. Do none of you Earth Level students have the guts to fight me? I get it now. They say I''m unqualified to enter the Royal Martial Arts Academy because my guts aren''t small enough, nor is my skin thick enough, is that it? If that''s the case, then I admit defeat; indeed, I''m not suitable for the Royal Martial Arts Academy!"


    "Xiao Yi, don''t think that just because you''ve killed two Profound Level students, you''re really invincible. My Royal Martial Arts Academy has countless people who could kill you like stars in the sky!"


    A voice like rolling thunder spoke, and a bald young man stepped forward.


    The young man was bald with brows sharp as swords, high cheekbones, and eyes cold like an eagle''s gaze; his cultivation had reached the Seventh Layer of the Spiritual Power Realm, marking him as an Earth Level student.


    "Is this the Bald Butcher ranked 278th among the Earth Level students, Ding Qiang?"


    "I didn''t expect him to not be out on a training expedition. With him here, Xiao Yi won''t be able to act arrogantly for long!"


    The disciples of the Royal Martial Arts Academy were excitedly discussing.


    The Bald Butcher Ding Qiang licked his lips and revealed a ferocious grin, speaking ominously, "Xiao Yi, I respect you as a real man, so I will use the manliest way to give you a quick death."


    Clang clang!


    In the cold clash of metal, he held a huge cleaver resembling an ox head in each hand.


    The pair of cleavers were pitch-black with silver edges shimmering.


    "Third-grade Yuan weapon, Heaven Slaughter Blade, I''m coming for your dog head!" Ding Qiang bellowed, charging at Xiao Yi with his dual blades.


    His bulky figure was surprisingly fast, and amidst his wild charge, his blade light spilled everywhere like quicksilver. Faced with such a reckless assault, Xiao Yi shook his head and chuckled, "Soul Snatcher, Life Stealer!"


    Whoosh!


    Sword drawn, sword fallen.


    Xiao Yi brushed past Ding Qiang, walking straight towards Zhuge Shuangdao and others, while behind him, Ding Qiang collapsed with a thud, his throat spraying blood. Xiao Yi lifted his longsword, with droplets of blood rolling down its edge, and coldly said, "Come at me all at once. Killing you one by one just isn''t satisfying enough!"


    Hisss!


    These words struck like thunder out of the blue, drawing a wave of gasps.


    Killing wasn''t satisfying enough?


    Every sword strike could claim the life of a talent painstakingly nurtured by the Royal Martial Arts Academy, and yet you call that not satisfying enough?


    Zhuge Shuangdao was furious, his eyes cold as frost, and he gritted his teeth, "Xiao Yi, I admit that what Zhang Yi and Mr. Ge did was despicable by fabricating the reasons for your disqualification from the assessment. But you''ve caused enough trouble, and you''ve killed enough. This should be the end of it, and I will personally draw a satisfactory end to this issue!"


    "A satisfactory end?" Xiao Yi looked at him with an amused gaze.


    "Killing you, to settle this matter, that would be the most satisfactory conclusion!" Zhuge Shuangdao said coldly, "Rest assured, I will give you enough respect, and I will use my strongest strike to kill you!"


    No sooner had his voice faded.


    Zhuge Shuangdao''s body erupted with a boom.


    White light swirled around him; behind his back, two white streams rose, and two arms tore through them appearing at his rear. Each of his four arms grasped a pitch-black war blade that shone with a dark gleam of sharpness, sending chills down the spine.


    "Zhuge Shuangdao, ranked 10th among the Earth Level students of the Royal Martial Arts Academy, 25th on the Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List''s Tiger List, his Innate Divine Ability, four arms!"


    "Four arms perfectly fused with his body, extremely fearsome!"


    With a face full of excitement, Zhou Xin, despite his bruised and swollen face, showed an eerie smile, "This time, Xiao Yi is undoubtedly going to die!"

 Chapter 58 - 58: An Earth-Shattering Sword

    Zhou Xin wore a smug expression on his face, provocatively looking over at Gu Junhe.


    Gu Junhe gave him a glance.


    Not a word was uttered.


    Yet, his palm once again came down on Zhou Xin''s face, pressing it against the ground and rubbing it back and forth.


    Zhou Xin''s mouth was full of mud and sand, despairing in anguish, "Gu Junhe, you are going too far!"


    Gu Junhe said indifferently, "Your eyes are asking for a beating!"


    Zhou Xin: "I..."


    Meanwhile¡­


    Zhuge Shuangdao had already launched a thunderous offensive, his four arms spinning simultaneously, with black sabers cutting through the air¡ªthe dazzling black saber light was blinding and impressive, arriving in a flash, appearing right in front of Xiao Yi, launching attacks from both sides. The saber blades, merged with the arms, offered even more flexibility than using weapons alone.


    The power had also increased significantly.


    Xiao Yi was entirely focused. The opponent before him was of the Divine Power Realm Tenth Layer, far beyond any opponents he had previously encountered.


    With a single hand, he grasped the Dragon Scale Sword to block the attacks in front of him.


    Clang!


    Amid a dull sound, the first black saber strike landed on the edge of the sword, actually causing the blade to curl back and sparks to scatter. The brute force was just transmitted to both hands when Xiao Yi felt a numb soreness, and then the second saber strike landed on the edge of the sword.


    Clang!


    This strike was even more powerful than the last.


    Followed immediately by the third, fourth, fifth saber strikes...


    "Whirlwind Slash!"


    Zhuge Shuangdao''s figure spun like a top, his four arms wielding the combat sabers repeatedly striking the Dragon Scale Sword.


    The dragon scales on the sword broke apart and shattered, shooting off in all directions.


    Xiao Yi was forced to retreat again and again.


    "Hahaha, Xiao Yi, weren''t you quite arrogant? It seems you can only bully those weaker than you..."


    "What our Royal Martial Arts Academy doesn''t lack the most are geniuses. What are you? The fact that our Royal Martial Arts Academy doesn''t want you is only your loss, it has absolutely no impact on us!"


    "Brother Zhuge, go for it, chop him down!"


    The strong ones from the Royal Martial Arts Academy shouted one after another, their expressions filled with excitement.


    The eighteenth saber strike came down!


    Clang!


    With a crisp sound, the Dragon Scale Sword in Xiao Yi''s hand broke into two pieces, the violent shockwave sent Xiao Yi flying away. He was flung over ten meters, dragging two ferocious traces behind him, the centers of his palms split open, blood spurting wildly, the broken sword dim and shattered.


    Zhuge Shuangdao stood proudly in front of Xiao Yi, with heavy mockery in his lips, "Is that all you''re capable of? Still dreaming about challenging all the students below the heaven level at the Royal Martial Arts Academy?"


    Xiao Yi shook off the fresh blood on his hands, tore off a piece of cloth to wrap around his palms, and looked up at Zhuge Shuangdao: "As expected of the number twenty-five on the Flying Tiger List, you do have some skills. There can''t be many geniuses like you at the Royal Martial Arts Academy, right? If I killed you, the Royal Martial Arts Academy would surely lament your loss!"


    Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List is divided into the Teng Long List and the Flying Tiger List.


    The Teng Long List has twenty spots, with each person being a Golden Core Realm powerhouse under the age of forty.


    The Flying Tiger List has one hundred slots, each a powerhouse under the age of forty and below the Golden Core Realm.


    Zhuge Shuangdao, being ranked twenty-fifth on the Flying Tiger List, meant that he was ranked forty-fifth among the younger generation across the entire Tianqing Kingdom.


    Such a prodigy was indeed a rare talent, even for the Royal Martial Arts Academy.


    Zhuge Shuangdao looked disdainful: "You think you can kill me?"


    Xiao Yi stretched and cracked his joints, raising the bandaged hand, and said lightly, "I, Xiao Yi, always act on the principle of not offending others unless I am offended first. Today''s affair was provoked by you. And Zhuge Shuangdao, since your earlier attacks on me were all deadly, if I don''t kill you, wouldn''t I be letting down my own bloodshed?"


    "That also depends on whether you have the capability!" Zhuge Shuangdao scoffed.


    Clang!


    The long sabers held in the four arms crisscrossed, slowly dragging the blades with ear-piercing clangs, sparks flying and killing intent surging to the heavens.


    Xiao Yi''s body shook.


    With a flick of his palm, a third-grade elemental longsword appeared in his hand, this blade was obtained from the Sword Mountain Manor; it was named Tiger Slayer. The sword''s hilt portrayed a fierce tiger''s head, its maw wide open with the sword blade emerging from within, a cold light circling the entire blade. Xiao Yi gripped the hilt tightly, his body trembling: "It''s not only you who has an Innate Divine Ability!"


    Hum!


    A stream of black liquid flowed out from Xiao Yi''s body, adhering to his right arm, wrapping around the Tiger Slayer Sword in his hand.


    The Tiger Slayer Sword turned a shiny black color.


    It had completely fused with his arm!


    On this side was Xiao Yi''s ''Weapon Fusion'' innate divine ability, manifested after his breakthrough to the Shentong Realm, using a weapon as a support to transform his body into a weapon, combining himself with it. Holding a war sword, his arm fused with it; the entire arm was the war sword. Clad in battle armor, his torso could merge with it, and his whole body became the armor!


    Weapon Fusion, one of the top ten divine skills!


    "His innate divine ability is actually Weapon Fusion?"


    "Just how strong is Xiao Yi''s talent?"


    All were astonished.


    Even Zhou Xin was sweating profusely at this moment, filled with immense regret. He had turned away a peerless genius who possessed the Weapon Fusion innate divine ability?


    "That, that''s the power of Sword Intent¡­"


    "To master one of the top ten divine skills, Weapon Fusion, at merely the Fourth Layer of the Shentong Realm, and to grasp Sword Intent already? This, this¡­"


    If Zhou Xin only felt regret upon discovering Xiao Yi''s mastery of the Weapon Fusion divine skill, at this moment he was regretting it so much his guts turned green. Mastering Sword Intent in the Shentong Realm meant a hundred percent certainty of advancing into the Golden Core Realm!


    Added to that was his innate divine ability, Weapon Fusion.


    Xiao Yi''s future achievements would at least be in the top three of the Teng Long List!


    "Jia Sidao, Ge Qingyun, Zhang Yi... you''ve wronged me..." Zhou Xin was so angry that he spouted a mouthful of old blood, his eyes filled with hysterical madness as he stared fixedly at Zhuge Shuangdao, "Shuangdao, kill him, kill him for me!"


    Meanwhile.


    Xiao Yi and Zhuge Shuangdao had already engaged again in combat, with Zhuge wielding knives in all four arms, attacking with an unparalleled ferocity.


    Between their exchanges, the two appeared evenly matched.


    After all, Xiao Yi was still at the Fourth Layer of the Shentong Realm, facing off against Zhuge Shuangdao of the Divine Power Realm Tenth Layer who had awakened his innate divine ability, there was still a certain gap.


    "I admit you''re strong, but you''re still far from killing me!" Zhuge Shuangdao''s four arms waved wildly, momentarily baffling Xiao Yi with his madness-like knife techniques.


    "It seems I can only use this move¡­"


    Xiao Yi''s eyes suddenly surged with a crimson hue as he roared, "Blood Explosion Skill!"


    Whoosh!


    A red glow emerged around his body, enveloping him entirely.


    It was indeed the Blood Explosion Skill inherited from Dao Yan!


    The Blood Explosion Skill instantly burned one-tenth of Xiao Yi''s blood, offering a burst of tenfold strength. The second layer burned a fifth of the blood for twentyfold power, and so on, till the tenth layer burned all the blood to unleash a hundredfold strength.


    But to cast the tenth layer meant burning all the blood, leading to death!


    Fortunately, Zhuge Shuangdao was only at the Divine Power Realm Tenth Layer; Xiao Yi needed to activate only the first layer of the Blood Explosion Skill.


    Boom!


    After the tenfold increase in strength.


    Xiao Yi''s right arm, merged with the Tiger Slayer Sword, was covered in a layer of crimson glow: "Sweeping a Thousand Troops!" S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A sword swept across the sky.


    Both speed and power were ten times greater than before!


    Clang!


    This sword blow forcibly knocked the blades out of Zhuge Shuangdao''s hands.


    "Not good¡­" Zhuge Shuangdao''s complexion underwent a drastic change.


    The moment Xiao Yi passed by him, he promptly reversed direction and struck again with his sword: "Chasing Stars and Moon!"


    Whoosh!


    The blade sliced through the void, severing Zhuge Shuangdao''s four arms on the spot.


    Howl!


    Zhuge Shuangdao''s spirit almost left his body as he wailed in pain, turning to run towards Zhou Xin, "Elder Zhou, save me..."


    "No one can save you!"


    Xiao Yi sneered coldly, the scarlet sword glow piercing the heavens, a thirty-foot sword light shrouding the sun.


    This earth-shattering sword descended from the sky!


    Spurt!


    Zhuge Shuangdao''s body shuddered, and he spewed out a mouthful of fresh blood, his entire body cleaved into two halves by Xiao Yi''s relentless strike¡­

 Chapter 59 - 59: Within a year, I will take your life!

    Silence.


    Deathly silence.


    In front of the gates of the Royal Martial Arts Academy, despite the presence of over ten thousand people, there was now absolute quiet.


    Gulp!


    Someone swallowed instinctively, which set off a wave of gulping as one formidable figure after another swallowed repeatedly. This sound seemed to break the spell that had frozen time, gradually restoring the ability to move among the crowds.


    Every single person looked at Xiao Yi with a mix of shock, awe, and a hint of disbelief, "Dead, dead? The tenth ranked Earth-Level student, ranked twenty-fifth on the Flying Tiger List, the genius Zhuge Shuangdao is actually dead?"


    "I, I must be dreaming¡­"


    Even Gu Junhe was momentarily stunned before bursting into hearty laughter, proclaiming loudly, "Interesting, interesting! Someone who didn''t even pass the second round of assessments at the Royal Martial Arts Academy and was turned away at the door as ''trash'' has actually killed one of your so-called geniuses, hahaha, what a Royal Martial Arts Academy indeed¡­"


    At this moment.


    The entire Royal Martial Arts Academy erupted into chaos.


    Especially Gu Junhe''s term ''trash''. It was like an invisible slap fiercely striking the face of every powerful figure of the Royal Martial Arts Academy.


    Pain.


    A pain that drills into the heart!


    If even Xiao Yi, who killed Zhuge Shuangdao, could only be considered trash and not worthy of entering the Royal Martial Arts Academy, what did that make them?


    Are they even less than trash?


    "Ge Qingyun, Zhang Yi, and Jia Sidao, you all deserve to die¡­"


    "Because of your selfish desires, you not only caused the death of Zhuge Shuangdao but also caused our Royal Martial Arts Academy to lose an unparalleled genius!"


    "You are the sinners of the Royal Martial Arts Academy¡­"


    Many of the powerful figures from the Royal Martial Arts Academy cursed without stop.


    Zhou Xin''s complexion turned from pale to flushed, feeling chilling drafts on his back.


    If Elder Wang and the headmaster were to return and learn about this, he feared that losing his position as the Law Enforcement Elder would be the least of his worries!


    "Xiao Yi¡­ it''s all because of you, you damned mongrel¡­" Zhou Xin glared venomously at Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi''s body ceased its glow of blood, revealing the Blood Explosion Skill.


    The Blood Explosion Skill constantly burnt his blood, and that last strike had burned away a tenth of his blood volume, leaving his face extremely pale.


    His arm too returned to normal.


    The vital energy expended to maintain his Innate Divine Ability was also tremendously great.


    Xiao Yi''s lips curved slightly upward, his pale face bearing a strange smile as he bowed to the people of the Royal Martial Arts Academy, "The Royal Martial Arts Academy is indeed worthy of its reputation, the talents are as plentiful as the stars in the sky, no wonder you looked down on Xiao Yi. This Zhuge Shuangdao is supposedly ranked beyond the twentieth at the Royal Martial Arts Academy, but it took me the strength of nine bulls and two tigers just to kill him. It seems that my previous declaration of challenging all students below the Sky Level was truly overconfident and arrogant!"


    Zhou Xin''s face twitched: "..."


    The disciples of the Royal Martial Arts Academy gnashed their teeth in anger: "..."


    Your words are anything but modest, they''re a slap in our faces!


    Xiao Yi then turned to face Gu Junhe, bowing, "Headmaster, the Royal Martial Arts Academy is indeed terrifying with its abundance of powerful figures. We should return to the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy."


    "Yes, let''s go!"


    Gu Junhe laughed heartily, he hadn''t felt this joyful in many years.


    Gu Junhe gave a bow to Zhou Xin, "Elder Zhou, my Tianqi Martial Arts Academy is no match for the Royal Martial Arts Academy, we can only take in the disciples you look down upon. When your headmaster returns, remember to thank him for me, will you!"


    Zhou Xin: "You, you¡­ argh..."


    He was so angry that he spewed out a mouthful of old blood.


    "Hahaha..."


    Gu Junhe waved his hand grandly, "Children, follow me back home; tonight, I will treat you to great amounts of meat and wine!"


    Whoosh!


    A fierce wind swept through, and the Cangyun Eagle swooped down from the skies, landing in front of the crowd.


    Xiao Yi and the others climbed onto the back of the Cangyun Eagle, and with a wingspan of twenty meters, it flapped its wings and soared into the sky, vanishing among the clouds.


    Soon after¡­ Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zhou Xin slowly regained consciousness only to discover Elder Wang and Zhou Yuan, the headmaster of the Royal Martial Arts Academy, staring at him with extremely ugly expressions. It was clear they already knew the full story of what had happened.


    Zhou Xin''s pale face was filled with bitterness and resentment, "Dean, Elder Wang, that Gu Junhe has gone too far!"


    Slap!


    Elder Wang''s hand struck Zhou Xin''s face, shocking him into confusion. Holding his cheek, he stared at Elder Wang in a daze, "Elder, Elder Wang, what are you doing?"


    Elder Wang''s face was grim as he said, "Xiao Yi was my personal recommendation, intended to be cultivated as the core talent of the future for the Royal Martial Arts Academy. Yet you all pressured him to leave? Now you want to turn the situation around and blame him? What did Gu Junhe do wrong? Am I supposed to watch idly as you ruin a talent?"


    "I, I..."


    Zhou Xin opened his mouth but was unable to utter a word under Elder Wang''s furious glare.


    "Enough!"


    Zhou Yuan spoke faintly, his gaze towards Elder Wang filled with displeasure, "Zhiyuan, this matter can''t be blamed all on Zhou Xin. If Xiao Yi truly intended to join the Royal Martial Arts Academy, he would have stayed even if he felt wronged, or at least until you and I returned. But he not only killed our disciple, he also tarnished the academy''s reputation. It proves that he is not fated to be with our academy!"


    Elder Wang''s expression remained dark, "Dean, this whole affair was caused by Jia Sidao for his own personal hate. How can you blame Xiao Yi?"


    "If Xiao Yi had not killed Jia Sichun, would Jia Sidao have targeted him? Ultimately, Xiao Yi has no respect for our academy. Such a person, we are better off without!" Zhou Yuan paused and then continued, "Zhou Xin, go tend to your injuries. I will make a trip to Tianqi Martial Arts Academy!"


    "Dean, what are you going to do?" Elder Wang asked, frowning.


    Zhou Yuan snorted coldly, "Do I need to report to you what I do?"


    Whoosh!


    Zhou Yuan soared into the sky.


    ...


    On the back of the Cangyun Eagle.


    Xiao Yi sat cross-legged, his complexion regaining some color. Opening his eyes, he saw Fang Qingzhu looking at him with concern and managed a smile, "Don''t worry, I''m fine!"


    Fang Qingzhu spoke softly, "Can you not take such risks in the future? I, I only have you as my family now..."


    Family?


    Xiao Yi felt a slight jolt, wasn''t he the same?


    Gripping Fang Qingzhu''s soft hand tightly, Xiao Yi nodded firmly, "Okay..."


    However...


    Before the word "okay" could leave his lips, it seemed to get stuck.


    Whoosh!


    A light flickered in the void, and a finger carved out of crystal shot towards Xiao Yi''s back.


    Fang Qingzhu''s pupils contracted sharply, and she forcefully pulled Xiao Yi, swapping places with him.


    Under Xiao Yi''s shocked gaze, the crystal finger landed on Fang Qingzhu''s back with a booming sound.


    Wow!


    Fang Qingzhu''s body trembled, blood spurting out and covering Xiao Yi''s face.


    Everything in front of him was blood-red!


    Xiao Yi held Fang Qingzhu tightly; she continually spat out blood, and he desperately tried to stop it, but blood still flowed through the gaps in his fingers. Xiao Yi looked around, trying to call for Gu Junhe, but realized he couldn''t make any sound, only gasping for breath.


    Niu Dali and the four brothers from the Shi Family were on high alert, encircling the two of them.


    Suddenly, a furious roar erupted from the void, "Zhou Yuan, you old bastard, how dare you strike a junior with such a venomous blow? Have you no shame?"


    Zhou Yuan''s indifferent voice came through, "This brat tarnished the reputation of the Royal Martial Arts Academy and killed my disciple. Why shouldn''t I take his life? Besides, you, Gu Junhe, as the dean of Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, have been reduced to picking up the trash discarded by our academy. You''ve truly lost all face for your academy!"


    "To hell with losing face, die!"


    "You think I''m afraid of you?"


    Boom!


    A terrifying energy burst forth in the sky, hanging like a radiant sun, illuminating the expanse of the capital.


    "Gu Junhe, you are still no match for me, go back and practice more! Hahaha..."


    "Damn you, old dog Zhou..."


    Gu Junhe, with a face filled with rage, returned to the Cangyun Eagle. After checking Fang Qingzhu''s injuries, he took out a golden pill and placed it into her mouth, exhaling in relief, "Don''t worry, I''ve weakened that strike by ninety percent, and with this Three-turns Golden Healing Elixir, after we return and properly rest, Qingzhu''s injuries should heal within three months."


    Xiao Yi nodded heavily, looking down at Fang Qingzhu, who had fallen into a deep sleep in his arms.


    His eyes were a blood-red color, his gaze filled with violence and madness. He pronounced each word with determination, "Old dog Zhou Yuan, I, Xiao Yi, swear to the heavens¡ªI will take your life within a year!"

 Chapter 60 - 60 Tianqi Martial Arts Academy

    Above the Cangyun Eagle, there was silence.


    Gu Junhe, looking apologetic, gave Xiao Yi a wry smile and said, "I''m sorry, I didn''t expect Zhou Yuan, that old dog, to be so despicable as to strike a junior at the zenith of the Golden Elixir Realm."


    Xiao Yi shook his head, "Director, this isn''t your fault!"


    He knew very well that if it weren''t for Gu Junhe''s timely intervention, blocking ninety-nine percent of the power of that finger, he and Fang Qingzhu would have become a pair of doomed lovers.


    After this battle,


    Xiao Yi had gained a deeper understanding of the strength of the Golden Elixir Realm, especially the might of someone at the Golden Elixir Peak, whose single finger, even with less than ten percent of its power, almost claimed Fang Qingzhu''s life.


    Gu Junhe hesitated for a moment before saying in a deep voice, "The words you uttered earlier were too impulsive!"


    He was referring to Xiao Yi''s vow to kill Zhou Yuan within a year.


    That was an existence at the Golden Elixir Realm Peak.


    Furthermore...


    Zhou Yuan was the head of the Royal Martial Arts Academy, and with his status and position, even if he didn''t possess the strength himself, Xiao Yi couldn''t just kill him at will. After all, he represented the face of the royal family, and should his illustrious reputation be threatened, the royal family might very well come out in full force to protect him.


    Even that ancestral figure from the Tao Tribulation Realm who had not shown himself for a long time might appear because of this.


    Moreover...


    Gu Junhe didn''t believe that Xiao Yi could possess the strength to kill Zhou Yuan within a year.


    After all.


    The gap between the Fourth Layer of the Shentong Realm and the peak of the Golden Elixir Realm was like heaven and earth, a true dragon against a stubborn snake.


    Even if Xiao Yi''s talent were exceptional, he would still need time and opportunity.


    Xiao Yi shook his head, and his bloodshot eyes softened as they landed on Fang Qingzhu, "I once swore I would never let Qingzhu suffer the slightest harm, yet she nearly lost her life to save me. If I don''t avenge this, I swear I am not a human being!"


    "This..."


    Seeing the determination in Xiao Yi''s eyes, Gu knew it was pointless to say more and could only say, "Don''t worry, I will do my utmost to help you."


    "Thank you, Director!" Xiao Yi said.


    Niu Dali patted his shoulder, "Brother, count me in for taking revenge for sister-in-law. When you go to storm the Royal Martial Arts Academy, I will go with you!"


    "And us too!" The Shi Family brothers also said one after another.


    Shi Yaodu, with a mournful face, twirled two dice in his hand, "I bet we can''t withstand a single finger from Zhou Yuan... but even if it means death, we must go at it!"


    Xiao Yi looked deeply at his companions.


    Apart from Niu Dali, they were all strangers he''d met by chance. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Yet whether it was at the Royal Martial Arts Academy or now, they still stood by his side.


    Xiao Yi etched this camaraderie in his heart and, with eyes narrowed, looked in the direction of the Royal Martial Arts Academy, silently vowing, "In one year''s time, I will flatten your Royal Martial Arts Academy and take your head, Zhou Yuan!"


    Cheep cheep...


    The Cangyun Eagle, as if influenced by him, soared high, letting out a series of sonorous cries.


    Swish!


    The Cangyun Eagle swiftly vanished into the clouds.


    They had already flown out of the capital, landing within a mountain range thirty miles outside the capital, where Tianqi Martial Arts Academy was situated atop the most majestic peak of this mountain range. This peak rose abruptly like a spring bamboo shoot joining the clouds, thousands of feet tall if not more.


    Amidst the mist and clouds,


    sprawling buildings neatly arranged could faintly be seen on the mountainside.


    At the entrance was an archway carved out of white marble, flanked by six stone columns entwined by sculpted dragons, which seemed to spring to life. At the gate stood two black stone lions, one with a ball of fire in its mouth and the other stepping on auspicious clouds, both exuding a powerful presence.


    Above the archway hung a plaque with gold letters on a black background that read: Tianqi Martial Arts Academy!


    The gates were indeed magnificent!


    "This is our Tianqi Martial Arts Academy? The gates are quite spectacular!"


    "They say that over five hundred years ago, this was the premier academy of the Tianqing Kingdom. They say a camel dying of starvation is bigger than a horse, so even though it''s declined, it should still be not too shabby!"


    Niu Dali looked towards Gu, who was dispatching the Cangyun Eagle to hunt deeper in the mountains, and asked, "Director, how many disciples do we have in Tianqi Martial Arts Academy?"


    Shi Yaose spit into his hands, rubbed them together, and then smeared it casually through his hair, squinting he asked, "Director, didn''t you say that the female disciples in our academy are all peerless beauties? Where are they?"


    Shi Yaoqian also asked, "Headmaster, you said our Martial Arts Institute is so poor all we have left is money, so our monthly stipend should be quite substantial, right? I''ve heard that the lowest-ranked Yellow-tier students at the Royal Martial Arts Academy get a monthly stipend of 500 silver. We shouldn''t be worse off than them, should we?"


    "Don''t worry, I am the honorable Headmaster after all, how could I possibly deceive you!"


    Gu Junhe kept a straight face as he took out eight contracts, saying solemnly, "These are the enrollment contracts. You must sign your names and press your fingerprints for it to be official and for you to be formally admitted into the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy!"


    Everyone signed the contract one after another.


    Xiao Yi looked at Gu Junhe with a strange expression. The latter chuckled mischievously and collected all the contracts before clapping his hands and shouting towards the gate, "Come out and greet the guests... ahem, come out and welcome your new junior brothers and sisters!"


    Shi Yaose quickly straightened out his clothes.


    Niu Dali looked forward hopefully, waiting for the legendary beautiful senior sisters.


    A few moments later.


    A youth with a handsome and stately appearance came out, greeting everyone with a calm smile, "Welcome, my fellow junior brothers and sisters!"


    "Senior brother, why is it just you? Where are the beautiful senior sisters?" Niu Dali asked curiously.


    The youth smiled wryly, "In Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, aside from the Headmaster, it''s only me!"


    What?


    Niu Dali and the others were dumbfounded.


    What the heck?


    There''s only one disciple?


    Shi Yaose stared blankly at Gu Junhe, "What happened to the beautiful women you promised?"


    Gu Junhe said earnestly, "I said that if there were any female disciples, they would be considered peerlessly beautiful. Isn''t Qingzhu beautiful?"


    Shi Yaose''s eye twitched, "I&...*£¨£©"


    Shi Yaoqian clutched his chest, "Headmaster, you''re not also lying about being so poor all we have is money, are you?"


    "That part is true!"


    Gu Junhe nodded, adding, "We are indeed so poor that we can only save money."


    Shi Yaoqian, "&*£¨£©..."


    Shi Yaoquan asked, "What about the promise that all resources would be open to us?"


    Gu Junhe patted his shoulder, speaking earnestly, "In the entire Martial Arts Institute, it''s just you few. You can live wherever you like, cultivate wherever you wish. Both Dean Jiang Tai and I, serving as tutors, are responsible only for you eight. Doesn''t that count as having all resources open to you?"


    Everyone: "..."


    So Tianqi Martial Arts Academy has neither money nor resources, plus just the ten of them in total?


    Everyone knew Tianqi Martial Arts Academy was in decline, but who could have imagined it was this bad!


    Shi Yaoqian said with a dark face, "Is this a place for people to stay? Let''s go, let''s go..."


    Gu Junhe''s expression darkened, and he revealed the signed and thumb-printed enrollment contracts, "You''ve all signed the enrollment contracts. Without the Headmaster''s permission, anyone who dares to leave the Academy will be committing a crime of defection. I will announce it to the world, and you will become loathed by everyone as backstabbers and betrayers to your master. Try leaving, just one of you?"


    Everyone felt stars in their eyes, and a mouthful of fresh blood almost spurted out.


    "Think about it from another perspective. Because of the small number of people in the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, you can get comprehensive guidance! If you don''t believe it, ask Jiang Tai. He owes his current achievements to my personal guidance; he is third on the Teng Long List and a super strong man at the Eighth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm!"


    Gu Junhe, seeing that he had stunned them into silence, continued, "As long as you obediently stay in Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, I guarantee that within three years you will all be on the Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List, and within ten years, on the Teng Long List..."


    Within three years, the Dragon and Tiger List? Within ten years, the Teng Long List?


    Listening to Gu Junhe speaking confidently, Niu Dali and the Shi Family brothers all shone with hope and longing.


    However, Xiao Yi was looking at Jiang Tai, who had approached, and said with a wry smile, "It was the seventh prince who had Dean Gu visit the Royal Martial Arts Academy, right?"


    "After hearing Jia Sidao was targeting you, I was worried you might be in danger, so I had the Headmaster make a trip. But I didn''t expect him to bring back so many people..."


    Jiang Tai gave the Shi Family brothers and Niu Dali a strange look, then frowned at Fang Qingzhu in Xiao Yi''s arms, "What''s going on there?"


    Xiao Yi simply said two words, "Zhou Yuan."


    Jiang Tai sneered, displaying no surprise, "That indeed sounds like him." After a pause, Jiang said, "The Headmaster will still be busy brainwashing for a while, let me get you settled first!"


    "Thanks for the trouble!"


    Xiao Yi nodded and followed Jiang Tai into the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy...

 Chapter 61 - 61: Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List

    Time flies, three days slip by quietly.


    Over the past three days, the news of Xiao Yi causing a ruckus at the Royal Martial Arts Academy has spread far and wide.


    There''s nobody in the capital of Tianqing Kingdom who doesn''t know the name Xiao Yi.


    Especially after Xiao Yi slew Zhuge Shuangdao and took his place, becoming the twenty-fifth on the Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List''s Flying Tiger Board.


    In an instant.


    The name Xiao Yi became an idol to countless people.


    However¡­


    Xiao Yi himself had no opinion on the matter; to him, whether it was the Flying Tiger Board or the Teng Long List, everything still depended on one''s own strength being sufficiently strong. Over the last three days, aside from taking meticulous care of Fang Qingzhu, he devoted himself entirely to cultivation.


    Besides Gu Junhe and Jiang Tai, there were only eight of them in the entire Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, so there was no talk of classes. Apart from not being able to leave the academy at will, it was extremely free.


    On the back mountain.


    Xiao Yi stood bare-chested under the waterfall, holding the Fire Qilin Sword in his hand, swinging the longsword again and again.


    He didn''t use a trace of Yuan energy, but just mechanically waved the longsword.


    The power of Sword Intent allowed him to merge as one with the Fire Qilin Sword.


    Whoosh!


    Whoosh!


    Whoosh!


    With each thrust of the sword, the swiftly falling water in front of him was forcefully torn apart, and suddenly Xiao Yi thrust out mightily with his sword.


    Whirl!


    This sword, akin to a carp leaping through the Dragon Gate.


    Moving against the stream.


    Wherever the sword edge passed, the waterfall''s waters were torn asunder, extending for over thirty meters before stopping.


    Only then did the curtain of water from the waterfall slowly heal.


    Simultaneously, Xiao Yi leaped up and landed by the lakeside, thrusting the Fire Qilin Sword into the ground, then sat cross-legged, carefully contemplating the sensation of that sword stroke: "Dao Yan divided Sword Intent into five stages, the first stage being Clarity of Sword Heart, the second stage, the Sword Follows the Heart, the third stage, Unity of Man and Sword, the fourth stage, the Sword Moves at Will, and the fifth stage, All Swords as One. I have now truly mastered the first stage, Clarity of Sword Heart. If I were to face Zhuge Shuangdao again now, I could defeat him without the need for the Blood Explosion Skill!"


    The understanding of martial arts is a profound realm.


    Ordinary martial artists may not reach the first stage in their lifetimes.


    Xiao Yi, being able to grasp the first stage, Clarity of Sword Heart, within the Spiritual Realm Cultivation, certainly relates to the inheritance from the Life-Taking Scholar, but it''s also inseparable from his own talent.


    "Xiao Brother!"


    Jiang Tai''s figure approached from a distance, carrying two jars of strong liquor, tossing one to Xiao Yi and sitting down next to him.


    Xiao Yi slapped open the clay seal, took a few big gulps, exhaling a long breath of turbid air: "Who would have thought that His Highness the Seventh Prince would not fancy exquisite spirits but rather this throat-slashing strong liquor?"


    "Exquisite spirits are too mild, just like a man without any vigor, not suited for me!" Jiang Tai tilted his head back and took a few gulps, casually wiped his mouth, and glanced at Xiao Yi, "How is Fang doing in her recovery?"


    A relaxed smile appeared on Xiao Yi''s face: "She woke up yesterday, but she will need another month or so of recovery. I must also thank you, Jiang Brother, for bringing those healing pills. Otherwise, she wouldn''t have recovered so quickly!"


    "Why the formality between brothers?"


    Jiang Tai smiled and after a moment of hesitation, he said, "Xiao, have you heard that today within the Tianqing Kingdom, a secret realm of a Tao Tribulation Realm expert has been discovered?"


    Xiao Yi nodded his head.


    He had heard Xue''er mention this.


    Zhou Yuan and Elder Wang had gone before to explore that secret realm.


    Otherwise...


    If Elder Wang had personally been stationed at the Royal Martial Arts Academy, none of the subsequent events would have happened.


    Jiang Tai''s voice became grave, "The Dean has already decided to compete for it, and my father has also sent people there. The information I got shows that it''s the tomb of a Tao Tribulation Realm expert, with the lifelong treasures of a Tao Tribulation expert inside. As is customary, after these big shots finish their exploration, they will allow our junior generation to go there for training..."


    Xiao Yi''s action of drinking suddenly halted.


    The tomb of a Tao Tribulation Realm expert would surely have many treasures.


    This was a great opportunity!


    Xiao Yi, with a solemn voice, asked, "Is the news reliable?"


    "Reliable!"


    Xiao Yi pondered for a moment and then said, "What do you mean by that, Jiang?"


    Jiang Tai lifted his head to gulp down two mouthfuls of strong liquor, his eyes shining with sharp intent, and he said in a grave tone, "The tomb of a Tao Tribulation Realm expert is an immense opportunity. In addition to the experts from the Royal Martial Arts Academy, families like Mingjian Manor, as well as the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple and the Nine Profound Sect, will send their strong ones to enter. Even the younger generation from the neighboring countries will come. Although their strength is not bad, they still fall short compared to true geniuses. I want to invite Xiao to join me and travel together!"


    Although Xiao Yi was tempted, he did not immediately agree and instead frowned while looking at him, "With your strength, Jiang, wouldn''t partnering with you just slow you down?"


    Jiang Tai was a prominent expert at the Eighth Layer of the Golden Core Realm.


    Among the younger generation, possibly only that prince at the Ninth Layer of the Golden Core Realm could beat him; he was just at the Fourth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm. Even though he had the combat power of the Ninth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, he was far from being a match for a Golden Core Realm expert!


    Jiang Tai said seriously, "I know a little about your affairs in Nanhuang. In just three months, you went from having no cultivation to becoming a Divine Skills realm expert. After those big shots conclude their exploration, there will be at least two more months. I don''t believe that in two months, Xiao will still have the same cultivation level. Of course, if I feel that Xiao''s strength is not enough to form an alliance with me at that time, I will go by myself!"


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, sizing up Jiang Tai seriously, then suddenly laughed, "You speak quite directly, but I like to associate with straightforward people. Rest assured, if at that time my strength can only slow you down, you won''t need to speak. I will know to keep my distance."


    "Hahaha, then let''s toast in advance to our successful return from the secret realm!"


    "To our successful return!"


    The two swung up their pots of liquor and finished them off in one go.


    "Xiao, you must train hard during this time. I will keep an eye on the situation there and inform you immediately once there''s any news!" After giving his advice, Jiang Tai left with the empty liquor pot in hand.


    Xiao Yi squinted his eyes and fell into deep thought.


    The tomb of a Tao Tribulation Realm expert was a huge opportunity, one that he would definitely need to explore whether Jiang Tai invited him or not.


    But it was also a great risk.


    When the time came, the experts from the Royal Martial Arts Academy would go as well, and considering his relationship with them, they would surely not let him off easily.


    "Two more months of time... I must at least break through to the Golden Core Realm to have the qualifications to fight for it."


    In Xiao Yi''s palm appeared the Iron Blade King''s golden core. He took a deep breath, "Once this golden core is completely refined, I should be able to step into the Seventh or even Eighth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm. Then, it will be time to visit the Iron Blade King''s residence again to fulfill the promise I made to the Iron Blade King."


    And then...


    Xiao Yi once again entered the waterfall, his palms facing each other with the golden core suspended between them, while circulating his profound skills to refine the energy within the golden core...


    S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 62 - 62: Murder in the Street

    Tianqi Martial Arts Academy.


    The back mountain, waterfall.


    Whoosh!


    Streams of water cascaded down from the summit, striking the surface of the lake with a thunderous roar.


    Within that waterfall...


    Xiao Yi''s body was bathed in a faint milky white glow, which coalesced into a spherical shield, keeping the droplets of water at bay. Between his hands, there was a grain-of-rice-sized yellow light that turned into a yellow stream, merging into his body.


    Boom!


    Xiao Yi''s body shuddered as his aura surged, reaching the Seventh Layer of the Divine Passage Realm.


    But his cultivation did not end there, as the vast primordial energy within his body poured into the God Sealing Seed, activating one after another.


    From one thousand, it rose to fourteen hundred and fifty.


    The torrential power of the God Sealing Seeds fed back into his body, and Xiao Yi finally exhaled a murky breath, ceasing his cultivation with a brilliant smile on his face, "Just as I expected, sharing that Golden Core with Qingzhu expended too much energy, and fully refining it only allowed me to step into the Seventh Layer of the Divine Passage Realm. However, with my current strength, even a master of the Divine Power Realm Tenth Layer is no match for a single punch of mine. Even peak Divine Skills practitioners can be challenged in battle!"


    In the midst of speaking.


    Xiao Yi launched a punch forward.


    The third-grade advanced martial skill, Vajra Fist, was as powerful and unyielding as a vajra.


    Boom!


    The waterfall in front was blasted open with a large hole, which did not close even after Xiao Yi walked through it and left the lake.


    This Vajra Fist was a set of fist techniques Xiao Yi had found in the Scripture Pavilion of Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, along with a sword technique called Four Seasons Swordplay and a movement technique called Falling Leaves Mystical Step. Over the past twenty days, he had not only broken through to the Seventh Layer of the Divine Passage Realm but had also cultivated these fist, sword, and movement techniques to a state of perfection.


    Xiao Yi made his way back to his courtyard.


    The Tianqi Martial Arts Academy was sparsely populated, but there were many courtyards, and the one they resided in was previously owned by the Vice Dean of the academy.


    Fang Qingzhu could now walk on the ground, but since Zhou Yuan''s finger had injured her internal organs, it was not advisable for her to practice cultivation for the time being. When Xiao Yi returned, the table was already set with a lavish meal, and Fang Qingzhu rested her cheeks in her hands, fixated on the doorway.


    As soon as she saw Xiao Yi return, she hurriedly stood up, carrying a basin and a towel to meet him, "Brother Xiao Yi, quick, wash your face so we can eat!"


    "Alright!"


    Xiao Yi grinned with a smile.


    He thoroughly enjoyed this kind of life, plain but filled with the warmth of home.


    "Qingzhu, I need to make a trip out tomorrow, and it will likely take about half a month. Do you want to come with me?" Xiao Yi asked.


    Fang Qingzhu was taken aback, then shook her head, "Brother Xiao Yi, I really want to go with you. However, my injuries have not fully healed yet, so I should stay here and recuperate. But Brother Xiao Yi, you must take care when you''re out on your own!"


    Xiao Yi did not insist, nodding in agreement, "Yeah, I know!"


    ......


    Iron Mountain City.


    Located at the foot of Iron Mountain, more than seven hundred kilometers from the capital.


    Famous for its abundant iron mines.


    The entire Iron Mountain City''s iron ore reserves were controlled by the Tie Family and the Xu Family. The Tie Family specialized in forging saber weapons, and all the bladed weapons used by the army of the Tianqing Kingdom were supplied by them, which earned them the title of Iron Blade King. The Xu Family, on the other hand, had been granted the title of Comrade King because one of their ancestors, a Tenth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm commander, had expanded the kingdom''s territory.


    These two great families held the iron mines of Iron Mountain, and even the royal family of the Tianqing Kingdom dared not offend them easily.


    On the wide streets.


    Xiao Yi, dressed in black, led a horse and stopped by a stall selling women''s jewelry, picking up a red hairpin and asking, "Shopkeeper, how much for this?"


    The shopkeeper, a plump middle-aged man, responded cheerily, "My lord has a fine eye! Are you picking out a gift for your wife? This red hairpin is made of pure gold, and the pearls inlaid on it come from the top-quality pearls produced in Qinghe. It''s only a hundred taels of silver."


    "A hundred taels of silver? I''ll take it!"


    Xiao Yi took out a hundred taels of silver and tossed them to the stall owner, just as he was storing the rouge hairpin in his storage ring when a scream rang out from beside him, a figure rapidly flew backwards towards him.


    Bang!


    An old woman with a withered face smashed heavily into the stall, toppling over a display of jewelry onto the ground.


    "Grandma..."


    The heart-wrenching cry filled with desperate pain was distressing to hear.


    Xiao Yi turned towards the sound.


    Across the street, on the railing of the second floor of a tavern, a delicately beautiful girl in tattered clothes was gripping the railing tightly, poised to jump down. Despair filled her eyes as she looked helplessly at the old woman lying in a pool of blood, crying out with no strength. Behind the girl were two young men in luxurious clothing, both with vicious smiles on their faces as they dragged her back inside, one on each side.


    "Sigh, it''s those two beasts again..."


    "Isn''t this the fifth time this month? We should remind our neighbors to keep a closer watch on their daughters!"


    A few sighs of resignation echoed within the crowd.


    The stall owner glanced at the old woman lying in the pool of blood and sighed, "What a sin!"


    Xiao Yi frowned and asked, "Boss, what''s going on here?"


    The stall owner glanced at Xiao Yi, his expression changing, and said in a grave tone, "You must be from out of town, young master. I advise you not to meddle in other people''s affairs. Better leave quickly!"


    "Ugh..."


    The old woman on the ground suddenly trembled.


    Xiao Yi was taken aback and was about to step forward to help her when the stall owner grabbed him, saying gravely, "Young master, please don''t meddle. It will only bring trouble to your doorstep. You saw who those two men upstairs are, didn''t you? If they see you dare to help this old lady, you''ll be in a world of trouble!"


    "The old lady is still alive, can we really just watch her die before our eyes?" Xiao Yi broke free from the stall owner''s grasp and helped the old woman up.


    However...


    Just as he lifted her up, the sound of something cutting through the air came from behind him.


    Xiao Yi''s expression tightened, and as he turned around, he reached into the air and caught the incoming arrow. Had he not acted quickly, the arrow would have pierced through the old woman''s head. Who could be so cruel as to deal such a deadly blow to a withered old person? Xiao Yi looked back and saw a young man with his upper body bare jump down from the second floor.


    "Damn it, you dare to save someone I want to kill? You must be tired of living!"


    The young man threw away the large ox-horn bow in his hand and drew a three-foot-long blade from his waist. With a couple of swings creating a flower of blade movements, he chopped towards Xiao Yi''s head.


    "Another life lost..."


    "I told you not to meddle..." The stall owner''s face was filled with pity.


    However...


    The blade did not fall; mid-air, it was caught firmly between two of Xiao Yi''s fingers.


    "Hmm?"


    The young man was startled, then roared with a fierce face, "Let go!"


    "Scram!"


    Xiao Yi casually tossed the young man aside, sending him flying with his sword.


    "You, you dare to fight back? You''re seeking death!"


    Enraged, the young man pulled out a black, heavy crossbow from behind him. With a thud, a crossbow arrow shot straight for Xiao Yi. The poison-coated arrow was deadly on contact, and as Xiao Yi''s pupils shrank, he quickly dodged using a movement technique, allowing his shape to blur and barely evading the arrow. In an instant, his right hand reached out.


    Grabbing the crossbow arrow, he shot back from the ground at full speed.


    With a thump, the arrow pierced through the young man''s throat.


    Bang!


    The young man clasped the arrow in his throat with both hands, knelt on the ground, shaking. All he could hear was Xiao Yi''s cold voice, "Relying on your family''s power to bully men and women, quick to take a life at the slightest disagreement, scum like you shouldn''t be allowed to live in this world..." S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 63 - 63: If I want you dead, can you refuse to die?

    "Murder, murder, there''s been a murder!"


    "Run! Someone''s been killed..."


    In an instant, the onlookers on the street scattered in terror, screaming as they fled.


    The owner of the jewelry stall turned deathly pale, looking at Xiao Yi as if eying the Plague God, "You, you, you actually killed him? He''s the sworn brother of Comrade King''s Princely Heir Xu Tao... I told you to mind your own business, now you''re dead for sure..."


    At that moment...


    From the second floor of the tavern, a cry of alarm could be heard.


    The woman who had been earlier dragged in was now covered with vicious, shocking wounds, and fresh blood gushed from her body, a sight so sorrowful it was unbearable to watch.


    Whoosh!


    With the sound of cutting through the air, that woman was brutally thrown down from the second floor.


    Her head hit the ground with a thud, splattering blood everywhere.


    "Damn wretch, being favored by me is due to the virtue of your ancestors. Ungrateful and even daring to bite me? Truly tired of living..."


    A voice full of discontent and arrogance came from the second floor, "Younger brother, why aren''t you done? It''s just killing an old hag, why is it taking so long? Younger brother, young... younger brother?"


    Whoosh!


    A robust young man jumped down forcefully and saw the young man Xiao Yi had slain.


    His eyes were blood-red with rage, and his fierce gaze fell upon Xiao Yi, "You? You killed my younger brother?"


    Xiao Yi coldly observed the young girl lying in a pool of blood behind the young man.


    A twinge of regret surfaced in his heart, "I should have charged directly to the second floor earlier; then, this innocent life wouldn''t have been wasted in vain!"


    "Kid, do you know who he was? He was the sworn brother of Comrade King''s Princely Heir Xu Tao. You actually killed him? You''re definitely dead, no one can save you... Not only are you going to die, but your entire family and all your relatives must die as well..." The young man''s face twisted with ferocity as he bellowed crazily.


    "You''re really annoying!"


    Xiao Yi gave him a cold glance.


    That icy look alone made the young man shudder, his First Layer of the Divine Passage Realm abilities unable to be summoned, and he collapsed to the ground with a thud.


    "Don''t come any closer... you, don''t come any closer... I''m Xu Tao''s sworn older brother; if you dare to harm a single hair on me, my second brother will not let you off..." The young man said in terror, scuttling backward on his hands and feet.


    Xiao Yi advanced step by step.


    Crack!


    With a stomp, he broke the man''s left foot.


    "Aaargh..."


    The young man screamed miserably, howling, "Have you gone mad?"


    Crack!


    The right foot was broken as well.


    Filled with despair, the young man no longer dared to be as arrogant as before. Enduring the intense pain, he backed away on his hands, "Brothers, let''s talk this out, please don''t kill me. I have money, I can give you lots and lots of money, please don''t kill me..."


    "She must have pleaded with you just now, hadn''t she?" Xiao Yi suddenly asked.


    "Ah?"


    The young man looked dumbfounded.


    Xiao Yi pointed to the old woman and the young girl lying in the pool of blood, "They must have begged you as well, right?" S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You, you, you did this for them? They are just lowly poor people. I fancied her body, and she should''ve obediently complied with me, but instead, she thought of resisting, so I, I had to kill her..." As he spoke, the young man shamelessly pulled down his trousers, "Look, I''m all swollen here from where that wretched woman bit me; it was her own fault!"


    "Her own fault?"


    When Xiao Yi spoke these four words, the air around seemed to turn icy cold.


    His chest felt as if it was blocked by a stone.


    Xiao Yi''s voice was oppressively subdued, even somewhat hoarse, "Just because they are impoverished, they are to be trampled and manipulated at your whim? If you fancy her body, she must submit to you, and if not, she deserves to die? Haha, it''s ludicrous, truly the height of absurdity."


    Crack!


    Xiao Yi pointed a finger.


    Splat!


    Vital energy cleanly severed the young man''s arms at the shoulders, and blood gushed forth; the young man lay on the ground, howling in agony.


    Xiao Yi''s voice sounded as if it came from the netherworld, "I tell you to die, will you die or not?"


    "I can''t, I can''t die..." the young man roared.


    Xiao Yi shook his head, sighing, "In my eyes, you are no more than an ant. I order you to die, and you dare not die? That is an affront to me!"


    Swish!


    The sword finger moved again.


    Vital energy like a blade, ruthlessly severed his legs as well.


    Awooo...


    The young man was in excruciating pain, his limbless body writhing in a pool of blood. Xiao Yi shook his head and said, "You see, I want to kill you, and you don''t just die quietly, but dare to scream like this, ruining my mood. Do you now say you deserve to die or not?"


    "No, please no..."


    The young man sobbed uncontrollably, his heart filled with nothing but fear and regret at this moment.


    At this moment...


    He seemed to see those he had bullied in the past. Their faces were likely filled with the same despair and pain as his own, right? Yet, in the past, those expressions only stirred excitement and pleasure in him, but now it was only fear and despair that overwhelmed him!


    "I dare not, I will never dare again..." the young man wailed miserably.


    Just then...


    The sound of thundering hooves approached; a troop of dozens of horsemen was closing in fast.


    The leader, a middle-aged commander clad in black armor with eyes sharp as a hawk''s.


    "General Geng, please, hurry, save me..." The young man cried out like a drowning person grasping for a lifesaver.


    The comers were none other than the Black Armored Army under the command of Geng Jing from Comrade King''s mansion, who had rushed over upon hearing that the Princely Heir''s sworn brother had been killed.


    Geng Jing rode on a black armored ferocious tiger, followed by more than thirty Black Armored Army horsemen, his cold gaze fixed on Xiao Yi, "You audacious scoundrel, how dare you commit murder in broad daylight? Release him this instant!"


    "Release him, you say?"


    Xiao Yi grabbed the young man''s dream and flung him; the young man shot towards Geng Jing''s mount like an arrow from a bow, the speed too fast for the black armored tiger to react. It trampled right over him with a crisp crack.


    The young man''s head was crushed flat.


    Geng Jing turned to see the unrecognizable young man and felt a chill run through his scalp. This was Princely Heir Xu Tao''s sworn brother, now dead before his own eyes¡ªa responsibility he could not escape. Staring fixedly at Xiao Yi, he said coldly, "Do you realize who they are? By killing them, you leave yourself no path but death!"


    Xiao Yi shrugged, "He was crushed to death by your mount!"


    "You..."


    Geng Jing''s face turned shades of green and white, his teeth clenched in anger, "Where is the Black Armored Army?"


    Clang! Clang! Clang!


    In the midst of the clashing sounds of metal, thirty Black Armored Army horsemen stepped forward in unison.


    Geng Jing pointed his long spear at Xiao Yi, "Take this criminal down and bring him to the Princely Heir!"


    "Yes!"


    The thirty Black Armored Army horsemen instantly spread out their formation and charged.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Horse hooves shook the earth, rumbling loudly.


    The whole ground vibrated as if a black tide of steel surged forward, heading straight for Xiao Yi...

 Chapter 64 - 64: Kill Geng Jing, Acquire the Mine Map

    The black-armored cavalry were the elite soldiers of the Comrade King''s residence.


    Each of them had reached the Shentong Realm in their cultivation, and their mounts were comparable to the second-tier high-grade beasts at the Peak of the Qi Gathering Realm, the Bloodthirsty Dragon Colts¡ªwith great speed, immense strength, and robust bodies. Coupled with the protection of their black armor, their charge was overwhelmingly powerful and their destructive force was astonishing.


    Though their cultivation was only at the first or second layer of the Shentong Realm, the combined charge of thirty black-armored cavalrymen.


    Their destructive power was enough to threaten the life of someone in the High-order Divine Power Realm.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The thirty cavalrymen lined up in three rows and charged headlong.


    The ground trembled as pebbles danced about.


    Xiao Yi stood with his hands behind his back, as proud as a lone pine standing tall in the bitter cold, unshakable by the wind or the snow. His eyebrows, sharp as swords, moved slightly, and when the first cavalryman reached him, his hands shot forward fiercely.


    Godly strength gathered and Qi cloaked his hands.


    Clang! Clang!


    In the sharp sound of metal piercing through, Xiao Yi''s hands actually punctured the black armor in front of the Bloodthirsty Dragon Colt''s chest and firmly grasped the warhorse.


    His figure was also pushed back by the momentum.


    But he only took three steps back!


    Xiao Yi''s legs plunged into the ground like steel stakes, veins on his forehead bulging, the muscles on his arms tensing instantly. The ferocious strength erupted in an instant, and with a low growl, Xiao Yi actually lifted the Bloodthirsty Dragon Colt, weighing thousands of pounds, into the air.


    He threw it violently into the sky, and at the same time, grabbed the hind legs of the Bloodthirsty Dragon Colt.


    "Die!"


    Xiao Yi spun wildly like a top.


    The Bloodthirsty Dragon Colt in his hands became a lethal weapon, harshly smashing into the other black-armored cavalrymen.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The Bloodthirsty Dragon Colt let out continuous screams, with its rider already smashed into a pulp, and after several swings. The black-armored cavalrymen were battered to pieces, their figures unrecognizable, and when Xiao Yi finally stopped, all that was left of the Bloodthirsty Dragon Colt in his hands were its two legs.


    Before him...


    All thirty black-armored cavalrymen lay in pools of blood, none spared.


    Hiss!


    The entire street fell silent.


    So quiet you could hear a pin drop.


    This was the black-armored cavalry!


    The most elite cavalry of the Comrade King''s residence, capable of facing ten foes each on the battlefield, were now all taken down by a single Xiao Yi?


    Xiao Yi tossed the two horse legs aside and walked toward Geng Jing.


    Tap tap tap!


    His footsteps rang clearly, echoing in the deathly quiet street.


    Geng Jing''s mount, the black-armored fierce tiger, used to be imposing from every angle, but now it was backing away continuously, intimidated by Xiao Yi''s aura. Geng Jing felt a burning sensation on his face as he pulled tightly on the reins to stabilize the black-armored fierce tiger, his cold gaze locked onto Xiao Yi, "Boy, who on earth are you?"


    "Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, Xiao Yi," Xiao Yi said calmly.


    "Tianqi Martial Arts Institute?"


    Geng Jing was taken aback, then sneered, "Seeing you act so decisively in killing, I thought you were a brave man who dared to take responsibility. I didn''t expect you to be a rat hiding behind a guise. Everyone knows Tianqi Martial Arts Institute has few people left, aside from the current seventh prince, there are no other students. If I''m not wrong, you must be sent by the Iron Blade King''s residence, right? It seems the Iron Arm Commandery Princess has run out of tricks, to actually send someone to kill the Princely Heir''s sworn brothers, attempting to disturb his heart and obstruct his breakthrough to the Divine Power Realm Tenth Layer?"


    Xiao Yi frowned at Geng Jing, "Iron Arm Commandery Princess?"


    "Hmph, your scheme has already been seen through by this general, how much longer do you intend to play dumb?" Geng Jing sneered continuously, "Once I have captured you, I will break your limbs and take you to confront the Iron Blade King''s residence and the Iron Arm Commandery Princess face to face. Let''s see if she can still refuse my family''s Princely Heir then!"


    While speaking, Geng Jing had already leaped down from the black-armored fierce tiger and, in the blink of an eye, appeared in front of Xiao Yi.


    A layer of white frost covered his right hand.


    The frost condensed into a long spear, and the silver spear thrust fiercely at Xiao Yi, "Angry Dragon Leaps from the Sea!"


    Thunderous roars like rolling thunder filled the sky, and the dazzling silver light, like mercury pouring down, transformed into ferocious silver dragons entwining with each other, coalescing into a silver celestial river suspended across the sky. Geng Jing''s strength was extraordinary, at the Ninth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, having awakened the Innate Divine Roar of the Dragon.


    A low roar came with the intimidation of dragon''s might.


    The unwavering of mind.


    Under the influence of his dragon''s roar, one''s spirit would become chaotic, even shaking their martial heart, leaving behind an indelible nightmare shadow.


    Seeing Xiao Yi standing still, not moving an inch, Geng Jing was extremely pleased, the silver light of his spear casting an especially cold reflection on his face, "Struck by my dragon''s roar, you can''t even resist. Just die obediently!" S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The spear dragon soared across the sky, and the surrounding stalls were swept up into the air, the stone slabs on the ground clattered, and a web-like pattern of cracks covered them.


    It seemed that Xiao Yi was about to be impaled by a spear!


    In the nick of time,


    Xiao Yi''s figure suddenly shifted, his vital energy circulated within him with hints of golden light emerging and submerging like an Immovable King, his punch was like heaven itself, obscuring the sun.


    Boom!


    Under this punch,


    The silver spear dragon shattered inch by inch.


    Xiao Yi appeared as if he had transformed into the War God, unbeatable in attack, invincible in battle, sweeping through everything!


    Clang!


    The fist and the spear clashed like the tip of a needle against a stalk of wheat.


    Humm!


    The body of the spear suddenly bent.


    "This can''t be¡­" Geng Jing''s face, previously filled with triumph, was now swept clean, replaced by shock and terror.


    As the spear twisted, he was now only a step away from Xiao Yi!


    Xiao Yi''s footsteps were enigmatic as he brushed past the long spear, the inertia from the spear snapping back propelled Geng Jing forward unwittingly. In contrast, Xiao Yi once again closed the distance between them, his punch transforming into a palm, his five fingers clenched, grabbing Geng Jing''s neck.


    With a fierce push!


    Bang!


    Geng Jing''s head was slammed fiercely onto the ground, as Xiao Yi surged forward.


    Geng Jing''s head plowed through the ground like a plowshare, tearing open a ghastly ravine.


    The stone slabs shattered, dust spiraled upward.


    Continuing for over twenty meters!


    Geng Jing''s head pounded with pain; just as he managed to open his eyes, he saw a dark footprint descending from the sky, and with a bang, his head was crushed.


    Blood splattered in every direction.


    The street was a wreck, with the bodies of the black-armored cavalry strewn about in disarray.


    A cold wind blew, leaving a chilling desolation.


    At the end of the street¡­


    Xiao Yi, leading a horse carrying the bodies of the old woman and the young girl, strode away.


    Outside Iron Mountain City,


    In a forest, after Xiao Yi had buried the young girl, he turned to the old woman with tears streaking down her face and let out a light sigh, "Condolences!"


    "They''re all gone, all of them are gone¡­"


    The old woman''s face, wrinkled like tree bark, squeezed out an ugly smile and walked tremulously to Xiao Yi, "Kind sir, thank you for avenging my granddaughter. I have nothing to repay you with, this map of the ore vein was given to me by my son before he died, claiming it marks the location of the largest tungsten iron mine within the Iron Mountain. I was afraid it would bring me fatal disaster, so I never dared show it to anyone. Today, I shall give it to you!"


    "Tungsten iron mine?"


    Xiao Yi was surprised, as this was a metal several grades higher than iron. Weapons made of tungsten iron were second only to elemental weapons. He repeatedly waved his hands, "Old madam, how can I accept this?"


    "Kind sir, my husband and son both died in search of this mine; it''s of no use to me. If you do not accept it, I will not rest in peace when I die!" The old woman, trembling, pushed the parchment into Xiao Yi''s hands with a sincere expression.


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath, nodded to the old woman''s begging eyes and said, "Alright, I will accept it!"


    The old woman gestured, "Kind sir, please go ahead! I still want to accompany my granddaughter for a while longer¡­"


    "Old madam, I''ll wait for you nearby! I''ll take you home later!" Xiao Yi said.


    The old woman did not refuse and sat by the grave.


    She sat there for an entire hour.


    Bang!


    The old woman suddenly fell in front of the grave; Xiao Yi was startled, and on checking her, he found the old woman had bitten her tongue and committed suicide. Xiao Yi''s eyes showed intense grief, "Xiao Yi, you fool¡­ you should have realized that the old woman was settling her affairs... you¡­"


    Unfortunately, there is no medicine for regret in this world.


    Xiao Yi buried the old woman next to her granddaughter, stood there for a long time, and didn''t leave until the sun set behind the mountains¡­

 Chapter 65 - 65 The Crisis of the Hu Family

    The bustling of Iron Mountain City under the cloak of night still thrived immensely.


    The clinking and clanging of metalworking could be heard everywhere, for the city was home to a great number of blacksmiths.


    From the forge businesses of the Hu and Xu Families to small private workshops, one could almost say that everyone who came out of Iron Mountain City knew how to work with iron.


    But today, the atmosphere in Iron Mountain City was even more tense, and the night patrols by soldiers seemed more anxious than usual, with the frequency of their rounds increasing. All of this was due to the battle during the day; thirty black armored cavalrymen of the Comrade King''s estate had fallen in battle, and even the commander of the black armored cavalry, Geng Jing, had been slain.


    The Comrade King''s estate was enraged.


    All of Iron Mountain City was as silent as if in the grip of winter''s chill.


    Xiao Yi relied on his nimble movement technique to traverse the shadows and quietly approached the estate of the Iron Blade King.


    The sprawling estate of the Iron Blade King was well-lit, with even more patrolling powerhouses than usual.


    Xiao Yi infiltrated their ranks.


    He made his way unseen to the vicinity of the main hall when he suddenly heard several heated arguments inside.


    A cold voice came from within the hall, "You can go marry him if you want, but I will never marry Xu Tao!"


    "Qing Bi, can''t you be a little less selfish? Not only is he Xu Tao, the Princely Heir of the Comrade King, but also a disciple of the Nine Profound Sect. What about him doesn''t match up to you? Moreover, once you marry Xu Tao, the Hu and Xu Families will be related by marriage, and they will no longer harm our Hu Family''s business..."


    "Sacrificing oneself for the peace of the whole family¡ªwhat''s so bad about that?"


    The cold voice of Hu Qingbi echoed from within, "Everyone shut up!"


    "Is this the way you talk to your elders?"


    "We are all considering the estate''s best interests. No matter how you look at it, your marriage to Xu Tao benefits our Hu Family the most!"


    Faced with the relentless pressure from her own relatives, the Iron Arm Princess Hu Qingbi''s face went pale, and her eyes shimmered with the threat of tears.


    The relatives before her were like termites, incessantly eroding the Hu Family''s interests.


    With Hu Yi in the family, he could at least intimidate them, but since Hu Yi had disappeared years ago, Hu Qingbi, with her abilities and strength, was utterly incapable of deterring these greedy parasites.


    "Qing Bi, listen to me!" S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The person speaking was the brother of Hu Yi.


    With a light stroke of the moustache under his nose, Hu Li laughed like an old fox eyeing a chunk of meat in a crow''s beak, "Six years ago, your father took every treasure from our clan in an attempt to breakthrough to the Golden Core Realm, and that''s the root cause of our Hu Family''s downfall. As the saying goes, a son inherits his father''s debts. It''s time for you to pay back what your father owed!"


    Bang!


    Hu Qingbi pushed over the tea table in front of her and glared at Hu Li, "Uncle, are those even human words you''re saying? Why did father risk his life to advance to the Golden Core Realm those years ago? Was it not because you were caught meeting Xu Shiheng''s lover in secret, and when Xu Shiheng sought to take your life, father was gravely injured saving you? Is that why he thought to take the resources and enter seclusion to make a breakthrough to the Golden Core Realm? And now you have the audacity to speak like this?"


    "Shut up! It was your father who chose to save me back then. Did I ever ask him? Did I ever beg him to lift a finger?"


    Hu Li sneered indifferently, "I''ve already negotiated the terms with the Comrade King. As long as you marry Xu Tao and bring the eighth and thirteenth mining veins as a dowry, he will spare the Hu Family. We''ve decided on this, and you have no right to refuse!"


    "I will never marry Xu Tao..." Hu Qingbi roared in fury.


    Hu Li sneered in response, "That''s not up to you! Come, tie her up and take her to the Xu Family!"


    "I''d like to see who dares to tie me up!" Hu Qingbi humphed coldly, her formidable aura instantly filling the hall; she was currently the strongest person in the Hu Family, a being of the Ninth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm.


    However...


    As she started circulating her vital energy, a wave of weakness engulfed her body, and she collapsed to the floor with a thud.


    She found herself unable to move her limbs.


    Hu Li laughed heartily, "As the Hu Family''s top expert, would I act without certainty? I''ve added plenty of Muscle-locking Powder to your food; you should obediently marry Xu Tao! Hahaha..."


    "You, you shameless..."


    Defeat and despair painted Hu Qingbi''s face as her tearful eyes beheld the clan members, their faces twisted with a ferocious desire to bind her and send her off to the Xu Family.


    Filled with despair and regret, Hu Qingbi thought to herself, "Father, these are the clan members you fought with everything to protect¡ªunworthy, they''re all unworthy..."


    "Gag her mouth and..."


    Boom!


    Hu Li''s voice was abruptly cut off by a deafening roar, and the door to the room exploded with a bang, sending two guards from the Hu Family flying through the air from the powerful blast.


    From within the wreckage of the splintered door, Xiao Yi''s figure gradually appeared.


    "Who is it?"


    "How dare you, thief, sneaking into the Hu Family in the dead of night ¡ª surely harboring ill intentions¡­" A powerhouse of the Seventh Layer of the Divine Passage Realm glared at Xiao Yi, bellowing in anger.


    Before the words could even finish.


    Xiao Yi cast a cold glance at him and threw a punch like a Wrathful Vajra.


    Boom!


    The elder of the Hu Family was smashed to the ground, with a fist-sized hole gushing blood through his forehead, as if a fountain of blood had erupted forth.


    Hiss!


    The hall fell silent.


    Everyone''s gaze toward Xiao Yi was as if they were looking at a demon.


    Hu Li forced himself to remain composed while gazing intently at Xiao Yi, "Friend, has my Hu Family somehow offended you? I, Hu Li, apologize on behalf of my family. We''re willing to compensate you¡­"


    "Compensate?"


    Xiao Yi''s indifferent gaze settled on Hu Li.


    Hu Li felt as though an invisible hand was gripping his throat under Xiao Yi''s gaze, making even breathing difficult, and he stammered, "Yes, yes¡­ I''m willing to compensate, whatever conditions you have, I will meet them!"


    "Oh, then give me something as compensation."


    "What is it?"


    Hu Li glanced at Xiao Yi and hastily said, "Whatever you want, I can provide it for you. How about my niece? She''s beautiful and as long as you like¡­ Er¡­"


    Mid-sentence, Hu Li realized his feet were no longer touching the ground.


    His face filled with terror as he saw Xiao Yi, close at hand, single-handedly lifting him by his throat, and Hu Li''s face was overcome with fear, "Why, why is this? I, I''m willing to pay¡­ "


    Xiao Yi''s icy gaze remained on him, "I only want your dog life!"


    "Ah? Why? I, I''ve never provoked you¡­"


    Hu Li''s face turned pale, his voice trembling with the question.


    Xiao Yi''s right hand clutched his throat, and his left hand produced a Token.


    It was the Token of the Iron Blade King, Hu Yi.


    "This, this is the Family Head''s Token? How could it be in his possession?"


    Hu Li looked at the Token in disbelief, "How did you get this Token? I saw with my own eyes Xu Shiheng grievously wound my brother, he clearly¡­"


    Hu Li suddenly stopped speaking, his expression turning increasingly horrified.


    "You, what did you say? You saw Xu Shiheng grievously wound my father?" Hu Qingbi also recovered from her shock, looking at Hu Li in disbelief.


    Hu Li went white as a sheet, and Xiao Yi coldly demanded, "Won''t you speak the truth?"


    Hu Li trembled all over, bereft of hope, and closed his eyes in despair, "That year, Xu Shiheng promised not to kill me as long as I helped him murder my brother¡­ I, I had no choice. It''s not my fault; it was all Xu Shiheng''s doing. I, I only told him where my brother was in secluded cultivation¡­"


    "Hu Li, you bastard, our father was wounded trying to save you, and you repay his kindness with treachery?" Hu Qingbi trembled all over, her eyes bloody.


    Xiao Yi turned towards her, "Would you like to take revenge with your own hands?"


    To that, Hu Qingbi started, then nodded eagerly.


    With a flick of Xiao Yi''s finger, a surge of vital energy entered her body, neutralizing the Muscle-locking Powder''s poison in her system, and he threw Hu Li to the ground.


    Hu Qingbi''s eyes were a bloody red as she pounced on Hu Li like a mad demon.


    Her fists and feet flew, smashing Hu Li''s head into a pulp.


    She tore off his limbs with her own hands¡­


    The hall was filled with the stench of blood, as if it were a Shura hell¡­

 Chapter 66 - 66: Eve of the Battle

    Within the grand hall of the Hu Family.


    The pungent scent of blood made people involuntarily furrow their brows; Hu Li''s body had long been shattered into pieces, torn to shreds by Hu Qingbi herself.


    Her eyes were a bloody red, her body covered in fresh blood, her cold gaze sweeping over the Hu Family''s powerhouses.


    That blood-red gaze was like two soul-snatching crimson pearls, making one feel as if they''d be devoured with just an extra glance, and no one dared to meet her eyes.


    The grisly death of Hu Li was right in front of them, not to mention the mysterious Xiao Yi standing by the side.


    Naturally, no one dared to say much.


    Hu Qingbi looked coldly at the crowd and said sternly, "You all have heard it, my father was killed by that despicable Hu Li in cahoots with Xu Shiheng. Do you still want me to marry Xu Tao?"


    One after another, the elders exchanged glances, all bowing their heads.


    Who would dare to agree now?


    Hu Qingbi snorted and said emphatically, "Listen to me, all of you, gather all the Hu Family''s forces by noon tomorrow. I shall settle this with a fight to the death with the Xu Family atop Iron Mountain!"


    The crowd exchanged looks.


    An elder of the Fifth Layer of the Divine Power Realm hesitated and said, "Miss, we must not act rashly in this affair! The Xu Family''s power far surpasses ours, to say nothing of Xu Shiheng who has already reached the peak of Shentong, and Xu Tao who has broken through to the Tenth Layer of Shentong. We simply are no match for them!"


    "Yes, to engage in a fight to the death with the Xu Family at this time would be a suicide mission!"


    A few elders spoke out with worried faces.


    For them...


    As long as they could protect their own small piece of interest, the revenge for Hu Yi and who would call the shots in Iron Mountain City in the future were simply not their concerns.


    "You¡­ you all¡­"


    Hu Qingbi''s face turned pale.


    She never expected that even after learning the truth about Hu Yi''s death, these clan members would still remain indifferent, only thinking of their own benefits.


    Xiao Yi, standing nearby, glanced at the group of complacent Hu Family powerhouses, grinned, and said, "Miss Hu, some people are just naturally base; no matter how nicely you try to persuade them, they won''t take you seriously!"


    Hu Qingbi was startled, then steeled her heart.


    Thud! Thud!


    She struck out in succession.


    The two elders who had first raised objections had their heads smashed by Hu Qingbi''s palm, one after the other. She said coldly, "I''ll say it again, all Hu Family forces will gather by noon tomorrow for a fight to the death with the Xu Family. Do you understand?"


    "We understand!"


    "Miss, please rest assured, we will definitely not disappoint you!"


    Seeing the awe in the elders'' eyes, Hu Qingbi huffed coldly, then turned to Xiao Yi, gave a respectful bow, and said with meticulous courtesy, "Qingbi is grateful for your assistance, Sir!"


    Xiao Yi helped her up, shook his head, and said, "You needn''t thank me; I''ve already received my payment from your father." After pausing, he handed over the scroll of the "Mixed Yuan Purple Mist Skill" to Hu Qingbi.


    "Mixed Yuan Purple Mist Skill?"


    Hu Qingbi''s expression changed drastically, then she revealed a look of ecstasy.


    The "Mixed Yuan Purple Mist Skill" was the Hu Family''s ancestral cultivation technique, which traditionally only the heads of the family and their heirs could practice.


    Hu Qingbi had only practiced the first half so far, but now with the complete "Mixed Yuan Purple Mist Skill," given enough time, she was certain to lead the Hu Family to new heights of glory.


    Xiao Yi said solemnly, "If it''s convenient, could you tell me about your wagered duel with Xu Tao?"


    Upon hearing the name Xu Tao, Hu Qingbi''s face contorted with added ferocity.


    She took a deep breath and said in a heavy tone, "Our Hu Family and the Xu Family have always been rivals; our two families control over eighty percent of the mines in Iron Mountain City. Since my father went missing, the Xu Family has been suppressing us at every turn. Not long ago, they proposed a wagered duel where the loser would have to surrender all of their mining veins. I had no choice but to agree under pressure..."


    Iron Mountain City is the mining capital of the Tianqing Kingdom.


    If the Xu Family managed to take over the Hu Family''s mines, they would become the undisputed mining kings of the Tianqing Kingdom, and even the royal family of Tianqing Kingdom would have to ask favors from them.


    Xiao Yi asked, "Do you have confidence in your fight against Xu Tao?"


    Hu Qingbi gave a wry smile and said, "I''ve heard that Xu Tao has secluded himself and advanced to the Tenth Layer of the Divine Power Realm. I''m no match for him. But even if it means death, I will never surrender..."


    With her inherently tenacious character, and especially after knowing that Hu Yi''s death was inextricably linked to Xu Shiheng, there was no way she would compromise.


    Xiao Yi was silent for a moment before asking, "Are there any specific rules about who can fight in your duel?"


    "There are none!" S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Hu Qingbi shook her head, then suddenly, her expression froze, and she looked at Xiao Yi with disbelief, "Benefactor, could it be that you..."


    Xiao Yi nodded and said, "I''ll fight for you."


    It was precisely because of Hu Yi''s Golden Core that he was able to enter the Divine Realm so smoothly with Fang Qingzhu, allowing Fang Qingzhu to defeat Fang Jin.


    This debt of gratitude couldn''t simply be repaid by returning the royal order and the "Mixed Yuan Purple Mist Skill"!


    Hu Qingbi looked at Xiao Yi with gratitude, "Thank you, benefactor... As long as we can defeat the Xu Family, I am willing to hand over all of the Xu Family''s mines to you!"


    Xiao Yi waved his hand and said, "Keep the Xu Family''s mines for yourself, I might have some cooperation to discuss with you when the time comes!"


    In his hands, he held a map of the Tungsten Iron Mine.


    According to the old crone, it was the biggest vein in the entire Iron Mountain Range.


    Its value was probably more than the combined mines of both the Xu Family and the Hu Family.


    However...


    This Tungsten Iron Mine was far too precious, and with Xiao Yi''s current strength, it would be impossible to keep it safe once exposed.


    At the same time.


    The Xu Family.


    Bang!


    A loud boom suddenly erupted from Xu Tao''s room, causing the entire residence to tremble slightly, and everything inside was a mess.


    Dressed in black with a pale, cold, and fierce face, Xu Tao growled furiously, "That Hu Qingbi, she actually dared to send people to kill my eldest brother and third younger brother? I must kill this woman, no, I will annihilate the entire Hu Family and let them accompany my brothers in death!"


    In front of Xu Tao, wearing a python robe and an indifferent expression, Xu Shiheng casually said, "Tao''er, Hu Qingbi is not a concern, but the person she has invited is not so simple, even Geng Jing died by his hand. If that man fights for Hu Qingbi tomorrow, you must be very careful!"


    "Father, rest assured! With my current strength, even Geng Jing wouldn''t last three moves against me."


    Xu Tao, with a look of disdain, lifted his hands with palms facing upwards, and as his fingers twitched slightly, his gaze became immensely cold, "It doesn''t matter if that boy doesn''t show up, but if he dares to, I will squash him easily. Moreover, my senior brother Jin He will also be coming to watch the battle tomorrow; with him supporting us, nothing can go wrong!"


    "That''s good!"


    Xu Shiheng looked at Xu Tao with satisfaction, and his eyes flickered coldly, "Hu Yi, oh Hu Yi, I will personally take the Hu Family you''ve built and make it mine. Not only your family but also your daughter will become playthings under my son''s hip, hahaha..."

 Chapter 67 - 67: So Much Nonsense

    Iron Mountain.


    It loomed majestically and vast, the entire Iron Mountain Range stretching for thousands of kilometers.


    Endless and winding.


    The mountains were rich in ore veins, and mining pits and tunnels pockmarked the landscape, among which stood a mountain riddled with holes.


    This was Iron Mountain!


    The highest peak in the entire Iron Mountain Range, and the only peak within the range devoid of any ore veins.


    At this moment...


    At the summit of Iron Mountain, it was already a sea of people.


    The Xu and the Hu families would engage in a decisive battle at the peak of Iron Mountain, with the loser becoming a vassal to the victor - a piece of news that had, with the Xu family''s deliberate exaggeration, already spread throughout Iron Mountain City.


    "Who do you think will win this battle?"


    "Who else could it be? It''s definitely going to be the Xu family. The Hu family has been in name only since the Iron Blade King, Hu Yi..."


    "That''s a pity, though. The Hu family has been good to us, while the Xu family is much harsher!"


    "How dare you slander the Xu family? Seize him!" A commotion suddenly erupted from the crowd, and a few burly men, blending in with the crowd, immediately dragged away those who had been talking earlier.


    They were brought to the central square at the top of Iron Mountain.


    Xu Tao and Xu Shiheng had long been waiting there, and beside Xu Tao stood a young man in a golden long coat, disheveled and carrying a longsword on his back.


    The two were chatting merrily when suddenly they saw five poor men being dragged up.


    Xu Tao frowned and asked, "What''s going on?"


    The subordinate reported, "Your Highness the Princely Heir, these people were secretly insulting your father..."


    "Kill them then!" Xu Tao waved his hand.


    "Yes!"


    The muscular strongman gestured, and regardless of the desperate pleas of the poor men, beheaded them on the spot. As heads rolled, Xu Tao''s voice rang out, "Hang their bodies in front of the square as a warning to others!"


    "At your command!"


    A moment later.


    Five stakes were erected in front of the square.


    Each stake was over twenty meters tall, the bodies of the five men suspended in the air, their figures swaying in the fierce cold wind, a sight of utter desolation.


    The surrounding crowd kept silent, only looking at those five bodies, feeling the wind blowing even colder through their bones.


    "Brother Jin, I really can''t thank you enough for coming all this way!" Xu Tao laughed, squinting at Jin He.


    This Jin He was of the Tenth Level of Shentong Realm Cultivation, no different from Xu Tao.


    However...


    Xu Tao''s master was the Great Elder of the Nine Profound Sect, Jin Sheng, and Jin Sheng was Jin He''s grandfather. This was the reason Xu Tao treated Jin He with such respect.


    Jin He chuckled, "Junior brother is too polite. It was grandfather who asked me to come and support you. But now you have stepped into the Tenth Layer of the Divine Skills Realm; it seems my coming may have been somewhat superfluous!"


    "What are you talking about, brother? Having you here gives me a real sense of support!" Xu Tao laughed heartily, speaking words like a breath of spring, making them particularly comfortable to hear.


    "Tao''er, the people from the Hu family have arrived!" Xu Shiheng suddenly said in a low voice.


    Xu Tao was startled and looked in the direction indicated.


    The Hu Family''s party was coming up from the base of the mountain, led by Hu Qingbi and Xiao Yi, followed by some of the Hu family elders and strong figures.


    Their numbers were vast, nearly all prominent warriors of the Hu family had arrived.


    "The Hu Family has come out in full force!"


    "Considering it''s a matter of life and death for them, it''s no surprise they''re making such a big move..."


    Xu Tao was sitting boldly with a leg crossed over the other, his eyes narrowed to slits, completely ignoring Hu Qingbi as his gaze was fixed firmly on Xiao Yi.


    The corners of his mouth lifted slightly, curling into a cold arc, "So this is the kid who killed my eldest brother and third brother, huh? Seventh Layer of the Divine Passage Realm? Hmph, I could snuff him out with a flick of my finger!"


    Jin He also showed an indifferent expression.


    Both the Nine Profound Sect and the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple were powers second only to the Royal Martial Arts Academy, and they recognized all the masters of the younger generation on the Tianqing Kingdom''s Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List.


    They had never seen Xiao Yi before.


    Jin He''s eyes sparkled as he spoke, "Xu, let''s finish up the fight here quickly! I''ve heard that the service at Iron Mountain City''s Misty Rain Pavilion is quite something!"


    Xu Tao grinned and said with ease, "Why bother with Misty Rain Pavilion, Brother Jin? Once I''ve taken care of the Hu Family, I''ll let you have Hu Qingbi for some fun."


    "Hmm? Isn''t that a bit much? She is, after all, yours..." Jin He''s gaze towards Hu Qingbi was filled with greed and desire, yet he appeared to be in a difficult position.


    Xu Tao laughed loudly, not bothering to hide it, and declared, "What''s mine is yours, brother. Besides, she''s just a woman. I''ve decided, tonight I''ll have Hu Qingbi take good care of you!"


    Jin He grinned, "Why not together?"


    Xu Tao paused, then laughed, "Alright, let''s do it together!"


    These comments, when heard by the Hu Family, turned their faces iron blue, and fury blazed within them.


    Hu Qingbi''s chest heaved with intense emotion, her eyes cold as ice, "These two bastards..." S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi patted her shoulder, "Don''t worry, let them be smug for a moment!"


    However...


    It was this pat on the shoulder that caused Jin He''s face to suddenly darken. In his view, Hu Qingbi was already his plaything; how could he allow another man to touch her?


    Jin He snorted coldly and pointed at Xiao Yi, "Xu, I really don''t like that kid. Break his filthy arms and legs first!"


    "Alright!"


    Xu Tao immediately stood up and walked towards Xiao Yi and his group, his gaze falling coldly on Xiao Yi as he arrogantly said, "Which hand did you just use to touch Qingbi? Cut that one off, and I might leave your corpse intact. Otherwise, I''ll slice off your flesh piece by piece..."


    Hu Qingbi''s eyes widened in fury, "Xu Tao, don''t go too far!"


    "Shut up, you cheap woman!"


    Xu Tao snorted and, raising his hand, swung it towards Hu Qingbi''s face, "You are already a toy I''ve given to Brother Jin. You should be keeping yourself clean, how dare another man touch you? Go stand aside and wait..."


    Xu Tao''s voice stopped abruptly.


    The hand he had lifted was firmly grasped by Xiao Yi.


    No matter how much he exerted force, he couldn''t free himself from Xiao Yi''s grasp for a moment. Xu Tao''s face twisted with a savage look as he glared at Xiao Yi, "Kid, you''ve wasted the only chance you had to keep your corpse intact, I..."


    "What a lot of nonsense..."


    Xiao Yi roared and swung his fist, aiming it straight at Xu Tao''s face.


    Behind him, it was as if a Wrathful Vajra stood proud between heaven and earth, and amid the chaotic gust of wind, Xu Tao''s features were completely distorted, his handsome face was utterly disfigured.


    Bang!


    With a muffled sound.


    Xu Tao''s body flew backward like a kite with its string cut, flat on his back, skimming the ground. The wind he swept up tore open the summit of Iron Mountain.


    Like a vicious scar crawling over the mountain''s peak.


    He was flung more than thirty meters away...

 Chapter 68 - 68: Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, Xiao Yi!

    Atop Mount Iron, there was a hush.


    Everything happened so suddenly.


    Everyone was watching as Xu Tao appeared before Hu Qingbi and the others, arrogantly proclaiming his intent to break Xiao Yi''s hands, while everyone waited for Xiao Yi to do the deed himself.


    But then...


    Xiao Yi actually punched Xu Tao and sent him flying?


    Thirty meters away.


    Amidst the billowing dust. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xu Tao finally stopped, with two bloody trails hanging from his nostrils, his nose bridge broken, tears streaming down his face in humiliation.


    Panting heavily!


    Gasping for air, Xu Tao wiped the blood from beneath his nose, first stunned, then his face twisted ferociously, "Bastard, you dare to ambush me? I''ll skin you alive!"


    Whoosh!


    A vast surge of primal energy burst forth from within him.


    As a cultivator at the Tenth Layer of the Divine Power Realm, Xu Tao''s energy was increasingly refined, and with a single gesture, a green spear landed in his hand.


    Humming!


    The spear danced wildly in the air, whistling fiercely, its silvery light flaring like the venomous fangs of a savage snake.


    "Xu Tao really broke through to the Divine Power Realm Tenth Layer?"


    "What terrifying talent; he''s only twenty-six, right? He might have a chance to challenge for the top ten of the Flying Tiger List before he''s thirty!"


    Those in the top ten of the Flying Tiger List are all in the Golden Core Realm.


    Reaching the Golden Core Realm before thirty is indeed a sign of extraordinary talent.


    Not far off.


    Pride showed on Xu Shiheng''s face as he looked toward Jin He, "Jin He, do you think Tao has a chance to enter the Golden Core Realm before thirty?"


    "No problem!"


    Jin He smiled faintly and said, "Grandfather values Xu Tao highly. As soon as this matter here is settled, I will take him back to our sect. Grandfather mentioned that in two months, there will be a huge opportunity. As long as he seizes this chance, not to mention before thirty... Xu and I might both be able to enter the Golden Core Realm within a year!"


    "What opportunity?" Xu Shiheng asked, startled.


    "Don''t ask what you shouldn''t!"


    Jin He swept Xu Shiheng with a warning look, then focused on the direction of Xu Tao and Xiao Yi, looking relaxed, "Although Xiao Yi had the advantage of a surprise attack, being able to blow away Xu with the Seventh Layer of the Divine Passage Realm shows he''s not weak. Had Xu not made his breakthrough, he might not have been a match for Xiao Yi. But now, his death is certain!"


    Xu Shiheng didn''t dare to ask further and quickly looked toward the direction of Xu Tao and Xiao Yi.


    "Turning Rivers and Seas!"


    With a low roar, Xu Tao''s spear moved like a dragon turning over the seas, unleashing a fierce surge of force upon Xiao Yi.


    Watching the silvery spear glow closing in.


    Xiao Yi''s eyes narrowed and he put his palms together before his chest, drawing the violently trembling spear glow to land between his hands.


    Then with one hand above the other, it was as if the heavens and earth closed in together.


    Clang!


    During the shrill, hair-raising noise,


    The wildly spinning spear glow was actually caught firmly between Xiao Yi''s hands!


    "Burst for me!"


    Xu Tao''s eyes were bloodshot as he charged forward, wielding the spear like an arching bridge. Xiao Yi was forced to retreat explosively.


    After retreating more than ten meters,


    Xiao Yi suddenly slammed his foot on the ground, halting his retreat, then shifted aside, releasing the spear tip from his grasp.


    With the obstruction gone, the spear thrust forward, causing Xu Tao to involuntarily lurch a couple of steps.


    Suddenly, a palm appeared in front of him, fingers spread wide like a sky-covering hand, and with a thud, it pressed on his face with a terrible force that seemed to root his fingers deeply into his face.


    The violent force erupted in an instant from that palm.


    Xiao Yi, gripping Xu Tao''s face, violently lifted him and slammed him to the ground, with a loud thud as Xu Tao''s head smashed into the earth.


    With one hand pressing down on Xu Tao''s head, Xiao Yi charged forward.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Xu Tao''s head plowed through the earth like a bulldozer, stirring up dust and stones, and amidst a cloud of flying dust, trails of fresh blood marked the ground.


    Xiao Yi dragged him for over fifty meters before he abruptly released his grip and stood up.


    Xu Tao''s face was unrecognizable, lying on the ground.


    Xiao Yi''s right fist shone with golden light, as if a Wrathful Vajra judged the legions of demons. Gales of vital energy wrapped around his entire fist, creating bursts of wind and deafening sonic booms between his knuckles.


    This punch was aimed straight for Xu Tao''s head and descended with the force of thunderbolts.


    If this punch were to connect,


    it would surely result in a head exploding upon impact!


    "No!"


    Xu Shiheng''s face drastically changed, and he roared like an arrow released from a bow as he rushed towards Xiao Yi.


    Jin He was momentarily stunned, then he turned a shade of iron blue, clapping the armrest as he leaped up, quickly dashing towards Xiao Yi.


    Both of these Tenth Layer Divine Power Realm powerhouses took action at the same time.


    Indeed it was like Wind Thunder drums booming in battle.


    "Fiery Palm!"


    Xu Shiheng''s hand blazed with roaring flames as his Innate Divine Ability burst forth in an instant, sweeping an intense orange fireball towards Xiao Yi.


    Jin He formed a sword with one hand, pointed it at the void, and fired a highly compressed ball of vital energy.


    These two attacks were no trifles.


    If Xiao Yi were hit, he would undoubtedly be dead.


    "Stop!"


    "Don''t think of harming our benefactor!"


    Hu Qingbi and the multitude of strong Hu Family members acted at the same time. Their cultivation might not match those two, but they were numerous. If one couldn''t stop them, a whole group would attack together.


    "Get out of my way..."


    "Move aside..."


    Xu Shiheng and Jin He were entangled by the Hu Family members and could not break free for a moment.


    They could only watch helplessly as Xiao Yi''s punch descended. Jin He roared, "Stop... Xu Tao is a disciple of the Nine Profound Sect, if you dare to kill him, you will face the relentless pursuit of our Nine Profound Sect disciples, you..."


    "Nine Profound Sect?"


    Xiao Yi''s movement slightly hesitated.


    Jin He showed an ecstatic look, saying proudly, "That''s right, our Nine Profound Sect..."


    However...


    He didn''t finish his sentence.


    Xiao Yi just sneered, "Never heard of it!"


    Boom!


    His punch heavily landed on Xu Tao''s head, the vital energy creating a circular tornado, as if thousands of blades were swiftly slicing through, causing an explosive burst.


    Only half a body remained of Xu Tao in the pit, lying in a pool of blood.


    "No... Tao''er..." Xu Shiheng''s eyes were filled with splitting fury.


    Jin He was stunned. Who in the vast Tianqing Kingdom dared to disrespect the Nine Profound Sect? Yet Xiao Yi, knowing well that Xu Tao was a disciple of the Nine Profound Sect, still struck the deadly blow, which made Jin He fear him as well.


    After dealing with Xu Tao, Xiao Yi saw Xu Shiheng kill two Hu Family warriors.


    And even sent Hu Qingbi flying.


    A cold light flashed in his eyes as he leaped forward, brandishing a third-grade longsword and slashing it out: "Reclaiming Soul, Seizing Life!"


    Pffft!


    The sword, swift as a fleeting shadow!


    Thump!


    The ferocious looking Xu Shiheng was beheaded, collapsing into a pool of blood.


    Xiao Yi, standing with his sword, was enveloped by the roaring wind, his robe billowing, his gaze falling on Jin He.


    Jin He shuddered, looking at Xiao Yi with a grave face, "Who exactly are you?"


    Merely at the Seventh Layer of the Shentong Realm yet possessing such combat prowess, he was surely no ordinary figure!


    Xiao Yi looked calmly at Jin He and said indifferently, "Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, Xiao Yi!"

 Chapter 69 - 69 One Man Guards a City

    "Tianqi Martial Arts Academy?"


    Jin He was taken aback, obviously very unfamiliar with the once glorious but now completely declined Tianqi Martial Arts Academy.


    Even the onlookers from Iron Mountain City were perplexed, "Tianqi Martial Arts Academy? Hasn''t that place closed down long ago? How can there still be disciples?"


    "However, this young man actually killed the father and son of the Xu Family, his strength is truly terrifying!"


    "No matter how strong he is, it''s useless, that Xu Tao is a disciple of the Nine Profound Sect. If he were a disciple of the Royal Martial Arts Academy, perhaps the Nine Profound Sect wouldn''t dare seek revenge, but since he''s from the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, the Nine Profound Sect will definitely not let him go..."


    The onlookers'' faces held a hint of anticipation as they looked towards Jin He.


    However...


    Jin He''s expression suddenly changed, and he looked at Xiao Yi in disbelief, "You, you are the Xiao Yi who caused havoc in the Royal Martial Arts Academy, who killed Zhuge Shuangdao?"


    His combat power was on par with Zhuge Shuangdao.


    But since even Zhuge Shuangdao had fallen at Xiao Yi''s hand, Jin He didn''t think he had the strength to contend with Xiao Yi, and for a moment, he felt a chill throughout his body.


    He cursed the ancestors of the father and son of the Xu Family in his heart.


    If only he had known that Xiao Yi was behind the Hu Family, he wouldn''t have got involved in this matter even if it killed him!


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes as he sized up Jin He, "What? You know me?"


    Jin He forced a smile.


    How could he not know?


    The name of Xiao Yi from the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy was already well-known among the younger generation of Tianqing Kingdom, after all, someone who was under twenty and ranked within the top thirty of the Flying Tiger List.


    Furthermore...


    How many years has it been since someone dared to defy the Royal Martial Arts Academy?


    Xiao Yi was a unique case indeed!


    Jin He took a deep breath and said to Xiao Yi with a fist clasped, "Xiao Yi, today''s affair has nothing to do with me. We have no past grudges and no recent hatreds, can we part ways here?"


    After witnessing Xiao Yi''s formidable strength, he was even less willing to clash with him.


    "..."


    The Iron Mountain City strongmen who had been expecting Jin He to step in and punish Xiao Yi were collectively shocked.


    The formidable Jin He was actually cowering?


    Actively seeking peace?


    The couple of people who were previously so sure of themselves now felt a burning shame on their faces.


    Xiao Yi was also somewhat surprised; he had thought Jin He would seek revenge for the father and son Xu, but instead he was asking for peace? With a playful look on his face, Xiao Yi said, "Nothing to do with you? Wasn''t it you who earlier said Qing Bi was your plaything, and you wanted to cut off both my hands?"


    When Xu Tao wanted to give Hu Qingbi to him to toy with.


    Jin He hesitated not at all!


    If Xiao Yi hadn''t intervened to help Hu Qingbi today, the entire Hu Family might have been wiped out, and Hu Qingbi would inevitably fall into the hands of Jin He and Xu Tao as their plaything.


    How could it all be settled with just one sentence from him?


    Jin He''s eyes twitched, and he said in a deep voice, "What do you want?"


    Xiao Yi said, "Kneel down, apologize!" S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "What?"


    Jin He''s face darkened. As a disciple of the Nine Profound Sect, representing the face of the sect when outside, if he really knelt this time, how would he have any face to return to the Nine Profound Sect?


    Jin He took a deep breath and said, "Xiao Yi, I admit I''m not your opponent. But don''t push me too far. My grandfather is a great elder of the Nine Profound Sect, a mighty Golden Core Realm powerhouse. If I''m really pushed to the brink, you won''t end well either!"


    "Ah!"


    Xiao Yi sighed softly and said, "You shouldn''t have threatened me."


    "Hmm?"


    Jin He was taken aback, about to speak, but then he saw a streak of Sword Qi flash before his eyes.


    Pfft!


    Blood reddened his eyes.


    Jin He''s head thudded to the ground with a crash.


    Hiss!


    Around them rose a chorus of sharp intakes of breath.


    Even Hu Qingbi seemed somewhat lost in thought, her expression solemn as she looked upon Jin He''s corpse. With a wry smile, she said, "Benefactor, you shouldn''t have killed him..."


    "Why?" asked Xiao Yi.


    Hu Qingbi was taken aback for a moment, then said, "Jin He''s grandfather is a great elder of the Nine Profound Sect, a formidable figure in the Golden Core Realm. We killed Xu Tao and Xu Shiheng, and there was still some leeway for negotiation. But now that we''ve killed Jin He, it''s a fight to the death!"


    The Golden Core Realm, ah!


    What an unattainably high existence.


    One capable of annihilating an entire city!


    Xiao Yi, however, showed an interested expression and asked, "Qing Bi, are you certain that if we had let him go, the Nine Profound Sect would not move against us?"


    "Eh? You mean..." Hu Qingbi''s face showed confusion.


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Letting a tiger return to the mountain is always a future threat!"


    With Jin He''s nature, he would never appreciate Xiao Yi''s mercy in sparing him; he would only see it as a humiliation.


    To erase this stain from his life, naturally, he would need to obliterate his enemies completely!


    Whether or not they let Jin He go, they would ultimately have to face the Nine Profound Sect.


    It might as well be a decisive kill!


    Hu Qingbi also came to understand this point and said with a bitter smile, "It seems I was presumptuous. Thank you for your guidance, Benefactor!"


    Xiao Yi waved his hand dismissively.


    He dared to act this way because he knew that whether or not Jin He was released, the Nine Profound Sect would take action. More importantly, he was confident that at least before they could eliminate him, the Nine Profound Sect would definitely not move against the Hu Family.


    As for eliminating him?


    That would depend on whether the Nine Profound Sect was up to the task!


    Xiao Yi''s gaze, sharp as a hawk''s, swept over everyone present. The icy sharpness in his eyes, knife-like, deterred others from meeting his gaze, prompting them to lower their heads instead.


    Clang!


    Xiao Yi flicked his arm, and the longsword created a splendid display of sword flowers. The longsword, carrying a fierce wind, abruptly paused, then he slashed forward with one strike.


    Sword Intent instantly coalesced at the tip of the blade.


    A thirty-foot-long Sword Qi swallowed and surged forth, transforming into a silver canopy that descended from the sky.


    Boom, boom, boom!


    All of Iron Mountain City thundered and roared. As dust and smoke billowed, a vicious sword scar dozens of feet long appeared before them. The terrifying Sword Intent lingered, and a sharp, whistling wind echoed all around.


    Those spectating turned pale, feeling a chill cover their bodies.


    Only then did Xiao Yi speak, "From this day forward, the Hu Family of Iron Mountain City is under my protection, Xiao Yi. Whoever dares to touch the Hu Family, this will be their fate!"


    The crowd fell silent as cicadas in winter.


    Hu Qingbi looked at Xiao Yi gratefully. Encouraged by his gaze, she stepped forward and said in a loud voice, "Everyone here is a citizen of Iron Mountain City, so you should all be aware of the wager between Qing Bi and Xu Tao. After today, all the assets of the Xu Family in Iron Mountain City will belong to the Hu Family. I hope everyone will support Qing Bi!"


    The people: "..."


    Xiao Yi cleared his throat subtly, and the longsword in his hand buzzed as it trembled.


    "Rest assured, Iron Arm Princess, we will definitely support the Iron Blade King''s estate!"


    "Absolutely support!"


    A multitude of powerhouses hastened to express their allegiance, fearful that any hesitation would draw Xiao Yi''s attention.


    Hu Qingbi watched the crowd''s awe-filled looks towards Xiao Yi, her eyes brimming with reverence, admiration, and a hint of infatuation.


    This young man before her, younger even than herself, had single-handedly and with one sword, intimidated the entire Iron Mountain City.


    Something not even her father had managed to achieve, Xiao Yi had done it¡ªa feat of epic proportions...


    One man stood guard over a city!


    Who else but me!

 Chapter 70 - 70: The Golden Core Great Battle, the Great Demon Entrusts His Orphan!

    Under the deterrence of Xiao Yi, the Hu Family faced much less resistance in taking over the Xu Family''s forces.


    According to Hu Qingbi''s earlier prediction, when the Xu Family fell, other forces in Iron Mountain City would inevitably scramble for a share of the spoils; the Hu Family being able to consolidate fifty percent of the profits would already be considered good.


    But because of Xiao Yi, this time they completely took over the Xu Family''s assets.


    Not only did it help the Hu Family out of their predicament, but it also increased the family''s foundation several-fold.


    Hu Qingbi looked at Xiao Yi reluctantly, "Benefactor, are you sure you don''t need me to accompany you? We mine the Iron Mountain Range all year round and often conflict with the demon beasts there; they are extremely hostile towards humans, and I know how to avoid these beasts!"


    Xiao Yi shook his head with a smile, "Your Hu Family has just taken over the Xu Family''s properties, you must stay in Iron Mountain City. Besides, I will not go too deep, there will be no danger!"


    "Well... okay then!"


    Hu Qingbi let out a wry smile, "When will you return, Benefactor? You must come to find me!"


    "Mm!"


    Xiao Yi nodded, then leaped up like a monkey and disappeared into the forest.


    Having fulfilled the promise to the Iron Blade King, the trip to Iron Mountain City ended on a perfect note.


    But...


    Because of the Nine Profound Sect, Xiao Yi still wasn''t at ease to leave Iron Mountain City just yet. Plus, he now had that map of the Tungsten Iron Mine, so Xiao Yi decided to explore the mine as indicated on the map first.


    He followed the route marked on the map through the terrain.


    Along the way, he encountered one mining cave after another, with the mountains hollowed out and pitted, a barren sight to behold.


    Many of the trees had long since withered, turning into a bare expanse.


    "According to the map, after passing through the Thread of Sky Gorge up ahead, and then two hundred li further, with my current speed, it should take about another four hours to reach the location of the Tungsten Iron Mine..."


    Xiao Yi checked the direction and picked up the pace.


    He darted between towering mountains and through strange rock formations and forests.


    Four hours later.


    Xiao Yi finally arrived at the area marked as the Tungsten Iron Mine on the map, a vibrant and lush forested region.


    "The old woman''s son was pursued by an Iron-Eating Beast and accidentally entered a cave behind a waterfall, where he discovered the Tungsten Iron Mine. Where might there be a waterfall around here?"


    Looking out over the vast green field ahead, Xiao Yi felt somewhat dizzy.


    Perhaps any man wouldn''t be too fond of this color, right?


    Just then...


    Boom!


    A thunderous explosion suddenly echoed from the woods ahead, sending dust and smoke rolling hundreds of feet into the air, where it hung like a mushroom cloud between heaven and earth.


    Two huge figures burst from the cloud of dust.


    A twenty-plus-meter-long, pitch-black giant snake with cold light flickering in its eyes suddenly coiled its massive body and lashed out like a dragon swinging its tail into the smoke.


    Bang!


    The sound of thunderous explosions continued to boom.


    From within that cloud of smoke, a giant beast covered in gray-white iron armor, resembling an ant, also burst forth.


    The two beasts stood suspended in midair, their bodies radiating light that ebbed and flowed as they collided again and again, causing shockwaves of terrifying energy to burst forth.


    Even from several kilometers away, the shockwave was so strong that it caused a stinging pain on Xiao Yi''s face, "Floating in midair, these are two Giant Beasts from the Golden Core Realm?"


    The ten-meter-tall gray ant was the infamous Iron-Eating Beast of the Iron Mountain Range.


    It fed on ore veins.


    Decades ago, when Iron Mountain City was developing ore veins, it had fiercely clashed with the beast, which was later defeated by a Golden Core Realm expert from the Tianqing Kingdom and fled to the depths of the Iron Mountain Range.


    Xiao Yi did not expect to encounter it today.


    "That black giant snake can actually fight to a standstill with the Iron-Eating Beast? I''d better keep my distance..." Xiao Yi had no intention of getting caught in the crossfire, so he stayed far away and watched from the sidelines.


    The Iron-Eating Beast fed on metal; its shell was extremely hard, defense nearly invincible.


    Yet the black giant snake was also incredibly strong, and after multiple lashings and bites, it had managed to fracture the shell of the Iron-Eating Beast, leaving it covered with wounds and dripping with greenish blood.


    Of course, the giant serpent was not faring well either.


    Under the iron-eating beast''s teeth, which could easily snap through metal, the black serpent bore numerous scars with fresh blood flowing freely.


    The battle raged to the point where the sky darkened, and there was no light from the sun or the moon.


    From a distance.


    The forest of tens of thousands of acres had been flattened, trees completely destroyed, rocks collapsed, as if it were the apocalypse.


    The battle that had lasted for the better part of the day finally began to subside.


    "Has it been decided?" Xiao Yi''s pupils contracted, yet he still waited for half an hour.


    There was still no movement.


    Only then did he cautiously approach, but not too quickly.


    From afar, he could tell the two beasts'' battle had been incredibly destructive, but it was not until he got close that Xiao Yi realized he had still underestimated their capacity for destruction.


    Three to four small mountains, hundreds of meters high, had been razed to the ground by the fighting beasts!


    Within that rubble...


    Xiao Yi saw the corpse of the iron-eating beast, utterly lifeless, but what puzzled him was the mysterious disappearance of the black serpent: "How strange, where''s the black serpent?"


    Boom!


    The corpse of the iron-eating beast suddenly shook violently, toppling to the ground as a huge black figure darted out from under its belly, sending sand flying and the ground shaking.


    The black serpent stood erect, its cold gaze fixed on Xiao Yi.


    Shit!


    Xiao Yi''s face turned pale instantly; feeling an icy chill all over under that cold gaze, he was about to turn and run when he saw the black serpent shake violently and then thump to the ground.


    The coldness vanished from its two eyes, leaving only despair and a hint of pleading.


    Xiao Yi was stunned¡ªthose pleading eyes reminded him of the time his mother knelt before Xiao Tianjiao, begging for his life.


    Xiao Yi inexplicably stopped in his tracks and, after hesitation, tentatively asked, "Do you... want me to help you?"


    Hiss!


    The black serpent nodded its head with difficulty.


    Xiao Yi said gravely, "What do you want me to do?"


    Roar!


    The black serpent struggled to open its bloody maw, and between two rows of fang-like teeth, strings of blood-stained saliva hung from top to bottom.


    Its blood-red tongue wrapped around an egg the size of a human head and brought it before Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi paused, looking at the beast egg and asked with a frown, "Is this your child? You want me to look after it for you?"


    Roar!


    The black serpent nodded again.


    Xiao Yi frowned and said, "But... "


    Hiss!


    Roar!


    The black serpent shook its whole body, flung its head, bit into the corpse of the iron-eating beast, thrust its tongue inside the beast''s body, and took out a fist-sized Golden Core covered in cracks before delivering it to Xiao Yi.


    This iron-eating beast was a fourth-rank intermediate demon beast, comparable to a Fifth Layer of the Golden Core Realm expert; it was pitiful that the Golden Core was shattered, with little energy remaining.


    Huff! S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi exhaled deeply, holding the beast egg close to his chest, and said with determination, "Don''t worry, I will take good care of it!"


    Roar!


    The black serpent spat a shattered Golden Core into the sky, which spread into a thin golden mist that sprinkled down like mottled gold rain onto the beast egg.


    The beast egg in Xiao Yi''s arms trembled slightly.


    The black serpent''s head drooped to the ground, powerlessly nudging the egg held tightly in his arms, its eyes flickering with profound reluctance and longing, followed by a painful wail before it collapsed to the ground with a thud...

 Chapter 71 - 71 Xiao Yi Returns

    Half a day later.


    Xiao Yi stood in front of a small grave, holding the platinum-striped beast egg in his hands.


    The ashes of the black giant snake lay within.


    An existence that sought to protect its child with its dying breath¡ªXiao Yi would never touch its body, even though it was just a magical beast.


    Even though the corpse was that of a Golden Core Realm magical beast, invaluable beyond measure, he felt no temptation to touch it.


    On the contrary, he had stripped away the carapace of the Iron-Eating Beast.


    It was prime material for forging elemental battle armor.


    The carapace of the Iron-Eating Beast alone was worth no less than a hundred million Silver, not to mention that shattered Gold Core?


    "Rest assured, since I''ve promised you, I will definitely take good care of your child," Xiao Yi deeply bowed to the black giant snake.


    He gently patted the beast egg in his embrace and tucked it into his clothes.


    Following the map, Xiao Yi searched and half a day later, found the entrance to the Tungsten Iron Mine behind this waterfall¡ªa deep cave in the mountain.


    After traveling five or six kilometers along the cave, Xiao Yi encountered an expanse of silver-gray ore.


    Just the visible amount of tungsten iron was no less than a small mine vein, to say nothing of the tungsten iron ore mostly hidden underground; this was definitely a major vein.


    The value of the tungsten iron ore here definitely exceeded ten billion Silver.


    Ten billion silver!


    The fortunes of ordinary Golden Core Realm powerhouses amounted to about ten billion Silver¡ªthis vein equaled the entire wealth of ten Golden Core Realm powerhouses, and should it become known, even the royal family would covet it.


    "I absolutely cannot reveal the existence of the tungsten iron mine before my breakthrough to the Golden Core Realm¡­"


    Xiao Yi suppressed the excitement in his heart and then traced his way back through the cave to the outside of the waterfall, "There''s still about a month and a half until the secret realm of that Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouse opens. I''ll cultivate here during this time!"


    The secret realm of a Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouse is filled with treasures for those in Divine Skills Realm and even the Golden Core Realm.


    Furthermore, powerhouses from the Royal Martial Arts Academy will also be going.


    For Xiao Yi, it was both an opportunity and a dangerous predicament.


    The Royal Martial Arts Academy would love nothing more than to smash him to pieces!


    He sat down cross-legged before the waterfall.


    The scenery was enchanting, nestled by the mountain and water.


    Before Xiao Yi, the shattered Golden Core bobbed up and down, turning into a faint golden mist that enveloped his body. As his mysterious arts circulated, the energy from within the Golden Core continuously surged into him.


    The Iron-Eating Beast at its peak was comparable to the Fifth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm. Despite most of its energy dissipating after the core shattered in the battle with the black serpent, it remained a colossal energy treasury for those in the Divine Skills Realm!


    However, this time without the aid of the Earth Fire Spirit Refining Array, the speed of refining the Gold Core was much slower. Yet, after ten days, Xiao Yi stepped further into the Eighth Layer of the Divine Power Realm.


    A month later, he entered the Ninth Layer.


    It was only when he reached the Peak of the Ninth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm that the shattered Golden Core was completely depleted of energy, turning into ash. Xiao Yi still had his eyes tightly shut, guiding the vital energy in his body into the God Sealing Seed.


    By breaking through two realms, Xiao Yi''s number of God Sealing Seeds rose to one thousand seven hundred and fifty.


    Crackling sounds!


    As Xiao Yi stood up, his bones and muscles made a popping sound like the crackling of fried beans. Unprecedented explosive strength filled his body: "At the Ninth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, with one thousand seven hundred and fifty God Sealing Seeds, my strength is now comparable to that of a First Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm powerhouse. Even within the secret realm of the Calamity, I''ll be capable of defending myself!"


    The gap between the Divine Skills Realm and the Golden Core Realm is as vast as the sky is from the earth.


    The fact that Xiao Yi at the Ninth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm has strength comparable to that of the Golden Core Realm truly marks him as a prodigy among prodigies.


    "I wonder if I''m now capable of opening that celestial tomb¡­" With a flash, Xiao Yi entered the Ancient Celestial Tomb and headed towards one that he had long coveted.


    This Celestial Tomb belonged to an unparalleled swordsman, known as the Sword Demon¡ªDugu Qiubai!


    Engraved on his tombstone read: "For over thirty years amidst the chaos of Jianghu, I have slain every foe, bested all heroes, and found no one left to oppose me. With no other recourse, I secluded myself in a deep valley, taking only sculptures as my companions. Alas! All the heroes bound their hands, and my longsword remains useless. Yearning for a worthy opponent all my life, but never finding one, truly is a lonely and unbearable fate." Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    At that moment, with just one glance, Xiao Yi was captivated by this peerless swordsman from the Blue Star Realm.


    What a pity...


    Even with one thousand seven hundred and fifty God Sealing Seeds in his possession, Xiao Yi was still two meters away from Dugu Qiubai''s tomb. With no choice, he could only exit the Eternal Tomb, "Perhaps only after I break through to the Golden Core Realm will I be able to obtain his inheritance. Dugu Qiubai, I will soon be able to dig up your grave..."


    Within the sky dome, the tombstone of Dugu Qiubai seemed to tremble...


    ¡­


    Iron Mountain City.


    Today, Iron Mountain City was particularly bustling. Before Xiao Yi even entered the city gates, he could sense that the flow of people around him seemed much greater than usual.


    Some strong individuals from the Iron Mountain mining area were also hurrying towards the city.


    Xiao Yi stopped one of them and asked, "Elder, is something big happening in Iron Mountain City? Why are so many people rushing over there?"


    The man, his skin dark from toiling under the sun, though old, was more robust than many young people. He sighed and said, "A major incident occurred at King Tieshan''s palace. A month ago, the Hu Family killed the Xu Family''s father and son along with a disciple from the Nine Profound Sect. Seven days ago, the powerful members of the Nine Profound Sect descended upon Iron Mountain City and captured all the Hu Family''s people. Today, they are to be executed in public!"


    Boom!


    Xiao Yi felt a jolt through his body, and his eyes suddenly sharpened, "Executed?"


    Meanwhile...


    In the central square of Iron Mountain City.


    With Hu Qingbi at the forefront, the people of the Hu Family were all bound tightly, covered in wounds, their cultivation sealed, and were forced to kneel in a line across the square.


    In the center of the square, on a high platform.


    A middle-aged man with a grim face and eyebrows like swords sat confidently, flanked on either side by five strong individuals wearing the robes of Nine Profound Sect disciples.


    All of them were from the Divine Ability Realm, especially the young man to his left, whose cultivation had reached the peak of the Divine Ability Realm, much stronger than Jin He.


    "Master, the time has come!" the young man respectfully said to the middle-aged man.


    The middle-aged man was Jin He''s father, Jin Ze, the Eleventh Elder of the Nine Profound Sect, with the cultivation of the First Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm. And the young man was his disciple Liu Chun, ranked within the top ten True Disciples of the Nine Profound Sect.


    Narrowing his eyes, Jin Ze looked towards Hu Qingbi and the others in the middle of the square, a cruel sneer crossing his face, "Liu Chun, go ask that wretch again where Xiao Yi has gone! For every breath she doesn''t speak, kill one of her clansmen until she reveals everything..."


    "Yes!"


    Liu Chun approached Hu Qingbi and said coldly, "Where is Xiao Yi?"


    Hu Qingbi glared at him and spoke in a deep voice, "I truly don''t know where he is..."


    Liu Chun said, "Starting now, I will kill a member of the Hu Family every breath you delay. Let''s see if your stubbornness or their heads are harder!"


    "You dare?"


    Hu Qingbi''s eyes widened in fury, her teeth clenched, "Xiao Yi won''t let you get away with this..."


    "One breath!"


    With a wave of his hand, Liu Chun made a puff sound as he crushed the head of a Qi Gathering Realm strongman from the Hu Family. His face remained indifferent as he looked at the rage-contorted Hu Qingbi, "Will you speak or not?"


    "I''ll speak, I''ll speak..." Hu Qingbi''s eyes were red as she bit out the words, "He, he has returned to the Royal Capital."


    Slap!


    Liu Chun struck her face with his palm, saying coldly, "We''ve already sent people to check the Royal Capital, and he never went back. The time for the second breath has arrived!"


    Hum!


    Liu Chun gathered his vital energy at his fingertips, ready to strike.


    But just at that moment...


    An icy voice suddenly came from outside the martial arts field, "Harm a single hair on her, and I''ll make your entire family accompany her in death!"

 Chapter 72 - 72: The Golden Core Can Also Be an Opponent

    "Harm but a single hair on her head, and I''ll exterminate your entire clan!"


    An icy voice appeared out of nowhere, and a pale hand suddenly reached out, grasping Liu Chun''s wrist.


    The concentrated vitality at the tips of his fingers dissipated completely in an instant, becoming invisible.


    Liu Chun''s pupils shrank suddenly, and he instinctively yanked his hand back, only to find he couldn''t break free at all. His gaze followed the arm that had grabbed him and looked up sharply, staring at the figure that had appeared before him.


    The newcomer was none other than Xiao Yi, dressed in black.


    Standing proudly in front of Liu Chun, holding his wrist with one hand, he looked over the injured members of the Hu Family scattered across the square, his eyes gradually turning cold.


    "Who are you? Do you know who we are? You dare to meddle in the business of the Nine Profound Sect, aren''t you afraid of death?" Liu Chun squinted and said.


    Slap!


    Xiao Yi backhanded him with a slap across the face, causing Liu Chun''s vision to burst with stars and his teeth to crack, spitting out blood.


    He looked at Xiao Yi, utterly dumbfounded.


    Xiao Yi slapped him again and said coldly, "That slap was for those people of the Hu Family!"


    Slap!


    Another slap.


    "This slap is for the Hu Family member who just died!"


    Slap!


    "This slap..."


    Slap! Slap! Slap!


    Xiao Yi slapped him repeatedly across the face, Liu Chun, at the Divine Power Realm Tenth Layer, had no ability to fight back in his grip.


    Blood streamed from his every orifice.


    His entire face lost any semblance of humanity.


    With every opening of his mouth, blood sprayed out.


    Slap!


    The final slap sent Liu Chun tumbling to the ground, his head smashing into the floor with a thud; he struggled to raise his head, his swollen eyes staring intensely at Xiao Yi, "This... this slap, why is that so?"


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Don''t know... I just felt like hitting you!"


    "I..."


    Liu Chun rolled his eyes back and passed out completely.


    All of this happened too quickly.


    So quickly that even Jin Ze hadn''t reacted before Liu Chun was beaten beyond recognition and passed out completely.


    "How dare you!"


    Jin Ze was furiously enraged, and his Golden Core Realm aura burst forth all at once.


    It turned into a vigorous air wave, surging crazily towards Xiao Yi.


    Rumble!


    The violent energy fluctuations came like giant, overturning waves. Wherever this terrifying air wave passed, stones cracked and the arena collapsed, with a sky full of flying sand shooting upwards.


    "Xiao Yi, run... that''s a Golden Core Realm master..." Hu Qingbi''s face was filled with panic, the air wave rolling up a ten-meter-high stone dust like an enveloping hand from the sky.


    It was like a doomsday curtain descending to obscure everything.


    Hu Qingbi''s pupils contracted drastically, her eyes filled with terror and despair.


    This was a true Golden Core Realm master!


    Below the Golden Core, everybody was an ant.


    In Hu Qingbi''s eyes, Xiao Yi was no match for a Golden Core Realm opponent.


    "Golden Core Realm?"


    Xiao Yi''s eyes turned cold; his legs were firmly planted on the arena like steel drills, his arms circulating with vitality, majestic and dignified.


    The bright golden vitality swirled and condensed, like the Wrathful Vajra in his glorious aspect.


    "Jingang Earthquake!"


    Xiao Yi''s eyebrows rose, his fists like the wind smashing towards the rolling clouds of dust, countless golden energies concentrated in his fists, heavily striking against the waves.


    Boom!


    The cloud of dust and waves violently shook and were torn apart by Xiao Yi''s punch.


    He moved forward, piercing through the dust curtain, and simultaneously slashed his cold longsword towards the sky: "Python Evil Twining Tree!"


    Swoosh!


    The sword''s edge coiled like a python, baring its fierce fangs at Jin Ze approaching from the opposite side.


    "Arrogant junior, die!" Jin Ze''s eyes were cold, his expression frosty, and the blade''s aura seemed to chop the heavens, descending on Xiao Yi''s head.


    Clang!


    Blade and sword collided, as if the tip of a needle met a stalk of wheat.


    Dazzling sparks burst forth like fireworks, the violent force flinging Xiao Yi away. He flew backward, face up to the sky, his sword''s edge scraping against the ground amid a flurry of sparks, carving a ferocious gash.


    After more than twenty meters,


    Xiao Yi flipped midair to steady himself, only to face a blast of icy wind.


    It roared like a tiger, the cold edge scraping painfully across his face.


    "You little bastard, daring to harm my son! I will tear you to pieces!" Jin Ze''s eyes flashed like lightning, as his blade''s light descended like rain, countless and falling.


    With one hand, Xiao Yi slapped the flat of his blade, using the tremor to vault into the air.


    He dodged the blade light that Jin Ze had slashed down.


    Taking advantage of the momentum, Jin Ze''s blade arced upward from below, heading straight for Xiao Yi''s waist, but fortunately, Xiao Yi, holding his sword with one hand, kept it tight against his waist. With a crisp ring, Xiao Yi was repelled with force.


    The violent power caused his hand to burst open at the tiger''s mouth.


    Blood rolled down the sword hilt.


    "You can take three of my moves without dying? Among the juniors in the Shentong Realm, aside from the top three of the Earth rank at the Royal Martial Arts Academy, you''re the first!" Jin Ze said with narrowed eyes.


    Xiao Yi flicked the droplets of blood from his palm, squinting as he spoke, "The Golden Core Realm is nothing special!" S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Oh? A mere Shentong Realm, you dare to look down upon me?" Jin Ze said with a cold laugh.


    Xiao Yi casually flicked his wrist, and the third-grade famous sword he had obtained from the sword tomb emitted a silver sword light. Pointing the sword''s edge at Jin Ze, he said indifferently, "With a sword in hand, even Golden Core can be matched!"


    "Arrogance!"


    Jin Ze sneered, "A mere Divine Skills wants to oppose the Golden Core? Your survival was simply due to my momentary carelessness; I had not even used half my strength. If I were to strike with full force, I would certainly slay you within three moves!"


    "Kill me in three moves? You''re dreaming!"


    Xiao Yi let out a cold laugh.


    His form was like the wind, a thought in motion, as fluid as flowing water or drifting clouds.


    He left behind a series of black afterimages where he stood, and as they densely gathered, Xiao Yi had already appeared before Jin Ze.


    His figure abruptly split into three, each holding a sword: "Light Breeze Falling Leaves!"


    Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!


    The sword edges arrived like a gentle breeze, like a profusion of falling leaves, each striking towards Jin Ze.


    Jin Ze''s expression turned icy as he lifted his blade to meet the attack: "Prying Up Mountains from a Dry Land!"


    Whoosh!


    The blade swept across, and the silver blade light tore through the air. A ten-zhang-long Yuan Gang Blade shattered the drifting leaf-like sword lights that floated before him.


    Jin Ze advanced with his blade, sneering repeatedly, "Trivial insect skills, go to hell!"


    Crrrrash!


    The silver Gang Qi surged like a dragon swinging its tail, heading straight for Xiao Yi''s head. His pupils contracted sharply, his legs braced against the ground as he lifted his longsword above his head.


    Hum!


    His body vibrated, and in an instant, his arms were covered in a layer of Hei Mang. It was his Innate Divine Ability, "Weapon Transformation."


    His arms and longsword merged into one.


    Clang!


    The blade edge struck the longsword squarely, forcefully plunging Xiao Yi towards the ground, the floor of the arena below his feet crumbling, rocks erupting chaotically.


    Cracks spread around in a web-like pattern.


    "One of the top ten Innate Divine Abilities, Weapon Transformation?"


    Jin Ze''s face grew solemn, his eyes brimming with ferocity, "A youth from the Ninth Layer of the Shentong Realm possessing the strength to battle the Golden Core Realm... If you continue to grow, you will undoubtedly become a major threat to the Nine Profound Sect. This child must die!"


    A lethal chill flashed in his eyes, his murderous intent sky-high.


    "Blood Explosion Skill!"


    Suddenly, Xiao Yi roared lowly, and his blood surged with light. A tenth of his blood ignited instantly, his strength increasing tenfold. A blood-red Qi surged violently. Like a bloody tornado, it blasted Jin Ze''s battle blade away with a boom.


    "What?"


    Jin Ze''s pupils dilated abruptly, his eyes filled with shock.


    He had not expected Xiao Yi to suddenly explode with ten times the strength. Caught off guard, he retreated repeatedly, and just at that moment, Xiao Yi fiercely pushed off the ground, shooting upward like an arrow released from its bow.


    "Life Seizing Soul Chaser!"


    The sword streaked through the air, swift as light skimming a shadow.


    Jin Ze instinctively dodged, narrowly avoiding Xiao Yi''s lethal strike. Under the surge of blood-colored light, Jin Ze''s right arm was severed at the shoulder.


    "Xiao Yi... I will not let you go, the Nine Profound Sect will not let you go..."


    Jin Ze''s face turned deathly pale, glaring venomously at Xiao Yi while clutching his severed arm. He shot up into the air and fled toward the outside of the city...

 Chapter 73 - 73: If I Become a Demon, There Will Be No Buddha in the World!

    When a Golden Core Realm expert is determined to escape, even another of the Golden Core Realm would find it hard to pursue.


    Xiao Yi could only watch helplessly as Jin Ze fled, his gaze falling upon the remaining disciples of the Nine Profound Sect, whose complexions suddenly changed.


    Even Jin Ze of the Golden Core Realm had been chased away; how could they dare to contend against Xiao Yi?


    Thump, thump!


    One after another, the strong members of the Nine Profound Sect knelt on the ground, with faces full of flattery and pleading, "Xiao, spare our lives, ah! We, we have never killed any of the Hu Family!"


    "We were just following orders..."


    Xiao Yi looked towards Hu Qingbi, "Did any of them lay a hand on you?"


    Hu Qingbi and the others pointed out five among them.


    Xiao Yi flicked his fingers, and the heads of those five Nine Profound Sect disciples separated from their bodies, terrifying the remaining few even more. Xiao Yi indifferently said, "Go back and tell Jin Ze that if the Nine Profound Sect wants to seek revenge on Xiao Yi, I welcome them anytime!"


    "We, we will definitely relay your words to Elder Jin!"


    "Xiao, Xiao, can we, we leave now?"


    The crowd was visibly nervous.


    Xiao Yi waved his hand, "Scram!"


    "Thank you, Xiao, for your mercy in sparing our lives!"


    The few people hurriedly rolled on the ground and left the martial arts field.


    Xiao Yi neutralized the effects of the Muscle-locking Powder on Hu Qingbi and the others. The Hu Family had suffered great losses this time; a third of the senior members had died, but thanks to Xiao Yi''s defeat of Jin Ze, the reputation of the Hu Family in Iron Mountain City had risen even higher.


    It''s no exaggeration to say...


    Within Iron Mountain City, definitely no one would dare to oppose the Hu Family again.


    As for the Nine Profound Sect.


    With the defeat of Jin Ze as a precedent, and with the words brought back by those few, they would inevitably be wary of attacking the Hu Family before taking down Xiao Yi.


    Although the loss of powerful members in the family was severe, for the Hu Family, the gains were greater than the losses!


    "Xiao Yi, thank you for saving us!" Hu Qingbi looked at Xiao Yi earnestly and said, "I don''t know how to repay you!"


    Xiao Yi waved his hand, smiling, "I owe your father a favor, naturally I need to protect the Hu Family." He paused, then Xiao Yi continued, "I believe the Nine Profound Sect won''t trouble you again for a while; during this time, you should concentrate on strengthening your family''s power!"


    "Don''t worry!"


    "Rest assured, Xiao, now that my Hu Family is unrivaled in Iron Mountain City, no one can threaten us!"


    Everyone said one after another.


    With keen insight, Hu Qingbi stared at him, "You... are you leaving?"


    Xiao Yi nodded and said, "I have matters to attend to back in the royal capital, but don''t worry, I will return after a while. When that time comes, I have a surprise for the Hu Family!"


    "Alright, I''ll wait for your return..." Hu Qingbi bit her lip and said.


    After chatting briefly, Xiao Yi left on his own.


    Watching the direction he left in, an elderly woman in the Shentong Realm said to Hu Qingbi by her side, "Miss, since you like Xiao, why not tell him so?"


    "Don''t talk nonsense, when did I ever say I liked him?"


    Hu Qingbi''s cheeks tinged with red as she glared fiercely at the old woman, muttering to herself in a voice only she could hear, "Someone like him... how could he possibly be within my reach?"


    ......


    On the royal road leading to the capital.


    Xiao Yi rode his steed at a gallop when a young monk appeared in the middle of the road ahead, wearing monk''s robes, with his right hand held in a palm shape at his chest and his left hand holding a gray alms bowl.


    The monk had his eyes slightly closed, standing still in the middle of the road like a wooden stake.


    "Whoa..."


    Xiao Yi pulled the reins tight, staring at the monk standing before him.


    The young monk opened his eyes, chanting Amitabha Buddha, radiating an august presence, and said with a smile, "Why doesn''t benefactor ride over this poor monk?"


    Xiao Yi frowned and said, "I bear no grudge against you, why would I ride over you?"


    "The poor monk has blocked the benefactor''s path!" the young monk said.


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "This road is so wide, if you block here, I can simply pass by the side!"


    The young monk smiled and said, "What if someone blocked the path of the benefactor''s life?"


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow, "Monk, did you wait here specifically for me?"


    Amitabha!


    The young monk brought his palms together and said with a smile, "This monk''s Dharma name is Dao Yuan. I''ve had the pleasure of meeting you, Xiao."


    "So you really were waiting here for me!"


    Xiao Yi shrugged nonchalantly and asked with interest, "Monk Dao Yuan, we have never met before. Why have you stopped me?"


    Monk Dao Yuan said, "Xiao, you have yet to answer the question of this poor monk!"


    Xiao Yi replied, "The journey of life is so very long, isn''t it? Obstacles and obstructors are bound to be encountered. Kick them aside and continue on one''s way; that''s what one does!"


    "What if they are persistent and refuse to let go?"


    "Then kill them!"


    Amitabha!


    Monk Dao Yuan brought his palms together, shook his head, and let out a light sigh, "Xiao, you have committed far too many killings. Better to join this poor monk in traveling to the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple to study the Buddhist Law and transform the malignant energy within you. Otherwise, you may someday be corrupted by it and become a calamitous devil to the human world!"


    "Study the Buddhist Law? I have no fate with your Buddha. Monk, please step aside!" Xiao Yi said with a frown.


    "Xiao, you do have a fate with Buddha. I am willing to convert you with Buddhist teachings, come with this poor monk!"


    Monk Dao Yuan brought his palms together, chanting the Buddha''s name, as Buddhist chants flowed from his mouth. They were like thunder shaking the heavens, as well as Sanskrit enchanting one''s surroundings, possessing the power to mesmerize and bewilder.


    Those of weak will might find their minds collapsing under its influence, easily swayed this way and that.


    Xiao Yi''s body shuddered, shaking off the influence of the Buddha''s chant and speaking with an icy face, "Monk Dao Yuan, I have no fate with your Buddha. I ask you to let me pass!"


    "Amitabha... Xiao, the Evil Qi within you is too strong. If not converted by Buddhist Law, you will fall into a devil''s role, bringing calamity to the human world, still..." Monk Dao Yuan continued with a face of righteousness.


    "Bullshit!"


    Xiao Yi snorted coldly, scoffing, "Devil? Do not say that I cannot become a devil, even if there comes a day that I do, I will make sure there are no Buddhas in this world! Little monk, your Buddha cannot convert me!"


    "If you remain so unenlightened, this poor monk has no choice but to act on heaven''s behalf!" Monk Dao Yuan brought his palms together and bowed deeply to Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi was momentarily startled and was about to speak when his expression suddenly changed.


    He saw that the bowing figure of Monk Dao Yuan suddenly became blurry, it was only an afterimage.


    "Buddha saves all living beings!"


    Dal Yuan''s voice came from above, as a golden palm imbued with Buddha''s light descended from the heavens, aiming straight for Xiao Yi''s head.


    Is this really Buddha saving all living beings?


    It''s more like sending someone to the Western Paradise!


    A cold light flickered in Xiao Yi''s eyes, his legs kicked against the stirrups, and his body soared into the air, while his fist smashed into the void, "Vajra Vanquishing Demons!"


    Boom! Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Fist and palm collided, the thunderous noise was deafening.


    Wow!


    Monk Dao Yuan spat out blood and flew backward, while Xiao Yi gracefully landed back onto his horse, squinting his eyes and scrutinizing Dao Yuan, "Monk, we have no grudge or grievance. Why did you stop me?"


    Amitabha!


    Monk Dao Yuan brought his palms together, his face full of regret, "No wonder you were able to kill Zhuge Shuangdao; you truly possess some skill!"


    "You''ve come to avenge Zhuge Shuangdao?" Xiao Yi asked, narrowing his eyes.


    Monk Dao Yuan shook his head and spoke with justified words, "This poor monk is only here to convert a devil. It''s a pity that my skills are not sophisticated, and my Buddhist teachings are not deep enough to match you. It seems today''s attempt at converting you has failed. However, I believe we will meet again soon. At that time, this poor monk will surely convert you with Buddhist teachings properly!"


    Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!


    Monk Dao Yuan vanished from sight in a whiff of smoke.


    Xiao Yi: "..."


    So this guy had come for Zhuge Shuangdao?


    Shaking his head.


    Xiao Yi did not think further and rode his steed, dashing towards the royal capital.


    After Xiao Yi had left, Monk Dao Yuan''s figure sprang out from the bushes, watching the direction of his departure and suddenly vomiting a mouthful of fresh blood.


    Squinting his eyes, there was no longer the solemnity of reciting Buddha''s name, but rather a chill so cold it seared, "Brother Ge, it seems I alone am insufficient to avenge you. But rest assured, I''ve already contacted several senior brothers. With them taking action, we will surely kill this devil to accompany you in death!"

 Chapter 74 - 74 What are you pretending to be?

    The entrance to the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy.


    Yet, here it was crowded with people, strong warriors from all over had gathered, each wearing a look of schadenfreude as they gazed upon the gates of the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy.


    At the very front of the crowd¡­


    A pitch-black stele stood there, with four bright red characters inscribed on it¡ª¡ªDisgrace of Tianqing!


    As the name suggests.


    These four characters were a clear indication that the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy was considered a disgrace to the Tianqing Kingdom!


    Around the stele sat a group of strong men, each with a longsword on their back, dressed in garments whiter than snow, and possessing an extraordinary handsome appearance.


    Each one of them radiated a sharp Sword Qi that pierced the heavens.


    All of them were strong warriors above the Shentong Realm.


    In the forefront of these warriors in white, a young man held in his hand a three-foot green peak, his face cold as frost, his eyebrows covered in a layer of white chill, standing tall like an ancient pine, exuding an icy Sword Intent aura.


    However, this aura of Sword Intent wasn''t particularly strong, it was intermittent, merely the condensation of a Sword Intent seed.


    In front of him¡­


    Fang Qingzhu''s complexion was pale, with a thread of blood spilling from the corner of her mouth, her right sleeve soaked with blood dripped onto her Purple Dragon Whip, sliding down along the patterns of the whip onto the ground.


    Niu Dali and the four brothers from the Shi Family were all ashen-faced, suffering heavy injuries.


    "Hmph, is this all the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy can muster? Truly the disgrace of the Tianqing Kingdom, in my opinion you should take down the signboard of the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy!" The cold voice came from the young man.


    He was Huang Zijian of Mingjian Manor''s four great swordsmen, with Tenth Level of Shentong Realm Cultivation, having grasped the seed of Sword Intent, and ranking twenty-second on the Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List.


    Fang Qingzhu''s face was frosty, and she coldly said, "I have not lost yet!"


    "Not lost? Hmph, had it not been for the fact that you are a woman, that sword just now would have taken your life!"


    Huang Zijian sneered, his gaze turning to look at Niu Dali and the others, "I advise you to hand over that Xiao Yi to my Mingjian Manor quickly! That thief dared to steal the famous swords from the sword tomb of my Mingjian Manor, if he doesn''t die, my Mingjian Manor and your Tianqi Martial Arts Academy will never rest!"


    Shi Yaoqian spurted blood out of his mouth, his face weak, "I''ve said Xiao Yi is not in the academy..."


    Niu Dali said in a muffled voice like thunder, "If our boss were here, you dogs of Sword Mountain Manor would have been slashed by him long ago..."


    "Hahaha, slashed by him? That''s just a fool''s dream. My Mingjian Manor is proficient in swordsmithing and even more skilled in swordsmanship. If that Xiao Yi you speak of were to compete in swords with me, I would take his life within three moves!" Huang Zijian declared arrogantly.


    Fang Qingzhu said, "Your strength is not far from that of Zhuge Shuangdao. Even he became a ghost under brother Xiao Yi''s sword. If you were to face brother Xiao Yi, it would be you who falls within three moves!"


    "Hmm?"


    Huang Zijian''s pupils slightly contracted, and he snorted coldly, "My Sword Mountain Manor blocks the front door of your Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, yet that Xiao Yi is hiding like a turtle with its head withdrawn, not even daring to show his face. And you say I am not his match?"


    Fang Qingzhu said proudly, "You are not even qualified to carry Xiao Yi''s shoes!"


    "You''re courting death!"


    With a cold huff, Huang Zijian raised his hand and swung out a sword.


    The silver sword wind cut through the ground, slashing straight at Fang Qingzhu.


    The Purple Dragon Whip in Fang Qingzhu''s hand seemed to come alive, snapping out with a crack, but it was repelled by the sharp edge of the sword, forcing Fang Qingzhu to stagger a few steps backwards.


    Huang Zijian stepped forward, reaching Fang Qingzhu in an instant, with the edge of his sword thrusting straight at her heart.


    If this sword struck, Fang Qingzhu was bound to die without a doubt!


    It was at this critical moment.


    A figure stepped through the void and appeared above Huang Zijian in an instant, only to stomp down with one foot. With a loud thud, Huang Zijian''s head was brutally slammed onto the ground.


    Thud!


    Huang Zijian''s head heavily hit the ground.


    The comer wrapped an arm around Fang Qingzhu''s waist and, with a few leaps, landed steadily in front of the main gate of the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy.


    Fang Qingzhu recognized the person and her face lit up with joy, "Brother Xiao Yi?"


    Xiao Yi glanced at Fang Qingzhu''s bleeding hand, and said with a deep voice, "Sorry, I''m late!"


    Fang Qingzhu pursed her lips and shook her head.


    Xiao Yi''s gaze swept over Niu Dali, the four brothers of the Shi Family, each one of them severely injured, he frowned and said, "Where are Jiang Tai and Gu Junhe?"


    His voice already carried a hint of ice-cold fury.


    People from Sword Mountain Manor had fought right up to our doorstep, yet these two hadn''t shown themselves at all?


    If either of them had appeared, Sword Mountain Manor would never have dared to be so arrogant.


    Niu Dali gave a bitter smile. "The head left two months ago, and Brother Jiang went to the northern borders half a month ago, it will still be several days before he returns..."


    Xiao Yi''s eyebrows were tightly knitted.


    Only then did he recall the opening of the secret realm for those in the Tao Tribulation Realm, which Gu Junhe had entered.


    As for Jiang Tai...


    Since he had gone to the northern borders, naturally, he couldn''t be blamed either.


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath and looked at Fang Qingzhu and Niu Dali and the others. "How are the injuries?"


    Fang Qingzhu shook his head. "They''re just superficial!"


    Niu Dali: "A few broken bones."


    The four brothers of the Shi Family also spoke up, each one of them seriously injured.


    Xiao Yi nodded, and as he turned around, Huang Zijian was already getting up again, his face swollen and bruised, with two lines of blood flowing from his nostrils down to his upper lip, glaring at Xiao Yi with a face full of resentment: "You bastard, you..."


    Xiao Yi turned a deaf ear and looked at Fang Qingzhu. "Did he cause your injuries?"


    Fang Qingzhu subconsciously nodded.


    "Wait for me a moment!"


    Xiao Yi leaped into action.


    Without the crowd hearing any noise, they saw Huang Zijian suddenly flying backward, landing on the ground with a bang, a footprint-shaped crater deeply indented in his chest.


    Almost his entire chest was crushed.


    One kick, instant kill!


    Hiss!


    The strong onlookers were all dumbfounded with disbelief, "How is this possible?"


    "Huang Zijian of the Divine Power Realm Tenth Layer, who had grasped the seed of Sword Intent, was instantly killed by a single move?"


    The most shocked were the strong from Sword Mountain Manor.


    The young man seated before the black stele, who had kept his eyes closed the whole time, opened them, his eyes bright like stars and radiating cold light, he stared fixedly at Xiao Yi and articulated with a pause between each word, "You, shouldn''t have killed him!"


    "So what if I did?" Xiao Yi replied casually.


    The young man said, "Send him to his grave!"


    Xiao Yi asked, "By yourself?"


    "Yes, just by myself!"


    The young man paused then slowly raised his finger, pointing one by one at Fang Qingzhu, Niu Dali, and the four brothers of the Shi Family, and slowly said, "Not just you, them as well, and the families behind you all, must accompany Huang Zijian in burial!"


    Xiao Yi touched his nose and said, "Exterminate my family? The Xiao Family of the Great Qian Dynasty, please feel free!"


    The young man: "¡­"


    Xiao Yi urged, "Don''t be polite, really, I wish you would immediately exterminate the Xiao Family!"


    The young man''s face turned green.


    The Xiao Family of the Great Qian Dynasty, they were a much more powerful presence than the entire Tianqing Kingdom, asking him to exterminate the Xiao Family?


    Wasn''t that a death wish?


    "Why so silent? Can''t do it? Or don''t dare?" Xiao Yi''s face was full of mockery.


    The young man''s face was as black as charcoal.


    Xiao Yi sighed, "If you can''t handle it, why put on an act?"


    S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 75 - 75 Swordsmanship Domination

    "You... you..."


    The young man''s face turned green and red in turns, and he nearly spewed out a mouthful of old blood.


    The previously imposing words had now become a vicious slap to his face.


    A slap that left his cheek burning!


    He was the third ranked Jian Yi of the Mingjian Manor, having reached the Peak of the Shentong Realm, just one step away from the Golden Core Realm.


    Nature had endowed him with a Sword Bone. It was said that the secret technique he practiced used his own spine as the sword embryo, solidifying his backbone.


    The Sword Bone fused with his body.


    It gave him a power comparable to the first stage of Sword Intent, the Sword Heart Enlightenment, allowing him to¡ªdespite being at the Peak of the Shentong Realm¡ªcontend with ordinary warriors at the First Layer of the Golden Core Realm.


    But even so...


    He could absolutely not afford to ignore the Xiao Family!


    Not to mention that the Xiao Family was the hottest family in the Great Qian Dynasty, with countless strong individuals flocking under their banner, just the three words ''Xiao Tianjiao'' alone were enough to bring despair to many powerful figures.


    Not to mention him...


    Even if all the strong warriors of the Tianqing Kingdom were to join forces, they would not be a match for Xiao Tianjiao alone!


    Behind Jian Yi, a cultivator at the Third Layer of the Shentong Realm sneered coldly, "Xiao Yi, stop pulling the tiger''s beard. Who doesn''t know that you''ve been kicked out by the Xiao Family? You''re just a discarded pawn of the Xiao Family, you..."


    Before he could finish speaking.


    He suddenly found he couldn''t make a sound, desperately opening his mouth only for blood to spurt out.


    Thud!


    A head fell from its neck to the ground.


    Eyes wide open with disbelief.


    Hisss!


    Everyone couldn''t help but take a sharp breath, their horrified gazes fixed on Xiao Yi, their eyes filled with disbelief: "Did anyone clearly see what just happened?"


    "Good, it seemed like Xiao Yi made a move, such a fast sword..."


    Jian Yi''s face grew even darker, his eyes narrowed into a sliver, sharp glints shot out of those narrow gaps, staring fixedly at Xiao Yi: "No wonder that sword in the Sword Tomb acknowledged you as its master, your mastery of swordsmanship is indeed remarkable. I just wonder, how many of my swords can you take?"


    Hum!


    Jian Yi lightly flicked his fingers, and the jade-encrusted longsword at his waist was drawn from its sheath.


    Suspended between his palm.


    The sharp edge, cold Sword Qi, raised a gust of violent wind, scraping across faces like knives cutting against their skin.


    "Mingjian Manor''s four great Jian Yi have been famous for a long time, especially this Jian Yi, who was already within the top twenty on the Flying Tigers List three years ago. This time he takes action, I''m afraid Xiao Yi is doomed to lose!"


    "How many swords do you think Jian Yi needs to kill Xiao Yi?"


    "Within three swords, I guess!"


    Clang!


    Jian Yi flicked the jade-encrusted longsword in his hand, looking coldly at Xiao Yi: "Bring out that sword you got from the Sword Tomb, otherwise you won''t even be able to take one of my swords!"


    What he held was one of the top ten famous swords, the Fourth-layer Yuan Weapon Thunder Sword, forged from Thunderous Mysterious Steel, with a natural thunder paralysis effect. Coupled with his Sword Bone enhancing his sword moves and speed, it boosted his combat power by more than thirty percent!


    In his view...


    Unless Xiao Yi used that fifth-rank Yuan Weapon, he would stand no chance against him.


    Xiao Yi walked in front of Fang Qingzhu, gently smoothed her disheveled hair, took a silver hairpin from the top of her head, and said with a light chuckle, "I''ll be back in no time!"


    "Mhm!"


    Fang Qingzhu squinted her eyes and nodded obediently.


    Xiao Yi, holding the hairpin, walked up to Jian Yi, waving it with a swooshing sound and beckoned to Jian Yi: "Come on!"


    "..."


    Jian Yi''s face turned green, staring intently at Xiao Yi with clenched teeth, "Xiao Yi, are you humiliating me?"


    "You''ve misunderstood!"


    Xiao Yi shook his head, an innocent look on his face, "If it were humiliation, then what I''d have in my hand would be a stick!"


    Jian Yi shuddered.


    A stick?


    This wasn''t just humiliation; this was utter disregard!


    Jian Yi''s complexion grew so dark it seemed it could drip moisture, his fingers around the longsword turned green with strain, and with a venomous face said, "I''ll chop off your head, sever your limbs, and cut you to pieces to feed the dogs!"


    Boom!


    The Mysterious Sword plunged towards him, moving as fast as an arrow released from a bowstring, leaving behind only a trail of afterimages where he once was. Even as the afterimages overlapped without fading, a golden sword gleam had already appeared in front of Xiao Yi.


    "One of the four great sword techniques of Mingjian Manor, the ''Thunderous Lightning Sword Skill,'' and this technique places utmost emphasis on speed!"


    "With his spine as his sword and the art refined into his bones, the Mysterious Sword is on par with those who have mastered Sword Intent. Coupled with the profound intricacies of the ''Thunderous Lightning Sword Skill,'' Xiao Yi stands no chance against him!"


    Within the crowd, a middle-aged man donning a wide-brimmed hat and Embracing a sword confidently declared, "The outcome was decided the moment Xiao Yi chose his weapon! The fight will be over in one strike!"


    The crowd turned to look at the man, all exclaiming in awe, "That''s the renowned Rain Listening Swordsman, Xue Ming; he is a master of swordcraft said to have grasped the power of Sword Intent!"


    "If even he says Xiao Yi is bound to lose, then there is no suspense about the outcome of this battle!"


    Rain Listening Swordsman Xue Ming.


    A Loose Cultivator and an expert with the sword.


    With the cultivation of the Second Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm and command over Sword Intent, his combat power is no weaker than that of an average practitioner of the Four Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm.


    His attainments in the way of the sword are publicly acknowledged as those of a grandmaster.


    However...


    Beneath the onslaught of that lightning-fast fierce sword play, Xiao Yi, with a mere hairpin in hand, simply leaped aside, narrowly avoiding each strike.


    The golden sword gleam whooshed past, nearly grazing the clothes on his chest.


    Just one more inch, and it would have pierced his chest and shattered his viscera.


    "Wasn''t it said the fight would be resolved in one strike?"


    Everyone turned to look at Xue Ming as Xue Ming blandly responded, "He just got lucky!"


    The second strike followed close behind, also dodged by Xiao Yi.


    Xue Ming frowned deeply, "The Mysterious Sword is holding back; he must be trying to humiliate Xiao Yi!"


    The crowd suddenly understood, "So that''s how it is!"


    Then...


    The third strike.


    The fourth strike...


    After more than a dozen strikes, the Mysterious Sword was drenched in sweat, whereas Xiao Yi remained graceful, effortlessly crushing the formidable sword strikes with a slight force from his hairpin.


    "Avoiding over a dozen strikes and shattering four with a hairpin, all by chance?"


    "Did the Mysterious Sword hold back with each of these strikes?"


    "Just who is humiliating whom here?"


    The staring crowd made Xue Ming squirm uncomfortably, his forehead slick with sweat as he said in frustration, "What are you all staring at me for? I''m not a damn fortune-teller; how could I know this kid''s sword skill would completely overpower the Mysterious Sword, making his sword seem as feeble as a child''s in comparison..."


    That''s right!


    Just as Xue Ming said...


    Xiao Yi''s swordsmanship totally overwhelmed the Mysterious Sword.


    No matter how the Mysterious Sword varied his attacks, he couldn''t escape Xiao Yi''s control, as if a hand that covered the sky was obstructing everything.


    Xiao Yi utterly toyed with the Mysterious Sword as if he were clapping his hands in amusement.


    Xue Ming saw it, and everyone else did too.


    The Mysterious Sword was clearly aware of this as well!


    He was drenched with cold sweat, having exceeded his best performance today, yet he still could not breach the defense of Xiao Yi''s hairpin. The Mysterious Sword stared fiercely and yelled, "I''m going all in against you!"


    Buzz!


    From his spine, a world-shaking sword shadow coalesced, and his body merged with his sword.


    This was the Mysterious Sword''s Innate Divine Ability, the integration of Sword and Bone!


    Whoosh!


    Both sword speed and might increased by fifty percent.


    A deadly strike headed straight for Xiao Yi.


    In the face of this swift strike, Xiao Yi''s expression of indifference vanished, and his Innate Divine Ability transformed, becoming one with his hairpin, as he pointed his sword: "Wicked Python Entwines the Tree!" S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Whoosh!


    The sword took an unpredictable course!


    The two passed by each other.


    Xiao Yi, holding his hairpin, gently flicked it, and a drop of blood fell to the ground.


    Behind him...


    The Mysterious Sword''s form softened, and with a thud, he fell to the ground, a spot of red gleaming bloodily on his forehead...

 Chapter 76 - 76: Winning People Over with Virtue

    ```


    Hiss!


    The death of Mysterious Sword left everyone agape and dumbfounded.


    Before this¡­


    Almost no one believed Xiao Yi could have the last laugh, especially after Rain Listening Swordsman Xue Ming''s solemn prediction, everyone was convinced that Xiao Yi''s death was certain.


    The outcome, however,


    was a harsh slap in the face for everyone.


    Xue Ming, in particular, had his face figuratively swollen from the slap.


    His face was filled with cold rage as he glared venomously at Xiao Yi, "You dog-like thing, if it were not for you, how could Xue be so humiliated?"


    But he dared not act now.


    This was, after all, the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, and the Sword Mountain Manor with a Seventh Layer Golden Core Realm master at its helm, as well as the backing of the royal family, naturally didn''t fear the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy.


    But he could not afford to be reckless...


    He was but a Loose Cultivator.


    If he dared to kill Xiao Yi in public, he would inevitably face retribution from the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, and he could only bury this grudge deep in his heart.


    Xiao Yi, of course, had no idea why Xue Ming was targeting him out of the blue.


    His gaze turned to the people of Sword Mountain Manor, the thirty-or-so strong men of Sword Mountain Manor seemed to freeze under Xiao Yi''s stare, cold sweat dripping down, "You, you, what are you going to do?"


    "We, we are from Sword Mountain Manor, I... "


    Thud!


    Thud!


    Thud!


    Every strike from Xiao Yi''s hairpin took the life of a Sword Mountain Manor strongman, leaving only four trembling and kneeling on the ground, shivering, "Please spare us! Xiao, please spare us!"


    Xiao Yi looked at the four indifferently as the hairpin danced on the stele like a dragon or snake.


    Clang, clang, clang! S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The sound of metal on metal rang out, sparks flying.


    To the left of ''Tianlan''s Shame,'' four more characters were added¡ªSword Mountain Manor!


    "Sword Mountain Manor, Tianlan''s Shame!"


    "This is a declaration of a fight to the death with Sword Mountain Manor..."


    Everyone couldn''t help but inhale sharply.


    Xiao Yi''s gaze was indifferent as he looked at the four and said, "If you don''t want to die, carry it into the city from the Vermilion Bird Gate, and go around the city three times. Otherwise, this will be your fate!"


    The four glanced at the corpses strewn haphazardly around them, shuddered, and turned deathly pale.


    After exchanging looks,


    the four gritted their teeth and said, "We, we will carry it!"


    Xiao Yi glanced at the Shi Family four brothers and said, "Shi Yaoqian, you and your brothers follow them. If they dare to deceive me in any way, inform me immediately!"


    "Don''t worry, big brother!"


    "We four brothers will definitely not let them skip a single step!"


    The Shi Family four brothers had previously been viciously beaten by the strongmen of Sword Mountain Manor and now they had finally found an opportunity for revenge, they used all their might.


    Niu Dali was eager to try, "Big brother, what about me?"


    Xiao Yi asked, "Are your injuries no problem?"


    This guy was covered in sword wounds, most of his clothes soaked red with blood, yet he was still full of vigor, "Keeping an eye on them will be no problem!"


    "Then go with them," Xiao Yi waved his hand.


    Niu Dali and the Shi Family four brothers, excited, drove the four strongmen of Sword Mountain Manor as they carried the stele inscribed with ''Sword Mountain Manor, Tianlan''s Shame'' and rushed madly toward the capital.


    It was not hard to imagine...


    After this event.


    Sword Mountain Manor would inevitably be utterly disgraced, and the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy and Sword Mountain Manor would fully tear their faces apart, as incompatible as fire and water.


    As the instigator, Xiao Yi was indifferent to all this.


    His eyes swept over the crowd, and he said lightly, "The excitement is over, everyone can disperse now!"


    The crowd scattered in a commotion.


    Daring not to linger.


    ```


    This was the fierce man who killed two Swordsmen of Mingjian Manor with just a flick of his wrist, who would dare to provoke him?


    Xiao Yi returned to Fang Qingzhu''s side and smiled, "The hairpin is stained with blood, I''ll buy you a new one later!"


    "No!"


    Fang Qingzhu took the hairpin back from Xiao Yi''s hand and wore it on her head, smiling as she said, "This hairpin was used by brother Xiao Yi, I have to keep it!"


    Xiao Yi, with no choice, lightly scratched her nose and smiled, "Suit yourself!" Then noticing the bloodstains on her arm, he frowned, "Let''s go inside and bandage that up!"


    "It''s unnecessary, it''s just a superficial wound..." Fang Qingzhu weakly said.


    Xiao Yi, with a stern face, said, "When I say you need a bandage, you need a bandage!"


    He took Fang Qingzhu''s hand and walked toward the Tianqi Martial Arts Institute.


    Fang Qingzhu, looking at Xiao Yi''s retreating back, slightly raised the corners of her mouth...


    ¡­


    The next day.


    After fermenting overnight, the news that two great Swordsmen of Mingjian Manor had fallen at Tianqi Martial Arts Academy had already spread throughout the entire capital.


    The name Xiao Yi had become the talk of the town.


    He was even regarded by some as the foremost among the younger generation.


    As the foremost under the Golden Core Realm and so forth!


    As for these empty honors, Xiao Yi did not take them to heart. Instead, it was the return of Jiang Tai and Gu Junhe to Tianqi Martial Arts Academy that he found more interesting.


    "Headmaster!"


    The crowd gathered in the main hall, all turning their eyes toward the head of the table, where Gu Junhe sat holding a wine gourd.


    Gu Junhe took a swig of wine, glanced lazily at Xiao Yi, "You did well with Mingjian Manor''s affair..." He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone, "You all did well too, and didn''t disgrace our Tianqi Martial Arts Academy!"


    The crowd wore looks of pride.


    "Aside from Xiao Yi and Jiang Tai, everyone else will start cultivating with me from tomorrow!" Gu Junhe took another gulp from his wine gourd and said indifferently, "Xiao Yi and Jiang Tai stay behind, the rest of you may leave!"


    Only three people remained in the hall.


    Gu Junhe put away his wine gourd and looked intently at Xiao Yi, "Do you know why I have kept the two of you?"


    Xiao Yi said, "Is it about the secret realm?"


    Gu Junhe nodded and said, "That secret realm is surprisingly vast, and the gains exceed expectations. We''ve decided to open the secret realm in ten days for you juniors to enter. However, they''re only willing to give Tianqi Martial Arts Academy one spot, so which of you two will go?"


    Jiang Tai said from the side, "Headmaster, please give it to Xiao. I can secure a spot from the king!"


    Gu Junhe looked at Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes and asked, "How many spots do the other parties have?"


    Gu Junhe''s eyes brightened as he glanced at Jiang Tai.


    Jiang Tai said gravely, "The royal family has twenty spots, the Royal Martial Arts Academy has twenty spots, Nine Profound Sect and the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple have ten spots each, Mingjian Manor has four, and the Loose Cultivators have ten. Additionally, Purple Robe Kingdom from the north has nine spots, and Tianlan Kingdom to the west has ten..."


    Xiao Yi asked, "Why does our Tianqi Martial Arts Academy only have one spot?"


    Although Tianqi Martial Arts Academy had fallen, with Gu Junhe''s strength, getting a few more spots shouldn''t be a problem!


    Jiang Tai said with a wry smile, "The Headmaster originally secured five spots for us, but they were suppressed by Zhou Yuan, the head of the Royal Martial Arts Academy, in alliance with Nine Profound Sect and the Master of Mingjian Manor. The one spot we have is I got from Purple Robe Kingdom..."


    He had gone to the northern border precisely to secure that spot.


    Xiao Yi squinted his eyes, staring at Gu Junhe, and revealed a bright smile, "Brother Jiang, you should take this spot!"


    Jiang Tai asked, "What about you?"


    Xiao Yi stretched himself and smiled, "The Royal Martial Arts Academy, Nine Profound Sect, Mingjian Manor... they all have quite a few spots, don''t they? When the time comes, I''ll just make one of them give me a spot!"


    Jiang Tai rolled his eyes, "Give?"


    He had paid a hefty sum of over a hundred million silvers to get that one spot from Purple Robe Kingdom.


    How could they simply give it away?


    Xiao Yi said, "If they don''t, then I''ll fight until they do! But I am a reasonable person, I''ll try to prevail with virtue!"


    Jiang Tai twitched the corner of his eye: "..."


    However, Gu Junhe just laughed heartily, with a casual wave, a jade box fell into Xiao Yi''s hand. He said with a beaming smile, "You''re right, we should prevail with virtue. Here is a Bodhi Vermilion Fruit ¡ª ten days should be enough to assimilate it. To argue, you must have a strong fist!"


    "Thank you, Headmaster!"


    Xiao Yi smiled slightly.


    Jiang Tai glanced back and forth between them, feeling powerless as he massaged his forehead: "..."

 Chapter 77 - 77: Trade With Your Life!

    Ten days passed in the blink of an eye.


    Outside the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy.


    Gu Junhe and Jiang Tai had already been waiting here, with the Cangyun Eagle obediently standing by their side, its massive head occasionally bowing to straighten its iron-like sturdy feathers with its beak that could shatter gold and stone.


    Xiao Yi emerged from the Martial Arts Institute, looking spirited, with an increasingly thick aura about him.


    Gu Junhe''s eyes brightened as he nodded and said, "It seems that the Bodhi Vermilion Fruit was not wasted!"


    Xiao Yi cupped his fists towards him, "Thanks, Dean!"


    "Don''t thank me!"


    Gu Junhe said indifferently, "That Bodhi Vermilion Fruit was not a gift; when you come back from the secret realm, you owe me two, principal and interest!"


    Xiao Yi: "..."


    Jiang Tai struggled to hold back his laughter and saluted Xiao Yi, "Congratulations, Xiao, on taking another step further. I''m afraid once you return from the secret realm this time, you might attempt to break through to the Golden Core Realm!"


    The Golden Core Realm.


    A transformative realm that sets one apart from ordinary people.


    Upon reaching the Golden Core, one''s longevity increases by a century.


    Like a celestial among men!


    Xiao Yi glanced at him and said irritably, "Brother, you are at the Seventh Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm; are you mocking me?"


    "Hahaha, Brother Xiao, you jest!" Jiang Tai quickly shook his head.


    He knew well that Xiao Yi had gone from having no cultivation base to the Divine Power Realm Tenth Layer in just half a year.


    And what about himself?


    He had the endless resources of the Tianqing Kingdom''s royal family since he was young, which was the only reason he had achieved what he had today.


    "Stop flattering each other!"


    Gu Junhe took a swig of alcohol and looked at the two, saying, "Remember, inside the secret realm, you brothers need to support each other. Especially you, Jiang Tai, you must protect Xiao Yi!"


    Jiang Tai responded solemnly, "Dean, rest assured, I will definitely keep Xiao safe!"


    Gu Junhe nodded, his expression strange as he said, "Xiao Yi, you''ve offended quite a few people. In these ten days, apart from Mingjian Manor, the Royal Martial Arts Academy, the Nine Profound Sect, and the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple have all sent word that they want you buried in the secret realm. Be extra cautious!"


    Xiao Yi wondered, "Dean, I''ve never met anyone from the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple. Ten days ago, when I returned from Iron Mountain City, a monk named Dao Yuan ambushed me on the way. And now, they want me dead in the secret realm, why is this?"


    Gu Junhe''s expression remained strange.


    Jiang Tai said with a wry smile, "Brother Xiao, you may not know this, but before Dao Yuan became a monk, his name was Zhuge Shuangqiang, the elder brother of Zhuge Shuangdao!"


    "Outside the secret realm, I have the power to keep them from harming you. But once inside, you must be extremely careful, particularly of Mingjian Manor''s Heaven and Earth Swords, and the Royal Martial Arts Academy''s..."


    Gu Junhe had the two of them board the Cangyun Eagle and then seemed to think, apart from Jiang Tai, everyone seemed to have a grudge against Xiao Yi; he could only wave his hand helplessly, "Forget it, forget it, you''ve made too many enemies, lad. Just try your luck!"


    Xiao Yi: "..."


    ......


    Above the high skies.


    Layers of white clouds and a piercingly cold wind made the mountains and rivers below seem extremely tiny.


    The Cangyun Eagle soared high, shuttleing between clouds, its wings stirring up trails of white clouds, leaving behind a few hundred meters long trail of flight.


    Gu Junhe sat cross-legged on the Cangyun Eagle and said in a deep voice, "This secret realm is the tomb of a Scattered Cultivator from the Tribulation Realm. Zhou Yuan and I have spent two months exploring it and have cleared most of the obstacles. Still, numerous dangers remain, and there are also great opportunities. Don''t underestimate the chance this time offers, both of you!"


    "Dean, rest assured, Xiao and I will do our utmost!" Jiang Tai hesitated for a moment before saying, "It''s just that Xiao''s spot..."


    Gu Junhe also looked at Xiao Yi, "Have you thought it over? Are you sure you don''t want to give your spot to him?"


    Xiao Yi shook his head, "No need!"


    Gu Junhe nodded, his calm voice carrying an undeniable sense of firmness and authority, "What I can guarantee is that the older generation won''t make a move!"


    "That''s enough for me!"


    Xiao Yi revealed a smile.


    About half a day later...


    The Cangyun Eagle descended in altitude, diving towards a mountain range below; Jiang Tai said in a grave tone, "This secret realm lies within the Three Seas Mountain, at the border of the Tianqing, Zishan, and Tianlan kingdoms. The entrance has barriers set up by several heads of the Golden Elixir Realm Peak, which even Golden Core Realm experts wouldn''t hope to forcefully enter!"


    As he was speaking.


    A whooshing sound suddenly came from not far away, and three Swift Wind Geese appeared, swiftly closing in on the Cangyun Eagle. A loud laugh emanated from the back of one of the Swift Wind Geese, "Hahaha, Gu Junhe, I didn''t expect Tianqi Martial Arts Academy to have fallen so far? You only brought two people with you?"


    The Swift Wind Geese drew closer, and Xiao Yi could see the figures on their backs.


    The leader was a middle-aged man with a black eyepatch over his left eye and a centipede-like scar gruesomely bisecting his face, with an aura not much weaker than Gu Junhe''s.


    On the backs of the other two Swift Wind Geese sat five young elites each.


    All of them radiant and vigorous.


    They were young masters of their generation.


    Jiang Tai said in a deep voice, "These are people from Tianlan Kingdom. The man in the lead is General Wu Yu, the commander of the three armies of Tianlan Kingdom. Our Tianqing Kingdom is in a constant state of war with Tianlan Kingdom; they are our sworn enemies. We must be extra careful when dealing with them!"


    Xiao Yi nodded.


    Gu Junhe looked indifferently at Wu Yu and sneered, "The quality of soldiers is more important than their quantity! These two disciples of mine are much stronger than the trash under your command!"


    Wu Yu''s expression darkened. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Jiang Tai, a super genius in the top three of Tianqing Kingdom''s Teng Long List, was so strong that not many in Tianlan Kingdom could contend with him.


    Atop the Swift Wind Geese.


    A young man, his muscles heavy and clearly defined as if chiseled, sneered, "Jiang Tai is indeed strong, but what about the one with him? Just the Divine Power Realm Tenth Layer. I, Niu Ben, could smash him to death with one punch!"


    Jiang Tai whispered, "This man''s name is Niu Ben, third on Tianlan Kingdom''s Feihu List, at the First Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm..."


    Xiao Yi uttered an ''oh'' and didn''t take it to heart.


    First Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm?


    When he was at the Ninth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, he could already slay strong people of this level.


    Now...


    After consuming the Bodhi Vermilion Fruit, he had reached the Divine Power Realm Tenth Layer, and he could even kill someone at the Second Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm. Why should he fear him?


    Xiao Yi looked toward Niu Ben and called out, "Niu Ben, right? Let''s discuss something!"


    "Hmm?"


    Niu Ben was taken aback.


    Xiao Yi said, "Give me your spot, will you?"


    "Hmm?"


    Niu Ben was completely dumbfounded, his face showing his confusion, "Why should I give my spot to you?"


    Xiao Yi replied, "Don''t rush to refuse. I''ll trade with you using something!"


    "What thing?" Niu Ben frowned.


    Xiao Yi spoke earnestly, "Your life in exchange! Give me your spot, and I won''t kill you!"


    Niu Ben: "..."


    Everyone: "..."


    A twitch appeared by Jiang Tai''s eye, is this how you reason with others? What happened to convincing people with virtue?


    Niu Ben burst out laughing in anger, "Are you an idiot? Do you think you can kill me? Like a dog, I''ll be the first to kill you once we''re on the ground!"


    Xiao Yi sighed, "I''m reasoning with you, and you call me an idiot? And you want to kill me?"


    "I''m indeed calling you an idiot, what can you do about it?" Niu Ben glared with his large eyes, and his smirk was incessant.


    Wu Yu, who was sitting on the first Swift Wind Goose, also wore a peculiar expression. He was about to speak when his face suddenly changed, and he exclaimed, "Be careful!"


    As his voice fell,


    Xiao Yi''s figure leaped up and landed behind Niu Ben, a flash of cold light swept from his fingertips. Leaping again, he landed back on the Cangyun Eagle.


    Xiao Yi patted his hands, looking at Gu Junhe, "Dean, does this mean we have an extra spot now?"


    Gu Junhe was silent for a moment, then nodded, "Hmm."


    Almost simultaneously...


    A stream of blood spurted from Niu Ben''s neck with a ''puff'', and his robust body fell from the back of the Swift Wind Geese, disappearing into the vast forest.


    In mid-air, there was silence...

 Chapter 78 - 78 In the Name of Zhou

    In the middle of the sky, there was a deathly silence.


    It wasn''t until Niu Ben''s corpse smashed into the forest below, emitting a dull thud, that the deathlike hush was broken.


    "Bastard!"


    Enraged, Wu Yu''s aura, which was at the Tenth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, erupted instantly, shattering a hundred-meter expanse of clouds, his face''s centipede-like scars flushing red, his look growing even more ferocious, "Little beast, your life is forfeit!"


    Hum!


    A golden qi converged into a golden light palm, as huge as a small house, smashing violently toward Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi''s move took everyone by surprise.


    Even Wu Yu did not react in time and could not prevent it.


    After all...


    Who could have imagined that Xiao Yi would dare to leap through the air, hopping between two beasts to strike a killing blow?


    Xiao Yi let out a loud shout, "Principal, go!"


    Gu Junhe stumbled beneath his feet, nearly falling off the back of the Cangyun Eagle, glaring fiercely at Xiao Yi. He waved his hand casually, dissipating the giant palm, his gaze coldly fixed on Wu Yu, "To attack my disciple right in front of me, you''re not taking me, Gu, seriously, are you?"


    "Gu Junhe, your disciple struck first!" Wu Yu retorted angrily.


    Gu Junhe spoke indifferently, "This was merely a transaction. Niu Ben refused to give up his spot, so Xiao Yi took his life. What wrong is there in that? Moreover, it was Niu Ben who first threatened to kill Xiao Yi, so this was self-defense!"


    Wu Yu snapped, "I don''t give a damn, Niu Ben only said he wanted to kill him, did he take any action?"


    Gu Junhe narrowed his eyes, "I''ll lay it out here today, how the younger generation fights is their business. If you dare to strike, I will obliterate you!"


    "You, you..." Wu Yu''s complexion shifted rapidly.


    He was no match for Gu Junhe.


    At that moment...


    On the back of one of the Swift Wind Geese, a young man who had been keeping his eyes closed all along said indifferently, "Why should the Great General be so enraged? Once inside the secret realm, I will personally take his head to commemorate Niu Ben!"


    Jiang Tai looked gravely at the young man, speaking solemnly, "This man is Zhang Tianyi, the champion nominee from the Tianlan Kingdom, at the Eighth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, the second on the Tianlan Dragon Ranking..."


    Xiao Yi nodded calmly, his eyes on Zhang Tianyi taking on a shade of solemnity.


    Taking a deep breath, Wu Yu was clearly influenced by Zhang Tianyi''s words, his resentful gaze fixed on Xiao Yi and the others, he gritted his teeth and said, "Gu Junhe, you''re ruthless! You may protect them for a moment, but you can''t protect them forever. People of the Tianlan Kingdom, listen up, in the secret realm, Xiao Yi is the prime target!"


    "Yes!"


    "Kill Xiao Yi!"


    A crowd of Tianlan Kingdom''s powerhouses roared in fury, their gaze toward Xiao Yi as if looking at a dead body.


    "Let''s go!"


    Wu Yu slapped the Swift Wind Goose, quickening its descent.


    Gu Junhe looked at Xiao Yi with an odd expression, "That was a ruthless move!"


    Jiang Tai also said, "Brother Xiao, you were too impulsive..."


    Before he could finish,


    Gu Junhe interrupted him, "But, well done on the kill!"


    Jiang Tai, "..."


    Gu Junhe spoke lightly, "Jiang Tai, you think Xiao Yi''s killing of Niu Ben was too impulsive?" After seeing Jiang Tai nod, Gu Junhe said with a faint smile, "You underestimate Xiao Yi! He''s not such an impulsive person!"


    Jiang Tai was taken aback.


    Gu Junhe continued, "Is the Tianlan Kingdom on the same path as us?"


    Jiang Tai shuddered, the Tianlan Kingdom was to the west, by all accounts, they should not have crossed paths, "You mean, they were intentionally waiting for us here?"


    Gu Junhe glanced at Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi said evenly, "Tianlan and Tianqing are long-time rivals, and in this secret realm struggle, the Tianqing Kingdom already has an advantage. The Tianlan Kingdom aims to weaken the Tianqing Kingdom''s morale before entering the secret realm. It''s not that easy to act against the Royal Martial Arts Academy or the Nine Profound Sect; the weaker Tianqi Martial Arts Academy is the best target!"


    Gu Junhe nodded, "If it wasn''t for Xiao Yi, they would have targeted you this time!"


    Jiang Tai revealed a grave look.


    He was no match for Zhang Tianyi, and if he, the esteemed seventh prince, were severely wounded or killed by Zhang Tianyi, it would be a tremendous blow to the morale of the Tianqing Kingdom''s people.


    Understanding this, Jiang Tai''s look towards Xiao Yi included a bit more admiration.


    Chirp chirp!


    Cangyun Eagle''s wings shook, and it dived down, landing in a basin within Three Seas Mountain in an instant. At this moment, the basin was already brimming with powerful warriors.


    The Royal family of Tianqing Kingdom, Royal Martial Arts Academy, Nine Profound Sect, Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple, Sword Mountain Manor, and Tianqi Martial Arts Academy; Tianlan Kingdom, Purple Robe Kingdom.


    Warriors from all directions had gathered.


    The arrival of Xiao Yi and his group immediately attracted quite a bit of attention.


    However...


    Apart from the people of Purple Robe Kingdom, the looks that others gave them were filled with hostility.


    Xiao Yi touched his nose, "It seems... we''re not very welcome?"


    Jiang Tai rolled his eyes: And you have the nerve to mention it? Nearly everyone here has been offended by you...


    Gu Junhe said, "I''ll go ahead first. You two behave!" After walking a few steps, Gu Junhe turned back to look at Xiao Yi, "Especially you, don''t cause any trouble for me!"


    Xiao Yi shrugged his shoulders.


    After Gu Junhe left.


    A graceful young girl from Purple Robe Kingdom approached, clad in purple armor, her graceful figure especially striking, with her long purple hair fluttering in the wind, she stared at Xiao Yi, "Are you Xiao Yi?"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback, "And you are?"


    Jiang Tai said, "This is the Fifth Princess of Purple Robe Kingdom, Yue Ling''er." He cupped his fists towards Yue Ling''er, "Ling''er, long time no see. Are your uncle and aunt in good health?"


    Yue Ling''er waved her hand, "With both in the Golden Elixir Realm, do you think their health would be poor?" After a pause, Yue Ling''er blinked, "Cousin, the place you asked of Father for, it was for this kid?"


    Jiang Tai touched his nose, just about to speak.


    Yue Ling''er was already looking at Xiao Yi with disdain, "Kid, I hear you cause trouble everywhere and many are targeting you. How can you be so thick-skinned? If you don''t have the capability, don''t join the fray. You even had my cousin shamelessly ask for a spot on your behalf..."


    Jiang Tai''s expression darkened, "Ling''er, Xiao Yi didn''t ask for that spot!"


    "Ah?"


    Yue Ling''er was stunned, her brows furrowed slightly, "He didn''t ask for the spot?"


    Xiao Yi chuckled, "Princess Ling''er, is it? If I wanted a spot, I would have fought for it myself, not taking the slightest advantage from you all!"


    At that moment.


    A cold voice from Gu Junhe came from not far away, "Zhou Yuan, what do you mean?"


    Zhou Yuan''s proud voice came simultaneously, "No particular meaning. This is the unanimous decision after everyone''s discussion. We can tolerate Jiang Tai borrowing Purple Robe Kingdom''s spot, which is already a huge concession. As for that Xiao Yi... What is he worth?"


    Zhou, the head of Tianqi Martial Arts Academy added, "If it weren''t for Jiang Tai''s slight connection to the royal family of Purple Robe Kingdom, which allowed us to exchange a spot, your Tianqi Martial Arts Institute wouldn''t get a single hair into the secret realm!" The one speaking was the Great Elder of Nine Profound Sect, Jin Sheng, his face showing resentment and pride as he looked at Xiao Yi. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zhuang Bifan, the master of Sword Mountain Manor who carried three longswords, had an indifferent expression, "If, as you said, killing one of them could snatch the other''s spot, then I should just let my Heavenly Son Sword kill a few of them, and my Sword Mountain Manor could send a few more people in, couldn''t it?"


    Wu Yu, full of pride, "Gu Junhe, looks like you''ve capsized in the gutter, huh? Hahaha!"


    Zhou Yuan spoke seriously, "Gu Junhe, you are also an elder among strong warriors, why bother confronting us over a junior of no importance?"


    For a moment...


    Everyone''s gaze was fixed on Xiao Yi.


    The looks contained both schadenfreude and scornful ridicule...


    Yue Ling''er looked at Xiao Yi with sympathy, "You really are pitiable, Xiao Yi!"


    "Pitiable?"


    Xiao Yi cracked a smile, but the look in his eyes grew increasingly cold as he turned to Zhou Yuan and spoke aloud, "So, Head Zhou, you mean to say that I don''t deserve to enter the secret realm?"


    Zhou Yuan let out a cold laugh, offering no reply.


    Wu Yu, wearing a taunting expression, "You lad still have some self-awareness; it''s not just Head Zhou''s opinion, we all think you don''t deserve to enter the secret realm!"


    "Well then, it seems reasoning is out of the question!" said Xiao Yi as he shrugged his shoulders and walked to the entrance of the secret realm. Sitting down with legs astride, he proclaimed loudly, "In Head Zhou''s name, I, Xiao Yi, am establishing a challenge arena here. Whoever is inferior to me has no right to enter the secret realm!"


    Boom!


    His declaration caused an uproar among the crowd.


    "Has this kid gone mad?"


    "Is he planning to challenge everyone?"


    "A mere tumbleweed in the Divine Power Realm Tenth Layer, how many can he defeat? He dares to set up a challenge arena and take on everyone? Utterly foolish..."


    Xiao Yi, faced with everyone''s cold sneers and hot mocking, plunged his sword into the ground and declared proudly, "Enough talk, if you wish to fight, let''s fight!"

 Chapter 79 - 79: Xiao Yi VS Jia Sidao

    "If it''s a fight you want, it''s a fight you''ll get!"


    Xiao Yi sat astride the entrance to the secret realm, majestic and imposing.


    He stood like a sentinel at the gate.


    This was the gathering place of half the young talents from the Tianqing Kingdom, the Purple Robe Kingdom, and the Tianlan Kingdom, nearly every one of them a master from the Dragon Tiger List.


    How dare Xiao Yi, with just the Divine Power Realm Tenth Layer, block the way and challenge them all?


    "Arrogant!"


    "This kid is simply too presumptuous!"


    The crowd was buzzing with excitement!


    Jin Sheng sneered coldly, "Gu Junhe, your disciple really has some nerve!"


    Zhuang Bifan''s gaze was like a sword, his cold laughter unceasing, "No wonder he dares to kill my two disciples, Xuan and Huang¡ªhe is indeed audacious!"


    Gu Junhe felt a headache coming on, but he couldn''t show weakness. He responded lightly, "Just as Xiao Yi said, Zhou Yuan claimed he lacks the qualifications to enter the secret realm, right? If the others can''t even defeat him, then naturally they lack the qualifications to enter as well."


    All eyes turned towards Zhou Yuan.


    Even the royal family of the Tianqing Kingdom looked to him for direction.


    Zhou Yuan let out a cold laugh, "Then let''s fight! However, swords and sabers have no eyes, if there should be any accidents, Master Gu will not intervene halfway, will he?"


    Gu Junhe replied, "If you all don''t take action, naturally I won''t either."


    Wu Yu and the others nodded in agreement.


    "Good!"


    Zhou Yuan nodded, "Since that''s the case, let him have his wish. Everyone listen up, to enter the secret realm, you must first defeat Xiao Yi. Swords and sabers have no eyes, life and death regardless!"


    Within the crowd.


    The young and powerful who could hardly contain themselves rushed forward one after another.


    Yue Ling''er, her eyes wide and her neck stiff, turned towards Jiang Tai and pointed to her head, "Cousin, is there something wrong with him?"


    The exploration of the secret realm this time nearly brought together all the top young talents of the three great kingdoms.


    Even the weakest among them was at the Divine Power Realm Tenth Layer.


    How could Xiao Yi dare to set up this challenge?


    Wasn''t this seeking death?


    Jiang Tai''s eyelid twitched, "Don''t talk to me..."


    ...


    "I''ll take you on!"


    From the midst of the crowd, a man in green garb with a green wolf''s head tattoo on his face, and at the peak of the Divine Ability Realm, waved his Wolf Fang Club with pride, "When you get to the underworld, don''t forget to tell King Yama that it was Lang Tao of the Royal Martial Arts Academy who killed you!"


    Whoosh!


    The Wolf Fang Club swung high, whistling through the air with such force it seemed capable of splitting mountains and shattering stones.


    Xiao Yi glanced at him, "Trash like you also dares to show off?"


    With a casual wave of his hand.


    His bearing was dignified, like a Wrathful Vajra!


    Vajra Fist''s third form¡ªVajra Subdues Demons!


    Boom!


    His fist, hard as iron, smashed right onto the Wolf Fang Club. The second-grade spiritual weapon exploded with a pop, shards flying everywhere, punching straight through Lang Tao''s chest.


    Blood spurted like a fountain!


    Lang Tao''s face was filled with horror as he crashed to the ground, gasping for air so violently that blood poured unstoppably from his mouth, his face a picture of shock, "Ho-How is this possible? How can your fist be so hard?"


    "Shut up!"


    Xiao Yi lifted his foot and slammed it down. With a loud bang, he crushed Lang Tao''s head. Looking up at the others he declared, "Next!"


    Hiss!


    The crowd gasped in shock.


    Lang Tao, at the peak of the Divine Ability Realm, was killed just like that?


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Those below the Golden Elixir Realm, come at me all at once!"


    "Arrogant!"


    "Do you really think you''re invincible?"


    "So arrogant, let us fulfill your wish..."


    In an instant, twenty-three strong warriors from the Divine Power Realm Tenth Layer and the Peak of the Divine Ability Realm surged forward, their blades gleaming coldly, their martial arts dazzling and brilliant.


    Forewarned by Lang Tao''s precedent, everyone made their move by invoking their Innate Divine Abilities.


    This was a life-and-death battle!


    Xiao Yi''s eyes were sharp as knives as he issued a light shout, activating his Life-bound Spiritual Weapon Transformation, causing a black glow to ebb and flow on his arms, integrating with his longsword into one.


    His palms were like knives, his fingers like swords.


    Xiao Yi moved like a dragon into the sea, weaving through the crowd of strong warriors, and nearly no one who came close was a match for him in a single exchange!


    Every punch hit flesh, every palm strike meant death!


    Boom, boom, boom!


    In just a moment...


    There was a chorus of wails!


    On the ground lay more than a dozen strong warriors, scattered haphazardly.


    Xiao Yi, standing atop several Divine Power Realm strong warriors, looked proudly at Zhou and the others, "Zhou, you''ve truly planned far ahead, indeed there are many here just filling numbers. Trash that cannot even block my single punch trying to enter the secret realm, do you truly think this Tao Tribulation Realm expert''s secret realm is a brothel, at your free disposal to come and go?"


    Zhou''s face was as dark as pitch: "..."


    Wu Yu, Jin Sheng, and others clenched their teeth, eyes flashing coldly.


    Gu Junhe coughed lightly, pretending to scold, "Xiao Yi, these are the chosen from various major forces, you just happened to win against them, you should not be so ostentatious!"


    "The Dean''s teaching is correct!"


    Xiao Yi feigned humility, then with a flick of his longsword, "Stop sending these Divine Skills Realm people to their deaths, let those from the Golden Core Realm come up too!"


    "You dog-like thing, do you really think no one can control you?"


    Inside the Royal Martial Arts Academy, a young man in white robes, floating like an immortal, walked out, "Xiao Yi, do you recognize Jia Sichun?"


    Xiao Yi squinted his eyes, "Are you Jia Sidao?"


    "Indeed!"


    Jia Sidao boasted proudly, "Today, I shall take your head to pay homage to my brother!"


    Xiao Yi sighed, "Does the Jia Family have any more brothers left?"


    Jia Sidao was taken aback.


    Xiao Yi continued, "Keep a life for continuing the family line. Don''t let the Jia Family''s legacy end with you!"


    "You..."


    Jia Sidao''s face turned shades of red and white with rage, unable to contain his anger, "Since I stepped into the Golden Elixir Realm, you are the first to dare to belittle me. If I don''t kill you, I swear I''m not a man!"


    Boom!


    His whole body shook, and black scale armor appeared on him.


    Within the crowd.


    Yue Ling''er exclaimed in shock, "I''ve long heard that Jia Sidao''s Innate Divine Ability is beastial transformation, but I didn''t expect it to be the strongest defensive Beast Armor Change. Xiao Yi is in big trouble!"


    Jiang Tai''s eyes showed a grave expression.


    Beast transformation was an extremely powerful Innate Divine Ability; some strong fighters could even transform into dragons, phoenixes, and so on... Beast Armor Change granted near invincible defense within their class!


    Clang, clang!


    With every motion Jia Sidao made, the black scale armor collided like metal on metal, sparking blinding firelight. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Beast King Fist!"


    Jia Sidao roared lowly, charging like a wild beast, his footsteps booming like war drums. This punch seemed to carry the force of ten thousand beasts stampeding.


    "This is... the spirit of the Ten Thousand Beast Fist?" Wu Yu''s expression changed, turning to look at Zhou Yuan, "Truly worthy of the Royal Martial Arts Academy, they have such a genius. Beast Armor Change combined with the spirit of the Ten Thousand Beast Fist, this man''s future is limitless!"


    Jin Sheng sighed, "With such strength, killing Xiao Yi is within reach!"


    Zhou Yuan looked pleased and glanced at Gu beside him, "Dean Gu, we had an agreement, that in the fight, the sword has no eyes, you better not intervene!"


    "Don''t worry! I''m not as shameless as you..." Gu Junhe scoffed.


    Zhou Yuan snorted coldly.


    Meanwhile...


    Jia Sidao, clad in his beast armor, landed a heavy fist on Xiao Yi''s longsword, which he was using to block in front of himself. The sword vibrated intensely, the violent force pushing Xiao Yi back.


    Xiao Yi''s expression darkened, feeling numbness in the web of his hands, "The spirit of the Ten Thousand Beast Fist combined with the Beast Armor Change has such strength? Much stronger than Niu Ben, but still, this power is far from enough to kill me!"

 Chapter 80 - 80: Decree of Execution

    ```


    Boom!


    Xiao Yi''s whole body shook, and black light covered him.


    The Life-bound Spiritual Weapon Transformation covered his entire body, making it as tough as a third-grade Yuan weapon, and the force of Sword Intent enveloped him.


    "Is this one of the top ten Innate Divine Abilities, the Weapon Transformation?"


    "The most heaven-defying aspect of the Weapon Transformation Divine Skill lies in the durability of the transformed part, as solid as the weapon in hand. With this, the advantage of Jia Sidao''s Beast Armor Transformation is gone. Both masters of martial arts intents, victory or defeat now hinges on their martial techniques and combat awareness..."


    All present were no ordinary people; they quickly analyzed the situation.


    "Vajra Subdues Demons!"


    Xiao Yi threw a punch, and when the two fists met, sparks flew.


    It was a stalemate!


    Jia Sidao sneered coldly, "I am a Golden Core elite, I can grind you to death!"


    "The Golden Core practitioners who''ve died at my hand, you''re not the first!"


    Xiao Yi suddenly moved, disappearing from in front of Jia Sidao and reappearing behind him, his longsword like the wind: "Sinuous Python Wraps Around the Tree!"


    "Beast King Fist, Thunderous Charge!"


    Jia Sidao''s eyes sparkled like lightning, and as he sidestepped, he punched with both fists.


    Boom, boom!


    The shadow of his fists filled the air, like a stampede of myriad beasts.


    His form was covered with a layer of black Scale Armor, fearless, his punches like pounding garlic, and he forcefully shattered Xiao Yi''s incoming sword moves.


    "My defense is invincible; your death is certain!"


    Jia Sidao''s face, covered with beast armor scales, revealed a fierce smile as he stepped forward, leveraging his formidable defense to press on without fear of Xiao Yi''s attacks, his violent boxing technique forcing Xiao Yi into retreat.


    "Xiao Yi can''t break through the defense; this is troublesome!" Yue Ling''er''s brows furrowed slightly as she spoke in a deep voice.


    Jiang Tai''s eyebrows furrowed tightly, "Xiao Yi, do you have a way to break through this predicament?"


    No matter how strong the sword moves, if they can''t pierce the defense, they''re useless!


    "Indeed, a tough opponent!"


    Xiao Yi''s face showed a serious expression; this Jia Sidao was the most challenging peer he had encountered thus far.


    The abnormal defense of the Beast Armor Transformation left no opportunity for his sharp sword moves.


    Boom!


    In an unexpected moment...


    Xiao Yi''s chest was struck by Jia Sidao''s fist, forcing him back. Rubbing his chest, Xiao Yi said, "That almost shattered my organs... wait, shattered? I''ve got it!"


    Light shone in Xiao Yi''s eyes.


    He suddenly withdrew the Weapon Transformation, and instead of retreating, he advanced, closing the distance between him and Jia Sidao.


    Jia Sidao''s eyes gleamed ferociously, "Idiot, daring to grapple with me at close quarters? You''re simply courting death!"


    "Beast King Fist!"


    Jia Sidao launched his fists simultaneously.


    At the moment when their figures crossed, Xiao Yi ran the Life-bound Spiritual Weapon Transformation on his back, enduring Jia Sidao''s heavy punches with two thuds.


    The vibrations seemed to fragment his internal organs, bringing intense pain, but Xiao Yi remained unmoved.


    His legs pushed off the ground.


    "Eight Extremes Lean Against!"


    His back, covered in the black gleam of the Weapon Transformation, slammed hard against Jia Sidao''s chest, sending him flying, and simultaneously Xiao Yi''s right hand reached out.


    The black light of the Weapon Transformation covered his right hand.


    He grabbed Jia Sidao''s ankle, and with a low roar, exclaimed, "Eight Extremes Takedown!"


    Whoosh! He threw Jia Sidao over his shoulder.


    Jia Sidao flew backward like a kite with its string cut as Xiao Yi swiftly pursued him, and with full force, he employed the Eight Extremes Collapse. His fists pounded heavily on Jia Sidao''s body, smashing him to the ground.


    This sequence of movements was as smooth as drifting clouds and flowing water, without the slightest hesitation.


    "Sinuous Python Wraps Around the Tree!"


    The moment Jia Sidao''s body hit the ground, Xiao Yi struck with another sword. The blade, like a python wrapping around a tree, coiled around Jia Sidao''s waist, then with a fierce tug, sent him flying again.


    Xiao Yi''s legs pushed off from the ground as he followed up the attack.


    His longsword moved through the air, repeatedly executing sword moves: "Gentle Breeze Drops Leaves!"


    "Sinuous Python Wraps Around the Tree!"


    "Pursuing Soul, Snatching Life..."


    Stroke after stroke of sword light continuously hit Jia Sidao, each strike aiming for vital organs.


    "Jia Sidao is covered in Beast Armor Transformation, with defense unmatched in his tier, already on invincible grounds!"


    "Xiao Yi can''t possibly win!"


    However...


    Zhou Yuan''s face suddenly changed, "Not good!"


    He intended to take action...


    But alongside him, Gu Junhe scoffed, and a powerful aura locked onto Zhou Yuan as he coldly stated, "You dare to intervene?"


    "You..."


    Zhou Yuan''s eyes were filled with fury.


    Almost at the same time...


    Jia Sidao, whose defenses seemed impenetrable, suddenly let out a scream, outwardly unharmed yet spewing blood from all orifices. The transformed Scale Armor from his Beast Armor Transformation rapidly receded, and the longsword pierced through the air, puh, impaling his shoulder.


    ```


    Ao!


    Jia Sidao let out a wretched scream as he was pinned to the ground by Xiao Yi''s sword.


    Xiao Yi fell from the sky and landed with a loud thump on Jia Sidao''s legs, the ear-piercing crack accompanying Jia Sidao''s hysterical screams.


    His legs had been brutally broken, and Xiao Yi stepped on Jia Sidao''s chest, with a cold smile, "Invincible defense? How do you defend your internal organs?"


    The continuous sword strikes just now were not meant to pierce the defenses, but to shatter his internal organs!


    As it turned out...


    Xiao Yi''s tactics were completely correct!


    "Xiao Yi, the winner has been decided. Why haven''t you let Jia Sidao go yet?" Zhou Yuan glared furiously, grinding his teeth.


    Xiao Yi looked up at Zhou Yuan, unafraid, "Let him go? If I were the one lying here now, do you think he would have let me go?"


    Zhou Yuan''s face changed, a sense of unease rising as he stared angrily at Xiao Yi, "What are you going to do?"


    "What am I going to do?"


    Xiao Yi smirked, his longsword whooshing past Jia Sidao''s throat in a flash, blood gushing out like a fountain; Jia Sidao''s head tumbled away, his body decapitated.


    Hiss!


    A complete silence surrounded the area.


    Zhou Yuan, the head of the Royal Martial Arts Academy, had spoken, and yet Xiao Yi dared to execute Jia Sidao right before him?


    Yue Ling''er swallowed hard, "Has he gone mad?"


    Jiang Tai covered his face, "I knew it would come to this..."


    Many powerful figures around felt a chill run through their bodies. Some, who were only marginally weaker than Jia Sidao, felt a sense of relief that they had not made a move!


    The angriest was none other than Zhou Yuan!


    He had personally spoken, yet Xiao Yi still killed Jia Sidao in his face. This was a severe slap to his face!


    Zhou Yuan''s face turned black as coal, his eyes cold as ice, and his voice so grim it made one''s scalp tingle, "Xiao Yi, do you realize what you are doing?"


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Could it be that Head Zhou has grown old and forgotten his own words?"


    Zhou Yuan was stunned.


    Xiao Yi said calmly, "The sword has no eyes, it was you who said that!"


    "I..."


    Zhou Yuan''s face turned red as he spurted out a mouthful of blood.


    Indeed, those were his words!


    But they were meant for when he believed Xiao Yi was certainly doomed and said to deter Gu Junhe from rescuing him. How could he have imagined that Xiao Yi would be the one to have the last laugh?


    Xiao Yi''s gaze passed over Zhou Yuan, Wu Yu, Jin Sheng, and others, speaking calmly, "Gentlemen, now, I should be qualified to enter the secret realm, right?"


    Everyone looked at the Shentong Realm powerhouses sprawled in all directions, then at the beheaded Jia Sidao.


    They were at a loss for words.


    If even this level of strength wasn''t enough to qualify to enter the secret realm, then more than half of those present were certainly unqualified!


    Xiao Yi smiled, "If you still feel I''m not qualified, then I can only continue setting up this arena!"


    As he spoke,


    Xiao Yi glanced at several High-Layer Golden Core Realm powerhouses in the crowd who seemed ready to stand, chuckling, "I''m merely at the Shentong Realm. If you wish to make a move, then I will have to let Elder Brother Jiang step in!"


    Everyone: "..."


    A mere Shentong Realm, yet he slaughters Golden Cores as if they were butchering pigs and dogs?


    But indeed, there was nothing wrong with his words! He was only in the Shentong Realm, and facing a First Layer of the Golden Core Realm was already overcoming the strong as the weak. If these powerful figures at the fifth or sixth layers of the Golden Core Realm made a move, they would be bullying the lesser!


    As for fighting with Jiang Tai?


    Of those present from the younger generation, how many could contend with Jiang Tai?


    Zhou Yuan despised Xiao Yi to the bone, yet was powerless to do anything...


    Zhou Yuan and the others were also in a difficult position.


    If they allowed Xiao Yi to enter the secret realm at this point, they would lose all face in this gamble. If they did not, they might lose even more top fighters.


    At that moment...


    Within the Royal Martial Arts Academy, a Seventh Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm youth opened his eyes. This person, named Ye Feng, was the second top student of the Royal Martial Arts Academy, second only to Great Prince Jiang Shanhe.


    Ye Feng''s cold gaze swept over Xiao Yi and then looked towards Zhou Yuan, "Head Zhou, just let him into the secret realm."


    "Hmm?"


    Zhou Yuan was bewildered.


    Ye Feng stated flatly, "I, Ye Feng, hereby announce once again... within the secret realm, whoever slays Xiao Yi can exchange for a fourth-grade martial skill from me!"


    Ling Feng, the top disciple of the Nine Profound Sect and Sixth Layer of the Golden Core Realm, also stood up, "I''ll join in the excitement too. Whoever slays Xiao Yi within the secret realm can receive a fourth-grade movement technique from me!"


    Zhang Tianyi from Sword Mountain Manor narrowed his eyes, "Whoever kills Xiao Yi, my Sword Mountain Manor will gift a fourth-grade longsword!"


    In Tianlan Kingdom, Zhang Tianyi said with contempt, "Count me in too. Whoever kills Xiao Yi will be rewarded with one hundred million taels of silver!"


    Within the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple,


    Monk Dao Yuan said with a smile, "Amitabha, our young monk says Xiao has committed heavy sins. Killing him would be carrying out heaven''s will, and the slayer can choose a martial skill from the Scripture Pavilion of our Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple!"


    Instantly,


    Among the powers that had come, except for the Purple Robe Kingdom, the other powers had unified to issue a bounty for Xiao Yi''s death. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    All eyes turned to Xiao Yi as if they were looking at a cold corpse.


    Zhou Yuan laughed heartily and nodded, "Fine, Xiao Yi, I will grant your wish and allow you to enter the secret realm. Do you dare to enter?"


    Xiao Yi''s face was cold as frost, his gaze calmly sweeping over the crowd, and he smiled faintly, "Why wouldn''t I dare?"

 Chapter 81 - 81: Entering the Secret Realm

    "Why not?"


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, his cold gaze fixed on Zhou Yuan.


    Zhou Yuan let out a cold laugh, his icy eyes looking at him as if he were a corpse, and said indifferently, "Since that''s the case, then Xiao Yi may enter the secret realm!"


    Wu Yu said indifferently, "I agree."


    "I have no objections!" Jin Sheng declared.


    Zhuang Bifan stood tall like a pine tree, arrogantly like a sword, "If he has chosen the secret realm as his burial ground, then let''s fulfill his wish!"


    The Royal Martial Arts Academy, Tianlan Kingdom, Nine Profound Sect, Mingjian Manor, and Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple all issued assassination orders against Xiao Yi. In everyone''s eyes, unless a miracle occurred, Xiao Yi was never going to leave the secret realm alive.


    Even Gu Junhe had a splitting headache.


    Xiao Yi, however, appeared nonchalant.


    Jiang Tai gave a bitter smile, "Xiao, you''re being too reckless!"


    Yue Ling''er blinked and looked at him with a curious, eager gaze, "Xiao Yi, should my Purple Robe Kingdom also issue an assassination order against you?"


    Xiao Yi glanced at her, "As you wish!"


    Yue Ling''er rolled her eyes and said, "Never mind, I always feel you''re too cunning. I''d better not get involved in this mess!"


    Jiang Tai glanced at Xiao Yi, helplessly saying, "Xiao, don''t stray too far from me when we''re inside the secret realm, I''ll do my best to protect you."


    Yue Ling''er was stunned, then frowned, "Cousin, are you crazy? He is now the target of public criticism. In the secret realm, no one will care about your prince''s status. If you protect him, you won''t even know how you died when the time comes¡­"


    "Shut up!"


    Jiang Tai glared at her fiercely, about to speak when Xiao Yi had already waved his hand with a smile and said, "Jiang, once we''re inside the secret realm, it''s better for us to act separately."


    "At least you know what''s good for you!" Yue Ling''er said.


    "Ling''er..."


    Jiang Tai rebuked her, then frowned at Xiao Yi, "Xiao, what are you planning..."


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, his gaze turning cold: "Didn''t they issue an assassination order against me? I want to see, in the end, who will be the one to assassinate whom..."


    Yue Ling''er and Jiang Tai exchanged looks, both feeling a chill run down their spines.


    "This secret realm is the tomb of a Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouse. The tomb is located at the deepest part of the secret realm. You must cross two hundred miles of dense forest and a poisonous marsh to reach the tomb," Zhou Yuan said, his gaze calm as he looked at everyone and announced, "The entrance to the tomb is sealed by our restrictions. You must collect tokens along the way. Only those who gather ten tokens can pass through the restrictions and enter the tomb. Inside the tomb, there are numerous treasures, as well as the inheritance of that Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouse. Everything depends on your own fate and effort, strive for it!"


    Everyone was eager and excited.


    This was the inheritance of a Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouse!


    If they could obtain it, the Tao Tribulation was within reach!


    Zhou Yuan''s cold eyes lingered on Xiao Yi for a moment before continuing, "This journey into the secret realm is a matter of life and death! Anyone who is killed within the secret realm cannot have their death avenged by their backing powers. You all have no objections, do you?"


    Zhuang Bifan and other individuals spoke one after another: "We have no objections!"


    People''s eyes, filled with schadenfreude, inevitably fell on Xiao Yi.


    These words were meant especially for Xiao Yi and Gu.


    Outside the secret realm... S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    People were wary of Gu, unable to act freely against Xiao Yi.


    But inside the secret realm, there were no such restrictions!


    "Since there are no objections, follow me to open the entrance to the secret realm," Zhou Yuan said calmly.


    Everyone took action.


    Led by Zhou Yuan, Gu and others jointly opened the entrance to the secret realm.


    Everyone stood still.


    Ye Feng''s cold eyes were on Xiao Yi as he made a welcoming gesture, "Xiao Yi, you go in first!"


    "We''ll let you run ahead a bit, don''t get caught by us, alright?"


    "You''re not planning to wait for all of us to go in before you back out, are you?"


    People stared at Xiao Yi.


    This was their worry that once they had all entered, Xiao Yi would no longer enter the secret realm and they would miss the opportunity to kill him!


    Xiao Yi grinned and with a bold stride, headed toward the secret realm, "Then I shall impolitely accept the invitation!"


    Whoosh!


    He stepped into the secret realm.


    A cold light flashed in Ye Feng and the others'' eyes, "Catch up with him!"


    "Don''t let him escape!"


    All of them surged forward.


    Watching the gradually closing entrance of the secret realm, Zhou Yuan and his group looked at Gu Junhe with cold smiles, "Headmaster Gu can rest assured, I have already ordered my disciples to bring back Xiao Yi''s body, to allow Headmaster Gu to give him a proper burial!"


    "However, Xiao Yi has incurred the wrath of the masses, I''m afraid it won''t be possible to bring back a complete body!"


    "A complete body? The first thing everyone is going to do upon entering is kill him. I''m afraid by the time they return from the secret realm, Xiao Yi''s body will already be rotting..."


    "Hahahaha..."


    Facing the provocation and mockery of the crowd, Gu Junhe narrowed his eyes, gazing in the direction of the entrance to the secret realm, murmuring to himself, "Xiao Yi... you must come back alive..."


    ...¡­


    Inside the secret realm.


    The moment Xiao Yi landed, he took out a packet of poison powder and scattered it behind him.


    Having received the inheritance from Underworld Doctor Bian He, such poison powder was almost effortless for him. The instant he spread the poison powder, Xiao Yi activated his movement technique to the extreme, rushing wildly toward the dense forest ahead.


    Almost simultaneously with his departure...


    Figures appeared within the secret realm, all searching for Xiao Yi''s whereabouts, "Where is Xiao Yi?"


    "That damn dog has run into the forest..."


    "Chase him!"


    However...


    No sooner had their voices faded than screams rang out, "Ah... my eyes..."


    "My face... it hurts so much..."


    "What is this? Damn it, it''s poisonous..."


    "That bastard Xiao Yi used poison! Everyone, hold your breath..."


    Amid the agonized screams.


    As many as seven or eight Shentong Realm strongmen died, their guts perforated and blood pouring from all orifices. Although this poison powder was fierce, it had little effect on those in the Golden Core Realm.


    But for those in the Shentong Realm, it was a deadly affair!


    Ye Feng and his companions were ashen-faced.


    They had intended to kill Xiao Yi immediately, but not only did he escape, they also lost seven or eight Shentong Realm powerhouses from their own side.


    Ye Feng''s features twisted, "Xiao Yi, if I don''t kill you, I''ll write my name, Ye Feng, backwards!"


    Zhang Tianyi''s gaze was icy as he stared at Jiang Tai, "Jiang Tai, if you dare to help Xiao Yi, I will kill you!"


    Dao Yuan clasped his hands together, looking every bit the enlightened monk, "Amitabha... Xiao is surely a devil born into this world, and we must act on behalf of the heavens to eliminate this evil. Master Jiang certainly wouldn''t help him, right?"


    The Heavenly Son Sword and the Dizi Sword stood side by side like twin brothers, speaking in unison, "Whoever aids Xiao Yi shall be killed!"


    Jiang Tai snorted coldly and disappeared into the forest.


    Yue Ling''er said with a smile, "Everyone, relax, I, Yue Ling''er, will not take sides!"


    With a wave of her hand, she led the strongmen of Purple Robe Kingdom deeper into the forest.


    Dao Yuan stood before the crowd with his hands clasped, and a series of talismans with Buddhist seals dropped into their hands. He said cheerfully, "These talismans are Thousand-Mile Tracking Talismans; once tagged by them, one cannot escape the tracking of Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple. Just sight Xiao Yi and crush the talisman to mark his whereabouts!"


    "With these talismans, Xiao Yi is bound to die!"


    "It''s somewhat amusing, like a cat catching a mouse!"


    The crowd laughed heartily as they surged into the dense forest.


    Under the dim light, from a distance, the forest looked like an ancient giant beast, slowly swallowing them into its belly¡­

 Chapter 82 - 82: Red Luo Snake Poison

    In the tranquil jungle.


    Xiao Yi''s figure leapt and darted about like a spry monkey, extraordinarily agile.


    Thud, thud, thud!


    Three sharp arrows burst forth from behind, striking where Xiao Yi had just alighted. The moment these arrows hit the ground, they transformed into roaring flames, setting the trees ablaze with fire splattering in every direction.


    "Xiao Yi, stop right there!"


    "Despicable coward, how dare you use poison, won''t you stop for us..."


    Two figures chased after him from behind.


    They were two formidable warriors from the royal family of the Tianqing Kingdom, the valiant brothers Yan Bing and Yan Yu from the Imperial Guards. Both were at the Second Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm. Coupled with their continuous sharpening in the military, their combat strength was not inferior even to ordinary warriors at the Third Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm.


    Especially their archery, combined with God Burning Arrows, was exceptionally powerful.


    Xiao Yi muttered, "I''m really out of luck to have run into these two..."


    Xiao Yi was not one to sit idly by and await his fate.


    With the Royal Martial Arts Academy, Nine Profound Sect, Wan Fo Mountain, Mingjian Manor, and people from the Tianlan Kingdom all wanting him dead, Xiao Yi naturally would not just flee. Therefore, he hid in the dense forest, waiting for an opportunity to strike and kill any isolated strong warriors.


    Initially, there had been some gains, as he managed to slay a couple of groups of strong warriors.


    But this time, he fell into the ambush set by the Yan brothers. Despite mustering all his strength to kill two warriors at the First Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm and one at the Second Layer, and escaping a tight encirclement, he was still relentlessly pursued by the two brothers.


    Yan Bing drew his bow and nocked arrows, executing a technique likened to Nine Stars in a String.


    Yan Yu leaped into the air, stepped on one of the sharp arrows, and sped towards Xiao Yi, arrows bursting forth just as rapidly in the Nine Stars in a String technique.


    Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!


    Eighteen arrows sliced through the air, forming a vast net that blocked all of Xiao Yi''s retreat paths.


    The arrows surrounded Xiao Yi at the center, the fierce flames rising fiercely.


    Xiao Yi was trapped within a circle of fire, and the Yan brothers had also caught up to him, positioning themselves in front and behind, their faces filled with triumph and fierceness, "Xiao Yi, you have nowhere to run!"


    Xiao Yi squinted his eyes, "I''ve never provoked the royal family. Are you not afraid that Jiang will give you trouble for this?"


    These two brothers were exceedingly experienced in battle, and with their intuition as twins, combined with their expertise in archery, they avoided close combat entirely. This left Xiao Yi quite frustrated and worried that if the fight dragged on too long, other strong warriors might arrive.


    He had no choice but to keep running.


    Yan Bing sneered, "We are followers of the crown prince''s line, the seventh prince has no authority over us!"


    Arrows in hand, Yan Yu said in a grave tone, "Xiao Yi, the crown prince highly appreciates your talent. He wants to make you one of his dogs..."


    Xiao Yi stuck out his tongue and licked his lips.


    A playful look spread across his face as he stared at the two, "With such a deep grudge against the Royal Martial Arts Academy, the crown prince doesn''t care?"


    Yan Bing casually replied, "The crown prince is about to reach the Peak of the Golden Elixir Realm, and among the younger generation, he is the most likely to advance to the Tao Tribulation Realm. As long as you become one of the crown prince''s dogs, even Zhou, the head of the Martial Arts Institute, will give him that much respect..."


    Xiao Yi smiled lightly, "I don''t have the habit of being someone''s dog!" sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Then you can go to hell!"


    The Yan brothers simultaneously released the bowstrings, and arrows flashed like lighting, while the strings hummed like mercury pouring down to the ground.


    Arrow after arrow tore through the air, with a deafening sound that made one''s scalp tingle.


    The arrows, blazing fiercely in mid-air, headed straight for Xiao Yi.


    A shock ran through Xiao Yi''s body, Hei Mang covered him, and his Innate Divine Ability of Life-bound Spiritual Weapon Transformation fused his body with his fourth-grade Yuan weapon, making him as sturdy as if he were wearing fourth-grade battle armor.


    Bang, bang, bang!


    The arrows were incredibly fast, striking Xiao Yi''s body almost instantly, each one bearing immense impact force that shook him repeatedly.


    With sword in hand, Xiao Yi brought forth a black sword light, tearing open a gap through the rain of arrows and charging out like the wind.


    Before he could get near the brothers, however, Yan Bing and Yan Yu had widened the distance between them.


    One retreated, the other advanced, one in front, the other behind.


    Xiao Yi was unable to get close, yet had to withstand attacks from all sides, which greatly frustrated him.


    Yan Bing laughed triumphantly, "Xiao Yi, weren''t you very arrogant? Why can''t you be arrogant now? If you can, come and bite me!"


    Whoosh!


    An arrow shot from Yan Yu''s hand, with red flames suspended high in the sky. He looked at Xiao Yi with pride, "People will be here soon. Xiao Yi, your death is certain!"


    Xiao Yi raised his sword to cut through three incoming arrows, tapped the ground with the tip of his foot to kick up sand to block another two, and then swung a Vajra Subdues Demons technique to break three more from behind.


    With a swift movement, he took cover behind a large tree. Thud, thud, thud ¨C three arrows pierced through the one-meter thick trunk of the tree and buried into the ground.


    Xiao Yi finally managed to catch his breath.


    "There must be other groups nearby; I must escape quickly. But first..."


    Looking emotionless at the Yan brothers, a cold glint flashed in Xiao Yi''s eyes, "Before I leave, I need to leave you with an indelible memory!"


    With a sudden flash, Xiao Yi sprinted towards the east.


    "Not good, he''s going to escape!"


    "Tie him down!"


    The two men chased after him relentlessly, and just as the distance between them was closing, Xiao Yi suddenly turned around and threw a clump of black mud: "Watch out for the hidden weapon!"


    "Trifling tricks!"


    With a cold laugh, Yan Yu slapped out a palm.


    Yan Bing''s expression changed: "Be careful!"


    Unfortunately, it was already too late!


    Bang!


    The black mud exploded, transforming into a cloud of white poison mist that instantly enveloped the two men.


    Xiao Yi laughed and said, "Congratulations, you two have been poisoned by my Red Luo Snake Poison!"


    While cultivators at the Golden Core Realm could ignore most poisons, Red Luo Snake Poison was an exception. Although it couldn''t kill a cultivator at this realm, it could make one feel unbearably itchy, with a body as hot as if on fire.


    Yan Bing scoffed disdainfully, "Your poison is ineffective against the Golden Core Realm, you''re just bluffing!"


    "The poison is indeed called Red Luo Snake Poison, and true, it can''t kill you. But if you don''t engage in bedroom affairs as an antidote within half an incense stick''s time, you will completely lose the ability to reproduce!"


    Xiao Yi gave the two men a mocking look and weirdly laughed, "I might as well congratulate you in advance. After you go back, you can resign from the Imperial Guards and become the Chief Eunuch overseeing the harem, hahaha..."


    "What?"


    "You, don''t even think of scaring us..."


    Xiao Yi sneered, "Don''t believe it? Feel for yourselves, there''s no reaction, right?"


    "This..."


    Yan Bing and his companion looked at each other and indeed, they felt nothing.


    Their complexions instantly turned incredibly unsightly, as if they were mourning their deceased parents; it was even harder to accept than death itself!


    Death?


    They weren''t afraid!


    But becoming eunuchs? No man could accept that!


    Yan Bing''s face was extremely grim, "Big brother, is what he said true or false?"


    Yan Yu''s face was gloomy, "Who am I supposed to ask?" With a dark expression, he stared intently at Xiao Yi, "Xiao Yi, hand over the antidote and I''ll let you leave. Otherwise, we just need to pin you down until the others arrive, and you''ll be on a one-way street to death!"


    Xiao Yi shrugged, "There is no antidote for Red Luo Snake Poison; the only way to cure it is to engage in sexual activity. However, it seems there are no women who entered this secret realm, so I''m not sure if it''ll work between men. You might want to give it a try! You don''t have much time left. You need to decide whether to keep chasing me at the risk of becoming eunuchs or find a way to cure the poison. The choice is yours!"


    Xiao Yi leaped and disappeared into the dense forest.


    Yan Bing''s face flushed red, "Big brother, are we chasing him?"


    "Chase my ass..."


    Yan Yu cursed angrily with a cold snort.


    Yan Bing had a mournful expression, "Big brother, I, I can feel it... It seems Xiao Yi was right, what do we do now?"


    "How should I know?" Yan Yu''s face was as dark as coal.


    Yan Bing swallowed hard, feeling extremely hot and bothered, "Should, should we give it a try?"


    "Try my ass..."


    Yan Yu cursed, his face still dark. Just as he was about to stand up, a whooshing sound came from behind him, signaling that Ling Feng and the others had caught up.


    Ling Feng frowned, "Where is he?"


    Yan Yu replied gravely, "He got away..."


    "Got away? What the hell are you two doing?" Ling Feng scolded angrily.


    Yan Yu coldly said, "Ling Feng, your Nine Profound Sect isn''t in charge of the Royal Family, are you?"


    "You..."


    Ling Feng''s face darkened.


    Ye Feng from the Royal Martial Arts Academy frowned and asked, "How did he get away?"


    Ye Feng was aligned with the Crown Prince''s faction, so Yan Yu and his companion did not dare to hide anything. Of course, they omitted the process of detoxifying. But Ye Feng himself slapped them across their faces and angrily said, "You two idiots, Red Luo Snake Poison only causes itchiness and heat, it doesn''t harm the body. You two idiots got fooled by him!"


    "Ah?"


    The two Yan brothers looked at each other, utterly dumbfounded.


    "Wait a minute..."


    Ling Feng frowned, "You two believed Xiao Yi''s words, so you didn''t pursue him, but then how did you manage to detoxify?"


    The faces of the two Yan brothers stiffened.


    Everyone''s gaze slowly turned towards the space behind the two men...

 Chapter 83 - 83: The Phantom in the Night

    Let''s not mention how awkward Yan Yu and his companion felt.


    Xiao Yi ran wildly for half an hour until he finally stopped after leaving the dense forest, ahead of him lay a swamp.


    The air above the swamp was filled with poisonous miasma, like it was shrouded in a thick layer of gauze.


    "Although the transformation of weapons is powerful, it requires a huge amount of energy and strong physical support. My body is strengthened by the power of the God Sealing Seed, making it stronger than other cultivators of the same realm, but currently, it can only withstand the transformation of a fourth-grade Yuan weapon at most."


    Exhausted, Xiao Yi sat on the ground, gasping for breath: "It seems that in addition to movement techniques, I must find a method of Body Refinement!"


    Before this.


    Xiao Yi had never encountered opponents like the Yan brothers who specialized in long-range attacks, and due to his rapid progress in cultivation, he rarely had the chance to consolidate his experience.


    To summarize the experience from this battle.


    Xiao Yi understood his current shortcomings, but obtaining either the movement technique or Body Refinement arts was not easy.


    The immediate priority was to find a solution for the Yan brothers'' long-range attacks.


    "If only there was something to restrain their movements!" Xiao Yi thought to himself when suddenly a scream echoed from ahead.


    Xiao Yi''s pupils shrank instantly as he headed towards the source of the scream.


    He saw a Shentong Realm expert entangled in a mass of white threads above the pitch-black swamp.


    These threads were extremely sticky.


    Even the expert at the Peak of the Divine Ability Realm struggled to break free, only sinking deeper and deeper. The white threads pulled him into the swamp, where he was swallowed up by the endless black mud.


    A thought flashed through Xiao Yi''s mind: "What are these white threads? They can restrain even a Peak of the Divine Ability Realm expert. I wonder if they can bind a Golden Core Realm expert?"


    Xiao Yi pondered for a moment. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He immediately flew towards the swamp and as he soared above the black swamp, suddenly the ground beneath him gave way and a gash opened up, from which a mass of white threads shot out.


    Luckily, Xiao Yi was prepared; he quickly tapped his toes on the soft swamp and leapt up to dodge.


    The white threads quickly retracted.


    "Stay for me!" he exclaimed.


    A swipe swept across, skimming the muck of the swamp.


    Boom!


    The sword strike landed on the white threads but unbelievably failed to cut through them. The threads violently coiled around, while the black swamp beneath him roared as if a dragon was turning over.


    Bang!


    The swamp burst open explosively.


    A massive spider, completely black with nine green eyes on its head and three meters tall, stared fixedly at Xiao Yi, opening its mouth to spit out another mass of white web.


    "A fourth-grade low-level demon beast, the Green-Eyed Demon Spider? I did not expect such a creature to be hiding beneath this swamp, no wonder even a Peak of the Divine Ability Realm expert couldn''t escape your web..."


    While dodging, Xiao Yi sent out a flurry of sword moves.


    But no matter how he wielded his sword, he couldn''t cut through the web.


    The web of a Golden Core Realm Green-Eyed Demon Spider was as tough as a fourth-grade Yuan weapon. Even an expert at the Four Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm bound by it would need to expend quite a bit of effort to break free.


    Xiao Yi''s eyes flashed with sharpness: "As long as I kill this beast and extract its silk gland, I can use the web to bind enemies. With the web in hand, why should I fear the Yan brothers?"


    With that thought.


    Xiao Yi leaped into action, rapidly closing in on the Green-Eyed Demon Spider.


    Roar!


    From the seven green eyes of the Green-Eyed Demon Spider, a cold light flickered as it opened its gaping maw, continuously spitting out webs.


    "Not good!"


    Xiao Yi was caught off-guard by the web sticking to him and watched as the Green-Eyed Demon Spider rapidly drew him into its mouth, its sharp fangs inches away.


    In the nick of time.


    Xiao Yi quickly shed his outer garment, watching it disappear into the mouth of the Green-Eyed Demon Spider, and seizing the moment, he leaped to land on the creature''s head.


    "Soul-chasing, life-snatching!"


    A deadly thrust drove straight into the skull of the Green-Eyed Demon Spider.


    Thud!


    The Green-Eyed Demon Spider trembled all over, and its greenish blood spurted out wildly as it struggled in frenzy. Its eight long legs, covered with black spines, flailed madly against the marsh, flinging Xiao Yi high into the air.


    With one hand gripping the sword hilt, his body spun dramatically in midair.


    Thud!


    Like a spinning top, the sword blade whirred crazily, grinding the Green-Eyed Demon Spider''s head to pieces.


    The massive body crashed heavily to the ground.


    Ignoring the stench of blood covering him, Xiao Yi cut open the carcass of the Green-Eyed Demon Spider to find the silk sac and a walnut-sized Golden Core.


    "Once I swallow this Golden Core, I should be able to step into the Peak of the Shentong Realm!" Xiao Yi flicked off the green blood from the Golden Core and muttered to himself.


    This Green-Eyed Demon Spider was equivalent to a First Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm cultivator, its energy not enough for him to make a breakthrough to the Golden Core Realm.


    In this world, apart from the legendary flawless Golden Elixirs, all other Golden Cores contained impurities.


    Ordinary powerhouses could not even absorb the energy within the Golden Core directly; too many impurities could do more harm than good.


    But Xiao Yi did not have such concerns.


    The energy he swallowed would eventually pass through the God Sealing Seed, eliminating all impurities and transforming into the purest divine power.


    This was also the reason why Xiao Yi''s vital energy was much stronger than that of martial artists of the same level.


    Xiao Yi immediately left to find a secluded place and began to devour the Golden Core.


    It took him a full day and night.


    Xiao Yi had finally refined all the energy within the Golden Core, officially stepping into the Peak of the Shentong Realm, and the number of God Sealing Seeds broke through to two thousand, reaching two thousand and fifty.


    "It''s a pity I still cannot open the tomb of the Sword Demon Dugu. It seems I can only wait until I break through to the Golden Core Realm. However, with my current strength, plus this Green-Eyed Demon Spider''s web on hand, I should be able to take my revenge!" Xiao Yi''s eyes sparkled as he clenched his fists tightly.


    ...


    In the dark of night.


    Five powerhouses from the Nine Profound Sect were gathered around a campfire. The flames licked at the beast''s leg roasting on a rack while they discussed, "That Xiao Yi is as slippery as an eel. Who knows where he''s hiding now!"


    "Be extremely careful if you encounter Xiao Yi, he''s incredibly cunning and skilled at using poison. You''ve all heard what happened to the Yan brothers, haven''t you?"


    "Heard about it... tsk, tsk, I heard that now when they see a man, their eyes turn red..."


    As the men shared the roasted beast''s leg, a shadowy figure hidden in darkness took a piece of the meat, took a couple of bites, and asked, "Where are the Yan brothers now?"


    "They seem to be searching for Xiao Yi''s tracks near the marsh. I saw them during the day... Huh? Aren''t there only five of us? Why did six pieces get distributed?"


    A chill immediately swept over the five men.


    They all turned to look in unison at the figure in the dark. Under the orange glow of the firelight, Xiao Yi''s face was exposed in front of them.


    Hiss!


    The men gasped, "Xiao Yi? How, how did you get here?"


    "Attack him, kill him now!"


    The five men shuddered and launched their attacks together.


    However...


    Xiao Yi struck faster and more viciously than they did.


    The sword light was like a fleeting shadow, and heads dropped like kites with severed strings.


    Blood gushed like fountains, enough to douse the campfire completely.


    Among the five were one at the Second Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, two at the First Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, and two in the Shentong Realm, but they stood no chance against Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi swallowed the piece of meat in his hand and squinted at the dim starlight in the night sky. Suddenly, his figure flashed, darting through the night like a ghost, "A windy night with pitch-black skies, a perfect time for slaying..."


    PS: Wishing everyone a healthy and prosperous new year! Exploding with updates tomorrow!

 Chapter 84 - 84 Have a Safe Journey

    Above the firmament, dark clouds roiled.


    They obscured the already sparse stars, shrouding the entire secret realm in an unending darkness.


    On a flat piece of ground near a swamp.


    Several tents stood erect, with the central bonfire extinguished by the cold wind, leaving only bits of charcoals emitting a reddish glow.


    Inside one of the tents.


    Yan Bing and his brother leaned back to back, both with their eyes tightly closed, longbows in hand.


    Rustle, rustle!


    A faint sound, like that of fabric rubbing against something, came from outside, prompting both men to open their eyes simultaneously.


    They were both strong warriors at the Second Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, their senses tens of times sharper than an ordinary person''s.


    Yan Bing lowered his voice, "There''s some noise outside!"


    Yan Yu nodded subtly, "Wait a little longer..."


    Outside, all was quiet.


    Suddenly...


    An icy roar erupted, "Where do you think you''re going?"


    Boom!


    A Sword Qi burst forth, shattering one of the tents. The assailant was none other than Jiang Yi, the Princely Heir of the Supporting Mountain King from the Tianqing Kingdom''s royal lineage.


    Jiang Yi had reached the Peak of the Second Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm and had also condensed a seed of Sword Intent; his combat strength was comparable to a common warrior at the Third Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm.


    Amidst the icy Sword Qi, Xiao Yi retreated explosively, his face revealing a hint of helplessness: "What rotten luck, this guy''s Innate Divine Ability is actually Night Vision..."


    He had been about to assassinate these warriors one by one, but when attempting to assassinate Jiang Yi, his figure was exposed by Jiang Yi''s Night Vision Mystical Skill.


    If it were not for Xiao Yi having advanced further into the Peak of the Divine Ability Realm, Jiang Yi''s sword just now would have gravely wounded him!


    "Xiao Yi? You''ve got some nerve, daring to assassinate me?" Jiang Yi''s gaze was icy as he looked at Xiao Yi, his eyes sharp as blades.


    Xiao Yi smiled faintly, "Is it only permitted for you to issue kill orders against me, to hunt me down at every turn, yet I''m not allowed to fight back?"


    "Hmph, Ling Feng is a lifelong friend of the crown prince; if he says you must die, then it is the crown prince who wants you dead."


    Jiang Yi''s father, the Supporting Mountain King, was a staunch supporter of the crown prince, and so was he. He icily continued, "The crown prince is the true chosen of heaven, blessed by the heavens above. If he wants you dead, you cannot escape death. Since Ling Feng has issued a kill order against you, it must be the crown prince who wants you dead. You should obediently accept your death, not resist stubbornly!"


    Xiao Yi sneered, pulling the corner of his mouth, "Cut the crap! I don''t care if you''re the prince or the emperor, if you want Xiao Yi''s life, you''d better have the skills to take it!"


    "You don''t know what''s good for you!"


    Expressionless, Jiang Yi''s eyes glowed with an oily green light under the Night Vision Mystical Skill. His figure abruptly moved, appearing behind Xiao Yi like a dark elf in an instant.


    The silver longsword in his hand split into two, one in each hand.


    Sword edges crossed, sparks flying.


    He slashed towards Xiao Yi''s head!


    Xiao Yi''s sword displayed an unbelievable curvature, vertically positioned to block behind him, causing a thunderous noise as the three blades clashed.


    Xiao Yi used the force of the impact to surge forward, widening the distance between him and Jiang Yi. However, Jiang Yi was relentless in pursuit.


    The sound of slicing air grew closer behind him.


    Xiao Yi''s knees buckled, sliding close to the ground, while leaning back at the same time, causing Jiang Yi, who had lunged forward, to fly right over him.


    "Serpent Coiling Around the Tree!"


    One sword pierced the air, aiming for Jiang Yi''s heart.


    Seeing the icy blade drawing ever nearer, Jiang Yi''s pupils shrank violently, his eyes filled with desperation.


    If this strike hit, he was certain to die!


    But just at this critical moment...


    Two arrows whistled through the air, clinking consecutively against the sword, forcibly deflecting the longsword away.


    Yan Bing and Yan Yu, one on each side, held their horn bows, arrows nocked and pointing their sharp tips at Xiao Yi.


    "Hahaha, Yan Bing, Yan Yu, you''ve arrived just in time!"


    Jiang Yi, having narrowly escaped death, was all smiles. His two swords clashed, sending off blinding sparks, his eyes fixated on Xiao Yi, "Xiao Yi, weren''t you acting all high and mighty? Now with the Yan Brothers assisting me, let''s see how arrogant you can be!"


    Xiao Yi glanced sideways at the Yan brothers, teasing, "Gentlemen, how does the Red Luo Snake Poison taste?"


    "Shut up!"


    The Yan brothers shouted in unison.


    Xiao Yi tutted, "Impressive! Who would have thought that Red Luo Snake Poison would make you two even more in sync!"


    Bang!


    Bang!


    Yan Bing and his partner released their arrows at the same time, each time executing the technique of the Nine Star Consecutive Shots. Having unleashed six rounds of Nine Star Consecutive Shots, even as skilled archers they were exhausted, and white smoke billowed from their bowstrings.


    They were gasping for air heavily.


    Their bloodshot eyes were fixated on Xiao Yi, wishing they could tear him to pieces!


    The two, in order not to become eunuchs, were forced to mutually administer the antidote, which made hexes and the Red Luo Snake Poison taboo and sore points for them.


    Any mention of it would be met with death!


    "Yan Bing, Yan Yu, don''t fall for his tricks! He''s deliberately trying to enrage you¡­"


    Jiang Yi quickly spoke up. Seeing the two slowly regaining their composure, he said solemnly, "I''ll take the main offensive and tie him down. You two look for opportunities to strike. We must take his dog life today!"


    "Rest assured!"


    "His anniversary of death will come on this day next year!"


    The two spread out, one to the left and one to the right, like venomous snakes lurking in dark corners, waiting for the right moment to deliver a deadly strike to their prey.


    Jiang Yi, with his twin swords, charged at Xiao Yi once more.


    "Fiery Meteor!"


    "Twin Peaks Penetrating the Ears!"


    Jiang Yi''s sword moves were no less fierce and devious, each one deadly. If Xiao Yi had not grasped the first stage of Sword Intent, he would have struggled to defend against such a frenzied offensive.


    Furthermore¡­


    There were Yan Yu and Yan Bing, the two archers of the Second Layer of the Golden Core Realm! S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Sweeping Through a Thousand Troops!"


    Xiao Yi split Jiang Yi''s attack with his sword and was about to pursue when a chill rose from his back. It was Yan Bing and his partner simultaneously releasing their cold shots. Xiao Yi was forced to dodge, missing his chance at slaying Jiang Yi!


    Jiang Yi laughed proudly, "Xiao Yi, you stand no chance! However, if you kneel and beg me now, I can leave you a complete corpse!"


    Yan Bing and his partner also laughed coldly.


    Xiao Yi snorted coldly, "A complete corpse? Keep that for yourself!"


    "Stubborn fool!"


    Jiang Yi looked toward Yan Bing and his partner, "Attack him with all your might. I refuse to believe he can split his focus three ways!"


    One close, two at a distance.


    Under their combined assault, the offensive grew more ferocious.


    An onslaught like a tempestuous storm of arrows, combined with Jiang Yi''s violent and brutal swordsmanship, every step was fraught with danger, one misstep could lead to a fatal descent into the netherworld.


    Xiao Yi fought while retreating, luring the three into a dense forest.


    With the cover of the dense ancient trees, Xiao Yi''s pressure was significantly reduced. Facing Jiang Yi''s relentless attacks, Xiao Yi retreated further back until with a thud his back slammed against a tree trunk.


    "Now''s the chance!"


    "Kill him!"


    Jiang Yi and his companions'' faces lit up with ecstatic joy.


    His figure paused, then burst forth with maximum speed, his sword moves filling the sky, sealing off all of Xiao Yi''s escape routes. At the same time, Yan Yu and Yan Bing also approached directly in front of Xiao Yi.


    Their bows sang like thunder, the arrows poured down like a downpour!


    Their combined attack was terrifyingly overwhelming.


    But in this moment of extreme peril¡­


    Xiao Yi was not the least bit flustered, instead, he wore a look of triumph, "You''re all dead!"


    He flipped his left hand.


    Squeezing the silk sac of the Green-Eyed Demon Spider, the sounds of ''pop, pop, pop'' filled the air as streams of white spider silk shot out. In an instant, Jiang Yi and Yan Bing were wrapped tightly in silk!


    The Green-Eyed Demon Spider''s web was incredibly tough, even those in the Fourth or Fifth Layer of the Golden Core Realm could not break free in a short time if entangled.


    Tightly bound by the white spider silk, the three men were like wrapped rice dumplings, unable to move.


    Looking at Xiao Yi in terror, they said, "You¡­ you''re so vicious¡­"


    "You had this planned all along? This is your trap¡­"


    Xiao Yi grinned and waved lightly at them, "Safe travels!"


    His sword cleaved through the air, and blood spurted like fountains!


    Xiao Yi easily decapitated all three, suspending their heads on the tree trunk¡­

 Chapter 85 - 85: Who Do You Think You Are?

    The next morning at dawn.


    The corpses of Yan Yu and the other two were discovered.


    In an instant.


    Strong figures from the Royal Martial Arts Academy, the royal family, the Nine Profound Sect, Wan Fo Mountain, and Sword Mountain Manor all gathered here, led by none other than Ye Feng.


    Eighth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, second on the Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List and Teng Long List.


    This person''s strength was indeed overwhelming, even surpassing Jiang Tai.


    In the younger generation of the Tianqing Kingdom, he was second only to Great Prince Jiang Shanhe. Not only did the Royal Martial Arts Academy look up to him, but the royal family''s strong men were also under his control.


    Monk Dao Yuan from the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple joined his hands together, his face full of compassion for the world, but the words he spoke sent shivers down the spine, "Ling Xiao, Xiao Yi is extremely vicious and ruthless. Two days ago, he was no match for Yan Yu and the others, but now he has killed both Yan Yu brothers and Prince Jiang Yi. If we allow him to continue growing..."


    Ye Feng examined the scene for a while and said in a deep voice, "Judging from the traces of the battle at the scene, Xiao Yi''s strength is already no weaker than an ordinary practitioner at the Third Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm!"


    Dizi Sword cradled his longsword, flicked his bangs lightly, and said in a deep voice, "When this person appeared at our Sword Mountain Manor''s Sword Tomb, his cultivation was barely into the Shentong Realm. But in just a month or two, he has grown to his current level..."


    "He must be eliminated!"


    Everyone exchanged glances.


    Ye Feng touched his hooked nose, his eyes a slit from which cold light emanated, and commanded in a deep voice, "Gather everyone. Search for Xiao Yi in groups of five. As soon as he is found, mark his location with a Thousand-Mile Tracking Talisman. We must get rid of him!"


    "Yes!"


    Everyone responded emphatically.


    Within the crowd.


    Ye Feng glanced at the three heads that died with their eyes open. With a wave of his hand, he crushed them into minced meat, his gaze icy to the extreme: "Xiao Yi? Hmph, no matter your background, if you cannot be of use to the Great Prince, then you have only one path left ¨C death!"


    ......


    In the marshlands.


    Xiao Yi moved across the swamp as smoothly as drifting clouds and flowing water, his feet on flattened wooden boards, when suddenly, a piercing whooshing sound surrounded him.


    "Amitabha, Xiao, please stop!" a loud Buddhist chant came through.


    Dao Yuan appeared in front of him with four Golden Core Realm practitioners, and had even broken through to the Golden Elixir Realm himself.


    Five Golden Core figures, one of them a topless monk at the Four Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm.


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes as he stared at Dao Yuan, "So it''s you. How did you find me?"


    Dao Yuan pressed his palms together, reciting Buddhist scriptures with a smile, "Donor Xiao, you have a karmic connection with Buddha, naturally we would meet..."


    "Monk Dao Yuan, why waste words with him? Just kill him directly!" the burly bald-headed monk said gruffly.


    Dao Yuan bowed to him and said, "Brother Dao Kuang is right. Let us kill him now and send him to the Western Paradise to meet Buddha."


    Boom!


    All five Golden Core Realm experts made their move at once.


    "What the hell is going on? No matter where I run these past few days, these guys always catch up..."


    Xiao Yi, holding a Grade Four Yuan weapon and covering his arms with the Divine Skills of the weapon, fended off the combined assault from the five experts, but inwardly he was extremely annoyed.


    For two days...


    No matter where he ran, he was quickly found by the others.


    "Xiao Yi, just surrender yourself!"


    "Stop resisting in vain!"


    Dao Yuan joined his hands together, his appearance dignified, "Donor Xiao, surrender without a fight and let this monk transform you with the Buddhist Law."


    "Transform your grandpa¡­" Xiao Yi''s eyes blazed red, staring daggers at Dao Yuan, and with a sweep of his sword, "Gentle Breeze and Fallen Leaves!"


    Swish!


    As the Sword Qi swept across, the black mud of the swamp roiled into a massive torrent, like a wall of black mud crushing everything in its path.


    "Buddha''s Palm!"


    Dao Yuan struck out with his palm, energy condensing above it, like a small mountain crashing downwards.


    Golden Core Realm experts could already harness some of the forces of heaven and earth, capable of moving mountains and diverting rivers with their actions.


    The mud wall shattered under the crushing Buddha''s Palm.


    Countless specks of black mud shot out in all directions.


    Dao Yuan''s body revolved with Buddha''s light; stepping into the Golden Elixir Realm elevated his combat power. "Brother Dao Kuang, hurry and help me!"


    "Mahavairocana Palm!"


    A figure of a Great Mahavairocana Buddha seemed to appear behind Dao Yuan as he struck down with his palm, delivering a world-ending blow.


    Dao Kuang wielded a magic wand, the ringing of the golden rings on it resonating loudly, "One strike to bring down the dragon!"


    Hum!


    Golden brilliance gathered around the wand, coiling like an angry dragon as it struck down towards Xiao Yi''s head.


    The attacks of the other three followed closely behind.


    Under the joint efforts of five Golden Elixir Realm experts, Xiao Yi was overwhelmed, and even though he had just broken through to the peak of the Shentong Realm, he still found it difficult to contend with all five masters at the same time.


    "Hahaha, Monk Dao Yuan, all five of you couldn''t take down Xiao Yi, isn''t that a bit too embarrassing?"


    "Shall we lend you a hand?"


    As Xiao Yi fought fiercely against the five Golden Cores, the sound of several figures tearing through the air could be heard from not far away.


    It was Ling Feng, the Heavenly Son Sword, and others who had also tracked him down.


    Over these past few days...


    Their hunt for Xiao Yi had never ceased, and in the previous few skirmishes, Xiao Yi managed to escape, even at the expense of several of their experts.


    This made the various forces take Xiao Yi even more seriously.


    Dao Kuang snorted coldly, "My Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple has its Buddhist Law to subdue him. The rest of you stand by and prevent his escape; that will suffice!"


    Ling Feng laughed heartily, "You''d better hurry up, Ye Feng is already on his way. If he arrives and you haven''t killed Xiao Yi, that head will be his!"


    The faces of Dao Kuang and the others shifted slightly.


    Ye Feng, Eighth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, second on the Teng Long List.


    Once he makes a move,


    Indeed, there will be nothing left for them to do!


    Dao Yuan said in a deep voice, "Brother monks, give it your all!"


    Out of the ten experts the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple sent this time, only five remained. The five Golden Cores spared nothing, employing their Buddhist and Taoist cultivation techniques together.


    Facing the overwhelming onslaught, Xiao Yi''s expression was grave, "I must fight quickly and decisively. If Ye Feng arrives, it will be difficult for me to leave!"


    With this thought,


    His gaze towards Dao Yuan and the others now carried a chilling streak of blood-red rainbow.


    In the previous encounters, Xiao Yi had always refrained from using the Fire Qilin Sword and the Blood Explosion Skill, given the latter''s severe side effects.


    But now...


    Xiao Yi, finding himself cornered, no longer held back.


    Whoosh!


    A fiery red light blazed across the sky, and the Fire Qilin Sword landed in his right hand. A red glow suffused his body, appearing like a flame king.


    Boom!


    The aura on Xiao Yi''s body surged violently.


    He directly burnt thirty percent of his blood, increasing his strength thirtyfold!


    Hiss!


    The expressions of Dao Kuang, Ling Feng, and the others, who had been composed just a moment ago, changed drastically. A thirtyfold increase in strength was akin to Xiao Yi possessing, for a short time, the cultivation level equivalent of the Third Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm.


    With his first stage Sword Intent and the Fifth Grade Yuan Bing Fire Qilin Sword,


    His combat strength was enough to contend with the Sixth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm!


    "Sweeping a Thousand Armies!"


    With one sweeping strike of his sword,


    The Buddhist seals and martial techniques pushed forward by Dao Yuan and the others were instantly crushed into dust, the gold seals filling the sky, but the terrifying sword light never slowed for an instant.


    "Not good!"


    "Run!"


    The faces of Dao Yuan and the others changed rapidly as they turned to flee.


    But with Xiao Yi having burnt thirty percent of his blood, how could he let them go?


    "Chasing Stars and Moon!" S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "The Python Entwines the Tree!"


    One sword move after another filled the air, each strike claiming a life.


    In the blink of an eye, only Dao Yuan was left.


    "No... don''t kill me..."


    His face filled with terror, he saw Xiao Yi advancing with sword in hand. Despair was written all over his face as he looked towards Ling Feng and the others not far away, "Ling Feng, save me..."


    Ling Feng, too, had snapped out of his shock and roared, "Xiao Yi, stop!"


    However...


    Before he could finish his sentence,


    Xiao Yi struck with his sword, splitting Dao Yuan in two.


    Ling Feng''s face twisted in fury, "You bastard, I told you to stop, how dare you kill!?"


    Xiao Yi glanced sideways at Ling Feng, surrounded by a blood-colored aura, like a war god incarnate, and said coldly, "Who are you to obstruct me?"

 Chapter 86 - 86: Slay the Gods if They Block, Slay the Buddha if He Blocks!

    Xiao Yi sneered coldly, "And who are you to stop me?"


    Facing Xiao Yi''s rebuke, Ling Feng''s face suddenly turned extremely unsightly, and a sinister chill flashed through his eyes.


    This Ling Feng was the top disciple of the Nine Profound Sect, with the cultivation at the Seventh Layer of the Golden Core Realm.


    Among the young generation of Tianqing Kingdom, he was ranked in the top five, and even the Crown Prince and others were amiable towards him.


    When had he ever been rebuked in such a manner?


    Ling Feng snorted coldly, flinging his hand dismissively, "You''re no better than a dog; I wouldn''t even need to lift a finger personally to kill you. Is Li Xian available?"


    "Brother Ling!"


    Li Xian stepped forward with a fist and palm salute, standing in front of him.


    Ling Feng snorted coldly, pointing his sword at Xiao Yi, "Break his limbs, destroy his dantian, and make him kneel before me!"


    "Yes!"


    Li Xian responded with a salute.


    His body shook, and in his hand appeared a gold-inlaid Heavenly Treasure Hammer, a Fourth Grade Yuan weapon forged from a thousand-year Fire Cloud Stone, weighing thirteen hundred pounds.


    As he brandished it, the air roared like a tiger.


    His strength was boundless, capable of splitting mountains and crushing stones.


    Li Xian''s cultivation was not to be underestimated, at the Fifth Layer of the Golden Core Realm, he was ranked tenth on the Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List!


    Thud!


    The gold-inlaid Heavenly Treasure Hammer slammed fiercely into the ground, sending tremors through the earth as if it were shaking. The clash of his palm and the hammer''s handle emitted a piercing clang, and his eyes, wide like bull''s eyes and red as lanterns, sneered, "Within three moves, your head will be mine!"


    A surrounding group of strong fighters nodded silently to themselves, "True to his nickname, ''Little Overlord'' Li Xian, he''s quite domineering!"


    "Li Xian follows the Overlord''s path¡ªcaring for none and fearing nothing. He is an expert in the Overlord Hammer Skill; it''s said that to date, no one has seen him use the fourth move..."


    "And why is that?"


    "Because... no one can withstand his first three!"


    "Doesn''t that mean Xiao Yi is as good as dead?"


    The looks from the crowd towards Xiao Yi were filled with both pity and schadenfreude.


    At that moment...


    Li Xian''s offensive was already upon him. Clenching the gold-inlaid Heavenly Treasure Hammer in his hands, he swung it with the wind, his black hair flailing wildly, "Overlord Hammer Skill, first move¡ªOverlord Unmatched!"


    Boom!


    The shadow of the hammer crashed down from the sky, creating consecutive afterimages as it fell overhead.


    Xiao Yi''s pupils abruptly contracted as blood surged around him, and with the Fire Qilin Sword in hand, he blocked the blow above his head. With a clang, his figure jolted violently, and the ground beneath his feet burst open with thunderous noise.


    Sand flew, and rocks scattered as the strike emptied the air.


    "Take my second hammer!"


    Worthy of the ''Little Overlord'', Li Xian was quick to follow his first hammer with a second, "Overlord Lifting a Cauldron!"


    Hum!


    The gold-inlaid Heavenly Treasure Hammer in his hands suddenly twirled, emitting an unsettling hum. As it spun, the hammer burst forth with blinding light, whipping up a fierce gale.


    This gale swept up.


    Like an invisible giant hand, it forcibly lifted Xiao Yi into the air, toward the sky.


    Li Xian leaped high, catching up to Xiao Yi in an instant, raising the heavy hammer in his hands, with ferociousness in his eyes. His face twisted wildly, "Overlord Stripping Armor!"


    Boom!


    This hammer was thrown with all his might.


    As it plummeted from the sky, it headed straight for Xiao Yi''s head.


    In the furious whirlwind, Xiao Yi, hanging in midair, could not escape. If hit, his head would surely shatter, it was a certain death.


    At the critical moment...


    Xiao Yi let out a cold huff, and the fourth layer of Blood Explosion Skill erupted forth.


    Blood surged around his body, his eyes as cold as twinkling stars, focusing all his strength into one sword strike, "Life! Taking!"


    This was the strongest move of the "Life-Chasing Soul Sword," and could only be performed by someone at the Golden Core Realm.


    Life Taking!


    To seize the life of an enemy!


    Whoosh!


    The tip of the sword condensed into a point, a cold gleam cut through the air, like a fiery meteor. With an explosive roar, it struck the gold-inlaid Heavenly Treasure Hammer, and a crisp crack echoed as the hammer shattered violently.


    "What?"


    Li Xian''s face showed disbelief as he watched the hammer''s fragments fly backwards through the air.


    A cold gleam, tinged with the blood of the world.


    Thump!


    The sword penetrated Li Xian''s forehead.


    Both men hit the ground.


    Xiao Yi immediately bounced off the ground, while Li Xian''s head hit the ground and exploded with a thud, his headless body lying in a pool of blood. The crowd looked on in shock, "Xiao Yi won?"


    "What just happened? How could Xiao Yi suddenly unleash such a powerful force?"


    "Little Overlord Li Xian has been killed? Xiao Yi is just at the Peak of the Shentong Realm, how, how terrifyingly talented must he be..."


    Xiao Yi''s eyes were a blood red, and with a leap, he charged into the stunned crowd.


    He had now burnt forty percent of his blood, and his body was shrouded in a bright red glow like a fountain, using the explosively increased power to slaughter wildly!


    "Chasing Stars and Moons!"


    "Sweeping through a Thousand Armies!"


    "Spirit Chasing... Life Seizing..."


    Xiao Yi''s sword was one meant for killing; with every life the Fire Qilin Sword claimed, its blade grew only brighter, the Qilin scales and patterns becoming more defined, its light dazzling.


    Pu pu pu!


    With each sweeping stroke, heads were sent flying into the air.


    "Run for it!"


    "Don''t kill me, I... I was just watching the excitement..."


    "Save me..."


    In an instant.


    The number of strong warriors that Xiao Yi had slain had already surpassed ten. The Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple was wiped out, nearly all of the twenty royal family members were dead, only less than ten strong men from the Royal Martial Arts Academy remained, and the Nine Profound Sect had only Ling Feng left.


    Only the Heavenly and Earthly Sword Brothers remained from Mingjian Manor.


    At this moment...


    Blocking Xiao Yi''s path were the Heavenly and Earthly Sword Brothers, but even with their combined force, they could not withstand Xiao Yi. The piercing sword''s edge whooshed by, striking both men and sending them flying.


    The Heavenly Son Sword''s complexion changed, and he bellowed, "Earthly Son Sword, combine our swords!"


    "All right!"


    The Earthly Son Sword shifted his form, spinning like a top. However... the Heavenly Son Sword, who should have joined him in a combined attack, spun around and dashed towards Ling Feng instead.


    Only the Earthly Son Sword remained to face Xiao Yi alone.


    "Heavenly Son Sword... you motherf..."


    With a face full of despair, the Earthly Son Sword turned back to look at Xiao Yi, "Don''t kill me¡­"


    Thud!


    The edge of the sword swept past.


    The Earthly Son Sword''s head was removed, his face a picture of despair.


    With a surge of blood, Xiao Yi dashed forward, leaving trails of black mud in his wake as he approached the Heavenly Son Sword.


    Ling Feng''s face hardened with anger as he roared, "Stop!"


    "What are you? Get lost!" Xiao Yi sneered, his sword pointed at the Heavenly Son Sword.


    "Seeking death!"


    Ling Feng''s face grew dark, and with a pointing finger he invoked, "Destruction Finger!"


    Hum!


    The light from his finger was unparalleled.


    Xiao Yi swept his sword across, at the same time bellowing, "Get out of my way!"


    Bang!


    The dazzling aura of the giant Qi Finger collided with the Sword Qi, resulting in absolute suppression. With a roar, it shattered the sword light and then slammed into Xiao Yi.


    A mouthful of fresh blood sprayed from his mouth.


    Ling Feng coldly said, "You''re no match for me. Resist again, and I''ll cut you down right here!"


    "Get lost!"


    Xiao Yi bellowed in rage, burning another ten percent of his blood, increasing his strength tenfold. But having already burnt fifty percent of his blood, his face was pale as death, even dizzy.


    But Xiao Yi could no longer care about that.


    His eyes glowing red, he roared, "Today, I wish to slay my enemies! Whoever dares to block my path, I''ll kill them!"


    If gods block me, I will slay gods!


    If Buddhas block me, I will slaughter Buddhas!


    Xiao Yi''s sword cut through the air; under the disbelieving gaze of the Heavenly Son Sword, he bisected him. Then, turning around and channeling all his strength, he unleashed his strongest strike, "Life... Seizing!"


    This strike landed directly on Ling Feng.


    Qi surged around Ling Feng, forming Qi shields in front of him.


    But in the face of Xiao Yi''s deadly strike, the Qi shields burst apart, and with a loud bang, it hit Ling Feng.


    Wow! S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ling Feng was sent flying backward, blood streaming from his seven orifices. He sported a horrendous sword wound across his chest. The wound was bone-deep, covered in blood. Xiao Yi was about to follow up on his attack,


    Just as he was about to strike,


    He saw in the distance a terrifying aura rapidly approaching. Xiao Yi''s pupils suddenly constricted, "Ye Feng?"


    "Xiao Yi, your death is certain..."


    Ling Feng, dragging his heavily wounded body, rushed toward Ye Feng, shouting, "Ye Feng, Xiao Yi is here, kill him now!"


    "I''ll spare your dog''s life today, but I''ll come for it later!"


    Xiao Yi gave Ling Feng a cold look, then turned and in an instant, vanished into the thick miasma and mist above the swamp...

 Chapter 87 - 87: Immortals, Demons, Ghosts, and Gods All Listen

    Xiao Yi did not know how long he had run.


    He had long left the swamp and entered a grey and hazy mountain range.


    Between the towering peaks, a raging river cut across the landscape, its giant waves crashing against the shore''s chaotic rocks and cliffs, sending up sprays of white foam.


    The bloody light on his body had grown increasingly dim, a sign that the power surge from the Blood Explosion Skill was rapidly fading, and once this energy was depleted.


    Xiao Yi would also faint from excessive blood loss and weakness.


    After all.


    He had consumed a full fifty percent of his blood!


    "To think that so many people couldn''t kill you, you really do have a large life!" In the midst of his frantic escape, a cold voice made Xiao Yi''s whole body shudder.


    He looked toward the source of the voice.


    About a dozen meters ahead of him stood Zhang Tianyi, in flowing white garments, arms crossed and a playful look on his face. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Zhang Tianyi?" Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes.


    Zhang Tianyi''s face was full of amusement as he sized Xiao Yi up and down, his eyes burning with passion: "Peak Divine Skills, capable of bursting forth with power comparable to the Sixth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm in an instant, this must be the secret technique you brought from the Xiao Family, right?"


    The Xiao Family of the Great Qian Dynasty, a family now extremely hot in the Heavenly Yuan Realm.


    The name of the Xiao Family was astonishingly well-known.


    In Zhang Tianyi''s eyes, the only way Xiao Yi could possess such a powerful secret technique was thanks to the gifted Xiao Tianjiao of the Xiao Family.


    Xiao Yi squinted his eyes, feeling a chill surge up his back: "Have you been watching the whole time?"


    He had never expected that during the previous battle, Zhang Tianyi had been spying on the sidelines?


    If Zhang Tianyi had made a move then, wouldn''t he be on a path with no return?


    Zhang Tianyi nodded, smiling slightly: "I have been there since you fought with Dao Yuan and the others. I was planning to kill you, but after seeing the secret technique you used, I changed my mind!"


    With the power of the Eighth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, Zhang Tianyi could have easily killed Xiao Yi had he taken action.


    But after witnessing Xiao Yi slay Dao Kuang with the Blood Explosion Skill, boosting his strength by dozens of times, he changed his mind.


    He had followed Xiao Yi until he left, tailing him all along, with the sole aim of seizing this secret technique for himself!


    If he could master such a technique, he even had the confidence to contend with the powerhouses of the Tao Tribulation Realm!


    Zhang Tianyi spoke unhurriedly, "Simply hand over the secret technique you used, and I can spare you your life!"


    Xiao Yi sneered, "Want my secret technique? Go ask King Yama for it in hell!"


    Boom!


    The bloody light around Xiao Yi was dazzling, as if he were a blood-colored War God holding the Fire Qilin Sword and cutting across the sky.


    A bloody wave swept across Changkong.


    The sharp edge of the sword aura seemed to tear apart space itself, cleaving through mountains and rivers.


    Zhang Tianyi coldly smiled and with a flick of his finger, a "thud" shattered the terrifying sword wave. At the same time, with a casual flick of his finger, a terrifying wave of energy surged forth, hitting Xiao Yi with a loud bang.


    Xiao Yi trembled all over, the bloody light around him faded substantially, and his face grew even paler. He struggled to stand up, but spat out a mouthful of fresh blood, stumbled, and was about to fall when his body abruptly stopped.


    His eyes were filled with rage, and his hands clutched at his throat desperately.


    Zhang Tianyi, with one hand in the air, making a gesture as though grabbing something, summoned an invisible force that formed a hand and tightly gripped Xiao Yi''s neck, lifting him: "Killing you is like crushing an ant. If you don''t want to die, hand over the secret technique obediently!"


    At that moment...


    A chilling voice suddenly rang out, accompanied by a surging tide of energy, which with a bang, shattered Zhang Tianyi''s energy hand: "Xiao Yi is prey favored by the crown prince, do you also dare to snatch food from the tiger''s mouth?"


    "Ye Feng?"


    Zhang Tianyi raised his eyebrows, then with a wave of his hand, he grabbed Xiao Yi again, "If Jiang Shanhe were here, I might fear him a bit, but you think you can stop me?"


    "I''ve wanted to test my skills against you for a while now!"


    Ye Feng''s expression was stone cold as his iron fist cleaved through the air; black Qi condensed into thousands of red leaves, swirling and forming a massive red wave that furiously rolled toward Zhang Tianyi.


    The impact of their attacks was earth-shattering.


    And their strength was evenly matched.


    For a time, neither could gain the upper hand over the other; instead, it was Xiao Yi who repeatedly suffered from the aftershocks of their strikes, his injuries growing more severe.


    "One leaf signals the coming of autumn!"


    "A sliver of sky!"


    The two struck simultaneously, and two terrifying energies collided, creating a force that could destroy heaven and earth, completely annihilating a small mountain.


    Xiao Yi''s figure was sent flying once again, he came within a hair''s breadth of the surging, never-ending river.


    "Indeed worthy of being a paramount existence in the Tianlan Kingdom!" A grave expression spread across Ye Feng''s face.


    Zhang Tianyi snorted coldly and said with clasped hands, "The feeling''s mutual!"


    Ye Feng said, "Zhang Tianyi, neither of us can do anything to the other, but Xiao Yi is the prey coveted by the crown prince. This man has transformed from the Physical Body Realm into a strength comparable to the Golden Core Realm in just half a year; he is an asset that the crown prince is determined to possess!"


    "What? Are you saying he advanced from the Physical Body Realm to his current strength in just half a year?" Zhang Tianyi was taken aback and asked incredulously.


    Half a year!


    Even though they were also considered prodigies, it would be good if they could break through one or two minor realms in half a year.


    Xiao Yi had crossed the Physical Body, Qi Gathering, and Divine Skills realms?


    Zhang Tianyi''s gaze toward Xiao Yi was filled with burning desire as he said solemnly, "Ye Feng, I do not wish to be enemies with Jiang Shanhe, but the secrets Xiao Yi holds are far too important. I absolutely cannot let them go. What do you say we share his secrets?"


    "Share?" Ye Feng was taken aback.


    Zhang Tianyi nodded, speaking coldly, "If you take him back to Jiang Shanhe, the secrets you end up with won''t be yours. But if you and I obtain all his secrets here, then how he broke through three realms in half a year, and how he, at the peak of Divine Skills, possesses fighting strength comparable to the five layers of the Golden Core Realm, will become our secrets¡­"


    Huff-puff!


    Huff-puff!


    Ye Feng''s breathing became heavy, and his blood-red tongue licked his lips. He focused and said, "But what if he doesn''t talk?"


    "Not talk?"


    Zhang Tianyi sneered viciously, "If he stays silent for one moment, I will cripple his cultivation; two moments, I''ll break his meridians. Three moments of silence, I''ll cut off his limbs... If he still doesn''t talk, doesn''t he have a wife? We''ll capture her. If he stays silent for a moment, I''ll find ten men; two moments, I''ll find a hundred men... Let''s see if he talks then!"


    Ye Feng gulped down a mouthful of saliva, his gaze filled with pity as he looked at Xiao Yi and chuckled wickedly, "Xiao Yi, you can only blame yourself for offending those you shouldn''t have!"


    "I... I offended your mother!"


    Xiao Yi, who had finally regained his senses, struggled to his feet, every word of their conversation not missing his ears. His eyes were filled with bloody ferocity. Gritting his teeth, he growled, "Ye Feng, Zhang Tianyi, and Jiang Shanhe... I, Xiao Yi, have never intentionally provoked you, yet you seek to push me toward death at every turn."


    Boom!


    With one step, Xiao Yi moved, and icy coldness glinted in his eyes as he spoke with deliberate emphasis, "I, Xiao Yi, swear here today, if I do not die, I will drench Tianlan in blood and slaughter my way through the Royal Martial Arts Institute!"


    "This vow, witnessed by the sun and the moon, acknowledged by heaven and earth!"


    "Let gods and demons alike listen..."


    The rumble of thunder!


    In the void, there seemed to be thunder tearing the sky apart, lightning flashing across the heavens!


    The murderous intent in his oath and the bloodlust in Xiao Yi''s eyes sent chills down their spines, leaving them exchanging looks of shock.


    It was as if they had truly seen a terrifying demon god, wielding a sword, stepping through the Royal Martial Arts Academy, shattering the Tianlan Kingdom, and slaying its rising stars!


    "Not good!"


    "Stop him..."


    The two were jolted, but then they saw Xiao Yi leap into the rapid river. Thunder roared, and silver lightning illuminated his fiercely cold face. Yet even under the clamor of thunder, Xiao Yi''s voice was crystal clear, "Keep your filthy lives, wait for me to claim them!"

 Chapter 90 - 90: Killing with a Single Finger

    The routes marked on the parchment were extremely detailed.


    In just half a day, Xiao Yi had entered the main burial chamber. At each of the four corners of the main tomb was a green lantern that had been burning for at least five hundred years, judging by the time of Wang Tianqi''s disappearance.


    That they still shone brightly was truly astonishing!


    There were two corpses within the ancient tomb.


    They must have been martial artists from the Tao Tribulation Realm of the Tianlan Kingdom and the Purple Robe Kingdom, captured alongside Wang Tianqi to construct the ancient tomb, only to die right on this spot, unfortunately.


    Their Martial Dao Divine Fruits lay quietly within the skulls.


    Xiao Yi collected each of the Martial Dao Divine Fruits, "Just these three Martial Dao Divine Fruits are worth a fortune, I''m afraid they might be even more valuable than all the gains of Zhou Yuan and Gu the elder at the peak of the Golden Elixir Realm..."


    Just as Xiao Yi had thought...


    The treasures obtained by Zhou Yuan and Gu Junhe weren''t many. After all, the ancient tombs in the Tao Tribulation Realm outside were just a decoy, and all their treasures combined couldn''t compare to a single Martial Dao Divine Fruit.


    Plus, as the peak Golden Elixir Realm martial artists divided the treasures among themselves, each person''s share was not significant.


    But Xiao Yi alone had obtained three Martial Dao Divine Fruits!


    What''s more important was...


    The most precious and mysterious thing in the entire burial ground was the bronze ancient coffin at the very center!


    The four corners of the bronze ancient coffin each had a divine beast statue, modeled after the images of The Four Divine Beasts: Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, Black Tortoise, supporting the ancient coffin.


    The coffin was covered with a myriad of mysterious runes, with strange patterns connected to each other, emitting a faint golden glow.


    Ancient, vicissitudes of time, heavy, solemn, mysterious!


    Little Lin shrunk in Xiao Yi''s arms, although this little guy had just been born, it already possessed the strength comparable to a third-order high-level demon beast.


    Definitely considered gifted!


    Its little eyes stared at the ancient coffin, gently flicking its tongue as if asking Xiao Yi what was inside.


    Xiao Yi rubbed Little Lin''s head and placed his hands on the bronze ancient coffin.


    Clang!


    The lid of the coffin was suddenly flung open by him.


    A surge of golden light shot up into the sky, obscuring the entire tomb. When the light quietly dimmed, what lay within the ancient coffin was revealed before Xiao Yi.


    "This¡­"


    Xiao Yi was dumbfounded.


    Inside the ancient coffin, the burial wasn''t a corpse but a pitch-black jade box, and surrounding the jade box were luminous, transparent stones that glittered with spiritual light.


    Spirit Stones!


    The word surfaced in Xiao Yi''s mind.


    These Spirit Stones, which could only form in spirit veins where the heavenly and earth''s essence was incredibly condensed, were categorized into lower, middle, upper, and top grades.


    But even the lowest grade Spirit Stone was worth a fortune!


    According to what Xiao Yi knew, a single lower-grade Spirit Stone, if converted to gold coins, was worth a hundred thousand, and they were priceless!


    Besides the jade box in the ancient coffin, there were over a thousand lower-grade Spirit Stones, more than a hundred middle-grade ones, and even ten upper-grade ones!


    To put it bluntly...


    Just these Spirit Stones alone exceeded the gains of Zhou Yuan and others!


    "What''s inside this jade box?" Xiao Yi collected the Spirit Stones and held the jade box, attempting to discover its secrets.


    Yet, despite all his efforts, he couldn''t open it.


    "To compel an existence suspected from the Dharma Manifestation Realm, or even the Longevity Secret Realm, to abduct three martial artists from the Tao Tribulation Realm to construct a tomb and bury it, this cannot be an ordinary item! I''ll take it back and find a way to open it later!"


    Xiao Yi stored the jade box away.


    He sat cross-legged before the ancient coffin.


    He took out a lower-grade Spirit Stone and circulated his mysterious arts as a stream of pure heavenly and earthly essence flowed into his body. This energy was vast and pure, immediately swallowed up.


    "No wonder all martial artists are so eager for Spirit Stones; this is indeed an excellent aid for cultivation!" Spirit Stones were the essence of heaven and earth condensed to the extreme, materialized into substance.


    The energy within was purer than that of the dantian and medicinal pills.


    Xiao Yi kept devouring them.


    A single lower-grade Spirit Stone was equivalent to ten days of arduous cultivation, and at Xiao Yi''s current level of cultivation, he could devour a lower-grade Spirit Stone in about half an incense stick''s time.


    One by one, the Spirit Stones in his hands were refined.


    Xiao Yi''s cultivation level also kept rising, and in the blink of an eye, seven days had passed. Xiao Yi had devoured more than a thousand lower-grade Spirit Stones.


    His cultivation level had broken through to the Four Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm!


    As the accumulated essence of the Four Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm surged wildly into the God Sealing Seed within his body, Xiao Yi''s God Sealing Seed gained another fifteen thousand seeds, reaching a total of twenty thousand!


    ```


    Twenty thousand God Sealing Seeds reflected the power of divinity, causing Xiao Yi''s combat strength to swell once again.


    With his current level of combat strength...


    Even without using the Blood Explosion Skill, he can effortlessly crush a Seventh Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm expert, and when he exercises his full power, even an Eighth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm opponent might be a match!


    "The time is almost up; they should have entered the ancient tomb by now!" A cold gleam flashed across Xiao Yi''s eyes.


    He then left the true main tomb according to the secret passage indicated on the parchment.


    The exit of the main tomb turned out to be beneath the stele at the entrance to the false tomb.


    Only from the inside could the stele be flipped; from the outside, it gave away no signs at all. As Xiao Yi left the secret passage, the stele reverted to its original state.


    "This must be the false tomb designed to mislead the world. Judging by Ye Feng and their speed, they should be in here¡­" Standing at the entrance to the false tomb, Xiao Yi pondered for a moment before stepping inside.


    The tomb passage was long and narrow, with traps destroyed by brute force visible everywhere ¨C clearly the handiwork of Zhou Yuan and the others.


    He continued on his way.


    The scent of blood in the air grew stronger.


    Xiao Yi slowed his pace, spotting many corpses along the way, mostly from the Purple Robe Kingdom, causing him to frown: "Why are people from the Purple Robe Kingdom dying here?"


    Suddenly...


    Intense sounds of fighting came from ahead, and Yue Ling''er''s exasperated voice could be heard: "Ling Feng, how dare you kill my subordinates? Aren''t you afraid of my cousin punishing you for your crimes?"


    "Hehe, His Highness the Seventh Prince is strong and a powerful contender for the Crown Prince position, one who my Nine Profound Sect cannot afford to offend. However, a dead prince has no standing to punish me, right?" Ling Feng''s voice was smug and fearless.


    The Nine Profound Sect was already supporting the eldest prince.


    Now that Ye Feng and Zhang Tianyi had joined forces against Jiang Tai, putting him in danger of not being able to protect himself, Ling Feng naturally became even more brazen.


    Yue Ling''er, with her back against the rocky walls of the tomb passage, had a trace of crimson at the corner of her mouth, her eyes filled with despair: "Cousin... I told you not to seek revenge for Xiao Yi. You wouldn''t listen, and now look where we are... We''re all going to die here..."


    The moment Jiang Tai learned of Xiao Yi''s "death," he immediately sought out Ye Feng and fought him.


    But with Zhang Tianyi''s support, Ye Feng not only avoided death at Jiang Tai''s hands but instead the two of them teamed up to attack Jiang, forcing him into a retreat to the inside of the ancient tomb.


    Yue Ling''er intervened to help Jiang Tai, which resulted in the death of her own subordinates.


    And now, even she faced death at Ling Feng''s hands.


    "Time to depart!"


    With a malevolent laugh, Ling Feng raised his hand, and the sharp blade thrust straight at Yue Ling''er.


    It was at this critical juncture...


    A figure suddenly appeared in front of Yue Ling''er, and with a clang, Ling Feng''s fierce sword thrust was blocked.


    The tomb passage fell into dead silence, with not a sound to be heard.


    Yue Ling''er''s phoenix eyes opened slightly wide, her large, watery eyes fluttering in shock. Ling Feng was slack-jawed, his sword firmly clamped between two fair fingers, trapped and unable to advance or retreat! sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Both individuals stared at the figure before them in disbelief, uttering his name: "Xiao... Xiao Yi?"


    Xiao Yi slowly lifted his head, the corners of his mouth lifting as he looked at Ling Feng: "We meet again!"


    "You... you''re not dead?"


    Ling Feng drew in a sharp breath.


    Xiao Yi replied indifferently, "I''m not dead. Does that disappoint you?"


    "How could that be? Heh, I''m too pleased for words that you''re alive..."


    Ling Feng recovered from his initial shock, then sneered, "I was regretting not being able to kill you with my own hands. Now, you can go die!"


    Whoosh!


    Ling Feng''s weapon tore through the air, a mighty strike descending swiftly.


    "Be careful!"


    Yue Ling''er yelled out a warning.


    Yet Xiao Yi merely raised his hand and sent out a finger strike.


    Hum!


    That one finger, like the reemergence of a peerless divine sword in this world, clashed with a clang against Ling Feng''s assault, then with a thud pierced Ling Feng''s brow.


    Thump!


    Ling Feng''s body shuddered, his face still twisted in ferocity, but now devoid of life!


    Hiss!


    Yue Ling''er inhaled sharply, speechless and with eyes wide open in astonishment.


    Ling Feng, a Sixth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm martial artist, had been killed by a single finger from Xiao Yi?


    ```

 Chapter 89 - 89: Martial Dao Divine Fruit

    Hiss hiss!


    Xiao Yi stopped mid-sentence as the silver snake poked its head out, flicking its scarlet tongue, while its amber eyes fixed on Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi was momentarily stunned, then he remembered the moment he had jumped into the river earlier, when the beast egg in his arms had cracked and hatched this little creature.


    It was this very creature that had dragged him into the deep waters, allowing him to avoid being pursued and killed by Ye Feng and Zhang Tianyi.


    It had also led him to this cave.


    And at a critical moment, it had bitten him, infusing life force into his body.


    "Little guy, thank you for saving me!" Xiao Yi rubbed the head of the silver snake.


    The little snake nuzzled against Xiao Yi''s palm willingly, winding along his hand and climbing onto his shoulder, flicking its tongue, its eyes filled with worry and inquiry.


    Xiao Yi was taken aback, the little fellow seemed quite human-like. He smiled and said, "I''m fine, don''t worry!"


    This time, disaster had turned into a blessing.


    The continuous battles, combined with the explosion of the Blood Explosion Skill, had taken his already Peak of the Divine Ability Realm cultivation to the next level, stepping into the Golden Core Realm.


    Within the dantian.


    That golden-yellow Golden Core bobbed and drifted, surrounded by a golden halo.


    In the Tenth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, one revolution of the Golden Core indicated one layer.


    With each rise in realm, an additional halo would appear, and now, he had also acquired the Sword Demon Dugu''s lifelong understanding of the sword, along with the Solitary Nine Swords and the second stage of Sword Intent, where the sword follows the heart.


    Xiao Yi''s strength had now made a dramatic advance.


    Hiss hiss!


    The silver snake slithered swiftly to the ground, moving forward a certain distance before turning back to look at Xiao Yi. Xiao Yi, surprised, asked, "Are you asking me to follow you?" S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Hiss hiss!


    The silver snake nodded.


    Xiao Yi followed it.


    A man and a snake, moving farther and farther within the dim cave.


    Drip drop drip drop!


    The entire cave was deathly silent, with only the sound of water droplets echoing, adding a somber tone. The faint silver light emitted by the silver snake lit up the ground, with Xiao Yi closely following.


    The silver snake ahead suddenly stopped, spinning in place and making urgent hissing noises.


    Xiao Yi, startled, approached and saw that right at the spot where the silver snake was circling, there was a corpse. The corpse had been covered by thick soil and stones, but as the silver snake continued to move, it brushed away the earthen cover, revealing its true face.


    "This is..." Xiao Yi stepped forward to investigate.


    The body had been dead for a long time, leaving only a skeleton.


    But it was this very skeleton that made Xiao Yi''s face turn pale with shock.


    Within the skeleton was a fist-sized, emerald-green fruit.


    "The Martial Dao Divine Fruit? How is this possible?" Xiao Yi picked up the green fruit, confirmed it was real, and an astonished look spread across his face.


    The Martial Dao Divine Fruit.


    This was the Dao Fruit that formed within a martial artist after they broke through to the Tao Tribulation Realm!


    If such a Martial Dao Divine Fruit were to appear in the outside world, it would certainly cause a bloodbath, because one such fruit represented a Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouse!


    At the peak of the Golden Elixir, refining a single Martial Dao Divine Fruit would allow one to step into the Calamity Realm.


    Of course...


    There are downsides to consuming this fruit to enter the Calamity Realm, as it will make further breakthroughs much more difficult. However, for the vast majority of the strong, reaching the Calamity Realm is something they can only dream of.


    It''s just that...


    How could the body of a Tao Tribulation Realm expert appear here?


    Moreover, looking at the body, all the bones were shattered, obviously killed by someone who brutally broke all their bones.


    Hiss hiss!


    A silver snake brought a storage ring to Xiao Yi''s palm, and with a drop of blood, Xiao Yi made the ring recognize him as its master. However, inside the ring was merely an empty space with only a parchment scroll.


    Xiao Yi focused his gaze, and as he looked, his pupils suddenly dilated, "If someone sees this letter, then it proves I am already dead. I do not know how long it has been, perhaps people have already forgotten my name. I am Wang Tianqi, the first headmaster of the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy of Tianqing Kingdom. However..."


    As Xiao Yi read on, the shock and astonishment on his face intensified.


    This Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouse turned out to be the founder of Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, a genuine Tao Tribulation Realm expert. Xiao Yi had heard of him from Gu Junhe, it could be said that Tianqi Martial Arts Academy''s rise and fall were both because of Wang Tianqi!


    It was precisely because Wang Tianqi was stationed there that the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy could become the number one martial arts academy of Tianqing Kingdom.


    But over five hundred years ago...


    Wang Tianqi mysteriously vanished, and from then on, the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy began to decline, and now has but a few disciples left.


    Xiao Yi had never imagined that Wang Tianqi would appear here, and according to the parchment scroll, over five hundred years ago, Wang Tianqi and two other Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouses from Tianlan Kingdom and Purple Robe Kingdom were abducted by a mysterious being.


    And the being that took them away only wanted them to build a tomb for him!


    To have Tao Tribulation Realm experts build his tomb, one could fathom how terrifying that being was!


    Surely he was a being of the Dharma Manifestation Realm, or perhaps even from the Longevity Secret Realm!


    At that time, the being promised that as long as they completed the tomb, he would let them go, but Wang Tianqi was cautious and secretly dug a tunnel leading to the deepest part of the ancient tomb.


    He had intended to enter the ancient tomb later on.


    But when the tomb was completed, that being unexpectedly struck and killed the three of them, ensuring they would rest forever within the burial site.


    Wang Tianqi''s body was different from an ordinary person''s, and he did not die on the spot.


    He managed to escape the ancient tomb through the secret tunnel.


    But he died here soon after escaping, gravely injured. Before his death, he left this parchment scroll: "Lucky one, this parchment bears the secret tunnel route map I left behind... Even in death, I wish to see his tomb desecrated... Wang Tianqi''s final words!"


    Hiss!


    Xiao Yi stared at the parchment for a long time, unable to snap out of his reverie.


    Everyone thought this was the ancient tomb of a Tao Tribulation Realm expert, yet it was the tomb of a being suspected to be from the Dharma Manifestation Realm, or even the Longevity Secret Realm!


    "So it seems Zhou Yuan and the others did not find the real tomb; does that mean the true treasures of this ancient tomb are still intact? They merely took some trifling benefits?" Xiao Yi''s eyes gleamed as he laughed heartily.


    Zhou Yuan and other experts at the Golden Elixir Realm Peak spent two months excavating the Secret Realm, thinking they had taken away the best treasures.


    They never imagined...


    What they got was merely trivial gains!


    Hiss hiss!


    The silver snake tilted its head, seemingly puzzled as to why Xiao Yi was laughing.


    Xiao Yi hugged the snake tightly and kissed it fiercely; if not for this little critter, he might never have discovered Wang Tianqi''s remains, nor obtained this parchment: "Little guy, you truly are my lucky star! It''s not good to keep calling you little guy, so considering your silver scales... from now on, I will call you Little Lin. How does Xiao Lin sound for a grand name?"


    Hiss hiss!


    Little Lin tilted its head, completely baffled.


    Xiao Yi casually collected Wang Tianqi''s remains and Martial Dao Divine Fruit into his storage ring, preparing to take them out for a proper burial and to establish a memorial.


    Looking at the parchment in his hand, Xiao Yi flicked Little Lin''s head lightly, "Little Lin, let''s dig a grave!"


    A tomb of a Dharma Manifestation Realm, or even a Longevity Secret Realm expert!


    What exactly was inside?


    Xiao Yi''s heart was filled with curiosity and anticipation...

 Chapter 90 - 90: Killing with a Single Finger

    The routes marked on the parchment were extremely detailed.


    In just half a day, Xiao Yi had entered the main burial chamber. At each of the four corners of the main tomb was a green lantern that had been burning for at least five hundred years, judging by the time of Wang Tianqi''s disappearance.


    That they still shone brightly was truly astonishing!


    There were two corpses within the ancient tomb.


    They must have been martial artists from the Tao Tribulation Realm of the Tianlan Kingdom and the Purple Robe Kingdom, captured alongside Wang Tianqi to construct the ancient tomb, only to die right on this spot, unfortunately.


    Their Martial Dao Divine Fruits lay quietly within the skulls.


    Xiao Yi collected each of the Martial Dao Divine Fruits, "Just these three Martial Dao Divine Fruits are worth a fortune, I''m afraid they might be even more valuable than all the gains of Zhou Yuan and Gu the elder at the peak of the Golden Elixir Realm..."


    Just as Xiao Yi had thought...


    The treasures obtained by Zhou Yuan and Gu Junhe weren''t many. After all, the ancient tombs in the Tao Tribulation Realm outside were just a decoy, and all their treasures combined couldn''t compare to a single Martial Dao Divine Fruit.


    Plus, as the peak Golden Elixir Realm martial artists divided the treasures among themselves, each person''s share was not significant.


    But Xiao Yi alone had obtained three Martial Dao Divine Fruits!


    What''s more important was...


    The most precious and mysterious thing in the entire burial ground was the bronze ancient coffin at the very center!


    The four corners of the bronze ancient coffin each had a divine beast statue, modeled after the images of The Four Divine Beasts: Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, Black Tortoise, supporting the ancient coffin.


    The coffin was covered with a myriad of mysterious runes, with strange patterns connected to each other, emitting a faint golden glow.


    Ancient, vicissitudes of time, heavy, solemn, mysterious!


    Little Lin shrunk in Xiao Yi''s arms, although this little guy had just been born, it already possessed the strength comparable to a third-order high-level demon beast.


    Definitely considered gifted!


    Its little eyes stared at the ancient coffin, gently flicking its tongue as if asking Xiao Yi what was inside.


    Xiao Yi rubbed Little Lin''s head and placed his hands on the bronze ancient coffin.


    Clang!


    The lid of the coffin was suddenly flung open by him.


    A surge of golden light shot up into the sky, obscuring the entire tomb. When the light quietly dimmed, what lay within the ancient coffin was revealed before Xiao Yi.


    "This¡­"


    Xiao Yi was dumbfounded.


    Inside the ancient coffin, the burial wasn''t a corpse but a pitch-black jade box, and surrounding the jade box were luminous, transparent stones that glittered with spiritual light.


    Spirit Stones!


    The word surfaced in Xiao Yi''s mind.


    These Spirit Stones, which could only form in spirit veins where the heavenly and earth''s essence was incredibly condensed, were categorized into lower, middle, upper, and top grades.


    But even the lowest grade Spirit Stone was worth a fortune!


    According to what Xiao Yi knew, a single lower-grade Spirit Stone, if converted to gold coins, was worth a hundred thousand, and they were priceless!


    Besides the jade box in the ancient coffin, there were over a thousand lower-grade Spirit Stones, more than a hundred middle-grade ones, and even ten upper-grade ones!


    To put it bluntly...


    Just these Spirit Stones alone exceeded the gains of Zhou Yuan and others!


    "What''s inside this jade box?" Xiao Yi collected the Spirit Stones and held the jade box, attempting to discover its secrets.


    Yet, despite all his efforts, he couldn''t open it.


    "To compel an existence suspected from the Dharma Manifestation Realm, or even the Longevity Secret Realm, to abduct three martial artists from the Tao Tribulation Realm to construct a tomb and bury it, this cannot be an ordinary item! I''ll take it back and find a way to open it later!"


    Xiao Yi stored the jade box away.


    He sat cross-legged before the ancient coffin.


    He took out a lower-grade Spirit Stone and circulated his mysterious arts as a stream of pure heavenly and earthly essence flowed into his body. This energy was vast and pure, immediately swallowed up.


    "No wonder all martial artists are so eager for Spirit Stones; this is indeed an excellent aid for cultivation!" Spirit Stones were the essence of heaven and earth condensed to the extreme, materialized into substance.


    The energy within was purer than that of the dantian and medicinal pills.


    Xiao Yi kept devouring them.


    A single lower-grade Spirit Stone was equivalent to ten days of arduous cultivation, and at Xiao Yi''s current level of cultivation, he could devour a lower-grade Spirit Stone in about half an incense stick''s time.


    One by one, the Spirit Stones in his hands were refined.


    Xiao Yi''s cultivation level also kept rising, and in the blink of an eye, seven days had passed. Xiao Yi had devoured more than a thousand lower-grade Spirit Stones.


    His cultivation level had broken through to the Four Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm!


    As the accumulated essence of the Four Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm surged wildly into the God Sealing Seed within his body, Xiao Yi''s God Sealing Seed gained another fifteen thousand seeds, reaching a total of twenty thousand!


    ```


    Twenty thousand God Sealing Seeds reflected the power of divinity, causing Xiao Yi''s combat strength to swell once again.


    With his current level of combat strength...


    Even without using the Blood Explosion Skill, he can effortlessly crush a Seventh Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm expert, and when he exercises his full power, even an Eighth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm opponent might be a match!


    "The time is almost up; they should have entered the ancient tomb by now!" A cold gleam flashed across Xiao Yi''s eyes.


    He then left the true main tomb according to the secret passage indicated on the parchment.


    The exit of the main tomb turned out to be beneath the stele at the entrance to the false tomb.


    Only from the inside could the stele be flipped; from the outside, it gave away no signs at all. As Xiao Yi left the secret passage, the stele reverted to its original state.


    "This must be the false tomb designed to mislead the world. Judging by Ye Feng and their speed, they should be in here¡­" Standing at the entrance to the false tomb, Xiao Yi pondered for a moment before stepping inside.


    The tomb passage was long and narrow, with traps destroyed by brute force visible everywhere ¨C clearly the handiwork of Zhou Yuan and the others.


    He continued on his way.


    The scent of blood in the air grew stronger.


    Xiao Yi slowed his pace, spotting many corpses along the way, mostly from the Purple Robe Kingdom, causing him to frown: "Why are people from the Purple Robe Kingdom dying here?"


    Suddenly...


    Intense sounds of fighting came from ahead, and Yue Ling''er''s exasperated voice could be heard: "Ling Feng, how dare you kill my subordinates? Aren''t you afraid of my cousin punishing you for your crimes?"


    "Hehe, His Highness the Seventh Prince is strong and a powerful contender for the Crown Prince position, one who my Nine Profound Sect cannot afford to offend. However, a dead prince has no standing to punish me, right?" Ling Feng''s voice was smug and fearless.


    The Nine Profound Sect was already supporting the eldest prince.


    Now that Ye Feng and Zhang Tianyi had joined forces against Jiang Tai, putting him in danger of not being able to protect himself, Ling Feng naturally became even more brazen.


    Yue Ling''er, with her back against the rocky walls of the tomb passage, had a trace of crimson at the corner of her mouth, her eyes filled with despair: "Cousin... I told you not to seek revenge for Xiao Yi. You wouldn''t listen, and now look where we are... We''re all going to die here..."


    The moment Jiang Tai learned of Xiao Yi''s "death," he immediately sought out Ye Feng and fought him.


    But with Zhang Tianyi''s support, Ye Feng not only avoided death at Jiang Tai''s hands but instead the two of them teamed up to attack Jiang, forcing him into a retreat to the inside of the ancient tomb.


    Yue Ling''er intervened to help Jiang Tai, which resulted in the death of her own subordinates.


    And now, even she faced death at Ling Feng''s hands.


    "Time to depart!"


    With a malevolent laugh, Ling Feng raised his hand, and the sharp blade thrust straight at Yue Ling''er.


    It was at this critical juncture...


    A figure suddenly appeared in front of Yue Ling''er, and with a clang, Ling Feng''s fierce sword thrust was blocked.


    The tomb passage fell into dead silence, with not a sound to be heard.


    Yue Ling''er''s phoenix eyes opened slightly wide, her large, watery eyes fluttering in shock. Ling Feng was slack-jawed, his sword firmly clamped between two fair fingers, trapped and unable to advance or retreat! sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Both individuals stared at the figure before them in disbelief, uttering his name: "Xiao... Xiao Yi?"


    Xiao Yi slowly lifted his head, the corners of his mouth lifting as he looked at Ling Feng: "We meet again!"


    "You... you''re not dead?"


    Ling Feng drew in a sharp breath.


    Xiao Yi replied indifferently, "I''m not dead. Does that disappoint you?"


    "How could that be? Heh, I''m too pleased for words that you''re alive..."


    Ling Feng recovered from his initial shock, then sneered, "I was regretting not being able to kill you with my own hands. Now, you can go die!"


    Whoosh!


    Ling Feng''s weapon tore through the air, a mighty strike descending swiftly.


    "Be careful!"


    Yue Ling''er yelled out a warning.


    Yet Xiao Yi merely raised his hand and sent out a finger strike.


    Hum!


    That one finger, like the reemergence of a peerless divine sword in this world, clashed with a clang against Ling Feng''s assault, then with a thud pierced Ling Feng''s brow.


    Thump!


    Ling Feng''s body shuddered, his face still twisted in ferocity, but now devoid of life!


    Hiss!


    Yue Ling''er inhaled sharply, speechless and with eyes wide open in astonishment.


    Ling Feng, a Sixth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm martial artist, had been killed by a single finger from Xiao Yi?


    ```

 Chapter 91 - 91 Ancestors and Clans

    Ling Feng was at the Golden Elixir Realm Sixth Layer Cultivation, serving as the chief top disciple of the Nine Profound Sect.


    Before this¡­


    Xiao Yi had to resort to the Blood Explosion Skill, burning thirty percent of his blood to contend against him, but now, having broken through to the Four Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, Xiao Yi needed only a flick of his fingers to slay him.


    This was the enhancement of combat power that came with a foundation in cultivation.


    Yue Ling''er stared in disbelief, unable to comprehend what she was seeing in this young man before her.


    When they had first entered the secret realm,


    she had on multiple occasions advised Jiang Tai to keep his distance from Xiao Yi, believing Xiao Yi''s cultivation to be unimpressive and only a harbinger of trouble that would undoubtedly drag Jiang Tai down.


    What she could never have anticipated was Xiao Yi''s growth to his current realm in the mere half-month since the opening of the secret realm.


    Gulp!


    Yue Ling''er swallowed hard, asking incredulously, "Xiao Yi, what exactly is your cultivation level?"


    She simply could not believe that just half a month ago, Xiao Yi was merely at the Peak of the Divine Ability Realm!


    Xiao Yi glanced at her and said indifferently, "Fourth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm."


    Yue Ling''er fell silent for a moment before pressing, "Half a month ago, were you really just at the peak of the Divine Ability Realm?"


    Xiao Yi nodded.


    Hiss!


    Yue Ling''er sharply inhaled a breath of cold air.


    Half a month, from the Peak of the Divine Ability Realm to the Fourth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm?


    How terrifyingly fast was that?


    Even her brother, hailed as the first genius in the history of the Purple Robe Kingdom, couldn''t manage that!


    Surely no one from the eighteen kingdoms under the Great Qian Dynasty could possibly achieve that, could they?


    Except for that one¡­


    The idol of all the young people in the Great Qian Dynasty, Xiao Tianjiao, who also happened to be Yue Ling''er''s idol. Yue Ling''er looked intently at Xiao Yi and spoke in a grave voice, "Your surname is Xiao, could the rumors be true? Are you really from the Xiao Family of the Great Qian Dynasty? It''s only a family that produced a figure like Xiao Tianjiao that could manifest a miracle like yours¡­ breaking through four realms in half a month..."


    Xiao Yi gave her a cold look, the indifference and iciness in his eyes causing Yue Ling''er to shiver, as if she had fallen into an ice pit.


    Xiao Yi said coldly, "Where is Jiang Tai?"


    "Ah?"


    Yue Ling''er was taken aback, snapping back to reality and quickly saying, "Cousin, chased by Ye Feng and Zhang Tianyi, has probably already entered the main tomb by now. Hurry and help him!"


    Xiao Yi nodded and, with a flash, dashed wildly toward the depths of the tomb.


    ......


    Inside the main tomb.


    Jiang Tai, Zhang Tianyi, and Ye Feng stood clearly divided, with a massive coffin appearing before the trio. The coffin was suspended mid-air, tethered by three chains.


    The chains wrapped around the coffin, with bright red links and yellow talismans plastered all over the coffin.


    An eerie ghostly aura pervaded, exceptionally terrifying!


    "The owner of this ancient tomb must be buried here!"


    Ye Feng said lightly, "Later, when the three of us join forces to open the coffin, the Martial Dao Divine Fruit is mine, and the rest of the treasures are yours!"


    Jiang Tai sneered, "Impossible!"


    Zhang Tianyi also had a nonchalant expression, "The Martial Dao Divine Fruit can''t possibly be yours."


    Ye Feng narrowed his eyes and said, "None of us can gain the upper hand over the others, and if we were to truly fight to the death, in the end, it would only benefit a third party."


    "What exactly are you trying to say?" Zhang Tianyi asked, frowning.


    Ye Feng said in a deep voice, "Let the three of us take turns attacking the coffin, and whoever opens it first gets the Martial Dao Divine Fruit. How about it?"


    After a moment of silence, they both nodded in agreement.


    Jiang Tai asked, "Who goes first?"


    Ye Feng said, "I have three sticks here, we could draw lots, with the length determining the order. The longest one goes first, the shortest last. How about that?"


    "Fine!"


    After drawing lots, Jiang Tai went first, followed by Zhang Tianyi, and then Ye Feng.


    Jiang Tai wielded a nine-ring great saber that gleamed with a silvery light, swinging the blade down. With a humming sound, the silver saber light fell heavily on the coffin.


    Thud!


    The coffin shook violently, and the chains rattled loudly.


    Yet it did not open!


    Zhang Tianyi was the second to perform, wielding a long spear like a raging dragon sweeping the heavens, landing a blow on the coffin. The entire coffin shook violently, and strips of yellow talismans exploded off it.


    It still did not open.


    Zhang Tianyi, his face twisted with annoyance, glared fiercely at Ye Feng, "Your turn!"


    Ye Feng''s mouth curled into a smirk, and with a casual toss, a bottle of blood-red liquid scattered forth.


    Hiss, hiss!


    The blood-red liquid stained the chains, from which plumes of black smoke began to rise, corrosion eating away at the chains.


    With a loud boom, the three chains snapped in succession, and the coffin crashed to the ground. The lid of the coffin had also opened a crack at that moment, and Ye Feng said with a smug face, "Sorry, this Martial Dao Divine Fruit is mine now!"


    "You... vile..." Zhang Tianyi glared at Ye Feng venomously.


    That blood-red liquid was the blood of a creature known as the Corpse-Eating Worm, possessing extremely potent corrosive properties.


    Never had they imagined that Ye Feng held this trick up his sleeve.


    Jiang Tai snorted coldly, "People from the Royal Martial Arts Academy really have no shame."


    "To the victor go the spoils; whoever laughs last is the real winner. As for the means used, nobody will care!" Ye Feng jeered and walked towards the coffin.


    But just as he was about three meters away from the coffin, a cold snort suddenly resonated throughout the main tomb: "Who dares disturb my eternal slumber?"


    Hiss!


    The three of them¡ªYe Feng included¡ªtrembled all over, "Who?"


    They looked around, but saw no one at all.


    The cold voice came again: "I am within this coffin. Who dare disturbs me?"


    Within the coffin?


    They exchanged looks, shock written all over their faces.


    Was the being inside the coffin still alive?


    Ye Feng asked in a deep voice, "May I ask the elder''s name?"


    "I am of the ancestral Zong clan!"


    "Ancestor Zong?"


    Ye Feng paused for a moment, then respectfully said, "I am Ye Feng, a junior. Unaware that Ancestor Zong rested here, I hope for your forgiveness!"


    "Hmph!"


    The cold voice came again, "If you seek my forgiveness, kneel down and kowtow ten times!"


    A cold light flashed in Ye Feng''s eyes.


    The cold voice spoke again, "Should you satisfy me, why should I not pass on my lifetime''s inheritance to you?"


    Hiss!


    Ye Feng''s complexion flushed.


    A lifetime''s inheritance? S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    That was the inheritance of a Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouse!


    With this thought in mind.


    Ye Feng thudded to his knees, his head banging resoundingly against the ground, respect on his face: "Junior Ye Feng offers kowtows in apology to Elder Ancestor Zong!"


    "Um, those kowtows are loud and clear. It seems you have had plenty of practice with this!" The icy, authoritative voice suddenly turned mocking and familiar.


    Huh?


    Ye Feng was taken aback and looked up sharply, only to see Xiao Yi sitting atop the coffin, watching him with amusement.


    Ye Feng trembled all over, his eyes instantly bloodshot with rage, "Xiao Yi? You''re still alive?" He suddenly recalled that cold voice, "Was that you speaking earlier? It was not an elder from within the coffin?"


    "My dear grandson, how can you be so rude? Weren''t you calling me your ancestor so naturally just now?" Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow at Ye Feng, tauntingly asking.


    "You..."


    Ye Feng''s face instantly turned beet red, as if he had been slapped dozens of times.


    He had knelt before Xiao Yi and kowtowed ten times, even calling him ancestor?


    That was humiliating to the extreme!


    Zhang Tianyi''s eyes were also narrowed as he stared fixedly at Xiao Yi. To him, the secrets on Xiao Yi''s person were far more valuable than the Martial Dao Divine Fruit. His sanguine tongue licked his lips, "Xiao Yi, I''m glad you''re not dead. With the secrets on you, who needs the Martial Dao Divine Fruit anyway!"


    Ye Feng immediately looked at Zhang Tianyi, "Zhang Tianyi, let us join forces to take down this man!"


    "Good!"


    Zhang Tianyi nodded his head.


    "Humph, if you want to deal with Xiao, you''ll have to get past me first!" Jiang Tai snorted coldly, his face showing a genuine gleam of joy upon learning Xiao Yi was alive.


    With a flash, he positioned himself in front of Xiao Yi.


    Ye Feng narrowed his eyes, "Your Highness the Seventh Prince, you may be powerful, but any one of us can contain you. The other can then deal with Xiao Yi, you won''t be able to stop us!"


    Before Jiang Tai could respond.


    Xiao Yi''s voice came from behind him, "Brother Jiang, just watch from the sidelines! This unfilial progeny of mine is actually conspiring with strangers against me, his ancestor. I must personally administer the family discipline!"


    With those words, one could almost hear the sound of slaps in the air.


    Ye Feng''s face was an iron blue, his murderous intent soaring, "Xiao Yi, I will tear you into a thousand pieces..."

 Chapter 92 - 92: Choice

    "I shall tear your body into ten thousand pieces!"


    Ye Feng bellowed furiously, his voice like a booming bell, his figure moving like a startling rainbow.


    Leaving behind a trail of afterimages in his original position.


    In the blink of an eye.


    He had already arrived in front of Xiao Yi, with the cultivation of the Seventh Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm fully unleashed in an instant. His palm surrounded by Yuan Qi, transformed into a ferocious tiger descending the mountain: "Starving Tiger Pounces on Prey!"


    Ao!


    This palm strike was magnificent and powerful.


    With one palm strike, it could shatter a small mountain.


    Xiao Yi slapped the coffin, and with a muffled thud, his body shot upwards, his right hand grasping in mid-air, the Fire Qilin Sword radiant with a fluctuating red light.


    With a casual swing, a red rainbow pierced through the void.


    There were no complicated techniques.


    Just a casual sword thrust!


    But it was the second stage of Sword Intent, the realm where the sword follows the heart!


    This sword was as gentle as the water of autumn.


    Yet, when it collided with Ye Feng''s momentous palm strike, it became as ruthless as the ice of a cold winter, tearing apart the Yuan Qi palm with a hiss.


    Xiao Yi advanced with his sword, threading through the crevice in the palm.


    In a flash.


    Xiao Yi had already landed in front of Ye Feng, his body spinning like a whirlwind, suddenly turning, sword in hand, as swift as an arrow released from its bow: "First form of the Solitary Nine Swords!"


    Shua!


    Countless Sword Qi shadows surrounded him.


    Dizzying to the eyes, one couldn''t tell which was real and which was false!


    "No matter how strong your swordsmanship is, it cannot stop my Hundred Battles King''s Fist!"


    Ye Feng''s eyes were bloodshot, his forehead veins bulging like a dragon turning over, all his strength converging in his fists.


    Hands clenched into fists.


    As fists flew, thunder roared, and when the fists landed, they charged like great beasts.


    In that moment, Ye Feng seemed to transform into the War God of a hundred battles, his fists challenging heaven and earth, unbeatable in all fights, victorious in every battle.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Fist shadows and sword shadows clashed like the tip of a needle against a stalk of wheat.


    Colliding with each other, grinding against one another.


    Rumbling...


    Inside the tomb, Sword Qi marks were all over the rocky walls, and fist prints were embedded all around. Dust was flying, sand and stones were moving about as if it were a battlefield.


    Jiang Tai and Zhang Tianyi had already retreated to the side.


    Both looked at the two in the battlefield with uncertainty and disbelief.


    In Zhang Tianyi''s shocked gaze, there was an added fervor, "Golden Core Realm! Xiao Yi is actually in the Golden Core Realm? It''s only been ten days since he jumped into the river, and he has had another breakthrough? I must find out his secret, such speed in improving cultivation is even more valuable than any Martial Dao Divine Fruit!" S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Even Jiang Tai had red eyes, staring fixedly at Xiao Yi, his face showing shock: "Xiao... worthy to be his brother!"


    At that moment...


    A shocking sword light tore through the flying dust.


    The red sword light flashed by.


    One saw Ye Feng emerging from the rising dust, moving forward a few steps, then turning around to look towards the dust with a hint of coldness in his eyes: "Xiao! Yi!"


    Hiss!


    Xiao Yi walked out unscathed, facing Ye Feng, with a slight upward curve of his mouth, he said calmly, "You, have lost!"


    Thump!


    Ye Feng''s entire body shook, and his knees bent as he knelt before Xiao Yi.


    Blood continuously spurted out from his throat.


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "I said before... if I didn''t die, I would surely drench Tianlan Kingdom in blood and slaughter everyone in the Royal Martial Arts Academy! And now, this is just the beginning!"


    Thud!


    Ye Feng''s body fell straight to the ground, with eyes wide in anger and full of unwillingness.


    Xiao Yi''s gaze shifted to Zhang Tianyi, pointing his sword''s tip, "It''s your turn!"


    Clap clap clap!


    Zhang Tianyi clapped his hands together, wearing a brilliant smile, "Impressive, truly impressive! I never expected that in just half a month, you would make such a tremendous breakthrough, from the Peak of the Divine Ability Realm to the Fourth Layer of the Golden Core Realm. Tsk tsk, in just half a month''s time... Zhang Tianyi admires few people, but you, you are definitely one of them!"


    Xiao Yi looked at him dispassionately.


    Zhang Tianyi narrowed his eyes and said, "Xiao Yi, I admit your talent is strong, and your strength isn''t weak, to be able to kill Ye Feng is indeed beyond my expectations. But, you are no match for me, even with Jiang Tai on your side, it''s impossible for you to defeat me. How about we make a deal?"


    Xiao Yi remained silent.


    Jiang Tai, however, stood beside Xiao Yi with an indescribably solemn expression.


    Just as Zhang Tianyi said...


    Even if they joined forces, Jiang Tai was not confident they could beat him.


    Zhang Tianyi said, "As long as you tell me the secret to your rapid cultivation, I can spare your lives. Even the inheritance from the Tao Tribulation Realm expert within the coffin behind you, I''m willing to let you have it, how about that?"


    His eyes were full of eagerness and anticipation.


    To some who see no hope in breaking through to the Calamity Realm, the Martial Dao Divine Fruit is a treasure worth fighting for with their lives!


    But to a true genius, they are more inclined to break that shackle themselves.


    Xiao Yi, who managed to step into the Fourth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm from the Physical Body Realm in just half a year, having such a secret in hand, Zhang Tianyi was absolutely confident he could step into the Calamity Realm!


    Xiao Yi''s lips curved upward as he said playfully, "You beg me! Maybe if I''m in a good mood, I might just teach you!"


    "Hmm?"


    Zhang Tianyi''s eyebrows furrowed tightly, and a touch of gloom appeared in his eyes as he said coldly, "Xiao Yi, don''t be ungrateful! If you really anger me, I might as well just cripple your cultivation, break your limbs, and take you back for a slow and painful questioning. The Ministry of Punishments of Tianlan Kingdom has plenty of ways to make people talk!"


    Xiao Yi said, "You can ask my sword if it agrees!"


    Seeing that Xiao Yi was impervious, Zhang Tianyi then turned to look at Jiang Tai, "Jiang Tai, with Jiang Shanhe over you, your chances of seizing the Crown Prince title are not great. But if you can get Xiao Yi''s secret, and you step into the Calamity Realm, then the throne would inevitably be yours. Think about it, he managed to reach the Golden Core Realm from the Physical Body Realm in just half a year..."


    Jiang Tai''s face subtly changed.


    Indeed.


    In the struggle for the position of the Crown Prince, aside from his mother being from the royal family of the Purple Robe Kingdom, he had no advantage at all.


    In terms of cultivation?


    Jiang Shanhe was the first person on the Teng Long List of Tianqing Kingdom!


    In terms of background?


    Jiang Shanhe had the entire Royal Martial Arts Academy behind him!


    His chance of victory was extremely slim!


    But if he could step into the realm of Calamity, then the position of the Crown Prince would be uncontested, even Jiang Shanhe would not stand a chance!


    Jiang Tai''s eyes didn''t just look at Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi calmly looked back at him, to be fair, he did not wish to be an enemy of Jiang Tai. But if Jiang Tai chose to attack him, then Xiao Yi would definitely not hold back!


    After a moment of silence.


    Jiang Tai took a deep breath, slowly exhaled, and fixed his gaze on Zhang Tianyi, "No matter how down-and-out I, Jiang Tai, am, I have not stooped to the level of turning on my fellow disciples.".


    He clearly chose to stand with Xiao Yi.


    "Utter folly!"


    Zhang Tianyi let out an angry snort, his eyes suddenly turned sharp, "Since you''re courting death yourself, don''t blame me!"


    Boom!


    Zhang Tianyi''s vital energy surged like a sudden storm; with a swift movement, he attacked both of them...

 Chapter 93 - 93 Solitary Nine Swords

    ```


    Whoosh!


    Zhang Tianyi''s spear in hand rose like an angry dragon taking to the skies, as if it had become one with his body.


    Jiang Tai gripped his nine-ring saber with both hands, the blade glittering with silver light. The nine rings clinked against each other, emitting a clangor as he held the saber horizontally in front of him.


    Clang!


    The moment the saber edge collided with the spear''s radiance, a fearsome power burst forth in all directions.


    The stone tiles underfoot flew about, and Jiang Tai stumbled backward repeatedly, eventually thudding against a coffin and overturning it.


    A corpse tumbled out of the coffin, revealed to be a pitch-black skeleton.


    Within the skeleton,


    a black Martial Dao Divine Fruit rolled on the ground, coming to rest to one side.


    But at this moment, no one was concerned with that Martial Dao Divine Fruit.


    Jiang Tai pushed off from the coffin, the rebounding force doubling his speed as he charged back towards Zhang Tianyi: "Slaying Dragon Saber Skill!"


    "Dragon Ascension to the Heavens!"


    Zhang Tianyi''s face was expressionless, the vital energy within his spear pulsing, flickering like dragon flames.


    This man had also comprehended Sword Intent!


    What''s more, he had reached the limit of the first tier of Sword Intent, and was just one step away from mastering the second tier¡ªThe Sword Moves with the Heart.


    With a loud clang, his spear shattered Jiang Tai''s saber, and using the spear as a staff, he swung it with momentum.


    The spear went straight for Jiang Tai''s back.


    Jiang Tai had no time to defend, and even Xiao Yi was too late to help him block this spear thrust. At this critical juncture, Xiao Yi had a flash of inspiration.


    With a swift movement, he delivered a hard kick right to Jiang Tai''s buttocks.


    Ow!


    Jiang Tai screamed, and with a bang, Xiao Yi kicked him flying.


    Although he crashed to the ground in a complete mess, he narrowly escaped that potentially fatal spear thrust!


    "Xiao Yi, you..." Jiang Tai glared at Xiao Yi with a look of deep resentment.


    Xiao Yi: "Don''t mention it!"


    Jiang Tai: "..."


    Xiao Yi advanced with his sword, executing a stroke that cut across the sky, The Sword Moves with the Heart. His sword moves were neither fancy nor particularly powerful, but each strike''s force, angle, and speed were extremely precise.


    To put it simply...


    They were just right!


    The force was just right.


    The angle was just right!


    The speed was also just right!


    What seemed like ordinary sword moves flowed seamlessly and naturally, keeping pace with Zhang Tianyi without falling behind. This left Jiang Tai astonished: "Is this... the second tier of Sword Intent, The Sword Moves with the Heart? Since when did Junior Brother Xiao master the second tier of Sword Intent..."


    As far as Jiang Tai knew, within the Tianqing Kingdom''s peers, only Jiang Shanhe had mastered the second tier of martial intent.


    Now there was another, Xiao Yi!


    At this moment...


    Jiang Tai suddenly felt thankful for his earlier decision, having stepped into the Golden Core Realm from the Physical Body Realm in just over half a year¡ªa feat somewhat understandable if one had a special cultivation method.


    But...


    To have mastered the second tier of martial intent while at the Four Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm,


    That could only be achieved with truly great talent!


    "I''ll help you out!"


    Jiang Tai surged with an overwhelming fighting spirit, holding the nine-ring saber as he came whirlwind-fast. Side by side with Xiao Yi, the two simultaneously attacked, putting unrelenting pressure on Zhang Tianyi.


    Zhang Tianyi was so pressed that he could hardly catch his breath.


    No matter how he changed his tactics,


    Xiao Yi was always able to respond to changes with unchanging principles. His seemingly whimsical sword moves often had the most direct and significant effects.


    Add Jiang Tai to the mix,


    and as Zhang Tianyi parried a blow from Jiang Tai, he would have to face an immediate assault from Xiao Yi. This made him increasingly irritated: "Damn it, Xiao Yi is such a pain. I never expected him to have mastered The Sword Moves with the Heart. I can''t gain the upper hand with technique, it looks like I''ll have to use raw strength to suppress them!"


    Boom!


    Zhang Tianyi jammed his spear into the ground with one hand, kicked it up with a tap of his toe, and violently uprooted a chunk of earth the size of a small hut.


    Swoosh!


    ```


    Tu Shi shot towards Xiao Yi and another.


    Jiang Tai swung his saber, shattering the rocks and, amidst the flying sand and stones, they lost sight of Zhang Tianyi.


    "Where is he?"


    Jiang Tai was startled.


    Xiao Yi''s expression changed, and he instinctively blocked to his side with the Fire Qilin Sword. With a clang, a violent force violently sent Xiao Yi flying.


    Seizing the momentum, Xiao Yi thrust the Fire Qilin Sword into the ground, but still, he could hardly stop the tremendous force. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Boom, boom, boom!


    The ground was cleaved open by the Fire Qilin Sword, leaving a sword mark stretching tens of meters.


    At the same time Xiao Yi was sent flying,


    Zhang Tianyi thrust with his lance at Jiang Tai. Caught off guard, Jiang Tai''s shoulder was impaled. With a flick of his spear, Zhang Tianyi shattered Jiang Tai''s right shoulder, blood streaming down.


    The Nine Rings Saber was too heavy to hold and fell to the side.


    Zhang Tianyi pointed his long spear at Jiang Tai''s throat. Jiang Tai kept backing away, watching the spear''s light grow closer and closer, his body drenched in cold sweat.


    "Am I going to die?"


    At this moment,


    Jiang Tai suddenly wished for Xiao Yi to kick him once more!


    Just as the long spear was about to pierce his throat,


    At that moment...


    A tremendous force suddenly kicked him from behind right in the buttocks; with a howl of pain, Jiang Tai''s body flew sideways.


    With a thud, he crashed against the rock wall.


    Spread out like a starfish, as if embedded in it.


    And the one who had kicked him was none other than Xiao Yi!


    At this moment, Xiao Yi''s whole body was covered in blood, evidently using the Blood Explosion Skill. He directly ignited twenty percent of his blood, with his power surging by twenty times, Xiao Yi''s face was cold "Solitary Nine Swords, first move!"


    Whoosh!


    He moved like a whirlwind, with sword in hand.


    "Child''s play!"


    Zhang Tianyi''s legs, like pillars supporting the heavens, were firmly planted on the ground, holding the spear in one hand, unleashing sharp spear shadows one after another.


    Clang, clang, clang!


    The clashing of spear and sword sparked flames, with violent energy scattering in all directions.


    If it were before...


    Zhang Tianyi could have easily withstood it, but now Xiao Yi''s power had increased twenty times!


    Each sword strike on the long spear made his palm go numb, threatening to burst at any moment.


    "Overturning Rivers and Seas!"


    Zhang Tianyi''s sword-like eyebrows tensed, he gripped the long spear with both hands, the entire spear bending severely under the violent force. Like a fully drawn bow, it released fiercely, and the suppressed power erupted completely.


    "Solitary Nine Swords, second move!"


    Xiao Yi gripped the sword handle tightly and abruptly thrust upward, bringing forth a blood-red sword glare.


    Boom!


    The sword glare collided with the long spear, dispersing its accumulated force. Meanwhile, Xiao Yi leaped into the air, "Solitary Nine Swords, third move!"


    This sword strike was like a fairy descending from the heavens!


    Falling from the sky!


    Utilizing the vibrating force of the sword, Xiao Yi continuously changed positions in mid-air, smoothly dodging the spear thrust by Zhang Tianyi, and with a puff, a sword slashed down from behind him.


    Aoowu!


    Zhang Tianyi screamed in pain, stumbling forward.


    The clothes on his back were torn, and a blood-red sword mark stretched from the back of his neck to his waist, with peeled skin revealing the spine wrapped within.


    Just this one sword nearly crippled Zhang Tianyi!


    In a life-or-death moment,


    Zhang Tianyi glared fiercely at Xiao Yi. With severe injuries, he was no longer a match for Xiao Yi and chose to flee without hesitation.


    A vengeful voice echoed within the ancient tomb, "If I do not avenge this, I shall not consider myself a person!"


    Xiao Yi forged ahead with his sword, giving chase relentlessly, laughing coldly, "Vow not to be human? Then become a ghost!"

 Chapter 94 - 94: The Consequences of This Sword!

    ```


    Boom!


    Sword Qi surged forth, proving fatally dangerous to Zhang Tianyi as he fled for his life through the narrow tomb passage.


    He couldn''t dodge at all, but if he turned back to defend,


    he would end up letting Xiao Yi close the distance even more.


    He could only use his energy to form an energy shield, constantly blocking Xiao Yi''s sword moves.


    However, the energy shield was extremely draining to maintain. Once or twice was still manageable, but after several times the speed at which the energy shield could be formed could no longer keep up with the speed of Xiao Yi''s sword.


    Pfft!


    Pfft!


    Pfft!


    Several ghastly wounds appeared on Zhang Tianyi''s back, from which blood gushed, dyeing his entire back a bloody red.


    "Xiao Yi, you''re going too far!" Zhang Tianyi roared in rage.


    Xiao Yi''s face remained expressionless as he struck with his sword, "So I bullied you, what can you do about it?"


    "I..."


    Zhang Tianyi was so angry he felt like spitting blood.


    At this moment...


    The only thought in Zhang Tianyi''s mind was why he hadn''t killed Xiao Yi when he teamed up with Ye Feng. Alas, there are no pills for regret in this world.


    He fled all the way.


    Finally escaped the ancient tomb.


    Seeing light appear ahead, Zhang Tianyi felt a surge of excitement: "To escape... Once I get out of here, without the restrictions of the tomb passage, he won''t be able to catch up to me."


    "Seize life!"


    A cold voice suddenly came from behind, followed by a series of ear-piercing whooshing sounds.


    "Not good!"


    Zhang Tianyi''s complexion changed dramatically, and he quickly placed his long spear behind him.


    Clang!


    A thunderous boom erupted.


    The violent force burst out behind him, creating an immense shockwave that sent Zhang Tianyi flying.


    At the exit of the ancient tomb...


    Yue Ling''er was healing under a nearby tree when she suddenly heard a loud noise and saw Zhang Tianyi flying out like a kite with its string cut.


    Thud!


    Zhang Tianyi slammed hard into the ground, not just getting a mouthful of mud but also rolling and crawling dozens of meters away.


    But Zhang Tianyi didn''t care about his own disgrace.


    He rolled and crawled, running wildly toward the distance.


    Like a dog that had lost its home!


    "This, this is... Zhang Tianyi?" Yue Ling''er blinked, completely baffled.


    This was the Eighth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, the second-ranked person on the Teng Long List of the Tianlan Kingdom!


    How had he become so disheveled?


    "Could it be that cousin has made a breakthrough?"


    Yue Ling''er''s eyes shone with hope, thinking that only if Jiang Tai had broken through to the Eighth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm could he have driven Zhang Tianyi to such desperation.


    She quickly got up, looking hopefully towards the entrance of the tomb.


    But...


    The figure appearing before her was not Jiang Tai, but Xiao Yi!


    Xiao Yi stood with his sword, frowning as he glanced at Yue Ling''er, "Which way did Zhang Tianyi run?"


    "Over, over there..."


    Yue Ling''er pointed subconsciously in the direction Zhang Tianyi had fled.


    Xiao Yi grunted in acknowledgment and like an arrow shot from a bow, he relentlessly pursued.


    "Uh..."


    Yue Ling''er stood there baffled, momentarily stunned. Then, she saw the pale-faced Jiang Tai walk out from the tomb. She swallowed and stammered, "C-cousin, was it Xiao Yi chasing Zhang Tianyi just now?"


    Jiang Tai nodded, "Didn''t you see it? Which way did they run?"


    Yue Ling''er: "..."


    ...


    Above the marsh.


    Zhang Tianyi ran wildly, changing his position from left to right.


    In his wake...


    Sword Qi tore through the air, slicing through the marsh, sending black soil splattering into the air. His complexion turned deathly pale due to excessive blood loss, and he caught a glimpse of Xiao Yi in hot pursuit from the corner of his eye.


    Zhang Tianyi seethed with hate, "Xiao Yi, let me go, and I''ll no longer be your enemy!"


    ```


    Xiao Yi said, "If you stop, I won''t kill you!"


    Zhang Tianyi shouted angrily, "You don''t trust me? I can swear that I will never be your enemy again!"


    Xiao Yi said calmly, "I swear too, if you stop, I won''t kill you with my own hands!"


    Zhang Tianyi was so angry that he was fuming, "..."


    Not kill me with your own hands?


    If you hand me over to Jiang Tai, that''s still death!


    Zhang Tianyi could only grit his teeth and flee desperately, his blood dripping down his legs to the ground with every movement, causing the wounds on his back to tear and bringing waves of piercing pain.


    But under Xiao Yi''s pressure, Zhang Tianyi had no choice but to run for his life!


    "I''m close, just past the forest ahead and I can leave this damn secret realm. Once there, with the Great General around, my life will be safe!" Zhang Tianyi thought to himself.


    Driven by a strong will to survive, his speed unexpectedly increased even more.


    Through the swamp.


    Inside the dense forest.


    Where the two passed, ancient trees collapsed with loud crashes, pushing straight through, carving a wide path through the dense forest.


    Finally arriving at the edge of the forest, the exit of the secret realm was right before his eyes.


    Zhang Tianyi was so excited he was near tears; the desperate flight had been far too tormenting. With tears in his eyes, he laughed loudly, "Xiao Yi, the exit of the secret realm is right ahead, you can''t kill me! Hahahaha, when I get back, I''m going to spread the word about you. Then, there will be more than just me trying to kill you! You''re done for, no one can save you..."


    Xiao Yi''s face was expressionless: "Blood Explosion Skill!"


    Boom!


    Once again burning off twenty percent of his blood, the fourth level of the Blood Explosion Skill, his strength soared forty-fold, and his speed surged as he and Zhang Tianyi raced towards the exit of the secret realm...


    ......


    Outside the secret realm.


    Gu Junhe, Zhou Yuan, and other mighty figures at the peak of the Golden Core Realm sat distinctly around the entrance of the secret realm.


    Suddenly...


    Several figures opened their eyes and looked towards the exit of the secret realm: "Someone''s coming out!"


    "Who could it be?"


    "Ye Feng?"


    "Zhang Tianyi?"


    "Jiang Tai?"


    The eyes of the figures grew fervent, along with a trace of anxiety.


    The reason they had handed over this secret realm for the younger generation to trial, was because the top figures were closely matched and none wished to fight to the death, allowing others to benefit from their dispute.


    After opening up this realm, they allowed the younger generation to contend within it.


    Whose descendant seized the Martial Dao Divine Fruit, their camp would claim the victory!


    Zhou Yuan wore a confident look: "It must be Ye Feng... gentlemen, the Martial Dao Divine Fruit will belong to me!"


    "Hmph, that''s not necessarily the case; it could be Zhang Tianyi," said Wu Yu confidently.


    Among the younger generation of powerhouses who entered the secret realm, Zhang Tianyi of the Eighth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm was the foremost contender, and he was utterly confident!


    At that moment...


    The entrance to the secret realm buzzed brightly as Zhang Tianyi burst out from it.


    "Hahahaha, indeed, it''s Zhang Tianyi; gentlemen, the Martial Dao Divine Fruit is mine to take!" Wu Yu said triumphantly, his face flushed with excitement as he laughed and walked toward Zhang Tianyi.


    But just then.


    Zhang Tianyi, with a look of terror, shouted, "Great General, save me!"


    "Huh?" sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Wu Yu was stunned, and then he saw Xiao Yi, his body covered in blood light, brandishing the Fire Qilin Sword and chasing after him.


    "Life-taking!"


    Xiao Yi thrust out with his sword.


    Wu Yu''s face turned pale, and he roared, "You fiend, stop right there!"


    He wanted to intervene, but it was already too late.


    Thump!


    The sword struck hard on Zhang Tianyi''s back. Zhang Tianyi spat out a mouthful of blood and fell to the ground. Xiao Yi leapt up and stepped on Zhang Tianyi.


    The cold sword blade was against Zhang Tianyi''s neck.


    "Stop!"


    Wu Yu''s face turned grim, his eyes shining with a ferocious light, he gritted his teeth and said, "Xiao Yi, let go of Tianyi now. Think carefully about the consequences if you plunge that sword. Let him go, kneel and apologize, and I can let bygones be bygones. Otherwise, you will become the public enemy of Tianlan Kingdom!"


    In Wu Yu''s view...


    He was a towering figure at the peak of the Golden Elixir Realm, and the commander of the Tianlan Kingdom''s three armed forces.


    Xiao Yi surely wouldn''t dare oppose his will.


    However...


    Xiao Yi''s sword gently slid across, and with a soft thud, he decapitated Zhang Tianyi. Then, looking up at Wu Yu, he asked, "You were saying... what would be the consequence of this sword strike?"

 Chapter 95 - 95 Kill!!!

    Xiao Yi''s face was tinged with amusement as he looked at Wu Yu, whose face was overcast with gloom, "What was that about consequences you just mentioned?"


    Silence enveloped the surroundings.


    All eyes inevitably fell upon Zhang Tianyi, who lay dead at Xiao Yi''s feet.


    This was the second-highest master of the Teng Long List from Tianlan Kingdom!


    A formidable power from the Eighth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm.


    And he was dead?


    Dead by the hand of Xiao Yi, who just half a month ago, was only at the Peak of the Shentong Realm?


    In his shock, Wu Yu felt a burning pain on his face, as if he had been furiously slapped dozens of times.


    Xiao Yi had actually slain Zhang Tianyi right in front of him.


    If he couldn''t kill Xiao Yi, what face would he have left?


    A raging fury ignited within him; Wu Yu''s eyes turned frosty to the extreme, his teeth clenched, "Xiao Yi, I will tear you to pieces!" S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Boom!


    Wu Yu struck the air with a palm from above.


    Such was the might of one at the Golden Elixir Realm Peak, a palm so powerful it seemed to cause the sun and moon to lose their luster, dimming their light.


    Qi unrivaled in might, coalesced into a hand as large as a small mountain; this palm, though condensed from Qi, was so lifelike, one could even discern the lines on its palm.


    A gray hand crushed the air downwards, its terrifying might causing the ground to buzz, and pebbles to shatter explosively.


    Xiao Yi''s body quivered, surrounded by a nimbus of blood light, his longsword in motion, "Solitary Nine Swords, the third move!"


    There were nine moves in total within "Solitary Nine Swords."


    Xiao Yi''s sword pierced through the sky, and from the Fire Qilin Sword burst a beam of Sword Qi, winding around a layer of red flames, exploding with a bang as it cleaved the giant gray hand in two.


    Bang!


    The Sword Qi fractured, and the hand was split into halves.


    As Xiao Yi landed on the ground, the valley violently shook with a rumble, and the ground cracked open, spread with fierce, web-like fissures.


    Dust swirled, and rocks flew through the air.


    Xiao Yi leaped up, his toes landing upon a flying rock, he lightly tapped it, his figure soaring once more, "Solitary Nine Swords, the fifth move!"


    Every move of "Solitary Nine Swords" flowed with the heart.


    The swordsmanship was ingenious and difficult to defend against.


    His figure constantly shifted positions in mid-air, left, right, high, and low, dazzling to the eye and making it impossible to grasp his intentions.


    Suddenly...


    Clang!


    A dazzling streak of silver ripped through the air, with a swish, appearing like a silver rainbow strung across the heaven and earth, slicing towards Wu Yu.


    Wu Yu had not anticipated that Xiao Yi could break his offensive; the subsequent sword technique was even more cunning.


    He casually conjured several Qi shields to block in front of him.


    But Xiao Yi''s sword, almost as if sentient, bypassed the Qi shields and, under Wu Yu''s astonished gaze, thudded into his shoulder.


    A splash of blood-red sprayed out, hot blood spattering across his left cheek.


    Hisss!


    Everyone was stunned, "I must be seeing things..."


    "Xiao Yi has actually injured Wu Yu?"


    "This man... must not be left alive..."


    Within the crowd, Zhou Yuan wore a dark expression, his gaze on Xiao Yi shifting from initial scorn to grave seriousness.


    A few months ago...


    When Xiao Yi caused a major disturbance in the Martial Arts Institute and Zhou Yuan personally pursued him, seeking to put him to death, Xiao Yi had vowed to flatten the Royal Martial Arts Academy within a year to take his life.


    At that time, Zhou Yuan considered it nothing but a joke.


    But now...


    In just a few months, Xiao Yi had acquired the strength to slay a power from the Eighth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm and was even able to wound Wu Yu, someone at the Peak of the Golden Elixir Realm.


    Even considering the possibility that Wu Yu had been careless and underestimated his opponent, one could not deny Xiao Yi''s strength!


    And it had been mere months!


    "If it''s a year later?"


    "What about three years later?"


    Harboring the same thoughts were Jin Sheng, Zhuang Bifan, and Master Kong Ming from the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple. Xiao Yi and them had unresolvable deep hatred!


    "Wu, the Great General, I am here to assist you!" Zhuang Bifan let out a cold snort; his longsword, sheathed at his back, was drawn and held in each hand, with another clenched between his teeth.


    The strongest sword technique of Mingjian Manor¡ªTriple Sword Style!


    A cold gleam flashed in Jin Sheng''s eyes; his grandson was slain by Xiao Yi, and even his son was left half-dead by Xiao Yi''s hand. Now that he had the chance, he certainly would not hold back.


    Swish!


    Without a word, Jin Sheng also charged toward Xiao Yi.


    Both were of the Eighth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm. Together with Wu Yu, the two attacked Xiao Yi. This outraged Gu Junhe, who was originally just observing the battle, "Damn it, you shameless wretches, stop this instant!"


    He had seen Wu Yu unable to threaten Xiao Yi for the moment and had been on standby, but he hadn''t expected Zhuang Bifan and Jin Sheng to be so shameless.


    One at the Golden Elixir Peak, and two at the Eighth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm.


    Three elders from the older generation were ganging up on Xiao Yi.


    Is this something people would do?


    However...


    No sooner had Gu Junhe made his move, he was stopped by Zhou Yuan and Master Kong Ming working together. Gu Junhe glared furiously, "Zhou Yuan, Kong Ming, you bald donkey, get out of my way!"


    "Xiao Yi killed Zhang Tianyi, he must die! If the Tianlan Kingdom uses this as a pretext to start a war, causing untold suffering, the humble monk cannot let you save him!" said Master Kong Ming with an air of moral superiority and a face of compassion.


    Zhou Yuan spoke indifferently, "Sacrificing one for the avoidance of war between two nations is worth it!"


    "Bullshit!"


    Gu Junhe cursed loudly.


    He tried to break through their combined attack several times, but Zhou Yuan''s strength was no less than his, and he was joined by Master Kong Ming, who was at the Tenth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm.


    He simply couldn''t break through their blockade.


    Gu Junhe''s eyes were blood-reddened. He could only look over them in fury at Xiao Yi, who was being overwhelmed by Wu Yu and the other two, falling back step by step and he roared angrily, "Zhou Yuan, you thieving baldy... If anything happens to Xiao Yi, I''ll never let you two off the hook!"


    "Amitabha, if he can sacrifice himself to relieve the suffering of all living beings, Xiao Yi''s death would indeed be worthwhile!" Master Kong Ming put his palms together.


    Zhou Yuan''s lips curled up into a mocking, cold smile. "Gu Junhe, the righteous gain help while the unrighteous find little support. You and the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, along with Xiao Yi, have chosen to act perversely and against the tide. It is destined that you will only face defeat!"


    Meanwhile...


    Faced with the attack of three great masters, Xiao Yi was retreating step by step, his body covered in wounds.


    Zhuang Bifan, with a sword in each hand, his Sword Qi stern, stated, "Xiao Yi, from the moment you destroyed my Sword Burial Ground, you should have foreseen this day''s outcome!"


    Jin Sheng''s punches whipped up fierce winds, mighty and powerful, driving Xiao Yi into a corner punch after punch, "Join my grandson in death!"


    Wu Yu''s expression was impassive, "Even the people of your own Tianqing Kingdom are so eager to kill you; you truly deserve your fate!"


    "I am dying, your motherf¡ª"


    Xiao Yi spat out a mouthful of fresh blood, his right hand gripping tightly onto the sword hilt, his fierce eyes scanning the three men, teeth clenched, "You want my life? You three old dogs are not worthy!"


    Boom!


    The Blood Explosion Skill, the fifth level.


    The sixth level.


    The seventh level...


    Xiao Yi''s complexion was pale as snow, but upon unleashing the seventh level of the Blood Explosion Skill, his strength had increased seventyfold.


    A blood-red storm rose from beneath his feet.


    Boom, boom, boom!


    The ground beneath Xiao Yi exploded, and rocks burst upward in the crimson storm, crushed to dust by Sword Qi before him.


    His eyes were a blood-red glare, the Fire Qilin Sword in his hand trembling with an ascending Sword Intent.


    What of the Golden Elixir Peak?


    What of the three great figures?


    The divine general who commanded the heavens was invincible in battle and defeated all in war!


    His blood-colored gaze swept over the three men.


    Xiao Yi''s boundless fighting spirit erupted like a volcano, his roar thundering into the skies, "Kill!!!!"

 Chapter 96 - 96: Youve Rejoiced Too Soon!

    Xiao Yi''s blood turned wicked as seven-tenths of it became tainted in a single instance.


    The seventh layer of the Blood Explosion Skill exploded in full force.


    He was truly risking his life in this fight.


    After all...


    At the Four Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, facing three high-layer Golden Core Realm powerhouses at once, Xiao Yi had no other choice but to fight desperately or face certain death.


    He erupted with power in this dire situation!


    Of course.


    If Xiao Yi had fled desperately to Gu Junhe''s side, with Gu Junhe''s strength, he could have protected him thoroughly. But Xiao Yi was the War God, holding command over the Ancient Tomb of Eons, suppressing the existence of heavenly immortals, ghosts, demons, and gods!


    Even if the enemy was dozens of times stronger than himself, he must not lose the heart to fight bravely.


    Otherwise, how could he suppress those legendary supreme powerhouses within the Ancient Tomb of Eons?


    Almost at the same moment that Xiao Yi unleashed the seventh layer of the Blood Explosion Skill, within the Ancient Tomb of Eons, the most dazzling among the nine majestic golden pyramids suddenly trembled violently as if trying to break free from the shackles of the Ancient Tomb of Eons.


    But the eighty-one radiant divinities restraining the Ancient Tomb of Eons suddenly burst forth with blindingly brilliant light.


    Along with the clanking chains.


    Forcefully suppressing this golden pyramid.


    Of course, Xiao Yi was unaware of all these events; at that moment, his body was shrouded in a ten-zhang high sea of blood, resembling a crimson War God. Holding the Fire Qilin Sword, activating his Divine Skills, his entire body was covered with a black membrane.


    He looked like an iron figure crafted from black iron.


    Whoosh!


    The Fire Qilin Sword, swung in the air, emitted a piercing sword glare that slashed straight toward Zhuang Bifan.


    Among these three...


    The most difficult and threatening to him was naturally Wu Yu, but Wu Yu''s strength was too immense. At the peak of the Golden Elixir Realm, even with Xiao Yi''s current state, killing him would be quite challenging.


    Once entangled by Wu Yu, then Zhuang Bifan and Jin Sheng would become a great threat.


    Therefore.


    Xiao Yi''s objective in this three-against-one battle was clear, to first strike down Zhuang Bifan, who had a stronger offense, then kill Jin Sheng.


    And finally, to have a deciding life-or-death battle with Wu Yu!


    "You little bastard, do you really think I''m a pushover?"


    Seeing Xiao Yi choosing him first among the three, Zhuang Bifan''s face showed a hint of annoyed anger; his sword brows furrowed tightly as the Solitary Nine Swords were fully executed. His left hand commenced work, performing two entirely different sword moves.


    And the longsword he held in his mouth was also covered with a layer of vitality, stabbing straight at the vital points like a spirit snake.


    The Solitary Nine Swords was not only fast.


    It also simultaneously performed three different sword moves, overwhelming the opponent. These were three fourth-grade famous swords, each one ranked among the top ten in the Tianqing Kingdom, not to be underestimated in power.


    The sword moves with the heart.


    Xiao Yi''s sword moves constantly changed, one by one neutralizing Zhuang Bifan''s attacks, all the while shifting positions, using Zhuang Bifan to block the offensive of Jin Sheng and Wu Yu.


    When facing the siege of three great experts, Xiao Yi did not clash directly with them.


    While bombarding Zhuang Bifan with attacks, he used Zhuang Bifan to resist the offensive of Wu Yu and the other, making Wu Yu''s trio feel restrained everywhere; despite having mighty combat strength, they couldn''t utilize it at all.


    "Nine Evolution Divine Fist!"


    Jin Sheng''s fists glimmered like gold, smashing down with thunderous force, the two fist lights converging into a column of light.


    However...


    Xiao Yi turned back, his sweep carrying the momentum of a sweeping army and sliced toward Zhuang Bifan.


    Zhuang Bifan''s longsword stood vertical, blocking the sword in front of him. Yet the great impact from the sword edge sent him flying backward, landing right on Jin Sheng''s column of light with a loud bang.


    Zhuang Bifan took the full brunt of the punch.


    Wow!


    Zhuang Bifan spat out blood, glaring fiercely at Jin Sheng: "Damn you, aim more carefully!"


    Jin Sheng''s face twisted with embarrassment: "..."


    Wu Yu snorted coldly, "Zhuang Bifan, get out of the way!"


    Zhuang Bifan tried to dodge, but Xiao Yi returned swiftly, sticking close beside him.


    Eight Extremes Collapse!


    Eight Extremes Collapse!


    Life-Chasing Soul Sword...


    The constant onslaught left Zhuang Bifan with no way to escape, rendering Wu Yu and Jin Sheng helpless and forced to look on.


    Not far away.


    Watching Xiao Yi fight one against three and still have the upper hand to the extent of toying with them effortlessly, Gu Junhe felt much relieved and burst into laughter, "Wu Yu, you three shameless old dogs ganging up on a junior from the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy and still falling behind? You have truly lived your years in vain!"


    Zhou Yuan''s face was also extremely ugly as he angrily said, "Wu Yu, what good are you for?"


    Master Kong Ming, with eyes narrowed, pressed his palms together as the Buddha beads in his hands gently turned. All of a sudden, with a flick of his hands, the string of beads whizzed towards Xiao Yi. These Buddha beads were a fourth-grade spiritual weapon, and if they hit Xiao Yi, he would be gravely injured if not killed.


    "Bald donkey, you dare?"


    Gu Junhe flew into a rage, hurling his wine gourd out.


    Whoosh!


    The wine gourd suddenly expanded and with a bang, collided with the Buddha beads.


    The wine gourd burst open.


    The Buddha beads were abruptly halted, missing the prime opportunity to ambush Xiao Yi.


    "Bald donkey, how utterly despicable!" Gu Junhe glared furiously.


    Master Kong Ming pressed his palms together, chanting Buddha''s name with a face full of compassion, "Amitabha, this poor monk is merely exorcising demons and protecting the path!"


    "A fine exorcism, and protection of the path! Today, I, Gu Junhe will come to see for myself the Buddhist Law of the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple..."


    Gu Junhe trembled all over as the aura of someone at the peak of the Golden Elixir Realm fully erupted.


    He charged directly at Master Kong Ming.


    Master Kong Ming''s face changed dramatically, shouting to Zhou Yuan, "Director Zhou, help me!"


    "I am coming too!"


    Zhou Yuan charged towards Gu Junhe, joining forces with Master Kong Ming to fight Gu Junhe into a melee.


    For a moment...


    The entire valley was filled with soaring battle intent.


    ......


    "I''ll hold him off, you two strike quickly!" Zhuang Bifan suddenly let out a low roar as three longswords circled each other, forming a sword array.


    Trinity Sword Formation!


    The three renowned swords were positioned as Heaven, Earth, and Man to form a sword-shaped cage, trapping Xiao Yi within the sword formation. Xiao Yi''s Fire Qilin Sword constantly bombarded the sword formation but was unable to break free for the moment.


    Jin Sheng and Wu Yu''s faces revealed a trace of ecstasy, "Now''s the time!"


    "Nine Evolution Divine Fist!" S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Monument Splitting Hand!"


    The attacks from Jin Sheng and Wu Yu, one from the left and one from the right, came crashing in.


    Looking at Xiao Yi trapped in the sword formation with two ferocious attacks bearing down, Zhuang Bifan laughed triumphantly, "Like a damn dog, how are you not dead yet?"


    However...


    Just as the two attacks were about to hit Xiao Yi.


    A brilliant smile suddenly appeared on Xiao Yi''s face, which in Zhuang Bifan''s eyes resembled the soul-reaping grin of the grim reaper, causing his back to suddenly break out in a cold sweat.


    The next moment...


    A streak of silver light suddenly burst forth from Xiao Yi''s bosom.


    It was none other than Little Lin!


    Little Lin''s tail swept out, directly tearing through the Trinity Sword Formation, while Xiao Yi flashed out of it. The two attacks collided behind him, and the explosive shockwave accelerated Xiao Yi''s speed by several times.


    Like an arrow leaving the bowstring, he charged at Zhuang Bifan.


    "Sword Breaking Style!"


    The strongest attacking move of the Solitary Nine Swords, Xiao Yi''s form seemed to merge with the Fire Qilin Sword, barely revealing the third phase of Sword Intent''s unity of man and sword. Whoosh, he brushed past Zhuang Bifan.


    Zhuang Bifan shuddered, his hands subconsciously clutching his neck as blood uncontrollably gushed out.


    In his ears...


    He heard Xiao Yi''s cold voice, "You''ve celebrated too soon!"

 Chapter 97 - 97: The March Agreement

    "You''re celebrating too early!"


    A cold voice rang in his ears.


    The moment the words fell.


    Zhuang Bifan''s hands clutched at his neck as blood uncontrollably spurted out like a fountain.


    His life force was rapidly draining away.


    Darkness fell before his eyes.


    His vitality was completely extinguished!


    Xiao Yi quickly grabbed Zhuang Bifan''s corpse and threw it towards Jin Sheng and his companion.


    "Get out of my way!"


    Jin Sheng raised his hand to throw a punch, explosively blasting Zhuang Bifan''s corpse away, and amidst the blood mist that filled the air, Jin Sheng suddenly saw a streak of red sword light flash before his eyes. Wu Yu''s voice came from beside him, mixed with shock and anger, "Quick, dodge!"


    "Hmm?"


    Jin Sheng was stunned and instinctively dodged to the side.


    But he was still a step too slow!


    The moment Xiao Yi threw Zhuang Bifan''s corpse, he was already closely following behind, and with a ''pff,'' his sword''s cold light slashed off Jin Sheng''s left arm. A blood-stained arm soared high into the air, like a kite with its string cut.


    Aaawooo!


    Jin Sheng let out a miserable scream, his face instantly turning pale.


    Sharp Sword Qi came from behind again, and Jin Sheng, disregarding his injury, stumbled forward. But Xiao Yi merely whistled, and amid the whoosh of a sonic boom, Little Lin wrapped itself around Jin Sheng''s neck.


    Hiss!


    Little Lin opened its mouth and its sharp poisonous fangs deeply pierced Jin Sheng''s neck.


    "What the hell is this thing?"


    Jin Sheng winced in pain, grabbed Little Lin, and brutally slammed it to the ground. With a thud, Little Lin hit the floor, blood spraying from its mouth. It rapidly coiled and slithered away to the side.


    Little Lin was not strong in combat, but its physical body was incredibly tough.


    Even Xiao Yi could not break through its scale armor defense.


    Just now, it used its sturdy scale armor to wrap around the Three Talents Sword and broke through Zhuang Bifan''s Sword Array, but it was still seriously injured by Jin Sheng''s throw, trembling on the side, its cold eyes fixed on Jin Sheng as if staring at a lifeless corpse.


    Jin Sheng, running frantically, dodged Xiao Yi''s attacks several times, only to find his speed getting slower and slower, his body increasingly heavy, and his vision now and then fading to darkness.


    Jin Sheng''s expression changed drastically, "What''s, what''s happening?"


    He raised his hand.


    A sticky mess of blood clung to his palm.


    Black blood began to spurt from his seven orifices.


    "Poisoned?"


    Jin Sheng felt his scalp go numb.


    The poison from Little Lin was terrifyingly potent, and this bite was right on his carotid artery, the toxin rapidly spreading throughout his body. Despair filled Jin Sheng''s face as he could feel his life force swiftly slipping away.


    "I must detoxify immediately, or my life is at risk!"


    With a resentful glare at Xiao Yi, Jin Sheng did not dare to stay any longer and fled desperately.


    The turmoil here naturally caught the attention of Gu Junhe and others.


    Bang!


    Gu Junhe punched Master Kong Ming, breaking most of his ribs, and if Zhou Yuan had not intervened timely, Master Kong Ming would have surely perished at Gu Junhe''s hands.


    His face went pale as he looked at the disheveled Jin Sheng fleeing and Zhuang Bifan''s dismembered body, swallowing hard, "How, how is this possible? Zhuang Bifan and the others, faced with a three against one, ended up with one dead and one fleeing?"


    Zhou Yuan''s face was extremely ugly: "Useless trash."


    Gu Junhe laughed heartily, "Xiao Yi, well done! Worthy of being the successor of the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy!" He looked triumphantly at Zhou Yuan and Master Kong Ming, his face mocking, "Gentlemen, does that sting?"


    Previously, these two were convinced that as long as they kept him occupied, Xiao Yi was as good as dead.


    But...


    Xiao Yi was not only alive.


    He had counter-killed Zhuang Bifan and severely injured Jin Sheng, forcing him to flee in a wretched state.


    Now, that was a resounding slap in the face!


    Zhou Yuan''s face alternated between shades of green and white, so furious he was at a loss for words.


    At Master Kong Ming''s side, his face was as pale as death. He swallowed several Buddha Pills to stabilize his injuries but could no longer maintain the detachment he had before. His Buddha Beads kept spinning in his hand, and his eyes reached the ultimate level of gloominess.


    Zhou Yuan said in a deep voice, "Kong Ming, I will stop Gu Junhe. How confident are you in helping Wu Yu slay Xiao Yi?"


    Master Kong Ming was startled, about to speak.


    Gu Junhe, who was standing nearby, already sneered, "Zhou Yuan, if you dare to do that, I will ignite my Golden Core and fight you to the death right away!"


    "You¡­"


    Zhou Yuan''s face stiffened and he was at a loss for words for a moment.


    His combat strength was on par with Gu Junhe, even slightly suppressing him.


    But¡­


    If Gu Junhe were to ignite his Golden Core, it would be a fight to the death, and even if Zhou Yuan could kill Gu Junhe in the end, he would suffer great losses himself.


    Seeing this.


    Gu Junhe also secretly breathed a sigh of relief, obviously Zhou Yuan had his concerns too.


    He flashed to Xiao Yi''s side in an instant.


    With bloodshot eyes, Xiao Yi glanced at Gu Junhe and, enduring the severe pain all over his body as well as the exhaustion and weakness from loss of blood, gritted his teeth and said, "Headmaster!"


    "Leave it to me!"


    Gu Junhe nodded at Xiao Yi and placed his palm on Xiao Yi''s body, infusing a surge of vital energy into him. With the boost of vital energy, the color returned slightly to Xiao Yi''s face. Gu Junhe, staring at Wu Yu with an extremely ugly expression, said indifferently, "You can''t kill him, how about we call it quits?"


    Snorting, Wu Yu said with a dark face, "He killed our national Tianjiao, Zhang Tianyi. Do you expect me to let this go so easily?"


    Gu Junhe spoke indifferently, "Before entering the secret realm, we had an agreement that we will not discuss life and death in the competition within. When Zhang Tianyi and the others issued the kill order against Xiao Yi earlier, I did not interfere!"


    "That was inside the secret realm¡­ Zhang Tianyi had already escaped from the secret realm, yet Xiao Yi was relentless in pursuing... If we let it go like this, where would my face be?" Wu Yu said.


    That being said.


    Inside, Wu Yu was already starting to beat a retreat.


    Although he was at the Golden Elixir Peak and had experienced many battles.


    It''s not easy to suppress Xiao Yi at this moment either!


    Moreover¡­


    Xiao Yi''s desperate fighting style had also deeply alarmed him. Additionally, with Gu Junhe flanking, he knew it was impossible to kill Xiao Yi today. However, Wu Yu was clearly not willing to let Xiao Yi off the hook just like that. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Gu Junhe said indifferently, "If you''re not satisfied, I can accompany you in a battle!"


    "You¡­"


    Wu Yu''s face changed repeatedly, his expression uncertain.


    At this moment.


    Xiao Yi spoke up, "If you want to kill me, let the strong from Tianlan Kingdom come to the Royal Martial Arts Academy in three months!"


    "Huh?"


    Wu Yu was taken aback.


    Xiao Yi''s gaze turned towards Zhou Yuan and Master Kong Ming, an icy chill in his eyes as he said slowly, "I have said that within a year, I will flatten the Royal Martial Arts Academy. In three months, I will personally go to the Royal Martial Arts Academy, and then you can send your strong ones over!"


    "Xiao Yi¡­"


    Gu Junhe''s face changed.


    The Royal Martial Arts Academy is the holy land of martial arts in Tianqing Kingdom.


    Even he dared not claim to flatten the Royal Martial Arts Academy outright. To him, Xiao Yi''s actions were suicidal!


    Yet Xiao Yi gently shook his head, stopping Gu Junhe from persuading him further, fixing Zhou Yuan with a stare, "Zhou Yuan, you old dog, do you dare accept the challenge?"


    Zhou Yuan narrowed his eyes and smiled coldly, "In three months, I will have a coffin ready for you!"


    Master Kong Ming murmured Amitabha and, with his Buddha Beads rolling and a cold expression on his face, said, "At that time, my Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple will definitely send people there!"


    Xiao Yi turned to Wu Yu.


    Wu Yu''s expression fluctuated, he took a deep breath, and said through gritted teeth, "Fine, in three months, my Tianlan Kingdom will surely come on time!"


    Zhou Yuan and others soared into the sky and disappeared into the horizon.


    With a complex expression on his face, Gu Junhe looked at Xiao Yi and sighed, "Xiao Yi, you''re too impulsive... The Royal Martial Arts Academy has a profound background, far beyond what you understand..."


    Xiao Yi gave a faint smile, about to speak, but suddenly everything went black, and he passed out.


    Gu Junhe quickly caught him, looking at Xiao Yi in his arms, he sighed gently, a resolute look appearing in his eyes, "Well then... I''ll accompany you in your utter madness!"

 Chapter 98 - 98: The Struggle for First Place

    Inside the valley.


    Gu Junhe gave Xiao Yi many elixirs to consume and, seeing Xiao Yi''s complexion regain some of its rosiness, finally breathed a sigh of relief.


    Looking at the dozen or so empty medicine bottles on the ground, Gu Junhe couldn''t help but laugh bitterly, "This kid... In order to save you, he almost emptied out my entire stock... You better not disappoint me!"


    Xiao Yi had burned up to seventy percent of his blood.


    Any other person at the Golden Core Realm would have long since died from excessive blood loss.


    Gu Junhe had also been startled when he saw Xiao Yi''s blood was nearly drained.


    He hastily fed all his treasured elixirs to Xiao Yi.


    "What a monster!"


    Watching the body that had become withered after losing the power boost of the Blood Explosion Skill, slowly recovering, Gu couldn''t help but take a deep breath, "Such terrifying recovery ability is no less than some Spiritual Bodies!"


    In the Heavenly Yuan Realm.


    There are many special physiques, and from weak to strong, they are classified as Spiritual Body, Sacred Body, and Divine Body!


    For instance, Xiao Tianjiao possesses the Supreme Overlord Holy Body!


    This is a terrifying physique that can evolve into a Divine Body.


    Although Xiao Yi doesn''t possess a special physique, the transformation from the silent influence of the divine power has made his body no weaker than an ordinary Spiritual Body. Otherwise, he would not have survived after consuming so much blood!


    Hum!


    The entrance to the secret realm suddenly transmitted a surge of energy fluctuations.


    Jiang Tai walked out with the support of Yue Ling''er, and the first thing they saw was the unconscious Xiao Yi and Gu Junhe.


    Jiang Tai''s face changed, and he quickly asked, "Principal Gu, Xiao, is he...?"


    "He''s fine!"


    Gu Junhe shook his head and frowned at Jiang Tai, "What about you? What happened to you?"


    Upon hearing Xiao Yi was fine, Jiang Tai also relaxed and then bitterly recounted everything that had happened in the secret realm to Gu Junhe, "I didn''t expect Junior Brother Xiao to be so terrifying, even Ye Feng was killed by him..."


    "Not just Ye Feng?"


    Gu wore a strange expression and moved his mouth towards a side, "Zhang Tianyi and Zhuang Bifan were both killed by him. Jin Sheng from the Nine Profound Sect also had an arm severed by him and fled in a sorry state..."


    Hiss!


    Jiang Tai and Yue Ling''er took a sharp breath, exchanging glances and seeing the shock in each other''s eyes.


    Zhuang Bifan and Jin Sheng!


    They were both high-level Golden Core practitioners from the older generation.


    They were killed by Xiao Yi?


    Seeing the astonishment that left the two at a loss for words, Gu Junhe thought for a moment but decided not to tell them that Xiao Yi had fought Wu Yu, who was at the peak of the Golden Elixir Realm, for dozens of rounds without falling at a disadvantage!


    To avoid hitting them too hard and making them lose their confidence in pursuing the martial path.


    Yue Ling''er sized up Xiao Yi with curiosity and suspicion sparkling in her phoenix eyes.


    The first time they met.


    Yue Ling''er didn''t think much of Xiao Yi at all.


    When they met again.


    In front of her, Xiao Yi had slain Ling Feng, making it hard for her to believe.


    Now, the third time they met...


    Even though Xiao Yi was unconscious, his battle achievements had also shaken her heart.


    Gu Junhe glanced at the secret realm entrance behind them and frowned, "Logically, now that you''ve broken through the main tomb, others should have come out too. How come it''s only you two..."


    "They''re all dead, I suppose!" said Yue Ling''er.


    "Hmm?"


    Gu Junhe was taken aback, "Was the competition in the secret realm that intense?"


    Jiang Tai glanced at the unconscious Xiao Yi and said with a bitter smile, "Most of them were killed by Junior Brother Xiao!"


    "Eh... He killed them?"


    Gu Junhe looked confused.


    Twenty people each from the royal family and the Royal Martial Arts Academy, ten each from the Nine Profound Sect and the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple, four from Mingjian Manor, and ten from the Tianlan Kingdom.


    All seventy or eighty people were killed by Xiao Yi?


    Gu Junhe looked down at the unconscious Xiao Yi, rubbed his forehead with his hand, and said with a wry smile, "This guy... Does he have such a heavy killing intent?"


    Yue Ling''er said, "Elder Gu, it was those people who tried to take Xiao Yi''s life first, that''s why he killed them!"


    Gu Junhe let out a sound.


    Jiang Tai looked at her with a strange expression, "Ling''er, you... seem to be very concerned about Xiao, aren''t you?"


    "Wha, what..."


    Yue Ling''er''s face turned red with embarrassment.


    But from the corner of her eye, she couldn''t help but glance over at Xiao Yi from time to time.


    Jiang Tai''s expression turned thoughtful.


    Gu Junhe shook his head and said, "Since no one else is coming out, we can also close the entrance to the secret realm!"


    With a wave of his hand, the secret realm''s entrance dispersed into nothingness.


    Out of the blue, Jiang Tai said, "Elder, this is a Martial Dao Divine Fruit that I acquired from the ancient tomb!"


    "You keep it,"


    Gu Junhe waved his hand, not even glancing at the Martial Dao Divine Fruit, for he was still young and fully capable of breaking through to the Tao Tribulation Realm on his own, "Let''s head back first! Next up, the Royal Capital is going to be a lively place indeed¡­"


    Gu Junhe whistled.


    High above in the sky.


    The Cangyun Eagle flapped its wings and descended, carrying a few people as they soared into the air...


    ......


    Just as Gu Junhe had predicted.


    The Royal Capital indeed became bustling with excitement, with everyone from noble lords to commoners in the streets discussing the battle in the secret realm.


    And the most famous from this battle was naturally Xiao Yi!


    He had slain nearly eighty young talents from various major forces!


    Fighting one against three, killing the lord of Mingjian Manor, grievously wounding the elder of Nine Profound Sect, and clashing with a peak Golden Elixir Realm powerhouse for dozens of rounds without falling behind, and so on...


    A series of such news spread through the entire Royal Capital like a plague.


    Xiao Yi became famous in one battle!


    Simultaneously...


    The news that Xiao Yi had agreed to fight Zhou Yuan and flatten the Martial Arts Institute in three months also spread rapidly, with the source being none other than Treasure Pavilion, the very same entity in charge of the Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List!


    Treasure Pavilion''s influence extended across the Heavenly Yuan Realm, and its intelligence network was immensely powerful, with eyes and ears everywhere.


    On this day.


    Outside the Treasure Pavilion.


    It was already a sea of people.


    "The latest Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List is about to go on sale soon, where do you think Xiao Yi will rank?"


    "He must be in the top three!"


    "Top three? You are underestimating him. Xiao Yi killed Zhang Tianyi, the second-ranked of the Tianlan Kingdom''s Teng Long List, and the lord of Mingjian Manor. I think he might very well challenge for first place!"


    "First place? That''s impossible. Great Prince Jiang Shanhe has been at the ninth layer of the Golden Elixir Realm for two years, firmly holding the top spot on the Teng Long List. Xiao Yi cannot surpass him!"


    "I heard that Xiao Yi is only at the fourth layer of the Golden Elixir Realm. There''s still a significant gap between him and the Great Prince, so it''s unlikely he''ll surpass the Great Prince any time soon."


    "I think Xiao Yi has a good chance of challenging for first place..."


    Among the crowd, there was a heated debate.


    More than half of their focus in the debate was whether Xiao Yi could surpass Jiang Shanhe and become the first-ranked on the Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List and Teng Long List.


    Being first on the Teng Long List.


    That also signified the glory of being the foremost among the Tianqing Kingdom''s younger generation.


    It was a matter of significant importance!


    Under the watchful eyes of the masses, the doors of the Treasure Pavilion slowly opened.


    A young man stood at the doorway and shouted, "The latest edition of the Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List is now on sale, one hundred Gold Coins per copy, limited to one copy per person!"


    Whoosh!


    The crowd rushed in, frantically purchasing.


    Moments later... S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A young man squeezed out from the crowd, eagerly flipping open the Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List. Upon seeing the contents, he couldn''t help but draw in a sharp breath, "This, this..."

 Chapter 99 - 99: Renowned Everywhere, Xiao Yi Awakens!

    "Wha, what is this..."


    "Oh my God, I must be seeing things..."


    "How is this possible?"


    "The Tianqing Kingdom is in for a change..."


    From within the crowd, exclamations of shock followed one after another, filling the air. Every strong warrior was clutching the Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List with faces filled with horror, unable to stop their gasps of surprise.


    On that very list, sharing the coveted top spot on the Tenglong List right next to Crown Prince Jiang Shanhe, was another name.


    Xiao Yi!


    Heaven-level student of the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, at the Four Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, with major achievements including: slaying Ye Feng, who was second on Tianqing Kingdom''s Tenglong List, defeating Zhang Tianyi, second on Tianlan Kingdom''s Tenglong List, killing the master of Mingjian Manor, and crippling an elder of the Nine Profound Sect...


    Every newbie who enters the Tenglong List would have their major achievements listed.


    This was essential for the rankings on the list to carry more weight!


    Until now.


    Everyone thought that at most Xiao Yi would only replace Ye Feng and claim the second spot on the Tenglong List, but to everyone''s surprise, Treasure Pavilion had ranked Xiao Yi alongside Jiang Shanhe, as the joint top figure on the Tenglong List.


    Joint first place!


    This was unprecedented in the history of the Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List.


    Putting aside the dazzling series of achievements following Xiao Yi''s name, just his shared first place with Jiang Shanhe was already astonishing enough!


    Every strong warrior who had gotten their hands on a copy of the Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List and seen this news, all looked in the direction of the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy and muttered to themselves, "The name Xiao Yi will surely spread across the world!"


    Treasure Pavilion has branches everywhere.


    Dragon and Tiger Lists of various countries could be purchased, and the name Xiao Yi quickly spread far and wide.


    In the Tianlan Kingdom.


    Wu Yu respectfully looked at the brocade-clad youth in front of him, who was none other than Wu Zheng, the top figure on the Tianlan Kingdom''s Tenglong List and the reigning Crown Prince.


    "Xiao Yi? Joint first on the Tianqing Tenglong List?"


    Wu Zheng clenched his fist fiercely, the Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List in his hand turned into a blaze and burnt to ashes. His face revealed a grim and cold smile, "Issue my order, in three months, I will personally visit the Tianqing Kingdom!"


    "Yes!"


    Wu Yu bowed respectfully and withdrew.


    In the Purple Robe Kingdom.


    Yue Ling''er was staring at the Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List in her hands, dazed. After a long while, she put down the list and rushed straight to the residence of the current Crown Prince Yue Cang, "Big brother, big brother, come out quickly!"


    "Ling''er? What brings you to visit me?" Yue Cang, with his trouser legs and sleeves rolled up, wearing a sun hat, and holding a watering can, was tending to his flowers. He looked curiously at the hastily arriving Yue Ling''er and asked.


    Yue Ling''er pursed her lips and said, "In three months, you have to accompany me to the Tianqing Kingdom!"


    "Ah? No way, no way!"


    Yue Cang was taken aback and shook his head, "This secret realm ordeal, Xiao Yi of the Tianqing Kingdom has killed too many people. His name has spread throughout the surrounding six countries by now, and surely many strong warriors will gather in the Tianqing Kingdom. There are a few tough guys who have been wanting to challenge me, and I would rather not waste my time with them!"


    Yue Ling''er''s face fell cold as she said, "You won''t go? Then I''ll just have to tell Father about your secret visit to Smoke and Dust..."


    "Shh!"


    Suddenly, Yue Cang vanished from where he was standing, covered Yue Ling''er''s mouth with his hand, and said with a mixture of crying and laughter, "Oh my dear aunt, I''ll go, okay? You absolutely cannot let this get out..."


    Adjacent to the Tianqing Kingdom were the Baijing Kingdom, Qingyun Kingdom, and Sihai Kingdom.


    Within these nations...


    Some of the favored children of heavens also received the news, "Golden Core Realm Four Layer, actually on par with Jiang Shanhe? Interesting, I really want to see what kind of genius this is!"


    "Most likely the Treasure Pavilion of Tianqing Kingdom is exaggerating. No matter how talented one is, how could they possibly kill an Eighth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm expert with just the Four Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm? I''m going to expose them in person..."


    "Three months from now, in Tianqing Kingdom, I shall go!"


    Just as Gu Junhe had said, Xiao Yi was indeed renowned in all directions.


    His fame skyrocketed!


    However...


    As the one who caused all this commotion, Xiao Yi knew nothing about it.


    Half a month had passed since he returned from the secret realm.


    During these past two weeks, Xiao Yi had been in a coma. If it wasn''t for his heartbeat still persisting, Gu Junhe would have thought he was dead.


    This time his exhaustion was truly tremendous!


    He had ignited seventy percent of his blood.


    If it were anyone else, they would have died long ago.


    That he was still alive was a miracle!


    In the bedroom. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A silver-coated Little Lin was coiled by Xiao Yi''s pillow. Over these past two weeks, it had not only regained its vitality but was full of energy and had successfully stepped into the Fourth Order realm. In terms of cultivation alone, it was comparable to the early stage of the Golden Core Realm.


    Together with its powerful body that could withstand attacks from peak Golden Core Realm experts and the potent venom that could threaten Eighth Layer Golden Core Realm enemies, it was an extremely difficult foe.


    Hiss hiss!


    Little Lin lifted its head, its emerald eyes looking towards the door.


    When it saw that Fang Qingzhu had come in, it relaxed, lazily worming its way over to her. Landing on her shoulder, it gently touched her cheek with a worried gaze at Xiao Yi.


    Fang Qingzhu placed Little Lin on the table, rubbed its little head, and said, "Don''t worry, Xiao Yi will wake up soon." After a pause, she looked at Xiao Yi, who lay motionless on the bed, and repeated in a more resolute voice, "He will definitely wake up!"


    For the past half month, it had been Fang Qingzhu who took meticulous care of Xiao Yi.


    Day after day, under the nourishment of century-old ginseng and red-bellied brocade chicken soup, the blood that Xiao Yi lost was recovering.


    It was just that the expenditure from that battle was too great, which was why he had yet to wake up.


    But Xiao Yi''s life was out of danger.


    "Xiao Yi, do you know? You are now on top of the Teng Long List, tied with Great Prince Jiang Shanhe!"


    Fang Qingzhu helped Xiao Yi to sit up against the headrest, talking to him. "Elder Yan and Bingxin sent a letter the other day! Elder Yan planned to visit the capital soon; you need to wake up earlier. Otherwise, if you are still in a coma when they come, that would be really embarrassing!"


    Fang Qingzhu cooled the chicken soup in the spoon and fed it to Xiao Yi bit by bit, "Do you remember when we first met, Xiao Yi? I was really desperate at that time! If it weren''t for you, I might have already been... Thank goodness for you!"


    "Xiao Yi..."


    Fang Qingzhu kept talking about the past.


    From when she met Xiao Yi to all that had happened along this journey.


    From the memories of her childhood to the present...


    During this half a month, she had persisted, talking to Xiao Yi every day, hoping to awaken him. Yet, as she saw Xiao Yi still with his eyes tightly shut, a layer of mist gradually formed over her eyes.


    Hiss hiss!


    Little Lin crawled up to her shoulder, its tail gently wiping the tears from the corner of her eye.


    "Little Lin, I''m okay!"


    Fang Qingzhu offered a faint smile, but as she turned her head back, the bowl and spoon clattered to the ground. She widened her eyes in disbelief at the sight before her, Xiao Yi: "..."

 Chapter 100 - 100 Qingyun Banquet

    "Xiao Yi, Brother Xiao Yi? You, you''re awake?"


    Fang Qingzhu looked at Xiao Yi with incredulity, her phoenix eyes wide open and a layer of mist already veiling her watery orbs.


    Hiss!


    The Little Lin on her shoulder also stood erect, staring intently at Xiao Yi.


    In its eyes was a human-like excitement.


    Xiao Yi squeezed out a faint smile on his pale face, nodded, and with a hoarse voice that was still somewhat weak, he said, "Sorry for making you worry!"


    Even though he had been in a coma for half a month, there were times when he could still sense everything that was happening outside.


    Fang Qingzhu''s meticulous care over the past half-month, her tireless conversations in hopes of awakening him¡ªXiao Yi was fully aware of all this.


    Xiao Yi tried to rise, but his arms felt weak and he leaned heavily against the headboard.


    "Brother Xiao Yi, don''t move...What do you want to do? Let me help you!" Fang Qingzhu said in panic, supporting Xiao Yi as she hastily asked.


    With the help of Fang Qingzhu, he sat up properly.


    Xiao Yi caught Fang Qingzhu''s retreating hand. Her soft palm was somewhat cool, and medicinal ointment was applied on the back of her hand. Xiao Yi asked with concern, "Does it still hurt?"


    This was where Fang Qingzhu had accidentally scalded herself while stewing soup for him.


    Before this incident,


    Fang Qingzhu had never cooked, but for Xiao Yi, she started learning to cook, learning to make soup, learning to take care of people.


    Xiao Yi remembered all of this in his heart.


    Fang Qingzhu shook her head, a sweet smile on her face as she said, "It doesn''t hurt!"


    "You''re lying!"


    Xiao Yi forced a smile.


    Fang Qingzhu was taken aback and lowered her head, "It hurt a bit at the beginning, but His Highness the Seventh Prince got me these ointments, and they worked very well. It doesn''t hurt anymore!"


    Xiao Yi gently stroked Fang Qingzhu''s messy fringe on her forehead and said in a deep voice, "Qingzhu, thank you for staying by my side all this time!"


    "Brother Xiao Yi..."


    Fang Qingzhu hesitated for a moment and then rested her head against his chest, "We are husband and wife, if you never leave, I will never forsake you!"


    Smelling the faint fragrance that entered his nose, Xiao Yi gently patted her shoulder and lightly rested his chin against her head.


    In this life...


    Besides his mother, at least for now, Fang Qingzhu was the only one who had entered the sanctuary of his heart. This feeling was more than just between husband and wife, it was also an inseparable kinship!


    In his eyes, however, there was an unprecedented determination!


    Little Lin, looking at the two hugging each other, glanced left and right at itself, then brought its tail to its head.


    It rested its head against its tail.


    Its face showed a human-like contentment.


    ¡­


    At Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, behind the mountain.


    It was still that waterfall.


    Xiao Yi stood beneath the waterfall, holding an energy stone in each hand.


    The surging energy from the energy stones infused into his body, converging within his Golden Core, and above Xiao Yi''s Golden Core were already five light rings floating up and down.


    This signified that his cultivation had stepped into the Fifth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm.


    Half a month had passed since he woke up.


    "Breaking through a realm now requires fifty medium-grade energy stones, and the further I go, the greater the consumption¡­"


    Xiao Yi slowly opened his eyes, looking at the energy stones in his hand that had lost their luster and turned to waste, he sighed deeply.


    Back then, in that ancient tomb, Xiao Yi had obtained a little over a thousand low-grade energy stones, one hundred forty medium-grade, and twelve high-grade ones.


    The medium-grade energy stones contained ten times the energy of the low-grade ones, and the high-grade ones ten times that of the medium-grade.


    To break through to the Four Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, he had exhausted all the low-grade energy stones.


    The remaining medium and high-grade energy stones amounted to what would be equivalent to two hundred and sixty medium-grade energy stones: "Two hundred and sixty medium-grade energy stones... Should be enough to break through to the Eighth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm. Below the tribulation, I''ll be invincible, Zhou Yuan is no longer a concern!"


    The greatest reward for Xiao Yi from this secret realm adventure was not the spirit stones, but those three Martial Dao Divine Fruits.


    Each of these Martial Dao Divine Fruits could be exchanged for several hundred or even a thousand top-quality spirit stones.


    But Xiao Yi had no intention of selling the Martial Dao Divine Fruits.


    "Xiao!"


    Jiang Tai''s voice came from outside the waterfall, and with a step, Xiao Yi emerged with rolling vital energy surrounding him, preventing the cascading water from getting close.


    In just a few flashes, Xiao Yi had reached Jiang Tai''s side.


    After the journey through the secret realm.


    Xiao Yi had come to recognize Jiang Tai. He sized him up and down and laughed, "Congratulations, elder brother, your cultivation has greatly improved!"


    Since returning from the secret realm, Jiang Tai had already stepped into the Eighth Layer Realm of the Golden Core Realm.


    His combat power was also even stronger than before!


    Jiang Tai rolled his eyes and said exasperatedly, "You''re supposed to be complimenting me, right? But why does it sound so awkward to my ears?"


    Xiao Yi laughed heartily, clearly aware Jiang Tai was referring to him being tied for first place on the Teng Long List, and then shook his head, "Did elder brother need me for something?"


    Jiang Tai nodded, a playful look on his face, holding an invitation between two fingers, "This is for you!"


    "Hm?"


    Xiao Yi was startled, opened it, and looked with a peculiar expression, "Jiang Shanhe is inviting me to the Qingyun Banquet?"


    In half a month''s time, it would be the Tianqing Kingdom''s Qingyun Festival.


    Every year at this time, when the unique Qingyun flowers of the Tianqing Kingdom bloom, the royal family holds the Qingyun Banquet to invite the outstanding young talents from within the kingdom.


    Moreover, with the Crown Prince position not yet decided, the recent Qingyun Banquets have been organized by the eldest prince.


    Given Xiao Yi''s relationship with the Royal Martial Arts Academy, he couldn''t fathom why Jiang Shanhe would send him an invitation! sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Jiang Tai squinted his eyes and suggested, "Maybe he wants to recruit you?"


    Xiao Yi rolled his eyes, "Recruit me? It''s probably a setup for a trap, aiming to put me in a deadly situation!"


    "Don''t worry, the Qingyun Banquet is a state banquet. If anything goes wrong, father won''t spare him, and he wouldn''t dare make a rash move. If you don''t want to go, I can help you decline," Jiang Tai said.


    Xiao Yi waved his hand dismissively and smiled at the invitation in his hand, "Go, why not go? Not only will I attend, but our fellow brothers from the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy will go as well!"


    "Ah?"


    Jiang Tai was taken aback.


    "Our Tianqi Martial Arts Academy is too poor, you see, the Shi Family brothers and Niu Dali have all starved to the point of skinniness, it''s a good opportunity to take them for a good meal!"


    Xiao Yi''s eyes narrowed into slits, "It''s also a good chance for me to see for myself what this eldest prince, who has held the top position on the Teng Long List for many years, is really like!"


    A strong sense of fighting spirit suddenly burst forth from him.


    Ten days flew by in the blink of an eye...


    At the gate of the Tianqi Martial Arts Institute.


    Xiao Yi looked at Gu Junhe, who was drinking sullenly next to the Cangyun Eagle, and said helplessly, "Headmaster, the Qingyun Banquet is for young people, it''s really not suitable for you to go!"


    "Are you saying I''m old?" Gu Junhe squinted his eyes and asked.


    With a serious face, Xiao Yi hummed in agreement.


    Gu Junhe: "..."


    Niu Dali chuckled and said, "Headmaster, let the young people handle their affairs; you don''t need to get involved!"


    "Are you saying I''m old?" Gu Junhe asked again, putting down his liquor gourd.


    Mimicking Xiao Yi''s seriousness, Niu Dali nodded his head, but before he could utter a word, he was abruptly smacked to the ground by Gu Junhe''s palm.


    The slap made stars dance in his vision.


    Gu Junhe grabbed Niu Dali''s ankle and dragged him towards the institute like dragging a dead dog. Niu Dali''s head made a thudding sound with every intimate contact with the stairs, and Gu Junhe''s voice drifted, "You all go! Niu Dali will stay with me in the institute for some extra training."


    Thud! Thud! Thud!


    Everyone looked at the stairs with over a thousand steps, swallowing saliva subconsciously, their faces filled with sympathy.


    Shi Yaoming sighed and said earnestly, "Brother Dali, keep the headmaster company, we will eat your share as well..."

 Chapter 101 - 101: For Your Drink!

    Spring Breeze and Rain Pavilion!


    It sits at the bustling intersection of Vermilion Bird Avenue and Azure Dragon Avenue in the royal capital.


    Though not the most luxurious tavern in the capital, it bore the strongest backing, hosting many royal banquets. For example, the current Azure Cloud Banquet was held within this Spring Breeze and Rain Pavilion.


    Along the road, the non-stop flow of carriages was seen.


    Those within the carriages were either rich or noble.


    Not only did they include many famous and esteemed families from Tianqing Kingdom, but also numerous gifted masters from the Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List.


    Azure Cloud Banquet, implying an ascension into the Azure Clouds.


    It was specifically organized by the royal family to invite the young heroes within the kingdom.


    "Xiao Yi, brother, the Spring Breeze and Rain Pavilion is so grand!" Fang Qingzhu admired the elegant and imposing building before her with a look of wonder on her face.


    Little Lin, perched on her shoulder, craned his neck and stuck out his tongue lightly.


    The Shi Family''s four brothers exchanged a glance, excitement plain on their faces. Shi Yaoqian''s eyes shone, "Owning such a tavern in this prosperous area would be like raking in gold every day!"


    Shi Yaodu rolled the dice in his hand non-stop, his eyes slightly squinted, "I wonder if there are any gambling games at this Azure Cloud Banquet!"


    "Gambling, gambling, gambling, is that all you ever think about? In a place like this, making connections with geniuses from all over is what''s most important, isn''t it?" Shi Yaoquan glanced at his brother and said, annoyed.


    Shi Yaoming said indifferently, "Second brother, as long as we hold tight to Xiao''s coattails, do we need to make connections with any other genius?"


    Shi Yaoquan''s face stiffened.


    Just as Shi Yaoming said, wasn''t Xiao Yi the most talked-about genius in Tianqing Kingdom at the moment?


    Xiao Yi glanced at the three and said, speechlessly, "Speak any more nonsense, and I''ll have you roll back home!"


    The four of them promptly shut up.


    Xiao Yi, holding Fang Qingzhu''s hand, smiled and said, "The Spring Breeze and Rain Pavilion is backed by the royal family, naturally it is a lot more imposing! Brother Jiang should already be inside, let''s go in!"


    "Yes!"


    Fang Qingzhu nodded obediently.


    Suddenly, a harsh whooshing sound came hurtling towards her shoulder, and Little Lin tensed up on her shoulder. He quickly turned and dodged as a streak of silver light, avoiding it just in time as a dark shadow flashed by.


    Swish!


    The cloth on Fang Qingzhu''s shoulder was torn apart.


    "Diao, come back!" An arrogant voice called out.


    The dark shadow quickly returned to the shoulder of a youth in brocade robes, with a face like a jade carving and a handsome, spirited appearance. Astonishingly, it was a gray-colored fourth-grade demon fox marten. The fox marten''s fiery eyes were fixed on Little Lin, who had climbed back onto Fang Qingzhu''s shoulder, its gaze filled with greed.


    Fox martens were naturally fond of preying on snake-type demons, and it had just tried to prey on Little Lin.


    "Are you all right?" Xiao Yi hastily inquired.


    Fang Qingzhu shook her head, her face slightly pale, but immediately hugged Little Lin in her arms, checking him over to make sure he wasn''t injured. Only then did she look at the youth, "You..."


    Before she could finish speaking,


    The youth arrogantly said, "My Diao has taken a fancy to your snake, sell it to me!"


    Meanwhile,


    The youth flicked his finger, and a silver note of one hundred silver floated towards Fang Qingzhu.


    Frowning with displeasure, Fang Qingzhu raised her hand and sent a gust of wind to blow the silver note back, saying coldly, "Little Lin is not for sale!"


    "Is it that you find the money too little?" demanded the young man impatiently, "One thousand silver!"


    Today, the Spring Breeze and Rain Pavilion was already full of people, and many recognized the youth: "Isn''t that the son of the Minister of War, Li Heng? He''s a master on the Flying Tiger List, and also proficient in The Way of Beast Tamer, truly one of the elites among the young generation!"


    "Young lady, you should just sell that demon beast to Young Master Li!"


    "Young Master Li is not someone you can afford to provoke!" the crowd advised in turn.


    Despite Xiao Yi''s growing reputation, very few people had actually seen him.


    Not to mention Fang Qingzhu.


    Fang Qingzhu retorted angrily, "Little Lin is our partner, and we will absolutely not sell him!"


    Over these past months, she had developed a deep, rooted bond with Little Lin, regarding him as a friend and family member. She would not sell him for mere thousands of silver, not even for a million yuan stones!


    Little Lin seemed to understand, holding its head high, its little eyes fixed on Fang Qingzhu.


    Squeak squeak squeak!


    The green marten on Li Heng''s shoulder let out a few piercing shrieks, standing its fur on end and drooling uncontrollably.


    "Alright, alright, I know you''re hungry!"


    Li Heng doted on the marten by rubbing its head, then looked towards Xiao Yi and the others, saying arrogantly, "I''ll say this one last time, hand over that little snake, crawl under my crotch, and I''ll let bygones be bygones. Otherwise, I..."


    His words were cut off.


    A crisp slap suddenly sounded across his face.


    Li Heng''s body spun on the spot from the impact, seeing stars, and he looked around in disbelief, "Who? Who hit me?"


    He was at the Peak of the Divine Ability Realm, along with a marten comparable to the First Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm.


    How could he not have seen who slapped him?


    All was silent around.


    Nobody had seen who made the move.


    Li Heng''s face turned ashen with rage, unable to find the assailant, his eyes filled with venomous hate as he stared at Xiao Yi and his companions, "You... it must be you who ambushed me!" He patted the marten on his shoulder, "Little Diao, kill them for me!"


    The green marten was a fiercely murderous beast.


    Upon receiving Li Heng''s command,


    It gave a squeak.


    Whoosh!


    It turned into a grey streak of light, charging straight towards Fang Qingzhu, aiming to slay her and then capture Little Lin on her.


    Li Heng wore a look of triumph, "This is the fate of those who offend me!"


    However...


    Faced with the rapidly approaching marten,


    Xiao Yi merely gestured towards the void, invisible energy coalescing into a giant hand that snatched the marten firmly.


    Squeak squeak squeak... S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The marten glared with rage, struggling hysterically.


    Li Heng''s face underwent a drastic change, seeing Little Diao caught in Xiao Yi''s hand, powerless to break free, his heart skipped a beat, realizing he was facing a real expert. Li Heng spoke hastily, "Release Little Diao, and I will not pursue any grudge with you..."


    To tame that marten, he had exhausted countless resources and wealth.


    Just finding a young green marten had cost him nearly ten million silver pieces!


    "Not hold a grudge with us?"


    Xiao Yi let out a sneer, glancing sideways at Li Heng and suddenly clenching his fists harder.


    Crack!


    The sound of breaking bones made one''s scalp tingle.


    Squeak...


    The marten let out a pitiful cry, its life hanging by a thread.


    Xiao Yi tossed it towards Little Lin, "Here''s something for you to enjoy with your drink!"


    Hiss!


    With a single swallow, Little Lin consumed the marten.


    Little Lin was already comparable to a primary fourth-tier demonic beast, possessing strength equivalent to the Fifth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm. Once it assimilated the marten, chances were it would break through to the middle fourth-tier.


    After swallowing the marten, Little Lin returned to Xiao Yi''s embrace.


    In front of the Spring Breeze and Rain Pavilion, silence reigned.


    Pant! Pant!


    Li Heng watched Xiao Yi with disbelief. Had his painstakingly nurtured marten died just like that?


    But now, he didn''t dare to move an inch!


    If Xiao Yi could subdue a marten comparable to the Golden Core Realm with a single slap, how could he be his match?


    While Li Heng was in panic, his eyes suddenly brightened, and he sprinted towards the figure emerging from the Spring Breeze and Rain Pavilion, "..."

 Chapter 102 - 102: Its You Who Should Kneel!

    Li Heng''s face was filled with excitement and elation as he ran towards the figure emerging from the Spring Breeze and Rain Pavilion.


    While running,


    Li Heng turned his head back to look at Xiao Yi and his companions, his face twisted with smugness and ferocity, "You mangy curs, you will soon know just how terrifying the consequences of offending this young master are! Hahaha..."


    "Lei, you must stand up for me!"


    Li Heng, jogging all the way, arrived in front of the young man, sobbing his heart out.


    His father was the imperial Minister of War, a dignitary of the first rank.


    In the capital,


    Li Heng also belonged to the cream of the second generation.


    It was natural that he was acquainted with Yun Lei!


    Yun Lei was stunned; he had been entertaining guests on behalf of the crown prince when he heard a conflict brewing outside and came out to see what was going on.


    He hadn''t expected to step outside just to encounter Li Heng running up to him, crying his eyes out with a runny nose. The Yun Family had a good relationship with the Li Family, and Yun Lei had known Li Heng for many years. Seeing the fiery red palm mark on his face, Yun Lei furrowed his brows and asked, "Heng, how did you end up like this?"


    With a face full of resentment, Li Heng said, "Lei, someone killed my Diao and beat me up like this. You must seek justice for me!"


    But he was indeed reversing right and wrong!


    He did not mention at all that it was his own silver fox that had struck first, attempting to capture and kill Little Lin, and when his offer of one thousand taels of silver to forcefully buy Little Lin was declined, he resorted to murder. He only mentioned the killing of the silver fox and the fact that he was beaten.


    Yun Lei''s brows were tightly knit.


    He had been an earth-grade student himself but had stepped into the First Layer of the Golden Core Realm half a month earlier, becoming a heaven-grade student ¨C his status soaring high, basking in the height of success.


    Seeing his childhood friend beaten up like this, he swung his great hand and said coldly, "What audacity, to dare beat the son of the current Minister of War in the middle of the street! Heng, point out that lunatic, and Lei will avenge you!"


    "It''s them..."


    With his face full of excitement, Li Heng pointed towards Xiao Yi and his companions.


    But he hadn''t noticed...


    As soon as he saw he was pointing at Xiao Yi, Yun Lei''s expression turned exceedingly grim.


    Strutting up to Xiao Yi and the others with an air of superiority, Li Heng said with a smug face, "Brat, I told you, offending this young master would lead to no good end. My Lei is a heaven-grade student of the Royal Martial Arts Academy and also the crown prince''s confidant. Having offended me is like offending the crown prince, and if you don''t want to die, kneel down and crawl between my legs right now, then kneel before me and kowtow to apologize..."


    Shi Yaodu shook his head and sighed, "Li Heng, is it? I bet you''re going to cry!"


    "Hmm?"


    Li Heng was taken aback as Yun Lei came to his side.


    Feeling bold with Yun Lei beside him, Li Heng shouted, "Lei, it was this beast that hit me!"


    With a dark face, Yun Lei barked, "Kneel down!"


    Li Heng crossed his arms, looking triumphantly at Xiao Yi and the rest, "Did you hear that? Lei is telling you to kneel!"


    "I''m telling you to kneel down!"


    Standing by his side, Yun Lei suddenly let out a low roar, and immediately following, Li Heng felt his legs in severe pain as his knees knocked on the ground with two thumps. The pain made Li Heng grimace, and he looked at Yun Lei in confusion, pointing at Xiao Yi, "Lei... Lei, you must have kicked the wrong person. You should kick him..."


    Before he could finish speaking,


    Yun Lei had already grabbed the finger Li Heng was using to point at Xiao Yi and brutally broke it, causing Li Heng to scream in agony, his eyes turning bloodshot as he glared at Yun Lei, "Yun Lei, have you gone mad?"


    "The one who''s mad here is you!"


    Yun Lei slapped Li Heng across the face, sending him reeling with stars in his eyes as he shouted angrily, "Do you know who he is? He is Xiao Yi from the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy..."


    "What?"


    Li Heng could no longer care about the pain.


    His complexion turned deathly pale, and large beads of cold sweat rolled down his forehead.


    Who within the Tianqing Kingdom today did not know the name of Xiao Yi?


    This is someone who even dares to kill the owner of Sword Mountain Manor!


    Killing the son of a Minister, what''s that to him?


    Gulp!


    Li Heng swallowed hard, crying with a grim face as he looked at Xiao Yi, "Xiao, Xiao... I didn''t recognize Tai Shan; please spare me..."


    Yun Lei''s face carried a pleasing smile, "Xiao, please be magnanimous and let him off this time!"


    With Xiao Yi''s current talent and strength, even the eldest prince wants to recruit him.


    Once Xiao Yi agrees to the eldest prince''s recruitment, he will definitely be the first fierce general under the eldest prince. That''s why Yun Lei is behaving like this!


    Xiao Yi looked at him with a strange expression, "Is Yun Fan your brother?"


    Yun Lei''s face twitched.


    He naturally knew that Yun Fan had died at Xiao Yi''s hands, but thinking of the eldest prince''s intention to recruit Xiao Yi, he had to suppress the hatred in his heart, smiling obsequiously, "I''ve heard about Little Fan''s incident. It was all his own doing; Xiao can''t be blamed for it!"


    Xiao Yi sized up Yun Lei and sneered, "If today you would seek revenge for your brother and strike at me, I might still respect you. As for now..."


    Yun Lei forced a smile, "Xiao is joking... The Crown Prince has been waiting inside for a long time. Now, look at this..."


    Xiao Yi glanced at Li Heng and waved his hand, "Let him kneel! Let him leave after the banquet is over!"


    "Rest assured, Xiao!"


    Yun Lei nodded firmly and glared fiercely at Li Heng, "Did you hear Xiao''s words? Kneel right here for me!"


    Li Heng was on the verge of tears, "..."


    He never imagined that he would hit a snag today!


    He could only kneel obediently in front of the Spring Breeze and Rain Pavilion.


    "Ladies and gentlemen, this way, please!"


    Yun Lei led the way at the front, guiding Xiao Yi and the others into the banquet hall, "Xiao, the banquet will be held here shortly. You all can have a look around the banquet hall for now, or try some of the pastries here! The banquet will start very soon!"


    "Go attend to your duties!"


    Xiao Yi waved his hand.


    The others stood in the banquet hall. Shi Yaodu''s eyes lit up, "What a huge roasted pig, and that fatty beast leg..."


    "Eat, we must eat our fill!"


    "And pack some to take back for the Institute Director and Da Li..."


    The Shi Family''s four brothers dashed away, vanishing among the array of delicious foods.


    Xiao Yi, on the other hand, was holding Fang Qingzhu''s hand, starting to savor various delicacies with her.


    At this moment, Xiao Yi did not know...


    After leaving, Yun Lei went to the eighth floor of the Spring Breeze and Rain Pavilion. With a respectful expression on his face, he spoke to Jiang Shanhe, who was standing with his hands behind his back, gazing outside through the window, "Your Highness, I''ve brought Xiao Yi to the banquet hall."


    "Hmm!"


    Jiang Shanhe didn''t turn around, his eyes narrowed to slits as he looked outside and said, "Yun Lei, do you blame this prince?"


    Xiao Yi had killed Yun Fan.


    And Yun Lei could not take revenge; instead, he had to serve Xiao Yi with all due respect. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Yun Lei said in fear, "Your Highness jests; how could I blame you? Your actions are all about the bigger picture, and I swear my unwavering loyalty!"


    "Good, this prince was not mistaken about you! Rest assured..."


    Jiang Shanhe narrowed his eyes, looking at the bustling Tianqing capital, a flash of icy cold light quickly passing through his gaze, "If he obediently complies and agrees to serve me, then let him live for a few more years. If he disobeys, this prince will personally hand him over to you..."


    "Your Highness''s great kindness is unforgettable!"


    Yun Lei bowed deeply, his lowered eyes filled with a fierce cold light, "Little Fan, your brother will surely avenge you!"

 Chapter 103 - 103: Is It Him?

    Xiao Yi''s arrival naturally attracted the attention of many people.


    This was the current genius of the Tianqing Kingdom who was in the spotlight¡ªif it had been any other time, countless powerful individuals would have approached to befriend him.


    But now...


    Less than a month remained until the deadline for the duel between Xiao Yi and the Royal Martial Arts Academy.


    For the crowd.


    The Royal Martial Arts Academy and Xiao Yi were at odds, with an evident lean towards Xiao Yi.


    In their eyes, Xiao Yi''s life and death were uncertain, and in this gamble, the Royal Martial Arts Academy was clearly more likely to win. To befriend Xiao Yi now and, should he die at the hands of the Academy in a month, they might face retribution come autumn.


    That''s exactly why.


    Even though many in the banquet hall nodded and made polite gestures towards Xiao Yi, not one person came forward to start a conversation.


    "Amitabha!"


    Xiao Yi was tasting the delicacies with Fang Qingzhu when a hoarse voice echoed in his ear.


    It was a bald monk, but on top of his head were not the usual scars of monkhood, but three ferocious claw marks running across his forehead and the back of his skull, making his appearance particularly vicious. At this moment, he had his palms together, smiling at Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, "From the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple?"


    "Amitabha, this poor monk Dao Tian is a disciple of the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple!" Dao Tian said with a smile.


    Xiao Yi replied indifferently, "What do you want with me?"


    He didn''t have much fondness for these hypocritically benevolent monks.


    Dao Tian kept a smiling face, seeming amiable, and spoke in a not-so-loud voice, "Xiao benefactor, a few days ago our abbot had a dream in which the Buddha said you have a destiny with our Buddha. The poor monk has come uninvited today, wishing to invite you to the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple to receive the baptism of the Buddhist Law!"


    The news that Xiao Yi was able to slay a practitioner of the Eighth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm with a cultivation at the Four Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm had long since reached the ears of various forces.


    Even Dao Tian, a disciple of the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple, coveted this secret.


    The abbot of the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple ordered him to bring Xiao Yi back to the temple, and then to brainwash and control him with Buddhist Law. If they could force the secret of his ability to fight beyond his level out of him, the great prosperity of the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple was in sight.


    Xiao Yi waved his hand dismissively, "I won''t go!"


    "Xiao benefactor, the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple is the orthodox sanctuary of Buddhism, with a Buddha''s light that shines over all, it is a sacred place. Generally speaking, even the royal lineage cannot set foot there at will. Our Buddha is merciful and wishes to convert you with the Buddhist Law, so you should not refuse!" Dao Tian kept smiling, but his tone became somewhat stern.


    Xiao Yi said, "According to what you''re saying, going to the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple would be an honor for me then?"


    Dao Tian replied, "Of course it is!"


    He was a contemporary chosen disciple, usually hidden from the world, not even listed on the Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List. But Dao Tian''s strength was not to be underestimated¡ªstanding at the Golden Elixir Realm Seventh Layer Peak, he was comparable to Jiang Tai before his breakthrough!


    "Amitabha!"


    Dao Tian brought his hands together and reached out to grab Xiao Yi''s shoulder, "Xiao benefactor, come with me!"


    However...


    His palm rested on Xiao Yi''s shoulder, and with a fierce jerk, Xiao Yi didn''t budge an inch.


    "Hmm?"


    Dao Tian''s expression tightened.


    Xiao Yi said emotionlessly, "It seems that I have a destiny without affinity with your Buddha. However, I do think you have a destiny with the King of Hell!"


    "Huh?"


    Dao Tian was taken aback.


    Xiao Yi raised his palm and clamped onto his wrist, followed by a crisp crack¡ªDao Tian''s arm broke on the spot. Before he could even scream, Xiao Yi kicked out, striking Dao Tian in the abdomen.


    Whoosh!


    Dao Tian screamed miserably, collapsed to the ground holding his stomach.


    Spittle gushed from his mouth like a breached dam.


    After days of cultivation, Xiao Yi''s level had stepped into the Seventh Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm. The strength from the thirty-five thousand God Sealing Seeds made his physical power even more formidable.


    His martial prowess was comparable to the peak of the Golden Elixir!


    Was Dao Tian even a match for him?


    The commotion here naturally drew the attention of the surrounding crowd. Watching Xiao Yi casually cripple Dao Tian with ease, expressions of shock were evident on everyone''s faces. "As expected from the genius ranked equal to the crown prince on the Teng Long List, Xiao Yi''s strength is truly unfathomable!"


    "Dao Tian is a Buddha''s son from the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple. Although a Buddha''s son is detached from worldly concerns and not ranked, he definitely has the strength of the top five on the Teng Long List. Yet he couldn''t even take one move from Xiao Yi. Among the younger generation, I fear only the crown prince can suppress Xiao Yi!" S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The whispers in the crowd abruptly ceased.


    The crowd surrounding them automatically parted, creating a path, as Jiang Shanhe, arrayed in brocade robes, appeared within everyone''s sight, escorted by Yun Lei.


    His gaze was serene, and he wore a smile as he walked towards Xiao Yi.


    Their eyes met.


    Jiang Shanhe said with a smile, "Do me a favor and let him live, how about it?"


    Xiao Yi shrugged his shoulders, "Drag him away!"


    Jiang Shanhe glanced at Yun Lei.


    Yun Lei stepped forward, intending to help Dao Tian up, but Xiao Yi stopped him.


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "I said drag him away!"


    Yun Lei was taken aback and looked to Jiang Shanhe.


    Jiang Shanhe frowned slightly, then gestured with his hand. Yun Lei immediately understood his intentions, grabbed Dao Tian by the ankle, and dragged him out of the Spring Breeze and Rain Pavilion like a dead dog.


    "Shall we have a good drink later?" Jiang Shanhe asked with a smile.


    Xiao Yi replied, "Only if it''s good liquor!"


    Jiang Shanhe nodded, "Royal brews guaranteed not to disappoint you!"


    Xiao Yi said with a smile, "Sounds good!"


    Jiang Shanhe said, "I''ll find you later!"


    "Suit yourself!"


    Watching Jiang Shanhe''s departing figure, Fang Qingzhu said softly, "Xiao Yi, I don''t like him!"


    Little Lin raised his head and nodded.


    As if expressing his agreement with Fang Qingzhu''s opinion.


    Xiao Yi asked curiously, "Why?"


    Fang Qingzhu''s brows furrowed slightly, and a strange light flickered in her beautiful eyes. "I can''t exactly put my finger on it, but I feel his smile is very fake, it gives an uncomfortable feeling!"


    "In this life, we can hardly avoid wearing a few masks, especially those born into the imperial family. But¡­" Xiao Yi smiled and then continued, "I don''t like him either, so avoid him!"


    "Okay!"


    Fang Qingzhu nodded obediently.


    Around them, however, no one else dared to approach.


    They only nodded to him from a distance, in a gesture of goodwill.


    Xiao Yi was rather pleased with the peace and quiet.


    "Xiao, come over here for a second!" Shi Yaoqian gestured to him with a mysterious air.


    Xiao Yi was startled, looking at him curiously, "What is it?"


    Shi Yaoqian whispered, "Xiao, you have a storage ring, right?"


    Xiao Yi nodded subconsciously.


    Shi Yaoqian glanced around, then pulled open the collar of his clothes, revealing an astonishing array of crystal cups, plates, vases, and more stuffed inside his loose clothing. Xiao Yi''s eyes twitched, completely at a loss as to how Shi Yaoqian managed to fit all these items into his clothes.


    Shi Yaoqian said, "Xiao, open up your storage ring quick, these things are worth a fortune!"


    Xiao Yi''s face turned as black as coal: "¡­"


    He wanted nothing more than to smack this humiliating fool and send him flying.


    How embarrassing would it be if someone saw this?


    Shi Yaoqian whispered urgently, "Xiao, what are you waiting for? Hurry up and stash these things! I even spotted a table made from Azure Dragon wood over there; make sure to take that too later..."


    Xiao Yi, with a darkened expression, said, "Scram!"


    He took Fang Qingzhu by the hand and walked away.


    At that moment...


    Jiang Shanhe''s voice suddenly resounded throughout the banquet hall: "Welcome everyone to the Qingyun Banquet. It''s an honor given by the King for me to host this event. Before we begin, please allow me to introduce a distinguished guest!"


    He pointed towards the entrance.


    All eyes turned as one to look.


    Xiao Yi also saw the figure at the entrance and couldn''t help but reveal a trace of coldness in his eyes: "Is it him?"

 Chapter 104 - 104: Are You Satisfied Now?

    At the entrance to the banquet hall.


    Zhou Xin, resplendent in his robes, strode in with authority as the crowd parted to either side to make way, "Law Enforcement Elder Zhou Xin of the Royal Martial Arts Academy? Why did he return here?"


    "I heard Zhou Xin made a breakthrough to the Eighth Layer of the Golden Core Realm and has been promoted to the Deputy Head of the Royal Martial Arts Academy!"


    "Deputy Head? No wonder even the Crown Prince calls him an honored guest!"


    Amidst the whispering.


    Zhou Xin approached Jiang Shanhe with a beaming smile, "His Highness the Crown Prince is too polite. How can I, Zhou, be worthy of such a guest title?"


    "Please take a seat, Deputy Head Zhou!" Jiang Shanhe gestured invitingly.


    Zhou Xin smiled and sat beside him.


    His gaze swept through the crowd, eventually settling on Xiao Yi, the smile on his face slowly fading, replaced by a hint of amusement.


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, staring intently at Zhou Xin.


    When he was being troubled by Ge Qingyun and others, it was Zhou Xin, the Law Enforcement Elder, who brazenly shielded them.


    This led to Xiao Yi causing an uproar at the Royal Martial Arts Academy!


    "Many thanks to His Highness the Crown Prince!"


    Zhou Xin bowed to Jiang Shanhe and then took the seat to Jiang''s left.


    Jiang Shanhe spoke loudly, "Ladies and Gentlemen, you must be wondering why Deputy Head Zhou would grace the Qingyun Banquet with his presence."


    The crowd turned their gaze toward him.


    Jiang Shanhe looked at Zhou Xin.


    Zhou Xin slowly stood up, face wearing a radiant smile, his eyes sweeping across those present before coming to rest on Xiao Yi, he declared, "Zhou has come to the Qingyun Banquet today for just one purpose!"


    "Xiao Yi, this seems to be targeted at you!" Fang Qingzhu said.


    Xiao Yi acknowledged with a hum, quietly waiting for what was to come.


    Zhou Xin said unhurriedly, "Perhaps everyone has heard, there was some misunderstanding between the Royal Martial Arts Academy and Xiao Yi, and all of it was because I, Zhou, was deceived by slander and wrongly accused him!"


    "Ah..."


    "What''s going on? Has someone from the Royal Martial Arts Academy actually admitted they were wrong?"


    "The Royal Martial Arts Academy, such a domineering entity, has actually admitted fault? Just how strong is this Xiao Yi, to make the Royal Martial Arts Academy capitulate... "


    All eyes focused on Xiao Yi.


    Surprise appeared on Xiao Yi''s face; he had thought of many reasons why Zhou Xin might appear here but had never considered that he would openly apologize to him?


    To know...


    Zhou Xin was now the Deputy Head of the Royal Martial Arts Academy.


    Wait a minute...


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, his face showing thick sarcasm, "So that''s how it is... No wonder they would promote him to Deputy Head at this time..."


    If Zhou Xin were still the Law Enforcement Elder, his public apology to Xiao Yi would mean that the Royal Martial Arts Academy''s Law Enforcement Hall would suffer a loss of dignity and justice, and even lead others to question the rules of the Martial Arts Academy.


    But now Zhou Xin was the Deputy Head.


    His apology could entirely be attributed to him personally, minimizing the impact on the Royal Martial Arts Academy!


    Zhou Xin bowed deeply to Xiao Yi, his voice solemn, "Xiao Yi, it was all because I misbelieved malicious gossip, wrongly accusing you! This has nothing to do with the Royal Martial Arts Academy, it''s all my personal mistake. When we return, I will request the Head to relieve me of my position as Deputy Head!"


    Boom! sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A wave of astonishment swept through the crowd once more.


    The disturbance was hard to calm!


    To appease Xiao Yi''s anger, was Zhou Xin actually prepared to resign in acknowledgment of his fault?


    "Xiao Yi, that''s enough!"


    "Deputy Head Zhou has already gone to this extent; if you keep pursuing this, you''ll truly be ungracious!"


    "Enough is enough!" the crowd urged.


    In their view, the Royal Martial Arts Academy had already conceded to such an extent, with full sincerity. Xiao Yi ought to accept Zhou Xin''s apology and no longer pursue the matter.


    However...


    Xiao Yi remained seated in his place, warmly serving vegetables to Fang Qingzhu: "This tastes good, and this too... Look at how thin you''ve become. You need to eat more meat, understand?"


    Fang Qingzhu smiled gently, dutifully nodding her head.


    Hiss hiss!


    Little Lin stood up, sticking out its tongue.


    Xiao Yi rubbed its head, offering it a few pieces of meat: "Alright, alright, you need to eat meat too!"


    He seemed to have not seen Zhou Xin''s actions at all.


    "Xiao Yi, please forgive me!"


    Zhou Xin, still in a bowing posture, had a face that turned livid, but remembering Zhou Yuan''s command, he could only take a deep breath and said in a deep voice, "I truly come to offer an apology with all my heart. Whatever you ask of me, I can agree to it!"


    Xiao Yi said playfully, "Even if I asked for your life?"


    "This..."


    Zhou Xin was startled, the murderous intent in his eyes already seething, yet he forcibly suppressed it and said sternly, "Xiao Yi, I, Zhou, indeed made the first mistake, but today I have set aside my pride to apologize to you. Do you really intend to be mercilessly thorough?"


    Yun Lei said with unease, "Xiao Yi, no matter what Vice Head Zhou did wrong before, he has already apologized to you. Even if you still harbor resentment, he is, after all, your elder. Don''t you think you are being too excessive?"


    "Who the hell are you to lecture me on what to do?" Xiao Yi looked up at Yun Lei, with a face of indifference.


    "You..."


    Yun Lei was taken aback, his face turning an iron blue.


    Xiao Yi pointed at Zhou Xin, who was still maintaining a bowing posture, and sneered, "You think he''s really apologizing to me? He is but trying to manipulate public opinion, making everyone believe that I, Xiao Yi, am unreasonable and unyielding even when I''m in the right... In this way, no one will blame the Royal Martial Arts Academy for bullying others, nor will anyone remember how you twisted truth and justice, attempting to put me to death everywhere. Am I right?"


    His mocking gaze turned to Jiang Shanhe.


    Yun Lei''s expression changed.


    As a confidant of Jiang Shanhe, he naturally knew that all of today''s events were orchestrated by Jiang Shanhe''s hands. The plan was to first offer an apology with Zhou Xin, manipulating public opinion against Xiao Yi.


    Afterward...


    Jiang Shanhe would step in to placate Xiao Yi.


    If they could subdue Xiao Yi, his reputation would be greatly enhanced; even if Xiao Yi refused in the end, the Royal Martial Arts Academy would shed the accusation of oppressing the weak, a strategy that would kill several birds with one stone.


    But this plan was supposed to be top secret!


    Xiao Yi had pinpointed the crux of the scheme with a single statement. Yun Lei instinctively looked towards Jiang Shanhe.


    Jiang Shanhe narrowed his eyes, the plan indeed coming from him, and he never expected Xiao Yi to see through it. Yet he showed no panic, calmly tasting the dishes on the table.


    Zhou Xin straightened up, his face the picture of despair, "Xiao Yi, why can''t you trust me? Do you really need my life to extinguish your anger?"


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Yes! Are you willing to give it?"


    "You..."


    Zhou Xin''s mouth twitched violently.


    Was he willing?


    Of course not!


    All of this was just an act!


    Jiang Shanhe, who had been silent the whole time, suddenly spoke up, "Vice Head Zhou, since it''s an apology, you should show some sincerity!"


    Zhou Xin''s expression changed drastically.


    Under Jiang Shanhe''s cold gaze, he gritted his teeth and said, "Please enlighten me, Your Highness!"


    Pfft!


    With a flick of his sword finger, Jiang Shanhe severed Zhou Xin''s right arm at the shoulder, the bloody limb falling in front of Xiao Yi. Jiang Shanhe narrowed his eyes and asked, "Are you satisfied now?"

 Chapter 105 - 105 Who Else?

    "Are you satisfied now?"


    Jiang Shanhe''s face remained expressionless, his calm gaze fixed on Xiao Yi.


    The blood-drenched severed arm lay in a pool of blood, its fingers still twitching slightly. Zhou Xin covered his bleeding shoulder, not even daring to let out a cry of pain.


    Xiao Yi looked up at Jiang Shanhe and smiled, "What if I said I wasn''t satisfied?"


    "Hmm?"


    Jiang Shanhe was taken aback, his sword-like eyebrows slightly furrowed.


    He did not speak.


    On the side, Yun Lei was already furiously indignant and rebuked, "Xiao Yi, don''t push your luck! His Highness has already severed a limb of Deputy Zhou, what more do you want?"


    "Are you talking to me?" Xiao Yi looked towards Yun Lei.


    His gaze was very calm, like an ancient well, without a ripple.


    But it was this calm look that struck Yun Lei like a bolt from the blue, turning his face abruptly pale, as if his throat was being choked, leaving him with a suffocating feeling.


    With just that one look, Yun Lei''s back was already drenched in cold sweat, thoroughly soaked.


    Gulp!


    Yun Lei swallowed reflexively, his words strained, "Xiao, Xiao Yi, this is the Qingyun Banquet, you..."


    He did not finish his sentence.


    Yun Lei''s vision went dark.


    Boom!


    A palm made of condensed energy descended from the heavens and with a thud, smashed down on Yun Lei''s head, driving it deep into his chest cavity.


    Blood gushed out like a fountain.


    Hisss...


    The banquet hall fell silent.


    Even Jiang Shanhe showed a look of shock, looking at Xiao Yi with disbelief, and so did everyone else, their gazes towards Xiao Yi as if looking at a madman: "Has this guy gone insane?"


    "Yun Lei is the Crown Prince''s confidant, did he just kill Yun Lei in front of the Crown Prince?"


    "He''s completely torn faces with the Crown Prince!"


    Amidst the exclamations of shock,


    Jiang Shanhe leaned forward slightly in his elevated chair and said gravely, "Are you satisfied now?"


    He indeed very much wanted to recruit Xiao Yi.


    After all...


    The fact that Xiao Yi could grow from the mere Physical Body Realm to his current state in such a short time, as well as his secret technique for slaying an Eighth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm with the Golden Elixir Realm Fourth Layer Cultivation, these were secrets that made Jiang Shanhe''s heart race.


    That''s why.


    Jiang Shanhe had convinced Zhou Yuan and sent Zhou Xin to apologize to Xiao Yi publicly.


    Even if Xiao Yi killed Yun Lei in front of him, as long as he could obtain the secrets Xiao Yi possessed, it was still acceptable to him.


    Xiao Yi pointed at Zhou Xin: "And him!"


    Jiang Shanhe took a deep breath, his eyes narrowing as he fell into contemplation.


    He was considering whether sacrificing another Zhou Xin was worth it.


    Zhou Xin was very aware of Jiang Shanhe''s thoughts and ruthlessness. His face changed suddenly, and he quickly said, "Your Highness, you must not be deceived, this is Xiao Yi sowing discord..."


    "Shut up!"


    Xiao Yi shouted coldly, "The Crown Prince is wise and martial, how could I provoke him?"


    "You..."


    Zhou Xin clutched his severed arm, looking nervously at Jiang Shanhe.


    Whoosh!


    Jiang Shanhe narrowed his eyes while his thoughts raced, weighing the losses and gains.


    Zhou Xin had lost an arm and was old, at most he might grow to reach the Ninth or even the Tenth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm.


    Xiao Yi was young and strong with infinite potential.


    Moreover...


    If he obtained Xiao Yi''s secrets, with Jiang Shanhe''s current cultivation of the Ninth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, he could even battle against the powers of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    The throne would be within easy reach.


    As for Xiao Yi''s affront to him?


    Once he obtained those secrets, Jiang Shanhe was fully confident that he could slay Xiao Yi with his sword!


    With this thought,


    Jiang Shanhe exhaled a long breath and calmly said, "Deputy Zhou, everything is for the Martial Arts Institute..." He paused, then continued, "You, end it yourself!"


    Hisss!


    The surrounding crowd was dumbfounded.


    They had thought that Xiao Yi, by killing Yun Lei to his face, had completely enraged Jiang Shanhe, and was surely on a path to his death.


    But no one could have imagined...


    Jiang Shanhe''s final choice was actually to have Zhou Xin commit suicide?


    "Indeed... the royal family is ruthless!"


    "For the Crown Prince, as long as he achieves his goal, he wouldn''t even frown if the whole world died, right?"


    Everyone discussed amongst themselves.


    Zhou Xin''s complexion turned from white to red, from red to blue, and finally to a powerless pale.


    Ha!


    Haha!


    Hahaha... Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zhou Xin suddenly started laughing hysterically, his shoulders twitching nonstop, his eyes bloodshot. His teeth rattled, and his eyes were filled with blood vessels: "Well done, Jiang Shanhe, well done, merciless royalty... You just want to recruit Xiao Yi and obtain the secrets he possesses, don''t you? Willing to let me die for that? I won''t let you have your way..."


    Whoosh!


    All of a sudden, Zhou Xin burst up and rushed out of the banquet hall.


    He only wanted to save his own life!


    Once he escaped from this place, he would flee far away.


    "Seeking death!"


    A cold light flashed in Jiang Shanhe''s eyes, and with a flick of his finger, a cold glint condensed at his fingertip. This was a swordsharp as a writing brush, whizzing through the air.


    Thud!


    The sword just grazed Zhou Xin''s throat.


    A jet of blood sprayed out.


    Zhou Xin''s body lurched forward for a dozen steps, but his head had already tumbled to the ground.


    The banquet hall fell silent.


    Only Jiang Shanhe''s voice echoed through the hall: "Xiao Yi, are you satisfied now?"


    Xiao Yi still had his legs crossed, smiling comfortably: "Satisfied, very satisfied!"


    As if the deaths of Yun Lei and Zhou Xin had nothing to do with him.


    Jiang Shanhe squinted and said: "Since that''s the case, you can now publicly declare your departure from the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy and return to the Royal Martial Arts Academy. I have discussed with Zhou and can grant you the status of a heavenly-class student. Moreover, I will personally request a noble title from the Emperor on your behalf and strive to grant you the five cities of Nanhuang as your fief. How do you feel about that?"


    Hisss!


    Everyone looked at Xiao Yi, their eyes filled with shock and envy.


    Heavenly-class student and a noble title.


    While Xiao Yi''s strength was just average, being granted the five cities of Nanhuang as a fief was a grand gesture.


    You should know.


    Even someone like Ye Feng before him didn''t have a fief!


    Jiang Shanhe had indeed paid enough to recruit Xiao Yi!


    Xiao Yi said with a smile: "Satisfied, extremely satisfied!"


    Jiang Shanhe heaved a sigh of relief; he had made enough concessions, and fortunately, the outcome didn''t disappoint him. His smile became gentler, and a trace of eagerness flickered deep in his eyes: "Since that is the case, you can kneel and swear loyalty to me now!"


    Jiang Shanhe looked relaxed, leaning back in his chair.


    Once Xiao Yi swore loyalty and left the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, his way back would be cut off. By then, forcing him to reveal his secret techniques, Xiao Yi would surely not dare to disobey.


    However...


    As Jiang Shanhe was reveling in his daydreams, Xiao Yi looked shocked and incredulously asked: "Your Highness, how could you be drunk before the banquet has even started? When did I ever say I would swear loyalty to you?"


    Huh?


    Jiang Shanhe''s face stiffened, his body suddenly tensed, gripping the armrests tightly, his eyes narrowing as he stared at Xiao Yi: "What did you say?"


    Xiao Yi''s face was full of innocence: "When have I ever said I would swear loyalty to you? Is there a witness?"


    Jiang Shanhe''s face turned ashen.


    He really felt like cursing out loud!


    To recruit Xiao Yi, he had watched his confidant and lackey Yun Lei get slapped to death, and personally executed Zhou Xin of the Eighth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm.


    And this was the result?


    Jiang Shanhe looked around the banquet hall, suppressing the rage in his heart: "Xiao Yi, I do not enjoy jokes! Before the eyes of everyone here, they are all witnesses!"


    "Oh?"


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow and also looked at everyone, "Who heard me say I would be loyal to him?"


    A young man at the peak of the Divine Skills Realm stepped forward: "I heard it... I..."


    Before he could finish...


    Xiao Yi slapped him, and with a bang, the man was turned into a pile of mush. Blinking innocently, he said: "Sorry, my hand was itchy, I couldn''t help it... Is there anyone else who can testify?"


    "..."


    In the banquet hall, save for the grinding sound of Jiang Shanhe''s teeth, there was dead silence...

 Chapter 106 - 106: The Dragons Reverse Scale, Touch It and Die!

    Xiao Yi''s gaze swept over the people in the banquet hall.


    His eyes were icy and sharp, as if they could see right through someone.


    Anyone under his intense stare felt a sense of fear and involuntarily bowed their heads, remaining silent as cicadas in winter.


    Xiao Yi looked at Jiang Shanhe, who was clenching his teeth, and shrugged, "Crown Prince, it seems that you were indeed hallucinating earlier!"


    Jiang Shanhe''s complexion turned from green to white.


    The Qingyun banquet today was specially prepared by him to make Xiao Yi submit in front of everyone.


    Unfortunately...


    He had exhausted all his means, and not only did his plans fall through, but he had also lost Zhou Xin and Yun Lei. Now even his own face was swollen.


    Jiang Shanhe took a deep breath and then exhaled slowly, saying in a deep voice, "Indeed a good move, no wonder Ye Feng and Zhuang Bifan fell to you. But do you really think you''ve got me cornered?"


    Xiao Yi looked at him with interest, "Whatever tricks you have, go ahead and use them!"


    "Hmph!"


    With a cold snort, Jiang Shanhe''s eyes narrowed into slits, with a cold light flickering within, "I had wanted you to willingly join under my command; I could promise you a lifetime of wealth and glory. Unfortunately, all this is now irrelevant to you..."


    No sooner had he finished speaking.


    Jiang Shanhe suddenly stood up and strode towards Xiao Yi.


    Each step was like a prehistoric beast walking amongst men, the cold oppression was so intense that the banquet hall became silent except for the sound of his footsteps.


    Pat!


    The sound of Jiang Shanhe''s footsteps abruptly stopped, and there he stood, in front of Xiao Yi.


    The two of them looked into each other''s eyes.


    The tangible glares struck like lightning in the air, bursting into a fierce blaze.


    The crushing aura pressed down on Xiao Yi like a towering peak, and Jiang Shanhe said with narrowed eyes, "Xiao Yi, I''ll give you a chance to live. All you have to do is announce your withdrawal from Tianqi Martial Arts Academy and pledge your loyalty to the Royal Martial Arts Academy and myself. Tell me the secrets of your cultivation, and I will spare your life!"


    Xiao Yi cocked his head and looked past Jiang Shanhe''s shoulder at the sky outside, "The night''s just begun, why are you already dreaming?"


    "You..."


    Jiang Shanhe''s expression turned rigid as they locked gaze.


    Xiao Yi saw the cold intent to kill in Jiang Shanhe''s eyes; Jiang Shanhe saw the indifference and chill in Xiao Yi''s.


    Whoosh!


    Jiang Shanhe let out a long breath, "You''ve personally severed your only path to survival!"


    Xiao Yi shrugged, neither servile nor overbearing, each word ringing like a bell tolling, deafening, "I''d rather die standing than live on my knees!"


    "Then go and die!"


    Jiang Shanhe lashed out with a palm strike without warning.


    As the esteemed Crown Prince, the most probable successor to the throne, and the first-ranked fighter on the Tianqing Tenglong List, Jiang Shanhe felt he had made significant concessions to get Xiao Yi''s secret.


    Yet Xiao Yi still refused him!


    This was a challenge to his authority!


    "One palm to decide the world!"


    In Jiang Shanhe''s palm seemed to flow an endless river, with raging waves and towering mountains, aimed at Xiao Yi''s head.


    The terrifying force generated a massive gust.


    The wave walls over a hundred meters high seemed to be the hands of gods descending from the heavens. This palm was so mighty that even an ordinary practitioner at the Tenth Layer of the Golden Core Realm would struggle to bear it.


    "Get away quickly!"


    "The Crown Prince''s ''One Palm to Decide the World'' is a high-level fourth-rank martial art, containing unparalleled destructive power. Xiao Yi is doomed..."


    "If he had turned away from the dark and joined the Crown Prince, becoming a noble or a general in the future would have been easy, but alas..." S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Sighs and remarks filled the air, and of course, there were also some who were gloating, "The Crown Prince has already extended an olive branch to him, who asked for his refusal, so ignorant of death?"


    "It''s one thing for heaven to commit evils, but quite another for a man to bring disaster upon himself!"


    Amidst the discussion.


    Jiang Shanhe''s palm strike had already reached Xiao Yi''s front.


    The wild palm wind roared past, shattering the surrounding tables and chairs, and bursting the floor tiles as well, with sand and rocks hitting Xiao Yi''s body.


    But before anyone could get close, they were shredded into powder by the fierce surge of energy from Xiao Yi''s body.


    As Xiao Yi looked up, a cold glint flashed in his eyes, "Vajra Subdues Demons!"


    Hum!


    Elemental energy roared out from within him like a tidal wave, transforming into a towering golden figure, with its right fist smashing fiercely towards the giant palm descending from the sky.


    The fist and the palm collided mid-air.


    Thud!


    In the midst of a world-shaking boom,


    From the point of contact between the fist and the palm, an invisible shockwave surged outwards in all directions, the rumbling noise unceasing to the ear. Surrounding tables and chairs were all shattered to pieces, and many powerful fighters were caught in the calamity, sent flying in all directions.


    Amongst cries of agony,


    The two forces disappeared in an instant.


    Xiao Yi defied gravity and soared up, engaging in close-quarters combat mid-air, exchanging blows with fists and palms.


    Bang!


    Bang!


    Bang!


    Xiao Yi and Jiang Shanhe''s figures were like two streaks of light, moving with extreme speed. Every collision between them set off tremendous roars that shook the heavens.


    After dozens of exchanges,


    The entire Spring Breeze and Rain Pavilion was a wreck, its roof completely torn off by their fight, leaving them standing on the broken eaves, facing each other from afar.


    Xiao Yi stood proudly atop a broken wooden column.


    With his hands behind his back, a gentle breeze caressed his face, his black hair dancing wildly, his face remained calm, "Ranked alongside me at the top of the Teng Long List? Do you really think you''re worthy?"


    Jiang Shanhe wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, his blood-shot eyes ice-cold, "I never expected that you''d already broken through to the Seventh Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm..."


    His gaze was icy, but his heart was surging with emotion.


    It had only been about two months since the trip to the secret realm.


    Had Xiao Yi really risen from the Four Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm to the Seventh Layer?


    Advancing three minor realms in two months?


    "Such a pace of cultivation is rare in the world. Even that Xiao Tianjiao probably isn''t this fast, right? If I could get my hands on such a treasure, not to mention the Tao Tribulation Realm, even the elusive Longevity Secret Realm might be within reach. I might even become a being that stands shoulder to shoulder with Xiao Tianjiao..."


    Jiang Shanhe took a deep breath, suppressing the excitement in his heart, and said in a deep voice, "With your current strength, Xiao Yi, even the palace might not be certain of defeating you. But don''t forget, you''re not alone. Your wife, and your brothers from Tianqi Martial Arts Academy... If the palace were to use its power against them, how many do you think you could save?"


    Hum!


    The wind that had been blowing around them seemed to stop all of a sudden.


    The smile on Xiao Yi''s face gradually faded, and what replaced it was a chilling gleam, "Jiang Shanhe, you''re courting death!"


    Fang Qingzhu was his inverse scale.


    To touch the dragon''s inverse scale is to court death!


    "Hm?"


    Jiang Shanhe''s expression changed. Xiao Yi''s aura had suddenly turned cold, instilling a deep sense of dread in him. Just as he was about to speak,


    A violent gust of wind surged towards him head-on, entering his mouth and forcibly pushing back the words that had reached his lips.


    When he opened his eyes again...


    Xiao Yi had already appeared before him, and a fist was coming straight toward his face.


    "Fuck!"


    Jiang Shanhe''s complexion changed drastically, devoid of his prior arrogance and pride. Crossing his hands defensively, he instinctively protected his chest. With a thud, Xiao Yi''s punch sent him flying.


    Wow!


    Jiang Shanhe spat out a mouthful of blood, his body flung through the air like a falling star, soaring hundreds of meters before crashing onto the street with a boom.


    The unyielding force continued, dragging Jiang Shanhe along and carving a trench hundreds of meters long on the ground.


    Soil and rocks were upturned, dust filling the air.


    There lay Jiang Shanhe in the pit, bleeding from every orifice, his life and death unknown...

 Chapter 107 - 107 Martial King of the Nation

    Half of the Spring Breeze and Rain Pavilion was reduced to ruins.


    The top talent on the Teng Long List, Great Prince Jiang Shanhe of the Tianqing Kingdom, couldn''t withstand Xiao Yi''s punch and was blasted hundreds of meters away.


    Such a scene left the tens of thousands of onlookers dumbstruck and speechless.


    The gazes that fell on Xiao Yi were filled with shock and awe, with fear and disbelief being the only other emotions left.


    "How on earth did he cultivate? Advancing from the Four Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm to the seventh layer in two months?"


    "Such a speed of cultivation is simply terrifying!"


    "I''m afraid only Tianjiao of the Great Qian Dynasty can match him!"


    "There are rumors that Xiao Yi is also from the Xiao Family of the Great Qian Dynasty, I initially thought it was true. But now, how could I feel it''s false? How could the Xiao Family send such a talent to Nanhuang City to be someone''s son-in-law?"


    "Unless the people of the Xiao Family are blind!"


    "The Xiao Family had given birth to Tianjiao, how could they be blind? This rumor is mostly false!"


    The murmurs among the crowd naturally reached Xiao Yi''s ears, and he slightly lifted the corners of his mouth in a trace of faint mockery: "Xiao Zhengde, if you heard these words, you must feel very embarrassed, right?"


    Originally, Xiao Zhengde had sent him to the Fang Family as a son-in-law to secure a breeding beast for Tianjiao''s mount.


    In the end...


    Wasn''t it because they thought Xiao Yi was useless?


    The stronger and faster Xiao Yi became, the more severe the slaps on Xiao Zhengde and Tianjiao''s faces were.


    He was even somewhat impatient to know, what would the expressions of Xiao Zhengde and Tianjiao look like when they heard this news!


    Boom!


    Suddenly, a dull and rapid sound of horse hooves came from the front, as if thousands of troops were galloping.


    A moment later...


    A group of several hundred Black Dragon Cavalry clad in black armor appeared on the streets, with two fast horses taking away the now unconscious Jiang Shanhe. The Black Dragon Cavalry moved imposingly, closing in on Xiao Yi.


    "This, this is the Black Dragon Cavalry of the imperial guards, even they have been alerted?"


    "In the entire Tianqing Kingdom, only His Majesty can command the Black Dragon Cavalry. It seems His Majesty has already learned of the situation here, Xiao Yi is in danger now!"


    Black Dragon Cavalry.


    They were all elite soldiers at the Peak of the Divine Ability Realm, and with their armored Black Dragon steeds, each was worth a hundred in the fight.


    When the hundreds of Black Dragon Cavalry charged collectively, even warriors in the High-Layer Golden Core Realm were in danger of losing their lives.


    "Xiao Yi..."


    Fang Qingzhu stood by Xiao Yi''s side, tightly clutching his palm with a look of concern on her face.


    The Shi Family''s four brothers also put away their usual irreverent expressions and stood solemnly by Xiao Yi''s side, ready to step in without hesitation if the Black Dragon Cavalry really launched a charge.


    Xiao Yi patted Fang Qingzhu''s hand and said with a light chuckle, "Don''t worry."


    Clip-clop!


    Amidst the crisp sound of horse hooves, a Black Dragon cavalry leader, clad in black armor, carrying a pitch-black long spear, and standing tall like a pine tree, came before Xiao Yi, his cold voice tinged with a metallic quality: "Xiao Yi, the King summons you!" S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Hmm?"


    Everyone was taken aback, "The Black Dragon Cavalry came not to kill Xiao Yi?"


    "Strange... The Great Prince has just been seriously injured by Xiao Yi and is unconscious, yet His Majesty is summoning Xiao Yi, what in the world is happening?"


    Xiao Yi also raised an eyebrow and asked, "Just me alone?"


    "Yes!"


    The Black Armored leader nodded, still as cold as ever, "His Majesty summons you, please proceed immediately with me to the palace!"


    "Xiao Yi..."


    Fang Qingzhu''s face still wore a worried expression.


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes in thought for a moment, then nodded, "Alright, I will accompany you!" He turned to the Shi brothers, "You guys, see to it that Qingzhu safely makes it back to the Martial Arts Institute!"


    "Rest assured, Brother Xiao, we will definitely protect Miss Fang!" Shi Yaoquan patted his chest and said earnestly.


    Xiao Yi nodded and addressed the Black Armored leader, "Lead the way!"


    "Please!"


    Xiao Yi leaped up and landed on the back of one of the Black Dragon steeds, galloping away into the distance.


    Shi Yaodu looked at Fang Qingzhu with a smile on her face, full of concern, and laughed, "Good things come from harmony, I bet Xiao wouldn''t have a problem!"


    Shi Yaoqian rubbed the two silver ingots in his hands, "Fang, just ease your heart! If His Majesty had any intentions to harm Xiao, the Black Dragon Cavalry would have already launched an attack!"


    "Let''s head back to the Martial Arts Institute first!"


    Fang Qingzhu kept looking back every three steps, her face still filled with worry.


    ......


    The Royal Palace.


    Luxurious and majestic.


    Xiao Yi followed the lead of the black-armored general and came all the way to the Jade Dragon Pavilion, where the Emperor of Tianqing Kingdom, Jiang Tianchen, resided.


    The Jade Dragon Pavilion was at the very center of the entire palace, not only heavily guarded but also protected by dozens of formations.


    To the east, west, north, and south, each was overseen by a high-level practitioner of the Golden Core Realm.


    Even a peak Golden Core Realm powerhouse would find it utterly impossible to enter the Jade Dragon Pavilion without a sound, and the current Emperor of Tianqing Kingdom was now holding a scroll, sitting on the Dragon Throne with a commanding presence.


    "Your Majesty, Xiao Yi has been brought here!" declared the black-armored general respectfully.


    Jiang Tianchen put down the scroll in his hands and looked up at Xiao Yi, his gaze full of wisdom and unfathomable depth.


    Hmph!


    Jiang Tianchen suddenly let out a cold snort, making the temperature inside the grand hall drop tens of degrees in an instant, his voice containing a hint of coldness and ruthlessness, "Xiao Yi, do you know your crime?"


    The black-armored general was already so frightened that he knelt down with a clang.


    He couldn''t help but take a covert look at Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi, however, curled up the corners of his mouth and said, "I don''t."


    "Hmm?"


    Jiang Tianchen squinted his eyes, silent.


    But it was this silence that soaked the tough black-armored general, who had charged through battlefields and bloodshed, in cold sweat, and he gulped down his saliva before lowering his voice, "Won''t you kneel and admit your mistake to His Majesty?"


    Xiao Yi remained silent, just staring at Jiang Tianchen.


    They locked eyes.


    Then suddenly...


    Ha ha ha ha!


    The robust laughter of Jiang Tianchen echoed throughout the Jade Dragon Pavilion, like the rumbling of war drums and thunder from the heavens resonating long within the grand hall, deafening.


    A moment later.


    Jiang Tianchen''s laughter came to an abrupt stop, and with narrowed eyes, he said, "I heard... You have a bet with Zhou Yuan, to level the Royal Martial Arts Academy in a month?"


    "Yes!"


    Xiao Yi nodded, "Why? Does Your Majesty wish to stop me?"


    The black-armored general beside them wished he could cover his ears.


    Who dares to speak to Jiang Tianchen like this in all of the vast Tianqing Kingdom?


    Isn''t that seeking death?


    However...


    Jiang Tianchen, who sat high on the Dragon Throne, instead of getting angry, laughed heartily and said, "Good, good, good, young people should have this kind of spirit. If you really can level the Royal Martial Arts Academy, I will grant you the title of Martial King of the Nation of Tianqing Kingdom..."


    Boom!


    The black-armored general was scared out of his wits.


    Martial King of the Nation?


    The words "of the Nation" were not to be given lightly!


    If Xiao Yi truly became the Martial King of the Nation, he would be comparable to the Emperor in the future!


    The black-armored general looked at Xiao Yi with eyes full of envy.


    However...


    Xiao Yi frowned and said with a look of disdain, "Sorry, I refuse!"

 Chapter 108 - 108: Certain Death

    "What, what? He actually refused?"


    The armored general was dumbfounded, unable to believe what he was seeing. He even forgot to kneel. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Seated on the dragon throne, Jiang Tianchen''s initially certain and confident smile suddenly froze, and he blinked, subconsciously saying, "What did you say?"


    Xiao Yi curled his lips, "I said, I refuse to be the Martial King of the Nation!"


    Hiss!


    The armored general inhaled sharply and began to scold, "How daring of you, Xiao Yi. Do you know what being the Martial King of the Nation means? It is the highest title in the Tianqing Kingdom. Once you become the Martial King of the Nation, even the Royal Martial Arts Academy won''t dare to harm you, and even princes would have to show you the respect due between ruler and subject. You, you actually refuse?"


    Being the Martial King of the Nation!


    Since the founding of the Tianqing Kingdom, there had only been two occurrences.


    The first was the former Tianqi King from the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, who created the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy and single-handedly delineated the borders of Tianqing Kingdom with Tianlan and Purple Robe Kingdoms.


    Xiao Yi actually refused?


    "Are you out of your mind?" the general exclaimed subconsciously.


    Xiao Yi rolled his eyes and cast a sidelong glance at Jiang Tianchen, speaking indifferently, "Don''t think I don''t know what you''re plotting..."


    This Jiang Tianchen had said that if he were victorious in the battle with the Royal Martial Arts Academy, he would be named the Martial King of the Nation.


    Indeed.


    As the Martial King of the Nation, Xiao Yi''s influence and status would be comparable to that of the monarch of a country.


    But...


    If he were to defeat the Royal Martial Arts Academy alone, his strength alone would be comparable to that of a monarch. Would he still need to be the Martial King of the Nation?


    And once he became the Martial King of the Nation, he wouldn''t just be receiving a title; it would also be a responsibility, the responsibility to protect the entire Tianqing Kingdom.


    He was solitary and carefree.


    Why should he put shackles on himself for a mere title?


    Jiang Tianchen''s profound gaze shimmered with wisdom as he tapped his fingers lightly on the table, thud thud thud, each tap striking at the heart.


    The armored commander was sweating profusely, wishing he could personally press Xiao Yi to the ground.


    This was the current sovereign!


    The ruler of a country!


    Even Zhou Yuan, the head of the Royal Martial Arts Academy, wouldn''t dare to speak to him like this!


    "This is the end, this young man is so arrogant, he will surely enrage His Majesty¡­ he is as good as dead¡­" thought the commander.


    At that moment,


    Jiang Tianchen''s knocking on the table abruptly stopped, and his usually impassive face suddenly burst into a radiant smile as he laughed heartily, "Interesting, truly interesting!"


    Huh?


    He''s not angry?


    The armored general was bewildered and had begun to question his life, "Is this the same unpredictable, emotionless killer sovereign I know?"


    Jiang Tianchen waved at the armored general.


    "I shall take my leave!"


    The armored general retreated cautiously.


    Jiang Tianchen walked around the table and strutted up to Xiao Yi, staring at him, "Xiao Yi, are you truly not afraid I will kill you?"


    "You won''t kill me," Xiao Yi said lightly.


    Jiang Tianchen, neither joyous nor sad, his eyes a profound abyss revealing no emotions, casually remarked, "Oh? What makes you so sure?"


    Xiao Yi said, "You can''t kill me!"


    "What a joke!"


    Jiang Tianchen narrowed his eyes, leaning forward slightly as he stared straight at Xiao Yi. The two were so close they could feel each other''s breath, "I am the ruler of a nation, commanding an army of a million strong, with a host of powerful warriors at my disposal, and within the palace sits an old ancestor at the Tribulation stage. Yet you claim that I cannot kill you?"


    Indeed, Jiang Tianchen''s cultivation was no weaker than that of Zhou Yuan or Gu Junhe, also existing at the Golden Elixir Realm Peak.


    His imposing, non-angry yet threatening gaze had once literally scared a powerful minister, who wielded great influence over the court, to death.


    Who would dare to meet his gaze?


    But Xiao Yi showed no fear, meeting his eyes directly, neither servile nor overbearing.


    The Jade Dragon Pavilion was silent for quite a few moments.


    The icy expression on Jiang Tianchen''s face gradually melted away, revealing a hint of admiration as he smiled and said, "You may go!"


    "Uh..."


    Xiao Yi blinked in astonishment, looking at Jiang Tianchen, "Just like that, you''re letting me go?"


    Jiang Tianchen glanced at him, "Do you expect me to beg and plead for you to stay?"


    "There''s no need for that!" Xiao Yi waved his hand, "Since that''s the case, I will take my leave!"


    In the spacious Jade Dragon Pavilion.


    Jiang Tianchen stood with his hands clasped behind his back, squinting at the dragon throne before him, murmuring, "Some people would disown their kin, turn on their brothers, or even kill their parents for power and for this throne... And yet there are those who, when offered power, still look upon it with disdain..."


    "That must be human nature! Some value wealth, some value honor, and others value affection..." A hoarse voice seemed to come from all directions.


    Jiang Tianchen murmured, "Old Ancestor, what do you make of this young man?"


    The hoarse voice from all around fell silent for a moment before coming in fragments, "Your Majesty already has a decision in mind, why ask me?"


    Jiang Tianchen''s deep eyes shimmered with a flash of wisdom as he spoke to himself, "Then I shall trouble the Old Ancestor!"


    "Hmm!"


    The voice from the darkness quietly faded away.


    ......


    Within the Royal Martial Arts Academy.


    Zhou Yuan''s face was grim as he looked at Jiang Shanhe, whose face was pale, "Has that little bastard grown to such an extent that even you are not his match?"


    "He has already reached the Seventh Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, and his vitality is mixed with pure essence, his strength formidable beyond belief..."


    Jiang Shanhe''s face was dark, Xiao Yi''s punch had nearly shattered his internal organs, every breath he took now brought with it agonizing pain that tore at his heart and lungs, his eyes filled with overwhelming hatred, "Master, this boy is a disaster, he must not be left alive!"


    Zhou Yuan clenched his fists so tightly they creaked, "How could I not know that this boy must not be spared? In just a few months since his arrival in the capital, he has advanced from the Divine Skills Realm to the Seventh Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm; his rate of cultivation surpasses even that of Xiao Tianjiao. In another month, even I may not be his match..."


    The mere thought of a few months ago when Xiao Yi had told him he would flatten the Royal Martial Arts Academy within a year, and his own scorn at the time...


    Zhou Yuan found his face burning with humiliation.


    At the same time, he felt extreme loathing towards Zhou Xin and the others.


    Had it not been for Zhou Xin driving Xiao Yi away, Xiao Yi would have been a disciple of the Royal Martial Arts Academy. How could it have come to this current situation?


    "He wants to step on the head of my Royal Martial Arts Academy? No chance!" Zhou Yuan''s eyes flashed with a sinister light.


    Jiang Shanhe''s eyes shone as he eagerly asked, "Master, have you thought of a way to deal with him?"


    "I had not wished to use that item, but the little brute is too troublesome. We have no choice but to use it..."


    Zhou Yuan took a deep breath and took a black jade box from his storage ring, slowly opening it. A surge of overwhelming energy emanated from the jade box; he observed the object lying quietly inside.


    Joy erupted on Jiang Shanhe''s face, his eyes filled with the ecstasy and excitement of impending revenge, "With this item, Xiao Yi is as good as dead!"

 Chapter 109 - 109: Xue Yilou

    Time fled rapidly.


    As the life-and-death duel between Xiao Yi and the Royal Martial Arts Academy drew ever closer, the bustling capital of Tianqing Kingdom became increasingly lively.


    In the streets and alleys, one could see many powerful martial artists coming and going.


    The frequency and intensity of the patrols within the capital also rose several notches.


    Even the Black Dragon Cavalry joined in the patrols.


    A troop of Black Dragon Cavalry slowly roamed the streets, led by the same black-armored general who had previously escorted Xiao Yi to meet Jiang Tianchen.


    "General, there are only seven days left until the battle between Xiao Yi and the Royal Martial Arts Academy begins. Who do you think will have the last laugh?" asked a deputy at his side.


    "Isn''t that obvious? It will surely be the Royal Martial Arts Academy!"


    "The Royal Martial Arts Academy is home to many strong fighters, and Zhou Yuan, the head of the academy, is at the Golden Elixir Peak. Xiao Yi doesn''t stand a chance against him... "


    As the black-armored general listened to the discussion of his subordinates, his eyes narrowed, recalling the scene in the Jade Dragon Pavilion when Xiao Yi refused Jiang Tianchen''s rewards.


    A glint of insight flashed in his eyes as he murmured, "Perhaps, the outcome will be beyond everyone''s expectations."


    At that moment...


    The gaze of the black-armored general suddenly sharpened as two figures in red cloaks flashed through the crowd and disappeared among the throng of people. His expression turned grave, "Why would they appear here? I hope I am mistaken..."


    Within the capital...


    In a secluded courtyard...


    Two figures, wrapped tightly in red cloaks that concealed their identities, stepped into the enclosure.


    In the courtyard...


    Two figures cloaked in black had been waiting for some time. One of the red-cloaked figures spoke in a sharp voice, "Was it you who summoned us?"


    "Yes!"


    The figure in the black cloak narrowed their eyes into slits, tossed a letter casually, and it landed in the hand of the person clad in red. With a stern voice, he commanded, "Bring the one inside this letter to me!"


    The figure in red glanced at the letter, raised an eyebrow, and asked, "Dead or alive?"


    "Preferably alive, but if resistance is met, you may kill them!" came the indifferent reply.


    "No problem!"


    The figure in the red cloak grinned with a somewhat ferocious smile, "That will be fifty million silver."


    "Fifty million silver?"


    The figure under the black cloak on the right frowned, "There is not a single person in the Golden Core Realm mentioned inside, why would it be so expensive?"


    The figure in red responded, "It''s true that the targets are not in the Golden Core Realm, but behind them stands the hottest young talent in Tianqing Kingdom today. Offending such a talent with limitless potential, fifty million silver is not a high price to pay!"


    "Alright then!"


    The two exchanged glances and produced three silver notes, "Here are thirty million silver. The rest will be paid after the job is done!"


    "Within three days, we will bring the person before you!" the figure in red assured, taking the silver notes.


    The two nodded and turned to leave.


    The figure in red casually lifted the letter, and with a ''whoosh,'' it ignited into flames, burning brightly. Amidst the fierce blaze, the names of several people were faintly visible; among them was the name Fang Qingzhu...


    ¡­


    Tianqi Martial Arts Academy.


    Behind the mountains, beneath the waterfall.


    A surge of robust momentum suddenly erupted from Xiao Yi''s body. This vigor transformed into rolling waves of energy, rebelling against the heavens and rising mightily. Amidst the thunderous roaring, it forcefully pushed back the plunging waterfall.


    The waterfall, hundreds of meters high, was disrupted for a full ten breaths.


    The surge of energy around Xiao Yi gradually retracted back into his body, and within his dantian, a golden core was buoyed up and down by nine golden halos.


    This was the sign of stepping into the Ninth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm!


    After refining all the spirit stones, Xiao Yi''s cultivation had ascended to the Ninth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, and the number of God Sealing Seeds within him had reached an alarming forty-five thousand.


    The yuan energy in his body, after being tempered by those forty-five thousand God Sealing Seeds, had completely transformed into God Sealing Power, bringing his physical body to the peak condition of the Golden Elixir Realm.


    It is no exaggeration to say...


    With Xiao Yi''s current strength, even peak Golden Core Realm fighters couldn''t withstand even one of his punches!


    As for the fighters of the Tao Tribulation Realm, Xiao Yi can only ensure he remains undefeated with his current abilities!


    After all,


    There is but a step between the peak of the Golden Core Realm and the Tao Tribulation Realm, but the gap that exists between them is still immensely vast.


    Those in the Tao Tribulation Realm have transformed their Innate Divine Abilities into the Martial Dao Divine Fruit and are able to borrow a portion of the power of heaven and earth.


    Controls the weather as spoken about in the legends of mortals, in actuality, are the abilities of Tao Tribulation Realm fighters to manipulate the forces of heaven and earth.


    Their combat power surpasses the secular world.


    Even with Xiao Yi''s terrifying capability to fight across levels, he can only manage to maintain an undefeated status against Tao Tribulation Realm fighters. It''s worth noting that even just this is enough to shock the world.


    Just think about it...


    Golden Core Realm fighters are powerful in their own right, but how can human strength contend with the power of heaven and earth?


    Xiao Yi too relies on the power of the God Sealing Seed to purify and temper his body, giving him strength far beyond others in his realm, and the refined power of the God Sealing Seed to stand up to Tao Tribulation Realm fighters.


    If it were any other Golden Core Realm fighter, even at the peak, capable of breaking mountains and splitting stones with one punch, they would still fall short against Tao Tribulation Realm fighters who can lift mountains from dry land and tear the earth apart with their bare hands.


    How could they compare?


    "It''s a pity there are not enough spirit stones; otherwise, I could attempt to break through to the Tenth Layer of the Golden Core Realm. In that case, even if it were a novice Tao Tribulation Realm fighter, I could battle and prevail!" Xiao Yi said with a sigh of regret.


    "Xiao Yi, you have a letter!" Fang Qingzhu''s voice came from not far away.


    "Hmm?"


    Startled, Xiao Yi leaped down in front of Fang Qingzhu. Through this period of cultivation, Fang Qingzhu''s own cultivation had also reached the peak of the Shentong Realm, getting ever closer to the Golden Core Realm.


    And with her advancement in cultivation, Fang Qingzhu exuded a faint aura of cold and unworldly grace, reminiscent of a fairy who does not partake of earthly smoke and fire.


    Only in the face of Xiao Yi would she be as gentle and serene as ever.


    "Whose letter?" Xiao Yi asked, puzzled.


    Fang Qingzhu shook her head: "I don''t know. The person who delivered the letter just left it and went away!"


    Xiao Yi took the envelope, and his eyebrows slightly furrowed.


    The envelope had a faint trace of blood scent.


    Thud!


    As soon as he opened the envelope, a blood-stained finger dropped to the ground, and on the finger was a distinct green ring. Xiao Yi''s pupils contracted slightly; the ring before him was all too familiar.


    "I hope it''s not him..."


    Taking a deep breath, Xiao Yi pulled out the blood-soaked letter within, which read: Before sunset, Zhuilong Valley!


    Boom!


    A raging energy wave burst forth from within Xiao Yi.


    A cold glint flickered in his eyes.


    Fang Qingzhu''s eyebrows furrowed as she gazed at the ring on the severed finger and said gravely, "Xiao Yi, isn''t this finger from Elder Yan?"


    "Yes!"


    Xiao Yi nodded; the ring belonged to Yan Mingli.


    Back in Nanhuang City, Yan Mingli had always been respectful towards Xiao Yi, considering himself a disciple. It was only recently that Xiao Yi heard Elder Yan and Lin Bingxin were coming to the capital, but instead of meeting them, he was greeted with a cut-off finger.


    "Xiao Yi, whoever captured Elder Yan and Bingxin is doing this to lure you there, this journey may be fraught with much danger than safety," Fang Qingzhu said, worried.


    Taking a deep breath and slowly exhaling, Xiao Yi''s eyes narrowed into slits, the cold light within as sharp as a knife''s edge: "No matter, even if it''s through a mountain of blades or a sea of flames, I will make my way!"


    "I will go with you!" said Fang Qingzhu.


    "No!"


    Xiao Yi shook his head, "With the Martial Arts Institute head and Jiang Tai in seclusion, you should stay here and hold the fort. I will go to Zhuilong Valley myself. I want to see who dares to make a move at this critical juncture..." S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 110 - 110 Ready for Battle!

    Xiao Yi immediately summoned the four brothers of the Shi Family and Niu Dali as well.


    "Xiao, what''s so urgent that you''ve called us here?" Shi Yaoqian asked.


    Niu Dali, still groggy, yawned sleepily.


    Xiao Yi spoke in a deep voice, "I have to leave for a while. The dean and Jiang Tai are in seclusion, and only a few of you remain in the Martial Arts Institute. You must stay vigilant."


    "Don''t worry, with us here, there won''t be any problems!" The group hurriedly patted their chests in assurance.


    Fang Qingzhu spoke in a serious tone, "Xiao Yi, you must be careful yourself!"


    No one knew what awaited him in Zhuilong Valley!


    The unknown is always the most dangerous.


    Xiao Yi rubbed her head, and a silver figure slid down from his sleeve, landing on Fang Qingzhu''s shoulder.


    Only then did Xiao Yi leave the Martial Arts Institute.


    Zhuilong Valley was over a hundred kilometers away from Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, and even at Xiao Yi''s current speed, the round trip would take about an hour and a half.


    Half an hour after Xiao Yi left Tianqi Martial Arts Academy.


    At the foot of the mountain where the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy was located, more than a dozen figures quietly emerged, converging together. The leader, cloaked in a blood-red robe, asked, "Has he definitely left?"


    "Our people have followed him all the way, there is no mistake!" one of them said.


    "Quick battle, quick decision. Take them all down with the utmost speed!" With a wave of his hand, the leader sent the dozen or so blood-clad figures sprinting towards the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy.


    Inside the institute.


    Fang Qingzhu and the others were gathered together when suddenly, Little Lin on her shoulder stood up straight and hissed, alerting them.


    Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!


    The sound of cutting through the air approached.


    Fifteen figures wrapped in blood-red cloaks landed all around, encircling Fang Qingzhu and the others.


    Fang Qingzhu''s expression changed, a cold aura emanating from her as she frostily regarded them: "Who are you riffraff, daring to barge into Tianqi Martial Arts Academy?"


    "Tianqi Martial Arts Academy is nothing! Just a Martial Arts Academy that''s nearing its end. The Xue Yilou wouldn''t be scared of it!" one of the blood-robed figures sneered.


    "Xue Yilou?" Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The faces of Fang Qingzhu and the others all changed.


    Xue Yilou.


    The strongest assassin organization across the ten nations of Nanhuang, with each member being a top-notch assassin. In the hundreds of years since its establishment, they had never failed.


    This was because Xue Yilou had an unwritten rule; if the first batch of assassins failed, they would send a stronger second batch and continue sending stronger ones with each failure.


    Only if someone withstood ten waves of Xue Yilou''s assassination attempts without dying would they cease their mission.


    Up until now...


    No one had ever survived an assassination attempt by Xue Yilou.


    They were a group dwelling in the darkness, reapers that made countless powerful figures pale at the mention of their name.


    "It''s an honor that you''ve heard of us. I am Xue Jiu, a Profound Level assassin from Xue Yilou¡­"


    Xue Jiu''s eyes, hidden beneath the cloak, glinted with a wolf-like green glow, "As a reward, if you surrender without a fight, I can assure you that I''ll only cripple your cultivation and not take your lives!"


    "Dali, when the time comes, you protect Qingzhu and flee first. Leave this to us!" Shi Yaoqian said in a deep voice.


    Shi Yaodu''s dice spun lightly in his hand as he coldly fixated on the surrounding Xue Yilou assassins, "I bet today is more likely bad than good... Gentlemen, take heed."


    Niu Dali''s eyes turned blood-red, he nodded firmly, looking at Fang Qingzhu.


    However...


    Fang Qingzhu firmly shook her head, "If we leave, we leave together!"


    "Qingzhu..."


    The others looked at her anxiously.


    But Qingzhu smiled and shook her head, her gaze calm yet resolute, "Xiao Yi left this place in my care. I won''t abandon you!"


    "This..."


    The group exchanged glances, their eyes all becoming determined.


    Xue Jiu furrowed his brow and shook his head, "Two at the Peak of the Divine Ability Realm and four at the Seventh Layer of the Divine Passage Realm think they can stop us? Quick battle, quick decision. Take them down, and kill without mercy if they resist!"


    "Yes!"


    The fourteen blood-clad Xue Yilou experts surged forward.


    ```


    The mighty ones rose and attacked as one.


    "I bet your blade can''t kill me!" Shi Yaodu braced himself with both hands, as six dice circled around his body, each one deflecting the incoming saber blows.


    Shi Yaoqian clutched two silver ingots, which were engraved with mysterious runes.


    They emitted a brilliant silver light.


    With a casual flip of the silver ingots, he cast them forward, "Harmony brings wealth!"


    Bang!


    The silver ingots expanded continuously, slamming into their targets like small mountains, and with a thunderous roar, the ingots burst apart.


    Shi Yaoqian''s eyes turned bloodshot, "My money... you dared to destroy my money, I''ll fight you to the death!"


    Boom!


    Countless silver ingots flew out from Shi Yaoqian''s body, clinking as they gathered around him, forming a complete suit of armor made of silver ingots.


    His entire being transformed into a three-meter-tall silver giant.


    "Thousand Gold Fist!"


    Shi Yaoqian''s punch unleashed, forming a silver torrent of steel with numerous silver ingots, which enveloped one after another of the Xue Yilou''s mighty ones.


    Shi Yaoqian brought his hands together in a loud clap.


    The numerous silver ingots exploded, piercing the bodies of the Xue Yilou''s mighty ones.


    The attacks from Shi Yaoquan and Shi Yaose were no less fierce.


    Especially Shi Yaose.


    Usually lascivious, he was as cold as a killing god when it came to fighting. A pink glow flowed in his peach blossom eyes, as he made the Xue Yilou strongmen in front of him dazed with just a coquettish glance.


    At the same time, with a light sweep of his slender fingers, he slit his opponent''s throat, or ripped open their chest and crushed their heart.


    The attacks from Niu Dali and Fang Qingzhu were also formidable.


    In an instant.


    More than half of the dozen or so Xue Yilou strongmen had fallen!


    Xue Jiu''s face suddenly darkened, "A bunch of trash, you can''t even handle six from the Divine Passage Realm?"


    Boom!


    Xue Jiu''s body surged with blood-colored light, and a blood-colored longsword emerged in his hand, his cultivation having reached the Fifth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm.


    "Blood Shadow Sword!"


    "Blood Demon Sword!"


    "A sword without blood..."


    Xue Jiu''s sword was frighteningly fast, and under his blood sword, the four Shi brothers and Niu Dali were no match for him at all.


    They were knocked to the ground one after another.


    In an instant.


    Only Fang Qingzhu was left standing in front of Xue Jiu, who held a longsword with an icy gaze, "You''re the only one left, such a pretty face would be a shame to scar. I advise you to surrender quietly..."


    "If it''s a fight you want, it''s a fight you''ll get!"


    Fang Qingzhu''s tone was icy as she lashed out with her Purple Dragon Whip, which whistled through the air as it struck at Xue Jiu.


    "Courting death!"


    Xue Jiu snorted coldly, grasping the air with one hand as blood-colored energy swirled around his palm, catching the Purple Dragon Whip firmly in his grasp. With a fierce yank, he pulled Fang Qingzhu rapidly toward his longsword.


    "Qingzhu..."


    "No..."


    Niu Dali and the others looked on in despair.


    If Fang Qingzhu collided with that blood-colored longsword, it would surely be a fatal blow!


    At that moment...


    A streak of silver light burst forth from Fang Qingzhu''s chest, it was unexpectedly Little Lin!


    "Hm?"


    Xue Jiu blinked in surprise; Little Lin''s speed was indeed fast, and an ordinary person at the Fifth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm would surely not be able to dodge his surprise attack. But Xue Jiu was an assassin, whose strength was speed.


    Whoosh!


    Xue Jiu sidestepped to avoid Little Lin''s sneak attack, while simultaneously sending out a palm strike, landing a heavy blow directly above Little Lin''s vital inch...


    ```

 Chapter 111 - 111: Phoenix Spreads Its Wings, Annihilating the Blood-Clothed!

    Hiss!


    Little Lin shuddered all over, having been slapped to the ground by Xue Jiu, who then stepped on Little Lin with one foot.


    A trace of surprise appeared on Xue Jiu''s face, "Snake demon beasts of the Golden Core Realm are pretty standard, but I have never seen the likes of this one. Little guy, as long as you submit to me, I will spare your life!"


    Hiss hiss!


    Little Lin struggled desperately, its small eyes filled with human-like anger and hatred. It opened its tiny mouth, attempting to bite at Xue Jiu''s foot with its venom.


    "Hmm?"


    With a cold sneer and a sinister smile, Xue Jiu revealed his stark white teeth, "If you are so intent on seeking death, I will oblige you!"


    Swish!


    A bloody sword edge raised high, chopping down towards Little Lin''s head.


    The radiant blood-red sword light, piercingly bright, traced a scarlet arc through the air, promising to severe Little Lin''s head once it fell.


    "No!"


    Fang Qingzhu roared in anger.


    Throughout these days, both she and Xiao Yi had come to treat Little Lin as family.


    How could she possibly watch it be killed right before her eyes?


    "Get lost!"


    Xue Jiu merely raised his hand, backhanding and snatching the Purple Dragon Whip from Fang Qingzhu''s grasp. With a ripping sound, Fang Qingzhu''s palm was left bloody and mangled, dripping with fresh blood.


    He then flung the Purple Dragon Whip.


    Crack!


    This strike landed on Fang Qingzhu''s body.


    It burst her clothes open, leaving a bloody wound across her back.


    "Let him go..." Ignoring the intense pain in her back, Fang Qingzhu gathered her vital energy and once again charged at Xue Jiu.


    "Foolish woman, oblivious to death!"


    Xue Jiu casually swung his hand, slapping Fang Qingzhu across the face and toppling her to the ground. He then kicked out fiercely, striking her in the abdomen.


    Swish!


    Fang Qingzhu was savagely kicked away, pushed horizontally and violently crashing against the wall. Half the wall collapsed thunderously, and Fang Qingzhu spat out a mouthful of blood.


    Hiss hiss...


    Little Lin howled in anger, struggling ever more fiercely.


    Xue Jiu paused, looking at Little Lin with amusement, "You don''t want me to kill her? Just submit to me, and I can spare her from death..."


    Hiss hiss!


    Little Lin glared back in rage.


    "If you don''t submit, then don''t blame me for being merciless!" Xue Jiu reached out into the void, and with a swoosh, he grabbed Fang Qingzhu and dragged her before him.


    He punched her over and over again before Little Lin''s eyes.


    He held nothing back with each punch.


    Every blow landed heavily, each fist shot exacerbating Fang Qingzhu''s injuries, blood dripping from every orifice. She was nearly unconscious, her drooping eyes faintly glowing with ice-blue light.


    Yet all of this went unnoticed by Xue Jiu.


    He continued to bombard Fang Qingzhu with punches, taunting Little Lin, "If you don''t submit, she''s going to die!"


    "Let her go!"


    "Damn you, have the guts to come at me!"


    Niu Dali and the four brothers of the Shi Family bellowed with veins bulging, their eyes filled with madness.


    With a mocking laugh, Xue Jiu looked at them, "You''re like ants, killing you would only dirty my sword!" He stared at Xia Lin, "This final punch, I will directly obliterate her Golden Core. If you don''t want her to become a cripple, then submit to me obediently!"


    Hiss!


    Despair painted Little Lin''s eyes, reflecting a very human emotion.


    It clearly understood how important Fang Qingzhu was to Xiao Yi; it could not bear to watch Fang Qingzhu die before itself.


    However...


    Just as it was about to bow its head in submission,


    The temperature around plummeted suddenly.


    Whoosh!


    Whoosh whoosh!


    Whoosh whoosh whoosh...


    A fierce wind tore through heaven and earth, growing larger and colder, sharp as a blade''s edge, slicing across onto faces as if to peel the skin off their flesh.


    Snowflakes like goose feathers began to drift between heaven and earth.


    "What''s going on?"


    "Is it snowing? But it''s June..."


    "What situation is this?"


    Xue Jiu too was taken aback, his confusion promptly turning to a chill when he felt an icy cold on his palm and subconsciously looked down to see an ice-blue hand firmly grasping his wrist.


    "What is this...?"


    Xue Jiu''s pupils suddenly narrowed, he lifted his head urgently and followed the direction from the icy blue hand.


    Standing before him, Fang Qingzhu was covered in a layer of blue frost crystals like a sculpture made of ice. She slowly raised her head, her pupils completely turning the color of ice blue.


    Her eyes held a coldness within.


    "What the hell is this? Get out of my way!"


    Xue Jiu kicked towards Fang Qingzhu''s lower abdomen, a kick that could overturn a small mountain, but it stopped abruptly before it could touch Fang Qingzhu.


    Crack, crack, crack!


    Chains of ice crystallized on his foot, binding him as if with icy shackles.


    The bone-chilling cold spread instantaneously from his foot up through his entire left leg.


    The ice continued to spread rapidly.


    Suddenly, it had surpassed his knee.


    In a matter of life and death.


    With a slash of his sword, Xue Jiu severed his leg at the knee, but the intense pain did not quell the shock in his heart. An icy chill was also transmitted from his wrist.


    "Let go!"


    Xue Jiu roared in anger, violently twisting his palm.


    Pop!


    His palm shattered at the wrist.


    The hand turned to ice sculpture fell to the ground, and in the blink of an eye, Xue Jiu had lost a hand and a foot. He staggered backward, unable to believe what he was seeing as he looked at Fang Qingzhu, whose body was covered in frost, "What kind of monster are you?


    He had never seen such a fearsome entity before.


    She was clearly just at the Peak of the Shentong Realm!


    And she had caused him to lose a hand and a foot in the blink of an eye?


    "I, sentence you, to death!"


    Fang Qingzhu lifted her head, and her face was covered with a layer of frost, giving her an extreme pallor, but it wasn''t terrifying; instead, there was a sacred sense of icy coldness.


    Fang Qingzhu spread her arms, and a huge ice-blue phoenix emerged behind her.


    "What, what is that?"


    "It seems like a phoenix?" S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Impossible! Phoenixes belong to fire; they are creatures of supreme yang, but this..." The Shi Family''s four brothers and Niu Dali looked at the ice-blue Phantom Phoenix with horror and disbelief.


    Gazing at that ice-blue phoenix, Xue Jiu''s pupils contracted violently, and he felt a bone-piercing chill engulf his entire body.


    If it were his heyday, he would still have the confidence to fight.


    But now...


    The loss of a hand and a foot made him dare not linger any longer.


    Glancing at the Shi Family''s four brothers and Niu Dali, Xue Jiu let out a low growl, "Take them and leave..."


    The several Xue Yilou powerhouses immediately grabbed the five people.


    "Die!"


    Fang Qingzhu snorted coldly, and a gust of icy wind howled past, with the ice-blue Phantom Phoenix behind her taking flight. Behind her trailed a series of icy wind trails, and where it passed, the earth was sealed, and plants were frozen.


    The Xue Yilou powerhouses, while still in the posture of grabbing people, were covered with a layer of frost.


    As the ice-blue Phantom Phoenix behind Fang Qingzhu cried out to the heavens,


    Crack, crack, crack!


    The Xue Yilou powerhouses burst on cue, turning into a sky of ice fragments.


    The Phoenix flapped its wings, exterminating the Xue Yilou!


    For a moment...


    In the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, which had become a land of frost, only Xue Jiu remained from the Xue Yilou. The surrounding frost couldn''t compare to the coldness in his heart.


    "Now it''s your turn!"


    Fang Qingzhu turned into a blue streak of light and shot forth, skimming across the ground with fierce winds and swirling snow in her wake.


    Xue Jiu''s expression changed drastically, a crazed look filled his eyes, "You''re forcing me!"


    Whoosh!


    A blood-red bead was thrown by him.


    This was a Sword Orb!


    Only by understanding the third level of Sword Intent, the fusion of man and sword, could one condense such a Sword Orb!


    Its strongest swords moves were integrated within!


    Boom!


    The Sword Orb exploded, and a sky full of sword shadows enveloped everything, with a thunderous roar, shattering the frost around Fang Qingzhu.


    When the Sword Orb had completely dissipated, Fang Qingzhu suddenly trembled all over.


    The ice-blue Phantom Phoenix shadow behind her disappeared into nothingness, and she fell to the ground with a thud, as the Sword Orb had depleted all her strength.


    Gasp!


    Gasp!


    Xue Jiu, with a look of ecstasy on his face, laughed loudly, "Ha ha ha, so your secret technique has its limits? Without this secret technique''s blessing, killing you would be as easy as crushing an ant!"


    Just as Xue Jiu raised his sword with the intention of going forth to claim Fang Qingzhu''s life, an icy voice suddenly rang out, "Move again, and I''ll surely kill you!"

 Chapter 112 - 112: Come out and die!

    "Move again, and I will kill you!"


    From the cold voice, Xiao Yi''s figure slowly descended from midair.


    His gaze fell on Fang Qingzhu, Little Lin, and Niu Dali among others. He finally breathed a sigh of relief when he realized they were not in mortal danger.


    He held Fang Qingzhu in his arms, feeling her weak life force, his rage thundering in his heart.


    "Xiao, Xiao Yi? How did you come back so soon?" Xue Jiu looked at Xiao Yi with a shocked face.


    This was a man who could defeat Jiang Shanhe from the Ninth Layer of the Golden Core Realm. With his strength, he was no match for Xiao Yi. Precisely because of this, Xue Jiu had used Yan Mingli''s severed finger to lure Xiao Yi away.


    According to his plan...


    It would take nearly an hour for Xiao Yi to reach Zhuilong Valley.


    Even if he realized that it was a feint the moment he arrived at Zhuilong Valley and came back, it would still take an hour and a half, enough time for him to have captured Fang Qingzhu and the others.


    Xiao Yi sneered, "I never went to Zhuilong Valley!"


    After he left the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, he raced at full speed toward Zhuilong Valley, but halfway there, he discovered a spy from Xue Yilou tailing him.


    Xiao Yi captured the Xue Yilou expert, forced their plan out of him, and immediately turned back.


    But he was still a step too late!


    If Fang Qingzhu hadn''t unleashed that ice-blue phoenix at the critical moment, by now, they would probably have been taken away by Xue Jiu and his people. The thought made Xiao Yi shudder.


    Xue Jiu closed his eyes in despair, "I have pulled every lever I could, yet I forgot that with your strength, those who have just entered the Golden Core realm would ultimately betray themselves. It seems this mission is my failure!"


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Who is behind all this?"


    "Do you think I will tell you?"


    Xue Jiu let out a sneer filled with disdain, "There are countless strong individuals in Xue Yilou. You might have evaded this wave, but can you withstand the forces Xue Yilou musters from the Qing Dynasty? I am not afraid to tell you, we have warriors from the Tao Tribulation Realm in Xue Yilou. Once a Calamity Realm warrior takes action, do you think you can defend against it?"


    The most terrifying thing about Xue Yilou was the endless assassinations and the unpredictable killing methods.


    This wave had failed.


    They would immediately plan the second wave.


    And then the tenth!


    Xiao Yi looked at Xue Jiu with cold eyes. With a raise of his hand, his vitality formed an invisible hand in the air that tightly grasped Xue Jiu''s neck, lifting him up, "Tell me, who is behind all this, and I will spare your life!"


    "I will never tell you!" Xue Jiu scoffed.


    Splat!


    Xiao Yi tore off his right arm in one move, disregarding Xue Jiu''s face twisted in pain, and demanded, "Will you speak or not?"


    "No..."


    Splat!


    This time, he tore off Xue Jiu''s right leg.


    "I would rather die than tell you..."


    Splat!


    Xiao Yi cut off Xue Jiu''s third leg with a sword.


    Ahh...


    Xue Jiu''s screams of agony were continuous, his body convulsed and trembled uncontrollably.


    Xiao Yi''s voice was like a soul-hooking incantation, "Say it again, who exactly is it?"


    "I..."


    As soon as Xue Jiu began to speak, Xiao Yi ripped off his ears, one by one pulling out his hair. Xue Jiu''s entire head was bloodied and dripping, suffering unbearable pain, he shouted in despair, "I''ll tell, I''ll tell... please, just put an end to my agony, I''ll tell..."


    Xiao Yi threw the bloody, skin-covered hair to the side, "Who?"


    Bearing the excruciating pain, Xue Jiu gritted his teeth and said, "It was Yun Feiying from the Yun Family, and Jia Yisheng from the Jia Family..."


    "Yun Feiying? Jia Yisheng?"


    Xiao Yi''s pupils contracted slightly, recalling their identities. They were the heads of the Yun and Jia Families., also the fathers of Yun Lei and Jia Sidao, "So it was them... they are simply courting death!" S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xue Jiu gasped for air, "I... I have told you, now... can you give me a swift end?"


    The mission failed, and it also exposed the employer.


    Xue Jiu, even if he left alive, would become a target for assassination by Xue Yilou.


    Death was certain!


    Xiao Yi said, "Where are Yan Mingli and Lin Bing Xin?"


    Xue Jiu swallowed a mouthful of blood and said, "After they were captured, they were sent to the Jia Family. According to Jia Yisheng, the death of his youngest son has something to do with Yan Mingli; they were imprisoned in the dungeons of the Jia Family."


    Jia Sichun died in Nanhuang City.


    And Yan Mingli was in Nanhuang City, Xiao Yi''s most loyal supporter.


    "I''ve told you everything I know..." Xue Jiu said with difficulty.


    "Hmm!"


    Xiao Yi responded indifferently, tightening his grip and twisting off his neck.


    Then, he looked toward Niu Dali and the others: "Are you all right?"


    "No, no problems..."


    Niu Dali and the others hurriedly shook their heads.


    They had never seen such a terrifying side of Xiao Yi before.


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath, glanced at the courtyard covered with frost, and said solemnly, "What exactly is going on here?"


    Niu Dali quickly relayed to Xiao Yi the scene where Fang Qingzhu had turned into an ice-blue phoenix behind him and killed the formidable foes from Xue Yilou.


    Xiao Yi frowned slightly, recalling the ice-blue phoenix that appeared on Fang Qingzhu when she broke through to the Shentong Realm: "I''ve never heard of such divine skills. It seems Qingzhu also has secrets hidden on her."


    But he didn''t probe any further.


    Everyone has their own secrets.


    Just like his Eternal Tomb, unless absolutely necessary, he would never reveal it to anyone.


    Xiao Yi checked their injuries and said in a deep voice, "Your injuries are not serious, and Qingzhu is just overly exhausted. She will recover with proper rest. You guys stay and guard the Martial Arts Institute; I''m going to the Royal Martial Arts Academy!"


    "Xiao, are you going to the Royal Martial Arts Academy to find the Yun Family and the Jia Family?" Shi Yaoquan asked.


    Xiao Yi nodded.


    Shi Yaoqian said with a wry smile, "Xiao, this is a troubled time. The battle between you and the Royal Martial Arts Academy has already attracted countless powerful figures. Before going into seclusion, Jiang advised us that we must not allow you to make any more enemies. Both the Yun Family and the Jia Family are prominent households in the capital, and they are high-ranking officials in the court. If you kill them, I''m afraid it will infuriate that person in the palace..."


    "No need to say more!"


    Xiao Yi waved his hand, his eyes cold, "The good are bullied, and the meek are preyed upon. The more this happens, the less we can afford to be weak. I''ll be back shortly!"


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi walked on air, heading straight for the capital.


    Shi Yaoqian and the others looked at each other, their faces filled with anxiety: "We must inform the institute head and Jiang immediately!"


    "This is going to be a big deal!"


    That was the capital!


    Whether it''s Yun Feiying or Jia Yisheng, those are high-ranking officials of the second grade or above.


    Whoever dares to touch them is shaking the foundation of Tianqing Kingdom!


    Becoming an enemy of the entire kingdom!


    They seemed to already see Xiao Yi becoming the target of all, a one-man-against-an-entire-nation situation.


    Just as they were in a frenzy to go to the seclusion area to try to wake Gu Junhe and Jiang Tai, within the capital, inside the Jia Family''s dark dungeon.


    Before Jia Yisheng stood Yan Mingli and Lin Bing Xin, who were bound hand and foot.


    Jia Yisheng''s wife, holding a red-hot iron, approached the nearly unconscious Lin Bing Xin with a malicious look on her face: "Hehe, you wretched woman, you look so pretty, you must be very close to Xiao Yi, right? Tell me, if I burn your face to resemble a toad''s, will he still fancy you?"


    "No, don''t come any closer..."


    Lin Bing Xin had a face of despair.


    Yan Mingli, who was beside her, barely conscious, opened his mouth but could not make a sound, tears of despair falling from his eyes.


    But just as the red-hot iron was about to touch her face, a loud boom suddenly came from outside the dungeon, followed by an angry roar like thunder: "Jia Yisheng, come out and die!"

 Chapter 113 - 113: One Man Destroys a Clan

    "Jia Yisheng, come out and meet your death!"


    The cold voice, like a thunderous roar from the heavens, shook the sky and resounded above the entire Jia Mansion. It even penetrated the multiple barriers and entered the dungeons down below.


    Mrs. Jia''s hand trembled, and the branding iron clattered to the ground, bouncing before settling on the top of her foot.


    Hiss!


    The top of the shoe was instantly burned through, and the scorching hot branding iron cooked the top of her foot in a mere moment.


    Ow...


    Mrs. Jia subconsciously withdrew her foot, but the branding iron tore off the flesh from the top of her foot as it stuck, leaving her with a blood-drenched wound as a hysterical scream escaped from her mouth.


    "Madam, are you alright?" Jia Yisheng, who had been watching coldly until then, changed his expression and rushed over immediately.


    He supported Mrs. Jia with his arm, his face full of concern.


    Slap!


    Mrs. Jia slapped Jia Yisheng across the face, her expression ferocious as she bellowed in anger, "Don''t you see the state of my foot? Do you think I could be alright?"


    Seated high in the halls of power, the formidable second-ranked official Jia Yisheng was actually a henpecked husband.


    Facing Mrs. Jia''s furious roar, Jia Yisheng instinctively shrank his neck and helped her sit down beside him, "Don''t panic, Madam. I''ll apply some medicine to you right now..."


    "What medicine? Go out and see which bastard dares to make trouble in my Jia Mansion and is responsible for hurting me like this... I want him torn to pieces!" Mrs. Jia said bitterly.


    Jia Yisheng quickly nodded, "I-I''ll go at once!"


    ......


    Jia Mansion.


    This estate was originally a gift from Jiang Tianchen to the Jia Family. The large vermillion gate stood five meters tall, three meters wide, and was extremely thick.


    But now...


    The gate was in disarray, utterly destroyed and in tatters.


    From the gate leading directly to the main hall of Jia Mansion, the path was littered with the bodies of the guards, each with an almost imperceptible bloodstain on their necks.


    Able to take their lives with a single sword strike!


    No one was spared!


    In front of the main hall...


    The manager of the Jia Family, Jia Fugui, was ghostly pale as he kept retreating under the protection of a group of guards. The eyes of all the guards looking towards the young man with the red longsword in his hand, inching closer with each step, were filled with terror.


    "Where is Jia Yisheng?" Xiao Yi asked indifferently.


    Gulp! S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Jia Fugui instinctively swallowed, glaring with rage, "Audacious thief! You dare slaughter the Jia Family''s guards in broad daylight. Do you know where you are?"


    "Silence!"


    With his sword in the air, Xiao Yi, exhibiting the strength of the Ninth Layer of the Golden Core Realm, faced the guards in the Divine Skills Realm as if slicing through vegetables.


    Where the sword''s edge passed, heads rolled.


    "Who dares cause trouble in my Jia Mansion?"


    Jia Yisheng had just come out of the dungeon when he saw the corpses everywhere and Jia Fugui, the manager of the Jia Family, kneeling on the ground, continuously kowtowing to Xiao Yi. He immediately spoke up to scold.


    No sooner had his words fallen.


    A streak of blood flashed before his eyes, and Jia Fugui''s head flew up, landing right in front of him.


    Xiao Yi smirked, looked up at Jia Yisheng, and said, "You''ve finally shown up!"


    "Xiao, Xiao Yi? Shit..."


    Jia Yisheng froze for a moment, and upon recognizing Xiao Yi''s face, he didn''t hesitate to turn around and run.


    "Since you''re here, don''t even think about leaving!"


    Xiao Yi reached out with his right hand, and an invisible force seized Jia Yisheng, pulling him fiercely and smashing him heavily onto the ground.


    The entire Jia Mansion roared as if an earthquake had struck.


    The ground was covered in dust, and within a human-shaped crater, Jia Yisheng lay there face up, bleeding from all orifices, looking up at Xiao Yi in despair, "Xiao, Young Master Xiao, don''t be impulsive... There must be some misunderstanding between us..."


    Xiao Yi, not saying a word, pressed on."


    Jia Yisheng scrambled backward in panic, his face filled with fear, "Young Master Xiao, you can''t kill me. I am an imperial officer. If you kill me, the Emperor will never let you go, and you will have no place in Tianqing Kingdom..."


    "Are you, threatening me?" Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes and said.


    "I..."


    Jia Yisheng swallowed nervously. Jia Sichun and Jia Sidao both had died at Xiao Yi''s hand, and he wished he could flay Xiao Yi alive a thousand times over.


    But...


    When facing Xiao Yi, he didn''t even have the courage to talk tough, and he quickly shook his head in a servile manner, "No, no dare, how could I threaten you? To you, I am nothing but an ant you could squash effortlessly. Murdering me to become the target of public criticism, that''s not worth it!"


    Who could have imagined that such a high-ranking official could also have such humble moments?


    At this moment, Jia Yisheng was full of regret.


    His son had died, but he could have another; why did he have to provoke this formidable foe?


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Where are Yan Mingli and the others?"


    "In the dungeon, I''ll take you there right away..." Jia Yisheng said hastily.


    Xiao Yi nodded.


    Jia Yisheng scurried ahead like a dog, crawling and groveling as he led the way.


    They made their way to the dungeon.


    Mrs. Jia was limping towards Lin Bingxin, holding the freshly reheated branding iron, about to stamp Lin Bingxin''s cheek.


    "Stop!"


    Jia Yisheng was terrified to the core; if she stamped down, he''d have no way out!


    Mrs. Jia was startled and turned around, only to be struck by a fierce slap from Jia Yisheng, sending her flying into the wall. With a thud, the branding iron fell into the collar of her garment.


    Hiss hiss...


    A scent of charred flesh emanated from within her bosom, accompanied by her hysterical screams, "Ahh... help, save me..."


    Jia Yisheng ignored Mrs. Jia, turning to Xiao Yi with a sycophantic look, "Xiao... Xiao, you can see... they both are here!"


    Mrs. Jia, enduring the intense pain, roared, "Jia Yisheng, have you grown too bold? Dare you lay hands on your own wife?"


    "Shut up!"


    Jia Yisheng ground his teeth, wishing he could gag her mouth with a cloth.


    After all, the dreaded Xiao Yi was standing right by his side!


    If he angered Xiao Yi, he and his wife would be done for!


    Xiao Yi squinted his eyes as he looked at the unconscious Elder Yan and Lin Bingxin, the vicious wounds all over their bodies darkening his expression, "Release them!"


    "I... I''ll do it now!" Jia Yisheng hurried forward.


    Yet Mrs. Jia blocked his path, menacingly yelling, "I''d like to see who dares! These two bastards, together with that dog bastard Xiao Yi, killed my son. I''d like to see who dares release them?"


    "Shut up, if you want to die don''t drag me into it..." Jia Yisheng glared at her furiously, frantically signaling her, "Don''t you see Xiao is here? Get out of my way!"


    "Xiao? Is he Xiao Yi?"


    Mrs. Jia snapped back to reality, glowering at Xiao Yi with a ferocious face, screaming venomously, "Good for you, Jia Yisheng. Your son''s killer stands before you, and you''re as cowardly as a shrinking turtle? Won''t you kill him to avenge your son?"


    "Avenge? I''ll avenge your granddad..."


    Jia Yisheng exploded in anger, previously it was Mrs. Jia who had urged him to join forces with Flying Eagle and hire Xue Yilou to take action, and now that the Jia Family was nearly annihilated, Mrs. Jia was not without blame, "You stupid woman, if you don''t shut your mouth, I''ll kill you myself!"


    "Kill me? Come on, you impotent fool, you have no guts to avenge your son, and now you help his murderer against your own wife? If you lack the guts to take revenge for your son, I''ll do it myself!" As Mrs. Jia spoke, she grabbed a red-hot iron from the furnace, lunging at Lin Bingxin.


    "Seeking death!"


    Xiao Yi''s cold hum was followed by a swift strike that split Mrs. Jia in half, his icy gaze then turning to the dispirited Jia Yisheng, "You go die as well!"


    "No..."


    Jia Yisheng watched in despair as the sword''s blade pierced his body.


    Bang!


    Having consecutively killed Jia Yisheng and Mrs. Jia, the entire Jia Family was extinguished!


    Xiao Yi sheathed his Fire Qilin Sword and rescued Elder Yan and Lin Bingxin from the rack, sighing in relief after checking on them, "Thankfully, it''s just excessive blood loss, and there''s no danger to their lives!"


    He gave them pills to stabilize their injuries.


    At this moment...


    Outside Jia Mansion, a sea of people had gathered.


    They kept their distance, looking at the Jia Mansion strewn with bodies, "This... this is outrageous!"


    "Who could it be? Who would dare to massacre a high-ranking official''s entire family in broad daylight?"


    "Look, look... someone''s coming..."


    Within that grand gate, Xiao Yi walked out powerfully, carrying the two with him...

 Chapter 114 - 114: By His Majestys Decree, Annihilate the Entire Clan!

    "Is that Xiao Yi?"


    "My God! Is it really him? How... how does he dare to do such a thing..."


    "This is the residence of a second-rank official of the court, and he dared to annihilate his entire clan? Quick, quick, notify the city guards, this is a provocation against the entire Tianqing Kingdom..."


    Gasps of shock arose from the crowd.


    Onlookers outside the Jia Mansion scrambled out of the way, not daring to come within thirty feet of Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi''s face was expressionless.


    He simply carried two people and made his way to the Treasure Pavilion.


    He was spotless, but a pungent smell of blood and overwhelming Evil Qi surrounded him, causing everyone to make way wherever he went.


    And the news of Xiao Yi single-handedly exterminating the Jia Family spread like wildfire.


    Countless powerhouses received the news.


    In an instant.


    Everyone came upon hearing the news.


    "A major event has occurred, Xiao Yi has wiped out the entire Jia Family... he''s defying the heavens!"


    "I think he''s on a suicide mission, this is going to be interesting to watch. Since the establishment of the Tianqing Kingdom, no one has dared to do such a thing, the emperor will definitely not let him off!"


    "It seems Xiao Yi won''t last until seven days later, he is going to die today!"


    Powerhouses from all directions gathered with the intent to witness Xiao Yi''s bold challenge against the Royal Martial Arts Academy in seven days.


    But now it seems...


    They won''t be able to wait!


    Along the way, more and more onlookers joined.


    Xiao Yi carried Yan Mingli and Lin Bingxin all the way to the Treasure Pavilion, where the guards were on high alert. Not until Xiao Yi handed over the two did he say, "Take good care of them!"


    "This, this..."


    The guards were at a loss.


    Xiao Yi calmly stated, "If there''s any negligence, I will hold you accountable!"


    The guard hastily replied, "Xiao, rest assured, Elder Yan is originally one of us at the Treasure Pavilion, we will ensure nothing happens to them!"


    Xiao Yi nodded and then soared into the sky, like an eagle gliding through the air, heading toward the Yun Family.


    More and more powerhouses followed him, a dense crowd like a wave of black steel, unrelentingly chasing across the ground.


    They reached the Yun Family.


    Yun Feiying was an Imperial Secretary, holding a first-rank position, and he himself was a cultivator in the Golden Elixir Realm Sixth Layer Cultivation, much stronger than Jia Yisheng.


    Especially the Yun Family''s Elder Yun He, who had stepped into the Golden Elixir Realm a hundred years ago, unfathomable in his depth.


    "What is Xiao Yi doing at the Yun Family?"


    "Could it be... he wants to obliterate the Yun Family too?" someone in the crowd speculated.


    "Are you mad or is he mad? It''s not enough for him to have destroyed the Jia Family, he''s actually thinking of obliterating the Yun Family? Even if he had multiple lives, they wouldn''t be enough..."


    The crowd scoffed at this guess.


    But soon...


    These people were fiercely slapped in the face.


    Two guards, with grave expressions, looked at Xiao Yi and the immense crowd behind him, frowned and said, "Who goes there? This is the residence of the Imperial Secretary, all unrelated persons should get out!"


    "Bring Yun Feiying out to see me," Xiao Yi said indifferently.


    "How audacious, to address the Imperial Secretary by name... Seize him!" With a cold snort from one of the guards, they rushed toward him from both sides, full of murderous intent.


    The two simultaneously grabbed Xiao Yi''s shoulders, sneering, "Kneel down!"


    "Scram!"


    Xiao Yi''s figure did not move, yet his body vibrated fiercely.


    Hum!


    A violent surge of Qi erupted from within, flinging the two guards away, booming as they smashed into the vermilion gates on either side.


    Xiao Yi flipped his palm and the Fire Qilin Sword appeared in his grasp; he lifted the sword to the sky, "Solitary Nine Swords¡ªSword Breaking Style!"


    His vital energy surged, igniting the fiery red scale patterns on the Fire Qilin Sword to burst into dazzling light, and a ten-zhang-long Sword Qi descended from the heavens.


    Boom!


    As the Sword Qi plummeted, the earth shook, and the entire front gate of the Yun Family was cleaved in two.


    "How dare you, who dares to cause trouble at the Yun Family?"


    "No matter who you are, you are surely doomed!"


    Shouts of fury echoed from within the Yun Family, and numerous guards rushed out from the estate. There were at least a hundred of them, forming a dark mass.


    Xiao Yi, alone with his sword, charged into the midst of the guards, his sword light filling the sky, heads rolling everywhere; the elite Yun Family guards could not stop his advance.


    Flying Eagle Yun was among them.


    He recognized Xiao Yi at a glance and saw that in this short time, more than thirty guards had already perished under Xiao''s sword. His pupils shrank suddenly as he bellowed, "Elder Ancestor, come quickly to my aid!"


    Boom!


    From the depths of the Yun Family estate, a heaven-shaking Sword Intent soared into the sky.


    "Who dares to cause trouble in my Yun Family? Do you wish for death?" Amidst the powerful and authoritative voice, an aged figure tore through the void, wielding a black war saber.


    His Qi-Blood surged like dragons and tigers.


    It was none other than Elder Yun He, whose cultivation had already reached the Ninth Layer of the Golden Core Realm.


    This was a formidable expert that had not appeared in the world!


    Flying Eagle Yun bowed respectfully towards Elder Yun He and declared, "Elder, this thief has killed Yun Lei and Yun Fan. Now he even dares to attack our Yun Family''s doorstep. I implore Elder Ancestor to execute this scoundrel!"


    "Hmph, such young age and extraordinary cultivation indeed show exceptional talent, but the stench of blood and Evil Qi on you is strong, you have killed many. Let this Elder take your life, to act on behalf of heaven!" Yun He''s face was expressionless as his saber swept through the air, slicing outwards.


    The strike was extraordinarily sharp, with the edge of the saber gleaming with cold light.


    The terrifying Sword Intent caused the sabers in the hands of the watching powerhouses to hum as if they were about to leap out of their sheaths. Each of them suppressed their weapons, faces filled with shock: "Is that the second level of Sword Intent? Such a fearsome power, is the Yun Family Elder this terrifying?"


    "A hundred years ago, Yun Family Elder became a Golden Core Realm powerhouse. After a century of seclusion, his combat power is fearsomely strong. Xiao Yi has really hit a snag this time..."


    Amidst the exclamations of the crowd,


    Xiao Yi''s eyes flashed with a chill as he swung his sword, "Sword Breaking Style!"


    The Solitary Nine Swords had nine techniques, each with its own characteristics.


    Sword Breaking Style.


    Specifically used to counter the enemy''s saber techniques.


    It was the bane of saber methods!


    Together with Xiao Yi''s own Sword Intent at the second level, he had no fear of Yun He''s attack. With a thunderous bang, the fearsome saber light burst apart on cue.


    Yet the Sword Qi merely paused for a moment before crashing down relentlessly.


    Spurt!


    Yun He let out a pained scream, cleaved in two by the Sword Qi.


    Hiss...


    There was dead silence within the Yun Family.


    The onlooking crowd was dumbfounded.


    "He, he''s dead just like that?"


    "A Golden Core Realm expert of a hundred years, who painstakingly practiced saber techniques and mastered the second level of Sword Intent, couldn''t even block a single sword strike from Xiao Yi?"


    "My goodness..."


    The most shocked was none other than Flying Eagle Yun; Yun He was his greatest support.


    It was only because of Yun He''s presence that he dared to urge Jia Yisheng and hired Xue Yilou to make a move!


    Now...


    Yun He had died right in front of him.


    Xiao Yi turned his gaze to Flying Eagle Yun among the crowd, whose face was ashen, "Now it''s your turn!"


    "I, I..."


    Flying Eagle Yun''s pale face was full of terror, and just as he began to speak, a rumbling noise approached. The onlooking crowd automatically dispersed to reveal a formidable group of armored cavalry approaching.


    It was the Black Dragon Cavalry!


    "Hahaha, the Black Dragon Cavalry has arrived! Xiao Yi, you are doomed. The Black Dragon Cavalry is the king''s most elite force. You dare to kill the Yun Family Elder and destroy the gates of the Ministry in broad daylight. This is an affront to the Tianqing Kingdom; the king will not let you off!" Flying Eagle Yun''s face showed the ecstasy of a narrow escape.


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes.


    The imposing Black Dragon Cavalry was already close at hand.


    The leader was the black-armored commander whom Xiao Yi had met once before. At this moment, the commander''s countenance was cold and indifferent, mounted on a Black Dragon steed, radiating murderous intent.


    Flying Eagle Yun hastily called out, "General Li, the villain Xiao Yi dares to destroy my entrance and kill my Yun Family Elder. I beseech General Li to apprehend him!"


    The black-armored General Li slowly drew his sword, and behind him, the Black Dragon Cavalry also drew their black lances. Like a colossal beast of black steel, the terrifying presence of their Evil Qi was enough to drive one to despair.


    "It''s over; with the Black Dragon Cavalry''s deployment, Xiao Yi is as good as dead!"


    "Who asked him to be so arrogant? First obliterating the Jia Family, and now daring to provoke the Yun Family..." S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Flying Eagle Yun''s ferocious face was brimming with triumph, his eyes fixed on Xiao Yi: "You little bastard, I only regret not being able to kill you with my own hands!"


    Clang!


    General Li pointed with his longsword, but it was not at Xiao Yi; instead, the blade was directed at Flying Eagle Yun. With an indifferent face, he spoke, "By the king''s command, Flying Eagle Yun colluded with Jia Yisheng to plot against Tianjiao of the kingdom. We, the Black Dragon Cavalry, are hereby ordered to eradicate the entire Yun Clan!"


    "What, eradicate the entire clan?"


    Flying Eagle Yun''s look of triumph disappeared in an instant, his face a picture of stunned disbelief as he dropped to the ground with a thud...

 Chapter 115 - 115: They Come to Kill!

    Flying Eagle slumped to the ground, his face full of despair.


    He never imagined that the Black Dragon Cavalry, which he viewed as his lifesaver, would become the final straw that crushed him!


    "Why, why? I, I am a first-rank great official of the court, my Yun family has been loyal and courageous, why does His Majesty treat me this way?" Flying Eagle roared with bloodshot eyes.


    His Yun family was a deeply-rooted powerful family in the Tianqing Kingdom.


    With the backing of the crown prince and the Royal Martial Arts Institute, as well as the strength of his ancestor Yun He to suppress others, the Yun family was one of the most powerful in the Tianqing Kingdom.


    Even the current emperor would have many concerns about eliminating the Yun family.


    But now...


    He merely paid to hire the strong from Xue Yilou to kidnap an important person close to Xiao Yi to avenge Yun Fan and also to intimidate Xiao Yi into restraint, thus currying favor with Jiang Shanhe and Zhou Yuan.


    In his view, even if the plan failed, Xiao Yi would still not be able to do anything to him.


    "Hmph!"


    General Li, clad in black armor, scoffed coldly, showing no emotion, and waved his hand, "Kill them!"


    Boom!


    The Black Dragon Cavalry turned into a black iron flood and surged forward, slaughtering all the strong members of the Yun family and leveling the grand Yun estate.


    For a moment.


    Dust billowed, and the clash of battle shook the heavens.


    The strong onlookers from afar were stunned, their faces confused, "We thought the Black Dragon Cavalry came to capture Xiao Yi, but they actually came for the Yun family?"


    "Just what is Xiao Yi''s background? He has destroyed the Jia Family and now almost obliterated the Yun Family without consequences?"


    "Haven''t you noticed... that when Xiao Yi killed the ancestor of the Yun family just now, he only used one move?"


    Hiss...


    Everyone drew a sharp breath.


    Only then did they return to their senses, realizing that Yun He was a Ninth Layer Golden Core Realm expert, who had also comprehended the second stage of the Dao of the Blade, yet was slain by Xiao Yi with a single sword strike.


    Just how strong was Xiao Yi''s combat prowess?


    The eyes of everyone looking at Xiao Yi were filled with shock and awe.


    Indeed, the Black Dragon Cavalry was the most elite force of the Tianqing Kingdom, and in just an instant, the entire Yun family was wiped out. General Li, in black armor, approached Xiao Yi.


    He dismounted from his horse.


    General Li looked at Xiao Yi with complex eyes, this was the man who had refused the title of Martial King of the Nation from Jiang Tianchen and had slain a Ninth Layer Golden Core Realm existence with a single sword.


    General Li saluted Xiao Yi with a fist wrapped in another, his words also filled with extra reverence, "Xiao, His Majesty has already sent someone to locate the branch of Xue Yilou in the Tianqing Kingdom. His Majesty has instructed that if Xiao has any needs, the Black Dragon Cavalry is willing to serve you to the best of our ability!"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback and asked, "Is His Majesty not afraid of offending Xue Yilou?"


    Xue Yilou was an assassination organization that spread across the ten countries of Nanhuang, and it was said that the shadow of a Great Qian Dynasty''s big shot loomed behind it. For this reason, the Tianqing Kingdom had always refrained from acting against Xue Yilou.


    After all.


    Even though Jiang Tianchen, as the ruler of a nation, had a legendary figure of the Tao Tribulation Realm stationed in the palace and was not afraid of the assassination attempts of Xue Yilou.


    But were the other members of his royal family not afraid? Was the entire court, both civil and military, not afraid?


    If they provoked Xue Yilou and the organization kept sending assassins to murder members of the royal family and the entire court, even the mightiest of kingdoms couldn''t withstand such assaults!


    But now...


    Jiang Tianchen was actually willing to become an enemy of Xue Yilou for his sake.


    This was truly a costly move!


    General Li said, "The thoughts of His Majesty are not something I dare to speculate on!"


    Xiao Yi let out a long breath.


    He wasn''t someone who failed to recognize a good turn, even if he knew Jiang Tianchen had ulterior motives for wooing him. The mere fact that Jiang Tianchen chose to stand by him at such a critical time was a favor too great to repay.


    He looked up at General Li and said in a deep voice, "Then I''ll have to trouble General Li to accompany me to Xue Yilou''s branch..." S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A flash of joy crossed General Li''s heart.


    Once Xiao Yi accepted the help of the Black Dragon Cavalry, it meant that Xiao Yi was accepting Jiang Tianchen''s friendly overture!


    With a wave of his hand.


    A majestic Black Dragon steed was led over, and General Li said sternly, "Xiao, please mount the horse!"


    "Let''s go!"


    Xiao Yi leaped onto the horse.


    General Li left ten members of the Black Dragon Cavalry in charge of tidying up the Yun Family''s mess and, with a wave of his hand, hundreds of Black Dragon Cavalry roared off towards the west of the city under Xiao Yi''s lead.


    ...


    The west of the Royal Capital.


    This was also an extremely prosperous area, vast, with its many shops standing in great numbers.


    The throng of people passing to and fro was like a torrential flood.


    Xiaoyao Tower was the most luxurious place in the western part of the city, where expenses were particularly extravagant, a hallmark of opulence. Many princes and nobles, wealthy merchants, and powerful families often lingered there.


    Aside from the sumptuous food and fine wine, Xiaoyao Tower also boasted cloud-like beauties and the largest casino in the entire Royal Capital.


    It was a den of iniquity and decadence where money rotted away, as well as a hedonistic paradise of extravagance.


    As long as you had money...


    There was nothing Xiaoyao Tower couldn''t do.


    It was said...


    Even if you took a fancy to the daughter of a high-ranking official, as long as you could pay enough, Xiaoyao Tower would bring her to your bed.


    At this moment.


    Xiaoyao Tower, within the top floor.


    Within this room, resplendent with gold, a man clad in a brocade robe with long hair sat behind an enormous and luxurious desk, tapping his fingers lightly on the surface, producing a ''thud, thud, thud'' sound.


    In front of him, a figure in a blood-red robe knelt on the ground, not daring to raise his head.


    "You can''t even handle such a simple task; you''ve really disappointed me!" the long-haired man said coldly.


    The figure in the blood-red robe replied with sincere trepidation, "Headquarters master, please calm your anger. We had not anticipated that Xiao Yi would not fall for it. Had he not returned in time, our men would not have failed!"


    "Silence!"


    With a wave of his hand, the long-haired man sent him crashing to the floor with a slap, his gaze filled with a cold, venomous, and chilling look, "Since I''ve taken charge of the Tianqing Kingdom branch, this is the first time an operation has failed. You have three days to send someone to fetch those people back to me. As for Xiao Yi... if he dares to spoil Xue Yilou''s plans again, let him simply disappear from this world!"


    "Yes!"


    The figure in the blood-red robe quickly nodded.


    "Leave!"


    The long-haired man dismissed him with a wave of his hand.


    The figure in the blood-red robe let out a silent sigh of relief and respectfully left the room.


    The long-haired man continued to tap on the desk, his half-closed eyes flickering coldly, making the temperature inside the room drop significantly, adding to the already ominous atmosphere, "The top genius of Tianqing Kingdom? The number one on the Teng Long List? Hmph, if I want you dead, it''s as easy as crushing an ant!"


    He narrowed his eyes and leaned back in his chair, humming a little tune.


    Suddenly...


    Bang!


    The door was suddenly burst open; it was the blood-robed figure who had left earlier, staggering back in. He gazed at the long-haired man with a face full of panic, bellowing, "Headquarters master, disaster strikes, Xiao Yi is coming here to kill us..."

 Chapter 116 - 116: I Am Naturally Invincible, Why Need to Borrow Momentum?

    "Xiao Yi has come to my door to kill!"


    The blood-robed figure spoke in a panic.


    Bang!


    The long-haired middle-aged man suddenly stood up, overturning the vermilion table in front of him with a overly vigorous motion, his face filled with anger, "What did you say? Xiao Yi has come to kill at our door? Does he really think he is invincible? How dare he openly provoke Xue Yilou?"


    Xue Yilou has existed for nearly a thousand years.


    Behind them stood a powerful figure from the Great Qian Dynasty, capable of reaching the heavens, which is why Xue Yilou had branches in both the Great Qian Dynasty and its affiliated kingdoms.


    For years.


    Xue Yilou has executed countless missions, beheading powerful warriors and even nobles from various factions, but still no kingdom dares to openly confront Xue Yilou.


    But now...


    Xiao Yi, he actually dares to attack Xue Yilou alone?


    "L-lord, it''s not just Xiao Yi, there''s also the Black Dragon Cavalry..." The blood-robed figure gasped for air, terror filling the eyes covered by his cloak. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Black Dragon Cavalry!


    They are the elite forces of the Tianqing Kingdom.


    They serve the current King of Tianqing Kingdom.


    If the Black Dragon Cavalry has made a move, it means Tianqing Kingdom intends to eradicate Xue Yilou!


    "Has Jiang Tianchen gone mad? How dare he become an enemy of Xue Yilou?" The long-haired middle-aged man was utterly stupefied; he couldn''t understand Jiang Tianchen''s decision.


    Just then...


    Boom!


    A tremendous explosion swept through the entire Carefree Pavilion.


    The ground shook and buildings collapsed with the roaring sound, turning the grand and lavish Carefree Pavilion into ruins. Among the ruins, numerous nobles and wealthy merchants who were in the Carefree Pavilion fled in disarray.


    But as they barely escaped with their lives, they were confronted by the cold blades of the Black Dragon Cavalrymen.


    General Li, standing proudly atop his black dragon steed, his eyes cold and merciless behind his mask, spoke loudly, "Black Dragon Cavalry is handling matters. Everyone surrender or be executed without mercy!"


    "Kill without mercy!"


    "Kill without mercy..."


    The Black Dragon Cavalry shouted in unison, their voices echoing like a great bell, louder than thunder.


    Besides the deafening roar, there was also a sky-high Evil Qi.


    This Black Dragon Cavalry in Tianqing Kingdom is infamous, a symbol of slaughter, and messengers of the Grim Reaper. No one dares to oppose the Black Dragon Cavalry, one by one, the warriors surrendered without a fight, not daring to resist.


    Because those who did resist...


    Were all beheaded!


    Amidst the ruins.


    A blood-colored figure burst forth from the rubble, soaring into the sky, his blood-colored Evil Qi swirling with his wildly dancing black hair, he looked both divine and demonic.


    "Li Qing? My Xue Chou and your Black Dragon Cavalry have always kept to our own affairs, why do you help Xiao Yi against Xue Yilou?" Xue Chou''s face was filled with resentment as he looked at Li Qing, beholding the Carefree Pavilion turned into ruins, and the many fallen warriors of Xue Yilou, his eyes brimming with vicious bloodlust, as if they might explode at any moment.


    Li Qing was the commander of the Black Dragon Cavalry.


    He sat astride his black dragon steed, his eyes heavy with a solemn light. His cultivation was only at the Ninth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, whereas this Xue Chou was a genuine powerhouse at the Tenth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm.


    His combat strength was far superior to Li Qing''s.


    "Damn it, who would have expected this madman to personally be present in the Carefree Pavilion?"


    Li Qing''s expression shifted slightly. According to the intelligence he had, Xue Chou was not supposed to be in the capital these days. But now that things had come to a head, there was no turning back. He could only lower his voice and say, "Xiao, my Black Dragon Cavalry will hold off Xue Chou at all costs. You take the chance to leave..."


    Naturally, Xue Chou heard Li Qing''s words.


    His gaze was fixed on Xiao Yi.


    In his eyes, blood swirled, choosing its prey.


    Xue Chou said sinisterly, "So you are Xiao Yi? You''re just a little bastard. I underestimated you. I didn''t expect Jiang Tianchen would choose to stand by your side. If it weren''t for relying on Jiang Tianchen''s power, you wouldn''t even be able to step through the entrance of Carefree Pavilion!"


    "How bold, Xue Chou! Who gave you the audacity to call His Majesty by his name?" Li Qing roared angrily, raising his long spear.


    CLANG CLANG CLANG!


    Hundreds of Black Dragon Cavalry behind him simultaneously raised their weapons and struck their shields, making a resounding thud.


    In the deafening roar, an overwhelming battle intent fused with surging evil Qi created an aura that made one''s heart tremble with fear.


    Xue Chou narrowed his eyes, about to speak.


    But Xiao Yi suddenly stepped aside, bypassing Li Qing.


    Li Qing was startled and anxiously said, "Xiao..."


    "No matter!"


    Xiao Yi waved his hand and strode towards Xue Chou, his voice slowly spreading across Carefree Pavilion''s skies, "It seems you are somewhat mistaken. I''ve not relied on anyone''s power, nor do I need the backing of any force. Today, the one who will destroy Xue Yilou is me!"


    "Ridiculous!"


    Xue Chou laughed scornfully, "Without the Black Dragon Cavalry and Jiang Tianchen supporting you, what makes you think you can destroy Xue Yilou?"


    "Just because I am Xiao Yi!"


    Xiao Yi stretched his muscles and let out a series of crackling pops, "I am inherently invincible. Why would I need to borrow power?"


    "Invincible? Hahaha, I admit you are indeed strong, but to call yourself invincible is far too arrogant. You ignorant junior, today I shall teach you a lesson, so you learn that there is always someone stronger, there are always higher heavens!" Xue Chou gritted his teeth and emitted a hysterical bellow.


    He was a venerable powerhouse of the Tenth Layer of the Golden Core Realm and a faction leader of Xue Yilou.


    How could he fear a junior?


    BOOM!


    Around Xue Chou, a surge of blood illuminated his form, which suddenly shook and turned into a blood-colored rainbow, covering dozens of meters in an instant to appear right before Xiao Yi. The experts of Xue Yilou were most skilled in movement techniques.


    Their unpredictable methods, coupled with vicious and extreme assassination techniques.


    This was the reputation that Xue Yilou had built for itself.


    "Be careful!"


    Li Qing''s expression changed as he saw a flash of red streak past, with Xue Chou already appearing before Xiao Yi.


    Li Qing believed that if it had been him in Xiao Yi''s position, he would undeniably be dead.


    However...


    Xiao Yi''s lips curled up slightly, and he calmly lifted his right hand. The Yuan energy inside him, transformed by the power of deification, turned into a vast surge of energy and concentrated on the Fire Qilin Sword. He unleashed a slash mighty enough to sweep away thousands of troops: "Solitary Nine Swords¡ªArmor Breaking Style!"


    SWISH!


    A sword cut through the sky.


    CLANG!


    His sword collided with the weapon thrust by Xue Chou. But after just a moment of being stationary, the fourth-grade Yuan weapon in Xue Chou''s hand exploded. Under his frightful and incredulous gaze...


    The Fire Qilin Sword in Xiao Yi''s hand spat out dazzling fire, resembling a ferocious twisting fire dragon.


    Opening its giant maw.


    BOOM!


    Xue Chou''s figure violently shook, and under the mad onslaught of the blood-colored fire dragon Sword Qi, his body was torn apart. His corpse fell to pieces, limbs severed, even the driving force was sliced into dozens of parts.


    A mighty Tenth Layer Golden Core Realm powerhouse faced off against the Ninth Layer Golden Core Realm Xiao Yi and couldn''t even withstand a single sword strike!


    At this moment...


    In the silence around the Carefree Pavilion, the words that Xiao Yi had said earlier echoed in the minds of countless people: "I am inherently invincible. Why would I need to borrow power?"

 Chapter 117 - 117: Then There is No Return!

    The vast Carefree Pavilion had turned to ruins.


    Dust billowed up, and corpses covered the ground.


    Before this...


    No one knew that the infamous Xue Yilou was hidden within the Carefree Pavilion, and when Xue Chou appeared in front of everyone, they all thought Xiao Yi had kicked an iron plate.


    Even Li Qing didn''t think Xiao Yi would be a match for Xue Chou.


    But now...


    Powerful as he was, Xue Chou had already been reduced to scattered pieces of corpse.


    Xiao Yi looked at the head of Xue Chou, eyes wide open in fury, lifted his foot, and with a loud ''bang,'' he crushed it. Xue Yilou dared to lay hands on Fang Qingzhu, and that was a violation of his inverse scales.


    A dragon''s inverse scales, touch them and you die!


    Xiao Yi''s inverse scales, likewise, must not be infringed!


    "Xiao, these are the treasures we found in the Carefree Pavilion, and also Xue Chou''s storage ring!" Li Qing wiped the blood off the storage ring with the corner of his clothes and presented it to Xiao Yi.


    There were a total of five storage rings.


    Xiao Yi took them and briefly examined them.


    Inside Xue Chou''s storage ring, apart from some precious medicinal herbs, elixirs, spirit weapons, and secret manuals, there were also a thousand lower-grade spirit stones, ten middle-grade spirit stones, and one top-grade spirit stone.


    As for the other four storage rings, they contained nearly a billion silver, as well as some property deeds and land titles.


    These items were of little use to Xiao Yi. He casually tossed the billion silver and the deeds to Li Qing, saying, "Commander Li, you''ve worked hard. The things inside, distribute them to the brothers!"


    "This..."


    Li Qing was astonished.


    A billion silver, plus property and land deeds, worth no less than two billion, just given away like that?


    Xiao Yi waved his hand. "Go on and distribute them!"


    Gulp!


    Li Qing swallowed hard. Although he was a commander of the Black Dragon Cavalry, he had many expenses for his cultivation and a large family to support, with not much property.


    These billions, even if he could only get a portion, would allow his family not to worry about expenses for more than a decade.


    "Thank you, Xiao!"


    Li Qing gave Xiao Yi a serious fist salute, then shouted to the few hundred Black Dragon Cavalry, "Brothers, Xiao has distributed treasures worth two billion silver to us, shouldn''t we thank Xiao?"


    Hisss!


    All the Black Dragon Cavalry sucked in a breath of cold air.


    Grateful glances turned toward Xiao Yi. They could hardly wait to swear loyalty right then and there, "Thank you, Xiao, for your generous reward!"


    "Xiao is mighty!"


    Everyone shouted one after another.


    Xiao Yi smiled, then looked at Li Qing. "Commander Li, I''ll leave this place to you; I have other business and must leave now!"


    "Rest assured, Xiao, we have this covered!" Li Qing replied.


    Watching Xiao Yi leave.


    Li Qing clutched the storage ring tightly in his hand and muttered to himself, "One must never be an enemy of Xiao! Great Prince Jiang Shanhe... you''d better take care of yourself."


    ...


    Xiao Yi made his way to the Treasure Pavilion.


    The guards at the entrance, upon seeing Xiao Yi, came forward eagerly, saying warmly, "Xiao, Elder Yan has awakened. He instructed me to wait here. Once you arrive, I will take you to see him!"


    "Lead the way!"


    Xiao Yi nodded.


    A moment later...


    He saw Elder Yan in the Treasure Pavilion, lying on a cot covered in medicinal salve. Beside him stood an elder as well as a chubby middle-aged man.


    The elder was conversing with Elder Yan, while the middle-aged man stood by with a sycophantic smile on his face.


    This middle-aged man was Zhang Kang, who had previously driven Xiao Yi out.


    "Why is it him?"


    Zhang Kang saw Xiao Yi walking in, frowned, and angrily shouted, "Boy, who gave you the audacity to barge into the Treasure Pavilion? Guards, break this ignorant kid''s legs and throw him out!"


    He had previously offended Xiao Yi in an attempt to flatter Chen Di.


    And lost a batch of spirit weapons.


    This affair caused him to be severely reprimanded and he even forfeited a year''s salary.


    He wished he could slaughter Xiao Yi!


    "Scram!"


    With a casual slap from Xiao Yi, Zhang Kang cried out in agony as his head slammed hard against the floor.


    "How audacious!"


    The elder sitting by the bed''s face darkened as he bellowed out loudly.


    Struggling up from the ground, Zhang Kang, with a face full of blood, pitifully looked at Chen Fu, "Pavilion Master, do you see what this mongrel has done to me? You must seek justice for me..."


    Chen Fu nodded indifferently, "Rest assured, I will indeed seek justice for you!"


    Zhang Kang looked triumphantly at Xiao Yi, for Chen Fu was at the pinnacle of the Golden Elixir Realm Peak and was particularly protective of his own. In Zhang Kang''s view, Xiao Yi daring to assault him in front of Chen Fu meant certain death, "Hehe, you mongrel, your doom is sealed!"


    However...


    Chen Fu''s slap landed on his face instead.


    Smack!


    Zhang Kang was sent tumbling to the ground, his teeth shattered from the blow, and he looked at Chen Fu in stunned confusion, "Pav..., Pavilion Master, you hit the wrong person..."


    "It''s you I''m hitting! Open your dog eyes and look clearly, this is Xiao Yi, the top warrior of the Teng Long List. How dare you be so disrespectful to him?"


    Chen Fu huffed coldly. He had deduced Xiao Yi''s identity upon seeing him; Xiao Yi was not just the top warrior of the Teng Long List but also the savior of Yan Mingli.


    How could Chen Fu, as Yan Mingli''s senior brother, side with Zhang Kang?


    "What? The top of the Teng Long List? Xiao... Xiao Yi?"


    Zhang Kang''s head buzzed dully as he collapsed onto the ground, his face filled with despair.


    This was the very same man who had slain the master of Mingjian Manor and defeated the Great Prince Jiang Shanhe!


    He was an existence who could crush Zhang Kang like an ant.


    And he had foolishly provoked Xiao Yi?


    "Please spare me... Young Master Xiao, please spare my life..." Zhang Kang, sobbing bitterly, crawled and rolled over to Xiao Yi.


    Chen Fu snorted coldly, "Someone, take Zhang Kang away, investigate if he has engaged in any dereliction of duty during his term. Should anything be uncovered, execute him without hesitation!"


    "Yes, sir!"


    Two strong men immediately entered, carrying away the limp Zhang Kang.


    He had embezzled quite a bit during his time in charge; if that was discovered, there would be no escaping death!


    At this moment, Zhang Kang was full of regret.


    Why did he provoke such a formidable person?


    Alas, there''s no medicine for regret in this world...


    Chen Fu looked at Xiao Yi with a smile, "Young Master Xiao, are you satisfied with how I''ve dealt with this?"


    "Hmm."


    Xiao Yi nodded, then turned to Elder Yan, "How is Elder Yan''s injury?"


    "Thanks to Young Master Xiao''s fortune, the injury didn''t affect me fundamentally..." Yan Mingli was speaking as he tried to sit up, but Xiao Yi stopped him.


    Xiao Yi said, "Since Elder Yan is alright, I can rest easy. This hundred low-grade spirit stones should help Elder Yan recover sooner!"


    "How could I possibly accept this?" Yan Mingli hurriedly refused.


    Xiao Yi didn''t entertain any discussion and placed the spirit stones into his hands. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Fu nodded slightly on the side, hesitating for a moment before speaking in a deep voice, "Young Master Xiao, do you have a battle scheduled with the Royal Martial Arts Academy in seven days?"


    "Hmm."


    Xiao Yi nodded, looking puzzled at Chen Fu. The news had already spread throughout the Tianqing Kingdom, why would Chen Fu ask something he already knows?


    Chen Fu said gravely, "I see Young Master Xiao being so young with such cultivation, and I thought the Royal Martial Arts Academy would have been unable to bother you before. But now, it might not be the case!"


    "Hmm?"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback.


    Chen Fu said seriously, "I have received news that the Great Prince has gotten full support from the Royal Martial Arts Academy and has reached the Tenth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm. Moreover, Zhou Yuan obtained a Martial Dao Divine Fruit from the Tao Tribulation Realm''s secret chamber, using it to break through to the Calamity Realm."


    Xiao Yi''s expression slightly changed.


    The Golden Core Realm and the Calamity Realm were completely different concepts!


    With Xiao Yi''s current strength, if he faced several warriors at the Golden Elixir Realm Peak alone, he would have no fear. However, facing a warrior of the Calamity Realm was problematic.


    "It seems I need to hurry up and break through to the Tenth Layer of the Golden Core Realm, or even to the Peak!" Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, contemplating to himself.


    He had enough spirit stones to support a breakthrough to the Tenth Layer of the Golden Core Realm, but with less than seven days until the battle, there might not be enough time!


    Chen Fu wore a smile as if he held a winning hand, "Young Master Xiao, you must be aware of the power behind my Treasure Pavilion! If you join the Treasure Pavilion, with its backing, not even Zhou Yuan would dare to touch you with ten times the courage. What do you think?"


    Xiao Yi glanced at Chen Fu and walked over to Yan Mingli, patting him on the shoulder, "Rest well, and come find me once you''re healed!"


    With that,


    Xiao Yi headed straight for the door, "How could a man of honor live at the mercy of others?"


    "A good bird chooses a tree to nest in. How can that be considered living at the mercy of others?" Chen Fu hadn''t expected Xiao Yi to refuse his proposition and said gravely, "Without the support of the Treasure Pavilion, you are bound for a one-way journey!"


    Xiao Yi replied indifferently, "Then it shall be a one-way journey!"

 Chapter 118 - 118: Movement from All Sides

    "Then there''s no return!"


    Xiao Yi, standing with his back to Chen Fu, simply waved his hand, his silhouette growing longer under the setting sun.


    Gazing at his figure as it disappeared from view.


    Only then did Chen Fu come back to his senses, his face looking particularly ugly, "Ungrateful!"


    Yan Mingli, who was lying in bed, however, smiled. Even with his face covered in plasters, one could still see the bright and steadfast gaze in his eyes, "Senior brother, you have underestimated him!"


    "Hmm?"


    Chen Fu was taken aback and said airily, "Underestimate him? I admit that his talent is strong, and indeed he can be called the first in the small land of Tianqing Kingdom. But compared to those true favored children of heaven, he still has a considerable gap. Take Xiao Tianjiao, for example, at his age, he had already reached the Tao Tribulation Realm..."


    "Senior brother, do you know what realm Xiao was in ten months ago?" Yan Mingli asked.


    Chen Fu frowned and said, "Shentong Realm?"


    Yan Mingli shook his head, the scene of their first meeting with Xiao Yi surfacing in his mind, revealing a trace of genuine admiration, "Ten months ago, he was only at the Physical Body Realm!"


    Hiss!


    Chen Fu sucked in a breath of cold air.


    Physical Body Realm ten months ago? And now he''s comparable to the Golden Elixir Peak?


    Chen Fu said in disbelief, "How is this possible? How could he go from the Physical Body Realm to comparable to the peak of the Golden Core Realm in ten months? Even Xiao Tianjiao wasn''t as fast as him!"


    "Exactly!"


    Yan Mingli shifted slightly, took a deep breath, and still found it hard to contain the shock in his heart.


    "No wonder he looked down on my Treasure Pavilion..."


    Chen Fu took a deep breath and murmured to himself, "The Xiao Family actually exiled such a monstrous talent, sending him to the Fang Family to be a son-in-law? Have the entire Xiao Family gone blind?"


    ...


    Tianqi Martial Arts Academy.


    Xiao Yi returned to his separate courtyard.


    Fang Qingzhu had already transformed; she had completely forgotten the previous incidents and was sitting dumbly at the head of the bed, her face full of confusion, "Xiao Yi, am I a monster? Dali said I''ve become a bird person..."


    "..."


    Xiao Yi glared fiercely at the innocently faced Niu Dali beside him and gently rubbed her head, smiling, "How could my Qingzhu possibly be a monster? What''s important now is for you to rest well, understand?"


    "Yes!"


    Fang Qingzhu''s eyes curved like crescent moons, and she smiled sweetly.


    As long as she was with Xiao Yi, she was no longer the cold and detached ice maiden but became tender and obedient, a jade of a house.


    Xiao Yi rubbed her head again, "You rest well; I need to go cultivate in the back mountain!"


    "Yes! Xiao Yi, good luck!" Fang Qingzhu cheered him on, waving her small, pink fists.


    Xiao Yi nodded, left Little Lin with Fang Qingzhu, and gestured to Niu Dali and the others to go out with him.


    Outside the door.


    Xiao Yi, looking at the few who seemed like they''d done something wrong, said sternly, "From now on, no one is allowed to mention her transformation in front of Qingzhu, especially you, Dali... If you dare call her a bird person again, I will personally castrate you!"


    Niu Dali''s face fell, "I know..."


    Looking at the battered few, Xiao Yi sighed, "You should also rest well these days. In seven days, follow me to the Royal Martial Arts Academy!"


    "Yes!"


    As soon as the Royal Martial Arts Academy was mentioned, everyone''s fighting spirit was ignited, and they responded with vigor and enthusiasm.


    Xiao Yi made a beeline for the back mountain.


    Completely immersed in his cultivation, Xiao Yi had no idea that the news of his consecutive annihilation of the Jia Family, the Yun Family, and the Carefree Pavilion had already spread throughout the entire Royal City.


    Within the royal palace.


    Jiang Tianchen sat upright with tension, his fingers lightly tapping on the desk. He waved his hand at Li Qing, who had just finished reporting, "You may leave now."


    "Yes!"


    Li Qing immediately left.


    In the empty great hall, Jiang Tianchen suddenly burst into loud laughter, "What a Xiao Yi indeed, annihilating two clans on his own, crushing Xue Yilou. Hahaha, such is the genius that my Tianqing Kingdom should boast of!"


    "Has Your Majesty made up Your mind?" A gentle voice asked from the darkness.


    Jiang Tianchen nodded emphatically, saying, "Xue Yilou, relying on the forces behind them, acts wantonly, even daring to assassinate the members of my royal family. This is a provocation against my royal authority. Yet among the many talents in the country, who dares to be the enemy of Xue Yilou? Only Xiao Yi!"


    The voice from the darkness fell silent for a moment, then said, "The old one understands."


    Within a secluded courtyard.


    A figure in a red robe, eyes filled with resentment, gazed at the messenger hawk soaring high into the sky, "Xiao Yi? Daring to oppose my Xue Yilou, I will make sure you have no grave to bury!"


    Inside the Royal Martial Arts Academy.


    Zhou Yuan was sitting cross-legged in the secret chamber, his body bathed in a radiant glow, the vital energy he inhaled and exhaled was so vast that it turned into a thick mist filling the entire chamber.


    Above his dantian, the Golden Core had transformed into a Martial Dao Divine Fruit, and one of the ten rings of light on its surface had shattered, leaving only nine intact.


    This was the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    Using the power of heaven and earth to shatter the luminous shackles on the Martial Dao Divine Fruit, breaking and then establishing anew!


    Each shattered ring meant a step forward!


    Zhou Yuan had just entered the Tao Tribulation Realm, therefore there were still nine complete rings of light, while the shattered one had turned into specks of starlight, adhering to the Martial Dao Divine Fruit.


    Once all the rings are shattered, these specks will turn into Dao patterns.


    Only then will the Martial Dao Divine Fruit be truly perfected.


    Even though it was just his initial entry into the Tao Tribulation Realm,


    the current aura of Zhou Yuan was dozens of times stronger than before. Opening his eyes, a cold glint flashed past, causing Jiang Shanhe before him not to dare make eye contact, repeatedly cupping his hands, "Congratulations, Master, for advancing further on your illustrious path of cultivation!"


    "It is only because I consumed the Martial Dao Divine Fruit that I was able to step into the Tao Tribulation Realm so smoothly. But blessing and misfortune come hand in hand, relying on the Martial Dao Divine Fruit to enter the Tao Tribulation Realm means my future advancements will be exceedingly difficult!" Zhou Yuan said somberly.


    Jiang Shanhe clenched his teeth and said bitterly, "It''s all that Xiao Yi''s fault. If not for his aggression, would Master have destroyed his own prospects..."


    "Enough!"


    Zhou Yuan waved his hand and said sternly, "You just said Xiao Yi annihilated the Yun and Jia families, and also killed Yun He and Xue Chou?"


    "Yes!"


    Jiang Shanhe''s eyes took on a stern serious hue, "Master, Yun He might be a small concern, but the strength of Xue Chou... even if your disciple were to break through to the Tenth Layer of the Golden Core Realm, I would only just match him. If Xiao Yi could slay Xue Chou, I''m afraid I''m no match for him!"


    "Afraid of what?"


    Zhou Yuan''s gaze was icy cold, like a venomous snake lurking in the dark, waiting for an opportunity to strike, "Master has long been fully prepared. On the journey to the Tao Tribulation secret realm, Xiao Yi has killed many. The Tianlan Kingdom, Sword Mountain Manor, Nine Profound Sect, Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple... Now add Xue Yilou to that list. Perhaps you and I, master and disciple, won''t even need to lift a finger, as others will take his life!"


    "But if perchance..." Jiang Shanhe said with concern. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Having been previously defeated by Xiao Yi, an indelible shadow had been cast over his heart.


    "Perchance? Then we shall utilize every means to ensure an absolute success. You just need to..."


    Zhou Yuan revealed a sinister expression, whispering a few words into Jiang Shanhe''s ear. Extending his palm into the air, he suddenly clenched it shut. Countless vital energies condensed to the extreme before explosively bursting apart. A fierce wind stirred wildly, the vital energy surging like overwhelming clouds, "Besides, even should the unthinkable happen, there is still your master. With my current strength, crushing him would be like crushing an ant!"

 Chapter 119 - 119: Possessed by Evil?

    ```


    In the middle of the night.


    Despite the darkness, the entire Royal Capital was brightly lit, and countless individuals were unable to sleep this night.


    Tomorrow was the day of the challenge between Xiao Yi and the Royal Martial Arts Academy.


    Whether it was powerful martial artists or ordinary citizens, everyone was eagerly anticipating this moment.


    Ever since the decline of the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy five hundred years ago, no one had dared to challenge the authority of the Royal Martial Arts Academy. Xiao Yi''s emergence had become the hope to shake this overlord, and many were longing for him to accomplish this feat.


    Under that night sky...


    A few figures quietly left the Royal Capital, heading straight for the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy.


    Squeak, squeak, squeak!


    The silent Tianqi Martial Arts Academy was filled with the sounds of birds and insects.


    A gentle breeze blew through the leaves, accompanied by the rustling noises, it was exceptionally tranquil.


    In front of Fang Qingzhu''s separate dwelling, Fang Qingzhu, Niu Dali, the Shi Family''s four brothers, and the seventh prince Jiang Tai were seated around a bonfire.


    Niu Dali stared at the roaring flames before him, the orange-red glow reflecting on his face. Even though it was midnight, he was full of energy: "I just can''t fall asleep!"


    "Yeah, I''ve tried counting thousands of sheep while lying in bed, but still can''t sleep!" Shi Yaoqian yawned and said with a wry smile.


    Jiang Tai looked helplessly at everyone and saw Fang Qingzhu frowning slightly with a touch of worry between her brows. He then smiled and said, "Qingzhu, don''t worry too much. The Principal and I will also go there tomorrow. If Xiao runs into any danger, the Principal will definitely take action!"


    "Hmm!"


    Fang Qingzhu nodded. Just as she was about to speak, the Little Lin in her arms suddenly leapt out.


    The small creature was tense, standing upright, staring intently at the pitch-black sky, and hissing anxiously.


    "What''s going on?"


    "Is someone there?"


    Jiang Tai and the others'' expressions changed. They saw in the space under the starry sky, ten figures shot through the air. Leading them was the Great Prince Jiang Shanhe, clad in brocade robes, his face wore a cold expression: "All here? That saves me the trouble of looking for you all!"


    "Jiang Shanhe? What are you doing here?" Jiang Tai''s face changed, and he demanded.


    Although his cultivation had reached the Eighth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, the Jiang Shanhe before him had reached the Tenth Layer of the Golden Core Realm.


    Moreover...


    The nine people behind him, each one was a strong practitioner of the Golden Core Realm.


    All were celestial-level students of the Royal Martial Arts Academy.


    In contrast, they only had Jiang Tai and Little Lin with the combat prowess of the Golden Core Realm. Jiang Tai stepped in front of Fang Qingzhu and lowered his voice, "Qingzhu, we''ll hold them off. You run to the back mountain immediately."


    "Run? None of you are going anywhere!"


    Jiang Shanhe sneered, gesturing with his hand, "Leave Jiang Tai to me, take the others back. If they resist, kill them on the spot!"


    "Yes!"


    The nine Golden Core Realm experts attacked at the same time.


    "I''d like to see who dares to touch them!"


    Jiang Tai was furiously outraged, standing firm in front of everyone.


    Jiang Shanhe snorted, "You piece of garbage thinks you can stop me?"


    Hum!


    A silver energy swirled uncertainly in the palm of his hand, as the Tenth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm''s cultivation burst forth in an instant, a vast surge of energy rolling toward them. With Jiang Shanhe''s cultivation and strength far surpassing Jiang Tai''s, the latter had no chance to block him at all.


    Bang!


    A muffled sound.


    Jiang Tai was sent flying backward, trampled to the ground under Jiang Shanhe''s foot.


    At the same time.


    The other nine experts also captured Fang Qingzhu and the remaining people. Each one had a lute lock in their hand, piercing through everyone''s shoulder blades, sealing their cultivation. Fang Qingzhu''s shoulders were drenched in blood as she shouted towards the trembling Little Lin who was facing two Golden Core Realm experts, "Run... Little Lin, you need to run..."


    Hiss...


    Little Lin looked at Fang Qingzhu anxiously.


    As Fang Qingzhu''s complexion grew paler, though she had some days of recovery, she was still not fully healed, and she cried out, "Go find Xiao Yi..."


    Hiss!


    Little Lin swiftly slinked away to the side.


    ```


    "Think you can escape? Die!"


    Great Prince Jiang Shanhe pointed a finger, and his ice-cold elemental power transformed into a massive pillar, which with a booming sound, struck Little Lin. The attack sent Little Lin flying, pieces of its silver Scale Armor sprinkled with blood fell to the ground. After struggling for a moment on the ground, Little Lin vanished into the darkness with a swish.


    "Your Highness, the beast has escaped¡­" a Martial Artist of the Third Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm reported back, his pursuit fruitless.


    Jiang Shanhe waved his hand dismissively, "Just a beast; let it run. Take them all back immediately!" sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Yes!"


    Nine people flew away, escorting Fang Qingzhu, Niu Dali, and the four brothers of the Shi Family.


    "Jiang Shanhe, you''re shameless. If you''re so brave, go challenge Xiao directly. What kind of man does this make you?" Jiang Tai roared in humiliation and anger.


    "My dear brother, in this world, it''s survival of the fittest. Mercy is just asking for death!"


    With a sneer, Jiang Shanhe leaned forward, patting Jiang Tai''s face, "Didn''t you put all your hopes on Xiao Yi? Tell him I''ll be waiting at the Royal Martial Arts Academy, hahaha¡­"


    Whoosh!


    Jiang Shanhe rose into the sky and disappeared into the night.


    "Damn it¡­"


    Jiang Tai struggled to his feet, the suddenness of it all turning his face into an ugly grimace, "This is trouble¡­ With Fang Qingzhu in Jiang Shanhe''s hands, Xiao Yi will surely hesitate, what to do now?"


    Whoosh!


    Whoosh!


    Two sharp sounds of breaking through the air suddenly approached.


    It was Gu Junhe and Xiao Yi, one after the other, landing in the courtyard.


    Seeing the blood on Jiang Tai''s mouth and the footprint on his face, as well as the disheveled courtyard, Gu Junhe''s brow furrowed, "What exactly happened?"


    Xiao Yi, with the blood-covered Little Lin in his arms, urgently asked, "Where are Qingzhu and the others?"


    Jiang Tai said with self-reproach, "Headmaster, Xiao... it''s my fault for not being able to protect them. Just now, Jiang Shanhe and nine Martial Artists of the Golden Core Realm launched a surprise attack and captured Qingzhu and the others..."


    Gu Junhe''s expression turned extremely grim, "I apologize, I was busy with my cultivation and didn''t anticipate their shameless behavior, failing to save Qingzhu and the others in time..."


    "Don''t blame yourselves... I''m the only one to blame. I thought that after wiping out the Jia and Yun families along with Xue Yilou, no one would dare lay hands on Qingzhu and the rest... It''s all my fault... all my fault¡­" Xiao Yi said, blaming himself, slapping his head with his hands, his eyes bloodshot.


    Boom!


    Suddenly, a surge of elemental energy burst forth from Xiao Yi''s body.


    It turned into a tornado that enveloped his whole body.


    Dust was kicked up from the ground.


    Auras of Evil Qi swirled around him.


    The horrifying intent to kill caused the temperature in the vicinity to drop considerably.


    "Rage-driven madness?"


    Gu Junhe''s expression changed.


    Ordinary people, when faced with great upheaval, would go mad, commonly known as going insane!


    For Martial Artists caught in such a situation, it is referred to as rage-driven madness.


    At best, they would fall into the demonic path and become bloodthirsty demons; at worst, their cultivation would be completely destroyed, leaving them beyond redemption!


    Just as Gu Junhe was about to intervene.


    All 45,000 God Sealing Seeds inside Xiao Yi trembled simultaneously, and the figures sealed within the Seeds, including the Reaper Scholar, Bian He, and Sword Demon Dugu, all shone brilliantly.


    These radiant lights shrouded Xiao Yi.


    His body shook violently.


    Hum!


    Xiao Yi''s cultivation leaped forward, stepping into the Tenth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm.


    The fierce and violent aura within the air then finally dispersed.


    He had actually used the stimulation of rage to achieve a breakthrough in his realm.


    At the Tenth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, the power emanating from 50,000 God Sealing Seeds brought Xiao Yi''s combat strength to a higher level!


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath and exhaled, his clear eyes reflecting the flames scattered around. Underneath the orange glow of the flames, his lips curled into a subtle, sinister smile as he spoke in a cold and menacing tone, "Very well, Jiang Shanhe, very well, Royal Martial Arts Academy. I, Xiao Yi, swear here that if I do not slaughter every last one of you at the Royal Martial Arts Academy, I shall no longer consider myself human!"

 Chapter 120 - 120: Lifting a Mountain with One Hand

    The next day.


    Early morning.


    When the royal guards opened the city gates, they were collectively stunned.


    In front of the vast and huge Vermilion Bird Gate.


    Xiao Yi stood alone, with a ten-meter-high and five-meter-wide black stele behind him. The stele was starkly empty without any inscriptions, and a chain as thick as an arm connected Xiao Yi to the stele.


    One hand was gripping one end of the chain.


    With every step Xiao Yi took, the stele would boom loudly, leaving a fierce scar on the ground.


    Hiss!


    The guards responsible for opening the gates, as well as some strong individuals hurrying out of the city, couldn''t help but gasp for air, their faces filled with shock, "This stele must weigh at least several hundred thousand pounds, right? This is like dragging a small mountain!"


    "He must be a Golden Core Realm powerhouse, otherwise, it would be impossible to have such strength!"


    "I remember now, he is Xiao Yi!"


    "What? He is the Xiao Yi who is challenging the Royal Martial Arts Academy today? But why is he dragging such a huge stone..."


    The crowd quickly made way to both sides, whispering amongst themselves.


    The guard sergeant braced himself to approach and interrogate, "Xiao, this stele cannot go in..."


    "Move aside!"


    Xiao Yi''s step did not stop, his expression ice cold as he spoke.


    Fang Qingzhu and others were taken away by Jiang Shanhe, and the resentment and anger in his heart had been suppressed all night, no longer able to be contained.


    The guard sergeant''s face turned somewhat ugly, but under Xiao Yi''s cold aura, he dared not show the slightest displeasure, and said in a deep voice, "Xiao, please don''t make it difficult for me. This stele is so heavy that if dragged all the way in, Vermilion Bird Avenue will be ruined, and I cannot take responsibility for that!"


    Xiao Yi''s brows furrowed, glancing back behind him.


    Where the giant stone passed, a deep trench was left behind on the avenue, like a ferocious scar upon the road.


    Just as the guard sergeant had said, if he really dragged it all the way to the Royal Martial Arts Academy, Vermilion Bird Avenue would be destroyed! S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Xiao, what do you think..." the guard sergeant asked Xiao Yi anxiously.


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Then carry it!"


    "Carry, carry it? This thing?"


    The guard sergeant looked bewilderedly at the stone that was as tall as several floors, weighing several hundred thousand pounds. To drag it by one''s own strength already far exceeded the power of an ordinary Golden Core Realm cultivator.


    As for carrying it...


    Was that possible?


    Xiao Yi turned around and approached the underside of the giant stone. Standing in front of it, he was unbelievably small, and his right hand plunged into the stone like a steel spike.


    His muscles tensed instantly, and his veins popped out like writhing dragons. With a roar like thunder, he bellowed, "Lift!"


    Boom!


    The stone that weighed several hundred thousand pounds was forcibly lifted by Xiao Yi.


    Carrying the mountain with one arm, he moved forward.


    Each step made a thunderous rumble resonate.


    Amidst the booming sounds,


    Xiao Yi carried the giant stone into the city, each step leaving behind a deep pit.


    The guard sergeant had already forgotten to obstruct him, and it was not until he saw the sequence of deep pits that he collapsed on the ground, "Is this even humanly possible?"


    Such terrifying strength, the deafening noise, carrying several hundred thousand pounds of giant stone with just one''s power, he walked through Vermilion Bird Avenue.


    This scene had already attracted countless strong individuals.


    Thud!


    Thud!


    Thud!


    With every step that echoed, the ground trembled violently, and the houses on both sides of Vermilion Bird Avenue shook intensely with the steps.


    Tiles fell, tables and chairs bounced up, and people rushed out of their homes, "Is there an earthquake?"


    "No, no, look, someone''s carrying a mountain..."


    Unbeknownst to them,


    more and more people gathered behind Xiao Yi, forming a black iron flood trailing closely behind: "Xiao Yi is heading to the Royal Martial Arts Academy!"


    "What''s he doing with such a huge rock at the Royal Martial Arts Academy?"


    On his way there,


    a figure suddenly appeared ahead - it was Elder Wang.


    Elder Wang, looking at Xiao Yi carrying the giant rock on his shoulder, forced a wry smile: "Why torture yourself so? Can''t this be resolved?"


    Elder Wang had been trying to mediate these past days,


    but Zhou Yuan was resolute and wouldn''t heed his counsel.


    As for Xiao Yi...


    Elder Wang felt ashamed to face him.


    But today...


    on the day of Xiao Yi''s showdown with the Royal Martial Arts Academy, he had no choice but to step forward to prevent Xiao Yi from going to his death: "Xiao Yi, heed my advice, do not be obstinate. Zhou has entered the Tao Tribulation Realm, you can''t possibly be his match..."


    "Step aside!"


    Xiao Yi said indifferently.


    Elder Wang pressed on with a grave voice: "Xiao Yi, I''m trying to save you! Other than the Royal Martial Arts Academy, forces like Mingjian Manor, Nine Profound Sect, Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple, Tianlan Kingdom, Xue Yilou... their powerhouses all want your life, you..."


    "Thank you!"


    Xiao Yi nodded. He was aware that Elder Wang truly wanted to protect him, but the grudge between him, Zhou Yuan, and the others was irreconcilable, "Zhou Yuan has no shame, he attacked me and left me severely injured and then sent strong men to besiege me in the secret realm. Now, they have taken Qingzhu and my brothers. Today, nobody shall stop me from leveling the Royal Martial Arts Academy!"


    "I..."


    Before Elder Wang could finish, Xiao Yi stepped forward, and a powerful gust blew Elder Wang away.


    Elder Wang was dumbfounded.


    His cultivation wasn''t particularly strong; a warrior of the High-Layer Golden Core Realm could blow him away, but for Xiao Yi to do so with such ease, without Elder Wang even having the will to resist, was something not even those at the Golden Elixir Realm Peak could easily do.


    "His strength has become so terrifying? It''s only been half a year, hasn''t it? This..."


    Elder Wang closed his eyes in despair, "Zhou Yuan... you are leading the Royal Martial Arts Academy to its doom..."


    Xiao Yi suddenly stopped in his tracks.


    He scanned his surroundings.


    "Come out, you hidden rats!" Xiao Yi shouted coldly, like a muffled thunder.


    The once-bustling streets were now eerily silent on both sides.


    "Will you not show yourselves? Then don''t blame me!"


    Suddenly, Xiao Yi swung his arm, hurling the massive rock towards the side of a building, smashing it violently.


    With a massive roar, rows of houses were crushed to dust.


    The rock, propelled by Xiao Yi, rolled over the debris, leaving behind a trail of wreckage and scattered remains.


    With that single throw, he destroyed hundreds of civilian homes and killed dozens of strong men hidden in the dark.


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!


    Amidst the sound of tearing air, nearly a hundred powerful figures appeared before Xiao Yi.


    "Nine Profound Sect, Mingjian Manor... Just the two of you?" Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, observing the nearly hundred powerhouses in front of him.


    Jin Sheng, once beaten into a retreat by him, was among them.


    Besides him stood another powerhouse, at the Ninth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm - the Sect Master of the Nine Profound Sect, known as ''Nine''.


    On Mingjian Manor''s side was Elder Jian San among the crowd, along with several other strong individuals. The strongest among them was an old man in an elegant white robe, bearing the refined air of a sage with seven longswords on his back. This man was Feng Qingge, a peerless genius of Mingjian Manor!


    It was rumored that Feng Qingge had disappeared for a hundred years, yet today, he had also made his appearance here.


    "We two are more than enough!"


    ''Nine'' said, his eyes cold as ice and with an air of arrogance.


    Feng Qingge stood beside him, the seven longswords buzzing behind him, his chilling gaze fixed on Xiao Yi: "Xiao Yi, you''ve gone against the Tao, wantonly slain the innocent, your sins unforgivable. Today, we shall be the instruments of Heaven and take your damned life!"

 Chapter 121 - 121: The Child of Destiny

    "Upholding justice in place of the heavens? Uphold your mother''s justice!"


    Xiao Yi cursed aloud. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His words starkly interrupted Feng Qingge''s speech.


    Feng Qingge''s face stiffened, his air of an immortal marred in an instant, his face twisted with a ghastly expression as he roared, "Xiao Yi, you desecrated our Sword Mountain Manor''s ancestral sword burial ground, killed the four great Sword Sons and Manor Lord Zhuang Bifan. And now, without any sign of remorse, you attempt to overthrow the sacred martial arts site of Tianqing Kingdom. You are truly seeking your own death!"


    "Ask the old dog Jian San beside you why I destroyed the sword burial ground. As for the sacred martial arts site... Once I annihilate the Royal Martial Arts Academy, Tianqi Martial Arts Academy will naturally take its place as the new sacred site!" Xiao Yi said.


    "Arrogance!"


    Feng Qingge sneered, "You think you can level the Royal Martial Arts Academy? Such foolish wishful thinking!"


    Jiu Ye spoke impatiently, "Feng Qingge, why bother with pointless talk? Just kill him!"


    "Attack!"


    With a wave of Feng Qingge''s hand, nearly a hundred skilled subordinates stepped forward to engage.


    Jiu Ye and Feng Qingge also rose up with their troops.


    "Those who block my path shall die!"


    Xiao Yi held a boulder weighing a hundred thousand catties in his right hand, yet his figure was agile like an ape. With each step he took, his right arm swung fiercely forward.


    With every swing, the boulder cut through the air like a mobile mountain.


    Boom!


    Boom!


    Boom! Boom! Boom...


    With each fall of the huge rock, swathes of strong warriors had their lives snuffed out.


    The almost hundred warriors couldn''t form any sort of resistance.


    Xiao Yi brutally blazed a trail of blood, the stone drenched in blood, with bits of crushed flesh and severed limbs embedded in its surface.


    "Run..."


    "We can''t stop him; he''s a madman..."


    Among the crowd, Jian San''s face was filled with despair as he turned to flee.


    Xiao Yi had already had him in his sights, the huge rock plummeting down and smashing Elder Jian San into a pulp with a thud. Instantly, of the nearly hundred strong adversaries, only Feng Qingge and Jiu Ye remained standing. Xiao Yi, maintaining his grip on the boulder, beckoned at the two of them, "Your turn!"


    Hiss!


    The two exchanged a glance.


    Who had ever seen someone wield a mountain as a weapon?


    But they were, after all, high-ranking practitioners in the High-Layer Golden Core Realm, seasoned in countless battles, their combat prowess far beyond ordinary people.


    "Jiu Ye, we must join forces, no holding back!" Feng Qingge said solemnly.


    Jiu Ye nodded firmly with a grave expression, "Rest assured. As long as we kill him, his secret of how he broke through from the Physical Body Realm to the Golden Core Realm in merely one year will fall into our hands. By then, both Sword Mountain Manor and the Nine Profound Sect will surely rise to a new height!"


    "Good!"


    The two attacked Xiao Yi from the left and the right simultaneously.


    Jiu Ye practiced the ''Nine Lives Phantom Divine Skill'', which allowed him to manifest nine shadows, each possessing fifty percent of his power.


    Nine figures of Jiu Ye lined up in a row, all bristling with killing intent.


    Feng Qingge was the peerless sword genius.


    With a flick of his fingers as if holding a sword, seven longswords unsheathed themselves from behind him.


    Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!


    The swords wailed as they rent the sky.


    The seven longswords stood side by side like seven scorching suns between heaven and earth, charging straight toward Xiao Yi.


    The two''s combined onslaught was dazzlingly brilliant and overwhelming.


    It was relentless.


    Within the crowd, as they beheld this spectacular assault, exclamations erupted, "Truly formidable veterans who have made a name for themselves over the years! Just dealing with Jiu Ye''s Phantom Divine Skill is already difficult. And there''s the sword prodigy from a century ago, Feng Qingge. With the two of them teaming up, Xiao Yi is in danger!"


    "It''s truly a heart-pounding situation! Who would have thought that even before reaching the Royal Martial Arts Academy, he''d be intercepted by such powerful opponents."


    "It looks like it''s not just a matter of whether he can level the Royal Martial Arts Academy; the real question is whether he can survive and reach the Royal Martial Arts Academy..."


    "Master, shouldn''t we intervene?" Jiang Tai asked in a deep voice, hidden within the crowd.


    Gu Junhe squinted his eyes and shook his head slightly.


    His gaze penetrated the crowd as he watched Xiao Yi who effortlessly lifted mountains. He couldn''t help but recall how, not long ago while passing a small mountain, Xiao Yi had uprooted it entirely.


    Such strength was far beyond the Golden Core Realm!


    If Xiao Yi did not seem to have the aura of the Martial Dao Divine Fruit about him, Gu Junhe would have suspected that Xiao Yi had already ascended to the realm of Dao Tribulation.


    "Royal Martial Arts Academy, Zhou Yuan¡­ driving away Xiao Yi will likely be the most foolish decision of your lives!" Gu Junhe murmured to himself, "Hm... maybe the one to regret the most should be the Xiao Family of the Great Qian Dynasty? To go from the Physical Body Realm to the Tenth Layer of the Golden Core Realm in one year... Such talent makes even Xiao Tianjiaao pale in comparison. If Xiao Zhengde knew he had treated such a monstrous son as trash and given him away to the Fang Family as a son-in-law, I wonder what his expression would be like?"


    Initially, the Fang Family had widely publicized their marital alliance with the Xiao Family.


    This piece of news that Xiao Yi came from the Xiao Family of the Great Qian Dynasty was not a secret to Gu Junhe and the others.


    It was simply because of Xiao Tianjiao that not many knew the man was actually the brother of Xiao Tianjiao.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Series of loud noises interrupted Gu Junhe''s thoughts, and he sharply turned his gaze forward.


    On the ground, there were two huge pits, each more than ten meters deep; amidst the swirling dust and smoke, Xiao Yi picked up the gigantic rock.


    With one hand, he lifted the boulder and strode away.


    Within those deep pits...


    Feng Qingge and the Ninth Elder had already been reduced to two puddles of flesh.


    Hisss!


    The group of powerful individuals gathered behind Xiao Yi could only feel their scalps tingle; these were two Ninth Layer of the Golden Core Realm powerhouses that had been smashed into a paste after just a few moves by Xiao Yi.


    "Just how strong is this Xiao Yi?"


    "With such terrifying strength, he might really have a chance to flatten the Royal Martial Arts Academy!"


    The opinions of the crowd began to change from initially thinking that Xiao Yi was courting death.


    This is absolute power!


    Passing through Vermilion Bird Avenue, more than a thousand meters from the Royal Martial Arts Academy, the grand architectural complex of the academy could vaguely be seen. In front of Xiao Yi, there appeared a youthful monk dressed in Buddhist robes with a handsome face. He sat properly in front of a short table, on which rested a bright red wooden fish.


    Clack clack clack!


    Each strike of the wooden fish emitted a crisp sound.


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, "Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple?"


    "Amitabha!"


    The handsome monk slowly stood up with his hands pressed together and a kind smile, "This humble monk is Dao Yun, a Buddhist disciple from the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple."


    "He''s actually a disciple from the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple?"


    "The Buddhist disciples of the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple are detached from worldly matters, unwilling even to be listed on the Teng Long List, always worshiping Buddha at the temple. I didn''t expect him to come here!"


    "It seems like there are not a few who wish for Xiao Yi''s life!"


    Although Dao Yun was not on the Teng Long List, his reputation was not shallow.


    Merely the title of a Buddhist disciple already set him apart.


    "Monk Dao Yun, are you also here to stop me?" Xiao Yi said impatiently.


    He disliked those from the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple who had the appearance of being virtuous.


    "Amitabha!"


    Dao Yun smiled, "Several days ago, while worshiping Buddha, this humble monk received a vision of the Buddha in a dream. Buddha said, ''Xiao is a great demon of this world, destined to bring disaster to the living. This humble monk has come here following the Buddha''s decree to take Xiao and suppress him beneath a Buddhist stupa and convert him with the Buddhist Law...''"


    "I convert your mom!"


    Xiao Yi snorted coldly and suddenly stomped forward.


    Dao Yun''s cultivation was indeed not weak, having reached the Tenth Layer of the Golden Core Realm.


    Even stronger than Jiang Shanhe before his breakthrough.


    He was enveloped in golden light, utilizing the Buddhist Canon''s Vajra Secret, like a Vajra descending, trying to lift Xiao Yi with hands propped towards the heavens: "Amitabha, the Buddha was right, the donor really is a great demon... Let me use Buddhist Law to... fuck..."


    Mid-sentence, Dao Yun''s face suddenly changed.


    His hands failed to overturn Xiao Yi, instead, they experienced a sharp pain as he was forcefully kicked away by Xiao Yi''s foot.


    What followed...


    A fierce force crashed down on his chest.


    Wow!


    Dao Yun spat out blood violently, trampled to the ground by Xiao Yi''s foot, bleeding from all orifices, his face filled with confusion: "Weren''t you just at the Four Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm? How... how can you be so strong?"


    "Go ask your Buddha in the Western Paradise!"


    The gigantic stone in Xiao Yi''s hand was about to fall.


    In this moment of life and death.


    "Stop!"


    Dao Yun placed his hand in front of him and said with righteous indignation, "Donor Xiao, this humble monk is not afraid of death. If my death can dispel the resentment in you, I am willing to die!"


    These impassioned, righteous words immediately touched many: "Worthy of a Buddhist disciple, indeed profound in Buddhist Law!"


    "This is how a Buddhist prodigy should act, unlike those fake monks, with feigned benevolence and righteousness, but when it comes to their own interests, they are worse than ordinary people..."


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes and said, "Then go die!"


    Hum!


    The boulder swung, creating a fierce wind.


    Dao Yun''s complexion turned from green to white, and suddenly he yelled: "Donor Xiao, wait..."


    "Hmm?"


    Xiao Yi frowned and looked at him, "Didn''t you say you would resolve my resentment with your life?"


    Dao Yun took a deep breath and said seriously, "In the moment between life and death, this humble monk has broken through the Zen mystery. The Buddha told this humble monk, ''Donor Xiao is not a great demon; you are the child of destiny of this era. The Buddha commands this humble monk to support Donor Xiao with all his might.''" As he spoke, regardless of the stunned onlookers, he kneeled before Xiao Yi with a thud.


    Bowing deeply to the ground, he said in a loud voice that resonated between heaven and earth: "Dao Yun greets the child of destiny, my lord!"


    Watching the meticulously kneeling Dao Yun, Xiao Yi''s eye corner twitched fiercely: "..."

 Chapter 122 - 122: Corpses for Graves, Bloodstains on the Epitaph!

    Xiao Yi: "..."


    He had seen shameless people, but he had never seen such shamelessness!


    The surrounding onlookers were dumbfounded, as the image they had of the disciples from the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple crumbled completely. They had never expected that just a moment ago, this disciple appeared as if a living Buddha descended to Earth,


    yet at this moment, he was so shameless.


    What happened to the fearsome Great Demon?


    What happened to converting with Buddhist Law?


    In the blink of an eye, he became a favored child of destiny? This great monk who came to vanquish demons, he just recognized him as his master?


    Within the crowd.


    Jiang Tai was utterly dumbfounded: "Holy shit! Is this Dao Yun really so shameless?"


    Gu Junhe glanced at him but replied nonchalantly, "Haven''t you seen the true colors of those people from Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple? They go on and on about the boundlessness of the Buddhist Law, the salvation of all beings, staying detached from the world... but whenever there''s a precious treasure to be found, are they ever not fighting and scrambling for it?"


    Jiang Tai grunted and touched his nose: "Seems like it... "


    He looked at Dao Yun with a strange expression.


    Dao Yun lifted his head, brought his palms together in front of his chest, slightly tilted his head with a bloodied face, and forced a splendid smile, blinking as he said: "Master! Little Yunyun has long been displeased with the Royal Martial Arts Academy, please allow Little Yunyun to take the lead in storming through the gates of the Royal Martial Arts Academy!"


    Xiao Yi felt his scalp tingle.


    Little Yunyun?


    Master?


    Bang!


    Xiao Yi, suppressing the urge to vomit, kicked Dao Yun flying: "Get the hell away from me¡­"


    "As you wish, Master!"


    Dao Yun soared into the sky like a runaway horse, and in the blink of an eye, he had vanished.


    This damn guy has completely fled!


    Xiao Yi''s eyes twitched: "..."


    He had never imagined that a disciple from the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple would turn out to be such a character.


    Phew!


    Xiao Yi looked up toward the Royal Martial Arts Academy, which was now faintly visible ahead: "There should be no one left to stop me now, right?"


    As he had expected.


    Along the way, Xiao Yi had slain Ninth Master and Feng Qingge one after another, and even trampled over the disciple Dao Yun. The news had already reached ahead, and the powerful figures who had been lying in wait had all withdrawn.


    The path was clear and unobstructed, and he finally arrived at the outskirts of the Royal Martial Arts Academy.


    Gazing at the high walls, grand courtyard, and descending stairway to the sky.


    Xiao Yi let out a long breath of turbid air.


    A few months ago.


    The memories of his first visit to the Royal Martial Arts Academy returned to him, but back then Xiao Yi had come to take the assessment. Now, returning to the same place, he was here to destroy what the people of Tianqing Kingdom considered a martial sanctuary!


    Rustle!


    The moment Xiao Yi reached the gate, the strong within the Royal Martial Arts Academy had already been notified.


    A horde of disciples swarmed out like a black tide, spreading out to both sides like a steel flood which surged from the gates and dispersed to the left and right.


    They resembled two long snakes proceeding from both sides, encircling Xiao Yi in the middle.


    The Royal Martial Arts Academy boasted over sixty thousand teachers and students, and excluding those in the Qi Gathering Realm from the lower academies, there were over thirteen thousand in the Shentong Realm and above.


    At this moment, there were no fewer than four thousand gathered before him.


    And on either side of that stairway, every step was flanked by two formidable figures, standing to the left and right.


    The further towards the end of the stairway, the stronger their power.


    "It seems the Royal Martial Arts Academy is well-prepared!"


    "In five hundred years, this is the first time someone dares challenge the Royal Martial Arts Academy, they naturally can''t tarnish their reputation!"


    "Although Xiao Yi''s power exceeds our expectations, he is still just one person after all... "


    Amidst the chatter,


    a middle-aged woman dressed in black emerged from the powerhouses of the Royal Martial Arts Academy. Her build was even more robust than many men, with muscles rippling across her frame and cold eyes resting on the giant boulder in Xiao Yi''s hands. She frowned slightly, "Do you bring your own tombstone, knowing you''re courting death?"


    "This is prepared for you all!"


    Xiao Yi shook his head, squinting, "Where is my wife and brothers?"


    "Them? His Highness the Crown Prince has ordered that should you make it to the end of the stairway, you will naturally see them!" S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The middle-aged woman pointed behind her to the dense crowd of strong individuals and scoffed, "But, I''m afraid you won''t be seeing them!"


    ```


    Clang!


    Xiao Yi transferred the huge rock to his left hand and, with the Fire Qilin Sword in his right, swept a blood-red sword rainbow across the sky, declaring coldly, "Whether you can see it or not, ask my sword in hand!"


    The middle-aged woman shook her head, "You are deluded. Since you are so eager to meet death, I shall grant your wish!"


    She raised her right hand high, "Offenders of the Royal Martial Arts Academy¡ªshall be killed without mercy!"


    Clang, clang!


    The warriors of the Royal Martial Arts Academy encircling Xiao Yi, as well as those standing on the stairway to heaven, all drew their weapons in unison.


    "Kill!"


    "Kill!"


    "Kill!"


    Cries of thunderous rage rolled like claps of thunder on a clear day.


    "Kill!"


    The middle-aged woman swung her arm fiercely, and a longsword materialized in her palm, shooting out like a silver serpent towards Xiao Yi. She was an elder of the Royal Martial Arts Academy, with the cultivation of the Fifth Layer of the Golden Core Realm, skilled in spear techniques, and held considerable prestige within the academy.


    Whoosh!


    The silver spear light sprawled across the void, twisting like a dragon emerging from the sea.


    Her spear moved incredibly fast.


    Surpassing the group of disciples from the Royal Martial Arts Academy who were rushing towards Xiao Yi, as the silver spear light approached, he lightly tapped forward with the Fire Qilin Sword in his hand, "Claiming lives!"


    Ding!


    A crisp sound, like the needle''s point touching the wheat awn.


    Where the tip of the sword met the tip of the spear, two waves of energy burst outward.


    The force of the blast sent several of the nearby academy warriors flying, and Xiao Yi took the chance to spin, smashing the huge rock in his left hand through the air.


    Boom!


    The rock descended like a world-ending meteor.


    Its speed and power were astonishingly terrifying!


    Wherever the rock passed, it utterly crushed everything in its path.


    "No..."


    "Save me..."


    One after another, the strong warriors of the Royal Martial Arts Academy faced the onslaught of the rock, their weapons shattering, their bodies pulverized into mush.


    With each person he killed, Xiao Yi took a step forward.


    One step, ten deaths.


    What he left behind was a scattered field of corpses, and rivers of blood.


    Ten.


    A hundred.


    A thousand...


    Xiao Yi''s body was completely drenched in blood, and the number of strong warriors dead by his hand had reached more than fifteen hundred.


    He had almost wiped out half of those who had blocked the mountain gate; the nauseating stench of blood lingered in the air, suffocating.


    "Solitary Nine Swords¡ªBreaking Spear Skill!"


    The angle of Xiao Yi''s sword was exceedingly tricky. Using the sword''s body and his own formidable strength, he deflected the middle-aged woman''s spear. Burgeoning forward, he closed the distance between them and swept his sword, bisecting the woman.


    "How is this possible..." The middle-aged woman''s face was filled with bewilderment and despair.


    Xiao Yi, with the giant rock in one hand and the blood-dripping sword in the other, stepped over the spread of corpses. His bloodied gaze swept across the group of powerhouses on the heavenly stairway, and his deep voice thundered like the roar of celestial thunder, "Today, I, Xiao Yi, shall cleanse the Royal Martial Arts Academy in blood. This will be your gravestone!"


    Whoosh!


    The Fire Qilin Sword in his hand burst forth with a blood-red sword light, carving on the boulder¡ªHHere Lies the Royal Martial Arts Academy in bold characters!


    The letters were deep, dark, and gloomy.


    But Xiao Yi furiously swung the boulder down, smashing it mightily, the corpses becoming minced flesh embedded in the deep lettering.


    Gradually, the dark lettering was filled in, cast in the fresh, bloody red flesh.


    Xiao Yi looked towards the stairway to heaven,


    Striding proudly.


    In his wake...


    Corpses for gravestones.


    Blood for inscriptions!


    ```

 Chapter 123 - 123 The End of the Heavenly Ladder

    Only the strong at the foot of the mountain had already scattered and fled.


    These low-level disciples had long been terrified by the killings and dared not block Xiao Yi''s path in the slightest.


    Above the Heavenly Ladder.


    All of them were at least at the Shentong Realm, among them many powerful figures with golden light circling their bodies, unmistakably from the Golden Core Realm.


    Although among the disciples of the Royal Martial Arts Academy, there were only a few dozen with a cultivation level above the Golden Core Realm.


    But that was only among the currently enrolled disciples.


    Among the strong who had graduated in previous years, there were also many who dominated on their own.


    This time, Xiao Yi stormed the Royal Martial Arts Academy, and these strong individuals who had graduated years ago responded by returning one after another.


    "His Highness said, if you can reach the end of the Heavenly Ladder, you will see your wife and friends. However, I am afraid you won''t make it to the end!" two powerful beings at the Third Layer of the Golden Core Realm sneered continuously.


    "Noise!"


    Xiao Yi swept across with his sword.


    Two blood-drenched heads rolled down, their expressions still locked in a smug sneer.


    They simply intended to provoke Xiao Yi; they never expected him to act immediately and take their lives.


    "Demon!"


    "This man is a Great Demon of our time, kill him!" sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Kill..."


    Above the Heavenly Ladder.


    With every step Xiao Yi took, opponents charged at him.


    A tidal wave of sword and saber radiance merged and surged, rolling furiously towards him.


    Xiao Yi walked as though he was the very person who commands the tides, his head held high.


    Everywhere he passed, a sword strike would resolve the opponent.


    His gaze was fixed on the end of the Heavenly Ladder, for reaching that point meant seeing Fang Qingzhu and the others.


    "Xiao Yi, you..."


    Two powerful beings at the Peak of the Divine Ability Realm barely began speaking before they were crushed to death under Xiao Yi''s foot.


    He had no inclination for parley.


    Whenever he struck, it was with full force.


    A deadly blow!


    Instant kill!


    An immediate kill...


    The opponents in front of him grew stronger, but he was also getting closer to the end of the Heavenly Ladder.


    Swish! Swish!


    Amid the fierce sound of tearing through the air, a full thirty beings at the Peak of the Divine Ability Realm swarmed toward him, each pair wielding a large metal net. Amidst the clanging sounds, fifteen metal nets were flung toward Xiao Yi, their mesh so tough that even the Fire Qilin Sword could not split it at that moment.


    "Die!"


    "Xiao Yi, this is the fate of those who defy the authority of the Royal Martial Arts Institute..."


    Two strong beings at the Sixth Layer of the Golden Core Realm burst forth from behind the thirty, closely following in order to wait until everyone else had bound Xiao Yi, then they would strike to kill him.


    However...


    The moment the two appeared...


    The layered metal nets in front of them were violently shredded by a burst of crimson sword light; the frigid sword gleam took the lives of those thirty beings at the Divine Ability Realm.


    Xiao Yi simultaneously hurled a boulder.


    Boom!


    The boulder brutally crushed one of the powerful beings at the Sixth Layer of the Golden Core Realm into pieces, while his cold gaze turned to the remaining individual.


    That person trembled all over, pupils drastically constricting, the earlier bravado and confidence gone, replaced by horror and fear, and despair, "I, I surrender..."


    With an expressionless face, Xiao Yi slashed with his sword, splitting the man in two, walking past him, "Sorry, it''s too late!"


    Thud!


    The powerful being at the Sixth Layer of the Golden Core Realm''s body lay in halves on a pool of blood.


    Sweeping through.


    Xiao Yi had lost count of how many strong beings he had killed; he had completely become a bloodied figure, but the blood was all from his enemies. The pungent stench of blood lingered in the air, nauseating. Xiao Yi looked ahead with pride. There were only the last ten steps to the end of the Heavenly Ladder, "Qingzhu, I''m coming!"


    Whoosh! Whoosh!


    Suddenly, ten figures appeared in front of Xiao Yi.


    They were the powerful warriors guarding the last ten levels of the heavenly staircase.


    Each of them was above the Seventh Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, including two at the Ninth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm. All were prominent officials in charge of different regions in the Tianqing Kingdom.


    They were once disciples of the Royal Martial Arts Academy.


    A woman clad in silver armor, heavily made-up, turned to the man in golden armor beside her, "Big brother, this kid is a tough cookie!"


    "With such talent, if he could become a disciple of our Royal Martial Arts Academy, his future prospects would be boundless. Alas... Zhou Xin and Jia Sidao have missed a vital opportunity for our Royal Martial Arts Academy''s rise..."


    The man in golden armor sighed. He was one of the three great commanders of the Tianqing Kingdom, "But no matter how talented you are, defying our Royal Martial Arts Academy means only one thing¡ª a dead end. Little sister, don''t fight with me for his head later..."


    "Hahaha, then it''s each to their own abilities!" the woman in silver armor laughed.


    The man in golden armor grinned, "Let''s see who kills him first, then my century-old Ling Monkey Brew will belong to them!"


    "I want that wine!"


    "No one dare try to steal it from me..."


    The ten people were brimming with confidence.


    The weakest among them was at the Seventh Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, and they were all seasoned warriors who had returned from the battlefield. In their eyes, even if they faced someone at the peak of the Golden Elixir Realm, they dared to engage in battle.


    "Trade my head for wine?"


    Xiao Yi''s eyes were filled with a bloody light, and the corners of his mouth curled up into a grim, cold smile, "Let me send you to hell for Meng Po Soup instead!"


    Xiao Yi leapt into the air.


    Huge stones smashed against the attacks of the few, and amid a series of booming noises, the stele shattered considerably.


    And just as their attacks ended.


    Xiao Yi swiftly took back his boulder, swung his longsword widely, slashing out a fan-shaped wave of red sword light.


    Pfft pfft pfft!


    Blood spurted out like fountains.


    This sword bisected six people at the waist.


    Hisss!


    The remaining four took in sharp breaths of cold air. The woman in silver armor, clutching the ghastly wound on her belly, with intestines and blood uncontrollably pouring out, wore a look of utter despair, "Save me... Brother, save me..."


    "Damn..."


    The man from the Jin Family''s expression changed drastically as he rushed towards her.


    Xiao Yi''s sword edge was already upon them.


    At the critical moment.


    The man in golden armor steeled his heart and threw the woman in silver armor towards the sword edge.


    "No..."


    The woman in silver armor let out a scream of despair as Xiao Yi bisected her with one sword stroke.


    The man in golden armor wore a face full of terror; he was the youngest of the three great commanders and could even have become the military''s number one in the future.


    How could he lose his life here?


    The man in golden armor bellowed, "Xiao Yi, I''m leaving now, let me go..."


    "Sorry, I don''t agree!"


    Xiao Yi swung the boulder down fiercely, smashing the man in golden armor from midair while his right hand''s Fire Qilin Sword emitted a swirl of fiery sword light. With a crisp pfft, the man in golden armor was cleaved in two, and as his body fell from the sky...


    The remaining few also died at the hands of Xiao Yi.


    Open space lay before him.


    Whew!


    Xiao Yi exhaled a breath of turbid air and strode like a dragon and a tiger to the end of the heavenly staircase, and with a thump, he threw the blood-stained gravestone onto the ground.


    The whole world trembled with a roar.


    At this moment...


    The Royal Martial Arts Academy was utterly silent.


    Xiao Yi had truly swept through thousands of the Royal Martial Arts Academy''s warriors single-handedly and reached the end of the heavenly staircase.


    This was something no one had dared to believe beforehand.


    But he had indeed done it!


    Standing proudly at the end of the heavenly staircase, Xiao Yi surveyed his surroundings and spoke coldly, "Jiang Shanhe, I''m coming for you!"

 Chapter 124 - 124: Dare to Fight?

    "Jiang Shanhe, I''m here!"


    Xiao Yi''s voice, like rolling thunder, echoed across the skies above the Royal Martial Arts Academy.


    Clang!


    The tightly closed doors of the grand hall burst open.


    There stood Jiang Shanhe, who had brought with him a luxurious chair, sitting on it with all the grandeur of a king.


    Jiang Shanhe glanced at the huge tombstone and the river of blood and corpses that stretched across the entire staircase, his pupils violently contracting. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He had seen the battle earlier from the shadows, clear as day.


    If before...


    He had broken through to the Tenth Layer of the Golden Core Realm, holding a seventy percent certainty of defeating Xiao Yi.


    But now...


    Jiang Shanhe only held a fifty percent certainty.


    However.


    He was not the least bit panicked.


    Jiang Shanhe confidently smiled and said, "I didn''t expect you to really make it here!"


    Xiao Yi asked, "Where are they?"


    "Don''t rush!"


    Jiang Shanhe smiled and gently clapped his hands.


    Boom boom boom!


    A series of loud noises came from inside the grand hall, as six prison carts were slowly pushed out.


    Each prison cart was jet-black, made of Xuanming iron, exceptionally sturdy¡ªso much so that a Golden Core Realm expert trapped inside would find it difficult to escape.


    At each corner of the prison cart, there was a strong guard standing watch.


    The moment Xiao Yi saw the prison carts, his eyes turned completely blood-red, his breathing rapid and heavy.


    His fists clenched tightly, the bones cracking, his muscles and veins pulsing wildly.


    The flames of his rage seemed almost tangible.


    Within the prison carts...


    Fang Qingzhu, Niu Dali, and the four brothers of the Shi Family were all trapped inside.


    On both sides of each person''s shoulders, they were pierced through by pipa locks, as thick as an adult''s forearm, brutally penetrating their shoulders. The blood had already dried up, turning into dark red scabs, and the other end of the pipa locks was connected to the wheels of the carts.


    Every time the wheels rolled, they dragged at their wounds.


    Each rotation of the wheels was a heart-wrenching, agonizing pain for them.


    Apart from the pipa locks.


    The prison cart also had sharp spikes pointing toward their bodies. Even a slight heave of the chest during breathing would cause their flesh to be pierced by the spikes, leaving no part of their body unscathed.


    "Xiao, Xiao Yi..."


    Fang Qingzhu saw Xiao Yi, guilt filling her eyes, and with a hoarse voice, she shouted with the last of her strength, "Go... Xiao Yi, leave quickly..."


    Niu Dali just looked up, only for several spikes to pierce through his neck, blood gushing out, as he hysterically roared, "Boss, get out of here... Zhou Yuan has already broken through to the Tao Tribulation Realm, run..."


    "Get out..."


    "Go..."


    Whether it was Fang Qingzhu, Niu Dali, or the four brothers of the Shi Family, they all used every ounce of their strength to urge Xiao Yi to leave.


    "Too noisy!"


    Jiang Shanhe dug at his ear, saying impatiently.


    The strong guards surrounding the prison carts acted at the same time, lifting the carts and violently kicking the wheels.


    Clang clang clang...


    The wheels spun rapidly, making the chains of the pipa locks clank, cruelly tearing open their wounds once again.


    Blood gushed forth like a fountain.


    The pain caused them to faint, only to be awoken again by the excruciating agony.


    Xiao Yi''s heart bled!


    He watched helplessly as Fang Qingzhu and the others were tortured inhumanely before him.


    His eyes deep red, he exclaimed, "Jiang Shanhe, if you''ve got the guts, come at me. What kind of man does this?"


    "The victor becomes king, the defeated an outlaw; as long as victory is achieved, any means is fair game, isn''t it?"


    Jiang Shanhe casually waved his hand, and the people placed the prison carts down, yet their blades rested on the necks of Fang Qingzhu and the others.


    Jiang Shanhe took out an incense burner.


    He lit a stick of incense.


    Wearing a brilliant smile on his face, he stood up while twisting his neck and stretching his limbs, speaking indifferently, "Xiao Yi, you want to save them, don''t you? Come, let''s battle. If you can defeat me within the time it takes for this incense stick to burn, I will spare them. Of course, if you lose, not only will you die, but they will have to accompany you in death."


    "Fine!"


    Xiao Yi said in a deep voice.


    With his current strength, slaying Jiang Shanhe was nothing more than a trivial task.


    However...


    Jiang Shanhe, however, shook his head with a smile and said, "I haven''t finished speaking! The Fire Qilin Sword in your hand is a fifth-grade prime weapon, which would be a huge unfair advantage against me."


    "What do you want?" Xiao Yi frowned and asked.


    Jiang Shanhe threw out a wooden sword, smiling, "Use it to fight me!"


    As he said this,


    he pulled out the black Coiling Dragon Spear in his hand, which turned out to be a fifth-grade Yuan weapon.


    Inside the prison cart, Niu Dali endured the acute pain and roared angrily, "Damn it, Jiang Shanhe, can you be any more shameless? You let the boss use a piece of wood as a weapon, while you arm yourself with a fifth-grade Yuan weapon?"


    "Did I allow you to speak? Slap him!" Jiang Shanhe said indifferently.


    The guard next to Niu Dali''s prison cart immediately made his move.


    Slap slap slap!


    A series of consecutive slaps rendered Niu Dali unconscious.


    Jiang Shanhe made a welcoming gesture, "Do you dare to fight?"


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath and exhaled turbid air, planting the Fire Qilin Sword into the ground and picking up the wooden sword on the ground.


    The wooden sword was exceptionally light, covered with cracks.


    It seemed as if it could split apart at any moment.


    Jiang Shanhe revealed a cold smile of conspiracy succeeded; with a leap, he instantly arrived in front of Xiao Yi. However, he did not close in, even though Xiao Yi had discarded the Fire Qilin Sword. He still maintained the most cautious approach, leveraging the Black Coiling Dragon Spear''s advantage of an inch longer being an inch stronger, keeping as much distance between them as possible.


    The black spear was like an angry dragon emerging from the sea.


    The dark gleam skimmed just above the ground, sending dust whirling in its wake, the ground itself being peeled away layer by thick layer.


    This dust, under the power of Yuan energy, aggregated into a mass, forming a rolling, surging wave of soil.


    Sharp spear gleams hid within the soil wave.


    Xiao Yi kept retreating, avoiding the rolling waves of soil, relying on the advantage of his movement technique to thwart Jiang Shanhe''s several attacks.


    Jiang Shanhe huffed angrily.


    The strong men guarding the prison cart raised it up and kicked at the wheels fiercely.


    Clang! Clang! Clang!


    The wheels tumbled violently, pulling on the pipa locks, making Niu Dali and the others scream in pain, but Fang Qingzhu kept biting her lips, her pale pretty face completely contorted with pain, yet she resolutely refrained from letting out even a single cry of pain.


    She was afraid her screams would disturb Xiao Yi''s mind.


    "Jiang! Shan! He!"


    Xiao Yi bellowed with a heart-wrenching howl.


    His heart was bleeding!


    "Shout! The louder you scream, the angrier you get, the more excited I become! Hahaha..."


    Jiang Shanhe laughed with arrogance, having captured Fang Qingzhu and the others exactly for this moment, right?


    To make Xiao Yi hesitate, to disrupt his mind.


    In the battle between masters, victory often hinges on a single thought.


    As long as he affected Xiao Yi''s mind, in a battle where the combatants were equally matched, the scales of victory would naturally tip in his favor!


    However...


    Jiang Shanhe had calculated everything but had never anticipated that Xiao Yi had inherited the legacy of the Sword Demon Dugu.


    The Sword Demon Dugu had practiced sword all his life.


    By his late years, he had already reached a realm comparable to the third stage of Sword Intent, where one is at unity with the sword¡ªanything could become a sword!


    "Demon Dragon Creates Havoc in the Sea!"


    Yuan energy vast as misty waves surrounded Jiang Shanhe. The Black Coiling Dragon Spear in his hand seemed to merge with his body. With a whoosh, the spear tore through the Yuan energy mist in front of him. With a resounding boom, the spear, carrying a terrifying destructive force, thrust straight towards Xiao Yi''s heart.


    Xiao Yi faced forward, holding up the wooden sword.


    Jiang Shanhe burst into laughter, "Idiot, the thing in your hand is not a fifth-grade Yuan weapon; it''s just a wooden sword. You think you can block my attack?"


    "Who said a wooden sword can''t stop you?"


    Xiao Yi suddenly smiled coldly, his face full of mockery.


    "Huh?"


    Jiang Shanhe was taken aback, but that wooden sword didn''t try to counter the spear head-on and instead lightly tapped the spear''s body. Using the recoil, Xiao Yi soared into the air, stepping on the spear and moving as fast as the wind.


    In the blink of an eye.


    Xiao Yi had already appeared in front of Jiang Shanhe, their faces almost touching.


    "Not good..."


    Jiang Shanhe''s expression changed dramatically. In his pupils, the wooden sword, which could shatter at any moment, transformed into a deadly blade that grew larger and larger as it aimed for the center of his forehead.


    A sense of death instantly enveloped him.


    Like limitless darkness, it brought him despair and the sense of death.


    Just at this critical moment...


    Jiang Shanhe suddenly let out a roar, "Act now, or I''ll be dead for sure!"


    "Huh?"


    Xiao Yi''s pupils dilated, and from the corner of his eye, he caught sight of a silver gleam piercing through the air.


    But it was too late to dodge, and with a muffled thud, Xiao Yi''s shoulder erupted in a burst of blood, his figure staggering and falling to the ground¡­

 Chapter 125 - 125: Kill Them Like Slaughtering Pigs and Dogs!

    Xiao Yi tumbled to the ground, and with a deft roll, he evaded the attack.


    In the path of his roll, a row of feather arrows stuck in the ground, totaling sixteen arrows.


    If it weren''t for Xiao Yi''s timely evasion, he would have become a hedgehog by now.


    Phut!


    Xiao Yi tore an arrow from his shoulder; its triangular head and shaft were engraved with the words "Tianlan."


    The Tianlan Kingdom?


    Xiao Yi''s pupils suddenly constricted as he looked in the direction from which the arrows had come.


    Out of thin air,


    a young man carrying a quiver on his back and wielding a two-meter long horn bow stepped forward. A playful smile on his face, he mocked Jiang Shanhe with his gaze, "Jiang Shanhe, you really are regressing the more you live. So much for being the number one on the Teng Long List of the Tianqing Kingdom, you''re nothing special, eh!"


    "Scram!"


    Jiang Shanhe snorted coldly, his hateful gaze locked on Xiao Yi, and he gritted his teeth, "Xu Feiying, help me kill him!"


    Xu Feiying.


    The number one on the Teng Long List of the Tianlan Kingdom.


    At the same time...


    He was also Zhang Tianyi''s close friend.


    "Helping you kill him is no problem, but..."


    Xu Feiying squinted, his gaze filled with greed as it swept over Fang Qingzhu, his blood-red tongue licking his lips, "In addition to the conditions you promised me, I want this woman!"


    "No problem!"


    Jiang Shanhe agreed without any hesitation.


    In his eyes, as long as Xiao Yi was eliminated, Fang Qingzhu and the others were of no use.


    Giving Fang Qingzhu to Xu Feiying was just a waste to be utilized!


    "Hahaha, Jiang Shanhe, Xu Feiying, such a good opportunity should not just benefit the two of you!"


    "Fair''s fair, we don''t want the woman, but we can''t lack the secret of how Xiao Yi broke through such a realm in such a short time!"


    Several sounds of breaking air suddenly came.


    Seeing the figures appearing out of thin air, both Jiang Shanhe and Xu Feiying''s faces changed simultaneously, "Baijing Kingdom''s Bai Xing, Qingyun Kingdom''s Ping Sifang, and Sihai Kingdom''s Nie Hechuan? How did these three guys get here?"


    Xu Feiying said angrily, "These three are no weaker than you or me."


    "This is troublesome..."


    Jiang Shanhe''s eyebrows furrowed tightly, but he had no choice but to clasp his fist towards the three men, "Gentlemen, forgive us for not greeting you from afar."


    Bai Xing, clad in a starry robe, was particularly eye-catching as he descended in front of Xiao Yi. His curious gaze sized up Xiao Yi, "You don''t have three heads and six arms, yet you managed to break through from the Physical Body Realm to the Tenth Layer of the Golden Core Realm in just one year? Tsk tsk, I must admit, I''m envious. How about this, tell me the secret of your training, and I can help you deal with Jiang Shanhe and the others!"


    "Xiao Yi, right? I am the number one on the Teng Long List from the Sihai Kingdom and also the Crown Prince, Nie Hechuan. Just tell me your secret, and my Sihai Kingdom will surely protect you with all its might!" he said arrogantly.


    "Why do you two need to go through all this trouble? I refuse to believe that if we cripple his cultivation and torture him severely, he won''t talk!"


    Ping Sifang from the Qingyun Kingdom glanced impatiently and coldly at Xiao Yi, "Boy, if you don''t want to die, tell me the secret immediately, otherwise, this day next year will be the anniversary of your death!"


    "Ping Sifang, shouldn''t we observe some order of who arrived first?"


    "You can''t do this..."


    The men actually started arguing among themselves, completely overlooking Xiao Yi.


    "I didn''t expect to meet so many old friends today!"


    Another hearty laugh came from the void, and a young man with his pant legs rolled up high and wearing a farmer''s hat, as if just coming back from the fields, stepped through the air. He carried a hoe on his shoulder, but the hoe flashed with a cold light, clearly a fifth-grade Yuan weapon! S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Yue Cang?"


    "How did he get here?"


    Jiang Shanhe and the others looked at Yue Cang with colors of wariness in their eyes.


    Among the ten countries of Nanhuang,


    the Purple Robe Kingdom might not be the strongest, but Yue Cang of the Purple Robe Kingdom was acknowledged as one of the top three existences among the younger generation in the ten countries.


    Yue Cang landed in front of Xiao Yi, curiously examining him.


    Xiao Yi frowned, "Are you here to threaten me as well?"


    "No no no!"


    Yue Cang hurriedly waved his hand and cheerfully said, "I''ve been asked to help you!"


    "Hmm?"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback.


    Yue Cang winked at him, "Yue Ling''er is my sister!" Then he turned his face into a mournful expression, looking at Ping Sifang and the others, and lowered his voice, "Man, you''ve really angered quite a few people! These five guys are not far off from me; I can handle three at most at the same time, leaving two for you?"


    "No need!"


    Xiao Yi said indifferently.


    "Huh?"


    Yue Cang was taken aback.


    Xiao Yi said, "A few jumping clowns, no need for help!"


    "So confident?"


    Yue Cang raised an eyebrow and then scratched his head, "But I promised Ling''er I''d help you. You can''t let me make a fruitless trip, right?"


    Xiao Yi frowned and said, "If possible¡­ I hope you can help me save them. I will be deeply grateful in the future!"


    Following Xiao Yi''s gaze, Yue Cang saw Fang Qingzhu and the others in the prison cart, and looking at their miserable state, he cast a disdainful glance at Jiang Shanhe: "Jiang Shanhe, you really regress the more you live. In a battle between equals, you actually took someone''s friends hostage as a threat?"


    "A true man doesn''t sweat the small stuff. As long as the final victory is achieved, what does it matter which means were used?" Jiang Shanhe said with a cold laugh.


    "A true man doesn''t sweat the small stuff..."


    Yue Cang''s face was full of mockery. He turned back to Xiao Yi, "I''ll help you save them¡­ but taking on five alone, are you sure it''s no problem?"


    Even with his strength, he wouldn''t dare say he could take on five opponents and defeat the five Jiang Shanhe at the same time!


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Killing them is like slaughtering pigs and dogs!"


    "What a ''slaughtering pigs and dogs.'' Then I shall wait and see!" Yue Cang''s eyes sparkled more the more he looked at Xiao Yi, and with a leap, he positioned himself to the side, seeking an opportunity to rescue Fang Qingzhu and the others.


    In the midst of the battlefield.


    Only Xiao Yi remained, facing Jiang Shanhe and the other four alone.


    These five individuals were all Tenth Layer cultivators of the Golden Core Realm, the top contenders on the Teng Long List of their respective nations.


    Jiang Shanhe''s face was full of spring, very self-satisfied.


    Before, he was only fifty percent sure on his own, but now, he was completely certain he could kill Xiao Yi.


    Jiang Shanhe said proudly, "Xiao Yi, if you kneel and surrender now, I might consider leaving you a whole corpse."


    "What a load of crap!"


    Xiao Yi reached toward the ground with his palm, grabbed the Fire Qilin Sword out of thin air into his hand, swept the longsword through the air, his fighting spirit surging to the skies, "If it''s a fight you want, it''s a fight you''ll get!"


    "Arrogant fool!"


    "You actually look down on us so much? Who wants to make the first move?"


    Jiang Shanhe said in a deep voice, "This kid is troublesome; it''s better to join forces."


    Ping Sifang sneered, "Join forces? Are you planning to drag us down with your disgrace? To kill him, I alone am more than enough!"


    Swish!


    Ping Sifang moved with the force of a dragon and the agility of a tiger, stepping out in a blink. Under the influence of his qi, his step became as massive as a small hill.


    Majestic and as flawless as snow!


    "Evil Python Coiling Around The Tree!"


    Xiao Yi rose against the current, his sword edge tearing open the qi, striking right at the center of Ping Sifang''s foot.


    Wow!


    Ping Sifang let out a miserable howl as his foot was pierced by a large hole, blood gushing profusely. He limped back in retreat.


    Jiang Shanhe mocked, "Didn''t you say you alone were more than enough?"


    "Damn it, shut your mouth!"


    Ping Sifang''s face alternated between shades of green and white, never having expected to be so embarrassingly outdone on his first attack. With a ferocious look toward Jiang Shanhe and the others, he shouted, "What are you standing around for? Attack together!"


    Without further delay, the five of them made their move at the same time.


    Facing the joint assault of five great masters and with Fang Qingzhu in the hands of others, Xiao Yi, concerned about harming a mouse for fear of breaking a vase, fought as he retreated, but was fiercely suppressed by the five.


    "Didn''t you say killing us was like slaughtering pigs and dogs?"


    "Why are you only capable of defending now?"


    "Just accept your death graciously..."


    The more Jiang Shanhe and his four companions fought, the more courageous they became, and Xiao Yi was gradually forced into retreat.


    As he was being firmly suppressed by the five.


    All of a sudden, Yue Cang''s voice came from not far off: "Xiao Yi, I''ve rescued them!"


    Boom!


    A terrifying surge of qi burst forth from Xiao Yi, pushing Jiang Shanhe and the other four back. His face bore a bloody thirst for battle as he laughed loudly, "Jiang Shanhe... your time to die has come!"


    Boom!


    No longer concerned about Fang Qingzhu and the others,


    Xiao Yi at this moment was like an Azure Dragon diving into the sea¡­

 Chapter 126 - 126: Cutting Down the Tianjiao with a Sword

    "Not good..."


    Jiang Shanhe''s expression suddenly changed.


    He had gone to great lengths to capture Fang Qingzhu and the others to keep Xiao Yi in check and to make him hesitate to act.


    As he had expected.


    Xiao Yi, concerned about the safety of Fang Qingzhu and the others, had been holding back during their previous encounter, greatly affecting his ability to fight.


    But now...


    Fang Qingzhu and the others had been rescued by Yue Cang, and Xiao Yi, free from his bonds, was like a tiger breaking free from its cage.


    A pair of cold eyes fell upon them.


    "Everyone be careful!" Jiang Shanhe said in a deep voice.


    Ping Sifang sneered, "Jiang Shanhe, it seems he has scared you! No matter how strong he is, could he really be a match for the five of us joining hands? Let''s make it quick and capture him first..."


    Bai Xing and Nie Hechuan felt the same way.


    They were each the top contender of the Teng Long List from their respective countries, the number one among the younger generation.


    Now joining forces against Xiao Yi was already shameful enough. If the five of them together could not bring Xiao Yi to his death, they would lose all face.


    This was a battle for honor.


    And a life-and-death battle.


    "Eighteen Arhats..."


    Xu Feiying leaped into the air and retreated backward, landing dozens of meters away. The bowstring of the huge horn bow in his hands was taut, and with each release, an arrow would shoot out with the sound of thunder.


    Swoosh swoosh swoosh!


    Amidst the whooshing sounds of the air being pierced, a total of eighteen arrows were fired in rapid succession.


    Jiang Shanhe growled, "Xu Feiying will disrupt from a distance, while the four of us will engage him in close combat. I refuse to believe that Xiao Yi can withstand the siege of us five talents!"


    "Good!"


    "Capture him, cripple his cultivation, break his limbs..."


    "His woman¡ªI, Ping Sifang, will take her!"


    A series of growls were like sudden thunder on a flat ground.


    The five experts were from the five great kingdoms. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Half of the top contenders of the Teng Long List from the ten nations of Nanhuang were present, and their target was Xiao Yi, who just a year ago was merely in the Physical Body Realm.


    Xiao Yi, now free from the shackles of Fang Qingzhu and the others, no longer needed to hold back, and the killing intent suppressed in his heart was also thoroughly unleashed. Over the past days, the Royal Martial Arts Academy and people like Jiang Shanhe had been relentless in their tactics, repeatedly trying to put him to death and even capturing Fang Qingzhu and the others as a threat.


    Their actions had intensified Xiao Yi''s desire to kill to the extreme.


    "Soul Snatching and Life Taking!"


    Xiao Yi pointed his sword, emitting a dazzling cold light as bright as day.


    "Merely a petty trick!"


    Ping Sifang sneered, and with a flick of his finger, a silver stream of Qi erupted from his index finger.


    The beam of light was incredibly condensed, like a towering giant finger.


    One Finger Pierces the Heavens.


    Boom!


    The giant finger collided with the sword light, each eroding the other''s energy.


    Gales raged wildly.


    A cold gleam erupted from Xiao Yi''s eyes as he tightly gripped the Fire Qilin Sword to face the opposition. His left hand, however, punched out, golden Qi clinging to the surface of his fist, its radiant brilliance blinding, as if a great sun was attached to his fist: "Vajra Subdues Demons!"


    Thud!


    The power of this punch was to the extreme.


    As soon as he punched.


    The wild power on the fist hammered out a wall of air, pushing forward with a loud bang and landing heavily on Ping Sifang''s body.


    Pff...


    Ping Sifang''s body trembled, his legs involuntarily lifting off the ground, flying backward like a kite with its string cut.


    Bang!


    Xiao Yi took a violent step forward, instantly catching up to Ping Sifang, and reached out with his left hand.


    "Not good!"


    "Quick, save him..."


    Everything happened so suddenly, and Xiao Yi''s speed was astonishingly fast.


    Just as Jiang Shanhe and the others were about to step in and rescue Ping Sifang, Xiao Yi''s hand, which resembled an eagle''s claw, already snapped onto Ping Sifang''s ankle with a smack, and with a fierce swing, Ping Sifang was thrown like a human weapon, smashing hard into Jiang Shanhe and the others behind him.


    Jiang Shanhe and the others instinctively raised their weapons.


    "No..."


    Ping Sifang, seeing the cold blades coming straight at him, eyes wide with terror, let out a roar of despair.


    Jiang Shanhe and the others had no choice but to forcefully retract their weapons.


    But this also meant that they lost their initial advantage.


    Bang!


    Bang!


    Bang!


    Xiao Yi used Ping Sifang as a weapon, consecutively knocking back Jiang Shanhe, Nie Hechuan, and Bai Xing.


    The three of them, with frustration on their faces, could only passively endure it, not even daring to defend with their full might.


    Otherwise, if they accidentally killed Ping Sifang,


    the troubles would be endless!


    Jiang Shanhe bellowed, "Xu Feiying, why aren''t you taking action?"


    Xu Feiying, a few dozen meters away, holding a horn bow, looked helpless upon hearing Jiang Shanhe''s words: "Take action my ass..."


    Every time he bent his bow and readied an arrow, preparing to take a shot,


    Xiao Yi would use Ping Sifang as a shield in front of himself. If Xu Feiying took the shot, he didn''t know whether he could hit Xiao Yi, but Ping Sifang''s body would definitely gain a few more holes.


    He was in a dilemma over hurting the hostage.


    Fearful and hesitant.


    At this moment, Jiang Shanhe felt extremely stifled. Just moments before, holding Fang Qingzhu and Niu Dali among others at his mercy, he had been so brazenly threatening Xiao Yi. But now, how the tables had turned¡ªit was they who were handicapped, facing Xiao Yi who treated Ping Sifang like a weapon, they simply couldn''t find an opening to strike!


    "Xiao Yi, if you have the guts, release Ping Sifang and fight us fair and square!" Nie Hechuan said through clenched teeth.


    Xiao Yi glanced at him, "One-on-one?"


    "I..."


    Nie Hechuan''s face stiffened.


    The five of them, even when combined, were still being pressured to this state by Xiao Yi.


    If it were one-on-one...


    He truly had no confidence.


    "Xiao Yi, release me, and I swear no longer to be your enemy..." Ping Sifang, his head covered in blood, like a dead dog dragged behind Xiao Yi, shouted.


    Xiao Yi glanced back at him.


    The man was indeed in a sorry and pitiable state.


    Most of the bones in his body were broken.


    Most of his head was smashed out of shape, swollen and bruised beyond recognition.


    What he regretted most at this moment was getting involved in this mess.


    Xiao Yi looked at Ping Sifang, and with a sneer said, "Once I begin, it''s a fight to the death. There''s no room for surrender."


    "You, you want to kill me? I am..." Before Ping Sifang could finish,


    Xiao Yi had already swung violently, hurling him out like a thrown spear.


    Whoosh!


    Ping Sifang''s body flew like a sandbag, crashing towards Jiang Shanhe and the others.


    The three continuously retreated.


    But just as Ping Sifang appeared before them, suddenly, a crimson sword light tore through Ping Sifang''s body. With a splat, it struck Bai Xing square in the body. The sword light came too suddenly, and with Bai Xing''s line of sight blocked by Ping Sifang, he had no time to dodge.


    When the sword light dissipated,


    Ping Sifang was bisected at the waist by Xiao Yi''s sword.


    A blood trail ran through the center of Bai Xing''s forehead, spurting blood from the top of his head like a fountain.


    One sword to slay a Tianjiao!


    With one sword, Xiao Yi had killed both Ping Sifang and Bai Xing, two geniuses of the Tenth Layer of the Golden Core Realm!


    Whoosh!


    The crimson sword light swept across the sky, and Xiao Yi looked towards Jiang Shanhe and the others: "Your turn now..."

 Chapter 127 - 127: Sorry, I Disagree!

    Whoosh!


    Whoosh!


    Jiang Shanhe and Nie Hechuan retreated in succession, standing shoulder to shoulder with Xu Feiying, their expressions grave as they looked at Xiao Yi.


    Their eyes were filled with tumultuous waves.


    There was a time...


    Bai Xing and Ping Sifang were on par with them, dominating figures among the younger generation of the ten nations of Nanhuang, the strongest of existences.


    As long as the older generation of the Tao Tribulation Realm did not step in, they were nearly invincible.


    They had never imagined they would die at the hands of someone their own age.


    Especially not by someone who, just a year ago, was nothing more than waste at the Physical Body Realm.


    "He, he was really just at the Physical Body Realm a year ago?" Xu Feiying swallowed hard, asking in disbelief.


    Nie Hechuan too looked at Jiang Shanhe with a shocked face.


    Gurgle!


    Jiang Shanhe swallowed his saliva subconsciously and said with a wry smile, "According to the information I received, when he first came to Nanhuang City a year ago, he was merely at the initial stage of the Physical Body Realm."


    Hiss!


    Xu Feiying and the other person gasped in amazement.


    A year''s time, ah!


    For them, advancing even one realm might be tough, but Xiao Yi had spanned across a full four major realms in just one year!


    Such a cultivation speed, they had neither seen nor even heard of before!


    "Xu Feiying, Nie Hechuan... If we do not take out this lad, give him just a few more years... No, perhaps just a few more months, and we will not be his match..." Jiang Shanhe said with a somber expression and a gloomy face.


    Xu Feiying narrowed his eyes, and raised his hand to touch his hooked nose, "You''re right... But with the three of us combined, I''m afraid we''re no match for him!"


    Even when five of them joined forces, Xiao Yi managed to kill two.


    What more now that only the three of them were left?


    A ruthless look flashed in Jiang Shanhe''s eyes, "I have a poison at hand called Soul Dispelling Powder. Colorless and odorless, just a single breath of it, and even a Golden Core Realm powerhouse will lose their ability to fight. Nie Hechuan, each of us takes some Soul Dispelling Powder, and later on, let''s use our Innate Divine Abilities to entangle Xiao Yi. We will find a way to use the Soul Dispelling Powder to strip him of his combat power, and then Feiying will strike at the right moment, how about that?"


    "Soul Dispelling Powder? That''s a fifth-grade elixir, worth over a hundred million silver, you''re really quite willing to use it!" Nie Hechuan looked at Jiang Shanhe in surprise.


    Jiang Shanhe snorted coldly, "You can''t set a wolf trap without giving up a child, just tell me if you''ll do it or not?"


    "Using poison is a bit shameful... But if we can get his secret, it will all be worth it!" Nie Hechuan took the Soul Dispelling Powder from Jiang Shanhe''s hand.


    Xu Feiying nodded, "Let''s do it!"


    No sooner said than done.


    Jiang Shanhe and Nie Hechuan, one on the left and one on the right, transformed into two roaming dragons, sweeping towards Xiao Yi with two gusts of fierce wind.


    They moved so fast that in the blink of an eye, they were already in front of Xiao Yi.


    "Furious Dragon Shakes the Sea!"


    Jiang Shanhe''s long spear stood tall, like a Black Dragon entering the world.


    Nie Hechuan, expressionless, held a longsword in each hand. The twin swords whirled fiercely, attacking Xiao Yi from both sides with continuous and unrelenting strikes.


    Xu Feiying was further away, repeatedly looking for opportunities to shoot arrows.


    Oftentimes, just as Xiao Yi had dodged the attacks of Jiang Shanhe and the other, and sought to press forward, Xu Feiying''s arrow would fall in front of him, blocking his pursuit and causing him to miss several chances to eliminate the two.


    Xu Feiying, holding a great bow, said with a smug look, "Xiao Yi, with me here, you can forget about touching them again!"


    "Damn it!"


    A flicker of cold light flashed in Xiao Yi''s eyes, "It seems I can''t continue the fight without taking down Xu Feiying."


    "Breaking Spear Skill!"


    "Saber-Breaking Style!"


    Xiao Yi suddenly increased his speed, continuously invoking the Solitary Nine Swords, pushing back Jiang Shanhe and the other person time after time.


    His swordplay became faster and sharper.


    Like clouds flowing through the sky.


    It was as if the man and sword had merged into one...


    This made Xu Feiying''s arrows fail several times to stop Xiao Yi''s momentum, resulting in Jiang Shanhe and Nie Hechuan suffering several strikes from Xiao Yi''s sword.


    Jiang Shanhe was furious, "Xu Feiying, what the hell are you doing?"


    Nie Hechuan wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, also extremely angry, "Just a bit more... and I would have been beheaded..."


    Xu Feiying too appeared helpless, "How can you blame me for this? His sword is just too fast..."


    In the crowd.


    Gu Junhe''s eyes showed shock, "This... Is this the third level of Sword Intent, the unity of man and sword? No, it''s still a bit off, but he has already touched upon that barrier... What kind of monster is this guy? He''s not even twenty years old, yet he has grasped the third level of Sword Intent at the Golden Core Realm? This... this... "


    Yue Cang also had a glint in his eye, "What an impressive Xiao Yi... No wonder my silly sister took a liking to you, such talent is indeed terrifying. I''m somewhat tempted to fight with you myself! However..." He looked down at Fang Qingzhu who lay unconscious beside him and rubbed his brow, "Oh, my foolish little sister, I''m afraid it''s a case of unrequited love with you!"


    He was very aware of the massive gap in Xiao Yi''s combat strength before and after Fang Qingzhu was rescued.


    There was only one explanation for such a result...


    In Xiao Yi''s heart, Fang Qingzhu held an extremely important position.


    At that moment...


    Xiao Yi suddenly pushed the two back with a sword strike, but his figure sharply changed direction, rushing straight towards Xu Feiying.


    "Not good!"


    The complexions of Jiang Shanhe and the other changed drastically.


    If they lost Xu Feiying skirting on the sidelines, ready to act and distract Xiao Yi, then a Xiao Yi with no further concerns would be even more formidable.


    The two of them joined forces to chase after Xiao Yi.


    Xu Feiying wore a fierce smile, "Kill me? That''s a fool''s dream. Just eat my dust behind me!"


    Xu Feiying''s forte was long-range attacks.


    He ran while launching attacks.


    He lured Xiao Yi along as if flying a kite.


    "Hahaha. Xiao Yi, you''ll never catch up to me..." Xu Feiying laughed heartily.


    "Is that so?"


    Xiao Yi suddenly smirked,


    A trace of thick mockery appeared on his face, causing Xu Feiying''s complexion to change abruptly, filled with a strong sense of unease. Almost at the same time, the Xiao Yi behind him suddenly vanished, his speed inexplicably quadrupling. It turned out he had employed the Blood Explosion Skill, doubling his strength and speed, and he threw a punch from mid-air.


    Boom!


    The heavy fist, tinted with a blood-colored airflow, struck Xu Feiying.


    Xu Feiying''s body shuddered, like a star falling from the sky, crashing to the ground with great force.


    With a loud crash,


    Xu Feiying hit the ground, his head smashed into a bloody pulp, transforming into a headless corpse.


    "Now''s our chance, release the poison!" Jiang Shanhe roared lowly.


    Nie Hechuan nodded fiercely.


    The two simultaneously scattered the powder in their hands.


    Swish! Swish!


    Two streams of white powder enveloped Xiao Yi.


    Just as Xiao Yi was about to be covered, he flipped his hand with a slap.


    With a swish, a gust of wind swept by, rolling back the white powder, wrapping Nie Hechuan and the other in its grasp.


    "It''s over..."


    The two wore faces of despair.


    Bang! Bang!


    The pair felt a numbness and weakness throughout their bodies and fell to the ground with two thuds.


    Tap tap tap!


    Xiao Yi, sword in hand, walked over to the two men.


    Nie Hechuan''s pale face was filled with bitter pleading, "I am the Crown Prince of Sihai Kingdom, you can''t kill me..."


    "That reason doesn''t work!"


    Xiao Yi shook his head and slit his throat with his sword.


    Nie Hechuan covered his throat, unable to stop the gushing blood, lying in a pool of blood.


    Xiao Yi''s gaze fell on Jiang Shanhe, his eyes filled with brutality and coldness, "Should I hack you a thousand times? Or should I make it quick for you?"


    "No... don''t kill me, Xiao Yi, I realize I was wrong. Please don''t kill me..." At this moment, Jiang Shanhe had lost all his past arrogance, leaving only despair and the fear of facing death.


    Xiao Yi said, "Tell me, where did you go wrong?"


    "I, I..."


    Jiang Shanhe''s face showed panic.


    He didn''t feel he''d done anything wrong.


    He was only pleading to save his life.


    "It seems you still haven''t realized your mistake!"


    Xiao Yi lifted his longsword, and with two swishes, two arms flew high into the air.


    Aaah...


    Jiang Shanhe screamed continuously, enduring the severe pain, "I was wrong... I shouldn''t have let Ye Feng and the others try to kill you..."


    "Still wrong!"


    Xiao Yi struck again, this time severing Jiang Shanhe''s legs.


    Argh...


    Jiang Shanhe convulsed, suffering unbearable agony, his face completely twisted, tears streaming down, "I... I see my mistake now... I shouldn''t have opposed you, I shouldn''t have captured Fang Qingzhu and others to threaten you. I was wrong... Xiao Yi, Lord Xiao, I truly admit my fault, please spare me..."


    "You finally got it right this time, but unfortunately, it''s too late!"


    Xiao Yi smiled, his expression appearing as a nightmarish demon in the eyes of Jiang Shanhe, who shouted in terror, "Save me... Master, save me..." S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Boom!


    A thunderous roar, reminiscent of a clap of thunder, suddenly emanated from the depths of the Royal Martial Arts Academy, an authoritative voice thundered like a divine decree, "Xiao Yi, release His Highness, and I''ll spare your life!"


    The terrifying pressure caused nearly ninety percent of the powerhouses present to feel weak in the knees.


    Yue Cang''s expression changed, "Tao Tribulation Realm?"


    Gu Junhe squinted his eyes, as if facing a great enemy, "This shameless fellow really did use the Martial Dao Divine Fruit, this is troublesome..."


    Facing Zhou Yuan, who appeared in the void, godlike and devilish,


    Xiao Yi smirked, "Sorry, I don''t agree!"


    Thrust!


    A single sword strike.


    A severed head rolled away.


    Jiang Shanhe''s face still held a look of relief and ecstatic joy at having survived, and a touch of confusion...

 Chapter 128 - 128: Even the Dao Tribulation Can Be Confronted!

    At the moment Zhou Yuan appeared.


    Everyone thought that Jiang Shanhe''s life was surely saved.


    Even Jiang Shanhe himself thought so.


    After all...


    Zhou Yuan had already stepped into the Tao Tribulation Realm, a far more terrifying existence than the previous Golden Elixir Realm Peak.


    If the earlier Zhou Yuan still needed to give face to the King of Tianqing Kingdom, now, even if he killed the King, he could easily leave the Tianqing Kingdom. Even the legendary ancestor backing Tianqing Kingdom certainly wouldn''t offend a Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouse over a dead King.


    But what was the result?


    Xiao Yi didn''t give Zhou Yuan any face at all.


    Without a word.


    He beheaded Jiang Shanhe!


    "Xiao! Yi! I told you to stop, didn''t you hear me?"


    Zhou Yuan stood suspended in the air, his face''s proud smile shattered, replaced by shock and disbelief.


    Xiao Yi had killed Jiang Shanhe right in front of him after he had spoken out to stop him.


    This was a slap to his face in public!


    At that moment, Zhou Yuan felt a burning pain on his face.


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, looking up at Zhou Yuan with defiance. Indeed, the aura of a Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouse was robust, and even though he had broken through to the Tenth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, he still felt a bit of pressure.


    Facing Zhou Yuan''s questioning.


    Xiao Yi shrugged, "Sorry, I don''t understand the barking of a dog!"


    Hiss!


    A series of gasps rose and fell in succession!


    Everyone''s gaze towards Xiao Yi was as if they were looking at a madman: "How dare he speak to Zhou like this? That''s a Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouse..."


    "With his talent, if he had kept a low profile for a few decades, he might also have had the chance to step into the Tao Tribulation Realm, becoming a dominant overlord. It''s a pity that this man doesn''t know how to judge the situation, always being so stubborn and reckless; this will only lead to the senseless waste of his life..."


    "Too young!"


    Even Gu Junhe couldn''t help but shake his head, whispering to Jiang Tai beside him: "Xiao Yi is no match for Zhou Yuan no matter how strong he is. Once Xiao Yi is in danger, I will intercept Zhou Yuan at the first instant. Then you take the opportunity to take Xiao Yi and escape to the palace and ask for the King''s protection¡­"


    "But¡­ Xiao Yi just killed my brother, I''m afraid Father¡­" Jiang Tai hesitated.


    Gu Junhe shook his head, "Now that Jiang Shanhe is dead, you are the most likely successor to the throne. Even if your father is furious, he will still think about building a foundation for you. He wouldn''t let go of a talent like Xiao Yi."


    "We have no other choice..."


    Jiang Tai nodded heavily.


    ......


    Zhou Yuan narrowed his eyes, looking at the bodies scattered across the Heavenly Ladder.


    The Stele standing at the end of the Heavenly Ladder.


    And the corpses of Jiang Shanhe and the others...


    Whoo!


    Zhou Yuan took a deep breath and then forcefully exhaled, stirring up a gust of wind with his breath, which actually formed a gale amidst heaven and earth.


    The wind howled loudly.


    Under the raging wind.


    Sand flew and rocks were swept away.


    A scene of desolation and silence.


    Zhou Yuan stared at Xiao Yi: "I didn''t expect that the five-hundred-year prosperity of the Royal Martial Arts Academy would be ruined by your hands. I have to admit, allowing Zhou Xin to chase you away was the most foolish decision I''ve made since taking charge of the Royal Martial Arts Academy!"


    In just one year, from the Physical Body Realm to the Tenth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm!


    If such a genius were to be included in the Royal Martial Arts Institute, it would certainly make it even more splendid.


    He might even have a chance to leave Tianqing Kingdom and enter the Great Qian Dynasty.


    But due to his erroneous decision, he had forced Xiao Yi to the opposing side of the Royal Martial Arts Academy.


    Only Zhou Yuan understood the regret in his heart.


    Unfortunately, there is no medicine for regret in this world.


    The slight remorse on Zhou Yuan''s face dissipated like smoke, replaced by a bone-chilling coldness: "Since it is my mistake, I must resolve it with my own hands. After I kill you, the Royal Martial Arts Academy will still be the sacred martial place of Tianqing Kingdom, unshakable by anyone!"


    What does it matter if many disciples have died or are injured?


    As long as Zhou Yuan is still here, the Royal Martial Arts Academy won''t possibly fall.


    And...


    He had already ascended to the Tao Tribulation Realm, and under his leadership, the Royal Martial Arts Academy would only grow stronger.


    "Kill me? With your strength from the first layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm, which you broke through using the Martial Dao Divine Fruit, I''m afraid it''s not enough!" Xiao Yi said with a playful laugh.


    So what if it''s the Tao Tribulation Realm?


    With his current strength, he could even fight against the Tao Tribulation!


    Within the crowd.


    Yue Cang shook his head and said, "It seems that the previous victory has gone to Xiao Yi''s head... This is a warrior of the Tao Tribulation Realm we''re talking about, among the young generation in the ten countries of Nanhuang, I''m afraid only that one person could compete with a Tao Tribulation Realm warrior. But even he could only remain undefeated in the face of the Tao Tribulation, as for defeating a Tao Tribulation Realm warrior, it''s absolutely impossible!"


    There are over a hundred subordinate countries under the Great Qian Dynasty.


    Among them, there are ten major kingdoms surrounding Nanhuang, but throughout their history, there has never been one who could defeat a Tao Tribulation Realm existence with only the power of the Golden Core Realm.


    Gu Junhe also shook his head and sighed, "After all, he is still too young, but it''s good for him to suffer a little setback! Only by witnessing the strength of a Tao Tribulation Realm warrior firsthand will he understand that there are always greater powers out there..."


    Jiang Tai also nodded in agreement with his view, "However, speaking of which... If it were me, I''m afraid I wouldn''t even have the courage to face a Tao Tribulation Realm warrior!"


    After returning from the secret realm.


    With the treasures he obtained, Jiang Tai had stepped into the Eighth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, with his talent and martial skills, he could fight even against someone at the Tenth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm.


    But the Tao Tribulation Realm?


    Even if one day he reached the peak of the Golden Elixir Realm, he wouldn''t have the courage to challenge it.


    After all.


    A Tao Tribulation Realm warrior is a legendary existence in the ten countries of Nanhuang.


    The position of the king could be challenged, but the might of the Tao Tribulation should not be disrespected!


    "Hahaha, this is the first time I''ve heard of a little Golden Core Realm daring to challenge the existence of the Tao Tribulation..."


    Zhou Yuan sneered and shook his head, looking at Xiao Yi as if he were looking at a cold corpse, and drew a circle beneath his feet with the tip of his foot, "In light of your commendable courage, I will let you make three moves. Within these three moves, I will only defend and not attack. If you can force me out of this circle, I will acknowledge that you have the power to match the Tao Tribulation!"


    "Three moves?"


    Xiao Yi gently shook his head.


    Zhou Yuan was stunned and mocked, "What? Are three moves not enough? How about I let you make ten moves instead?"


    Xiao Yi waved his hand and said, "No no no, what I mean is three moves are too many. If you''re still within the circle after one move, I will surrender myself!"


    "Huh?"


    Zhou Yuan''s pupils suddenly constricted, feeling an unprecedented insult, and he scoffed repeatedly, "Very well, very well, a single move it is... If you can really force me out of this circle within one move, I will kneel before you, and all grievances between you and the Royal Martial Arts Academy will be wiped clean! But if you fail, before I kill you, I will execute your wife and friends right before your eyes!"


    "It''s a deal!"


    Xiao Yi grasped his sword hilt with both hands.


    Hum!


    The sword edge trembled, emitting a whooshing sound.


    "Nine Swords as One!"


    Xiao Yi leaped into the air, his figure suddenly turned into nine shadows, stacking and merging into each other.


    When he arrived in front of Zhou Yuan, the nine shadows merged into one.


    Swish!


    The cold light cleaved through the air, a dazzling cold star.


    Swish!


    A ten-foot-long Sword Qi surged violently, tearing up the ground wherever it passed, creating a fierce gale.


    This one sword made Zhou Yuan''s composed and smug face dissipate into nothingness in an instant, and shock flashed across his pupils, "This sword..."


    From that Sword Qi, he felt the threat of death.


    Even if he didn''t want to admit it.


    Zhou Yuan did not dare to be careless, crossing his hands in front of him, conjuring a series of elemental shields. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The shields blocked before him, but the nine layers of elemental shields were continuously shattered by the Sword Qi, the invisible sword light nearly reaching his body.


    In a critical moment.


    Zhou Yuan had to leap back.


    Just as he leaped away...


    Boom!


    The Sword Qi furiously descended.


    Rumble!


    The entire Royal Martial Arts Academy trembled violently, cracks spread out in all directions on the ground, and a ten-foot-long fearsome sword mark almost tore the earth apart.


    Xiao Yi stood with his sword, mocking expression on his face, looking at Zhou Yuan whose complexion alternated between green and white, "You lost!"

 Chapter 129 - 129 Kill! Kill! Kill!

    "You lost!"


    Xiao Yi stood with his sword, his face thick with mockery as he stared at Zhou Yuan, who had retreated dozens of yards away.


    A whirlwind swept up, scattering the flying sand.


    The web-like cracks spread far and wide, along with that horrendous ten-yard-long sword mark, made all the mighty onlookers silent as cicadas in winter, not daring to make the slightest sound.


    Yue Cang was utterly dumbfounded, "Tha¡ªThat sword just now¡­"


    To be fair,


    if that sword had landed on him, he would have been dead without a doubt.


    Before this¡­


    Yue Cang still thought that he was worthy of a battle with Xiao Yi, but that sword had just driven him to despair, and he self-deprecatingly said, "I actually thought I could fight him? With Xiao Yi''s strength now, even Gai Qinglong, the number one in the ten nations of Nanhuang, wouldn''t be his match, right?"


    Gu Junhe was also left speechless, "Genius, this is a true genius! The Xiao Family, oh the Xiao Family, you actually treated such a genius as trash and sent him to the Fang Family as a son-in-law? Was Xiao Zhengde''s brain kicked by a donkey? Or was Xiao Tianjiao blind?"


    Fang Qingzhu slowly regained consciousness, just in time to witness that sword.


    Excitement and agitation were visible on her pale face, "Xiao Yi, he''s¡­ so strong!"


    Her eyes were filled with admiration and happiness.


    This was her man, after all!


    For Zhou Yuan, there was nothing more shocking than that sword.


    Watching the sword mark spreading under his feet, the corner of his eye twitched madly, and his eyes flickered with disbelief, "That sword¡­ How could someone in the Golden Core Realm unleash such a powerful strike?"


    Just moments before,


    he was full of confidence, claiming that if Xiao Yi could force him back within three moves, he would admit defeat voluntarily.


    But the result...


    Xiao Yi used just one sword strike!


    Not only did he force him back, but he also nearly inflicted serious injuries!


    That sword was like an invisible slap that harshly struck his face, leaving him seeing stars.


    The gaze of the crowd was like needles on his back.


    The humiliation!


    An unprecedented humiliation!


    It was even harder for him to bear than almost having the Royal Martial Arts Academy single-handedly demolished by Xiao Yi.


    "Zhou Yuan, you should be kneeling now!" said Xiao Yi.


    "You..."


    The skin on Zhou Yuan''s face twitched fiercely.


    He had just said that if Xiao Yi could push him out of the ring with one move, he would kneel to Xiao Yi.


    But that was just a figure of speech, how could he actually kneel?


    "Xiao Yi, you are too bullying!" Zhou Yuan said through gritted teeth.


    "I''m too bullying? Hahaha¡­ Zhou Yuan, don''t you feel ashamed saying that? Initially, when I sincerely applied for the Royal Martial Arts Institute, it was you who distorted the truth and forced me to leave. When I left, despite you being at the Golden Elixir Peak, you attacked me, who was only in the Shentong Realm, and nearly took my life."


    All of a sudden, Xiao Yi let out a long howl to the sky, his face full of mockery, "In the Tao Tribulation secret realm, it was also you who issued the kill order, wanting to put me to death. It was you who had people capture Qingzhu to threaten me. Now, the same you, the director of the Royal Martial Arts Institute, a mighty Tao Tribulation Realm master, reneged on his word¡­ Is this what you call too bullying?"


    These words had been suppressed in his heart for too long.


    Today, they burst out all at once.


    The loud voice spread throughout the entire Royal Martial Arts Institute...


    The secrets not known to others, and today they were made public.


    "What? The Royal Martial Arts Institute is too much of a bully, isn''t it?"


    "I used to think that Xiao Yi was too arrogant to challenge the Royal Martial Arts Institute, but who knew there was such a twist to the story?"


    "If that''s indeed the truth, the Royal Martial Arts Institute is really too bullying!"


    At that moment,


    the Royal Martial Arts Institute and Zhou Yuan became the targets of widespread scorn.


    The scapegoat for everyone''s arrows!


    Zhou Yuan''s face alternated between green and white, never expecting the situation to develop to this point, with the reputation of the Royal Martial Arts Institute becoming tarnished. Knowing that once the news spread, the Institute would truly become the target of public criticism, with this thought in mind, Zhou Yuan''s cold gaze fell on Xiao Yi, "As long as he is killed, all rumors and slander will also end. Kill him, no mercy!"


    Boom!


    Zhou Yuan transformed into a silver streak, piercing the void like a river soaring through the sky, and in an instant, he charged toward Xiao Yi.


    Even before the punch arrived,


    The punch wind was already striking the face.


    The howling wind stirred Xiao Yi''s clothing, whistling like a blade scraping his face, bringing bouts of intense pain.


    Xiao Yi''s face was expressionless, sword in hand, "Break Fist Style!"


    Boom!


    A glint of cold light hit the center of the fist shadow.


    Thud!


    The earth trembled, and the wind surged violently.


    Xiao Yi''s figure retreated thirty feet, while Zhou Yuan was also shaken back several yards.


    No sooner had the two landed than they were charging at each other again.


    The fist danced like a phantom.


    The sword glided like a dragon.


    Their fists and swords clashed continuously, each collision stirring up waves of energy that shocked the heavens and earth, mighty in all directions, imposing from every angle. Neither held back in their attacks, Zhou Yuan intent on killing Xiao Yi to wipe away his previous shame, Xiao Yi''s killing intent was no less than Zhou Yuan''s.


    "Blood Explosion Skill!"


    Xiao Yi suddenly ignited three-tenths of the blood within his body, his strength and speed suddenly tripling.


    The sudden increase in power and speed overwhelmed Zhou Yuan, who struggled to cope.


    Splat!


    A dot of cold light pierced through the air, penetrating Zhou Yuan''s palm.


    At the same time, he employed the Divine Skills of Weapon Fusion, his arms and the Fire Qilin Sword melding into one as dark light coursed through them. His left hand transformed into a claw and reached out, with a snap, it grabbed Zhou Yuan''s shoulder, violently tearing away a chunk of flesh.


    Ahhh...


    Zhou Yuan cried out in agony, continually retreating.


    A sword mark pierced through the palm of his right hand, and his left shoulder was missing a piece of flesh, horrifically exposing bone.


    "You mongrel, I swear I''ll kill you, kill everyone related to you..." Zhou Yuan''s face was ferocious.


    Xiao Yi advanced with his sword, his body surrounded by circulating blood light, laughing loudly, "You no longer have a chance!"


    Whoosh!


    The blood-colored sword edge was terrifying.


    With this sword, he forced Zhou Yuan to retreat.


    Xiao Yi''s voice rang out again, "Those who bully or insult me, kill!"


    The Life-Chasing Soul Sword was delivered in rapid succession.


    Zhou Yuan kept losing ground.


    "Harm my family, kill!"


    "Hurt my brothers, kill!"


    "Kill! Kill! Kill!"


    Xiao Yi grew increasingly valiant in battle, his murderous aura explosively unleashed, his entire being radiating with bloody light, and his offensive onslaught was like a tempestuous storm.


    Boom!


    Punch after punch landed solidly, unstoppable.


    Zhou Yuan was bloodied by the blows.


    Xiao Yi''s aura grew ever more frenzied, with half his blood now aflame, his strength and speed increased fivefold, completely overpowering Zhou Yuan. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zhou Yuan kept losing ground, absolutely unable to withstand the barrage of attacks from Xiao Yi, "Madman. You''re a madman..."


    His mouth flowed with blood, his body riddled with sword cuts, countless bones shattered.


    "Nine Swords as One!"


    Xiao Yi, holding the sword with both hands, raised it above his head and brought it slashing down.


    Boom!


    That sword tore through Zhou Yuan''s qi seal, a spurt of blood shooting skyward, savagely splitting open a ferocious wound in his chest. Amid a wretched scream, Zhou Yuan collapsed to the ground, blood spewing from his mouth, hair disheveled and face filled with terror, "Impossible, this can''t be... How can I, a practitioner of the Tao Tribulation Realm, be defeated by you?"


    Xiao Yi''s sword tip rested on Zhou Yuan''s throat, he said coldly, "Half a year ago, I vowed to flatten the Royal Martial Arts Academy. Today is the day you, Zhou Yuan, meet your demise, the day the Royal Martial Arts Academy falls!"


    "Impossible, impossible... I am of the Tao Tribulation Realm, how can this be..."


    Zhou Yuan was utterly dispirited.


    The blow was too great!


    Xiao Yi''s expression was unreadable, his longsword ready to strike, but just then, a cold voice suddenly reached his ears, "Xiao Yi, see who I have here?"

 Chapter 130 - 130 Kneel my ass!

    "Xiao Yi, look who I have in my hand?"


    A sharp voice suddenly erupted by his ear.


    Xiao Yi shivered all over.


    A strong sense of unease rose in his heart, the bone-chilling cold instantly swept through his body, and large beads of cold sweat soaked through the back of his clothes at this instant.


    As he looked up.


    He saw a blood-red chariot suspended in the void above, and before the chariot were four majestic demonic beasts with crimson bodies, single horns on their heads, tiger-like shapes, but with wings on their backs. Each of these demonic beasts emitted a presence no weaker than Zhou Yuan''s, clearly four Sixth-Layer Path Tribulation Realm beasts.


    And on that chariot...


    A middle-aged man dressed in a blood-colored robe, wearing a silver mask, and with a burly figure, leaned against the side of the chariot.


    In his hand extended from the chariot.


    Fang Qingzhu was being held by her neck, suspended in midair.


    The four Sixth-Layer Path Tribulation Realm Flying Heavenly Demon Tigers flapped their wings, stirring up howling gales that battered against Fang Qingzhu.


    Causing Fang Qingzhu''s black hair to dance wildly, her face growing even paler.


    The Pipa Locks on her shoulders clanked and clanged.


    "Qingzhu?"


    Xiao Yi''s pupils suddenly constricted as his eyes instantly turned blood red.


    Yue Cang, looking haggard, raised his hand to wipe the fresh blood from the corner of his mouth, a deep fear and reverence surfacing on his pale face, "Xiao, I''m really sorry, the opponent was too strong."


    Xiao Yi nodded.


    Anyone who could employ four Tao Tribulation Realm beasts to pull a chariot must indeed be powerful.


    Possibly someone from the High-Layer Tao Tribulation Realm, or even the stronger Dharma Manifestation Realm!


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath and stared at the blood-colored figure, "Who might you be, sir?"


    "Heh heh!"


    The middle-aged man in the blood-colored robe spoke in a voice that was difficult to distinguish as male or female, especially piercing, "Xiao Yi, you dared to destroy my Xue Yilou''s branch and kill my Xue Yilou branch master. Do you really not recognize who I am?"


    "A person from Xue Yilou?"


    "The blood-colored chariot... This, this is Xue Mantian, the Ninth Master of Xue Yilou!"


    "The Ninth Master? As far as I know, Xue Yilou has a total of eighteen Masters, and the weakest are at the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm. And this Ninth Master Xue Mantian, who was at the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm more than a hundred years ago, could very well be a Dharma Manifestation Realm powerhouse..." Gu Junhe''s expression in the crowd turned extremely grave. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With his current strength, if he exerted his full power, he could indeed contend with an ordinary Tao Tribulation Realm combatant.


    But facing the Dharma Manifestation Realm...


    Let alone being an adversary, he wouldn''t even have the courage to engage in battle!


    In the Dharma Manifestation Realm, one''s lifespan exceeded a thousand years.


    Unlike the Calamity Realm where one could borrow some of the world''s power, the Dharma Manifestation Realm had already mastered most of that power.


    A breath could call forth gales and storms.


    A stomp was like a dragon turning over beneath the earth!


    Unimaginably terrifying!


    "This is troublesome..." Gu Junhe''s face showed a look of anxiety.


    Zhou Yuan''s face, however, revealed hysterical madness as he laughed proudly, "Hahaha, Xiao Yi, the heavens want to destroy you! With Xue Mantian himself descending, no matter how a hundredfold or a thousandfold stronger your talent is, you''re no match for him. You''re doomed, hahaha, the last laugh will still be mine..."


    "Shut up!"


    Xiao Yi swung his sword backhand and sliced off Zhou Yuan''s jaw clean.


    Blood spurted uncontrollably from his mouth.


    Zhou Yuan howled miserably.


    But Xiao Yi no longer paid any attention to Zhou Yuan, his furious gaze fixed on Xue Mantian, "Xue Mantian, it was I who destroyed your Xue Yilou branch and killed your branch master. It has nothing to do with Qingzhu. Let Qingzhu go, and direct your issues at me!"


    "Irrelevant to her?"


    Xue Mantian laughed mockingly, speaking slowly and deliberately, "You dared to provoke my Xue Yilou, so your relatives, friends... anyone related to you, must all die. Do you think she can escape?"


    His pale, slender finger reached toward Fang Qingzhu''s face.


    Fang Qingzhu turned her head defiantly to avoid Xue Mantian''s finger, looking toward Xiao Yi with tears in her eyes, "Brother Xiao Yi, don''t worry about me... Leave, get away..."


    "Qingzhu... I won''t let anyone hurt you..." Xiao Yi clenched his fists tightly, his teeth grinding with a grating sound, he roared.


    Tears fell unstoppably from Fang Qingzhu''s face as she staunchly shook her head, "No... Brother Xiao Yi, you''ve already sacrificed too much for me. Ever since I''ve been with you, I have been your burden... I don''t want to burden you anymore, even if it means death, I won''t bear to see you sacrifice for me... Brother Xiao Yi, being with you these days, becoming your wife... I have no regrets in dying!"


    "Qingzhu, Fang Qingzhu... what are you doing?" Xiao Yi suddenly felt an intense unease, his eyes turning fierce as he roared.


    Fang Qingzhu gave him a bright smile.


    Her white teeth contrasted sharply against her pale face.


    Her eyes, brimming with tears, carried a resolute hue.


    Fang Qingzhu suddenly turned her head back, opening her mouth to bite at the palm of Xue Mantian fiercely.


    "Seeking death!"


    A cold light flashed through Xue Mantian''s eyes. He was of the Dharma Manifestation Realm, how could he possibly be bitten by Fang Qingzhu?


    With a slight tremor of his hand, a muffled ''thump'' echoed, and Fang Qingzhu trembled all over. Both of her shoulder bones were shattered by the impact. The chains binding her arms broke as well, one could only imagine how terrifying Xue Mantian''s palm strike was!


    Splat!


    Blood spurted wildly from Fang Qingzhu''s mouth, her complexion turning even paler, her breath as thin as a thread.


    "Lowly ants, dare to try and harm my body? Die!"


    Xue Mantian fiercely swung his hand.


    Whoosh!


    Fang Qingzhu was flung high into the air, tossed toward the four flying Heavenly Demons.


    Roar!


    The four flying Heavenly Demons'' eyes radiated a brutal light, showing their teeth and lunging for Fang Qingzhu to bite and tear.


    These were beasts comparable to a warrior of the Tao Tribulation Realm!


    Let alone Fang Qingzhu, who was only of Spiritual Realm Cultivation, even a common warrior of the Tao Tribulation Realm, once caught in their bite, would either be severely injured or become a feast in their mouths!


    "No..."


    In the nick of time,


    Xiao Yi erupted with unprecedented speed, rushing in front of Fang Qingzhu with a bang, grasping her and throwing her towards the crowd, "Dean..."


    Whoosh!


    Gu Junhe burst out from the crowd with a flash.


    Catching Fang Qingzhu in his arms.


    Simultaneously...


    The four flying Heavenly Demons, having lost their target, turned their razor-sharp fangs towards Xiao Yi.


    "Get lost!"


    Xiao Yi was surging with energy, but against the four Heavenly Demons as strong as the warriors of the Tao Tribulation Realm, these energy barriers were ineffective.


    Amidst a succession of crackling sounds, the energy shields burst one after another, and sharp fangs pierced through his back.


    Blood sprayed wildly.


    Xiao Yi fell like a shooting star, crashing to the ground with a loud bang.


    The entire Royal Martial Arts Academy trembled violently.


    Within the enormous crater, dust roiled, and cracks spread across the ground like a spiderweb.


    "Xiao Yi brother..."


    Fang Qingzhu''s eyes were wide with rage, struggling wildly.


    Gu Junhe held on tight to her hands, "Don''t go over there... going now is suicide..."


    "No... Even if it''s death, I want to be with Xiao Yi brother..."


    Fang Qingzhu exhausted all her strength struggling, the chains on her shoulders clanging noisily, her flesh torn and blurred, blood gushing like a fountain. Her pale face was filled with worry and despair; after all, those were four beasts as strong as warriors of the Tao Tribulation Realm!


    Xiao Yi had resisted the attacks of the four mighty beasts; despite his incredibly strong body,


    he was now gravely injured and might even be in danger of losing his life.


    Her hands, under Gu Junhe''s restraint, were torn open, blood dripping down.


    At this moment, the only thought in Fang Qingzhu''s mind was to rush to Xiao Yi''s side, "Let go, let go..."


    Despair and hope intermingled, overflowing her mind.


    Despair over Xiao Yi''s injuries.


    Hope that Xiao Yi could stand back up.


    Rustle, rustle...


    The disordered sound of falling gravel was heard as Xiao Yi shakily climbed out of the pit, his body swaying as he knelt on the ground, bracing himself with his hands, spewing blood violently. After a moment, he slowly recovered, wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, staggeringly stood up, and raised his head to look at Fang Qingzhu. His mouth full of white teeth stained with blood, he managed to squeeze out a bright smile, "Qingzhu... I''m alright..."


    Fang Qingzhu, eyes wide with anguish, watched the unsteady Xiao Yi and cried out in heart-wrenching pain, "Xiao Yi brother..."


    High above,


    Xue Mantian raised an eyebrow and sneered, shaking his head, "Lowly ants love to play out these melodramas of parting and death. Xiao Yi, if you kneel and become my blood slave, I can spare you and that girl from death!"


    "Ha... hahaha... hahahaha..."


    Xiao Yi laughed uproariously, his blood boiling as a reddish fog surrounded him. Blood-red light pulsed from his eyes, "Kneel my ass!"

 Chapter 131 - 131 Fight! Fight! Fight!

    "Kneel before your fucking mother!"


    Xiao Yi''s body surged with blood, a thick layer of blood mist covering him.


    His entire frame radiated a profoundly potent blood qi, the very essence of the Blood Explosion Skill, which burnt up fifty percent of his fresh blood to boost his power fivefold.


    "Hmm?"


    Xue Mantian couldn''t help but straighten his posture, his eyebrows sharp like swords twitched lightly, his expression amused, "Burning qi-blood to enhance strength in such a short time? This increase is stronger than my Xue Yilou''s ''Blood Demon Great Skill''? An interesting little fellow!"


    He remained lazily leaned against the palanquin.


    With his status as the ninth floor master of Xue Yilou, not even the rulers of the hundred subordinate countries under the Great Qian Dynasty could make him take notice.


    If Xue Mantian wasn''t just passing through Tianqing Kingdom, he would not have made a move himself.


    "It''s rare to come across such an interesting little fellow..."


    Xue Mantian''s face was full of amusement as he looked on as if watching a jumping clown, and with a light flick of his finger said, "Number Four, go play with him!" S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Yes, Master!"


    Among the four Winged Demon Tigers, the one at the end, capable of human speech, broke free from its shackles.


    With a flap of its wings, it soared towards Xiao Yi.


    The other three Winged Demon Tigers looked at each other, envy in their eyes: "Master indeed favors Number Four more; such a tasty little fellow is a treat for him!"


    "Don''t worry, Number Four won''t enjoy him all by himself; he''ll at least leave us a leg each!"


    Xue Mantian leaned back on the palanquin, spoke calmly and deliberately, "Don''t rush... Xiao Yi''s wife and his brothers are still here, aren''t they? Even if we can''t eat Xiao Yi, eating them is also possible!"


    "Master is wise!"


    The three Winged Demon Tigers said in unison.


    Meanwhile...


    Number Four had already flown in front of Xiao Yi, its giant paw swiping down at him.


    Once mature, a Winged Demon Tiger is a fifth-order high-level beast, comparable to the peak of the Golden Core Realm. These four Winged Demon Tigers, nurtured by Xue Mantian, had grown into sixth-order beasts. Their combat strength matched the Tao Tribulation Realm, and Number Four''s power was about equal to a fighter at the Second Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    The tiger paw tore through the sky, borrowing the world''s power, drawing gusts of fierce wind.


    The howling wind swirled about.


    In an instant...


    It came crashing down towards Xiao Yi''s head.


    Xiao Yi''s body glowed with blood; even before using the Blood Explosion Skill, he could match a fighter from the Tao Tribulation Realm. Now, with five times the speed and strength, he was comparable to someone in the Third Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    "Nine Swords as One!"


    The Fire Qilin Sword burst into fiery light, a crimson sword beam sweeping across the incoming storm.


    With a thunderous boom,


    The storm shattered explosively.


    "Vajra Subdues Demons!"


    With a heavy punch, he struck down at Number Four, who reacted very quickly, twisting its body, and its tail swept at Xiao Yi.


    There''s an old saying that one must never touch a tiger''s butt!


    And it was precisely because of this tail!


    As the tiger''s tail swept over, its force was akin to a dragon''s tail lash.


    Thud!


    His iron fist landed heavily on the tiger''s tail.


    The savage force nearly swept Xiao Yi away, but in the moment he was about to be thrown off, he reached out with an open hand and snatched the oncoming tail, while the Fire Qilin Sword sliced upward from below.


    Spurt!


    In a flash of blood, Number Four''s tail was severed.


    Howl...


    Number Four let out a miserable cry.


    Losing its balance due to the loss of its tail, it staggered, and Xiao Yi seized the opportunity. The Fire Qilin Sword stabbed towards the exposed rear of the tiger.


    "How dare you¡­ Stop!" Xue Mantian on the palanquin showed his true concern for the first time, his face murderous, bellowing with sky-shaking rage.


    "Stop your fucking grandfather..."


    Xiao Yi snorted coldly, his longsword not hesitating for a moment!


    Spurt!


    Amidst the sound of flesh and blood churning, Xiao Yi''s Fire Qilin Sword pierced into Number Four''s rear, and a mass of minced flesh and innards sprayed out from its mouth.


    Boom!


    The massive body of the Winged Demon Tiger dropped to the ground.


    The Winged Demon Tiger, a match for the Tao Tribulation Realm, thus died by the blade of Xiao Yi.


    "Evil beast, didn''t you hear me when I told you to stop?" Xue Mantian roared ferociously, his heart bleeding inside. To nurture these four Tao Tribulation Realm Winged Demon Tigers, he had spent untold resources, raising them from the time they couldn''t even open their eyes. Xue Mantian had no children, so he considered these four Winged Demon Tigers as his own kin!


    But now...


    The beloved youngest, the one he cherished most, had actually died at the hands of Xiao Yi, whom he had never taken seriously.


    "Youngest brother..."


    "Master, let us tear that little bastard apart..."


    The three Sky Demon Tigers twisted their bodies in madness, emitting wave after wave of earth-shaking roars.


    Xue Mantian''s face darkened, "Kill him for me!"


    Roar!


    Roar!


    Roar!


    The three Sky Demon Tigers broke free from their shackles and lunged at Xiao Yi.


    These were three beings of the Tao Tribulation Realm!


    Especially the largest Sky Demon Tiger, which was comparable to a sixth-order high-level demon beast at the Seventh Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm. Facing the onslaught of the three Sky Demon Tigers, even Xiao Yi, who had burned fifty percent of his blood, was forced to retreat step by step.


    Claws and fangs left ferocious wounds all over his body.


    Blood covered his entire body.


    "Tear him to shreds!"


    "Avenge our youngest brother!"


    The eyes of the three Sky Demon Tigers gleamed coldly as they encircled Xiao Yi, watching him with covetous eyes.


    "Dean... please let me go, I want to help Xiao Yi..." Fang Qingzhu cried with stubborn tears streaming down her face.


    Gu Junhe took a deep breath and said firmly, "Enough, I''ll go!"


    Whoosh!


    Gu Junhe flashed by and landed in front of Xiao Yi.


    "Dean..." Xiao Yi blinked in surprise.


    "You are a disciple of the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, and I, as the dean, cannot stand idly by and watch you be bullied," he said.


    Gu Junhe squinted at Xue Mantian and declared loudly, "Tianqi Martial Arts Academy Dean Gu Junhe, I request to fight!"


    Xue Mantian''s face was indifferent as he waved his hand dismissively, "Kill!"


    From beginning to end.


    He never spared Gu Junhe a glance for a moment, for to him, anyone below the Dharma Manifestation Realm simply wasn''t worth noticing.


    "Jiang Tai, the seventh prince of the Tianqing Kingdom, requests to do battle!"


    Jiang Tai leaped into the air, standing shoulder to shoulder with Xiao Yi.


    "Damn it, I can''t just watch this anymore!"


    "Is the Dharma Manifestation Realm so great? Are you saying that my Tianqing Kingdom has no one else?"


    "Brothers, let''s go together and show them that the Tianqing Kingdom has no cowards..."


    One by one, the strong warriors came forward.


    In no time at all.


    More than a thousand people had already gathered around Xiao Yi, many of whom had come just for the spectacle, but now all stood by Xiao Yi''s side.


    It was because in their hearts, Xiao Yi was one of them, a person of the Tianqing Kingdom.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Amidst the thunderous noise, a black cavalry, like a steel torrent, came swarming in. Leading them was Li Qing, "The Black Dragon Cavalry of the Tianqing Kingdom, requesting to join the battle!"


    In the void.


    Several figures stepped through the air.


    At the forefront stood a man in a yellow robe with his hands behind his back, Jiang Tianchen. He wore a purple crown and was expressionless, "Xiao Yi is our National Protection Martial King of the Tianqing Kingdom. The Tianqing Kingdom stands or falls with him! Whoever wishes to harm him, the Tianqing Kingdom will fight to the last, even if it means bringing the country to its knees!"


    Xiao Yi watched as more and more powerful people gathered by his side.


    His blood boiled inside him.


    This feeling was unprecedented.


    Before this...


    He felt no sense of belonging to the Tianqing Kingdom, but now, as countless citizens of the Tianqing Kingdom, the Black Dragon Army, the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, and the royal presence represented by Jiang Tianchen all stood with him, he felt an unparalleled sense of emotion.


    This was the sense of belonging!


    This was home!


    Whew!


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath and with a loud exhalation, he raised his longsword to the sky, "Battle!"


    The voices of the people around him merged into a torrent of sound, thundering in unison, "Battle!"


    "Battle!"


    Battle...

 Chapter 132 - 132: Tragic

    "A bunch of ants dares to defy the Azure Dragon?"


    Xue Mantian still lounged lazily atop the carriage.


    With his strength, even if the Tianqing Kingdom mobilized their entire nation, he would not take them seriously.


    Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    Commanding the laws of heaven and earth, possessing the power to reach the heavens!


    A casual wave could summon fierce winds, a shouted command could call down thunder.


    Such a being would not fear thousands of troops and horses even in the face of an army; moreover, his back was supported by the mighty Xue Yilou, and behind Xue Yilou stood a great figure from the Great Qian Dynasty.


    Even annihilating the Tianqing Kingdom would at most earn Xue Mantian a scolding.


    "Ada, whoever dares to hinder your killing of Xiao Yi, kill them all!" Xue Mantian said indifferently.


    "Yes, master!"


    Three flying Heavenly Demon Tigers were surrounded by a floating black aura, a black halo enveloped their forms, and their two pitch-black wings flapped vigorously, as if surrounded by divine light. Their massive bodies soared with a leap and crashed down with force.


    Like three giant black beasts, they charged toward Xiao Yi and the others.


    Jiang Tianchen, dressed in royal robes and wearing a purple jade crown, drew the gold-inlaid longsword from his waist. "Subjects of the Tianqing Kingdom, follow your king into battle!"


    "Black Dragon Cavalry, kill!"


    "Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, kill!"


    "King Tieshan''s forces, kill!"


    "Kill..."


    More and more powerhouses from the crowd surged toward the three great flying Heavenly Demon Tigers. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Although Jiang Tianchen was only at the peak of the Golden Core Realm, the sword in his hand was a high-grade, fifth-level famous sword, which legend claimed was forged from the spine of a peak Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouse, a sword of an emperor.


    The sword''s edge broke through the air, the sky dyed a uniform color.


    This enabled Jiang Tianchen to wield combat power comparable to the First Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    With the help of the Black Dragon Cavalry and others, they managed to barely entangle the youngest of the flying Heavenly Demon Tigers.


    A key pillar of the royal house, clad in black robes.


    Always hidden in the shadows, the royal ancestor Jiang Wei, with his invincible power at the Fourth Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm, blocked the leader of the tigers, whose strength was comparable to the Seventh Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm, alone.


    The second of the flying Heavenly Demon Tigers charged toward Xiao Yi.


    Gu Junhe, Jiang Tai, Yue Cang, and others assisted Xiao Yi, facing the formidable flying Heavenly Demon Tiger without the slightest negligence. Xiao Yi, with a bloody light flowing around him, took the lead in the offense.


    Gu Junhe and Jiang Tai, among others, provided support.


    Facing the siege of the crowd.


    The second tiger''s face was full of ferocity and rage, amidst thunderous roars, its claws, sharp as scythes, swatted away Jiang Tai, tearing open his chest.


    Blood gushed like a fountain.


    "Monster, you''re courting death!"


    Gu Junhe, enraged, swung a three-meter-long sledgehammer down fiercely.


    The third tiger snorted coldly and swung its tail fiercely!


    Crack!


    Tremendous force sent Gu Junhe flying into the air, and at the same time, with a thrust of its head, it roared like thunder. Terrifying sound waves rolled forth, aimed directly at Gu Junhe in midair. Xiao Yi switched his hand seals, and pure Yuan Qi converged into a circular shield.


    The circular Yuan Qi shield spread across the sky, blocking the rolling sound waves.


    Boom!


    In a thunderous explosion.


    The Yuan Qi shield shattered.


    Gu Junhe fell from the sky, his body like a sword, piercing the heavens, and a sharp sword light slashed down with a swish.


    "Roar!"


    The third tiger''s wings curled around its body in a swift roll.


    The fierce sword strike landed heavily on the wings.


    Rumble!


    The highly concentrated Yuan Qi sword light exploded, triggering a terrifying energy storm that slammed the third tiger violently into the ground. Blood and tattered wings flew in all directions; nearby, Jiang Tai, who had just stopped his bleeding, showed a trace of ecstatic joy on his face: "Did we succeed?"


    Gu Junhe also quietly breathed a sigh of relief.


    However, Xiao Yi''s face suddenly changed, and he pushed Gu Junhe beside him away with a palm.


    Whoosh!


    Caught off guard, Gu Junhe was pushed away dozens of meters by Xiao Yi.


    "Xiao Yi, what are you..."


    Just as Gu Junhe opened his mouth, he saw a tiger tail that was tens of meters long fiercely lash down on the spot where he had just been standing. The tiger tail swept up the building Gu Junhe had been standing in front of, wrapping around it and flinging it away with a violent twist.


    Boom!


    The building, over ten meters high, was crushed into smithereens.


    Whoosh!


    Amidst the rising dust, Lao San''s massive figure shot out like an arrow released from a bow, appearing instantly in front of Xiao Yi. Xiao Yi had just pushed Gu Junhe away and was too late to dodge.


    In a moment of life and death,


    Xiao Yi swiftly turned around, presenting his back to Lao San.


    Roar!


    Lao San''s sharp claws struck Xiao Yi''s back fiercely, blood spraying wildly, leaving three vicious claw marks on Xiao Yi''s back, deep enough to see the bone. His body was sent flying with the impact.


    With a thunderous noise, Xiao Yi crashed into a cluster of buildings below.


    Rumble!


    Plowing through, one building after another collapsed.


    After smashing through six buildings, Xiao Yi finally came to a stop, the blood light surging around his body gradually dimming.


    Roar!


    Lao San flapped its wings and dived, disappearing into the rubble, then shot up into the sky once more, lifting a pile of debris.


    It had Xiao Yi in its mouth.


    The sharp fangs pierced through half of Xiao Yi''s body.


    "Xiao Yi..."


    "Let him go..."


    Gu Junhe and the others tried to intervene but were entangled to death by the other two flying Heavenly Tigers.


    Roar!


    Lao San took to the air again, attempting to carry Xiao Yi up high and then drop him.


    But just at that moment,


    A purple whip shadow tore through the air, and with a smack, it coiled around its neck.


    The person who took action was Fang Qingzhu!


    Gu Junhe had unlocked her pipa lock, and now that she had regained some strength, her Purple Dragon Whip wound around Lao San''s neck. Clenching the Purple Cloud Whip tightly in both hands, she tried to stop it from rising, "Let go of my Xiao Yi brother..."


    "A mere ant dares to stop me?"


    Lao San flew into a rage, advancing instead of retreating, instantly closing the distance with Fang Qingzhu.


    Its sharp claws swept down towards Fang Qingzhu''s head.


    "Qingzhu... dodge..." Xiao Yi''s eyes were wide with desperation.


    Thump!


    Fang Qingzhu was sent flying, spewing fresh blood, her life force growing increasingly weak.


    "Wretched ant!"


    Lao San snorted disdainfully and took to the air once more.


    But just as it started to fly, the whip around its neck tightened fiercely, and with a bang, it was yanked forcefully back to the ground. Fang Qingzhu, trembling and unsteady on her feet, wrapped the Purple Dragon Whip around her waist.


    She held on firmly.


    "Qingzhu... let go... hurry and let go..." Xiao Yi felt Lao San''s intense murderous intent and struggled frantically with his exhausted body.


    "No... absolutely not..."


    Fang Qingzhu clenched her teeth, blood spilling from the corners of her mouth, appearing oblivious to the pain, as she stared down the flying Heavenly Tiger, "Xiao Yi brother, you''ve always been the one protecting me. Today, it''s my turn to protect you! Nobody is going to take you away from me, nobody..."


    "If you refuse to let go, then die!"


    Lao San held its head high, tossing Xiao Yi up into the air, and with a swift move, caught Xiao Yi in its claw.


    At the same time, it opened its gaping maw, lunging to tear apart Fang Qingzhu.


    The breath of death instantly shrouded Fang Qingzhu...

 Chapter 133 - 133: Tragic

    Death seemed to transform into a massive hand that shrouded Fang Qingzhu beneath its palm.


    Darkness, despair, and coldness came from all directions, like walls of despairing boulders, pressing down on the hearts of Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhu.


    Once bitten by the third beast,


    It would certainly mean certain death.


    "No¡­ no¡­"


    Xiao Yi suddenly erupted in a thunderous roar, and the blood light that enveloped him erupted like a volcano, surging tumultuously. Waves of terrifying blood-red energy swept across, fully activating the Blood Explosion Skill to its limit.


    All of his blood!


    Xiao Yi had actually burned all the blood in his body.


    This was a mad, suicidal move.


    But for Fang Qingzhu¡­


    Xiao Yi had no choice!


    With a tenfold increase in strength and speed, Xiao Yi managed to pull his hands free, violently grabbing the third beast''s two tiger claws.


    Then, he twisted them outwards.


    Pop, pop!


    Two streams of blood burst forth, and Xiao Yi forcefully snapped off the tiger claws, causing the third beast to howl in agony and its body to tremble violently. The saying ''every finger feeling the heart''s pain'' wasn''t just about humans; it applied to beasts just as well.


    At the moment the tiger claws were snapped off, the third beast''s body also came to a sudden halt.


    Xiao Yi grabbed the beast''s sharp claws with both hands and, with a crack, brutally broke them, blood dripping over the jagged white bones.


    The intense pain made the third beast''s expression savage as it howled: "Human, go to hell!"


    Its sharp fangs turned viciously towards Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi''s body flickered as he flipped onto the third beast''s back, tightly grasping its ear with his left hand. Meanwhile, his right hand formed into a fist, and amidst swirling red energy, he pummeled the beast''s head with punch after punch.


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    No matter how sturdy the third beast''s skull was, under Xiao Yi''s iron fists, blood surged.


    "Oww¡­"


    The third beast shrieked repeatedly.


    Trying to use its tail, claws, and even wild thrashing to throw Xiao Yi off its back.


    But Xiao Yi just kept ripping out its fur by the handful, bloody skin, flesh, and hair tearing away inch by inch. He had burned too much blood, and his consciousness grew increasingly blurry.


    He suddenly opened his mouth wide and bit down hard on the beast''s neck.


    Ow¡­


    The third beast''s body shuddered, trembling and struggling even more frantically.


    Xiao Yi instinctively kept devouring the blood in the beast''s body, the gulping noises making the third beast feel like the grim reaper was beckoning: "Save me¡­ Big brother, second brother¡­ my master¡­"


    "Third brother¡­"


    "Damn you, let go of the third¡­"


    The eldest and the second Flying Heavenly Demon Tigers changed color in shock, never expecting the seemingly victorious third beast to fall into such wretchedness.


    But as they wanted to intervene to help the third beast, Jiang Tianchen and the others held them tightly in place.


    Preventing them from freeing themselves to help.


    In the moment of life and death.


    Xue Mantian suddenly snorted coldly, his face turning iron blue: "Useless wastes, struggling against such trash, yet they still require my personal intervention?"


    Whoosh!


    Xue Mantian pointed a finger.


    Hum!


    That finger, compressed with pure energy, instantly turned into a streak of light, shooting straight towards Xiao Yi.


    "Xiao Yi, be careful¡­"


    Seeing this, Fang Qingzhu''s face changed dramatically as she stretched out her arms and threw herself in front of Xiao Yi.


    Boom!


    The blood-colored pillar instantly engulfed Fang Qingzhu. Amidst a loud noise, her body trembled, and blood sprayed from her mouth, splattering all over Xiao Yi''s face.


    The nearly unconscious Xiao Yi jolted as his eyes regained some lucidity.


    In that instant of clarity.


    Xiao Yi saw Fang Qingzhu spewing blood, struck by the pillar and flung away, her familiar figure flying horizontally before him, with her scalding blood landing on his face.


    "No, no¡­"


    Xiao Yi''s hoarse voice let out a desperate roar.


    He unleashed his final power.


    With a sudden reach of his right hand, his vital energy surged like a spring, turning into a ribbon that coiled around Fang Qingzhu''s waist, pulling her into his embrace. At the same time, his left hand reached out, and the Fire Qilin Sword, belching red flames, flew back from afar.


    Man and sword as one!


    "Die!"


    Hum!


    A sword slashed down, heavily landing atop the head of the third brother.


    Splat...


    Blood sprayed in the air.


    The massive head of the third brother of the Flying Heavenly Demon Tigers was directly cleaved off by Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi, holding Fang Qingzhu, tumbled to the ground, rolling over several tens of meters, desperately protecting her. Struggling to maintain his will, he looked at Fang Qingzhu in his arms,"Qing, Qingzhu... are, are you okay?"


    "Xiao, Xiao Yi..." Fang Qingzhu, with trembling hands, tried to wipe the blood from the corner of Xiao Yi''s mouth.


    But no matter how hard she tried, she just couldn''t reach Xiao Yi.


    Her injuries were simply too severe!


    Xiao Yi felt the life force within him continuously slipping away, and memories of his life filled his mind.


    Before he was eight, although not valued by his family, at least he had his mother.


    Then he was imprisoned for ten years.


    During those ten years, he saw neither sun nor moon.


    Even his mother left him.


    It wasn''t until he was sent to the Fang Family by his father and elder brother, reduced to a lowly son-in-law, that he met Fang Qingzhu.


    Aside from his mother, she was the first person who truly cared for him, who entered his heart.


    But now...


    "I''m sorry... I, I couldn''t fulfill my promise, couldn''t protect you..." As Xiao Yi spoke, fresh blood uncontrollably flowed out.


    "Xiao Yi, meeting you has been the most fortunate thing in my life!" Fang Qingzhu said with a smile, shaking her head, but the bloodied pale face made one feel even more heartbroken.


    "What a pathetic couple, full of love, but alas, you have actually caused the death of my war beast, you all must die!"


    Xue Mantian''s voice suddenly resonated in their ears.


    Xue Mantian was seen striding through the sky, with a cold and gloomy face, reaching out with both hands.


    "Don''t even think about harming my students from Tianqi Martial Arts Academy!"


    "Are my people of Tianqing Kingdom something you can kill at will?"


    Gu Junhe, Jiang Tianchen, and an elder from the Jiang Family all made their moves.


    Two figures, comparable to the Tao Tribulation Realm, along with the elder from the Jiang Family, withstood Xue Mantian''s earth-shattering blow.


    But the expressions of the three were extremely ugly.


    Xue Mantian squinted, "A bunch of ants dare to block my path? Die!"


    Hum!


    Xue Mantian pointed his finger to the sky.


    Countless vital energy surged like an ocean, gathered into a huge, cold finger, and with a loud boom, shot towards the group.


    The elder from the Jiang Family, surrounded by dragon shadows, cried out, "Tianqing''s protection!"


    Roar!


    Numerous vital energy formed into a dragon shadow, spanning in front of everyone, but against Xue Mantian''s attack, the Azure Dragon illusion only paused for a moment before shattering into pieces. With a loud bang, the elder from the Jiang Family was sent flying.


    Blood spurted from his mouth, his breath weak as a thread.


    Xue Mantian, surrounded by a flow of blood energy, commanded, "Kill!" S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The leader and second brother of the Flying Heavenly Demon Tigers transformed into demon gods, leaving behind a trail of decapitated heads and rivers of blood wherever they went.


    Jiang Tai was bitten on the arm by a Flying Heavenly Demon Tiger, ripping the limb clean off.


    Niu Dali''s abdomen was pierced by the sharp claws of the tiger.


    Even the four brothers from the Shi Family, uniting their strength, were still blown away with a palm strike, their bones completely shattered.


    The Black Dragon Cavalry under Li Qing''s command, despite their formidable power against the Tao Tribulation Realm''s monstrous beasts, were smashed to pieces. Li Qing himself was impaled atop his steed.


    Tragic!


    Bloody!


    Watching helplessly as one powerful being after another died in front of him to protect him, Xiao Yi''s eyes were completely stained red with blood.


    "Feels quite desperate and helpless, doesn''t it?"


    Xue Mantian''s voice echoed in his ears as he walked on air, easily knocking away any strong being who dared to block him. With a ferocious laugh, he reached out towards Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhu, "This is the fate of those who provoke Xue Yilou!"

 Chapter 134 - 134: Frozen for Thousands of Miles

    ```


    Whoosh!


    The cold vital energy surged mightily.


    The terrifying pressure made it impossible for Xiao Yi and his companion to resist, capturing them into the air from afar.


    Xue Mantian swept his icy gaze over the two of them, "Your love for each other is truly touching. Therefore, I''ve decided... after you die, I will dismember your bodies, feed one to the eagles in the sky, and throw the other into the river to feed the fishes. Even in death, you shall be separated by heaven and earth, never to meet again!"


    "Xue! Mantian!"


    Xiao Yi''s eyes were blood red as he stared daggers at Xue Mantian, as if to etch every bit of him into the depths of his soul.


    No words of hatred, no oaths of vengeance.


    At this moment...


    Hatred had reached its peak.


    If he could survive, he would surely seek his revenge!


    "Brother Xiao Yi, if you become a fish, then I''ll transform into an osprey... If you are an osprey, I''ll become the flying fish, and in the end, we will meet again..." Fang Qingzhu''s pale face suddenly revealed a radiant smile, and her tender voice was filled with unwavering determination.


    Xiao Yi trembled all over and nodded heavily towards Fang Qingzhu.


    "Hmph, whether you die together is not up to you to decide!"


    Xue Mantian sneered, "I shall slaughter Xiao Yi first, and then I will keep this damsel well for a hundred and eighty years. After Xiao Yi''s soul has utterly dispersed, then I will kill you, and I want to see how you''ll continue your affair with the osprey then!"


    Buzz!


    A stream of blood shot towards Xiao Yi.


    In that moment between life and death...


    Suddenly, a spotless blue light appeared between heaven and earth.


    In an instant, the world seemed to transform into a snowy domain, and the cold blood arrow was covered with a thick layer of ice amidst the clicking sounds. Just a finger''s width away from Xiao Yi''s forehead, the blood arrow was completely frozen.


    "Hm? What''s going on?"


    Xue Mantian''s expression changed.


    At the same time.


    The temperature between heaven and earth dropped dozens of degrees in an instant, and the wind blowing in the air contained slivers of icy blue coldness. The touch on one''s face was like the scrape of an ice blade, threatening to slit the skin at any moment.


    In the flowing cold wind.


    Snow began to drift down!


    Amidst the big flurry-like snow.


    Flashes of blue light, which were faintly visible, became brighter and more mysterious.


    "This, this is..."


    Everyone''s gaze turned uniformly towards the blue light, which was gathering around Fang Qingzhu.


    She was enveloped in a layer of blue light, which turned her long hair into an icy blue color, and her long eyelashes trembled slightly, seemingly covered with frost. Within her brows, a strange ice-blue rune flickered in and out of view.


    Behind her...


    There emerged a massive ice-blue Phantom Phoenix, poised to strike.


    The moment that ice-blue Phantom Phoenix materialized, everything around Fang Qingzhu turned to ice.


    Even the vital energy that Xue Mantian used to bind her was instantly frozen.


    Crack, crack, crack!


    The frost spread along the vital energy relentlessly, forming an ice pillar heading straight for Xue Mantian. Startled, Xue Mantian''s hand trembled violently, cutting off the flow of vital energy, nearly at the moment the energy flow was severed.


    The frost had already reached the column of vital energy.


    The intense chill even caused Xue Mantian''s palm to become covered with frost.


    Hiss!


    Xue Mantian drew a sharp breath, disbelieving as he looked at Fang Qingzhu, who resembled an ice fairy, "What, what is this?"


    "Is that Fang Qingzhu?"


    "Is that the same ice-blue phoenix again? When the assassin from Blood Shadow Tower came to Tianqi Martial Arts Academy previously, it was Sister Qingzhu who summoned this ice-blue phoenix and saved us..."


    "Could it be her Innate Divine Ability? But I''ve never heard of such a Divine Skill..."


    The crowd looked at each other in disbelief.


    Fang Qingzhu looked emotionless at Xue Mantian: "Let him go!"


    "Pretending to be a ghost..."


    Xue Mantian let out a cold laugh, and with a wave of his hand, a torrent of vital energy surged out, "Asura Great Palm Imprint!"


    Buzz!


    A blood-red palm, mountainous in size, loomed over Fang Qingzhu.


    Facing this blood-red palm.


    Fang Qingzhu just snorted coldly, and the ice-blue Phoenix behind her flapped its wings and flew right into the palm. Amidst the cracking sounds, the giant palm, forged entirely from vital energy, instantly turned into an ice sculpture shaped like a palm.


    In a burst of crackling sounds, it shattered into shards of ice that filled the sky.


    "This..."


    Xue Mantian''s expression changed dramatically.


    That strike was powerful enough to kill an ordinary practitioner of the Tao Tribulation Realm, and yet Fang Qingzhu, who was merely at the Peak of the Divine Ability Realm, could so easily destroy it?


    This was something he had never heard of!


    ```


    Fang Qingzhu''s slender palm reached out towards Xiao Yi, and a beam of ice sliced through the air, freezing everything it touched. The elemental energy that restrained Xiao Yi also shattered, accompanied by a howling chill wind.


    Within the raging wind, snowflakes danced. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    All was turned to a powdery dust.


    An ice-blue phoenix scooped up Xiao Yi and flew back to Fang Qingzhu''s side, her face growing ever more pale, a trace of tenderness flashing in her eyes.


    "Qingzhu, you..." Xiao Yi looked at her with a complex expression.


    Fang Qingzhu shook her head gently, "Xiao Yi, you''ve always been the one to protect me. Today, let it be my turn to protect you!"


    As soon as she spoke.


    Fang Qingzhu waved her hand, sending Xiao Yi to Gu Junhe''s side. Meanwhile, the ice-blue phoenix behind her took to the skies, transforming into a beam of blue light that soared towards Xue Mantian.


    "You''re not worthy of my master''s effort!"


    "Die!"


    The leader and the deputy of the Flying Heavenly Demon Tigers charged out together.


    These two demonic beasts had been raised by Xue Mantian from their youth and were utterly loyal to him.


    "Die!"


    Fang Qingzhu just let out a cold snort.


    The ice-blue phoenix swept past, its tail elongated with swirling frost and snow, passing through the void. The two enormous Flying Heavenly Demon Tigers continuously accumulated thick layers of frost on their bodies.


    In the blink of an eye.


    They had turned into two ice sculptures.


    Boom! Boom!


    Two beasts, comparable to the sixth rank of the Tao Tribulation Realm, fell from the sky and smashed heavily onto the ground, shattering into broken ice.


    Hiss!


    At this moment...


    All was silent between heaven and earth.


    All eyes turned to her with shock and fear.


    With a mere flick of her wrist.


    She had slain two sixth-rank demonic beasts.


    Such ability would only be found in the Dharma Manifestation Realm, wouldn''t it? But Fang Qingzhu was clearly at the Peak of the Divine Ability Realm!


    "Little beast, you dared to kill my battle pets, I''ll take your life!" Xue Mantian was furious, and as he raised his hand, the entire royal capital shook violently. The massive palace at the capital''s center was ripped from the earth by his might.


    The huge palace was held aloft in the void single-handedly by Xue Mantian.


    This was the power of a Dharma Manifestation Realm expert.


    With the slightest motion, they could harness the power of the heavens and the earth.


    "Die!"


    The enormous palace crashed down towards Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhu as Xue Mantian flicked his finger.


    Confronted with the massive palace, should it fall, a significant part of the royal capital would be destroyed.


    In this moment of life and death...


    The ice-blue phoenix behind Fang Qingzhu suddenly spread its wings and flew up, its cry like thunder from the nine heavens, shaking the sky as it soared. The blue phoenix swelled, becoming immensely large, with a wingspan of thousands of feet.


    Wherever it passed...


    The world turned into a frozen realm.


    Rumble! Rumble!


    Thunder boomed in winter, and Feng Xue fluttered.


    The entire royal capital...


    Was transformed into a realm of ice sculptures under the impact of the ice-blue phoenix, and yet the icy storm had not ceased. The blue phoenix flew past, heading straight for Xue Mantian, whose expression changed drastically as he raised his hand to block.


    But, his elemental energy couldn''t stop the blue phoenix.


    Crack! Crack!


    Amid the crisp sounds of freezing ice, Xue Mantian''s arms were frozen solid, his expression suddenly changed, and he hastily soared into the skies.


    His arms were numb and lifeless.


    If this went on...


    He might well lose his hands, and yet the ice-blue phoenix continued to chase after him, causing the prestigious Xue Mantian of the Dharma Manifestation Realm to show fear as he glared at Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhu: "You just wait... Having offended my Blood Shadow Tower, you will all die!"


    Whoosh!


    Xue Mantian shot up, disappearing into the sky.


    Over the vast royal capital...


    Beneath the giant ice sculpture of the palace, Fang Qingzhu, surrounded by ice-blue light, gazed at Xue Mantian as he disappeared into the heavens. Suddenly, she staggered, collapsing into Xiao Yi''s arms.


    The giant ice sculpture of the palace also fell from the sky, crashing to the ground with a loud bang.


    The chill covered thousands of miles!


    The people of Tianqing Kingdom looked at each other, their suspended hearts finally coming to rest, as their current crisis had been temporarily averted.


    But...


    Neither the departed Xue Mantian nor the unconscious Fang Qingzhu, nor Xiao Yi and the others knew. Just as Fang Qingzhu had fully unleashed the ice-blue phoenix, in the far north, amidst the endless snowstorm, within a massive palace, an immensely authoritative voice commanded: "Bring her back!"

 Chapter 135 - 135: The Curtain Falls

    This day was a catastrophic disaster for the capital of the Tianqing Kingdom.


    The palace alone, symbolizing royal dignity and supreme power, was destroyed in an instant, delivering a massive blow to the royal family of Tianqing Kingdom.


    Besides that...


    In her final outburst, Fang Qingzhu froze the entire palace into ice.


    It came crashing down.


    The razed buildings nearly covered half of the capital.


    At the very center of the capital, where the palace once stood, there was now an immense crater. It was the result of the palace being uprooted by Xue Mantian, looking from afar like a vast gaping hole.


    Inside the Royal Martial Arts Academy.


    The scene was chaotic, land everywhere scorched by war, mountains of bodies and rivers of blood.


    Amidst the ruins.


    Zhou Yuan was tightly bound and kneeling before Jiang Tianchen and others, his face twisted with ferocity and madness, "Hahaha, Xiao Yi, Jiang Tianchen... what does it matter that I have fallen into your hands? You''ve offended Xue Yilou, and you, together with the entire Tianqing Kingdom, have but one path left¡ªdeath..."


    Jiang Tianchen''s face was extremely somber.


    Xiao Yi, who stood by his side, had managed to recuperate some Qi-Blood, thanks to Fang Qingzhu''s sudden burst, which prevented his Blood Explosion Skill from completely burning away his blood.


    Even so...


    Xiao Yi was still exceedingly weak at this moment, holding Fang Qingzhu in his arms, his icy gaze fixed on Zhou Yuan, "Even if Xue Yilou doesn''t come for me, I will go after them!"


    The appearance of Xue Mantian had not only nearly brought him and Fang Qingzhu to their deaths.


    But it also resulted in the demise of Li Qing and many other powerful warriors.


    All of whom had lent a hand in the moment of crisis, aiding him.


    Xiao Yi was filled with self-reproach over their sacrifices.


    And his hatred towards Xue Yilou was equally intense.


    "Seek revenge on Xue Yilou? That''s just about the most ridiculous joke I''ve ever heard."


    Zhou Yuan was startled, his face covered in viciousness, and sneered, "Xiao Yi, I admit your talent is strong, but Xue Yilou becoming the strongest assassin organization among the more than a hundred subordinate nations under the Great Qian Dynasty...their strength far exceeds your imagination. Someone as powerful as Xue Mantian is only one of the Nine Masters. Do you really think you can take your revenge on Xue Yilou? You''re delusional!"


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "That''s not for you to worry about anymore!"


    "Xiao Yi, what do you think should be done with him?" Jiang Tianchen looked towards Xiao Yi and asked.


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, "Kill!"


    "Alright!"


    Jiang Tianchen nodded, his cold gaze falling upon Zhou Yuan, he waved his hand, "Execute him!"


    Jiang Weisheng made his move without delay.


    He brought down a palm.


    Boom!


    Zhou Yuan, the mighty head of the Royal Martial Arts Academy, was turned into a pile of flesh.


    Amongst the flesh.


    Jiang Weisheng retrieved a blood-stained Martial Dao Divine Fruit and passed it to Jiang Tianchen, "Your Majesty, this is Zhou Yuan''s Martial Dao Divine Fruit!" S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Jiang Tianchen nodded and took it.


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath, nodded to Jiang Tianchen, and said, "Your Majesty, the Tianqing Kingdom has offered support in good faith, and I, Xiao Yi, am no ingrate. As long as I draw breath, I''ll stand with the Tianqing Kingdom through thick and thin!"


    "Good, very good!"


    Jiang Tianchen let out a long sigh of relief and laughed heartily with contentment.


    For him...


    The destruction of the palace, the devastating losses to the capital, the near annihilation of the Black Dragon Cavalry, none of that compared to Xiao Yi.


    An Xiao Yi, at present, seemed immeasurably more valuable than today''s losses.


    But in Jiang Tianchen''s heart, what he valued even more was Xiao Yi''s future!


    One year''s time.


    From the Physical Body Realm, he had grown into someone who could match a fighter from the Tao Tribulation Realm, and for this very reason, Jiang Tianchen decided to intervene at the last moment. If Xiao Yi hadn''t demonstrated such formidable strength during his confrontation with Zhou Yuan,


    Jiang Tianchen certainly wouldn''t have known about Xue Mantian''s intervention and still chosen to firmly support Xiao Yi.


    It turned out he had made the right bet!


    "Xiao Yi, I have noticed that Miss Fang..." Jiang Tianchen''s worried gaze fell upon Fang Qingzhu.


    Xiao Yi shook his head; with the inheritance of the Underworld Doctor, he had already examined Fang Qingzhu''s condition and found that she had merely fainted from exhaustion without life-threatening injuries. He then said, "Qingzhu is not in any serious danger, she just needs a good rest!"


    Jiang Tianchen breathed a sigh of relief, looking at the frail Fang Qingzhu, as an image of a figure with an ice-blue phoenix behind her, spreading its wings and taking flight,


    frost sealing thousands of miles, and forcing Xue Mantian back.


    He felt that Fang Qingzhu was also hiding a great secret.


    However...


    He did not inquire further.


    Jiang Tianchen said solemnly, "Xiao Yi, once I have properly settled the Royal Capital, I will issue a royal decree to all, proclaiming you as the Martial King of Tianqing Kingdom. This time, you won''t refuse me again, right?"


    Xiao Yi replied, "I am grateful for His Majesty''s reward!"


    Jiang Tianchen smiled in satisfaction, then turned to look at Gu Junhe, whose face was pale, "Headmaster Gu, the Royal Martial Arts Academy has been destroyed, but there are still many disciples who are innocent. My Tianqing Kingdom cannot do without a Martial Arts Institute. Would your Tianqi Martial Arts Academy be willing to accept them?"


    The Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, ever since Wang Tianqi disappeared five hundred years ago, had been brutally suppressed by the Royal Martial Arts Academy.


    Now reduced to its current state, with only a few people left including Xiao Yi.


    After this battle.


    The Royal Martial Arts Academy had completely disappeared, and it was only logical for the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy to take its place.


    Although he had speculated as much, Gu Junhe still couldn''t help but feel excited, his eyes red with emotion as he nodded vigorously, "Your Majesty need not worry, I will lead the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy to cultivate even more powerful fighters!"


    "The future of our Tianqing Kingdom is in your hands!"


    Jiang Tianchen patted Gu Junhe''s shoulder, his gaze sweeping across the crowd and coming to rest on Jiang Tai.


    He had lost an arm.


    His face looked somewhat saddened at the moment.


    A ruler of a nation should be a man of perfection.


    Being physically incomplete, even with his greatest competitor, the Crown Prince, dead, he could never become the chosen heir to the throne. Yet, Jiang Tianchen merely smiled faintly, "Tai, from this day forward, you shall be the Crown Prince of Tianqing Kingdom. I hope you will not disappoint me, your father!"


    "Crown Prince? Me?"


    Jiang Tai''s face was a mix of confusion and disbelief as he looked at Jiang Tianchen.


    Jiang Tianchen nodded solemnly.


    Thud!


    Jiang Tai fell to his knees, his face filled with excitement, "I thank Your Majesty for your trust; I will do everything within my power to not let down your high esteem!"


    Xiao Yi watched the people before him, as well as the ruins of the Royal Capital.


    Yet in his eyes, he seemed to envision the great revival of the Tianqing Kingdom on the rise, clenching his fists tightly as he looked into the distance, "Xiao Tianjiao, within one year, I have already become a match for the Tao Tribulation Realm. I must be getting closer and closer to you, right?"


    However...


    Xiao Yi did not realize,


    that for him...


    for the Tianqing Kingdom...


    it was only just the beginning!


    A great storm, aimed at him and the Tianqing Kingdom, was quietly brewing...

 Chapter 136 - 136 Wedding Date

    ```


    Time flew by.


    A month had passed since the Royal Martial Arts Academy was destroyed.


    Over the past month, the capital had been in a state of complete reconstruction.


    The majestic royal palace was rebuilt, and with the assistance of Jiang Weisheng, the Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouse, a large mountain was moved to block the massive pit. The mountain peak was flattened, and a more imposing palace was erected.


    The capital itself had also recovered to a great extent.


    Yet, even after a month...


    The area where the Royal Martial Arts Academy once stood was still thick with the scent of blood.


    It was a place people went out of their way to avoid.


    Jiang Tianchen had originally intended to level it to the ground, but Gu Junhe suggested that the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy be built on the site instead.


    For one, it would place the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy within the capital, which would be more convenient for its disciples and members.


    Secondly, it served as a reminder to the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy not to follow in the footsteps of the Royal Martial Arts Academy.


    In response to this, Jiang Tianchen specially consulted Xiao Yi''s opinion, and with Xiao Yi''s affirmation, the site was then handed over to Gu Junhe to manage. Niu Dali and the four Shi brothers had performed exceptionally well in the recent battle and had caught the eye of Gu Junhe.


    They all took up important positions in the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, assisting Gu Junhe in restructuring it.


    The entire Tianqing Kingdom could be said to be recovering from ruin.


    And during this month...


    Xiao Yi was focused on healing his wounds and taking care of Fang Qingzhu.


    In the elegant courtyard,


    Xiao Yi was practicing his swordplay in the courtyard. Each move and each posture improved significantly with continuous practice, and his mastery of the third phase of Sword Intent, the unity of man and sword, became increasingly proficient.


    The battle had helped him accumulate experience, and Xiao Yi''s cultivation officially stepped into the Tenth Layer of the Golden Core Realm.


    The number of God Sealing Seeds in his body officially entered the ranks of fifty thousand.


    However...


    Even with fifty thousand God Sealing Seeds, Xiao Yi still was unable to open the next tomb. He had an intense premonition that to unlock the next tomb, the number of God Sealing Seeds must reach at least one hundred thousand.


    At the same time,


    Once the God Sealing Seeds reached one hundred thousand, huge changes would occur to his body.


    This feeling became more intense as Xiao Yi''s cultivation deepened.


    "Xiao Yi brother, dinner''s ready!"


    Fang Qingzhu''s voice came from behind. She and Lin Bingxin, one after the other, brought sumptuous dishes into the courtyard.


    "Coming!"


    Xiao Yi sheathed his Fire Qilin Sword, and the three sat down together.


    "Qingzhu, try this fish!"


    "Xiao Yi brother, eat more as well. I specially made this soup for you, to replenish your Qi-Blood!"


    "Qingzhu, try this..."


    Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhu served each other food, enjoying a harmonious moment.


    They completely ignored Lin Bingxin, who sat beside them with a look of grievance.


    With wide watery eyes, she watched as they served food to each other, her pupils moving left and right following their movements, and suddenly let out a long sigh, "I really shouldn''t have come to suffer this¡­"


    "Uh..."


    Xiao Yi and the other exchanged glances and then burst into laughter.


    Fang Qingzhu''s face turned red, and she glared at Xiao Yi before serving a piece of meat to Lin Bingxin, softly saying, "Bingxin, here''s some meat for you. Eat more too!"


    "It''s Qingzhu who treats me the best!"


    Lin Bingxin smiled sweetly, sending a challenging gaze towards Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi shook his head helplessly.


    ```


    Tastes surpassed only by the rich complexity of life.


    Xiao Yi put down his bowl and chopsticks and said in a deep voice, "Qingzhu, his majesty has sent a message. He''s preparing to hold my coronation ceremony in half a month, declaring to all that I shall be honored as the Martial King of the Nation. I''ve already told him that on that day, I plan to make up for our wedding!"


    "Ah?"


    Fang Qingzhu was stunned, her chopsticks falling onto the table as her face blushed, "A make-up wedding?"


    Xiao Yi nodded solemnly, "Our marriage was rushed, and I was even in a coma throughout. I owe you a grand wedding... Qingzhu, what do you think?"


    "I, I''ll listen to whatever Xiao Yi says!" Fang Qingzhu''s face was flushed as she lowered her head.


    Xiao Yi gently wrapped his arm around her shoulders.


    "Oh my, I can''t watch this anymore, I''m going to go blind, I need to wash my eyes out..."


    Lin Bingxin covered her face with an exaggerated expression, stood up, and trotted out. Behind her came Fang Qingzhu''s chiding voice: "It''s all your fault... Now Sister Bingxin has seen us and laughed..."


    Xiao Yi laughed heartily.


    But neither of them noticed that as Lin Bingxin ran, she slowed down, and between the fingers covering her face, a crystal-clear tear rolled down.


    She raised her hand to wipe away the tear from the corner of her eye.


    Lin Bingxin turned back to look at the courtyard not far away, a stubborn look on her face as she murmured to herself, "As long as they''re happy, that''s what matters, right?" sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The next day.


    The people from the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy and the royal family all received the news.


    Half a month from now, Xiao Yi would be coronated as the Martial King of the Nation and would hold his wedding with Fang Qingzhu. This wedding would be unprecedented in its grandeur, its scale even comparable to that of the king''s own wedding to the queen.


    KIng Jiang Tianchen of the present will officiate the wedding, with all preparations being taken care of by the current Crown Prince, Jiang Tai.


    In addition.


    The headmaster of the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, Gu Junhe, and the only Tao Tribulation Realm elder of the Tianqing Kingdom, Jiang Weisheng, will serve as elders for both the bride and the groom.


    The news of this wedding spread far and wide.


    Inside the palace of the Purple Robe Kingdom.


    Yue Cang gave a wry smile as he looked at the tightly closed door in front of him, his face gloomy: "Ling''er, didn''t you know long ago that Xiao Yi had a wife? They''re just redoing the wedding ceremony, why do you have to torment yourself like this?"


    "Brother... I''m fine, I just want to be alone for a while, you go ahead!" came Yue Ling''er''s low voice from inside the room.


    Yue Cang sighed helplessly: "This man... Being too outstanding is also a sin!"


    In the capital of the Tianqing Kingdom, within the Treasure Pavilion.


    Elder Yan looked at Lin Bingxin, who was bustling about, preparing the congratulations gift, and sighed softly: "Girl, aren''t you going to tell Xiao how you feel? If you''re too embarrassed to speak up, I''ll do it for you!"


    "No!"


    Lin Bingxin quickly turned around, "Master, please let me handle this, okay?"


    "You..."


    Elder Yan embraced Lin Bingxin with a look of heartache, gently patting her back.


    Lin Bingxin buried her head in Elder Yan''s chest, her tears falling uncontrollably as she bit her lip and murmured: "This is good... really... it''s good..."


    "Silly girl, silly girl..."


    Elder Yan''s heart ached deeply.


    Meanwhile, as the entire Tianqing Kingdom was busy preparing for Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhu''s wedding.


    Within Jin Country, ranking first among the hundred subordinate nations of the Great Qian Dynasty.


    In the Xue Yilou.


    Xue Mantian, who had lost his arms, listened to the report of his subordinate, his face covered in a fierce grin: "Hehe... A wedding? I shall turn this wedding into their funeral..."


    At the same time.


    In the boundless void.


    Though flames blazed brightly, snowflakes suddenly began to drift down high in the sky. Amidst the flying snow, a colossal snow-white ship tore through space. Standing on the deck of the ship was a young man, dressed in a white robe, as handsome as a jade statue, with a golden crown upon his head.


    He squinted his eyes, gazing in the direction of the Tianqing Kingdom: "Soon, we''ll arrive very soon!"

 Chapter 137 - 137: Turn Against Each Other

    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    In the skies above the capital of Tianqing Kingdom, fireworks exploded one after another, the sound of salute cannons thundering.


    The entire capital was bedecked with lights and decorations, brimming with a festive atmosphere from top to bottom.


    "Martial King of the Nation''s grand wedding, everything in our store is half off!"


    "Come take a look! Our store has the very room the Martial King and his wife once stayed in, just a hundred taels of Silver for a visit..."


    "Martial King''s hearty hairstyle, only ten taels..."


    On the newly refurbished Vermilion Bird Avenue, hundreds of lavish carriages swept grandly by, bearing precious gifts. Leading the procession were the royally dressed Imperial Guards, with Xiao Yi riding on a tall steed followed by a gold, festively decorated carriage.


    The carriage was pulled by eight beasts comparable to the Golden Core Realm, an impressive and majestic sight.


    Inside the carriage.


    Fang Qingzhu, dressed in a red wedding gown and wearing a red veil, nervously clutched Lin Bingxin''s hand and said in a low voice, "Bingxin, I... I''m a bit nervous..."


    Lin Bingxin was startled for a moment, then gently patted the back of her hand and smiled, "You and Xiao Yi have been husband and wife for a while now, what''s there to be nervous about?"


    "It''s not the same..."


    Fang Qingzhu shook her head, "During our previous wedding ceremony, Xiao Yi was unconscious throughout, and I was like a walking corpse. Moreover, the Fang Family looked down on Xiao Yi, so everything was kept simple, but now..."


    The wedding held previously at the Fang Family was one in which Xiao Yi was continuously unconscious.


    And Fang Qingzhu...


    Her most vivid memory was being on the wedding ceremony where someone from the Xiao Family descended to strip her of her cultivation.


    How could she remember any details of the wedding?


    Fang Qingzhu said, "Bingxin, do you know? When I married Xiao Yi, I was truly in despair, to the extent that I wanted to kill him. Because of him, my cultivation was destroyed, because of him, I received cold looks from my family... I never thought that I would fall in love with him so hopelessly..."


    Lin Bingxin asked curiously, "When did you start falling in love with him?"


    "It was probably when he rushed into the Zhang Family''s dungeon and rescued me! In my most desperate moment, Xiao Yi appeared before me like a god descending from the heavens..." Fang Qingzhu murmured softly.


    As she recounted the past, she also gradually relaxed.


    Listening to their story piece by piece, Lin Bingxin felt a bittersweet pain in her heart: "It''s because you''ve experienced so much together that you could truly fall in love with each other! Just like me..."


    The image of being locked up in a dungeon, with Xiao Yi coming to her rescue, surfaced in her mind.


    That moment with Xiao Yi...


    Wasn''t he also like a god descending in her eyes?


    "Huh? Like who?" Fang Qingzhu was startled and asked.


    Lin Bingxin quickly said, "No, I was just saying I''m really envious of you!"


    "Heehee, Bingxin, you will meet that person too!" Fang Qingzhu said sweetly.


    Lin Bingxin managed a forced smile.


    Before long...


    The procession had entered the royal palace and arrived at the grand hall.


    This wedding was held inside the royal palace, an unprecedented honor, yet everyone present understood that Xiao Yi deserved this honor. Just by being the Martial King of the Nation, it was clear how important he was to Tianqing Kingdom.


    Inside the grand hall, lanterns and streamers adorned the space, with guests filling the seats. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Gu Junhe and Jiang Weisheng, representing the families of the bride and groom, sat in high seats at the front.


    Jiang Tai was in charge of all arrangements.


    Jiang Tianchen personally presided over the wedding, loudly announcing, "Let us welcome the bride and groom!"


    Xiao Yi, holding Fang Qingzhu''s hand, walked into the grand hall.


    "Truly a match of talents and grace!"


    "Worthy of the Martial King, such bearing... only Miss Qingzhu is fitting for him!"


    The crowd murmured one after another.


    Jiang Tianchen declared loudly, "Bride and groom... kneel to heaven and earth..."


    "Second bow to the high hall¡­"


    "Husband and wife bow to each other¡­"


    Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhu faced each other, ready to perform the ceremony.


    But just at that moment¡­


    With a loud clang.


    Ten cold iron chests landed at the entrance of the hall, and blood-cloaked figures burst through the air, led by none other than Xue Mantian. His hands had been frozen by Fang Qingzhu; after returning, they could not be treated and had to be amputated.


    Now, the handless Xue Mantian seemed even more sinister and venomous.


    "Xue Mantian?"


    "He, how did he get here?"


    "It''s over, it''s over, this must be Xue Yilou seeking revenge¡­ I knew it, how could offending Xue Yilou end so easily¡­"


    Inside the entire hall, everyone wore a cautious expression.


    Xiao Yi held Fang Qingzhu''s hand tightly, his eyes squinting at Xue Mantian, "Xue Mantian, what are you here for?"


    "Hehe, your grand wedding, Xiao Yi, how could I be absent?"


    Xue Mantian smiled sinisterly, glanced at a Xue Yilou assassin beside him, and several went to the front of the ten iron chests, Xue Mantian''s face filled with malice as he said, "Inside these, are the congratulatory gifts I prepared for you two, congratulations on your joyous wedding!"


    Clang! Clang! Clang!


    One by one, the chests were opened, and the pungent smell of blood instantly enveloped the entire hall.


    Hisss!


    Everyone inhaled sharply.


    "This, these are human heads?"


    "Wow¡­ how many people did this take to kill? My heavens¡­"


    Each iron chest was filled with bloody human heads, each more horrific than the last, with gouged eyes, cut ears, and pulled out tongues; their deaths were incredibly gruesome.


    Xiao Yi''s pupils suddenly constricted: "Is it them?"


    Lin Bingxin and others turned deathly pale.


    The chests contained heads from Nanhuang City, those who had past interactions with Xiao Yi.


    Lord Sikong, the entire Zhao Family¡­


    The heads of all the people in Nanhuang City who had been friendly with Xiao Yi were all present.


    Xue Mantian smirked, "How about that? Do you like my gifts? To prepare this congratulatory gift for you, I dispatched five hundred elite assassins to Nanhuang City, hastening over day and night. Each head, freshly warm¡­"


    Giggle!


    Xiao Yi''s fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned pale, his eyes instantly filled with bloodshot fury.


    Rage!


    His anger surged to the heavens!


    Grinding his teeth, Xiao Yi said word by word, "They never provoked you¡­"


    "But you provoked me! I said those who offend me don''t end well, you must die, your family must die, your friends must die, everyone related to you must die!"


    Xue Mantian''s ferocious yell interrupted Xiao Yi, laughing cruelly, "These are just the beginning. Next, I will cleanse the capital city with blood, even the entire Tianqing Kingdom. I will make the billions of souls in the Tianqing Kingdom my war pets, as a burial for my arms¡­"


    "Madmen, everyone in Xue Yilou is a madman!"


    "Xue, we have nothing to do with Xiao Yi, you can''t involve us¡­"


    "Xiao Yi, you reek of evil, bringing calamity upon the people of Tianqing Kingdom. We''ve long found you displeasing. Today, as Xue seeks to rid you like a tumor, we shall fully support Xue in this endeavor¡­"


    "Xiao Yi must be executed, to return Tianqing Kingdom to its clear skies¡­"


    For a moment,


    there were nearly half of the guests who stood on Xue Mantian''s side, turned against Xiao Yi, and pointed fingers¡­

 Chapter 138 - 138: The Heavenly White Jade Capital, Twelve Towers and Five Cities!

    "Hahaha, Xiao Yi, do you see? Even the guests you invited think you deserve to die!"


    Xue Mantian laughed heartily, his face full of mockery.


    Inside the grand hall.


    Peace was no more.


    Everywhere was filled with verbal attacks on Xiao Yi; when he had been in power, of course, they stood by his side. But now, Xue Mantian was evidently more powerful, and they had chosen to switch sides.


    Such was human nature.


    "How dare you!"


    "Xiao Yi is the Martial King of the Tianqing Kingdom; how dare you all act like this?" Jiang Tai was furiously enraged.


    Xue Mantian chuckled sinisterly, but his gaze fell on Jiang Tianchen, "Jiang Tianchen, you once claimed that you would use the entire country''s strength to protect Xiao Yi, do you think you can keep him safe?"


    Jiang Tianchen took a deep breath, and spoke solemnly, "As the Martial King of the Tianqing Kingdom, I would not fear even the fall of our nation to protect him!"


    "Is that so? But this Tianqing Kingdom is not yours alone. Why don''t you ask them if they agree?" Xue Mantian said mockingly, looking at those who had turned their coats.


    Many shouted, "My King, you can''t be so selfish!"


    "We do not wish to offend Xue Yilou just for Xiao Yi, we don''t want to die..."


    "Jiang Tianchen, do you really want the whole Tianqing Kingdom to be buried with him? If so, what right do you have to be our king?"


    "Xiao Yi, how can you be so selfish as to drag innocent people into your personal desires? Just kneel to Xue and beg for mercy..."


    "Please don''t be so selfish..."


    Faced with everyone''s accusations and curses.


    Jiang Tianchen''s face was extremely unsightly.


    Xue Mantian was smug, "You see, Xiao Yi? They''re all dying for you to die!"


    Whoosh!


    Jiang Tianchen let out a long, turbid breath, his gaze complex as he looked at the people before him, but he said firmly, "We of the Tianqing Kingdom, vow to share fate with our Martial King!"


    "Vow to share fate with our Martial King!"


    "Share fate!"


    Jiang Tai and the people from Tianqi Martial Arts Academy roared with anger.


    Their momentum managed to suppress that of Xue Mantian and the others.


    "Who knew there are still fools who do not cherish their lives..." Xue Mantian sneered and shook his head, raising his hand as a group of assassins from Blood Shadow Tower drew their weapons, ready to kill at his indifferent command.


    Xiao Yi and his party''s vital energies fluctuated.


    A great battle was on the verge of breaking out.


    But just then...


    Suddenly, the air was filled with flurries of white snowflakes.


    "Huh? It''s snowing? But it''s the middle of summer..."


    "Snow in the summertime, what''s going on?"


    "You, you guys look..."


    Suddenly someone shouted, and the crowd looked towards the outside of the hall.


    Above the dome of the sky...


    Countless snowflakes were falling.


    Within the sacred snowflakes, a twelve-story building, white as jade, was slowly descending. Around this ship, the snow continued to fall endlessly, turning wherever it was into a world of ice and snow.


    Lofty and solemn chanting echoed between heaven and earth...


    Heavenly White Jade Capital, twelve stories and five cities.


    Immortals touch my head, knots of hair bestow eternal life...


    A white-robed youth with his hands behind his back stood on a snow path amid the wind and snow, calmly descending. Behind him, ten men and women followed.


    All dressed in white.


    Five men, five women.


    Each one was a handsome man or a beautiful woman, ethereal and elegant, and incredibly powerful.


    Each of those ten attendants had cultivation levels of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    Not to mention the leading man, whose depth was unknowable. He was like the vast expanse of the stars, boundless, unfathomable, facing whom even the mighty Xue Mantian seemed diminished.


    "White Jade Capital?"


    "What place is this? How have I never heard of it?"


    "That ship... must be worth a fortune, right?"


    The crowd was dumbfounded.


    The white-robed youth frowned and glanced at the last person who spoke.


    A cold-looking woman behind him waved her hand, and the man was enveloped by the falling snow, turning into an ice sculpture. Then with a clench of her fist, the man shattered into countless ice fragments.


    The youth''s face was indifferent, his icy gaze sweeping over the crowd.


    In the palm of his hand.


    A white jade pendant fell into her hands, and a faint white light emanated from it. With a whoosh, it flew out of her grasp and hovered above Fang Qingzhu''s head. After circling for a moment, it fell into her hands.


    The holy white light enveloped Fang Qingzhu.


    "It''s really here!"


    Following the direction in which the jade pendant flew, and seeing Fang Qingzhu in her bridal attire, covered by a red bridal veil¡ªespecially when seeing her hand being held by Xiao Yi¡ªa frigid murderous intent flashed in his eyes. He said coldly, "Kill him!"


    "Yes!"


    The man behind him, who was at the First Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm, nodded respectfully, took a step forward, and waved a flurry of snowflakes.


    The snowflakes condensed into a chilling ice sword, slashing towards Xiao Yi.


    Without a word, the intent to kill was unleashed.


    A cold light flashed in Xiao Yi''s eyes as he scoffed and his fist struck out like a dragon: "Seeking death!"


    Hum!


    That punch was like one thrown by Jingang subduing demons.


    Boom!


    The ice shattered.


    The fist impacted, hitting the man squarely.


    Wow!


    The man screamed miserably.


    Under Xiao Yi''s devastating punch, half his body exploded, turning into a cold corpse.


    His cultivation had reached the Tenth Layer of the Golden Core Realm, and the power of the God Sealing Seed fed back by 50,000 others had elevated his strength to a new level. With one punch, he killed a common individual at the First Layer of the Calamity Realm as easily as crushing an ant.


    "Hmm?"


    The youth in white raised an eyebrow and sneered, "To think a nobody from such a remote corner could have such strength. It''s a shame, though, that you''re going to die!"


    "Hehe, do you need my assistance, brother?" Xue Mantian suddenly interjected with a smile.


    Slap!


    The youth in white spun around and slapped him across the face, the strike sending Xue Mantian reeling in confusion.


    He couldn''t even resist?


    The indifferent gaze of the youth in white bore into him: "What do you count for? You think to assist me?" sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You..."


    Color drained from Xue Mantian''s face, then returned, his eyes filled with dread.


    That slap was no ordinary one!


    To render him, a Dharma Manifestation Realm expert, utterly powerless, the youth''s strength must have been at least ten times greater than his. Such a young Dharma Manifestation Realm expert could only be matched by Xiao Tianjiao, the strongest genius of the Great Qian Dynasty!


    He dared not provoke such a person!


    "Good that he and Xiao Yi are enemies, not friends..." Xue Mantian thought to himself.


    The youth in white looked at Xiao Yi with a cold expression: "Commit suicide! I don''t want to dirty my hands."


    "Who are you? Xiao has never met you before, why do you seek my death?" Xiao Yi squinted, scrutinizing the youth in white.


    It wasn''t just that he had never met him, he had never even heard of him before.


    Yet the youth''s intent to kill him was incredibly strong.


    The youth in white sneered, "Who do you think you are to deserve to know my identity? Within three breaths, end yourself here, and I''ll spare their lives. Otherwise, everyone present today will die!"


    "No, no, this gentleman mustn''t do this, we have nothing to do with Xiao Yi!"


    "Yes, we''ve long been displeased with Xiao Yi and his wife, the pair of thieves and prostitutes..."


    "Xiao Yi is a sly villain, and Fang Qingzhu is nothing but a cheap woman..."


    The people who had turned against him earlier shouted one after another.


    The youth in white paused, frowning at them: "You called her a cheap woman?"


    "Yes, yes!"


    "A scum like Xiao Yi can only marry a cheap woman..." Thinking they found a lifeline, the crowd continued speaking.


    The youth in white uttered an "Oh" and glanced back at his followers: "Kill them!"


    "Yes!"


    The nine of them acted simultaneously.


    Heads rolled.


    All of those who had turned against him were killed, each screaming miserably, "Why? Why is this happening..."


    The youth in white''s face remained impassive: "A Sacred Maiden of Baiyu can be slandered by the likes of you?"


    "Sacred Maiden?"


    "Damn it..."


    Despair filled the faces of the powerful individuals.


    So she was your Sacred Maiden, why didn''t you say so earlier!


    But alas...


    There is no medicine for regret in this world.


    All these petty, two-faced turncoats died miserably right there in the hall.


    The youth in white turned again to Xiao Yi: "For daring to defile the Sacred Maiden of Baiyu, you too, must die!"

 Chapter 142 - 142: Slap in the Face Hard

    Xiao Yi couldn''t help but narrow his eyes, revealing a playful look, "You, want me to kneel before you?"


    Zhang Baisheng also snorted coldly, his face showing displeasure.


    Even though he had more faith in Yan Ning''s medical skills, Xiao Yi after all was the esteemed Martial King of the Nation. Not even required to kneel before the current King, how could he kneel to a mere third-rank medical officer?


    Zhang Baisheng rebuked, "Yan Ning, this is nonsense. Apologize to His Highness the Martial King right now!"


    Hou Sailei and a group of military officers were also constantly giving Yan Ning meaningful glances.


    This was the Martial King of the Nation.


    A noble royal title, holding the most rising prestige among the young generation of the Tianqing Kingdom, he was the future pillar of the state.


    For a mere medical officer to contend with him, wasn''t it like an old immortal eating arsenic seeking death?


    However...


    Yan Ning remained unmoved, standing tall, defiantly looking at Xiao Yi, "When it comes to martial arts talent and cultivation, I, a humble official, cannot even catch up to His Highness the Martial King if I were to spur a horse. However, I have been studying medicine under the tutelage of Lord Jin, the current first-rank Imperial Physician, since my childhood. Even Lord Jin has said that within fifty years I am certain to surpass him. How can I allow an outsider to challenge my authority?"


    Everyone was startled, their eyes turning towards Xiao Yi.


    Yan Ning was a disciple of the first person in medical expertise at the Imperial Physician Hall, first-rank medical officer Jin Zhen.


    He was a well-known medical genius.


    In terms of medical expertise, even the senior generation of physicians found it hard to match him.


    As for Xiao Yi...


    His martial arts talent was unparalleled, but human capacity has limits. For one to achieve such accomplishments in martial arts and be so young, it was impossible to also give attention to medicine.


    Even Zhang Baisheng couldn''t help but say, "Your Highness the Martial King, you see..."


    Xiao Yi, however, raised his hand to stop Zhang Baisheng, looking calmly at Yan Ning, "You have immense confidence in your medical skills?"


    Yan Ning proudly nodded, "As much as His Highness the Martial King has in your martial arts talent!"


    "Ha!"


    Xiao Yi smiled and gently stretched his neck, lightly laughing, "Confidence is a good thing, but overconfidence is not. Especially for a healer, once one is blindly overconfident, it can harm not only oneself but also others."


    "I, Yan Ning, have saved lives and helped the wounded. I do not claim to have merits as high as the heavens, but I am confident I have never harmed anyone!" Yan Ning said mockingly, narrowing his eyes as he sized up Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi shrugged his shoulders, saying, "You have already examined General Baisheng''s shoulder wound earlier, confirming that there was no poison on the arrow, and that it only needed to be pulled out, correct?"


    "That''s right!"


    When it came to the arrow injury, Yan Ning said earnestly, "If there were poison on the arrow, the flesh at the site of injury would surely have turned black, but the blood from the general''s wound is still brightly colored, and the skin and flesh are also of a normal hue, showing no signs of poisoning. With my forty years of experience, I guarantee that there is no poison on this arrow!"


    "Arrogance!"


    Xiao Yi shook his head, a mocking tone in his voice, "There are more than a thousand kinds of poison in this world. Can you identify all signs of poisoning with just a glance of your naked eye?"


    Yan Ning confidently replied, "Of course I cannot do that, neither can Lord Jin. However, according to medical texts, there are only two poisons that can cause poisoning without darkening the flesh and showing signs of poisoning. And these two have long been lost and could not possibly appear here."


    Xiao Yi walked forward.


    With each step, his imposing aura grew stronger.


    The overwhelming presence made Yan Ning retreat step by step, his back already soaked in cold sweat, "Two kinds? Ridiculous. To my knowledge, the poisons that can kill silently and invisibly without leaving a trace are no less than a hundred varieties!"


    "A hundred? Laughable. You''re merely spouting nonsense, making things up. Could your knowledge possibly surpass that of the medical texts? Forget about a hundred. If you can name the two poisons I spoke of, then I, Yan Ning, will kneel before you to apologize, admitting my inferiority in medical expertise..." Yan Ning tried to maintain composure, laughing coldly.


    Xiao Yi said, "Moluo herb, grows in the land of extreme yin, invisible and colorless, causes no symptoms of poisoning and lets a person die in their sleep. Fire God Flower, grows in lands of extreme yang, often around volcanoes, and when it blooms, its poisonous powder can be collected. Once it enters the body, it is a peculiar fire poison. From the outside, one cannot see any injuries, but it can burn the viscera from inside out, killing the target!"


    "You, you..."


    Yan Ning was dumbfounded.


    These two poisons were precisely what he had mentioned earlier. He never imagined that Xiao Yi would actually name them, even knowing their habitats and effects so clearly.


    Yan Ning took a deep breath, clenched his teeth, and argued defensively, "Who would have thought you actually knew of these two poisons? But even if you''re aware, what of it? These two poisons have been extinct for over a hundred years..."


    "Bullshit extinction!"


    Xiao Yi sneered and cupped his fists towards Zhang Baisheng, "Old General, my apologies for the offense!"


    "Hmm?"


    Zhang Baisheng was startled.


    Then he saw Xiao Yi suddenly reach out, grabbing his shoulder in a grip.


    "Ah..."


    Zhang Baisheng cried out in pain.


    "Stop it!"


    "Let go of the General..."


    Hou Sailei and the others'' expressions changed drastically, about to step forward, but saw Zhang Baisheng raise his hand to stop them, "Wait a moment..."


    Everyone was stunned.


    They saw Xiao Yi''s fingers on Zhang Baisheng''s shoulder, channels of qi transforming into fine threads as thin as hair, penetrating into Zhang Baisheng''s wound through his pores. And when this qi completely enveloped the flesh around the wound and the arrowhead, Zhang Baisheng''s complexion dramatically changed.


    He had previously only felt a faint pain in the wound, but now, that throbbing pain had vanished?


    Xiao Yi looked at Yan Ning with a mocking gaze, "Open your eyes wide and see clearly, this is the ''extinct'' Demonic Laurel Grass you spoke of!"


    Pfft!


    Xiao Yi''s palm gave a fierce tug.


    A chunk of bloody flesh wrapped around an arrowhead was forcibly pulled out by Xiao Yi.


    "Hiss!"


    Having a piece of flesh brutally torn off, Zhang Baisheng merely inhaled a cool breath, feeling no pain at all. Instead, he felt a great relief in his body. It was as if a massive stone of thousands of pounds that had been pressing on his shoulder was suddenly lifted, with Xiao Yi channeling his qi to seal the wound and stop the bleeding.


    The chunk of flesh wrapped around the arrowhead was thrown onto the ground by him.


    With a flick of his finger,


    a ball of qi enveloped the chunk of flesh, and with a booming sound, a fierce fire ignited.


    Sizzle sizzle sizzle!


    There was a pervasive aroma of barbecued meat.


    Zhang Baisheng and the others just looked at the meat burning in the blazing flames in amazement, while Yan Ning was dumbfounded.


    He stared with disbelief at the arrowhead in the flames, which was emitting a faint, cold black glow, "Legend has it that when Demonic Laurel Grass is fused onto metal and subjected to intense fire, it permeates the metal, preventing the metal from turning red in the fire but instead making it shine with a glossy black. Is this really Demonic Laurel Grass?"


    Clap clap clap!


    In the void, one could almost hear the crisp sound of being slapped in the face.


    Yan Ning felt his cheeks burning with embarrassment.


    The arrow truly was poisoned!


    And it was the deadly poison of Demonic Laurel Grass!


    If Zhang Baisheng had truly followed his diagnosis and carelessly pulled out the arrow, he probably wouldn''t live to see tomorrow''s sun!


    "Are you convinced now?" Xiao Yi asked indifferently. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Thump!


    Yan Ning fell heavily to his knees, wholeheartedly conceding, "The Prince of Martial King is supremely talented, I, Yan Ning, willingly admit defeat..."

 Chapter 140 - 140: Kill Them All!

    Inside the great hall, there was silence.


    The atmosphere was particularly oppressive.


    The festive lights and decorations, meant to convey joy, instead made the oppression feel even heavier, leaving people afraid to even breathe too loudly.


    Everyone''s gaze swept over Xiao Yi, wishing to offer comfort but not knowing what to say.


    It was supposed to be a day of great joy.


    Yet, the bride had been forcibly taken away during the wedding ceremony, a blow that would be difficult for any man to bear.


    Among the crowd,


    Lin Bingxin wanted to step forward but was stopped by Elder Yan, who shook his head gently at her.


    Lin Bingxin could only look at him with worried eyes.


    After a moment of silence,


    Xiao Yi came back to his senses, saw the concerned faces around him, and managed a slight smile, saying, "Why do you all look at me like this? Don''t worry, I''m okay!"


    "Xiao Yi¡­"


    "Your Highness the Martial King¡­"


    People were still full of concern.


    Xiao Yi waved his hand, having already collected his thoughts.


    If Fang Qingzhu had left on her own volition, he might still feel lost and heartbroken.


    But this was a situation forced upon her.


    And it was because he was too weak!


    If only his strength were enough, if he was in the Dharma Manifestation Realm, or even better, the Longevity Secret Realm, how could Ye Qingyu and the so-called Baiyu possibly have taken Fang Qingzhu away by force? In the end, it was all because he wasn''t strong enough!


    Just like back then with the Xiao Family¡­


    It was also because he wasn''t strong enough that he ended up as a live-in son-in-law sent to the distant Fang Family.


    "Xiao junior brother, are you really okay?" Jiang Tai asked solemnly.


    "Rest assured!"


    Xiao Yi waved his hand, looking at Jiang Tai''s severed arm, and said in a deep voice, "Elder brother Jiang, I saw earlier that Ye Qingyu gave a Heaven''s Remnant Elixir to Xue Mantian, which could regenerate his severed limb. If there''s a chance in the future, I will certainly find one for you!"


    "This..."


    Jiang Tai was stunned.


    Your wife has just been snatched away, and you''re still thinking about my severed arm?


    The looks of concern on everyone''s faces grew more pronounced.


    They feared that Xiao Yi was merely pretending to be at ease. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi said in a grave voice, "Please rest assured, my friends. I, Xiao Yi, am not so easily defeated. Today, due to my lack of strength, I could only watch helplessly as my wife was taken away. But one day, I will go to Baiyu myself and bring Qingzhu back!"


    Only then did everyone feel somewhat reassured.


    Xiao Yi then turned to Jiang Tianchen, "Your Majesty, although Qingzhu has constrained Xue Mantian, preventing Xue Yilou from setting foot in the Tianqing Kingdom for three years, given Xue Yilou''s power, they might incite other kingdoms to act against us. Therefore, it''s crucial that our Tianqing Kingdom recruits several more Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouses!"


    "Recruit several more Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouses? That''s easier said than done," Jiang Tianchen said with a wry smile.


    Xiao Yi took out three Martial Dao Divine Fruits from his storage ring and handed them over to Jiang Tianchen, "These three Martial Dao Divine Fruits can help our Tianqing Kingdom rapidly gain three Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouses. As for whom to give them to, Your Majesty will decide."


    The power held in the hands of the royal family is definitely not as simple as it seems on the surface.


    Perhaps there is indeed only one person, Jiang Wei, who is a Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouse.


    But there are definitely more than just Jiang Tianchen at the Golden Elixir Peak.


    Jiang Tianchen, holding the three Martial Dao Divine Fruits in his hands, showed an elated expression and said repeatedly, "With these three Martial Dao Divine Fruits, Tianqing Kingdom can quickly create three Tao Tribulation Realm pillars of the state. Xiao Yi, your actions are a monumental feat for our Tianqing Kingdom. If there''s anything you need, just let me know!"


    "This incident started because of me; this is what I should do!" Xiao Yi said dismissively.


    After discussing the Tianqing Kingdom''s countermeasures for some time, everyone dispersed.


    This was the day Xiao Yi was to be crowned the Martial King of the Nation, as well as his wedding day, but the bride was taken away, and the couple was separated. It really left no mood to continue the banquet.


    In the days that followed...


    The Tianqing Kingdom did go through some peaceful times.


    All industries flourished.


    The strength of the experts from the Tianqi Martial Arts Institute was rapidly enhancing, and their numbers were also increasing.


    Xiao Yi, however, stationed himself at the old site of the Tianqi Martial Arts Institute outside the city. Ever since that day, his cultivation became even more desperate. His cultivation level was advancing in an orderly manner, but stepping into the Tao Tribulation Realm still required a certain amount of time to accumulate, as well as the right opportunity.


    However...


    This peaceful life lasted only for ten days.


    ......


    Inside the palace.


    Jiang Tianchen gathered Xiao Yi and the others, his expression extremely serious as he pointed to the sand table in front of him and said, "Gentlemen, according to the scouts'' reports... The Tianlan Kingdom, Sihai Kingdom, Baijing Kingdom, and Qingyun Kingdom have formed an alliance of four nations, advancing with two million troops southward!"


    Hiss!


    A group of court officials gasped, "Our Tianqing Kingdom has always had a feud with the Tianlan Kingdom, but our relations with the other three kingdoms have always been good. Why would they join forces?"


    "I have received information that all of this is manipulated by Xue Yilou behind the scenes..."


    "Xue Yilou? Isn''t this because of the Martial King of the Nation..."


    "What''s the use of discussing this now? Your Majesty, do you know who is leading their army?"


    Jiang Tianchen narrowed his eyes and said, "The leader of the Tianlan Kingdom''s army is the Kuchan Elder, for the Sihai Kingdom it is the Co-King Nie Tong, Baijing Kingdom''s leader is the First Beastmaster Jing Yi, and for the Qingyun Kingdom, it is Zhang Ren, the Commander of the Three Armed Forces."


    "What? Are all the leaders of the four nations in the Calamity Realm?"


    "How can this be good? Our Tianqing Kingdom can''t possibly withstand four great Calamity Realm..."


    "Let alone four great Calamity Realm masters, we can''t hold off the two million strong army alone..."


    The court officials were wailing.


    It''s true that the Tianqing Kingdom had an army that numbered two million, but aside from the garrison troops defending the major cities, and the three hundred thousand troops in the South Desolate guarding against the sudden uprising of magical beasts in the Southern Desolate Mountain Range that could not be deployed elsewhere.


    The actual number of troops that could be committed to warfare was only around one million.


    How could they withstand the onslaught of two million lions from the four-nation alliance?


    Moreover...


    They also have four powerful Calamity Realm leaders commanding the army.


    Jiang Tianchen said in a deep voice, "This time, I wish to lead the campaign personally, with the Crown Prince overseeing the state affairs."


    "Your Majesty, you must not!"


    "You are only at the Peak of the Golden Elixir Realm; if the enemy Calamity Realm powerhouses attack, you..."


    Jiang Tianchen raised his hand to silence them and said sternly, "The Martial King gave me three Martial Dao Divine Fruits. This time, I will use these Divine Fruits to attempt to break through to the Calamity Realm. In addition, Great General Xia Yuan will also consume a Martial Dao Divine Fruit. By then, I will personally lead one army in the campaign, Great General Xia Yuan, the Martial King of the Nation, and our ancestor will each command one army, vowing to stop the four-nation alliance at our nation''s gates!"


    Given the ages of Jiang Tianchen and Xia Yuan, they still had plenty of opportunities to break through to the Calamity Realm on their own.


    If the situation were not absolutely critical, they would not easily consume the Martial Dao Divine Fruits.


    After all.


    Once they consumed the Martial Dao Divine Fruits, they would be severing their potential and limiting their future growth ceiling!


    But now, with the nation in crisis and troops at the city walls.


    They had no choice but to make a do-or-die effort.


    Seeing the court officials go silent.


    Jiang Tianchen''s gaze fell on Xiao Yi, and he said solemnly, "Martial King, do you have anything to say?"


    Xiao Yi slowly stood up, his eyes flashing with coldness as he articulated each word, "Meet force with force; where there are troops, there is resistance. Let them come, and we''ll slaughter them all!"

 Chapter 141 - 141: The Black Cliff Army

    Outside the capital.


    A column of Imperial Guards was fully equipped and ready to depart, and Jiang Tai, dressed in full armor, was leading a Tianqing savage bull that was entirely red.


    This Tianqing barbarian bull was Jiang Tianchen''s war beast, comparable to the fifth-order high-level demon beasts at the Golden Elixir Realm Peak. Jiang Tai handed the reins over to Xiao Yi and said solemnly, "Xiao, I entrust Heiya City to you!"


    By now, over half of the ten countries of Nanhuang had already declared war on the Tianqing Kingdom, with the Tianlan Kingdom''s forces reaching the battlefield first, having conquered three border cities in a row and pressing close to the stronghold of Heiya City. Once Heiya City is forced to capitulate, the Tianlan Kingdom''s army will march straight in and head for the capital of the Tianqing Kingdom. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Jiang Tianchen and the others still needed to assimilate the Martial Dao Divine Fruit to break through to the Tao Tribulation Realm and resist the powerful enemies.


    Jiang Weisheng needed to remain stationed in the capital.


    At this moment, Xiao Yi was the most suitable candidate to be dispatched.


    Xiao Yi took the reins, nodding and saying, "This matter arose because of me, and I am also the Martial King of the Nation. How can I sit by idly?"


    If not for the interference of Xue Yilou, how could the ten peaceful countries of Nanhuang suddenly wage war against the Tianqing Kingdom? Ultimately, all this was related to Xiao Yi, and when previously facing Xue Yilou, Jiang Tianchen had even mobilized the country''s full strength to protect him thoroughly.


    Now that the Tianqing Kingdom was beset on all sides, he naturally would not stand on the sidelines.


    Jiang Tai took two steps back and bowed solemnly, "I await your triumphant return!"


    Behind him...


    All the civil and military officials, as well as the citizens of the capital, bowed respectfully: "We quietly await the triumphant return of the Martial King of the Nation!"


    The roar was thunderous, shaking the clouds above the sky.


    Xiao Yi mounted the Tianqing savage bull, pulled the reins and said, "Let''s set off!"


    Boom, boom, boom!


    The Tianqing savage bull stepped forward, followed closely by fifty thousand Imperial Guards.


    A vast and mighty current of steel, arrayed across the land.


    .........


    Heiya City.


    Built into the mountain, flanked by Black Mountain on the left and Heartbreak Cliff on the right, it was thus named Heiya City.


    The entire city was elongated, with towering walls making it easy to defend and hard to attack.


    While a single Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouse could completely breach the city gates on their own, there were constraints between nations. Unless the opposing side''s Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouse made a move, it was absolutely forbidden for any force greater than the Calamity Realm to appear on the battlefield. Otherwise, any Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouse could annihilate tens of thousands, or even hundreds of thousands, of troops.


    This was an agreement reached under the advocacy of the Great Qian Dynasty.


    Anyone who dares to break this agreement would be sanctioned by the Great Qian Dynasty.


    Inside Heiya City, the atmosphere was incredibly tense.


    Stationed to defend Heiya City was Tianqing Kingdom''s famed general, known as General Baisheng, Zhang Baisheng.


    Zhang Baisheng, conferred the title of marquis, was also a being at the Golden Elixir Realm Peak.


    Within the City Lord''s Mansion.


    Bang!


    Zhang Baisheng, in full military attire with his armor covered in blood, furiously slammed his helmet onto the table and glared around, "Where are the reinforcements? How much longer until the reinforcements arrive?"


    Hou Sailei, a middle-aged general with a beard under his command, hurried forward and bowed, "General, we''ve received news from the capital; the reinforcements set out three days ago. They are estimated to reach Heiya City by tomorrow..."


    "But what?"


    Zhang Baisheng unbuckled his armor where there was an arrow shaft embedded in his shoulder.


    The military physician, already prepared by the side, glanced at it and said indifferently, "There''s no sign of poisoning in the muscle, and the arrow is not poisoned. It just needs to have the wound opened to be removed."


    "Yan, make sure to check thoroughly, are you certain there is no poison on this arrow?" Hou Sailei quickly asked.


    Not long ago...


    The Tianlan Kingdom''s army launched an attack on Heiya City, with General Zhang Baisheng personally leading the troops to stand alone. However, he was struck by a hidden arrow from the enemy and had to temporarily call for a retreat. General Zhang Baisheng is the Calm Sea Divine Needle of Heiya City; any mishap with him would be a massive blow to the city.


    Military healer Yan Ning was a third-grade medical officer.


    He was also the most skilled healer in Heiya City and had his pride. With a cold snort, he said, "If General Hou does not trust Yan, you are free to diagnose yourself!"


    Hou Sailei replied hastily, "That''s not what I meant..."


    "Enough, leave the healing to Master Yan. What business does an outsider like you have meddling in this?" General Zhang Baisheng waved his hand impatiently, hesitated for a moment, then looked at the bearded general in front of him, Hou Sailei, "Send scouts immediately to find reinforcements and urge them to hasten their march!"


    "Yes!"


    Hou Sailei saluted and was about to turn and leave.


    But a faint voice came from outside the door, "If you directly remove the arrowhead, then you''d better prepare for General Zhang''s funeral!"


    "Hmm?"


    "Who?"


    Everyone in the hall changed their expressions and turned to look at the door in unison.


    General Zhang Baisheng''s gaze was sharp as lightning, falling on Xiao Yi who stood at the entrance.


    Hou Sailei''s hand rested on the hilt of his sword, ready for battle.


    Yan Ning furrowed his brows tightly, his face filled with anger, and he said sternly, "Who is this young upstart? How dare you spout nonsense and disrupt military morale here?"


    Xiao Yi strode into the hall with the grace of a dragon and the ferocity of a tiger, bowed to General Zhang Baisheng, and said solemnly, "Xiao Yi pays his respects to General Zhang."


    "Xiao Yi?"


    General Zhang Baisheng was taken aback, his eyes shooting out two sparks of recognition, "You are Xiao Yi, the Martial King of the Nation?"


    "Indeed, it is I!"


    Xiao Yi nodded and said gravely, "Reinforcements will arrive at Heiya City within half a day. Concerned about the battle, I have come ahead."


    General Zhang Baisheng scrutinized Xiao Yi, squinting his eyes, "It must have been tough for His Highness the Martial King. However, with me here, Heiya City will certainly not face any mishaps. Yet, you, Your Highness, abandoning the reinforcements and acting alone, that''s not what a general should do!"


    Xiao Yi shook his head, "When I first arrived at Heiya City, I also felt this trip was superfluous. But now, it seems my arrival is timely. Had I been any later, I''m afraid my Tianqing Kingdom would be one General Baisheng short!"


    "Hmm?"


    General Zhang Baisheng was startled.


    Yan Ning''s complexion suddenly changed and he rebuked angrily, "Your Highness, one can eat indiscriminately but one must not talk nonsense! Are you implying that Yan has the intent to harm General Zhang by your earlier words?"


    "Whether it is deliberate or an unintentional mistake, we can talk about that later," Xiao Yi waved his hand dismissively and continued calmly, "Right now, the most important thing is to treat General Zhang''s poisoning. Any longer delay, and even if a divine healer descended, it would be too late to save him!"


    "Treat the poisoning?"


    "Didn''t Master Yan just say there was no poison on the arrow? How could there be poisoning then?"


    "Your Highness, you couldn''t be mistaken, could you? Master Yan is a third-grade medical officer, an expert in the medical field. He has examined the arrow wound, and there were no signs of poison!" Hou Sailei spoke with gravity, and upon seeing Xiao Yi''s puzzled look, he quickly introduced himself, "I am Hou Sailei, the vanguard officer under General Zhang''s command!"


    Looking up at an angry Yan Ning, Xiao Yi spoke lightly, "Master Yan is certain there is no poison on the arrow?"


    Yan Ning sneered, "One hundred percent certain!"


    "What if there is poison?" Xiao Yi asked.


    "If there is poison on this arrow, then Yan has failed in his duty, and Your Highness is free to punish me as you see fit. However..."


    Yan Ning''s face was full of pride, and he looked at Xiao Yi with a cold laugh, "If there is no poison, then Your Highness is slandering an official. I will have you kneel and apologize to me!"

 Chapter 142 - 142: Slap in the Face Hard

    Xiao Yi couldn''t help but narrow his eyes, revealing a playful look, "You, want me to kneel before you?"


    Zhang Baisheng also snorted coldly, his face showing displeasure.


    Even though he had more faith in Yan Ning''s medical skills, Xiao Yi after all was the esteemed Martial King of the Nation. Not even required to kneel before the current King, how could he kneel to a mere third-rank medical officer?


    Zhang Baisheng rebuked, "Yan Ning, this is nonsense. Apologize to His Highness the Martial King right now!"


    Hou Sailei and a group of military officers were also constantly giving Yan Ning meaningful glances.


    This was the Martial King of the Nation.


    A noble royal title, holding the most rising prestige among the young generation of the Tianqing Kingdom, he was the future pillar of the state.


    For a mere medical officer to contend with him, wasn''t it like an old immortal eating arsenic seeking death?


    However...


    Yan Ning remained unmoved, standing tall, defiantly looking at Xiao Yi, "When it comes to martial arts talent and cultivation, I, a humble official, cannot even catch up to His Highness the Martial King if I were to spur a horse. However, I have been studying medicine under the tutelage of Lord Jin, the current first-rank Imperial Physician, since my childhood. Even Lord Jin has said that within fifty years I am certain to surpass him. How can I allow an outsider to challenge my authority?"


    Everyone was startled, their eyes turning towards Xiao Yi.


    Yan Ning was a disciple of the first person in medical expertise at the Imperial Physician Hall, first-rank medical officer Jin Zhen.


    He was a well-known medical genius.


    In terms of medical expertise, even the senior generation of physicians found it hard to match him.


    As for Xiao Yi...


    His martial arts talent was unparalleled, but human capacity has limits. For one to achieve such accomplishments in martial arts and be so young, it was impossible to also give attention to medicine.


    Even Zhang Baisheng couldn''t help but say, "Your Highness the Martial King, you see..."


    Xiao Yi, however, raised his hand to stop Zhang Baisheng, looking calmly at Yan Ning, "You have immense confidence in your medical skills?"


    Yan Ning proudly nodded, "As much as His Highness the Martial King has in your martial arts talent!"


    "Ha!"


    Xiao Yi smiled and gently stretched his neck, lightly laughing, "Confidence is a good thing, but overconfidence is not. Especially for a healer, once one is blindly overconfident, it can harm not only oneself but also others."


    "I, Yan Ning, have saved lives and helped the wounded. I do not claim to have merits as high as the heavens, but I am confident I have never harmed anyone!" Yan Ning said mockingly, narrowing his eyes as he sized up Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi shrugged his shoulders, saying, "You have already examined General Baisheng''s shoulder wound earlier, confirming that there was no poison on the arrow, and that it only needed to be pulled out, correct?"


    "That''s right!"


    When it came to the arrow injury, Yan Ning said earnestly, "If there were poison on the arrow, the flesh at the site of injury would surely have turned black, but the blood from the general''s wound is still brightly colored, and the skin and flesh are also of a normal hue, showing no signs of poisoning. With my forty years of experience, I guarantee that there is no poison on this arrow!"


    "Arrogance!"


    Xiao Yi shook his head, a mocking tone in his voice, "There are more than a thousand kinds of poison in this world. Can you identify all signs of poisoning with just a glance of your naked eye?"


    Yan Ning confidently replied, "Of course I cannot do that, neither can Lord Jin. However, according to medical texts, there are only two poisons that can cause poisoning without darkening the flesh and showing signs of poisoning. And these two have long been lost and could not possibly appear here."


    Xiao Yi walked forward.


    With each step, his imposing aura grew stronger.


    The overwhelming presence made Yan Ning retreat step by step, his back already soaked in cold sweat, "Two kinds? Ridiculous. To my knowledge, the poisons that can kill silently and invisibly without leaving a trace are no less than a hundred varieties!"


    "A hundred? Laughable. You''re merely spouting nonsense, making things up. Could your knowledge possibly surpass that of the medical texts? Forget about a hundred. If you can name the two poisons I spoke of, then I, Yan Ning, will kneel before you to apologize, admitting my inferiority in medical expertise..." Yan Ning tried to maintain composure, laughing coldly.


    Xiao Yi said, "Moluo herb, grows in the land of extreme yin, invisible and colorless, causes no symptoms of poisoning and lets a person die in their sleep. Fire God Flower, grows in lands of extreme yang, often around volcanoes, and when it blooms, its poisonous powder can be collected. Once it enters the body, it is a peculiar fire poison. From the outside, one cannot see any injuries, but it can burn the viscera from inside out, killing the target!"


    "You, you..."


    Yan Ning was dumbfounded.


    These two poisons were precisely what he had mentioned earlier. He never imagined that Xiao Yi would actually name them, even knowing their habitats and effects so clearly.


    Yan Ning took a deep breath, clenched his teeth, and argued defensively, "Who would have thought you actually knew of these two poisons? But even if you''re aware, what of it? These two poisons have been extinct for over a hundred years..."


    "Bullshit extinction!"


    Xiao Yi sneered and cupped his fists towards Zhang Baisheng, "Old General, my apologies for the offense!"


    "Hmm?"


    Zhang Baisheng was startled.


    Then he saw Xiao Yi suddenly reach out, grabbing his shoulder in a grip.


    "Ah..."


    Zhang Baisheng cried out in pain.


    "Stop it!"


    "Let go of the General..."


    Hou Sailei and the others'' expressions changed drastically, about to step forward, but saw Zhang Baisheng raise his hand to stop them, "Wait a moment..."


    Everyone was stunned.


    They saw Xiao Yi''s fingers on Zhang Baisheng''s shoulder, channels of qi transforming into fine threads as thin as hair, penetrating into Zhang Baisheng''s wound through his pores. And when this qi completely enveloped the flesh around the wound and the arrowhead, Zhang Baisheng''s complexion dramatically changed.


    He had previously only felt a faint pain in the wound, but now, that throbbing pain had vanished?


    Xiao Yi looked at Yan Ning with a mocking gaze, "Open your eyes wide and see clearly, this is the ''extinct'' Demonic Laurel Grass you spoke of!"


    Pfft!


    Xiao Yi''s palm gave a fierce tug.


    A chunk of bloody flesh wrapped around an arrowhead was forcibly pulled out by Xiao Yi.


    "Hiss!"


    Having a piece of flesh brutally torn off, Zhang Baisheng merely inhaled a cool breath, feeling no pain at all. Instead, he felt a great relief in his body. It was as if a massive stone of thousands of pounds that had been pressing on his shoulder was suddenly lifted, with Xiao Yi channeling his qi to seal the wound and stop the bleeding.


    The chunk of flesh wrapped around the arrowhead was thrown onto the ground by him.


    With a flick of his finger,


    a ball of qi enveloped the chunk of flesh, and with a booming sound, a fierce fire ignited.


    Sizzle sizzle sizzle!


    There was a pervasive aroma of barbecued meat.


    Zhang Baisheng and the others just looked at the meat burning in the blazing flames in amazement, while Yan Ning was dumbfounded.


    He stared with disbelief at the arrowhead in the flames, which was emitting a faint, cold black glow, "Legend has it that when Demonic Laurel Grass is fused onto metal and subjected to intense fire, it permeates the metal, preventing the metal from turning red in the fire but instead making it shine with a glossy black. Is this really Demonic Laurel Grass?"


    Clap clap clap!


    In the void, one could almost hear the crisp sound of being slapped in the face.


    Yan Ning felt his cheeks burning with embarrassment.


    The arrow truly was poisoned!


    And it was the deadly poison of Demonic Laurel Grass!


    If Zhang Baisheng had truly followed his diagnosis and carelessly pulled out the arrow, he probably wouldn''t live to see tomorrow''s sun!


    "Are you convinced now?" Xiao Yi asked indifferently. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Thump!


    Yan Ning fell heavily to his knees, wholeheartedly conceding, "The Prince of Martial King is supremely talented, I, Yan Ning, willingly admit defeat..."

 Chapter 143 - 143: Seizing Power?

    ```


    The hall was silent.


    Yan Ning knelt on the ground, clutching his knees tightly, his face ashen and full of deep self-reproach.


    Since childhood, he had demonstrated a powerful talent for medicine and had studied under the first physician of the Tianqing Kingdom, believing that no one among the younger generation could surpass him in medical skills.


    With his medical expertise, if he had examined carefully, he could have definitely detected the poison from the Moro Herb, but he was overconfident and hadn''t done any investigation at all. He merely glanced at Zhang Baisheng''s wound and concluded there was no poisoning.


    If Xiao Yi hadn''t showed up in time to stop his foolish actions¡ª


    After tonight,


    Zhang Baisheng would have died in his sleep.


    Now, with the Tianlan Kingdom''s army on the verge of laying siege, it''s clear how huge an impact Zhang Baisheng''s demise, as the commander, would have on the battle.


    By dawn tomorrow, Tianlan Kingdom may well have broken through to Heiya City.


    He would have become an eternal sinner!


    Zhang Baisheng and Hou Sailei, among others, also let out a long sigh of relief.


    Zhang Baisheng looked at Xiao Yi with complicated eyes. Before this, he had felt dissatisfied with Xiao Yi, a young man who, despite his tender age, held a higher title than him¡ªa seasoned general who fought many battles and won great honors for his kingdom.


    Now however, he was already very much persuaded by Xiao Yi.


    "There''s no need for Mr. Yan to be like this!"


    Xiao Yi waved his hand, seeing Yan Ning''s sincere admittance of guilt, and he didn''t continue to make things difficult, "No one is perfect, but doctors are unlike ordinary people. A doctor saves lives, and any negligence could potentially cost someone their life. There absolutely must not be any room for errors!"


    "Your Highness the Martial King has taught me well. I''ll engrave this lesson in my heart and never make the same mistake again!" Yan Ning said earnestly.


    Xiao Yi smiled and nodded, then turned to Zhang Baisheng, "Old General, I''ve removed the poison from your body, but you shouldn''t engage vigorously in battle for a short time."


    "Thank you, Your Highness the Martial King, for saving my life!"


    Zhang Baisheng clasped his hands gratefully and chuckled bitterly, "Now that the Tianlan Kingdom''s army is at our doorstep, and having already clashed with them before, the enemy troops are the elite Tianlan Army this time. In their army, there are two generals at the Golden Elixir Peak, and their commander is none other than Ling Wufengyun, the National Advisor of the Tianlan Kingdom. An old man like me cannot afford to rest, alas!"


    Ling Wufengyun, the National Advisor of the Tianlan Kingdom.


    She was also the only female among the ten nations of Nanhuang to reach the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    Her cultivation had reached the Second Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm, far surpassing Zhou Yuan, who had forcefully advanced to the Tao Tribulation Realm by using the Martial Dao Divine Fruit.


    This was the reason why there were restrictions among the kingdoms that forbid those in the Tao Tribulation Realm from taking direct action in wars.


    Otherwise...


    With just Ling Wufengyun alone, she could forcibly breach Heiya City and lead the Tianlan Kingdom''s army to storm through.


    Xiao Yi said, "Old General, rest assured. Since I''m here, I won''t allow the Tianlan Kingdom''s army to advance any further!"


    "Hmm?"


    Zhang Baisheng was startled, catching on to Xiao Yi''s confidence and said in a deep voice, "Your Highness the Martial King, could it be that you already have a strategy to repel the enemy?"


    Hou Sailei and others all turned their attention to him.


    The defending army of Heiya City numbered only two hundred thousand, while the Tianlan Kingdom''s army had a full million soldiers!


    Even General Baisheng, a veteran of countless battles, had no strategy to repel the enemy.


    Could Xiao Yi have one?


    Hou Sailei said gravely, "Your Highness the Martial King, this concerns the life and death of the Tianqing Kingdom. This is no matter for jokes!"


    "Your Highness the Martial King, we respect your martial prowess and medical skills, but in terms of leading troops into battle, any one of us here has more experience than you..." Brigadier General Zheng Le frowned and spoke.


    He was a young prodigy too.


    He had joined the military at a young age.


    Therefore, he had not made it onto the Dragon Tiger List.


    But his talent was certainly not weak. At the age of thirty-three, he had already reached the Fifth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, achieving great military accomplishments and becoming the youngest general in the Tianqing Kingdom.


    Zhang Baisheng, worried that Zheng Le''s words would irritate Xiao Yi, hurriedly said, "Your Highness the Martial King, this is Brigadier General Zheng Le from my command. Don''t let his youth fool you, he has led ten thousand troops to annihilate thirty thousand of the Tianlan Kingdom''s army."


    Zheng Le looked proud.


    Xiao Yi laughed indifferently, "If it''s about going into battle and leading troops in warfare, I naturally cannot compare with all of you. But if everything could only be achieved through the accumulation of experience, what''s the point of being a prodigy?"


    ```


    "Uh..."


    Everyone was dumbfounded.


    Zheng Le''s expression also darkened. As a leading figure in the military, and hailed as the successor to Zhang Baisheng, the fact that Xiao Yi dared to mention the word "genius" in front of him was unthinkable. Zheng Le narrowed his eyes and taunted sarcastically, "So, His Highness the Martial King means to say that your talent in leading troops into battle is stronger than mine?"


    Xiao Yi responded indifferently, "I wouldn''t dare claim my ability to lead troops into battle is stronger than yours, but at least I have a method to defeat the Tianlan Kingdom''s army, which you do not!"


    "You..."


    Zheng Le''s complexion shifted slightly.


    Indeed, he had no way to stop the Tianlan Kingdom.


    Even before Xiao Yi arrived...


    He had been advocating for a retreat to the capital and to negotiate peace with the Tianlan Kingdom!


    Xiao Yi claimed he could defeat the Tianlan Kingdom?


    Zheng Le sneered, "If you truly can defeat the Tianlan Kingdom''s army, I, Zheng Le, am willing to personally hold your horse!"


    "Really?"


    "A gentleman''s word is as good as his bond!"


    "Good!"


    Xiao Yi smiled faintly and turned to Zhang Baisheng. He gave a respectful bow and said, "Old General, Xiao Yi has a strategy to defeat the Tianlan Kingdom''s army, but it will require some sacrifice on your part!"


    "What are you talking about, Your Highness the Martial King! If we really can defeat the Tianlan Kingdom, even if it means this old body has to die right now, I''m willing!" Zhang Baisheng hastened to his feet and spoke earnestly.


    Xiao Yi nodded and said solemnly, "Then please, Old General, hand over the Tiger Talisman to me first!"


    The Tiger Talisman!


    The symbol of military command.


    Possessing the Tiger Talisman means one can mobilize the entire army.


    "Absolutely not!" Zheng Le protested.


    Hou Sailei also looked worried.


    Although Xiao Yi was the Martial King of the Nation, he had just arrived and was already asking for the Commander''s Seal.


    If Xiao Yi''s strategy failed, it could very well doom all the soldiers and civilians of Heiya City!


    Xiao Yi''s demeanor remained calm, the corners of his mouth lifted slightly, wearing a faint smile.


    He did not say much more, only quietly looking at Zhang Baisheng.


    Waiting for his decision.


    After a moment of silence.


    Zhang Baisheng took a deep breath, held it for a moment, then slowly exhaled. He took a black Tiger Talisman out from his Storage Ring and handed it solemnly to Xiao Yi, "Your Highness the Martial King, the lives of the hundreds of thousands of Heiya City''s soldiers and civilians, and the fate of the Tianqing Kingdom, are now in your hands!"


    "Be at ease, General!"


    Xiao Yi solemnly accepted the Tiger Talisman and said in a deep voice, "Old General, to carry out my plan, we must kill you first!"


    "Hm?" S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zhang Baisheng was stunned.


    At that moment, Xiao Yi pointed a finger, and a wave of energy rippled wildly from the center of Zhang Baisheng''s forehead. With a buzzing sound, Zhang Baisheng spat out a mouthful of fresh blood, his body rigidly falling backward...


    "General!"


    "Xiao Yi, you''re seeking death!"


    Hou Sailei and Zheng Le were beside themselves with rage, wishing they could tear Xiao Yi to pieces.


    He actually made a move to kill the old General, Zhang Baisheng?


    Was this a grab for power?


    In an instant...


    The hall was plunged into complete chaos...

 Chapter 144 - 144 Night Raid

    "What are you doing?"


    "How dare you, Xiao Yi, attack General Zhang?"


    Hou Sailei and Zheng Le''s faces suddenly changed, their angry roars echoing throughout the hall.


    The two of them transformed into streaks of light, shooting towards Xiao Yi from the left and right.


    Zheng Le was at the Fifth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, and Hou Sailei was even stronger, at the Sixth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm. Both experienced in numerous battles, they had accumulated a formidable Evil Qi. Together, they could even challenge a warrior at the Seventh Layer of the Golden Core Realm.


    Facing the encirclement of the two men,


    Xiao Yi didn''t even turn his head, one hand supporting Zhang Baisheng, while the other executed a spinning back kick.


    Smack! Smack!


    Between the two thuds.


    Xiao Yi completely crushed their thunderous attacks, stepping on their heads and pinning them to the ground.


    Cracks spread all over the ground.


    The two men clutched the ground with both hands, continuously roaring in fury, "Xiao Yi, General Zhang has made great contributions to the Tianqing Kingdom. How dare you kill him? Even if I become a ghost, I will not let you go..."


    "Idiot!"


    Xiao Yi huffed coldly, speaking indifferently, "Which of your eyes saw me kill General Zhang?"


    "You still want to argue?"


    "We witnessed it with our own eyes..."


    Their faces were now buried in the dirt, shouting furiously.


    At this moment,


    Yan Ning''s voice came, "Generals, please calm your anger. General Zhang is not dead!"


    "Huh?"


    Both of them were taken aback.


    Only then did Xiao Yi lift his foot, looking down at the two men covered in mud and in a sorry state, his voice carrying a grave tone, "Considering you two were concerned for General Zhang''s safety, I''ll spare you this time. If there''s a next time, I won''t be merciful!"


    Zheng Le and his companion exchanged a look, wearing expressions of confusion.


    They had seen with their own eyes Xiao Yi killing Zhang Baisheng with a single finger strike!


    How could he be alright?


    Yan Ning had already taken Zhang Baisheng from Xiao Yi''s hands, checked him over, and looked at Xiao Yi with ever-increasing admiration and awe, his voice deep, "Generals, His Highness the Martial King just used a special technique to induce a state of false death in the General!"


    "False death?"


    The two men were utterly bewildered.


    Xiao Yi offered no explanation but took out the Tiger Talisman, his voice firm, "Zheng Le, Hou Sailei, step forward to receive orders!"


    The two men glanced at each other.


    Although they still didn''t understand why Xiao Yi had put Zhang Baisheng into a state of false death, knowing that Zhang Baisheng''s life was not at risk, they were somewhat relieved. Kneeling on one knee, they spoke solemnly, "Hou Sailei (Zheng Le) is listening to the orders!" sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi''s voice was stern, "Hou Sailei, effective immediately, you are in charge of the city''s defense, and you must bring down all the guards from the top of the walls. However, increase the inner city patrols to ten times their usual number!"


    "Yes!"


    Hou Sailei was startled, not understanding the reason behind Xiao Yi''s orders, but military orders are as heavy as mountains, so he saluted and accepted the command.


    Xiao Yi then turned to Zheng Le, "Zheng Le, starting now, you are responsible for guarding General Zhang''s quarters, and you shall not allow anyone to enter his bedroom!"


    "Your Highness Martial King, may I know why?" Zheng Le asked, full of confusion.


    With the army of Tianlan Kingdom looming at the gates, Xiao Yi was withdrawing guards from the ramparts yet intensifying city patrols. Moreover, he was assigning him, a high-ranking general, to guard Zhang Baisheng''s bedroom?


    If Zhang Baisheng had been in mortal danger, it would have been understandable for him to be in charge of guarding him.


    But Zhang Baisheng was clearly just in a state of false death.


    With no threat to his life.


    So why wasn''t he, a warrior at the Fifth Layer of the Golden Core Realm, involved in patrols or defending the city, but instead guarding a sleeping Zhang Baisheng?


    Xiao Yi replied indifferently, "This is a military order. Just carry it out!"


    Zheng Le opened his mouth but, seeing the Tiger Talisman in Xiao Yi''s hand, he could only nod and say, "This subordinate obeys the command!"


    Xiao Yi then turned to Yan Ning, "From now on, you must stay inside the old general''s bedroom, and you are not allowed to leave without my order. Additionally, I''ll arrange for someone to bring you a batch of medicinal herbs and food every three hours!"


    "Yes!"


    Yan Ning nodded vigorously.


    He had been completely subdued by Xiao Yi, naturally, he would not disobey.


    A series of commands were issued.


    Xiao Yi personally shouldered Zhang Baisheng, his face no longer calm but anxious, and said in a deep voice, "Hou Sailei, go and strengthen the patrol immediately, Zheng Le and Yan Ning, follow me to take the old general to his bedroom!"


    "Yes!"


    The crowd saluted with cupped hands.


    Hou Sailei left immediately.


    Zheng Le and Yan Ning, one on each side, guarded Xiao Yi as they carried Zhang Baisheng toward the bedroom.


    No one noticed.


    Above Heiya City, within the gloomy clouds, a pair of cold eyes was paying attention to everything happening inside the city. They watched Hou Sailei withdraw the soldiers from the ramparts while strengthening the patrols inside the city, and Xiao Yi and others anxiously carrying Zhang Baisheng into the bedroom.


    After watching intently for two hours, those eyes finally disappeared into the sky.


    And just as those eyes vanished...


    Xiao Yi in the bedroom, sensing something, glanced outside the window and the corner of his mouth lifted slightly, "The show is about to start!"


    ...


    Outside Heiya City, inside the military camp of Tianlan Kingdom.


    This time, Tianlan Kingdom had deployed a million soldiers, led by the current national advisor Ling Wufengyun as the chief commander, with two generals at the Golden Elixir Realm Peak assisting him, truly a formidable presence!


    In the central command tent.


    Geng Jie and Li Tenglong, the two generals at the Golden Elixir Realm Peak, sat at the two main seats on the left and right, while their subordinates sat upright and tense.


    The dim firelight flickered, casting sallow light upon them.


    Geng Jie said in a deep voice, "Gentlemen, scouts have reported that Heiya City has suddenly withdrawn its soldiers from the ramparts, what do you think?"


    A Golden Core Realm general under him said in a deep voice, "General, could this be a feint by Zhang Baisheng?"


    "If something had happened to Zhang Baisheng, they should be strengthening their defenses. In my opinion, Zhang Baisheng hasn''t been injured at all. He is deliberately setting a trap to lure us in..."


    Li Tenglong squinted his eyes, his fingers lightly tapping on the table, and said in a deep voice, "Stop arguing, we will know when the national advisor returns!"


    Whoosh!


    A gust of cold wind blew.


    A figure wrapped in a black robe quietly landed in the commanding seat.


    Shush shush shush!


    All the generals stood up and saluted toward the figure in the black robe, "We pay our respects to the national advisor!"


    The position of the national advisor in Tianlan Kingdom was extraordinary, on a par with Xiao Yi, the Martial King of the Nation.


    Moreover, she was the only practitioner in the Tao Tribulation Realm in Tianlan Kingdom.


    Even the King of Tianlan Kingdom would have to show the deference of a disciple in front of Ling Wufengyun.


    Ling Wufengyun gestured for everyone to be seated and said, with a soft yet undeniably authoritative voice, "In half an hour, we attack Heiya City at night!"


    Li Longteng said in a deep voice, "National advisor, is it because of Zhang Baisheng..."


    Ling Wufengyun nodded and said faintly, "Zhang Baisheng has been poisoned with the Mo Luo Grass and has fallen into a coma. Right now, Heiya City is defended by Hou Sailei and Zheng Le. They have withdrawn the soldiers from the ramparts in order to confuse us. However, inside the city, the defense has actually increased tenfold, further proving that something has happened to Zhang Baisheng!"


    "It is indeed impressive for Xue Yilou to possess such a poison as the Mo Luo Grass..."


    "It''s a pity for Zhang Baisheng, the illustrious General Baisheng, to not die on the battlefield but by poison..."


    The crowd shook their heads and sighed.


    The national advisor snorted coldly and said flatly, "Now is not the time to sympathize with the enemy. Get ready immediately. Tonight, this national advisor will break down the gates of Heiya City!"

 Chapter 145 - 145 Are you looking for him?

    ```


    The night was deep and the world was silent.


    However, atop the parapets of Heiya City, there were only a few sparse guards on patrol.


    But within the city, it was all hustle and bustle, with patrols of soldiers following one wave after another.


    Inside the city lord''s mansion.


    Xiao Yi once again convened Zheng Le, Hou Sailei, and the generals, his voice grave, "Gentlemen, the decisive moment is upon us!"


    "Hm?"


    "Martial King Your Highness, now that the Great General''s life or death is unknown, we..."


    The generals wore faces of concern.


    Even though they knew that all of this was part of Xiao Yi''s strategy, Zheng Le and Hou Sailei were also showing expressions of worry at this moment.


    Despite the fact that Xiao Yi''s fame as a warrior had spread far and wide over these past few months.


    But that was all about his martial arts talent!


    As for leading troops into battle, Xiao Yi was completely a novice!


    Xiao Yi directly took out the Commander''s Seal.


    Clang clang clang!


    The generals kneeled on the ground one after another.


    As soldiers, obeying orders was their sacred duty.


    Xiao Yi said in a cold voice, "Hou Sailei, immediately lead fifty thousand troops around Black Mountain. When the beacon smoke rises, charge the enemy''s main camp."


    "This subordinate obeys the order!"


    Hou Sailei responded respectfully.


    Xiao Yi continued, "Zheng Le, you lead fifty thousand troops along the concealed pathway of Heartbreak Cliff to launch a surprise attack, also waiting for the beacon smoke as the signal to strike the enemy''s main camp."


    "Yes!"


    Zheng Le respectfully accepted the order.


    Xiao Yi turned to the remaining generals, his eyes narrowing with a hint of cold intent, "The rest of the generals will lead the remaining garrison to defend Heiya City with this prince." After a pause, Xiao Yi summoned Yan Ning, "Yan Ning, how is the preparation for the things I had you arrange going?"


    Yan Ning, with a face full of excitement and agitation, came forward, holding a storage ring in both hands, and said in a deep voice, "Reporting back to Your Highness, your subordinate has made all the necessary preparations!"


    "Good!"


    The gleam in Xiao Yi''s eyes was sharp as he said gravely, "Lead the Medical Department personnel immediately and distribute these items. Have our own men take precautions... The net is spread, we just wait for the prey to leap into it!"


    ......


    The night was deep and the world was silent.


    Thick clouds obscured the stars and moon above.


    Rustle rustle!


    In the darkness, Tianlan Kingdom''s three hundred thousand-strong army quietly approached Heiya City under the command of Li Tenglong and Geng Jie.


    "General Geng, I''ve always had a bad feeling..." Li Tenglong looked at the vast city looming ahead, furrowing his brow and speaking in a hushed tone.


    Geng Jie spoke indifferently, "The National Advisor has personally investigated, there will not be any oversight. All you and I need to do is to act according to the National Advisor''s plan, besides..." He looked up at the looming city, "If Zhang Baisheng had not met with any mishap, with his cautiousness he would have deployed heavy troops to defend the parapets. The fact that it is loose on the outside but tight on the inside is proof that something has happened to Zhang Baisheng. This approach is just to make us believe that Heiya City is well defended and deter us from rash action!"


    "I hope that''s the case!"


    Li Tenglong hesitated for a moment, but felt that information personally investigated by Ling Wufengyun should not be wrong.


    "You wait here, I''ll personally ascend the city wall and dispose of these guards. Once I open the city gates, you all can drive straight in!" Geng Jie''s eyes glowed brightly in the darkness.


    "Be careful, General Geng!" Li Tenglong said solemnly.


    Geng Jie laughed heartily, "Even if this is indeed one of Zhang Baisheng''s traps, with my skills I can come and go as I please. Just wait for good news from me!"


    Whoosh!


    Geng Jie led ten elite soldiers, leaping onto the city walls.


    ```


    The few hundred soldiers atop the city walls were easily slaughtered with the assistance of Geng Jie, who was at the peak of the Golden Elixir Realm, and ten elites from the Shentong Realm.


    Geng Jie stuck his head out above the city wall and waved the flag in his hand.


    Beneath the city.


    Li Tenglong clenched his fists, his eyes sparkling with intensity, "It seems I was overly cautious. Now that the defenses on the city walls have been removed, we just need General Geng to open the gates, then we can drive straight in!"


    At the same time¡­


    Inside the city.


    Geng Jie looked at the corpses of a hundred guards lying in pools of blood, patted his hands, and sneered, "Just wait until we break through Heiya City, then our army can drive straight in and march directly to the capital of Tianqing Kingdom. I will be the first to set foot in the capital of the Tianqing Kingdom, and the position of a duke will be within easy reach, not to mention my name will go down in history!"


    "Sorry, but I''m afraid you won''t have that chance!" sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As Geng Jie was basking in his smugness, a taunting voice emerged like a specter at his ear.


    "Who?"


    Geng Jie''s face changed dramatically as he looked towards the source of the sound.


    He saw Xiao Yi, dressed in white, with his arms crossed and an amused expression on his face.


    Those cold eyes were like knife blades, causing Geng Jie a chill from deep within his heart. Xiao Yi''s appearance had long been known throughout the ten countries of Nanhuang, and Geng Jie recognized him instantly, "Martial King of the Nation Xiao Yi? Not good, it''s a trap..."


    "Realizing it''s a trap now is too late!" Xiao Yi grinned.


    "Run!"


    Geng Jie bellowed, trying to instruct his men to scatter.


    However¡­


    As his voice fell, those ten men didn''t move an inch.


    While Geng Jie was puzzled...


    Bang, bang, bang!


    All ten men fell to the ground, each with a bloody hole the size of a fingernail in their foreheads.


    A silver figure stood upon the head of the closest powerful warrior to him, twisting its body with emerald green eyes fixed intently on him.


    It was none other than Little Lin!


    Through training during this period, as well as countless Golden Cores Xiao Yi had obtained from slaying numerous experts and fed to Little Lin, it had reached the advanced tier of the fifth stage¡ªcomparable to the peak of the Golden Elixir Realm. Besides, its speed was incredibly fast, and launching a surprise attack to solve ten elite warriors instantly was easy.


    "Li..."


    Geng Jie''s mouth flew open, trying to send out a message.


    But his voice seemed to be choked off.


    It stayed stuck in his throat, unable to come out.


    His pupils madly contracted, and as he followed the arm that was gripping his throat, he saw Xiao Yi''s expressionless face before him, and heard his cold voice echoing in his ear, "Watch with your own eyes how your troops are completely annihilated!"


    "Heh, heh heh..."


    Geng Jie struggled furiously but could not break free from Xiao Yi''s hold, the despair in his eyes spreading like ripples to fill his entire gaze.


    A moment later.


    Creak!


    The city gate opened thunderously.


    Li Tenglong, who had been waiting for a long time, gave the order, and 300,000 soldiers swarmed in, flooding into the city like mad.


    Thanks to the massive construction of the city gates of Heiya City, this army of 300,000 surged in like a steel torrent, taking only the time of half a stick of incense to all pour into the city. The surroundings were still darkly packed, and everyone could vaguely see Geng Jie standing atop the city wall, hands behind his back, watching everything unfold.


    As soon as the army had fully entered the city, the figure of Geng Jie on the city walls disappeared.


    Li Tenglong wore a bewildered expression, "Who has seen General Geng?"


    The words had barely left his lips.


    When a thunderous boom was heard, the city gates slammed shut, and at the same time, a mocking voice rang out, "Are you looking for him?"

 Chapter 146 - 146 Shut the Door and Beat the Dog

    "Are you looking for him?" Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The calm, playful voice sent chills skittering across Li Tenglong''s body.


    Bang!


    A dark shadow abruptly fell at his feet, a headless corpse.


    Blood gushed from the wound on the neck, staining his boots red. Li Tenglong''s complexion changed drastically, and his breathing became hurried, "This, this is impossible..."


    Although the corpse was headless, the clothes were all too familiar.


    But...


    Geng Jie was a strongman at the Golden Elixir Realm Peak, unless someone from the Tao Tribulation Realm took action, how could he have been beheaded without a sound?


    "Sorry, I forgot to give this to you as well!" Xiao Yi''s voice came again; with a wave of his hand, he threw Geng Jie''s head over.


    That head, with eyes wide open and a face full of despair, wasn''t it Geng Jie''s?


    Thump! Thump!


    Li Tenglong''s heartbeat grew faster and faster, but his face became even paler. He looked up at Xiao Yi, "This, all of this was a trap you set up?"


    Xiao Yi smiled faintly, "Congratulations, you''re right. As a reward, I''ll personally send you on your way!"


    "You insolent brat!"


    Li Tenglong drew his longsword with a sudden motion, glaring at Xiao Yi, "Under my command are three hundred thousand soldiers, do you think I''d be afraid of you? All soldiers, heed my command, break through the city gates..."


    "Wouldn''t it be nice to die quietly? Why do you struggle?"


    Xiao Yi shook his head gently, clapping his hands. The crisp clapping sound was like a soul-hooking devil''s tune.


    Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!


    From within the pitch-black buildings, amidst the thickets of trees, from within the city walls, one figure after another emerged. These were all soldiers stationed in Heiya City, each with a thick white cloth over their faces, carrying a jar of wine in their hands. At Xiao Yi''s command, hundreds of thousands of jars were viciously thrown amongst the Tianlan Kingdom''s troops.


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    The jars exploded one by one, and the white vapor, filled with the sharp, pungent smell of alcohol, dispersed.


    "What is this stuff?"


    "Wine? What are they doing throwing wine at us?"


    "No, something is wrong... it must be poison, it''s definitely poison..." Li Tenglong''s complexion changed drastically. Under the envelopment of the white smoke, some of the Tianlan Kingdom''s soldiers were already staggering.


    Li Tenglong leapt into the air, intending to escape.


    However...


    Just as he left the ground, a dark shadow suddenly appeared before his eyes.


    It was a black foot.


    Growing larger and larger in his vision!


    Bang!


    A foot slammed down on his face, driving his head brutally into the ground. Xiao Yi, with an amused look, watched Li Tenglong try to push himself off the ground to rise, "Why are you in such a rush to leave? Wouldn''t it be nice to see how your Tianlan Kingdom''s troops get annihilated?"


    "Despicable... You actually used poison? You lowlife coward..." Li Tenglong''s face contorted with rage as he yelled.


    In just this short moment, over a hundred thousand soldiers of the Tianlan Kingdom already lay fallen.


    The remaining two hundred thousand soldiers were also staggering, devoid of any combat strength.


    "Despicable?"


    Xiao Yi sneered, "When you poisoned Great General Zhang Baisheng, why didn''t you call that despicable? I am simply giving you a taste of your own medicine! Moreover, the poison I used was developed from the Moruo grass poison you used, so I should actually thank your Tianlan Kingdom. Otherwise, where would I find the long-lost Moruo grass?"


    "How, how can this be, is heaven intending to destroy my Tianlan Kingdom..."


    Li Tenglong''s face turned ashen.


    If this army of three hundred thousand were to be completely annihilated, it would be a crippling blow to the Tianlan Kingdom, especially since he and Geng Jie, both peak Golden Elixir generals, had perished together.


    Be it morale or strength.


    It was also too much for Tianlan Kingdom to bear!


    Xiao Yi gently bent down, gripped Li Tenglong''s neck, and lifted him up. Amidst the crackling sounds, he crushed Li Tenglong''s hands and feet, disabling his cultivation at the same time. With his vital energy, he sealed all the acupoints in Li Tenglong''s body, rendering him mute and immobile, just like a puppet on strings, which Xiao Yi placed atop the horse.


    He had already guessed the reason why Xiao Yi didn''t kill him, his eyes filled with despair.


    As the massacre of the Heiya City defense forces ensued, those of the Tianlan Kingdom''s army poisoned by the Demon Ravana grass had no strength to resist and were easily slaughtered.


    Xiao Yi waved his hand: "Everyone, according to plan, put on the Tianlan Kingdom''s army armor!"


    Whirr!


    The men rapidly began to change their armor.


    In a moment.


    An army of one hundred thousand from the Tianlan Kingdom reappeared before everyone''s eyes.


    Excitement and fervor were written on every face, their gazes blazing as they looked at Xiao Yi.


    Before this...


    Faced with an army of a million from the Tianlan Kingdom, they had lost all hope, entertaining only thoughts of a death struggle.


    But now.


    The situation had drastically changed.


    Without exerting any effort, they annihilated two generals at the Golden Elixir Realm Peak of the Tianlan Kingdom and wiped out three hundred thousand troops, right when their morale was at its peak after a big victory.


    Xiao Yi immediately ordered everyone to open the city gates.


    Majestically, the army of one hundred thousand poured out of the city.


    At the same time...


    Xiao Yi glanced at a young general at the peak of Divine Skills, who promptly launched a signal arrow. With a whoosh, a streak of silver light shot across the sky. Shortly thereafter, the ground shook and quaked as an imposing army of four hundred thousand from the Tianlan Kingdom surged towards them.


    "General Li, what''s the situation inside the city?" a general at the First Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm asked.


    Under Xiao Yi''s control, Li Tenglong''s voice came out: "Heiya City has been taken, the National Advisor is welcome to enter the city!"


    "Enter the city!"


    The army of four hundred thousand marched towards the city.


    They immediately saw corpses lying haphazardly in pools of blood within the city; the vast majority of them were dressed in the Tianqing Kingdom''s defensive army armor. The soldiers of the Tianlan Kingdom were overjoyed: "Worthy of the National Advisor''s personal intervention, Heiya City has fallen, and we can now drive straight in, flattening the capital of Tianqing Kingdom within half a month!"


    "Sorry, but I''m afraid you won''t ever get to see the capital of Tianqing Kingdom in this lifetime!" Xiao Yi''s cold voice came as the city gates thunderously closed.


    "Huh?"


    The generals of the Tianlan Kingdom were startled, only to see Xiao Yi leading a hundred thousand strong, frantically hurling jar after jar.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Amidst the spreading white smoke...


    The Tianlan Kingdom''s army fell in swathes.


    "Kill them!"


    At Xiao Yi''s command, the Tianqing Kingdom''s army ruthlessly slaughtered on all sides, while signal fires blazed high atop the city walls.


    Xiao Yi looked at Li Tenglong''s face, filled with despair, and released the seals on his body: "Thank you for your help, General Li. Without you, they would not have trusted me so easily!"


    "You¡ªyou''ll not die a good death... The National Advisor will avenge us..." Li Tenglong said through clenched teeth.


    Xiao Yi calmly replied, "The National Advisor? Ling Wufengyun? I will send him to join you!"


    Thump!


    Xiao Yi clenched his palm and brutally snapped Li Tenglong''s neck, then leaped high. A streak of silver landed on his shoulder. Little Lin spoke, "Boss, the signal fires have been lit, Zheng Le and Hou Sailei must have already launched their attack!"


    Xiao Yi nodded, his eyes narrowed as he looked towards the dark mass of the distant camp: "After tonight, Tianlan Kingdom will be a toothless tiger, no longer a concern!"

 Chapter 147 - 147: Tearing the Wind Barehanded

    The Tianlan Kingdom camp was ablaze with lights.


    Before this nighttime attack, they had dispatched seven hundred thousand troops, leaving only over two hundred thousand to defend the main camp out of the million-strong army.


    In Ling Wufengyun''s view, seven hundred thousand troops should have been enough to take down Heiya City. Once achieved, the western gate of Tianqing Kingdom would be wide open, exposed before the vast armies of Tianlan Kingdom.


    She just needed to lead the army and march straight in to capture the royal city of Tianqing Kingdom!


    "As long as I can break through the royal city of Tianqing Kingdom and capture Xiao Yi to hand over to Xue Yilou, I will have the chance to visit the headquarters of Xue Yilou in the Great Qian Dynasty. With the strength of Xue Yilou''s headquarters, I will surely break through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm¡­"


    Ling Wufengyun sat within the main tent, holding a cup of clear wine, her crimson tongue curling the wine stained on her lips into her mouth as she took a deep breath, "Father, mother, once your daughter breaks through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm, I will have enough strength to avenge you. The 1,635 members of the Ling Family cannot have died in vain!"


    A cold light flickered in her eyes.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Suddenly, the sound of marching troops erupted from outside the camp.


    Ling Wufengyun urgently sat up straight, her sharp eyes seeming to penetrate the tent, looking out towards the camp with a hint of excitement, "It must be that the two generals have already taken Heiya City!"


    However¡­


    Just as she was about to step out of the tent, an urgent sound of war drums came from the outside, "Enemy raid! Enemy raid!"


    Dong! Dong! Dong!


    The sound of the war drums was quick and urgent, with a hint of panic.


    Bang!


    The wine cup in Ling Wufengyun''s hand suddenly burst, and she stood up abruptly, her face a picture of shock, "An enemy raid? How is that possible... With General Geng and the others leading seven hundred thousand troops to attack Heiya City at night, from where would an army dare to assault our main camp?"


    Rustle!


    A young officer suddenly rushed into the tent, disheveled and in a sorry state, "Diviner, something terrible has happened... General Geng and General Li have been wiped out. The army from Heiya City disguised themselves as our forces to approach the camp and have already breached it. Diviner, we, we have been defeated¡­"


    Defeated?


    Defeated?


    Ling Wufengyun dropped into her seat with a thump, her face blank in disbelief, "We have been defeated? A million-strong army, defeated just like that? Impossible, absolutely impossible¡­"


    "Diviner, we truly have been defeated, we must retreat quickly!" the young officer''s face was filled with bitterness.


    "No!"


    Ling Wufengyun''s eyes blazed with madness as she clenched her teeth and snarled, "With me here, I''d like to see who can breach our main camp!"


    "Diviner, you mustn''t!"


    The young officer spoke anxiously, "As a powerful being of the Tao Tribulation Realm, you can serve as the commander sitting in the camp, but you absolutely cannot directly engage in the battlefield. Otherwise, it would be a provocation to the authority of the Great Qian Dynasty, and our country simply cannot withstand the sanctions from the Great Qian Dynasty!"


    Those in the Tao Tribulation Realm were not allowed to directly participate in wars between nations.


    This was an agreement between the Great Qian Dynasty and its subordinate nations. Otherwise, if Tao Tribulation Realm experts freely intervened, slaying the opposing generals or even their kings, would not the world be thrown into utter chaos?


    Ling Wufengyun''s eyes narrowed into slits, filled with fierceness, and she sneered, "What fear? As long as we kill them all, who will spread the news of my intervention? Without leaving any survivors, completely slaughtering the enemy, even if Tianqing Kingdom suspects that I have intervened, they will have no evidence!"


    "This..."


    The young officer stared at the maniacal Ling Wufengyun with a look of shock.


    Ling Wufengyun''s face twisted with ferocity, her fists clenched tightly, "No one shall stop me from taking revenge, those who do, kill!"


    Boom!


    Ling Wufengyun soared into the sky.


    The huge tent was flung away by her, and auras of black light ebbed and flowed around her body, her cultivation reaching the Second Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm.


    A terrifying surge of energy formed a violent wind as she waved her hand, "Come, wild wind!"


    Tao Tribulation Realm experts could sense the heaven and earth through the Martial Dao Divine Fruit inside their bodies and harness a portion of the world''s elemental power. The Martial Dao Divine Fruit inside Ling Wufengyun was of the wind attribute, allowing him to borrow some of the wind''s power between heaven and earth. With a move of his hands and feet, a violent wind would rise, and his combat power was far beyond that of Zhou Yuan, who had stepped into the Tao Tribulation Realm by relying on the absorption of the Martial Dao Divine Fruit.


    Whoosh!


    The furious wind raged like an Azure Dragon ascending to the heavens.


    Amidst the storm, tents were lifted high into the air, the terrible tempest carrying the might of apocalyptic destruction.


    Numerous mighty warriors were flung into the sky, tents ripped out from their roots, and warhorses torn to shreds by the raging wind.


    The storm grew larger and stronger.


    It did not distinguish between friend or foe.


    A young soldier gripped onto a wooden stake, half of his body whirling in midair, his face filled with despair, "It''s over, it''s over, the national teacher has actually made a move... If we can''t kill all the strong warriors of the Tianqing Kingdom this time, once the news of the national teacher taking action spreads, our Tianlan Kingdom will become the target of public criticism... "


    "Blow them away for me!"


    Ling Wufengyun stood suspended in the air, his hands constantly waving, and gusts of fierce wind surged from within his sleeves.


    The wind''s ferocity grew more terrifying.


    Whoo whoo whoo!


    The sound of the wind passing by was akin to the wailing of ghosts and howling of wolves.


    Within the crowd.


    Zheng Le and Hou Sailei''s expressions changed drastically, seeing that tens of thousands of vanguard troops had been lifted into the air, their eyes were splitting with rage, "Retreat quickly... These bastards from the Tianlan Kingdom have actually sent a Tao Tribulation Realm expert to act, retreat quickly..."


    "Brothers, retreat fast!"


    Under the lead of Zheng Le and others, the army of the Tianqing Kingdom turned around and fled in disarray.


    But the raging wind, under the control of Ling Wufengyun, pursued them relentlessly. Once overtaken, one would be swept into the high skies, and only the strong warriors above the Golden Core Realm could escape with their lives while the other ordinary soldiers had almost no way out.


    "It''s over, it''s over..."


    "Scum of the Tianlan Kingdom, you won''t die a good death..."


    The great army of the Tianqing Kingdom watched the hurricane bearing down on them like a demon, its maw wide open, their faces filled with despair.


    But just at this critical juncture... sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A figure suddenly soared into the sky, his silver armor gleaming brilliantly under the sparse star and moonlight. Perched upon his shoulder was a silver serpent, which raised its head proudly, gazing at the enraged wind. Xiao Yi''s eyes gleamed sharply as he looked through the storm at Ling Wufengyun, who was making the wind surge, and a cold smile appeared on his face: "A great Tao Tribulation, yet you lay hands on these ordinary soldiers, the Tianlan Kingdom is really nothing special!"


    "Victors are kings, losers are bandits. As long as you achieve the ultimate victory, who cares about the means used?" Ling Wufengyun said expressionlessly.


    Xiao Yi burst into hearty laughter, "Do you really think you''ve got us in the bag?"


    "I''m not a waste like Zhou Yuan!" Ling Wufengyun obviously recognized Xiao Yi, the beauty mark at the corner of his mouth curling into a sneer.


    "You may not be much stronger than Zhou Yuan!"


    Xiao Yi chuckled coldly as endless yuan qi within him whirled madly, surging into his hands.


    Hum hum hum!


    The yuan qi converged on his arms, and Xiao Yi abruptly reached out.


    "The Martial King actually intends to catch the hurricane barehanded?"


    "Isn''t this foolhardy? No matter how powerful a Golden Core Realm is, it is still human power. How can it contend with the power of heaven and earth?"


    "My wind incorporates the power of heaven and earth, how could your mere Golden Core withstand it? And you still fantasize about catching the wind with bare hands, it''s simply..." Ling Wufengyun said with a mocking face, but his smile froze suddenly, replaced by a look of shock and disbelief.


    "Open for me!"


    Xiao Yi roared angrily as his hands violently tore to both sides.


    The hurricane, which had rolled up tens of thousands of soldiers and steeds, was actually torn in two by his flesh-and-blood palms...

 Chapter 148 - 148: Martial King Supreme, Forever Dominates Tianqing!

    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Raging between heaven and earth, like a hurricane connecting sky and land.


    In Xiao Yi''s hands, it was torn apart into two halves.


    The tearing winds suddenly dissipated into nothingness in the void, and the soldiers caught in the hurricane fell from the sky; without the barrier of the fierce winds, they did not sustain serious injuries.


    However, on the entire battlefield...


    Hundreds of thousands of soldiers fell utterly silent.


    Every gaze was fixed on the figure standing in the sky, clad in silver armor¡ªXiao Yi.


    Gulp!


    Someone swallowed hard, breaking the deathly silence.


    Like a stone dropped into an ancient well, ripples spread out...


    "Damn! Damn! Damn!"


    "What did I just see? Tearing the wind with bare hands? Did the Martial King actually do that?"


    "Heavens above, I must be hallucinating... This is the power of nature, how can someone tear a hurricane apart with human strength? It''s unbelievable..."


    Zheng Le exchanged a glance with Hou Sailei, both seeing the terror and shock in the other''s eyes.


    Hou Sailei teased with a sneer, "General Zheng, you had a wager with His Highness the Martial King before; it looks like you are destined to lose!"


    "I, I..."


    Zheng Le opened his mouth, but with an excited expression, he said, "So what if I lose? Losing to such a Martial King is my honor. Do you qualify to make a wager with His Highness? When history records this battle, my name, Zheng Le, will surely be on it... Hmm, when I return, I must explain this part to the Imperial Censor personally. The young General Zheng bravely wagered with His Highness the Martial King and gloriously lost!"


    Looking at Zheng Le''s proud and self-satisfied demeanor.


    Hou Sailei''s lips twitched: "Such thick skin..."


    At the same time.


    Xiao Yi''s voice suddenly came, "Hou Sailei, Zheng Le, what are you dawdling for? Wipe out those Tianlan Kingdom bastards for me!"


    "Ah?"


    "Don''t worry, Your Highness, we''re on it!"


    Zheng Le and his men hurriedly got the troops in order and launched another attack.


    Xiao Yi''s feat of tearing the wind had turned into a nightmare, seared into the hearts of the Tianlan Kingdom soldiers, completely robbing them of their will to fight.


    A defeated army fell like a crumbling mountain.


    Watching the forces of Tianqing Kingdom charging and sweeping through his troops, Ling Wufengyun recovered from his astonishment and stared at Xiao Yi with clenched teeth: "Who would have thought Tianqing Kingdom could produce someone like you. No wonder Xue Yilou was so eager for us to attack Tianqing Kingdom, to remove you quickly."


    Xiao Yi indifferently said, "So it indeed was Xue Yilou scheming behind the scenes!"


    "That''s right, Xue Yilou!"


    Ling Wufengyun nodded, took a deep breath, his dark eyes filled with a predatory chill, "Xiao Yi, although we have no grudges or hatred, you''ve blocked my path."


    Xiao Yi was taken aback: "Blocked your path?"


    "That''s right!"


    Ling Wufengyun''s lips were tightly pressed, "Xue Yilou promised me that if I could bring about the downfall of Tianqing Kingdom and capture you, they would allow me to go to the headquarters of Xue Yilou in the Great Qian Dynasty and give me the method to break through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm. Why didn''t you just surrender peacefully? Why did you resist, why oh why..."


    Ling Wufengyun grew more agitated as he spoke, his shoulders trembling slightly, almost madly.


    Seeing the Tianlan Kingdom''s army collapse like a fallen mountain, she knew conquering Tianqing Kingdom was no longer possible.


    The only option now.


    Was to capture Xiao Yi and exchange him at Xue Yilou for the method to break through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    Whizz!


    Ling Wufengyun''s black cloak trembled violently and took flight, opening like a pair of dark wings. Under the cover of that black cloak, gusts of wind roared in. The wind was not as massive as before, but it was extremely condensed, pouring down like a torrent of arrows.


    Facing the overwhelming assault of wind arrows, Xiao Yi''s eyes narrowed, and the Fire Qilin Sword fell into his grasp: "Chasing Stars, Pursuing the Moon!"


    "Python Entwining the Tree!"


    "Sword Breaking Style..."


    Xiao Yi had already reached the realm where the man and his sword were one; the Fire Qilin Sword was like an extension of his body, following his command.


    Wherever the sword''s edge passed, no storm of arrows could approach him.


    Rather, as he continuously destroyed the arrows, Xiao Yi steadily closed in on Ling Wufengyun. As Ling Wufengyun loomed before him, Xiao Yi''s swordplay shifted, swiftly drawing a circular arc: "Enemy-Breaking Style!"


    This sword arc was incredibly dazzling, as bright as the moon. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Swipe!


    The sword edge carved a path straight ahead.


    Xiao Yi dived forward and was now only a step away from Ling Wufengyun: "Nine Swords as One!"


    Nine sword shadows pierced through the air, only merging into one as they finally reached their target.


    The sword''s edge whistled, thrusting straight for Ling Wufengyun''s brow.


    Ding!


    That sharp, unstoppable sword tip came to a halt right at Ling Wufengyun''s forehead, blocked by a shield formed by winds compressed to the extreme. The sword edge and the tempest shield stood off against each other, unable to advance even a fraction more. The enormous force caused the Fire Qilin Sword to bend like a bow, the blade trembling with a buzzing sound.


    Of course...


    Ling Wufengyun wasn''t having an easy time either.


    The immense pressure caused her skin at the brow to burst open, with blood trailing down her cheeks.


    "Windless Motion!"


    Finally unable to withstand the massive pressure, Ling Wufengyun thrust her palm forward, a ferocious wind swept up, enveloping her body and blasting her backward in a retreat. Seeing Xiao Yi with sword in hand in close pursuit, a cold light burst forth in Ling Wufengyun''s eyes, and in her slender jade-like hand appeared a cyan feather fan. This fan, adorned with nine peacock feathers, was swung violently, "Three Months of Beacon Fires!"


    Swish, swish, swish!


    With every flick of the feather fan, the eyes on the nine peacock feathers radiated a cyan glow.


    This was a sixth-order Yuan weapon!


    Empowered by the Yuan weapon,


    the fierce winds became even more terrifying, howling and condensing into a wall made of sharp gales, stretching for hundreds of feet.


    It was like the beacon fires on a battlefield, burning for three months without extinguishing.


    Boom!


    The Fire Qilin Sword struck the wind wall but couldn''t shake it in the least, instead causing Xiao Yi''s palm to crack from the recoil.


    "Dragon''s Lament of Wind!"


    Ling Wufengyun waved her feather fan once more.


    Whoosh!


    The roaring wind transformed into nine wind-formed Azure Dragons intertwining with one another, creating a massive wind torrent.


    Xiao Yi''s pupils suddenly shrunk as he blocked his chest with the Fire Qilin Sword.


    Thump!


    The wind-formed Azure Dragon slammed against the blade.


    The terrifying force sent Xiao Yi shooting toward the ground, like a fallen star crashing with a loud noise, shaking the earth. A huge crater erupted with dust flying everywhere, but within that cloud of dust, a sword light shot up into the sky: "Nine Swords as One!"


    Swish!


    The sword''s edge reached its ultimate speed.


    In an instant...


    With a thud, it pierced through Ling Wufengyun''s shoulder.


    Ling Wufengyun shuddered, and the face beneath the cloak changed drastically. She hastily retreated, but she was a step too slow. With a ripping sound, the mask over her face was torn off by Xiao Yi.


    Their eyes met.


    "Hmm?"


    Xiao Yi was stunned, could there be such stunning beauty in this world?


    Even Fang Qingzhu could not compare!


    Ling Wufengyun also noticed the mask in Xiao Yi''s hand. Her eyes went from shocked to bewildered, and then to a complex mix of fury and subtle affection. She glared fiercely at Xiao Yi and suddenly soared into the sky: "Xiao Yi, I will remember you! The grudge of today, I shall return it another day!"


    Swish!


    Ling Wufengyun broke through the air, wrapped in the howling winds and disappearing into the night.


    She was too fast.


    Even Xiao Yi couldn''t catch up.


    He looked down at the mask in his hand and frowned, "This woman..."


    At that moment...


    The Tianlan Kingdom''s army, now without Ling Wufengyun, was thoroughly routed, utterly demoralized, and surrendered en masse.


    In this battle, Tianqing Kingdom achieved an unprecedented victory!


    Heiya City''s two hundred thousand army annihilated the one-million-strong force of Tianlan Kingdom!


    At that time...


    Ten thousand soldiers, under the leadership of Zheng Le and Hou Sailei, shouted loudly. Their voices thundered, as if scattering the thick clouds above, and the light of the stars and moon fell down: "Martial King is invincible, eternally dominating Tianqing!"


    "Martial King is invincible!"


    "Eternally dominating Tianqing..."

 Chapter 149 - 149: The Pit of Ten Thousand People

    The following day, at dawn.


    The scent of blood filled the air inside and outside Heiya City; everywhere one could smell the pungent reek of blood.


    In every street and alley lay corpses and traces of blood.


    Yet the soldiers and citizens of Heiya City were displaying extreme resistance and excitement. Not only the garrison but also the citizens of Heiya City spontaneously went onto the streets to help clean up the battlefield.


    Tianlan Kingdom had already captured three cities, and countless Tianqing Kingdom civilians had fled to Heiya City, multiplying the city''s population several times over. With their help, the post-battle cleanup of Heiya City was much more efficient and quicker.


    Moreover, Xiao Yi had long since given his military order.


    Any citizen who participated in cleaning up the battlefield would keep all loot, such as silver taels, except for weapons and armor.


    This further stimulated the enthusiasm of the citizens.


    "Martial King His Highness is truly incredible, in one night he annihilated the million-strong army of Tianlan Kingdom!"


    "You did not see last night... I was hiding on the rooftop and saw everything clearly. There was a tornado that reached to the sky among the Tianlan Kingdom''s army, and it was torn asunder by Martial King His Highness..."


    "You''re joking, right? Even if Martial King His Highness is strong, he''s only at the Golden Core Realm, how could he possibly tear apart a tornado?"


    "This is no lie at all; I also heard some soldiers discussing it..."


    "To have a genius like Martial King His Highness in our Tianqing Kingdom is truly a great fortune! It''s said that the Royal Martial Arts Academy and the Crown Prince even schemed against His Highness before. They were really blind..."


    "Mind your words!"


    "Afraid of what? Who dares to touch Martial King His Highness now?"


    The discussions among the citizens were overheard by passing soldiers, who not only did not take offense but actually agreed wholeheartedly.


    They had witnessed Xiao Yi''s miracles with their own eyes!


    Tearing the wind with bare hands.


    Defeating Tao Tribulation with the sword!


    Truly terrifying!


    In the city lord''s mansion...


    Zhang Baisheng had awoken; a night''s sleep had flushed his cheeks slightly, and his injuries were gradually stabilizing with the help of Xiao Yi''s elixirs.


    Zhang Baisheng, Hou Sailei, Zheng Le, and others were standing respectfully in the hall, quietly waiting for Xiao Yi''s arrival.


    With a wry smile, Zheng Le said, "General, you''ve just recovered. Please, take a seat!"


    Zhang Baisheng scanned the room with a tiger''s glare, and snorted coldly, "Before Martial King His Highness arrives, how can I sit?"


    "This..."


    Zheng Le and Hou Sailei exchanged a helpless glance.


    "Hahaha, who has offended the old general so early in the morning, causing him to be unhappy?" Xiao Yi''s hearty laughter came from outside the door.


    Clothed in silver armor, he looked even more majestic and handsome.


    "Martial King His Highness!"


    "Your Highness!"


    Zheng Le and Hou Sailei hurriedly bowed in respect.


    Zhang Baisheng turned to face Xiao Yi and was about to kneel on one knee, greeting him, "Subordinate Zhang Baisheng welcomes Your Highness..."


    "Old general, you must not!"


    Xiao Yi quickly raised his hand, and with an unseen burst of qi, prevented Zhang Baisheng from kneeling.


    A flash of astonishment crossed Zhang Baisheng''s eyes.


    His cultivation had reached the peak of the Golden Core Realm, yet Xiao Yi could stop him from kneeling with qi from afar, indicating his masterful control over qi.


    "No wonder even the experts of the Calamity Realm are no match for him..."


    Zhang Baisheng thought to himself and said with a deep voice, "Your Highness, this is me kneeling on behalf of the million soldiers and civilians of Heiya City!"


    "We are all citizens of Tianqing Kingdom; there''s no need for such gestures!" Xiao Yi shook his head.


    Seeing this,


    Zhang Baisheng had to relent, straightening his back once more and gesturing for Xiao Yi to sit, "Your Highness, please take your seat!"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback, then smiled wryly, "Old general, you flatter me too much. You are the city''s commander; how can I sit in the seat of honor?"


    However...


    Zhang Baisheng had an unscrupulous look on his face as he said, "If Your Highness refuses to sit, then this old man shall remain standing!"


    "This..."


    Xiao Yi felt somewhat helpless as he looked towards Zheng Le and the others, who were also standing straight, indicating that if he did not sit, they would also remain standing.


    Xiao Yi shrugged his shoulders, "Fine then!"


    Only when Xiao Yi had taken his place in the main seat did everyone else sit down on either side.


    Xiao Yi said, "General Hou, how are the post-battle affairs progressing?"


    Hou Sailei stood up and clasped his hands, replying, "Your Highness, with the assistance of the citizens of Heiya City... the city has been cleared. The main camp of the Tianlan Kingdom will need half a day more. However, the main issue now is what to do with the four hundred thousand prisoners of war¡ªwe are uncertain how to handle them!"


    After the main camp was taken down, that alone resulted in the capture of over a hundred thousand soldiers.


    There were also about two hundred thousand soldiers within the city who were poisoned by the Maluo grass but not killed, totaling four hundred thousand prisoners.


    Xiao Yi looked towards Zhang Baisheng, "What does the old general think?"


    "Everything is up to Your Highness to decide!" Zhang Baisheng said solemnly.


    A cold light flashed in Xiao Yi''s eyes as he said coldly, "Then kill them all!"


    Hiss!


    A series of sharp intakes of breath echoed through the hall.


    It''s true that countless lives are lost on the battlefield, but that''s in the heat of combat. As for prisoners, they are generally used as slave labor, or as bargaining chips in negotiations between nations.


    Directly executing hundreds of thousands of prisoners.


    This is something that''s never been done before!


    Zhang Baisheng frowned and said, "Your Highness, this is not appropriate! If we execute them all, it will tarnish Your Highness''s reputation!"


    "Yes, Your Highness, if we kill them, future Imperial Censors will certainly record it in the history books, and later it might lead to you being labeled as brutal and inhumane..."


    "This could damage Your Highness''s prestige!"


    Everyone was trying to persuade him.


    But Xiao Yi just laughed heartily, saying, "Damage my prestige? Brutal and inhumane? Remember this, prestige is not won through kindness." His gaze became sharp and piercing, as if it were a sword thrusting into the depths of everyone''s soul, "Think about it¡ªif it were us who were prisoners, if it were the citizens of Tianqing Kingdom, how would they treat us? Look no further than the three cities they conquered¡ªhow many were spared?"


    Everyone fell silent.


    In those three cities, apart from the refugees who fled...


    All of the soldiers and civilians were slaughtered.


    Wherever the Tianlan Kingdom''s army went, they killed, burned, and plundered without mercy...


    How utterly ruthless!


    With ice in his eyes, Xiao Yi stood up and declared, "Let these four hundred thousand prisoners be buried in a pit outside Heiya City, creating a Mass Grave. Through the heads of these four hundred thousand soldiers of the Tianlan Kingdom, I will show the world that whoever offends Tianqing, no matter how far, will be punished!"


    Everyone was visibly shaken.


    Their fists clenched tightly, and in their eyes blazed a fierce fire of war. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    By noon that day...


    The four hundred thousand soldiers were escorted to an area outside Heiya City, where they were executed and buried in the massive pit created by the battle between Xiao Yi and Ling Wufengyun.


    This Mass Grave exuded a chilling aura.


    But at the same time...


    It also became a formidable sword to deter the world!


    And as the Mass Grave was completed, the news of the great victory at Heiya City spread like the plague, reaching all corners of Tianqing Kingdom at an alarming speed.


    At that moment...


    The entire nation erupted in celebration!


    The name of Xiao Yi once again thundered across Tianqing!


    Nevertheless...


    Xiao Yi himself was indifferent to all of these achievements; at this moment, he was leading the belated fifty thousand Imperial Guards, setting off on a campaign towards the Tianlan Kingdom...

 Chapter 150 - 150: With Him, Tianqing Will Never Perish!

    Within the territory of the Tianqing Kingdom.


    A steed after steed galloped from Heiya City and sped away toward every corner of the Tianqing Kingdom.


    At present, the Tianqing Kingdom was besieged on all sides, facing enemies everywhere. The morale within the country was low and the populace was in a state of panic.


    And because of this¡­


    The Tianqing Kingdom needed a grand victory to boost spirits more than ever before.


    Zhang Baisheng well understood this concept, and as soon as he had triumphed over the million-strong army of the Tianlan Kingdom, he dispatched no less than eight hundred scouts, each with two horses, to quickly spread the news of this great victory throughout the Tianqing Kingdom.


    "Victory! Victory!"


    "The Martial King of the Nation, with his divine might, led his troops to completely annihilate the million-strong army of the Tianlan Kingdom, creating a pit of ten thousand corpses with forty thousand captives'' heads, deterring the world!"


    "The Martial King of the Nation, with his divine might..."


    Such news spread throughout the Tianqing Kingdom.


    At first, everyone was incredulous.


    But as one report followed another, Xiao Yi''s fame had soared to its peak.


    The dilapidated Mingjian Manor.


    Since Xiao Yi had destroyed the Royal Martial Arts Academy, the elite of Mingjian Manor had all perished there. The once-glorious and renowned Mingjian Manor had gradually fallen into decline, becoming nothing more than a large forge base providing military equipment for the kingdom, with all the once-formidable warriors of the manor reduced to blacksmiths.


    When news of Xiao Yi''s major victory reached Mingjian Manor, any lingering hopes were thoroughly extinguished: "Our leader was so foolish, why provoke Xiao Yi?"


    "The Third Elder is the criminal of Mingjian Manor. Even our ancestors won''t forgive him in the afterlife..."


    The Nine Profound Sect.


    Nowadays, the Nine Profound Sect had already crumbled, with its disciples dispersing and fleeing, leaving behind only a few loyalists.


    They had hoped to find a new master to follow once the Tianqing Kingdom was destroyed.


    But at this moment...


    Upon learning that Xiao Yi had led his troops to wipe out the million-strong army of the Tianlan Kingdom, tearing apart the wind with his bare hands, and repelling the Tao Tribulation with his sword, they were utterly intimidated: "Let''s go... Our hope for revenge is completely extinguished!"


    "Let''s sell off all of the Nine Profound Sect''s property. Didn''t the Treasure Pavilion offer to pay five hundred million silver? Let''s sell these assets to them and return to our hometown to live as wealthy landowners..."


    The same news also reached the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple.


    Inside the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple.


    A young monk named Dao Yun was sitting in front of an old monk, his face twisted with ferocity: "Abbot, I beg you to pass on the Buddha-Demon Scripture to me. I vow to catch up with Xiao Yi and use the Buddhist Law to convert him!"


    "Why pursue him?"


    The old monk, who was the current abbot of the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple and whose cultivation had also reached the peak of the Golden Core Realm, just one step away from entering the Tao Tribulation Realm, clasped his hands together in prayer, his expression solemn as he spoke, "Foolish child, you must let go of your obsession..."


    "Abbot, are you truly unwilling to give it to me?" Dao Yun''s expression turned savage.


    Amitabha!


    The abbot chanted the Buddha''s name and shook his head with a wry smile: "Dao Yun, you have fallen into the demonic way... from today, you are... pfft..."


    In the midst of speaking, the abbot spat out a mouthful of fresh blood.


    He wore a look of disbelief on his face, staring at Dao Yun who stood before him, his hands stained red with blood, clutching the abbot''s Golden Core.


    He never imagined...


    Dao Yun, whom he had raised from a young age, would actually turn on him.


    Dao Yun''s face contorted with rage as he said, "You old fool, I asked you for the Buddha-Demon Scripture, and you should have just given it to me. Why waste words? I, Dao Yun, as a monk, held in high regard, was forced by Xiao Yi to kneel before his rule¡ªthis grudge is irreconcilable."


    "You, you¡­" The abbot opened his mouth, but could not stem the tide of blood rushing forth. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As his Golden Core was lost, his life force rapidly drained away.


    Meanwhile, Dao Yun leaped onto a Buddha statue, reached beneath the Lotus Platform, and extracted a scroll. He howled to the heavens: "The Buddha-Demon Scripture... finally in my hands!"


    Gurgle!


    He actually took the bloodstained Golden Core into his mouth and chewed it before swallowing it down,


    Huff! Huff! Huff!


    Two Golden Cores burst out of his body, revolving around him ceaselessly.


    One of the Golden Cores was replenished with Buddha patterns, holy and precious; the other was shrouded in black energy, emitting an eerie ghostly aura.


    Dao Yun was surrounded by a brilliant glow.


    He instantaneously reached the peak of the Golden Core Realm.


    At times his face was engulfed in dark energy, fierce and ferocious, and at other times his visage was solemn, akin to that of a Buddha.


    "Hahaha, Xiao Yi, once I master this Buddha-Demon Scripture, it will be the time for your demise!" Dao Yun rose into the sky, flipping over the massive scripture with sheer force.


    In an instant...


    Screams of agony echoed throughout the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple.


    After Dao Yun departed, the once peaceful Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple was left as a mountain of corpses and a sea of blood.


    ......


    In the Tianqing Kingdom, at the Royal Capital, on Vermilion Bird Avenue.


    "Victory announcement! Victory announcement!"


    "The Martial King of the Nation, with overwhelming divine might, led the army to annihilate the entire million-strong army of the Tianlan Kingdom. With four hundred thousand enemy heads, he built the Pit of Ten Thousand Corpses, deterring the whole world!"


    The messenger soldier charged through recklessly, but the people along the way had not a hint of complaint; instead, they celebrated jubilantly, and the oppressive air in the Royal Capital was swept away, plunging everyone into ecstatic joy. The whole city''s populace was shouting, "The Martial King of the Nation, with divine might..."


    In the midst of the celebration, there were also those who worried, "His Highness the Martial King''s meritorious achievements surpass the king''s, could it be that he will become the target of His Majesty''s jealousy?"


    "This might not necessarily be a good thing!"


    But such concerns were quickly dispelled.


    All because Jiang Tianchen issued a royal decree, proclaiming to all, "The Martial King of the Nation, Xiao Yi, with peerless contributions, is hereby bestowed the title of Guardian Martial God of the Tianqing Kingdom. Orders are given for temples to be built and statues cast in his likeness throughout the cities in the nation..."


    Guardian Martial God!


    Building temples, casting statues!


    This was to worship Xiao Yi as a god!


    A man, can have achievements that overshadow the monarch!


    But what about a god?


    Rising above all things, transcending royal authority!


    In other words...


    Even if Xiao Yi commanded them to change the emperor, the royal family would have absolutely no complaints!


    This decree shattered the rumors that Xiao Yi''s achievements were too great and that his life would soon be in jeopardy.


    At the same time.


    Within the royal palace.


    Jiang Tianchen, who had already entered the Tao Tribulation Realm, looked at Jiang Tai with a full measure of satisfaction in his eyes. However, upon seeing Jiang Tai''s severed arm, a hint of sorrow flashed across his eyes, and he said solemnly, "Tai, I had planned for the ancestor to guard the Royal Capital, but now that Elder Gu has broken through to the Tao Tribulation Realm, he will be the guardian. I will lead an army alongside Xia, the Great General, and the ancestor to meet the enemy at the frontier. I leave the Royal Capital in your care!"


    Jiang Tai''s eyes reddened and he nodded fervently, "Father King, please take care!"


    "Hahaha, why such concern? Now that the Guardian Martial God has annihilated a million soldiers of the Tianlan Kingdom, they are no longer a threat. Other nations will surely get the news, and our Tianqing Kingdom will certainly triumph in this great war!" Jiang Tianchen laughed heartily.


    Jiang Tai nodded emphatically.


    Jiang Tianchen stood up, patted his shoulder, and spoke firmly, "Tai, if something does happen to me, you shall open this edict and ascend the throne..."


    "Father King..." Jiang Tai gasped, looking incredulously at Jiang Tianchen.


    Jiang Tianchen waved his hand dismissively and laughed heartily, "As long as the Guardian Martial God is here, our Tianqing Kingdom shall not fall! You must remember, even if our Jiang family is reduced to a single soldier, we must never betray the Guardian Martial God. With him, Tianqing shall never perish!"

 Chapter 151 - 151: Those Who Are Not of Our Kind Will Surely Have Different Hearts

    Tianqing Kingdom''s border.


    Si Shui Pass, this was one of the three cities that had previously fallen to the Tianlan Kingdom.


    Xiao Yi led fifty thousand Imperial Guards, along with fifty thousand elite troops from Heiya City, and with Zhang Baisheng and Zheng Le pushed forward directly towards the Tianlan Kingdom.


    As for Hou Sailei, he was assigned to stay and defend Heiya City.


    This arrangement nearly brought the seven-foot man to tears!


    "Your Highness, Si Shui Pass is just ahead¡­" Zheng Le said in a deep voice.


    Zhang Baisheng looked distantly at Si Shui Pass that lay stretched across the land, his expression somewhat sorrowful, "The original commander of Si Shui Pass was an officer under my command¡ª an honest man, brave in battle. Unfortunately, he was killed by a rain of arrows while covering the retreat of the civilians when Geng Jie and others broke through Si Shui Pass¡­"


    "Rest assured, General, their sacrifices will not be in vain!" Xiao Yi declared solemnly.


    "Hmm!"


    Zhang Baisheng nodded his head.


    If Xiao Yi had said this a few days ago, he would have just smiled and dismissed it.


    But now¡­


    After the battle at Heiya City, Xiao Yi had completely earned their respect.


    "Report¡­"


    Suddenly, a scout hurried back from the front, his face filled with urgency, "Cavalry General, fifty li ahead, a village has been discovered, but¡­ but¡­"


    "But what?" Zhang Baisheng asked, frowning.


    The scout''s eyes reddened, his teeth clenched as he relayed, "But all the villagers in that village have been slaughtered."


    "What?"


    "Lead us there quickly!"


    Everyone followed the scout.


    A moment later.


    They arrived at the village, which was not a small one, containing a hundred households.


    Only¡­


    The village before them was in complete disarray, with signs of burning everywhere, and bodies strewn about in all positions.


    Men, women, the elderly, and children, all were mercilessly killed, not a single survivor!


    "Those Tianlan Kingdom bastards, how could they... they even slaughter innocent civilians?"


    "Your Highness, look over there¡­"


    Zheng Le suddenly pointed ahead.


    Xiao Yi followed his gaze, and his pupils constricted sharply, as if the temperature around him dropped dozens of degrees instantly.


    Everyone felt a bone-chilling coldness.


    It was a mill with a large stone mill covered in uneven bloodstains.


    What truly enraged Xiao Yi were the severed hands and feet still lying on that stone mill. These limbs were small; the largest were merely those of a two or three-year-old child, and the smallest even of a newborn¡ª they had been ground into pulp by the millstone, now scattered on the ground¡­


    Ugh¡­


    Some of the soldiers who couldn''t bear the sight covered their mouths, violently retching.


    Xiao Yi, Zhang Baisheng, and Zheng Le, however, shivered with rage!


    Fury!


    Fury that reached its peak!


    Kill!


    The will to kill soared to the skies!


    "How could these animals¡­ how could they bring themselves to do such a thing?" Zheng Le gritted his teeth, feeling as if a raging fire was burning within his chest, wishing it could burst forth at any moment.


    Zhang Baisheng''s face was ashen, his fists clenched tightly, crackling with tension.


    His nails dug into his flesh, with blood streaming down through his fingers, yet he seemed totally unaware.


    Looking at the half-meter-high pile of minced flesh surrounding the stone mill, with broken bodies on top.


    They could almost see the infants still in swaddling clothes, or toddlers just beginning to speak, being brutally thrown by Tianlan Kingdom soldiers onto the stone mill, ground into flesh and blood by the grinding stones. Some of these children couldn''t even talk yet, some had not even opened their eyes before being reduced to pulp between those massive stones!


    Gritting sounds¡­


    Xiao Yi clenched his fists, his jaw clenched tight, his eyes bloodshot as he looked towards Zhang Baisheng and Zheng Le, "Do you still think my massacre of those four hundred thousand prisoners was too cruel?"


    "It was too merciful; they should have been cut into a thousand pieces!"


    "These beasts¡­"


    Zheng Le and Zhang Baisheng had eyes red with anger.


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath, squatting on the ground, and looking at the scattered flesh around him, he clenched his teeth and said, word by word, "I, Xiao Yi, swear here that I will definitely crush Tianlan Kingdom and avenge you all!"


    Indistinctly.


    It seemed to Xiao Yi and the others that in the midst of the shredded flesh, the color-drained shackles fell away from the smiling children, and they ascended to heaven.


    They were freed!


    "Settle the remains of our fellow villagers properly!" Xiao Yi instructed.


    The crowd set to work, clearing the remains within the village.


    After the cleanup was done.


    It was already sunset.


    Xiao Yi gathered his army of one hundred thousand, his face covered with frost, his sharp gaze sweeping over his men.


    The army seemed unusually suppressed.


    Gone was the joy of a great victory that had come with the start of the campaign.


    Clearly, everything that had happened in this village had become a huge stone, weighing on everyone''s heart.


    "Non-kin, their hearts must differ!"


    Xiao Yi''s sudden voice drew everyone''s attention, and they all looked up at him, "You''ve also seen what happened, this is war. If we fail, the Tianlan Kingdom''s army will invade, and countless citizens of Tianqing Kingdom behind us will suffer this same fate. Our relatives, our friends, our loved ones¡­ no one will be spared!"


    The crowd was tense, gritting their teeth.


    Xiao Yi raised his voice, "Do you want to see such scenes again?"


    "No!"


    The crowd shouted loudly.


    Xiao Yi''s voice grew louder, echoing among the hundred thousand soldiers, "Then what should we do?"


    "Kill!"


    "Kill!"


    "Kill!"


    A hundred thousand men, their killing intent soaring into the sky.


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi abruptly drew the Fire Qilin Sword, the blade cleaving the air, and with one stroke, he cut off a piece of his garment, declaring loudly, "I, Xiao Yi, hereby swear that wherever our weapons point, we must break through Tianlan! Should I break this oath, may I be like this garment!"


    Zhang Baisheng raised his longsword likewise, cutting off a piece of his garment, "Wherever our weapons point, we must break through Tianlan!"


    Zheng Le followed suit, "Should I break this oath, may I be like this garment!"


    Whoosh!


    Whoosh!


    Whoosh!


    The action of the hundred thousand was uniform.


    Raise arms.


    Cut garments!


    "Wherever our weapons point, we must break through Tianlan!"


    "Should I break this oath, may I be like this garment!"


    The roar of a hundred thousand men shattered the skies, their murderous intent and battle spirit coalescing into a blood-red cloud that hovered over their heads.


    Xiao Yi pointed forward with his longsword, "Advance!"


    The sound of the hundred thousand-strong army rolled like a tide of iron, moving forward.


    Along the way.


    The hundred thousand-strong army led by Xiao Yi was unstoppable wherever they went.


    The several thousand Tianlan Kingdom soldiers stationed at Si Shui Pass had already fled at the sight of them, leaving behind a burning ghost town. The roaring flames reached for the sky, but as Xiao Yi''s army passed by, heavy clouds gathered above, chill winds howled, and torrential rains fell, extinguishing the flames until the sky cleared after the storm! Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Following that, Huai Shui City, Liu Yin City¡­


    Without much effort, these two cities were also reclaimed by Xiao Yi and his men.


    The three cities lost to the Tianlan Kingdom were all returned to the hands of the Qing Tian Kingdom.


    It was only at this point...


    that Xiao Yi and his entourage finally set foot on the territory of the Tianlan Kingdom.


    A grand feast of slaughter hence began to unfold¡­

 Chapter 152 - 152: Easy to Meet the King of Hell, Tough to Deal with His Underlings!

    Tianlan Kingdom, Zhenxi City.


    This was a border fortress between Tianlan Kingdom and Tianqing Kingdom and also served as the gateway city to the west of Tianlan Kingdom.


    It was even more massive than Heiya City.


    The city walls alone were a hundred meters high, and the extensive walls stretched for dozens of miles like an Azure Dragon lying across the land, guarding the western gate of Tianlan Kingdom.


    The commander of Zhenxi City was the King of Zhenxi, Zhao Qiankun, known for his impregnable defense.


    Inside the city lord''s mansion.


    Zhao Qiankun''s face was dark as he looked at the scout reports, kicked the table and chairs in front of him to the ground, and cursed, "Useless trash, Geng Jie and Li Tenglong, these two pieces of rubbish, a million-strong army, just like that completely annihilated? What the hell were they doing?"


    "Please calm your anger, my lord!"


    "Your Highness, what''s most critical now is to consider how to fend off the Tianqing Kingdom''s army..."


    "To assemble that million-man army, our Tianlan Kingdom almost emptied out the nest, even Zhenxi City had a hundred thousand troops pulled away. Now, with only a hundred thousand left, what are we supposed to do..."


    One after another, Zhao Qiankun''s subordinates offered their advice.


    Tianlan Kingdom was more or less on par with Tianqing Kingdom; there was little difference in national strength between the two countries.


    But now...


    Having lost a million troops all at once, they were grievously wounded.


    "Given the circumstances, what else can we do but make a last stand?"


    Zhao Qiankun said coldly, "At the time when it was decided to wage war against Tianqing Kingdom, I disagreed, yet all of you thought that Tianqing was beset on all sides, at its weakest. Now that trouble has arisen, you come to ask me what to do? What were you doing earlier?"


    All along.


    Zhao Qiankun had been defending Zhenxi City, while Zhang Baisheng had been guarding Heiya City.


    Although there were minor frictions between the two armies, they had never engaged in large-scale warfare.


    This was because Zhao Qiankun had a clear understanding of the strength of the two nations; neither could truly overpower the other.


    But this time...


    It truly was a war that could lead to the destruction of a nation!


    From the moment Tianlan Kingdom mobilized en masse, dispatching a million-strong army to attack Tianqing Kingdom, it was destined that only one of the two countries would continue to exist.


    Just then.


    A messenger from outside announced, "My lord, an imperial envoy has arrived!"


    "Let him in!"


    Zhao Qiankun commanded with a grim face.


    A moment later.


    An old eunuch with a sly look walked in, holding a royal edict, and proclaimed in a deep voice, "King of Zhenxi, receive the order!"


    "Your servant receives the order!"


    Zhao Qiankun and the others all knelt.


    The eunuch unfolded the royal edict and intoned, "By the Mandate of Heaven, the king decrees: Zhenxi City is the western gateway of Tianlan Kingdom, Zhao Qiankun is hereby ordered to ensure that the enemy forces are kept out of Zhenxi City, let this be known!"


    "Your servant obeys the order!"


    Zhao Qiankun received the royal edict with a dark face, almost wishing he could tear the edict to shreds.


    The eunuch stepped forward, his sharp voice slightly grating, "My lord, His Majesty orders you to hold Zhenxi City at all costs, the armies of Baijing Kingdom and Sihai Kingdom will soon launch an attack. As long as we withstand this wave of the Tianqing Kingdom''s army, the final victory will surely be ours..."


    "I know!"


    Zhao Qiankun responded coldly, "Given the urgency of the war situation, I will not detain you any longer, please!"


    The eunuch named Zheng Yu was a trusted confidant of Tianlan Kingdom, and even the royal princes would show him some respect. When had he ever carried out an edict without some personal gain?


    Zhao Qiankun actually gave him a direct order to leave?


    Zheng Yu narrowed his eyes, sizing up Zhao Qiankun, gave a sinister smile, and said, "If that''s the case, I will take my leave first!"


    Zheng Yu walked towards the exit.


    From behind him came the conversation between several generals and Zhao Qiankun, "My lord, this Zheng is a close confidant of His Majesty and is notoriously greedy. You sent him away without even offering a tip, I fear..."


    "Fear what? Zhenxi City is in imminent danger, yet you expect me to indulge him with lavish hospitality? An old castrated cur that does nothing but stir up trouble, would he dare to bite me?" Zhao Qiankun''s chilly voice came through, followed by an impatient remark, "Enough about that old cur, promptly inform me about the detailed reports on the Tianqing Kingdom''s army..."


    Outside the door.


    Zheng Yu''s smile on his face grew increasingly malevolent, like a ferocious venomous snake, he sneered in a chilling voice, "What a Zhao Qiankun, what a King of Zhenxi, hmph..."


    ... sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Eight hundred li outside Zhenxi City.


    Xiao Yi, leading the army, swept all before him, sniping the scouts sent by Zhenxi City one by one and was now resting here.


    Before the campfires.


    Xiao Yi and the others were waiting for the meat to finish roasting, while Zhang Baisheng was speaking about the King of Zhenxi, Zhao Qiankun, "I have crossed swords with Zhao Qiankun for twenty-eight years and understand him extremely well. I excel in attack, while he excels in defense, so trying to use the same method that trapped Li Tenglong and Geng Jie might not work. This is going to be a tough battle!"


    The King of Zhenxi, Zhao Wuji, was known as the Copper Wall and Iron Rampart.


    This reputation was forged from one brilliant defensive battle after another.


    "Is it possible for His Highness the Martial King to break through their city gates directly?" Zheng Le tentatively asked.


    Although Xiao Yi possessed the combat strength of the Tao Tribulation Realm, his realm was only at the peak of the Golden Core Realm after all.


    Even if he took action, others couldn''t seize any handle on him.


    Xiao Yi was also somewhat tempted.


    With his strength, forcibly breaking through to Zhenxi City and blasting open the gates before withdrawing in one piece was still somewhat assured.


    But Zhang Baisheng just bitterly smiled and shook his head, "You''re all being too optimistic... His Highness''s power is beyond doubt, but Zhao Qiankun surely knows this too. Do you think he wouldn''t be prepared? If he were to lay a trap with a net reaching the sky and a snare covering the earth and use a human wave tactic to entrap His Highness, then with human lives to exhaust His Highness..."


    This was the reason why those in the Tao Tribulation Realm were not allowed to participate in direct combat.


    The Tao Tribulation Realm could harness the forces of nature for wide-ranging attacks.


    Like Ling Wufengyun, a wave of his hand could summon howling gales, able to stand against tens of thousands, or even hundreds of thousands of enemies all by himself.


    But those in the Golden Core Realm, no matter how powerful, could not match such destructive power.


    If Zhao Qiankun used tens of thousands of troops and strategies like nets to entangle Xiao Yi and then employed relentless volleys of arrows regardless of the cost, he could still potentially capture Xiao Yi.


    In the midst of their conversation,


    a scout nearby brought over a skinny young man, saying, "Your Highness, Generals, I found him while patrolling ahead. He claims to have come to help us take Zhenxi City!"


    "Hmm?"


    Xiao Yi and the others exchanged glances, looking at the young man with curiosity.


    Xiao Yi frowned and asked, "Who are you?"


    "This humble one is a little shadow under the command of Eunuch Zheng from Tianlan Kingdom''s Internal Affairs!" replied Xiao Ying, his face revealing a submissive and deferential expression.


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow, "The Head of Internal Affairs? If you''re from Tianlan Kingdom, why would you help us take Zhenxi City?"


    "This... this..." Xiao Ying hesitated, unable to complete his sentence.


    Zheng Le, with a flourish of his long knife, pressed it against the young man''s neck, frightening Xiao Ying to kneel and kowtow for mercy. Zheng Le said, "Spit it out, or I''ll end you!"


    Xiao Ying quickly exclaimed, "Honorable lords, this is all because the King of Zhenxi insulted my master and infuriated him. He ordered me to bring the defensive layout of Zhenxi City and the city''s patrol schedule to you, generals. I swear to the heavens, everything I''ve said is true, if there''s even half a lie, may I be struck by lightning and die without a complete corpse!"


    While saying this,


    Xiao Ying produced the defense map of Zhenxi City and the patrol schedule.


    Xiao Yi passed them to Zhang Baisheng.


    After inspecting them, Zhang Baisheng gave a slight nod toward him.


    Xiao Yi then instructed the scout, "Take him away and guard him well!"


    "Yes!"


    The scout immediately departed.


    Only then did Xiao Yi look at Zhang Baisheng, "Old General, how credible do you think this is?"


    "At least ninety percent credible!"


    Zhang Baisheng took a deep breath and then said, "I''ve heard of this Zheng Yu. He is a greedy eunuch and very narrow-minded, one who seeks revenge for the smallest slights. With Zhao Qiankun''s temper, offending him is quite normal, and indeed, this defense map and patrol schedule are flawless, very much matching Zhao Qiankun''s style of military disposition!"


    "With that said... breaking through Zhenxi City is within reach!" exclaimed Zheng Le, excitedly.


    Zhang Baisheng nodded emphatically.


    Xiao Yi exhaled deeply, looking at the defense map, and shook his head slightly, "Even the King of Hell is easy to see, little devils are tricky to deal with! Zhao Qiankun, probably never imagined that, despite his wisdom, he would be ruined at the hands of a eunuch..."

 Chapter 153 - 153: Plan to Win the Heart

    That night.


    Xiao Yi and his men spurred their horses, rushing toward Zhenxi City at top speed.


    Eight hundred li.


    For this carefully selected elite force of a hundred thousand, it was but a three-hour journey.


    As the dawn''s first rays appeared the following day.


    The defending army within Zhenxi City was shocked to find that the army of the Tianqing Kingdom had already set up camp ten li away from the city, and all this had been accomplished right under their noses without drawing the attention of the Zhenxi City''s defenders. This indeed caused Zhao Qiankun inside the city to wipe away a cold sweat as he went personally to the top of the city wall.


    Clatter clatter clatter!


    Zheng Le, carrying a command flag, rode a tall horse to the gates of Zhenxi City.


    "Is General Zhao Qiankun there?" Zheng Le called out loudly.


    Atop the city walls.


    Zhao Qiankun narrowed his eyes and said in a deep voice, "Who are you?"


    "I am Zheng Le, the vanguard officer serving directly under His Highness Xiao Yi, the Martial King of Tianqing Kingdom. I have come to deliver a message to General Zhao!" Zheng Le''s voice was loud and solemn, booming like a large bell, resounding thunderously.


    Zhao Qiankun narrowed his eyes and deliberately said, "What Martial King Xiao Yi? Who is this youngster whose hair hasn''t even grown fully? I have never heard of him."


    "Then that indicates your ignorance!"


    Unangered, Zheng Le laughed heartily and then continued, "My lord has stated, limit General Zhao to surrender within three days to spare your life. Should you still stubbornly resist after three days, my lord will lead the great army of the Tianqing Kingdom to crush through Zhenxi City. Anyone who obstructs the Tianqing Kingdom''s army shall be killed without mercy!"


    "Arrogance!"


    "You scoundrels of Tianqing Kingdom, we don''t need three days, if you dare, attack now!"


    "We shall see whether it is your Tianqing Kingdom''s soldiers that are sharp, or if our Zhenxi City is more impenetrable!"


    One by one, the generals under Zhao Qiankun loudly taunted.


    With a sneer, Zhao Qiankun said, "Go back and tell your master, if he kneels and begs for mercy, I might spare your lives!"


    Bang!


    Zheng Le abruptly planted the command flag into the ground and proclaimed, "By the orders of my lord, this flag stands here. From this moment on, each day you fail to surrender, we will execute one of your generals and hang their head from this flag! After three days, our army will launch a full assault and flatten your Zhenxi City!"


    Clatter clatter clatter!


    Zheng Le immediately rode his tall horse, leaving swiftly.


    Atop the city walls.


    The Tianlan Kingdom''s generals were utterly furious: "Damn it, these bastards from Tianqing Kingdom, they''ve gone too far!"


    "Are they suggesting that Zhenxi City has no one capable?"


    "Send orders down, implement the original plan and double the patrols and defenses!"


    Zhao Qiankun coldly snorted and with a casual flick, shot an arrow that split the command flag, and squinting, he looked toward the distant encampment of Xiao Yi and his men, "My Zhenxi City is a net of heaven and earth, I would like to see how you would execute my generals!"


    But as for Zheng Le... Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    When he returned to the camp, he guzzled down water, wiped his lips, and looked at Xiao Yi with a wry smile: "My lord, please don''t send me to do such things in the future. You didn''t see the look in those generals'' eyes under Zhao Qiankun''s command; they looked like they wanted to eat me alive!"


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "If that''s the case, then you''re relieved from your position as vanguard officer and can become the quartermaster instead!"


    "No, my lord!"


    Zheng Le became anxious and quickly said, "I only spoke off the cuff!"


    "Hahaha..."


    Both Xiao Yi and Zhang Baisheng laughed heartily.


    Causing Zheng Le to look embarrassed.


    Xiao Yi said in a serious tone, "What is the state of Zhenxi City''s defenses?"


    "Extremely stringent!"


    Zheng Le also turned serious and said in a deep voice, "Based on the defensive setup I saw, it is indeed identical to the one shown on that defense map."


    "So it seems that the defense map is indeed credible!" Xiao Yi nodded.


    Of course, they could not simply believe in the authenticity of the defense map based on just a few words from a minor eunuch.


    This time, they had sent Zheng Le to provoke the enemy, firstly to disrupt the enemy troops, and secondly to confirm the authenticity of the defense map.


    Zhang Baisheng said, "My lord, you had Zheng Le set up that commanding banner and even claimed that every day a head of an enemy soldier would be hung on it, are you going to take action personally?"


    "Mm!"


    Xiao Yi nodded.


    Zheng Le frowned and said, "By doing so, although we can disturb their military heart, it will also make Zhao Qiankun become alert. He might increase his defensive forces, which is not advantageous for us!"


    Zhang Baisheng gave him a glare and said, "Do you think you''re the only one who can think of that?"


    "Ah?"


    Zheng Le was stunned.


    Zhang Baisheng revealed a meaningful smile, "In military strategy, direct confrontation is inferior, psychological warfare is superior. His Highness has a well-thought-out plan. Let''s just wait and enjoy the show!"


    That very night.


    Within the western city, a group of generals gathered together.


    General Zhang Ti was one of Zhao Qiankun''s fierce generals, with a cultivation at the Fifth Layer of the Golden Core Realm, and possessed Innate Divine Strength. Fierce and fearless in battle, he had established a mighty military record. However, his temper was too impulsive, suitable as a general but not as a commander, unable to hold his ground alone.


    Witnessing Zhao Qiankun increase the defensive forces overnight, Zhang Ti was very dissatisfied, muttering, "My lord, Xiao Yi is nothing but a green youth. Why such a fuss over his words?"


    "Shut up!"


    Zhao Qiankun sharply interrupted, "Carry out the defense and guard according to plan, and also pay attention to your own safety. Xiao Yi is the top talent of the Tianqing Kingdom. Even the national master was defeated by him. Do not underestimate him, lest he takes your heads!"


    "Rest assured, my lord, we have been fighting wars for years, and we will not make such a novice mistake!"


    "If he dares to come, I will ensure he does not return!"


    The men swore their oaths earnestly.


    Watching the men leave, Zhao Qiankun squinted up at the star-filled sky, rubbing his brows, "I hope... these are only my misgivings!"


    The next day, at dawn.


    Zhao Qiankun suddenly awoke from deep sleep, his forehead drenched in cold sweat. He looked around and then let out a long breath, "Good, it was just a nightmare..."


    As soon as those words fell.


    An urgent knocking sound came from outside the door, "My lord, something terrible has happened; General Zhang Ti''s head has been hung on the flag outside the city gate!"


    "What?"


    Zhao Qiankun was shocked, his body springing up from the bed, rushing out the door.


    Along the way, he could continuously hear whispers among the military and civilians, "Did you hear? General Zhang Ti had his head cut off and hung outside the city gate. Even the general''s wife lying beside him didn''t realize until she woke up this morning."


    "I heard it too... Some say that our Tianlan Kingdom has incurred the wrath of the heavens, and that deities are aiding the Tianqing Kingdom!"


    "Alas... why bother with such a battle? The Tianqing Kingdom never took the initiative to provoke us, and now, it has made everyone panic..."


    Hearing the murmuring of the people.


    Zhao Qiankun''s face turned exceedingly grim.


    He faintly understood the purpose behind Xiao Yi''s move; it was to scatter the hearts of the military and civilians of the western city!


    When Zhao Qiankun reached the top of the city wall, he saw yet another banner erected below.


    On the banner hung the head of Zhang Ti.


    The blood had already dried, but his face still bore the peaceful expression of deep sleep.


    Bang!


    Zhao Qiankun smashed a brick on the city wall with his palm, his face somber as he looked towards his subordinates, "Increase the guard forces by fivefold. Additionally, combine the generals in pairs to stay together, all centralized in the city lord''s residence. I want to see how Xiao Yi will kill under my watch..."

 Chapter 154 - 154: Zhèn Xī City, Finished!

    The next day, early morning.


    Inside the city lord''s mansion.


    Zhao Qiankun had not slept all night, sitting with legs astride in the front courtyard of the city lord''s mansion, with his Flame Moon Battle Saber placed beside him.


    The saber radiated a cold light that shocked the heavens, its edge strikingly apparent.


    Having kept watch all night, he had not noticed any disturbances and finally let out a sigh of relief, a confident smile curling up at the corners of his mouth, "Xiao Yi? Humph, nothing but a callow youth. Do you think you can contend with me with such trivial tricks and heresies? Your heart-striking strategy is indeed fierce, but once you fail to honor your promise and behead my commanders, you''ll face the backlash of your own psychological ploy¡­"


    "Your Highness!"


    Two guards stepped forward.


    Zhao Qiankun spoke indifferently, "Have all the generals gather at the city walls immediately!"


    "Yes!"


    The two guards immediately departed.


    Zhao Qiankun narrowed his eyes, chuckling coldly, "Once the military and civilians of our Western Command city realize that not a single commander has been killed today, Xiao Yi''s psychological warfare will collapse on itself. Instead, it will be the morale of the Tianqing Kingdom that suffers a great blow!"


    A group of commanders gathered in the front courtyard, "Your Highness!"


    "We are grateful to Your Highness for protecting us through the night!"


    Gratitude filled the eyes of the crowd.


    Zhao Qiankun asked, "Is anyone missing?"


    "No one!"


    The crowd briefly scanned their ranks and responded.


    "Let''s go!"


    Zhao Qiankun laughed heartily, "Let us go to the top of the city wall and witness the disappointment on Xiao Yi''s face! Right, Liu Yi, go inform the citizens to also come up to the city walls to see how I will humiliate Xiao Yi!"


    "I''ll go at once!" Liu Yi hurriedly left.


    The generals were in an especially joyful and relaxed mood, the stone that weighed on their hearts due to Zhang Ti''s unexplained death the day before had now been lifted, "It''s thanks to Your Highness''s strategy of having us stay together, and with Your Highness personally standing guard, leaving Xiao Yi no opportunity to strike. Letting the civilians onto the battlements to see for themselves will stabilize the military and civilian hearts alike!"


    "Truly worthy of Your Highness, killing two birds with one stone!"


    The crowd sang praises in unison.


    A look of pride appeared on Zhao Qiankun''s face.


    When Zhao Qiankun, together with a group of commanders, arrived at the bottom of the city wall, he found that many citizens had already gathered there.


    "Your Highness, nothing happened last night, right?"


    "Your Highness..."


    Zhao Qiankun gestured for calm with a relaxed expression, "Rest assured, my people, I kept personal vigil last night and all the generals are safe and sound. As long as we, as military and civilians, stand united, the Tianqing Kingdom shall not set foot within our Western Command city!"


    "Long live Your Highness!"


    "Truly the ''Iron Wall and Bronze Wall'' as they say, Your Highness is our Calm Sea Divine Needle indeed!"


    Amidst the cheers of the citizens, Zhao Qiankun declared loudly, "Everyone, follow me to the walls and take a look. Later, I will need to trouble you to shout out loudly, to let the soldiers of the Tianqing Kingdom know the people and military of Western Command city are united and impregnable!"


    "Rest assured, Your Highness!"


    "We won''t let you down!"


    The people followed Zhao Qiankun''s lead, heading up to the city wall.


    However...


    He had barely set foot on the city wall when he saw a guard rolling and scrambling up to him, his face a mess of distress.


    Thud!


    Zhao Qiankun''s heart skipped a beat, his face suddenly changing as the guard approached with a look of panic, "Your... Your Highness, something terrible has happened... General Liu Yi''s head has been hung on the flagpole without anyone noticing!"


    "What?"


    Zhao Qiankun''s face turned ashen.


    The smiles froze on the faces of the surrounding commanders, replaced by shock and terror.


    Behind them, the citizens looked at each other in confusion, bewildered, "Didn''t they say nothing happened? How did another general die?"


    "I heard that Your Highness kept personal vigil last night, how could something have gone wrong again?"


    "Could it really be as the rumors say, divine wrath? Are there gods helping the Tianqing Kingdom?"


    The human heart is the most obstinate yet simultaneously the most fragile.


    If no commander''s head had been displayed on a flagpole today, Xiao Yi''s threat would have been broken, and the spirits of both military and civilians in Western Command city would have soared, solidifying their unity. United as one, they could have made Western Command city an unbreachable fortress. But now, both military morale and civilian spirits had once again been dealt a devastating blow.


    Looking at one disconcerted commander after another and the changing gazes of the citizens¡ªwhich no longer held the unwavering trust they had before¡ªZhao Qiankun''s face grew increasingly pale, a sweetness rising in his throat as a mouthful of hot blood surged up and he spat it out.


    "This isn''t good!"


    "The prince has collapsed, quickly help him back..."


    "Where''s the royal physician? Find the royal physician quickly..."


    The entire town of Western Zhensi was thrown into chaos.


    Nobody noticed.


    In that corner, a silver figure witnessed it all and then quietly slipped underground.


    A moment later.


    Within the Tianqing Kingdom''s military camp.


    Little Lin emerged from the ground and climbed onto Xiao Yi''s shoulder, "Boss, everything went according to your plan. Zhao Qiankun was so furious he spat blood and fainted. Now the town of Western Zhensi is in total disorder!"


    "Good!"


    Xiao Yi rubbed Little Lin''s head, "You''ve worked hard these past two days!"


    Only Little Lin could sneak into the town of Western Zhensi under Zhao Qiankun''s watchful eye and silently kill a Golden Core expert!


    Little Lin flicked its tongue and asked, "Boss, shall we continue tonight?"


    Xiao Yi shook his head, "No, we won''t kill tonight. I''ve already had someone make a hundred thousand copies of this defense plan and patrol schedule overnight. Your task tonight is to distribute these defense maps and patrol schedules throughout the town of Western Zhensi. I want everyone in the town to know that Zheng Yu has betrayed them..."


    "We can''t kill anymore? Sigh..." Little Lin looked disappointed.


    Xiao Yi tapped his head and glared at him sternly.


    Little Lin flicked its tongue again.


    Only then did Xiao Yi turn to Zhang Baisheng and Zheng Le, "Generals, rally the troops. Tomorrow morning, we launch the full assault!"


    "Yes!"


    The two men were visibly excited.


    That very night...


    Zhao Qiankun, who was lying in bed, had regained some of his Qi-Blood. A group of generals gathered around the bed, looking at him worriedly.


    Zhao Qiankun shook his head, "Don''t worry, I''m not dead yet!"


    "My lord, with our military morale scattered and the public unsettled, what should we do now?" The generals looked to him, completely at a loss.


    Zhao Qiankun said sternly, "It doesn''t matter. We still have the advantage of defense. As long as..."


    He hadn''t finished speaking.


    Suddenly, a commotion arose outside.


    Zhao Qiankun frowned, "What''s going on?"


    Creak!


    A soldier rushed in frantically, clutching a scroll of paper, his face full of panic, "My lord, something terrible has happened..." S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Thud!


    A jolt of alarm went through everyone present in the bedroom.


    Over these days...


    They were most afraid of hearing those words!


    It was like a summons of life or death tolling its bell!


    Zhao Qiankun frowned, "What happened?"


    The soldier immediately presented the scroll, "The message says that Zheng, the eunuch, has leaked our defense map and patrol schedule of the town of Western Zhensi to the Tianqing Kingdom. Zheng has betrayed us all..."


    "What?"


    "That''s impossible!"


    Everyone''s expression changed dramatically.


    But when they saw the defense maps and patrol schedules depicted on the scroll, each person''s face turned horribly grim, ashen with despair, "It''s truly our defense map!"


    "Zheng Yu, that damned eunuch, deserves to be cut into a thousand pieces..."


    "How dare he do this..."


    "My lord, what do we do?" The generals looked at Zhao Qiankun in dread.


    With the defense map and patrol schedule exposed, it was too late for them to make any adjustments.


    It meant that everything within the town of Western Zhensi was exposed to the people of the Tianqing Kingdom.


    There were simply no secrets left!


    Zhao Qiankun remained silent, his hand that held the paper trembling violently.


    Suddenly...


    Zhao Qiankun threw his head back and spewed a mouthful of fresh blood, his Qi-Blood immediately weakened, and two drops of blood tears fell from his eyes, "The town of Western Zhensi... is finished..."

 Chapter 155 - 155: With My Body, I Shall Forever Guard This City!

    ```


    The next day, at dawn.


    The sky had just brightened, with the golden morning sun casting its glow upon the land.


    Casting a long, long shadow of the entire Zhenxi City, the banners on the city walls fluttered against the blue sky, creating a rustling sound, but the wind brought with it a feeling of desolation.


    The vast Zhenxi City was bleak, top to bottom.


    The spirit of the soldiers, the hearts of the people, all were dim.


    Boom!


    Boom, boom!


    Rumbling...


    A series of earth-shattering sounds approached from afar, mighty and vast, it was the Tianqing Kingdom''s hundred-thousand-strong army led by Xiao Yi, forming like a dark demonic cloud, marching towards Zhenxi City.


    Their pace was not fast, but it exuded an extremely heavy and suffocating presence.


    Like a colossal stone weighing down on everyone''s chest.


    It was stifling to the point of breathlessness.


    Atop the city walls, the defending army of Zhenxi City gazed at the dense battle formation, feeling as if every step taken by the enemy forces were invisible hammers ruthlessly pounding against their chests.


    So oppressive, they could hardly speak.


    Cough, cough, cough!


    A series of urgent and weak coughs were heard, as the esteemed Martial King of Tianlan Kingdom, Zhao Qiankun, known as the impregnable great general of the era, appeared to have aged decades in moments. His hair was white, his stature hunched, his face gaunt, as if a gust of wind could knock him over at any time, teetering on the edge.


    A group of Zhenxi City''s defending generals followed behind him, each with their heads bowed and eyes bloodshot.


    Their hands clenched into fists, shoulders trembling slightly.


    Opressiveness.


    The atmosphere was oppressively terrifying!


    Thud!


    The sound of the war drum suddenly stopped.


    Xiao Yi and his men had already arrived at the base of Zhenxi City.


    The two armies faced each other.


    Riding a Heavenly Blue Bull Python, Xiao Yi, adorned in white armor, his black hair billowing, cape fluttering, with the Fire Qilin Sword at his waist emitting a blinding light. Handsome and majestic, like a dragon among men, he rode atop the Heavenly Blue Bull Python, and alone he seemed like an entire army, exuding a powerful sense of oppression.


    "What a Xiao Yi, what a Martial King of the Nation..."


    Zhao Qiankun gazed at Xiao Yi with intense eyes, unblinking, and then with a sense of resignation and defeat, he sighed, "If Tianlan Kingdom had such a heroic figure, why would we lack a prospering era? Alas, it''s a pity..."


    "General..."


    "My lord..."


    A group of generals, tears in their eyes, stared at Zhao Qiankun, who just three days ago had been a majestic King of Zhenxi but now appeared as weak and frail as an elderly neighbor gravely ill, each of them struggling to say what they wanted.


    Zhao Qiankun waved his hand with a smile and said, "Since it''s been decided, then proceed as I''ve instructed!"


    "Yes!"


    The generals fought back tears, nodding compressedly.


    Zhao Qiankun supported himself with both hands on the city walls, gazing down at Xiao Yi and at Zhang Baisheng who appeared by his side, basked in the warm, golden sunlight. He gently rubbed the bricks of the city wall in front of him, so familiar to him¡ªhe had guarded this place for decades: "Every era produces its own talents, and now, it''s time this old bone stepped down!"


    Whoosh!


    Zhao Qiankun let out a long breath, circulated his Qi-Blood, and made his voice resonate, loud and clear, spreading throughout Zhenxi City, "Martial King Xiao Yi, would you care to talk with this old man?"


    "Your Highness, be wary of deceit!" Zheng Le cautioned in a deep voice.


    Zheng Baishang, however, shook his head. He fixed his gaze on Zhao Qiankun high upon the city walls, all too familiar with this old adversary, and said in a serious tone, "Zhao Qiankun is not that kind of man!"


    Xiao Yi smiled faintly, stood tall and levitated in front of the city walls.


    The old and the young, eyes locked on each other.


    Xiao Yi gave a bow and said, "The younger generation, Xiao Yi, pays respect to the King of Zhenxi!"


    "You''re young, so very young! It''s good to be young!"


    Zhao Qiankun laughed warmly, his eyes on Xiao Yi held no resentment or hatred, only helplessness and envy for the youthfulness, "This old man will venture to call you Xiao Yi!"


    "Hmm!"


    ```


    Xiao Yi nodded.


    Zhao Qiankun said, "Xiao Yi, could you agree to one condition for me?"


    "Speak," Xiao Yi replied.


    Zhao Qiankun said in a deep voice, "Spare the soldiers and civilians within the city, can you do that?"


    Xiao Yi slightly frowned.


    He remembered the villagers who had been slaughtered, the babies ground into pulp beneath the millstones.


    Seeming to sense Xiao Yi''s hesitation, Zhao Qiankun said solemnly, "I can guarantee with my life that none of the people under my command have ever laid a finger on any innocent civilians outside the battlefield!"


    Xiao Yi looked back at Zhang Baisheng.


    Zhang Baisheng nodded slightly.


    He had been Zhao Qiankun''s opponent for many years and knew the other man''s character very well.


    Xiao Yi let out a breath and said solemnly, "Alright! As long as they don''t stand against me, I won''t kill them! As for the citizens within the city, they will henceforth be subjects of my Tianqing Kingdom, and I naturally won''t harm them!"


    "Whew!"


    Zhao Qiankun let out a long, turbid breath and smiled, "No wonder even the old fellow Zhang Baisheng is willing to follow you. You truly are exceptional, losing to you is not unjust." After a pause, Zhao Qiankun took out a Commander''s Seal and handed it to Xiao Yi, announcing loudly, "All people of Zhenxi City, from now on, you shall no longer be enemies with the Tianqing Kingdom. In seeing Xiao Yi, you are seeing me!"


    Whirrrr!


    All the soldiers and civilians of Zhenxi City knelt in unison, the atmosphere incredibly oppressive.


    Some soldiers could not hold back their tears any longer.


    Even more civilians wailed loudly.


    But they understood... S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zhao Qiankun was doing this only to save their lives.


    Xiao Yi held up the Commander''s Seal and also spoke loudly, "Listen, everyone in Zhenxi City, I, Xiao Yi, hereby swear, as long as you do not resist my Tianqing Kingdom, I shall not harm you one bit! I will protect you just as I protect the citizens of the Tianqing Kingdom!"


    "Open the gates!"


    Zhao Qiankun shouted with all of his strength.


    The guards already at the city gates immediately opened them¡ªboom! The gates that had sealed off the western border of the Tianlan Kingdom for hundreds of years were finally opened.


    This gateway to the west of the Tianlan Kingdom was completely opened!


    But there were no cheers from the generals of the Tianqing Kingdom, only silent procession into the city, accepting the surrender of the soldiers of Zhenxi City.


    Atop the city walls.


    Xiao Yi looked at Zhao Qiankun, whose form was swaying before him, and said with gravity, "Senior King of Zhenxi, I have here some pills that nurture Qi-Blood..."


    "No need!"


    Zhao Qiankun smiled, propped himself up using the battlements, tilted his head back to greet the golden sunlight, and revealed a radiant smile, "Xiao Yi, do you know why I chose to surrender without a fight?"


    Xiao Yi nodded, "You knew that if there was a battle, not even one in ten would survive, and Zhenxi City would be brought to ruin. Besides that... your heart has been thoroughly wounded!"


    Whew!


    Zhao Qiankun nodded, "Yes, wounded beyond repair. I have been defending Zhenxi City for decades, never allowing the army of the Tianqing Kingdom a single step across our borders, exerting all my effort without daring to relax in the slightest. But that Zheng Yu, he betrayed the million soldiers and civilians of Zhenxi City over a single dispute. And Zheng Yu is that foolish ruler''s confidant. In the face of such a state of affairs, I am weary..."


    Xiao Yi remained silent.


    He knew very well that the most hated people on Zhenxi City now were not him, but Zheng Yu and the King of Tianlan Kingdom.


    And for this reason...


    The officers did not stop Zhao Qiankun''s surrender!


    "Senior King of Zhenxi..."


    Just as Xiao Yi began to speak, Zhao Qiankun interrupted him with a wave of his hand. He shakily walked over to the flag that symbolized the Tianlan Kingdom, gently caressing it, and said wistfully, "My Tianlan Kingdom has paid countless lives to defend this city. So many young people, who should have been full of vigor, died early just to hold on to this place. Now, it has been breached by my hands..."


    "Xiao Yi!"


    Xiao Yi looked sharply at Zhao Qiankun.


    "I''ve lost!"


    Zhao Qiankun seemed to summon all his energy to say these three words, and his aura immediately became even more wilted. He suddenly yanked the flag from its place, waving it back and forth causing it to flutter fiercely. Suddenly, Zhao Qiankun threw the flag high into the air, and with a thunderous crash, it plummeted down, piercing through his cranial point, rooting firmly atop the city walls.


    It fixed his body firmly to the battlements of Zhenxi City.


    The aged voice, but still resonant and powerful, echoed through the heavens and earth, "With my body, I shall eternally guard... this city..."

 Chapter 156 - 156: Slapped to Death

    "General..."


    "Your Highness..."


    All the soldiers and civilians in Zhenxi City knelt on the ground, wailing and howling, their cries echoing to the heavens.


    Zhao Gaoyi, the deputy general of Zhenxi City and at the Eighth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, let out a mournful howl, "Foster father, may your journey be peaceful..."


    In his life, Zhao Qiankun fought and battled for the western gate of the Tianlan Kingdom, with no children of his own but thirteen foster sons. Now, only Zhao Gaoyi was left. He looked up at the sky, his face streaming with tears, fists clenched tightly, his eyes fierce and terrifying, "Foster father... I swear I will personally take Zheng Yu''s life, that old eunuch dog, to avenge you!"


    "Take the life of the eunuch dog..."


    "Revenge! Revenge! Revenge!"


    Cries and shouts shook the heavens.


    Xiao Yi remained silent, landing atop the city wall, facing Zhao Qiankun who stood to death upon Zhenxi City, he deeply bowed and said in a solemn voice, "Someone, build a tomb for the King of Zhenxi outside the city!"


    "Thank you, Martial King of the Nation!"


    "Thank you, General Xiao!"


    The commanders of Zhenxi City were moved to tears.


    They didn''t care that they were generals of a defeated army, Xiao Yi could have simply burnt Zhao Qiankun''s body, or even sent him back to the capital of Tianqing Kingdom to claim merit. But he chose not to do so, instead respecting Zhao Qiankun''s final wish by building a tomb to fulfill his desire to eternally guard Zhenxi City.


    Zhao Gaoyi said loudly, "The defenders of Zhenxi City are willing to serve Your Highness with the loyalty of dogs and horses!"


    Xiao Yi turned back to the commanders of Zhenxi City, waving his hand forcefully, "Gentlemen, are you willing to follow me and breach the heart of the Tianlan Kingdom?"


    "Kill! Kill! Kill!"


    The commanders roared in response.


    In the crowd.


    Zheng Le was dumbfounded as he watched the two hundred thousand defenders of Zhenxi City roaring, looking towards Zhang Baisheng and swallowing hard, "General, this, this prince''s tactics are too terrifying, aren''t they? Without spending a single soldier, he conquered Zhenxi City and directly took command of its two hundred thousand strong army, this, this..."


    It was simply unimaginable!


    Zhang Baisheng also looked astonished, but unlike Zheng Le, he did not find it incredible, and said in a deep voice, "Such is the charisma of His Highness. With such a prodigy in our Tianqing Kingdom, why should we worry about not prospering!"


    The reorganization of Zhenxi City did not take much time.


    After all, Zhao Qiankun was a man of integrity. Having chosen to surrender, he was upfront and honest.


    Furthermore, Xiao Yi''s actions had won the approval of the disillusioned soldiers and civilians of Zhenxi City.


    Everything proceeded in an orderly fashion.


    Leaving ten thousand soldiers from Tianqing Kingdom to defend Zhenxi City, Xiao Yi led the remaining two hundred ninety thousand troops, marching mightily towards the heart of Tianlan Kingdom on the next day.


    Tianlan Kingdom had already lost a million soldiers and had also lost Zhenxi City.


    Now another two hundred thousand soldiers were gone.


    Inside the kingdom, emptiness had long since taken hold.


    With Zhao Gaoyi and others leading the way as the vanguard, many cities along the road didn''t even require an assault; the enemy would open their gates and willingly fall into Xiao Yi and his army''s hands.


    Pressing forward and sweeping through.


    They were like a relentless longsword, mercilessly tearing through Tianlan Kingdom.


    Three cities.


    Five cities.


    Ten cities...


    In the blink of an eye, half a month quietly passed, and during this half-month, Xiao Yi and his forces had reached the capital of Tianlan Kingdom. The entire capital of Tianlan Kingdom was in chaos; in this war, they had nearly exhausted all their resources. Now, only fifty thousand soldiers and Wu Yu, who was at the peak of the Golden Elixir Realm, remained to defend the capital.


    "Great General, the army of Tianqing Kingdom will be here within ten miles!"


    On the sprawling city walls of the great capital, a general at the Golden Core Realm stood before Wu Yu, speaking in a grave tone.


    Wu Yu held a longsword, standing proudly atop the city wall.


    Beneath his furrowed brows, his eyes were as sharp as a hawk''s, gazing directly ahead, as if he could see the formidable army approaching from ten miles away. His expression was incredibly complex, "Never did I imagine... it''s been only a little over half a year, and that lad has grown to this extent. I regret not having fought with all I had to kill him back then. One mistake leads to another..."


    "General, we..."


    The officer glanced around at the dispirited soldiers and said with a wry smile, "In this battle, I fear our chances of victory are slim!"


    Seventy percent of Tianlan Kingdom''s territory was now occupied by Xiao Yi.


    Only the capital and a few cities in the east remained.


    Unable to withstand the irresistible army of Tianqing Kingdom.


    Wu Yu took a deep breath and commanded in a firm voice, "Pass down my order, fight to the death!"


    "Yes!"


    The general immediately left to carry out the order.


    A short while later.


    ```


    Boom boom boom!


    The mighty army of the Tianqing Kingdom had already arrived before the capital. Along their march, they had been capturing and conscripting prisoners. Xiao Yi''s forces now numbered up to five hundred thousand. Facing an enemy ten times their own, the fifty thousand soldiers within the capital showed nothing but despair on their faces, void of even the slightest desire to fight.


    "Surrender and you shall not be killed!" sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Surrender and you shall not be killed!"


    "Surrender and you shall not be killed..."


    Zhao Gaoyi and Zheng Le took the lead, bellowing with their army of five hundred thousand.


    Their roars shook the heavens.


    It is only in complete despair that one musters everything to fight back. As Xiao Yi''s army shouted, those soldiers who had intended to fight to the death saw their last line of defense collapse within their hearts.


    "No, no more fighting, why struggle when defeat is certain?"


    "We surrender, we surrender..."


    In a moment, a third of the five thousand defending soldiers were shouting, ready to open the city gates and surrender.


    Wu Yu, his face ashen with rage, cut down more than a dozen men and bellowed, "Sowing discord among our ranks will be met with death!"


    But he could not stem the tide of those determined to surrender in order to live.


    Seeing the city gates being opened, Wu Yu''s face was filled with despair, knowing that the last barrier of the Tianlan Kingdom had been breached.


    But he could not retreat!


    He could not surrender even more so!


    "Killing Xiao Yi is the only chance to turn the tide of this battle!" Wu Yu suddenly soared into the sky with a boom, transforming into a streak of light rushing towards Xiao Yi.


    "Xiao Yi, meet your demise!"


    The mighty Wu Yu, at the peak of the Golden Elixir Realm, enveloped in endless blade light, wielding an astonishing war saber. The massive saber light, dozens of yards long like a blade slicing the heavens, slashed towards Xiao Yi, the dreadful light extending dozens of yards. Where the blade passed, even the invisible air seemed to be cleaved, turning into violent winds rolling out in all directions.


    Wu Yu''s features twisted ferociously, eyes locked onto Xiao Yi.


    A hint of a smile played on Xiao Yi''s lips.


    Back then, outside the Tao Tribulation secret realm, this Wu Yu had repeatedly tried to kill him, and now the moment for revenge had finally arrived.


    "My lord, be careful!" Zhao Gaoyi''s face drastically changed as he bellowed out.


    He was about to step forward when Zheng Le stopped him.


    Zhao Gaoyi glared at Zheng Le, "What are you doing, Zheng Le? Don''t you see the lord is in danger? That''s Wu Yu, an existence at the peak of the Golden Core Realm, the War God of our Tianlan Kingdom..."


    Zheng Le spoke carelessly, "What damned War God? In the presence of our lord, he''s nothing but trash!"


    "Uh..."


    Zhao Gaoyi was taken aback.


    "Perfect timing!"


    Xiao Yi maintained a serene demeanor sitting atop the Tianqing mangy bull, and as he faced the sky-covering blade light, he simply raised his right hand.


    "What? You''re trying to catch my blade light with your bare hands? You''re seeking death!" Wu Yu''s pupils dilated suddenly, his face filled with manic joy. His single slash was something even those in the Tao Tribulation Realm could not withstand!


    However...


    As the dozens-of-yards-long blade light fell upon Xiao Yi''s hand, only a clang of a massive impact was heard, and incredibly, Xiao Yi caught it outright.


    "Impossible..."


    Wu Yu''s eyes nearly split with fury.


    Xiao Yi grinned and uttered, "Shatter!"


    He clenched his five fingers.


    Crack!


    The massive blade light burst asunder.


    The horrific backlash caused Wu Yu to spurt blood violently, his eyes filled with terror, "Run, I must run..."


    No longer did he harbor any thoughts of slaying Xiao Yi.


    To crush a saber light dozens of yards long with bare hands.


    Even Ling Wufengyun of the Tao Tribulation Realm couldn''t accomplish that!


    How could he dare to continue the fight?


    "Since you''ve come, don''t even think of leaving!"


    Xiao Yi''s voice suddenly rang in Wu Yu''s ears, and the latter, catching a glimpse from the corner of his eye, was stricken with panic. He saw a cold hand descend from the sky and with a thunderous crash, forcefully smacked Wu Yu down from the heights. He slammed into the ground, and the land roared beneath him, leaving behind a gigantic hand-shaped crater several dozens of meters long on the surface.


    Within the crater,


    Wu Yu had become nothing more than a heap of smashed flesh.


    The mighty War God of the Tianlan Kingdom, struck dead by Xiao Yi''s palm!


    ```

 Chapter 157 - 157: The Last Emperor, Died by Lingchi!

    Inside the capital of Tianlan Kingdom, the flames of war reached to the skies.


    A blood-soaked figure rushed into the Golden Throne Hall, wailing, "Your Majesty, the Great General has fallen in battle, the city gates have been breached, we, we have lost..."


    Boom!


    As the current King of Tianlan Kingdom, Xu Zhengnan, sat on the Dragon Throne, upon hearing the news, his whole body violently shook, nearly toppling from his seat.


    "Lost? We have lost..."


    Xu Zhengnan abruptly stood up, his eyes bloodshot with fury, glaring at the silent ministers below, "Have you all gone mute? Huh? When you were all eager to persuade me to agree to Xue Yilou''s demands, to send troops to attack Tianqing Kingdom and divide it up, weren''t you very vocal then? Why are you all silent now?"


    The ministers bowed their heads even lower.


    Bang!


    Xu Zhengnan furiously kicked over the table in front of him, his eyes nearly bursting with rage, gritting his teeth, "Half a month, merely half a month, and my Tianlan Kingdom''s army of a million men has been annihilated, even allowing the army of Tianqing Kingdom to advance unchecked, now even my capital city has been breached. What use are you all?"


    "We, your ministers, deserve death..."


    The ministers quickly knelt down to take the blame.


    "Deserve death? Even if I were to flay you alive, could that save my Tianlan Kingdom?" Xu Zhengnan said, with his chest heaving violently.


    "We, your ministers, deserve death..."


    The ministers knelt in obeisance once more.


    Looking at the ministers before him, Xu Zhengnan suddenly burst into maniacal laughter, "I understand now... this empire is mine alone, you are just ministers. Even if the king is replaced, you can still serve as ministers, you do not truly care about my empire. Since that is the case, let you all accompany my kingdom in death!"


    Clang!


    Xu Zhengnan drew his longsword, charging into the midst of the ministers.


    Thud, thud, thud!


    With each sword stroke, a minister was slain.


    "Your Majesty, spare our lives..."


    "I have been loyal to you, Your Majesty..."


    "Loyalty? I no longer need your loyalty, all of you shall accompany my kingdom in death..." Xu Zhengnan, appearing to be crazed, frantically killed the ministers before him.


    He had now reached the end of his rope.


    An emperor at his wit''s end, no longer seeing any hope.


    The frenzied slaughter drenched Xu Zhengnan in blood, when suddenly, his gaze turned to Zheng Yu, who was hiding to the side, his expression even more ferocious, "You eunuch dog, if not for you, how could Zhenxi City have been so easily breached? You''ve been emboldened by my favor to commit all sorts of evils, but Zhenxi City is the gateway to my Tianlan Kingdom, how dare you set a trap at such a critical moment. I will kill you..." S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Don''t, Your Majesty, please spare your servant..."


    With a face full of terror, Zheng Yu clung desperately to Xu Zhengnan''s leg.


    "Spare you? If I spare you, who will spare my Tianlan Kingdom?" Xu Zhengnan roared, his longsword poised to stab at Zheng Yu.


    But just then...


    Thrust!


    A sharp sword suddenly pierced through his lower body, straight out from his chest, with blood and shredded organs trailing behind.


    Thrust!


    Xu Zhengnan violently spat out a mouthful of blood, collapsing onto the Dragon Throne, looking blankly at Zheng Yu with bloodied hands, "You, you, you..."


    With a cold snort, Zheng Yu''s face turned icy, "Must have felt good to call me an old dog and a eunuch, huh? Now you''re just a king of a fallen country, still thinking you''re a king? You still want to kill me? Humph, I had only planned to secretly contact Lord Xiao Yi and coordinate from within and without. Since you insist on killing me, then don''t blame me for being ruthless! All I need to do is take your head to Lord Xiao Yi and that would be a great contribution. Then I will be the powerful chief minister once again!"


    "I, I hate this..."


    Xu Zhengnan closed his eyes in despair.


    Thrust!


    Zheng Yu decapitated him and turned his cold, merciless gaze onto the ministers, sneering, "Gentlemen, do you want to avenge this foolish king? Or would you follow me to offer surrender?"


    They looked at each other in dismay.


    Having just experienced Xu Zhengnan''s murderous rampage, and now witnessing Zheng Yu execute him, they were utterly confused. But as Xu Zhengnan had said earlier, they didn''t truly care who the king was; even if Tianlan Kingdom were destroyed, they could still offer their allegiance to another, merely switching masters.


    For a moment.


    Ministers echoed in unison, "We wish to follow Zheng!"


    "Hahaha, rest assured, I will lead you to surrender to Lord Xiao Yi, and glory and riches will still be ours!" Zheng Yu was brimming with pride, feeling increasingly fortunate about his decision to betray the Zhenxi Army, "With my contribution of supplying the defense map of Zhenxi City, I will at least be heavily relied upon by the royal family of Tianqing Kingdom, perhaps even becoming a great territorial official!"


    With Zheng Yu at the forefront, he walked towards the palace exit, head of Xu Zhengnan in tow.


    The ministers followed closely behind him.


    As they approached the palace entrance, Xiao Yi and his party had just arrived there as well.


    With haste, Zheng Yu approached, offering Xu Zhengnan''s head with both hands, falling to his knees, "Your humble servant, Zheng Yu, greets Lord Xiao Yi! Long live the Lord, for ten thousand years..."


    "Zheng Yu..."


    General Zhao''s face suddenly twisted with ferocity within the crowd.


    Hot streams blew from the nostrils of his battle steed, hissing loudly.


    Zheng Yu proclaimed, "Lord Xiao Yi, your humble servant has beheaded the King of Tianlan Kingdom, Xu Zhengnan, to demonstrate allegiance and wishes to submit to Tianqing Kingdom!"


    The ministers knelt down in succession, "We are willing to submit to Tianqing Kingdom!"


    Xiao Yi looked at Zheng Yu with a playful expression, "You killed Xu Zhengnan?"


    Zheng Yu immediately nodded, overflowing with pride, "The defense map of Zhenxi City was also delivered to your Highness by someone on my command. I have long been in awe of your renowned name, Lord. At last, my wish has been fulfilled. I am willing to serve under your command with the utmost devotion, even if it means grinding my bones to dust, without a word of complaint!"


    "Willing to grind your bones to dust without a word of complaint? Truly?" Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes and said.


    "If I break this oath, may thunder strike me from the sky!" Zheng Yu continued to demonstrate his loyalty.


    In his view...


    No one dislikes flattery.


    It was by his silver tongue and his supreme flattery that he had won Xu Zhengnan''s favor, "Your Highness is a celestial being, blessed with a unique destiny. Wherever your Highness resides, that land is graced with your radiance. Even I have abandoned the darkness and turned towards the light, simply captivated by your majestic fame!"


    Xiao Yi nodded, stroking his chin, "Your knack for flattery is indeed quite remarkable!"


    Thinking that Xiao Yi was praising him, Zheng Yu quickly spoke with false modesty, "Your humble servant is not flattering, I speak only the truth!"


    "Since that''s the case, I would not want to overlook your sincere devotion..."


    Xiao Yi said with a smile.


    Overjoyed, Zheng Yu exclaimed, "It is an honor to serve your Highness!"


    However...


    Xiao Yi''s next sentence sent chills through Zheng Yu as if plunging into the eighteenth layer of hell, "Since you say you''re willing to grind your bones to dust, then this prince shall fulfill your wish. General Zhao, I entrust this old dog to you. Whether to behead, to cook in boiling oil, or to execute by dismemberment is for you to decide!"


    "Thank you, my lord!"


    Zhao Gaoyi was ecstatic, stepping forward with a bow, his gaze ferocious as he stared at Zheng Yu.


    Zheng Yu trembled uncontrollably, in disbelief, "No, no... My lord, I have contributed to you, I have contributed to Tianqing Kingdom, no, this cannot be..."


    Xiao Yi, however, was expressionless, paying him no further attention.


    With the force of a thunderclap, Zhao Gaoyi savagely broke Zheng Yu''s limbs, binding him in front of the palace gate, "Zhenxi Army, hear my command, this traitor before us is Zheng Yu, who betrayed his foster father. Each of us will take a turn with the blade, let him endure the sentence of dismemberment!"


    "Kill!"


    "Kill!"


    "Kill..."


    The two hundred thousand strong Zhenxi Army, each wielding a blade, sequentially sliced off pieces of Zheng Yu''s flesh.


    One cut.


    Two cuts.


    Three cuts...


    In agonizing pain, Zheng Yu felt life was unbearable, gazing upon the daunting ranks of the Zhenxi Army, his face etched with despair...

 Chapter 158 - 158: The Legendary Land

    Outside the palace gates.


    Xiao Yi and his five hundred thousand troops had not advanced a single step, simply waiting there quietly.


    Not until Zheng Yu was dismembered and executed by the two hundred thousand-strong army of Zhenxi City, his flesh carved, his bones picked clean until not a single scrap remained, did they stop.


    Clang! Clang!


    Zhao Gaoyi, leading the two hundred thousand troops, knelt before Xiao Yi in unison, each face bearing heartfelt worship and gratitude, "Thank you, Lord Xiao, for avenging the general!"


    "Thank you, Lord Xiao!"


    The two hundred thousand troops roared in unison.


    They were thoroughly conquered by Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi raised his hand and said, "Rise, if the King of Zhenxi has a spirit in heaven, he would not wish to see you living in the past. From now on, you are all subjects of the Tianqing Kingdom!"


    "Long live the Martial King of the Nation!"


    "Long live the Tianqing Kingdom!"


    Shouts erupted, earth-shattering, the roars seemingly shattering the clouds in the sky.


    Xiao Yi said in a deep voice, "Zhang Baisheng, take charge of the capital''s guard immediately." He paused, then continued to look at Zhao Gaoyi, "Zhao Gaoyi, I command you to lead the Zhenxi army, conquer all cities that have not yet been brought into Tianqing Kingdom territory, and show no mercy to any who resist!"


    "Yes!"


    "Your subordinate obeys the order!"


    The troops split into two forces, with Zhao Gaoyi and Zhang Baisheng leading them away separately.


    Xiao Yi then led the remaining fifty thousand Imperial Guards into the royal palace; this conquest of the Tianlan Kingdom was definitively a colossal victory.


    After the battle, naturally, came the collection of the spoils of war.


    In the cities conquered in the past, Xiao Yi advocated a non-disturbance policy and did not loot any treasure. But this was the royal palace, once the dwelling place of the Tianlan royal family, gathering the greatest wealth and treasures of the Tianlan Kingdom. At Xiao Yi''s command, Zheng Le led the men to enter the palace to start collecting the spoils.


    As well as to purge the remnants within the palace.


    As for the royal orphans hiding in the palace, they were to be captured alive if they surrendered, but killed immediately if they resisted.


    For a time.


    Smoke of conflict rose within the palace.


    Before long...


    Inside the Golden Throne Hall.


    Zheng Le, escorting a plump, graceful and luxurious woman, came before Xiao Yi and respectfully said, "Your Highness, this is the queen of the Tianlan Kingdom."


    "Oh?"


    Xiao Yi raised his eyebrows, looking at the beauty kneeling before him.


    The queen of the Tianlan Kingdom indeed possessed bewitching beauty, every movement radiating a dignified and regal air. Her eyes, seemingly electrifying, looked at Xiao Yi and she respectfully said, "I have seen Lord Xiao!"


    Truly seductive in every aspect.


    Even Zheng Le beside her couldn''t help but swallow his saliva.


    However...


    Xiao Yi''s face remained expressionless as he said indifferently, "Put away your seductive act; it''s useless against me!"


    "Uh..."


    The queen''s face stiffened, showing a tinge of embarrassment.


    Xiao Yi spoke indifferently, "Where is the royal treasury?"


    "I do not know..." the queen''s eyes flickered as she spoke.


    Xiao Yi uttered a sound of acknowledgment, then waved his hand towards Zheng Le, "Take her away and behead her!"


    "Yes!"


    Zheng Le responded solemnly.


    The queen''s face suddenly changed, and she quickly said, "Wait, Lord Xiao... I have just remembered. There is a secret chamber within the King''s chambers; perhaps he may have hidden treasures there."


    "Lead the way!"


    Xiao Yi said indifferently.


    The Queen no longer dared to conceal anything, leading Xiao Yi and Zheng Le to Xu Zhengnan''s bedchamber, where she opened the entrance to the secret chamber beneath the bed.


    Xiao Yi glanced at the Queen, "Take her down and guard her well!"


    Zheng Le immediately escorted the resentful-looking Queen away.


    Xiao Yi then entered the secret chamber.


    The secret chamber was underground.


    It was built very large, with lamps made of mermaid oil on both sides of the passage that could burn for a thousand years in adequate air. Walking through the long narrow passage, Xiao Yi reached the chamber, which was sealed by a bronze door. Xiao Yi took out his Fire Qilin Sword and slashed the bronze door open.


    Clang! Clang! Clang!


    Inside the secret chamber, there was a dazzle of jewels and gold.


    There was over ten billion in silver alone here, not to mention the many rare treasures and ancient paintings and calligraphy.


    The total value was definitely close to a hundred billion Silver Taels!


    Hiss hiss!


    Little Lin popped out from Xiao Yi''s arms, eyes shining, "Boss, there are so many treasures here!"


    Xiao Yi nodded, "Little Lin, see if there are any heavenly treasures here."


    He was now at the peak of the Golden Core Realm, just a step away from the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    With sufficient vital energy accumulation and bodily refinement, he had reached the standard for breaking through to the Tao Tribulation Realm; only his understanding of the forces of nature was a hair''s breadth shy. If he could find some treasures that enhanced the perception of natural forces, like the legendary Azure Dragon Wood, Windstorm Stone, Diamond Rock, and other heavenly treasures, he could increase his comprehension of the forces of nature and step into the Calamity Realm.


    Little Lin flicked its tongue, searching through the pile of treasures.


    A moment later.


    Little Lin emerged from amongst the treasures and shook its head at Xiao Yi, "Boss, I couldn''t find any heavenly treasures, but, I did find an interesting place!"


    "Oh?"


    Xiao Yi was surprised, "What place?"


    Little Lin was a variant beast, and even it didn''t know what species it belonged to, but it had an unparalleled sense for treasures.


    If Little Lin called it an interesting place, it was definitely out of the ordinary.


    Little Lin led Xiao Yi through the treasures to a corner where there were several large chests full of Silver Taels. Xiao Yi pushed them aside and found a hidden entrance. Little Lin pointed its tail at the entrance, "Boss, I smell a strange scent coming from here!"


    "Stand back, I''ll blast this entrance open!" Xiao Yi said, taking a deep breath and throwing a punch.


    Boom!


    The whole secret chamber shook violently, with countless treasures falling from the shelves, littering the ground with jewels.


    But the entrance didn''t budge.


    "This..." S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi''s pupils slightly constricted.


    With his current cultivation and combat power, one punch could directly shatter a small mountain.


    Yet this entrance remained immovable?


    "I don''t believe this..."


    Xiao Yi took out his Fire Qilin Sword and only after a dozen continuous strikes did he manage to bust the entrance open. And, as the entrance broke apart, there seemed to be an ancient roar coming from below.


    Ao!


    This roar was earth-shaking.


    Fierce wind gushed out violently, almost flipping over both Xiao Yi and Little Lin.


    The two looked at each other, "What on earth is this place?"


    Only after the wild wind from the entrance had ceased did they quietly approach it; the elemental energy of heaven and earth filling the air was several times denser than the outside.


    An existence from the legends suddenly flashed across Xiao Yi''s mind and he subconsciously swallowed, "Could it be? Is my luck that good? Did I really encounter that legendary place?"

 Chapter 159 - 159: Dragon Vein Spiritual Pool, Shocking Bad News!

    "Boss, where are you talking about?"


    Little Lin looked at Xiao Yi, puzzled, and climbed up to his shoulder along his leg.


    He had never seen Xiao Yi so excited!


    Xiao Yi said in a deep voice, "If it''s really the place from the legends, we could make a fortune!"


    Then, with a leap, Xiao Yi dove into the cavern.


    Whoosh!


    The cavern was extremely deep. Xiao Yi fell for a hundred meters before landing on the ground, surrounded by millet-yellow stalactites. These stalactites had very strange shapes, some growing from the ground like spines, while others fell from the dome of the cavern, connecting the heaven and earth of the cavern.


    "Boss, the elemental energy of the heavens and the earth here is so dense!" Little Lin exclaimed.


    The elemental energy in this cavern was ten times that of the outside!


    Xiao Yi nodded, his eyes growing brighter, "Eight or nine out of ten, it is that place!"


    Drip, drop!


    Drip, drop!


    The crisp sound of water droplets entered their ears, echoing loudly in the silent cavern. Xiao Yi followed the sound and soon saw a swath of stalactites ahead, winding and stretching like a massive Azure Dragon with spines on its back.


    They were actually at the position of the dragon''s tail.


    Following the pathway formed by these stalactites, they walked for nearly a kilometer before reaching the end. There was a pond made of pure white liquid, and the stalactite Azure Dragon extended right up to this pond.


    Two particularly thick stalactites protruded from within the pond, vaguely resembling the two horns on the head of an Azure Dragon.


    A breeze blew past.


    Faint dragon chants emanated from between the two horns, carrying a trace of dignity and evoking a feeling of awe.


    Little Lin shrank back, "Boss, I''m feeling a bit uncomfortable!"


    "Uncomfortable is the right reaction. This is the legendary Dragon Vein Spiritual Pool that can suppress a nation''s destiny. That''s why the Tianlan Kingdom is just a small dependent country. According to the legends, the Great Qian Dynasty is suppressing a Dragon Vein Spiritual Lake, and that spirit vein has already developed awareness. If the Great Qian Dynasty weren''t powerful enough to use it to suppress the nation''s destiny, it would have already transformed into a dragon and ascended to heaven, leaving far behind the nine heavens!" Xiao Yi laughed.


    Little Lin was a snake. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The dragon is the chief among countless such creatures.


    Though the Dragon Vein Spiritual Pool in front of them had not yet developed awareness, it naturally exerted a suppressive effect on him.


    "Boss, this Dragon Vein Spiritual Pool just seems to have denser elemental energy, there''s nothing special about it!" Little Lin asked doubtfully.


    Xiao Yi rubbed his head, smiling, "Then you''re mistaken. This Dragon Vein Spiritual Pool not only has extremely dense elemental energy but more importantly, it contains a strand of dragon''s will. Dragons are the chiefs of all such creatures, able to summon wind and call rain, dance with thunder and play with lightning, and foster all living things. According to legends, where dragon''s blood drops into rivers, the fish and shrimp within will gain awareness; where dragons pass over mountains and forests, the vegetation all become spiritual plants¡­"


    Dragon''s blood that can give awareness to fish and shrimp in rivers?


    Passing over mountains and forests, turning all into spiritual plants?


    Little Lin was dumbfounded.


    This was like something out of a fairy tale!


    Xiao Yi continued with a smile, "Once this Dragon Vein Spiritual Pool is refined, I can step into the Tao Tribulation Realm. However, to refine the Dragon Vein Spiritual Pool, I need to prepare some methods. Little Lin, you stay here and guard it, make sure no one else approaches. I will go back and get ready!"


    "Understood!"


    Little Lin leaped up and landed on one of the horns.


    Xiao Yi then returned to the palace and summoned Zheng Le, "Zheng Le, I need the items on this list, prepared for me as quickly as possible!"


    "Yes!"


    Zheng Le left immediately.


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, "I thought I would need another year and a half to break through to the Tao Tribulation Realm, but I didn''t expect to encounter the Dragon Vein Spiritual Pool here, saving me a lot of effort. Once I''ve helped the Tianqing Kingdom resolve this calamity, I can leave this place."


    In his mind, several figures appeared.


    Fang Qingzhu, Xiao Tianjiao¡­


    "Qingzhu, I will find you, no one will be able to tear us apart!"


    Xiao Yi clenched his fists tightly, his gaze trailing off into the distance toward the direction of the Great Qian Dynasty, "Xiao Tianjiao, Xiao Zhengde¡­ When I stand before you once more, I wonder what your feelings will be¡­"


    However¡­


    Xiao Yi did not wait for Zheng Le to gather and refine the necessary materials for the Spirit Vein Spiritual Pool, but instead, Niu Dali came to him.


    "Dali, aren''t you cultivating at the Martial Arts Institute? What brings you here all of a sudden?" Xiao Yi asked, eyeing the travel-worn Niu Dali with confusion.


    Huff puff huff puff!


    Niu Dali was panting heavily. After gulping down a few mouthfuls of water, his breathing finally steadied, and he said with a wry smile, "Boss, something big has happened¡­"


    "Hmm?"


    Xiao Yi''s face turned grim, "What has happened?"


    Niu Dali said, "Great General Xia Yuan has defected and pledged allegiance to the Baijing Kingdom, leading his troops deep into our territory. Elder Gu himself led our forces to Babao Pass to meet the enemy. Elder Jiang has been gravely injured and is in retreat, with the Sihai Kingdom having already breached six of our cities. Moreover¡­ the Jin Kingdom suddenly declared war on the Tianqing Kingdom and dispatched two Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouses to the Qingyun Kingdom battleground. His Majesty, he¡­"


    "What happened to His Majesty?" Xiao Yi pressed.


    Why was Xiao Yi willing to accept the position of Martial King of the Nation?


    Why did he lead troops to attack the Tianlan Kingdom?


    All this was because of Jiang Tianchen!


    When he became the target of widespread hostility and faced enemies on all sides, it was Jiang Tianchen who stood up for him, ready to mobilize the entire nation to ensure his safety.


    It can be said that if not for him¡­


    The Tianqing Kingdom would never have found itself besieged on all sides.


    Niu Dali''s eyes reddened as he spoke word by word, "His Majesty led our forces and had already breached the Qingyun Kingdom''s army, but Jin Kingdom''s powerhouses suddenly descended and captured His Majesty. They pressured him to hand you over, but His Majesty refused, and thus, he was beaten to death by the Jin Kingdom''s Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouses and was hung outside Po Jun City. They want the Crown Prince to exchange you for His Majesty''s corpse, but the Crown Prince refused, and has already personally led the troops to Po Jun City¡­"


    Buzz!


    Xiao Yi instantly turned pale.


    His head was buzzing, and stars danced before his eyes.


    Jiang Tianchen was dead?


    Brutally beaten to death by Jin Kingdom''s powerhouses and his body hung outside Po Jun City?


    This was earth-shattering bad news.


    Xiao Yi couldn''t help but recall Jiang Tianchen''s voice and smile, his amiable demeanor at their first meeting, his willingness to use the nation''s power to protect him during their second encounter¡­ and now, were they truly separated by life and death?


    With a grave voice, Niu Dali said, "Knowing that the Jin Kingdom has entered the war, the Crown Prince realized that our Tianqing Kingdom stands no chance of victory. He personally led the troops to Po Jun City, merely to stall the Jin Kingdom''s army. The Crown Prince sent me to find you, asking you to take the Crown Princess Consort, who carries the royal heir, away from the Tianqing Kingdom, the farther the better. The Crown Prince has a message for you: With you alive, Tianqing shall not perish!"


    Boom!


    Xiao Yi''s expression went through a series of changes.


    In the face of national destruction.


    Faced with certain death.


    Jiang Tianchen and Jiang Tai still entrusted all their hopes in him, showing him absolute trust.


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath, slowly exhaling, "If His Majesty and the Crown Prince have such trust in me, how could I, Xiao Yi, let them down?"


    "Boss, we need to leave here quickly¡­" Niu Dali urged.


    "We''re not going anywhere¡­"


    Xiao Yi shook his head, squinting his eyes with a chilling glint, "His Majesty wasn''t wrong; with me here, Tianqing shall not perish!"

 Chapter 160 - 160: Crazy Decision, Tomb of Heaven Abnormality!

    "With me here, Tianqing shall not perish!"


    This sentence was the admonition of Jiang Tianchen to Jiang Tai.


    As long as Xiao Yi was present, the Tianqing Kingdom would not fall, even if it did, there would still be a chance for a resurgence.


    It was for this reason...


    Upon learning that the body of Jiang Tianchen was hung outside Po Jun City, that Great General Xia Yuan had rebelled and gone over to the enemy, and that the elder Jiang Weisheng was seriously injured, Jiang Tai knew that going to Po Jun City meant a slim chance of survival. Yet, he still chose to trust Xiao Yi, entrusting the Crown Princess Consort and the child within her womb to Xiao Yi to ensure the survival of the Tianqing Kingdom.


    This was an unconditional trust from two generations of the kingdom''s monarchs.


    Xiao Yi would never betray this trust.


    "Boss, you, you¡­" Niu Dali''s eyes widened as he stared at Xiao Yi, unable to utter a word.


    He very much wanted to persuade Xiao Yi to escape immediately.


    The farther, the better.


    But he also knew that even if he said so, it would be of no use.


    Xiao Yi would absolutely not flee!


    He would not become a coward, abandoning the trust of Jiang Tianchen and his son. That was Xiao Yi!


    Hu!


    Niu Dali let out a long sigh of turbid breath and said with a wry smile, "I just knew it would be like this, how could you possibly run away?"


    Xiao Yi said in a deep voice, "Dali, where is the Crown Princess Consort?"


    "The Crown Princess Consort, weary from the journey, has been resting inside the carriage all along. I''ll go invite her over right now!" Niu Dali replied.


    Xiao Yi waved his hand, "I''ll go!"


    Moments later.


    Xiao Yi met the Crown Princess Consort in front of the carriage for the first time.


    The Crown Princess Consort, named Yue Shuang, was a Commandery Princess from the Purple Robe Kingdom.


    "Xiao Yi pays his respects to the Crown Princess Consort!" Xiao Yi greeted with a bow.


    Yue Shuang was gentle and quiet, with a slightly bulging belly, her palm instinctively protecting it as she bowed to Xiao Yi, "Yue Shuang pays her respects to the Guardian Martial God!"


    Xiao Yi was stunned, "Guardian Martial God?"


    Yue Shuang nodded, "The War God might not be aware, but when you were breaking through the western stronghold, my father had ordered you to be named the Guardian Martial God. With you here, the Tianqing Kingdom exists!"


    Weng!


    Xiao Yi''s body trembled.


    A man dies for his confidant.


    Xiao Yi never intended to hold office, nor was he particularly keen on power.


    However, Jiang Tianchen''s unconditional trust and the kindness of the nation protecting him at all costs were things that Xiao Yi, who believed in repaying even the smallest kindness, had eternally etched into his heart. Xiao Yi took a deep breath and said solemnly, "Crown Princess Consort, from now on, you shall stay here! As for His Majesty, I will go to him personally!"


    Yue Shuang nodded quietly, took a few steps forward, then suddenly paused and turned back.


    Before Xiao Yi could even react to stop her, she knelt on the ground, "On behalf of the Jiang family, Yue Shuang thanks the Guardian Martial God!"


    Xiao Yi stood with his hands behind his back, not saying anything more.


    ......


    Late that same night.


    Zheng Le eventually found all the materials required, all of which were needed for refining the Dragon Vein.


    Xiao Yi took the materials and returned once more to the cave.


    Hiss hiss!


    Little Lin crawled out from a corner. The scales on its body had become increasingly bright, and on its forehead, two small bulges were faintly visible. Xiao Yi was startled, "Little Lin, what happened to you?"


    Little Lin shook its head, looking a bit intoxicated, "I, I couldn''t help but drink some of the water here..."


    His little tail pointed at the Dragon Vein Spiritual Pool in front of him.


    Xiao Yi was speechless, "You, the energy in this Dragon Vein Spiritual Pool has condensed into a liquid essence. Drinking like that without bursting is already your great fortune. Quickly consume these herbs, and we will refine this Dragon Vein together."


    "Burp..."


    Little Lin swallowed the herbs, quivered all over, and let out a satisfied belch.


    Then, both person and snake plunged into the Spirit Pool.


    "Without limits, the cosmos reverses..."


    Xiao Yi sat cross-legged in the Spirit Pool, facing the sky with his five hearts, practicing the Divine Enthronement Heaven Subduing Skill.


    The energy around his body surged like stormy seas, and all thirty-six thousand pores of his body opened at once, devouring the liquid essence of the Spirit Pool like a gluttonous beast.


    During the absorption,


    Xiao Yi could clearly feel the energy inside his body strengthening incessantly. In just one day, he had already reached the limit of what the Golden Core Realm could hold. However, he had yet to sense the Dragon Spirit Will within the Dragon Vein Spiritual Pool. Only by comprehending the Dragon Spirit Will would the true purpose of absorbing the Dragon Vein Spiritual Pool be revealed.


    Otherwise, it was just the absorption of some cosmic essence, which was of no help in breaking through to the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    "What''s happening? Could it be that this Dragon Vein is too weak, with the Dragon Spirit Will being too faint?" Xiao Yi knitted his brows tightly.


    Until the next day.


    Roar!


    A clear and loud dragon''s roar suddenly resounded, startling Xiao Yi. He opened his eyes wide just in time to see Little Lin shooting up into the sky. The silver scale armor around its body emanated an increasingly holy white light, enveloping the entire body in a vast glow, with two horns crazily growing from its forehead.


    Beneath its belly, five sharp claws were faintly visible.


    Starting from the back of the head, tufts of pale golden fluff broke through the skin, extending to the tail.


    Whoosh!


    Little Lin opened its mouth wide, and a fist-sized Golden Core was spat out.


    In the sky, a bizarre rune emerged, containing unparalleled destructive power. It violently struck the Golden Core.


    Boom crack!


    With a loud noise,


    One of the ten golden halos floating atop the Golden Core exploded under the impact of the rune.


    It transformed into Dao patterns, merging into the Golden Core.


    To reach the Tao Tribulation Realm, one must shatter the halos on the Golden Core, turn them into Dao patterns, and brand them into the core, transforming it into a Martial Dao Divine Fruit. The entire process of the Tao Tribulation Realm is to shatter all the halos, turning them into Dao patterns. The fracturing of each Dao pattern signifies a greater mastery of the cosmic forces. At the peak of the Tribulation Realm, one could control one-tenth of the cosmic power.


    Hum!


    The Martial Dao Divine Fruit retreated back into Little Lin''s body, and its cultivation officially stepped into the Calamity Realm.


    Little Lin gently descended, lying down by the edge of the Dragon Vein Spiritual Pool.


    He was digesting the breakthrough of his realm. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And Xiao Yi...


    Watching Little Lin break through to dragonhood, his head buzzed, a flash of inspiration passing through.


    "The strength of the Tao Tribulation Realm is largely measured by the strength of the Dao patterns. And the foundation for all this is the Golden Core Realm. Why should there be only ten layers in Golden Core Realm? Why only ten rings on a Golden Core? If there were twenty, thirty... When others at the peak of the Tribulation Realm can control one-tenth of cosmic power, when I am at the same realm but can control three-tenths, or even four-tenths or more..."


    A terrifying thought emerged in Xiao Yi''s mind.


    That was to delay breaking through to the Tao Tribulation Realm!


    To continue refining the Golden Core.


    To solidify the Golden Elixir Halo!


    "The ten rings of the Golden Core are definitely not the limit. I feel that my Golden Core can still endure. I can do it..."


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath as an infinite amount of water from the pool rushed into his mouth. He again went crazy with the Divine Enthronement Heaven Subduing Skill, continuously compressing the cosmic essence and directing it towards the Golden Core.


    However, at this moment, Xiao Yi didn''t know...


    When he made this decision, in the deepest part of the Ancient Heavenly Tomb, the central pyramid shook violently, breaking the restraints of the Ancient Heavenly Tomb. It transformed into a golden ray of light, flying towards him...

 Chapter 161 - 161: Limitless Golden Elixir, Qingyun Sword Song!

    Hum!


    Xiao Yi, seated within the Spirit Pool, was shaken to his core.


    His body suddenly appeared in the ancient tomb from times immemorial, and as he looked around in bewilderment, a golden light burst forth from the depths of the tomb.


    "This, this is¡­"


    Xiao Yi''s pupils contracted suddenly.


    The golden light surged from the depths of the ancient tomb, disturbing one enormous tomb after another on its path. In the void, massive black chains attempted to bind him, ghastly giant white bone claws tried to capture him, and the sharp edges of swords that could split the heavens and shatter mountains charged at him...


    But...


    The golden light was like a fearless War God, crashing headlong into the fray.


    Shattering the chains.


    Snapping the claws.


    Destroying the glint of swords...


    Hum!


    The golden light suddenly entered between Xiao Yi''s brows, and at the same time, in his mind, the "Divine Enthronement Heaven Subduing Skill" suddenly mutated, and an additional chapter materialized.


    "Limitless Golden Elixir!"


    These four words were deeply imprinted in his mind.


    At the same time, an old but dignified voice echoed in his mind, "All things under heaven operate by the Tao; every creature is bound by chains... Without breaking, nothing can be established; only through destruction comes creation!"


    "Every creature is bound by chains?"


    Xiao Yi''s body quivered, as he seemed to see his Golden Core, with ten rings, wrapped in chains, preventing him from reaching the eleventh Golden Elixir Halo. That streak of golden light had transformed into the sharpest weapon of war, blasting the chains asunder with a powerful strike, causing Xiao Yi to abruptly open his eyes.


    He had left the ancient tomb from times immemorial and returned to the Dragon Vein Spiritual Pool.


    His eyes swirled with golden light.


    "Breaking the limit, eleven rings of the Golden Elixir!"


    Xiao Yi roared in a low voice.


    The surrounding heaven and earth vitality rushed towards him frantically, forming one vortex after another, devouring the energy of heaven and earth without rejection.


    The abundant heavenly and earthly vitality continuously flowed into his body.


    Making Xiao Yi''s entire body seem translucent, a Golden Core with ten overlapping rings flew out into the cosmos, hovering above his head.


    Countless streams of heaven and earth vitality poured into it.


    Crack!


    Invisibly, one could hear the sound of chains shattering, and a sea of golden light condensed into a ring, landing on the Golden Core.


    The eleventh halo took shape.


    But Xiao Yi did not stop there, continuing to devour the heaven and earth vitality madly, "Continue, keep condensing..."


    Hum!


    Hum!


    Hum...


    Above his Golden Core, halos formed one after another.


    Twelve rings.


    Thirteen rings.


    Fourteen rings...


    He stopped only after the fifteenth Golden Elixir Halo had formed, because the heaven and earth vitality inside the Dragon Vein Spiritual Pool had been thoroughly consumed by him. In the faintness, one could hear a mournful, tragic cry of the Azure Dragon, with Xiao Yi holding the Golden Core adorned with fifteen halos, he reached out with his palm.


    Pfft!


    His palm crushed the stalactites, snatching a transparent crystal as thick as a finger from within.


    This was the essence of the Dragon Vein that had accumulated in the Dragon Vein Spiritual Pool!


    It was struggling frantically.


    "I never expected you to be hiding inside here. One of you is worth two Dragon Vein Spiritual Pools; devour you, I shall!" Xiao Yi opened his mouth wide and stuffed the struggling Dragon Vein into his mouth.


    Boom!


    The Dragon Vein was the essence, its pure energy far surpassing the entire Dragon Vein Spiritual Pool.


    Terrifying power of the Dragon Vein circulated throughout his body.


    Above Xiao Yi''s head, the halo of his Golden Elixir once again climbed.


    Sixteen.


    Seventeen.


    Eighteen...


    It soared to a full twenty golden halos that encircled the Golden Core, shimmering and sinking, their might enhanced dozens of times more than before. But this was not the end; as the twentieth Golden Elixir Halo condensed, the abundant energy within the Golden Core began to feed back, madly surging into the God Sealing Seed within Xiao Yi''s body. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The energy contained in the twenty Golden Elixir Halos was far more potent than breaking through to the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    The quantity of God Sealing Seeds also skyrocketed like crazy.


    Sixty thousand.


    Seventy thousand.


    Eighty thousand...


    One by one, the God Sealing Seeds were activated, and in the blink of an eye, they broke through the hundred thousand mark, reaching a terrifying two hundred thousand.


    According to Xiao Yi''s previous conjectures, to achieve two hundred thousand God Sealing Seeds, he would have to wait at least until the Second Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    This meant that possessing a twenty-haloed Golden Core now allowed him to stand in realm, no weaker than a powerhouse of the Second Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    Whoosh!


    The twenty haloed Golden Core once again merged back into his body, and the heaven and earth Qi, refined by the two hundred thousand God Sealing Seeds, became the power of Divine Enthronement and re-integrated into the Golden Core. This power of Divine Enthronement, while roaming through his body, made it even stronger.


    Sitting in meditation within the Spirit Pool, Xiao Yi stabilized his cultivation and pondered, "Two hundred thousand God Sealing Seeds, I wonder which ancient tomb they can unlock?"


    With a thought, his figure appeared within the Eternal Heavenly Tomb.


    Xiao Yi discovered that the gate to the second layer of the area had unexpectedly opened.


    There are nine layers in the whole Eternal Heavenly Tomb, and he had always been in the outermost layer. He never expected that after breaking through two hundred thousand God Sealing Seeds, he would actually unlock the second layer.


    Just the outermost layer alone allowed him to inherit the legacies of formidable beings like the Death Envoy and Sword Demon Dugu.


    What kind of gains would this second layer bring?


    Xiao Yi stepped inside.


    The moment he entered the second layer of the tomb area, Xiao Yi''s gaze fell on the ancient tomb of Martial God Zhao Wuji, and he licked his lips as he walked towards it. Although there was an invisible resistance, the God Sealing Seeds on him shone brightly, blocking the obstruction from Zhao Wuji''s ancient tomb, causing Xiao Yi''s heartbeat to grow even more frantic.


    This was Martial God Zhao Wuji!


    The first in Qingtian Realm''s history to shatter the void and ascend to the divine level.


    What a pity...


    Xiao Yi was still some distance away from Martial God Zhao Wuji''s tomb and could only shake his head dejectedly, "After all, this is the pinnacle existence of Qingtian Realm, I''m afraid I will need over a million God Sealing Seeds to suppress it. Martial God Zhao Wuji, just you wait, it won''t be long before I take your inheritance!"


    Moments later, Xiao Yi stood in front of another legendary powerhouse''s ancient tomb.


    One sword cleaved the heavens, Qingyun Sword Saint!


    This being, who existed in the same era as the young Martial God Zhan Wuji, had superlative swordsmanship, and his Qinglian Sword Anthem dominated the Qingtian Realm!


    "Suppress!"


    Xiao Yi threw a fierce punch, and endless Divine Enthronement power surged wildly, shattering the low mound in front of him. The mound burst explosively, and a heaven-piercing Sword Intent soared upward, revealing a majestic middle-aged man with a sword on his back, wearing plain robes with a refined face, his eyes sharp as swords, staring at Xiao Yi.


    His mouth curled up slightly, then he spoke, "Straight down the three thousand feet cascade!"


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!


    The longsword behind him soared to the heavens, splitting from one into two, and from two into four, forming thousands upon thousands of sword shadows that spanned across and fell like a curtain from the sky. Like a waterfall plummeting straight down three thousand feet, the endless sword shadows poured down insanely. Xiao Yi, tilting his head back, snorted coldly, "Godly Prison of Suppression!"


    Crash!


    The two hundred thousand God Sealing Seeds erupted simultaneously with black light, turning into a sky filled with black chains, fiercely smashing through the sword rainfall.


    Clang! Clang! Clang!


    The black chains wrapped around Qingyun Sword Saint, binding him tightly and forcibly pulling into Xiao Yi''s body. Qingyun Sword Saint struggled fiercely, unable to break free from the God Sealing Seeds'' restraint, ultimately transforming into a statue poised proudly with a longsword on his back.


    At the same time.


    Xiao Yi''s mind buzzed, and the tune of the "Qinglian Sword Anthem" was imprinted in his mind.


    Phew!


    Xiao Yi exhaled a long breath, his eyes sparkling with bright essence, "Po Jun City, here I come!"

 Chapter 162 - 162: Only He Cannot Die!

    Tianlan Kingdom, royal palace.


    Crown Princess Consort Yue Shuang looked anxiously at Xiao Yi, her face full of worry, "Lord Xiao, are you really going to Po Jun City?"


    In her eyes, aside from anxiety, there was also a hint of expectation.


    Jiang Tai went to Po Jun City with a heart ready to die. Without a miracle, facing the aggressive suppression of Qingyun Kingdom and Great Jin Kingdom, Jiang Tai had no chance of survival.


    Xiao Yi had become the only person she could rely on.


    Niu Dali clenched his fists tightly at the side, "Boss, let me go with you!"


    Xiao Yi shook his head, his voice solemn, "You need to take good care of the Crown Princess Consort. With General Zhang Baisheng here, there won''t be any problems. Leave Po Jun City to me!"


    "Alright then!"


    Niu Dali hesitated for a moment before nodding in resignation.


    With his strength, even if he went to Po Jun City, he wouldn''t be of any help.


    Instead, he would be a burden.


    Xiao Yi did not say it outright, as he did not want to discourage him.


    "General!"


    Xiao Yi turned to look at Zhang Baisheng and took out a Martial Dao Divine Fruit¡ªone of the three obtained from that secret realm¡ªand handed it to him, "This is a Martial Dao Divine Fruit. If you refine it, General, you can step into the Tao Tribulation Realm. With this, I will have no worries!"


    "This..."


    Zhang Baisheng''s hands trembled as he took the Martial Dao Divine Fruit, took a deep breath, and said earnestly, "Your Highness, rest assured. As long as this old man draws breath, I will not let anyone harm the Crown Princess Consort!"


    "Hmm!"


    Xiao Yi nodded vigorously, then looked at everyone, "Everyone, take care!"


    "Your Highness, we''ll wait for your triumphant return!"


    "Guardian Martial God, invincible in battle!"


    "Waiting for your triumphant return..."


    The crowd shouted out loud one after another.


    Xiao Yi waved his hand, and a Tianqing wild ox charged into the sky; he leapt up onto its back and broke through the air.


    Although this Tianqing wild ox was only a fifth-order beast, its speed was comparable to that of an average Tao Tribulation Realm expert. Moreover, its stamina was astonishing, making thousand-mile journeys in a day no problem.


    It was a full three thousand miles from the capital of Tianlan Kingdom to Po Jun City.


    Under Xiao Yi''s urging, the Tianqing wild ox burst forth with unprecedented speed. Watching the capital grow smaller and smaller behind him, Xiao Yi clenched his fists tightly, "Jiang Tai, wait for me!"


    ......


    Po Jun City.


    This is the northern border of Tianqing Kingdom, bordering on Qingyun Kingdom.


    Once...


    Qingyun Kingdom and Qing Tian Kingdom were of the same lineage, but a thousand years ago, a prince who failed to secure the throne launched a coup, and Qingyun Kingdom seceded.


    After a thousand years of development.


    Qingyun Kingdom''s national strength is no weaker than Qing Tian Kingdom.


    With the historical grudge between the two nations, they have become sworn enemies, never interacting with each other.


    The man leading the troops from Qingyun Kingdom was Jiang Shihai, known as the Supporting Mountain King of Qingyun Kingdom, who is also the paternal uncle of Jiang Tianchen. In the initial clashes between the two kingdoms, Jiang Tianchen managed to halt the advance of Jiang Shihai''s forces by taking advantage of Po Jun City''s defenses.


    That was until the powerhouse of Great Jin Kingdom arrived on the battlefield.


    Three Tao Tribulation Realm experts attacked Jiang Tianchen at the same time, and the elite Golden Crow Guards of Great Jin Kingdom launched an assault, cutting down a hundred thousand elites of Tianqing Kingdom.


    This led to the fall of Po Jun City.


    Jiang Tianchen himself was taken prisoner, and when the experts from Great Jin Kingdom forced him to hand over Xiao Yi, he refused and was brutally killed. To this day, eight days later, Jiang Tianchen''s body has been hanging outside the gate of Po Jun City, marred by signs of decay, occasionally attracting flies to buzz and settle.


    In the sky, vultures circle and swoop down from time to time to snatch away pieces of flesh.


    The once-dignified King of Tianqing Kingdom not only died in battle but now his body was beyond recognition.


    If it weren''t for Jiang Tai leading his army here, upon seeing this scene, deploying ten divine archers to guard Jiang Tianchen''s corpse, and once they discovered any vultures immediately shooting them down with arrows, by now, Jiang Tianchen would probably be nothing but a skeleton.


    "Father Emperor..." sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Jiang Tai stood within the military camp, gazing at Jiang Tianchen, who was hanging above the city gate; his palms clenched into fists.


    His fingernails were also digging into his palms.


    Blood trickled down through the gaps between his fingers.


    "Crown Prince, messengers from the Qingyun Kingdom have delivered a letter!" Shi Yaoquan respectfully said, presenting the letter with both hands.


    The four Shi brothers had also set out with Jiang Tai to Po Jun City.


    Shi Yaoquan had already broken through to the Golden Core Realm, becoming the commander of Jiang Tai''s trusted aides.


    Jiang Tai took the letter, opened it, and his body suddenly staggered, nearly tumbling down.


    "Your Highness..."


    Shi Yaoquan, startled, quickly steadied Jiang Tai.


    Jiang Tai''s eyes were bloodshot, and the letter in his hand was crumpled into a ball, producing a creaking sound between his knuckles, "This is outrageous, absolutely outrageous!"


    "Your Highness, what exactly happened?" Shi Yaoquan asked in a shocked and puzzled tone, looking at Jiang Tai. In his memory, Jiang Tai had always been able to control his emotions well, never allowing his joy or anger to show. But now, he was visibly shaken by a letter.


    Jiang Tai, trembling, handed the crumpled letter to him.


    Shi Yaoquan quickly unfolded the wrinkled letter, and upon reading it, his complexion too changed drastically, "Is this, this, this the act of humans?"


    The letter stated...


    Only two hours remain of the three-day ultimatum. If Jiang Tai still refuses to hand over Xiao Yi within the next two hours, a cauldron of boiling oil will be placed outside Po Jun City, and Jiang Tianchen''s corpse will be fried in it!


    The corpse had been suspended for eight days, left to rot, in the utmost humiliation.


    And now they actually want to deep fry it?


    "Your Highness, we should..." Shi Yaoquan''s eyes were filled with blood.


    Jiang Tai took a deep breath, his teeth clenched, "Summon all the generals, mobilize the troops. The moment they dare to fry Father Emperor''s body, we will launch a full-scale attack!"


    "Yes!"


    Shi Yaoquan immediately withdrew.


    Shortly after.


    The central army tent.


    All the generals had gathered, looking at Jiang Tai, who had a face as dark as thunder. They glanced at each other, not even daring to breathe too loudly.


    They had already read the contents of that letter.


    Fearing they might provoke Jiang Tai.


    Left Army Commander Lei Ming hesitated for a long time, then with a toughened resolve, spoke in a grave voice, "Your Highness, given the current disparity in forces between us and the enemy, it is really not suitable to go to war!"


    "Not suitable to go to war? Then when is it suitable? Do we have to wait until they fry my father''s body for it to be suitable?"


    Jiang Tai smashed the table in front of him with a slap, his face grim, as he roared furiously.


    The right Imperial Censor muttered, "Actually... we just need to hand over Xiao Yi, and it would be fine. This whole mess was his doing..."


    "Idiots!"


    Jiang Tai looked at Shi Yaoquan, "Drag him out and chop his head off!"


    "Yes!"


    Shi Yaoquan immediately stepped forward, seized the Imperial Censor, who was only at the peak of the Divine Ability Realm, and dragged him out of the tent.


    The right Imperial Censor wailed miserably, "Spare me, Your Majesty, please spare me..."


    Jiang Tai''s gaze was ice-cold as he looked towards the crowd, every word deliberate, "Every single one of you listen up, you can die, I can die, Father Emperor can also die, but the Guardian Martial God must not die! As long as he lives, there is hope for our Tianqing Kingdom! If he stands, our nation stands, if he falls, our nation falls! Anyone who dares to speak such demoralizing words again, questioning the foundation of our nation, will be executed without mercy! Do you hear me?"


    "We will heed your orders with utmost care!"


    Fearfully and respectfully, they responded.


    Jiang Tai took a deep breath, narrowing his eyes, with a surge of fighting spirit, "Main army, prepare for battle!"

 Chapter 163 - 163: Why Has the Sky Darkened?

    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The war drums within and outside Po Jun City thundered, sounding like heaven''s wrath.


    The army of the Tianqing Kingdom was already fully equipped and ready to go, consisting of all the remaining soldiers, even the city guard soldiers from the royal capital were brought over. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Altogether, three hundred and fifty thousand.


    Inside Po Jun City, there were eight hundred and ten thousand troops from the Qingyun Kingdom, plus thirty thousand of the most elite Golden Crow Guards from the Great Jin Kingdom.


    These thirty thousand Golden Crow Guards were worth a hundred thousand ordinary soldiers.


    The battle drums roared, the banners flew against the clear sky, fluttering noisily.


    A menacing atmosphere spread across the dome of the sky, forming thick clouds that turned blood red in the sunset, like a crimson cloud hanging in the sky, exceptionally oppressive, making it difficult to breathe. In front of the formation, Jiang Tai, clad in golden armor, held a long spear in his hand, his face expressionless as he stared ahead.


    From within Po Jun City, black iron torrents of troops were pouring out in great numbers.


    Like ants emerging from their nest.


    To facilitate the movement of the army and also to obstruct the enemy, the entrance to Po Jun City was made particularly large, while the exit facing the Qingyun Kingdom was narrow.


    The massive armies of Qingyun Kingdom and Great Jin Kingdom spilled out of the city gates, scattering to both sides outside Po Jun City, dividing into two huge square formations of soldiers. The armies swiftly swelled to over five hundred thousand, and only then did Jiang Shihai slowly ride out on a fiery dragon-lion steed.


    Positioning himself in front of the troops.


    Jiang Shihai looked coldly at Jiang Tai and sneered, "Jiang Tai, little nephew, not greeting your uncle when you see him?"


    "Jiang Shihai..."


    Jiang Tai''s face turned steel blue as he gritted his teeth and said, "Return my father''s body to me!"


    "Return it? Of course, I will return it! But, I''ve made my terms clear to you. If you hand over Xiao Yi, not only will I return Jiang Tianchen''s body to you, but I will also immediately withdraw my troops!" Jiang Shihai said indifferently, resting his elbow on the saddle and leaning to the side as he chuckled, "Of course, if you refuse, soon your father''s body will be returned to you fried in oil!"


    Jiang Tai''s eyes split with rage as he roared, "Jiang Shihai, we are both of the Jiang clan, from the same root, why be so hasty to turn on each other!"


    "Hahaha, when your old ancestor dubiously snatched the Tianqing Kingdom''s rulership, did he consider we were from the same root?"


    Jiang Shihai laughed scornfully, "It seems you are reluctant to hand over Xiao Yi. Tsk tsk, I thought you, being younger, would know how to read the situation and understand that a good bird chooses the tree it perches on. I didn''t expect you to be as foolish as he was, wagering the fate of an entire kingdom for someone who has no relation to you? Ridiculous, truly ridiculous!"


    "Xiao Yi is the Guardian Martial God of Tianqing Kingdom; as long as he lives, Tianqing shall not perish. I, Jiang Tai, can die, my father can die, all of my Jiang family can die, but he alone cannot die!"


    Jiang Tai pronounced each word distinctly, his voice unwavering with determination.


    These words were what Jiang Tianchen had once said to him.


    All along.


    Jiang Tianchen had always been a wise and sagacious ruler, leaving an indelible mark in Jiang Tai''s heart.


    If Jiang Tianchen was willing to sacrifice his life and wage war for Xiao Yi.


    Naturally, Jiang Tai would not go against Jiang Tianchen''s wishes.


    "Fool! I really don''t understand what kind of spell Xiao Yi has cast on you, but since you''re so stubborn, don''t blame me then!"


    Jiang Shihai shook his head in contempt and sneered, "Someone, bring out the oil cauldron; let''s show the Tianqing Kingdom a performance of frying an emperor!"


    "Frying an emperor!"


    "Hahaha, my lord, this will surely be a dish to be remembered through the ages!"


    Generals under the Qingyun Kingdom laughed aloud.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Dozens of soldiers pushed out a cauldron of boiling oil, under which wood was stacked to stoke a fierce fire.


    Bubbles continuously erupted from the oil cauldron, exploding and spraying scalding hot oil onto the ground with a hissing sound.


    Creak! Creak! Creak!


    Two Qingyun Kingdom soldiers slowly operated the ropes, gently lowering Jiang Tianchen''s body down, one in front and one behind, carrying Jiang Tianchen''s corpse towards the cauldron. By the side of the cauldron, both men were ready, just waiting for Jiang Shihai''s order to throw Jiang Tianchen''s body into the oil.


    Jiang Shihai slowly raised his right hand, smirking coldly as he looked at Jiang Tai. "Within three breaths, if you choose to surrender and hand Xiao Yi over to me, I will return the body to you!"


    Thud!


    Jiang Tai dismounted from his horse with a flip.


    Shi Yaoquan and a host of other generals and soldiers did the same, dismounting in unison.


    Hundreds of thousands of men, uniformly coordinated.


    Thud!


    One by one, they knelt on the ground.


    Jiang Tai''s eyes were bloodshot, he clenched his steel teeth so hard that blood seeped from the corners of his lips as he roared, "Father, may you have a safe journey ahead!"


    "Your Majesty, may you have a safe journey ahead!"


    "Your Majesty, take your time!"


    Jiang Shihai''s eyebrows were tightly furrowed. He had already counted to two, but Jiang Tai''s actions were causing him great irritation and anger. He shouted, "Since you all remain so obstinate, you can''t blame me! Blow him up!"


    "Yes!"


    Two soldiers carried the corpse of Jiang Tianchen and ascended to the platform next to the cauldron of oil.


    With a loud bang, Jiang Tai flipped back onto his horse.


    Clang, clang, clang!


    The generals and soldiers mounted their horses simultaneously.


    Pointing his spear forward, Jiang Tai roared, "Generals and soldiers, follow me into battle!"


    "Kill! Kill! Kill!"


    "Kill¡­"


    Rumble!


    Three hundred and fifty thousand warriors, in uniform motion, their voices shaking the heavens.


    As the saying goes, mournful troops are sure to win!


    In the hearts of every soldier of the Tianqing Kingdom, there burned a fierce rage, watching helplessly as their sovereign was about to be thrown into a cauldron of oil and fried alive. Every Tianqing Kingdom soldier wished they could tear into the enemies of the Qingyun Kingdom with their bare hands.


    "Blow him up!"


    Jiang Shihai unsheathed his longsword. As the sword swept across the sky and his fighting spirit soared, he bellowed, "My sons, follow me into battle!"


    Rumble!


    The armies of both sides surged forward simultaneously.


    They were like two cataclysmic floods, madly rushing towards each other.


    The earth roared and the mountains trembled.


    The armies were separated by a few miles, but as they charged at full strength, they grew ever closer.


    It appeared that the two forces were about to collide.


    The two soldiers had already climbed onto the platform, lifting high the body of Jiang Tianchen and were about to throw it into the cauldron of oil. But just as they looked up, their pupils suddenly shrank; a black dot had appeared in the blue sky above them. The dot grew nearer and larger, eventually filling their sight.


    It even turned into a vast black shadow that covered half the battlefield.


    "Why has the sky darkened?"


    "What''s happening?"


    "You¡ªyou all look, what is that thing in the sky?"


    Sudden cries of alarm rang out from the crowd.


    Even the charging armies instinctively slowed, looking up towards the heavens. And when they did, everyone''s face changed¡­

 Chapter 164 - 164: Throwing Thousands of Mountains, Slaughtering a Hundred Thousand Enemies!

    "Is that... a mountain?"


    "How can a mountain fly in the sky?"


    The faces of the crowd were filled with astonishment.


    Jiang Shihai''s face suddenly changed. He, riding on a fierce Flame Dragon Lion, turned back to look at his own troops behind him, who had been stunned by the flying mountain peak, and roared, "Get out of the way, all of you, move..."


    However...


    His voice was completely drowned out by the whistling sound of the falling mountain.


    "Damn it..."


    Jiang Shihai''s face turned ashen, but with the mountain peak now only a hundred meters away, all he could do was flip off his mount and land heavily, placing his hands on the ground, he roared, "Rise!"


    Boom, boom, boom!


    Waves of elemental energy surged from within him and poured into the earth.


    The ground shook as if a dragon beneath the earth had turned over.


    Boom boom boom! sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With Jiang Shihai at the center, mounds of earth rose from the ground, standing tall around his body. They protected the hundred thousand soldiers inside the mounds, and although they tried to spread outward, it was already too late. With a thunderous crash, the giant mountain peak rolled down.


    Boom, boom, boom...


    Heaven and earth shook. The sun and the moon lost their light. To the soldiers, it seemed as though the entire world had turned to darkness.


    The massive mountain, hundreds of meters high and enormously large, fell violently, shattering the ground. The terrifying impact destroyed tens of thousands of soldiers, crushing them into pulp, and then, propelled by the huge force of the impact, the mountain rolled madly on.


    Boom, boom, boom!


    The mountain continued to crush everything in its path.


    Along the way, soldiers from the Qingyun Kingdom screamed in agony, "Run, run for your life..."


    "Help me..."


    "I don''t want to die..."


    Countless soldiers scattered in all directions, in utter disarray.


    But how could they escape under the rolling of this several hundred-meter-high mountain?


    Where the nest is overturned, no eggs remain intact.


    When the mountain finally stopped several miles away, the earth was caved in, and within those cavities were corpses everywhere, all crushed to bits, and the number of injured was countless, with severed hands, severed legs, bodies cleaved in half... each lying in pools of blood, wailing, screaming, like a depiction of hell on earth.


    This mountain had crushed nearly a hundred thousand as it rolled past!


    After all.


    The closeness of the troops during the charge had been too great.


    Besides being crushed by the mountain, many others were trampled to death by their own comrades and horses.


    All was silent between heaven and earth.


    The cold wind howled sharply, the horizon was clear for thousands of miles, the setting sun hung in the sky, yet it gave a desolate and bone-chilling cold feeling.


    Even the likes of Jiang Tai and the other champions from the Tianqing Kingdom, were dumbfounded at this moment, their faces perplexed, "What... what''s going on? Did the Qingyun Kingdom incur the wrath of the heavens?"


    "I''ve never heard of a mountain falling from the sky..."


    "No, it''s not the wrath of the heavens, look quickly..." Shi Yaoqian suddenly bellowed from the crowd.


    The crowd looked up.


    They saw yet another mountain slowly flying from the horizon, but the focus of everyone''s gaze was not on the mountain, but on the figure below it, holding up the several hundred-meter-high mountain with a single hand. Compared to the massive mountain, that figure was not large, even minuscule, but at that moment, it gave off an impression of a divine demon descending to the world.


    With one hand holding up the hundred-meter-high mountain, he proceeded through the sky.


    What tremendous strength was this?


    "That''s... The Guardian War God!"


    "The Guardian War God? Xiao Yi?"


    Jiang Tai was also shocked, squinting his eyes to scrutinize that figure, and when he saw the familiar face, joy erupted on his face. But that joy quickly turned to horror, "No, this cannot be... Xiao Yi, leave quickly, go..."


    As he had said before, he could die, Jiang Tianchen could die, everyone in the Tianqing Kingdom could die!


    But Xiao Yi could not!


    Xiao Yi was the beacon of hope for the Tianqing Kingdom.


    And now...


    It wasn''t just Jiang Shihai from the Tao Tribulation Realm here, but also two experts from the Great Jin Dynasty within the same realm.


    The Great Jin Kingdom, ranking first among the more than one hundred affiliated nations under the Great Qian Dynasty, was a country with numerous powerful individuals, including the existence of a Dharma Manifestation Realm. Such a behemoth was far beyond what the Tianqing Kingdom could contend with¡ªall the more so if Xiao Yi hadn''t shown up, the experts of the Great Jin Kingdom might not have taken action.


    But Xiao Yi had appeared...


    And the experts of the Great Jin Kingdom would definitely not let him leave.


    Boom!


    The mound covering Jiang Shihai and others vanished. Jiang Shihai turned back to gaze upon the mountains of corpses and seas of blood, his eyes blood-red with fury as he glared at Xiao Yi, "Xiao Yi? I didn''t expect you to actually show yourself? Good, very good, you..."


    Before he could finish his sentence.


    Xiao Yi threw the giant mountain in his hand once again.


    Swish!


    The vast peak plummeted from the sky, faster than the previous one and even more massive.


    "Damn it!"


    Jiang Shihai''s threats turned into an expletive as he hurriedly raised up dirt mounds again.


    The gigantic mountain slammed onto the mounds with a thunderous impact.


    Boom!


    The mounds burst apart, and the shockwave from the collision caused many hiding warriors'' organs to shatter. As the mountain rolled over, it crushed tens of thousands of soldiers, and while the second mountain was mightier than the first, the casualties were not as staggering due to the soldiers spreading out.


    Even so...


    After two waves of attacks, nearly two hundred thousand soldiers from the Qingyun Kingdom were lost.


    Almost a hundred thousand died in battle, with the injured numbering well over a hundred thousand.


    This army of five hundred thousand was nearly decimated by half!


    Swish!


    Seizing the chaos on the battlefield, Xiao Yi teleported, charging toward the cauldron like a shooting star.


    "Let go!"


    With a reach across the distance, Xiao Yi pulled Jiang Tianchen''s corpse into his grasp, hoisting it onto his shoulder. Casting a glance at the boiling cauldron, with a sweep of his hand, the two soldiers responsible for carrying Jiang Tianchen''s body were thrown into the oil by him.


    Hissss!


    The moment the two entered the cauldron, it began to boil fiercely.


    "Help..."


    "Ah..."


    Screams were quickly submerged by the scalding oil.


    When Jiang Shihai emerged from the mounds once more, Xiao Yi had already returned to stand before Jiang Tai and others, carrying Jiang Tianchen''s body with heavy steps.


    Thump!


    Jiang Tai fell to his knees, holding back tears as he roared, "Welcome back, Your Majesty!"


    "Welcome back, Your Majesty..."


    Soldier after soldier knelt on the ground in unison.


    Their cries resounded to the heavens.


    Xiao Yi slowly placed Jiang Tianchen onto the back of the Tianqing wild ox, his regular mount.


    Moo!


    The Tianqing wild ox bellowed mournfully to the sky, tears welling in its eyes.


    Xiao Yi tore down the military flag and covered Jiang Tianchen''s body with it.


    Taking the Fire Qilin Sword in hand, he led the Tianqing wild ox and pointed forward, "Tianqing Kingdom''s generals, will you follow me into battle?"


    Three hundred and fifty thousand soldiers roared in unison...


    "Kill! Kill! Kill!"

 Chapter 165 - 165: Cutting Down the Dao Tribulation Effortlessly

    "Kill! Kill! Kill!"


    Three hundred and fifty thousand soldiers of the Tianqing Kingdom marched mightily, led by Xiao Yi, they charged at the army of Qingyun Kingdom, which had already lost its formation.


    In the standoff between the two armies, the beleaguered troops of Tianqing Kingdom already possessed superior morale.


    Now, with Xiao Yi having thrown mountains and annihilated two hundred thousand troops, the morale of the Tianqing Kingdom''s army was deeply invigorated.


    What diminished one side only made the other grow stronger.


    Under the onslaught of the Tianqing Kingdom''s army, the Qingyun Kingdom''s soldiers were ground down like meat through a grinder.


    Defeat spread like a landslide.


    Atop the city tower of Po Jun City,


    stood two figures, a man and a woman, hands behind their backs, they were the Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouses from the Great Jin Kingdom.


    The man was the Guardian Martial God of the Great Jin Kingdom''s Eastern Factory, Yu Huaxian, and the woman was the leader of the Great Jin Kingdom''s foremost intelligence organization, known as ''the Lady in Red'', Li Moqiu.


    "Guardian Yu, aren''t you going to take action?" Li Moqiu said calmly.


    Yin and yang indistinguishable in his voice, Yu Huaxian''s slender fingers gently pinched the strands of hair by his temples, his orchid-like fingertips causing Li Moqiu to frown slightly, "Why should I? It''s not the citizens of Great Jin who are dying!"


    "Are we just going to watch?" asked Li Moqiu.


    With a giggle, Yu Huaxian covered his mouth, "Don''t you find it beautiful to watch a bunch of ants slaughtering each other, their blood and corpses piling up?"


    As he spoke, his crimson tongue licked around his lips.


    His eyes glinted with excitement.


    Li Moqiu frowned slightly and huffed, "The mission is led by you; we will follow your command!"


    "No rush, no rush!"


    Yu Huaxian smiled and watched Xiao Yi gallop through the crowd on his horse as if he owned the field, his eyes brimming with excitement and greed, "Such a handsome young man, so powerful yet so young. Those two mountains just now would not be so easily lifted even by me. No wonder Xue Yilou wants him so badly. Hmm, before handing him over to Xue Yilou, I must savor this young man!"


    Li Moqiu''s eyes twitched as a deep repulsion crossed her face.


    Meanwhile, on the battlefield,


    the winds and clouds transformed, and the army of Tianqing Kingdom was unstoppable.


    Xiao Yi, like a god of slaughter from ancient times, allowed no one to come within thirty feet of him.


    Wherever he passed, the dead piled up like mountains; blood flowed like rivers!


    "Cease!"


    Jiang Shihai mounted his fiery dragon lion, charging forth like wind and fire. Tianqing Kingdom''s soldiers were sent flying by his rush, then immolated to ash by the flames belching from his mount. In no time, he was face to face with Xiao Yi, "You wretched little bastard, how dare you slaughter my soldiers. Your death is certain!"


    "Hasn''t the Great Qian Dynasty decreed that Tao Tribulation Realm experts shouldn''t directly partake in battles? You are overstepping the mark!" Xiao Yi''s gaze was icy as he stared down Jiang Shihai.


    Jiang Shihai laughed coldly, "Rules are meant to bind the weak. With the Great Jin Kingdom at my back, so long as I slay all of you, who would know I have intervened?"


    Only because of the special relationship between the two kingdoms did Jiang Shihai dare to act.


    The two nations, though of one lineage, had been splintered apart for a millennium.


    If he could unite them single-handedly, then he would be the unparalleled hero of the Qingyun Kingdom.


    His name would live on for eternity, spoken of through the ages!


    Jiang Shihai, the Supporting Mountain King of Qingyun Kingdom, was also a powerhouse of the Second Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm. Now, all he sought was the pinnacle of Martial Arts and prestige.


    It was precisely because of this¡­


    That he threw all caution to the wind and intervened personally!


    Xiao Yi shook his head, "Ever heard of ''the mantis trying to stop the chariot''?"


    "Hmm?"


    Jiang Shihai was taken aback.


    Xiao Yi said, "You, are that mantis!"


    "Insolent brat!"


    Jiang Shihai became furious. He, the illustrious Supporting Mountain King, a second-level Tao Tribulation Realm master, was being called a mantis overestimating its own strength by Xiao Yi. His complexion turned thunderous, "You arrogant mongrel, let this king see what the Guardian Martial God of Tianqing is made of!"


    Boom!


    Jiang Shihai spurred his fiery dragon lion.


    Roar!


    The fiery dragon lion, a rank six lower-tier demonic beast, comparable to a First Layer Tao Tribulation Realm expert, was shrouded in soaring flames. The mane around its neck licked the air like tongues of fire, and with an open mouth, it shot a fierce fireball.


    "Little Lin!"


    Xiao Yi muttered with a cold snort.


    Swoosh!


    A streak of silver light burst forth from his arms ¨C it was Little Lin, who had reached the sixth tier.


    "Holy shit..."


    Little Lin faced the fireball as it appeared, its silver scales shining brilliantly. With a fierce open mouth, it swallowed the fireball whole.


    Hiss!


    Little Lin''s belly abruptly swelled into a round ball, as if it might burst at any moment!


    The ferocious Dragon-Lion roared like thunder, laughing heartily, "Where did this little snake come from, daring to swallow this Lion King''s attack? You can go to die now!"


    However...


    The words of the ferocious Dragon-Lion had barely faded. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Little Lin suddenly spewed out a cloud of black smoke, its distended belly deflating back to normal. After belching contentedly, Little Lin''s emerald-green eyes rolled, staring intently at the ferocious Dragon-Lion, "Where did this big cat come from? A mere fireball wants to kill the young master? Such a delusion!"


    "Roar! Little snake, you''re courting death!"


    The ferocious Dragon-Lion charged at him furiously.


    Little Lin''s body shone with silver light as he suddenly grew larger.


    Transforming into a ten-zhang long snake, he tangled with the ferocious Dragon-Lion.


    Meanwhile...


    The battle between Xiao Yi and Jiang Shihai also erupted in full force. Jiang Shihai wielded a long spear. The tip gleamed with silver light, the dark shaft was tall and slender, adorned with the pattern of a dragon and tiger, the tassels fluttering, "Pierce through the dragon!"


    That spear thrust came at lightning speed.


    Vital energy was vigorous, clinging to the spear shaft like a dark yellow flood dragon, charging with bared teeth and claws.


    Xiao Yi swept his sword horizontally across his chest to block.


    Clang!


    A sharp sound resonated in the air.


    A burst of firelight shot into the sky as the spear tip struck the sword.


    Xiao Yi remained motionless.


    Jiang Shihai''s spear, however, bent completely under the enormous force, the shaft bowing like a full arch. No matter how much he exerted himself, he still couldn''t shake Xiao Yi in the slightest. This left Jiang Shihai utterly dumbfounded, "Impossible... This kid clearly hasn''t reached the Tao Tribulation Realm, so how can he possess such terrifying strength?"


    "With just this level of ability, you think you can kill me?"


    Xiao Yi smiled relaxedly, then his eyes suddenly narrowed into slits, the smile on his face dissipating instantaneously, replaced by a trace of coldness, "Let me show you what real power is!"


    As soon as he finished speaking,


    Xiao Yi flicked the blade of his sword with his left hand, and with a humming resonance, the Fire Qilin Sword trembled violently.


    The quivering force transmitted from the tip to the shaft of the spear, growing more terrifying by the second.


    Hum hum!


    The long spear was almost shaken out of Jiang Shihai''s hands.


    "What?"


    Jiang Shihai looked astounded. He gripped the end of the spear tightly and finally managed to stabilize it, but his palm was burst open from the vibration, blood dripping down. He looked at Xiao Yi in shock, "Just a light flick on the blade, and such a terrifying force? Can this guy really not be from the Tao Tribulation Realm?"


    At that moment, Jiang Shihai no longer looked down on Xiao Yi, as his gaze became extremely solemn.


    Little did he know...


    Though Xiao Yi wasn''t in the Tao Tribulation Realm, he was surpassing it.


    Limitless Golden Elixir with twenty loops!


    In terms of sheer strength and vital energy, he was already comparable to a Second Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm expert.


    Moreover...


    Xiao Yi''s ability to fight above his level was already far beyond that of his peers. How could his strength be comparable to Jiang Shihai''s?


    "Take my sword!"


    Xiao Yi brandished his sword from afar, "Torrents descend three thousand feet!"


    Hum!


    Sword shadows flickered and fluttered, one splitting into two, two into four...


    In the blink of an eye, dense sword shadows fell from the sky like a three thousand feet waterfall.


    "Black Dragon Searches the Sea!"


    "Dragon Battles in the Wilderness..."


    Jiang Shihai consecutively deployed his strongest spear techniques, but he simply couldn''t stop the endless waves of sword energy. Overwhelmed by the sword waves, he was forced to retreat in panic, while Xiao Yi pressed on relentlessly.


    Boom!


    The long spear was chopped away fiercely.


    "No..."


    Jiang Shihai''s eyes nearly split with fury as he turned to look in the direction of Po Jun City, "Lord Yu... Save me..."


    "Xiao Yi, stop!"


    A voice, indistinguishable between Yin and Yang, came from Yu Huaxian as he walked alone in the sky, hands behind his back.


    However...


    Xiao Yi merely glanced at him, his longsword not ceasing!


    Thud thud thud!


    A series of sword lights pierced through his body, severing his hands, cutting off his legs. Following up with a thrust of the spear, he impaled Jiang Shihai''s body, then with a fierce toss, Jiang Shihai''s body was flung out with a swoosh and fell with a thud into the bubbling cauldron, his hysterical screams filling the air.


    Supporting Mountain King of Qingyun Kingdom, the formidable Second Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm expert Jiang Shihai, was fried to a golden crisp...

 Chapter 166 - 166 Who Won

    ```


    In the cauldron of oil.


    Jiang Shihai''s body had already been fried to a golden brown, bubbling up and down with the hot oil. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The smile on the nonchalantly walking Yu Huaxian''s face solidified, his venomous eyes locked onto Xiao Yi and he said deliberately and slowly, "Didn''t you hear this overseer tell you to stop?"


    "Who the hell are you?"


    Xiao Yi looked up at him, snorted coldly, "I don''t like talking to people looking up. Come down here!"


    Whoosh!


    His right hand reached into the void.


    In the void, the qi became like silk threads, forming a giant qi palm that grasped Yu Huaxian and smashed him forcefully towards the ground.


    Yu Huaxian had not expected Xiao Yi to strike without a word.


    It was too late to counter.


    Boom!


    The elegant, effeminate Yu Huaxian was slapped harshly into the ground, half of his body buried in the earth, his face a picture of bewilderment as he looked up at Xiao Yi above him.


    Xiao Yi looked down from above, nodding in satisfaction, "That''s much more comfortable!"


    "You, you..."


    Yu Huaxian was so enraged that his hair stood on end, his eyes blood-red.


    Fury!


    Extreme fury!


    He was the overseer of the Eastern Factory in the Great Jin Kingdom, a figure of renown even amongst the sea of powerful beings in Great Jin. Even the lofty officials and wealthy gentry of the Great Jin had to address him respectfully as Overseer Yu!


    But now...


    He had been half buried in the ground with a slap by a boy not even twenty years old?


    Boom!


    Rumble!


    Gusts of wind erupted from Yu Huaxian''s body, the ground thundering and trembling, violently churning around him as the epicenter.


    Fierce cracks spread in all directions.


    The cracks grew more numerous and wider.


    Like a spider''s web.


    The surrounding land was lifted several meters high, and the ground around Yu Huaxian burst apart as he extricated himself. Floating in the air, a sweep of the wind around him blew the dust away, his cold eyes filled with ferocity, fixed on Xiao Yi, "You little bastard, you''ve completely enraged this overseer!"


    "What''s with the androgynous act here? Stop your meaningless yapping!" Xiao Yi said with a disgusted scold.


    "An-androgynous?"


    Yu Huaxian''s face suddenly stiffened.


    Rage!


    Livid with rage!


    The thing he hated most was to be described as androgynous!


    Yu Huaxian spat viciously, pointing at Xiao Yi with a pinching gesture, and growled, "This overseer didn''t want to hurt you, but now this overseer has changed his mind!"


    "Scram!"


    Xiao Yi slapped him away.


    Yu Huaxian snorted coldly, "Ignorant fool, you mistook my oversight for weakness. Do you think the same trick would work twice?"


    Yu Huaxian easily waved and smashed the qi palm into pieces.


    He said smugly, "See that, you..."


    Bang!


    His words were cut off abruptly.


    Xiao Yi''s palm had contained a surge of Sword Qi; Yu Huaxian managed to shatter the qi palm, but failed to guard against the Sword Qi blast.


    It sent him flying, burying his body halfway into the ground once again, and Xiao Yi quickly followed up.


    Strike the sick, take the life!


    He kicked towards Yu Huaxian''s face.


    Bang!


    Yu Huaxian''s chin took the blow, his body spinning like a top with a clump of earth as he was thrown through the air, rolling dozens of meters before coming to a stop.


    "You little bastard, bastard... You''ve dirtied this overseer''s clothes? Damn it, you deserve to die a thousand deaths..."


    ```


    Yu Huaxian trembled and struggled to his feet, looking at his pristine white robe now sullied with mud and blood, even with chunks of flesh hanging on his belt. His eyes were completely covered with a blazing red as he raged uncontrollably, "Xiao Yi, if I don''t flay you a thousand times, I won''t be able to quell the hatred in my heart!"


    Boom!


    Yu Huaxian leaped into the air, flicking his wrist, and in the blink of an eye, a series of silver needles whizzed through the air.


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!


    The needles broke through the sky, trailing bright red threads.


    They wove into a dazzling red peony in mid-air as Yu Huaxian''s voice, indistinct between Yin and Yang, sent chills down the spine, "A thought and the flower blooms!"


    Swoosh!


    The peony flower actually burst into full bloom.


    And those blooming petals were numerous needles and red threads linked together, as if each needle had its own renowned name, firing towards Xiao Yi from different directions.


    There were simply too many needles.


    Xiao Yi tapped the ground and leaped backward to retreat.


    Bang!


    The needles landed where he had been standing, burrowing into the ground, and as Yu Huaxian gave a tug on the threads, a clump of earth heavy as a hut was lifted high into the air. It was shredded by the red threads in mid-flight, and in a flash, countless needles charged at Xiao Yi once more.


    Xiao Yi fought as he retreated.


    The crisp sounds of clashing echoed continuously.


    The Fire Qilin Sword collided with the needles, emitting a series of dazzling sparks.


    "The Epiphyllum blooms for but a moment!"


    As Yu Huaxian''s fingers weaved an otherworldly sequence, the incoming needles and red threads suddenly vanished.


    Xiao Yi first froze, then immediately felt a chill up his spine.


    Instinctively, he swung the Fire Qilin Sword behind him.


    Ting Ting Ting!


    A series of crisp sounds followed and a great force pushed Xiao Yi forward.


    "Not good!"


    Xiao Yi''s pupils dilated instantly, as dozens of needles appeared out of thin air ahead of him, coming straight at him.


    In a critical moment,


    Xiao Yi instinctively executed a sword move: "Parting the White Egrets on the Twin Waters!"


    This was a move from the "Qinglian Sword Song."


    With a thrust forward, rolling waves of air formed on the blade, splitting everything in front ahead into two halves.


    The air, the wind, and even those needles.


    All were split apart.


    They flew past Xiao Yi on either side, and he seized the opportunity to burst forward, breaking through the needle blockade and closing the distance with Yu Huaxian. Yu Huaxian was at the Fifth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm, and his tactics were extremely bizarre and skilled in ranged attacks; Xiao Yi had to close the distance between them.


    "The Torrent Plunges Down Three Thousand Feet!"


    The sword shadows transformed into a waterfall, pouring down.


    The numerous needles before him were shattered.


    Yu Huaxian''s pupils shrank, the sharp sword point now only half a foot from his brow as he stumbled backward. Meanwhile, his hands weaved in front of him, red threads forming the shape of an ancient zither, as Yu Huaxian''s slender palms gently fluttered across the strings.


    Zeng Zeng Zeng!


    Amidst the ear-piercing sound of the zither, countless red-threaded needles burst forth.


    The needles and the sword shadows, like the point of a needle against a wheat awn.


    They collided, dissipating one another!


    "Nine Swords Unite as One!"


    Xiao Yi merged all his sword shadows into unity, jabbing forward with one thrust.


    Yu Huaxian''s expressionless face, hands pressed forcefully on the zither strings, "A Hundred Flowers Blossom Together!"


    Countless needles and red threads woven into an image of a hundred flowers competing in beauty, the blossoms exploded, and the collision of swords and needles made the void around them seem to stand still.


    In the blink of an eye¡­


    Boom!


    An eye-blinding orb of light appeared out of nowhere.


    Right after, the orb expanded tenfold and burst with a loud bang.


    In an instant, Xiao Yi and Yu Huaxian were engulfed in the brilliance.


    Above the battlefield, everyone stopped fighting and looked towards the gradually dimming orb of light: "Who won?"

 Chapter 167 - 167: Unrivaled with Me!

    "Who won?"


    All eyes were fixed on the light orb that was gradually shrinking.


    Even on the walls of Po Jun City, another expert from the Great Jin Kingdom at the Tao Tribulation Realm, Li Moqiu, was squinting his eyes into slits at this moment.


    Suddenly...


    The light faded, revealing a silhouette.


    "Is it him?"


    "Hahaha, we won, Yu won¡­"


    "The bastards of the Tianqing Kingdom, your Guardian Martial God has lost!"


    The figure appearing within the light was none other than Yu Huaxian, and at that moment, the faces of everyone from the Qingyun Kingdom showed ecstatic joy.


    The death of Jiang Shihai had dealt a heavy blow to their morale.


    But if Yu Huaxian could kill Xiao Yi, it would be a tremendous boost for them as well.


    "No, that''s not right¡­"


    An exclamation of surprise suddenly came from the crowd.


    As the light dissipated from Yu Huaxian''s body, a red light appeared on his forehead¡ªit was unmistakably the Fire Qilin Sword. The blade was breathing out fierce red flames, pointing directly at Yu Huaxian''s forehead. As the light faded away, the body of the Fire Qilin Sword was revealed.


    And holding the Fire Qilin Sword, floating in the air was Xiao Yi!


    Xiao Yi had not been defeated!


    He had won!


    In the midst of the battlefield...


    The people of the Tianqing Kingdom let out a collective sigh of relief, followed by excited roars: "With our Guardian Martial God, we are invincible!"


    "How could our Guardian Martial God possibly lose?"


    "The bastards of the Qingyun Kingdom, go to hell¡­"


    Jiang Tai let out a roar that reached the heavens, waving his spear with one arm, his fighting spirit soaring endlessly: "Wipe them all out!"


    On the other side.


    Little Lin bit down on the neck of the Flaming Dragon Lion, its silvery body coiling mightily, entangling the Flaming Dragon Lion tightly. Its terrifying power crushed the Flaming Dragon Lion''s bones to powder, the sickening cracks accompanying the desperate screams of the beast, before its massive body fell to the ground with a thud.


    Roar!


    Little Lin let out a furious roar towards the sky.


    In the void.


    Xiao Yi stood holding his sword, the corner of his mouth dripping with blood, but his eyes were bright: "You, lost!"


    Spurt!


    Yu Huaxian''s body trembled, blood uncontrollably spraying from his orifices, his face revealing a pitiful and bitter smile: "You... really aren''t at the Tao Tribulation Realm?"


    Xiao Yi shook his head, "No!"


    "Not at Tao Tribulation, yet you surpass it¡­"


    Yu Huaxian stared intently at Xiao Yi for a moment, before bitterly smiling, "I lost, losing to someone like you isn''t an injustice! Strike now!"


    Yu Huaxian had a resigned look and closed his eyes.


    Xiao Yi raised his eyebrow, about to take action when suddenly, a noise tore through the air, and Xiao Yi reflexively swung his sword to his side.


    Thud!


    The heavy impact nearly shattered Xiao Yi''s eardrums, and the wild force sent him flying.


    His body spun several rotations in the air before it finally stopped.


    No sooner had Xiao Yi steadied himself than he tapped the void with the tip of his foot, springing upwards. He turned around mid-leap for a sword strike: "A Stroke That Surprises the Wind and Rain!"


    Pitter-patter!


    The rain of swords surged, like a torrential downpour.


    In front of him was a nine-section crimson whip, covered in silver knives that gleamed with poison. A nick would seal one''s throat upon bleeding. Fortunately, Xiao Yi had chosen retreat earlier; if he had been hit by this poisonous whip, the consequences would have been unimaginable.


    The rain of swords surged, repelling the long whip.


    Crimson Fairy Li Moqiu stood mid-air, whip in hand, her phoenix eyes filled with surprise as she sized up Xiao Yi: "No wonder even Yu Huaxian is no match for you. You indeed have some skills!"


    "Who are you?" Xiao Yi asked, narrowing his eyes.


    "Crimson Fairy Li Moqiu!"


    Li Moqiu spoke indifferently, "You''re much more formidable than that trash Jiang Tianchen!"


    "Jiang Tianchen was killed by you?" Xiao Yi asked with a frown.


    Li Moqiu shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly, speaking carelessly, "I told him to hand you over, but he refused, so I lashed him a few times. I never expected such an old fool to be so useless, dying from my lashes alone."


    Xiao Yi said, "You, deserve to die!"


    Jiang Tianchen had treated him with true kindness.


    And it was to protect him that Jiang Tianchen was killed by Li Moqiu.


    This vengeance must be avenged!


    "Kill me? You should be thinking about how to save your own little life!"


    Li Moqiu coldly smiled, her scarlet tongue licking her lips like a venomous crimson chain viper about to strike its prey.


    All of a sudden.


    Li Moqiu''s mouth slightly curled up, her figure becoming blurred.


    Xiao Yi''s pupils shrank. "Afterimage?"


    Realizing what was happening, Xiao Yi turned and struck at the same time, but behind him was still an afterimage, the crimson sword light shattering it. However, Li Moqiu''s chilly laughter came to his ears, "Not bad, a pity you''re still one step too slow!"


    Swish!


    The crimson nine-section whip pierced through Xiao Yi''s body.


    A look of amusement appeared on her face. "Little guy, you''re still too green to fight me!"


    "That''s not necessarily true!"


    Xiao Yi''s voice, ghostlike, rang out beside her ear, causing Li Moqiu''s pores to erupt.


    The Xiao Yi in front of her, who had been pierced by the nine-section whip, also rippled and blurred into an afterimage, just like water.


    Li Moqiu cursed inwardly.


    The nine-section whip whistled, coiling around her body, forming whip rings that fell down, trying to protect her body beneath them. But her actions were still one step too late, the whip had just coiled around her neck when she heard a clear ''ding'' sound. It was Xiao Yi blocking the nine-section whip with the Fire Qilin Sword and reaching out with his palm at the same time.


    "Vajra Subdues Demons!" S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He slapped his palm onto Li Moqiu''s shoulder.


    Wow!


    Li Moqiu violently spat out a mouthful of blood, tumbling down like a kite with its string cut.


    Xiao Yi pointed with his longsword, entangling the nine-section whip, and pulled back at the same time.


    Li Moqiu, who was falling, suddenly jerked as she was pulled back. Xiao Yi''s right hand lifted, and with a fierce downward elbow strike.


    Bang!


    The elbow landed on the back of Li Moqiu''s head.


    Hum!


    Stars swirled before Li Moqiu''s eyes, her head spinning, feeling as if her head no longer belonged to her.


    Xiao Yi''s attack was not yet over.


    He dived down in an instant, catching up to Li Moqiu, his body spinning like a top, and a heavy whip kick viciously struck her waist.


    Thud!


    The kick possessed an incredibly powerful force.


    She was forcefully kicked back into midair, with Xiao Yi relentlessly following, his fists pounding out like phantoms.


    Bang bang bang!


    Each punch was unreserved, all hitting Li Moqiu''s body.


    Her body had completely deformed!


    Almost all her bones were smashed.


    Tendons shattered.


    All her internal organs were damaged.


    Blood sprayed from her seven orifices.


    With every strike from Xiao Yi, she was lifted tens of meters, now positioned hundreds of zhang in the air. Xiao Yi violently surged heavenward, surpassing Li Moqiu, and as she watched in despair, a sword fell, "A thousand miles in Jiangling, returned in a single day!"


    Swish!


    A silver river of swords appeared in the void.


    The sword river fell from the sky, engulfing Li Moqiu.


    Li Moqiu was like a sailboat navigating the river of swords, plummeting from the sky with a boom, and with a thunderous crash, she fell from the high sky down to the ground. In the blink of an eye, Li Moqiu crashed to the earth with a bang.


    The silver river of swords composed of countless sword shadows followed closely behind.


    Boom boom boom!


    The earth shook, and mountains collapsed!


    The ground continued to sink, and when the sword light dissipated, a giant pit dozens of meters deep appeared on the battlefield.


    The pit was funnel-shaped, at the bottom lay a corpse so mangled it was unrecognizable, lying in a pool of blood.


    Xiao Yi stood proudly in midair, his longsword like a dragon, his roar shattering the sky, "With me, invincible!"


    On the battlefield.


    The hundreds of thousands of Tianqing Kingdom''s grand army roared hysterically, "The Guardian Martial God, invincible!"


    "Invincible..."

 Chapter 168 - 168 Azure Dragon Guard

    "Guardian Martial God, with me, Wudi!"


    "Wudi..."


    Bellowing roars of fury echoed between heaven and earth.


    Hundreds of thousands of Tianqing Kingdom soldiers seemed to take this opportunity to vent all the grievances and frustrations accumulated over the past month.


    Over the past month,


    Tianqing Kingdom was besieged on all sides, facing enemies from every direction, almost crushing every soldier and civilian under its weight, leaving them gasping for air.


    This was especially so after Great General Xia Yuan turned traitor during battle, leaving the royal ancestor Jiang Weisheng gravely wounded and forced into retreat. Moreover, the current King Jiang Tianchen was killed and his body hung outside Po Jun City, a series of blows that weighed on everyone''s hearts like a massive mountain.


    Until now...


    Xiao Yi''s emergence, the emergence of Tianqing Kingdom''s Guardian Martial God.


    He hurled mountains, slaughtering a hundred thousand foes!


    With a casual hand, he cleaved Tao Tribulation beings, effortlessly cutting down Chilian.


    All these glorious victories finally shattered the dark clouds hovering overhead, giving them a glimpse of hope.


    When people in despair see hope, they chase after the light with all their might, like bloodthirsty ants!


    The soldiers of Tianqing Kingdom were in just such a state!


    "Kill!"


    "Those who offend Tianqing, though far away, shall be punished!"


    "Die..."


    Each one appeared frenzied, their fighting spirits high.


    As if possessed by the War God.


    In contrast, the soldiers of Qingyun Kingdom now resembled mourners at a funeral.


    With Xiao Yi''s appearance, he annihilated over a hundred thousand of them with two mountains, and then strongly executed Jiang Shihai, frying his body to a golden crisp.


    But at that time, they had not yet fallen into despair.


    In the hearts of Qingyun Kingdom''s people, behind them stood strong allies from the Great Jin Kingdom.


    However...


    As Yu Huaxian and Li Moqiu fell, their last hope crumbled too.


    Endless despair followed suit.


    As one side waxed, the other waned.


    The military of Qingyun Kingdom collapsed like a house of cards.


    Under the crushing sweep of Tianqing Kingdom''s soldiers, hundreds of thousands either fled in disarray or begged for mercy on their knees. This battle, Tianqing Kingdom had already won!


    Clip-clop, clip-clop!


    Amidst the sound of horse hooves, Jiang Tai, flanked by the Shi Family''s four brothers, came to Xiao Yi''s side.


    Kneeling before Xiao Yi with his hands behind his back was Yu Huaxian.


    Yu Huaxian''s face was pale; the earlier clash with Xiao Yi had left him badly wounded, and now he looked like a prisoner at the foot of the steps, his face wearing a bitter smile, "No wonder Tianqing Kingdom regards you as their Guardian Martial God, no wonder Jiang Tianchen and the others would rather die to protect you..."


    "As long as I''m here, Tianqing Kingdom will not fall!" Xiao Yi said indifferently.


    "You''re very confident, it''s just a pity..."


    Yu Huaxian let out a sneer and said lightly, "Your enemy this time is too strong, much stronger than you could ever imagine!"


    "You''re talking about Xue Yilou, right?" Xiao Yi said.


    Yu Huaxian nodded.


    Xiao Yi spoke indifferently, "One day, I will personally eradicate Xue Yilou!"


    "Hmm?"


    Yu Huaxian blinked in surprise, frowning as he looked at Xiao Yi, "Eradicate Xue Yilou? Do you have any idea how powerful Xue Yilou is? They have thirteen Lords, even the weakest among them is at the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm, and among them, there are no lack of Dharma Manifestation Realm beings, even up to the peak of that realm..."


    "I know!"


    Xiao Yi nodded, being from the Xiao Family of the Great Qian Dynasty, he was naturally aware of Xue Yilou, "So what? If they are the enemy, then it''s either them or us!"


    "If you go head-to-head with Xue Yilou, the most likely outcome is that you''ll be crushed to pieces, with no hope of redemption..."


    Xiao Yi said, "Then let there be no hope of redemption!"


    Yu Huaxian fell silent.


    A moment later,


    Yu Huaxian looked up again, gazing steadily at Xiao Yi, "Are you truly confident in eradicating Xue Yilou?"


    Xiao Yi said lightly, "More than a year ago, I was but in the Physical Body Realm!"


    "Er..."


    Yu Huaxian was taken aback, "Over a year ago, you were just at the Physical Body Realm? So what? With that, you think you can challenge Xue Yilou... wait, what did you say? A year ago you were just at the Physical Body Realm? A year ago?"


    Yu Huaxian looked at Xiao Yi with a dumbfounded face.


    Xiao Yi nodded.


    Yu Huaxian, incredulous, looked towards Jiang Tai and others.


    Jiang Tai shrugged, "I felt the same when I first found out. But, it''s all true!"


    The four brothers of the Shi Family, "It''s true..."


    "Damn..."


    Yu Huaxian suddenly cursed, a struggle apparent on his face, and after a moment he fiercely clenched his teeth, "Xiao Yi, I am willing to submit to you, but I have one condition..." S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi asked, "What condition?"


    Yu Huaxian took a deep breath, articulating each word, "If one day, you have the capability, help me annihilate the royal family of the Great Jin Kingdom!"


    "Uh..."


    Xiao Yi was startled.


    Jiang Tai frowned, "Annihilate the Great Jin Kingdom''s royal family?"


    Shi Yaodu looked confused, "Aren''t you the supervisor of the Eastern Factory for the Great Jin Kingdom? Logically, you should be a staunch loyalist to the Great Jin Kingdom''s royal family..."


    "No, in their eyes, I am nothing but a dog. I bite whoever they tell me to bite, and if they want me dead, I''m the dog that can''t refuse to die..." Yu Huaxian suddenly smiled, but his smile was especially ferocious.


    Xiao Yi squinted and said, "That reason isn''t enough to make me believe you!"


    Yu Huaxian hesitated for a moment, took a deep breath, and said, "I had a sister who died at the hands of the Great Jin Kingdom''s Third Prince."


    "Hmm?"


    Xiao Yi looked at Yu Huaxian seriously.


    In his eyes now, there was only hatred and coldness.


    After a moment of contemplation, Xiao Yi said, "I promise you, if one day I have sufficient power, I will help you flatten the Great Jin Kingdom''s royal family!"


    "My lord above, please accept Yu Huaxian''s bow!" Yu Huaxian knelt heavily, his voice indistinguishable between Yin and Yang, he called out.


    Xiao Yi: "..."


    That voice was somewhat unbearable!


    Xiao Yi said in a deep voice, "From now on, just call me Xiao!"


    "Yes, Xiao!"


    Yu Huaxian said respectfully.


    "Rise!"


    Xiao Yi helped him to his feet and said solemnly, "Yu Huaxian, how do you plan to deal with the thirty thousand Golden Crow Guards within Po Jun City?"


    Yu Huaxian replied, "Xiao, rest assured, the Golden Crow Guards were trained by me. I will have them all pledge allegiance!"


    "Good, go and get the Golden Crow Guards in order!" Xiao Yi said.


    Yu Huaxian nodded and replied, "I will do it now!"


    Watching Yu Huaxian''s departing figure, Jiang Tai''s face showed a contemplative expression, he whispered, "Xiao, can we really trust this man?"


    Xiao Yi said, "I don''t know!"


    "Uh..."


    Jiang Tai blinked, "He''s a Fourth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm power, is it really okay to keep him by your side?"


    Xiao Yi continued, "Intuition tells me he''s not lying. Besides... with me here, he can''t cause any trouble!"


    Jiang Tai was startled, then shook his head with a wry smile.


    A moment later.


    Yu Huaxian returned, his once immaculate white clothes now stained with fresh blood, and only twenty thousand of the thirty thousand Golden Crow Guards followed him to the presence of Xiao Yi and others. Yu Huaxian knelt on one knee and said solemnly, "Xiao, mission accomplished; these twenty thousand brothers of the Golden Crow Guards wish to follow me!"


    The remaining ten thousand, obviously unwilling to submit, had been dealt with.


    "Very well!"


    Xiao Yi nodded, looking at the Golden Crow Guards kneeling neatly behind him, he proclaimed loudly, "From now on, you are no longer the Golden Crow Guards of the Great Jin Kingdom, you are the Azure Dragon Guards of the Tianqing Kingdom. You, the Azure Dragon Guards, are you willing to fight with Xiao?"


    The twenty thousand soldiers of the Azure Dragon Guards looked up at Xiao Yi.


    In the previous battle.


    The formidable power Xiao Yi had displayed had completely subdued them, and with Yu Huaxian stepping forward, everyone proudly said, "We swear to follow the Guardian Martial God!"


    "We swear to follow!"


    Xiao Yi looked satisfied at the twenty thousand Azure Dragon Guards before him, the equivalent of a hundred thousand strong army.


    Xiao Yi waved his hand and announced loudly, "Azure Dragon Guards, heed my command, follow me in the counterattack against the Qingyun Kingdom!"

 Chapter 169 - 169: You Do Not Deserve

    Within the borders of Qingyun Kingdom.


    A formidable army of three hundred thousand marched forth in a vast, iron-black current that continuously twined through the Qingyun Kingdom.


    Everywhere it passed, it was invincible in battle, and unstoppable in attack!


    It was an unstoppable force that no one could withstand!


    Within the marching formation...


    Shi Yaoqian, with a profound sense of emotion on his face, watched the Azure Dragon Guards leading the way and said, "Xiao, the combat power of these Azure Dragon Guards is too frightening, isn''t it? Seizing cities and taking fortresses, there''s nothing they can''t accomplish..."


    "Indeed! Along the way, it has almost always been them earning merits!"


    "We''re just spectating the show..."


    The four Shi brothers were chatting with each other. Shi Yaose admired Xiao Yi and said, "Xiao''s discernment is truly unique! If you hadn''t taken Yu Huaxian under your wing, we wouldn''t have gotten the Azure Dragon Guards, and our journey wouldn''t have been this smooth..."


    Xiao Yi glanced at them calmly and said indifferently, "What if I said that I spared him out of sheer curiosity about a question, would you believe me?"


    "Hmm? What question?"


    The four brothers were puzzled.


    Even Yu Huaxian, who was standing beside him and twiddling his orchid fingers, looked at Xiao Yi curiously, also somewhat unclear as to why Xiao Yi hadn''t just killed him. From Yu Huaxian''s interactions with Xiao Yi over the past few days, he knew that Xiao Yi was decisively ruthless towards his enemies, just as he was with Li Moqiu, whom Xiao Yi had slain without hesitation.


    Yet, he had spared Yu Huaxian instead.


    Xiao Yi coughed lightly and looked at Yu Huaxian: "Huaxian, what made you do it... out of desperation?"


    The four Shi brothers'' eyes lit up, turning their gaze simultaneously to Yu Huaxian.


    Yu Huaxian''s face twitched violently, never having expected that Xiao Yi''s curiosity stemmed from this.


    Xiao Yi said, "If it''s really inconvenient, then just pretend I never asked."


    Yu Huaxian, twirling a lock of hair by his temple, hesitated but eventually said, "It''s not that it''s inconvenient, but you mustn''t laugh at me after hearing it..."


    Xiao Yi: "I promise not to laugh!"


    The Shi brothers: "Whoever laughs is a dog!"


    "Alright then!"


    Yu Huaxian took a deep breath, and with a defeated look on his face, he said, "To make ends meet, I joined the army at eighteen and became a soldier. But due to my average cultivation, I never received any recognition. Everything changed when I stumbled upon a scroll. Initially, I didn''t practice the art within, but after the Third Prince caused the death of my sister, I vowed to master it." sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "The opening of the scroll read, ''to train in this art, one must first be castrated!''"


    Hiss!


    Everyone drew in a cold breath of air.


    Their gaze towards Yu Huaxian softened, filled with sympathy: "For your sister''s sake, you went through a great deal!"


    "It wasn''t easy indeed!"


    "Don''t be sad, as long as you follow Xiao, you''ll have your day of revenge!"


    The four comforted him.


    However...


    Yu Huaxian then leisurely said, "Before, I had never turned to the last page of the scroll. It wasn''t until I broke through to the Tao Tribulation Realm that I finally read it, and it said, ''No castration necessary, success is still achievable...''"


    Xiao Yi: "..."


    The Shi brothers: "..."


    Pfft!


    All five of them couldn''t contain their laughter and burst out laughing uncontrollably.


    Yu Huaxian looked at them with a resentful gaze...


    "My apologies, it wasn''t intentional, I just can''t hold it back... pfft..."


    "Such, such misery..."


    "Hahaha..."


    They all laughed so hard they were bent double.


    As the group was talking, a colossal city loomed on the horizon, twice the size of the capital of the Tianqing Kingdom.


    This was the capital of Qingyun Kingdom.


    "Ahead is the capital of Qingyun Kingdom. Now that Qingyun Kingdom has no Tao Tribulation Realm experts, with only about two hundred thousand troops to defend the city, they are no match for us," said Shi Yaoqian, his eyes gleaming as he stared at the enormous city ahead. This was a campaign that would wipe out a nation, and they were about to become heroes of such a war.


    In the hearts of the people of Tianqing Kingdom, Qingyun Kingdom was a traitor.


    For millennia.


    Generations of the Tianqing Kingdom always harbored the desire to reclaim Qingyun Kingdom.


    Today...


    They were finally about to fulfill that desire!


    "Lord Xiao, I request to lead the charge!" Yu Huaxian declared solemnly.


    He had already been thoroughly convinced by Xiao Yi, and Xiao Yi had given him hope of becoming a man once again.


    Now, his loyalty to Xiao Yi was unshakable.


    Xiao Yi said, "Granted!"


    Yu Huaxian''s face beamed with ecstasy, and with a squeeze of his legs, his warhorse charged out, "Azure Dragon Guards, follow me to break through the city!"


    Shi Yaodu, stroking his chin, pondered, "The capital''s defenders still number two hundred thousand, and although the Azure Dragon Guards are powerful, it is impossible for them to take the city quickly. I bet that it will take Yu Huaxian at least three days to breach the city!"


    "Makes sense!"


    The crowd nodded in agreement.


    The capital was built with imposing grandeur, easy to defend and difficult to attack, defended by a large army of two hundred thousand.


    Indeed, taking such a city was no simple feat.


    However...


    When they arrived at the capital, they were stunned by the scene before them.


    They saw Yu Huaxian''s Azure Dragon Guards halted several miles outside the city while the gates were wide open. King of Qingyun Kingdom, Jiang Tianxiao, with his ministers in tow, approached in a horse-drawn carriage. With a fawning smile and a slight bow, Jiang Tianxiao rubbed his hands together and said, "Which one among you is Lord Xiao, the Guardian Martial God of Tianqing Kingdom? I am Jiang Tianxiao, and here I am, leading my ministers to request surrender..."


    Yu Huaxian: "..."


    The Shi brothers: "..."


    Xiao Yi: "..."


    Surrender?


    With two hundred thousand troops in hand, presiding over such a mighty city, yet you request surrender without a fight?


    Xiao Yi, mounted on a Tianqing wild bull, stepped out from the formation, his icy gaze upon Jiang Tianxiao: "You don''t deserve the Jiang surname!"

 Chapter 170 - 170: Devouring the Dragon Vein, Suppressing the Medicine Saint?

    "You''re not worthy of the Jiang surname!"


    Xiao Yi looked indifferently at the obsequious monarch of the Qingyun Kingdom standing before him.


    Compared to the Tianqing Kingdom''s Jiang Tianchen and his son Jiang Tai, who fought to their death for their state and stood guard at the kingdom''s gates with decisiveness and valor, this Jiang Tianxiao was nothing but trash.


    When the pillar of the Qingyun Kingdom, Jiang Weisheng, fell in battle.


    When the Azure Dragon Guards approached the city walls. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Jiang Weisheng did not choose to continue resisting; instead, he chose to open the city gates and surrender.


    This was an absolute disgrace!


    It was an insult to the Jiang lineage!


    Jiang Tianxiao''s face showed no hint of shame, still with a flattering demeanor, he meekly said, "Lord Xiao is right, I am not worthy of the Jiang surname!"


    The courtiers of the Qingyun Kingdom were no different.


    Fawning and bootlicking, they took sycophancy to extremes.


    Huh!


    Xiao Yi let out a long sigh of relief and said in a deep voice, "Take them away and escort them back to the capital to be dealt with by the Crown Prince!"


    With his status, and Jiang Tai''s trust in him.


    Even if he were to execute these people on the spot, no one would dare to utter a word of objection.


    But Xiao Yi felt a sense of belonging to the Tianqing Kingdom and considered it his own homeland, so naturally, he would not commit such an overstep. Taking Jiang Tianxiao and the others back to be dealt with by Jiang Tai was the most appropriate choice.


    He might be draped in dragon robes, but Jiang Tianxiao showed not the slightest hint of kingly aura.


    "How did such a man come to sit on the throne of a king?" Xiao Yi wondered.


    Seeing his expression, Yu Huaxian guessed his thoughts and said softly, "Lord Xiao, this Jiang Tianxiao was merely an idle king who never had a chance at the throne. All of this is the result of the secret manipulations of the Supporting Mountain King, Jiang Shihai of the Qingyun Kingdom. He''s nothing but a puppet monarch raised to power."


    Xiao Yi was startled, then suddenly realized, "So that''s how it is..."


    A monarch promoted by Jiang Shihai would naturally be someone he could use and control.


    Naturally, he would not elevate a wise ruler.


    With a character like Jiang Tianxiao''s, he was indeed very well-suited to be a puppet monarch.


    "Yu Huaxian, take the Azure Dragon Guards and assume control of the two hundred thousand Qingyun Kingdom''s defending forces right away. Have them set up camp outside the city. At the same time, Shi Yaoquan, you and your four brothers lead the troops to take over the capital city''s defenses¡ªmake no mistakes!" Xiao Yi immediately began issuing commands, and everyone set off to carry out their orders.


    Xiao Yi then led his men towards the royal palace.


    Now that both the Qingyun Kingdom and the Tianlan Kingdom had been conquered by him, and he had even incorporated Yu Huaxian and his Golden Crow Guards,


    the situation seemed very favorable for the Tianqing Kingdom.


    In reality...


    The Tianqing Kingdom was still in grave danger.


    Not to mention the distant threats,


    even the Sihai Kingdom and the Baijing Kingdom had not yet been dealt with. Moreover, with the death of Li Moqiu and Yu Huaxian bringing his Golden Crow Guards over, news would surely reach the Great Jin Kingdom, a power far greater even than Nanhuang. With Xiao Yi''s current strength, although he could contend with a Fifth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm-level power, the Great Jin Kingdom even had Dharma Manifestation Realm experts!


    Within the palace,


    with Little Lin''s help, he quickly located the dragon vein.


    This Dragon Vein Spiritual Pool was even more enormous than that of the Tianlan Kingdom, its reserves at least twice as abundant.


    Little Lin, coiled around the stalactites, showed a human-like excitement, "Boss, this Dragon Vein Spiritual Pool is huge!"


    "Hmm!"


    Xiao Yi nodded and said, "The Qingyun Kingdom, in just a thousand years, surpassed the Tianqing Kingdom in national strength, which must be closely related to this dragon vein bolstering the nation''s fortunes!"


    National fortunes may seem illusory, but they do indeed exist.


    Just like a person''s luck!


    Walking on the same path, some people may stumble and suffer injuries, while others might find money.


    What Xiao Yi didn''t know at this moment was that the prince who had failed in the Qingyun Kingdom''s succession struggle had decided to proclaim himself king precisely because he had discovered this dragon vein.


    "Little Lin, we each take a side and see who can absorb more of nature''s elemental energy!" Xiao Yi ruffled Little Lin''s head, laughing as he spoke.


    Little Lin flicked his tongue out, looking unimpressed: "Is this really something humans do?"


    He was very aware of how terrifyingly fast Xiao Yi could absorb the earth''s elemental energy; even he, a mutated mystical beast, was far from comparable!


    While saying so,


    Little Lin twisted his body and settled into a corner, soaking in it as if he were taking a bath.


    He absorbed the elemental energy in a leisurely, unhurried manner.


    Xiao Yi smiled indulgently and leaped into the center of the Spirit Pool.


    Boom!


    The entire Spirit Pool instantly transformed into a vortex, with countless strands of nature''s elemental energy frantically converging towards Xiao Yi, pouring into his body.


    On his body, a twenty-ring enhanced Golden Core bobbed up and down. As the elemental energy surged crazily into him, the rings of light on the Golden Core also increased steadily.


    An incredibly terrifying pressure emanated from the Golden Core.


    Little Lin, watching the surrounding elemental energy diminish, sighed: "I knew it would be like this..."


    Time flew by.


    Xiao Yi''s retreat this time lasted a full three days and three nights.


    As the elemental energy in the Dragon Vein Spiritual Pool was completely absorbed by him, the hidden dragon vein was also pulled out by Xiao Yi. At that moment, above Xiao Yi''s head, the floating Golden Core was surrounded by thirty rings of light. Xiao Yi crushed the dragon vein in his hand, and with a bang, it transformed into a sky filled with dazzling light, merging into his body.


    Xiao Yi trembled all over, a streak of golden light flashed across his eyes, tearing through the void as if it were tangible.


    Hum!


    The Golden Core shook violently.


    The rings of light rapidly coalesced.


    Thirty-one.


    Thirty-two.


    Thirty-three...


    In the blink of an eye, he reached thirty-five rings of light; only then was the energy of the dragon vein entirely depleted. At this moment, Xiao Yi''s cultivation was enough to rival a practitioner of the Third Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    Combined with the legacy of the Azure Sword Saint and the God Sealing power that surpassed other practitioners of the same realm,


    Even facing a practitioner of the Sixth Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm, he could fight!


    "I will elevate the God Sealing Seed with all the elemental energy..." Xiao Yi channeled all the elemental energy into his body at once.


    Pop, pop, pop!


    The sounds of the God Sealing Seed breaking apart could be heard.


    The God Sealing Seeds inside Xiao Yi''s body exploded in number like mad.


    They increased to a total of three hundred fifty thousand!


    Three hundred fifty thousand God Sealing Seeds fed back an endless supply of God Sealing power; Xiao Yi''s figure directly entered the Eternal Heavenly Tomb, heading straight for the second layer. In front of him appeared that tomb which had enticed Xiao Yi since his first entry into the Eternal Heavenly Tomb - the tomb of Medicine Saint Feng Lei!


    This was the person hailed as the progenitor of the Qingtian Realm''s medicine world!


    A legend in the world of medicine!


    "Medicine Saint Feng Lei..."


    A fiery light filled Xiao Yi''s eyes, and black light swirled around him. Three hundred fifty thousand God Sealing Seeds erupted with a surge of thick and vast God Sealing power,


    Forming a huge black palm that smashed down towards the tomb of Medicine Saint Feng Lei.


    This palm made of God Sealing power was lifelike,


    To the extent that even the lines on the palm could be seen. As it appeared, the Medicine Saint Feng Lei''s tomb also burst out with a terrifying glow.


    The two collided in the void like the meeting of the tip of the needle and the head of wheat.


    Being the progenitor of the Qingtian Realm''s medicine world, his methods were unpredictable and mysterious; even Xiao Yi wasn''t completely confident about successfully suppressing it...

 Chapter 171 - 171: Peerlessly Elegant, Medicine Saint Venerable!

    Medicine Saint Feng Lei Venerable.


    He was not only the founder of the Qingtian Realm''s pharmaceutical world, but today''s most mainstream alchemy techniques and numerous concoction methods were also of his creation.


    At the same time...


    He was also a martial arts genius comparable to the likes of Qingyun Sword Saint and Martial God Zhao Wuji.


    His Wind Thunder Battle Body, in particular, was the only physique among the top ten Sacred Bodies that could be cultivated through acquired practice.


    It ranked ninth among the ten Sacred Bodies.


    If Xiao Yi could obtain the heritage of the Wind Thunder Venerable, not only would his strength increase to a new level, but he might even acquire the training method for the Wind Thunder Battle Body, thus gaining the chance to possess a Sacred Body.


    More importantly...


    The alchemy techniques of the Wind Thunder Venerable and the endless concoction methods would bring immense benefits to Xiao Yi, as well as to the Qing Tian Kingdom.


    Of course.


    All these premises required that he be able to suppress the Wind Thunder Venerable!


    Boom!


    A black palm suddenly descended, yet the tomb of the Wind Thunder Venerable also erupted with a terrifying glow.


    This radiance was a confluence of purple-gold and cyan.


    The cyan wind and the purple-gold lightning intertwined into a storm of wind and rain, with the spectacle of lightning and thunder.


    Boom!


    The two energies dissipated at the same time.


    However, the terrible shockwave blasted open the tomb of the Wind Thunder Venerable, sending a pillar of light soaring into the sky, in which a bronze sarcophagus slowly rose.


    "Hmm?"


    Xiao Yi''s pupils suddenly contracted.


    This was the first time he had seen a burial with a sarcophagus in the Ancient Heavenly Tomb.


    Even the powerful Qingyun Sword Saint didn''t have a sarcophagus! Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Crash!


    The bronze sarcophagus suddenly trembled, the lid flipped open a crack, and a pale hand thrust out from the dark sarcophagus to fling aside the lid.


    Boom!


    The lid fiercely smashed towards Xiao Yi.


    "Vajra Subdues Demons!"


    Xiao Yi threw a punch, as though a Wrathful Vajra had come to life, his body shimmering with golden light, and his heavy punch landed on the lid of the sarcophagus.


    Thud!


    The lid trembled violently.


    Cracks spread across the lid, eventually disintegrating into countless fragments that fell from the sky.


    In front of Xiao Yi, numerous bronze fragments fell, and inside the sarcophagus, a breeze blew as lightning condensed into a glowing ball. Atop that lightning, a figure slowly emerged from the sarcophagus, wearing a cyan robe with purple-gold hair and beard, his eyes shining like precious gems.


    Standing with his hands behind his back, he looked as if he was the sole master of this world!


    Graceful and unparalleled, Medicine Saint Venerable!


    The gem-like eyes of the Wind Thunder Venerable landed on Xiao Yi, "Little fellow, what place is this?"


    "Hmm?"


    Xiao Yi was stunned.


    Since he had obtained the Ancient Heavenly Tomb, this was the first one to speak. Xiao Yi bowed to the Wind Thunder Venerable and said, "This junior is Xiao Yi, we are in the Ancient Heavenly Tomb!"


    "Ancient Heavenly Tomb? A graveyard?"


    The Wind Thunder Venerable was taken aback, looking around in all directions, a hint of astonishment and shock appeared on that usually unflappable face, "Zhao Wuji? The Twin Star Elder... What, what''s going on? How are they all dead? How could they be dead? Impossible, this is impossible..."


    Wind Thunder Venerable''s face was full of bewilderment.


    Many of the beings here belonged to the same era as he did, with astonishing talent, suppressing their generation.


    Among them, Martial God Zhao Wuji, even stood at the very pinnacle of that brilliant, peerless era where prodigies were as numerous as the ocean.


    How could they possibly be dead?


    And all buried here?


    Wait a moment...


    Wind Thunder Venerable looked incredulously at Xiao Yi, "Xiao Yi, my young friend, are you saying that this place is a tomb? Was even I buried here?"


    "Yes!"


    Xiao Yi nodded.


    Wind Thunder Venerable clasped his hands on his head, his fingernails digging into his scalp as if to pierce through: "How could this be? What exactly happened? Why can''t I remember anything at all? Why? What on earth happened?"


    Boom!


    Rumble!


    Ula la...


    A burst of purple-gold thunder erupted from Wind Thunder Venerable''s body. The thunder lit up the sky, its rumbling deafening. A fierce wind blew, it seemed as though heaven and earth were on the verge of collapse. Inside the Eternal Celestial Tomb, the ground shook violently as chains emerged from beneath the earth, sealing the ancient tombs within.


    Not even the wind and thunder could get close to them.


    The apocalyptic storm of wind and thunder continued for several breaths before it dispersed, and Wind Thunder Venerable regained his composure. He gazed at Xiao Yi, "Who exactly are you? And why are you here?"


    Xiao Yi hesitated, then said, "Senior, I am the master of the Eternal Celestial Tomb, as well as the current Heaven-defending Divine General. I preside over the Eternal Celestial Tomb, and as long as I can subdue the buried powerhouses within these firmaments, I can obtain their true inheritance..."


    He had seen records of Wind Thunder Venerable in history books.


    This was a being worthy of trust.


    It was said...


    Wind Thunder Venerable initially focused solely on martial arts, but upon witnessing the suffering of the common people plagued by illness, he embarked on a journey across the world, tasted all herbs, and eventually forged a path in alchemy, benefitting countless lives.


    Such a being who for the sake of the common folk tasted all herbs and created the path of alchemy.


    Xiao Yi couldn''t bear to deceive him.


    "To subdue powerhouses and obtain their true inheritance?"


    Wind Thunder Venerable was taken aback, speechless. After many breaths, Wind Thunder Venerable firmly said, "Young friend, why do you practice martial arts?"


    "Me?"


    Xiao Yi frowned, recalling his life''s experiences, "At first, I only wanted to prove myself, to have my parents acknowledge my existence. Later, I practiced martial arts to seek revenge, to make those who wronged me pay the price... But now... I want to become stronger in order to better protect those I love and those who love me..."


    A flash of insight crossed Wind Thunder Venerable''s eyes, as deep as a sea of thunder, and he nodded in satisfaction, "Good, very good! My young friend, I can feel the power of this Eternal Celestial Tomb. You being able to wield such a divine artifact means your future is boundless. I would like to ask a favor of you..."


    "Senior, please speak!" Xiao Yi said earnestly.


    Wind Thunder Venerable said, "I once crafted a Medicine Canon, but it was incomplete when I left the Qingtian Realm. After I finished it, I was unable to return to the Qingtian Realm. I hope that after you inherit my legacy, you could go to the heavenly realm, find Shennong Valley, and pass my Medicine Canon on to my descendants. Would you be able to do this?"


    "Senior, I will do my utmost to fulfill your request!" Xiao Yi said solemnly.


    "Good!"


    Wind Thunder Venerable smiled and nodded, then his figure suddenly shifted, transforming into a gleam of light that flew into Xiao Yi''s brow.


    In an instant.


    Xiao Yi''s body jolted.


    The God Sealing Seed within him erupted, covering his body in a black light, and eventually, Wind Thunder Venerable transformed into a statue inside the God Sealing Seed.


    An immense amount of information and inheritance deeply imprinted into Xiao Yi''s soul.


    The Wind Thunder Battle Body Skill, Shennong Medicine Canon, and so on...


    This inheritance brought significant benefits to Xiao Yi, as just the numerous alchemical methods and formulas recorded in the Shennong Medicine Canon were enough to make him the theoretically strongest Alchemist in the world, bar none!


    As Xiao Yi was assimilating the inheritances, Wind Thunder Venerable''s voice sounded in his mind, "My young friend... be extremely wary of Zhao Wuji..."

 Chapter 172 - 172: As You Wish!

    "Be extremely cautious of Zhao Wuji..."


    The voice of the Wind Thunder Venerable boomed like a tide, crazily echoing in his mind.


    Xiao Yi''s head buzzed with the sound.


    His complexion also turned deathly pale due to this revelation, perplexed by the severity, he asked, "Senior, you say to be cautious of Zhao Wuji? What do you mean? Senior..."


    However...


    Transformed into a statue, thoroughly suppressed by the God Sealing Seed, the Wind Thunder Venerable gave no further response.


    Xiao Yi''s eyebrows were tightly knitted: "What exactly does it mean? Tell me to be cautious of Zhao Wuji?"


    Martial God Zhao Wuji.


    The most legendary figure in the history of the Qingtian Realm.


    He possessed the Chaos Tyrant Body, ranked first among the Qingtian Realm''s top ten Sacred Bodies.


    In the entire history of the Qingtian Realm, aside from Zhao Wuji, no one else had ever been born with the Chaos Tyrant Body, which firmly occupied the first position among the top ten Sacred Bodies.


    Even Xiao Tianjiao''s Supreme Overlord Holy Body was only ranked third on the list of the top ten Sacred Bodies.


    It was imaginable.


    Just how terrifying Zhao Wuji must be!


    With his own strength, he overwhelmed peerless geniuses like the twin hermits, Qingyun Sword Saint, and the Wind Thunder Venerable.


    He left behind countless legends.


    The Wind Thunder Venerable actually warned him to be wary of Zhao Wuji?


    "Senior Wind Thunder Venerable must have a reason for his warning... It seems that to suppress Zhao Wuji, I need to plan for the long term!" Xiao Yi squinted his eyes, his fingers lightly stroking his chin as he murmured to himself.


    He had originally planned to suppress the legendary figure Zhao Wuji as soon as the God Sealing Seed could approach Zhao Wuji''s ancient tomb.


    Perhaps he could obtain his peerless Cultivation Technique, as well as the top-ranked Chaos Sacred Body.


    But now...


    The last warning from the Wind Thunder Venerable made Xiao Yi instinctively vigilant, casting a deep glance at Zhao Wuji''s ancient tomb, deciding he would not make a move on it for at least the short term!


    Fortunately, the inheritance from the Wind Thunder Venerable also brought Xiao Yi tremendous benefits. Not to mention the unparalleled Alchemy and infinite elixir recipes of the Wind Thunder Venerable, just the cultivation method of the Wind Thunder Holy Body alone was priceless. It was the only one among the top ten Sacred Bodies that could be cultivated later on as a special constitution.


    Although it''s not as good as the Supreme Overlord Holy Body, it was at least far superior to ordinary prodigies.


    "The Wind Thunder Holy Body uses the body as a crucible to absorb the power of the Heaven and Earth Gangfeng and thunder to strengthen oneself..."


    Xiao Yi''s mind conjured the cultivation method of the Wind Thunder Holy Body, causing him to sigh inwardly, "No wonder since the Wind Thunder Venerable, no one has heard of anyone who has cultivated such a Sacred Body. Common Heaven and Earth Gangfeng and various thunders are minor, but every time one undergoes Wind Thunder Body Refinement, it causes huge damage to the body. It must be accompanied by the corresponding elixir recipes and cultivated with the respective elixirs..."


    The cultivation of the Wind Thunder Holy Body fundamentally strengthens the body with the power of Wind Thunder, while also gaining the power of Wind Thunder.


    There are dozens of types of Heaven and Earth Gangfeng, the most common of them being the Five Elements Gangfeng, the Annihilation Gang Wind, the Cleansing World Gangfeng, and so on.


    The number of thunders is considerably greater.


    The most basic thunder of the thunder domain, then the Five Elements Jielei, Five Elements Divine Thunder, Nine Heavens Divine Thunder, and so forth...


    Finding these Gang Winds and thunders was not difficult.


    But whether it''s the Heaven and Earth Gangfeng or the various thunders, their destructive power is extremely terrifying!


    Every time one forcibly undergoes Wind Thunder Body Refinement, there is certain damage to the body, some of which is irreversible. The Wind Thunder Venerable, based on the uniqueness of the Wind Thunder Holy Body, formulated nine elixir recipes corresponding to the nine realms of the Wind Thunder Holy Body. After each Wind Thunder Body Refinement, consuming the specific elixir could eliminate the damage.


    Take the essence, discard the dross!


    "The Wind Thunder Holy Body has nine turns. The first turn only requires ordinary Gangfeng and the thunder from a stormy day, but I need to prepare the materials to concoct the First-turn Fenglei Elixir. These materials should be found in the Qingyun Kingdom!" Xiao Yi took a deep breath, glanced at Little Lin who was laying beside him, fallen into a deep sleep after devouring a great amount of heavenly and earthly energy, and was slowly digesting it.


    Taking Little Lin into his arms, Xiao Yi left the Dragon Vein Spiritual Pool.


    ...


    "Xiao, I''ve finally found you..." Xiao Yi had just appeared when he heard Shi Yaoqian''s voice.


    Xiao Yi was taken aback, "Shi Yaoqian? What do you want with me?"


    "Xiao, where have you been? You''ve been gone for three or four days..."


    Shi Yaoqian looked depressed, then slapped his forehead and said, "Right, Xiao, you need to come with me quickly, there''s trouble!"


    Xiao Yi frowned and asked, "What kind of trouble?"


    After entering the Dragon Vein Spiritual Pool, he had gotten lost in his cultivation and lost track of time, and he hadn''t expected it had been three or four days already.


    Shi Yaoqian explained urgently, "Yu Huaxian was taking inventory of the treasures in the palace when he encountered a strange old man in the imperial physician''s room. They''re arguing fiercely now, and it''s about to come to blows..."


    "Strange old man? Haven''t all the people from Qingyun Kingdom surrendered? Where did this strange old man come from?"


    Xiao Yi was utterly perplexed.


    Then, he followed Shi Yaoqian to the imperial physician''s room.


    This was the place where medicine was stored in the old palace.


    From Shi Yaoqian''s story, Xiao Yi learned that this strange old man had appeared suddenly today and that his strength was unfathomably strange, even Yu Huaxian couldn''t match him, and he was profoundly wary of him.


    When Xiao Yi and Shi Yaoqian reached the exterior of the imperial physician''s room, Shi Yaoqian was about to push the door open but Xiao Yi grabbed his collar and pulled him back. Almost at that moment, a thud was heard, and a shadow flew out backward. With a bang, the door was broken, and with another thud, the figure hit the ground. Looking closely, wasn''t this Yu Huaxian?


    At this moment, Yu Huaxian''s delicate white skin had turned purple-black, she was foaming at the mouth and convulsing on the ground.


    Shi Yaoqian''s face changed, "Yu Huaxian? What happened?"


    Just as he was about to step forward, Xiao Yi grabbed him, "If you don''t want to die, don''t go over there. She''s been poisoned by Manggu Zhuha!"


    Manggu Zhuha?


    Shi Yaoqian was completely baffled. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He had never heard of such a thing.


    At that moment...


    A harsh, old voice came from inside the room, "Eh? Young man, you''re not old, but you''re quite informed. Can you tell at a glance that she has been poisoned by Manggu Zhuha?"


    Tap, tap, tap!


    A bright red walking stick was the first to poke out from the threshold, followed by a hunchbacked and aged figure tremblingly stepping out.


    He looked as feeble as a candle flickering in the wind, ready to fall at any moment.


    But this person''s cultivation was definitely not weak!


    On the old man''s wrinkled face, which resembled the bark of an old tree, the deep lines seemed capable of trapping flies. He said proudly, "Since you know it''s the poison of Manggu Zhuha, then you should know that unless I personally take action, there''s no cure under the heavens. Young man, where is the Dragon Vein of Qingyun Kingdom? Offer it to me, and not only will I spare your lives, but I will also save her!"


    Xiao Yi looked up at him, "It''s just the poison of Manggu Zhuha, I can solve it with a flick of my finger, why would I need to trade the Dragon Vein for it?"


    "You know nothing!"


    The hunchbacked old man sneered, "The Manggu Zhuha is a rare venomous creature. It only grows on the towering Manggu Mountain Range, its body golden with purple poison stripes. It exhales a breath of poison mist that envelops a thousand-zhang tall mountain for half a month, within which all creatures die. The only antidote is the venom sac fluid from its back. There''s no second way to cure it, not even for me!"


    Xiao Yi shook his head, "Ignorant and uninformed indeed!"


    "Hmm? Are you saying I''m ignorant and uninformed?"


    The hunchbacked old man''s face darkened, his wrinkled face trembling slightly with fierceness, "I was playing with poison when you didn''t even know where you were! And you dare to say that I''m ignorant?"


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "The poison of the Manggu Zhuha, I have at least ten ways to cure it!"


    "Ten methods? Forget ten, if you can cure this poison of Manggu Zhuha, I will immediately kneel down to you and acknowledge you as my master! But..."


    The hunchbacked old man sinisterly said, "If you lose, you must offer the Dragon Vein to me with both hands and become my poison slave. Do you dare to bet?"


    Xiao Yi shrugged, "As you wish!"

 Chapter 173 - 173: The Undying Ghost Doctor

    "As you wish!"


    Xiao Yi shrugged his shoulders and then walked into the physician''s room.


    The poison from Manggu Zhuha was exceedingly terrifying; once it entered the human body, it would completely merge with the blood.


    Even the hunchbacked old man who had been raising the Manggu Zhuha all his life had not found a second method to detoxify it, and he simply did not believe that Xiao Yi, a youth under twenty years old, could have a way to solve the poison of the Manggu Zhuha.


    However...


    The hunchbacked elder did not know that Xiao Yi had received the inheritance of the ancestor of Qingtian Realm''s alchemy, the Wind Thunder Holy Body, mastering all of the alchemy techniques and experience of Wind Thunder.


    Wind Thunder had traveled all over the world, tasting every herb.


    He also conducted thorough research on Manggu Zhuha.


    "Poria, Golden Lotus, Hundred-Year Frost Ginseng..."


    Xiao Yi found more than twenty types of herbs and returned to the outside of the physician''s room.


    The area was already surrounded by the Azure Dragon guards and the four brothers from the Shi Family, who encircled the hunchbacked elder with a watchful demeanor.


    The hunchbacked elder leaned on his cane, full of self-confidence, calm and collected, gently stroking his beard, smiling at the sight of Xiao Yi reappearing before him, "Young man, if you''re not confident, don''t force yourself. If this guy''s poison is not resolved, it will seep into the marrow, and by then even I won''t be able to turn things around!"


    Xiao Yi glanced at him and said indifferently, "Watch carefully, this is the first method!"


    Swish!


    Xiao Yi reached out into the air, and his surging Yuan Qi roared forth.


    Under Yu Huaxian''s body, a layer of Yuan Qi cushion formed, gently straightening Yu Huaxian''s body.


    The intense poison of Manggu Zhuha on his body meant that even if an outsider touched his skin with their palm, they would be infected by the toxin. Xiao Yi had not yet cultivated the Wind Thunder Holy Body and was also not immune to these toxins.


    With the support of Yuan Qi.


    Yu Huaxian stood upright, his skin dark and purplish, his aura becoming increasingly faint.


    Xiao Yi took out the Golden Lotus, Poria, and several other herbs, grinding them into stems and leaves in the palm of his hand, then pointed his sword finger forward.


    Pfft!


    A silver Sword Qi streaked past.


    It effortlessly cut open Yu Huaxian''s wrist, and Xiao Yi pressed the liquid from the herbs into the wound. Yu Huaxian''s body trembled violently. The wound on his wrist, anointed with the green herbal juice, began to emit plumes of black smoke and as the smoke rose continuously, the dark color on Yu Huaxian''s body rapidly faded away.


    "This, this is impossible..."


    The hunchbacked elder stood up straight, disbelieving the scene before him.


    He was well aware of the tyrannical nature of the Manggu Zhuha''s poison.


    How could it be resolved so easily?


    But the reality before his eyes left him no choice but to believe.


    After ten breaths.


    Yu Huaxian''s complexion had returned to normal, and his breath had stabilized, his eyes weakly opened, and he saw Xiao Yi standing before him.


    Although he had been poisoned into unconsciousness earlier, he was still clear-headed.


    He was well aware that it was Xiao Yi who had saved him!


    Yu Huaxian cracked a smile, expressing his gratitude, "Thank you so much, Xiao... "


    "It''s all right now!"


    Xiao Yi looked at the hunchbacked elder and said indifferently, "You lose!"


    "No, I haven''t lost..."


    The hunchbacked elder grasped his cane with both hands, clenching his teeth, his eyes shining brightly, "You said there were many methods to offset the poison, right? This is just one of them..."


    Xiao Yi said, "Still not convinced? Then let your Manggu Zhuha bite him again!"


    Yu Huaxian shuddered, "..."


    To be bitten again?


    Having been poisoned by the Manggu Zhuha, his blood felt as if it was being scorched by blazing flames, an unbearably painful experience!


    He certainly did not want to endure that torment a second time.


    But the hunchbacked elder was quicker than him. From his sleeve, a yellow figure sprang out and bit Yu Huaxian''s arm. Yu Huaxian cried out, his figure stiffening, and from the bite, a ring of blackness spread across his entire body, turning him once more into a charred, dark-purple figure.


    Xiao Yi, from a distance, lifted Yu Huaxian, made a small cut on his heel, and applied a second entirely different medicinal mixture.


    Hissss!


    Black blood gushed out like a fountain.


    Yu Huaxian regained consciousness once again, teetering on the brink.


    Xiao Yi looked at the hunchbacked old man, "The second method!"


    "This, this..."


    The hunched elder sized up Yu Huaxian, pried open his lips to check his teeth, lifted his clothes to peek underneath, and pulled at his pants... until Yu Huaxian desperately shielded himself, looking toward Xiao Yi with tears in his eyes and pleading, "Save, save me... Xiao save me..."


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Are you convinced, or not?"


    The hunchbacked elder''s face turned shades of green and white, clenching his teeth, and angrily said, "If you can produce a third method, I''ll admit you''re better!"


    "No, don''t..."


    Yu Huaxian stumbled and fell to the ground, crawling and rolling toward the side.


    But the Manggu Zhuha was even faster!


    Croak!


    It bit him right on his buttock.


    "Ow..."


    Yu Huaxian lay on the ground, his buttock swelled up high, and he extended his right hand toward Shi Yaodu in front of him, begging, "Save, save me..."


    Shi Yaodu instinctively wanted to reach out and help.


    Croak!


    The Manggu Zhuha directly jumped onto Yu Huaxian''s head, eyeing him with a predatory gaze.


    Shi Yaodu quickly withdrew his hand, unable to help, and said sympathetically, "Brother, hang in there, huh!"


    Yu Huaxian''s eyes rolled back: "..."


    Fortunately, Xiao Yi didn''t let him down. Moments later, the poison in Yu Huaxian''s body was completely cured.


    Xiao Yi used yet another entirely different method and looked at the hunchbacked elder, "A bet''s a bet, you agree?"


    "I..."


    Just as the hunchbacked elder opened his mouth to speak.


    Yu Huaxian had already flipped over, clung tightly to his thigh, and burst into sobs, "Senior, Big Boss, Ancestor, oh... Can you maybe try it on someone else? I, I really can''t take it anymore..."


    His indistinct voice laced with resentment and grievance was genuinely creepy!


    The hunchbacked elder shuddered, looking at Yu Huaxian''s pitiful appearance. His face, wrinkled like old tree bark, twitched slightly, and, with a wry smile, he looked at Xiao Yi, "I concede, I concede! I, Xue Bufan, have wandered the worlds for many years and seen countless geniuses, but someone like you, I have never encountered before. Losing to you feels no injustice!"


    "Xue Bufan?"


    "You are the Undying Ghost Doctor Xue Bufan?" S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "My heavens, it''s actually you?"


    Shock and surprise were etched on the faces of all the spectators around.


    The Undying Ghost Doctor Xue Bufan!


    Legend has it...


    He is from the Great Qian Dynasty''s number one alchemical family, the Xue Family, yet because he peeked at the Xue Family''s secret manual meant only for the head of the family, he was expelled from the Xue Family.


    Since then, he wandered Jianghu, traveling between various nations.


    His medical and alchemy skills were both notoriously famous, to the extent that even the King of the Great Jin Kingdom once offered a tremendous price to invite him to become the Chief Imperial Physician of the Great Jin Kingdom.


    No one expected that this disheveled, hunchbacked old man in front of them was actually the renowned Undying Ghost Doctor!


    "This old servant Xue Bufan, greets master!"


    Xue Bufan bent his knee, about to kneel down to Xiao Yi.


    But Xiao Yi prevented him from doing so, lifting him upright and said with a smile, "I, the junior, had no idea that the senior was Xue Bufan. I cannot accept such a grand gesture."


    Although Xue Bufan''s methods were a bit bizarre, earning him the title of ''Ghost Doctor, he had never been reputed to harm anyone. Poisoning Yu Huaxian earlier was only because Yu Huaxian made the first move and there was no real intent to kill him.


    Xue Bufan shook his head and said, "Master Xiao, I, Xue Bufan, am a man of my word. There was a bet, and I willingly accept the loss. From now on, I shall be an old servant before you, and I ask for Master Xiao''s instructions and care!"


    Xiao Yi raised his eyebrows slightly.


    Not only did this Xue Bufan possess profound medical and alchemical skills, but he was also a master of the Sixth Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    Having such a master to watch over the Tianqing Kingdom could only be beneficial.


    With this thought in mind.


    Xiao Yi said with a smile, "In that case, I shall ask for Elder Xue''s advice and guidance in the future!"

 Chapter 174 - 174 The Initial Formation of the Sacred Body

    Within the palace of the Qingyun Kingdom.


    Xiao Yi sat facing the Undying Ghost Doctor Xue Bufan; the two were sitting opposite each other, discussing the path of alchemy.


    Alchemist.


    In the entire Qingtian Realm, it was a most prestigious occupation, its status even higher than that of ordinary martial artists. However, becoming an alchemist was no easy task. Firstly, the most basic requirement was that one''s cultivation had to reach at least the Shentong Realm, and one needed to possess Divine Skills with a Fire Attribute.


    Only in this way could one control the alchemic fire and refine the medicinal pills.


    Additionally, every single pill recipe was incredibly precious.


    Even the most basic pill recipe was worth at least a hundred thousand silver.


    One would also need a pill furnace, as well as countless herbs for practice.


    Therefore.


    Within the ten nations of Nanhuang, there wasn''t even a single true alchemist.


    "The way of alchemy and martial arts actually complement each other. The stronger one''s martial arts, the more exquisite control over strength one has, the better the effect of the pills one refines. An alchemist from the Golden Core Realm and an alchemist from the Tao Tribulation Realm would produce pills with vastly different effects under the same conditions..."


    Xiao Yi spoke eloquently, his inheritance from the Wind Thunder Sage making him the unquestioned number one in theoretical alchemy knowledge within the Qingtian Realm. Even a few words from him could give Xue Bufan a sense of enlightenment, feeling as if his eyes were suddenly opened, "Now, alchemists often fall into a misconception, believing that the more precious the herbs, the better the quality and effects of the pills produced. This is not the case, however. Without sufficient cultivation and alchemical experience, one might not be able to utilize precious herbs properly, not only wasting heavenly resources but also greatly reducing the effects of the pills produced!"


    Xue Bufan nodded sometimes, frowned sometimes, and occasionally stretched out with an excited smile.


    The two had a long, heart-to-heart conversation.


    Not far from them, Little Lin lazily sprawled over the railing, watching a Manggu Zhuha on a lotus leaf in the pond, flicking its tongue out to catch the insects flying by.


    Xiao Yi and his companion talked nonstop, exchanging knowledge.


    Xue Bufan was completely convinced by Xiao Yi. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The next day.


    Early in the morning, warm sunlight fell.


    Whoosh!


    Xue Bufan slowly stood up and bowed deeply to Xiao Yi, "Thank you, Xiao, for the guidance. Listening to your insights is better than reading for ten years. If I had met you earlier, perhaps these old bones of mine could have made further progress!"


    "You flatter me, Elder Xue!"


    Xiao Yi smiled humbly, "Elder Xue is still vigorous in spite of age. As long as you research along the lines I mentioned before, within a year you will surely break the five-star barrier and step into the six-star alchemist level!"


    Alchemists were divided into seven stars, and above seven stars, they were known as masters, grand masters, Medicine King, and Medicine Saint!


    A total of eleven levels.


    As far as Xiao Yi knew...


    The chief imperial physician of the Great Qian Dynasty''s royal family was a master-level alchemist, whose status could compare with that of the Emperor of the Great Qian Dynasty!


    "Xiao, I have been enlightened and need to meditate in seclusion," Xue Bufan said eagerly.


    The day and night of exchange had been immensely beneficial to him.


    Xiao Yi nodded, "Have Shi Yaoqian lead you to the quiet room for your seclusion!"


    "Thank you, Xiao!"


    Xue Bufan respectfully withdrew.


    Xiao Yi stood up, stretching his limbs with a series of crackles and popping his joints, he yawned and said, "Little Lin, summon Yu Huaxian to see me!"


    "Alrighty!"


    Little Lin turned into a streak of silver light and vanished into the sky.


    A short while later...


    Yu Huaxian arrived in front of him, spirited and beaming, bowing and saying, "I''ve seen Xiao!"


    "Congratulations. With your current state, you should be able to step into the Sixth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm within half a month!" Xiao Yi looked Yu Huaxian up and down, teasing, "You don''t resent me now for using you as a guinea pig and letting the Manggu Zhuha bite you repeatedly, do you?"


    The toxicity of the Manggu Zhuha is lethal.


    But as long as the poison is neutralized in time, not only will it not endanger one''s life, but it can also greatly enhance the vitality of one''s qi-blood.


    It is beneficial to cultivation!


    For this reason...


    Previously, Xiao Yi had allowed the Manggu Zhuha to bite Yu Huaxian time after time. Now, Yu Huaxian''s qi-blood is dozens of times more vigorous than before, his energy is abundant, and his realm has become more profound. In about half a month, he should be able to step into the Sixth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm. With Yu Huaxian''s unpredictable attack methods, by then, he could battle even ordinary warriors at the Seventh Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm.


    Yu Huaxian chuckled and then said, "Xiao, is there something important that you have summoned me for?"


    Xiao Yi nodded, "Yesterday, I asked you to send someone to find a place that possesses both Heaven and Earth Gangfeng and lightning. Is there any news?"


    Entering the Wind Thunder Holy Body is not difficult, one only needs to find an ordinary place with Heaven and Earth Gangfeng and lightning.


    "It has been found!"


    Yu Huaxian nodded eagerly, "Three hundred li east of the royal capital, there is a Wind Thunder Canyon. The terrain of that canyon is extremely peculiar, with year-round presence of Heaven and Earth Gangfeng and thunder!"


    Xiao Yi took the map presented by Yu Huaxian, memorized the route, and instructed, "I will be gone for some time, perhaps seven to eight days, or as few as two to three days. During this period, clean up the forces within the royal capital, I do not wish that no sooner have we left than the Qingyun Kingdom revives from the ashes!"


    "At your command!"


    Yu Huaxian assured with a serious face.


    Xiao Yi gave additional instructions and then, with Little Lin, he soared into the sky.


    Three hundred li.


    For him, it was just over half an hour before he arrived at the Wind Thunder Canyon as described by Yu Huaxian.


    Still dozens of li away, he could already see a thick, pitch-black cloud circling above the canyon, with purple-gold lightning striking down within the clouds from time to time. The lightning, resembling a lantern, caused the canyon to flicker in and out of brightness. From a distance, it looked just like a ghost canyon haunted by devils.


    "Little Lin, you wait outside the canyon later!" Xiao Yi instructed.


    Little Lin nodded, lying on top of a towering tree beside the canyon.


    Xiao Yi entered the canyon shrouded with wind and thunder.


    "Wind and Thunder fortify my body, smelt my flesh¡­"


    Xiao Yi''s figure shook, immersing himself in the midst of wind and thunder.


    The wild winds and astonishing thunder, as if a pack of wolves had encountered their prey, launched a fierce attack, each landing on him.


    Boom, boom, boom!


    The knife-like wind and the arrow-like lightning continuously bombarded his body.


    Xiao Yi circulated the Wind Thunder Battle Body Skill, constantly absorbing the power of the Gangfeng and lightning, refining his entire body. This Wind Thunder Holy Body starts with the skin, then the flesh, followed by the tendons, after which the internal organs, and finally refining the bones... to reach a state where the spine is like an Azure Dragon of Wind and Thunder, and the internal organs are unbreakable. The first turn is to fortify the skin.


    It is also the simplest realm.


    Once the cultivation is successful, the skin will be as tough as copper, impervious to water and fire.


    Time flies.


    Immersed in the wind and thunder, Xiao Yi appears like a god or a demon; what began as a tearing pain with the first onslaught of wind and thunder has now become fearlessness.


    This wind and thunder might surround him, but it can no longer hurt a single hair on his body!


    Xiao Yi, enveloped by wind and thunder, took the prepared First-turn Fenglei Elixir, a faint cyan light traveled around his body, causing his skin, which was like black iron, to return to its normal color. The surrounding Gangfeng and lightning fell but formed an invisible barrier around his body, fundamentally unable to get close.


    The first turn of the Wind Thunder Holy Body has been achieved!


    Meanwhile...


    Ten li away from the Wind Thunder Canyon, a massive figure flew through the midair, a Golden Crown Black Eagle, a huge beast of the Tao Tribulation Realm that could travel five thousand li in a day.


    Atop this massive beast, several figures stood proudly.


    Their clothing bore distinct insignia, unmistakably from the Great Jin Kingdom!

 Chapter 175 - 175: How Do You Want to Die?

    A group of powerful beings from the Great Jin Kingdom passed by this place.


    Suddenly, they were attracted by the commotion caused by Xiao Yi''s cultivation and turned their eyes in that direction, only to see Xiao Yi amidst the Wind Thunder.


    They were captivated by the sight of him absorbing the power of Wind Thunder to temper his physical body.


    One must know...


    Even within the Great Jin Kingdom, such a secret technique that devours the power of heaven and earth to cultivate the body is extremely rare!


    One of them had a hunch and looked towards Wind Thunder Canyon, squinting his eyes, "Is there someone who can absorb the power of Wind Thunder to refine their body? Such body-refining secret skills are not even possessed by our Great Jin Kingdom. How can these lowly commoners from inferior kingdoms be qualified to cultivate them?"


    Another person laughed arrogantly, "Let him hand over that body-refining secret technique!"


    "What if he refuses?"


    "He''s just an insignificant ant, killing him is all it takes!"


    The young man who started speaking reminded, "Your Highness, our mission is to execute Yu Huaxian, the traitor, and to bring Xiao Yi from the Tianqing Kingdom back with us. If unintended problems arise and His Majesty becomes aware, I fear it could reflect poorly on you."


    This party was indeed from the Great Jin Kingdom.


    The news that Yu Huaxian had led the Golden Crow Guards to betray the nation had already reached the Great Jin Kingdom.


    The King of the Great Jin Kingdom was furious.


    He immediately sent the seventh prince, Liu Mubai, to kill Yu Huaxian and capture Xiao Yi.


    Liu Mubai was the pride and joy of the heavens in the Great Jin Kingdom, just twenty-eight years old, yet he had already reached the Second Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm. Besides, there was also the commander of the Great Jin Kingdom''s Imperial Guards, Zhan Bitao!


    Zhan Bitao, the Bloodless Swordsman!


    This man was a Sword Intent prodigy, at the Sixth Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm, with the third stage of the human-sword unity Sword Intent.


    His combat strength was not inferior to an ordinary Seventh Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm warrior!


    Zhan Bitao stood proudly beside Liu Mubai, with his hands clasped around his sword, and said indifferently, "Your Highness, if you wish to obtain this person''s body-refining technique, later on I will take action to capture him directly. It shouldn''t take much time!"


    "No!"


    Liu Mubai waved his hand dismissively, "Considering that this person does not have the aura of divine skills, he is probably not at the Tao Tribulation Realm. Why use a butcher''s knife to kill a chicken? Wu Lun, you handle it later. If he obediently hands over the body-refining technique, that would be it. If he does not cooperate, break his limbs first, then force him to hand it over!"


    "Rest assured, Your Highness!"


    Wu Lun was the young man who had spoken first, with a cultivation reaching the peak of Golden Core Realm. His power was far more than ten times stronger than that of Jiang Shanhe.


    "Hm?"


    Little Lin, who was resting on the tree canopy, shuddered and suddenly looked up at the sky.


    The Golden Crown Black Eagle was incredibly fast, and in the blink of an eye, it was already outside Wind Thunder Canyon. As they saw several people intending to enter, Little Lin spoke lazily, "Stop right there!"


    "Hm?"


    The group was startled and looked in the direction of the voice.


    The eagle eyes of the Golden Crown Black Eagle were incredibly sharp, they stared fixedly at Little Lin''s direction, emitting a series of low cries.


    Little Lin climbed down leisurely from the tree canopy, stood up straight, and said indifferently, "My boss is cultivating. You can''t go in there!"


    "What a cute little snake!"


    "I''ve studied the Compendium of Hundred Beasts diligently, but I''ve never seen such a small snake before. Could it be a mutated magical beast? It''s worth a fortune. If I capture it and present it to my mother, she will be overjoyed!" Liu Mubai''s eyes lit up as he glanced at the Golden Crown Black Eagle beside him, "Catch it!"


    "Yes, Your Highness!"


    With a soft tweet, the Golden Crown Black Eagle flapped its wings and swept up a great wind, turning into a streak of black light swooping down.


    Its sharp talons reached out from under its belly, grabbing towards Little Lin.


    The Golden Crown Black Eagle, being at the initial stage of the sixth tier, was comparable to the Second Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm, and its speed was incredibly fast. Even strong warriors at the Third Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm had difficulty contending it.


    In its eyes, the aura emanating from Little Lin was merely at the fifth tier.


    It should have been an easy catch.


    Little did they know...


    Having followed Xiao Yi for so long, Little Lin had picked up many things from him, especially the skill of concealing his true cultivation level, in which he had surpassed the master. Although the aura he displayed was only that of a fifth-grade senior, comparable to the peak of the Golden Core Realm, in reality, after ingesting the essence of the Dragon Vein Spiritual Pool twice, Little Lin had reached the Third Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    His speed was even faster than that of the Golden Crown Black Eagle.


    When faced with the sudden attack of the Golden Crown Black Eagle, Little Lin curled up into a ball, and at the moment when the sharp claws came down, he shot out violently.


    Little Lin was like an arrow leaving the bow.


    Whoosh!


    A streak of silver light tore through the void, perfectly evading the claws of the Golden Crown Black Eagle, burrowing into its forehead and flying out the back of its head. The giant Golden Crown Black Eagle shuddered, falling to the ground with a thud, while Little Lin once again dived into its body, emerging with a Martial Dao Divine Fruit in his mouth, which he swallowed in one gulp.


    Standing proudly on the head of the Golden Crown Black Eagle, he squinted his eyes and, with a human-like provocativeness, stared down at Liu Mubai and the others.


    Hiss!


    Liu Mubai and his companions took a sharp intake of breath.


    This Golden Crown Black Eagle was a foe that even a human expert at the Third Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm would find difficult to handle, yet this seemingly pretty little snake had killed it with one strike?


    "What a silver demon snake, this prince will take it for himself!"


    Liu Mubai''s eyes shone as he turned to Zhan Bitao, "Zhan, capture this beast alive!"


    "A mere beast, I will subdue it with one sword strike!"


    Zhan Bitao held his sword with both hands, his fishtail outfit rustling in the air, and in an instant his sword was drawn, with no visible sword moves, and the longsword returned to its sheath.


    At the same time, a dense mass of sword scars suddenly appeared around Little Lin, intersecting and striking down.


    Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh!


    Little Lin kept dodging, his speed remarkably fast. A streak of silver light weaved through countless sword beams, untouched like a leaf that does not stick to any flower in a field of thousands.


    Zhan Bitao''s face stiffened as he felt a burning humiliation on his cheeks.


    He had vowed only a moment ago that he could subdue Little Lin with a single sword strike.


    And yet, that strike hadn''t even touched a scale on Little Lin''s body.


    How embarrassing indeed!


    Zhan Bitao glared furiously: "Little creature, how dare you insult me thus? Meteor from Beyond the Heavens..."


    Zhan Bitao thrust his sword out as he spoke.


    This thrust was his signature move, extremely fast and tricky to defend against¡ªa bloodless strike!


    Little Lin''s pupils suddenly constricted. His speed was undeniably astonishing, but Zhan Bitao was after all at the Sixth Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm, far superior to him. With a clink, the cold glittering sword tip fell squarely on him, silver scales shattering instantly, fresh blood sprayed from Little Lin''s mouth as his body was sent flying.


    "Hahaha, little fellow, come obediently to this prince''s hands!" Liu Mubai was ecstatic as he reached out for Little Lin.


    But at that moment...


    An icy chill swept through him suddenly.


    Liu Mubai shivered as if he had fallen into an ice cellar.


    Bang!


    In front of him, there was an invisible wall of energy, abruptly halting his advance.


    Little Lin turned into a streak of silver light, landing on Xiao Yi''s shoulder, his face bearing a look of grievance: "Boss, if you didn''t come, they would have beaten me to death..." S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "As long as I''m here, I will seek justice for you!"


    Xiao Yi rubbed his head, narrowing his eyes as he stood up and looked towards Liu Mubai and the others, "You hurt my brother, how would you like to die?"

 Chapter 176 - 176 Wind Thunder Starts to Show Its Power

    "How do you want to die for harming my brother?"


    Xiao Yi''s gaze was icy as he looked at Zhan Bitao and the others.


    He had sensed the presence of the group earlier when the Golden Crown Black Eagle arrived. At the time, he was digesting the First-turn Wind Thunder Elixir, healing his body from the erosion of the gang winds and thunder.


    He couldn''t move hastily.


    He hadn''t expected Little Lin to nearly encounter a fatal accident, and his rage was uncontrollable.


    Liu Mubai frowned and looked at Xiao Yi with a sneer on his face, scoffing, "I wondered who it was, turns out it''s just a mere Golden Core Realm Peak. Boy, I see your Body Refinement Technique is not weak, just hand over that technique and the serpent-like magical beast, and I can leave you a whole corpse."


    Xiao Yi sighed, "Leave me a whole corpse? I''m afraid you can''t afford to do so!"


    "Hmm?"


    Liu Mubai let out a cold laugh, seeing Xiao Yi at just the peak of Golden Core Realm, he was not worth his attention at all, he turned to Wu Lun and said, "Cut off his limbs!"


    "Rest assured, Your Highness!"


    Wu Lun smiled confidently, striding towards Xiao Yi like a dragon stalking a tiger.


    In his footsteps.


    Each step was firm and powerful, showing his mastery in leg techniques.


    His leg muscles tensed in an instant, as tough as if they were cast from gold and iron. With a ferocious push against the ground, a resounding boom filled the air and dust flew from the ground as he suddenly leaped into the air. In a flash, he appeared before Xiao Yi, and as he spun in the air, two white whips flew from his hands.


    These whips were intertwined with chains and were incredibly sturdy.


    With two clanking sounds, they wrapped around Xiao Yi''s hands.


    Liu Mubai laughed derisively, looking at Zhan Bitao by his side, "I thought he was some kind of expert, but it turns out he''s just a silver-spearhead that looks good without substance. Once bound by Wu Lun''s bloodthirsty white satin, even an ordinary warrior at the Tao Tribulation Realm would struggle to break free! After Wu Lun severs his limbs, we''ll use severe torture to extract the Body Refining Techniques from him!"


    "Congratulations to Your Highness for acquiring a set of Body Refining Techniques!" Zhan Bitao said with a smile.


    Xiao Yi''s cultivation was merely at the Golden Elixir Realm Peak.


    He had not yet stepped into the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    In their eyes, he was no different from an ant.


    "Certainly, congratulations are in order, only..."


    Liu Mubai glanced at the Golden Crown Black Eagle lying in a pool of blood, shaking his head with regret, "This Golden Crown Black Eagle was a gift from my mother, and now it has died here, truly a pity!"


    "Your Highness, that little silver snake is much stronger than the Golden Crown Black Eagle. I believe the Queen Mother will also like it!" Zhan Bitao said in a heavy voice.


    The queen of the Great Jin Kingdom was a rare Beast Tamer.


    Many formidable magical beasts of the Great Jin Kingdom were personally tamed by her.


    Her greatest hobby was collecting powerful magical beasts with pure bloodlines and extremely rare mutated magical beasts.


    The two were talking when suddenly a harsh crackling sound came from ahead. The men looked at each other and both laughed, "Wu Lun doesn''t hold back, does he? That sounded like a crippling fracture!"


    However...


    When they followed the sound to look, both were momentarily stunned.


    Xiao Yi still appeared easy and carefree, standing with his hands behind his back.


    But Wu Lun''s limbs were broken, and like a flagpole, he was stuck into the ground, half his body buried in the earth, blood spurting from every orifice, his face pale with horror and despair as he shouted towards them, "Save me... Your Highness, save me..."


    "Wu Lun?"


    Liu Mubai looked on in astonishment.


    Zhan Bitao also showed a surprised expression, "What happened? How did he break free from the bloodthirsty white satin?"


    That bloodthirsty white satin was a genuine Yuan weapon, exceptionally tough, and not easily broken even by warriors at the Calamity Realm in a short time.


    What exactly had happened?


    "Your Highness, save me..." Wu Lun bellowed, his face covered in blood.


    Liu Mubai''s complexion alternated between pale and flushed as he looked at Zhan Bitao, his face distorted with ferocity, and he growled, "Kill him, kill him for me!"


    "Yes!"


    Zhan Bitao slapped his hand on the hilt of his sword; with a piercing sound of metal slicing through air, the longsword he cradled shot out of its sheath, becoming a silver streak heading forward. Zhan Bitao tapped the ground with his foot, skimming swiftly across the surface like a swallow, grabbing the sword hilt and slashing a sword arc in follow-through, "Diagonal Moon!" S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Swish!


    The silver arc, like a diagonal moon, swept close to the ground.


    Swish, swish, swish!


    Wherever the sword arc passed, the ground was torn apart, and the air itself was cleaved open, forming walls of force on either side of the sword edge.


    Xiao Yi reached out a hand, spread his fingers, and grasped toward the sword arc.


    "You think you can catch my sword with your flesh and blood? That''s delusional wishful thinkin¡ª" Zhan Bitao''s fierce and confident expression froze on his face.


    The sharp sword light could not advance an inch further in Xiao Yi''s hand.


    "That''s all!"


    Xiao Yi closed his hand.


    Crack!


    The sword arc shattered, scattering a sky full of sword light.


    "A sword without a trace!"


    Zhan Bitao, after all, was a battle-hardened warrior. Shock quickly gave way to composure, as he gripped his longsword with both hands, his figure turning into a phantom.


    Whoosh!


    His figure suddenly vanished from the spot.


    By the time he reemerged,


    he stood behind Xiao Yi.


    The two stood back to back.


    Zhan Bitao slowly raised his longsword in front of him and gently stroked the blade, a proud look on his face, "With this sword of mine, my strikes are always met with blood. Until now, no one of my realm has ever avoided it. Take pride in dying by this sword!"


    As he spoke,


    Zhan Bitao intended to sheathe his longsword!


    However...


    There suddenly came a crisp crack from the longsword, followed by a spreading crunching sound.


    Apart from a section of the tip that had entered the sheath, the rest of the blade shattered to pieces.


    Turning into fragments on the ground.


    Zhan Bitao: "..."


    His body jolted as if struck by lightning, before freezing in place, disbelievingly staring at the fragments on the ground, his throat moving up and down.


    Gulp!


    Zhan Bitao forcefully swallowed his saliva, stiffly turning to look at Xiao Yi, "You-you-you aren''t dead?"


    "Indeed, your sword strike was remarkable!"


    Xiao Yi snapped back to reality, touched his neck, finding a white line of a sword scratch there.


    The speed of the strike had indeed been extremely fast.


    Even Xiao Yi had been grazed slightly, and for any ordinary fighter even a slight touch would have been enough to slit their throat.


    Xiao Yi relied on the power of his Wind Thunder Holy Body to protect his throat at the crucial moment, leaving only a sword scratch.


    The fifth-grade Yuan weapon, however, was shattered by the power of Wind Thunder.


    That''s what led to this scene.


    "No-no way, my sword has never failed..." Xhan Bitao''s eyebrows twitched violently, his face full of shock.


    Xiao Yi looked up at him and said indifferently, "You did not miss, but you just didn''t break through my defense. As it happens, my Body Refining Technique is newly completed, so I''ll use you to practice."


    Boom!


    Xiao Yi suddenly dove forward, the wild force from his body blasting the ground apart.


    A cloud of dust billowed behind him.


    His iron fist was already in sight.


    "Damn it!"


    Zhan Bitao crossed his arms in front of him and suddenly, his whole body shook, with a terrifying power of Wind Thunder coursing through him, paralyzing his body in an instant.


    The terrible force spread throughout his body.


    Zhan Bitao was sent flying more than fifty meters away, plowing through everything in his path.


    Boom!


    Zhan Bitao''s whole body became embedded in the rock wall, blood covering all his orifices.


    Xiao Yi shook his arm, the Wind Thunder power fading away from his fist, "Worthy of the Wind Thunder Holy Body, being this powerful even in the first-turn realm!"


    Xiao Yi withdrew his fist and turned back to look at a stunned Liu Mubai.


    Thud!


    Liu Mubai''s legs gave out, and he knelt on the ground, his face full of fear and trepidation, "Spare me, young hero, spare my life. Here''s a billion in silver notes as compensation, please let me live..."


    Whether it was the common folk or the high and mighty emperors and generals,


    when faced with death, most are the same.


    Xiao Yi gave him a cold glance, casually taking the billion silver notes and said indifferently, "Today I''ll spare your life. Remember to be more careful with your eyes in the future!"


    "Yes, yes, Mubai will keep it in mind!" Liu Mubai was earnestly fearful.


    Xiao Yi snorted and took off into the sky.


    Long after Xiao Yi had left, Liu Mubai finally stood up, his body drenched in sweat. He glanced at the dumbstruck Wulun, steeled his heart, and with a ferocious face walked towards Wulun.


    Wulun trembled and struggled frantically, "Your Highness, please don''t kill me... I swear I won''t speak of today''s events, please don''t kill me..."


    "Only the dead can keep secrets!"


    Liu Mubai smashed Wulun''s skull with a palm strike, then approached Zhan Bitao, finding that Zhan was knocked unconscious, and heaved a sigh of relief. He pried him from the rock wall, fed him Healing Pills, and after a while Zhan Bitao came to, his face full of pain, "Your Highness, I failed my duty and couldn''t protect you..."


    "Zhan, you exaggerate. This man is beyond you and me, it''s not your fault," Liu Mubai consoled him.


    Zhan Bitao managed a bitter smile, "Your Highness, now that both my hands are shattered, I won''t be able to wield a sword for some time. Are we still heading to Qingyun Kingdom?"


    "Why wouldn''t we go?"


    Liu Mubai''s eyes were filled with ferocity, "We can''t afford to provoke that young man, but what''s Xiao Yi to us? I have the top-quality Golden Healing Elixir that can restore fifty percent of your injuries. Even if you can''t wield a sword, Zhan, you should still be able to capture him. Besides, if it weren''t for Xiao Yi, we wouldn''t have come to this godforsaken place and ended up like this. I will make Xiao Yi pay dearly..."

 Chapter 177 - 177: How is it you?

    Qingyun Kingdom, the capital city.


    It had been only two days since Xiao Yi left, and there hadn''t been any changes in the capital.


    Just as he returned to the palace...


    Xiao Yi heard a scream coming from within the palace, yet the patrolling guards seemed accustomed to it, leaving him puzzled, "What''s going on here?"


    "Lord!"


    After a respectful bow, a guard said with a strange expression, "Lord Xue is conducting an experiment..."


    "Conducting an experiment?" Xiao Yi was startled.


    The guard struggled to hold back his laughter and said, "Lord Xue seems to have developed some new elixir, and Lord Shi Yaoqian was deeply interested, so he volunteered to test it. However, pfft..."


    The guard could no longer restrain his laughter.


    Another guard beside him hurriedly said, "It seems there was a problem with the medicine, and now Lord Shi Yaoqian, he has been out of control since yesterday, rampaging around like a mad bull..."


    "Pfft!"


    "Hahaha..."


    The surrounding guards all doubled over with laughter, "You don''t know... after Lord Shi took the elixir, he became as strong as a humanoid beast, invulnerable to knives and spears, impervious to water and fire..." S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi: "..."


    Listening to the guards'' descriptions, he became increasingly interested in the new drug developed by Xue Bufan.


    What on earth had Xue Bufan developed?


    Thinking this, Xiao Yi followed the noise and came to the imperial garden, where a crowd was gathered at the entrance, each craning their necks to look inside.


    Shi Yaoquan, Shi Yaodu, Shi Yaose, and Yu Huaxian were also in the midst of the crowd.


    Each one stretched their necks to look inside.


    "What''s going on?"


    Xiao Yi was puzzled and levitated to get a better view inside; what he saw left him dumbfounded.


    In the imperial garden.


    Shi Yaoqian was running wildly.


    His body glowed red as if drenched in fresh blood, charging through the garden and smashing everything in his path to pieces.


    Xue Bufan was in hot pursuit with a dagger: "Don''t run... If I cut open a wound over your heart and drain the poisoned blood, you''ll return to normal. Why run? Just one slice, you have to trust me..."


    "I trust your evil intentions, you wretched old man..."


    Shi Yaoqian, enraged and continuously roaring, said, "You told me it was just for strengthening and maintaining health, with absolutely no side effects. Look now... I haven''t been able to stop since yesterday..."


    Xiao Yi was completely bewildered.


    He then noticed that the imperial garden was in complete disarray, as if a frenzied mythical beast had rampaged through it.


    At that moment...


    Shi Yaoqian tripped by accident.


    Xue Bufan swiftly caught up and pinned him to the ground: "I''ve finally got you!"


    "Shi Yaoqian is in big trouble..."


    "It looks like he won''t be able to dodge this knife..."


    As everyone expressed their nervous sympathy, they suddenly heard the sound of Xiao Yi clearing his throat behind them, and they quickly straightened up, respectfully saying, "Lord, you''re back!"


    Xiao Yi cleared his throat and with a stern face, said, "What is everyone doing here? Don''t you have work to do?" He looked at Shi Yaoquan and the others, "The lot of you, hurry up and prepare the troops. Aside from those staying to protect the capital, the rest will come back with me to Tianqing Kingdom. The troops from Sihai Kingdom and Baijing Kingdom haven''t withdrawn yet!"


    "Yes!"


    Shi Yaoquan and Yu Huaxian and the others quickly retreated.


    Inside the imperial garden.


    Shi Yaoqian was finally in Xue Bufan''s hands, as he pinned Shi Yaoqian to the ground and used his vital energy to form chains that bound his limbs.


    He fiercely guzzled a mouthful of strong alcohol and sprayed it on the dagger.


    Xue Bufan smiled and said, "Don''t be afraid, it will be over in just a moment!"


    "No..."


    Shi Yaoqian closed his eyes in despair.


    "Wait!"


    Xiao Yi sighed, having no choice but to intervene. If this knife strike could indeed release some poisoned blood, it would also severely damage Shi Yaoqian''s meridians.


    "Xiao... save me..." Shi Yaoqian clutched at him like a lifeline.


    Xue Bufan''s face was a mask of embarrassment, "Xiao, you''re back? It was just a small accident, I can handle it right away!"


    Xiao Yi bitterly smiled and said, "Elder Xue, if you make this cut, he can forget about making any progress in this lifetime!"


    "Uh..."


    Xue Bufan blinked and said, "Is it that serious?"


    "The pill and his blood have to integrate completely for him to lose control of his body. If you release a large quantity of blood now, it will damage his meridians. Take Shi Yaoqian to the back kitchen, find a large steaming basket, and steam him on a gentle fire. Slowly expel the poisoned blood and that should do it!" Xiao Yi said earnestly, "This way we can fully detoxify him, not just release all the poisoned blood at once..."


    "I see!"


    With a sudden realization, Xue Bufan carried Shi Yaoqian off toward the back kitchen.


    Shi Yaoqian wailed miserably, "Xiao, save me..."


    "What a headache this old man is..."


    Xiao Yi sighed in resignation, preparing to head to the kitchen to keep an eye on things when his expression shifted slightly, revealing a hint of amusement, "What are they doing here?"


    ......


    In front of the Golden Throne Hall.


    Two figures walked side by side, killing the guards that attempted to stop them and leaving their bodies strewn about.


    In their path...


    Yu Huaxian and the Shi Family brothers stood shoulder to shoulder, their expressions solemn as they faced the newcomers.


    "Yu Huaxian, do you not kneel and greet this prince?" Liu Mubai stood with his hands behind his back, his face cold as he stared at Yu Huaxian.


    Zhan Bitao stood by his side, having regained mobility with the help of the Golden Healing Elixir.


    Although he was unable to wield his sword for a while,


    his power at the Sixth Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm was still enough to suppress Yu Huaxian.


    Yu Huaxian''s expression shifted. Especially upon looking at Zhan Bitao, his expression turned more solemn as he said in a deep voice, "Your Highness, the Seventh Prince, Commander Zhan, it has been a while. Are you unharmed?"


    "Heh, what do you think? The chief supervisor of my Eastern Factory has sided with the enemy along with the Golden Crow Guards. Do you think I would be well?" said Liu Mubai with a sneer.


    His smile was ferocious, sending chills down the spines of those who saw it.


    Zhan Bitao quietly released the overpowering aura of the Sixth Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm, instilling trepidation in everyone present, "Yu Huaxian, why do you not kneel before His Highness?"


    "I am no longer a subject of the Great Jin Kingdom, why should I kneel to him?" Yu Huaxian spoke with neither arrogance nor servility.


    "Once a dog of the royal family, always a dog. The Seventh Prince is your master. It''s not just kneeling¡ª even if he commands you to die, you can only obediently comply!" Zhan Bitao spoke dispassionately, enunciating every word.


    Yu Huaxian''s face suddenly changed, "You..."


    "Yu Huaxian, you are just a neutered dog raised by our royal family. A dog should have the awareness of being a dog. If you dare to bite the hand that feeds, there is only one path left for you¡ªdeath!" Liu Mubai said dismissively, "By the way, where is that bastard Xiao Yi? Has he not come out to kneel before this prince yet?"


    As he finished speaking,


    a taunting voice emerged from the Golden Throne Hall, "You say... I should kneel and welcome who exactly?"


    "Of course, it''s kneel before this prince, prince, prince..."


    Liu Mubai looked up proudly following the voice, but as he saw Xiao Yi emerging from the Golden Throne Hall, his face became stricken as if an invisible hand had clutched at his throat, and the words he was about to speak choked off. Stunned and disconcerted, he stammered, "How... how... how is it you?"

 Chapter 178 - 178: One Man Suppresses a Country

    "How, how, how is it you?"


    Liu Mubai looked utterly bewildered at the sight of Xiao Yi standing before him.


    He had never imagined that the person who, like a nightmare, had inflicted a heavy blow on Zhan Bitao and frightened him into kneeling and begging for mercy would appear before him so soon.


    Yu Huaxian and others quickly bowed to Xiao Yi, "We''ve seen the Guardian Martial God, sir!"


    "The, the Guardian Martial God? You, you''re Xiao Yi?"


    Liu Mubai was dumbfounded.


    Cold sweat the size of beans oozed from his forehead, flowing down in a torrent.


    Zhan Bitao next to him was also pale, with both hands uncontrollably shaking. Not long ago, those same hands had been shattered by Xiao Yi!


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, examining the two, especially lingering on Zhan Bitao''s hands, "It seems the Healing Pills from the Great Jin Kingdom aren''t bad, huh? In such a short time, they''ve reconnected the broken bones in your hands!"


    "I, I..."


    Zhan Bitao turned green with grief, a bitter smile on his face, "It''s, it''s not that great, it still hurts terribly..."


    Liu Mubai''s lips turned even paler.


    In that Wind Thunder Canyon, the indelible impression Xiao Yi left on him was crystal clear!


    How could he dare to oppose Xiao Yi now?


    Liu Mubai forced a smile, "Xiao, Lord Xiao, I am Liu Mubai, the seventh prince of the Great Jin Kingdom..."


    Xiao Yi nodded, "I''ve heard already. You were the one who said you wanted my life, right?"


    "I¡­"


    Liu Mubai''s shoulders trembled like sieves, and he said with a wry smile, "What are you talking about, sir? How could I possibly want your life?"


    Yu Huaxian and the others standing by were flabbergasted.


    A moment ago.


    Liu Mubai and Zhan Bitao were so proud and domineering!


    Yet upon seeing Xiao Yi, they were like mice that had seen a cat.


    Seeing them sweating profusely and acting so cautiously, where was there any trace of their previous arrogance?


    The onlookers'' gaze towards Xiao Yi grew more fervent.


    Yu Huaxian was even more certain of his decision to side with Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Don''t want to? I think you''re not daring to, right?"


    Liu Mubai uttered an awkward laugh and could only smile sheepishly.


    Xiao Yi glanced at the dozens of corpses lying haphazardly in front of him ¨C these were the guards killed by Zhan Bitao ¨C and his expression turned slightly cold. He narrowed his eyes and said, "Liu Mubai, you''ve killed so many of my men, we need to settle this account properly!"


    "Compensation, I''ll compensate with money!" Liu Mubai replied hastily.


    Xiao Yi sneered, "Compensate with money? I wonder how much they''re worth in your eyes?"


    Liu Mubai hesitated for a moment, then clenched his teeth and said, "Ten million for each, how about that?"


    "Ten million Silver for each? As expected of the seventh prince of the Great Jin Kingdom, you are indeed generous."


    Xiao Yi spoke nonchalantly, and just as Liu Mubai breathed a sigh of relief, Xiao Yi suddenly let out a cold snort, "My guards are worth ten million each, then I wonder, how much is your life, Liu Mubai, worth?"


    "I, I¡­"


    Liu Mubai was at a loss for words.


    How much is it worth?


    Of course, he wanted to say priceless!


    He was the proud seventh prince of the Great Jin Kingdom, and his mother was even the current leading Beast Tamer.


    But how could he dare?


    Xiao Yi said lightly, "Let''s settle the life debt with life, shall we?"


    "Life?"


    Liu Mubai shuddered, his complexion turning deathly pale, and he quickly waved his hands, "Xiao, Xiao, have mercy. I''m the seventh prince of the Great Jin Kingdom, dearly loved by my father the Emperor and mother the Empress. If you kill me, it will surely enrage them both. Then, the elite forces of the Great Jin Kingdom will officially declare war on the Tianqing Kingdom..."


    Xiao Yi leaned forward slightly, "Are you threatening me?"


    Liu Mubai hastened to shake his head, "No, no, no, I wouldn''t dare threaten you! What I mean is, if you spare me, I can plead with my father the Emperor and mother the Empress to spare the Tianqing Kingdom."


    Zhan Bitao chimed in from the side, "The Tianqing Kingdom and our Great Jin Kingdom don''t have any deep grudges; all this is Xue Yilou stirring troubles behind the scenes. Moreover, with the strength you, Xiao, have shown, even if the Great Jin Kingdom really wanted to annihilate Tianqing Kingdom, the loss would be significant. I believe after weighing the options and with your mediation, they would definitely not send troops against the Tianqing Kingdom!"


    Their words also reached the ears of Yu Huaxian and the others.


    The three Shi Family brothers all thought it made sense.


    Yu Huaxian spoke softly, "Xiao, given the current strength of Tianqing Kingdom, trying to confront the Great Jin Kingdom is not realistic. If peace can truly be negotiated, it would be beneficial and harmless to us!"


    Meanwhile.


    Liu Mubai was secretly communicating with Zhan Bitao, "First, keep them stable, you can even promise many benefits. Once we return, I will have the emperor send a large army to flatten Tianqing Kingdom!"


    "Your Highness, rest assured, our Great Jin Kingdom is powerful, with countless mighty warriors; crushing Tianqing Kingdom is as easy as the flick of a wrist!" Zhan Bitao also communicated in secret.


    The two were covertly discussing how to annihilate Tianqing Kingdom.


    But on the surface, they wore obsequious smiles.


    Smiles that concealed knives.


    Harboring ulterior motives!


    Under the expectant gazes of the two, Xiao Yi''s mouth curved slightly as he leisurely walked up to them, "Have you ever heard a saying?"


    "Hmm?"


    The two were taken aback, both looking at him intently.


    Xiao Yi spoke leisurely, not fast in speech, but with unwavering resolve, and even as he spoke, his figure seemed to become even more imposing, "As long as I am here, Tianqing shall not fall!"


    Just seven simple words.


    Yet at that moment, they resounded like a bolt from the blue, a thunderclap in a clear sky, shaking people''s hearts.


    They left Liu Mubai and Zhan Bitao''s faces colorless with shock and astonishment in their eyes.


    Xiao Yi''s voice rolled like a massive wave, "If Tianqing Kingdom is to stand tall in this world, it will do so with our own fists and blades, slashing down every enemy. There''s no need for you to plead on our behalf. Your Great Jin Kingdom may be strong, but if you wish to annihilate Tianqing Kingdom, then come at us! We will meet the troops with our generals, and stem the water with our earth..."


    "If you want a battle, I''ll give you one!" Xiao Yi said, his expression icy cold.


    These six words seemed to carry a profound power, echoing in the air, reverberating long and far.


    Immediately, the faces of the three Shi Family brothers turned crimson with impassioned vigor as they clenched their fists, "If you want a battle, we''ll give you one!"


    Yu Huaxian, too, was deeply moved, his neck flushed red and veins throbbing, "If you want a battle, I''ll give you one!"


    "If you want a battle, I''ll give you one!"


    "If you want a battle..."


    "I''ll give you one!"


    "Battle!"


    "Battle!"


    "Battle!"


    Throughout the palace, throughout the capital, the Azure Dragon Guards and Tianqing Kingdom''s soldiers, without exception, were yelling at the top of their lungs, with voices like rolling thunder, dominating the skies.


    Liu Mubai and Zhan Bitao fell back step by step.


    The two were so shocked they couldn''t speak.


    Xiao Yi''s gaze fell upon them, pointing at the dozens of bodies lying in pools of blood, "My brothers cannot die in vain! Since you want to compensate, let it be a life for a life!"


    "No... you can''t kill me, I am the seventh prince of the Great Jin Kingdom, you can''t..." Liu Mubai was hysterical, roaring in fear, "Zhan Bitao, save me..."


    Zhan Bitao''s expression was ferocious, "Your Highness, run..."


    Buzz!


    Countless sword lights erupted from his body, charging head-on towards Xiao Yi.


    Liu Mubai soared into the sky. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zhan Bitao bellowed, "To kill His Highness, you''ll have to step over my dead body!"


    "Then I shall oblige you!"


    With a cold snort, Xiao Yi stepped forward, his Wind Thunder Holy Body radiating the light of Wind Thunder, and with a booming stomp he crushed Zhan Bitao''s head into his chest cavity, while launching an aerial feint with his hand as a sword, pointing out, "Sailing a thousand miles to Jiangling... in just one day!"


    Whoosh!


    A silver sword light burst forth.


    Puff!


    Liu Mubai, who was fleeing rapidly through the void, trembled, his body split in two and fell from the sky...

 Chapter 179 - 179: One Man with a Sword, Charging into the Enemy Camp Alone!

    The seventh prince of the Great Jin Kingdom, Liu Mubai.


    In a torrent of blood, his bifurcated body plummeted, crashing to the ground with two thumps, shattering to pieces.


    His death meant that there would be no end to the rivalry between Tianqing Kingdom and the Great Jin Kingdom until one was annihilated!


    However...


    Whether it was the ordinary soldiers or powerhouses like Yu Huaxian and the three Shi brothers, not a single person blamed Xiao Yi.


    Their hearts were ablaze with the will to fight.


    Just as Xiao Yi had said, no strong nation had ever emerged from compromise!


    If Tianqing Kingdom was to rise, it could only rely on itself!


    Meet warriors with warriors, counter water with earth!


    What of the Great Jin Kingdom?


    As long as one is sufficiently powerful, one can completely repel them at the nation''s gates, or even sweep through the Great Jin!


    Of course...


    The reason Xiao Yi did this, apart from his confidence in his own strength, was that he had acquired the inheritance of the Wind Thunder Venerable, equipping him with countless alchemy formulas. Among them was one that could greatly enhance the strength of basic martial artists in a short period of time, and once this set of formulas was successfully concocted.


    Within three months, Tianqing Kingdom would have a million-strong Azure Dragon Guard!


    It is to be noted that the Azure Dragon Guard was formerly the Golden Crow Guard!


    The most elite military force of the Great Jin Kingdom.


    According to Yu Huaxian, even with the full might of the Great Jin Kingdom, the armies that could rival the Golden Crow Guard were no more than a hundred thousand strong.


    If Tianqing Kingdom could muster a million Azure Dragon Guards, and with powerhouses like Xiao Yi, Yu Huaxian, Xue Bufan, and others to defend it, even the Great Jin Kingdom would be helpless against them!


    This was the source of Xiao Yi''s confidence!


    "Xiao, the news of Liu Mubai''s death can hardly be concealed, and it will most likely reach the Great Jin Kingdom within half a month. When that happens, the Great Jin Kingdom will be enraged and may lash out in full force, provoking a war of annihilation. We must be on guard!" Yu Huaxian knew well the strength of the Great Jin Kingdom and spoke with a grave expression.


    Xiao Yi nodded and said, "Don''t worry, I have a plan in mind. Immediately arrange for men. Tomorrow morning, follow me back to the kingdom with the Azure Dragon Guard!"


    "Understood!"


    Yu Huaxian bowed and withdrew.


    Xiao Yi turned to Shi Yaodu and the other two, "How goes the collection of medicinal herbs I tasked you with?"


    Shi Yaodu promptly replied, "We have gathered all the herbs that could be found in the capital."


    "Very good!"


    Xiao Yi squinted his eyes and said, "First, hand over all the collected herbs to me. Tomorrow, I will return to the kingdom with Huaxian and the Azure Dragon Guard. We must resolve matters with Sihai and Baijing Kingdoms as soon as possible. As for you... on the way back, collect every single herb I mentioned in every city, without exception."


    "Yes, sir!"


    Shi Yaoquan handed a storage ring to Xiao Yi. The three bowed respectfully and then withdrew.


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, looking toward the horizon where the red sun was slowly setting: "Your Majesty, I promised to protect Tianqing Kingdom, and I will keep that promise. Overthrowing the Great Qian Dynasty is too distant a goal, so let me first overthrow the Great Jin Kingdom, and make Tianqing the supreme beneath Great Qian!"


    ......


    Babao Pass.


    Gu Junhe sat in the governor''s residence.


    Indeed, he was a man of extraordinary talent, having stepped into the Tao Tribulation Realm relying solely on his comprehension.


    Moreover, he had single-handedly withstood Xia Yuan and Bai Jianfeng from Baijing Kingdom, both Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouses, and staunchly defended Babao Pass, preventing them from gaining even an inch of ground.


    With news of Xiao Yi''s consecutive annihilation of Tianlan Kingdom and Qingyun Kingdom reaching Babao Pass, the morale of Tianqing Kingdom''s soldiers was high, repeatedly thwarting the advance of Baijing Kingdom''s army. Yet, in such brutal warfare, the army defending Babao Pass for Tianqing Kingdom had dwindled from its original four hundred thousand to now only one hundred and eighty thousand.


    More than half had died in battle!


    On the other hand, though Baijing Kingdom had also suffered heavy casualties, they still commanded an army of six hundred thousand.


    A medical officer beside Gu Junhe was treating his wounds with meticulous care. His back was covered with dozens of fierce sword marks, inflicted by the combined efforts of Xia Yuan and Bai Jianfeng.


    Gu Junhe remained expressionless, allowing the medical officer to tend to his savage wounds, and asked the officer before him, "Cheng De, how much longer can our provisions last?"


    "To report to the general, our provisions will only suffice for seven more days."


    Cheng De, having lost an arm, revealed a grim expression, "That bastard Xia Yuan, when he pledged allegiance, he burnt our granaries to the ground, leaving nothing behind. Otherwise, we wouldn''t be in such a passive position."


    "General, the attacks from Baijing Kingdom''s army have become increasingly ferocious these past few days. I fear the men won''t be able to hold out much longer!"


    "I suggest we first evacuate Babao Pass, and once Guardian Martial God Lord Xiao arrives with support, we can counterattack..."


    "Once Babao Pass is lost, the vast prairie lies beyond. How will we defend against the Baijing Kingdom''s army once they spread out?"


    "We must not retreat!"


    "But if we don''t retreat, how can just our 180,000 men hold out?"


    The generals argued fiercely.


    At that moment...


    A messenger rushed in from outside the door, out of breath: "Report..."


    "What''s the matter?"


    The generals turned their anxious eyes to the messenger, "Has the Baijing Kingdom''s rabble launched another attack?"


    Bang!


    Gu Junhe slammed his palm down on the table, eyes blazing with fury: "This is intolerable! Bring me my armor; I''m going to fight them myself!"


    "No, no, no, that''s not it..."


    The messenger finally caught his breath and quickly said, "It''s... It''s the War God himself who has appeared. He alone, with a single sword, has gone to the Baijing Kingdom''s military camp..."


    "What?" Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "The National God of War Xiao Yi himself?"


    "He''s going into the camp alone? Isn''t that suicide?"


    "All men, heed my command, rush out of the city to meet the enemy... No matter what, we must protect Xiao Yi!" Gu Junhe shouted anxiously.


    Despite the continuous good news from Xiao Yi during this period,


    there were even rumors...


    that even those in the Tao Tribulation Realm couldn''t withstand a single move from him.


    But those were just rumors!


    The Baijing Kingdom has two beings of the Tao Tribulation Realm, and hundreds of thousands of troops. With Xiao Yi charging into the camp alone, isn''t this like sending a lamb into the tiger''s mouth?


    For a moment,


    Babao Pass was in chaos.


    At the same time,


    Xiao Yi, riding the Tianqing wild ox, appeared alone in front of the Baijing Kingdom''s camp.


    "Who goes there?"


    The soldiers guarding the camp gate tensed up, spears and swords ready, and the archers on the arrow tower aimed their arrows at Xiao Yi.


    Now that the two countries were at war, they could not be too careful with a man appearing alone in front of their camp.


    Xiao Yi glanced at them and said indifferently, "Summon Xia Yuan and Bai Jianfeng to see me!"


    "How dare you!"


    "General Xia and Mr. Bai are not names you can call out directly!"


    "Seize this arrogant fool at once!"


    The guard captain waved his hand, and two alert guards stepped forward.


    Xiao Yi shook his head slightly and flicked his fingers.


    Bursts of vital energy shot out like a torrential rain of arrows.


    Swish, swish, swish!


    A dozen guards fell to the ground at the sound.


    "This is bad!"


    "It''s an attack!"


    "Kill him..."


    The archers on the arrow tower continuously fired volleys, but their arrows came to an abrupt halt half a meter from Xiao Yi, then reversed direction. With the sound of thuds, they struck down the soldiers on the tower, one by one. In an instant, the guards at the front of the Baijing Kingdom''s camp were wiped out, and Xiao Yi''s voice boomed like a song, reverberating between heaven and earth: "The National God of War of the Tianqing Kingdom, Xiao Yi, is here. Xia Yuan, Bai Jianfeng, come out and face your deaths!"

 Chapter 180 - 180: Capturing the Generals Head as Easily as Reaching into a Bag!

    "Xia Yuan, Bai Jianfeng, aren''t you coming out to meet your death?"


    Xiao Yi''s voice boomed like the tide, reverberating above the military camp of the Baijing Kingdom.


    There was a moment of silence within the camp, followed by an explosive outburst.


    "Who is this bastard that dares to come knocking at our door looking for trouble?"


    "Brothers, kill him..."


    The entire camp was boiling over, as countless soldiers swarmed out.


    Amidst the explosive sound like that of a bursting flood, hundreds of thousands of soldiers from the Baijing Kingdom''s army poured out of the camp in an orderly and united manner. In an instant, there were a sea of people in front of Xiao Yi, each with ferocious looks in their eyes, staring intently at him.


    Inside the camp.


    Two figures walked side by side, and the surrounding soldiers voluntarily stepped aside to make way for them.


    The two were none other than Xia Yuan and Bai Jianfeng.


    Xia Yuan had an impressive appearance with sword-like eyebrows and starry eyes. He had entered the First Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm with the help of the Martial Dao Divine Fruit.


    Bai Jianfeng, by his side, was also of the Second Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm.


    But he had stepped into the Tao Tribulation Realm relying on his own talent, genuinely surpassing Xia Yuan by quite a bit!


    When Xia Yuan saw Xiao Yi, his pupils shrank sharply, and then he sneered, "I was wondering who it was. It turns out to be the great Guardian Martial God Xiao Yi!"


    "Xia Yuan, you, as the Great General of the Tianqing Kingdom, betrayed your country on the eve of battle. What crime should you be charged with?" Xiao Yi''s gaze was fixated on Xia Yuan as he spoke coldly.


    Xia Yuan''s betrayal had nearly led to the fall of the Tianqing Kingdom.


    Had it not been for Gu Junhe stepping into the Tao Tribulation Realm in time and heading to Babao Pass to stop their advance, the army of the Baijing Kingdom might have already stormed through the capital of Tianqing Kingdom by now.


    "What constitutes betrayal?"


    Xia Yuan scoffed, his expression twisting viciously as he said deliberately, "It is the wise who recognize the times. I have served the Jiang Family for nearly a hundred years, fought battles on many fronts, and made illustrious military achievements. Yet Jiang Tianchen did not even bestow upon me a title of nobility, instead giving you the title of Guardian Martial God... I do not accept this!"


    Xia Yuan''s contributions to the Tianqing Kingdom were indeed not insignificant.


    But he was already sitting in the position of Great General, commanding the armed forces, with powerful troops at his disposal.


    Before Xiao Yi''s rise... S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He was one of the most powerful people in the Tianqing Kingdom, second only to Jiang Tianchen alone.


    But so it is with human hearts!


    Never satisfied!


    Upon seeing Xiao Yi was named Guardian Martial God, and after being promised high office and rich rewards by the Baijing Kingdom, Xia Yuan decisively chose to betray.


    Xiao Yi said, "Achievements? Have you ever expanded the borders of the Tianqing Kingdom?"


    "I¡­"


    Xia Yuan''s face froze.


    Before this, there had been few major wars in the Tianqing Kingdom. Though his military achievements were remarkable, they were in defense of the nation, without any territorial expansion!


    Xiao Yi spoke indifferently, "I eliminated Tianlan and then erased Qingyun, incorporating their lands into the territory of Tianqing. Are you sure you want to compare achievements with me?"


    "I, I¡­"


    Xia Yuan''s complexion fluctuated, turning from green to white. Under Xiao Yi''s oppressive presence, he involuntarily started to step back.


    Xiao Yi''s momentum was simply too strong!


    It was so overwhelming that Xia Yuan found it hard to breathe.


    Xiao Yi pressed on step by step, creating an invisible wave of energy that forced the soldiers on either side to fall back. Unaware, he was now only a hundred meters away from Xia Yuan, his expression cold, "You say the Jiang Family treated you unfairly. With the position of Great General in all these years, how many assets have you embezzled? How much bribery have you accepted, do you really think His Majesty was unaware? Did he ever punish you for it?"


    "I¡­"


    Xia Yuan trembled all over, speechless.


    Since becoming Great General, he had embezzled up to a billion taels of silver just in military funds.


    And that wasn''t even to mention the other various grey incomes.


    He had always thought he was seamless, but now, he realized that Jiang Tianchen had actually known all along and had even hinted at reminding him.


    Xia Yuan was drenched in cold sweat.


    "To hold oneself above others, accept bribes, and pervert the law, this is inhuman."


    "When the nation was in peril, you sided with the enemy, disregarding the suffering of the people, this is disloyal."


    "His Majesty''s favor upon you is as heavy as a mountain, yet you betrayed him, this is unjust."


    Xiao Yi''s expressionless face, his scolding voice becoming louder and more sonorous, his words increasingly resounding, "How dare someone as disloyal, inhumane, and unjust as you continue to live in this world?"


    Boom!


    Dark clouds suddenly clustered above the firmament, and a bolt of lightning roared as it fell from the sky.


    The flash of lightning connected heaven and earth, as if illuminating the world.


    Confronted with Xiao Yi''s soul-piercing questioning, and suddenly hearing the thunderous sound, Xia Yuan''s face turned deathly pale, and he abruptly clasped his hands onto his hair. His nails dug deep into his skull, and blood instantly smeared his entire face as he bellowed hysterically, "No... you''re spouting nonsense, I did nothing wrong, I did nothing wrong..."


    "Obstinate fool!"


    Xiao Yi formed a sword gesture with his hand, his gaze icy, "In the name of the Guardian Martial God, I sentence you to death!"


    Swish!


    A single pointed finger thrust forward.


    The sword light, like a fiery meteor, vanished in an instant.


    Thud!


    Xia Yuan''s body shook, and a dot of blood burst from his brow, struck dead by Xiao Yi with one finger!


    Hiss!


    All the soldiers around could not help but show shock and fear.


    Xia Yuan, a genuine First Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouse, had just been so effortlessly killed by Xiao Yi?


    The most shocked of all was Bai Jianfeng.


    Xia Yuan''s death was beyond his expectations.


    What shocked him even more was that Xiao Yi, with just a few reprimands, had thoroughly unsettled Xia Yuan''s mind, a feat akin to ghostly sorcery, unheard of. By the time he realized what had happened, Xia Yuan had already become a corpse, and seeing Xiao Yi''s gaze turn toward him, the corner of Bai Jianfeng''s eye twitched, and he roared, "Kill him for me, whoever takes his head will be rewarded with a billion silver, promoted three ranks, and given a city as a fief..."


    "Kill!"


    "Xiao Yi, prepare to die!"


    Immense rewards breed brave warriors.


    In an instant.


    Tens of thousands of soldiers, their eyes red, regarded Xiao Yi as their prey, swarming toward him like a pack of hungry wolves.


    Xiao Yi was instantly engulfed by the overwhelming mass of Baijing Kingdom''s soldiers.


    Bai Jianfeng, standing behind tens of thousands of soldiers, had his face twisted with ferocity: "No matter how strong you are, two fists can''t beat four hands, let alone my tens of thousands of valiant warriors under my command."


    But at that moment...


    Within the crowd, a terrifying Sword Intent suddenly soared into the sky.


    "Why is my sword not obeying my command..."


    "No... my sword has flown away on its own..."


    Exclamations of astonishment followed.


    Swords filled the sky, rising into the air.


    Xiao Yi, master of the third stage of Sword Intent, the realm of unity between man and sword, could control the ordinary weapons in the hands of these soldiers with his powerful Sword Intent. Among the tens of thousands, one third were swordsmen; tens of thousands of longswords lifted into the sky, forming a spherical sword orb, wrapping Xiao Yi within.


    Xiao Yi stood aloft, sweeping his sword fingers: "Kill!"


    Swish, swish, swish!


    Countless rains of swords fell, and the warriors around were scattered and dismembered, suffering heavy casualties under the frenzied onslaught of falling swords.


    All of a sudden.


    Xiao Yi''s gaze swept forward, past hundreds of thousands of people, fixing on the appalled Bai Jianfeng: "Divide the water into two parts for White Egret Island!"


    Rustle, rustle, rustle!


    Countless longswords gathered above his head, over a hundred thousand blades forming a kilometer-long greatsword held aloft. Xiao Yi brought the greatsword down with one slash, a kilometer-long blade falling from the sky with a swish, the Sword Qi tearing a gash through the soldiers in front, and with a bang, it landed on Bai Jianfeng''s body.


    Bai Jianfeng, merely at the Second Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm, how could he be Xiao Yi''s opponent?


    "No..."


    A scream echoed.


    The sword blade fell.


    Boom!


    The entire military camp trembled violently, the earth splintering, and hundreds of thousands of Baijing Kingdom warriors were thrown into chaos.


    At the end of that blade...


    Bai Jianfeng was decapitated!


    To take the head of a general amid an army of ten thousand was like reaching into a bag for an object!


    In that moment, Xiao Yi was like a god, like a demon, single-handedly suppressing hundreds of thousands of Baijing Kingdom soldiers, none daring to move a muscle...

 Chapter 181 - 181 Xiao Yi Triumphant Return

    ```


    Bai Jianfeng fell.


    Tens of thousands of Baijing Kingdom warriors were headless dragons, momentarily dazed, standing still in their place.


    They never expected that someone as strong as Bai Jianfeng couldn''t even block a single sword strike from Xiao Yi.


    At the same time...


    The ground thundered with vibrations.


    Dust and smoke rolled in the distance; banners pierced the sky. It was Gu Junhe leading the eighteen thousand-strong army of Tianqing Kingdom from Babao Pass to assist.


    When they saw from afar the congregation of Baijing Kingdom warriors inside the camp, Gu Junhe''s expression suddenly changed, "This is bad, Xiao Yi must have been surrounded by them... The lad is too reckless, no matter how strong he is, how can he contend against hundreds of thousands of troops?"


    As he thought, Gu Junhe''s expression turned increasingly grim.


    Whoosh!


    He fiercely pulled out his weapon and roared, "Bai Jianfeng, if you dare harm a single hair on Xiao Yi, I swear to explode myself to take you down with me!"


    "Kill!"


    "Protect the Guardian Martial God..."


    In that moment, the entire eighteen-thousand-strong army of Tianqing Kingdom was furious, rushing towards the enemy camp with utmost speed.


    However...


    When they truly approached the Baijing Kingdom camp, they all froze in shock.


    The Baijing Kingdom camp was in shambles, corpses strewn everywhere. The tens of thousands of soldiers, upon seeing their ferocious charge, were shedding their armors and weapons. Some surrendered right there, others fled in complete disarray; where was the ferocity and fierceness they had displayed earlier?


    Amidst the crowd, neither Xia Yuan nor Bai Jianfeng, the two Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouses, could be seen.


    "What, what''s going on?"


    "You, you look... Isn''t that Xia Yuan''s body?"


    "Damn... it can''t be, can it?"


    Everyone felt as if they had been struck by lightning, their faces filled with disbelief.


    All of them couldn''t help but entertain a wild idea that emerged in their minds.


    This idea was even somewhat terrifying!


    "It can''t be possible, can it?"


    "If it''s true, then, then haven''t we won?"


    Boom boom boom!


    The eighteen thousand cavalry charged wildly, how could the soldiers of Baijing Kingdom, who had lost their will to fight, be their match?


    Like a landslide, defeat was imminent!


    A moment later.


    Gu Junhe arrived at the central command tent, and Xiao Yi had been waiting there for quite some time. Seeing Gu Junhe arrive, his face broke into a radiant smile, "Dean, congratulations on your grand victory over the Baijing Kingdom''s camp!"


    "You lad..."


    Gu Junhe felt a warmth in his eyes, understanding that Xiao Yi was attributing the credit to him!


    He hesitated for a moment, then said in a deep voice, "Xia Yuan and Bai Jianfeng..."


    Xiao Yi nodded his head.


    Gu Junhe took a sharp intake of breath and sized up Xiao Yi. After a moment, he shook his head with a wry smile, "Incredible, truly incredible..." A year ago, when he first met Xiao Yi, the latter was just a little guy in the Shentong Realm, and now he stood at a height that even he could hardly reach. "Are the people of the Xiao Family blind? Such a genius, yet they treated him as trash? Even Xiao Tianjiao is no match for Xiao Yi!"


    ```


    Ah!


    Gu Junhe exhaled deeply, his gaze complex as he looked at Xiao Yi, "Had I not seen it with my own eyes, I truly could not believe that someone could achieve such terrifying accomplishments within a mere year!"


    Xiao Yi shrugged his shoulders and smiled, "Just luck!"


    "Luck?"


    Gu Junhe rolled his eyes, "How come I never have such good luck?"


    Xiao Yi spread his hands in a helpless gesture.


    Gu Junhe said in a deep voice, "Now that the Baijing Kingdom''s power is waning, should we take advantage of our victory and pursue them?"


    Xiao Yi shook his head, "We have already conquered Tianlan and Qingyun; it is not advisable to make a move on Baijing and Sihai Kingdoms for now. Let them jump around for a few more days! Moreover...I killed the seventh prince of the Great Jin Kingdom, so at the earliest in one month, and at the latest in three, the Great Jin Kingdom will arrive at our doorsteps. Our priority should be to consolidate our strength and deal with the Great Jin Kingdom!"


    Gu Junhe, with a confused expression, asked, "The Great Jin Kingdom?"


    That was known as the strongest power among the more than one hundred subordinate countries under the Great Qian Dynasty.


    There was even a saying, ''Below the Great Qian, the Great Jin reigns supreme.''


    The Great Jin Kingdom had countless powerful warriors, including the Golden Crow Guards who were reputed to be worth ten each and an army said to number five million.


    Even if it were just an ordinary army, that was five million people!


    After such successive tough battles, the Tianqing Kingdom''s army of a million had diminished to about half. Even with three months'' respite, dealing with the Great Jin Kingdom would be extremely difficult, or even utterly impossible!


    Xiao Yi, on the other hand, smiled and said, "Don''t worry, I already have a plan. And this time, while indeed it is a calamity for the Tianqing Kingdom, it is also a big opportunity... If we succeed in overthrowing the Great Jin Kingdom, from then on, it will be ''Below the Great Qian, Tianqing reigns supreme''!"


    "Below the Great Qian, Tianqing reigns supreme?"


    Gu Junhe''s body shook, and he suddenly felt his blood boiling, as if a fierce battle were raging within him.


    As a warrior born and bred in the Tianqing Kingdom.


    He naturally very much looked forward to witnessing his own country''s rise in strength.


    If they could truly replace the Great Jin and become the strongest nation under the Great Qian Dynasty, their names would be forever etched in the history of the Tianqing Kingdom.


    With this thought in mind.


    Gu Junhe nodded vigorously and said, "Although your idea is extremely crazy... if one is not crazy in youth, they are wasting their years. I''ll be crazy with you this one time!"


    Xiao Yi said, "I am sure you won''t be disappointed, Chancellor!"


    In his mind, Xiao Yi recalled the medicinal pills previously developed by Xue Bufan. The recipe had been personally given to Xue Bufan by him. Although there had been some mistakes in its development, as long as Xiao Yi took action, it could be perfected. With Xue Bufan, the undead doctor, and Xiao Yi himself working on it, the plan could certainly be executed perfectly.


    Once it was possible to elevate tens of thousands of the Tianqing Kingdom''s soldiers to match the Golden Crow Guards, who would then dare to compete under the Great Qian Dynasty?


    Subsequently...


    Gu Junhe took over the tens of thousands of soldiers captured from the Baijing Kingdom, incorporated them into the ranks, and, after handing over the responsibility of guarding Babao Pass to Cheng De, he set off on the road back to the capital with Xiao Yi.


    As Xiao Yi and the others left Babao Pass.


    In another battlefield of the Tianqing Kingdom, Yu Huaxian led twenty thousand Azure Dragon Guards in support of Jiang Weisheng. They slaughtered their way through, coordinating from inside and outside, and completely routed the tens of thousands of soldiers from the Sihai Kingdom. The tactics of the Azure Dragon Guards and Yu Huaxian were far beyond what the Sihai Kingdom''s army could match. Defeat was like a landslide, and, after this battle, Tianqing Kingdom''s perilous situation was temporarily averted.


    Out of the four kingdoms that had declared war on the Tianqing Kingdom, two had been destroyed.


    The remaining Baijing and Sihai Kingdoms had also suffered heavy losses; within their countries, barely a tenth of their forces remained.


    At this point, the rulers of Baijing and Sihai Kingdom had no more thoughts of currying favor with Xue Yilou or waging war against the Tianqing Kingdom. They were already planning on how to please the Tianqing Kingdom to avoid the fate of devastation like Tianlan Kingdom and Qingyun Kingdom.


    These two kingdoms could no longer stir up any trouble.


    Meanwhile...


    Xiao Yi, Gu Junhe, Yu Huaxian, Jiang Weisheng, and others had already made their way back to the capital, one after another. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 182 - 182: Gambling with Life

    Tianqing Kingdom, within the royal capital.


    It was a time of peace and prosperity, overflowing with joy and celebration.


    The Tianqing Kingdom of today was no longer the vulnerable nation beset by dangers on all sides that it had been two months prior.


    Xiao Yi alone had subdued the Tianlan Kingdom and the Qingyun Kingdom, incorporating these two nations, neither of which was weaker than the Tianqing Kingdom, into his own territory.


    At the same time, he had also repelled the Sihai Kingdom and the Baijing Kingdom.


    He had thus become the undisputed overlord among the ten nations of Nanhuang.


    Even more so...


    If one were to discuss area alone, the Tianqing Kingdom could now enter the top ten among the more than one hundred vassal nations under the Great Qian Dynasty.


    The name of Xiao Yi was sung by everyone, as he deservedly became the Guardian Martial God, a matchless hero!


    In the vast Tianqing Kingdom, almost every household enshrined Xiao Yi''s Longevity Stela.


    Particularly in Nanhuang City, where Xiao Yi used to be, a huge Martial God Temple had been built to worship a statue of Xiao Yi, and the temple was bustling with devotees.


    Within the palace.


    Jiang Tai sat at the main seat, laughing and toasting three cups with Xiao Yi before jestingly saying, "Xiao, your reputation has far outshone mine nowadays. In Nanhuang City, your Martial God Temple has been thronged with worshippers since its establishment. I''ve heard that even many people from the surrounding areas come in droves to pray for marriage, for martial fortunes, for wealth, and even for children..."


    "Hahahaha..."


    "Lord Xiao, can you truly grant children? If so, you''ll have to give me a pair of dragon and phoenix twins!"


    Everyone laughed merrily, full of joy and happiness.


    Xiao Yi shrugged helplessly and said, "I can''t guarantee gifting children, but I can definitely pour you a few drinks! Daring to tease me, come on, drink three cups in a row..."


    The official hastily said, "Three cups it is!"


    People had gradually come to understand Xiao Yi''s character.


    As long as one didn''t foolishly provoke him, he was easy to get along with.


    Of course...


    To truly gain Xiao Yi''s approval was not so easy!


    After three rounds of drinks and five courses of food.


    Xiao Yi glanced at Jiang Tai.


    In an understanding nod, Jiang Tai waved his hand to dismiss the servants by his side, leaving the court officials in the great hall.


    All eyes turned to Jiang Tai in unison.


    Jiang Tai took a deep breath and said in a deep voice, "Today is a day of great joy for our Tianqing Kingdom, with the Guardian Martial God Xiao Yi wiping out both Tianlan and Qingyun Kingdoms, Dean Gu Junhe repelling the Baijing Kingdom, Yu Huaxian together with our ancestors annihilating the army of 700,000 from the Sihai Kingdom, slaying their Tao Tribulation Realm progenitor. Among the ten nations of Nanhuang, our Tianqing Kingdom shall stand as first!"


    Boom!


    A thunderous applause suddenly erupted.


    Everyone''s eyes burned with passion, sharing in the glory.


    As important officials of the court, when the kingdom was strong, so were they, and the kingdom''s glory was also theirs.


    Jiang Tai continued, "Now our Tianqing Kingdom is in need of rebuilding. With strong presences like the Guardian Martial God, Dean Gu Junhe, our ancestors, Yu Huaxian, and the Undying Ghost Doctor Xue Bufan, these five Tao Tribulation Realm beings, as well as 20,000 Azure Dragon Guards and more than 400,000 regular soldiers, our national strength can be described as the most flourishing ever."


    "Long live the King, long live, long live the King!"


    "Tianqing Kingdom, for a thousand autumns and ten thousand generations, shall never fall!"


    The court officials shouted one after another.


    However...


    Jiang Tai let out a cold snort and mocked, "A thousand autumns and ten thousand generations? Never fall? Do you truly believe that?"


    "..."


    The expressions of joy gradually faded from the officials'' faces.


    Jiang Tai turned to Xiao Yi and said, "Xiao, tell them!"


    "Hmm!"


    Xiao Yi slowly stood up, his gaze sharp as a knife sweeping across the officials, and he spoke with a heavy voice, "According to reliable information, within three months, the Great Jin Kingdom will launch a full-scale attack on our Tianqing Kingdom. By that time, there will be as many as 100,000 soldiers as powerful as the Azure Dragon Guards and the army sent by the Great Jin Kingdom will certainly not be less than one million, perhaps even more..."


    Hiss!


    The officials looked at each other, their faces filled with horror.


    They were completely unaware of this news!


    For a moment,


    the expressions on the officials'' faces were no longer smiles, but fear and unease.


    Amidst the crowd,


    an old man with snow-white hair, yet emanating a dignified aura, stood out. This person was Ge Zheng, the Right Chancellor of the Tianqing Kingdom. Ge Zheng clasped his fists and said, "I dare to ask Lord Xiao, the Great Jin Kingdom had not previously launched a major offensive. Now that our Tianqing Kingdom has achieved this brilliant victory, why have they struck again?"


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "I killed the seventh prince of the Great Jin Kingdom and the Grand Commander Zhan Bitao!"


    Whoosh!


    The courtiers were in an uproar.


    "This, this is too impulsive, isn''t it?"


    "That was a prince¡­ If I were the King of the Great Jin Kingdom, I wouldn''t be able to swallow this pride either..."


    Ge Zheng said in a deep voice, "Lord Xiao has indeed made great contributions to our Tianqing Kingdom, but whether it was the initial attack by the four countries or now the impending Great Jin Dynasty, everything has pointed to Lord Xiao as the catalyst..."


    "Mr. Ge, what are you implying?" Jiang Tai narrowed his eyes, showing a displeased expression.


    However, Xiao Yi remained as nonchalant as ever, toying with the wine cup in his hand.


    Ge Zheng straightened his back and said sternly, "Your Majesty, I mean no disrespect. Now that our Tianqing Kingdom has just survived a great disaster, albeit strong as Lord Xiao may be, I fear he may not be able to stop the Great Jin Dynasty. I think, as the Guardian Martial God of our nation, Lord Xiao should protect the Tianqing Kingdom at all costs. I earnestly request that Lord Xiao, for the sake of billions of our Tianqing citizens to avoid a catastrophe, should go alone to the Great Jin Dynasty and quell their rage!"


    "Outrageous¡­"


    Yu Huaxian''s expression darkened, and he rose from his seat, slamming the table.


    Yet Xiao Yi raised his hand to stop Yu Huaxian, with an intriguing look in his eyes as he gazed at the courtiers who, just a moment ago, were toasting and shedding tears of gratitude with him.


    Upon meeting Xiao Yi''s gaze,


    many of the officials lowered their heads, not daring to look back at him.


    Xiao Yi''s gaze finally settled on Ge Zheng, "Mr. Ge, are you aware of what fate awaits me should I go to the Great Jin Dynasty?"


    Ge Zheng''s pupils shrank slightly.


    What fate could there be?


    Of course, it would be a dead end!


    But he could not say this outright. After a moment of consideration, Ge Zheng spoke righteously, "Even at the cost of one''s life, a true man should act with righteousness! Lord Xiao is the Guardian Martial God of our Tianqing Kingdom. If your life could, in exchange, ensure the peace and prosperity of billions of our citizens, it might not be such a bad deal. Of course, we will also not forget Lord Xiao''s kindness. In the future, your temples will surely be built across the Tianqing Kingdom, to pay tribute to your spirit in heaven, and engrave your name in everlasting history!"


    "Mr. Ge is right!"


    "If Lord Xiao is willing to sacrifice himself, my government office will erect a Longevity Stela in your honor to be worshiped for generations!"


    "We assure you, the incense will never cease to burn..."


    Suddenly, one third of the courtiers stood out.


    The majority kept their heads down, staying out of the affair.


    Only a minority of officials spoke up in defense of Xiao Yi, "Do you all have no conscience? If not for Lord Xiao, we would have long been slaves to a fallen nation..."


    "The late King, even in his death, did not wish to sacrifice Lord Xiao. What are you all doing?"


    "Slaves of a fallen nation? Without him, would we be surrounded by enemies, facing formidable foes?"


    "Now, the Great Jin Kingdom has sent troops because of him..."


    The two sides quarreled incessantly.


    "Enough!"


    Ge Zheng shouted lowly, silencing everyone. He then focused his gaze on Xiao Yi, "Lord Xiao, don''t be so selfish!"


    Xiao Yi leaned slightly forward, squinting his eyes at Ge Zheng, "Mr. Ge, if I were to tell you that your life in exchange could ensure the everlasting prosperity of Tianqing Kingdom, would you be willing?"


    "This..."


    Ge Zheng''s face changed slightly, then with a cold huff and righteous words, he said, "For the Tianqing Kingdom, Ge is naturally willing¡­ However, Ge''s life is insignificant, dying a thousand or ten thousand times would still not be enough to stop the Great Jin Dynasty. Lord Xiao, you..."


    Xiao Yi waved his hand, saying, "Mr. Ge, would you dare to make a bet with me?"


    "Hmm?"


    Ge Zheng was momentarily taken aback, "Bet what?"


    "Bet our lives!"


    Xiao Yi spoke each word deliberately, looking at Ge Zheng and the rest of the officials, "I bet the lives of all of you!"


    sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 183 - 183 Four Symbols Legion

    "Bet all of your lives!"


    Xiao Yi squinted his eyes, intently staring at the ministers who had just asked him to sacrifice himself to save the Tianqing Kingdom.


    The ministers looked at each other in dismay.


    Ge Zheng''s aged face trembled slightly, and his muddy eyes fixed on Xiao Yi with deep sorrow and anger, "Madness, you are utterly mad! Lord Xiao, we are all pillars of the Tianqing Kingdom. The absence of any one of us could cause unimaginable turmoil to the kingdom. How can you be so selfish? Just for your own desires, you would drag us all down with you?"


    "That''s right, your death might save the Tianqing Kingdom, but our deaths would only cause chaos in the kingdom, with no other benefits!"


    "We earnestly implore you, Lord Xiao, to prioritize righteousness. The countless people of the Tianqing Kingdom will surely remember your merit!"


    "Ah, Lord Xiao, if the Great Jin Kingdom had targeted me, I would have willingly gone to the Great Jin Kingdom to apologize, working diligently till death. But their target isn''t us!"


    For a moment.


    The ministers were in an uproar.


    This was about their lives at stake; how could they not fight for themselves?


    Xiao Yi watched the crowd, their faces filled with pain and righteousness as he passed by.


    This was human nature!


    Just a moment before¡­


    They had been cheering and flattering him.


    And now?


    They would love nothing more than to kill him themselves and offer his head to the Great Jin Kingdom to appease their anger.


    Whew!


    Xiao Yi let out a long, turbid breath and said deliberately, "Who said your lives can''t save the Tianqing Kingdom? I have a secret technique that can create an army of a million elite soldiers comparable to the Golden Crow Guards in a short period. Tell me, if we had an army of a million soldiers as strong as the Golden Crow Guards, could we not save the Tianqing Kingdom?"


    "A million Golden Crow Guards?"


    "This, this... if we could really create such an army, we wouldn''t just be talking about resisting the Great Jin Kingdom, but even possibly usurping them!"


    "But how could that be possible? The Great Jin Kingdom, as strong as it is, has only trained about a hundred thousand Golden Crow Guards¡­"


    Ge Zheng''s face also underwent inexplicable changes. After contemplating for a moment, he then spoke, "Lord Xiao actually has such a secret technique?"


    "Hmm!"


    Xiao Yi nodded and said indifferently, "However, to use this secret technique, I require your lives as a sacrifice. I wonder if you would be willing to lay down your lives for the Tianqing Kingdom? Rest assured, once this army is formed, not only will it hold off the Great Jin Kingdom''s forces, but our Tianqing Kingdom could even take their place and become the foremost vassal state under the Great Qian Dynasty. You all will be the prime contributors and will be remembered throughout history. I believe the millions of people in the kingdom will remember your kindness!"


    Yu Huaxian, Gu Junhe, Jiang Tai, Xue Bufan, and others looked at the ministers with a sarcastic gaze.


    However¡­


    The ministers looked at each other, and not one spoke.


    Yu Huaxian twirled a lock of hair around her finger and laughed mockingly, "Didn''t you lords say that you would exert all efforts till death if it could save the kingdom? Why has everyone fallen silent now?"


    "Rest assured, Mr. Ge," said Gu Junhe as he raised his cup, "if you sacrifice yourself, the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy will definitely train enough capable ministers at the fastest speed to take over your positions and protect the Tianqing Kingdom!"


    Ge Zheng''s face twitched, turning red with embarrassment.


    What a slap in the face!


    This was an excruciating blow. Just a moment ago, they had been coercing Xiao Yi with talk of duty, and now the roles had reversed, leaving them in an untenable position.


    Jiang Tai sat in the seat of honor, tapping his fingers lightly on the armrest, and said leisurely, "Mr. Ge, Minister Wang, Minister Li¡­ Are you few willing to sacrifice yourselves for the eternal glory of the Tianqing Kingdom?"


    Thump!


    Wang Yi, Minister of Revenue, was the first to kneel on the ground, frightened and anxious, "Your Majesty, spare my life, I¡ªI still have a hundred-year-old mother at home, and newly wedded concubine¡­" S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Your Majesty, spare my life¡­"


    Minister Li also knelt on the ground.


    Ge Zheng''s face alternated between shades of pale and flushed as his crafty eyes flickered. Finally, he sighed, "Your Majesty¡­ this old servant¡­ this old servant is aged, and I request to retire and return home¡­"


    Seeing this.


    Many ministers immediately stood up, "We too request to resign our offices and return home!"


    Of the six ministers, four offered their resignations.


    Inside the great hall, a good forty percent of the officials knelt on the ground.


    Ge Zheng''s formerly drooping mouth corners lifted slightly, marking his strategy of advancing by seeming to retreat.


    He didn''t mention a word about the sacrifices.


    Instead, he proposed retiring and returning to his hometown.


    This was also a threat to Jiang Tai¡ªif you push this old man too far, I''ll retire and return home. With his status and position, many of the court''s high officials were his disciples. If these ministers resign en masse, the court would descend into chaos without needing the Great Jin Kingdom''s armies to strike, and in Ge Zheng''s view, Jiang Tai, the new king, with his unstable grip on the kingdom, would not dare allow the court to fall into further disorder.


    Such a clever ploy would likely compel any other monarch to relent.


    But this time, his scheme fell through.


    Not to mention Jiang Tai was carrying out the will of Jiang Tianchen, and as long as Xiao Yi was there, Tianqing would not perish.


    Jiang Tai was keenly aware of the trump card Xiao Yi held, so there was no need to worry about these ministers.


    Jiang Tai gave Xiao Yi a glance.


    Xiao Yi nodded slightly.


    Jiang Tai sat up straight and said indifferently, "Since all you respected ministers feel powerless to assist me, then I shall fulfill your wishes! Guards, remove the black gauze hats from their heads!"


    "Your Majesty..."


    "Your Majesty, this..."


    Ge Zheng and the others wore faces of utter bewilderment, unable to believe what they were seeing from Jiang Tai.


    In their plan, Jiang Tai was supposed to insist on their staying, eventually having no choice but to yield!


    How could things have gone completely contrary to their expectations?


    Ge Zheng''s hands trembled, and he stared incredulously at Jiang Tai: "Your Majesty, I..."


    "Mr. Ge is of advanced age; I understand that there''s no need to say more," Jiang Tai retorted indifferently.


    Ge Zheng''s complexion alternated between pale and flushed, watching as the black gauze cap¡ªa symbol of power and glory¡ªwas taken off by the guards. He was so angry he spurted out blood, glaring furiously at Jiang Tai and Xiao Yi: "Your Majesty, are you willing to drive us, the old officials who have worked hard and made significant contributions, to our deaths for the sake of Xiao Yi? You... you... you are acting as a wayward king..."


    "Silence! Old fool, the War God and I have already given you a chance. And what about you? You all claim to act for the Tianqing Kingdom, pressuring Xiao Yi to his death. But when it''s your turn, you threaten me with resignation? You think I, as the new king, can''t handle you?" Jiang Tai, unable to bear any longer, glared furiously. "I''m not afraid to tell you that this was also my father''s will. In the Tianqing Kingdom, everyone but Xiao Yi can be sacrificed, even me! What do you count for, daring to threaten me with resignation? Then I shall fulfill your wish! Guards, throw them all into the heavenly prison! Yu Huaxian, I appoint you as Imperial Censor to investigate them thoroughly. If they are found guilty of bribery or law-breaking, execute or punish them accordingly..."


    Yu Huaxian stood up at once and said respectfully, "Your servant obeys the decree!"


    As the director of Great Jin Kingdom''s Eastern Factory, let alone that these men were not clean, even if they were all upright officials, he could still dig out dirt on them!


    Thump!


    Ge Zheng and the others collapsed on the spot.


    Jiang Tai then stood up and declared loudly, "Undying Ghost Doctor Xue Bufan, step forward to receive your title!"


    "This old man is here!" Xue Bufan said.


    Jiang Tai continued, "Elder Xue, I appoint you as the National Healing King of the Tianqing Kingdom, to assist the Guardian Martial God in creating the Four Symbols Legion!"


    "Yes!"


    Xue Bufan nodded his head.


    Jiang Tai went on, "Gu Junhe, I appoint you as the Great General of the Kingdom, to assist the Guardian Martial God in creating the Four Symbols Legion!"


    "As you command!"


    Gu Junhe stated solemnly.


    Finally, Jiang Tai''s gaze rested on Xiao Yi, as he rose to his full height, bowing deeply, "War God, the fate of the Tianqing Kingdom is in your hands."


    "I shall not fail the trust placed in me!" Xiao Yi responded gravely.


    Thump!


    Listening to Jiang Tai''s series of commands, Ge Zheng and the others turned deathly pale, finally realizing that all of today''s events were traps that Xiao Yi and Jiang Tai had meticulously prepared to purge the court, to silence any dissenting voices, to establish Jiang Tai''s authority as the new king, and to clear the obstacles for the construction of the Four Symbols Legion.


    Ge Zheng and the rest exchanged despairing looks.


    They were utterly ruined!

 Chapter 184 - 184: The Peoples Allegiance, Great Jins Fury!

    Everything that occurred within the royal palace quickly spread throughout the entire Tianqing Kingdom, with the consent of Xiao Yi and Jiang Wei.


    Upon learning that Ge Zheng and a group of important court officials had actually considered sacrificing Xiao Yi in exchange for the kingdom''s safety after his imprisonment, not a single voice within the entire Tianqing Kingdom rose to plead their case.


    There was unanimous celebration and applause.


    The reason being...


    Before Xiao Yi''s time.


    Although Jiang Tianchen was also a wise king, there were several great kingdoms eyeing them covetously from afar, and the Royal Martial Arts Academy meddled in succession disputes, staying close to the bed but reaching for the throne. This distracted Jiang Tianchen, leading to rampant corruption among his officials and a life for his people that was far from peaceful and content.


    Until the appearance of Xiao Yi.


    First, he annihilated Tianlan, then wiped out Qingyun.


    Now, he even managed to repel the Baijing Kingdom and the Sihai Kingdom.


    What''s more...


    Xiao Yi leveled the Royal Martial Arts Academy. In its stead, the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, now the holy land of martial arts in the Tianqing Kingdom, was recruiting students from all the populace. As long as one could pass the examination, regardless of background, they could enter the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy.


    Without any exaggeration, Xiao Yi alone changed the destinies of the people of the Tianqing Kingdom.


    When they heard that Ge Zheng and others were conspiring against Xiao Yi, the first to refuse were these very people!


    As for the Great Jin Kingdom''s army that was about to lay siege to their city?


    With the numerous miracles Xiao Yi had performed before, the people had an even firmer belief than Xiao Yi himself that they could win this war.


    "Have you heard? The War God is planning to create the Four Symbols Legion and is recruiting soldiers right now!"


    "Are you serious?"


    "Of course, I am... Hey, hey, hey, where are you going? Your noodles just came to a boil..."


    "I''m not eating anymore; I have to go back and get my sons to enlist..."


    "Right, enlist!"


    In the past, enlisting in the army was a bitter ordeal for the people, and everyone wished they could hide their menfolk at home.


    Now, they could hardly wait to send their sons to enlist upon hearing the news.


    Gu Junhe, who was in charge of the recruitment, sighed softly upon receiving this news and looked down at the recruitment plan he had diligently prepared all night, "The hearts of the people are with us... this is truly the hearts of the people being with us..."


    The following day.


    When the Tianqing Kingdom''s enlistment sites opened, the officers responsible for recruitment were completely stunned; there were long queues outside the door. Each person was brimming with energy, a stark contrast to the usual disheartened attitude of being forced to enlist, wishing they could be dismissed by the officers to return home.


    The recruitment went astonishingly smoothly.


    In one day, they managed to recruit an army of 150,000 men.


    This was still due to insufficient staffing at various locations; many people who came to enlist were unable to complete testing in time.


    Gu Junhe, looking at the thick roster in his hands, sought out Xiao Yi overnight.


    Xiao Yi was discussing medicine with Xue Bufan. The medicine that Xue Bufan had concocted for Shi Yaoqian was provided by Xiao Yi''s prescription.


    It was just that there had been a small mistake in Xue Bufan''s concoction, which caused Shi Yaoqian to lose control.


    "Xiao, with your guidance, all four medicines are showing promise. Without any mishaps, mass production can begin in three days..." Xue Bufan looked at Xiao Yi excitedly, his cloudy eyes shining with both admiration and fervor.


    Xiao Yi''s attainments in medicine truly startled Xue Bufan.


    Xiao Yi nodded, "The medicine is in your hands; I just wonder how smoothly the recruitment is going!"


    "Smoothly? It''s been beyond smooth!"


    Gu Junhe''s voice came from outside the door; he spoke with a wry smile, "This is just the first day, and we''ve already recruited 150,000 people. That''s with us being unprepared and understaffed, so many people couldn''t complete the tests. I came over to discuss with you whether we should expand the number of recruits to 1.5 million if the medicine can keep up."


    If they recruited another 1.5 million, the Tianqing Kingdom''s total military strength would reach two million.


    Xue Bufan spoke gravely, "As long as the medicinal materials can keep up, there will be no issues with the medicine!"


    Xiao Yi pondered for a moment and then said, "Wait here; I''ll go to the Treasure Pavilion. If the Treasure Pavilion is willing to assist us, there will absolutely be no problem with the medicinal materials!"


    "Good!"


    Both nodded repeatedly.


    Xiao Yi turned and left ...


    ...


    Great Jin Kingdom.


    This was the only one among more than a hundred vassal states under the Great Qian Dynasty that possessed a warrior of the Dharma Manifestation Realm. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    However, this Dharma Manifestation Realm warrior was in closed-door cultivation all year round, seldom showing his face, serving more as a deterrent.


    Under the Great Qian, Great Jin reigned supreme!


    This was no idle boast ...


    The sprawling palace of the Great Jin Kingdom was ten times the size of the capital of the Tianqing Kingdom, immensely vast and majestically imposing. For an ordinary person to walk from one end of the palace to the other took at least ten days to half a month. The entire palace was actually a formation, and there were even rumors that beneath the palace lay the suppressed dragon veins of the Great Jin Kingdom!


    Boom, boom, boom!


    Outside the Golden Throne Hall, the heavenly drum thundered.


    Only in emergencies would this heavenly drum be sounded.


    In an instant,


    Countless ministers hurried toward the palace. Along the way, many of them encountered their colleagues and asked each other, "Do you know what has happened?"


    "I have no idea ..."


    "Isn''t that Minister Qin up ahead? Let''s ask him ..."


    Qin Yu, Minister of War of the Great Jin Kingdom, warrior of the Eighth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm.


    Riding on a tall horse, Qin Yu glanced at the few ministers who had caught up to him. In response to their inquiries, Qin Yu said indifferently, "If this minister is not mistaken, it should be related to the Tianqing Kingdom!"


    "Tianqing Kingdom?"


    The ministers were momentarily stunned.


    In their eyes, Tianqing Kingdom was but a speck of dust, a place hidden in the remote recesses of the Nanhuang region.


    How could such a small country stir the heavenly drum?


    With various thoughts in mind,


    The ministers arrived at the Golden Throne Hall; after they took their stand, a soft voice came through, "His Majesty arrives!"


    "We greet His Majesty!"


    "His Majesty''s contributions last a thousand generations, his legacy endures forever!"


    The crowd shouted in unison.


    This was the difference between the Great Jin Kingdom and the Tianqing Kingdom!


    The ruler of the Tianqing Kingdom could only be referred to as "may he live forever," but the Great Jin Kingdom could acclaim "may he live for thousands of generations and eternity," while the emperor of the Great Qian Dynasty was referred to as "may his reign last forever."


    This was a sign of hierarchical standing, and at the same time, a reflection of strength!


    The Jin Emperor was dignified and magnanimous, draped in a dragon robe wrapped with golden dragons, his movement was like a true dragon striding upon the earth, his eyes as brilliant as if they harbored the sun, moon, and stars, sitting atop the dragon throne, his presence was commanding without anger. A calm voice issued from him, "My seventh son is dead, the chief commander of my imperial guards is dead ..."


    Two simple sentences chilled the assembled ministers to the bone.


    They exchanged looks, full of shock and disbelief.


    The seventh prince was dead?


    Who was so brazen as to dare to assassinate the seventh prince?


    The Jin Emperor coldly asked, "Is Qin Yu present?"


    "Your servant is here!"


    Qin Yu stood up straight, his towering figure presiding over the court.


    The Jin Emperor commanded coldly, "I grant you one hundred thousand Golden Crow Guards, one million troops, lead the Four Kings from the east, south, west, and north to the Tianqing Kingdom, flatten Tianqing for me, and bring back the head of Xiao Yi!"


    "Your servant obeys the edict!"


    Qin Yu respectfully accepted the command, his head held high, his face full of determination and confidence: "Your Majesty, rest assured, your servant will flatten Tianqing, and avenge the prince!"

 Chapter 185 - 185 Ill Give it a Try!

    ```


    Long since his last visit to this place, Xiao Yi couldn''t help feeling somewhat wistful.


    Back when he was in Nanhuang City, he had started his road to fortune at Treasure Pavilion; only, with the increase in his strength and status, coupled with the recent frequent battles surrounding Tianqing Kingdom on all sides, Xiao Yi''s connection with Treasure Pavilion had grown much fainter.


    Stepping through the entrance.


    A servant smiled and approached, "May I help you with anything?"


    Xiao Yi said, "Please let Elder Yan know that an old friend from Nanhuang is here to visit!"


    "Of course, please wait a moment!"


    The messenger left at once.


    After a short while...


    Elder Yan Mingli rushed out in a flurry, his hair unkempt and his face covered in grime, his clothes torn and tattered as though he had been smoked by fire.


    On his charcoal-black face, two eyes shone with unmatched brightness. From a great distance, he caught sight of Xiao Yi and hurried over, "Xiao, what wind has blown you here!"


    Xiao Yi looked at Yan Mingli quizzically, "What happened to you, Elder Yan?"


    "Let''s not talk about it. Elder Chen is refining a pill and I got like this while assisting him!"


    Yan Mingli wiped his face, chuckled, and said, "Xiao, it''s rare for you to visit Treasure Pavilion; come and sit with me in the back hall. Elder Chen should be done soon. He''s been talking about you ever since you last left!"


    Xiao Yi smiled, just about to reply, when suddenly his brows knitted, "Elder Yan, better take me to where Elder Chen is refining pills first!"


    "Eh? Xiao, you''re interested in alchemy as well?" Yan Mingli was surprised.


    Xiao Yi shook his head, "If we don''t go now, I''m afraid Elder Chen''s batch of pills will be ruined!"


    "Eh?"


    Yan Mingli''s face showed utter astonishment.


    He was well aware of Elder Chen''s alchemy skills¡ªhe was the only one in the entire Tianqing Kingdom who had reached the stellar level as an Alchemist. Within Tianqing Kingdom, if anyone talked about alchemy, Elder Chen was the one to beat.


    He had been refining this batch for seven days and nights, about to succeed!


    How could it possibly fail?


    But...


    Yan Mingli knew very well the kind of person Xiao Yi was; he wouldn''t speak without cause. He immediately said, "Let''s go, I''ll take you there now!"


    The two arrived at the back yard''s alchemy room.


    This alchemy room was connected directly to the earth''s fire, and from afar, one could feel the temperature rising.


    "Congratulations to Master, cheers to Master, once this Second-layer XuanYang Elixir is completed, Master will become a two-star Alchemist!" A sycophantic voice came from inside the alchemy room.


    Laughter from Chen Fu also followed, "Haha, Chen Yu, this time I owe it to your and Elder Yan''s assistance. Once your master becomes a two-star Alchemist, there will be great rewards!"


    "Thank you, Master!"


    Chen Yu''s face was beaming with joy when suddenly his eyes shifted and he spotted Elder Yan and Xiao Yi hurriedly entering through the door. His brows furrowed and he said displeasedly, "Elder Yan, the alchemy room is a restricted area, no outsiders allowed. How could you just bring someone in?"


    Yan Mingli had no time to explain and instead turned to Chen Fu, "Elder Chen, stop quickly, there''s a problem with this batch of pills!"


    "Hmm?"


    Chen Fu was taken aback, "A problem? What kind of problem?"


    Yan Mingli was at a loss for words; he didn''t know what the problem was, so he looked to Xiao Yi, "Xiao, you see..."


    Xiao Yi gestured politely to Chen Fu, about to speak, when Chen Yu beside him interrupted with a sneer, "Elder Yan, bringing some green kid here and daring to instruct my master in alchemy? Aren''t you looking down on my master a bit too much? Who doesn''t know in the vast Tianqing Kingdom that my master is the number one in the field of alchemy?"


    Chen Fu was certainly aware of Xiao Yi''s identity, but he also knew Xiao Yi for his martial talent.


    In his view, no matter how talented Xiao Yi was, he couldn''t possibly be well-versed in both martial arts and alchemy at such a young age.


    Moreover, his confidence soared as he watched his batch of pills nearing completion, further buoyed by Chen Yu''s flattering praise just now. And here was Xiao Yi claiming his batch of pills was about to be ruined.


    ```


    How could he accept that?


    Chen Fu also said with an unpleasant face, "Xiao, this batch of elixir will be ready soon. Please wait in the back hall for a while!"


    Elder Yan''s face showed an anxious look, "Elder Chen, Xiao said there''s a problem with this batch of elixir, you..."


    "Enough!"


    Chen Yu said angrily, "Elder Yan, you know how much our master has put into this batch of elixir. At such a critical moment, you don''t help, and now you even want to disturb our master''s mind? What are you really thinking? Could it be that you don''t want to see our master become a two-star alchemist?"


    "I..."


    Yan Mingli''s face went from pale to flushed, he opened his mouth to argue but was stopped by Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi smiled, "Since they don''t want to listen, let''s just watch from the side!"


    Yan Mingli hesitated for a moment, and seeing that Xiao Yi had already taken a stance of watching indifferently, he could only sigh and stand aside.


    Chen Fu watched the pill furnace intently, his face expressionless.


    Chen Yu''s face was laced with mockery, "Still thinking about instructing our master? You really don''t know how high the sky is... This kid is not even twenty years old. If he can point out where our master went wrong in alchemy, I''m willing to take my head off and use it as your night pot. Really don''t know the immensity of heaven and earth..."


    However...


    His words had just ended.


    Suddenly, the pill furnace trembled violently.


    Boom!


    With a loud noise, the earth fire splattered around, and a column of fire shot into the sky, actually bursting through the roof of the alchemy room.


    Bang!


    The whole roof was blown off, and the fire column, dozens of meters high, completely enveloped the entire pill furnace.


    The scorching heat forced Chen Fu and his disciple to retreat.


    "What, what''s happening?" Chen Yu''s eyes bulged, his legs softened with fright.


    If it weren''t for Chen Fu pulling him away just in time, that column of fire could have incinerated him to ashes!


    Chen Fu was also at a loss, seeing the flames wrapping the pill furnace and faint cracks emerging, his face showed a look of despair, "Why is this happening? It was about to be a success, I was about to step into the level of a second-layer alchemist, why did it turn out like this? Why..."


    "Master, what, what exactly happened?" Chen Yu was completely bewildered.


    Chen Fu was covered in cold sweat, his face the picture of despair, "The earth fire has lost control. If this continues, the furnace will explode..."


    "What? Explode?"


    Chen Yu''s face turned deathly pale, his head buzzing, his mind went blank, then he suddenly looked viciously at Xiao Yi, "It''s all your fault... you''re the jinx. If you hadn''t mentioned an explosion, how could it have come to this?"


    Xiao Yi: "..."


    Yan Mingli glared at Chen Yu, "Nonsense! Xiao had warned you earlier, but you refused to listen to his explanation, and now you''re blaming it on him?"


    "I, I..."


    Chen Yu was at a loss for words, his face burning with shame.


    It was him who had just rebuked Xiao Yi for knowing nothing and yelling nonsense. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He hadn''t expected to be proven right by Xiao Yi!


    Chen Fu laughed bitterly in despair, "Forget it, forget it... It seems that fate has decreed I won''t become a second-layer alchemist... Let''s leave this place quickly. Chen Yu, immediately have everyone evacuate from the Treasure Pavilion. Should the furnace explode, the consequences are unthinkable..."


    "Yes!"


    Chen Yu nodded hurriedly.


    But just then...


    Xiao Yi''s voice, leisurely, rose, "Let me give it a try!"

 Chapter 186 - 186: His Name is Xiao Yi!

    ```


    "Let me try."


    Xiao Yi sighed and stepped forward.


    The previous attitude of Chen Fu and the other had made him not want to meddle.


    However...


    If the Four Symbols Legion were to develop smoothly, they still needed the massive resources of the Treasure Pavilion, so helping now would make future transactions much easier.


    Chen Yu was taken aback, then angrily said, "Boy, do you even understand alchemy? The situation is completely out of control, and there''s no way to save it now. If you mess around and it causes a huge explosion, the backlash of the earth fire could turn the entire capital into a sea of fire. Can you bear the consequences?"


    Xiao Yi frowned and gave him a cold look, causing Chen Yu to tremble all over as if he had fallen into an ice cellar, swallowing the words he was about to say.


    Xiao Yi''s face was indifferent, "Keep whining, and I''ll tear your mouth apart!"


    "You..."


    Chen Yu shuddered, his face turned pale, feeling as if Xiao Yi had turned into a terrifying beast that left him without the courage to speak.


    Xiao Yi looked at Chen Fu, "Let me try."


    Chen Fu''s expression changed rapidly, but he was out of options and could only respond with a wry smile, "We are grateful for your assistance, Xiao."


    "Hmm."


    Xiao Yi nodded slightly and casually walked up to the alchemy furnace.


    Boom, boom, boom!


    The earth fire boiled, fiery columns shot into the sky, and the terrifying waves of fire seemed as if they could engulf everything.


    The crimson glow of the flames reflected on his face.


    Chen Yu sneered repeatedly, "Elder Yan, is your friend out of his mind? With the earth fire out of control, even my master can''t handle it. Who does he think he is?"


    Elder Yan gave him a look and watched Xiao Yi anxiously.


    Just then...


    Xiao Yi suddenly extended his palm into the blazing flames.


    Chen Yu''s face showed an even more mocking expression, "Has this guy gone mad? That''s earth fire! Even the vital energy of someone in the Golden Core Realm can''t withstand the high temperature of the earth fire. Is he planning to perish with it?"


    However.


    As Xiao Yi''s hand entered the flames, the raging fire that boiled ceaselessly seemed to meet its natural enemy and avoided him.


    His hands moved to the left and right, forcibly tearing a gap in the wall of flames that had converged in front of him.


    He wasn''t harmed in the slightest!


    "What?"


    Chen Yu was dumbfounded, "This is impossible..."


    That was earth fire!


    The vital energy of someone in the Golden Core Realm would be instantly incinerated, yet Xiao Yi could tear apart the earth fire with his bare hands?


    Chen Fu was also deeply shocked, "Incredible, absolutely incredible!"


    Elder Yan''s face showed excitement, and he smiled proudly, "I''ve always said Xiao could do anything, now do you believe me?" S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Fu nodded in astonishment.


    Chen Yu, clenching his fists tightly and unwilling to accept defeat, said, "Hmph, this only shows that his vital energy is strong, it proves nothing else."


    "Open!"


    Xiao Yi uttered a light shout.


    Vital energy burst out from around him, completely tearing apart a fire column tens of meters high while pushing forward with one hand. His left hand grabbed the red-hot pill furnace, and amidst a series of harsh sounds, a puff of black smoke rose up, and Xiao Yi forcefully lifted the furnace.


    Sss!


    Chen Fu and the others were stunned, completely dumbfounded.


    This alchemy furnace weighed tens of thousands of pounds.


    It was burning hot, and Xiao Yi lifted it with one hand?


    Xiao Yi held the alchemy furnace aloft with his right hand while pushing forward with his left, vital energy gushing wildly from his palm, coalescing into a column of energy, and suddenly crashing down towards the outlet of the earth fire, "Seal!"


    Boom!


    The column of vital energy smashed down, blocking the earth fire outlet with a bang.


    At the same time, the energy column dispersed, its pure energy seeping into the broken Earth Fire Array, causing the fearsome flames to dissipate into the air.


    Thud!


    Xiao Yi set the alchemy furnace to one side, dusted his hands, and looked at Chen Fu with a smile, "It''s just that the Earth Fire Array is worn out after years and your use of it for too long this time caused it to break. I''ve sealed the array; now, as long as someone repairs it, there''ll be no more problems!"


    "Thank you, Xiao, for saving our lives!" Chen Fu, finally recovering, said with a serious expression.


    Xiao Yi waved his hand dismissively, "It was nothing."


    "Hmph, he''s just relying on his great strength..." Chen Yu muttered unconvincedly.


    "Shut up!"


    Chen Fu gave him a stern look and scolded, "Aren''t you going to apologize to Xiao?"


    "Apologize? What did I say that was wrong..."


    Chen Yu stiffened his neck, "He previously said my master made a mistake during the alchemy process, just showing off. It was just luck that he encountered a broken earth fire array, and he''s only relying on his strong cultivation. What did I say wrong?"


    ```


    "Xiao, this boy has been spoiled by me, please forgive him!"


    Chen Fu said with a bitter smile as he clasped his hands towards Xiao Yi, but in his heart, he agreed with Chen Yu''s view, regretfully looking at the pill furnace covered in cracks, "It''s just a pity for this batch of pills, it was only one step away from success, but now all efforts have been in vain..."


    "It doesn''t matter, it was just that the temperature was too high during the solidifying pill process. All you need to do is add a measure of Frost Condensing Herb!" Xiao Yi said from the side.


    Chen Fu was startled: "Frost Condensing Herb?"


    Chen Yu folded his arms across his chest, full of sarcasm: "Sure enough, a layman. Do you even understand alchemy? The nature of the Mysterious Yang Elixir is of yang fire, while the Frost Condensing Herb is a medicinal herb with yin cold properties. If these two are combined, it will lead to a chaos in the medicinal properties and turn directly into a poison pill. And you''re saying to add Frost Condensing Herb?"


    Chen Fu couldn''t help but shake his head as well.


    Xiao Yi smiled as he looked at the two of them: "You don''t believe me?"


    "Your words are nothing but nonsense, what''s there to believe?" Chen Yu sneered, "My master was practicing alchemy when you didn''t even know where you were!"


    Chen Fu said in a deep voice: "Xiao, we still have to thank you for stepping in to help!"


    "Forget it!"


    Xiao Yi shook his head and sighed, "Since you don''t believe, then let it be!"


    He had no intention of casting pearls before swine.


    However, Yan Mingli said solemnly from the side: "Elder Chen, I think you should give it a try!"


    "Hmm?"


    Chen Yu frowned and said, "Elder Yan, are you questioning my master?"


    Chen Fu''s face showed a trace of displeasure, being the number one figure in the Tianqing Kingdom''s alchemy world. Seeing Yan Mingli would rather believe Xiao Yi than himself, his expression also turned somewhat unsightly.


    Yan Mingli said solemnly: "Elder Chen, at this point, it''s just a waste of a Frost Condensing Herb either way, why not give it a try?"


    "Master, just try it as he says, lest someone remains unconvinced!" Chen Yu said in a tone tinged with sarcasm.


    Chen Fu sighed: "Alright then!"


    The Frost Condensing Herb wasn''t a precious medicinal herb; they were stocked in the alchemy room.


    The entire Frost Condensing Herb was dark green, its surface dotted with crystal-clear crystals like ice, cool to the touch. Chen Fu threw the Frost Condensing Herb into the pill furnace. At the same time, he activated the Condensing Elixir Art, with qi converging inside the pill furnace. After a while, the pill furnace stopped trembling, clearly indicating the end of the pill condensing.


    Chen Fu could not be bothered to look at the ''poison pills'' and sighed: "Chen Yu, go and take out the pills."


    "Yes!"


    Chen Yu looked at Xiao Yi triumphantly, "Let''s see what you have to say now!"


    Thud!


    Chen Yu lifted the lid of the pill furnace.


    However¡­


    The moment the pill furnace was uncovered, the smug look on Chen Yu''s face disappeared: "This, this is impossible..."


    A rich fragrance of medicine pervaded the entire alchemy room.


    Chen Fu''s eyes widened: "This, this is..."


    He pulled Chen Yu aside and took out the three pills from the pill furnace.


    The pills were entirely red, and they felt warm in the hand.


    "This, this is a Mysterious Yang Elixir? Moreover, a top-quality Mysterious Yang Elixir? How is this possible..." Chen Fu was utterly dumbfounded.


    Top-quality indeed!


    Normally, only a second-grade middle-level alchemist could refine pills of this quality.


    This was clearly supposed to be just a batch of waste pills!


    How could it be that simply by adding a stalk of Frost Condensing Herb, not only was the situation turned around from waste to treasure, but it even became top-quality?


    "Top-quality?"


    Chen Yu was also shocked, disbelievingly staring at the pills in Chen Fu''s hand, his face turning alternately pale and flushed as if he had just been viciously slapped dozens of times.


    Yan Mingli laughed heartily: "Hahaha, Elder Chen, Xiao hasn''t let you down, has he!"


    "It''s not just about not being let down, it''s simply a miracle! Indeed, there are people beyond people and heavens beyond heavens. Chen admits to not recognizing the greatness in front of him!"


    Chen Fu shook his head self-deprecatingly and clasped his hands towards Xiao Yi, "Xiao, I hope you can forgive my shortsightedness!"


    Yan Mingli said leisurely: "I do remember someone saying that if one really turns waste into treasure, they''re willing to unscrew their head and use it as a night pot!"


    "I..."


    Chen Yu''s face turned ashen as he knelt on the ground, his neck stiff, "Xiao, please take my head!"


    "Get up. Elder Yan was merely joking, no need for such extreme measures!"


    Xiao Yi laughed heartily as he looked at Chen Fu, "Elder Chen, I have a matter to discuss with you!"


    "Xiao, please speak!"


    Chen Fu bowed.


    Chen Yu looked at the disappearing backs of the two, turning towards Yan Mingli. "Elder Yan, who exactly is he?"


    Yan Mingli looked at him with an odd expression and said indifferently: "His name is Xiao Yi!"


    "Xiao Yi?"


    Chen Yu was stunned, his face suddenly changing, incredulous, "He, he, he... the Guardian Martial God?"

 Chapter 187 - 187: My Hatred Will Not Be Quelled Until Xiao Yi Dies!

    Inside the Treasure Pavilion.


    Chen Yu''s face was brimming with eagerness and admiration as he respectfully stood to one side, serving Xiao Yi tea and water.


    Xiao Yi, seeing his demeanor, felt somewhat helpless, "You needn''t go to such lengths!"


    Chen Yu promptly shook his head, not showing the slightest bit of his previous arrogance and pride, speaking with utter sincerity, "War God, I did not realize it was you earlier, and I inadvertently offended you. You, being magnanimous, did not take my petty actions to heart. But all these are things I ought to do..."


    Chen Fu chuckled, "Xiao, you can ignore him. This lad has really taken you as his idol!"


    "Heh heh!"


    Chen Yu scratched his head and said, "In the Tianqing Kingdom these days, almost everyone regards you as an idol!"


    Xiao Yi couldn''t help but laugh and cry, then he turned to look at Chen Fu, "Chen, I''ve taken the liberty to come today because we are forming the Four Symbols Legion, to respond to the Great Jin Kingdom. However, there is quite a shortfall when it comes to medicinal materials. We hope to establish a cooperation with the Treasure Pavilion. Of course, we''ll still purchase the materials at market prices!"


    The royal family was footing the bill for these materials, so naturally, Xiao Yi didn''t need to worry about the cost in silver taels.


    Chen Fu nodded, "Xiao, rest assured, I, Chen Fu, am also a man of the Tianqing Kingdom. Whatever medicinal materials you need, just give me a list. I will arrange for it to be transferred from other branches as quickly as possible!"


    "Then, I shall trouble you, Chen," Xiao Yi said with a smile.


    "It''s my duty!" said Chen Fu earnestly.


    Chen Yu, who was at the side, seemed hesitant to speak. Xiao Yi inquired with curiosity, "Chen Yu, is there something on your mind?"


    Taking a deep breath and mustering all his courage, Chen Yu said, "War God..."


    "You can address me by my name!" Xiao Yi interjected.


    "Then, then I''ll follow my master and call you Xiao from now on!" Chen Yu chuckled, then continued, "Xiao, regarding the Four Symbols Legion you mentioned, I was wondering if I can qualify to join?"


    His cultivation had also reached the Peak of the Divine Ability Realm, and he was not far from the Golden Elixir Realm.


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow, "You? Does Chen really feel willing to let you enlist?"


    Even though the Four Symbols Legion was to be built to the standards of the Golden Crow Guards, it was, after all, about joining the military.


    In the future, they were to be deployed to the battlefield.


    This was a matter of risking one''s life.


    With Chen Yu''s status, studying the art of medicine under Chen Fu''s guidance and possibly even taking over the position of Pavilion Master someday...


    Why take the risk?


    Chen Yu spoke in a determined voice, "As a man in this world, one should be like Xiao, entering the battlefield, slaying enemies, and protecting the homeland. I¡ªI want to try!"


    Xiao Yi looked towards Chen Fu.


    Chen Fu gazed deeply at Chen Yu, his eyes filled with relief. He nodded, "Xiao, go ahead and agree to his request!"


    "In that case, you just need to go to the recruitment spot tomorrow to enroll!"


    Xiao Yi smiled, thinking that Chen Yu''s entry into the Four Symbols Legion was all to the good. With this setup, Chen Fu would definitely be more active in providing medicinal materials to the Legion. Therefore, he warned, "However, let me be clear upfront, once you join the Four Symbols Legion, you will be a soldier, not Chen''s disciple anymore. I will treat everyone the same; there will be no special treatment!"


    "Xiao, rest assured, I promise not to disgrace you or my master!" Chen Yu pledged, thumping his chest.


    Xiao Yi nodded then stood up, "Chen, then I''ll leave the matter of the medicinal materials in your hands. I still have other matters to attend to, so I''ll take my leave now!"


    "Xiao, take care!"


    Said Chen Fu, continuously.


    "Master, let me see Xiao off!" Chen Yu quickly offered.


    "Go ahead!" S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Watching the departing duo, Chen Fu smiled and turned to Yan Mingli by his side, "Mingli, this Xiao is really extraordinary! Not only is his martial arts talent so formidable, capable of leading troops into battle, but he also has such a profound knowledge in medicine. This man''s gift, I''m afraid, is not even a bit inferior to the legendary Xiao Tianjiao!"


    Yan Mingli chuckled, "Who could disagree? I''m becoming more and more curious whether the Xiao Family is entirely blind..."


    ......


    Inside the royal palace.


    When Jiang Tai learned that the Treasure Pavilion had agreed to help provide medicinal herbs, he also quietly let out a sigh of relief, "Xiao brother, Father Emperor was right, with you here, Tianqing will not fall!"


    "If you keep praising me like this, I might just ascend to the heavens!"


    Xiao Yi said helplessly before continuing, "Right now, there''s no need to worry about the medicinal herbs. Elder Xue will handle the pill concoction, and as for the training of the Four Symbols Legion, Yu Huaxian and Gu will work together¡ªthere won''t be any problems. Next, I plan to take a trip out."


    "Where to?"


    Jiang Tai asked, puzzled.


    Xiao Yi said solemnly, "Weapons. I found a massive mine in Iron Mountain City before, with an extremely rich reserve. I''m planning to go to Iron Mountain City, first to develop that vein, then to have Iron Mountain City put all their efforts into forging weapons and armors!"


    He intended to create special armor and weapons for the Four Symbols Legion.


    All these required a massive amount of ore.


    That mine, with reserves worth over ten billion Silver Taels, had never been developed before due to a lack of time, and now was the moment.


    Jiang Tai said, "If that''s the case, then let the Shi Family brothers lead the Imperial Guards to accompany you there."


    "That works!"


    The Shi Family brothers had all advanced to the Golden Elixir Realm Cultivation, and with their help along with the Imperial Guards, at least clearing the beasts around the vein wouldn''t be a problem, and it would save a lot of effort.


    The two were discussing this matter.


    However, they hadn''t noticed that an old eunuch who had been standing by their side with bowed head had a glint of sharpness flash through his eyes.


    Deep into the night, all was quiet.


    Within the dungeon.


    Ge Zheng and a group of people were imprisoned inside, waiting for Yu Huaxian to thoroughly investigate their crimes before a public judgment.


    In the dim and damp dungeon.


    A shadowy figure quietly appeared before Ge Zheng and knelt down before him, "Righteous father!"


    Ge Zheng opened his bleary eyes and looked at the shadow before him, "Why are you here? Didn''t I tell you to be extremely careful and not to expose our relationship?"


    "Righteous father, your son has an urgent matter that requires your decision!" the shadow said.


    Ge Zheng frowned and inquired, "What''s the matter?"


    The shadow spoke in a grave tone, "Your son has received news that Xiao Yi is headed to Iron Mountain City with the Shi Family brothers and fifty thousand Imperial Guards. They have seemingly discovered an astonishingly large mine there. Xiao Yi plans to develop that mine to forge weapons for the Four Symbols Legion!"


    "Oh?"


    Ge Zheng''s pupils suddenly dilated.


    He was already a prisoner, and with the relationship between Jiang Tai and Xiao Yi, there was no chance they would allow him to turn the tables.


    Unless...


    The formation of the Four Symbols Legion failed.


    The Tianqing Kingdom was defeated by the Great Jin Kingdom.


    Then, perhaps he would have a way out.


    With this thought in mind.


    Ge Zheng gave a hideous smile, "Well, this is really a godsend opportunity." He looked at the shadow before him, took out a peace charm from his bosom, and said in a deep voice, "This is your father''s token. Take it and quickly go to the depths of Nanhuang to find that person. That person owed your father a favor, and as long as you present this charm, he will certainly make a move to help you. Have him kill Xiao Yi."


    "Righteous father, rest assured, your son will surely fulfill the trust!" the shadow reverently withdrew.


    Ge Zheng''s eyes gleamed savagely as he raised his head to look at the pitch-black dungeon, and he sneered sinisterly, "Xiao Yi, my hatred will not be soothed until you are dead!"

 Chapter 188 - 188 Who Are You?

    Outside Iron Mountain City.


    The Iron Arm Princess, Hu Qingbi, led the people of Iron Mountain City as they waited outside the city.


    She had already received the news that Xiao Yi would be arriving in Iron Mountain City.


    Hu Qingbi combed her hair and straightened her clothes while still feeling uncertain, she turned to her maid and asked, "Xiao Yun, is my hair messy? Is this outfit really okay?"


    Xiao Yun rolled her eyes and said helplessly, "Commandery Princess, it''s only been an hour, and you''ve already asked me over thirty times."


    Hu Qingbi glared at her and said, "It''s always you who talks too much¡­"


    "Oh¡­ Commandery Princess, your clothes are fine and so is your hair, I guarantee that Lord Xiao won''t be able to take his eyes off you¡ªnow are you satisfied?" Xiao Yun muttered.


    A flush of embarrassment emerged on Hu Qingbi''s face as she said in feigned anger, "Who told you I dressed up like this for Xiao?"


    Xiao Yun rolled her eyes again, "Right, right, right, you''ve dressed up so beautifully for them, not for Xiao¡ªhappy now?"


    "..."


    Hu Qingbi looked at the burly blacksmiths surrounding her, her pretty face turning dark.


    At that moment...


    A series of rumbling sounds approached, amid clouds of dust and smoke.


    Xiao Yi, leading fifty thousand Imperial Guards, appeared majestically on the horizon, quickly arriving in front of Iron Mountain City.


    "Qingbi pays her respects to Xiao!" Hu Qingbi hurried forward.


    Xiao Yi laughed heartily and said, "The Commandery Princess is so thoughtful. I wonder if the experienced mining masters you''ve arranged are ready?"


    Hu Qingbi said, "Xiao, you must be exhausted from the journey. Why not enter the city and rest for a while?"


    Xiao Yi waved his hand and said, "No need, military duties beckon, I can''t delay!"


    "Alright then..."


    Hu Qingbi gazed at Xiao Yi with a look of unfulfilled longing and sighed, "The arrangements have been made, we can set out now!"


    "Then let us be on our way!"


    Xiao Yi ignored Hu Qingbi''s gaze.


    In his heart, there was only Fang Qingzhu. He really had no spare attention for anything else.


    Moreover...


    He was but a passing traveler in the Tianqing Kingdom. He would leave once the Kingdom overcame its current crisis and established stability. Rather than foster any ambiguous feelings in Hu Qingbi that might deepen into love, it was better to nip any budding hopes in the bud.


    Upon receiving Xiao Yi''s message, she had gathered all the experienced mining masters of Iron Mountain City.


    They were now fully prepared and ready to depart.


    Xiao Yi glanced at the crowd by the city gates and said solemnly, "Gentlemen, you will accompany me to the Iron Mountain Range. There lies an undeveloped Tungsten Iron Mine with vast reserves. I hope you all will assist me with all your might to develop this mine as soon as possible!"


    "Tungsten Iron Mine?"


    "Are there still undeveloped Tungsten Iron Mines in the Iron Mountains?"


    The crowd was taken aback.


    Every person seated was an experienced master miner, and they had developed more than seventy percent of the mines within the Iron Mountains.


    It wasn''t an exaggeration to say¡­


    They knew the mountains better than anyone else.


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "If I say there is, then there is."


    The group of master miners looked at each other and whispered, "This Guardian Martial God is really too arrogant. We''re certainly no match for him in martial arts, but how could he possibly compare with us in mining?"


    "We were mining when he was still wearing split pants!"


    "Let it be, after all, he''s the Guardian Martial God. They say even the King of Tianqing listens to him. All we need to do is follow orders. Once we can''t find the mine, he''ll naturally take our advice..."


    Shi Yaoqian whispered, "Xiao, these guys don''t respect you, huh!"


    Xiao Yi smiled without commenting, "It''s fine. Once they see the mine, they''ll know who''s right."


    A procession of people moved majestically towards the Iron Mountain Range.


    The Iron Mountain itself was already dotted with numerous mines.


    Thanks to the continuous development by generations of people from Iron Mountain City, many wide roads had also been constructed along the way to facilitate the transport of ores.


    Even a fifty-thousand-strong Imperial Guard army could advance with ease. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    According to the map.


    Xiao Yi led everyone through mountains and over ridges, and after spending two days, they finally arrived at the Tungsten Iron Mine.


    "Shi Yaoqian, level that forest ahead for me!" Xiao Yi commanded.


    "Yes!"


    The four brothers of the Shi Family soared into the sky, with four Golden Core experts acting simultaneously.


    Their momentum was enough to change the color of the heavens and the earth.


    The dense jungle in front of them was razed to the ground, creating space enough to accommodate a hundred thousand people. Xiao Yi immediately arranged for everyone to set up camp, while leading several thousand mining masters to the entrance of the mine: "Inside here lies the Tungsten Iron Ore!"


    "How could there be Tungsten Iron Ore in a place like this?"


    "The conditions for the birth of Tungsten Iron Ore are very strict, this place does not meet the requirements for Tungsten Iron Ore to form at all¡­"


    A group of mining masters murmured among themselves.


    Xiao Yi said, "Just go in and see for yourselves whether it''s true or false!"


    The crowd was skeptical.


    Not until they saw the dazzling Tungsten Iron Ore within the mine were they completely dumbfounded: "Holy shit! Holy shit! There''s really Tungsten Iron Ore here? And the quality of these ores is incredibly high, this, this is impossible! We''ve been here many times before, how did we never discover this vein?"


    "Based on my experience, this Tungsten Iron Ore vein must have at least ten billion taels of silver in reserve!"


    "I think it''s more than that! With a vein this large, it''s very likely that we''ll find Tungsten Iron Ore concentrate. If we do find the concentrate, its value could multiply several times over¡­"


    Shi Yaoqian, looking at the dumbfounded mining masters with a weird intonation, said, "Didn''t you all conclusively say there was no vein here? Take a good look at what this is. Does your face hurt? Isn''t this embarrassing?"


    The mining masters looked at each other, their faces flush with shame.


    They knelt down and bowed to Xiao Yi: "Lord War God, your wisdom and valor are unsurpassed, we are ashamed!"


    Xiao Yi cast a glance at Shi Yaoqian, finding him rather vengeful.


    However¡­


    Giving these mining masters a bit of a scolding didn''t do any harm.


    Xiao Yi spoke indifferently, "Everyone, please stand. What''s most important now is to get a clear understanding of the full extent of this vein and to develop the fastest mining process. I don''t expect all the Tungsten Iron Ore to be extracted from the vein. However, within ten days, we must see the first batch of ore reach Iron Mountain City; the Iron Arm Princess and a host of forging masters are waiting there!"


    "Rest assured, Lord, we will do our utmost!" the crowd said in unison.


    "Yaoqian, I''m leaving this place in your care!" Xiao Yi said.


    Shi Yaoqian patted his chest, "Brother, rest assured, as long as I''m here, not a single ore will be missing!"


    His eyes glinted with eagerness, almost as if he wanted to sleep with these priceless ores, cradled in his arms.


    Xiao Yi shook his head helplessly and left the mine.


    Hiss hiss!


    Little Lin climbed onto his shoulder and gently nudged Xiao Yi''s cheek with its head, a faint sadness emanating from it: "Boss, I don''t know why, but I feel so sad when I''m here¡­"


    Xiao Yi was startled, then remembered that Little Lin''s mother was buried nearby.


    Gently rubbing Little Lin''s head, Xiao Yi said, "I''ll take you somewhere!"


    "Where?"


    Little Lin looked up with human-like confusion.


    Without saying much, Xiao Yi soared into the sky and soon arrived at the place where Little Lin''s mother was buried.


    However¡­


    When Xiao Yi reached the site, his expression suddenly changed, a cold murderous intent flashing in his eyes: "Who are you?"

 Chapter 189 - 189: Lord of Nanhuang

    Xiao Yi''s face was covered with a layer of frost, and his eyes were filled with killing intent.


    However, the grave where Little Lin''s mother had been buried had now been dug open, and her body was exposed to the air.


    Next to that grave,


    a gaunt figure clad in yellow robes had his back turned to Xiao Yi and the others. Squatting on the ground, he was actually roasting meat. And that meat was alarmingly cut from Little Lin''s mother''s corpse, the faint aroma of cooked meat wafting into the air, tempting one''s taste buds.


    Xiao Yi''s face darkened, "Who are you?"


    He and Little Lin were as close as brothers.


    Little Lin''s mother was the same as an elder to him.


    To have the bones of an elder dug out from their grave and their flesh cut and roasted, Xiao Yi wished he could immediately chop the man before him to pieces.


    "Hm?"


    The man in the yellow robes slowly stood up, pushing the golden-brown skewer of meat forward with a smile, "I didn''t expect to encounter such a pure beast in this forsaken place. Although it''s been dead for quite some time and the quality of the meat has deteriorated, the taste is still not bad. Would you like to try some?"


    "I''ll taste your grandpa!"


    Before Xiao Yi could speak, Little Lin on his shoulder let out an angry roar.


    Upon seeing that body, the connection of blood had let him know that she was his mother.


    To have his own mother''s body exhumed and used for roasting meat,


    Little Lin''s eyes instantly turned blood red, and with a whiz, he shot out from Xiao Yi''s shoulder. As he crossed the air, his body shone with a silver brilliance and swelled in size, transforming into a thirty-meter-long silver serpent as thick as a barrel. With a tremendous lash of its tail, it violently struck at the gaunt figure.


    His cultivation had also reached the Third Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm, with fighting prowess comparable to the Sixth Layer of the realm.


    With a sweep of the tail,


    even mountains and rivers could be leveled by his power.


    However...


    the man in the yellow robes simply held the skewer in one hand and casually flicked the other.


    A wave of yellow light surged, as countless grains of sand came together to form a massive hand, which firmly caught Little Lin''s tail.


    Then, with a fierce upward swing,


    Little Lin''s body was violently flung to the ground with a thud.


    This repeated over a dozen times.


    Little Lin saw stars, his mouth filled with blood, his silver light receding, transforming back into his original size, lying on the ground, barely alive.


    Xiao Yi reached out through the air and pulled Little Lin back to him.


    After confirming there was no threat to his life, he then placed him back into his arms.


    The man in yellow robes looked at Little Lin in Xiao Yi''s arms with amusement, "No wonder your mother''s flesh is so delicious; it turns out she bore a mutated beast. Once I take you back and raise you slowly, I''ll take your bloodline."


    "Who exactly are you?"


    Xiao Yi scrutinized the man, aware that anyone who could defeat Little Lin so easily was not to be underestimated.


    The gaunt figure split into a proud smile and arrogantly said, "I am Huang Bo, the lord of Nanhuang!"


    "The lord of Nanhuang?"


    Xiao Yi was startled, his face suddenly changing.


    He had heard Yan Mingli mention before that deep in the Southern Desolate Mountain Range there was a high-tier sixth-order Beast King. But a demonic beast couldn''t possibly transform into human form unless they reached the Dharma Manifestation Realm. Could it be that the beast before him was a seventh-order, comparable to the Dharma Manifestation Realm?


    "No. That''s not right. A Dharma Manifestation Realm expert would emanate power of the heaven and earth, and he is not a Dharma..."


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes as he intensely watched Huang Bo. "Why aren''t you in Nanhuang? What are you doing here?"


    Huang Bo grinned, "Someone paid me to take your life, so here I am!" S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi''s pupils suddenly shrank.


    Someone wanted his life?


    The Great Jin Kingdom?


    Something is wrong!


    With the power of the Great Jin Kingdom, if they truly wanted to send a master to take his life, they wouldn''t have needed to rely on Huang Bo''s help. Tianlan and the other three major kingdoms couldn''t possibly do it either, as they were too preoccupied with their own troubles to even think about killing him.


    The only possibility was someone from within the Tianqing Kingdom itself.


    An image flashed through Xiao Yi''s mind as he said in a heavy voice, "Ge Zheng?"


    He had also considered whether it might be remnants from the Nine Profound Sect, Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple, or Mingjian Manor, but those powers had long since crumbled to dust, especially the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple, which had been slaughtered by the once Buddhist disciples. Moreover, if these forces were related to Huang Bo, they would not have waited until now to ask for his help.


    Considering all the people he had offended recently, only Ge Zheng, who once had overwhelming influence in the court and countryside, had the capability.


    After all.


    Ge Zheng had once defended Nanhuang City!


    Huang Bo was startled, then burst into laughter, "Indeed intriguing, you actually guessed that it was that old guy Ge Zheng who sent this king to kill you." He bit off one end of the meat skewer, yanked the stick out with one pull, his mouth brimming with the aroma of meat, which he chewed and swallowed before staring at Xiao Yi and saying, "In light of the delicious meal you''ve given this king, I''ll give you three breaths'' time to leave your last words!"


    Xiao Yi''s eyes narrowed as he stared intently at Huang Bo and said in a deep voice, "Save your last words for yourself!"


    "Oh?"


    Huang Bo raised an eyebrow, sneering, "Since you''re seeking death, then don''t blame this king!"


    Boom!


    His figure violently shook.


    A yellow mist swirled and Huang Bo''s figure transformed into a massive wall of sand, surging towards Xiao Yi.


    "Vajra Subdues Demons!"


    Xiao Yi threw a punch, and the expanse of yellow sand before him exploded with a bang. However, the sand immediately flowed to fill in the gap torn by Xiao Yi. The vast wave of yellow sand rolled towards Xiao Yi, who leaped into the sky. Amidst the whooshing sounds, palm after palm made of yellow sand shot out vigorously.


    Grasping continuously towards Xiao Yi.


    Each attempt failed to catch him.


    Huang Bo''s expression turned ugly, and with a cold snort, he pressed both hands to the ground, "Chaotic Sand Sea!"


    Rustle!


    The entire land trembled, and countess grains of yellow sand from within the earth swarmed over, covering a hundred zhang all around.


    The ground turned into golden yellow gravel.


    Rumble!


    The entire sand sea erupted violently.


    Sand and dust formed long spears that furiously shot towards the sky, each spear made of sand was exceedingly tough and unrivaled in sharpness.


    "A Waterfall Flows Down Three Thousand Feet!"


    "A Stroke That Surprises the Wind and Rain..."


    Xiao Yi stood in the sky, his swordsmanship brilliant, releasing a swath of sword lights that covered the sky densely and rained down. The sword light collided with the yellow sand in the sky, like needle tips against wheat stalks, setting off explosions that resounded like thunderclaps. The vast sand in the heavens gathered into a thick mass, resembling dark clouds stretching across the sky.


    "Annihilation Sandstorm!"


    Huang Bo''s figure soared, his body emanating a crazed yellow glow, and a wild wind rose, whipping up the sand that filled the sky.


    The entire world was obscured by the sandstorm.


    Turning into a world of yellow sand.


    Though Xiao Yi''s swordsmanship was astonishing, it could not slice through all of the sand.


    Countless sand grains raged around him, merging and forming into a spherical prison, trapping him within. The overwhelming sand continued to compact, finally turning into a giant sand sphere with a diameter of a hundred zhang, with Xiao Yi firmly locked inside. Huang Bo''s lips curved up in a sinister smile, and raising his right hand, he clenched his palm, "Shatter!"


    Boom!


    The massive sand sphere exploded thunderously, sending sand cascading down from the sky.


    But in the void.


    Xiao Yi''s figure... was nowhere to be seen...

 Chapter 190 - 190: Submit, or Die!

    In the void, sand filled the sky.


    Only Xiao Yi''s figure was nowhere to be seen.


    Huang Bo stood suspended in the air, squinting at the drifting sand ahead, with a slight upturn at the corner of his mouth and a cold sneer, "A mere Golden Elixir Realm Peak, and yet you forced me to use my Annihilation Sandstorm, you are the first. Sigh, how lonely it is to be invincible, hahaha!"


    "Invincible? Are you that confident?"


    As Huang Bo was about to leave, he suddenly heard Xiao Yi''s voice near his ear.


    The voice was so close that it sent shivers down his spine.


    "Not good!"


    Huang Bo instinctively dodged to the side, but as soon as he moved, he banged his head against a wall composed of Sword Qi.


    The collision broke Huang Bo''s nasal bone.


    Blood gushed wildly from his nostrils.


    Tears streamed out uncontrollably.


    He clutched his head wailing, and it took a good while before he recovered, looking around with a befuddled face.


    At some point, several Qi walls, entirely condensed from Sword Qi, had appeared around him. The walls were extremely strong; he had just rammed into one of them. Rubbing his broken nose, which was now completely crooked, he clicked it back into place. Huang Bo''s pupils contracted slightly, staring at Xiao Yi, "How did you break free from my Annihilation Sandstorm?"


    Annihilation Sandstorm.


    It was Huang Bo''s Innate Divine Ability merged with the power of heaven and earth, a lethal move. With his cultivation nearly at the Seventh Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm, even when facing someone from the Eighth Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm, he could entrap and kill them.


    That Xiao Yi managed to slip away without him realizing was truly astonishing.


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Your move is indeed powerful, but its weakness is also very obvious. As long as one''s speed is fast enough, one can leave before your sand completely seals off the area. It''s not difficult."


    "Impossible!"


    Huang Bo angrily said, "I was watching the whole time, you were clearly surrounded by the sand..."


    Xiao Yi scoffed, "Watching the whole time? Are you sure what you saw was me?"


    "Hmm?"


    Huang Bo was stunned. He rapidly recalled the previous moment, and his expression suddenly changed, "The one trapped was just your afterimage?"


    Xiao Yi gave a mysterious smile.


    When Huang Bo deployed the Annihilation Sandstorm, Xiao Yi sensed the terror of the move.


    With the help of the sandstorm, he escaped the encircling sands at incredible speed, leaving only an afterimage wrapped in the dust.


    But in Huang Bo''s view, it appeared as if it was his real body that was trapped.


    All of this seemed simple.


    Yet achieving it was exceedingly difficult.


    First and foremost, one needed to have an extremely fast movement technique, and additionally, a keen sense of timing was required.


    Escape too early, and the afterimage would disappear before the sand had enveloped it.


    Escape too late, and the sand would''ve formed an enclosure, preventing escape.


    Huang Bo''s face went from pale to flushed. He never imagined his seemingly unbeatable trump card would be directly broken through by Xiao Yi. His face twisted into a vicious expression, "No wonder Ge Zheng used up that favor to have me come kill you. You indeed are a troublesome opponent. However, do you really think this mere Sword Qi can stop me?"


    Whoosh!


    Huang Bo raised his arm, and countless grains of sand burst forth from his yellow robe, crashing against the Sword Qi walls around him.


    Boom, boom, boom!


    After several collisions,


    the Sword Qi walls remained unmoved. Instead, countless grains of sand filled the cage, binding Huang Bo''s range of motion.


    "How is this possible? I can''t break through this mere Sword Qi?" Huang Bo looked around in astonishment.


    Never underestimate the sand in his hands, which seemed weak and powerless when scattered, but once gathered together, were as hard as mysterious iron and as sharp as any ordinary primordial weapon.


    Xiao Yi hovered in the air, "Let me see you off!"


    Swish!


    Xiao Yi felt the divine power within him converge, flowing into the Fire Qilin Sword.


    The Fire Qilin Sword glowed red, its scale-like patterns coming to life, as the fiery heat and Sword Qi surged forth. In an instant, the temperature within the cage of Sword Qi soared, turning everything into a world of flames, akin to being inside a volcano, facing the terrifying blaze.


    The yellow sand began to melt, transforming into rolling magma.


    Huang Bo, trapped within the magma, grimaced in excruciating pain. While the magma couldn''t kill him, it inflicted unbearable, agonizing pain. "You scoundrels... Despicable humans, release me if you dare, and fight me fairly!"


    "You, a high-ranking sixth-tier Beast King, dares to attack me, a mere human at the Golden Core Realm, and you speak of fairness?" Xiao Yi scoffed repeatedly.


    "I, I..."


    Huang Bo''s face twisted in ugliness, his teeth clenched in anger, "Xiao Yi, release me, or I swear I''ll annihilate your entire clan..."


    "Clueless fool!"


    Xiao Yi vibrated the blade of his sword.


    Shua! Shua! Shua!


    Sword Qi from all directions swarmed in, merging with the magma.


    Chi! Chi! Chi!


    The sword''s edge effortlessly sliced open Huang Bo''s body, leaving vicious wounds over him, and the magma seeped into every opening.


    Should Huang Bo''s demonic power not cover him in time, the magma would infiltrate and burn his flesh.


    The piercing pain!


    The scorching burn!


    It completely drove Huang Bo mad. His face turned beet red, his body crisscrossed with ferocious wounds, many of which were scorched.


    Finally...


    Huang Bo gave up resistance: "I admit defeat..."


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow, "That''s it? You surrender just like that?"


    "Hmph!"


    Huang Bo snorted coldly, "Using such despicable tactics..."


    "It seems it''s not enough!"


    Xiao Yi sighed, pointing his sword, "A Stroke That Surprises the Wind and Rain!"


    Shua! Shua! Shua!


    Sword beams fell like rain, bombarding Huang Bo frantically.


    Incapable of dodging within the magma, Huang Bo resolutely bore the brunt of the relentless sword beams, frustrated and furious, "Xiao Yi, are you so desperate to force a fight to the death with me?"


    "Still talking tough?"


    "Ao... Xiao Yi, I command the allegiance of a million demonic beasts in Nanhuang. Believe me or not, if I instigate a beast tide..."


    "A beast tide? Then I shall sacrifice you to Nanhuang!"


    "No..."


    "Xiao, ancestor Xiao, I admit my defeat... I was wrong... I lost..."


    "Stop, please... no more..."


    Huang Bo, covered in wounds and barely alive, had completely ceased to resist. He looked at Xiao Yi with dodging and fearful eyes, "Stop... I surrender..."


    Xiao Yi''s mouth curled into a small smile, "You surrender?"


    "I surrender!"


    Huang Bo nodded hastily, fearing to anger Xiao Yi further, "As long as you don''t kill me, I''ll agree to anything you ask!"


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, "If you don''t want to die, then submit to me!"


    "What? Don''t even dream of it, I am the noble ruler of Nanhuang..."


    Xiao Yi''s Fire Qilin Sword thrummed with power, "Submit or die! The choice is yours!"


    Huang Bo gulped down saliva nervously, quickly changing his stance, "I submit! I submit! I, the king, submit..." Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 191 - 191: Million Demon Beasts

    "I submit, this king submits..."


    Faced with the threat of death, Huang Bo made a very decisive choice to submit.


    Xiao Yi then ceased his attack.


    At this moment, Huang Bo was in an extremely miserable state, with almost no part of his body unharmed. His face was not just swollen and bruised; he had also broken dozens of bones throughout his body.


    He was covered in wounds, with sword scars crisscrossing and blood flowing freely.


    What''s more, many of his wounds were seared, and the smell of cooked flesh filled the air.


    With a face full of grievance, Huang Bo looked at Xiao Yi and muttered, "You, you humans are indeed the most terrifying creatures in this world!"


    Xiao Yi rolled his eyes, "If you hadn''t provoked me, would I have gone to Nanhuang to deal with you?"


    "..."


    After thinking it over, Huang Bo said with indignant resentment, "It''s all Ge Zheng''s fault, that old husband. Otherwise, I would still be in Nanhuang, leading my million demon beasts. How could I have ended up in such a plight?"


    A million demon beasts?


    Xiao Yi''s eyes shone slightly.


    He had always been lamenting that the Four Symbols Legion only relied on pills to temporarily improve the warriors'' cultivation while enhancing their combat strength with equipment. They hadn''t managed to assemble a powerful cavalry force. After all, in this world of martial artists, ordinary warhorses used as cavalry, if faced with elite troops like the Golden Crow Guards, would have minimal effect.


    But what if he could have a million demon beasts as mounts?


    When the million demon beast cavalry charge together, even the Golden Crow Guards would have to avoid their sharp edge, right?


    Watching Xiao Yi''s gleaming gaze fixed on himself, Huang Bo subconsciously shuddered, looking warily and asking, "What, what, what do you want to do?" sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi rubbed his hands together and smiled with a grin, "Huang Bo, are you comfortable living in Nanhuang?"


    "Huh?"


    Huang Bo was taken aback and said with pride, "I am the lord of Nanhuang. With a million demon beasts under my command, I''m waited on hand and foot for food and lodging. How could it not be comfortable?"


    "What do you eat? What do you wear? And where do you live?"


    Xiao Yi pointed at him, "Are you talking about this poor quality yellow robe you''re wearing? Is your food just roast meat? Don''t tell me you live in a cave?"


    Huang Bo: "..."


    The physiques of demon beasts are much stronger than humans, but they are far inferior in terms of creativity.


    Just as Xiao Yi said, he lived in a cave!


    Xiao Yi tutted, "The august lord of Nanhuang actually still lives in a cave. If word of this got out, wouldn''t people die laughing?"


    "I, I..."


    At a loss for words, Huang Bo could only say indignantly, "If not in a cave, where else could I live? We demon kind don''t build cities..."


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes and said, "Let''s cooperate!"


    "Cooperate?"


    Huang Bo looked at Xiao Yi with a strange expression.


    Xiao Yi nodded earnestly, "I''ll have the king confer upon you the title of a Protectorate Divine Beast, a status equivalent to that of a noble in the Tianqing Kingdom. In due course, His Majesty will build a Beast King City for you near Nanhuang. Imagine having top human chefs prepare you lavish meals, top human tailors crafting you beautiful clothes, and living in a palace..."


    Heaving! Heaving! Heaving!


    Huang Bo''s face turned red, and his breathing quickened.


    The demon beast race was indeed very envious of human life.


    Especially after he became capable of transforming, Huang Bo found himself adopting many human living habits.


    If his life could truly be as Xiao Yi described, with a city built for him and servants to attend to his every need, the days would be blissful!


    But...


    Suppressing the excitement in his heart, Huang Bo said with a trembling voice, "What would this king have to give in return?"


    Xiao Yi squinted and said, "I plan to form a cavalry of a million monster beasts. All you need to do is let your million monster beasts cooperate with us and become the combat companions of my cavalry."


    "Let my children be mounts? No, that won''t do¡­" Huang Bo shook his head hurriedly.


    Xiao Yi said, "Not as mounts, but as combat partners, and when the time comes, your children will also be rewarded for their merits and promoted nobly! Look at my clothes, soft in texture and luxuriously fashioned. You, as the ruler of Nanhuang and the majestic Beast King, what are you wearing?"


    Huang Bo subconsciously tightened his yellow robe.


    This clothing, which had once filled him with immense satisfaction, now seemed uglier the more he looked at it. It would be embarrassing to be seen in it!


    Xiao Yi pressed on his advantage: "Look at what you''re eating. Roasted meat without a hint of seasoning. Try this¡­"


    He took out a stack of osmanthus cakes from the storage ring.


    Huang Bo took a bite, his eyes squinting into slits, a look of satisfaction on his face.


    Xiao Yi spoke leisurely: "This is just a dessert after dinner. The real delicacy is far more delicious than this! Imagine, in your Beast King City, lying in a luxurious palace under the sun, with a chef cooking various gourmet dishes by your side, a tailor custom making beautiful and noble garments for you..."


    Thump!


    Thump!


    Huang Bo''s heartbeat sped up, his gaze fixed on Xiao Yi, "Done! Isn''t it just being a mount? I, the king, have decided. When you need them, I will bring my children right away!"


    Xiao Yi''s heart leapt with joy and he said, "Within half a month, have all the monster beasts arrive in Jing Mountain outside the capital, and they must travel through the wild mountains and rivers along the way, without revealing the news of the million monster beasts. Can you manage that?"


    "No problem!"


    Huang Bo patted his chest, his face showing a peculiar expression, "You''re planning to ambush someone, aren''t you?"


    "Don''t put it so crudely. It''s just a strategic necessity!" said Xiao Yi.


    Huang Bo rolled his eyes and said, "Then shall I return to Nanhuang now to bring the children over?"


    Xiao Yi nodded and asked further, "By the way, you''re not a Dharma Manifestation Realm beast, how can you transform?"


    Huang Bo said, "I found a Transforming Herb in Nanhuang once, so I could transform early."


    "Is there any more Transforming Herb in Nanhuang?" Xiao Yi asked.


    Huang Bo shook his head and said, "No more. The Transforming Herb blooms once in a thousand years, and it takes another thousand years to mature. It''s not so easy to come by!"


    "Forget it!"


    Xiao Yi waved his hand resignedly and took out a token to give to him, "When you bring the monster beast army to the capital, take this token to find Gu Junhe, and he will know how to arrange things for you!"


    "No problem!"


    Huang Bo accepted the token, hesitating before he left, he asked, "You''re just letting me go like this? Aren''t you afraid I''ll disappear and never return?"


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "If you disappeared, I guarantee that there would be no more monster beasts in Nanhuang. Even at the Ends of the Heaven, I would take your head!"


    Seeing the Fire Qilin Sword in Xiao Yi''s hand emitting flickering flames, Huang Bo shivered all over and said with an awkward smile, "Rest assured, am I the kind of person who reneges on a promise?"


    Whoosh!


    Huang Bo soared into the sky.


    Xiao Yi squinted his eyes, thinking of the time when the two armies would face each other.


    With a sudden appearance of a million monster beast cavalry on his side, sweeping through everything, what kind of scene would that be!


    "With the addition of a million monster beast army, my Four Symbols Legion will truly be perfect!"


    Xiao Yi took a long breath, already foreseeing the invincible scene of the Four Symbols Legion, and he unconsciously gripped the Fire Qilin Sword in his hand tighter.


    But just then...


    A shocking explosion came from afar, the ground shook and the mountains trembled, and a purple light column could be seen shooting up into the sky.


    Wasn''t that in the direction of the Tungsten Iron Mine?


    Xiao Yi''s expression changed dramatically, "Has something happened?"

 Chapter 192 - 192: Good Death!

    Xiao Yi soared into the sky, flying towards the direction of the mine vein where purple light was shooting into the heavens.


    The entire vicinity of the vein was in utter chaos; everyone was stunned by the scene unfolding before their eyes.


    Had it not been for the fifty thousand Imperial Guards maintaining order, those thousands of mining masters would have already fled. "What on earth is happening? I, I''ve been mining for so many years and have never seen such a bizarre sight!"


    "Could it be that we''ve disturbed the Mountain God?"


    "We can''t mine any further..."


    A host of mining masters, filled with sincere fear, knelt on the ground praying for the Mountain God''s forgiveness.


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi landed at the entrance of the mine, and Shi Yaoqian approached him. "Xiao, our men were working on the mine when it suddenly turned into this. Now, those mining masters dare not enter, fearing they''ve alarmed the Mountain God and brought down heavenly wrath..."


    "Heavenly wrath?"


    Xiao Yi shook his head with a wry smile. Ignorance is truly frightening; they had clearly unearthed a vein of elemental stones!


    "Wait here, I''m going to explore the depths of this mine!" Xiao Yi''s figure flashed, disappearing into the mine.


    The mine was filled with elemental energy so dense it was palpable.


    The purple radiance was the result of elemental energy in its purest form.


    Along with it, the Tungsten Iron in the mine began to slowly transform, becoming superior in quality to how it had been initially.


    Xiao Yi descended deeper, reaching five hundred meters underground.


    All around him lay purple elemental stones.


    Looking as far as the eye could see.


    Tens of thousands of low-grade elemental stones, thousands of medium-grade, and even hundreds of high-grade stones lay before him.


    What shocked Xiao Yi even more was that at the very depths of the mine, there were precisely ten supreme grade elemental stones.


    The elemental stones he had obtained within the Tao Tribulation Realm were not even one-thousandth of what was here!


    "Now this is a true fortune!"


    Xiao Yi turned into a busy miner, prying out each elemental stone with his Fire Qilin Sword and collecting them into his storage ring.


    He busied himself for the better part of the day.


    Only then had he collected all of the stones in the mine, by rough count, fifty-one thousand three hundred low-grade, three thousand two hundred twenty-five medium-grade, five hundred twenty-one high-grade, and fifteen supreme grade elemental stones.


    These many elemental stones were not only sufficient to enhance his cultivation by several levels.


    They could also enable the birth of several more Tao Tribulation Realm experts for the Tianqing Kingdom!


    "Acquiring this vein of elemental stones is better than creating thousands of troops and horses!" Xiao Yi took a deep breath.


    After excavating these stones, the elemental energy that filled the mine diminished significantly, but even so, mining here and bathing in the residual elemental energy could still prolong life and improve health.


    Xiao Yi returned to the surface to see Shi Yaoqian and the group of mining masters, stating solemnly, "Gentlemen, this is not about disturbing the Mountain God, but rather the mine is rich in elemental energy. Bathing in this energy will not only cure your chronic diseases but can also prolong your lives; it poses no threat to your safety!"


    He held an extremely high status among the people.


    Hearing this, the crowd finally let go of their fears and apprehensions.


    The strong miners re-engaged with the development of the vein.


    Xiao Yi then called Shi Yaoqian and his three brothers over, giving each of them one thousand low-grade, one hundred medium-grade, and ten high-grade elemental stones, saying, "These stones are enough for you to reach the peak of the Golden Core Realm. Over this period, guard this place, excavate the Tungsten Iron Mine, and send the forged weapons to the capital."


    "Thank you, Xiao!" The four brothers were visibly excited.


    Xiao Yi waved his hand and said, "I have matters to attend to and must leave for now, so I''m entrusting this place to you!"


    "Rest assured, Xiao!" the four of them nodded repeatedly.


    Xiao Yi shot up into the sky, disappearing into the horizon.


    ......


    Half a day later.


    The capital, Sky Prison.


    Ge Zheng, sitting deep within the Sky Prison, suddenly opened his eyes. When he saw Xiao Yi appear before him, Ge Zheng''s face changed drastically, ultimately settling into a resigned, bitter smile. "So, I have failed after all? To think, not even he could deal with you!"


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Who told you I was in the Iron Mountain Range?"


    "Do you think this old man would tell you?" Ge Zheng scoffed.


    Crack!


    His right arm shattered in response.


    Ahh...


    With a miserable howl, Ge Zheng glared at Xiao Yi, "You... you dare?"


    Crack!


    The left arm shattered.


    Ge Zheng screamed hysterically, "I am the current Prime Minister, how dare you treat me this way?"


    Crack!


    Both legs shattered.


    Lying in a pool of blood like a lump of mud, with beads of cold sweat seeping from his forehead, Xiao Yi''s face remained expressionless, "Last chance! If you don''t confess, I''ll strip you naked and hang you at the city gates, let everyone see what this former Prime Minister looks like..."


    "I... I..."


    An intense contraction filled Ge Zheng''s pupils; if he really was stripped and hung at the city gates as Xiao Yi said, his lifetime reputation would be ruined. Clenching his teeth, he closed his eyes, "The Imperial Secretary Teng Yi is my adoptive son..."


    "The Imperial Secretary Teng Yi?"


    Xiao Yi''s eyes narrowed into slits as he turned and walked away.


    In the darkness.


    Ge Zheng found himself surrounded by countless rats, scared to the point that his hair stood on end. The rats, drawn by the scent of blood and no longer deterred by Xiao Yi''s presence, swarmed upon him. Crazy gnawing sounds and bloodcurdling screams echoed from the prison...


    Meanwhile.


    At the residence of the Imperial Secretary Teng Yi.


    Teng Yi sat in his study, humming a tune, "Just waiting for that person to kill Xiao Yi, Tianqing Kingdom will surely fail. Then I can pledge allegiance to the Great Jin Kingdom and definitely rescue my adoptive father..."


    An icy voice suddenly rang in his ear, "I''m afraid you no longer have that chance!"


    Teng Yi''s body shivered, and the brush in his hand dropped to the ground.


    His complexion turned deathly pale as he looked in disbelief at the figure of Xiao Yi appearing before him, gulping down saliva, "Xiao... Xiao Yi?"


    Thud!


    Teng Yi hastily knelt on the ground, "This subordinate pays his respects to Lord Xiao!"


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "It seems like quite the surprise to you that I''m not dead, doesn''t it, Lord Teng?"


    "What Lord Xiao is saying, you are the mainstay of Tianqing Kingdom, I pray day and night for your endless longevity..." Teng Yi hurriedly said.


    "Endless longevity? You must wish me buried in foreign lands," pausing for a moment, Xiao Yi sneered, "I forgot to tell you, Ge Zheng is dead!"


    "What?"


    Teng Yi''s body trembled, collapsing to the ground.


    Ge Zheng is dead?


    The reappearance of Xiao Yi here, didn''t it mean his relation with Ge Zheng was exposed?


    Thud!


    Kneeling on the ground, Teng Yi''s head thudded against the floor, trembling in fear, "Spare me, Lord Xiao, please spare my life..."


    "The love between you and your adoptive father is deep, now you can reunite as a family in the Yellow Springs!"


    Xiao Yi''s palm came crashing down.


    Bang! S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This current first rank minister became a pile of broken corpse.


    The next morning, servants in Teng Yi''s house discovered his body and immediately reported the incident to the court. The response they received was just three icy words: Good that he''s dead!

 Chapter 193 - 193 Extreme Training Skill

    ```


    Ge Zheng and Teng Yi.


    To Xiao Yi, those two were nothing more than annoying flies, easily crushed with a flick of his hand.


    He didn''t consider them worthy of attention.


    After dealing with Teng Yi, Xiao Yi headed to Jing Mountain alone.


    Jing Mountain was the training ground for the Four Symbols Legion.


    In the past ten days of recruitment, the numbers had already reached a staggering one million, with more soldiers from the Four Symbols Legion still being transported to Jing Mountain from all directions.


    Gu Junhe and Yu Huaxian were stationed at Jing Mountain, in charge of the legion''s training.


    Particularly, the twenty thousand Azure Dragon Guards under Yu Huaxian''s command were all valiant warriors refined from the ferocious battles within the Golden Crow Guards. Yu Huaxian scattered them among the Four Symbols Legion to supervise and train these new recruits. The effect was extremely apparent, and in just a few days, the Four Symbols Legion had begun to take shape.


    At the very least, they looked like an army with strict military discipline.


    Of course...


    This was also inseparable from Xiao Yi''s involvement.


    The Four Symbols Legion was Xiao Yi''s own force, with people joining in admiration of his name, naturally not wanting to tarnish his reputation.


    Inside the central military tent.


    Gu Junhe and Yu Huaxian looked at Xiao Yi with befuddled expressions, "What did you say? A million monster beasts?"


    Xiao Yi nodded, "I''ve ordered that a million monster beasts be brought to Jing Mountain within half a month. You two will be responsible for coordinating and arranging them when the time comes!"


    "Damn, an army of a million monster beasts! The Great Jin Kingdom once attempted to build a monster beast cavalry as well, but due to overwhelming costs, they could only maintain about fifty thousand... that was already claimed to be the foremost army under the heavens of Great Qian. I never thought we could actually create a million-strong monster beast cavalry..." Yu Huaxian''s delicate face was filled with deep shock.


    Gu Junhe nodded earnestly, "I''m already impatient to see what expressions they''ll have when we deploy our million-strong monster beast army in front of the Great Jin Kingdom!"


    Monster beasts are incredibly difficult to tame.


    Even after taming them, the cost of maintaining a single monster beast is colossal.


    Even a country with the might of the Great Jin Kingdom can''t support too many monster beast cavalry units.


    But Xiao Yi was different; his million-strong monster beast cavalry could simply be led back to Nanhuang by Huang Bo after the battle, without worrying about unsustainable expenses.


    Xiao Yi asked, "Are there any issues with the training of the Four Symbols Legion?"


    Gu Junhe shook his head, "With Yu Huaxian''s Extreme Training Skill and the elixirs provided by Elder Xue, everything is proceeding smoothly, without any problems."


    Yu Huaxian added, "We estimate that the Four Symbols Legion will be able to form combat capability within a month!"


    "Hmm!"


    Xiao Yi was very confident in the two of them. He then inquired, "Any news from the Great Jin Kingdom?"


    Yu Huaxian nodded, "I was just about to discuss this with you... Elder Yan from Treasure Pavilion came to see us yesterday. According to the information passed through the pavilion, the Great Jin Kingdom has dispatched one hundred thousand Golden Crow Guards and a million-strong army. They are led by the Minister of War, Qin Yu, and it will take them about two more months to reach the border!"


    "Qin Yu?"


    They had already predicted the military force the Great Jin Kingdom would send, and the numbers were close. Xiao Yi was more interested in this commander, "What about him?"


    Fear flashed in Yu Huaxian''s eyes as he said in a grave tone, "His cultivation is at the Seventh Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm, and there are rumors he possesses the Blood Demon Battle Body, second only to the top ten holy lands, making him extremely tough to deal with."


    "Seventh Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm peak? Blood Demon Battle Body? Then his combat strength should be comparable to the Eighth, or even Ninth Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm..."


    ```


    Xiao Yi stroked his chin, pondering, "Indeed, he''s a formidable adversary!"


    He was now at the thirty-fifth ring of the Golden Core realm.


    Comparable to the Third Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm, with the enhancement of the Wind Thunder Holy Body and the Divine Enthronement power, he could rival the power of a Seventh Layer Tao Tribulation Realm expert.


    This Qin Yu was at the peak of the Seventh Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm himself, and possessed the Blood Demon Battle Body. With Xiao Yi''s current strength, if he clashed with him, his odds of victory were less than fifty percent.


    "Dean, Yu Huaxian, I have some elemental stones here, you two divide them up!"


    Xiao Yi left a portion of elemental stones for each of them. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    They did not have God Sealing Seeds, and they weren''t practicing a heaven-defying cultivation technique like the Divine Enthronement Heaven Subduing Skill, so their speed and efficiency in absorbing elemental stones were far less than Xiao Yi''s.


    The number of elemental stones he gave them was enough for them to cultivate for a half month at least, and they could possibly increase by a minor realm.


    The two looked at the elemental stones in their hands, exchanging glances, "Where did you find these elemental stones?"


    Among them were even two top-grade elemental stones.


    These were treasures beyond price!


    Xiao Yi laughed heartily, recounted the news of the mineral vein, which earned him their envious looks, "You truly are a child of fortune!"


    Xiao Yi simply shrugged, "Among these are some lower and middle-grade stones, suitable for Golden Core realm experts to use. See which Golden Core realm experts in the army could use them." He then prepared another two portions of elemental stones, "These two are for you to kindly deliver to Elder Xue and Elder Jiang on my behalf!"


    Jiang Weisheng''s injuries had not yet healed, but with the aid of elemental stones, he would surely be able to recover before the arrival of the Great Jin Kingdom, and he might even make further progress in his cultivation.


    Gu Junhe nodded and said, "Xiao Yi, you''re planning to go into seclusion, aren''t you?"


    "Yes!"


    Xiao Yi spoke solemnly, "With my current strength, I''m still insufficient to face the top experts of the Great Jin Kingdom!"


    Gu Junhe said, "Then you can go to the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, their cultivation chambers are always vacant!"


    He was naturally referring to the old site of the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy.


    Xiao Yi hummed in affirmation; he had already planned to retreat to the cultivation chambers of Tianqi Martial Arts Academy to break through to higher realms, "The management of the Four Symbols Legion is in your hands now!"


    "It''s all for the Tianqing Kingdom!" the two said in unison.


    After discussing a bit more, Xiao Yi then set off.


    He was really too busy now.


    Since returning from Iron Mountain City, he had gone to the sky prison, then arrived at Jing Mountain, and now he was heading to the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy.


    He was practically non-stop.


    Gu Junhe sighed softly, watching as Xiao Yi disappeared, "He keeps himself so busy, probably also to avoid having idle moments that would make him remember every bit and detail about Qingzhu..."


    It could be said that Gu Junhe had watched Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhu grow up step by step, respecting and admiring each other, until they were ultimately forced to part.


    Yu Huaxian said solemnly, "With Xiao''s talent and strength, one day he will become the most paramount being under these stars. And then, no one in this world will be able to stop him from being with Miss Qingzhu!"


    These days, he too had heard quite a bit about Xiao Yi from Gu Junhe.


    And he admired him even more for it.


    Every time Xiao Yi''s talent was mentioned, Gu Junhe couldn''t help but nod in agreement, "You''re right, with his talent, in the future under these stars, he will surely be the most dazzling existence. He might even become like the resplendent sun at high noon..."

 Chapter 194 - 194: Slaughter the City! Slaughter the City! Slaughter the City!

    Tianqi Martial Arts Academy''s former site.


    The new Tianqi Martial Arts Academy is located above the former Royal Martial Arts Academy, leaving this old site vacant.


    Walking along the familiar tree-lined path.


    Xiao Yi''s gaze lingered for a long time on some familiar places, where memories of him and Fang Qingzhu existed.


    Only the peach blossoms remain the same.


    The place is there, but the people are gone!


    The beloved is no longer by his side...


    "Qingzhu, are you doing well?" Xiao Yi gazed into the vast starry sky, where countless stars shone with dazzling light.


    The stars filled the sky, yet he could not find the one that belonged to him.


    Huff!


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath, releasing a surge of turbid air; just as Gu Junhe had said, keeping himself busy was largely to temporarily forget the pain of separation. His fists clenched quietly as the scene from that day at the Royal Martial Arts Academy emerged in his mind. Powerless to stop the people from Baiyu taking Fang Qingzhu away, he was incapable of intervention.


    That sense of powerlessness and despair, he did not want to experience a second time!


    "Qingzhu..."


    Xiao Yi clenched his fists. "I will definitely find you!"


    In the hazy distance.


    He seemed to see Fang Qingzhu''s smiling face formed by the numerous stars in the sky, smiling sweetly at him.


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath and slipped into the cultivation quiet room.


    Rustle!


    Before him lay a dazzling array of elemental stones. For him now, the effects of the middle-to-lower grade elemental stones were minimal, and they were mostly given to Yu Huaxian and the others.


    He retained several hundred superior elemental stones and ten top-grade elemental stones.


    A single top-grade elemental stone was equivalent to the heaven and earth qi contained in one hundred thousand low-grade elemental stones.


    "Use the body as a tomb, seal the divine within the tomb, Godly Suppression of Heaven..."


    Xiao Yi''s body shook, transforming into a tremendous Taotie. A vast vortex emerged around him, and elemental stones were thrown into the vortex, frantically drawing in the heaven and earth qi.


    As the heaven and earth qi surged into his body. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Above Xiao Yi''s head, a Golden Core gradually appeared.


    Ordinary Golden Elixir Peak experts would not dare to let their Golden Core leave their bodies.


    But Xiao Yi was different...


    His Golden Core far surpassed the ordinary peak Golden Cores, with thirty-five golden rings encircling it. As Xiao Yi continued to devour elemental stones, more rings gradually appeared.


    Thirty-six.


    Thirty-seven.


    Thirty-eight...


    He was as serene as a meditating monk.


    Little Lin also crawled out, lying beside him, devouring the scattered heaven and earth qi around Xiao Yi.


    Both man and beast were continuously enhancing their cultivation.


    Time flew by.


    In the blink of an eye, more than a month had passed, and the cultivation quiet room was littered with the husks of elemental stones that had been devoured.


    Little Lin''s scales, shimmering with silver light, had turned a faint gold.


    The golden, shiny scale armor looked as if it were forged from gold.


    It was exceptionally dazzling.


    Its cultivation had also greatly improved, rising from the initial sixth rank to the mid-level tier, akin to the Fourth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm, making Little Lin''s combat power no weaker than ordinary Sixth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm experts.


    If it were to launch a surprise attack, using its potent venom, it could even potentially poison a Seventh Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm master.


    Of course...


    The one with even more terrifying improvement was Xiao Yi.


    Above his Golden Core, there now shone forty-nine rings.


    The rings floated around the Golden Core, rising and falling, radiating a dazzling light.


    The aura this invisible Golden Core gave off was enough to crush most Martial Dao Divine Fruits.


    In fact...


    Five days ago, he had already reached forty-nine rings, and despite devouring the remaining elemental stones over these five days, his progress had stalled. The Limitless Golden Elixir seemed to have truly reached its limit, unable to advance even an inch further, and the Ancient Heavenly Tomb had only given him a glimpse of inspiration, informing him of the Limitless Golden Elixir''s existence.


    As for the specific cultivation method and the path he should follow, there was not a single record.


    This forced Xiao Yi to grope his way forward on his own.


    Now stuck at the Forty-Nine Rings Golden Elixir, unable to condense any more halos, Xiao Yi tried to shatter the halos and step into the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    The result...


    was still fruitless.


    He also couldn''t shatter the halos and was firmly stuck at the level of the Forty-Nine Rings Golden Elixir.


    At the same time.


    The number of God Sealing Seeds within Xiao Yi''s body had also reached a massive forty-nine thousand, and he was now barely able to approach Zhao Wuji''s tomb.


    However, with the previous warning from the Wind Thunder venerable, Xiao Yi did not take action against Zhao Wuji.


    "Whew!"


    Xiao Yi let out a long breath of foul air and opened his eyes, "It seems like it''ll be impossible to step into the Tao Tribulation Realm in the short term, but with my current strength, I should be enough to deal with that Great Jin war god!"


    Blood Demon Battle Body.


    This was the first time he was facing someone with a special physique.


    The newly formed Wind Thunder Battle Body versus the Blood Demon Battle Body.


    Who was stronger and who was weaker?


    Xiao Yi had a vague feeling that the battle will within him was growing more and more intense...


    ......


    Sihai Kingdom, the capital.


    The current Sihai Kingdom''s Sea King Hai Ruidong was drenched in cold sweat, kneeling on the ground, looking at Qin Yu in blood-colored battle armor with eyes full of pleading, "Please spare us, General Qin, I beg you to spare us..."


    Qin Yu''s gaze was icy as he regarded the Sihai Kingdom''s royal family and ministers prostrated before him and said coldly, "Had it not been for your disastrous handling of the battle, would my seventh prince have suffered at the hands of Xiao Yi? I am ordered to avenge the seventh prince, so let''s use the fresh blood of every living being in the Sihai Kingdom''s capital to pay respects to his spirit in heaven!"


    "No..."


    "General Qin, you must not do this..."


    Hai Ruidong''s face was filled with desperation.


    But Qin Yu simply waved his hand coldly, "Kill!"


    Boom!


    Boom!


    Boom!


    At this command, his hundred-thousand-strong Golden Crow Guards turned into bloodthirsty demons and charged into the capital.


    Killing gods when they encountered gods, and Buddhas when they found Buddhas.


    It only took half a day.


    One of the once ten countries of Nanhuang, the capital of Sihai Kingdom, became a sea of blood.


    Nearly ten million civilians within the capital were slaughtered.


    The royal family members and officials could not escape their fate.


    "General, there''s not a single living soul left in the city!" one of the Golden Crow Guards reported expressionlessly.


    Qin Yu nodded, reined in his horse, and said indifferently, "Everyone listen, the vengeance for the seventh prince is just beginning! From this day forth, one city will fall every day until we reach the Tianqing Kingdom... sparing none we encounter in any city, killing on sight¡ªdo you understand?"


    "Spare none in every city!"


    "Kill on sight!"


    "Kill..."


    Roars shook the earth and sky.


    No one noticed...


    In that massacred capital, countless Qi-Blood were wandering in the air, frantically converging toward Qin Yu.


    Devouring the Qi-Blood of these millions made Qin Yu''s expression ever more exhilarated, his eyes gradually covered in a layer of crimson. A faint smile curved his lips as he watched the blood pearl condensing in his palm. He threw it into his mouth and chewed, his mouth quirked slightly, "Once every city in the Tianqing Kingdom is emptied, that strength from their Qi-Blood should allow me to step into the Dharma Manifestation Realm, right? Hehehe..."


    As this Great Jin legion set off, dreadful news followed one after the other.


    Wherever Qin Yu went, cities were slaughtered.


    Slaughter the city!


    Slaughter the city!


    Slaughter the city!


    One city per day, none were spared!


    All ten countries of Nanhuang were in panic; Qin Yu''s name hung over them like a dark cloud. This oppression and fear finally descended on the borders of the Tianqing Kingdom after ten days...

 Chapter 195 - 195 Inhumanity

    Tanglang City.


    A border town between Tianqing Kingdom and Sihai Kingdom.


    Tanglang City is by no means inferior to Heiya City, safeguarding between Tianqing Kingdom and Sihai Kingdom.


    Because the border area between Sihai Kingdom and Tianqing Kingdom is an endless grassland, most of the war horses of both countries are raised on this plain, hence the border towns between the two countries are built very massive.


    It''s an easy task to garrison a million troops.


    Above the city gate.


    Xiao Yi, Gu Junhe, Yu Huaxian, Jiang Weisheng, Xue Bufan, Jiang Tai, Huangpao, and others were all present.


    The banners whipped against the azure sky, fluttering in the wind.


    On the plain below, a fierce cold wind blew across the boundless expanse, where Great Jin Kingdom''s hundred thousand Golden Crow Guards and a million-strong army were arrayed in line. They made no attempt at concealment; in the eyes of Great Jin Kingdom, Tianqing Kingdom was nothing but ants, easily crushed by hand, especially since this battle was one of vengeance for Great Jin Kingdom.


    They aimed not only to annihilate Tianqing Kingdom but also to intimidate their vassal states.


    To showcase the might of Great Jin Kingdom!


    Beneath the Great Qian, Great Jin reigns supreme!


    Therefore.


    As soon as Qin Yu arrived outside Tanglang City, he ordered his troops to fully deploy, with an imposing momentum, and powerful murderous intent condensed into blood-red clouds.


    Over a million people stood in silence, with only the banners against the sky and the war horses neighing.


    The mere sight of this was enough to send shivers down one''s spine, hair standing on end.


    This time, the lead commander was Xiao Yi!


    Even Jiang Tai, the lord of Tianqing Kingdom, had to stand aside, but he did so without any complaints.


    In the past, Tianqing Kingdom had only one person in the Tao Tribulation Realm, Jiang Weisheng, but now there were six, including extraordinary beings like Xue Bufan, Yu Huaxian, and Huangpao, who were far beyond the typical Tao Tribulation Realm.


    Behind him stood an even more formidable force of two million from the Four Symbols Legion.


    A million beast cavalry!


    All of this was thanks to Xiao Yi!


    The sound of hooves clopped rapidly.


    A figure rushed out from the Great Jin Kingdom''s camp, heading straight for Tanglang City.


    This was a general at the peak of the Golden Core Realm, clad in golden armor.


    This person was a commander of the Golden Crow Guards.


    The golden-armored warrior stood below Tanglang City, slightly tilting his head up to look at Xiao Yi and the others above the city gate with a face full of arrogance, "Who is the lord of Tianqing Kingdom, Jiang Tai?"


    Jiang Tai stood with his hands behind his back, squinting as he replied, "I am he!"


    "So it''s you!"


    The golden-armored warrior sneered with contempt, "By the order of General Qin, Tianqing Kingdom''s lord Jiang Tai is demanded to open the city gates swiftly and present the traitor Xiao Yi''s head. Otherwise, our army will purge Tianqing Kingdom, sparing not a single soul!"


    Boom!


    Above the city gate, everyone was furious.


    Pairs of cold eyes landed on the golden-armored warrior.


    Yet he stood confident with the backing of Great Jin Kingdom, utterly unafraid of the crowd, "General Qin gave you one hour to consider. However, to prevent that hour from being too dull, General Qin has prepared some entertaining performances for you all¡ªI hope you''ll enjoy them! Hahaha¡­"


    With that, the golden-armored warrior strode away.


    When he returned to the ranks.


    Within the Great Jin Kingdom''s military formation, a dense crowd of people appeared.


    At a rough count, their number exceeded two hundred thousand.


    "Those seem to be the civilians from Sihai Kingdom!"


    "What is Qin Yu planning to do? Surely he doesn''t intend to drive the refugees from Sihai Kingdom to assault our Tanglang City?"


    While everyone was puzzled.


    Behind each civilian from Sihai Kingdom emerged a soldier of Great Jin Kingdom.


    "Not good!"


    "They plan to execute at the front of the army?"


    The faces of Xiao Yi and the others suddenly changed...


    Puu, puu, puu!


    A series of blade lights tore through the air, the silver glint of the blades extremely dazzling amidst the blazing flames.


    Wherever the blade''s edge passed.


    Heads hit the ground!


    Two hundred thousand people, none were spared!


    Above the great land, heads rolled and blood flowed, converging into rivers of blood, dyeing the fields a bright shade of red.


    Two hundred thousand people were killed just like that!


    "Beasts, these are nothing but beasts..."


    "Among them were many children, could they really bring themselves to kill even children?"


    All the generals of Tianqing Kingdom had their eyes split with rage, unable to contain their fury.


    In their anger,


    they became even more determined to win this battle!


    If they were to fail...


    Should the armies of Great Jin Kingdom enter Tianqing Kingdom, the fate of Tianqing''s people would be the same as those two hundred thousand.


    Clip-clop, clip-clop!


    The golden-armored general made his return trip, his face bearing an arrogant look, and declared, "This is the spectacle General Qin has prepared for you... If within an hour Xiao Yi is not handed over, when Great Jin Kingdom''s iron hooves flatten Tianqing Kingdom, everyone from the top down in your Tianqing will meet this end! Remember, you only have one hour, hahahaha..."


    Watching the golden-armored general leave with high strides,


    the top of the city gate was immersed in silence.


    Bang!


    Jiang Tai abruptly shattered the stone tiles in front of him, his eyes blood-red as he gnashed his teeth and said, "How dare Great Jin Kingdom do this?"


    Yu Huaxian said indifferently, "This is the law of the jungle, where the weak can''t even control their own life or death."


    "Qin Yu is delusional, thinking he can make me hand over Xiao? Ridiculous!"


    Jiang Tai, with a fiery gaze towards everyone, suddenly bowed deeply, solemnly saying, "I entrust you, generals, to protect Tianqing Kingdom, to not let those beasts step even half into Tanglang City!"


    With Qin Yu''s tactics,


    once they got past Tanglang City, once Tianqing Kingdom was conquered, they genuinely might go as far as to massacre the whole country!


    This is not just a mere city''s slaughter,


    but the butchery of a nation!


    Massacring an entire country!


    Before this...


    They couldn''t even imagine such things.


    But Qin Yu, he was someone who truly could do it.


    After all,


    as Xiao Yi had previously trapped and slaughtered several hundred thousand of Tianlan Kingdom''s army, it was because both armies were locked in battle, where either you die or I perish. Even after he later breached Tianlan Kingdom and Qingyun Kingdom, he never laid a hand on any innocent civilians, but Qin Yu was different. As the owner of the Blood Demon Battle Body, the more he killed, the stronger he became.


    Should he massacre an entire nation, he might even manifest his Dharma and step into the Dharma Manifestation Realm!


    This is also why Qin Yu''s march to war involved daily city slaughters.


    He is using this opportunity to enhance his cultivation, aiming for Dharma Manifestation!


    Inside the military formation of Great Jin Kingdom.


    The Eastern War King laughed, "General Qin, those scums of Tianqing Kingdom are probably shaken by your move, now they must be in a state of panic!"


    The Southern War King cleaned his ears, speaking lightly, "The mere Tianqing Kingdom dares to provoke Great Jin Kingdom; they truly have no sense of living or dying. What''s the big deal even if we massacre their entire population?"


    "We should first congratulate General Qin, once he massacres the entire Tianqing Kingdom, his Blood Demon Battle Body might reach complete maturity, and Dharma is not far off!" The Western War King looked at Qin Yu with deep wariness and a tinge of envy, "By then, we will rely on General Qin''s support!"


    The Blood Demon Battle Body!


    Capable of devouring the Qi-Blood of living beings to rapidly increase one''s cultivation.


    They too coveted such a heaven-defying physique!


    However...


    In the past, Great Jin Kingdom seldom engaged in wars, so it was impossible to start a war of annihilation just for Qin Yu''s sake, and he could only covertly kill to absorb Qi-Blood. Now, however, he has a legitimate opportunity, even the chance to strike at Dharma Manifestation Realm, naturally, he will not squander such a perfect chance. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Qin Yu laughed heartily, "Well said, well said!"


    On this campaign across Sihai Kingdom, he had slaughtered over a dozen cities; his cultivation had progressed from the Seventh Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm to the Eighth Layer Realm. He was eager to breach Tianqing Kingdom, massacre the whole country, and make his push towards Dharma Manifestation.


    An hour passed in the blink of an eye.


    "It seems Tianqing Kingdom''s rabble has decided to resist to the end!"


    Taking a deep breath, Qin Yu glanced at the golden-armored general beside him and coldly ordered, "Sound the drums, attack!"

 Chapter 196 - 196: The Ghost Gods Soldiers

    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The war drums of the Great Jin Kingdom sounded in the distance.


    Rumbling, rumbling, rumbling!


    The ground shook as if a dragon were turning over beneath it.


    A troop of one hundred thousand soldiers split from the enemy''s formation, forming ten square units that advanced neatly toward the front.


    Each of these hundred thousand soldiers was clad in golden armor, wielding a long sword and bearing a war shield on their shoulders.


    An icy, deadly aura emanated from each of them.


    Just from the uniformity of their footsteps, devoid of any other noise, one could tell this was an elite force!


    At the very front of these one hundred thousand, there were two figures in white battle armor from the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    "They are the Eastern War King and Western War King from among the Four Symbols Kings. Every one of them is a strong practitioner above the Fifth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm, and behind them are the hundred thousand Golden Crow Guards,"


    Yu Huaxian said with a grave voice, "This is General Qin Yu''s usual tactic, to strike the enemy down with the Golden Crow Guards in the front. Then the cavalry, half a million strong, will swoop down to completely break the enemy, followed by the infantry..."


    "A hundred thousand Golden Crow Guards?"


    Xiao Yi nodded and gave an order, "Gu Junhe, Yu Huaxian, hear my command, I order the two of you to lead fifty thousand from the Four Symbols Legion each to meet the enemy!"


    "Your subordinate obeys!"


    Gu Junhe clenched his fists, full of an overwhelming desire to fight.


    With the help of Xiao Yi''s elemental stones, he too had stepped into the Third Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm.


    He was fully capable of dealing with a practitioner of the Fifth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm.


    As for Yu Huaxian, he had reached the Seventh Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm, and a great battle was just what he needed to exhibit his power.


    After the two had left, S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi continued, "Jiang Weisheng, Huangpao, hear my command... You two immediately organize the Beast Riders. Once Generals Gu and Huaxian break through the Golden Crow Guards, the Beast Riders will charge. If Qin Yu wishes to slaughter all the people of the Tianqing Kingdom, then I will bury his army of over a million right outside Tanglang City!"


    "Yes!"


    The two immediately withdrew.


    Clang!


    The city gates flung open.


    Yu Huaxian and Gu Junhe led the one hundred thousand of the Four Symbols Legion and charged out, heading straight for the one hundred thousand Golden Crow Guards.


    In front of the Golden Crow Guards,


    The Eastern War King in white battle armor, expressionless, said, "Yu Huaxian, that eunuch, has indeed defected to the Tianqing Kingdom. When His Majesty appointed him to manage the Eastern Factory, I vehemently opposed it. Eunuchs are truly unreliable!"


    "The soldiers behind them are not simple either!"


    Coming from a military background, the Four Symbols Kings could see at a glance how exceptional the Legion was. The Western War King spoke in a deep voice, "Send the order down, tell the men not to take this lightly, they must hit them hard. Ideally, we should annihilate these one hundred thousand before the cavalry even makes a move!"


    They had complete confidence in the Golden Crow Guards of the Great Jin Kingdom.


    The one hundred thousand Golden Crow Guards struck their shields with their swords.


    Boom!


    Boom!


    Boom!


    The sound resonated through the sky, fierce as wolves and aggressive as tigers.


    Gu Junhe pointed with his Longsword and roared, "Four Symbols Legion, be unstoppable! Kill..."


    "Kill!"


    "Kill!"


    "Kill..."


    The shouts from the Four Symbols Legion were thunderous, rivaling the Golden Crow Guards.


    Boom!


    The two sides collided in an instant.


    The Western War King and Eastern War King were respectively held up by Yu Huaxian and Gu Junhe.


    The remaining Golden Crow Guards and the Legion clashed like two giant waves meeting each other.


    The sounds of fierce battle filled the sky.


    Within the military formation,


    The Southern War King nodded slightly, saying, "No wonder the four major kingdoms combined could not trouble the Tianqing Kingdom; their military strength is truly not weak!"


    Qin Yu''s face was cold, his sneer continuous, "They are but grasshoppers after the autumn, not able to bounce around for much longer. The Golden Crow Guards of my Great Jin Kingdom are unstoppable, how can they compare with such a tiny country?"


    "Of course!"


    The Northern War King laughed, his figure immensely bulky, to the extent that the low-level six-stage beast he was riding seemed to struggle under his weight. "General Qin, after we break the Tianqing Kingdom, do you truly intend to slaughter the entire nation?"


    Qin Yu nodded, "Only by exterminating the Tianqing Kingdom can we truly avenge His Highness!"


    The Southern and Northern War Kings looked at each other, and there was not a hint of pity in their eyes, but rather a nod of agreement, "You speak sense, the dignity of our Great Jin Kingdom cannot be tarnished!"


    "The Golden Crow Guards should be about to crush the opposition, we can let the cavalry..." the Southern War King was saying when his expression abruptly changed, his pupils shrinking dramatically, "What, what is this situation?"


    On the battlefield.


    The Eastern War King had already been slain by Yu Huaxian.


    The Western War King was also entangled by Gu Junhe and could not extricate himself.


    But what shocked them even more was the Golden Crow Guards who had been invincible...


    They were actually on the verge of complete collapse under the onslaught of the one hundred thousand Four Symbols Legion.


    In just a brief moment.


    Over half of the one hundred thousand Golden Crow Guards had been lost!


    "Impossible!"


    "How, how could the Tianqing Kingdom possibly have such elite troops?" The Southern War King''s face changed wildly, looking to Qin Yu, "General Qin, what should we do?"


    Qin Yu''s face was ashen.


    He had also not anticipated that the Golden Crow Guards, who had previously been invincible, would face such a setback against the Tianqing Kingdom, which he had never taken seriously!


    With a gloomy face, Qin Yu snapped angrily, "A hundred thousand magical beast cavalry charge the enemy ranks, followed closely by the remaining four hundred thousand cavalry. Tianqing Kingdom, a small and insignificant country, these one hundred thousand elites must be all their military strength, as long as we annihilate these one hundred thousand men, Tianqing Kingdom will have no more power to resist..."


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The war drums thundered, and the earth trembled.


    One hundred thousand magical beast cavalry, along with four hundred thousand regular cavalry, burst out of the military ranks and charged towards the Four Symbols Legion.


    The vast army of five hundred thousand, like a black tide, left no grass growing or tile intact wherever it passed.


    The Western War King and Gu Junhe, trembling with excitement, showed a look of wild joy on their faces, "Haha, Gu Junhe, you''re doomed!"


    "Is that so?"


    Gu Junhe simply gave a cold, mocking smile, suddenly retreated, and along with Yu Huaxian, led the hundred thousand Four Symbols Legion away from Tanglang City.


    "Charge, don''t let them get away!"


    "Wipe them out!"


    The Western War King, having been suppressed by Gu Junhe, who was of a lower cultivation level than him, was already frustrated to no end. Seeing the Southern War King and the Northern War King leading the cavalry to pursue, and the Four Symbols Legion in ''disorganized retreat'', how could he miss this chance to regain his honor? Immediately taking the lead, he chased after them with the remaining Golden Crow Guards.


    However...


    As Gu Junhe and Yu Huaxian neared Tanglang City, they did not flee into the city but scattered to both sides.


    Almost simultaneously.


    The ground trembled with a series of terrifying quakes.


    The earth shook as if stricken by an earthquake.


    "That, what is that?"


    From within Tanglang City, suddenly a black iron torrent swelled forth, each one clad in tungsten iron armor, holding a tungsten iron spear.


    Their bodies shone with a dim black light.


    Underneath them were hulking and powerful magical beasts.


    One hundred thousand.


    Two hundred thousand.


    Three hundred thousand...


    A full million magical beast cavalry charged out from Tanglang City.


    Leading them were none other than Jiang Weisheng and Xue Bufan.


    Jiang Weisheng roared loudly, "Kill!"


    The rumble of a million magical beast cavalry was like an iron torrent, like the army of specters.


    The terrifying momentum stunned the five hundred thousand cavalry of Great Jin Kingdom. The Western War King''s eyes burst with madness, "Flee, flee for your lives!"


    "Retreat, retreat!"


    The Southern War King and the Northern War King, faces filled with terror, reined their horses to retreat.


    But their battle formation was such that the magical beast cavalry were in front, with the regular cavalry behind. Now that they had to turn around, how could the regular cavalry outrun the magical beasts? They were directly crushed by their own side''s magical beast cavalry, thoroughly disorganizing the entire battle formation. Along with the onrush of a million magical beast cavalry from Tianqing Kingdom, the million-strong army of Great Jin Kingdom collapsed like a landslide.


    Across the plains, blood flowed into rivers, and a sea of corpses piled high.


    Of the Great Jin Kingdom''s million-strong army, only a fifth escaped in all directions, fleeing desperately for their lives.


    The Western War King was pierced through by Xue Bufan and trampled to death by magical beasts.


    The Southern War King and the Northern War King were also gravely injured and managed to flee to Qin Yu''s side.


    The few of them looked out over the plains, where a million magical beast cavalry stood in a line, eyes bursting with madness, "We''ve lost... we have lost..."

 Chapter 197 - 197: You All Must Die!

    "We lost, we''ve lost..."


    The Southern War King''s face was a picture of defeat.


    The Northern War King covered his face with his hands, roaring in disbelief, "Who can tell me where these beast cavalry came from? A million beast cavalry, even the Great Jin Kingdom doesn''t possess such forces, what on earth is going on..."


    A million beast cavalry!


    That was a massive killing machine!


    Even with powerful Beast Tamers, Great Jin Kingdom had taken over a hundred years to form a beast cavalry of just a hundred thousand.


    And Tianqing Kingdom had directly produced a million?


    A million beast rampaging was something an ordinary soldier simply couldn''t stop!


    You must understand...


    These common soldiers were merely at the Physical Body Realm, reaching the Divine Skills Realm meant becoming a captain of a hundred, to the middle phase of Divine Skills Realm they became a captain of a thousand, and late phase or peak meant becoming a captain of ten thousand.


    The Golden Core Realm were the generals, and the Tao Tribulation Realm were army commanders, even commanders-in-chief of three armies. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But within an army of a million.


    The Golden Core Realm comprised just one in ten thousand.


    The Tao Tribulation Realm was even scarcer: one in several hundred thousand.


    The vast majority were still in the Divine Skills Realm and Physical Body Realm, such strong individuals faced with rampaging beasts were simply being crushed.


    Just now, with a charge from the million beast cavalry, they had trampled tens of thousands, even up to a hundred and fifty thousand.


    It was a completely one-sided crushing.


    Annihilation!


    "General Qin, what should we do now?" the Southern War King asked, his gaze fixed on Qin Yu, who remained silent.


    Qin Yu sat atop his mount, watching as the million-strong army dwindled to barely two hundred thousand, yet his face showed no expression.


    He was still utterly detached.


    Qin Yu''s eyes fixed on those two hundred thousand soldiers, he said coldly, "Charge for me, anyone who retreats dies!"


    "What?"


    "That''s a million beast cavalry you''re sending them to confront, are you not sending them to their deaths?" yelled the Southern War King in anger.


    However...


    Qin Yu sneered coldly, "Indeed, I am sending them to their deaths!"


    "Huh?"


    The Northern War King was stunned.


    Qin Yu said chillingly, "We''ve already lost this battle. Whether it''s twenty thousand left or none makes no difference. To win this battle, we need only to slay all the higher-ups of Tianqing Kingdom. My Blood Demon Battle Body is about to achieve great success; by absorbing the Qi-Blood of these two hundred thousand, I will be able to reach the Nine-fold layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm. Then, who in Tianqing Kingdom can stand against me?"


    "You ¨C you mean to use these two hundred thousand warriors as a sacrifice for your cultivation?" The Southern War King shuddered, speaking with teeth chattering.


    The Northern War King glared furiously at Qin Yu, "Madman, you''re a madman... they are the children of the Great Jin Kingdom..."


    Splat!


    Before the Northern War King could finish his sentence, he was suddenly grasped by the head in Qin Yu''s claw.


    The fingers crushed the crown of the Northern War King''s skull.


    The fingers dug deep into the head.


    Gurgle gurgle gurgle!


    The streams of Qi-Blood were sucked out frantically, absorbed into Qin Yu''s body, his form flickering with a crimson glow. Tossing aside the Northern War King''s corpse, now like a dried husk, Qin Yu licked his scarlet tongue across his lips, his fierce gaze turned towards the Southern War King, "Do you also plan to stop me?"


    Hiss!


    The Southern War King drew a sharp breath, his eyes wide with fear looking at Qin Yu.


    He had never imagined Qin Yu would be so deranged.


    To devour even the Northern War King without a second thought.


    Gulp!


    The Southern War King swallowed hard and hastily said, "General Qin jests, how could I dare to obstruct you?"


    Clang!


    South War King drew his battle saber, pointing the blade forward as he roared, "Men, follow me into battle and slay the enemy!"


    Yet the two hundred thousand men looked at each other in dismay, not daring to move an inch.


    There were only two hundred thousand wounded soldiers left on their side, while facing them was an army of a million monster cavalrymen. How could they possibly fight this?


    Splat!


    The South War King''s saber gleamed as it swept across, slicing several retreating soldiers in two as he bellowed, "Any who retreat¡ªshall be shown no mercy!"


    Under the threat of death,


    The two hundred thousand could only grit their teeth and charge forward.


    Yu Huaxian sneered repeatedly, "Kill them all!"


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The million-strong army of monster beasts rushed forward uncontrollably.


    In an instant,


    The two hundred thousand were ruthlessly slaughtered to the last man, leaving only a scattered few thousand kneeling and begging for mercy, or fleeing in all directions.


    Even the South War King himself soared into the sky, fleeing to the distant horizon.


    He dared not provoke Qin Yu, but he was also unwilling to lose his life here.


    "Qin Yu, I will make everything clear to His Majesty. You dared to kill the Northern War King and led to the annihilation of a million-strong army of Great Jin Kingdom, turning them into nourishment for your cultivation. His Majesty will never let you off!" The South War King''s voice thundered like rolling thunder, but his figure had already retreated into the high sky, disappearing into the clouds.


    Qin Yu looked up towards his departing direction and sneered, "It''s just killing one from Tao Tribulation Realm, losing a million-strong army. Once I kill off all these rabble from Tianqing Kingdom and step into Dharma Manifestation Realm, I will even contend for the throne of the Jin Emperor. Why fear his punishment?"


    Boom!


    Qin Yu soared into the sky.


    With arms wide open, the blood light around him surged violently, "Blood Demon Body, melt the qi-blood, devour!"


    Whoosh!


    Suddenly, a bloody wind whipped through the heavens and earth.


    In the bloody storm, the qi-blood within the corpses on the battlefield was forcibly extracted, turning each and every body into a dried husk. The qi-blood that flowed on the ground and that which dispersed in the air gathered into streams of scarlet ribbons, rushing into Qin Yu''s body.


    The qi-blood of this million-strong army was far more than that of slaughtering tens of millions of ordinary people.


    An endless amount of qi-blood coalesced around Qin Yu into a blood cocoon.


    This blood cocoon was bleak and terrifying, with an icy chill that caused the million monster beasts to hesitate, emitting sounds of intense disquiet and low growls.


    Yu Huaxian''s face suddenly changed, "Not good, Qin Yu is devouring qi-blood. His Blood Demon Battle Body is about to be fully realized..."


    Gu Junhe tightened the reins, pacing back and forth atop his steed, "What a Qin Yu... I knew that with his title as a god of war, the battle wouldn''t have been this easy even with our forces holding absolute advantage. All of this was his overt scheme. Whether we lost or they did, he could devour an enormous amount of qi-blood power."


    "Madman, this guy is simply insane..."


    "We absolutely cannot let him devour enough qi-blood power, or else we will stand no chance against him!"


    Jiang Weisheng, Xue Bufan, and the others also spoke with heavy expressions.


    Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!


    Several figures soared into the sky.


    Yu Huaxian flung his sleeves, releasing a downpour of silver needles.


    Gu Junhe''s saber cleaved through the air, its light like the moon, slant-slicing through the firmament.


    Jiang Weisheng''s spear shone like a rainbow, piercing the heavens.


    Xue Bufan''s staff hammered down, transforming into a massive mountain of vital energy, ruthlessly smashing downward...


    On the ground below, archers collectively released a torrent of arrows.


    Countless attacks darkened the sky, filling it as they enveloped Qin Yu''s blood cocoon.


    However...


    Just as those attacks were mere meters away from the blood cocoon, the blood light around it suddenly expanded a hundredfold, forcefully stalling the overwhelming onslaught in its tracks.


    Followed by hissing sounds,


    All of the attacks, along with the arrows, were corroded by the blood light, turning into a sky full of black smoke.


    Crack!


    A palm suddenly burst forth from within the blood cocoon, followed by another, pushing violently outward to either side. Qin Yu, cloaked in a radiant red glow, stood tall in the void with the corners of his mouth slightly raised. His eyes, filled with blood threads, were brimming with an overwhelming desire to kill, sending shivers down the spine. He uttered the chilling and sinister words, "You all, must die!"

 Chapter 198 - 198: Xiao Yi Battles Qin Yu

    ```


    "You, all of you shall die!"


    Qin Yu hovered in the air, his eyes a deep blood red.


    Suddenly, his body turned into a streak of red light, stretching a hundred meters across the sky, instantly appearing in front of Yu Huaxian and the others.


    "Storm Pear Blossom!"


    Yu Huaxian''s expression changed slightly as he flicked his hand, sending out countless fine needles.


    Qin Yu sneered coldly, "Blood Demon Transformation!"


    Whoosh!


    A surge of blood light swirled around him, gathering on the surface of his body, turning into a huge blood-colored demon shadow. Opening its gaping maw, it swallowed all the fine needles in one gulp, and then with a shake of its head, the needles flew out in reverse, the sound of them tearing through the air targeted squarely at the Four Symbols Legion.


    Puff puff puff!


    Streaks of blood soared into the sky.


    In that swift exchange of moves, thousands had fallen into pools of blood.


    The Qi-Blood of thousands rushed into Qin Yu''s body. His scarlet tongue licked his lips, showing a thirst for blood: "Delicious, hahaha, indeed, the Qi-Blood of the strong is the most savory!" His gaze turned to Yu Huaxian and the others, "Yu Huaxian, this general has yet to taste what the Qi-Blood of a eunuch is like..."


    "You''re probably not going to get the chance!"


    With that calm statement, Xiao Yi''s figure appeared in front of Qin Yu.


    "Xiao Yi?"


    Qin Yu''s blood-red eyes fixed on Xiao Yi, and his tongue involuntarily slipped out at the surging Qi-Blood beneath his gaze, his voice sinister, "Your blood must taste exceedingly fine. I had planned to save you for last so you could watch them die before you, to slowly savor your Qi-Blood. But since you''ve willingly come to me, then this general shall oblige you!"


    "Indulge me? We''ll see if you have the ability!"


    Xiao Yi''s palm surged with Wind Thunder. He glanced over at Gu Junhe and the others, "Principal Gu, you must lead the people back to the city quickly. I''ll hold him off!"


    "Be careful!"


    Gu Junhe deeply understood that if Qin Yu turned his attention to the Four Symbols Legion, it would result in a terrible slaughter.


    And...


    Qin Yu''s Blood Demon Battle Body only grew stronger with every life it took.


    They must not allow the Four Symbols Legion to become his "Human-shaped Elixir" to advance his cultivation.


    Several of them organized the Four Symbols Legion to retreat.


    "Do you think that can stop this general? Useless, even after I kill you, they''ll still not escape death. But don''t worry, I won''t kill you right away. I''ll let you watch first hand how I slaughter every last one of your Tianqing Kingdom people."


    Qin Yu sneered, "Heh, your Tianqing Kingdom''s billions of citizens will serve as the stepping stones for this general to ascend to the Dharma Manifestation Realm, they should feel proud even in death!"


    Xiao Yi pointed to the towering city behind him, "If you can step past Tanglang City, then consider it my loss."


    "Tremble in endless fear!"


    Qin Yu''s arms shook, and with a crackling sound from his chest, it swelled violently, only to collapse instantly, letting out a roar: "Die!"


    Buzz! Buzz! Buzz!


    Waves of sound burst forth from his mouth.


    The circular sound waves rolled in, growing larger and larger, deafening to the ear.


    Anyone caught within the waves would be overtaken with splitting headaches and stars before their eyes.


    Whoosh!


    Qin Yu turned into a blood rainbow, appearing in a flash right in front of Xiao Yi, his fingers tipped with nails like scythes, slashing down towards Xiao Yi''s head: "Five-Colored Blood Claw!"


    Crackling!


    The claws had not yet touched Xiao Yi when they were engulfed by thunder.


    ```


    ```


    Ao!


    Qin Yu let out a wretched scream as he was flung backward.


    On his ten fingers, the scythe-like nails all exploded into black carbon, with streaks of purple lightning floating above them before falling off.


    Shock appeared on his face, "Thunder? How come there''s thunder on you?"


    "Sorry, you''re not the only one with a special physique!"


    As soon as his words ended,


    lightning covered Xiao Yi''s body, and a wild wind rose around him.


    Thunder wrapped around his body, each hair standing on end as lightning surged in and out.


    With every move he made, he resembled a giant of wind and thunder.


    Swish!


    The Fire Qilin Sword appeared out of thin air, his figure stepping through the void. As he grasped the hilt, the sword came out like a dragon: "A Stroke That Surprises the Wind and Rain!"


    In his hands, the Fire Qilin Sword was like a brush soaked with ink, its tip decorating the void, accompanied by a roaring wind and startling thunder. Amidst the fusion of wind and thunder, a torrential rain of thunderous sword energy formed, drizzling down. The everywhere sword rain shone brightly, displaying extraordinary power. Just a touch would paralyze one with thunder and sweep them away with violent winds.


    The blood light that made countless strong individuals wary around Qin Yu now seemed like a campfire in a storm.


    The blood light was pushed back, step by step.


    The sword struck Qin Yu''s shoulder with a ''pfft,'' piercing through it.


    Wa!


    A stream of fresh blood spurted from Qin Yu''s mouth. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He struck out at the void with both hands, creating waves of blood-red Qi-Walls in front of him, and only then did he manage to withdraw a hundred yards away.


    He glared at Xiao Yi from across the distance.


    Their gazes locked in confrontation.


    As tangible as substance, their stares collided in the void, sparking brilliant flashes of light.


    A vacuum zone formed between the two.


    The blood light on Qin Yu surged, flowing into the wound on his shoulder, where the sword cut was rapidly healing before his eyes. Qin Yu squinted, "One of the ten Sacred Bodies, the Wind Thunder Holy Body?"


    "You do know a bit!" Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow.


    "Unexpected, really, that such a long-lost Sacred Body would reappear in the world!"


    Qin Yu took a deep breath, his eyes suddenly sharpening as he sneered, "Pity though! If I''m not mistaken, your Wind Thunder Holy Body is merely in its initial stage. If it were fully developed, I would stand no chance against you. But now, the distance is far for you to defeat me with it."


    Xiao Yi said, "You can try!"


    "Heh heh, spare me the bluster here. Xiao Yi, if you tell me how to cultivate the Wind Thunder Holy Body, I can spare your life. Furthermore, once I''ve slaughtered the citizens of the Tianqing Kingdom and stepped into the Dharma Manifestation Realm to seize the throne of the Jin Emperor, I could even make you the Comrade King of Great Jin, equal to me. What do you think?" Qin Yu''s eyes were ablaze as he stared greedily at Xiao Yi.


    The Wind Thunder Holy Body is the only one among the ten Sacred Bodies that can be cultivated later in life.


    His Blood Demon Battle Body, though strong, did not rank among those ten Sacred Bodies.


    If he could get the cultivation method for the Wind Thunder Holy Body, combined with the special trait of his Blood Demon Battle Body to consume Qi-Blood for improvement, his combat power would surely make a qualitative leap!


    He might even be able to rival the top entities of the Great Qian Dynasty!


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow, "You want the cultivation method for the Wind Thunder Holy Body?"


    Qin Yu, with a fervent face, "Exactly!"


    Xiao Yi said, "No problem, but you''ll need to exchange something for it!"


    "What thing? As long as I possess it, I can give it to you!" With his crimson tongue licking his lips, Qin Yu stared at Xiao Yi with greed.


    He thought that as long as he could obtain the cultivation method for the Wind Thunder Holy Body, he would even agree to give up the Jin Emperor''s throne to Xiao Yi if asked¡ªsince he could simply kill Xiao Yi after advancing to the Dharma Manifestation Realm later on!


    Xiao Yi cracked a smile and said, "Exchange it for your life!"


    ```

 Chapter 199 - 199: Beyond the Limits

    "Your life for mine!"


    Xiao Yi''s gaze was ice cold as he looked at Qin Yu, speaking every word deliberately.


    Huh?


    The greedy smile on Qin Yu''s face suddenly froze, slowly twisting into a venomous hue. He ground his teeth and spat out, "You dog-like thing, dare to play with me? Go to hell!"


    "Blood Demon Hand!"


    Blood-red Qi surged wildly, pouring out like breaching floodwaters.


    Before him, it transformed into a huge blood-colored claw, resembling a sky-covering blood cloud, reaching out for Xiao Yi.


    This blood-red Qi possessed an extremely strong corrosiveness.


    Once caught,


    even with the Wind Thunder Holy Body, he would probably not last long.


    After all,


    his Wind Thunder Holy Body was only at the first stage.


    If he had cultivated it to a more advanced level, he could repel Qin Yu''s blood demon power with a single shake of the surrounding wind and thunder.


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi kept retreating.


    But the blood-colored palm missed him and regathered for another grab, relentlessly pursuing.


    "A heron divides the billowing waves amidst the two rivers!"


    "A separate realm unlike the human world!"


    "A thousand miles back to Jiangling within a single day..."


    With his sword moves emerging in rapid succession, Xiao Yi''s Green Lotus Sword Song was exquisite beyond measure. Fortified by the power of wind and thunder, it shattered Qin Yu''s attacks time and again.


    This further infuriated and exasperated Qin Yu.


    His speed lagged significantly behind Xiao Yi''s, and he was being led by the nose. Qin Yu fiercely slapped his chest, "Blood Demon Wings!"


    Crack crack!


    Sounds of bones shifting could be heard from within his body.


    He bent his torso.


    Bulges on his back writhed continuously, then burst through the skin with two popping sounds, forming two blood-colored bony wings. With a wingspan of ten meters, red blood veins ran along the bones, and numerous vein-like structures writhed like worms, entwined with each other, forming flesh. Eventually, they became two bright blood-red meaty wings.


    Whoosh!


    Whoosh!


    The flesh wings beat the air, whipping up a foul wind.


    "Let''s see where you can run now!"


    With the Great Accomplished Blood Demon Battle Body, one can transform into a blood demon.


    At this moment, Qin Yu, having deployed the Blood Demon Wings, could travel tens of thousands of li in a day with such speed that Xiao Yi was somewhat caught off guard.


    "Blood Demon Sword!"


    Utilizing the speed granted by the Blood Demon Wings, Qin Yu maneuvered behind Xiao Yi, and with a forward thrust of his right hand, a blood-colored light congealed into a longsword. The blood-colored longsword traced a semicircular arc in the air, a perfect combination of speed, angle, and power, representing the pinnacle of Qin Yu''s skill.


    Xiao Yi''s complexion shifted slightly as he raised the Fire Qilin Sword behind him.


    Clang!


    The swords collided with a piercing ring.


    However, the Blood Demon Sword suddenly went limp, coiling around Xiao Yi like a serpent wrapping around a tree.


    Xiao Yi''s pupils contracted. If he was entangled, he would struggle to break free. He smacked the hilt of his sword, using the rebound force to plunge towards the ground. Almost the moment he escaped, the Blood Demon Sword had formed a cage, but it closed on empty air.


    "Blood Demon Sea!"


    Qin Yu bellowed from above.


    Whoosh!


    His Blood Demon Wings beat frantically behind him, shedding countless blood droplets that fell below, swiftly covering a hundred zhang in all directions with a sea of blood.


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!


    Amidst the churning of the blood sea''s massive waves, numerous gigantic blood-colored hands emerged, grasping at Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi, drawing upon the Wind Thunder Holy Body, conjured a shield with wind and thunder, warding off the relentless blood hands.


    "Blood Demon Sky Net!"


    Qin Yu brought his hands together in front of him, and strands of blood-red silk shot out, weaving a vast blood-colored net in the air, plummeting towards the ground.


    Below was the sea with its gigantic blood hands, above was the blood-colored net.


    No matter where Xiao Yi tried to escape, he couldn''t avoid being caught between the two. In this crisis, a glint of cold light flashed in Xiao Yi''s eyes as he channeled the power of wind and thunder into the Fire Qilin Sword. A mix of different forces coalesced on the sword¡ªwind, thunder, and fire¡ªthreatening to overwhelm its capacity. But Xiao Yi had no other choice. With both hands on the sword, he swung upwards against the heavens, "Green Lotus Reincarnation!"


    One of the two ultimate moves of the Green Lotus Sword Song.


    It was supposed to be used only at the Dharma Manifestation Realm, but he had no choice but to use it now.


    Boom!


    A green lotus formed in front of the sword''s tip, with cyan wind, purple-gold thunder, and crimson flames. The tri-colored forces intertwined on the sword lotus hovering above his head.


    The tri-colored petals spun continuously.


    Life inexhaustible!


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Under the intertwined crushing of the Three-Colored Sword Lotus, the crimson net was forcibly torn open, creating a large hole. Freed from its constraints, the Sword Lotus suddenly burst forth. The tricolor sword light soared into the sky, and before Qin Yu could react, it pierced through his chest with a ''puh'' sound. Blood spurted out like a fountain, and Qin Yu screamed in agony.


    His face twisted with ferocity as he, without any hesitation, once again gathered the large net to envelop everything below.


    Boom!


    He forcefully pushed Xiao Yi back.


    "Hehehe, I never imagined you could break through this general''s Blood Demon Sky Net, but you will definitely not succeed a second time. Xiao Yi, you are bound to die today!" Qin Yu said with a sinister tone.


    While being pushed back by the mighty Blood Demon Net, Xiao Yi''s legs were also seized by the massive hands made of blood.


    In a rush.


    His hands were also bound.


    With hands and feet restrained, he couldn''t move at all.


    He could only watch helplessly as his body was engulfed in bloodlight.


    He raised his head to look at Qin Yu, whose chest was still hemorrhaging, "You are also seriously injured. As soon as Yu Huaxian and the others take action, you will have only one path left¡ªdeath!"


    "Hahaha, do you think the Great Accomplished Blood Demon Battle Body is so easy to defeat? I''m not afraid to tell you that the Great Accomplished Blood Demon Battle Body possesses terrifying regenerative abilities. As long as the Qi-Blood remains, even the gravest of injuries can heal back to normal..." Qin Yu laughed triumphantly, his Qi-Blood surged, covering the ferocious gap in his chest.


    Strands of blood wove together, visibly repairing the fatal wound at a speed noticeable to the naked eye.


    "How is this possible?" Xiao Yi''s complexion changed abruptly.


    Patting his chest with pride, Qin Yu said, "Give up struggling, you''re doomed!"


    "Blood Grinding Disc!"


    Qin Yu brought his hands together in prayer.


    The Blood Demon Sky Net and the Blood Demon Sea, one above and one below, morphed into a massive blood-red grinding disc.


    It began rotating to the left and right. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Attempting to grind Xiao Yi into oblivion!


    Caught between the two opposing forces tearing at him, Xiao Yi''s body seemed ready to be ripped apart and ground into pieces at any moment.


    "Hahaha, Xiao Yi, you''re done for! Once the Blood Grinding Disc shreds your body, your Qi-Blood power will become mine... You do not possess the Blood Demon Battle Body, you can''t recover from injuries like I can and heal back to normal... Just die obediently!" Qin Yu laughed boastfully.


    However, Xiao Yi, entrapped within the Blood Grinding Disc, shuddered.


    A buzzing filled his mind, "Heal back to normal? Heal back to normal? Wait, I understand now, I finally see the path that lies beyond the Limitless Golden Elixir!"


    "Hahaha, Qin Yu, I thank you!"


    Xiao Yi roared to the sky.


    Qin Yu looked perplexed: "Thank me? Has this guy''s brain been mashed by the Blood Grinding Disc?"


    "Since forty-nine halos is the limit, then I shall do the opposite. By fusing the halos and refining them anew, I am also breaking the limit!"


    The Golden Core within Xiao Yi vibrated intensely as countless amounts of heavenly and earthly energy surged into it.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    As seas of heavenly and earthly energy converged.


    Xiao Yi no longer focused on condensing a Golden Core Halo; he chose fusion instead!


    Hum! Hum! Hum!


    The forty-nine Golden Core Halos collided fiercely, trembling violently. The energy they produced was so intense that it nearly caused Xiao Yi''s Golden Core to break apart. Excruciating pain almost caused Xiao Yi to faint, but his iron willpower kept him conscious. His teeth clenched tight enough to bleed, veins throbbed as if they would burst, and his fists clenched so hard his nails dug into his flesh.


    Pain!


    Endure!


    Agony!


    Endure!


    Finally...


    After countless collisions, the forty-ninth and forty-eighth halos smashed into each other on Xiao Yi''s Golden Core, bursting loudly and then merging together.


    Spurt!


    Xiao Yi spewed a mouthful of blood, but a brighter smile appeared on his face: "Break for me!"


    Boom!


    Boom!


    Boom!


    One halo after another collided and fused with each other.


    The number of halos on the Golden Core diminished.


    Forty-eight.


    Forty-seven.


    Forty-six...


    Until there were only thirty left, the Golden Core trembled violently, releasing a mysterious power that enveloped his body. Suddenly, the scene before Xiao Yi''s eyes changed. He saw a vast and immense Heaven and Earth Spiritual Pool suspended in the depths of infinite space, with boundless heavenly and earthly forces pouring madly into his body.


    Tao Tribulation Realm, comprehending the power of heaven and earth.


    With these heavenly and earthy powers infusing him, patterns started to appear on Xiao Yi''s Golden Core!


    These were the Dao patterns that only those in the Tao Tribulation Realm could condense.


    Yet, he had already formed them while still in the Golden Core Realm.


    At the same time...


    The number of God Sealing Seeds within Xiao Yi''s body skyrocketed, reaching a staggering six hundred thousand.


    Thirty Golden Core Halos, patterns one after another, six hundred thousand God Sealing Seeds!


    When Xiao Yi reopened his eyes, the Blood Demon power that had been an insurmountable obstacle seemed incredibly frail. A cold and grim smile curled on the corner of his mouth, "Qin Yu, your time of death has come!"

 Chapter 200 - 200 You Lost!

    "Qin Yu, your time has come!"


    Cold light burst forth from Xiao Yi''s eyes.


    When his Golden Core had forty-nine rings, his cultivation was comparable to the Fourth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm.


    Although now only thirty rings remain on his Golden Core, he has recondensed nine Golden Elixir Halos, making Xiao Yi now comparable to the realm of the Fifth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm.


    In addition to the Wind Thunder Holy Body, and the support of divine power.


    He could match a practitioner of the Nine-fold Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm.


    "A stream cascades down three thousand feet!"


    Whoosh!


    The Fire Qilin Sword burst into flight, hovering above his head.


    It split into two, two into four, four into eight...


    Countless showers of swords rained down.


    Boom, boom, boom!


    The sea of blood and the Blood Demon Sky Net shattered under the onslaught of the sword rain, the Sky Net ruptured, and the blood sea crumbled apart.


    Freed from his bindings, Xiao Yi soared into the sky.


    As he passed by the Fire Qilin Sword, he reached out into the void, and the longsword came to him, settling into his palm. Like a swift swallow slicing through the air, he hovered aloft, brandishing his sword with one hand in a sweeping motion: "The white egret isle divides the two streams!"


    Whoosh!


    The sword tip pointed forward.


    The air, the wild wind, the space itself seemed to have been sliced in two, with the incredibly sharp edge of the sword cutting relentlessly through everything!


    Qin Yu''s complexion was unspeakably grim.


    He had thought Xiao Yi would undoubtedly die, but unexpectedly, Xiao Yi had managed to break free from his restraint. Blood-red cold light burst forth from his eyes, and behind him, a pair of Blood Demon Wings vibrated frantically. A fishy wind engulfed the sky above, growing ever more fierce and covering a hundred-yard radius. Even blowing from high above, it still caused gusty winds to sweep across the plains. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The boundless green grass swayed in circles of green waves.


    Xiao Yi stood amidst the fierce winds, but his sword was able to cut through even the wind, and his figure was unhindered.


    In an instant.


    Xiao Yi had torn through the hurricane and appeared mere meters in front of Qin Yu, his sword technique transitioning: "Green Lotus Reincarnation!"


    Whoosh!


    Blue wind, purple-gold thunder, and crimson flame.


    The tri-colored energies interwove and twined around each other.


    They formed a trifecta of Three-Colored Sword Lotus at the tip of the sword, which rotated slowly, and in an instant, was upon Qin Yu''s proximity.


    Qin Yu had witnessed the horror of this sword lotus; once it was unleashed, even he found it hard to withstand.


    With a tremble of his Blood Demon Wings through the air, he continuously retreated backward.


    Almost at the same time he retreated,


    The Sword Lotus exploded with a bang, the terrifying brightness of the sword radiance stunning, like a brilliant sun across the sky, dazzling to behold.


    Qin Yu only felt a flash before his eyes, and by the time he recovered, he could no longer see Xiao Yi''s figure: "Where is he?"


    "Right here!"


    Xiao Yi''s voice suddenly came from behind him.


    "What? How could it be so fast?" Qin Yu''s face changed drastically; he hadn''t noticed that Xiao Yi was already behind him.


    This speed was several times faster than before!


    Xiao Yi had now executed the Blood Explosion Skill, but with the lessons learned from previous experiences, he dared not overstimulate this self-detrimental technique; he only burned thirty percent of his blood. Yet, it still tripled his strength and speed. Together with the breakthrough of the Limitless Golden Elixir, his combat power surged.


    Bang!


    Qin Yu had just turned his head when his mind went blank with a buzz; Xiao Yi''s elbow had smashed into the back of his head.


    Whoosh!


    Qin Yu''s head tipped forward, and like a falling meteor, he plummeted toward the ground.


    Boom, boom, boom!


    Qin Yu''s head smashed fiercely into the ground.


    The entire grassland roared violently, as if a dragon beneath the earth had turned over, seeming to herald the end of the world.


    Amidst the flying grass and mud, a huge crater formed on the ground, and within the deep pit dozens of meters deep, Qin Yu struggled to his feet and shook his head, still seeing stars.


    The back of his head was thoroughly caved in.


    But as Qin Yu possessed the Blood Demon Battle Body, as long as his Qi-Blood was not exhausted, even having his heart torn apart, he could recover.


    Threads of blood covered the sunken area at the back of his head, patching up the dent as he shook his head. With a fierce leer, he stared at Xiao Yi and sneered, "I didn''t expect you to have hidden your strength before. But so what if you did? As I said, as long as my Qi-Blood is not exhausted, I will not die. You cannot defeat me!"


    "Qi-Blood not exhausted, you won''t die?"


    Xiao Yi''s narrowed eyes suddenly opened wide, the gleam within as piercing as lightning, "Then I will grind down your Qi-Blood, and I want to see if you die or not!"


    The Blood Demon Battle Body''s Qi-Blood energy was all stored within the Golden Core or the Martial Dao Divine Fruit.


    As a practitioner of the Tao Tribulation Realm, Qin Yu naturally condensed his Qi-Blood energy within the Martial Dao Divine Fruit. If Xiao Yi wanted to cut off his Qi-Blood, the only way was to shatter his Martial Dao Divine Fruit. But the Martial Dao Divine Fruit was the essence of a martial artist''s life, protected by Dao patterns, extremely solid and durable, impervious even to a sixth-order divine weapon.


    "Let''s gamble!"


    Xiao Yi moved in an instant, tracing a silver streak across the sky.


    Whoosh!


    It was just a fleeting flash.


    Xiao Yi had already appeared on the ground, his left hand clenched into a fist, his right hand wielding a sword.


    Launching two attacks at the same time.


    Vajra Subdues Demons.


    The Qinglian Sword Song!


    Both lethal moves fell like fiery meteors, as Qin Yu, surrounded by a flow of bloody light, forcefully withstood Xiao Yi''s assault.


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    Each collision, each confrontation between the two, released a terrifying energy that wreaked astonishing destruction on the surroundings. Across the plains, every burst of thunderous noise left, in their wake, gaping holes sprawling densely across the grassland as the ground collapsed upon their departure.


    Atop the city wall.


    Yu Huaxian gasped in shock, his face a picture of horror, "Xiao, where exactly is Xiao''s limit..."


    "He..."


    Gu Junhe hesitated, "Maybe he simply doesn''t have one!"


    Huang Bo''s face twitched fiercely, muttering to himself as he recalled the past encounter in the Iron Mountain Range, "Good thing that day in the Iron Mountain Range Xiao planned to let me off; otherwise, he might have beaten me to death!"


    Jiang Tai, anxious, looked at the others, "Honored sirs, who has the greater chance of winning this battle?"


    Xue Bufan, without blinking, stared at the battlefield. Upon hearing the question, he spoke, "Xiao''s strength at the Golden Core Realm is indeed terrifying, but that Qin Yu''s Blood Demon Battle Body is not easy to deal with! Unless Xiao can find a way to destroy his Martial Dao Divine Fruit, otherwise, Qin Yu will stand on invincible ground!"


    "Destroying the Martial Dao Divine Fruit isn''t so easy, is it?"


    "Most likely, Xiao will end in a draw!"


    "Prepare for battle!"


    "We cannot let anything happen to Xiao¡­"


    The crowd quietly tightened their grip on their weapons.


    Meanwhile¡­


    Under the relentless bombardment of Xiao Yi, Qin Yu kept spitting blood, continuously injured, and was incredibly frustrated, "You doglike thing, you''re forcing my hand!"


    Qin Yu fiercely slapped his chest.


    Humm!


    A Martial Dao Divine Fruit emerged outside his body and violently smashed towards Xiao Yi.


    This Martial Dao Divine Fruit was exceptionally sturdy and contained a hint of the power of heaven and earth. In Qin Yu''s view, this blow was bound to inflict heavy damage, or even kill Xiao Yi.


    However¡­


    What Qin Yu never anticipated was that this was the moment Xiao Yi had been waiting for.


    "Shatter it for me!"


    Xiao Yi pointed his sword forward.


    The dazzling Golden Core shot out, slamming ferociously into the Martial Dao Divine Fruit.


    "Idiot, you actually think you can use your Golden Core to smash my Martial Dao Divine Fruit? That''s simply the musing of a fool... wait, this Golden Core¡­ why does it have thirty rings?" Qin Yu''s eyes split open, his face that was full of pride emptied of its smugness, watching in horror as thirty swirling Golden Elixir Halos enveloped the luminous core.


    Boom!


    The Golden Core and the Martial Dao Divine Fruit collided fiercely.


    The world seemed to freeze for a moment.


    Then, from the point of collision between the Golden Core and the Martial Dao Divine Fruit, an immensely terrifying energy shockwave erupted.


    "Has Xiao gone mad?"


    "He actually used his Golden Core to strike the Martial Dao Divine Fruit? Isn''t that like using an egg to smash a rock?"


    "It''s over, it''s all over..."


    Despair covered the faces of everyone on top of the city wall.


    Within the silent world.


    Crack! Crack! Crack!


    A series of cracking sounds drew everyone''s attention, as they nervously stared towards the core of the light.


    When all the light had dissipated.


    Xiao Yi''s Golden Core swiftly flew back into his dantian, while looking at Qin Yu, his Martial Dao Divine Fruit was completely shattered, turning into a shower of energy that scattered across the ground.


    "No..."


    Qin Yu roared in despair, as the bloody glow furiously retracted into his body, and the Blood Demon Wings behind him disappeared with a swoosh.


    Thud!


    Hit the ground hard, blood seeping from all orifices, and in a face filled with despair, Xiao Yi appeared in front of him.


    Gazing down at Qin Yu from above.


    Xiao Yi spoke coldly, "You lost!"

 Chapter 201 - 201: The Counterattack

    "You''ve lost!"


    Xiao Yi''s face bore a cold hue, as the sharp point of the Fire Qilin Sword rested against Qin Yu''s throat.


    A mere sweep of the blade.


    And Qin Yu would be no more than a corpse.


    Gurgle!


    Qin Yu swallowed spit, his Adam''s apple moving slightly against the tip of the Fire Qilin Sword, easily splitting open his skin¡ªboth a chilling sensation and the scalding of fresh blood fused together, sweeping over him with the breath of death.


    "Don''t, don''t kill me¡­" Qin Yu stammered.


    Now that he had lost the Martial Dao Divine Fruit, he was nothing more than a cripple.


    Even the Blood Demon Battle Body could no longer repair his physique.


    Xiao Yi, having used the Blood Explosion Skill, looked somewhat pale but regarded him coldly, "Give me a reason not to kill you!"


    Qin Yu''s complexion changed repeatedly, "I, I can serve you like Yu Huaxian, be your dog..."


    The higher one climbs, the more afraid of death one becomes.


    He was once the esteemed Minister of War in the Great Jin Kingdom, the mighty Great General.


    Even now, with his cultivation destroyed, he still did not want to die.


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "I don''t lack such a dog, especially not one that could bite back!"


    "You¡­"


    Qin Yu''s complexion fluctuated between green and white, his survival instincts pushing him to abandon all dignity, "You could use me as a trophy; I could spread word of your power everywhere, so that everyone knows you have defeated me, defeated the Great Jin Kingdom. Truly, I am willing to help you, just let me live..."


    "That reason is still not enough!" Xiao Yi declared.


    Qin Yu racked his brains and hastily added, "I''ve just remembered, I know a secret about the Great Jin Kingdom..."


    "What secret?" Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes.


    Qin Yu said, "You, you must swear not to kill me before I''ll tell you the secret. It''s a matter of life and death for the Great Jin Kingdom..."


    "Oh?"


    Xiao Yi''s eyes flickered, "I swear, I will not kill you!"


    Qin Yu breathed a sigh of relief.


    Gathering his thoughts in a rush, he said, "The Great Jin Kingdom''s Dharma Manifestation Realm protector ancestor left the kingdom a hundred years ago, and it''s highly likely that he has fallen."


    "Hm?"


    Xiao Yi''s pupils slightly constricted.


    This was indeed a very important piece of news.


    His greatest concern at present was the Dharma Manifestation Realm protector ancestor of the Great Jin Kingdom.


    If he had indeed died.


    Then Xiao Yi was certain that he could lead the Tianqing Kingdom to overthrow the Great Jin Kingdom, truly becoming the foremost kingdom under the Great Qian Dynasty.


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, "Do you have any evidence?"


    "Ten years ago, I was stuck at the peak of the Golden Core Realm and couldn''t break through. The Jin Emperor granted me a month inside the Dragon Vein Spirit Cave for cultivation. In the cave, the soul tablet of the ancestor was enshrined, and I saw with my own eyes that the soul tablet was shattered..." Qin Yu, desperate to save his life, did not hold back any secrets.


    Soul tablet.


    Many powerful forces would create a soul tablet for their top experts.


    Once that person died, the force would be the first to know.


    If the protector ancestor''s soul tablet of the Great Jin Kingdom was shattered, then there was a ninety-nine percent chance that he had perished.


    Xiao Yi''s gaze sharpened, "Are you sure his soul tablet is shattered?"


    "I am sure!"


    Qin Yu nodded vigorously, "I can swear on my life! Xiao, I, I have now told you the secret, you can let me go, right?" S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi nodded and retracted the Fire Qilin Sword.


    "Thank you, Xiao, for sparing my life!"


    Qin Yu hastily expressed his gratitude, though inwardly he vowed: Damn mongrel, I, Qin Yu, will return this debt a hundredfold, a thousandfold in the future!


    In that moment...


    Yu Huaxian and the others approached, puzzled to see Xiao Yi letting Qin Yu go.


    Yu Huaxian said anxiously, "Xiao, you absolutely cannot let him go!"


    Gu Junhe also spoke gravely, "A tiger returning to the mountain will eventually become a threat!"


    Qin Yu''s face shifted subtly, his gaze flickering toward Xiao Yi with trepidation.


    Xiao Yi shrugged, "I promised I wouldn''t kill him!"


    Relief washed over Qin Yu as he laughed heartily at Yu Huaxian and the others, "Hehe, Xiao has already promised not to kill me. Surely you don''t want to make him break his word? I suggest you step aside and let this general leave..."


    ```


    However...


    He had just finished speaking.


    Xiao Yi''s languid voice then came from the side, "But, I never said you couldn''t kill him!"


    "What?"


    Qin Yu''s body trembled, and he looked at Xiao Yi with a ferocious face, "Xiao Yi, how dare you play me?"


    Xiao Yi shrugged his shoulders, "I''m playing you, what are you going to do, bite me?"


    "I..."


    Qin Yu''s face was filled with despair.


    In a turn of his head.


    He saw Yu Huaxian, Gu Junhe, Jiang Weisheng, Xue Bufan and others had already surrounded him.


    One after another, Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouses threw punches and kicks.


    "I''ll teach you to be arrogant!"


    "Keep being arrogant now! Damn it..."


    Amidst the screams.


    This Minister of War from the Great Jin Kingdom, the owner of the Blood Demon Battle Body, was beaten into a pile of mush, so much so that even his mother couldn''t help but come over.


    Hu!


    Jiang Tai had also taken the opportunity to kick a few times, exhaling a satisfied breath, "Hahaha, I have now kicked a Tao Tribulation Realm expert too!"


    Yu Huaxian, standing by with a wistful look on his face, "Your Majesty, you just kicked me..."


    He pointed at the two large footprints on his face.


    Jiang Tai: "..."


    Everyone laughed heartily.


    Yu Huaxian was also speechless, touched his face, and began to laugh.


    This battle had been weighing on everyone''s hearts for far too long.


    Today''s battle.


    Completely released the pent-up frustrations of this period.


    Killing was satisfying!


    Fighting was exhilarating!


    Winning was invigorating!


    Jiang Tai looked towards Xiao Yi and said solemnly, "Xiao, after this battle, the most elite Golden Crow Guards and the hundred thousand beast cavalry of the Great Jin Kingdom have been annihilated; they probably won''t dare to send troops against us again. What do you think we should do next?"


    Everyone''s eyes turned to Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi, with narrowed eyes, said, "Your Majesty, what do you want to do?"


    The two locked eyes with each other.


    Suddenly...


    Their mouths both curled up at the same time, and in unison, they said, "Counterattack!"


    "Counterattack?"


    Yu Huaxian exclaimed with a grave voice, "Xiao, absolutely not! The Great Jin Kingdom has indeed suffered heavy losses this time, but they still have a guardian ancestor, a Dharma Manifestation Realm existence..."


    Gu Junhe also pondered, "Think thrice about this!"


    Xiao Yi shook his head, "Qin Yu said that the guardian ancestor of the Great Jin Kingdom has fallen!"


    "What?"


    "Fallen? If this is true, then with our strength, perhaps we really can counterattack the Great Jin Kingdom..."


    Xue Bufan said in a deep voice, "But can we take Qin Yu''s words for truth?"


    Yu Huaxian asked, "Xiao, how did Qin Yu say it?"


    Xiao Yi recounted what Qin Yu had said.


    Yu Huaxian pondered, "If that''s the case, then it is most likely true! To my knowledge, every Royal Road Tribulation Realm and above strong person in the Great Jin Kingdom makes a soul stele to be enshrined in the Dragon Vein Spirit Cave!"


    "If so, then we''ll counterattack the bastards!"


    "The Great Jin Kingdom has been overbearing for years, it''s time they paid the price!"


    The opinions of everyone were surprisingly in agreement.


    Xiao Yi and Jiang Tai exchanged glances, and Jiang Tai said solemnly, "Then it''s decided, we''ll regroup our troops and counterattack the Great Jin!"


    Xiao Yi''s eyes narrowed with fighting spirit soaring to the heavens, "After this battle, below the Great Qian, Tianqing reigns supreme!"


    ```

 Chapter 202 - 202 - A Sword Breaks the City

    Xiao Yi and the others settled on a plan to counterattack the Great Jin Kingdom.


    Immediately, they began mobilizing troops, horses, and supplies.


    The entire Tianqing Kingdom''s army was almost entirely assembled in Tanglang City, which saved a great deal of effort.


    Among them, Jiang Weisheng remained in Tianqing Kingdom, guarding the rear.


    Xiao Yi as the commander-in-chief, with the support of Yu Huaxian, Gu Junhe, Xue Bufan, and Huang Bo, led the army towards the Great Jin Kingdom.


    In just three days.


    Outside Tanglang City.


    Upon the marshal''s platform.


    The black banners against the clear sky, cold wind howling, even though three days had passed, the air over the grassland was still thick with the pungent stench of blood.


    The crimson of fresh blood could still be seen on the grass.


    Jiang Tai stood proudly on the marshal''s platform, proclaiming loudly, "Soldiers, today our Tianqing Kingdom, by the will of heaven, led by our Guardian Martial God, Xiao Yi, will counterattack the Great Jin Kingdom. I, in the capital, will wait for your triumphant return!"


    "Triumphant return!"


    "Triumphant return!"


    One million demon beast cavalry and one million soldiers of the Four Symbols Legion shouted in unison, loud and clear.


    Jiang Tai said in a deep voice, "I invite the Guardian Martial God Xiao Yi to the marshal''s platform!"


    "The Guardian Martial God is mighty!"


    "The Martial God is mighty!"


    The million-strong army roared in unison, shaking the heavens.


    Xiao Yi''s prestige among the military and the civilians was at its peak.


    It even far surpassed that of Jiang Tai, the King.


    However, Jiang Tai held no dissatisfaction, for he knew that the present state of Tianqing Kingdom was all thanks to Xiao Yi''s contributions. Otherwise, Tianqing Kingdom would still be a bottom-rung power among the ten nations of Nanhuang, tucked away in an obscure corner. How could they possibly have assembled such an invincible army, how could they have mobilized a million-strong army to counterattack the Great Jin Kingdom?


    Clip-clop, clip-clop!


    Xiao Yi climbed the marshal''s platform with steady, deliberate steps.


    Jiang Tai handed over the Tiger Talisman to him, saying solemnly, "Xiao, I am counting on you!"


    "Your Majesty, rest assured!"


    Xiao Yi held up the Tiger Talisman and roared, "With me, invincible!"


    "With us, invincible!"


    "Invincible!"


    "Invincible..."


    Wave after wave of roars pierced the heavens, as if shattering the clouds.


    Under the vast sky.


    Two million soldiers formed a black, iron flood that rolled towards the Great Jin Kingdom.


    One million demon beast cavalry, each accompanied by a soldier from the Dragon Elephant Legion.


    All marched on demon beasts.


    This speed was many times faster than Qin Yu and his forces.


    As the Sihai Kingdom advanced, their numbers only grew, because when the people of the Sihai Kingdom heard that Xiao Yi was preparing to counterattack the Great Jin Kingdom, tens of thousands of soldiers and civilians spontaneously organized to follow them.


    Qin Yu''s previous slaughter of more than a dozen city-states in the Sihai Kingdom had thoroughly enraged its citizens.


    Furthermore, Xiao Yi and his group never interfered with local civilians, leaving behind a good reputation.


    When they left the territory of the Sihai Kingdom.


    The two million-strong army had swelled to three million.


    Lying between the Sihai and Great Jin Kingdoms were the Great Yuan, Cheng Han, and Xin Yu Kingdoms.


    These three kingdoms had long suffered under the oppression of the Great Jin Kingdom.


    Upon hearing that Xiao Yi had defeated the Great Jin Kingdom''s million-strong army and was now leading two million troops to attack Great Jin, many people from these three kingdoms volunteered to join the battle against Great Jin.


    And so...


    A month later.


    By the time Xiao Yi and his forces reached Luoyan Pass, a border fortress of the Great Jin Kingdom, their army had grown to a staggering five million!


    An immense five million stood arrayed in formation.


    "What do you think Tianqing Kingdom is planning to take down Luoyan Pass with?"


    "The defender of Luoyan Pass, He Xing, is a powerful Tao Tribulation Realm practitioner from the Great Jin Kingdom. It is said that he is a master of the Fifth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm, with more than five hundred thousand troops under his command. This battle will not be easy!"


    "Let''s wait and see..."


    Amidst everyone''s discussions.


    A figure flew out from Luoyan Pass, it was the defending commander of Luoyan Pass, He Xing.


    He Xing looked at Xiao Yi and the others with an expressionless face, standing in midair, and coldly said, "Which one of you is Xiao Yi?"


    "I am!"


    Xiao Yi calmly looked at him.


    He Xing''s pupils shrank slightly. The King of the Southern War had already transmitted the news back to the Great Jin Kingdom, and because of this, the defensive troops of Luoyan Pass were raised from the original five hundred thousand to one million. Apart from He Xing, there were also two Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouses within the pass, currently ambushed in the city. He Xing said in a deep voice, "By the Jin Emperor''s oral decree, Tianqing Kingdom has launched a major invasion against the Great Jin Kingdom, an act of rebellion and a crime punishable by death. Order Xiao Yi to surrender and be escorted to the capital to await judgement¡­"


    "What did you say?" Xiao Yi cleared his ear and asked.


    He Xing frowned and said, "His Majesty orders you to surrender and¡­"


    Slap!


    Xiao Yi slapped him across the face.


    He Xing''s half of the face swelled up, and he glanced at Xiao Yi in complete confusion: "You¡­"


    Slap!


    Xiao Yi slapped him again.


    He Xing was forcefully slapped down from midair, and with a palm reaching out into the air, Xiao Yi forced He Xing to kneel on the ground before saying, "I don''t like talking to someone with my head tilted back. Repeat what you just said!"


    "I, I¡­"


    After being slapped several times, He Xing was dizzy with his eyes seeing stars. He shook his head vigorously and said with a trembling voice, "His Majesty the Jin Emperor invites you to a meeting at the capital¡­"


    "Oh!"


    Xiao Yi nodded and said, "Don''t worry, once I''ve breached your Great Jin capital, I naturally will meet your emperor!"


    "Breach the capital?"


    He Xing was stunned, then realized he had been played, and said with a laugh full of anger, "Nonsense. You won''t even be able to get past this Luoyan Pass, let alone the capital¡­"


    "Is that so?"


    Xiao Yi looked amusedly at He Xing, smiling said, "Care to make a bet with me?"


    He Xing was caught off guard: "Bet on what?"


    Xiao Yi said, "On how long it will take me to break through this Luoyan Pass. If you win, I will immediately withdraw my troops. If I win, you are at my disposal!"


    He Xing frowned and firmly said, "I bet you can''t breach this city!"


    "Brave!"


    Xiao Yi gave him a thumbs-up, then slowly turned his thumb towards the ground and lightly tapped it, "Sadly, you''re destined to lose!"


    He Xing proudly said, "Luoyan Pass is the strongest fortification of the Great Jin Kingdom, now defended by a million-strong army, plus there are two Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouses aside from me. The city wall, designed by the Great Qian Dynasty''s formation master Xu Yao, is simply impregnable!"


    At this moment...


    Yu Huaxian approached with a cup of hot wine, saying, "Xiao, the wine has just been heated!"


    Xiao Yi waved his hand, "Set it aside for now, I''ll be right back!"


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi leaped into the air, hovering before Luoyan Pass.


    Looking at the majestic fortification before him, Xiao Yi''s mouth curved slightly, and the Fire Qilin Sword appeared in his hand with a flip.


    Hum!


    The sword''s edge glowed with a crimson firelight.


    Xiao Yi''s eyes sparkled with cold light, and he raised the longsword high above his head, then brought it down: "Qinglian Rebirth!"


    Hum!


    Three-colored light converged, and a giant sword hundreds of feet long materialized in the air.


    This sword seemed like one that could split the heavens.


    This sword was mightier than the Earth Dragon''s Sword!


    This sword...


    Descended from the skies with extraordinary might!


    Rumble!


    The hundred-foot sword light crashed down on the huge fortification, and with a loud boom, the great city wall, built by the Great Jin Kingdom at great expense, burst apart. The wall, more than fifty meters high and over ten meters wide, was smashed to pieces by Xiao Yi''s sword, collapsing over a stretch of more than five hundred meters, causing the army within to fall in disarray. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi stood in the air, sword in hand, and commanded, "Attack!"


    Rumble!


    A million beast cavalry charged forward.


    The earth shattered, it was like the end of days!


    When Xiao Yi returned to his camp, the cup of wine was still emitting a faint warmth. The cup of wine that broke the city wall, Xiao Yi looked at the bewildered He Xing before him: "The city is breached!"

 Chapter 203 - 203: Unstoppable Force, Straight to the Capital!

    "The city has fallen!"


    Xiao Yi''s voice brought He Xing back to reality, as if waking from a dream.


    Looking at the steaming cup of hot wine in Xiao Yi''s hand, he swallowed reflexively.


    This Luoyan Pass, which cost a fortune and was guarded by a million-strong army and three Tao Tribulation Realm masters, had been breached just like that?


    With a single sword?


    Gulp!


    He Xing swallowed hard, looking at Xiao Yi with deep fear and awe, his voice trembling, "I, I''ve lost..."


    "Since you''ve lost, you should know the consequences," Xiao Yi said.


    He Xing''s face twitched.


    He didn''t want to die!


    It had taken him most of his life to cultivate to the Tao Tribulation Realm, and he had finally climbed to his current position.


    He really didn''t want to die.


    After a moment''s hesitation, He Xing fell to his knees with a thud, his tone filled with fright, "Xiao, I am willing to submit to you, please spare my life!"


    "Submit?"


    Xiao Yi''s face showed a hint of amusement.


    He neither agreed nor refused. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This silence made He Xing feel even more helpless and powerless. Clenching his teeth, he said in a deep voice, "Xiao, I know the way from Luoyan Pass to the royal capital like the back of my hand, and the hardest to conquer is surely Jinmen City. Now that Luoyan City has just fallen, as long as you kill the other two Tao Tribulation Realm masters in the city and prevent the news from spreading, I can lead you to take Jinmen City without wasting a single soldier..."


    "Oh?"


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, "How can you make me believe that you won''t set traps in Jinmen City to kill me?"


    He Xing''s heart skipped a beat.


    Indeed, he had contemplated just that¡ªfeigning surrender, leading Xiao Yi and his people to Jinmen City. Meanwhile, he would collude with the defenders there, capturing Xiao Yi and his men in one fell swoop, trapping and killing them alive.


    Clearly, Xiao Yi was not so easily deceived.


    After much hesitation.


    He Xing realized that in the face of Xiao Yi, who was watertight, he couldn''t find any opportunity to execute his schemes and finally laughed dejectedly, "Xiao, what must I do for you to trust me?"


    Xiao Yi looked back at Xue Bufan.


    The Undying Ghost Doctor Xue Bufan, besides his medical skills, was best at making people beg for life and unable to beg for death.


    This title of his, the Undying Ghost Doctor, came largely from this!


    Xue Bufan took out a red elixir the size of a red bean, grinning, "This is the Nine Leaves Nine Worms Elixir. Once ingested, an antidote must be taken every half an hour, and it must be taken continuously for a month to detoxify. Without the antidote, the nine toxic herbs in the elixir will stimulate a toxic worm to awaken and start burrowing into your heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys. If you don''t take the antidote for four consecutive half-hours, the nine toxic worms will leave your body riddled with holes, yet curiously, they won''t let you die, and you''ll be forced to watch your own body being penetrated..."


    "You, don''t try to scare me; how could there be such a vicious poison in this world?" He Xing''s face turned pale.


    Xue Bufan chuckled, "Don''t believe it? Then give it a try!"


    He stepped forward, grabbed He Xing''s chin, and forced the Nine Leaves Nine Worms Elixir into his mouth.


    Whimper!


    The elixir melted as soon as it touched his tongue.


    No matter how much He Xing tried to force it out, he couldn''t expel it from his body.


    An hour passed quickly.


    By then, Luoyan City had been thoroughly cleared by the monster cavalry; a million defenders had been executed, and the two mighty Tao Tribulation Realm masters had fallen at the hands of Yu Huaxian and Huang Bo.


    "Ah..."


    He Xing convulsed, curling up on the ground in a frenzied struggle.


    He gripped at his abdomen desperately, the location of his liver.


    He felt as if someone were relentlessly stabbing his liver with a needle, creating countless tiny holes, leaving him in excruciating pain that tore through his heart and lungs, unbearable to endure.


    He Xing, his face a savage snarl, saliva dripping from his mouth, bellowed, "Antidote, give me the antidote... "


    Xiao Yi watched with detached interest.


    Xue Bufan and the others paid him no attention, simply allowing two soldiers from the Dragon Elephant Legion to prop him up and continue forward. This round of poison torment lasted for the duration of an incense stick, leaving the formidable He Xing from the Tao Tribulation Realm completely drained. His face was ashen, and the look he gave Xue Bufan and Xiao Yi was filled with nothing but fear and awe.


    Xiao Yi spoke indifferently, "Take us to Jinmen City, you know what to do!"


    "Understood!" He Xing quickly nodded.


    Fearing a late response might lead to not receiving the antidote from Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi turned to Xue Bufan, "Elder Xue, give him an antidote."


    "Alrighty!"


    Xue Bufan handed him a green elixir, saying, "Be sure to use it sparingly, one antidote can only last for half an hour!"


    "I, I understand..."


    He Xing carefully stored away the antidote, his life hanging on it.


    Jinmen City wasn''t far from Luoyan Pass.


    The city was defended by three hundred thousand troops, and its commander was even more powerful than He Xing, having reached the Seventh Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    However, this city was built against a mountain, which made it difficult even for the beast cavalry to effectively charge; as He Xing had said, even beast cavalry couldn''t get through, truly making it an impregnable fortress.


    The group took their positions in a dip between hills.


    Hiding their presence.


    He Xing suggested, "Xiao, as long as you send men in the armor of the Great Jin Kingdom, pretending to be defeated soldiers from Luoyan Pass, they will surely open the gates! Once the gates are open, I will join you in killing their commander, and we can take down the city doors, allowing the army to march straight in!"


    "Yu Huaxian, Huang Bo, you two lead ten thousand Dragon Elephant Legionnaires to follow him into the city," Xiao Yi instructed.


    "Yes!"


    Huang Bo and Yu Huaxian changed into the Great Jin Kingdom''s armor along with He Xing and headed towards Jinmen City.


    Now that He Xing had tasted the effects of the Nine Leaves Nine Worms Elixir, he dared not entertain any other thoughts. He successfully fooled the gatekeepers and, alongside Yu Huaxian and the others, managed to overwhelm the commander in Tao Tribulation Realm.


    Subsequently, they destroyed the city gates from the inside out.


    Xiao Yi and his forces entered swiftly and took the final barrier standing before the capital of the Great Jin Kingdom; the remaining cities that led to the capital were no longer a concern.


    Inside Jinmen City.


    He Xing looked at Xiao Yi with utmost respect, "Xiao, I have not failed in my duty!"


    Now that there was no turning back, he wholeheartedly submitted to Xiao Yi.


    "You''ve done well," Xiao Yi nodded in approval.


    Xue Bufan brought out a bottle of antidote, "This should last you ten days; come find me after it''s gone!"


    "Thank you, Elder Xue!" He Xing, as if receiving a treasure, carefully accepted the antidote.


    The army moved in an unstoppable mighty wave.


    In merely five days.


    They had conquered thirteen cities and arrived before the capital of the Great Jin Kingdom.


    The capital of the Great Jin Kingdom was known as Jindu!


    Like a behemoth sprawling across the land, the massive city was square-shaped, with gray walls standing a hundred meters tall, facing from north to south. The southern wall boasted eight massive gates, now tightly shut; the battlements swarmed with people, with every powerful individual''s face stern.


    Standing before Jindu.


    As Xiao Yi''s army began to establish camp behind him, his gaze pierced through the void, landing on the imposing figure atop the city walls, who watched them with icy indifference.


    This individual was the ruler of the Great Jin Kingdom¡ªJin Emperor!


    Xiao Yi, riding on his Tianqing savage bull, slowly approached Jindu. Positioned beneath the city gates, he smiled faintly, "Jin Emperor, at last we meet!"

 Chapter 204 - 204: Its actually him?

    ```


    "Jin Emperor, we finally meet!" Xiao Yi said, his eyes playing over the Jin Emperor''s figure.


    The Jin Emperor''s face betrayed no emotion.


    The ministers at his side, however, were livid with anger, "How daring of you, Xiao Yi, to see the Jin Emperor and not kneel?"


    "Aren''t you going to kneel?"


    Xiao Yi frowned slightly, looking up at the few ministers who were shouting the loudest, showing his impatience with a dismissive wave of his hand, "Noisy!"


    Whoosh!


    A streak of golden light shot out from his chest.


    Little Lin''s cultivation had broken through yet again, and its speed had doubled. It was nothing but a streak of light as it flew to the top of the city wall.


    When it returned, it was perched on Xiao Yi''s shoulder, raising its head slightly, and sticking out its tongue, "Where did these old dogs come from, daring to speak to my boss like that? They''re simply asking for death!"


    As soon as these words were spoken,


    the ministers who had pointed and cursed Xiao Yi all burst into blood at the center of their foreheads.


    They fell to the ground one by one, lifeless.


    The city wall descended into chaos.


    The Jin Emperor, who had been silent all along, finally spoke, "Enough!"


    His voice was not loud, but it carried an imposing authority.


    The chaos on the city wall came to an abrupt halt.


    The Jin Emperor narrowed his eyes, like a fierce tiger eyeing its prey, and said coldly, "I rarely admire anyone, but you are one exception."


    "This is my honor!" Xiao Yi laughed.


    The Jin Emperor snorted coldly, speaking indifferently, "Being able to lead the Tianqing Kingdom''s army here by yourself is indeed surprising to me, and it could even be called a miracle. However, miracles are fleeting and cannot last."


    Xiao Yi responded lightly, "Are you talking about the Great Jin Kingdom?"


    "You..."


    The Jin Emperor''s face darkened, and his words lost the nonchalance and calm of before. This was the first time that the Great Jin Kingdom had been attacked all the way to its capital, "Xiao Yi, if you retreat immediately, I can let bygones be bygones. Otherwise, you and the Tianqing Kingdom will pay a heavy price for today''s actions."


    Xiao Yi slapped the Tianqing buffalo, turned around, and headed towards the military camp. With his back to the Jin Emperor, he waved his hand, "By noon tomorrow, your capital will fall!"


    "Outrageous!"


    "This boy is too arrogant!"


    "Do you think the Great Jin Kingdom is without its people? You mangy cur..."


    The intimidated ministers jumped up as soon as they saw Xiao Yi leaving, hurling insults and jeers.


    The Jin Emperor looked at his ministers with a cold gaze, anger burning in the depths of his eyes.


    Why had they all turned mute just a moment ago?


    Now they are jumping and cursing for whom to see?


    Moreover...


    The Great Jin Kingdom indeed has no one left, doesn''t it?


    How many of the Great Jin Kingdom''s powerhouses had Xiao Yi killed in this battle?


    Even counting the Jin Emperor himself and the shabbily recalled Southern Battle King, there were only six strong Tao Tribulation Realm warriors left in the entire court.


    How could these warriors be a match for the Tianqing Kingdom?


    Xiao Yi alone could sweep them all away, couldn''t he?


    "Your Majesty, as Xiao Yi said, they will launch the total attack at noon tomorrow. What should we do?" a minister asked, his eyes twitching nervously as he looked at the Jin Emperor.


    The Jin Emperor watched him coldly, "What do you think we should do?"


    The minister hesitated, then said in a heavy voice, "Perhaps... we should negotiate peace?"


    "Negotiate peace? Good, very good!"


    The Jin Emperor laughed heartily, and the minister''s face lit up with joy at his words, about to speak further, but then he heard the Jin Emperor''s laughter slowly turn cold, "I, the Great Jin Kingdom, have raised a bunch of useless things like you, negotiating peace? You must be kidding, go to your death!"


    Bang!


    The Jin Emperor''s palm came crashing down.


    The minister was turned into a lump of flesh and blood.


    The Jin Emperor''s icy gaze swept over the ministers, his words piercing their hearts, "I don''t care how many of you are thinking of surrendering or negotiating peace. You better put away those thoughts right now. Even if the Great Jin falls and our families are destroyed, we will never surrender. The Great Jin has only ministers who die in battle, not cowards who live on their knees!"


    "Your Majesty, please calm your anger!"


    "We know our sins..."


    The ministers were sincerely frightened.


    The Jin Emperor swept his sleeves and strode away.


    The group of ministers looked at each other, not daring to say any more.


    After a while,


    Inside the royal palace, the Jin Emperor went to the inner court.


    In a courtyard filled with birdsong and floral fragrance, a beautiful woman was feeding two mythical beasts that resembled cats, but the aura emanating from these beasts was enough to deter any ordinary Tao Tribulation Realm from approaching. These were two bloodthirsty dragon cats, whose docile appearance belied their savage lineage. If they were to rage, even the most average Tao Tribulation Realm warrior could be in grave danger when they combined forces.


    ```


    "My queen!"


    The voice of the Jin Emperor came from outside the courtyard.


    This beautiful woman was none other than the Empress of the Great Jin Kingdom, a revered Beast Tamer.


    Empress Jin lifted her head to look at the Jin Emperor, a touch of warmth flickered in her eyes, "Your Majesty, has the murderer who killed Prince Mubai arrived?"


    The Jin Emperor nodded, sat beside Empress Jin, and gently embraced her, "My queen, I am useless... I can''t even deal with the killer of our son. He has even made it to the capital..."


    "Your Majesty, you needn''t be so hard on yourself!"


    Empress Jin smiled slightly, beneath her radiant smile lay a venomous chill, "I have already sent Bai to the Great Qian Dynasty to inform our eldest prince. As long as he returns from the Great Qian Dynasty, no matter who the opponent is, they will inevitably meet their demise!"


    "Oh?"


    The Jin Emperor was taken aback.


    The crown prince had had a conflict with the Jin Emperor and afterwards, he ventured alone into the Great Qian Dynasty.


    Over the years, the crown prince had only been in contact with Empress Jin.


    The Jin Emperor said solemnly, "Can the eldest prince deal with Xiao Yi?"


    Empress Jin laughed softly, a cold light flickered in her eyes, "He definitely can!"


    ......


    The next day, at noon.


    The sun blazed overhead, scorching the earth.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The war drums sounded in succession, thunderous and deafening.


    Leading with a million demon beast cavalry and followed by a million dragon-elephant legions, the followers from various kingdoms were also closely behind.


    The vast army of over four million spread before the capital of the Great Jin Kingdom.


    A sea of heads moved under a dark expanse.


    With banners against the clear sky, they fluttered in the wind, driving the cold to howl, and there was an underlying aura of deadly silence. The cold evil Qi cleared the skies for miles around, and under the bright sun, Xiao Yi rode a Tianqing wild ox to the front of his army, sweeping his gaze over the solemn faces of the Jin Emperor and others on top of the city gates, "Jin Emperor, the appointed time has come, and here I am!"


    The Jin Emperor glared back fiercely with an icy expression, his longsword soaring through the air, "Deploy the troops!"


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The massive city gates flung open, and countless figures swarmed out from within, with no fewer than two million in number.


    This was the final strength of the Great Jin Kingdom.


    The War King of the South, the Director of the Western Factory Cao Tiancheng, and the Great General Nalan Hai, these three Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouses, led the charge at the forefront.


    "Kill!"


    "Fight!" S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The urgent beat of war drums suddenly filled the heavens and earth as both sides launched their charge at the same time.


    Boom!


    The great battle erupted instantaneously.


    The Tianqing Kingdom aimed to break the Great Jin Kingdom.


    The Great Jin Kingdom, on the other hand, vowed to defend the capital to the death.


    Both sides fought with the certainty of victory in their hearts.


    The battle was exceedingly brutal.


    But Xiao Yi''s million demon beast cavalry were simply too terrifying; ordinary soldiers couldn''t withstand their charge.


    Defeated like a landslide.


    As they witnessed the two million-strong army being slaughtered, the outcome was sealed!


    At the top of the city walls.


    The face of the Jin Emperor was as dark as water, and the court officials of the Great Jin Kingdom looked at each other in horror and fear.


    The battle had lasted only two hours...


    The last two million army of the Great Jin Kingdom was utterly routed, the three Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouses were all slain, and Xiao Yi''s million demon beast cavalry pushed forward, breaking into the capital of the Great Jin Kingdom.


    The banner of victory was within grasp!


    Atop the city walls.


    Xiao Yi''s lips curled up slightly as he looked at the Jin Emperor, whose face was as dark as water, "I have won!"


    The Jin Emperor''s face was pitch black as he said coldly, "I am not yet dead, and my Great Jin has not fallen!"


    "Then go to your death!"


    The Fire Qilin Sword buzzed in Xiao Yi''s finger, spewing hot flames, ready to strike.


    But just at that moment, a chilling voice suddenly exploded, "I would like to see who dares to run wild in my Great Jin Kingdom!"


    "Hmm?"


    Xiao Yi was startled, finding the voice eerily familiar. He looked up sharply, his pupils suddenly constricting, "It''s him?"

 Chapter 205 - 205: I Am Xiao Yi!

    "Could it be him?"


    Xiao Yi''s pupils contracted sharply as he stared at the newcomer.


    In the midst of the sky.


    Three figures broke through the air, and the leader bore a resemblance to the Jin Emperor, with a red mole between his brows and a radiant yet sinister appearance.


    He was the crown prince of the Great Jin Kingdom, Liu Qin.


    But what caused Xiao Yi to react was another identity he held.


    He was one of the one hundred and eight generals under Xiao Tianjiao!


    Xiao Tianjiao, considering himself the reincarnation of a Heavenly Emperor, had emulated the ancient Heavenly Emperor and created one hundred and eight generals to follow him, and Liu Qin was among them.


    At the same time...


    Liu Qin was also one of the powerful individuals originally arranged by Xiao Tianjiao to monitor Xiao Yi in that secluded courtyard. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It was unexpected that their next encounter would be under such circumstances.


    Whoosh!


    Liu Qin landed on the ramparts, glancing indifferently at Xiao Yi as he passed by and walked up to the Jin Emperor, bowing his hands and saying, "Father, your son is late!"


    "Not late at all, hahaha, it''s good that my son has returned!" The Jin Emperor laughed heartily, turning to look at the two people beside him.


    Liu Qin said in a stern voice, "Father, these two are the war slaves bestowed to me by my master, you may call them Liu Yi and Liu Er."


    "Master?"


    The Jin Emperor''s face stiffened.


    The crown prince of the Great Jin Kingdom had a master?


    An Imperial Censor by the side rebuked angrily, "Your Highness, please choose your words carefully, you are an exalted prince, who in this world has the right to be your master?"


    "Die!"


    Liu Qin said dispassionately.


    With a point of his finger, Liu Yi Yi caused the Imperial Censor''s head to burst with a bang, and amidst the spray of fresh blood, Liu Qin placed his right hand over his left chest, his face filled with fervor and adoration, "My lord is the reincarnation of the Heavenly Emperor, the strongest genius under this starry sky. Anyone who dares to oppose my lord has but one path¡ªto die!"


    Hisss!


    Everyone was taken aback.


    The Jin Emperor couldn''t help but swallow, never having imagined that his usually fearless crown prince would show such reverence towards his master.


    An image formed in the Jin Emperor''s mind.


    It was of the hottest talent in the entire Great Qian Dynasty, who was also one of the most powerful beings in the Great Qian Dynasty at present. Containing his excitement, the Jin Emperor asked, "My son, is the master you speak of that Xiao Tianjiao, Lord Xiao, who is known as the number one genius in the history of the Great Qian Dynasty?"


    "Correct, my master is Xiao Tianjiao!" Liu Qin said proudly.


    Hisss!


    The Jin Emperor drew in a sharp breath, then burst into ecstatic laughter, "It''s really him, hahaha, to think that my son could have Xiao Tianjiao as his master. With this, my son will surely be able to protect our Great Jin Kingdom!"


    "Father, rest assured, with your son here, even if a prince from the Great Qian Dynasty were here, he would have to show me some respect!"


    Liu Qin smiled confidently, then turned to look in Xiao Yi''s direction, his expression icy as he said, "Is it you who wishes to destroy our Great Jin Kingdom?"


    Xiao Yi smiled, "That''s right! If you hadn''t appeared, the Great Jin Kingdom would have changed hands by now!"


    Liu Qin actually hadn''t recognized him.


    But that was also to be expected...


    Back when Liu Qin was guarding him, Xiao Yi was only ten years old, and afterwards Liu Qin was called away by Xiao Tianjiao.


    Moreover.


    Perhaps Liu Qin and the others had never truly looked at him with open eyes from beginning to end; in their eyes, Xiao Yi was nothing more than an ant that could be squashed at will, a stain upon their supreme and flawless lord. Plus, given the great changes in Xiao Yi, it was not surprising that he hadn''t been recognized.


    Standing with his hands behind his back, Liu Qin said indifferently, "You think you have the ability to destroy our Great Jin Kingdom? You, commit suicide!"


    Commit suicide?


    These one hundred and eight generals really follow the same style as Xiao Tianjiao.


    So domineering!


    Xiao Yi said, "Won''t you ask me why I want to annihilate your Great Jin Kingdom?"


    "Is it important?"


    Liu Qin said with an impatient face, "No matter the reason, I want you dead, and you will die."


    Xiao Yi revealed a smile and said, "You might want to ask your father emperor what my name is first!"


    Liu Qin frowned and scrutinized Xiao Yi with sharp eyes before coldly laughing, "It doesn''t matter what your name is, nor the power or backing behind you. I want you dead, and you will die!"


    Xiao Yi said, "You should really ask, otherwise you''ll regret it!"


    "Hmm?"


    Liu Qin was startled.


    He hadn''t expected Xiao Yi to be so insistent on his name. Upon looking at Xiao Yi more closely, he couldn''t shake a sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu, so he turned toward the Jin Emperor.


    The Jin Emperor said hastily, "My son, his name is Xiao Yi, from the Tianqing Kingdom!"


    "Xiao Yi? Tianqing Kingdom?"


    Liu Qin''s expression suddenly changed, his incredulous gaze fixed on Xiao Yi as if to confirm his identity. But he quickly shook his head, "Impossible, this person cannot be the Xiao Yi I know. That one was nothing but trash, how could they be the same person?"


    The entire Xiao Family knew that Xiao Yi was trash.


    A trash that even his own father and brother despised.


    He had been imprisoned in separate quarters since childhood.


    Over a year ago,


    Xiao Tianjiao, to breed his mount, had kicked Xiao Yi out of the family and sent him to a minor family in Nanhuang of Tianqing Kingdom as a live-in son-in-law. Back then, Xiao Yi wasn''t even in the Physical Body Realm, yet the man before him was at the peak of the Golden Core Realm. Even his master, Xiao Tianjiao, whom he thought omnipotent, couldn''t possibly have stepped from the Physical Body Realm to the peak of the Golden Core Realm in just over a year!


    Xiao Yi''s lips curled up with a hint of amusement, "General Liu, it''s only been a few years since we last met, don''t you recognize me anymore?"


    Hum!


    Liu Qin''s mind went blank.


    His breathing became hurried, his eyes staring blankly, disbelievingly at Xiao Yi, "Really, really, you?"


    Xiao Yi grinned, "Back then, it was General Liu himself who escorted me to the Yulan Court! I remember, even when my mother wanted to send me some food, it had to go through General Liu''s thorough inspection. It seems you''re a person who forgets things once you''re in power, forgetting me so soon!"


    Thump thump thump!


    Liu Qin staggered back several steps, his face growing pale.


    It really was him!


    This youth before him was indeed the Xiao Yi he knew!


    A disgrace of the Xiao Family.


    Xiao Tianjiao''s brother he refused to acknowledge!


    "Impossible... the master said you were trash, that you''d never achieve anything in the martial path in your lifetime, how could this be possible?"


    Liu Qin shook his head repeatedly, unable to believe that the genius who nearly destroyed the Great Jin Kingdom was Xiao Yi.


    Even less could he believe...


    That Xiao Yi, who was merely in the Physical Body Realm a year ago, was now at the Golden Elixir Realm Peak!


    Just over a year''s time!


    Even the miracle that Xiao Tianjiao, whom he deemed omnipotent, couldn''t accomplish!


    "You are not wrong, I am indeed the Xiao Yi whom Xiao Tianjiao mentioned as a failure who is so shameful that even the blood flowing within me, the same as his, is deemed a disgrace by him. He would rather send me away as a live-in son-in-law to someone else, to breed his mount!"


    Xiao Yi''s mouth twisted with a cold sneer, his mocking eyes fixed on Liu Qin''s shocked face, "Surprised? Or were you not expecting this?"

 Chapter 206 - 206: Just So-So!

    Xiao Yi had a playful expression on his face, "Surprised? Unexpected?"


    Liu Qin''s face was a picture of mixed emotions.


    He had never imagined that Xiao Yi, who he had never taken seriously, and who was even considered a disgrace by all of the Xiao Family, including their one hundred and eight generals, would have a day of resurgence.


    However...


    Liu Qin snorted coldly, and said indifferently, "Indeed, your achievements are beyond our expectations. But compared to our master, you are still nothing but trash."


    "Trash?"


    In Xiao Yi''s mind emerged the figure who once stood like a mountain, whom he could only look up to, and now he was getting closer and closer to him!


    "Of course, you are trash!"


    Liu Qin sneered with pride, "The master awakened the Supreme Overlord Holy Body before the age of three, possessing the divine power to lift a thousand-pound cauldron with one arm. At the age of five, he broke through to the Tenth Layer of the Physical Body Realm; at seven, he stepped into Qi Gathering with Ten Layers; and at eight, he successfully entered the Shentong Realm, becoming the youngest Shentong Realm powerhouse in the history of the Great Qian Dynasty. At the age of ten, he entered the Shentong Realm with Ten Layers, thus joining the Tianjian Sect, the top sect of the Great Qin Dynasty, and became a direct disciple."


    "Now, at only twenty-two, he has successfully stepped into the realm of Dharma Manifestation, becoming the youngest Dharma Manifestation Realm powerhouse in both the Great Qian Dynasty and the Qingtian Realm."


    Liu Qin stopped inflating his chest with pride, and his companions, Liu Yi and Liu Er, also wore ecstatic expressions, "In front of our master, you will always be nothing but an ant!"


    As Liu Qin said, the halo of glory on Xiao Tianjiao was indeed countless.


    Incredibly dazzling.


    Unique in this era.


    However...


    Xiao Yi laughed and said, "At the age of five, reaching the Tenth Layer of the Physical Body Realm. When he broke through to the Golden Core Realm, he was already eleven years old; that took six years. As for me, I took only a year and a half to break through from the Physical Body Realm to the peak of the Golden Core Realm. Even so, do you still think I''m trash? That I''m not as good as him?"


    Liu Qin snorted coldly.


    A year and a half to break through from the Physical Body Realm to the Golden Elixir Peak, not to mention Xiao Tianjiao¡ªeven the legendary Martial God Zhao Wuji did not have such monstrous talent.


    But he would never admit that Xiao Yi was better than Xiao Tianjiao.


    Liu Qin said coldly, "What if you broke from the Physical Body Realm to the peak of the Golden Core Realm in a year and a half? If the master calls you trash, then you will always be trash, and that is all you can be!"


    "Hahaha, so are you planning to cripple my cultivation just like you did to Qingzhu back then?" Xiao Yi laughed angrily.


    Fang Qingzhu was once the treasured daughter of the Fang Family.


    Only because she married him.


    Xiao Tianjiao, with his words ''a trash husband can only match a trash wife,'' personally crippled Fang Qingzhu''s cultivation.


    Who would have thought...


    After a year and a half...


    Liu Qin, under the command of Xiao Tianjiao, when facing Xiao Yi, made the same choice.


    Liu Qin nodded slightly, his expression indifferent, "The master is the true destined son of heaven, a reincarnation of the Celestial Emperor. He could never be wrong. His life does not tolerate any blemishes, and the purpose of our one hundred and eight generals is to clear away any blemish that tries to taint the master. Since the master said you are trash, you should remain trash for life, instead of rebelling against the master!"


    "Hahaha, Liu Qin, do you really think I am still the same Xiao Yi you can bully at will? As for crippling my cultivation, let alone you, even if Xiao Tianjiao were here it would be absolutely impossible!"


    The eight years of imprisonment, the humiliation of being reduced to a son-in-law for the sake of breeding his steed, being kicked out of his family and even stripped of his right to worship his own mother, crippling Fang Qingzhu''s cultivation...


    The actions of Xiao Tianjiao had long wounded Xiao Yi beyond repair.


    There was no longer any fraternal affection.


    Only hatred!


    Only resentment!


    Liu Qin snorted coldly, "How audacious, to directly call the master by his name... Liu Yi, Liu Er, cripple his cultivation for me!"


    "Yes!"


    Liu Yi and Liu Er were also experts at the Fifth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm.


    The two were death warriors.


    Ruthless and fearless.


    Unyieldingly loyal!


    Whoosh!


    ```


    Whoosh!


    The two men charged at Xiao Yi from the left and right, simultaneously.


    The Jin Emperor said in a deep voice, "My son, do not underestimate him. Even Qin Yu died at his hands..."


    "No worries!"


    With a wave of his hand, Liu Qin was full of confidence, "Liu Yi and Liu Er are the death soldiers cultivated by our lord, far stronger than ordinary warriors of the Tao Tribulation Realm. With their participation, Xiao Yi''s death is certain!"


    However...


    He had barely finished speaking. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With two muffled groans, two figures fell at his feet in quick succession.


    It was Liu Yi and Liu Er.


    They lay before him, one to the left and the other to the right.


    Blood streamed from their seven orifices, and their internal organs had been shattered.


    Hiss!


    Liu Qin''s pupils suddenly constricted, incredulously looking at Xiao Yi: "You dared to kill them?"


    "You said they were death soldiers groomed by Xiao Tianjiao, so I used fifty percent of my strength. I didn''t expect them to be so frail and die instantly. It seems the death soldiers groomed by Xiao Tianjiao are just so-so!" Xiao Yi shrugged nonchalantly, an innocent look on his face.


    "Bastard!"


    Liu Qin flew into a rage. Xiao Tianjiao was his idol, how could he tolerate any doubt or insult? His eyes narrowed, a cold glint shining like a knife, and with a whoosh, a three-meter-long cyan greatsword fell into his hand. The blade trembled violently, emitting a series of chilling sword cries, "The master was right; your existence does nothing but sully his name. Today, I shall cut you down!"


    Whoosh!


    Like the crescent moon, a semi-circular blade of light tore through the void, descending from the sky.


    This strike contained an incomparable sword intent, reaching the second stage of the sword intent realm.


    The buzzing of the sword made one''s scalp tingle.


    The wild wind of primeval qi raised caused even the Jin Emperor and the other powerhouses of the Great Jin Kingdom to feel a chill: "No wonder he is one of the 108 Heavenly Generals under Xiao Tianjiao''s command; this strike is powerful enough to threaten even a Nine-fold Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm expert."


    "Even if Xiao Yi could take this strike, he would be gravely injured!"


    "I really didn''t expect that Xiao Yi was the brother of the famous Xiao Tianjiao, but it seems Xiao Tianjiao doesn''t like his brother much..."


    "Who cares whether he likes him or not, he''s about to die..."


    "Our Great Jin Kingdom is saved..."


    The courtiers of the Great Jin Kingdom wore expressions of wild joy.


    In contrast, representatives from Tianqing Kingdom like Yu Huaxian stood with their arms crossed over their chests, appearing completely unconcerned: "Really makes you wonder what''s going on in the heads of the Xiao family, considering they think of Xiao as useless..."


    "Is Xiao Tianjiao even comparable to Xiao?"


    "Could Xiao Tianjiao go from the Physical Body Realm to the peak of the Golden Core Realm in a year and a half? Does Xiao Tianjiao know alchemy?"


    Amidst murmured conversations.


    Liu Qin''s strike had already landed on Xiao Yi, yet the anticipated scene of Xiao Yi being gravely wounded or even cleaved in two did not occur.


    There was only the clang of a loud noise.


    The stone slabs under Xiao Yi''s feet burst apart, and cracks spread across the walls within a hundred meters. In contrast, Xiao Yi still stood tall and straight like an ancient pine, upright like a sharp sword. And at the spot where the greatsword struck him, there was not even the slightest mark...


    "This is impossible..."


    Liu Qin''s face underwent a drastic change.


    He was a cultivator of the Seventh Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm, and in full force, he could kill even an Eighth Layer expert with one slash.


    But now...


    Xiao Yi didn''t dodge or evade and had withstood his strike without a scratch?


    "I stand still and let you slash, yet you can''t injure me! Is this the strength of one of the 108 Heavenly Generals?"


    Xiao Yi shook his head slightly, his lips curving into a cold, cruel smile, "I thought all those years following Xiao Tianjiao would have taught you some invincible techniques. Turns out, that''s all there is to it!"


    ```

 Chapter 207 - 207: One Man Destroys a Country

    "The 108 Heavenly Generals are nothing more than this!"


    Xiao Yi''s face bore a thick layer of mockery as he sized up Liu Qin with an amused gaze.


    His right hand slowly lifted.


    With two fingers, he pinched the three-meter-long sixth rank Yuan weapon saber, and as the force of Wind Thunder circulated within his palm, a series of crackling sounds ensued, and he actually flattened the blade of the saber.


    Hisss!


    The crowd inhaled sharply, looking at Xiao Yi as if he were a monster.


    This was a sixth rank Yuan weapon, after all,


    incredibly sturdy.


    And he managed to flatten the blade with his bare hands?


    "That is a Yuan weapon granted by my master, and you dare to destroy it? You''re seeking death!"


    Liu Qin looked at the flattened blade, his eyes nearly splitting with rage as he roared, his arm muscles tensed in an instant while bulging veins coiled like dragons along his arms. A savage power swept down the saber in the blink of an eye, like an endless torrent of river water, furiously aiming to chop at Xiao Yi''s neck.


    One force to overcome ten meetings.


    Though the blade edge was now flat, under the overwhelming suppression of absolute strength, even a piece of wood could become a lethal weapon. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Faced with Liu Qin''s storm-like assault,


    Xiao Yi just snorted coldly and flicked his finger on the saber.


    Boom!


    Amidst the piercing boom,


    the saber bent violently, and with it, Liu Qin''s body was sent flying.


    Xiao Yi stepped forward and reached out to grab the saber''s hilt from the air, "Let go!"


    Whoosh!


    As Xiao Yi twisted his wrist sharply, the saber span wildly like a spinning top, stirring up fierce winds, and he forcefully snatched it from Liu Qin''s grasp. Leaping into the air, the saber descended from the heavens, "whoosh" it pierced through Liu Qin''s chest, and with a "thud" half of the saber embedded itself into the city wall, nailing Liu Qin firmly to it.


    Blood dripped down the hilt.


    Xiao Yi floated down, standing over Liu Qin with the edge of the saber, looking down disdainfully at the struggling man, "To die by the Yuan weapon given by your master is quite an honorable end!"


    Back then, Xiao Yi had been confined to a separate courtyard.


    His mother, in her attempts to see him, had been obstructed by Liu Qin on numerous occasions.


    Now,


    the tables have turned.


    Liu Qin had finally fallen into his hands.


    Liu Qin spat out a mouthful of fresh blood, his eyes filled with horror, and he looked at Xiao Yi in disbelief, "Impossible, this can''t be¡­ You are just at the peak of the Golden Core Realm, how can you be this strong?"


    At this moment,


    Liu Qin''s unwavering beliefs began to waver.


    Was Xiao Yi really a waste?


    Really a blot on Xiao Tianjiao''s life?


    Even at the peak of the Golden Core Realm, Xiao Tianjiao couldn''t possibly have easily defeated a Seventh Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouse, could he?


    Xiao Yi squatted down, the cold wind blowing through, stirring his black hair, his robes billowing messily, "Do you think I''m strong? Do you think even Xiao Tianjiao wasn''t as good as I am when he was at this level? Do you feel like I''m not the waste you all imagined me to be, am I not?"


    His barrage of questions rendered Liu Qin speechless.


    He desperately wanted to say no!


    But the reality was right before his eyes!


    This time¡­


    The invincible Xiao Tianjiao had really made a mistake.


    Xiao Yi was not a stain on his life, nor a worthless waste; he was actually a peerless genius with more talent than Xiao Tianjiao!


    However,


    that thought was only momentary before Liu Qin fiercely banished it from his mind, staring hideously at Xiao Yi and screaming hysterically, "No, my master is the strongest, the Xiao Family is enough with just my master. No matter how strong your talent is, you''ll never surpass my master, it''s impossible!"


    Each of the 108 Heavenly Generals was Xiao Tianjiao''s absolute confidant.


    Utterly loyal to him.


    Even if reality shook his faith, he would never admit it.


    Even in death,


    he would never acknowledge it!


    Liu Qin clenched his steel teeth and said hysterically, "Don''t be so smug, you will always be nothing but an ant in front of the master. With just the flick of his finger, he could crush you, this insignificant ant!"


    "Is that so? Sadly, you won''t live to see that day!"


    Xiao Yi slowly rose to his feet.


    Puff!


    Xiao Yi''s foot stomped down.


    He crushed Liu Qin''s head into his chest cavity, and blood sprayed wildly from his shoulders.


    Xiao Yi landed back on the city wall, his cold gaze turned to the Jin Emperor who was looking on in dumbstruck horror, "Killing you means the end of the Great Jin Kingdom, doesn''t it?"


    "Xiao Yi, I am the Jin Emperor, enfeoffed by the royal family of the Great Qian Dynasty. If you dare kill me, the Great Qian Dynasty will never spare you!" The Jin Emperor clenched his fists and said in a low voice, "Whatever benefits Tianqing Kingdom has offered you, I can give you the same, tenfold, a hundredfold..."


    Xiao Yi shook his head and said, "As long as it does not shake the rule of the Great Qian Dynasty, he will not care about the life and death of a subordinate nation. If the Great Qian Dynasty really cared about the survival of your Jin Country, my army wouldn''t have been able to get here."


    "You..."


    The Jin Emperor''s face turned ashen.


    He knew full well the mindset of the Great Qian Dynasty. Just as Xiao Yi had said, as long as their rule wasn''t shaken.


    As for who occupied the seat of this superior subordinate nation, the Great Qian Dynasty didn''t care at all!


    "The national protector ancestor of my Great Jin Kingdom is a high-level master of the Dharma Manifestation Realm, if you dare to kill me, he will surely not spare you..." The Jin Emperor threatened.


    Xiao Yi scoffed, "If your Jin country''s ancestor was still alive, why would he not have shown up by now? Stop bluffing, Jin Emperor, let me send you on your way!"


    "No..."


    The Jin Emperor''s face was the picture of despair as he turned to flee into the sky.


    Puff!


    A fiery-red sword light flashed across his neck.


    The mighty Jin Emperor fell at that moment.


    This also marked the end of an era for the Great Jin Kingdom, now over for good.


    From this day forward...


    Under the Great Qian, Tianqing reigns supreme!


    Xiao Yi, holding the severed head of the Jin Emperor in one hand, hovered in the air and called out towards the inside of the royal capital, "The head of the Jin Emperor is here, those who surrender will not be killed!"


    "Those who surrender will not be killed!"


    "The Jin Emperor is dead, those who surrender will not be killed!"


    For a moment.


    Mourning was widespread within the royal capital.


    Countless strong individuals chose to surrender, while the stubborn ones were brutally suppressed.


    This splendid and powerful Great Jin Kingdom, after a thousand years of glory, had met its downfall today.


    And the one who had personally buried and obliterated this colossal entity was Xiao Yi!


    A youth who had created miracle after miracle, ascending from the Physical Body Realm to the peak of the Golden Core Realm in just over a year!


    Within the luxurious royal palace.


    In front of Yu Huaxian, a line of royal orphans, the queen, and various princes kneeled, all bound and kneeling on the ground.


    In their midst was Yu Huaxian''s sworn enemy, the third prince, responsible for the death of his sister. At this moment, the faces of these princes and grandsons were pale with despair.


    Xiao Yi glanced at the people, patted the shoulder of Yu Huaxian, who was biting her lip tightly, her fists clenched, and shoulders trembling, "I leave them to you."


    "Th-thank you, Xiao!"


    Yu Huaxian''s eyes were bloodshot with excitement, and her gaze, filled with the intent to devour, fell upon the third prince, "Did you ever imagine this day would come? I swore that I would grind your bones to dust, and today, today is when I fulfill that promise..."


    "No..."


    The third prince screamed in utter despair.


    The sound of flesh being torn apart by hand was enough to make one''s skin crawl.


    As for Xiao Yi...


    He walked alone through the ravaged royal capital post-battle. The bustling capital was no longer as vibrant as before, with signs of war everywhere.


    Along the way.


    Everyone who saw Xiao Yi stepped aside from afar, their expressions a mix of respect, fear, and curiosity.


    It was this young man...


    Who alone, brought down an entire nation!

 Chapter 208 - 208 Emperor Qian

    Great Qian Dynasty.


    This vast kingdom could rank among the notable names in Qingtian Realm, with over a hundred subsidiary nations under its command.


    Its prosperity was therefore no surprise.


    Martial Artists and traders alike traversed its lands in countless numbers, ensuring the swiftest spread of news throughout the imperial city.


    The fall of Great Jin Kingdom was carried back by these roaming merchants.


    In an instant.


    The Great Jin Kingdom, Tianqing Kingdom, and Xiao Yi became the talk of the town.


    "Have you heard? One of our first-class subsidiary nations, Great Jin Kingdom, has been annihilated!"


    "What? Someone annihilated Great Jin Kingdom? Who did it?"


    "It seems to be a small country called Tianqing Kingdom. Do you know who led Tianqing Kingdom to destroy Great Jin Kingdom? I heard it''s the younger brother of Xiao Tianjiao, the number one prodigy of our Great Qian Dynasty..."


    "Are you talking about the one the Xiao Family kicked out as a waste?"


    "Shh... that''s no waste, I heard the Xiao Family was worried he was too outstanding, overshadowing Xiao Tianjiao''s brilliance, so they sent him off to Tianqing Kingdom as a son-in-law to some minor family. What they didn''t foresee was Xiao Yi''s growth speed..."


    Inside an elegant carriage.


    The coachman, listening to the people''s conversation and standing beside the carriage, cautiously said, "Master, the one they say destroyed Great Jin Kingdom, it''s Xiao... indeed, it''s Xiao Yi!"


    "Xiao Yi?"


    A moment of silence lingered inside the carriage before the voice resumed, "Who would have thought that even a salted fish could turn over. But to raise his cultivation from the Physical Body Realm to the peak of Golden Core Realm in just a year and a half? There''s already talk his talent surpasses Tian''er. No, this can''t be allowed to happen, or else our Xiao Family will become a laughing stock among the major families!"


    Seated inside the carriage was none other than Xiao Zhengde, the patriarch of the Xiao Family.


    With his right hand adorned with a jade ring, Xiao Zhengde gently touched his nose and narrowed his eyes, displaying a cold and predatory glint as he spoke to the coachman outside, "First take me back to the estate, then summon General Greedy Wolf and General Po Jun to my residence!"


    "Yes, Master!"


    The carriage slowly made its way towards the Xiao family''s residence.


    Xiao Zhengde squinted his eyes, the cold gleam flickering within, "My Xiao Family has always been brilliant, never to be tarnished by others!"


    The Xiao Family was indeed at the height of its power.


    With Xiao Tianjiao''s advancement into the Dharma Manifestation Realm, the family''s reputation was unmatched for the time being.


    If it were revealed now that Xiao Yi, whom they had expelled from the family, possessed an even stronger talent than Xiao Tianjiao, people would surmise they had done so out of jealousy and fear of Xiao Yi''s superior talent, casting a detrimental shadow over both the family and Xiao Tianjiao.


    As for Xiao Yi...


    Xiao Zhengde looked down at the ring on his hand, his expression ice-cold, "Having Tian''er is more than enough for the Xiao Family. Xiao Yi, if there''s anyone to blame, it''s that you were born too late..."


    Meanwhile.


    Inside the imperial palace.


    The supreme Emperor of Great Qian Dynasty examined the secret letter in his hands with a playful expression, "Xiao Yi? Xiao Tianjiao''s younger brother? From Physical Body Realm to the peak of Golden Core Realm in a year and a half, yet with the combat power of Tao Tribulation Realm? Interesting, this kid is quite interesting..."


    In front of Emperor Qian, a handsome young man respectfully inquired, "Father Emperor, shall we invite Xiao Yi?"


    Emperor Qian looked at the young man, his face smiling, "What do you think?" S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This young man was Emperor Qian''s youngest son, the Thirteenth Prince, Yang Ling.


    He was intelligent and had exceptional martial talents.


    Raised by Emperor Qian''s side since childhood, deeply favored and cherished, there were even rumors that Emperor Qian intended to bestow the Crown Prince''s title to Yang Ling.


    Yang Ling spoke in a deep voice, "Xiao Tianjiao is attracting too much attention. It might be worth considering cultivating a chess piece to counterbalance him!"


    Emperor''s Mind Art is about balance.


    The younger generation of the Great Qian Dynasty is almost entirely overshadowed by Xiao Tianjiao, to the extent that the Xiao Family is becoming overwhelmingly dominant, even showing signs of emerging as the fifth great clan of the dynasty. The original four great clans kept each other in check, creating a delicate balance that the royal family could control. If another great clan were to be added, this would not be good news for those in power.


    With the royal family''s methods and intelligence, they naturally could grasp the grievances between Xiao Yi and Xiao Tianjiao.


    If Xiao Yi could be nurtured to offset Xiao Tianjiao and limit the Xiao Family''s development...


    Emperor Qian, his expression unreadable, asked, "What do you think should be done?"


    Yang Ling frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and said, "The position of head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute has been vacant for a decade. I believe Xiao Yi is quite suited for this position!"


    "Oh?"


    Emperor Qian squinted and said, "Why not summon him to court to become an official, or bestow a title upon him?"


    Yang Ling replied seriously, "Balance! Once a title is bestowed or he is appointed to an official position at court, it would disrupt the balance between the royal family and Xiao Tianjiao. However, the Xiaoshanhe Institute is different. This sect, once one of the top ten sects and on par with the Tianjian Sect, has declined since submitting to the dynasty and is now far from its former glory among those top ten sects. Appointing Xiao Yi as the head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute wouldn''t be a clear sign that the royal family is taking his side..."


    The Xiaoshanhe Institute, once one of the ten great sects, ranking alongside the Tianjian Sect.


    The royal family of the Great Qian Dynasty has always wanted to consolidate the imperial power and eliminate the exceptional influence of the ten great sects.


    But in the end, only the Xiaoshanhe Institute submitted to the royal authority.


    Over the years...


    Under the pressure of the other ten great sects, the Xiaoshanhe Institute has been in decline, to the point where for ten years no one has been willing to take the position of its head, resulting in it being practically non-existent.


    By making Xiao Yi the head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, not only could the royal family convey their goodwill to him, but also it wouldn''t overly provoke Xiao Tianjiao and the others.


    Indeed, it was a solution that could serve two purposes beautifully.


    "Hahahaha!"


    Emperor Qian let out a satisfied laugh and nodded, saying, "My son, the fact that you have thought of these things shows that you have not been slacking off over the years."


    "Thank you, Father, for the praise!" Yang Ling replied with a grin.


    Emperor Qian shook his head: "However, you have overlooked one thing, my son!"


    "Oh?"


    Yang Ling was startled, "Please enlighten me, Your Majesty!"


    "Issue my decree, promote the Tianqing Kingdom to a first-class vassal state, bestow the title of ''Qianqiu'' upon Lord Jiang Tai and reward him with a Resurrection Elixir, appoint Xiao Yi, the Guardian Martial God of the Tianqing Kingdom, as the head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute; promote Xiao Zhengde, the head of the Xiao Family, to the title of Guardian Duke, and appoint Xiao Tianjiao as the National God of War of the Great Qian Dynasty..."


    Emperor Qian gestured to the old eunuch beside him to draft the edict, then looked towards Yang Ling, "Do you understand now?"


    Yang Ling had an epiphany: "Thank you, Father, for pointing this out. I understand now!"


    He had only thought about appointing Xiao Yi as the head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, which would not cause much dissatisfaction within the Xiao Family.


    But he had forgotten about the relationship between Xiao Yi and the Xiao Family.


    Xiao Yi had been expelled from the Xiao Family, and rumors were circulating everywhere that it was because Xiao Tianjiao was jealous of Xiao Yi''s talent. Now, by raising Xiao Yi to the position of head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, it would inevitably create some resentment in Xiao Tianjiao''s heart.


    Now not only Xiao Yi was elevated to the position of the head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, but also Xiao Zhengde and Xiao Tianjiao were appointed.


    This would minimize the dissatisfaction of the father and son of the Xiao Family.


    This would achieve true balance!


    "Good that you understand!"


    Emperor Qian smiled faintly, his eyes narrowing to slits as he stared into the distance, "The Xiao Family? Heh, truly interesting!"

 Chapter 209 - 209: A Visitor from the Xiao Family!

    Great Jin Kingdom, within the capital city.


    A month had passed since the Great Jin Kingdom was destroyed, and during this month, Xiao Yi had been staying in the Dragon Vein Spirit Cave within the Great Jin Kingdom''s royal palace. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Tianqing Kingdom would soon relocate its capital here.


    Naturally, Xiao Yi could not completely consume the Dragon Vein of this place, but fortunately, the Dragon Vein Spirit Cave of the Great Jin Kingdom stored an enormous amount of heavenly and earthly energy. Over the month of cultivation, Xiao Yi had compressed his Golden Core to only twenty rings, and the number of God Sealing Seeds he possessed had reached eight hundred thousand. Even Little Lin had ascended to a high-level sixth order, comparable to the Seventh Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    Even so,


    only thirty percent of the heavenly and earthly energy in the Dragon Vein Spirit Cave had been consumed.


    "Xiao, people from the Xiao Family of the Great Qian Dynasty have come!"


    While Xiao Yi was in cultivation, he heard the voice of Yu Huaxian from outside.


    Xiao Yi''s eyes snapped open. "The Xiao Family?"


    Two substantial beams of cold light burst forth from his pupils.


    He had thought that it should be the royal family of the Great Qian Dynasty sending people over, but to his surprise, it was the Xiao Family who had come first.


    "Have them wait, I''ll be over shortly!" Xiao Yi said.


    Yu Huaxian bowed respectfully. "Understood!"


    "Xiao Zhengde, sending people over at this time, what exactly is your game?" While dressing, Xiao Yi called for Little Lin and left the Dragon Vein Spirit Cave.


    Inside the front hall,


    General Po Jun, Zhao Ying, and Hai Fu were seated boldly within the hall.


    These two were experts left by Xiao Tianjiao at Xiao Zhengde''s side. However, Xiao Yi had not seen them much, after all, his movements within the Xiao Family were confined to a secluded small courtyard.


    "Greedy Wolf, the reports say that waste only took a year and a half to rise from the Physical Body Realm to the Peak of the Golden Elixir Realm. How much of that do you believe?" General Po Jun asked.


    Hai Fu narrowed his eyes, speaking indifferently, "Once we see him, we''ll naturally know if it''s true or not!"


    "That''s also true!"


    Zhao Ying nodded, his face wearing an odd expression, "It''s strange to say, that waste actually managed to come this far!"


    As the two conversed,


    Xiao Yi''s figure appeared in the hall.


    "Hmm?"


    The two looked at Xiao Yi, their sharp gazes scrutinizing him back and forth. When they realized that Xiao Yi truly was at the Peak of the Golden Core Realm, they couldn''t help but exchange glances, "Indeed, he is at the Peak of the Golden Core Realm¡­"


    Both could see the shock in the other''s eyes.


    A year and a half!


    From Physical Body Realm to the Peak of the Golden Core Realm, this rate of cultivation was far superior to even Xiao Tianjiao.


    Xiao Yi swept a glance at the two, speaking faintly, "Is this how Xiao Tianjiao teaches his subordinates, not even a greeting when they see me?"


    Zhao Ying replied indifferently, "Our master told us, some people deserve respect and therefore ought to be greeted. As for wastes, they need not be bothered with!"


    "Heh, that''s truly Xiao Tianjiao''s style!"


    Xiao Yi scoffed, then walked straight to the main seat and sat down, fiddling with the cup on the tea table without a word.


    Silence fell over the hall.


    Zhao Ying and the other exchanged looks.


    Hai Fu took a deep breath, stood up and said, "By the order of Xiao Zhengde, head of the Xiao Family, I have come to read out the family decree, Xiao Yi, will you not kneel to receive the order?"


    Xiao Yi still leaned back in his chair, relaxed, and uttered indifferently, "Speak!"


    "Hmm?"


    Hai Fu''s expression darkened, and a cold light flashed in his eyes as he stared at him, "I told you to kneel down and receive the order!"


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, staring intently at Hai Fu, saying nothing.


    Tangible gazes collided in the air.


    The piercing eyes that seemed capable of penetrating one''s heart made Hai Fu feel somewhat dazzled, his momentum unconsciously weakened. He took a deep breath and said, "The family head has ordered you to secretly transfer control of the Tianqing Kingdom to us. From now on, the Tianqing Kingdom will be secretly controlled by the Xiao Family. At the same time, the family head has heard that you have reached the Golden Core Realm and orders you to present your cultivation technique and breakthrough method to the family. Furthermore, one Xiao Tianjiao in the Xiao Family is enough. You, Xiao Yi, are ordered to cripple your own cultivation. If you defy this, you will be executed without mercy..."


    "Ha ha, ha ha ha... Interesting, interesting... Xiao Zhengde, oh Xiao Zhengde, you really have some nerve!"


    Xiao Yi laughed in anger.


    The order in his palm burst into flames with a bang, turning into ashes that scattered all around.


    Xiao Zhengde actually intended to control the Tianqing Kingdom from the shadows and even wanted Xiao Yi to secretly hand over the reins to someone from the Xiao Family.


    He was also demanded to hand over his cultivation technique and the secret to his breakthrough...


    Even worse...


    Xiao Zhengde actually wanted Xiao Yi to cripple his own cultivation!


    The underlying reason was simply that he didn''t want Xiao Yi to outshine and thus affect Xiao Tianjiao.


    Any of these demands alone would be enough to drive Xiao Yi to murder, let alone all three!


    Each one was a statement of heart-slashing cruelty.


    Sigh!


    Xiao Yi exhaled a long breath of turbid air, his icy gaze fixed on the two men in front of him, "Roll back and tell Xiao Zhengde that I, Xiao Yi, am no longer a person of the Xiao Family. His dog-shit family head order has nothing to do with me."


    Zhao Ying was furious, "Xiao Yi, are you planning to defy the family head''s order?"


    Xiao Yi leaned slightly forward, "Are you talking to me?"


    "Who else could it be? Even though you have been expelled from the Xiao Family, you still carry the Xiao Family''s blood in your veins. All that you have obtained was bestowed upon you by the Xiao Family. You should unconditionally contribute everything back when the family head demands it..."


    Zhao Ying didn''t finish his words.


    A chill suddenly locked onto him, making Hai Fu feel as if he had fallen into an ice cellar, and with a thump, his legs gave out, and he knelt rigidly on the ground.


    A weight as heavy as a towering mountain seemed to press down on Zhao Ying, preventing even a single thought of resistance¡ªan icy feeling spread throughout his body.


    He was at the Fifth Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm!


    Xiao Yi had, with a casual gesture, forced him onto his knees, unable to rise; such skill was indeed terrifying.


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "If you refuse to speak standing, then speak kneeling!"


    "You..."


    Zhao Ying opened his mouth, but under Xiao Yi''s dangerous gaze, he could only steel himself and say, "Xiao Yi, do not be obstinate. Offending the Xiao Family, you won''t be able to move a step. Only by obeying the family head''s orders do you have a path of survival, just, just, just..."


    Toward the end, Zhao Ying''s voice began to tremble.


    He felt the surrounding temperature dropping lower and lower, to the point that his blood seemed about to freeze solid.


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi reached out into the air with his right hand, and the order stamped with the Xiao Family head''s seal landed in his hand. The contents were exactly as Hai Fu had described. With a flick of his wrist, flames enveloped the letter, burning fiercely in his palm. Xiao Yi squinted at the two men, "Go back and tell Xiao Zhengde, I, Xiao Yi, have debts to settle and vengeance to claim. It won''t be long before I visit the Xiao Family to take back what is mine!"


    "Xiao Yi, don''t be willful!"


    "The master has already broken through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm. Once he learns that you dare to defy the family order, he will never let you go!"


    The two men Zhao Ying threatened.


    "He won''t let me go?"


    Xiao Yi slowly stood up, his figure suddenly vanishing from the spot, and when he reappeared, he was behind the two men. Hai Fu and his companion were kneeling on the ground, clutching their stomachs. Each had a bloody hole in their lower abdomen, and the Martial Dao Divine Fruit had been taken by Xiao Yi. The icy voice sent a bone-chilling coldness through them, "There''s no need for him to look for me. It won''t be long before I go looking for him!"

 Chapter 210 - 210: You Want Me to Be the Dean?

    "Xiao!"


    Yu Huaxian walked in from outside the door and looked at Xiao Yi with respect, "I have arranged for people to send them back to the Xiao Family in the Great Qian Dynasty!"


    "Hmm!"


    Xiao Yi nodded.


    Yu Huaxian expressed his concerns, "Xiao, after all, they are generals under Xiao Tianjiao''s command, I''m afraid Xiao Tianjiao won''t let us off easily for doing this!"


    Yu Huaxian''s expression was filled with anxiety.


    The name Xiao Tianjiao was indeed very well-known, an absolute giant-like figure.


    He was even the most hopeful person to step into the Longevity Secret Realm in the Great Qian Dynasty over the past millennium!


    Now, he had even broken through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    No matter how strong Xiao Yi was, he was merely at the peak of the Golden Core Realm; how could he possibly be a match for a master of the Dharma Manifestation Realm? Moreover, this Dharma Manifestation Realm being was none other than the famous Xiao Tianjiao!


    Xiao Yi naturally understood Yu Huaxian''s thoughts and smiled, "Do you think that by entertaining them with good food and wine, and agreeing to their conditions, Xiao Tianjiao would let me off?"


    "This..."


    Yu Huaxian hesitated for a moment, "After all, you are blood brothers; he probably wouldn''t..."


    "Wouldn''t?"


    Xiao Yi shook his head and smiled, a smile that was somewhat cold and fierce, "If he really cared about brotherly affection, do you think he would have expelled me from the home to be someone''s son-in-law just to breed his mount? If he cared about brotherly affection, would he threaten me at this time?"


    When it came to this brotherly affection, and that father-son affection,


    Xiao Yi had long since despaired.


    The vast Xiao Family...


    The only thing worth his yearning was his mother.


    Yu Huaxian was speechless on the side.


    He never thought there could be family members so heartless and cruel.


    Imprisoned for eight years, expelled from the family, reduced to a son-in-law, his wife discarded.


    Not a word of concern!


    Now that they saw Xiao Yi rising, they began to covet the power he obtained, the secrets of his breakthroughs, and even for the sake of maintaining Xiao Tianjiao''s face, they wanted him to cripple his cultivation.


    Yu Huaxian took a deep breath, "Xiao, no matter if the road ahead is lined with sword mountains or sea of flames, I, Yu Huaxian, will stand by your side!"


    "Hahaha..."


    Xiao Yi laughed heartily and patted Yu Huaxian''s shoulder, "How much longer until His Majesty arrives?"


    The Tianqing Kingdom was about to relocate its capital here.


    As for the original territory of the Tianqing Kingdom, it would be controlled by Jiang Weisheng, with Huang Bo successfully becoming the Protector Beast King, ruling over Nanhuang.


    Jiang Tai even specially built a brand-new Nanhuang Beast King City for Huang Bo to rule!


    A million cavalry and a million monsters living together in Nanhuang Beast King City, and if there was a war, they could straightaway form a million-strong monster cavalry, becoming the sharpest blade in the hands of the Tianqing Kingdom, waging war in all directions!


    "He should arrive at the capital by tomorrow at the latest!" Yu Huaxian said, "At that time, Gu from Tianqi Martial Arts Academy and Chen from Treasure Pavilion will both relocate here!"


    Xiao Yi said, "I have confidence in the way you handle things. I''m going to cultivate; call me when they arrive!"


    "Yes!"


    Yu Huaxian nodded.


    Xiao Yi returned to the Dragon Vein Spirit Cave, but after the recent events, he found it hard to calm his mind all of a sudden.


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi simply exhaled deeply, leaning against the side.


    Flashes of the past surfaced in his mind.


    Hiss hiss!


    Little Lin felt Xiao Yi''s despondent mood, climbed up to his shoulder, and gently nudged his face, "Boss, no matter when, Little Lin will always be with you!"


    "Thank you, little fella!"


    Xiao Yi held Little Lin in his arms, gently rubbing his little head, his eyes half-closed, "Qingzhu, are you okay?"


    ¡­


    The next day.


    Jiang Tai had already led everyone into the capital, taking up residence in the palace.


    Looking at the splendid Golden Throne Hall, Jiang Tai held the spiritual tablet of Jiang Tianchen in his arms, "Father, when you took me here to celebrate the Jin Emperor''s birthday, you once said, how wonderful it would be if one day we could make the palace as splendid as this. Now, not only do we have such a palace, but we have also overthrown the Great Jin Kingdom..."


    At this moment, Jiang Tai was incredibly excited.


    This was a feat that not even generations of rulers of the Tianqing Kingdom dared to dream of!


    "The former emperor in heaven must be very happy!" came Xiao Yi''s voice from behind.


    Jiang Tai snapped back to reality, flashed a grin, handed Jiang Tianchen''s spiritual tablet to the old eunuch beside him, and went forward to give Xiao Yi a tight hug.


    Patting Xiao Yi''s back hard, Jiang Tai said solemnly, "Brother, thank you!"


    "Hahaha, you''re calling me brother, why so formal with me?" Xiao Yi rolled his eyes and said.


    Jiang Tai grinned.


    The two of them then sat side by side on the threshold of the Golden Throne Hall, chatting with each other. Not knowing how long had passed, Jiang Tai hesitated for a moment, then said, "Xiao Yi, I heard that the Xiao Family sent someone over and you crippled the envoy and sent them back?"


    Xiao Yi nodded and recounted the contents of the family head''s order.


    Jiang Tai''s face turned angry, especially upon hearing that Xiao Zhengde actually demanded Xiao Yi to cripple his own cultivation. He couldn''t help but curse, "How can there be such fathers and brothers in the world? I really want to cut them open and see if their hearts are black..."


    "Hahaha, if I ever encounter Xiao Tianjiao, I''ll be sure to pass the message on!" Xiao Yi joked.


    Jiang Tai''s expression darkened, "..."


    With his strength, not to mention Xiao Tianjiao, even the Xiao Family wasn''t something he could handle!


    Xiao Yi patted Jiang Tai on the shoulder and laughed, "Don''t worry, I''ll take care of it!"


    Jiang Tai said somberly, "Xiao Yi, no matter where you go in the future, whatever you encounter, our Tianqing Kingdom will always stand by your side. Tianqing may perish, but you, Xiao Yi, must not die!"


    Tianqing may perish, but Xiao Yi must not die!


    These words, once spoken by Jiang Tianchen, were now passed on to Jiang Tai...


    The promise of two generations.


    "I remember!"


    Xiao Yi nodded and enunciated, "If I don''t die, Tianqing won''t perish!"


    Both men fell silent.


    In the glow of the setting sun, the entire palace was bathed in crimson, symbolizing victory and hope alike.


    In the following days...


    Xiao Yi, Jiang Tai, and others were busy taking over the Great Jin Kingdom. The territory of a single Great Jin Kingdom was hundreds of times larger than that of the Tianqing Kingdom, not an easy task to manage. Fortunately, with the wealth of powerful figures in the current Tianqing Kingdom, plus Xiao Yi''s battle earlier, which had nearly annihilated the military and officials of the Great Jin Kingdom, they had thoroughly intimidated the populace.


    Jiang Tai also didn''t encounter any obstacles.


    Until the tenth day.


    The envoy from the Great Qian Dynasty arrived in the capital. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The one leading the envoy was the young prince Yang Ling. Atop the Golden Throne Hall, Yang Ling held up a golden imperial decree and proclaimed loudly, "Lord Jiang Tai of the Tianqing Kingdom, National God of War Xiao Yi, heed the decree!"


    The others all knelt down.


    Xiao Yi and Jiang Tai, however, stood to receive the decree.


    Yang Ling showed no hint of displeasure and loudly decreed, "By the mandate of heaven, the Emperor of Great Qian decrees, promote the Tianqing Kingdom to a first-class vassal state, Lord Jiang Tai to be crowned with the title enduring through thousands of ages. Appoint the Protector Martial God of Tianqing Kingdom, Xiao Yi, as the headmaster of the Xiaoshanhe Institute of the Great Qian Dynasty, to accompany the prince Yang Ling to the Xiaoshanhe Institute to assume the position! Let it be known!"


    Xiao Yi was utterly baffled, "What the heck? They want me to be a headmaster?"

 Chapter 211 - 211: The Princes Mouth, Deceiving Ghost!

    Xiao Yi was completely baffled as he looked at Yang Ling, "You want me to be the dean?"


    Yang Ling gave a light cough, "Accept the decree first!"


    Jiang Tai hurried forward, "Jiang Tai accepts the decree with gratitude!"


    Yang Ling handed the sacred decree to Jiang Tai, smiling as he said, "Monarch Jiang, my father is aware that you''ve lost an arm and has specially bestowed upon you a six-star Resurrection Elixir. As long as you consume it, your severed limb will regrow."


    "Resurrection Elixir?"


    Jiang Tai''s face changed, he had never expected the Emperor of the Great Qian Dynasty to bestow upon him such a precious elixir, and he gratefully said, "Jiang Tai deeply thanks Emperor Qian, may His Majesty live forever!"


    Yang Ling took out a brocade box and handed it to Jiang Tai, "Try taking it now and see!"


    "Okay, okay!"


    Jiang Tai, fighting back his excitement, opened the brocade box.


    Inside lay a pea-sized, emerald green pill, its surface etched with mysterious patterns and the scent of the medicine was intoxicating.


    Gulp!


    Jiang Tai swallowed the pill in one gulp.


    Hisss!


    His face went deathly pale as large beads of cold sweat continuously broke out on his forehead, and suddenly, he let out a scream as a spurt of fresh blood sprayed from the stump of his arm. Then, wisps of blood intertwined, and lo and behold, a brand new arm formed at a visible rate. The Resurrection Elixir indeed could regenerate lost limbs. Jiang Tai looked at the newly grown arm, his face full of excitement and gratitude, "Your Highness Yang Ling, I cannot thank you enough!"


    "No need for such formalities, Monarch Jiang!"


    Yang Ling smiled, looking at Xiao Yi, who was still in a baffled state, and said, "Dean Xiao, it seems you do not wish to become the dean of Xiaoshanhe Institute?" S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi rolled his eyes, saying speechlessly, "What is Emperor Qian thinking, actually letting me manage Xiaoshanhe Institute?"


    All he wanted was to improve his cultivation as soon as possible.


    Only by possessing sufficient strength,


    could he prove to everyone that he was stronger than Xiao Tianjiao, disowning him was the Xiao Family''s biggest mistake.


    What''s more important is...


    he wanted to return to the Xiao Family to pay homage to his mother openly and honorably.


    After settling the grudges with the Xiao Family, the next step would be to go to Baiyu and take back Fang Qingzhu.


    He had never thought about being any dean!


    Yang Ling had long investigated Xiao Yi''s various deeds and also knew that not long ago the Xiao Family had sent people to find him, resulting in two experts of the Tao Tribulation Realm being crippled and the loss of Martial Dao Divine Fruit.


    If it weren''t for Yang Ling''s timely appearance, presenting rewards and simultaneously revealing the news that Xiao Yi would become the dean of Xiaoshanhe Institute,


    the Xiao Family''s retaliation would have arrived much earlier.


    Yang Ling said gravely, "Xiao Yi, do you know what Xiaoshanhe Institute is?"


    Xiao Yi frowned, "I''ve heard of it, it was once one of the top ten sects but was later annexed by the Liyang Sect."


    Before he was imprisoned by Xiao Tianjiao, he had some understanding of the Great Qian Dynasty.


    "You''re right,"


    Yang Ling nodded, speaking softly, "Xiaoshanhe Institute, unlike the top ten sects, is a sect under the royal family of the Great Qian Dynasty. My father hopes that you can lead Xiaoshanhe Institute, revitalizing its glory and returning it to the ranks of the top ten sects. Even more, to reach a level that can rival Tianjian Sect!"


    "Rival Tianjian Sect?"


    Xiao Yi was stunned, thoughts racing through his mind; he quickly understood the Emperor''s intentions.


    Today''s royal family wanted to consolidate imperial power, but the top ten sects and the four great clans stood in the way.


    They desperately needed a game-changer.


    Xiaoshanhe Institute was the perfect choice to disrupt this balance.


    As for Xiao Yi...


    Given his relationship with Xiao Tianjiao, it was impossible for him to join forces with the top ten sects, and with the Xiao Family on the verge of becoming the fifth great clan, Xiao Yi could not side with the great clans either.


    It was most suitable for him to take charge of Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    What''s more important is...


    Xiao Yi was certainly heading to the Great Qian Dynasty.


    Whether it was for cultivation resources or a stronger environment, the Great Qian Dynasty was undoubtedly more expansive than the Tianqing Kingdom.


    But with the influence of Xiao Tianjiao and the Xiao Family,


    The ten major sects would never accept him, and even if they did, they would give him endless trouble and make things difficult at every turn.


    But if Xiao Yi were to take up the position of head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, first of all, the Xiao Family and Xiao Tianjiao would hesitate to make a move against him, at least not overtly, as that would be a public slap in the face of the royal family. Secondly, backed by the royal family, the Institute would have access to a multitude of resources, which would be a huge advantage, whether for his personal cultivation or for building his own power base.


    This is a mutually beneficial cooperation!


    Seeing Xiao Yi showing interest, Yang Ling continued, "In fact, my father had other options, but in the end, he still chose you, primarily because we value your character!"


    "Hmm?"


    Xiao Yi looked at him, puzzled.


    Character?


    Yang Ling spoke earnestly, "We have investigated everything about you; you are a partner we can trust!"


    This point genuinely came from Yang Ling''s own feelings.


    If it were someone else...


    After Jiang Tianchen''s fall, they probably would have already taken the opportunity to seize the position of Monarch.


    Where would they have gone to such lengths to assist Jiang Tai?


    Xiao Yi fell silent for a moment, then gave a wry smile, "It seems I don''t have a better option... However, if I am to become the head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, there is one condition that you must agree to!"


    "Speak!" said Yang Ling.


    Xiao Yi said in a deep voice, "The royal family must not interfere in the management of the Xiaoshanhe Institute!"


    Yang Ling frowned; Emperor''s Mind Art is about balance, and his original idea was to place another royal expert as the deputy head of the Institute.


    He hadn''t expected Xiao Yi to cut off this possibility directly.


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "This is my only demand. If you can''t agree, then there''s no need to discuss further!"


    After pondering for a moment, Yang Ling responded, "Alright, I agree!"


    "Pleasure doing business!"


    "Congratulations, Director Xiao!"


    Yang Ling smiled, looked around, then lowered his voice, "To be honest with you, I really dislike Xiao Tianjiao too!"


    Xiao Yi simply smiled non-committally.


    The mouth of a prince is a lying ghost!


    I trust you -- as if!


    That night...


    Jiang Tai held a grand feast in the palace, with toasts and laughter all around.


    It wasn''t until noon the next day that everyone gradually awoke.


    Outside the palace.


    Jiang Tai handed a storage ring to Xiao Yi, "You''ll find many ways to spend money in the capital. Inside is fifty billion silver, and if this isn''t enough, I can send more!"


    "Alright!"


    Brothers don''t need to thank each other, Xiao Yi accepted it naturally.


    Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!


    In the sky above, a massive shadow swept down. It was a Sixth-Layer High-Grade Fiend, Liyang Jade Sculpture, a being comparable to a Tao Tribulation Realm Peak. With a wingspan of a hundred meters, it could carry a hundred people on its back, and could travel tens of thousands of miles a day. It was the flying fiend that the Great Qian Dynasty''s delegation was riding. Yang Ling boarded the back of the Liyang Jade Sculpture and looked towards Xiao Yi and the others, "Xiao Yi, we can set off now!"


    "Hold on a moment!"


    Xiao Yi looked at Jiang Tai and said, "Take care!"


    "Take care!" Jiang Tai said solemnly.


    Then...


    Jiang Tai, Yu Huaxian, Yan Mingli, Lin Bingxin, and Xue Bufan all boarded the Liyang Jade Sculpture, the people Xiao Yi was taking to the Xiaoshanhe Institute as instructors.


    Chirp, chirp!


    The Liyang Jade Sculpture spread its wings and soared into the sky.


    Watching the Liyang Jade Sculpture disappear from sight, Jiang Tai took a deep breath and muttered to himself, "I will make Tianqing Kingdom stronger and become the strongest support for you!"

 Chapter 212 - 212: The Imperial Capital

    The fierce sun jade sculpture travels ten thousand li in a day.


    Such speed cannot be said to be slow.


    But the Great Qian Dynasty was really too vast; even at the pace of the fierce sun jade sculpture, it took a full seven days and nights to reach the destination.


    Sitting on the back of the fierce sun jade sculpture.


    Passing through the thick clouds, the fierce sun jade sculpture was rapidly descending, and the scene below also appeared before everyone. Yang Ling said with a smile, "The imperial capital is up ahead!"


    Everyone looked in that direction.


    They could see on the horizon...


    A massive city that occupied nearly half of the horizon, akin to a black dragon lying across the land, stretching for hundreds of miles. Yang Ling''s voice resonated in everyone''s ears, "Our Great Qian Dynasty''s imperial capital is eight hundred sixty-nine kilometers long, seven hundred eighty-five kilometers wide, with a permanent population exceeding one billion..."


    Hisss!


    Everyone couldn''t help but gasp in amazement. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As they drew closer to the imperial capital, dark shadows flew out from within the royal city.


    At least ten dark shadows grew closer.


    "No need to worry, those are the Imperial Guards of the imperial capital!" Yang Ling said.


    Moments later.


    The dozen or so dark shadows appeared before them, indeed ten Golden Core Realm experts, with the leading person being a First Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm. He obviously recognized Yang Ling and saluted, "Subordinate Ye Chao, greets Your Highness!"


    "General Ye, you have worked hard!"


    Yang Ling smiled and, pointing at Xiao Yi and the others, said, "They are Father Emperor''s honored guests; please allow them to pass, General Ye!"


    Ye Chao glanced at Xiao Yi and the others and nodded, "Please, follow me!"


    Ye Chao led the way with ten men, and the fierce sun jade sculpture closely followed behind.


    The fierce sun jade sculpture was a flying beast exclusively used by the royal family of the Great Qian Dynasty and was also the only one allowed to fly over the royal city. Nearing the city gate, Ye Chao said, "Your Highness, everyone, I still need to patrol, so I shall leave you here!"


    "Thank you, General Ye!"


    Everyone saluted him.


    Whoosh!


    The fierce sun jade sculpture flew swiftly past, entering the imperial capital and landing at the post house.


    Crackle and pop!


    As soon as Xiao Yi dismounted from the fierce sun jade sculpture, he couldn''t help but stretch his limbs, producing a series of crisp sounds.


    After continuous travel for seven days and nights, he was truly a bit tired.


    Yang Ling twisted his neck, said helplessly, "The fierce sun jade sculpture is very fast, but sitting on it is indeed uncomfortable. If there''s a chance in the future, I''ll get a suspended carriage ¨C that would be comfortable!"


    Xiao Yi looked at him, "Being a prince, don''t you have a suspended carriage?"


    In their days together, they had become much more casual with each other.


    Yang Ling rolled his eyes, "A suspended carriage is worth ten billion silver, and although I am a prince, my fortune isn''t as great as yours!"


    While it''s true that a prince is indeed noble, he still had his father above him!


    After handing over the fierce sun jade sculpture to the post house, Yang Ling led Xiao Yi and the rest towards the outside, "You all rest here today, I will go to report to Father Emperor. Probably by tomorrow, Father Emperor will summon you, and then I will take you to the Xiaoshanhe Institute!"


    This post house was intended for entertaining state guests.


    The decoration was indeed luxurious.


    After assigning an individual room to each person, Yang Ling then left the post house.


    Everyone gathered in Xiao Yi''s room.


    Yu Huaxian, Xue Bufan, Yan Mingli, and Lin Bingxin sat before him as Xiao Yi spoke solemnly, "Having you all accompany me to the Xiaoshanhe Institute this time is an uncertain journey, I''m afraid it''s going to be tough on you!"


    "What are you saying, Xiao!"


    Yan Mingli hurriedly waved his hand; with Xiao Yi''s help, he had also stepped into the Golden Core Realm, becoming even younger, "It''s an honor for Mingli to follow Xiao!"


    Xue Bufan stroked his walking stick and said with a chuckle, "As long as Xiao can give me more guidance in the art of alchemy, even serving you in your chamber is no problem at all!"


    "..."


    Xiao Yi rolled his eyes.


    Yu Huaxian said, "Xiao, what do you plan for us to do? I can train troops, but if I''m to be a mentor in the Shanhe Court, I have no experience at all!"


    Xiao Yi replied, "Lack of experience can be gradually accumulated. For now, I only have some rough ideas; we''ll have to see the state of the Xiaoshanhe Institute before I can be certain!" He looked at Yan Mingli and took out the Storage Ring that Jiang Tai had given him, containing fifty billion silver, "Elder Yan, keep this silver with you, you''ll manage it!"


    Yan Mingli''s face was flushed with excitement as he took the storage ring with trembling hands, "Mingli will definitely not disappoint Xiao!"


    That was five billion silver taels!


    If he weren''t considered one of their own, how could they entrust him with such a responsibility?


    Xiao Yi smiled, "Don''t be nervous, everyone. It''s also my first time serving as the dean, so let''s grope our way forward together!" He paused, then said, "Emperor Qian won''t summon us until tomorrow, so after dinner, you can all take a stroll through the capital city!"


    Yu Huaxian was about to speak when Xue Bufan tugged at his sleeve.


    Glancing at Yan Mingli and squeezing his eyes, Xue Bufan cleared his throat lightly, "Xiao, we''ll skip dinner, the three of us have some matters to discuss. How about this, you take Bing Xin for a stroll, it''s rare for her to come to the capital city anyway..."


    Realization dawned on Yan Mingli, and he also said, "Bing Xin, you should go with Xiao then!"


    The two of them quickly took Yu Huaxian, who was still in a daze, and hurried away.


    "Teacher, Master¡­"


    Lin Bingxin''s cheeks were bright red; she couldn''t even dare to lift her head to look at Xiao Yi along the way. She hadn''t anticipated that Xue Bufan and the others would just leave her with Xiao Yi. Her head hung low, fingers pinching the corner of her clothes nervously, and she said timidly, "Xiao Yi, if you don''t want to go, that''s okay too!"


    Xiao Yi smiled helplessly.


    How could he not know Lin Bingxin''s feelings?


    It was just that he had Fang Qingzhu in his heart and truly had no desire to start another romance.


    But seeing Lin Bingxin''s hesitant look, he sighed lightly, "After dinner, we can take a walk together!"


    "Huh?"


    Lin Bingxin was stunned, then nodded joyfully, "Then I''ll go back and change my clothes, and my hair is a mess too¡­"


    Xiao Yi: "..."


    He feared it would be a long wait indeed!


    True enough...


    By the time Lin Bingxin emerged dolled up and ready, the sky had darkened.


    Lin Bingxin was somewhat embarrassed, "I''m sorry¡­"


    Xiao Yi waved it off, "It''s fine, let''s just go get some late-night snacks instead. There''s a food street in the east of the city that''s very lively at night!"


    "Okay! I''ll listen to you!" Lin Bingxin said, beaming sweetly.


    She was deliberately dressed in a fiery red long dress, with a white embroidered sash tied around her waist, accentuating her slender figure, irresistibly captivating.


    After washing up, her hair emitted a faint fragrance, as intoxicating as orchids, stirring hearts and inciting desires, the handsome man and beautiful woman looking like a match made in heaven!


    The two made their way to the food street in the east of the city.


    Nearly a decade had passed.


    The food street hadn''t changed much, it was still as bustling as it had been in his memories.


    Xiao Yi had always loved this place when his mother used to bring him here as a child.


    "Fresh out of the oven, golden donkey meat here!"


    "Dragon blood tofu made from this morning''s fresh dragon blood, come and try it..."


    "Freshly sliced Eight Treasure Dragon Fish, delicious and beautifying..."


    "Roasted Tianqing wild ox meat skewers..."


    Amongst the cries of the vendors, the entire street was filled with tantalizing aromas.


    With a plethora of delicacies on display, it was a feast for the eyes sure to whet anyone''s appetite.


    Lin Bingxin was looking around with excitement, glancing left and right, holding two skewers in one hand and a bag in the other, her happiness plain to see.


    Xiao Yi followed closely behind her with a smile on his lips.


    As they walked...


    Suddenly, a figure burst out from the crowd and with a ''plop'', landed in Xiao Yi''s arms. Frowning, Xiao Yi asked, "Are you alright?"


    "I''m, I''m fine¡­"


    The girl was dressed in a white gown, about to say something, when suddenly several voices cursed from behind her, "Damn it, where do you think you''re running to!"


    "You little wench, why don''t you hand it over?"


    Four menacing-looking men emerged from the crowd, eying the girl in the white dress with malicious intent.


    The girl''s eyes darted about, then suddenly she pointed at Xiao Yi and shouted, "Brother, give them what they want, I''ll be going first¡­"

 Chapter 213 - 213: Call as Many People as You Want

    "Return their stuff to them; I''m leaving first!"


    As soon as the girl in the white dress finished speaking, she ran into the crowd.


    Xiao Yi''s brows furrowed, "Come back here..." Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    However...


    The girl in the white dress slipped away like an eel, vanishing into the crowd without a trace.


    The group of fierce-looking men surrounded Xiao Yi in an instant, with the leader tilting his head and a menacing look on his face, "Kid, aren''t you going to return the stuff to me?"


    "If I say I don''t know her, would you believe me?" Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow and asked.


    The man was taken aback, then sneered, "Do you think I''m an idiot? If you don''t know her, why did she throw herself into your arms?"


    Xiao Yi sighed, feeling quite aggrieved as he could only say, "I don''t have what you''re looking for on me. If you want to get your stuff back, you''d better chase after her now. Otherwise, once she gets away, you''ll really end up with nothing!"


    "You say it''s not on you; why should we believe you?" the man with the tilted head said.


    Xiao Yi pointed to his clothes, "Look at my clothes. Do they look like they can hide anything?"


    "Boss, that wench stole five hundred silvers from us; indeed, these clothes can''t hide that much!"


    "It seems he really isn''t in cahoots with that girl!"


    "However..."


    The man with the tilted head licked his crimson tongue over his lips, his eyes filled with greed as they swept over the storage ring on Xiao Yi''s finger, "Kid, you must have hidden our stuff in that storage ring. Hand over the storage ring for me to search; if it really doesn''t contain my stuff, then I''ll let you go!"


    Xiao Yi frowned and said humorously, "Hand over the storage ring? Are you still dreaming?"


    A storage ring cannot be given to just anyone.


    Moreover...


    The storage ring on his own finger was priceless; did he need to steal a mere five hundred silvers from you?


    The surrounding crowd also began to say, "Just by looking at this young hero, one can tell he''s not a thief!"


    "Whoever can afford a storage ring wouldn''t need to steal!"


    "You''re really wronging him..."


    The man with the tilted head glared venomously at the crowd and said spitefully, "Who asked you to talk? Keep chirping, and I''ll kill you!" He looked up at Xiao Yi, "Kid, hand over the storage ring honestly, or don''t blame us for being ruthless!"


    Facing the man''s aggressive stance, Xiao Yi completely lost his patience and sighed, "I''ve already told you it''s not with me, why won''t you believe me?"


    "You..."


    One of the men pointed at Xiao Yi and had just begun to speak when Xiao Yi broke his finger.


    The right index finger folded ninety degrees towards the back of the hand, and with a push to the elbow, Xiao Yi shoved the whole hand into the man''s mouth.


    Immediately turning around with a kick, he sent two others flying simultaneously.


    In an instant.


    Only the man with the tilted head remained in front of him. Seeing Xiao Yi turn his gaze toward himself, the man dropped to his knees with a thud, pitifully saying, "Big brother, great hero, I was wrong, I won''t dare again..."


    "Scram!"


    Xiao Yi said coldly.


    The men scrambled to their feet and ran into the crowd. After some distance, the man with the tilted head turned back, his face twisted with malice as he looked at Xiao Yi, "Kid, you''ve got yourself into trouble. Daring to meddle with the Black Hawk Gang''s business, you''re dead for sure, and no one can... ow..."


    He hadn''t finished his sentence when he was hit squarely on the head by a large pot thrown by Xiao Yi.


    With blood streaming from his head, he no longer dared to linger and fled in a sorry state.


    Xiao Yi took out a hundred silvers and placed them on a nearby stall, "Shopkeeper, I borrowed your pot; this is to compensate you!"


    "This, this..."


    The shopkeeper, panic-stricken and hesitant, said, "Esteemed guest, you should leave quickly; the Black Hawk Gang is not to be trifled with!"


    "No matter!"


    Xiao Yi waved his hand, but he didn''t see Lin Bingxin. Just as he was wondering, he heard a shout from the crowd, "A very beautiful girl is in trouble at the Clean Clothes Tower, everyone, go have a look!"


    Xiao Yi was momentarily startled before instinctively sensing that the beautiful girl was very likely to be Lin Bingxin, and so he followed over.


    Just as he arrived outside the Clean Clothes Tower.


    Sure enough, he could hear the somewhat aggrieved voice of Lin Bingxin, "I haven''t even touched this piece of clothing, how could it be that I''ve damaged it? Furthermore, an item like this is worth at most a hundred Silvers, yet you demand one hundred thousand from me. You are clearly extorting me!"


    "Where did this bumpkin come from? You dare to come to our Clean Clothes Tower without money?"


    "You have two choices, either pay up for the clothes or I''ll have you sent to a brothel to pay off the debt..."


    A few passersby beside Xiao Yi whispered among themselves, "This girl really has bad luck, who doesn''t know that Clean Clothes Tower specifically targets foreigners?"


    "Now there''ll be a good show to watch!"


    The crowd started to press forward, craning their necks to get a better look inside.


    Suddenly...


    Bang!


    Bang!


    Bang!


    A burst of intense fighting noise came from inside, along with shrill, furious shouting, "This little wench is pretty feisty, come on people, tie her up for me."


    Boom! Boom!


    The aura of two Golden Core Realm experts emanated from within the Clean Clothes Tower. Xiao Yi''s expression changed subtly, and he squeezed his way through the crowd, moving forward.


    Inside the Clean Clothes Tower.


    Lin Bingxin was tied up tightly, with two Golden Core Realm experts standing in front of her. A middle-aged woman with heavy makeup and bright lipstick, hands on her hips, looked at Lin Bingxin with triumph, "You little wench, you''re unlucky to be caught by this old lady. So smooth and tender, with a good figure and a pretty face, you''ll go for at least a million Silvers."


    "You..."


    Lin Bingxin bit her lips stubbornly.


    She was full of regret.


    She had thought of sneaking out to buy a piece of clothing for Xiao Yi while he wasn''t paying attention, but had not expected to run into this situation.


    The middle-aged woman ordered, "Take her away for me!"


    Just then.


    Xiao Yi''s voice suddenly came from outside the door, "I''d like to see who dares!"


    "Xiao Yi..." Lin Bingxin''s face lit up with joy.


    The middle-aged woman frowned at Xiao Yi, sizing him up from top to bottom, then scoffed, "Looks like there''s an accomplice, eh? What, are you here to pay the money?"


    "Pay? How much?" Xiao Yi asked with narrowed eyes.


    The middle-aged woman''s eyes spun, and she stood up with fingers pulled out of the hat: "Five million Silvers, and you can take her away. Otherwise, this old lady will have her sold off to a brothel to pay off the debt!"


    "Five million Silvers? That''s too little!"


    Xiao Yi shook his head, walking up to Lin Bingxin''s side, "Given her appearance, this figure, not even a hundred million Silvers would be enough!"


    "A hundred million?"


    The middle-aged woman''s eyes gleamed as she rubbed her hands together, "Oh? Are you willing to spend a hundred million to buy her?"


    Xiao Yi shook his head, raising three fingers.


    The middle-aged woman paused, saying instinctively, "Three hundred million?"


    Xiao Yi shook his head, "No, three punches!"


    As soon as his voice fell.


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    Three fist shadows heavily struck the three individuals, sending the two Golden Core Realm experts and the middle-aged woman flying out. The Golden Core Realm experts were knocked out cold, while the middle-aged woman rebounded off the wall and landed on the ground, howling in agony. With a mouth full of blood and a face contorted in rage, she looked at Xiao Yi, "You, you dare cause trouble in my Clean Clothes Tower, you''re done for. Stay if you dare...I''ll be waiting."


    Xiao Yi, while untying Lin Bingxin, looked at her coldly, "Call as many people as you want, I''ll be waiting!"

 Chapter 214 - 214 Dont Drag Me into Your Mess!

    Lin Bingxin''s face was full of self-reproach, "Xiao Yi, it''s all my fault..."


    Xiao Yi smiled and consoled, "It''s just a trivial matter. By the way, how did you end up here?"


    Lin Bingxin''s pretty face blushed, and she whispered, "I, I saw that the clothes here were pretty, and wanted to secretly buy one for you. Little did I know that before I even touched the dress, she accused me of damaging it and demanded a compensation of a hundred thousand taels of silver..."


    "Buying clothes for me?"


    Xiao Yi was startled and had not expected Lin Bingxin to come to the clothing store to buy clothes for him.


    Looking at the fresh red palm print on her face, Xiao Yi let out a light sigh, "Silly girl, does it hurt?"


    Lin Bingxin shook her head like a rattle-drum.


    Just then...


    The middle-aged woman sneered, "Hahaha, you dog couple, now there''s no chance for you to run away!"


    Whoosh!


    A gang of fierce and evil-looking men swarmed in from outside the door.


    There were at least twenty of them.


    Each one was holding a longsword or a dagger, their ferocious gaze fixated on Xiao Yi and Lin Bingxin: "Daring to stir up trouble in the territory of the Black Hawk Gang, are you tired of living, kid?"


    Among the twenty-odd Black Hawk Gang members...


    There was that man with the cocked head, his face red from the scald of a hot pot, maliciously pointing at Xiao Yi and shouting to the man with one eye beside him, "One-Eyed Brother, it''s this brat that beat us!"


    The cultivation of One-eyed Dragon was at the Seventh Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm.


    He was a steward of the Black Dragon Gang.


    Tasked with collecting protection money on Food Street, he had a fierce reputation, and people on Food Street would normally stay far away from him. His one eye glanced over Xiao Yi, then landed on Lin Bingxin, as he gulped down saliva, his one eye blazing with desire, "What a beautiful girl... Brothers, beat that brat to death for me, and bring that little beauty back for my enjoyment!"


    "Yes!" Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Big Brother, after you''re tired of her, let your brothers have a taste too!"


    The One-eyed Dragon laughed heartily, "No problem, when the time comes, I will let you taste the flavor of this beauty!"


    As the twenty or so Black Hawk Gang members crowded around, Xiao Yi sighed, "Isn''t it good to live peacefully? Why look for death!"


    His figure flickered suddenly.


    He left a trail of afterimages in place as he weaved through the crowd of twenty people.


    When Xiao Yi returned to Lin Bingxin''s side...


    Only then did the twenty men let out a synchronized scream, clutching their bellies as they fell to the ground, curled up and shivering.


    Their dantians had all been destroyed by Xiao Yi, with no possibility of repair.


    Gurgle!


    The One-eyed Dragon, scared witless, dropped his longsword to the ground, his face filled with terror: "You, you''ve got trouble now, kid. The Black Hawk Gang is not something you can mess with..."


    "Still planning to call for backup?"


    Xiao Yi''s face turned cold as he said indifferently, "Go ahead, call them. Today, I shall act as an agent of heaven and exterminate your damned Black Hawk Gang."


    "Good lad, you''ve got guts. You just wait..." the One-eyed Dragon was about to leave.


    Xiao Yi flicked his fingers.


    Puff!


    A burst of vital energy pierced through his abdomen, completely shattering his dantian as he said coldly, "Crawl out of here!"


    The One-eyed Dragon, a formidable practitioner at the Seventh Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, had his cultivation ruined in the blink of an eye.


    He was so terrified that he fled, tumbling and scrambling.


    The middle-aged woman was even more frightened, kneeling on the ground and sobbing: "Please spare my life, young hero, please..."


    "You should be grateful I don''t like hitting women!" Xiao Yi said coldly.


    "Phew..."


    The middle-aged woman had just breathed a sigh of relief, only to be smacked away with a crisp slap, crashing into the wall with a thud. Lin Bingxin''s angry voice followed, "Xiao Yi does not hit women, but that doesn''t mean I don''t! How dare you try to extort me? And you even thought about selling me to a brothel? I''ll slap you to death..."


    Slap! Slap! Slap!


    Lin Bingxin''s palm, like a shadow, struck the middle-aged woman''s face over and over, eventually knocking her unconscious.


    Her face was swollen like a pig''s head.


    Looking at the unresponsive middle-aged woman, Lin Bingxin then shook off her hand, "This woman''s face is so thick, it made my hand hurt from slapping..."


    Xiao Yi glanced at the middle-aged woman who was nearly unrecognizable and then at Lin Bingxin''s slightly reddened palm, the corner of his eyes twitching, "A woman in rage is indeed terrifying..."


    Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh!


    Suddenly, a burst of hurried footsteps came from outside, and the onlookers at the door had already dispersed on their own.


    A crowd of more than a hundred people surged into the Clean Clothes Tower.


    Looking at the twenty or so people lying on the ground wailing, their Dantians destroyed, three powerful individuals walked out from the crowd.


    From left to right, a trio of varying heights and builds.


    These three were the leaders of the Black Hawk Gang¡ªBlack Falcon, Black Dog, and Black Tiger. Both Black Dog and Black Tiger were at the Golden Elixir Peak, while Black Falcon was at the First Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm. Having the capability to establish the Black Hawk Gang in the imperial capital and collect protection money, they did indeed have some strength.


    Cyclops, following at Black Shadow''s side with a pale face, pointed at Xiao Yi, "Boss, it''s this little bastard who injured me and the brothers..."


    "Kid, give me your name!"


    Black Tiger, with a machete slung over his shoulder, sneered, "I, Black Tiger, don''t kill the nameless!"


    Black Dog licked his lips, "Kill the men, chop them up to feed the dogs. Take the women back for the brothers to enjoy!"


    No sooner had he finished speaking.


    Both men made their move.


    Cries of shock came from the crowd, "All three leaders of the Black Hawk Gang are here? That man and woman are definitely dead!"


    "How pitiful, they offended the Black Hawk Gang and didn''t even run!"


    "That man probably wanted to show off, not expecting to hit rock bottom..."


    Just when everyone was waiting to see Xiao Yi chopped to death by the chaotic blades, Black Dog and Black Tiger suddenly halted in their tracks, as Xiao Yi stepped on their heads, one foot each, smashing them brutally into the ground. Their heads burst open, brains splattering, as Xiao Yi spun with a kick, hitting the arms Black Falcon used to block in front of his chest.


    Crack!


    Bones shattered, and Black Falcon screamed as he fell to the ground.


    Hiss!


    The onlookers, who had just been posturing and making bold declarations, fell silent.


    The crowd watched in disbelief at the scene before them.


    Two at the Golden Elixir Peak and one at the First Layer of the Calamity Realm, all brought down to two dead and one injured in just an instant?


    The members of the Black Hawk Gang looked at each other, at a loss.


    Splat!


    Black Falcon spat out a mouthful of blood, looking at Xiao Yi with horror.


    "What''s going on?"


    "How dare you cause trouble in the imperial capital, do you not want to live?"


    A voice of authority sounded from the outside.


    A squad of city guards in battle armor walked in, looking at the wailing members of the Black Hawk Gang on the floor, and the corpses of Black Dog and Black Tiger. The city guards raised their weapons in unison, eyeing Xiao Yi fiercely.


    "Hahaha, you little bastard, you''re done for!"


    Upon seeing the city guards, Black Falcon appeared as though he had found a life-saving straw, limping over, he shouted, "General, I am Black Falcon of the Black Hawk Gang. I''ve met you before, brought by Li. General, this little bastard killed my two brothers and hurt so many people, you must bring him to justice!"


    Having established the Black Hawk Gang in the imperial capital to collect protection money, Black Falcon naturally had powerful backing.


    The general of the city guard before him was good friends with his backer.


    Black Falcon looked smugly at Xiao Yi, "You little bastard, you''re done for!"


    The city guard general said coldly, "Take him down!"


    Black Falcon laughed heartily, "Kid, you think you''re strong? Go ahead and resist, attacking city guards is a capital offense... hey, hey, hey, what are you doing? Not me, him, get him..."


    Black Falcon looked dumbfounded as he was bound by the city guards, and he shouted hysterically, "General Ye, you got the wrong one... I''m with Li, you''re supposed to get him..."


    "I''m seizing your ass, you''re trying to get me killed too?"


    This General Ye was none other than Ye Chao.


    Upon entering, he recognized Xiao Yi at once; Yang Ling had said that Xiao Yi was a guest of Emperor Qian. He looked coldly at Black Falcon, "I had long heard that your Black Hawk Gang was acting atrociously, lawlessly. Seeing it today, it is indeed true. To dare to strike against His Majesty''s guest is simply courting death. Guards, seize everyone from the Black Hawk Gang!"


    Black Falcon stood dumbfounded.


    A guest of Emperor Qian?


    Ye Chao approached Xiao Yi, and with a cupped fist salutation, said, "My sincerest apologies for startling you, sir!"


    "It''s alright," Xiao Yi waved his hand, saying, "But it would be best to purge such a malignant tumor."


    Ye Chao replied earnestly, "Rest assured, I will immediately eradicate this tumor..."


    Hearing this, Black Falcon''s face was the picture of despair as he slumped down like mud, "It''s over, it''s completely over for me..."

 Chapter 215 - 215: If You Cant Win an Argument, Start a Fight!

    Inside the post station.


    Xiao Yi looked at the faint handprint on Lin Bingxin''s face and said with a bitter smile, "Remember to apply medicine when you get back, otherwise, it won''t look good if it swells tomorrow!"


    "Mhm, mhm, mhm!"


    Lin Bingxin obediently nodded, her eyes slightly squinted, looking like two crescent moons.


    Xiao Yi said, "Get some rest early!"


    "Xiao Yi... brother..."


    Lin Bingxin mustered up her courage and called out.


    Xiao Yi was startled and turned back, only to have two fair hands cup his face directly, followed by a pair of red lips pressing onto his.


    Buzz!


    Xiao Yi''s mind went blank.


    Fuck!


    What''s happening?


    By the time he came back to his senses, Lin Bingxin''s figure was nowhere to be seen.


    Only the faint warmth and fragrance on his lips reminded him that what had just happened was not an illusion. Xiao Yi touched his lips, his face filled with distress, "What does this mean..."


    He turned back.


    At the end of the corridor, three heads were staring at him with an ambiguous expression. When Xiao Yi looked towards them, the three heads swiftly retracted.


    Xiao Yi: "..."


    Meanwhile.


    Leaning against the room door, Lin Bingxin''s heart thumped wildly, and she breathed rapidly with deep gasps, her face flushed red, "I scared myself to death... Lin Bingxin, you must be out of your mind..." she muttered to herself for a while, then clenched her fists, psyching herself up, "Xiao Yi, I know your heart is with Qingzhu... Let me take care of you before Qingzhu returns..."


    This night.


    Was destined to be sleepless.


    ...


    Early the next morning.


    Upon stepping out from his room, Xiao Yi saw Yang Ling already waiting at the door.


    Yu Huaxian was telling him something, but upon seeing Xiao Yi, Yu Huaxian quickly dashed away.


    Yang Ling looked at Xiao Yi with a strange expression, making him feel uncomfortable all over. Xiao Yi frowned, "What did that beast tell you?"


    "Beast?" Yang Ling was taken aback.


    Xiao Yi said, "Yu Huaxian..."


    "Ah¡­ the beast¡­"


    Realization dawned on Yang Ling, and he laughed out loud, shaking his head, "He didn''t say anything."


    Xiao Yi stared at him with suspicion, "Then why are you looking at me so strangely?"


    Yang Ling gave a wry smile and said, "The matter with the Black Hawk Gang is now well-known; they say you, in a rage for a beauty, slaughtered the Black Hawk Gang."


    Xiao Yi: "I was eliminating a menace to the people. Speaking of which, the fact that such a cancer exists in the capital of the Great Qian Dynasty, have you never thought of getting rid of them?"


    "Where there''s light, there''s shadow. Just like where water is clean, there are no fish. The world has both darkness and light coexisting, and one cannot exist completely without the other¡­"


    Yang Ling sighed, continuing, "Behind the Black Hawk Gang is the son of the Minister of Rites, Li Shengtian, named Li Chen. This man is extremely domineering, and Li Shengtian is very indulgent towards his son. After the morning court ended today, Li Shengtian didn''t leave the palace but instead went to see our father, the Emperor. I''m afraid he might make things difficult for you, so be extra careful!"


    Xiao Yi nodded, "I''ll try my best to resist killing him!"


    Yang Ling''s eye twitched: "..."


    Emperor Qian summoned only Xiao Yi, so just the two of them headed towards the palace.


    By now, the morning court had passed.


    Emperor Qian was to receive Xiao Yi in his imperial study. Under the guidance of Yang Ling, they made their way there.


    At the doorway, an old eunuch holding a white horsetail whisk, with all white hair and beard, was waiting, and said respectfully, "Your Highness, His Majesty has decreed that you may both enter directly upon arrival!"


    "Thank you for your trouble, eunuch!"


    Yang Ling smiled and nodded, leading Xiao Yi as they pushed open the door and entered.


    Inside the imperial study.


    Besides the Emperor Qian, who was sitting on the throne dressed in regular imperial robes and holding a scroll of ancient text, there were three more figures in official attire.


    Yang Ling whispered, "Those three are the Imperial Censor Geng Li, the Minister of Punishments Tian Xiao, and the Minister of Rites Li Shengtian."


    Xiao Yi slightly nodded. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He noticed Geng Li and Tian Xiao had their eyes slightly closed, paying no attention to him, while Li Shengtian had a hint of hostility in his eyes as he looked at him.


    Yang Ling said reverently, "This son pays his respects to Father Emperor!"


    "Dispense with the formalities!"


    Emperor Qian smiled and looked at Xiao Yi with interest.


    "How audacious, why don''t you kneel upon seeing His Majesty?" Li Shengtian scolded with a cold face.


    Yang Ling tugged at the hem of Xiao Yi''s robe.


    Xiao Yi turned his head to look at Emperor Qian and said with cupped hands, "Xiao Yi pays his respects to His Majesty, the Emperor of Great Qian!"


    Emperor Qian smiled without uttering a word.


    Li Shengtian, however, exploded in anger, "Audacious Xiao Yi, where do you get the courage to not prostrate before the Emperor? Are you disrespecting His Majesty and not taking the Emperor seriously?"


    "Of course, I have not taken His Majesty seriously in my eyes!"


    Xiao Yi said indifferently.


    "How audacious!"


    "You''re courting death!"


    Li Shengtian and Tian Xiao scolded simultaneously.


    Xiao Yi sneered, "His Majesty deserves to be respected from the heart and not to be falsely worshipped with lip service or kept in the eyes. Could it be that you two lords wish for me to hold His Majesty in my eyes?"


    "Uh..."


    Li Shengtian and Tian Xiao were momentarily at a loss for words.


    You''ve said that holding him in the heart is to respect, while keeping in the eyes is hypocrisy.


    What could we possibly say to that?


    "Well, these are but empty courtesies, there''s no need to quibble over them!"


    Emperor Qian broke the deadlock with a chuckle, his gaze calm as he looked at Xiao Yi, "Xiao Yi, I have entrusted you with the management of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, you must not disappoint me!"


    Xiao Yi had not yet spoken.


    Li Shengtian immediately stepped forward to say, "Your Majesty, this must not be done! The Xiaoshanhe Institute is an important part of the dynasty; it cannot be entrusted to a green youth just wet behind the ears. Please reconsider, Your Majesty!"


    Tian Xiao also stepped forward, "Your Majesty, please retract this command!"


    Emperor Qian, expressionless, his demeanor neither joyous nor sorrowful, looked at the only person who had not yet spoken, Geng Li, "Mr. Geng, what do you think?"


    Geng Li, drowsy and seemingly awakened by Emperor Qian''s words, made a hasty bow and said, "Everything is for Your Majesty to decide!"


    Emperor Qian put down the ancient book he was holding and rubbed his brow, "I have already promised to entrust Xiaoshanhe Institute to Xiao Yi. Do you intend to make me break my word?"


    "Your Majesty, the Xiaoshanhe Institute is vital to our nation''s foundations, and should be managed by a person of high virtue and esteem within the court. I suggest Mr. Li take the position of the head of the institute. As for Xiao Yi... he is still young, and he could serve as a mentor, learning from Mr. Li on how to manage the Xiaoshanhe Institute. Once he is mature enough, then it can be handed over to him to manage," said Tian Xiao, evidently well-prepared with his argument.


    Li Shengtian spoke righteously, "Your Majesty, I am willing to devote myself to this task, to toil away without rest until death!"


    Emperor Qian sighed, "Your loyalty and dedication are a comfort to me. However..." he looked towards Xiao Yi, "Xiao Yi, as this pertains to you, what is your opinion on what the two lords have proposed?"


    Xiao Yi looked at Emperor Qian, "May I speak truthfully?"


    "It is the truth that I wish to hear!" said Emperor Qian.


    Xiao Yi let out an "Oh," and with an indifferent gaze that swept over Li Shengtian and the others, he said coldly, "I have read few books and my belly does not have all those twists and turns that these lords have. I definitely can''t out talk them. When His Majesty asks me to tell the truth, then I can only tell the truth... I can''t beat them in argument, and when I face this kind of situation, if I can''t win with words, then I start to fight!"


    Crackling sounds!


    Between Xiao Yi''s fists, Wind Thunder roared, and a chilling aura filled the entire Imperial Study.


    Hiss!


    Li Shengtian and Tian Xiao looked at each other with astonishment on their faces.


    Both had heard of Xiao Yi''s terrifying battle achievements, nearly the power to destroy a nation single-handedly!


    They were both civil officials, not deeply versed in martial arts.


    How could they possibly be Xiao Yi''s match?


    And looking at Emperor Qian...


    He showed no intention of intervening.


    If a real fight broke out, they wouldn''t die but would certainly be stripped of a layer of skin!


    Under the pressure of absolute martial force, Tian Xiao''s complexion shifted rapidly, and he quickly said, "Your Majesty, I have suddenly realized that the Xiaoshanhe Institute is, after all, a place for cultivating martial arts; it would be more suitable for Dean Xiao to take charge!"


    Li Shengtian: "..."


    Emperor Qian looked at Li Shengtian with a strange expression, "Mr. Li, what do you think?"


    On Xiao Yi''s palms, the sound of crackling continued.


    Li Shengtian''s eyelid twitched and through gritted teeth, he said, "Dean Xiao would indeed be more appropriate..."

 Chapter 216 - 216 Xiaoshanhe Institute

    Li Shengtian and Tian Xiao''s faces were black as coal.


    Yang Ling only felt a cold sweat on his forehead and wished he could go up and cover Xiao Yi''s mouth himself.


    If you can''t win an argument, just start a fight!


    This was the Imperial Library, and sitting before them was the mightiest existence of the entire Great Qian Dynasty, those three ministers were even more powerful in the dynasty.


    Xiao Yi was about to start a fight at the drop of a hat.


    However, considering Xiao Yi''s past military exploits, his threat was not without foundation.


    If Li Shengtian and Tian Xiao continued to be oblivious to what was good for them, he might indeed start a fight right in front of Emperor Qian!


    "Cough cough!"


    Emperor Qian coughed lightly and glared at Xiao Yi, pretending to be displeased, "This is my Imperial Library, what kind of decorum is this?"


    Seizing the opportunity, Xiao Yi retracted his Wind Thunder power and cupped his hands towards Emperor Qian, "Your Majesty, please forgive me!"


    "Enough, considering this is your first offense, I will spare you this time, but do not let there be a next time!"


    Emperor Qian said indifferently, "Since the courtiers have no objections, then the position of head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute is yours, Xiao Yi. Xiao Yi, you must not let me down, you must manage the Xiaoshanhe Institute well, do you understand?"


    Xiao Yi nodded earnestly and said, "Rest assured, Your Majesty!"


    Emperor Qian waved his hand, "Everyone, withdraw!"


    All the officials left in succession.


    Outside the door.


    Li Shengtian''s face was dark, and he looked at Xiao Yi with a mockingly sinister expression, "Director Xiao, managing the Xiaoshanhe Institute is not so easy, Li wishes you good luck!"


    Xiao Yi glanced at him and said, "Keep squawking and see if I don''t smack you, believe it or not?"


    Li Shengtian''s face twitched, his anger rising, turning his eyes bloodshot red, "You''re too insolent to conspire with!"


    With a fierce flick of his sleeve, Li Shengtian strode away.


    Tian Xiao quickly followed after him, "Mr. Li, wait for me..."


    Yang Ling watched Xiao Yi with a mix of tears and laughter, "Xiao Yi, didn''t you promise to keep yourself in check?" sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I am keeping in check. Otherwise, you''d be arranging his funeral right about now!"


    Xiao Yi looked at Yang Ling seriously, with a corner of his eye glancing in the direction of the Imperial Library and a slight smile on his lips, "Besides, don''t you think that what I''m doing aligns more with Emperor Qian''s expectations?"


    "Hm?"


    Yang Ling paused, pondering.


    Meanwhile.


    Inside the Imperial Library, Emperor Qian picked up ancient texts and put them down several times, unable to help but burst into laughter, "Interesting, very interesting, Xiao Yi... Xiao Zhengde, are you blind or mad? To cast aside such a prodigy, hahaha..."


    The old eunuch standing by rarely saw Emperor Qian so amused and asked out of curiosity, "Your Majesty, that Xiao Yi was so reckless, daring to threaten a minister in the Imperial Library, yet why are you so pleased with him?"


    "Reckless?"


    Emperor Qian shook his head and laughed, "Old Dog, do you really think that young man is reckless?"


    The old eunuch asked in confusion, "Is he not?"


    "The kid is quite shrewd!"


    Emperor Qian stood up slowly, his eyes shining like a rainbow as if he could see through everything, "He knows that by handing him the Xiaoshanhe Institute, besides balancing the ten major sects and the noble families, I''m also weighing the court... If he were to try to please everyone, to cringe and bow, I would have to be wary and guard against him everywhere. His seemingly reckless behaviour has offended Li Shengtian to death, leaving himself isolated, surrounded by enemies. As a result, I will naturally trust him completely..."


    The old eunuch had a sudden realization, "I did not expect someone of his young age to be so thoughtful!"


    Emperor Qian gazed ahead, "Xiao Yi, Xiao Tianjiao... Things are getting more and more interesting!"


    ......


    Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Located at the eastern side of the imperial capital was Imperial Dragon Peak.


    Legends say...


    The first emperor of the Great Qian Dynasty had once tamed a true dragon here. After Xiaoshanhe Institute pledged allegiance to the royal family, they were granted Imperial Dragon Peak as their sect''s entrance.


    One, to manifest the royal family''s regard for Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Two, to have Xiaoshanhe Institute guard Imperial Dragon Peak, as the royal family''s ancestral and heavenly worship ceremonies were always held here.


    However,


    With the decline of Xiaoshanhe Institute, Imperial Dragon Peak gradually became desolate.


    Aside from the annual ancestral ceremony, it was mostly unvisited.


    Even with the once flourishing institute that had tens of thousands of disciples and countless experts, now there were only over a thousand disciples left, and only about twenty or thirty instructors, a severe decline in talent.


    Indeed, due to the decline of Xiaoshanhe Institute, the royal family had not been able to bring any other sect under their wing.


    Yang Ling, leading Xiao Yi and the others, arrived at Imperial Dragon Peak and, looking down at the building complex that nearly covered the entire peak and was comparable in size to the former palace of Tianqing Kingdom, everyone couldn''t help but lament the past prosperity of the Great Qian Dynasty. Even a fallen Xiaoshanhe Institute had such a magnificent scale.


    As for those high above¡ªthe glorious ten great sects¡ªwhat must their grandeur be like?


    Yang Ling said in a deep voice, "Xiao Yi, for the past ten years, Xiaoshanhe Institute has not appointed a dean, and all of the institute''s matters have been managed by Mr. Chen Shuiwen, the vice dean. He''s not an easy character to deal with; you must be very careful!"


    Although Xiaoshanhe Institute had fallen, the royal family still came here for the ancestral rites every year.


    The funding allocated to Xiaoshanhe Institute was also substantial.


    Moreover, there was the status of an official title.


    Chen Shuiwen, holding the position of vice dean for over a decade, had long viewed himself as the dean. With Xiao Yi suddenly parachuted into the role of his superior, Chen Shuiwen would certainly feel disgruntled.


    Xiao Yi nodded to show his understanding.


    Whoosh!


    The fierce sun eagle sculpture swooped down, landing on the vast square of Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    The large square was devoid of anyone.


    Yang Ling slightly frowned, "Strange, I had already sent someone to inform Chen Shuiwen yesterday. Why is there not a single person here?"


    Xiao Yi smiled and said, "Here they come!"


    "Hmm?"


    Yang Ling was startled, only to see a bald figure approaching from the distance, strolling over leisurely with a beaming smile, "Ah, Your Highness Yang Ling, my apologies for the delay. Something came up, and I only managed to rush over now."


    Yang Ling raised his eyebrows, "Mr. Chen, this is Xiao Yi, the new dean of Xiaoshanhe Institute. And these are the instructors that Dean Xiao has brought along¡ªXue Bufan, Yu Huaxian, Yan Mingli, Lin Bingxin!"


    "Hahaha, Dean Xiao, I''ve long heard of your great reputation, and seeing you today, you are indeed extraordinary!"


    Chen Shuiwen laughed heartily as he nodded to Xiao Yi and the others, clicking his tongue and commenting, "Dean Xiao truly has an imposing presence. I''ve heard that you alone eradicated the Great Jin Kingdom. Such a young age yet with such achievements, you are truly remarkable! Welcome to Xiaoshanhe Institute¡ªtreat this as your home from now on!"


    This was a smiling tiger.


    Xiao Yi was inwardly on alert. Better to face an honest scoundrel than a smiling tiger!


    All smiles to your face, but ready to stab you in the back.


    Despite the warm words Chen Shuiwen had expressed, he essentially positioned himself as the host and treated Xiao Yi and his party as guests.


    Furthermore...


    Yang Ling had already sent a message previously. Logically, Chen Shuiwen should have brought the institute''s instructors and disciples to welcome them, but no one was present.


    This was his way of intimidating Xiao Yi.


    It was as if he was telling Xiao Yi in an intangible manner: This is my turf, Chen Shuiwen''s!


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, and the corners of his mouth turned up slightly: "Interesting. It seems my days at Xiaoshanhe Institute won''t be boring..."

 Chapter 217 - 217 Double-faced and treacherous

    "Mr. Chen, haven''t I already sent someone to notify you that today is the day Xiao takes office? Why hasn''t a single person shown up?"


    It was clear that Yang Ling had also noticed something amiss and spoke with veiled hints.


    His status meant he couldn''t say some things outright.


    Chen Shuiwen exactly seized on this point, rubbed his bald head, and smiled, "Unfortunately, today happens to be the disciples'' time for quiet cultivation. Everything must prioritize their practice. I believe Xiao shares this sentiment, don''t you think so, Xiao?"


    Quiet cultivation?


    The entire Xiaoshanhe Institute, thousands of people cultivating quietly at the same time?


    Are you fucking kidding me?


    Xiao Yi sneered inwardly, but his face showed agreement, "Mr. Chen is right, we should indeed prioritize the disciples'' cultivation."


    Hearing Xiao Yi stress the words "Mr. Chen" with particular emphasis made Chen Shuiwen''s eyelids twitch abruptly.


    His smile also showed a moment of stiffness.


    But he quickly concealed it. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Shuiwen responded with a chuckle, "I''m truly grateful that Xiao can be so understanding!"


    Xiao Yi waved his hand and said, "After all, this is my Xiaoshanhe Institute, and as the headmaster, it''s only natural to look after the teachers and disciples, including Mr. Chen, as my own! What do you think, Mr. Chen?"


    As my own?


    He''s comparing them to his children and grandchildren!


    Chen Shuiwen gritted his steel teeth, which ground together audibly. He had intended to make Xiao Yi uncomfortable, but Xiao Yi, in just a few words, not only turned the situation around but also belittled him by a generation. With a forced smile on his face, Chen Shuiwen swiftly changed the subject, "Prince Yang Ling, Xiao, I''ve already had food and drinks prepared in the back garden to welcome and refresh you!"


    "I shall not go, and you take good care of Xiao and the others. Remember to hand over the work to Xiao as soon as possible!"


    Yang Ling gave Xiao Yi a meaningful look and said, "Xiao, I leave the Xiaoshanhe Institute in your hands. Also, the Emperor asked me to tell you that in three months, it will be this year''s ancestor worship ceremony, and he hopes to see a different Xiaoshanhe Institute then!"


    "Three months, you say? Tell His Majesty he won''t be disappointed!" Xiao Yi smiled and nodded.


    This was more than just an ancestor worship ceremony.


    It was also Emperor Qian''s test for Xiao Yi, to prove his abilities within three months.


    The greater the ability, the more privileges and resources one has.


    To receive greater support from Emperor Qian, one must demonstrate one''s capabilities.


    Yang Ling mounted the back of the fiery sun jade sculpture and began to ascend leisurely, looking at Chen Shuiwen, "Mr. Chen, I hope you will fully support Xiao''s work!"


    "Rest assured, Prince, I will certainly cooperate well!"


    Chen Shuiwen nodded with a smile, watching Yang Ling rise into the sky, as the smile on his face slowly faded to be replaced by a hint of coldness.


    Xiao Yi looked at Chen Shuiwen, "Mr. Chen, didn''t you say there was food and drink prepared? Shall we eat and talk?"


    "Ah? Food and drink? Oh dear, look at my poor memory. I forgot everyone is in quiet cultivation, and there''s no one to cook!" Chen Shuiwen slapped his bald head, looking self-reproachful, "I''m really sorry, Xiao; it''s all my oversight. Please punish me as you see fit!"


    Xiao Yi watched Chen Shuiwen with an amused smile in the corner of his mouth, silently observing his performance.


    When Yang Ling was here, you volunteered to have food and drinks ready in the back garden.


    No sooner had Yang Ling left,


    than you changed your story, saying no food or drinks were prepared?


    Truly a duplicitous character!


    Xiao Yi smiled and said, "No matter, if there''s no food and drink prepared, then I''ll just take care of lunch myself!"


    Chen Shuiwen nodded and said, "For now, your accommodations will be arranged in the east wing''s side rooms. There are many vacant rooms there, but the Xiaoshanhe Institute is short on manpower, so you, Xiao, will have to tidy up by yourself. I still have matters to attend to, so I will be leaving now. If there''s anything you need my help with, Xiao, you can find me in the west wing''s side rooms!"


    "Sure, you go ahead and take care of your business!"


    Xiao Yi watched as Chen Shuiwen left.


    Yu Huaxian frowned and said, "Xiao, that old jerk is really hateful..."


    Xiao Yi smiled and replied, "No worries, we have all the time in the world to play his little games slowly!"


    Meanwhile.


    Inside the west wing''s room, when Chen Shuiwen returned, a table full of lavish dishes and drinks was already waiting.


    Several instructors from the Xiaoshanhe Institute had long been there, waiting.


    As soon as they saw Chen Shuiwen arrive, they stood up hastily, "Mr. Chen!"


    Chen Shuiwen gestured with his hand for everyone to sit down.


    Looking at each other with puzzled expressions, the instructors asked, "Mr. Chen, has His Highness Yang Ling not blamed us?"


    "Why would anyone blame you? It''s understandable that instructors and disciples in quiet cultivation couldn''t spare the time to welcome him."


    "I heard it was His Highness Yang Ling who suggested handing over the Xiaoshanhe Institute to that damned Xiao Yi. It''s beyond me why the Emperor Qian would entrust the Institute to such an inexperienced kid..."


    The people around chimed in.


    Chen Shuiwen took a sip of his wine and said indifferently, "Who can comprehend the Emperor''s mind? But I, Chen Shuiwen, have worked diligently at the Xiaoshanhe Institute for many years. The idea that he can just come in and take over is pure fantasy." Squinting his eyes, he declared coldly, "Listen up, all of you. The ancestral worship ceremony is in three months. If he fails to handle it properly, I''ll have ways to drive him out. Inform all the instructors and disciples that anyone who cooperates with Xiao Yi will be my enemy!"


    "Don''t worry, Mr. Chen!"


    "The brothers know what to do!"


    "And as for the disciples... we''ll withhold their cultivation resources. Who would dare to oppose us then?"


    They all said, laughing.


    With a smug smile, Chen Shuiwen raised his cup, "Now, let''s feast and enjoy ourselves!"


    Looking at the sumptuous food in front of him, the corners of Chen Shuiwen''s mouth turned up slightly, revealing a cold smile, "Xiao Yi? Nothing more than a stray dog driven out of the Xiao Family, daring to scavenge from the tiger''s maw? He truly doesn''t know he''s courting death!"


    Nobody noticed...


    In that corner, a faint golden figure quietly slipped away.


    In the east wing''s room.


    Xiao Yi and the others were organizing the disorderly room, which was filled with dust and a musty smell, having been long abandoned.


    "Boss!"


    Little Lin had come back, landing on his shoulder, "Just as you expected, Chen Shuiwen is in the west wing, eating and drinking with a dozen instructors. That bastard, he even claimed there was nothing prepared to eat, he''s really hateful!"


    Xiao Yi said, "Did you remember who all were there?"


    Little Lin nodded its little head, "I remembered."


    As Xiao Yi continued to tidy up the room, he looked at the dusty table beneath the windowsill and bent down slightly, "Indeed, this is a fine table; both the material and the craftsmanship are exceptional. However, covered with so much dust, it''s treated like trash. To restore this table to its former glory, we need to sweep away all this dust!"


    Whoo!


    He blew out a breath.


    Swish!


    The thick layer of dust covering the table was blown away in an instant...

 Chapter 218 - 218: Who do you think you are?

    Under the veil of night.


    Xiao Yi and the others had finally tidied up the room, and Lin Bing Xin had personally cooked, preparing some food and drink.


    They sat around the table.


    Yan Mingli took a sip of wine and said with a heavy voice, "Xiao, the Xiaoshanhe Institute is not easy to manage!"


    The entire Xiaoshanhe Institute, under the control of Chen Shuiwen for more than a decade, had already been shaped into an impenetrable fortress.


    It had become a little kingdom belonging to Chen Shuiwen.


    To put it bluntly...


    If Xiao Yi directly employed drastic measures, with one command from Chen Shuiwen, I''m afraid all the tutors and disciples of Xiaoshanhe Institute would follow him and leave.


    When that time came, Xiaoshanhe Institute would be left with just a few of them, existing in name only.


    As for showing weakness and trying to win people over?


    With their brief interaction with Chen Shuiwen today, everyone understood that this path was also absolutely impossible.


    Chen Shuiwen would definitely not be content to be inferior to others.


    "Let''s wait and see how things unfold for now, then slowly look for a breakthrough!" Xiao Yi said.


    "However, we don''t have much time left. In three months, the Ancestral Worship Ceremony will take place. If we cannot achieve some results by then, it will be difficult to explain to Emperor Qian!" Yan Mingli said gravely. For the sake of following Xiao Yi, he had even declined the opportunity to succeed as the Pavilion Master of the Treasure Pavilion in the Tianqing Kingdom.


    Yu Huaxian said impatiently, "In my opinion, just kill those who don''t obey. Kill one to warn a hundred. I don''t believe they wouldn''t be afraid!"


    This was the former Supervisor Yu Huaxian of the Eastern Factory.


    The principle followed by the Eastern Factory was to quench killing with killing!


    Those who don''t obey?


    Kill!


    Those who aren''t honest?


    Kill!


    Kill until everyone dares not disobey.


    Xiao Yi glanced at him and said speechlessly, "We are a sect here, not your Eastern Factory. Let alone killing them, if I take out any one of them and scold them, wouldn''t a bunch of tutors immediately follow Chen Shuiwen to offer their resignations?"


    "Resign? Wouldn''t that be perfect? Let them get lost, and leave Xiaoshanhe Institute to us!" Yu Huaxian asserted as if it were the most natural thing in the world.


    Xiao Yi rolled his eyes and didn''t bother to respond.


    Yan Mingli sighed, "To the people of Xiaoshanhe Institute, we are all outsiders. Once we anger them, it''s not just a matter of them all resigning; what if all the tutors go on strike? Who''s going to teach those thousands of disciples? Besides, can you be certain that those disciples will listen to us? You''re too naive!"


    Xiao Yi said gravely, "Elder Yan, tomorrow you and Yu Huaxian go check Xiaoshanhe Institute''s finances, see if we can start from there. Elder Xue, the several elixir formulas I gave you before, hurry up with your research and refine them as soon as possible. They will be greatly needed!"


    "Leave it to us!"


    Elder Yan and the others said one after another.


    Lin Bing Xin blinked, "Xiao Yi, what about me?"


    "You?" sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi was startled, looking at the table with plenty of dishes left, "Your primary task for now is to improve your cooking skills!"


    Yan Mingli, "That makes sense!"


    Yu Huaxian, "I second that!"


    Xue Bufan, "Do your best!"


    Lin Bing Xin, "..."


    ...


    The next day.


    Xiao Yi and his group split into four teams.


    Lin Bingxin indeed remained in the kitchen to deepen her culinary skills.


    Yu Huaxian and Yan Mingli went to check the accounts in the storeroom, while Xue Bufan holed up in his room to research elixir recipes.


    Xiao Yi started wandering around the Xiaoshanhe Institute in his black robe, which added a bit of majesty to his bearing. Xiaoshanhe Institute resembled more of an academy, where the disciples had scheduled classes every day. As he reached the martial arts training field, he could see from afar two instructors lazily lying under the shade of a tree while dozens of disciples were scattered around in various corners.


    Some were chatting away, others were sound asleep, and still others were arm in arm with fellow disciples of the opposite sex.


    There were very few who were genuinely cultivating.


    "No wonder the Xiaoshanhe Institute was squeezed out of the top ten sects. How many strong cultivators can be created like this?" Xiao Yi shook his head slightly.


    His arrival naturally drew the attention of the instructors and disciples on the training field.


    One of the skinnier instructors spoke up in a deep voice, "Zou, Xiao is here. Shouldn''t we gather the disciples?"


    "Gather what?"


    Zou spat out dismissively, "In Xiaoshanhe Institute, as long as we follow closely behind Chen, we can soar to great heights. This Xiao hasn''t even grown a full set of whiskers yet. He won''t last long and will be out of here in no time!"


    The disciples whispered among themselves, "Is this the new head of the institute? He looks even younger than us. And he thinks he can be the head?"


    "I heard he was personally selected by the emperor. Do you think he could be the emperor''s illegitimate child?"


    "Very likely, haha..."


    "Look, Zheng Dongsheng is heading over to the new head now, isn''t he?"


    The two instructors noticed a burly young man walking towards Xiao Yi. Zou chuckled, "Now this will be fun to watch. Zheng Dongsheng is a real thorn; even I can''t suppress him. Our new head here is probably going to have a tough time!"


    On the martial arts training field.


    All the instructors and disciples looked over excitedly.


    Xiao Yi was a bit taken aback, watching this muscular young man with a full beard who was two heads taller than himself, his eyes filled with a hint of confusion.


    Zheng Dongsheng''s voice was the complete opposite of his imposing build; it was soft and gentle, "You are the new head?"


    Xiao Yi nodded, "Who are you?"


    "Fight me! If you win, then I''ll admit you''ve got the qualifications to be our head and deserve to know my name," Zheng Dongsheng pointed his thumb at himself, stating proudly, "If you lose, it proves you''re not fit to lead us and should get the hell out of Xiaoshanhe Institute immediately!"


    "Hahaha, I knew it. Zheng Dongsheng is as wild as ever. I want to see what the new head is going to do about it!" Zou boasted with pride.


    Zheng Dongsheng''s cultivation was at the peak of the Golden Core Realm.


    Plus, he had Innate Divine Strength.


    Among those of the same realm, he was nearly invincible!


    "Do you think the new head will dare to accept Zheng Dongsheng''s challenge?"


    "He might refuse, right? After all, his cultivation is only at the peak of the Golden Core Realm. Wouldn''t it be embarrassing if he lost to Zheng Dongsheng?"


    "But if he refuses, wouldn''t that also be humiliating? An institute head who''s afraid to accept a challenge from a disciple..."


    Everyone discussed animatedly.


    Zou got up, dusted himself off, and came over, rebuking, "Zheng Dongsheng, who gave you the guts to talk to the new head like that? All you know is fighting; don''t you know that fists have no eyes? What if you injure Xiao, and something terrible happens? Could you afford that?" He turned to Xiao Yi, gestured with his hands in respect, and said, "Xiao, he''s just a kid who doesn''t know any better. Don''t hold it against him!"


    This seemed like Zou was trying to get Xiao Yi out of a tight spot.


    But in reality, he was hinting that Xiao Yi was inferior to Zheng Dongsheng and that if the two of them fought, Xiao Yi was bound to lose!


    If at this moment Xiao Yi indeed refused Zheng Dongsheng''s challenge, it would be an admission that he was less capable than Zheng Dongsheng, and a significant blow to Xiao Yi''s reputation.


    Just when everyone was waiting to see Xiao Yi make a fool of himself.


    Xiao Yi lifted his eyes, looked at Zou in front of him, "Did I allow you to speak? Who do you think you are, prattling on like that in front of me?"

 Chapter 219 - 219: Fist and foot have no eyes

    "Who the hell do you think you are?"


    Xiao Yi looked at Zou with an indifferent gaze and spoke coldly.


    Err...


    Zou''s face stiffened, and a flash of anger flickered deep in his eyes as his fists suddenly clenched with a grating sound.


    But upon recalling Chen Shuiwen''s instructions not to initiate any attack and avoid giving Xiao Yi any leverage, he had no choice but to grit his teeth and suppress his anger. He forced a smile and said, "Director Xiao, my name is Zou Zheng, and I am an instructor at the Xiaoshanhe Institute. It''s normal that Director Xiao, being new here, wouldn''t recognize me!"


    Zou Zheng turned around and said to Zheng Dongsheng, "Zheng Dongsheng, hurry back and stop causing trouble!"


    "Hmph!"


    Zheng Dongsheng snorted in dissatisfaction and turned to leave.


    Zou Zheng was an expert of the First Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm, and he was not a weak presence among the many instructors at the Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    "Wait!"


    Xiao Yi called out to Zheng Dongsheng. His detached gaze fell upon Zou Zheng as he said indifferently, "Are you the head of the institute, or am I?"


    Zou Zheng was taken aback and said, "Naturally, you are, Director."


    Xiao Yi uttered an "oh" and said, "Anyone who didn''t know better would think you were the head of the institute. I hadn''t even spoken, yet you''ve already taken it upon yourself to decide for me."


    Zou Zheng''s face darkened. He had always been arrogant and overbearing thanks to his good relationship with Chen Shuiwen. But now, with Xiao Yi questioning him repeatedly, the anger in his heart was increasingly hard to control. Taking a deep breath and with a dark face, Zou Zheng said, "Director Xiao, do you have an issue with me? If you do, you''re free to state it openly. Why the insinuations and sarcasm?"


    "Me, insinuations and sarcasm?"


    Xiao Yi laughed heartily, leaning slightly forward. The piercing look in their locked eyes nearly forced Zou Zheng to look away. "Instructor Zou Zheng, if I did have an issue with you, you''d be dead by now."


    Zou Zheng retorted angrily, "Director Xiao, are you threatening me? I, Zou Zheng, am an upright and honorable man. I''ve come here with the best of intentions to help you settle this conflict, yet you fail to appreciate my goodwill and even go as far as to give me a hard time at every turn. And now you dare threaten me?"


    "A threat? Who do you think you are to deserve a threat from me?" Xiao Yi''s mouth curled up in a mocking smile.


    He was provoking Zou Zheng.


    If Zou Zheng were to strike first, he''d fall right into Xiao Yi''s trap.


    It would be the breakthrough he needed!


    Zou Zheng''s fists were tightly clenched, with a cold glare flashing in his eyes, and the vital energy on his palms surged, ready to make a move.


    But just then...


    A cold shout came from behind, "Zou Zheng, what are you playing at?"


    "Hm?"


    Zou Zheng''s face changed as he looked at the stern middle-aged man with sword-like eyebrows by his side. A deep reverence flashed in his eyes, and with a wronged expression, he said, "Elder Sun, you''ve arrived just in time. You must stand up for me!"


    "Shut up!"


    Sun Zhengyi snorted coldly, his frosty aura putting out Zou Zheng''s fiery temper like a bucket of ice water. Sun Zhengyi then looked at Xiao Yi, "You must be the new Director Xiao here, right? I am Sun Zhengyi, the third elder of the Xiaoshanhe Institute!"


    Xiao Yi nodded.


    Without waiting for Xiao Yi to speak, Sun Zhengyi turned to Zou Zheng and asked with a frown, "What''s going on here?"


    As Xiao Yi was about to speak, he narrowed his eyes and touched his nose, watching the two men with interest.


    Sun Zhengyi saw him ready to speak, but chose to ignore him, instead fixing his gaze on Zou Zheng. It seemed he was another one of Chen Shuiwen''s people!


    Zou Zheng, with a look of grievance, repeated the events that had just taken place.


    "This is outrageous!"


    Sun Zhengyi coldly snorted but directed the comment at Xiao Yi, adding unnecessarily as if to clarify, "Director Xiao, please don''t take it the wrong way, I wasn''t speaking about you."


    Xiao Yi remained silent with a smile.


    However, Sun Zhengyi turned to Zou Zheng and said, "Director Xiao is the new head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute and, as such, has the responsibility to advise all the disciples and instructors of the institute. Since Zheng Dongsheng wanted to challenge Director Xiao, and Director Xiao being the head of the institute is in some way his instructor, Xiao can''t just ignore it. Yet you interfered, how could Director Xiao not be upset?"


    Zou Zheng, catching the frantic signals from Sun Zhengyi, quickly revised his story with an aggrieved voice, "I¡ªI was just worried about the risks of physical confrontation. What if Director Xiao got hurt by Zheng Dongsheng!"


    "What nonsense are you spouting?"


    Sun Zhengyi''s heart burst with joy, but his face showed righteous indignation, "How could Director Xiao possibly be injured? If he couldn''t take care of a Zheng Dongsheng, then what face would he have to continue as the head of our Xiaoshanhe Institute? Even if Director Xiao is no match for Zheng Dongsheng, you shouldn''t have refused on his behalf! Don''t you owe Director Xiao an apology?"


    Zou Zheng looked towards Xiao Yi, "I''m really sorry, Director Xiao. It was all my oversight!"


    The two of them went back and forth.


    They coordinated quite well with each other.


    Seizing the moment, Sun Zhengyi spoke up, "Listen here, disciples, Director Xiao is new to our institute, and no one is allowed to challenge him from below their station, understand?"


    However...


    These words only provoked strong dissatisfaction among the disciples, "Why not? We can usually spar with our instructors; does our esteemed Director not even have the courage for that?"


    "If that''s the case, why is he still the director? He might as well just roll back home!"


    Zheng Dongsheng''s voice thundered, "Elder Sun, I want to challenge Director Xiao!"


    "Right, right, right, keep pushing him..." S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Sun Zhengyi''s heart was overjoyed, but he wore a troubled expression as he looked at Xiao Yi, "Director Xiao, what do you think about this?"


    Xiao Yi smiled, looking at the excited crowd of disciples, "So you all think I should accept Zheng Dongsheng''s challenge, is that right?"


    "Exactly!"


    "Accept the challenge!"


    "Or just get lost..."


    With a smile still on his face, Xiao Yi looked at Zheng Dongsheng, "Zheng Dongsheng, let me ask you a question first, between you and Instructor Zou Zheng, who is stronger and who is weaker?"


    Zheng Dongsheng hesitated, "I am but at the peak of the Golden Core Realm, and even though I have greater strength, Instructor Zou Zheng is a genuine First Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm power. I am no match for him!"


    Xiao Yi nodded and said with a laugh, "My fellow disciples, you don''t know much about me, and there are some things you may not be clear about. Most of my cultivation has improved through fighting, and I don''t really pull my punches. If I really were to spar with Zheng Dongsheng, I might hurt him by accident, and then it would look like I, the Director, am beating up a student!"


    "Pfft, you''re just afraid to fight!"


    "Stop with those grandiose excuses..."


    "I think you should just roll out of Xiaoshanhe Institute!"


    The disciples shouted one after another.


    Sun Zhengyi''s face was full of smug satisfaction, and he winked at Zou Zheng.


    "You''re much more cunning!"


    Zou Zheng stealthily gave a thumbs up, snickering, "This way, if Xiao Yi refuses to accept the challenge, his reputation will be ruined, and if he accepts, regardless of win or loss, he''ll acquire the disgrace of bullying the weak..."


    Xiao Yi caught a glimpse of the two men from the corner of his eye and took note of their little schemes, his lips lifting slightly in a smile, "Everyone, please calm down. I only said that it''s inappropriate to accept Zheng Dongsheng''s challenge. However, Zheng Dongsheng just admitted that Instructor Zou Zheng is stronger than him. If I were to defeat Instructor Zou Zheng, that would mean I could also defeat Zheng Dongsheng, wouldn''t it?"


    "Huh?"


    "That could work!"


    "If Director Xiao can really beat Instructor Zou Zheng, then that means his power is indeed above that of Zheng Dongsheng, and he is genuinely concerned about injuring a student, not cowardice in battle!"


    The disciples nodded one after another, agreeing with Xiao Yi''s reasoning.


    "Instructor Zou, since everyone agrees, please accept my challenge!"


    Xiao Yi smiled at the bewildered Zou Zheng and made a welcoming gesture, "But I must say before we begin, fists and feet are blind¡ªso if I accidentally injure you later, I hope Instructor Zou will forgive me!"


    The disciples were excited, "Instructor Zou, hurry up and accept the challenge!"


    "Go Instructor Zou!"


    "If you win, you''ll be the man who defeated the Director..."


    Zou Zheng: "..."


    Sun Zhengyi: "..."

 Chapter 220 - 220 What a Good Dean!

    Zou Zheng looked bewilderedly at Sun Zhengyi.


    Sun Zhengyi''s eyes twitched, feeling like his heavy punch had landed on soft cotton.


    He had seen the conflict between Xiao Yi and Zou Zheng earlier and had devised a plan, urging Xiao Yi to battle with Zheng Dongsheng.


    When the time came...


    Whether Xiao Yi lost or won, S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    he could spin the story to damage Xiao Yi''s reputation.


    If Xiao Yi refused Zheng Dongsheng''s challenge, then Xiao Yi would inevitably lose credibility, and the disciples would look down on this young institute head even more.


    If Xiao Yi won against Zheng Dongsheng, they could proclaim that Xiao Yi bullied the weak.


    And if Xiao Yi lost?


    Even better!


    He would spread the news of today''s battle far and wide, letting everyone know that the new head of Xiaoshanhe Institute couldn''t even defeat a disciple of the same realm. By then, public opinion would be entirely on their side, potentially affecting Emperor Qian and possibly even leading to Xiao Yi''s removal from his position as head of Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    After all,


    Xiaoshanhe Institute, though now in decline, had once been glorious.


    How could it be led by someone who couldn''t even defeat a disciple?


    What he never expected was that Xiao Yi would use a retreat as advance, refusing his challenge under the pretext of not wanting to hurt Zheng Dongsheng, and instead proposed to challenge Zou Zheng.


    Zou Zheng was indeed stronger than Zheng Dongsheng!


    If Xiao Yi won against Zou Zheng, naturally he could defeat Zheng Dongsheng.


    At the same time...


    Xiao Yi and Zou Zheng were peers, one a head and the other an instructor; their sparring was nothing out of the ordinary. Plus, Zou Zheng was more than twenty years older than Xiao Yi. Even if Xiao Yi lost, it would be Zou Zheng who was accused of bullying the younger.


    Although they knew this was Xiao Yi''s strategy of advance through retreat, they couldn''t refuse.


    Otherwise, they would have to swallow the bitter fruit they had just seeded themselves!


    And they would be labeled as bullies forcing the head''s hand.


    "Quite a move, Xiao Yi, it seems we have all underestimated you!"


    Sun Zhengyi was secretly annoyed, but then he thought that Xiao Yi was just at the peak of the Golden Core Realm, whereas Zou Zheng was at the First Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm. If the two fought, Zou Zheng was bound to win. Sun Zhengyi winked at Zou Zheng and said, "Instructor Zou Zheng, since Xiao wishes for it, you should fight him!"


    Zou Zheng nodded, "Since Xiao wishes for this, I shall comply! However, blows and kicks are blind; should I inadvertently harm Xiao, I hope he will forgive me!"


    "This..."


    Xiao Yi feigned hesitation.


    This made Sun Zhengyi even more certain that Xiao Yi only wanted to use Zou Zheng to escape, having no confidence in defeating Zou Zheng. With this thought, Sun Zhengyi said, "Head Xiao, let''s be petty people before we are gentlemen. After all, blows and kicks are blind. What I mean is, let''s sign a life-and-death agreement first, to prevent any unexpected consequences from leading to someone being held accountable!"


    Zou Zhen nodded, "Let''s sign the life-and-death agreement!"


    "Alright then!"


    Xiao Yi sighed and then the two signed the life-and-death agreement in front of Sun Zhengyi and the disciples.


    The crowd of disciples dispersed.


    Xiao Yi and Zou Zheng moved to the center of the martial arts field.


    Their eyes met.


    Zou Zheng grinned, "Head Xiao, blows and kicks are blind!"


    Xiao Yi gestured invitingly, "Come on!"


    Whoosh!


    Zou Zheng''s body shook, and his figure suddenly transformed into three afterimages, charging towards Xiao Yi from three different directions at an astonishing speed, difficult to track, eliciting gasps from the onlooking disciples, "As expected of Instructor Zou Zheng, his speed is just too fast."


    "Instructor Zou Zheng''s Divine Skills are like the wind, incredibly fast. Among the instructors in our Xiaoshanhe Institute, his speed ranks in the top ten!"


    "Look at Head Xiao; why isn''t he moving?"


    "Probably because he can''t detect Instructor Zou Zheng''s position and doesn''t know what to do!"


    Standing among the crowd with crossed arms, Sun Zhengyi wore a smug look, "As long as Zou Zheng wins, Xiao Yi will lose face, and Head Chen will surely reward us handsomely!"


    At that moment...


    The previously unmoving Xiao Yi suddenly stretched out his arms.


    Bang!


    Pushing his hands backward, he caught the exact moment Zou Zheng materialized, his palms striking Zou Zheng''s face.


    Wow!


    With a pitiful cry, Zou Zheng fell backward with his nose broken, blood spurting wildly from his nostrils as he lay sprawled on the ground.


    Sun Zhengyi: "..."


    All: "..."


    "Damn, Director Xiao''s luck is against the heavens, just stretching his arms and he actually strikes Instructor Zou Zheng?"


    "But luck always runs out eventually, the next attack he surely won''t be able to dodge!"


    Whoosh!


    Zou Zheng propelled himself up, wiping the blood from under his nose, his eyes shooting cold light as he growled through gritted teeth, "Fierce Wind Strong Grass!"


    Whoosh whoosh whoosh!


    Zou Zheng, with a sweep that could take out an entire army, radiated a vast aura that turned into waves of green energy, covering the ground like an emerald lawn appearing out of nowhere. His body was able to change positions continuously on the green grass, sometimes left, sometimes right, and when he reappeared before Xiao Yi.


    Swoosh swoosh!


    Beams of green light soared into the sky, turning into green chains that bound Xiao Yi''s hands and feet.


    Several figures of Zou Zheng overlapped, appearing right in front of Xiao Yi, with his right hand extending into a sword finger aiming straight at him.


    Hum!


    Countless green lights condensed into a green longsword.


    This sword broke through the air, cut across space, and its speed was as fast as lightning.


    Xiao Yi''s hands and feet were bound and he couldn''t dodge at all.


    Seeing this sword, Xiao Yi was sure to be gravely wounded!


    Amidst thousands of troops...


    Xiao Yi''s body shook, and the green chains binding him shattered, Zou Zheng, who was inches away, saw Xiao Yi''s face reveal a mocking smile, causing a buzz in Zou Zheng''s head, "Not good..."


    He thought of dodging, but it was too late.


    Bang!


    A powerful slap landed on his face.


    Whoosh!


    Zou Zheng was sent flying, tumbling dozens of meters across the ground. Xiao Yi let out an "Aiyo," "Instructor Zou, are you okay? It wasn''t intentional!"


    Whoosh!


    He suddenly kicked back and charged toward Zou Zheng.


    To the onlookers, it seemed like Xiao Yi was worried about Zou Zheng''s injury, rushing forward to help him up.


    Crack!


    Xiao Yi, seemingly flustered, stepped heavily on Zou Zheng''s left leg, which broke with a snap, causing Zou Zheng to howl in agony. Xiao Yi ''panicked'' and quickly apologized, "I''m sorry, it wasn''t intentional..."


    Crack!


    The right leg was severed as well.


    "Aooo..."


    Zou Zheng screamed in pain, both legs broken!


    Xiao Yi looked remorseful: "My fault, Instructor Zou Zheng, are you okay? It wasn''t intentional. Here, let me help you up!"


    Xiao Yi quickly squatted down, helping Zou Zheng to his feet, and while no one was paying attention, he gave a shove to Zou Zheng''s elbow. Zou Zheng''s right hand involuntarily swiped at Xiao Yi''s chest. Xiao Yi let out an exaggerated scream, his figure flying backward while seemingly pushing Zou Zheng away instinctively.


    Bang bang bang!


    Zou Zheng''s body rolled across the ground like a log.


    His head struck the ground, blood gushing open from the wound; his hands folded backward from the rolling, bones snapping; his skin was severely grazed over large areas, blood covered his face, extremely distressed.


    Xiao Yi also rose with a pained expression: "Instructor Zou Zheng, I was just going to help you up, why did you try to sneak attack me? Is this what a teacher should do?"


    Zou Zheng opened his mouth: "..."


    But his jaw was dislocated from the fall, his limbs broken, he couldn''t get up at all.


    The surrounding disciples were indignant: "That''s too much, Instructor Zou. Director Xiao went to help him kindly, and he attacked..."


    "Director Xiao really is a good director!"


    "Instructor Zou Zheng shouldn''t have done that..."


    Within the crowd.


    Sun Zhengyi''s eye twitched, his face alternating between shades of green and white: "..."


    In the martial arts training field.


    Zou Zheng, listening to the disciples'' comments, was so frustrated that he spurted out a mouthful of blood, his eyes rolled back, and he passed out completely...

 Chapter 221 - 221: Youre the One Who Should Get Lost!

    "Zou Zheng..."


    Sun Zhengyi rushed over immediately. When he finished checking Zou Zheng''s body, his face turned an iron blue, and he looked at Xiao Yi with a cold fury, accusing him, "President Xiao, wasn''t your attack too harsh? Instructor Zou''s limbs have been broken, and the fractures are comminuted. How can you, as the president, act so viciously?"


    He was now trying to smear Xiao Yi''s name.


    Only by branding Xiao Yi with the labels of despicable, shameless, and ruthlessly cruel could Zou Zheng''s sacrifice not be in vain.


    However...


    Before Xiao Yi could speak.


    The surrounding disciples were already voicing their dissatisfaction, "Elder Sun, aren''t you going too far? We all saw with our own eyes that President Xiao was just trying to be careful with Instructor Zou, and the injury was an accident. The last strike was also because Instructor Zou made a sneak attack first, and President Xiao was forced to strike back. He is the real victim here!"


    "Right, with so many of us as witnesses, could it still be false?"


    "Moreover, President Xiao is only at the peak of the Golden Core Realm, and when facing Instructor Zou of the Tao Tribulation Realm, he naturally had to give it his all. Accidents happen in a fight, and you always said that¡ªit''s not President Xiao''s fault!"


    "You, you..."


    Sun Zhengyi was so angry he was almost spitting blood.


    This was completely different from what he had anticipated!


    The one who should be receiving these accusations was Xiao Yi!


    Xiao Yi''s mouth curved into a slight smile as he stepped forward, "Gentlemen, please don''t blame Elder Sun any further. He is also concerned for Instructor Zou''s safety and spoke rashly out of eagerness. Moreover, I do bear some responsibility for Instructor Zou''s current state. To make amends, I am willing to personally contribute five hundred silver taels to buy some ginseng to replenish Instructor Zou''s health!"


    As he was speaking.


    Xiao Yi took out five hundred silver taels and handed them to Sun Zhengyi.


    The disciples nodded one after another, "No wonder President Xiao occupies the seat of president. Look at his generosity, and then look at Elder Sun..."


    "Clearly Instructor Zou launched a sneak attack, and President Xiao was forced into a corner, but he still warmly offers silver as a consolation. At least I acknowledge President Xiao''s character!"


    Sun Zhengyi''s hand, holding the five hundred silver taels, was trembling, and he was so angry his teeth nearly cracked, yet he had to say, "Thank you, President, for your concern. I will make sure to buy some high-quality ginseng to help Instructor Zou recover!"


    He deliberately emphasized the words "high-quality ginseng."


    Zou Zheng''s injuries would require several million silver taels for medicine alone, and he would have to lay in bed for one or two months¡ªthe five hundred silver taels were hardly useful!


    But still, he had to express his thanks!


    Otherwise, he would be seen by the disciples as returning kindness with ingratitude!


    "Hmm!"


    Xiao Yi nodded, then turned to the disciples and said aloud, "Gentlemen, today''s incident has thoroughly demonstrated a lesson to us all¡ªthat cultivation level is not the sole criterion for strength or weakness. If one is careless and underestimates the enemy, they can stumble even against a weaker opponent. I hope that in the future, no matter who you face, you all will remember that even when a lion fights a rabbit, it must use all its might¡ªnever be careless or underestimate the enemy!"


    "We will heed the president''s teachings!" the crowd said in unison.


    Xiao Yi hummed in acknowledgment and said, "Instructor Zou is seriously injured. Tomorrow, I will arrange another instructor to guide your cultivation. That will be all for today."


    "Have a safe walk, President!"


    "President, if you have time, remember to guide us in our cultivation!" the people shouted.


    Xiao Yi waved his hand and walked straight towards the direction of the Zen Martial Hall.


    The Zen Martial Hall, also known as the Lecture Martial Hall.


    This place is mainly for disciples who have just entered the path of martial arts to learn the theoretical knowledge of martial arts.


    Although the path of martial arts emphasizes personal cultivation and accumulation of actual combat experience.


    Theoretical knowledge is also indispensable!


    Otherwise, even with an excellent secret manual in hand, if one cannot understand it, how is one to cultivate?


    And then, what are the effects of various kinds of pills, what should be emphasized in each stage of cultivation? These are all necessary knowledge. Otherwise, if one were to explore the path of martial arts by themselves, what would be the purpose of having a sect and instructors?


    Xiao Yi arrived outside the Zen Martial Hall.


    A cold voice came from within, "The path of martial arts values talent, and higher talent means higher potential achievements. Just like Tianjiao of the Great Qian Dynasty, the number one genius, he is the strongest talent of contemporary times. At the age of five, he broke through the Tenth Layer of the Physical Body Realm. At seven, he stepped into the Qi Gathering with Ten Layers, and at eight, he successfully challenged the Shentong Realm. By ten years old, he entered the Shentong Realm with Ten Layers... Now, he has even stepped into the Dharma Manifestation Realm and will certainly enter the Longevity Secret Realm within ten years!"


    "Mr. An, I think your statement is biased. Talent is certainly important, but hard work and persistent cultivation can also lead to a breakthrough and possibly even catch up with, or surpass, those geniuses!"


    In a corner, a handsome youth stood up, his face set with determination as he said, "I believe that as long as one endures the toughest hardships, my future accomplishments may not fall short of Xiao Tianjiao''s, and might even surpass him!"


    "Surpass Xiao Tianjiao?"


    "Ye Heng, have you lost your mind?"


    "I''m dying of laughter, you''re fifteen years old and still only in the Qi Gathering Realm, yet you dream of surpassing Xiao Tianjiao?"


    The disciples in the Zen Martial Hall cast mocking glances at the young Ye Heng.


    "Silence!"


    In front of the lectern, a woman in a purple dress with a pleasant appearance gave him a cold look and said indifferently, "Ye Heng, one must have self-awareness and not aim too high. No one in this world can surpass Xiao Tianjiao. He is the dragon among men, the reincarnation of the Heavenly Emperor. His existence breaks all conventions and creates a record of brilliance that is unprecedented and will be unrivaled."


    When mentioning Xiao Tianjiao, adoration and fervor filled the face of this purple dress instructor.


    Xiao Tianjiao indeed had many followers in the Great Qian Dynasty.


    "Unprecedented and unrivaled? As far as I know, shouldn''t Martial God Zhao Wuji be stronger than him? And what about Qingyun Sword Saint, Wind Thunder Sovereign, and these legendary powerhouses, isn''t each one stronger than Xiao Tianjiao?" Ye Heng stood tall, defiance on his face.


    An Rujing said coldly, "The era in which these powerhouses lived had a richer atmosphere of Heaven and Earth, and many more natural treasures than today. They achieved such accomplishments because of various fortuitous encounters, whereas Xiao Tianjiao''s achievements are all due to his own efforts."


    "On his own?"


    Ye Heng curled his lip, "I heard that for the sake of breeding his mount, Xiao Tianjiao would even sacrifice his own brother. Is that what you call relying on oneself?"


    "Shut up!"


    An Rujing''s expression was as cold as water, "Ye Heng, if you continue to slander Xiao Tianjiao with your nonsense, I''ll have you roll out of my classroom!"


    Ye Heng stood his ground, "I haven''t done anything wrong, why should you kick me out?"


    A young man sitting in the first row stood up, his haughty gaze sweeping over Ye Heng, "Ye Heng, who gave you the courage to speak to Mr. An like that? I order you to kneel down immediately and apologize to Mr. An!" Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Ye Tian, this is none of your business!" Ye Heng said through gritted teeth.


    He and Ye Tian were from the same clan.


    Only¡­


    His talent was far inferior to that of Ye Tian. At fifteen, Ye Tian was already at the Third Layer of the Shentong Realm.


    And him?


    Merely the Seventh Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm.


    Ye Tian let out a cold laugh, "Mr. An is my mentor in martial arts. By defying her, you are challenging me. I''ll say it again, kneel down and apologize to Mr. An!"


    "Apologize to your mother¡­" Ye Heng shot back angrily.


    "You''re courting death!"


    With a cold snort, Ye Tian''s figure rushed forward, appearing instantly in front of Ye Heng. As he smashed out a heavy punch, even though Ye Heng crossed his arms in front of his chest, he couldn''t withstand the terrible punch. With a booming sound, he was sent flying, crashing heavily against the wall, his mouth full of blood.


    Ye Tian grabbed hold of Ye Heng''s hair and said coldly, "I told you to kneel!"


    From beginning to end, An Rujing watched coldly from the side, never lifting a finger to stop it.


    "I''ll kneel to your mother!"


    Ye Heng''s face was a mask of ferocity and stubbornness. He shook his head violently to free himself from Ye Tian''s grasp and then, with a thud, headbutted Ye Tian''s chin, knocking Ye Tian to the ground.


    Swiftly!


    Like a hungry tiger pouncing on its prey, Ye Heng pinned Ye Tian beneath him, ready to throw punches.


    "Enough!"


    An Rujing suddenly spoke up. With a flick of her finger, she sent Ye Heng flying, then pointed to the door and said coldly, "I''ll tell you one last time, get out!"


    At that moment¡­


    From outside the door came the voice of Xiao Yi, "If you ask me, the one who should be rolling out is you!"

 Chapter 222 - 222: Men Cant Be Cowards, Fight If You Disagree!

    "You''re the one who should be rolling out!"


    Xiao Yi''s voice came from outside the door, bringing silence to the Zen Martial Hall.


    An Rujing''s brows slightly furrowed as she looked towards Xiao Yi with a hint of confusion in her eyes, "Who are you? This is a critical area of the Zen Martial Hall. The likes of you have no place here, roll out at once!"


    "Mr. An, you sure carry an imposing aura!"


    Xiao Yi snorted coldly and flashed his headmaster''s waist badge, "Are you sure you can drive me out?"


    "A headmaster''s waist badge? Are you the new headmaster?"


    An Rujing was taken aback for a moment and somewhat surprised but showed no reverence as she said indifferently, "So, it''s Headmaster Xiao. My apologies for not greeting you from afar. However, this is my classroom, and it''s hardly appropriate for Headmaster Xiao to barge in like this, is it?"


    An undeniable authority radiated from Xiao Yi, enveloping An Rujing as he sneered, "I am the headmaster of Xiaoshanhe Institute; there''s nowhere I cannot go. Besides, had I not happened to come here today, would I have had to watch impassively as a genius student from my Xiaoshanhe Institute was destroyed by your hands?"


    "Genius student?"


    An Rujing was taken aback again and pointing to Ye Heng in the corner she asked, "Is he the one Headmaster Xiao refers to?"


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Correct!"


    "Hahaha..."


    "The new headmaster actually says Ye Heng is a genius?"


    "Headmaster, are you sure you''re not mistaken about the person?"


    Ye Tian looked at Ye Heng with contempt, "This person is called Ye Heng, and at fifteen he''s only at the Seventh Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm, hardly different from trash. How could he possibly be a genius?"


    An Rujing watched with a cold gaze, her eyes thick with provocation as she looked at Xiao Yi.


    Even the disciples think Ye Heng is trash.


    And you, the grand headmaster, claim he''s a genius?


    I''d like to see how you get yourself out of this one!


    Xiao Yi, however, was staring at An Rujing and asked, "Mr. An also thinks Ye Heng is trash?"


    An Rujing shrugged her shoulders, "The facts speak for themselves!"


    Xiao Yi''s gaze swept across all those present as he asked, "In your view, who in this Zen Martial Hall is a genius?"


    An Rujing pointed at Ye Tian, who straightened up cooperatively, and she continued, "This person is called Ye Tian, he''s Ye Heng''s kinsman and even half a month younger than Ye Heng. Yet he is now at the Third Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, while Ye Heng is merely at the Seventh Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm..."


    "Ye Tian? Fifteen and in the Third Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, indeed not bad. However..."


    Xiao Yi gestured for Ye Heng to come over to his side and said lightly, "I still think Ye Heng is the one with the highest talent here!"


    An Rujing scoffed, "You''re the headmaster, whatever you say goes!"


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, "You disagree?"


    "Heh heh..."


    An Rujing pointed at the people inside the Zen Martial Hall, "The headmaster can ask them if they agree with your opinion!"


    "Ye Tian is the strongest!"


    "What''s a Ye Heng compared to Ye Tian? Does he even deserve to be compared?"


    Hearing the words of the crowd, An Rujing smiled sarcastically, "Headmaster, you''ve heard it. It seems no one shares your opinion!"


    "Ye Heng, how do you think you compare to Ye Tian?" Xiao Yi asked, looking down at Ye Heng who only reached his chest.


    Ye Heng was startled, then looked up at Xiao Yi, his clear eyes sparkling with emotion.


    From a young age...


    He had always been the least regarded in his family, and even after coming to the Xiaoshanhe Institute it was the same. Whether it was family members, fellow disciples, or teachers, everyone focused on Ye Tian and habitually ignored him.


    This was the first time someone had placed such trust in him!


    Ye Heng took a deep breath, and said emphatically, "I am stronger than him!"


    "Hahaha, that''s hilarious, Ye Heng, oh Ye Heng, who gave you such courage?"


    "Your skin is really thick!"


    Ye Tian''s face was full of mockery as he gave Ye Heng a thumbs-up and then slowly turned it downward, haughtily saying, "Ye Heng, you will never catch up to me in this lifetime!" S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ye Heng clenched his teeth tightly.


    Xiao Yi patted Ye Heng''s shoulder and said, "Ye Heng, I have a way to help you surpass Ye Tian within seven days, but it''s extremely painful. Are you willing to try it?"


    "Surpass Ye Tian in seven days?"


    Ye Heng was stunned, recalling all the years he had been oppressed by Ye Tian, how everyone had discarded him like a worn-out shoe. Clenching his fists tightly, he nodded firmly and said, "I am willing! My mother used to say, ''To be superior, one must endure hardship.'' I am not afraid of suffering!"


    "Good!"


    Xiao Yi nodded, looked at An Rujing, and said, "Mr. An, didn''t you say that talent determines everything? Starting today, I''ll be guiding Ye Heng, and you will mentor Ye Tian with all your might. Let them face off after seven days. Do you dare?"


    Ye Heng looked up at Ye Tian, "Ye Tian, do you dare accept my challenge?"


    Ye Tian, full of self-confidence, sneered, "What''s there to fear? It wouldn''t matter if you had seven days, seven years, or even seventy years, you could never catch up to me!"


    "Since the headmaster is interested, I am happy to oblige to the end!" An Rujing narrowed her eyes, revealing a playful smile, "But since it''s a competition, there naturally should be stakes. If Ye Tian wins, I want you to publicly apologize to me!"


    Xiao Yi replied, "No problem! And if you lose, you''ll have to apologize to Ye Heng!"


    "Mr. An, don''t worry, I can''t possibly lose!" Ye Tian said confidently.


    An Rujing nodded and said, "Agreed. After seven days, at the martial arts field, we will see who is better!"


    "Ye Heng, let''s go!"


    Ye Heng followed closely behind, and the two of them strode away.


    Ye Tian stepped forward and confidently said to Mr. An, "Don''t worry, I won''t let you down!"


    "Hmm!"


    An Rujing nodded, then squinted her eyes and muttered to herself, "Hasn''t Chen been looking for an opportunity to deal with him all this time? Isn''t this a perfect opportunity?"


    At the same time.


    Xiao Yi took Ye Heng back to his residence.


    The two stared at each other.


    Feeling somewhat uneasy, Ye Heng said, "Head, Headmaster, can I really defeat Ye Tian in seven days?"


    Xiao Yi smiled and said, "Weren''t you very confident just now? How come you''ve lost faith in yourself?"


    Ye Heng replied with a bitter smile, "Wasn''t I provoked by Ye Tian? My mother always said that a man should never show weakness, and if you can''t accept it, just fight it out! But... I''m only at the Seventh Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm, while he''s at the Third Layer of the Shentong Realm, and there are only seven days..."


    What can you really get done in seven days?


    Even with the help of medicinal pills, at most he could advance to the Eighth Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm, right?


    How could he possibly defeat Ye Tian?


    Xiao Yi patted his shoulder and said, "Take on the spirit you had at the Zen Martial Hall. It''s just the Third Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, isn''t it? If you can''t even defeat Ye Tian, how can you talk about surpassing Xiao Tianjiao..."


    Ye Heng bit his teeth and nodded, "Right, what''s there to fear? A man should never back down, if you can''t accept it, just fight it out!"


    "Hahaha, well said!"


    Xiao Yi patted his shoulder in satisfaction, his lips curling slightly upward as he looked in the direction of the west wing, "Chen Shuiwen, I''ve made my move, now it''s your turn!"

 Chapter 223 - 223: The Desire to Win

    Ye Heng''s seven-day challenge to Ye Tian quickly spread throughout the entire Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Among the many new disciples, Ye Tian was quite a famous talent, and not a few knew of him.


    In contrast, Ye Heng was unremarkable.


    Many hadn''t even heard his name.


    After some inquiries, learning that Ye Heng, at fifteen, was only at the Seventh Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm, everyone''s first thought was that Ye Heng had gone mad.


    Until news came out...


    It was the newly appointed President of the Xiaoshanhe Institute who had Ye Heng challenge Ye Tian.


    The consensus then was that Xiao Yi had gone mad!


    Seven days, ah!


    Even with the aid of elixirs, it was impossible for a waste at the Seventh Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm to catch up to a genius at the Third Layer of the Shentong Realm.


    "Could the new president have gone completely mad?"


    "It''s the delusion of a madman, if Ye Heng can defeat Ye Tian, I''ll twist off my head and let him use it as a stool!"


    Similar sentiments echoed throughout the Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Meanwhile...


    An Rujing was bringing Ye Tian before Chen Shuiwen.


    Chen Shuiwen, with a satisfied look, let his gaze sweep over An Rujing and Ye Tian and chuckled, "Mr. An, you''ve done quite well this time."


    "Thank you for the compliment, President!" An Rujing said serenely.


    Chen Shuiwen nodded and narrowed his eyes, "From now on, Ye Tian will cultivate with me!"


    An Rujing''s cultivation was at the Golden Elixir Realm Peak, still a distance away from the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    Chen Shuiwen, however, was genuinely at the Tao Tribulation Realm Peak, only a step away from the Dharma Manifestation Realm. Having Chen Shuiwen personally mentor Ye Tian was definitely more suitable than cultivating under An Rujing.


    An Rujing smiled and said, "With the President personally taking charge, it will surely be within our grasp."


    "Hahaha..."


    Chen Shuiwen laughed proudly; he had been looking for an opportunity to deal with Xiao Yi but hadn''t found an opening. Now with the agreed battle between Ye Tian and Ye Heng, it was like a pillow had arrived for his drowsiness. Contemplating this, he then handed a brocade box to An Rujing, "Inside is a Divine Passage Elixir, which can increase the chance of breaking through to the Tao Tribulation Realm by thirty percent."


    "Thank you, President!" An Rujing showed a look of excitement.


    At this moment, the Divine Passage Elixir was a six-star elixir, incredibly precious. Even at her level of the Golden Elixir Realm Peak, her entire fortune was barely enough to afford such an elixir.


    Chen Shuiwen said indifferently, "As long as you are loyal to me, you won''t be short of what you deserve!"


    An Rujing nodded firmly.


    Chen Shuiwen then turned to look at Ye Tian, who was somewhat restrained, and stroked his chin with a playful expression, "Little fellow, you''d better not disappoint me!"


    Ye Tian quickly patted his chest, full of confidence, and assured, "Don''t worry, President Chen, I''ve been with Ye Heng since we were kids, and he has never won a fight against me. Now, with President Chen''s personal guidance, the gap between him and me will only widen. In the battle after seven days, I am completely confident I can win!"


    For the past fifteen years, Ye Tian had bullied Ye Heng quite a bit.


    All along.


    In his eyes, Ye Heng was like an ant, easily crushed at any time.


    Chen Shuiwen laughed heartily, "Good, very good! Ye Tian, go back and pack up, then move over here. You will be staying with me for these seven days!"


    "Yes!"


    Ye Tian stepped back, his face flush with excitement.


    If he could gain Chen Shuiwen''s approval within these seven days and become his disciple, that would be like a carp leaping through the dragon''s gate!


    After Ye Tian left, he turned to An Rujing beside him, "Mr. An, please prepare a batch of invitations for me, and send them to the nobles within the imperial capital. This will be our Institute Head Xiao''s first time giving guidance since taking office, and it cannot be too lackluster!"


    An Rujing gave a sweet smile, "Director, rest assured, leave this to me. I will make sure everyone knows about the battle in seven days!"


    "Hahaha..."


    Chen Shuiwen''s fingers gently tapped on the table surface, his eyes twinkling with slyness and a cold gleam, "Xiao Yi, Xiao Yi, you''ve really brought this upon yourself!" sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ...


    Inside the eastern wing room.


    Xiao Yi and others sat in a circle, while Ye Heng stood in the small courtyard in front of them, maintaining a very peculiar posture under the moonlight that enveloped him.


    "Xiao, this Xiaoshanhe Institute is utterly corrupt. When we went there to check the accounts, they first used various excuses to prevent us from viewing the ledger and settled us in the front courtyard. It was just the time it took to drink a cup of tea when the backyard caught on fire, and all the ledgers were burnt to ashes..." Yan Mingli clenched his fists tightly, his face filled with rage.


    Yu Huaxian nodded and said, "When I was the supervisor of the Eastern Factory, I also investigated many cases of corruption and fraud, but even those high-ranking officials would not dare destroy evidence and corpses so blatantly!"


    Xue Bufan, the old man, however, was much calmer, speaking indifferently, "Chen Shuiwen has been running the Xiaoshanhe Institute for decades, turning it into an iron fortress. We simply can''t intervene. Now we can only hope that this young fellow can help us break the stalemate!"


    The group looked toward the courtyard.


    Ever since they''d returned, they found Ye Heng maintaining that posture.


    Three hours had passed, and Ye Heng was drenched in sweat with pale lips, yet he meticulously maintained his stance.


    Xiao Yi stroked his chin and said, "For the upcoming period, we don''t need to do anything. Let''s wait until after seven days to discuss further!"


    "Xiao, with just seven days, can this young man really do it?" Yu Huaxian asked worriedly.


    Ye Heng was only at the Seventh Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm, while Ye Tian was at the Third Layer of the Shentong Realm.


    There was already a vast gap between them.


    Moreover, to ensure victory, Chen Shuiwen would surely utilize all resources to nurture Ye Tian.


    He might even resort to forcing growth, trading Ye Tian''s future for a short-term burst of power.


    Xue Bufan squinted his eyes and said, "I do have a few elixirs that could allow him to break through to the Shentong Realm in the shortest time possible, but doing so would mean he would be stuck in the Shentong Realm for the rest of his life..."


    The group turned to look at Xiao Yi.


    To them, the only way to make a Seventh Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm practitioner capable of defeating a Third Layer of the Shentong Realm master within seven days was to stimulate his potential at all costs. Although this could ruin Ye Heng''s future, what was most important to them at the moment was to break the stalemate.


    Xiao Yi had been watching Ye Heng standing outside the door, not answering directly, but instead saying, "It''s almost four hours now. I just told him that if he wants to defeat Ye Tian, he should maintain this posture, and he didn''t ask why but just did it!"


    The group was startled.


    Following Xiao Yi''s gaze to the courtyard.


    In the dim moonlight of the courtyard, Ye Heng meticulously kept the exact posture, utterly still.


    Even when mosquitoes landed on him and bit him, he didn''t move a muscle.


    All this because he possessed a heart set on victory!


    The group couldn''t help but fall silent.


    "I''ll take him out for a bit. We''ll come back after seven days!"


    Xiao Yi slowly stood up, stretching his limbs gently as he walked toward the door. As his left foot crossed the threshold, it paused slightly, and his calm voice echoed in everyone''s ears, "Seven days may be short, yet they are enough to create a miracle!"

 Chapter 224 - 224 Four Symbols Spiritual Blood

    Great Liang Mountain.


    This place was located a thousand and three hundred miles from the imperial capital; even with Xiao Yi''s speed, it took a full three hours.


    Within the vast mountains.


    Xiao Yi looked at Ye Heng in front of him and said, "For the next seven days, we will be spending our time here."


    "Principal, what should I do?" Ye Heng asked with burning eyes.


    Just a moment ago, Xiao Yi had taken him to soar through the sky, and that feeling of looking down upon the world had left him utterly captivated.


    Xiao Yi said, "You just need to do as I tell you, without needing to know too much!"


    "Yes!"


    Ye Heng nodded heavily.


    For fifteen years.


    Apart from his mother, Xiao Yi was the first person, and the only one, who truly cared for him.


    In Ye Heng''s heart, he had long accepted Xiao Yi.


    Even if Xiao Yi now told him that he needed to exhaust all his potential and fight Ye Tian in seven days, he would agree without any hesitation.


    Xiao Yi spoke in a serious tone, "You should be aware of the gap between yourself and Ye Tian, which is why I have tailored a cultivation plan just for you in the next seven days. This cultivation plan will be extremely brutal for you. I''ll ask you one more time, are you really willing to try it?"


    "I am!"


    Ye Heng said solemnly.


    His clear eyes were filled with an unwavering will to fight.


    Xiao Yi nodded, took out a set of specially made clothes and shoes from the storage ring; these were treasures obtained from the treasury of the Great Jin Kingdom.


    The entire set was made from silkworm threads infused with Xuan Heavy Stone.


    It seemed light and thin but was actually quite hefty.


    This set of clothes and shoes together weighed a full thousand pounds.


    Xiao Yi threw this set of Xuan Heavy clothing to Ye Heng. Caught off guard, Ye Heng almost knelt to the ground under the weight of the clothes, his face filled with astonishment and shock: "Prin... Principal, what material is this clothing made of? Why is it so heavy?"


    "This is Xuan Heavy clothing. Starting now, unless I tell you to take it off, you cannot remove it¡ªwhether you''re eating, sleeping, or training!" Xiao Yi said gravely.


    This set of Xuan Heavy clothing was worth a fortune.


    Don''t be fooled by its weight of over a thousand pounds; it was soft and comfortable due to the weaving of silkworm thread, warm in winter and cool in summer.


    Ye Heng quickly changed into the Xuan Heavy clothing.


    This Xuan Heavy clothing was extremely heavy; even with Ye Heng''s Seventh Layer of Qi Gathering Realm cultivation, he felt as if he was filled with lead when wearing this set of clothes. Even the most routine movements became incredibly difficult. Ye Heng, with a face as if on the verge of tears, said, "Principal, this Xuan Heavy clothing is truly too heavy."


    "You''ll gradually get used to it!"


    Xiao Yi looked up at the depths of Great Liang Mountain deep; Little Lin followed his arm down to the ground, "Little Lin, from now on, you supervise Ye Heng and make sure he completes all the training tasks I have given him!"


    "Don''t worry, Big Boss, I''ll keep a close eye on him!" Little Lin''s tail lifted, pointed at Ye Heng, and then at its own eyes.


    Xiao Yi was very assured with Little Lin watching over this place.


    Xiao Yi then left quickly and headed toward the depths of Great Liang Mountain.


    Little Lin perched on Ye Heng''s shoulder, sticking out its tongue and said, "Kid, from now on, you''re in Little Master''s hands; we''ll start with the first training item, run around this valley for me! Listen up, if you''re too slow, watch out for a whipping from me!"


    Smack smack!


    Little Lin suddenly flicked its tail, sending out two bursts of air that chiseled two dozens-of-meters-long cracks into the rock face.


    Hiss!


    Ye Heng was so scared that his scalp tingled and he hurriedly broke into a run.


    Only...


    He was now wearing the Xuan Heavy clothing, equivalent to carrying a thousand pounds of weight. For Ye Heng, who was only at the Seventh Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm, the burden was still enormous. His pace was uneven and slow, but luckily, Ye Heng''s will was extremely tenacious. Having been despised and bullied since childhood, he valued every opportunity to grow stronger greatly.


    He didn''t need Little Lin''s urging; he would give it his all regardless.


    The valley was more than a thousand meters in circumference.


    Ye Heng ran laps around the valley.


    One lap.


    Two laps.


    Three laps...


    By the end, even Ye Heng himself didn''t know exactly how many laps he had run; his face had turned pale, stars danced before his eyes, and his will nearly collapsed, holding on through sheer determination. With each lift of his legs, pain tore through him as if ripping his heart and lungs out, large beads of sweat rolled down, having already soaked his clothes through and through.


    Panting! Panting! Panting!


    The only sounds left in Ye Heng''s ears were his heartbeat and heavy breathing.


    Little Lin perched on a rock nearby, nodding slightly, "No wonder the boss values him so highly. Just by this will alone, it''s destined that this kid''s future achievements are boundless!"


    If martial artists are likened to an army,


    cultivation is the soldier, but will is the commander.


    Though the number of soldiers can decide the outcome of many battles, as long as the commander is strong enough, there''s still a chance to stage a comeback from the weaker side against the strong. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi''s figure returned to the valley, with a corpse of an armored boar on his shoulder. He glanced at Ye Heng who was still persistently running, one step shallow, one step deep, "How long have you been running?"


    "Since you left, he hasn''t stopped; by now, it''s already over one hundred and sixty laps!" Little Lin cocked its head, thinking and speaking.


    One lap is over one thousand meters, meaning that Ye Heng had continued to run for over a hundred thousand meters, even with over a thousand catties weighing in his belly.


    Even though his speed was not fast, the fact that he had held on until now was already very impressive!


    Xiao Yi tossed the beast to Little Lin, "You roast it; I''m going to apply medicine to the kid first!"


    This extreme training was highly effective but the training content and intensity were still secondary; the biggest reason Xiao Yi had confidence that Ye Heng would defeat Ye Tian within seven days was due to Ye Heng''s special physique and a way in Xiao Yi''s inheritance from the Wind Thunder Venerable to stimulate Ye Heng''s potential.


    "Ye Heng, you can stop now!" Xiao Yi said.


    "..."


    As if he heard nothing, Ye Heng continued to run forward.


    Xiao Yi was stunned, then realized that Ye Heng''s eyes had already lost focus, relying entirely on will to keep going; he couldn''t help but admire, "Good lad, just as said in the Wind Thunder Venerable''s medical canon, those with this kind of physique have unexpectedly strong wills. Kid, stop for me!"


    With a wave of his hand through the air, Xiao Yi stopped Ye Heng and tossed him into the lake on one side of the valley.


    Hissss!


    The cold lake water stimulated him, gradually bringing back Ye Heng''s consciousness, but he was exhausted to the point of being unable to move his arms. The profound heavy clothing made him especially heavy, and his body involuntarily sank towards the bottom of the lake.


    Luckily, Xiao Yi promptly reached out and pulled him up, looking at the weakened Ye Heng, Xiao Yi took out four jars.


    They contained the blood of beasts previously hunted deep within Great Liang Mountain: Green-eyed White-foreheaded Tiger, Purple Crowned Golden Python, Camel Mountain Tortoise, and Red-bellied Brocade Chicken. These four beasts were descendants of Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Black Turtle, the Four Symbols Divine Beasts, each carrying a trace of Divine Blood.


    Mixing the blood of these four beasts together, it was known as Four Symbols Spiritual Blood. Although it was not as potent as the fabled Divine Blood of the Four Symbols Divine Beasts, it was still ample for Ye Heng, who was only at the Seventh Layer of Qi Gathering Realm.


    Of course.


    Apart from the Four Symbols Spiritual Blood, Xiao Yi had added a multitude of medicinal herbs for healing and recovery into the mixture.


    Only through this could he stimulate the awakening of Ye Heng''s physique while negating the fatigue from a day of strenuous cultivation.


    "Master... Master..."


    Ye Heng opened his mouth, squeezing out a forced smile.


    Xiao Yi nodded and said, "It''s going to hurt a bit; bear with it."


    "Mm!"


    Ye Heng weakly nodded his head.


    Xiao Yi applied the Four Symbols Spiritual Blood mixed with the medicinal herbs onto his body.


    At first, the reaction was mild, eliciting only a slight feeling of heat.


    But before long...


    As the Four Symbols Spiritual Blood began to take effect, Ye Heng''s eyes suddenly widened, his hands and feet desperately pushed back, veins pulsating wildly, eyes bloodshot, and he opened his mouth wide but was utterly unable to make a sound.


    Little Lin gasped, "Boss, isn''t this too painful?"


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath, "This is just the beginning. Whether he can withstand it or not is up to him now..."

 Chapter 225 - 225: Jade Fetal Elixir

    ```


    Roar!


    In the valley, there came a series of hysterical agonizing cries.


    "Ugh ah..."


    "So painful, so painful..."


    "Ye Heng, hold on, Ye Heng..."


    In the valley.


    The ground where Ye Heng was located had been completely smoothed out, covered with traces of struggle, as well as countless claw marks from fingers.


    Even on the hard stone, there were claw marks all over.


    Utterly terrifying.


    It was hard to imagine the extreme pain he had endured.


    The Four Symbols Spiritual Blood in Ye Heng''s body had changed from dark red to a bright red color, shiny like magma, with waves of heat sweeping through. His entire body seemed to be immersed in magma; the intense pain was as though countless bloodthirsty ants were crawling on him, gnawing at his flesh.


    The pain was penetrating to the core, heartrending and soul tearing.


    Little Lin could no longer bear to watch and had curled up in Xiao Yi''s embrace, poking out her little head, "Boss, how much longer will this take?"


    Xiao Yi glanced at the time, "The first time takes longer, probably about the time it takes an incense stick to burn!"


    "Alright then!"


    Little Lin sighed, "Boss, what kind of physique does Ye Heng actually have? Just to awaken his potential, it has to be this troublesome?"


    Xiao Yi couldn''t help feeling a bit envious when Ye Heng''s physique was mentioned, "This little guy has quite a domineering body! It''s even stronger than my Wind Thunder Holy Body, the Battle War Holy Body, which is made for combat. It ranks sixth among the top ten holy bodies. However, under normal circumstances, the Battle War Holy Body will not awaken on its own. It requires the use of special methods to stimulate the body''s potential to fully unleash it!"


    When Xiao Yi first saw Ye Heng, he was only impressed by his drive.


    It wasn''t until Xiao Yi saw Ye Heng fighting Ye Tian at the Zen Martial Hall that he realized Ye Heng''s body was very likely the Battle War Holy Body mentioned in the Pharmacopoeia by the Wind Thunder Venerable.


    That was the start of Ye Heng''s seven-day challenge with Ye Tian!


    "I see!"


    Little Lin had an epiphany, "That''s what I thought. If he was really just an ordinary person, no matter how miraculous Boss''s methods are, unless forcing growth by overfeeding and recklessly improving his cultivation, it wouldn''t be possible in just seven days to give him the strength to defeat Ye Tian!"


    Seven days was indeed too short.


    Even Xiao Yi, after immersing himself in the Physical Body Realm for ten years and building a foundation, took nearly a month to break through to the Shentong Realm.


    After an incense stick had burned down.


    Finally, Ye Heng slowly stopped screaming, lying on the ground and twitching slightly, the Four Symbols Spiritual Blood on his body completely absorbed.


    "You go wake him up," Xiao Yi said.


    Little Lin glided forward and patted Ye Heng''s face with her tail. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Woo..."


    Ye Heng struggled to open his eyes and looked around vaguely, "Am I, am I not dead? Am I still alive?"


    It was almost unbearable pain just now!


    He thought he was surely going to die several times!


    Little Lin rolled her eyes, not pleased, "You''re not dead, you''re quite alive! Get up now, dinner is ready, hurry up and eat to continue training tonight!"


    "Eh? There''s still training tonight?" Ye Heng looked confused.


    Little Lin said without amusement, "Seven days, you only have seven days!"


    Ye Heng: "..."


    He struggled to his feet, shakily walked over to the bonfire, and eyed the roasted pig weighing around five hundred pounds, swallowing his saliva.


    Bang!


    Xiao Yi split the roasted pig into three portions; he kept two pounds for himself, Little Lin got over three hundred pounds, and the remaining nearly two hundred pounds were placed in front of Ye Heng, Xiao Yi spoke indifferently, "The next part of your training is to eat all of this!"


    ```


    Gulp!


    Ye Heng swallowed hard, "Head, headmaster, you aren''t joking, are you? This, this is over two hundred pounds..."


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "If I tell you to eat, you eat!"


    "..."


    Ye Heng wanted to cry but had no tears. Staring at the roasted pig in front of him, heavier than himself, he swallowed his saliva and had no choice but to brace himself and start eating. However, what Ye Heng did not expect was that he was eating voraciously without feeling full at all, as if the meat vanished immediately upon entering his stomach.


    Ten pounds.


    Twenty pounds.


    Thirty pounds...


    His speed of eating meat was almost on par with Little Lin''s, leaving Little Lin staring dumbfounded, "My goodness, isn''t this more of a Gluttonous Holy Body rather than a Battle War Holy Body?"


    Xiao Yi said flatly, "The Battle War Holy Body is born for battle. He has only been baptized with the Four Symbols Spiritual Blood once, simply unlocking part of the Battle War Holy Body''s abilities. His current digestion and absorption capacity is dozens of times stronger than before. Tonight, we''ll give him some magic pills to supplement with the meat of this armored boar. By tomorrow morning, he should be able to step into the Eighth Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm and by tomorrow night reach the Ninth Layer... However, the Qi Gathering Realm is only the foundation; it''s much faster to pile up one''s cultivation level. The real key is the fourth day..."


    "The fourth day?"


    Little Lin looked at Xiao Yi with confusion.


    Xiao Yi nodded, "The Four Symbols Spiritual Blood can stimulate the potential of his Battle War Holy Body every day, but after all, this is not the pure blood of the Four Symbols Divine Beasts, and there are still flaws. The potential can be activated up to four times. Whether he succeeds or not will depend on the fourth day... If successful, the Battle War Holy Body will awaken; if not, this bet will most likely be lost!"


    The two of them looked in unison towards the Ye Heng who was gobbling down the two hundred pounds of meat and eagerly eyeing the piece in front of Little Lin.


    ......


    Meanwhile.


    Within the confines of Xiaoshanhe Institute...


    Chen Shuiwen sat before Ye Tian, with seven jade vials placed in front of Ye Tian. Each vial contained a precious five-star magic pill, any one of which was incredibly valuable.


    Chen Shuiwen said solemnly, "Ye Tian, you should take one of these pills every day. In seven days, your cultivation level should at least rise to the Sixth Layer of the Divine Skill Realm. Coupled with the sword techniques and martial skills I''ve prepared for you, I believe you will surely defeat Ye Heng in seven days. You must not disappoint me. As long as you win against Ye Heng, you will become my recognized disciple!"


    "Headmaster, rest assured, I will definitely not let you down!" said Ye Tian earnestly.


    Excitement and fervor filled his eyes.


    This was a magnificent opportunity for him to leap into prominence!


    As long as he became Chen Shuiwen''s disciple, he could walk sideways in Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Seeing the excitement on Ye Tian''s face, Chen Shuiwen smiled and said, "Cultivate well here."


    "Yes!"


    Ye Tian nodded emphatically, opened a jade vial, and gulped down the pill, "Ye Heng? Just a piece of trash, and like before, I will crush you beneath my feet!"


    The pill entered his body and felt slightly cool.


    Transforming into pure medicinal power, it merged into his body. Ye Tian could clearly feel his vital energy circulating much faster. Overjoyed, he thought, "Worthy of a pill given to me by the headmaster, at this rate, I might even reach the Seventh Layer of the Divine Skill Realm in seven days..."


    Outside the secret chamber.


    Sun Zhengyi stood before Chen Shuiwen, bowing. Chen Shuiwen frowned and asked, "What did you say? Xiao Yi has disappeared with Ye Heng?"


    "Yes!"


    Sun Zhengyi nodded, with cold sweat on his forehead, and said with a grave voice, "Xiao Yi is too fast, our people couldn''t catch up."


    "Never mind!"


    Chen Shuiwen waved his hand dismissively, his eyes narrowing into slits, radiating a cold light, "Even if he has the power to turn the tide, what does it matter if Ye Heng breaks through to the Divine Skill Realm in seven days? I''ve spent a great price to buy seven Jade Fetal Elixirs. Seven days are enough for Ye Tian to at least step into the Sixth Layer of the Divine Skill Realm. Unless a miracle happens, Ye Heng has no chance of winning!"


    "Jade Fetal Elixir? Headmaster, with Ye Tian taking this pill, not only will his progress be confined to the Divine Skill Realm for life, but his lifespan will also shorten to only ten years. This..." Sun Zhengyi inhaled sharply.


    Chen Shuiwen waved his hand, "Great undertakings are not bogged down by trifles. Besides, there are still ten years, aren''t there?"


    Sun Zhengyi opened his mouth but changed the subject, "Headmaster, Mr. An has already sent out the invites. By then, most of the capital''s elite will be here. Officials like Li and Tian will also be present to witness the fight..."


    "Well done with this task!"


    Chen Shuiwen stood with his hands behind his back, his eyes flashing coldly, "Seven more days... I''m already getting impatient!"

 Chapter 226 - 226 Battle War Holy Body

    The setting sun descended, and the red glow set the sky ablaze, enveloping the entire Great Liang Mountain.


    Above the sky, a gigantic eagle with massive wings skimmed the air, its sharp talons drawn up into its belly as its eagle eyes, capable of seeing through dozens of miles, rotated smoothly.


    Within its golden pupils reflected the image of a mountain valley.


    A young man clad in black armor tightly bound by two iron chains, each as thick as an arm and dozens of meters long, was tied at the other end to four armored boars. Each boar weighed over a thousand jins, covered in black armor with tusks like spears. These tough-skinned and formidable beasts were unusually docile at the moment.


    They were desperately running in the opposite direction to the young man.


    These four armored boars were lower tier second realm monstrous beasts, comparable to the first layer of the Divine Passage Realm in strength, with incredibly tough hides and supernatural strength.


    When charging at full speed, even warriors of the third layer of the Divine Passage Realm couldn''t stop them.


    But now¡­


    Despite the four armored boars frenziedly sprinting, they still couldn''t impede the young man''s progress and were forcibly dragged behind.


    The young man''s speed kept increasing.


    This caused the four armored boars to scream continuously as their iron hooves carved deep trenches into the ground.


    Cheep cheep!


    The eagle''s gaze swept over the valley and spotted a person and a snake sitting to the side, causing its entire body to tremble as it hurriedly flapped its wings to fly away into the distance.


    Within the valley.


    Ye Heng, dragging the four armored boars, sprinted wildly with an iron chain in each hand.


    Merely four days'' time.


    Ye Heng''s body had undergone earth-shattering changes. Although his cultivation was only at the Tenth Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm and he had not yet broken through to the Divine Passage Realm, the muscles on his body bulged conspicuously. Compared to his slightly leaner appearance before, the transformation was drastic, even sharpening the features of his face.


    The muscles on the arms that pulled the chains were particularly pronounced.


    In the midst of running, the muscles on his legs were chiseled and nearly perfect as well.


    Bang Bang Bang!


    Ye Heng''s speed continued to accelerate, and when all four armored boars had been dragged into unconsciousness, collapsing softly on the ground, he remained full of vigor and vitality.


    Xiao Yi stood up.


    Seeing this, Ye Heng also stopped, conscientiously carrying the armored boars to the side and methodically skinning and butchering them before setting them over a campfire. Then, with a leap, he plunged into a lake to let the icy water wash over his body before returning to Xiao Yi, his eyes brimming with excitement, "Principal, I''m ready!"


    Xiao Yi nodded and with a wave of his hand tossed four barrels of Four Symbols Spiritual Blood in front of him, "Today is the critical moment. The quantity of materials used is the sum of the past few days, and of course, the pain you will endure is tens of times that of the previous days. If you can withstand it, you will awaken the Battle War Holy Body. If you fail, you will never be able to awaken it in this lifetime!"


    "Ye Heng understands!" Ye Heng said solemnly.


    Xiao Yi nodded, "Begin!"


    Ye Heng took a deep breath and clenched his fists.


    These four days had been longer than the fifteen years he had lived prior, but for Ye Heng, they were the days that would change his destiny.


    Every day, he could acutely feel the changes within himself.


    All this was thanks to Xiao Yi.


    "I absolutely cannot let the Principal down!" Gritting his teeth, Ye Heng rubbed the Four Symbols Spiritual Blood on his body and suddenly coiled the two chains tightly around himself, sealing his own body within them.


    After a moment...


    Ye Heng''s entire body tensed up, covered in a red glow.


    Half an incense stick later...


    Ye Heng''s body was trembling with bulging veins, drenched in a cold sweat, yet he gritted his teeth and held fast.


    After one incense stick of time...


    The two arm-thick iron chains were strained to their breaking point and snapped, and there he was, kneeling on the ground, repeatedly pounding his hands and head against the earth.


    The thudding echoed throughout the valley.


    The suppressed screams and roars of agony caused the monstrous beasts within a hundred miles to be terror-stricken, all fleeing in panic.


    Roar!


    Roar!


    Roar...


    Ye Heng kept screaming miserably, his roars shaking the heavens and making one''s scalp tingle.


    At the place where he knelt, the ground had already sunk deeply by four or five meters.


    Bloodied head, broken fingernails, shattered fingers.


    An image of extreme wretchedness.


    "Hold on..."


    "Ye Heng, hold on..." sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His voice had become incredibly hoarse, screaming to the point of exhaustion.


    "Hang in there!" Little Lin shouted softly.


    Xiao Yi''s face was expressionless, but his gaze never left Ye Heng.


    One hour.


    Two hours.


    This intense pain lasted for three full hours. As the blood-red glow on Ye Heng''s surface gradually faded, there was still no sign of him awakening the Battle War Holy Body, prompting Xiao Yi to sigh and say, "It seems like it''s still a failure..."


    Little Lin looked at Xiao Yi with concern: "Boss..."


    Xiao Yi waved his hand and smiled, "It doesn''t matter! Although he still hasn''t awakened the Battle War Holy Body, however..."


    Before he finished speaking.


    Ye Heng''s body suddenly shook, and as he finished absorbing the Four Symbols Spiritual Blood, a series of red glows suddenly burst forth from his body.


    The red light became more and more intense, already covering his entire body.


    "Break! Break! Break!"


    Ye Heng suddenly straightened his back, shuddered his arms behind him, let out a long howl to the sky, red beams burst from his seven apertures stretching towards the heavens, "Fight! Fight! Fight!"


    A series of low growls, deafening.


    Boom!


    The red light emanating from his body all converged into a soaring red pillar of light, connecting the heaven and earth. Within that red light pillar, the energy of heaven and earth surged madly towards Ye Heng, and his aura continued to rocket, climbing ever higher.


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    His body made thunderous booming sounds as if he was beating a drum.


    Humm!


    The red glow around Ye Heng suddenly converged, and at the same moment, a gigantic blood-colored figure leaped out from within his body.


    This figure was towering and majestic, pitch black, with eyes a fiery red.


    Its massive body was like a mountain.


    "This is... the legendary Battle Saint Ape!" Xiao Yi''s pupils suddenly constricted, "This is the Innate Divine Ability of the Battle War Holy Body, the manifestation of the Battle Saint Ape! We''ve succeeded, we did it!"


    Little Lin looked at the black giant ape and swallowed: "Boss, I think this monkey is really strong!"


    "The real Battle Saint Ape is an existence that stands shoulder to shoulder with the Four Symbols Divine Beasts like Azure Dragon and White Tiger!" Xiao Yi nodded, unable to hide his excitement.


    The imposing giant ape entered Ye Heng''s body.


    Ye Heng slumped in the deep pit.


    Little Lin''s expression changed: "He''s alright, isn''t he?"


    Xiao Yi said, "He''s just extremely tired. Let him have a good rest tonight, for now, he has awakened the Battle War Holy Body, and from tomorrow on, he can start the second round of actual combat training. The Battle War Holy Body is born for battle, and it can grow fastest in combat. I wonder what their faces will look like in seven days when they find out that Ye Heng is the Battle War Holy Body among the ten great sacred bodies!"

 Chapter 227 - 227: A Man Should Commit Murder!

    As the seven-day appointment between Ye Tian and Ye Heng drew near,


    news of this battle had already spread throughout the imperial capital, from high-ranking nobles down to common peddlers, almost everyone was talking about this fight.


    After all¡­


    everyone knew that this battle was not just between two disciples, but also a contest between Xiao Yi and Chen Shuiwen.


    Whoever won


    would gain an advantage in the upcoming struggle for control over Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    "Have you heard? Chen has been cultivating Ye Tian with all his might, and it seems he has already broken through to the Sixth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, with a very likely chance of entering the Seventh Layer of the Divine Passage Realm before the duel!"


    "It''s unbelievable, in just six days, Ye Tian has broken through from the Third Layer of the Divine Passage Realm to the Sixth Layer. Advancing one layer every two days, such a speed of cultivation, we couldn''t catch up even if we were on horseback!"


    "Is there any news from Xiao Yi''s side?"


    "Not a single word¡­"


    "Could it be that he''s afraid of losing face and has run off?"


    "Hahaha¡­"


    The crowd laughed together.


    On the wide street, a luxurious carriage slowly passed by, and sitting inside, Li Shengtian smiled coldly as he listened to the passersby''s conversations, "Tian Xiao, it seems that this Xiao, whom His Majesty holds in high esteem, is going to take a fall this time!"


    Tian Xiao stroked his beard, chuckling, "I heard that His Majesty will be sending Prince Yang Ling to supervise the battle at Xiaoshanhe Institute tomorrow. We shall have quite a show to watch!"


    "Indeed!"


    Li Shengtian said with a gleeful smile, "These past few days, this official has been tossing and turning in bed, all for the sake of witnessing Xiao Yi''s embarrassment!"


    Tian Xiao spoke solemnly, "What about this official? When I heard the news, I was so angry that I punished my newly taken concubine!"


    "Hahaha¡­"


    Meanwhile¡­


    Within the grand imperial palace,


    Emperor Qian glanced over the memorial, without looking up, and said indifferently, "In tomorrow''s battle, your duty is to oversee, not to intervene!"


    Yang Ling replied respectfully, "Your child obeys the order!"


    "You may withdraw now!"


    After sending Yang Ling away, Emperor Qian placed the memorial on the desk and, playing with the ring on his thumb, muttered, "Xiao Yi, how will you break the situation this time?"


    ......


    In the depths of Great Liang Mountain,


    Monstrous beasts roamed rampant, and Ye Heng traveled through the forest.


    Ever since awakening the Battle War Holy Body, his cultivation speed had increased by dozens of times. In just two days, with Xiao Yi''s elixirs and the constant battles with beasts, Ye Heng had already broken through to the Third Layer of the Divine Passage Realm.


    Ye Tian''s method of rushing cultivation at the expense of potential, advancing one layer every two days, had been highly praised.


    If people knew about Ye Heng advancing one layer a day, they would probably be dumbfounded!


    These two days, he continuously hunted monstrous beasts, and each was specially prepared by Xiao Yi; every beast required his full effort in a life-and-death struggle to defeat. Between life and death, there was great terror but also great opportunity, and it was in these life-and-death battles that Ye Heng''s actual combat experience skyrocketed.


    With his current strength, even without invoking his Innate Divine Ability, the Battle Saint Ape, he could easily defeat a Sixth Layer of Divine Skill Realm opponent.


    Roar!


    A Yin-Yang Leopard suddenly appeared in front of Ye Heng, displaying a mix of black and white. The Yin-Yang Leopard, a third-tier junior monstrous beast, was comparable to the Seventh Layer of the Divine Passage Realm. Especially adept at sneak attacks, it pounced like a starving tiger toward Ye Heng, who seemed to be unprepared, but Ye Heng suddenly contracted his body at the last moment, avoiding the Yin-Yang Leopard''s sharp teeth.


    In the instant the Yin-Yang Leopard and he brushed past each other, Ye Heng''s hands shot out, grabbing the hind legs of the leopard.


    He threw his arms forcefully toward the ground!


    Thud!


    Amidst a loud crashing noise, the Yin-Yang Leopard was fiercely slammed to the ground, Ye Heng flipped onto the back of the leopard, holding tightly to its ears, and then his fists hammered down hard on its head.


    Thump thump thump!


    After a dozen punches, the Yin-Yang Leopard''s head burst open, dead for certain.


    Ye Heng wiped the blood on his hands onto the fur of the Yin-Yang Leopard, and as his stomach growled loudly, he couldn''t help but touch his belly and decided to start a bonfire to roast meat on the side.


    Ever since awakening the Battle War Holy Body, Ye Heng''s appetite had become even more frightful.


    He now consumed over five hundred pounds of meat each meal!


    Moreover, all the meat he consumed was perfectly transformed into strength; although he was eating, it was actually akin to cultivating whilst eating.


    Roast meat on the rack.


    Suddenly...


    Urgent footsteps sounded from ahead, and a bloodied young man ran out. Upon seeing Ye Heng, a look of ecstasy appeared on his face, and he rushed towards Ye Heng, "Brother, save me, please save me..."


    The young man ran straight to Ye Heng''s side and moved behind him.


    At the same time.


    Four figures followed closely, each fierce and vicious, staring at them with greedy eyes and sneering, "Kid, I advise you mind your own business and hand him over to me. Otherwise, this big brother will kill you too!"


    The nervous young man behind Ye Heng said, "Brother, you mustn''t believe them. I went into the mountains with the village hunting team, and these guys coveted our game. They killed all the people in our village and wanted to silence me as well. Please, help me..."


    "Murder for loot?" Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ye Heng frowned and looked up at the four men, "Get lost quickly, or don''t blame me for being rude!"


    "Hahaha, you wet-behind-the-ears brat, you haven''t even grown all your hair yet, dare to meddle in this big brother''s business?"


    "Brothers, let''s slaughter him!"


    The four charged at Ye Heng.


    Among them, the strongest was only in the Fifth Layer of the Divine Skill Realm; they naturally stood no chance against Ye Heng. After several rounds of fighting, the four lay on the ground wailing. Ye Heng spoke indifferently, "Get lost!"


    "You little punk, just you wait..."


    The four glared at him with resentment.


    The young man''s eyes rapidly shifted as he seized the opportunity to come close to Ye Heng, saying excitedly, "Thank you for rescuing me, brother. If it weren''t for you, I would surely be dead under their knives."


    "No need to be polite..."


    As Ye Heng was speaking, he suddenly caught a flash of silvery cold light in the corner of his eye.


    Whoosh!


    The young man''s face still wore a smile, but his eyes were filled with ferocity and coldness. He thrust a dagger towards Ye Heng''s waist.


    "Not good!"


    Ye Heng''s complexion turned pale.


    He was completely unguarded, and at such close distance, the stab could not be avoided.


    Just when he was in despair...


    A blast of vital energy shot forth.


    Clang!


    It shattered the dagger, sending the young man''s entire arm bursting apart, and he lay on the ground alongside the four robbers, wailing in agony.


    Ye Heng, still shaken, looked at the figure that appeared before him, "Director... Director..."


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Do you realize that if it wasn''t for me, you would be dead by now!"


    "Director, I..."


    Ye Heng bowed his head in shame.


    Xiao Yi, with an icy expression, said, "You made two mistakes in this battle. Do you know which two?"


    Ye Heng nodded, "First, I shouldn''t have trusted a stranger so easily; second, I didn''t kill those four immediately to prevent future troubles, giving him an opportunity to exploit..."


    "Ye Heng, remember the lesson of today. As a man in this world, you should kill. Treating your enemies with mercy will only become a weapon for your enemies to use against you!" Xiao Yi said solemnly.


    He had sensed the presence of the five individuals as soon as they appeared.


    But he did not make a move.


    It was to let Ye Heng understand the perilous nature of the human heart.


    Xiao Yi said, "You know what to do now, right?"


    "I know!"


    Ye Heng nodded firmly, stepped forward boldly, and disposed of the five people one by one under their terrified gazes.


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "That''s enough cultivation for today. Go home, take the medicinal pills, and try to break through to the Fourth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm. Return to Xiaoshanhe Institute early tomorrow..."

 Chapter 228 - 228: The Gap Is Too Big!

    Imperial Dragon Mountain, Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Besides the days of ancestral worship ceremonies, today was the busiest day of the year for Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Below Imperial Dragon Mountain, figures surged everywhere, gathering into a black sea of people all climbing toward Imperial Dragon Mountain. Of course, there were also some wealthy nobles riding in carriages, ascending along the official road.


    There were official roads and mountain paths on Imperial Dragon Mountain.


    Peasants and commoners could only take the mountain paths.


    Officials and dignitaries of the fourth rank or above were allowed to ride carriages up the official road straight to the middle of the mountain.


    As for the official road that leads directly to the mountain top.


    That was a privilege reserved only for members of the royal family and first-rank officials of the court.


    Even so.


    The number of commoners coming to watch the battle was still immense, reaching a hundred thousand. This was because Xiaoshanhe Institute had lived up to its reputation over the years. If it had been at its peak, the event could have drawn upwards of a million people, including masters from the other ten great sects coming to watch the battle.


    But now...


    Xiaoshanhe Institute had fallen into decline for many years, unable to recover.


    At least the younger generation despised coming here!


    This battle would take place at the martial arts field located on the waist of the mountain at Xiaoshanhe Institute, which had also once been glorious, possessing disciples and sect members in the tens of thousands.


    This martial arts field could accommodate millions of people.


    Housing these hundred thousand was a piece of cake.


    Once the peasants and commoners arrived, they were directed into the stands of the martial arts field, while the officials and nobles were greeted by Sun Zhengyi, who had arranged the best viewing spots for them, particularly.


    Chen Shuiwen stood at the carriage stop in the middle of the mountain.


    Seeing several carriages slowly approaching from a distance, his face beamed with a splendid smile, and he hurriedly went to greet them.


    The carriages stopped.


    Yang Ling, Li Shengtian, and Tian Xiao stepped down from the carriages one after another, and Chen Shuiwen''s face was full of smiles, "Your Highness Yang Ling, Mr. Li, Mr. Tian!"


    Yang Ling nodded.


    Li Shengtian glanced at Yang Ling beside him and said with great concern, "Chen, I heard that this challenge was initiated by Xiao Yi himself? Xiao Yi has just taken office, and you as an elder of Xiaoshanhe Institute should have been fully supporting his management. How did it end up in such a state?"


    Chen Shuiwen, as perceptive as he is, caught the meaning in Li Shengtian''s eyes and stepped onto his train of thought.


    Chen Shuiwen sighed, appearing quite helpless, "Mr. Li, this is really unfair to Chen! By the time Chen knew about the matter, it had already happened... even if I had wanted to stop it, it was too late..."


    "What exactly happened? I heard that Xiao Yi got into a conflict with a female instructor, which led to this battle appointment?" Tian Xiao feigned surprise.


    These details had already been conveyed to them when Chen Shuiwen sent out the invitations with An Rujing''s help.


    They were simply bringing it up intentionally in front of Yang Ling.


    Chen Shuiwen stealthily sized up Yang Ling; although Emperor Qian''s most beloved prince was Yang Ling, the position of Crown Prince couldn''t be obtained by affection alone. Chen Shuiwen and the likes of Li Shengtian supported the Great Prince Yang Guang from Tianjian Sect.


    Therefore, he wasn''t concerned about the attitude of Yang Ling toward him. He sighed and said, "I shouldn''t say much about this matter, but I truly feel aggrieved for Mr. An. That day, she was explaining martial arts knowledge to her disciples at the Zen Martial Hall. The issue arose simply because she praised Xiao Tianjiao a few times, and by happenstance, Xiao came by and heard it, thus starting the conflict."


    "What is this behavior? Does the head of Xiaoshanhe Institute, of all people, not have even that much tolerance?" Li Shengtian exclaimed in anger.


    Tian Xiaoyi spoke out righteously, "When we return, I will file a report against him!"


    Yang Ling''s expression turned cold, and he frowned, "It''s about time, isn''t it?"


    Li Shengtian said, "Important matters come first; let''s head to the martial arts field."


    Chen Shuiwen immediately led them into the martial arts field. Yang Ling sat right in the center. The spot to Yang Ling''s left should have been for the master of Xiaoshanhe Institute, Xiao Yi, but after Li Shengtian took the first seat on the right, he called out to Chen Shuiwen, "Chen, why don''t you take this spot here? It''s closer to us, and it''ll be more convenient to explain things later!" Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Well... Chen will respectfully comply!" Chen Shuiwen immediately took the first seat on the left.


    The crowd had almost all arrived.


    Li Shengtian asked, "Mr. Chen, where is Xiao Yi? The appointed time is almost upon us. Why has he still not shown up?"


    Chen Shuiwen pretended to look around with a troubled expression, "I also don''t know..."


    Within the area where instructors were seated.


    Yu Huaxian spoke in a deep voice, "Your Highness Yang Ling, Xiao has taken Ye Heng to cultivate, and they should be back any moment now!"


    "Hmm!"


    Yang Ling nodded, "Then let''s wait a little longer!"


    As Yang Ling represented the royal family, once he spoke, naturally no one dared to say more.


    Time passed.


    In the blink of an eye, the hour of the duel arrived, but Xiao Yi was still nowhere to be seen, which caused dissatisfaction among the crowd: "What''s going on here? Ye Tian is already waiting in the arena, why haven''t Xiao Yi and Ye Heng appeared yet?"


    "Could it really be that knowing he is outmatched, he has already fled?"


    "Impossible, right? He is the respected head of Xiaoshanhe Institute after all. If he fled now, how would he face anyone in the Great Qian Dynasty thereafter..."


    Just then...


    A sharp whistling sound came from the sky.


    Two figures descended from the heavens like shooting stars, quickly landing in the arena in an instant.


    Xiao Yi placed Ye Heng below the stage, then leapt up to the stands, glanced over at Yang Ling''s side, and said indifferently, "Move!"


    Chen Shuiwen''s face darkened.


    He did not expect Xiao Yi to be so disrespectful, telling him to move as soon as he arrived.


    Li Shengtian let out a cold snort, and sneered sarcastically, "Such airs Mr. Xiao has!"


    Xiao Yi glanced at him coldly and said indifferently, "Did I allow you to speak?"


    "You..."


    Li Shengtian''s face changed, ready to retort, but he saw Xiao Yi say with an icy voice, "Keep yapping and I will rip your mouth apart!"


    "..."


    Li Shengtian fumed, puffing up his beard and glaring.


    He was a high-ranking official; everyone who met him normally greeted him with reverence, calling him ''Mr. Li''. Yet, in front of Xiao Yi, he had been rebuked twice in a row, leaving him with no reply.


    Yang Ling spoke lightly, "Enough, with so many onlookers, let''s speak less!" He turned to Chen Shuiwen, "Mr. Chen, Xiao is the principal and your superior. This seat is rightfully his!"


    Chen Shuiwen''s face turned shades of purple and white, as if he had been slapped dozens of times.


    He gritted his teeth in fury.


    "You little wretch, enjoy your moment of pride for now. I want to see how you handle what''s to come!"


    Chen Shuiwen thought bitterly to himself while maintaining a humble smile on his face, "His Highness is absolutely right, Mr. Xiao, please take the seat!"


    He immediately got up and sat down to one side.


    Xiao Yi did not even look at him as he took his seat.


    Yang Ling lowered his voice, "These old fellows are waiting to see you make a fool of yourself. Are you really confident?"


    Xiao Yi smiled mysteriously, "You''ll find out soon enough!"


    Yang Ling made a noncommittal noise.


    At that moment...


    Ye Tian and Ye Heng had already made their way onto the stage.


    Looking at Ye Tian with his robust Qi-Blood and the Seventh Layer of the Divine Passage Realm''s energy unrestrainedly released, then at Ye Heng dressed in a black and heavy-looking outfit, seemingly disheveled, the first thought of the tens of thousands in the arena was: "The gap is too huge! Ye Heng stands no chance at all!"

 Chapter 229 - 229: One Move Is Enough

    "The gap is simply too great!"


    "Look at Ye Tian, full of spirit, with Qi-Blood surging like a rainbow, and then there''s Ye Heng, who seems utterly unremarkable..."


    "There''s no need for a fight; the outcome is already decided, Ye Heng is bound to lose!"


    In the stands, over a hundred thousand people whispered amongst themselves.


    Almost no one was betting on Ye Heng.


    Li Shengtian looked at Xiao Yi with a mocking smile, but recalling the several times Xiao Yi had left him speechless, he turned to Chen Shuiwen and said, "Chen, that Ye Tian is only fifteen years old, isn''t he? Judging by the fluctuations of his aura, he must be at the Seventh Layer of the Divine Passage Realm now. He advanced four minor realms in just seven days. If you can apply this method to the other disciples of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, why worry about not being able to revitalize it?"


    Chen Shuiwen''s eyes darted about, and he said with a smile, "Mr. Li, Chen has been searching for a way to revitalize the Xiaoshanhe Institute for years. However, after all, I am only a vice president and do not have the final say!"


    Li Shengtian looked at Xiao Yi, "Xiao, if Chen has such capability, why don''t you let him take the lead if you can''t revitalize the Xiaoshanhe Institute?"


    "Hasn''t he been in charge of the Xiaoshanhe Institute for the past decade or so?" Xiao Yi glanced at Li Shengtian and asked with a puzzled expression.


    Li Shengtian''s face stiffened: "..."


    Chen Shuiwen''s expression was also one of embarrassment: "..."


    As Xiao Yi said, the Xiaoshanhe Institute hadn''t had a president for over a decade; it was all directed by Chen Shuiwen.


    If he really had the capability to revitalize the Xiaoshanhe Institute, why wait until today?


    Chen Shuiwen coughed lightly, easing his embarrassment, and changed the subject, "The time has come, Elder Sun, please preside over this duel!"


    "Yes!"


    Sun Zhengyi bowed to Yang Ling and others, then leaped onto the stage, standing between Ye Heng and Ye Tian, he said, "This battle is a challenge by Ye Heng against Ye Tian; fists and feet have no eyes, life and death will not be attributed to blame. If Ye Tian loses, An Rujing must apologize to Ye Heng in public. If Ye Heng loses, Xiao shall apologize to An Rujing''s mentor in public. I, Sun Zhengyi, shall be the referee. Please, everyone be witnesses!"


    Yang Ling said indifferently, "Begin!"


    "Yes!"


    Sun Zhengyi glanced at the two Ye Tian, "You may begin now!"


    Whoosh!


    He stepped back behind them, standing at the edge of the stage.


    Ye Heng and Ye Tian locked eyes.


    The two were cousins and had known each other for fifteen years.


    In these fifteen years, Ye Tian was the favored child of heaven, surrounded by stars; Ye Heng was dull as dust, enduring bullying, with no one caring for him.


    Ye Tian stood tall and confident, with an air of confidence on his face. He gestured a thumbs-up to Ye Heng and then inverted his finger to point at the ground, disdainfully saying, "You''ve never been my match in these fifteen years, not before, not now, and certainly not in the future. Within three moves, I will defeat you!"


    Ye Heng shook his head and held up one finger, "Three moves are too many, one will suffice!"


    "Uh..."


    Ye Tian was taken aback but then laughed, "You do have some self-awareness, acknowledging the huge gap between us. You can''t even withstand one move from me!"


    Ye Heng shook his head, speaking earnestly, "What I mean is, one move is all I need to defeat you."


    Ye Tian: "..."


    The audience in the stands: "..."


    Li Shengtian shook his head, looking at Xiao Yi with a mocking gaze, "Just as the master, so is the disciple. The master disregards everyone, and the disciple does not know his own limits. The gap between them is as vast as a chasm, and yet he dares to boast that he will defeat Ye Tian in a single move?"


    "Confidence is a good thing, but blind confidence is not!" Tian Xiao said, shaking his head and body.


    Xiao Yi said lightly, "Do you all firmly believe that Ye Heng will lose?"


    "Of course!"


    "In seven days, at most, you may have helped him move from the Seventh Layer of Qi Gathering Realm to step into the Divine Passage Realm. How could he possibly be a match for Ye Tian?"


    The others looked self-assured.


    Xiao Yi squinted his eyes and said, "What if Ye Heng wins?"


    Li Shengtian said, "If he wins, I''ll eat this table!"


    Xiao Yi knocked on the table and clicked his tongue, "Then you are in for a treat, as this is a table made from Qinggang rock!"


    "Hmph, what if he loses?" Li Shengtian stared intently at him.


    Xiao Yi shrugged his shoulders, "If he loses, I''ll eat the table as well!"


    "Good!"


    "Agreed!"


    Li Shengtian turned to Yang Ling and the others, "Your Highness, please serve as a witness!"


    Yang Ling sighed, "Since both of you insist on this, I shall be the witness..."


    Meanwhile.


    On the stage, Ye Tian was already enraged by Ye Heng''s contempt, gritting his teeth, clenching his fists, his body trembling. His eyes filled with coldness and ferocity: "Ye Heng, prepare to die!"


    Boom!


    An aura whirled around Ye Tian, and with a flourish of his hand, a long spear appeared from his sleeve¡ªit was a Threefold Spear. Normally it could fold into three layers and be stored like an arm''s length in the sleeve, but in battle, it transformed into combat form.


    Under the cover of elemental energy, the spear tip tore through the void, buzzing loudly. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Whoosh!


    A silver spear light burst forth, transforming into a dragon-like figure, skimming just above the ground as it sped towards its target.


    Its momentum was massive, and its sharpness unparalleled!


    The power of this strike was such that even a common warrior of the Seventh Layer of the Divine Passage Realm would not dare to take it head-on.


    "Excellent spear technique!"


    "With a lifetime devoted to the blade and the staff, those who bring their spear skills to such a realm are truly geniuses. This Ye Tian is indeed worthy of that title."


    "In my view, he''s nearly capable of congealing spear intent..."


    Ye Tian''s side was filled with great momentum.


    In contrast, Ye Heng stood firm like a pine tree, motionless.


    In fact...


    This was a habit Ye Heng had formed from repeated life-and-death struggles with demonic beasts, responding to change with the unchanging, always maintaining the most composed state. When the long spear was but three inches away from him, Ye Heng''s mild eyes suddenly shot forth a cold, predatory light, and he reached out with a swift claw.


    Clang!


    His palm firmly gripped the long spear, followed by a back shoulder throw.


    Whoosh!


    Ye Tian, along with his spear, was flung away by Ye Heng, crashing down onto the platform with a bang.


    The platform shattered, cracks spreading all around, and Ye Tian grimaced in pain.


    Ye Heng said indifferently, "You''ve lost!"


    "I have not!"


    Ye Tian got up, saying with furious embarrassment, "That was just a moment of negligence. Ye Heng, prepare to die!"


    "Too slow, your power is superficial, your cultivation is merely piled up with the help of elixirs... Your combat strength is even inferior to that of an armored boar!" Without using any martial skills, Ye Heng employed his extensive experience from fighting demonic beasts to continuously dodge Ye Tian''s splendid spear technique while leisurely making his comments.


    His attempts at striking were ineffective every time.


    The crowd in the stands, witnessing Ye Tian being completely suppressed by Ye Heng, could not hide their astonishment: "This can''t be possible, right? Ye Tian clearly has the upper hand in cultivation level, how can he not even touch Ye Heng?"


    "Incredible, Ye Heng is likely to pull off an upset victory!"


    Ye Heng''s heart-piercing comments, coupled with the completely different discussions of the spectators, infuriated Ye Tian: "Shut up! All of you, shut up!"


    "Twin Dragons Seeking the Pearl!"


    Whoosh! Whoosh!


    Two spear shadows surged out at the same time, like evil dragons competing for a Dragon Ball, charging straight at Ye Heng.


    "Now is the moment!"


    Just as Ye Tian made his move, Ye Heng''s eyes burst forth with two gleams of sharp light.


    With a sudden halt to his backward step, he pushed off the ground with hands and feet, shooting forth like an arrow released from a bow.


    Whoosh!


    His body barely passed between the two spear shadows and then leapt high into the air, bringing up his knee sharply and slamming it into Ye Tian''s chin with a loud bang.


    Wow!


    Ye Tian cried out in agony as his entire jaw shattered.


    Blood spurted from his mouth.


    His figure flew backward.


    Bang! Bang!


    Ye Tian landed in disarray, tumbling repeatedly, and was about to tumble out of the platform. Ye Heng darted after him with a flash, grabbing his throat with one hand and slowly lifting him up.


    "You, you..."


    Ye Tian''s eyes were bloodshot, and his face was burning with excruciating pain.


    He never imagined that Ye Heng, whom he had bullied for fifteen years, would actually defeat him!


    From beginning to end, Ye Heng had indeed made only one move!


    All of his pride and confidence crumbled away in that moment.


    Ye Heng looked calmly at Ye Tian: "You''ve lost!"


    "Lost?"


    A strange, sinister smile suddenly appeared on Ye Tian''s ferocious face, saying eerily, "Ye Heng, do you really think you have won? Look what this is..."


    Struggling, Ye Tian took out a magical pouch from his bosom.


    Seeing the magical pouch in his hand, Ye Heng''s expression suddenly changed: "..."

 Chapter 230 - 230 You Deserve to Die!

    "Ye Tian, what have you done to my mother?"


    Ye Heng''s pupils suddenly constricted with a furious change of color, contorting his face so much that it was unrecognizable from its original form, fixating on Ye Tian with the intensity of a hellish Asura.


    His eyes flickered with a dangerous red glow, the cold edge of a blade ready to strike.


    It made Ye Tian''s heartbeat falter sharply in front of him.


    Gulp!


    Ye Tian instinctively swallowed, his face taking on a venomous tinge to mask his inner turmoil and fear, "Don''t worry, your mother is fine, at least for now. However, if you dare to fight back in the upcoming battle, I can''t guarantee your mother will live to see tomorrow''s sun!"


    Feeling Ye Heng''s grip on his hand instinctively loosen, Ye Tian also breathed a sigh of relief.


    At the same time, he became increasingly brazen.


    Bang!


    Ye Tian threw a punch, blasting Ye Heng ten meters away and tumbling to the ground. Twisting his neck, he rubbed his stinging cheek and sneered, "Ye Heng, I never imagined that in a short seven days, you could become this terrifying. I must admit, Xiao is somewhat skilled, but it''s a pity, in the end, it''s still me, Ye Tian, who will have the last laugh."


    Bang!


    Ye Tian unleashed a kick, striking Ye Heng in the abdomen.


    Wow!


    Ye Heng let out a muffled groan, skidding ten meters across the ground and raising his head, his icy, angry gaze locked tightly on Ye Tian.


    The brocade pouch was a personal item of his mother''s.


    It had never left his mother''s hand.


    Ye Heng had never imagined that this pouch would end up in Ye Tian''s hands.


    "Ye Tian, if you dare harm a single hair on my mother, I will grind you to dust¡­" Ye Heng gritted his teeth.


    "Tsk tsk, still daring to threaten me after all this?"


    Ye Tian charged forward abruptly, throwing a punch at Ye Heng.


    Ye Heng instinctively dodged while also catching the punch.


    Having awakened the Battle War Holy Body, Ye Heng''s strength far surpassed Ye Tian''s, and having spent his days under Yi''s guidance, fighting life-and-death battles against powerful beasts, his combat awareness and experience were incomparable to Ye Tian''s, who only increased his power through pills. One fully committed strike would be enough to break Ye Tian''s arm.


    But as he prepared to act, Ye Tian''s voice rang in his ears: "You dare fight back? It seems you don''t want to see your mother again!"


    "Despicable¡­"


    Ye Heng''s eyes turned blood-red, he bit his teeth, but ultimately, he had no choice but to let go.


    Bang!


    Taking advantage, Ye Tian spun around and landed a heavy hook on Ye Heng''s face, sending him crashing away. Blood sprayed from Ye Heng''s mouth as he soared like a kite with its string cut, and Ye Tian followed closely, grabbing Ye Heng''s ankle and starting to spin in place, whipping up gusts of wind.


    Whoosh!


    Ye Tian suddenly released his grip, flinging Ye Heng high into the air.


    "Ye Heng, you are destined to be trampled under my feet your whole life. You are merely a pitiful ant, an absolute failure, while I am a genius, exalted above all. For a ruin like you to defy me is to go against heaven¡ªgo to your death!"


    Whoosh!


    Ye Tian roared, ascending rapidly to catch up with Ye Heng.


    He twisted mid-air, delivering a leg whip from above, fiercely striking Ye Heng''s back.


    Wow!


    Ye Heng''s body arched backward from the force, plummeting from the sky like a falling star, and crashed to the ground with a whoosh.


    Boom!


    Ye Heng landed hard on the stage.


    The whole martial arts field shook violently, while dust and smoke billowed on the stage, lines of cracks spreading across it.


    Cracks spread in all directions, resembling a spiderweb.


    The arena fell silent before erupting into terrified cheers, "Holy shit! What on earth happened? Wasn''t Ye Heng in the lead? How did he suddenly end up being the one getting thrashed?"


    "I guess Ye Tian must have been pulling his punches before, otherwise, it''s hard to explain such a huge contrast!"


    In the VIP seats.


    Li Shengtian clicked his tongue and chuckled strangely, saying in a mocking tone, "Director Xiao, it seems the Ye Heng you advised isn''t so great after all! At this rate, he''s going to lose!"


    Yang Ling frowned, and although he didn''t speak, his eyes, full of worry, fell on Xiao Yi.


    If Ye Heng lost today, it would be a tremendous blow to Xiao Yi''s reputation.


    If someone used this as an excuse to propagate the idea, even Yang Ling and Emperor Qian, who advocated for Xiao Yi to take over as head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute would be affected, facing immense pressure.


    Xiao Yi squinted his eyes; he didn''t know what had happened to Ye Heng, but he saw everything clear as day¡ªit all started when Ye Tian took out that brocade bag. Xiao Yi''s eyebrows knitted tightly, and all of a sudden, he turned to glance at the smugly smiling Chen Shuiwen beside him, "Director Chen, truly clever tactics!"


    "Ah?"


    Putting on a surprised look, Chen Shuiwen said with an innocent face, "Chen doesn''t know what Director Xiao is referring to. If it''s about advising disciples in their cultivation, after all, Chen has been a vice director for many years and has mentored no small number of students. Director Xiao, after all, is still young. To be able to guide Ye Heng to such a level of combat strength in just seven days is indeed commendable!"


    The brocade bag in Ye Tian''s hands was, of course, his masterpiece.


    Although he spent a fortune to buy the Jade Fetal Elixir for Ye Tian, just in case, he had someone kidnap Ye Heng''s mother and handed the brocade bag to Ye Tian. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It was just a precaution.


    Now looking at it...


    If it weren''t for his shrewd move, today he would have likely taken the fall here.


    With this thought.


    Chen Shuiwen, amidst his triumph, grew even more wary of Xiao Yi.


    He never expected Xiao Yi to be able to train Ye Heng, a mere Seventh Layer of Qi Gathering Realm, to such strength in just seven days. If it weren''t for Ye Tian holding the brocade bag, Ye Heng would have already won the victory!


    Xiao Yi''s expression became slightly tense.


    Watching Ye Heng continuously suffering Ye Tian''s relentless beating without being able to fight back, Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes and suddenly said to Yang Ling beside him, "Your Highness Yang Ling, Ye Heng possesses one of the top ten Sacred Bodies, the Battle War Holy Body. I think he should be cultivated with emphasis. If he wins this battle, I hope Your Highness can secure a reward for Ye Heng!"


    "Battle War Holy Body?"


    Yang Ling exclaimed with surprise.


    Chen Shuiwen, Li Shengtian, and others were also baffled.


    The Battle War Holy Body, ah!


    Ranked high among the top ten Sacred Bodies, although not as formidable as Xiao Tianjiao''s Supreme Overlord Holy Body, it was still extremely powerful.


    Within the entire Great Qian Dynasty, strong individuals possessing a Sacred Body were rarities, pillars of the major sects.


    If Ye Heng indeed possessed the Battle War Holy Body, his future would be boundless, and even the royal family would treat him as a treasure, investing limitless resources to nurture him.


    Xiao Yi nodded, "Yes, it is the Battle War Holy Body!"


    Yang Ling said gravely, "If Ye Heng truly has the Battle War Holy Body, on behalf of my Emperor Father, I can promise to bestow upon him the title of a first-class earl, and moreover, until he reaches the Tao Tribulation Realm, all resources will be borne by the royal family!"


    Xiao Yi asked, "What about his family?"


    Yang Ling replied, "His family will naturally also be rewarded, and his parents will also be ennobled, receiving the protection of the royal family. Whoever dares to harm his family will be making an enemy of the Great Qian royal house!"


    Whir!


    Yang Ling''s words turned Chen Shuiwen''s face pale.


    Xiao Yi nodded, then shouted towards the arena, "Ye Heng, stop holding back, as long as you win this fight, His Highness promises you the title of a first-class earl, and your family will also be protected; no one will dare to threaten them!"


    On the arena.


    As Ye Heng''s head was bombarded relentlessly by Ye Tian, his expression dramatically changed and a fierce battle light shone in his eyes. With his body shaking, he let out an angry roar that sent a terrible surge around him, flinging Ye Tian away.


    Ye Heng slowly rose to his feet, his face fierce as he stared at Ye Tian, "Ye Tian, you deserve to die!"

 Chapter 231 - 231 The Battle War Holy Body First Shows Its Might

    "You should die!"


    Ye Heng''s eyes were cold as ice as he looked at Ye Tian.


    From childhood to adulthood.


    He had suffered under Ye Tian''s bullying, and for a long time, no one in the Ye Family wanted to lay eyes on him.


    Especially after his father''s death.


    The Ye Family gave no living space to him and his mother, his mother was driven out of the former courtyard by Ye Tian''s father, even treated worse than some servants.


    He and his mother could only live in a shed for firewood.


    To support his cultivation, his mother washed clothes for the young masters and mistresses of the Ye Family, and she went out to mend clothes for others to earn a living. But even under such difficult circumstances, Ye Heng''s mother never cut back on his food, she didn''t compromise his attire, nor did she stint on his medicinal pills.


    Mother and son had been reliant on each other for more than ten years.


    During this time...


    No matter in the Ye Family or in the Xiaoshanhe Institute, Ye Tian never stopped oppressing him.


    If it wasn''t for Xiao Yi this time, Ye Heng would have feared living under Ye Tian''s oppression for his entire life.


    It was Xiao Yi who gave him the chance to rise up.


    It was Xiao Yi who enabled him to stand up again.


    At the same time.


    Ye Heng was also very clear about what this battle represented, it was not only a grudge between him and Ye Tian, but also a gamble between Xiao Yi and Chen Shuiwen.


    Because of this.


    Ye Heng wanted to defeat Ye Tian from the beginning, but Ye Tian threatened him with his mother''s keepsake, which caused Ye Heng to hesitate and not dare to fight back. He could only passively take a beating, and if not for the amazing resilience of the Battle War Holy Body, under Ye Tian''s frenzied attacks, he would have been seriously injured, even close to death.


    He wanted to resist, but worrying about the safety of his mother and wife''s lives, he didn''t dare to fight back.


    That kind of frustration could drive a person insane.


    Until now...


    At his most helpless moment, Xiao Yi once again stood up for him.


    As long as he won this battle, he would have the title of a first-class earl, and even his mother would be the mother of an earl.


    In this way.


    Even Chen Shuiwen, who was behind Ye Tian, would not dare to touch Ye Heng''s mother anymore.


    Knowing that his mother and wife''s lives were safe, Ye Heng naturally stopped holding back.


    Gululu!


    Ye Tian swallowed hard, a flash of annoyance crossing his eyes, "Ye Heng, don''t you care about your mother anymore? How much has she suffered for you these years, could it be that you..."


    Slap!


    Ye Heng cut him off with a slap.


    Ye Tian''s left cheek swelled up, his mouth bloody and teeth shattered, he looked at Ye Heng blankly, "Are you crazy?"


    Slap! Slap!


    This time, a back and forth slap made Ye Tian see stars and feel dizzy, Ye Heng said coldly, "Do you still dare to mention the suffering my mother has endured? If it wasn''t for your family targeting us at every turn, would my mother have had such a hard life?"


    Bang!


    A punch landed on Ye Tian, causing him to spray blood continuously, Ye Heng said coldly, "If you hadn''t come every so often to beat me up with your cronies, would my mother need to wash clothes for others in the dead of winter, earning money to heal me?"


    "I, I..."


    Boom!


    Ye Heng grabbed Ye Tian''s head with both hands and slammed it into his knee, Ye Tian''s nose bridge shattered, blood spraying and falling onto Ye Heng''s body.


    Ye Heng seemed unfazed, clutching Ye Tian''s neck tightly and smashing him to the ground with a thunderous noise, blood bursting out from the back of Ye Tian''s head. Ye Heng''s voice turned even colder, "Ye Tian, you have called me trash over and over again, today, I will let you know who the real trash is!"


    "Battle War Holy Body, invincible in all battles!"


    Boom!


    Ye Heng''s roar shook the heavens.


    Golden streams of Qi swirled around his body, their speed and number increasing rapidly.


    In an instant.


    They had transformed into a golden storm, enveloping his figure.


    His robe whipped about noisily, and his hair danced wildly.


    Roar!


    A massive sound suddenly emerged behind him.


    It was unmistakably the Battle Saint Ape!


    As the ten-zhang-tall Battle Saint Ape materialized, it provoked shocked exclamations from the martial arts field: "Holy shit, what is that?"


    "Innate Divine Ability! Ye Heng has reached the Shentong Realm, awakening his Innate Divine Ability... unbelievable, how exactly did Xiao Yi do it? In just seven days, he actually helped the Seventh Layer of Qi Gathering Realm Ye Heng break through to the Shentong Realm..."


    "This, this seems to be the legendary Battle Saint Ape, is Ye Heng the possessor of a Battle War Holy Body?"


    "My god! So Xiao Yi was right after all, Ye Heng is the true genius, a peerless genius with a Battle War Holy Body..."


    In the VIP seats.


    Chen Shuiwen''s face alternated between shades of green and white, his hands crushing the armrests into powder, his veins throbbing wildly.


    Li Shengtian and Tian Xiao also had gloomy expressions.


    Their faces burning. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As if they had been viciously slapped dozens of times.


    But Yang Ling was incomparably excited, forgetting Emperor Qian''s admonitions as he stood up from his seat, slapping the table and exclaiming, "Hahaha, Xiao Yi, you truly did not disappoint me and Father Emperor! A Battle War Holy Body! The Great Qian Dynasty has produced another Sacred Body, your contributions are immeasurable. Giving Xiaoshanhe Institute into your hands was indeed the right choice!"


    Xiao Yi''s mouth curved in a slight smile, scanning the extremely embarrassed Chen Shuiwen, Li Shengtian, and the others with a cold chuckle in his heart.


    Of course...


    The most awkward was the once insufferably arrogant An Rujing.


    At this moment, An Rujing stood dumbfounded, her complexion deathly pale, her body quivering uncontrollably, disbelief written all over her face: "How, how can this be? Ye, Ye Heng is a Battle War Holy Body? This, this is one of the ten great Sacred Bodies, my former student is actually a possessor of a Sacred Body? I, I''ve always treated him like trash?"


    At this moment, An Rujing felt the world spinning, everything becoming incredibly dark.


    This was one of the ten great Sacred Bodies!


    Within the vast Great Qian Dynasty, only a scarce few people possessed a Sacred Body.


    Each of them standing at the pinnacle of the Great Qian Dynasty''s martial path.


    If she had been the one to cultivate Ye Heng, then An Rujing''s name would have gone down in history. But now, all that glory had nothing to do with her anymore.


    Looking at the triumphant Ye Heng, and then at Ye Tian, lying on the ground like a lump of mud.


    An Rujing felt as if she must be blind, to have ignored a treasure and instead wasted her time on Ye Tian, a mere copper coin.


    Let''s pause the crowd''s reaction for now.


    Turning back to the stage above...


    Seeing the enormous Battle Saint Ape behind Ye Heng, Ye Tian was so terrified that he shook uncontrollably, soiling himself, scrambling on hands and knees towards Ye Heng, continuously kowtowing and begging for mercy: "Ye Heng, spare my life! I realize my mistake, please, for the sake of us being from the same clan, let me go this time, I dare not do it again..."


    Ye Heng looked down with icy eyes, and said indifferently, "Principal Xiao once told me a saying, ''Being merciful to the enemy is being cruel to oneself''. In your next life, remember to be a good person!"


    "No..."


    Ye Tian''s eyes were filled with cracks, as he howled in despair.


    Ye Heng lifted his foot, and so did the Battle Saint Ape towering behind him, its giant foot coming down from the sky with a buzzing sound.


    Boom!


    A thunderous noise echoed over the entire martial arts field.


    When the Battle Saint Ape behind Ye Heng disappeared, what remained on the ground was only a squashed pile of flesh...

 Chapter 232 - 232 Mr. Li, Please Start Your Performance!

    "..."


    The vast martial arts arena was silent as a graveyard.


    All the strong men were dumbfounded, as if invisible hands were gripping their throats tightly, leaving them unable to speak.


    They had all heard of the might of the Sacred Body, but none had ever witnessed it with their own eyes.


    But now...


    Ye Heng showed them what a Sacred Body was!


    Bang!


    The Battle Saint Ape behind Ye Heng returned to his body, tears streaming down its eyes as it fell to its knees with a thud and bowed deeply to Xiao Yi, as if mustering all its strength to shout, "Xiao, I, your disciple Ye Heng, have not disappointed you!"


    This roar released all the frustration he had bottled up over the past decade.


    All his resentment vanished in that moment.


    Xiao Yi''s mouth curved into a smile as he slowly stood up, "Well done!"


    "Thank you, Xiao!"


    Ye Heng expressed his thanks but remained on the ground, his head continuously knocking against the floor, making a thudding sound, and declared loudly, "Disciple Ye Heng earnestly requests Xiao to accept me as his disciple!"


    Whir!


    The entire martial arts field fell even quieter.


    All eyes turned to Xiao Yi, "Ye Heng is choosing to take a master at this time? He is a Battle War Holy Body after all, and following this battle, his name will spread throughout the Great Qian Dynasty. Soon, not only Xiao Yi, but even the leaders of the top ten sects will be vying to take him as a disciple, there''s surely no need for him to do this now!"


    "That, you probably don''t know, huh? Xiao is his benefactor. If not for Xiao Yi, Ye Heng would still be buried in obscurity!"


    "That''s true, I too felt that Xiao Yi was too young to be head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute. But now it seems he is indeed the most suitable candidate for the position!" sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Hmph, it''s just good luck! Xiaoshanhe Institute will only flourish under Chen''s leadership!"


    "Good luck? Flourish? Brother, are you Chen Shuiwen''s own son by any chance? If he was really capable of revitalizing the Xiaoshanhe Institute, why has its reputation fallen increasingly over the past decade? If he had the ability, would Ye Heng have remained hidden for so long without being discovered?"


    "I know him, he''s an instructor from Xiaoshanhe Institute, Zou Zheng..."


    "So he''s one of Chen Shuiwen''s dogs..."


    For a time.


    Under the relentless jeering and mockery from the crowd, Zou Zheng fled with his tail between his legs, not daring to stay in the stands any longer.


    People''s gaze returned to Xiao Yi once more.


    Waiting for Xiao Yi to take a disciple.


    Xiao Yi''s gaze flickered; indeed, he had taken a liking to Ye Heng. Over these seven days, Ye Heng''s resilience and circumstances were very similar to his own.


    Just as Xiao Yi was about to agree.


    Li Shengtian and Tian Xiao were secretly communicating, "Xiao Yifeng is too prominent. If he takes a Sacred Body as his disciple, it will be much harder for us to bring him down later."


    Tian Xiao, "We absolutely cannot let him take a disciple!"


    Chen Shuiwen said, "We must stop it!"


    With that thought.


    Li Shengtian coughed lightly and looked at Yang Ling, "Your Highness, the matter of the Sacred Body taking a master is of great importance; I believe it is best to inform His Majesty and let him decide!"


    Tian Xiao agreed, "Indeed, this decision cannot be made lightly!"


    Chen Shuiwen made a show of nodding, "Xiao is indeed excellent, but as for whom Ye Heng should take as a master, I think that is still up for discussion!"


    "This..."


    Yang Ling furrowed his brows, as he naturally wouldn''t hinder Ye Heng from becoming Xiao Yi''s disciple.


    But with Li Shengtian and the others exerting significant influence and adamantly objecting, even invoking Emperor Qian,


    it wasn''t his place to overstep.


    This matter must be reported to Emperor Qian.


    Yang Ling took a deep breath and cast an apologetic glance at Xiao Yi before saying, "Mr. Li''s words make sense. Let''s discuss this matter later. Xiao, what do you think?"


    Xiao Yi gave Li Shengtian and the others a deep look filled with conceit, shrugged his shoulders, and said, "Then let''s follow His Highness''s wishes."


    Yang Ling nodded and turned to Ye Heng on the stage, "Ye Heng, you''ve heard what Mr. Li and the others said as well. Let''s talk about the matter of accepting disciples another day!"


    Ye Heng was unmoved and just looked at Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi smiled, "Ye Heng, please get up first!"


    "Yes!"


    Ye Heng immediately stood up, swept his gaze over the crowd, and fixed it on An Rujing, "Mr. An, does our bet still stand?"


    An Rujing''s face stiffened.


    Have her apologize to a disciple in public?


    How would she continue to stay at Xiaoshanhe Institute after that?


    An Rujing looked at Chen Shuiwen with a pleading gaze, hoping that he would intervene to extricate her from the situation. However, at this moment, Chen Shuiwen was thinking of currying favor with Ye Heng, hoping Ye Heng would eventually accept him as a mentor. How could he help her and offend Ye Heng?


    "Ahem!"


    Chen Shuiwen cleared his throat and spoke righteously, "Mr. An, a bet is a bet. Won''t you apologize to Ye Heng?"


    "..."


    Faced ashen, An Rujing knew she wouldn''t be able to leave the training field today unless she apologized, and so she reluctantly walked up to the stage. Biting her lips tightly, her delicate hands clenched into fists, her nails digging deep into the palms of her hands, blood flowing through her fingers, she gritted her teeth and said, "Ye Heng, it was my fault for not recognizing talent and causing you to be hidden in the dust. I beg for your forgiveness!"


    Swish!


    An Rujing made a meticulous bow at ninety degrees as she apologized.


    Now her heart was filled with regret.


    If only she had known, she wouldn''t have been biased against Ye Heng.


    But alas, there''s no such thing as a regret medicine in this world.


    Ye Heng looked at An Rujing, who had insulted him several times and even sided with Ye Tian when he was bullying him. Taking a deep breath, he said, "Mr. An, I hope you remember this saying, ''Never bully the young and poor!''"


    An Rujing clenched her teeth, "An Rujing has learned her lesson!"


    Thereupon...


    An Rujing turned around and bowed deeply to Xiao Yi and Yang Ling. She said solemnly, "Your Highness Yang Ling, Headmaster Xiao, I am aware that I am not competent enough for the position of an instructor, and I voluntarily resign!"


    How could she face staying at Xiaoshanhe Institute now?


    Better to leave right away.


    Xiao Yi and Yang Ling exchanged glances, and Yang Ling said, "Granted!"


    An Rujing bowed to everyone, then walked towards the exit of the training field. As she walked, whispers entered her ears: "It''s for the best that such a harmful instructor is gone!"


    "Indeed, who would dare to send their child to her anymore?"


    An Rujing''s delicate frame trembled, and she bit her teeth firmly, only letting out a mouthful of fresh blood after she had left the training field.


    Her eyes were full of resentment and hatred: "Xiao Yi, Ye Heng, Chen Shuiwen... I will not let you off..."


    In the VIP seating area.


    Chen Shuiwen''s eyes flickered as he tentatively asked, "Your Highness, since the fight today is over, should we let everyone disperse?"


    Tian Xiao also spoke up, "Your Highness, there are important matters to deal with in the court. Let''s call it a day!"


    Yang Ling was taken aback, about to speak, but was interrupted by Xiao Yi.


    "Have you gentlemen forgotten so quickly? It has only been a short while, and you''ve already forgotten about the bet between Mr. Li and myself!"


    Xiao Yi lifted the red silk covering the table, tapped his finger on the cyan-inkstone table producing a dull thud, and looked at Li Shengtian, whose face was ashen, with a smile, "Mr. Li, please begin your performance!"

 Chapter 233 - 233 Stirring All Directions

    "Mr. Li, please begin your performance!"


    Xiao Yi pointed at the green oak stone table in front of him and made a welcoming gesture.


    Yang Ling: "..."


    Tian Xiao: "..."


    Chen Shuiwen: "..."


    The expression on Li Shengtian''s face kept changing, and he squinted his eyes as he measured up Xiao Yi, pronouncing each word carefully, "Principal Xiao, are you sure you want to be so aggressive?"


    "Me, aggressive?"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback, then couldn''t help but laugh, "When you snatched the principal position from me in the imperial palace, why didn''t you say it was aggressive? Before Ye Heng and Ye Tian fought, when you were everywhere trying to set up a wager with me, why wasn''t that considered aggressive? When Ye Heng became a disciple and you intervened to stop it, why didn''t you find that aggressive? Now you have the nerve to accuse me of being aggressive¡ªdo you think the higher your office, the thicker your face becomes, expecting everyone to show you respect?"


    There was no direct conflict between him and Li Shengtian.


    If we''re talking about grievances...


    It was just that the Black Hawk Gang under the command of Li Shengtian''s son, which bullied and oppressed the common people, had been wiped out by him.


    Because of this...


    Li Shengtian had targeted him at every turn.


    A gentleman avenges his grievances, does he not? Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And who more so than Xiao Yi?


    "You..."


    Li Shengtian''s face turned shades of green and white with rage, his moustache puffing as his eyes bulged in anger, staring fixedly at Xiao Yi, "Xiao Yi, very well, this matter¡ªI, Li Shengtian, will remember it!"


    Bang!


    Li Shengtian slammed his palm down on the table, and the entire green oak stone table was smashed into powder.


    He snorted coldly and strode away.


    This old rogue had opted to play dirty!


    Xiao Yi called out loudly, "Yu Huaxian, pack up this green oak stone table powder and send it to Mr. Li''s residence, to nourish his body!"


    "Yes!"


    Yu Huaxian responded loudly.


    Li Shengtian, who was walking ahead, stumbled and nearly fell to the ground, but did not dare to stop and fled in a panic.


    Yang Ling gave a wry smile as he looked at Xiao Yi, "Why push so hard? Mr. Li has many followers, and his father-in-law is even an elder of the Tianjian Sect. Offending him like this, I fear there will be much trouble ahead."


    Xiao Yi rolled his eyes, "Do you really think that if I hadn''t done this, he would be grateful to me?"


    "Uh..."


    Yang Ling was taken aback and shook his head helplessly.


    With Li Shengtian''s domineering character, who couldn''t tolerate even the slightest dissent, how could he just let it go?


    Yang Ling sighed and then said, "I''ll report back to Emperor Qian immediately. As for the matter of Ye Heng becoming a disciple, you needn''t worry; it''s just a formality. Both Emperor Qian and I definitely support him becoming your disciple!"


    Emperor Qian had entrusted Xiaoshanhe Institute to Xiao Yi because he wanted to support the Institute to restrain the ten major sects and the four great clans and to help empower the imperial family.


    He would naturally support Xiao Yi wholeheartedly.


    Xiao Yi nodded, "Let''s have a good gathering at the discipleship banquet later!"


    "Good, I''ll swipe a few jars of fine wine from Emperor Qian''s wine cellar for you!" Yang Ling grinned and went on his way.


    Xiao Yi glanced at the crowd in the martial arts field that had not yet dispersed.


    When he first arrived, many people were extremely indifferent towards him, and many even thought he was completely incapable of managing Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    But now...


    The looks many people gave him had undergone a complete transformation.


    From initial indifference, it had turned fervent, even to the point of adoration.


    Clearly, he had already garnered the recognition of many people.


    Xiao Yi lightly coughed to get everyone''s attention and then spoke loudly, "Ladies and gentlemen, as the new head of Xiaoshanhe Institute, I will soon be opening our doors to recruit both students and mentors. Anyone who believes they possess a unique skill or is willing to join the Xiaoshanhe Institute is welcome to try out. I trust that no one will be disappointed!"


    In the previous decade, Chen Shuiwen had been using his power for personal gain and amassing influence.


    He mostly treated the Xiaoshanhe Institute as a tool for his own power and benefits, to the point where the reputation of the institute had deteriorated, leading to its gradual decline.


    Now that Xiao Yi had taken over the Xiaoshanhe Institute, he had broken the stalemate, using Ye Heng as a breakthrough point.


    The Xiaoshanhe Institute was bound to face a brand new situation.


    "Principal Xiao, rest assured, we will definitely support you!"


    "My younger brother originally wanted to go to the Kuangdao Sect, one of the top ten sects, but now I think it''s worth letting him try out the Xiaoshanhe Institute¡­"


    "Principal Xiao has only been here a few days and already identified a Sacred Body such as Ye Heng. With your discerning eye for talent, I believe the Xiaoshanhe Institute will become stronger and stronger under your leadership¡­"


    "Principal Xiao, when is the Xiaoshanhe Institute next recruiting students and mentors?"


    The crowd responded one after another.


    Xiao Yi said with a smile, "The plan is to hold it three days from now. As long as you pass the assessments and join the Xiaoshanhe Institute, all disciples'' cultivation resources will be fully covered by us. In addition, if anyone becomes a mentor in the Xiaoshanhe Institute, I, Xiao Yi, guarantee to provide all necessary resources until they break through to the Tao Tribulation Realm. After that, each person will be provided with a fourth-grade Yuan weapon!"


    Hisss!


    A gasp of astonishment rose from the crowd.


    Cultivation resources, fourth-grade Yuan weapons!


    Each was worth a fortune!


    The crowd was stunned by Xiao Yi''s generous offer.


    For a moment,


    Countless powerhouses were secretly tantalized.


    Since ancient times, there has been a saying of the poor scholar and the rich warrior. For the cultivation of martial arts, talent is indeed important, as is a good mentor, but what truly stumps the vast majority is the lack of resources!


    Ever since Ye Heng had defeated Ye Tian, Chen Shuiwen, whose face had been extremely unsightly, suddenly showed a look of wild joy when he heard Xiao Yi''s announcement. Over the years, Xiaoshanhe Institute had almost been hollowed out by him, and even the recently audited account books by Yan Mingli and others had been destroyed.


    The Xiaoshanhe Institute''s available resources couldn''t even suffice for the monthly cultivation of a single Golden Core Realm expert.


    In such a situation,


    Xiao Yi was actually planning a large-scale recruitment of students and mentors, and committing to cover the cultivation resources. This seemed like a road to ruin in Chen Shuiwen''s eyes!


    Once the recruits come and there''s no money to be had,


    Not only Xiao Yi''s reputation would be ruined, but if those students and mentors made an uproar, even his position as head of the institute would be in jeopardy!


    "Hahaha, this is truly Heaven helping me!"


    Chen Shuiwen was ecstatic in his heart, yet his face displayed a look of concern as he feigned advice, "Principal Xiao, with the current state of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, I''m afraid it will be difficult to support the cultivation resources for too many students and mentors!"


    Xiao Yi looked at Chen Shuiwen intently and smiled, "No matter, I will find a way!"


    "Find a way? What can you possibly do? Go ahead, recruit more. When you can''t provide the necessary resources, I''ll see what you do!"


    Chen Shuiwen sneered internally but maintained a solemn appearance, "Principal Xiao is truly a man valued by Emperor Qian, I believe that under your stewardship, the Xiaoshanhe Institute will certainly regain its former glory!"


    "I believe so too!"


    Xiao Yi said, smiling.


    The two of them were cordial on the surface, but each harbored their own devious motives!


    The atmosphere was quite awkward!


    A short while later¡­


    The crowd gradually dispersed, and the news of Xiao Yi massively recruiting mentors and students for the Xiaoshanhe Institute, as well as the revelation that Ye Heng was a Battle War Holy Body, spread like wildfire throughout the Great Qian Dynasty.


    For the first time, the name Xiao Yi sent shockwaves in all directions!

 Chapter 234 - 234 Im Really Fucking Poor!

    Inside the western chamber.


    Chen Shuiwen convened with Sun Zhengyi and others once again, but this time, the gathering clearly had a few fewer attendees than before.


    With a sullen face, Chen Shuiwen asked, "Where are Wang Li and Jiang Yue?"


    Sun Zhengyi answered, "When I went to call them, they said they weren''t feeling well..."


    "Not feeling well?"


    Chen Shuiwen let out a cold snort and sneered contemptuously, "Most likely, they perceive that I''m at a disadvantage in this round and want to distance themselves from me. Never mind them, once I''ve dealt with Xiao Yi, let''s see how I''ll pinch them."


    Sun Zhengyi hurriedly said, "Chancellor, rest assured, we are firmly on your side and will definitely not be fence-sitters like those two!"


    "Right, in life we are yours, in death we are your ghosts!"


    "What''s Xiao Yi anyway? It''s just that he''s had some good luck today, even running into Ye Heng..."


    Several people added hastily.


    Although Chen Shuiwen knew they were simply flattering him, their words were still music to his ears.


    Chen Shuiwen''s expression softened somewhat, and he spoke indifferently, "The matter with Ye Heng isn''t over yet. Today, Mr. Li stepped in to intervene, preventing Ye Heng from successfully becoming a disciple. Sun Zhengyi, from now on, you must stay in contact with Mr. Li and make sure to prevent Ye Heng from taking Xiao Yi as his master. Otherwise, having a disciple with a Sacred Body will become a big problem!"


    "Chancellor, don''t worry. I will head to Mr. Li''s residence right after this!" Sun Zhengyi stated.


    Chen Shuiwen nodded and continued, "Xiao Yi wants to recruit disciples and mentors, and he will certainly need your help..."


    Zou Zheng said with a fawning face, "Chancellor, rest assured, we definitely won''t let Xiao Yi recruit any disciples!"


    "Nonsense!"


    Chen Shuiwen rebuked sharply, his face twisted into a malicious grin, "Not only must we not stop it, but we must also assist Xiao Yi with all our might, ensuring he recruits as many people as possible."


    "Ah?"


    The crowd was momentarily stunned, confused yet impressed.


    If Xiao Yi recruited enough disciples and mentors, wouldn''t Xiaoshanhe Institute fall into his control?


    In the corner.


    A middle-aged man with a sharp chin and monkey-like cheeks spoke in a sinister tone, "Chancellor, this is a brilliant move!"


    "Hm?"


    The others looked at him, not understanding.


    Zou Zheng asked in confusion, "God of Wealth, what do you mean by that?"


    This person was none other than Chen Shuiwen''s absolute confidant, a Nine-fold Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouse Chen Xing, who also managed the finances of Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    All resources of Xiaoshanhe Institute had to pass through his hands.


    Thus, people called him the God of Wealth!


    Grinning widely, Chen Xing said with a sly look, "Xiao Yi has made a grand claim that he will cover all cultivation resources for the disciples and mentors. Do you know how huge an expense that is? Not to mention anything else, just with the current size of Xiaoshanhe Institute, providing resources in his promised manner would cost three hundred million Silver Taels monthly. If he recklessly doubles the number of disciples and mentors, that''s a monthly expense of six hundred million Silver Taels. And right now, there''s less than a hundred million in Xiaoshanhe Institute''s accounts..."


    Hiss!


    Everyone drew a sharp breath.


    Then they understood Chen Shuiwen''s intention.


    "The Chancellor is indeed astute!"


    "When Xiao Yi can''t provide the resources, won''t the newly arrived mentors and disciples tear him apart?"


    Chen Shuiwen smiled smugly, saying, "As long as you follow me properly, naturally you''ll reap your benefits! As for that Xiao Yi... just a wet-behind-the-ears boy thinking he can arm wrestle with me? He''s still too naive..."


    ......


    In the eastern wing room.


    Xiao Yi and the others were also gathered together, with Little Lin climbing onto his shoulder, "Boss, it''s just as you expected, Chen Shuiwen has called all those people together."


    Yu Huaxian asked, "Little Lin, what is their plan?"


    Little Lin nodded, his face showing a human-like mockery, "They are thinking of obstructing Ye Heng from becoming an apprentice, and at the same time they will do their utmost to help us recruit disciples and tutors, just waiting to see you fail to produce the promised resources so they can laugh at us!"


    "These guys are really cunning!"


    "Xiao is truly formidable, everything is just as you predicted..."


    Xiao Yi waved his hand and said in a deep voice, "There''s no need to worry about Ye Heng. As long as he is determined to take me as his master, even if Emperor Qian speaks out, it will be useless. Moreover, Emperor Qian will stand on our side..." He paused, then continued, "As for recruiting disciples and tutors, Chen Shuiwen and others are waiting to laugh at us, but this time they definitely won''t trip us up; on the contrary, they will help us by all means possible. We should recruit as many disciples and excellent tutors as possible, and I will also find a way to bring in some experts!"


    Currently, almost all tutors and disciples at the Xiaoshanhe Institute belonged to Chen Shuiwen''s faction.


    Xiao Yi must quickly cultivate his own loyal followers; otherwise, in the struggle for control of Xiaoshanhe Institute with Chen Shuiwen, he would ultimately be at a disadvantage.


    "Yu Huaxian, leave the recruitment of disciples to you and Bing Xin. Elder Yan and Elder Xue will be responsible for the tutors!" Xiao Yi assigned the tasks.


    Everyone nodded. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Yan Mingli hesitated for a moment before asking, "Xiao, how many should we recruit this time?"


    Xiao Yi pondered for a moment and replied, "For now, let''s recruit twice the current size!"


    "Currently, the Xiaoshanhe Institute has seventy-three tutors and just over four thousand nine hundred disciples... If we recruit at twice the size, we''ll need roughly one hundred fifty tutors and ten thousand disciples..."


    Yan Mingli''s deep eyes sparkled with wisdom.


    Xiao Yi nodded, "Based on that scale, how much would our expenses be each month?"


    Yan Mingli replied with a wry smile, "Almost one billion per month, and that doesn''t even include the granting of a fourth-rank Yuan weapon should any tutor break through to the Tao Tribulation Realm."


    "One billion silver taels a month? Good gracious!" Yu Huaxian swallowed hard.


    Xiao Yi knew the expenses would be large, but he didn''t expect them to be this enormous; frowning, he asked, "Elder Yan, how much money do we still have?"


    When he left the Tianqing Kingdom, Jiang Tai had given him fifty billion silver taels as a reserve.


    "There were fifty billion silver taels that you previously gave me. A few days ago, you withdrew five billion for Ye Heng''s cultivation. Adding some expenses during this time, we still have forty-four billion five hundred million silver taels. Ten billion of which must be reserved for the ancestral worship ceremony in three months. This means we can support our expenses for at most three months!" Yan Mingli explained clearly, then added, "And if any tutors break through to the Tao Tribulation Realm within these three months, that expense is additional!"


    Xiao Yi''s eyebrows were tightly knit.


    He had thought that fifty billion was a lot, but who would have guessed that it was only enough to cover three months of expenses?


    Although if he just asked, Jiang Tai would provide the silver, even if he had to sell his last pot, Xiao Yi was unwilling to do that.


    The Tianqing Kingdom was in need of advancement in all trades and industries. If too much silver was drawn, it would certainly impact the development of the Tianqing Kingdom.


    "When will the royal subsidies arrive?" Xiao Yi inquired.


    Yan Mingli replied with a bitter smile, "This year''s subsidy was distributed half a year ago. Now that all the account books have been destroyed, there''s less than one billion silver taels left in the treasury..."


    "Those bastards..."


    Xiao Yi immediately felt a headache coming on. But the situation was such that they had to shoot the arrow since it was already on the string, so he said, "I''ll figure out a way for the funds. You just proceed according to the plan!"


    "Yes!"


    Everyone nodded and then dispersed.


    Xiao Yi leaned back in his chair and tapped his fingers lightly on the table, feeling a sense of helplessness wash over him.


    He had thought himself rather wealthy, but now it seemed...


    I''m truly damn poor!

 Chapter 235 - 235: Only a Fool Would Not Take Advantage of a Bargain

    Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Ye Heng, dressed in a profound garb, carried two large cauldrons on his shoulders as he ran rapidly around the martial arts field.


    His speed was incredibly fast, each cauldron weighing several thousand pounds, yet he carried them with ease. His tiptoes touched the ground as if he were a dragonfly skimming water, barely making contact before taking off again.


    His swift pace kicked up clouds of dust behind him.


    He had been persisting in his training since before dawn.


    The martial arts field measured a couple thousand meters in circumference, and only after fifty laps did he stop, placing the two cauldrons back in the corner of the field.


    Thud, thud!


    The cauldrons landed with a resonant sound.


    "Ye Heng!"


    A clear voice suddenly came from behind him; a graceful young lady approached him, her white dress flowing as she moved.


    Ye Heng paused, wiping the sweat from his forehead, and said, "Nangong!"


    Nangong Liuyun.


    The lady of a collateral branch of the Nangong Clan, one of the Great Qian Dynasty''s four main noble families, and also the goddess in the hearts of all male disciples in Ye Heng''s cohort.


    In the past...


    Nangong Liuyun rarely even gave him a second glance.


    He hadn''t expected her to initiate a greeting today.


    With a gentle smile on her face, Nangong Liuyun took out a handkerchief attempting to wipe Ye Heng''s sweat, but he dodged her, looking at her questioningly, "Nangong, do you need something from me?"


    Seeing that Ye Heng refused to let her wipe his sweat, Nangong Liuyun showed no displeasure, simply putting the handkerchief away. A radiant smile appeared on her face, which was as beautiful as a portrait, "Ye Heng, actually, from the first time I saw you, I already liked you."


    Ye Heng was taken aback, raising an eyebrow, "Nangong, don''t joke with me. You are the pride of heaven, how could you possibly have taken a liking to me?"


    "I knew you wouldn''t believe me, which is why I didn''t know how to tell you!"


    Nangong Liuyun looked hurt, sighed, and said, "But now I''m afraid, if I don''t speak my feelings, I may never have another chance. I don''t want to miss out on you, Ye Heng. Would you be willing to be with me?"


    Nangong Liuyun tilted her head slightly, blinking her watery large eyes.


    Her exquisite face bore an expression of slight grievance and expectation, truly mesmerizing.


    Gulp!


    Ye Heng swallowed, after all, she was once his goddess!


    Ye Heng hesitated for a moment, then grabbed Nangong Liuyun''s hands, rubbing them in his palms, and said, intoxicated, "Nangong, actually, I have always liked you too. Can, can I hug you?"


    "Ah?"


    Nangong Liuyun was stunned.


    Ye Heng looked injured, "Forget it, just pretend I never said anything. I know, it was indeed too presumptuous of me!"


    "Oh, no, it''s not that."


    Nangong Liuyun''s complexion changed, she quickly embraced Ye Heng, saying hurriedly, "I''m not unwilling, it was just... a bit sudden!"


    Ye Heng''s lips curled up slightly, his hands gliding across Nangong Liuyun''s body.


    She felt extremely uncomfortable, twisting her body continuously.


    Ye Heng said, "Nangong, since we''re both willing, why don''t you come to my room?" S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Ah?"


    Nangong Liuyun was shocked, unable to break free from Ye Heng''s embrace, his body rubbing against hers. She steeled herself and said, "Ye Heng, we can''t be like this. You, if you want to have me, you must at least marry me in a proper ceremony!"


    Ye Heng said, "But... I have no power or influence, would the Nangong Family be willing to let you marry me?"


    "This, this might be a bit difficult, but..." a flash of anticipation and excitement crossed Nangong Liuyun''s eyes as she said, "If you are willing to marry into my Nangong Family, I am sure I can persuade my parents!"


    At this moment, Nangong Liuyun''s heart was filled with excitement.


    She had received a message from her family instructing her to win over Ye Heng at all costs and preferably have him join the Nangong Family.


    That''s why...


    Nangong Liuyun had braced herself to find Ye Heng, this insignificant person who had never caught her attention before.


    If Ye Heng hadn''t awakened the Battle War Holy Body and become the target of contention among various powers, she, Nangong Liuyun, would never have had anything to do with such a small character in her entire life.


    Upon hearing Nangong Liuyun''s words, Ye Heng''s lips curved slightly, and he sneered in his heart: As expected, no one visits a temple without a cause!


    He took a deep breath and agreed outright, "Nangong, I am willing to marry into your Nangong Family, but... I need to find a master, and I want to prepare a gift for my future mentor... I''ve heard that the master of the Tianjian Sect also intends to take me as a disciple, and the gift must not be taken lightly..."


    "What? The master of the Tianjian Sect?" Nangong Liuyun was flabbergasted.


    Her first reaction was that Ye Heng was lying.


    But then she thought...


    Ye Heng had awakened the Battle War Holy Body, which, although inferior to Xiao Tianjiao''s Supreme Overlord Holy Body, was also not much different.


    It wasn''t impossible for the master of the Tianjian Sect to want to take him as a disciple.


    If she could win over Ye Heng and help the Nangong Family forge a connection with the Tianjian Sect, that would be a great achievement!


    With that thought...


    Nangong Liuyun clenched her teeth and said, "You will marry into our Nangong Family sooner or later, so let the Nangong Family prepare the gift for the master for you. But Ye Heng, you are sure you will marry into our Nangong Family, right?"


    Ye Heng nodded, cradling Nangong Liuyun''s cheeks in his hands, and said sternly, "Nangong, my admiration for you flows like the endless rivers and shines like the sun and moon that never fall..."


    Nangong Liuyun was very confident in her own charm and nodded, "I will go back to my family now to fight for you, wait for my good news!"


    "Nangong, I''ll wait for you!"


    As Ye Heng watched Nangong Liuyun leave, the smile on his face gradually vanished and looking at his hands, he murmured, "They do smell rather nice!"


    "Cough, cough!"


    A series of light coughs made Ye Heng''s body shake, and he quickly stood up straight, turning to look at Xiao Yi leaning casually against the corner of the wall, wearing a strange expression as he looked at him; Ye Heng chuckled, "Master, what brings you here?"


    Although they hadn''t officially become master and disciple yet, in Ye Heng''s heart, Xiao Yi was already his master.


    Xiao Yi rolled his eyes, "Did I interrupt you?"


    "No, not at all!" Ye Heng scratched his head.


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow, gesturing towards the direction Nangong Liuyun had left, "What''s going on?"


    Ye Heng curled his lips and disdainfully said, "What else but knowing I''ve awakened the Battle War Holy Body and thinking about winning me over!"


    Xiao Yi''s face showed amusement, "Did you agree?"


    "No way!"


    Ye Heng quickly shook his head and sneered disdainfully, "Back when I was worthless, she couldn''t avoid me fast enough. Now she suddenly comes up and says she likes me, how could I possibly believe her?"


    Xiao Yi uh''d, "So you still let her help you prepare the master''s gift? When has anyone from the Tianjian Sect contacted you?"


    Ye Heng touched his nose and grinned sheepishly, "Master, please don''t misunderstand! Not to mention the master of the Tianjian Sect hasn''t looked for me, even if he really came to me, I wouldn''t accept him as my master. In my eyes, there is only one master, and as for Nangong Liuyun... heh heh, didn''t you say we needed money? The four great aristocratic families are all very rich, so I thought, why not take advantage of it and get some..."


    Take advantage of it and not be a fool?


    Xiao Yi''s eye twitched, looking at Ye Heng''s naive and earnest laughter, speechless: "Who the hell did you learn this from?"

 Chapter 236 - 236 Combat Pavilion

    ```


    "Who the hell did you learn this from?"


    Xiao Yi looked bewilderedly at the simple-faced Ye Heng in front of him.


    In his memory, this guy was a straightforward boy!


    How did he turn out like this?


    Ye Heng, feeling somewhat embarrassed by Xiao Yi''s gaze, touched his nose and said awkwardly, "Master, can you stop looking at me like that?"


    Xiao Yi withdrew his gaze, speaking earnestly, "Ye Heng, if you truly wish to become my disciple, then you must first refrain from engaging in such self-serving acts. Throughout my life, I have conducted myself with integrity. We cannot allow others to point at our spine and curse, understand?"


    "Master, I realize my mistake. I''ll explain the situation to Nangong as soon as I can!"


    Ye Heng looked ashamed, but upon thinking of the Nangong Family''s vast wealth and influence, he couldn''t help but sigh regretfully, "It''s just a pity, if the Nangong Family were to intervene, the treasures wouldn''t be worth less than a billion, right?"


    "Not less than a billion?"


    Xiao Yi was startled, then coughed lightly, speaking righteously, "Ye Heng, have the other three great clan families tried to recruit you?"


    Ye Heng: "Eh?"


    Xiao Yi touched his nose and said, "I''ve heard that the four great clans have numerous businesses, including brothels, gambling houses, and even slave trading¡ªall of which are ill-gotten gains. If we were to take this money and use it for the construction of Xiaoshanhe Institute and to benefit the common folk, that would be a great deed!"


    "But Master... didn''t you say that we shouldn''t let others point at our spine and curse?" Ye Heng said, puzzled.


    Xiao Yi waved his hand and said, "Aren''t you being a bit too old-fashioned? We would be robbing the rich to help the poor. The common people would praise us, not curse us! Don''t you think that''s the right thing to do?"


    Ye Heng nodded subconsciously.


    "Let''s go, I''ll take you around the imperial capital!" Xiao Yi called out to Ye Heng as they headed out of the combat field.


    As the master and disciple walked along, they discussed whether the other three great families had any intentions of soliciting Ye Heng...


    In a corner of the combat field,


    Yu Huaxian looked befuddled as he watched the master and disciple walking away, finally managing to say, "What a shameless pair of master and student..."


    The journey from Imperial Dragon Mountain to the imperial capital was not far.


    Xiao Yi flew through the air, and in a short while, they arrived outside the imperial capital.


    He had originally intended to come alone today to find ways to make money, but after running into Ye Heng in the combat field, he decided to bring him along.


    Within the imperial capital.


    Though it was only early morning, the place was already bustling with activity.


    Along the way, the master and disciple were discussing various money-making strategies.


    As for swindling the other three great families, sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    after discussing it, they unanimously decided that such actions should be taken only as a last resort, absolutely not otherwise.


    Otherwise...


    The two of them would probably end up like rats on the street, everyone shouting to hit them.


    This made Xiao Yi feel somewhat regretful.


    "Should we sell elixirs? Or appraise treasures?"


    Ever since finding out that the monthly expenses exceeded a billion silver taels, Xiao Yi felt pitifully poor and now had only thoughts of making money.


    But with his current level of cultivation, he could at most concoct four-star elixirs, which wasn''t very profitable.


    Even though Xue Bufan could make five-star elixirs, Xue Bufan''s alchemy efficiency was too low.


    That path was a dead end too.


    As for appraising treasures...


    He did have the Life-Snatching Scholar''s ability to appraise treasures; for instance, at the Treasure Pavilion in Nanhuang City, he had easily earned several hundred thousand silver taels.


    However,


    Finding treasures also depended on fate! They weren''t just lying around everywhere.


    "Brothers, was my hospitality last night to your liking?" a boisterous voice came from the crowd.


    Five burly men walked shoulder to shoulder.


    ```


    Everyone reeked of alcohol, mixed with the scent of rouge, clearly having just left a brothel after a night of revelry.


    "Third Brother''s arrangements are absolutely beyond reproach!"


    "Tsk tsk, that girl was really quite sprightly... By the way, Third Brother, you must''ve spent a fortune yesterday, right?"


    "Not much, not much, just a hundred thousand silver taels!" Third Brother said with a wave of his hand.


    The robust man beside him said with a look of envy, "Third Brother won three million silver taels at the Combat Pavilion yesterday, so this hundred thousand is just a mere trifle to him!"


    In the face of the envious glances from the others, Third Brother laughed heartily, "It''s just luck! The one called Dongfang''s winnings were truly something else. Just one match and Dongfang won five hundred million silver taels, that''s five hundred million! If you piled up all that silver, it would probably be as tall as a mountain!"


    "Combat Pavilion? Five hundred million in one day?"


    Xiao Yi was startled.


    He was now very sensitive to money.


    Xiao Yi looked at Ye Heng beside him and asked, "Ye Heng, do you know about the Combat Pavilion?"


    "I know!"


    Ye Heng nodded and said, "The Combat Pavilion is also a gambling house. They arrange battles between martial artists, and people can place bets on the fighters they favor. Of course, one can also apply to become a combatant and fight; if you win, you get a certain percentage. However, the Combat Pavilion is very dangerous, with frequent fatalities."


    "How substantial are the Combat Pavilion''s financial resources?" Xiao Yi asked.


    "From what I''ve heard, the Combat Pavilion is backed by the Great Qian Dynasty''s most mysterious assassination organization, Xue Yi Tower, so their financial strength is undoubtedly immense!" Ye Heng replied.


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow, "Xue Yi Tower?"


    That was an old nemesis of his!


    If it hadn''t been for an assassin from Xue Yi Tower, Fang Qingzhu wouldn''t have had to use her Innate Divine Ability multiple times, which led to her being detected and taken away by people from Baiyu.


    There was also Xue Mantian...


    The encirclement of the Tianqing Kingdom from all sides had something to do with him as well.


    "Ye Heng, your master has found a way to make money!" Xiao Yi said with a grin.


    Ye Heng was startled, "Master, you''re not thinking of going to the Combat Pavilion, are you?"


    "Let''s go!"


    Xiao Yi grabbed Ye Heng and started walking forward, "Master will show you how to rob the rich to aid the poor!"


    Ye Heng looked speechless, "Master, the Combat Pavilion is to the east, you''re going the wrong way..."


    Xiao Yi: "..."


    ......


    Combat Pavilion.


    Located in the eastern part of the imperial capital, it covered an extremely vast area.


    The entire Combat Pavilion was square-shaped, divided into four areas: Heaven, Earth, Mysterious, and Yellow.


    The Heaven Character Pavilion was of the highest grade, while the Yellow Character Pavilion was the lowest.


    The Yellow Character Pavilion was for fighters of the Physical Body Realm, the Mysterious Character Pavilion for the Divine Skills Realm, the Earth Character Pavilion for the Golden Core Realm, and the Heaven Character Pavilion for the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    For the Mysterious and Yellow Character Pavilions, one simply needed to buy a ticket to enter and watch the battles or place bets.


    To enter the Earth Character Pavilion, your net worth had to be verified, and those with less than ten million silver taels were not allowed in.


    The Heaven Character Pavilion had even higher requirements, demanding a minimum net worth of one hundred million silver to gain entry.


    Xiao Yi spent two hundred silver taels to buy two tickets and entered the Mysterious Character Pavilion.


    As soon as they entered,


    they were greeted with a deafening cacophony: "The next match is about to start, place your bets quickly!"


    "Put ten thousand taels on Tiger King for me!"


    "Tiger King my ass, this round is definitely going to the Azure Dragon Association. Put fifty thousand taels on Azure Dragon for me..."


    On the way there, Ye Heng had explained that in the Combat Pavilion, many martial artists who didn''t want to reveal their identities would choose to use nicknames instead.


    Both Tiger King and Azure Dragon were martial artists of the Divine Skills Realm.


    Xiao Yi and his companion had just arrived and did not place bets immediately. Instead, they went into the arena to have a look around, intending to get a feel for the place before making a move. They had just found good seats in the stands when the fighters for the next battle entered the ring, and a fierce fight erupted instantly...

 Chapter 237 - 237: One Hundred Million Chips!

    The entire Combat Pavilion was protected by a formation.


    Each of the four sub-pavilions had its own Protective Formation, capable of withstanding a clash from warriors at the Peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm, so there was no need to worry about damaging the Combat Pavilion or endangering innocent bystanders or the audience in the stands.


    Despite it being morning...


    There were still many people inside the Combat Pavilion.


    In the circular duel arena, iron gates on the east and west sides respectively opened slowly, and two figures emerged from within.


    The person from the east was extremely muscular, with a blood-red tiger tattoo on his chest, and his cultivation had reached the Third Layer of the Divine Passage Realm.


    He was the Tiger King!


    On the west was Azure Dragon, wearing a black mask and wielding a Green Cloud Coiling Dragon Spear, his cultivation also at the Third Layer of the Divine Passage Realm.


    If one were to look solely at cultivation, the two men were evenly matched.


    "Tiger King, snap that lad''s neck, I''ve placed a wager of five million heavyweight on you!"


    "Azure Dragon, kill the Tiger King..."


    "Kill him!" S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Shouts and roars echoed above the duel arena.


    Inside the duel arena.


    Azure Dragon and Tiger King both let out furious roars and charged at each other with murderous intent. Killing the other would allow them to gain a certain percentage of the wagered chips. Given the reputation of Tiger King and Azure Dragon, this battle attracted stakes that started from at least one billion, and even one ten-thousandth of that was a hundred thousand silver.


    The Tiger King had immense strength and was poor; his fighting style was fierce and dominant.


    He continuously suppressed Azure Dragon.


    Gaining the upper hand.


    Those who had placed bets on Tiger King were all yelling excitedly at the top of their lungs.


    As for those who had wagered on Azure Dragon, they clenched their fists tightly with foreheads dripping with cold sweat.


    Xiao Yi watched for a while but soon found it rather dull, and turning to Ye Heng beside him, he asked, "Who do you think will win?"


    Ye Heng was taken aback for a moment and furrowed his brows, saying, "Master, I think it should be Azure Dragon!"


    "Oh?"


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow and smiled, "Why?"


    Ye Heng rested his chin on his hand and spoke in a deep voice, "Although it looks like Azure Dragon is at a disadvantage and is being completely suppressed by Tiger King, I see that Azure Dragon''s battle does not show any hint of panic. On the contrary, it seems as if he is deliberately putting himself in an unfavorable position... It feels like he''s digging a pit, waiting for Tiger King to jump in!"


    "Your little brat''s hair hasn''t even grown fully, what do you know?"


    "Didn''t you see Tiger King completely suppressing Azure Dragon? When narrow paths meet, the brave wins, and the winner will definitely be Tiger King!"


    A few people beside Ye Heng mocked him with their remarks.


    Ye Heng''s brow furrowed deeper, and just as he was about to speak, a wave of shocked gasps cascaded down from the stands like rolling waves, "What just happened? How did Tiger King die?"


    "What?"


    "Tiger King is dead?"


    "That''s impossible... My money... I bet my wife and daughter''s dowry and just lost it like that, how am I supposed to redeem my wife and daughter now..."


    All those who had placed bets on Tiger King were collectively stunned.


    Just a moment ago, Tiger King was completely dominating Azure Dragon, yet suddenly, he was dead?


    Several warriors seated next to Xiao Yi and Ye Heng had bloodshot eyes; their gazes fixed dead on the two, infuriatedly roaring, "Dammit, it must be you two jinxed bastards. Before you opened your mouths, Tiger King was completely suppressing Azure Dragon, but as soon as you say Tiger King''s going to lose, he dies. You two, compensate us for our losses!"


    "I bet five hundred thousand silver on him, you have to compensate us!"


    "I staked a million silver..."


    Facing a crowd of people with fierce gazes fixed on them, Xiao Yi and Ye Heng exchanged a glance, speechless.


    Were they supposed to take the blame for this, too?


    Xiao Yi touched his nose, and said playfully, "This isn''t fun! Are you blaming us for your wrong bets?"


    "Go to hell, are you compensating or not?"


    "If not, watch your backs trying to leave this Combat Pavilion!" The five men across from them bore malicious expressions as they glared at Xiao Yi and Ye Heng.


    The five had already encircled them.


    Their fists clenched, making crackling noises.


    Ye Heng looked to Xiao Yi, "Master, what should we do?"


    "Mix it up!"


    Xiao Yi rolled his eyes and said, "If anyone dares to make a move, break their arms and legs and throw them out!"


    Having said that.


    He crossed his arms over his chest and leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes as if nothing concerned him.


    Ye Heng stood by his side like a statue.


    The surrounding spectators all drew back a distance, watching them with interest; such conflicts were very common in the Combat Pavilion and no longer surprising: "That youngster is unlucky, to have provoked those five gambling addicts."


    "I remember last time there was a bald guy who just because he sat next to them, and when these five guys lost money, they blamed that bald guy for bad luck and beat him to death!"


    "Young man, you might as well compensate them with the money! It''s not worth losing your life over money!"


    Faced with the crowd''s advice, Ye Heng smiled and said, "Thank you all for your concern, but five flies are no trouble at all!"


    "This brat actually dares to call us flies?"


    The five men exchanged glances and said ferociously, "Damn it, kill him!"


    Whoosh!


    The five men charged at once.


    Bang bang bang!


    After a series of muffled sounds of fists meeting flesh, calm was restored.


    It was all over in the space of three breaths.


    The crowd: "..."


    They saw the five fierce men already scattered on the floor, with broken hands or feet, completely incapacitated.


    Ye Heng searched the men and took out five purses, counted the silver notes inside, and said speechlessly, "Five grown men together have only a hundred thousand silvers? You''re really too poor, aren''t you?"


    The five men rolled their eyes together and passed out: "..."


    Rustle rustle!


    The guards of the Combat Pavilion arrived one after another, carrying the five men away without even asking about the cause and effect.


    The Combat Pavilion does not prohibit fighting between guests.


    For any damages caused, pay tenfold compensation!


    If you don''t pay?


    Throw them directly into the dueling arena, let them out when they''ve made enough money, and if they die, just throw them onto the pauper''s grave.


    After this disturbance, it became much quieter around Xiao Yi.


    At that moment...


    A girl in a red dress appeared in the center of the dueling arena, her delicate voice echoing in the Combat Pavilion: "The next duel will be between the newcomer, Blind Swordsman, with cultivation in the First Layer of the Divine Passage Realm. The other is Liu Meng with a broadsword, at the Third Layer of the Divine Passage Realm."


    Clang!


    Clang!


    Two iron gates opened.


    The man from the east was the tyrannical Liu Meng, with eyes like lightning and a burly figure, holding a nine-ring saber, exuding an impressive aura.


    The swordsman from the west was thin and wore ragged clothes; his eyes were hollow, revealing he was blind.


    "Eh?"


    Xiao Yi suddenly opened his eyes, looking towards the direction of the Blind Swordsman.


    The Blind Swordsman seemed to sense something, his hollow gaze wandering before it landed in the direction of Xiao Yi. His grey and white eyes moved around, then he lowered his head once more, a deathly stillness emanating from him, as if his life was nearing its end.


    The iron gates were open for about a hundred breaths before closing again, and the girl in the red dress announced loudly: "You all have half an incense stick''s time to place your bets!"


    "Do we even need to choose? It''s obviously free money for us, with Liu Meng suspected to be a disciple of the Kuangdao Sect and with a higher cultivation than the other; of course, I choose him!"


    "The odds for Liu Meng are 1.5 to 1, while the Blind Swordsman is 3 to 1; clearly, even the Combat Pavilion thinks Liu Meng has a higher chance of winning!"


    "Look at that Blind Swordsman, scrawny and blind, no way he could win..."


    Ye Heng looked at Xiao Yi: "Master, which side should we bet on?"


    Xiao Yi exhaled a deep breath and said, "Blind Swordsman!"


    "Okay!"


    Ye Heng nodded, then asked, "How much?"


    Xiao Yi squinted his eyes and said solemnly, "One billion!"

 Chapter 238 - 238: A Loss of Ten Billion

    "A hundred million?"


    Ye Heng stared at the stack of silver notes Xiao Yi handed to him, completely flabbergasted.


    This was a hundred million taels of silver!


    Actual, tangible silver!


    Xiao Yi nodded and said, "Go ahead!"


    When he saw the blind swordsman, he had a peculiar feeling, an intuition that exists between swordsmen.


    Xiao Yi was certain that the blind swordsman must have mastered the power of Sword Intent.


    In contrast, the overbearing Liu Meng displayed no hint of blade intent. Even if the blind swordsman''s mastery was only the first stage of Sword Intent, he was more than capable of defeating someone at the Third Layer of the Divine Passage Realm!


    Xiao Yi''s bet of a hundred million taels of silver truly shocked many people.


    You have to understand...


    Bets starting at a hundred million usually took place in the Earth Character Pavilion or even the Heaven Character Pavilion!


    There weren''t many inside the Mysterious and Yellow Pavilions who could place a bet of a hundred million taels of silver.


    Someone kindly advised, "Brother, betting a hundred million on that blind man is simply throwing your money away! Liu Meng the Overbearing Swordsman has nine consecutive wins. Even facing a master at the Fourth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, he can easily deal with them!"


    "Yeah, you should change your bet while your disciple hasn''t placed it yet!"


    The crowd urged.


    Xiao Yi smiled and replied, "It''s fine, it''s just a hundred million. If I lose it, then so be it!"


    "..."


    The crowd exchanged glances, speechless.


    To him, a hundred million was nothing!


    The crowd''s gaze at Xiao Yi carried a tinge of envy, of course, that was also because of Ye Heng''s previously demonstrated strength, which prevented them from harboring other thoughts.


    Otherwise...


    There would likely be many more who would set their sights on him!


    It didn''t take long for Ye Heng to return, holding the betting slip in hand. He asked, "Master, can that blind swordsman really win?"


    Xiao Yi indifferently answered, "In this world, there is no such thing as absolute certainty, the battle will begin shortly!"


    Ye Heng instantly closed his mouth.


    Boom!


    Boom!


    Two iron gates opened at the same time.


    The blind swordsman and Liu Meng the Overbearing Swordsman appeared on the dueling ground, facing each other. The blind swordsman held a long bamboo cane, gently tapping it on the ground as he fumbled forward, his grayish-white eyes moving left and right without focus. In contrast, his opponent Liu Meng wielded a big nine-ring saber, muscles like lead, radiating a domineering presence.


    Liu Meng forcefully implanted his nine-ring saber into the ground, opened his arms wide, and repeatedly clapped his hands over his head, calling out loudly, "Cheer, come on!"


    "Overbearing Swordsman!"


    "Victory to the Overbearing Swordsman!"


    Liu Meng laughed heartily, thoroughly enjoying the sensation of being the center of attention. With a tip of his foot, he kicked up the nine-ring saber, grasping the hilt midair with one hand.


    Clang, clang, clang!


    The rings on the saber collided, producing a series of crisp sounds.


    Liu Meng''s gaze was ice-cold as he addressed the blind swordsman, "Blind man, you take the first move. I''ll let you have ten strikes!"


    The blind swordsman cocked his head, his grayish-white eyes wandering aimlessly.


    He made no reply.


    All that could be seen was his right hand gripping one end of the long bamboo cane, followed by a buzzing sound that resonated sharply. A streak of silver light flashed along the cane and then vanished.


    The blind swordsman, leaning on the long bamboo cane, tapped it around and stumbled toward the iron door on the east side.


    The crowd was puzzled, "What''s going on? Is he forfeiting?"


    "The fight hasn''t even started, why is he leaving?"


    Just as everyone was brimming with confusion, a soft sigh suddenly arose, "He has already won."


    All eyes turned in unison towards Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, a sharp light swirling within: "What swift swordplay¡ªjust now, in that instant, he actually unleashed nine swords!"


    "Nine swords?"


    Ye Heng was shocked.


    Just then...


    In the middle of the dueling arena, Liu Meng suddenly trembled, a speck of blood spurting from his neck followed by fountains of blood gushing forth like geysers, nine jet streams instantly dyeing the ground red.


    Bang!


    Liu Meng fell into the pool of blood.


    Hiss!


    A dead silence fell around the dueling arena, which after a brief pause, erupted like a flash flood: "Holy shit! Can someone tell me what the hell just happened? How did Liu Meng die without me seeing anything?"


    "Incredible, the Bling Swordsman''s sword is just too fast!"


    "In that split second, Liu Meng was hit by nine swords, this, this..."


    Several strong individuals next to Xiao Yi were shocked by the Blind Swordsman''s power, and they also remembered that Xiao Yi had placed a bet of one hundred million silver on the Blind Swordsman; envy appearing on their faces: "Congratulations, the Blind Swordsman was at three-to-one odds, you just made two hundred million with that bet!"


    "Brother, who are you planning to bet on in the next match? We''ll follow your lead..."


    Everyone was excitedly looking at Xiao Yi.


    In two consecutive duels, Xiao Yi had accurately predicted the outcome.


    Especially in the match with the Blind Swordsman.


    When almost everyone was doubting the Blind Swordsman, Xiao Yi resolutely placed a heavy bet of one hundred million silver on him, earning two hundred million silver in one go.


    This truly made people envious and at the same time, won their admiration.


    They all wanted to follow his bets.


    To Xiao Yi, this was of little concern, after all, the Combat Pavilion was backed by Blood Shadow Tower; to carve a slice from the enemy, why not revel in it?


    And so...


    The third match.


    The fourth match.


    The fifth match...


    Xiao Yi accurately predicted the outcome of nine consecutive matches, his wealth now accumulating to twelve billion. This was despite the odds not being as rare as the three-to-one seen in the Blind Swordsman''s match; otherwise, his profits from nine consecutive victories would have far exceeded this number.


    Even so, Xiao Yi was quite satisfied.


    In just a couple of hours, he had earned what Xiaoshanhe Institute spent in a month.


    "Combat Pavilion, indeed a right place to come!" Xiao Yi muttered to himself.


    If he were to engage in alchemy and marketing, just gathering the herbs would take a significant amount of time!


    Meanwhile...


    In the very center of the Combat Pavilion, within an area standing alone, where outsiders were not permitted...


    "Pavilion Master, there''s a big problem!" A powerful individual from the Combat Pavilion rushed in, frantic, facing a figure in a blood robe.


    "What''s the issue?"


    The figure in the blood robe frowned.


    The urgent individual said, "There''s a major problem from the Mysterious Character Pavilion''s side; a young man has been precisely predicting the outcome of each match. He has now won nine consecutive matches and earned more than ten billion silver."


    The figure in the blood robe impatiently responded, "So he won, just ten billion, we can afford to lose that much!" S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "It''s not that, Pavilion Master..."


    The person with a distressed face said, "Now, everyone in the Mysterious Character Pavilion is betting with him, and everyone''s making a killing. A rough estimate, in just one or two hours, we''ve lost over one hundred billion silver."


    "What?"


    The figure in the blood robe suddenly opened his eyes wide.


    One hundred billion silver!


    Even if the Combat Pavilion was a goldmine, that''s still a substantial amount.


    The figure in the blood robe narrowed his eyes, speaking gravely, "Go invite him here... no, I will see him personally. I want to see who is so audacious as to cause trouble in my Combat Pavilion!"

 Chapter 239 - 239 Are You Threatening Me?

    After Xiao Yi had won nine consecutive battles.


    The Mysterious Character Pavilion temporarily halted the next fight.


    As everyone was puzzled, Xue Wuhen, clad in a blood robe, approached Xiao Yi with a gentle smile on his face and said, "My name is Xue Wuhen, I am the Pavilion Master of the Combat Pavilion, may I inquire as to your esteemed name?"


    Xiao Yi glanced at him and replied indifferently, "Does my name really matter?"


    "Indeed, it does not!"


    Xue Wuhen smiled, sat down next to Xiao Yi, and spoke softly, "You''ve won quite a bit, why not quit while you''re ahead?"


    Xiao Yi looked at him amusingly, "What? Can the mighty Combat Pavilion not afford to lose?"


    "The strength of our Combat Pavilion is far beyond what you can imagine, how could we not afford to lose? However, greed is an insatiable snake that swallows elephants, and those who are overly greedy tend to meet bad ends. I''m merely considering your well-being. Take the money you''ve won and leave; you can still enjoy it greatly once you return. If you continue, it''s very likely you''ll lose everything..." The smile never left Xue Wuhen''s face, but the chill in his eyes grew ever more piercing.


    Not only was Xue Wuhen the Pavilion Master of the Combat Pavilion, he was also the lord of Xue Yilou.


    His cultivation had reached the Nine-fold Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm.


    An air of icy coldness emanated from him, prompting the surrounding crowd to scatter and avoid getting too close.


    Xiao Yi sized up Xue Wuhen, noting an aura similar to that of Xue Mantian¡ªclearly, both had cultivated the techniques of Xue Yilou.


    Such an aura was exactly the kind Xiao Yi detested the most.


    If not for Xue Mantian, would he and Fang Qingzhu have been separated?


    Xiao Yi spoke calmly, "Wealth is but an external possession; loss is simply loss."


    "Are you determined to oppose my Combat Pavilion to the bitter end?" Xue Wuhen squinted and asked.


    Xiao Yi shrugged his shoulders.


    Xue Wuhen chuckled, stood up, and straightened his clothes, saying, "Very well, then I wish you continued good luck!"


    Before his voice had faded.


    He stroked his sleeve and strode away.


    Ye Heng looked at Xiao Yi with worry, "Master..."


    "It''s alright!"


    Xiao Yi waved his hand, revealing a serene smile, "I want to see what tricks he has up his sleeve!"


    Shortly after.


    The tenth battle commenced, this time a Blind Swordsman would face a bald young man of the same realm.


    "The Blind Swordsman is the one who slew Liu Meng of the Third Layer of the Divine Passage Realm with a single sword strike; isn''t this bald kid of the First Layer of the Divine Passage Realm seeking death?"


    "I''m betting on the Blind Swordsman this round!"


    As they watched the Blind Swordsman in the arena, the crowd had fresh memories of his swift swordsmanship and commented one after another.


    Ye Heng asked, "Master, should we put all our silver on the Blind Swordsman?"


    "No!"


    Xiao Yi shook his head, and watching the crowd place heavy bets on the Blind Swordsman, he said in a serious tone, "Place everything on the bald kid!"


    Several people around were startled, "On the bald kid?"


    "Young master, the Blind Swordsman is definitely stronger than the bald kid..."


    Xiao Yi said calmly, "I haven''t forced you to believe me!"


    While the people hesitated, someone spoke up, "Gentlemen, in my opinion, he''s been bluffed by the Pavilion Master of the Combat Pavilion. He''s thinking of intentionally losing the money back to them. We shouldn''t trust him!"


    "Exactly, anyone can see that the Blind Swordsman will win. Yet he insists we bet on the bald kid, for sure he''s chickened out!"


    "Don''t listen to him!"


    The crowd placed their bets on the Blind Swordsman.


    Ye Heng looked at Xiao Yi worriedly, "Master, this..."


    Xiao Yi laughed, "It''s their own money!"


    Ye Heng fell silent.


    Thump!


    The battle commenced.


    Just as Xiao Yi had said, the blind swordsman indeed lost, losing in a somewhat inexplicable manner.


    Xiao Yi''s 1.2 billion turned into 1.5 billion.


    The others, however, suffered a crushing defeat.


    Less than a tenth had followed Xiao Yi''s bet.


    For a moment¡­


    The crowd looked at Xiao Yi as if he were an enemy, "It''s all your fault, you yourself bet on the bald kid, yet you made us bet on the blind swordsman¡­"


    "I really hate you, how could you harm us like this?"


    "I bet all my fortune on this, and now you''ve ruined me¡­"


    "You must have colluded with the Combat Pavilion to swindle our money¡­"


    Faced with the crowd''s accusations and provocation, someone even charged towards Xiao Yi, "Give us back our hard-earned money!"


    A chill flashed through Xiao Yi''s eyes, and with a casual wave of his hand, a torrent of vital energy surged out.


    Boom, boom, boom!


    One strong fighter after another was sent flying, sprawling across the ground in all directions.


    Xiao Yi''s face remained expressionless.


    Ye Heng burst into a furious rage, "Have you no conscience? My master never asked you to follow his bets. When you make money, you forget his goodwill, but when you lose, you come to blame him? Besides, my master already said he would bet on the bald kid. It was you who thought you knew better and bet on the blind swordsman. Now that you''ve lost everything, it''s your own fault. Anyone who talks nonsense again, be careful lest I tear your mouth apart!"


    Looking at the few people wailing on the ground, everyone exchanged glances, not daring to utter another word.


    The eleventh pair of fighters made their appearance on the dueling stage.


    However¡­


    This time, Ye Heng returned, smiling bitterly, "Master, Xue Wuhen at the betting station, he won''t accept our chips."


    "Hm?"


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow and stood up, making his way to the betting station.


    Xue Wuhen, with his legs crossed and an air of nonchalance, looked amused, "Oh, what brought you here?"


    Xiao Yi spoke indifferently, "My disciple says you won''t take my chips?"


    "We won''t!"


    Xue Wuhen spoke defiantly, "Even if you calculate it accurately, I still won''t accept your chips. You also don''t need to think about predicting the outcome and letting others bet. I can change the outcome at any time." He slowly raised his right hand and clenched it lightly, "No matter how powerful you are, you will never be able to escape from the palm of my hand!"


    Xue Wuhen looked at Xiao Yi, smugly.


    He didn''t care about losing ten or so billion.


    After all¡­


    The latest round with the blind swordsman had allowed him to recoup a hundred billion. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But Xiao Yi had previously disrespected him, which irritated Xue Wuhen, prompting him to deliberately make things difficult for Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, "You mean to say, today it''s impossible for me to bet at the Combat Pavilion?"


    "Not just today, tomorrow, the day after¡­ for the rest of your life, don''t even think about placing a bet at my Combat Pavilion again, don''t even think about earning a single silver tael from my Combat Pavilion. Of course¡­"


    Xue Wuhen leaned forward slightly, a radiant smile on his face as he spoke ominously, "If you have the courage, you can directly participate in the duels. If you win, you will get a share of the bets. Moreover, the more consecutive victories at my Combat Pavilion, the higher the share. Ten consecutive victories entitle you to a tenth of the share, twenty consecutive victories a fifth¡­ If you can win a hundred consecutive matches, then congratulations, all the earnings are yours! However, if you participate in the duels, you could very well lose your life in the process!"


    Xiao Yi stared intently at Xue Wuhen with narrowed eyes, "Are you threatening me?"


    Xue Wuhen shrugged his shoulders confidently, "I am threatening you. What can you do about it?"


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi let out a long breath and said, "I only wanted to make some money quietly and leave, but since you insist on pushing me, so be it!"

 Chapter 240 - 240 Who Can Withstand My Unbeatable Punch?

    "As I wish?"


    Xue Wuhen was taken aback, his eyes narrowed into slits as he looked at Xiao Yi with a playful expression, "Kid, you''re not actually thinking about participating in the dueling arena, are you?"


    In his eyes, Xiao Yi must have lost his mind.


    The duels within the Combat Pavilion were a matter of life and death.


    However...


    All of this, in Xiao Yi''s view, was exactly what he desired.


    Wasn''t this a great opportunity to make money?


    Winning ten consecutive matches would yield one-tenth of the prize, and winning a hundred matches in a row would grant him all the wagers.


    Such a streak of victories may be difficult for others.


    But to Xiao Yi, it seemed as simple as reaching into a bag and taking what he needed.


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Don''t you just wish for me to join the duel in the Combat Pavilion?"


    Xue Wuhen frowned and said, "Kid, do you really prefer to die rather than yield to me? Don''t forget, this is my turf, and if you really get on the dueling ground, killing you wouldn''t be any harder than crushing an ant!"


    "I''ll also tell you, you''re forcing me into the duel now, but later you will be kneeling and begging me to leave!" Xiao Yi said with a cold laugh.


    "Hahaha..."


    Xue Wuhen straightened his body, his tangible gaze fixed on Xiao Yi as he said deliberately, "Little bastard, since you''re so bent on courting death, I''ll grant your wish!" Xue Wuhen shouted to someone behind him, "Bring someone here, prepare a token for this foolhardy kid, and take him to the Earth Character Pavilion!"


    Among the four pavilions of Heaven, Earth, Xuan, and Huang, the Earth Character Pavilion is where the Golden Core Realm powerhouses fight.


    Xiao Yi''s cultivation level was of the Golden Core Realm; naturally, he was directed to the Earth Character Pavilion.


    A strong member of the Combat Pavilion approached, took out a token, and said, "Please state your name, or you may use a nickname as a substitute!"


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes and said, "One Punch!"


    "One Punch?"


    The servant was momentarily startled, looking at him in confusion, "Does this name carry any special meaning?"


    Xiao Yi glanced at Xue Wuhen behind the servant and said deliberately, "Who can withstand my undefeated punch?"


    With those words...


    A sense of arrogance and confidence was like an invisible storm, crushing everything.


    Hiss!


    The servant holding the token trembled violently, and the token almost fell to the ground.


    "Who can withstand your undefeated punch? That''s quite the bold claim. You''re not considering yourself Xiao Tianjiao, are you?"


    Xue Wuhen mocked incessantly, his face full of disdain and impatience, as he waved to the servant, "Take him to the Earth Character Pavilion and arrange his fight!"


    "Yes!"


    The attendant immediately led Xiao Yi to the Earth Character Pavilion.


    As for Ye Heng, he was taken by Xue Wuhen to the VIP area and was not allowed to place bets on the way.


    This left Ye Heng quite helpless.


    Meanwhile...


    Xiao Yi had already been led by the servant to the prep area of the Earth Character Pavilion, where hundreds of powerhouses were meditating with their eyes closed.


    Each of these people was a Golden Core Realm existence, and every one of them was exceptionally indifferent, only giving Xiao Yi a glance when he appeared before slowly withdrawing their gaze.


    "Please prepare a mask for me!" Xiao Yi said.


    "Please wait a moment!"


    Shortly after, the servant brought over a silver mask.


    As soon as Xiao Yi put on the mask, the servant said, "The Pavilion Master has given special instructions that as long as you don''t cry halt, we can keep arranging opponents for you. He regards this as a special favor to you!"


    Xiao Yi nodded, stood up, and walked toward the dueling arena.


    Within the VIP area.


    Xue Wuhen sat in a bold manner, with his legs crossed and relaxedly tasting his fine wine, his eyes narrowing into slits as he gazed at Ye Heng beside him who seemed somewhat apprehensive, "Kid, if you hand over those billions to me now and have your master kneel and apologize to me, I might consider sparing you both!"


    Ye Heng gave him a look and said, "You better think about how you''re going to beg my master to leave the dueling ground later on!"


    "Oh? It seems you have quite the confidence in your master!" Xue Wuhen said with a laugh.


    Ye Heng replied, "My master is invincible in battle!"


    "Invincible? Hahaha..."


    Xue Wuhen shook his head, chuckling disdainfully, "Then let''s just wait and see!"


    Xue Wuhen snapped his fingers.


    Boom, boom, boom!


    The grand gates on both sides of the dueling arena burst open, and at the same time, a graceful woman appeared in the center of the arena and announced loud and clear, "The combatants for this battle: on the left side, our Barbarian King. The other is a newcomer; his name is quite unique, called One Punch. According to him, the meaning behind this name is ''Who can withstand my punch undefeated''!"


    The rules of Earth Character Pavilion are different from those of Huang Xuan''s pavilions.


    Here, they don''t publicize the combatants'' cultivation levels, but rather let people guess based on their feelings.


    "..."


    The vast Earth Character Pavilion fell silent.


    Then a burst of roaring laughter erupted, "Hahaha, isn''t this kid way too arrogant? Who gave him the courage?"


    "I''ve seen the arrogant, but never this arrogant!"


    "Barbarian King, beat him to death!"


    In the middle of the dueling arena.


    The Barbarian King snickered continuously, standing at a towering height of three meters, reportedly a strong man from a barbaric tribe living in remote forests. His hands kneading each other, producing a crackling sound that was loud and clear, he said coldly, "Kid, I''ll let you have the first punch!"


    "Oh!"


    Xiao Yi nodded agreeably.


    He threw a punch that seemed casual and light.


    Full of mockery, the Barbarian King remarked, "Your punch is so slow, and your power so weak, are you trying to tickle me?"


    However...


    The smile on his face suddenly vanished.


    It wasn''t that the fist had hit him, but just the force of the punch approaching.


    Whoosh!


    The Barbarian King didn''t even have time to scream before being blasted away by the force of the punch, without even being touched by the fist itself! S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Thud!


    The Barbarian King slammed hard against the Array and rebounded back onto the ground, completely knocked out cold.


    Hiss!


    The strong ones who were previously mocking Xiao Yi collectively fell silent.


    They all stared stupefied at Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi looked up at the graceful girl and said, "Next!"


    The graceful girl had already received instructions, to continuously provide him with opponents as long as Xiao Yi didn''t call a stop.


    Previously, the Barbarian King was only at the fifth layer of the Golden Core Realm; this time, the challenger was at the sixth layer.


    And then...


    Bang!


    The Seventh Layer of the Golden Core Realm.


    Bang!


    The Eighth Layer of the Golden Core Realm.


    Bang...


    Even when a fighter of the Ninth Layer of the Golden Core Realm stood before Xiao Yi, he was brutally smashed away, with none even capable of forcing Xiao Yi to throw a second punch.


    Just like the name he chose¡ªWho can withstand my punch undefeated?


    As Xiao Yi continued to challenge.


    His winning streak was rapidly increasing.


    Ten rounds.


    Twenty rounds.


    Thirty rounds...


    Without realizing it.


    Xiao Yi''s consecutive victories had reached fifty, meaning that Xiao Yi could now take half of the total bets placed in each of his following battles.


    You should know...


    Due to his continuous victories, and so far no opponent being a match for even one of his punches, Xiao Yi''s reputation soared. More and more powerful figures came to place bets in his name. Now, for every battle of Xiao Yi''s, the Combat Pavilion had to pay out at least two to three billion Silver, and that''s not even including the half of the chips Xiao Yi now claimed with each battle.


    Inside the VIP room.


    Xue Wuhen was drenched in cold sweat, his hands tightly gripping the armrests, his face pale, listening to the reports from his subordinates: "What did you say?"


    "P-Pavilion Master, now with every battle One Punch fights, we have to pay out around one hundred and fifty billion total. Moreover, as his share of the winnings grows greater, more and more people come to bet on him. If this continues, we''re doomed..." The attendant''s face was full of despair and bitterness.


    "You little bastard, you''re forcing my hand!"


    Xue Wuhen''s face turned an iron blue, his eyes filled with fierce light, he gritted his teeth and ordered, "You, go fetch Ghost General immediately..."

 Chapter 241 - 241 Records are Meant to be Broken!

    VIP room.


    Clang clang clang!


    A series of metallic clashing noises came, and a figure appeared before Xue Wuhen and Ye Heng, clad in blood-colored metal battle armor, disheveled, and with long hair caked with congealed blood, sticking together, his face indistinct amidst the tousled strands.


    The very moment this person appeared,


    Ye Heng felt the temperature inside the VIP room plummet to freezing point.


    The drink in his hand also turned to ice.


    "There''s such a heavy evil Qi on this person..." Ye Heng silently cautioned himself.


    Beneath the disheveled hair, a pair of blood-red eyes flickered with cold, detached glimmers of light, fixing on Xue Wuhen: "Why did you summon me?"


    Xue Wuhen pointed towards Xiao Yi in the dueling arena and said in a deep voice, "Didn''t you instruct me to wake you if I encountered a strong enough contender worthy of being your opponent? Such a person has appeared. This man is nicknamed ''One Punch'' and has achieved a fifty-win streak. I want you to kill him!"


    "Fifty-win streak?"


    The Ghost General''s voice was ice-cold yet resonant, as he sneered, "Call me when he reaches his ninetieth match!"


    His voice was like that of a haunting spirit.


    At times delicate, at times rough, the yin and yang were indistinguishable.


    Xue Wuhen angrily retorted, "Why wait until the ninetieth match? Do you know how much I stand to lose?"


    The Ghost General replied indifferently, "When Xiao Tianjiao was in the Golden Core Realm, he defeated me on his ninetieth match, thus achieving an unprecedented ninety-win streak. It''s precisely because I failed to stop Xiao Tianjiao that I agreed to guard the Combat Pavilion. Let me take action when he reaches his ninetieth match!"


    The Ghost General then dragged his heavy body away,


    Completely ignoring Xue Wuhen''s angry roar, "Damned bastard..."


    Ye Heng quietly heaved a sigh of relief.


    For some reason...


    Even when he heard Xue Wuhen ordering the Ghost General to strike down Xiao Yi, he felt no worry at all.


    In his heart, Xiao Yi was invincible.


    No one could threaten his life.


    There was simply no need for concern.


    Xue Wuhen stared fixedly at Ye Heng, grinding his teeth as he said, "Boy, just who is your master?"


    Ye Heng answered lightly, "When my master completes a hundred-win streak, let him tell you himself!"


    "A hundred-win streak? Pure folly!"


    Xue Wuhen sneered as if looking at a madman, staring at Ye Heng, "Not even Xiao Tianjiao, the top talent of the Great Qian Dynasty, achieved more than ninety consecutive victories in the Golden Core Realm, a record that has been maintained for years. No one has ever been able to come close to his record. Do you think your master can be stronger than Xiao Tianjiao?"


    "Xiao Tianjiao?"


    Ye Heng was taken aback.


    That name was thunderous in his ears.


    The number one talent of the Great Qian Dynasty, the Saint Heir of Tianjian Sect, and now a master of the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    An existence comparable to the proud sun above the sky.


    Yet Ye Heng hadn''t imagined that Xiao Tianjiao also only managed a ninety-win streak back in the day?


    What then, had stopped him from achieving the hundred-win record?


    Narrowing his eyes, Ye Heng muttered to himself, "If it were my master, he should be able to reach a hundred consecutive victories, right?"


    Xiao Yi''s winning streak continued to rise.


    Even when faced with opponents who were at the peak of the Golden Core Realm, they were still no match for a single punch.


    "One Punch, Unbeatable!"


    "Unbeatable!"


    As soon as Xiao Yi''s opponent entered the stage, the entire Earth Character Pavilion was filled with thunderous cheers and roars.


    Xiao Yi never disappointed the crowd.


    No matter where you came from, all were brought down by one punch!


    Unconsciously...


    The win streak had reached the ninetieth match.


    The graceful lady''s figure reappeared before the crowd, her gaze filled with reverence as she looked at Xiao Yi, and announced loudly, "Ladies and gentlemen, the following contender is our Combat Pavilion''s ultimate warrior. Additionally, he is the only one who caused Xiao Tianjiao to use two moves to win during his Golden Core Realm duels in our Combat Pavilion. His name is¡ªGhost General!"


    Boom!


    Boom!


    Boom! S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The war drums thundered relentlessly.


    "The Ghost General? My god, the Combat Pavilion actually sent him out?"


    "I was here when Xiao Tianjiao stormed the Combat Pavilion. He was truly invincible! Before he faced the Ghost General, no one could withstand even one of his moves. It wasn''t until his ninetieth fight that he met the Ghost General, and it took Xiao Tianjiao two moves to defeat him, thus setting the Combat Pavilion''s longest winning streak of ninety consecutive victories."


    "Ninety consecutive victories? With Xiao Tianjiao''s strength, wouldn''t a hundred consecutive victories be easy?"


    "What do you know? After Xiao Tianjiao defeated the Ghost General, no one in the Earth Character Pavilion''s Golden Core Realm was his match. He went straight to the Heaven Character Pavilion to challenge those in the Tao Tribulation Realm, winning nine straight victories there and accumulating nearly a trillion silver, angering the Pavilion Master who personally intervened and defeated him, halting his streak at ninety-nine consecutive victories!"


    In the midst of the whispering crowd.


    The Ghost General appeared in front of Xiao Yi, a tall and burly figure clad in blood-colored iron armor, clanking as he moved.


    His disheveled hair fell across his face, and his blood-red eyes stared at Xiao Yi as he said firmly, "You, are strong!"


    Xiao Yi squinted, assessing the Ghost General.


    There was a terrifying evil qi emanating from the man, chilling the air to freezing point. Within ten paces of the Ghost General, the ground was frosted over, the frost reaching up to Xiao Yi and stopping there uncannily.


    Xiao Yi said, "I heard it took Xiao Tianjiao two moves to beat you?"


    "Yes!"


    The Ghost General spoke with a muffled voice, "He is the strongest Golden Core Realm warrior I''ve ever seen, and no one has been able to break his record!"


    Xiao Yi cracked a smile, "Records are made to be broken. It took him two moves to defeat you, but I only need one punch!"


    "One punch? Hahaha, that''s the funniest joke I''ve ever heard!" The Ghost General''s laughter carried a hint of murderous intent as he took Xiao Yi''s claim of defeating him with one punch as a great insult, "As a reward for amusing me, I''ll leave your body intact!"


    As soon as the words fell.


    The Ghost General''s body shook, and the gray qi beneath him surged into a fierce gray steed.


    Mounted on the gray qi steed, clad in his blood-colored battle armor, and wielding a black spear, the Ghost General''s legs clamped down hard, and with a loud boom, he transformed into a blur of black and red, shooting past.


    His speed was so fast that all one could see was a trail of afterimages.


    "Ghost King Spear!"


    Boom!


    On the black spear, a fierce wind howled, emitting a wailing sound as it cut through the air, akin to the ghost king''s roar.


    Along the spear''s light, white frost continuously formed under the invasion of evil qi.


    Like the fangs of a ghost king, it thrust straight at Xiao Yi''s heart.


    In the VIP seats.


    Xue Wuhen reclined comfortably in his chair, smirking at Ye Heng, "Stop watching, your master''s fate is sealed. Over the years, aside from Xiao Tianjiao, no Golden Core Realm powerhouse has managed to survive against the Ghost General!"


    Discover stories at My Virtual Library Empire


    "No!"


    Ye Heng stated emphatically, "My master will not lose!"


    "Stubborn till the end..."


    Xue Wuhen let out a sneer.


    Meanwhile¡­


    Faced with the Ghost General''s lethal strike, Xiao Yi''s lips curved slightly upward, his right fist drawn back to his waist, then suddenly hammered out like an arrow from a bow.


    Rustling!


    Endless qi gathered atop his fist.


    This punch, seemingly effortless, was imbued with the power of wind and thunder. With a massive boom, his punch landed solidly on the sharp spear tip. Amidst another resounding boom, the long spear shattered.


    The violent gust of wind sent the Ghost General flying backwards.


    Boom!


    The Ghost General slammed harshly into the protective array and fell noisily to the ground, his body crackling with thunder, unable to get up again.


    One punch, instant kill!


    "Holy shit, he actually defeated the Ghost General with one punch?"


    "This is the Ghost General who could withstand two of Xiao Tianjiao''s moves, who on earth is this one-punch guy?"


    Amidst the crowd''s speculation, Xiao Yi paid them no attention.


    His gaze turned towards the VIP area, his voice calm but filled with a fervent warlike intent, "Xue Wuhen, I want to challenge the Heaven Character Pavilion!"


    "..."


    At these words, the world was shocked...

 Chapter 242 - 242: Stirring in All Directions

    The Earth Character Pavilion was filled with silence.


    All eyes converged on Xiao Yi.


    Before the battle began¡­


    The majority believed the odds were evenly split between Xiao Yi and the Ghost General, with only a few thinking Xiao Yi could defeat the Ghost General, but certainly not with the two-move victory that Xiao Tianjiao achieved.


    However¡­


    When the scene truly unfolded before them.


    The first reaction of the crowd was disbelief.


    This was the Ghost General, who, just a few years ago, could withstand Xiao Tianjiao''s two moves before succumbing. No one believed Xiao Yi could outdo Xiao Tianjiao.


    Or rather, no one throughout the entire Great Qian Dynasty thought anyone could surpass Xiao Tianjiao.


    Until this moment.


    They witnessed Xiao Yi''s strength and excellence with their own eyes, as he defeated the formidable Ghost General with a single punch.


    Keep in mind.


    When Xiao Tianjiao faced off against the Ghost General back then, he was also at the Golden Elixir Realm Peak, and so is Xiao Yi now. Under the same level of cultivation, and with the Ghost General having undergone years of hard training to become even stronger than before.


    Yet under such circumstances, Xiao Yi still defeated the Ghost General.


    It was a one-hit kill!


    Without any doubt!


    While the crowd was still immersed in the shock of Xiao Yi''s victory over the Ghost General, Xiao Yi then proposed the challenge of fighting in the Heaven Character Pavilion.


    That''s the Heaven Character Pavilion!


    It''s filled with practitioners of the Tao Tribulation Realm, even those at the peak of the realm.


    Years ago, after Xiao Tianjiao single-handedly secured ninety consecutive victories in the Earth Character Pavilion, he went on to win nine matches in the Heaven Character Pavilion, earning a trillion silver. With just one more victory, he would have accomplished a hundred consecutive victories and create a miracle.


    The result was that in the tenth match at the Heaven Character Pavilion, Xue Wuhen, the Pavilion Master of the Combat Pavilion, personally intervened to target Xiao Tianjiao.


    At that time, Xue Wuhen was at the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    Xiao Tianjiao''s cultivation was also at the Golden Elixir Realm Peak.


    Even Xiao Tianjiao had not defeated the Xue Wuhen of that time, let alone the current Xue Wuhen whose cultivation had increased several-fold from a few years back, "He couldn''t possibly be thinking of breaking Xiao Tianjiao''s record, could he?"


    "With ninety consecutive victories in the Earth Character Pavilion, and having defeated the Ghost General, there is no one in the Earth Character Pavilion who can match him. It seems he really intends to challenge Xiao Tianjiao''s record!"


    "I think he''s been addled by his victories¡­"


    Inside the VIP room.


    Xue Wuhen was also startled, a trace of astonishment appearing on his face, "Could this kid really be intending to break Xiao Tianjiao''s record? How preposterous!"


    Back then, he had interfered to prevent Xiao Tianjiao from achieving a hundred consecutive victories because the final bet was a staggering ten trillion silver, and should Xiao Tianjiao win, the Combat Pavilion would have been bankrupted.


    He had no choice but to take action.


    Even though he ultimately won and stopped Xiao Tianjiao, that battle also damaged his foundation, preventing him from ever advancing to the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    Xue Wuhen never imagined that Xiao Yi was thinking of replicating Xiao Tianjiao''s feat?


    Ye Heng confidently said, "What does Xiao Tianjiao amount to? My master said that records are meant to be broken, and he will definitely break Xiao Tianjiao''s record!"


    "Nonsense!"


    Xue Wuhen sneered with irony, recalling his own battle with Xiao Tianjiao, he couldn''t help but express his feelings, "That Xiao Tianjiao was truly a favored son of heaven, exceptionally brilliant, unparalleled in ages past. That battle drew countless strong individuals, with even the ten great sects sending experts. That brought about a betting round of eighteen trillion silver, forcing me to intervene!"


    Eighteen trillion silver?


    Ye Heng inhaled sharply.


    Carrying several billion silver notes on him, he already felt immensely wealthy.


    How much would eighteen trillion silver be?


    Xue Wuhen squinted his eyes, looking down at Xiao Yi in the dueling arena, and spoke out loud, "Young man, do you know who''s inside the Heaven Character Pavilion? Your strength is not bad, but there are plenty stronger than you in there, and one careless move could cost you your life!"


    Xiao Yi looked up proudly in the direction of the VIP room, "Just say whether you dare let me go to the Heaven Character Pavilion or not?"


    Hiss!


    All those present drew in a breath of cold air.


    That was none other than the Pavilion Master of the Combat Pavilion, the Master of Xue Yilou, a being at the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    Xiao Yi actually dared to speak to him like that?


    Xue Wuhen snorted coldly and said, "What is there to dare?" After a pause, Xue Wuhen spoke aloud, "Open the Heaven Character Pavilion!"


    Boom!


    The entire Combat Pavilion thundered.


    A series of ear-splitting, resounding bell tolls echoed across the emperor''s capital.


    The Heaven Character Pavilion was different; those who fought there were all strong practitioners of the Tao Tribulation Realm. When could one usually witness experts of the Tao Tribulation Realm clashing? Therefore, every time the Heaven Character Pavilion opened, the Combat Bell would ring to attract countless skilled individuals to come and watch the battle.


    At the same time...


    The tickets for the Heaven Character Pavilion were also extraordinarily pricey.


    Just the entry ticket alone was worth a million taels of silver, and the vast Heaven Character Pavilion could accommodate ten thousand people.


    It meant that selling all the tickets would bring in a revenue of a hundred billion taels of silver!


    This was truly a business without any capital!


    Just the ticket was priced at a million, and the betting amounts by strong practitioners in the Heaven Character Pavilion were even more staggering¡ªusually no less than tens of millions, and many were even amounts in the tens or hundreds of billions. For instance, the battle between Xiao Tianjiaao and Xue Wuhen that year attracted a record-breaking betting amount of eighteen thousand billion taels of silver!


    A girl in a flowing red dress came before Xiao Yi and said respectfully, "Lord Yiquan, activating the formation of the Heaven Character Pavilion requires a vast amount of Yuan stones and will take two hours. Please, would you wait in the backstage area?"


    "Hmm!"


    Xiao Yi nodded.


    In fact.


    This mentioned adjusting of Yuan stones was just an excuse; they were waiting for those big shots to hear the news and come to the Heaven Character Pavilion.


    Without those big shots participating, how could there be massive betting?


    Xiao Yi had no objections to this.


    After all...


    With his current ninety consecutive wins, he could earn a ninety percent share of the betting amount for each battle. The more bets placed, the more he would earn¡ªwhy wouldn''t he be happy?


    At the same time.


    The sounding of the Combat Bell in the Heaven Character Pavilion spread the news that a youth called ''One Punch'' would go to the Heaven Character Pavilion with his cultivation at the peak of the Golden Core Realm to challenge the record of ninety-nine consecutive wins set by Xiao Tianjiaao the news spreading throughout the emperor''s capital.


    Discover hidden content at My Virtual Library Empire


    It even quickly reached the ears of the experts from the ten great sects.


    All ten great sects had branches in the emperor''s capital.


    In the Tianjian Sect''s branch, an arrogant youth, upon hearing the news, laughed coldly, "I want to see exactly who is so confident as to dare challenge the record of Saint Heir!"


    At the Vast Righteousness Pavilion''s branch, a man in white with a righteous aura smiled slightly, "Challenge Xiao Tianjiaao''s record? Interesting, truly interesting; it might be worth taking a look..."


    "The Heaven Character Pavilion is reopening, a perfect chance to make money!"¡ªKuangdao Sect''s branch.


    In the Yin Yang Dao Arena''s branch, "Immeasurable Heavenly Honored, child, follow your master to the Combat Pavilion..."


    Apart from the powerful individuals of the ten great sects, the four great noble families¡ªDongfang, Ximen, Nangong, and Beitang¡ªalso received the news and each sent their experts toward the Combat Pavilion.


    Inside the royal palace.


    Yang Ling put down the book in his hand, narrowed his eyes, and murmured with an odd expression, "Challenge Xiao Tianjiaao''s record? Golden Elixir Peak? It couldn''t be Xiao Yi, could it? Interesting, with nothing else much to do, let''s go take a look!"


    At the Xiao Family, they too received the news.


    Xiao Zhengde sneered and tossed the secret letter in his hand aside, scoffing, "What audacity, to think he can challenge the record set by my son? Someone, prepare my carriage; I will go to the Combat Pavilion..."


    If the emperor''s capital was bustling with activity, countless prominent figures were all converging towards the Combat Pavilion... Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 243 - 243: Father and Son Reunion

    Combat Pavilion. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This has always been one of the liveliest places in the imperial capital.


    But today, the Combat Pavilion was exceptionally bustling, filled with a cacophony of voices, as countless officials and nobles converged toward it.


    "Why won''t you sell to me? Is two or three hundred million not enough to qualify my worth?"


    "You think two or three hundred million is a lot? My master has eight hundred million, and they still won''t sell to him..."


    "It''s said that there are too many people coming to watch this time, the Combat Pavilion has temporarily raised the threshold. Without a net worth of ten billion, you can''t even buy a ticket..."


    "Is it that exaggerated?"


    "Nonsense... It''s said that people from the top ten sects, the four major noble families, and the royal family have all sent people..."


    The entrance to the Heaven Character Pavilion was a surging sea of people.


    In the past, those with a net worth of one billion could enter the Heaven Character Pavilion by spending only one million Silver, but now the requirement has been raised to a ten billion net worth, and each ticket has been scalped to a price of ten million Silver.


    Those buying tickets were swarming like moths to a flame.


    Just from this one ticket sale, the Combat Pavilion could earn hundreds of billions of Silver.


    Xue Wuhen looked at the sea of people outside, with many crushing their heads in their eagerness to buy tickets, a playful smile appeared on his face, "Xiao Tianjiao''s reputation really is useful, just hearing that someone wants to challenge Xiao Tianjiao''s record, and so many people have rushed over!"


    "After all, he is the number one talent of the Great Qian Dynasty, the current Saint Heir of Tianjian Sect, and he has just recently broken through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm, he''s really in the limelight!"


    "Pavilion Master, all the tickets have been sold out!"


    "The top ten sects, the four major noble families, the royal family, the Xiao Family... basically, anyone in the imperial capital who is qualified to buy a ticket is here!"


    Listening to the continuing stream of good news from his subordinates, Xue Wuhen nodded, squinting his eyes, "How are the personnel arrangements going?"


    "As per your orders, personnel from the First Layer to the Ninth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm have all been arranged."


    A Golden Elixir Realm Peak expert revealed a sinister smile, "I''ve also discussed it with them, the first eight will intentionally lose to Yi Punch, then we''ll defeat him with the ninth!"


    Xue Wuhen squinted his eyes, speaking indifferently, "Remember to have them perform convincingly, don''t let any flaws be detected."


    "Pavilion Master, rest assured! They are all experienced at this!"


    Xue Wuhen nodded in satisfaction, gesturing, "Send Yi Punch to the Heaven Character Pavilion then!"


    "Yes!"


    Several people immediately withdrew.


    Xue Wuhen took a gentle sip of the drink in his hand, clucking in admiration, "Good wine must be savored slowly... All these fellows are supremely shrewd, it really takes a big bait to coax the money out of their pockets!"


    On the way to the Heaven Character Pavilion duel arena.


    Xiao Yi, his face covered by a black mask, paused in his steps as a figure appeared before him.


    That figure was so familiar.


    Their four eyes met.


    Xiao Yi recognized the other party at a glance, but it seemed as though the other party did not recognize him at all.


    This person was Xiao Zhengde, the head of the Xiao Family!


    The Combat Pavilion strongman guiding the way respectfully said, "Xiao Family Head!"


    "Mhm!"


    Xiao Zhengde nodded, his face displaying arrogance as he sized up Xiao Yi with a slant eye, "Kid, are you the one boldly claiming to challenge the record set by my son?"


    Xiao Yi''s body went rigid, his fists clenched involuntarily.


    Even though he kept telling himself that that family had nothing to do with him anymore, that the man before him was not his father,


    when truly facing him, he still inevitably held some expectation, hoping that Xiao Zhengde would recognize him. However, reality once again disappointed him. Taking a deep breath, Xiao Yi nodded, "Yes, it''s me!"


    Tsk!


    Xiao Zhengde scoffed, his arms crossed as he circled Xiao Yi, shaking his head, "I can''t see what''s so special about you. You don''t look like a fool, so how could you have such an unrealistic idea? Young man, I''d advise you to give up. My son Tianjiao is the number one talent of the Great Qian Dynasty, the Saint Heir of Tianjian Sect, a tremendous expert in the Dharma Manifestation Realm at just twenty-four years old. What gave you the courage to challenge his record?"


    Indeed.


    Nothing has changed at all!


    In his eyes, there is only Xiao Tianjiao.


    Xiao Yi let out a long breath of foul air and struggled to calm himself, speaking lightly, "There''s always someone better, how can one know without trying?"


    "Hahaha, what a sayings, ''There''s always someone better.'' While it''s true, it''s meant for ants like you. My son Tianjiao, is the ''someone better'' you speak of..." Xiao Zhengde stated confidently, full of mockery.


    Xiao Yi''s tightly clenched fist quietly relaxed and he said, "I might not be inferior to Xiao Tianjiao, how would I know without trying?"


    This sentence had been buried in Xiao Yi''s heart for a very long time!


    During those eight years of imprisonment, when Xiao Zhengde coldly announced that Xiao Yi should go to the Fang Family to become a live-in son-in-law, he had longed to say these words to Xiao Zhengde. However, Xiao Zhengde had never given him the chance.


    Today, he finally said them.


    Although...


    Xiao Zhengde did not recognize him at all.


    Xiao Zhengde was stunned, then shook his head and sighed, "Well, let us wait and see!"


    The two passed by each other.


    The sliver of hope in Xiao Yi''s heart, already so faint, was completely extinguished at this moment.


    What replaced it was a trace of icy coldness and determination.


    ...


    The Heaven Character Pavilion was ten times the size of the Earth Character Pavilion, after all, those who fought here were practitioners of the Tao Tribulation Realm, and the scale of their battles was countless times greater than that of Golden Core Realm fighters. The protective arrays around were also stronger.


    Just maintaining this protective array for an hour would consume elemental stones worth over a hundred million silver.


    It could easily withstand the battles of those at the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    The seats for spectators had already been filled.


    The highest level on each of the four corners, east, south, west, and north, contained rows of VIP rooms, and each VIP room ticket started at ten million silver. Today, they had sold for as much as one hundred million silver. Anyone who could enter the VIP rooms was either a regional powerhouse or a merchant wealthy enough to rival nations.


    Inside the VIP room on the east.


    Yang Ling''s face was cold. Sitting next to him was a man in a luxurious robe who bore some resemblance to Yang Ling.


    This was Yang Ling''s imperial brother, the sixth son of Emperor Qian, Yang Jin.


    Yang Lin, a disciple of the Tianjian Sect and also in charge of the sect''s division in the imperial capital, sat there boldly, one leg crossed over the other, a mocking smile on his face, "Imperial brother, did I hear it was you and our father who recommended that Xiao Yi take charge of the Xiaoshanhe Institute?"


    Yang Ling nodded expressionlessly.


    Yang Jin clicked his tongue and said, "Foolish! Don''t you know about Xiao Yi''s relationship with Xiao? You let him sit as the head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute; isn''t that just offending Xiao for no reason?"


    Yang Ling replied indifferently, "Whether it''s Xiao Yi or Xiao Tianjiao, they are all subjects of the Great Qian Dynasty. What''s wrong with my recommendation of Xiao Yi?"


    "Even if you recommended a beggar or even a cat or a dog, there would be nothing inappropriate. But you specifically recommended Xiao Yi, which is slapping Xiao in the face, stirring up trouble between Xiao and the royal family..."


    Yang Jin scoffed coldly, fully aware he had no qualifications to compete for the throne and always supporting the eldest prince Yang Kun, he naturally did not show goodwill towards Yang Ling, "Once this matter is over, immediately submit a petition to our father to dismiss Xiao Yi, and go to the Tianjian Sect to find Xiao and apologize to him in person, begging for his forgiveness. That is the eldest prince''s wish!"


    "Dismiss Xiao Yi? Apologize to Xiao Tianjiao?"


    Yang Ling caught his breath, then sneered and shook his head, "Go back and tell the eldest prince that if he wants to ingratiate himself with Xiao Tianjiao, that''s his business. Expect me, Yang Ling, to bow to him? Sorry, I can''t do that!"


    "You..."


    Yang Jin''s face turned alternately pale and flushed, his eyes instantly turned cold, and he huffed, "Very well, I hope you can still be so defiant when Xiao''s wrath descends!"


    Yang Ling responded coolly, "You needn''t worry yourself, Imperial Brother!"


    "Hmph!"


    Yang Jin snorted and stormed off.


    Yang Ling''s palm clenched the armrest so hard it burst apart, and as the wood chips fluttered, his gaze turned toward the dueling arena, "Xiao Yi, you better not disappoint me!"

 Chapter 244 - 244: Punch Explosion!

    ```


    In the dueling arena.


    The cold wind howled, swirling up dust and sand.


    It carried with it a hint of desolation.


    Tens of thousands in the stands were gathered, buzzing with excitement. Each person was deep in discussion, "Do you think this guy named Yi can hope to break the record set by Xiao Tianjiao?"


    "Are you still asleep? Why are you talking in your dreams in broad daylight? How could anyone surpass Xiao Tianjiao?"


    "He is the strongest genius of our Great Qian Dynasty. The only one who could probably break his record is himself!"


    Almost no one in the crowd of tens of thousands fancied Xiao Yi''s chances.


    At that moment...


    The figure of Xue Wuhen appeared in the dueling arena.


    The Heaven Character Pavilion has always been presided over by him personally.


    "Welcome everyone to the Combat Pavilion. As I believe you all know, today''s battle will be rather special. The challenger Yi, just two hours ago, defeated the Ghost General and achieved ninety consecutive victories at the Peak of the Golden Core Realm, and has announced his attempt to enter the Heaven Character Pavilion to challenge the record set by the Great Qian Dynasty''s number one genius, Xiao Tianjiao!"


    Xue Wuhen''s face bore a calm smile as he stood aloft, surveying the crowd, "Today, we invite all of you to witness whether Xiao Tianjiao''s record is nearly unshakable, or whether this young genius known as Yi can create another miracle!"


    "Xue Wuhen, don''t even think about tricking us into betting on someone named Yi..."


    "As if we don''t know your tricks already."


    "Hurry up and start! When it''s time to bet, we will naturally make our move,"


    Everyone chimed in.


    Xue Wuhen, feigning helplessness, said, "It seems the richer people are, the stingier they get! The Combat Pavilion''s business isn''t easy either, so please, do bet a bit more generously!"


    "Hahaha, I''ll definitely support, betting a hundred taels!"


    "I''m betting ten taels..." the crowd joked among themselves.


    Xue Wuhen shrugged his shoulders, pretending to be aggrieved, "Ladies and gentlemen, that''s too much! Surely you could start with at least ten thousand taels?"


    In the VIP seats to the west, an impatient Xiao Zhengde urged, "Just get started!"


    Honor follows upon one''s offspring.


    Ever since Xiao Tianjiao made his breakthrough into the Dharma Manifestation Realm, the Xiao Family''s status rose like the sun at midday, and it seemed they were on the cusp of becoming the fifth great clan, so even Xue Wuhen had to show some respect.


    "Don''t rush, everyone. We''re about to begin!" Xue Wuhen nodded and declared loudly, "The two powerhouses in this battle are Yi, at the Golden Elixir Realm Peak, and the Moonshadow Demon Blade, at the First Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm. Ladies and gentlemen, betting will stop after ten breaths'' time, please place your bets!"


    The betting in the Heaven Character Pavilion didn''t require any special registration; each person''s ticket bore an engraved Formation, and bets could be placed using these tickets.


    People had not yet witnessed Xiao Yi in battle.


    Thus, the betting was cautious, and certainly not just a matter of a few thousand or tens of thousands of taels, as was joked before.


    After all...


    They were all notable figures who couldn''t afford to lose face.


    A rough estimate.


    The betting amount for this round reached one hundred billion, with less than forty percent betting on Xiao Yi''s victory.


    Xue Wuhen was not satisfied with this figure, but he knew this was only the first battle and that it was understandable for people to be cautious. He immediately said, "Betting is now closed. Please welcome the duelists for this round¡ªfrom the eastern district, Yi, and from the western district, the Moonshadow Demon Blade!"


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The heavy iron doors on both sides were opened by two powerhouse fighters at the Peak of the Divine Ability Realm.


    Xiao Yi and the Moonshadow Demon Blade''s figures gradually became visible.


    Xiao Yi was still wearing his black mask, his gaze icy and hands clasped behind his back.


    As soon as the Moonshadow Demon Blade made his appearance, he fixed his black eyes directly on Xiao Yi, the corners of his mouth lifting in a slight sneer, rich with disdain: "A mere ant dares to challenge Xiao Tianjiao''s record? How utterly delusional¡­ If it weren''t for the substantial conditions offered by the Combat Pavilion, I could take such an ant''s life with a single slash of my blade. Still, the Combat Pavilion didn''t say I couldn''t teach him a lesson..."


    With this thought...


    ```


    The Moonshadow Demon Blade pulled the black long sword from his back, blade grazing the ground, baring his teeth in a grin, "Xiao Tianjiao is my idol. You''re just unlucky to face me!"


    "Oh!" Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi nodded indifferently and looked up at Xue Wuhen, "Can we start now?"


    Xue Wuhen glared fiercely at the Moonshadow Demon Blade and urged, "Begin!"


    Boom!


    The Moonshadow Demon Blade dragged his long sword, sparks flying from the ground.


    In an instant.


    He had already reached Xiao Yi, his sword slashing down from the air, "Starry Moonshadow!"


    Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!


    The sparks that flew off converged into a vast expanse of stars, and within that embrace of countless stars, a silver crescent moon-like blade light descended from the sky. With a swift motion, it aimed directly for Xiao Yi''s head to chop down, its chill clearly perceptible even before the blade itself had closed the distance.


    The sharp blade light seemed like it would cut Xiao Yi open on the spot.


    Xiao Yi didn''t move a muscle.


    As if he hadn''t reacted at all.


    "Holy shit!"


    Xue Wuhen''s eyes twitched violently. The Moonshadow Demon Blade''s strike held nothing back, a definite killing blow, "The Moonshadow Demon Blade couldn''t be unable to stop, could he? If he finishes off Xiao Yi in one fight, how am I supposed to make money?"


    At this moment...


    A crisp clang echoed throughout the combat arena.


    "Won?"


    "It can''t be over just like that, right?"


    The crowd turned their gaze toward Xiao Yi.


    Somehow, Xiao Yi had already thrown a punch, his fist colliding with the blade.


    But at this time...


    Jagged cracks sprawled across the sharp battle blade which, with a loud bang, shattered into pieces, sweeping toward them. Amid the dull thudding sounds, fragments of the long sword pierced through the Moonshadow Demon Blade''s body.


    The Moonshadow Demon Blade lay on the ground like a porcupine, blood flowing freely, body convulsing uncontrollably.


    Hiss!


    The previously noisy Heaven Character Pavilion fell silent as a grave.


    "Am I seeing things? Flesh and blood, and he smashed the Moonshadow Demon Blade with a single punch?"


    "If I saw it right, that blade of the Moonshadow Demon Blade''s is a fourth-grade high-level Yuan weapon..."


    "This guy called ''One Punch'' is no simple character!"


    Amidst the chorus of exclamations.


    Countless faces were slapped.


    Yang Ling had confirmed Xiao Yi''s identity the moment he appeared, and had been nervous for Xiao Yi when he faced the Moonshadow Demon Blade. Now, he relaxed, baring his teeth with a smile, "As expected of Xiao Yi, he really didn''t disappoint me!"


    In the next private room, Yang Jin wore a mocking expression, "The Moonshadow Demon Blade is just at the First Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm. Back then, Xiao could defeat a Nine-fold Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouse at just the Golden Elixir Realm Peak. Even Xue Wuhen at the Tao Tribulation Realm Peak was left severely injured by Xiao, unable to step into the Dharma Manifestation Realm for a long time. How can this kid compare to Xiao..."


    In a private room to the west.


    Xiao Zhengde shook his head, "He''s not bad, but compared to my son Tianjiao, the gap is more than just a tiny bit!"


    Although Xiao Yi''s defeat of the Moonshadow Demon Blade with one punch was indeed astonishing, no one was optimistic about his chances against the record of Xiao Tianjiao. Predictions abounded, "Within three matches, ''One Punch'' is bound to lose!"


    And at this moment...


    A second opponent appeared in front of Xiao Yi...

 Chapter 245 - 245: One Punch, Still One Punch!

    Xue Wuhen hovered in midair and declared loudly, "For the second fight, Yi''s opponent is a Second Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm master, who boasts a fifty victories streak record in my Combat Pavilion''s Earth Character Pavilion¡ªGeziyi with the Green Edge Sword!"


    "Geziyi?"


    "This is a born female swordsman, wielding the Green Edge Sword that moves with the wind, not to be underestimated!"


    "However, I find that Yi interesting. He could explode the Moonshadow Demon Blade with a single punch. I''m planning to bet on him and see..."


    Ten breaths later, betting ends.


    The total bet amount reached fifty billion, of which eighteen billion was placed on Xiao Yi, yet still the vast majority believed he would lose.


    In the dueling arena.


    Geziyi, clad in a green-tight fitting garment with a white silk veil covering her face and gem-like bright eyes, appeared before Xiao Yi.


    They looked into each other''s eyes.


    Geziyi smiled slightly, "Three swords!"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback, "Hmm?"


    Geziyi said, "It will take only three swords to defeat you!"


    "Oh!"


    Xiao Yi nodded, gestured to her with his hand, "Stop talking, let''s get on with it!"


    "Hmm?"


    Geziyi''s expression stiffened. As a beautiful female swordsman, this was the first time she had encountered such a cold reception. She snorted coldly, "You''ve thoroughly angered me. With one sword, I shall disable you!"


    Whoosh!


    Breezes swirled around Geziyi.


    The sound of rushing wind was incessant.


    In an instant.


    The breezes merged into a storm, which then turned into a violent wind, concealing Geziyi''s figure within, making it difficult to capture her silhouette. This was the power of mastering the elemental wind of heaven and earth, applied to swordsmanship.


    The wind conceals the sword, the sword becomes the wind!


    Unpredictable!


    Swish, swish, swish!


    A series of spine-chilling whooshing sounds as sword shadows disappeared in the violent wind, unseen, yet the ice-cold intent to kill was palpable.


    Xiao Yi''s robe fluttered loudly as the corners of his mouth lifted slightly, "Playing with wind? I''m your forefather in that!"


    Wind Thunder Holy Body.


    Mastery over the power of wind and thunder.


    Xiao Yi merged instantly with the wind, and suddenly he threw a punch into the invisible violent wind: "Vajra Subdues Demons!"


    Whoosh!


    A golden Wrathful Vajra phantom condensed behind him, his arm shining like cast gold, swinging his fist that seemed to tear through the void, instantly disappearing within the dueling arena.


    Hum!


    The violent wind pervading the entire dueling arena came to a sudden halt.


    A streak of blood traced a graceful arc across the sky, followed by numerous tornadoes condensing and forming the figure of Geziyi being blown away in retreat.


    Thud!


    She crashed heavily against the Defensive Array, bounced, and fell to the ground.


    She completely lost consciousness.


    Xiao Yi conquered another battle!


    This battle, still just one punch!


    The Second Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm''s Green Edge Sword Geziyi was defeated.


    Without suspense!


    At this moment...


    Some of the strong figures who had come just to watch the excitement began to look serious, some who thought Xiao Yi was overestimating himself in challenging Xiao Tianjiao''s record started to change their minds, and some who had already been looking forward to Xiao Yi performing a miracle felt increasingly excited.


    With two battles, Xiao Yi resolved both with single punches, and was slowly beginning to change everyone''s opinion.


    Inside the VIP room.


    Yang Ling laughed heartily, the light flashing in his eyes, "Good job, Xiao Yi, I knew you wouldn''t disappoint me. How could a man who annihilated numerous strongmen from the Great Jin Kingdom at the peak of Golden Elixir Realm be simple? Perhaps, he really has a chance to break Xiao Tianjiao''s record!"


    Yang Ling was taken aback by his own thoughts as he calmed down.


    That was Xiao Tianjiao!


    Universally recognized as the number one prodigy of the Great Qian Dynasty!


    Every record he created was said to be unmatched, unparalleled, unbreakable by anyone!


    Could this immortal legend really be broken?


    Yang Ling was excited and anticipatory, in contrast to Yang Jin, Xiao Zhengde, and others.


    Yang Jin snorted coldly, narrowing his eyes with disdain, "He has only defeated a Second Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouse. Each layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm is like a different heaven. I want to see how long he can keep winning!"


    Xiao Zhengde had smashed two cups in front of him, and the maidservant beside him, with a bloody palm print on her face, looked at him in terror.


    Bang!


    Xiao Zhengde hurled another cup, his gaze icy cold. "This damned brat indeed has some skill. But to break Tian''er''s record? You''re still far from it!"


    No matter what everyone thought, Xiao Yi''s battles did not stop.


    And as he won two consecutive battles, the betting amounts grew larger, and the odds on him grew higher.


    The third battle.


    The betting amount reached eighty billion, with thirty-five billion on Xiao Yi.


    In the end, Xiao Yi still resolved his opponent with a single punch.


    The fourth battle.


    The betting amount broke one hundred billion for the first time, reaching one hundred twenty-three billion and five hundred million, with the first time over fifty percent on Xiao Yi¡ªsixty-six billion.


    The fifth battle.


    The sixth battle.


    The seventh battle...


    Xiao Yi maintained his unbeaten record for eight consecutive battles, exploding his opponents with one punch every single time.


    Those present were regulars of the Combat Pavilion, but when had they ever seen such satisfying combat?


    No matter your cultivation level!


    No matter your streak of consecutive victories!


    All blown apart with one punch!


    This aggressive, dominant Xiao Yi had conquered most of the strong fighters.


    By the ninth battle, Xiao Yi''s opponent became an ace assassin from Xue Yilou, a Nine-fold Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm. He was a superstar who had achieved sixty-five consecutive victories in the Heaven Character Pavilion, known as the Thousand-Handed Blood Butcher, Xue Asura.


    Thud, thud!


    Xue Asura''s steps were heavy as he entered the dueling arena.


    He tilted his head back slightly, opened his arms, and his eyes were slightly closed.


    In past battles...


    As soon as he took this stance, everyone would cheer for him, shouting his name.


    Today was no exception.


    Only, echoing through the Heaven Character Pavilion, the roaring cheers were not calling his name: "Wudi with one punch!"


    "Explode him with one punch!"


    "One punch..."


    The crowd was frenzied, chanting Xiao Yi''s title within the Combat Pavilion.


    As for Xue Asura...


    Indeed, there were a few loyal fans shouting his name, but they were quickly drowned out by the resounding cheers.


    "Huh?"


    Xue Asura opened his eyes, looking bewildered around him as the familiar faces were not only failing to chant his name but were also calling for Xiao Yi to blow him away with one punch!


    This made Xue Asura''s face turn extremely ugly; his eyes coldly fixed on Xiao Yi.


    High above.


    Xue Wuhen''s expression was not pleasant either. According to his plan, Xiao Yi would have been defeated in the eighth battle.


    However, that Eightfold Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouse he had put his hopes on was still blown away by Xiao Yi with one punch.


    This had Xue Wuhen feeling stuck!


    Now, Xiao Yi''s popularity was skyrocketing, and the betting amount for the ninth battle had reached more than fifty-three trillion, with over forty trillion placed on him. If Xiao Yi won this battle, he would not only cause the Combat Pavilion to pay out over forty trillion, but he would also equal Xiao Tianjiao''s record!


    He absolutely could not allow this to happen.


    Xue Wuhen narrowed his eyes and transmitted his voice, "Xue Asura, at all costs, kill him!"


    Whoosh! S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xue Asura let out a long breath, his cold gaze fell on Xiao Yi, "Leave it to me!"

 Chapter 246 - 246 Unbreakable? Then Let Me!

    Xue Asura was the ace assassin meticulously nurtured by Xue Yilou.


    Nine-fold Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm cultivation.


    With a mysterious movement technique and his art of killing, he was second only to the level of the sect leader within Xue Yilou.


    This time, had it not been for the promise of a benefit worth a hundred billion silver from Xue Wuhen, he would not have been willing to cross hands with Xiao Yi, who wasn''t even of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    Inside the VIP room.


    Yang Ling''s pupils constricted slightly, recognizing the formidable strength of Xue Asura, especially his unpredictable art of killing. Xue Asura once, all by himself, successfully assassinated a powerhouse at the Peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    His combat power far surpassed the previous eight opponents.


    "I can''t believe Xue Wuhen would actually send Xue Asura, now things are troublesome¡­ Xiao Yi, can you win?" Yang Ling clenched his fists tightly.


    Yang Jin''s mouth curled upward, revealing a fierce expression, "With Xue Asura taking action, Xiao Yi is bound to lose."


    "The last opponent was a powerhouse at the Eighth Layer Peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm, and Xiao Yi burst him with a punch. It seems that Xiao Yi''s strength must far surpass an Eightfold Realm, and though Xue Asura is powerful, Xiao Yi might not be unable to defeat him!"


    "The odds for both of them are nearly the same, this could be a battle of equals!"


    Bang!


    Xiao Zhengde''s cup shattered in his hand again, his face ashen, as he roared in anger, "Are all the people at the Combat Pavilion incompetent? So many people yet they can''t stop a junior at the Golden Core Realm Peak? Damn it, damn it¡­"


    Watching Xiao Yi win another round would allow him to tie Xiao Tianjiao''s record.


    How could Xiao Zhengde tolerate that?


    In his heart¡­


    His son, Xiao Tianjiao, was the reincarnation of the Heavenly Emperor, an unrivaled prodigy and pride of the heavens from past until present.


    Not to mention someone breaking Xiao Tianjiao''s record.


    Even equaling it was an insult to Xiao Tianjiao.


    "Patriarch, please be calm. Xue Asura''s strength is second only to Xue Wuhen in the Combat Pavilion. I believe he can surely defeat that boy!" said a Xiao Family guard solemnly by Xiao Zhengde''s side.


    Xiao Zhengde nodded, "You are right, Xue Asura will surely win." He glanced at the betting pool, "These idiots, so many think he can win? It''s simply laughable to the extreme. Bet on Xue Asura for me, five hundred billion¡­"


    The guard opened his mouth.


    He really wanted to remind Xiao Zhengde that in the previous eight fights, they had already lost nearly a hundred billion silver.


    Even for the Xiao Family, which was at its peak, such a loss was enough to cause significant damage.


    But he was just a guard and could only swallow the words that reached the tip of his tongue.


    Meanwhile¡­


    Within the duel arena, Xue Asura had already approached Xiao Yi, his aura of murderous intent making it difficult for anyone to look him in the eye. He said coldly, "To reach this step as a Golden Core Realm Peak, aside from Xiao Tianjiao, you are the first!"


    Xiao Yi calmly responded, "I intend to keep going!"


    "Impossible!"


    Xue Asura shook his head with indifference, "With me here, you can only stop here!"


    Xiao Yi smiled, "Nothing is impossible, what Xiao Tianjiao has done, I can do too. What Xiao Tianjiao hasn''t done, I still can!"


    "Truly arrogant!"


    Xue Asura laughed repeatedly, respect showing on his proud face when mentioning Xiao Tianjiao, "Xiao Tianjiao is the reincarnation of the Heavenly Emperor, an unrivaled genius. To this day, he has created countless miracles, and no one has ever been able to break these records!"


    Xiao Yi grinned, right hand casually opening and then firmly clenched, a muffled thump exploded within his palm. With each word firmly emphasized, he declared, "Unbreakable by anyone? Then let me be the one!"


    "Hmm?"


    Xue Asura was taken aback and then laughed heartily. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His laughter was still echoing.


    Yet the expression on his face slowly became blurred, like a reflection in water, gradually fading away.


    This was just an afterimage!


    During their conversation.


    Xue Asura had silently launched an attack.


    Whoosh!


    A streak of blood light suddenly burst from behind Xiao Yi, dazzling to the eye, as if piercing from the depths of a void. Appearing silently and without warning, its power was extraordinary.


    Xiao Yi''s body was wreathed in the power of wind and thunder, crackling as it transformed into a purple-gold streak of lightning. He swiftly dodged with a swish.


    Whew!


    The scarlet sword made a futile stroke.


    It did not touch Xiao Yi''s body.


    From the air came Xue Asura''s ethereal, dreamy voice, "Asura Sword Prison!"


    Hum!


    Beneath Xiao Yi''s feet, a round patch of blood-red light suddenly surfaced. No matter how Xiao Yi tried to dodge, it continued to follow him. As Xue Asura''s voice reached him, the blood-red light suddenly rippled, much like the waves on the surface of water.


    Whoosh whoosh whoosh!


    Blood-red chains burst forth, and in the midst of their clanking sounds, hundreds of blood-red chains sealed Xiao Yi within.


    At the same time.


    Xue Asura''s figure appeared before Xiao Yi. As the blood-red chains clanged and collided with each other, they twined together, continuously compressing the space where Xiao Yi stood.


    Atop the chains, longswords bristling with murderous intent simultaneously appeared.


    Hundreds, thousands of longswords, their sharp points directed straight at Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Zhengde suddenly rose to his feet, his hands clenching a cup so tightly that it trembled. His eyes burned with fervent light, "Exactly, just like that... Kill him, Xue Asura, kill him for me!"


    Yang Jin leaned forward slightly, "This man must die!"


    Xiao Tianjiao was the Great Qian Dynasty''s strongest genius.


    And...


    He was also the Saint Heir of Tianjian Sect!


    He represented the fusion and face of Tianjian Sect.


    Every disciple of Tianjian Sect looked up to Xiao Tianjiao as an idol and would not tolerate any stain on his illustrious deeds.


    As Xiao Yi grew closer to breaking the record set by Xiao Tianjiao, Yang Jin grew more and more eager for his death.


    Yang Ling clenched his fists tightly, holding his breath, "Xiao Yi, you can''t lose, you absolutely can''t lose!"


    Trapped within the Asura Sword Prison.


    Xiao Yi''s mouth curved up slightly as he looked through the chains at Xue Asura standing before him, and he smirked, "Your movement technique is indeed good. I couldn''t even lock onto your position. If you had kept engaging me with that mysterious movement technique, you might have had a chance to live. But now, you''ve lost!"


    "Hmm?"


    Xue Asura was taken aback.


    Xiao Yi spoke indifferently, "After deploying this martial skill, you can no longer move freely, right?"


    Xue Asura''s expression suddenly changed.


    Just as Xiao Yi had said...


    After deploying the Asura Sword Prison, he had to maintain a continuous flow of his vital energy into the prison; otherwise, he could not sustain it and was unable to move freely. That was why his Asura Sword Prison was designed to trap first, then kill the enemy!


    This technique was unbeatable!


    Even when he faced the assassination of a peak Tao Tribulation Realm expert before, it was with this move that he had slain the attacker within the prison.


    "Don''t dream of disturbing my focus..." Xue Asura snorted coldly, full of confidence, "This Asura Sword Prison is my Innate Divine Ability fused with the power of heaven and earth, not even a peak Tao Tribulation Realm expert could break through!"


    "We''ll see about that!"


    The smile on Xiao Yi''s face suddenly vanished, his sword-brows shot up, and his eyes sparked with brilliance like lightning.


    Swish!


    A crimson longsword landed in his palm.


    Wielding the Fire Qilin Sword with one hand, he drew several sword flowers, then suddenly unleashed a slash, "Reincarnation of the Azure Lotus!"


    Swish!


    The Three-Colored Sword Lotus condensed, ever regenerating in endless cycles.


    Boom!


    Under the impact of the Sword Lotus, the blood-red chains were crushed to pieces, and under the disbelieving gaze of Xue Asura, the Three-Colored Sword Lotus infused with the power of Wind Thunder struck Xue Asura''s chest with a swish.


    Immediately following...


    The Three-Colored Lotus bloomed.


    Gorgeous petals scattered about, completely enveloping Xue Asura within.


    Boom!


    A burst of blinding light obscured the sky.


    When the light faded and the Azure Lotus withered away.


    Xue Asura lay as a lifeless corpse in a pool of blood.


    "..."


    The vast Heaven Character Pavilion fell completely silent.


    In this moment...


    The words of Xiao Yi echoed in everyone''s mind, "Unbreakable? Then let me be the one to break it!"

 Chapter 247 - 247: Battle with Xue Wuhen

    No one can break it?


    Then let me be the one!


    Before this...


    This sentence had been the butt of many jokes, with people thinking Xiao Yi was overrating his own abilities.


    But now.


    Xiao Yi had actually done it.


    At least.


    In the Combat Pavilion, under the same conditions of being at the Golden Elixir Realm Peak as Xiao Tianjiao was at the time, he reached the same level as Xiao Tianjiao.


    Ninety-nine consecutive victories!


    He had equaled Xiao Tianjiao''s record!


    "Impossible, how could this be possible? My son Tianjiao''s record has been equaled? No, it can''t be..." Xiao Zhengde was completely enraged, venting like a madman in the VIP room, smashing tables and chairs, beating maidservants.


    The floor gained a few more cold corpses.


    All beaten to death by him.


    The guard was trembling with fear, hiding in the corner and watching the hysterical Xiao Zhengde with a sense of dread.


    "My son Tianjiao is the reincarnation of the Heavenly Emperor, unique through the ages... The record he set was unprecedented and unmatched; how could it be equaled? Why has it come to this..."


    Xiao Zhengde''s eyes were bloodshot.


    In his heart, Xiao Tianjiao was perfect; no blemish could be tolerated.


    But now...


    Xiao Yi''s equaling Xiao Tianjiao''s record was like a black blemish on a pure and flawless piece of jade, tarnishing the beautiful gem, utterly ruining that perfect jade pendant.


    "Bastard, damn it all!"


    Suddenly, Xiao Zhengde, like a man possessed, looked at the guard and grabbed him by the neck.


    He needed to vent his frustration and anger through killing.


    The guard''s face turned red, struggling desperately, he yelled with all his might, "Master, I have a way..."


    "Hmm?"


    Xiao Zhengde paused, loosening his grip a little, he frowned and said, "What did you say?"


    The guard gasped for breath, disregarding his narrow escape from death and said hastily, "He, he has not quite equaled the young master''s record yet. In the young master''s hundredth fight back then, he withstood two moves from Xue Wuhen before showing signs of defeat, and he also seriously injured Xue Wuhen. As long as he dies at the hands of Xue Wuhen, the record will still belong to the young master!"


    Xiao Zhengde''s eyes lit up, he laughed and said, "You''re right, if Xue Wuhen kills this boy in one move, the record will still be my son Tianjiao''s. Go, tell Xue Wuhen that if he kills that boy within one move, I will grant him a breakthrough opportunity to the Dharma Manifestation Realm, and besides, the Xiao family will owe him a favor."


    "I will go immediately!"


    The guard let out a long sigh of relief and quickly left the VIP room.


    A moment later.


    He found Xue Wuhen through the Combat Pavilion.


    Xue Wuhen was preparing to take the field himself; he didn''t care whether Xiao Yi could break Xiao Tianjiao''s record, what mattered to him was that he absolutely could not let Xiao Yi achieve a hundred consecutive victories.


    At this time, the guard of the Xiao family actually came to him.


    Xue Wuhen squinted and said, "He?"


    The guard hastily said, "Pavilion Master Xue, my master asked me to inform you... if you can kill that boy within one move, our Xiao family will grant you a breakthrough opportunity to the Dharma Manifestation Realm, additionally owing you a favor!"


    "Hmm?"


    Xue Wuhen was startled, a trace of burning desire flashed in his eyes.


    A favor from the Xiao family meant a favor from Xiao Tianjiao.


    That was worth a fortune!


    Moreover...


    There was the opportunity for a breakthrough to the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    If it had been anyone else who made such an offer, he might have had doubts, but the Xiao family, with a monster like Xiao Tianjiao, indeed had the ability to offer such an opportunity.


    Plus, Xue Wuhen already intended to stop Xiao Yi from getting a hundred consecutive victories.


    To go with the flow, why not?


    Xue Wuhen nodded and said, "Go back and tell Xiao, I accept this matter!"


    "Then I hereby wish Pavilion Master Xue a triumphant victory in advance!" The guard also breathed a sigh of relief.


    No sooner had the guard left.


    Yang Jin appeared in front of Xue Wuhen. Xue Wuhen dared not treat Yang Jin as lightly as he did the guard, he saluted with his hands and said, "Your Highness!"


    Yang Jin nodded and said indifferently, "I want you to kill him!"


    "Rest assured, Your Highness!"


    Xue Wuhen bared a ferocious and cold smile, "I will execute him!"


    "Hmm!"


    Yang Jin left with an indifferent expression on his face.


    Xue Wuhen took a deep breath, his eyes glinting with a cold, knife-like light, "Kid, you can''t blame me for this. Too many people want you dead!"


    ...


    In the dueling arena.


    Xiao Yi sat cross-legged, with his eyes closed, gathering his strength.


    Whoosh!


    He suddenly opened his eyes to see Xue Wuhen appearing not far in front of him.


    Their eyes locked.


    Xue Wuhen spoke indifferently, "I didn''t want to kill you, but someone came to me, wanting your life!"


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow, "The Xiao Family?"


    "Not just the Xiao Family!"


    "Tianjian Sect?"


    Xue Wuhen nodded, not surprised that Xiao Yi could guess the Xiao Family and the Tianjian Sect. Within the vast Great Qian Dynasty, probably only these two powers wouldn''t want to see the legend of Xiao Tianjiao shattered.


    With firm steps approaching Xiao Yi, Xue Wuhen said with an indifferent expression, "To make it this far at the peak of the Golden Core Realm, you are truly strong, even giving me the impression that you''re stronger than Xiao Tianjiao in his early days. If it were me back then, even if I could beat you, it would be extremely difficult. But now, killing you would be as easy as flipping my hand!"


    The murderous aura on his body became more and more concentrated, chilling to the bone.


    A cold breath enveloped the entire Heaven Character Pavilion.


    Everyone subconsciously tightened their collars.


    The chill was bone-piercingly cold.


    It was the concentration of a supreme killing intent.


    Tao Tribulation Realm Peak!


    Even if the great battle back then had damaged his foundation, after many years of healing, his injuries had long since recovered. Even without stepping into the Dharma Manifestation Realm, he was much stronger than before. Xue Wuhen beckoned, "Sword, come!"


    Whoosh!


    A flood of blood erupted from within his body, spreading up his arm, ultimately condensing in his palm.


    A blood-colored longsword appeared.


    The sword was coiled with a blood snake; its scales were lifelike, as if it were alive.


    "A Sixth-Layer Primal Soldier Bloody Mang Sword?"


    "Who would have thought Xue Wuhen would bring out this sword ¡ª he''s going to slice that man with a single strike!"


    "It''s over, it''s over, I, I actually placed a hundred billion on him! If he loses now, won''t I be ruined?"


    "Idiot, we knew from the start that the Combat Pavilion wouldn''t let him win easily. We all bet on Xue Wuhen to win. You dared to place a bet on him; if you lose, who can you blame?"


    A low shout drowned out the murmured discussions.


    "Blood Python Swallowing the Dragon!"


    Xue Wuhen thrust out the Bloody Mang Sword in his hand.


    Whoosh! sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The blood snake on the sword seemed to come to life, its eyes emitting a dim, cold light, and a blood snake over ten meters long opened its huge mouth.


    A blood-colored glow instantly covered the entire dueling arena.


    The ground of the platform thundered and roared wherever the blood sword light passed, like a dragon turning over, shattering the ground with loud noises. Everything seemed to be on the verge of destruction, even the protective Array surrounding the dueling area was violently trembling, appearing as if it might shatter.


    Xiao Yi''s pupils suddenly contracted, as he struck against the tide with his Fire Qilin Sword, "Azure Lotus Rebirth!"


    Whoosh!


    A Three-Colored Sword Lotus condensed.


    However...


    Xue Wuhen''s strength was ultimately far too much for him, as a giant blood python swallowed the Three-Colored Sword Lotus in one bite.


    With a booming sound.


    Xiao Yi''s figure flew backward, vomiting fresh blood, landing staggeringly.


    The Fire Qilin Sword in his hand shattered into pieces amidst crackling sounds, and fresh blood continuously spilled from Xiao Yi''s mouth.


    After all, he was only at the Golden Elixir Realm Peak.


    Even though the Golden Elixir Halo had been reformed and had shrunk back to twenty layers, and even though he was bolstered by the Wind Thunder Holy Body, he was only comparable to an ordinary Tao Tribulation Realm Peak. Faced with Xue Wuhen, who was among the top warriors of the Tao Tribulation Realm Peak, Xiao Yi''s current cultivation was still not enough.


    "You lost!"


    Xue Wuhen said expressionlessly, "In consideration of your talent, I will leave you a whole corpse!"


    "Heh, heh-heh..."


    Xiao Yi, however, wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and let out a series of low chuckles, slowly raising his head and staring intently at Xue Wuhen. On his body, a layer of blood-colored light continued to spread as he said, word by word, "This is just the beginning!"

 Chapter 248 - 248: You, Lost!

    ```


    "This is just the beginning!"


    A brilliant smile appeared on Xiao Yi''s face as he grinned and said.


    His voice wasn''t loud, yet it echoed in the ears of everyone in the Heaven Character Pavilion.


    Accompanied by that hint of vivid red at the corner of his mouth, it gave off a chilling sensation.


    In a trance...


    It was as if on a battlefield littered with corpses, a general standing alone with a bloodstained battle flag in hand, proudly standing between heaven and earth, faced tens of thousands of enemies without a hint of retreat.


    One man holds the pass, ten thousand men can''t break through!


    "You are indeed very strong, but after all, your cultivation is too weak. Just at the peak of the Golden Core Realm, being able to come this far, you are already comparable to Xiao Tianjiao," Xue Wuhen spoke indifferently, the blood-colored sword light in his hand humming and pulsating.


    If the sword light moved forward just a tad more, it would be able to pierce through Xiao Yi''s heart.


    In the VIP room.


    Xiao Zhengde''s voice came through: "Xue Wuhen, what are you hesitating for?"


    His voice was somewhat impatient, and even more so furious. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    One move had passed.


    Xiao Yi had lost.


    As long as he took one more step and killed him, then the record of his beloved son, Xiao Tianjiao, would not be tied, much less broken.


    Xue Wuhen frowned, staring at Xiao Yi and said in a deep voice, "Little guy, I''m sorry. The benefits promised by Xiao Zhengde are simply too tempting. I can only say sorry to you! But don''t worry, I won''t let anyone harm your corpse..."


    Xiao Yi grinned and replied, "Thanks in advance!"


    Based on his understanding of Xiao Zhengde.


    Once he died, it was very possible that Xiao Zhengde would indeed claim his body to torment him in various ways.


    To not even let him rest in peace after death!


    This was a person verging on madness!


    To protect Xiao Tianjiao, Xiao Zhengde could carry out acts of insanity that people couldn''t comprehend.


    For example...


    Imprisoning his own flesh and blood for eight years.


    And for example...


    To arrange a mate for Xiao Tianjiao''s mount, he sent his own son to a remote place to become a son-in-law, even going as far as removing his name from the family register.


    Such actions, for a father, were terrifying and mad to the extreme.


    However.


    None of that mattered anymore.


    Today''s Xiao Yi was no longer someone who could be manipulated at will!


    "When I break your precious son''s record and unmask myself, I wonder what your expression will be? My dear father..." Xiao Yi''s eyes flashed coldly as he watched the longsword in Xue Wuhen''s hand thrust towards his chest.


    A blood-red light had completely enveloped his body.


    Blood Explosion Skill!


    The fifth level!


    Immediately burning fifty percent of his blood, a loud boom resounded, and the blood-red light around his body surged.


    Endless blood light converged into a suit of blood-colored armor. With a clang, the longsword in Xue Wuhen''s hand was forcefully blocked by the blood-colored armor, unable to advance any further, let alone shatter his heart.


    "What?"


    Xue Wuhen''s expression changed drastically.


    His left hand simultaneously placed itself on the hilt of the sword, pushing forward continually.


    But no matter how hard he tried, the blade just wouldn''t advance an inch further!


    At that moment, Xiao Yi''s strength and speed, both enhanced fivefold by the Blood Explosion Skill, exceeded Xue Wuhen''s.


    Relying on his Wind Thunder Holy Body, the power of becoming a god, and his Limitless Golden Elixir, he already possessed the power to contend with the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm. Now with all aspects of his power quintupled, he had surpassed Xue Wuhen.


    Clang!


    Xiao Yi reached out abruptly with his right hand, gripping the blade of Xue Wuhen''s Blood Mang Sword.


    As two blood-colored lights collided, a series of terrifying spatial ripples burst forth, followed by raging winds that swept out in all directions. Amid those raging winds, Xiao Yi''s left hand slapped the ground.


    Boom!


    ```


    The ground cracked open, and as dust flew about, Xiao Yi leaped into the air.


    In the midst of his ascension,


    Xiao Yi grabbed hold of the Blood Mang Sword and yanked it back, "Let go!"


    Whoosh!


    Propelled by a brutal force, the Blood Mang Sword shot out of hand, tearing apart the palms of Xue Wuhen, with blood spurting wildly, as the crimson glow surged madly from Xiao Yi''s body.


    It turned into a massive blood-red hand, extending over ten meters, and with a loud bang, it grasped the ground.


    The ground burst open.


    The blood-red hand, like a dog''s paw, firmly grasped the ground, simultaneously pulling back Xiao Yi''s form, shooting toward the back of Xue Wuhen like an arrow released from its string. Xue Wuhen''s face changed abruptly, the loss of the Blood Mang Sword causing a momentary lapse in concentration.


    At that moment, he snapped back to reality as a piercing whoosh sounded from behind him.


    The battle-hardened Xue Wuhen let out a cold snort without turning his head, and thrust his hands backward, "Blood Demon Great Palm Imprint!"


    Hum!


    Amidst the sea of blood light, a cold and blood-colored hand emerged in the void, only to be shattered by Xiao Yi with a loud bang.


    Taking advantage of this split second,


    Xue Wuhen lunged forward, avoiding by tens of meters.


    Almost simultaneously¡­


    Xiao Yi landed with a thunderous noise where Xue Wuhen had been standing, the ground beneath exploding and cracks spreading out in all directions, with large chunks of stone and soil jutting out. Amidst the rolling dust, Xiao Yi abruptly pulled back and propelled himself away.


    In the moment of his evasion,


    Xue Wuhen''s counterattack was already on its way.


    This was a sea of blood, spreading across the ground, just shy of engulfing Xiao Yi.


    "Blood Sea Purgatory!"


    Xue Wuhen spat out a mouthful of vital blood, merging it into the torrent of crimson.


    The blood fervently expanded.


    Ten meters.


    Fifty meters.


    In the blink of an eye¡­


    The entire dueling ground was covered in a layer of bright red, forcing Xiao Yi to hover above, while Xue Wuhen stood smugly atop the blood sea, "Blood Demon Devouring God!"


    Crash!


    Waves of blood surged monstrously, towering tens of meters high.


    Like a colossal wall of blood.


    Blood-colored hands emerged from the waves, clawing and reaching frantically toward Xiao Yi.


    These waters were intensely corrosive and paralytic.


    The moment one came into contact,


    Even a mere touch to the skin would instantly corrode it, paralyze the entire body, depriving one of the strength to fight again. Xiao Yi had witnessed such tactics firsthand when facing Xue Mantian.


    Though the moves differed, their effects were strikingly similar.


    "The power of Wind Thunder, eradicate all!"


    Xiao Yi shook all over.


    Unleashing the power of the Wind Thunder Holy Body, a blend of azure winds and purple-gold lightning enveloped him like a net of electricity. His speed surged, and he blasted through the massive blood waves with a thunderous roar.


    The force of thunder was inherently overpowering.


    With the added annihilating force of the raging wind, it was even more terrifying!


    Hisss!


    Xiao Yi tore through the blood wave, and at the same time, his gaze landed on the figure that had appeared before him.


    Xiao Yi''s lips curved into a smirk as he threw a punch at the astonished face of Xue Wuhen.


    Thud!


    Amid a resounding noise as loud as evening drums and morning bells, Xue Wuhen screamed in agony, flying backward like a kite with its string cut.


    With a loud crash,


    Xue Wuhen hit the ground, and just as he attempted to rise, he saw a cold and blood-colored edge already resting upon his throat, accompanied by Xiao Yi''s indifferent voice, "You''ve lost!"

 Chapter 249 - 249: Xiao, Please Wait!

    "You, lost!"


    Xiao Yi stood proudly in the middle of the duel arena, with a blood-colored light converging at his fingertips, forming a blade pressed against Xue Wuhen''s throat.


    A drop of blood fell from his neck.


    Just a little further and he would sever his throat and decapitate him.


    A look of confusion flashed across Xue Wuhen''s face.


    He was the master of Xue Yilou, the Pavilion Master of Combat Pavilion, a towering presence at the Tao Tribulation Realm Peak.


    Today...


    He had actually lost!


    And to a junior at the Golden Elixir Realm Peak?


    A deep sense of defeat swept over him, and Xue Wuhen''s face turned pale. He wanted to activate his profound energy and fight again. But as the thought occurred to him, the energy blade in Xiao Yi''s hand had already cut through his neck.


    The sharp pain and the hot blood flowing from his neck made Xue Wuhen shudder.


    After much hesitation.


    The profound energy inside him subsided.


    With a forced smile, he defeatly said, "I lost!"


    Boom!


    With those three words, the entire Heaven Character Pavilion erupted: "Damn, won? Just like that?"


    "A hundred consecutive victories! A Golden Elixir Realm Peak junior actually defeated a Tao Tribulation Realm Peak powerhouse, achieving a hundred consecutive victories..."


    "Xiao Tianjiao''s record wasn''t just tied, it was broken!"


    "Being at the same Golden Elixir Realm Peak and facing the same Xue Wuhen, Xiao Tianjiao took two moves and was defeated, but this man directly overcame Xue Wuhen. The difference is clear, at least within the same realm, Xiao Tianjiao is no match for him!"


    "My money... it''s all gone..."


    "Hahaha, I tripled my billion silver, hahaha..."


    The odds for Xiao Yi''s victory were set at three to one, while Xue Wuhen''s were at two to one, and nearly everyone believed Xue Wuhen would have the last laugh before the end of the fight.


    Reality proved...


    Reality and fantasy have a huge gap.


    In the VIP seats.


    "Useless trash."


    Yang Jin''s face was incredibly grim as he stared at Xiao Yi with a deadly gaze, "This man, he must not remain!"


    Strong representatives from several other sects saw potential: "With such talent, even if he''s not comparable to Xiao Tianjiao, the difference is slight. If cultivated well, he could possibly become the next Xiao Tianjiao. We must pull him into our sect!"


    "If he doesn''t submit, then we should eliminate him before he grows!"


    Among the Four Great Clans.


    Nangong Jingtang, patriarch of the Nangong Family, narrowed his eyes and stroked his mustache: "My Nangong Family has successfully recruited Ye Heng. If we can bring this young man under our wing, who then can stop the Nangong Family''s rise?"


    Dongfang Yuechu, the head of the Dongfang Family, and Ximen Yijian, the head of the Ximen Family, exchanged a glance. These two families had close bonds: "We must discover this man''s identity. If he can''t be a friend, we must eliminate him as soon as possible!"


    Representing the Beitang Family was the young master, Beitang Yu, who meanwhile stroked his chin with a pondering smile: "Interesting, really interesting... Xiao Tianjiao, your legend has been broken, and I can''t wait to see the expression on your face when you hear this news! Hahahaha..."


    In the VIP room where Xiao Zhengde was.


    The guard was once again gripped by the throat and pinned against the wall by Xiao Zhengde, who furiously punched him, "Scum, scum, scum..."


    His eyes were bloodshot, his breathing as rough as a wolf''s howl, and he was radiating a fierce killing intent.


    Xiao Tianjiao''s record had been broken.


    The undefeated legend of Xiao Tianjiao had been broken.


    This once pure and flawless jade now bore an indelible blemish.


    No matter how powerful Xiao Tianjiao was, he would no longer be like before, almost a deity, unparalleled among his peers.


    Whenever anyone mentioned Xiao Tianjiao, they would surely think of Xiao Yi! Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This man, also at the peak of the Golden Elixir Realm, broke the sealed record of Xiao Tianjiao...


    Some are happy, some are in despair.


    Upon seeing Xiao Yi claim the final victory and create a new record surpassing Xiao Tianjiao''s hundred consecutive wins,


    Yang Ling abruptly sprang up from his chair, his face awash with ecstatic joy as he murmured to himself, "Truly worthy of being the one who nearly destroyed the entire Great Jin Kingdom single-handedly, he actually did it..."


    It was Yang Ling''s idea to recommend Xiao Yi as the head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    The initial scheme of Yang Ling and Emperor Qian was to let Xiao Yi succeed the position as institute head in order to balance the powers of the four major noble families and the ten great sects.


    But he never expected...


    That Xiao Yi would be so strong!


    His growth rate was so fast!


    What surprised him even more was that Xiao Yi''s talent was in no way inferior to that of Xiao Tianjiao, the top genius of the Great Qian Dynasty.


    Narrowing his eyes, Yang Ling''s face showed excitement, "I''ll go meet Xiao Yi first, then go back and tell my father this news. He will definitely be very pleased!"


    Xiao Tianjiao is incredibly proud, not even regarding the royal family in his eyes.


    In contrast to Xiao Yi...


    He is amicable, and especially values loyalty!


    When Jiang Tianchen was willing to exert his nation''s full strength to confront Xue Yilou for his sake, Xiao Yi single-handedly flattened Tianlan, crushed Qingyun, defeated the Four Seas, broke through the White Whale, and ultimately annihilated the Great Jin Kingdom.


    He propelled Tianqing Kingdom, once ranked at the bottom among the 100+ vassal nations of the Great Qian Dynasty, to become the strongest subordinate nation.


    Under Great Qian, Tianqing reigns supreme.


    "As long as we treat Xiao Yi sincerely, I believe he will definitely stand on the side of our royal family..." Yang Ling thought, becoming even more firm in his decision to forge a genuine bond with Xiao Yi.


    At the same time...


    In the duel arena, Xue Wuhen closed his eyes in despair, waiting for Xiao Yi to take his life.


    But what he got instead was Xiao Yi''s impatient voice, "How long do you plan to lie there?"


    "Huh?"


    Xue Wuhen was taken aback, opened his eyes, and looked incredulously at Xiao Yi, "You, you''re not going to kill me?"


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Do you really want to die? I can oblige you if you wish!"


    He never had a strong intent to kill Xue Wuhen, especially since during their previous encounter, Xue Wuhen had insisted that no one should defile his corpse, which in itself gained Xiao Yi''s respect and led him to decide to spare his life.


    Xue Wuhen: "..."


    His face changing, he finally let out a deep breath and said with a wry smile, "Losing to you is not a disgrace."


    Xiao Yi said lightly, "But you can''t owe me a single cent of the money you lost to me!"


    "..."


    With a bitter smile, Xue Wuhen said with pained expression, "Don''t worry, you won''t be shortchanged!"


    A hundred consecutive wins, no less!


    Just from the last match alone, Xiao Yi would take away thirteen trillion silver.


    Add to that the various other shares from previous matchups.


    This time, Xiao Yi could claim thirty-seven trillion silver from the Combat Pavilion, which in real gold and silver and based on the Xiaoshanhe Institute''s monthly expenditures of ten billion, would suffice to fund the institute for more than three thousand years.


    "It seems like the scale of Xiaoshanhe Institute can be expanded a bit more this time!" Xiao Yi''s lips curved into a slight smile.


    All of a sudden...


    He caught a glimpse of Xiao Zhengde leaving the VIP room from the corner of his eye. Xiao Yi fell silent for a moment, then turned to Xue Wuhen beside him, "Do me a favor!"


    "Hmm?"


    Xue Wuhen was taken aback.


    Xiao Yi said in a low voice, "Arrange a room for me. Have Xiao Zhengde come see me!"


    "Xiao Zhengde?"


    Xue Wuhen blinked in surprise but didn''t overthink it and nodded, "I''ll get to it right away!"


    A moment later...


    At the exit of the Heaven Character Pavilion, Xiao Zhengde walked out with a dark expression. Just then, he heard the voice of Xue Wuhen from behind, "Pavilion Master Xiao, please wait a moment!"

 Chapter 250 - 250: Hes Xiao Yi?!

    "Pavilion Master Xiao, please wait!"


    The voice of Xue Wuhen echoed from behind, causing Xiao Zhengde to halt in his steps.


    His face was extremely ugly, and his body was stained with copious amounts of fresh blood.


    The guard and several maidservants were nowhere to be seen, obviously having become the objects of his vented fury, all of them slain by his hand.


    Although Xiao Zhengde''s cultivation talent was subpar, with the help of Xiao Tianjiao, he had also reached the Third Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm. Cold light flickered in his eyes as he glared at Xue Wuhen, revealing a smile that did not reach his eyes as he said contemptuously, "Pavilion Master Xue, what wisdom do you have to impart?"


    His mood was terribly sour at the moment.


    His treasured son, Xiao Tianjiao''s record of being invincible had been shattered.


    What''s more...


    This trip to the Heaven Character Pavilion had cost him several hundred billion silver taels.


    Naturally, he bore no goodwill towards Xue Wuhen.


    Xue Wuhen smiled wryly, well aware of why Xiao Zhengde was so icy, but he was helpless. After all, standing behind Xiao Zhengde was none other than Xiao Tianjiao. Even Xue Yilou, which backed him, was exceedingly cautious of Xiao Tianjiao and dared not provoke him lightly.


    Xue Wuhen promptly said, "Pavilion Master Xiao, Lord Yiquan has requested to see you!"


    "Yiquan?"


    Xiao Zhengde was stunned, then scoffed disbelievingly, "What? Is he not satisfied with winning the contest and now wishes to mock me to my face?"


    Xue Wuhen let out an ''eh'' and said with a wry smile, "Pavilion Master Xiao, you misunderstand!"


    "Hmph!"


    Xiao Zhengde snorted coldly, paying no heed to Xue Wuhen, and dismissed him with a wave of his hand, "Lead the way! It will be good for me to see for myself, what this junior who broke my son''s record really looks like."


    At this moment, Xiao Zhengde had no idea that the person he was speaking of was the very son he had always despised and looked down upon, Xiao Yi!


    ......


    Xue Wuhen was actually quite capable in handling matters.


    He had specially prepared a VIP room for Xiao Yi and personally brought Xiao Zhengde to its door, saying, "Lord Yiquan is inside!"


    "Hm!"


    Xiao Zhengde, with a cold face, pushed the door open and entered.


    Xue Wuhen then took his place sitting at the door.


    Xiao Yi stood with his back to Xiao Zhengde, hands behind his back, still wearing that black mask on his face.


    Upon entering the VIP room, Xiao Zhengde took a seat dominantly in the chair, legs crossed, eyeing Xiao Yi with a hostile gaze and said coldly, "Boy, did you have someone bring me here to show off in front of me? If that''s the case, then you have seriously miscalculated."


    In his eyes, Xiao Tianjiao was invincible and the strongest!


    No one could surpass Xiao Tianjiao!


    "Pavilion Master Xiao, you misunderstand!"


    Xiao Yi knew all too well what Xiao Zhengde was thinking. He slowly turned around, his icy gaze piercing through the mask and falling upon Xiao Zhengde as he said indifferently, "Pavilion Master Xiao, I have heard that you have two sons. Your eldest son, Xiao Tianjiao, has been a genius since childhood, and your younger son, Xiao Yi, is also not weak. He has recently destroyed the Great Jin Kingdom and has even become the head of Xiaoshanhe Institute..."


    "Shut up!"


    Xiao Zhengde snorted coldly, "I have but one, Tianjiao, as a son."


    "Hm?"


    Xiao Yi''s hands trembled slightly.


    Am I so unworthy that I don''t even have the right to be acknowledged by you?


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath to calm his emotions and feigned ease as he spoke, "Why must Pavilion Master Xiao be this way? There are many in the Imperial City who are aware of this matter. Why do you deny it? Besides, Xiao Yi''s achievements by now should not bring shame to the Xiao Family, should they?"


    "Bullshit! What is he?"


    Xiao Zhengde scoffed, his face full of contempt, "If it weren''t for the face of my late wife, I would have disposed of that little bastard long ago. He is a waste, carrying the same blood as my son Tian. That itself is an insult to my son Tianjiao. Just recently, Xiao Tianjiao made a breakthrough to the Dharma Manifestation Realm and has been busy with important affairs, with no time to care for him. Otherwise, for daring to return to the Imperial City and making a spectacle of himself, he would have only one path - death!" S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In Xiao Zhengde''s eyes, not only did Xiao Yi have no status, he was even a source of disgrace.


    Feigning confusion, Xiao Yi said, "As a father, don''t you wish to see your sons being amicable and respectful toward each other?"


    "Amicable and respectful? That trash deserves to be on equal terms with my son Tianjiao? Couldn''t he just stay in Nanhuang and be a waste? If he truly didn''t want to be a son-in-law to the Fang Family, he could have just killed himself. Instead, he had to come to the capital and lose face... I wish that troublemaker would just die sooner!"


    With an air of indifference, Xiao Zhengde casually ranted before saying impatiently, "Did you have Xue Wuhen stop me just to ask these meaningless questions?"


    Xiao Yi nodded without saying a word.


    Xiao Zhengde sneered, "Kid, whether you had Xue Wuhen call me over to show off, or for some other purpose, you need to know that you''ve only broken the record my son Tianjiao set years ago. Now, my son has already become a master of the Dharma Manifestation Realm, and not even if you rode the fastest horse could you catch up!"


    No sooner had he finished speaking than Xiao Zhengde pushed the door and left.


    Xue Wuhen, who was leaning against the door, was startled, "He''s leaving just like that?"


    Xiao Zhengde glanced at him and said indifferently, "Pavilion Master Xue, the fighters in your Combat Pavilion really are degenerating with each generation. Back when they fought with my son Tianjiao, each and every one of them was a talented powerhouse. But look at them now, nothing but a bunch of good-for-nothings. I advise you to recruit more strong fighters. Otherwise, any Tom, Dick, or Harry could come and rack up several hundred victories..."


    Xue Wuhen: "..."


    Xiao Zhengde snorted coldly, flicked his sleeves, and strode away, only to run into Yang Ling along the way and promptly greet him, "Xiao Zhengde pays respects to His Highness Yang Ling!"


    "Pavilion Master Xiao?"


    Yang Ling was taken aback. Seeing that Xiao Zhengde was coming from the direction of the private room where Xiao Yi was, he subconsciously said, "Pavilion Master Xiao, you''ve just met with Xiao Yi and returned?"


    "Xiao Yi?"


    Xiao Zhengde was stunned. His eyes widened in disbelief as he looked at a perplexed Yang Ling, "You, you mean that ''Lord Yiquan''... is Xiao Yi?!"


    "Eh? You didn''t know?"


    Yang Ling''s expression changed, cursed himself silently for his loose tongue, and left with a gloomy face.


    "Lord Yiquan is Xiao Yi?"


    Standing there dumbfounded, Xiao Zhengde muttered incredulously to himself, "How could this be? That''s impossible... Xiao Yi is nothing but trash, how could he be the one who broke Tianjiao''s record?" His head shook in disbelief at the reality.


    His head buzzed with noise.


    His face turned ghostly pale in an instant.


    Thump!


    He staggered and leaned against the wall.


    As the world spun around him, Xiao Zhengde felt unable to hear any sound from his surroundings, there was only his rapid heartbeat and labored breathing. He found it hard to believe that the person who had shattered his beloved son Tianjiao''s record was none other than Xiao Yi, the very person he never took seriously and even considered a shame.


    Even upon learning that Xiao Yi had reached the Golden Core Realm and even succeeded as head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    He had never felt such shock and regret.


    But now...


    For the first time, Xiao Zhengde felt regret.


    Both being at the Golden Elixir Realm Peak, facing the even more formidable Xue Wuhen, Xiao Yi was able to achieve victory. Just this alone was enough to prove that his talent was not weak, perhaps even stronger than that of Xiao Tianjiao!


    He thought of how he had been willing to find a breeding beast for Xiao Tianjiao''s mount, and yet he disdainfully gave away a prodigy of heaven to the Fang Family to become a son-in-law.


    Xiao Zhengde sincerely wished he could slap himself.


    "With Tianjiao at the helm and if we could add Xiao Yi to the Xiao Family, it would be like adding wings to a tiger! At that point, not to mention becoming the fifth major noble family, becoming the strongest family wouldn''t be out of the question..."


    In his shock, the first thing Xiao Zhengde thought of was how much a genius not inferior to Xiao Tianjiao could benefit the Xiao Family.


    He hurriedly rushed towards the private room where Xiao Yi had been.


    But was informed that Xiao Yi had already left.


    Xiao Zhengde''s face tightened, he pondered for a moment, and clenched his fists, "He is now the head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, right? I will go to the Xiaoshanhe Institute to find him. If he knows I am willing to let him rejoin the Xiao Family, he will surely be overjoyed and immensely grateful to me!"


    As he thought to himself.


    Full of pride, Xiao Zhengde strode out of the Combat Pavilion...

 Chapter 251 - 251: Dog Fighting

    Within the Combat Pavilion.


    Xiao Yi, Yang Ling, and Xue Wuhen sat together, with Xue Wuhen meticulously making some Spiritual Tea.


    He now knew the identity of Xiao Yi.


    The shock in his heart was indescribable.


    He who was despised by the Xiao Family, expelled and sent to the remote Nanhuang to be a son-in-law, had managed to rise from no cultivation to reaching the Golden Elixir Realm Peak in just over a year.


    Moreover, his strength was comparable to that of the Tao Tribulation Realm Peak, an unparalleled feat at the Golden Elixir Peak.


    At the same time¡­


    Xue Wuhen was also extremely curious about the Xiao Family.


    Just what kind of family would be so blind as to expel a talent like Xiao Yi?


    Yang Ling''s face showed an apologetic expression, "Xiao Yi, I''m really sorry. I thought Xiao Zhengde knew your identity and I accidentally let it slip¡­"


    Xiao Yi waved his hand to show it didn''t matter.


    Yang Ling offered a wry smile, "Now, various powers are investigating who the ''One Punch'' of the Combat Pavilion really is. If Xiao Zhengde leaks your identity, I''m afraid you''ll face many unnecessary troubles!"


    In just over a year, to advance from the Physical Body Realm to the Golden Elixir Realm Peak, this was already shocking enough to the world.


    Moreover.


    Xiao Yi was able to defeat Xue Wuhen at the Tao Tribulation Realm Peak while at the Golden Elixir Realm Peak.


    These two secrets, each on their own, were enough to drive countless powerful beings insane, let alone Xiao Yi having both. Once his identity got out, many would covet such an individual.


    If it were merely enticement with benefits, it would be one thing.


    The worst Yang Ling feared was that some powerful entities would take a darker approach in dealing with Xiao Yi.


    An innocent man is in trouble because he has a gem!


    That was the principle!


    Xue Wuhen, thoroughly convinced by Xiao Yi''s abilities, earnestly nodded, "From the end of the duel until now, seven out of the ten major sects have inquired, as well as people from the four great noble houses; I''ve managed to fend them all off. But we must remain vigilant!"


    Xiao Tianjiao also faced the covetous pursuit of many powers. The sect masters of the ten major sects even broke out in a terrifying war to fight over him.


    In the end, it was the Pavilion Master of the Tianjian Sect that stood above the rest and took Xiao Tianjiao under his wing.


    It was thanks to the backing of the number one sect in the Great Qian Dynasty that Xiao Tianjiao could grow in peace. Even so, Xiao Tianjiao had faced numerous life-threatening assassinations.


    "For them, anything or anyone they cannot possess and might become a threat, has only one fate¡ªdestruction!"


    While saying this, Xue Wuhen reminded, "Unless absolutely necessary, it''s best to keep your true identity hidden!"


    Yang Ling voiced his concern, "I just hope that Xiao Zhengde won''t leak your identity!"


    Aside from the three of them, only Ye Heng and Xiao Zhengde knew that ''One Punch'' was Xiao Yi.


    There was no need to worry about Ye Heng.


    But Xiao Zhengde¡­


    As both of them looked at him worriedly, Xiao Yi smiled and said, "Don''t worry, Xiao Zhengde won''t leak my information!"


    "Hm?"


    The two men blinked, looking at him confused.


    Xiao Yi scoffed, "If people were to know that I, who was expelled from the Xiao Family, had broken Xiao Tianjiao''s records, it would be a huge blow to Xiao Tianjiao''s prestige. Xiao Zhengde would not allow that to happen. Not only will he not leak it, but he will also help me cover it up!"


    At that moment.


    Ye Heng walked in from outside, came to Xiao Yi''s side, and looked provocatively at Xue Wuhen, "Master, I have retrieved the silver!"


    Xue Wuhen rolled his eyes, "Why are you looking at me like that? Would I actually renege on a debt?"


    Ye Heng curled his lip, "I just don''t like how you guys in the Combat Pavilion abandon your conscience for money!"


    "What do you mean?" Xue Wuhen was taken aback.


    Xiao Yi also looked towards him.


    Ye Heng said in a deep voice, "Master, do you know who I saw when I first arrived?" Seeing several people looking at him, Ye Heng continued gravely, "The blind swordsman who has fought with you before, his tendons in his hands and feet were severed by someone, and he was thrown onto the street outside the Combat Pavilion. If I hadn''t saved him, he would have been crushed to death by a carriage."


    "What?" S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi was taken aback, as he had a rather deep impression of that blind swordsman. He frowned and looked toward Xue Wuhen.


    Xue Wuhen hurriedly waved his hands, saying, "I don''t know what happened, let me ask around!"


    A moment later.


    Returning with a grim face, Xue Wuhen forced a smile and said, "This matter has nothing to do with our Combat Pavilion. That blind swordsman is not a martial artist nurtured by our Combat Pavilion. He is a fighting dog kept by that young master of the Dongfang Family, Dongfang Bai, specifically used to participate in competitions at the Combat Pavilion and covertly manipulate the outcomes of the matches to make money. You''re aware of the forces of the Dongfang Family. Unless they go too far, it''s not good for me to intervene."


    "A fighting dog? He''s clearly a person, why is he called a fighting dog?" Ye Heng asked, puzzled as he looked at Xue Wuhen.


    Xue Wuhen shrugged: "Reduced to such a plight, do they still have the dignity to be called human? Their master commands them to live or die, and they endure a life worse than that of a dog. The blind swordsman ended up like this simply because Dongfang Bai ordered him to intentionally lose the match, but he did not comply. In a fit of rage, Dongfang Bai had his limbs disabled..."


    "Scoundrel!"


    "How can they be so cruel?"


    Ye Heng''s expression turned extremely ugly. Having been oppressed by Ye Tian all this time and living at the bottom of society, he felt a strong aversion to such unfair treatment.


    As they were discussing this.


    A powerful individual from the Combat Pavilion hurried in, glancing at Xiao Yi and the others, hesitating to speak.


    Xue Wuhen gestured with his hand: "Speak, it''s alright."


    The strong individual pointed at Ye Heng and said solemnly, "Pavilion Master, Ye Heng previously entrusted the blind swordsman to our care, and now Dongfang has found out. He''s bringing people to demand the blind swordsman from us, nearly resorting to violence..."


    "What?"


    "After severing his hand and foot tendons, they still refuse to let him go? This is too much to bear!"


    With a face ashen as iron, Ye Heng looked toward Xiao Yi, "Master..."


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes into slits, "Let''s go have a look!"


    Side by side they walked.


    Just as they approached the doorway, they heard a haughty voice calling out, "He''s nothing but a fighting dog I''ve raised, merely a dog. He can live only if I allow it, and he cannot refuse death if I command it. Even if I discard my dog, you all cannot pick him up. Now, hand him over to me!"


    "Young Master Dongfang, this blind swordsman is also temporarily entrusted to us by another guest. If we hand him over to you, we won''t be able to explain ourselves when that guest returns. Please don''t make it difficult for us..." said a Combat Pavilion attendant with a helpless expression.


    "What? You mean to say that guest is more esteemed than I, Young Master Dongfang?" The voice of Dongfang Bai was chillingly cold.


    Previously, he had ordered the blind swordsman to intentionally lose a match, but after being provoked by the opponent''s words, the swordsman ended up killing his adversary with a single stroke, causing Dongfang Bai to lose a hundred million taels of silver.


    That was why he had disabled the blind swordsman''s limbs and left him in the street to fend for himself or die.


    This wasn''t the first time he had done something like this.


    Ordinarily, no one dared to meddle in his affairs.


    But this time...


    He encountered Ye Heng.


    Who actually saved the blind swordsman.


    In a towering rage, this scene unfolded.


    "Young Master Dongfang, I wouldn''t dare..." said the attendant with a wry smile.


    "Wouldn''t dare? If you wouldn''t dare, then get lost. Today, I will beat this dog to death myself, and I want to see what that guest you mentioned can do to me..." Dongfang Bai snorted coldly.


    His two subordinates immediately pushed the attendant in front of them aside, one of them charging toward the barely alive blind swordsman.


    With a cold palm forming into sharp claws, he reached for the blind swordsman''s throat.


    Just as those claws were about to crush the blind swordsman''s windpipe, a cold sword light shot through the air.


    Swish!


    Amid a burst of blood, the strong man''s wrist snapped off, blood gushing out. Amid his screams, a cold voice came from behind them, "I would like to see who dares to touch him today!"

 Chapter 252 - 252: Apologize, or Die

    "I want to see who dares to touch him today!"


    The icy voice came from Xiao Yi.


    Ye Heng had already reached the side of the blind swordsman, propping up the swordsman, who lay on the ground with a lifeless face, and straightening his body. After a brief check, Ye Heng''s expression changed slightly, "Master, the blind swordsman''s dantian has been destroyed..."


    "Hmm?"


    Xiao Yi''s pupils contracted slightly.


    He never expected Dongfang Bai and his people to be so ruthless.


    Not satisfied with merely severing the tendons of his hands and feet, they had now even destroyed his dantian.


    Xiao Yi looked expressionlessly at Dongfang Bai, "Who did it?"


    Dongfang Bai glanced at him indifferently then looked away. In his view, Xiao Yi was just at the peak of the Golden Core Realm, and within the Dongfang Family, there were even strong individuals in the Dharma Manifestation Realm. Why would he take Xiao Yi seriously?


    Even facing Yang Ling, the prince, Dongfang Bai just gave a perfunctory hand clasp and said with a proud expression, "Prince Yang Ling!"


    Yang Ling frowned. The power of the four great clan families was extremely terrifying, and they generally stood together against outsiders, often disrespecting the royal family. Naturally, he didn''t show a good face either and said lightly, "Dongfang Bai, did you not hear Pavilion Master Xiao ask you a question?"


    "Pavilion Master Xiao?"


    Dongfang Bai was slightly startled and looked Xiao Yi up and down with narrowed eyes, chuckling scornfully, "Oh ho, so you''re the new head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, Xiao Yi? You look quite the part, so why were you kicked out of the Xiao Family by Xiao Tianjiao? Oh, my apologies, I forgot Xiao Tianjiao doesn''t recognize you as part of the Xiao Family. So, that means you..."


    Slap!


    The words were cut off by the crisp sound of a slap.


    "..."


    Everyone was dumbfounded.


    They all turned to look at Xiao Yi''s indifferent face. This was the Dongfang Family''s young master he had just slapped in public.


    Dongfang Bai''s eyes were crimson, exhaling a chilling light that seemed ready to devour someone, and he stared dead at Xiao Yi, "You little bastard, you dare to hit..."


    Slap!


    Another slap.


    Xiao Yi still stood there with his hands behind his back, as serene as a gentle breeze and soft clouds.


    "Holy shit..."


    Slap!


    "You..."


    Slap!


    No one could see how Xiao Yi made his move, but everyone knew these slaps had to be his doing.


    Looking at Dongfang Bai again...


    His cheeks were swollen like a pig''s head, blood streaming from the corners of his mouth, leaving him unable to speak. In his bloodshot eyes, there was resentment and rage, and more noticeably, a shade of fear.


    "Young master, are you alright?" asked several strong men of the Dongfang Family tentatively.


    Bang!


    Dongfang Bai kicked them to the ground viciously, roaring in anger, "Do I look alright to you? Don''t just stand there, kill him! Whichever hand he used to hit me, I want you to chop it off and feed it to the dogs..."


    Five Golden Elixir Realm strong men immediately stepped forward, eyeing Xiao Yi with predatory gaze.


    "Pavilion Master Xiao, you can''t just hit our young master and expect things to end like this. I advise you to surrender without a struggle and not to resist," one of them said.


    "The Dongfang Family is not afraid of your little Xiaoshanhe Institute..."


    The five of them surrounded Xiao Yi.


    Yang Ling frowned and looked at Dongfang Bai with concern, "Dongfang Bai, I advise you to pull your men back!"


    "Prince Yang Ling, this matter doesn''t concern you," said Dongfang Bai venomously. "I know this kid is your recommendation for head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, but since he dared to hit me, he''s slapped the Dongfang Family in the face, and no one can help him!"


    Yang Ling sighed, "I''m trying to help you!"


    Dongfang Bai sneered, "Help me? Does Dongfang Bai look like he needs your help?" His face twisted hideously as he stared at his men, "Kill him for me!"


    "Kill!"


    "First cripple his cultivation..."


    Five men advanced at the same time.


    Among them, two were at the Golden Elixir Realm Peak, and the other three were also experts of the Seventh Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm.


    Dongfang Bai was the most cherished grandson of Dongfang, the head of the Dongfang Family.


    Even his bodyguards were at the Golden Elixir Realm Peak.


    Five men teaming up could even put up a fight against a warrior of the First Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    Faced with the onslaught of five assailants, Xiao Yi merely waved his hand casually. Cold light fluttered at his fingertips, exploding out like dazzling light rainbows. Amidst muffled sounds, the five figures trembled violently, blood spraying wildly as they fell to the ground.


    On their brows and fingertips were points of red.


    A one-strike kill!


    Hiss!


    Complete silence surrounded the area.


    With an expressionless face, Xiao Yi approached Dongfang Bai. "You just said you wanted to break my hands, right?"


    "You, you, you... don''t come any closer..."


    Dongfang Bai''s face turned deathly pale. He had never imagined that Xiao Yi would be so terrifyingly powerful, instantly slaying his five major bodyguards in a blink.


    Feeling the cold Evil Qi emanating from Xiao Yi.


    Dongfang Bai felt his legs go weak, stumbling back tremulously: "I am the eldest young master of the Dongfang Family. If you dare to hurt me, you will make an enemy out of the Dongfang Family. You... ah..."


    A sudden scream burst forth from Dongfang Bai''s mouth.


    Blood arrows shot from his hands and feet, and among the torn flesh, one could vaguely see severed tendons twitching slightly.


    Dongfang Bai slumped to the ground like a pile of mud.


    Xiao Yi acted quickly and decisively.


    By cutting the tendons in his hands and feet, and shattering them completely, he left Dongfang Bai crippled for life unless a magical elixir was used to reattach his limbs. Lying on the ground, wailing, Dongfang Bai looked at Xiao Yi with a face full of terror, not daring to threaten wildly as before, but instead pathetically begged for mercy. "Spare me, Director Xiao, spare my life. I won''t dare to do it again..."


    In the face of life and death, even those who hold high positions and have powerful backing will still become humble.


    Xiao Yi walked up to Dongfang Bai, slightly bent over, grabbed his hair, and pointing to the deathly still blind swordsman said, "You as well as he, both are born of mothers and fathers, have only one life, and are not necessarily more noble than the other. If you don''t want to die, apologize to him immediately by kowtowing!"


    "I, I should kowtow to him?"


    Dongfang Bai looked astonished; the blind swordsman was just a fighting dog he owned, no more than a dog in his eyes!


    Xiao Yi actually wanted him to apologize to the blind swordsman by kowtowing?


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, "Apologize, or die. Choose for yourself!"


    "..."


    Under the threat of death, Dongfang Bai''s head thudded to the ground with tears of humiliation on his face as he gritted his teeth and said, "I''m sorry..."


    Those three words seemed to drain all his strength.


    He collapsed to the ground in defeat.


    A cold glint flashed in Xiao Yi''s eyes; he believed in utterly rooting out problems. Crippling Dongfang Bai would surely not be forgotten by the Dongfang Family, so it might be better to finish him off once and for all.


    However...


    Yang Ling, who was standing by, said in a low voice, "Do me a favor and spare him this time!"


    After all, he was a prince, and if he could become the Crown Prince and succeed the Great Qian Dynasty, it wouldn''t be good to fall out with the Dongfang Family completely.


    Xiao Yi nodded, "Fine!"


    Discarding Dongfang Bai aside as if tossing away trash, Xiao Yi walked toward the blind swordsman and, with Ye Heng on one side and another on the other, helped the blind swordsman walk outside.


    "Dongfang Bai, I hope this ends here!"


    Yang Ling looked toward Xue Wuhen, who had been silent all along, "Please, Pavilion Master Xue, take him back to the Dongfang Family." S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Leave it to me!" Xue Wuhen nodded.


    Yang Ling chased after Xiao Yi, who was already heading outside...

 Chapter 253 - 253 Tian Mang

    Within the Yang Ling mansion.


    Ye Heng, with the blind swordsman on his back, laid him onto the bed. Looking at the swordsman''s deathly stillness and silence, Ye Heng''s face showed a hint of concern.


    Yang Ling offered consolation, "I have sent for the Imperial Physician."


    Ye Heng responded with a grateful look.


    A moment later.


    An old man with white hair entered; this was Bian Yihong, the Imperial Physician of the Great Qian Dynasty''s royal court, and also an Underworld Doctor. As Bian Yihong examined the blind swordsman, he shook his head and sighed, "Your Highness, this man is intent on dying, all medicines are ineffective, please forgive this old man''s powerlessness."


    "Imperial Physician Bian, is there really no hope left?" Yang Ling asked.


    Bian Yihong shook his head.


    Ye Heng quickly turned to Xiao Yi, "Master, I beg you to save him!"


    During special training, he had personally witnessed Xiao Yi preparing various herbs and even personally concocting elixirs to enhance his cultivation.


    Those skills were truly awe-inspiring.


    Xiao Yi had yet to speak.


    An arrogant young man beside Bian Yihong scoffed, "My master is a four-star Alchemist, as well as a rare inheritor of the line of Underworld Doctors. Even he says there is nothing to be done, there is no second person in the Great Qian Dynasty who can save him!"


    Ye Heng ignored him and continued to gaze at Xiao Yi, "Master, I beg of you, please help him!"


    Seeing Ye Heng ignore himself, the youth''s face showed a trace of anger as he mocked, "Are you deaf? My master already said he''s beyond saving, what use is begging him?"


    "Shut up!"


    Ye Heng glared at him fiercely, angrily retorting, "Your master can''t do it, but that doesn''t mean my master can''t!"


    "You insolent fool, you..." the youth burst out in rage.


    "Shut up!"


    However, Bian Yihong coldly snorted, his old face showing displeasure as he looked at Xiao Yi with a hint of mockery, "This old man''s skills are limited; perhaps this young hero really does possess a life-saving technique..."


    His words contained an implicit challenge and defiance.


    Xia Yi glanced at him and said indifferently, "I don''t have a life-saving technique, but saving him should be no problem!"


    "Oh?"


    Bian Yihong scoffed, arrogantly saying, "If that''s the case, then I beseech you to take action, and let this old man broaden his horizons!"


    The youth''s challenging gaze rested on Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi shrugged; he hadn''t wanted to intervene, but Ye Heng''s continuous pleas made it difficult for him to disappoint his newly accepted disciple. He then turned to Yang Ling, "Your Highness, do you have any demonic cores in the mansion?"


    "Yes!"


    Yang Ling nodded, "What kind of demonic core do you need?"


    Xiao Yi asked, "Do you have one with dark attributes?"


    Yang Ling thought for a moment, "Father bestowed upon me a Black Prison Scorpion core previously, would that be sufficient?"


    Black Prison Scorpion.


    A fifth-order high-level demonic beast, comparable to the peak strength of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    Xiao Yi said, "That will do, have someone bring that core here immediately!"


    "One moment!"


    Yang Ling immediately ordered someone to fetch it.


    The youth, with a sneer, said, "Are you actually going to save him or not? His injuries are too severe, his limbs'' tendons completely severed, his Dantian destroyed, despairing with a death wish; not to mention just a fifth-order beast''s core, even a ninth-order beast''s core wouldn''t save him!"


    "Shut up!"


    Xiao Yi let out a cold humph, causing the youth''s complexion to pale. In that instant, he felt as if he were on the verge of plunging into an ice cellar, and he dared not speak again.


    Xiao Yi approached the bedside and looked at the blind swordsman on the bed, who was in utter despair, and said softly, "I know you can hear me, I have a way to repair your Dantian and heal your limbs. If you want to live, then nod your head. If you don''t want me to heal you, then shake your head, and I won''t waste any more effort!"


    Hum!


    The blind swordsman, previously enveloped in an aura of death, trembled all over upon hearing these words, as if a drowning man had found a lifeline.


    He struggled to nod his head.


    He wanted to live.


    He still had many unfulfilled wishes.


    The blind swordsman''s pale, cracked lips moved slightly, opening with difficulty, "Really, you can restore my Dantian?"


    "Yes!"


    Xiao Yi spoke solemnly.


    The blind swordsman fell silent for a moment, his hoarse voice somewhat weak: "If... if you can really heal my dantian and my limbs, I am willing to recognize you as my master, my life will be yours..."


    "We can talk about this later!"


    Xiao Yi said indifferently.


    A moment later. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The demon core was delivered into Xiao Yi''s hands.


    The young man muttered disdainfully under his breath, "I have never heard of a demon core being able to heal a destroyed dantian, I think he is just showing off..."


    "Shut your mouth!"


    This time, it was Bian Yihong who spoke.


    His murky eyes were fixed intently on Xiao Yi, his breathing involuntarily becoming rapid.


    Watching Xiao Yi''s technique, he suddenly thought of a legend within the Underworld Doctor lineage¡ªTransferring Flowers and Connecting Trees Skill!


    Reconstructing a dantian with a demon core.


    Making a shattered dantian come back to life once again.


    But...


    This kind of secret technique, even within the heritage of the Underworld Doctor, had been lost; could it be that this young man in front of him truly understood such a secret technique?


    Bian Yihong clenched his fists tightly, watching Xiao Yi with a face full of excitement and anticipation.


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath.


    Now, performing Transferring Flowers and Connecting Trees Skill for another person, using the demon core in place of the dantian, was much easier than when he had replaced the demon core for Fang Qingzhu.


    Xiao Yi emitted a suffocating vital energy fluctuation from his body, this vital energy refined through the God Sealing Seed and infused with the power of God Sealing. Dozens of times stronger than ordinary vital energy, it condensed into a vortex above the blind swordsman''s lower abdomen.


    The demon core, rotating in the midst of the vortex, merged into the blind swordsman''s body with a swish.


    Finding its place within the blind swordsman''s dantian.


    At the same time...


    Xiao Yi, using the Transferring Flowers and Connecting Trees Skill, guided the vital energy into the blind swordsman''s body, constructing a vital energy bridge, linking the demon core with the meridians.


    At this moment, the blind swordsman''s body appeared transparent, his meridians crisscrossing and coming into view.


    As these meridians communicated with each other.


    The vital energy, taking the demon core as the nucleus, began to circulate within the blind swordsman''s dantian.


    "Is this, this, really the Transferring Flowers and Connecting Trees Skill? Who in the world is this person? How can he understand such a lost secret technique..." Bian Yihong''s face was full of astonishment, his body soaked in sweat, watching Xiao Yi''s silhouette with excitement.


    His breathing became even heavier.


    This was a secret technique that had been lost in the Underworld Doctor lineage!


    He had never imagined that he would be able to witness such a miraculous method with his own eyes.


    Buzz!


    The blind swordsman trembled, sitting up straight from the bed, his vital energy flowing more and more smoothly.


    One complete cycle.


    Two complete cycles...


    After a full thirty-six complete cycles, the demon core had fully integrated with his body, transforming into a brand-new demon core dantian. At the same time, the blind swordsman''s cultivation had also returned to the Peak of the Divine Ability Realm.


    As for the tendons in his hands and feet, they were also reconnected with Xiao Yi''s help.


    Thump!


    The blind swordsman, under everyone''s astonished gaze, rolled out of bed and knelt before Xiao Yi, speaking in a deep voice, "Above all, Master, please accept Tian Mang''s bow!"


    "Tian Mang?"


    Xiao Yi helped the blind swordsman to his feet, showing a hint of confusion.


    Tian Mang nodded, "Master, I was born blind, and my parents abandoned me. My grandmother gave me the name Tian Mang. A few years ago, my grandmother also passed away, and I sold myself to the Dongfang Family to bury her, becoming a fighting dog under Dongfang Bai; he gave me the name ''blind swordsman''!"


    "I see, from now on you should still be called Tian Mang!"


    Xiao Yi smiled, then said, "Tian Mang, from now on you should call me Institute Director! From today onwards, you are a disciple of Xiaoshanhe Institute!"


    "Thank you, Master... Institute Director!" Tian Mang said respectfully.


    He would not have any defiance towards Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi nodded, about to speak, when he heard a hurried voice from outside the door: "Your Highness, the people from the Dongfang Family have come knocking at our door!"

 Chapter 254 - 254: Revenge for the Smallest Grievances

    "Your Highness, people from the Dongfang Family have come knocking at our door!"


    The expression of the guard outside the door was uneasy as he spoke.


    Yang Ling''s eyebrows knitted together, and a cold light flashed through his eyes as he let out a cold snort, "What an audacious Dongfang Family, they really don''t take me seriously!"


    Although he had not yet become the Crown Prince of the Great Qian Dynasty, he was still a prince!


    For the Dongfang Family to dare bring trouble to his residence was nothing short of a public slap in the face, and Yang Ling''s complexion turned extremely ugly.


    Tian Mang''s complexion changed slightly as he said in a deep voice, "Your Highness, Director, this matter started because of me, it would be better to just hand me over..."


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Since you have joined Xiaoshanhe Institute, it is my responsibility to ensure your safety! Just stay here at ease, even if the Dharma Manifestation Realm ancestor of the Dongfang Family itself comes today, they can forget about taking you away!"


    Dharma Manifestation Realm, living over a thousand years.


    In any power, they are the pinnacle of existence.


    Now, even though Xiao Yi knew that Dongfang Bai was the great young lord of the Dongfang Family, he still reached out to save Tian Mang with the confidence of being able to fight even against a beginner of the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    On the aged face of Bian Yihong, the shock gradually subsided, but his gaze at Xiao Yi still carried heat and admiration.


    He coughed lightly and said, "Director Xiao, why must you take action personally? I have some acquaintances with the ancestor of the Dongfang Family, and they will certainly give me some face!"


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Mr. Bian, I appreciate your kindness, but..."


    Before he could finish.


    Lin Qian, a disciple of Bian Yihong, spoke up and scolded, "My master is willing to help you, and that''s your honor. With my master''s status and position, even the head of the Dongfang Family would have to show him some respect!"


    All this time.


    He had always taken great pride in being a disciple of Bian Yihong.


    But earlier...


    The incurable Tian Mang, who had been diagnosed by Bian Yihong, had miraculously come back to life in Xiao Yi''s hands, and even his shattered dantian had been restored.


    This made him feel as if he had lost face, like he had been slapped dozens of times.


    Now, seeing the Dongfang Family actually pressuring them at their door, if his master could resolve this matter, it would definitely turn the tables. In his view, one of the reasons Bian Yihong volunteered to step forward was precisely this.


    Little did he know.


    Bian Yihong was astounded by the Transferring Flowers and Connecting Trees Skill displayed by Xiao Yi, it was miraculous, and he thought of currying favor with Xiao Yi in order to learn this long-lost Secret Technique of the Underworld Doctor lineage from him.


    "Shut up!"


    Bian Yihong glared at him fiercely, fearing he would anger Xiao Yi, and said with nerves, "Director Xiao, my foolish disciple is ignorant, I hope you won''t hold it against him!"


    "Master..."


    Lin Qian was utterly bewildered.


    He thought he was helping Bian Yihong; how did it turn into a scolding?


    "Speak another word of nonsense, and I''ll expel you from the sect!" Bian Yihong turned and slapped him across his face, scolding him in anger.


    Lin Qian''s face stiffened, and he dared not say anything more.


    But in those downcast eyes, there was a flicker of hatred and resentment.


    Xiao Yi looked at Bian Yihong''s ingratiating face and sighed, "Then you may try!"


    "Don''t worry, Director Xiao, I will not let you down!"


    Bian Yihong''s heart leapt with joy.


    Yet his aged body moved with agility, quickly making his way outside to meet the people from the Dongfang Family.


    At this moment...


    Over a hundred Dongfang Family powerhouses were surrounding a carriage, on which lay Dongfang Bai, wrapped up like a zongzi. The person leading them was one of the five great elders of the Dongfang Family, Dongfang Mu.


    "Elder Mu, you must stand up for me!" Dongfang Bai said with a face full of grievance.


    Dongfang Mu nodded, his face darkening as he said, "Young Master, rest assured, even if Xiao Yi is protected by Yang Ling, he can''t injure my Dongfang Family''s people over a mere fighting dog. Today, I will make him hand over Xiao Yi to kowtow and apologize to you!"


    Dongfang Mu crossed his arms over his chest, a green light circulating around his body, his cultivation reaching the nine-fold layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    Creak!


    The gates swung open wide.


    Standing before him was Bian Yihong, with his immortal-like demeanor, causing Dongfang Mu to pause and frown, "Bian Yihong? What is he doing here?"


    Bian Yihong approached Dongfang Mu and greeted him with a fist-and-palm salute, "Elder Mu, long time no see, how have you been recently?"


    "So it''s Mr. Bian, indeed it''s been a while!"


    Dongfang Mu returned the gesture to Bian Yihong, but he made sure not to be too cold, considering Bian had a not inconsiderable relationship with the head of the Dongfang Family, and asked, "What brings Mr. Bian here?"


    Bian Yihong replied, "I came to His Highness''s residence to treat a good friend of his. But as for Elder Mu, what brings you here?"


    Dongfang Mu saw no reason to doubt him and said, "Yang Ling''s friend, Xiao Yi, has severely injured our family''s young master. I have come here to seek justice."


    "Xiao Yi?"


    Bian Yihong raised an eyebrow and said, "Elder Mu, your timing is not good. Xiao Yi has already left; he went back to the Xiaoshanhe Institute. If you go there now, you might be able to find him!"


    "He''s gone?"


    Dongfang Mu was taken aback.


    If Xiao Yi had left Yang Ling''s residence to return to the Xiaoshanhe Institute, then it wouldn''t be easy for him to seek revenge directly.


    Imperial Dragon Mountain.


    That is the site chosen by the royal family for offering sacrifices to the heavens and ancestors.


    Furthermore, with the Xiaoshanhe Institute''s special status, even the great clans like theirs cannot simply set foot there.


    Just when Dongfang Mu found himself in a precarious situation.


    Lin Qian, standing beside Bian Yihong, curled the corner of his mouth slightly, revealing a trace of maliciousness, and feigned surprise, "Master, are you mistaken? Didn''t we just part ways with Mr. Xiao and the others? They are now inside the residence!"


    Boom!


    Bian Yihong''s body suddenly trembled, disbelievingly looking at his disciple beside him.


    He had not at all expected his beloved disciple to trip him up at such a moment.


    Dongfang Mu''s face turned an ashen blue as his cold gaze fixed on Bian Yihong. He sneered with a sinister laugh, "Mr. Bian, the Dongfang Family always had a decent relationship with you, yet you do this for an outsider. Isn''t that quite inappropriate?"


    Bian Yihong stared intently at Lin Qian and said in a deep voice, "Elder Mu, could you do me the honor of letting this matter go?"


    "Let it go?"


    Dongfang Mu pointed to Dongfang Bai inside the carriage and roared, "Open your eyes and see for yourself, what condition has my young master been beaten into? This is a slap in the face to my Dongfang Family! Bian Yihong, I, Dongfang Mu, have treated you with respect because of our past affiliations, yet you have played me for a fool. From this day onward, you, Bian Yihong, are forever barred from setting foot in my Dongfang Family!"


    Whoosh!


    Bian Yihong''s complexion instantly turned pale.


    He never imagined that because of a single sentence from Lin Qian, he would be blacklisted by the Dongfang Family.


    And furthermore...


    The four great noble families are branches of the same tree.


    Once shunned by the Dongfang Family, it meant the other three great families, any related families, officials, and citizens would no longer welcome him, Bian Yihong. For Bian, who made his living as a doctor, this was akin to having his limbs cut off and his eyes gouged out!


    And the mastermind behind it all was his cherished disciple!


    Bian Yihong''s body shook with fury and, in his extreme anger, he spat out a mouthful of blood, pointing at Lin Qian, "You, you unfilial disciple..." S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Unfilial disciple? Humph, old man, you should have thought of today when you slapped me in public to please Xiao Yi."


    Lin Qian gave him a cold glance. He had always been the type to hold grudges. Bian Yihong had slapped him in public to appease Xiao Yi, and how could he swallow such an insult? With a fawning expression, he walked up to Dongfang Mu and pointed to the large estate: "Elder Mu, Xiao Yi and the others are inside!"

 Chapter 255 - 255: The Dying Man

    "Elder Dongfang Mu, Xiao Yi and the others are in there!"


    Lin Qian stood before Dongfang Mu, bowing and scraping, with a fawning expression.


    Dongfang Mu''s face was cold as he glanced at him.


    He truly despised those who would betray even their own masters.


    However...


    Considering that Lin Qian still had some usefulness at the moment, Dongfang Mu couldn''t be bothered to argue, his gaze turned toward the residence of Yang Ling. Sensing the aura of Yang Ling and the others, he called out coldly, "Your Highness Yang Ling, please show yourself!"


    Inside the residence.


    Xiao Yi walked out shoulder to shoulder with Yang Ling.


    As their eyes met,


    a hint of icy coldness flashed through Dongfang Mu''s eyes, and he sneered, "So you''re Xiao Yi?" S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi glanced at Bian Yihong, pale-faced, and Lin Qian, standing beside Dongfang Mu with a smug look, before his gaze settled on Dongfang Mu, "I am Xiao Yi!"


    "I never thought... that even Tianjiaao would misjudge."


    Dongfang Mu sized up Xiao Yi from head to toe, noting that Xiao Yi''s aura was no weaker than that of an ordinary warrior from the Tao Tribulation Realm. He jeered with a cold smile, "Xiao Yi, even though you are the head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, there will be a price to pay for offending someone of the Dongfang Family!"


    Xiao Yi squinted his eyes and asked, "What price?"


    Yang Ling spoke in a heavy voice, "Dongfang Mu, don''t go too far!"


    "Your Highness, rest assured, I, Dongfang Mu, know my limits!"


    Dongfang Mu gave a respectful hand clasp towards Yang Ling, the corners of his mouth lifting into a chilling smile as he stared at Xiao Yi, "Since His Highness Yang Ling is protecting you, I will give him this face. You crippled Dongfang Bai''s hands and feet, but I won''t make it difficult for you. Sever your own hands and feet, and we''ll call the matter settled, how about that?"


    Inside the carriage.


    Dongfang Bai roared furiously with a ferocious face, "Second Elder, you can''t let him off so easily!"


    Dongfang Mu waved his hand, signaling him to be patient.


    Ye Heng sneered, "What''s Dongfang Bai worth? Even a single hair from my master is more precious than his life, and you want my master to sever his own hands and feet? That''s an absolute fantasy!"


    "Where did this little bastard come from, what right do you have to speak?" Dongfang Mu let out a cold snort.


    The oppressive aura of the Nine-fold Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm was released.


    It bore down on Ye Heng like a great mountain.


    Ye Heng, being only of Spiritual Realm Cultivation, how could he withstand such a powerful pressure?


    With a muffled grunt,


    Ye Heng''s form trembled slightly, and he was just about to be forcibly pressed to his knees when Xiao Yi casually waved his hand and shattered the terrifying pressure.


    "Hmm?"


    Dongfang Mu''s pupils suddenly constricted.


    With a mere wave of his hand, he had shattered the pressuring force of a Ninth Layer Tao Tribulation Realm warrior.


    This move made him take Xiao Yi much more seriously. Narrowing his eyes, he sized up Xiao Yi, "Such formidable skill. To think you can achieve this while at the peak of the Golden Core Realm, no wonder His Highness Yang Ling recommended you to be the head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute."


    Xiao Yi replied blandly, "You flatter me."


    Lin Qian had thought that once Dongfang Mu made a move, Xiao Yi would immediately be taught a harsh lesson.


    But instead, he saw how extraordinary Xiao Yi was.


    Realizing that if things continued this way, his hopes for revenge would likely be dashed,


    his eyes rolled shiftily.


    Suddenly, Lin Qian said, "Elder Mu, Xiao Yi has a secret technique that can re-connect severed limbs and tendons, and can even repair others'' damaged ''Golden Cores''!"


    Hisss!


    Upon hearing this, everyone present couldn''t help but draw in a sharp breath.


    "You scoundrel, do you know what you''re doing?" Bian Yihong''s face changed drastically, looking incredulously at Lin Qian.


    Lin Qian let out a cold laugh, confident and unafraid, "How could I not know?" His venomous gaze fell on Xiao Yi as he sneered repeatedly, "Xiao Yi, this is what happens when you offend me!"


    Dongfang Mu''s pupils shrank slightly.


    Repairing a shattered ''Golden Core.''


    Connecting severed tendons.


    These techniques were nothing short of miraculous!


    To think...


    Even the strongest alchemist of the Great Qian Dynasty, the Chief Imperial Physician of the Imperial Pharmacy, a Seven-Star Alchemist Lian Wencheng, couldn''t achieve this feat.


    Dongfang Mu squinted his eyes, his face showing less anger and more solemnity, "Head of the Xiao, can you truly heal a shattered ''Golden Core''?"


    Xiao Yi was expressionless.


    Lin Qian pointed to Tian Mang, who stood beside Ye Heng, "Elder Mu, I did not deceive you. Just now, he indeed cured that blind man..."


    Dongfang Bai, on the carriage, had an incredulous look on his face, "Second Elder, that''s my fighting dog, the Blind Swordsman. I had someone ruin his Golden Core and limbs previously, but, but how is he unscathed now?"


    "What?"


    Dongfang Mu''s expression changed dramatically, looking at Tian Mang with disbelief.


    At this moment, Tian Mang had intact limbs, and the vital energy flowing faintly around his body was clearly that of the Spiritual Realm Cultivation.


    How could that be the appearance of someone with a destroyed Golden Core?


    By Lin Qian''s side, he sneered inwardly, "Xiao Yi, oh Xiao Yi, how strong are you? With just a little ploy of mine, I can make life difficult for you... This blind man was crippled by young master Dongfang Bai, yet you saved him, which is a slap in the face for the Dongfang Family. They will definitely not let you off!"


    Just as Lin Qian was self-congratulating for his cleverness and for having allied with the Dongfang Family,


    all of a sudden, Elder Dongfang Mu deeply bowed to Xiao Yi, saying respectfully, "I implore Xiao, the head of the institute, to lend your assistance!"


    Huh?


    Lin Qian was dumbfounded.


    Isn''t he supposed to reprimand him?


    Why are you bowing to him?


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow, looking at Dongfang Mu, "You''ve come to me with such a threatening manner, aren''t you here to seek justice for Dongfang Bai? Why are you begging me now?"


    "Second Elder, I..."


    Dongfang Bai shouted in anger.


    Before he could finish,


    Dongfang Mu coldly huffed, interrupting him, and said respectfully to Xiao Yi, "Please forgive Elder Dongfang Mu for not recognizing the dangers of Imperial Dragon Mountain and nearly offending you. If the head of the institute would render your assistance this time, the Dongfang Family is willing to become your most loyal ally!"


    Yang Ling''s pupils suddenly constricted, his breathing becoming slightly rapid.


    This is the Dongfang Family!


    One of the four great noble families!


    If he could persuade the Dongfang Family to support him, his position as the Crown Prince would certainly be much more secure.


    However...


    After weighing in his heart, Yang Ling felt that Xiao Yi''s influence far exceeded that of the Dongfang Family and thus swallowed back the words he was about to say. This actually made Xiao Yi look at him with a hint of respect, his lips curling up slightly as he looked at Yang Ling, "Your Highness Yang Ling, do you think I should help them?"


    Yang Ling felt a stirring in his heart, seeing the smile on Xiao Yi''s lips as he looked at him, and then seeing the pleading eyes of Elder Dongfang Mu.


    He immediately understood that Xiao Yi was deliberately offering him the favor.


    Phew!


    Yang Ling took a deep breath, his grateful gaze on Xiao Yi, and he said solemnly, "The Dongfang Family are the arms and legs of our Great Qian Dynasty, I implore you, Brother Xiao, to lend them your assistance!"


    Elder Dongfang Mu looked at Yang Ling with gratitude.


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "I must give face to His Highness Yang Ling, but my fees for lifting a finger are not low!"


    "You can rest assured, Xiao Institute Head, as long as it is within the means of the Dongfang Family, you may name your condition!" Elder Dongfang Mu said earnestly.


    Xiao Yi nodded, looking at Bian Yihong, whose face was pale, "Mr. Bian, are you willing to accompany me on a trip?"


    "Ah?"


    Bian Yihong was stunned, then ecstatically said, "I am willing, I am most willing!"


    Just when it seemed that an imminent conflict was about to erupt, not only had Lin Qian not gotten revenge, but he had also deeply offended both Bian Yihong and Xiao Yi, his complexion turned pale. Sheepishly, he approached and said, "Congratulations to Xiao Institute Head, my felicitations, you..."


    However...


    Xiao Yi just coldly glanced at him, saying indifferently, "It''s rather unlucky to have a dead man constantly in sight!"


    "A dead man?"


    Lin Qian was startled, completely baffled.


    Elder Dongfang Mu''s eyes shifted, and he said with a smile, "Institute Head Xiao truly is a divine being, even capable of predicting the future!"


    "Predicting the future?"


    Lin Qian was even more bewildered.


    He couldn''t understand at all!


    But in the next moment, he understood what the two meant by their words.


    All he saw was Elder Dongfang Mu casually waving his hand, and a surge of green vital energy turned into numerous green vines that wildly wrapped around Lin Qian. Under the envelopment of those vines, Lin Qian''s body shuddered, his life force swiftly draining away.


    It only took a few moments.


    He was completely drained, and when the vines dissipated, Lin Qian''s body thudded to the ground, utterly disintegrating as if he were nothing but a pile of ash...

 Chapter 256 - 256: The Strength of Xiao Tianjiao

    The Dongfang Family.


    One of the four major noble houses of the Great Qian Dynasty.


    These four major noble families were the closest trusted aides to the founding emperor when the Great Qian Dynasty was first established, each one being the most loyal supporter of the founding emperor.


    After the founding emperor united the Great Qian Dynasty, he also bestowed upon them generous rewards and power.


    However...


    As time passed and dynasties changed,


    the heads of the four noble families rotated and, coupled with the rise of the ten great sects challenging their authority, the imperial family gradually became weaker, and their bond with the royal house began to disintegrate.


    At least for now, the four major noble families still stand by the side of the royal family.


    But as their ties with the ten great sects grow closer, they have been showing signs of slipping out of the royal control.


    This point was crystal clear in both Emperor Qian''s mind and Yang Ling''s heart.


    And yet, there was nothing they could do about it.


    After all.


    Although the royal family was powerful, it couldn''t completely fall out with the four major noble families.


    Precisely for this reason,


    when Xiao Tianjiao emerged from the Xiao Family, Emperor Qian supported the Xiao Family with all his might. What he hadn''t expected was that Xiao Tianjiao''s ambition and rate of growth were far beyond his expectations, and now he had exceeded his control.


    If this continued,


    a fifth major noble family would emerge.


    On the road,


    Dongfang Bai was being carried by several guards of the Dongfang Family, looking woefully at the carriage in front of him.


    That should have been his carriage!


    But...


    Dongfang Mu had directly thrown him off the carriage, letting Xiao Yi and others sit inside.


    However,


    the five great elders hold significant power within the Dongfang Family, and he didn''t dare to disobey, only growing more resentful and sorrowful in his gaze.


    To think that he, the grand young master of the Dongfang Family, was not only beaten and had his limbs broken, but couldn''t even keep his own carriage.


    Truly a sad plight!


    Inside the carriage,


    Xiao Yi curiously asked the slightly nervous Dongfang Mu, "Elder, may I ask who in your residence has encountered trouble?"


    With a bitter smile, Dongfang Mu glanced over the others and finally sighed, "I will not conceal it from you, the person who is in trouble is my eldest brother, Dongfang Jin!" S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The five great elders of the Dongfang Family were named after the five elements: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth.


    Dongfang Jin was the leader of the five great elders.


    And...


    He was also the strongest among them, having entered the Dharma Manifestation Realm fifty years ago. Since then, he has mostly kept to himself, rarely taking action, but his status is second only to the Patriarch and the old ancestor of the Dongfang Family.


    "Dongfang Jin?"


    Bian Yihong was startled and frowned, "How could it be him? When our side met with him recently, he seemed fine!"


    Dongfang Mu responded with a wry smile, "Mr. Bian, when I arranged for you to meet with Elder Jin, it was actually to see if you could detect anything unusual about him."


    Bian Yihong''s face froze.


    Dongfang Mu hadn''t stated it explicitly, but his meaning was clear.


    Obviously, Bian Yihong hadn''t noticed anything unusual about Dongfang Jin, which proved his medical skills were not up to par, and the Dongfang Family naturally wouldn''t tell him voluntarily.


    Each of the four noble families has two individuals in the Dharma Manifestation Realm. If the news of Elder Jin of the Dongfang Family having his dantian destroyed were to get out, the Dongfang Family would fall to the lowest ranks among the four noble houses.


    If it weren''t for hearing from Lin Qian that Xiao Yi could heal a shattered dantian, and having witnessed Tian Mang''s shattered dantian restored to its original state with his own eyes, he would not have taken the initiative to expose this secret that could potentially plunge the Dongfang Family into an abyss.


    Yang Ling had not expected it to be Elder Jin, he frowned and said, "Second Elder, as far as I know, after Elder Jin broke through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm fifty years ago, he has rarely shown himself. When was his dantian damaged?"


    Dongfang Mu''s face showed a hint of hesitation.


    Xiao Yi said, "The reasons for a shattered dantian are varied and so are the methods of healing. It''s best not to conceal anything."


    Upon hearing this,


    Dongfang Mu gave a bitter smile, his expression tinged with barely concealed rage and hatred, he gritted his teeth and said, "My elder brother stepped into the Dharma Manifestation Realm fifty years ago, and he has been in seclusion ever since. A few years ago, he had already broken through to the fifth level of the Dharma Manifestation Realm and had found a quiet place to manifest his Dharma. Unfortunately, he disturbed a young genius making a breakthrough to the Tao Tribulation Realm. A conflict erupted between them, and my brother''s dantian was shattered by a single blow from that person..."


    "Hmm?"


    "A young genius?"


    "A single blow from someone in the Tao Tribulation Realm shattered the dantian of a fifth level Dharma Manifestation Realm powerhouse? This..."


    The others exchanged glances.


    This Dongfang Jin, who had stepped into the fifth level of the Dharma Manifestation Realm, had his dantian crushed by a blow from someone who had just broken through to the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    How formidable must that strength be?


    And moreover...


    That was a youth?


    Yang Ling''s face revealed a look of shock, "Who was that person?"


    "I think... I might guess who it is!"


    Seeing everyone looking towards him, Xiao Yi let out a long breath, his fists involuntarily clenched, "If I''m not mistaken, that person should be Xiao Tianjiao!"


    "Xiao Tianjiao?"


    "How is that possible? Even for Xiao Tianjiao, to be that strong seems unlikely, right?"


    All eyes uniformly turned to Dongfang Mu.


    Dongfang Mu gave another bitter smile and nodded, "Dean Xiao has not spoken wrongly, that person is indeed Xiao Tianjiao." Fear flickered in his eyes, "This person is truly the reincarnation of a Heavenly Emperor, unmatched in this world. According to my brother, Xiao Tianjiao had just stepped into the Tao Tribulation Realm and was still not stable..."


    When one has just broken through a realm, the energy within the body is most turbulent, and the mastery over one''s own realm is not yet proficient.


    Xiao Tianjiao dared to engage in combat with a fifth level Dharma Manifestation Realm expert at such a crucial moment, and it took only one move to shatter the opponent''s dantian?


    What a terrifying power!


    Everyone instinctively looked at Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi closed his eyes slightly, his fists quietly clenched under his sleeves.


    Until now, they had known that Xiao Tianjiao was strong, but they had never imagined he would be strong to this extent.


    Barely entering the Tao Tribulation Realm, he could kill a fifth level Dharma Manifestation Realm expert with one strike.


    Now, having been in the Dharma Manifestation Realm for over half a year, with his speed of cultivation, what realm has he reached now? And what kind of strength does he have?


    The name Xiao Tianjiao, to countless people, is an insurmountable mountain.


    One could only look up to it, unable to climb it!


    But for Xiao Yi...


    This mountain must be climbed, must be surpassed!


    "Xiao Tianjiao... One day, I will definitely catch up to you, surpass you..." Xiao Yi took a deep breath, calming the restlessness in his heart.


    Meanwhile,


    The carriage came to a slow stop, and they had arrived at the Dongfang Family''s estate.


    Dongfang Mu took the lead in getting off, lifted the carriage curtain, and his tone carried a trace of respect, "Your Highness Yang Ling, Dean Xiao, please!"


    They got off one after another.


    The Dongfang Family''s residence in front of them occupied nearly half the street, grand and luxurious, ornate and solemn

 Chapter 257 - 257: Quietly Watching You Show Off!

    "Is this the Dongfang Family''s grandeur? It seems rather unimpressive!"


    Zhang Yang''s voice carried arrogance and a sense of superiority, instantly drawing the focused gaze of Xiao Yi and the others.


    There stood a man dressed in garish clothes, with a palm-sized Buddha amulet around his neck, a string of shiny black Buddha beads in his left hand, and in his right hand he held a flag that read: "Miraculous Hands Rejuvenation Skill, the medicine that won''t let you die!"


    Accompanying him was a young man, his face brimming with flattery: "Mr. Liu speaks the truth, our Dongfang Family''s estate has indeed been constructed many years ago and has certainly aged a bit!"


    Dongfang Mu''s face darkened as he said in a low voice, "Dongfang Qing, what are you doing?"


    The Dongfang Family was one of the four major noble families.


    The magnificence and luxury of their estate were top-ranking throughout the Great Qian Dynasty. When had they ever been humiliated like this?


    The young man was startled, looking up to see Dongfang Mu looking at him with an angry expression. He quickly stepped forward and said, "Dongfang Qing pays his respects to the Second Elder!"


    Dongfang Mu glanced at Mr. Liu and asked with a gloomy face, "What''s the meaning of this?"


    Dongfang Qing hurriedly replied, "Second Elder, please keep your voice down, we wouldn''t want to anger Mr. Liu. He is a reclusive expert whom I managed to find with great difficulty, a sacred hand in the field of medicine, capable of returning the dying to life, mending flesh and bones, rejuvenating with miraculous hands. There''s no ailment in the world he can''t cure!"


    Dongfang Mu: "..."


    Xiao Yi: "..."


    The crowd: "..."


    Returning the dying to life, mending flesh and bones, an ailment-free world.


    Such titles were quite resounding!


    "Hmmph!"


    Mr. Liu let out a displeased snort, tapping his flag against the ground, producing a thudding sound, "Dongfang Qing, time is extremely precious to me. Aren''t you going to take me to see the patient?"


    "Please wait a moment, Mr. Liu. I''ll take you there immediately!"


    Dongfang Qing hastily responded and led Mr. Liu forward, saying, "Second Elder, this Mr. Liu, the miraculous healer, is indeed powerful. I personally witnessed him reviving someone from the dead."


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow, seemingly intrigued by Liu the miraculous healer: "He can even revive the dead?"


    "Doubtful?"


    Liu the miraculous healer swept his indifferent gaze over Xiao Yi and the rest, with a slightly raised chin he haughtily said, "But how could you ordinary mortals possibly comprehend the wonders of such a lost art? As long as I take action, there is no disease that cannot be healed!"


    Xiao Yi revealed an amused expression: "Does the gentleman possess such abilities?"


    "Naturally!"


    Liu the miraculous healer snorted coldly, pridefully adding, "Have you ever heard of the last chief Imperial Physician of the Imperial Pharmacy, Mr. Bian Yihong?"


    "Uh¡­"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback, glancing at Bian Yihong standing beside him with an equally puzzled expression, and said with a smile, "I have heard of him, but I''ve never met the man himself!"


    Dongfang Mu, Ye Heng, and the others wore expressions of disbelief.


    Bian Yihong was right beside them; how could Xiao Yi say he never met him?


    Liu the miraculous healer held his chin high, full of pride as he said, "I won''t hide it from you, Bian Yihong and I come from the same master. He is my senior brother. However, his medical talent was so poor, he failed to inherit the master''s mantle and was expelled from the sect. I, on the other hand, was the apple of our master''s eye and received his true heritage. In terms of medical skill, a hundred Bian Yihongs couldn''t compare to me!"


    Xiao Yi and the others looked at Bian Yihong with peculiar expressions.


    Bian Yihong''s face twitched, and he rolled his eyes inwardly, thinking: "When did I have such an experience?"


    Liu the miraculous healer sighed and continued, "Actually, my senior brother''s medical skills are just passable! Though he''s far from my level, he''s enough to be the chief Imperial Physician of the Imperial Pharmacy!"


    Xiao Yi struggled to stifle a laugh and asked, "May I know who your master is?"


    "My master is a reclusive expert, beyond the reach of your level. However, I can let slip that our lineage is under the tutelage of the venerable Wind Thunder," Liu the miraculous healer declared proudly, puffing out his chest. "Master once said that my medical talent is comparable to that of Wind Thunder''s own master. With my current medical expertise, there is no one in the vast Qingtian Realm to match me; it is indeed the lonely plight of a great master. Oh well¡­ such loneliness and solitude are well beyond the grasp of you ordinary mortals!"


    Xiao Yi: "..."


    The crowd: "..."


    Dongfang Mu''s face was ashen.


    He had already concluded that this man before them was most certainly a fraud.


    And that wasn''t all...


    The most blatant giveaway was Liu the miraculous healer claiming Bian Yihong was his senior brother.


    Can''t you see Bian Yihong right there, giving you a forlorn look?


    Liu, seeing everyone''s eyes on him, wore a look of smug satisfaction and said, "Well, I have already wasted enough time here, so hurry and bring me to the patient! But let me make it clear beforehand, my fees are quite steep!"


    Dongfang Qing hurriedly responded, "Rest assured, Mr. Liu, we will meet whatever conditions you propose!"


    Dongfang Mu, with a dark expression on his face, was about to expose Liu, but then Xiao Yi shook his head at him.


    With a playful tone, Xiao Yi said, "Second Elder, today we are fortunate enough to witness the disciple of Mr. Bian, the successor of the renowned Wind Thunder. It''s a rare opportunity to see him in action. Could we possibly observe from the sidelines?"


    Dongfang Mu''s mouth twitched. Observe his technique, huh? You just want to watch him show off, don''t you?


    He coughed lightly and said, "Mr. Liu, what do you think about this..."


    Liu feigned difficulty, then took on an air of mystery: "Allowing you to observe is not a problem, but my profound medical skills might be too complex for you to understand. Moreover, my deep knowledge of medicine cannot be disclosed lightly, so you will have to pay a hefty tuition fee!"


    Dongfang Mu suppressed the urge to hit him and said, "No problem, we will pay this fee along with the visiting fee!"


    "That''s very good!"


    Liu nodded in satisfaction. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The group then entered into the Dongfang estate.


    Moments later.


    They saw Dongfang Jin, whose complexion was slightly pale, yet he moved like a dragon and a tiger, showing no sign of ailment.


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes slightly as he assessed Dongfang Jin and realized with understanding, "It seems there''s a force of Dharma Manifestation clinging to his body, which conceals the abnormality of his dantian. This must be the work of that old ancestor from the Dongfang Family!"


    "Big brother!"


    Dongfang Mu helped Dongfang Jin to take a seat.


    With respect, Dongfang Qing said, "Elder!"


    Yang Ling also bowed to Dongfang Jin, for even as a prince he must show the courtesy due to a junior when facing such a stalwart of the Dharma Manifestation Realm, "Elder Jin, it has been a long time since we last met. I hope you''ve been well!"


    "Why, it''s Prince Yang Ling. Indeed, it''s been some time. Please forgive me for any lack of hospitality!" Dongfang Jin said with a cheery demeanor.


    Yang Ling replied with a smile, "You are too kind, Elder Jin!"


    Dongfang Mu gestured towards Xiao Yi as he introduced, "Big brother, this is the head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, Xiao Yi!"


    "Oh? Head Xiao, I''ve long admired your great reputation, and indeed, seeing is believing, a true case of a young hero!" Dongfang Jin''s demeanor towards Xiao Yi was obviously much colder, and his eyes held a trace of animosity.


    After all, he was the one crippled by Xiao Tianjiao.


    How could he possibly show a friendly face to someone from the Xiao Family?


    Dongfang Jin''s gaze swept over the attendees and, upon seeing the forlorn Bian Yihong, his eyes lit up with interest, "Mr. Bian, what brings you here? Have you perhaps thought of a way to assist this old man?"


    Bian Yihong replied with a wry smile, "Elder Jin, I am incapable and have thought of no solution."


    "This¡­"


    Dongfang Jin''s face fell slightly, but then he shook his head with a bitter smile, "It''s not your fault, Mr. Bian..."


    At that moment.


    Dongfang Qing spoke up, "Elder, I have invited a distinguished hermit on your behalf, claiming he has the means to cure you!"


    "Oh?"


    Dongfang Jin''s eyes brightened as he looked towards Liu, "And who might you be?"


    Liu cleared his throat and said with arrogance, "I am Liu, the most outstanding successor of the Wind Thunder lineage. Surely, I am not yet famous as I have just left seclusion. But you must have heard of my senior brother, Bian Yihong!"


    "What did you say?"


    The smile on Dongfang Jin''s face froze as he looked at Liu, "Your senior brother is Bian Yihong?"


    Liu, with chin held high, asserted, "Correct, though my senior brother''s natural talent in medicine is mediocre compared to mine, which is why our master expelled him long ago. As for me, I have fully inherited my master''s true teachings..."


    "Wait, hold on a moment!"


    Dongfang Jin frowned and pointed to Bian Yihong, asking, "Do you recognize him?"


    "With my status and position, how could I possibly recognize some obscure individual? This person is simply an admirer of my great name, coming here to witness my profound medical skills!"


    Liu glanced at Bian Yihong curiously and added, "Oh? But from what you''re saying, Elder Jin, you also share the surname Bian?"


    "If I remember correctly..."


    Bian Yihong coughed lightly and said with an odd expression, "I am indeed Bian Yihong..."

 Chapter 258 - 258: Dragon Blood, Reverse Scale!

    "If I''m not mistaken..."


    Bian Yihong said with a troubled face, "My name is Bian Yihong!"


    "Bian Yihong? Hmm, that''s a fine name, I''ll observe carefully later... Wait, what did you say your name was?" Liu, who had been speaking proudly, stiffened and stared at Bian Yihong in disbelief.


    With a wry smile, Bian Yihong said, "My name is Bian Yihong, I just recently stepped down from the position of Chief Imperial Physician. However, I am definitely not from the lineage of the Wind Thunder venerable, and I don''t have any junior brothers..."


    "Bian Yihong? But that''s not right, Mr. Liu said you were his senior brother, how can you not have any junior brothers?"


    Dongfang Qing looked at Liu with a puzzled expression and asked, "Mr. Liu, what is going on here?"


    Liu''s face twitched, a desire to cry welling up in him: "..."


    He had spent his whole life bluffing, deceiving countless people.


    He never expected to accidentally blunder right into the man himself.


    He too had recently arrived in the imperial capital and had inquired about the most prestigious medical expert in the capital, finally setting his sights on the elusive Bian Yihong.


    But then...


    He had never imagined he would actually run into the real Bian Yihong.


    And to show off in front of the man!


    Liu glanced at Xiao Yi and the others, seeing that everyone was barely holding back their laughter, looking at him with amusement, it was clear they all knew his true identity and were just watching him put on a show.


    In an instant.


    Liu fell to his knees with a thud, bursting into tears and begging, "Mr. Bian, spare my life, please... I, I was just trying to make a living, I meant no disrespect to you, please forgive me!"


    Dongfang Qing: "..."


    At this point, how could he not understand that he had been played by Liu.


    Dongfang Qing''s face turned shades of green and red.


    He had hoped to impress Dongfang Jin and show off in front of him, but instead, he had thoroughly showcased his lack of intellect.


    "I''m finished, the elders must think I''m a fool..."


    Dongfang Qing internally wailed, his gaze turning fierce as he glared at Liu and shouted angrily, "You, Liu, dare to fool me, the young master? I, I''ll kill you, you bastard..."


    "What the hell, you want to bite me? I''ll bite you to death..."


    Liu counterattacked.


    The two of them scuffled together.


    Dongfang Jin''s pale face flushed with anger, and he slammed the table furiously, yelling, "Guards, break this swindler''s arms and legs and throw him out. And you, Dongfang Qing, you disgrace, starting from now you are to reflect in the family shrine, not to leave the house for half a year!"


    "No..."


    "Please, elder, no..."


    The two of them wailed as they were dragged out.


    Dongfang Jin let out a long breath of turbid air, looking embarrassedly at Xiao Yi and the others: "Your Highness Yang Ling, Headmaster Xiao, my apologies for the farce you had to witness!"


    "It''s alright!"


    Yang Ling waved his hand hurriedly.


    Even though he really wanted to laugh, the occasion didn''t permit it!


    Xiao Yi touched his nose: "In a big forest, all sorts of birds can be found, it''s understandable!"


    Dongfang Jin: "..."


    He could only awkwardly shift the topic, looking towards Dongfang Mu: "Second brother, do you think Headmaster Xiao can cure my illness?"


    Dongfang Mu snapped back to reality and nodded earnestly, "Big brother, I''ve already informed Headmaster Xiao about your condition. He truly has the ability to cure you!"


    "Hmm?"


    Dongfang Jin''s eyes turned cold, seeming to chide Dongfang Mu for having disclosed his condition directly.


    But Dongfang Mu, as if he had not seen that look, said solemnly, "Big brother, I haven''t deceived you. Dongfang Bai, that brat, had his dantian destroyed, and it was Headmaster Xiao who stepped in to help him recover his Golden Core..."


    Dongfang Jin was taken aback, looking towards Tian Mang.


    Tian Mang''s energy surged forth, mighty and peerless.


    There were no traces of injury to the dantian at all.


    Dongfang Jin frowned and said, "Are you sure... his dantian is damaged?"


    "Positive!"


    Dongfang Mu quickly said, "His dantian was personally destroyed by that kid Dongfang Bai, and it happened just a few hours ago. This has already been confirmed from the mouth of Dongfang Bai. Brother, you are saved!"


    Hum!


    Dongfang Jin''s face flushed with excitement. Ever since Xiao Tianjiao had crushed his dantian with a single blow,


    he had resigned himself to his fate.


    After all,


    With the power of the Dongfang Family, they had already searched through the prominent physicians of the Great Qian Dynasty, but none had any solution.


    And now...


    He finally saw hope.


    "Xiao..."


    Dongfang Jin gave Xiao Yi a deep bow, speaking solemnly, "If you truly can restore my dantian, my life, Dongfang Jin, will be in your hands. In the future, whenever you commission me, whether to climb a mountain of swords or descend into a pot of boiling oil, I, Dongfang Jin, will follow you to the death!"


    Despite his sincere words, he was actually harboring some ulterior motives.


    He only offered his personal loyalty, not bringing the Dongfang Family into the pledge.


    After all,


    seeing the relationship between Xiao Yi and Yang Ling, if Yang Ling were to compete for the Crown Prince position in the future, Xiao Yi would surely stand behind Yang Ling.


    The Dongfang Family had not yet clearly supported any prince.


    He could not entrust the interests of the family to one individual.


    Xiao Yi naturally caught the meaning behind his words but didn''t mind, saying indifferently, "Restoring your dantian is not difficult. However, my consultation fee is not cheap!" sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Dongfang Jin hesitated for a moment, then said solemnly, "Mr. Xiao, given your status, I imagine you wouldn''t care for mundane wealth. I once had the fortune of encountering a Nine-headed Demon Python undergoing tribulation to become a dragon and obtained one dragon scale, as well as a jar of Dragon Blood. Would these suffice as compensation?"


    As he spoke,


    Dongfang Jin took out a piece of cyan dragon scale as big as a calf and a crystal vase thick as an arm from his storage ring.


    The dragon scale shimmered with azure light, with strange natural patterns etched upon it.


    Merely placing it in front of one...


    Instilled a heart-trembling sensation, with a faint oppressive aura spreading, comparable to that of a Dharma Manifestation Realm powerhouse.


    The Dragon Blood within the crystal vase was crystal clear, with light undulating inside it.


    From different angles, the Dragon Blood showed different colors.


    Faintly,


    The vibrant colors formed a tiny dragon shadow moving within the blood.


    The dragon is the leader of all scaled beings.


    Legend has it...


    that when a divine dragon soars between heaven and earth, it can hide within the rivers and mountains and travel amidst the clouds and winds. When a divine dragon traverses a mountain, the grass and trees become spirited; when it plays in the water, the fish and shrimp become divine. Should mortals drink a mouthful of Dragon Blood, they could live forever, watch the rivers and mountains change with the years, and remain forever young.


    The energy contained within this drop of Dragon Blood was indeed not weak; although not reaching the legendary level of a divine dragon, it was still of a true dragon''s lineage.


    "The dragon loses its scales twice in its life, once when it transforms into a dragon, and once when it falls. This scale, with its slightly weaker dragon aura, must have been shed during the Nine-headed Demon Python''s transformation. This Dragon Blood, with its stronger dragon aura, must have been left after the transformation into a dragon."


    Xiao Yi''s eyes glinted as he regarded the scale and the Dragon Blood, "This scale could be used to forge a sixth-grade elemental weapon, and the energy in this Dragon Blood... is enough for Little Lin and me to further our cultivation..."


    Little Lin was already at a high-tier fifth order, comparable to the Eighth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm.


    Xiao Yi''s Limitless Golden Core had reversed twenty cycles.


    Any further breakthrough would require consuming a great deal of energy.


    Having a jar of Dragon Blood, was worth countless elixirs.


    With this thought,


    Xiao Yi looked at Dongfang Jin and said in a deep voice, "Deal!"

 Chapter 259 - 259 Full of Loopholes

    "Deal!"


    Xiao Yi''s face was adorned with a radiant smile as he accepted the Dragon Blood and the inverse scales from Dongfang Jin''s hands.


    Even if Dongfang Jin had not offered treasures tempting enough to stir his heart, he would have chosen to lend a hand to him anyway.


    After all.


    The fact that Xiao Tianjiao had destroyed Dongfang Jin''s Dantian, and the prospect of restoring what Xiao Tianjiao had damaged back to its original condition, promised a most entertaining reaction from Xiao Tianjiao when he next saw Dongfang Jin!


    Dongfang Jin, of course, had no inkling of Xiao Yi''s thoughts and was somewhat nervous when he offered the two treasures.


    Though Dragon Blood and inverse scales were indeed very precious, repairing a damaged Dantian was a feat unmatched by anyone in the Great Qian Dynasty. Even had Xiao Yi demanded an exorbitant price, he would have had no choice but to comply.


    Luckily, Xiao Yi was not greedy, which allowed Dongfang Jin to breathe a sigh of relief.


    Dongfang Jin asked in a grave tone, "Dean Xiao, may I know what I need to prepare?"


    "This list contains the medicinal ingredients you need to get ready!"


    Xiao Yi handed Dongfang Jin a list, "In addition to the items on this list, you will also need to find a monster core from a beast of at least the sixth order with the Metal attribute."


    Now that Dongfang Jin had reached the Dharma Manifestation Realm, and considering his desire to repair his Dantian, a monster core of a sixth-order beast was necessary as the foundation. Naturally, Xiao Yi did not disclose to him that the biggest drawback of the transplant method was that once the monster core replaced the Dantian,


    If he wished to advance his cultivation in the future, he would need to find a stronger monster core as a substitute.


    After all.


    He did not have any deep ties with the Dongfang Family, and if they managed to earn his approval someday, he would naturally think of a way to help Dongfang Jin replace the monster core.


    Otherwise...


    Dongfang Jin would be resigned to the Dharma Manifestation Realm for the remainder of his life.


    "A sixth-order Metal attribute monster core?" Dongfang Jin''s expression faltered slightly; such a core was not something the Dongfang Family had!


    Elder Dongfang Mu spoke with a heavy tone, "The Ximen Family killed a Six-Armed Sky-Climbing Ape tenth year ago, and its core should still be in the hands of our family''s elder. I will ask the elder to secure that monster core for us!" Elder Dongfang Mu declared solemnly.


    Dongfang Jin said, "I should be the one to speak with the elder. You go ahead and take Dean Xiao and His Highness Yang Ling to the back garden to rest for a while, and meanwhile get the medicinal ingredients on the list ready. I believe that once the elder steps in, obtaining the monster core will be swift!"


    "Alright!"


    Elder Dongfang Mu nodded.


    Then he arranged for Xiao Yi and the others to be accommodated in the backyard and had people prepare a lavish spread of fruits and wines.


    The Dongfang Family''s backyard was vast, with an artificial lake at its center and a Lake Heart Pavilion erected on the lake.


    It was in this Lake Heart Pavilion that Xiao Yi and the others rested. Ye Heng took a bite of a Spirit Fruit, savouring the refreshing taste as he gazed at the lush green waters surrounding him and mused, "The life of the wealthy is indeed blissful. If one were to raise some spirit fish in this lake, to catch a few leisurely for grilling and dining, how delightful that would be!"


    Xiao Yi teased, "Would you like a few beauties to attend to you as well?"


    "Uh..."


    Ye Heng''s face twisted in embarrassment, "That won''t be necessary, right?"


    Xiao Yi rolled his eyes and turned his gaze to Tian Mang, who sat quietly to the side, chuckling, "Tian Mang, are you troubled by something?"


    Tian Mang shook his head, replying, "I was just imagining what this back garden looks like from your descriptions."


    Ye Heng glanced at Tian Mang''s sightless grey-white eyes and his expression darkened. He turned to Xiao Yi, "Master, your medical skills are unparalleled; is there a way to heal Tian Mang''s eyes?"


    Tian Mang tensed up, an evident hint of hope in his demeanor.


    Xiao Yi shook his head, declaring, "Tian Mang''s blindness is congenital. There''s nothing I can do."


    Tian Mang''s facial expression dimmed for a moment before he forced a smile, "It''s okay, I''m used to it!"


    "There''s no need to be like this, Tian Mang. In truth, having sight does not necessarily mean seeing the world clearly. Though you lack physical eyes, you can cultivate the Heart Eye Skill. It is with the Heart Eye that one can truly perceive the essence of this world!" Xiao Yi explained. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "The Heart Eye?"


    The group was taken aback, their gazes filled with confusion as they looked towards Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi''s mind conjured up the swordsmanship he had seen Tian Mang executing during a match in the Combat Pavilion, and he spoke in a deep voice, "Think back to when you were fighting someone. How did you judge your opponent''s moves and their position?"


    Tian Mang replied subconsciously, "I can''t explain it clearly, but during battle, even though I can''t see the enemy, I can somehow picture their moves and positions in my mind..."


    "That is the power of the Heart Eye Skill. You just didn''t know the proper method to cultivate it before. When we return, I will teach you the ''Heart Eye Skill.'' Use the sword as your heart, and your heart as your sight. Then, you will be able to see the world with your heart eye..." Xiao Yi said.


    This ''Heart Eye Skill'' was also one of the inheritances he had acquired from the ancient tomb.


    Use the sword as your heart, and your heart as your sight.


    The Heart Eye can observe all things in heaven and earth, and see through the true essence of the world.


    It is even more powerful than the naked eye!


    It is indeed most suitable for Tian Mang to cultivate.


    While they were speaking...


    Suddenly...


    A crisp voice came from not far away, "Who are you? Who gave you permission to stay at Lake Heart Pavilion? Don''t you know this is my personal sword training spot?"


    The group looked toward the source of the voice.


    Aboard a small boat that followed the waves, a girl in blue dress stood with a sword at her waist, frowning at them. Beside the girl was a middle-aged man who held a longsword, with a red mole between his eyebrows, his face expressionless and arrogant.


    Whoosh!


    The middle-aged man jumped up, bringing the girl with him to land in the center of Lake Heart Pavilion.


    Yang Ling said with a smile, "We are friends of Elder Dongfang Mu, resting here!"


    "Mr. Mu? Since it''s arranged by Mr. Mu, then you may stay here. However..."


    The girl uttered an "Oh," then continued indifferently, "Mr. Bai will soon be instructing me in my sword practice. You best keep away and not try to secretly learn!"


    The middle-aged man swept them a glance and snorted arrogantly, "No need for such concern, my disciple. My mastery in the way of the sword has already transcended the ordinary, even if they watch, they wouldn''t understand!"


    Xiao Yi and the others: "..."


    This fellow''s cultivation had also reached the peak of the Golden Core Realm, but the fluctuation of his Sword Intent was extremely weak, clearly only having a rudimentary understanding of the first stage of Sword Intent. Such a mediocre talent, and yet he dared to snub them?


    The group watched with interest.


    The girl was performing a sword technique, the moves stiff and unpolished.


    However, the middle-aged man commented with satisfaction, "Not bad, very good. It''s just that the angle of your ''Sand Falling, Geese Landing'' move isn''t quite right. Let your master demonstrate it for you!"


    The middle-aged man leaped into the air, his longsword drawn from its sheath in a flash, and with a piercing ring of the blade, a silvery light streaked before their eyes.


    As the middle-aged man raised his arm, silver sword light ripped through the air, tracing brilliant shadows in the sky, like a flock of geese landing.


    Even after he sheathed his sword, the sound of it still hummed in the air.


    If an ordinary person witnessed this sword technique, they would find it exquisitely peerless, but to Xiao Yi and his companions, it was full of flaws.


    The girl in the white dress clapped her hands excitedly, "Mr. Bai truly is a master of swordsmanship, it would take me decades of hard work to reach your level!"


    "The pursuit of swordsmanship is indeed not something that can be achieved overnight!"


    The middle-aged man looked coldly at Xiao Yi and others with a smirk of faint mockery saying, "You all have been secretly observing, have you figured out the essence of my sword technique?"


    Xiao Yi and his companions exchanged looks and smiled, "We really did not see any essence!"


    "Hmph, a bunch of rotten wood!" The middle-aged man''s face showed an expected expression.


    The girl in the white dress also shook her head and said, "My master is the great swordsmanship master Bai Zuotang, you are fortunate enough to have witnessed him personally demonstrate swordsmanship, and yet you do not take the chance to humbly learn. It''s truly a pity!"


    The middle-aged man, Bai Zuotang, proudly said, "Disciple, my swordsmanship is profound, its essence is difficult for even a sword expert to grasp, let alone these commoners."


    Seeing Bai Zuotang''s haughty demeanor, Xiao Yi couldn''t help but feel helpless and shook his head, "Indeed, we didn''t see the essence of swordsmanship, only a sword technique full of flaws and incompetence..."

 Chapter 260 - 260 Misleading the Young

    "I''ve failed to see the essence of swordsmanship, instead, I''ve seen a sword technique full of flaws..."


    Xiao Yi said calmly.


    Bai Zuotang''s expression of pride abruptly solidified, his sword-like eyebrows furrowed tightly, and the red mole between his brows, set within a ''´¨'' character, took on a chill as he stared at Xiao Yi, "Are you saying that my sword technique is full of flaws?"


    He was considered a swordsmanship master from the True Martial Hall.


    The Dongfang Family had specially invited him to guide the practice of this young lady in white in the art of swordsmanship.


    The True Martial Hall was one of the top ten sects.


    Bai Zuotang, priding himself on having mastered the true teachings of the True Martial Hall and having a divine command of swordsmanship, never used to pay any heed to the common folk.


    But now...


    The very commoner he disdained was criticizing his swordsmanship as a technique full of flaws?


    How could he tolerate this?


    "What''s most contemptible about you commoners is your pretension and self-proclaimed excellence. Perhaps your talents are not bad among the common folk, but in the sects teeming with geniuses, you wouldn''t even qualify to be at the bottom."


    Bai Zuotang said scornfully, laughing in anger, "Clearly, it''s your mediocre abilities that prevent you from grasping the essence of my swordsmanship, yet you insist my swordsmanship is flawed. It''s utterly laughable!"


    Xiao Yi, holding a Spirit Fruit, stuffed the flesh into his mouth and, clutching the stick-like stem, said indifferently, "I haven''t studied the ''Falling Goose Sword Skill'' extensively, but from the sword technique you just demonstrated, you couldn''t even grasp the fundamentals, let alone the essence of this swordmanship. I truly don''t understand why the Dongfang Family would invite someone like you, who misguides the younger generation, to teach swordsmanship!"


    The ''Falling Goose Sword Skill'' is a high-grade, third-tier sword technique widely spread in the Great Qian Dynasty.


    It was created by Master Ge.


    Xiao Yi had received Master Ge''s complete legacy, and although he wasn''t an expert in all of his created sword techniques and martial skills, he was quite familiar with them.


    Bai Zuotang''s face darkened as he said sarcastically, "From what you said, it seems you have also practiced the ''Falling Goose Sword Skill''?"


    Xiao Yi replied indifferently, "Somewhat."


    "Hmph, overestimating yourself!"


    Bai Zuotang sneered, "You either know it or you don''t, and yet you claim to know it somewhat. I''ve seen plenty of people like you who clamor for attention. If you''re so capable, then show it to me. I doubt you can perform even one complete move..."


    "Sigh!"


    Xiao Yi sighed, saying, "Open your eyes and watch carefully, this is the true ''Falling Goose Sword Skill''!"


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi leaped into the air and landed on the surface of the lake.


    With that stick-like fruit stem in his hand, he began indifferently, "The ''Falling Goose Sword Skill'' consists of three moves, ''Swans Separating'', ''Geese Falling on Level Sands'', and ''Plucking the Goose''. I will demonstrate it only once, watch carefully, and learn whatever fortune allows you to grasp!"


    "Hmph, I''d like to see what tricks you can pull off!" Bai Zuotang said, with a look of anger.


    He felt deeply humiliated.


    As a disciple of the True Martial Hall, he was handsomely paid by the Dongfang Family to guide the young lady, Dongfang Ying, in swordsmanship. Always respected, he was the one to give instruction, never had someone dared to criticize his methods.


    "The first move, ''Swans Separating''!"


    Whoosh!


    A sharp sword light shot out from the fruit stem in Xiao Yi''s hand, which split into two and fiercely darted in different directions.


    Boom boom!


    As the sword lights hit the lake, two towering columns of water surged skyward.


    At the same time...


    Xiao Yi''s voice came again, "The second move, ''Geese Falling on Level Sands''!"


    Whoosh!


    The fruit stem in Xiao Yi''s hand was like a heaven-cleaving sword, controlled as nimbly as one''s own limb, striking out with a sweeping motion. With a sharp whistle, a surge of sword qi swept across the lake''s surface, creating ripples and waves.


    In the midst of the raging waves, the entire lake was covered with ripples.


    And then...


    Xiao Yi leaped high into the air and called out, "The third move, ''Plucking the Goose''!"


    Whoosh whoosh whoosh!


    The fruit stem, like a sword, descended from the sky, and a rain of sword lights fell, plunging into the lake.


    Boom boom boom!


    Waterspouts rose above the lake surface, thrusting into the sky, dozens of meters high water columns instantly shattering. Pieces of water splashed down like plucking feathers from a goose, akin to feathers falling from a wild goose.


    Pitter-patter!


    Strings of water drops fell into the lake continuously, creating dazzling ripples one after another.


    The Lake Heart Pavilion was engulfed in silence.


    Bai Zuotang was dumbstruck.


    The girl in the white dress saw stars.


    Xiao Yi''s execution of the sword technique flowed like clouds and water, each move complete, his mastery refined to perfection. Although he held no sword, just a leftover fruit stem, it was as though he wielded a divine sword, merging man and sword into one, unfathomably profound.


    This was the true master of the sword path!


    This was the ultimate realm he had been pursuing all his life!


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi floated elegantly back into the Lake Heart Pavilion, the fruit stem still intact in his hand. With a flick of his fingers, the stem whizzed and pinned itself into the stone table. It penetrated the stone by three parts, the stem quivering slightly. Xiao Yi shook his head and sighed, "Indeed, even the simplest sword techniques require frequent practice. I''ve barely cultivated this ''Falling Goose Sword Skill'', and it has become somewhat rusty!"


    Clap clap clap!


    Bai Zuotang felt a burning pain on his face.


    The swordsmanship he regarded as flawless was seen as lacking by Xiao Yi?


    Xiao Yi looked up at Bai Zuotang and asked indifferently, "How does my swordsmanship compare to yours?"


    "This..."


    Bai Zuotang''s face turned alternately ashen and pale. He had to admit that Xiao Yi''s swordsmanship was vastly superior to his own, but to bow his head like that was impossible. He snorted coldly, "You indeed have the upper hand with this ''Falling Goose Sword Skill'', but I have only dabbled in this technique. The essence of my sword path lies in the ''Subduing Tiger Sword Skill''!"


    ''Subduing Tiger Sword Skill''?


    Xiao Yi was astonished. Could there be such a coincidence in the world?


    Back in Nanhuang City, he had obtained the ''Subduing Tiger Sword Skill'', and now Bai Zuotang also knew this technique?


    Xiao Yi smiled and said, "Oh? I have also dabbled in this technique. Why don''t we exchange some pointers?"


    "Watch carefully!"


    Bai Zuotang huffed and demonstrated the ''Subduing Tiger Sword Skill'' once, proclaiming proudly, "How about that?"


    Xiao Yi shook his head in disappointment and sighed, "Seeing your confidence, I thought you were at least somewhat proficient. But it turned out you''ve only grasped the basics. Watch carefully; this is the true ''Subduing Tiger Sword Skill''!"


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi performed the technique, each stroke fierce as a tiger pouncing down a hill, every slash capable of taming a ferocious tiger.


    Broad and expansive motions, the momentum grand and imposing.


    Far beyond what Bai Zuotang could compare to.


    Bai Zuotang''s face turned a shade of iron blue, his teeth nearly shattering from clenching, he angrily said, "I also have a unique sword technique ''Azure Dragon Nine Swords''. That will make you admit defeat!"


    Whoosh whoosh whoosh!


    Bai Zuotang demonstrated his technique, which indeed was more exquisite compared to his previous swordsmanship, proudly saying, "How about that? This sword technique is the unique heritage of the True Martial Hall; have you ever seen it before?"


    "Seeing you perform it once, let me try..."


    Based on memory, Xiao Yi repeated the performance Bai Zuotang had just shown.


    Whether it was the proficiency of the sword moves or the smooth transitions between techniques, he was far superior to Bai Zuotang.


    Xiao Yi said, "This sword technique indeed has its unique aspects, but unfortunately, when you execute it, it''s full of flaws and unbearable to behold. With your half-baked skill level, how could the Dongfang Family have been blind enough to hire you to instruct their juniors? Aren''t you misleading their children?"


    "You, you, you..." S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Bai Zuotang''s face turned from ashen to red, never expecting Xiao Yi to learn his ''Azure Dragon Nine Swords'' after one glance and even surpass him by several grades.


    Faced with Xiao Yi''s mockery, Bai Zuotang could not retort.


    Overcome by rage, he spewed a mouthful of fresh blood.


    He lay rigidly on the ground.


    The Lake Heart Pavilion was silent again as everyone turned their gaze towards Xiao Yi, their eyes filled with awe.


    The girl in the white dress was even more starry-eyed, clasping her hands in front of her chest, blinking her large eyes, and said with admiration, "Senior, please take me as your disciple! This guy is just unwanted trash compared to you..."


    Bai Zuotang, who had just regained consciousness, heard these words and spewed another mouthful of fresh blood, his eyes rolling back as he passed out once more...

 Chapter 261 - 261: You, finally came!

    When Dongfang Mu arrived at the Lake Heart Pavilion and saw the unconscious Bai Zuotang, as well as the white-dressed young girl serving Xiao Yi tea and water with a fawning expression, he too was utterly confused.


    This girl in the white dress was Dongfang Ying, the youngest daughter of the patriarch of the Dongfang Family.


    She was indeed the pearl of the Dongfang Family.


    Among the younger generation of the Dongfang Family, she was the only girl!


    Greatly pampered.


    For this reason...


    The Dongfang Family had spared no expense in hiring Bai Zuotang to teach her swordsmanship one-on-one.


    All along.


    Dongfang Ying had always greatly respected and wholeheartedly followed Bai Zuotang in learning swordsmanship. But now, seeing her not caring about Bai Zuotang lying on the ground and instead following closely behind Xiao Yi, Dongfang Mu couldn''t help but feel utterly confused, "Ying, what... what is going on here?"


    "Grandpa Mu!"


    With a brilliant smile on her face and hugging Dongfang Mu''s arms, Dongfang Ying gently shook them, "Grandpa Mu, this Bai Zuotang is just a swindler leading people astray. His swordsmanship is nothing compared to big brother''s. From now on, I want to learn from big brother!"


    "Ah?"


    Dongfang Mu''s eyelids twitched, his face full of puzzlement.


    He remembered how much Dongfang Ying had adored Bai Zuotang''s swordsmanship before!


    Dongfang Ying quickly recounted what had happened earlier.


    Dongfang Mu looked at Xiao Yi with a face full of astonishment, his shocked gaze sweeping over him.


    While he wasn''t surprised that Xiao Yi could perform the Falling Goose Sword Skill and the Subduing Tiger Sword Skill, what truly astounded him was that Xiao Yi had merely watched Bai Zuotang''s sword technique once, and improved upon it, outdoing the master.


    This ability to learn was nothing short of terrifying!


    "Grandpa Mu, please agree to it!" Dongfang Ying swayed his arm.


    "Stop fooling around. He''s Xiao, the headmaster of Xiaoshanhe Institute, not just some ''big brother''," Elder Mu scolded with a voice, seeing Dongfang Ying pursing her lips with a longing look. He couldn''t help but rub his forehead with a headache, chuckling bitterly, "Grandpa can''t decide this. You''ll have to ask your dad!"


    "Hmph!"


    Dissatisfied, Dongfang Ying snorted and pouted, "I will ask the old ancestor!"


    As she spoke.


    Dongfang Ying boarded a small boat and paddled towards the lake''s edge, looking back at Xiao Yi and waving, "Headmaster brother, I will definitely convince the old ancestor to let me study at Xiaoshanhe Institute with you!"


    Dongfang Mu looked at Xiao Yi with a peculiar expression, "Headmaster Xiao, Ying has been spoiled. Please forgive her!


    "It''s alright!"


    Xiao Yi awkwardly touched his nose, pointing to Bai Zuotang on the ground, "Elder Mu, about this..."


    Dongfang Mu sighed, "I will have someone send him back to True Martial Hall!" He paused for a moment, then said, "Headmaster Xiao, everything is ready. We will rely on you for the next part!"


    "Lead the way!"


    Xiao Yi nodded.


    Under the lead of Dongfang Mu, everyone came to the underground chamber of the Dongfang Family.


    This chamber was a thousand meters below the ground.


    The chamber was exceptionally quiet.


    It had a Spirit Gathering Formation, making the spiritual energy here much denser than that on the surface.


    Dongfang Jin was already waiting inside the chamber. Upon seeing Xiao Yi arrive, he hurriedly greeted him, unable to hide the excitement on his face, "Headmaster Xiao, we entrust everything to you!"


    Xiao Yi nodded.


    Yang Ling and the others stood guard outside the chamber.


    Dongfang Jin sat cross-legged in front of Xiao Yi, staring at the young man whose appearance bore a resemblance to Xiao Tianjiao, Dongfang Jin seemed hesitant to speak.


    Xiao Yi asked curiously, "Elder Jin, do you have something to say?"


    "Headmaster Xiao, my question may be a bit abrupt, and it''s fine if you don''t wish to answer..." Seeing that Xiao Yi didn''t mind, Dongfang Jin asked, "With your talent and strength, even though you may not be on par with Xiao Tianjiao, you''re still a top-tier genius. Why did the Xiao Family expel you?"


    Xiao Yi briefly paused, then smiled and said, "That''s something you''ll have to ask Xiao Tianjiao about!"


    His grudge with the Xiao Family didn''t need to be openly discussed with everyone.


    Dongfang Jin started in surprise, then pondered for a moment before sighing softly, "I was indeed too abrupt!"


    "No harm done!"


    Xiao Yi smiled and proceeded to use the Transferring Flowers and Connecting Trees Skill.


    The destruction of Dongfang Jin''s dantian was thorough¡ªif it weren''t for Xiao Yi''s proficiency in the Transferring Flowers and Connecting Trees Skill, there would''ve been no chance for recovery.


    The demon core entered his body.


    Guided by Xiao Yi''s vital energy, it continuously repaired Dongfang Jin''s damaged dantian, merging it with his body.


    Dongfang Jin, being a strong practitioner from the Dharma Manifestation Realm, indeed exhausted Xiao Yi as he restored his dantian.


    "Congratulations, Elder Jin, your dantian has been fully restored! However, it would be wise not to use your vital energy too much for the next half month," Xiao Yi said gravely.


    The vital energy of a Dharma Manifestation Realm practitioner was immensely powerful.


    The newly integrated demon core was still very fragile and needed to be gradually nurtured. All connections had to be thoroughly solidified before it could withstand the flow of vital energy. Dongfang Jin understood this point well and nodded vigorously, his gaze filled with gratitude as he looked at Xiao Yi: "Thank you, Director Xiao. If there''s anything the Dongfang Family can do for you in the future, my family will spare no effort to help!"


    There was a distinct change in Dongfang Jin''s attitude.


    Previously, he had pledged to repay Xiao Yi only in his personal capacity, but now he was making a commitment on behalf of the entire Dongfang Family.


    The two left the secret chamber.


    In just six hours, witnessing the restoration of vital energy circulation within Dongfang Jin''s body, Dongfang Mu''s face lit up with ecstatic joy.


    The Four Great Noble Families each had two practitioners from the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    If the loss of Dongfang Jin''s dantian became known, the Dongfang Family would certainly face suppression from other forces. Without exaggeration, Xiao Yi was the savior of the entire Dongfang Family. Dongfang Mu said solemnly, "Director Xiao, the patriarch wishes to meet with you!"


    "Dongfang Patriarch?"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback.


    Even Yang Ling beside him showed a look of surprise.


    The Dongfang Patriarch, known as Dongfang Kuang.


    This man was a Dharma Manifestation Realm master from five hundred years ago, a peer to the patriarchs of the ten major sects.


    In the history of the Great Qian Dynasty, he too had left a significant mark as a legend.


    Xiao Yi said in a deep voice, "Lead the way!"


    "Please follow me!"


    Dongfang Mu immediately guided Xiao Yi toward the deepest part of the secret chamber.


    Dongfang Kuang was the Calm Sea Divine Needle of the Dongfang Family.


    He rarely appeared in public.


    Very few knew that he actually resided at the most recondite part of this underground chamber.


    At the end of the secret chamber, a place brightly lit by lamps.


    In the middle, a massive bronze door slowly opened, revealing a dark entrance. Dongfang Mu spoke with a respectful face, "Director Xiao, the patriarch awaits you inside!"


    Xiao Yi frowned, "Just the two of us?"


    "The patriarch did not instruct us to enter; we cannot set foot in this forbidden place," Dongfang Mu quickly replied.


    Xiao Yi nodded and then entered the pitch-black secret chamber alone. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Clang!


    The heavy bronze door slowly shut.


    Scrape, scrape, scrape!


    One after another, torches were lit in the dark chamber.


    The Tongtian flames illuminated the entire chamber.


    At the same time¡­


    A hoarse and deep voice echoed within the chamber, "You have finally arrived!"

 Chapter 262 - 262 Yin Yang Tower

    "You, you''ve finally arrived!"


    The low voice carried a sense of weight and ancientness.


    Coming from the deepest part of the secret chamber, the voice actually caused a subtle vibration in the air, prompting the surrounding flames to flicker continuously.


    Xiao Yi felt a chill sweeping over his body, which sent shivers down his spine, "How could Dongfang be living in a place like this?"


    Whoosh!


    A sudden force of suction came from ahead.


    As if countless invisible hands were pulling him toward the depths of the secret chamber.


    A moment later.


    There was a sudden openness in front of Xiao Yi, revealing an underground palace that was dazzling with gold and glittering with luxury. The hundred-meter-high palace''s dome was studded with fist-sized Luminous Pearls, with more than three thousand pearls lighting the place up as bright as day.


    The floor was laid with lustrous glazed tiles, and walking on them, there was a faint sensation of warmth.


    In front...


    Seven nine-story tall black towers stood out somewhat abruptly.


    At this moment.


    In front of those seven towers stood a black-haired man smiling at him, his presence contained, with strands of natural essence flickering around him as if converging into his body like a primal spring.


    His pair of pitch-black eyes seemed to have two stars rotating within them.


    Bright and dazzling, they were deep enough to draw one in, making it feel as if one would be absorbed into their depths, unable to extricate oneself.


    "Could this be Senior Dongfang Kuang?" Xiao Yi asked in a deep voice.


    The voice of Dongfang Kuang did not quite match his appearance, sounding much more ancient, "Young fellow, come over here!"


    Xiao Yi stepped forward, "Junior Xiao Yi, pays respects to Senior!"


    "Hmm!"


    Dongfang Kuang smiled slightly, a friendly expression on his face. His eyes were bright with sharpness, their gaze so penetrating as if they could see right through a person. He said with a smile, "Very good, really good, no wonder Dongfang Mu holds you in such high esteem. Xiao Zhengde really was blind to expel you from the Xiao Family. Young fellow, would you be interested in taking the Dongfang surname? If you''re willing, you can be the next head of the Dongfang Family!"


    "Uh..."


    Xiao Yi was taken aback, his face showing surprise.


    Take the Dongfang surname?


    Wasn''t that asking him to marry into the family?


    Although just changing a surname would allow him to control a huge family with thousands of years of inheritance, becoming one of the most powerful entities in the Great Qian Dynasty, Xiao Yi still shook his head with a smile, "Thank you for your generous offer, Senior. My name was given to me by my mother, and I do not wish to change it!"


    "It''s fine if you don''t change your surname. I have a great-granddaughter named Dongfang Ying, lively and lovely, whom you can marry. You would become the favoured son-in-law of the Dongfang Family, how about that?" Dongfang Kuang said with a sly smile.


    Xiao Yi wore an embarrassed expression, "..."


    What exactly was Dongfang Kuang planning?


    Wasn''t he proposing that Xiao Yi either take his surname


    Or marry into the family?


    Xiao Yi shook his head with a rueful smile, "Thank you for your kindness, Senior, but my ambition lies elsewhere."


    "Well, let it be!"


    Dongfang Kuang sighed with a trace of regret and then straightened up, saying, "You cured Dongfang Jin, which is a life-saving grace to my Dongfang Family. In my life, Dongfang Kuang has never begged nor owed anyone. I see that your cultivation has reached the Golden Elixir Peak, just a step away from the Tao Tribulation Realm. You can try your luck in the Yin and Yang Tower behind me; it might be helpful for you!"


    The Yin and Yang Tower.


    Its full name is the Yin Yang Five Elements Tower, divided into seven parts.


    Legend has it...


    When the founding emperor of the Great Qian Dynasty and his four sworn brothers obtained five Divine Artifacts from a secret realm, one of them was the Yin Yang Five Elements Tower, which was secured by the ancestor of the Dongfang Family as a treasure to protect the clan.


    Inside the Yin Yang Five Elements Tower, there are Elemental Combat Automatons of Yin and Yang.


    The realm of these Elemental Combat Automatons is identical to those who enter the tower, and by defeating one, you could absorb a portion of the Yin Yang and Five Elements heavenly forces.


    You must know...


    To advance from the Golden Core Realm to the Tao Tribulation Realm, one needs to grasp the power of heaven and earth to shatter the Golden Elixir Halo and condense the Dao patterns.


    But trying to comprehend the power of heaven and earth directly from nature yields minimal results.


    However, inside this Yin Yang Five Elements Tower, the power of heaven and earth is several times, or even dozens of times stronger than the outside world.


    Dongfang Kuang casually tossed a Token into Xiao Yi''s hand, saying in a deep voice, "Everyone can control different attributes of the power of heaven and earth. See which tower you can enter, and it will represent the corresponding attribute of the heavenly force you can control."


    Xiao Yi gazed at the seven Yin Yang Five Elements Towers and muttered, "Can I only choose one? Can''t I choose them all?"


    "All of them?"


    Dongfang Kuang was taken aback and then burst into loud laughter, "Kid, you really are daydreaming! Even Xiao Tianjiao, relying on the Supreme Overlord Sacred Body enabling him to master the Five Elements of heaven and earth, has become the most astonishing genius of the Great Qian Dynasty in thousands of years. And you''re thinking of choosing all? With your talent, at most you could master three, certainly no more!"


    Xiao Yi''s pupils constricted slightly, "Xiao Tianjiao has mastered the Five Elements of heaven and earth? No wonder he could shatter Dongfang Jin with one strike without stepping into the Dharma Manifestation Realm. However, if he could master the Five Elements of heaven and earth, why couldn''t I master them all?"


    With that thought.


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath and walked toward the Yin Yang Five Elements Tower.


    The first one.


    The Metal Tower!


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi entered with no resistance; a golden puppet appeared before him, its cultivation equal to his, both at the Golden Elixir Realm Peak. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Whoosh!


    The golden puppet flashed violently, surrounded by fluctuating golden light, as its sharp metal-like blade thrust forward.


    "Break for me!"


    Xiao Yi simply struck down with one palm.


    Bang!


    The golden puppet exploded into pieces, turning into a sky full of golden dust, which melded into his body.


    Xiao Yi could clearly feel his mastery over the Metal attribute of the heaven and earth''s power had increased slightly, "No wonder it''s the clan''s treasure, just the first level equals the effect of my six months of arduous understanding."


    Xiao Yi''s gaze shifted toward the entrance of the second level.


    The second level, this time two puppets appeared.


    Though they were both at the Golden Elixir Realm Peak, Xiao Yi was a Limitless Golden Elixir!


    He shattered them all with one palm.


    This time, the Metal power of heaven and earth he received was twice that of the first level.


    Xiao Yi continued to move forward...


    The third level.


    The fourth level.


    The fifth level...


    All the way to the ninth level.


    Hum!


    The Metal power within Xiao Yi''s body had actually reached one-tenth of its potential, and at the same time, countless Metal powers of heaven and earth converged on his Golden Elixir, wildly bombarding the Golden Elixir Halo.


    Boom, Boom, Boom!


    After repeated impacts, the fluctuating halos around the Golden Elixir suddenly exploded.


    Crack! Crack!


    Two successive halos burst, transforming into a pattern that was branded onto the Golden Elixir. At the same time, surging energy flooded into the God Sealing Seed, wildly increasing it by two hundred thousand, achieving the number of one million.


    Generally, as long as one condenses the pattern, they could step into the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    But Xiao Yi was still at the Golden Elixir Realm Peak.


    "To enter the Tao Tribulation Realm with a Limitless Golden Elixir, I must shatter all the Golden Elixir Halos, transforming them into Martial Dao Divine Fruit."


    Xiao Yi let out a long breath; he had already topped the Metal Tower, which was a major step toward the Tao Tribulation Realm, "Eighteen more Golden Elixir Halos to go, let''s shatter them in one fell swoop!"


    With that thought.


    Xiao Yi left the Metal Tower and appeared in front of Dongfang Kuang.


    Dongfang Kuang was completely stunned, "You came out so soon?"


    Xiao Yi nodded, "I''ve already reached the top!"


    "Reached the top?"


    Dongfang Kuang was dumbfounded, "It''s only been a short while, and you''ve already reached the top? How is that possible? When Xiao Tianjiao came to use the Yin Yang Five Elements Tower, it took him half an hour just for the first tower, and you..."


    Xiao Yi smiled and said, "He is him, I am me!"


    "This, this..."


    Even Dongfang Kuang, who had lived for hundreds of years, felt his emotions surge for the first time as he looked at Xiao Yi with anticipation, "Are you preparing to challenge the second Yin Yang Tower?"


    Xiao Yi nodded, then walked toward the second tower, the Wood Tower.


    Dongfang Kuang couldn''t help but watch intently, "Can he... succeed?"

 Chapter 263 - 263: Breaking Xiao Tianjiaos Record Again!

    ```


    Thump!


    Thump!


    Thump!


    Xiao Yi felt his heartbeat quickening, his breath grew short and rapid as he approached the second Wood Tower before him.


    Ever since the establishment of the Great Qian Dynasty,


    Xiao Tianjiao had set countless records, and Xiao Yi never expected that even in the Dongfang Family''s Yin Yang and Five Elements Tower, records left by Xiao Tianjiao would exist. Ever since the day he was expelled from home, Xiao Yi had vowed to let the world know he was stronger than Xiao Tianjiao.


    So...


    The countless records left by Xiao Tianjiao naturally lay before him.


    "The records in the Combat Pavilion are just the beginning, not the end!" Xiao Yi took a deep breath, now standing before the Wood Tower.


    Hum!


    A green glow flashed from the token in his hand, and he stepped inside.


    Hiss!


    Dongfang Kuang inhaled sharply, his body tensing suddenly, "He actually went in? Can this kid really comprehend both the Golden and Wood elemental powers? What kind of dumb luck has the Xiao Family stumbled upon, first with an exceptional genius like Xiao Tianjiao, and now another, Xiao Yi..."


    Even after seeing Xiao Yi enter the Wood Tower,


    Dongfang Kuang still didn''t believe that Xiao Yi could break the record left by Xiao Tianjiao.


    After all,


    Someone wielding the power of the five elements of heaven and earth alone was an incredibly rare talent, not just in the Great Qian Dynasty, but in the entire Qingtian Realm.


    Simultaneously,


    Inside the Wood Tower, the first wooden puppet appeared before Xiao Yi.


    It was a tree-man, wrapped in bark, exuding vigorous vitality. With a lift of its hand, green tendrils shot out like hundreds of twisting green snakes.


    Confronted with this tree-man puppet, Xiao Yi used only a single palm.


    Bang!


    The puppet shattered.


    The Wood elemental power of heaven and earth surged into his body.


    Xiao Yi looked up towards the entrance to the second level...


    The third level.


    The fourth level. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The fifth level...


    Just as before, ten hours later, Xiao Yi emerged outside the Wood Tower.


    Upon topping the Wood Tower, he had mastered ten percent of the Wood Attribute elemental power of heaven and earth, shattered two more Golden Elixir Halos, solidified a second dao pattern, and the quantity of his God Sealing Seed had climbed to one million two hundred thousand.


    But he still had not stepped into the Tao Tribulation Realm!


    Dongfang Kuang''s face twitched, "He topped it again?"


    "Hmm!"


    Xiao Yi nodded, looking towards the third.


    Gulur!


    Dongfang Kuang swallowed nervously, "Are you going to keep trying?"


    Xiao Yi hummed in affirmation, "Xiao Tianjiao conquered five towers, I will not be weaker than him!"


    Dongfang Kuang gave a wry smile, "Xiao Tianjiao''s situation is different from yours; he is an unparalleled Tianjiao..."


    "Are you certain I am not?" Xiao Yi asked.


    Dongfang Kuang: "That..."


    Xiao Yi smiled and stepped toward the third Water Tower.


    "It can''t be¡ªdamn..."


    Dongfang Kuang hadn''t finished speaking when Xiao Yi had already set foot inside the third Water Tower.


    After ten hours.


    Xiao Yi stood before the fourth Fire Tower.


    With only fourteen Golden Elixir Halos remaining, having solidified three dao patterns of gold, wood, and water, the quantity of his God Sealing Seed soared to one million four hundred thousand.


    Watching Xiao Yi step into the Fire Tower.


    ```


    At this moment, Dongfang Kuang could no longer remain seated and stood up abruptly, his fists clenched tightly. On his usually impassive face, a strong shock surfaced along with deep anticipation, "This kid, he, he might really have a chance at catching up to Xiao Tianjiao''s record!"


    He had never thought that, in his lifetime, he would see someone catching up to Xiao Tianjiao''s record.


    As for breaking this record?


    He didn''t even dare to entertain such a thought!


    After all.


    Controlling five kinds of elemental forces was already considered miraculous.


    Ten hours later.


    Xiao Yi made his way to the fifth tower, which was also the last of the Five Elements Tower in the Yin Yang Five Elements Tower, the Tower of Earth.


    Thump!


    Thump!


    Thump!


    Dongfang Kuang, with clenched fists, held his breath, and even closed his eyes at the moment when Xiao Yi was about to enter the Tower of Earth, hardly daring to open them, "Did he succeed? Has he entered? Xiao Yi? Xiao Yi?"


    "..."


    All was silent in front of him, no one responded.


    Gurgle!


    Dongfang Kuang cautiously opened a slit in his eyes, but Xiao Yi''s figure was nowhere to be seen. Sweat had soaked through his clothes, his fists clenched, his veins throbbing wildly, "He, he actually succeeded? My heavens, this is unbelievable, he''s really done it, matching Xiao Tianjiao''s record, it''s just too inconceivable!"


    Ten hours later.


    When Xiao Yi appeared before him again, Dongfang Kuang displayed a look of wild joy and burst out laughing as he approached, "Xiao Yi, you lad are truly beyond expectations! Hahaha, congratulations, you''ve matched Xiao Tianjiao''s record. In terms of talent alone, you are definitely no lesser than Xiao Tianjiao!"


    "Senior, please make way," Xiao Yi said unruffled.


    Dongfang Kuang was startled and blinked, "You still want to attempt the sixth? Alright, there''s no harm in trying... However, throughout the history of the Qingtian Realm, there have been legendary figures who could simultaneously control either Yin and Yang or the Five Elements of nature. But to simultaneously master both Yin Yang and the Five Elements, the seven forces of nature, that''s never happened before. Even if you fail, you don''t need to feel dis...dis...dis...holy shit..."


    Dongfang Kuang leapt up abruptly.


    "He really succeeded? This breaks Xiao Tianjiao''s record? Martial God above, this can''t be real, I must be hallucinating..."


    He swung his palm fiercely, slapping his own face again and again, at least a dozen times, yet his expression was still one of bewilderment, "The Xiao Family must be blind to have expelled such a monster from their home..."


    Inside the Tower of Yin.


    Xiao Yi''s battle was not as easy as before, the battle puppets in the Tower of Yin were clearly much stronger, and even with Xiao Yi''s strength, the fight took many times longer.


    One hour later.


    Xiao Yi reached the ninth layer and successfully broke through the five Golden Elixir Halos, condensing the Yin Dao patterns.


    The count of God Sealing Seeds climbed to three million three hundred thousand!


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi returned to the secret chamber, ignoring the stunned Dongfang Kuang, and went straight into the last Tower of Yang.


    "Yin Yang and the Five Elements forces of nature," Dongfang Kuang murmured, his fists clenched, his eyes bloodshot, his entire body trembling, "He, he''s defying the heavens!"


    Throughout the history of the Qingtian Realm.


    There had never been an existence that simultaneously mastered the seven forces of Yin Yang and the Five Elements.


    Today...


    He was fortunate enough to witness the birth of such a prodigy.


    However.


    This time, Dongfang Kuang waited for two full hours, yet he still hadn''t seen Xiao Yi emerge from the Tower of Yang.


    He was growing anxious.


    Three hours.


    Four hours.


    Ten hours...


    "What''s going on? Could something have happened?" Dongfang Kuang''s face was filled with worry as he paced back and forth with his hands behind his back.


    Only when ten hours had passed, just as Dongfang Kuang was about to forcibly enter the Tower of Yang, a dazzling light suddenly burst forth from within the Tower. The light contained terrifying energy, its grandeur like a wild storm, which hurled Dongfang Kuang away.


    Within the brilliant, multicolored light, a vague figure could be seen, approaching through the air¡­

 Chapter 264 - 264: The Heavenly Calamity Arrives, Ten Thousand People Are Shocked!

    Within the secret chamber.


    Xiao Yi was surrounded by dazzling, multicolored lights, radiating an otherworldly divine presence.


    He stood suspended in midair.


    With every step he took, the ground trembled, and the air seemed to solidify around him.


    A massive Golden Core floated above his head, marked with nine Daopatterns.


    There was one pattern for each of the Five Elements.


    And two patterns for Yin and Yang respectively.


    A total of nine Daopatterns were imprinted on the Golden Core, yet it hadn''t transformed into a Martial Dao Divine Fruit. Right after thoroughly shattering the Golden Elixir Halo and condensing the Daopatterns, Xiao Yi sensed the approaching Celestial Tribulation.


    Typically speaking.


    The Celestial Tribulation only appeared after one had broken through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    But now...


    Xiao Yi, having just stepped into the Tao Tribulation Realm, had actually triggered the Celestial Tribulation.


    This took Xiao Yi somewhat by surprise.


    Enveloped in light, Xiao Yi looked toward Dongfang Kuang, who had been blasted away by his aura, and said in a deep voice, "Senior, open the chamber''s exit quickly, I must transcend the tribulation!"


    He could sense that the Celestial Tribulation would descend in just an hour.


    If he continued to stay in the secret chamber, he feared that the entire Dongfang Family estate would be leveled to the ground.


    "What the hell? You''re going to transcend the tribulation?" Dongfang Kuang stared at Xiao Yi blankly, unable to believe what he was hearing.


    To transcend the tribulation!


    He had never heard of anyone needing to transcend a tribulation just for breaking through to the Tao Tribulation Realm!


    Xiao Yi smiled bitterly and said, "Senior, do you think I have the time to joke with you? In an hour, the Celestial Tribulation will arrive. Open the chamber so I can leave, otherwise, your Dongfang Family will be implicated..."


    "Holy shit!"


    Dongfang Kuang was stunned, speechless.


    He felt as if his nearly a thousand years of life had been in vain.


    A few years ago, Xiao Tianjiao appeared, mastering the Five Element Daopatterns alone and creating shock and admiration as the new surpasses the old in an ever-evolving wave.


    But now...


    It hadn''t been long before Xiao Yi emerged.


    He broke the records set by Xiao Tianjiao, which seemed impossible to surpass, and he even condensed the unprecedented Yin Yang and Five Element Daopatterns. Look at the Golden Core floating above Xiao Yi''s head, shining with ten thousand zhang of light!


    That''s no ordinary Golden Core!


    Who has ever seen a Golden Core larger than a Martial Dao Divine Fruit?


    Who has seen a Golden Core condensed with the Yin Yang and Five Element Daopatterns?


    Who has seen a Golden Core that can bring about the Celestial Tribulation?


    This is simply a divine pill, for goodness'' sake!


    Dongfang Kuang felt today''s experiences could become bragging rights for him in front of others in the future.


    With myriad thoughts in his mind, Dongfang Kuang''s actions were swift. He led the way, his voice resolute, "Your current state cannot be directly exposed in the imperial capital, or it would attract unnecessary trouble. I have a secret passage that leads directly to Great Liang Mountain. Quick, follow me!"


    The four major noble families had been operating in the imperial capital for many years.


    Naturally, they had retreat routes for their families.


    This secret passage...


    Only the ancestors of the Dharma Phase Realm Peak were privy to it, not even the head of the Dongfang family knew; it was only to be used when the Dongfang Family faced the threat of extinction. But now, Dongfang Kuang had opened this passage, sealed for countless ages, for Xiao Yi.


    Dongfang Kuang, with his cultivation at the Dharma Phase Realm Peak, led the way, and Xiao Yi followed closely behind.


    The brilliant, multicolored light from Xiao Yi illuminated the entire passage as if it were day.


    His speed was in no way inferior to Dongfang Kuang, surprising him slightly, "It''s no wonder he''s a monster who has mastered seven types of natural forces of both Yin Yang and the Five Elements simultaneously. Just breaking through to the Tao Tribulation Realm he can draw forth the Celestial Tribulation; I can''t even imagine what it will be like when he steps into the Dharma Manifestation Realm!"


    If it had been before...


    Rushing from the imperial capital to Great Liang Mountain at full speed would have taken Xiao Yi three to four hours.


    But now...


    His speed had increased several-fold, and with the shortcut the secret passage offered, they arrived at Great Liang Mountain in just half an hour.


    The secret passage''s exit was hidden behind a waterfall. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Blocked by a huge rock.


    Dongfang Kuang lifted the boulder, quickly exiting, and almost at the moment he left the passage, the dazzling light ripped through, creating a booming sound. The massive waterfall, cascading down thousands of feet, was forcefully torn apart.


    The flow of the entire waterfall was intercepted.


    It surged backward.


    Crash!


    The water below the cascade surged rebelliously toward the heavens.


    The roaring sound was unceasing.


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi rushed out from the secret passage and stood suspended in midair, his body enveloped in increasingly brilliant light. He gave Dongfang Kuang a fist salute, "Thank you, senior. I will find a place to transcend the tribulation. I will visit to express my gratitude another day!"


    "Go quickly!"


    Dongfang Kuang, who had once experienced the Celestial Tribulation himself, nodded hurriedly, "I will protect you from afar, doing my best to prevent any disturbances during your breakthrough!"


    "Thank you, senior!"


    Without another word, Xiao Yi soared into the sky.


    The light around him grew even more radiant, expanding from its initial ten zhang.


    A hundred zhang.


    A thousand zhang.


    Ten thousand zhang...


    Even from hundreds of kilometers away in the imperial capital, one could see in the skies above Great Liang Mountain a resplendent and orb-like rainbow of light floating and bobbing. Above this orb of light, in the void, black clouds churned and thunder and lightning roared.


    It was a scene similar to the coming of the apocalypse.


    In the imperial capital.


    "What is that?"


    "Such beautiful radiance... Could it be that a treasured light is emerging?"


    "That direction seems to be Great Liang Mountain? Could it be that a powerful monster is about to breakthrough to the sixth tier? But that''s not right either. How could breaking through to the sixth tier create such a massive commotion?"


    "Could it be that someone is about to breakthrough to the Dharma Manifestation Realm?"


    "Very likely! Have you forgotten when Xiao Tianjiao broke through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm, he triggered a Heavenly Tribulation that spanned a hundred miles..."


    The disturbance from the direction of Great Liang Mountain naturally attracted the prying eyes of countless powerhouses.


    Within the palace.


    Emperor Qian suddenly opened his eyes, beams of light shooting from his pupils as if piercing through ancient void space, gazing in the direction of Great Liang Mountain. A hint of shock flickered across his eyes, "Is someone undergoing tribulation? So close to the imperial capital, could it be that one of the four major clans is stepping into the Dharma Manifestation Realm?"


    "Old Dog!"


    Emperor Qian gave a cold command.


    "Your Majesty!"


    The old eunuch always standing by with his hands down approached.


    Emperor Qian gazed at him and said solemnly, "You, go to Great Liang Mountain with the Dragon Guards immediately. If it is one of those four family clans, you know what to do, right?"


    "This servant understands!"


    The old eunuch respectfully withdrew, stepped out of the palace gate, and soared into the sky.


    Whoosh whoosh whoosh!


    Inside the palace, four figures suddenly shot up into the sky, closely following him. At this moment, the old eunuch bore no trace of his servility before Emperor Qian. Right now, his Qi-Blood surged like a dragon and tiger.


    Behind him, the four Dragon Guards were all at the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    Inside the Dongfang Family.


    Dongfang Jin gazed in the direction of Great Liang Mountain, his expression slightly changing, "What''s happening?"


    The Nangong Family.


    The Ximen Family.


    The Beitang Family.


    Treasure Pavilion.


    Combat Pavilion.


    The branches of the top ten sects in the imperial capital...


    Countless powerhouses from the imperial capital''s forces soared into the air, rushing toward Great Liang Mountain.


    In the void.


    Countless powerhouses encountered each other, among them was Yang Jin, the head of the Tianjian Sect''s division in the imperial capital. Grinning at Xue Wuhen flying beside him, he joked, "Pavilion Master Xue, are you also interested in joining in on the excitement?"


    Xue Wuhen glanced at him and replied indifferently, "I''ve been trapped at the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm for many years. Perhaps observing this Heavenly Tribulation will give me some enlightenment, and I might even step into the Dharma Manifestation Realm!"


    "Hahaha, that punch from the Saint Heir back then really did give you a hard time!" Yang Jin laughed heartily.


    Xue Wuhen snorted coldly, his expression indifferent, "Xiao Tianjiao''s record in my Combat Pavilion has been broken, have you passed on the news to him? Knowing his record has been surpassed, he must be feeling quite uncomfortable, right?"


    "You..."


    Yang Jin''s face darkened.


    Xiao Tianjiao was indeed extremely enraged upon learning that his record had been broken, and the whole Tianjian Sect was greatly upset.


    In the eyes of the Tianjian Sect...


    Xiao Tianjiao was perfect, flawless. Anyone breaking his record was seen as defiling his perfection.


    Xue Wuhen sneered, speaking lightly, "The fact proves Xiao Tianjiao is not invincible. There are many Tianjiaos in the world, and there are still people who can surpass him!"


    In his mind, the image of Xiao Yi surfaced, and he thought to himself Privately he thought, if Xiao Tianjiao knew that the one who broke his record was that brother he considered a disgrace, I wonder what he would think?


    Yang Jin snorted coldly and quickened his pace to widen the gap between them.


    The crowd drew closer and closer to Great Liang Mountain.


    Within Great Liang Mountain, the monsters began fleeing en masse to the outside.


    From the weaker first-tier monsters to the powerful fifth-tier ones, all were fleeing in panic.


    Only some high-level fifth-tier, even sixth-tier monsters, remained in Great Liang Mountain. Heavenly Tribulation represents both destruction and opportunity. If one could glean understanding from it, there might be a chance to take the final step.


    Of course...


    If the one undergoing the tribulation were to be killed by the Heavenly Tribulation, they could have a share of the spoils!


    As the saying goes, fortune favors the bold!


    This applies to both humans and monsters alike!


    Boom rumble!


    The closer to Great Liang Mountain, the clearer the dreadful nature of the Heavenly Tribulation.


    The black clouds in the sky roiled incessantly, a dark expanse where one could faintly hear thunder and see flashes of lightning. The terrifying momentum was so oppressive it made it difficult to breathe. These Tribulation clouds had already covered a hundred-mile range and still showed no signs of stopping.


    Before the thunder struck, the fierce winds had already begun.


    Whoosh!


    Whoosh whoosh!


    A terrifying storm swept across the vast Great Liang Mountain, uprooting countless grasses and trees, lifting sand and rocks. River water was drawn up into the sky, like a dragon leaving the sea, connecting heaven and earth, with fierce winds howling as if it were doomsday!


    Gurgle!


    "Back when Xiao Tianjiao broke through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm, his tribulation only spanned a hundred miles. Xiao Yi is just breaking through the Tao Tribulation Realm, and it''s already beyond a hundred miles..."


    Even from dozens of miles away, Dongfang Kuang still felt his heart skip a beat. Clenching his fists, he murmured to himself, "Are the Xiao Family brothers fated rivals? Is Xiao Yi intent on breaking even Xiao Tianjiao''s record for the Heavenly Tribulation?"


    Time swiftly passed by.


    All of a sudden...


    The Tribulation clouds had already enveloped over two hundred miles of the sky.


    It was like the end of days.


    And just then...


    Xiao Yi suddenly looked up, squinting at the thunder rolling and the storm howling in the Heavenly Tribulation above, "Is it finally coming?"

 Chapter 265 - 265: Terrifying Heavenly Tribulation

    "Is it finally coming?"


    Suspended in the void, Xiao Yi suddenly lifted his head, staring at the dark oppressive tribulation clouds above, a hint of solemnity in his gaze.


    Back when Xiao Tianjiao broke through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm, it had only drawn a tribulation that spread out for a hundred miles around.


    But now...


    He was merely stepping into the Tao Tribulation Realm and yet the tribulation it induced already faintly exceeded a hundred miles.


    The dark, oppressive tribulation clouds were thick and gloomy, floating above the firmament like an all-encompassing hand as if to take control of this world within the grasp of a palm. Inside the black cloud mass, there was lightning and thunder.


    Violet-gold thunder lit up heaven and earth.


    Within the vastness of Great Liang Mountain, countless monster beasts were still desperately running amok.


    Trying to escape to the skies.


    Under the majesty of the heavens, all beings submit.


    The one closest to Xiao Yi was doubtlessly Dongfang Kuang, his forehead streaming with cold sweat: "This kid... what kind of monster is he? Just for breaking through to the Tao Tribulation Realm, he actually drew such a terrifying heavenly tribulation..."


    When he had broken through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm, the tribulation he had attracted had only covered a ten-mile radius.


    At that time, it had nearly destroyed a city.


    Whenever Dongfang Kuang recalled the terrifying scene of surviving that tribulation, he couldn''t help but shiver with fear, his hair standing on end.


    Until recently...


    When Xiao Tianjiao stepped into the Dharma Manifestation Realm and elicited a tribulation that spanned a hundred miles, Dongfang Kuang had been astounded.


    And now.


    Not only had Xiao Yi broken Xiao Tianjiao''s record, but he had also mastered the seven powers of Yin Yang and the Five Elements, and even upon stepping into the Tao Tribulation Realm, he had already attracted a heavenly tribulation, leaving Dongfang Kuang at a loss for words to describe his current feelings.


    Whoosh! Whoosh!


    The wild winds sweeping through heaven and earth grew ever stronger, and where the storm passed, not a blade of grass remained.


    Countless creatures failed to escape in time and were swept up high into the sky.


    There, they were torn apart by the omnipresent ferocious winds.


    It was truly terrifying!


    Boom! Boom!


    Within heaven and earth, numerous wild winds coalesced into a massive tornado storm, linking heaven and earth with tornadoes that twisted their colossal columns of wind, lifting rocks and uprooting grass and trees, and even small mountain peaks were being swept up into the sky.


    The tempestuous wind and rain, in an instant, spread across most of Great Liang Mountain!


    Terrifying!


    Despair!


    The end of days!


    These were the thoughts shared by the countless beings within Great Liang Mountain.


    Even some high-ranking monster beasts that had thought to wait for Xiao Yi''s tribulation to fail and then take advantage of the chaos were now running madly towards the outskirts of Great Liang Mountain.


    The might of the heavenly tribulation had not yet descended, and yet it had already struck fear into all living things.


    "We''ve got to run... This kid is envied by the heavens!" Dongfang Kuang had intended to help Xiao Yi by preparing the sword array, but under the apocalyptic scene, he dared not linger any longer and turned to run towards the outskirts of Great Liang Mountain.


    Along the way.


    The monster beasts that normally fought upon sight now ran shoulder to shoulder with him.


    Whether human or monster beast, there was only one thought at the moment¡ªrun!


    By the time they reached the edge of Great Liang Mountain.


    Yang Jin, the old eunuch, and other powerful beings arrived in quick succession, and their eyes immediately fell on Dongfang Kuang.


    A flash of cold light flickered in the old eunuch''s eyes, his face wearing a grim smile: "Dongfang, is this tribulation passer from your Dongfang family?"


    Dongfang Kuang, upon seeing the look in the old eunuch''s eyes, showed a hint of wariness.


    This inconspicuous old eunuch was none other than one of the strongest warriors of the Great Qian Dynasty''s royal family, a Peak Dharma Manifestation Realm existence.


    Dongfang Kuang spoke gravely, "Old fellow, there''s no need for you to fish for information here. I also felt the tribulation''s fluctuations and rushed over, but..." Glancing at the tribulation clouds that almost covered half of Great Liang Mountain, he said with a wry smile, "This heavenly tribulation is just too terrifying!"


    With these words spoken.


    All eyes turned eagerly towards the tribulation clouds, with everyone nodding in agreement.


    Even the few demonic beasts by his side looked on with faces full of shock, speaking in human tongue, "This king has never witnessed such a terrifying heavenly tribulation!"


    "The person undergoing tribulation, if not a Great Demon inciting the wrath of heaven and the hatred of people, must be an unparalleled genius!"


    Yang Jin squinted his eyes, sizing up the high-level demonic beasts, and said solemnly, "Gentlemen, have any of you seen clearly the one who is undergoing the tribulation?"


    Dongfang Kuang shook his head and said, "Can''t see clearly!"


    The several demonic beasts also shook their heads, "Too terrifying, we simply can''t see!"


    Yang Jin and the others all frowned.


    If it had been Dongfang Kuang, they might have suspected he was lying.


    But since even these powerful demonic beasts said so, it obviously meant they had not seen clearly the person undergoing the tribulation, nor did they know the identity of that person.


    "With such a terrifying heavenly tribulation, could it be that someone is breaking through the secret realm of immortality?"


    "Impossible, the heavenly tribulation of the secret realm of immortality is far more terrible than this, it is said to be accompanied by the five disasters of heaven and man..."


    "When Xiao Tianjiao underwent his tribulation, the Tianjian Sect set up a ninety-nine layered sword array for him, and Xiao Tianjiao, with the power of the sword array, forcefully shattered the heavenly tribulation. The scene was truly terrifying. This person suddenly appeared at Great Liang Mountain and does not have a grand array to assist; it is unknown how he will overcome the tribulation!"


    "He chose Great Liang Mountain probably to make use of the mountain''s numerous peaks to offset the power of the tribulation thunder. However, these ordinary mountains might not be able to withstand the thunder, and he is likely to die under it..."


    Just as everyone was talking...


    Boom!


    A thunderous roar came from within the tribulation clouds.


    In the sky above, within those black tribulation clouds that stretched over a hundred miles, a column of purple-gold thunder descended like a pillar of water. Amidst the rumble, the space where the thunder light passed seemed to be torn apart. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    All of heaven and earth were shaken, and all beings were subdued.


    Great Liang Mountain, which looked as dark as night under the press of the Black Cloud, was transformed into a sea of purple-gold under this flash of thunder.


    The thunder struck directly at Xiao Yi.


    Crackle and pop!


    Xiao Yi shook violently, his body instantly turned charred black, and blood spurted from his mouth.


    The first thunder alone was as powerful as a full blow from a peak Tao Tribulation Realm expert.


    Of course.


    If Xiao Yi had resisted with force, the thunder would not have made him spit blood.


    But he did not defend, instead he completely opened up, calmly bearing the baptism of the tribulation thunder.


    Under the heavenly tribulation...


    He was actually cultivating the Wind Thunder Holy Body!


    The Wind Thunder Holy Body requires the baptism of the heavenly thunder to temper the physical body and the Heaven and Earth Gangfeng to polish the body.


    At this moment, under the heavenly tribulation, the Heaven and Earth Gangfeng was raging, and the thunder was the fearsome tribulation thunder.


    It was indeed the perfect opportunity to cultivate the Wind Thunder Holy Body!


    "With my body, baptized by heavenly thunder, tempered by Gangfeng, Wind Thunder Holy Body¡ª"


    Xiao Yi suddenly looked up, letting out a thunderous roar.


    Enshrouded with a radiance of myriad colors, in the watchful eyes of numerous horrified experts, he not only did not dodge the thunder, but instead rose against the heavens and charged toward the rolling clouds of tribulation thunder, where dragons of lightning danced.


    All of this happened in the blink of an eye.


    The experts who had previously commented that Xiao Yi could not possibly succeed in his tribulation were stunned, "Has he gone mad? Instead of hiding, he heads straight towards the tribulation clouds?"


    "Mad, truly mad!"


    "Perhaps he knows that he cannot successfully get through the tribulation and has given up on himself?"


    "Look quickly... the second thunder is coming down, and each one is stronger than the last. The power of the ninth thunder is a hundred times that of the first. Charging directly into the tribulation clouds, he might not even withstand the second thunder..."


    At that moment...


    The radiance of the thunder, many times thicker than the first, enveloped Xiao Yi with a boom.


    There was silence between heaven and earth.


    In the minds of the onlookers, the same thought arose simultaneously: "It''s over..."

 Chapter 266 - 266: Destroying the Heavenly Calamity, Eradicating Tianjiao!

    "It''s over!"


    The terrifying thunderbolt descended from the heavens, a purple-gold lightning bolt cascading down like a waterfall, falling from the sky.


    Xiao Yi''s figure was instantly engulfed by the thunderbolt.


    Swallowed whole.


    His trace could no longer be seen...


    Everyone felt a chill crawl over their scalps, not daring to get close.


    The ferocity of the descending thunder showed no signs of abating, and with a loud bang, it struck the ground, covering a mountain of a hundred zhang. In the noise of the explosion, the mountain was split in half.


    The debris was blasted in all directions, and then, under the relentless lightning, it ground to nothingness.


    In just the blink of an eye.


    The hundred-zhang mountain had been leveled to the ground!


    A fifth-tier superior beast roared in despair, a hot tear falling from its enormous eyes.


    The crowd looked at it with confusion.


    A sixth-tier monster capable of human speech said, "That was its home!"


    The crowd looked at it with sympathy.


    Auuwoo!


    The beast wailed, tears the size of fists rolling down.


    "Even a mountain has been flattened, when such terrible heavenly thunder strikes a person, isn''t it likely they will be blasted to ashes without a trace?"


    "No, look, the clouds of calamity haven''t dissipated..."


    "Is that person not dead?"


    Everyone''s attention returned to the sky.


    The giant pillar of thunderbolt began to shrink rapidly, until it disappeared without a trace, and Xiao Yi, surrounded by a myriad of colors, stood with his robe torn apart, faint traces of lightning flashing across his body.


    Above his head.


    The Golden Core shone brilliantly, dazzling like a deity.


    "Hahaha, exhilarating! This feeling...bring it on!" Xiao Yi shook all over, Little Lin landed on his shoulder, looking utterly baffled.


    Little Lin''s body glowed with golden light, covered with a faint layer of thunder light.


    Xiao Yi casually took out the vial of Dragon Blood and tossed it to Little Lin on his shoulder, "Little Lin, consume this vial of Dragon Blood and ascend with me!"


    Little Lin had reached the Peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    Once it ascended.


    It would be a sixth-tier beast comparable to the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    "Boss..."


    Without any hesitation, Little Lin swallowed the Dragon Blood, its body shining with an exceptionally brilliant golden light, and with a tremendous jolt. In the noise of the explosion, Little Lin transformed into a hundred-zhang giant serpent, soaring into the sky.


    Xiao Yi stood atop its head.


    Together, man and serpent, they stood suspended.


    In the distance...


    Watching the multi-colored light, where a hundred-zhang long serpent suddenly emerged, all were taken aback with astonishment, "A monster?"


    "Has that man gone mad? He actually plans to transcend heavenly tribulation alongside a beast?"


    "With two beings transcending together, the power of the Heavenly Tribulation will double..."


    "Madman, madman..."


    Dongfang Kuang''s eyes twitched madly, he watched in terror as Xiao Yi rode on top of Little Lin, facing the thunder.


    Only now...


    Did Dongfang Kuang realize he had still underestimated Xiao Yi.


    Before this.


    He thought Xiao Tianjiao breaking the record, commanding the Yin Yang and Five Elements¡ªseven great forces of heaven and earth alone was crazy enough.


    Then Xiao Yi triggered a Heavenly Tribulation upon breaking through to the Tao Tribulation Realm, and he realized he had underestimated Xiao Yi.


    And then...


    Faced with such a terrifying Heavenly Tribulation, Xiao Yi neither dodged nor evaded but charged straight into the thunderbolt.


    Once again, his understanding of madness was redefined.


    Now.


    In the face of such a terrifying Heavenly Tribulation, Xiao Yi even dared to let his combat pet ascend and transcend tribulation alongside him.


    "This guy is simply a lunatic..." Dongfang Kuang''s forehead sweated profusely.


    At the same time...


    The tribulation clouds, sensing the presence of Little Lin, actually stopped their descent, continuing to accumulate energy and expand ceaselessly.


    They swelled to cover an area of two hundred li.


    The terrifying dark clouds blocked out the sun and obscured the sky.


    But the end was not yet in sight¡­


    Just when everyone thought the heavenly lightning was about to strike, the clouds began to shrink.


    One hundred eighty li.


    One hundred sixty li.


    One hundred fifty li¡­


    They returned to a range of one hundred li.


    But the might of the heavens did not diminish but increased. Although it was still an area of one hundred li, the power of the heavens was ten times more terrifying than before.


    Gurgle!


    The crowd involuntarily gulped, "I''ve never seen tribulation clouds that can shrink after expanding¡­"


    "This isn''t shrinking, this is compression!"


    "Could it be that the person undergoing the tribulation and his beast have become so powerful that even the tribulation clouds find them difficult to handle and have no choice but to compress their force?"


    "Terrifying, who on earth is this sacred being?"


    Amid the exclamations,


    Yang Jin''s gaze swept over the crowd, especially lingering on the powerful figures from the top sects, and he said in a deep voice, "Everyone, regardless of who this sacred being is, if their divine tribulation is this terrible and they succeed in stepping into the Dharma Manifestation Realm, they will likely become a great concern for us in the future!"


    The representatives of the top sects in the capital from True Martial Hall, Vast Righteousness Pavilion, and others squinted thoughtfully.


    Indeed, as Yang Jin had said¡­


    Merely observing the horror of the heavenly tribulation, it was likely that they were witnessing a being who could rival Xiao Tianjiao.


    If such an existence could not be utilized by the top ten sects, it would inevitably become a major concern, threatening the foundation of the top sects.


    "Yang Jin, what do you propose?" Tie Yun, the top representative of Kuangdao Sect in the capital, a peak powerhouse from the Tao Tribulation Realm, said in a deep voice.


    All eyes turned to him.


    A cold glint flashed in Yang Jin''s eyes, "Let us watch and wait. If this person perishes under the heavenly tribulation, then all will be well. But if there is a possibility that they survive the tribulation, we shall act together to increase the tribulation''s might. Regardless, we must nip this threat in the bud!"


    Prior to this¡­


    They had thought that the person undergoing the tribulation was a strong individual from the top ten sects, or perhaps from one of the four great families.


    But now,


    This person was not from any of their powers.


    The Great Qian Dynasty was vast, and between the top sects, the imperial family, and the four great families, a subtle balance had already formed. Should a new, uncontrollable force now emerge, it would disturb this balance.


    This was something none of the parties wished to see.


    Seeing this, Dongfang Kuang''s heart skipped a beat and he said in a grave tone, "My Dongfang Family will not partake in this!"


    "Hmm?"


    Everyone''s eyes simultaneously turned to Dongfang Kuang.


    The patriarch of the Nangong Family, Nangong Shengtian, furrowed his brows, "Dongfang, don''t tell me you know this person?"


    Dongfang Kuang kept a straight face and calmly said, "The method you all are proposing doesn''t guarantee we can eliminate the opponent. If we fail to kill him and with this person''s strength, if they seek revenge afterward, my Dongfang Family cannot afford this risk."


    As soon as these words were spoken,


    Many showed a look of hesitation.


    Just as Dongfang Kuang had said¡­


    An existence that could summon such a terrifying tribulation - if the plan failed and they did not completely deal with them, S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It would likely bring about the retaliation of a super-genius not weaker than Xiao Tianjiao.


    All the powers wanted to avoid this.


    With this thought,


    An elder eunuch said, "My royal family will also not interfere!"


    The head of the Ximen Family, Ximen Jianxue, stared at Dongfang Kuang and spoke in a serious voice, "I also believe that what the Dongfang elder said is correct, and thus, my Ximen Family will not be involved!"


    Yang Jin''s expression turned somewhat unsightly.


    With the Dongfang, Ximen, and the royal family opting out, sabotaging the heavenly tribulation would be much more difficult for them.


    However¡­


    As they watched Xiao Yi overcome yet another level of the tribulation, Yang Jin looked at the remaining people, "What do the rest of you think?"


    The remaining people exchanged glances.


    No one else backed out.


    The top ten sects, along with the Nangong and Beitang families, the twelve pinnacle forces of the Great Qian Dynasty, came to an agreement, "Destroy the tribulation, eradicate the Tianjiao!"

 Chapter 267 - 267: Heaven and Earth Shattering

    "Since we are cooperating, when the time comes to act, none of you can hold back any longer!"


    Yang Jin''s eyes glinted with an icy sharpness as he spoke in a heavy tone, "This person has already withstood the Sixth-Heavy Tribulation Thunder, and there are three more¡­ If he can withstand the Eighth-Heavy Tribulation Thunder, we shall all strike together!"


    "No problem!"


    "Many of us are at the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm, as long as we stimulate our profound skills together to impact the Dharma Manifestation Realm, it will be sensed by the heavenly tribulation and thus amplify its power!"


    "Nearly twenty peak Tao Tribulation Realm experts triggering the heavenly tribulation simultaneously, even if this person has extraordinary talents, there''s no way he can withstand it¡­"


    "He is certain to die!"


    A smug look appeared on everyone''s faces.


    Dongfang Kuang''s expression was indecisive, but he couldn''t make a move.


    He was very clear about the nature of Xiao Tianjiao and the Tianjian Sect.


    They would never tolerate any factors that could shake their status.


    Given the relationship between Xiao Yi and Xiao Tianjiao, once Xiao Yi''s identity was exposed, the Tianjian Sect would be the first to go all out to destroy him. Even with Xiao Yi''s great talent, he was still too weak in the face of the Tianjian Sect and Xiao Tianjiao.


    "Damm it¡­ Under the heavenly tribulation, I am simply unable to send a message¡­" Dongfang Kuang wore an anxious look, though willing to help, he found himself incapable.


    Meanwhile.


    The seventh wave of the heavenly tribulation had already descended.


    Xiao Yi still charged into the midst of the thunder, eagerly devouring the power of the lightning.


    Devouring the previous six waves of tribulation thunder had already brought his Wind Thunder Holy Body to the third stage.


    As long as he fully absorbed these Nine-Heavy Tribulation Thunders, Xiao Yi was confident that he could step into the fourth stage.


    Once the Wind Thunder Holy Body was cultivated to the fourth stage, Xiao Yi alone, with just the power of his physical body, would be able to easily defeat those at the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    The most noticeable change was in Little Lin.


    After undergoing the Heavenly Thunder Tempering, he had refined two-thirds of the dragon blood within his body; his hundred-zhang body had already swelled to three hundred zhang, and his entire body was covered in scale armor that flickered with gold light. Intricate patterns subtly marked the scales, while two protuberances rose from the top of his head.


    These protuberances were like dragon horns and still growing.


    If this trend continued¡­


    Little Lin might very well evolve into a true dragon.


    But what puzzled Xiao Yi was that Little Lin had a pair of flesh wings growing on his back; the wings were not particularly large for the time being but were undeniably growing. Dragons could grow large enough to soar through the heavens, swallowing stars and moons, or shrink to hide within mud and dwell upon a single leaf.


    Yet among true dragons, none had flesh wings!


    Boom!


    The seventh wave of tribulation thunder dissipated completely.


    In the heavens above.


    The black tribulation clouds churned wildly, and purple-gold lightning, taking the form of thunder dragons and serpents, zigzagged through the cloud masses. The Eighth-Heavy Tribulation Thunder suddenly descended, and Xiao Yi, defying the heavens, rose again to forcibly devour this robe of tribulation thunder.


    The Wind Thunder Holy Body made further progress toward the fourth stage.


    Watching the Ninth-Heavy Tribulation Thunder already churning and taking shape inside the tribulation clouds.


    But just at that moment¡­


    Startling waves of energy suddenly converged from all directions.


    Xiao Yi''s pupils shrank abruptly, following the energy fluctuations, he saw that led by Yang Jin, experts from ten major sects as well as, the Nangong Family and the Beitang Family, these twelve forces had simultaneously had over twenty peak Tao Tribulation Realm experts emerge.


    Every one of them began attempting to break through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    They had not yet reached the Dharma Manifestation Realm themselves, but their grand attempts to break through under the heavenly tribulation still provoked a response from it.


    Rumble!


    The Ninth-Heavy Tribulation Thunder that was about to fall was suddenly halted. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A purple-gold spherical orb, as if a gigantic gem embedded within the black clouds, burst forth with dazzling light that shot into the sky; its brilliance spanned ten thousand zhang, pulsing and flickering. The surrounding hundred li of tribulation clouds furiously gathered, with countless energies converging toward the orb.


    The energy within the tribulation thunder was accumulating swiftly, climbing higher.


    The force increased at a rapid pace.


    Tenfold.


    Twentyfold.


    Thirtyfold¡­


    The hundred li tribulation clouds condensed into a ten-li radius, all other energies congregating into that Ninth-Heavy Tribulation Thunder.


    The suppressed thunder, which had yet to be released, radiated a terrifying pressure that made the creatures within hundreds of li shudder in fright.


    Especially powerful beings like Yang Jin, who were scared out of their wits.


    Their legs could not help but tremble.


    Bowing in reverence to that heavenly might!


    "How terrifying the tribulation lightning is..."


    "Hahaha, we succeeded, the power of this tribulation lightning has increased by dozens of times, the one undergoing tribulation is doomed to die without doubt!"


    Yang Jin clenched his fists tightly, his face filled with malevolence, "The Saint Heir also underwent tribulation no more than a hundred miles away, who do you think you are to compare with him? No matter who you are, under such a terrifying heavenly tribulation, there is absolutely only the path to death, hehehe..."


    Xiao Tianjiao was the face of the Tianjian Sect.


    His position on the throne as the number one talent within the Great Qian Dynasty brought immense benefits to the Tianjian Sect.


    The complexities of the interests involved are beyond words.


    In short...


    Apart from the Tianjian Sect, the top ten sects and the four great families actually didn''t want to see such an uncontrollable variable emerge frequently.


    This was also why, when Yang Jin proposed the idea of borrowing the power of the heavenly tribulation to destroy Xiao Yi, he immediately gained everyone''s agreement.


    Boom!


    A thunderous beam of lightning, eclipsing the sun, fell from the sky, so fierce that it shattered a part of the tribulation clouds upon impact. Lightning bolts and electric snakes rolled incessantly, with a hissing sound that was deafening, and a storm of destruction rushed towards them.


    Above Xiao Yi''s head, the Golden Core floated, with nine Dao patterns erupting into brilliant light simultaneously.


    The Wind Thunder Holy Body was fully unleashed.


    Little Lin stayed by his side, his massive body shrouded in golden light circulating like a gold-carved dragon, opening its huge mouth, with specks of blue light converging into a round light orb.


    Whoosh!


    A blue light pillar gathered from Little Lin''s mouth, shooting straight into the sky, colliding with the lightning head-on.


    Boom!


    The terrifying Ninth-Heavy Tribulation Thunder crashed down.


    Like a sky-covering waterfall, it enveloped and devoured everything.


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi and Little Lin were engulfed by the lightning pillar in an instant, violently pushing them towards the ground in a rapid descent.


    Boom!


    The light pillar landed in the midst of Great Liang Mountain.


    A massive roar echoed from the point of contact between the lightning pillar and the ground, followed by a thud, as the earth trembled and the sky shattered. A circular shock wave emanated from the lightning pillar above.


    The shock wave came quickly, but it also subsided quickly.


    Everything seemed frozen in time.


    Until several breaths later.


    Boom!


    Boom!


    Boom...


    Terrible tremors followed by earth-shattering explosions resounded, mountains collapsed, the earth cracked, and everything was destroyed, pulverized, and leveled by the impact of the thunderous blast.


    At the epicenter of where the lightning struck, a gigantic circular mushroom cloud soared into the sky, reaching for the clouds.


    As this cloud shot up.


    When everything dispersed...


    In the midst of where Great Liang Mountain once stood, there was now a huge circular plain with a diameter of twenty miles...


    Thick tribulation clouds above slowly cleared away.


    Golden sunlight gradually fell down.


    All the strong beings held their breaths, not daring to utter a single sound, all looking towards the heart of the lightning strike.


    One breath.


    Two breaths.


    Three breaths.


    After a full ten breaths, the crowd saw no sign of any living being in the plain.


    Yang Jin suddenly clenched his fists tightly, "Hahaha, we did it!"


    "Those who cannot be controlled should not exist in this world!"


    "The Great Qian Dynasty has the royal family, the top ten sects, and the four great families, that''s more than enough!"


    Dongfang Kuang''s face turned pale, his clothes soaked in cold sweat.


    In despair, he slowly closed his eyes.


    But just as his eyes were about to shut, he suddenly opened them wide, staring intently at the center of that plain, at a pile of rubble, where a pebble the size of a thumb trembled slightly and rolled down from the pile of stones...

 Chapter 268 - 268 How Do You Want to Die?

    Crack!


    Crack crack!


    As one piece of rubble fell away, stone after stone followed suit.


    Indistinctly...


    Inside that mountain of rocks, a series of intense rumbling sounds echoed without end, as massive boulders burst apart, scattering in all directions, or else falling and smashing into the ground.


    Boom!


    With a loud noise, rocks pierced through the air.


    Two figures shot up from the midst of the stone debris.


    In the blink of an eye.


    The two figures were now suspended in midair, Little Lin still transformed into a hundred yards in size, his body shimmering with golden light, his head crowned with dragon horns, his dragon whiskers fluttering, his dragon scales dazzling with brilliant light, emitting an unparalleled majesty.


    A pair of golden wings grew from his back, stirring up gusts of wind with their slight quiver.


    Below his belly, his four claws reached into the void, creating ripples in the air.


    The aura of the Beast King seeped out.


    It made all of the surviving beasts around them kneel on the ground, quivering in fear.


    A sixth-rank Beast King!


    Comparable to the human Dharma Manifestation Realm!


    Above Little Lin''s head, Xiao Yi sat cross-legged between two dragon horns.


    The power of Wind Thunder circulated around his body, obscuring his features.


    The ninth lightning strike, bolstered by the likes of Yang Jin and others, held a power that was dozens of times stronger than a normal ninth lightning strike; had he not cultivated the Wind Thunder Holy Body and swallowed the majority of the lightning''s power, that recent strike would have sufficed to erase both him and Little Lin from this world.


    Even so...


    The Wind Thunder power inside him was still violent beyond measure, hindering the condensation of the Martial Dao Divine Fruit.


    Xiao Yi was exerting his entire strength to suppress the tumultuous power of Wind Thunder, enabling the Wind Thunder Holy Body to officially step into the fourth realm, and in turn, to solidify the Martial Dao Divine Fruit.


    "He... he''s not dead?"


    "Impossible! Such a powerful Heavenly Tribulation, and they still didn''t die?"


    The smug expressions on the faces of Yang Jin and the others abruptly solidified.


    Each of them stared dumbfounded at the person and beast hovering in the sky.


    Dongfang Kuang clenched his fists tightly with a flicker of excitement in the depth of his eyes, silently breathing a sigh of relief, "I knew it... With a talent far surpassing Xiao Tianjiao, how could you possibly die under that Heavenly Tribulation?"


    The facial expressions of Yang Jin and other prior attackers changed in unison.


    Could it be that the Heavenly Tribulation triggered by the unrestrained outbreak of twenty Tao Tribulation Realm experts still failed to kill them?


    "He has just overcome the Heavenly Tribulation and must be at his weakest, this moment is the best opportunity to eliminate them..." Ye Lun, the chief officer of True Martial Hall in the imperial city, narrowed his eyes and spoke gravely.


    Yang Jin''s face was expressionless, "This child cannot be spared, he''ll be a continuous threat, make your move!"


    The crowd mutually exchanged glances, silently forming a consensus.


    Swoosh swoosh swoosh!


    One by one, powerful beings soared into the sky, streaking towards Xiao Yi.


    In the void.


    Little Lin shook his head; the last wave of Heavenly Tribulation had been almost entirely devoured by Xiao Yi, so he wasn''t greatly affected. Suddenly seeing Yang Jin and others coming to kill, a hint of cold light passed through his eyes, "Was it not these guys who almost killed my boss just now, still harboring ill intentions, intent on putting me and the boss in danger?"


    Little Lin remembered very clearly, it was these people who burst forth with their energy at the critical moment, igniting the Heavenly Tribulation, that led him and Xiao Yi into a life-and-death crisis.


    Now...


    These people were thinking of attacking Xiao Yi at the critical moment of condensing the Martial Dao Divine Fruit, how could Little Lin not be furious?


    Roar!


    As Little Lin roared, his huge body flickered with golden light, his mouth forming a purplish-black orb of light that shot towards Yang Jin and the others with a swish. This purplish-black orb was surrounded by lightning, and serpentine bolts churned around it, containing a destructive force.


    Yang Jin and the others changed expressions, simultaneously raising their hands to form barriers of Yuan energy.


    Hum!


    The purplish-black orb struck the Yuan energy barrier, and both forces stuck against each other like a needle to wheat.


    Suddenly...


    Boom!


    Crack!


    With a gigantic boom,


    the purple-black orb exploded violently, causing cracks to spread over the energy barrier like a spider web, covering the entire barrier.


    Crack, a crisp sound echoed.


    The energy barrier shattered instantly, and the purple-black energy orb flew into Yang Jin and others, exploding with a loud bang.


    Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!


    Countless black chains flew out from within the purple-black energy orb.


    Yang Jin and the others couldn''t have anticipated a second attack hidden inside the black energy orb. In an instant, four Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouses were too late to dodge, caught by the black chains, and rendered immobile. As the chains wrapped around them, Little Lin suddenly burst out, opening its huge bloodthirsty maw, and bit into the two nearest True Martial Hall Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouses.


    Splat! Splat!


    Two streams of blood shot out.


    Little Lin swallowed both powerhouses whole and chewed with a crunching sound that sent shivers down one''s spine.


    In the blink of an eye,


    both of the True Martial Hall''s Tao Tribulation Realm experts stationed in the imperial capital had become a feast in Little Lin''s belly. Its pair of cold eyes swept over Yang Jin and the others, "You''re next!"


    "Damn it!"


    Yang Jin''s heart skipped a beat, a flash of horror crossed his dark eyes, and he gritted his teeth, "This beast is ferociously cruel. If we let it escape alive, it will become a disaster for the world. Dongfang, Ancestor Nangong, Qi, please assist me in capturing this monster!"


    The ten great sects had not stationed any Dharma Manifestation Realm experts in the imperial capital.


    With Little Lin having stepped into the Dharma Manifestation Realm, they, who were mere Tao Tribulation Realm experts, could not contend with it.


    Yang Jin was hence appealing to the likes of Dongfang Kuang and others.


    Among the Dharma Manifestation Realm experts present,


    Qi and Dongfang Kuang, both at the Peak of the Dharma Manifestation Realm, were the most revered. Nangong Shengtian was not far behind, with the cultivation of the sixth level of the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    If the three of them made a move,


    it was certain that Little Lin could only be captured. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    However, Qi simply said indifferently, "Your Highness Yang Jin, please forgive me, His Majesty has not permitted this old servant to take action!"


    Emperor Qian had only sent him to be present in case the person undergoing the Heavenly Tribulation was from the four great families or one of the ten major sects; only then should he take the opportunity to eradicate them. But clearly, Little Lin was not a powerhouse from either of these forces, and naturally, he would not rashly act and make an enemy for the royal family.


    "You wretched old dog... when my elder brother ascends the throne, I will have you executed!"


    Yang Jin glared fiercely at Qi, deeply dissatisfied. Even as a prince, Qi did not take him seriously at all, and he thought maliciously to himself, then turned to look at Dongfang Kuang, "Dongfang, you..."


    Dongfang Kuang said with an expression of difficulty, "Your Highness Yang Jin, please forgive me, I have recently encountered a problem with my cultivation and really should not exert myself!"


    "You..."


    Yang Jin''s eyes were filled with ruthless venom, a problem with cultivation? As if he was trying to fool ghosts!


    He could only turn to Nangong Shengtian.


    At this moment...


    The twenty-two Tao Tribulation Realm experts from the ten great sects had already lost three more members in the battle against Little Lin. Tie Yun of the Kuangdao Sect had been bitten in half by Little Lin, with his upper body falling to the ground, his hands struggling to crawl forward as a trail of blood was dragged behind him. If no one from the Dharma Manifestation Realm stepped in to suppress Little Lin soon, all these people might be killed by it.


    Nangong Shengtian narrowed his eyes, having also played a part in luring the Heavenly Tribulation earlier, and with a gleam flashing in his eyes, he said in a deep voice, "Kill it, the beast''s corpse belongs to the Nangong Family!"


    This was the corpse of a rank-six Beast King.


    Every part of it was a treasure!


    Yang Jin nodded, "As long as Ancestor Nangong is willing to make a move and kill this beast, its corpse is all yours!"


    "Good!"


    Nangong Shengtian burst into laughter, leaping into the air. He slapped down from above, and a huge energy palm descended like a mountain peak, shaking heaven and earth with his cold voice, "You demon, surrender now!"


    Boom!


    The massive peak slammed hard onto Little Lin''s body.


    Little Lin, being a novice at the sixth rank, how could it be a match for Ancestor Nangong of the Dharma Manifestation Realm with six levels of cultivation?


    Sputter!


    Little Lin trembled all over, crushed by the energy palm and fell with a crash into the Great Liang Mountain. The massive energy palm in the sky condensed into a cold sword light and slashed down towards Little Lin.


    This strike aimed to split Little Lin in two!


    Just as the moment was at its most critical...


    An icy voice suddenly pierced through heaven and earth, "Harm my brother, how do you wish to die?"

 Chapter 269 - 269 Are You Worthy?

    "How do you wish to die?"


    The icy voice suddenly arose.


    Meanwhile...


    In front of Little Lin, an invisible palm gradually became visible to everyone''s eyes. The light of wind and thunder slowly dissipated, and it was Xiao Yi, who had been sitting cross-legged above Little Lin''s head. He now grasped the qi blade single-handedly.


    The five fingers tightened quietly.


    Bang!


    The qi blade burst into explosion.


    Xiao Yi slightly lifted his head and looked toward Nangong Shengtian, Yang Jin, and the others who were not far away.


    "Hmm?"


    Everyone was startled.


    At the beginning of the descent of the heavenly tribulation, they instinctively assumed the person undergoing tribulation was Xiao Yi.


    Yet now...


    Looking at Xiao Yi standing in front of Little Lin, it was clear that he merely possessed the aura of the First Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm!


    "Could it be that the one who actually underwent the tribulation was that beast?"


    "This guy is just at the Tao Tribulation Realm, and he has just broken through not long ago. There''s no way he could have induced such a heavenly tribulation. The only possibility is that beast. However, for a beast to draw a tribulation comparable to when Xiao Tianjiao advanced, its bloodline must also be incredibly strong..."


    "It seems like a dragon but has wings... Such a beast is unheard of; it could very well be a mutant!"


    "If we could subdue this creature, its future would be boundless!"


    The gazes of the strong beings towards Little Lin became fervent, while Xiao Yi was instinctively overlooked by them.


    In their eyes...


    Xiao Yi was merely basking in Little Lin''s light.


    A youngster who had just broken through to the Tao Tribulation Realm, in front of these giants at the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm or even the Dharma Manifestation Realm, indeed seemed as insignificant as an ant.


    Of course.


    Dongfang Kuang and Qi from the crowd did not see it that way.


    Listening to everyone''s discussion, Dongfang Kuang laughed scornfully, "A bunch of idiots... How could you know that the heavenly tribulation was induced by Xiao Yi? Tsk tsk, to trigger a tribulation comparable to the one Xiao Tianjiao faced when breaking through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm upon advancing to the Tao Tribulation Realm, this kid''s talent is definitely far beyond Xiao Tianjiao''s. It''s limitless! Now, only I know that it was Xiao Yi who brought about the tribulation. This is an opportunity for the Dongfang Family!"


    Although the sarcasm and triumph on his face were subtle, they were still caught in the eyes of Qi.


    Qi also recognized Xiao Yi''s identity and, seeing Dongfang Kuang''s various expressions, suddenly transmitted his voice, "Old Dongfang, it seems you share a close relationship with President Xiao!"


    "Naturally, he... uh..."


    Dongfang Kuang subconsciously retorted and immediately thereafter, his expression changed. Angrily glancing at Qi, he said, "You old man, how dare you trick me into speaking?"


    "Hmph!"


    Qi snorted coldly and said solemnly, "Old man, we have known each other for hundreds of years, you should know my temperament. What should be hidden from me and what should not, you ought to be clear on that, right?"


    Dongfang Kuang''s face slightly changed.


    He did not want to expose Xiao Yi''s talent but only wished for the Dongfang Family to be on good terms with Xiao Yi alone.


    But then he thought...


    After all, Xiao Yi was the President of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, and at least for now, the royal family seemed to have a good attitude towards him. With this thought, Dongfang Kuang gave Xiao Yi a deep look and transmitted back, "The tribulation just now was induced by Xiao Yi." He didn''t care about the astonishment on Qi''s face and continued, "Xiao Yi has passed through my seven Yin Yang Five Elements Towers!" sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Hiss!


    Qi couldn''t help but inhale sharply.


    He knew all too well what it meant to have passed through seven Yin Yang Five Elements Towers!


    Back then...


    Xiao Tianjiao had only traversed five of the Five Elements Towers when he entered the Tao Tribulation Realm, and even so, he had already become the most talented individual in the history of the Great Qian Dynasty.


    Could Xiao Yi be even stronger than Xiao Tianjiao?


    Was that Heavenly Tribulation really brought about by Xiao Yi?


    Qi said in a heavy voice, "He is merely at the Tao Tribulation Realm..."


    Dongfang Kuang scoffed, "Who told you that someone at the Tao Tribulation Realm can''t trigger a Heavenly Tribulation?"


    Hiss!


    Qi looked at Xiao Yi, his eyes filled with disbelief. Before this, the royal family had already placed great emphasis on Xiao Yi, especially after learning that he, under the alias One Punch, had broken Xiao Tianjiao''s consecutive victory record at the Combat Pavilion. Emperor Qian''s attention to Xiao Yi had reached new heights. Now it seemed that the royal family''s understanding of Xiao Yi was still too limited.


    "With talent surpassing Xiao Tianjiao, combat strength beyond that of Xiao Tianjiao at the same realm, and capable of drawing a Heavenly Tribulation upon breaking through to the Tao Tribulation Realm... this boy must be firmly recruited!"


    Qi, who had spent his life loyally serving the royal family, had a flash of thought in his mind and made a decision, transmitting his voice solemnly, "Dongfang, we must protect Xiao Yi with all our might!"


    "Rest assured!"


    Dongfang Kuang nodded his head.


    Their conversation, all through voice transmission, took but a moment.


    Meanwhile...


    Nangong Shengtian''s intense gaze shifted from Little Lin to speak in a heavy tone, "Boy, in consideration of your young age and ignorance, I forgive your disrespect. However, while death may be avoided, punishment cannot be escaped. Kneel before me now and swear loyalty to the Nangong Family, and I shall spare you both!"


    Yang Jin''s eyes, too, burned with eagerness as he looked at Little Lin. Even the Heavenly Tribulation triggered by Xiao Tianjiao''s fire dragon''s breakthrough to the sixth rank was no more than half as intense as Little Lin''s. If he could bring Little Lin back and present it to Xiao Tianjiao, it would definitely be a tremendous achievement. He immediately said in a deep voice, "Although the Nangong Family is strong, it still does not compare to our Tianjian Sect. As long as you join our sect, I will secure a position as a Core Disciple for you¡ªan opportunity countless people dream of!"


    "Come to our Vast Righteousness Pavilion!"


    "Our Yin Yang Dao Arena is not bad either..."


    One after another, people began to speak up, attempting to recruit.


    Before this.


    They all thought it was Xiao Yi who was undergoing the tribulation, and so a human strongman, with talent not inferior to Xiao Tianjiao and beyond their control, was naturally someone they desired to deal with swiftly.


    But now...


    They thought the one undergoing the tribulation was Little Lin.


    This was a mythical creature!


    To recruit it would be akin to possessing a mythical beast to protect their sect!


    Compared to the ambitious and difficult-to-control human strongmen, such a talented mythical creature was naturally easier to control, and at the same time, an immediate combat force that all major sects and powers were eager to obtain!


    As several people competed to recruit.


    Xiao Yi''s lips curled up slightly as he looked at Little Lin on his shoulder, "Little Lin, what do you think?"


    Little Lin grinned, "Wherever big brother goes, I go!"


    "You all heard him!"


    Xiao Yi smiled, his expression playful as he leisurely said to the crowd, "However, I have no intention of joining any of your sides!"


    "Hmm?"


    All of them frowned.


    Nangong Sheng''s face was as dark as water.


    Yang Jin sighed, his expression turning cold and sinister as he said, "Boy, if you know what''s good for you, you''ll make your beast recognize me as its master. As long as you hand it over to our Tianjian Sect, I not only spare you from death, but I will also recommend you to Brother Xiao Tianjiao, so that you can become a servant under his command and care for this creature. Otherwise, don''t blame me for being ruthless... It''s not difficult to simply kill you and then make this beast recognize a new master!"


    Yang Jin''s gaze was icy, aggressively pressing.


    Facing Yang Jin''s coercion.


    Xiao Yi let out a light sigh, his body leaning forward slightly as he locked eyes with Yang Jin, "Have Little Lin recognize you as master? You''re not even fit to ask¡ªlook in the mirror before you say such things."

 Chapter 270 - 270: Come at me all together!

    "You''re not even fit to speak,"


    Xiao Yi''s face was thick with scorn and disdain, as his slightly leaning figure loomed like a towering mountain about to collapse, bringing with it an oppressive heaviness.


    Even Yang Jin, at the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm, felt a shiver in his heart under Xiao Yi''s intense gaze.


    A clench gripped Yang Jin''s heart; when he met Xiao Yi''s icy stare, he had the feeling of being utterly seen through. It was as if he stood naked before Xiao Yi, completely exposed. Such a sensation, he had only felt in the presence of some Dharma Manifestation Realm masters.


    But...


    Upon reflection, Yang Jin sneered, "Kid, you''re the most arrogant one I''ve ever seen among our peers!"


    Xiao Yi shrugged his shoulders, "Thanks for the compliment!"


    "Hmph!"


    Yang Jin snorted coldly, his smile turning cruel, "Arrogance requires capital, and without sufficient strength, such arrogance is simply a death wish. Since you refuse to hand over the monster obediently, I''ll just have to take it myself!"


    The robed elder from Yin-Yang Dao said in a deep voice, "Yang Jin, everyone who sees has a share, this monster cannot be yours alone!"


    "That''s right!"


    "Although your Tianjian Sect is powerful, if this monster is well nurtured, in the future it might become a being not the least bit inferior to Xiao Tianjiao!"


    "When it comes to nurturing monsters, my Ten Thousand Beasts Sect is the true expert. Better hand it over to me!"


    One after another, the powerhouses started to speak up.


    They completely disregarded Xiao Yi, discussing the ownership of Little Lin.


    After all.


    In their eyes, Xiao Yi, merely at the First Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm, was far too weak.


    As insignificant as an ant.


    Could be crushed with a single finger.


    Yang Jin''s complexion went from pale to flushed, never expecting that others would dare to vie with Tianjian Sect for the beast. His expression was dark as he said, "Shut up... Since everyone wants this monster, let''s take matters into our own hands! Whoever captures this young man first gets the monster, how about that?"


    Although Tianjian Sect was powerful, they did not wish to completely offend the other nine major sects.


    Left with no choice.


    Yang Jin could only make a concession, allowing everyone to make their move simultaneously, and whoever captured Xiao Yi first would effectively own the monster.


    The crowd exchanged looks.


    This was the fairest method at the moment.


    "Swish!"


    A powerhouse from the Vast Righteousness Pavilion, at the Fifth Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm, suddenly made a move, instantly appearing before Xiao Yi. Looking at the unguarded Xiao Yi, his face revealed an excited expression, "Haha, gentlemen, this monster shall belong to my Vast Righteousness Pavilion!"


    "Damn it!"


    "The scoundrels of Vast Righteousness Pavilion are as cunning as ever..."


    "Stop right there!"


    Yang Jin and the others were furious.


    The Vast Righteousness Pavilion had a name that suggested righteousness, but their actions often ran contrary to their name.


    Seeing one of their members already in front of Xiao Yi, Yang Jin and the others were seething with anger as if Little Lin was already slipping away from them.


    After all.


    The one who had made a move was at the Fifth Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    Xiao Yi was merely at the First Layer!


    The gap was too great!


    Crack!


    The Vast Righteousness Pavilion''s powerhouse''s hand landed on Xiao Yi''s shoulder without impediment, his face alight with excitement as he laughed heartily, "Boy, give yourself up and hand over the monster to my Vast Righteousness Pavilion. Otherwise, don''t blame me..."


    Before he could finish.


    His voice was cut off abruptly.


    Xiao Yi had, at some point, broken his wrist, and while following the motion, he clasped the assailant''s throat with a claw-like grip. Tightening his fingers, a crisp snap sounded, and the Vast Righteousness Pavilion''s strong man shuddered, spewing out a gush of blood. His head twisted to one side, his neck broken by Xiao Yi, dead before he could finish his threat.


    Hiss!


    Yang Jin and the others, who were originally furious, were now dumbfounded.


    This was a powerful being from the Fifth Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm!


    Logically speaking...


    With his strength, taking on Xiao Yi, who was merely at the First Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm, should have been a walk in the park.


    How could he have died just like that?


    Another Vast Righteousness Pavilion martial artist from the Seventh Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm, who had been obstructing the crowd, suddenly saw his companion killed. His eyes instantly turned blood red, and he bellowed, "You dog, how dare you kill my junior brother? You''re dead for sure, no one can save you now!"


    Whoosh!


    The martial artist from the Seventh Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm soared into the air.


    Whoosh!


    Behind him, three silver Sword Qi burst forth, and in the midst of boundless light, three longswords, shimmering with silver luminescence, hovered in mid-air.


    "Vast Righteousness Qi!"


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!


    Three streams of Sword Qi transformed into three silver streaks, stretching across heaven and earth like falling silver meteors, and in an instant, they appeared before Xiao Yi. This attack contained the power of Gold, sharp without equal, and also incomparably swift, a speed that not even ordinary martial artists at the Peak of the Golden Core Realm could evade.


    "Not good, Xiao Yi is in danger!" exclaimed Dongfang Kuang, his face changing rapidly.


    But Qi knew that Xiao Yi had defeated Xue Wuhen from the Tao Tribulation Realm Peak when he was at the Golden Elixir Realm Peak, and he shook his head at Dongfang Kuang, saying, "Don''t worry, if he can''t even block an attack of this level, he doesn''t deserve our protection." S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Huh?"


    Dongfang Kuang was taken aback.


    At that moment...


    Facing the three sharp Sword Qi hurtling towards him, Xiao Yi yawned and casually swung his hand.


    Whoosh!


    As he slapped his hand down.


    Brilliance circulated upon his palm as dazzling light swirled around it, the slap growing larger and larger.


    Just in an instant...


    Bang!


    The palm landed on the three streams of Sword Qi.


    The Sword Qi trembled violently.


    And then, under the force of the palm, burst explosively apart.


    "What?"


    "Those were high-grade fifth-tier spiritual weapons, even sixth-tier spiritual weapons would not easily break them, he, he shattered those three high-grade fifth-tier spiritual weapons with just one slap?"


    "How is that possible?"


    All the martial artists were agape with astonishment.


    A casual slap had shattered three high-grade fifth-tier spiritual weapons!


    It was simply unbelievable.


    Little did they know...


    Xiao Yi had cultivated his Wind Thunder Holy Body to the fourth realm, his physical strength alone was comparable to a sixth-tier spiritual weapon, and with the power of the Seal of Divinity refined in his body, his vitality far surpassed martial artists of the same realm. Even against a primary sixth-tier spiritual weapon, he could withstand it with his flesh, let alone a high-grade fifth-tier spiritual weapon?


    After crushing the three spiritual weapons.


    Xiao Yi reached out and grabbed a broken sword fragment, thrusting it forward.


    Whoosh!


    The thrust was incredibly fast.


    So fast that the martial artist from Vast Righteousness Pavilion was unable to react, as the sharp broken sword pierced his brow with a ''puff'' sound.


    And with a thunderous explosion, burst out from the back of his skull.


    His entire back of the head split apart, fresh blood instantly saturated his entire body, his face still wore an expression of deep shock and disbelief, as he laid straight in a pool of blood.


    After slaying two martial artists from the Vast Righteousness Pavilion in the Tao Tribulation Realm, Xiao Yi shook his hands lightly and looked at Yang Jin and the others, crooking his finger, "One by one is too slow, come at me all together!"

 Chapter 271 - 271: One Against Ten

    "All of you, come at me together!"


    Xiao Yi said with an indifferent expression on his face, his voice calm.


    The expressions of Yang Jin and the others changed dramatically.


    The two Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouses from the Vast Righteousness Pavilion were now slain, and Little Lin had killed three from the True Martial Hall and the Kuangdao Sect.


    Out of the twenty-two Tao Tribulation Realm experts from the ten great sects, a quarter had perished.


    For the ten great sects, this was an outright slap in the face!


    They had already forgotten when the last time someone from the ten great sects was killed!


    Hu!


    Yang Jin took a deep breath, his cold eyes sweeping over the remaining sixteen people.


    Still present at the scene were the powerhouses from the Tianjian Sect, Kuangdao Sect, Three Seas Mountain, Liyang Sect, Feixue Temple, Wendao Villa, Ten Thousand Beasts Sect, and Yin Yang Dao Arena.


    Each person''s gaze toward Xiao Yi held a weight it previously didn''t, rather than the previous disdain, there was now a serious undertone.


    Despite Xiao Yi only being at the First Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm.


    The ease with which he had slain the two Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouses from the Vast Righteousness Pavilion revealed his strength to be that of a formidable opponent.


    The old Daoist from the Yin Yang Dao Arena narrowed his eyes, staring fixedly at Xiao Yi, his horsetail whisk trembling slightly in his hand, "A mere First Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm, yet possessing such terrifying power, this young man could not possibly be some nobody!"


    The Liyang Sect powerhouse, surrounded by swirling red Yuan Qi, looking as ferocious as a wild beast with a miniature sun emitting a crimson glow above his head, the heat waves rolling off of it, spoke in an extremely cold voice, "No matter who he is, daring to challenge the dignity of our ten great sects, he must die!"


    "We must kill him, otherwise where would the dignity of our ten great sects stand?" said the iron follower of the Kuangdao Sect, his blood-red tongue licking the handle of his saber with a sinister tone.


    The middle-aged woman from the Feixue Temple, dressed in a blood-red gown, her expressionless face surrounded by drifting snow, her eyes as cold as frost, said, "Since he insisted on seeking death, we shall grant it to him."


    The experts from the ten great sects exchanged glances.


    They had reached an understanding!


    This was the reason the ten great sects were such a headache for the imperial family: they were constantly competing with each other, but once an outside force touched their interests, challenging their authority and status, the ten great sects would unite at the first opportunity, presenting a united front. This unity was why the once flourishing Xiaoshanhe Institute had fallen to such a state.


    And the suppression from the ten great sects played no small part in that.


    For instance, during a training exercise, the disciples of the ten great sects would do nothing but join forces to suppress the Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Thousands of disciples would enter a mysterious realm for training, and fewer than a hundred would come out alive.


    Situations like this happened all the time.


    Eventually...


    Naturally, no one dared to join the Xiaoshanhe Institute anymore.


    Today.


    The appearance of Xiao Yi challenged the authority of the ten great sects, and they immediately came to an agreement to collaborate and suppress Xiao Yi together.


    Shua shua shua! Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Among the seventeen experts, there were seven at the Tao Tribulation Realm Peak, with the rest being experts above the Fourth Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm. When these seventeen people joined forces, the multicolored Yuan Qi filled the sky, and amidst the ten thousand rays of light, terrifying fluctuations of Yuan Qi converged into a dazzling, rainbow-like streamer.


    As a top disciple of the Tianjian Sect and the person in charge of its branch in the royal capital, Yang Jin naturally took the lead.


    Shua!


    A pierced-heaven sword appeared around Yang Jin.


    This sword was shrouded in a turquoise light, with mysterious runes inscribed upon its blade, a sixth-grade Yuan weapon!


    Being the son of Emperor Qian and a loyal supporter of the Crown Prince and Xiao Tianjiao, his strength was naturally formidable. His cultivation might not have been at the Tao Tribulation Realm Peak, but it was no weaker than the vast majority who were, especially when bolstered by this sixth-grade Yuan weapon and employing the Tianjian Sect''s secret Sword Control Technique.


    Taking the head of an enemy general from a hundred miles away was as easy as reaching into a bag.


    His combat power was not to be underestimated!


    "Sword, come!"


    Yang Jin roared low, a flick of his sword finger.


    With a series of grating clashing sounds, a sixth-grade longsword split in two, then four... until it became sixty-four longswords.


    The strength of Sword Control Technique is measured by the number of flying swords one can manipulate at the same time.


    Manipulating sixty-four flying swords at once, Yang Jin''s combat power was by no means weaker than that of a warrior at the Peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    "Sword Control sixty-four?"


    Dongfang Kuang thought of the eldest Crown Prince, second only to Xiao Tianjiao in the Tianjian Sect, and Yang Ling, whose depth no one could fathom, and he couldn''t help shaking his head and sighing, "I didn''t expect Prince Yang Jin''s strength to be so formidable. If it weren''t for the Crown Prince and Prince Yang Ling, he''d have a good chance at contending for the throne..."


    "The matter of the successor is for his Majesty to decide, best we don''t discuss it!"


    Qi said indifferently, then with a squint, he added, "As far as I know, Prince Yang Jin''s Sword Control Technique was instructed by Xiao Tianjiao himself that''s how he achieved such proficiency."


    "Indeed, Xiao Tianjiao is an unrivaled genius with no equal, having cultivated the three great secret techniques of the Tianjian Sect to a very high realm. Just the Sword Control Technique alone, it is said that he can manipulate two hundred and fifty-six flying swords simultaneously. However..."


    Dongfang Kuang narrowed his eyes, his gaze landing on Xiao Yi, reminded of the miracles Xiao Yi had created along the way, he said solemnly, "I think Xiao Yi might very well surpass him!"


    "Oh?"


    Qi looked deeply at Dongfang Kuang, a flicker of surprise darting through the depths of his eyes.


    Xiao Tianjiao''s strength had already taken deep root in people''s hearts.


    Firmly entrenched!


    Almost everyone believed that no one could surpass Xiao Tianjiao within a thousand years.


    Until now...


    Dongfang Kuang had thought so too.


    Especially after he had personally seen Xiao Tianjiao conquer the Five Yin Yang Five Elements Towers and condense the five elemental Dao patterns, he became an even firmer proponent of this view.


    But now.


    His thoughts had undergone earth-shattering changes.


    Both of them turned their attention to Xiao Yi.


    The attacks from Yang Jin''s Sword Control Technique, the Mad Demon Saber Skill from Kuangdao Sect, the Mysterious Tao Skill from Yin Yang Dao Arena, the Snow Transformation from Feixue Temple, and others filled the skies like a catastrophic flood, inundating from the ten major sects'' experts.


    One against ten.


    How would Xiao Yi respond?


    Under their watchful eyes...


    Xiao Yi suddenly soared into the sky, the power of Wind Thunder greatly stirring; purple-golden lightning and cyan winds twirled around his body, amidst ear-splitting explosive sounds, Xiao Yi stood aloft, reaching forward with his right hand, energy converging into a sword, sweeping out: "The waterfall cascades down three thousand feet!"


    Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!


    The number of energy longswords kept increasing, instantly turning into hundreds of energy blades.


    These blades condensed into a silver waterfall.


    Like a galaxy cascading down three thousand feet.


    Boom, boom, boom!


    Wherever the sword qi waterfall passed, colliding with Yang Jin''s flying swords, it was like the point of a needle against the broad side of wheat. Amidst a series of earth-shaking roars, the flying swords fell one after another, defeated by the onslaught of thunder.


    "A Stroke That Surprises the Wind and Rain!"


    Xiao Yi reached out, seizing one of the flying swords, turning himself into a sword, becoming one with the sword!


    Whoosh!


    A streak of sword light spanned the sky, with silver threads covering his form, he seemed to become a tens of zhang long beam of sword light, thrusting forward...

 Chapter 272 - 272 My Name is Xiao Yi!

    Xiao Yi stood suspended in the air, seizing one of the flying swords that had been struck down by a blade of elemental energy.


    His Fire Qilin Sword had already shattered.


    He had no handy weapon at the moment.


    With the flying sword in hand, he became one with the sword.


    His body as the sword, the sword as his weapon.


    "A Stroke That Surprises the Wind and Rain!"


    Xiao Yi pointed forward slightly, and sword light surged around him, carrying the supreme sharpness of sword energy, transforming into a beam tens of meters long. This beam of sword light stood across the sky like a pillar holding up the heavens, its dazzling brilliance making it impossible for one to open their eyes. As Xiao Yi''s gaze moved, the sword''s edge swiftly shot out toward the spot he pointed at.


    It was as if a pen that writes the universe of black and yellow descended upon the firmament.


    Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!


    Where the sword light landed, elemental energy exploded, turning into a sky filled with sword rain.


    A violent storm erupted, and the sword rain poured down.


    This torrential sword rain fell, crushing the dozens of flying swords before it to pieces, like a terrifying river of swords opening its gaping maw and swallowing the swords in its path.


    Yang Jin''s face split with rage, filled with shock, "How can this be? My Sword Control Technique can''t command the flying swords..."


    Sword Control Technique.


    Controlling swords with one''s mind.


    Where his thoughts went, the flying swords followed.


    But...


    Under the assault of Xiao Yi''s elemental energy sword river, his thoughts were abruptly cut off from the flying swords, as if they had been severed.


    Yang Jin had never seen such an eerie sight, but Dongfang Kuang and Qi had!


    The two exchanged glances, each seeing the shock in the other''s eyes, "Sword Intent at the third layer, unifying man and sword? This is the power of Sword Intent, honed to perfection, using it to shatter the telekinesis attached to the flying swords by Yang Jin... We never expected that Xiao Yi, so young, has already advanced his power of Sword Intent to such a realm..."


    "With Sword Intent this strong, he''s probably not far from the fourth layer, where the sword moves at will!" Dongfang Kuang said gravely.


    The deeper they understood Xiao Yi, the more terrifying they found him to be!


    Initially...


    They thought Xiao Yi had managed to break through from the Physical Body Realm to the Golden Elixir Realm Peak in just one or two years, astonishingly fast in his cultivation.


    But then...


    They realized that Xiao Yi''s combat power was also terrifyingly strong.


    Combat Pavilion, breaking Xiao Tianjiao''s winning streak!


    Afterward.


    Xiao Yi also passed through seven Yin Yang Five Elements Towers, even condensing nine Dao patterns, and with the cultivation at the initial stage of the Tao Tribulation Realm, he triggered the heavenly tribulation.


    This was like an unfathomable treasure!


    With continuous excavation, there were always new discoveries.


    Boom!


    A thunderous noise suddenly disrupted their thoughts.


    They saw Xiao Yi breaking through Yang Jin''s Sword Control Technique, and his figure turned into a streak of light in mid-air, with unrivaled speed, rushing past, and appearing in front of the old Daoist from the Yin Yang Dao Arena. The Daoist had earlier fired several talismans, which contained Profound Mysteries Formation, with raging flames and freezing ice.


    They kept hitting Xiao Yi. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Had his Wind Thunder Holy Body not reached the fourth layer, he would also have suffered greatly under these stealthy talisman attacks.


    Now that his hands were free, it was natural to deal with the powerful ones from the Yin Yang Dao Arena first.


    "Damn it!"


    The old Daoist''s face drastically changed, waving the horsetail whisk in his hand.


    Whoosh, whoosh!


    The horsetail whisk shone with white light, constantly extending in length, similar to a white dragon, twisting its huge body in the air, rolling towards Xiao Yi.


    This was no ordinary item.


    It was made from the Heavenly Profound Silkworm Silk, harvested from a Sixth-Layer High-Level Monster Heavenly Profound Silkworm, extremely tough, and once it entangled someone, even a master of the First Layer of Dharma Manifestation Realm would struggle to get free in a short time.


    Whoosh!


    The horsetail whisk entangled the flying sword in Xiao Yi''s hand, and began to spread towards his arm.


    Xiao Yi instinctively let go.


    And at the same time, he retreated.


    "Come down to me!"


    The old Daoist''s face turned icy as he lifted his arm, and the whisk aggressively followed.


    Behind Xiao Yi...


    The woman in white from the Feixue Temple had her face set like still water, cold as an iceberg, as she slapped the air with her slender palm. The falling snow condensed into a world of white ice and snow, and under its cover, it formed into a giant hand that blotted out the sky.


    As the giant hand reached across the sky, it aimed a strike at Xiao Yi''s back.


    Bang!


    Xiao Yi''s body trembled as he was forcefully halted by the giant hand, and at the same time, the horsetail whisk tangled around his waist.


    The old Taoist burst into laughter, "Attack quickly, he''s bound by my horsetail whisk and cannot break free..."


    Two Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouses from the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect commanded two monsters to charge at him simultaneously.


    These were two Fifth Layer High-Level Monster Black Wind Wolves, known for their incredible speed, akin to dark night gales, appearing in an instant before Xiao Yi, one biting at each of his legs, left and right.


    "Hahaha, Black Wind Wolves, bite off his legs!" the two proud powerhouses from the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect exclaimed.


    However...


    Beneath the sharp fangs of the Black Wind Wolves, instead of seeing Xiao Yi''s legs bitten off, they emitted a series of spine-chilling, brittle cracks.


    "How is this possible?"


    The two Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouses from Ten Thousand Beasts Sect looked at each other in disbelief.


    The Black Wind Wolves were infamous for their razor-sharp fangs, yet they couldn''t pierce through Xiao Yi''s flesh?


    "Seeking death!"


    Xiao Yi shook his legs, and with a snap, the fangs of the Black Wind Wolves shattered, their mouths gushing with blood, and they looked at Xiao Yi with terrified eyes before they turned and fled in panic. But Xiao Yi wasn''t about to let them escape so easily. His figure darted forward, catching up with the two Black Wind Wolves and grabbing them by their necks.


    Crack!


    With two crisp sounds, he broke the necks of the Black Wind Wolves.


    And then he leapt into the air.


    Chasing after the two powerhouses from the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect.


    The woman in white from the Feixue Temple''s face changed, and a blizzard swirled from her sleeves, producing a fierce storm of snow in an instant. It formed a barrier of wind and snow in front of the two powerhouses from the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect and the old Taoist from the Yin Yang Dao Arena, enclosing all three of them.


    The three heaved a sigh of relief and looked towards the woman in white, "Thank you!"


    The woman in white nodded slightly, about to speak, when suddenly Yang Jin''s voice, filled with shock and rage, came from behind, "Get out of the way, quickly!"


    "Hm?"


    In their daze, they suddenly heard Xiao Yi roar from behind the snowy barrier, "Er Shui Zhong Fen Bai Lu Zhou!"


    Whoosh!


    A sky-shocking blade of sword light split the snowy wall in front of them in two, the terrifying sword light whistling past, cutting the four, who were completely unprepared, into halves.


    In that instant.


    Seventeen Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouses, four more fell.


    Xiao Yi remained calm and collected, surrounded by raging Wind Thunder, his icy gaze fixed on Yang Jin and the others, "Your turn now!"


    Gulp!


    Yang Jin and the others swalowed hard, their faces filled with terror.


    Seventeen Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouses, nearly half at the Tao Tribulation Realm Peak, this array of true strength could even stand up to those in the Dharma Manifestation Realm!


    And the result...


    They were so easily defeated by Xiao Yi, merely at the First Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm?


    "Who, who are you really?"


    "I''ve never heard of such a powerful being within the Great Qian Dynasty..."


    To possess such strength at the First Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm, even more terrifying than Xiao Tianjiao of the same realm!


    How could such a person exist without renown?


    Suddenly...


    Yang Jin''s complexion drastically changed as he recalled the mysterious powerhouse he had seen at the Combat Pavilion, who bore a striking resemblance to the man before him. His face showed disbelief as he stared intently at Xiao Yi, "You, you are ''One Punch'' from the Combat Pavilion?"


    "What?"


    "He is ''One Punch''?"


    "Despite our inquiries, Xue Wuhen refused to reveal the identity of that ''One Punch'', could it really be this man before us?"


    All were displaying looks of utter astonishment.


    Ever since Xiao Yi surpassed Xiao Tianjiao''s record, all factions had been exhaustively searching for the mysterious "One Punch," naturally to no avail.


    But now...


    That enigmatic, even claimed to surpass Xiao Tianjiao, powerhouse was right before their eyes?


    "Yes, I am the ''One Punch'' you''ve been searching for. However, you might be more familiar with another name of mine..."


    Xiao Yi''s lips curled into a peculiar smile, and he spoke deliberately, "My name, is Xiao Yi!"

 Chapter 273 - 273 Purple Flame Brown Qilin Lion

    "My name is Xiao Yi!"


    Xiao Yi stated each word with pauses, enunciating clearly.


    Each word resounded like rolling thunder, echoing between heaven and earth.


    Humming!


    Yang Jin and the others felt their heads buzzing, their eyes wide with disbelief as they stared at Xiao Yi, who watched them with an amused smile on his face.


    Xiao Yi?


    He is Xiao Yi?


    Yang Jin felt his world spinning, stars bursting before his eyes, "Impossible, how could this be possible? How could Xiao Yi be so strong?"


    Within the Imperial Capital.


    There were no small number of people who were aware of Xiao Yi''s existence.


    Especially after Xiao Yi returned to the Imperial Capital and became the headmaster of the Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Even more people became aware of his identity and thus learned that Xiao Yi had been expelled from the Xiao Family, but in everyone''s eyes, Xiao Yi was seen as a disgrace by Xiao Tianjiao.


    How could he possibly be this young man in front of them?


    After all...


    This young man before them had broken the consecutive victory record set by Xiao Tianjiao in the Combat Pavilion.


    This young man was stronger than Xiao Tianjiao at the same realm.


    Such a peerless genius.


    How could he possibly be Xiao Yi, whom Xiao Tianjiao viewed as a disgrace and thus expelled from the Xiao Family?


    If all this were true, wouldn''t it imply that Xiao Tianjiao was blind? The very person he discarded as trash, the shame in his eyes, the Xiao Yi who, in his opinion, didn''t even deserve a place in the Xiao family''s genealogy, was actually a peerless genius who could continuously break the records that Xiao Tianjiao took pride in.


    "Impossible, how can you be Xiao Yi?" Yang Jin''s eyes were bloodshot as he roared hysterically.


    If the person before him truly was Xiao Yi.


    If... S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Everything he achieved was real.


    Then, wouldn''t it mean that Xiao Tianjiao was wrong?


    Yang Jin was a loyal supporter of Xiao Tianjiao, who had always idolized Xiao Tianjiao as the hero of his life, how could he admit that Xiao Tianjiao was wrong?


    His eyes bloodshot, he said through clenched teeth, "Who exactly are you? Who gave you the guts to impersonate Xiao Yi?"


    "Idiot!"


    Xiao Yi scoffed coldly and casually took out the headmaster''s token of the Xiaoshanhe Institute from his storage ring. This token was impossible to replicate, and its presentation was an undeniable proof of Xiao Yi''s identity, "Open your eyes wide and see what this is?"


    Gulp!


    Yang Jin swallowed subconsciously.


    His mind was buzzing, blank.


    Around him...


    With the exception of Dongfang Kuang and Qi, everyone was dumbstruck, speechless.


    The shock in everyone''s hearts was immeasurable: "I previously thought that since Xiao Yi was expelled by Xiao Tianjiao, he must have been worthless as Xiao Tianjiao claimed. But now it seems, Xiao Tianjiao is wildly mistaken! This is not a worthless person, this is a peerless genius not in the least bit inferior to Xiao Tianjiao..."


    "There were rumors saying that Xiao Tianjiao was jealous of Xiao Yi''s talents, hence he expelled him from the family and prevented him from cultivating since childhood. I didn''t believe it before, but now it seems there might be some truth to those rumors!"


    "Could it be possible? Xiao Tianjiao isn''t that kind of person, is he?"


    "It''s hard to know what lies behind a face! If that wasn''t the case, how could he treat his own younger brother so ruthlessly?"


    The murmurs of the crowd reached Yang Jin''s ears, causing his face to turn a complex shade of angry red and pale green.


    Just the few people present who recognized Xiao Yi''s exceptional talent had already spread many theories.


    If the entire Imperial Capital, the whole of the Great Qian Dynasty, were to know about this?


    How many unspeakable assertions would that breed then?


    "To completely eliminate this hidden danger, the only way is..."


    His gaze landed on Xiao Yi, a chilling glint passing through the depths of his eyes, "to get rid of him! As long as he''s killed, who would believe a dead man?"


    With this thought,


    Yang Jin suddenly let out an angry shout, "Audacious villain, how dare you impersonate the head of Xiaoshanhe Institute? You are challenging the majesty of my royal family. Gentlemen, I ask for your assistance in eradicating this individual, to set the record straight for all to witness!"


    Dongfang Kuang glanced at him coldly, a sneer on his face.


    Qi remained expressionless.


    How could they not guess what was on Yang Jin''s mind? He planned to do away with Xiao Yi, to nip any future trouble in the bud.


    However...


    Neither Dongfang Kuang nor Qi would lift a finger.


    Yang Jin turned his gaze toward Nangong Shengtian.


    Nangong Shengtian''s face was devoid of any expression. After realizing that the young man before him was Xiao Yi, Nangong Shengtian too had his own plans.


    The four great families certainly didn''t intend to tear their faces with the royal family.


    Xiao Yi was now the royal family''s spokesperson, fully supported to balance the power of the ten great sects. Why would he take action at this time?


    Yang Jin felt immense annoyance inside. He could only look to the remaining experts of the ten great sects, "Gentlemen, if this child is not removed, he will definitely become a great thorn in our sides..."


    "You mean a great thorn in the side of your Tianjian Sect, right?"


    "Xiao Yi''s feud with your Saint Heir is complicated; it''s really not our place to intervene!"


    The crowd spoke one after another.


    Though the ten great sects shared a common bond, that was only when facing external threats. Internally, there were many disputes among them.


    Ever since Xiao Tianjiao rose to power,


    the Tianjian Sect had so overwhelmed the other nine sects that they hardly had room to breathe. Now, the presence of Xiao Yi seemed to be a potential threat to both the Tianjian Sect and Xiao Tianjiao. Naturally, they were happy to sit on the sidelines and watch the fight. Everyone had their own thoughts, and Yang Jin''s expression grew even more unsightly. His gaze shifting coldly, Yang Jin suddenly turned to the two Beast Kings from Great Liang Mountain.


    "Two honored Beast Kings, if you assist me in slaying this child, my Tianjian Sect is willing to offer you the position of our sect''s guardian beasts!" Yang Jin said gravely.


    These two Level 6 demon beasts were twin brothers.


    Both were Purple Flame Brown Qilin Lions.


    The two beasts had occupied Great Liang Mountain for many years, but they didn''t dare cause trouble because of Benlin''s presence in the Imperial Capital, opting to seclude themselves deep within the mountains.


    If they could gain the support of the Tianjian Sect, their situation would change entirely.


    With this thought,


    The two beasts exchanged a glance and spoke in human tongue, "This king can help you, but you must fulfill the promised terms!"


    "Rest assured, Beast King, I, Yang Jin, never go back on my word!"


    Yang Jin pounded on his chest in guarantee, his eyes coldly fixated on Xiao Yi as he sneered, "Xiao Yi, no matter how talented you are, what does it matter? You''re not even worthy to carry the shoes for the Saint Heir... without the Saint Heir lifting a finger, I can send you to your death!"


    Boom!


    Roar!


    The two Purple Flame Brown Qilin Lions twisted their massive bodies, one on the left and one on the right, pacing toward Xiao Yi.


    Both of these Purple Flame Brown Qilin Lions were at the initial stages of Level 6, comparable to the cultivation of the first layer of the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    After all, Great Liang Mountain is not far from the Imperial Capital.


    The Great Qian Dynasty wouldn''t allow excessively powerful demon beasts near the capital; the two beasts had stayed low-key, secluding themselves in the mountains. Had it not been for this heavenly tribulation forcing them out, they would not have appeared before humans, nor would they have acted against the powerhouses of the Great Qian Dynasty. However, now faced with the chance to become guardian beasts for the Tianjian Sect,


    They naturally wouldn''t let this opportunity pass!


    The Purple Flame Brown Qilin Lions spoke in human tongue, their eyes shining with ferocity, as they stared intently at Xiao Yi, "Human, blame only that you''ve offended someone you shouldn''t have!"

 Chapter 274 - 274: Beat Up the Beast King, A Battle to Gain Fame!

    Roar!


    Roar!


    The two Purple Flame Brown Qilin Lions simultaneously let out fierce roars, their blood-red eyes filled with chilling light seeking prey, sending shivers down people''s spines.


    Purple light flowed around their bodies, like flames burning fiercely in a purple hue.


    The scale-like mane on their necks resembled royal crowns, adding an air of majesty to their presence.


    Whoosh! Whoosh!


    The two Purple Flame Brown Qilin Lions charged from the left and the right with extreme speed; their hefty bodies moved nimbly. As they rushed forth, they trailed twin ribbons of purple light. Their figures intertwined, with layers of purple light coiling around each other. In an instant, they appeared before Xiao Yi.


    The one from the left suddenly raised its claw, and beneath the fluffy fur, sharp claw blades shot out with two metallic sounds.


    The silvery claws were incredibly sharp, their ringing sound chilling to the bone.


    Xiao Yi summoned the power of Wind Thunder around him, his movements exuding vital energy that he directed to his arms, forming a pillar-like barrier at his side.


    Boom!


    Amidst the thunderous noise,


    Xiao Yi''s figure was forcefully knocked sideways.


    After all, the Purple Flame Brown Qilin Lion was a sixth-tier Beast King; combined with the innate physical superiority of mythical beasts over humans, it was able to temporarily suppress Xiao Yi.


    Meanwhile,


    The other Purple Flame Brown Qilin Lion had already been waiting aside.


    As Xiao Yi was sent flying, this lion opened its mouth wide, and the air around it swirled as the essence of heaven and earth converged into its maw. It formed a dazzling golden orb, condensed to the extreme, and its surface flickered with purple flames breathing in and out.


    Whoosh!


    The golden light orb shot out at an incredible speed, tearing through the void like a bolt of golden thunder.


    Striking Xiao Yi square on.


    Boom!


    In an explosion, the golden light orb burst apart.


    Amidst the blinding gold light, clusters of purple flames raged fiercely.


    The purple flames formed a sea of fire engulfing Xiao Yi completely; this was the Innate Divine Ability of the Purple Flame Brown Qilin Lion, the Purple Heavenly Fire.


    Forged from the absorbed essence of the sun and the moon,


    Capable of burning all things!


    "Hahaha, Xiao Yi, Xiao Yi, now let''s see how you die!" Yang Jin gloated, "The Purple Heavenly Fire of the Purple Flame Brown Qilin Lion can burn all things. Even those in the Dharma Manifestation Realm find it hard to resist, let alone you, merely at the First Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm. Keke, this is the fate of those who oppose the Saint Heir..."


    No sooner had he finished speaking,


    A violent wind suddenly appeared within the blazing purple flames.


    A cyan storm lifted the fiery purple blaze, forming a fire tornado that spiraled into the sky.


    Within the storm,


    Crackle and pop!


    Streaks of purple-gold thunderbolts emerged, and under their assault, the Purple Heavenly Fire released by the Purple Flame Brown Qilin Lions was forcefully dispersed.


    When all settled,


    Xiao Yi walked out from the scorched earth, unharmed.


    His hands were clasped behind his back, the corner of his mouth raised slightly, and his blazing gaze fell upon the two Purple Flame Brown Qilin Lions, "Not bad at all. The two stone beasts at the gates of my Xiaoshanhe Institute are somewhat damaged. Capturing you two to stand guard would be just perfect!"


    "How dare you!"


    "We are esteemed Beast Kings; how could you think of having us stand guard? You''re courting death!"


    Both Purple Flame Brown Qilin Lions roared in anger.


    They were the Beast Kings of the Great Liang Mountain, beings of the sixth tier, on par with the giants of the Dharma Manifestation Realm among humans.


    Even when Yang Jin recruited them, he had promised them the lofty position of guardian divine beasts.


    And now Xiao Yi dared to suggest they should stand guard?


    "For you to stand guard for me is already giving you too much credit!"


    Xiao Yi licked his lips, his hands rubbing together with a snapping sound. As he stepped forward, a series of afterimages were left behind, and with a piercing swoosh, Xiao Yi abruptly appeared in front of the Purple Flame Brown Qilin Lion to the left. "Vajra Subdues Demons!"


    Hum!


    Behind him, it was as if a Wrathful Vajra had opened its eyes.


    Those majestic, ice-cold eyes exuded a sharpness that made one''s heart tremble with fear.


    Boom!


    A massive golden palm descended from the sky like an imposing mountain, fiercely pressing down upon the Purple Flame Brown Qilin Lion.


    Roar!


    With a pained cry, the Purple Flame Brown Qilin Lion was struck by Xiao Yi''s palm, its legs buckling before it slammed into the ground with a thud. The ground caved in with a loud crash, cracks spreading in all directions like a spider''s web, as chunks of rock shot through the air. Xiao Yi stomped his foot, and the power of the earth surged below.


    Rumbling!


    As the ground trembled, stalagmites burst forth, crisscrossing to trap the Purple Flame Brown Qilin Lion beneath.


    "Big brother, save me..."


    The Purple Flame Brown Qilin Lion roared in anger, it was the younger of the two Beast Kings.


    "Let go of my second brother!"


    The other Purple Flame Brown Qilin Lion abruptly opened its mouth, a golden light orb condensing within.


    Xiao Yi''s figure flashed, suddenly appearing in front of it.


    With a reach of his right hand, golden light dots converged in his palm, a vast aura of vitality forming an enormous hand that seemed to cover the sky. This golden-cast hand swiftly clamped over the Purple Flame Brown Qilin Lion''s mouth. Its eyes widened in shock as the energy orb continued to condense, swelling its mouth round and taut.


    And then...


    Boom!


    The energy orb exploded right inside its mouth. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The terrifying energy nearly killed the Purple Flame Brown Qilin Lion on the spot.


    Its body violently trembled before crashing to the ground, black smoke billowing from its seven orifices.


    Its tongue hung limply to the side.


    It had already passed out.


    Hisss!


    The onlookers were absolutely stunned by the scene before them. The two sixth-rank Beast Kings, unable to hold out even a mere quarter-hour against Xiao Yi.


    Looking at the two Beast Kings...


    One had passed out, while the other was immobilized by the earthen spikes.


    The crowd felt a chill run down their spines.


    "Is this Xiao Yi really just at the Tao Tribulation Realm?"


    "Why do I feel like he''s even stronger than a typical Dharma Manifestation Realm expert?"


    "The Xiao Family and Xiao Tianjiao really blinded themselves. Such a powerful being was driven out of his own family as if he were trash? If my clan had such a descendant, we would worship him like an ancestor..." Ximen Jianxue said, shocked.


    Dongfang Kuang: "..."


    The crowd felt their minds go blank.


    Yang Jin was swallowing nervously, constantly backing away, his gaze filled with awe when looking at Xiao Yi, "How can the First Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm be this powerful? It''s simply impossible..."


    He looked utterly dispirited.


    His world had crumbled.


    In Yang Jin''s world, there was only a distinction between Xiao Tianjiao and commoners; no other genius was comparable to Xiao Tianjiao.


    But now...


    He realized that even Xiao Tianjiao, whom he thought was unrivaled in his heart, didn''t possess the battle prowess Xiao Yi had when he was at the First Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm!


    "Yang Jin, it''s your turn now!"


    Xiao Yi''s voice suddenly interrupted Yang Jin''s train of thought.


    Following the sound,


    He saw Xiao Yi standing on the Purple Flame Brown Qilin Lion, gesturing towards him with a hooked finger.


    Gulp!


    Yang Jin instinctively took a few steps back, looking pleadingly at the people around him for help, but they all averted their gaze. Having witnessed Xiao Yi''s formidable strength, no one was willing to face him anymore. It was no exaggeration to say that Xiao Yi had made a name for himself with this battle. Although he might not be at Xiao Tianjiao''s level yet, it was believed that soon, the Great Qian Dynasty''s list of Saint Heirs would include another name!


    Another peerless genius on par with Xiao Tianjiao!

 Chapter 275 - 275: Not Convinced? Then Well Fight Until You Are!

    "Yang Jin, it''s your turn now!"


    Xiao Yi''s face carried a playful expression as he hooked his finger towards Yang Jin.


    Thud thud thud!


    Yang Jin subconsciously took three steps back, his complexion paling with each retreat.


    If it had been before this moment...


    He might have had the confidence to battle Xiao Yi.


    But after witnessing how easily Xiao Yi had subdued two powerful sixth-order Beast Kings, that formidable figure had left an indelible mark in his heart, like a nightmare that made it impossible for him to harbor any thoughts of hostility against Xiao Yi. This was the crushing force of absolute power, just like the countless strong individuals in the Great Qian Dynasty felt when facing Xiao Tianjiao, lacking even the courage to fight.


    Yang Jin''s face alternated between shades of green and white, grinding his teeth with determination, he stiffly said, "Xiao Yi, I admit you''re very strong. But don''t go too far, I am a noble imperial prince, and also a disciple of the Tianjian Sect. Offending me... In the Great Qian Dynasty, you''ll find it hard to make any moves..."


    Xiao Yi said with amusement, "So that means... you can represent the imperial family and the Tianjian Sect of the Great Qian Dynasty?"


    "That''s naturally..." Yang Jin arrogantly replied.


    In his view, neither the imperial family nor the Tianjian Sect would ever allow Xiao Yi to challenge their majesty.


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes but looked towards Qi, the eunuch at the side, and asked, "Eunuch Qi, may I ask if His Highness Yang Jin can possibly represent the will of Emperor Qian?"


    Eunuch Qi glanced at Yang Jin with an almost contemptuous look, seeing him no different from Lou Yi, and said unhurriedly, "Director Xiao, please don''t misunderstand. His Majesty holds Director Xiao in high regard. Otherwise, he would not have entrusted the Xiaoshanhe Institute to you."


    Although these words did not directly refute Yang Jin, their meaning was self-evident. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Yang Jin''s face turned from green to white.


    As if he had swallowed a fly, his expression was horribly ugly.


    He never expected Eunuch Qi to snub him so publicly, it was a slap in the face!


    Xiao Yi smiled playfully, looking at Yang Jin, "It seems you can''t represent the imperial family after all!"


    "Hmph!"


    Yang Jin snorted, "I am a disciple of the Tianjian Sect, I..."


    Snap!


    Before he could finish speaking.


    Yang Jin was already slapped to the ground by Xiao Yi, covering his face, he looked at Xiao Yi in a daze, "You, you, you dare to hit me?"


    Snap!


    Xiao Yi slapped him across the face again, "The Tianjian Sect is remarkable, huh?"


    "You..."


    Snap!


    "I don''t like someone pointing fingers at me!"


    "I..."


    Snap!


    "Your gaze makes me uncomfortable!"


    "¡­"


    Snap snap snap!


    After a merciless barrage of slaps.


    Yang Jin lay limp on the ground like a lump of mud, twitching, his face bruised and swollen, the very picture of misery. He lay there weakly on the ground, his eyes filled with fear and resentment, staring fixedly at Xiao Yi, "Xiao... Xiao Yi... you won''t get off easy for offending the Tianjian Sect..."


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes and said, "Are you threatening me?"


    A cold and chilling killing intent enveloped Yang Jin.


    Darkness, despair, coldness.


    As if plunging into an ice cellar of a thousand years.


    It was like an invisible hand gripped his throat, forcing the words about to leave his mouth back down.


    Sigh!


    A sigh suddenly sounded.


    Eunuch Qi appeared beside Yang Jin like a ghost, giving a bow towards Xiao Yi, his ambiguous voice said, "Director Xiao, please, for His Majesty''s sake, spare his life!"


    After all, Yang Jin was an imperial prince.


    Though not favored, he was still of imperial blood.


    If he were to be killed right in front of him, Eunuch Qi could not escape punishment.


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, surveying Eunuch Qi with a slight smirk, "Eunuch Qi jests. After all, he is of the imperial family; how could I possibly harm his life?"


    Eunuch Qi was about to express his gratitude.


    But Yang Jin behind him suddenly howled with a ferocious face, "Eunuch Qi... this man dares to assault a prince, are you just going to stand there and watch? Don''t forget your place. You are nothing but an old dog raised by our royal family! If the master cup doesn''t protect me, what use are you?"


    Eunuch Qi''s face twitched slightly.


    "Eunuch Qi, it seems someone does not respect your command!" Xiao Yi said with a laugh.


    Eunuch Qi gave a wry smile and shook his head.


    Yang Jin roared, "Old dog, I order you to kill him right now..."


    "Eunuch Qi, don''t trouble yourself; leave it to me!"


    Xiao Yi smiled as he walked past Qi and aimed a kick at Yang Jin''s mouth.


    Bang!


    A muffled sound erupted.


    Yang Jin''s teeth were kicked out root and all, his mouth filling with blood as he wailed in agony. Xiao Yi didn''t stop; his fingertip pulsing with vital energy, four streaks of blood shot out as he ruthlessly severed Yang Jin''s tendons in both hands and feet. The pain made Yang Jin pass out, eyes rolling back as he lay rigidly in a pool of his own blood.


    Seeing Yang Jin lying there like a dead dog, a mocking glint passed across the depths of Qi''s eyes. He gave a respectful cupped fist salute to Xiao Yi, "Headmaster Xiao, I must return to the palace to report back to His Majesty. I will take my leave first!"


    "Eunuch Qi, safe travels!" Xiao Yi replied with a smile.


    Qi promptly ordered his men to carry Yang Jin away and left soaring through the sky.


    Nangong Shengtian glanced at Xiao Yi and cupped his fists, "Headmaster Xiao, I acted rashly earlier without knowing your status. Please forgive me. When I''m free someday, I will personally visit to apologize!"


    Beitang Feng said, "Headmaster Xiao, please forgive us!"


    The surviving Calamity Realm powerhouses from Wendao Villa, Feixue Temple, Liyang Sect, and others came forward one after another, "Headmaster Xiao, we were also provoked by Yang Jin today, please understand!"


    Xiao Yi looked at them all with a faint smile and said indifferently, "Do you all intend to leave just like this?"


    "Hmm?"


    "What do you mean by that, Headmaster Xiao?"


    The crowd was momentarily stunned, frowning in confusion.


    In their view...


    The battle of today had already come to an end.


    Xiao Yi surely wouldn''t dare to trouble them further!


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "I have never been at odds with any of you, yet on your arrival, you triggered a heavenly tribulation that almost killed my two brothers. After the tribulation, you then joined forces trying to put me in a deadly predicament. Do you really think you can just walk away like that?"


    "Headmaster Xiao, we should show some leniency for the sake of future relations. Don''t be too harsh!"


    "We were also misled by others. How can you blame us?"


    "Headmaster Xiao, you are indeed powerful, but we are not pushovers either. Our ten great sects may not have anything else, but we have countless strong individuals. You should think carefully about the consequences of offending us..." the crowd warned threateningly.


    Backed by the ten great sects, they were brimming with confidence!


    The corners of Xiao Yi''s mouth turned up slightly as he said, "The ten great sects? That''s quite an impressive tone. I just wonder, if I were to kill you all right now, would your respective sects really be willing to take a stand against me for a bunch of dead men?"


    The complexion of the crowd changed dramatically.


    Indeed, as Xiao Yi had said...


    If they died here, would their respective forces really engage in a deadly struggle with Xiao Yi over them?


    The answer, clearly, was no!


    Let alone the fact that they had been in the wrong to begin with, just the power Xiao Yi had displayed was enough to make the sects behind them wary.


    Moreover...


    Xiao Yi was the head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, with the royal family at his back.


    One hair affects the whole body.


    Troubling Xiao Yi could potentially serve as an excuse for the royal family to reorganize the ten great sects.


    Upon this realization,


    the faces of the crowd all fell.


    The Calamity Realm expert from the Liyang Sect, Ye Zheng, spoke in a deep voice, "Headmaster Xiao, what do you want?"


    Xiao Yi replied coolly, "My Shanhe Court needs resources for reconstruction. Each of your sects gives me one hundred billion silver taels, and we can consider the matter settled!"


    "What?"


    "One hundred billion? You might as well just rob us!"


    "Xiao Yi, you are too outrageous!"


    The crowd flew into a rage.


    Xiao Yi''s eyes narrowed to slits as he looked at them with a smile, "I am bullying you, and what can you do about it?"


    "Do you really think we''re afraid of you?"


    In the face of these furiously glaring people, Xiao Yi sighed softly, "Refuse a toast only to drink a forfeit, don''t blame me then!"


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi made his move with the force of thunder.


    In an instant...


    All these Calamity Realm powerhouses were flipped onto the ground by Xiao Yi. Not satisfied? Then he would just beat them until they were!


    Looking coldly at the bruised faces before him, Xiao Yi said, "Pay up or use your lives as collateral, the choice is yours!"


    "We... we don''t have that much money..." the crowd said with mournful faces.


    Xiao Yi replied indifferently, "Then, write a debt acknowledgment."


    Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!


    Several debt acknowledgments appeared before the crowd, who looked at each other helplessly and ultimately signed their names.


    Xiao Yi collected the acknowledgments, clapping his hands in satisfaction, "On behalf of the disciples of the Shanhe Court, I thank you all for your generous donations!"

 Chapter 276 - 276: The Sky Wont Fall!

    The group of mighty figures watched as Xiao Yi stored the humiliating debt note into his storage ring, their faces as black as charcoal.


    They represented the ten great sects.


    All along,


    it was only they who extorted others; when had they ever been extorted?


    The ten billion silver wasn''t too much for them, but it represented their face and reputation!


    At least until this debt was repaid.


    They couldn''t hold their heads high in front of Xiao Yi, always feeling inferior!


    However, when they thought about the fates of the several strong figures from True Martial Hall and Vast Righteousness Pavilion, they felt their situation wasn''t that bad.


    Xiao Yi glanced at the crowd with a radiant smile, cupped his hands, and said, "On behalf of all the tutors and disciples of Xiaoshanhe Institute, Xiao gives his thanks for your generous assistance. Should there be an opportunity in the future, you are more than welcome to visit Xiaoshanhe Institute to share your guidance!"


    "Xiao, you''re too polite!"


    "Under your leadership, Xiaoshanhe Institute will certainly regain its glory!"


    "If there''s anything you need our help with, Xiao, just say the word. As long as it''s within our power, we will certainly help!" Hai Wei of Three Seas Mountain, a peak Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouse, said with a falsely smiling face as he cupped his hands.


    No sooner had he finished speaking,


    than Xiao Yi took the opportunity to say, "Indeed, I do need your help with something, but I felt embarrassed to ask after just beating you. Since you''ve offered now, I won''t be polite... I wish to build a large Spirit Gathering Array within Xiaoshanhe Institute. I''ve heard that both Three Seas Mountain and Wendao Villa have an abundance of array stones; I''ll have to trouble the two of you to prepare some array stones for me! I won''t ask for much, just a hundred thousand catties of array stones from each of you should suffice, on behalf of all members of Xiaoshanhe Institute, I thank you both!"


    Puff!


    Hai Wei and the powerhouse from Wendao Villa''s complexions abruptly changed, nearly spitting out a mouthful of old blood.


    The powerhouse from Wendao Villa shot a look full of resentment towards Hai Wei, wishing to devour him alive.


    That''s what you get for your loose tongue!


    Those hundred thousand catties of array stones were worth no less than fifty billion!


    Hai Wei only felt a bitter taste in his mouth and regretted it to his guts.


    He did have the intention to refuse.


    But seeing Xiao Yi''s smiling gaze fixed on them, he feared that if he dared to refuse, he might immediately face another beating. So, he could only grit his teeth and manage a tearful expression as he said, "Xiao, that, that hundred thousand catties is truly too..."


    "What? Too little? How about one hundred and fifty thousand..." said Xiao Yi, feigning surprise.


    "No!"


    Hai Wei hurriedly straightened his back, thumped his chest, and said, "One hundred thousand catties, I will make sure it is delivered to Xiaoshanhe Institute within ten days!"


    "Then I thank you very much!"


    Xiao Yi nodded in satisfaction, then turned his gaze toward the other strong figures.


    The crowd trembled all over.


    "Xiao, I still have a pot of soup on at home, I must get going now!"


    "Aiya, my granddaughter is about to give birth, I must excuse myself..." Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Fearing that Xiao Yi would catch them to squeeze another sum, they hurriedly took their leave, each breaking through the air to leave.


    This left people like Dongfang Kuang dumbstruck.


    When everyone had left,


    Xiao Yi''s gaze fell on Nangong Shengtian and Beitang Feng, who had previously made their moves against him.


    Nangong Shengtian slightly furrowed his brows; although he was a six-layer Dharma Manifestation Realm powerhouse and wasn''t afraid of offending Xiao Yi,


    considering Xiao Yi''s identity, he didn''t want to provoke him excessively. Cupping his hands, he said, "Xiao, I didn''t know your identity before, which is why I was swayed by Yang Jin to take action. I ask for your forgiveness!"


    Beitang Feng touched his nose, "Same here!"


    Xiao Yi rolled his eyes.


    His treatment towards the four great families was clearly different from that towards the ten great sects.


    Xiao Yi said in a deep voice, "What are the two elders talking about? It''s true that no fight means no acquaintance!"


    "Chairman Xiao is right, without a fight, we can''t really get to know each other. If you need anything in the future..."


    Nangong Shengtian laughed heartily and was about to continue when he suddenly thought of Hai Wei''s fate and immediately changed the subject, "We must surely keep in touch more often in the future!"


    Beitang Feng also said, "Same for me!"


    Xiao Yi curled his lips, thinking to himself, "Old fox." However, he had his own reason for letting the Nangong Family off so easily, and went on to say, "Ancestor Nangong, I hear that the Nangong and Beitang Families mainly deal in pills and medicinal herbs. My Xiaoshanhe Institute is about to be rebuilt, and I urgently need a large number of pills and medicinal materials. I wish to do business with the two of you!"


    "Hmm?"


    Nangong Shengtian was taken aback, giving Xiao Yi a meaningful look.


    He was puzzled before...


    Given Xiao Yi''s strong stance against the top ten sects, how could he let him off so easily? It turns out it was for this reason.


    The four major families spread their influence across various trades within the Great Qian Dynasty, with the Nangong and Beitang Families controlling over sixty percent of the pill and medicinal herb business. The Dongfang and Ximen Families, on the other hand, control over seventy percent of the weapon and weapon material business. In their respective fields, all four families are dominant.


    Unshakeable by anyone.


    Nangong Shengtian narrowed his eyes. For Xiaoshanhe Institute to rise, it was essential to have access to pills and medicinal herbs. He then smiled and said, "So Chairman Xiao is here for this matter. We can provide pills and medicinal materials, but as for the price..."


    Xiao Yi looked Nangong Shengtian up and down.


    This old man thought he held Xiao Yi''s lifeline, planning to manipulate him!


    Xiao Yi said, "Seventy percent, I can pay seventy percent of the market price for the materials and pills I need!"


    This was also because Xiaoshanhe Institute was short of manpower. Otherwise, with Xiao Yi and Elder Xue''s methods, they could have been self-sufficient.


    Why would they need to purchase pills from outside?


    Beitang Feng looked towards Nangong Shengtian.


    The two families complemented each other and always followed the lead of the Nangong Family.


    As long as Nangong Shengtian nodded, he would naturally not refuse.


    "Seventy percent, huh..."


    Nangong Shengtian stroked his chin, showing a troubled expression, and said, "Chairman Xiao, I''m afraid there''s a misunderstanding. Actually, the profit from the pill industry isn''t that high. Seventy percent is really too much, so here''s what I can do¡ªI can give you the most favorable price. The Nangong Family and the Beitang Family can provide Xiaoshanhe Institute with the pills and materials it needs, but the lowest price can only be ninety-five percent of the market price!"


    Ninety-five percent?


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow.


    The profit on pills was at least double; not to mention seventy percent, even if they sold them at fifty percent, the Nangong and Beitang Families would make a killing.


    He did not expect Nangong Shengtian to be so inconsiderate.


    Ninety-five percent?


    Xiao Yi smiled, but his words turned much sharper, "Is Ancestor Nangong joking with me?"


    Nangong Shengtian replied with a grin that didn''t reach his eyes, "Chairman Xiao is joking, do you think I need to joke with you?" He was used to being high above others and naturally couldn''t bow down in front of a junior like Xiao Yi, confidently saying, "Although the Great Qian Dynasty is large, when it comes to the pill and medicinal material business, without the Nangong Family''s approval, no one would dare to supply you regardless of the price¡ªeven if it''s higher than ninety-five percent!"


    The contempt and disdain were evident in his words.


    Xiao Yi''s eyes narrowed to slits, "Isn''t what Ancestor Nangong said a bit too definitive?"


    "Definitive? I''m merely stating the plain truth. After all, the Nangong Family has the strength and confidence to do so!"


    Nangong Shengtian looked at Xiao Yi with a mocking gaze, as if to say, "Aren''t you very strong? Aren''t you very impressive? Now you still come asking for my help?" With an air of nonchalance, he said, "Chairman Xiao, think it over when you return! If you''ve made up your mind, come find me again!"


    With those words, Nangong Shengtian gestured, and with Beitang Feng, they soared away into the sky.


    For a moment.


    Only Xiao Yi, Dongfang Kuang, and Ximen Jianxue were left behind.


    Dongfang Kuang said in a heavy tone, "Chairman Xiao, Nangong Shengtian is right. Without them, it would be tough to purchase pills and medicinal materials!"


    Xiao Yi watched the direction in which Nangong Shengtian disappeared, his eyes flashing coldly like shooting stars, "Without anyone, the sky still won''t fall!"

 Chapter 277 - 277: Take your paws off!

    "Xiao, what are you planning to do?"


    Dongfang Kuang looked at the cold light in Xiao Yi''s eyes and couldn''t help but feel a shiver run through him as he asked.


    Just as the Nangong and Beitang Families were as close as branches on the same tree, the Ximen and Dongfang Families were also tightly knit.


    Ximen Jianxue said in a deep voice, "Xiao, if Xiaoshanhe Institute needs materials for Yuan weapons, my Ximen Family can provide them at half price." He paused, then continued, "As for pills and medicinal materials, I advise you to think it over. Nangong Shengtian''s words were unpleasant, but he has his confidence. If the Nangong Family does not give the nod, no one dares to sell you pills and medicinal materials!"


    Dongfang Kuang nodded in agreement.


    The Nangong Family and Beitang Family had been rooted in the medicinal pill and material trade for centuries.


    They almost had control over all the channels.


    Xiao Yi smiled and said, "Don''t worry, I won''t be reckless!"


    Seeing this, the two men didn''t press further.


    Xiao Yi said, "Dongfang, Ximen, regarding Yuan weapons and the materials for forging them, we must rely heavily on both of your cooperation!"


    "Of course!"


    Dongfang Kuang nodded, then said, "Henceforth, for any Yuan weapons and materials supplied to Xiaoshanhe Institute, we will give them to you at fifty percent of the market price!"


    Xiao Yi smiled and shook his head.


    Dongfang Kuang was taken aback and explained, "Xiao, you know that the difficulty of forging Yuan weapons is extremely high, and the material waste is great. The profits are not as high as that of medicinal pills. Fifty percent of the market price is already the limit we can afford!"


    "Dongfang, don''t be so formal and call me ''Xiao''," Xiao Yi said with a smile, "Just call me by my name!"


    Xiao Yi chuckled and then said, "I, Xiao Yi, don''t like to take advantage of my own people. Whatever the market price is, let''s just trade at that rate!"


    "This..."


    Dongfang Kuang and Ximen Jianxue looked at each other.


    They had thought Xiao Yi was haggling for a lower price, but he didn''t want any discount at all.


    Xiao Yi said, "We''re all family here!"


    "Right, right, right, we''re all family!" Dongfang Kuang laughed.


    Ximen Jianxue also smiled and nodded his head.


    With the strength Xiao Yi had shown, as long as he didn''t fall, his future achievements would be boundless.


    This was greatly beneficial for both their families as well.


    Xiao Yi said, "I will have someone take over the cooperation matters!" S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Shall we head back then?"


    "Hmm!"


    The three of them left, piercing through the air.


    Dongfang Kuang and Ximen Jianxue headed straight for the imperial capital, while Xiao Yi made his way toward Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Now, with the funds for rebuilding Xiaoshanhe Institute secured¡ªa whopping trillion taels of silver¡ªhe could support an expansion of the institute''s scale by tenfold for decades. The most pressing issue was recruiting new disciples and instructors, and Xiao Yi also had a comprehensive reform plan in mind for Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    All these needed to be set in motion.


    ......


    Imperial Dragon Mountain, Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Xiao Zhengde sat in the guest hall with great authority, his leg propped up arrogantly as he said, "This Xiaoshanhe Institute really isn''t up to much, is it? This place used to be comparable to the top ten sects, and yet there isn''t even one large-scale Spirit Gathering Array. This is far too modest. Mr. Chen, it''s time you made some serious improvements..."


    Chen Shuiwen stood by his side with a sycophantic smile on his face, wringing his hands as he said, "Xiao is right, Xiaoshanhe Institute has truly fallen on hard times."


    Nowadays, the Xiao Family was on the rise.


    Ever since Xiao Tianjiao stepped into the Dharma Manifestation Realm, the Xiao Family had been showing signs of becoming the fifth great noble family.


    Compared to Xiao Yi, who had been expelled from the Xiao Family, Chen Shuiwen dared not show any pretense in front of Xiao Zhengde.


    Xiao Zhengde was very pleased with Chen Shuiwen''s attitude.


    He was about to speak.


    Catching a glimpse of a figure passing by the doorway in the corner of his eye, Xiao Zhengde''s interest was piqued, and he called out, "Stop there!"


    ```


    "Hm?"


    Lin Bing Xin was startled.


    As she happened to be passing by the guest hall, she suddenly heard Xiao Zhengde''s voice and subconsciously looked back.


    Xiao Zhengde''s gaze swept over her, a hint of lust passing through his eyes. Lin Bing Xin''s figure and appearance were exceptional, igniting lustful thoughts in Xiao Zhengde. A faint smile on his face, he said, "Mr. Chen, who is this lady?"


    Chen Shuiwen knew all too well what Xiao Zhengde was thinking.


    He quickly said, "This is Lin Bing Xin, a teacher from the Xiaoshanhe Institute!" Chen Shuiwen turned to Lin Bing Xin and said, "Lin Bing Xin, this is the head of the Xiao Family, the father of Xiao Tianjiao, the number one genius of the Great Qian Dynasty, Xiao Zhengde. Aren''t you going to come over and pay your respects?"


    "Mr. Chen, how can you speak to a beautiful woman like that?"


    Xiao Zhengde pretended to be displeased as he glanced at Chen Shuiwen, but the smile on his face remained bright. He adjusted his clothes and approached Lin Bing Xin: "Teacher Lin, I am Xiao Zhengde!"


    He couldn''t help but straighten his back.


    In his eyes...


    Any woman who learned of his identity would naturally flock to him.


    This was an opportunity to rise to the top.


    However.


    Lin Bing Xin''s face was expressionless, and even a deep disgust flashed in her eyes as she glanced at him.


    She was well aware of Xiao Yi''s status. It was this man before her who had expelled Xiao Yi from the family and sent him to the Fang Family to become a son-in-law. Of course, she wouldn''t show any courtesy to Xiao Zhengde and said to Chen Shuiwen, "Mr. Chen, I have other matters to attend to, so I will take my leave now!"


    "Hm?"


    Xiao Zhengde''s face stiffened, his eyes narrowing to slits.


    Chen Shuiwen''s face darkened as he rebuked, "Lin Bing Xin, did I give you permission to leave?"


    However, Lin Bing Xin ignored him and continued to walk towards the exit.


    "Mr. Chen, your teachers from the Shanhe Institute do carry themselves with quite the air!" Xiao Zhengde said sarcastically, with a Yin-Yang tone.


    Chen Shuiwen quickly said, "Please forgive her, Xiao. I''ll have her come back immediately!"


    Chen Shuiwen immediately chased after her, shouting at Lin Bing Xin, "Lin Bing Xin, did I permit you to leave? Get back here!"


    "Idiot!"


    Lin Bing Xin looked back at him, sneered coldly, and continued on her way out.


    Chen Shuiwen''s face alternated between green and red.


    As he was caught in his dilemma...


    Xiao Zhengde''s voice echoed in his ear, "Mr. Chen, it seems the quality of your Shanhe Institute''s teachers is truly lacking. Let me, the head of the household, discipline her on your behalf!"


    Whoosh!


    A surge of vital energy burst forth.


    A colossal hand of energy formed in the air and with a swish, it grabbed Lin Bing Xin. Amidst her screams, Lin Bing Xin''s body was yanked back by Xiao Zhengde. He held her throat with one hand and took a deep whiff from her hair, the faint fragrance making his eyes shine. Smugly looking at Chen Shuiwen, he said, "Mr. Chen, one must use forceful measures to deal with disobedient people. See, now she''s being obedient, isn''t she?"


    Chen Shuiwen flattered him with a reply, "What you say is absolutely right, Xiao!"


    Xiao Zhengde, still smiling, looked at the pale-faced Lin Bing Xin and said, "My beautiful lady, my son Xiao Yi is the dean of the Shanhe Institute, which essentially makes it mine. As you''re a teacher of the Shanhe Institute, you belong to me. Serve me well, and I guarantee you''ll get to live in luxury..."


    Lin Bing Xin''s eyes were filled with despair.


    Her throat was seized, and she couldn''t utter a word.


    Tears of desperation sparkled in her eyes.


    Xiao Zhengde laughed heartily, "That''s right, that''s right, I like that look of desire in your eyes..."


    As he spoke,


    Xiao Zhengde''s hand reached out towards Lin Bing Xin''s body.


    At that moment...


    A chilling voice boomed like thunder, "If you don''t want to die, take your filthy paw off her now!"


    ```

 Chapter 278 - 278: Born but Not Raised, Cut Off a Finger to Make Amends!

    "Bring your dog paw here!"


    The icy voice made Xiao Zhengde''s movements abruptly stiffen.


    Whoosh!


    As Xiao Zhengde lifted his head, he followed the sound and squinted his eyes into slits, glaring at the newcomer with an eagle''s vigilance and a wolf''s wariness.


    At the entrance of the meeting hall.


    Dressed in black, with eyebrows sharp as blades and eyes flashing like lightning, stood Xiao Yi, exuding a chilling aura.


    Xiao Yi stood at the doorway, his eyes fierce like a tiger''s, emanating a chilling light as he stared at Xiao Zhengde, who was choking Lin Bingxin by the neck and about to lay his hands on her. A murderous intent began to build intensely around him.


    "Who are you?"


    Xiao Zhengde suddenly spoke.


    Xiao Yi was taken aback.


    Chen Shuiwen, who had just opened his mouth, also stiffened, his puzzled gaze sweeping back and forth between Xiao Zhengde and Xiao Yi.


    His eyes filled with confusion, he subconsciously said, "Xiao, isn''t this Xiao Yi, the head of Xiaoshanhe Institute? You... you don''t recognize him?"


    This is your son!


    Although more than a year had passed and Xiao Yi had changed conspicuously in temperament, cultivation, and even height, his appearance had hardly altered. How could you not recognize him?


    Xiao Zhengde was also startled. For nearly a decade, he had only seen Xiao Yi once, the day he had announced that Xiao Yi would go to the Fang Family. Moreover, on that day, all of Xiao Zhengde''s attention had been on Xiao Tianjiao; how could he have noticed Xiao Yi''s appearance? That was why he did not recognize Xiao Yi at the moment.


    Watching the fleeting confusion on Xiao Zhengde''s face, Xiao Yi felt suffocated and agitated, an indescribable restlessness stirring within him.


    Despite continually telling himself,


    he had no relationship with the Xiao Family anymore.


    But standing in front of Xiao Zhengde, his biological father who couldn''t recognize him, the sensation still struck at the core of his soul.


    Hu!


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath, slowly exhaled, and said with a firm voice, "Let her go!"


    Xiao Zhengde''s brows knitted, anger appearing on his face as he rebuked, "Is this how you speak to your father? Since you are the head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, I am the institute head''s father. Everything within this institute belongs to me. I am merely asking for a woman from your institute, and you dare to speak to me this way? Your guts have truly grown fat!"


    Seeing this, Mr. Chen thought to himself: No wonder the rumors say that tensions run high between father and son in the Xiao Family. It seems all of it is true. Heh, Xiao Yi, how will you handle your father, no matter how powerful you are?


    With that thought.


    Mr. Chen fanned the flames, saying, "Xiao, it''s your fault here! Not to mention Xiao is your father, just his status as the head of the Xiao Family means that Lin Bingxin is honored by his attention. Not only should you not obstruct this, but you should also facilitate it, for this could be Lin Bingxin''s opportunity to soar from the branch to the phoenix''s perch!"


    Xiao Zhengde slightly raised his chin, very pleased with Mr. Chen''s statement, "Did you hear that? Mr. Chen here knows the ways of the world. And look at you... not even knowing how to respect your own father. I should have listened to your elder brother back then and had you killed and thrown into the mass graves. All the care I''ve wasted on you..."


    Hum!


    Xiao Yi''s head buzzed.


    Back then...


    If not for his mother, who had threatened her own life to save him, he would have died ten years ago.


    Where would there have been eight years of imprisonment?


    Seeing the profound disgust on Xiao Zhengde''s face, Xiao Yi let out a breath of foul air, pronouncing each word, "When you sent me to the Fang Family to be a son-in-law, I told you that our ties of kindness and righteousness were severed. I, Xiao Yi, owe you nothing. And now you speak to me of parental grace? Ha ha ha, Xiao Zhengde, don''t you feel ashamed saying these words?"


    During those eight years of imprisonment...


    In the entire Xiao Family, aside from his mother, had anyone given him a glance?


    Had anyone brought him a meal?


    Had anyone offered him clothes?


    No!


    Nothing at all!


    "Bastard!"


    Xiao Zhengde was enraged, tossing the unconscious Lin Bingxin to the side and furiously glared at Xiao Yi, "You unfilial, forgetful wretch, I brought you into this world, and that is the greatest kindness. No matter how I treat you, I am still your father. I command you to kneel right now!"


    "Kneel?"


    Xiao Yi laughed heartily, leaning forward and asking coldly, "Are you worthy?"


    Am I worthy?


    Deserve to have me kneel before you?


    Throughout my entire life...


    in Xiao Zhengde''s eyes, there was only Xiao Tianjiao. When had he ever spared a thought for this younger son of his?


    Every birthday, Xiao Tianjiao would have grand banquets, while I didn''t even receive a single word of blessing. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Recalling my childhood efforts to capture my father''s attention, to no avail¡ªnever earning even a word of praise¡ªXiao Yi''s heart grew gradually cold. Yet before that, he still harbored hope that once he became stronger, once he was outstanding enough, Xiao Zhengde would surely look his way.


    And the result?


    My efforts ultimately served only as a bargaining chip to procure a mystical beast for Xiao Tianjiao''s mount, sending me off to the Fang Family as a despised son-in-law.


    Does such a father even deserve my kneeling?


    Under the calmly intense gaze of Xiao Yi, Xiao Zhengde frowned and said condescendingly, "I came today to inform you that I will summon your elder brother back. Once he returns, you will be notified to come back home, and as long as you obediently offer an apology to your brother by kowtowing, with me by your side speaking in your favor, combined with your current achievements, I believe he will allow your name to re-enter the family records!"


    Looking at Xiao Zhengde''s pride, as though bestowing a favor for which I should be profoundly grateful.


    Xiao Yi''s fists clenched quietly, rage boiling within him as he sneered, "Kneel to him? By what right? Because he imprisoned me for eight years? Because he sent me to the Fang Family to be a live-in son-in-law, just so his mount could mate? Or because he disowned me and deprived me of the right to pay respects to my own mother?"


    Xiao Zhengde, so furious that smoke could have billowed from his ears, raised his right hand to strike Xiao Yi''s face. "I''ll beat you to death, you unfilial son!"


    Slap!


    Xiao Yi neither dodged nor evaded, taking the slap head-on.


    Half of his face turned bright red, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth.


    Xiao Yi''s face was calm, his eyes coldly fixed on him.


    Xiao Zhengde bellowed, "Giving you life is the greatest kindness. Whether I kill you or sell you, you have no right to defy me."


    "Giving me life is a kindness?"


    Xiao Yi let out a bitter, mournful laugh, filled with desolation, "Xiao Zhengde, ask yourself, did you ever look at me as I grew up? Did you ever fulfill the responsibilities of a father? If not for my mother, I''d have been erased from this world long ago in shame by you all. Now how can you so self-righteously stand before me and say these things? Go back. Since the moment you cast me out, I''ve had no relation to the Xiao Family!"


    "You scoundrel!"


    Xiao Zhengde wasn''t able to contain his fury. He had thought that with his appearance and offer to let Xiao Yi return to the Xiao Family, Xiao Yi would be grateful and willingly come back with him. Not expecting a rejection, Xiao Zhengde''s face turned a deep shade of red as he roared, "You ungrateful cur, I should have listened to Tian''er back then and killed you, saved myself the trouble of dealing with your defiance now! No, I should have thrown you out to the mass graves the moment you were born..."


    Thud, thud, thud!


    Xiao Yi involuntarily took three steps back. Such cruel words, so venomous!


    "Haha, hahaha..."


    Amidst Xiao Yi''s laughter tinged with sorrow, the look in his eyes towards Xiao Zhengde became unflinchingly steady.


    Whoosh!


    A silver gleam surged forth, and with a splat, severed a thumb. Xiao Yi tore off a piece of his clothing to wrap the severed finger, and looking at a stunned Xiao Zhengde, he spoke deliberately, "If unbred yet nourished, gratitude lasts a lifetime; if bred but not nurtured, breaking a finger settles the debt! Take back this finger, from now on, all ties of father and son between us are completely severed!"


    "You, you, you..."


    Xiao Zhengde''s eyes leaped wildly at the sight of the severed finger, his face alternating shades of anger and pallor. He bellowed like a furious lion, "You insolent brat, you''re nothing! Only I, the Xiao Family, can disown you, since when can you sever ties with me?"


    Whoosh!


    He raised his right hand high, intending to strike at Xiao Yi''s face once more.


    Slap!


    Xiao Yi raised his right hand and firmly caught his palm, speaking coldly, "I no longer have any ties with you. If you dare to raise your hand again, I will cripple you!"


    Boom!


    Xiao Zhengde was forcefully blasted away by the frigid aura emanating from Xiao Yi.


    With a loud crash, he landed in the front courtyard.


    Watching Xiao Yi, with a face as cold as frost, Xiao Zhengde''s expression underwent several rapid changes, but recalling Xiao Yi''s strength that even defeated Xue Wuhen, he gritted his teeth and viciously said, "Alright, alright, Xiao Yi, good show! You just wait, I''ll make you regret ever being born..."


    "Get out!"


    Xiao Yi roared furiously.


    Xiao Zhengde, terrified, plopped down on the ground, the icy killing intent making him feel chilled to the bone, and he no longer dared to linger, quickly scrambling outside.


    Gazing at that ignominious retreat, Xiao Yi calmly withdrew his gaze and turned to land on Chen Shuiwen who stood beside him, dumbfounded...

 Chapter 279 - 279: Wanting to Add to Ones Crimes

    "..."


    Chen Shuiwen shivered all over.


    Before this...


    When he faced Xiao Yi, he didn''t have any special feelings.


    After all.


    He himself was an impressive existence at the Peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm, while Xiao Yi was merely at the Peak of the Golden Core Realm. He was far superior to Xiao Yi in cultivation, which naturally couldn''t exert any pressure on him.


    But now...


    Xiao Yi in front of him gave him the feeling of an insurmountable mountain, as if it was a peak that could not be surpassed.


    Especially when Xiao Yi''s cold gaze fell on him, it was like millions of battle-hardened, bloodied elite troops were staring at him. An intrinsic chill spread throughout his body in the blink of an eye, causing Chen Shuiwen''s face to turn a tinge pale.


    This was naturally because Xiao Yi had reached the Tao Tribulation Realm and condensed a unique Martial Dao Divine Fruit.


    At the First Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm, one possesses nine Dao patterns.


    This was simply unprecedented!


    Xiao Yi said coldly, "As the Vice Head of Xiaoshanhe Institute, you watched your own mentor being humiliated without taking action, merely standing by. What crime should you be held responsible for?"


    Gulp!


    Chen Shuiwen instinctively swallowed his saliva, the corners of his mouth rising slightly to form a forced smile, "Head Xiao, after all that man is your father..."


    Smack!


    Xiao Yi returned a slap across his face.


    Chen Shuiwen''s body stiffened, half of his face swelling up, and he looked at Xiao Yi with a dumbfounded expression, unable to believe it, "You, you dare hit me?"


    Smack!


    Xiao Yi slapped his face again.


    Chen Shuiwen saw stars, feeling dizzy and disoriented.


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "As the Vice Head of Xiaoshanhe Institute, you failed to protect the mentors and disciples of the Institute, even aiding the tyrant instead. These two slaps are to remind you of your identity."


    "You..."


    Chen Shuiwen regained some sobriety, his face turning shades of green and white, and in his fluctuating gaze was a hint of horror.


    With his cultivation at the Peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm, he hadn''t even seen how Xiao Yi struck.


    He had no power to resist those two slaps.


    Chen Shuiwen considered his own strength not to be weak, and even a common practitioner at the First Layer of the Dharma Manifestation Realm wouldn''t be able to do this in front of him!


    How did Xiao Yi manage it?


    Xiao Yi was already helping Lin Bingxin sit to one side. At this moment, Lin Bingxin had not yet woken up, but she was not in danger of losing her life, so Xiao Yi let go of his worries. Now that he returned to Xiaoshanhe Institute, his primary objective was to oversee the recruitment of disciples and mentors, but he encountered this scene instead.


    Ever since his arrival at Xiaoshanhe Institute, Chen Shuiwen had been putting obstacles in his way at every turn.


    Before this.


    Xiao Yi hadn''t fully grasped the situation in Xiaoshanhe Institute and didn''t want to make a major move, but now he had enough resources and also enough strength and connections.


    He naturally no longer needed to endure Chen Shuiwen.


    To secure the exterior, one must first stabilize the interior!


    Removing Chen Shuiwen was the first step in rectifying Xiaoshanhe Institute!


    Xiao Yi sat authoritatively at the head seat, looking coldly at Chen Shuiwen standing before him, "Vice Head Chen, are you aware of your crime?"


    Chen Shuiwen regained his composure and said in a deep voice, "Your subordinate does not know!"


    Xiao Yi responded indifferently, "Over the past decade or so, the imperial family has been allocating ten billion silver taels every year, but as far as I know, only one billion is actually spent on the Xiaoshanhe Institute each year. Where has the rest gone?"


    "I have served the Xiaoshanhe Institute diligently and honestly, never embezzling a single silver tael. Moreover, every expense of the Xiaoshanhe Institute is recorded in the ledger. If you have any doubts about my management of the Institute''s finances during my tenure, you are more than welcome to examine the books. If there is any problem, I, Chen Shuiwen, am willing to twist off my own head and kick it around like a ball!"


    Chen Shuiwen stood tall and proud, his voice filled with earnest pain, "Director Xiao, I have served the Xiaoshanhe Institute with dedication. If you humiliate me without any evidence, I, Chen Shuiwen, will even bring my case before Emperor Qian to clear my name!"


    The ledgers had already been burned to ashes.


    There could not possibly be any clue or trace left!


    It was precisely because of this.


    That Chen Shuiwen could be so confident and fearless!


    How could Xiao Yi not know what Chen Shuiwen was thinking? He chuckled coldly and clapped his hands, "Little Lin, bring them in!"


    Whoosh!


    A streak of golden light flashed by, transforming into a creature the size of a person. Little Lin fluttered into the hall, its claws carrying Chen Xing, known as the Fortune God. Little Lin dropped Chen Xing on the ground and perched on Xiao Yi''s shoulder. Upon seeing Chen Shuiwen assist Xiao Zhengde against Lin Bingxin, Xiao Yi was determined to reorganize the Xiaoshanhe Institute that very day, hence he had Little Lin bring Chen Xing over.


    Chen Xing''s face was filled with panic.


    He had just been resting in his bedroom when he was caught by Little Lin without any resistance.


    He was a practitioner at the Nine-fold Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    To be captured without any resistance, Little Lin must be an existence of the Dharma Manifestation Realm. Seeing Xiao Yi seated in the place of honor, Chen Xing''s complexion shifted slightly and he quickly looked towards Chen Shuiwen beside him, "Mr. Chen..."


    Chen Shuiwen shook his head at him.


    Xiao Yi looked at Chen Xing and spoke lightly, "Chen Xing, let me ask you... these years, you have been in charge of the accounts, handling all expenditures of the Xiaoshanhe Institute. As I know, every year the imperial family allocates ten billion silver taels to the Institute. Where has all this money gone?"


    "All this money was spent on the construction of the Xiaoshanhe Institute. This can be attested to by Mr. Chen!" Chen Xing said hastily, "Moreover, every transaction is recorded in the account books. If you, Director, do not trust it, you may check the accounts!"


    Chen Shuiwen said, "Director Xiao, you heard it yourself, I haven''t deceived you!"


    "Hahaha, check the accounts? The ledgers have already been destroyed by you; how can I check them?" Xiao Yi sneered.


    Chen Xing hurriedly said, "Director Xiao, you are our director, but you can''t wrong us like this! The ledger has always been fine, but something happened the day your people came to check the books. If there is any suspicion, your subordinates are more suspect, aren''t they? After all, I have managed the accounts without a single discrepancy these years!"


    Chen Shuiwen also added fuel to the fire, "Elder Chen, are you saying that the incident in the account room occurred while Director Xiao''s people were checking the accounts? Why didn''t you say so earlier?"


    "Mr. Chen, I... I didn''t dare! After all, they are Director Xiao''s people..." Chen Xing said with a look of grievance.


    Chen Shuiwen glared at Xiao Yi and denounced, "Director Xiao, you must give us an explanation for this matter."


    Xiao Yi looked at the two of them with amusement.


    This is playing a double act, putting the blame squarely on me!


    Xiao Yi chuckled, "How does destroying the previous accounts benefit me?" sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Shuiwen pretended to agree, winking at Chen Xing, "Director Xiao is right, what''s in it for him to do this?"


    Chen Xing hesitated pretentiously.


    Chen Shuiwen said, "Speak freely and boldly, no one can falsely accuse you!"


    Chen Xing sighed and said, "Mr. Chen, it''s easy to find a pretext to accuse someone. If the ledger were still here, our past accounts could prove our innocence. But if the ledger is destroyed, then some slanderous accusations could be pinned on us, leaving us utterly defenseless!"


    "I see, so the person who did this is truly malicious at heart!" Chen Shuiwen feigned sudden understanding, casting a provocative glance at Xiao Yi.


    You have no evidence.


    As long as I insist that you are framing us.


    What can you do to me?


    Chen Shuiwen and Chen Xing exchanged a proud look¡­

 Chapter 280 - 280: Those who follow me prosper, those who oppose me perish!

    "Are you done talking?"


    Xiao Yi watched the two of them exchanging words, speaking slowly and methodically.


    Chen Shuiwen and the other person were startled.


    Xiao Yi fiddled with the cup in his hands, his face wearing a faint smile, "If you''re finished, then it''s my turn!"


    Chen Shuiwen frowned, "Mr. Xiao, what exactly do you want?"


    Xiao Yi said, "Actually, whether this is about trumping up charges or you getting what you deserve ¡ª none of that truly matters..."


    "Mr. Xiao, what do you mean by that?" Chen Shuiwen looked at him, puzzled.


    Xiao Yi stood up, stretching his limbs, and smiled, "Since Emperor Qian has handed Xiaoshanhe Institute over to me, everything within it is at my disposal. If I say you are guilty, then you are guilty; if I say you are innocent, then you are innocent. Whether there is evidence or not is beside the point!"


    "You..."


    Chen Shuiwen''s face went through a series of changes, showing a hint of horror in his eyes.


    In his view...


    Xiao Yi would surely not dare to confront him head-on if he wanted to control Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Otherwise...


    If he and a group of instructors and disciples banded together to resist, not to mention revitalizing Xiaoshanhe Institute, even the most basic management would become problematic for Xiao Yi.


    Then he would incur severe punishment from Emperor Qian.


    Moreover...


    Having managed Xiaoshanhe Institute for over a decade, Chen Shuiwen had turned it into an impregnable fortress, beyond the reach of others. It was precisely for this reason that Chen Shuiwen was so confident and fearless, confronting Xiao Yi head-on, intending to make Xiao Yi''s life difficult until he had no choice but to leave, and the control of Xiaoshanhe Institute would once again fall into his hands.


    As for forcefully removing them?


    Chen Shuiwen had never thought Xiao Yi would do such a thing, or to put it another way, in his view, Xiao Yi absolutely wouldn''t dare to do so.


    After all...


    He had deep roots in Xiaoshanhe Institute, and should Xiao Yi forcefully oppose him, he could simply take all instructors and disciples and leave. What then, with Xiao Yi alone, could be said about revitalizing Xiaoshanhe Institute?


    If it were under normal circumstances, anyone else taking Xiao Yi''s position indeed wouldn''t dare to do so.


    But now...


    Xiao Yi had already resolved to expand Xiaoshanhe Institute, and once new disciples and instructors were recruited, Chen Shuiwen''s departure, along with that of his cadre of parasites, would have absolutely no impact on Xiaoshanhe Institute. In addition, Xiao Yi held a capital of a trillion two of silver and had also formed alliances with the powerful Dongfang and Ximen families.


    As long as the issue of the elixirs was resolved, a completely new Xiaoshanhe Institute could be established.


    Why would a Xiao Yi, who had no concerns for the consequences, fear them?


    "Mr. Xiao, stop posing and posturing here. Xiaoshanhe Institute can do without you, Xiao Yi, but it can''t do without me, Chen Shuiwen!" Chen Shuiwen said confidently.


    Chen Xing nodded from the side, "Mr. Chen has devoted all his efforts to Xiaoshanhe Institute; without him, there would be no Xiaoshanhe Institute today! If you dismiss Mr. Chen without any evidence, all the teachers and students of Xiaoshanhe Institute will not stand for it, and we will surely petition to Emperor Qian about your actions!"


    "Very well, since you want evidence, I will give you evidence!"


    Xiao Yi reached out with one hand.


    Whoosh!


    The vitality was like a sea, instantly binding Chen Xing.


    Chen Xing''s body involuntarily hung in midair, his hands clutching at his neck desperately, his face full of shock, his limbs flailing wildly, "Let me go... Xiao, Xiao Yi, what are you doing? Let me go..."


    Chen Shuiwen''s face was extremely unsightly, and he gritted his teeth, "Xiao Yi, are you really going to tear our faces apart?"


    Vitality fluctuated around him.


    Hiss, hiss!


    A series of low hissing suddenly echoed in his ears; Little Lin had unknowingly landed on his shoulder, its sharp fangs glinting a cold light.


    Gulp!


    Chen Shuiwen''s body trembled all over.


    The arrival of Little Lin sent a chill throughout his body, as if he had fallen into an ice cellar.


    This was the feeling of death!


    It made him dare not move.


    Xiao Yi squinted his eyes, staring at Chen Xing. Under the powerful pressure that crushed down, Chen Xing''s face turned extremely pale, completely bloodless, his voice icy, "Chen Xing, if you confess truthfully, I can spare you from death. Otherwise, I will make you understand what it means to neither live nor die at will!"


    "I, I don''t know what you''re talking about..." Chen Xing gritted his teeth.


    "Is that so?"


    Xiao Yi gave a faint smile.


    Thud!


    A streak of silver light flashed by, severing Chen Xing''s right arm at the shoulder.


    The severed arm flew high into the air and fell to the ground.


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Speak? Or not?"


    "I don''t know..."


    Thud!


    His left arm was cut off.


    Chen Xing screamed in agony, his eyes reddening, "Xiao Yi... you are framing me, I..."


    Thud!


    Both legs were severed.


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "If you confess honestly, not only will I spare your life, but I will also procure a Jade Fetal Elixir for you, allowing your severed body to be reborn. If you remain deluded, the next thing to part from your body will be this head of yours!"


    "I, I..."


    Chen Xing''s face was filled with terror as he watched the silver light dancing on Xiao Yi''s fingertips. His complexion shifted constantly until the silver light reached in front of his eyes, when he quickly bellowed, "I''ll talk, I''ll talk... I have backups of all the ledgers in my Storage Ring. Over the years, Chen Shuiwen has been embezzling imperial funds. He has swallowed nearly a hundred billion by himself, for all of which I have evidence..."


    "Chen Xing, how dare you betray me?" Chen Shuiwen''s eyes were about to split with fury.


    Chen Xing said with a bitter smile, "Mr. Chen, I, I had no choice..."


    "You..."


    Chen Shuiwen''s face was as black as coal.


    Xiao Yi took the ledger that Chen Xing handed over, his eyes narrowing, "Mr. Chen, do you have anything to say?"


    Chen Shuiwen''s face alternated between green and white, his eyes filled with venomous hatred as he gnashed his teeth, "Xiao Yi, you''re ruthless. I admit my loss today. Yet, over these years at Xiaoshanhe Institute, I have endured hardships even if I haven''t made meritorious deeds. So what if I embezzled this money? Do you really dare to kill me?"


    Over these years.


    Although Chen Shuiwen was insatiably greedy, he had indeed cultivated many strong individuals.


    Among these strong individuals, many held high positions, or were powerful figures in their own right.


    Even if the evidence was conclusive and all submitted to Emperor Qian.


    Emperor Qian would not kill him!


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "I will not kill you, but Xiaoshanhe Institute can no longer accommodate you. Leave!"


    Xiao Yi''s aim had never been to kill Chen Shuiwen but to simply expel him from Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Chen Shuiwen sneered, "Xiao Yi, as the saying goes, ''The mountains do not turn, but the waters do.'' Today, I, Chen Shuiwen, have underestimated you and fallen into your hands. But don''t get too comfortable. There will come a day when I will claim back today''s humiliation with interest!"


    A cold snort.


    Chen Shuiwen stalked off with a flick of his sleeve.


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, remaining silent.


    A moment later...


    Little Lin flew in from outside, landing on his shoulder: "Boss, that old guy is gathering instructors and students..." S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "If those parasites choose to leave with him, it saves me the effort of weeding them out one by one."


    Xiao Yi waved his hand, then narrowed his eyes, speaking indifferently, "Little Lin, you tell those people, if they want to leave, I won''t stop them, but if they stay, they must abide by my rules."


    Little Lin blinked, "Boss, what rules?"


    Xiao Yi enunciated each word, "Those who follow me will prosper, those who oppose me will perish!"

 Chapter 281 - 281: Name Remains, Essence Gone?

    Xiaoshanhe Institute, Martial Arts Field.


    Chen Shuiwen stood on the high platform, with thousands of people standing before him.


    These were all the current instructors and disciples of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, and over the more than a decade that Chen Shuiwen had been in charge, they had become his steadfast supporters.


    "Ladies and gentlemen, I, Chen Shuiwen, have exhausted all my efforts for the Xiaoshanhe Institute for decades, but ''when the hare is dead, the hound is cooked...''"


    With a sorrowful expression, Chen Shuiwen spoke in a heavy voice, "Now that Xiao Yi has ascended to the position of head of Xiaoshanhe Institute, I, Chen Shuiwen, have lost my usefulness. Just a moment ago, Xiao Yi asked me to resign from the position of Deputy Head. I, Chen Shuiwen, cannot bear to leave and cannot bear to part with all of you; I was unwilling to resign. Xiao Yi then coerced Elder Chen Xing into slandering me by accusing me of embezzling more than a hundred billion taels. If I do not leave, he will use this crime of embezzlement against me. I have no other choice but to resign from the position of Deputy Head of Xiaoshanhe Institute effective immediately..."


    Boom!


    As soon as this was said,


    The entire Martial Arts Field boiled over.


    Thousands of people widened their eyes in shock and bewilderment.


    Chen Shuiwen looked toward Sun Zhengyi, Zou Zheng, and others in the crowd.


    Sun Zhengyi, in stark anguish, cried out, "Ladies and gentlemen, over the years, Mr. Chen has given his all for the Shanhe Court. Xiao Yi has barely arrived at the Xiaoshanhe Institute and is already trying to eliminate dissidents, repressing Mr. Chen. Can you tolerate this?"


    "We cannot!"


    Zou Zheng shouted, "Mr. Chen has worked tirelessly for our benefit. What is Xiao Yi? What contributions has he made to the Xiaoshanhe Institute?"


    "Right, we support Mr. Chen!"


    "If Xiao Yi wants to drive Mr. Chen away, he has to drive us all away together!"


    "It should be him leaving, why should you be the one to go?"


    "We support having Xiao Yi resign from the position of Head..."


    The crowd shouted one after another.


    The unified shouting of thousands of people was like thundering war drums reverberating in the skies above the Martial Arts Field.


    The corners of Chen Shuiwen''s mouth lifted slightly, revealing a smile of successful intrigue. He clasped his hands together in front of his chest, tears glistened in his bloodshot eyes: "Ladies and gentlemen, there is no need for this. Xiao, the Head of the Institute, has the Emperor Qian''s instructions and is the rightful leader of Xiaoshanhe Institute. And what am I, Chen Shuiwen? I have treated the Xiaoshanhe Institute as my home, and for over a decade I have diligently and unswervingly worked without a moment''s laziness... but none of that matters anymore. Since Xiao the Head cannot accommodate me, then let me depart! Ladies and gentlemen, you should stay at the Xiaoshanhe Institute, I trust that Xiao the Head will certainly lead you to a glorious future!"


    His words were earnest and touched the heart of every hardship and difficulty he had faced over the past decade.


    It brought pain to those who heard it, and tears to those who saw it.


    The instructors of Xiaoshanhe Institute had long received Chen Shuiwen''s instructions and began to speak one after another: "Ladies and gentlemen, we absolutely cannot let Mr. Chen''s years of hard work be wasted!"


    "We support Mr. Chen; if Xiao the Head insists on driving Mr. Chen away, we will leave with him!"


    "Right, we will advance or retreat together with Mr. Chen!"


    The disciples, who usually spent more time with their instructors than the newly arrived Head Xiao Yi, began to speak up, "We are willing to advance or retreat together with Mr. Chen!"


    "If Xiao the Head wants to drive Mr. Chen away, then drive us all away!"


    "Advance or retreat together!"


    Sun Zhengyi raised his arms and shouted. Seeing a sea of disciples worked into a fervent state, their spirit fully ignited, a look of pride appeared on his face as he looked toward Chen Shuiwen.


    In Chen Shuiwen''s eyes flashed a hint of satisfaction. Feigning emotion, he said, "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for your recognition and support of me. Since you all wish to follow me, I will certainly not let you down! I will find a way to establish a new Xiaoshanhe Institute. If you trust in me, Chen Shuiwen, then leave with me, and I, Chen Shuiwen, promise that you will not be treated unfairly!"


    "I am willing to follow you!"


    "Mr. Chen, we will always support you!"


    For a moment.


    All the instructors and two-thirds of the disciples chose to follow Chen Shuiwen as he left.


    Those who remained were students with mediocre talents coupled with a lack of flattery. They received scant resources usually and were extremely dissatisfied with Chen Shuiwen and the various instructors. In Chen Shuiwen''s eyes, these people were trash that couldn''t be helped up, and he naturally did not care about their departure, laughing as he said, "Everyone, please believe in Chen, I definitely won''t let you down!"


    "Long live Dean Chen!"


    "Following Dean Chen''s lead is indeed the correct choice!"


    Oozing with pride, Chen Shuiwen turned his gaze to Xiao Yi, who appeared on the edge of the training field, his face wearing an arrogant look, and he proclaimed loudly, "Dean Xiao, if a place does not welcome me, I will find one that does. Today, due to your stubbornness, you forced us to leave the Xiaoshanhe Institute. I believe it won''t be long before you regret today''s decision!"


    Xiao Yi''s shoulder was home to Little Lin.


    Standing behind him were Yu Huaxian and others, their gazes towards Chen Shuiwen and his people icily sharp.


    Xiao Yi''s mouth curled up slightly, glancing at the crowd before him, excited, with each person standing behind Chen Shuiwen¡ªboth instructors and disciples¡ªwith an indifferent look, "If you step out of the Xiaoshanhe Institute today, you will never be employed again, having no further ties with my Xiaoshanhe Institute!" S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Who wants to have anything to do with you?"


    "Since we''ve chosen to leave with Dean Chen, we naturally won''t come back!"


    "Dean Xiao, you can stay here and play the lone commander..."


    Sun Zhengyi wore a mocking smile, laughing derisively.


    All the instructors and disciples felt the same.


    Nobody was optimistic about Xiao Yi.


    A top powerhouse in a sect is indeed important, but the true foundation lies in the disciples and the strength of various instructors. Without them, one is but a lone commander, of what use is strength then?


    "Everyone, follow me and leave!"


    Chen Shuiwen made a grand sweeping gesture, and everyone closely followed him.


    As he brushed past Xiao Yi, Chen Shuiwen''s step faltered slightly, revealing a smug smile, "Xiao Yi, there''s just over two months until the ancestor worship ceremony, I''d like to see how you explain yourself to Emperor Qian!"


    "You needn''t worry yourself over that!" Xiao Yi replied indifferently.


    "Truly a case of not crying until seeing the coffin!"


    Chen Shuiwen shook his head, leading Sun Zhengyi, Zou Zheng, and the rest of the instructors and disciples away, striding off with great steps.


    For a moment.


    On the training field, only Xiao Yi''s party remained, along with the bottom third of disciples from the Xiaoshanhe Institute who had not left.


    They looked at each other, their faces a picture of bewildered uncertainty.


    Although they were unwilling to follow Chen Shuiwen, staying in the Xiaoshanhe Institute, they also saw no hope.


    After all.


    Compared with the experienced and renowned Chen Shuiwen, Xiao Yi was indeed far less famous in managing a sect.


    Moreover...


    Now that almost all instructors and disciples of the Xiaoshanhe Institute had left, with the Institute in name only, how could it return to its former glory?


    The vast training field was cast in dreary gloom.


    Xiao Yi''s sharp gaze swept over everyone, how could he not understand their thoughts? His mouth rose slightly, and he was about to speak astonishingly, "..."

 Chapter 282 - 282: Turning Hand into a Mountain of Silver!

    "If you wish to leave, I will not force you to stay!"


    Xiao Yi''s words were startling.


    The over one thousand disciples left on the training ground all looked at each other in disbelief, unable to believe what they were hearing from Xiao Yi.


    In their eyes...


    Presently, all the instructors of Xiaoshanhe Institute, along with two-thirds of the elite disciples, had followed Chen Shuiwen away.


    They were all that was left of Xiaoshanhe Institute''s foundation.


    Shouldn''t Xiao Yi exhaust every effort to keep them instead of letting them leave?


    Was he planning to throw in the towel and give up on Xiaoshanhe Institute completely?


    For a moment.


    Many disciples wavered and ultimately chose to leave, "Sorry, Director Xiao..."


    "I apologize, Director Xiao..."


    One.


    Two.


    Three...


    Once someone took the lead, others quickly followed.


    In the blink of an eye.


    One-third of the group had left, leaving only over seven hundred still standing in their places.


    Xiao Yi''s gaze swept over these seven hundred and saw a trace of satisfaction flash in the depths of his eyes, knowing that those who still wished to stay must be truly loyal to Xiaoshanhe Institute at heart.


    Their talents might not be high.


    But with Xiao Yi there, was a lack of talent a problem?


    Even for those considered talentless, he could create a demon core Dantian!


    Xiao Yi''s mouth curved into a smile as he spoke loudly, "I''m glad you chose to stay. I know many of you are doubting whether I can lead Xiaoshanhe Institute to its former glory¡­"


    The crowd was silent.


    But their gazes all fell on him.


    Just as Xiao Yi had said, they were indeed doubting his abilities.


    Xiao Yi''s smile grew slightly, and a powerful pressure suddenly burst forth from him as the Martial Dao Divine Fruit floated above him.


    That golden Martial Dao Divine Fruit radiated myriad halos and a thousand streaks of auspicious light.


    Under the enveloping pressure.


    The crowd felt their spirits lifted, gazing at the Martial Dao Divine Fruit above Xiao Yi''s head in disbelief. They had never seen a Divine Fruit of the Martial Dao so pure, so holy, so powerful.


    At least in terms of power¡­


    Xiao Yi had given them a strong impact and confidence, after all, not even Chen Shuiwen had ever exerted such terrifying pressure on them.


    Looking at the awe and admiration in the eyes of the crowd, Xiao Yi knew he had achieved the desired effect.


    The Martial Dao Divine Fruit retracted into his body.


    The terrible pressure disappeared without a trace.


    The crowd''s gaze was unprecedentedly unified, all focused on Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi spoke solemnly, "Please believe in me, I am certain I can lead Xiaoshanhe Institute back to its glory!"


    "Director Xiao, all the instructors of Xiaoshanhe Institute have now followed Deputy Director Chen, how then can you lead us back to glory?"


    "I am sure Director Xiao is also aware that our talents are not outstanding among the disciples of Xiaoshanhe Institute, we might even be considered the bottom tier. It is precisely because of this that we were always neglected, which is why we didn''t follow Deputy Director Chen when he left..."


    "Director Xiao''s strength is there for all to see, but your strength alone does not mean you can make us strong too!"


    The disciples said one after another.


    Xiao Yi nodded, clearly understanding their concerns, but he had long been prepared for these questions. He responded, "Please rest assured, the current predicament of Xiaoshanhe Institute is only temporary. Soon, you will meet a batch of outstanding instructors, as well as a group of talented fellow disciples. I am confident that Xiaoshanhe Institute will shine once more, and those who left today will regret their decision for the rest of their lives!"


    "Director Chen, did you hear what he said? It appears that our Director Xiao is unaware of what it truly takes to strengthen Xiaoshanhe Institute!" Sun Zhengyi''s voice came from the edge of the training ground.


    It turned out they had already packed their belongings, ready to leave Xiaoshanhe Institute, and had overheard Xiao Yi''s words while passing by.


    Chen Shuiwen, with his arms folded across his chest and a smile curving his lips, spoke in a mocking tone, "Director Xiao, let me remind you... the strength of a sect requires not only a sufficient number of strong figures to guide the disciples in their Cultivation Technique, and not just disciples with enough talent in numbers. It also needs a vast amount of resources, medicinal pills, elemental weapons, martial skills... all of these are indispensable."


    Zou Zheng expressed regret, "It''s just a pity that Xiaoshanhe Institute really doesn''t have any spare silver left for you. Oh right, it seems the manuals for the martial arts Cultivation Techniques also lack proper management and have been damaged by worms. Tsk tsk, it''s such a waste!"


    "Director Chen, how about we each donate a Silver Tael to help them out a bit? Otherwise, with Xiaoshanhe Institute in its current state, I''m afraid they won''t even be able to afford ordinary grains and fodder!" Sun Zhengyi said with a smirk by the side, his eyes filled with ridicule and provocation as he looked at Xiao Yi.


    As Chen Shuiwen''s confidant, he naturally knew that over the past decade.


    Xiaoshanhe Institute had already been hollowed out by Chen Shuiwen.


    In the treasury room.


    Leaving several hundred thousand taels of silver was already an act of great charity from Chen Shuiwen.


    No people, no money.


    How could they possibly revitalize the Xiaoshanhe Institute?


    Faced with everyone''s ridicule and provocation, Xiao Yi noticed that the expressions on the seven hundred disciples'' faces also showed a trace of sorrow.


    Xiao Yi turned to look at Chen Shuiwen and said with a cold smile, "You''re right, the resources you mentioned are indeed essential for the revival of the Xiaoshanhe Institute. However, who told you that the Xiaoshanhe Institute is lacking in these?"


    "Hmm?"


    Chen Shuiwen was startled.


    Sun Zhengyi sneered, "Head Xiao, there''s no need to pretend here. The Xiaoshanhe Institute''s treasury can''t even produce a million taels of silver, let alone have a sufficient number of cultivation techniques, and even the tutors have all left. Could it be that you think just the few of you are enough to revive the Xiaoshanhe Institute? Don''t overestimate yourself!"


    Zou Zheng clicked his tongue and mocked, "Chen is preparing to establish a new Shanhe Court. If Head Xiao really can''t make ends meet, feel free to come over. I''ll personally put in a good word with Chen for you and get you a job as a gatekeeper!" Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Pretending to be displeased, Chen Shuiwen rebuked, "Zou Zheng, what nonsense are you talking? He has Emperor Qian''s support, how could he possibly need to come to us to make a living?"


    "Chen is right..."


    Sun Zhengyi also chimed in, winking and teasing, "With Head Xiao''s relationship with the imperial family, if he really can''t make it, he could completely become a chief steward in the palace!"


    "Hahaha..."


    The crowd burst into laughter.


    The look in their eyes towards Xiao Yi became even more filled with mockery.


    "Bastards..."


    "I really want to tear their mouths apart..." Yu Huaxian and the others'' faces turned green and then white, looking terribly ugly.


    They were about to make a move, but Xiao Yi stopped them.


    Xiao Yi looked at Chen Shuiwen and the others, who were full of pride, and said lightly, "My Xiaoshanhe Institute may lack everything, but it certainly doesn''t lack resources."


    "It''s not up to you to decide whether you lack resources or not!"


    "Hahaha, Head Xiao, could it be that you can conjure up a mountain of gold out of thin air?"


    Facing their ridicule and teasing,


    Xiao Yi shook his head with a smile and said, "A mountain of gold may be out of the question, but a mountain of silver is quite easy to come by!"


    "Hmm?"


    "A mountain of silver?"


    The crowd was taken aback.


    With a wave of Xiao Yi''s hand, a swath of silver light suddenly burst forth.


    From his storage ring, box after box of silver taels fell to the ground.


    Ten thousand.


    One hundred thousand.


    One million.


    Ten million...


    In the blink of an eye.


    An entire one trillion taels of silver were laid out in the martial field, piling up into a dazzling mountain of silver.


    Looking at the blinding mountain of silver, those who were just mocking Xiao Yi were dumbfounded.


    They felt their faces burn as if they had been viciously slapped dozens of times: "How is this possible?"


    "There has to be several trillion taels of silver here, right?"


    "With so much money... what resources couldn''t be bought? My god, where did Xiao Yi get all this money? How much can he buy with it? What have we exactly missed?"


    "With so much money in the Xiaoshanhe Institute, how could there be any worry about rejuvenation? Why did we choose to leave?"


    "..."


    For a time.


    Many disciples who had left with Chen Shuiwen were full of regret and beat their chests in frustration.


    Chen Shuiwen and the others were even paler, looking at the mountain of silver that rose dozens of feet high, their eyes wide...


    Xiao Yi''s mouth curved into a slight smile as he looked at the stunned crowd and said, "Isn''t this mountain of silver spectacular?"


    Clap clap clap!


    Chen Shuiwen and the others'' cheeks twitched violently, they glared viciously at Xiao Yi but ended up leaving in a sorry state...

 Chapter 283 - 283: Do Not Move or Die!

    Chen Shuiwen and his party left in disarray.


    Excitement was painted on the faces of the several hundred disciples who chose to stay at the Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    This was a trillion silver taels!


    One should know...


    Even considering the former scale of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, the monthly expenses were only about three hundred million silver taels, even if the costs increased a hundredfold it would only amount to one hundred billion. Here, the silver was enough to sustain for more than a decade, and with the resources increasing by tens of times, even if their talents were not as good as those who followed Chen Shuiwen, they could completely make up for it with the resources!


    In that moment,


    Those who had been full of doubts, thinking that Xiao Yi couldn''t lead the Xiaoshanhe Institute to its former glory, all showed excited expressions.


    Even Yu Huaxian had never seen so many silver taels before, and he swallowed subconsciously, turning to Yan Mingli beside him, "Elder Yan, do you think Xiao managed to get his hands on so much silver? He couldn''t have sold himself, right?"


    Yan Mingli twitched the corner of his eye: "..."


    Xue Bufan and others also gave him a deep look, with weird expressions on their faces.


    Touching his chin, Yu Huaxian felt even more convinced that his guess was right and pondered, "It''s only been a few days since Xiao left, and he''s made a trillion silver taels! This business is definitely worth it... It''s just that I don''t know if it can be a long-term deal. If it can last, it may be worthwhile for Xiao to make a few more trips..."


    "Yu Huaxian, I happen to know a place where you can sell your ass, are you interested?" A sinister voice suddenly rang in his ear.


    "Of course I''ll go... uh..."


    Yu Huaxian''s face stiffened as he turned to look at Xiao Yi, who had appeared before him, his face dark as coal, staring at him. He swallowed instinctively, and with a sheepish laugh, said, "Xiao... Xiao, I won''t dare... ah..."


    A scream pierced the air.


    Yu Huaxian was directly grabbed by Xiao Yi, who changed his direction and with a thud, buried his head in the ground. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His legs stood straight up,


    Like an uprooted green onion.


    Xiao Yi said, "You''re not allowed to come out until it gets dark!"


    Yu Huaxian''s aggrieved voice came from the ground: "&*()..."


    Xiao Yi looked towards Yan Mingli and spoke in a deep voice, "Elder Yan, I will entrust these silver taels to your management. From now on, you will lead all matters related to finance at the Xiaoshanhe Institute!"


    "Yes!"


    Yan Mingli''s face was filled with excitement.


    This was entrusting him with the financial authority of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, a sign of absolute trust.


    He looked at Xiao Yi with eyes full of gratitude.


    Xiao Yi then looked towards Xue Bufan and spoke solemnly, "Elder Xue, we will be expanding the recruitment of disciples and instructors next. There will be a large shortage of medicinal pills. List out what kinds we need, and I will find a way to source them."


    "Xiao, the medicinal pills in the Great Qian Dynasty are all controlled by the Nangong and Beitang families, shall I go see them?" Xue Bufan asked.


    Xiao Yi pondered for a moment. Although Nangong Shengtian was previously overbearing and aggressive, just as Xue Bufan said, the medicinal pill and herb market within the Great Qian Dynasty was in the hands of these two families. If they could cooperate with them, it would definitely save a lot of trouble: "First, go to the Nangong Family to negotiate. If things don''t work out, we will find another way!"


    "Sure!"


    Xue Bufan nodded, "I''ll go right away!"


    Struggling, Yu Huaxian pulled his head out of the ground, spat out a mouthful of dirt, and expressed his concern, "Xiao, now that Chen Shuiwen has taken away all the instructors, as well as so many elite disciples. Our priority should be to recruit new disciples and instructors. Otherwise, just with us here... Not to mention revitalizing the Xiaoshanhe Institute, we won''t even be able to cope with the ancestral ceremony in two months!"


    Yan Mingli nodded, "Xiao, Yu Huaxian makes a good point!"


    Xiao Yi said, "Don''t worry, I have my plans for these matters!"


    His eyes narrowed into slits.


    The resurgence of the Xiaoshanhe Institute was of great significance. After all, if he wanted to truly surpass Xiao Tianjiao, it would not be possible just by fighting alone.


    The Xiaoshanhe Institute was the perfect platform.


    Muttering to himself, Xiao Yi thought, "Xiao Tianjiao, you pride yourself on the backing of the Tianjian Sect and its massive power. But I wonder what your expression will be when I build the Xiaoshanhe Institute to rival the Tianjian Sect?"


    "Yu Huaxian, from this moment on, these disciples'' cultivation is entrusted to you. I will have Elder Xue and Elder Yan assist you. Whatever resources are needed, tell them directly. Spare no cost in providing for you. I want to see results in the shortest amount of time!" Xiao Yi instructed.


    He was determined to thoroughly reform the Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    This reform was bound to face pressure from all sides, and with his current strength, he could barely resist these pressures. But what was truly important was to address all potential concerns of the Xiaoshanhe Institute. Among these, the most critical was to secure the loyalty of the few hundred disciples before him, to offer them sufficient benefits, and to enable them to breakthrough their realms in the shortest time possible.


    These individuals were the gold-plated signboard he planned to send out into the world.


    Yu Huaxian understood the gravity of the situation; he patted his chest and solemnly promised, "Xiao, rest assured, I will not let you down!"


    His eyes fell on the few hundred disciples, and the corners of his mouth lifted slightly: "Boys, brace yourselves for Grandpa Yu''s thunderstorm!"


    The few hundred disciples shuddered.


    They felt a chill all over.


    At this moment, they did not yet know that a storm as terrifying as hell would soon descend upon them.


    Of course...


    This storm was also a tremendous opportunity.


    An opportunity that could change their lives!


    After making all the arrangements, Xiao Yi returned to his private residence, "The strength of a sect, apart from having top warrior forces, also requires sufficient expert guidance, a substantial and high-quality group of disciples, and various types of resources... As for attracting enough experts and geniuses to join, one must show the strengths of the Xiaoshanhe Institute!"


    Now that the Xiaoshanhe Institute had experienced the departure of people like Chen Shuiwen, its reputation would inevitably plummet to its lowest.


    This posed a great challenge for both the Xiaoshanhe Institute and Xiao Yi.


    A single misstep.


    Could lead to a tarnished reputation, and then no one would wish to join the Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    But this was also an opportunity.


    Chen Shuiwen would undoubtedly widely publicize their departure, and at that time, many eyes would turn to the Xiaoshanhe Institute. If at this moment, they could instill confidence in everyone, letting them know the tremendous benefits of joining the Xiaoshanhe Institute, how could it worry about not attracting people?


    "The formation stones from Three Seas Mountain and Wendao Villa will arrive in two days. If I can turn the entire Xiaoshanhe Institute into a cultivation holy land, it will surely attract a group of followers." At this thought, Xiao Yi''s figure flashed, and he entered the eternal tomb.


    His cultivation had now reached the First Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm, and the number of God Sealing Seeds he possessed was a terrifying tens of millions!


    His eyes couldn''t help but fall upon the tomb of Zhao Wuji.


    This was a presence that stood at the very pinnacle of the outermost layer of the pyramid in the eternal tomb, Martial God Zhao Wuji, a figure shrouded in legend, a being spoken of as both god and devil.


    Simultaneously...


    He was also the only being among many strong figures who could be termed a "God."


    Before this.


    With several million God Sealing Seeds in Xiao Yi''s possession, he was already close to accessing Zhao Wuji''s ancient tomb. Now, with tens of millions of God Sealing Seeds, he could naturally progress further. But just as he was about to touch Zhao Wuji''s ancient tomb, the God Sealing Seeds inside his body suddenly began to tremble violently, and in his mind, the anxious voice of the Wind Thunder Venerable suddenly rang out: "Do not touch! To touch is to die!"


    Hiss!


    Xiao Yi''s face drastically changed, and he quickly withdrew his hand.


    The tomb of Zhao Wuji in front of him seemed to be greatly angered, and the tombstone trembled thunderously.


    The formidable pressure made Xiao Yi''s face turn even paler.


    The tens of millions of God Sealing Seeds inside his body trembled wildly, the terrifying black light shrouded him, and only then was he barely able to withstand that terrible pressure.


    Xiao Yi drew a cold breath, looking at the ancient tomb in front of him with lingering fear: "What exactly is hidden inside Zhao Wuji''s ancient tomb? Why is Wind Thunder Venerable so wary of it? Well, I will deal with it after I truly step into the Dharma Manifestation Realm!"


    His gaze reluctantly moved away from Zhao Wuji''s ancient tomb.


    Xiao Yi arrived at the destination of his journey...


    In front of this low tomb was a standing green tombstone that read¡ªTomb of the Great Formation Master Twin Star Taoist!

 Chapter 284 - 284: The Twin Star Taoist

    ```


    Twin Star Taoist.


    His life was legendary.


    This man was born into a martial arts family. His martial arts talent was mediocre, not valued by his clan.


    Thus, he took a different path and delved into the study of formation arts.


    It is said¡­


    Throughout his life, Twin Star Taoist created over 63,000 formations, virtually encompassing all conceivable arrays.


    Though he wasn''t hailed as the Medicine Saint like the Wind Thunder revered one, nor considered the pioneer of the path of alchemy, his status in the realm of formations was no less than that of the Wind Thunder revered one in alchemy. The most famous battle in Twin Star Taoist''s life was against Zhao Wuji, during which he laid down over 13,800 killing formations and 21,056 trapping formations.


    He had trapped Zhao Wuji for an entire century.


    To break free from that world of formations, Martial God Zhao Wuji had forcibly shattered the once whole Qingtian Realm into bits and pieces.


    This resulted in the current five continents of north, south, east, west, and central Qingtian Realm. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And the former world of formations, as the main battlefield, was directly sunk into the depths of the ocean.


    The path of formations, the path of alchemy, the martial path.


    Mastering any of these could grant power to rival the gods.


    If Zhao Wuji was considered the pinnacle of the martial path, then Twin Star Taoist was the dominant force in the world of formations!


    In terms of being troublesome, he was undoubtedly the first in all ages throughout Qingtian Realm!


    It was for this reason...


    Xiao Yi had held back from making his move until now.


    "Once I''ve excavated Twin Star Taoist''s grave, the only other tomb that seems promising is Zhao Wuji''s¡­" Xiao Yi looked around, even though there were many tombs here, there weren''t many that caught his eye!


    However¡­


    The Wind Thunder revered one''s consecutive warnings had made Xiao Yi more cautious and wary of Zhao Wuji''s tomb.


    He was determined not to touch it until he truly broke through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    Swish!


    Inside Xiao Yi, tens of millions of God Sealing Seeds furiously converged, forming a pitch-black palm that fiercely struck toward Twin Star Taoist''s tomb.


    Boom!


    The tomb exploded.


    Suddenly, countless formation flags shot out, with up to a thousand of them landing around Xiao Yi.


    The surrounding space twisted, revealing a piece of tranquil land.


    It was an ancient village.


    The villagers were coming and going, their faces bearing happy smiles. They looked at Xiao Yi with very gentle eyes.


    "May I ask¡­"


    Xiao Yi saw a girl appear ahead of him. The girl was exquisite, as if carved from jade.


    Her pigtails on either side were especially cute, and she held a tanghulu in her plump hands, hopping past Xiao Yi. When she heard Xiao Yi speak, the girl stopped, curiously sizing him up with her head tilted, her voice as pleasant as an oriole''s, "Big brother, how come I''ve never seen you before? Are you new to our village?"


    Xiao Yi subconsciously nodded, "Little sister, what''s your name? Where is this place?"


    The girl tilted her head and said with a beaming smile, "My name is Qingzhu, Fang Qingzhu!"


    "Huh?"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback.


    Fang Qingzhu?


    How could she be Fang Qingzhu?


    While Xiao Yi was stunned, he saw the girl suddenly thrust the tanghulu in her hand forward, stabbing at a young boy passing by her side. The candied hawthorn stick was as sharp as a knife, and with a ''puff,'' it sliced off the young boy''s head. His fresh blood sprayed onto the tanghulu, making the string of candied fruits even more vividly red.


    The surrounding villagers continued to go about their business with happy smiles on their faces.


    As if they hadn''t seen any of it.


    The girl clapped her hands, her face beaming with excitement and joy, "My tanghulu is sweeter now! Big brother, do you want to try some?"


    In front of Xiao Yi¡­


    The girl''s appearance began to change, her body transforming to look exactly like Fang Qingzhu.


    Xiao Yi''s pupils suddenly contracted, disbelief in his eyes, "How can you kill people at will?"


    "Big brother, my tanghulu wasn''t sweet anymore, but after killing them, it''s sweet again!" said the girl innocently.


    She stuck out her blood-red tongue and licked the tanghulu.


    ```


    The sugar coating on the hawthorn fruit skewers gradually faded.


    The girl frowned in dissatisfaction, looking at the villagers coming and going around her, "How annoying! The candied hawthorn isn''t sweet anymore, big brother, wait for me, okay? I''m going to add some sugar to the skewers!"


    Swish!


    Swish!


    The girl''s smile remained on her face, as beautiful as Fang Qingzhu''s, while the candied hawthorn in her hand turned into a deadly weapon.


    One life after another was claimed by the candied hawthorn.


    Blood added to the bright red color on the skewers.


    The taste became increasingly sweet.


    "Stop!"


    Xiao Yi flashed in front of her, staring at the girl, "You can''t just kill people at will!"


    The girl''s eyes brimmed with longing, looking at Xiao Yi with a look of grievance, her slender palm covering her heart, "Big brother, don''t you like me anymore? I just wanted to eat the candied hawthorn, why must you stop me?"


    "You..."


    Xiao Yi looked at that familiar face, filled with a sorrowful expression, and his heart twisted in pain.


    For a moment...


    It was as if it really was Fang Qingzhu standing before him.


    The girl said with a look of grievance, "You promised that you would do anything for me, are you going back on your word now? You don''t love me anymore?"


    Every word the girl spoke, every character was filled with a magic power.


    Striking directly at Xiao Yi''s heart.


    An alluring voice appeared in his mind, "It''s just killing a few people, isn''t it? She is the one you love the most; what''s the big deal?"


    Xiao Yi''s heart wavered.


    On one side was the person he loved the most; on the other, strangers who meant nothing to him.


    Suddenly...


    Xiao Yi gritted his teeth, shook his head forcefully, and the confusion and hesitation in his eyes vanished as he snorted coldly and seized the neck of the Fang Qingzhu in front of him.


    "Big brother, you... are you going to kill me? You said you''d love me and protect me for a lifetime, will you really kill me for their sake?" The girl''s eyes welled up with longing tears, her aggrieved appearance almost irresistibly stirring the impulse to protect her.


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi exhaled a long breath, his voice sinking, "The real Qingzhu would never slaughter the innocent like you... You can''t influence me!"


    His state of mind was ascending.


    As firm as iron, unbreakable.


    No matter how the girl in front of him tried to beguile or look aggrieved, she could not shake his spirit.


    The look of grievance on the girl''s face disappeared in an instant, transforming into a strange smile. Everything around him shattered. The villagers vanished; the village disappeared. In front of Xiao Yi, the girl turned into a middle-aged man dressed in starry Daoist robes.


    He had somehow broken free from Xiao Yi''s grasp, his hands behind his back, and a warm smile on his face as he looked at Xiao Yi and nodded, "To break the Dream-Entering Formation of this old man in such a short time, lad, you''ve done well!"


    "Are you... the Twin Stars Daoist?" Xiao Yi''s pupils shrank slightly as he took in the Ancient Heavenly Tomb reappearing around him, "Was that just a formation? How could a formation feel so real..."


    "Real? Unreal? What''s the difference? If the false resembles the true, then the true also becomes false, and if the true is taken for the false, then the false also becomes true. As long as you hold steadfast to your original heart, there''s no need to distinguish between reality and illusion!"


    The Twin Stars Daoist chuckled, then continued, "Lad, I sensed the aura of the Wind Thunder Holy Body on you! What is your relationship with that fellow Wind Thunder? And what is this place?"


    Xiao Yi said, "This is the Ancient Heavenly Tomb. I am the Celestial War General, the master here. You share the same fate as the venerable Wind Thunder, buried within the Ancient Heavenly Tomb. As its keeper, once I subdue you all, I can obtain your inheritances..."


    "The Ancient Heavenly Tomb? The Celestial War General?"


    The Twin Stars Daoist seemed taken aback, clearly unfamiliar with the Ancient Heavenly Tomb, a look of foreignness on his face, then he shook his head and said, "Well, if that old fellow Wind Thunder has also been subdued by you, and you were able to break my formation, I won''t make it difficult for you. Come, let''s see, how does the master of this Ancient Heavenly Tomb subdue us?"


    "Senor, forgive my offense!"


    Xiao Yi''s God Sealing Seed vibrated, transforming into a colossal black hole, swallowing the Twin Stars Daoist with a swish.


    A moment later...


    Inside it, another statue appeared within the God Sealing Seed.


    At the same time...


    All knowledge of the Twin Stars Daoist regarding formations flowed into Xiao Yi''s mind, deeply imprinted within his soul, indelible!


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi exhaled deeply, finally obtaining the inheritance of the Twin Stars Daoist, and then instantly vanished from the Ancient Heavenly Tomb.


    When he reappeared in his bedroom, the anxious voice of Ye Heng came from outside the door, "Master, the people from Three Seas Mountain and Wendao Villa have arrived! They''ve also brought two formation masters with them, and their intentions aren''t friendly..."

 Chapter 285 - 285 Im not targeting anyone!

    Xiaoshanhe Institute, in the guest hall.


    Representatives from Three Seas Mountain and Wendao Villa, Hai Wei and Li Jinjun, stood with bowed heads. Before them sat a man and a woman.


    These two had considerable reputations.


    The man was known as the Purple-robed Daoist. Although he was only at the Tao Tribulation Realm Peak, his status within Wendao Villa was by no means inferior to that of any cultivator in the Dharma Manifestation Realm. After all, he was a six-star Array Master.


    The woman hailed from Three Seas Mountain: Li Youruo.


    Li Youruo''s cultivation was also at the Tao Tribulation Realm Peak, and like the Purple-robed Daoist, she was a six-star Array Master, holding a significant position within Three Seas Mountain.


    Yu Huaxian stood to the side, chest out, head held high, vigilantly watching the four of them.


    The Purple-robed Daoist said impatiently, "Your Director Xiao sure puts on quite the air. Even meeting with Emperor Qian wouldn''t have us waiting this long!"


    Yu Huaxian responded indifferently, "Director Xiao is preoccupied with important matters and cannot get away at the moment. I''ve sent someone to notify him, and I believe he will be here shortly!"


    "Hmph!"


    The Purple-robed Daoist snorted coldly, glanced around, and then turned to Li Youruo by his side and said, "I''ve always heard that the Xiaoshanhe Institute has fallen into disrepair for quite some time now, but I never knew to what extent. Now that I''ve seen it with my own eyes, it indeed is in a sorry state! Despite being a former presence among the top ten sects, you don''t even have a Spirit Gathering Array¡­"


    Li Youruo nodded, her words dripping with sarcasm, "In the vast Great Qian Dynasty, aside from the Tianjian Sect, which other sect''s formations can compare to ours? Before, when I heard that Xiao Yi requested a hundred thousand array stones, I thought the Xiaoshanhe Institute had some grandmaster of formations, which is why I went out of my way to come by. But now, it seems we might be returning disappointed!"


    Among the top ten sects.


    Every sect possessed a Spirit Gathering Array, of which Tianjian Sect''s was the most effective, boasting a fivefold increase in gathering efficacy.


    Immediately following were Three Seas Mountain and Wendao Villa.


    Both sects'' Spirit Gathering Arrays achieved a fourfold increase in efficacy.


    The condensed spiritual energy from heaven and earth transformed their respective sects into holy grounds for martial cultivation.


    Hai Wei and Li Jinjun displayed a smug look on their faces, their gaze toward Yu Huaxian growing more disdainful by the moment.


    Yu Huaxian clenched his teeth in anger yet had no words to refute.


    At that moment...


    Xiao Yi''s voice suddenly came from outside the door, "Rest assured, the two of you will not make this trip in vain!"


    "Oh?"


    The group was taken aback and looked towards the entrance.


    Xiao Yi entered the guest hall, led by Ye Heng.


    Yu Huaxian quietly breathed a sigh of relief, stood up, and said with pride, "The two of you, this is our Director of Xiaoshanhe Institute, Xiao Yi!"


    "So you are Xiao Yi? Having the cultivation of the Tao Tribulation Realm at such a young age is indeed not weak!" Li Youruo squinted her eyes, scrutinizing Xiao Yi from head to toe, then nodded slightly. She followed up with ridicule, "You say we won''t be disappointed? Yet in my opinion, that''s unlikely! I heard that all the instructors of Xiaoshanhe Institute, including Chen Shuiwen, have left. Does anyone else among you understand formations?"


    Formation arts are easy to start but extremely difficult to truly master.


    Before this...


    Xiaoshanhe Institute had Chen Shuiwen, who was a four-star Array Master himself.


    Now that Chen Shuiwen had left the Xiaoshanhe Institute, in the eyes of Li Youruo and the Purple-robed Daoist, there was no longer anyone who understood formations.


    Xiao Yi smiled faintly and said, "Xiao has some understanding."


    "Some understanding?"


    Li Jinjun, who stood behind the purple-robed Daoist, snickered with contempt, "Headmaster Xiao, do you know who these two are before you? This purple-robed Daoist and Senior Li Youruo are both illustrious Array Masters of the Meteor Formation. Within the Great Qian Dynasty, there are hardly a handful of people who excel beyond them in the art of formations."


    Xiao Yi raised his eyebrows, his face taking on a strange expression as he looked at Li Youruo and the purple-robed Daoist and saluted, "So the two seniors grace us with their presence, I''ve long admired you! May I know what brings the two seniors here today?"


    Li Youruo said coldly, "Is it you who made our two families deliver a hundred thousand array stones?"


    Xiao Yi glanced at Li Jinjun and Hai Wei, who averted their gazes briefly, and he smiled, "Indeed! I believe they''ve also told you the reasons why you should deliver the array stones to me. Have the two seniors personally come here intending to go back on your word?"


    "Go back on our word? Three Seas Mountain is not so low as to renege on a hundred thousand array stones, however..."


    Li Youruo''s face, resembling old tree bark, carried an indifferent tone, "Array stones are extremely precious, and as Array Masters, we will never allow anyone to waste them."


    The purple-robed Daoist nodded and said, "If your Xiaoshanhe Institute can make good use of these array stones, we naturally won''t interfere. However, your institute most likely lacks the capability!"


    The sole Array Master of Xiaoshanhe Institute had left.


    Who else had the ability to use array stones?


    Xiao Yi smiled.


    If they had come before, he indeed wouldn''t have had a retort.


    But now...


    Xiao Yi said, "You needn''t worry about that, seniors. Since I''ve requested these array stones, naturally I have the ability to make them serve their purpose without wasting a single one." sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Is that so?"


    Li Youruo examined Xiao Yi with a mocking gaze and scoffed, "What big talk, Headmaster Xiao! Even when we are setting up formations, they can hardly avoid some damage. Yet, you claim to have such confidence that you won''t waste a single array stone. I wonder which master you plan to invite for the task? Surely it''s not the Headmaster Xiao who has ''some understanding'' of formations himself?"


    The purple-robed Daoist burst into laughter and said, "Li Family''s young lady, why do you speak such harsh truths? Aren''t you embarrassing Headmaster Xiao?"


    Li Youruo snorted coldly, "Embarrass him? Wasting those hundred thousand array stones for nothing would be the true embarrassment!"


    Hai Wei smiled with irony and said, "Headmaster Xiao, if you can''t find someone to set up the formation, you could ask Elder Li to step in! Of course, Elder Li''s services don''t come cheap!"


    The purple-robed Daoist said with a smile, "Xiao Yi, as long as you sincerely ask me, I can also set up the formation for you!"


    In their eyes, Xiao Yi clearly had no one to set up the formations, which is why they were so brazen.


    Faced with their teasing and mockery,


    Xiao Yi shrugged playfully and said with a sly smile, "There''s no need for the seniors to trouble themselves. Just setting up a few simple formations, Xiao can manage that!"


    "What? You''re going to do it yourself?"


    "That''s just nonsense, the ways of the formation are not like martial arts. Without sufficient time for understanding and practice, how can you possibly set up a formation?"


    "Do you understand how to set up formations? Don''t think reading a few books on formations makes you impressive!"


    "You needn''t concern yourselves with that, my institute doesn''t need to set up any sophisticated formations; just a simple Spirit Gathering Array with tenfold effect is enough for Xiao to handle. Moreover, when it comes to understanding and crafting formations, you are all but trash compared to me!"


    Xiao Yi looked at the furious Li Youruo and the purple-robed Daoist, and with a smile, he said, "I''m not targeting anyone, but when it comes to formations, you all present are trash!"

 Chapter 286 - 286: The Indenture of Sale

    "I''m not singling anyone out, everyone seated here is trash!"


    Xiao Yi''s face bore a peaceful smile as he spoke one word at a time, extremely earnest.


    Pfft!


    Yu Huaxian and Ye Heng couldn''t help but laugh aloud.


    Li Youruo, and the Purple-robed Daoist¡ªtheir faces alternated between shades of green and white, instantly turning unsightly.


    Especially the Purple-robed Daoist and Li Youruo, who slammed their fists onto the table and stood up, their eyes fiery red as if shooting flames, glaring steadfastly at Xiao Yi with clenched teeth, their eyes filled with wrath and humiliation.


    The Purple-robed Daoist bellowed, "You little bastard, how dare you insult me like this? Do you know, before you were even born, I was already known as a grandmaster of formations..."


    Li Youruo''s face was frosty as he said with a gloomy expression, "This is utterly absurd. No wonder Chen Shuiwen led his people away from Xiaoshanhe Institute... What on earth was Emperor Qian thinking? To entrust Xiaoshanhe Institute to someone as ignorant as you?"


    When it comes to mastery of formation arrays.


    They indeed were among the top in the Great Qian Dynasty, with perhaps only the Elder of the Tianjian Sect being able to utterly surpass them in the field of formations.


    That person is a Dharma Manifestation Realm expert, a seven-star senior array master!


    What is Xiao Yi?


    In their eyes, nothing but an insignificant whelp.


    Within their sects, those of Xiao Yi''s age would, at most, only be three or four-star Array Masters, even if they were hailed as formation geniuses. Moreover, Xiao Yi had been imprisoned for many years; they didn''t believe Xiao Yi had any chance to come into contact with any knowledge about formations.


    Not to mention receiving guidance from a renowned master.


    How could he possibly surpass them in the art of formations?


    This feeling was like a beggar standing in front of two rich men, mocking them for being poor.


    Boom, boom, boom!


    The oppressive aura of two Tao Tribulation Realm Peak powerhouses was simultaneously released, significantly increasing the invisible pressure in the guest hall, making the tables and chairs creak.


    At any moment, they might just fall apart!


    Yu Huaxian''s face changed abruptly, as he clenched his twin blades in his hands, vigilantly watching the two.


    In the face of the two enraged individuals.


    Xiao Yi simply waved his hand, and an invisible force dissipated the tense atmosphere as if cutting through it with a knife, and the oppressive aura of the two also vanished without a trace in an instant.


    "This..."


    Li Youruo and the Purple-robed Daoist exchanged glances, both seeing the shock in each other''s eyes. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With a wave of his hand, he had crushed the oppressive aura of the two of them.


    Such a feat could only be achieved by a true Dharma Manifestation Realm expert!


    But there was no sign of Dharma Manifestation energy on Xiao Yi, who was undoubtedly at the Tao Tribulation Realm level!


    Li Jinjun and Hai Wei still had shock in their eyes, remembering the battle at Great Liang Mountain. They involuntarily swallowed their saliva, their backs soaked with cold sweat.


    Xiao Yi looked at the two indifferently and said, "When Xiao calls you trash, are you two not convinced?"


    "Of course, we''re not convinced!"


    The Purple-robed Daoist snorted coldly, and once the topic turned to formations, he brimmed with self-confidence, "I''m not bragging, but in the entire Great Qian Dynasty, only the Elder of Tianjian Sect truly surpasses us in the art of formations. And you? Hmpf, even if I give you a hundred, a thousand years, you might not be able to catch up to us!"


    "We have immersed ourselves in the art of formations for nearly a hundred years. If we can''t outmatch a young fellow like you, then these hundreds of years truly would have been wasted," said Li Youruo.


    Xiao Yi shook his head and said, "It seems you two have some misconceptions about the art of formations! If living long and spending a lot of time studying formations guaranteed high skill, then what''s the need for talent? Both of you have cultivated for over a hundred years and are only at the Tao Tribulation Realm Peak. Whereas I, two years ago, was still at the Physical Body Realm. Now, between you and me, who is stronger?"


    "..."


    The two faced each other, at a loss for words for a moment.


    Xiao Yi''s cultivation history had not spread throughout the Great Qian Dynasty, but the ten major sects had already grasped it.


    They were extremely shocked that Xiao Yi had been able to grow to his current level in just two short years. However, there was another saying within the ten major sects, that Xiao Yi had always been cultivating but had been suppressing his cultivation level because of Xiao Tianjiao''s existence. It was only after leaving the Xiao Family that he revealed his true power without hiding it.


    This view was acknowledged by the vast majority of the powerhouses.


    After all,


    two years to go from the Physical Body Realm to the Tao Tribulation Realm was simply too inconceivable!


    And yet...


    Xiao Yi was not even twenty years old, and after a mere ten or so years of cultivation, his cultivation level was almost catching up to theirs.


    This speed of cultivation truly made them feel inadequate!


    Li Youruo snorted defiantly, "Xiao, what we''re discussing is prowess in formations, not comparing our cultivation levels!"


    "Let''s be clear, your cultivation talent indeed leaves us in the dust, but I don''t believe your strength in formations surpasses ours!" said the man in purple robes with a sneer.


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, "What if my prowess in formation arts really is above yours?"


    The man in purple robes said proudly, "If your formation arts truly surpass ours, I will gladly acknowledge you as my master!"


    "Oh?"


    Xiao Yi''s eyes brightened. The most pressing lack of the Xiaoshanhe Institute was strong figures to uphold it. These two were at the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm and were also six-star Array Masters. If he could get them to join the Xiaoshanhe Institute, it would not only greatly enhance the institute''s strength but also deal a heavy blow to the ten major sects.


    To have Elder-level existences from the esteemed ten major sects join Xiaoshanhe Institute would be excellent publicity!


    With this thought in mind.


    Xiao Yi turned to Li Youruo, "What about you?"


    Li Youruo frowned.


    Behind her, Hai Wei hurriedly warned, "Elder Li, you mustn''t!"


    "What''s so impossible about that? Could it be that you think his formation arts truly do surpass ours?"


    Li Youruo glared fiercely at Hai Wei and snorted coldly, her gaze fixed on Xiao Yi, "Just like Ziyi, if your formation arts prowess is actually above ours, I, Li Youruo, will also take you as my master! However, if you lose, then we''ll forget about the one hundred thousand formation stones, and in addition, you''ll have to kneel and apologize to both of us!"


    Xiao Yi smiled and said, "It''s a deal!"


    "Not even four horses can catch it up!"


    Li Youruo and the man in purple robes spoke at the same time.


    Xiao Yi snapped his fingers, pulled out a scroll, and elaborately wrote a gambling agreement, "Empty promises count for nothing. Please sign your names on this gambling agreement! Of course, if you are afraid, you naturally don''t have to sign!"


    "Hmph!"


    "Afraid of you? Impossible!"


    The two snorted coldly, their faces defiant, and signed their names on the scroll.


    A signed pledge.


    With this scroll in hand, if the two dared to renege, Xiao Yi had a hundred ways to make them pay dearly.


    And for such elder powerhouses, their reputation was of the utmost importance. They naturally would not risk their reputation by behaving dishonestly. Xiao Yi, satisfied, put the scroll into his storage ring, the corners of his mouth slightly upturned, sporting an amused expression as he watched the two.


    The angered pair did not yet realize that what they had just signed was essentially an indenture!


    Xiao Yi smiled and said, "Gentlemen, please propose the terms of how we shall compare our skills!"

 Chapter 287 - 287: Formation Path Overwhelm

    "How would the two of you like to compare? Propose a set of rules!"


    Xiao Yi said with a smile.


    He carried the double-star Daoist''s Array heritage, not to mention Li Youruo and the Purple-robed Daoist, these two mere six-star Array Masters. Even if he searched the entire Qingtian Realm, no one could surpass him in Array mastery!


    Of course...


    What he mentioned was only mastery of Array theory, not the setting up of Formations.


    After all.


    Many Formations require strong cultivation as support. Otherwise, it is simply impossible to set them up.


    With Xiao Yi''s current strength, he was more than capable of setting up any Formation below nine stars.


    Li Youruo spoke in a deep voice, "For an Array contest, it is natural to use the Formation as the standard of judgment. We won''t bully you. You requested Array stones to set up a Spirit Gathering Array, didn''t you? Let''s compete in setting up Spirit Gathering Arrays. Whoever sets up the Spirit Gathering Array with the best effect will naturally be the winner!"


    The Purple-robed Daoist nodded, agreeing with the proposed method of competition: "Just as the Li family''s young lady said, let''s compete in setting up Spirit Gathering Arrays!"


    Spirit Gathering Array.


    It is an extremely peculiar Formation.


    The weakest is the One-star Gathering Spirit Formation, while the strongest can even exceed nine stars, becoming a Divine-level Gathering Spirit Formation.


    It is said that the Divine-level Gathering Spirit Formation can achieve a ten-thousand-fold Spirit gathering effect.


    However...


    This Divine-level Gathering Spirit Formation had already been lost to history.


    Existing only in legend.


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow, setting up Spirit Gathering Arrays was just a small test for him, and so he said, "Let''s do it the way you said, but I have one more condition!"


    "Speak!"


    The two were brimming with confidence.


    Xiao Yi said, "A Spirit Gathering Array can be big or small. Let''s limit it to one hundred Array stones and see whose Formation has the better effect!"


    "One hundred stones?"


    Li Youruo and the Purple-robed Daoist exchanged glances, both seeing a hint of hesitation in each other''s eyes.


    Limiting the number of Array stones greatly increased the difficulty.


    When they set up Spirit Gathering Arrays at Three Seas Mountain and Wendao Villa, they used a million Array stones to achieve a four-fold Spirit gathering effect.


    One hundred!


    At most, they could set up a One-star Gathering Spirit Formation, and an increase of fifty percent in Spirit gathering effect was already the limit.


    "What? Are you afraid?" Xiao Yi taunted with a smile.


    The two had never been so belittled.


    They snorted coldly and nodded, "What would we be afraid of? We''re just worried that Director Xiao might not even be able to form a Spirit Gathering Array, making a fool of himself!"


    "Then there''s no need for the two of you to worry!"


    Xiao Yi said, laughing.


    "Hmph!"


    The two snorted coldly.


    They took out three hundred Array stones, and each person took a hundred.


    The crowd moved to the martial arts field.


    Xiao Yi divided the area into three sections, each a hundred meters long and wide, a perfect square, with each person occupying one.


    The commotion here naturally attracted the attention of the disciples from Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Hundreds of disciples gathered at the martial arts field.


    Some recognized Li Youruo and the Purple-robed Daoist and couldn''t help but be anxious for Xiao Yi, "Those are the six-star Array Masters, Li Youruo and the Purple-robed Daoist from Three Seas Mountain and Wendao Villa. Director Xiao is going to compete with them in setting up Formations? Isn''t this asking for trouble?"


    "Keep it down, be careful that Director Xiao hears you!"


    "Sigh... our Shanhe Court really faces constant troubles..."


    The crowd discussed among themselves.


    Li Youruo sneered, "Director Xiao, even your own disciples have no faith in you!"


    Xiao Yi shrugged his shoulders and replied with a laugh, "So I''ll have to rely on the two distinguished guests to give me a boost, so these disciples can regain their confidence in their Director!"


    "Hmph!"


    The two of them snorted coldly.


    The Purple-robed Daoist spoke blandly, "We have the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, let''s begin!"


    Swish!


    Yu Huaxian lit an incense stick and placed it in the censer in front of the three of them.


    Swish! Swish!


    Li Youruo and the Purple-robed Daoist had their vital energy swirling around them, with the Array stones flying up and encircling their bodies. As their fingers continuously pointed to different spots, the Array stones fell into their corresponding positions.


    Their movements were fluid and graceful.


    "Such an impressive Array setting technique!"


    "It''s so fast! They don''t even need to draw an Array diagram first, they can set up the Formation from thin air. Worthy of being six-star Array Masters!"


    "Why is Director Xiao still watching them? Director Xiao, please focus, it would be too embarrassing to lose like this..."


    The disciples shouted one after another.


    However, Xiao Yi was completely unfazed, his arms crossed as he watched the two setting up their Formations. He nodded and shook his head from time to time, as if a teacher guiding his students: "The Array setting technique is indeed proficient, and your control of the Array stones is perfect. Worthy of being six-star Array Masters. However, your understanding of the Formation is still lacking!"


    The Purple-robed Daoist''s mouth twitched, almost wishing he could tear Xiao Yi''s mouth apart.


    What does he mean by ''understanding of the Formation is lacking''?


    Did he not see their wondrous Array setting technique? In what way is it lacking?


    Li Youruo spoke sternly, "Don''t be influenced by him, focus on setting up the Formation!"


    Time kept slipping away.


    Half an incense stick''s burn time.


    Two-thirds of an incense stick''s burn time...


    As time passed, already two-thirds gone, the purple-clad Daoren and Li Youruo''s formations were beginning to take shape, yet Xiao Yi remained utterly composed, without making a single move. All the disciples from the Xiaoshanhe Institute had lost hope, "It seems that Xiao has given up!"


    "Had we known it would be like this, he shouldn''t have competed at all!"


    "It''s truly humiliating..."


    The crowd sighed with these sentiments.


    At that moment.


    The purple-clad Daoren and Li Youruo completed their formations one after another, leapt up, and stepped out of the Spirit Gathering Array, roaring in unison, "Activate the Array!"


    Boom!


    Boom!


    The array stones burst into radiant light at the same time, connecting with one another; a series of light beams linked together to form two dazzling arrays. Within the arrays, the spiritual energy of heaven and earth continuously converged, and the spiritual energy within them escalated. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    One part.


    Two parts.


    Three parts...


    In just a few breaths'' time, the formations had reached their peak.


    "A fifty-five percent Gather Spirit effect, not bad at all!" the purple-clad Daoren said with a face full of pride. One hundred array stones had achieved a fifty-five percent Gather Spirit effect, which was an extraordinary performance from him!


    Li Youruo''s face was brilliant with a smile, "A sixty percent Gather Spirit effect, it seems I still have the upper hand!"


    The purple-clad Daoren nodded; indeed, Li Youruo was more accomplished in the Spirit Gathering Array. Both turned to look at the motionless Xiao Yi, sneering, "Xiao, there''s not much time left, yet you haven''t begun to set up your formation. It looks like the outcome of this wager is settled, you''ve lost!"


    The purple-clad Daoren said, "Kneel down and offer apologies to both of us with your head to the ground!"


    "Don''t rush! There''s still time left!" Xiao Yi laughed as he glanced at the quarter of the incense stick left.


    Li Youruo scoffed, "With so little time left, you couldn''t possibly complete the formation!"


    "Even if you did, it would just be a useless formation, I''m afraid it wouldn''t even have a ten percent Gather Spirit effect!" the purple-clad Daoren shook his head, confidently critiquing.


    Xiao Yi smiled, "There''s plenty of time!"


    Crack crack crack!


    He rubbed his hands lightly, causing a series of crisp sounds, and the smile on his face suddenly vanished as he intensely focused his energy. In that moment, Xiao Yi seemed like a different person altogether, his brows slightly furrowed, utterly serious, and with each movement of his hands, array stones shot out and the crisp sounds embellished as they landed around him.


    Every array stone that fell traced a strange path, completely unlike the two purple-clad individuals.


    "Such a messy array stone layout could never possibly succeed!"


    "If that formation works, I would willingly become his disciple..."


    The two purple-clad individuals shook their heads in unison.


    At that time...


    The last bit of the incense burned out.


    Yu Huaxian announced, "Time''s up!"


    Simultaneously.


    Xiao Yi leaped backward, standing outside of the formation, and exclaimed while smiling, "Looks like I haven''t practiced enough, but fortunately I made it in time!" He looked at the two challengers with a smile and snapped his fingers, "Gentlemen, please open your eyes wide and observe what a real formation is!"


    Boom!


    Above those array stones, beams of light soared, miraculously transforming into columns of light.


    The columns of light connected to each other, and chains of light interlocked, actually creating a formation!


    A vast white merging took place, and a gentle breeze began to swirl in the martial arts field.


    Whoo!


    Whoo whoo!


    Whoo whoo whoo!


    The wind picked up in strength.


    And above Xiao Yi''s formation emerged a vortex, with the spiritual energy of heaven and earth continuously converging, and the internal energy of the formation soaring.


    Three parts.


    Five parts.


    Seven parts...


    In the blink of an eye, it had surpassed the Gather Spirit Array of the two purple-clad Daorens.


    "This, this is impossible..."


    "How could this be? He, he was clearly acting recklessly, such a messy formation could never possess such immense power..." Li Youruo and his companion were dumbfounded, their faces etched with shock.


    The disciples of the Xiaoshanhe Institute also shared a look of disbelief.


    This gathering of spiritual energy continued for a full fifty breaths of time, far exceeding the other two''s ten breaths.


    When everything settled!


    Inside the Gather Spirit Array, the spiritual energy of heaven and earth had actually formed a thin layer of white mist, achieving a staggering effect of one and a half times its original strength!


    Thump!


    Thump!


    The purple-clad Daoren and Li Youruo collapsed to the ground, staring incredulously at the Gather Spirit Array before them.


    With the same one hundred array stones, they had exerted their utmost power to produce a Gather Spirit effect of sixty percent, which was already astounding.


    But what about Xiao Yi?


    His Gather Spirit Array reached one and a half times the effect, which was already at the level of a three-star Gathering Spirit Formation!


    One hundred array stones forming a three-star Gather Spirit Formation!


    No one had seen, let alone heard of such a thing!


    The thought of their earlier mockery and disdain for Xiao Yi made their faces burn; this wasn''t a contest in the way of the Array, it was complete domination by Array! This Xiao Yi, whom they had never taken seriously, had utterly crushed them in Array prowess, reduced them to dust completely.


    Xiao Yi looked at the two challengers with a smile, "It seems, I have won!"

 Chapter 288 - 288: Suing Xiao Yi!

    "It seems I have won!"


    Xiao Yi smiled as he looked at the two people slumped on the ground.


    Li Youruo and the purple-robed Taoist exchanged looks, finding it difficult to accept the reality before them.


    They had always been proud of their deep mastery of Formation Path and never took Xiao Yi seriously. In their eyes, Xiao Yi''s challenge in Formation Path was like an ant shaking a tree, a tiny spark trying to outshine the bright moon.


    But reality had slapped them hard!


    In the end...


    They were the tiny sparks and Xiao Yi was the true bright moon.


    His brilliance overwhelmed them completely.


    They both felt as if they had lived their last hundred years in vain.


    "Enough is enough, I admit defeat without resentment!"


    The purple-robed Taoist let out a resigned smile, looking at his own Array that he had been so proud of for its 55% Spirit Gathering effect, then at Xiao Yi''s which completely crushed his with a 1.5 times multiplier, and he suddenly came to terms with it, "Xiao... no, Master above, please accept your disciple Chen Ziyi''s bow!"


    The purple-robed Taoist''s real name was Chen Ziyi.


    It was just that after becoming an Array Master, people had grown accustomed to his Taoist name.


    Chen Ziyi bowed deeply at a 90-degree angle in front of Xiao Yi, meticulously, obviously completely convinced by Xiao Yi.


    Li Youruo''s face twitched.


    Although she was impressed by Xiao Yi''s mastery of Array Path, the thought of actually taking him as her master was still somewhat hard to accept when she looked at his youthful face.


    But seeing Chen Ziyi keeping his word, she hesitated for a moment and then, with a wry smile, said, "Master above, please accept your disciple Li Youruo''s bow!"


    Li Jinjun and Hai Wei looked at each other with cold sweat dripping down their faces, pale and bloodless.


    Hai Wei''s hands trembled, "It''s over... we''re finished..."


    Chen Ziyi and Li Youruo were pivotal figures in Wendao Villa and Three Seas Mountain, with high status and significant influence.


    They had thought to bring these two to regain some prestige.


    But now...


    Not only did they lose their wives, but also their soldiers!


    These two had become direct disciples of Xiao Yi and even joined Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    The ten great sects absolutely did not allow anyone to be part of two sects, which meant that Chen Ziyi and Li Youruo would be expelled from their sects. This was an immeasurable loss for Three Seas Mountain and Wendao Villa. Hai Wei and Li Jinjun could almost foresee the massive shock this news would cause their sects.


    At that time, they would inevitably suffer the consequences, with a very high probability of being executed!


    Li Jinjun lamented with a wretched face, "What are we to do? I, I really don''t want to be nailed to death on Wen Dao Stage..."


    "I don''t want to cross the Sea of Knives and Flames either..." Hai Wei also looked desperate.


    Within Three Seas Mountain, there was a punishment called the Sea of Knives and Flames, which was truly a fate worse than death, an ordeal where one could neither live nor die!


    Yu Huaxian, who stood beside them, raised an eyebrow with a teasing look, "Why don''t the two of you join Xiaoshanhe Institute? With Xiao''s protection, I believe your sects won''t be able to do much to you!"


    "Uh..."


    The two men were stunned, looking at each other.


    They were about to rebuke Yu Huaxian, but then they thought about it, and this seemed to be the only way out!


    Although Xiaoshanhe Institute had fallen, it was still backed by the royal family, and the ten great sects had to give face to the royal family.


    "Can we really do this?" Hai Wei asked tentatively.


    Yu Huaxian smiled and called out to Xiao Yi, "Xiao, these two also wish to join Xiaoshanhe Institute!"


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow, looking at the two men with awkward and strained expressions, and said with a smile, "Xiaoshanhe Institute is indeed in need of people. As long as you are sincere in joining, I naturally welcome you with open arms!"


    "Damn it, since it''s a dead end either way, I''ll take the plunge!"


    Li Jinjun clenched his fists tightly, gritted his teeth, and stepped forward, "Li Jinjun pays respects to Head Xiao; I''m willing to serve you loyally!"


    Hai Wei hesitated for a moment, then stepped forward as well, "To meet Head Xiao, Hai Wei is willing to toil like a dog and horse!"


    "Hahaha, welcome both of you to Xiaoshanhe Institute!"


    His gaze turned to Chen Ziyi and Li Youruo in front of him, "Chen Ziyi, Li Youruo, starting today, you two are my, Xiao Yi''s, named disciples. Would you like to join Xiaoshanhe Institute?"


    "Do we have any other choice?"


    The two exchanged a glance and revealed a bitter smile, "Disciples are willing to follow teacher''s lead!"


    "Very good!"


    With a hearty laugh, Xiao Yi waved his hand, and two scrolls fell into their hands. He said, "These are the ''Hundred Volumes of Array Path.'' You two should study them carefully. It should be no problem to enter the Seven Stars Array Master within a month."


    Hiss!


    Chen Ziyi and Li Youruo held the scrolls, looking at each other in disbelief.


    Breaking through to Seven Stars Array Master within a month?


    The two of them quickly opened the ''Hundred Volumes of Array Path,'' which detailed the path of cultivation from a Six Stars to a Seven Stars Array Master. Just as Xiao Yi had said, as long as they studied the formations recorded on the scrolls, they would definitely be able to reach the long-desired realm of Seven Stars Array Master in a short time. It must be noted that the shackles between Six and Seven Stars had stymied them for several decades.


    Within the Great Qian Dynasty, only that person from Tianjian Sect knew how to break through to Seven Stars Array Master.


    They never expected...


    That Xiao Yi would casually give them hope for a breakthrough.


    Any hint of grievance and dissatisfaction in their hearts towards Xiao Yi vanished in that moment, replaced by sincere joy and obedience.


    "Disciple thanks teacher!"


    "We will not disappoint teacher. We will do everything in our power to assist teacher!" said Chen Ziyi and Li Youruo with the utmost respect.


    The corners of Xiao Yi''s mouth curled slightly.


    He knew how to wield both grace and authority.


    To him, the ''Hundred Volumes of Array Path'' was nothing more than doodles made in passing, yet it managed to secure the heartfelt submission of the two Six Stars Array Masters. Xiao Yi helped them to their feet, laughing, "As long as you two are loyal to me, being a Seven Stars Array Master is certainly not the end!"


    Gulp!


    The two swallowed hard.


    If Xiao Yi had spoken this way before, they would have scoffed.


    But now... Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    They were completely convinced by Xiao Yi and, considering that his achievements in the Array Path far exceeded Seven Stars, they naturally harbored no doubts at all.


    Chen Ziyi said gravely, "Teacher, I have some trusted aides and belongings in Wendao Villa. Please allow me to go back and bring them to join Xiaoshanhe Institute."


    "I also have some people I wish to bring into Xiaoshanhe Institute!" Li Youruo added.


    Xiao Yi felt a surge of joy.


    Since they were their trusted aides, they were bound to be the elite of Three Seas Mountain and Wendao Villa.


    With Xiaoshanhe Institute in need of manpower, his policy was naturally to welcome all who came.


    Li Jinjun also spoke up, "Principal, I''ve also cultivated some aides in the capital..."


    "And I still have some subordinates..." Hai Wei added.


    The two had been in charge of the capital and had managed to build up some power of their own.


    Xiao Yi burst into hearty laughter, "Good, good, good. I await your good news!"


    This was truly an unexpected joy!


    Not only did he acquire two disciples about to break into Seven Stars Array Master, but also two peak warriors of the Tao Tribulation Realm. Moreover, he had swept up all their direct followers in one fell swoop.


    Once this news spread out...


    It would be enough to offset the negative impact caused by the departure of Chen Shuiwen and the others.


    After handing over two hundred thousand array stones to Xiao Yi, Chen Ziyi and Li Youruo hurried back to pack their bags, intending to bring their people to Xiaoshanhe Institute before the news leaked out.


    Xiao Yi waved his hand to disperse the formation in the training ground, ready to begin setting up the Spirit Gathering Formation throughout Xiaoshanhe Institute. Just then, the figure of Qi appeared in the training ground. He looked at Xiao Yi and said, "Principal Xiao, His Majesty summons you!"


    "Qi? May I ask what it''s regarding?" inquired Xiao Yi.


    Qi spoke gravely, "Li Shengtian and Tian Xiao are lodging a complaint against Principal Xiao before His Majesty..."


    "Li Shengtian? Tian Xiao?"


    Xiao Yi paused, his eyes narrowing into slits, his gaze emanating two chilling beams, "Those two old men are indeed persistent ghosts!"

 Chapter 289 - 289: Confrontation in Court

    The imperial palace, the imperial study.


    Li Shengtian was filled with righteous indignation, "Your Majesty, Xiao Yi has gone too far. He has the audacity to drive Mr. Chen out of the Xiaoshanhe Institute; this is already undermining the very foundation of the institution!"


    At his side, Tian Xiao added fuel to the fire, "Your Majesty is unaware, when Chen Shuiwen left, nearly all the instructors and over two-thirds of the disciples at the Xiaoshanhe Institute voluntarily followed him. One can imagine how unpopular Xiao Yi is. To monopolize power, he actually drove the hardworking and meritorious Chen Shuiwen away, it is truly disheartening!"


    On one side of them.


    Chen Shuiwen was kneeling on the ground, his face filled with grief and despair, his shoulders twitching, unable to cry out, "Your Majesty, this subordinate is not coveting the position of deputy director. It is truly because over the years, I have devoted myself wholeheartedly to the Xiaoshanhe Institute. I have come to regard it as my own home. Xiao Yi expelled me from the Xiaoshanhe Institute for no reason, my heart aches..."


    Li Shengtian spoke with righteous indignation, "How can such a person be in charge of the Xiaoshanhe Institute? I implore Your Majesty to rescind the order, and let Chen Shuiwen continue to manage the Xiaoshanhe Institute!"


    Tian Xiao declared loudly, "I implore Your Majesty to rescind the order!"


    Emperor Qian sat upright behind the desk.


    Squinting his eyes.


    Listening quietly as the three of them argued back and forth, he remained silent and showed no sign of any emotional change.


    After hesitating for a moment, Li Shengtian said gravely, "Your Majesty, I have heard that Xiao Yi even crippled His Highness Yang Jin. This man is simply lawless, showing absolutely no regard for Your Majesty!"


    "Exactly, he even dared to cripple a prince, isn''t this an act of rebellion?" Tian Xiao said.


    "Rebellion? The two of you are placing a heavy accusation upon me; I really can''t bear such a charge!"


    Xiao Yi''s voice came from outside the door, "Your Majesty, Xiao Yi seeks an audience!"


    Emperor Qian raised an eyebrow, his squinted eyes opening slightly, and said, "Enter!"


    "Yes!" sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi entered the imperial study with his head held high and chest out.


    Head held high, chest out.


    His stature as upright as pine and cypress, his backbone like a piercing heavenly sword.


    Xiao Yi bowed to Emperor Qian, "Xiao Yi pays respects to Your Majesty!"


    "Hmm!"


    Emperor Qian, neither joyous nor sad, with an unreadable expression, said indifferently, "Xiao Yi, Mr. Li and Tian, along with Chen Shuiwen, accuse you of clinging to power for your own personal gain, forcing Chen Shuiwen to leave the Xiaoshanhe Institute. Is there truth to this?"


    Xiao Yi, with a detached gaze, glanced at the three men and said, "There is!"


    "Your Majesty, see, he has admitted it!" Li Shengtian said.


    Tian Xiao followed up, "How brazen, Xiao Yi! Chen Shuiwen is the deputy director appointed by Your Majesty. Who gave you the authority to dismiss him?"


    Emperor Qian remained silent.


    Xiao Yi, calm and composed, looked at the two men and spoke neither humbly nor haughtily, "The authority granted to me by Your Majesty, is that sufficient?"


    "The authority given to you by His Majesty?"


    Li Shengtian scoffed, "Xiao Yi, oh Xiao Yi, do you dare spout nonsense in front of His Majesty? His Majesty is a wise ruler, how could He grant you such authority?"


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow, "Are you suggesting, Mr. Li, that if this authority really were granted by His Majesty, He would be a negligent ruler?"


    "Of course..."


    Li Shengtian nodded subconsciously, immediately regretting his words as soon as they left his mouth.


    "How audacious!"


    Xiao Yi already had raised his voice to rebuke, his roar like thunder, causing Li Shengtian''s complexion to suddenly turn stark white, "Li Shengtian, what are you worth? How dare you insult His Majesty by calling him a negligent ruler?"


    Li Shengtian''s face turned pale, and he quickly denied, "You, you, you''re farting, when did I ever say that His Majesty is a muddle-headed ruler?"


    Xiao Yi bowed respectfully towards Emperor Qian and said, "When His Majesty initially appointed me as head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, he mentioned that the institute would be under my full responsibility. Since it is full responsibility, then not to mention expelling the institute''s parasites, even if I decided to kill them, outsiders could not fault me. You say His Majesty is a wise ruler, and wouldn''t endow me with such power. Now that I have been granted this power by His Majesty, are you not implying that His Majesty is a muddle-headed ruler?"


    "I, I..."


    Li Shengtian, sweating profusely, quickly turned to Emperor Qian.


    Emperor Qian spoke solemnly, "Indeed, it is a power I gave him."


    Thump!


    Li Shengtian fell to his knees, his head banging against the floor, "Your Majesty, forgive me, your servant... your servant never had such intentions, this is all Xiao Yi''s misinterpretation of your servant..."


    "Enough, Li, there is no need for this, you are my trusted official, and I naturally trust you," said Emperor Qian.


    Emperor Qian waved his hand, signaling Li Shengtian to stand up. He turned to Xiao Yi and said, "Xiao Yi, although I have given you the authority, you are in charge of the Xiaoshanhe Institute. I should not intervene, but since Mr. Li and Mr. Tian have filed a complaint against you, you should tell them why you expelled Chen Shuiwen from the Xiaoshanhe Institute."


    "Yes!"


    Xiao Yi nodded and said, "The royal family allocates ten billion silver to the Xiaoshanhe Institute every year, but according to my investigations, the institute''s monthly expenditure is merely three hundred million silver. There should be a surplus of over sixty billion silver each year. Chen Shuiwen has been in charge of the Xiaoshanhe Institute for over a decade, which by reasoning should have resulted in a fund of no less than one hundred billion silver, yet now the treasury only holds a few million silver..."


    "What?"


    "A few million silver?"


    Even Li Shengtian and Tian Xiao were taken aback, glaring at Chen Shuiwen.


    This information was something Chen Shuiwen had not told them!


    But Chen Shuiwen was prepared, and with a sinister smile, he drew out from his bosom a thick account book that appeared aged. He thought to himself with silent glee: Thank goodness I was clever enough to prepare a true and a false set of account books.


    The true account book had already been burned away.


    The false account book was the one in his hands.


    Xiao Yi''s eyebrows tightened.


    Chen Shuiwen gave him a provocative look.


    Emperor Qian flipped through the account book. Indeed, inside were detailed records of all expenses, including nearly seventy billion spent on just one ancestral worship ceremony. Emperor Qian frowned and said, "An ancestral worship ceremony requires seventy billion?"


    "Your Majesty may not know, the ceremonial standards for the ancestral worship are the highest and naturally the expenses are a bit more!" Chen Shuiwen cried out with an anguished face, "Oh, Your Majesty, I have been wholeheartedly loyal to you! Not only have I not embezzled a single penny, the yearly allocation isn''t even sufficient to support the institute''s expenses. I have been dipping into my own pockets to cover them. But as a servant of the emperor, it is my duty to relieve Your Majesty''s worries, and I have never complained to Your Majesty about my hardships. Yet Xiao Yi uses this as a threat, even so far as to burn the treasury to destroy the account books and to wrongly incriminate me. I am truly wronged!"


    Li Shengtian said harshly, "Your Majesty, how can such a loyal official be defamed and framed by others? Please, Your Majesty, stand up for Chen Shuiwen!"


    "Please, Your Majesty, stand up for justice!"


    Tian Xiao also said.


    Emperor Qian frowned slightly and looked towards Xiao Yi, "Xiao Yi, what is your view?"


    Gazing at the united front presented by Chen Shuiwen and the others, Xiao Yi''s eyes narrowed slightly and the corners of his mouth lifted up subtly. He said, "Your Majesty, I have a way to prove innocence!"

 Chapter 290 - 290: Do As You Wish, Ill Take a Nap!

    "Oh?"


    Emperor Qian was taken aback and raised an eyebrow at the composed expression on Xiao Yi''s face, "What method? Let''s hear it!"


    Li Shengtian and the others also turned their attention to Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi walked straight up to Chen Shuiwen, who looked up at him with a puzzled expression.


    Emperor Qian and the others were also full of confusion.


    You want to prove your innocence?


    What is this about?


    At that moment...


    Slap!


    A crisp sound left everyone dumbfounded.


    They saw Xiao Yi deliver a clean and swift slap across Chen Shuiwen''s face, sending him crashing to the ground, his head striking the floor violently and bursting open.


    Hiss! Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Li Shengtian and the others were dumbstruck.


    Chen Shuiwen saw stars, felt dizzy, and looked at Xiao Yi with a face full of shock and anger, roaring, "You, you dare to hit me?"


    Bang!


    Xiao Yi met him with a punch straight to Chen Shuiwen''s face.


    Wow!


    Chen Shuiwen fell backwards, blood spurting from his mouth and nose.


    "Audacious Xiao Yi!"


    "In the Emperor''s presence, how dare you be so reckless?" Li Shengtian and Tian Xiao''s expressions changed rapidly as they angrily rebuked him.


    This is the Imperial Study, in the presence of Emperor Qian.


    Xiao Yi actually dared to strike without any regard?


    However, Xiao Yi seemed not to hear the rebukes of the two and reached out into the air with his palm, his elemental energy forming chains that wrapped around Chen Shuiwen''s body, lifting him into the air. Xiao Yi''s face was expressionless, but his hands did not stop.


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    Punch after punch landed on Chen Shuiwen''s body.


    The strength of each punch was immense, showing no mercy.


    The crowd went from initial bewilderment to numbness and shock.


    Numb at Xiao Yi''s audacity, beating Chen Shuiwen in front of Emperor Qian, and shocked at Xiao Yi''s strength, that he could render the Tao Tribulation Realm Peak''s Chen Shuiwen powerless to resist?


    After a thorough beating,


    Chen Shuiwen was left with a bruised and swollen face, four or five broken ribs, damaged internal organs, and a head swollen like a pig''s.


    Xiao Yi held up Chen Shuiwen as if holding up a dead dog.


    Emperor Qian raised an eyebrow, "Xiao Yi, is this your method of proving your innocence?"


    Xiao Yi nodded and said, "Your Majesty, if I wanted to deal with Chen Shuiwen, I have a hundred ways to kill him without anyone noticing. Do you think I need to frame him falsely?"


    Emperor Qian uttered an "eh" sound, looking at Chen Shuiwen''s pitiful state and said with a wry smile, "I suppose... not!"


    Xiao Yi looked at Li Shengtian and Tian Xiao, "What do the two lords think?"


    "..."


    Li Shengtian and Tian Xiao looked at each other, at a loss for words.


    Before coming, they had anticipated all the methods Xiao Yi might use, but they had never imagined that Xiao Yi would be so bold, so decisive. To beat Chen Shuiwen up in front of Emperor Qian to prove his innocence.


    This made all the evidence and tactics they had prepared before completely useless!


    In front of absolute power, all schemes and tricks are garbage!


    Bang!


    Xiao Yi tossed Chen Shuiwen aside like a dead dog and bowed to Emperor Qian, "Your Majesty, it seems that the two lords also believe that I have been wronged!"


    Emperor Qian cleared his throat and looked toward Li Shengtian and another adviser, "My dear subjects, what do you think?"


    "With Xiao''s strength, he indeed has no need to frame others; there must be other secrets behind this!" Tian Xiao said with a pained expression.


    "It seems there is indeed some misunderstanding, however..."


    Li Shengtian, unable to resign himself and unwilling to let Xiao Yi off so easily, begrudgingly said through gritted teeth, "Xiao Yi is stubborn and exclusive, making Xiaoshanhe Institute a mess is a fact. Now that the tutors have collectively left Xiaoshanhe Institute, and two-thirds of the disciples have also gone, I think this is all Xiao Yi''s fault. He is not suitable to continue as the head of Xiaoshanhe Institute!"


    "I see it the same way, he has only been in charge of Xiaoshanhe Institute for less than a month, and has already reduced it to nothing more than a name, I earnestly request Your Majesty to strip him of his position as the head of the institute!" Tian Xiao also said.


    Emperor Qian narrowed his eyes, sizing up Xiao Yi, "Xiao Yi, what do you think?"


    "May I ask Your Majesty, could Chen Shuiwen and the others possibly compare to two six-star Array Masters?" Xiao Yi inquired.


    "Hmm? What do you mean by that?" Emperor Qian asked, puzzled.


    "After expelling Chen Shuiwen, I have already recruited four Tao Tribulation Realm Peak powerhouses for Xiaoshanhe Institute, including two six-star Array Masters."


    Xiao stood tall and spoke with confidence. After finishing, he turned to look at Li Shengtian, "May I ask Mr. Li, compared to each other, have my merits outweighed my faults? Or have my faults outweighed my merits?"


    Li Shengtian''s face changed slightly.


    The strongest among Chen Shuiwen and his group was only Chen Shuiwen himself at the Tao Tribulation Realm Peak; how could they compare to four great Tao Tribulation Realm Peaks?


    Moreover...


    There were also two six-star Array Masters!


    It''s known that even among the Array Masters serving the royal family, the strongest are only at six-star level.


    "If that is true, naturally the merits are greater. However, words alone are not proof..."


    Li Shengtian said with a cold face, then added with disbelief, "Where are these four great experts you speak of? What are their identities? Six-star Array Masters, huh? There are only so many in the entire Great Qian Dynasty; I wonder who Mr. Xiao is referring to?"


    Xiao Yi replied indifferently, "Li Youruo and Hai Wei from Three Seas Mountain, as well as the Purple-robed Monk Chen Ziyi and Li Jinjun from Wendao Villa."


    Buzz!


    Everyone, including Emperor Qian, felt a buzzing in their heads.


    Li Youruo from Three Seas Mountain?


    The Purple-robed Monk from Wendao Villa?


    Not to mention the two renowned Array Masters, even Hai Wei and Li Jinjun had extraordinary backgrounds, being the representatives of Three Seas Mountain and Wendao Villa in the imperial city! These people were influential figures within their own sects.


    How could they possibly betray their sects to join Xiaoshanhe Institute?


    "Nonsense!"


    "Xiao Yi, the people you mentioned could never join Xiaoshanhe Institute, you''re deceiving the Emperor..." Li Shengtian and Tian Xiao declared sternly.


    "Deceiving the Emperor? Such a grave accusation!"


    Xiao Yi leaned slightly forward, staring at the two, "What if everything I said was true?"


    "True?"


    Li Shengtian snorted in derision. If Xiao Yi had mentioned someone else, he might have hesitated, but Li Youruo and the Purple-robed Monk? Renowned Array Masters and the public faces of Three Seas Mountain and Wendao Villa; how could they possibly betray their sects to join Xiaoshanhe Institute?


    Li Shengtian defiantly said, "If what you say is true, I, Li, will let you deal with me as you please. However, if it is proven that your words are false, I will have you kneel before me to kowtow and apologize, and you will resign as the head of Xiaoshanhe Institute!"


    Tian Xiao voiced his agreement, "I share the same sentiments!"


    "Good, I''ve tolerated the two of you for quite some time now!"


    Xiao Yi chortled coldly and casually presented the ''indenture agreements'' signed by Chen Ziyi and Li Youruo, which he handed to Emperor Qian, "Please have a look, Your Majesty."


    Emperor Qian glanced at the scroll.


    His eyes twitched sharply, and with a sympathetic look at Li Shengtian and Tian Xiao, he said with a wry smile, turning to Xiao Yi, "As you wish, I''m going to take a nap!"


    "Ah?"


    "Your Majesty, what do you mean by that?"


    Li Shengtian and Tian Xiao were utterly baffled.


    "What do I mean? His Majesty''s words mean that I can honor our wager and give the two of you a sound beating!"


    With a cold laugh, Xiao Yi, like a hungry tiger pouncing on its prey, rushed forward, unleashing a flurry of punches and kicks on the two men...

 Chapter 291 - 291: Undercurrents Surge

    Screams echoed within the royal study.


    As for Li Shengtian and Tian Xiao, the two who kept troubling him, Xiao Yi showed no mercy. Although the beatings weren''t fatal, he aimed for the most humiliating and painful spots.


    A thorough thrashing.


    He beat Li Shengtian and Tian Xiao until their faces were swollen and bruised, leaving them in a pitiful state, screaming in agony, yet their lives were spared.


    "Cough cough!"


    Emperor Qian coughed lightly, and Xiao Yi kicked Li Shengtian once more before satisfyingly ceasing his actions and bowing toward Emperor Qian, "Your Majesty, please forgive my impropriety!"


    Emperor Qian rolled his eyes.


    Impropriety?


    You actually know the meaning of impropriety?


    This is practically perverse! Since the enthronement of Emperor Qian, this was the first time someone dared to beat a minister in the royal study!


    However...


    Seeing the miserable state of Li Shengtian and Tian Xiao, Emperor Qian felt quite pleased as they had often caused him headaches. But due to his status, it wasn''t appropriate for him to act personally. Watching Li Shengtian and the others wailing, Emperor Qian touched his nose and called out to Qi, who was outside the door, "Why haven''t you taken them to the Imperial Pharmacy yet?"


    "Yes!"


    Qi walked in from outside and motioned for several guards to carry Li Shengtian and the others away.


    For a moment.


    Only Xiao Yi and Emperor Qian were left in the royal study.


    Emperor Qian looked at Xiao Yi, who seemed disengaged and nonchalant, and coughed lightly, "Feel better now?"


    Xiao Yi cracked his neck, producing a snapping sound, and grinned, "I feel completely relieved!"


    "..."


    Emperor Qian was speechless.


    Qi looked at Xiao Yi with a strange expression on his face.


    Emperor Qian waved his hand, stood up, walked up to Xiao Yi, and said gravely, "Although you have driven Chen Shuiwei away, his methods are not simple, and he will not let this go so easily."


    "No matter, ''When soldiers come, a general will block them, when the water rises, the earth will cover it!''" Xiao Yi smiled and didn''t elaborate further.


    Emperor Qian looked deeply at Xiao Yi and nodded, "Since I''ve entrusted the Xiaoshanhe Institute to you, I naturally trust your methods. The process is not important; I only care about the results!"


    "Your Majesty, just wait and see," said Xiao Yi.


    Emperor Qian nodded, strolled over to the desk, and began idly flipping through the books, speaking indifferently, "You may leave now. If there''s anything you need in the future, you can come directly to the palace to see me!"


    "Xiao Yi takes his leave!"


    Xiao Yi immediately departed.


    With his back to Xiao Yi, Emperor Qian didn''t turn around until long after he had gone. He then slowly turned, squinting his eyes at the closed door, and said leisurely, "Old dog, what do you think of this young man?"


    Qi, with his head bowed, voiced faintly, "Your Majesty has already made a decision, why need you ask this old servant for more words?"


    Emperor Qian glanced at him and chuckled, "You old dog, when did you learn to protect yourself with such prudence?" He paused, then added mysteriously, "Are you sure the heavenly tribulation wasn''t brought upon by him?"


    "It shouldn''t be!"


    After thinking for a moment, Qi continued, "At that time, the demonic beast he carried with him had been hidden all along, only revealing itself when the heavenly tribulation struck. However, it''s indeed strange for Xiao Yi to withstand several strikes of the heavenly tribulation with just the cultivation of the Tao Tribulation Realm!"


    Emperor Qian hummed without any expression, revealing no emotion, "It''s best that way... Otherwise, a single Tao Tribulation Realm being able to summon a heavenly tribulation, a genius even more fearsome than Xiao Tianjiao, might not necessarily be a good thing!"


    Qi remained silent.


    ......


    Inside the Imperial Pharmacy.


    After being treated, the three people including Li Shengtian had finally woken up.


    Xiao Yi hadn''t hit their vital spots, but the pain would last for several days. The three lay in their sickbeds, grimacing in agony. Especially Chen Shuiwen, who had suffered quite a few underhanded blows from Xiao Yi, now found even talking to be excruciatingly painful.


    Li Shengtian, enduring the intense pain, his eyes filled with hatred and venom, gnashed his teeth and said, "That bastard Xiao Yi, this official will never let him off!"


    "Mr. Li, do you have any strategies?" Tian Xiao asked with difficulty as he turned his body.


    Li Shengtian narrowed his eyes and looked towards Chen Shuiwen, whose head was bandaged like a pig''s head. "Chen Shuiwen, didn''t you say you wanted to create a new Shanhe Court to challenge Xiao Yi?"


    Chen Shuiwen said, "I did have this idea before, but Xiao Yi has recruited four masters at the Tao Tribulation Realm Peak in such a short time, and even has two Array Masters¡ªZiyi Daoist and Li Youruo. I''m not confident in competing with him now¡­"


    He was acutely aware of the caliber of Xiaoshanhe Institute''s instructors and students.


    Ziyi Daoist or Li Youruo alone would be stronger than the group of instructors he had taken with him.


    Li Shengtian sneered and said, "What''s there to fear? It would naturally be impossible with just you and your people, but rest assured, this official will support you with all his might. Plus, since Xiao Yi dared to undermine Three Seas Mountain and Wendao Villa, they certainly won''t let things slide. Not to mention my relationship with the Nangong Family, we can completely cut off the supply of elixirs to the Xiaoshanhe Institute. With our support, what do you have to fear?"


    Tian Xiao, with narrowed eyes, said, "Actually¡­ we could also rope in that person!"


    "Which person?" Chen Shuiwen appeared puzzled.


    Li Shengtian showed a shocked expression, "You mean that person?"


    "Exactly!"


    Tian Xiao nodded emphatically.


    Li Shengtian hesitated, then looking at the confused Chen Shuiwen, he said in a deep voice, "The one behind Xue Yilou¡­"


    Hss!


    Chen Shuiwen gasped in shock, his heartbeat doubled in an instant, and he swallowed hard before saying, "Can we really invite that person?"


    "Don''t worry, Tian Xiao is on good terms with that person!"


    Li Shengtian''s face held a malicious expression as he sneered coldly, "Xiao Yi, oh Xiao Yi, I will make you understand the consequences of offending this official. You wish to revive the Xiaoshanhe Institute? I will specifically prevent your wish from coming true. In two months'' time, it is the Ancestral Worship Ceremony, and at that time, we will utterly trample your New Shanhe Court underfoot¡­"


    Ferocity flickered in the three men''s eyes.


    At this moment, Xiao Yi was unaware that Chen Shuiwen and his group had already formed an alliance.


    After leaving the palace, he headed straight for the Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Only¡­


    Before Xiao Yi could return to the Xiaoshanhe Institute, he encountered the carriage of Yan Mingli and Xue Bufan on the way. While Xiao Yi had gone to the palace, Yan Mingli and Xue Bufan had also gone to the Nangong Family, attempting to seek a partnership.


    "How did they return so quickly?"


    Xiao Yi frowned, a trace of surprise flickering in his eyes.


    In the air around the carriage, there was a faint hint of the scent of blood.


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi landed in front of the carriage.


    Hush¡­


    Ye Heng was the carriage driver; he abruptly pulled on the reins, and upon recognizing the appearance of Xiao Yi, the bruised Ye Heng cried out with a wronged look, "Master, you must stand up for us!"


    Xiao Yi glanced at Ye Heng''s appearance, who had clearly been beaten up, and with the faint smell of blood wafting out from the carriage.


    Xiao Yi''s demeanor grew terribly somber as he said in a deep voice, "What exactly happened?"


    sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 292 - 292: Then Leave Both Hands Behind

    "What the hell is going on?"


    Xiao Yi''s face darkened as he yanked open the carriage curtain.


    A strong stench of blood assailed his nostrils.


    Xiao Yi''s expression changed drastically at the sight within the carriage, where Xue Bufan and Yan Mingli lay breathing faintly. Both men''s right arms were amputated at the shoulder, their clothes soaked red with blood, and their pale faces looked even more horrifying under the sunlight.


    Xiao Yi''s pupils shrank suddenly, his gaze fixed furiously on Ye Heng, "Weren''t you supposed to be discussing a partnership with the Nangong Family? How did you end up like this?"


    "This, this..."


    Ye Heng''s face showed hesitation.


    Xiao Yi bellowed, "What exactly happened?"


    Ye Heng clenched his fists tightly, his face contorted in ferocity and anger as he gritted his teeth and said, "Master, all of this was done by the Nangong Family. We went to discuss cooperation with them, and they made us wait in the reception hall for three full hours. During the negotiations that followed, they refused to give any ground..."


    As Ye Heng continued to recount the events, Xiao Yi came to understand what had transpired.


    The Nangong Family had no intention of cooperating with them at all.


    They had simply been looking to trouble and target them at every turn.


    The arrogance of the Nangong Family completely infuriated Xue Bufan and Yan Mingli, leading them to decide to visit the Treasure Pavilion.


    "Members of the Nangong Family said that unless you, Master, personally go to ask them, our Xiaoshanhe Institute wouldn''t even be able to buy a blade of grass... Elder Xue couldn''t stand their arrogance and got into a verbal conflict with them, which led us to be besieged by the Nangong Family''s experts..."


    Ye Heng, pointing at Xue Bufan and Yan Mingli''s amputated arms, his eyes bloodshot, said, "Elder Yan''s and Elder Xue''s arms were chopped off by the third young master of the Nangong Family, Nangong Jian. He, he even said they weren''t worthy to die by his hands, so he only took their arms..."


    Boom!


    The ground beneath Xiao Yi''s feet shattered violently, a fierce wind whipping up, causing the two horses drawing the carriage to nearly kneel down.


    "Very good, a fine Nangong Family indeed, claiming ''unworthy to die by your hands''..."


    Xiao Yi looked at the unconscious Xue Bufan and Yan Mingli, a cold light flashing in his eyes as he said in a deep voice, "Take them back. I''ll return shortly!"


    Ye Heng hurriedly said, "Master, are you heading to the Nangong Family? Or should we wait until we return to Imperial Dragon Mountain to gather more people and go with you..."


    Xiao Yi waved his hand, "No need. The Nangong Family is nothing to worry about, I alone am enough!"


    Whoosh!


    A cold wind rose, shooting directly towards the heavens.


    Xiao Yi strode through the air, flying towards the direction of the Nangong Family...


    ......


    The Nangong Family.


    As one of the four major aristocratic families of the Great Qian Dynasty, the Nangong Family''s influence was indisputably powerful.


    The vast Nangong Family estate was the epitome of luxury.


    Though it was less than one-fifth the size of the imperial palace, in terms of lavishness, it was certainly far beyond the palace.


    The current patriarch of the Nangong Family, Nangong Lie, had three sons and one daughter. The most outstanding eldest son had entered Tianjian Sect under a senior elder, while the second and third sons were disciples of Three Seas Mountain and Wendao Villa respectively.


    The third son, Nangong Jian, was flanked by a beautiful maidservant on each side. His face bore a satisfied smile as he watched the graceful dance in front of him, shaking his head and commanding, "You dance well, but you''re wearing too many clothes. Strip for your young master and continue dancing..."


    Four dancers, with flirtatious expressions, obediently did as they were told.


    The gorgeous maidservant in his arms delicately fed Nangong Jian a fruit, her eyes full of seduction as she said, "Third young master, you are truly impressive. Those two old men from Xiaoshanhe Institute were just like ants before you..."


    "Hahaha, never mind just two old dogs, even if Xiao Yi from Xiaoshanhe Institute were here, he would be no different from an ant in front of this young master!"


    Nangong Jian reveled in the ministrations of a beautiful woman, his face was thick with disdain, "Just a small institute like Xiaoshanhe Institute, do they really think they can stand equal to our Nangong Family by leaning on the royal family? This time, unless Xiao Yi himself kneels before me, his institute won''t get a single blade of grass..."


    At this moment.


    Suddenly, a servant hurriedly ran in from outside, an anxious look on his face, "Thir¡ª Third Young Master, a young man has arrived at the gate, specifically asking for you to come out!"


    "What are you good for? Do I have to meet every Tom, Dick, or Harry who comes? Have someone break his arms and legs and throw him into the mass graves to feed the dogs!" Nangong Jian glared hard at the servant, waving his hand impatiently.


    The servant''s face was the picture of misery, "Third Young Master, you should go yourself... That person is very strong; he has already beaten down dozens of our guards!"


    "Hmm?"


    Nangong Jian stood up abruptly, a violent rage on his face, "What audacity! I want to see who is so blind as to cause trouble in my Nangong Family''s territory?"


    Nangong Jian charged out like a raging fire, heading directly to the main gate.


    The residence of the Nangong Family was built on the bustling Vermilion Bird Avenue, with people coming and going and the commotion here had already attracted the attention of countless onlookers. In front of that magnificent gate, dozens of the Nangong Family guards were piled haphazardly.


    Xiao Yi stood with his hands behind his back, stepping on these dozens of the Nangong Family guards.


    In front of him, over a hundred guards at the Nangong Family''s gate looked at him warily.


    The Nangong Family was replete with strong individuals.


    Among these hundred-odd guards, there were fully ten warriors from the Tao Tribulation Realm, including a Fifth Layer master of Tao Tribulation Realm. This person was the Deputy Commander of the Nangong Family guards, Nangong Tu, who was now kneeling before Xiao Yi.


    The long knife shattered, lying beside him.


    Nangong Tu was drenched in cold sweat, not daring to move in the slightest.


    "Who has such guts to cause trouble in my Nangong Family?" Nangong Jian''s voice was remarkably loud, his expression fierce as he walked out from inside the Nangong Family compound.


    His eyes, sharp as knife blades, fixed onto Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi glanced at him, "You''re Nangong Jian?"


    "That''s me!" S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Nangong Jian looked at Nangong Tu, who knelt before Xiao Yi. Although Nangong Tu was not as strong as he was, he was also a Fifth Layer master of Tao Tribulation Realm who had been defeated by Xiao Yi? Nangong Jian frowned, gazing at Xiao Yi, "Who are you? Daring to make trouble in my Nangong Family, are you not afraid of death?"


    Xiao Yi''s face was expressionless, he spat indifferently, "Isn''t it you who wanted me to come to you personally?"


    "Hmm?"


    Nangong Jian paused, then realized, "You''re Xiao Yi?"


    Xiao Yi nodded his head.


    Nangong Jian''s face immediately turned ashen, he raged, "It seems those two old dogs didn''t convey my words to you. I wanted you to come begging on your knees. And now you dare to strike my Nangong Family men, it seems you are tired of living!"


    "Which hand did you use?" Xiao Yi asked.


    "Hmm?"


    Nangong Jian paused.


    Xiao Yi stated coolly, "I''m asking, which hand did you use to break Xue Bufan and their arms?"


    "..."


    Nangong Jian, with a look of disbelief, scoffed, "Do I need to do it myself to break the arms of those two old dogs?"


    "Since you won''t say..."


    Xiao Yi shook his head, casually stepping off the bodies of the several dozen guards, "then just leave both arms behind!"

 Chapter 293 - 293: One Man Guards the Pass, Ten Thousand Are Unable to Open!

    "Then both of your hands will stay behind!"


    Xiao Yi''s face was tinged with indifference, as his eyes swept over both of Nangong Jian''s hands.


    Yan Mingli was one of the earliest powerhouses to follow him, and it could even be said that without Yan Mingli, Xiao Yi''s initial progress wouldn''t have been so rapid.


    There was also Xue Bufan.


    Ever since he followed him, Xue Bufan had been hardworking and complaint-free.


    But now...


    Nangong Jian had not only severely injured both of them and severed an arm but also declared that this was just because he didn''t want to dirty his hands, disdainfully saying that he wouldn''t kill them personally.


    Disdain!


    What was Nangong Jian to be so arrogant?


    He disabled the arms of his companions, inflicting severe injuries, and it was all because of disdain to kill?


    Nangong Jian, upon hearing Xiao Yi''s words, showed a face full of mockery and laughter and arrogantly said, "Leave behind my hands? You must be out of your mind. I am Nangong Jian. Not to mention crippling my hands; if you even hurt a single hair on me, you will pay with your life!"


    Bang!


    The words had just been spoken.


    Nangong Jian''s body suddenly trembled, springing up from the ground with his legs, rotating three hundred and sixty degrees in mid-air, and with a bang, his head smashed forcefully onto the ground.


    Buzz!


    Nangong Jian propped himself up from the ground with his hands, violently shaking his head, feeling dizzy and seeing stars. After a great struggle to steady himself, Nangong Jian looked at Xiao Yi with bloodshot eyes: "Bastard, you dare to hit me?"


    Slap!


    Another slap followed.


    "Fuck..."


    Slap!


    Slap slap slap!


    Xiao Yi reached out into the void with one hand, and invisible "Yuan Qi" firmly clutched Nangong Jian''s throat, lifting his body into the emptiness. His right hand fell like phantom shadows.


    Crack crackle!


    During the chilling sound of crisp snaps, Nangong Jian''s cheeks swelled enormously, and a mix of fresh blood and saliva dripped down.


    At this moment, Nangong Jian''s features were completely disfigured, and even if his own mother were here, she might not recognize him!


    Hiss!


    The surrounding people couldn''t help but gasp for air, their faces dumbfounded, looking in horror at Nangong Jian who was still held aloft by Xiao Yi.


    "I must be seeing things, right?"


    "Xiao Yi actually dares to beat up Nangong Jian in front of the Nangong Family''s gate?"


    "Is he planning to completely sever ties with the Nangong Family?"


    All of this happened too quickly.


    So fast that a group of the Nangong Family''s powerhouses couldn''t react in time. Now hearing the crowd''s discussions, they awakened with a start, looking at Nangong Jian whose features were distorted beyond recognition of a human.


    A group of the Nangong Family''s guards changed their expressions drastically, glaring at Xiao Yi with blood-red eyes and roaring, "Bastard, release our Third Young Master now!"


    "Xiao Yi, you''re seeking death!"


    Over a hundred of the Nangong Family''s guards surrounded him fiercely.


    Xiao Yi held Nangong Jian in his hand and faced the crowd. Xiao Yi coldly shouted, "Whoever dares to take a step forward, I will finish him immediately!"


    "Stop!"


    "Hold your hand!"


    "Don''t you dare harm the life of our Third Young Master..."


    Everyone''s faces went pale.


    For a moment, over a hundred fiercely murderous Nangong Family guards were caught in a dilemma.


    Nangong Jian, too, came to his senses, with an excruciating burning pain on his face and the comments from the crowd like thorns in his back, making him appear as black as coal. The venom in his eyes was chilling, and he yelled hysterically, "Xiao Yi... you''re dead, I definitely won''t let you go, I will kill you, kill you..."


    "Shut up!"


    Xiao Yi let out a cold snort, and with a casual punch, he hit his face squarely.


    Wow...


    Nangong Jian cried out in agony, blood gushing from every orifice. He clutched his mouth with both hands, no longer able to utter a word.


    Xiao Yi''s face was expressionless, "You injured an elder of Xiaoshanhe Institute and even crippled his arm. Today, I will repay the debt, breaking both your arms as a warning to others."


    "No..."


    Nangong Jian watched as Xiao Yi''s fingertips swirled with silvery Qi, and his eyes nearly split with fury.


    He had thought that Xiao Yi would never dare to lay a hand on him.


    But those dozens of slaps had already let him know that Xiao Yi wouldn''t care at all about the Nangong Family.


    Nangong Jian shouted in terror, "Xiao¡­ Xiao Yi¡­ Director Xiao, I was wrong. Please spare me, I¡­I am willing to compensate Xiaoshanhe Institute. Don''t you want to cooperate with us? As long as you don''t kill me, I am willing to sell elixirs to you at market prices..."


    Under the threat of death, even the usually arrogant Nangong Jian completely cowered at this moment.


    In his view...


    If Xiaoshanhe Institute didn''t have the support of the Nangong Family, they wouldn''t even be able to obtain the most basic elixirs.


    Xiao Yi would surely be unable to resist the temptation to cooperate with the Nangong Family!


    However...


    Xiao Yi sneered and shook his head, "Sorry, your Nangong Family is not worthy of cooperating with me!"


    Whoosh!


    A streak of silver light swept past Xiao Yi''s fingertips.


    Blood gushed like a fountain, and a jet of blood spurted out.


    Nangong Jian''s body shook, his pupils dilating as a blood-soaked arm flew off his body. Then a second blood sword burst into the air, and another arm flew up.


    Two severed arms, both dripping with fresh blood, landed in front of him.


    Both arms were neatly severed at the shoulder.


    It all happened too fast!


    It wasn''t until two arms landed in front of him that Nangong Jian finally felt a surge of sharp pain from his shoulders. His facial features twisted together in an instant, emitting a scream so miserable it seemed inhuman, "Ahhh... My hands, my hands..." S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Bang!


    Xiao Yi casually threw him aside.


    Nangong Jian slammed heavily onto the ground, and two guards from the Nangong Family quickly came forward to help him up, looking at his bloody, armless shoulders.


    The guards'' faces went pale in an instant.


    Nangong Jian, enduring the intense pain, snarled venomously, "What are you looking at? Kill him for me! I want to tear him to shreds, chop him up and feed him to the dogs..."


    Faced with Nangong Jian''s roar, the guards of the Nangong Family exchanged glances.


    Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!


    Sharp blades glinted as they rose to the sky, and over a hundred guards rushed towards Xiao Yi at once. Facing the oncoming tide of guards like a steel flood, Xiao Yi remained expressionless.


    He simply raised his right hand and pushed it forward.


    Hum!


    Eyecatching earthen-yellow light bursts blazed, landing on the ground, shaking the earth as if a dragon were turning over. Wall after wall of yellow earthen surged upwards, forming a wave of earth.


    Boom, boom, boom!


    Under the surge of earth waves, the strongest of whom was merely at the Fifth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm, the guards lay sprawled on the ground, each pinned down by a mound of earth.


    Unable to move, as if they were sealed.


    This was the part of the power of heaven and earth that Xiao Yi could wield after stepping into the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    In just a single palm move.


    Xiao Yi had suppressed all those hundred-odd guards. With such power, the remaining strong were all halted in their tracks, not daring to advance any further. At this moment, Xiao Yi, standing with his hands behind his back, was like the War God himself.


    A single man holding back ten thousand, unbreakable by any!


    Hiss!


    The surrounding onlookers were also completely shocked by the sight before them, "Is this¡­ is this Xiao Yi''s strength? So¡­ so terrifying..."


    "How can there be such a big gap within the same Tao Tribulation Realm?"


    "The Nangong Family really hit a wall this time!"


    Just then...


    A cold and indifferent voice suddenly came from the crowd, "Who dares to cause trouble in the Nangong Family territory? Do you no longer wish to live?"


    Hearing this voice.


    A look of ecstatic joy appeared on Nangong Jian''s pale face as he yelled, "Master, avenge me!"

 Chapter 294 - 294: Disciple pays respect to the Master!

    "Master, quickly avenge your disciple!"


    Nangong Jian, like a drowning man who had found a life-saving straw, had an ecstatic look on his face as he bellowed toward the middle-aged man who stepped out from the crowd.


    The middle-aged man was dressed in luxurious brocade.


    He wore a white cloud belt around his waist, his long hair tied behind him, holding a folding fan in his hand.


    Upon hearing Nangong Jian''s shout, the middle-aged man was first startled, and his fan paused. He then followed the sound and saw Nangong Jian''s pitiful state, his face suddenly contorted, and he snapped the fan shut with a loud clap.


    Whoosh!


    The middle-aged man was, in a flash, standing right in front of Nangong Jian.


    Looking at Nangong Jian, whose arms were severed at the shoulders.


    The middle-aged man''s eyes were blood-red.


    This person was none other than Lu Chen, a martial arts expert of Three Seas Mountain, with a cultivation that reached the Nine-fold Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm, only slightly more powerful than Nangong Jian. But he was an Array Master, and Nangong Jian was studying the art of formations under his command.


    This Nangong Jian was his prized disciple, and also his cash cow!


    Backed by the Nangong Family, every month, Nangong Jian provided Lu Chen with innumerable benefits. The medicinal pills and precious herbs he presented as a tribute during holidays alone were worth several hundred million Silver a year.


    Now that Nangong Jian had fallen to such a state, it was as if someone had destroyed his source of wealth!


    "Master, you must take revenge for me!" Nangong Jian roared fiercely.


    "Rest assured, my disciple, I absolutely will not let the murderer go unpunished!"


    Lu Chen nodded solemnly, his cold eyes looking toward Xiao Yi''s direction. Seeing the Nangong Family guards lying all around Xiao Yi in disarray, Lu Chen sneered, "No wonder you dared to cripple my disciple''s arms, kid. You indeed have some skill! However, running into me, Lu Chen, is your ultimate misfortune today!"


    Boom!


    A powerful surge of energy suddenly burst from Lu Chen''s body.


    The surge soared into the sky.


    It formed a cyan tornado, which with a roar, transformed into a column of wind connecting heaven and earth.


    Lu Chen slowly ascended within the column of wind, his aura of the Nine-fold Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm unveiled without reservation, so intense that it could be felt for tens of miles around, filled with a terrifying intent to kill.


    Within the imperial city, many a formidable person sensed this powerful aura.


    "Is that coming from the direction of the Nangong Family?"


    "Who could be so bold as to initiate a conflict within the territory of the Nangong Family?"


    "This seems to be Senior Brother Lu''s aura..."


    Within the Three Seas Mountain''s division in the imperial city, a young man''s complexion changed, and looking at an old lady beside him, he said, "Master, Senior Brother Lu Chen might be in trouble!"


    The old lady squinted, huffing coldly, "I want to see who dares to mess with my disciples. Follow me!"


    Whoosh!


    Behind the old lady, more than twenty formidable individuals stood up together, quickly following her towards the Nangong Family''s location.


    In a quiet courtyard.


    Nangong Shengtian was sitting inside, toying with a Jade Pendant in his hands, muttering, "Go back and tell your master, our Nangong Family accepts their proposal of cooperation. However, the details of the cooperation will have to wait until we meet in person to discuss further!"


    "This subordinate will return and relay your message!" the young man responded respectfully.


    "Hm!"


    Nangong Shengtian nodded, suddenly raising his head to look in the direction of the Nangong Family, his brows furrowed and a cold light flashing in his eyes, "Who dares to cause trouble in my Nangong Family''s territory?"


    Whoosh!


    Nangong Shengtian tore through the sky.


    Meanwhile...


    At the main entrance of the Nangong Family''s estate.


    The cyan storm forced the surrounding strong individuals to retreat, and those guards who were bound by the earth and rocks, were violently pulled out from beneath the ground, tossed into the air.


    The fearsome tempest left many strong individuals with astonished expressions: "Is this the power of the Nine-fold Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm? Truly, as an expert of Three Seas Mountain, such strength, indeed, even the common peak powers of the Tao Tribulation Realm cannot match him!"


    "Xiao Yi has really kicked an iron plate this time!"


    "Who would have thought that Lu Chen would suddenly appear here?"


    "But... even if Lu Chen hadn''t shown up, Xiao Yi would have been doomed with the Nangong Family''s influence. After all, they are one of the four grand clan families..."


    Amidst the chatter.


    Lu Chen stood suspended in the air, looking down on Xiao Yi from on high: "Kid, you injured my disciple and even dared to confront me. Won''t you kneel and kowtow in admission of your guilt?"


    Xiao Yi looked up at Lu Chen, his neck slightly craning, and said impatiently, "I don''t like looking up to people."


    "Hm?"


    Lu Chen was taken aback.


    Xiao Yi continued to speak, "Get down here!"


    "You''re looking for..."


    Lu Chen had just opened his mouth when suddenly, countless spiritual energies of heaven and earth began to wildly coalesce in the void. They actually tore open the wind column, and amidst the raging winds, they transformed into chains of wind.


    They bound Lu Chen completely within them.


    Tightly trussed up.


    Lu Chen couldn''t move an inch and could only watch helplessly as Xiao Yi''s palm pressed towards the ground. Then, with a whooshing sound breaking through the air, Lu Chen''s body plummeted from the sky.


    Like a falling star.


    Bang!


    Lu Chen smashed hard onto the ground, creating a human-shaped crater.


    With his face toward the dirt, Lu Chen was embedded in it, his limbs twitching slightly.


    "..."


    There was dead silence all around.


    When Lu Chen appeared, everyone thought Xiao Yi was certainly doomed.


    But now...


    Xiao Yi had taken down the imperious Lu Chen with just one move.


    Considering the several hundred meters he fell from the sky, even smashing a huge pit into the ground, even a mighty practitioner of the Tao Tribulation Realm would probably find it unpleasant!


    Spurt!


    Lu Chen was hoisted up by Xiao Yi with one hand, spitting out a mouthful of dirt; his face was swollen and bruised, staring at Xiao Yi in utter bewilderment, "You, you, who on earth are you?"


    In his eyes, Xiao Yi was just a practitioner of the First Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm. In front of him, a proud Nine-fold Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm master, Xiao Yi was like an ant, easily crushed.


    But now... S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi''s strength far exceeded his expectations.


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Xiaoshanhe Institute, Xiao Yi!"


    "Hmm?"


    Lu Chen was taken aback, then frowned, "You''re the new head of Xiaoshanhe Institute, Xiao Yi?"


    "Guaranteed genuine!" Xiao Yi nodded.


    Lu Chen shouted angrily, "I don''t care if you are real or fake, you dared to break my disciple''s arms and cause me such humiliation; you''re on a path to death!"


    "A path to death? By your hand?" Xiao Yi said with amusement.


    Lu Chen sneered, "I admit I underestimated you. But don''t forget who I am. I am a four-star Array Master, and my master is none other than Li Youruo from Three Seas Mountain, the number one Array Master. My master is a respected six-star Array Master. If she knows I''ve been injured by you, she will definitely not let you off. Just with a trap or killing array set by my master at your Xiaoshanhe Institute, your whole institute would be wiped out in the blink of an eye. Scared now?"


    A six-star Array Master, whose status was comparable to a practitioner of the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    As long as Li Youruo was willing to personally set up a formation for someone, even practitioners of the Dharma Manifestation Realm would be willing to take action.


    This was where Lu Chen''s confidence and assurance lay.


    "Li Youruo is your master?"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback, showing a strange expression, "Are you sure, she will avenge you?"


    "Of course... she is my master. If she knows I''ve been injured by you, she will never let it go. Just one formation by my master at your Xiaoshanhe Institute, and your entire institute will be annihilated in an instant. Feeling fear now, aren''t you?"


    Lu Chen sneered, "So, why don''t you put me down and kneel before me, begging for my forgiveness? If I personally plead for you to my master, considering my face, my master might spare you a way to live!"


    Looking at the haughty Lu Chen, Xiao Yi''s expression grew even more peculiar.


    Suddenly.


    He felt something and turned to look at the crowd.


    He saw a group of figures rushing over, led by the expressionless Li Youruo.


    "Master?"


    Lu Chen was startled, then burst into laughter, "Xiao Yi, you''re done for. My master has come..." he shouted towards Li Youruo, "Master, come save me!"


    Whoosh!


    Li Youruo landed with a leap in front of Xiao Yi.


    With a venomous look on his face, Lu Chen gazed at Xiao Yi, "Hahaha, you''re like a dog now. It''s too late for regrets. Kneel down now and beg for my forgiveness!"


    Xiao Yi looked at Li Youruo with amusement, "Li Youruo, your disciple says that with your arrival, my end is certain?"


    However...


    In the full view of everyone.


    Li Youruo suddenly knelt before Xiao Yi, loudly saying, "Disciple pays respects to master! I earnestly beg for master''s forgiveness. I have failed in disciplining, and I must punish this wicked disciple severely..."


    For a moment.


    Everyone was utterly baffled, "..."

 Chapter 295 - 295: So What If I Bully You?

    "..."


    In front of the Nangong Family''s gates, everyone was staring dumbfounded, their faces a picture of utter confusion.


    Lu Chen was the most baffled of all.


    His eyes were wide open, his mouth agape, and his face was filled with bewilderment. His black pupils, thick with shock and incomprehension, shifted back and forth between Xiao Yi and Li Youruo.


    His pupils slowly dilated, and his gaze was replaced by alarm and fear. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Who was Li Youruo?


    An elder of Three Seas Mountain, a Peak Tao Tribulation Realm existence, and also the only six-star Array Master of Three Seas Mountain.


    Any of these identities, even on their own, could make a person''s name resound throughout the Great Qian Dynasty and hold a pivotal status.


    It''s no exaggeration to say that apart from the Dharma Manifestation Realm ancestors, Li Youruo, the Purple-clad Daoist Chen Ziyi were among the very top existences.


    Yet such a being...


    Was now kneeling before Xiao Yi, addressing him as master?


    Gulp!


    Lu Chen swallowed hard, his eyelid twitched, and with a face as if at a funeral, he tentatively asked, "Mas, Master, are, are you mistaken about the person?"


    "Shut up!"


    Li Youruo glared daggers at him and backhanded him across the face with a slap.


    She was acutely aware of how terrifying Xiao Yi was!


    With the cultivation of the First Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm, he had slain numerous Tao Tribulation Realm Peak existences on Great Liang Mountain. He was even able to completely overwhelm her and Chen Ziyi on the path of formation mastery with his power alone.


    Most importantly...


    The "Hundred Volumes of Array Path" Xiao Yi gave her had left her utterly astounded.


    For many reasons...


    Li Youruo had been completely won over.


    Willingly, and even proudly, she took Xiao Yi as her master.


    Now, she would have done anything to please Xiao Yi, yet Lu Chen dared to lay hands on him publicly, even attempting to put Xiao Yi in mortal danger?


    How could Li Youruo tolerate that?


    "Master, you, you hit me for that kid..."


    Lu Chen looked at Li Youruo with a face full of grievance.


    He was Li Youruo''s proud disciple, deeply favored and trusted by her; she had never even scolded him before. When Li Youruo first appeared, he thought his backing had arrived!


    In his mind...


    Li Youruo would definitely stand up for him and fiercely teach Xiao Yi a lesson!


    But now Li Youruo was not only kneeling before Xiao Yi, calling him master, but she also slapped him hard across the face?


    Lu Chen felt his world was shattering.


    "Shut up!"


    Li Youruo slapped him again, a series of slaps that made Lu Chen''s head spin with stars, and she scolded with a huff, "Talking about ''that kid'' this, ''that kid'' that, the person standing before you is your grandmaster!"


    "Ah?"


    Lu Chen was flabbergasted, his face full of shock, "Mas, Master, you''re not joking, are you?"


    "Could Master Li have gone mad?"


    "Impossible, right as Master Li appeared, she addressed Xiao Yi as master!"


    "What on earth is going on here? What merits or abilities does Xiao Yi have to become Master Li''s master?" Not only could Lu Chen not accept it, but all the onlookers were also utterly baffled, feeling as if they were hallucinating.


    Speaking of cultivation, Xiao Yi was just at the First Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm, whereas Li Youruo was at the Tao Tribulation Realm Peak.


    Age-wise, Li Youruo was old enough to be Xiao Yi''s grandmother!


    How did she become his master?


    Li Youruo did not explain but turned around and respectfully saluted Xiao Yi, pleading for her disciple, "Master, please spare his life for my sake!"


    Xiao Yi nodded.


    Li Youruo''s face lit up with joy, and she glared fiercely at Lu Chen, "Aren''t you going to come over and kowtow to apologize to your grandmaster?"


    A spasm twitched at the corner of Lu Chen''s eye, "..."


    Just moments ago.


    He was thinking about making Xiao Yi kneel down and beg for mercy, but in the blink of an eye, he was forced by Li Youruo to kneel and kowtow to Xiao Yi, even referring to him as grandmaster.


    How fortunes turn.


    But when it turned to him, it was simply too fast!


    Lu Chen was extremely bitter in his heart, but he was helpless, unable to defy Li Youruo''s wishes. His head banged repeatedly on the ground as he said with a mournful face, "Grandmaster above, please forgive your disciple''s utter disrespect!"


    "Get up!"


    Xiao Yi waved his hand and said earnestly, "Remember to keep a low profile in the future when you behave."


    "Grandmaster''s lesson is well taken!" Lu Chen hurriedly replied.


    From the side...


    Nangong Jian was completely dumbstruck.


    He felt that today was just the pinnacle of bad luck.


    When Xiao Yi appeared, he relied on the backing of the Nangong Family, thinking Xiao Yi wouldn''t dare to touch him.


    Then his arms were broken.


    When Lu Chen appeared, he relied on having Lu Chen as his support, believing he could take revenge and wash away his humiliation.


    As a result, Lu Chen too was beaten up by Xiao Yi!


    Finally, with Li Youruo''s arrival, Nangong Jian thought he saw light through the clouds, the light of hope finally descending upon him.


    Hopes of vengeance seemed attainable!


    Yet...


    This grandmaster, who was equivalent to a Dharma Manifestation Realm ancestor in Three Seas Mountain, actually kneeled before Xiao Yi, calling him master!


    "What sins have I committed?" Nangong Jian wore a face of misery, a strong sense of regret welling up inside him.


    If he had known earlier.


    Why did he have to act so arrogantly at that time, insisting on breaking the hands of Yan Mingli and the others?


    "Xiao Yi, who gave you the courage to cause trouble within the Nangong Family?" Just then, a roar like thunder came from the sky, as a figure descended from above.


    Boom!


    The figure was surrounded by roiling energy, with a terrifying pressure that weakened the others'' legs, nearly bringing them to their knees.


    The person was none other than the patriarch of the Nangong Family, Nangong Shengtian!


    "Ancestor... You''ve finally come. That dog bastard Xiao Yi broke my arms, I beg you to take revenge for me!" Just as Nangong Jian was losing all hope, he once again found hope and shouted loudly.


    Nangong Shengtian was stunned for a moment, scrutinizing Nangong Jian for a long time, and frowned, "Who are you?"


    Nangong Jian: "..."


    Now with a swollen face beyond recognition, and his arms severed, sitting slumped on the ground, he was indistinguishable from a beggar. It took Nangong Shengtian a moment to recognize him, as Nangong Jian said with a bitter face, "Ancestor, I... I''m little Jianjian..."


    "..."


    Nangong Shengtian looked baffled, studying Nangong Jian up and down, and finally recognizing his identity, "You... you''re Nangong Jian? Damn, how did you end up like this?"


    Nangong Jian, with a pitiful face, exaggerated his story, "Ancestor, it was all Xiao Yi''s doing. Following your instructions, I refused the person from Xiaoshanhe Institute who came to discuss cooperation. Unexpectedly, Xiao Yi came knocking. He beat me into this state and even severed my arms, you must avenge me..."


    "Alright, alright, what a Xiao Yi!"


    Nangong Shengtian''s eyes blazed with a blood-like red, his teeth clacking with rage, and his ferocious gaze fell on Xiao Yi, he ground his teeth and said, "Xiao Yi, you''ve gone too far!"


    Hum!


    A terrible surge of energy formed a fierce wind that rushed towards them.


    Among the flying sand and rolling stones.


    The layers of tiles on the ground rose and shot towards Xiao Yi.


    Bang bang bang!


    An invisible barrier formed in front of Xiao Yi, blocking the wind and debris. His eyes slitted, he stared unabashedly at Nangong Shengtian, "So what if I bully you?"

 Chapter 296 - 296: At Your Disposal!

    "So what if I bully you?"


    Xiao Yi''s face bore a playful expression as he faced the fierce wind and flying rocks without even blinking, speaking in a neither servile nor overbearing tone.


    Nangong Shengtian''s face stiffened: "..."


    After all, he was the venerable ancestor of the Nangong Family, a master of the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    Even Emperor Qian had to address him as Ancestor Nangong.


    Who had ever dared to belittle and provoke him like this?


    Boom!


    Nangong Shengtian stomped fiercely, and the ground trembled thunderously as if a dragon were turning beneath it. Fissures spread from beneath his feet towards Xiao Yi, and terrifying surges of earth formed spikes thrusting straight at Xiao Yi and those beside him, including Li Youruo.


    "Master, be careful!" Li Youruo''s face changed drastically, ready to intervene.


    Xiao Yi raised his hand to signal her not to panic.


    Hum!


    Xiao Yi tapped the ground with the tip of his foot, half of his sole sinking into the earth, followed by an explosive burst of ferocious power from within his body, like the waters of a river rushing into the open sea, surging beneath the ground.


    Boom!


    Rumble!


    The entire ground vibrated around Xiao Yi as a center, wave after wave of terrifying energy pulsating outward in deafening explosions towards what lay ahead.


    The two waves of earth collided with a crash.


    Bang bang bang!


    The two waves kept smashing against each other, grinding the other down, while at the point of collision, mounds of earth and rocks piled up.


    One zhang.


    Two zhang.


    Three zhang...


    When the turbulent energy on the ground had dissipated, the earth wave halted two meters in front of Xiao Yi, having formed a small mountain of earth and stone ten zhang high as a result of their collision.


    "Nangong Shengtian, I came to the Nangong Family in good faith, hoping to seek cooperation. Even if you refuse to cooperate, I would have voiced no complaints," Xiao Yi said, leaping onto the summit of the earthen mountain and looking down at Nangong Shengtian from on high. "However, Nangong Jian has severely injured my men, Yan Mingli and Xue Bufan, even breaking their arms. Do you still think the blame lies on me today?"


    The surrounding crowd, having heard Xiao Yi''s words, whispered among themselves: "So there are these reasons behind the incident. If that''s the case, indeed the Nangong Family is in the wrong!"


    "The Nangong Family may be large and powerful, but the Xiaoshanhe Institute is not to be trifled with. Nangong Jian''s actions are an insult to the Xiaoshanhe Institute and Xiao Yi, no wonder he is so enraged!"


    "The fault lies with the Nangong..."


    "Nangong Jian deserves it!"


    The crowd spoke one after another.


    These murmurs reached Nangong Shengtian''s ears, causing his expression to flicker and turning his face extremely ugly.


    Indeed, they did not have a leg to stand on in this matter.


    However...


    Nangong Shengtian had long been accustomed to acting tyrannically.


    His face was thick with mockery as he sneered, "Xiao Yi, who doesn''t know that for the sole purpose of dominating Xiaoshanhe Institute, you drove out Chen Shuiwen and all his associates. How could my Nangong Family possibly cooperate with someone like you, a petty person who will stop at nothing to exclude others for your own selfish desires?"


    "Exclude others?"


    Xiao Yi smiled faintly and replied, "That''s an internal matter of Xiaoshanhe Institute. Since when does the Nangong Family have to consider such things in their business dealings?"


    "I am good friends with Chen Shuiwen. Over the years, Chen Shuiwen and my Nangong Family have had a very harmonious collaboration. You expelled him from Xiaoshanhe Institute; I can''t trust you, and naturally, I won''t work with you!"


    Nangong Shengtian''s figure slowly rose until he was eye-level with Xiao Yi and said with a mocking tone, "I''m not afraid to tell you that Chen Shuiwen has already allied with various forces, preparing to build a new Martial Arts Institute to contend against your Xiaoshanhe Institute. My Nangong Family will enter into comprehensive cooperation with him, providing all of our elixirs at a mere thirty percent of the market price. You must be quite furious now, aren''t you? Hahaha..."


    Xiao Yi''s expression changed ever so slightly.


    He hadn''t expected Nangong Shengtian to be so willing to sell to Chen Shuiwen at merely thirty percent of the market price.


    That was almost no profit at all!


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath and scoffed, "Nangong Shengtian, don''t tell me you really think the Nangong Family can cover the sky with one hand? In the vast Great Qian Dynasty, I refuse to believe that, apart from you, there isn''t another power daring to sell elixirs to us!"


    "Hahaha, sorry, but in the elixir industry, my Nangong Family indeed can cover the sky with one hand!" Nangong Shengtian said pridefully, "With just one word from me, throughout the entire Great Qian Dynasty, you won''t be able to obtain even the lowest-grade Blood Qi Elixir. You must be really angry now, right? Hahaha, young man, trying to fight me? You''re still too green!"


    Seeing Xiao Yi remain silent,


    "Ladies and gentlemen, the former vice dean of Xiaoshanhe Institute, Chen Shuiwen, accompanied by all instructors and disciples, is about to establish a brand-new Martial Arts Institute."


    Nangong Shengtian looked around at everyone, his voice amplified with vital energy, deep and resonant, echoing between heaven and earth: "At that time, both the Nangong Family and the Beitang Family will fully support Chen Shuiwen. If you wish for your children to have access to the best resources, you may consider joining Chen Shuiwen''s Martial Arts Institute, and definitely avoid a place like Xiaoshanhe Institute, which is fraught with scheming and discord, ostracizes others, and can''t even supply its own elixirs..."


    "A new Martial Arts Institute?"


    "With support from both the Nangong and Beitang families, the resources of this new institute will undoubtedly be impressive!"


    "Xiaoshanhe Institute has been decaying over the years, and now having lost all its instructors, it has been cut off from the elixir resources by the Nangong Family. If we join them, we probably won''t even be able to satisfy the most basic cultivation needs!"


    Everyone joined in the chorus.


    The voices that prophesied doom for Xiaoshanhe Institute grew more and more numerous, louder and louder.


    Nangong Shengtian''s face was filled with smugness as he provocatively looked at Xiao Yi, "See? Just with one word, I can bring you down, kid. When a praying mantis tries to stop a chariot, it''s on a path to certain death! Of course, if you kneel down and beg me now, I might just agree to supply some elixirs to you at twice the market price out of sheer mercy!"


    "Master..."


    Li Youruo looked at Xiao Yi with concern.


    Xiao Yi waved his hand.


    Whoosh!


    He exhaled a long breath of turbid air, fixing his gaze on Nangong Shengtian: "Nangong Shengtian, I did not wish to be your enemy, but since you insist on being aggressive, then I, Xiao Yi, have no choice but to take up this challenge. You pride yourself on the Nangong Family being able to cover the sky with one hand in the Great Qian Dynasty? One month..."


    Xiao Yi held up a finger.


    The cold light in his eyes was piercing as he stared at Nangong Shengtian and enunciated, "Within one month, I will force all the Nangong Family pharmacies to shut down and cease business."


    "What?"


    Nangong Shengtian was taken aback, then burst into laughter, "Have you lost your mind, beginning to spout nonsense? Let alone one month, even if I gave you a hundred years, a thousand years, you wouldn''t be able to shake the Nangong Family!"


    "Don''t believe it? Let''s try!" Xiao Yi challenged. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Hmph, I''m not afraid of you!"


    Nangong Shengtian sneered, "If you really can make the Nangong Family Pharmacy close within one month, my Nangong Family will willingly provide all elixir resources to your Xiaoshanhe Institute free of charge. But, if you fail, what then?"


    Xiao Yi''s words rang out firmly, "At your disposal!"

 Chapter 297 - 297 All the World Rushes for Profit

    "Agreed!"


    A glint flashed through Nangong Shengtian''s eyes.


    He simply did not believe that Xiao Yi could shut down all of the pill shops owned by the Nangong Family within a month.


    After all...


    The Nangong Family had dominated the medicinal pill industry for many years.


    Just in the imperial capital alone, they owned over a hundred pill shops, and throughout the vast Great Qian Dynasty, the number surpassed ten thousand. Even if Xiao Yi sought the royal family''s help, it was impossible for all his pill shops to be forced to close!


    "Xiao Yi is too impulsive, this is simply an impossible task!"


    "In the end, he is just too young!"


    The murmuring discussions that vaguely came from the crowd made Li Youruo''s face turn a bit unsightly. She looked at Xiao Yi worriedly, "Master, we have no chance at winning this bet!"


    "No matter, I have my plans!" Xiao Yi''s eyes narrowed into slits.


    The Nangong Family was indeed strong!


    Especially in the medicinal pill industry, they held a pivotal position.


    But...


    When it came to medicinal pills, who could Xiao Yi fear?


    "Li Youruo, are these your close confidants?" Xiao Yi looked at the twenty or thirty people behind Li Youruo. Among them, six were in the Tao Tribulation Realm, and the rest were in the Golden Core Realm or the Shentong Realm, each with a decent posture and robust physique.


    Although there were only about thirty people, their quality was comparable to the group of instructors that Chen Shuiwen had taken away.


    Li Youruo nodded, pride also evident in her expression, but thinking of her departure being known by Three Seas Mountain, a trace of bitterness appeared on her face: "Master, when I left, the Deputy Sect Master of Three Seas Mountain came to intercept me. I trapped him with a formation. But knowing Three Seas Mountain''s way of doing things, they will absolutely not let this go..."


    "Let them come!"


    Xiao Yi waved his hand to signal Li Youruo not to worry and said indifferently, "At least before the ancestral worship ceremony, they would not dare to openly deal with us. There are still more than two months left, enough for us to build up strength. Once the ceremony is over, it will be too late for them to start dealing with us!"


    Li Youruo opened her mouth to speak but then hesitated. Looking at Xiao Yi''s confident face, she ultimately swallowed her words.


    Xiao Yi said, "You take people back to Xiaoshanhe Institute first, I will make a trip to the palace!"


    "Yes!"


    Li Youruo promptly led the people away.


    Lu Chen was even dragged by her, like an injured puppy, his face full of despair.


    Moments later.


    Xiao Yi arrived at the imperial palace. Before even seeing Emperor Qian, Qi was already waiting at the entrance. Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow and stepped forward with a cupped-fist salute: "Eunuch Qi!"


    "Director Xiao, His Majesty is aware of your purpose for coming, and he instructed this old servant to wait for you here!" Qi said with a smile.


    Xiao Yi nodded, not surprised in the least.


    The incident with the Nangong Family was not a small matter, and with the means of the royal family, if they could not control what happened within the imperial capital, then Emperor Qian would not be sitting where he was.


    "These are two Jade Fetal Elixirs, enough to regrow the severed limbs of the two people under your command. Besides..."


    Qi handed a clear jade vial to Xiao Yi, his eagle-like eyes glanced around, and he lowered his voice, "His Majesty instructed me to tell you that the royal family cannot help you deal with the Nangong Family, and you must resolve the matter of the bet yourself!"


    Xiao Yi accepted the jade vial and smiled, "Please tell His Majesty that the Nangong Family is just a trivial matter. If I can''t even handle them, how can we talk about revitalizing Xiaoshanhe Institute?"


    A look of surprise crossed Qi''s face as he gazed at Xiao Yi.


    That was the Nangong Family!


    Even he and Emperor Qian, upon learning of Xiao Yi''s bet with Nangong Sheng, felt that Xiao Yi was too arrogant.


    That bet had no chance of success!


    But now...


    Seeing Xiao Yi so confident, Qi couldn''t help but be curious. What means did Xiao Yi have?


    However, he also knew Xiao Yi would not tell him.


    Qi chuckled, "Then this old servant will wish Director Xiao a swift and resounding success in advance!"


    ```


    "Thank you!"


    Xiao Yi clasped his hands together, "Xiao Yi shall take his leave now!"


    "Go ahead!"


    Qi smiled, watching as Xiao Yi strode away with long steps. He raised his hand to stroke his chin, muttering to himself, "He really is an unfathomable young fellow¡­ It''s great to be young, even this old man is somewhat excited to see what the outcome will be in a month!"


    Pedaling swiftly away from the capital, Xiao Yi then took to the air, flying towards Imperial Dragon Mountain.


    With his current speed.


    It was only the time it takes for an incense stick to burn from the capital to Imperial Dragon Mountain. When he returned to the Xiaoshanhe Institute at Imperial Dragon Mountain, Li Youruo and the others had not yet arrived. Xiao Yi went straight to find Elder Yan and Elder Xue.


    The two had already awakened, lying on their beds.


    Seeing Xiao Yi''s arrival, they struggled to sit up, their pale faces filled with deep self-reproach, "Xiao, we have failed your trust¡­"


    "Why should you say so?"


    Xiao Yi, with a gesture of his palm, helped the two of them up, saying, "This matter arose because of me, and if anyone should apologize, it is I who should be apologizing to you. Right, I have requested two Jade Fetal Elixirs from His Majesty, which after taking, will allow you to regrow your severed limbs!"


    "Jade Fetal Elixir?"


    "This, this¡­"


    The two faces were filled with excitement as they received the jade vials.


    With trembling hands, they both took the elixir one after another.


    Hiss!


    A wave of intense pain made their scalps tingle, their foreheads'' veins throbbing, and cold sweat poured out. Where their arms had been severed, streaks of blood spread out, and at a visible rate, new arms began to grow.


    Moments later.


    The two had their severed arms regenerated.


    "Thank you, Xiao, for granting us new life!" The two tested their new arms. Though they still felt somewhat unfamiliar, with some time they could easily master their function, both faces filled with gratitude.


    Xiao Yi waved his hand, saying, "You two should focus on recovering for a day. Tomorrow, Elder Yan, you will need to accompany me on a trip to the Treasure Pavilion!"


    Afterward.


    Xiao Yi informed everyone about his wager with Nangong Shengtian.


    Yan Mingli and Xue Bufan looked at each other.


    Being the most knowledgeable about the Great Qian Dynasty''s elixir industry, they were also acutely aware of how terrifying the Nangong Family''s hold on the elixir industry was, with one Beitang Family controlling the medicinal resource and the Nangong Family controlling the elixir resource.


    Overthrowing them seemed as difficult as scaling the heavens!


    Yan Mingli said with a wry smile, "Xiao, if it were just about getting the Treasure Pavilion to provide elixir resources, I might have some confidence, but with your current wager with Nangong Shengtian, I fear the Nangong and Beitang households will certainly do everything to block us. I''m afraid that the Treasure Pavilion¡­" sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Treasure Pavilion held a powerful position throughout the Qingtian Realm.


    But in the Great Qian Dynasty¡­


    The Treasure Pavilion was suppressed by the four big families'' joint effort, only occupying a small part of the market, completely unable to compete with them!


    After all.


    Everything that the Treasure Pavilion could offer, the four big families could too.


    And because the four big families were on their home ground, their costs were lower and their prices more competitive. Even in the price wars, which the Treasure Pavilion was best at, they couldn''t beat them!


    For that reason¡­


    The Great Qian Dynasty''s elixir and Yuan weapon industries were firmly controlled by the four big families.


    The Treasure Pavilion could only struggle to survive in the cracks!


    They certainly couldn''t afford to offend both the Nangong and Beitang families to death just to aid Xiao Yi!


    "Don''t worry, I have my ways to make the Treasure Pavilion cooperate with us!"


    Xiao Yi smiled, narrowing his eyes, "All under heaven are attracted to profit, I do not believe the Treasure Pavilion is willing to settle for being beneath others¡­"


    ```

 Chapter 298 - 298: Two Dharma Aspects in One Day

    That night.


    Li Youruo, Chen Ziyi, and others also arrived at Xiaoshanhe Institute in succession.


    Everyone gathered together.


    This time...


    It was no longer as deserted as before.


    Just the people brought by Li Youruo and Chen Ziyi numbered over seventy, and with the confidants that Li Jinjun and Hai Wei brought, the count had already surpassed a hundred.


    Among them, there were thirty-seven powerful practitioners above the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    There were five at the Tao Tribulation Realm Peak.


    Hai Wei, Li Jinjun, Li Youruo, Chen Ziyi, and his wife Zhou Jing.


    Five great Tao Tribulation Realm Peak powerhouses, thirty-two practitioners above the Tao Tribulation Realm, along with Xiao Yi, Xue Bufan, and Yu Huaxian, brought the number of Tao Tribulation Realm strong practitioners in Xiaoshanhe Institute to forty.


    Yu Huaxian looked at the people present, shook his head with a sigh, and said, "How do I feel like I''m becoming less and less useful here with Xiao?"


    Elder Yan''s eye corner twitched, "Then what about me?"


    His cultivation was only at the Golden Core Realm.


    In front of the Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouses, he was as fragile as an ant.


    Yu Huaxian glanced at him, patted his shoulder, and said, "Don''t worry, you have your disciple to back you up!"


    "Damn..."


    Elder Yan glared fiercely at him.


    Xiao Yi scanned the crowd and said, "When you left your respective sects, there were no complications, I hope?" S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Hai Wei and Li Jinjun shook their heads and said, "Our confidants are all in the capital, so there were no other incidents. However, Elder Li and Elder Chen did encounter some obstacles on the way!"


    Xiao Yi nodded and looked towards Chen Ziyi.


    He already knew about the pursuit of Li Youruo by the Deputy Sect Master of Three Seas Mountain, but Chen Ziyi had not said much. However, Xiao Yi sensed a hint of blood on him.


    Chen Ziyi remained silent.


    Zhou Jing gave a bitter smile and said, "Xiao, my husband Chen is in a bad mood because his direct disciple did not come back with us. Please forgive him!"


    Xiao Yi hummed in acknowledgment, but seeing Chen Ziyi''s complexion, he knew it was not as simple as just the missing direct disciple, "Ziyi, what exactly happened?"


    Chen Ziyi sighed softly and said, "Master, my direct disciple exposed me, and on the way here, we were intercepted by practitioners from the Dharma Manifestation Realm. My second disciple was captured while trying to protect us, and I know nothing of their life or death..."


    Xiao Yi''s pupils contracted slightly.


    A betrayal by a direct disciple and the capture of the second disciple while they covered their escape.


    No wonder Chen Ziyi was so heavy-hearted.


    Xiao Yi patted his shoulder and said solemnly, "Ziyi, rest assured, I will definitely bring back your second disciple!"


    "Thank you, Master!"


    Chen Ziyi nodded, still looking disheartened.


    After all, that was someone who fell into the hands of Wendao Villa.


    Even a Dharma Manifestation Realm practitioner wouldn''t dream of taking someone from Wendao Villa, let alone Xiao Yi, who was only at the First Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm. Wendao Villa would never release a captive!


    Xiao Yi was of course aware of Chen Ziyi''s concerns, but he did not elaborate further. Instead, he turned to the others and said, "Ladies and gentlemen, since you have joined Xiaoshanhe Institute, you are from now on my companions. I, Xiao Yi, hereby assure you that I will never let you regret today''s decision!"


    With that said,


    Xiao Yi glanced at Lin Bingxin beside him.


    Lin Bingxin stepped forward immediately, taking out a chest from her storage ring.


    Clang!


    Lin Bingxin opened the chest, and everyone''s gaze converged on it. Inside the chest were scrolls piled up.


    Under the confused gazes of the group, Xiao Yi said in a deep voice, "During dinner, I observed everyone, and these scrolls are martial arts techniques tailored for you. Your names are on them, as gifts to welcome you to Xiaoshanhe Institute!"


    A martial art specifically tailored for the individual?


    The crowd was taken aback.


    Some marveled.


    Some were puzzled.


    Others scoffed.


    They all came from Three Seas Mountain and Wendao Villa, which, compared to the declining Xiaoshanhe Institute, were behemoth sects.


    They didn''t think Xiao Yi could offer any high-level martial arts.


    Xiao Yi didn''t explain but just smiled, watching everyone.


    He was, after all, the heir to the Dao Yan legacy.


    And who was Dao Yan?


    He was the strongest martial theory master in the history of Qingtian Realm, who had created countless martial arts and cultivation techniques in his lifetime. For Xiao Yi, who possessed Dao Yan''s inheritance, to tailor martial arts and techniques for the powerhouses beneath the Longevity Secret Realm was simply a matter of ease.


    Lin Bingxin distributed the scrolls to everyone.


    Xiao Yi said with a smile, "Take a look for yourselves!"


    Everyone thought to just put the scrolls away, but seeing Xiao Yi suggesting so, they opened them half-heartedly.


    Upon looking...


    The crowd couldn''t recover their senses.


    Each one was dumbfounded, their attitudes shifting from casual to astonished, staring at the scrolls intently, reading every word with great focus.


    Even Chen Ziyi and the four others at the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm were staring at the scroll''s content with serious expressions. Some furrowed their brows, some marveled, some were puzzled, and some suddenly understood...


    Buzz!


    Suddenly, a terrifying surge of aura burst forth as Li Youruo suddenly lifted his head to look at Xiao Yi and knelt on the ground with a thud, "Thank you, Master, for your gift. I have sensed the opportunity to break through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm, and I request your permission to enter seclusion to strive for it!"


    "Granted!"


    Xiao Yi nodded, then turned to Lin Bingxin, "Take Youruo to..."


    Before he could finish,


    Another buzz echoed.


    Chen Ziyi trembled all over, his eyes shining with a brilliant light, and he too knelt with a thud, "Thank you, Master, for your gift. I, too, have sensed the opportunity to break through to the Dharma Manifestation and need to enter seclusion to attack the realm!"


    "Very good, very good, two Dharma Manifestations in a single day, what worries could Xiaoshanhe Institute have about not thriving?"


    Xiao Yi laughed heartily, having anticipated that the contents of the scroll could lead them to breakthroughs but not expecting it to happen so quickly. Xiao Yi said in a deep voice, "Both of you go and seclude yourselves in the secret chamber. However, you must inform me in advance when you''re about to break through. I will take you to a secluded place for your breakthroughs!"


    Nowadays, everyone looked down on Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    They didn''t think it could be revitalized.


    At this time, of course, he couldn''t reveal all his strength in front of everyone. He had to conceal his power. When the time came for the ancestral worship ceremony, several Dharma Manifestation experts would emerge alongside a host of strong disciples cultivated by Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    At that time...


    It would certainly shock everyone!


    "Xiao, I can hardly wait to see the expressions on Nangong Shengtian and others'' faces when they see our Xiaoshanhe Institute suddenly boasting so many experts!"


    "Hahaha, it will definitely be very exciting!"


    The crowd laughed in agreement.


    With the guidance of Xiao Yi, Li Youruo, and Chen Ziyi on the verge of their breakthroughs, the other powerhouses who received the scrolls also had significant gains. The way they looked at Xiao Yi was now filled with an intense warmth and inner admiration.


    The experts brought by Li Youruo and others were already won over by Xiao Yi.


    Phew!


    Xiao Yi let out a long breath, squinted his eyes toward the star-studded night sky outside the door, and muttered to himself, "As long as we solve the Dan medicine resource supply, the rise of Xiaoshanhe Institute is within reach!"

 Chapter 299 - 299: The Dying Man

    The next day, early in the morning.


    Xiao Yi, Yan Mingli, and Lin Bingxin went together to the Imperial Capital Treasure Pavilion.


    Treasure Pavilion.


    This was an incomparably vast organization, its influence spread throughout the entire Qingtian Realm. There were rumors that behind the Treasure Pavilion was an enormously powerful force, many times stronger than the Great Qian Dynasty.


    Even though the four great noble families could suppress the Capital Treasure Pavilion, they dared not drive it into a corner.


    Otherwise, once they incited the wrath of the force behind the Treasure Pavilion, even the four great families couldn''t withstand the consequences.


    "Xiao, Master Nalan Qianqiu is a close friend of my mentor, but they were also contenders in the past. I''ve had some disputes with his disciples, and I fear we might encounter some of them this time. If they are impolite in their speech, please, teacher, for my sake, let it slide!" Standing in front of the Treasure Pavilion, Yan Mingli said.


    Xiao Yi nodded.


    The three of them entered the Treasure Pavilion.


    This Imperial Capital Treasure Pavilion was far from comparable to those in the Tianqing Kingdom; it was similarly divided into an Inner Cabinet and an Outer Cabinet.


    The Outer Cabinet was primarily made up of street stalls, a dazzling array of items, everything available, but it was a mix of good and bad, with no guarantee of quality. However, if one were lucky, it was possible to find precious treasures at extremely low prices.


    Just as Xiao Yi had found the Golden Radiance Stone Spirit in the Outer Cabinet of the Treasure Pavilion in Nanhuang.


    The Inner Cabinet dealt in high-end products, but the values were extremely expensive; even a single piece of clothing could cost over a hundred taels of silver, enough to cover a common family''s expenses for a year. Few ordinary people would spend in the Inner Cabinet.


    Xiao Yi and his companions made their way to the Inner Cabinet.


    "May I help you with something?" A good-looking young man stepped forward, his gaze subtly sweeping over the three of them, the smile on his face growing more brilliant and enthusiastic upon seeing the quality of their attire.


    Yan Mingli said, "Brother, we are here to see Master Nalan!"


    "To see our Pavilion Master?"


    The young man was taken aback and asked, puzzled, "May I know who you are?"


    Yan Mingli said, "My name is Yan Mingli. Please notify the Master; I believe he will want to see us!"


    "Alright... please wait here!" The young man promptly left.


    After a short while.


    The young man came back with a haughty-looking youth.


    The young man pointed at Xiao Yi and his group: "Steward Ning, it is they who wish to see the Pavilion Master!"


    "Hmm, you can go now!"


    Ning, the steward, waved his hand dismissively and slightly lifted his chin, his indifferent gaze sweeping over Xiao Yi and the others. His eyes paused briefly when they landed on Lin Bingxin, a flash of sharpness passing through them before he stepped forward and asked, "May I know how to address this miss?"


    Lin Bingxin''s brows creased slightly: "Lin Bingxin!"


    "Lin Bingxin? A name as pure as ice; indeed, a fine name!"


    Ning, the steward, chuckled, presumptuously flicking his hair, "I am Ning Kang, a first-level steward at the Treasure Pavilion!"


    There were three levels of stewards at the Treasure Pavilion.


    The first level was the highest, just below the Pavilion Master.


    The second and third levels were subordinate to the first.


    Ning Kang, being a first-level steward at such a young age, must have a formidable background. His face carried a radiant smile. Just as he was about to speak, Yan Mingli said, "Young brother, we came today to see Master Nalan. Is he currently available?"


    "And you are what exactly? Didn''t you see that I was speaking with Miss Lin?" Ning Kang rebuked loudly, displeasure showing on his face.


    Yan Mingli''s expression changed slightly.


    Ning Kang snorted, turning back to Lin Bingxin with a radiant smile: "Miss Lin, I infer from your accent that you are new to the Imperial Capital. There are quite a few interesting places here in the capital. If you''re interested, I could show you around!"


    "No need!"


    Lin Bingxin looked at Ning Kang with disgust and shook her head.


    Ning Kang hadn''t given up yet, and continued, "Miss Lin..."


    Yan Mingli took a deep breath, "Ning, we have something to discuss with Master Nalan, please..."


    Slap!


    Ning Kang turned around and slapped Yan Mingli across the face, fuming, "How can you be so clueless, old man? Don''t you see that I am talking to Miss Lin? Why don''t you take a look in the mirror and see what kind of person you are, thinking you have the right to see the Pavilion Master? Do you think you''re worthy?"


    "You..."


    Yan Mingli''s face turned a ghastly shade.


    Bing Xin''s eyes were ablaze with fury. Yan Mingli was not only her master but also her only family member. She glared at Ning Kang, "Who gave you the right to hit someone?"


    Whoosh! sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Lin Bingxin raised her delicate palm to strike his face.


    Slap!


    Ning Kang quickly caught Lin Bingxin''s wrist, his face full of disdain, "Giving you face, huh? I''ve seen plenty of women like you, virtuous and righteous in public, but who knows how wanton you are behind closed doors. You want to see the Pavilion Master? As long as you serve me well, I will surely arrange a meeting for you with the Pavilion Master!"


    He sneered malevolently, eyes glancing over Lin Bingxin''s chest.


    A scarlet tongue licked his lips.


    His hand, resembling a salacious pork trotter, was about to reach out.


    But then there was a snap.


    Ning Kang''s smile abruptly disappeared from his face, replaced by shock, then overtaken by horror and paleness, "Ah... my hand, my hand is broken..."


    Ning Kang''s entire arm was dangling lifelessly in pieces at his side.


    His face contorted in excruciating pain.


    Clutching his broken arm, he staggered back repeatedly.


    Xiao Yi''s cold gaze fell upon him, he said indifferently, "If you dare to make another move, I''ll twist off your neck!"


    "You, you..."


    Ning Kang''s face turned ashen.


    Though his cultivation was at the Golden Elixir Realm Peak, Xiao Yi had broken his arm effortlessly, an indication of strength far surpassing his own.


    Ning Kang eyed Xiao Yi warily, with boundless hatred flaming in his heart, he gritted his teeth, "Just you wait... How dare you cause trouble in the Treasure Pavilion, I won''t rest until I make you beg for life and death!"


    Clang, clang, clang!


    The sound of metal clashing heralded the arrival of an eleven-person team rushing in.


    The leader was a formidable Third Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm expert.


    This person was Ning Luo, the deputy master of the Imperial Capital Treasure Pavilion, and a favored student of Nalan Qianqiu.


    He was also Ning Kang''s father!


    "Kang''er, how did this happen to you?" Ning Luo, upon seeing Ning Kang''s shattered arm, his eyes filled with ferocity.


    With a vengeful look, Ning Kang turned to Xiao Yi and his companions, "Father, it was them who broke my arm. Capture them for me; I want the woman to become a plaything under me, and as for the men, chop them into pieces and feed them to the dogs¡­"


    "Don''t worry, your father will not let them off!"


    Ning Luo nodded his head, his savage eyes turning to Xiao Yi and his group. Just as he was about to speak, he suddenly noticed Yan Mingli among the three, revealing a look of astonishment, which quickly morphed into ferocity and bitterness, "How dare someone cause trouble at the Treasure Pavilion? So it''s you? Yan Mingli, you dared to abet someone to harm my son, I will ensure you are torn to pieces!"


    At that moment...


    A deep voice caused Ning Luo to freeze abruptly, "A man about to die still dares to talk of tearing people to pieces?"

 Chapter 300 - 300 Three-Flower Seven-Leaf Herb

    ```


    "A dying man still has the nerve to think about crushing others to pieces?"


    Xiao Yi''s voice eerily reached Ning Luo''s ears.


    Ning Luo''s movements abruptly stalled.


    His sword-like eyebrows contracted, as he turned towards the speaking Xiao Yi: "Boy, what nonsense are you spouting?"


    Xiao Yi coolly responded, "What? Isn''t Master Nalan, the Pavilion Master of Treasure Pavilion, a Seven-Star Alchemist? Can''t he even see that you are on death''s doorstep?"


    Hum!


    Ning Luo''s complexion dramatically changed.


    Behind him...


    Ning Kang roared, "You little bastard, what rubbish are you spouting? My father..."


    "Shut up!"


    Ning Luo turned back and glared at him fiercely, his expression solemn as he regarded Xiao Yi, unconsciously adding a hint of reverence, "May I know how to address you, sir?"


    Xiao Yi glanced at the increasingly curious onlookers and remained silent.


    Ning Luo immediately understood and gestured invitingly, "This way, please!"


    "Dad, he just broke my arm..." Ning Kang''s face was filled with confusion, not understanding why his father, who always doted on him, was showing such respect to the enemy who had broken his arm.


    "Quiet!"


    Ning Luo barked in anger, then said to the guard beside him, "Take Steward Ning to have his wound dressed!"


    "Yes!"


    The guard promptly carried away a bewildered Ning Kang.


    "Please, this way," Ning Luo said, leading Xiao Yi and the others towards the back hall.


    Along the way.


    Ning Luo''s attitude towards Yan Mingli became much gentler: "Brother Mingli, it has been over twenty years since we last met, how have you been these years?"


    Observing the warmth on Ning Luo''s face, Yan Mingli''s mouth twitched slightly.


    Just a moment ago.


    This guy was thinking about tearing him to pieces!


    And now, he was all smiles and pleasantries.


    Knowing he was at fault, Ning Luo quickly said, "Brother Mingli, my son is injured, and I was just concerned to a fault! Please understand the heart of a parent!"


    With things said to this point, Yan Mingli didn''t continue to hold back and said, "I have been staying in Nanhuang these years, now I''m following Xiao to the imperial city, seeking a career!"


    "Xiao?"


    Ning Luo was taken aback, his face full of shock, "This, this gentleman is Xiao Yi? Director Xiao?"


    Yan Mingli nodded.


    Ning Luo gasped in surprise.


    Of late...


    The name Xiao Yi has been on everyone''s lips.


    In the entire imperial city, who does not know Xiao Yi?


    At the peak of the Golden Core Realm, in control of Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Forcefully expelled Chen Shuiwen.


    Just yesterday, he even set a one-month agreement with the Nalan Family.


    Ning Luo took a deep breath, seeing that Xiao Yi was not looking at him, he quietly asked Yan Mingli, "Brother Mingli, what brings you here today?"


    Yan Mingli replied, "We came today hoping to meet with Master Nalan, I wonder if it''s convenient?"


    "My master received an ancient elixir prescription a few days ago and has been immersed in studying it recently. May I know the purpose of your visit? If it is urgent, I can pass on the message, but..." Ning Luo pointed to himself and made an eye gesture at Yan Mingli, implicitly indicating.


    Yan Mingli looked towards Xiao Yi.


    ```


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "As long as I see Master Nalan, I have a way to save your life!"


    Ning Luo frowned slightly, hesitating, "Master Xiao..."


    "I know what you''re worried about!"


    Xiao Yi glanced at him, his sharp gaze seemed as if it could see right through him, "I still have a way to deal with the poison of the Three-Flower Seven-Leaf Herb!"


    Hiss!


    Ning Luo''s face suddenly changed.


    He was indeed poisoned by the Three-Flower Seven-Leaf Herb.


    This was something that even Ning Kang didn''t know, only he and Nalan Qianqiu were aware of it.


    The ancient prescription that Nalan Qianqiu was studying was an attempt to find a way to cure his poisoning. Xiao Yi was able to determine the poison he was afflicted with in a single statement, and the last shred of doubt in Ning Luo''s heart also vanished.


    With a respectful expression, he led the three to a reception room and said solemnly, "Master Xiao, please wait here for a moment, I will go and ask my master to come out!"


    Inside the reception room.


    Xiao Yi and his companions waited quietly. Yan Mingli asked with curiosity, "Master Xiao, the symptoms of Three-Flower Seven-Leaf Herb poisoning only manifest when the person is near death. How could you tell at a glance that Ning Luo was poisoned by the Three-Flower Seven-Leaf Herb?"


    "It''s the scent on his body!" Xiao Yi said.


    Yan Mingli was startled.


    Xiao Yi explained calmly, "The Three-Flower Seven-Leaf Herb grows in extremely yin places, and where this herb grows, there must be a three-tailed bamboo leaf green snake nearby. This extremely poisonous snake likes to urinate on the herb, leaving a faint bamboo leaf fragrance. Just now, I smelled that tinge of bamboo leaf scent on Ning Luo..."


    Clap clap clap!


    A crisp round of applause followed.


    In front of Ning Luo, an old man in plain clothes with white hair but a youthful face wore an appreciative look, "To deduce the Three-Flower Seven-Leaf Herb from that faint scent, Master Xiao''s understanding of medicinal herbs even surpasses that of this old man!"


    "Master Nalan!" Yan Mingli quickly stood up and said respectfully.


    Lin Bingxin bowed slightly as a greeting.


    Xiao Yi cupped his hands towards Nalan Qianqiu and said, "Master Nalan is too kind!"


    "No, no, no!"


    Nalan Qianqiu shook his head, speaking earnestly, "Master Xiao, there''s no need for modesty. I wasn''t flattering, just stating the truth. Even I didn''t initially realize what poison Ning Luo had been afflicted with and had to consult many ancient texts before figuring it out!"


    Xiao Yi replied modestly, "It was purely by accident!"


    Nalan Qianqiu smiled and didn''t dwell on the matter any further, asking, "Master Xiao, Ning Luo tells me you have a way to cure the Three-Flower Seven-Leaf Herb poison?"


    Three-Flower Seven-Leaf Herb, colorless, tasteless, extremely yin and chilling.


    This poison is extremely terrifying!


    The poisoned person won''t show any signs but will become very sensitive to heat, and only at the moment of death will their meridians burst and a pattern similar to the Three-Flower Seven-Leaf Herb appear on their body.


    Ning Luo also discovered something was amiss due to his frequent handling of alchemical fires for his work as an alchemist.


    This past month, he had been relying on Nalan Qianqiu''s medicine to suppress the toxins in his body; otherwise, he would have died from exploding veins long ago.


    Nalan Qianqiu said with a guilty look, "I''ve consulted ancient texts but haven''t been able to find a cure for this poison. If Master Xiao can truly save Ning Luo''s life, Nalan Qianqiu would be eternally grateful!"


    "Master..." sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ning Luo''s face was full of emotion, as he was an orphan who had been raised by Nalan Qianqiu since childhood.


    He was not just a master to him, but even more a father!


    Xiao Yi said, "Saving him is not difficult, but, I have a matter I would like Master Nalan to agree to!"


    Nalan Qianqiu replied, "Master Xiao, feel free to speak. As long as it is within my capabilities, I would go through fire and water without hesitation!"


    "I believe Master Nalan knows that Xiaoshanhe Institute is now in my hands."


    Seeing Nalan Qianqiu nod, Xiao Yi continued, "I would like to establish cooperation with Treasure Pavilion, having Treasure Pavilion supply us with pills and medicinal herbs."


    Nalan Qianqiu had been engrossed in researching ancient prescriptions lately and was not fully informed about the happenings within the imperial capital. Hearing this, he nodded and said, "I thought it was something serious, but it turns out to be merely a supply of pills and medicinal herbs. Rest assured, Master Xiao, my Treasure Pavilion..."


    Just as Nalan Qianqiu seemed ready to agree, a faint voice came from outside the door, "Master Xiao, dragging Master Nalan to accompany you in death doesn''t seem too appropriate, does it?"

 Chapter 301 - 301 Incompetent Doctor Causes Harm

    "Xiao, you''re taking Master Nalan with you to your grave, that''s hardly proper, is it?"


    A voice came from outside the door.


    Two figures appeared together in the parlor.


    Yan Mingli''s face changed slightly as he quickly lowered his voice and said, "Xiao, the visitors are ill-intentioned!"


    "Who are they?" Xiao Yi asked.


    In a grave tone, Yan Mingli said, "The one on the left in black is called Nangong Shoucheng, a six-star Alchemist from the Nangong Family. The one on the left in white is Beitang Kong, also a six-star Alchemist."


    The six-star Alchemists from the Nangong and Beitang Families had appeared together.


    Clearly, as Yan Mingli had said, the visitors had bad intentions.


    It must have been that they found out that he had come to see Nalan Qianqiu, and they had specifically sent these two to disrupt and sabotage the cooperation between him and Nalan Qianqiu.


    Nalan Qianqiu had known the two men for many years and greeted them with a cupped-hand salute, confusion showing on his face, "What exactly did you mean by your previous words, gentlemen?"


    With a mocking look, Nangong Shoucheng said sardonically, "Master Nalan, you should ask Xiao about this matter!"


    "Tsk tsk, Xiao, you''re on a road to death yourself and dragging others down with you. That''s not very ethical!" Beitang Kong''s tone was gloomy as he provocatively stared at Xiao Yi.


    Nalan Qianqiu was completely baffled.


    Xiao Yi''s face was expressionless.


    Nangong Shoucheng, brimming with conceit, said, "Master Nalan, let this old man tell you! This Xiao Yi, ignorant of the vastness of heaven and earth, has made a bet with our family elder, boasting that he will cause all the pill shops of the Nangong Family to close down within a month. He must be seeking your Treasure Pavilion now, intending to strike at the Nangong Family!"


    "What?"


    Nalan Qianqiu''s face stiffened, and he looked incredulously at Xiao Yi.


    He knew all too well how powerful the Nangong and Beitang Families were when united in the pill medicine industry.


    Xiao Yi actually wanted to contend with these two giants?


    Not to mention just him alone...


    Even if he brought the Treasure Pavilion into the fray, it would be a death sentence! S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Otherwise,


    Why would the Imperial Capital Treasure Pavilion be suppressed so severely by the four great families?


    Annoyed, Nalan Qianqiu was quite displeased with Xiao Yi''s concealment, "Xiao, what you have done is somewhat¡­"


    Xiao Yi cupped his hands toward Nalan Qianqiu and said, "Master Nalan, I did not disclose the full truth to you, and for that, I indeed erred. As an apology, I will now rid Vice-Master Ning of the poison!"


    As his voice fell,


    Xiao Yi''s figure had already appeared beside Ning Luo, and with a single strike in the air, he knocked Ning Luo out with a slap to the back of his neck before the latter, at the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm, could react.


    Ning Luo''s body went limp, and Xiao Yi swiftly pointed at Ning Luo''s waist.


    At the same time, his arm shook.


    Whoosh!


    Ning Luo''s body was forcibly pushed into the air by Xiao Yi, and his surging Qi wrapped around Ning Luo, actually condensing into an ethereal Qi Pill Furnace.


    "Qi manifesting into form? Such an exquisite technique; this youngster''s control over Qi is exceptionally strong..." Nangong Shoucheng''s face showed a slight change. Even having spent many years at the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm, he could not manipulate Qi so skillfully.


    Beitang Kong squinted his eyes and sneered, "This young man''s control over Qi is indeed astonishing, but the poison of the Three-Flower Seven-Leaf Herb has no cure in this world. I see this is but a show of smoke and mirrors!"


    "Shut up!"


    Yan Mingli glared coldly at them and said indifferently, "Xiao is curing Ning Luo''s poison. If you disrupt and cause a delay because of your disturbance, can you bear the consequences?"


    "How dare you..."


    Beitang Kong''s expression darkened as the power of the Calamity Realm pressed towards Yan Mingli.


    "Stop!"


    Nalan Qianqiu let out a cold hum.


    The presence of the Dharma Manifestation Realm rolled out like a vast tide, scattering Beitang Kong''s energies. His unblinking gaze fell on Xiao Yi, giving Beitang Kong the feeling of being tightly watched by a blade-like stare, "Whoever dares to disturb Xiao, I will kill them!"


    Beitang Kong''s face turned alternately green and white, but he did not dare to defy Nalan Qianqiu.


    He glared at Yan Mingli fiercely.


    Beitang Kong and Nangong Shoucheng stood to one side.


    Meanwhile...


    Inside the energy furnace created by Xiao Yi''s vital energy, streaks of crimson light circulated and drilled into Ning Luo''s body.


    Roar!


    Ning Luo''s whole body trembled.


    His muscles instantly tensed, his body arched backward, like a bow drawn taut.


    The blue veins on his body turned wildly prominent.


    Vein after vein, they coiled around his body like writhing dragons.


    Waves of severe pain turned Ning Luo''s body a scarlet red as beads of sweat the size of beans rolled off him, some even tinged with strands of fresh blood, falling to the ground.


    As these beads hit the floor, a sizzling noise ensued.


    "Roar..."


    "Ugh..."


    Ning Luo''s screams of agony were continuous.


    The sound of his cries was heart-wrenching to hear, tear-inducing to see, and utterly devastating.


    Beitang Kong spoke with cold-hearted ridicule, "This isn''t detoxification, it''s clearly murder!"


    Nangong Shoucheng nodded in agreement, adding, "In all the ancient texts, where has there been such a method of detoxification? In my opinion, he''s just playing with Deputy Pavilion Master Ning''s life as a joke!"


    Nalan Qianqiu''s expression was taut as he watched Ning Luo scream in agony, passing out multiple times from the pain.


    He couldn''t bear it.


    Just as he was about to call a halt,


    he heard Xiao Yi roar lowly, "Needles!"


    Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!


    From his storage ring, a series of hair-thin silver needles burst out, numerous as cow''s hair and sparkling like countless stars in the sky.


    With a flick of Xiao Yi''s finger,


    hundreds, thousands of silver needles shot out rapidly, silently landing on the many acupoints on Ning Luo''s body.


    One could vaguely see,


    the needles on Ning Luo''s body forming the image of a ghastly face with green features and sharp fangs.


    "This, this is..." Nalan Qianqiu''s pupils suddenly contracted, his face showing disbelief and shock.


    Both Nangong Shoucheng and Beitang Kong exchanged glances, voicing their concerns, "Xiao Yi, are you planning to murder Deputy Pavilion Master Ning? With so many needles piercing into his body, if the poison doesn''t kill him, your needles will..."


    "Master Nalan, you should stop Xiao Yi quickly. A quack is endangering someone; Deputy Pavilion Master Ning''s life is in danger!"


    "Shut up, both of you!"


    Nalan Qianqiu turned around and slapped both men to the ground, glaring at them fiercely and cursing out loud, "What the hell do you know? Damn quacks endangering people, what Xiao is using is the Ghost King Needle..."


    Beitang Kong, clutching his face in confusion, said, "What, what''s the Ghost King Needle?"


    Not caring about the burning pain on his face, Nangong Shoucheng looked shocked, "The Ghost King Needle? The legendary technique of the Underworld Doctor that has been lost for many years, which can revive the dead? Impossible, Bian once said that even in Southern Border, the ancestral land of the Underworld Doctor lineage, the Ghost King Needle had long been lost. How could he possibly know this lost supreme technique?"


    Just then...


    "The Ghost King Order, Death fears, to revive the dead..."


    Xiao Yi roared lowly.


    Pup, pup, pup!


    Silver needles exploded from Ning Luo''s body, embedding themselves into the floor and the ceiling above. Each needle carried black poisonous blood. Once all the thousands of needles had disappeared from his body,


    Xiao Yi waved his hand casually, and Ning Luo fell in front of everyone.


    Xiao Yi bowed his hands to Nalan Qianqiu, "Mission accomplished!"

 Chapter 302 - 302: Have You Ever Seen Alchemy with a Single Finger?

    "I was successful in my mission!"


    Xiao Yi cupped one hand in the other before his chest toward Nalan Qianqiu with a smile.


    Ning Luo also opened his eyes at this moment, subconsciously looking at his own hands. A fierce flame surged up in the palm of his hand. This was the Pill Fire condensed from the fiery attribute of his vital energy.


    During the time when he was poisoned by the Three-Flower Seven-Leaf Herb, let alone condensing Pill Fire, even being near flames would make him feel unbearably uncomfortable.


    But now...


    He could once again clearly sense the familiarity emanating from the Pill Fire.


    "Master, I am healed, I am completely healed..."


    Excitement and ecstasy covered Ning Luo''s face as he ran to Nalan Qianqiu''s side.


    Nalan Qianqiu''s eyes were red-rimmed, with tears threatening to spill, for he had been restless and losing sleep over Ning Luo''s poisoning these past months. This was not only his direct disciple but also a loved one he regarded as his own kin.


    But after searching through ancient tomes, he found absolutely no way to cure the poison of the Three-Flower Seven-Leaf Herb.


    Now.


    The poison afflicting Ning Luo was finally cured.


    Nalan Qianqiu cupped his hands toward Xiao Yi, full of gratitude, "Thank you, Master Xiao, for saving his life!"


    Ning Luo also came back to his senses, hurriedly paid respects to Xiao Yi, and said respectfully, "Thank you, Master Xiao, for saving my life!"


    "There''s no need for such formalities. As I said, consider this a token of penance for not having been able to disclose the full truth," Xiao Yi waved his hand, then looked at Nalan Qianqiu, "Pavilion Master Nalan, I wonder if the Treasure Pavilion is willing to collaborate with my Xiaoshanhe Institute?"


    Nalan Qianqiu was stunned, showing a hesitant look, "This..."


    He never liked to be indebted to someone.


    Xiao Yi had just saved Ning Luo, so he really couldn''t refuse.


    But...


    To directly confront the Beitang and Nangong families to the point of a life-and-death struggle, Nalan Qianqiu also couldn''t make up his mind. After all, it could potentially send the Imperial Capital Treasure Pavilion into an abyss with no return.


    Nangong Shoucheng quickly said, "Pavilion Master Nalan, you must think this through. If you collaborate with him, you will be making enemies of both the Nangong and Beitang families, to the bitter end!"


    "Think thrice before you act!" Beitang Kong also spoke up.


    The two families controlled one the channels for medicinal ingredients, and the other the channels for pill elixirs.


    The pill elixir industry of the Great Qian Dynasty was in their hands.


    Even if the Treasure Pavilion wanted to purchase medicinal ingredients and pill elixirs within the Great Qian Dynasty, it would have to go through them. As for the Treasure Pavilion bringing in resources from outside the Great Qian Dynasty, given the four major families'' control over the Great Qian Dynasty, they definitely had the ability to make those transported resources mysteriously disappear en route.


    This kind of incident had indeed happened before!


    With righteous indignation, Nangong Shoucheng looked at Xiao Yi, "Master Xiao, if you seek your own end, don''t drag others down to die with you!"


    Beitang Kong nodded, saying, "Master Xiao, one mustn''t be so selfish in life!"


    Nalan Qianqiu looked towards Xiao Yi with a troubled expression.


    Xiao Yi smiled and said, "Pavilion Master Nalan, I will only ask you one thing..."


    Nalan Qianqiu frowned at him.


    Xiao Yi spoke slowly, emphasizing each word, "Are you, willing to remain beneath others?"


    Whoom!


    Nalan Qianqiu shuddered all over.


    Willing to remain beneath others?


    Of course not!


    Treasure Pavilions were spread across all corners of the Qingtian Realm, and except for a few of them, nearly ninety percent of the Treasure Pavilions were the absolute rulers of their respective localities. But what about him?


    Since the foundation of the Treasure Pavilion in the Great Qian Dynasty, it had always been suppressed by the four major families.


    And with that, Nalan Qianqiu also faced scorn at the headquarters of the Treasure Pavilion.


    Those who were once no better than him, or even slightly inferior, now held power and status in the Treasure Pavilion that surpassed his own. All this was due to the awkward position of the Imperial Capital Treasure Pavilion of the Great Qian Dynasty.


    Facing the oppression of the four major families.


    He was powerless to turn the tide!


    Nalan Qianqiu thought of turning his fortunes around at all times, but after several failed attempts, he had long since lost his fighting spirit.


    "Easier said than done..." Nalan Qianqiu sighed.


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Master Nalan, I naturally understand that this matter is not easy. You only need to tell me, are you willing to be subordinate to others?"


    Nalan Qianqiu hesitated for a moment, then gritted his teeth and said word by word, "No!"


    "That''s enough!"


    Xiao Yi relaxed, his biggest worry being that Nalan Qianqiu had lost all will to fight. As long as he still had the desire to turn the tables, there was still a chance, "Master Nalan, I''d like to borrow your alchemy room."


    "Hmm?"


    Nalan Qianqiu was stunned.


    Weren''t they discussing cooperation?


    Why did he suddenly want to go to the alchemy room?


    Although he was puzzled, he still nodded and said, "Please follow me."


    Nangong Shoucheng and Beitang Kong exchanged glances and followed as well.


    Nalan Qianqiu''s alchemy room was extremely large, containing four pill furnaces in total. Each one was of the sixth-order Yuan weapon level, each worth more than a hundred billion Silver.


    "Xiao Yi, what on earth are you trying to pull?" Nangong Shoucheng frowned.


    Beitang Kong said coldly, "Playing mysterious."


    Xiao Yi paid no attention to the two men and instead walked toward the medicine cabinet where the herbs were stored. He took some herbs and said as he walked, "The competition in the elixir industry comes down to efficacy and price. For the same efficacy, the cheaper one is superior; for the same price, the one with better effects is superior. If the effects are outstanding and the price is low, then that elixir will be invincible, without any opponents!"


    "Everyone knows that, but if you want to lower the price, you need to control costs. And how can you improve the efficacy of the elixirs once you control the costs?" Nangong Shoucheng said with a face full of scorn.


    Beitang Kong sneered, "My Beitang Family controls the medicinal resources, and the Nangong Family controls the elixir resources. United, we are invincible."


    "What you call united is actually collusion!"


    Xiao Yi''s face was scornful then he looked at Nalan Qianqiu seriously, "Master Nalan, what are the best-selling elixirs on the market now? And what is the cost?"


    Nalan Qianqiu said, "The bestseller is Qi Gathering Elixir with a cost of ten Silver, Qi and Blood Elixir with a cost of a hundred Silver, Divine Passage Elixir with a cost of a thousand Silver, Gold Cloud Elixir with a cost of five thousand Silver..."


    Ning Luo continued, "These four types of elixirs nearly occupy seventy percent of the market."


    "Let''s take these four elixirs then!"


    Xiao Yi suddenly made a statement.


    The crowd had not yet come back to their senses.


    They saw Xiao Yi throwing batches of herbs into each of the four pill furnaces, then with a flick of his finger, his elemental energy transformed into a pill flame, pure azure in colour landing on the furnaces.


    Boom!


    Underneath the four pill furnaces blazed the pill flames forcefully.


    "What? He''s going to concoct four types of elixirs at the same time?"


    "Isn''t he too arrogant? Even as six-star alchemists, we can''t manage to multitask to such an extent!"


    "Don''t mention you... Even I cannot multitask in this manner, let alone concoct four different types of elixirs at the same time..." said Nalan Qianqiu, shocked.


    Different elixirs require different strengths of pill flames, steps in their concoction, and timing for the pills to form.


    The difficulty of concocting four different elixirs at the same time even exceeds that of concocting eight furnaces of the same elixir.


    "Drawing the crowd to show off!" S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Absolutely impossible to succeed!"


    Nangong Shoucheng and Beitang Kong confidently said.


    They had been immersed in the art of alchemy for a hundred years. Xiao Yi, even if he had started alchemy from the womb, had only been at it for twenty years. How could he succeed with the difficulty increased by dozens of times when they themselves could not?


    Just as everyone was full of doubt and surprise, Xiao Yi turned around and looked at them, "Have you ever witnessed single-finger alchemy?"


    "Ah?"


    "What, what is single-finger alchemy?" The crowd was baffled.


    Xiao Yi''s mouth curved slightly upwards, with a playful arc, "Open your eyes wide and watch carefully, the moment of witnessing a miracle has arrived!"

 Chapter 303 - 303: Astonishingly Talented

    ```


    "The next moment is when we witness a miracle!"


    Xiao Yi''s mouth curled into a slight, mysterious smile.


    To make Nalan Qianqiu agree to cooperate, it was necessary to leave him with no worries, and the simplest method was to let Nalan Qianqiu witness his formidable abilities firsthand.


    Whether it be martial arts, formations, or alchemy, the simplest and most practical approach was to overpower the other party with sheer strength!


    Only by showing off enough power,


    could one make others submit.


    A flick of a finger alchemy.


    This was a unique move that only the Wind Thunder Sage could perform by harnessing the Wind Thunder Holy Body.


    Hiss, hiss!


    Electricity flickered around Xiao Yi''s body, followed by a fierce wind thunder that concentrated on his fingertips. His hands moved through the air like playing a piano, with rhythmic motions.


    A tempest of blue winds raged.


    In the air, they formed the embryonic shapes of nine pill furnaces.


    At the same time... S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Purple-gold thunderbolts shot out like snakes, twisting and coiling around the blue furnace shapes, turning into the spiraling serpentine Wind Thunder Pill Furnaces.


    "Ingredients!"


    With a call from Xiao Yi, he summoned objects from afar.


    One by one, the medicine cabinets opened automatically.


    Various herbs flew out.


    These herbs gathered into ten medicinal streams that, drawn by the force of the wind thunder, each entered one of the ten Wind Thunder Pill Furnaces.


    "Are those ingredients for refining the Earthly Treasure Elixir?"


    "Those are for the Heavenly Treasure Elixir..."


    "That is..."


    The crowd, with their eyes on the diverse herbs forming streams into the Wind Thunder Pill Furnaces, could naturally discern what type of elixir was being crafted, thanks to their alchemical knowledge.


    Ten different elixirs, plus those four pill furnaces, made for fourteen completely different types of elixirs.


    From the lowest Grade 1 elixirs to Grade 6.


    And all were the most popular kinds on the market.


    "Has this guy gone mad?"


    "Mad? I think he''s practically a god... Leaving aside whether he can succeed in refining, just this technique of solidifying the qi pill furnace is priceless..." Nangong Shoucheng''s eyes blazed with greed.


    Aside from herbs, formulas, and alchemical methods, the thing that troubled alchemists the most was the pill furnace!


    Pill furnaces are hard to craft.


    Even for a seasoned artifact refiner, the success rate is extremely low when forging pill furnaces. After all, while a formation carved on a weapon is sufficient, it must be inscribed inside a pill furnace.


    An excellent artifact refiner is definitely a top-tier array master.


    But array masters, how rare and precious they are!


    In major forces, they are worshipped like ancestors!


    How could they be used for artifact refining?


    But what about Xiao Yi?


    He could actually solidify qi into a pill furnace and proceed smoothly with alchemy. If he truly succeeded in forming pills, this method of qi-solidifying pill furnaces would be a technique that all alchemists would desperately seek.


    "If Xiao Yi loses the wager with the old ancestor, he''ll have to comply with whatever the old ancestor wishes. By then, he must make him hand over this technique of qi-solidifying pill furnaces..." Nangong Shoucheng was already fantasizing about the benefits after winning the wager.


    But Nalan Qianqiu stared without blinking, fixated on those fourteen pill furnaces.


    Xiao Yi''s control of four pill furnaces previously had already impressed them.


    Now, he was simultaneously controlling fourteen furnaces!


    This was simply divine!


    "If he can succeed in making pills like this, as long as the quality of the elixirs can keep up, cooperating with him might offer a chance to suppress the Nangong and Beitang families..." Nalan Qianqiu''s eyes narrowed into slits, murmuring to himself.


    At this moment,


    burst after burst of medicinal fragrance suddenly emitted from the pill furnaces.


    From the time Xiao Yi put the ingredients into the furnaces, it had only been the time it takes for an incense stick to burn.


    To have fragrance within the time it takes an incense stick to burn?


    This meant that Xiao Yi had completed the refining of the ingredients, capturing their essence. What followed was the solidifying of pills. If he succeeded at solidifying, this round of alchemy would be a complete success.


    What remained to be seen was the quality of the elixirs and the cost after distribution.


    For example, a Qi Condensing Pill''s cost was ten silvers each.


    Xiao Yi''s batch of ingredients was worth thirty silvers; if it yielded three pills, it would meet the average standard. If there were five pills, then the cost of each would be six silvers, far below the market cost.


    "Hmph, refining ingredients is the easiest part, the key is solidifying the pill!" Beitang Kong declared.


    Nangong Shoucheng nodded, "Solidifying the pill will be a failure if unsuccessful. If he focused on crafting one batch of elixirs, the success rate would undoubtedly be high. But he is so arrogant as to craft fourteen kinds of elixirs at the same time, I believe it is impossible for him to succeed!"


    Solidifying pills is what consumes the most focus.


    ```


    Ordinary alchemists concentrate on refining a single batch of pills, and even then, the success rate isn''t high.


    What''s more for Xiao Yi, who was refining fourteen batches of pills at the same time?


    Under the watchful eyes of the crowd.


    A dazzling light radiated from the top of each of the fourteen pill furnaces as Xiao Yi''s figure floated ethereally, his slender fingers dancing gracefully as if caressing the strings of a harp, leaving behind a trail of afterimages.


    In a splendid display.


    Xiao Yi''s eyebrows knitted together as he let out a low roar, "Pills solidified!"


    Boom, boom, boom!


    Fourteen pill furnaces trembled simultaneously.


    "Bing Xin, collect the pills!" Xiao Yi commanded in a low shout.


    "Yes!"


    Lin Bingxin leaped up, floating gracefully like a fairy or a nimble swallow soaring through the air, flitting amongst the pill furnaces. She reached out with her pill bottles, and one by one, the pills flew into the bottles.


    A moment later.


    All ten Qi Condensing Pill furnaces had disappeared.


    The flames around the other four furnaces had also quietly subsided.


    In front of everyone stood fourteen pill bottles in a row.


    Everyone was dumbstruck...


    Gulp!


    Nangong Shoucheng swallowed hard, "He, did he really finish? Refining fourteen different kinds of pills at once, and all of them solidified?"


    "Incredible, is this even possible for a human to achieve?" Beitang Kong was astounded.


    Ning Luo sucked in the cold air, unable to speak.


    Admiration and pride filled the eyes of Yan Mingli and Lin Bingxin.


    Nalan Qianqiu''s eyes sparkled with intense anticipation.


    Xiao Yi looked at Nalan Qianqiu with a smile, "Master Nalan, please inspect them!"


    "Alright!"


    Nalan Qianqiu took a deep breath and opened the first bottle of Qi Condensing Pills, counting as he opened, "Qi Condensing Pills, normally one can get three pills from one batch of materials, but in this bottle, there are one, two..."


    With each number he uttered, everyone''s heart pounded heavily.


    When the count reached four.


    Nangong Shoucheng and Beitang Kong''s expressions stiffened.


    As Nalan Qianqiu''s count reached five, their faces turned pale.


    "That''s it, right?"


    "It must be, right? There are already five pills; the average cost is six taels..."


    Both were nervous.


    However...


    Nalan Qianqiu''s mouth didn''t stop, "Six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven..." with each number, his hands shook more violently, until at fifteen, Nalan Qianqiu was drenched in cold sweat.


    His hands trembling, he looked at Xiao Yi in disbelief, "Fifteen pills? One batch of materials yielded fifteen pills? How, how is this possible?"


    "Impossible, even if we perform beyond expectations, we can at most get eight or nine pills from a batch... Fifteen, how can this be?"


    "The efficacy must be subpar..."


    Nangong Shoucheng and the others pushed past Nalan Qianqiu, but when they saw the fifteen lustrous, jade-like pills, they fell to the ground with a thud.


    All fifteen pills were of the highest quality!


    "No, it must only be this one; the others definitely cannot compare..." They could not give up and opened the other bottles.


    Earthly Treasure Elixir, ten pills.


    Gold Cloud Elixir, ten pills solidified.


    Ten pills!


    Fifteen pills...


    All fourteen types of pills, at least ten pills solidified, all uniformly of the highest quality!


    Thud!


    Thud!


    Nangong Shoucheng and Beitang Kong slumped, legs weakening, faces turning pale, cold sweat soaking through their clothes. Their gazes towards Xiao Yi shifted from the previous scorn and mockery to shock and fear.


    This man was worth hundreds of six-star alchemists!


    "What kind of existence have we provoked?" They looked at each other, at a loss.


    Xiao Yi didn''t pay heed to them, smiling at Nalan Qianqiu, "Master Nalan, is this cooperation to your satisfaction?"


    Gulp!


    Nalan Qianqiu swallowed hard, barely containing his excitement, and said through gritted teeth, "Very satisfactory!"

 Chapter 304 - 304: Black Market News

    Outside Treasure Pavilion.


    Two figures supported each other, but their legs were still weak and wobbly, like those of a soft-shelled shrimp. Even clinging to each other, they seemed on the verge of collapsing.


    They looked up at the somewhat piercing sunshine, their faces growing paler.


    With his mind filled with those dazzling arrays of pills, Nangong Shoucheng''s pale lips quivered, "It''s over, what kind of existence have we provoked?"


    "We must inform the family head immediately..."


    Beitang Kong said hastily.


    With each step as soft as the last, they headed towards their respective family estates.


    Meanwhile...


    Xiao Yi in Treasure Pavilion was signing a contract with Nalan Qianqiu.


    The contract specified:


    Treasure Pavilion would supply the medicinal materials, while Xiao Yi would advance the training of Treasure Pavilion''s alchemists, ensuring that their pill success rate would increase at least twofold, and all pill production costs would be reduced to one-third of the average baseline.


    Afterward, Treasure Pavilion would handle the sales.


    Just think about it.


    When these pills, stronger in effects but priced at only one-third or even lower appear on the market, what business could the Nangong Family''s pill shops possibly have left?


    By then, they would be unable to sell their stockpiled medicinal materials and pills.


    Their financial chain would break.


    Not to mention a month...


    It would be troublesome for them even to hold out for half a month.


    "Xiao, our Treasure Pavilion indeed has some stockpiled medicinal materials, but compared to the scale of the Beitang and Nangong families, it is still lacking, enough for at most ten days," Nalan Qianqiu said, now that they had decided on a partnership, he no longer had any reservations to hide.


    Xiao Yi squinted his eyes and said, "Ten days is definitely not enough, we still need to resolve the issue of medicinal materials. Master Nalan, where does the Beitang Family get their medicinal materials from?"


    Nalan Qianqiu spoke in a deep voice, "It''s not a big secret. The medicinal materials for the Beitang Family and indeed the entire Southern State are actually supplied by Medicine King Valley."


    "Medicine King Valley?"


    Xiao Yi was startled, as he had never heard of this place.


    Nalan Qianqiu explained, "Medicine King Valley is located within the Medicine King Mountain Range of the Nantian Dynasty. The Nantian Dynasty is incredibly far from us; even for Dharma Manifestation Realm experts crossing the void, it would take several years."


    "That far?" Xiao Yi said in surprise, "How does the Beitang Family conduct trade with them?"


    After pondering, Nalan Qianqiu said, "Medicine King Valley has outposts in every dynasty, and our Treasure Pavilion also cooperates with them. However, before we came to the Great Qian Dynasty, the Beitang Family had already struck a deal with them. Moreover, it seems that the old ancestor of the Beitang Family has some relationship with an elder in Medicine King Valley, so we cannot snatch the supply channel from their hands!"


    Squinting his eyes, Xiao Yi asked, "Is there any other way?"


    "Actually..."


    After a moment''s hesitation, Nalan Qianqiu said, "Apart from Medicine King Valley, there''s a black market on Beast Emperor Island within the Beast Emperor Sea to the east, which is no less potent than Medicine King Valley, where we could also purchase medicinal materials. However, the black market is a place of mixed repute, and if one doesn''t have sufficient strength, they might be swallowed whole without a trace!"


    The black market, a marketplace hidden in the shadows.


    It''s naturally an unlawful place!


    There...


    Strength is respected, and it''s the law of the jungle.


    Without sufficient strength, going to the black market can mean not coming back, let alone buying medicinal materials. That''s why, even though Treasure Pavilion is aware of the black market, they have not sourced goods from there.


    After all.


    The risks are simply too great!


    Squinting his eyes, Xiao Yi said, "First, gather all of Treasure Pavilion''s alchemists, I''ll give them a round of training. At the very least during these ten days, we''ll bring down the market price of pills, and leave the rest to me to resolve!"


    "We have no other choice!"


    Nalan Qianqiu nodded, then ordered Ning Luo to summon all of Treasure Pavilion''s alchemists.


    In the following two days. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    While Xiao Yi was instructing the group of alchemists, he was also concocting some pills for the Xiaoshanhe Institute, which he gave to Lin Bingxin to take back to the Institute.


    On this day.


    Xiao Yi looked at the hundreds of alchemists in front of him and, under the adoring gaze of the crowd, spoke in a deep voice, "After two days of intensified training, each of you should at least be able to refine two furnaces of medicinal pills simultaneously. In the coming time, it will be hard on you all! Should we win this bet, Xiao guarantees to teach you the method to refine three, even four furnaces of pills at once!"


    "Pavilion Master Xiao, rest assured, we will give it our all!"


    "We definitely won''t let you down!"


    The crowd shouted in unison.


    "Elder Xue, Elder Yan, I''ll have to trouble you two to keep an eye on things here!"


    After giving instructions to the two, Xiao Yi turned to Nalan Qianqiu, "Master Nalan, we need you to put in more effort regarding our previous agreement for the Treasure Pavilion and the Xiaoshanhe Institute to join forces in preparing for the talent battle!"


    "Don''t worry, you won''t be disappointed!"


    Nalan Qianqiu patted his chest. His alchemy skills had skyrocketed before Xiao Yi, and he had almost reached the threshold of an eight-star alchemist; he was sincerely impressed with Xiao Yi, "Xiao, please be extra careful on your trip to the Beast Emperor Sea!"


    Xiao Yi nodded solemnly, "I''m taking my leave first!"


    After the time it takes to burn a joss stick had passed.


    Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    In front of the mountain gate, where two stone lions used to stand, now sat two sixth-order Beast Kings of Dharma Manifestation Realm. Upon seeing Xiao Yi''s arrival, the two magical beasts immediately straightened up, "Welcome back, Institute Head!"


    "Hmm!"


    Xiao Yi gave them a glance and said, "You''ve done quite well, take these two pills as a reward."


    They were two sixth-grade medicinal pills.


    They could potentially double the effectiveness of comprehending the forces of heaven and earth, with the effect lasting a full ten days.


    The two beasts'' eyes shone brightly, "Thank you, Institute Head!"


    "Guard the mountain gate well; substantial rewards will follow in the future!" Xiao Yi said.


    "Yes!"


    The beasts'' voices thundered like rolling thunder.


    Xiao Yi nodded slightly, feeling a sense of expectation, "When the Ancestral Ceremony comes and everyone sees that the gatekeepers of my Xiaoshanhe Institute are Beast Kings comparable to the Dharma Manifestation Realm, I wonder what their expressions will be?"


    As he mused, Xiao Yi returned to the interior of Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    He summoned Hai Wei, Li Jinjun, Zhou Jing, and Yu Huaxian, and instructed, "I have already discussed the details of the talent battle with Nalan Qianqiu. Three days from now, while we release the new type of medicinal pills, we will also announce the talent battle. The battle will begin in ten days, and it''s crucial to the revival of our Xiaoshanhe Institute that nothing goes wrong."


    "Institute Head, rest assured, we will not fail our mission!"


    "We guarantee to complete the task!"


    The four said, thumping their chests.


    After dismissing the four, Xiao Yi then went to the secret chamber to look at Li Youruo and Chen Ziyi, who were still in seclusion. However, their aura seemed ever more profound, "It seems by the time I return, they might already be in the Dharma Phase Sutra. If that''s the case, my Xiaoshanhe Institute will have five Dharma Manifestation Realm powerhouses, which should give us enough standing to set foot in the Great Qian Dynasty''s capital."


    A moment later.


    Xiao Yi arrived at the back mountain of Xiaoshanhe Institute, amid a flurry of sword lights and shadows.


    Ye Heng was engaged in fierce combat with Little Lin.


    Ye Heng''s strength was growing daily, with advances in his Battle War Holy Body¡ªthe most important thing for him was to fight!


    Non-stop fighting.


    Fighting to nourish warfare!


    Only after half the time it takes to burn a joss stick did Ye Heng get beaten down by Little Lin once again, laying on the ground unable to rise, and that''s when Xiao Yi finally made his appearance.


    "Master..." Ye Heng struggled to get up, speaking respectfully.


    "Very good, you haven''t been lazy these past days!"


    Xiao Yi nodded in satisfaction and tossed him several bottles of pills, "These are for you. Strive to reach the Seventh Layer of the Golden Core Realm or higher by the Ancestral Ceremony!"


    "I will not let down your high expectations, Master!" Ye Heng replied respectfully.


    "Hmm, you continue your cultivation for now, and if there''s anything you don''t understand, ask Yu Huaxian and the others!"


    After giving some last instructions, Xiao Yi then looked at Little Lin perched on his shoulder, "Little Lin, accompany me to the Beast Emperor Sea..."

 Chapter 305 - 305: The Legend of the Sea Demon!

    Under the cover of night.


    A figure quietly entered the Nangong Family''s premises, heading straight to the backyard.


    At this moment, the backyard was gathered with top figures, each capable of causing the Great Qian Dynasty to tremble with a mere stomp of their feet.


    Ancestor Nangong, Nangong Shengtian, and Nangong Ye, the patriarch of the Nangong Family.


    Ancestor Beitang, Beitang Zun, and Beitang Feng, the patriarch of the Beitang Family.


    The first-rank officer of the current court, Li Shengtian, and Tian Xiao.


    Yun Ruowang, the Deputy Sect Master of Three Seas Mountain.


    Sword Inquiry Taoist, the Deputy Master of Wendao Villa.


    In front of these people¡­


    A young man stood somewhat nervously among them. Facing the array of powerhouses, Ning Kang''s face turned pale and he swept his uneasy gaze over them before lowering his head.


    Sitting high above, Nangong Shengtian said, "Ning Kang, just think of it as if you are at home, there''s no need to be so nervous!"


    "Yes, Ancestor Nangong..." Ning Kang feigned calmness, but the fear and trepidation in his heart were still hard to conceal.


    This caused several of the top figures to shake their heads involuntarily.


    Nangong Shengtian spoke in a deep voice, "Ning Kang, you said you have urgent intelligence, what exactly is it?"


    Ning Kang hurriedly said, "Reporting to the ancestors, I... I heard that Xiao Yi is about to leave the Great Qian Dynasty, heading for the Beast Emperor Sea!"


    "Beast Emperor Sea? What is he doing there at this critical time?"


    "Beast Emperor Sea... Could it be that he''s going to the black market?" Beitang Kong''s eyes gleamed as he spoke.


    "What? To the black market?"


    "With the medicinal herbs hoarded by Treasure Pavilion, they simply cannot sustain for long, the only possibility is that he is going to the black market of Beast Emperor City to purchase medicinal materials."


    "Hahaha, truly heaven is aiding us!"


    "In the imperial capital, we fear being discovered by His Majesty, and we cannot lay hands on him. But now that he''s headed to the Beast Emperor Sea, a place known for being unforgiving, even if His Majesty were to find out he died and it was related to us, there would be no evidence!" Joy was apparent on everyone''s faces.


    Ever since learning from Nangong Shoucheng and Beitang Kong that Xiao Yi could actually reduce the cost of elixirs to one-fifth or even lower while maintaining their quality,


    the Nangong and Beitang families became anxious.


    If these elixirs were to flood the market, their market share would be squeezed to the limit.


    But Xiao Yi was, after all, the head of Xiaoshanhe Institute selected by the royal family, and they could not just attack him directly. Now, they had finally waited for an opportunity!


    "Ning Kang, you have made great contributions. Shoucheng, take Ning Kang down and give him a hundred million silver!" Nangong Shengtian laughed heartily, his face radiant as he spoke.


    Nangong Shoucheng nodded, "Yes!"


    "Thank you, ancestor!"


    Ning Kang was overjoyed.


    Just for a piece of information, he had obtained a hundred million silver!


    His eyes narrowed into slits, "Xiao Yi, Xiao Yi, who made you so arrogant? To think you dared to break my hand? This is the consequence of provoking me, hehehe¡­"


    Within the backyard.


    The group of top figures continued their discussion. Nangong Shengtian said, "Gentlemen, although Xiao Yi''s strength is not weak, we can''t kill him in the Dharma Manifestation Realm. Since our goal is the same, let''s discuss how to proceed."


    "Three Seas Mountain is willing to dispatch a second layer Dharma Manifestation Realm expert!" Yun Ruowang spoke up.


    Sword Inquiry Taoist narrowed his eyes and said, "Xiao Yi dared to poach the couple Chen Ziyi and Li Jinjun from my Wendao Villa, I absolutely cannot forgive him. However, His Majesty will surely notice if we make a move. Wendao Villa will also send a second layer Dharma Manifestation Realm expert then!"


    "Nangong Family and Beitang Family are currently fully engaged in handling Treasure Pavilion and cannot be freed."


    Nangong Shengtian narrowed his eyes and turned to Li Shengtian and Tian Xiao, "Mr. Li, Mr. Tian, if you want our support for Chen Shuiwen, you can''t simply stand by without doing anything, right?"


    "Right, why hasn''t Chen Shuiwen come? Does he look down on us?" Sword Inquiry Taoist asked.


    "Sword Inquiry Taoist, you misunderstand. Chen Shuiwen received some opportunities from that person and is attempting to break into the Dharma Manifestation Realm. He is preparing for the establishment of the new Martial Arts Institute!"


    Li Shengtian explained hurriedly, then said, "Our side is ready to dispatch a master at the tower leader level to make a move!"


    "Tower leader?"


    "May I know which one?" The people asked.


    If it were just Li Shengtian and another person, they wouldn''t qualify to sit with them.


    The reason there were seats for two was because of the person behind them!


    It was an imposing presence who controlled Xue Yilou, with over a dozen followers in the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    Li Shengtian grinned, "Xue Mantian, the master of Xue Yilou!"


    Hiss!


    The crowd gasped in astonishment.


    "If Xue Mantian makes a move, Xiao Yi is bound to die beyond a doubt!"


    "I''ve heard that Xue Mantian and Xiao Yi have a deep grudge, it''s only appropriate that he takes action!"


    Nangong Shengtian squinted and said, "Remember to instruct the person making the move, before killing him, he must hand over his profound alchemy skills. Right, and his Cultivation Technique is also very peculiar, both must not be missed!"


    One by one, their eyes gleamed with blood, as if they had already seen Xiao Yi dead....


    ......


    Linhai City.


    This was the city where the Great Qian Dynasty''s ports to enter the Beast Emperor Sea were located, and it was a day and a half''s journey from the capital of the Great Qian Dynasty.


    The entire Linhai City was built along the coastline, stretching for hundreds of kilometers. As it faced the constant onslaught of the Beast Emperor Sea''s giant waves and attacks from Sea Beasts, Linhai City''s walls were exceptionally high.


    They stood over five hundred meters tall and were more than a hundred meters wide.


    Upon the pitch-black walls, there were fierce claw marks from beasts, as well as dark bloodstains.


    These were the medals earned from long years of resisting the assault of demonic beasts!


    The port was built inside Linhai City.


    When the tide was high, the dock''s gates would open, and ships could freely enter and exit. When the tide was low, the gates were closed to prevent Sea Demons from getting inside. And if one missed the time when the gates opened, then they could only stay on the Beast Emperor Sea.


    If you were lucky, wait until the next day to enter the city.


    If you were unlucky,


    in the dead of night, you would be devoured by countless marine Sea Demons.


    Under the bright sunshine,


    Xiao Yi walked through Linhai City, looking at the countless ships docked at the port, the smallest of which were a hundred meters long, and the largest stretched for ten thousand meters. Hundred-meter vessels could only sail in the near seas, to go to Beast Emperor City, one must board the ten-thousand-meter giant ships.


    Otherwise, a single giant wave or a slightly strong Sea Demon could overturn the ship.


    Xiao Yi spent one million Silver to buy a boat ticket, but he had to wait until the next day to depart. With time to spare, he strolled around the dock, where the air was filled with the cries of vendors selling all sorts of wares.


    There were those selling Sea Demon Beasts, those selling so-called treasures from overseas, and even slave traders.


    Regularly voyaging on the Beast Emperor Sea was akin to betting one''s life, and the people here were more uninhibited, with a mix of the good and the bad, and conflicts could erupt at any time.


    After wandering around, Xiao Yi stopped in front of a blind old man''s stall.


    A crowd had gathered in front of the stall.


    "You''ve never seen it before, but the Sea Demon is more beautiful than the most beautiful woman in the world. Moreover, their singing voices are incredibly captivating. Whenever a Sea Demon appears, it''s accompanied by a fog that covers the sky, and within that fog, a beautiful song can be heard." Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The old man''s voice was a bit hoarse, sending a chill down one''s spine, "If you encounter such a situation, you must not leave the cabin, approach the water, or seek out the source of the voice; it''s the Sea Demon luring souls and claiming lives! If you really get enchanted by a Sea Demon and cannot extricate yourself, you must poke out your own eyes to escape this disaster..."


    "Tsk, old man, you''re fooling people again!"


    "The legends say Sea Demons kill on sight. If you''ve really seen one, how could you have survived to return?"


    The old man was furious, "You bunch of little brats, why would I deceive you? I poked out my own eyes to avoid being captured by a Sea Demon; look at this necklace, I took it from a Sea Demon..."


    "Tsk, you just want to trick us into buying your necklace!"


    "Old man, we''ve seen these tricks before, we won''t fall for it!"


    Laughing, the crowd dispersed.


    The old man was frustrated but helpless.


    He clutched at a necklace made of colorful, speckled seashells. Xiao Yi''s gaze fell upon the necklace for a brief moment before he planned to leave, but suddenly, a crisp and pleasant voice reached his ears: "..."

 Chapter 306 - 306: Beast Emperor Sea

    "Save me... save me..."


    The clear and melodious voice suddenly rang in his mind.


    Xiao Yi was startled and looked around, but there was not a single woman nearby. He couldn''t help but frown, "Could it be an illusion?"


    "Save me..."


    That clear voice sounded again.


    Xiao Yi''s pupils suddenly shrank as his gaze turned towards the necklace in the old man''s hands. It was at that moment he sensed a strange fluctuation emanating from the necklace.


    It seemed to be calling out to him.


    "Could it be this necklace?"


    Xiao Yi couldn''t help but recall the old man''s previous tale about the Sea Demon legend. His eyes flickered slightly as he squatted in front of the old man, "Old man, how much for this necklace?"


    "Hmm? Young man, do you believe what I said?" the old man asked excitedly.


    Xiao Yi smiled, "In this vast world, nothing is too strange to exist. Why wouldn''t I believe?"


    "Good, good, good, finally someone believes me!"


    The old man''s milky white eyes rolled around, revealing a sly smile. He said, "Young man, you fancy this necklace? If you really like it, I''ll sell it to you ¨C just for one million taels of Silver!"


    Xiao Yi stood up, "Keep it for your own amusement!"


    "Don''t go..."


    The old man hastily called out to Xiao Yi, showing a struggling expression with difficulty on his face, "How about this, half a million... no no no, one hundred thousand¡­"


    Xiao Yi replied indifferently, "One hundred taels of Silver!"


    "..."


    The old man pursed his lips, his face darkened as he said, "Get lost, I''d rather it rot in my possession..."


    Xiao Yi uttered an "oh" and stood up, ready to leave.


    The old man quickly shouted, "Enough, enough, one hundred taels then. Who made me so fated to meet you?"


    Xiao Yi curled his lip.


    He paid one hundred taels of Silver and took the necklace into his hands.


    Xiao Yi fiddled with the necklace in his hand, trying to infuse it with his vitality, but still, there was no effect. It was as if that faint fluctuation he had just felt was merely an illusion.


    "Could it really have been my illusion?"


    Xiao Yi frowned in puzzlement, unable to figure it out, so he simply put the necklace away.


    As he was distracted, a figure collided head-on into him. Xiao Yi''s Wind Thunder Holy Body was at the fourth realm, hitting him was like crashing into a city wall.


    Xiao Yi didn''t budge an inch.


    The person opposite him cried out in pain, flipping backward and falling to the ground.


    Xiao Yi snapped back to reality and asked with concern, "Are you alright?"


    "Are you blind? Can''t you walk with your eyes open? Didn''t you see me walking here? You motherless bastard, pay me money. Today, this matter won''t be settled without ten to eighty thousand!" the person retorted, flipping up to his feet, glaring angrily at Xiao Yi, and cursing at him.


    Xiao Yi''s brow furrowed tighter, "Watch your mouth!"


    Anything about his mother was his Achilles'' heel.


    The young man sneered, rolled up his sleeves to reveal his muscular arms, and said ominously, "Little bastard, I just have a dirty mouth. What can you do about it? Have the guts to hit me, come on, do you dare?"


    The young man stretched his face forward, challenging him defiantly.


    "I''ve never seen such a shameless request..." S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi shook his head, not wanting to escalate the situation further.


    However, the young man was relentless, reaching out with a grab toward Xiao Yi''s shoulder.


    "Scram!"


    Xiao Yi sidestepped the young man''s grab while a low growl escaped his lips. With a sonic boom erupting from his mouth, the young man was blasted away by the force.


    Whoosh!


    The young man was sent flying for a good thirty meters, thudding to the ground with a roll.


    Xiao Yi gave him a cold glance, then turned and vanished into the crowd.


    The young man lay on the ground for quite a while, and after struggling for some time, he finally got up. As he searched around and did not see Xiao Yi anywhere, a fierce look crossed his face, "Damn it, you little bastard, you better hope I never run into you again!"


    ...


    An uneventful night passed.


    At dawn, the sound of the tide was roaring as it poured through the open floodgates and into the harbor.


    Ships floated on the surface of the sea while the wharf bustled with people, all of whom became busy. Some were moving goods; others were setting sails out to sea.


    Besides merchant vessels, there were many ships dedicated to hunting sea demons.


    After all.


    The number of sea demons in the sea was simply too vast, and their flesh was delicious; once it was sold inland, the price could multiply by dozens of times.


    Xiao Yi, holding his ticket, boarded the colossal ship that stretched ten thousand meters and was clad in azure-gray.


    The ship''s hull was inscribed with dozens of Formations, including the Wave Breaking Formation, Wind Riding Formation, and so on. Even if hundred-meter-high waves struck, they wouldn''t be able to shake the ship in the slightest.


    "Cabin number ninety-eight, first-class, at the topmost level!" The crew member checked Xiao Yi''s ticket and pointed to the top layer of the massive ship.


    Xiao Yi nodded, "Thank you!"


    The cabins on this giant ship were divided into four classes: A, B, C, and D. The first-class cabin that Xiao Yi chose cost a million taels of Silver. The cheapest, class D, only cost a few hundred taels of Silver. However, Xiao Yi decisively gave up on the idea of squeezing into a room with dozens or hundreds of people.


    Money was no object!


    It was all about caprice!


    As they say, you get what you pay for. The first-class cabins were for two persons each.


    In cabin number ninety-eight, first-class, a graceful woman who had arrived before Xiao Yi was sitting inside. She wore a long blue dress with a wide hem that tightly wrapped her legs. A pale blue veil covered her face, and she held an ancient zither in her hands.


    Upon seeing Xiao Yi enter, the enchanting woman glanced at him with her phoenix eyes, then swiftly looked away.


    Xiao Yi touched his nose, "Sorry, I didn''t know there were coed accommodations here..."


    The melodious voice from beneath the woman''s veil sounded light and pleasant, like a warbling oriole, "It''s fine!"


    "Hm."


    Xiao Yi nodded and sat down on another bed.


    A screen separated the two, giving them a measure of privacy and reducing the awkwardness.


    "Set sail!"


    About half an hour later, a series of resonant shouts woke Xiao Yi.


    Through the window, he saw the giant ship''s Formations shining brightly as the vessel trembled and leisurely left the harbor. While imposingly vast within the harbor, once it entered the Beast Emperor Sea, it became as insignificant as a grain of sand in the Azure Sea.


    Utterly minuscule.


    Whoosh!


    The ship cut through the wind and waves, speeding up as it went.


    Under the support of the Formations, the ship was especially stable, without a hint of rocking.


    Xiao Yi noticed more people had emerged on deck, all admiring the seascape.


    "I wonder how long it will take to reach Beast Emperor City from here!" Xiao Yi mused as he walked out of his cabin, intending to ask someone.


    The decks for cabins of classes A, B, C, and D were separated and interconnected, but only passengers from higher-class cabins could enter the decks of lower classes. Those from the lower-class cabins were not allowed to access the areas designated for the higher class.


    There''s always a hierarchy, a division between the noble and the common, no matter where you are.


    Standing on the deck.


    The sea breeze blowing in his face carried a faint saltiness, giving one a sense of the boundless ocean.


    Just as Xiao Yi was about to approach a crew member ahead with his questions, he heard a brash voice from behind, "Hahaha, you little wretch, it truly is a small world. Never thought I''d run into you here!"

 Chapter 307 - 307: Cutting the Sea with a Single Strike

    "You little bastard, I didn''t expect to run into you here, really, enemies do cross paths!"


    In the midst of Zhang''s wild laughter. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The youth Xiao Yi bumped into yesterday emerged from behind him, his face tainted with a vengeful grimace, followed by a bald strong man with a heavy saber on his back.


    The gazes of the two men landed on Xiao Yi, filled with a cold evil qi.


    Xiao Yi furrowed his brows and cursed his bad luck under his breath, then said indifferently, "Indeed, I didn''t expect to bump into someone spewing crap like you here!"


    "Who are you calling a crap-spouter?"


    The youth flew into a rage, pointing at Xiao Yi and cursing, "You bastard who''s born without upbringing, I..."


    Crack!


    A streak of silver light flashed by.


    His finger broke off cleanly and he fell to his knees in front of Xiao Yi with two thuds.


    Xiao Yi looked down with an icy face, "Dare to curse me again, and the next thing to break will be your head!"


    "You bastard, let go of my brother!"


    The bald strong man''s face darkened as the heavy saber on his back hummed, ready to make a move, when an icy rebuke came, "Who allowed you to start a fight here? If you want to fight, get off my ship and do it!"


    A group of sailors closed in.


    At the forefront was a one-eyed man in a large coat, his sole surviving eye sharp as an eagle''s, resting on the trio. Around him, the sailors were full of killing intent, grinning maliciously at them.


    "Cyclops?"


    The youth''s face changed, and he quickly called out, "Boss Cyclops, this isn''t my fault! It was, it was him who struck first!"


    "Shut up!"


    Cyclops sneered coldly, "Don''t think I didn''t see what just happened. Trouble should not extend to family, nor insults to parents. You cursed his mother, so him breaking your finger is only just and fair!"


    Xiao Yi raised his eyebrows, casting a curious look at Cyclops.


    He hadn''t expected Cyclops to say something like that.


    The youth''s face turned from pale to green, but he didn''t dare to retort, pressing down the resentment in his heart and said to Xiao Yi, "Earlier, it was indeed my fault. Please forgive me!"


    "Get lost!"


    Xiao Yi flicked his arm and gave a cupped fist salute towards Cyclops.


    Cyclops nodded and limped towards the cabin, his left leg below the knee a pitch-black short sword.


    The youth glared at Xiao Yi viciously, "You little bastard, since Boss Cyclops has spoken, I''ll spare your life today. If you dare to leave the ship, I''ll make sure to avenge this day''s disgrace!"


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "I''ll be waiting!"


    "Hmph!"


    The youth huffed coldly and left with the bald strong man.


    Only then did Xiao Yi find a sailor to ask, "How long will it take to reach Beast Emperor City from here?"


    "We should arrive by early morning the day after tomorrow!" said the sailor.


    Xiao Yi nodded, "Thank you!"


    "Think nothing of it!"


    Seeing that Xiao Yi''s aura was profound, and his cultivation far exceeded his own, plus the fact that only a few who could stay in a first-class cabin were ordinary people, the sailor was quite polite.


    If it were in the lowest class cabin, even asking a simple question would cost you!


    Sea voyages are extremely tedious and dull.


    But they are also full of change and danger.


    Morning might shine with blazing sunshine and clear skies, but by afternoon it has become a torrential downpour with fierce winds and towering waves. The huge ship''s formations were buzzing intensely, pushing to their limits.


    Doing everything possible to stabilize the vessel.


    Without these formations, the ship, even a hundred meters long, would have no fate other than sinking into the vast ocean under such severe weather.


    Boom!


    Rumble!


    Through the window, Xiao Yi saw the pitch-dark world outside, lined with successive thunderbolts connecting heaven and earth, and huge waves a kilometer tall crashing down as if a colossal beast was opening its maw to swallow the lightning.


    "Come out and look, there''s someone on the sea!"


    "Look, that person is daring to cross the sea in this weather; is he exceptionally skilled and brave, or just ignorant of death?"


    "No, he''s practicing with a saber..."


    Shouts of surprise reached Xiao Yi''s ears.


    He arched an eyebrow.


    In such harsh weather, with driving rain, fierce winds, towering waves, and thunder striking the world, even warriors at the Peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm would not dare to cross the sea.


    And yet someone was practicing with a saber at sea now?


    Xiao Yi left his cabin and headed for the deck.


    He did not notice...


    ...that the veiled woman opened her eyes as he left, a hint of azure light flashing through her pitch-black pupils. A persistent sadness lingered between her brows.


    Above deck, despite the protection of the formation, the storm raged on.


    Raindrops, as big as beans mixed with sea spray, struck the face with a tearing pain.


    In the boundless thunder ahead.


    A figure stood proudly upon the pinnacle of the wind and waves, his feet stepping on kilometer-high waves, holding a black long knife in hand. His body stood tall like a pine, his spine arrogantly erect like a sword, facing the descending purple-gold thunder without flinching or avoiding.


    Suddenly...


    He swung his knife down.


    Boom!


    The black knife light rose shockingly into the sky, a thousand-zhang blade aura tearing through the void, the terrifying black light actually obscuring all the brilliance between heaven and earth, plunging this area into darkness.


    Suddenly.


    The black blade aura ferociously slashed down, and with a thunderous boom, the knife light passed, shattering thunder and dispersing the wild wind.


    Only the massive wave beneath his feet continued to surge relentlessly.


    "Wrong!"


    Xiao Yi''s pupils suddenly contracted.


    He saw that the kilometer-high waves beneath that person''s feet were like a piece of silk, torn apart by force. Starting from the crest of the wave, a crack spread along the direction where the blade aura vanished.


    A hundred meters.


    A kilometer.


    Ten thousand meters...


    On the sea surface stretching for ten thousand meters, the water was literally split in half.


    A single strike severed the sea.


    A ten-thousand-meter-long trench appeared on the sea surface, the water walls on both sides stood tall, and the sea water kept pouring into the trench, the thunderous sound even drowning out the shocking thunder and the storm.


    The figure who had shattered the Azure Sea then sheathed his long knife, broke through the air, and disappeared into the horizon.


    "This one strike..."


    Xiao Yi stared at that terrifying stroke, his mind exploding like a thunderclap.


    He suddenly closed his eyes.


    Repeating that one stroke over and over in his mind.


    The stroke swift as thunder, the slash that shattered the Azure Sea.


    "Speed, speed pushed to the extreme¡­ The speed of that one strike has surpassed the wind and the thunder, that''s why it could shatter them, even splitting the sea with one strike¡­" Xiao Yi closed his eyes tightly, his pores opening freely.


    He was feeling the wind, feeling the thunder, feeling the storm and the thunderclap.


    Suddenly...


    Xiao Yi''s eyes snapped open, as he pointed a sword finger forward.


    Whoosh!


    Without using any elemental qi, just a single finger thrust, but Wind Thunder was only dispersed, not shattered.


    "Still not fast enough!"


    Xiao Yi continued making his moves.


    Whoosh!


    Whoosh!


    Whoosh!


    Time after time, each move met with Xiao Yi''s own rejection.


    Many onlookers also noticed Xiao Yi''s actions, including that young man from the morning who was among the crowd, sneering over and over, "Has that guy gone mad? Does he think he''s the one who can sever the sea with a single strike? Ridiculous..."


    "If just by watching someone else perform a move, one could learn it, what''s the point of martial arts heritage?"


    "He''s way out of his league!"


    People around shook their heads and laughed.


    Only the one-eyed man, looking at Xiao Yi, revealed a trace of amazement.


    "No, that''s not right..."


    He kept recalling that one strike in his mind. Suddenly, a glint of understanding swept across Xiao Yi''s eyes, "Right... Wind, thunder... Wind Thunder are elemental forces of nature, going against them naturally meets great resistance, but what if one follows their path? Going with the wind, with the thunder..."


    Xiao Yi carefully felt it out, and then suddenly unleashed a sword finger strike.


    Whoosh!


    A single sword finger point created a vacuum zone within ten feet in front of him.


    The wind was broken.


    The rain extinguished.


    The thunder disappeared.


    This finger actually carried a hint of the essence of that one strike!


    "How, how is this possible?"


    "Damn, he actually learned it?"


    "Is he even human?"


    Amid the shocked cries, the young man''s face alternated between green and white, feeling as if he had been slapped hard across the face, he glared at Xiao Yi viciously, grinding his teeth, "Motherfucker, this brat has just lucked out..."


    He angrily returned to the cabin of the ship.


    At this moment, Xiao Yi was completely immersed in the sensation of that last finger strike, the corners of his mouth slightly curved upward, "Sword Intent at the fourth layer, the sword moves at will, I never expected to encounter such a marvelous adventure on this sea voyage!"

 Chapter 308 - 308: Midnight Knocking

    Above the deck.


    The fierce wind was raging, the storm volatile.


    Xiao Yi stood amidst the wind and rain, he slowly opened his arms, his Sword Intent at the fourth stage responding to his will. He was perceiving the force of heaven and earth, acting with the flow, capable of surpassing the wind, surpassing the power of lightning and thunder.


    Riding the waves might be exhilarating, but it''s not as effortless as drifting with the current.


    Defying the heavens indeed has its flair, but it''s not as comfortable as acting in harmony with them.


    This is the fourth stage of Sword Intent. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Generally speaking¡­


    Only upon reaching the Dharma Manifestation Realm and fully mastering a force of heaven and earth could one attain this level. Even many masters of the Dharma Manifestation Realm had not grasped the fourth stage of Sword Intent.


    Yet Xiao Yi had reached this realm while still in the First Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    His talent in the way of the sword was certainly extraordinary.


    He opened his arms and slightly closed his eyes.


    Feeling the clear sensation of wind and rain falling on his body, Xiao Yi''s figure didn''t seem to move at all, even the crowd around him didn''t notice any change in his position.


    But if one observed carefully, a shocking discovery could be made.


    "Look, the wind and rain are not falling on him!"


    "It''s not that they''re not falling on him, but he''s actually avoiding the wind and rain? How, how did he do that?"


    Astonished cries filled the deck.


    In this torrential downpour, where the raindrops nearly formed a curtain, Xiao Yi, without using his elemental power to create a barrier, relied on extremely subtle movements to cleverly avoid all wind and rain.


    In the remaining eye of the one-eyed dragon, a spark of sharpness flickered.


    Even with his vast experience, he had never seen such a terrifying movement technique.


    "This lad, he''s not simple!" said the one-eyed dragon, his facial expression reflecting his amusement. His leg, braced by a short sword, gently tapped the deck, seemingly eager to try.


    After a long time.


    Xiao Yi slowly opened his eyes, having just entered the fourth stage of Sword Intent.


    The act of avoiding the wind and rain was an application of Sword Intent in motion.


    Moving with the wind, with the thunder, with the rain. Going with the wind and rain created a trajectory that perfectly avoided the storm. Such mastery, if applied to the sword, would be extraordinarily powerful.


    Imagine this...


    Two people moving at the same speed, one needing to overcome the resistance of the wind, while Xiao Yi could move with the wind, not only unimpeded by the wind but also able to use it to his advantage.


    Who is stronger, who is weaker?


    It''s obvious at a glance!


    Heading straight back to his cabin, Xiao Yi found the veiled woman tightly embracing her ancient zither with her eyes closed, seemingly unaware of his entrance.


    Xiao Yi shook his head lightly, and sat down cross-legged on his bed.


    This trip to the Beast Emperor Sea had allowed his Sword Intent to step into the fourth stage, an unexpected joy.


    It also increased his combat strength.


    At the very least, facing a second-layer master of the Dharma Manifestation Realm, he would have the strength to fight!


    With his eyes closed, Xiao Yi immersed himself in cultivation, and before long night had fallen. The storm outside had stopped, but there was no light from stars or moon. The huge ship entered into a patch of fog, surrounded by dense whiteness.


    In the deep silence of the night.


    Xiao Yi heard a captivating song, ethereal as if descendent of heaven.


    "Hmm?"


    Xiao Yi opened his eyes, the crisp and pleasing song coming into his ears, momentarily causing him to lose focus. But at that moment, the necklace he had bought the day before suddenly radiated a warm wave of energy, flooding into his mind.


    This strange energy wave wiped the blankness from Xiao Yi''s eyes, bringing back clarity.


    Thump!


    Thump, thump!


    Suddenly, an increasingly urgent knock came from outside the cabin door.


    Xiao Yi''s pupils constricted instantly, but before he could speak, a pale, icy hand covered his mouth¡ªit was the woman embracing the ancient qin, her azure blue eyes flashing with fear and solemnity as she shook her head at him, signaling him to be silent.


    Thud!


    Thud thud!


    Thud thud thud!


    The relentlessly urgent knocking was hair-raising, especially deep in the middle of the night, out on the vast ocean. The sudden rise of fog and the intermittent singing were unsettling enough, and now this relentless knocking.


    It was enough to make one''s heart pound with terror.


    The knocking persisted for a moment before gradually fading away.


    Xiao Yi looked at the girl beside him and asked, frowning, "What on earth is going on?"


    The girl shook her head lightly, the panic in her eyes not receding, and pointed outside the window.


    Xiao Yi carefully lifted a corner of the curtain to look outside, and saw in the midst of the thick fog, figures moving like walking corpses, walking out from the cabins.


    They ambled about on the deck, each holding a torch in their hand.


    Flaring and dimming in the mist, they resembled numerous fireflies.


    Plunk!


    Plunk!


    Xiao Yi was horrified to discover that quite a few people walked straight to the edge of the sea, then leaped up and plunged into the icy waters below.


    In the sea,


    Xiao Yi caught glimpses of green figures flitting by, quickly dragging those who jumped into the water into the depths, disappearing from sight.


    The seductive singing still sporadically reached his ears, and Xiao Yi couldn''t help but recall the old man''s tale of Sea Demon legends. He turned to the graceful woman beside him, "Are these the doings of a Sea Demon?"


    "No, not a Sea Demon!"


    The graceful woman shook her head emphatically.


    Xiao Yi, frowning, said, "I heard when Sea Demons appear, they bring dense fog and singing. Once you hear the singing, you get bewitched and controlled by the Sea Demon. Doesn''t this coincide with what''s happening here?"


    "It really isn''t a Sea Demon. Sea Demons don''t harm people!"


    The woman was extremely certain in her response. As she spoke, a dark shadow suddenly passed by the window. The figure paused abruptly by the window, a pair of blood-red eyes looking into the cabin.


    Staring straight at the graceful woman.


    At that moment,


    beneath the blood-colored figure, a black face cracked into a grin, revealing rows of serrated fangs, and a ghastly, hoarse voice sent shivers down the spine, "So you''re here..."


    Boom!


    The shadow violently thrust out a clawed hand, shattering the window with a bang, reaching for the graceful woman.


    "Be careful!"


    Xiao Yi yanked the graceful woman back to his side and reached out reflexively with his hand, seizing the wrist of the black-clawed hand. Then, gripping tightly, he broke off the black claw with a series of crisp snaps.


    Awooo!


    The shadow let out an agonized scream, piercing to the ear.


    Almost at the same time,


    numerous mighty figures on the deck shuddered as if under a Binding Spell, rooted to the spot, while among the crowd, shadow after shadow leaped into the air, converging swiftly towards Xiao Yi''s cabin.


    Under the thick fog, their faces were indiscernible.


    "The target is here, hurry up!"


    "Heh heh, don''t even think about escaping..."


    Among the spine-chilling, sinister laughter, the sound of rushing air kept drawing nearer.


    Mostly, the presence was that of beings with the aura of the Golden Core Realm, and there were many at the level of the Tao Tribulation Realm. The number was astonishingly high, densely packed, swiftly encircling the cabin where he was located, trapping him with no way out.


    A pair of blood-colored eyes fell upon Xiao Yi and the girl, and a grating voice emanated from the throats of the dark figures: "Kill him..."

 Chapter 309 - 309: The Fog of Murder

    "Kill him!"


    A group wrapped in darkness charged towards Xiao Yi, intent on killing him.


    These figures were completely covered in black garb, their features indiscernible, only their eyes shining with a blood-red light, like rubies, ghastly and ghostlike.


    Their red eyes flickered with ferocity and a chilling intent to kill.


    Xiao Yi pulled the young girl behind him and said in a deep voice, "Stay here, and don''t go out!"


    Whoosh!


    His figure suddenly leapt up.


    The sword followed his intent.


    In his mind, the trajectory of every hidden claw within the darkness was crystal clear, and with the subtlest of movements, he managed to dodge those sharp claws.


    "The waterfall descends three thousand feet like a flying stream!"


    From Xiao Yi''s palm, a fourth-grade longsword unsheathed and moved with the wind.


    This stroke was silent and unperceived.


    Pff!


    Xiao Yi moved fluidly like a fish in the sea, darting and weaving, leaving trails of blood wherever he passed. Black figures were decapitated, and in an instant, dozens of corpses lay around him.


    More and more black figures converged around him.


    "You lot hold him off, I''ll grab the girl!" a figure emanating the aura of the Tao Tribulation Realm growled. With agile maneuvers, he bypassed Xiao Yi and headed straight for the veiled young girl.


    "Over my dead body!"


    Xiao Yi leapt forward, but suddenly, more than a dozen people appeared in front of him, surrounding him.


    A cold light flashed in Xiao Yi''s pupils: "A Stroke That Surprises the Wind and Rain!"


    "A white egret splits the waters in two!"


    He thrust his sword repeatedly.


    The sword edge danced with the wind, moving effortlessly.


    The shadows blocking him were continuously cut down, but the brief delay allowed the powerhouse of the Calamity Realm to reach the girl.


    His blood-red eyes were filled with greed and desire as he reached out with his dark, sharp claws toward her.


    "Damn it¡­"


    Xiao Yi''s eyes were about to split with rage.


    He wanted to help, but it was too late.


    The girl''s blue eyes suddenly flashed with a cold light, and a delicate voice sounded under her veil as her slender fingers gently plucked her ancient zither.


    Clang! Clang! Clang!


    The zither strings vibrated, sending out waves of sound.


    Hum!


    The Calamity Realm strongman seemed to be controlled, a look of bewilderment flashed across his eyes, followed by what seemed like countless wires wrapping around his body, slicing it into a grid.


    The wires tightened more and more.


    Boom!


    He was forcefully torn into countless pieces.


    Amid the rain of fresh blood and flesh.


    The girl continued to play the Qin Xuan, the pleasant clanging sound caused all the black figures surrounding Xiao Yi to tremble violently, their eyes filled with confusion.


    Pff pff pff!


    One by one, the figures were shredded into pieces.


    Xiao Yi''s pupils contracted sharply, staring at the girl holding the ancient zither in disbelief, never having imagined that such a seemingly fragile girl possessed such extraordinary methods.


    The carnage here had also drawn the attention of countless powerhouses nearby, with more and more shadows gathering.


    Xiao Yi''s expression changed slightly, and he turned to the veiled girl, about to speak.


    Suddenly, from the dense fog over the sea, a bewitching flute melody could be distinctly heard.


    The flute''s melody wafted through the air, pleasing and melodious.


    The shadowy figures trembled all over, their eyes filled with unwillingness and hatred as they glared harshly at Xiao Yi and the masked girl, before they gathered up the pile of blood and flesh on the ground and quietly disappeared into the mist.


    As these shadows dissipated, the thick fog also quietly receded.


    As if they had never been there in the first place.


    "What on earth is going on?"


    Xiao Yi was completely baffled, turning to look at the masked girl, only to hear her retch and spew a mouthful of fresh blood. Her eyes rolled back, and she fainted onto the guqin, unconscious.


    "Hey... are you okay?"


    Xiao Yi quickly propped up the girl. He checked her breathing and, finding no life-threatening danger but realizing she had fainted from weakness, he let out a sigh of relief. He took out a pill to restore her Qi-Blood and fed it to her; Xiao Yi then noticed that the ship had already sailed out of the foggy area.


    Ahead, the light of the stars and moon shone brightly, reflecting off the surface of the sea in dazzling, scattered points of light.


    The sparkling waves softly glowed, and from afar, a mass of mist could be seen drifting farther and farther away.


    Within that mist.


    It seemed as if a pair of cold eyes were fixed on this very ship.


    "Who were those people? And that fog... Why does it feel as if it were being controlled by someone? It''s like they were searching for something..." Xiao Yi was utterly confused, his mind full of questions.


    Time flies...


    In the blink of an eye, it was morning.


    Many powerful individuals awoke to find themselves lying on the deck, each with a look of astonishment and surprise on their faces: "What happened?"


    "I clearly remember sleeping inside the cabin, how did I end up on the deck?"


    "Last night, I seemed to hear someone singing, then I fell asleep, without knowing what happened..."


    "Wait, my roommate is missing..."


    "My brother is missing too..."


    A cry of grief filled the entire ship.


    Many realized that their companions had vanished without a trace, and some even found themselves hanging halfway off the mast, nearly falling into the sea. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    You must know...


    There were tens of thousands of people on this ship, among them not a few from the Golden Core Realm and the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    What sort of power could control tens of thousands of people to leave their cabins silently?


    And to be completely oblivious to what had happened?


    At this moment.


    Tales of sea demons began to circulate among the ship''s passengers, and some said the ship was haunted... There were various theories, and some attempted to confront the one-eyed shipowner to demand an explanation.


    After all.


    A quick estimate revealed that last night, no fewer than a thousand people had disappeared.


    The one-eyed man''s face looked extremely grim; after waking up, he had also been on the deck, and even his deputy captain had vanished without a trace. That was an individual in the Calamity Realm, who had disappeared so quietly.


    "One-eyed Sir, you should give us an explanation for this, don''t you think?"


    "We paid a lot for these tickets, and now so many people have vanished without reason. You wouldn''t be behind this, would you?"


    Facing the crowd''s questioning.


    The one-eyed man''s face turned icy, and he said coldly, "Shut up, all of you."


    Whoosh!


    From his black shortsword, a black flash suddenly burst forth, its ominous shine deterring anyone from coming close. Only then did he continue to speak: "I will investigate what happened last night. Additionally, if anyone can provide clues, I am willing to offer a reward of one hundred million Silver!"


    "One hundred million?"


    "It seems the one-eyed man doesn''t know what happened either!"


    The crowd whispered among each other.


    At that moment...


    Suddenly, a voice emanated from the crowd: "I know what happened!"

 Chapter 310 - 310: Three Strikes

    ```


    "I know what happened!"


    This sudden voice drew everyone''s attention.


    The speaker was the young man who had a conflict with Xiao Yi yesterday, and behind him was still the bald muscular man carrying a black heavy sword.


    Seeing the crowd''s gaze converging on himself, the youth''s face flashed with excitement, and he strode forward to stand before the One-Eyed Dragon. With a cold expression, he said, "Boss One-Eyed Dragon, my name is Ren Wu, and I know what happened last night!"


    "Hmm?"


    One-Eyed Dragon squinted at him and said coldly, "Do you know what will happen if you lie?"


    Ren Wu promptly patted his chest and said, "Who doesn''t know of Boss One-Eyed Dragon''s fame? How could I possibly deceive you?"


    One-Eyed Dragon nodded and said, "Speak then, what exactly happened?"


    "When I woke up this morning, I saw everyone on the ship was outside, except for one cabin whose door was closed." Ren Wu said with a malicious look, "That was cabin number ninety-eight ''A'' class, the door was closed, and nobody from inside came out!"


    Hiss!


    Everyone''s expressions changed in unison.


    To know...


    Even the captain, the One-Eyed Dragon at the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm, appeared on deck without anyone noticing. And now someone was still hiding inside their own cabin?


    "Cabin number ninety-eight ''A'' class? Who was staying there?"


    "Now that you mention it... I remembered, when I passed by there just now, I noticed that the window of cabin ninety-eight was shattered..."


    "Who lives in cabin number ninety-eight? We must have him come out..."


    Everyone was saying.


    With a cold expression, Ren Wu''s mouth curled slightly and he whispered to himself with a sneer, "Heh heh, you little bastard, this is what you get for provoking me. You''re not dead yet?"


    One-Eyed Dragon''s remaining eye narrowed slightly, and with a wave of his hand, he said, "Gentlemen, please follow me to cabin number ninety-eight!"


    The group set off together.


    They arrived at the cabin where Xiao Yi was staying.


    Knock knock knock!


    The cabin door was knocked.


    Xiao Yi opened the door and saw One-Eyed Dragon standing with a crowd blocking the doorway. He couldn''t help but frown, "Is there something you need?"


    One-Eyed Dragon scanned the inside of the cabin, indeed noticing the shattered window.


    The cabin was also a mess.


    Clearly, a fight had occurred.


    In the cabin, aside from Xiao Yi, there was a masked girl lying asleep on the bed. One-Eyed Dragon and others felt even more suspicious of Xiao Yi, and One-Eyed Dragon asked in a deep voice, "Where were you last night?"


    Xiao Yi answered frankly, "I was inside the cabin."


    But considering those shadows seemed to be after the masked girl, he didn''t reveal anything further.


    Ren Wu, standing on his tiptoes among the crowd, called out, "See... I didn''t lie, did I? We were all mysteriously on the deck, yet he was safely in his cabin. If you say this matter has nothing to do with him, I wouldn''t believe it even if you beat me to death!"


    "Young man, you better come clean. What exactly happened last night?"


    "Is this incident related to you?"


    "So many people have mysteriously disappeared, yet you are unharmed. You owe us an explanation!"


    Everyone was speaking.


    One-Eyed Dragon stared at Xiao Yi, enunciating each word, "You''d better not hide anything, otherwise, don''t blame me for being impolite!"


    He was extremely angry at the moment.


    An eerie incident had occurred on the ship, and even his first mate had mysteriously disappeared.


    He was currently brimming with fury.


    Eager to find an outlet for his wrath.


    Looking at One-Eyed Dragon without a hint of subservience, Xiao Yi said in a steady voice, "As I said, I was asleep in the cabin last night. It was your knocking that woke me up just now!"


    "Sleeping? Then what happened here?" Ren Wu spoke with an eerie tone, "Don''t tell me this was from your tossing and turning in sleep?"


    ```


    The one-eyed Long Yi remained silent, but the cold light in his eyes grew increasingly icy.


    Xiao Yi swept a disdainful glance at Ren Wu. That guy was causing a ruckus here, leading everyone to direct their hostility towards him. Xiao Yi snorted coldly, "It''s the third time now!"


    "Hmm?"


    The crowd was startled.


    Xiao Yi stared intently at Ren Wu and said coldly, "This is the third time you''ve provoked me. There won''t be a fourth because you can die now!"


    Ren Wu was taken aback, then burst into laughter, arrogant and fearless, "Kid, who do you think you are? You think just because you say I should die, I will? You don''t even realize the situation you''re in, and you''re still thinking about killing..."


    Before he could finish speaking.


    Xiao Yi''s figure had already moved past Long Yi and the others, appearing in front of him.


    With a single hand raised, he directly grasped Ren Wu''s neck and lifted him up.


    "Save... save me..." Ren Wu grabbed desperately at Xiao Yi''s hand, his legs flailing, his face filled with terror.


    How Xiao Yi had appeared next to Ren Wu without anyone noticing was beyond them all.


    The bald strongman was furious, "Let go of my brother!"


    Hum!


    The heavy sword slashed down towards Xiao Yi, edgeless but with enormous force.


    Clang!


    Amidst a crisp sound.


    Xiao Yi casually lifted his left hand, and with just two fingers, he firmly clamped the heavy sword, his icy gaze falling onto the bald strongman, "Die!"


    Bang!


    With a tightening of his two fingers.


    The heavy sword shattered, with countless fragments flying backwards, piercing through the bald strongman''s body in a series of thuds, leaving him lying in a pool of blood.


    Xiao Yi''s eyes, cold as ice, looked at Ren Wu in his grasp, "You''ve provoked me several times, and now you even try to frame and harm me. I cannot tolerate you!"


    "No, don''t..."


    Ren Wu was filled with regret.


    He had thought that with Long Yi and the others present, Xiao Yi would surely be unable to do anything to him, hence he had instigated others and sowed discord. But now, facing a dominant Xiao Yi, none of the bystanders stepped forward to stop him.


    Regret filled his heart.


    But alas...


    There is no medicine for regret in this world.


    Crack!


    Xiao Yi''s palm clenched, and he crushed Ren Wu''s neck, tossing him to the side. Only then did he turn back to Long Yi and the others, "Believe it or not, last night''s affair has nothing to do with me."


    The crowd exchanged glances.


    Long Yi stared deeply at Xiao Yi; the bald strongman was a powerhouse of the Third Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm, yet he couldn''t withstand a single move from Xiao Yi and was easily killed on the spot.


    This was enough to discern that Xiao Yi''s strength was far beyond what he showed, not merely at the First Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    Long Yi squinted his eyes and said coldly, "You had better be honest. If I find out last night''s incident is related to you, I will surely cut you down without mercy!"


    Thud!


    Xiao Yi closed the cabin door directly.


    Long Yi and the others also left one after another. After all, with Xiao Yi''s show of strength, they had no evidence and indeed could not continue to press him.


    Inside the cabin. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi sensed that Long Yi and the others had left, waved his hand casually, and a burst of vital energy formed a barrier sealing the cabin. Xiao Yi patted his chest, and Little Lin emerged. Xiao Yi instructed, "Keep a watch on our surroundings!"


    "Roger that, boss!"


    Little Lin nodded its head and swam around the cabin.


    Only then did Xiao Yi turn to the unconscious girl and said in a deep voice, "Since you''re awake, stop pretending. Get up and let''s talk. What exactly happened last night?"

 Chapter 311 - 311 Beast Emperor City

    "Get up and let''s talk about what exactly happened last night!"


    Xiao Yi squinted his eyes, staring at the veiled girl who was lying down, seemingly still asleep.


    The veiled girl kept her eyes tightly shut, appearing as if she were still deep in slumber and hadn''t woken up.


    Xiao Yi sneered, "If you don''t wake up, then don''t blame me for taking apart your zither!"


    The veiled girl remained unmoved.


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi reached for the zither.


    It was only then¡­


    ¡­that the girl finally opened her eyes, grabbed the zither, and curled up in the corner, her blue eyes warily watching Xiao Yi.


    Sigh!


    Xiao Yi exhaled a turbid breath. The girl''s blue eyes were like an endless ocean, their depth making one feel as if they couldn''t extricate themselves. He said in a deep voice, "Who are you, really? And what were those things last night?"


    The wariness in the veiled girl''s eyes did not dissipate.


    She was still clutching the zither nervously.


    Xiao Yi sighed, "If I had wanted to harm you, I wouldn''t have helped you last night, and I wouldn''t have concealed your presence just now when they came over!"


    The veiled girl''s gaze flickered a few times, her hands relaxing slightly around the zither.


    Her guard against Xiao Yi wasn''t as strong as before.


    She hesitated for a moment and then a melodious voice like that of an oriole came from beneath the veil, "They were underlings of Sha Kun, the deputy city lord of Beast Emperor City."


    "Hmm?"


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow, a strange expression on his face, "The deputy city lord of Beast Emperor City? Then who are you? Don''t tell me you are the city lord?"


    The veiled girl shook her head, "My name is Huang Yuwei. The city lord of Beast Emperor City, Huang Baitao, is my father. When I was very young, my father sent me to my mother''s family. Not long ago, I received news that my father was gravely ill, so I rushed back."


    Xiao Yi wondered, "You''re the princess of Beast Emperor City? If that''s the case, those people last night indeed came for you. Isn''t Sha Kun one of your father''s subordinates? But those men didn''t seem like they were there to escort you back!"


    "They were Black Shark Guards under Sha Kun. Sha Kun is my father''s sworn brother, but they have been at odds for a long time. It''s because of him that my father sent me to my mother''s family,"


    Huang Yuwei hesitated for a moment before slowly saying, "Sha Kun wants to capture me and threaten my father to pass on the city lord''s position to him¡­"


    Xiao Yi squinted his eyes.


    He was considering the truth of Huang Yuwei''s story and asked, "Do you have any proof to back up what you''re saying?"


    Huang Yuwei hesitated, then took out a token from her bosom.


    The token glittered with gold light.


    It was carved with beast claws all around. The front bore the character for ''beast'', and the back had the character for ''emperor''.


    Huang Yuwei''s voice was firm as she said, "This is one of the five city lord tokens of Beast Emperor City. I hold one of them. If you don''t believe me, when you get to Beast Emperor City, you can verify if this token matches the city''s flag!"


    "Fine, I''ll take your word for now,"


    Xiao Yi nodded and then said solemnly, "We are still a day and a night''s journey from Beast Emperor City. Will those people appear again tonight?"


    The tactics of the Black Shark Guards were too strange.


    If it weren''t for his necklace that activated just in time, he too would''ve been bewitched last night.


    If they plan to come again tonight, they must be prepared in advance!


    "They shouldn''t!"


    Huang Yuwei shook her head, "The Black Shark Guards never strike the same target twice. Moreover, we''re not far from Beast Emperor City now. They wouldn''t dare to be too obvious."


    "Let''s hope so,"


    Xiao Yi nodded. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But in his heart, he remained on guard, believing only half of what Huang Yuwei said.


    It''s better to be wary than to be harmed.


    In this world where the strong prey on the weak,


    being naive and without guile,


    one would likely die without even knowing how!


    Just as Huang Yuwei had said, the Black Shark Guard did not appear again, and the next morning, a gigantic island appeared on the surface of the sea.


    This island was suspended above the sea, and atop it sat an immensely huge city.


    This was Beast Emperor City.


    A powerful faction owning countless wealth, situated above the Beast Emperor Sea.


    Even the Great Qian Dynasty, when faced with the Beast Emperor City, dealt with it on an equal footing. After all, Beast Emperor City, apart from sitting deep in the Beast Emperor Sea and being incomparably wealthy, was also a place where powerful figures were as common as clouds.


    It was not any weaker than any of the top ten sects!


    "Beast Emperor City is almost upon us, everyone prepare your entrance fee!" The voice of the one-eyed dragon spread throughout the entire vessel.


    The entrance fee for Beast Emperor City is determined by one''s strength.


    For the Qi Gathering Realm, one hundred taels.


    For the Shentong Realm, one thousand taels.


    For the Golden Core Realm, ten thousand taels, and for the Tao Tribulation Realm, one hundred thousand taels.


    Of course...


    If a warrior of the Dharma Manifestation Realm were to enter Beast Emperor City, they would not be charged any fee and would even receive treatment befitting a VIP. After all, even the powerful Beast Emperor City would have a headache if it provoked the existence of someone from the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    Xiao Yi had known these rules since he boarded the ship and handed over one hundred thousand taels of silver to the sailor.


    Boom!


    The ship entered the port of Beast Emperor City, the enormous dock of Beast Emperor City was several times larger than that of Linhai, and there were four such docks in Beast Emperor City.


    Just think...


    The entrance fee for a vessel like this one could amount to tens of millions of taels of silver.


    A single port could accommodate tens of thousands of such vessels, and just the entrance fees from the four major ports constituted a vast wealth. It''s a glimpse into the extent of Beast Emperor City''s affluence.


    After leaving the ship.


    Huang Yuwei put on a cloak and waved at Xiao Yi, "Let''s part ways here. If you run into any trouble, you can find me at the city lord''s mansion!"


    "Alright!"


    The two parted ways.


    No sooner had Xiao Yi stepped off the dock than he saw several carriages in front of him, all available for rent. One thousand taels of silver a day, and the coachmen were all residents of Beast Emperor City.


    They were extremely familiar with Beast Emperor City.


    "My lord, do you wish to rent a carriage? I am Lei Sanwang, my ancestors have been in this business for three generations, there''s no place in the whole of Beast Emperor City I don''t know about..." A middle-aged man with a pointed face and a goatee below his nose approached with a smile.


    Xiao Yi nodded and said, "Take me to the black market!"


    "Right away!"


    Lei Sanwang''s face was glowing with a bright smile as he skillfully ushered Xiao Yi onto the carriage and then, whipping the reins, drove the carriage towards the city.


    Beast Emperor City was simply too large.


    Even while sitting in the carriage,


    they traveled for a full hour before arriving at the location of the black market, Lei Sanwang''s voice came from outside, "My lord, we''ve arrived at the black market!"


    "Hmm?"


    Xiao Yi stepped out of the carriage and looked at the black market, which covered the entire East City, showing a puzzled expression, "This entire place is the black market?"


    "Yes!"


    Lei Sanwang smiled proudly, "Our Beast Emperor City''s black market is the largest in Southern State, the whole East City is the black market. However, carriages are not allowed inside the black market, we will need to go on foot. What are you planning to purchase? I can take you there!"


    Xiao Yi said, "I want to buy medicinal materials..."


    "Medicinal materials?"


    Lei Sanwang spoke with practiced familiarity, "Then you''ve come to the right place. I know all the medicinal material merchants in the black market, big and small. But there''s no need to bother with the smaller ones, I''ll take you to the three major medicinal material merchants!"


    "That works!"


    Xiao Yi nodded, about to speak when suddenly, an urgent shouting and curses came from behind, "Move aside, all of you move aside for me!"


    Xiao Yi frowned and turned around.


    But what he faced was a streak of black that swooped towards him with the sound of the air being torn apart...

 Chapter 312 - 312: The Black Market

    Whoosh!


    The black whip shadow broke through the air, aiming straight for Xiao Yi''s face.


    The whip was extremely fast.


    Xiao Yi''s sword-like eyebrows furrowed as he instinctively raised his hand to grab the whip and then slammed it to the ground. With a loud bang, a dark shadow fell and smashed heavily onto the surface.


    Ouch...


    A wail followed.


    This was a young man dressed in black, riding a beast that was pitch black all over, with two horns on its head, shaped like a bull, rampaging along the way. On its path, it had knocked over quite a few people.


    Unexpectedly, he had fallen into the hands of Xiao Yi.


    Whoosh!


    The young man got up from the ground, glared at Xiao Yi with clenched teeth and said, "You scoundrel, who gave you the guts to block my way? Get over here and kneel down to apologize!"


    Xiao Yi squinted his eyes and said, "In broad daylight, in the middle of the street, you dare to ride a beast so recklessly. If I hadn''t reacted quickly enough, you would have knocked me down just now. And you think you have the right?"


    "Damn it, even if I just knock over a few people, so what if I killed someone?"


    The young man''s cultivation was merely at the Golden Elixir Peak, but his aura was as if he were a figure of the Dharma Manifestation Realm, disdainful of everything, he said coldly, "Kid, kneel down and apologize to me immediately if you know what''s good for you, or I''ll make sure you enter upright and leave horizontally!"


    Lei Sanwang, who saw the beast behind the young man, had already turned pale, stepped forward, and tugged at Xiao Yi, whispering, "Sir, you should apologize to him! This is Master Tan Huajian of the Tan Family, the largest slave trading merchant in Beast Emperor City, their power is immensely great..."


    Slave trading merchant.


    No matter where, those who dared to engage in such trade always had significant backing.


    The Tan Family could control such trade in Beast Emperor City, their family head was a formidable expert at the first level of Dharma Manifestation Realm, and they also had close relations with Sha Kun.


    The surrounding crowd was also persuading in unison, "Young man, apologize to him!" S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "That''s Master Tan, he''s not someone to provoke!"


    Tan Huajian''s face showed an arrogant look as he coldly watched Xiao Yi, "Did you hear that? Are you not going to kneel for me?"


    "Kneel your mother!"


    Xiao Yi retorted with a slap.


    Slap!


    Tan Huajian was struck and sent flying, holding his face in bewilderment as he looked at Xiao Yi, "You, you, you dare to hit me?"


    Xiao Yi''s expression was as calm as still water, "Get lost! If I see you around me again, I will cripple you!"


    Hum!


    A pressure from the Tao Tribulation Realm weighed down upon Tan Huajian.


    Thump!


    Tan Huajian was pressed so hard that his legs went weak, forcing him to kneel on the ground, with cold sweat emerging on his forehead and his face turning pale. In the depths of his eyes was a deep resentment, "Fine, fine, fine, I''ll admit defeat today. The mountains won''t turn but the waters will; you''d better pray you don''t fall into my hands!"


    Tan Huajian mounted the beast and sped away.


    Lei Sanwang wore a face of despair, "My lord, you, you''ve really stirred up trouble now..."


    Xiao Yi asked, "What? Are you scared?"


    Lei Sanwang gave a wry smile, "How could I not be? There''s not a single person in the Tan Family who is merciful. Not long ago, a friend of mine just because he didn''t yield a parking space to someone from the Tan Family, the whole family was taken away to be slaves..."


    "The Tan Family is so domineering? Doesn''t anyone deal with them?" Xiao Yi frowned.


    So Beast Emperor City was in such chaos?


    Lei Sanwang hesitated for a moment, then spoke in a lower voice, "If the City Lord were still in charge, they wouldn''t dare be so rampant. But these past few months, with the City Lord severely ill and not concerned with worldly affairs, and Deputy City Lord Sha Kun having such a close relationship with the Tan Family, who do you think would dare to intervene?"


    Looking at Lei Sanwang, Xiao Yi knew he was backing down.


    He casually took out some silver notes and threw them to Lei Sanwang, "Here are fifty thousand silver notes. You better leave!"


    "This, this..."


    Lei Sanwang looked at the silver note in his hand and then at Xiao Yi with gratitude-filled eyes, saying, "Thank you for your generous gift... If you want to purchase medicinal materials, you might want to go to the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce, the Starlight Chamber of Commerce, and the Heavenly Treasure Chamber of Commerce to take a look. These three are the biggest medicine material commerce gatherings in the black market!"


    Xiao Yi nodded.


    Not daring to linger, Lei Sanwang quickly urged his carriage on and departed swiftly.


    Xiao Yi wandered alone in the black market.


    Besides shops selling all kinds of goods, there were also taverns and entertainment venues from all over, offering everything one could ask for. Especially the brothels, which one could see on every street.


    The hookers, scantily clad, stood at the doorway luring clients with their charming postures.


    It was truly a sight of luxury.


    Hiss hiss!


    Little Lin poked his head out, asking in wonder, "Boss, what is this place? Why are these women wearing so little..."


    Xiao Yi''s face darkened as he pushed Little Lin back in, "Not suitable for children!"


    Little Lin: "..."


    After asking for directions along the way, Xiao Yi finally arrived at the Heavenly Treasure Chamber of Commerce.


    The three big medicine material commerce gatherings were actually built together, mere hundreds of meters apart. Each chamber was exceptionally luxurious and grand. From a distance, one could even smell the fragrance of medicinal herbs wafting through the air.


    Xiao Yi entered the nearest Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    Inside, people bustled to and fro; it was a vibrant scene.


    "Hm?"


    Xiao Yi saw a crowd of strong individuals gathered ahead. The place was buzzing with noise and was extremely lively when suddenly, curiosity was piqued by an exclamation from the crowd, "Holy shit, bro, you''re awesome! With just 100 taels of silver, you actually picked out a Purple Glow Dragon King Ginseng worth several million!"


    "Whimper, why don''t I have such luck? I''ve already spent over a million and only got a three-year-old Polygonum Multiflorum, which hasn''t even fully grown yet..."


    "Your luck is just too bad!"


    Xiao Yi, puzzled, stopped a passerby, "Brother, may I ask what''s happening over there?"


    The passerby glanced in the direction Xiao Yi was pointing and laughed, "That''s the medicine gambling! The Heavenly Treasure Chamber of Commerce sealed some medicinal materials in ninety-nine containers. People can bid for them, and the highest bidder wins. If you choose the right one, you''ll become rich overnight, but if you choose wrong, you might lose everything you have!"


    "Medicine gambling?"


    Xiao Yi''s eyes twinkled. He had heard of betting on stones and money but had never heard of gambling on medicine. He thanked the passerby with a gesture of his hand, "Thanks!"


    "You''re welcome!"


    The passerby then left.


    Xiao Yi hesitated for a moment, then also headed to the medicine gambling area.


    In front of him was a giant disc with grooves. Inside the grooves were white spheres. Each sphere was sealed with a Formation, making it impossible for even Dharma Manifestation Realm experts to see what was inside.


    The spheres were numbered from one to ninety-nine.


    An expert from the Heavenly Treasure Chamber of Commerce was shouting, "It''s about to begin, place your bets and no more after that!"


    "Number ninety-nine for one hundred taels!"


    "Number eighteen for five hundred taels..."


    Various strong individuals kept outbidding each other.


    Xiao Yi stared at the disc, and suddenly Little Lin whispered from his embrace, "Boss, there''s something good inside number eight!"


    "Hm?"


    Xiao Yi was startled and looked at number eight. The highest bid so far was nine thousand taels of silver. Xiao Yi immediately offered ten thousand taels on the sphere numbered eight.


    Thud!


    A bell chimed.


    The expert from the Heavenly Treasure Chamber of Commerce announced, "Bets are locked in! Let''s start the draw!"


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow, a trace of curiosity in his gaze, "It must be something good if even Little Lin thinks it is a ''good brother.'' I wonder what''s really inside number eight! Just hope it''s not a loss!"

 Chapter 313 - 313: A Punch to the Head

    ```


    After the bidding for the medicine concluded.


    The powerful members of the Heavenly Treasure Chamber of Commerce opened each sphere in sequence, starting with number one, and the herbs within each sphere were promptly revealed to the audience upon their opening.


    "Number one, a strand of Qingluo Root!"


    "Number two, a piece of Monk Fruit..."


    Seven spheres were opened in succession, and all contained extremely cheap common herbs.


    The person who got sphere number one fared the worst.


    He had bet a hundred thousand to win this number one sphere, only to end up with a Qingluo Root worth a hundred silver, and then sphere number eight was opened, to which Xiao Yi also looked forward with some anticipation.


    Crack!


    The sphere opened.


    A fragrance of herbs wafted through the air.


    Instantly, it prompted a wave of gasps, "This, this seems to be a fifth-grade Spiritual Medicine Purple Jade Dragon King Ginseng!"


    "Looking at its quality, it must have a hundred years of maturity. Brother, for this herb I offer one million..."


    "One million for a Purple Jade Dragon King Ginseng of such fine quality? You must be joking. I bid five million, sell it to me!"


    "I bid six million..."


    In no time, Xiao Yi found himself surrounded by a throng of people, each eagerly bidding to acquire the Purple Jade Dragon King Ginseng.


    Xiao Yi: "..."


    Seeing Xiao Yi remain unmoved, a middle-aged man stepped forward and said, "Young man, my mother is gravely ill and in dire need of the Purple Jade Dragon King Ginseng to survive. I''m willing to pay ten million silver, could you please sell it to me?"


    Ten million?


    Xiao Yi blinked, marveling at how he had spent only ten thousand silver but had gained an herb worth ten million.


    A ten thousand percent profit!


    "Young man, please..." the strong man begged with a piteous face.


    Xiao Yi sighed and said, "All right, I''ll sell it to you."


    "Thank you, thank you so much!"


    The middle-aged man''s face lit up with ecstasy, as he took out a stack of silver notes from his Storage Ring, ready to make the transaction. But at that moment, an arrogant voice cut through the crowd, "Eh? This Purple Jade Dragon King Ginseng looks good. Taking it back for soup would be highly nourishing; I''ll take it, young master!"


    "Hm?"


    The middle-aged man''s face slightly changed as he looked over to the source of the voice.


    A young man named Zhang Yang, hands clasped behind his back, appeared before the crowd with an air of aloofness.


    The middle-aged man''s expression turned ugly as he said in a deep voice, "Brother, I saw this herb first and I hope..."


    Smack!


    A burly man standing behind the young man backhanded the middle-aged man across the face, sending him tumbling to the ground while saying coldly, "Who do you think you are? Worthy to call our young master brother?"


    "You..."


    The middle-aged man''s face turned ashen.


    The young man looked up at Xiao Yi, his lips curling with amusement, "Kid, it''s a small world, isn''t it? I didn''t expect to bump into you so soon!"


    Wasn''t this young man Tan Huajian?


    The cultivation of the burly man beside him was at the Fifth Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm. His muscles were like heavy slabs of metal, intricately outlined, stands next to Tan Huajian like a chunk of solid iron.


    Xiao Yi frowned as he helped the middle-aged man to his feet, saying, "Keep the Purple Jade Dragon King Ginseng for yourself."


    "This..."


    The middle-aged man was taken aback.


    Xiao Yi handed back the silver notes to him and said with a smile, "Better for you to take it to save your mother, than to let it be wasted by some beasts unworthy of it!"


    "Brother, thank you!"


    The middle-aged man took the Purple Jade Dragon King Ginseng gratefully, shooting a glance filled with gratitude at Xiao Yi, and whispered, "Please be careful, they''re dangerous."


    Xiao Yi waved his hand dismissively, "Don''t worry, they''re just annoying flies."


    As Xiao Yi handed over the Purple Jade Dragon King Ginseng to the middle-aged man, Tan Huajian''s face turned livid as he said coldly, "Kid, are you deaf? Didn''t you hear me? I said I wanted the Purple Jade Dragon King Ginseng, how dare you give it to someone else?"


    Xiao Yi glanced at him, "And you are? Do I know you?"


    "You..."


    Tan Huajian''s face contorted with displeasure.


    He had no use for the Purple Jade Dragon King Ginseng himself; his intention had been merely to spoil Xiao Yi''s deal. And now, Xiao Yi had the audacity to give the ginseng away right in front of him.


    In Tan Huajian''s eyes, it was an utter affront to his own dignity!


    Tan Huajian turned to the burly man beside him, "Ah Long, cripple his cultivation, break his arms and legs!"


    "Understood!"


    Ah Long cracked his neck, producing a series of crisp sounds.


    He stepped forward.


    Ah Long was now in front of Xiao Yi, his right hand clenched into a fist, his knuckles crackling like thunder. With a punch thrown, the whistling of his fist carried the fury of wind and thunder, heading straight for Xiao Yi.


    This punch was infused with the essence of fist intent.


    ```


    A cage of condensed fighting intent had formed, trapping Xiao Yi within its confines.


    An immense pressure bore down from all directions.


    "This is the Tan Family''s Iron Fist Ah Long. It is said that he was once a slave, but was kept by the Tan Family due to his exceptional combat talent..."


    "The strongest aspect of Iron Fist Ah Long is his pair of fists, which are said to have reached the third stage of fighting intent, extremely terrifying!"


    "That youngster is in danger!"


    Mastering the third stage of fighting intent at the Fifth Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm, his combat power could rival someone at the Seventh Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm; even among the top ten sects, a being like Ah Long could be considered a genius.


    Xiao Yi''s eyes sharpened, a glint of cold light flashing through them like thunder.


    All that could be seen was a flash of black light before him.


    Xiao Yi''s right hand formed a palm and blocked in front of him; with a crisp snap, that mocking, iron fist was steadied firmly in his grasp.


    Hiss!


    Sparks flew from under Xiao Yi''s feet as he slid backward two meters, fist and all.


    The power of that punch was imaginable.


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow, "At the Fifth Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm, you can make me retreat? If I were to bring this man back, my Xiaoshanhe Institute could gain another remarkable warrior!"


    Amazement painted Ah Long''s face, shock overwhelming his heart, "A mere First Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm blocked my Invincible Iron Fist?"


    His expertise was in boxing.


    The name Iron Fist Ah Long was already famous throughout Beast Emperor City.


    Even among those desperados on the Slave Battlefield who licked the edges of blades, there were few who could withstand more than three moves from him. Xiao Yi was only at the First Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm, yet he had so easily blocked his punch.


    This level of strength was truly terrifying!


    Tan Huajian, unaware of Ah Long''s shock, assumed Ah Long had not put forth his full strength. He raised his black whip and lashed toward him, and with a crisp snap, the piercing sound of flesh being torn followed.


    A sinister streak of blood appeared on Ah Long''s back, soaking his clothes red in an instant.


    Tan Huajian bellowed, "Useless thing, why haven''t you killed him for me yet?"


    Ah Long grimaced in pain, a flash of hatred and resentment crossing the depths of his eyes, but as a mere slave, defying his master would mean being hunted by the entire Beast Emperor City.


    Grinding his teeth, Ah Long could only lash out again with his fists, "Invincible Iron Fist!"


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    Fists rained down like a torrential downpour.


    Xiao Yi''s figure moved with ease, dodging the overwhelming barrage of fists from Ah Long and whispered, "Your name is Ah Long, right? Would you like to follow me?"


    "Huh?"


    Ah Long''s punches faltered.


    Xiao Yi continued whispering, "If you follow me, we will be partners. I''ll give you your freedom; you''ll no longer be a slave!"


    Hum!


    Ah Long''s expression changed dramatically.


    Freedom! S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    That word could only appear in his dreams.


    Ah Long''s punches did not lessen; he whispered back begrudgingly, "Stop talking nonsense... I am but a slave; the Tan Family would never let me leave."


    "Don''t worry, as long as you''re willing to follow me, I''ll handle the Tan Family!" Xiao Yi said with a smile.


    Ah Long halted his assault, frowning, "You''ll handle the Tan Family? What makes you think I can trust you?"


    Tan Huajian, seeing Ah Long stop, was instantly furious, "You dog, did I tell you to stop? Kill him for me, get to it¡­"


    Snap! Snap! Snap!


    The black whip continued to strike Ah Long''s body relentlessly.


    Even with Ah Long''s strong physique, he was covered in wounds from the whip''s lashes.


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow, flashed past Ah Long, grabbed the whip with a fierce yank, pulling Tan Huajian in front of him. The whip coiled around Tan Huajian''s neck as he looked at Ah Long with amusement: "This is the proof!"


    "What are you doing? Let go of me¡­"


    Pinned to the ground by Xiao Yi, Tan Huajian was a picture of humiliation and fury, roaring at Ah Long, "Bastard, you see me being held down here and do nothing? Kill him for me or I swear I will kill you..."


    Roar!


    Ah Long''s eyes blazed red, his fists clenched tightly, veins pulsing on his arms.


    Whoosh!


    He threw a punch forward.


    Xiao Yi remained smiling, not moving an inch.


    Tan Huajian''s face showed a smug satisfaction, "You bastard, you''re done for..."


    Before he could finish.


    His expression of satisfaction turned to horror and disbelief; the punch was not meant for Xiao Yi, but headed straight for his head. With a loud bang, Tan Huajian''s head exploded, leaving his body beyond recognition.


    Huffing! Huffing!


    Ah Long gasped for air, his reddened eyes filled with exhilaration and a sense of liberation, staring intently at Xiao Yi, "You said, you would give me freedom!"


    Xiao Yi smiled broadly, "Welcome to Xiaoshanhe Institute!"

 Chapter 314 - 314: Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce

    Heavenly Treasure Chamber of Commerce, within the main hall.


    A dead silence filled the area, as everyone stared dumbfounded at Tan Huajian, who had become a headless corpse lying in a pool of blood.


    This was the young master of the Tan Family.


    To have been publicly killed like this was a major incident!


    The look in people''s eyes when they turned to Xiao Yi was full of deep awe and shock. Of course, there were quite a few who gazed at him and Along with schadenfreude and mockery, "You two are dead meat, the Tan Family is a giant in Beast Emperor City!"


    "They control the slave market and have many powerful followers under their command. Killing Tan Huajian will surely bring about the Tan Family''s retribution!"


    "Especially that big guy, he''s a slave! To dare turn on his master, he''s going to be dismembered..."


    Murmurs ran through the crowd.


    Along looked at Xiao Yi with a worried expression.


    He had also been seduced by the promise of freedom that Xiao Yi talked about, and had killed Tan Huajian in a rage after being humiliated over and over again by him. Now that he had calmed down, he was filled with regret.


    A slave turning on his master was a serious offense.


    Xiao Yi laughed and said, "Afraid of what? They are talking about a slave turning on his master, but you are not a slave!"


    "I¡ªI''m not a slave?"


    Along paused, looking incredulously at Xiao Yi.


    Ever since he could remember, he had been a slave, and countless of his tribe members were slaves as well.


    Along had forgotten when was the last time he hadn''t been branded with a slave mark.


    Xiao Yi patted his shoulder, laughing, "Don''t worry, from now on you are my companion. Since you are a companion, you are naturally free. How could you possibly be a slave?" S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "But the Tan Family..." Along hesitated.


    He was acutely aware of how terrifying the Tan Family was!


    His people had once lived carefree on a remote island above the Beast Emperor Sea.


    It was the appearance of the Tan Family, like demons, slaughtering, looting, and capturing... that nearly wiped out his tribe. Many of his fellow tribesmen, who had suffered the same fate, were still in the Tan Family''s slave market.


    Xiao Yi patted his shoulder again and smiled, "We can''t stay here long; let''s go somewhere else to look around."


    The strongest of the Tan Family was only a Dharma Manifestation Realm level-one strongman, and with Xiao Yi''s current strength, even if a Dharma Manifestation Realm level-three expert were to come after him, he was confident he could escape unscathed.


    That was the confidence that had emboldened him to behead Tan Huajian!


    The two of them had just left.


    A group of powerful warriors clad in battle armor appeared within the Heavenly Treasure Chamber of Commerce.


    Looking at the headless corpse, this group of law enforcers felt a tingling on their scalps. Killing fights were forbidden in Beast Emperor City, yet someone from the Tan Family had died, and a slave of the Tan''s was taken away.


    This was a major incident.


    The leader of the Law Enforcement Team rubbed his brow, feeling a headache coming on, "Send Tan Huajian''s body back to the Tan Family. This is no longer something we can intervene in; let the Tan Family deal with it themselves!"


    ......


    Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce.


    Xiao Yi looked at Along, who had changed into a new set of clothes and was holding a roasted beast leg, savoring it deliciously, speechlessly asking, "Is that thing really so tasty?"


    Along rolled his eyes, his mouth greasy, and mumbled indistinctly, "I can''t remember the last time I ate meat!"


    Xiao Yi paused mid-step, frowning, "Along, are there many slaves in this Beast Emperor City?"


    "Hmm!"


    Along nodded, his eyes red as he spoke, "All under the control of the Tan Family. Just from my tribe alone, more than ten thousand of our people have been made slaves by them."


    Xiao Yi frowned, "How are these slaves in terms of talent?"


    "Talent?"


    Along paused, thought for a moment, and said, "Those who are kept by the Tan Family as slaves generally have some talent. However, those with truly high talent are all in the Slave Battlefield, kept by various powers as tools for gambling and entertainment!"


    At the mention of the Slave Battlefield, Along involuntarily exuded a terrifying Evil Qi.


    That was the slaughterhouse of slaves.


    A paradise for the high and mighty!


    Countless slaves battled for their lives on the Slave Battlefield, and freedom from slavery was theirs if they could secure a hundred victories. But how many could achieve a hundred wins?


    Even the mighty Along had only won sixty-five battles so far.


    Xiao Yi stroked his chin and said, "The Tan Family has such a vast slave resource in their hands. If I could find more people with Along''s talent to bring back and make them disciples of my Xiaoshanhe Institute, why should my institute worry about not prospering?"


    At this thought.


    Xiao Yi''s eyes gleamed brighter, but he was well aware that behind the Tan Family stood Sha Kun, who was a sixth-level expert in the Dharma Manifestation Realm. With his current strength, confrontation was not an option. "It seems I must find a way to enhance my realm first. The matter of the slaves can wait!"


    "Institute Head, the people from the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce have arrived!" Along''s voice rang in his ear.


    Xiao Yi looked ahead and saw a beautiful figure in a red dress with a curvaceous and graceful silhouette approaching. A beauty mark sat by her lips, and she smiled charmingly, "Shi Feiya pays respects to the young master. I hear you''re looking for me for a big trade?"


    Shi Feiya had striking beauty and a natural allure.


    Every frown and smile seemed to stir the heart.


    "Xiao Yi has met President Shi!"


    Xiao Yi, with a mind unmoved, clasped his hands toward her and said, "I wish to purchase a large quantity of medicinal materials. May I inquire if President Shi is interested?"


    Shi Feiya was startled and raised her eyebrows. "Mister Xiao, may I ask just how ''large'' is the volume you speak of?"


    Xiao Yi threw out a list. "As stated in the list!"


    Shi Feiya took the list and couldn''t help but gasp.


    Even though her Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce was one of the three major medicinal material chambers in Beast Emperor City, it was rare to see an order of such magnitude. According to the list, the annual transaction amount was over a hundred billion.


    However...


    Shi Feiya furrowed her brows slightly and said gravely, "Mister Xiao, our Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce can certainly handle this order, but the problem is your Xiaoshanhe Institute is located within the Great Qian Dynasty. That''s the territory of Medicine King Valley. Aren''t you afraid of offending them by working with us?"


    "What? Is President Shi afraid of Medicine King Valley?" Xiao Yi said with a hint of jest.


    "Yes indeed, I''m just a defenseless woman, and Medicine King Valley is the overlord of the Southern State. How could I not be afraid?" Shi Feiya raised her eyebrows with a seductive and vulnerable look that could not help but provoke a protective instinct in others.


    Xiao Yi smiled. "If so, I''ll just find someone else!"


    Watching Xiao Yi turn to leave.


    Shi Feiya''s enticing and vulnerable expression froze. Stamping her foot in vexation and gritting her teeth, she called out, "Please wait a moment, Mister Xiao..."


    "Hm?"


    Xiao Yi looked at her with amusement.


    Shi Feiya said helplessly, "This order is also a great opportunity for the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce, but it requires further discussion. Please come back to this place after three days, and I promise to give you an answer. How does that sound?"


    Xiao Yi shook his head. "No later than tomorrow!"


    "This..."


    Shi Feiya hesitated and, seeing Xiao Yi''s firm demeanor, relented, "Alright, I''ll have an answer for you tomorrow!"


    Xiao Yi nodded and then asked, "President Shi, may I ask if there''s any place worth visiting in Beast Emperor City?"


    "A place worth visiting?"


    Shi Feiya''s brows slightly furrowed and her eyes lit up. "Mister Xiao must have just broken through to the Tao Tribulation Realm, right? In the west of the city, there is a Cave of Desire. You might want to try visiting it; perhaps you''ll come across an unexpected gain!"


    "Cave of Desire?"


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow and clasped his hands toward her. "Thank you for the suggestion, President Shi. I''ll be back tomorrow to discuss the matter!"


    Watching the retreating figure of Xiao Yi.


    Shi Feiya''s lips curled slightly at the corners, revealing a dimple near the beauty mark, "What an interesting young man..."

 Chapter 315 - 315: Cave of Desire

    Beast Emperor City was immense beyond compare.


    It was divided into five major city districts: east, south, west, north, and central, with the East City District being the black market.


    The West City District was also bustling with activity.


    Under Along''s lead, Xiao Yi rented a horse-drawn carriage and, for the cost of ten thousand Silver, arrived at the Cave of Desire located in the West City. This Cave of Desire was a huge cavern.


    To the left and right of the cave, a nine-story tower was constructed respectively.


    Along explained, "These two towers are known as the Demon Suppression Towers... It is said that deep within the Cave of Desire, an evil Demon Spirit brimming with wickedness is sealed. The first City Lord of Beast Emperor City built these two towers in an attempt to suppress the Demon Spirit within the Cave of Desire!"


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow.


    He didn''t believe in such tales of suppressing Demon Spirits.


    As the two approached the Cave of Desire, they found that many powerhouses were already queuing up in front, and at the entrance of the Cave of Desire, there were ten strong men dressed in the armor of the Law Enforcement Team standing guard.


    In the center, an old man sat nonchalantly at a small table.


    "This old man is not simple!"


    Xiao Yi watched the old man, warily on guard inside.


    Even though this person''s cultivation might not have reached the Dharma Manifestation Realm, he was still more terrifying than the usual peak Tao Tribulation Realm cultivator!


    Xiao Yi''s gaze swept around.


    At the entrance of the Cave of Desire, there was actually a black stele.


    On the stele, there were names inscribed.


    The one at the top was none other than Xiao Tianjiao!


    Behind Xiao Tianjiao''s name, there were seventeen golden stars twinkling.


    "Why would Xiao Tianjiao''s name be here?"


    Xiao Yi turned to Along and asked, "Along, who are the people listed on that stele?"


    Along, who somehow had produced a roasted beast leg to gnaw on, mumbled vaguely, "That''s the ranking for the Cave of Desire. See the one ranked first, Xiao Tianjiao? It is said that he comes from the Great Qian Dynasty and is an unparalleled genius. He once came to the Cave of Desire when he was at the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm and bravely made it to the seventeenth level. At that time, the entire Beast Emperor City was shaken!"


    Xiao Yi murmured, "Peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm? The seventeenth level? Just how many levels does the Cave of Desire have?"


    Along said, "There are a total of eighteen levels. It is said that the Evil Demon Spirit is sealed on the eighteenth level. If one can enter there, they can gain the strength of the Demon Spirit. However, to this day, no one has ever reached the eighteenth level..."


    "Evil Demon Spirit?"


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, "Even Xiao Tianjiao was stopped at the seventeenth level? I''m curious as to where my limit lies!"


    "Make way, all of you, make way!"


    There suddenly came a hurried rush of footsteps from behind the crowd, and a haughty young man followed by a group of people walked over. This young man had an air of arrogance, with a look of disdain for everyone, and a dark long spear on his back. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The people in line stepped aside to make room.


    "Who is that?" Xiao Yi asked, puzzled.


    Along shook his head.


    He was just a slave, how could he know so much?


    The cultivator from the Fifth Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm who had been standing in front of Xiao Yi turned around and said, "You don''t know him? He is Sha Ying, the Vice City Lord Sha Kun''s son from our Beast Emperor City. He''s considered an extraordinary genius, and it''s said that he has always idolized Xiao Tianjiao, striving to surpass him. He''s already made it to the fifteenth level before but refuses to leave his name on the ranking. He''s probably here this time to challenge Xiao Tianjiao''s record!"


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow, looking with interest at the imperious Sha Ying, "To idolize Xiao Tianjiao? That''s quite interesting!"


    Sha Ying quickly entered.


    The crowd continued to queue, and after a short while,


    it finally came to their turn. The old man sat there calmly, his eyes not even bothering to look up, "Tao Tribulation Realm, one million entry fee per person!"


    Xiao Yi rolled his eyes and handed over two million Silver.


    This Beast Emperor City really does charge money for everything!


    If a poor person were here, they wouldn''t even be able to afford a meal.


    As Xiao Yi entered the Cave of Desire, he found himself in a narrow passageway. While walking, he suddenly discovered that Along had disappeared from his side. Abruptly, two diverging paths appeared before him.


    Between the two paths stood a stele.


    On the stele was written: Left for life, right for death.


    Choose the path of life, leave the cave!


    Choose the path of death, risk falling!


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow, "Just entered and then leave? I doubt anyone would choose that!"


    He headed straight for the path on the right.


    Suddenly, everything in front of him changed dramatically. A pitch-black space materialized before him, and amidst clanging noises, massive black stone walls fell into place all around him.


    They formed a square cage, sealing Xiao Yi within.


    Woosh!


    Woosh!


    Two beams of light fell in front of Xiao Yi. The left transformed into a group of elderly, women, and children, while the right became a host of fierce-looking bandits exuding evil qi.


    A hoarse voice echoed in the air: "Choose one group as your opponent, kill them all, and you may proceed to the next level!"


    One side held bandits, the other the elderly, women, and children.


    If one wished to pass easily, naturally they would choose the latter.


    Xiao Yi shrugged his shoulders but, without a second thought, walked straight toward the bandits.


    Roar!


    The bandits'' eyes revealed a ferocious look, their glow disappearing, and like unleashed wild horses, they charged towards Xiao Yi. Facing this group of bandits, Xiao Yi showed no mercy, unleashing a sword finger slash that swept through the air.


    Woosh!


    A silver sword light burst forth from his fingertips.


    Wherever the light passed, the bandits were ground into pieces, left without a resting place in death.


    And after these bandits died, they turned into glimmers of light resembling stars, swiftly merging into Xiao Yi''s body. A glint of understanding flashed across his eyes, "This, this feeling... Is this the power of heaven and earth?"


    Those fallen bandits turned out to be manifestations of the force of heaven and earth.


    Upon being crushed, this force of heaven and earth merged into his body.


    Xiao Yi could distinctly feel his Martial Dao Divine Fruit becoming even more refined, hinting at the forming of a second layer of Dao patterns. He revealed a look of wild joy, "This Cave of Desire actually has such miraculous effects, it seems I really came to the right place!"


    Just as Xiao Yi was about to continue to the next level.


    Those elderly, women, and children who he had not chosen displayed warm smiles, their hands pressed together as they directed looks of gratitude and praise towards him.


    Woosh, woosh, woosh!


    They too transformed into a vast expanse of stars, merging into Xiao Yi''s body.


    Xiao Yi''s Martial Dao Divine Fruit possessed nine Dao patterns, with the five elemental Dao patterns each representing one of the five elements of the force of heaven and earth, and the Yin-Yang Dao patterns each representing two parts of the Yin and Yang forces of heaven and earth.


    Now...


    After absorbing these two waves of light, the heavenly forces he controlled each increased by half a part.


    With a gleam in his eyes, Xiao Yi moved towards the entrance of the second layer that had appeared before him.


    This time, two choices again presented themselves before Xiao Yi.


    In front of him...


    On the left was Fang Qingzhu, and on the right was also Fang Qingzhu.


    An icy voice subsequently rang in his mind, causing Xiao Yi''s expression to undergo a sudden change: "..."

 Chapter 316 - 316: Breaking Records Again, The 18th Layer!

    "Within half an incense stick''s time, killing any one person will let you pass this round!"


    A cold voice echoed in his mind.


    On the left, Fang Qingzhu wore a serene smile, in the prime of her youth; on the right, a pregnant Fang Qingzhu, her belly swollen, was speaking to Xiao Yi, "Xiao Yi, our child will be born soon!"


    Two Fang Qingzhus.


    They were the most important people to Xiao Yi.


    However, the one on the left was alone, while the one on the right was with child, carrying Xiao Yi''s baby.


    Within half an incense stick''s time!


    He must kill one!


    As time dripped away, Xiao Yi sighed, walked towards the two Fang Qingzhus, and gently caressed their faces, as real as any, "Qingzhu, are you doing well now? Wait for me; I will definitely come find you!"


    The cold voice sounded again: "Time''s up, please make your choice!"


    "Choose my ass!"


    Xiao Yi curled his lip, "Even if they''re fake, I refuse to make any choice between them!"


    The cold voice fell silent for a while, its tone chilling and threatening, "If you don''t choose, you will be expelled from the Cave of Desire. You should know, with your talent and strength, it is very likely you will surpass Xiao Tianjiao and gain the power of the demon spirit!"


    "I do crave power, but if it means exchanging it for the people I treasure, I''d rather not have that power!" Xiao Yi''s voice was calm, but his resolve was unwavering.


    The cold voice completely disappeared. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The two "Fang Qingzhus" in front of him vanished at the same time, turning into stars that merged into his body.


    Hum!


    Xiao Yi''s whole body shook.


    The Martial Dao Divine Fruit emerged from his body, gathering above his head, and with a crisp "pop," nine more Dao patterns condensed on it.


    The power of the Five Elements reached twenty percent.


    The power of Yin and Yang reached thirty percent.


    Xiao Yi''s cultivation officially stepped into the Second Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    "Just two layers, and I''ve already broken through a minor realm? What kind of power is hidden in this Cave of Desire? Unbelievable, truly unbelievable!" Xiao Yi absorbed the Martial Dao Divine Fruit back into his body and stepped into the third layer.


    Then the fourth layer.


    The fifth layer.


    The sixth layer...


    Xiao Yi advanced unobstructed.


    The choices he faced became increasingly bizarre, but Xiao Yi always kept his initial resolve and pressed forward decisively.


    In the blink of an eye.


    Xiao Yi had already reached the seventeenth layer, and the forty-five Dao patterns on his Martial Dao meant that his cultivation had reached the Fifth Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    With his current strength, even if he faced an expert at the Fifth Layer of the Dharma Manifestation Realm, he had the confidence to fight!


    "The seventeenth layer, Xiao Tianjiao stopped at this layer. When you reached this step, Xiao Tianjiao, you were already at the Peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm, yet I am merely at the Fifth Layer..."


    Xiao Yi licked his lips, his eyes shining as he stared at the two pillars of light that had appeared in front of him, "As long as I get through this, I will have broken another one of your records!"


    This journey.


    The Combat Pavilion, the Yin Yang Five Elements Tower, the Tribulation of Heaven in the Tao Tribulation Realm!


    Xiao Yi had already consecutively broken three records that Xiao Tianjiao took pride in!


    Now...


    The fourth record was right in front of him!


    Hum!


    The two pillars of light paused.


    In front of Xiao Yi, two figures appeared; on the left was Xiao Tianjiao, but he was in a sorry state, tied to a wooden stake. In front of him, a cursed demon sword enveloped in runes, its black aura swirling.


    On the right was a low grave, with a tombstone standing over it.


    The tombstone read¡ªThe grave of Mrs. Liu from the Xiao Clan!


    It was the grave of Xiao Yi''s mother!


    The cold voice sounded at the same time, "The sword on the left is the Cursed Demon Sword, use it to slay Xiao Tianjiao, and the curse will manifest in reality; Xiao Tianjiao will die from the curse, and killing Xiao Tianjiao will let you pass. On the right is your mother''s grave, kneel and worship, and you may also pass!"


    This voice was utterly calm, yet held a strange magic power within it.


    Xiao Yi could clearly hear his own heart pounding.


    It was as if a million mouths were whispering in his ear, tempting him, "Kill Xiao Tianjiao, and no one will be able to threaten you anymore!"


    "Once you kill Xiao Tianjiao, the Xiao Family will lose their support, and they will have to beg you to return. Then you can worship your mother; why waste the opportunity here?"


    "Kill Xiao Tianjiao..."


    Wave after wave of seductive voices arose in his ears.


    Xiao Yi involuntarily walked towards Xiao Tianjiao, his palm already gripping the demon sword.


    Xiao Tianjiao!


    This was one of Xiao Yi''s heart demons, which he vowed to slay!


    Hum!


    The demon sword had been pulled out from the ground, the blade enveloped in black demonic Qi and the runes shimmered with dazzling light. With just a slight thrust forward, he could completely eradicate the heart demon that was Xiao Tianjiao.


    Afterward, his martial path would be unimpeded.


    He could even use a curse to kill Xiao Tianjiao.


    The sword''s tip moved constantly forward.


    Just as he was about to behead Xiao Tianjiao, a buzzing sounded in Xiao Yi''s mind.


    "My heart is as iron, unbreakable; my heart is as a sword, peerlessly sharp!"


    Mysterious sounds emanated from Xiao Yi''s mouth, dispelling the countless beguiling voices around him. He abruptly flung his arm, tossing the demon sword aside, and began to gasp for breath.


    In that instant, he was already drenched in a cold sweat.


    Huff! Huff!


    Xiao Yi gasping heavily, stared at Xiao Tianjiao tied to the wooden post and snorted coldly, "I, Xiao Yi, will deal with you myself..."


    He promptly turned around.


    Xiao Yi kneeled before the lowly grave with a thump, respectfully kowtowed three times, and spoke solemnly, "Mother, please forgive your unfilial son for not being able to worship at your grave. But believe me, it won''t be long before I can pay tribute to you openly and honorably!"


    Hum!


    The image of Xiao Tianjiao and the lowly grave vanished before him.


    An extremely terrifying surge of energy madly flooded into Xiao Yi''s body.


    The Martial Dao Divine Fruit left his body once more, hovering above his head as the Dao patterns continued to climb. It increased to fifty-four Dao patterns, and his cultivation formally stepped into the Sixth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm!


    At the same time...


    The heavenly and earthly energies within Xiao Yi''s body surged into the God Sealing Seed, increasing their number by tens of millions, reaching a total of sixty million!


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi''s figure darted into the eighteenth layer.


    He...


    Once again broke the record set by Xiao Tianjiao!


    Moreover.


    Xiao Yi also became the only one since ancient times to enter the eighteenth layer of the Cave of Desire.


    And just moments before Xiao Yi stepped into the eighteenth layer...


    Outside the Cave of Desire.


    Sha Ying''s figure appeared before everyone, his mouth slightly curving upwards, enjoying the adulation and gazes of the crowd with a proud face.


    "Young Master Sha Ying, have you broken Xiao Tianjiao''s record this time?"


    "Is that even a question? Last time Young Master Sha Ying reached the fifteenth layer, and now that his cultivation has ascended to the Peak of Tao Tribulation Realm, he''s definitely stronger than Xiao Tianjiao!"


    The crowd flattered him.


    Sha Ying''s eyes twinkled with pride, but he maintained a nonchalant facade and waved his hand, "Xiao Tianjiao is, after all, the strongest genius in the history of the Great Qian Dynasty. I still have some distance to cover. This time, I barely reached the sixteenth layer, just one step away!"


    "The sixteenth layer?"


    "That''s terrifying as well. Since the emergence of the Cave of Desire, there have been no more than nine individuals who have reached the sixteenth layer. Young Master, you are the youngest among them. Once you''re on the ranking, you will definitely be second only to Xiao Tianjiao!"


    The crowd remarked one after another.


    Sha Ying feigned difficulty, nodded his head, and said, "So be it, I shall leave my name then!"


    Sha Ying, with a smile, turned to the elder, "Elder, please inscribe my name on the ranking board!"


    "Hmm!"


    The elder nonchalantly wrote down Sha Ying''s name.


    Watching his name placed second, just behind Xiao Tianjiao, Sha Ying''s mouth curved upward, bearing a proud demeanor.


    However...


    The elder suddenly let out a sound of surprise.


    His gray eyebrows furrowed tightly, then relaxed as his palm gently swept over the ranking board. Xiao Tianjiao''s name moved back a step, and Sha Ying''s name also fell to the third position.


    Sha Ying''s face stiffened with self-satisfaction, and he looked puzzled at the elder, "Elder, what does this mean?"


    The elder let out an "Oh" and spoke in a haunting tone that left Sha Ying''s face resembling a liverish hue, "Someone has reached the eighteenth layer. Xiao Tianjiao is now historically second, and you, third..."

 Chapter 317 - 317: Kneel Not to the Heavens Above, Nor to the Earth Below!

    "Xiao Tianjiao ranks second, and you''re third!"


    The elder spoke slowly and deliberately.


    What?


    Sha Ying''s face, which was filled with triumph and excitement, suddenly froze, and he looked at the elder in confusion, asking in disbelief, "What, what did you say? Someone entered the eighteenth level?"


    "Yes!"


    The elder nodded.


    Thump, thump, thump!


    Sha Ying''s face was a picture of confusion, turning pale and then flushing red, as he roared in disbelief, "This is impossible... Even when Xiao Tianjiao was at the Peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm, he only reached the seventeenth level. How can anyone enter the eighteenth level? Could it be that some old ancestor from the Dharma Manifestation Realm has entered?"


    He simply couldn''t imagine, if Xiao Tianjiao himself couldn''t break through the seventeenth level, how could anyone else manage to reach it.


    The surrounding crowd, shocked, nodded in agreement, "It must be an old ancestor of the Dharma Manifestation Realm challenging it. Among those in the Tao Tribulation Realm, no one should possess greater talent than Xiao Tianjiao!"


    "Was there a Dharma Manifestation Realm old ancestor just now? How come I didn''t notice?"


    "What kind of status does a Dharma Manifestation Realm old ancestor have? If he didn''t want you to notice him, even standing right in front of you, you wouldn''t recognize him!"


    However...


    The elder shook his head and said, "Not Dharma Manifestation, just Tao Tribulation!"


    Not Dharma Manifestation, just Tao Tribulation?


    Merely eight words.


    To Sha Ying, they sounded like a bolt out of the blue thundering in his ears, causing his face to alternate between pale and flushed, showing an intense color of disbelief, "How can this be? I don''t believe it, I can''t believe it... In the Tao Tribulation Realm, who can be stronger than me, stronger than Xiao Tianjiao? How can such a being exist..."


    His face was extremely ugly.


    Recalling how he had just breached the sixteenth level, only one step away from his idol.


    He was so happy, so excited, so proud!


    But now...


    Reality had slapped him hard across the face.


    No!


    This was rubbing his face in the dirt!


    "Damn it, who is this person who has the audacity to humiliate me so? I will tear you to pieces..." Sha Ying''s eyes were bloodshot, his initial shock turning into venomous hatred.


    Today was supposed to be the most glorious day of his life.


    But now...


    All of it had turned into a mirage, into a stepping stone for Xiao Yi.


    Sha Ying''s eyes gleamed with a vicious cold light. Had the person breaking through been an old ancestor of the Dharma Manifestation Realm, he would have hesitated to seek revenge, but the elder in front of him had already clarified that the other party was not an old ancestor from the Dharma Manifestation Realm. With his status, wasn''t it a simple matter for him to crush the other party as he pleased?


    At this moment.


    Xiao Yi, deep within the Cave of Desire, had no idea of Sha Ying''s thoughts.


    He had already entered the eighteenth level.


    In front of him was an endless expanse of pitch darkness, with an aura of ghostly solemnity. The world was pitch black without any light. Yet strangely, in such an environment, Xiao Yi could still clearly see everything in front of him.


    In the center of this dark space, a colossal figure lay prostrate on the ground.


    "What is that?"


    Xiao Yi''s pupils shrank slightly. Upon seeing the figure, he instinctively felt a heart-throbbing sensation.


    Even Little Lin in his arms was restless and uneasy.


    Wriggling its body and poking its head out, its eyes full of wariness, it said, "Boss, I have a very bad feeling about this..."


    "Don''t worry, I''m here!"


    Xiao Yi patted its head reassuringly as he cautiously approached the massive figure.


    In this entire dark space, there was only this one dark existence.


    The mountain appears near but is far in reality.


    What seemed to be a mere few hundred meters away turned out to be several kilometers in distance. As Xiao Yi approached the dark figure, he couldn''t help but inhale sharply.


    This immense body was a thousand zhang tall, towering and reaching into the Azure Sea.


    It was not a mountain peak.


    This was, shockingly, half a head.


    Just half a head, and yet it was a thousand zhang tall. What kind of massive creature could this be?


    "You''ve come!"


    An ancient voice suddenly rang out. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It seemed to come from the depths of the void, echoing throughout the empty Cave of Desire on the eighteenth layer, vast and filled with majesty, and even a trace of vicissitude.


    As if it had witnessed the ancient vastness, seen the Azure Sea turned into mulberry fields.


    "Who is the senior?" Xiao Yi asked.


    Humm!


    Above the enormous beast''s head, a shadowy figure fell.


    It was an elder with a cane.


    With kind eyebrows and benevolent eyes, and a red mole between the eyebrows, compassionate and merciful, his eyes were peaceful and profound, like a calm ocean. In his eyes, seemingly a cycle of vast phenomena, they rested upon Xiao Yi and Little Lin in his arms.


    "I had thought that it would be Xiao Tianjiao who could enter the eighteenth layer, but he stopped at the seventeenth. You, you are even more outstanding!" The elder''s ancient gaze carried a hint of peculiar colors.


    Making one''s state of mind unconsciously become tranquil.


    Xiao Yi raised his eyebrows, "May I ask who the senior is?"


    "You may call me Xuan!"


    Xuan smiled, then said, "Little fellow, aren''t you curious about what Xiao Tianjiao encountered on the seventeenth layer?"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback.


    Xuan waved his hand.


    A screen of light fell before Xiao Yi, showing the figure of Xiao Tianjiao within it. Before him appeared two choices. On the left was Xiao Yi, and on the right was the grave of Xiao Yi''s mother.


    "Nothing but trash, killing him would dirty my hands. As for this..."


    Xiao Tianjiao''s proud words came from the screen, his gaze directed at the humble grave: "I, Xiao Tianjiao, do not kneel to heaven above or earth below, how could I kneel to a dead person?"


    Xiao Tianjiao, with a wave of his hand.


    Boom!


    The entire grave burst apart.


    Even though it was merely an illusion, Xiao Yi''s body still tensed, his eyes turning completely red in an instant. He gritted his teeth tightly, making a grinding noise: "Xiao Tianjiao..."


    Each word was uttered with exceptional weight.


    As if he wanted to grind him to dust.


    Xiao Tianjiao''s pride and strength were evident.


    The illusion had not confused his mind.


    But his pride made even the thought of annihilating Xiao Yi''s illusion feel like a disgrace, as if killing Xiao Yi would taint his hands. Even in front of the grave of his birth mother, he disdained to offer tribute.


    Not kneeling to heaven or earth.


    What was his mother?


    What right did she have to make me, Xiao Tianjiao, kneel?


    With just a palm strike, shattering the mother''s grave, even though it was an illusion, the indifference and ruthlessness of Xiao Tianjiao could still be seen.


    The light screen quietly disappeared.


    Xuan gazed at Xiao Yi, saying, "Do you hate him?"


    "What does it have to do with you?"


    Xiao Yi looked up at Xuan, speaking neither humbly nor arrogantly.


    Xuan narrowed his eyes, saying, "I can give you the power to surpass him!"


    The voice was enticing and mesmerizing.


    Those with weak wills,


    Would surely be affected.


    Xiao Yi bit his tongue, the sweetness and sting helping him to regain clarity, he said coldly, "Without you, I can still surpass him, Xiao Tianjiao!"


    Xuan fell silent.


    After a long moment,


    Xuan revealed a gratified smile, "Having passed the test of the seventeenth layer of the Cave of Desire, you truly did not disappoint me. Xiao Yi, aren''t you very curious about my identity?"


    Xiao Yi squinted his eyes.


    Xuan slowly began, "I am¡­"

 Chapter 318 - 318: The Nine Cauldrons Seal Eternal Life

    Xuan slowly spoke, revealing his identity, "I am right beneath your feet!"


    "Hm?"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback.


    He subconsciously looked toward the ground, asking in confusion, "You are the Cave of Desire?"


    "..."


    The corner of Xuan''s eye twitched, he said, "I am the Beast Emperor Island beneath your feet!"


    Xiao Yi: "..."


    What the hell?


    Beast Emperor Island?


    He did not know the full size of the entire Beast Emperor Island, but he did know how vast the Beast Emperor City was, with billions of inhabitants, and it took two hours to travel from East City to West City by carriage.


    And that was no ordinary carriage.


    It was one pulled by Sea Dragon Horses, capable of travelling a thousand kilometers a day without breaking a sweat.


    Two hours, almost three hundred kilometers!


    Between two city districts, that''s nearly three hundred kilometers, so how massive was the whole Beast Emperor Island?


    At least four to five hundred kilometers in length and width!


    Xuan was actually saying he was the Beast Emperor Island?


    Has the island become incarnate?


    Xiao Yi sized up Xuan from head to toe and ventured, "Senior, have you become an island incarnation?"


    "..."


    Xuan''s eyelid twitched violently as he glared at Xiao Yi and said through clenched teeth, "What island incarnation... This Beast Emperor Island is my body, refined into an island by someone as a sacrifice."


    Boom!


    Xiao Yi''s mind went blank.


    He naturally knew about the methods of sacrifice, and indeed many powerful beings would refine the bodies or bones of powerful beasts into prime weapons. But after such a refinement, they usually remove the dross, and the scale only gets smaller.


    After Xuan''s body was refined, it was still a massive four to five hundred kilometers in length and width.


    How terrifying must his true form have been?


    "I was originally one of the Nine Beasts guarding the Hall of Longevity. Since Zhao Wuji shattered the Qingtian Realm in battle, the Hall of Longevity escaped into the depths of the void, and we, the Nine Beasts, scattered across various places in the Qingtian Realm."


    Xuan spoke unhurriedly, "I was on the brink of death back then, so I refined my body into this Beast Emperor Island. One, to transform my soul into an Artifact Spirit, managing to cling to life. And two, to protect one of the Nine Tripods, in hope that when the Hall of Longevity reappears in the world, I could return and be resurrected..."


    "Hall of Longevity?"


    Xiao Yi was startled.


    Having received the legacy of sages like the Wind Thunder, he naturally knew of the Hall of Longevity''s existence.


    Legend has it...


    In the Ancient Era, the Qingtian Realm was united, and the natural energy of heaven and earth was a thousandfold, even ten-thousand-fold more abundant than it is now.


    But in that era when martial arts were first burgeoning, the martial arts system was in a chaotic, primitive state, with cultivation at its peak being no more than the Dharma Phase Realm Peak.


    Thus, an ancient mighty one crafted nine cauldrons and suppressed the martial fate of the Qingtian Realm within the Hall of Longevity. From then on, genuine martial arts began to flourish, and some powerful beings broke through the shackles of heaven and earth, stepping into the Longevity Secret Realm.


    It was precisely because of this.


    The world started to say, "The Nine Tripods secure longevity!"


    Yet even in the legacies of sages like Wind Thunder, references to the Hall of Longevity were scarce and ambiguous.


    Xiao Yi said solemnly, "Senior, are you saying that to step into the Longevity Secret Realm, one must truly have the Hall of Longevity?"


    "Not at all!"


    Xuan shook his head and chuckled, "Rumors are often exaggerated. Although there indeed are ways within the Hall of Longevity that allow one to enter the Longevity Secret Realm, its existence is not actually about breaking free from limitations to achieve longevity. The notion of ''The Nine Tripods secure longevity'' is about stabilizing heaven and earth with the nine cauldrons, constraining the great dao so that the powerhouses of the Longevity Secret Realm can move freely between heaven and earth. Have you noticed that ever since the Hall of Longevity vanished, those who walk the Longevity Secret Realm are as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns?"


    Xiao Yi nodded.


    That was precisely his confusion.


    Xuan continued, "The Longevity Secret Realm is too powerful; if its beings were allowed to roam freely between heaven and earth, the impact on the world would be enormous. A single Longevity Secret Realm being could draw all the natural energy of a nation with a mere breath... ''The Nine Tripods secure longevity'' stabilizes the earth and heaven, the great dao itself. Now that the Hall of Longevity has been struck by Zhao Wuji into the depths of the void, those from the Longevity Secret Realm naturally cannot wander freely between heaven and earth..."


    Xiao Yi suddenly realized, "So ''The Nine Tripods secure longevity'' refers to such anchoring!"


    No wonder, even a power such as the Great Qian Dynasty doesn''t have beings from the Longevity Secret Realm in existence.


    Perhaps the Longevity Secret Realm beings of the Great Qian Dynasty have just never walked among the world.


    Xuan said gravely, "Xiao Yi, I''ve waited for so many years, and you are the only one who has managed to come here. I am willing to bestow upon you one of the Nine Tripods of longevity. If one day the Hall of Longevity reappears in the world, I hope you can bring the Nine Tripods back to me, bringing my soul back to the Hall of Longevity!"


    The nine beasts of longevity were born together with the Hall of Longevity.


    If they could return to the Hall of Longevity, there was still hope for revival and rebirth!


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, immersed in deep thought.


    He didn''t fully trust the ancient fellow before him who had lived for untold years. Dealing with such beings required extreme caution, or else one might be devoured to the point of leaving no remains.


    Seeing Xiao Yi''s hesitation to agree, a look of urgency flashed in the depths of Xuan''s eyes, and he continued, "To show my sincerity, I am willing to give you two drops of the Beast Emperor''s heart blood!"


    Hum! Hum!


    With a casual gesture from Xuan, two drops of golden blood flew down from the peak of a thousand feet.


    The blood was like pearls.


    Crystal clear.


    It contained an overwhelming surge of the Qi of heaven and earth within.


    What is a Beast Emperor?


    Above the seventh rank, comparable to the Human Race''s Longevity Secret Realm!


    The heart blood of the Beast Emperor was especially precious. It was said that a seventh-rank Beast Emperor could only condense a few dozen drops of heart blood in its lifetime, and consuming it could extend one''s life by a thousand years.


    It also had tremendous benefits for martial artists.


    Little Lin was itching to move, its eyes gleaming as it looked at the two drops of heart blood.


    Xiao Yi squinted his eyes, "Senior, please assist me and my brother in refining the heart blood!"


    "No problem!"


    Xuan nodded his head.


    With a wave of his hand.


    A dazzling golden cauldron fell between the two, and Xuan said, "This is one of the Nine Cauldrons, driven by the Qi of heaven and earth, it can speed up the refinement process. Place the heart blood within, and with your strength, you should be able to increase the refining speed by a hundredfold!"


    Xiao Yi''s pupils contracted slightly, a hundredfold refining speed?


    What if it was a Dharma Phase Realm practitioner, or even a master of the Longevity Secret Realm?


    Wouldn''t that be thousands or tens of thousands of times faster?


    One must know...


    Even consuming medicinal pills required a considerable amount of time.


    But if one could increase the speed of refinement, for instance, by a hundredfold, what would normally take a year would now only take three days. What kind of heaven-defying Divine Artifact was this?


    Xiao Yi and Little Lin sat cross-legged before the small cauldron, dropping the heart blood into it, with the Qi of heaven and earth driving the cauldron. Golden light circulated around the small cauldron, nine golden dragons moved about its body, and it began to vibrate with a humming sound.


    Brilliant rays of light enveloped both Xiao Yi and Little Lin.


    They could distinctly feel their power rising rapidly¡ªsuch a refining speed was indeed terrifying!


    One hour.


    Two hours.


    Three hours...


    After just ten hours,


    the heart blood within the small cauldron was completely refined. Little Lin''s body flickered with golden light, its scale armor shining brilliantly. It had reached the high level of the sixth rank, comparable to the seventh layer of the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    Xiao Yi also advanced two realms, reaching the Eighth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm, and the number of God Sealing Seeds increased again to eighty million.


    With his current strength, he was a match for a practitioner of the Dharma Phase Realm at the eightfold level! S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Under normal circumstances, refining these two drops of heart blood would take at least three to four months, but now it''s only taken ten hours. With this hundredfold refining speed and with this Divine Artifact''s assistance, what difficulty would there be for my Xiaoshanhe Institute disciples to grow stronger?"


    Xiao Yi looked at the golden cauldron before him with a fervent gleam in his eyes. Turning to Xuan, he said, "Senior, I am willing to assist you!"


    "Excellent!"


    Xuan smiled with relief and eagerly said, "Xiao Yi, then quickly bond with this Longevity Cauldron! Simply drop a bit of fresh blood onto it!"


    Xiao Yi, looking thoughtful, glanced at Xuan and squeezed out a drop of essential blood, letting it fall onto the small cauldron.


    Hum!


    The golden cauldron shimmered, enveloping him within its light.


    Watching Xiao Yi covered in golden light, the benevolent expression on Xuan''s face vanished, replaced by a vicious and mad grin: "Hehehe, after being trapped for so many years, this emperor will finally escape! Hahaha, boy, your body now belongs to this emperor!"


    Hum!


    Xuan transformed into a streak of light and entered Xiao Yi''s brow.


    Witnessing this, Little Lin''s pores exploded, its eyes widened in fury, and two terrifying words surfaced in its mind¡ªbody snatching!

 Chapter 319 - 319: Youre the one seeking death!

    Body Possession!


    Xuan had actually used Xiao Yi to refine the Longevity Cauldron, and in the moment when he released his mind, he entered Xiao Yi''s forehead in an attempt to take over Xiao Yi''s body.


    Little Lin''s face showed humanized signs of anxiety, circling back and forth in desperation, "Xuan... you old thief, if you dare to hurt my boss, I will fight you to death and drag you to hell... "


    A smug voice from Xuan came out of Xiao Yi''s mouth, "Little one, if you dare to hurt me, you would be hurting your master."


    "Aaaargh..."


    Little Lin roared furiously.


    He was anxiously circling like an ant on a hot pan.


    Meanwhile...


    Xuan had already entered Xiao Yi''s soul, his face brimming with excitement, "To have passed the trial of the Cave of Desire, this boy''s willpower is strong enough to endure my soul. Coupled with the fact that his talent is not the slightest bit inferior to Xiao Tianjiao, even stronger, it seems that missing Xiao Tianjiao back then turned out to be a blessing in disguise! Hahaha... "


    In Xuan''s eyes, this body was already within his grasp.


    After all.


    He was the mighty Beast Emperor, comparable to the existence of the Longevity Secret Realm.


    And he had lived for countless years.


    His soul was exceptionally strong, by no means comparable to a mere twenty-year-old youth; to possess Xiao Yi''s body with his soul was as easy as taking something from one''s pocket.


    However...


    When Xuan entered Xiao Yi''s soul, he did not find Xiao Yi''s soul there.


    Xuan was baffled, "What''s going on? Where''s his soul? Without a soul, how can I devour it? How can I possess the body?"


    "Are you looking for me?"


    Suddenly, a playful voice came through.


    "Hmm?"


    Xuan was startled and looked in the direction of the sound.


    On that glance.


    His pupils suddenly dilated, and his eyes revealed intense shock and disbelief, "How, how, how is this possible? What, what exactly is that thing behind you?"


    In front of him...


    Xiao Yi''s soul stood suspended in mid-air, but behind him stood a vast graveyard.


    This was a graveyard floating in the midst of the stars, with countless stars falling like rain, giant celestials whizzing by, creating space ripples that stretched for billions of miles.


    The entire black graveyard, set amidst the stars, was encircled by four exceptionally dark dragons, as if cast from black iron, massive in size and connected head to tail around the graveyard.


    Like pillars supporting the heavens, they seemed to pierce through the entire starry sky.


    No fewer than eighty-one gigantic black chains hung from the tops of the pillars, on one end, extending deep into the depths of space, and on the other end, they hung upon eighty-one suns blazing with incomparably bright and hot light.


    The burning flames from each of the eighty-one suns could incinerate a realm, but they were firmly held up under the constraint of the black chains, upholding this mysterious pitch-black graveyard.


    Xiao Yi was currently standing at the entrance of the graveyard.


    To his left and right stood two cyan stone pillars, inscribed with two lines of blood-red characters, framing a couplet.


    A thousand calamities, a hundred lifetimes of hardship, pass in the blink of an eye throughout eternity.


    An immortal body, an indestructible soul, who can rival across ancient and present times?


    Above his head...


    Four towering characters emitted a despair-inducing aura¡ªEternal Heavenly Tomb!


    "Who exactly are you? What place is this?" Xuan felt as if his countless years of life had been lived in vain; he had never heard of such a terrifying existence.


    Xiao Yi stood proudly before the Eternal Heavenly Tomb, his hands slowly opening, a hint of a cold smile on his lips, "I am Xiao Yi, the Heaven-Suppressing Divine General. This is my Eternal Heavenly Tomb!"


    Boom!


    As Xiao Yi spread his arms.


    The gates of the Eternal Heavenly Tomb burst open.


    Xuan''s eyes nearly exploded, his scalp going numb.


    What did he see?


    The tomb of Martial God Zhao Wuji?


    The tomb of Medicine Saint Feng Lei?


    Each of these figures had made a name for themselves through the ages, and yet they were all buried here.


    Thump!


    Thump!


    Thump!


    Xuan''s heart pounded wildly, his soul nearly fleeing, his eyes no longer daring to look at Xiao Yi, with only one thought in his mind¡ªescape!


    Whoosh!


    Xuan transformed into a golden stream of light, attempting to escape from Xiao Yi''s soul.


    Xiao Yi''s lips curled up slightly, "Do you think you can escape?"


    Xiao Yi reached forward with his right hand.


    Boom!


    Within the Ancient Tomb of All Ages, there suddenly came a loud rumbling, as chains of black shot out frenziedly. These chains, like black Azure Dragons, twisted their massive bodies, shaking heaven and earth, startling even time and space.


    Clash!


    In an instant, numerous chains wrapped around Xuan, who tried to flee.


    Xuan could not break free at all.


    As he watched himself being dragged toward the Ancient Tomb of All Ages by the black chains, his eyes were filled with terror and despair, "Let me go, Xiao Yi, release me... I am willing to submit to you, I acknowledge you as my master, no..."


    Boom!


    The black chains yanked him into the Ancient Tomb of All Ages, enveloping and turning him into a low, small mound.


    Xiao Yi raised his palm, "Bring forth the stele!"


    Swish!


    A tombstone appeared in Xiao Yi''s hand, upon which he swiftly inscribed, before casting it in front of the small mound.


    It read: Tomb of Xuan, the Eternal Beast of Longevity!


    Staring at the small grave before him, Xiao Yi fell into contemplation. The moment Xuan invaded his soul and tried to possess it, he discovered that he could control the Ancient Tomb of All Ages and seal it.


    Xiao Yi''s gaze swept over the vast Ancient Tomb of All Ages, "Are all the graves here similarly sealed by the Heaven Seal Divine Generals themselves? It cannot all be soul possessions... Could it be that in the future, the Ancient Tomb of All Ages might appear in the world again, sealing the strong from all realms?"


    Just thinking about standing among the heavens and earth one day, facing innumerable strong foes, and summoning the Ancient Tomb of All Ages.


    Are you a descendant of Martial God?


    Your ancestor''s grave is in my hands!


    Are you a disciple of Medicine Saint?


    Your master''s grave is in my hands!


    Tsk, tsk...


    "It feels exhilarating just to think about it..." Xiao Yi muttered to himself, regaining control of his body.


    Almost at the same time.


    The Longevity Cauldron before him had also completed its refinement.


    With a flip of his palm, the Longevity Cauldron entered his body.


    "Who exactly are you?" Little Lin asked Xiao Yi cautiously.


    Xiao Yi burst into laughter and ruffled his head, "Who do you say I am?"


    Little Lin ventured, "Boss?"


    Xiao Yi nodded, his gaze turned to the towering peak and said, "Xuan had just taken the Beast Emperor''s heartblood from there; I wonder if there''s more left! Little Lin, go and see if you can find any treasures and bring them back!"


    Little Lin had a unique talent for treasure hunting!


    Swish!


    Little Lin dashed towards the towering peak, and moments later, he excitedly returned with a storage ring in front of Xiao Yi, proudly proclaiming, "Boss, look what I found!"


    Xiao Yi was startled, then took the storage ring and bound it to himself.


    He checked the treasures inside.


    Ecstasy spread across Xiao Yi''s face as he discovered not only ten drops of the Beast Emperor''s heartblood and a pitch-black magic sword within but many other treasures as well. Especially this pitch-black magic sword was the same one he had seen on the seventeenth layer.


    The seventh-tier magic sword, Moon Slayer! S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "A seventh-tier magic sword... must not be used until a critical moment!" Xiao Yi''s mind was clear as a mirror. Such a weapon was a treasure of the Longevity Secret Realm level, and its revelation would surely tempt even the leaders of the top ten sects to act impulsively.


    "Little Lin, it''s time for us to go back!"


    This trip to the Cave of Desire had brought him peerless treasures; it was time to return.


    ...


    At the entrance of the Cave of Desire.


    Along was covered in blood, impaled firmly on the ground by a black, blood-stained spear. A middle-aged man, who bore a slight resemblance to Tan Huajian, stood before him with an expressionless face, "Along, quit stalling and tell us, who killed my son?"


    This man was Tan Huajian''s father, the current head of the Tan Family, Tan Zheng.


    "Ptui!"


    Along spat a mouthful of blood at the man, his voice fierce, "Don''t dream of making me betray Xiao!"


    "You''re courting death!"


    A flash of cold light passed through Tan Zheng''s eyes as a frigid sharpness smashed towards Along''s head.


    At that moment.


    An ice-cold voice, booming like thunder, exploded, "The one courting death is you!"

 Chapter 320 - 320: Its My Honor

    "You''re the one seeking death!"


    The cold voice was filled with ghastly murderous intent.


    Xiao Yi burst forth from the Cave of Desire, bringing with him a gale that with a bang, pounced directly upon Tan Zheng.


    "Hmm?"


    Tan Zheng''s face changed, his body radiating light for a hundred yards.


    Vast amounts of vital energy converged in front of him, forming an energy shield that gleamed with the luster of gold, as if forged from the metal itself. It was immensely solid, such that even the common warriors at the Tao Tribulation Realm Peak would dream of shattering it.


    However...


    Under the sweep of this ferocious wind.


    This powerful energy shield exploded with a bang.


    The violent wind enveloped Tan Zheng, hurling his form viciously through the air.


    Wow!


    Tan Zheng let out a scream, his body flying backward like a kite with its string cut, bright red blood spraying wildly from his mouth. It traced a beautiful arc in the air and then crash-landed dozens of meters away with a thump.


    Hiss!


    Before the Cave of Desire, a deathly silence prevailed.


    Everyone was staring, dumbstruck at the scene before them.


    Tan Zheng was a warrior at the Tao Tribulation Realm Peak, yet the mere air disturbance caused by Xiao Yi''s rush was able to destroy his vital energy shield?


    How terrifying must that strength be?


    Even a common master at the first layer of the Dharma Manifestation Realm would likely find it difficult to manage this feat, wouldn''t they?


    Gulp!


    Sha Ying involuntarily swallowed, his arms which were previously crossed in front of his chest with an indifferent spectator''s gaze, unconsciously loosened and fell to his sides.


    Xiao Yi helped Along up and pulled out the long spear from his body.


    He threw him a pill to consume.


    Xiao Yi said with a dark face, "Are you alright?"


    Along forced a weak smile on his pale face, "I won''t die!"


    "That''s good. You rest here; the rest is up to me."


    Xiao Yi''s icy gaze turned to the trembling Tan Zheng as he struggled to stand up, fresh blood continuously pouring from his mouth and his pale face with a pair of pitch-black eyes glaring fixedly at Xiao Yi, "Who on earth are you?"


    Xiao Yi coldly said, "Weren''t you looking for the culprit who killed Tan Huajian? It is I!"


    "You..."


    Tan Zheng''s face changed slightly, and with a somber expression, he said, "With your strength, why would you have to deal such a ruthless hand to my son?"


    Xiao Yi replied, "Your blind son wanted to kill me; if I don''t kill him, should I just stretch out my neck for him to do the deed?"


    "..."


    Tan Zheng was left speechless, his expression changing uncertainly, and he said sternly, "Even if my son was wrong, you could have spared his life, and I would have made him apologize to you. That would have been the end of it. Yet you cruelly took his life..." S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi responded with an "Oh," and said, "I''m sorry!"


    "Ah?"


    Tan Zheng was stunned.


    The surrounding crowd was equally bewildered.


    What was going on?


    Xiao Yi clearly had the absolute upper hand, so why had he suddenly apologized?


    While Tan Zheng was still in a daze.


    Xiao Yi indifferently said, "I apologize to you first, then I shall kill you, and that will be the end of it!"


    Tan Zheng stared, dumbfounded: "..."


    Just as he was about to speak.


    He suddenly felt the world spin, and before his progressively blurring vision, his own body appeared.


    It turned out...


    His head had taken off on its own.


    Flying towards the ground behind him.


    Bang!


    Tan Zheng''s head landed firmly on the ground, while Xiao Yi shook his head, looking at Along, "I''ve never heard such a peculiar request before, that an apology could permit killing..."


    Along: "..."


    Sha Ying: "..."


    Everyone: "..."


    Xiao Yi, too lazy to pay attention to the crowd, walked straight to the elder and said, "Senior, please trouble yourself to write my name up there!"


    "Alright!"


    The elder, facing Xiao Yi again, no longer acted as casual as before and his expression became more solemn. He said, "May I ask for your name, young master? To which level of the Cave of Desire did you reach?"


    Xiao Yi enunciated each word, "Xiao Yi! The eighteenth level!"


    Boom!


    Even though everyone had a premonition when they saw Xiao Yi make a move, they still couldn''t help but gasp in shock when they heard Xiao Yi himself speak of reaching the eighteenth level.


    The elder''s hand trembled slightly as he meticulously wrote Xiao Yi''s name on the leaderboard.


    A full eighteen dazzling gold stars.


    All were incredibly brilliant.


    Like a blazing sun, they outshone all other lights in the world.


    The one most directly affected...


    ...was none other than Xiao Tianjiao, who once topped the list as the idol and target of everyone''s pursuit!


    Those once highly glorious seventeen stars.


    In front of Xiao Yi, became dim and lacklustre!


    Looking at the name Xiao Tianjiao beneath his own, Xiao Yi''s lips curled up slightly, "Xiao Tianjiao, I''m getting closer and closer to you!"


    After the elder had written Xiao Yi''s name on the leaderboard, it seemed he remembered something and looked towards Sha Ying: "Sha Ying, didn''t you say earlier that you wanted to be notified immediately if anyone reached the eighteenth level? His name is Xiao Yi, this young master right here!"


    Sha Ying, who had been preparing to sneak away, felt a shiver down his spine and cold sweat ran down his back; he wanted to curse that old man to death!


    His mouth twitched into a smile uglier than a cry as he cupped his hands towards Xiao Yi: "Xiao, Xiao Yi, congratulations on breaking Xiao Tianjiao''s record."


    Xiao Yi''s face showed a hint of amusement: "You''ve been waiting here to congratulate me?"


    "That, that of course!"


    Sha Ying nodded hastily, having witnessed Xiao Yi slaughtering Tan Zheng like a pig or dog, he dared not entertain any other notions.


    The onlookers looked at Sha Ying with thick disdain: "Just now, we didn''t know who was spouting bold claims, saying something about letting the person who broke into the eighteenth level know why the flower is so red!"


    "Now he''s chickened out..."


    "But Xiao Yi is indeed powerful, killing Tan Zheng as if crushing ants. Speaking of which, he also has the surname Xiao; since when did the Xiaos have so many geniuses..."


    Sha Ying''s face turned green.


    The whispered conversations of the crowd felt like thorns in his back.


    Damn it!


    Shut your mouths!


    Sha Ying looked towards Xiao Yi and, seeing the mocking look in his eyes, hurriedly said: "Brother Xiao''s talent is astonishing, and his martial prowess is unmatched. I am utterly in awe. I would like to offer you a banquet at Dragon Phoenix Tower, Brother Xiao, and wonder if you would honor me with your presence?"


    "Xiao, I''m hungry..." Along suddenly said.


    Little Lin in his arms: "Boss, I''m hungry too!"


    Xiao Yi: "..."


    He looked at Sha Ying and shrugged his shoulders, "Then I''ll trouble you!"


    Sha Ying was dumbstruck.


    He was just being polite, trying to change the subject.


    But who would have thought that Xiao Yi would actually agree?


    Sha Ying wanted to cry but had no tears: I really don''t want to spend another moment with you!


    Still, he could only manage a forced smile and said humbly, "It''s no trouble, it''s my honor..."


    The party of three headed straight for the Dragon Phoenix Tower.


    Dragon Phoenix Tower in Beast Emperor City is a top-tier restaurant where even a casual meal costs several thousand silver, and the most extravagant Dragon Phoenix Banquet is worth a hundred million silver.


    Today, Sha Ying had reserved the Dragon Phoenix Banquet to celebrate reaching the sixteenth level of the Cave of Desire.


    He also invited many friends.


    As Sha Ying stepped into Dragon Phoenix Tower, a group of friends greeted him, congratulating him one by one: "Hahaha, Brother Sha, congratulations on your new achievement!"


    "Now, aside from Xiao Tianjiao, you''re the one on the Cave of Desire leaderboard, right?"


    "Today, we''re definitely going to have a good time at your expense..."


    Listening to his friends'' congratulatory words, Sha Ying''s eyes twitched, and he felt like crying but couldn''t. Just as he was about to reply, he heard one of them, a sly-looking young man, step forward and say: "Brother Sha, we''ve gone to great lengths to celebrate for you, even tricking the young lady from the city lord''s manor to come here..."

 Chapter 321 - 321: If You Dont Fill It Up, Whats the Point of Drinking?

    "Hmm?"


    Sha Ying was taken aback.


    The sharp-tongued, gaunt-faced young man was his childhood friend, Lin Bo, the son of the vice president of the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce of the Beast Emperor City. They had grown up together and were as close as brothers, sharing every secret.


    On normal days, the two would collude and were no strangers to causing trouble.


    Lin Bo could be said to understand him best.


    Sha Ying raised an eyebrow, seeing this as the only piece of good news he had heard today, and his eyes revealed a shade of greed, "Are you sure you coaxed her to come? That damn woman, since she''s been back, I''ve tried inviting her out several times, but she''s refused to show up!"


    Lin Bo smirked sinisterly, "You know the condition that old codger of a city lord is in now. She came to the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce yesterday to seek medicine from my father and happened upon me. I told her to come along, promising to speak to my father on her behalf if she made me happy, and she agreed!"


    "Good lad, you really have a way!"


    Sha Ying laughed heartily, the gloom in his heart somewhat dispersed.


    Only then did Lin Bo look towards Xiao Yi and Along standing behind him, frowning slightly, "Sha, who are these two?"


    "Uh..."


    Sha Ying was startled, only then remembering Xiao Yi and his companion; however, he did not want to reveal Xiao Yi''s identity in front of his good friend.


    After all.


    He had invited everyone to this banquet under the pretense of celebrating his rise to the second spot on the Cave of Desire''s leaderboard.


    If he were to reveal Xiao Yi''s identity now, wouldn''t it make Xiao Yi the main attraction?


    This would only undermine his own reputation.


    Sha Ying said, "This is Xiao Yi, and that''s his companion Along!"


    "Oh!"


    Since Sha Ying didn''t emphasize the introduction, Lin Bo and the others defaulted to thinking that Xiao Yi was just a tagalong for food and drinks and that he held no special status, so they merely gave a perfunctory bow.


    As for the attitude of the others, Xiao Yi didn''t mind it at all.


    After all, he was just there to enjoy a meal with Along and Little Lin.


    The group made their way to a private room on the third floor.


    There were about a dozen people seated, all of whom were prominent figures in the Beast Emperor City, each with a distinguished family background and impressive status. However, they were clearly there for Sha Ying, flattering him one after another, "We have Sha to thank for today''s feast; if it weren''t for him, we wouldn''t have had the chance to enjoy this dragon and phoenix banquet."


    "Everyone knows Sha is exceptionally talented and is bound to surpass Xiao Tianjiao."


    Lin Bo stood up, raising his glass, "Let''s toast to Sha! He''s taken another step towards surpassing Xiao Tianjiao!"


    Everyone raised their glasses.


    Xiao Yi and Along also politely lifted their cups.


    Only Sha Ying looked awkward.


    For the love of...!


    Can we please not bring this up?


    The number one in the Cave of Desire, the genius who would surpass Xiao Tianjiao, is sitting right here!


    Why are you all showering me with praise?


    Isn''t this just rubbing salt in my wound?


    Sha Ying was on the verge of tears, restless as if sitting on pins and needles, wishing he could just dig a hole and bury himself.


    Lin Bo then stood up again, "Sha, why don''t you tell us what it''s really like inside the Cave of Desire?"


    Embarrassed, Sha Ying glanced at Xiao Yi and noticed that he was just focused on his meal, not paying any attention to him.


    Relieved, he began, "Alright then, I''ll tell you about... the fifteenth level of the Cave of Desire..."


    Inhale! Slurp! Inhale! Slurp!


    The sound of someone noisily eating noodles interrupted Sha Ying''s speech.


    The others frowned.


    Looking towards the source...


    They saw Along holding a bowl of noodles, hungrily wolfing them down, while Lin Bo and others looked displeased. Just as they were about to speak up, Sha Ying quickly continued, "That fifteenth level, well..."


    Whoosh! Whoosh!


    Bang!


    Lin Bo slammed the table fiercely, causing the dishes to shudder. Furiously glaring at Along, he said, "Are you a starving ghost reincarnated? Didn''t you see Sha is explaining the Cave of Desire here?"


    Along slurped up the noodles into his mouth, wiped the grease from his lips with his hand, and muttered, "Isn''t it just the sixteenth level? I really want to know what''s inside the Cave of Desire. I''ll just ask Xiao later; he''s even been to the seventeenth and eighteenth levels..."


    "Hahaha, did you guys hear that? This guy actually dares to brag in front of Sha about the seventeenth and eighteenth levels? Even Xiao Tianjiao stopped at the seventeenth level, where did you get the eighteenth from?"


    "Xiao? He wouldn''t happen to be saying he knows Xiao Tianjiao, would he? With your starving ghost looks, how could you possibly know someone like Tianjiao?"


    "Brother, there''s no shame in bluffing, but if your bluff is called out, you''ll lose face completely..."


    "Hahaha..."


    Listening to his friends mocking Along, Sha Ying wished he could dig a hole and bury himself. He wanted to tell everyone: He''s not bluffing, the Xiao he''s talking about isn''t Xiao Tianjiao, but the even more impressive Xiao Yi!


    Along frowned, about to speak, but then the doors to the private room opened.


    A svelte figure appeared in their view.


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, wasn''t the person coming Huang Yuwei?


    Although Huang Yuwei had changed clothes and wasn''t wearing a veil, Xiao Yi recognized her at a glance.


    Huang Yuwei naturally saw Xiao Yi as well, and she paused for a moment. Seeing Xiao Yi sitting with Sha Ying, a hint of disgust flashed in her eyes. Her gaze then fell on Lin Bo.


    Lin Bo quickly stood up, smiling, "Oh my, let''s all welcome the little princess of Beast Emperor City!"


    "Princess Yuwei, what brings you here?"


    "You must have come to congratulate Sha Ying, right?"


    "Come on in!"


    Everyone chimed in.


    Huang Yuwei''s face showed difficulty, and Lin Bo, with eyes narrowed and feeling invincible, said, "Princess Yuwei, if you look down on us, you are free to leave. But then, that matter would become..."


    Huang Yuwei''s face changed slightly.


    Her teeth tightly clenching her lower lip.


    She took a deep breath and walked in.


    Lin Bo gave up the seat next to Sha Ying and pointed to it, "Princess Yuwei, please!"


    Sha Ying sat with his legs crossed, looking over Huang Yuwei with a sense of entitlement, a slight smile curving his lips as his gaze swept over her exquisite face, like something out of a painting. He revealed a glint of Greed and heat, "Yuwei, sit next to me and keep me company while I drink!"


    Huang Yuwei looked a bit resistant.


    Lin Bo said indifferently, "Behave, or else..."


    Huang Yuwei''s complexion turned somber, her lips tightly pressed together, yet she had no choice but to sit beside Sha Ying.


    Sha Ying filled Huang Yuwei''s cup with wine, smilingly said, "Yuwei, how about a drink?"


    Huang Yuwei replied, "I''m sorry, I can''t hold my liquor!"


    "Oh, can''t hold your liquor, huh!"


    Sha Ying slammed the wine cup onto the table and looked at Lin Bo, "Lin Bo, since Princess Yuwei is so unappreciative, you might as well let her go back!"


    Lin Bo laughed, "Why should Sha get upset? I believe Princess Yuwei can drink, and drink well at that. Am I right, Princess Yuwei?" S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Her face chilled with the cold threat.


    Huang Yuwei''s delicate frame shivered, her teeth clenched, as she lifted her cup, "Sha Ying, I toast you!"


    She tilted her head back to drink.


    Smack!


    Sha Ying slapped the cup from her hand, coldly said, "My cup''s empty, you expect me to drink from an empty cup while you drink by yourself?"


    Huang Yuwei''s face paled, her eyes reddening with tears.


    Tears swirled in her eyes.


    She wanted to run away.


    But remembering that the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce was her only lifeline, she had to endure the humiliation and picked up the wine jug, intending to pour wine for Sha Ying. But at that moment, a calm voice echoed inside the dining room, "Sha Ying, my cup''s empty too, if you don''t fill it up, what kind of drink could you be enjoying?"

 Chapter 322 - 322: Huang Yuwei, Ive Got Your Back!

    "Don''t fill it up for me, and you drink with such gusto yourself?"


    Xiao Yi''s voice echoed in the private room, and the faces of all the strongmen present changed.


    Especially Sha Ying, who stiffened on the spot.


    In front of him¡­


    Huang Yuwei, holding the wine jug, paused slightly and subconsciously looked towards Xiao Yi, with a hint of gratitude in her eyes.


    However, Lin Bo was furious, "Bastard, what do you count for? Do you even have a say here?"


    "Hm?"


    Xiao Yi squinted his eyes and leaned forward slightly, about to rise.


    But Sha Ying suddenly spoke up, "Xiao is right, you''re a guest, how could we not fill your cup?" Having witnessed Xiao Yi''s terror firsthand, the instantaneous slaying of Tan Zheng at the Peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm, he dared not provoke Xiao Yi and looked towards Huang Yuwei immediately, "Why don''t you fill up Xiao''s cup?"


    Huang Yuwei took a deep breath and stood up, walking over to Xiao Yi''s side.


    However¡­


    Just as she was about to pour the wine, Xiao Yi raised his hand to stop her.


    While Huang Yuwei was puzzled,


    Xiao Yi gently tapped the table with his finger, pointing at Lin Bo, and said, "I want him to pour it!"


    Bang!


    Lin Bo slammed his hand onto the table, causing the dishes to rattle loudly. With bloodshot eyes, he stared fixedly at Xiao Yi, grinding his teeth, "Kid, who do you think you are? You want me to pour wine for you? You must be dreaming!"


    He was the son of the vice-chairman of the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce.


    In the entire Beast Emperor City, he was a person of standing.


    Among his peers.


    Apart from a few like Sha Ying, no one else had the qualifications to make him pour wine.


    Xiao Yi squinted at Sha Ying, "Your friend doesn''t give me face, huh!"


    Two cold flashes shot from his eyes, directly onto Sha Ying, giving him a chilly feeling as if he had fallen into an ice cellar.


    Hiss!


    Sha Ying inhaled sharply, and gave Lin Bo meaningful looks, saying, "Lin Bo, for my sake, let''s not spoil the harmony!"


    "Sha¡­"


    Lin Bo looked at Sha Ying incredulously.


    They had been best friends since childhood, as close as brothers.


    Now, seeing him humiliated, Sha Ying did not stand up for him but was instead helping Xiao Yi?


    Sha Ying had his own difficulties and said with a bitter smile, "I''m sorry to wrong you!"


    Whoosh!


    Lin Bo let out a long sigh and stared at Xiao Yi with icy eyes, gritting his teeth, "Fine, for Sha Ying''s sake, I''ll pour the wine for you!"


    Lin Bo picked up the wine jug and walked over.


    Just as he was about to pour,


    Xiao Yi tapped his toes, retracted backward, and the cup bounced up from the table and flew into his hand. With his legs crossed, Xiao Yi nonchalantly pointed at the wine cup in his hand and said, "As for you, you''re not qualified to stand and pour for me, kneel down!"


    Hiss!


    Inside the private room, a sudden sound of sharp inhalations arose.


    Having the son of the vice-chairman of the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce pour wine was already seen as a great insult to Lin Bo by everyone, and now they were asking him to kneel to pour wine?


    This was simply humiliation, a provocation!


    Bang!


    Lin Bo violently smashed the wine jug onto the floor, with wine and fragments of the pot scattering everywhere. He looked ferociously at Xiao Yi, "You little bastard, no one has ever dared to humiliate me like this!"


    He turned back to Sha Ying and said through gritted teeth, "It''s not that I don''t give you face, Sha Ying, it''s just that this kid is too arrogant."


    Sha Ying''s face was full of bitterness.


    The moment Lin Bo smashed the wine jug, he knew something bad was about to happen.


    Before Sha Ying could open his mouth, Lin Bo moved swiftly, already seizing a dish basin and smashing it toward Xiao Yi''s head.


    "It''s over..."


    Sha Ying''s face instantly turned pale.


    Bang!


    The dish basin burst apart with a loud crash.


    But it did not land on Xiao Yi; instead, it smashed directly onto Lin Bo''s face.


    The person who acted was not Xiao Yi, but Along beside him.


    Along held Lin Bo''s neck with one hand, lifting his body and pressing him against the wall. In his other hand, he held a golden roasted beast leg, gnawing on it as he turned his head to look at Xiao, "Xiao, how should we deal with this?"


    Xiao Yi spoke indifferently, "This room is a bit empty; it lacks decorations!"


    "Oh!"


    Along nodded.


    With a slurp, he sucked the meat off the beast leg in his hand, and with a probing motion of the two bones, a double sound of flesh being pierced could be heard as the bones directly penetrated Lin Bo''s shoulders.


    Impaling him onto the wall. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Blood nearly flowed down the bones.


    Only then did Along let go of his grip.


    With a face flushed red from struggle, Lin Bo was finally able to scream, wailing pitifully with bloodshot eyes fixed on Xiao Yi, "Ah... you scoundrels, how can you treat me like this? My father is Lin Yuejin, the Vice President of the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce. You treat me this way, I will surely have you torn to pieces..."


    Xiao Yi, annoyed, dug at his ear, "It''s a bit noisy!"


    "Oh!"


    Along picked up a ball of carpet from the ground and stuffed it into Lin Bo''s mouth with a ''pfft.''


    Lin Bo''s eyes nearly burst with rage, but he could only make muffled ''wuwuwu'' noises.


    All this happened in a flash.


    The onlookers all had shocked expressions on their faces as they looked at Xiao Yi and Along, filled with both awe and fear. Their backgrounds might be formidable, but except for Sha Ying, their own cultivation levels were quite ordinary.


    Like that Lin Bo, he was merely at the First Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    Gurgle!


    The crowd turned their eyes to Sha Ying.


    Sha Ying''s face was full of bitterness, but he knew all too well that if he did not stand up now, his prestige within this group would be utterly swept away. He said gravely, "Xiao, doing this might not be quite appropriate, right?"


    Xiao Yi glanced at him, "What''s inappropriate about it?"


    "This..."


    Sha Ying frowned and, sensing the stares of everyone on him, felt as if he were on pins and needles. He steeled himself and said, "We were merely asking Princess Yuwei to pour wine, and yet you fly into such a rage, pinning Lin Bo to the wall like this. Such an action seems rather overbearing!"


    "Overbearing?"


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow, and without any visible movement from him, the chair came to Sha Ying''s side on its own.


    The two men locked eyes.


    They could even feel each other''s breath.


    A sense of oppression stronger than anything Sha Ying had felt before caused his face to change slightly, his gaze dodging as he dared not meet Xiao Yi''s eyes. Xiao Yi then spoke leisurely, "This is how I, Xiao Yi, have always acted. If you''re not comfortable with it, you can try to be more overbearing than me!"


    Thump!


    Thump!


    Under Xiao Yi''s gaze, sharp as a blade, Sha Ying''s face alternated between shades of green and white.


    Since birth,


    This was the first time he had felt so embarrassed in front of a peer.


    Xiao Yi slowly withdrew his gaze, turning to the disoriented Yuwei beside him and pulling her to his side. His cold eyes swept across the people in the private room, and he spoke with a deliberate cadence, "Huang Yuwei is under my protection. Whoever dares to bully her, this will be their fate!"


    Following the direction of his finger,


    The crowd saw Lin Bo, with a carpet stuffed in his mouth and his shoulders impaled by bones, pinned to the wall in pain...

 Chapter 323 - 323: Seeing Shi Feiya Again

    Watching Lin Bo''s miserable state, everyone couldn''t help but gasp in shock.


    At the same time, the looks they gave Huang Yuwei were no longer filled with mockery and ridicule as before.


    Sha Ying''s pupils shrank slightly, and he hadn''t expected that Xiao Yi would do this for Huang Yuwei. He looked at Huang Yuwei deeply and said solemnly, "I didn''t expect that Yuwei actually knew Xiao!"


    Huang Yuwei nodded, not saying much.


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "I can see that everyone here doesn''t seem to welcome me much. Yuwei, let''s find another place."


    "Okay!"


    Huang Yuwei nodded obediently.


    This made Sha Ying''s mouth twitch slightly, and a deep jealousy and resentment flashed through the depths of his eyes.


    He and Huang Yuwei were betrothed.


    But Huang Yuwei had always been indifferent to him, and even her few invitations were mercilessly rejected by Huang Yuwei, which had caused him resentment and the urge to humiliate her severely.


    He never imagined...


    Not only did the humiliation fail, but it turned into a severe slap in his face.


    Now.


    The Huang Yuwei, who had been indifferent to him, was so compliant and obedient to Xiao Yi. Sha Ying''s eyes nearly popped out; he felt as if there was a glaring greenness above his head, with the wind blowing and waves of green surging!


    "Along..."


    Xiao Yi called out, but then he heard slurping noises. Turning his head, he saw Along enjoying a large basin of food. Xiao Yi''s face darkened, "Along, we''re leaving!"


    "Ah? Oh!"


    Along tore off a piece of beast leg from the table and, holding a jug of wine in his right hand, followed along.


    Not until they had all left.


    Bang!


    Sha Ying suddenly flipped the table, scattering the dishes and cups, and nobody dared to make a sound.


    Panting!


    Panting!


    Sha Ying''s chest heaved violently, his eyes smoldering with toxic resentment; it was as if something was choking him, making his voice hoarse and gravelly, "Xiao Yi, Huang Yuwei...what a pair of treacherous lovers, if I don''t avenge this, Sha Ying swears I won''t be human!"


    "Sha, we..."


    A group of strong men tentatively consoled the furious Sha Ying.


    "Get lost! Get lost!"


    Sha Ying roared furiously with bloodshot eyes.


    No one dared stay any longer, and they scattered, fleeing like birds and beasts.


    For a moment, only Sha Ying and Lin Bo remained in the private room. Sha Ying took deep breaths to calm down slightly before finally letting Lin Bo down from the wall. Lin Bo had a pale face, his eyes filled with as much venomous resentment as Sha Ying''s.


    Enduring the severe pain from his shoulder, Lin Bo gritted his teeth and said, "Sha, who exactly was that man just now?"


    Sha Ying, with a gloomy face, replied, "He''s called Xiao Yi, the first person to reach the eighteenth level of the Cave of Desire." He paused briefly before continuing, "Tan Huajian and Tan Zheng, they were both killed by him!"


    Hiss!


    Lin Bo inhaled sharply.


    Tan Zheng was the head of the Tan Family, his status was not unlike Lin Bo''s father.


    No wonder Sha Ying didn''t dare to provoke such a person lightly.


    "Sha, are we really going to let this go?" Lin Bo hesitated, then asked in a deep voice.


    Sha Ying angrily replied, "Do you think I''m willing to let it go? Right now, my father is at a critical juncture, and I definitely can''t afford to cause any distractions. If it affects my father''s fight for the position of city lord, even death won''t let me escape responsibility!"


    "No, there''s no need for Deputy City Lord to take action!"


    Lin Bo said with a sinister smile, "Didn''t Xiao Yi kill Tan Zheng and Tan Huajian? Naturally, the Tan Family will deal with him. As for that Huang Yuwei...hmpf, her brothers are nothing but good-for-nothings. With a bit of intimidation and temptation, I believe they will cooperate with us willingly!"


    Sha Ying''s eyes lit up.


    These insidious schemes were always Lin Bo''s specialty.


    He squinted his eyes and touched his chin, nodding, "Alright, we''ll do as you say!"


    ......


    Upon the carriage.


    Xiao Yi furrowed his brow at Huang Yuwei before him and said, "How is your father doing?"


    With a bitter smile, Huang Yuwei replied, "My father''s illness is getting worse... I have sought help throughout the entire Beast Emperor City, but most are Sha Kun''s people, and nobody is willing to help me. That''s why I turned to Lin Yuejin, the vice president of the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce and a six-star alchemist, but..."


    She did not continue, but Xiao Yi could guess the rest.


    Huang Yuwei must have failed to enlist Lin Yuejin''s help, hence she thought of reaching out through Lin Bo to get in touch with Lin Yuejin.


    After pondering for a moment.


    Xiao Yi asked, "What exactly is wrong with your father?"


    Huang Yuwei looked hesitant.


    Xiao Yi spoke indifferently, "Perhaps I can help!" S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Oh?"


    Huang Yuwei was startled, she furrowed her brows and contemplated for a moment before speaking, "My father has been poisoned, and no one knows what poison he has been afflicted with. It''s just that Lin Yuejin has a Hundred Tribulations Elixir, which is said to cure all poisons in the world, so..."


    "Hundred Tribulations Elixir?"


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow; he was familiar with this medicine.


    The process of making the Hundred Tribulations Elixir was extremely complex and painstaking, requiring over one hundred and eighty different herbs, and the details down to the age of each ingredient could not be off by even the slightest.


    Moreover, during the concoction, it was also necessary to find a place where lightning was densest on a stormy day with thunder and lightning.


    One had to refine the elixir while facing the tempering of the thunder.


    Therefore...


    Each Hundred Tribulations Elixir was extremely valuable and rare.


    Xiao Yi said, "I need to make a trip to the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce. After things here are finished, I will go to the city lord''s mansion with you to see your father. Maybe, I can be of assistance!"


    "This..."


    Huang Yuwei fell silent for a moment, then biting her lip, she said, "Okay!"


    Before long.


    Along''s voice came from outside the carriage: "Xiao, we''ve arrived at the Hundred Herbs Chamber!"


    "Mm!"


    The trio stepped into the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce and stated their purpose.


    After a short while.


    The enchantingly attractive Shi Feiya appeared before them, twisting her waist, with a radiant smile on her face. She had come to know of Xiao Yi breaking the record of Xiao Tianjiao in the Cave of Desire, reaching the unprecedented eighteenth level.


    Now, her treatment of Xiao Yi was even warmer.


    "Xiao, you''ve finally come!" Shi Feiya said with a beaming smile.


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow and said, "President Shi, we agreed that today you would give me an answer. How did your discussions go?"


    "Naturally, we would not let Xiao down!"


    Shi Feiya grinned coyly, her gaze swept subtly over Huang Yuwei and Along, and said, "This isn''t the place to talk. Shall we discuss the details upstairs?"


    Xiao Yi nodded.


    The group followed her to the top floor, to the office of Shi Feiya.


    The entire room was very large, decorated in an elegant and solemn style, filled with a faint fragrance.


    Shi Feiya, twisting her waist, brought two contracts and placed them on the table, saying, "After our discussions, we decided that the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce will sign a cooperation agreement with your Xiaoshanhe Institute. For the next ten years, we will supply you with the listed medicinal herbs annually at thirty percent of the market price."


    "Thirty percent?"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback.


    He had been expecting fifty percent, yet Shi Feiya was only asking for thirty percent of the price?


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes and said, "If I''m not wrong, there must be conditions behind this price, right?"


    "Indeed, you can''t be fooled!"


    Shi Feiya smiled faintly, then she opened the second contract, "The condition is this!"


    With an amused smile, Xiao Yi''s gaze fell on the contract, and as he read it, his expression suddenly changed: "..."

 Chapter 324 - 324: The Tan Family Visits

    Xiao Yi''s face changed slightly.


    His gaze fell on the contract, which indeed stipulated the terms Shi Feiya had mentioned.


    It was to assist the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce in annihilating the Tan Family!


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes and sized up Shi Feiya, "President Shi, what do you mean by this?"


    Shi Feiya smiled charmingly, leaning forward slightly, her ample bosom exposed in an enticing way, her seductive voice causing a wave of restlessness, "Xiao has already become known for his deeds, Feiya has heard. You cut down Tan Huajian, slaughtered Tan Zheng, and braved through the eighteen levels of the Cave of Desire. Now, Xiao is at the point of no return with the Tan Family. By agreeing to the terms of this contract, not only can you eliminate a powerful enemy, but also acquire medicinal materials at a third of the market price. Why would you refuse such an offer?"


    Xiao Yi leaned back slightly, resting against the chair.


    His eyes narrowed into slits, scrutinizing Shi Feiya through them.


    This woman was extremely dangerous.


    A wasp''s sting comes from its tail, and the most venomous is a woman''s heart.


    Especially someone like her who had made her way in the commercial world and even managed to become the president of the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce in a place like Beast Emperor City, she was definitely not as simple as she appeared on the surface.


    A stream of thoughts ran through Xiao Yi''s mind, and he figured out the crux of the matter, leaning forward almost to touch Shi Feiya, "Are you trying to enter the Slave Market?"


    "Xiao is truly formidable, nothing can be hidden from you! The medicinal materials market in Beast Emperor City has long been clear-cut, with the three major guilds occupying about eighty percent and none able to do anything about the others," Shi Feiya said, her face showing a hint of surprise and amazement at how quickly Xiao Yi had caught on to the key point. She shrugged her shoulders and moved back a bit, "If the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce wants to grow, we must find a new path. The Slave Market is exactly what we need. And these medicinal materials are what you need as well. It''s just mutual benefit. Xiao, what do you think?"


    Xiao Yi''s fingers tapped lightly on the table surface.


    Just then... sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A hurried voice came from outside the door, "President, it''s bad news. The Tan Family patriarch Tan Feng is coming here with his men."


    Xiao Yi raised his eyebrows, observing the calm on Shi Feiya''s face, and frowned, "I''m afraid that the Tan Family could find this place so quickly because President Shi also put in a lot of effort, don''t you think?"


    "You''ve caught me," Shi Feiya didn''t deny it, nodding with a smile.


    Xiao Yi sighed.


    He slowly rose to his feet.


    Xiao Yi, looking at Shi Feiya, said, "Pleasure doing business with you!"


    "Pleasure doing business with you!"


    Shi Feiya was about to stand, smiling, but Xiao Yi stopped her with a hand, Shi Feiya blinking in confusion, "Xiao, do you not want Feiya to cover your flank?"


    "No need!"


    Xiao Yi waved his hand and turned to look at Along and Huang Yuwei, "Wait here for me, I''ll be right back!"


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi shook his sleeve and strode out towards the outside.


    Shi Feiya looked at Along in astonishment, "Aren''t you going to follow him out? The Tan Family hasn''t just sent one person, and that Tan Family patriarch Tan Feng is a Dharma Manifestation Realm expert!"


    "No need, Xiao said it''s not a problem, then it''s not a problem."


    Along burped contentedly, saying, "President Shi, could you get me a bowl of warm wine? I just ate too much!"


    "Uh..."


    Shi Feiya blinked her eyes and snapped her fingers, signaling someone to bring a bowl of warm wine.


    The wine was steaming hot.


    Meanwhile.


    At the entrance of the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce.


    Mounted on a horned demonic beast, the formidable and fierce Tan Feng held a square halberd high as he stood in front of the gate, flanked by hundreds of murderous-looking warriors.


    There were over fifty just from the Tao Tribulation Realm alone.


    The strongest among them was naturally Tan Feng!


    Dharma Manifestation Realm, at the first layer.


    "Let Xiao Yi come out and die!" Tan Feng demanded with a sullen face.


    "Please calm down, Patriarch Tan Feng. I''ve already sent for the president..." A member of the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce, drenched in cold sweat and with a face pleading for mercy, said.


    Tan Feng snorted coldly, "Hurry up and get him out here, or else don''t blame me for not giving face to the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce!"


    "Why is Tan Feng clashing with the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce?"


    "It''s said that someone killed Tan Huajian and Tan Zheng, and the murderer is within the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce..."


    "Hiss! Someone actually killed Tan Zheng and his son? They were the ones Tan Feng cherished the most; this is a blood feud that won''t end until death!"


    Tap tap tap!


    A series of crisp footsteps came from inside the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce as Xiao Yi looked at Tan Feng, "Are you the one looking for me?"


    Tan Feng narrowed his eyes, looking down on Xiao Yi from a superior position, "You are Xiao Yi?"


    Xiao Yi nodded.


    Tan Feng snorted coldly again, thunder faintly rumbling around him¡ªa sign of a Dharma Manifestation Realm expert, whose anger could change heaven and earth, "Since you''re Xiao Yi, then I''ve found the right person. Men, kill him for me and avenge my son and grandson!"


    "Yes!"


    Hundreds of the Tan Family''s experts pressed towards Xiao Yi.


    Fifty from the Tao Tribulation Realm, several hundreds from the Golden Core Realm.


    The Tan Family, being the biggest slave trader in Beast Emperor City, commanded a multitude of fighters, each one a desperate reprobate who licked blood off the edge of the blade in the Slave Battlefield. Faced with the siege of hundreds of experts, Xiao Yi, calm and collected, stared directly at Tan Feng.


    Capture the king to defeat the enemy!


    As long as Tan Feng was slain, the fighters would naturally fall apart!


    "Boy, prepare to die!"


    A Nine-fold Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm expert leaped high, his longsword cutting across the sky, its silver radiance like a falling Milky Way, reaching Xiao Yi in the blink of an eye. Facing the sword that tore through the air, Xiao Yi stretched out his flesh and blood palm into the void.


    Bang!


    His palm collided with the tip of the sword, and amidst a piercing shattering sound,


    The sword light exploded.


    Xiao Yi grasped the longsword and shouted lowly, "Release it!"


    Swish!


    The longsword flew out of the opponent''s hand, his arm bones shattered by the force, and Xiao Yi, gripping the longsword, lightly tapped his toes on the ground.


    His figure moved like a fish through water.


    Gliding among the hundreds, untouchable as if moving through a dense thicket without a leaf sticking to him, in the blink of an eye, he was already in front of Tan Feng. A piercing sound through the air made one''s scalp tingle, and Tan Feng''s face turned from initial complacency to sheer surprise.


    Swish!


    He thrust his legs fiercely and shot upwards into the air.


    Almost at the same time.


    Xiao Yi''s sword had transformed into a thirty-foot sword beam that cut the sixth-order high-level beast beneath Tan Feng into two halves. Amid the gushing blood, Xiao Yi leaped into the sky.


    His body was like an arrow released from the bowstring.


    Fast!


    Astonishingly fast!


    In just a moment...


    Xiao Yi had already caught up with Tan Feng.


    Tan Feng''s face twisted with ferocity and ice, and he roared lowly, "Direct assault to the core!"


    Hum!


    The Fangtian huaji in his palm spun continuously, generating a fierce storm that came head-on. The tempest roared, stirring up the clouds above the sky, enveloping the space around Xiao Yi.


    Turning it into a vacuum zone.


    At the same time.


    At the center of that storm, a gleam of cold light suddenly appeared.


    It was Tan Feng''s Fangtian huaji, taking advantage of the storm for cover, striking unexpectedly. By the time the cold light appeared in his field of vision, the sharp point of the Fangtian huaji had already touched Xiao Yi''s body¡­

 Chapter 325 - 325: Warm Wine Beheads Tan Feng

    Whoom!


    The halberd''s edge shone like a glint of cold light, piercing through the layers of storms, and in an instant, appeared before Xiao Yi.


    It aimed directly at his face.


    This edge was incomparably sharp; a single strike could shatter a small city.


    The swirling gusts contorted Xiao Yi''s facial features, as the knife-like wind blades seemed to tear at his skin at any moment.


    Cries of alarm rose from the ground: "The victor will be decided now!"


    "As expected of a Dharma Manifestation Realm powerhouse, whether it is speed or strength, every aspect is completely suppressing Xiao Yi!"


    "Xiao Yi has been too reckless. How dare he, merely from the Tao Tribulation Realm, challenge the Dharma Manifestation Realm?"


    Whoosh!


    The halberd''s cold light thrust forward, piercing through Xiao Yi''s head.


    Tan Feng''s face revealed a trace of ecstatic joy, but in the next instant, that joyful expression vanished, replaced by shock: "Not good!"


    Almost at the same time.


    A chilling sharpness assaulted him from behind.


    A fleeting glimpse in the corner of his eye left Tan Feng with a cold feeling all over.


    It was a sword shadow.


    This sword was shockingly fast yet silent, wielded by Xiao Yi, who had mastered the fourth tier of Sword Intent. The sword followed his intention, moved with the wind, and without the wind''s obstruction, its speed increased several times.


    At the same time¡­


    The sword strike was utterly silent.


    A silent sword strike meant that by the time one''s opponent noticed it, it was already too late to react.


    Thud!


    A streak of blood soared to the sky. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The sharp sword edge grazed Tan Feng''s neck, a trail of blood surging open, while the Xiao Yi in front of him, pierced by the halberd, was slowly dissipating like a reflection in rippling water.


    It was but an afterimage!


    Whoosh!


    Tan Feng dodged repeatedly in mid-air, reappearing hundreds of meters away in a blink.


    He touched his neck.


    The fresh, thick blood had a pungent odor, and his eyes twitched: "An Eighth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm, and yet such terrifying speed and swordsmanship. I didn''t even notice how he appeared behind me. Who exactly is this young man?"


    Xiao Yi stood suspended in midair.


    With his sword held high, the wild winds blew against him, making his robes flutter loudly.


    He was like a peerless swordsman!


    In his hand¡­


    From the fifth-order longsword, droplets of fresh blood trickled down, plinking onto the ground and sending plumes of dust into the air. At that moment, Xiao Yi''s figure abruptly vanished.


    Whoosh!


    Like a fish diving into the sea, an Azure Dragon breaking free and soaring into the heavens!


    Around Xiao Yi, there seemed to be an invisible barrier of air currents, merging with the winds and air around him without hindering his movement.


    "This, this is¡­ Sword Intent following his will? He''s on the Eighth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm, and he has mastered the fourth tier of Sword Intent? How is this possible?" Tan Feng''s pupils shrank suddenly, shock written all over his face.


    The fourth tier of Sword Intent.


    Even among the sword masters in Dharma Manifestation Realm, very few could comprehend this level of understanding.


    Within the vast Beast Emperor City, the strongest in swordsmanship was none other than Sha Kun''s eldest son, Sha Diao. Sha Diao was currently in the third stage of Dharma Manifestation Realm, but he too only comprehended the third tier of Sword Intent.


    He was still far from stepping into the fourth tier.


    Xiao Yi was merely an Eighth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm!


    And yet, he had already grasped the fourth tier of Sword Intent¡ªsomething unheard of.


    "Damn it, this kid was able to break into the eighteenth layer of the Cave of Desire. It seems he''s not just mentally resolute, but his martial talent is also no weaker than Xiao Tianjiao from back then. If let to grow, he will surely become a great problem; he must be eliminated!" Tan Feng''s thoughts raced in the split second.


    Boom!


    Tan Feng let out a low roar, his body trembling violently.


    Behind him¡­


    A vast and ancient tree suddenly rose up. The tree was thirty feet tall, glowing with a verdant light and covered with mysterious and profound runes.


    Dharma Manifestation Realm!


    He controlled an entire force of nature and earth.


    Therefore, with the power of nature and earth, he manifested the Dharma; Tan Feng''s path was one of the five elements, the path of wood, mastering the earthly power of wood. This manifestation was the Dragon Scale Wood, according to legend, the very first piece of Dragon Scale Wood came from a true dragon that sprinkled a drop of Dragon Blood in a forest.


    It grew after being nurtured by the Dragon Blood.


    It grew an inch every thousand years.


    This was an extremely tough divine wood.


    Tan Feng also chanced upon a piece of Dragon Scale Wood and, after visualizing it, formed it with the power of nature and earth. As soon as the Dragon Scale Wood appeared, the leaves on its crown fluttered like the tips of needles.


    Streams of green light enveloped Tan Feng''s body, as Dragon Scale Wood is one of the most solid divine woods.


    Under the shelter of the Dragon Scale Wood Dharma Manifestation, Tan Feng was surrounded by a hundred zhang of green light.


    Defense, invincible!


    Boom!


    Xiao Yi''s sword struck Tan Feng''s body but was met with a thunderous sound, as if lightning had torn through the sky.


    That green light didn''t weaken at all, and his sword hadn''t caused Tan Feng any harm!


    "Hahaha, Xiao Yi, I admit your strength is strong. Being in the Eighth Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm to force me to use the power of Dharma Manifestation, you are the first. But with the protection of my Dragon Scale Wood Dharma Manifestation, you can''t even break through my defense. This battle is destined to be your loss!" Tan Feng said arrogantly, standing between heaven and earth.


    The Dragon Scale Wood behind him rustled, his green light covering the sky, as if mocking and provoking.


    Xiao Yi''s eyes narrowed to slits.


    This was the first time he''d faced a Dharma Manifestation Realm powerhouse head-on; before this, the only real fight he''d had was with Xue Mantian. But with Xiao Yi''s strength at that time, he couldn''t force Xue Mantian to use the power of Dharma Manifestation.


    "Is this the power of Dharma Manifestation? No wonder it becomes extremely difficult to fight across levels after reaching the Dharma Manifestation Realm. The power of Dharma Manifestation is indeed terrifying!" Xiao Yi carefully looked at Tan Feng, who was enveloped in green light, eyes flickering with a trace of amazement.


    The power of Dharma Manifestation was indeed the command of a complete force of nature and earth, combined with the visualization of powerful living beings in the world.


    The power it possessed was indeed terrifying.


    However...


    Xiao Yi''s longsword trembled in the air, its edge vibrating with a buzzing sound, as sharp as a swift storm. The sword''s edge encircling Xiao Yi condensed into a green lotus.


    "Green Lotus Rebirth!"


    "Eternal Life!"


    Xiao Yi moved, standing upon the green lotus, performing a dance with his sword.


    Gorgeous and smooth as flowing clouds and streaming water.


    Nine sword edges, condensed into green lotus swords, connected with each other, and as they slowly rotated, they shot towards Tan Feng.


    Tan Feng snorted coldly, believing in the nearly invincible defense of the Dragon Scale Wood, and stood on invincible ground. Holding a square halberd in one hand, he cut down at the green lotus swords: "Dragon Slayer Slash!"


    Roar!


    A resounding dragon''s roar filled the air.


    The halberd flashed with light, condensing into a golden Azure Dragon, crushing towards the green lotus swords.


    However...


    What Tan Feng did not expect was that his halberd''s light shattered continuously with a series of bangs under the pressure of the intertwining green lotus swords. In a blink of an eye, the halberd''s light was completely pulverized.


    In an instant, nine green lotus swords surrounded Tan Feng.


    Eternal life, undying.


    Beneath the rotation of the green lotus swords, the green light on his body was continuously compressed, and behind him, the Dragon Scale Wood thundered loudly. A crack spread with a snap, followed by a bone-chilling series of cracking sounds, like beans frying.


    "No. No..."


    Tan Feng''s pupils dilated to the extreme, filled with terror in his eyes.


    He had never imagined...


    that the powerful Dragon Scale Wood, known for its nearly invincible defense, would burst with a bang under the pressure of the green lotus swords. With the Dharma Manifestation shattered, Tan Feng spurted blood violently, and his orifices were filled with blood.


    His pale face showed fear, and as he turned his head sharply, a sword mark flashed before his eyes.


    Xiao Yi leaped up and disappeared into the crowd.


    Only the headless corpse plummeted from the sky with a loud bang, crashing into the crowd, causing screams and shouts of terror.


    At the same time...


    Within the top floor of the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce.


    Bang!


    A blood-drenched head rolled in front of the dumbstruck Shi Feiya. She was breathless with shock, her face disbelieving as she looked at the hideous head with blood spurting from its seven orifices, still with eyes wide open.


    "You, you, you really killed Tan Feng?"


    Shi Feiya swallowed hard, unable to stop her gaze from drifting to the table, where a bowl of wine was still steaming¡­

 Chapter 326 - 326: Hundred Tribulations Elixir

    Gurgle!


    Shi Feiya gulped down mouthful after mouthful of water, her delicate face adorned with strong shock and disbelief.


    The cup of wine had yet to cool.


    Xiao Yi had already slain Tan Feng.


    This was a genuine Dharma Manifestation Realm powerhouse!


    Since when had the existence of the Dharma Manifestation Realm become so fragile?


    Xiao Yi looked at Shi Feiya and spoke indifferently, "Tan Feng has been killed by me, how to control the slave market next will depend on your own capability, Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce!"


    "Ah? Ah!"


    Shi Feiya snapped back to reality, her gaze towards Xiao Yi filled with several shades of reverence as she said solemnly, "Rest assured, our Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce has long been prepared. Now with Tan Feng dead, the slave market will surely be within my grasp."


    Excitement began to replace the shock on her face.


    The slave market of Beast Emperor City was incredibly large, with yearly profits exceeding hundreds of billions of Silver.


    If she could take control of the slave market of Beast Emperor City into her hands, her position in the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce would become even more secure. Shi Feiya immediately brought out two contracts, "Xiao, shall we sign this contract then?"


    Xiao Yi waved his hand and said, "Not in a rush, the terms on the contract need to be changed!"


    "Hmm?"


    Shi Feiya was taken aback.


    Xiao Yi leaned forward slightly, smiling as he looked at her, "I will take thirty percent of the profits from the slave market. In addition, I will need a hundred slots per year to select from the slave market in priority. Also, the slave market will cooperate with Xiaoshanhe Institute. In the future, I will send disciples from Xiaoshanhe Institute to the Slave Battlefield to fight and enhance their combat experience."


    Flowers in a greenhouse can never withstand storms.


    Xiao Yi could provide the best cultivation environment and the most abundant resources for the disciples of Xiaoshanhe Institute, but just having cultivation was not enough¡ªcombat experience was equally important.


    Real powerhouses are never created through mere consumption of elixirs.


    Only through battle...


    Especially the battle between life and death, can one''s potential be thoroughly stimulated.


    Shi Feiya''s lovely eyebrows furrowed lightly, the last two conditions were not a problem, but Xiao Yi actually wanted thirty percent of the slave market''s profits, which amounted to over a hundred billion Silver a year.


    At her core, Shi Feiya was still a merchant. She shook her head and said, "I can agree to the last two conditions right now, but the first one... Thirty percent is really too much. You have to understand that controlling and maintaining the slave market requires a huge expenditure. Moreover, you should be aware that behind the Tan Family is Deputy City Lord Sha Kun. Now with Tan Feng dead, we also need to establish connections, and the annual expenses here are not small... "


    This was indeed the truth.


    Just like the Tan Family...


    They had been able to control the slave market of Beast Emperor City for so long, earning so much money each year, but why did the clan only have one Dharma Manifestation Realm cultivator? That was why.


    It was because the Tan Family had to give over fifty percent of their profits to Sha Kun every year.


    After deducting all the various maintenance fees and expenses for training powerhouses, having twenty percent left was already considered good.


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Don''t worry, from now on the slave market will be under my protection, no need to find another backer!"


    "Uhh..."


    Shi Feiya paused, her phoenix eyes flashing with an inexplicable radiance as she said with a wry smile, "Xiao, Feiya knows you are strong, but in Beast Emperor City, to protect such a large piece of juicy meat from being coveted by others, it''s still somewhat insufficient!"


    Beast Emperor City, where might makes right, was a place of rampant strength.


    This place was a jumble of dragons and snakes, full of desperate desperadoes who would lick the edge of a knife for survival.


    No matter how strong Xiao Yi was as an individual, he could not deter everyone.


    In the vast Beast Emperor City, the only people who had the power and status to protect the slave market were the former City Lord and Sha Kun alone.


    Although Shi Feiya didn''t make it explicit, the implication in her words was self-evident.


    Huang Yuwei, who had been silent all this while, said, "What if you add me to the equation?"


    "Hmm?"


    Shi Feiya was startled, she knew full well Huang Yuwei''s identity and laughed ruefully, "Princess Yuwei, with all due respect... If your father were here, indeed there would be no issues. But now, your father is... "


    "My father is only poisoned. As long as President Shi can provide me with the Hundred Tribulations Elixir from Vice President Lin''s hands, I can definitely wake my father," Huang Yuwei said with furrowed brows, biting her lip. "As long as President Shi is willing to help me, once my father wakes up, I will have him protect the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce, and in addition to the conditions Xiao Yi has negotiated with you, we will not take any benefits!"


    Shi Feiya''s gaze flickered.


    If she could secure the City Lord''s protection in Beast Emperor City, that would naturally be most desirable.


    However...


    Shi Feiya gritted her teeth and said, "Alright, I''ll go find Vice President Lin and get that Hundred Tribulations Elixir for you!"


    Half an incense stick of time later.


    Shi Feiya returned to everyone, her face wearing a light, relieved smile, "The Hundred Tribulations Elixir is in hand, Princess Yuwei, I hope you will keep your promise."


    "President Shi, please be assured!"


    Huang Yuwei excitedly took the Hundred Tribulations Elixir.


    Xiao Yi said, "President Shi, please prepare the herbs on the list for me, and once we''ve woken up the city lord, we''ll return to sign the contract!"


    "As it should be!" S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Shi Feiya nodded emphatically.


    Xiao Yi called out and left the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce with Along and Huang Yuwei.


    ......


    City Lord''s Mansion.


    Located in the central city.


    The entire City Lord''s Mansion covered a vast area, with buildings closely packed together in an arrangement resembling the Eight Trigrams. If someone unfamiliar entered, they could easily become lost and unable to find their way out.


    Huang Yuwei led Xiao Yi and Along, heading straight for the Beast Emperor Pavilion where her father resided.


    The Beast Emperor Pavilion was situated at the very depths of the City Lord''s Mansion.


    Huang Yuwei carefully cradled the elixir, and as she arrived at the Beast Emperor Pavilion, she was stopped at the entrance. Two guards crossed their weapons in front of her, saying coldly, "By the young master''s order, without his permission, no one is to enter!"


    "Hmm?"


    Huang Yuwei''s face changed slightly as she rebuked, "Are you blind? Even I can''t go in?"


    "Sorry, young mistress!"


    The two guards spoke coldly.


    "You..."


    Huang Yuwei''s face went from pale to flushed with anger. She never imagined that after going through so much trouble to acquire the precious medicine, she would be blocked at the door by her own family. She shouted into the pavilion, "Huang Jinghong, get out here!"


    "Who is so bold as to make such a racket in the City Lord''s Mansion? Do they no longer wish to live?"


    An arrogant voice came from inside as a haughty young man who bore a slight resemblance to Huang Yuwei walked out boldly, dressed in brocade clothes and wearing a golden crown.


    This person was Huang Yuwei''s older brother, Huang Jinghong!


    At the Third Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    Huang Jinghong squinted at Huang Yuwei, his eyes filled with deep contempt and ridicule, "So it''s you, you wild girl. Father needs to cultivate in peace, and yet you''re causing a commotion. What sort of decorum is this?"


    Huang Yuwei bit her teeth and said, "Huang Jinghong, have your men stand aside. I have acquired the Hundred Tribulations Elixir for father, which can save his life. If you delay and something happens, can you take responsibility?"


    "Hmm? Hundred Tribulations Elixir?"


    Huang Jinghong''s face changed slightly.


    He was of course aware of such a medicine; it was a treasure that had been lost to time.


    It could cure all poisons!


    "No, I absolutely can''t let this girl give the elixir to father, or the great credit will be hers..."


    Huang Jinghong''s thoughts quickly turned, and he said, "Hand the Hundred Tribulations Elixir to me, and I will personally administer it to father."


    "No way, I must personally give it to father!" Huang Yuwei said.


    Huang Jinghong huffed, frustrated, and said, "Huang Yuwei, how can you be so selfish? Do you think I, your elder brother, care about such petty credit? I, too, am thinking of father''s safety... What do you think is more important, your credit or saving father''s life?"


    Huang Yuwei''s expression changed, her teeth biting down on her cherry lips.


    After hesitating for a moment.


    Huang Yuwei handed the medicine box to Huang Jinghong, admonishing, "You must administer it to father!"


    "Leave it to me!"


    Huang Jinghong, his face filled with excitement, took the medicine box and ran towards the pavilion...

 Chapter 327 - 327: Turning Black into White

    At the Beast Emperor''s Private Gardens entrance.


    Huang Yuwei anxiously paced in circles, occasionally glancing toward the interior of the private garden.


    Xiao Yi reassured her, "Don''t worry, everything will definitely be okay!"


    "Mm!"


    Huang Yuwei squeezed out a forced smile and hesitated before bitterly saying, "Sorry, I must be making a spectacle of myself!"


    Xiao Yi shook his head, the image of his brother, who had imprisoned him for eight years and even sent his own younger brother away as a groom to provide a mating partner for his mount, floated through his mind and he said with a laugh, "I''ve seen even more outrageous siblings, this is nothing!"


    "Mm?"


    Huang Yuwei was taken aback.


    Seeing Xiao Yi''s smile without further explanation, she did not press the issue.


    Meanwhile...


    Inside the Beast Emperor''s Private Gardens.


    A group of City Lord Huang Baitao''s confidants and several elders of the Huang Family were gathered here, Huang Jinghong''s mother Ji Lingluo sat beside the bed, her face full of worry.


    Seeing Huang Jinghong walk in, Ji Lingluo frowned and said, "Is that wild girl making trouble outside again? Your father is already in this state, yet she knows no restraint!"


    "Mother, don''t get upset over that wild girl, I''ve already taken care of it!"


    Huang Jinghong spoke and then turned toward an elderly man with grey hair beside him, "Senior Elder, I have someone fetch a Hundred Tribulations Elixir, supposedly it can neutralize all poisons, I wonder if it could save father?"


    "Hundred Tribulations Elixir?"


    The Senior Elder Huang Zheng was taken aback, his murky eyes revealing a trace of wild joy, "If it really is the Hundred Tribulations Elixir, there''s a great chance it could save the City Lord."


    Second Elder Huang Yi patted Huang Jinghong''s shoulder, praising, "Jinghong, you truly haven''t let us down! The Hundred Tribulations Elixir has long been lost to history, to think you could actually find it, quickly administer it to your father!"


    Ji Lingluo watched as the two elders, previously unsatisfied with Huang Jinghong, changed their attitude drastically and even praised him unprecedentedly. Her smile grew even brighter as she said, "Jinghong, quickly give the Hundred Tribulations Elixir to your father, if it can revive him, that would be a great service indeed!"


    "Mother, what are you saying? Even if it''s not just the Hundred Tribulations Elixir, even if it''s my life in exchange for father''s, I would not hesitate!"


    Huang Jinghong patted his chest, saying righteous words.


    The gazes of the people turned tenderer and more approving.


    The Second Elder whispered, "Elder brother, it seems we''ve been too prejudiced against this child in the past!"


    "Even if his talent is a bit weak, with us old bones to help him, he should still be able to make something of himself!"


    The Senior Elder nodded, very satisfied with Huang Jinghong for having found the long-lost Hundred Tribulations Elixir to save Huang Baitao, "Once the City Lord recovers, we should propose that Jinghong take over as the successor to the City Lord!"


    At the same time.


    Huang Jinghong carefully fed the Hundred Tribulations Elixir to Huang Baitao, who lay motionless on the bed.


    The Hundred Tribulations Elixir glowed with a golden light.


    It was covered in golden pill patterns, and a faint medicinal fragrance filled the air.


    Everyone felt invigorated: "This is the real Hundred Tribulations Elixir, the City Lord is saved!"


    "The eldest young master has made a great contribution!"


    Listening to the people''s praises, Huang Jinghong slightly tilted his chin, his face brimming with pride, thinking to himself, "Oh, my foolish little sister, I owe you one this time. Don''t worry, once father wakes up, I will make sure to hasten your marriage to Sha Ying. That way, as Sha Ying''s brother-in-law, the Sha Family would surely feel embarrassed to compete for the City Lord''s position with me, hahaha!"


    However...


    Huang Baitao lying on the bed suddenly shivered, convulsing wildly as if he were in agony.


    Thump thump thump!


    Huang Baitao''s body shook uncontrollably, making the entire bed tremble violently as blood began to flow from his nose and mouth. Black blood spurted wildly from all his orifices.


    Spurt, spurt, spurt!


    Huang Baitao''s pale face turned pitch black instantly.


    It was the violent onset of the poison!


    "Damn it, hold him down quickly!"


    Huang Zheng and Huang Yi acted at the same time, their vital energy transformed into chains that firmly locked Huang Baitao to the bed. Only with their combined efforts pressing down on him did Huang Baitao finally stabilize.


    But the black blood from his seven orifices was a gruesome sight.


    Huang Baitao''s breath grew increasingly fainter and his face dark as death.


    After a brief examination, Huang Zheng''s complexion changed drastically, "Damn it, the lord of the city is suffering from an extremely potent poison, a hundred times more intense than the poison he was originally afflicted with. He, he''s not likely to live through the night..."


    "What?"


    "How did he get poisoned? Didn''t he already take the Hundred Tribulations Elixir?"


    "Wait, the Hundred Tribulations Elixir?"


    The Second Elder, Huang Yi''s face suddenly twisted, his eyes sharpening as he stared straight at Huang Jinghong, furiously accusing, "Jinghong, what exactly did you bring? Are you trying to poison your father to death with poison?"


    Huang Jinghong was utterly dumbfounded.


    He too was petrified by the scene unfolding before him.


    His legs gave way, and he collapsed to the floor.


    Facing Huang Yi''s interrogation, Huang Jinghong''s voice shook as he said, "Second Elder, it''s a misunderstanding, I''m wronged..."


    "Wronged? You brought the Hundred Tribulations Elixir, and your father became like this after taking it. What''s so wrongful about that? Fess up, who made you do it?" Huang Zheng bellowed fiercely, his face livid. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ji Lingluo was also beside herself with anxiety, desperately saying, "Speak up, quickly!"


    "Thi-this, this Hundred Tribulations Elixir was... was brought back by that wild girl..."


    Huang Jinghong said with a sorrowful face, revealing the truth.


    If it truly was the Hundred Tribulations Elixir, saving Huang Baitao would certainly be a great merit, and it was naturally not something he would let fall into the hands of others.


    A perilous situation...


    This was outright poison!


    Aimed at taking Huang Baitao''s life.


    Let the comrade die rather than the pauper.


    Huang Jinghong promptly shifted all the blame onto Huang Yuwei, "Eldest Elder, Second Elder, listen to me... This must all be Huang Yuwei''s conspiracy. She brought this pill back just now, telling me it was the Hundred Tribulations Elixir that could save our father. I let her come in to deliver the medicine. But she said she wanted to give me credit for it, told me to inform you that I was the one who found the Hundred Tribulations Elixir. I, I didn''t realize it was poison!"


    "What?"


    "Yuwei did this?"


    Everyone was flabbergasted.


    Ji Lingluo roared with a distorted face, "I knew it... That wild girl returned with impure motives at this time; she certainly wanted to kill the city lord through Jinghong. How vicious this woman is, Eldest Elder, Second Elder, you mustn''t let her off!"


    Huang Jinghong''s face was a picture of sorrow, his hands clutching his hair, "I get it now... Huang Yuwei must have known she had no hope of succeeding as the city lord, so she thought to poison our father, then marry Sha Ying. For the Sha Family, killing our father would be an immense merit; it must be so... This woman is just too malicious..."


    Listening to the mother and son echo each other''s sentiments.


    The Eldest Elder, Huang Zheng, and Second Elder, Huang Yi, exchanged a glance, their expressions extremely grim.


    Huang Zheng said with a grim face, "Second brother, bring Yuwei in here. We must investigate this thoroughly. If Yuwei really did this, I will kill her myself..."

 Chapter 328 - 328 Shut Your Mouth!

    ```


    Huang Yi nodded heavily, his face darkening as he said, "Don''t worry, big brother, I will bring her in right away!"


    Huang Yi, with a gloomy face, walked out of the other garden.


    At the entrance of the other garden.


    Xiao Yi, sensing someone approaching, gently patted Huang Yuwei''s shoulder, "Someone''s coming!"


    "Hmm?"


    Huang Yuwei was taken aback as she saw Huang Yi with a dark expression on his face walking toward her, his gaze filled with wariness and confusion. But Huang Yuwei''s heart was concerned about Huang Baitao''s safety, and she paid no attention to the change in Huang Yi''s expression, hastily calling out, "Second Elder, how is father doing?"


    Huang Yi squinted at Huang Yuwei, "Did you bring back the Hundred Tribulations Elixir?"


    Huang Yuwei nodded subconsciously.


    Huang Yi''s gaze paused briefly on Xiao Yi and Along, frowning, "Who are they?"


    Huang Yuwei said, "These are my two friends, Xiao Yi and Along! It''s thanks to their help that I was able to obtain the Hundred Tribulations Elixir. Second Elder, my father should have recovered by now, right?"


    "Greetings, Second Elder!" Xiao Yi and the other greeted.


    Huang Yi said, "Come in with me."


    "Okay!"


    Huang Yuwei hurriedly walked toward the inside of the Beast Emperor''s other garden, Xiao Yi and the other following with furrowed brows.


    Upon entering the room.


    Huang Yuwei saw Huang Baitao on the couch, tears filling her eyes instantly, "Father..."


    She tried to step forward.


    But the Second Elder barred the way with an outstretched arm in front of her.


    The atmosphere in the room made Xiao Yi''s brows tighten slightly.


    He noticed that everyone in the room looked at them with wariness and hostility. Especially the First Elder, who, as soon as they entered, waved his hand to close the door. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    There was also a surge of energy, locking onto the three of them.


    Xiao Yi glanced around and saw Huang Baitao on the couch with a blackened face and blood pouring from his seven orifices, and his heart skipped a beat, "This is bad, trouble''s brewing..."


    As if to confirm his conjecture.


    Ji Lingluo was the first to accuse, "Huang Yuwei, did you bring that Hundred Tribulations Elixir?"


    Huang Yuwei was startled, her eyes full of tears, without taking her gaze off the bed, she nodded, "Auntie, the Hundred Tribulations Elixir was indeed brought by Yuwei."


    Huang Zheng said in a heavy voice, "Yuwei, the Hundred Tribulations Elixir has been extinct for many years, where did you find it?"


    "I got it from Vice President Lin Yuejin of the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce!" Huang Yuwei said through tears.


    Huang Zheng frowned, "The Hundred Tribulations Elixir is extremely valuable, how could Lin Yuejin bear to give it to you?"


    Huang Yuwei''s gaze remained fixed on Huang Baitao, the worry and pain in her eyes not diminishing one bit, "All thanks to Xiao Yi''s help, he knows Shi Feiya from the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce, and we got the Hundred Tribulations Elixir through her from Vice President Lin."


    "Oh?"


    Huang Zheng narrowed his eyes into slits, sizing up Xiao Yi, "May I know where this young brother comes from to have such influence, that Shi Feiya would help you get a Hundred Tribulations Elixir?"


    Xiao Yi frowned slightly and said, "I come from the Great Qian Dynasty, with some cooperation with President Shi!"


    "Just ''some cooperation'', and she would give such a precious pill to you, just for your sake?" Ji Lingluo said in a peculiar tone.


    Huang Yuwei was taken aback, too, sensing something amiss in the atmosphere, and frowned, "Auntie, what do you mean by that? Xiao Yi has helped us, and yet you''re questioning him like this..."


    "Helped us? Hmph, I think it''s you, this wild girl, colluding with outsiders, intentionally using poison to harm your father!" Ji Lingluo snorted coldly, her eyes glaring angrily and her voice piercingly sharp.


    ```


    Hum!


    Huang Yuwei''s face turned pale as she looked at Ji Lingluo in disbelief, "Auntie, what are you saying? How could I possibly harm my father?"


    "How could it not be possible?"


    Huang Jinghong snorted coldly from the side. In an effort to exonerate himself, he spared no effort to push all the blame onto Huang Yuwei, "Everyone knows that you were engaged to Sha Ying. Now that father is seriously ill, Sha Kun can hardly wait to seize the position of city lord. I think you want to poison our father to please your future father-in-law, so you can be the young madam of the city lord''s family!"


    "You¡ªyou''re talking nonsense!"


    Huang Yuwei''s forehead pulsed with anger as she glared at Huang Jinghong.


    "I''m talking nonsense? Humph, I think you are the one with a guilty conscience. If the Hundred Tribulations Elixir isn''t poison, why would you hand it over to me, letting me take all the credit for nothing?" Huang Jinghong said with a strange intonation.


    Huang Zheng and Huang Yi squinted their eyes, though they said nothing, they seemed to agree with Huang Jinghong''s words.


    After all,


    the calls for Huang Yuwei to inherit the position of city lord were already strong. If she could save Huang Baitao at this time, those neutral elders would surely switch their support to her.


    Yet, at this critical moment, she had given the Hundred Tribulations Elixir to Huang Jinghong, her competitor¡ªindeed, it didn''t make sense!


    Ji Lingluo''s tone was dark and frosty, each word she uttered was like a dagger piercing Huang Yuwei''s heart, "Huang Yuwei, I didn''t expect you to have such a malicious heart. Just for your own selfish desires, you even wouldn''t spare your own father!"


    "Auntie, I didn''t, I''ve been wronged¡­" Huang Yuwei''s eyes pleaded as she looked at Huang Zheng and Huang Yi, "Elders, I am truly wronged. You must believe me, I couldn''t possibly harm my father, I am innocent¡­"


    However¡­


    Everyone seemed to turn a deaf ear.


    At this moment, Huang Yuwei was like a child lost at a crossroads, with the sky darkened and no light from the sun or moon. She couldn''t find anyone to trust, couldn''t find anyone willing to believe her.


    Loneliness, helplessness, darkness, coldness, and despair.


    It was as if these elements had intertwined into a vast black net, firmly trapping her beneath it.


    Unable to move.


    Unable to struggle.


    Her heart was already completely shrouded by the darkness.


    It was at this time,


    a gentle voice suddenly pierced her dark world, "I believe you!"


    "Hmm?"


    Huang Yuwei felt the darkness before her eyes tear away, a ray of light shining upon her.


    There stood Xiao Yi beside her.


    With tears in her eyes, Huang Yuwei murmured, "Xiao Yi¡­"


    Xiao Yi gently wiped the tears from her face, his calm gaze sweeping over everyone before finally settling on Huang Jinghong, and spoke coldly, "Let me tell you why Yuwei went to great lengths to obtain the Hundred Tribulations Elixir, yet didn''t bring it in herself!"


    "Shut up, this is the Huang Family, you outsider have no place to speak here!" Huang Jinghong''s face changed as he quickly berated.


    He had only just managed to push the blame onto Huang Yuwei.


    If Xiao Yi revealed the truth now, wouldn''t all his previous schemes be in vain?


    "Shut your filthy mouth! If you dare utter one more word, I will kill you!"


    Two solid beams of cold light shot from Xiao Yi''s eyes, the intensity of his gaze pushing Huang Jinghong back against the wall, his back already drenched in cold sweat.


    Xiao Yi''s gaze swept over everyone, and he began to speak calmly, "¡­"

 Chapter 329 - 329: Who Says Hes Been Poisoned?

    "The moment Yuwei got her hands on the Hundred Tribulations Elixir, she rushed back to the Beast Emperor''s Private Garden to deliver it. But at the entrance, Huang Jinghong''s men stopped us, not allowing us in..."


    Xiao Yi''s gaze was fixed on the crowd, "Even after Huang Jinghong learned that Yuwei had brought the Hundred Tribulations Elixir, he still wouldn''t let us in. Instead, he took the elixir from Yuwei''s hands and insisted on bringing it in himself. Do you think it was Yuwei who wanted to harm him, or was it he who wanted to steal the credit?"


    Everyone was stunned.


    Their eyes involuntarily fell on Huang Jinghong.


    The people of the Huang Family were all too familiar with Huang Jinghong''s character¡ªa selfish and extremely greedy man, with little to no genuine ability.


    Despite the many resources provided by Huang Baitao, he had only achieved the Tao Tribulation Realm through the excessive use of drugs.


    Given the same resources, anyone else would have already reached the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    They might even have begun attempting to break through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    But Huang Jinghong took no shame in his mediocrity, instead, he took pride in it.


    Such an arrogant person doing these things was indeed understandable.


    "Nonsense!"


    Ji Lingluo''s face twisted with rage, and her makeup-caked face showed a venomous hue, "How could my son be such a person? It must be you setting a trap deliberately, deceiving him into taking the poison to the city lord..."


    Slap!


    Xiao Yi''s hand flew out in a backhand slap across her face.


    Ji Lingluo clutched her face, completely dumbfounded: "You... You dare to hit me?"


    Slap!


    Xiao Yi delivered another backhand slap, his voice cold, "I don''t like being interrupted when I''m speaking. If there''s a next time, I will cut out your tongue!"


    Ji Lingluo''s cheeks swelled up significantly, and her eyes were filled with fear as she looked at Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi spoke with deliberate emphasis, "You keep insisting that Yuwei wanted to harm her father, but do you know that on her way here, she narrowly escaped an attack by Sha Kun''s Black Shark Guard?"


    The crowd was shocked.


    The Black Shark Guard were Sha Kun''s loyal death squads, demons that lurked in the night.


    Huang Yuwei never mentioned this incident to them after she returned.


    Xiao Yi continued, "You repeatedly accuse her of wanting to earn meritorious accolades and curry favor with Sha Kun. But do you know she repeatedly rejected Sha Ying''s invitations and refused to meet with him? And yet to obtain the Hundred Tribulations Elixir, she was willing to pour wine and apologize to Sha Ying?"


    The expressions of the people changed, and they looked at Huang Yuwei with softer eyes.


    Huang Yuwei''s character was resolute and unyielding, and this was witnessed by all. Yet such was her temperament, she had actually been willing to pour wine and apologize to Sha Ying?


    With every word he uttered, Xiao Yi took a step forward.


    Huang Jinghong kept stumbling backward.


    Until his back, drenched with cold sweat, was against the wall, and his heels were raised high. If not for the wall behind him, he would probably have continued to retreat.


    "Yuwei did everything within her power to save her father. And you?"


    Xiao Yi''s words weighed heavily, striking his face, "As her family, as her elder brother, instead of understanding her, trusting her, at this time you try to take her credit and, once things went wrong, you pushed the responsibility onto her. Is this the way the people of the Huang Family act? If so, perhaps Huang Baitao is not worth saving..."


    Thump!


    Huang Jinghong''s body trembled, his legs gave out, and he slid down the wall, collapsing to the ground.


    His face was deathly pale.


    Seeing his condition, Ji Lingluo''s eyes were filled with pity yet she dared not come close, for fear of angering Xiao Yi and actually having her tongue cut out.


    Like mother, like son.


    When disaster struck,


    Ji Lingluo decisively chose to protect herself, having no regard for her son whom she might shield.


    Huang Zheng and others also lowered their heads.


    Xiao Yi''s words pierced their souls and left them filled with immense guilt.


    Whew!


    Huang Zheng let out a long sigh of relief and bowed deeply to Huang Yuwei, "Yuwei, we misjudged you, we are sorry!"


    Huang Yi looked at Huang Yuwei, his eyes regaining their usual tenderness, "Yuwei, I''m sorry!"


    "Miss, I''m sorry!"


    ```


    People were talking all around.


    Huang Yuwei had long since been in tears, choking back sobs as she shook her head, "It''s okay, I''m fine, please don''t be like this..."


    Her gaze towards Xiao Yi was filled with gratitude.


    In her most desperate moment, S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi appeared before her, tearing through the suffocating despair and bringing her the light of renewed hope. It was also Xiao Yi who vindicated her, making her family understand her true intentions.


    "Xiao Yi, thank you!" Huang Yuwei whispered in a voice only she could hear.


    "Yuwei, go see your father!"


    Xiao Yi walked up to her and said.


    "Okay!"


    Huang Yuwei nodded vigorously.


    Since her return, Ji Lingluo and Huang Jinghong had been preventing her from seeing Huang Baitao; she had only managed to catch a glimpse of him from a distance before Ji Lingluo drove her away.


    This was the first time she was so close to her father.


    Xiao Yi stood by the bedside, gazing at Huang Baitao on the bed, and suddenly exclaimed in surprise, "That''s not right, who said he was poisoned? This is just ridiculous; it''s no wonder that the Hundred Tribulations Elixir not only failed to revive him but made him suffer from severe poisoning. He wasn''t poisoned in the first place..."


    "What?"


    "Not poisoned?"


    Everyone was shocked.


    Huang Zheng said with seriousness, "Xiao Yi, my young friend, are you sure the city lord was not poisoned?"


    Xiao Yi nodded and affirmed, "Of course, I''m certain. The Hundred Tribulations Elixir indeed can counter most poisons, but it does so by using poison to fight poison; it is inherently a highly toxic substance. If one who wasn''t poisoned took the Hundred Tribulations Elixir, it would be a deadly poison. Huang Baitao wasn''t poisoned before, so taking the Hundred Tribulations Elixir is what caused his current condition!"


    "Impossible!"


    "We had the president of the Heavenly Treasure Chamber of Commerce, none other than the Seven-Star Alchemist Master Yuan himself, diagnose the city lord. Master Yuan personally said that the city lord was suffering from severe poisoning¡ªhow could he be wrong?"


    The crowd looked at each other, completely befuddled.


    Huang Yi said in a grave tone, "Xiao Yi, my young friend, are you certain the city lord wasn''t poisoned before?"


    "Absolutely certain!"


    Xiao Yi nodded, saying, "Only those poisoned by the Hundred Tribulations Elixir would bleed black blood from all seven orifices and turn black all over, as if struck by lightning. Look at Huang Baitao''s symptoms; it''s solely from the poison of the Hundred Tribulations Elixir itself!"


    "Master Yuan?"


    Huang Yuwei suddenly looked up at everyone, "Elder, I had previously gone to the Heavenly Treasure Chamber of Commerce to find Master Yuan, who told me that Vice President Lin had a Hundred Tribulations Elixir that could save my father."


    Boom!


    Huang Zheng and the others felt their minds explode, going blank.


    It was Master Yuan who had diagnosed Huang Baitao, and at that time he had not mentioned anything about the Hundred Tribulations Elixir.


    It was only after Huang Yuwei visited him that he brought up that Lin Yuejin had a Hundred Tribulations Elixir.


    Everyone connected these clues together.


    Master Yuan was the key link in it all.


    Everything seemed to have started because of him.


    But if not for Xiao Yi''s discovery that Huang Baitao had not been poisoned before, nobody would have thought to connect this matter with Master Yuan. He was the one who had instigated everything, yet he had managed to extract himself perfectly from the situation.


    "Could it be that Master Yuan wanted to harm the city lord?"


    "But we have always had no conflicts with the Heavenly Treasure Chamber of Commerce..."


    Huang Zheng''s face fluctuated between shades, "If I''m not mistaken, all of this must be Sha Kun''s conspiracy."


    "Sha Kun?"


    The expressions of everyone changed.


    Sha Kun stood to benefit the most from Huang Baitao''s death.


    Furthermore...


    Only someone like Sha Kun had the influence to compel a prestigious Seven-Star Alchemist to act!


    While everyone was filled with anger over this matter, Huang Yi''s eyes shone brightly as he looked at Xiao Yi, "Xiao Yi, my young friend, since you were able to tell at a glance that the city lord was not poisoned before taking the Hundred Tribulations Elixir, it seems you have profound knowledge in the art of alchemy. I wonder, do you have a way to save the city lord?"


    Whoosh!


    All eyes suddenly fell on Xiao Yi, waiting for his reply...


    ```

 Chapter 330 - 330 Sha Kun Visits!

    "Xiao Yi, you can save my father, can''t you?"


    Huang Yuwei looked at Xiao Yi with a face full of hope.


    Under the focused gaze of everyone around.


    Xiao Yi touched his nose and gave a wry smile, "I do have a way, but, it''s just that I don''t know if you would trust me!"


    Huang Zheng said, "Xiao Yi, my friend, of course I trust you!"


    "Whatever your demands may be, just state them. As long as we can fulfill them, we will do our utmost!" Huang Yi said gravely.


    Now, they were truly grasping at straws.


    After all.


    The strongest alchemist in Beast Emperor City, Fu Yuan, was suspected of playing an ignoble role in this affair, and they were out of options.


    Huang Yuwei clutched Xiao Yi''s hand, "Xiao Yi, I beg you to save my father..."


    "Enough!"


    Xiao Yi sighed and said, "Bring me paper and ink!"


    "Right this way!"


    Huang Yi gestured invitingly as there was a desk in the room. He went forward to spread out the paper and personally ground the ink for Xiao Yi, "Please."


    Xiao Yi took up a brush and wrote down a list of medicinal ingredients with flourish.


    On that list.


    There were no fewer than three hundred different ingredients.


    The poison of the Hundred Tribulations Elixir was extremely complex; the method of detoxifying it also could not follow the beaten path.


    Xiao Yi handed the list to Huang Yi, "Elder Huang, have all the items on this list ready within three hours."


    "Leave it to me!"


    Huang Yi took the list and immediately left.


    Then.


    Xiao Yi looked at the people and said, "Except for Yuwei, everyone leave the Beast Emperor Villa. I am going to heal Huang Baitao and drive out his poison." He turned to the great elder Huang Zheng, "Great Elder, once Elder Huang has prepared the items, the two of you may bring them in together! During this time, make sure no one disturbs me!"


    "No problem!"


    Huang Zheng solemnly promised, his icy gaze sweeping over Huang Jinghong and the others, "Everyone get out!"


    Huang Jinghong and Ji Lingluo, though reluctant, did not dare linger and left supporting each other.


    A group of people gathered outside the villa.


    Huang Zheng personally guarded the entrance, his cold gaze pausing on Huang Jinghong, "You and your mother, go back to your room and reflect behind closed doors. When the city lord awakens, we will decide how to deal with you!"


    "Yes, Great Elder!" Ji Lingluo quickly agreed, pulling away a resentful and unwilling Huang Jinghong.


    On their way.


    Huang Jinghong''s face was clouded over, "Mother, why are you pulling me away?"


    Ji Lingluo looked around and whispered in a lowered voice, "Hong''er, go find Sha Kun right now!"


    "Hm?"


    Huang Jinghong was startled and frowned, "What do we need him for?"


    Ji Lingluo''s eyes flickered cunningly, carrying a venomous tone, "Given the current situation, if your father wakes up, that wild girl will surely become the heir. What chance of survival would you and I possibly have then?"


    Hiss!


    Huang Jinghong sucked in a breath of cold air, "Mother, you mean..."


    He made a throat-slitting gesture.


    Ji Lingluo nodded, her eyes filled with viciousness, "As long as your father dies and Sha Kun ascends to the position of city lord, we''ll get him to grant you the deputy city lord position. With Sha Kun''s help, we can then eliminate those two meddlesome old fools. The Huang Family will be ours, and we can still enjoy wealth and glory!"


    Upon hearing that the whole Huang Family would be under his command.


    Huang Jinghong''s breathing quickened, and he nodded emphatically, "Okay, I''ll contact Sha Kun right away..."


    Ji Lingluo turned back to look in the direction of the Beast Emperor Villa, her eyes sweeping past a glint of extreme cruelty, "You forced my hand, don''t blame me for being ruthless..."


    ...¡­


    Only an hour and a half had passed. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Huang Yi had returned with all the items on the list, not just over three hundred kinds of medicinal ingredients but also ten huge wooden barrels.


    "Xiao, the items are all ready!" Facing Xiao Yi, Huang Yi showed a few more signs of respect.


    By now, Huang Baitao was full of silver needles all over his body.


    The black color on his skin had also faded somewhat.


    Huang Zheng said gravely, "Xiao, what else do we need to do?"


    Xiao Yi replied in a deep voice, "Place the wooden barrels inside the house and fill them with water. Use your vital energy to boil the water within. Meanwhile, have someone start preparing the medicine according to the prescription, dividing it into ten separate batches..."


    Huang Yuwei said, "With the two Elders here helping out, I can take care of brewing the medicine!"


    Xiao Yi nodded, "Remember, you must follow the exact method laid out in the prescription, and not miss a single step."


    "Mhm!"


    Huang Yuwei immediately left.


    Xiao Yi called out to Along, "Along, move Huang Baitao into the first barrel."


    Along stepped forward, hoisting Huang Baitao up and lowering him into the first barrel.


    Huang Zheng and the other man used their vital energy to constantly bring the water in the barrels to a boil.


    Gurgle, gurgle, gurgle!


    Bubbles rose one by one, and a layer of white mist filled the room.


    After half an hour.


    Huang Yuwei had finished preparing the first dose of medicine. Xiao Yi poured it into the first barrel, the medicinal liquid clear as water. But upon touching Huang Baitao''s body, the bubbles in the barrel turned a dark purple color.


    The water in the barrel became a dark, murky purple.


    Another half an hour passed.


    Huang Yuwei brought the second batch of medicine.


    "Switch to the second barrel!" Xiao Yi ordered.


    And so it went on.


    The third barrel.


    The fourth barrel...


    In an instant, seven barrels later and after many relentless hours of work, everyone was extremely fatigued. Huang Yuwei''s face was pale, her eyelids fought each other, and she was on the verge of falling asleep.


    She was preparing the eighth batch of medicine.


    At this moment...


    A figure appeared behind her¡ªit was none other than Ji Lingluo. Huang Yuwei was startled, "Auntie, why have you come?"


    Disgust and bitterness flitted through Ji Lingluo''s eyes, but her face wore an expression of worry and guilt, "Yuwei, it was all Auntie''s fault before, I didn''t treat you right. Today''s events have made me realize my past mistakes. From now on, I will treat you well. Let''s be a harmonious family together..."


    "Auntie..."


    Having a soft heart, Huang Yuwei saw the self-reproach and the guilt on Ji Lingluo''s face and smiled, shaking her head, "Don''t be like this, Auntie. Don''t worry, I have no intention of competing with Big Brother for the position of heir. Once Father wakes up, I will go back!"


    "No, Yuwei, you can''t go. Your mother left us too soon, from now on I am your mother, and we''ll be a family together!" Ji Lingluo said.


    Huang Yuwei''s eyes reddened, and she nodded emphatically, "Mhm, we''ll be a family together!"


    A cold sneer played in Ji Lingluo''s mind while she glanced at the medicine being prepared, "Yuwei, it looks like you''re tired. Why don''t you take a rest and let Auntie handle this?"


    "This..."


    Huang Yuwei hesitated, her face showing indecision.


    She clearly remembered Xiao Yi''s instructions; there must not be the slightest mishap.


    Impatient in her heart, Ji Lingluo''s face bore a look of self-reproach, "Yuwei, let Auntie do this. I feel guilty, allow me to contribute this small effort as an atonement!"


    Seeing this.


    Huang Yuwei naturally felt it was hard to refuse any longer, and she indeed was very tired, so she leaned to one side, and soon fell into a deep sleep.


    "Yuwei, Yuwei!"


    Ji Lingluo woke Huang Yuwei up, saying, "The medicine is ready!"


    "Ah? Good, I''ll take it now!"


    Huang Yuwei immediately took the medicine and left; she was extra cautious and told Xiao Yi, "Xiao Yi, this medicine was prepared by Auntie, please check if there''s anything wrong with it!"


    "Hmm?"


    Xiao Yi was surprised but after checking, he shook his head, "No problem!"


    "That''s a relief, it seems Auntie really has learned from her mistakes!" Huang Yuwei breathed a sigh of relief.


    Afterward, the eighth barrel.


    The ninth barrel.


    The tenth barrel was also prepared by Ji Lingluo, and Huang Yuwei personally delivered them to Xiao Yi''s hands.


    About half an hour after the tenth barrel of medicine was sent to the Beast Emperor City annex, a signal arrow suddenly shot across the void from within the city lord''s mansion. Barely a dozen breaths later.


    A grand and domineering voice echoed above the city lord''s mansion, "Huang, Sha Kun has come to visit. Why have you not come out to meet me?"

 Chapter 331 - 331: Sorry, I let you down!

    "Lord Huang, Sha Kun has come to visit, and you still won''t come out to meet me?"


    The domineering and thunderous voice rolled like thunder, echoing in the skies above the lord''s mansion.


    For a moment.


    All the powerhouses of Beast Emperor City had heard this voice, and countless strong individuals turned their gazes toward the lord''s mansion.


    Within the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce.


    Shi Feiya stood with her hands clasped behind her back, looking in the direction of the lord''s mansion through the window.


    Behind her, a middle-aged man furrowed his brows and said, "President, you had me deliver the Hundred Tribulations Elixir to Huang Yuwei, but if Sha Kun learns of this, I fear he won''t let us off easily!"


    "Besides you and me, who knows about this?" Shi Feiya said indifferently.


    "Uh..."


    Lin Yuejin was taken aback, then realized, "I understand now, President, your methods are indeed clever. If the Hundred Tribulations Elixir truly manages to save Lord Huang, we will be the heroes and naturally receive the protection of the lord''s mansion. If it fails, no one will be aware of it, and we can still cooperate with Sha Kun!"


    Shi Feiya narrowed her eyes, Xiao Yi''s figure emerging in her mind: "You, can you create a miracle once again?"


    Meanwhile.


    In the Heavenly Treasure Chamber of Commerce, at the very top.


    The Seven-Star Alchemist Master Yuan let out a sigh and murmured to himself, "After today, the ownership of Beast Emperor City will probably be changed to Sha!"


    Throughout Beast Emperor City.


    Nearly everyone believed that Sha Kun''s provocation at this moment meant the lord''s mansion would inevitably be unable to resist.


    After today.


    Beast Emperor City will surely change its name to Sha!


    This had almost become a consensus among everyone!


    Not a single person was optimistic about the lord''s mansion...


    ......


    Inside the lord''s mansion.


    Several figures soared into the air, led by Huang Zheng and Huang Yi.


    Thousands of guards from within the lord''s mansion also rose into the sky, densely packed, standing beside the two''s divine beasts.


    The faces of the few were extremely ugly, staring at Sha Kun and the tens of thousands of Black Shark Guards behind him. They were Sha Kun''s strongest trump cards, the grim reapers who walked in the shadows.


    No one knew how many strong individuals had died at the hands of the Black Shark Guard.


    Today, Sha Kun had brought the Black Shark Guard directly above the lord''s mansion; this was a blatant challenge to the authority of the lord and disregard for the honor of the Huang family''s lord!


    Huang Zheng spoke in a deep voice, "Sha Kun, the lord has strict orders not to allow the Black Shark Guard into Beast Emperor City. Are you trying to rebel?"


    Sha Kun, dressed in a robe with python patterns, stood on a cloud of sand below him, looking down at Huang Zheng and others with disdain, and arrogantly said, "Rebel? Huang Zheng, that''s a heavy accusation you''re laying down there, I, Sha Kun, can''t bear it!"


    "Hmph!"


    Huang Yi snorted coldly, his face gloomy, "Is there anything in this world you, Sha Kun, dare not do?"


    Sha Kun said flatly, "Today, Sha has come here at the behest of someone to support the rightful order of Beast Emperor City. Instead, you few have colluded with outsiders, taken control of the lord, and plotted rebellion, a crime punishable by death. Sha has come here to rescue the lord and defend the safety of Beast Emperor City!"


    "Bullshit!"


    Huang Yi, quick-tempered, cursed outright, "Which damned bastard invited you here?"


    "I did!"


    A venomous voice suddenly came from within the lord''s mansion.


    The expressions on the faces of Huang Zheng and the others all changed at once, as they turned to look in the direction of the voice.


    They saw Huang Jinghong and Ji Lingluo walking on air, flying straight past Huang Zheng and the rest, and arriving in front of Sha Kun.


    Huang Jinghong bowed to Sha Kun and said, "Jinghong greets Uncle Sha, thank you for your help!"


    "This humble woman thanks Deputy Lord Sha!" Ji Lingluo also said, bowing gracefully.


    "Sister-in-law, worthy nephew, please rise!"


    Sha Kun smiled as he pretended to lift the two, his scornful gaze falling on Huang Zheng and Huang Yi. He raised his eyebrows with a mocking expression, "Huang Zheng, Huang Yi, now do you know who invited me here?"


    Huang Zheng''s eyes almost burst with rage as he looked at Huang Jinghong and his mother with contempt. "Huang Jinghong, Ji Lingluo, do you realize what you''re doing?"


    "Damn it," Huang Yi roared, "it''s you two bastards. Do you realize you''re burying the legacy of our Huang Family that has lasted for hundreds of years?"


    Huang Jinghong smiled and said, "Elders First and Second, please calm down."


    "Shut up!"


    Huang Zheng shouted angrily, "I truly regret not slapping you to death just now!"


    Huang Jinghong shrugged, emboldened by Sha Kun''s presence. "Elder First, you should shut up first! Don''t you know why I''m doing this? If you had supported me as the heir to the City Lord, instead of that wild girl, do you think I would have done this? The ruin of the Huang Family''s legacy is not my doing, it''s yours!"


    "Huang Zheng, Huang Yi, you are the eternal culprits of the Huang Family. And my son is the hero who continued the glory of the Huang Family in adversity. Sha Kun has already agreed, as soon as he ascends to the position of City Lord, he will appoint my son as the Deputy City Lord..."


    Ji Lingluo said proudly, "I advise you to surrender without a fight, and stop your futile resistance..."


    "You shut up!"


    Huang Zheng erupted in fury, his gaze icy to its limits, "Ji Lingluo, the City Lord is not yet dead, and you can''t wait to hand over the seat of our Huang Family to others?"


    Ji Lingluo sneered, "Don''t think I don''t know, the City Lord has already been killed by you in collusion with that wild girl." Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Elders First and Second, my father treated you sincerely and entrusted you with important tasks, hoping you could support me in ascending to the position of City Lord."


    Huang Jinghong''s face was filled with grief as he stared at Huang Zheng and the others with the vengeful look of someone facing his father''s murderer: "And what about you? You colluded with that wild girl and that outsider named Xiao Yi to persecute me and my mother, and you even killed my father. I, Huang Jinghong, swear to the heavens, I will personally execute both of you, to avenge my father and wash away his humiliation..."


    Sha Kun, pretending to be dignified, said, "My dear nephew, do not be sad. Your uncle promises to capture these two treacherous bastards and hand them over to you for disposal!"


    "Thank you, Uncle Sha..."


    Huang Jinghong bowed in gratitude to Sha Kun but heard a snort from Sha Kun. His body trembled slightly, and with a swift glance, he loudly said, "Thank you, Lord Sha, for taking charge for me!"


    "Hahaha, well said, well said!"


    Sha Kun''s face was beaming with a radiant smile.


    Behind him...


    Sha Kun''s eldest son, Sha Diao, led a group of powerhouses, all loudly exclaiming, "Long live the City Lord!"


    "Long live the City Lord!"


    Amidst the ringing shouts, Sha Kun''s face grew even brighter with smiles.


    He lifted his chin slightly, an arrogant gaze falling upon Huang Zheng and the others. With a grand gesture pointing forward, he declared, "Black Shark Guard, listen to my command! The former City Lord, Huang Baitao, has been framed by traitors and now hangs by a thread. Follow me into the City Lord''s mansion and rescue City Lord Huang. Whoever dares to obstruct, kill without mercy!"


    "Whoever dares to obstruct, kill without mercy!"


    "Kill without mercy!"


    The crowd shouted in unison, fervently echoing the command.


    Whoosh!


    Whoosh!


    Whoosh!


    One by one, the Black Shark Guards, shrouded in black clothing with only their blood-red eyes visible, surrounded by thick fog, led by Sha Diao, were ready to launch an attack on Huang Zheng and the others.


    But at that moment...


    A voice full of authority came from within the City Lord''s mansion: "I''d like to see who dares touch anyone from my City Lord''s mansion!"


    "Hmm?"


    Sha Kun''s complexion changed drastically.


    The faces of Ji Lingluo and Huang Jinghong beside him also turned pale with a whoosh, devoid of any color.


    Three figures stepped out of the City Lord''s mansion, walking on air.


    To the left was Xiao Yi, to the right Huang Yuwei.


    The person in the middle, dignified, holding a Golden Trident, landed in front of Huang Zheng and the others.


    Hisss!


    Sha Kun gasped, shock painting his face: "Huang Baitao? Aren''t you supposed to be dead?"


    Huang Baitao smiled coldly, squinting his eyes, "Sorry to disappoint you!"

 Chapter 332 - 332: Youre Still Lacking!

    Huang Baitao''s face bore a touch of icy coldness, "Sorry to disappoint you!"


    His eyes were fixed deathly on Sha Kun, as well as the mother and son pair of Ji Lingluo by his side.


    In his gaze was anger, sorrow, and an unprecedented iciness.


    These were his wife and child.


    At the most critical moment...


    They had actually chosen to betray him.


    In Huang Baitao''s heart, Ji Lingluo and Huang Jinghong had already equated to cold corpses.


    Sha Kun''s face was ashen. He turned to Ji Lingluo and Huang Jinghong beside him and bellowed angrily, "Is this your so-called foolproof plan? Didn''t you say that Huang Baitao was already dead?"


    "I, I had no idea..."


    Huang Jinghong''s face was a picture of confusion. Under the threat of death, he played his blame-shifting trick again, pointing at Ji Lingluo, "All this was done by my mother. She told me to do everything according to your orders."


    Hiss!


    Ji Lingluo''s triangular eyes widened in shock as Sha Kun turned to look at her. With a face of mourning, she said, "I did as you instructed and tampered with their last batch of medicine. They didn''t notice at all!"


    Sha Kun''s expression shifted unpredictably.


    He was certain that Ji Lingluo and Huang Jinghong wouldn''t dare deceive him.


    His gaze turned to Huang Baitao, with a cold glint in his eyes, he sneered, "I was truly careless. I never expected that you''d have such a capable person by your side who could even detect the Drunken God Powder."


    Drunken God Powder.


    Colorless and odorless, ranked among the eighth grade.


    In strict terms...


    Drunken God Powder was not a poison, but a special kind of elixir that only alchemists of eight stars and above could concoct.


    As its name implies.


    Once taken, even gods would be overpowered by its effects.


    It was by chance that Sha Kun had gotten his hands on two doses of Drunken God Powder.


    The first was used to drug Huang Baitao, then he had Fu Yuan diagnosed Huang Baitao as poisoned, and calmly arranged his plot, using others to attempt poisoning Huang Baitao with the Hundred Tribulations Elixir.


    Sha Kun''s plan was seamless.


    But now.


    Everything had come to naught!


    "Sha Kun, I always treated you well, yet you plotted to poison me and take over the city lord''s position. I am deeply disappointed in you!" Huang Baitao lamented.


    He and Sha Kun had been as close as brothers, but now they stood on opposite sides, enemies to the death.


    "Hmph!"


    Sha Kun snorted coldly, his eyes shining with a cold light. He scoffed, "Treat me well? That''s just wishful thinking on your part. Over these years, you''ve been ordering me around, always using your position as the city lord to suppress me. If it wasn''t for your constraints, the slave trade would have expanded a hundredfold by now. Beast Emperor City could have opened trade with those inland dynasties and prospered beyond measure compared to its current state. Under your rule, Beast Emperor City can only decline, only I can make it thrive!"


    Sha Kun''s ambition was boundless.


    He wanted to turn Beast Emperor City into a maritime kingdom and even sought to reach into the inland dynasties.


    But Huang Baitao had always been unwilling to stir up war.


    He simply wished to maintain the status quo.


    Their ideologies clashed; Sha Kun had no choice but to take action and eliminate Huang Baitao.


    "Sha Kun, you might as well surrender!"


    Huang Baitao sighed. Although he was conservative, he was not a backward thinker, especially after his recent brush with death had awakened him, "I have recovered, and you cannot take the city lord''s seat. I promise to only take your life and spare your family. If you remain willfully blind, then don''t blame me for totally uprooting the Sha Family!"


    "Surrender? Do you think that''s possible?"


    Sha Kun gave a cold laugh, his hand waved, and a ''whoosh'' echoed as countless grains of sand filled the sky.


    The golden sand gathered together, forming two heavy hammers in his hands.


    Thud, thud!


    These were the Sixth-Layer High-Grade Primordial Vajra Hammers, forged from a millennium of flowing sand, each hammer weighing ten thousand pounds. The hammers swung in his hands, stirring up a fierce wind, kicking up clouds of sand.


    His black hair whipped wildly as his python robe burst open.


    The sandstorm swirled around him.


    Transforming into a suit of golden armor.


    Sha Kun bellowed furiously, "Kill them all for me!"


    "Stubborn fool!"


    Huang Baitao''s eyes spat cold electricity, his wrist twisting as the Golden Trident in his grasp whirred to life, spinning wildly at the hum of its sound, he charged towards Sha Kun with the trident poised for battle.


    Boom!


    The two collided with immense force.


    The terrible clash of energies produced two circular shockwaves that swept outwards in all directions.


    Wherever the shockwaves passed, every building trembled with loud roars, crumbling into a sky-full of dust.


    Huang Baitao roared, "Sha Kun, fight me in the sea!"


    "Afraid of you?"


    Sha Kun, wielding a pair of Primordial Vajra Hammers, stepped across the sky filled with sand and dust, appearing godlike and demonlike as he pursued hotly.


    At the same time.


    Huang Zheng and Huang Yi were also fighting towards Sha Diao and others.


    The city lord''s guards were locked in fierce battle with the Black Shark Guard.


    On the side of the city lord''s mansion, there were Huang Zheng and Huang Yi, both at the Dharma Manifestation Realm, whereas Sha Kun''s side had Sha Diao, Slave King Meng Tuo from the Slave Battlefield with ninety victories, and a sixth-layer intermediate rank beast, the Desert Poison Scorpion, equivalent to the fourth level of Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    Two against three.


    Huang Zheng and his companion were being pushed back step by step.


    Especially Sha Diao, whose combat prowess was also extraordinary.


    With his third-level Dharma Manifestation Realm cultivation and mastery of Half-Step Fourth-Order Sword Intent, plus his control over the mist where the Black Shark Guard dwelled. He hid within the mist or suddenly appeared among the Black Shark Guard, making him unpredictable and hard to defend against.


    Wuu wuu wuu!


    Suddenly, the sound of a flute burst forth.


    Huang Yi''s eyes glazed over as he fought the Desert Poison Scorpion. Behind the Scorpion, in the mist, the figure of Sha Diao suddenly emerged.


    He held a flute in one hand and a Longsword in the other.


    Hum!


    In an instant, the sword''s edge appeared at Huang Yi''s back.


    Without a sound.


    This sword would have ended Huang Yi''s life, but at that moment, a fair hand reached out from the void. It caught the Longsword, and Huang Yi came to his senses in that moment, drenched in cold sweat as he fled.


    Looking back, Huang Yi saw Xiao Yi gripping Sha Diao''s Longsword, heaving a sigh of relief, "Thank you!"


    "Leave this to me!"


    Xiao Yi waved it off, looking up at Sha Diao wrapped in the black mist, raised his eyebrows, "The person I encountered on the Beast Emperor Sea, that was you, wasn''t it?"


    Sha Diao squinted his eyes, and two red lights shone through the mist. He quietly retracted his Longsword, his voice dark and chilly, "I didn''t expect to meet again!"


    "Hiding in the shadows, too scared to show your face?" Xiao Yi said.


    The mist around Sha Diao swirled, his voice coming from all directions, elusive as his form, "At the moment when you die, I will let you see me!"


    "That is truly unfortunate, looks like I won''t have the chance to see you in this lifetime!" Xiao Yi chuckled.


    "Is that so?"


    Sha Diao''s voice echoed from every direction.


    Xiao Yi''s pupils slightly constricted.


    A sword finger erected.


    He pointed behind himself.


    Clang!


    A crisp sound rang out from within the mist, and sparks flew. It was Xiao Yi''s sword finger meeting a cold sword tip, clashing like a needle against wheat.


    "Hmm?"


    Surprise tinged Sha Diao''s voice, "You can actually sense my sword?"


    "Half-Step Fourth-Order Sword Intent is indeed strong, but..."


    Xiao Yi''s lips curled up, the genuine aura of Fourth-Order Sword Intent released without restraint, he coldly laughed without regard for Sha Diao''s cry from within the mist, "Compared to me, you''re still lacking!"


    S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 333 - 333: The Dharma Form Shatters, Sword Slays the Sha Diao!

    "You''re still not quite there compared to me!"


    The energy of the Fourth-Order Sword Intent around him was released without any reservation.


    It was a terrifying presence.


    In an instant, within the black fog, Sha Diao lost his voice, "Fourth-Order Sword Intent? Impossible, you''re just at the Tao Tribulation Realm, how could you possibly understand the Fourth-Order Sword Intent?"


    Sha Diao was acclaimed as the number one sword genius of Beast Emperor City.


    Now at the Third Layer of Dharma Manifestation Realm, he had reached Half-Step Fourth-Order Sword Intent.


    Even when compared to some of the peerless geniuses in the mainland, he was not to be outdone.


    But now¡­


    A youngster a dozen years his junior, who was also only at the Eighth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm, actually mastered true Fourth-Order Sword Intent, how could he not be shocked?


    "Who exactly are you?" Sha Diao''s voice was unprecedentedly solemn.


    Xiao Yi''s lips curved slightly upward, "Xiaoshanhe Institute, Xiao Yi!"


    "It can''t be¡­ Xiaoshanhe Institute has long been in ruins; how could they produce a powerhouse like you?"


    Even though Beast Emperor City was situated in the distant seas, it still kept some contacts with the mainland and was well-aware of the news of powerful geniuses and sects among the various dynasties of the mainland.


    He had never heard of the name Xiao Yi.


    As for Xiaoshanhe Institute, it had declined decades ago.


    How could they have nurtured such genius?


    Xiao Yi said, "I am not a disciple of Xiaoshanhe Institute; I am the current dean of Xiaoshanhe Institute!"


    "No matter who you are, today, you must die!" Sha Diao roared repeatedly.


    His voice, besides the cold killing intent, was filled with intense jealousy.


    Even now, he had not mastered Fourth-Order Sword Intent.


    Xiao Yi was just at the Tao Tribulation Realm, what right did he have to wield such power?


    Wuu wuu wuu!


    All of a sudden, a gust of wind swept through the land, the sound of the wind piercing, and Xiao Yi found that the fog around him was getting thicker. The pale fog had severely affected Xiao Yi''s vision.


    Under normal circumstances¡­


    Xiao Yi would have clearly seen an ant on a tree several kilometers away.


    But now.


    With the fog blocking his view, Xiao Yi found he could only see things half a meter away; the energy from the fog obstructing his vision was truly terrifying.


    "There!"


    Xiao Yi turned and launched a sword strike.


    Pu!


    His strike tore through the thick fog in front of him, but he did not find Sha Diao''s figure.


    Xiao Yi paused, "Did he escape?"


    "This!"


    "This!"


    "This¡­"


    Xiao Yi shifted his attack direction time and again but still couldn''t locate Sha Diao.


    Attack after attack missed its mark.


    This made Xiao Yi''s expression rather unsightly.


    Within the fog.


    The cold laugh of Sha Diao came, still coming from all directions, making it impossible to pinpoint his location, "Is this all you''ve got? If so, you can die now!"


    Shua!


    Xiao Yi''s pores suddenly exploded as he instinctively brought the longsword to protect his back.


    Dang!


    Amid a crisp sound.


    A ferocious force swept from behind, sending Xiao Yi flying. In that silent moment, Sha Diao''s sword had appeared behind him; Xiao Yi''s pupils shrank suddenly.


    Longsword above his head.


    Dang!


    Another loud noise.


    A longsword slashed out of the dense fog, striking heavily upon Xiao Yi''s longsword, sending sparks flying, and Xiao Yi''s longsword broke apart.


    The violent sword waves continued to force Xiao Yi to retreat explosively.


    At that moment...


    Wuu wuu wuu!


    A flute sound made one drowsy.


    Luckily, the necklace in Xiao Yi''s bosom emitted a wave of warmth; the heat spread into his body, and in an instant, he regained clarity. At the same time, Xiao Yi sensed a subtle fluctuation in the air behind him.


    "Come down!"


    Xiao Yi turned quickly and grabbed at the stabbing longsword.


    Vital energy coursed through his palm, firmly gripping the longsword.


    At the same time, his right hand swung, "A Stroke That Surprises the Wind and Rain!"


    Shua shua shua!


    Sword beams flew out one after another, following the longsword into the dense fog.


    "Awoooo..."


    An hysterical scream suddenly came from within the fog, and a spurt of blood gushed forth, as Xiao Yi withdrew his longsword from the mist. Clasped upon the hilt was a pale hand.


    Severed by Xiao Yi right at the elbow.


    An enraged and venomous howl came from within the fog, "Xiao Yi, for the enmity of my severed arm, we are irreconcilable, I will slaughter you!" S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "A rat that hides its head but shows its tail still dares to threaten my life?"


    Xiao Yi snorted coldly and tossed the severed arm aside, but he took possession of the longsword.


    This longsword was actually a sixth-order high-grade Yuan weapon.


    Now the demonic sword could not be used.


    Having this longsword, however, was enough to use for a period of time.


    Hum!


    A sixth-grade Yuan weapon was not so easily controlled, and it buzzed in Xiao Yi''s hand; he tightly grasped the hilt as the power of Sword Intent enveloped the longsword.


    Sword Intent!


    Commanding the swords of the world!


    Hum!


    The longsword''s vibration slowly subsided.


    In the blink of an eye, this sixth-order high-grade Yuan weapon was suppressed by Xiao Yi; looking at the ''Flowing Cloud'' inscribed on the blade, Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow, "So your name is Flowing Cloud Sword, you belong to me now!"


    As the Flowing Cloud Sword was subdued, Sha Diao already sensed it.


    Earth-shaking roars came from within the black fog, "Xiao Yi, you broke my arm, and stole my treasured sword, our grudge is irreconcilable!"


    "Such nonsense!"


    Xiao Yi sneered, looking around at the thick fog, his heart growing more composed, "What exactly is this mist? Sha Diao is actually concealed within it, aside from Dharma Manifestation, I have never heard of anyone else capable of utilizing such natural force..."


    Suddenly.


    Xiao Yi''s eyes lit up, "Dharma Manifestation? Could it be, this mist is his Dharma Manifestation?"


    Dharma Manifestation, full of marvels.


    In ancient times.


    It is said that some people used the sun and the moon as their Dharma Manifestations, there was once a clan that used the sun as their Dharma Manifestation.


    Once the Dharma Manifestation was deployed, it was as if the sun was plummeting to earth.


    A barren land for thousands of miles, drought for three years!


    If Sha Diao truly used the mist as his Dharma Manifestation, condensing the mist into a Dharma Manifestation, employing the force of nature to hide himself within it, this would also explain why he could control the mist.


    With this thought.


    Xiao Yi''s eyes shone, the corners of his mouth curved upward with a playful arc, "Sha Diao, you are as good as dead!"


    Hum!


    Brilliant light swirled around Xiao Yi.


    In his hands, the Flowing Cloud Sword traced sword flowers in front of him, dazzling sword flowers twinkled with silver light, like quicksilver spilling onto the ground. The terrifyingly sharp edge of the sword hummed thunderously, deafening.


    "Unblemished Revolution!"


    "Eternal Life!"


    One blossom.


    Two blossoms.


    Three blossoms...


    Forty-nine Sword Dao lotuses appeared around Xiao Yi, each one containing an unparalleled sharp Sword Qi. The Sword Qi filled the sky, crisscrossing and obscuring the sun.


    "Go!"


    Xiao Yi flicked his fingers.


    Forty-nine Sword Qi lotuses plunged into the fog.


    Boom boom boom!


    Amidst thunderous explosions, the might of the Sword Qi lotuses burst forth without reserve, wherever they struck within the mist, echoed with violent sounds, a constant stream of carnage. The fog that shrouded the entire lord''s mansion was ultimately obliterated under the slaughter of the forty-nine Sword Qi lotuses.


    And just then...


    In front of Xiao Yi appeared a pale-faced young man with a chilling aura, his right arm broken, holding a short flute in his left hand.


    Seemingly bewildered as he stared at Xiao Yi.


    As their eyes met.


    Xiao Yi commanded in a low voice, "Sword, come!"


    Hum!


    The Flowing Cloud Sword spun several times before landing into his grasp, he held the hilt with both hands and slashed forward, "Dividing the Egret Islet amidst the Dual Streams!"


    Whoosh!


    A hundred zhang of sword light, pure and white as driven snow.


    It cleaved through the mist attempting to condense once again, roaring as it swiftly passed over Sha Diao.


    As the sword light faded.


    The mist in the void gradually dispersed.


    Xiao Yi stood in the void with sword in hand, the wild wind swirling around him, his robes snapping in the wind, his black hair dancing with the gusts. And in front of him, Sha Diao''s body slowly split in two...

 Chapter 334 - 334: The Majesty of Dharmakaya

    Sha Diao''s corpse fell from the sky.


    Without Sha Diao''s mist to cover them, the Black Shark Guard were like eagles without wings, facing the counterattack of the experts within the city lord''s mansion, and their defeat was as rapid as a landslide.


    Xiao Yi stood amidst the crowd and did not make another move.


    Huang Zheng and Huang Yi were also suppressing their respective opponents, and the battle on the side of the city lord''s mansion was gradually becoming clear.


    Victory was only a matter of time.


    But what truly decided the battle today was not the fight on the side of the city lord''s mansion, but the confrontation in the Beast Emperor Sea between Sha Kun and Huang Baitao. Whoever could have the last laugh between them was the key.


    "Little Lin, stay here and protect Yuwei!" Xiao Yi patted Little Lin''s head.


    Now, Little Lin''s combat power was comparable to that of an Eightfold warrior of the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    With his protection...


    Huang Yuwei would definitely be safe.


    Little Lin nodded, "Boss, rest assured, I will take care of this place!"


    Xiao Yi broke through the air and left.


    A moment later.


    He arrived above the vast Beast Emperor Sea, where the endless sea was filled with surging winds and waves. Huge waves, a kilometer high, viciously slapped the sea surface, stirring up ripples that surged in all directions.


    "Where are they?"


    But Xiao Yi couldn''t find Huang Baitao and Sha Kun.


    Suddenly...


    In the calm sea ahead, two huge whirlpools appeared out of nowhere.


    The whirlpools grew larger and larger, swirling countless amounts of water, which they devoured into the bottomless black hole in their midst. The terrifying sound of the water waves was deafening.


    The whirlpools expanded to a diameter of tens of kilometers.


    Suddenly.


    Whoosh, whoosh!


    Two figures burst out of the whirlpools, raising two columns of white water.


    The water columns reached for the sky, hundreds of meters high, like two water dragons. They furiously swallowed the white waves, twisting their bodies as they charged at each other.


    Above the terrifying water columns.


    Huang Baitao, holding the Golden Trident, and Sha Kun, swinging a pair of Primordial Vajra Hammers, stood proudly on the wave crests.


    Boom!


    The two collided above the sea, creating massive waves that crashed into each other, forming a circular water wall.


    Countless amounts of water fell from the sky, forming a torrential downpour amid the loud splashing sounds.


    The entire area was sprinkled with rainfall, falling onto the sea surface.


    There were also remains of magical creatures, falling from the water columns.


    Thud!


    The Golden Trident clashed heavily with the Primordial Vajra Hammer, sparks flew in a flash, and fireworks bloomed in the sky. The two combatants crossed weapons, exerting all their strength in a contest of power.


    Their elemental weapons were both high-tier, sixth-order, invaluable and overwhelmingly powerful.


    Like the tip of the needle against the wheat awn.


    Series of terrifying roars sent shivers down one''s spine.


    Sha Kun pressed the attack with his dual hammers, forcing Huang Baitao into a retreat and sneered, "Huang Baitao, it seems your strength is merely so-so!"


    Huang Baitao sneered coldly, gripping the Golden Trident tightly, he began pushing Sha Kun back step by step, "You''re enough to be dealt with!"


    Boom!


    The two of them separated at once.


    Between them.


    Two completely different elemental energies exploded with a bang.


    Whoosh!


    A massive shockwave covered a hundred miles around.


    In its path...


    The water wall soared into the clouds.


    Atop the terrifying energy-infused water wall, azure water thundered down.


    When Xiao Yi''s vision cleared in front of him...


    All he saw above the ocean.


    Were two colossal figures, towering over and facing each other.


    Huang Baitao, holding the Golden Trident, stood on the shoulder of an imposing figure with a fish body and a human head. This imposing figure held a trident, with eyes as vast as the sea and surrounded by tumultuous waves.


    The Sea God Dharma Idol!


    Huang Baitao had visualized the statue of the Sea God to condense the Dharma Idol, as if a true deity had descended to the mortal world.


    Behind Sha Kun, a sky of sandy dust formed a dome of earthy yellow.


    Under that canopy.


    A massive desert scorpion was shaking its huge and formidable tail.


    Its pincers clanged loudly, sparking flames.


    Sha Kun observed the Dharma Idol formed by his desert poisonous scorpion mount. Mounted on the back of the desert poisonous scorpion, half of his body merged into the scorpion''s Dharma Idol.


    The hammers swung and rumbled mightily, like thunder.


    "Wrath of the Sea God!"


    Amid Huang Baitao''s roaring bellow,


    A fierce wind suddenly whipped up over the entire sea surface, stirring up colossal waves. The roaring waves, one after another, rolled towards Sha Kun to crush him.


    Sha Kun stood atop the desert poisonous scorpion, pointing forward with both hands.


    The scorpion''s iron pincers also slammed down on the water, the immense force stirring up huge waves as well, with yellow sand blending into them.


    The earthy yellow water waves burst forth like a mountain torrent.


    As the saying goes, meet the soldier with a general and stem the water with earth.


    This mixture of water and sand created waves far more solid than mere water could ever be.


    Upon collision,


    The water waves shattered continuously, but the wall of sand and water grew ever taller.


    Suddenly...


    The desert poisonous scorpion beneath Sha Kun leaped into the air, plummeting from the sky in an instant, its iron pincers smashing fiercely towards Huang Baitao. Strands of yellow sand spread, enlarging the pincers with each moment.


    The iron pincers, each a hundred zhang in size, crashed down like two small mountains.


    "Sea God''s Protection!"


    Unperturbed, Huang Baitao responded calmly.


    A tremor ran through his trident.


    The Sea God Dharma Idol flickered with blue light as its hands slowly opened, as if summoning the sea itself to awaken.


    Boom, boom, boom!


    Countless giant waves coalesced into pillars, soaring into the sky like water dragons.


    One.


    Two.


    Three...


    Over a hundred tremendous waves interlaced, protecting Huang Baitao within their midst.


    Thump!


    Amid the earth-shattering noise,


    The two iron pincers of the desert poisonous scorpion''s Dharma Idol smashed violently on the water wall.


    In that moment...


    The wind stopped, and the water stilled.


    It was as if time itself had frozen. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Suddenly,


    A series of cracking sounds erupted.


    The iron pincers exploded, and at that moment, a golden light slashed through the water wall. With a swish, it pierced upward through the body of the desert poisonous scorpion''s Dharma Idol.


    Splat!


    The Golden Trident pierced through Sha Kun''s body.


    Wow!


    Sha Kun let out a miserable scream as blood spewed forth.


    The Dharma Idol shattered.


    A shower of yellow sand fell from the sky, instantly swallowed by the sea.


    The majestic Sea God Dharma Idol also vanished without a trace.


    Only Huang Baitao stood proudly between heaven and earth, holding the Golden Trident single-handedly, skewering Sha Kun''s body in mid-air. Huang Baitao''s face was expressionless, his hair fluttering with the sea breeze swirling around him.


    Huang Baitao looked at the dying Sha Kun with a calm gaze, "You, have lost!"


    "Heh, hehe..."


    Sha Kun coughed out a mouthful of blood, his energy much depleted. Grinding his teeth, he said, "I always knew I was no match for you... No, but you didn''t win this time because of your own skills..."


    His bloodshot eyes turned towards Xiao Yi.


    In those eyes were hatred and resentment, mixed with helplessness.


    Had it not been for Xiao Yi unlocking the Drunken God Powder, how could he have fallen into such a state?


    "I... I hate this..."


    Sha Kun''s eyes rolled back, and he lost all signs of life.


    Huang Baitao''s face remained expressionless as he shook the trident, shattering Sha Kun''s body. Bits of flesh and blood mixed into the slightly salty sea breeze, and Huang Baitao murmured to himself, "I will leave a single bloodline for the Sha Family!"


    Whoosh!


    Huang Baitao stepped into the void and walked towards Xiao Yi, saying solemnly, "I owe you thanks for this assistance, young friend!"


    "No need for formalities, Yuwei is a friend of mine!" Xiao Yi said.


    "Please wait a moment, after I have dealt with the rebels, I will properly express my gratitude to you!"


    After saying so, Huang Baitao teleported away, flying towards the Beast Emperor City.


    Xiao Yi''s lips slightly curved in a schadenfreude smile, "Someone''s in for it now!"

 Chapter 335 - 335: Deputy City Lord

    Over the manor lord''s residence.


    The battle was still raging on.


    Huang Zheng was locked in an inseparable fight with the Slave King, a formidable fighter the Sha Family had bought from the slave market, who was also a death warrior.


    Constantly on the line between life and death, a desperado by any name.


    Fighting as if he had no regard for his own life.


    Even if his cultivation was inferior to Huang Zheng''s, he still managed to severely restrain his opponent.


    Suddenly,


    a beam of golden light descended from the sky.


    Thud!


    The golden trident pierced through the Slave King''s body, splitting him in twain. Amidst a downpour of blood, Huang Baitao, stood above the heavens, his authoritative voice echoing throughout the entirety of Beast Emperor City, "Sha Kun is dead, surrender and you shall not be harmed!"


    "Sha Kun is dead, surrender and you shall not be harmed!"


    "Surrender and you shall not be harmed!"


    The shouts came one after another from the people in the manor lord''s residence, thundering through the air and leaving the powerhouses of the Sha line looking at each other in disbelief.


    Apart from the death warriors of the Black Shark Guard.


    All other powerhouses ceased their assaults, and some even turned their weapons against their former allies, aiding the manor lord''s forces in a massacre of the Black Shark Guard. Blood rained down from the sky.


    Tens of thousands from the Black Shark Guard were spared no mercy, all were slain.


    Outside the manor lord''s residence.


    Huang Baitao stood with his hands behind his back.


    Behind him were Huang Zheng, Huang Yi, Huang Yuwei and Xiao Yi, and before him was a host of powerhouses who had sided with the Sha Family, including influential figures from large clans within Beast Emperor City and merchants with considerable strength.


    At this moment, all the powerhouses were kneeling before Huang Baitao, filled with fear and trepidation.


    Sha Kun was dead.


    They had lost their backbone and could only surrender.


    Huang Baitao''s gaze was icy as he looked down at Huang Jinghong and his mother kneeling at the very front.


    At that moment...


    the mother and son duo were in tears, wailing loudly.


    Huang Jinghong, choking with sobs, cried out in self-pity, "Father, spare my life! It was all mother''s doing, you know it... I would never dare defy you, it was mother who made me harm you..."


    "You, you¡­"


    Ji Lingluo, furious at his lack of resistance and with a face twisted with rage, glared at Huang Jinghong and hissed through clenched teeth, "Husband, you mustn''t believe this traitor. It was he who wanted to claim the throne of the manor lord. He feared you wouldn''t pass the position to him, which is why he plotted with Sha Kun to harm you. He even resorted to threatening his own life; it was all his doing..."


    "Bullshit, you vile woman, all this was clearly your idea!"


    "You''re the one bullshitting. I gave birth to you and raised you, and you dare to harm me?"


    "Since you already gave birth to me and raised me, why can''t you die for me?"


    "I carried you in my womb for ten months, you should be the one to die for me..."


    "You malicious woman..."


    "You unfilial son..."


    The two of them began to tear at each other, hitting one another.


    Xiao Yi''s eyelid twitched. "..."


    What a bizarre pair indeed!


    He glanced at Huang Yuwei beside him, "How could your father have married such a woman... it''s good that you''re not her daughter!"


    Huang Yuwei: "..."


    Huang Baitao: "..."


    Everyone: "..."


    Ahem!


    Huang Baitao coughed lightly, casting Xiao Yi a sharp glare as if to say, ''Kid, do you think I don''t need face?''


    Xiao Yi gave an awkward smile.


    Huang Baitao''s cold gaze lingered on the quarreling pair, his eyes filled with disgust. He turned to Huang Yi beside him and said, "Elder, take these two away and deal with them according to family law!"


    "Yes!"


    Huang Yi stepped forward, grabbed the two of them, and left.


    In the distance, their pitiful pleas for mercy could be heard.


    Xiao Yi whispered, "Dealt with by family law? What''s going to happen to them?"


    Huang Yuwei shook her head.


    Huang Zheng said, "Chop them into pieces and throw them into the Beast Emperor Sea to feed the fish!"


    Hiss!


    Xiao Yi took in a cold breath, the family law was harsh indeed!


    In front of everyone...


    The powerful followers who had rebelled with Sha Kun looked on as Huang Baitao showed no mercy even to his wife and children. They, one after another, were terrified and kowtowed frantically, "City Lord, we were also momentarily blinded by greed and led astray. Spare our lives, please!"


    "We beg the City Lord for mercy..."


    Huang Baitao''s indifferent gaze swept over them as he said calmly, "Take your own lives! I will not involve your families."


    The pleas for mercy ceased abruptly.


    The crime of rebellion.


    It''s not to be taken lightly.


    In the dynasty, it would merit the execution of the entire extended family.


    Huang Baitao was indeed very merciful to only kill them. In that instant, everyone thanked him profusely, "Thank you, City Lord!"


    "Thank you, City Lord..." sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Thump, thump, thump!


    The thousands of powerful individuals present all took their own lives.


    Huang Baitao glanced at Huang Zheng, who nodded and said, "Don''t worry, City Lord, I will have their bodies cleaned up immediately..."


    "Hmm!"


    Huang Baitao nodded, then turned to look at Xiao Yi, softness appearing on his face. He especially swept over Xiao Yi and Huang Yuwei back and forth with a smile, "Xiao Yi, if it weren''t for you, Beast Emperor City would have changed hands. Ask for any reward you desire, and you shall have it!"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback and scratched his head, "I haven''t thought of what benefit I want yet!"


    "How about... marrying my precious daughter to you?" Huang Baitao said jokingly.


    "Father..."


    Huang Yuwei''s pretty face flushed as she chided.


    Her eyes inadvertently stole a look at Xiao Yi. Apart from shyness, there was a hint of expectancy in her gaze.


    Huang Baitao laughed heartily, "The little girl is shy, eh?" He looked at Xiao Yi, "What do you say? She''s my only daughter. If you agree to this marriage, all of Beast Emperor City will be yours one day!"


    Wow!


    Xiao Yi was startled.


    All of Beast Emperor City?


    That dowry was indeed impressive!


    However...


    Xiao Yi shook his head with a wry smile, "Sorry, City Lord Huang, I already have a wife!"


    "Hmm?"


    Huang Baitao''s brows drew together sharply.


    A look of disappointment flitted through Huang Yuwei''s eyes as she forced a smile, "Father, are you really so eager to marry off your daughter? I left your side when I was young and don''t want to be married off so soon. I want to spend a few more years with you!"


    Huang Baitao was well aware of Huang Yuwei''s feelings and sighed inwardly, "How could I bear to marry off my precious daughter? Let''s not talk about this anymore!"


    "Mmm!"


    Huang Yuwei nodded and stood obediently at his side.


    Xiao Yi looked at Huang Yuwei gratefully. If she hadn''t actively defused the situation, things could have become very awkward.


    After pondering for a moment, Huang Baitao said, "In that case, with Sha Kun dead, Beast Emperor City just happens to need a Deputy City Lord. From now on, you will be the Deputy City Lord of Beast Emperor City. Your authority and status will be second only to mine. What do you think?"


    Xiao Yi was surprised.


    The overall strength of Beast Emperor City was comparable to the top ten sects; becoming the Deputy City Lord was no small privilege. Moreover, this would make the cooperation between his Xiaoshanhe Institute and Beast Emperor City in the future even more convenient.


    Beast Emperor City controlled Beast Emperor Sea.


    The resources were immensely abundant.


    This was nothing but beneficial for Xiaoshanhe Institute!


    Xiao Yi gave a respectful bow to Huang Baitao, "I accept your offer with thanks... Xiao Yi hereby expresses his gratitude to the City Lord!"


    "Hahaha, with the relationship between you and Yuwei, there''s no need for such formalities between us. You may call me Uncle..." He paused, then took out a Token¡ªit was the City Lord''s Token¡ªand handed it to Xiao Yi, "From now on, you are the Deputy City Lord of Beast Emperor City. With this Token, you may exercise all the powers of the City Lord!"


    "Thank you, Uncle!"


    Xiao Yi said as he bowed his hands.


    Huang Baitao said with a hearty laugh, "Come on, come on, we must drink well today..."

 Chapter 336 - 336: Visiting to Apologize

    The next day.


    Xiao Yi woke up to find himself lying on the bed.


    He smacked his head hard.


    Last night, he was dragged by Huang Baitao and others to drink all night, and those were strong liquors made from spiritual medicine. Even those with deep cultivation couldn''t withstand it.


    Xiao Yi only remembered before he passed out.


    There was not a single person at the table who could stand.


    "Damn, this feeling is so painful, I definitely can''t drink with them again..." Xiao Yi got out of bed, only to feel his legs go soft, and he nearly collapsed to the ground.


    Creak!


    Huang Yuwei pushed open the door, carrying a bowl of hot porridge as she walked in. Seeing Xiao Yi''s state, she covered her mouth and chuckled, "Xiao Yi, you''re finally awake!"


    "Ah? Yuwei, how much did I drink last night? How come I can''t remember anything that happened afterward?"


    Xiao Yi scratched his head, sat at the table, and as he smelled the fragrant porridge, his stomach growled. He gave a thumbs up, "This porridge smells amazing!"


    As Huang Yuwei served Xiao Yi a bowl of porridge, she said with a hint of reproach: "You still have the nerve to talk! Last night, my father, the First Elder, and the Second Elder were knocked unconscious by your heavy drinking, and they were still throwing up this morning. And you, you even dragged my father and the elders to swear brotherhood of a different surname..."


    Xiao Yi''s face turned embarrassed, "Really?"


    Huang Yuwei rolled her eyes and said, "Could it be anything else? My father and they said they don''t hope to be born on the same year, month, and day, but hope to die on the same year, month, and day. Do you know what you said?"


    "What?"


    Xiao Yi managed to swallow a couple of spoonfuls of porridge, and a warm sensation brought him some relief.


    Huang Yuwei covered her mouth and laughed out loud, "You said... a bunch of old farts, and I am still in the prime of my youth, you guys are taking advantage of me. This got my father and the others to drink a few more jars with you..."


    Xiao Yi''s eyes twitched: "..."


    He hadn''t expected that so many embarrassing things happened after he got drunk.


    Huang Yuwei said, "By the way, President Shi came to look for you early in the morning, but since you weren''t awake, I asked her to come back later. However, she didn''t leave and has been waiting in the guest hall!"


    "Oh? Just her alone?" Xiao Yi asked.


    Huang Yuwei replied, "There''s also Deputy President Lin and Lin Bo!"


    "Heh..."


    Xiao Yi continued drinking his porridge, not even lifting his head, and said with a smile, "It seems she''s a bit anxious. Let her wait a little longer, I''ll see her later!"


    "Mhm!"


    Huang Yuwei sat across from Xiao Yi, resting her chin on her hands and quietly watched him.


    ......


    In the guest hall.


    Shi Feiya was meditating with her eyes closed, while Lin Yuejin, who was beside her, shook his leg impatiently, picking up and setting down his cup repeatedly, glancing toward the door now and then, but no one was coming.


    Lin Yuejin glared at Lin Bo, who was kneeling before him with a bruised face, and kicked him hard, "Dammit, kneel properly!"


    Lin Bo looked aggrieved: "..."


    Conscience of heaven and earth!


    He had been kneeling here since this morning without daring to frown!


    And you just keep kicking me now and then.


    Is that really necessary?


    "Enough!"


    Shi Feiya could not help but intervene.


    Lin Yuejin, dissatisfied, said: "President, I think that Xiao Yi is doing this on purpose, just leaving us hanging..."


    Shi Feiya helplessly said, "Even if we know he is deliberately letting us wait, what can we do? It used to be him seeking us, but now it is us who are seeking him..."


    The wheel of fortune turns, she just did not expect it to turn this quickly.


    "President Shi, Deputy President Lin, I''m terribly sorry for drinking too much last night and making you wait," Xiao Yi''s voice came from outside the door as he walked in cheerfully, yet he did not glance at Lin Bo from beginning to end.


    Shi Feiya and her companion quickly stood up, "Deputy City Master Xiao, you shouldn''t say that! We''ve only waited a moment!"


    Xiao Yi chuckled to himself.


    They had arrived early in the morning, and now it was almost lunchtime.


    A moment?


    Xiao Yi rubbed his head, "Drinking is indeed harmful. The City Master still hasn''t woken up!"


    "We too didn''t know that Deputy City Master Xiao had too much to drink. We should have come later to bother you... truly..." Shi Feiya began to say, hoping to lead into the main topic.


    But Xiao Yi pretended as if he hadn''t caught on.


    He looked at Lin Bo with feigned surprise, "Isn''t that Lin, Young Master Lin Bo? What are you doing kneeling here?"


    Shi Feiya''s eyes twitched.


    Lin Yuejin responded stiffly, "Deputy City Master Xiao, my son lacks manners and caused trouble with Sha Ying, offending you and Princess Yuwei. I have specifically brought him here to apologise." He looked at Lin Bo, "Rebellious child, aren''t you going to apologize to Deputy City Master Xiao?"


    Lin Bo knelt on the ground, moving in front of Xiao Yi, "Vice City Lord Xiao, it was all my fault before, please forgive me!"


    "Hehe, I dare not assume such a role!" Xiao Yi said with a composed expression.


    Lin Yuejin slapped him hard on the head, angrily saying, "Is this the attitude you apologize with?"


    Lin Bo''s fists were clenched tightly, his teeth grinding audibly.


    What humiliation!


    When had Lin, as the young master, ever been subjected to such an insult?


    However¡­


    When he thought about how the powerful Sha Family had already been wiped out.


    He could only submit.


    Bang bang bang!


    Lin Bo''s head hit the ground, striking it repeatedly, his face earnest as he said, "Vice City Lord Xiao, I, Lin Bo, was blind and offended both you and Princess Yuwei. Please forgive me this time!"


    At this moment, Lin Bo was nothing like his arrogant and domineering self at the Dragon Phoenix Tower.


    The circumstances were stronger than the person!


    Even his father had to tread lightly in front of Xiao Yi, what ground did he have to be arrogant and haughty?


    Xiao Yi indifferently said, "Get up."


    Lin Bo was stunned.


    He had thought Xiao Yi would continue to humiliate him, but he was actually letting him stand up?


    Yet Lin Bo didn''t dare to move, cautiously looking towards Lin Yuejin.


    Lin Yuejin said, "Vice City Lord Xiao told you to get up. Why are you still kneeling? Haven''t you thanked Vice City Lord Xiao for sparing your life?"


    "Many thanks for the great kindness and mercy of Vice City Lord Xiao!" Lin Bo quickly stated.


    Xiao Yi waved his hand, and then turned to Shi Feiya saying, "President Shi, regarding the cooperation we talked about before¡­"


    "Vice City Lord Xiao, my visit today is indeed for this matter. After our discussion, we felt that the previous contract was too unfair to you, so we have redrafted the contract."


    Lin Yuejin presented the redrafted contract, and Shi Feiya continued, "Over the next ten years, the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce is willing to provide the Xiaoshanhe Institute with medicinal materials at no cost. You''ll get forty percent of the profits from the slave market, and at the same time, the Slave Battlefield will cooperate fully with the Xiaoshanhe Institute." S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Full cooperation mentioned here was clearly stipulated in the contract.


    Should disciples from the Xiaoshanhe Institute come to the Beast Emperor City, the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce would bear all expenses, and victory rewards in the Slave Battlefield were guaranteed. For example, there were different rewards for ten victories, twenty victories, and so on.


    And the reward standards were quite high!


    Xiao Yi briefly looked over the contract; it was definitely full of sincerity!


    Xiao Yi, narrowing his eyes, asked, "What about the restrictions?"


    "There are no restrictions!"


    Shi Feiya hurriedly said.


    The contract involved a tremendous sacrifice from the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce, foregoing billions of silver annually. However, in exchange, they would have Xiao Yi as their powerful backer.


    The slave market would be entirely in the hands of the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce.


    After a moment of contemplation, Xiao Yi said, "The terms of the contract are mostly fine, even that forty percent profit¡ªI will take just twenty percent. But you must agree to one condition from me!"


    "Hmm?"


    Shi Feiya and Lin Yuejin looked at each other, surprised that Xiao Yi voluntarily proposed to lower his share of the profits; both said, "What condition?"


    Xiao Yi said solemnly, "The targets for capturing slaves in the slave market need to change, prioritizing those who are extremely vicious and felons caught on battlefields, among others."


    He vividly remembered Along''s tribe, which lived on an isolated island in the Beast Emperor Sea.


    Living peaceably and without conflict.


    It was because of the Tan Family''s slave captures that their whole tribe was uprooted.


    He couldn''t change the world, but at least within his capacity, he could make it better!


    Xiao Yi added, "I will help you liaise with the royal family of the Great Qian Dynasty!"


    The royal family had a substantial number of war criminals and extremely vicious felons.


    As slaves, they were most suitable!


    They looked at each other.


    Shi Feiya nodded and said, "No problem!"


    With the new term added to the contract, in duplicate, Xiao Yi smiled, "Pleased to cooperate!"


    "Pleased to cooperate!"


    Shi Feiya smiled as she took the contract, then said, "Vice Institute Head Xiao, the medicinal materials will be ready by tomorrow. Also, our people have already taken over the slave market. There are quite a few outstanding slaves there; would you be interested in taking a look?"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback, arching an eyebrow and responding, "Good, let''s take a look!"

 Chapter 337 - 337 Shi Feiyas Gift!

    Under the guidance of Shi Feiya, Xiao Yi and his party arrived at the Slave Market.


    The entire Slave Market was filled with noise and despair, with most slaves facing bleak futures.


    The lucky ones, like Along, could become enforcers for powerful forces, and although they lacked freedom, at least they had food and clothing and could stay alive in this world.


    The unlucky ones.


    They might not even know how they died.


    In the countless black cages, numerous slaves curled up inside, each one''s face filled with bitterness, despair, or unwillingness, despair, and darkness, were the main theme of the Slave Market.


    The atmosphere was oppressively terrifying.


    Upon entering the Slave Market, Along''s fists clenched tight, and his breathing lost its steady rhythm.


    His eyes were blood-red.


    There was a time.


    He, too, was like these slaves, locked up in black cages like animals, starving and waiting for buyers to decide their fates.


    Shi Feiya knew Along''s identity and was very cautious with her words, "Xiao, these slaves are mostly brought back by the Tan Family from Beast Emperor Sea, with a few from the inland regions. Depending on cultivation level and talent, the slaves are divided into four grades¡ªA, B, C, and D, each with different prices!"


    Lin Yuejin said in a deep voice, "Grade A, those above the Tao Tribulation Realm; Grade B, above the Golden Core Realm; Grade C is above the Shentong Realm; the Physical Body Realm and Qi Gathering Realm are both Grade C. Those not even in the Physical Body Realm, unless they are very beautiful women, would not even qualify to enter the Slave Market!"


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes and asked, "If during the capture process, they encounter someone not even at Grade C, how are they generally dealt with?"


    "This..."


    Lin Yuejin and Shi Feiya were taken aback, hesitating to speak.


    Along''s eyes turned blood-red, and he bit his steel teeth tightly, his words punctuated with pauses, "Death, unless it''s a very beautiful woman who could still fetch a price. As for the old, the weak, women, and children, they have only the path of death!"


    When the Tan Family captured Along and his people, they killed all the old, weak, women, and children of their tribe.


    Those were hundreds of thousands of living souls!


    All buried by the Tan Family in the depths of the sea.


    Shi Feiya quickly said, "Xiao, don''t worry, we would absolutely not resort to the Tan Family''s methods, we would never harm those old, weak, women, and children!"


    "Hmm!"


    Xiao Yi nodded.


    He couldn''t put an end to the slave trade, nor was he a saint.


    If such a trade existed, it had its own rationale.


    All he could do...


    Was to minimize the harm to innocent people within his power!


    Along looked at Shi Feiya and Lin Yuejin with disdain, "You would be so kind-hearted?"


    Shi Feiya gave a wry smile, "Xiao used two percent of the Slave Market''s profits as a condition to sign a contract with us, how dare we deceive him?"


    Xiao Yi was now the deputy ruler of Beast Emperor City.


    His status was second only to Huang Baitao.


    With just one word, he could shut down the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce, how could they dare to deceive Xiao Yi?


    Along was startled, his gaze falling unexpectedly upon Xiao Yi, filled with heartfelt gratitude.


    He was very aware of how terrifying the profits from two percent of the Slave Market were, a colossal fortune of hundreds of billions of silver pieces, which Xiao Yi had chosen to forgo in order to add that condition.


    This made Along even more grateful to Xiao Yi. After a moment of silence, Along said in a low voice, "Xiao, thank you!"


    "No need to be polite, we''re companions, aren''t we?"


    Xiao Yi smiled indifferently, then turned to Shi Feiya, "President Shi, didn''t you say you had a surprise for me?"


    Shi Feiya quickly nodded, "Xiao, please follow me!"


    They walked on.


    Shi Feiya led Xiao Yi to the deepest part of the Slave Market, a place formerly occupied by the Tan Family, which had now been taken over by the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce following the Tan Family''s ousting.


    Shi Feiya said, "Xiao, the surprise I''ve prepared for you is in here!"


    "Hmm?"


    Xiao Yi looked puzzled as he stared at the large black gate ahead.


    Clap Clap!


    Shi Feiya gently clapped her hands.


    Boom Boom Boom!


    The black gates burst open, and a ray of light, like that of a sliver of sky, shone through. Xiao Yi squinted slightly, waiting for the light to dissipate before finally seeing the scene inside the gate.


    It was a massive duel arena, and at that moment, there were ten carriages within the arena.


    The carriages were draped with black cloth.


    Shi Feiya glanced at Lin Yuejin, who immediately stepped forward with a smile, "Xiao, please look!"


    Boom!


    The black cloth on all ten carriages disappeared at once.


    In their place were cages, each imprisoning ten slaves. These slaves, both men and women, had an impressively profound aura.


    The weakest among them was at the First Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    The strongest were even three powerhouses of the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    "This is..."


    Xiao Yi''s pupils shrank slightly, one hundred beings at the Tao Tribulation Realm as the weakest?


    Among those three from the Dharma Manifestation Realm, a man appearing around forty with graying hair exuded a rather eerie presence. Xiao Yi''s eyes narrowed slightly, for this man was at least at the fifth layer of the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    Along took a sharp intake of breath, incredulously saying, "How is this possible? How, how could they be here?"


    Xiao Yi turned to Along: "You know them?"


    Gulp!


    Along nodded emphatically, swallowing hard, and said, "These people are all ranked in the top hundred of the Slave Battlefield, especially those three Dharma Manifestation Realm powerhouses, each one has achieved over a hundred victories. However, wasn''t it rumored that they regained their freedom? How could they be here¡­"


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow.


    He had heard from Along about the horrors of the Slave Battlefield, a meat grinder where losing meant death.


    These individuals were ranked among the top hundred on the Slave Battlefield, which was sufficient proof of their strength.


    Especially those three from the Dharma Manifestation Realm¡­ S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    They had even achieved over a hundred victories.


    "Indeed, those three achieved over a hundred victories. The Tan Family had publicly declared that they regained their freedom and left the Beast Emperor City. In reality, they were taken away by Sha Kun, just like the Slave King. However, unlike the Slave King who chose to submit, these three refused to submit, and thus have been secretly detained in the slave market," Shi Feiya said with a smile as she looked at Xiao Yi, speaking in a low voice, "Xiao, that white-haired man known as Shadow Demon, is an existence that achieved a hundred victories even before the Slave King. Now, his cultivation has reached the fifth layer of the Dharma Manifestation Realm!"


    Xiao Yi''s gaze swept over the three individuals, noticing that all of them wore pipa locks on their collarbones.


    These pipa locks could seal their power.


    Making them as ordinary people.


    Unable to exert their powerful combat strength.


    It was for this reason¡­


    That the Tan Family was able to imprison them for so many years.


    Xiao Yi withdrew his gaze, showing great interest as he looked at Shi Feiya: "What does President Shi suggest?"


    Shi Feiya smiled, "This is the surprise I have for you! Your Xiaoshanhe Institute is in the process of rebuilding, it is in need of people, and I believe they can provide great assistance to you!"


    Xiao Yi said playfully, "I''m afraid there''s more to it than just that, isn''t there?"


    "Uh¡­"


    Shi Feiya was taken aback, then she gave a bitter smile, "Nothing escapes you! With the strength of the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce, we truly can''t intimidate those three Shadow Demons, but it would be a pity to kill them. I believe you, Xiao, will certainly be able to subdue them!"


    "President Shi, that is a hard gift to accept! But¡­"


    Xiao Yi smiled, his eyebrows raising slightly, "I do like a challenge!"

 Chapter 338 - 338: Hundred Calamities, Three Dharma Aspects!

    "I just love doing challenging things!"


    With an indifferent smile on his face, Xiao Yi walked toward the prisoner carriage where the Shadow Demon and others were.


    Among these more than one hundred slaves, the strongest was the Shadow Demon.


    As long as he subdued the Shadow Demon, why would he worry about other strong ones not submitting?


    Inside the carriage.


    The Shadow Demon sat squarely in the middle, flanked by two other Dharma Manifestation Realm experts.


    One was Zhang Ling of the first level of Dharma Manifestation Realm, and the other was Shu He of the second level.


    The Shadow Demon kept his eyes closed, motionless.


    Shu He looked at Xiao Yi with a playful gaze.


    Boom!


    Zhang Ling, who had the hottest temper, shook his body violently, slamming against the carriage. His hands desperately clung to the black iron bars, his eyes filled with coldness and resentment, like an enraged lion, "Kid, let us out!"


    Xiao Yi glanced at him but did not respond; his gaze moved past Zhang Ling and fell on the Shadow Demon.


    He whistled at the Shadow Demon.


    Xiao Yi said with a playful tone, "If you''re still alive, squeak!"


    Bang!


    Zhang Ling, shaking the prisoner carriage with rage, glared at Xiao Yi, "You little bastard, who gave you the courage to talk to my brother like that?"


    "If you don''t shut up right now, I''ll make sure you never speak again!" Xiao Yi''s icy gaze fixed on Zhang Ling.


    "With you?"


    Zhang Ling''s face was thick with scorn, and he laughed mockingly, "Kid, don''t think I look down on you. If it wasn''t for this damned pipa lock, one spit from me could drown you. What the hell, a mere Tao Tribulation Realm, and you dare to clamor in front of me?"


    "Oh?"


    Xiao Yi looked at Zhang Ling with an amused, mocking gaze, "Are you so sure I''m not your opponent?"


    Zhang Ling said proudly, "Isn''t that obvious? You''re just a mere Tao Tribulation Realm, while I am of the Dharma Manifestation Realm. If it wasn''t for this damned pipa lock, I wouldn''t even let you stand in front of me with my power unleashed!"


    "Is that so?"


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow and chuckled, "Then let''s give it a try!"


    "Hmm?"


    Zhang Ling was startled.


    At that moment...


    A streak of silver light shot out from between Xiao Yi''s fingers, smashing the pipa lock on Zhang Ling''s shoulder to pieces with a thud.


    Hum!


    The entire prisoner carriage shook violently.


    Following that...


    Countless amounts of qi from heaven and earth gathered crazily, pouring into Zhang Ling''s body.


    "Roar!"


    Zhang Ling was first stunned, then realizing he truly had gained freedom, his face broke into ecstatic joy. He thumped his chest with both arms, emitting hysterical roars as countless qi from heaven and earth furiously gathered.


    His aura also climbed rapidly.


    A fierce wind blew, and the prisoner carriage rattled loudly.


    It lasted for dozens of breaths before finally quieting down.


    Zhang Ling looked at Xiao Yi incredulously, "You, you just set me free, aren''t you afraid I''ll kill you on the spot?"


    "What''s there to be afraid of?"


    Xiao Yi laughed lightly, standing in front of Zhang Ling, he made a welcoming gesture; "The pipa lock has been unlocked, now I''m quite curious to see how you''ll make me unable to stand!"


    "You..."


    Zhang Ling''s face changed colors repeatedly; after hesitating for a moment, he said solemnly, "Kid, considering that you unlocked my shackles, I won''t take your life. If you can''t hold out, just squeak!"


    "Bring it on!"


    Xiao Yi laughed.


    Boom!


    Zhang Ling''s body shook, and an unrivaled oppressive force rolled towards Xiao Yi in an instant.


    This oppressive aura was akin to a great mountain.


    All the Tao Tribulation Realm slaves within the prison cart turned pale, with cold sweat drenching them.


    As for Xiao Yi...


    He remained as calm as a breeze or a gentle cloud.


    Completely unaffected!


    "Hmm? You''ve really got something there. I''ve already used fifty percent of my oppressive power, and you can withstand it? Kid, I''m going to increase it to seventy percent now, you''d better be careful..." Zhang Ling put away his underestimation. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    However...


    Seventy percent still couldn''t shake Xiao Yi.


    "Is this all you''re capable of?" Xiao Yi shook his head and said.


    "Damn it!"


    Zhang Ling''s eyes were a fierce red as he angrily said, "This is what you asked for!"


    Whir!


    The oppressive force climbed again.


    This time, it rose to a full hundred percent, and beads of sweat appeared on Zhang Ling''s forehead: "This time, you won''t be able to resist, right?"


    "Hey, your brother is too weak. It''s your turn to come!"


    Xiao Yi''s calm voice suddenly sounded, causing Zhang Ling''s face to stiffen as he saw Xiao Yi looking relaxed at the Shadow Demon behind him, saying, "Shadow Demon, right? I heard you''re the first to claim a hundred victories on the Slave Battlefield. Don''t you long for freedom?"


    Swish!


    The Shadow Demon, who had been indifferent, suddenly opened his eyes.


    Those were deep and pitch-black eyes, like a night sky without a trace of light.


    His gaze was like an abyssal black hole.


    A single glance could pull you in deep.


    The Shadow Demon stared at Xiao Yi, fell silent for a moment, then spoke, "Freedom? You just want me to submit to you and do your bidding. If I were willing to bow down, I would have already bowed to Sha Kun like that slave king, would I end up in such a state?"


    Xiao Yi calmly said, "I''m different from Sha Kun. If you''re willing to become my companion and join my Xiaoshanhe Institute, just stay at the Xiaoshanhe Institute for ten years. After that, whether you leave or stay, I will not stop you!"


    "Ten years?"


    The Shadow Demon was startled.


    Dharma Manifestation Realm experts lived for more than a thousand years.


    Ten years was merely a fleeting moment.


    He had been imprisoned for several decades!


    The Shadow Demon asked in a deep voice, "How can I trust you?"


    "I am the head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute of the Great Qian Dynasty, and I am also the deputy city lord of the Beast Emperor City..."


    Xiao Yi spoke solemnly, "If these titles are not enough for you to trust, I can sign a contract with you, how about that?"


    Listening to their straightforward talk.


    Zhang Ling felt like crying but had no tears: Do I have no dignity at all? We are in the middle of a bet here! You are dealing with my strong oppression, and you just ignore me like this, is that really okay? Do you think this is easy for me?


    Clap, clap!


    Shu He couldn''t stand it anymore, walked forward, patted his shoulder, and sighed, "Third brother, pack up your pitiful oppression!"


    Zhang Ling: "..."


    The Shadow Demon looked at the two, "What about you?"


    Shu He smiled and said, "I listen to big brother!"


    Zhang Ling, with a woebegone face, said, "You call the shots!"


    The Shadow Demon was silent for a moment before stating his condition, "I can sign a contract with you, but my two brothers and I will only follow you for ten years. After ten years, you cannot interfere with our decision to leave or stay. Aside from us three brothers, the same goes for these brothers here; include them in the contract as well, and after ten years, you cannot stop them from leaving."


    "No problem!"


    Xiao Yi agreed readily, summoned Shi Feiya to draft the contract immediately, and also released the zither locks from the two.


    Looking at the nearly a hundred Tao Tribulations and the three Dharmas before him.


    Xiao Yi''s mouth curved slightly upward. With the addition of these people, the Xiaoshanhe Institute finally had the strength to stand up to the top ten sects. As for the ten-year agreement? Xiao Yi didn''t take it to heart at all. With his means, he thought that after ten years, he probably wouldn''t be able to get rid of these people even if he tried!


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath and narrowed his eyes: "The Tournament of Geniuses is about to start; it''s time to go back!"

 Chapter 339 - 339: Another Person Joins!

    When Xiao Yi left the slave market,


    a hundred strong followers were trailing behind him, ninety-seven of which were from the Tao Tribulation Realm and three from the Dharma Manifestation Realm. Notably, the Shadow Demon''s cultivation had reached the pinnacle of the Fivefold Heaven in the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    He was just one step away from entering the Sixfold Heaven of the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    The Shadow Demon''s strength was very powerful.


    However...


    At this moment, the way the Shadow Demon looked at Xiao Yi was filled with reverence.


    Previously, at the slave market, the Shadow Demon had fought with Xiao Yi, and the outcome speaks for itself. This existence, comparable to the so-called Slave King, was forcefully rubbed against the ground by Xiao Yi.


    Since then,


    the Shadow Demon, Zhang Ling, Shu He, and those dozens of ferocious and evil Tao Tribulation Realm slaves dared not underestimate Xiao Yi any longer.


    Let alone challenge his authority!


    "Shadow Demon, you take everyone to the docks to rent a boat, let everyone get on board, order some food, and have a good rest. Later, have Along tell me which boat it is. I''ll make a trip to the city lord''s mansion, and then we can all ride back!" Xiao Yi instructed.


    These slaves had their food and clothing strictly controlled in the slave market.


    Especially these past few days.


    The Tan Family was overthrown, and Sha Kun rebelled; nobody paid any attention to them. They had been starved for days.


    Upon hearing that Xiao Yi was letting them go eat first, their eyes lit up.


    The Shadow Demon nodded, "Thank you, Xiao."


    Xiao Yi waved his hand, gave the Shadow Demon several silver notes, and then went with Shi Feiya to the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce.


    Shi Feiya had already prepared the many medicinal materials, the value of which totaled one hundred billion silver. It took ten storage rings to hold them all. The storage rings alone were worth more than ten billion silver, demonstrating the lengths Shi Feiya went to ingratiate herself with Xiao Yi.


    "Xiao, I heard that in another two months, the Great Qian Dynasty''s imperial family will be holding the ancestral worship ceremony?" Shi Feiya asked.


    Xiao Yi nodded, "What about it? Does President Shi have an interest in taking a trip there?"


    "If Xiao doesn''t mind, Feiya does wish to brazenly go and take a look!" Shi Feiya said with a charming smile, enchanting to anyone who saw it.


    Xiao Yi smiled, "Then I shall await President Shi''s honored visit!"


    "As long as Xiao doesn''t mind Feiya''s bothering you," said Shi Feiya with a smile.


    Xiao Yi exchanged pleasantries for a few moments, then he left.


    Watching his retreating figure,


    Shi Feiya turned to Lin Yuejin standing beside her, her gaze serious, "Send out the order, from now on, any business dealings related to Xiao must go through my approval and be treated with the highest standards!"


    "Understood!"


    Lin Yuejin nodded gravely.


    As he watched Xiao Yi leave, Lin Yuejin replayed the scene from the slave market in his mind.


    With just a slap, Xiao Yi had knocked the Shadow Demon, a fivefold Dharma Manifestation Realm cultivator, to the ground. Although the Shadow Demon had been imprisoned for many years and his combat strength had not yet recovered to its peak,


    it was enough to prove the extent of Xiao Yi''s strength and terror.


    What was even more crucial was...


    Xiao Yi had only reached the Eighth Layer Cultivation in the Tao Tribulation Realm!


    What if he broke through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm?


    "Perhaps even Tianjiao can''t compare to him!" Lin Yuejin murmured to himself.


    Meanwhile,


    Xiao Yi arrived at the residence of the city lord.


    Huang Baitao had already awakened, his whole body reeking of alcohol, listening to Huang Yuwei "educating" him with his head lowered, "Father, you''ve just recovered from a serious illness, and yet you drank so much last night. You even think about becoming sworn brothers with Xiao Yi, can''t you quit drinking?"


    Huang Baitao''s head drooped down.


    The lord of Beast Emperor City, who feared nothing in heaven or earth, only feared this beloved daughter of his.


    Huang Baitao''s eyes lit up, hastily shouting, "Xiao Yi, you''re here?"


    "Ah?"


    Huang Yuwei was momentarily stunned, her pretty face flushed slightly with anger, as she glared fiercely at Huang Baitao. She withdrew her hands from her waist and looked towards Xiao Yi with a gentle smile, "Xiao Yi, how come you''re back?"


    Xiao Yi touched his nose.


    Seeing the way Huang Yuwei scolded Huang Baitao, he felt even more amused and said, "I have come to bid farewell!"


    Huang Yuwei was startled again, and a hint of loss and sadness appeared on her face as she muttered, "So soon, you''re leaving?"


    "Yes!"


    Xiao Yi nodded, "The reconstruction of Xiaoshanhe Institute is imminent, and I must hurry back." After a pause, Xiao Yi said with a smile, "Uncle, Yuwei, in two months, it will be the Great Qian Dynasty''s ancestral worship ceremony, which will take place in my Xiaoshanhe Institute. If you don''t mind, you are welcome to come and visit then!"


    "Really? Can we, can we really go?" The gloom on Huang Yuwei''s face vanished in an instant. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi smiled, "Of course you can!"


    Huang Yuwei quickly turned to Huang Baitao, "Father, we will definitely go then, won''t we?"


    "Naturally, Xiao Yi is our Beast Emperor City''s Vice City Lord. We must go to support him then!"


    Huang Baitao laughed heartily and then cast a mysterious glance at Xiao Yi, "Xiao Yi, I had guessed that you would be going back, so I arranged for a gift for you!"


    "A gift?"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback.


    Clap, clap!


    Huang Baitao clapped his hands twice, and Huang Zheng and Huang Yi entered from outside the door.


    In front of these two was a white-haired elder.


    This man was none other than the Seven-Star Alchemist Master Yuan from the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.


    "This is¡­"


    Xiao Yi looked puzzled.


    Huang Baitao smiled and said, "I have already spoken with Master Yuan. He has agreed to go to Xiaoshanhe Institute to assist you for ten years. After ten years, you can send him back to Beast Emperor City!"


    "Hmm?"


    Xiao Yi was stunned.


    As he pondered,


    the voice of Huang Baitao echoed in his mind, "Although Master Yuan indeed had dealings with Sha Kun, the Heavenly Treasure Chamber of Commerce is not easy to shake, and we cannot kill him. Now that your Xiaoshanhe Institute is being rebuilt, don''t you need more help? Master Yuan is a Seven-Star Alchemist, and his help will be only beneficial to your institute without a single drawback!"


    Xiao Yi looked at Huang Baitao, touched by his gesture.


    A Seven-Star Alchemist! No matter where, such a person is a top-tier existence.


    Huang Baitao could have kept him by his side, but instead, he offered Master Yuan to him. Although it was only for ten years, these ten years could very well bring Xue Bufan into the Seven-Star realm.


    Xiao Yi bowed to Huang Baitao and said solemnly, "Thank you, uncle!"


    "Hahaha, you''re being too polite!"


    Huang Baitao waved his hand dismissively. His gaze fell on Master Yuan, "Master Yuan, once you''re at Xiaoshanhe Institute, follow Xiao Yi''s orders without slackening. I will ensure the Heavenly Treasure Chamber of Commerce takes care of you!"


    "City Lord, rest assured, Master Yuan understands what''s important!"


    Master Yuan looked towards Xiao Yi and bowed, "Xiao, I hope for your care in the future!"


    "Master, you''re too courteous!"


    Xiao Yi returned the gesture meticulously.


    The group exchanged pleasantries for a while.


    Along arrived, signaling that the ship was about to set sail.


    Xiao Yi immediately took Along and Master Yuan and headed straight for the docks.


    Before long,


    Xiao Yi was boarding the colossal ten-thousand-meter ship, which was not the same one he had arrived on, but it was just as massive. The Shadow Demons were already resting inside the cabin, and Xiao Yi didn''t want to cause a big stir, so he didn''t call everyone together.


    At this moment, Xiao Yi had not noticed.


    From the moment he appeared on the docks, there were several eyes watching him secretly. When he boarded the ship, two Sky Eagles took off and disappeared into the vast ocean...

 Chapter 340 - 340: Meeting with the City Lord!

    Above the endless ocean.


    Huge waves reached for the sky, and the storm raged on ceaselessly, with the blue sea vast and limitless.


    A kilometer-long warship was positioned within the high waves.


    Rising and falling.


    This ship was about half a day''s distance from Linhai City, exactly blocking the essential sailing route for the ships returning from Beast Emperor City. Motionless, it resembled a hunter waiting patiently for his prey.


    On the ship.


    Xue Mantian stood at the bow with his hands clasped behind his back, facing the sea wind without so much as a frown.


    Suddenly.


    His gaze shifted toward the sky, just as a figure glided through the wind and waves, landing on his shoulder.


    Xue Mantian removed the envelope from the eagle''s claw.


    "They''ve already set out?"


    Xue Mantian squinted his eyes, and the envelope in his hand exploded with a bang, "I never imagined that the lad who once seemed no more than an ant could have come this far. However... this time you won''t have the aid of the experts from Baiyu, and I, Xue, will take your head personally!"


    Tap, tap, tap!


    A series of footsteps came from within the cabin.


    It was none other than two experts of the Dharma Manifestation Realm''s second stage, Xu Jinlong from Three Seas Mountain and Ge Ruoyi from Wendao Villa!


    Apart from these three great practitioners of the Dharma Manifestation Realm, on this ship, there were also powerhouses from the Nangong Family, the Beitang Family, and Xue Yilou from the Tao Tribulation Realm. Out of the hundreds of experts, there were as many as thirty from the Tao Tribulation Realm alone.


    Xu Jinlong stepped forward and said, "Xue, we''ve received news that Xiao Yi left Beast Emperor City yesterday and should arrive here in less than half a day!"


    Ge Ruoyi played with a dagger between his fingers and chuckled, "The Nangong Family sure thinks highly of Xiao Yi. The two of us alone could easily dispose of him, yet they even had you, Xue, make a personal appearance!"


    Xue Mantian was at the fourfold peak of the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    He was quite a bit stronger than the two of them.


    Xue Mantian said indifferently, "This kid is not that simple; we must not allow any mistakes."


    "Xue, did you once cross paths with Xiao Yi in the Tianqing Kingdom?" Ge Ruoyi asked.


    Xue Mantian glanced at him and said expressionlessly, "It wasn''t quite a confrontation. But, that kid was indeed full of oddities. When I encountered him, he was merely at the Golden Core Realm. But now..."


    A look of astonishment flashed in his eyes.


    Even if he didn''t see Xiao Yi as a threat, Xue was still shocked by his innate talent for cultivation.


    From the Physical Body Realm to the Tao Tribulation Realm in just two short years.


    Such speed of cultivation was utterly astonishing!


    The two men were stunned.


    Ge Ruoyi nodded thoughtfully, "His progression in cultivation is indeed bizarre. The vice villa owner of Wendao Villa personally instructed me to force out his cultivation technique!"


    "And his Alchemy skills are said to be extremely fearsome as well," Xu Jinlong added somberly.


    Xue Mantian said lightly, "Have someone constantly watch the sea, we absolutely can''t let him get away!"


    "Rest assured!"


    "He has no chance of escape!"


    A cold, cruel smile spread across the faces of the three.


    ......


    It would take a full two days to reach Linhai City from Beast Emperor City.


    On the stormy, rain-lashed sea, a ten-kilometer gargantuan ship cut through the waves.


    Boom!


    A deafening roar echoed across the entire ship.


    The tremendously long vessel shook violently and came to an abrupt halt amidst the winds and waves, resulting in a chorus of curses from within the cabin: "What the hell?"


    "Did we hit a reef?"


    "What''s going on? Nearly shook me off the bed..."


    At that moment.


    An icy voice suddenly spread throughout the entire ship: "Xiao Yi, come out and face your death!"


    "Xiao Yi, come out and face your death!"


    "Come out and face your death!"


    The thunderous sounds reverberated through the storm and waves.


    The terrifying presence of the Dharma Manifestation Realm enveloped the ship in an instant.


    The mighty suppressive force of the Dharma Manifestation Realm caused the cursing to cease abruptly.


    People either left the cabin or looked through the windows to see what was happening outside.


    In the midst of the storm.


    Xue Mantian, Ge Ruoyi, and Xu Jinlong, leading a group of three, stood proudly atop the wind and waves, surrounded by hundreds of formidable experts lined up in a row. Just in the Tao Tribulation Realm alone, there were more than thirty people.


    Their momentum was grand, their presence overwhelming.


    The owner of the ship was a lean man, who had also reached the Peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm, but faced with the pressure of the three great Dharma Manifestation figures, his face had gone pale, and he hurried forward, saying, "Jin Yu pays respects to the three seniors, may I ask the esteemed reasons for your visit?"


    "Let Xiao Yi roll out here, or this seat will have everyone on this ship join him in death!" Ge Ruoyi said with an icy expression.


    Jin Yu''s face changed drastically, and he responded quickly, "Seniors, might there be some misunderstanding? There... there''s no one called Xiao Yi on our ship..."


    "Shut up!"


    Xu Jinlong barked, his face full of scorn, "Do you think we have the time to be joking with you?"


    Xue Mantian said indifferently, "Xiao Yi, if you don''t come out now, don''t blame this seat for being ruthless!"


    At that moment.


    From inside the cabin, a series of curses could be heard: "Who is Xiao Yi? Get out there and face death quickly, don''t drag us into this!"


    "Xiao Yi, you get out there yourself, we don''t want to die for you!" S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Amidst the cursing of the crowd.


    Xiao Yi, with his hands behind his back, walked leisurely out from the cabin. Facing the howling wind and pelting rain, Xiao Yi wore an unchanging smile, amusingly watching Xue Mantian and the others suspended in mid-air.


    "Xiao Yi!"


    "You really are here!"


    Xue Mantian''s eyes showed a trace of coldness as he sneered, "Xiao Yi, long time no see, didn''t expect you''d still end up in my hands, did you?"


    Xiao Yi laughed as he glanced at the strong figures surrounding Xue Mantian. Although he was smiling, the killing intent in his eyes was increasingly cold: "Xue Mantian, long time no see! I''ve waited a long time for this day!"


    "Hm?"


    Xue Mantian was taken aback, looking at him puzzled, "You''ve been waiting for this day?"


    Xiao Yi nodded, "Ever since that day in the Tianqing Kingdom, I''ve been thinking non-stop about personally slaughtering you!"


    "..."


    Xue Mantian was at a loss for words.


    Ge Ruoyi laughed heartily, "Xiao Yi, who gave you the courage to even dream of provoking the Master of Xue Yilou?"


    "Leave aside the Master of Xue Yilou, even we could crush you as easily as crushing an ant!" Xu Jinlong looked at Xiao Yi, shaking his head with a disdainful smile.


    In their eyes...


    Those below Dharma Manifestation are merely ants!


    Xiao Yi wasn''t even at the Dharma Manifestation Realm, how could he possibly be their opponent?


    Xiao Yi cast a glance at Xue Mantian and the others, and said with a smile, "Xue Mantian, to come kill me, this few people you''ve brought just aren''t enough!"


    "Hahaha, that has to be the funniest joke I''ve ever heard in my life!"


    "Xiao Yi, to kill you we have deployed three great Dharma Manifestation figures, more than thirty Tao Tribulation Realm experts, nearly a hundred Golden Core Realm... we''ve already outnumbered you, and yet you say we''re not enough?"


    Xu Jinlong and the others shook their heads with laughter, faces full of mockery.


    Xiao Yi sighed, "This many people and you still talk about overwhelming with numbers? It seems you have a misunderstanding about what overwhelming with numbers truly means!"


    "Hm?"


    The group was momentarily taken aback.


    Xiao Yi said with a smile, "Let me teach you what it means to ''overwhelm with numbers''!"


    Snap!


    Xiao Yi slowly snapped his fingers.


    All of a sudden.


    Whoosh whoosh whoosh!


    From the cabin, over a hundred figures burst forth at once.


    Leading them were none other than the four Dharma Manifestation Realm powerhouses, Shadow Demon, Zhang Ling, Shu He, and Fu Yuan, followed by ninety-eight Tao Tribulation Realm experts, including Along.


    One hundred and two people, lined up behind Xiao Yi.


    Especially the formidable Shadow Demon, at the Fifth Layer of the Dharma Manifestation Realm Peak, whose chill seemed to overshadow even Xue Mantian.


    "How, how could there be so many people?"


    "Good heavens! Four great Dharma Manifestations, and all the rest are Tao Tribulation Realm?"


    "Who are all these people?"


    As everyone was in a state of shock and uncertainty.


    Starting with Shadow Demon at the lead, the one hundred and two people turned simultaneously to look at Xiao Yi and spoke in unison, their voices thundering like a storm, eclipsing the sound of the fierce wind and rain, "We greet the Lord of the City!"

 Chapter 341 - 341 One Move is Enough!

    "Greetings, City Lord!"


    Over a hundred powerful individuals cried out in unison, their voices thunderous, drowning out the stormy weather.


    Their shouts reverberated between heaven and earth.


    Aboard the giant ship, tens of thousands of strong figures were intimidated by this noise, turning pale and standing agape.


    The three figures of Xue Mantian in the void were also clueless.


    "City Lord?"


    "Where does this City Lord come from? Could it be Huang Baitao, the City Lord of Beast Emperor City?"


    "Is he also on this ship?"


    Everyone looked bewildered, constantly scanning their surroundings, trying to locate this legendary City Lord.


    The three people from Xue Mantian looked at each other in confusion.


    Ge Ruoyi said in a deep voice, "Huang Baitao is a seventh-ranking power in the Dharma Manifestation Realm, and it is said that he had an encounter with the Sea God and condensed the Sea God Dharma Idol. On the ocean, his combat power is nearly on par with a peak Dharma Manifestation Realm expert. If he is here, we must not offend him!"


    "Damn it, who would have thought Huang Baitao would be here. We can''t disturb him. We must make this a quick battle!" Xu Jinlong said, his expression grave.


    Xue Mantian nodded and called out loudly, "I was unaware of Huang''s presence; my offense was unintentional. I, Xue Mantian, am here on orders to capture Xiao Yi, and I had no intention of disturbing the City Lord!"


    "..."


    Yet no one inside the ship responded to him.


    While Xue Mantian was frowning,


    Shadow Demon and the others already stood up, looking at him with strange expressions on their faces.


    Suddenly...


    Xue Mantian''s face violently changed, the corners of his eyes twitching uncontrollably as he looked at Xiao Yi with disbelief.


    Gulp!


    Xue Mantian swallowed hard, a dreadful thought emerging in his mind, and he hastily shook his head: "Impossible, absolutely impossible..."


    At that moment,


    Shadow Demon had already approached Xiao Yi, bowing and saying, "City Lord, this man dares to target your life. Please give the order to execute this criminal!"


    Hum!


    Xue Mantian''s complexion turned ashen.


    Ge Ruoyi and Xu Jinlong stood dumbfounded, their perplexed faces burning as if slapped dozens of times.


    What the hell!


    The City Lord is Xiao Yi?


    Xiao Yi is the City Lord who made the four major Dharma Manifestation experts and nearly a hundred Tao Tribulation experts bow?


    Gulp! S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A twitch appeared at the corner of Ge Ruoyi''s mouth as he tasted bitterness: "I, I must be hallucinating, right?"


    Xu Jinlong glanced at him blankly: "I, I seem to be hallucinating too. They are actually calling Xiao Yi the City Lord? Hehe, isn''t that funny..."


    Xue Mantian: "..."


    Funny my ass!


    Hallucinations my grandpa!


    All of this is real!


    Indeed, they were addressing Xiao Yi as the City Lord, and Xiao Yi was that City Lord whom the four major Dharma Manifestation experts and nearly a hundred Tao Tribulation experts willingly served!


    At this moment...


    Xue Mantian only wanted to flee for his life.


    Even just Shadow Demon alone was enough to make him feel his life was in jeopardy, not to mention the other three high-ranked Dharma Manifestation Realm experts and the nearly a hundred Calamity Realm powerhouses!


    He couldn''t imagine how the young man who could have been crushed by a mere finger not so long ago had in just a little over a year reached a height that he could only look up to.


    Xiao Yi looked on with a playful expression, staring intently at Xue Mantian and said with a smile, "Xue Mantian, Xue, weren''t you going to bully with numbers?"


    "..."


    Xue Mantian felt his face resounding with slaps.


    His face was burning from the metaphorical slaps!


    Xue Mantian said with a dark face, "Xiao Yi, I admit I underestimated you. I never thought that in just over a year, you would have come this far. Today I will take my loss, but the tables will turn. One day, you will fall into my hands!"


    Knowing he was no match, Xue Mantian decisively chose to retreat.


    Just the four major Dharma Manifestation experts were trouble enough for them, let alone nearly a hundred Tao Tribulation experts.


    This time, the attempt to kill Xiao Yi was already impossible!


    "Want to leave now? It''s too late!"


    Xiao Yi gave a cold smile and looked at Shadow Demon, "Leave Xue Mantian for me, kill all the others!"


    "Yes!"


    Shadow Demon nodded vigorously.


    Even he was no match for Xiao Yi, let alone Xue Mantian, a mere fourth level of the Dharma Manifestation Realm?


    However...


    Xue Mantian, who was intent on fleeing, stopped in his tracks when he heard this, pointed at himself, and looked at Xiao Yi in disbelief, "What did you say? You want to kill me?"


    Xiao Yi nodded, "Why not?"


    "Interesting, really interesting. Xiao Yi, it seems that not only has your cultivation improved over the years, but you''ve also become completely arrogant. You, a mere Tao Tribulation Realm, think you can kill me? That''s utterly ridiculous. Since you''re determined to seek death, then I shall fulfill your wish!"


    Xue Mantian laughed heartily. He had thought there would be no chance to kill Xiao Yi. Unexpectedly, Xiao Yi was the one who delivered himself to the door. He turned to Ge Ruoyi and the others, "Hold them off, don''t let them get free to help Xiao Yi. Once I''ve killed this lad, we''ll make a quick escape!"


    "Rest assured!"


    "With such arrogance, Master Xue needs to teach him a good lesson!"


    Ge Ruoyi and his companion responded in succession.


    Xue Mantian said with confidence, "Rest assured, within three moves, I will have his head!"


    Looking at the confident Xue Mantian.


    Shadow Demon and the others shook their heads and sighed inwardly, "This idiot!"


    At the same time.


    Xiao Yi had already soared into the sky, confronting Xue Mantian in the air above.


    Xue Mantian said confidently, "Within three moves, I will take your head!"


    "Three moves?"


    Xiao Yi shook his head, a strange expression on his face, "Three moves are too many, one is enough!"


    "Hmm?"


    Xue Mantian was taken aback and then laughed, "It seems you''re not hopelessly arrogant after all, knowing that I only need one move to finish you off!"


    "Wait a minute!"


    Xiao Yi raised his hand to stop the self-satisfied Xue Mantian, saying seriously, "What I mean is, to kill you, I only need one move!"


    Huh?


    Xue Mantian''s face turned from red to white. He was, after all, a formidable fourth-level expert of the Dharma Manifestation Realm and the ninth master of Xue Yilou; even his peers wouldn''t dare claim they could beat him in one move.


    Xiao Yi was merely at the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    And yet he had the audacity to proclaim he could defeat Xue Mantian in one move?


    In Xue Mantian''s view, this was an intolerable humiliation and provocation.


    Xue Mantian laughed angrily, "One move? I shall stand right here, not moving an inch, and see how you can defeat me in one move!"


    "As you wish!"


    Xiao Yi''s smile suddenly vanished from his face.


    Whiz!


    His figure soared into the sky, and as the vital energy within him surged, the sky and earth changed color, and storms raged. Countless gales and thunderbolts fused into the palm of his hand, forming a purple-gold spear out of Wind Thunder.


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi flung his hand.


    The purple-gold spear tore through the void, pulling along a golden trail of light, and headed straight towards Xue Mantian. The terrifying sound, accompanied by booming thunder, approached, and the horror of the energy fluctuation caused Xue Mantian''s smug smile to suddenly freeze.


    His eyes bulged with rage and filled with terror, "This... this power..."


    The might rolling off the purple-gold thunderous spear made Xue Mantian feel the threat of death; light surged around his body, forming a circular energy barrier.


    Shielding himself.


    Simultaneously.


    The purple-gold spear struck swiftly, and with a thunderous explosion, the energy barrier shattered instantly.


    Within the purple-gold light, thunder surged over the spear.


    Splat!


    The spear effortlessly pierced through Xue Mantian''s shoulder.


    Ahhh...


    Xue Mantian screamed miserably as he was thrown backward with the spear, crashing into the sea with a bang. A hundred-foot-high wave rose into the sky, and Xiao Yi hovered in the air, gazing at the sea surface as it returned to calm.


    He reached out with his palm.


    Whoosh!


    A vast whirlpool appeared on the surface of the sea, and a water tornado shot up into the sky. Within that watery vortex, the pale-faced Xue Mantian was grasped by the neck by Xiao Yi and lifted up in front of him, "You, have lost!"

 Chapter 342 - 342: My Word Is The Evidence!

    "You lost!"


    Xiao Yi grasped Xue Mantian''s throat with one hand, lifting him to face himself, his expression void of emotion as he spoke.


    The purple-gold lightning spear above Xue Mantian''s shoulder had vanished, but blood continued to gush profusely from the gaping wound.


    His pale face was filled with intense shock and disbelief.


    Staring fixedly at Xiao Yi.


    In his eyes, there was also a hint of sudden realization and confusion.


    Once upon a time...


    Back in the Tianqing Kingdom, Xiao Yi was as insignificant as an ant in his presence, not even capable of resisting. But now, in just a little over a year, Xiao Yi had risen to heights he could only look up to.


    Pu!


    Xue Mantian''s mouth uncontrollably spewed out a mouthful of fresh blood, his eyes crimson as he stared at Xiao Yi, "I, I never imagined that in just a short year, you could become so strong. However, if you dare to kill me, Xue Yilou will never let you off!"


    Xue Yilou, the most formidable assassination organization of the Great Qian Dynasty.


    Behind it stood a weighty figure of the Great Qian Dynasty.


    Within the vast ranks of Xue Yilou, even Xue Mantian, who was just the ninth floor''s master, had already reached the fourth level of the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    This meant that there were at least eight others stronger than him.


    It was unquestionably a force that could not be ignored.


    However...


    Xiao Yi, with an expressionless face, said indifferently, "Xue Yilou? If they don''t provoke me, then fine, but if they dare... I''ll kill them one by one, a pair for every pair that comes..."


    Overbearing, confident.


    In this moment, Xiao Yi exuded a disdainful coldness that overlooked everything under the heavens.


    "Xue Mantian, let me send you on your final journey!"


    Xiao Yi''s hand suddenly exerted force.


    Ka-chak!


    Xue Mantian''s head tilted to the side, life extinguished completely.


    At the same time.


    Shadow Demon and the others had also dealt with Zhang Ling and Shu He, as well as the hundreds of strong individuals from various powers.


    Bodies drifted in the sea water, fresh red blood saturating the surrounding area.


    Moving with the waves.


    Stirring up waves of crimson foam.


    Not far away...


    Some beasts eyed them greedily, just waiting for Xiao Yi and his group to leave so they could launch a fierce attack to contest the corpses floating in the water. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi stepped onto the deck.


    All the powerhouses on the ship shivered, looking at him with awe on their faces.


    Xiao Yi looked at the ship''s master and said indifferently, "Gather up all these bodies!"


    "Yes!"


    The ship''s master, not daring to disobey, immediately sent men to begin collecting the corpses.


    An hour later.


    All the bodies had been retrieved, the ship''s master looked at Xiao Yi uneasily, "Sir, some of the bodies were too fragmented, we could only find some pieces, the rest have been collected!"


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow, noticing that many of the bodies on the deck were missing arms and legs.


    Zhang Ling touched his nose, his expression awkward, "Xiao, I''m really sorry, I just couldn''t hold it any longer!"


    Zhang Ling had achieved a hundred victories in the Slave Battlefield ten years ago, and after that, he was imprisoned by Sha Kun and spent the last decade in a dark and sunless dungeon.


    Now that he was free, he had finally encountered a fight where he could go all out without any restraint.


    Naturally, he had to vent thoroughly.


    Xiao Yi rolled his eyes and waved his hand, "It''s fine, just remember to be more measured next time!"


    Too much bloodshed is not good!


    Zhang Ling nodded, "Don''t worry, in the future, I''ll try to leave them intact!"


    *Thump*


    The ship''s master''s legs went weak, nearly kneeling on the ground.


    What the hell!


    What kind of people are these?


    Being more measured means leaving a whole corpse?


    The ship''s master''s head was practically buried in his chest; he dared not lift his eyes to look at these fearsome and threatening figures!


    Xiao Yi glanced at him and ordered, "Tie all these corpses to that small boat; we ourselves will pilot the small boat back!"


    "Ah?"


    The captain was taken aback.


    He had thought that Xiao Yi would ask them to take the small boat and the bodies back, and he was worried about being implicated. To his surprise, Xiao Yi volunteered this request, leaving the captain utterly grateful; he knelt on the ground and said, "Thank you, sir, for your mercy!"


    "This matter has nothing to do with you; there is no need for such actions!"


    Xiao Yi waved his hand dismissively.


    Then, the group took the bodies of Xue Mantian and the others to the small boat, hanging them around the small ship before sailing towards Linhai City.


    That vast ship, however, followed far behind.


    Half a day later.


    Linhai City appeared in their sight.


    Shu He steered the boat mightily towards Linhai City.


    Linhai is the only port of the Great Qian Dynasty that leads into Beast Emperor City. Countless ships come and go every day; among them are gigantic ships thousands of meters in length.


    Their thousand-meter-long small ship was unremarkable in the port of Linhai City.


    But now...


    As soon as Xiao Yi''s ship appeared, it caused a sensation.


    This sensation spread through the entire Linhai City harbor like a plague: "Look over there, why is that ship tied with so many bodies?"


    "Wait, I recognize that person; he is a strong warrior from Three Seas Mountain!"


    "That is the Taoist robe of Wendao Villa..."


    "Is that person tied at the bow wearing clothes from Xue Yilou? Isn''t that Xue Mantian, the ninth master of Xue Yilou? My heavens, how could he also be dead?"


    The entire dock was boiling over with excitement.


    Astonishment and terror were written all over the faces of countless powerhouses as they looked at each other.


    Fearing they were caught in an illusion.


    Clang clang clang!


    Amidst the sound of clashing metal, a troop of over a thousand people surged into the dock - it was Linhai City''s enforcement military.


    Leading them was none other than the city lord of Linhai City, the second-ranked General Li Bin.


    Li Bin was clad in silver battle armor and riding a Sea Dragon Horse, his eyes filled with gravity. He had only received news of a ship full of corpses entering Linhai City and had immediately come with the enforcement soldiers.


    Not until he saw with his own eyes this little ship teeming with severed heads did Li feel a chill engulfing his body.


    The situation has blown up!


    That was Li Bin''s first reaction.


    He recognized not only Xue Mantian but also Ge Ruoyi.


    The hundreds of corpses on this ship included powerhouses from Three Seas Mountain, Wendao Villa, the Nangong Family, the Beitang Family, and Xue Yilou!


    Which one of them was easy to provoke?


    Rumble!


    The small ship docked at the shore.


    A group of figures walked out from the cabin, with Xiao Yi at the forefront, followed closely by the Shadow Demon, Fu Yuan, Zhang Ling, and Shu He. Then came Along and the other ninety-eight Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouses.


    Hiss!


    The appearance of these hundred-plus people, four Dharma Manifestation Realm, and over a hundred Tao Tribulation Realm, seemed to calm the turbulent waters of the harbor.


    Everyone held their breath, not daring to make a sound.


    Sweat poured down Li Bin''s forehead; he too was at the Tao Tribulation Realm Peak, but among this group, there were more than a dozen whose aura was no less than his.


    Especially the Shadow Demon and the other three, each of them was unfathomable to him.


    Gulp!


    Li Bin desperately swallowed, his previous assertive aura completely doused. He stepped forward and said, "City Lord Li Bin of Linhai bids welcome to all the distinguished guests!"


    "City Lord Li!"


    Xiao Yi nodded and said, "I am Xiao Yi!"


    "Xiao Yi?"


    Li Bin was taken aback, his pupils suddenly narrowing, "You, you are Xiao, the head of Xiaoshanhe Institute?"


    Xiao Yi hummed affirmatively, then pointing to the corpses of Xue Mantian and others, he spoke indifferently, "These people attacked me and have all been executed. You need not trouble yourself, City Lord Li!"


    "This..."


    Li Bin hesitated. Xiao Yi''s reputation was indeed not weak, but it still didn''t compare to the intimidating power of Xue Yilou, the Nangong Family, and the Beitang Family. In a grave voice, Li Bin said, "Director Xiao, this is a matter of great importance. You say they attacked you, do you have any evidence?"


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes as he scanned Li Bin.


    The Shadow Demon and the others behind him also turned their gaze towards Li Bin.


    Thud!


    Li Bin trembled all over, feeling as if he had fallen into an ice cellar, with darkness, despair, and bone-chilling cold enshrouding him.


    He only heard Xiao Yi''s icy voice ringing in his ears, "My word is the evidence!"

 Chapter 343 - 343: Taking You to See the Play!

    "My words are evidence!"


    Xiao Yi''s face sported a frosty hue as he stared intently at Li Bin, enunciating each word, "What? Do you have an objection?"


    Gulp!


    Li Bin swallowed reflexively.


    His complexion turned deathly white.


    Under Xiao Yi''s oppressive aura, it felt as if an invisible giant hand was clutching his throat, leaving him unable to make the slightest sound. Even his legs were trembling. He could only muster the strength to stand before Xiao Yi.


    Whew!


    Li Bin let out a long breath of foul air and said somberly, "Director Xiao jests. This subordinate wouldn''t dare have any opinion." After a pause, he asked, "Director Xiao, would you like this subordinate to send someone to help you handle these corpses?"


    "No need!"


    Xiao Yi waved his hand and then looked toward Shadow Demon and the others, "Take down the masts on the ship for me, and hang their corpses on them. We''re heading back to the imperial capital!"


    "Yes!"


    The Shadow Demon and the rest promptly took action. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The masts were disassembled.


    One by one, corpses were suspended from the masts.


    A total of ten masts.


    Each one hung with more than a dozen bodies, shouldered by two Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouses. Xiao Yi swept his gaze over Li Bin and said indifferently, "City Lord Li, I shall take my leave first!"


    Swish!


    A group of figures soared into the sky.


    As he watched the ten masts laden with corpses, Li Bin felt a chill run down his spine and could no longer stand, collapsing to the ground with a thud. Breathing heavily, his pale face was filled with shock and fear, and he looked toward the enforcing soldiers at his side, "Quick, send a message to the imperial capital..."


    He looked up at Xiao Yi and the others, growing distant and disappearing into the void.


    Li Bin realized he was soaked in cold sweat and murmured to himself, "It''s over, this is going to cause major trouble!"


    ...¡­


    In the imperial capital, Xuanwu Square.


    This vast square located in Beicheng was the main battlefield for the Xiaoshanhe Institute''s Genius Battle, set to begin in half an hour.


    But now...


    The grand Xuanwu Square was nearly empty.


    Eerily desolate.


    Hai Wei, Yu Huaxian, and Li Jinjun sat on a high platform, and their expressions were somber.


    Swish!


    Amidst a whooshing sound.


    Ye Heng''s figure appeared in the square. He bowed to the three of them and said solemnly, "Three elders, I have ascertained the situation. Everyone has gone to the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy!"


    "Shanhe Martial Arts Academy?"


    "The one established by Chen Shuiwen and others?"


    The three Yu Huaxian were taken aback.


    Chen Shuiwen, after leaving the Xiaoshanhe Institute, was set on creating a martial arts academy of his own.


    Through the connections of Li Shengtian and Tian Xiao,


    Chen Shuiwen got in touch with heavyweights such as Three Seas Mountain, Wendao Villa, the Beitang Family, and the Nangong Family. Supported by these giants, Three Seas Mountain and Wendao Villa dispatched experts to populate the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy.


    The Beitang and Nangong families provided herbal and alchemical resources.


    The Shanhe Martial Arts Academy, even before its establishment, had already overshadowed the Xiaoshanhe Institute in terms of influence.


    "They changed their inaugural grand ceremony, originally scheduled seven days from now, to today. Anyone attending the founding ceremony will receive ten pieces of silver as a gift. Right now, the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy has gathered several hundred thousand people, and¡­"


    Ye Heng nodded gravely and continued, "I have just heard that Chen Shuiwen announced that anyone who joins the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy today and becomes its disciple will receive resources for cultivation worth a hundred thousand pieces of silver. Moreover, those with exceptional talent can even become disciples of masters in the Tao Tribulation Realm and even the Dharma Manifestation Realm. Now, everyone is heading there!"


    Hiss!


    Yu Huaxian and the others'' faces changed simultaneously.


    All the hustle and bustle of the world is for profit.


    Just by attending the opening ceremony, one could receive ten Silver, which was hardly different from picking it up for free; naturally, the common folk would head that way.


    Moreover, simply by joining the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy today, one could obtain cultivation resources worth a hundred thousand Silver¡ªthese offerings alone could attract countless powerhouses to give it a try.


    A hundred thousand Silver!


    For many people of modest family background, that was a substantial sum.


    And more importantly...


    They could possibly become disciples under masters of the Tao Tribulation Realm and Dharma Manifestation Realm, a dream coveted by so many, wasn''t it?


    Chen Shuiwen''s move hit the Xiaoshanhe Institute right where it hurt!


    Bang!


    Yu Huaxian slammed his hands hard on the table, his eyes a fiery red: "That bastard Chen Shuiwen, he wants to put an end to our talent competition!"


    "What are we to do now? Before Xiao left, we promised that there would be no issues, but now..." Hai Wei said with a worried face.


    Li Jinjun offered a wry smile, "Shall we... raise the rewards too?"


    This was their first mission after siding with the Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    If they messed this up...


    How could they continue to mix in at the Xiaoshanhe Institute in the future?


    Yu Huaxian shook his head: "It''s no use!"


    Xiaoshanhe Institute, at best, had the trillion Silver that Xiao Yi won, whereas behind Chen Shuiwen''s Shanhe Martial Arts Academy stood multiple forces like Three Seas Mountain, Wendao Villa, the Beitang Family, and the Nangong Family.


    Any one of these forces was wealthier than the Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    In terms of money, resources, and foundation...


    The Xiaoshanhe Institute had no advantage whatsoever.


    As they were pondering...


    A streak of golden light descended from the sky, landing instantly before them. This golden light was none other than Little Lin, who stood upright with a human-like grin, "It looks like you guys are in trouble!"


    "Little Lin?"


    "Why have you come back? Where''s Xiao Yi? Didn''t he return with you?"


    Yu Huaxian and Ye Heng were taken aback, looking around, yet they found no trace of Xiao Yi.


    Little Lin chuckled and scanned Ye Heng, "Little Ye, not bad at all! Already at the Fourth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm. It seems that you haven''t been slacking off in the days I was away!"


    "Uncle Master Little Lin..."


    Ye Heng gave a wry smile, "Shouldn''t we be more worried about other matters right now?"


    Little Lin nodded, "Don''t worry, the boss already knows about the situation here. He sent me to tell you guys, the talent competition is on hold, and he wants you all to go to Shanhe Martial Arts Academy to watch the show!"


    "Go to Shanhe Martial Arts Academy to watch the show?"


    Yu Huaxian and the others were stunned.


    Ye Heng''s eyes shone, "Is Master at Shanhe Martial Arts Academy?"


    Little Lin nodded.


    Yu Huaxian laughed heartily, the gloom on his face clearing entirely, as he looked at Hai Wei and Li Jinjun, "Let''s go to Shanhe Martial Arts Academy, we finally get to see Xiao Yi take action personally again!"


    Since they had wiped out the Great Jin Kingdom, it had been some time since he had seen Xiao Yi in action.


    Hai Wei and the others were taken aback.


    Li Jinjun murmured, "Xiao Yi indeed is a real dragon among men, but the forces behind Shanhe Martial Arts Academy are formidable, what good can he do by coming back alone?"


    Little Lin glanced at him, speaking lightly, "You''ll find out soon enough!"


    Everyone promptly headed in the direction of Shanhe Martial Arts Academy.


    Each person''s heart was filled with both confusion and anticipation.


    The Xiao Yi, who had created countless miracles before, how would he deal with Shanhe Martial Arts Academy this time?

 Chapter 344 - 344: The Mountain Opening Ceremony

    Shanhe Martial Arts Academy.


    Located in the bustling East City, this estate originally belonged to the Nangong Family, which was used to support Chen Shuiwen in establishing the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy to counter the Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    The Nangong and Beitang Families bought up more than a dozen other courtyards in the vicinity.


    It is said.


    That just the land in the area where the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy is situated cost a total of 500 billion Silver Taels.


    That''s real, genuine silver.


    "This Shanhe Martial Arts Academy really is luxurious!"


    "How could it not be luxurious? I heard that they even invited a seven-star Formation Master from the Tianjian Sect to set up a Spirit Gathering Array. The vitality of heaven and earth inside the academy is five times that of the outside, which has significantly boosted the heaven and earth vitality throughout the entire imperial capital!"


    "This is way more generous than the Xiaoshanhe Institute!"


    "Isn''t that the truth? That''s why almost all the participants from the previous Talent Battle have rushed over here!"


    "The people from Xiaoshanhe Institute must be crying. They went through so much trouble to hold a Talent Battle, only for no one to show up..."


    Hundreds of thousands of people gathered outside the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy, clogging up Xuanwu Avenue so tight that not even water could flow through. Among the crowd, members of the Nangong and Beitang Families occasionally moved through, distributing Silver Taels.


    Anyone willing to come to the opening ceremony of the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy would receive ten Silver Taels.


    This gimmick really attracted quite a crowd.


    Inside the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy.


    Chen Shuiwen''s face was alight with excitement as he watched the sea of people outside and smiled at Nangong Shengtian beside him, "Ancestor Nangong, you truly are wise and resourceful! You''ve managed to make the Xiaoshanhe Institute''s doors beg for visitors, by spending just a few million Silver Taels!"


    "Don''t underestimate these ten Silver Taels. People are greedy, and nobody wants to miss out on a pie falling from the sky," Nangong Shengtian said calmly.


    Beitang Feng also laughed scornfully, "To think that Xiao Yi, a boy whose whiskers haven''t even fully grown, would dare to compete with us? He''s simply a moth flying into the flame!"


    Sun Zhengyi stood by with a flattering look on his face, "Chancellor, honored ancestors, the time is almost upon us. We should head to the front and host the opening ceremony!"


    "Hmm!"


    Nangong Sheng nodded his head and made a welcoming gesture to Chen, smiling, "Chancellor Chen, you are today''s star. Please, after you!"


    "Thank you, Ancestor Nangong. Then I won''t be courteous!"


    Chen Shuiwen laughed heartily with a ruddy complexion, striding forward with the vigor of a dragon and the step of a tiger.


    Vital energy radiated wildly from his body, already showing signs of leaking out.


    The Sword Inquiry Taoist watched his receding figure and murmured, "He is truly worthy of that person''s favor; in just a few days, Chen Shuiwen has made such great progress. With his condition, he can already step into the Dharma Manifestation Realm. I suspect he''s been purposely suppressing it until today to make a breakthrough!"


    "That person has controlled Xue Yilou for many years, and his power is certainly not inferior to yours or mine," Yun Ruowang said indifferently.


    Nangong Sheng smiled, "Now that he stands with us, the stronger his power, the better for us." He paused, narrowed his eyes, and shook his head with a sigh, "It''s a pity, though, that we won''t be able to see Xiao Yi''s expression when he sees all this!"


    "In another two or three days, Xue Mantian will probably be able to bring his head back, right?"


    As everyone talked. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    They had arrived at the gate of Shanhe Martial Arts Academy.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    A series of resonant bell tolls suddenly rang out, quieting the noise from the hundreds of thousands of onlookers on Xuanwu Avenue, as they all turned to look toward the huge vermillion gate of the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy.


    Above the gate, a bright red sash concealed the plaque.


    At the time of the opening ceremony.


    Chen Shuiwen himself would uncover the red cloth, and at that moment, the red gates thundered and slowly swung open.


    "They''re coming out!"


    "Is that Chen Shuiwen, the headmaster of the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy?"


    "Look behind him; isn''t that Ancestor Nangong Shengtian from the Nangong Family? And Beitang Feng from the Beitang Family..."


    "Those two are Yun Ruowang, the Deputy Sect Master of Three Seas Mountain, and the Sword Inquiry Taoist, the Deputy Master of Wendao Villa!"


    "It seems the rumors are true; the forces behind the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy are much stronger than those behind the Xiaoshanhe Institute. Besides, inside the academy, there is even a Heaven and Earth Vitality Gathering Array that boosts vitality by five times. Why bother with the Xiaoshanhe Institute?"


    For a moment,


    The crowd was abuzz with excitement.


    "Ahem!"


    Chen Shuiwen cleared his throat, and his voice spread among the people, proclaiming loudly, "Today is the grand opening of our Shanhe Court. First and foremost, I thank you all for coming to witness the event..."


    A series of tedious ramblings.


    "As everyone knows, I, Chen Shuiwen, was once the Deputy Headmaster of the Xiaoshanhe Institute; however, due to the machinations of some petty individuals, I was forced to leave. After my departure, all instructors and over sixty percent of the disciples from the Xiaoshanhe Institute chose to leave with me. To avoid disappointing them, I began preparations for this Shanhe Martial Arts Academy!"


    Chen Shuiwen''s voice grew heavier as he continued, "Your presence here today proves that you trust me, Chen Shuiwen. I assure you that by joining the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy, you will be provided with cultivation resources worth one hundred thousand Silver Taels. Those who are exceptionally talented may even have the chance to become disciples of masters in the Tao Tribulation Realm and Dharma Manifestation Realm, gaining access to even more cultivation resources. Ancestor Nangong and the others can vouch for this!"


    Ancestor Nangong Shengtian nodded and said, "My Nangong Family will fully support Headmaster Chen''s Shanhe Martial Arts Academy!"


    Beitang Feng added, "My Beitang Family will fully support Headmaster Chen!"


    Yun Ruowang declared, "Three Seas Mountain will send ten Tao Tribulation Realm cultivators and one Dharma Manifestation Realm cultivator to take residence at the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy!"


    "Wendao Villa has decided to send ten cultivators in the Tao Tribulation Realm and one in the Dharma Manifestation Realm to reside in the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy!" The Sword Inquiry Taoist, his gaze sharp as a blade, swept over the crowd and said indifferently.


    Boom!


    An ecstatic cheer suddenly erupted among the crowd.


    With just Wendao Villa and Three Seas Mountain, they were supporting the academy with twenty Tao Tribulation Realm and two Dharma Manifestation Realm masters.


    Additionally, the Nangong and Beitang Families were providing pill and medicinal herb resources.


    The teaching faculty and the resources of the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy far exceeded those of the Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    "I heard that the strongest in the Xiaoshanhe Institute is only at the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm, and they don''t even have a Dharma Manifestation Realm cultivator!"


    "The entire Xiaoshanhe Institute has less than ten people in the Tao Tribulation Realm. How can they even compare?"


    "I was thinking of having my son attend the genius battle at Xiaoshanhe Institute, but now it seems there''s no need to choose. The Shanhe Martial Arts Academy is obviously the right choice..."


    Hearing the discussions among the crowd, the smile on Chen Shuiwen''s face became even brighter.


    "Ladies and gentlemen..."


    Chen Shuiwen, his face aglow with joy, continued to speak, "I would like to express my gratitude here to the Nangong and Beitang Families, Three Seas Mountain, and Wendao Villa for their generous support. At the same time, today, at the grand opening of my Shanhe Martial Arts Academy, I, Chen Shuiwen, have another piece of great news to announce!"


    "Great news?"


    "What on earth could it be?"


    The crowd looked puzzled.


    The corners of Chen Shuiwen''s mouth turned up slightly, and a terrifying aura suddenly surged to the heavens from him.


    His cultivation was climbing rapidly.


    He had reached the pinnacle of the Tao Tribulation Realm Peak, and at the same time, a black cloud began to gather above him. The wind and clouds churned, lightning tumbled, and with a loud laugh, Chen Shuiwen rose slowly into the air, "Today, I, Chen Shuiwen, will step into the Dharma Manifestation Realm. I invite you all to bear witness!"


    "Damn, is Headmaster Chen about to break through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm?"


    "Doesn''t that mean Shanhe Martial Arts Academy will have three great Dharma Manifestation Realm masters presiding over it?"


    Just as everyone was expressing their amazement and Chen Shuiwen was wearing a look of pride, at that moment, a mocking voice came from the void: "Are we here to witness your failed tribulation?"

 Chapter 345 - 345: I, Can Help You!

    A sardonic and cold voice suddenly spread throughout heaven and earth.


    Chen Shuiwen''s face, previously filled with self-satisfaction, abruptly froze, his eyes lifted in shock as he turned towards the source of the sound, pupils shrinking abruptly as he exclaimed in disbelief, "Xiao Yi? How could it possibly be you?"


    Within his line of sight.


    Xiao Yi was approaching, walking in mid-air, his hands behind his back, his face carrying a taunting gaze as he looked at Chen Shuiwen.


    At the entrance.


    Nangong Shengtian, Beitang Feng, Sword Inquiry Taoist, and Yun Ruowang were all exchanging unbelieving looks, saying with shock, "How can this be? Could it be that Xue Mantian has failed?"


    "With Xue Mantian''s pinnacle cultivation in the Fourth Layer of the Dharma Manifestation Realm, plus the help of Zhang Ling and another, how could they possibly fail?"


    "Could it be that they did not encounter Xiao Yi?"


    "Damn, this brat is really lucky!"


    Everyone was seething with irritation.


    In their opinion...


    If Xiao Yi had encountered Xue Mantian and the others, he would surely have only one path¡ªto death.


    Now that Xiao Yi was able to appear here, it must be that Xue Mantian and the others had not met him. At this moment, Nangong Shengtian and the others could not possibly have imagined that Xue Mantian and his compatriots had already perished at Xiao Yi''s hands.


    In mid-air.


    Chen Shuiwen, his face icy, stared at Xiao Yi, his expression had returned to normal, and he laughed coldly, "You really are lucky... But this is also good, to let you see with your own eyes, your Xiaoshanhe Institute being trampled under my feet, this would satisfy the hatred in my heart!"


    "Trample my Xiaoshanhe Institute under your feet? With just you?"


    Xiao Yi laughed, the corners of his mouth lifted slightly, revealing a thick sneer.


    Chen Shuiwen snorted coldly, saying arrogantly, "Xiao Yi, I admit you are strong and talented, but I now have the backing of Xue Yilou, both the Nangong and Beitang Families, as well as Three Seas Mountain and Wendao Villa. Moreover, I am about to traverse the Heavenly Tribulation and step into the Dharma Manifestation Realm. What do you have to contend with me?"


    "Heavenly Tribulation?"


    Xiao Yi looked up at the tribulation clouds covering ten miles of the sky, the corner of his mouth curling slightly.


    When I broke through to the Tao Tribulation Realm, I drew a Heavenly Tribulation that spanned a hundred miles.


    You''re breaking through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm, and you only draw a ten-mile-wide Heavenly Tribulation.


    Why do you feel so proud?


    Chen Shuiwen, observing Xiao Yi''s silence, assumed Xiao Yi was intimidated by the might of the Heavenly Tribulation and straightened his spine, his smile growing more proud, "Xiao Yi, open your eyes wide and see clearly¡ªthis is the might of Dharma Manifestation. Once I achieve Dharma Manifestation, with support from Ancestor Nangong and the others, my Shanhe Martial Arts Academy will surely trample your Xiaoshanhe Institute under its feet. Hahaha..."


    Boom!


    Chen Shuiwen soared into the sky.


    Rumbling!


    Above the heavens, the pitch-black clouds teemed with zigzagging purple-golden lightning.


    Thunderous roars reverberated, deafening to the ears.


    On Xuanwu Avenue, countless citizens who had never seen such a terrifying heavenly might exclaimed in fear, "Is this the Heavenly Tribulation? Chen is able to draw such a terrifying Heavenly Tribulation; his power is indeed formidable!"


    "Chen is about to step into the Dharma Manifestation Realm. With the support of the Nangong Family, the rise of Shanhe Martial Arts Academy is within sight!"


    Listening to the praises of the crowd.


    Chen Shuiwen, full of conceit, bellowed, "Everyone, today is the day I, Chen Shuiwen, overcome the tribulation. Open your eyes wide and watch how I, Chen Shuiwen, defy the heavens..."


    Boom!


    Silver light radiated around Chen Shuiwen, expanding to a hundred feet, as if he were a silver War God himself.


    Swish!


    He leapt into the air, hurtling toward the thunderclouds.


    Watching the lightning roar above, the purple-golden rays within the black clouds flickering uncertainly, the terrifying Heavenly Tribulation brewing, ready to strike.


    But at that moment...


    Xiao Yi''s voice once again reached Chen Shuiwen''s ears, "Since Chen wishes to perform a heaven-defying act for everyone to see, how could I, Xiao Yi, come empty-handed? Let me add a few bricks and mortar to your grand feat!"


    "Hmm?"


    Chen Shuiwen, single-mindedly preparing to traverse his tribulation and showcase his mighty power, stiffened.


    He whipped around, staring incredulously at Xiao Yi.


    A look of terror crept into his eyes.


    Even his voice trembled, "Xiao Yi, what do you want to do?"


    "No good!"


    "Xiao Yi is planning to enhance the power of the heavenly tribulation!"


    "Damn it, we must stop him..."


    "Don''t even think about intervening, if our power is detected by the heavenly tribulation, it will only make its power grow stronger."


    Nangong Shengtian and others turned pale and helpless.


    Beitang Feng growled with rage, "Chen Shuiwen, that idiot, should have found a safe place to hide while undergoing tribulation, but he chose to do it in front of a crowd to show off. This has provided Xiao Yi with an opportunity, yet we can only watch helplessly. What should we do..."


    In order to inaugurate the grand opening ceremony of the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy, they had exhausted every means and effort to attract all the attention of the imperial capital.


    If Chen Shuiwen could safely get through the tribulation, naturally, it would enhance the prestige.


    But if he failed, it would be disgraceful!


    Hum!


    The aura of the Eighth Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm emanating from Xiao Yi immediately made the heavenly tribulation restless. The roaring sound was deafening, and the purple-gold lightning surged without stopping, causing the clouds of tribulation to swell abruptly.


    From a ten-mile radius, it directly climbed to twenty miles.


    Thirty miles.


    Forty miles...


    It surged to a fifty-mile radius.


    The power of the heavenly tribulation increased by more than fivefold, the terrifying heavenly might caused Chen Shuiwen''s bones to crackle and his body was soaked with cold sweat.


    Gurgle!


    Chen Shuiwen turned deathly pale, "It''s over, it''s over, how can I possibly get through such a tribulation?"


    Boom!


    The first lightning strike of the heavenly tribulation violently descended.


    "Taiji without limits!"


    Chen Shuiwen ran his Qi to its limits throughout his body, forming a Qi Taiji above his head, hoping to fend off the heavenly tribulation.


    Crack!


    The bucket-thick lightning shattered the Qi Taiji.


    The terrible lightning engulfed him in an instant.


    Wow!


    Chen Shuiwen screamed miserably, his body charred, falling from the sky.


    With a thud, he crashed to the ground.


    In a huge pit, the second bolt of heavenly tribulation struck down violently, and a ghastly scream emerged from within the pit: "Awooo..."


    "Damn it!"


    "Is this a tribulation failure?"


    "How can it not be a failure? Chen Shuiwen''s realm was forced through with the secret techniques of Xue Yilou, and now the tribulation has increased fivefold, how could he withstand it?"


    Nangong Sheng and the others looked at each other, their faces also turning grim. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And at this moment, they couldn''t even intervene!


    After all.


    That was the heavenly tribulation!


    Fortunately, there was a brief interval before the third lightning, and Chen Shuiwen, covered in soot and spitting blood, climbed out of the pit with a wretched face, emitting a puff of black smoke from his mouth.


    Chen Shuiwen looked at Nangong Shengtian and others: "Ancestor Nangong, help, help me..."


    Nangong Shengtian was powerless to assist: "Sorry, there''s nothing I can do!"


    The Sword Inquiry Taoist and others also had bitter expressions on their faces.


    Watching the purple-gold lightning reaccumulate within the tribulation clouds above, Chen Shuiwen''s face turned green with fright. Just as he was losing all hope, Xiao Yi''s voice reached his ears: "Need help? I can help you!"

 Chapter 346 - 346: Sword Slashing the Heavenly Tribulation

    "I can help you!"


    Xiao Yi squatted in front of the pit, smiling as he looked at the Chen Shuiwen before him.


    On Chen Shuiwen''s pitch-black face, two blood-stained eyes stared fixedly at Xiao Yi, and he sneered, "You? It''d be good enough if you don''t kill me. How could you possibly help me? Besides, this is the Heavenly Tribulation..."


    In Chen Shuiwen''s view,


    It would be good enough if Xiao Yi didn''t kill him.


    How could he possibly help him?


    Besides...


    Nangong Shengtian and the others were powerless against the Heavenly Tribulation''s might. How could Xiao Yi possibly help him?


    At this moment,


    The third thunderbolt from the sky above suddenly descended, a thick, purple-gold lightning bolt coalesced into a mighty dragon, twisting its massive body as it fell from the heavens.


    In an instant, it illuminated half of the sky, seemingly about to strike right behind Xiao Yi.


    In the nick of time,


    Xiao Yi, without turning his head, simply slapped his hand out!


    Hum!


    That terrifying thunderbolt suddenly froze, followed by a surge of peerless elemental power, ascending rebelliously. It enveloped that bolt of lightning and, with a hissing sound, shattered the thick thunderbolt completely.


    Hiss!


    On Xuanwu Avenue, a collective gasp rang out.


    "Impossible!"


    "This is the Heavenly Tribulation! How could Xiao Yi shatter the Heavenly Tribulation with just a slap?"


    "Has the power of the Heavenly Tribulation weakened? No, that''s not right. With nine levels of Heavenly Tribulation, each level is stronger than the last... How did Xiao Yi do it?"


    Everyone was dumbfounded.


    Chen Shuiwen was even more dumbstruck, staring at Xiao Yi in disbelief, "You, you, you..."


    Xiao Yi shook his hand, purple-gold lightning snakes coursing around his palm before they disappeared into his hand. Xiao Yi smiled and said, "Now do you believe that I can help you?"


    Chen Shuiwen showed hesitation on his face.


    Xiao Yi continued, "There are still six more levels of the Heavenly Tribulation to go! You can take your time to think about it!"


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi withdrew and retreated quickly.


    Simultaneously...


    The fourth thunderbolt of Heavenly Tribulation fell, its terrifying divine might turning Chen Shuiwen''s complexion ashen. Gritting his teeth, he said, "I refuse to believe that I can''t withstand a thunderbolt that can be destroyed by a slap from that kid!"


    Hum!


    Silver light swirled around Chen Shuiwen''s body, as if he was a giant formed of poured silver.


    In his palm, a purple-gold long knife hummed and slashed towards the thunderbolt. However, when that fifth-grade weapon touched the lightning, there was a loud crack, and the combat knife was cleaved apart and destroyed by the lightning.


    With its impediment gone, the lightning struck Chen Shuiwen directly.


    Boom!


    This bolt of lightning connected heaven and earth, blowing up the area where Chen Shuiwen stood, creating a ten-meter-deep pit in the ground. Spitting out blood, Chen Shuiwen embarrassedly crawled out of the pit.


    Seeing the fifth wave of the Heavenly Tribulation about to descend,


    Chen Shuiwen no longer dared to be arrogant and quickly looked at Xiao Yi, transmitting his voice, "Xiao Yi, save me!"


    Xiao Yi dug at his ear as if he hadn''t heard a thing.


    Chen Shuiwen''s face turned from green to white, fully aware of Xiao Yi''s intentions; he was expected to loudly beg Xiao Yi for help. But doing so would surely damage his reputation!


    The Headmaster of Shanhe Martial Arts Academy asking for help to survive the tribulation?


    Yet his life was at stake now.


    Chen Shuiwen took a deep breath, and under the threat of death, he closed his eyes and bellowed, "Headmaster Xiao, please save me!"


    "Didn''t Headmaster Chen claim he would trample the Xiaoshanhe Institute underfoot? Now he''s actually begging Headmaster Xiao for help?"


    "I thought Headmaster Xiao handled the Heavenly Tribulation very easily earlier. Why is it so difficult when it reaches Headmaster Chen? Could it be that Headmaster Chen is too weak?"


    The surrounding hundreds of thousands of onlookers all turned their eyes to Chen Shuiwen, murmuring amongst themselves.


    Prior to this...


    Chen Shuiwen was as humiliated as he had been arrogant and smug, and at this moment, his face couldn''t have been more scandalized!


    His complexion turned to the ugliest shade, his eyes nearly bleeding tears. He had gone to great lengths and spared no expense to gather these people here, timed perfectly with the day the geniuses'' battle began, for the grand opening of his institution.


    He had hoped to severely dampen the spirits of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, but now everyone was laughing at him instead.


    Chen Shuiwen felt so mortified, he practically wished for death! S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi glanced at him and said coolly, "Is this how you ask someone for help?"


    "I..."


    Chen Shuiwen''s face turned incredibly ugly as the fifth bolt of Heavenly Tribulation struck down, burying him underground once again. This time, he broke four ribs, suffered internal injuries in all organs, and blood spewed from his every orifice.


    If he delayed any further...


    At most, by the seventh strike of the Heavenly Tribulation, his life would be over.


    Out of desperation,


    Chen Shuiwen closed his eyes in despair, tears of humiliation falling, and he fell to his knees with a thud, pulling at his neck with bulging veins, and roared, "Institute Head Xiao, please save me!"


    "Save me..."


    His roar actually drowned out the sound of thunder.


    At the entrance,


    Nangong Shengtian and the others exchanged glances, all seeing the disagreeable expressions on each other''s faces and the disappointment in their eyes.


    All of their meticulous preparations.


    Had been utterly ruined by Chen Shuiwen''s kneeling!


    As he looked at Chen Shuiwen kneeling before him, the corners of Xiao Yi''s mouth lifted slightly. As the sixth heavenly bolt descended, he declared in a loud voice, "Chen, why go through such lengths? Get up quickly, it''s just a minor Heavenly Tribulation. Watch as I help you transcend this tribulation!"


    "A minor Heavenly Tribulation?"


    "Such grand words, I truly want to see how you will help him transcend this tribulation..."


    Nangong Shengtian and the others all turned their attention to Xiao Yi, watching the tribulation clouds that spanned fifty miles across the sky. A sliver of expectation and hope arose in their hearts, "Wouldn''t it be exactly what we wanted if Xiao Yi died under the Heavenly Tribulation?"


    The several hundred thousand spectators were also fixedly watching Xiao Yi.


    How would he deal with the same Heavenly Tribulation that had nearly killed Chen Shuiwen?


    Under the watchful eyes of the crowd.


    Xiao Yi reached to his side with his right hand and commanded sharply, "Sword, come!"


    Humm!


    A fifth-grade Longsword shot out from his Storage Ring, landing in the palm of his hand.


    Xiao Yi gripped the sword with one hand.


    Facing the rolling thunder clouds, he tilted his head back with a cold glint in his eyes and let out a low roar, "A mere Heavenly Tribulation, behold my sword cutting it down!"


    Swish!


    A chill enveloped the blade.


    At this moment...


    Xiao Yi transformed into an invincible Sword God.


    The Longsword in his hand buzzed, and a terrifying streak of Sword Qi condensed atop the blade, fluctuating erratically like a green galaxy piercing through the void. With a swift motion, it slashed towards the tribulation clouds above.


    Humm!


    With one stroke, the sword''s chill reached across nineteen provinces!


    This sword, as if a mystic sun had descended, lit up the whole imperial city!


    Countless strong men found the Longswords they wore or hung on the walls all buzzing, as if eager to unsheathe themselves, as though thousands of swords sensed the presence of the Sword Ancestor, wishing to pay homage!


    The dreadful Sword Intent made countless experts pale with shock.


    In full view of the crowd, the Sword Qi vanished into the pitch-black tribulation clouds.


    With a thunderous boom...


    Beams of light shot from within the clouds; they were beams of Sword Qi that cleaved the fifty miles of tribulation clouds in half. The violent thunder dissipated abruptly, and the clouds were also torn asunder under the relentless assault of the boundless Sword Qi!


    The Heavenly Tribulation that had nearly sent Chen Shuiwen to his death was shattered by Xiao Yi with a single slash!


    At this moment...


    All eyes on Xiao Yi, apart from shock and awe, were filled with fear...

 Chapter 347 - 347: Complete Domination

    Whoosh!


    The calamity clouds were cleaved apart and scattered by Xiao Yi, as if a torrential rain began to pour down from the heavens.


    The rain came swiftly and left just as quickly.


    In the blink of an eye,


    the sky cleared up again with no cloud in sight, and the sun shone brightly.


    However, the people within the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy no longer held the pride and excitement they had before, looking as if they had lost their dear parents.


    It was supposed to be a joyous occasion as their own Institute Director was transcending the heavens'' tribulation and breaking through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    It was an opportunity to bolster the prestige of the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy.


    But then Xiao Yi suddenly appeared...


    Not only did Chen Shuiwen fail to withstand a single heavenly thunderbolt, but he also knelt and begged for help in public, losing all face. Now that Xiao Yi had shattered the tribulation with one sword stroke, it was Xiao Yi''s might that reached its peak.


    Looking at the adoration and fervor in the eyes of those tens of thousands of people as they gazed at Xiao Yi,


    the grand ceremony meticulously organized by Chen Shuiwen and the others had largely failed!


    "I see this Chen Shuiwen is nothing special after all!"


    "A heavenly tribulation that Xiao, the Institute Director, could shatter with a single sword, nearly took his life..."


    "This only shows that Chen, the Institute Director, was not as skilled, but that doesn''t prove the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy is inferior! After all, with so many powerful forces backing it, even without Chen, the Institute Director, there are still two figures in the Dharma Manifestation Realm and dozens in the Tao Tribulation Realm!"


    "The teaching staff and resources simply cannot be compared to those of the Xiaoshanhe Institute!"


    Tens of thousands of people were shocked by Xiao Yi''s strength, but the strength of a sect depends more on resources and the number of strong practitioners. A single top martial artist alone can''t sustain an entire sect.


    The crowd was still more optimistic about the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy.


    Hearing the crowd''s discussions, Chen Shuiwen''s ash-like heart ignited with hope once more. His body shook as he forcefully suppressed his injuries, restoring a few shades of color to his pitch-black face.


    Quickly changing into a new set of clothes, Chen Shuiwen endured the pain and looked towards the crowd. He did not mention the tribulation, but declared loudly, "Ladies and gentlemen, the grand opening of our Shanhe Martial Arts Academy continues. Next up, please welcome Ancestor Nangong to unveil the academy''s plaque for us... Please witness the ceremony!"


    Nangong Shengtian immediately stepped forward.


    Whoosh!


    With a wave of his hand,


    the red silk was torn off, revealing a plaque with black background and golden characters.


    Inscribed with the lively characters¡ªShanhe Martial Arts Academy!


    Nangong Shengtian swept a cold glance at Xiao Yi and said indifferently, "The Nangong Family congratulates the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy on its grand opening and presents a gift of medicinal pills valued at five hundred billion silver."


    Boom!


    A ripple of astonishment spread through the crowd.


    Medicinal pills worth five hundred billion silver!


    That could cultivate how many strong practitioners?


    Beitang Feng said, "Institute Director Chen is wholeheartedly committed to cultivating more strong practitioners, which deeply moves me. The Beitang Family has decided to donate medicinal herbs valued at five hundred billion silver."


    Wow!


    The crowd boiled over again.


    Another five hundred billion?


    That''s a total of one trillion silver!


    Chen Shuiwen''s face glowed with triumph as the shadows of his failed tribulation completely dissipated. He cast a provocative gaze at Xiao Yi.


    Yun Ruowang said indifferently, "Considering that the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy is about to welcome many new disciples and students, the Three Seas Mountain is willing to add ten more Tao Tribulation Realm practitioners, one hundred Golden Core Realm practitioners, and one more Dharma Manifestation Realm figure!"


    "Wendao Villa will do the same!" declared the Sword Inquiry Taoist.


    Chen Shuiwen''s face glowed as he bowed to the supporters, gratefully saying, "Thank you all for your support. I, Chen Shuiwen, promise not to let everyone down! Anyone who joins the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy will definitely receive guidance from the most top-tier practitioners and abundant resources!"


    "Shanhe Martial Arts Academy is truly wealthy and powerful!"


    "With this, the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy will have four Dharma Manifestation Realm experts, over forty Calamity Realm experts, and more than two hundred Golden Core Realm experts. This strength surpasses the Xiaoshanhe Institute countless times over!"


    "Xiaoshanhe Institute only has Xiao Yi, and he''s not even in the Dharma Manifestation Realm. How can they compete with the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy?"


    Under the influence of several major powers'' crazy resource-dumping, the impact of Chen Shuiwen''s failed tribulation greatly diminished.


    Chen Shuiwen, with a challenging look at Xiao Yi, boastfully said, "Institute Director Xiao, the people''s eyes are sharp. It seems they trust our Shanhe Martial Arts Academy more after all!"


    Xiao Yi glanced at him, smiled, and said, "Institute Director Chen, you are truly adaptable!"


    "Humph, you only know how to twist words to your favor!"


    Chen Shuiwen snorted coldly, his chin raised arrogantly as he said, "Our Shanhe Martial Arts Academy will have four Dharma Manifestation Realm figures and nearly fifty Calamity Realm strong practitioners. What do you have to compare with me?"


    Xiao Yi replied indifferently, "Institute Director Chen is, after all, a product of my Xiaoshanhe Institute. Since Ancestor Nangong and the others have been so generous, I, Xiao Yi, should not be petty. I have specially prepared a great gift for Institute Director Chen¡ªI hope you will like it!"


    "Hmm?"


    Chen Shuiwen was stunned.


    As he looked at Xiao Yi''s calm face, he suddenly felt a strong sense of unease.


    At that moment...


    Xiao Yi had already snapped his fingers!


    Click!


    The crisp sound echoed through the void.


    Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh!


    Figures flew in from afar.


    Taking the lead were the Shadow Demon, Fu Yuan, Zhang Ling, and Shu He. Without any restraint, they released their fluctuating auras, each one of them a master of the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    Especially the Shadow Demon and Fu Yuan, both of whom possessed the cultivation of the fifth layer of the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    Of course...


    The truly awe-inspiring sight wasn''t these four formidable beings, but rather the mass of people behind them, including Yu Huaxian and others, comprising over a hundred masters of the Tao Tribulation Realm!


    Over a hundred Tao Tribulation Realm masters stood densely packed.


    Without a word.


    Their terrifying presence created an overwhelming pressure, suffocating those nearby.


    It abruptly quelled the whispers and murmurs of the hundreds of thousands of onlookers!


    Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh!


    Under the lead of the Shadow Demon, more than a hundred people knelt on one knee behind Xiao Yi and announced loudly, "Reporting to the Institute Director, the forces of the Xiaoshanhe Institute are here by your command, awaiting your review!"


    Swoosh!


    All faces shifted at once, the crowd looking in disbelief at the group that had suddenly appeared in the void.


    Four Dharma Manifestation masters!


    Over a hundred Tao Tribulation masters!


    Such a terrifying lineup wasn''t something even the ten great sects could easily muster!


    "They, they all belong to the Xiaoshanhe Institute?"


    "Since when did the Xiaoshanhe Institute have so many powerful beings? Four Dharma Manifestation Realm masters and over a hundred Tao Tribulation Realm masters, this, this..."


    Shock was written all over everyone''s faces.


    Chen Shuiwen, Nangong Shengtian, and the others exchanged glances, each seeing the shock and disbelief in the other''s eyes.


    The Shanhe Martial Arts Academy too had four Dharma Manifestation masters!


    But those were gathered from the Three Seas Mountain and Wendao Villa, and were either first or second layer Dharma Manifestation Realm masters. Xiao Yi, however, had two fifth layer Dharma Manifestation Realm powerhouses!


    As for the Tao Tribulation Realm...


    The two major sects together had only gathered forty people for Chen Shuiwen.


    Xiao Yi, on the other hand, had over a hundred!


    Quantity, quality.


    Both were utterly crushed!


    How the hell were they supposed to compete with this?


    "Thank you for your hard work!"


    Xiao Yi smiled, then introduced, "Director Chen, allow me to introduce them to you. These four are the elders of my Xiaoshanhe Institute, the Shadow Demon at the peak of the fifth layer of the Dharma Manifestation Realm, Fu Yuan, a seven-star Alchemist at the fifth layer, and Zhang Ling and Shu He from the first layer..."


    Hiss!


    Already reeling from the blow, Chen Shuiwen and the others took in another sharp breath.


    Among the two fifth layer Dharma Manifestation Realm masters, one was also a seven-star alchemist? S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In the vast Great Qian Dynasty, each seven-star alchemist was a rare treasure, with only one each in the royal family, the Tianjian Sect, the Treasure Pavilion, and the Nangong Clan.


    And now a seven-star alchemist had emerged from the Xiaoshanhe Institute?


    The value of just that one seven-star alchemist far surpassed the ten trillion silver worth of medicine resources of the Nangong and Beitang Families!


    Chen Shuiwen''s face had turned ashen, his expression becoming extremely ugly.


    Today''s inaugural ceremony was supposed to completely crush the Xiaoshanhe Institute, but now, it was the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy that was truly underfoot. Chen Shuiwen felt cold despair, nearing hopelessness.


    The Shanhe Martial Arts Academy had been utterly overpowered by the Xiaoshanhe Institute!


    And yet Xiao Yi''s voice made him feel as though he were falling even deeper into the abyss of despair, "Shadow Demon, why don''t you present our prepared gift to Director Chen and the others?"

 Chapter 348 - 348: Coughing Up Blood!

    "Shadow Demon, have you not presented our prepared gift to Principal Chen yet?"


    Xiao Yi turned his head to look at the Shadow Demon and said indifferently.


    This remark immediately caught everyone''s attention, and hundreds of thousands of people looked towards the Shadow Demon en masse.


    Curiosity filled every pair of eyes.


    This Chen Shuiwen was once the Vice Principal of Xiaoshanhe Institute. Now that he has established his own institute, it is clear that he intends to challenge Xiaoshanhe Institute. Xiao Yi had also brought people to the opening ceremony of the mountain to make Chen Shuiwen lose face.


    Under such circumstances, what kind of gift could Xiao Yi possibly send?


    Even Chen Shuiwen was bewildered.


    Without any delay, the Shadow Demon stood up and walked in front of Chen Shuiwen, announcing loudly, "Principal Chen, my Principal Xiao has learned that your Shanhe Martial Arts Academy is hosting the mountain-opening ceremony today and has specially prepared a grand gift for you!"


    Click, click!


    Imitating Xiao Yi''s manner, the Shadow Demon snapped his fingers twice.


    And then...


    Ten Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouses lined up in a single row and walked to the front gate of Shanhe Martial Arts Academy.


    The confusion on everyone''s faces intensified.


    What kind of gift would require ten Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouses to act together?


    Just at that moment.


    All ten Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouses simultaneously raised their right hands and, in unison, gave Chen Shuiwen and the others the middle finger.


    Chen Shuiwen: "..."


    Nangong Shengtian: "..."


    All the onlookers were dumfounded: "..."


    Those ten raised middle fingers stood there provocatively, quite an eyesore!


    "What do you mean by this?" Chen Shuiwen''s face darkened.


    The Shadow Demon laughed, "Don''t be hasty, the gift is only now making its appearance!"


    Whoosh!


    All ten of them emitted blinding vital energy glows from their bodies, which merged into the storage rings, and streaks of light flashed before their eyes. In front of each Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouse, a mast now stood.


    Ten masts, each over ten meters tall.


    All were erected in front of the gate of Shanhe Martial Arts Academy.


    Lined up in a row.


    On those masts, corpses were hung one by one.


    Each person had been impaled by the mast, and the naked bodies of over a hundred corpses hung before all to see.


    Upon witnessing this scene, everyone was dumbstruck: "What, what is going on?"


    "Xiao Yi actually sent over a hundred corpses to Chen Shuiwen?"


    "Wait a minute... Look... Those seem to be people from Three Seas Mountain..."


    "That''s from Wendao Villa!"


    "And that''s... Xue Yilou? People from the Nangong & Beitang Families..."


    A series of exclaims erupted one after another.


    Like a flood breaking its banks, they could no longer be contained and spread among the crowd.


    Gulp!


    Chen Shuiwen''s face turned extremely pale.


    Nangong Shengtian, Beitang Feng, the Sword Inquiry Taoist, Yun Ruowang, and others had eyes bloodshot red, struggling to breathe while staring at the corpses hanging from the masts.


    Just a moment before.


    They had thought Xiao Yi was lucky not to have encountered the likes of Xue Mantian.


    But now...


    They finally understood why there had been no word from Xue Mantian. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    They had been killed by Xiao Yi!


    "Xiao Yi..."


    The Sword Inquiry Taoist, with eyes burning red, stared intently at Xiao Yi. The fluctuations of the Dharma Manifestation Realm radiated from him. But just as he was about to take action, the Shadow Demon and Fu Yuan stepped forward together. Although their auras were not as strong as that of the Sword Inquiry Taoist, they still caused his momentum to abruptly falter.


    Xiao Yi stepped out from the crowd, smiling at Chen Shuiwen and the others, "Ladies and gentlemen, do you like my gift?"


    ```


    Gurgle!


    Chen Shuiwen and the others gritted their teeth so hard they wished they could tear Xiao Yi into pieces alive.


    Xiao Yi smiled and said, "These people dared to ambush and attempt to kill me in Linhai. Luckily, I have great fortune and barely managed to dodge a calamity. It seems that these few have a close relationship with you, so I have specifically brought back their bodies for you, to lay them to rest properly!"


    Thump!


    Crack!


    Boom!


    Nangong Shengtian and the others were either gritting their teeth, clenching their fists, or seething with rage...


    Each of them was on the verge of losing control.


    However...


    Even though they could arrange for people to assassinate Xiao Yi in secret, they absolutely could not admit it publicly. After all, Xiao Yi was the head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, personally appointed by Emperor Qian. If they dared to openly send people to assassinate Xiao Yi, it would be a slap in the face of the royal family.


    Although with their strength, even Emperor Qian wouldn''t easily provoke them.


    Still, it was a dishonorable act.


    If it fell into the hands of Emperor Qian, becoming a handle against them, the loss would outweigh the gain.


    The Sword Inquiry Taoist clenched his teeth tightly and said in a deep voice, "Head Xiao is joking, I don''t know these people!"


    Yun Ruowang also said, "These people dare to impersonate our forces, it must be an attempt to provoke discord. Head Xiao, please don''t be fooled!"


    "How could we possibly send someone to assassinate you?"


    "Head Xiao, there must be a misunderstanding here!"


    Everyone spoke in turn.


    "A misunderstanding?"


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow and with a playful look, which glided over the individuals, said with a smile that was not quite a smile, "I was thinking, all of you are reputable individuals in the Great Qian Dynasty. How could you engage in such lowly acts? Since they''re not your people, I will have to deal with these bodies myself!"


    "This..."


    "Head Xiao, it''s also good for us to keep their bodies!" Yun Ruowang and the others said.


    Not to mention that these bodies served as evidence.


    Just the Martial Dao Divine Fruits from the three Dharma Manifestation Realm and Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouses, like Xue Mantian, were treasures of immeasurable value. If they could recollect the bodies and take their Martial Dao Divine Fruits, they could create many powerhouses.


    However.


    "There''s no need to trouble yourselves, as my Xiaoshanhe Institute is about to hold the Genius Battle, and we''re actually in need of some rewards. I hereby announce that the top three winners of the Genius Battle will receive the Martial Dao Divine Fruits from these three Dharma Manifestation Realm powerhouses, and the top twenty will receive this Tao Tribulation Realm Martial Dao Divine Fruit!"


    Xiao Yi interrupted Yun Ruowang and the others'' wishful thinking with an air of righteousness, then turned to look at the several hundred thousand powerhouses and announced loudly, "As all of you can see, my Xiaoshanhe Institute has four Dharma Manifestation Realm powerhouses, over a hundred Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouses, a Seven-Star Alchemist, and two Six-Star Array Masters. Moreover, my Xiaoshanhe Institute has established cooperation with the Treasure Pavilion. As long as the disciples of my institute have sufficient talent and cultivation, we will not limit the supply of medicinal pills!"


    Boom!


    These words, like oil on fire, instantly ignited the crowd.


    The sea of people roiled, and shouts resounded to the skies.


    "Top three get Dharma Manifestation Realm Martial Dao Divine Fruit, top twenty get Tao Tribulation Realm Martial Dao Divine Fruit... with such rewards, who needs the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy?"


    "As long as we have enough talent and strength, they won''t limit the supply of medicinal pills, can it be possible?"


    "What''s impossible? Xiaoshanhe Institute has a cooperation with the Treasure Pavilion, plus that Master Fu Yuan, means Xiaoshanhe Institute has two Seven-Star Alchemists. Medicinal pills are nothing to them!"


    "Hurry and go sign up for the Genius Battle!"


    "I must join Xiaoshanhe Institute..."


    In an instant.


    Among the several hundred thousand people present, there was a tumultuous uproar, fluctuating like waves one after another.


    Listening to the crowd''s shouting and talking.


    The faces of Chen Shuiwen''s group were as dark as the bottom of a pot, and they watched helplessly as powerhouse after powerhouse left the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy, signifying that the plans they had spent countless resources constructing over these days, had already been defeated.


    Xiao Yi looked towards Yu Huaxian in the crowd and said, "What are you still standing around for? Didn''t you see that everyone is going to participate in the Genius Battle? Go and get ready!"


    "Ah? Right away!"


    Yu Huaxian promptly nodded and led people away into the sky.


    The stream of people also turned into a black steel torrent, heading towards Xuanwu Square.


    Xiao Yi gave a fist salute to Chen Shuiwen, "Head Chen, I won''t disturb your opening ceremony anymore. I wish your Shanhe Martial Arts Academy a thriving influx of students and talent that astonishes the world, ha ha ha!"


    "Xiao Yi, I will not share the sky with you..."


    Chen Shuiwen''s face turned from red to white, anger causing him to spit out a mouthful of fresh blood, and he fainted dead away...


    ```

 Chapter 349 - 349: Battle of Genius

    The vast Shanhe Martial Arts Academy, deserted.


    Apart from Chen Shuiwen and his enthusiastic entourage, everyone had left the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy to converge towards Xuanwu Square.


    Chen Shuiwen had hoped to use the grand opening ceremony to disrupt the battle of talents at the Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    It was also a powerful declaration of the establishment of the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy.


    For this purpose...


    They had not only spent a great deal of resources but also promised generous compensation.


    Chen Shuiwen himself had been forcefully suppressing the timing of his breakthrough, all to pass through heavenly tribulation with an overwhelmingly strong stance during the grand opening ceremony, and step into the Dharma Manifestation Realm to boost the prestige of the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy.


    Unfortunately.


    Reality and fantasy always have a huge gap!


    Not only did Xiao Yi''s appearance turn his tribulation into a joke, but even his own cultivation had failed to enter the Dharma Manifestation Realm. With his current state, if he wanted to enter the Dharma Manifestation Realm again, he would likely have to wait several more years.


    If Chen Shuiwen was the only one who failed, the impact on the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy would not be too great.


    After all.


    Nangong, Beitang, Three Seas Mountain, and Wendao Villa had promised to send experts to support the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy, which included several in the Dharma Manifestation Realm and dozens from the Tao Tribulation Realm!


    Such a formidable lineup of experts could barely rival any of the top ten sects.


    As a result...


    Xiao Yi directly brought over a hundred from the Tao Tribulation Realm and four from the Dharma Manifestation Realm, among them even a seven-star Alchemist.


    In both quantity and quality, he thoroughly crushed the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy.


    Just when Chen Shuiwen thought everything was over, Xiao Yi dropped another bombshell; the corpses of Xue Mantian and others became the final straw that broke the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy.


    The corpses of Xue Mantian and the others not only severely slapped the face of the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy.


    Xiao Yi even used their Martial Dao Divine Fruits as rewards, attracting countless talented experts who wished to join the Xiaoshanhe Institute. These were the Martial Dao Divine Fruits of the Dharma Manifestation Realm and Tao Tribulation Realm!


    If one could obtain it, it would be more important than acquiring resources worth hundreds of billions of Silver!


    What''s more...


    All those people were sent by Chen Shuiwen and his allies!


    Nangong Shengtian and the others looked at the comatose Chen Shuiwen with extremely ugly expressions. Strictly speaking, it was they who had handed over the Martial Dao Divine Fruits of Xue Mantian and others directly to Xiao Yi!


    "Ancestor Nangong, do make a decision. What should we do?" Yun Ruowang said gravely.


    The Sword Inquiry Taoist narrowed his eyes, his Sword Intent was earth-shattering, and his rage was no less intense than his Sword Intent, "Where did Xiao Yi get those experts from? A seven-star Alchemist, four from the Dharma Manifestation Realm, over a hundred from the Tao Tribulation Realm, that''s no small lineup!"


    "I see that those people are suffused with Evil Qi, and Xiao Yi has just come back from Beast Emperor City. I''m afraid they are all the experts he garnered from Beast Emperor City," Beitang Feng said darkly, pondering.


    All eyes turned to Nangong Shengtian.


    The capital they had invested in the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy was substantial. If it all fell through now, they would suffer complete losses.


    Nangong Shengtian squinted his eyes and said, "No matter, we still have one opportunity left!"


    "Hm?"


    The crowd looked at him expectantly.


    Nangong Shengtian''s eyes radiated a chilling glint, his gaze cold to the extreme as he sneered, "In less than two months, it will be the Ancestral Worship Ceremony. As long as the disciples of the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy can trample the people of the Xiaoshanhe Institute underfoot during the ceremony, there''s still hope for the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy!"


    "Ancestor Nangong, given the current state of the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy, how is it possible to trample the Xiaoshanhe Institute underfoot?"


    "The strongest among the disciples of the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy are only at the peak of the Golden Core Realm..."


    Nangong Shengtian smiled coldly and said lightly, "If we can support the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy with those in the Calamity Realm and Dharma Manifestation Realm, are we lacking in disciples?"


    Hum!


    The crowd exchanged glances.


    Yun Ruowang said in a deep voice, "Let''s do it just like that!"


    "We must trample the Xiaoshanhe Institute beneath our feet!"


    Clutching his fists tightly, Nangong Shengtian looked toward the direction of Xuanwu Square, his eyes filled with a gloomy madness, "Xiao Yi, daring to oppose me, you are still too inexperienced!"


    ...


    Xuanwu Square.


    The square was vast and could accommodate hundreds of thousands of people without feeling crowded.


    "Ladies and gentlemen, today is the great day of the genius battle at our Xiaoshanhe Institute. As Xiao mentioned before, the top three of this genius battle will each get a Martial Dao Enlightenment Fruit of the Dharma Manifestation Realm, while the top twenty will each get a Martial Dao Divine Fruit of the Tao Tribulation Realm."


    The Xiaoshanhe Institute had long set up a ring, and Yu Huaxian appeared in the center, announcing with an elevated voice, "All other disciples who pass the genius battle and enter our Xiaoshanhe Institute will receive great benefits. Next, please come forward to collect your Identity Tokens, the genius battle of our Xiaoshanhe Institute is about to begin!"


    Rustle!


    Figures surged out from the crowd to collect their Identity Tokens.


    A total of thirty thousand Tokens were distributed for this genius battle, and the last ten thousand people remaining would enter the Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    At the same time...


    This genius battle would also rank the top one hundred, with rich rewards for each rank.


    After the incident in front of the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy, the number of warriors willing to join the Xiaoshanhe Institute had multiplied, and the thirty thousand Tokens were quickly distributed.


    Yu Huaxian immediately began arranging the matches, and pairs of powerful fighters took to the ring, where the situation changed in a split second.


    On the elevated platform.


    Xiao Yi sat upright, watching the competitors on the ring, and nodded slightly, "Not bad, the quality of these disciples is quite good. If they are well-trained, they can absolutely support the Xiaoshanhe Institute!"


    "Director, there is less than two months left until the Ancestor Worship Ceremony, I''m afraid we might not have enough time," Hai Wei said, his expression hesitant with concern.


    Li Jinjun nodded and said, "Based on what I know about Nangong Shengtian and the others, they will definitely not stop here. It is likely that the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy will cause trouble during the Ancestor Worship Ceremony."


    Xiao Yi waved his hand and said with a smile, "Don''t worry, I have my own strategy!" sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After all, he had the Elixir of Immortality at his disposal.


    This Divine Artifact, capable of enhancing refining efficiency, had a refining effect a hundredfold greater; two months with the aid of the Elixir of Immortality was equivalent to two hundred months.


    That was nearly twenty years!


    It was completely enough for the disciples of the Xiaoshanhe Institute to increase their cultivation by several levels!


    "By the way, how is everything going with the Treasure Pavilion?" Xiao Yi asked, looking at Li Jinjun.


    Li Jinjun replied gravely, "The first batch of elixirs from the Treasure Pavilion has already been delivered to various places. However, since you have not returned, Master Nalan and Elder Xue have not launched an attack immediately."


    Xiao Yi nodded.


    Without his return, the supply of medicinal materials not being secure, the Treasure Pavilion dared not rashly launch an attack.


    Once the bow is drawn, there is no turning back.


    If they start the encirclement against the Nangong and Beitang Family''s elixir shops only to have the supply of medicinal materials cut off mid-way, they would face the two families'' furious counterattack.


    The corners of Xiao Yi''s mouth turned up slightly, and a cold light flickered in his eyes as he said, "Li Jinjun, take Elder Fu to the Treasure Pavilion, and tell Master Nalan to begin the attack!"


    "Yes!"


    With respect, Hai Wei and Fu Yuan set off towards the Treasure Pavilion.


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, looking down at the heated ring below and revealing a chilling smile, "Nangong, Beitang... your end has come!"

 Chapter 350 - 350: Is This Also Inspired by Xiao?

    Inside Treasure Pavilion.


    Nalan Qianqiu, Xue Bufan, and Yan Mingli exchanged glances, their faces troubled, "When can Xiao return? Our stock of medicinal materials has run out!"


    "The first batch of elixirs has already been delivered to the Treasure Pavilions across the Great Qian Dynasty, just waiting for the order to ignite this price war. But if the follow-up materials can''t keep up, there''s no way to start the battle!" Nalan Qianqiu said with a bitter smile.


    Right at this moment.


    Ning Luo hurried in with a look of excitement, "Master, Xiao has sent someone!"


    "Hmm?"


    Nalan Qianqiu was startled, his face breaking into ecstatic joy, "Quickly, invite them in!"


    A moment later.


    Li Jinjun arrived in front of the group with Fu Yuan.


    Li Jinjun greeted everyone with a bow, showing no disrespect even though Yan Mingli''s martial arts prowess fell far short of his, "Jinjun pays respects to the sirs, the headmaster sent me to assist you with Master Yuan!" Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Fu Yuan?"


    "The only seven-star alchemist, Master Yuan, from Beast Emperor City?"


    Nalan Qianqiu''s complexion changed dramatically, his incredulous gaze falling upon Fu Yuan. Taking two steps at once, he approached Fu Yuan and burst into laughter, "Hahaha, Fu Yuan, it is indeed you!"


    The two embraced each other, patting each other on the back.


    Fu Yuan''s face was filled with emotion, "Qianqiu, it''s been many years; you haven''t changed a bit!"


    "But you have aged a lot!"


    Nalan Qianqiu laughed heartily, his face showing a hint of confusion as he asked, "Old fellow, when I asked you to join my Treasure Pavilion, you refused to budge. Why have you come now?"


    Fu Yuan let out a sigh, "Don''t mention it!"


    He then recounted his misadventure in Beast Emperor City, how he mistakenly threw in his lot with Sha Kun, which almost resulted in the destruction of the Heavenly Treasure Chamber of Commerce, and finally, how he traded ten years of loyalty to ensure the Chamber''s survival to Nalan Qianqiu.


    Fu Yuan''s face bore a bitter smile, "Now, I am just waiting for this ten-year period to end, and then I can regain my freedom!"


    Nalan Qianqiu was taken aback and gave Fu Yuan a strange look, "Are you sure that after ten years you will leave?"


    "Hmm?"


    Fu Yuan was puzzled as he looked at Nalan Qianqiu, saying somewhat annoyed, "After ten years, if not leave, should I continue to stay here?"


    Nalan Qianqiu coughed lightly and said, "I advise you not to leave; follow Xiao''s footsteps closely instead!"


    "Hmm? What do you mean by that?"


    Fu Yuan frowned, displeasure on his face, and said haughtily, "I am a distinguished seven-star alchemist; if it weren''t for Huang''s face, Xiao Yi wouldn''t have the capacity to request my presence at the Xiaoshanhe Institute."


    Yan Mingli sneered, "Thinking too highly of yourself? It''s as if Xiao was begging you to come!"


    Xue Bufan also showed disdain, "Having the opportunity to be by Xiao''s side is a fortune for you!"


    "Ridiculous, do you know who I am? How dare you speak to me like this?"


    Fu Yuan''s face darkened; he had not, like the Shadow Demon and others, witnessed Xiao Yi''s terrifying side. Moreover, as a seven-star alchemist, unless someone could surpass him in alchemy, it was impossible for them to earn his respect, "I acknowledge Xiao Yi''s martial arts talent is strong, but in terms of alchemy..."


    Before he could finish.


    Nalan Qianqiu, touching his nose, interjected, "In terms of alchemy, you are even less a match for Xiao!"


    "Hmm?"


    Fu Yuan''s face stiffened, his expression one of disbelief as he turned to Nalan Qianqiu, "Qianqiu, do you know what you''re saying? I am inferior to him? You''re joking..."


    "Fu Yuan, what do you think of me?" Nalan Qianqiu asked.


    Fu Yuan slightly furrowed his brow.


    Having known Nalan Qianqiu for many years, he was aware that Nalan Qianqiu''s talent and strength in alchemy were on par with his own.


    Fu Yuan said in a deep voice, "You and I are on par."


    "That was in the past!"


    Nalan Qianqiu responded and then took out a bottle of elixir from the side and handed it to Fu Yuan, "Take a look at these elixirs!"


    "Hmm? Aren''t these just Three-Star Elixir Shen Yi Elixirs? Are you still making such low-level... Eh? Wait, these, these elixirs..."


    The disdain and contempt on Fu Yuan''s face crumbled as he looked at the elixirs poured onto his palm; his face went through cycles of pallor and flush, constantly changing: "This, this is impossible... All of these thirty-plus elixirs are from the same batch? And, and the quality is so pure? All of them are of top-grade quality?"


    Even with the current level of Fu Yuan''s alchemy skills, when making Shen Yi Elixirs, a batch would at most yield twenty elixirs, and it would be considered an exceptional performance if half of them were top-grade.


    But the batch in his hands actually had more than thirty, and all of them were of top-grade quality!


    To achieve such an effect,


    only an alchemy level surpassing his own by an entire rank could explain it!


    Fu Yuan looked at Nalan Qianqiu solemnly, his breathing hastening, "Qianqiu, could it be that an Eight-Star Alchemy Grandmaster has made these? Where is that Grandmaster? Can you introduce me?"


    Nalan Qianqiu sighed, pointing to himself, "I made these elixirs!"


    "Ah?"


    Fu Yuan was startled and frowned, "Don''t joke with me, how could I not know your level?" He paused for a moment, and then Fu Yuan understood, "I see now, you must have received guidance from an Eight-Star Alchemy Grandmaster, right?"


    Nalan Qianqiu smiled bitterly, "Indeed, it was me, but it wasn''t under the guidance of an Eight-Star Alchemy Grandmaster, but Xiao."


    "What?"


    Fu Yuan''s face stiffened.


    Xiao Yi?


    He shook his head like a rattle-drum, "Qianqiu, I know Xiao is gifted in martial arts, but alchemy is entirely different from martial arts. How old is he? How can he master both..."


    He absolutely refused to believe that Xiao Yi, who was merely twenty years old, could be stronger than him in alchemy!


    Nalan Qianqiu sighed, pointing to Yan Mingli and Xue Bufan standing behind him, "How about these two?"


    "Them?"


    Fu Yuan wrinkled his eyebrows, directly disregarding Yan Mingli, who was merely at the Golden Core Realm, and said to Xue Bufan, "This one is indeed promising, and he might be able to reach a Seven-Star level in the future, but whether he can reach our heights depends on his opportunities!"


    No sooner had he finished speaking.


    Xue Bufan and Yan Mingli both took out a medicinal bottle and poured out the elixirs inside.


    The same Shen Yi Elixirs.


    Xue Bufan''s bottle contained twenty-eight, all of them top-grade.


    Yan Mingli had slightly fewer, only twenty-two, but they were also all of top-grade quality.


    Nalan Qianqiu said in a grave voice, "These elixirs were all personally crafted by them."


    "These, were these also guided by Xiao?"


    Fu Yuan looked dumbfounded, completely baffled.


    Even with his skills in making Shen Yi Elixirs, a successful batch would yield a maximum of twenty elixirs, with half being top-grade at best. But now, even Yan Mingli, who was at the Golden Core Realm, had surpassed him?


    Nalan Qianqiu and the other two looked at him with sympathy, nodding in unison.


    Gulp!


    Fu Yuan swallowed hard.


    Remembering his earlier disdain and contempt for Xiao Yi in the field of alchemy, he felt his face burning as if he had just been slapped dozens of times...

 Chapter 351 - 351 Thoroughly Convinced

    Before arriving at the Great Qian Dynasty.


    Fu Yuan''s sole intention had been to do just enough to get by, hoping only to endure these painful ten years so he could regain his freedom.


    But now...


    Facing his old friend Nalan Qianqiu and those who were far inferior to him, Yan Mingli and Xue Bufan, had Fu Yuan really become the worst Alchemist among them?


    Of course.


    This was only in terms of concocting low-grade medicinal pills; if it was about creating seventh-grade pills, he would naturally be far superior to both Yan Mingli and Xue Bufan.


    After all.


    Their cultivation levels limited them from concocting such high-grade medicinal pills.


    But those who truly understood Alchemy wouldn''t take the ability to concoct the highest-grade pills as the only standard; the success rate and the rate of producing top-quality pills for the same level of pills were the real criteria for measuring an Alchemist''s skill.


    Take the Shen Yi Elixir, for example.


    Even now, as a seven-star Alchemist, Fu Yuan could at most produce twenty elixirs in a single batch, and having half of them be of top-quality was already an exceptional performance.


    Yet, even at his best, his success rate and top-quality rate still didn''t match those of the four-star Alchemist, Yan Mingli!


    Gurgle!


    Fu Yuan swallowed hard and stared at Nalan Qianqiu, saying gravely, "Qianqiu, does Xiao ever come to the Treasure Pavilion?"


    Nalan Qianqiu was taken aback and shook his head, "Xiao seldom comes here."


    A trace of disappointment appeared on Fu Yuan''s face.


    Nalan Qianqiu smiled and said, "Fu Yuan, do you want to wait for Xiao to give you guidance?"


    "This..."


    Fu Yuan''s face stiffened, remembering his previous disdain for Xiao Yi. Now he was desperately eager for Xiao Yi''s guidance, which made him feel quite embarrassed. He managed a wry smile and said, "Just, just to discuss, I guess!"


    "Hahaha!"


    Nalan Qianqiu laughed and shook his head, patting his shoulder, "No need to be embarrassed. Xiao is like the starry sky, profound beyond our comprehension as mere mortals. We simply cannot fathom how vast the heavens are. Don''t you just want to learn Xiao''s Alchemy techniques? Let little Yan teach you!"


    "Uh... him?"


    Fu Yuan was taken aback.


    He had assumed Nalan Qianqiu would personally give him guidance, not that he would ask Yan Mingli to instruct him?


    How could a mere four-star Alchemist give pointers to him, a mighty seven-star Alchemist?


    Nalan Qianqiu said with a smile, "Just give it a try!"


    "This... alright then!"


    Fu Yuan nodded and turned to Yan Mingli, "Brother Mingli, I''ll be in your care!"


    "Master Fu, you''re too kind!"


    Yan Mingli smiled meticulously, then took out some herbs and began to demonstrate and instruct Fu Yuan. At first, Fu Yuan wore a look of scorn on his face, but as Yan Mingli began Alchemy.


    His expression kept changing.


    From initial disdain and contempt, he became serious and solemn.


    He watched every move of Yan Mingli''s without blinking.


    Now frowning, now exclaiming, now bewildered...


    "Is it really possible to do it this way?"


    "Damn, such a subtle technique, could it really be conceived by a mortal?"


    "Terrifying, truly terrifying..."


    All of Fu Yuan''s pride dissipated.


    He looked at Yan Mingli with a face full of shock, and suddenly, with a humming sound, the Pill Furnace abruptly opened. A fragrance of medicine wafted out; it was the Shen Yi Elixir again, and this time Yan Mingli had indeed outperformed himself.


    There were twenty-nine elixirs, with twenty-eight of top-quality.


    The remaining one was also of high quality.


    Yan Mingli smiled and said, "Xiao left in a hurry at that time, just giving me one session of guidance. There are many areas where I still don''t measure up, please forgive me, Master Fu!"


    "..."


    Fu Yuan''s face was a picture of shock.


    To achieve such astonishing results from just one piece of advice?


    Just how terrifying was Xiao Yi''s mastery in the field of alchemy?


    Gulp!


    Fu Yuan swallowed hard, his eyes brimming with excitement as he looked at Nalan Qianqiu, "Qianqiu, if Xiao personally does the alchemy, what''s the success rate for forming pills? And the rate for producing top-quality ones?"


    Nalan Qianqiu was taken aback and said, "The success rate is over thirty percent, all top-quality..."


    He didn''t finish his sentence.


    Fu Yuan breathed a sigh of relief and said, "If that''s the case, I can accept it."


    In his opinion, after all, even Nalan Qianqiu could achieve over thirty percent success, all top-quality, and with more practice, Fu Yuan was confident he could catch up to, and even surpass, Xiao Yi.


    After all. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He had learned quite a few exquisite techniques and skills from the earlier demonstration by Yan Mingli.


    Just as Fu Yuan was feeling self-satisfied.


    Nalan Qianqiu coughed lightly, "I haven''t finished yet! Such success and top-quality rates were achieved by Xiao while refining fourteen batches of pills at the same time. After all, Xiao himself said he wasn''t a professional alchemist, and it was rare to see him give his all..."


    "..."


    Fu Yuan was dumbstruck, the medicine bottle in his hand fell to the ground with a clatter, and he blinked, "What, what the hell? Refining fourteen batches at the same time? You''re not joking with me, right? Refining fourteen batches at the same time?"


    "We saw it with our own eyes!"


    "Fourteen furnaces, each one containing different pills..."


    In the alchemy room, Ning Luo and the others also nodded in unison.


    Hisss!


    Fu Yuan''s hand trembled, and he couldn''t help but take a sharp breath.


    Just the thought of achieving such success and top-quality rates with one batch of pills had already amazed him. And Xiao Yi could control fourteen batches at once?


    You should know...


    Fu Yuan himself could multitask, but he could at most control three pill furnaces.


    And he could not guarantee success and top-quality rates.


    Controlling fourteen pill furnaces at once, let alone seeing it, he had never even heard of it!


    At this moment.


    All the arrogance Fu Yuan had been carrying vanished without a trace, and the image of Xiao Yi surfaced in his mind, murmuring to himself, "There is always someone better, heaven beyond the heavens, the ancients truly did not deceive me."


    Seeing Fu Yuan completely convinced, and even showing unconscious admiration and fervor on his face when mentioning Xiao Yi.


    Li Jinjun sighed inwardly, "Truly worthy of being Xiao, he didn''t even need to make an appearance himself, and he had already completely subdued the proud Seven-Star Alchemist. Who could compare with such means?"


    At this moment.


    Xiao Yi, who was actually sitting at Xuanwu Square, had no idea that he had just made Fu Yuan run errands with medicinal materials to Nalan Qianqiu, and it turned into a personal show-off session!


    He utterly suppressed this proud Seven-Star Alchemist!


    In the alchemy room.


    Fu Yuan put aside his arrogance, and his attitude became much more humble as he looked at Nalan Qianqiu, "Qianqiu, Xiao asked me to bring these medicinal materials over, and all these ten storage rings are full of them. By the way, what does Xiao need so many medicinal materials for?"


    Ten storage rings fell into Nalan Qianqiu''s hands.


    Looking at the storage rings in his hand and briefly inspecting them, he saw an accumulation of medicinal materials like a mountain inside.


    You should know...


    These medicinal materials represented goods worth a hundred billion silver after being discounted by thirty percent from the market price by the Hundred Herbs Chamber of Commerce. At regular prices, it would be equivalent to three to four hundred billion silver to gather this many materials.


    Even the storages of the Beitang Family might not have this much!


    Nalan Qianqiu''s face lit up with extreme joy, "Great, with these materials supplied, we can finally launch a full-scale offensive in our price war against Nangong and the Beitang Family!"

 Chapter 352 - 352: Something Big Happened!

    The Imperial City.


    Above Vermilion Bird Avenue.


    There are a total of four grand avenues in the Imperial City: Vermilion Bird, Xuanwu, Azure Dragon, and White Tiger. They crisscross each other, running through the entire Imperial City.


    Among them, Vermilion Bird Avenue is the most prosperous street.


    This Vermilion Bird Avenue is more than five hundred meters wide, enough to accommodate nearly three hundred carriages side by side, while on either side is a row of towering buildings. These buildings have an elegant style, with a strong Great Qian Dynasty character.


    The front row is five stories high above and below, and the further back, the higher the floors.


    Inside each building are shops with different decorations, bustling with people coming and going, thriving and prosperous.


    Vermilion Bird Avenue is the main artery of the Imperial City.


    During grand festivals, the royal procession always parades through the entire Vermilion Bird Avenue to demonstrate the majesty of the royal family.


    In the most bustling central location.


    The Nangong Pharmacy of the Nangong Family and the Treasure Pavilion Pharmacy stand opposite each other, constantly engaging in overt and covert battles on normal days. Only, the Nangong Family''s cost for medicinal ingredients is extremely low, so the pills they sell are half as cheap as those of Treasure Pavilion.


    As a result, the Treasure Pavilion Pharmacy has been repeatedly suppressed and is helpless to fight back.


    After all.


    The Nangong Family and the Beitang Family are branches of the same tree.


    The Beitang Family has a monopoly over the entire medicinal market of the Great Qian Dynasty. Apart from them, there is no second family in the vast Great Qian Dynasty that can buy any medicinal herbs from Medicine King Valley, not even Treasure Pavilion.


    The persistently high costs made it impossible for Treasure Pavilion to wage a price war against the Nangong Family.


    Just think...


    Even though the prices are half as cheap as the same category of pills from Treasure Pavilion, the profits of the Nangong Family are still much higher than Treasure Pavilion''s.


    On this day.


    Nangong Shou, the manager of the main Nangong Pharmacy on Vermilion Bird Avenue, was sipping his tea leisurely, legs crossed confidently, humming a little tune and squinting smugly at the Treasure Pavilion Pharmacy across the street, proudly saying, "Treasure Pavilion? In the face of the compelled tribute family, whether you''re a dragon you have to coil up, and if you''re a tiger you must lie down."


    "Hmm?"


    Suddenly, Nangong Shou narrowed his eyes as he caught sight of someone posting a notice in front of the Treasure Pavilion Pharmacy.


    It quickly attracted a crowd of onlookers.


    Raising an eyebrow, Nangong Shou spoke to a servant behind him, "Go see what trick Treasure Pavilion is up to."


    "Right away, manager!"


    The servant hurried off, and returned moments later with an urgent face, saying, "Manager, it''s bad news. Treasure Pavilion has posted a notice, all their pills are being sold at a 10% discount, and now many people are heading over there!"


    "A 10% discount?"


    Nangong Shou was stunned, then said carelessly, "What''s there to worry about? They can''t hold out for long, don''t pay them any mind!"


    The first day.


    The second day.


    The third day...


    Before he knew it, four days had passed. Nangong Shou watched as several servants were dozing off at the counter, and with a bang, slapped the table and angrily exclaimed, "What the hell are you all eating? With that lazy look of yours, if a customer comes in and sees, what would they think?"


    "Manager, there hasn''t been a customer at all!"


    "Yeah, there were a few people the day before yesterday, but from yesterday afternoon until now, not a single one!"


    "What did you say? Not a single person?"


    Nangong Shou''s face stiffened, then he looked towards the hall, and besides those servants, there wasn''t a single person in sight.


    In the past.


    This place was as busy as a marketplace, especially when opening the doors every day, customers would flock in droves. Listening to the servant''s words, there hasn''t been a single customer since yesterday afternoon¡ªwhat on earth is going on?


    Nangong Shou said sternly, "It must be because of your poor attitudes that you''ve offended the customers!"


    "Manager, it really has nothing to do with us! It''s all because of the tricks played by Treasure Pavilion across the street..."


    "Actually, our number of customers has been decreasing for the past three days, and since yesterday afternoon not a single customer has come in¡ªthey''ve all gone over to the Treasure Pavilion across the street!"


    Everyone said one after another.


    "Treasure Pavilion?"


    Nangong Shou frowningly said, "Impossible, the Treasure Pavilion has been across from us for more than a day or two. Our business has always been better than theirs, how could our customers possibly be taken away by them?"


    "Shopkeeper, what you''re talking about is all in the past. Now all the elixirs at the Treasure Pavilion Pharmacy are being sold at a 10% discount, half a percent cheaper than ours."


    "Now everyone is heading over there!"


    Suddenly, Nangong Shou recalled the poster that the Treasure Pavilion had put up four days ago, advertising a 10% discount, and he said with a frown, "Do you mean to say that for these four days, the Treasure Pavilion has been consistently selling elixirs at a discount? How is that possible? Where does the Treasure Pavilion get so many elixirs?"


    He marched straight to the door and looked out across Vermilion Bird Avenue to the opposite side.


    A long queue had formed outside the elixir shop of the Treasure Pavilion.


    Then looking back at their side...


    The entryway was so deserted, not even a bird cared to linger.


    "Shopkeeper, what should we do? Should we report this to the family?" a servant asked.


    Nangong Shou gave him a cold glare and sneered, "Report this trivial matter to the family? Do you want our family head to think I''m incompetent?" After a pause, Nangong Shou said in a deep voice, "It''s just a price reduction, isn''t it? If he dares to offer a 10% discount, then we''ll offer a 15% discount. In any case, our profits will still be very considerable even if we sold at that discount!"


    "Yes!"


    The servant immediately went to prepare the notice.


    Nangong Shou glanced at the long line across the street, sneering, "Trying to wage a price war with the Nangong Family? You''re deluded!"


    However... S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    On the fifth day,


    when Nangong Shou arrived at the pharmacy, he found that his side still had not a single customer. He couldn''t help being furious, "What''s going on? I''ve already offered a 15% discount, and we still can''t beat the Treasure Pavilion?"


    A servant came forward with a gloomy face, "They''ve offered a 20% discount on the opposite side!"


    "20% discount?"


    Nangong Shou''s complexion suddenly changed, a fierce look flashing in his eyes, "It seems they''re really determined to go head-to-head with us. Is it just about lowering prices? The Nangong Family has never been afraid of anyone! Post a notice that we''ll give a 25%... no, a straight 40% discount. I refuse to believe that the Treasure Pavilion will dare to compete with us!"


    Even with a 40% discount, their profits would still be quite substantial.


    But the cost of medicinal herbs for the Treasure Pavilion was much higher than theirs; a 40% discount was almost equal to their cost price.


    Nangong Shou confidently said, "Unless the Treasure Pavilion is truly determined to compete with us at a loss, there''s no way they would dare to drop their prices any further."


    "Shopkeeper, you are wise!"


    "Tch, tch, a 40% discount, I''m afraid the Treasure Pavilion will be scared witless now..."


    The servants all said in succession.


    Only...


    On the sixth day, they still had not a single customer on their side.


    Meanwhile, the Treasure Pavilion Pharmacy was bustling with people, a long line snaking from the door.


    The servant panted heavily, his face pale as he said, "Shopkeeper, the Treasure Pavilion is now selling all elixirs at a 50% discount..."


    Thump!


    Nangong Shou''s eyes bulged, his fan dropping to the ground and the tea cup was left empty, only the rocking chair creaked back and forth as it swayed. Beads of sweat formed on Nangong Shou''s forehead as he forced down a gulp of saliva, feeling an icy chill throughout his body, "Something''s wrong, a big problem is brewing."


    He quickly turned to the servants, "You keep an eye on the opposite side for me, I''ll be back in no time!"


    Nangong Shou hurried toward the Nangong Family home, frantic and flustered.


    However...


    When he arrived at the entrance of the Nangong Family home, he discovered that the people in charge of over a hundred elixir shops in the imperial city had all gathered here, including some pharmacy shopkeepers from cities near the imperial capital.


    Seeing the deep worry on everyone''s faces, Nangong Shou turned pale, "I fear a major incident has indeed occurred!"

 Chapter 353 - 353: Tip-Off!

    Inside the vast estate of the Nangong Family.


    At this moment, however, it was filled with the pharmacy managers from around a dozen cities surrounding the imperial capital¡ªa scene that usually only occurred during the once-a-year clan meeting.


    After all,


    Given the Nangong Family''s booming pharmacy business across the regions, with daily transactions worth tens of billions, no one could afford any delay.


    "Nangong Shou? Why are you here too?"


    "Nangong Xiao, your Tianfeng City pharmacy is doing such good business. How dare you leave without permission?"


    "You all..."


    There were nearly ten thousand Nangong Family pharmacies within the entire Great Qian Dynasty, and this was only a small fraction of them here. Yet, the number had already surpassed a hundred. People who knew each other were all showing a look of surprise on their faces.


    You must know that...


    Even during clan meetings in the past, the better the pharmacy did, the later its manager would arrive.


    Today, everyone was hastily gathered here.


    A sense of unease began to form in everyone''s heart.


    The pharmacy where Nangong Shou worked ranked within the top ten of all the Nangong Family Pharmacies. On regular days, his pharmacy''s daily business volume was in the hundreds of millions of silver. At its peak, it even reached a staggering twenty billion silver in a single day.


    His status among the managers was also very high.


    Nangong Shou approached Nangong Xiao; the two of them were brothers by blood and naturally had a closer relationship. "Second brother, why did you suddenly run back here?"


    Nangong Xiao replied with a wry smile, "Big brother, if you''re back at this time, I''m afraid you''ve encountered the same situation as us. Don''t ask now. The family head and the old ancestor will be here soon. We can talk about it then!"


    "Hmm?"


    A sense of foreboding struck Nangong Shou.


    His gaze swept across the faces of the crowd, noting that everyone looked very upset.


    Recalling his own experiences over the past few days, Nangong Shou''s brows furrowed with increasing anxiety.


    At this moment,


    Nangong Shengtian and the current family head of the Nangong Family, Nangong Shengji, appeared before everyone. In an instant, over a hundred powerful managers quieted down. Although the Nangong Family''s old ancestor was Nangong Shengtian, the one who truly held the reins was Nangong Shengji.


    This man was of the same generation as Nangong Shengtian but much younger in age.


    Yet, even Nangong Shengtian, before this young family head, acted with utmost respect.


    This was the Nangong Family''s number one expert, a being at the Peak of the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    "We already know the reason why you have all come back," Nangong Shengji said, getting right to the point.


    The people looked at each other and grimaced.


    Nangong Shengtian spoke indifferently, "Let each pharmacy manager report their situation!" His gaze swept across the crowd and landed on Nangong Xiao, "Nangong Xiao, you go first!"


    "Yes!"


    Nangong Xiao grimaced, steeling himself as he spoke, "Seven days ago, the Treasure Pavilion''s pharmacy started selling pills at a ten percent discount. At first, I didn''t pay much attention, thinking it was just a promotion to clear their stock."


    The crowd nodded in understanding.


    The Nangong Family and the Treasure Pavilion''s pharmacies had been competing overtly and covertly for many years, with the Nangong Family usually having the upper hand.


    As a result, the Treasure Pavilion''s pharmacies would often reduce prices to clear their inventory.


    But such sales wouldn''t last too long,


    Usually not more than three days.


    Nangong Shengtian narrowed his eyes and said, "Continue!"


    Nangong Xiao''s bitter smile persisted, "Who knew that by the third day, there were still no changes; they continued with the ten percent discount. Only then did I realize something was wrong and immediately dropped our prices. However, the Treasure Pavilion also lowered their prices, and every time, they were lower than ours. Until today, we have been doing a forty percent discount, yet they have gone down to fifty percent off."


    "What?"


    "Fifty percent? Has the Treasure Pavilion gone mad? Their profit margin is only around thirty percent. A fifty percent discount means a loss. What on earth are they doing?"


    "What''s fifty percent? The Treasure Pavilion in our place has started to sell pills at a thirty percent discount. If it weren''t for that, why would I have rushed back so urgently..."


    "Thirty percent? They get their medicinal materials from the Beitang Family at twice the price we pay. Isn''t Nalan Qianqiu afraid of going bankrupt?"


    The crowd began to express their distress.


    Upon hearing this.


    The expression on Nangong Shengtian''s face became increasingly ugly. Based on everyone''s reaction, it meant that Treasure Pavilion wasn''t just clearing out stock on a small scale¡ªthis was a price war against the Nangong Family!


    "Shut up!"


    Nangong Shengtian huffed coldly, and seeing that people turned to look at him, he continued with a stern face, "Have any of you sent people to verify the quality of the medicinal pills from Treasure Pavilion? How is it?"


    Nangong Xiao hurriedly responded, "Elder Ancestor, I also thought that they might be passing off inferior products as good quality, so I sent people to buy some of their medicinal pills. But the comparison results are..."


    "They are selling them so cheaply, the quality of the medicinal pills must definitely not be guaranteed?"


    "It''s very likely they are passing off inferior products as good quality!"


    However...


    Nangong Xiao''s face looked gloomy as he said, "The lowest quality of the medicinal pills they sell is high-grade, and the rate of top-quality pills even exceeds fifty percent. If it weren''t for the outstanding quality of their pills, just the price alone wouldn''t leave us at a loss!"


    As he spoke.


    Nangong Xiao took out several medicine bottles and respectfully presented them to Nangong Shengtian and another person.


    "Patriarch, please take a look!"


    Nangong Shengtian handed a few jade bottles to Nangong Shengji.


    The two opened the medicine bottles.


    A rich fragrance of medicine wafted out.


    The pills were round and lustrous, full and substantial, with especially clear pill patterns contained on them, absolutely of excellent quality. Moreover, these medicinal pills were none other than the varieties sold by the Nangong Family in the market.


    Unable to compete in price.


    Unable to match in quality as well.


    In such a situation...


    Who would still buy the Nangong Family''s medicinal pills?


    "Patriarch..."


    Nangong Shengtian''s face was dark and terribly grim as he looked towards Nangong Shengji.


    Nangong Shengji squinted his eyes and slowly opened them, speaking coldly, "Treasure Pavilion wants to have a price war, then let''s compete with them. Additionally, Shengtian, you must immediately go to the Beitang Family and have them cut off all medicinal material supplies to Treasure Pavilion and also reduce the price of our materials by another fifty percent."


    "Reduce by another fifty percent?"


    Nangong Shengtian''s expression changed, saying, "Patriarch, I''m afraid Beitang Feng will not agree to it."


    The Nangong Family was already purchasing medicinal materials from the Beitang Family at half the market price.


    If the price were to be pushed down by another fifty percent.


    The Beitang Family would be losing money!


    Nangong Shengji sneered coldly, his face arrogant, "What right does Beitang Feng have to disagree? Tell Beitang Feng, if he doesn''t agree, then he can forget about recovering the debt we have accumulated over the years!"


    Over the years, the Nangong Family owed the Beitang Family a total of more than one hundred trillion silver.


    One must know...


    The Beitang Family also has to answer to the Medicine King Valley behind them, and if this huge sum can''t be returned, even the relationship between the Beitang Family and Medicine King Valley is likely to be completely severed.


    Nangong Shengtian nodded, "I know what to do!"


    At this moment.


    A thin figure appeared beside Nangong Shengji. The person was slender, with a face like jade, dressed in clothes whiter than snow. It was Nangong Yi, the direct disciple of Nangong Shengji. He stepped forward and said, "Master, someone outside is requesting an audience, claiming to have important information regarding Treasure Pavilion!"


    "Who is it?"


    Nangong Shengji was startled.


    Nangong Yi said with a grave voice, "He says his name is Ning Kang!" sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Ning Kang?"


    Nangong Shengtian''s eyes brightened, saying, "Patriarch, this man is the son of Ning Luo, the Vice Pavilion Master of Treasure Pavilion. He previously had some conflicts with Xiao Yi. The last time Xiao Yi went to Beast Emperor City, it was this very person who tipped us off!"


    "Oh? Let him in!"


    Nangong Shengji squinted his eyes, a fierce cold light in his gaze, "Treasure Pavilion? Hmph, I really want to see what exactly Nalan Qianqiu is up to!"

 Chapter 354 - 354: Unexpected Joy

    In the main hall.


    Nangong Shengtian and Nangong Shengji sat high and mighty on the main seats, looking down at Ning Kang as he entered the hall under Nangong Yi''s lead.


    Ning Kang''s legs trembled uncontrollably as he stood before the two, his face slightly pale.


    Both of these individuals were of the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    In the entire Great Qian Dynasty, they were titans capable of shaking the earth thrice with just a stomp of their feet.


    Either could match his master''s ancestor, the overall Pavilion Master of the Treasure Pavilion of the Great Qian Dynasty, Nalan Qianqiu.


    "Ning Kang pays respect to the two seniors!" Ning Kang knelt before them with a thud, his voice quivering.


    Nangong Shengji squinted his eyes, looking completely at ease.


    Nangong Shengtian said indifferently, "Ning Kang, what business do you have with us?"


    Ning Kang hurriedly said, "Ancestor Nangong, I have come across a piece of vital news concerning the life and death of the Nangong Family and have made a special trip to notify you both!"


    "Heh, my Nangong Family has stood at the pinnacle of the Great Qian Dynasty for many years, who could possibly threaten the Nangong Family?" Nangong Shengtian said with an indifferent face, his confidence and determination in his words showing no sign of concern for the all-out assault the Treasure Pavilion was mounting against the Nangong Family.


    The Nangong Family had indeed stood firm for many years, with their own foundation and confidence.


    After all.


    The actions of one of the four great families could affect them all.


    Even though the Dongfang and Ximen Families were at odds with the Nangong Family, if there truly was a force intending to uproot the Nangong Family, those two families would not stand idly by.


    You should know...


    The reason these four great families have managed to stand for so many years is their unity!


    As Nangong Shengtian spoke, Ning Kang''s heart became somewhat chaotic, and he hurriedly said, "Ancestor Nangong, please believe me, this news truly relates to the life and death of the Nangong Family."


    Nangong Shengtian said, "Then let''s hear it."


    "This..."


    Ning Kang feigned hesitation.


    Nangong Shengtian said calmly, "If your news is as you say, concerning the life and death of the Nangong Family, I naturally will not mistreat you. Did I not give you a hundred million Silver when you disclosed Xiao Yi''s whereabouts before? If this news is indeed as important as you claim, I can promise you ten times that amount!"


    Gulp!


    Ning Kang swallowed hard.


    Ten times?


    That would be a billion Silver!


    With so much money, why would he stay at the Treasure Pavilion? He could just take the money and flee, living a life of wealth!


    With that thought in mind.


    Ning Kang said solemnly, "Ancestor Nangong, have you noticed that recently the pharmacies in the Treasure Pavilion have been lowering their prices across the board? I''ve learned that Nalan Qianqiu now has a mysterious master by her side, a man with extremely adept alchemy skills. He''s the one who arrived at the Treasure Pavilion seven days ago, and from the second day onwards, our Treasure Pavilion began heavily discounting all the medicinal pills for sale!"


    "Hm?"


    "A master?"


    Nangong Shengji''s tightly closed eyes sprang open, a flash of cold light passing through them as he leaned forward and said in a stern voice, "Do you know the master''s name and surname?"


    "I know, I know, my father calls him Master Fu Yuan!" Ning Kang hurriedly said.


    ''Master Fu Yuan?''


    "I remember now, among the powerhouses Xiao Yi brought back from Beast Emperor City, there was a Seven-Star Alchemist called Fu Yuan!"


    Nangong Shengtian''s face changed dramatically, his handgrips bursting from his grip, "Damn it, all of this must be Xiao Yi''s doing, that little bastard has a bet with me for a month. I wondered why the Treasure Pavilion suddenly started fighting us recklessly¡ªit must be because of that bastard Xiao Yi. I''m going to Xiaoshanhe Institute right now to kill him..."


    "Stop!"


    Nangong Shengji said coldly.


    His voice boomed like thunder, exploding through the hall.


    A chilling aura pervaded the entire hall, causing the enraged Nangong Shengtian to tremble and come to a sudden halt.


    Nangong Shengji squinted his eyes as he sized up Ning Kang, speaking indifferently, "If that''s the information you''re talking about, it''s certainly not worth ten billion!"


    Ning Kang''s lips turned white.


    Nangong Shengji''s presence made him feel as though he had fallen into an ice cellar, his body trembling slightly, he quickly said, "Reporting to the Nangong, I, I have brought another piece of information... The reason the Treasure Pavilion can suppress the prices of their elixirs so low is all because Master Fu Yuan has a secret recipe that can double the success rate and rate of top-quality elixirs no matter what kind of elixir it is once it''s added!"


    Hiss!


    As soon as these words came out, Nangong Shengtian and the others couldn''t help but take a sharp breath.


    The success rate and rate of top-quality elixirs can both be doubled?


    If that''s really the case...


    It meant that the cost could be reduced by at least half, and with the increase in success and top-quality rates, the cost might very well be controlled to around thirty percent!


    "No wonder the Treasure Pavilion dares to push the prices down to this level!"


    "If this secret recipe is real, and we can get our hands on it, considering the price at which we purchase from the Beitang Family, wouldn''t we be making a profit even if we sold it at ten percent of the current price..."


    Nangong Shengji and Nangong Shengtian exchanged glances.


    But neither of them trusted Ning Kang on this alone, Nangong Shengji, still squinting his eyes, said, "Ning Kang, would you like to earn more money?"


    "Hm?"


    Ning Kang was startled.


    Nangong Shengji continued, "If you can get your hands on this secret recipe, I can reward you with one hundred billion silver, and additionally, I promise to let you join the Nangong Family and grant you the Nangong surname."


    Thump!


    Thump!


    Ning Kang''s heartbeat suddenly accelerated, his breathing became hurried, and his eyes reddened.


    Not to mention joining the Nangong Family, just that hundred billion silver was enough to make his heart race.


    Of course.


    If he actually did this...


    He would also be completely standing against the Treasure Pavilion.


    After hesitating for a moment.


    Ning Kang said in a deep voice, "The two ancestors can rest assured, I will definitely find a way to get that secret recipe!"


    "We await your good news!"


    Nangong Shengji gave a slight smile and then looked towards Nangong Yi, "Yi''er, take Ning Kang down and give him ten billion silver as a reward!"


    "Yes!"


    Nangong Yi immediately led Ning Kang away.


    Leaving only Nangong Shengji and one other...


    Nangong Shengtian asked in a grave voice, "Family head, do you believe what he said?" S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Does it matter whether I believe it or not? If he truly can bring us that secret recipe and it proves effective after we test it, then it will be an unexpected joy. If not, we have lost nothing!" Nangong Shengji said indifferently, then squinting at Nangong Shengtian, "Let Nangong Yi handle the matters concerning the Beitang Family. You go to the Treasure Pavilion at once and try to meet Master Fu Yuan. If you can persuade him to join us, that would be best. If not, find a way to get rid of him..."


    "Yes!"


    Nangong Shengtian left at once.


    Meanwhile.


    On the Xuanwu Square, the genius battle had finally come to its last fight, a clash that would determine the top talent of this event.


    The vast Xuanwu Square was already teeming with people.


    On the high platform.


    Xiao Yi sat squarely in the center, his gaze fixed on the two figures on the stage, a peculiar light flickering through his eyes, "He actually managed to hold out until now, what a pleasant surprise!"


    PS: Explosion tomorrow!!!!!!

 Chapter 355 - 355: Do You Still Remember Me?

    "I didn''t expect her to last this long, it''s quite the pleasant surprise!"


    Xiao Yi revealed a hint of amusement as he watched the purple silhouette on the arena.


    The white figure was the woman Xiao Yi had encountered upon his arrival at the imperial city, the one who had intentionally drawn the attention of the Black Hawk Gang to him.


    During the earlier rounds, Xiao Yi had discovered the woman''s identity, but since she was only at the peak of the Shentong Realm, he had not taken her too seriously. However, to his surprise, she had managed to reach the final.


    And she was even competing for the title of number one genius.


    Although the competition limited the age of participants to under thirty, the temptation of the Martial Dao Divine Fruit offered by those three Dharma Manifestation Realm experts still attracted many talents from the Golden Core Realm.


    That the woman had managed to endure until the end was indeed a pleasing surprise.


    And quite unexpected!


    Swish!


    The young girl in the white dress stood with her hands clasped behind her back, facing her opponent with a calm expression.


    Her adversary was a youth who looked as imposing as a humanoid beast.


    With a gleaming bald head and muscles like blocks of lead that traced explosive lines of power, the youth''s cultivation also reached the Second Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, combined with Innate Divine Strength.


    Throughout the tournament, many strong contenders had been blasted out of the arena by his fists.


    "You, a little girl, dare to compete with me for the first place?" sneered Lei Li, the bald youth, with disdain.


    The white-dressed girl, Jin Feiyan, raised an eyebrow, showing a look of grievance while pouting and said plaintively, "Big brother, can''t you let me win? When I was three, I lost my dad, and at the age of six, I no longer had a mom. I was sold to a landlord''s house to be a maid at five. I drank dew when thirsty and ate grasshoppers when hungry. I''m so pitiful..."


    Lei Li frowned and scoffed, "Stop playing the pity card here; I''m not falling for it!"


    "It''s okay, big brother, if you don''t want to let me win, it''s no big deal. If later you break my limbs, I''ll just apply the medicine myself. I''m just a child with no one to love me; I''ve been used to it since I was young, really, you don''t have to feel sorry for me!"


    Jin Feiyan''s face was covered in tears, her look full of sorrow as she looked around at the crowd, "Everyone, please don''t blame him for hitting me; we can''t hold it against him!"


    Moments later.


    A chorus of condemnation rang out around the arena: "Lei Li, are you even a man?"


    "How can you bully a weak girl like this, where is your conscience?"


    "If I were you, I would just concede! How can you, a big guy, bully a young girl like that, are you not ashamed?"


    "Lei Li, if you don''t surrender immediately, I will look down on you!"


    Lei Li''s face twitched uncontrollably, wanting to cry without tears!


    What the hell!


    I just want to fight in the arena, don''t I?


    How did I become a crime against morality?


    "Silence!"


    The voice of Yu Huaxian suddenly resounded, cutting through the noise abruptly as his gaze settled on the two in the arena, "Three breaths, then the battle begins!"


    On the high platform.


    Hai Wei looked at Xiao Yi beside him and asked, "President, who do you think will win the final victory?"


    Xiao Yi smiled and replied, "What do you think?"


    Hai Wei paused before answering, "It should be Lei Li who has a higher chance of winning!"


    Li Jinjun said, "I think so too; whether it''s in cultivation or combat strength, Lei Li seems to have the upper hand. I''ve also watched Jin Feiyan''s previous fights; she relies more on clever tricks..."


    "Hahaha..."


    Xiao Yi suddenly laughed, squinting his eyes as he sized up Jin Feiyan on the arena with an amused look, "Then you are seriously underestimating her!"


    "Huh?"


    The crowd was taken aback.


    At that moment...


    Yu Huaxian struck the bronze gong: "The battle begins!"


    Swish! S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Whoosh!


    On the stage, both fighters struck simultaneously, turning into streaks of light rushing towards each other, and in an instant, the wind rose and clouds surged, dust billowing. Lei Li''s figure sprinted wildly like a ferocious beast, covered in terrifying waves of force, sweeping over everything.


    Jin Feiyan''s figure seemed frail, like a seagull in a storm, as if it could be swallowed by the tempest at any moment.


    Just when everyone was tense about Jin Feiyan''s safety.


    Suddenly, Jin Feiyan''s figure twisted, nimbly dodging Lei Li''s fierce punch with a swift whoosh, as agile as a swallow.


    At the same time...


    Jin Feiyan, like a clinging maggot, stuck close to Lei Li''s body without creating any distance between them. Lei Li indeed possessed Innate Divine Strength, but his moves were overly forceful and lacking in variation.


    Facing Jin Feiyan''s close-quarters combat, Lei Li found himself with immense power but completely unable to deploy it.


    This frustration made Lei Li more and more impatient.


    "Thunderstorm Fist!"


    Lei Li roared furiously, his fists sweeping across horizontally.


    Above these fists, energy crackled like lightning, creating a massive vacuum bubble. Like an arrow shot from a bowstring, it whooshed towards Jin Feiyan, compressing the surrounding air to the extreme.


    Even with Jin Feiyan''s agile movement technique, there was a sense of difficulty in moving.


    Just as the punch was about to hit.


    A pitiful look suddenly appeared on Jin Feiyan''s face, and in the midst of the buzzing noise, Lei Li was reminded of the words previously said by Jin Feiyan and the accusations of the people around the stage against him.


    He seemed to have already envisioned the scene where, once his punch landed, Jin Feiyan would be grievously injured and he would become the target of public criticism!


    On the high platform.


    Xiao Yi noticed Lei Li''s moment of hesitation and shook his head, "Lei Li has lost!"


    "Huh?"


    Hai Wei and the others were startled.


    Wasn''t Lei Li oppressing Jin Feiyan at the moment? How could he have lost?


    On the stage.


    Jin Feiyan noticed Lei Li''s momentary hesitation, her lips slightly lifted into a smile, and her figure flickered, like a ghostly white silhouette. With a swift whoosh, she dodged Lei Li''s fierce punch and circled behind him.


    At the same time, a palm strike landed on the back of Lei Li''s neck.


    Spurt!


    Lei Li''s body trembled, his energy dissipated, and he thumped onto the ground.


    Falling unconscious.


    Hiss!


    Around the stage, a collective intake of breath could be heard.


    Nobody had expected Lei Li, who seemed to have victory in his grasp, to be turned over at the last moment.


    Yu Huaxian was also taken aback, then spoke out loud, "The first place winner of this Genius Battle is Jin Feiyan!"


    On the stage.


    Jin Feiyan''s face revealed a serene smile, and she cheered as she looked towards Yu Huaxian, "Elder Yu, they say that the first-place winner of the Genius Battle will receive a Martial Dao Divine Fruit of the Dharma Manifestation Realm, is that true?"


    "That is indeed true; the dean himself will be presenting it to you shortly!"


    Elder Yu smiled.


    He held a favorable impression of this girl who seemed so fragile yet had made her way to first place in the Genius Battle.


    "Yay!"


    Jin Feiyan clenched her fists excitedly, her face full of thrill.


    At that moment...


    A playful voice suddenly sounded in her ear, "Jin Feiyan, do you still remember me?"

 Chapter 356 - 356 Supervisory Group

    "Jin Feiyan, do you still remember me?"


    Xiao Yi''s playful voice suddenly came through, causing Jin Feiyan to start.


    She raised her head and looked in the direction of the voice.


    She saw Xiao Yi looking at her with a half-smile, though Jin Feiyan just felt that the person before her was somewhat familiar. With a slight knit of her brows, she shook her head and said, "I don''t know you... Little brother, are you trying to hit on me? Sorry, though you''re handsome, I''m not looking to date anyone at the moment!"


    Xiao Yi: "..."


    Yu Huaxian: "..."


    Everyone: "..."


    Xiao Yi touched his nose and said with a wry smile, "I''m not trying to date you..."


    "Then are you trying to keep me as a mistress? That won''t do either. I''m a girl with principles, and I don''t do such things..." Jin Feiyan''s head shaking was as resolute as a rattle-drum as she firmly said.


    Xiao Yi: "..."


    Pfft!


    Yu Huaxian and others had never seen Xiao Yi this flustered; they couldn''t help but laugh out loud.


    Xiao Yi glared at them fiercely.


    Only then did Yu Huaxian speak, "Jin Feiyan, the man standing before you is the head of Xiaoshanhe Institute, Xiao Yi!"


    "Eh?"


    Jin Feiyan, startled, sized up Xiao Yi but showed no sign of embarrassment. With her hands balled into fists propping up her chin, her eyes sparkling with stars, she said, "Little brother, you''re our academy''s head? I''ve long heard that the head of Xiaoshanhe Institute, Xiao Yi, is young and handsome and possesses immense strength. Seeing you today truly lives up to your reputation!"


    Xiao Yi cleared his throat to interrupt Jin Feiyan''s words.


    This guy changes faces faster than flipping through a book.


    Xiao Yi said, "Jin Feiyan, you really do forget important people easily, huh! Black Hawk Gang, remember that?"


    "Hmm?"


    Jin Feiyan''s whole body stiffened, and her eyes widened in shock. Her autumn-water-like pupils shone with astonishment and surprise as she sized up Xiao Yi, "You, you, you''re the one who wiped out the Black Hawk Gang?"


    How could she forget Xiao Yi?


    Back then, all she had in mind was to use Xiao Yi to escape; later, she heard that the Black Hawk Gang was exterminated.


    At the time, Jin Feiyan was shocked as well.


    She specifically fled to the countryside and hid for a while until she recently heard that the top three geniuses would receive a Dharma Manifestation Realm''s Martial Dao Divine Fruit, and only then did she return to the capital.


    She didn''t expect...


    She still couldn''t avoid it, after all!


    Jin Feiyan looked crestfallen and said, "Head Xiao, I really didn''t do it on purpose. How about this, I don''t want the Martial Dao Divine Fruit anymore, can you just let me go like it was nothing?"


    "..."


    Xiao Yi''s lips curved slightly, his face full of amusement as he said, "Since you''ve walked into the net of your own accord, it''s impossible to let you go now. However, if you''re willing to join Shanhe Court, I might consider not punishing you!"


    "Huh?"


    Jin Feiyan stunned, looked at Xiao Yi in disbelief, her slender finger pointing to her nose, "You want me to join Shanhe Court?"


    Xiao Yi nodded.


    Jin Feiyan hesitated for a moment, then asked tentatively, "Are you sure you want me to join Shanhe Court, and not just thinking of tricking me there so you can punish me later?"


    Xiao Yi said, "Securing the first place in the talent competition sufficiently proves your potential, enough to become a disciple at Shanhe Court!"


    Jin Feiyan''s eyes showed a hint of wariness as she asked, "Are you sure it''s my talent you''re interested in, and not... lusting after my body?"


    Xiao Yi: "..."


    God damn lusting after your body!


    Yu Huaxian and the others couldn''t hold back any longer and burst into laughter.


    Even when facing the powerhouses in the Dharma Manifestation Realm, the always composed Xiao Yi had never been so vexed. He shook his head and said indifferently, "Just keep your mind at ease, I''m not interested in little apples!" Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Little, little apple?"


    Jin Feiyan was taken aback, subconsciously glanced at herself, then immediately puffed out her chest, angrily saying, "Who says I''m a little apple? You''re a little apple, your whole family is little apples..."


    Xiao Yi gave her a glance, refusing to be led by the nose by a woman, he indifferently said, "Fine, since you''re unwilling to join Shanhe Court, then you can forget about the first place prize."


    "Wait a minute..."


    Jin Feiyan''s face showed urgency as she called out quickly, "I am willing to join Xiaoshanhe Institute, but I need you to agree to one condition!"


    "Hmm?"


    Xiao Yi looked at her.


    Jin Feiyan said, "I want to take you as my master!"


    "Take me as your master?"


    Xiao Yi was startled for a moment, then looked at her with a playful expression and said, "You may first join my sect and become my nominal disciple. If within half a month, you manage to step into the Golden Core Realm, I will consider taking you as my disciple!"


    "Master, please accept your disciple''s bow!"


    Jin Feiyan quickly knelt down and kowtowed deeply.


    With a casual wave of his hand, Xiao Yi lifted Jin Feiyan with an invisible surge of Qi and looked towards Yu Huaxian, "Notify the top ten thousand talents of the battle to rest tonight and return to Xiaoshanhe Institute tomorrow at noon for the initiation ceremony."


    "Yes!"


    Yu Huaxian accepted the order with an excited expression.


    The disciples who ranked among the top ten thousand talents all had good potential, and if these new forces were to join Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    With Xiao Yi''s methods, it was definitely possible to nurture a large group of strong practitioners.


    This was the hope for the rise of Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Jin Feiyan followed closely alongside Xiao Yi and asked curiously, "Master, why don''t we return to Xiaoshanhe Institute right now?"


    Xiao Yi squinted his eyes, his lips curling up with a hint of amusement, "We ought to give those people some time, shouldn''t we?"


    "Hmm?"


    Jin Feiyan was stunned, and then thinking of the ''those people'' Xiao Yi referred to, probably the strong practitioners from the top ten thousand, she didn''t ponder any further. As she saw Xiao Yi preparing to leave, she hurriedly followed, "Master, where are you planning to go?"


    Xiao Yi glanced at her and said, "To the Treasure Pavilion."


    "Treasure Pavilion?"


    Jin Feiyan''s eyes lit up, "Master, can you take your disciple with you?"


    Upon Jin Feiyan''s pleading, Xiao Yi shook his head helplessly, "Going together is no problem, but you must control your hands!"


    This guy had a history of misconduct!


    If she were to sneak around in the Treasure Pavilion, it would be an embarrassment!


    After Jin Feiyan promised repeatedly, Xiao Yi led her to the Treasure Pavilion.


    Meanwhile...


    Inside the palace.


    Li Shengtian, Tian Xiao, and Chen Shuiwen were kneeling in front of Emperor Qian, having done so for a full two hours already.


    Emperor Qian set down the memorial, his face expressionless as he said, "My loyal subjects, are you truly resolved to this?"


    "Your Majesty, our actions are not driven by personal grievances but by a profound sense of responsibility towards the countless citizens of the Great Qian Dynasty!" Li Shengtian spoke with a heavy voice.


    Tian Xiao''s head banged against the ground, tears streaming down his face as he said, "Your Majesty, those who have distinguished themselves in the genius battle are definitely the future pillars of the Great Qian Dynasty. How can we stand by and watch them thrown into a pit of fire?"


    Emperor Qian narrowed his eyes and said, "Pit of fire? Xiaoshanhe Institute is a sect supported by our royal family, how can you speak of it as a pit of fire?"


    "Your Majesty, Xiaoshanhe Institute has been in decline for many years and lacks even a Spirit Gathering Array... Even though Xiao Yi has brought in those powerful people from Beast Emperor City, to the best of my knowledge, they are slaves bought from the slave market... How can they become qualified mentors? To hand over the future pillars of the Great Qian Dynasty to a group of slaves for guidance is to ruin them..."


    Chen Shuiwen knelt in front of Emperor Qian, tearfully imploring, "Your Majesty, we humbly request you to send an inspection team to Xiaoshanhe Institute to audit it, sending those disciples to Xiaoshanhe Institute is truly a waste of heaven''s gifts!"


    Emperor Qian tapped his fingers lightly on the table, speaking indifferently, "Sending an inspection team to examine isn''t a problem, but if, as you say, Xiaoshanhe Institute fails to provide a suitable cultivation environment for those disciples, what should be done with the more than ten thousand of them?"


    Li Shengtian said, "I believe although Shanhe Martial Arts Academy is newly established, it has strong teachers and is deeply rooted. They can be sent to Shanhe Martial Arts Academy!"


    "I second the motion!"


    Tian Xiao also spoke up.


    Chen Shuiwen pounded his chest and said, "Your Majesty, rest assured, your servant will not let you down!"


    Emperor Qian pondered for a moment, then spoke solemnly, "So be it, since you insist, I will appoint Qi together with the three of you to form an inspection team and go to Xiaoshanhe Institute for the audit. If it''s as you say, and Xiaoshanhe Institute is unable to provide those disciples with a suitable cultivation environment, then have them go to Shanhe Martial Arts Academy. However, if it turns out that what you say is not true, don''t blame me for charging you with the crime of defaming and entrapping an important court official..."


    "Your Majesty is wise!"


    "Please rest assured, Your Majesty!"


    The three of them, excited, exchanged glances, revealing vicious and triumphant expressions, "Xiao Yi, Xiao Yi, the disciples you worked so hard to recruit are about to become ours!"

 Chapter 357 - 357: Coming to Find Death!

    Treasure Pavilion.


    Xiao Yi and Jin Feiyan moved unhindered and arrived in the alchemy room.


    Fu Yuan and others were in the process of concocting pills. The Treasure Pavilion had launched a full-scale total offensive against the Nangong Family, and pill pharmacies throughout the Great Qian Dynasty had lowered their prices. The daily consumption of pills was extremely terrifying.


    "Xiao!"


    "Director, you''re here!"


    Everyone said one after the other.


    Fu Yuan also put down his work, walked up to Xiao Yi, and respectfully saluted, "Xiao, I was blind before and failed to recognize that you are the true Alchemy Grandmaster. Please punish me!"


    Ever since the day Nalan Qianqiu and the others passed on the alchemy techniques advised by Xiao Yi to Fu Yuan.


    Fu Yuan could now control five Pill Furnaces at the same time.


    This leap in progress made Fu Yuan completely convinced and sincerely impressed by Xiao Yi.


    Now, it wasn''t just a matter of voluntarily leaving after the ten-year agreement.


    Even if Xiao Yi drove him away, he wouldn''t be willing to leave.


    Xiao Yi raised his palm lightly and helped Fu Yuan stand up slowly, saying with a smile, "Fu, you''re too polite. Since we''re all fellow members of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, we are companions. How can there be punishment between us?"


    Gratefulness filled Fu Yuan''s heart. He opened his mouth, seemingly having something to say but hesitated.


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow, "Fu, is there something you wish to discuss with me? There''s no need for such caution between us, just speak plainly!"


    "This..."


    Fu Yuan hesitated for a moment, then said, "Xiao, I am puzzled about something in alchemy..."


    "Hahaha, I thought it was something serious. Go on and tell me!" Xiao Yi laughed.


    Fu Yuan promptly said, "I have been a Seven-Star Alchemist for many years, but I have never found the clue to concocting Grade-Eight pills. Although every attempt does complete each step properly, the quality of the pills I create is extremely low. Until now, the most successful Grade-Eight pill I have made is only of low quality..."


    Xiao Yi said, "So, that''s the issue... Fu, if I''m not mistaken, since you entered the fifth level of the Dharma Manifestation Realm, you''ve had no breakthroughs in at least thirty years, correct?"


    Fu Yuan showed a look of surprise; he didn''t expect Xiao Yi to discern his cultivation issue at a glance. He nodded and said, "It''s been thirty-one years. No matter how I cultivate, I can never make any further progress..."


    "And that''s where the problem lies!"


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "The quality of a pill is deeply related to the purification of the herbal essence and the refinement of the heaven and earth energies during the Solidifying Pill process. When Fu broke through the fifth level of the Dharma Manifestation Realm, it must have been with the aid of external forces. But these forces also affected the quality of your qi, naturally preventing you from perfectly enhancing the quality of Grade-Eight pills!"


    Hiss!


    Fu Yuan looked perplexed, staring incredulously at Xiao Yi.


    His breakthrough to the fifth level of the Dharma Manifestation Realm indeed happened because he accidentally acquired a Thousand-Year Golden Dragon Herb, which allowed him to break through his shackles.


    But other than himself, no one knew about this!


    How could Xiao Yi pinpoint it exactly?


    Fu Yuan watched Xiao Yi with an excited face, earnestly saying, "Please save me, Xiao!"


    Xiao Yi laughed, "It''s actually quite simple, just enter the Pill Furnace!"


    "Ah?"


    Fu Yuan was taken aback.


    Enter the Pill Furnace?


    Jin Feiyan was astonished, "Master, are you planning to make a Human Refining Elixir?"


    Fu Yuan and the others: "..."


    A line of black lines crossed Xiao Yi''s forehead as he glared at her fiercely, then explained, "What aided your breakthrough contained an overbearing medicinal power which, despite facilitating your breakthrough, left a substantial amount of medicinal power lingering in your body. Over these years, this medicinal power has taken deep root, and only by refining it through the Pill Furnace can the problem be fundamentally resolved!"


    "This..."


    Fu Yuan''s face showed hesitation. Entering the Pill Furnace was truly alarming!


    If there were any mishaps, one would become a literal human pill.


    After hesitating for a while.


    Fu Yuan gritted his teeth and said, "Please assist me, Xiao!"


    Whoosh!


    Fu Yuan directly headed towards one of the pill furnaces and dove into it like a wisp of smoke, immediately sealing the furnace from inside. Xiao Yi''s figure soared into the air, and with a push of his palm towards the front, the gigantic pill furnace roared as it uprooted from the ground.


    It hung in midair, entwined and buoyed by countless threads of elemental qi.


    The surrounding hundreds of alchemists all stopped their actions, each looking on with a horrified expression. They had never heard of someone being refined inside a pill furnace. It was well-known that the temperature inside a pill furnace could easily reach thousands of degrees, and at its highest, it could even soar to tens of thousands of degrees. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Even the physical body of someone from the Dharma Manifestation Realm would struggle to endure such a terrifyingly high temperature.


    This required an extremely high level of control over the furnace fire.


    Xiao Yi''s form danced in front of the pill furnace, his ten fingers flickering with flames that he breathed into the furnace.


    Hiss Hiss!


    The flames blazed fiercely, with Fu Yuan''s pained grunts occasionally emanating from within.


    "He''s not going to refine the person to death, is he?"


    "Xiao''s alchemical skills are incredibly impressive; how could he make such a novice mistake?"


    Everyone discussed amongst themselves.


    Suddenly.


    The pill furnace buzzed and with a bang landed back on the ground.


    Xiao Yi clapped his hands and said, "Open the furnace after 24 hours, and no one is allowed to come near it in the meantime!"


    "Don''t worry, Xiao, I''ll personally keep watch!"


    Nalan Qianqiu quickly nodded, stepping forward to take his position in front of the pill furnace.


    Xiao Yi nodded and then waved his hand to disperse the crowd before asking, "Master Nalan, how are things going?"


    Nalan Qianqiu squinted his eyes and murmured in a low voice, "Everything is proceeding according to plan!"


    "Good!"


    Xiao Yi''s mouth curved into a slight smile, a cold light flickering in his narrowed eyes, "The trap has been set, just waiting for you to jump in!"


    ......


    The following day, at high noon.


    Outside the Imperial Capital''s Vermilion Bird Gate.


    Xiao Yi, Yu Huaxian, Hai Wei, and Li Jinjun had been waiting here for quite some time. All the warriors who ranked among the top ten thousand geniuses had gathered, each wearing a look filled with intense anticipation and excitement.


    After seven days of genius battles, they had emerged victorious.


    About to join the Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    To receive the many rewards promised by Xiao Yi.


    Inside the Great Qian Dynasty, there stood numerous sects, especially the ten great sects.


    If one''s family had some connections, or one possessed sufficiently dazzling talent, they were generally spotted by one of the great sects around the age of ten or so. Among these people, many were over twenty years of age.


    The ten great sects did not regard them highly.


    If they had to rely on themselves, their martial arts journey would undoubtedly be difficult, with limited prospects.


    Now, the Xiaoshanhe Institute was offering them hope!


    "Dean, everyone has arrived!" Yu Huaxian stepped forward and said respectfully.


    Xiao Yi smiled, "No rush, we are still waiting for some people!"


    "Eh?"


    Yu Huaxian was baffled.


    After a momentary wait...


    Hoofbeats could be heard approaching, led by Chen Shuiwen, Li Shengtian, and Tian Xiao, with Qi and Yang Ling at their side.


    Yu Huaxian looked surprised and frowned, "What are they doing here?"


    Xiao Yi smiled faintly, his words deliberate, "They''ve come to meet their death!"

 Chapter 358 - 358: Who Goes There?

    "Here to die!"


    Xiao Yi''s mouth corners subtly lifted, his eyes flickering with a chilling glint.


    Yu Huaxian and the others were all momentarily stunned.


    At this moment...


    Yang Ling and his group had already arrived before them, with Yang Ling giving Xiao Yi a knowing wink.


    There was no mention of him in the initial inspection group roster, but upon learning of the conspiracy by Li Shengtian and others, Yang Ling volunteered to join the group. Emperor Qian was extremely fond of Yang Ling, naturally he wouldn''t reject his request.


    Chen Shuiwen and his two associates wore thick smirks of mockery, their provocative gazes fixed on Xiao Yi.


    Qi spoke in a deep voice, "Xiao, by the emperor''s command, we''ve formed the inspection group to join you back to Imperial Dragon Mountain, to review whether Xiaoshanhe Institute indeed has the capacity to guide these ten thousand disciples in their cultivation. These are official duties, and I hope Xiao doesn''t take offense!"


    Xiao Yi responded with a half-smile, "Is this the emperor''s wish?"


    "How audacious!"


    Chen Shuiwen shouted coldly, his face full of arrogance, "Xiao Yi, regardless of whose idea it was, it ultimately represents the emperor''s edict. Are you dissatisfied with the emperor''s edict?"


    "Who let something slip because they didn''t fasten their belt properly?" Xiao Yi said feigning confusion.


    "You..."


    Chen Shuiwen''s face turned an iron shade of green.


    What kind of thing would slip out if a belt isn''t tightened?


    Wasn''t Xiao Yi insulting him by calling him that ''thing''?


    "Oh, isn''t this Headmaster Chen? How come your Shanhe Martial Arts Academy is so empty that you have the time to join this inspection group and investigate our Xiaoshanhe Institute?" Yu Huaxian said, his face full of surprise as he loudly addressed Chen Shuiwen.


    Xiao Yi cleared his throat and pretended to be displeased, "Yu Huaxian, how can you speak to Headmaster Chen like this? He is the busy head of the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy, who has taken time out of his packed schedule to review our Xiaoshanhe Institute. What an honor for us!" S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Hahaha, well then we''ll have to trouble Headmaster Chen!" Yu Huaxian bowed mockingly to Chen Shuiwen, his face full of provocation.


    Chen Shuiwen''s face alternated between shades of green and white.


    His Shanhe Martial Arts Academy didn''t even have one new disciple, what busy matters could he possibly have?


    Under Xiao Yi and Yu Huaxian''s mocking, his face turned as black as coal. He snorted coldly and said with a stern voice, "Xiao Yi, don''t rely on your verbal agility here. Today, we, as part of the inspection group, are acting with a sense of responsibility toward these ten thousand plus individuals. If your Xiaoshanhe Institute doesn''t have the capacity to support their cultivation, then these disciples will be transferred to our Shanhe Martial Arts Academy!"


    Li Shengtian spoke indifferently, "Shanhe Martial Arts Academy has a fourfold Spirit Gathering Array, is supported by the resources of the Nangong and Beitang Families'' pills, and is provided martial arts techniques from Three Seas Mountain and Wendao Villa, among others. Their foundation is far stronger than that of Xiaoshanhe Institute."


    Tian Xiao said with a sinister tone, "Headmaster Xiao, let''s not waste everyone''s time. Today our inspection group will act impartially, and if Xiaoshanhe Institute is truly qualified, these disciples will naturally belong to you. However, if you are not up to par, we will have to take these disciples away!"


    "Headmaster Xiao..."


    Chen Shuiwen boasted, "The doors of Shanhe Martial Arts Academy are already open for them. I''ll preemptively thank Headmaster Xiao for selecting these talented disciples for our Shanhe Martial Arts Academy!"


    Xiao Yi''s lips curved in a slight smile, "You might just end up regretting it!"


    "That''s far from certain!"


    "We''re very clear about the state of Xiaoshanhe Institute!"


    "This time, you''re destined to be dressed up with nowhere to go!"


    Chen Shuiwen and the others were brimming with pride.


    Yang Ling frowned, "It''s getting late; let''s set off."


    "Let''s depart!"


    The three led the way.


    Xiao Yi glanced at Yu Huaxian, then signaled his followers, and headed toward Imperial Dragon Mountain.


    Yang Ling came to Xiao Yi''s side. Since the first time he escorted Xiao Yi to Xiaoshanhe Institute, he hadn''t been back since. He knew the place well and spoke with concern, "Xiao Yi, I''ll try my best to meddle and save some disciples for you when the time comes."


    Xiao Yi smiled and said, "Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness, but no one has yet been able to snatch away a disciple from my Xiaoshanhe Institute!"


    "Hmm?"


    Yang Ling was slightly stunned and, squinting at the confidence on Xiao Yi''s face, he said, "You''re that confident?"


    Xiao Yi nodded: "Of course, I have confidence."


    Yang Ling''s lips curled up as he said, "If that''s really the case, then you''ll have to slap them hard in the face for me. Even Emperor Qian has become angry this time. If it turns out that they have been misrepresenting the truth, at the very least, the hats on the heads of Li Shengtian and Tian Xiao won''t stay secure!"


    "Oh?"


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow, looking at the three smug figures ahead, a playful look in his eyes.


    Finally, the group arrived at the foot of Imperial Dragon Mountain.


    The Spirit Gathering Array of Xiaoshanhe Institute had not yet been activated and still appeared somewhat desolate. Chen Shuiwen and the other two''s smiles grew even brighter. Turning to look back at Xiao Yi, they said coldly, "Headmaster Xiao, does your Xiaoshanhe Institute not have a Spirit Gathering Array? Just look at how scarce the natural energy of heaven and earth is here, how can anyone cultivate in this place?"


    "Xiao Yi, oh Xiao Yi, with such conditions at your Xiaoshanhe Institute, you still dare to recruit so many disciples? You''re really misleading these young people!"


    "And you even treat slaves brought back from Beast Emperor City as instructors? Do you wish for a group of slaves to guide these pillars of the future Great Qian Dynasty?"


    The three chastised in deep concern and indignation.


    Within the crowd.


    The tens of thousands of disciples also felt bewildered. They hadn''t expected Xiaoshanhe Institute to be in such a state of decay and exchanged glances, whispering among themselves: "We''d heard that Xiaoshanhe Institute was in decline, but didn''t expect it to have fallen this far. Are we really going to cultivate here?"


    "It seems now it would be really better to join the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy!"


    "At least they have a fourfold Spirit Gathering Array, and also experts from Three Seas Mountain and Wendao Villa to guide us... "


    With that, unexpectedly, over a thousand people had second thoughts, unwilling to join Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Chen Shuiwen''s lips tilted upwards as he spoke out loud: "Everyone, no need to worry. The doors of Shanhe Martial Arts Academy are always open to you. If you do not wish to join Xiaoshanhe Institute, please stand on my side. Once the review is complete, I will take you back myself!"


    "Thank you, Headmaster Chen!"


    "We are willing to go to Shanhe Martial Arts Academy!"


    More than twelve hundred people stood behind Chen Shuiwen.


    Yu Huaxian''s face turned ashen; he had not expected that even before they had entered the mountain gate, more than a thousand people had already changed their mind. He was about to scold them but was stopped by Li Shengtian: "Yu Huaxian, do you intend to threaten them in front of us and force them to join Xiaoshanhe Institute?"


    Chen Shuiwen spoke with heartfelt pain, "After all, whether these disciples choose Xiaoshanhe Institute or go to Shanhe Martial Arts Academy should be their own choice. How can we force them? By doing this, how can you assure us that you''re fit to take care of these future pillars?"


    At that moment.


    Another three hundred people joined the ranks behind Chen Shuiwen.


    Even before they had entered the mountain gate, there were already fifteen hundred people who had chosen to join the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy.


    Yu Huaxian''s face looked incredibly displeased.


    Xiao Yi, however, appeared indifferent and said lightly, "Don''t be in such a hurry. It''s only just begun!"


    Chen Shuiwen nodded and said in a sardonic tone: "That''s right, it has just begun. Let''s continue with the review. Perhaps by the time we reach the mountain''s peak, you won''t have a single person left behind you! Hahaha..."


    The group moved majestically towards the mountain gate.


    From a distance.


    The gate had not a single disciple guarding it; shaking his head, Li Shengtian said, "This is Xiaoshanhe Institute? Without any disciples to guard the mountain, the gate simply lies open here, allowing anyone to freely enter and exit, it''s really disappointing!"


    Chen Shuiwen said with pride, "Don''t worry, Mr. Li. The doors of Shanhe Martial Arts Academy are guarded year-round by disciples in the Golden Core Realm; they certainly don''t lack discipline like this place!"


    No sooner had he finished speaking.


    From the direction of the mountain gate came two thunderous roars: "Who goes there?"

 Chapter 359 - 359: Eye-Popping

    "Who goes there?"


    A thunderous roar suddenly erupted, like a startling clap of thunder from the clear sky, nearly knocking Chen Shuiwen and his two companions off their horses.


    Hiss!


    Chen Shuiwen, Li Shengtian, and the third person''s faces turned pale, their hands clutching their ears, as their heads buzzed loudly.


    It was an utterly embarrassing sight.


    Chen Shuiwen glared in the direction of the mountain gate, "Who dares to be so bold, hiding your head and showing your tail, intentionally frightening us?"


    Xiao Yi glanced at him and said indifferently, "Chen, you worry too much. We of the Xiaoshanhe Institute are upright and aboveboard; how could we engage in such sneaky acts?"


    "Upright and aboveboard? Hmph, if you really were, why would you hide your gate guardians?" Chen Shuiwen retorted with a dark face. That voice had almost scared him off his horse.


    It was certainly embarrassing.


    He had already heard many of the disciples discussing his panicked state.


    Yu Huaxian said indifferently, "Chen, you''re showing your ignorance. Our Xiaoshanhe Institute has never hidden its gate guardians..."


    "Not hidden?"


    Li Shengtian sneered, "If they aren''t hidden, then why can''t we see them?"


    Tian Xiao scoffed, "You''re not going to say there''s something wrong with our eyes, are you?"


    Yu Huaxian nodded and said, "Indeed, there is something wrong with your eyes. These two Mountain Guardian Demon Beasts are right in front of you, yet you look right through them!"


    "Mountain Guardian Demon Beasts?"


    Everyone was taken aback.


    All eyes turned towards the mountain gate, and there, in front of the white jade stone gate, sat a formidable demon beast on each side. These two demon beasts were meticulous and immobile, making them seem like statues.


    Gululu!


    Chen Shuiwen and the other two exchanged glances, "These are demon beasts?"


    Chen Shuiwen approached one of the demon beasts and reached out to test its authenticity.


    And then...


    Boom!


    Chen Shuiwen was sent flying, tracing a beautiful arc through the air, and crashed to the ground with a thud. Blood spewed from his mouth, and he looked utterly bewildered, while the demon beast he had touched coldly said, "Don''t you even look at what you are, daring to touch me with such filthy hands?"


    Hiss!


    Everyone couldn''t help but take a sharp breath.


    They looked at the two demon beasts in astonishment.


    Chen Shuiwen was at the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm, and yet, this demon beast sent him flying with such ease, leaving him no chance to resist. The only possibility was that this beast was a Sixth Order Beast King.


    Sixth Order Beast King!


    This was an existence comparable to the Dharma Manifestation Realm, and even the ten great sects would treat such a creature as a guardian spirit beast!


    The Xiaoshanhe Institute was using them as gatekeepers?


    "It must be a hoax, it has to be!"


    "How could anyone bear to use a Sixth Order Beast King as a gatekeeper?"


    "Even if they were willing to use it as a gatekeeper, such a proud being would never stand for such an insult!"


    All faces were a picture of bewildered confusion.


    Sixth Order Beast Kings, known for their immense pride.


    Let alone guarding a gate.


    Even taming them as mounts had an extremely low chance of success.


    Qi narrowed his eyes, withdrew his gaze from the two demon beasts, and turned to Xiao Yi, his eyes gleaming, "Xiao, if I''m not mistaken, these two Beast Kings are the very ones you subdued on the Great Liang Mountain, right?"


    Xiao Yi smiled and nodded, "Qi, you have sharp eyes indeed. After I gave these two beasts a beating, they insisted on guarding my gate with shameless persistence; I couldn''t even drive them away!"


    Everyone: "..."


    The two demon beasts: "..."


    A look of sorrow filled their eyes as they gazed at Xiao Yi.


    They had thought about fleeing more than once, but initially, they were subdued by Xiao Yi''s formidable martial force. Later, Xiao Yi offered them precious elixirs. In just over a month, the two mighty Beast Kings made breakthroughs from being comparable to the first level of the Dharma Manifestation Realm to the second level.


    You must understand...


    Demon beasts typically relied on the passage of time to cultivate. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Where would they find such precious elixirs?


    Now, the two of them were genuinely committed to staying here; they need not worry about being ambushed, nor fret over cultivation. Why would they object?


    Gululu!


    The crowd swallowed hard.


    The complexions of Chen Shuiwen, Li Shengtian, and Tian Xiao turned exceedingly grim, especially Chen Shuiwen, who wished he could burrow into a hole and hide. He had been so proud, boasting about the permanent presence of Golden Core Realm experts guarding his gate.


    Yet at Xiao Yi''s, there were beings of the Dharma Manifestation Realm stature!


    The blow to their pride was severe.


    For a moment...


    Within the crowd of over fifteen hundred people, some began to stir: "The Xiaoshanhe Institute can have Beast King experts guard its gate¡ªsuch grandeur, even the ten great sects might not be able to accomplish that, right?"


    "Then why did we even leave Xiaoshanhe Institute?"


    "Let''s go back!"


    More than three hundred people tried to return to where Xiao Yi and the others were.


    However...


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "What do you think Xiaoshanhe Institute is? A place you can come and go as you please? Get lost and head back!"


    Boom!


    As if from nowhere, a violent gust of wind pushed those three hundred people back behind Chen Shuiwen.


    Chen Shuiwen''s face looked incredibly displeased.


    Scowling, he turned to the more than fifteen hundred people and said solemnly, "Everyone, remain calm... What truly offers assistance to you in a sect is not the gatekeeper but the powers within the sect and its various resources. This Xiaoshanhe Institute doesn''t even have a Spirit Gathering Array¡ªcultivating here is no different from cultivating at home! My Shanhe Martial Arts Academy, however, has a Spirit Gathering Array that is four times as effective..."


    Li Shengtian''s eyes also lit up, his defeatist attitude swept away as he stared at Xiao Yi, "Dean Xiao, the most fundamental standard for establishing a sect is the Spirit Gathering Array, and you don''t even have one..."


    "Don''t rush!"


    Xiao Yi smiled and said, "The Spirit Gathering Array has already been laid out by my people, and I estimate they will activate it very soon. Follow me and see for yourself!"


    "Being laid out? Humph, who doesn''t know that within the Great Qian Dynasty regarding Spirit Gathering Arrays, only that person from Tianjian Sect is the top one! The Shanhe Martial Arts Academy''s array was personally laid out by that very person. Do you mean to tell me that your Xiaoshanhe Institute found an Array Master even more skilled than him?" Chen Shuiwen said with disdain.


    Xiao Yi simply replied with a smile, "Let''s go up and have a look!"


    The group began to make their way toward the summit.


    Shortly after...


    They entered the Xiaoshanhe Institute, and at that moment, in the practice arena of Xiaoshanhe Institute:


    Chen Ziyi and Li Youruo were leading a group of disciples waiting there.


    As soon as Xiao Yi and his people reached the foot of the mountain, they had received voice transmissions from the two Beast Kings and were specially waiting here.


    "Hmm?"


    "Chen Ziyi? Li Youruo? It looks like the two of them really did betray Three Seas Mountain and Wendao Villa!"


    "But... These two are only six-star Array Masters; even if they work together, they couldn''t possibly set up a Spirit Gathering Array more powerful than the one at Shanhe Martial Arts Academy..."


    Li Shengtian sneered at Xiao Yi, "Dean Xiao, is the Spirit Gathering Array you mentioned laid out by these two? If that''s the case, it seems we needn''t bother to look any further, as there''s no way they can set up a stronger Spirit Gathering Array than the one at Shanhe Martial Arts Academy!"


    "That''s not necessarily true!"


    Xiao Yi smiled and looked toward Chen Ziyi and Li Youruo, "You heard Mr. Li. Why don''t you activate the Spirit Gathering Array and let them check it out?"


    "Yes!"


    The corners of their mouths raised slightly as they both ascended into the air.


    Each of them held an array flag in their hands. With a whoosh, the array flags entered into the mountain, and the two of them shouted in unison, "Activate the array!"


    Boom!


    A column of light, indescribably powerful, shot up into the sky.


    This pillar connected heaven and earth.


    Within the immense column of light, a profusion of stars ebbed and flowed, sketching out a magnificent star chart in the void that aligned with the trajectories of the constellations above, forming a massive vortex atop the sky of Imperial Dragon Mountain.


    Rumble rumble!


    Countless elements of heaven and earth began gathering.


    Within ten miles.


    Within a hundred miles.


    Within a thousand miles...


    All the elements within a thousand miles seemed to be instantly drained.


    And the concentration of the heaven and earth''s essence within Xiaoshanhe Institute continued to soar.


    Twice as dense.


    Three times denser.


    Four times denser...


    In the blink of an eye, it had already surpassed the fourfold concentration of the Spirit Gathering Array at the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy.


    "This, this is impossible..."


    "How could it be like this? What kind of terrifying formation is this, it''s actually..."


    Chen Shuiwen and his group were dumbfounded, their faces filled with horror.


    An hour later.


    The Spirit Gathering Array was fully operational, and the concentration of the heaven and earth''s essence within the Xiaoshanhe Institute had reached a staggering tenfold!


    Ten times the density of the heaven and earth''s essence caused the somewhat barren Imperial Dragon Mountain to begin covering itself with greenery at a speed visible to the naked eye. Flowers bloomed in abundance, dead wood sprang to life, bursting with vitality...


    Xiao Yi''s lips curled upwards, his gaze playful as he looked at Chen Shuiwen and the others, "Gentlemen, what do you think of my Spirit Gathering Array?"


    "..."


    The three of them were speechless, at a loss for words.


    The scene before them...


    Completely blew their minds!


    A Spirit Gathering Array with tenfold efficiency could be called a miracle!


    Chen Shuiwen''s eyes were bloodshot, unable to utter a word, only feeling a burning pain on his face. His smug fourfold Spirit Gathering Array seemed like trash compared to Xiaoshanhe Institute''s Spirit Gathering Array!

 Chapter 360 - 360: Turning Heaven and Earth Upside Down

    ```


    Slap! Slap! Slap!


    Chen Shuiwen could only feel a series of crisp slapping sounds beside his ear, the sharp sound of slapping, and his face was in excruciating pain.


    Today, he had come with the determination to wipe away the disgrace of the past.


    But the result...


    At the mountain gate.


    The Golden Core Realm disciples whom he took pride in, acting as gatekeepers, were directly crushed into powder by two sixth-order Beast Kings.


    Afterward.


    The fourfold Spirit Gathering Array he boasted about was once again battered beyond recognition by Xiao Yi''s tenfold Spirit Gathering Array.


    One failure after another caused Chen Shuiwen''s heart to sink to rock bottom.


    Behind him...


    The one thousand five hundred disciples were even more enraged, their eyes bloodshot and their breathing became rapid; their gazes filled with venom and hatred towards the three individuals like Chen Shuiwen. If not for them, it would be they who were cultivating under the tenfold natural energy of heaven and earth.


    Now.


    They had chosen betrayal.


    If it were before...


    They were already very content with cultivating under the fourfold Spirit Gathering Array at the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy.


    But now, having seen the tenfold Spirit Gathering Array of the Xiaoshanhe Institute with their own eyes, by comparison, it was naturally ten times more attractive!


    Unfortunately, there is no medicine for regret in this world.


    Especially for betrayal.


    Once is enough!


    Xiao Yi would absolutely not allow those who chose betrayal to return to the Xiaoshanhe Institute ever again.


    Yang Ling spoke indifferently, "Sirs, do you have any further objections regarding the inspection of Xiaoshanhe Institute?"


    It was he who had originally proposed Xiao Yi as the head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Li Shengtian and others had repeatedly targeted Xiao Yi; in Yang Ling''s view, they were targeting him as well.


    So, he had no pleasant expressions for the three of them.


    Li Shengtian''s face was as dark as the bottom of a pot.


    They had not easily convinced Emperor Qian, allowing them to inspect the Xiaoshanhe Institute in the capacity of an inspection team; all of this was well-prepared. Before going to see Emperor Qian, they had sent people to probe around the Xiaoshanhe Institute three times.


    Each probe ended with the same result as Chen Shuiwen had stated; the Xiaoshanhe Institute was nothing special.


    That''s what led to this inspection.


    They had never imagined...


    That their plans would be shattered once again.


    Thinking of the military order they had issued in front of Emperor Qian, if they were to report back with such results, the three of them would indeed face severe punishment from Emperor Qian. Li Shengtian could even be sure that at the very least, he''d lose his official hat!


    "I have painstakingly reached this far, how could it end like this?" Li Shengtian''s eyes were blood-red with determination.


    "Mr. Li..."


    Yang Ling, with a piercing gaze, stared at Li Shengtian, pressing on.


    Li Shengtian took a deep breath and fixed his gaze on Xiao Yi, "Head Xiao is indeed formidable, having established the Xiaoshanhe Institute to such a state in just over a month. I believe the institute will flourish under your leadership. However, whether a sect can teach outstanding disciples is not only about these factors; what''s more important is the number and quality of the strong members within the sect!"


    Yang Ling said calmly, "As I am aware, there are now four individuals at the Dharma Manifestation Realm in Xiaoshanhe Institute..."


    Xiao Yi smiled and said, "Your Highness, I must correct you there!"


    "Oh?"


    Yang Ling was startled.


    Xiao Yi smiled and pointed to Li Youruo and Chen Ziyi, who had already come before the crowd, "Chen Ziyi and Li Youruo have broken through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm, and at the same time, both of them have also stepped into the ranks of seven-star Array Masters!"


    Hiss!


    Yang Ling took in a breath of cold air, his pupils shrinking sharply.


    Qi was also showing a discerning glint.


    Li Shengtian, Chen Shuiwen, and Tian Xiao''s faces changed colors continuously, looking incredulously at Li Youruo and Chen Ziyi.


    ```


    ```


    These two, they are very familiar with.


    Elders of Three Seas Mountain and Wendao Villa, but previously, both had been stuck at the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm for many years, their progression in formations stopped at a six-star advanced level without any improvement. Even the seven-star Array Master from Tianjian Sect had said that in this life, they had no hope of becoming seven-star Array Masters!


    Now, both of them have actually broken through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm?


    And both stepped into the ranks of seven-star Array Masters at the same time?


    Plus that seven-star Alchemist, Fu Yuan.


    Doesn''t that mean...


    The Xiaoshanhe Institute now has a seven-star Alchemist and two seven-star Array Masters?


    Xiao Yi smiled and said, "Your Highness, my Xiaoshanhe Institute now has three great Beast Kings of the sixth order, six Dharma Manifestation Realm experts. There are over a hundred powerful individuals in the Tao Tribulation Realm; I wonder if such a lineup is enough to instruct these disciples?"


    Glug!


    Even Yang Ling, who had always supported Xiao Yi, couldn''t help but swallow his saliva when he suddenly heard the current lineup of the Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    He was acutely aware that, before Xiao Yi''s arrival, the Xiaoshanhe Institute only had a few thousand disciples, a hundred or so instructors, and fewer than ten individuals in the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    How long has it been since Xiao Yi took over the Xiaoshanhe Institute?


    Just one or two months in total.


    In just one or two months, if we include those three Beast Kings, it means the Xiaoshanhe Institute has gained a whopping nine Dharma Manifestation Realm powerhouses, and over a hundred in the Tao Tribulation Realm. Moreover, it has established an unprecedented tenfold Spirit Gathering Array from nothing at the Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    What a heaven-and-earth-shattering change!


    With the Xiaoshanhe Institute in its current state, even compared to the top ten sects, the difference would only be in the top experts and elite disciples!


    Yang Ling''s face showed excitement; he held his chin high, his disdainful gaze fell upon Li Shengtian and his two companions, and his words contained an added sense of pride, "The three of you, do you have anything else to say?"


    "I, I..."


    Li Shengtian was momentarily at a loss for words.


    Tian Xiao''s face turned pale, his limbs feeble.


    Chen Shuiwen''s face showed struggle; he gritted his teeth and bravely said, "Your Highness, it is indeed beyond our expectations that Xiao has made the Xiaoshanhe Institute so powerful. However, as far as I know, those powerhouses in the Xiaoshanhe Institute are all slaves; they..."


    Slap!


    Before he could finish speaking.


    Chen Shuiwen was suddenly struck across the face by Xiao Yi, sending him flying sideways, his head striking the ground with a thud.


    The martial arts field trembled violently.


    Half of Chen Shuiwen''s head was buried in the dirt as Xiao Yi said coldly, "Anyone who joins my Xiaoshanhe Institute is a comrade of mine, Xiao Yi. I will not allow anyone to insult them based on their origins and backgrounds. Today, I spare your life, but if you dare to insult again, this will be the result!"


    Hum!


    Xiao Yi held his hand in the air, exerting force to manipulate an object from afar.


    Swoosh!


    A stone the size of a human head fell into his hand, and with a squeeze of his five fingers, the stone shattered into four or five pieces, spraying dust all around.


    Hiss!


    Everyone couldn''t help but gasp, their gazes towards Xiao Yi filled with awe.


    Jin Feiyan and the other disciples who chose to follow Xiao Yi were dazzled, looking at Xiao Yi''s not particularly tall figure with admiration and fervor. Powerful, calm, proud, protective...


    Who else could be more suited to be their Institute Head than Xiao Yi?


    "Long live the Xiaoshanhe Institute!"


    "Long live Institute Head Xiao!"


    "Long live..." S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The group of disciples shouted loudly, their emotions surging.


    In contrast...


    The fifteen hundred disciples who had chosen to follow Chen Shuiwen and his group all hung their heads low, faces full of regret and frustration. Their gazes towards Chen Shuiwen and his companions were filled with spite and ferocity.


    If it weren''t for the words of those three, would they have chosen betrayal?


    "Damn it, to hell with Shanhe Martial Arts Academy, I''ll wait for the Xiaoshanhe Institute''s next recruitment to come back..."


    "I''ve decided, it''s Xiaoshanhe Institute or nothing!"


    Just as Chen Shuiwen, who had just been awakened by Li Shengtian, suddenly heard the words of the crowd, he let out a painful scream, spewing a mouthful of blood, his eyes rolling back as he fainted once more...


    ```

 Chapter 361 - 361: The Golden Throne

    "Chancellor Chen, Chancellor Chen..."


    Li Shengtian and Tian Xiao''s complexions changed dramatically as they hastily supported Chen Shuiwen.


    Their faces were as grey as death.


    The current Xiaoshanhe Institute was like an impregnable iron barrel, the only weakness being the slave status of its strong members, which could barely serve as a breach for them. But now Xiao Yi was so domineering and tyrannical that they dared not mention this matter anymore.


    This inspection aimed at the Xiaoshanhe Institute had utterly and completely failed.


    Yang Ling said indifferently, "Gentlemen, I will definitely report to the Emperor that this inspection of the Xiaoshanhe Institute was entirely baseless, surely someone has been secretly instigating trouble, intending to slander Chancellor Xiao. I believe the Emperor will surely give Chancellor Xiao a satisfying explanation!"


    Whoosh!


    The complexions of the three men, Li Shengtian, turned deathly pale in an instant.


    Qi eyed the three of them and having a favorable impression of Xiao Yi, coupled with a deep understanding of Emperor Qian''s thoughts, said indifferently, "I too will report the truth!"


    Hum!


    Li Shengtian and his companions felt a buzz in their heads, a wave of numbness washing over their scalps.


    It''s over!


    Completely over!


    The three men exchanged looks, and their vision darkened; they all fainted on the spot.


    "What a disgraceful display..."


    Yang Ling looked coldly at the three men, then turned to Xiao Yi, saying, "Xiao Yi, I will take them back to report. You can rest assured, after this they will not die but will be severely punished!"


    "Thank you, Your Highness!"


    Xiao Yi smiled and then took out two bottles of elixirs, which he had personally crafted the previous evening at the Treasure Pavilion.


    A total of two bottles.


    He handed them to Yang Ling and Qi, smiling, "These are just some elixirs I made when I had the time!"


    Yang Ling smiled and directly accepted them.


    However, Qi seemed somewhat embarrassed.


    Xiao Yi added, "They''re just some trifles, no need for you to be so polite!"


    Yang Ling said, "Grand Eunuch Qi, just accept them!"


    "Well..."


    Grand Eunuch Qi hesitated for a moment, then received the jade bottle, saying, "Thank you, Chancellor Xiao!"


    "No need for thanks!"


    Xiao Yi shook his head.


    Immediately after...


    Yang Ling and Grand Eunuch Qi, taking the three persons with them, soared into the sky and left.


    In the void.


    Yang Ling saw Qi fiddling with the jade bottle and suggested, "Grand Eunuch Qi, since you''re curious, why not open it and take a look?"


    "Alright!"


    Upon opening the jade bottle, Qi inhaled sharply and then forced a smile, saying, "It appears I now owe Chancellor Xiao a tremendous favor!"


    Yang Ling, too, opened his own bottle, and his expression drastically changed.


    The bottles contained seventh-grade elixirs.


    Yang Ling, who was stuck at the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm and just a step away from the Dharma Manifestation Realm, found that his bottle contained the high-level seventh-grade Law-Phase Elixir, which could dramatically increase the chances of breaking through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm by fifty percent, a veritable miracle drug.


    The bottle in Grand Eunuch Qi''s hand contained the seventh-grade Pine Crane Longevity Elixir, which could extend one''s lifespan by a hundred years!


    Those in the Dharma Manifestation Realm could live for a thousand years.


    Grand Eunuch Qi, whose lifespan was not much longer, now had a Pine Crane Longevity Elixir that could add another hundred years to his life, and possibly even more, significantly increasing his chances of reaching for that legendary Longevity Secret Realm.


    The two exchanged a glance.


    Their eyes simultaneously fell on the three men including Chen Shuiwen.


    Yang Ling said, "Grand Eunuch Qi, I''m afraid I''ll need your assistance with this matter!"


    "Rest assured, Your Highness!"


    Qi nodded, his eyes cold, "They are undoubtedly dead men!"


    The two immediately put away the elixirs and headed towards the imperial palace. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ...


    Within the Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Jin Feiyan looked at Xiao Yi with curiosity and asked, "Master, why didn''t you just kill them directly?"


    Xiao Yi glanced at her and said indifferently, "They are already on the path to death, so why bother taking action myself?"


    Li Shengtian and his group had targeted them time and again, which had touched Emperor Qian''s sore spot.


    After all.


    The Xiaoshanhe Institute had the royal family''s backing.


    Li Shengtian and the others had even teamed up with Three Seas Mountain, Wendao Villa, the Nangong Family, and the Beitang Family to establish the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy to target the Xiaoshanhe Institute. Now, they wanted to put the Xiaoshanhe Institute in a desperate situation, and Emperor Qian was merely lacking a reason to put them to death!


    Now...


    He had that reason.


    With the help of Yang Ling and Qi, their death was certain!


    "Huh?"


    Jin Feiyan was stunned, not understanding.


    Xiao Yi did not explain but turned to Yu Huaxian: "Huaxian, go to the back mountain and gather the Shadow Demons. Taking advantage of today''s recruitment of disciples into the Xiaoshanhe Institute, we should also establish some new rules!"


    "Yes!"


    Yu Huaxian left immediately.


    A moment later...


    The Shadow Demons, who had been training those few hundred disciples in the back mountain, returned to the practice arena. With them came the several hundred disciples who had originally chosen to stay at the Xiaoshanhe Institute. Along with the more than eight thousand newcomers, they formed a group of nearly nine thousand disciples.


    Outside, five Dharma Manifestation Realm masters, over a hundred Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouses, and dozens of Golden Core Realm teachers formed the instructor lineup.


    With a bitter smile, Yu Huaxian said, "We must be the only sect where the number of people from the Tao Tribulation Realm outnumbers those from the Golden Core Realm, right?"


    Xiao Yi smiled wryly.


    As Yu Huaxian said, the proportion from the Tao Tribulation Realm in the Xiaoshanhe Institute was indeed excessive.


    He looked at the few hundred disciples, who under the training of the Shadow Demons had made significant breakthroughs in just seven days. Each of them had gained an invisible aura of evil qi and fighting spirit.


    One must know...


    The Shadow Demons all came from the Slave Battlefield, where every battle was a matter of life and death.


    It was fight or perish!


    Every move they made was a deadly attack risking their own lives.


    They dared not hold back in the slightest.


    Under their guidance, the growth of these disciples was also astonishingly fast.


    Shadow Demon stepped forward and reported, "Chief, all disciples and instructors have arrived!"


    Xiao Yi nodded and waved his hand.


    With a booming sound, the land beneath their feet rose abruptly amidst a series of loud noises. High platforms made of earth and stone emerged from the ground in the practice arena, towers several dozen feet tall.


    Thrones carved from sturdy rocks appeared in the center of the high platforms.


    There were eleven thrones in total.


    The one in the center radiated a brilliant and noble golden light, while the five on each side shone with a silver glow.


    All eyes focused on those eleven thrones.


    Everyone''s face showed a look of confusion.


    No one knew what Xiao Yi was planning!


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi, under the gaze of nearly ten thousand pairs of eyes, took his place on the central golden throne. Sitting upright, the golden light from the throne made him seem even taller and filled with authority.


    Although his cultivation was not the highest among those present, even Shadow Demon felt no disloyalty when facing Xiao Yi.


    Sitting upon the golden throne.


    Xiao Yi looked down upon the more than nine thousand people. His calm gaze carried an indescribable weight of pressure.


    The crowd couldn''t help but clench their fists, feeling as if their blood had been ignited.


    Their blood boiled with excitement!


    Xiao Yi slowly withdrew his gaze and said in a loud voice, "..."

 Chapter 362 - 362: Comprehensive Reforms

    "Today, as you join the Xiaoshanhe Institute and become disciples under me, this is a momentous occasion!"


    Xiao Yi slowly began, his voice clear and resonant like a thunderclap on a sunny day, the reverberating thunder striking every ear.


    It echoed over the vast Imperial Dragon Mountain.


    All eyes fixed intently on Xiao Yi, unblinking, carefully listening to every word he spoke.


    Xiao Yi''s voice became ever more tranquil, yet the authority in his words grew increasingly powerful, "I believe that many of you must have heard of the Xiaoshanhe Institute before this."


    The crowd nodded.


    "Go on, tell me, what is the Xiaoshanhe Institute like in your minds?" Xiao Yi asked.


    The crowd exchanged glances, at a loss for words.


    Amidst the people,


    Jin Feiyan, always the lively one and rather brazen, blurted out, "Trash! What I''ve heard the most is that if you don''t make an effort, you''ll end up in the Xiaoshanhe Institute..."


    The crowd: "..."


    Ye Heng glared fiercely at her.


    Jin Feiyan had a aggrieved look on her face, "Brother, I''m not wrong!"


    "Hahaha, Fei Yan is correct. Once, in the eyes of everyone in the Great Qian Dynasty, the Xiaoshanhe Institute was nothing more than a trash bin. Only those who were rejected by the top ten sects and the four major families would come to the Xiaoshanhe Institute!"


    Xiao Yi was frank, and his words made the faces of those who had already been in the Xiaoshanhe Institute grow somewhat solemn.


    Just as Xiao Yi had said¡­


    When they first entered the Xiaoshanhe Institute, there were not any tests to speak of.


    Anyone who came to sign up could join straight away.


    There were even some ordinary people who had not reached the Physical Body Realm; as long as they paid a certain amount of money, they could enter the Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Bearing the identity of a disciple from the Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    That was a disgrace!


    During that shameful period, everyone was reluctant to admit they were disciples of the Xiaoshanhe Institute out in the world.


    Xiao Yi''s tone shifted, his voice growing more uplifting, "Those days are gone!"


    "Hmm?"


    The crowd suddenly looked up.


    With each word he spoke, it was as if he could strike the deepest chord in their souls, "From now on, being a disciple of the Xiaoshanhe Institute will no longer be a mark of disgrace. You can stand tall and proud, you can tell anyone loudly that you are from the Xiaoshanhe Institute!"


    The crowd''s breathing began to grow rapid.


    "From now on, the identity of a disciple of the Xiaoshanhe Institute will be a glory, will be the highest radiance. When everyone knows your identity, they will no longer scorn and mock but envy and look up to you. The identity of a Xiaoshanhe Institute disciple will also become synonymous with the strong, with genius!"


    Xiao Yi''s voice was high-spirited, his gaze cutting through the crowd like a knife edge, thunderous and resounding, he asked like a thunderclap from a clear sky, "Do you want to be trash?"


    "No... we don''t!" Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The crowd''s response was somewhat intermittent, somewhat disordered.


    "Do you wish to become a disgrace?"


    "We do not!"


    The crowd''s voice became much more unified.


    "Do you want to become stronger?"


    "We do!"


    This time nearly seventy percent of the people started shouting at the top of their lungs.


    "Do you want to stand equal with, or even surpass, the disciples of the top ten sects?"


    "We do!"


    "I dream of it!"


    Almost all the disciples were screaming hysterically.


    Among them were former disciples of the Xiaoshanhe Institute and also those commoners who had hit walls at the top ten sects, without money or influence, until the opportunity from Xiaoshanhe Institute finally gave them a path to rise.


    In this moment...


    The fighting spirit that had been dormant within them for years, their edges worn down by reality,


    Were simultaneously ignited by Xiao Yi!


    "Xiaoshanhe Institute once experienced glory, and it also fell into decline..."


    Xiao Yi''s voice suddenly deepened, then rose high, like a person''s heartbeat, causing everyone''s breathing to become rapid at times and deep at others, "I will lead you, lead Xiaoshanhe Institute to a new era of splendor, to surpass the past. Would you trust me?"


    Boom!


    The faces of the crowd turned red, even those strong individuals from the Beast Emperor City stretched their necks at that moment, their veins pulsing: "Believe! Believe! Believe!"


    Roars shook the heavens.


    Echoing through the sky!


    The rolling sound waves surged like pillars, rushing towards the heavens, forcefully scattering the clouds above the sky.


    A faint smile appeared on Xiao Yi''s lips, revealing a look of satisfaction.


    Before this...


    Their sense of belonging to Xiaoshanhe Institute wasn''t strong, but now, Xiao Yi had planted a seed in everyone''s heart.


    As long as this seed took root and sprouted, grew strong.


    It would surely become a towering tree in the future!


    "Ladies and gentlemen!"


    Xiao Yi looked towards Shadow Demon, Li Youruo, Yu Huaxian, and others, and said solemnly, "Effective immediately, our Xiaoshanhe Institute will no longer be just about instructors and students. All instructors will be divided into Elders and Deacons based on strength and contributions, and all students will be collectively known as disciples, also divided into levels based on your cultivation and contributions!"


    "What? Divided into levels?"


    "Elders and Deacons? How is that to be divided?"


    "Disciples are also based on cultivation and contributions? What exactly does that mean?"


    Everyone''s hearts were filled with both anticipation and hesitation.


    Before this...


    The amount of resources every disciple at Xiaoshanhe Institute received was completely up to the instructors.


    If you were in good terms with your instructor, you naturally received more resources.


    If you were someone without backing, like Ye Heng previously, and not favored by your instructor, you might not even receive a single silver.


    "From the first to the third realm of the Golden Core Realm, you will be One-Star Deacons, from the fourth to the sixth you are Two-Star, and from the seventh to the ninth, you are Three-Star Deacons. The Tao Tribulation Realm will be Elders, also divided into three stars. Those strong in the Dharma Manifestation Realm will be Hall Masters, entitled to a throne!"


    Xiao Yi continued, "As for the disciples, those below the Shentong Realm will be up to Three-Star, Golden Core Realm from four to six stars, Tao Tribulation Realm from Seven to Nine-Star disciples. Dharma Manifestation Realm disciples will be True Disciples, and the top-ranking True Disciple will be the Saint Heir! Whether instructors or disciples, from this moment on, you will enjoy the appropriate level of benefits. Those who join Xiaoshanhe Institute in the future, in addition to cultivation requirements, will also need to accumulate points in order to rise in level!"


    Hiss!


    All the strong ones looked at each other for a moment.


    The instructors present were almost all above the Golden Core Realm, meaning they were at least One-Star Deacons.


    If they were to join Xiaoshanhe Institute in the future, in addition to fulfilling the requirements of cultivation, they would also need to accumulate points. This clearly favored those currently present, and everyone accepted this without objections.


    After all...


    Those still here could rightly be called the veterans!


    Ye Heng stepped forward and said solemnly, "Master, what is meant by ''Hall Master''?"


    All eyes turned to Xiao Yi.


    This ''Hall Master'' he just mentioned was someone who could enjoy the honor of a throne!


    Their gazes fell upon the ten silver thrones shimmering beside Xiao Yi, their eyes turning envious for a moment.


    To be able to sit upon a silver throne at Xiao Yi''s side.


    That would be a supreme honor!


    The corners of Xiao Yi''s mouth curved slightly as he said, "From this moment on, our Xiaoshanhe Institute will be divided into five halls. These five halls will be the Punishment Hall, in charge of law enforcement; the Skill Transmission Hall, in charge of cultivation technique inheritance and the management of the scripture vaults; the All Things Hall managing resource distribution; the War Hall in charge of external campaigns; and the Task Hall responsible for the distribution of disciples'' tasks and point tallying."


    The Punishment Hall was the internal law enforcement system.


    The Skill Transmission Hall was responsible for teaching cultivation techniques and secret manuals, and the strong individuals in this hall must be skilled in guiding cultivation.


    The All Things Hall was essentially the previous accounting office.


    The War Hall would inevitably be the location of the strongest military force in the future.


    The Task Hall was for points and task coordination; in Xiao Yi''s vision for the reformed Xiaoshanhe Institute to function smoothly, this Task Hall was crucial.


    For a moment.


    Everyone''s eyes were fixed on Xiao Yi, awaiting the announcement of the chosen masters for each hall...

 Chapter 363 - 363: The Five Hall Masters

    Xiao Yi sat upright on the golden throne.


    He pointed to the first seat to his left and said in a clear voice, "Punishment Hall Hall Master, Xiao Lin!"


    Whoosh!


    A beam of golden light burst forth from him, as a golden figure soared through the nine heavens.


    The figure, originally only the size of a palm, twisted its huge body in the sky, constantly enlarging with the swallowing and spitting of golden light until it became a gigantic figure a hundred yards long.


    A pair of shimmering golden wings flapped on either side, each beat causing the clouds above to burst open.


    Four claws hung in the air as if capable of shredding the void.


    Two dragon horns on top of its head were exceptionally dazzling.


    Majestic!


    Little Lin let out a long howl to the sky, the sound thunderous and earth-shaking. Suddenly, a violent wind arose, dark clouds gathered, and rolling thunder crashed down, covering the entire Imperial Dragon Mountain with the aura of a sixth-order high-level Beast King.


    Boom! Boom!


    At the mountain gate.


    The two sixth-order Beast Kings guarding the gate exchanged glances, their eyes filled with terror as they looked at the enormous golden figure in the void.


    The two creatures lay prostrate on the ground, shivering.


    Within a hundred miles of Imperial Dragon Mountain, all the demon beasts lay down on the ground as if worshipping their supreme king!


    At this moment, Little Lin''s aura was comparable to that of an Eightfold Dharma Manifestation Realm creature, causing even figures like Shadow Demon to change color.


    Whoosh!


    Little Lin''s form shrank rapidly, returning to Xiao Yi''s side and taking his place on the first throne to the left. Though his form was no longer as towering and immense as before, the looks everyone gave him were still filled with awe and fear.


    This was a being on par with the top existence of the Eightfold Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    And at the same time...


    From the moment he flew out of Xiao Yi''s arms, it was clear what Little Lin''s relationship was with Xiao Yi.


    With him presiding over the Punishment Hall, no one dared to disobey.


    Xiao Yi continued, "The Hall Master of the Skill Transmission Hall will be Chen Ziyi!"


    Whoosh!


    Chen Ziyi, dressed in a purple robe, flashed his form and landed in front of Xiao Yi, "Disciple obeys the order of the master!"


    Hiss!


    As soon as these words were spoken, a surge of astonished voices rose from the training field, "What? Mr. Chen is actually Xiao''s disciple?"


    "You don''t know the whole story. Mr. Chen was able to break through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm and become a Seven Stars Array Master so quickly all thanks to Xiao!" S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Xiao is that formidable?"


    Even the various Dharma Manifestation Realm powerhouses looked at Xiao Yi with growing reverence.


    Amidst the exclamations.


    Chen Ziyi immediately walked to the first throne on the right hand side.


    When he was at Wendao Villa, he was in charge of transmitting skills and Formations. Now that he has broken through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm and become a Seven Stars Array Master, no one objected to him taking the position of Hall Master of the Teleportation Hall.


    "The Hall Master of the All Things Hall, Fu Yuan, is currently on a mission. Next, let us welcome the Hall Master of the Battle Hall, Shadow Demon!" Xiao Yi looked towards Shadow Demon in the crowd.


    Shadow Demon was stunned.


    He had not expected Xiao Yi to entrust him with such an important responsibility, to take the position of a Hall Master.


    And such a crucial one as the Battle Hall!


    Just as the Punishment Hall manages the internal affairs of Xiaoshanhe Institute, the Battle Hall is the strongest martial force meant for external affairs.


    Shadow Demon was originally a slave, Xiao Yi had restored his freedom, and now he was entrusting him with a heavy responsibility. His eyes turned blood red as he shot forward to Xiao Yi. He knelt down with a thump and said loudly, "Principal, rest assured, Shadow Demon will not disappoint you!"


    "Lord Shadow Demon, please take your seat!" Xiao Yi raised his hand in a gesture, helping Shadow Demon to his feet.


    Shadow Demon acknowledged with a heavy grunt and took his seat in the second position on the right.


    Xiao Yi''s gaze swept over the crowd, noticing that everyone was looking at him, clearly everyone was anticipating the identity of the last Hall Master of the Task Hall.


    Xiao Yi''s mouth curled slightly upwards, and his eyes rested on Li Youruo, "Task Hall Hall Master Li Youruo!"


    Whoosh!


    Li Youruo soared into the sky and landed in front of Xiao Yi, saying with great respect, "Thank you, Master. Your disciple will surely not fail your trust!"


    Even with Chen Ziyi before him, Li Youruo nevertheless addressed Xiao Yi as Master.


    It once again caused a stir among the crowd.


    That two Dharma Manifestation Realm powerhouses were willing to become disciples of Xiao Yi was enough to prove Xiao Yi''s strength and terror.


    The likes of the Shadow Demon looked at Xiao Yi with eyes increasingly filled with awe.


    Within the crowd.


    Jin Feiyan looked at Ye Heng with a worried frown, "Senior brother, our Master actually has two disciples from the Dharma Manifestation Realm? The pressure on us is so great!"


    "Don''t be afraid!"


    Ye Heng smiled.


    Jin Feiyan was taken aback, and said sweetly, "Senior brother is so kind, always knowing how to comfort junior sister!"


    As soon as she finished speaking.


    Ye Heng said indifferently, "Master said that I am a Battle War Holy Body, and as long as I follow his guidance, breaking through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm is almost a certainty."


    "I..."


    Jin Feiyan was instantly in disarray.


    On the high platform.


    With the five Hall Masters already having their candidates, who then are the remaining five thrones for?


    Xiao Yi looked at the expressions on everyone''s faces and said solemnly, "Vice Hall Master Yu Huaxian of the Punishment Hall, Vice Hall Master Xue Bufan of the Skill Transmission Hall, Vice Hall Master Yan Mingli of the All Things Hall, Vice Hall Master Shu He of the Battle Hall, and Vice Hall Master Zhang Ling of the Mission Hall. Except for Yan Mingli and Xue Bufan, who are occupied with tasks and absent, let the other three come up quickly!"


    Swish, swish, swish!


    Yu Huaxian, Shu He, and Zhang Ling all flew up to the high platform at the same time.


    Yu Huaxian looked at everyone with a bitter smile on his face, "Institute Head, everyone present is a Dharma Manifestation Realm expert, I..."


    Xiao Yi indifferently said, "I believe in you!"


    "..."


    Yu Huaxian''s body trembled.


    Having started off on the wrong foot with Xiao Yi, Yu Huaxian had followed him all this way. Xiao Yi had never let him down, and now, he was entrusting him with a heavy responsibility.


    This trust.


    Caused Yu Huaxian''s eyes to heat up.


    "Huaxian, this is the thing I promised you!" Xiao Yi tossed out a bottle of medicinal pills.


    Yu Huaxian had castrated himself for the sake of cultivating the Cultivation Technique.


    Ordinary Jade Fetal Elixir could not regenerate his ''thing,'' but yesterday, Xiao Yi had finally found enough medicinal ingredients to refine a special Jade Fetal Elixir that, once taken, should enable Yu Huaxian to regain his manhood.


    Thump!


    Yu Huaxian held the jade bottle in both hands and heavily knelt on the ground, "Thank you, Institute Head, for granting me a new lease on life. Huaxian will lay down his life in gratitude, never to betray you!"


    "You''re already the Vice Hall Master of the Punishment Hall, what kind of dignity is it to kneel at every turn?"


    Xiao Yi raised his hand, and Yu Huaxian stood up once more. Xiao Yi said lightly, "You must work hard, and break through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm as soon as possible!"


    "Yes!"


    Yu Huaxian nodded heavily.


    Without too many words, his resolute heart spoke volumes.


    Everyone took their seats.


    Although Fu Yuan, Yan Mingli, and Xue Bufan were absent, leaving three thrones empty, the lineup of eight people sitting up there still gave a sense of looking up. These eleven thrones would be the very top existence of Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    At the same time...


    They were also like the Calm Sea Divine Needle, suppressing the entire Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    All eyes unanimously turned to Xiao Yi, sitting in the center, the man who had changed the once disorganized Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Indeed, he had united the entire Xiaoshanhe Institute as never before!


    Xiao Yi''s gaze swept over everyone, seeing some of the disciples showing signs of anxiety on their faces ¨C these were the disciples who had participated in the Genius Battle and were waiting for their rewards. The corners of Xiao Yi''s mouth lifted slightly, and he looked at Mission Hall Master Li Youruo, "Youruo, both the main and deputy heads of the All Things Hall are absent, so let you, the Hall Master of the Mission Hall, distribute the rewards for the Genius Battle!"

 Chapter 364 - 364: Beheading at the Meridian Gate

    Li Youruo immediately rose to her feet, standing before the elevated platform.


    She received the talent battle rankings list from Yu Huaxian and promptly unfolded it, announcing loudly, "This genius battle started with ten thousand disciples and now there are eight thousand four hundred and fifty-two remaining."


    The lost thousand and more were precisely those who had previously chosen to follow Chen Shuiwen.


    Xiao Yi had already made it clear that Xiaoshanhe Institute was not a place they could come and go as they please.


    Having chosen to leave, they could not possibly be employed again.


    Even if Xiaoshanhe Institute were to recruit disciples in the future, they would definitely not be selected.


    Li Youruo said solemnly, "Every disciple outside the top hundred will gain an additional hundred points. Each point is worth ten thousand taels of silver, which can be exchanged for cultivation resources at the All Things Hall."


    Boom!


    An exclamation erupted from the crowd instantly.


    Thousands of people were boiling with excitement!


    The Shanhe Martial Arts Academy had promised one hundred thousand taels of silver, but Xiaoshanhe Institute granted points worth a million taels of silver. The treatment for the ordinary disciples was tenfold greater in difference!


    Li Youruo continued, "From the twenty-first to the hundredth place, each person will receive a reward of one thousand points!"


    One thousand points.


    This was a resource reward worth ten million taels of silver!


    This was absolutely a grand gesture!


    Everyone''s gaze inevitably fell on the top twenty strong individuals, as their rewards would surely be even more substantial.


    Li Youruo went on, "From the eleventh to the twentieth place, you may receive a reward of three thousand points, from the fourth to the tenth place five thousand points. In addition, each of the aforementioned disciples will receive one Martial Dao Divine Fruit from a Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouse."


    Boom!


    This time, the crowd was completely boiling over!


    The points awarded for such rankings were no longer important; what truly made people envious was the Martial Dao Divine Fruit from the Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouses.


    Each one was worth billions of taels of silver.


    The crowd''s breathing grew rapid.


    Jin Feiyan and Lei Li, who had obtained the top three places, were especially staring wide-eyed.


    As for the third-place Hong Zilong...


    He had previously chosen to follow Chen Shuiwen in leaving, and naturally, his name was missing from the rewards list.


    Jin Feiyan murmured, "That guy is probably crying somewhere, unaware of this!"


    Lei Li next to her nodded, heaving a sigh and saying, "I don''t know why, but thinking of him crying somewhere makes me feel so good!"


    "How can you be like that? It''s wrong to take joy in other people''s misfortunes!"


    Jin Feiyan glared at him, then lowered her voice, "Although, I feel the same way, but reveling in another''s misfortune should be done quietly!"


    "Mhm, mhm!"


    Lei Li nodded in agreement.


    At that moment,


    Li Youruo announced solemnly, "The second-place Lei Li will receive a reward of ten thousand points, and he will also obtain a Martial Dao Divine Fruit from the Dharma Manifestation Realm!"


    Boom!


    The crowd was thoroughly astounded.


    When Xiao Yi proposed using a Martial Dao Divine Fruit from a Dharma Manifestation Realm powerhouse as a reward, many strong individuals still expressed doubt. After all, even if a Dharma Manifestation Realm powerhouse was slain, they would usually self-destruct their Martial Dao Divine Fruit before death.


    This was an extremely rare treasure!


    A Martial Dao Divine Fruit from the Dharma Manifestation Realm was worth over a hundred billion taels of silver! sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And it was priceless!


    If Lei Li were to really sell it, countless people would likely fight over it, and selling it for hundreds of billions of taels of silver wouldn''t be a problem!


    Gurgle!


    Jin Feiyan swallowed her saliva, her eyes shining, fixated on Li Youruo.


    Li Youruo gave her a slight smile and said, "The first-place Jin Feiyan will receive a Martial Dao Divine Fruit from a fourth-tier Dharma Manifestation Realm powerhouse, along with a reward of twenty thousand points!"


    "Yay!"


    Jin Feiyan leaped up joyously like a spirited swallow, her cheeks flushed with excitement.


    Li Youruo put away the list in her hands, speaking in a deep voice, "These are the rewards for all the disciples in this genius battle. Additionally, I will announce another decision from Director Xiao. Every disciple who chose to stay at Xiaoshanhe Institute will receive a reward of one thousand points."


    Boom!


    The original disciples of Xiaoshanhe Institute, who had been somewhat disheartened, were now utterly dumbfounded.


    They had thought that with Xiao Yi obtaining these excellent disciples selected through the genius battle, they had been forgotten about. Unexpectedly, Xiao Yi still remembered them and awarded each of them one thousand points.


    Though compared to the rewards for Jin Feiyan and Lei Li, one thousand points wasn''t much,


    These were rewards from the genius battle.


    By merely choosing to stay at Xiaoshanhe Institute, they could gain one thousand points, which made these disciples all the more grateful to Xiao Yi. They were aware that they were the ones whom Chen Shuiwen had looked down upon, the marginalized at Xiaoshanhe Institute who hardly got any resources.


    Now, Xiao Yi valued them greatly.


    Immediately, everyone felt a sense of pride and belonging to Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    "Report to the Headmaster, the mission has been completed!" Li Youruo said to Xiao Yi, giving a respectful cupped fist salute.


    Xiao Yi nodded, stood up tall, and ascended the high platform.


    His gaze swept over everyone''s faces as he spoke in a deep voice, "My friends, I hope you all can treat Xiaoshanhe Institute as your own home. Let us work together to revitalize our homeland!"


    "Revitalize our homeland!"


    "Long live the Headmaster..."


    Cheers erupted, shaking the heavens and the earth.


    Under the nourishment of the world''s life energy, the grass and trees in the mountainsides and the myriad flowers competed for beauty.


    It was as if everything was heralding a new beginning for Xiaoshanhe Institute!


    With a grand wave of his hand, Xiao Yi gently lowered the platform and the eleven thrones also descended into the ground. This was an application of the power of earth and heaven, which, at its ultimate extent, even allowed legends of unparalleled beings to create continents with a mere gesture.


    However...


    Xiao Yi was still a considerable distance away from such a realm.


    Just as Xiao Yi was concluding the reorganization and reforms of Xiaoshanhe Institute, within the imperial palace, Emperor Qian had already summoned his officials and was in the midst of a thunderous rage.


    Boom!


    Boom!


    Boom!


    Emperor Qian furiously threw the memorials and tea cups onto the ground, looking down at Chen Shuiwen and two others kneeling below, as well as the silent court officials with heads bowed, he coldly said, "Look, take a good look, these are the loyal ministers of the Great Qian Dynasty!"


    "Your Majesty, please calm your anger!"


    The court officials chorused.


    "Calm my anger? How do you expect me to calm my anger?"


    Emperor Qian, like an enraged Azure Dragon, let out a low roar like thunder, "I have set my heart on revitalizing Xiaoshanhe Institute, but look at what they are doing? Time and again they aim at Xiaoshanhe Institute, they even frame and defame, and do not hesitate to establish their own faction in defiance of me. Are these the loyal ministers who claim loyalty to me? Ah? Is this your so-called loyalty?"


    "Your Majesty, please calm your anger!"


    "We deserve to die a thousand deaths!"


    The court officials kneeled down one after another.


    Li Shengtian and the others did not dare to raise their heads and trembled uncontrollably.


    "A thousand deaths? Since you all believe they should die, then I will satisfy you... Guards, take these three men and behead them at the Wumen gate!" Emperor Qian growled, his icy gaze sweeping over the court officials.


    Especially pausing slightly over the figure who stood at the first position on his left, who had kept his eyes closed and silent.


    Buzz!


    Li Shengtian and the others'' faces changed repeatedly as they frantically kowtowed, begging for mercy, "Your Majesty, spare our lives, oh spare us..."


    "Your Majesty, we won''t dare to do it again!"


    "Take them out!"


    Emperor Qian snorted coldly, "After the beheading, send their heads to Xiao Yi!"


    "Yes!"


    Several guards immediately escorted the three men away.


    Silence fell upon the Golden Throne Hall.


    Emperor Qian resumed his seat, only to see the person at the first position on his left step forward and speak, "Your Majesty, with Chen Shuiwen sentenced, Shanhe Martial Arts Academy is without a leader. This is an excellent opportunity to bring it under Your Majesty''s control."


    "Oh?"


    Emperor Qian narrowed his eyes, looking at the man, "What are your thoughts, Uncle Royal?"


    This person was Yang Yuhuan, the unrivaled war king of the Great Qian Dynasty and a figure at the peak of the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    Yang Yuhuan spoke indifferently, "Your servant believes that Prince Yang Ling is the most suitable person to serve as the headmaster of Shanhe Martial Arts Academy!"


    "Hm?"


    A cold light flickered in Emperor Qian''s eyes.


    Everyone knew that Yang Ling strongly supported Xiao Yi.


    Appointing him as the headmaster of Shanhe Martial Arts Academy, how would he get along with Xiao Yi?


    The old fox!


    Emperor Qian snorted inwardly, speaking indifferently, "Yang Ling is still young and not suited for this position. I think it''s the son-in-law of the Royal Uncle, Brave General Sun Yao, who is the right candidate."


    "Sun Yao?"


    Yang Yuhuan frowned slightly and said, "Your Majesty, Sun Yao is in command of the border army..."


    "It''s fine, the border army can be entrusted to someone else!"


    Emperor Qian waved his hand, smiling faintly, "Issue my edict, appointing Brave General Sun Yao as the headmaster of Shanhe Martial Arts Academy. Command Deputy Commander Pang Yi to proceed to the eastern frontier army to take over Sun Yao''s post!"


    "Yes!"


    "His Majesty is wise!"


    The officials all responded in unison.


    Emperor Qian and Yang Yuhuan exchanged glances, their gazes colliding in the void like actual substances, sparking fierce flames.


    Yang Yuhuan''s eyes grew slightly cold as he cupped his fists, "This servant will obey Your Majesty''s decree!"

 Chapter 365 - 365: Someone from the Nangong Family Comes

    The Imperial First-Rank Minister Li Shengtian, along with Tian Xiao and the headmaster of the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy, Chen Shuiwen.


    News of their scheduled public beheading outside the Meridian Gate spread quickly throughout the entire imperial capital.


    Countless strong figures hurried towards the Meridian Gate.


    To know that...


    Just a few days ago, during the opening ceremony of Shanhe Martial Arts Academy, Chen Shuiwen was a name known throughout the imperial capital.


    Of course.


    This was not a good reputation, but it indeed made him a topic of conversation. It was unexpected that just a few days had passed, and they were to be beheaded outside the Meridian Gate, one could imagine the immense sensation it caused.


    Especially for the Nangong Family and the Beitang Family, the news shocked the whole clan.


    The Nangong Family residence.


    With a gloomy face, Beitang Feng looked at Nangong Shengtian in front of him, "Ancestor Nangong, could His Majesty''s sudden move against Mr. Li and the others be related to the establishment of Shanhe Martial Arts Academy?"


    "Impossible!"


    Nangong Shengtian shook his head and said in a deep voice, "With His Majesty''s tactics, it is absolutely impossible for him to vent his anger on Li Shengtian and the others over the affairs of Shanhe Martial Arts Academy. I have already sent people to inquire in the palace, and I believe news will come soon!"


    Beitang Feng nodded, but his expression remained grave, "I hope it''s not bad news."


    An hour later.


    Nangong Yi rushed back hastily, and after saluting the two, he said gravely, "Ancestor, Mr. Beitang, I have found out the details. This time, it was the three of them, Li Shengtian, who took matters into their own hands and erected a military order, forming an inspection team to audit the Xiaoshanhe Institute. This is what provoked His Majesty, leading to their doom!"


    "A military order?"


    The two men were stunned.


    Nangong Yi then proceeded to relay every detail of the information he had gathered to them.


    "Idiots!"


    Nangong Shengtian shook his head, "These three are truly courting death!"


    Beitang Feng was speechless, "It seems that the setback from the earlier opening ceremony has driven Chen Shuiwen out of his senses. If Xiao Yi dared to hold this genius battle, how could he possibly be unprepared? This is clearly a trap, yet he jumped into it headlong¡­"


    Nangong Shengtian narrowed his eyes, "Do we know who will replace Chen Shuiwen?"


    Beitang Feng also looked towards Nangong Yi.


    This was the most important matter at the moment.


    With Chen Shuiwen''s death, Shanhe Martial Arts Academy would be leaderless.


    The Nangong Family and Beitang Family had invested many resources in the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy, with just those lands alone valuing hundreds of billions of silver. If the academy were now to be taken over by the royal family, it would be a tremendous loss for them.


    With an odd look, Nangong Yi said, "According to the information I''ve received, His Majesty has appointed Brave General Sun Yao to replace Chen Shuiwen!"


    "Sun Yao?"


    The two men, Nangong Shengtian, paused, looking at each other, "Is that the grandson-in-law of the Peerless War King?"


    "Exactly him!"


    Nangong Yi said.


    Beitang Feng furrowed his brows, "Strange, the Peerless War King has always been at odds with His Majesty. How could His Majesty entrust Shanhe Martial Arts Academy to Sun Yao?"


    "No, giving it to Sun Yao is the most appropriate choice!"


    Nangong Shengji''s eyes twinkled with wisdom as he lifted his gaze to the door, speaking ominously, "Our His Majesty is a sovereign ruler; if he were to directly control Shanhe Martial Arts Academy now, it would surely make Xiao Yi wary. But by entrusting it to Sun Yao, he can ingeniously use Xiao Yi and the Peerless War King to weaken each other, while he reaps the benefits!"


    "Then what about us¡­" Beitang Feng asked doubtfully.


    Nangong Shengji narrowed his eyes, revealing a cold smile, "Currently, our greatest enemy is Xiao Yi. He has joined forces with Treasure Pavilion, attempting to suppress our medicinal business, so he must be eliminated!"


    Beitang Feng inquired, "Do you already have a plan?"


    With a sly smile, Nangong Shengji said, "We just need to do this¡­"


    ¡­


    Imperial Dragon Mountain, Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Xiao Yi was arranging a Formation, and now that the Xiaoshanhe Institute has established five halls, each with its own duties, although there was still some unfamiliarity among them, the machinery had started to operate. As long as the halls got through the initial teething period¡ª


    the Xiaoshanhe Institute would surely get on the right track in the future.


    In a huge cave dug a hundred meters deep underground.


    Li Youruo and Chen Ziyi looked at Xiao Yi as he inscribed one formation glyph after another, showing expressions of confusion. Even though the two of them had become Seven Star Array Masters, facing the Formation Xiao Yi was setting up, they still felt clueless.


    Chen Ziyi asked, "Master, what exactly is this Formation?"


    Xiao Yi smiled, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and said, "What do you think our Xiaoshanhe Institute is lacking the most right now?"


    "Lacking the most?"


    Chen Ziyi was stunned and frowned slightly.


    His wife, Zhou Jing, said, "Master must be talking about the disciples'' cultivation, right?"


    Xiao Yi nodded and said with a smile, "Zhou Jing is correct. Currently, the strength of the elders in charge at our Xiaoshanhe Institute is barely comparable to the top ten sects, but in terms of the number and quality of disciples, we are far inferior to them."


    "Master, then this Formation?" Li Youruo asked in confusion.


    As far as they knew, except for the Spirit Gathering Array, there wasn''t any Formation that could assist in cultivation!


    Xiao Yi laughed and said, "Once the Formation is complete, you will understand." He paused, then handed them the formation diagram, "Follow the markings here and inscribe the glyphs around the perimeter."


    "Yes!"


    The two nodded and began to inscribe the Formation glyphs.


    At this moment...


    Ye Heng came in from outside and said to Xiao Yi, "Master, Nangong Yi from the Nangong Family requests an audience!"


    "Who?"


    Xiao Yi was startled and looked up at Ye Heng.


    Ye Heng said solemnly, "The visitor claims to be Nangong Yi, the Direct Disciple of the Nangong Family head, and has important matters to seek an audience for!"


    "Oh?"


    "Master, the people from the Nangong Family coming to us at this time, could it be that they want to reconcile?"


    Xiao Yi stroked his chin, showing a hint of amusement, "No matter what they''re here for, continue inscribing the glyphs. I''ll go see what this is about!" Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A moment later.


    Xiao Yi met Nangong Yi in the guest hall. This person was at the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm, yet his demeanor was very respectful. When he saw Xiao Yi come out, Nangong Yi bowed to him, performing the salutations meticulously: "Nangong Yi pays respects to Head Xiao!"


    "Please, have a seat!"


    Xiao Yi sat in the seat of honor, watching Nangong Yi sit down and showing a playful look, "What brings you to me?"


    Nangong Yi said in a deep voice, "Head Xiao, I wonder if you''ve heard about His Majesty ordering the beheading of Chen Shuiwen, Li Shengtian, and Tian Xiao at the noon gate?"


    Xiao Yi nodded, "About half an hour ago, His Majesty just had their heads sent over, I''ve already thrown them to the dogs in the back mountain!"


    "..."


    Nangong Yi''s face twitched slightly.


    He hadn''t expected Xiao Yi to be so blunt, not bothering to cover up the facts.


    After all¡ª


    Even though there was a deep hatred between them, to the dead goes respect. Xiao Yi disposing of their heads by feeding them to the dogs in the back mountain to vent his anger was not exactly honorable. Most people would much likely have tried to cover it up.


    Xiao Yi being so candid was something Nangong Yi found hard to adapt to.


    Xiao Yi laughed, "What, you''re not here to claim their heads, are you? If that''s the case, you might still find a few bones if you go to the back mountain now!"


    "Er..."


    Nangong Yi let out a wry smile and said, "Head Xiao, you misunderstand, my visit this time is for..."

 Chapter 366 - 366: Men Die in Pursuit of Wealth, Birds Die in Pursuit of Food

    "I am here to deliver a gift to Director Xiao!" sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Nangong Yi''s face bore a mysterious smile.


    With the flick of a finger.


    A secret letter flew out from his storage ring and landed in Xiao Yi''s hand.


    The seal on the secret letter was intact, unbroken.


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow, "What is this?"


    Nangong Yi smiled and said, "You will know once you''ve read it!"


    Xiao Yi opened the secret letter.


    It was addressed to Xiao Zhengde.


    The gist of the content was that Xiao Tianjiao had received Xiao Zhengde''s letter, aware that Xiao Yi had taken over the Xiaoshanhe Institute. Xiao Tianjiao''s disdain for Xiao Yi was palpable, even leaping off the page from just a few words, which still made it clear that in Xiao Tianjiao''s eyes, Xiao Yi was no more than an ant.


    At the end of the letter...


    Xiao Tianjiao told Xiao Zhengde that he had important matters to attend to and couldn''t return in a short time.


    He instructed Xiao Zhengde to use this letter to seek help from the unrivaled War King Yang Yuhuan, to deal with Xiao Yi.


    Bang!


    Flames blazed in Xiao Yi''s palm, burning the letter to ashes. Xiao Yi looked calmly at Nangong Yi, his eyes serene as he said, "I have read the letter. What exactly is your purpose in handing it to me!"


    Nangong Yi spoke solemnly, "Director Xiao, my great ancestor tasked me to pass on a message to you: there are no eternal enemies. The Nangong Family has invested a tremendous amount of capital in Shanhe Martial Arts Academy, but now the Emperor has handed over the academy to Sun Yao, who is the War King''s son-in-law. The great ancestor hopes we can set aside past grievances and join forces to drive Sun Yao out of Shanhe Martial Arts Academy. The great ancestor is willing to turn hostility into alliance with you!"


    Xiao Yi leaned back in his chair.


    His fingers gently tapped on the armrest.


    All of this seemed flawless, as if just as Nangong Yi had said.


    Yet it was this seemingly impeccable rationale that made Xiao Yi sense something extraordinary. However, he did not outright reject the offer, but instead said, "Go back and tell your great ancestor that I have received the letter. As for the cooperation, we shall discuss it after the one-month agreement is over!"


    Nangong Yi maintained his composure, replied with a smile, "Good, I will relay your message to the great ancestor!"


    Watching Nangong Yi''s retreating figure.


    Little Lin emerged from Xiao Yi''s embrace and coiled around his shoulder, "Boss, the Nangong Family harbors ill intentions!"


    "Hmm!"


    Xiao Yi nodded and gently rubbed Little Lin''s head, saying, "Follow him!"


    Whoosh!


    Little Lin transformed into a streak of light, vanishing from sight.


    Xiao Yi''s head rested against the back of the chair, his eyes narrowed to slits, with a cold glint flickering within, "Xiao Tianjiao... It''s been over two years since we last met, and you remain as prideful as ever! In your eyes, am I still not worth your personal attention?"


    The fingers tapping on the armrests suddenly paused.


    Xiao Yi stood up and left.


    Only after his figure had completely disappeared did the chair he had been sitting in explode with a bang, reducing it to dust.


    ......


    After leaving Xiaoshanhe Institute, Nangong Yi immediately headed back to the Nangong Family.


    But he didn''t realize that as he left, a golden light had already hidden itself within his body.


    Within the Nangong Family.


    Nangong Shengtian had been waiting for some time; seeing Nangong Yi return, he looked anxious, "How did it go?"


    Nangong Yi gave a wry smile, "The secret letter has been delivered to Xiao Yi, but he refuses to bite. He only told me to convey to you that everything will wait until after the one-month agreement is concluded!"


    Bang!


    Nangong Shengtian smashed the table beside him in fury, "Damn it, this cunning kid..."


    "Ancestor, Xiao Yi refuses to fall for it. What should we do?" Nangong Yi asked.


    Nangong Shengtian''s face was gloomy as he snorted coldly, "Since he won''t take the bait and making him clash with Yang Yuhuan to buy us time is impossible, we can only hope that Ning Kang succeeds in stealing that secret recipe. If he can produce a higher quality pill, we might be able to turn defeat into victory!"


    Over the past few days...


    The price war between the pills of Treasure Pavilion and the Nangong Family has been escalating.


    Currently, Treasure Pavilion is selling pills at a 60 percent discount.


    The Nangong Family is simply unable to replicate this.


    After all...


    Even if they reduced their prices further, Treasure Pavilion would immediately match them, and moreover, over these past days, the word has spread that the quality of Treasure Pavilion''s pills far surpasses those of the Nangong Family''s. At equivalent prices, no one is buying the Nangong Family''s pills.


    The Nangong Family is suffering huge losses every day.


    With the financial resources of the Nangong Family, they can only hold out for about another ten days.


    "Nangong Yi, go see Ning Kang immediately and urge him to act faster... and also, give him this package. If there''s a chance, throw this into their Pill Furnace¡­" Nangong Shengtian instructed as he handed a paper package to Nangong Yi, "Remember, do not let anyone discover this!"


    Nangong Yi nodded and said, "Rest assured in my handling of this!"


    Watching Nangong Yi leave, Nangong Shengtian took a deep breath and his face showed a chill expression, "Let''s hope everything goes smoothly! Whether it''s getting the secret recipe or using this package, either can put them in a dead end!"


    The moon rose to the treetops, and the starlight was dim.


    In the dark of night.


    A shadowy figure sneakily emerged from Treasure Pavilion, heading to a small courtyard nearby.


    Knock! Knock! Knock!


    After a few intermittent knocks, the room''s door finally opened, and the figure was quickly pulled inside.


    Nangong Yi looked at Ning Kang, "Did you get the thing?"


    Ning Kang nodded, a look of excitement on his face, "I got lucky today. Master Fu Yuan seemed to be preoccupied with something important, and the Pavilion Master and the rest were all guarding him. That gave me the chance to steal this secret recipe from the Pavilion Master''s room!"


    "No problems with the item, I hope?" Nangong Yi asked.


    Patting his chest, Ning Kang replied, "You can rest assured, I risked my life for this!"


    "That''s good!"


    Nangong Yi nodded, handed the package he was carrying to Ning Kang, and said in a low voice, "The Ancestor said, find a chance to throw this into their Pill Furnace. Once it''s done, leave Treasure Pavilion immediately. We''ll have someone to meet you. Afterward, I''ll call you Nangong Kang, and we''ll be brothers of the same clan!"


    Thump!


    Thump!


    With his face flushed red, Ning Kang nodded earnestly, "Rest assured, I''ll go do it right away!"


    Watching Ning Kang''s departing figure.


    Nangong Yi smiled coldly, looking down at the secret recipe in his hands, his eyes gleaming, "Finally in my hands. If Ning Kang can throw that package into the Pill Furnace, then it''s truly foolproof!"


    Whoosh!


    Nangong Yi immediately left.


    He did not realize...


    All of this was being watched by Little Lin, hiding in the shadows.


    With a slight shift in gaze, and a hint of coldness emerging, Little Lin moved toward Treasure Pavilion. After a moment, he stealthily entered the pill-making room, waiting until deep into the night, when a silent figure appeared in the quiet pill room.


    Ning Kang looked at the huge Pill Furnace with a cold gleam in his eyes, "Men die for wealth as birds die for food, don''t blame me for this. Who told you all to side with Xiao Yi?"


    Whoosh!


    Ning Kang took a deep breath and threw the paper package into the Pill Furnace...

 Chapter 367 - 367: Adding Fuel to the Fire

    Late at night.


    After throwing that package into the Pill Furnace, Ning Kang fled in a mad dash, seeking refuge with the Nangong Family.


    Nangong Shengtian and Nangong Shengji personally received him.


    This made Ning Kang even more certain that his decision was the right one. He kowtowed respectfully to the two men and said, "Elders, head of the family, I have followed your orders and have thrown that package into the Pill Furnace!"


    "You''ve done very well!"


    Nangong Shengtian smiled and nodded, walking up to Ning Kang and patting his shoulder. "Ning Kang, now there is one more thing I need you to do. Once it''s done, you will be my adopted grandson!"


    "Please give me your instructions, Elder!" Ning Kang said excitedly, thumping his chest in assurance.


    Nangong Shengtian, with a smile, said, "The secret formula you brought back has already been tested by someone. Following that formula truly can greatly increase the success rate and the rate of producing top-quality pills. However, if it''s just that, we are still incapable of crushing the Treasure Pavilion!"


    They had started to test the formula in the evening as soon as they obtained it.


    The results, following the operations on the formula.


    For Nangong Shengtian, a Pill Furnace that typically produced about fifteen pills now yielded thirty, and every single one was a top-quality pill.


    This sent the Nangong Family into an ecstatic frenzy.


    But...


    Just as he said.


    If it were only that, the Nangong Family would still be unable to completely defeat the Treasure Pavilion.


    Ning Kang, whose mind was fully occupied with becoming Nangong Shengtian''s adopted grandson and reaching the peak of his life, hurriedly asked, "Elder, what else do you need me to do?"


    Nangong Shengtian narrowed his eyes and said, "Within these three days, my Nangong Family will spare no effort in hurrying to produce pills using the method from that secret formula. Three days later, we will also lower our prices and sell this batch of new pills. I need you, three days from now, to stand out as the deputy Pavilion Master''s son and accuse the pills sold by Treasure Pavilion of being highly poisonous!"


    "What?"


    Ning Kang''s body trembled, and he said in disbelief, "How can this be?"


    Whether it was stealing the secret formula or throwing that mysterious package into the Pill Furnace, these actions were done in secret.


    Even if the Treasure Pavilion found out, they would have no evidence.


    But if he were to openly stand against Treasure Pavilion, he feared that both Treasure Pavilion and Xiao Yi would be eager to kill him!


    Nangong Shengtian said, "Rest assured, with the protection of my Nangong Family, no one can harm your life!" S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "This..."


    Ning Kang showed a hesitant expression.


    Nangong Shengji spoke indifferently, "If you refuse to help us, we will tell Treasure Pavilion about your stealing the formula and poisoning the Pill Furnace. At the same time, we will personally escort you to Treasure Pavilion to ease the tension between our two parties!"


    "..."


    Ning Kang turned pale.


    The two old men, who in his eyes had always been benevolent, now seemed like fierce beasts ready to devour their prey.


    Ning Kang realized that he was in a predicament with no way out and, with a somber face, said, "Alright, alright! I can come forward, but the pills from Treasure Pavilion are of excellent quality. How could they possibly be deadly poisons..."


    "Did you forget the package I had you throw into the Pill Furnace? There were no deaths before, but within three days, people will certainly die!" Nangong Shengtian said with a chillingly sinister smile.


    That laugh was enough to send shivers down the spine.


    A forced smile appeared on Ning Kang''s face.


    Nangong Shengtian glanced at Nangong Yi, "Take him down and take good care of him. In three days, let him come forward!"


    "Yes!"


    Nangong Yi immediately stepped back.


    Inside the great hall, only Nangong Shengtian and his companion remained. His face bore a look of excitement as he spoke in a deep voice, "I never imagined that such a miraculous secret formula truly existed in the world, one that could increase the success rate of pill creation and the rate of producing superior-grade pills. It''s a wonder where they got it from!"


    "No matter where they got it from, it now belongs to us!"


    Nangong Shengji''s face was adorned with a radiant smile, "Right, have all the pills been tested?"


    "They''ve all been tested!"


    Nangong Shengtian smiled, and as he recalled the astonishing outcomes of trying to concoct pills with that secret formula, he couldn''t help but remark, "If it hadn''t been for Ning Kang, in this battle with the Treasure Pavilion, we probably would have suffered a crushing defeat!"


    Only ten days had passed.


    The losses of the Nangong Family had already exceeded eight hundred billion Silver. If it hadn''t been for the Beitang Family taking on the pressure of the urgent debts from Medicine King Valley, the Nangong Family would have already collapsed.


    However...


    Now that they had the secret formula in hand, and with Ning Kang adding that packet of material to the Pill Furnace, they were confident they could strike back from the brink of defeat.


    "If we can crush the Treasure Pavilion in one fell swoop and bring them into our fold, who else in the Nangong Family could stand against us?"


    Nangong Shengji clenched his fists, greed evident in his gaze as he looked at Nangong Shengtian, "Go find Beitang Feng at once and have him gather the medicinal ingredients as soon as possible. Also, summon all the alchemists in the family to concentrate on concocting pills. In three days, I want to take down the Treasure Pavilion in one stroke!"


    Meanwhile.


    In the alchemy room of the Treasure Pavilion.


    Little Lin, Xiao Yi, Nalan Qianqiu, Fu Yuan, Yan Mingli, Xue Bufan, and Ning Luo were all gathered together.


    Ning Luo''s complexion was exceedingly pale as he looked at the packet of white powder in Xiao Yi''s hand, his fierce gaze mixed with a hint of heartache.


    Thud!


    Ning Luo knelt before Nalan Qianqiu, tears welling up, "Master, it''s all because I failed to teach my son properly. Please punish me, Master!"


    "Stand up!"


    Nalan Qianqiu sighed, helping Ning Luo to his feet, and said with a wry smile, "Ning Kang made his own choices, what does it have to do with you?"


    Xiao Yi spoke calmly, "Vice Pavilion Master Ning, there is no need for such self-reproach!"


    "Xiao..."


    Ning Luo said with a rueful smile, "Had you not uncovered that scoundrel''s conspiracy, he would have destroyed the Treasure Pavilion."


    Xiao Yi waved his hand and said, "The real culprits are the Nangong Family. Had they not incited and instigated the affair, I believe Ning Kang wouldn''t have committed such a folly."


    Nalan Qianqiu looked at Xiao Yi and asked in a serious voice, "Xiao, what exactly is this substance?"


    Xiao Yi smiled, lifting the packet of powder in his hand, and said, "This is pollen from the Other Shore Flower. Taken alone, it simply causes one to fall into a deep sleep, with no toxicity. However, it turns into a deadly poison when mixed with any medicinal ingredient. Furthermore, a Pill Furnace that has come into contact with Other Shore Flower pollen, or any pill that has been made using this pollen, will infect other pills it touches with this poison."


    Hiss!


    Everyone drew in a breath of cold air.


    Did it mean that once pills are concocted in such a Furnace, even if they were stored with other pills, they could turn the other pills into deadly poison?


    "The Nangong Family, they really have ruthlessly poisonous hearts!" Nalan Qianqiu clenched his fists tightly.


    Ning Luo glared indignantly, "I swear, I will not claim to be human until I have avenged this!"


    "Revenge is not urgent at this moment!"


    Xiao Yi, however, waved his hand and said with a smile, "What''s most important for us now is to add fuel to the fire for the Nangong Family!"


    "Add fuel to the fire?"


    Everyone was puzzled, not understanding the meaning behind Xiao Yi''s words.


    Xiao Yi''s eyes glowed like the deep expanse of the night sky as he smiled and said, "Pouring oil on the fire will make it burn even more fiercely... until it completely consumes the vast enterprise of the Nangong Family, burning it to ashes and oblivion..."

 Chapter 368 - 368: Digging Ones Own Grave

    Beitang Family.


    Beitang Feng looked troubled as he faced Nangong Shengtian, who was composed and at ease, and said with a wry smile, "Ancestor Nangong, please stop making things difficult for me!"


    Nangong Shengtian glanced at him and said indifferently, "Beitang Feng, considering the relationship between our two families over so many years, are you really unwilling to do me this small favor? I promise you that once the deal is successful, I will repay all the previous debts to you!"


    When he thought of the secret recipe he had received.


    It was a secret recipe that could double the rate of successful pill concoction and the rate of producing premium-grade pills!


    With the low prices at which he obtained medicinal ingredients from the Beitang Family, even selling them at one-tenth of the price would be profitable.


    That was precisely where Nangong Shengtian''s confidence lay.


    Beitang Feng, with a mournful face, said, "Ancestor Nangong, for your sake, I''ve already been scolded by the people from Medicine King Valley several times for shouldering that previous debt of fifteen trillion Silver. Now you want me to procure another ten trillion Silver of goods, it''s simply impossible!"


    As it turned out.


    Nangong Shengtian had come this time to procure another ten trillion Silver worth of medicinal ingredients from the Beitang Family.


    However...


    They already owed fifteen trillion Silver from before, and it was only because the relationship between the Beitang Family and Medicine King Valley was strong enough that they had been able to delay payment. Otherwise, given the Medicine King Valley''s domineering manner of doing things, they would have already come knocking at their door.


    Bang!


    Nangong Shengtian slammed his cup onto the tea table and angrily said, "Beitang Feng, this time you have to help whether you like it or not. If you help us, I will give you an additional one trillion Silver on top of the debts owed by the Nangong Family as compensation!"


    "This¡­"


    Beitang Feng''s expression shifted slightly.


    Selling medicinal ingredients was not as profitable as selling pills.


    One trillion Silver was equivalent to his entire year''s profit.


    Seeing Beitang Feng tempted, Nangong Shengtian pressed his advantage and said, "Once we take down Treasure Pavilion and seize their market share, I am willing to give you thirty percent of Treasure Pavilion''s shops, how about that?"


    Thirty percent of the shops?


    Beitang Feng''s heart trembled, knowing that the shops of Treasure Pavilion were by no means fewer than those of the Nangong Family.


    If he could get one trillion Silver in rewards, plus the thirty percent of the shops.


    This deal would be equivalent to earning nearly two trillion Silver!


    With that thought.


    Beitang Feng was about to agree when, at that moment, a servant rushed in, "Master, Ning, the Vice Pavilion Master of Treasure Pavilion, is here requesting an audience!"


    "Hmm?"


    Beitang Feng was startled, "Ning Luo? What''s he doing here?"


    Nangong Shengtian''s gaze shifted and he said in a deep voice, "I''ll excuse myself for a moment!"


    "Alright!"


    Beitang Feng nodded, then turned to the servant, "Bring the person in!"


    A moment later.


    Ning Luo appeared in the hall, his face carrying a radiant smile as he greeted, "Mr. Beitang, long time no see, how have you been?"


    "Vice Pavilion Master Ning, it has been some time since you last visited my residence, what brings you here today?" Beitang Feng responded coolly, already accustomed to acting superior from having had a stranglehold on the medicinal ingredient supply to Treasure Pavilion for so long.


    Ning Luo replied with a wry smile, "Mr. Beitang, you should be aware that recently our Treasure Pavilion and the Nangong Family have been in a price war. We are quickly running out of medicinal ingredients and are urgently searching for supplies. The Pavilion Master asked me to come to you for help!"


    "Oh? I thought you had already found another source for your medicinal ingredients, why seek my help?" Beitang Feng said mockingly.


    Ning Luo shook his head with a bitter smile, "Mr. Beitang, you should know where those medicinal materials come from. The black market in Beast Emperor City is really too extortionate; they know about our critical struggle against the Nangong Family and suddenly broke the contract, unilaterally raising prices. We just can''t afford it, so we have no choice but to turn to you..."


    "Oh?"


    Beitang Feng''s eyes moved subtly, and Nangong Shengtian''s voice suddenly echoed in his mind, "Ask him how much medicinal ingredients he needs!"


    "Deputy Pavilion Master Ning, how much medicinal material do you need?" Beitang Feng asked.


    Ning Luo replied solemnly, "I won''t hide it from you, we had originally agreed with Beast Emperor City to purchase medicinal materials worth two hundred trillion Silver, but they suddenly raised the price, demanding three hundred trillion. The Pavilion Master hopes that you can sell us two hundred trillion worth of goods at the original price!"


    "Two hundred trillion?"


    Beitang Feng''s pupils shrank slightly.


    Goods worth two hundred trillion Silver, at the price he sold to Treasure Pavilion, would net a profit of fifty trillion Silver.


    "Agree to it!"


    The voice of Nangong Shengtian once again resounded in his mind, "But demand a hundred trillion Silver as a deposit!"


    Beitang Feng took a deep breath, squinting his eyes and said, "I can provide the goods for you, but I need a hundred trillion Silver as a deposit!"


    "A hundred trillion Silver for a deposit? Isn''t that too much?" Ning Luo''s face changed slightly, showing hesitation.


    Beitang Feng said indifferently, "If you think it''s too much, you don''t have to buy!"


    "This..."


    Ning Luo showed a struggling expression and, gritting his teeth, said, "Very well, please sign a contract with me, Mr. Beitang!"


    "Agreed!"


    Beitang Feng immediately took out paper and pen, and the two signed a contract.


    Treasure Pavilion paid a hundred trillion Silver as a deposit to order goods worth two hundred trillion Silver, and the Beitang Family would deliver within seven days. If the Beitang Family failed to provide the goods after seven days, they would compensate Treasure Pavilion with one hundred and fifty trillion Silver.


    At the same time...


    If Treasure Pavilion couldn''t come up with the remaining one hundred trillion Silver within seven days, the transaction would be void, and the deposit would not be refunded!


    All these were the same as the usual contracts.


    Beitang Feng wasn''t concerned.


    Ning Luo said solemnly, "Mr. Beitang, you must hurry. The goods must be delivered to me within seven days!"


    "Don''t worry, this isn''t our first transaction!" Beitang Feng said with a smile.


    Ning Luo left immediately.


    Only then did Nangong Shengtian come out from behind, watching the direction in which Ning Luo left with a cold smile on his face, "It''s really like a pillow arriving in time for someone wanting to sleep, Treasure Pavilion, oh Treasure Pavilion, it seems Heaven wants you doomed, don''t blame me for this!"


    Beitang Feng asked with a heavy tone, "Ancestor Nangong, what do you plan to do?"


    Nangong Shengtian said, "Naturally, I''m going to use your hundred trillion Silver to buy medicinal materials for myself!"


    "But that''s Treasure Pavilion''s deposit. If I use the money to buy materials for you, and they ask me for the goods, I won''t be able to produce them and will have to compensate with one hundred and fifty trillion Silver!" Beitang Feng frowned and said.


    "Don''t worry, they won''t last seven days!"


    Nangong Shengtian sneered with confidence, "As long as you get the goods to me as fast as possible, within three days, I will make sure that Treasure Pavilion can''t continue operating!"


    "Are you sure?"


    Beitang Feng frowned and said.


    This matter could not be taken lightly, a single misstep could shake the very foundation of the Beitang Family!


    Recalling the miraculous prescription in his mind, Nangong Shengtian patted his chest, guaranteeing solemnly, "Just be at ease, I assure you there will be no problem!"


    "If that''s the case, then I will trust you this time!" Beitang Feng said resolutely, nodding, "I will set off immediately, and at the latest by tomorrow morning, I will have the medicinal materials delivered to you!"


    Nangong Shengtian''s face glowed with anticipation, "Treasure Pavilion, this is really digging your own grave, hahaha..."


    A moment later.


    Nangong Shengtian quietly left the Beitang Family, riding away in his luxurious carriage.


    But Nangong Shengtian did not notice.


    Across from the Beitang Family, on top of a tavern where he was drinking with Ning Luo, Xiao Yi''s lips curved up slightly, watching the slowly departing carriage, "Nangong Sheng, you are really digging your own grave!" S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 369 - 369: Your Majesty Summons!

    Great rewards beckon the brave.


    Under the allure of money, Beitang Feng''s actions indeed were swift.


    That very night, he returned to the imperial city with medicinal materials worth a trillion silver, handing them over to Nangong Shengtian.


    Nangong Shengtian''s face was full of excitement as he burst into hearty laughter, "Good, good, very good! With these medicinal materials and that secret formula, we can surely produce pills worth thirty trillion silver. With this move, we''re talking about profits exceeding sixty trillion silver. We''ve struck it rich!"


    Even on Nangong Shengji''s eternally unchanging, icy face, a brilliant smile emerged.


    Sixty trillion silver!


    It could double the wealth of the Nangong Family!


    Beitang Feng, too, was secretly astounded. In the past, the profits of the Nangong Family merely doubled, but now they were set to quadruple, causing him also to feel an uncontrollable itch of greed as he said solemnly, "Ancestor Nangong, what mysterious treasure have you found that can increase the yield and quality rate of the pills by so much?"


    Nangong Shengtian smiled at him and squinted his eyes, "Of course we''ve made a great discovery!"


    "Ancestor Nangong, may I also take a look?" Beitang Feng asked with a sycophantic smile.


    Nangong Shengtian looked at Nangong Shengji.


    Nangong Shengji said, "It''s fine. Mr. Beitang is our most steadfast partner; there''s no need to guard against him!"


    He had his own plans as well.


    The Beitang Family was backed by Medicine King Valley, a connection they absolutely could not afford to lose.


    If Beitang Feng saw the Nangong Family''s strength, their cooperation would become even more solid.


    The group arrived deep within the Nangong estate.


    There was an underground palace constructed deep below the ground; the palace connected to an underground fire vein, using which they had built over a thousand Pill Furnaces. Every one of these thousand Pill Furnaces was manned by an alchemist.


    The reason the Nangong Family could stand firm, even unafraid to face Treasure Pavilion, was not only due to the Beitang Family providing medicinal materials at a low cost but also thanks to these thousand alchemists.


    This was the wealth that the Nangong Family had inherited over a thousand years.


    "Master!"


    Over a thousand alchemists called out in unison.


    Nangong Shengji nodded. These alchemists were orphans with the talent for alchemy, adopted from childhood, raised, and deeply loyal to the Nangong Family.


    Of course...


    How many of them were indeed orphans, and how many were made orphans by the Nangong Family, that was unclear.


    Nangong Shengji spoke calmly, "Everyone, our Nangong Family is currently facing a life-or-death crisis... Whether our Nangong Family lives or dies will depend on your performance in these next few days!"


    "Master, we swear to defend the Nangong Family to our dying breath!"


    "What do you need us to do?"


    The crowd asked.


    Nangong Shengji lifted the forty storage rings in his hand and said in a deep voice, "These contain medicinal materials worth a trillion silver. I need you to refine them into finished pills as quickly as possible."


    "Rest assured, Master, even if we die in front of the Pill Furnace, we will complete the task!"


    "Master, should we use the secret formula you provided earlier?"


    Nangong Shengji nodded and said, "Yes, use that formula. If this operation is successful, I promise you a month off after the task is completed, to reunite with your families!"


    "Master is wise!"


    These individuals had been brainwashed from a young age, devoted entirely to the Nangong Family.


    Nangong Shengji then distributed the medicinal materials, and instantly the whole underground palace was bustling with fervent activity.


    Flames surged.


    Over a thousand Pill Furnaces roared into operation, with over a thousand alchemists starting to craft pills.


    The sight was truly terrifying!


    Every person was giving it their all, exerting their full strength.


    With the help of the secret formula, the success rate of pill formation and the rate of producing top-quality pills from each Pill Furnace doubled. Watching pill after pill freshly come out of the furnace and being stored into medicine bottles, Beitang Feng was completely dumbfounded, "This, how is this possible? Thirty pills per batch, all of them top-quality?"


    Nangong Shengtian was smug, "How about it? You''re not worried now, are you, that we can''t afford to pay those sums?"


    "Impressive, truly impressive!"


    Beitang Feng sincerely exclaimed, "With such a Divine Artifact at hand, let alone the Treasure Pavilion of the Great Qian Dynasty, even the main pavilion of the Treasure Pavilion could be brought down by you one day!"


    Nangong Shengji laughed heartily and gently patted Beitang Feng''s shoulder, saying, "We owe it to your support! The glory of one is the glory of the other; should our Nangong Family profit, we won''t let you down!"


    "That goes without saying!"


    Beitang Feng''s smile was full of flattery.


    The entire Nangong Family was bustling, continuously refining pills and distributing them to various places.


    Meanwhile.


    Inside the imperial palace, the royal study.


    The lights in front of Emperor Qian were still bright as he put down the memorial in his hand and gently rubbed his sore brows, saying, "Old Dog, is the strife between the Treasure Pavilion and the Nangong Family still ongoing?"


    "Yes, Your Majesty!"


    Qi replied in a deep voice.


    Emperor Qian stretched his limbs, which caused a series of cracks, and said somewhat speechless, "How good it would be to be harmonious and make money, but they insist on making things so stiff."


    Qi replied, "Your Majesty, the Nangong Family has indeed become a bit uncontrollable over the years. Allowing the Treasure Pavilion to weaken them somewhat may not be a bad thing!"


    "What we need now is balance, and it''s not good to rashly break this balance!"


    Emperor Qian got up and walked towards the door, looking up at the sparse starlight in the sky. In the midst of the night, a meteor suddenly streaked across the sky, its brilliant and splendid tail spread out in the air, extending thousands of miles, "Just like this starry sky, the harmony of stars and moon is so peaceful, yet there must be a meteor that, despite its beauty and brilliance, is ultimately fleeting, tasteless to eat and regrettable to waste!"


    "What does Your Majesty imply?" Qi asked as he draped a heavy robe over Emperor Qian.


    Emperor Qian squinted and said, "Tomorrow night, let them come to the palace to enjoy the moonlit view!"


    "Yes!"


    Qi responded respectfully.


    Emperor Qian, with his back to Qi, spoke in a deep voice, "Old Dog, everyone has their self-interest, and I can understand that. But the affairs of the world have their rules, do not overstep them!"


    "This servant understands!" Qi''s figure paused slightly, then promptly returned to normal.


    Under the night sky.


    Master and servant stood tall for a long time, without moving an inch.


    ...


    The next day.


    Within the capital city, the figures of eunuchs appeared in many households.


    Inside the Nangong Family.


    "His Majesty invites you to enjoy the moon in the Imperial Garden tonight!"


    "Please tell His Majesty that Shengtian will surely be on time for the banquet!" Nangong Shengtian said.


    Within the Beitang Family, Beitang Feng: "Beitang Feng acknowledges the decree with thanks!"


    Treasure Pavilion.


    Nalan Qianqiu, looking at the imperial edict in his hand, had a complex expression, "What is His Majesty really thinking?"


    Within the Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Qi personally came before Xiao Yi and read the imperial edict, saying, "Dean Xiao, His Majesty has sent for you!"


    Xiao Yi smiled and said, "Eunuch, who else will be there tonight?"


    Qi squinted and said, "Those who should come, have all come!"


    Xiao Yi revealed an understanding smile, his eyes narrowing into slits, "It seems the great drama is about to begin!" S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 370 - 370 Youre Seeking Death!

    The moon shone bright with few stars, an excellent time for moon-gazing.


    The Imperial Garden had already been set with numerous tables and chairs, laden with an abundance of fine wines and delectable dishes.


    The silver moon had just risen above the willow tips, like a tempting silver-white fruit hanging from the branches.


    At this moment...


    In the Imperial Garden, seats had already filled with many powerful figures.


    Among them were influential court officials, noble families, and representatives of the top ten sects from the capital.


    Each one possessed immense clout.


    Any one of them could shake the capital with a mere stomp of their foot.


    Xiao Yi''s seat was in the first row to the left, a good spot, and right next to him was Yang Ling. Clearly, this was a deliberate arrangement; Yang Ling also whispered introductions of the attendees to Xiao Yi.


    "That one who nodded to you with his cup is Shi Yun, who replaced Li Shengtian because of your wish; it''s thanks to you that he could sit in this position!"


    "Next to Shi Yun is Qin Li, who took over Tian Xiao''s place. This man was once Tian Xiao''s confidant, be careful with him!"


    "And that one..."


    After the introductions, Xiao Yi had become acquainted with many of those present.


    Suddenly.


    The noisy Imperial Garden quieted down, and Xiao Yi frowned slightly; despite it being a summer night, he felt a chill. His gaze shifted to the entrance of the Imperial Garden. He saw many guests rising from their seats, bowing towards the garden gate.


    A young man dressed in green, with a purple jade crown on his head, walked in.


    The youth radiated a cold and solemn aura. Yang Ling''s pupils contracted slightly and he whispered, "Xiao Yi, this person is Brave General Sun Yao, who took over from Chen Shuiwen to lead the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy. He also has some history with you!"


    "Hmm?"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback.


    He had never seen this person before, how could there be history between them?


    Yang Ling whispered, "Sun Yao is from the Tianjian Sect, a senior fellow of Xiao Tianjiao. However, after marrying Princess Changping, the niece of the Emperor''s uncle, he left Tianjian Sect and has been defending the frontier for many years as the Brave General. He was expected to become the Great General after another two years'' wait, but now he has been appointed as the head of Shanhe Martial Arts Academy instead. He must surely bear a grudge against you!"


    Xiao Yi rolled his eyes helplessly.


    This was truly a mix of new grudges and old ones!


    Since he was Xiao Tianjiao''s senior fellow and because of Xiao Yi himself, who had killed Chen Shuiwen, Sun Yao had lost the chance to compete for the position of Great General.


    Moreover, Xiaoshanhe Institute and Shanhe Martial Arts Academy were natural rivals.


    This truly seemed like a fated enemy!


    Sun Yao also noticed Xiao Yi''s gaze and a glint of cold light flashed in his eyes. The aura of the seventh layer of the Dharma Manifestation Realm surged toward him like a vast, towering wave. His gaze, corporeal as it was, seemed even sharper than the edge of a blade.


    A normal person from the Tao Tribulation Realm would likely be scared out of their wits.


    Xiao Yi remained unmoved, his gaze just as sharp as he stared back at Sun Yao.


    Bang!


    The substantial gaze of the two collided mid-air, exploding into a terrifying blast that caused two nearby guests to scream in agony. Both were civil officials, their eardrums ruptured by the impact of the gaze.


    Yang Ling frowned, "Someone, take them away!"


    "Yes!"


    Two guards immediately escorted the pair away.


    Inside the Imperial Garden.


    All eyes were alternately sweeping over Xiao Yi and Sun Yao.


    Sun Yao walked straight up to Xiao Yi, looking down on him from above.


    Qin Li somehow made his way to Sun Yao''s side with a sycophantic expression, then turned to Xiao Yi, "This seat is Sun Yao''s now, you get lost!"


    "Scram!"


    Without even lifting his head, Xiao Yi simply responded with one word.


    "You little shit, who gave you the audacity..."


    Qin Li''s face changed, but before he could finish.


    He was met with Xiao Yi''s slap.


    Slap!


    With a scream, Qin Li flew backwards, smashing directly into a lotus pond.


    "How dare you strike my man? Do you no longer wish to live?"


    Sun Yao''s gaze hardened, his murderous intent surging like a raging tide.


    Yang Ling quickly stood up, placing himself between the two men, and spoke sternly, "General Sun, the seating for tonight''s banquet is fixed. Your seat is over there!"


    With narrowed eyes, Sun Yao assessed Yang Ling, then suddenly let out a sneer of contempt, his disdainful gaze falling on Xiao Yi, "Compared to brother Tianjiao, you still fall far short!"


    Xiao Yi glanced at him, "The dogs raised by Xiao Tianjiao are all so arrogant?"


    "You''re courting death!"


    Sun Yao''s expression darkened as he glared at Xiao Yi.


    Boom!


    A gust of wind burst forth from him, flipping the tables and chairs of several bystanders. Only Xiao Yi and Yang Ling''s seats remained immobile. Xiao Yi sat upright, watching him with interest, "What''s wrong? Hit a nerve? If you''re going to be a dog, act like one and tuck your tail to the side!"


    "You little shit, you''re looking to die!"


    Sun Yao erupted in fury as evil Qi rolled off him.


    "Hahaha, General Sun, let this old man give you a hand!" Nangong Shengtian strode in with amusement, standing shoulder to shoulder with Sun Yao.


    Beitang Feng also watched Xiao Yi with an amused expression.


    "I really want to see who dares to bully my little brother Xiao Yi!" The boisterous voice was none other than Dongfang Kuang, with Ximen Jianxue following at his side, as both landed one on each side of Xiao Yi.


    Nalan Qianqiu and Ning Luo also came strolling casually.


    They all had their swords drawn and crossbows cocked.


    A great battle was on the verge of erupting!


    Inside the Imperial Garden, some people took pleasure in the misfortune of others, while some showed worried expressions.


    But at that moment...


    An authoritative cough echoed, dissolving the tense atmosphere instantaneously. Emperor Qian and Qi stepped in, their gazes sweeping over everyone as they spoke indifferently, "Why is everyone standing? Tonight, I have invited you all to enjoy the moon!"


    "We welcome Your Majesty!"


    "Long live Your Majesty!"


    Everyone hastily paid their respects.


    Emperor Qian took his seat at the head, gesturing with his hand, "Please, sit down."


    Whoosh!


    Everyone sat down meticulously.


    Nangong Shengtian whispered, "General Sun, there will be plenty of opportunities to deal with this kid. Why cause His Majesty displeasure?"


    "Hmm!"


    Sun Yao nodded, his cold gaze sweeping over Xiao Yi, "You just wait!"


    "I will be waiting with open arms!"


    Xiao Yi replied evenly.


    "Hmph!"


    Sun Yao snorted and went back to his seat.


    Xiao Yi gave Dongfang Kuang and the others a cupped fist salute, "Thank you, everyone!"


    "How could I, your brother, miss out on a fight?" Dongfang Kuang winked.


    Ximen Jianxue smiled, "It''s nothing!"


    Nalan Qianqiu and Ning Luo smiled faintly, sitting down beside Xiao Yi.


    At the head seat.


    Emperor Qian said lightly, "Tonight the moon is full, and I have especially arranged this feast. I hope it hasn''t interrupted everyone''s life."


    "Your Majesty jests!"


    "To accompany Your Majesty in admiring the moon is an honor for us..."


    Everyone responded in turn.


    Emperor Qian nodded, "Tonight we won''t talk about state affairs, just drink wine and enjoy the moon..."


    No sooner had he spoken,


    then Sun Yao said, "Your Majesty, I believe that under such beautiful scenery, we should add some entertainment to the mix!"


    "Oh?"


    Emperor Qian looked at Sun Yao, his face breaking into a smile, "General Sun, what do you suggest?"


    Sun Yao''s chilling eyes flickered toward Xiao Yi as he said with a smile, "I have recently taken over the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy, where I have a sword prodigy. Tonight, I have brought him especially to present a sword dance for Your Majesty and the ministers!"


    "A sword dance?"


    "It is well-known that General Sun is the finest swordsman in the military. If you consider him a sword prodigy, he must be impressive!"


    Emperor Qian chuckled, "Then let him come forth and show us!"


    "By Your Majesty''s command!"


    Sun Yao nodded and then ordered someone to fetch the person.


    Shortly afterwards,


    a graceful young man appeared in the Imperial Garden, bowing respectfully to Emperor Qian and proclaiming, "Your Majesty, this humble person Jiang Feng presents a sword dance called ''Autumn Rain'', in hopes of bringing a smile to Your Majesty''s face!"


    "You may proceed!"


    Emperor Qian nodded, smiling brightly.


    Clang!


    Jiang Feng unsheathed his longsword, manoeuvring it as if it were an extension of his arm. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The dance "Autumn Rain" flowed like drifting clouds and running water, exquisitely performed, eliciting waves of applause: "He truly is a sword prodigy from the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy!"


    "This young man''s mastery of the sword is extraordinary. Although he''s only at the peak of the Divine Ability Realm, he has already grasped half a step of Sword Intent. Remarkable indeed!"


    Emperor Qian also nodded in satisfaction, "Award him a thousand taels of silver and bestow upon him a flask of Imperial wine!"


    "Thank you, Your Majesty!"


    Jiang Feng looked up and drained the Imperial wine in one gulp, then wiping his mouth, he said loudly, "Your Majesty, I''ve heard that the Xiaoshanhe Institute is full of talent, and Xiao, the head of the institute, is a master of the sword. I humbly request Your Majesty''s permission for me to seek instruction from Xiao!"


    "Hmm?"


    Emperor Qian''s brow furrowed slightly, and his expression turned somewhat displeased.


    Just as he was about to reprimand,


    Sun Yao spoke up, "Your Majesty, as the head of an institute, Xiao surely wouldn''t begrudge offering guidance to the younger generation!" He looked at Xiao Yi with a smile, "Instructor Xiao, what do you say?"


    Xiao Yi turned his head to look at Sun Yao, curled his lip, and said indifferently, "Screw you!"

 Chapter 371 - 371 Can You Kill?

    ```


    "Shut the hell up!"


    Xiao Yi spoke coldly, silencing the imperial garden.


    Immediately after, a civil official cursed angrily, "Such vulgarity is disgraceful!"


    "How can you speak such foul language in the Emperor''s presence?"


    "He must be punished, punished indeed!"


    Sun Yao''s face turned an iron shade of blue. This was the first time he had been publicly reprimanded like this in his life, and with a gloomy face, he said, "Xiao Yi, you''re courting death!"


    "Enough!"


    Emperor Qian rebuked sharply, his face looking unpleasant as he said, "What behavior is this? I am still here, seated!"


    Xiao Yi shrugged his shoulders, "Your Majesty, please, calm down!"


    "Your Majesty, please, calm down!"


    Sun Yao quickly responded, then turned to look at Jiang Feng.


    Jiang Feng, holding a sword, stood in the center of the imperial garden, watching Xiao Yi icily, "Master Xiao, could it be that you are afraid your swordsmanship is inferior to mine, and thus you dare not compete with me?"


    "Afraid?"


    Xiao Yi shook his head with a smile and said indifferently, "You are not worthy!"


    "You..."


    Jiang Feng became furious, knelt down to Emperor Qian, and exclaimed loudly, "I beseech Your Majesty to grant permission for this humble one to duel with Master Xiao!"


    Emperor Qian''s eyebrows were tightly knotted.


    Cold light was flitting through his eyes.


    Xiao Yi said calmly, "Jiang Feng, is it? You needn''t trouble the Emperor. I have a disciple by the name of Tian Mang; if you can defeat him, then you''ll be worthy of my guidance!"


    "Where is Tian Mang?" asked Jiang Feng.


    Xiao Yi looked at Emperor Qian, "Your Majesty, Tian Mang is just outside the palace!"


    Emperor Qian rubbed his eyebrows and said, "Bring Tian Mang in!"


    Master Qi said, "This servant will go at once!"


    After a short while.


    Tian Mang appeared in the imperial garden, his arms cradling a sword, eyes hollow and unseeing. Yet his heart held a clear mirror, as he respectfully greeted Emperor Qian and then faced Jiang Feng, "Is it you who wishes to challenge the master?"


    "A blind man?"


    Jiang Feng frowned at Tian Mang, his face showing a hue of humiliation as he looked at Xiao Yi, "Xiao Yi, letting a blind man compete with me in swordplay¡ªis this not an insult to me?"


    "Win first, then speak!" Xiao Yi responded lightly.


    Jiang Feng, annoyed, looked at Tian Mang, "Blind man, if you can withstand three moves under my sword, I will spare your life!"


    Tian Mang ignored Jiang Feng''s provocation, simply turning to ask Xiao Yi, "Master, am I allowed to kill?"


    Xiao Yi glanced at Emperor Qian and then said, "How can we kill at will in front of His Majesty?"


    "Yes!"


    Tian Mang nodded, his expression indifferent, the regret seeming to tinge his tone. His vacant eyes shifted onto Jiang Feng as he made an inviting gesture, "Draw your sword!"


    Jiang Feng''s face darkened, "You make the first move! If I were to strike, within three moves, your death would be certain!"


    Tian Mang said, "If I make the first move, you won''t have the chance to strike at all!"


    Jiang Feng: "..."


    Sun Yao snorted disdainfully, "Like master, like disciple. Master Xiao, I wonder if all the disciples of Xiaoshanhe Institute are as arrogantly naive as this one?"


    Nangong Shengtian chuckled mockingly, "A blind man, daring to boast so grandly?"


    "It seems Master Xiao''s disciple is quite confident in himself! However, if he loses later on, it will certainly be quite the embarrassment!" Beitang Feng said mockingly, his fingers lightly tapping on the table surface.


    Yang Ling said indifferently, "In a martial competition, we stop at the first hit!"


    Sun Yao said, "Jiang Feng, since Yang Ling has spoken, just break his limbs and cripple his cultivation. Spare his life!"


    "Yes!"


    Jiang Feng agreed, and before his words trailed off, his figure suddenly moved.


    Whoosh!


    The sword leaped from its sheath, and in the next instant, Jiang Feng had appeared before Tian Mang.


    Hum!


    The longsword turned into a flash of silver, rushing towards Tian Mang in an instant. The sharp sword light, incredibly fast, was nearly reaching the realm of the first stage of Sword Intent and was about to slice through Tian Mang''s body.


    But at that moment...


    Tian Mang''s feet shook.


    Swish!


    Tian Mang brushed past Jiang Feng.


    The two stood back to back.


    "Hmm?" sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ```


    ```


    "That sword just now..."


    ```


    Among those present were surely no lack of experts, each of whom clearly saw everything that transpired in the moment of the clash between the two. Their gaze inevitably fell on the sword in Tian Mang''s embrace, from which a drop of fresh blood was sliding down the scabbard.


    Thud!


    Jiang Feng''s legs went soft, and he knelt directly on the ground, covering his dantian, hissing for breath.


    That momentary exchange.


    Tian Mang had already pierced his dantian!


    Emperor Qian toyed with his wine cup.


    He seemed indifferent to the outcome of the battle.


    Qi gave one of the guards a meaningful look: "Drag him away!"


    "Yes!"


    Two guards immediately came forward, each taking one of Jiang Feng''s arms, and led him away. Faintly, the onlookers heard a burst of vicious barking and the sounds of flesh being torn from where Jiang Feng was dragged. Clearly, Jiang Feng''s repeated provocations had angered Emperor Qian.


    After his cultivation was crippled, he was dragged away to be fed to the dogs!


    Sun Yao''s face was extremely ugly.


    Tian Mang, without uttering a word, walked over to Xiao Yi, still holding the sword.


    Xiao Yi said with some dissatisfaction, "Your sword is still too slow. It must be swift enough to kill without a trace of blood. Once we return, your training will be tripled!"


    Tian Mang expressionlessly acknowledged with a grunt.


    Xiao Yi smiled and looked at Sun Yao, "A sword prodigy from the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy, not so impressive after all!"


    "Hmph!"


    Sun Yao snorted coldly, his face ashen.


    Jiang Feng was a swordsmanship seedling he had brought from the military, hoping to cultivate him well in Shanhe Martial Arts Academy, but never expected to end up feeding him to dogs.


    He glowered at Xiao Yi, his teeth clenched in fury.


    On this day''s first confrontation, he had indeed come off worse.


    But with Emperor Qian present, he was also not in a position to make a scene, and could only swallow his grievances.


    After the third round of drinks and five flavors of dishes.


    Emperor Qian glanced in Yang Ling''s direction.


    Yang Ling immediately understood and asked, "Nangong, Master Nalan... I''ve heard that the prices at your pharmacies have been dropping for many days now, why is that?"


    "Here it comes!"


    Nangong Shengtian and Nalan Qianqiu tensed inside.


    The gathered individuals'' bodies shuddered slightly.


    They set down their wine cups.


    Clearly, this was the real reason behind this evening''s moon-viewing banquet. Emperor Qian intended to intervene in the dispute between the two families!


    Thinking to himself, Nangong Shengtian felt certain of victory and thus was unwilling to cease his efforts, casually responding, "It''s merely normal commercial competition!"


    Nalan Qianqiu also said, "We''ve just accumulated too much stock in the warehouse, so we decided to lower the prices to clear the inventory, that''s all."


    Both men had their own schemes.


    One was confident of victory, hoping to swallow up the Treasure Pavilion in the process.


    The other thought of the trap they had painstakingly set, which was about to yield results, how could they possibly back down now?


    Unseen, there was a tacit cooperation between the two.


    Yang Ling frowned slightly and looked at Emperor Qian.


    Emperor Qian squinted his eyes and asked, "You two still have a lot of stock in your warehouses?"


    Nangong Shengtian replied, "There''s quite a bit left!"


    Nalan Qianqiu nodded, "We''ve stockpiled too much before!"


    This was a refusal of the royal intervention.


    Everyone hardly dared to breathe.


    All waited for Emperor Qian to state his position.


    After a moment...


    Emperor Qian squinted his eyes and waved his hand, "Dismiss everyone!"


    Nangong Shengtian and Nalan Qianqiu both sighed a sigh of relief; Emperor Qian''s gesture meant he did not plan to get involved.


    "Farewell to Your Majesty!"


    "We take our leave!"


    People got up one after another and left.


    Emperor Qian squinted his eyes, waiting until everyone had gone before reopening them.


    Yang Ling said, "Father, about this matter..."


    Emperor Qian chuckled, waved his hand to interrupt him, and looked down to fiddle with the wine cup, saying indifferently, "Since they want to fight, let them fight! No matter how fierce a dog I raise, it cannot escape the control of a true dragon..."


    ```

 Chapter 372 - 372: Tit for Tat

    Outside the imperial palace.


    A throng of guests departed in their respective carriages.


    Dongfang Kuang and Ximen Jianxue bade farewell to Xiao Yi, also departing by carriage.


    "Tian Mang, bring the carriage over!"


    Seeing Nalan Qianqiu and Ning Luo approaching, Xiao Yi instructed the nearby Tian Mang.


    "Understood!"


    Tian Mang left with his sword in hand.


    Nalan Qianqiu stepped forward and, after exchanging formalities, asked in a grave voice, "Dean Xiao, there shouldn''t be any issues from His Majesty''s side, should there?"


    After all, the Nangong Family was nominally subject to the royal family.


    They were outsiders!


    Xiao Yi waved his hand to set Nalan Qianqiu at ease and spoke indifferently, "In that person''s eyes, everything in this world is but a chess piece, as long as it doesn''t affect his rule, he couldn''t care less about the struggles between the pieces!"


    Nalan Qianqiu breathed a sigh of relief, about to speak again.


    Suddenly...


    A loud boom came from ahead.


    Looking towards the source of the noise.


    One could see that the carriage driven by Tian Mang had been violently overturned, and the two horses that had been pulling it lay on the ground, barely alive. Tian Mang had managed to avoid calamity, but just as he landed, a black whip shadow lashed toward him.


    The speed of the whip was incredibly fast.


    And it was vicious!


    Crack!


    Caught off guard, Tian Mang was harshly struck by the whip on his back, his robe splitting open as blood gushed forth. The fresh, red wound on his back resembled a bloody centipede clinging to him, and then the second lash came down even faster.


    "Stop!"


    Xiao Yi''s expression darkened, and he leapt in front of Tian Mang, catching the black whip with his hand.


    The one riding a tall horse and wielding the long whip was none other than Qin Li.


    Qin Li, looking down from his high position, gazed emotionlessly at Xiao Yi and said coldly, "Control your dog. He blocked my way for no reason. Today, for your sake, I''m only whipping him once. If it happens again, he''ll certainly be executed!"


    He had previously been slapped into the lotus pond by Xiao Yi, utterly humiliated.


    Now, as everyone departed.


    Qin Li saw Tian Mang alone and immediately drove his warhorse to overturn Xiao Yi''s carriage.


    He even attempted to kill Tian Mang to ingratiate himself with Sun Yao.


    He hadn''t expected Xiao Yi to react so quickly and save Tian Mang''s life.


    Xiao Yi gazed at the ferocious wound on Tian Mang''s back with its flesh torn and bone visible. His eyes turned icy as he stared at Qin Li and said word by word, "You''re courting death!"


    "Hmph, I am a first-rank official; you dare to kill me?" Qin Li spoke with brash confidence.


    This was still the imperial palace.


    Who would dare to kill a high-ranking courtier in front of the imperial palace?


    Moreover...


    He saw Sun Yao''s carriage approaching and immediately raised his voice, "Xiao Yi, don''t think you can disregard everyone just because you are the dean of the Xiaoshanhe Institute. General Sun presides over the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy, and it won''t be long before your little Xiaoshanhe Institute is beneath our feet. Compared to General Sun, you are nothing but trash!"


    "Well said!"


    The voice of Nangong Shengtian came as he arrived alongside Beitang Feng in a carriage, abreast with Sun Yao''s. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Sun Yao looked at Xiao Yi holding the whip and spoke indifferently, "Release it, kneel down, and apologize to Qin Li!"


    Qin Li''s face was triumphant as he watched Xiao Yi, "Did you hear that? General Sun is ordering you to kneel and apologize to me?"


    "Apologize?"


    Xiao Yi scoffed and a surge of violent force suddenly erupted from his arm, pulling Qin Li off his horse with a swoosh. With a thud, Qin Li hit the ground face first, ending up with a bruised nose and swollen face.


    Xiao Yi stepped on Qin Li''s face, pinning his head to the ground, and looked up at Sun Yao and Nangong Shengtian, "You want me to apologize? You''re not qualified!"


    "Scoundrel, if you harm a single hair on him, I will exterminate..." Sun Yao was furious.


    But he hadn''t finished speaking.


    A crisp cracking sound interrupted him.


    Xiao Yi''s foot crushed Qin Li''s head beneath it, as he nonchalantly shrugged at the enraged Sun Yao, "Oops, I might have used a bit too much strength by accident!"


    "You..."


    Sun Yao''s face twisted with ferocity.


    By his side, Nangong Shengtian frowned slightly and said gravely, "General Sun, there''s no need to fuss over such a soon-to-be dead man!"


    "Hmm?"


    Sun Yao was taken aback, frowning at Nangong Shengtian.


    "After all, Xiao is appointed by His Majesty, it wouldn''t be good for us to lay hands on him! However..."


    Nangong Shengtian sneered continuously, looking at Xiao Yi and Nalan Qianqiu behind him: "Xiao has a profound relationship with Master Nalan, as they are close as branches on the same tree. All the pills for the Xiaoshanhe Institute are supplied by the Treasure Pavilion. If Master Nalan''s Treasure Pavilion falls, I''m afraid Xiao''s Xiaoshanhe Institute will also be unable to provide pills for its disciples, and then it won''t be far from destruction."


    "You''re right, once the Xiaoshanhe Institute falls, we won''t need to lift a finger, the Emperor will be the first to want your head!"


    Sun Yao''s eyes lit up, and he laughed loudly, "Xiao Yi, now relying on the Emperor''s support, I''ll wait for the day your Xiaoshanhe Institute falls apart, the day you lose the Emperor''s favor. Let''s see who can save you then!"


    Xiao Yi said calmly, "It''s still not certain who will fall!"


    Nangong Shengtian spoke proudly, "In the end, it will definitely be us who laugh last!"


    Xiao Yi snorted coldly, "We''ll see!"


    "We''ll see!"


    Their gazes collided, sparking fierce flames.


    Tit for tat.


    It wasn''t until Qi appeared that the tense atmosphere loosened a bit: "The Emperor decrees that no misconduct shall occur in front of the palace!"


    "We shall heed the Imperial command!"


    Everyone bowed in respect.


    Qi looked helplessly at Xiao Yi: "Xiao, His Majesty has sent me to tell you, since it was Qin Li who initiated the fight, he will not punish you. But next time, be mindful of the place where you act!"


    "Hahaha, please tell His Majesty that Xiao Yi has taken note," Xiao Yi said, nodding with a laugh.


    Nangong Shengtian, Sun Yao, and the others cast a cold glance at him and strode away.


    Xiao Yi squinted, watching their carriages leave, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly: "Who laughs last, it''s really not certain yet!"


    ...


    Time flew by.


    In just three short days, they had refined all of the medicinal materials worth a total of ten trillion Silver into pills, with a total value of sixty trillion Silver, all of which were sent to various pill stores.


    Starting from the third day.


    All pill stores owned by the Nangong Family restored their pill prices to a fifty percent discount.


    This move bewildered everyone.


    After all...


    The Treasure Pavilion was selling at a two-fold discount, yet you not only refrained from lowering prices but even increased them to fifty percent?


    For a time.


    The Nangong Family''s pill stores were utterly ignored.


    However, the people of the Nangong Family were not the least bit anxious, and right at noon on the third day, a flat cart appeared outside the headquarters of the Imperial Capital Treasure Pavilion. On the cart lay a young man, blood oozing from his seven orifices, his complexion pale, lifeless.


    Pushing the cart was an octogenarian old man, sobbing loudly: "Someone come quick, the cheap pills have killed a man!"


    "What?"


    "Treasure Pavilion''s pills have killed a man?"


    "That can''t be possible, can it? I also bought some before and had no problems at all! Moreover, the quality of the Treasure Pavilion''s pills is much stronger than those of the Nangong Family''s!"


    "It''s true, they''re causing trouble at the Treasure Pavilion headquarters right now, everyone hurry up and take a look!"


    For a time.


    This news spread throughout the Imperial Capital with the help of those with vested interests.


    Numerous powerhouses converged toward the headquarters of the Treasure Pavilion.


    The Nangong Family.


    Nangong Shengtian received the news and immediately got up laughing with a slap on the armrest, "The batch of pills has finally shown its effects, hahaha, Treasure Pavilion, let''s see how you die this time!" He turned to Nangong Yi, "Notify Ning Kang immediately, he can make his move now. Also, command Beitang Feng to set off right away to the headquarters of the Treasure Pavilion!"


    "Yes!"


    Nangong Yi left at once.


    Nangong Shengtian laughed heartily as he boarded a carriage and headed for the Treasure Pavilion headquarters.


    By the time they arrived at the headquarters of the Treasure Pavilion, the place was already flooded with people, even the rooftops of the surrounding buildings were crammed with onlookers. Excitement and schadenfreude were evident on all their faces.


    The young man on the cart was starting to smell, and the old octogenarian sat on the ground, crying loudly: "Everyone, please stand up for me, cheap pills have taken a life, compensate my grandson''s life..."


    "The Treasure Pavilion hasn''t shown any response yet, aren''t they pushing people too far?"


    "Could it be an admission of guilt?"


    "There might be some misunderstanding!"


    As the crowd was speculating, a young man suddenly walked out from among them, his face showing grief, and he knelt down with a thunk before the old man, saying solemnly, "Old sir, I apologize to you on behalf of the Treasure Pavilion..."

 Chapter 373 - 373: Turning Black and White

    "Patriarch, I apologize on behalf of the Treasure Pavilion!"


    The young man knelt before the old man with a plop, his face full of intense self-reproach and guilt.


    This young man was none other than Ning Kang!


    Immediately, someone in the surrounding crowd recognized him, "Isn''t that Ning Kang?"


    "The son of the Treasure Pavilion''s Vice Pavilion Master Ning Luo¡ªhe just said he''s apologizing on behalf of the Treasure Pavilion to this patriarch? Could it be that the medicinal pills from the Treasure Pavilion really have issues?"


    "It''s very likely, otherwise why would he come out to apologize?"


    Whispers spread through the crowd.


    The old man looked at Ning Kang with confusion, "Young man, why are you apologizing on behalf of the Treasure Pavilion to me?"


    "Patriarch, you may not be aware, but my father is the Vice Pavilion Master of the Treasure Pavilion, Ning Luo. As I''m sure everyone has noticed, the Treasure Pavilion has been selling cheap medicinal pills recently. Actually, all these pills were concocted using inferior ingredients..."


    Ning Kang''s face was filled with sorrow as he continuously patted his chest, "I''ve always been advising my father and Nalan Qianqiu, telling them that this is an unconscionable act, and that they shouldn''t do it! But they never listened to me¡ªI''m of no importance and have little say..."


    "I knew something bad was going to happen, but I never imagined it would really lead to someone''s death."


    "It''s all my fault¡ªif only I had exposed the scheme behind this sooner, so many people wouldn''t have been deceived!"


    Ning Kang''s fists kept pounding the ground, producing thudding sounds. When he looked up again, his face was streaked with tears, "If only I had stopped them in time, it wouldn''t have led to death. Look at this¡ªthis was a living person, and they didn''t care about anything but making money..."


    At that moment,


    The crowd was in an uproar!


    "What? The Treasure Pavilion actually concocted medicinal pills with inferior ingredients?"


    "Isn''t this going too far?"


    "That''s not right, isn''t it said that all the medicinal materials in the Great Qian Dynasty are sold through the Beitang Family? Apart from them, no one else has access, so where did the Treasure Pavilion get these inferior materials from?"


    Nangong Yi, hidden in the crowd, suddenly questioned out loud.


    As expected, his question caught everyone''s attention.


    This was a scene that Ning Kang and Nangong Yi had orchestrated together, responding to each other. Ning Kang pretended to hesitate, making the others believe there were more secrets to uncover, "Ning Kang, rest assured and speak up boldly. We are all your strong backing!"


    "No matter what sort of entity is involved behind this, we support you!" The crowd shouted one after another.


    It was as if Ning Kang was a brave warrior daring to uncover the conspiracy.


    Ning Kang feigned difficulty and finally gritted his teeth, angrily saying, "Alright, I, Ning Kang, will risk my life if necessary to bring the truth to light. These materials were supplied through Xiao Yi, the head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute. It is said that he sourced these materials from the black market in Beast Emperor City..."


    Boom!


    This news, like a bombshell, ignited the anger of the people.


    Xiao Yi had once been to the Beast Emperor City and had returned with a group of powerful individuals¡ªthis news had long spread throughout the capital.


    Compared with what Ning Kang had said,


    The pieces fit together for the crowd!


    Xiao Yi had cooperated with the Treasure Pavilion, he had been to the Beast Emperor City, so he brought the channel for these cheap, inferior materials. The two struck a deal, conspiring together to exploit the hardworking masses, earning money at the expense of people''s lives!


    "Damn it, I actually thought Xiao Yi was a good guy before, who knew he was so heartless?"


    "This is scheming for money at the cost of human lives!"


    "He must be severely punished!"


    The public sentiment was inflamed!


    The sound of condemnation was deafening.


    Amidst the crowd,


    Nangong Shengtian wore a smug look, laughing loudly, "Xiao Yi, oh Xiao Yi, will you not be completely discredited this time? This is what happens when you oppose me¡ªI want you not only to fall from grace but also to die before me..."


    Beitang Feng''s figure suddenly appeared beside him, excitement on his face, "Ancestor Nangong, when do I make my move?"


    "Not yet!"


    Nangong Shengtian smiled crookedly, his face cold, "Wait for Nalan Qianqiu and the others to show up, then you take action."


    "No problem!"


    Beitang Feng nodded, looking at the angry crowd that seemed ready to smash the Treasure Pavilion, he shook his head, "Xiao Yi and Nalan Qianqiu are as good as dead this time, with no chance of turning things around. Ancestor Nangong is truly formidable, able to control these people with a simple flick of his fingers!"


    "Hahaha, it''s just standard procedure!" Nangong Shengtian said smugly.


    Just at that moment...


    Ning Luo and Nalan Qianqiu walked out of the Treasure Pavilion.


    "Nalan Qianqiu, a life for a life!"


    "Ning Luo, look at your son, he''s the true man. You actually did such an atrocious deed for wealth; you deserve a thousand deaths!"


    Facing the raging curses of the crowd.


    Ning Luo''s face was expressionless, as he just looked at Ning Kang before him, his gaze filled with coldness, but even more with despair and loss.


    This was his son, after all.


    Yet he had unexpectedly sided with outsiders, wishing to send his own father to death.


    Nalan Qianqiu slightly raised his hand and said, "Ladies and gentlemen, this matter has not yet been clarified. Please give me some time, and I will definitely provide everyone with a satisfactory response!"


    Ning Kang stood up, glared at Nalan Qianqiu and Ning Luo with fury, and said through clenched teeth, "Don''t fall for their lies; they are just trying to buy time. With the power of the Treasure Pavilion, they might be able to use a hefty bribe to settle these issues later on."


    "Ning Kang is right, we absolutely can''t wait any longer!"


    "The Treasure Pavilion is rich and powerful; if they choose to smooth things over in the end, they could completely cover up this incident!"


    "If it''s really being investigated, then let''s see the proof right here and now..."


    "We don''t believe you..."


    People shouted one after another.


    Ning Kang held his chin high, looking at Nalan Qianqiu with smug satisfaction, "Master Nalan, you must have heard the voice of the people. You must explain yourself here and now; otherwise, this matter is far from over today!"


    "Rebellious son, oh my rebellious son..."


    Ning Luo''s eyes were a blood-red hue as he glared at Ning Kang and roared furiously.


    In fact.


    When Xiao Yi told him that Ning Kang had secretly poisoned the pill furnace and stolen the secret recipe, there was still a sliver of hope and illusion in his heart.


    But now...


    Watching Ning Kang standing before him, head held high with an attitude of righteousness and menacing aggression, any last hope in his heart was thoroughly extinguished.


    Whoosh!


    Ning Luo let out a long breath of foul air, his vitality swirling around him like the wind.


    A cold sharpness thrust directly at Ning Kang.


    Ning Kang''s complexion suddenly changed, and he thundered loudly, "Ning Luo, what are you trying to do?"


    "What am I trying to do?"


    Ning Luo snorted coldly, "I, as your father, ought to properly discipline an unfilial son like you!"


    "You, you''re trying to coerce a confession? I will not submit, I..."


    The defiant rant of Ning Kang was abruptly interrupted by a scream.


    Bang!


    "Damn it, Ning Luo, you..."


    "How dare you call your father by his name, I''ll beat you to death!" S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Bang bang bang!


    "You..."


    "What about you? You''re nothing but an ungrateful animal!"


    Bang bang bang!


    Ning Luo''s face showed no emotion as his fists fell relentlessly, a flurry of blows that left Ning Kang with a swollen nose and a face as bruised as a pig''s head. Curled up on the ground, he whimpered and mumbled, spitting out bloodied, broken teeth from his mouth.


    Shriek!


    Everybody around gasped in shock, a chill running down their spines.


    A glint of cold light flashed in Ning Luo''s eyes: "If not for the master taking us in, how could you and I have come to this day? You dared to betray the Treasure Pavilion; you are no son of mine..."


    Hum!


    A longsword, gleaming with cold light, fell into Ning Luo''s hands, ready to bring an end to Ning Kang.


    But at that moment...


    A cold snort echoed between heaven and earth: "Stop right there!"

 Chapter 374 - 374: Do You Dare?

    "Stop right there!"


    In the midst of chilling shouts, a soldier clad in iron armor broke through the crowd and appeared in front of Ning Luo and the others.


    Each of these soldiers exuded an icy, deadly aura.


    They were true lions of war who had fought on the battlefield.


    Bang!


    The leading general, with his saber held across, looked down from his high horse upon Ning Luo, his expression cold as he shouted, "In broad daylight, you dare to beat someone in the street, what crime do you think you''re committing?"


    Ning Luo glared at the newcomer and said in a deep voice, "General Yuan, I was merely disciplining my disobedient son, surely that''s not in violation of the law?"


    The newcomer was called Yuan Da.


    He was one of General Sun Yao''s fierce generals, at the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    On the battlefield, he was known as a meat grinder!


    Yuan Da sneered, "He is first and foremost a subject of the Great Qian Dynasty, and only secondly your son."


    Ning Luo frowned and said, "What, according to General Yuan, do I need to get your approval before I discipline my own son?"


    "Exactly!"


    Yuan Da, supporting himself with one hand on the horse''s head, leaned forward slightly, his cold gaze falling on Ning Luo as he smiled sinisterly, "Ning Luo, the affair of Treasure Pavilion selling fake medicine has already caused a huge stir. I have reason to suspect that you beat Ning Kang to silence him!"


    "You''re talking nonsense!"


    Ning Luo was furious. Yuan Da, as a high-ranking military commander, was outright accusing Treasure Pavilion of selling fake medicine, which could lead people to believe it was an official investigation, "You, a high official of the court, accuse my Treasure Pavilion of selling fake medicine without any evidence. That''s defamation!"


    "Defamation? Take a look at what this is..."


    Yuan Da pointed to the young man on the handcart and snorted coldly, "This is the evidence!" Then, pointing at Ning Kang who was whimpering on the ground, "And this is a witness! Now that the physical evidence and witness are both present, what excuse do you have left?"


    Within the crowd.


    Nangong Shengtian could not help but clap and cheer, "Worthy of being General Sun''s top fierce general, this Yuan Da truly is fierce!"


    "Even General Sun has intervened, Treasure Pavilion won''t have a chance to recover after this!" Beitang Feng also nodded excitedly.


    Back in the day, during the moon-viewing at the royal garden.


    Xiao Yi had a confrontation with Sun Yao, and Sun Yao would have killed Xiao Yi if not for Emperor Qian''s consideration.


    Now.


    Treasure Pavilion was undoubtedly Xiao Yi''s strongest support; rooting it up


    would be akin to cutting off Xiao Yi''s arms.


    In this way.


    Shanhe Martial Arts Academy would gain an advantage in its competition with Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    The Nangong Family and Beitang Family, meanwhile, eyed the market share and the priceless shops owned by Treasure Pavilion.


    The three parties struck a deal in perfect harmony, acting in concert.


    Beitang Feng asked in a low voice, "Ancestor Nangong, when should I step in?"


    "No rush!"


    Nangong Shengtian smiled maliciously, "Right now, Xiao Yi has yet to show himself. This time we are not just dealing with Treasure Pavilion, we must also drag Xiao Yi down with it. It''s best to wait until he shows up, then you make your move!"


    "Right!"


    Beitang Feng felt there was sense in the words and nodded firmly.


    A fierce light shone in his eyes.


    At the same time...


    Facing Yuan Da''s accusations, Ning Luo''s face alternated between pale and flushed, his rage uncontainable, "Yuan Da, you''re twisting the truth. Do matters of right and wrong depend solely on your word? My Treasure Pavilion sells countless medicinal pills daily, why did only this person have an issue? Why did you show up right after they arrived? I have reason to suspect there''s a scheme going on here..."


    "It seems you won''t give up until you''ve hit rock bottom! If that''s the case, I''ll turn your Treasure Pavilion inside out. Once we find those fake medicinal pills, I''d like to see how you''ll argue your way out of it!" Yuan Da said with a mocking smile.


    "How dare you!"


    Ning Luo spread his arms in front of him.


    Nalan Qianqiu''s face was grim, "General Yuan, my Treasure Pavilion is not a place you can just decide to investigate!"


    "Hm?"


    Yuan Da narrowed his eyes.


    Nalan Qianqiu said indifferently, "If you want to investigate my Treasure Pavilion, unless there is an imperial decree, no one should think about stepping inside!"


    Yuan Da sneered, "That might not necessarily be the case!"


    Nalan Qianqiu was startled.


    Just then, something appeared in Yuan Da''s palm, Nalan Qianqiu''s pupils suddenly contracted, for in Yuan Da''s hand was unmistakably a black Commander''s Seal shaped like a sprinting cheetah. Inscribed upon it were the characters for ''Unmatched'', Yuan Da bellowed coldly, "With the Unmatched War King Order here, who dares to obstruct?"


    Hisss!


    The surrounding strong echoes couldn''t help but draw a sharp breath.


    Unmatched War King!


    One of the two most overwhelmingly powerful men in the Great Qian Dynasty, some even believed he was the uncrowned king of the Great Qian Dynasty, with prestige that even surpassed that of Emperor Qian.


    Bearer of the Unmatched War King Order.


    Even if one were to barge into the imperial palace, no one would dare to stop them.


    Yuan Da laughed triumphantly, "Master Nalan, are you still planning to stop me now?"


    Facing Yuan Da''s aggressive approach.


    Nalan Qianqiu and Ning Luo''s complexions turned shades of green and white.


    With the corners of his mouth curling upward, Yuan Da flashed a smug cold smile, about to speak, when a playful voice came from within the Treasure Pavilion, "The Unmatched War King Order is always close to the Unmatched War King himself and rarely leaves his person. Does General Yuan have the ability to predict the future, that he even managed to request this order in advance from the Unmatched War King?" Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Following the voice, Xiao Yi''s figure slowly emerged from the Treasure Pavilion.


    A playful expression was on his face.


    He appraised Yuan Da with a half-smiling, half-mocking gaze.


    Yuan Da couldn''t help but narrow his eyes, eying Xiao Yi up and down with a dangerous gleam, and scoffed, "And who might you be?"


    "Xiao, the Director!"


    Nalan Qianqiu and Ning Luo nodded in acknowledgment and stepped aside.


    Although this was the Treasure Pavilion.


    They still held Xiao Yi in the highest regard!


    This caused Yuan Da''s pupils to constrict slightly; what was Nalan Qianqiu''s status? As the Pavilion Master of the Treasure Pavilion of the Great Qian Dynasty, his position was comparable to the heads of the four great families, and yet he was so deferential to Xiao Yi?


    Yuan Da demanded in a deep voice, "Are you Xiao Yi?"


    "Indeed, I am!"


    Xiao Yi nodded, staring at Yuan Da unflinchingly and with undisguised sarcasm in his voice, "Does General Yuan wish to enter the Treasure Pavilion?"


    "Yes!"


    Yuan Da narrowed his eyes, his face bearing a cold smile, "What? Do you also wish to stop me?"


    Xiao Yi shrugged and said, "With the General holding the Unmatched War King Order, naturally, I am not in a position to stop you. However, I would like to know, if the General finds counterfeit medicine in the Treasure Pavilion, what plans does he have?"


    "Hmph, I am only here to serve justice to the people. If counterfeit medicine is found, I will eradicate your Treasure Pavilion," Yuan Da replied with full confidence.


    Xiao Yi nodded, then continued to inquire, "What if counterfeit medicine is not found?"


    Yuan Da frowned, "If it''s not found, then it''s not found, what else can be done? Moreover, I am confident that justice is like a net spread far and wide: escaping it is unlikely. Your Treasure Pavilion''s sale of counterfeit medicine is an indisputable fact, and even if you''ve cleaned up thoroughly, there will definitely be clues left behind!"


    "Truly laughable to the extreme. If clues of counterfeit medicine are found, eradicate the Treasure Pavilion; if not found, then there''s no penalty at all?"


    Xiao Yi laughed heartily three times.


    His laughter boomed like thunder, causing Yuan Da''s face to shift slightly as he frowned and said, "What do you propose?"


    "If found, then as the General has said, destroy the Treasure Pavilion. But if no clues of counterfeit medicine are found, then the General has slandered the loyal and good, and I will have you kneel in front of the Treasure Pavilion to kowtow and apologize to Master Nalan and the others..."


    As Xiao Yi spoke hurriedly, he abruptly paused, leaning slightly forward, eying Yuan Da intently, and demanded word by word, "Do you dare?"

 Chapter 375 - 375: I Want to Kill Him, Who Can Stop Me?

    "You, dare you?"


    Xiao Yi asked, his tone deliberate and forceful.


    His eyes, narrowed to slits, glittered with a piercing coldness, exuding an undeniable authority.


    Hiss hiss hiss...


    Yuan Da''s horse nervously stomped its hooves, snorting out wafts of hot air in its restlessness.


    Yuan Da''s complexion subtly changed.


    He had thought that by wielding the Unmatched War King Order, he would be invincible, without any obstruction.


    However, Xiao Yi''s neither servile nor overbearing attitude in the face of the Unmatched War King Order, and his absolute refusal to back down, caught Yuan Da off guard. Yuan Da''s expression shifted between sunlight and shadow as he suddenly heard Nangong Shengtian''s voice transmission: "General Yuan, agree to him! As long as Ning Kang leads people into the Treasure Pavilion, there will surely be gains!"


    Yuan Da''s thoughts twitched slightly.


    He had learned from Sun Yao that all of this was a scheme orchestrated by the Nangong Family and the Beitang Family from the shadows.


    "Xiao Yi has offended the general. If I can use this opportunity to humiliate him severely, the general will undoubtedly reward me handsomely."


    As thoughts raced through Yuan Da''s mind, he scoffed coldly and said, "This general shall grant your wish, but if I find evidence related to counterfeit medicine in the Treasure Pavilion, it won''t be as simple as just eradicating the Treasure Pavilion."


    "Oh? What would you do?" Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow.


    Yuan Da sneered, "If indeed counterfeit medicine is found, your obstruction here today must be connected to the incident. I will have you kneel before me, lead my horse, and walk around the imperial capital!"


    Kneel and walk around?


    If that truly happened...


    How could Xiao Yi ever show his face in the imperial capital again?


    The corners of Xiao Yi''s mouth curved upward¡ªthose familiar with him would shiver uncontrollably at the sight of this playful smirk.


    For, every time Xiao Yi truly became angry, such a smile would appear on his face.


    "No problem, but if the investigation turns up nothing, I''ll have you kneeling here in the Treasure Pavilion for three days and three nights!" Xiao Yi said coldly.


    "Agreed!"


    Yuan Da nodded proudly, then turned to Ning Kang, "Ning Kang, lead the way for this general!"


    Ning Kang, with a bruised and swollen face, shakily stood up with the help of two soldiers. His gaze towards Xiao Yi and the others was filled with hatred and bitterness as he said loudly, "Rest assured, general. I will now lead you to search for the evidence!" sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Hold on!"


    Xiao Yi blocked their path.


    Yuan Da frowned, "What now? You want to go back on your word?"


    Xiao Yi replied, "Since it''s a search, naturally you cannot go in alone. I''ve already informed His Highness Yang Ling, and I believe he will arrive shortly. Once His Highness is here, you can go in and search together!"


    "It doesn''t matter whom you''ve called, it won''t make any difference!" Yuan Da was full of confidence.


    A moment later.


    Yang Ling arrived in a hurry, and Xiao Yi explained the situation to him.


    Yang Ling nodded and looked towards Yuan Da, "General Yuan, let''s go inside!"


    "After you, Your Highness!"


    Yuan Da and Yang Ling immediately led people towards the Treasure Pavilion.


    Among the crowd.


    Onlookers watched them enter the Treasure Pavilion, all filled with curiosity: "Do you think General Yuan will find evidence?"


    "Seeing Xiao Yi that confident, there might be a twist in this affair!"


    "Could he just be bluffing?"


    Inside Nangong Shengtian''s carriage.


    Beitang Feng''s face showed concern, "Ancestor Nangong, could it be that Xiao Yi and the others have discovered your methods and cleared them away?"


    "Cleared away? Impossible!"


    Nangong Shengtian snorted derisively, full of conviction as he said, "You''re also aware of the properties of the Hell''s Mandrake pollen. Unless someone sees the act of poisoning with their own eyes, who could detect it? Moreover, even if they find an issue with the batch of pills, they''ll never suspect the traces left in the Pill Furnace¡ªand those are impossible to clean. The Treasure Pavilion and Xiao Yi will never rise again after this, hahaha!"


    Inside the Treasure Pavilion.


    Ning Kang, his face already beaten beyond recognition, ferociously led Yuan Da straight toward the pharmacy. "General Yuan, the evidence is within the pharmacy. I''ve urged them several times to stop these heinous acts against nature and reason, but they simply wouldn''t listen to me..."


    Yuan Da replied coldly, "Rest assured, as long as the evidence is found, I will report everything to His Majesty and you will be rewarded for your meritorious service!"


    "This is my duty; I cannot betray my conscience!" Ning Kang insisted righteously, pounding on his chest.


    Ning Luo''s face was as dark as coal, wishing he could strangle Ning Kang.


    The group arrived inside the pharmacy.


    Ning Kang didn''t point out the Pill Furnace directly; instead, he stood by with a cold and watchful eye.


    Yuan Da''s expression was ice-cold: "Search!"


    A group of soldiers began searching within the pharmacy.


    Yuan Da sneered as he watched Xiao Yi and the others: "You all seem quite composed!"


    "Why be nervous if our conscience is clear?" Xiao Yi responded calmly.


    "Hmph!"


    Yuan Da scoffed, "When the evidence is found, let''s see how long you can keep up your tough front!"


    Shortly after.


    As the soldiers seemed to find nothing, Yuan Da glanced at Ning Kang, who nodded and walked straight to the Pill Furnace. "General Yuan, the evidence is in this Pill Furnace!"


    Xiao Yi looked over at Nalan Qianqiu, who immediately stepped forward and said, "This Pill Furnace is in the middle of concocting pills. Rashly opening it will ruin these pills and the loss will be nearly a hundred million Silver. If nothing is found after opening it, can you afford the compensation?"


    "Hmph! If no evidence is found inside this Pill Furnace, I am willing to lay down my life as compensation!" Ning Kang declared with absolute certainty.


    He was the one who personally added the Styx flower powder to this Pill Furnace; how could he possibly be mistaken?


    Nalan Qianqiu''s face darkened with sorrow. Ning Kang had grown up under his watch, but now he had come to this. With a pained expression, he closed his eyes and stepped aside, "Go on, take a look!"


    Boom!


    Ning Kang struck the Pill Furnace with a palm, and with a muffled hiss, black smoke billowed out, bringing with it the charred scent of spoiled medicinal pills.


    Ning Kang looked on triumphantly, his provocative gaze aimed at Xiao Yi and the others: "The evidence is within the Pill Furnace."


    Yuan Da sneered, "Xiao Yi, what do you have to say now?"


    Xiao Yi rolled his eyes and said exasperatedly, "What evidence? These are just ruined pills, aren''t they?"


    "These ruined pills are the evidence; they are all laced with deadly poison!" Ning Kang said with a sneer.


    "Deadly poison?"


    Ning Luo sneered and directly grabbed some of the charred medicinal residue, throwing it into his mouth. He chewed and swallowed it, "This is the deadly poison that you claimed to be fatal? Aside from a bit of a burnt taste, there''s nothing wrong!"


    "I''ll try it too... tsk, tsk, such good medicinal ingredients gone to waste..." Yang Ling also took a handful and chewed and swallowed it, looking amused as he watched Ning Kang and Yuan Da.


    Yuan Da''s face stiffened: "..."


    Ning Kang was dumbfounded: "This is impossible, how could this be? There''s supposed to be..."


    "Supposed to be what?" Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes.


    "Supposed to be... something..." Ning Kang''s face turned pale, no longer possessing his earlier confidence and arrogance. Muttering in complete disarray, he stammered, "This can''t be, why isn''t it there? How did this happen?"


    Xiao Yi''s face bore a cold smile as he fixed his gaze on Ning Kang, "You said that if the Pill Furnace didn''t hold the evidence, you would pay with your life. Now, let''s settle the debt!"


    "No..."


    Ning Kang''s face suddenly twisted in terror and he quickly looked towards Yuan Da, "General Yuan, save me..."


    "No one can save you!"


    Xiao Yi let out a cold huff, flicking his finger; a streak of silver light shot out like a meteor.


    "Stop!"


    Yuan Da slapped it away, shattering Xiao Yi''s attack and looked at him icily, "Without my permission, let''s see who dares to kill him!"


    Xiao Yi gave him a glance, then suddenly flashed past him.


    The wind whipped up Yuan Da''s robes, and with a heavy thud, Ning Kang had already been reduced to mush by Xiao Yi''s palm, his cold voice echoing in Yuan Da''s ears, "When I want him dead, who dares to stop me?"

 Chapter 376 - 376: How Could It Be Him?

    "Who dares to stop me if I wish to kill him?"


    Xiao Yi''s voice echoed in the ears.


    Yuan Da''s body trembled violently as he stiffly turned around, only to see Xiao Yi standing with his hands behind him, watching him with a playful look on his face.


    Behind Xiao Yi, Ning Kang had already been reduced to minced flesh.


    Hiss!


    Yuan Da''s pupils suddenly constricted.


    With his cultivation at the Tao Tribulation Realm Peak, honed in battle on the battlefield, he was confident that he could defeat a first-layer practitioner of the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    But just at that moment...


    He hadn''t even noticed how Xiao Yi had made his move.


    Right under his eyes, Xiao Yi seemed to casually kill Ning Kang.


    If Xiao Yi had targeted him just now?


    Yuan Da felt a chill down his spine, and a shiver ran through his body. If Xiao Yi''s earlier target had been him, he was certain he would not have been able to evade.


    Gulp!


    Yuan Da swallowed hard, his eyes fixed on Xiao Yi, no longer as confident and arrogant as before, but now with a touch of solemnity and caution.


    Xiao Yi walked past Yuan Da.


    He approached Ning Luo.


    Ning Luo looked at the minced remains of Ning Kang, his expression complex and indescribable, filled with pain and regret. After all, this was his son, and although Ning Kang''s betrayal had deeply hurt him, he still couldn''t help but feel sad.


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Sorry!"


    "This, this is what he deserved!"


    Ning Luo forced a strained smile and said.


    He had no resentment toward Xiao Yi.


    If not for Xiao Yi, the actions of Ning Kang alone would have doomed Treasure Pavilion to an irreparable catastrophe.


    Yang Ling took a deep breath and stared at Yuan Da, "General Yuan, the investigation results are now out, proving that Treasure Pavilion did not manufacture fake medicine. You have no objections to this result, do you?"


    Xiao Yi said mockingly, "If there are no objections, then please, General Yuan, fulfill your promise!"


    Yuan Da''s face twitched slightly, and his heart was cursing Nangong Shengtian''s ancestors up and down.


    If Nangong Shengtian had not vowed to find evidence within Treasure Pavilion...


    Why would he have made a bet with Xiao Yi?


    Now...


    Having proved Treasure Pavilion''s innocence, would he not have to kneel outside for three days and three nights?


    This was something Yuan Da could never allow to happen!


    A soldier should kneel to no one but the sovereign!


    If he knelt, it would not only be his own face that was lost, but the face of the entire border army and also that of the unparalleled War King Yang Yuhuan.


    With this thought...


    Yuan Da took a deep breath, didn''t respond to Xiao Yi, but turned to Yang Ling and bowed his hands, "Your Highness, this time I was also deceived by a traitor. Now that it''s proven that Treasure Pavilion is innocent, and the traitor has been killed by Director Xiao, I shall take my leave!"


    "General Yuan seems to have a short memory of the privileged,"


    Xiao Yi paused, blocking Yuan Da''s path, and said with a smile, "General Yuan, are you planning to renege on our bet?"


    Yuan Da''s face darkened, and he said coldly, "Xiao Yi, don''t push your luck. I am the Cavalry Colonel General, a third-rank officer of the court, and directly affiliated with the valiant General. Challenging me is akin to slapping General Sun''s face. You cannot afford to provoke General Sun''s fury!"


    "Sun Yao, is it? I''m sorry, but I really didn''t take his anger into consideration!" Xiao Yi replied, neither humbly nor arrogantly.


    "You..."


    Yuan Da''s face was as black as charcoal, with a threatening tone, "Xiao Yi, consider your actions carefully. If you let General Bei leave now, I can overlook the past. I may even speak favorably of you to General Sun. But if you continue in your folly, behind General Sun stands the unparalleled War King. Can you bear the War King''s rage?"


    "Enough nonsense!"


    Xiao Yi dug at his ear, clearly impatient, "Fulfill the bet; kneel at the gates of Treasure Pavilion for three days and three nights. Otherwise, I''ll break your legs and have you kneel outside for three days and three nights!"


    "Scoundrel, I will leave today, and I want to see who dares to touch me!"


    Yuan Da snorted and addressed his ten soldiers, "If anyone dares to make a move, kill without mercy!"


    "Yes!"


    The ten soldiers responded in unison.


    Clang clang clang!


    One by one, they aimed their weapons at Xiao Yi.


    Yuan Da, with a cold sneer on his face, directly walked away, his triumphant voice echoing inside the alchemy room, "Hahaha. Xiao Yi, you''re just a paper tiger. I''m leaving openly and nobly, what can you do to me?"


    "Seeking death!"


    A cold gleam swept through Xiao Yi''s eyes.


    Whoosh!


    His figure suddenly transformed into a streak of black light. The ten military men''s expressions drastically changed, as they all swung their swords toward Xiao Yi.


    Clang, clang, clang!


    Amidst the crisp ringing, sparks flew in all directions.


    The sounds of Wind Thunder were incessant.


    "No..."


    "Ah, my eyes¡­"


    Under the onslaught of Wind Thunder, the ten soldiers were instantly beheaded, turning into ten headless corpses lying in a pool of blood.


    Around Xiao Yi, lightning flickered and danced; with a burst of roaring wind, an icy qi hand formed and grabbed towards Yuan Da''s neck. Yuan Da''s face changed dramatically, already on guard, as a buzz sounded and a black long knife landed into his palm.


    Whoosh!


    The long knife cut through the air, creating a dazzling, colorful arc like a rainbow set in front of him.


    However¡­


    This slash, potent enough to threaten a Dharma Manifestation Realm first-level warrior, didn''t even manage to break the lightning coursing over Xiao Yi''s body.


    Xiao Yi stepped out. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Bang!


    His foot hit Yuan Da squarely in the face.


    Wow!


    Amidst his screams, blood spurted from all seven orifices, as Yuan Da was stomped beneath Xiao Yi''s foot, his face twisted with ferocity and resentment, "Xiao Yi, release me at once. Otherwise, I will report to the prince and have you torn to pieces¡­"


    "Shut up!"


    A cold light passed through Xiao Yi''s eyes.


    Whoosh!


    Silver sword energy flickered at his fingertips. In a spurting burst of fresh blood, Yuan Da''s legs were severed just below the knees. Xiao Yi used telekinesis to grab one of the severed legs, complete with its shoe, and stuffed it directly into Yuan Da''s mouth.


    Yuan Da''s eyes were filled with fury, his body bound by Xiao Yi''s qi, reduced to making only muffled noises.


    Xiao Yi carried Yuan Da with one hand, walking out of the Treasure Pavilion.


    At the same time.


    The crowd waiting outside the Treasure Pavilion were growing impatient, "What on earth is happening inside?"


    "Has General Yuan found any evidence?"


    "Is the Treasure Pavilion wronged or innocent?"


    Within the crowd.


    Beitang Feng was somewhat anxious, "Ancestor Nangong, Yuan Da has been inside for so long, could something have happened?"


    Nangong Shengtian waved his hand, his face calm and confident, "Be patient, our plan is flawless. With General Yuan and Ning Kang cooperating, nothing can go wrong. We just have to wait for him to come out and reveal the truth to everyone!"


    As they were talking.


    A shadow suddenly flew out of the Treasure Pavilion.


    "Here it comes!"


    "Who is that?"


    "Could it be Xiao Yi?"


    The onlookers turned their curious eyes towards the shadow.


    Thud!


    The shadow fell heavily outside the Treasure Pavilion, kneeling on the ground facing the building, with a severed leg in its mouth.


    As the dust settled.


    The onlookers finally saw the person''s face and couldn''t help but take a sharp intake of breath, "Yuan Da?"


    Bang!


    The confidence on Nangong Shengtian''s face vanished, replaced by confusion, "How can it be him?"

 Chapter 377 - 377 Taking Advantage of Ones Predicament

    "How could it be him?"


    Nangong Shengtian looked bewildered at Yuan Da, whose legs had been severed and who now knelt on the ground in humiliation, unable to move.


    His aged face was filled with astonishment.


    No longer could he maintain his previous calm and composure.


    Surprised cries also arose from the crowd, "General Yuan Da? How did he end up like this?"


    "Damn it, could there really be a problem with the Treasure Pavilion?"


    "Could it be they''re planning to silence him by killing him?"


    Da da da!


    A series of footsteps came from inside the Treasure Pavilion. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi and Yang Ling walked shoulder to shoulder, with Nalan Qianqiu and Ning Luo closely following behind.


    The group once again appeared before everyone.


    Yang Ling exchanged a glance with Xiao Yi, nodded, then stepped forward and scanned the crowd as he spoke in a deep voice, "It has now been ascertained that there is no trace of counterfeit medicine within the Treasure Pavilion; it was indeed Ning Kang who falsely accused the Treasure Pavilion. General Yuan Da honored his gambling agreement with Xiao, voluntarily kneeling in front of the Treasure Pavilion to repent for three days and three nights!"


    Everyone: "..."


    Looking at Yuan Da, whose legs had been cut off and who knelt motionless on the ground.


    Is this what is called ''voluntary''?


    However...


    Yang Ling was Emperor Qian''s most beloved prince, so naturally, no one would dare to speak rashly, so as not to offend the prince who might well ascend the throne in the future.


    Xiao Yi stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over everyone present.


    Passing through the crowd.


    His eyes briefly swept over the carriage where Nangong Shengtian and Beitang Feng were located, a cold smile curling the corners of his mouth as he spoke out loud, "Ladies and gentlemen, it has now been proven that the Treasure Pavilion has nothing to do with this counterfeit medicine incident..."


    "Wait a moment!"


    The voice of Beitang Feng suddenly cut through the crowd.


    Xiao Yi''s mouth twitched slightly, "So you couldn''t help but jump out, could you?"


    The crowd turned in the direction of the voice.


    There, Beitang Feng walked with his hands behind his back, a look of cold indifference on his face, approaching Xiao Yi and the others.


    He bowed respectfully to Yang Ling, then turned his gaze to Nalan Qianqiu who stood behind Xiao Yi, "Master Nalan, I have come for the final payment for that batch of medicinal herbs!"


    Ning Luo spoke in a heavy voice, "Mr. Beitang, our agreement was in seven days..."


    "Let me correct you, our agreement was within seven days!


    Beitang Feng laughed proudly, his gaze challenging as he looked at Xiao Yi and the others, "Now I''ve brought the medicinal herbs; if you pay the final sum immediately, I will hand them over to you. Otherwise, it shall be taken as Treasure Pavilion forfeiting the deal!"


    The contract they had signed was clear, in black and white.


    If the Treasure Pavilion forfeited the deal, the one hundred trillion silver deposit would go to the Beitang Family.


    This was exactly what Beitang Feng intended.


    Taking advantage of the counterfeit medicine scandal that erupted in the Treasure Pavilion, he came to press for the payment. With the financial resources of the Treasure Pavilion, given time, it was certainly possible to gather one hundred trillion silver, but Beitang Feng insisted on an immediate deal.


    He didn''t believe the Treasure Pavilion could come up with that much money!


    Ning Luo shouted in anger, "Beitang Feng, you''re taking advantage of someone''s misfortune!"


    Beitang Feng said indifferently, "Even if I am taking advantage of someone''s misfortune, what can you do about it?"


    Nalan Qianqiu frowned, "Mr. Beitang, we''ve worked together for decades; can you not grant an extension of a few days?"


    "Personal relationships are one thing; business is another, and the two should not be mixed!"


    Beitang Feng said impatiently, "Just tell me, do you still want the medicinal herbs? If not, the one hundred trillion silver deposit is mine!"


    "You..."


    Nalan Qianqiu and Ning Luo''s faces were gloomy.


    Beitang Feng was smug, rejoicing inwardly: I knew you didn''t have the money; getting one hundred trillion silver for nothing is just too exhilarating!


    Just when Beitang Feng was feeling self-satisfied.


    Xiao Yi''s voice suddenly interjected, "Why not want them?"


    "Hm?"


    Beitang Feng was stunned, his gaze fixed on Xiao Yi as he frowned, "Xiao Yi? I was speaking with Master Nalan, when was it your turn to interject?"


    Nalan Qianqiu spoke calmly, "What Xiao is saying is exactly what I intended to say!"


    "Huh?"


    Beitang Feng''s sword-like eyebrows knitted tightly as he sized up Xiao Yi and Nalan Qianqiu, saying in a heavy voice, "Make sure you heard me correctly, I''m talking about the final payment, a total of ten trillion taels of silver!"


    "Exactly ten trillion taels are here, the final payment has been settled. Now, hand over the medicinal materials!" Xiao Yi took out a storage ring, flicked it open with a swish, and a box of silver notes fell before Beitang Feng.


    Beitang Feng was instantly thrown into disarray: "..."


    Damn it!


    Where did you get so much money from?


    This is ten trillion taels of silver, not ten billion!


    Seeing Beitang Feng''s baffled face, Xiao Yi, Nalan Qianqiu, and the others couldn''t help but sneer inwardly, as if watching a clown perform.


    The money had been borrowed by Xiao Yi from Huang Baitao when he set this trap.


    Now, it was being put to good use!


    Xiao Yi extended his palm towards Beitang Feng: "Hand over the medicinal materials to me!"


    "I, I..."


    Beitang Feng''s eyes twitched.


    Nalan Qianqiu narrowed his eyes and said, "Mr. Beitang, surely you don''t have no stock at all? If that''s the case, then you would be the one in breach of contract..."


    "Master Nalan, we''ve been working together for so many years..." Beitang Feng said with a dark face.


    "Personal feelings aside, business is business, and that''s what you said!"


    Nalan Qianqiu threw Beitang Feng''s own words back at him. Watching Beitang Feng''s twitching face, Nalan Qianqiu felt an immense sense of satisfaction, and mockingly calculated, "You owe us a total of fifteen trillion taels of silver!"


    Beitang Feng''s face turned pale: "..."


    Where would he get fifteen trillion taels now?


    The ten trillion taels of initial payment given to him by Ning Luo had already been used to pay the Nangong Family for goods.


    "It''s not that..."


    Beitang Feng looked confused, cold sweat rolling down his forehead, his voice somewhat stammering, "You have to think this through; the goods are worth twenty trillion taels of silver. Your Treasure Pavilion is barely staying afloat, won''t these medicinal materials just rot in your hands if you take them?"


    "Who says we can''t stay afloat?" Xiao Yi asked with an odd look on his face.


    Beitang Feng frowned and said, "Your pills have killed people, who would dare to buy your pills?"


    "Who says our pills have killed people?" Xiao Yi asked in surprise.


    "Xiao Yi, the fact is right before us, are you still trying to deny it?"


    Beitang Feng pointed at the corpses on the handcart, gritting his teeth.


    Xiao Yi wore an odd expression: "Yuan Da found no evidence of fake medicine in Treasure Pavilion, so what makes you claim that the fake and poisonous pills he consumed were ours?"


    "Hmph, Xiao Yi, it seems you won''t shed tears until you see the coffin. Others may not know why your pills killed people, but I understand perfectly!"


    Beitang Feng scoffed, decreeing righteously, "The reason Treasure Pavilion produced poisonous pills that led to deaths is because of the substandard medicinal materials you brought back from the black market of Beast Emperor City. Open your eyes and look, this man''s grandson was so young, and he was killed by your hands, where is your conscience?"


    He was now determined to change the subject.


    Otherwise, if Xiao Yi insisted on him delivering the goods, it would be disastrous!


    Xiao Yi observed Beitang Feng with amusement.


    I talk to you about friendship, you bring up business.


    I bring up business, and now you speak to me about conscience?


    "Who told you he was poisoned by Treasure Pavilion''s medicine?"


    Xiao Yi revealed a sly smile and walked straight toward the old man pushing the cart, saying, "Old man, did your grandson die from consuming Treasure Pavilion''s pills?"


    The crowd turned their gaze to the old man.


    Beitang Feng also watched him unwaveringly.


    However...


    The old man shook his head, looking bewildered, "Treasure Pavilion? No, my grandson died after taking the Nangong Family''s pills, isn''t this the Nangong Family''s pill shop?"


    Woosh!


    Once these words were uttered.


    The noisy crowd instantly quieted down.


    It was eerily silent!


    You could hear a pin drop...

 Chapter 378 - 378 Counterattack Begins

    "What, what did he say?"


    "He seemed to say that he died after taking the Nangong Family''s elixir..."


    "That''s not right. If he died from taking the Nangong Family''s elixir, why did he run to the Treasure Pavilion?"


    "Wait... I suddenly remember, this old grandfather never said his grandson died from the elixirs of the Treasure Pavilion. He only said that he died from taking elixirs..."


    The old man''s words struck like a bolt of thunder, exploding amidst the crowd.


    In the midst of whispers coming from all around,


    Nangong Shengtian nearly fell off his carriage. His face turned ashen, his eyes glaring with disbelief as he shook his head, "How could this happen? How did this get pinned on us?"


    Hearing that someone died from the elixirs of the Treasure Pavilion, Nangong Shengtian jumped to conclusions,


    Believing it was the contamination of his Bihai Flower Powder in the elixirs.


    That was why he excitedly hurried over here.


    He even called Beitang Feng and Sun Yao along, aiming to put the Treasure Pavilion in a dire situation.


    However...


    Under Xiao Yi''s hands, all his previous schemes were being thwarted one after another.


    First, Ning Kang''s attempt to smear the reputation of the Treasure Pavilion led to a brutal beating by Ning Luo.


    That did not have much of an effect at all.


    Then Yuan Da appeared to investigate and verify the evidence.


    The outcome,


    Not only was the evidence not found, but Yuan Da himself had his legs chopped off and was now kneeling in front of the Treasure Pavilion.


    Out of frustration,


    Nangong Shengtian could only let Beitang Feng make a move, using the final payment of ten trillion Silver as leverage to fiercely suppress the might of the Treasure Pavilion while also openly embezzling the ten trillion Silver deposit of the Treasure Pavilion.


    Finally...


    Beitang Feng was outright played for a fool by Xiao Yi and others.


    Not only did he fail to take advantage of the situation and force the Treasure Pavilion, but he also ended up trapping himself. Now stuck in a quandary, Beitang Feng could only shift the target, but he ended up throwing the blame onto the Nangong Family.


    "Damn... How could there be such a coincidence in this world... How come it seems like Xiao Yi and his companions anticipated everything..."


    Nangong Shengtian was furious.


    Suddenly,


    His body stiffened abruptly.


    Nangong Shengtian''s complexion turned pale, and he swallowed hard, his heart pounding wildly as sweat rolled down his forehead, "It can''t be, I must be overthinking, it''s impossible..."


    At the same time,


    Xiao Yi feigned surprise and said, "What did you say? Your grandson was poisoned to death by the elixirs of the Nangong Family?"


    "Yes..."


    The old man looked confused, "Isn''t this place the Nangong Family Pharmacy?"


    Xiao Yi shook his head, "Old grandfather, you''ve got the wrong place. This is the Treasure Pavilion, and the Nangong Family Pharmacy isn''t here!"


    "Oh dear, I''m so sorry, I''m illiterate and came to the wrong place!"


    The old man seemed to finally come back to his senses. He quickly bowed and apologized to Xiao Yi and Nalan Qianqiu, and then asked, "Young man, do you know where the Nangong Family Pharmacy is? I must seek justice for my grandson!"


    Xiao Yi said, "Old grandfather, the Nangong Family is powerful and influential. It might be dangerous for you to go there alone. Since we''ve come across this matter today, we will definitely not ignore it. Let us accompany you to the Nangong Family Pharmacy to demand justice!"


    "That''s right, we''ll accompany you to get justice!" Ning Luo said.


    Nalan Qianqiu looked towards Yang Ling and called out loud, "Your Highness Yang Ling, please join us as we proceed to the Nangong Family Pharmacy to seek redress!"


    "..."


    Yang Ling looked at Xiao Yi and his companions exchange words, and suddenly realized the key to the situation.


    He couldn''t help but smile bitterly to himself.


    He hadn''t expected that all of this was Xiao Yi''s stratagem.


    Otherwise,


    How could the old man coincidentally confuse the Treasure Pavilion with the Nangong Family Pharmacy?


    "Nangong Shengtian... of all people to provoke, you just had to provoke Xiao Yi..."


    Yang Ling sighed, then nodded and said, "Master Nalan, rest assured, I will certainly accompany you all to investigate this counterfeit medicine incident thoroughly. I will not let any villain get away with it!"


    "Your Highness is wise!"


    Nalan Qianqiu exclaimed loudly.


    The old man, with tears streaking down his face, showed his gratitude: "Your Highness is wise, thank you for standing up for us!"


    Xiao Yi shouted to the crowd, "Ladies and gentlemen, would you like to join us to the Nangong Family Pharmacy, to seek justice for this poor grandfather and grandson?"


    "Let''s go together!"


    "We must get justice!"


    "If it''s really the Nangong Family''s medicine that killed people, they must give us an explanation..."


    Those who had initially targeted the Treasure Pavilion, now suddenly shifted their aim.


    Beitang Feng''s face turned pale in an instant, and he subconsciously looked towards the crowd for Nangong Shengtian. However, he didn''t catch a glimpse of Nangong Shengtian; the latter''s carriage had long since made a quick escape.


    "It''s over..."


    Beitang Feng felt a chill run down his spine.


    He was just about to lower his head and sneak away into the crowd when he suddenly saw a pair of feet in front of him. Looking up instinctively, he saw Xiao Yi with his arms crossed, gazing at him playfully, "Mr. Beitang, our deal isn''t done yet! Thinking of slipping away already? That doesn''t seem quite right, does it?"


    "Uh..."


    Beitang Feng''s face went through a series of awkward contortions, and with a light cough, he said, "Who said I was running away? Since you''re all going to the Nangong Family Pharmacy, I plan to go have a look as well!"


    "Oh? In that case, let''s go together!" Xiao Yi laughed heartily, and with one arm slung around Beitang Feng''s shoulder, said, "After we sort out the matter with the Nangong Family Pharmacy, we''ll continue discussing our deal for the two hundred trillion silver''s worth of medicine materials!"


    Beitang Feng: "..."


    Thinking of breaking free, but with Xiao Yi''s strength, how could he possibly shake him off?


    Poor Beitang Feng, the imposing master of the Beitang Family, was being led away by Xiao Yi like a little chick.


    The news of the poisonings from the Treasure Pavilion had spread throughout the entire capital, bolstered by the Nangong Family''s propaganda. The number of people who rushed to observe was in the hundreds of thousands, surpassing even the turnout for the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy''s grand opening.


    The crowd gathered into a dark, steel torrent, rolling towards the Nangong Family Pharmacy. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Along the way,


    More and more people join the throng as they hear the news.


    The Nangong Family, one of the four great noble families, had stood tall in the Great Qian Dynasty for over a thousand years.


    Such a behemoth had never before been openly challenged.


    But now...


    Led by the Treasure Pavilion and with Prince Yang Ling among them, as well as the rapidly rising star, Chancellor Xiao Yi of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, this group launched a sudden attack on the Nangong Family''s pharmacy.


    Naturally, it drew the attention of countless powerhouses.


    "Did the Nangong Family''s medicine really kill someone?"


    "I believe we will have a result very soon..."


    "Let''s go have a look!"


    Watching the crowd continuously gathering around, Xiao Yi''s lips curled up slightly: "The counterattack begins now!"

 Chapter 379 - 379: Youre going to kill me!

    Vermilion Bird Avenue.


    Since receiving the batch of new medicines sent by Nangong Shengtian and others, Nangong Shou felt as though he had taken a reassuring pill.


    He spent his days lounging lazily in a rocking chair at the entrance, swaying his body, with a fan in one hand and a teacup in the other.


    Tasting the fresh tea in his cup.


    With squinted eyes, Nangong Shou looked at the Treasure Pavilion Pharmacy across the street, his face gleeful at their misfortune: "I wonder how the situation is being handled over there. If the matter is confirmed, the Treasure Pavilion will never see a day of return!"


    Nangong Shou hummed a little tune to himself.


    Suddenly...


    The ground shook, and a series of rapid footsteps was heard.


    Nangong Shou was taken aback and frowned, only to see figures converging from both sides of Vermilion Bird Avenue.


    There were tens of thousands of them.


    "Hmm? Could they be coming to smash up the Treasure Pavilion?"


    Nangong Shou was startled, eager and anticipatory.


    These days...


    They had been tormented by the Treasure Pavilion, watching people come and go there, while here, their doorstep was deserted. Today, upon suddenly hearing that trouble had befallen the Treasure Pavilion, Nangong Shou had purposely moved a stool to the entrance to wait.


    Just to watch the drama unfold!


    However.


    These people were not heading to the Treasure Pavilion Pharmacy but were coming straight towards him.


    Nangong Shou''s heart skipped a beat: "What''s going on?"


    A servant beside him said instinctively, "Manager, could it be that something really happened at the Treasure Pavilion, so they''re all coming here to buy medicine?"


    "Hmm?"


    Nangong Shou was startled and smiled approvingly, "That''s right, it must be as you say. Have someone tidy up inside quickly; looking at this situation, we''re very likely to break our previous sales record today!"


    The servant hurried away.


    Watching the crowd that had already reached him, Nangong Shou greeted them with a smile: "My friends, are you here to buy medicine? Please come inside. Our Nangong Family Pharmacy has been in business for many years, with honesty for the young and the old, unlike those low-priced, inferior medicines!"


    However...


    The crowd was unmoved, their faces strangely looking at Nangong Shou and the pharmacy behind him.


    Nangong Shou was puzzled: "What''s happening?"


    From within the crowd.


    People whispered to each other: "Do you think that rumor is true?"


    "They say that it was the deceased young man''s family who personally claimed he died after taking medicine from the Nangong Family Pharmacy..."


    "Xiao and Yang Ling are on their way here to seek justice for the young man who passed away."


    Thud!


    Nangong Shou''s smile abruptly stiffened, and his eyes showed shock: "What do you mean? Someone died from taking our Nangong Family''s medicine? This, wasn''t it the Treasure Pavilion''s medicine that killed someone? How did it become ours..."


    At this moment.


    A pathway suddenly cleared in the crowd, and a flatbed cart was slowly pushed out by Ning Luo.


    Xiao Yi and others followed closely behind.


    Nangong Shou''s gaze fell on the body of the young man on the cart, his face drastically changing, his breathing becoming rapid: "A, a serious incident has happened..."


    "Are you the manager of this pharmacy?" Yang Ling''s gaze was cold as he stared at Nangong Shou.


    Nangong Shou had a bitter taste in his mouth but had no choice but to nod: "Indeed, I am, Your Highness Yang Ling. May I know your commands?"


    Yang Ling spoke indifferently, "Someone has accused that taking medicine bought from your Nangong Family Pharmacy has led to death. We need to conduct a search inside!"


    "This..."


    Nangong Shou said with a troubled face, "Your Highness, there will definitely be no issues with our Nangong Family Pharmacy. This must be someone framing us."


    ```


    "Whether there is a problem, let it be clear after investigation!" Yang Ling said.


    Nangong Shou''s face kept changing, his heart filled with anxiety as he thought about how to respond.


    Suddenly, a figure descended from the sky above.


    The person was none other than Nangong Shengtian.


    He had just gone to another pharmacy to completely clear out all the medicinal pills, storing them in his Storage Ring. He had not come to Vermilion Bird Avenue Pharmacy first because it had the widest sales, and he had specifically instructed Nangong Shou to stock up on pills in advance.


    They were not displayed on the shelves.


    That''s why he was in no hurry to come over.


    "Ancestor!"


    Upon seeing Nangong Shengtian, Nangong Shou felt as if he had seen a lifesaver and approached him excitedly.


    Nangong Shengtian nodded and said, "Leave this to me."


    "Yes!"


    Nangong Shou breathed a sigh of relief and stood beside Nangong Shengtian.


    Nangong Shengtian''s icy gaze swept over Xiao Yi, finally settling on Yang Ling as he said with a faint smile, "Your Highness Yang Ling, I didn''t know you were coming from afar, my apologies for not welcoming you sooner!"


    Yang Ling waved his hand and said indifferently, "Ancestor Nangong, someone has accused the Nangong Family Pharmacy''s pills of causing death!"


    Feigning shock, Nangong Shengtian said, "Caused death? Your Highness really knows how to joke. The Nangong Family has been in the pill business for so many years, let alone causing death, there hasn''t even been a single side effect. This must surely be a frame-up, perhaps the malicious competition of a rival!"


    While speaking, his gaze paused on Xiao Yi and Nalan Qianqiu.


    His eyes revealed an indescribable meaning.


    Nalan Qianqiu said lightly, "Ancestor Nangong, are you pointing at the mulberry tree to curse the locust?"


    Ning Luo said, "When they came to my Treasure Pavilion, we never said anything about malicious competition like this. We cooperated actively with the investigation. But you, Ancestor Nangong, are obstructing us here. Could it be that your Nangong Family Pharmacy actually has a problem?"


    Nangong Shengtian snorted coldly and said, "Nonsense, how could there be a problem with my Nangong Family''s pharmacy?"


    "If there''s no problem, then let''s perform the examination!" Ning Luo said.


    Nangong Shengtian sneered confidently, "If after the examination it is found that we have no issue, what then?"


    Nalan Qianqiu said, "If there is no problem, I am willing to apologize formally to you!"


    "That''s not enough!"


    Nangong Shengtian scoffed, his cold gaze landing on Xiao Yi, "If we are proven innocent, I want all of you to kneel down and crawl between my legs to apologize to me!"


    Yang Ling frowned and said, "Ancestor Nangong, aren''t you going too far?"


    Those present are all respectable people.


    Apologizing formally is already quite humiliating.


    To crawl between legs? To kowtow and apologize?


    Nangong Shengtian''s provocative gaze looked at Xiao Yi and the others, "Don''t you dare?"


    Nalan Qianqiu and others all looked towards Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, and a golden figure flashed through the pharmacy, his lips curling upwards, "What is there to fear? But if it is proven that your Nangong Family has a problem, what then?"


    "As you wish!"


    Nangong Shengtian was brimming with confidence.


    "Deal!"


    Xiao Yi looked at Yang Ling, "Your Highness, please!" sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Yang Ling nodded and immediately led people towards the interior of the pharmacy.


    Nangong Shengtian lowered his voice and turned to Nangong Shou beside him, "The batch of new pills that was distributed to you earlier are all well hidden, right?"


    "Uh... Ah?"


    Nangong Shou was dumbfounded, "Ancestor, I saw so many people coming just now, I assumed they were all here to buy medicine, so, so I had it all brought out."


    "What?"


    Nangong Shengtian''s face turned rigid and he almost spewed a mouthful of old blood, looking at Nangong Shou with grief and indignation, "I... I... I''m going to be killed by you!"


    ```

 Chapter 380 - 380: Its Over! Completely Over!

    ```


    "I''m fucking killed by you!" Nangong Shengtian''s eyes were about to split with anger as he bellowed furiously.


    Pfft!


    Nangong Shou spat out a mouthful of fresh blood due to the shock, his face turning deathly pale in an instant.


    Seeing that Yang Ling and others were about to enter the pharmacy, Nangong Shengtian whispered, "I''ll stop them, you go and collect all the new medicines right now, not leaving behind a single bottle!"


    "Understood¡­"


    Nangong Shou, enduring the excruciating pain as if his internal organs were being torn apart, nodded slightly.


    He had now realized the severity of the situation.


    Not daring to delay any further.


    Nangong Shengtian took a deep breath, sidestepped to block Xiao Yi and the others, and said in a deep voice, "Your Highness, Xiao, you may inspect the pharmacy, and there is no problem with that. But we must follow proper procedures, and once inside, you are not permitted to touch any of the medicines without permission. Of course, I will ensure that the pharmacy staff assist you fully!" S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    From the corner of his eye, Xiao Yi noticed Nangong Shou had already circumvented the crowd and was heading towards the back yard of the pharmacy.


    "Get out of the way!"


    Xiao Yi took a step forward.


    "Xiao, don''t push it too far!" Nangong Shengtian threatened grimly.


    Xiao Yi let out a cold laugh, "What are you having Nangong Shou sneak off to the backyard for? I have reason to suspect you are destroying evidence, move aside¡­"


    "Nangong Shengtian, don''t push your luck. Do you really think I, Xiao Yi, am afraid of you?"


    Nangong Shengtian''s eyes turned a fierce red as he flew into a rage, his booming roar like thunder on a clear day, deafening, "Without my permission, no one dares set foot in part of the pharmacy. To do so would be considered a challenge to the Nangong Family''s authority, and my Nangong Family will fight to the death!"


    Hiss!


    His swearing was truly intimidating.


    It made those strong individuals who were following Xiao Yi and trying to enter the pharmacy dare not get too close.


    Little Lin''s voice echoed in his mind, "Boss, Nangong Shou has already entered the pharmacy from the backyard, do you want me to subdue him?"


    "Do not act rashly, if you strike they can completely frame us, claiming you placed those medicines on the shelves. I will find a way inside¡­"


    After Xiao Yi transmitted his message, he stepped forward, "Nangong Shengtian, if you don''t move aside within three breaths, don''t blame me for being merciless!"


    "Nangong Shengtian, I want to see how merciless you can be!" Nangong Shengtian mocked confidently.


    In his view¡­


    Xiao Yi''s cultivation level, no matter how strong, was ultimately only at the Eighth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm.


    While he was a Dharma Manifestation Realm sixth layer powerhouse.


    How could Xiao Yi possibly be his opponent?


    "One!"


    Nangong Shengtian scoffed, "Two, three! Three breaths have passed; what can you do to me?"


    "This is your own doing!"


    Xiao Yi harrumphed coldly.


    Between his brows, lightning flickered.


    All over his body, a fierce wind began to howl.


    The Wind Thunder Holy Body erupted in an instant, with terrible winds and thunder enveloping Xiao Yi. His right hand slowly drew to his waist, and with a sudden shout, his punch shot out like a dragon leaping from the sea.


    Boom!


    Amidst a terrifying boom.


    A colossal fist shadow mixed with wind and thunder appeared in front of Nangong Shengtian in an instant.


    "Trifling tricks, I can destroy them effortlessly¡­" Nangong Shengtian said confidently, sweeping his hand casually.


    A huge golden palm materialized in front of him.


    Crack!


    Amidst a harsh snapping sound.


    The golden palm exploded into pieces.


    Nangong Shengtian''s pupils constricted sharply as a terrifying energy storm turned his face instantly pale. His vital energy circulated around his body, trying to activate his Martial Dao Fasxiang, but at that moment, the Mad Wind Thunder Fist had already struck him.


    ```


    Crackling and popping!


    Amidst a sharp sound, lightning and electric arcs covered his entire body.


    Nangong Shengtian''s body stiffened.


    He was paralyzed all over.


    And immediately after¡­


    A fierce windstorm swept over his body, whooshing as it viciously flung him flying, the path of his figure marked by the howling wind and flashing lightning with thunderous roars. Nearly half of the pharmacy''s roof was blown away, and amidst the terrifying boom, Nangong Shengtian crashed down into the backyard.


    Hisss!


    A chorus of sharp intakes of breath rose from the crowd.


    As pair after pair of eyes turned towards Xiao Yi, they all revealed shock and surprise, "Is Dean Xiao that strong?"


    "To send Ancestor Nangong flying with a single punch, is that even possible for someone at the Eighth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm?"


    "Look at the pharmacy..."


    There, Nangong Shou was rapidly putting vials of medicine into his storage ring. He had only collected a small part when the pharmacy was blown open by Xiao Yi, exposing the inside of the Nangong Family Pharmacy to everyone''s gaze in an instant.


    His movements abruptly stiffened, hanging in midair.


    Pair after pair of eyes fell on him, "Isn''t that Nangong Shou? Wasn''t he outside the door just now? When did he sneak in?"


    "Sneaking around, now he''s gathering these medicines, could it be that the Nangong Family''s medicines really have issues?"


    "That''s not possible, right?"


    "Take another look, see if there''s anything wrong with the medicines in those vials..."


    The barrage of gazes felt like thorns on Nangong Shou''s back.


    Holding several vials in his hand, he was caught in a dilemma, uncertain whether to put them down or not.


    "Nangong Shou, what are you doing?" Yang Ling shouted angrily.


    Bang!


    The medicines in Nangong Shou''s hands dropped to the ground, as he said anxiously, "I, I was just tidying up the counter, to make it easier for Your Highness to inspect¡­"


    "Hand over all the medicines you''ve gathered!" Ning Luo stepped forward and grabbed Nangong Shou by the neck with one hand.


    "Let go, let go..."


    Nangong Shou struggled frantically, his face a picture of desperation.


    Ning Luo tossed Nangong Shou in front of Yang Ling and with a casual wave, gathered all the medicines that hadn''t been packed in time from the counter. Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, he placed the vials at the entrance.


    Yang Ling''s expression was cold as he glared at Nangong Shou.


    He had not expected Nangong Shengtian to dare such trickery right under his nose.


    Truly, he did not take him seriously.


    Yang Ling''s face darkened, "Just now, what were you doing?"


    Nangong Shou''s body trembled, but he refused to speak.


    "You think I can''t deal with you if you don''t talk?" Looking up at Ning Luo, Yang Ling said indifferently, "I detest those who play dirty tricks behind people''s backs the most. Break ten of his fingers first!"


    "Yes!"


    Ning Luo acted swiftly, breaking Nangong Shou''s fingers one by one.


    "Ah..."


    Nangong Shou convulsed in agony, his face so contorted that his features were squeezed together.


    Yang Ling said dispassionately, "If you don''t come clean now, I''ll break ten of your toes!"


    Hisss!


    Nangong Shou gasped in pain, not daring to hide anything any longer, and hastily confessed, "I''ll tell you everything... It was the ancestor who asked me to sneak in secretly, he instructed me to take these medicines and not let you discover them."


    "Are there issues with these medicines?"


    "If there weren''t any problems, why would Nangong Shengtian have Nangong Shou secretly collect them?"


    In the backyard.


    Nangong Shengtian, who had just crawled out from the ruins, suddenly heard the whispers in the crowd, as well as the vials placed in front of Yang Ling; his face turned deathly pale, the world spinning around him, "It''s over, the Nangong Family is completely finished..."

 Chapter 381 - 381 Disgraced

    "It''s over, the Nangong Family is finished."


    Nangong Shengtian felt the world spinning, dizzy and vision-blurred.


    The Nangong Family had stood strong for many years, and aside from the cheap medicinal materials supplied by the Beitang Family, the most important aspect was the Nangong Family''s potent alchemy team. Even without top alchemists, the middle- and low-end elixirs were enough to dominate the entire Great Qian Dynasty.


    Plus the hefty profits.


    That''s what allowed the Nangong Family to pass down their legacy, becoming one of the four great noble clans.


    Once there was trouble with the elixir shop.


    The financial lifeline of the Nangong Family was severed.


    Just the massive amount of money they owed the Beitang Family could nearly drain the Nangong Family''s resources, never to recover.


    What''s the thing the elixir industry fears the most?


    Exactly, problems with the elixirs!


    "I just hope that all my suspicions are false, only then does my Nangong Family have a glimmer of hope!" muttered Nangong Shengtian, but even he felt that this hope was extremely slim!


    Meanwhile.


    Nangong Shou had already taken out all the elixirs from the storage ring.


    Elixir bottles, crystal-clear and flawless, were laid out on the ground, totaling over ten thousand bottles, each containing ten pills. Just here, there were elixirs worth over a hundred billion silver.


    Yang Ling picked up one of the jade bottles and poured out the elixirs inside.


    This was the Shen Yi Elixir.


    Yang Ling examined the color and quality, frowning slightly.


    These elixirs not only lacked any issues but also were all of the highest quality, definitely not fakes!


    "Your Highness, may I have a look?" Nalan Qianqiu spoke up.


    Yang Ling was startled, as Nalan Qianqiu himself was a seven-star alchemist. He indeed had more authority in assessing elixirs than Yang Ling, who immediately passed the elixirs to Nalan Qianqiu.


    "Shen Yi Elixir? Top quality?"


    Nalan Qianqiu inspected it carefully.


    Yang Ling frowned, "Master Nalan, are you saying there''s nothing wrong with these elixirs?" sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Nalan Qianqiu shook his head, sneering, "The fact that there''s nothing wrong is the biggest problem.


    "What do you mean by that?"


    Everyone looked at Nalan Qianqiu, puzzled.


    Nalan Qianqiu spoke gravely, "The Shen Yi Elixir uses thirty-six different herbs that interact with each other, capable of neutralizing most atypical medicinal properties. The only herb, Green Glaze Grass, would make the elixir have cold attributes. But these Shen Yi Elixirs have no cold properties, which means something else must have been added!"


    Yang Ling frowned, "Can you analyze what exactly was added?"


    Nalan Qianqiu shook his head, "With my expertise, I can''t tell, but..." He looked at Xiao Yi, smiling, "Dean Xiao, I''ll have to trouble you now!"


    Nangong Shengtian raged, "Nalan Qianqiu, even you can''t discern what extra has been added, so why pass it to Xiao Yi? He''s just a young boy, could his alchemy skills surpass yours? The elixirs from my Nangong Family would never have any problems; I think you''re intentionally saying this, trying to frame my Nangong Family!"


    In his view, this was a unique opportunity.


    As everyone knows.


    Xiao Yi is invincible among his peers, and he''s only twenty years old!


    With such a cultivation at twenty years of age.


    How could he possibly also practice the way of alchemy?


    Nalan Qianqiu looked at Nangong Shengtian as if looking at an idiot, shaking his head in a sigh, "Nangong Shengtian, to this moment you still don''t know how terrifying your opponent truly is. I really don''t understand where you got the courage to dare make an enemy of Dean Xiao!"


    "Hmm?"


    Nangong Shengtian was stunned, his face filled with bewilderment.


    Ning Luo spoke indifferently, "Dean Xiao''s alchemy skills far surpass ours."


    "What?"


    Nangong Shengtian''s eyes widened in disbelief, he shook his head, "Impossible, absolutely impossible. How old is he? Moreover, as far as I know, he was imprisoned by Xiao Tianjiao and has only truly been exposed to the martial path for less than three years¡­"


    Nangong Shengtian''s voice suddenly stopped.


    His face turned from pale to flushed repeatedly.


    Yes!


    A person who had been exposed to martial arts for less than three years had managed to grow from the Physical Body Realm directly to a realm comparable to the masters of the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    Could it be that he couldn''t cultivate the path of alchemy at the same time?


    Gurgle!


    Nangong Shengtian''s face turned pale as he muttered to himself, "Is there really such a genius in this world? Xiao Zhengde even said he was trash? Go to hell with your trash..."


    Xiao Yi gently sniffed the Shen Yi Elixir placed in front of his nose.


    "This has added millennium flower, hundred beasts'' blood, as well as heavenly centipede vine... all these ingredients can increase the pill success rate and the quality of the elixirs, but they all have one thing in common. That is, they cannot be preserved for long, generally undergoing changes within three days and turning into deadly poisons. Within seven days, all the elixirs will rot into mud!"


    Xiao Yi looked at the corpse on the cart with bleeding orifices, shook his head slightly, and sighed, "He must have taken the elixirs after they changed, that''s why he was poisoned and died. What a pity, if he hadn''t taken those elixirs immediately and waited a few more days, those pills would have thoroughly rotted away!"


    "Is there evidence?" Yang Ling asked.


    Xiao Yi nodded his head and approached the young man''s corpse.


    He pointed several times at his lower abdomen.


    Streams of Qi entered the body.


    Xiao Yi stepped back and said, "One of the characteristics of taking heavenly centipede vine is that after death, the stomach will turn into sticky black strip-like objects, resembling black centipedes."


    As soon as the words were out.


    The young man''s body shook violently, he opened his mouth with a "wow," and several black, sticky stripe-shaped objects spurted out from his mouth.


    They hung from the cart.


    Like black centipedes, they crawled between the cart''s boards.


    Hiss!


    All present inhaled sharply.


    The symptoms were exactly as Xiao Yi had described!


    "He really was poisoned!"


    "The poisoned components are the same as the ones added by the Nangong Family in their elixirs, it seems that he did indeed die from taking the Nangong Family''s elixirs..."


    "The Nangong Family has been in business for many years, how could they suddenly add these things?"


    "Didn''t you hear what Xiao Yi said? These ingredients can improve the success rate and quality rate of pills, just think about it, a batch of pills that would normally yield ten pills, adding these could lead to twenty or even thirty, cutting the cost down to one third!"


    "Isn''t that too unscrupulous?"


    "Who will dare to buy the Nangong Family''s elixirs again in the future?"


    "We must let everyone know about this. The Nangong Family has tens of thousands of elixir shops within the Great Qian Dynasty, we absolutely cannot let these unscrupulous merchants get away with it. From now on, when buying elixirs, only trust Treasure Pavilion!"


    Outraged curses continued to arise.


    In Nangong Shengtian''s ears, they were like numerous swords, repeatedly piercing his body.


    Nangong Shengtian''s vision darkened.


    Feeling as if all the strength had been drained from his body, his face was filled with despair. This time the Nangong Family was utterly disgraced.


    Completely defeated!


    Defeated beyond repair.


    There was no longer any possibility of rising again!


    Let alone the ruined reputation, it was now impossible for anyone to purchase elixirs from them again, just based on what Xiao Yi had just said, all elixirs made with those ingredients would turn to mud after seven days.


    For the sake of concocting this batch of elixirs, his Nangong Family had invested all they had!


    The elixirs, which were crafted from ingredients worth a total of ten trillion Silver, would turn into mud within a few days and all would be lost.


    At that moment...


    Nangong Shengtian suddenly realized.


    Ning Kang''s betrayal.


    The secret formula stolen.


    Poisoning!


    All of it was a trap laid out by Xiao Yi!


    With bloodshot eyes fixed on Xiao Yi, Nangong Shengtian spewed out a mouthful of fresh blood, and as his eyes rolled back, he let out a desperate and unwilling roar before fainting, "Xiao Yi... you have such a cruel heart..."

 Chapter 382 - 382: The True Dragon Among Men

    Nangong Shengtian slowly woke up.


    He found himself still inside the pill shop on Vermilion Bird Avenue, raised his hand to pat his head, only feeling a bout of weakness throughout his body.


    "You''re awake?"


    A playful voice rang out beside his ear.


    Nangong Shengtian was startled and instinctively looked towards the sound, only to see Xiao Yi squatting next to him with a slight smile on his lips and a radiant expression, mockingly staring at him. The teasing in his eyes almost made Nangong Shengtian pass out again.


    "Cough, cough cough¡­"


    Nangong Shengtian coughed several times and finally regained some composure, staring intently at Xiao Yi, "I did not expect that I would actually fall into your hands."


    "There are many things you wouldn''t expect, such as¡­" Xiao Yi pointed behind him, and there was Beitang Feng, looking at him with a wry smile on his face, then stood up smiling, "You two have a chat first!"


    Beitang Feng cleared his throat with a light cough, his face showing a hint of embarrassment, said, "Nangong Shengtian, it''s about time to settle those debts your Nangong Family owes me!"


    "Hmm?"


    Nangong Shengtian''s face turned deathly pale as he coughed violently and pointed at Beitang Feng in fury, "Beitang Feng, do you really have to kick me when I''m down, taking advantage of someone''s misfortune, despite our acquaintance?"


    The batch of medical ingredients worth ten trillion silver had completely gone to waste.


    In a few more days, it would all turn to sludge.


    Moreover...


    He had already owed the Beitang Family over ten trillion silver in debts, and with a total of nearly thirty trillion silver, it was impossible to gather such a sum unless he sold off all of the Nangong Family''s properties!


    Beitang Feng sighed, "Friendship is friendship, but business is business, you were the one who taught me that!"


    "..."


    Nangong Shengtian trembled all over.


    Back then, outside the Treasure Pavilion, when he prompted Beitang Feng to demand repayment of the debt, it was he who taught Beitang Feng these very words.


    And now...


    In just a few hours, Beitang Feng returned those same words to him, unchanged.


    At that moment, Nangong Shengtian felt the world spin.


    His vision darkened, and he almost passed out again.


    Even a Dharma Manifestation Realm expert''s mental resilience is extremely strong, yet the fact that Nangong Shengtian was so infuriated that he nearly fainted multiple times shows just how great this blow was to him.


    Nangong Shengtian clenched his jaws, said in a deep voice, "Beitang Feng, you are well aware of the situation my Nangong Family is in. We have so many pills stockpiled and hardly any liquid silver..."


    The Nangong Family''s profit from the pill trade might have been very high.


    But they also had a large household with immense daily expenses!


    After a year''s time,


    If they could save a few hundred billion silver, that would be considered a prosperous year.


    Unless he sold all of the Nangong Family''s shops and the stockpiled pills, there was no way to come up with nearly thirty trillion silver. But with the reputation the Nangong Family now had in the pill industry, who would dare to buy their goods?


    Weren''t they afraid that a few days later, all those pills would turn to mud?


    Beitang Feng hesitated for a moment and said, "Nangong Shengtian, you have to understand my situation as well. Medicine King Valley has been pressing for the fifteen trillion silver debt from you, and because of your family, I have to compensate the Treasure Pavilion with fifteen trillion silver. If you don''t repay the money, my Beitang Family will also suffer!"


    "I, I really have no money!" Nangong Shengtian cried out in despair and indignation.


    Experts at the Dharma Manifestation Realm, the old ancestor of the Nangong Family, when had he ever been so subservient?


    Beitang Feng turned his head to look at Xiao Yi and Nalan Qianqiu and said in a deep voice, "I do have a way!"


    "Hmm?"


    Nangong Shengtian was stunned, a glint of hope flashing across his eyes.


    Beitang Feng said gravely, "Master Nalan and Xiao have promised that they are willing to spend the money to buy all of the Nangong Family''s shops and the medicinal pills they have hoarded."


    "Are they so kind-hearted?" Nangong Shengtian snorted coldly.


    Beitang Feng forced a smile and said, "Everybody acts for the sake of profit. Master Nalan, after all, is a businessman. He means to offer two hundred trillion silver to buy all of your Nangong Family''s shops and the hoarded medicinal pills." S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Two hundred trillion? They must be dreaming!" Nangong Shengtian exploded in rage.


    Initially, just purchasing those shops had cost them nearly one hundred trillion silver, not to mention the hoarded medicinal pills, which were valued at least at two hundred trillion silver.


    Xiao Yi and his people wanted to swallow it all up for the price of two hundred trillion silver.


    In Nangong Shengtian''s view, this was nothing short of daydreaming!


    Beitang Feng shrugged his shoulders and said, "To speak frankly, those medicinal pills are worth that much only if you can sell them; if you can''t, they are just rubbish. I have said all that I can, the rest is up to you to consider!"


    This time, Beitang Feng, too, was driven into a corner.


    He had not yet found a way to pay back the one hundred and fifty trillion silver he had guaranteed for the Nangong Family at Medicine King Valley, and now he needed to compensate Treasure Pavilion with another one hundred and fifty trillion silver in damages.


    After paying these two sums, the Beitang Family would be almost emptied out.


    It was at this moment...


    Xiao Yi gave him a choice; as long as he could persuade the Nangong Family to sell their shops and medicinal pills to Treasure Pavilion, they would only need to return the one hundred trillion silver deposit. Moreover, from now on, Treasure Pavilion would continue to source from the Beitang Family.


    Now that the Nangong Family had fallen, Treasure Pavilion was certain to completely dominate the medicinal pill market of the Great Qian Dynasty.


    At that time, the volume of medicinal herbs consumed by Treasure Pavilion each year would be a frightening figure.


    After weighing his options, Beitang Feng could only choose to betray his allies!


    Just as Nangong Sheng had taught him, friendship was one thing, but business was business!


    A dead comrade is not a dead me!


    Watching Beitang Feng, who returned to Xiao Yi and the others, bowing and scraping and all smiles, Nangong Shengtian''s face turned ashen. Trembling, he struggled to get up and walked desolately toward the Nangong Family.


    The Nangong Family was not something he alone could decide for.


    Watching Nangong Shengtian leave, Ning Luo said in a deep voice, "Director Xiao, are you sure it''s okay to let him go like this?"


    This was a Dharma Manifestation Realm expert, after all!


    "Don''t worry, he won''t be able to escape!"


    With wise light flickering in his half-closed eyes, Xiao Yi smiled slightly and said lightly, "When the tree falls, the monkeys scatter. The Nangong Family''s tree has just fallen, and the demons and goblins have yet to make their move. Once they do, and he faces a real desperate situation, that''s when Nangong Shengtian will truly despair. That will be our chance to take over the Nangong Family!"


    Beitang Feng, standing by, secretly breathed a sigh of relief: Thank goodness my grudge with Xiao Yi wasn''t that deep, otherwise the one driven into a tight corner might have been me!


    He looked up at Xiao Yi in front of him.


    That handsome and young face, along with the achievements he had made in just three short years, Beitang Feng muttered, "Such a true dragon among men, why was he not born into my Beitang Family! But... that idiot Xiao Zhengde, to have abandoned such a heaven-sent child as if he were worthless, he is the truly pathetic one..."


    PS: The climax is not over yet, the explosion continues tomorrow!!!

 Chapter 383 - 383: When the Tree Falls, the Monkeys Scatter

    The news of the Nangong Family Pharmacy selling fake medicines swept through the entire imperial capital like a whirlwind.


    With the push from Treasure Pavilion, the news spread even further towards the countless cities of the Great Qian Dynasty.


    As the news spread...


    The Nangong Family Pharmacy saw sparse foot traffic, with hardly a single soul in sight.


    Eyes filled with despair.


    Not to mention these new medicines, even the previously hoarded high-quality pills were now unsellable.


    In just a mere two days.


    This news had permeated the entire Great Qian Dynasty, and more than thirty percent of the Nangong Family Pharmacies had been forced to close their doors. If it were just a matter of medicinal pills being unsellable, it would not have led to closure.


    What mattered more was that with the spread of this news.


    Strong figures who had bought pills from the Nangong Family Pharmacy before were knocking on the doors, requesting refunds, and even compensation.


    One or two families.


    Three or four families...


    Nearly every Nangong Family Pharmacy was faced with numerous strong figures seeking refunds and compensation.


    The Nangong Family had always been domineering, engaging in overt and covert battles, bullying many influential local forces. These locals had refrained from retaliating due to the Nangong Family''s strength, but now they had no more concerns.


    Just as Xiao Yi had said, when the wall falls, everyone pushes it, when the tree falls, the monkeys scatter.


    Seeing the colossal Nangong Family about to collapse, all kinds of evil spirits began to emerge.


    As a result.


    In just two days, thirty percent of the Nangong Family Pharmacies had chosen to shut down, and the shopkeepers in charge of these pharmacies had also fled back to the imperial capital.


    Nowadays, the Nangong Family was even busier than during the yearly family meetings.


    Only this bustle was something the Nangong Family did not wish to see!


    Within the expansive Nangong Family estate.


    Nangong Shengtian was lying on the bed with a pale face, purple lips, and hollow eyes, feeling utterly hopeless and filled with deep remorse and guilt. Beside the bed, Nangong Shengji''s face was grim, and he remained silent.


    "Patriarch, the shopkeeper from Falling Star City, Nangong Tao, has also returned and is outside asking to see you..."


    "Patriarch, the shopkeeper from Sanyang City has returned..."


    Voices called out from outside the door.


    Nangong Yi''s face also looked extremely grim, and he didn''t even dare breathe heavily as he waved his hands to dismiss the announcers at the door.


    Now every piece of news that came was like a poisoned sword of invisible killing, stabbing into Nangong Shengtian''s body.


    Spuuurt!


    Nangong Shengtian suddenly spat out a mouthful of fresh blood, his face growing even paler, and he turned his head with difficulty to look at Nangong Shengji beside him, "Family, family head, all of this is because I was careless for a moment, bringing trouble upon our family..."


    Nangong Shengji shook his head, "Don''t say that, I too bear responsibility. It''s not all on you!"


    "Cough, cough cough..."


    Nangong Shengtian was coughing violently.


    Nangong Yi quickly stepped forward, covering his mouth with a handkerchief.


    When Nangong Yi lifted the handkerchief, he found it stained with blood, his expression changed slightly as he looked towards Nangong Shengji.


    A peak Dharma Manifestation Realm expert, now bedridden with illness and even coughing up blood.


    This clearly showed how devastating the blow was to Nangong Shengtian.


    Nangong Shengji took a deep breath and said solemnly, "You need to rest well, I will handle everything within the family!"


    Nangong Shengtian shook his head, a wry smile on his face, "Family head, although Beitang Feng''s words were harsh, as he said, this is indeed the only way we can preserve the family. We..."


    "Don''t speak!"


    Nangong Shengji shook his head, his eyes a bone-chilling ice-cold, "The Nangong Family''s legacy has lasted for a thousand years, it cannot end in my hands."


    "But we..."


    Nangong Shengtian''s pale face was tinged with an unshakable sorrow.


    Nangong Shengji waved his hand, yet said nothing more. After advising them to take good care of themselves and rest well, he got up and left.


    A moment later.


    Nangong Yi also followed him out, standing behind him. He said in a deep voice, "Master..."


    Nangong Shengji narrowed his eyes, his complexion as cold as ice, and asked indifferently, "What did they say when you contacted them?"


    "Master..."


    Nangong Yi''s face showed anger as he clenched his fists and said in a deep voice, "They mean that they can help us through this difficult time and ensure the survival of the Nangong Family. However, our Nangong Family would have to become their house slaves..."


    "House slaves?"


    Nangong Shengji trembled all over.


    Boom!


    A terrifying wave of energy exploded from his body. This wave surged heavenward from his center, tearing up the grass and roots in the surrounding area and turning the large garden into a mess in an instant.


    This furious storm continued for ten breaths.


    The grass and trees that had been flung up into the sky began to fall back down.


    Whoosh!


    Nangong Shengji took a long breath and said sternly, "Go tell them I agree to their demands. However, the Nangong Family''s structure must remain unchanged, and they cannot touch any of our business enterprises!"


    "Don''t worry, Patriarch, I''ll tell them right away!" A look of terror appeared on Nangong Yi''s pale face. That terrifying ten breaths had made him feel like he was in a deathly ice cellar, where he could die at any moment.


    Right now, he was fleeing for his life, not daring to stay by Nangong Shengji''s side.


    It was only after Nangong Yi had left.


    Nangong Shengji slowly opened his eyes, a flash of cold light flickering within: "Xiao Yi, Nalan Qianqiu... all of this is thanks to you both, I will absolutely not let you go!"


    Meanwhile.


    Inside the Treasure Pavilion.


    Nalan Qianqiu was standing in front of Xiao Yi, saying in a heavy voice, "Xiao, we''ve received news that Nangong Yi has left the Nangong Family and is heading to the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy."


    "The Shanhe Martial Arts Academy? It seems they''ve really made contact with the Unparalleled Martial King..."


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes.


    Nalan Qianqiu nodded. Ever since the scandal at the Nangong Family Pharmacy was exposed, they had been monitoring the Nangong Family non-stop. If it weren''t for the presence of Nangong Shengji, a Dharma Phase Realm Peak powerhouse, they would have taken advantage of the situation and completely crushed the Nangong Family by now.


    After all. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    If driven to desperation, the rampage of a Dharma Phase Realm Peak existence.


    The reckless retaliation.


    Even the Treasure Pavilion and Xiaoshanhe Institute would suffer heavy losses.


    "If the Nangong Family truly joins forces with the Unparalleled Martial King, his power could completely help them out of this difficulty. In that case, wouldn''t all our previous plans be in vain?" Nalan Qianqiu''s face was colored with worry.


    They had paid a huge price to bring down the Nangong Family this time.


    If they couldn''t swallow the Nangong Family whole in the end, their efforts would have been for naught.


    The Unparalleled Martial King.


    This person was not just Emperor Qian''s imperial uncle but also a military powerhouse with heavy troops at his command. Moreover, he was the backing force behind Xue Yilou.


    Ning Luo and the others looked on worriedly.


    Xiao Yi''s mouth curved up slightly, revealing a fervent fighting spirit. He spoke lightly, "I have the Nangong Family in the bag... No matter the Martial King or War King, if they dare to reach out, I''ll chop off their claws as well..."

 Chapter 384 - 384: The First Task

    "Whoever dares to reach out, I''ll chop off their claws as well!"


    Xiao Yi said with a cold gaze.


    For the sake of plotting against the Nangong Family, he had spent a considerable amount of time.


    Victory seemed within reach.


    At this moment, regardless of who it was, if they dared to meddle, they were destined to end up on Xiao Yi''s blacklist.


    I don''t care if you''re some Unparalleled War King!


    I''ll lay them all flat!


    "Xiao, do you have a plan?" Nalan Qianqiu and Ning Luo exchanged glances, asking curiously.


    Even though Xiao Yi was much younger than them, after the interactions they had had over this period, they were completely convinced by Xiao Yi and looked to him for leadership.


    Xiao Yi responded indifferently, "There are still three days left until my bet with Nangong Shengtian... But, we can''t idle away these three days!"


    "Are you preparing to..."


    Nalan Qianqiu looked on with curiosity.


    He couldn''t think of any strategy that Xiao Yi might have.


    After all.


    With the push from the Treasure Pavilion, the scandal of the Nangong Family Pharmacy had spread throughout the entire Great Qian Dynasty.


    Now the Nangong Family was collapsing, and everyone was eager to push them over.


    At this time...


    Unless they went to their door, they indeed had no other strategy.


    Xiao Yi cracked a sly smile, a playful look in his eyes, "The hermit has his own clever plans!"


    Two hours later.


    Xiaoshanhe Institute, Shanhe Court.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    A dull tolling of a bell sounded, reverberating throughout Imperial Dragon Mountain, the bell''s sonorous peals thunderously loud.


    The disciples of Xiaoshanhe Institute who were practicing, along with the presiding elders, were all startled: "Is that the bell from the Shanhe Court?"


    "Could it be that a task is finally being issued?"


    "I''ve used up all my points, at last a task has come!"


    Everyone hastily headed towards the Shanhe Court.


    This was the first time a task had been issued since Xiaoshanhe Institute''s restructuring.


    Both disciples and presiding elders alike rushed towards the Shanhe Court.


    The five halls were newly built, and with the strength of the martial artists from Xiaoshanhe Institute, constructing these buildings was a matter of moments. The architecture of the five great halls was not luxurious but very grand and simple.


    The entire Shanhe Court was two stories tall.


    The first floor was for issuing and accepting tasks.


    The second floor was where, after completing tasks, disciples would submit their task completion applications. It was also where the Hall Master, the Vice Hall Masters, and those in charge of the Shanhe Court usually worked.


    Almost ten thousand people gathered in the first-floor hall of the Shanhe Court without it feeling crowded, with a ceiling height of thirteen meters. At the top, there hung an eight-sided pillar with a screen made of crystal on each side.


    These crystal screens contained an Eighth-layer Formation inscribed personally by Xiao Yi, capable of transmitting task information in real time.


    In the future, when there would be more tasks, all eight crystal screens would scroll through task information. If a task had already been completed, it would also be cleared from the screen immediately.


    Extremely convenient!


    When Xiao Yi first proposed this idea of crystal screens, it had stunned everyone for quite some time.


    It was astonishing!


    But now...


    The Shanhe Court had just opened, and the task information was sparse, just a single entry.


    Task 1: The Nangong Family Pharmacy has been selling fake medicines, seeking wealth and causing harm. Those with a conscience, join forces against it!


    Task Requirements: Ten people per team, both stewards and disciples may accept this task.


    Task Content: Each squad is responsible for one of the Nangong Family Pharmacies, helping those who have been deceived to seek justice and demand compensation!


    Task Reward: For each completed task, each member of the squad will be awarded 100 points!


    Hiss!


    Seeing the rows of bright red text, almost ten thousand people in the Shanhe Court inhaled sharply, their faces flushed with excitement, "They''re putting the Nangong Family on the road to doom!"


    "Do you even know how to speak? This is clearly about enforcing justice!"


    "Whether it''s putting oneself in danger or enforcing justice, I only know that every task completed earns you 100 points. If you complete a hundred tasks, isn''t that ten thousand points?"


    "Move, move, move..."


    "I want to receive a task!"


    One after another, strong figures stepped forward to receive their tasks.


    The method of receiving tasks was also quite peculiar; one simply needed to place their Token on the resonating Stele within the Task Hall, and options for selectable tasks would appear. By adding a chosen task, one could accept the task.


    Suddenly,


    Nearly ten thousand stewards and disciples had all received their tasks and left the Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Only a group of elders looked at each other with wry smiles on their faces. A Tao Tribulation Realm Peak martial artist from Beast Emperor City grumbled, "The head of the institute is really stingy, only allowing stewards and disciples to take on tasks. This is like free points falling from the sky, and yet we aren''t allowed to participate?"


    Yu Huaxian gave him a glance.


    The strong figure trembled and said with a forced smile, "Vice Hall Master Yu, I was just... just making a casual complaint!"


    With the help provided by the special Jade Fetal Elixir given by Xiao Yi, Yu Huaxian had rejuvenated his vigor. Even the beard he had purposefully grown gave him an air of additional dignity. Combined with his status as a Vice Hall Master of the Punishment Hall, even the various elders and stewards held him in high regard.


    Yu Huaxian said indifferently, "Don''t worry, the head of the institute hasn''t planned for you all to be idle."


    Swish!


    A new task appeared on a crystal screen, a task that only elders could accept¡ªto secretly protect the disciples of the Xiaoshanhe Institute who had gone out.


    Each elder could receive a reward of ten thousand points.


    This was equivalent to resources worth a hundred million Silver!


    Moreover...


    The treasures, cultivation techniques, secret manuals, weapons, and even elixirs that could be exchanged for points were all much cheaper than those sold outside. If these ten thousand points were to be sold, they could fetch at least one hundred and fifty million Silver.


    Of course.


    The points of the Xiaoshanhe Institute were incredibly valuable, and not many were willing to part with them.


    The elders accepted the tasks one by one and left the Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Half a day later.


    In the capital and its surrounding cities, disciples from the Xiaoshanhe Institute appeared. They either worked alone or in groups to assist the public in returning elixirs to the Nangong Family Pharmacy or demanding compensation.


    These disciples were determined to receive their compensation and resorted to all sorts of tactics.


    Some spent money to gather crowds, blocking the pharmacy until it was packed. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Others simply began cultivating inside the pharmacy or even sparring for demonstration.


    This caused the Nangong Family''s pharmacy to be utterly helpless.


    Some shopkeepers, unable to bear the pressure, chose to return the elixirs or accept compensation.


    Suddenly,


    The news of the Nangong Family Pharmacy accepting returns and compensations for their elixirs spread like wildfire, and more and more people chose to return their elixirs and claim compensation, even those who did not suffer any adverse reactions from using the elixirs started returning them.


    After all...


    Although the prices of elixirs at the Treasure Pavilion had risen, they were still being sold at half price.


    There were even some thugs who deliberately consumed poison, claiming to have been poisoned by the Nangong Family''s elixirs, and sought compensation.


    By now, the Nangong Family was already in a predicament as they were caught with their pants down, unable to clear their name, and no one willing to believe their explanations.


    They had no choice but to compensate while gritting their teeth!


    This only added to the Nangong Family''s snowballing woes!


    One by one, the Nangong Family''s pharmacies had no alternative but to close down and dodge debts.


    One day.


    Two days.


    Three days...


    Within just three days, all of the pharmacies under the Nangong Family''s banner had shut their doors.


    Under normal circumstances, even if there was no business, it would be impossible for all of the Nangong Family''s pharmacies to close down. However, under the impetus of a single task from Xiao Yi, it became the last straw that broke the Nangong Family''s back.


    "Xiao, all the pharmacies of the Nangong Family within the Great Qian Dynasty have closed down!" Nalan Qianqiu exclaimed excitedly upon finding Xiao Yi.


    Gazing at Xiao Yi, his eyes were filled with awe.


    It was this young man who, almost single-handedly, had brought down one of the Great Qian Dynasty''s four major families in just one month''s time!


    "They''ve all closed down?"


    Xiao Yi opened his eyes, grinned, his eyes sparkling with a sharp light, "It''s finally my turn to take action!"

 Chapter 385 - 385: Who Do You Think You Are?

    The Nangong Family.


    A gloom filled the air.


    In just three short days, the amount of silver taels they had spent to recover medicines and to cover compensation had exceeded 1.3 trillion silver taels.


    This had nearly drained all the funds reserved by the various medicinal shops of the Nangong Family.


    Now, with all the medicinal shops closed, they could stem the loss of several hundred billion silver taels each day.


    This was an act of last resort!


    Nangong Shengtian had regained some vitality and, with the support of Nangong Yi, made his way into the main hall; today marked the deadline of the gambling bet with Xiao Yi. As the initiator of the wager, Nangong Shengtian naturally had to be present.


    "Ancestor!"


    "How did you become like this in just half a month..."


    Nangong Xiao and the others couldn''t help but exclaim upon seeing Nangong Shengtian, his hair white and his complexion pale and bloodless.


    Half a month ago.


    The Treasure Pavilion had just reduced its prices, and they had made a trip to the Nangong Family.


    How full of vigor and spirit had Nangong Shengtian been at that time?


    Now, he looked like an ordinary old man close to death.


    It was hard to imagine...


    What kind of power could have made such a being in the Dharma Phase Realm look this way.


    Nangong Shengji frowned and said, "Why did you come out?"


    Nangong Shengtian cracked a weak smile, "Since this situation arose because of me, even if I have to die today to atone for my sins, I cannot burden the family."


    ...


    Nangong Shengji fell silent.


    If it were indeed possible to exchange Nangong Shengtian''s life for the security of the Nangong Family,


    He would be the first to raise both hands in agreement.


    Only...


    Being the head of the Nangong Family, he could not voice this himself.


    Seeing Nangong Shengji''s silence, the various high-ranking members of the Nangong Family also lowered their heads.


    With Nangong Shengtian now in such a weakened state and given that this whole situation had started because of him, if not for his bet with Xiao Yi, Xiao Yi would have never targeted the Nangong Family like this.


    The once unassailable and powerful Nangong Family would not have fallen into such a dire state.


    Seeing that none of his usually respectful family members spoke out after hearing his willingness to trade his life for the safety of the family, Nangong Shengtian felt a desolate sadness.


    At this moment...


    Nangong Shengji''s expression changed slightly as he looked towards the entrance, "They''re here!"


    Swish!


    All eyes turned toward the direction of the main gate.


    ...


    Outside the great gates of the Nangong Family''s estate.


    Xiao Yi stood with his hands behind his back, with Nalan Qianqiu and Fu Yuan flanking his left and right.


    The Shadow Demon and others had not yet revealed themselves.


    However, just the three of them were already shockingly impressive.


    Three great Dharma Phase Realm figures!


    One was the head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, and another was the Pavilion Master of the Great Qian Dynasty''s Treasure Pavilion, a lineup that ordinary forces wouldn''t dare provoke.


    "Nangong Shengtian, Xiao Yi has arrived!" Xiao Yi''s voice echoed through the sky, billowing and booming with resonance.


    Clang!


    The heavy gates of the Nangong Family estate slowly opened.


    Nangong Shengji took the lead, followed closely by Nangong Yi, who aided Nangong Shengtian.


    A group of the Nangong Family''s strong figures also emerged from the residence, with more than fifty in the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    The strength of the Nangong Family''s foundation was undeniable!


    Nangong Shengji narrowed his eyes, inspecting Xiao Yi and those like Nalan Qianqiu next to him, and snorted coldly, speaking indifferently, "I am not sure why Master Xiao has come here. What is your purpose?"


    Xiao Yi glanced at Nangong Shengji.


    This man was none other than the patriarch of the Nangong Family, a towering figure at the peak of the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    A supreme being at the peak of the Dharma Manifestation Realm could stabilize a clan''s fortune for a thousand years without decline. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He was an undisputed giant among men.


    Xiao Yi spoke calmly, "The deadline of our one-month agreement has arrived, I''m here today for the gambling agreement between me and Nangong Shengtian!"


    All eyes swiftly turned to Nangong Shengtian.


    The gambling agreement was witnessed by many back then, and if Nangong Shengtian dared to go back on his word, it would mean throwing away the face of the entire Nangong Family.


    Nangong Shengji took a deep breath and said gravely, "So it''s about the gambling agreement!"


    With that said.


    Nangong Shengji fell silent.


    Nangong Shengtian sighed lightly, trembling as he stepped forward, "Director Xiao, this gambling matter is a personal grievance between you and me, and has nothing to do with the Nangong Family!"


    "Oh?"


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow, his expression playful, "Is Ancestor Nangong preparing to default on the agreement?"


    Nangong Shengtian said in a deep voice, "Whether I default on the agreement or fulfill it, it has nothing to do with the Nangong Family. It is all my personal doing."


    What he wanted now was to extricate the Nangong Family from the situation.


    Otherwise.


    Just by fulfilling the agreement, providing the necessary elixirs to the Xiaoshanhe Institute at no cost, could plunge the Nangong Family deep into a quagmire from which they could not extricate themselves.


    You should know...


    The Xiaoshanhe Institute now has nearly ten-thousand disciples, hundreds of Tao Tribulation Realm stewards, and close to ten Dharma Manifestation Realm elders.


    The amount of elixirs they require daily is an astonishing number.


    It''s something the Nangong Family simply cannot afford at this time.


    The only way for the Nangong Family to get out of this situation was for Nangong Shengtian to personally bear the responsibility of the gambling agreement.


    Xiao Yi''s eyes shifted ever so slightly; he had already discerned Nangong Shengtian''s intentions.


    This was the strategy of sacrificing a piece to save the game!


    But...


    The Nangong Family was truly ruthless enough to abandon a top figure of the Dharma Manifestation Realm, just like that!


    The corners of Xiao Yi''s mouth lifted slightly, he was about to speak but then he heard a cold voice coming from the crowd, "Director Xiao, with daylight above us, you''ve brought such a large group to our doorstep, pressuring Ancestor Nangong like this, isn''t that a bit inappropriate?"


    Everyone was startled.


    They looked in the direction of the voice.


    They saw Sun Yao riding a tall horse, with Qin Li, whose legs had been broken, sitting in a carriage behind him.


    Qin Li''s eyes were filled with venomous hatred as he stared unblinkingly at Xiao Yi, his gaze brimming with loathing.


    Xiao Yi''s eyebrows knit slightly, as he hadn''t expected Sun Yao to appear here, and said indifferently, "If it isn''t Director Sun, I heard your Shanhe Martial Arts Academy is recruiting talents. As its director, how do you have time to wander around?"


    Ever since the grand opening of the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy had been disrupted by Xiao Yi.


    And after the rise of the Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Almost no one was willing to go to the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy, to say it was deserted would be an understatement.


    Sun Yao''s expression darkened, as he was someone with a strong desire to win.


    This was the case in the army.


    And it was even more so now that he was in control of the Shanhe Martial Arts Academy!


    Sun Yao snorted coldly and said indifferently, "I originally wanted to go to the Xiaoshanhe Institute to seek justice from Director Xiao, but when I heard you were at the Nangong Family residence, I hurried over. I wanted to ask Director Xiao how you plan to settle the matter of crippling the legs of my top general."


    "And how do you wish to settle it?" Xiao Yi looked at Sun Yao with amusement.


    Sun Yao''s gaze was icy, and he enunciated each word, "Whoever broke his legs should stand forward, kneel down before him, and apologize."


    Qin Li sat atop the carriage.


    His features twisted with callousness, he sneered viciously, "General Sun, it was Xiao Yi who broke my legs!"


    Sun Yao raised his eyebrows and stared coldly at Xiao Yi, "Kneel down and apologize!"


    "You''re asking me to kneel?"


    Xiao Yi''s mouth curled up slightly, his form leaning forward as he closed the distance between him and Sun Yao, and said deliberately, "You want me to kneel just like that... who the hell do you think you are?"

 Chapter 386 - 386: Kill with One Palm

    Xiao Yi looked at Sun Yao with an expressionless face.


    A chilling aura emanated from him, so intense that it was like a bone-piercing cold wind that instantly covered the entrance of the Nangong Family estate.


    All the strong ones standing close to Xiao Yi on the street shuddered uncontrollably under the assault of this cold wind, their faces turning pale.


    Especially Qin Li on top of the horse-drawn carriage, already badly wounded, he spat out a mouthful of fresh blood when faced with the cold momentum from Xiao Yi.


    He tumbled and scrambled down from the carriage.


    Supporting himself on his hands, he crawled desperately towards the distance.


    "General Qin..."


    "General Qin, please stop..."


    The several soldiers responsible for escorting Qin Li changed their expressions and quickly chased after him.


    But Qin Li was roaring in terror, "Don''t come near, Xiao Yi, don''t you come any closer..."


    His terrified posture was as if he had encountered a demon lord.


    A dark yellow liquid continuously flowed between his legs.


    As he kept crawling forward, a yellow stain dozens of meters long was dragged out on the ground, the foul smell of urine diffusing all around, making people frown.


    Sun Yao''s face was extremely unsightly.


    Qin Li was one of the four main lieutenants under his command, practically his right-hand man.


    But now...


    Qin Li had been scared into a frantic escape by Xiao Yi''s mere presence, like a dog that had lost its home.


    Many of the strong ones gathered around had already recognized Qin Li''s identity, looking at the disheveled figure and commenting, "Isn''t that Qin Li, one of the four great Vajra Subdues Demons under General Sun? What happened to him?"


    "To think he was called one of the four Vajra Subdues Demons with this behavior?"


    "If he can be one of the Vajra Subdues Demons like this, what kind of useless lot are the others around Sun Yao?"


    The whispers of the crowd were piercing to Sun Yao''s ears, like venomous steel needles stabbing into him!


    The four Vajra Subdues Demons.


    Each one had been carefully cultivated by him as his trusted aides.


    Over the years, Sun Yao had achieved great military feats with the four Vajra Subdues Demons, but now, Qin Li had turned all his years of hard work into nothing.


    "Disgraceful trash..." a hint of coldness flashed in Sun Yao''s eyes.


    A young man with a black whip at his waist and a black mask covering half of his face stepped forward and stood beside Sun Yao.


    Sun Yao said coldly, "Tie up this disgraceful trash!"


    "Yes!"


    This young man was Ghost God Whip Lin Xiao, a renowned expert comparable to Qin Li, one of the four Vajra Subdues Demons.


    Lin Xiao walked towards Qin Li.


    Whoosh!


    With a flick of the black whip, it coiled around Qin Li''s body, and with a vigorous tug, amid a whooshing sound of tearing the air, Qin Li was yanked back onto the carriage.


    With a light tap on Qin Li''s head, he fell unconscious.


    Having dealt with Qin Li,


    Lin Xiao then returned to stand silently beside Sun Yao, like a statue.


    Sun Yao looked at Xiao Yi expressionlessly; their previous two confrontations had ended in his defeat, and he had lost both Jiang Feng and Qin Li, his capable henchmen. However, his true motive for coming today was not to seek justice for Qin Li.


    With this thought,


    Sun Yao took a deep breath and said in a deep voice, "Xiao Yi, people are watching. I want to see just how long you can continue to be arrogant."


    "I''m afraid you won''t see me acting low-key in your lifetime!"


    Xiao Yi, impatient, waved his hand dismissively, "If you want revenge for Qin Li, bring it on. If not, then step aside; I didn''t come here for you today!"


    "Hmph!"


    Sun Yao''s face darkened, but he also knew he couldn''t prevail in a war of words and coldly said, "As for Qin Li, it was his bet with you beforehand, I can overlook that. However, the Nangong Family has already pledged allegiance to my Unparalleled War King''s Mansion; you cannot touch them!"


    This was Sun Yao''s purpose for coming.


    To prevent Xiao Yi from acting against the Nangong Family.


    To know...


    The four great noble families had always maintained neutrality between the royal family and the Unparalleled War King.


    Both the royal family and the Unparalleled War King were desperate to fully control the four families, a breakthrough had yet to be found. Now, the Nangong Family''s pill shop had closed down, and this fake medicine incident caused them heavy losses.


    They were truly desperate.


    Under normal circumstances...


    The Nangong Family''s first choice would undoubtedly have been Emperor Qian, but the relationship between Emperor Qian and Xiao Yi had led them to seek out the Unparalleled War King.


    For the Unparalleled War King, the Nangong Family was of great importance.


    As long as they held the Nangong Family firmly in their grip, they could then use them to infiltrate the Beitang Family.


    And thus, gained control over two of the four great families.


    That is precisely why...


    Sun Yao had appeared here.


    To prevent Xiao Yi from forcing the Nangong Family to honor their bet.


    Xiao Yi looked at Sun Yao with an indifferent gaze, the corners of his mouth lifted slightly, revealing a chilling, cold smile, "There''s a wager between Nangong Shengtian and me, on what basis do you say I can''t act, and I should heed your words?"


    Sun Yao, standing squarely in front of Xiao Yi, threatened with a chilly tone, "Xiao Yi, I advise you to think carefully before you speak. I''m here on behalf of the Unparalleled War King today."


    "The Unparalleled War King?"


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow.


    "Indeed!"


    Sun Yao folded his arms across his chest, his face displaying conceited pride.


    Within the Great Qian Dynasty, he was one of the two men with the greatest authority.


    A presence second only to the Emperor Qian!


    Who would dare not give him face?


    Sun Yao didn''t believe that Xiao Yi would dare to defy the Unparalleled War King.


    The multitude of powerful individuals from the Nangong Family behind Sun Yao all breathed sighs of relief, their looks towards Xiao Yi filled with mockery and scorn. Nangong Shengtian laughed heartily, feeling fortunate as if he had survived a great disaster, "Xiao Yi, weren''t you so arrogant? Dare you disobey the orders of the Unparalleled War King?"


    Sun Yao stood there complacent, fearless because of his backing.


    However...


    As they basked in their self-satisfaction, Xiao Yi let out a breath and responded indifferently, "I hadn''t expected the Nangong Family to already be under the command of the Unparalleled War King."


    "A fine bird chooses a tree to nest in, what''s wrong with that?"


    "With the support of the Unparalleled War King, even if those medicine shops don''t do business, we can still supply elixirs to the army under the Prince''s command. The Nangong Family will still stand tall!"


    "Xiao Yi, I''m afraid your plans will fall through!"


    The people of the Nangong Family spoke one after another, their words infused with triumph and provocation.


    Sun Yao slightly tilted his head, speaking indifferently, "By the Prince''s verbal decree, the bet between Xiao Yi and Nangong Shengtian is hereby nullified! Xiao Yi, you may leave now!"


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi let out a long sigh, shaking his head lightly, "Nangong Shengtian, since you insist on being dishonest and refuse to honor the bet, I guess I''ll have to settle this my own way!"


    "Hmm?"


    Nangong Shengtian startled.


    Sun Yao frowned, "Xiao Yi, did you not hear what I said? The Prince has ordered the cancellation of your bet with Nangong Shengtian, and you still refuse to see reason? Are you going to openly oppose the Prince?"


    "Heh, since the Unparalleled War King has given an order, naturally I''ll comply. The bet is cancelled indeed. However..."


    Xiao Yi''s mouth curved slightly upwards, looking at Sun Yao''s face with that smug and confident expression, he laughed coldly, "The Prince didn''t say I couldn''t seek revenge on Nangong Shengtian!"


    "Revenge?"


    Everyone was taken aback.


    Xiao Yi nodded and said, "On the day of my tribulation, Nangong Shengtian attempted to interfere with the Heavenly Tribulation, nearly causing my death beneath the tribulation lightning. This is a personal grudge, and even the Unparalleled War King has no right to intervene!"


    "Wait a minute..."


    Sun Yao suddenly spoke up, intent on intervening.


    But Xiao Yi''s figure had already disappeared in front of him like a phantom.


    Swish!


    "Be careful..."


    Sun Yao spun around sharply, looking towards Nangong Shengtian.


    At that moment, Nangong Shengtian, already incredibly weak, only realized what was happening when it was too late. He saw Xiao Yi appearing in front of him. As the hand descended from the air, Nangong Shengtian subconsciously brought his hands above his head to block.


    Bang!


    In a burst of cracking sounds,


    Nangong Shengtian''s arms shattered completely, a scream of agony escaping his lips.


    But that scream also abruptly ceased.


    There was only the humming sound of a dull thump.


    "Vajra Subdues Demons!" S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi''s palm fell like a small mountain, thundering down. Behind him, a surge of golden light spread out as if he were a Wrathful Vajra, his huge surge of qi manifested in his palm, which slammed down onto Nangong Shengtian with a thud, covering him completely.


    Hiss!


    All was silent between heaven and earth.


    When the dust settled, Xiao Yi landed back in front of Sun Yao.


    In the very spot where the palm had struck, a massive palm imprint lay on the ground.


    At the center of the palm imprint,


    A mass of pulped flesh was intermixed with blood, a ghastly sight...

 Chapter 387 - 387: The Most Shameless

    Quiet.


    Deathly quiet!


    In front of the vast estate of the Nangong Family, silence reigned; not a sound could be heard. Everyone watched agape as Nangong Shengtian lay on the ground, reduced to a pile of mangled flesh.


    This was the revered elder of the Nangong Family, and even more so, a powerful entity of the sixth level of the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    Even though he was extremely weak at the moment.


    But not even an entity of the Dharma Manifestation Realm could have so easily taken his life like this!


    "You, you..."


    Sun Yao looked at Xiao Yi, disbelief written all over his face, his eyes flickering with astonishment, truly unable to believe that this scene before him was real.


    Nangong Shengji was also dumbstruck.


    Xiao Yi had acted too quickly.


    So quickly that even he, a being at the Dharma Phase Realm Peak, had not had time to react, watching as Nangong Shengtian died right before his eyes. Even though he had resolved earlier that he could sacrifice Nangong Shengtian to preserve the Nangong Family,


    after Sun Yao appeared and revealed that the Nangong Family had already submitted to the Unparalleled War King''s Mansion.


    Nangong Shengji felt that Nangong Shengtian''s life was saved.


    Even if this meant they would stand in opposition to the royal family, with the might of the Unparalleled War King, they could well protect the Nangong Family without worry. After all, that was an existence second only to Emperor Qian in the entire Great Qian Dynasty.


    Holding sway over millions of elite troops.


    Among the ten chief commanders in the army, six were his direct disciples.


    Not to mention Xiao Yi, even Emperor Qian would find it difficult to move against the Nangong Family at this time.


    It was because of this...


    Nangong Shengji had never guarded against Xiao Yi.


    "Xiao Yi, you''re courting death!" Nangong Shengji''s eyes turned blood-red, the crimson pupils swallowing a savage cold light that threatened to devour its prey.


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow, looking disdainfully at Nangong Shengji, "Paying debts is a matter of principle. Since Nangong Shengtian refused to honor the bet, taking his life to settle the debt is only right, isn''t it?"


    "Ridiculous justification!"


    Nangong Shengji snorted coldly, his aura surging violently. "Even if Emperor Qian himself comes today, he won''t be able to save you!"


    "Hmph!"


    Nalan Qianqiu, standing beside Xiao Yi, suddenly let out a cold snort, her aura bursting forth unrestrained, as her icy gaze locked onto Nangong Shengji, "With Master this Pavilion Master here, you''ll never touch a hair on Xiao''s head!"


    "You..."


    Nangong Shengji''s complexion shifted slightly.


    Nalan Qianqiu was also a being at the Dharma Phase Realm Peak, and furthermore, Qianqiu possessed a Fire Spirit Physique, which, while not as immaculate as a Sacred Body, was still immensely powerful.


    She could even summon earth''s fire to transform into a flaming giant.


    Her combat power was incomparably fierce.


    Even with equal Cultivation Realm, Nangong Shengji was not sure he could defeat Nalan Qianqiu.


    For a time.


    Nangong Shengji''s expressions changed unpredictably, but he also held off on making a move for the moment.


    Sun Yao, however, had no such reservations. He let out a cold huff, his figure suddenly tensed, and he charged toward Xiao Yi. In an instant, Sun Yao had reached Xiao Yi, his hand outstretched in the air, sending a chill piercing through space.


    Sun Yao''s cultivation was also strong, having reached the Dharma Manifestation Realm fifth-level peak.


    Moreover, he had long been positioned in command of the military.


    Hardened in countless battles.


    He had cultivated a formidable combat strength, capable of battling even a seventh-level Dharma Manifestation Realm opponent.


    Confident in his mighty combat ability.


    Even after witnessing Xiao Yi kill Nangong Shengtian, Sun Yao did not take him seriously: "Destroying Army Finger!"


    Hum!


    Cold light condensed on his right forefinger, bursting forth like a pillar.


    Green auras coiled around the cold light, like a massive green serpent entwining itself around the column. Spinning like a top, it generated a howling gale, whistling sharply as it lunged forward.


    The piercing chill approached, and the sweeping cold wind felt as sharp as knives on the skin, causing stinging pain.


    "Be careful!"


    Nalan Qianqiu''s expression abruptly changed.


    Nangong Shengji sneered and waved, creating a blue aura barrier in front of Qianqiu, blocking her path and laughing coldly, "Master Nalan, don''t forget I''m also here!"


    "You..."


    Nalan Qianqiu''s pupils suddenly constricted, a trace of annoyance flashing across his face.


    Nangong Shengji, brimming with pride, said, "With me here, don''t even think about lifting a finger to help him."


    At the same time...


    The mightily impressive finger, seemingly about to land on Xiao Yi, condensed horrifying destructive power. If it were to strike, even a seventh-layer master of the Dharma Manifestation Realm might face the danger of falling.


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes into a slit, a flash of silver light streaking across his dark and profound pupils.


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi''s right hand traced an arc of light out of thin air.


    Vital energy gathered into a silver ring, positioned in front of him. With a hissing sound, it encircled that sharp finger. Then Xiao Yi clenched his hand and shouted, "Vajra Vanquishing Demons!"


    Hum!


    The silver ring, like a Subduing Demons Ring, suddenly tightened, firmly trapping the sharp finger light.


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi slammed his palm towards the ground with force. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Bang!


    The finger light suddenly struck the ground, and a thunderous boom followed, as the ground cracked open. As Xiao Yi retracted his hand, capturing the Subduing Demon Ring and stepping back, it was as if a dragon raced below the surface of the earth.


    Boom, boom, boom!


    Wherever it passed, the ground rose up, and a series of stones and sand flew about.


    After a good fifteen meters...


    Xiao Yi stepped back. With a humming sound, a column of earth burst forth from the ground, the violent energy finally dissipating. Xiao Yi''s mouth curved up in a smirk, standing atop the earthen pillar, looking down at Sun Yao: "Great General of the frontier army, is that all you''ve got?"


    "Damn it!"


    Sun Yao bellowed with rage.


    Before his words were finished...


    He was already in front of Xiao Yi, grasping at the air with one hand, and with a crisp buzzing sound.


    A streak of cold light burst forth from the storage ring on his finger.


    It was a silver long spear.


    With the long spear in hand, the cold air was biting.


    The silver long spear, reflecting blinding silver light, vibrated, emitting a humming sound. Holding the spear with one hand and standing on air, Sun Yao looked like an unrivaled War God.


    Sun Yao, with his bright eyes, fixed his gaze firmly on Xiao Yi, towering with war intent: "Xiao Yi, if you kneel and beg for mercy now, I can spare your life. Otherwise, don''t blame me if the weapons are ruthless and I can''t guarantee your safety!"


    "Kneel to you..."


    Xiao Yi suddenly caught a glimpse of Sun Yao''s lips, the almost imperceptible smirk and the sneer of conspiracy.


    His heart skipped a beat.


    Subconsciously, he looked behind him.


    Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a black flash coming at great speed¡ªit was a black arrow. Exquisitely forged, so silent when cutting through the air that not a sound could be heard.


    Ding!


    With a sharp sound...


    The black arrow struck Xiao Yi, who staggered and fell from the sky, crashing to the ground with a thud.


    "What?"


    "That, that''s the Silent Arrow, commonly used by assassins in the army?"


    Everyone was flabbergasted.


    Following the trajectory of the Silent Arrow, they saw Lin Xiao, his face expressionless, slowly retracting a crossbow. The arrow that struck was his doing.


    Nalan Qianqiu''s eyes were bloodshot as he roared, "Sun Yao, how dare you use a sneak attack?"


    "A sneak attack? This is called military strategy. When I gallop across the battlefield, I don''t rely solely on brute force, but more on this..."


    Sun Yao pointed to his head, saying disdainfully, "Why wade through a life and death struggle when you can conquer without fighting? Look, without mobilizing a single soldier, I''ve taken care of Xiao Yi!"


    Seeing the complacency and confidence on his face, there was not even a hint of shame for using a hidden weapon.


    This made Nalan Qianqiu''s eyes burn with fury as he kept shouting, "Shameless, outrageously shameless..."


    "Shameless? Hmph, as long as victory is achieved in the end, what does it matter the means used? Don''t forget, history is written by the victor..."


    Sun Yao sneered, unmoved by Nalan Qianqiu''s accusations, instead he turned to Lin Xiao not far off, "Lin Xiao, aren''t you going to check on our dear Director Xiao? Let''s not let him die too easily!"


    "Yes!"


    Lin Xiao put away the crossbow, holding a long knife, and walked towards Xiao Yi...

 Chapter 388 - 388 Who Won?

    Lin Xiao''s face was icy cold, like a callous killing machine.


    He walked straight up to Xiao Yi.


    The longsword in his hand gleamed with a chilling, icy light. With a deadpan expression, he looked at Xiao Yi like he was merely an ant, "My Silent Arrow is coated with a deadly poison that seals the throat upon contact with blood. Even masters of the Dharma Manifestation Realm will meet their death if they''re hit, you..."


    Before he could finish,


    Lin Xiao felt a blur before his eyes.


    Xiao Yi, who had been lying motionless on the ground, suddenly disappeared from sight.


    "Not good!"


    Lin Xiao''s face instantly changed.


    Having always followed at Sun Yao''s side and having experienced many battles, he had a strong instinctual sense of danger.


    Almost at the same time,


    Lin Xiao dodged to one side.


    But Xiao Yi''s cold sneer reached his ears, "It''s already too late!"


    Buzz!


    Xiao Yi''s palm suddenly loomed large in his pupils, grabbing Lin Xiao''s face and with a fierce surge of strength, he slammed Lin Xiao''s entire body toward the ground.


    Boom!


    Lin Xiao let out a muffled groan as his head struck the ground.


    With one hand pressing on Lin Xiao''s face, Xiao Yi charged forward, dragging Lin Xiao''s head across the ground like a shovel tearing up the earth.


    Dust flew up, and rocks scattered in all directions.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    A vicious trail was left dozens of meters behind Xiao Yi.


    A silvery light flowed within the palm of his hand, as surging Qi converged there, transforming into a silver ball of energy. With a dull buzzing sound, the ball expanded and finally exploded with a loud boom.


    The energy ball completely enveloped Lin Xiao''s body.


    Boom!


    The terrible energy surrounded Lin Xiao, as if countless palms were ripping apart his body from every direction, tearing it to shreds.


    His body disintegrated into a shower of blood and flesh.


    A prominent general at the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm was utterly erased from this world!


    All this happened in the blink of an eye.


    Even Sun Yao could not react in time.


    By the time he came to his senses,


    Lin Xiao was already dead at Xiao Yi''s hands. Sun Yao''s pupils shrank in disbelief as he looked at Xiao Yi, "This is impossible... Weren''t you hit by the Silent Arrow? Lin Xiao''s Silent Arrow has never missed its target, you..."


    Xiao Yi slowly came to his senses.


    He cracked a smile.


    Between his teeth was a black arrow.


    In that critical moment...


    Xiao Yi caught the Silent Arrow, capable of assassinating Dharma Manifestation Realm masters, with his teeth.


    Hiss!


    Sun Yao drew in a sharp breath.


    The Silent Arrow was their military''s secret weapon, fatal upon drawing blood, never known to fail.


    Against all odds, without any defense, Xiao Yi managed to catch the arrow with his teeth, something utterly inconceivable.


    Phew!


    Xiao Yi spat out the Silent Arrow with a flick of his mouth, and with a swoosh, it struck Sun Yao''s mount, a Fifth Layer Advanced Magical Beast Flying Dragon Colt. With a pitiful neigh, the colt collapsed to the side.


    The deadly poison on the Silent Arrow sealed the throat upon contact with blood.


    Even the Flying Dragon Colt, comparable to the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm, succumbed to the poison and died instantly.


    Hiss!


    Everyone watched in horror at the scene.


    When Sun Yao used the Silent Arrow to launch a sneak attack earlier, people felt he was despicable, and when faced with Nalan Qianqiu''s questioning, Sun Yao justified it saying that in war, deceit is not uncommon, making everyone think of him as shameless.


    But now...


    People''s impression of Sun Yao had turned exceedingly vile.


    How could mere despicable and shameless describe him?


    He was a ruthless, treacherous villain!


    "Who would have thought Sun Yao was such a person?"


    "He is still the head of Shanhe Martial Arts Academy. What future can the academy have under the leadership of such a person?"


    "I heard that the Unparalleled War King''s Mansion is the backer of Xue Yilou, which is full of assassins who lurk in the shadows, assassinating with treacherous means. It''s no surprise Sun Yao would employ such methods!"


    Listening to the discussions of the people, Sun Yao''s face turned shades of green and white.


    If his sneak attack had killed Xiao Yi,


    it would have been a case of the victor being the king and the defeated the bandit.


    No one would have dared to blame him one bit.


    But now...


    His sneak attack had not been successful. Instead, his favorite underling had been killed by Xiao Yi, the poisoning on the Silent Arrow had been exposed, and it was a failed surprise attack from the shadows.


    In such a situation,


    the image of Sun Yao in the eyes of the public had become synonymous with a sly and shameless villain.


    Whoosh!


    With a gloomy gaze, Sun Yao looked at Xiao Yi and said ominously, "Xiao Yi, knowing full well that the Nangong Family has submitted to my Unparalleled War King''s Mansion, you still dared to publicly kill Nangong Shengtian. Now, you''ve even killed my beloved subordinate. This is nothing short of contempt and provocation towards my War King''s Mansion. Today, even if I kill you in the street, no one can say a bad word against me!"


    "Kill me? That will depend on whether you have the ability!" Xiao Yi said with a cold laugh.


    Back in the imperial garden,


    Sun Yao had provoked him time and time again.


    Today,


    he even wanted to put him to death.


    How could Xiao Yi tolerate this?


    "Seeking death!"


    Sun Yao leaped into the air, rising instantly into the sky.


    The black aura around him rose and sank, and in his hands, a silver longspear stood across the sky, its icy edge flickering at the tip like a cold venomous snake, baring its sharp fangs.


    Hiss!


    The longspear suddenly swept up, turning into a silver gleam that shot forth.


    In the blink of an eye, it was in front of Xiao Yi.


    The silver spear light obscured the surroundings, casting layers upon layers of silver light and shadow, surging unceasingly and turning into a massive silver wave. The wave, dozens of feet high, rushed towards him with overwhelming momentum, making the numerous buildings below tremble violently,


    as if they could be shattered at any moment.


    Xiao Yi stood proudly on the ground.


    He looked up slightly,


    watching the overwhelming spear shadows approaching, with a slight upward curve of his lips, he extended his right hand towards the void and beckoned, "Sword come!"


    Swish!


    Countless auras condensed into his palm.


    The wind roared, and lightning flashed with thunderous might.


    A longsword, formed from the cyan wind and purple-gold thunder, landed in his hand. This longsword was conjured by Xiao Yi using the force of heaven and earth along with his aura.


    Holding the longsword in one hand, he slashed forward, "Parting the White Egret Islets with Indifferent Waters!"


    Hum!


    Multiple sword shadows flew out from the longsword.


    As the endless sword shadows overlapped and merged with each other, they formed a tremendous sword shadow dozens of feet in length.


    Boom!


    Wind and thunder enveloped the sword shadow.


    The howling wind and shaking thunder cracked the sky.


    With one stroke of the sword,


    the sky full of spear shadows was cleaved in half, the terrible noise deafening, roaring continuously. A dazzling white light forced the crowd of onlookers to instinctively close their eyes.


    "It''s so blinding... can someone tell me what just happened?"


    "Who won? Who''s the victor?"


    In a chorus of astonished cries,


    one could only hear a thunderous noise from the heavens, followed by the pervasive blinding light disappearing in an instant. Amongst the whistling sound of something slicing through the air, a figure was flung backward out of the vast whiteness.


    As they regained their sight, everyone hurriedly looked towards the shadow...


    "Who won?"


    Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 389 - 389: The War Kings Command

    ```


    "Who won?"


    The crowd looked towards the figure that was sent flying.


    This figure had flown out for a few hundred meters before it managed to stop midair with difficulty, holding a silver spear, as fresh red blood flowed down the shaft of the spear.


    Like a ferocious blood-red little snake, it coiled around the spear.


    Drip drop, drip drop!


    The blood fell, crystal clear, like rubies, emanating a powerful and pure energy.


    Practitioners at the Dharma Manifestation Realm had already harnessed a force of heaven and earth, using the Dharma Manifestation as the core to turn their bodies into a mini-universe of sorts with the element of Qi circulating on its own.


    At every moment, they were transforming their flesh and bodies.


    Allowing their bodies to continuously evolve.


    Becoming increasingly powerful.


    Their every drop of blood was a panacea, which, if consumed by mortals, could prolong life.


    And this figure...


    Was none other than the illustrious General Sun Yao.


    Sun Yao gasped for breath, and from the corner of his eyes caught a glimpse of a hideous sword wound on his shoulder - it was particularly glaring. Under the overwhelming barrage of spear shadows, Xiao Yi had sliced with a single sword stroke, and the dreadful Sword Qi even cut open his arm.


    It should be known...


    The distance between the two was over a hundred meters.


    Xiao Yi''s Sword Qi could still wound him from across that distance. Had they fought in close quarters, Sun Yao could hardly imagine what state he would be in now. His look towards Xiao Yi grew more solemn, "How can he be so strong? A mere Eighth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm, and he managed to wound me? Even Tianjiaao, when he was at the Tao Tribulation Realm, wasn''t this strong, right?"


    Xiao Tianjiao.


    He was universally recognized as the top talent of the Great Qian Dynasty.


    Sun Yao had practiced in the same sect as Xiao Tianjiao and was also a loyal follower of Xiao Tianjiao, fully aware of how terrifying he was.


    But even as powerful as Xiao Tianjiao was in the Tao Tribulation Realm, his combat prowess was definitely not as fearsome as Xiao Yi''s!


    "Daring to lose focus during our fight?" Xiao Yi''s voice, ghost-like, suddenly appeared in his ear, startling Sun Yao into a pale face.


    Subconsciously, he raised his silver spear and drew a beautiful arc beside him.


    He pushed the circular arc forward.


    Circle upon circle.


    Dozens of circular spear arcs stacked upon each other, lunging towards the sword light stabbing from Xiao Yi. A series of crisp ''bang bang bang'' sounds followed. The round spear arcs, one after another, burst apart.


    Xiao Yi''s sword in his hand was invincible, indestructible.


    Everywhere it passed...


    Everything was slashed to pieces.


    Amidst the thundering energy and the ear-splitting noise, Xiao Yi''s figure once again shifted, appearing above Sun Yao''s head. A glint flashed in Sun Yao''s eyes: "Straight to the heart!"


    Whoosh!


    His body suddenly halted, and as he tightened grip on his spear, he stabbed towards Xiao Yi.


    The spear thrust was like a venomous dragon across the sky.


    Hum!


    The silver spear tore through the air, unstoppable. Faced with the sudden thrust, Xiao Yi remained calm and composed, merely tapping a toe in the void, landing with a ''clang'' on the tip of the spear.


    Ripples like those on water spread outward.


    That seemingly casual tap from Xiao Yi added a weight to the silver spear, as if it had increased by tens of times in an instant. With a heavy ''boom'', the spear fell towards the ground.


    And with it, Sun Yao''s body plummeted like a falling star towards the earth.


    "Damn it!"


    Sun Yao''s descent was extremely fast. Clenching the silver spear in his right hand, he struck the ground with his left palm.


    An endless stream of Qi was struck towards the ground repeatedly.


    Using the resistance to stabilize his form, Sun Yao caught a glimpse of Xiao Yi following closely behind him, and the corners of Sun Yao''s mouth lifted in a hideous cold smile: "Turnabout Spear!"


    Whoosh!


    His swiftly falling figure abruptly stopped in the void.


    Sun Yao turned the direction of his spear, stabbing it straight towards the pursuing Xiao Yi from behind.


    The Turnabout Spear was sudden.


    Xiao Yi was close on his heels.


    In a back and forth encounter.


    It was like a needle pointing at a stalk of wheat, coming head-to-head, seemingly about to collide with the tip of the spear. Excitement appeared on Sun Yao''s face, as the Qi in his body boiled, bubbling with sound.


    In an instant, silver Qi covered his arm, spreading along the spear.


    Whoosh!


    ```


    The spear''s radiance swelled continuously.


    Like a torrent of silver flames, it surged forth. The surrounding space quivered visibly, as if it was about to be torn apart by the sharp spear''s glow.


    "This is bad!"


    "Xiao is in danger..."


    Ning Luo and Nalan Qianqiu exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with shock.


    Just as Nalan Qianqiu was about to take action, Nangong Shengji, who had been eagerly waiting for Xiao Yi to be unable to dodge the attack, snorted coldly. He leaped forward, his Yuan Qi undulating around him, transforming into a stream of Yuan Qi that blocked Nalan Qianqiu''s path. "It''s against the rules for you to intervene in the juniors'' fight!"


    "You..."


    Nalan Qianqiu was shaking with fury but was helpless.


    Nangong Shengji was on par with him in strength, and if he insisted on stopping her, there was nothing Nalan Qianqiu could do.


    In the blink of an eye.


    The silver spear''s glow was already half a foot from Xiao Yi''s face, the chilling sharpness contorting his entire face as if being pressed out of shape. In the critical moment between life and death, Xiao Yi suddenly shouted a low roar, "Shatter!"


    Hum!


    At that moment, the world seemed to freeze.


    Everything was as if petrified.


    The wind stopped, the clouds solidified, and everyone was eerily still.


    Immediately following...


    A terrifying sound wave, bolstered by Yuan Qi, blasted out. As it passed, the silver spear''s glow began to crumble amidst a series of cracking sounds and disintegrate into powder.


    Turning into a sky full of silver dust, it fluttered down like a heavy snow of goose feathers.


    Yet the sound wave did not stop.


    Hum hum hum!


    In an instant, the rolling sound waves engulfed Sun Yao.


    Waah!


    Instinctively, Sun Yao covered his ears, his eyes bulging with terror and his pupils rapidly contracting. Almost at the same time, Xiao Yi flipped in the air. His right leg whipped out like a long lash towards Sun Ao''s head.


    Bang!


    Sun Yao''s body shuddered as he was sent flying by Xiao Yi''s strike.


    Like a falling star, he plummeted rapidly towards the ground.


    "Not good!"


    Nangong Shengji''s complexion changed dramatically, and even his usually indifferent gaze became solemn and filled with worry at this moment.


    He had just joined General Yong Wu''s ranks; he absolutely couldn''t let Sun Yao die before his eyes.


    With that thought.


    Nangong Shengji was about to leap into action when suddenly a figure appeared in front of him¡ªthe one who acted was Nalan Qianqiu. His face bore a mocking smirk. "Intervening in the juniors'' fight isn''t appropriate, is it?"


    "You..."


    Nangong Shengji''s face turned green with anger.


    Moments ago, he used the same words to prevent Nalan Qianqiu from helping Xiao Yi, and now Nalan Qianqiu was using them against him.


    This left Nangong Shengji saddened and infuriated but powerless!


    All he could do was watch Sun Yao anxiously.


    Sun Yao, proving to be tough as a soldier, quickly recovered. He slapped the ground repeatedly with his hands. Breaths of Yuan Qi pulsated outwards, beating against the ground over and over, creating enough reverse thrust to considerably slow his fall.


    Plop!


    The moment he landed, Sun Yao bounced up and shot to the side.


    But just as he was about to rise again...


    Xiao Yi had already caught up, and with a swipe, a sweeping force struck Sun Ao''s waist, sending him flying once more.


    Whoosh!


    Hugging the ground, Sun Yao flew over thirty meters. A dark shadow suddenly flicked past before him, and in just a moment, it had surpassed him, appearing overhead. Intuitively, Sun Yao looked forward, only to see Xiao Yi waiting with a playful look on his face. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Watching helplessly as Xiao Yi raised his arms over his head, fists together, ready to smash down.


    "No..."


    Sun Yao''s eyes were wide with veins popping; despair filled his gaze.


    Death approached relentlessly.


    But just at this critical juncture...


    Whoosh!


    A black shadow shot through the sky.


    With a snap, it coiled around Sun Yao''s waist, and in a whoosh, yanked him out of harm''s way just as Xiao Yi''s punch hit nothing but air. As everyone looked on in confusion, a cold voice suddenly rang out from nearby, "By the order of General Yong Wu..."

 Chapter 390 - 390 Black and White Shuangsha

    "The War King has decreed that the Nangong Family is under the command of the Unparalleled War King''s Mansion. Anyone who dares to move against the Nangong Family is an enemy of the War King''s Mansion. Xiao Yi, the War King''s verbal order states that your feud with the Nangong Family is to be settled once and for all. If you remain obstinate..."


    A cold voice exploded in his ears, deafening like thunder, "No mercy will be shown!"


    All eyes followed the sound.


    A man and a woman were riding on dragon steeds, looking down at Xiao Yi from a high vantage point, their faces cold.


    The two of them were dressed in black and white.


    Each wore black armored battle gear.


    The man in white had a face like a fine jade, wore a purple-gold crown, and held a feather fan in his hand, his manner graceful and poised.


    The woman in black had a solemn face, with a striking red birthmark on the left side, making her appear rather fierce. She held a purple-black long whip in her hand, and it was this very whip that had snatched Sun Yao away from the brink of death.


    "The Black and White Shuangsha?"


    "The Black-clad woman, Yama, and the White-clad funeral envoy... They are the personal guards of the Unparalleled War King, both are at the Seventh Layer of the Dharma Manifestation Realm. I didn''t expect that both of them would actually make an appearance!"


    "It looks like Xiao Yi is in big trouble..."


    Shock was evident on everyone''s faces.


    Ning Luo and Nalan Qianqiu wore solemn expressions, appearing beside Xiao Yi, guarding him on his left and right, their eyes filled with intense vigilance.


    Ning Luo lowered his voice and said gravely, "Xiao, these two are not to be trifled with. Let''s withdraw for now!"


    Xiao Yi''s eyes narrowed into slits as he sized up the two of them.


    Ever since he found out that the Nangong Family had allied themselves with the Unparalleled War King''s Mansion, he had anticipated that someone from the mansion would take action, even imagining that the Unparalleled War King himself might intervene.


    But he hadn''t expected...


    That the other side would send two trusted aides instead.


    Sun Yao, having finally caught his breath, glared at Xiao Yi with venomous hatred in his eyes, his hands clenched tightly, cracking sounds emanating from them, while the surrounding air vibrated with his fury, emitting a series of sonic booms.


    Whoosh!


    Grinding his teeth, Sun Yao commanded, "Black and White Envoys, kill him for me, kill him!"


    The female Yama frowned and cast a displeased look at Sun Yao, saying, "General Sun, mind your status. You represent the face of the War King''s Mansion."


    The figure in white, the funeral envoy, gently waved his feather fan, lifting a few strands of hair at his temples, and smiled, "As men of the Unparalleled War King''s Mansion, how could we lose our composure so?"


    "You are right in your admonishments!"


    Faced with their reprimands, the once-arrogant Sun Yao trembled all over but dared not show any sign of dissent.


    He was merely the War King''s son-in-law.


    These two, on the other hand, had been the War King''s absolute confidants for over a hundred years. Despite being offered the position of Great General by Emperor Qian, they had refused it.


    Offending the War King, he could still survive on account of being the son-in-law.


    But offending these two meant a certain dead end!


    With this thought...


    Sun Yao suppressed the anger in his heart and said sternly, "Honored ones, this scoundrel is extremely arrogant. I had already informed him that the Nangong Family has joined the ranks of the War King''s Mansion, yet he still killed Nangong Shengtian in front of me. Lin Xiao was also killed by him. If not for your timely intervention, I too would have died by his hand..."


    "You had already informed him that the Nangong Family is subordinate to the War King''s Mansion?" the funeral envoy in white frowned and asked.


    Sun Yao nodded his head.


    Glancing at the two, he noticed a slight hint of cold murderous intent on their faces.


    Feeling relieved inside, Sun Yao looked at Xiao Yi with a schadenfreude expression, thinking: Xiao Yi, oh Xiao Yi, aren''t you done for now? These two take the honor of the War King''s Mansion more seriously than their own lives!


    Indeed...


    The female Yama let out a cold harrumph, her icy gaze landing on Xiao Yi as she said deliberately, "Xiao Yi, you knew full well that the Nangong Family has been taken under the War King''s Mansion''s command, yet you still dared to strike against them. This is a provocation against the bottom line of the War King''s Mansion."


    The pallbearer in white appeared elegant and graceful, but the sharpness in his voice was like a knife to the skin, sending chills down one''s spine, "Now you have two paths before you, one, go to the War King''s Mansion and kneel for three days and three nights to show your repentance. Two, the two of us will break your arms and legs, take you to the front of the mansion, and make you kneel for three days and three nights before letting you leave. Choose for yourself!"


    Sun Yao''s face was filled with schadenfreude as he said in a mocking tone, "This is the price you pay for offending the War King''s Mansion!"


    Every strong member of the Nangong Family showed an excited look on their faces. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Before this.


    They had been overwhelmed by Xiao Yi, and the Nangong Family''s recent troubles had not been unrelated to Xiao Yi.


    Their hatred for Xiao Yi was sky-high!


    Now.


    Seeing Xiao Yi facing the pressure from Black and White Shuangsha, they felt an indescribable pleasure, secretly hoping that Xiao Yi would resist the two, so that his arms and legs could be broken, or even be killed on the spot!


    After all.


    The Nangong Family did not dare to kill Xiao Yi openly, as they feared providing Emperor Qian with a handle against them.


    But the Unparalleled War King''s Mansion didn''t have such fears!


    "Kill him!"


    "This bastard caused us to fall into such a state; he must die!"


    Under the gaze of everyone, Xiao Yi''s mouth twitched slightly, revealing a playful cold smile as he said indifferently, "I choose the third option!"


    "Huh?"


    The woman dressed in black, Yama, was startled and frowned, "Where is a third option for you to choose?"


    Sun Yao mocked, "Xiao Yi, you haven''t been scared stupid, have you? We only gave you two choices, where did the third come from?"


    "This third option is the choice I''m giving you!"


    Xiao Yi leaned slightly forward, the dust under his feet suddenly dispersing in all directions, a trace of indifference flashing in his eyes like a hungry wolf eyeing a flock of lambs.


    Under this predatory gaze.


    Even Black and White Shuangsha, used to big scenes, couldn''t help but exchange glances.


    They had never seen a younger generation maintain such composure against them.


    What was more important...


    Xiao Yi was only at the Eighth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm!


    The two exchanged glances.


    The hoarse voice of the woman in black, Yama, sounded, "Oh? I''m curious, what choice are you giving us?"


    "Scram quickly! Or else..."


    Xiao Yi''s voice paused, looking at the suddenly darkened faces of the duo, he continued, "Be buried here!"


    Boom!


    Boom!


    As these four words were uttered, two claps of thunder suddenly sounded from the horizon.


    Purple-gold thunder descended from the sky, and a thick layer of dark clouds appeared out of nowhere in the clear blue sky, making the atmosphere grow particularly heavy and oppressive.


    "..."


    All the strong ones around held their breath, not daring to let out the slightest sound.


    Everyone''s gaze swept back and forth between Xiao Yi and Black and White Shuangsha, finally settling on Black and White Shuangsha, the duo notorious for following the Unparalleled War King, capable of silencing a child''s night cries and striking terror into countless people''s hearts.


    Facing Xiao Yi''s threat, what choice would they ultimately make?

 Chapter 391 - 391: Six-Word Mantra Breaks the Devils Sound

    The Black and White Shuangsha exchanged glances.


    In the Great Qian Dynasty, both were notorious for their ferocity, credited with the ability to silence a child''s cries in the night.


    Like death gods incarnate.


    Apart from the unrivaled War King Yang Huanyu, there was no one who dared to treat them with such disrespect. Xiao Yi''s words had completely enraged them. In their eyes, a cold light flickered as if swallowing and spitting venom, while the woman clad in black, Yama, rolled her throat, emitting a chilling chattering laugh.


    This grating laughter became louder and more piercing.


    Invisibly.


    It was already making numerous powerful figures feel their scalps tingle, their body hair standing on end.


    It was as if this were a summoning of demons.


    With the sound came the awakening of countless devils, rushing into their bodies, relentlessly tearing at everyone''s soul. Amidst agonizing, heart-wrenching pain, the people''s complexions turned deathly pale.


    They clutched their heads, gripping their hair tightly, their features twisted, their expressions hideous, "It hurts, it hurts so much..."


    "What is this sound? So terrifying, I feel like I''m being torn apart..."


    "Run..."


    Watching the mighty warriors on Vermilion Bird Avenue in unbearable pain, fleeing in embarrassment.


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow, a hint of amused cold laughter on his face, "Phantom Demon Heavenly Sound? I didn''t expect that someone would still know this long-lost Sound Wave Martial Technique, it seems your fortune hasn''t been shallow!"


    Phantom Demon Heavenly Sound.


    A supreme class within the six-rank martial techniques, it was an extremely rare Sound Wave Martial Technique.


    Legend has it...


    There was once an unparalleled swordsman, deeply versed in the way of musical rhythm.


    He also possessed a voice like the music of heaven.


    But.


    In the end, due to the betrayal of a loved one, and even being poisoned in his food, although he managed to survive by virtue of his powerful cultivation, his voice was ruined. In his sorrow, this being used his hoarse and unpleasant voice to create the Phantom Demon Heavenly Sound.


    Such a martial technique could evoke the most evil demon within a person''s heart.


    Killing people invisibly!


    "Hmm?"


    Yama''s eyes sharpened, looking at Xiao Yi with interest, "I didn''t think that someone as young as you would be able to discern that this is the Phantom Demon Heavenly Sound?"


    "Just a mere Sound Wave Martial Technique, and it''s not only you who know it!"


    Xiao Yi shook his head and chuckled.


    He had received Dao Yan''s inheritance, mastering countless martial techniques and cultivation techniques.


    Sound Wave Martial Techniques!


    The number he possessed was no less than what could be counted on both hands.


    "You also master Sound Wave Martial Techniques? Truly laughable!"


    Yama let out a snort of disdain, confidently declaring, "In the vast Great Qian Dynasty, apart from myself, no one else has mastered a Sound Wave Martial Technique."


    These Sound Wave Martial Techniques had been lost for many years, plus they were extremely difficult to cultivate. She did not believe that Xiao Yi could understand and master one as well.


    "Xiao Yi, prepare to die!"


    Yama''s voice rolled thunderously, becoming more piercing, deafening to the ear.


    Swish swish swish!


    In these invisible sound waves, the vibration of the sound shifted the air, turning it into blades of compressed wind, like a rain of swords that flew towards Xiao Yi''s face.


    The fierce wind howled, the terrible sound waves stirring up a wild gale, lifting layer upon layer of stone tiles from the ground.


    Dust flew everywhere, stones scattered across the sky.


    Grasses and trees on either side were uprooted, crashing down towards Xiao Yi in a frenzy.


    Standing amidst the furious wind, Xiao Yi remained unmoved, standing tall and proud like a Cangsong pine, resolute as a divine sword. His hands suddenly joined together in front of him, his golden Qi swirling around him, a golden sun forming behind him.


    His body was submerged in golden light, as if adorned by the shadow of Buddha.


    With the majesty of the treasure''s appearance. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi suddenly opened his eyes, enunciating each word as they reverberated like a great bell, thunderous and resounding through the heavens, "Om Mani Padme Hum!"


    The Buddhist Six Syllable Mantra!


    Among the many Sound Wave Martial Techniques passed down through his lineage, it was ranked among the top five.


    As the phrase was uttered, all laws of nature followed suit.


    As if the Buddha himself had descended to the mortal realm!


    Boom!


    Invisibly, the six characters swept up a sky full of golden light, surging upward, causing the raging winds swirling around to abruptly halt. A peaceful and sacred aura enveloped everyone present.


    Facing the heart-wrenching pain and severe headaches induced by the Phantom Demon Heavenly Sound, all completely vanished with the arrival of this sound.


    "What is this sound?"


    "My head, it stopped hurting?"


    "Xiao Yi, it''s Xiao Yi helping us..."


    Everyone''s gaze turned uniformly toward Xiao Yi.


    The normally indifferent and indifferent Lady Yama watched as her seemingly invincible Phantom Demon Heavenly Sound was easily dispelled by Xiao Yi, and her complexion violently changed.


    Immediately following...


    Lady Yama shuddered, her eyes opening wide in fury as she turned deathly pale and vomited a mouthful of fresh blood.


    The fresh blood formed a mist in the air.


    Unyielding.


    Wa!


    Lady Yama kept spewing blood continuously from her mouth, and blood began to stream from her seven facial orifices as well, her form staggering almost to the point of falling from mid-air.


    "My lady!"


    The White-robed Enforcer''s face violently changed, hastily supporting Lady Yama, full of worry in his eyes, "My lady, are you alright?"


    Spurt!


    Lady Yama vomited another mouthful of fresh blood, her eyes filled with shock as her voice echoed in the Enforcer''s mind, "My lord, I¡ªI can''t speak, I¡ªI can''t hear you say anything... I''ve gone mute, deaf..."


    "What?"


    The Enforcer''s face violently changed, his body freezing on the spot.


    He couldn''t believe what he was seeing¡ªthe hysterical struggling of the Lady Yama in his arms, his face full of terror.


    Lady Yama was, after all, a powerful practitioner of the Dharma Manifestation Realm''s seventh layer, and her Phantom Demon Heavenly Sound was unbeatable. Even against more powerful opponents, it could still be effective.


    But now...


    Not only was Xiao Yi unscathed, but he had also countered with his own Sound Wave Martial Technique.


    Causing Lady Yama to suffer a backlash from Phantom Demon Heavenly Sound, silencing her voice and even rendering her ears deaf?


    "Revenge... My lord, avenge me..." Lady Yama was hysterical, hate distorting her face unrecognizably as she clutched at the White-robed Enforcer''s clothes, bellowing through thought transmission.


    "Rest assured, my lady, I will avenge you!"


    The White-robed Enforcer nodded solemnly, responding through thought transmission, "My lady, please calm down. Once I slay this scoundrel, we''ll return to consult His Highness. He will surely have a remedy for you!"


    "I want him torn to thousands of pieces... No, you rid him of his cultivation, break his limbs; I want to personally chop him up..." Lady Yama roared through thought transmission.


    "Worry not!"


    The White-robed Enforcer nodded resolutely, rising to his feet and brandishing his feather fan forward.


    A gale swept up.


    Standing upon the tempest, the White-robed Enforcer rode the wind and in an instant, arrived before Xiao Yi. Merely ten meters separated them as the White-robed Enforcer, with an expressionless face, declared, "Xiao Yi, you deserve to die!"


    "You are truly laughable. When you sought to kill me, my mere self-defense warrants a death sentence? Should I have extended my neck for you to chop?"


    Xiao Yi had already withdrawn his hands, looking mockingly at the White-robed Enforcer, and pointed to his own head, "Brains are a good thing, pity you don''t have any!"

 Chapter 392 - 392 Reincarnation Puppet

    "Brains are a good thing, too bad you don''t have any!"


    Xiao Yi sneered at the Black and White Evildoers.


    With their strength, if the two joined forces, Xiao Yi could have defeated them, but it would have cost him some price.


    But...


    This black-clad female Yama actually chose to use her Sound Wave Martial Technique.


    She attempted to suppress Xiao Yi with the most shocking method, thereby demonstrating the majesty of the Unparalleled War King''s Mansion.


    What she never anticipated was that Xiao Yi also mastered a Sound Wave Martial Technique, and it was even stronger than her "Phantom Demon Heavenly Sound"¡ªthe "Buddhist Six Syllable Mantra", rendering her Phantom Demon Heavenly Sound completely ineffective.


    Not only did it have no effect, but it even caused her to suffer a terrifying backlash, turning her into a deaf-mute.


    And it was still unknown whether she could ever recover!


    At this moment.


    With only the white-clad funeral envoy left, Xiao Yi didn''t take him seriously at all.


    The funeral envoy''s complexion turned from green to pale, and his anger burned like a roaring flame, raising the temperature around him suddenly. Looking at Xiao Yi, his gaze turned icy cold, and he gnashed his teeth, "Xiao Yi, I will kill you today!"


    Hum!


    He flicked his feathered fan again.


    Riding on the wind, the funeral envoy''s speed was astonishingly fast. In the backdrop of the raging wind, his figure started to blur and split into five silhouettes.


    Diving down from five different directions.


    With overwhelming momentum and murderous intent.


    Facing the fiercely incoming funeral envoy, Xiao Yi remained emotionless, lifting one hand in the air, and pointing forward with one finger.


    Using his hand as a sword.


    Hum!


    A burst of azure Sword Qi surged forth, it was "A Stroke That Surprises the Wind and Rain" from the "Qinglian Sword Song", a stroke as if written by a peerless madman composing a matchless chapter.


    Freely flowing, the stroke moved like a dragon snaking through the sky.


    That Sword Qi howled towards its target.


    Boom!


    The void shook violently, and the heavens and earth trembled.


    This sword visibly shattered the clouds above the firmament, with a swooshing noise covering the area in front of him in a fan shape.


    It caused the gales under the funeral envoy''s feet to explode as well. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The funeral envoy''s figure halted, and without the support of the wild winds, his five silhouettes also dissipated simultaneously. Xiao Yi''s mouth curved slightly, and he softly called out, "Sword, come."


    With a clanging sound.


    A black longsword abruptly appeared in his palm.


    With Xiao Yi''s cultivation at the Eighth Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm, plus the Wind Thunder Holy Body, the fourth tier of Sword Intent, and the power of the gods augmenting him. Even when faced with an opponent at the Eightfold Dharma Manifestation Realm, he had the confidence to fight.


    Confronted with the white-clad funeral envoy alone, he felt no pressure whatsoever.


    "Qinglian Reincarnation!"


    Xiao Yi''s black longsword exuded Sword Qi that surged and pulsated, its sharp edge fluttering like a lively sprite, dancing gracefully in the air, and transformed into a dazzling azure Sword Lotus.


    The Sword Lotus spun endlessly.


    One split into two.


    Two turned into four...


    The number of Sword Lotuses grew more and more, making it seem as if one were amidst a pond of lotus flowers, with those dozens of azure Sword Lotuses enveloping the white-clad funeral envoy.


    "Be careful, Lord Funeral Envoy..." Sun Yao''s face dramatically changed.


    He had personally crossed hands with Xiao Yi.


    He was acutely aware of Xiao Yi''s strength!


    Seeing the funeral envoy surrounded by the Sword Lotuses, he immediately grew worried.


    However, the funeral envoy sneered, full of pride, "Such trifling skills, you think they can harm my life? Xiao Yi, you''re overestimating yourself too much... Break for me!"


    Bursts of white light suddenly appeared around the Funeral Envoy.


    These spots of light, like stars in the night sky, were increasing in number, gradually enclosing him in a sphere.


    Under the cover of these white lights,


    to the left and right of the Funeral Envoy, two figures identical to him appeared.


    All three "Funeral Envoys" moved in perfect unison.


    It was as if there truly were three Funeral Envoys.


    "Xiao, be careful, this is the Funeral Envoy''s unique skill, Reincarnation Puppets," Ning Luo''s face changed drastically as he shouted loudly.


    Nalan Qianqiu also looked serious, "Reincarnation Puppets can instantaneously switch his main body with a puppet. Without striking his true body, even if you destroy the puppet, he can immediately bring out a new one. Xiao is in trouble now..."


    By his side,


    Nangong Shengji''s face lit up with a brilliant smile, previously thwarted by Nalan Qianqiu when he had the best chance to snipe Xiao Yi, which had gnawed at him. Now, he was filled with excitement and said in a strange tone, "Even you and I can barely discern which one is the Funeral Envoy''s true body. Xiao Yi''s combat strength is indeed against the heavens, but his cultivation is ultimately too weak. Nalan Qianqiu, it seems you''ve definitely lost this time!"


    "You..."


    Nalan Qianqiu''s face darkened as he quietly shifted his position, ready to make a move.


    Crack!


    A beam of cold light burst forth.


    It was a point of pure energy that suddenly landed in front of Nalan Qianqiu. The ground exploded with a bang, and the icy cold wind surged wildly.


    Nangong Shengji''s mouth curved slightly upward, with a hint of amused cold sneer, "Not while I''m here, you won''t save him!"


    "Nangong Shengji, do you realize what you''re doing? Xiao Yi is the head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute¡­" Nalan Qianqiu said angrily.


    Nangong Shengji shrugged his shoulders, scoffing, "So what? It wasn''t I who killed him, but the Funeral Envoy under War King''s command. If the Emperor wants to punish anyone, he''ll have to find the War King..."


    Nalan Qianqiu''s face stiffened.


    With the War King''s influence, would he fear Emperor Qian coming after him?


    Watching Nalan Qianqiu''s displeased expression, Nangong Shengji felt a wave of gratification.


    These past few days...


    He had been suffocated by Xiao Yi and the Treasure Pavilion.


    Seeing Xiao Yi about to be executed,


    Nalan Qianqiu, helpless, could only watch as Xiao Yi was killed. He felt a burst of spiteful relief and felt supremely refreshed. His venomous gaze fell upon Xiao Yi, "Xiao Yi, this is what happens when you oppose the Nangong Family!"


    All of this seemed slow, but in reality, it all happened in an instant.


    Xiao Yi''s black longsword whished through one of the Funeral Envoys, but under a puff of white smoke, it was just a puppet. The unconcerned voice of the Funeral Envoy came again, "Hahaha, you''ll never break my Reincarnation Puppets!"


    Whoosh!


    Whoosh!


    Amidst the piercing sounds of the air being split,


    all three "Funeral Envoys" attacked simultaneously, each wielding a blade that shimmered with cold light, aiming straight for Xiao Yi''s vitals.


    These three Funeral Envoys coordinated flawlessly.


    And it was even harder to tell which was real!


    Confronted with these tangible and intangible attacks, Xiao Yi was also forced to retreat step by step.


    In the void,


    Xiao Yi and the Funeral Envoy''s figures clashed like the wind, now dispersing, now colliding, now exchanging blows...


    Their battle became more and more intense.


    Clang!


    In a burst of resounding firelight,


    Xiao Yi''s black longsword fell from the sky, cleaving downward, but it was blocked by the bladed weapons held up by the two ''Funeral Envoys'' on either side.


    At the same time,


    the one in the center revealed a cold smile, and a gleam of cold light flew from his hand straight toward Xiao Yi''s dantian, "Xiao Yi, go to hell!"

 Chapter 393 - 393: Sorry, Youre Too Late!

    ```


    Transmigration puppets are an extremely bizarre method.


    The transitions between one''s main body and the two puppets are continuous, everything completed in the blink of an eye.


    Even powerhouses of the same realm fail to catch any clues.


    As Xiao Yi attacked the puppets on both sides, the Funeral Envoy''s true body was in the middle, his cold edge stabbing towards Xiao Yi''s vitals. Xiao Yi''s whole body shook, fierce winds battered him, and thunder roared.


    Streaks of purple and gold lightning clung to his body, transforming into a suit of purple and gold battle armor.


    Clang!


    In the ear-splitting noise,


    the sharp weapon failed to penetrate Xiao Yi''s defenses, causing the Funeral Envoy''s expression to suddenly change, "Not good!"


    No sooner had he spoken,


    than Xiao Yi''s palm had already come crashing down from above.


    Spurt!


    A golden palm descended from the sky, and with a loud bang, the Funeral Envoy was smacked to the ground.


    Like a kite with a broken string, he plummeted from the sky.


    Boom!


    The entire body slammed into the ground, raising clouds of dust, and amidst a swooshing sound of tearing through the air, Xiao Yi followed closely. In an instant, Xiao Yi also reached the pit where the Funeral Envoy had fallen.


    Rumble!


    The ground shook as though an earth dragon was turning over.


    An immensely powerful energy formed a shockwave, surging up from beneath the ground and splashing a column of dirt straight into the sky. Amidst the flying dust, a white figure over thirty feet tall tore through the layers of sand and shot into the air in an instant.


    This fifteen or so feet tall white figure turned out to be the Funeral Envoy.


    Behind him, a white Dharma Manifestation floated in the air, radiating a cold chill, while his snow-white face had a blood-red tongue that was seven or eight feet long, fluttering with the wind.


    The Funeral Envoy was on top of the Dharma Manifestation''s head, half of his body merged with the Dharma Manifestation.


    The Funeral Envoy''s face was swollen from Xiao Yi''s beating, and his eyes now seethed with a venomous look, fixed on Xiao Yi, "Xiao Yi, you''ve completely enraged me!"


    "Boundless Ghost Realm!"


    During the Funeral Envoy''s fierce roar,


    brilliant white light emanated from him, streams of white energy stretched across the sky, creating a ghastly white world.


    This white energy, like the waters of a white lake, rippled, revealing bluish silhouettes one by one amidst the waves¡ªthese were unmistakably blue coffins.


    "Boundless Ghost Realm?"


    "Has the Funeral Envoy gone mad? He dares to use this move within the imperial capital?"


    "Damn it, run!"


    The white-garbed Funeral Envoy, the controller of the Boundless Ghost Realm.


    This was the Funeral Envoy''s strongest move.


    It was also the Innate Divine Ability of his Dharma Manifestation.


    Within the Great Qian Dynasty, only he could use this Secret Technique. Once the Boundless Ghost Realm was initiated, the area in all directions would turn into a grim ghost realm.


    One after another, ancient bronze coffins appeared within the ghost realm.


    Clang!


    Clang!


    Amidst a series of chilling clanging sounds,


    the lids of the ancient bronze coffins began to open, some pushed forcefully, some gently shifted, and others shot up... From within these bronze coffins, one after another horrifying figure emerged.


    Some had green faces and fierce fangs, some were covered in rotting flesh, and others were just chilling skeletons...


    Every gaze that turned towards Xiao Yi carried resentment and coldness, as if looking at the enemy who had killed their father and stolen their wife.


    With a ferocious look, the Funeral Envoy sneered, "Xiao Yi, as someone of the Tao Tribulation Realm, you''re the first to force me to use the Boundless Ghost Realm."


    Xiao Yi smiled, "I''ve killed more than one in the Dharma Manifestation Realm!"


    "Hm?"


    The Funeral Envoy''s face darkened as he sneered menacingly, "Want to kill me? Let''s see if you have the ability!" He pointed forward with his right hand, and the ten-foot-tall long-tongued Dharma Manifestation raised its right hand, from within its wide sleeves, a ghastly white skeletal hand reached out, pointing at Xiao Yi.


    Roar!


    One after another, green-faced and fierce-fanged, terifyingly grotesque ghosts rushed towards Xiao Yi.


    As they charged, they brought with them a suffocating shadowy and deathly air.


    "A Stroke That Surprises the Wind and Rain!"


    Xiao Yi tapped his longsword in the void, every streak of sword light that appeared turned into a shower of blades.


    Swoosh swoosh swoosh!


    ```


    The sword rain filled the sky, tearing apart those ghosts one by one.


    But the moment they were destroyed,


    second and third heads would again pop out from within the bronze coffins...


    They were endless, unkillable!


    "Hahaha. Xiao Yi, do you really think my Boundless Ghost Realm is that simple? Within the Boundless Ghost Realm, these ghosts are infinite, you cannot kill or eradicate them all..." The Funeral Envoy laughed uproariously to the sky, his face full of ferocious glee.


    He slowly raised his hands, clasping them together in front of him, and let out a low roar, "Destroy!"


    Roar!


    Hundreds of ghosts converged into a black iron torrent, rolling in waves, making one''s scalp tingle and heart despair at a mere glance.


    Nangong Yi clenched his fists tightly, excitement on his face, "With such a powerful attack, Xiao Yi is undoubtedly doomed!"


    Sun Yao nodded heavily, "This is the fate of those who offend our Battle King Mansion!"


    Almost everyone believed that Xiao Yi had no chance of winning.


    Yet, even in such a situation...


    Xiao Yi still maintained his calm and composure, the corners of his mouth slightly turned up as he gently swung his sword.


    Hum!


    The sword edge cut through the air.


    A circular sword arc formed in front of him, the silver arc gradually dissipating and returning to tranquility. Xiao Yi, gripping a black longsword in one hand, seemed to merge with his blade.


    Becoming one!


    The man was the sword, and the sword was the man!


    "Slash!"


    In that moment, the sword in Xiao Yi''s hand appeared to move extremely slowly, yet it was so swift it was beyond human reaction, slicing through the air with supreme speed.


    Swish!


    This sword seemed utterly ordinary.


    Yet its power was astonishingly immense!


    Shrrk!


    A sound, akin to fabric being torn apart, abruptly filled the air.


    There was no storm with Xiao Yi''s sword stroke, no earth-shattering Sword Qi, nor did it summon thunder and fierce winds.


    It appeared mundane!


    However, its power was unbelievably strong.


    It was like the stroke that mysterious expert, practicing amongst the thunderstorm at the Beast Emperor Sea, had unleashed.


    Whatever the sword edge passed, everything else was an illusion!


    Ssss...


    The numerous ghosts, as if made of paper,


    burst under the edge of the sword, scattering into dust, vanishing into thin air. Within the Boundless Ghost Realm, the numerous bronze coffins were completely blown apart by Xiao Yi''s sword as well.


    The white Boundless Ghost Realm was cleaved in two by this one sword stroke.


    The terrifying sword aura didn''t dissipate.


    Sput!


    Within the cover of the sacred white light, the sword aura plummeted onto the ten-zhang tall Dharma Manifestation. A hysterical scream burst from the Funeral Envoy as the Dharma Manifestation beneath him exploded with a boom.


    "No..."


    The Funeral Envoy screamed, a torrent of blood spewing forth from his mouth.


    His body fell from the sky like a broken kite.


    With a bang, it smashed onto the ground.


    The Dharma Manifestation completely dissipated.


    Swish!


    Xiao Yi, following closely behind, soared with his longsword, chopping down towards the Funeral Envoy''s head.


    At the same time...


    A shout suddenly echoed through heaven and earth, "Spare a life under your sword!"


    However,


    Xiao Yi remained unmoved, his sword edge sweeping past, and with a thud, the Funeral Envoy''s head was gruesomely severed. Blood spurted out like a fountain, the Funeral Envoy''s body convulsing wildly, then suddenly stretching out, ceasing to struggle.


    Xiao Yi stood with his sword beside the headless corpse, his foot resting on the Funeral Envoy''s head that was still glaring in anger and unwillingness. He looked towards the newcomer and spoke indifferently, "Sorry, you''re too late!"


    S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 394 - 394: After Today, Nangong Will Be No More!

    Xiao Yi looked at the newcomer expressionlessly, "I''m sorry, you''re too late!"


    In the void.


    Qi''s face wore a strange expression as he looked at Xiao Yi, especially when his eyes lingered on the head of the funeral envoy at the latter''s feet, eventually turning into a wry smile, "Director Xiao, you really are..."


    Qi found himself at a loss for words.


    The funeral envoy.


    This was none other than the unwavering confidant of the peerless War King Yang Huanyu, who had followed him for over a hundred years!


    Even Emperor Qian would not dare to provoke such a being lightly.


    And yet Xiao Yi had just killed him?


    Seeing the shock on Qi''s face, Xiao Yi sneered inwardly.


    Although the Imperial Capital is vast,


    the news had already spread.


    He refused to believe that Emperor Qian had only received the news now. Qi was not early nor late, but chose to show up just as he had completely fallen out with Black and White Shuangsha, at the moment he was about to execute the funeral envoy.


    If one were to say it was a coincidence, Xiao Yi would absolutely not believe it!


    Emperor Qian must have been observing everything from the shadows.


    Indeed, as Xiao Yi had conjectured, Emperor Qian had been aware of everything happening here, long before they had failed to draw in the Nangong Family. However, Emperor Qian''s plan was to deepen the animosity between Xiao Yi and Black and White Shuangsha, aiming for a complete fallout with the peerless War King.


    But...


    Emperor Qian would not have wanted to see what was happening before him.


    After all,


    he only wished for Xiao Yi to stand against Yang Huanyu, not to engage in armed conflict with him just yet. That did not align with his immediate plans; Xiaoshanhe Institute was still too weak, and confronting the peerless War King head-on at this juncture was not a wise move.


    For that very reason,


    when he saw that Xiao Yi was about to defeat the funeral envoy, Emperor Qian immediately sent Qi to intervene.


    With Qi''s cultivation at the peak of the Dharma Phase Realm, traveling from the imperial palace to the Nangong Family''s residence was but a moment''s work. Yet, his speed still did not match Xiao Yi''s decisiveness.


    Countless thoughts ran through Qi''s mind.


    Sun Yao''s voice had reached him, "Eunuch Qi, Xiao Yi dared to brazenly kill the funeral envoy. You must seek justice for the funeral envoy!"


    "Eunuch Qi, I want him dead... I want Xiao Yi to join my husband in death..." Yama''s eyes brimmed with tears of blood, and the venomous gaze fixed on Xiao Yi like that of a viper, her hysterical roar echoed in Qi''s mind.


    She had been turned into a deaf-mute by Xiao Yi''s Six Syllable Mantra.


    Now, she could only communicate with others through the method of sound transmission.


    Qi narrowed his eyes, his face showing difficulty.


    Strike Xiao Yi?


    Out of the question!


    Xiao Yi was an extremely important part of Emperor Qian''s plan.


    But to ignore it?


    That was clearly not an option either.


    If the peerless War King took advantage of this, it could potentially trap Emperor Qian between a rock and a hard place.


    Just as Qi felt caught between two difficult choices, Xiao Yi''s voice rang in his mind, "Eunuch Qi, are you troubled about how to conclude this matter?"


    "You realize that this matter is difficult to conclude?" Qi glared at Xiao Yi, annoyance clear in his tone. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He had received quite a few benefits from Xiao Yi.


    His treatment of Xiao Yi was naturally different from others.


    Xiao Yi cracked a grin and continued to transmit his voice, "The matter is actually quite simple!"


    "Hmm?"


    Qi was taken aback, looking at Xiao Yi with puzzlement.


    In his view...


    The situation was extremely difficult to handle.


    How could it become so simple when it came out of Xiao Yi''s mouth?


    Xiao Yi''s gaze shifted to Nangong Shengji and the rest of the Nangong Family members, his lips curling slightly upward, causing Nangong Shengji''s heart to race with a strong sense of ominous foreboding.


    With a playful look, Xiao Yi said without any hesitation, "As long as you and I join forces and wipe out them and the entire Nangong Family, wouldn''t it be enough to tell the War King that they fought amongst themselves until both sides were wounded?"


    "Er..."


    Qi''s eyes twitched with an indescribably absurd feeling, looking at Xiao Yi with a bizarre expression.


    Before he could speak.


    "Does Grand Eunuch Qi think this is too much of a child''s play? That neither the War King nor Emperor Qian would believe our words?"


    Qi rolled his eyes, as if to say you know this is a childish ploy, don''t you? But Xiao Yi remained unmoved and continued, "Such an outcome is exactly what Emperor Qian wants to see!"


    Buzz!


    Qi''s face changed dramatically.


    Xiao Yi''s words struck him like a thunderclap, giving him a sudden revelation.


    Indeed, as Xiao Yi said...


    The reason he came to stop the conflict was nothing more than to avoid a direct and uncontrollable outcome between Xiao Yi and the War King''s Estate. After all, Emperor Qian was not yet willing to have a direct clash with the War King''s Estate.


    However, if it were possible for Xiao Yi to extricate himself and deal with Black and White Shuangsha, Sun Yao, and the Nangong Family, who were the War King''s Estate''s minions.


    Emperor Qian would certainly be pleased to see this scene unfold.


    But...


    Grand Eunuch Qi conveyed through telepathy, "Aren''t you afraid of the War King blaming you?"


    "Blaming?"


    Xiao Yi sneered, speaking dispassionately, "Even if I let them go now and kneel in front of the doors of the War King''s Estate, would Yang Huanyu forgive and forget?"


    "This..."


    Qi was taken aback for a moment, at a loss for words.


    The domineering reputation of the Peerless War King Yang Huanyu was well-known, not to mention Xiao Yi had already killed the funeral envoy; just the fact that Sun Yao declared on behalf of the Nangong Family their allegiance to the War King''s Estate.


    Xiao Yi''s strong move to kill Nangong Shengji would definitely not be something the Peerless War King would let go of lightly.


    "Grand Eunuch Qi, don''t forget that the Nangong Family has openly sought refuge with the War King''s Estate! Furthermore..."


    Xiao Yi smiled slightly, "If Emperor Qian doesn''t want to clash with the War King''s Estate at this time, do you think the War King would want to fall out with Emperor Qian right now?"


    Buzz!


    Qi''s body shook.


    Indeed, Emperor Qian had his reservations about the War King''s power, but was the War King not afraid of Emperor Qian?


    The competition between the two most powerful men in the Great Qian Dynasty was not a matter of just a day or two. If they were truly confident in overcoming the other directly, they would have acted long ago.


    As Emperor Qian''s confidant, Qi knew Emperor Qian''s heart well.


    The Nangong Family''s outright allegiance to the War King''s Estate had already touched upon Emperor Qian''s taboo, but due to the War King''s Estate, Emperor Qian could not directly move against the Nangong Family.


    If it were possible to eliminate the Nangong Family without causing the War King''s Estate to retaliate, this would undoubtedly be something Emperor Qian would like to see!


    Upon this thought.


    Qi exhaled a long breath, his turbid eyes, which were in fact brimming with sharpness, fixed intently on Xiao Yi, "How confident are you?"


    Xiao Yi flashed a grin, "Nalan Qianqiu and you together can take care of Nangong Shengji. As for those beneath him, leave them to my Xiaoshanhe Institute!"


    "Hm?"


    Qi was startled and looked at Xiao Yi puzzledly, "Leave them to your Xiaoshanhe Institute?"


    Currently, Xiao Yi was the only one from the Xiaoshanhe Institute present.


    And yet the Nangong Family had gathered nearly seventy percent of their clan members here, with dozens within the Tao Tribulation Realm alone. Xiao Yi suggested he and Nalan Qianqiu deal with Nangong Shengji.


    Could it be that he intends to take care of all the remaining members of the Nangong Family by himself?


    Just as Qi was puzzled...


    Suddenly, Xiao Yi raised his right hand, his fingers quietly clenched. His cold gaze landed on Nangong Shengji, and with a chilling smile, he declared, "After today, the Nangong will be no more!"

 Chapter 395 - 395: More People?

    "After today, the Nangong Family will be no more!"


    As Xiao Yi bellowed lowly, his right hand, raised high, suddenly clenched into a fist and crashed down toward the ground.


    Almost simultaneously¡­


    The area surrounding the Nangong Family''s estate boundaries reverberated with gigantic booms that spread across the majority of the imperial capital. The deafening sounds made one''s ears ring as the ground trembled as if an earth dragon was turning over. Countless buildings collapsed amidst the roaring sounds, swallowed whole by the fissures that tore through the earth.


    Figure after figure hurriedly fled outside the area where the Nangong Family was located.


    No longer daring to remain and witness the battle.


    Rumble, rumble!


    Amidst the trembling earth,


    One after another, earthen walls suddenly sprang up from the cracked ground, hundreds of feet tall, soaring into the clouds and forming a circular barrier that completely enclosed the Nangong Family. Xiao Yi''s figure also rose into the air.


    Standing atop the earthen wall.


    Sun Yao''s face changed dramatically as he grabbed Yama, trying to take to the sky. "Xiao Yi, you''re outrageously audacious! To think you''d try to trap and kill us, you''re provoking the War King''s Mansion, you''re dead for sure¡­"


    "A dying man still dares to threaten me?" Xiao Yi said coldly, sneering.


    Sun Yao snorted coldly, "Xiao Yi, you are too arrogant! I admit your strength far exceeds my imagination, even Tianjiao couldn''t necessarily be stronger than you if he were at the same realm. But if I want to leave, do you think these mere earthen walls can stop me?"


    Whoosh!


    He stepped into the void and turned around, transforming into a streak of rainbow light, eager to break free into the air.


    "Without my permission, do you think you can leave?"


    Xiao Yi let out a cold laugh, lifting his hands.


    Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!


    Array stones shot out one after another, landing atop the earthen wall with plopping sounds.


    A total of nineteen thousand eight hundred array stones fell into their respective positions. Xiao Yi showed no expression, but his vital energy gushed out like water bursting through a dam. Amidst the roaring sounds of flowing energy, torrents of vital energy swarmed in, merging into the earthen wall, connecting each array stone with one another.


    "Activate the formation!"


    Xiao Yi raised his palms toward the sky, lifting his hands.


    Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!


    Streams of light soared to the heavens, forming a silver-white net in the sky above the wall.


    White light turned into mysterious runes, gathering on the surface of the earthen wall, and as these runes converged, the entire wall became incredibly sturdy. The silver net that accompanied it enshrouded this piece of sky and land.


    "A mere formation wants to stop me? Break!"


    Sun Yao bellowed, his spear striking the air in an overhead assault¡ªit came out like a roaring dragon amidst the stars.


    Terrible vital energy from all directions converged, gathering on the spear, and with a loud bang, it struck against the silver net obstructing his path.


    However¡­


    What Sun Yao thought was a frail silver net, under his mighty attack, merely buzzed with a ripple of silver waves before completely neutralizing the formidable strike.


    "This can''t be possible..."


    Sun Yao was full of confidence in his attack, accelerating to break through the air as he struck.


    The result...


    Bang!


    His head smashed directly into the net.


    The entire net burst into streams of silver light; as thunder boomed repeatedly, amidst crackling sounds, Sun Yao''s body coursed with swallowed lightning, instantly paralyzing him. He let out a wretched scream, tumbling from the sky.


    Boom!


    Sun Yao crashed to the ground heavily, blood spilling from his mouth, and even Yama in his arms was flung violently away.


    Crackle, crackle, crackle!


    Bolts of lightning snaked around his body incessantly.


    Sss!


    This scene made the Nangong Family''s powerhouses underneath the formation gasp in shock, eyes filled with horror. "What kind of formation is this that even Principal Sun''s full-force strike can''t break through? This..."


    "With a mere wave of his hand, Xiao Yi can set up such a terrifying formation, it seems the rumors of the Xiaoshanhe Institute''s Spirit Gathering Array that boosts energy gathering by ten times indeed came from him!"


    "Martial talent comparable to Xiao Tianjiao, and such terrifying talent in Formation arts... it''s said he''s even skilled in alchemy. What kind of monster is this?"


    "What kind of enemy has our Nangong Family actually provoked?"


    Amidst the cries of alarm.


    Nalan Qianqiu and Qi approached Nangong Shengji as the aura of the Dharma Manifestation Realm locked onto him.


    Nalan Qianqiu said with a smile, "Nangond, I''m afraid I''ve offended you!"


    Qi sighed, "Nangong, don''t blame me for this!"


    These were two beings whose cultivation was not at all inferior to his own.


    Together.


    Now, especially within these confines of the sky net, there was no chance of escape¡ªNangong Shengji had no choice but to fight to the death!


    As the two closed in, his expression grew increasingly grim.


    The Nangong Family, one of the four great noble clans, had been forced to such an extent that they had no choice but to seek refuge with the Peerless War King. This was an immensely shameful matter, and he felt he could no longer face the ancestors and forefathers of the Nangong Family. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Now...


    Xiao Yi had even set up a Formation, intending to completely annihilate the Nangong Family.


    How glorious the Nangong Family once was!


    All because Nangong Shengtian had provoked Xiao Yi, they were faced with this calamity that could lead to their clan''s destruction.


    It''s just a pity...


    There''s no medicine for regret in this world!


    Nangong Shengji took a deep breath and then slowly exhaled it, looking back at Nangong Yi and the others, "Nangong Yi, I will hold them off later. Try to find a way to open a path for everyone... Take the clansmen and run... escape with as many as you can..."


    "Master..."


    "Family head..."


    The complexion of everyone present changed.


    Nangong Shengji was clearly prepared for a fight to the death, as if he was entrusting them with his last will!


    "Shut up!"


    Nangong Shengji bellowed angrily, his eyes full of resolve. Facing Nalan Qianqiu and Qi, he knew there was no chance of survival. All he could think about now was creating an opportunity for Nangong Yi and the others to escape, to preserve a sliver of lineage for the Nangong Family, "I am the family head, you all listen to me!"


    With red-rimmed eyes, Nangong Yi knelt to the ground and kowtowed thrice with a thud. He said with a solemn voice, "Master, rest assured, I will definitely take them with me, to preserve a lineage for our Nangong Family!"


    "Go!"


    Nangong Shengji''s body burst forth with a magnificent glow. With a thunderous boom, a swath of blood-red light enveloped him.


    Like a blood shadow.


    Whoosh!


    The horrifying blood light ebbed and surged, and with a sweep of Nangong Shengji''s hand, the blood light actually wrapped around Nangong Yi and the others. With a whoosh, it turned into a beam of red light, blasting towards the sky net above.


    With the strength of his peak Dharma Phase Realm, he struck with all his might, causing the sky net to rumble violently.


    Over ten thousand array stones shone brilliantly.


    The earthen walls trembled thunderously.


    As if they might collapse at any moment.


    Just as the sky net was about to shatter, an icy sword light suddenly flew through the air. With a whoosh, it cleaved the blood-red light in half, splitting it apart and decapitating more than a dozen strong members of the Nangong Family with its fierce slash.


    Whoosh!


    Nangong Yi, Nangong Xiao, and the others fell back to the ground, regrouping with Sun Yao, Lady Yama, and the others.


    Nangong Yi said firmly, "General Sun, we must work together if we have any hope of escaping with our lives!"


    "Don''t worry!"


    Sun Yao nodded, his cold gaze falling on Xiao Yi as he sneered, "Xiao Yi, there are so many of us here. Do you think we are afraid of you?"


    "A matter of numbers, you say?"


    Xiao Yi''s lips curled slightly upwards. He waved his hand grandly, "Lads of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, all come out!"

 Chapter 396 - 396: The Army of Tigers and Wolves

    "Come out, all of you!"


    At Xiao Yi''s command, the radiant heavens'' net above the earthen wall suddenly tore open with countless fissures.


    Within those fissures...


    Shadows began to emerge bit by bit.


    Whoosh whoosh whoosh! sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    These specks transformed into nearly ten thousand silhouettes, steadily descending and landing behind Xiao Yi.


    An oppressive sea of black, like a steel torrent, they lined up in neat squares, each face bearing an aura of severity.


    Leading them were none other than Little Lin and the Shadow Demon, among others.


    Whoosh!


    Turning into a two-meter-tall Little Lin, she moved her body, settling to Xiao Yi''s left, her golden scale armor shimmering with a dazzling light. Glittering and blinding, each scale looked as if it were forged from endlessly tempered metal, producing a chilling metallic sheen as she moved silently.


    Her two-meter stature stood erect, with four claws dangling from her underbelly and two particularly brilliant dragon horns atop her head.


    Her eyes sparkled like gemstones.


    The moment she released her aura comparable to the Eightfold Dharma Manifestation Realm, it made everyone, including Sun Yao, fall silent, only to hear Little Lin speak in human tongue, "Xiaoshanhe Institute Punishment Hall Master Xiao Lin, at your service, Institute Head!"


    Following closely.


    The Shadow Demon stepped forward, his towering figure like a humanoid bear, and his voice thunderous like shocking thunder, deafening, "Battle Hall Master Shadow Demon, at your service, Institute Head!"


    Whoosh!


    Fu Yuan''s hands blazed with two balls of fire, the corners of his mouth slightly upturned as the orange-red flame illuminated his face, casting distinct contours, "All Things Hall Master Fu Yuan, at your service, Institute Head!"


    Boom!


    Boom!


    Li Youruo and Chen Ziyi appeared one after the other, respectfully saying, "Greetings, Master!"


    "We are here to serve you, Institute Head!"


    Vice Hall Masters, as well as various Hall Elders and officials, and numerous disciples, all came forward in succession.


    Mere Dharma Manifestation Realm experts amounted to no less than seven people!


    Tao Tribulation Realm experts even exceeded a hundred.


    Behind these more than a hundred experts were several thousand disciples from Xiaoshanhe Institute, forming another overwhelming display, like a steel torrent.


    United, they knelt on one knee behind Xiao Yi.


    Despite the moment...


    These nearly ten thousand people didn''t shout loudly, but their uniform actions and the imposing aura oozing from the silence was terrifying. It was as if invisible hands were severely gripping their throats, leaving Sun Yao and others feeling breathless.


    Those of weak spirit,


    Even fainted outright upon witnessing this scene, rolling their eyes back in complete unconsciousness.


    Gulp!


    Sun Yao swallowed hard; just a moment ago, he was confident with their numbers and strength, but in the blink of an eye, the roles had been reversed. Looking at the nearly ten thousand powerful figures behind Xiao Yi, especially among the seven great Dharma Manifestation Realm figures, there were beings like Fu Yuan and the Shadow Demon, whom he couldn''t fathom.


    At that moment, Sun Yao felt as if he had swallowed a mouthful of Coptis, the bitterness overwhelming, "What kind of monster have I provoked?"


    Nangong Yi''s face was grim as he looked towards Nangong Xiao and others, "We''ve got no choice but to fight them now!"


    "If it weren''t for Xiao Yi, how could we have ended up like this?"


    "Kill them!"


    Under the pressure of impending death and despair, the eyes of the Nangong Family experts turned blood-red, filled with hatred and resentment as they looked at Xiao Yi and the Xiaoshanhe Institute folks behind him.


    They were descendants of the Nangong Family, once high and mighty.


    But now...


    They faced the threat of their family''s destruction and personal demise.


    In the eyes of the strong ones from the Nangong Family, all of this was because of Xiao Yi, because of Xiaoshanhe Institute!


    Hearing the roar and curses of the Nangong Family members, Ye Heng shouted, "Shut up... Have you not realized yet why things have turned out this way? Had you not repeatedly refused to cooperate with us and even attacked Elder Yan and Elder Xue, breaking their arms, and maximally humiliating them, would the Institute Head have targeted you?"


    From the beginning to the end, it was always the Nangong Family who were aggressive and domineering.


    Nangong Shengtian initially rejected Xiao Yi''s offer for cooperation.


    When Xiao Yi sent Yan Mingli and Xue Bufan to seek collaboration, they not only refused but also injured them grievously, breaking their arms.


    All of this was brought upon the Nangong Family by themselves!


    However.


    People like Nangong Yi would never see it that way.


    Nangong Yi sneered, "What a joke, our Nangong Family is one of the four great noble families. Do you even qualify to work with us? And those Elder Yan and Elder Xue you mentioned, who are they to us? We merely broke their arms; it''s their honor. You don''t appreciate our mercy, and yet you think about revenge?"


    "You..."


    Jin Feiyan stopped an angry Ye Heng, shaking her head and laughing, "Senior brother, why bother getting angry with these shameless people? In their eyes, only they are the noblest, and speaking reason to them is just wasting your breath. There''s only one way to deal with them!"


    "Oh?"


    Ye Heng was startled and curious. Having spent a considerable amount of time with Jin Feiyan recently, he had some understanding of this quirky junior sister and asked, "What way?"


    With a grin, Jin Feiyan''s eyes narrowed slightly, like crescent moons, she spoke slowly and clearly, "That is¡ªto make sure they can never speak again!"


    Never speak again?


    Ye Heng was shocked, then he understood.


    Who would never be able to speak again?


    Obviously, a dead person!


    Jin Feiyan, smiling cheerfully, looked at Xiao Yi, "Master, am I right?"


    "Hmm!"


    Xiao Yi nodded in satisfaction. Although his disciple Ye Heng possessed the Battle War Holy Body, his personality was much duller than the lively and agile Jin Feiyan. Under the proud gaze of Jin Feiyang, Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Fei Yan, Ye Heng, the two of you can have a contest... This time, whoever kills more people from the Nangong Family will receive a reward from me!"


    "A reward?"


    Jin Feiyan''s eyes gleamed, looking at Ye Heng, she said coyly, "Senior brother, you wouldn''t compete with your junior sister, right?"


    Ye Heng gave her a glance and snorted, "I will strive for the reward that our master grants with all my might!"


    "You... don''t you have any sense of being a senior brother? You''re my elder; you should be more humble!" Jin Feiyan complained on her tiptoes. After Ye Heng awakened the Battle War Holy Body, he had grown taller and more imposing, and even on her tiptoes, she barely reached his chest.


    Ye Heng pressed a hand on her head gently and said, "Sorry, we''re equals!"


    "You..."


    Jin Feiyan, vexed, slapped away Ye Heng''s hand from her head, and said angrily, "We''ll see who gets the master''s reward. It will definitely be mine!"


    Ye Heng confidently responded, "You don''t stand a chance!"


    Jin Feiyan huffed, her dark eyes whirling around.


    At that moment...


    The Shadow Demon had already waved his hand grandly, "All warriors of the War Hall, follow me to kill!"


    Little Lin howled to the sky, "All members of the Punishment Hall, kill!"


    "The Skill Transmission Hall..."


    "The All Things Hall..."


    "The Task Hall..."


    Command after command was given.


    Disciples of the Xiaoshanhe Institute charged like a fierce army at Sun Yao and his followers.


    For a moment.


    Only Yan Mingli, Xue Bufan, Zhou Jing, and Lin Bingxin remained by Xiao Yi''s side.


    Yan Mingli, curious about the competitive Ye Heng and Jin Feiyan, asked, "Who do you think will win between Ye Heng and Little Yanzi?"


    Xue Bufan said indifferently, "Little Yanzi is indeed clever, but she has only recently entered the Shentong Realm, whereas Ye Heng is at the Peak of the Divine Ability Realm, and he also possesses the Battle War Holy Body. He is certain to win!"


    Zhou Jing nodded in agreement.


    Lin Bingxin hesitated a bit and said, "I think Yanzi might win!"


    "Hmm?"


    Everyone looked at Lin Bingxin with puzzlement.


    In their eyes...


    Jin Feiyan seemed to have no chance of winning at all!


    Xiao Yi, however, smiled and said, "I also think Bing Xin is right. That foolish boy Ye Heng is likely to be at a disadvantage!"

 Chapter 397 - 397: The Unparalleled War King

    This time the people from Xiaoshanhe Institute joined the battle.


    The main purpose was still to train the disciples, hence, the Shadow Demon and others only took action against powerhouses like Sun Yao and the female Yama.


    The ordinary disciples from the Nangong Family were all left to the disciples of Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Ye Heng''s Battle War Holy Body was meant to grow through combat, to elevate amidst life and death battles, becoming increasingly brave as the war went on. He alone, cutting his way in and out of the crowd, was at the peak of the Divine Ability Realm, but even facing ordinary masters of the Golden Core Realm, he was not one bit cowardly; instead, he became more valiant as the fight progressed.


    The stronger the enemy, the stronger I become!


    Under Ye Heng''s frenzied slaughter, his battle achievements were rapidly improving.


    As for Jin Feiyan...


    She never focused on killing.


    But her movement technique was so elegant and nimble that even the common Golden Core Realm powerhouses found it extremely difficult to catch her.


    Like a fish in water, she weaved through the crowd.


    Jin Feiyan''s voice kept ringing out, "Big sister, can you beat him half to death and leave him to me to finish off? If I get the reward from our master, I''ll share some with you!"


    "Big brother, can you let me handle the guy in your hands? Just help me out, and if I beat that unscrupulous senior brother of mine... I promise to hook you up with a beautiful girl..."


    "Grandpa Hall Master..."


    "Uncle Elder..."


    Wherever Jin Feiyan passed,


    the elders, deacons, and disciples of Xiaoshanhe Institute, and even the Hall Masters and Vice Hall Masters like the Shadow Demon, couldn''t resist her coquettish charm, continuously handing over their targets to her. Soon, the number of Nangong Family powerhouses Jin Feiyan hunted climbed steadily, ten, twenty, thirty...


    She had long left Ye Heng far behind.


    Ye Heng, locked in a tough fight with a Second Layer Golden Core Realm master, gritted his teeth in anger, cursing loudly, "Jin Feiyan, aren''t you just too despicable?"


    Lalalala!


    Jin Feiyan flicked her slender finger beneath her lower eyelid, pulling a face, and stuck her tongue out at him, "The heads I got with my abilities, how is that being despicable? Master didn''t say we couldn''t get help. If you have the skills, brother, you can also find someone to help you!"


    As she spoke,


    Jin Feiyan took a Golden Elixir Realm Peak powerhouse, who was at his last breath, from an elder''s hands, and with an effortless flick of her dagger, she slit his throat, killing him with a single strike.


    Ye Heng was speechless. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He vented all his inner frustration on the Golden Core Realm master opposite him as his arms blurred like phantoms, fists and palms striking together, his sword energy soaring to the sky, "I''ll kill you, you despicable and shameless bastard..."


    The Nangong Family Golden Core Realm powerhouse: "..."


    A moment later,


    Under the resentful and unwilling gaze of the Golden Core Realm powerhouse, Ye Heng finished him off with a sword strike. Seeing his own kill count was far less than Jin Feiyan''s, Ye Heng clenched his teeth and steeled himself, "I refuse to believe... With my personal charm, I can''t beat this little girl?"


    And so,


    Ye Heng ran over to Yu Huaxian, "Uncle Huaxian, could you please..."


    Hiss!


    Yu Huaxian shuddered at Ye Heng''s soft and tender voice, and upon turning back to see Ye Heng blinking at him and acting coquettishly, Yu Huaxian shook all over, "Damn it, I''m a real man!"


    Bang!


    Yu Huaxian slapped Ye Heng away with a casual hand.


    "..."


    Ye Heng looked aggrieved, his gaze shifted to Little Lin not far away, who was fighting two Tao Tribulation Realm masters.


    Before he could speak,


    Little Lin coldly said, "Scram!"


    Ye Heng: "..."


    Having rebuked Ye Heng, Little Lin then moved over to Jin Feiyan, "Xiaoyanzi, I''ll leave these two to you!"


    With a flick of her tail, she placed two Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouses, both on their last breath, in front of Jin Feiyan.


    "Thank you, Uncle Little Lin!"


    Jin Feiyan was overjoyed, her dagger greeting the pair.


    The result...


    Ding ding!


    Two dazzling sparks of fire, but they failed to break through their defenses?


    Jin Feiyan wanted to cry but had no tears, a look of grievance on her face, "Little Lin Uncle-Master, I can''t beat them!"


    "Can''t beat them?"


    Little Lin was taken aback, then saw that two Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouses were secretly circulating their primordial energy, forming an invisible protective shield around themselves. How could such a defense be broken by Jin Feiyan of the mere Shentong Realm? Little Lin snorted coldly, his body tensed, and with a crisp crack, the bones of the two Tao Tribulation Realm strongmen were crushed amidst their screams. Little Lin laughed, "Little Yanzi, now you can do it!"


    Thud thud!


    Two slashes, life extinguished!


    Jin Feiyan giggled, "Thank you, Uncle-Master Little Lin!"


    "Hahaha, off you go!"


    Little Lin laughed, speaking human language, when suddenly he felt a chill on his back.


    Little Lin subconsciously turned around, just to see Ye Heng looking at him with a face full of resentment.


    "Uh..."


    Little Lin showed a humanized embarrassment on his face, somewhat annoyed, "What are you looking at?"


    "Lustful serpent..."


    Ye Heng muttered.


    Slap!


    The words were not yet complete.


    He was already smacked away by Little Lin''s tail, watching Ye Heng tumble into the crowd. Little Lin snorted coldly, proudly lifting his neck and twisting his body as he strutted away.


    Yan Mingli and the others watching the battle exchanged looks.


    Lin Bingxin couldn''t help but laugh and cry, "I knew it would end up like this!"


    Zhou Jing said with a bitter smile, "That girl Fei Yan really is incredible. Ye Heng''s loss is not unjust!"


    The battle situation was almost completely one-sided.


    Under the leadership of the Shadow Demon and others, the members of Xiaoshanhe Institute were invincible, slaying gods when obstructed by gods, slaying buddhas when hindered by buddhas. One after another, the strongmen of the Nangong Family fell before them, without any chance to resist. With the power Xiaoshanhe Institute now wielded, they had already far surpassed any of the four great noble families.


    It was enough to compare with the least of the top ten sects, the Liyang Sect and the Kuangdao Sect.


    Dealing with the mere Nangong Family was naturally a piece of cake!


    Looking at Nangong Shengji again...


    Under the siege of Qi and Nalan Qianqiu, who were by no means weaker than him, Nangong Shengji was forced to retreat step by step, his body covered in blood.


    His internal organs were all scorched by Nalan Qianqiu''s fiery primordial energy.


    As primordial energy circulated.


    His internal organs felt a severe burning pain, as if being scorched by a raging fire, and he was already at the end of his tether.


    Experience new stories on My Virtual Library Empire


    Qi stood in the air holding a horsetail whisk, his body radiating a flowing halo.


    Nalan Qianqiu held aloft two fireballs in his hands, like two suns spitting firelight in his palms, looking down from high above at Nangong Shengji.


    Wow!


    Nangong Shengji violently spat out a mouthful of fresh blood, looking at the Nangong Family strongmen who died one after another. His face became extremely ferocious.


    These were the elites of his Nangong Family!


    And now more than half had perished.


    It was as if he could already see the once-glorious Nangong Family, one foot in the dust of history, on the verge of collapse. The cause of all this was that carefree boy not far off, the one he had once not taken seriously, like a mere ant.


    Step by step by step!


    Xiao Yi walked on air, landing in front of Nangong Shengji.


    He looked down at the once unassailable head of the Nangong Family.


    Nangong Shengji struggled to lift his head, staring at Xiao Yi with venomous eyes, "You little bastard, don''t get too happy too soon. The War King won''t let you go..."


    "Is that so?"


    Xiao Yi grinned, speaking indifferently, "I''d like to see just how your so-called War King won''t let me go!"


    No sooner had he spoken than...


    At that moment...


    A terrifying axe light suddenly fell from the sky, and with a loud bang, the vast net in the sky was smashed to pieces. A majestic figure stood suspended in the air, his cold gaze sweeping over those below, finally resting on Xiao Yi, his substantial gaze sharp as a blade, causing one''s scalp to tingle.


    Xiao Yi''s pupils slightly constricted, he turned to look at the figure, showing a hint of solemnity, "The Peerless War King?"

 Chapter 398 - 398: Domineering and Overbearing

    "Unparalleled War King!"


    Xiao Yi''s face revealed a solemn expression.


    In the void.


    That towering figure stood like a mountain, and the aura emanating from him alone far surpassed that of anyone present.


    Even Nalan Qianqiu and Qi were firmly suppressed by him.


    This man was none other than one of the two most powerful men in the Great Qian Dynasty, the Unparalleled War King¡ªYang Yuhuan!


    Hiss!


    The people engaged in the fierce battle all stopped.


    Sun Yao''s face was filled with ecstatic joy, barely fending off the attackers under Lady Yama''s protection. Though he was on his last breath, he made it, clinging to life. Sun Yao spat out a mouthful of fresh blood and yelled with all his might, "King, my Lord King, save me..."


    The Unparalleled War King merely glanced at him.


    Without a word.


    Yet, the form of the Unparalleled War King descended lightly from the sky.


    Sun Yao''s face twisted with pride and savagery as hatred-filled eyes rested on Xiao Yi, he hysterically yelled, "Hahaha, Xiao Yi, you''re done for! The King has arrived, even if Emperor Qian himself were here, he couldn''t save you, you''re done for, done for..."


    Nangong Yi had lost an arm, and now, with a pale face, tears of relief after surviving a calamity fell, "Brothers, the War King is here... He''s come to save us..."


    "Hahaha, you scum from the Xiaoshanhe Institute, with His Highness the War King''s arrival, you''re as good as dead!"


    "Our Nangong Family won''t be destroyed..."


    A crowd of the Nangong Family''s warriors wept with joy.


    The warriors of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, however, were tense as they gathered around Xiao Yi.


    A man''s reputation, a tree''s shadow.


    The Unparalleled War King, Yang Yuhuan!


    He was the only one in the entire Great Qian Dynasty who could rival Emperor Qian in terms of power.


    Most of the ten governing Great Generals in the Great Qian Dynasty came from under Yang Yuhuan''s command.


    He controlled troops numbering over ten million in his hands.


    What''s more...


    There were rumors that the Unparalleled War King, Yang Yuhuan, was the mastermind behind Xue Yilou!


    Your next chapter is on My Virtual Library Empire


    This was the first time Xiao Yi had come face to face with Yang Yuhuan!


    Whoosh!


    Yang Yuhuan landed in front of Xiao Yi, looking at everyone expressionlessly, silent.


    It''s this kind of silence.


    That made Nalan Qianqiu and Qi show unprecedented gravity, Nalan Qianqiu said solemnly, "Rending my respects to His Highness the War King!"


    "This humble one pays respect to Your Highness!" said Qi.


    Yang Yuhuan just glanced at them, still not uttering a single word.


    In his eyes...


    Qi was nothing but a dog raised by their royal family, as for Nalan Qianqiu... he was just a merchant, in his view.


    He naturally looked down on him.


    Qi narrowed his eyes, already accustomed to Yang Yuhuan''s arrogance.


    Nalan Qianqiu also narrowed his eyes, showing a hint of displeasure.


    Yang Yuhuan continued to stare at Nangong Shengji, his voice calm as ever, betraying no emotion, "Do they know you''ve joined my ranks?"


    Nangong Shengji nodded with difficulty, clenched his teeth, and said, "To report to Your Highness, I''ve already told them that our Nangong Family has come under the War King''s command. General Sun and the two Emissaries of Black and White also informed them... They didn''t take the War King''s mansion seriously at all..."


    Helped by several people, Sun Yao also came forward.


    His face was full of resentment and viciousness, glaring at Xiao Yi before then looking at Yang Yuhuan, he said, "My Lord King, we''ve already made clear our identities and origins, but Xiao Yi ignored them. He almost exterminated the Nangong Family, and he has left both me and Lord Yama severely injured, and Lord Yama was even killed by Xiao Yi. You must seek justice for us!"


    Lady Yama, her mouth stained with blood, transmitted her voice saying, "Master, you must avenge me and my husband!"


    "Hmm!"


    Yang Yuhuan nodded, his gaze shifting to Qi, but he didn''t even spare Xiao Yi a glance, "Qi, knowing that the Nangong Family has joined my ranks, why did you dare to make a move?"


    Qi''s expression remained unchanged as he spoke indifferently, "This one did not know!"


    "You lying dog, he..."


    Before Sun Yao''s words could settle,


    Boom!


    An invisible shockwave slammed into him, sending his body flying backward.


    Wow!


    Sun Yao spat out blood, his face a picture of disbelief as he looked at Yang Yuhuan.


    Yang Yuhuan said indifferently, "If this dog won''t obey, it''s still a dog raised by my imperial family, not to be commanded by you!"


    "Your Highness, please calm your anger... I, I realize my mistake..." Sun Yao, struggling to endure the intense pain, stammered fearfully.


    Only then did Yang Yuhuan shift his gaze to Qi and Nalan Qianqiu, "Both of you, sever one of your arms!"


    "Prince of War, although I, Nalan Qianqiu, am not your equal, I am still a master of one pavilion of Treasure Pavilion. Aren''t you afraid of offending my Treasure Pavilion by doing this?" Nalan Qianqiu narrowed his eyes, his expression unfriendly as he spoke.


    Yang Yuhuan scoffed coldly, "Are you threatening me?"


    The power of Treasure Pavilion far exceeded that of the Great Qian Dynasty.


    However...


    That was the overall Treasure Pavilion within the Nantian Dynasty.


    A mere division of Treasure Pavilion within the Great Qian Dynasty, among the countless other divisions, ranked at the very bottom and was considered insignificant. How could he take them seriously?


    "You..."


    Nalan Qianqiu frowned.


    Just as he was caught between a rock and a hard place,


    Xiao Yi''s voice slowly rang out, "What great authority the Prince wields!"


    "Hmm?"


    Yang Yuhuan glanced towards Xiao Yi, raised an eyebrow, and revealed a sneer of ice-cold mockery, "Are you the Xiao Family''s cast-out, Xiao Yi?"


    Whoosh!


    The faces of all present changed at once.


    With the rise of Xiao Yi...


    The trials of his past decade or so had also spread, not known by everyone, but well-known by those of some status. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Eight years of imprisonment.


    Expelled from his home.


    Reduced to a son-in-law living off his wife...


    These were labels Xiao Yi could not shake off.


    "My master is a true dragon among men; the Xiao Family casting him out shows their lack of discernment..." Jin Feiyan shouted, her neck straining.


    "Hmm?"


    Yang Yuhuan raised an eyebrow, turning his gaze to Jin Feiyan.


    "Not good!"


    Xiao Yi''s face suddenly changed, golden light swirling around his body as he released his vital energy with a snap of his fingers. Alas, he was still a step too slow. With a muffled boom, Xiao Yi''s directed energy was mostly dissipated, yet a strand still struck Jin Feiyan.


    Wow!


    Jin Feiyan screamed miserably as she was flung backward.


    Luckily, she was caught by Fu Yuan standing beside her. Even so, the terrifying force sent Fu Yuan and Jin Feiyan stumbling back more than a dozen meters before they came to a halt.


    Fu Yuan grunted.


    He promptly channeled his vital energy, infusing it into Jin Feiyan''s body.


    That was what finally stabilized her condition,


    And saved her life.


    But after this ordeal, Jin Feiyan would likely have to spend days, if not weeks, bedridden.


    "Are you alright?"


    Xiao Yi looked at Fu Yuan, who indicated that Jin Feiyan was not in life-threatening danger, and he let out a sigh of relief. Looking down at the slowly awakening Jin Feiyan, he said with a tone of helplessness, "Silly girl, that''s the Unrivaled War Prince. Do you have a death wish?"


    Despite her pale face, Jin Feiyan stubbornly replied, "I, I can criticize my master, but he, he is beyond reproach..."


    Seeing the stubbornness on the little girl''s face,


    Xiao Yi let out a heavy sigh, his eyes narrowing into slits as his gaze settled on the domineering and tyrannical Yang Yuhuan...

 Chapter 399 - 399: Youre Not Worthy Yet!

    "My disciples, I can beat or scold, but others may not!"


    Xiao Yi slowly exhaled a breath of turbid air, his icy gaze fixed intently on Yang Yuhuan.


    Yang Yuhuan''s eyebrows were tightly knitted.


    Those eyes, bright as the moon and deeper than the night, stared at Xiao Yi. His lips curled into a disdainful smile, "No wonder the Xiao Family looks down on you. It''s that arrogance of yours, thinking you''re above heaven and earth. Sooner or later, you will bring calamity upon the Xiao Family! Compared to Xiao Tianjiao, you truly fall short!"


    Xiao Tianjiao.


    The universally acknowledged number one prodigy in the history of the Great Qian Dynasty.


    Despite Xiao Yi''s impressive achievements, in the eyes of the public, he still wasn''t considered comparable to Xiao Tianjiao.


    Because.


    In the hearts of most, they still didn''t believe Xiao Yi could match up to Xiao Tianjiao.


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi let out a breath and said, "As to who is stronger between me and Xiao Tianjiao, time will naturally give everyone the answer. It''s not your place to make judgments here!"


    "Oh? Is that so?"


    Yang Yuhuan smiled softly and said indifferently, "The reason I say these things is not to criticize you. After all, if not for Xiao Tianjiao''s sake, you wouldn''t be worthy of my comment. Moreover¡­"


    His voice paused slightly.


    With a step forward, an overwhelming pressure rolled in like a towering mountain.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Thunderous explosions from nowhere startled everyone, forcing them to retreat several steps.


    Even Nalan Qianqiu and Qi, who had reached the peak of the Dharma Manifestation Realm, were compelled to step back twice under the dreadful pressure of Yang Yuhuan. This was the unmatched War King of the Great Qian Dynasty, the legendary Military God who never lost a battle¡ªYang Yuhuan!


    Though all at the peak of the Dharma Manifestation Realm, even Qi and Nalan Qianqiu combined could not withstand ten moves from him!


    "Is this the unparalleled War King? Just his aura alone makes me dare not harbor any thoughts of defiance, it''s truly terrifying!"


    "Worthy of being the Military God of the Great Qian Dynasty, an existence like the Calm Sea Divine Needle¡­"


    Even the Shadow Demon and Zhang Ling, who feared neither heaven nor earth, felt a trace of fear when facing Yang Yuhuan.


    It was merely the oppression of aura.


    Yet, it extinguished the fighting spirit of these strong warriors who had emerged from the Slave Battlefield.


    One could imagine¡­


    just how formidable Yang Yuhuan was.


    Xiao Yi''s face turned somewhat pale, yet he stood as proud as an ancient pine before Yang Yuhuan, his feet rooted to the ground as if they had taken root. Not shaking in the slightest, his eyes blazed fiercely, staring at him as if they were tangible.


    Yang Yuhuan raised his eyebrows, somewhat surprised that Xiao Yi could remain so composed under his pressure, "Not bad, not bad at all. You didn''t kneel under my aura. You''ve got some backbone, kid. But I wonder if the bones in your body are as tough!"


    Xiao Yi said coolly, "You can try!"


    Facing Xiao Yi''s challenge, Yang Yuhuan remained indifferent and calm.


    In his eyes, Xiao Yi was but an ant.


    "You don''t need to try to provoke me, why would the Azure Dragon be infuriated by an ant?"


    Yang Yuhuan chuckled lightly, shaking his head gently as usual, and raised three fingers, "Three moves. If you can withstand three moves from me, I might give you a chance to live."


    "Three moves?"


    "Although Director Xiao is formidable, he is only at the Eighth Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm. How could he possibly withstand three moves from the War King?"


    Your next chapter awaits on My Virtual Library Empire


    "To accept is to die, to resist is also to die¡­"


    "Xiaoshanhe Institute finally saw a glimmer of hope for rising, is it going to be destroyed now?"


    After hearing Yang Yuhuan''s words, everyone shook their heads and sighed.


    Given Yang Yuhuan''s strength.


    Let alone Xiao Yi, who was just at the Eighth Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm, even someone at the peak of the Dharma Manifestation Realm would likely not be his match!


    Everyone looked at Xiao Yi with eyes full of worry.


    Of course...


    Figures such as Nangong Shengji and Sun Yao had expressions of schadenfreude, a look of excitement on their faces.


    It was as if they had already witnessed Xiao Yi dying at the hands of Yang Yuhuan!


    At the same time.


    Within the imperial palace, Yang Ling looked anxiously at Emperor Qian, "Father, great-uncle has already made his move, if you don''t intervene, Xiao Yi''s life will be in danger!"


    "What''s the rush?"


    Emperor Qian glanced at him indifferently, his calm demeanor showing a hint of amusement, "Have you ever seen this kid at a disadvantage? Since your great-uncle appeared until now, I haven''t detected any sign of despair from him, on the contrary, there''s an excited eagerness. Let''s wait a bit longer, and see what kind of ''medicine'' he''s selling!"


    Emperor Qian''s gaze seemed to travel through time and space, landing on Xiao Yi.


    In those profound eyes, there was a touch of deep curiosity and anticipation.


    Yang Ling was momentarily stunned, and seeing that Emperor Qian had no more to say, he felt it improper to press further. He clenched his hands tightly and with a worried look, he gazed in the direction of the Nangong Family and muttered to himself, "Xiao Yi, I hope nothing happens to you!"


    ...


    Inside the Nangong Family mansion.


    Everyone''s eyes were fixed on Xiao Yi, awaiting his response.


    Facing the challenge of the unparalleled War King Yang Yuhuan, who asked for a three-move agreement, would he accept?


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi let out a long breath, the corners of his mouth curling up slightly as he stared intently at Yang Yuhuan and said deliberately, "Three moves are enough, you say?"


    "Hm?"


    Yang Yuhuan was taken aback.


    Xiao Yi cracked a smile, "You want to kill me, but three moves are far from enough!"


    "How insolent!"


    "Xiao Yi, you''re utterly ignorant of your own limits ¡ª that''s War King His Highness there. He could crush you to pieces with just a flick of his finger, let alone three moves..."


    Sun Yao and the others were furious, roaring in anger.


    In their eyes, Yang Yuhuan was an invincible existence.


    For a mere Eighth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm Xiao Yi to look down on Yang Yuhuan? S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    To them...


    It was like their faith had been insulted!


    "Shut up!"


    Xiao Yi glanced at them coldly, "Defeated dogs, what right do you have to wag your tongues before me? Keep yapping and don''t blame me for killing you first!"


    "You..."


    Sun Yao and the others were red-faced.


    They were about to curse, but upon encountering Xiao Yi''s cold gaze, the words they had at the tip of their tongues were forcefully swallowed back down.


    Yang Yuhuan couldn''t help but raise an eyebrow.


    In the moment of eye contact with Sun Yao and the others, he felt Xiao Yi release a subtle aura of oppression, and it was this very pressure that silenced them from speaking out.


    "Interesting little fellow!"


    Yang Yuhuan suddenly laughed, his mouth curving up slightly, his gaze on Xiao Yi now filled with curiosity and interest, "Xiao Yi, you have successfully piqued my interest. If you can survive three moves from me without dying, then you''ll prove you''re worthy to be my dog. It just so happens that the Funeral Envoy was killed by you, and if you submit to me and become the new Funeral Envoy under my command, I can spare your life!"


    "Your Highness..."


    Sun Yao and Yama''s expressions changed.


    "Hm?"


    Yang Yuhuan turned to look at them, they shuddered and turned pale, quickly responding, "Your Highness is wise!"


    "Hmm!"


    Yang Yuhuan nodded and then turned his attention back to Xiao Yi, "What is your decision?"


    "Have me submit?"


    Xiao Yi cracked a smile and said with emphasis, "You''re not worthy!"

 Chapter 400 - 400 Xiao Yi VS War King

    "You''re not worthy!"


    Xiao Yi''s mouth slightly upturned as he stared at Yang Yuhuan before him.


    Hiss!


    All those who heard these words couldn''t help but suck in a breath of cold air, their vastly different faces simultaneously showing shock and disbelief. Astonished gazes fell upon Xiao Yi.


    This was the Peerless Battle King!


    Even Emperor Qian wouldn''t dare speak to him like this.


    Xiao Yi had actually said he wasn''t worthy?


    Gulp!


    Sun Yao swallowed hard, then his eyes shone with an unprecedented excitement, "Hahaha, this kid is really unthinkable in his arrogance, he''s truly courting death!"


    "No one has ever dared to humiliate His Highness like this, Xiao Yi is surely a dead man!" Yama clenched her fists tightly, her eyes fierce.


    When she heard the Peerless Battle King propose that Xiao Yi become the new funeral envoy, she was genuinely worried Xiao Yi would accept it.


    If that happened.


    She wouldn''t be able to avenge the funeral envoy!


    Now.


    Xiao Yi had not only rejected Yang Yuhuan''s proposal, but he had also openly humiliated and provoked him. How could this not excite Yama?


    Nalan Qianqiu covered her face with one hand, turning to Qi beside her, "Eunuch Qi, it seems we need to be prepared for a do-or-die struggle."


    "Ah..."


    Eunuch Qi looked frustrated and could hardly bear to smile, "I''m just here to deliver a decree, how did it turn into this mess? I shouldn''t have listened to Xiao Yi''s bewitchments, should I? It would have been fine just to announce the imperial edict and leave... Now I''ve gotten myself involved..."


    Despite saying so.


    Eunuch Qi''s movements showed no hesitation or retreat, his nerves taut, ready to act at the first sign of danger to Xiao Yi''s life.


    Everyone''s gaze shifted between Xiao Yi and Yang Yuhuan.


    The two stood like two towering pines, proudly occupying their respective sides, eyes locked onto each other.


    Nobody took the initiative to speak first.


    Yet, it was this silence that created an invisible pressure, forcing the powerhouses lingering near them to retreat involuntarily. For a moment, the only ones who dared to stay within a hundred yards of the two were Nalan Qianqiu, Eunuch Qi, and Little Lin.


    Chi!


    Chi, chi!


    Crackle and pop!


    Cold light burst forth from the eyes of both men, tangible beams clashing between them, creating blinding sparks. These sparks dazzled brightly, crackling incessantly like frying beans.


    Suddenly.


    Blades of wind began to surge around both of them.


    The wind grew stronger.


    Gradually turning into a fierce gale!


    Two gray tornadoes rose into the sky, centered around the men, reaching dozens of feet high, howling as they swirled.


    Twisting their massive bodies, they moved towards each other.


    Boom!


    Boom, boom, boom!


    Rumbling...


    As the two storms collided, they generated the grating sound of metal clashing.


    As the two storms merged, they became increasingly terrifying.


    Under the sweep of the wild wind, corpses on the ground were lifted into the air, torn apart, turning into a rain of blood. The debris and buildings were also ripped apart and sucked into the air.


    Clashing against each other, they exploded into brilliant sparks like swords and spears in combat.


    The two had yet to make a move.


    The sheer force of their presences alone created a destructive power akin to a typhoon''s passing.


    Boom!


    All of a sudden.


    The two tornadoes both trembled and, like a clay ox entering the sea, vanished without a trace in an instant.


    In the heavens above...


    The corpses and fragments of buildings that had been carried into the air, now bereft of the support of the tornadoes, paused abruptly in midair before plummeting down like torrential rain.


    Crash!


    Stone debris, fragments of buildings, rooftops, corpses...


    They formed a chaotic rain of rubbish.


    Bang!


    This was a stone beast that once stood at the entrance of the Nangong Family mansion; as it hit the ground, it stirred up a whirl of dust.


    It was the sound made by the stone beast as it landed that, like the beating of war drums, seemed as if Xiao Yi and Yang Yuhuan had agreed upon it, for they both made their move at the moment it touched the ground.


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi dared not be careless and went all out from the start.


    The Wind Thunder Holy Body was activated.


    Glimmers of wind and thunder gathered around him, and a sixth-tier Longsword suddenly appeared in his palm¡ªthis was the weapon he bought from the Treasure Pavilion.


    The sixth-tier Longsword, Shadowless!


    The Shadowless Sword was shrouded in darkness, with streaks of blue wind blades and purplish-gold lightning crawling along his arm, entwining around the Shadowless Sword. Xiao Yi leapt up, his Shadowless Sword seemingly fused with his own body.


    Man and sword as one!


    Xiao Yi let out a low roar, "Sword Qi Blue Lotus."


    Whoosh whoosh whoosh!


    Sword light carved in front of him, the sharp sword glows turning into clusters of Sword Qi Blue Lotuses.


    Forty-nine Sword Qi Blue Lotuses arranged themselves into a formation like a lotus flower, spinning and regenerating endlessly, and exploded towards Yang Yuhuan.


    Yang Yuhuan''s face was expressionless, his right hand placed behind him.


    He reached forward with his left hand.


    Between his fingers, a hand with distinct veins became visible; Yang Yuhuan spoke indifferently and coldly, "Shanchuan within the palm!"


    Hum!


    A vortex appeared within that hand.


    The vortex kept spinning.


    Making the veins within the palm seem like rivers in incessant flow, with the palm lines turning into endless expanses of mountains and hills. It was as if ten thousand miles of rivers and mountains were captured in his hand, reaching towards those forty-nine Sword Qi Blue Lotuses.


    Hum!


    As the vortex spun.


    It actually kept dragging the Sword Qi Blue Lotuses towards its depths, into the profound abyss.


    "Such terrifying power..."


    Xiao Yi''s pupils contracted slightly, his face more solemn than ever before.


    His Sword Qi Blue Lotus even showed signs of being devoured by that vortex, unable to withstand the fearsome devouring force emanating from within.


    Xiao Yi''s body shook, boundless primordial energy converged into his palm, without any hesitation he changed his move. His Shadowless Sword rapidly drew circular sword arcs, the arcs outlining silver sword light, linking the Sword Lotuses together, and Xiao Yi shouted, "Never-ending regeneration!"


    Hum!


    Under the connection of the sword light.


    The forty-nine Sword Qi Blue Lotuses supported each other, simultaneously starting to rotate, resembling a colossal grinding wheel. Experience new stories on My Virtual Library Empire


    They spun in the direction opposite to the vortex.


    Resisting the devouring force of the vortex.


    The Sword Qi Blue Lotuses and the black vortex faced off like the needle against the wheat awn, yet neither could do anything to the other, which made Yang Yuhuan unable to help but raise an eyebrow slightly and he chuckled, "Interesting, but with just this, you can''t stop me!"


    Hum!


    Yang Yuhuan''s fingers suddenly clenched.


    Rumble! S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Terrifying energy glowed and radiated nonstop while the black vortex also rapidly expanded in the palm.


    Whoosh whoosh whoosh!


    The forty-nine Sword Qi Blue Lotuses actually all escaped into the vortex.


    Like a clay ox entering the sea.


    Without another sound to be heard.


    As Yang Yuhuan''s fingers tightened, the Sword Qi that had made countless strong men tremble dissipated, and the profound vortex that no one dared to gaze into vanished as well.


    "You do have some skills, but..."


    The corners of Yang Yuhuan''s mouth curved slightly upwards, his gaze towards Xiao Yi full of thick mockery, "With your ability, challenging me, the King, is far from enough!"


    "Two moves have passed..."


    Yet Xiao Yi just grinned, saying indifferently, "For the final move, I wonder how you will beat me?"

 Chapter 401 - 401 Im Willing to Call You the Strongest!

    "Only one move left!"


    Xiao Yi cracked a smile, his eyes playfully fixed on Yang Yuhuan.


    However, his heart was far from being as relaxed as he appeared; in their previous exchanges, Yang Yuhuan had not launched any offensive moves, primarily focusing on defense. Yet even so, it was enough for Xiao Yi to see the enormous gap that existed between them.


    The two strongest moves of "Sword Qi Blue Lotus," Blue Lotus Reincarnation and Eternal Life.


    In front of Yang Yuhuan, they were extremely fragile.


    Destroyed with a simple gesture.


    This proved the insurmountable chasm in combat strength between Xiao Yi and him.


    Yang Yuhuan looked down at his palm and suddenly smiled, saying, "Not bad at all. Your talent and attainment in the way of the sword rank in the top ten of all the geniuses I''ve seen."


    As a sovereign equivalent to the leaders of the top ten sects,


    he was often invited to participate in the celebrations of various great sects.


    He had naturally seen countless geniuses.


    Xiao Yi''s talent in the way of the sword was indeed extraordinary.


    Yang Yuhuan smiled and said, "I am growing more and more interested in taking you as my disciple."


    "Hmph!"


    Xiao Yi snorted coldly, "I told you that you are not worthy!"


    "Is that so?"


    Yang Yuhuan slowly spread his hands open, his lips curving into a playful smile, "Then I shall show you whether or not I am worthy of being your master!"


    As soon as the words fell.


    A circular shockwave burst forth violently from Yang Yuhuan''s body.


    Hum!


    The shockwave spread like a vast tidal wave.


    Roaring thunderously.


    The shockwave moved in every direction, causing the ground to tremble and thick floor tiles were flung up into the air. Behind him, massive cracks suddenly appeared on the enclosing wall of the Nangong Family estate.


    The cracks spread across it like a spider web.


    Then...


    Boom!


    The high wall, half a meter thick, burst open.


    Turning into a sky full of dust.


    Whirling up into the sky amidst the wind, the dust amassed behind Yang Yuhuan into a towering sandstorm, like a hand covering the sky, obscuring the sun. It was as if a black cloud had descended, turning day into night, so thick that one could not see one''s own hands.


    With a mere gesture, he changed heaven and earth!


    Yang Yuhuan''s power was otherworldly, like that of a celestial being!


    "Xiao Yi, if you survive this move, I shall spare your life!"


    Yang Yuhuan''s face was expressionless as his palm pressed down from above toward Xiao Yi.


    Hum!


    The boundless sandstorm behind him churned wildly, as if invisible hands were kneading it, shaping it forcefully into the form of a gigantic palm. Like the hand of a god descending from the heavens.


    Xiao Yi''s eyebrows knitted together: "Divide the Two Waters ¨C White Heron Island!"


    "Blue Lotus Reincarnation!"


    "Eternal Life!"


    Xiao Yi merged his whole body with the Shadowless Sword.


    Where Sword Intent directed, the sword edge followed.


    Countless Sword Qi Blue Lotuses multiplied endlessly, converging into a hundred-zhang tall Sword Qi Flower Lotus, spinning continuously. They bloomed and released a bright, emerald-green light, radiant as jade, covering the sky and shooting straight toward the gigantic sandstorm palm.


    Hum!


    The Blue Lotus collided with the gigantic sandstorm palm.


    Blue light and gray light burst forth at the same time.


    Boom!


    The terrifying energy created during the collision formed a fearsome shockwave that swept in all directions, and the walls formed by Xiao Yi''s manipulation of the powers of the earth shattered amidst a rumbling noise, stone by stone exploding into pieces.


    The earthen wall also exploded with a bang.


    A cloud of dust filled the sky, obscuring the sun.


    The skies above the majority of the imperial city were enveloped in frightening gray dust.


    In the rolling dust and smoke.


    A streak of bright emerald-green light was particularly dazzling on the ground, and all the strong warriors who had lost the barrier of the earthen wall were scattered in all directions, afraid of being inadvertently caught in the crossfire.


    "Who won?"


    "Naturally, it''s His Highness the War King. Didn''t you see the power of his palm just now? Even a Peak Dharma Manifestation Realm expert can''t withstand it!"


    Sun Yao clenched his fists tightly, excitement written all over his face, "Xiao Yi could die at His Royal Highness''s hand. Even in death, he will be remembered throughout history!" Your adventure continues at My Virtual Library Empire


    At that moment...


    Within the swirling dust.


    A green light shot up into the sky, cleaving the dense Black Cloud in two. The chilling Sword Qi shot up like a pillar supporting the heavens. The terrible energy fluctuations billowed forth, causing the dust above the sky to stop abruptly, as if time and space had frozen. Then, after a split second, a humming sound burst forth, accompanied by the sound of thunder.


    The blue sword light formed a terrifying storm, forcefully blowing the sand and dust in all directions.


    Everyone hastily took cover.


    The roaring sounds were unceasing.


    In the midst of this dust storm were countless fragments of buildings, shooting forth with the force of a thousand arrows unleashed.


    Boom, boom, boom!


    Within a radius of a thousand zhang, everything had been leveled to the ground.


    The vast Nangong Family residence had half of it sliced away, leaving a scene of desolation and ruins everywhere.


    When all became quiet again.


    The crowd cautiously looked towards the battlefield, only to see Xiao Yi standing with his sword, with a trickle of fresh blood rolling down his mouth, falling onto the dust-covered ruins. As his blood exploded upon impact, it bloomed like a garish red plum amidst the dusty battlefield, strikingly conspicuous.


    Pfft!


    Xiao Yi suddenly opened his mouth, but before he could speak, his body trembled, and he spat out a mouthful of blood.


    In the midst of the blood sprayed.


    His complexion turned ghostly pale, and he plunged the Shadowless Sword into the ground with a "pfft" sound, propping himself up with the support of the sword to avoid falling.


    "It looks like His Highness the War King really did win!"


    "Hahaha, I''ve always said Xiao Yi was overreaching, daring to challenge His Royal Highness... He was on a path to certain death!" Sun Yao said smugly, his eyes gleeful as he looked towards Nalan Qianqiu and the Shadow Demon among others, "You all saw that, right? With His Royal Highness''s move, Xiao Yi has only one path¡ªdeath. All of you who follow Xiao Yi will die as well!"


    "No!"


    Nalan Qianqiu suddenly spoke up, his eyes intently fixed on Xiao Yi, "Headmaster Xiao hasn''t lost!"


    "Huh?"


    Sun Yao was stunned and scoffed, "Still in denial when death is at your door? With the Prince himself taking action, if Xiao Yi could win, I''d twist off my head and use it as your night pot!"


    However...


    Nangong Shengji beside him said in a deep voice, "Nalan Qianqiu is right, Xiao Yi hasn''t lost!"


    "What?"


    Sun Yao was shocked and looked back toward the battlefield.


    In the midst of the ruins.


    Xiao Yi stood on one hand with his sword, his pale face flushed with unbearable excitement and agitation. He grinned and said, "You, lost!"


    In the full view of the public.


    Yang Yuhuan, standing proudly between heaven and earth like a supreme monarch, slightly furrowed his brows. Drip, a drop of fresh blood fell from his right hand through the gaps of his fingers.


    Yang Yuhuan opened his right hand and looked down at the blood mark on his palm.


    The blood mark was not large.


    But it was made by Xiao Yi''s preceding strike, which not only split open his sky-concealing hand but also left a cut on his palm.


    Yang Yuhuan''s expression was incredibly complex.


    He had forgotten when he last sustained an injury. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Phew!


    Yang Yuhuan exhaled a long breath, his eyes blazing as he stared at Xiao Yi and slowly said, "Eighth Layer Cultivation of the Tao Tribulation Realm, yet possessing Sword Intent of the fourth stage, I take back my previous words. Among people of your age, I am willing to call you the strongest."

 Chapter 402 - 402: Youre Nothing

    "Among people of our age, I am willing to call you the strongest!"


    Yang Huanyu''s gaze was piercing as he stared at Xiao Yi, with a serious expression spreading across his face.


    His voice was not loud, yet it clearly entered the ears of all present.


    Hisss!


    One after another, the strong onlookers exchanged glances, dumbfounded.


    Who was Yang Huanyu?


    One of the two most powerful men in the Great Qian Dynasty.


    The strongest War God of the Great Qian Dynasty!


    The Calm Sea Divine Needle of the Great Qian Dynasty!


    The most noble prince of the Great Qian Dynasty, the Unmatched War King!


    Such an existence was openly acknowledging Xiao Yi as the strongest among his peers?


    Even Xiao Tianjiao had not received such praise from Yang Huanyu in the past!


    Gurgle!


    Sun Yao''s face turned pale as he looked at the woman beside him, trembling, "Did I, did I hear wrong? The prince actually said Xiao, Xiao Yi is the strongest among his peers?"


    He simply couldn''t believe it!


    Proud as Yang Huanyu was, could he actually say such a thing?


    The woman''s face was full of unwillingness and resentment, grinding her teeth, "The prince seemed to say it''s his ''Sword Intent'' talent..."


    "Right!"


    "It must be so!"


    "He''s just at the Eighth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm, how could he possibly be the strongest of his peers? The prince must have been referring to his ''Sword Intent'' talent, being able to comprehend the fourth stage of Sword Intent at the cultivation of the Eighth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm, such sword talent has never appeared in the history of our Great Qian Dynasty..."


    "Did the Xiao Family walk into some dogshit luck? First there was Xiao Tianjiao with the strongest martial talent, and now Xiao Yi with the strongest ''Sword Intent'' talent?"


    "Dogshit luck? I think the Xiao Family has suffered a huge misfortune! Such a genius, yet they treated him as trash and gave him away as a son-in-law..."


    Amidst exclamations of shock,


    Yang Huanyu''s lips curved slightly upward, "Xiao Yi, three moves have passed and you indeed have withstood three moves from this prince. You have won this bet, and as a reward, I will spare your life. Come, kneel before me and swear allegiance to me! I will give you the most powerful resources, so surpassing Xiao Tianjiao will be nothing difficult!"


    Yang Huanyu''s face beamed with a splendid smile.


    He showed no displeasure at all from being injured by Xiao Yi.


    To him...


    The scar on his palm was merely a superficial wound.


    But to subdue a talent like Xiao Yi would be very worthwhile.


    "It''s over, it''s all over. With Xiao Yi''s talent, if he enters the prince''s service, he will definitely be nurtured as a confidant. If Xiao Yi seeks revenge on us, what are we going to do?" Sun Yao looked dumbfounded, frantically like ants on a hot pan, anxiously looking at the woman.


    The woman''s face also fluctuated between shades of hope and despair.


    Xiao Yi had slain the Funeral Envoy.


    For her, it was a blood feud that couldn''t be shared under the same sky.


    If Xiao Yi truly joined Yang Huanyu, how could she seek her revenge?


    Nangong Sheng''s face was also ashen, filled with gloom, "Damn it... With Xiao Yi''s talent, just give him enough resources and in a few more decades, he will probably surpass all of us. Given the War King''s nature, to woo Xiao Yi, he might very well sacrifice the Nangong Family..."


    In Yang Huanyu''s eyes, both Xiao Yi and the Nangong Family were nothing more than chess pieces.


    If they were both chess pieces, naturally, he would cultivate the one with more potential.


    As for the useless discarded chess piece, it ought to be easily disposed of!


    Given the current situation of the Nangong Family, they were of negligible help to the War King''s Mansion, entirely incomparable to Xiao Yi!


    Members of the Xiaoshanhe Institute also wore an anxious look, "Will the headmaster agree to submit to the War King''s command?"


    Under the watchful eyes of the crowd,


    Seeing that Xiao Yi was slow to respond, Yang Huanyu frowned, "What''s the matter? You are not willing?"


    Xiao Yi calmly said, "What do you think?"


    "Why not?"


    Yang Huanyu looked bewildered, taking it for granted as he said, "There are countless people in this world who want to enter my service, to become my dogs. Even within the ten great sects, many desire to join me. Even though you have some ability and your ''Sword Intent'' talent is the strongest among your peers in my opinion, in the end, you are merely an abandoned piece of the Xiao Family. Shouldn''t you be overwhelmed with gratitude and begging me to take you in?"


    Xiao Yi: "..."


    Watching Yang Huanyu''s arrogant demeanor, he felt momentarily speechless.


    Of course.


    With Yang Huanyu''s status and position, he indeed had such confidence and arrogance.


    "Perhaps, as you''ve said, there are countless people longing to enter your service and become your dogs."


    Xiao Yi smiled indifferently and spoke, "But I am not one of them!"


    "Huh?"


    Yang Huanyu''s smile slowly disappeared, his eyes squinting into slits, flickering with dangerous light, "Xiao Yi, do you know what the consequences of refusing this king will be?"


    "What consequences could there be? Just bring it on!" S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi cracked a smile, but that smile was ever more icy, neither servile nor overbearing, matching in sharpness.


    Hiss hiss!


    The two men''s gaze collided in mid-air as if tangible.


    Erupting into blinding sparks.


    Swoosh!


    Yang Huanyu''s single hand hovered in the air, a black gleam pulsating in his palm, swiftly enveloping Xiao Yi. From within the encompassing darkness, countless unseen hands seemed to press down upon him. Darkness, despair, and cold instantly filled Xiao Yi''s body and soul, as if he were placed in a millennia-old ice cellar.


    Krik krik krik!


    Xiao Yi''s bones emitted bursts of crisp sounds.


    The horrifying oppressive force caused beads of blood to seep out from his skin.


    Xiao Yi''s bones felt as if they would be crushed, the tremendous force relentlessly squeezing his internal organs. His chest felt as if a giant stone were pressing down, making it hard to breathe.


    Yang Huanyu''s cold voice remained proud and indifferent, like the lament of the Grim Reaper echoing in one''s ears: "Kneel down and submit, or die!"


    The surrounding darkness and cold became stronger and stronger.


    It bred despair.


    Under Yang Huanyu''s oppression, Xiao Yi''s legs trembled as though he might kneel at any moment. Yang Huanyu''s lips curled up with indifferent arrogance: "An ant still dares to defy this king? If it weren''t for your talent in swordsmanship, enough to qualify as a dog under my command, for your audacity to defy this king, death would be your only path!"


    "I order you to kneel!"


    Yang Huanyu''s palm turned, directed at Xiao Yi, pressing towards the ground.


    Thump!


    Boom!


    The ground under Xiao Yi''s feet exploded, yet his legs remained straight as a sword, his back as erect as an ancient pine.


    Krik krik krik!


    Xiao Yi twisted his neck, raising his stern face. His eyes, dark and tumultuous, stared intently at Yang Huanyu as he let out a deep roar.


    "If the heavens oppress me, I will split the heavens; if the earth confines me, I dare to shatter the earth... I, Xiao Yi, will kneel to neither heaven nor earth..."


    With each cry, his teeth clicked, his figure becoming ever more upright, forcefully pushing out the dreadful pressure surrounding him. As he fiercely raised his head, his bloodshot eyes burst forth with two blood-red rainbows, "Who the hell are you to make me kneel? Get lost!"


    Boom!


    Xiao Yi''s eyes shone with a red light that reached for the sky, within his body, the ancient tomb that had been sealed for ages roared.


    Above the vault of heaven, eighty-one resplendent suns spanned across the sky while the chains that tethered the ancient tomb trembled mightily. From within the core zone, one of the nine gold tombs burst forth with a brilliant golden light.


    This tomb trembled violently.


    As if a golden giant was roaring in defiance.


    Whirr!


    The chains shook wildly.


    The sunlight from the suns became even more brilliant.


    Roar!


    The dragons around roared, shaking the heavens.


    Within the eternal tombs, countless grave sites shook uncontrollably, and a terrifying might dispersed in every direction. But no matter how strong the golden tomb was, it was still suppressed by the eternal tombs. Yet, before the calm was restored, a beam of golden light burst from within the gold tomb and shot into Xiao Yi''s body with a swoosh.


    At the same time. Stay updated via My Virtual Library Empire


    The golden light in Xiao Yi''s eyes surged, his eyeballs as if wrought from gold, and he roared to the heavens: "Sword, come!"


    Hum!


    The Shadowless Sword soared into the sky, ripping through the darkness, shattering despair, breaking the cold as it landed in his palm.


    At this moment, Xiao Yi seemed as a god among swords!


    "With one sword, split the heavens!"


    A terrifying sword strike, loaded with endless starlight, grand and vast. Countless starlights converged into a hundred-zhang-long sword beam.


    With a swoosh it shot into the sky, slashing towards Yang Huanyu.


    Rumble rumble!


    Wherever the sword beam passed, all things perished, as if it was the end of the world!


    Every bit of darkness and despair between heaven and earth was shattered, only that dazzling sword light slashed down.


    Boom!


    The sword light fiercely struck the unprepared Yang Huanyu, the terrible starlight exploding, the sword beam turning into a river of stars, sweeping Yang Huanyu off his feet and hurling him away.


    "..."


    Between heaven and earth.


    Silence...

 Chapter 403 - 403 Hes Just a Kid!

    Between heaven and earth, there was complete silence.


    The surrounding earthen walls had long since crumbled, and the powerful ones who had been blocked outside were now converging from all directions, intently observing the fierce battle atop the Nangong Family''s residence.


    At the beginning of Xiao Yi and Yang Yuhuan''s encounter,


    No one had ever imagined that the battle would last so long.


    And even fewer could have envisioned the scene that was now before them.


    The rolling dust slowly settled down, and the hazy fog that shrouded the heavens and earth also gradually dissipated, revealing a trench that started from Xiao Yi and stretched over two hundred meters long on the ground. This trench appeared straight on the surface, splitting a large part of the Nangong Family''s residence neatly in half.


    Both sides were flat and smooth, while the middle was pitch-black, an unfathomable trench.


    This was the result of Xiao Yi''s sword!


    Amidst the ruins,


    Everyone''s gaze followed the trench forward until they saw a deep pit at the end of the trench.


    At that moment,


    The pit was filled with countless pieces of broken rock, like a chaotic grave.


    Gurgle!


    "Is the prince alright?"


    "That sword just now... Even for the prince, I''m afraid the odds of survival are slim!"


    Faces among the crowd were painted with shock.


    Sun Yao and Lady Yama exchanged glances, unable to believe the sight of the enormous pit.


    Tap tap tap!


    Xiao Yi walked lightly upon the ruins, his face somewhat pale. That one sword had nearly drained all the vital energy within his body.


    One must know...


    Practicing the Divine Enthronement Heaven Subduing Skill made Xiao Yi''s vital energy invincible at his level.


    And yet, at this moment, he had exhausted the vital energy he had been accumulating within his body.


    One could only imagine how terrifying the power of that sword must have been.


    Huff


    Puff


    Xiao Yi breathed heavily, already at the edge of the large pit. Staring at the messy heap of rocks before him, Xiao Yi let out a long breath, "Yang Yuhuan, that sword could not possibly have killed you. How much longer will you pretend to be dead?"


    "..."


    There was no response from within the pit.


    It was as if there was no trace of life inside.


    "If you don''t show yourself now, I''m going to leave," Xiao Yi said with a cold laugh.


    Crack!


    A crisp sound suddenly emerged from the pit.


    Followed by...


    Crack crack crack!


    A series of grating noises came in succession.


    The speed was getting faster.


    And the sound grew louder.


    Boom!


    Like the explosive roar of a volcano eruption, a column made of dust and crushed stones soared into the sky; atop that column stood Yang Yuhuan, proud and high. His hands clasped behind him, he looked down disdainfully, his eyes a blaze of cruel coldness fixed on Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi lifted his head to gaze at Yang Yuhuan.


    Their four eyes met.


    Without uttering a word.


    In that terrible silence, the surrounding strong ones suppressed even their breathing, faintly hearing the thumping of their own hearts.


    Whoosh!


    A breeze blew by.


    Leaves drifted with the wind, fluttering and swaying, tracing elegant curves through the air, finally settling on the ground.


    The leaves returned to their roots, without a sound.


    It was then that Yang Yuhuan finally spoke, "You have thoroughly enraged me!


    Xiao Yi looked up, neither humble nor arrogant, "So what?"


    "You must die!"


    Yang Yuhuan''s voice, icy as it was, carried an additional chill of cruelty and heartlessness.


    Xiao Yi laughed and said, "What if I don''t wish to die?"


    Yang Yuhuan said coldly, "If I want you dead, you have to die!"


    Xiao Yi shrugged his shoulders, bared his white teeth with a grin, and said deliberatively, "If I want to live, not even the King of Heaven can kill me!"


    "Arrogant!"


    Yang Yuhuan let out a cold laugh. From his ferocity, a blade-like chill shot out; his figure suddenly moved, transforming into a black streak of light like a hunting eagle, bursting forth in an instant. The chilling light around him was piercing; before his figure arrived, a violent wind reached first, the booming noises and gusts scraped against Xiao Yi''s body like the blades of a knife.


    Amidst the uproar around him, the ground cracked, boulders shattered, and vegetation was uprooted!


    Xiao Yi stood tall and straight like an ancient pine, proudly facing the wind, without so much as a frown.


    At this critical juncture.


    Hum!


    A golden light descended from the sky and, with a swish, enveloped Xiao Yi.


    Clang!


    Amidst a thunderous noise.


    The golden light and Yang Yuhuan''s black light obscured the heavens simultaneously.


    After ten breaths passed.


    The two terrifying energies vanished without a trace, and in front of Xiao Yi, two figures stood opposite each other.


    One was naturally Yang Yuhuan.


    The other, dressed in a purple-gold dragon robe with a purple-gold dragon jade belt at his waist, stood with his hands behind his back, the corners of his mouth slightly upturned with a faint smile. It was the supreme ruler of the Great Qian Dynasty¡ªEmperor Qian!


    Emperor Qian looked at Yang Yuhuan with a smile, "Uncle, why bother getting angry with a child?"


    "A child?"


    The corner of Yang Yuhuan''s eye twitched.


    The hands behind his back clenched involuntarily; if someone were standing behind him at this moment, they would see the vicious bloodstains in the center of Yang Yuhuan''s palms. The bloodstain in his right hand was from an earlier injury, while the one in his left was even more ghastly, a result of Xiao Yi''s use of the Divine Enthronement Heaven Subduing Skill to cleave Yang Yuhuan¡ªyou could see it was left by his left hand when he used it to block the strike.


    It was a deep wound that went down to the bone, severing his palm.


    Had it not been for the constant constriction of the wound by his vital energy, blood would have soaked his palm by now.


    Emperor Qian shrugged and said with a smile, "Isn''t he? After all, Xiao Yi is only nineteen years old, not even a close match for you. Yet you, the unparalleled War King, insist on holding a grudge against a mere teenager, determined to send him to his death. If this were to spread, it won''t sound good for your reputation, Uncle. What do you think?"


    "..."


    Yang Yuhuan''s expression shifted between grim and uncertain as he looked at Xiao Yi with immensely complex eyes. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Indeed, as Emperor Qian had said, Xiao Yi was only nineteen years old.


    In the Great Qian Dynasty, a teenager was indeed just a child!


    But the problem was...


    This ''child'' had nearly destroyed the Nangong Family and had even almost severed one of his palms!


    Yang Yuhuan said with a dark face, "Is Your Majesty really determined to protect him?"


    "What kind of words are those, Uncle? It doesn''t matter whether it''s Uncle or Xiao Yi, both are my subjects¡­ How could I favor one over the other? However¡­"


    Emperor Qian raised an eyebrow, his face still wearing a smile that betrayed nothing of his inner thoughts, "I am also aware of this matter. It was a private wager between the Nangong Family and Xiao Yi. Uncle, you really shouldn''t be interfering, it is indeed a fault on your part to start with¡­" Seeing Yang Yuhuan''s angry face, Emperor Qian continued, "Of course, Xiao Yi dares to defy Uncle, and that is an act of great insolence. However, you have already inflicted severe injuries on him. In my view, let''s just leave it at that!"


    Yang Yuhuan stared intently at Emperor Qian, saying annoyed and bashfully, "Which of Your Majesty''s eyes saw that I inflicted severe injuries on him?"


    Emperor Qian glanced at Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi''s eyes shifted, and with a wail, he clutched his chest and exaggerated a face of agony. With a weak voice, and under Yang Yuhuan''s nearly murderous gaze, he said, "The War King is truly unparalleled in battle, I am no match for you. I implore you, War King, to overlook this since I am only a child!"


    Continue your adventure with My Virtual Library Empire


    Yang Yuhuan: "¡­"


    Emperor Qian: "¡­"


    Damn it!


    If you''re going to pretend to be injured, at least put some heart into it!


    Emperor Qian glowered at Xiao Yi but found himself in an impossible position and could only grit his teeth and say, "Uncle, look, Xiao Yi is apologizing to you, and he''s badly injured. Shall we drop the matter? How about it?"


    "War King, I''m just a child!" Xiao Yi said somberly.


    Giggles!


    Yang Yuhuan''s teeth gritted audibly, furious enough to crush Xiao Yi right at that moment.


    However...


    Seeing the smiling face of Emperor Qian, he knew that with Emperor Qian there, he could do nothing against Xiao Yi.


    But to let Xiao Yi off without consequence was something Yang Yuhuan found hard to swallow. At that moment, his eyes rolled, his mouth curving into a venomous smile, he said, "Since Your Majesty has intervened, I obviously have to comply. However¡­"

 Chapter 404 - 404: Kill Him Like Slaughtering Pigs and Dogs!

    "However..."


    Yang Yuhuan''s lips slightly curved upwards, revealing a trace of chilling intent as he said, "The bet between Xiao Yi and the Nangong Family was made with Nangong Shengtian. Now that Nangong Shengtian is dead, the debt should have died with the person, yet Xiao Yi nearly annihilated the Nangong Family, which is a grudge against their entire clan. I believe that Nangong Shengji would not be willing to just let this matter rest!"


    His voice was not loud, but it clearly reached the ears of Nangong Shengji.


    Emperor Qian''s expression suddenly changed.


    He had guessed what Yang Yuhuan was thinking.


    Nangong Shengji was also a cunning man, and naturally heard the hidden meaning in Yang Yuhuan''s words. Without waiting for Emperor Qian to speak, he stepped forward.


    He bowed solemnly to Emperor Qian and Yang Yuhuan, then with a resolute expression and in a tone filled with righteous indignation, he said, "For a personal vendetta, Xiao Yi destroyed our ancestral home and nearly wiped out my entire clan, which is a deep and immense hatred. I am willing to stake my life and duel Xiao Yi to the death, and I earnestly request the Emperor''s permission!"


    "Nonsense, you..."


    Emperor Qian scolded with a dark face.


    But Yang Yuhuan interrupted his words, saying, "The Nangong Family has made significant contributions to the Great Qian Dynasty for generations, serving as the empire''s strong supporters and mainstay. I beseech Your Majesty to grant the request of the Nangong Family head, lest you chill the hearts of these loyal old ministers!"


    Yang Yuhuan glanced towards Nangong Shengji.


    Thump!


    Nangong Shengji knelt heavily before Emperor Qian, his head repeatedly thudding against the ground making a muffled thud, and he said gravely, "I earnestly beg Your Majesty to grant my wish!"


    Rustle!


    The remaining powerhouses of the Nangong Family knelt one by one on the ground, their faces filled with sorrow and anger, "We earnestly beg Your Majesty to grant our wish!"


    Sun Yao and others also shouted, "Your Majesty..."


    The corners of Yang Yuhuan''s mouth slightly lifted as he took a step forward, bowing to Emperor Qian and saying, "I earnestly request Your Majesty to grant this wish!"


    "Your Majesty, please grant it!" Your next read awaits at My Virtual Library Empire


    The crowd cried out loudly.


    Emperor Qian''s face was expressionless, but deep within his eyes flowed emotions as unpredictable as the deep and cold waters of a secluded pond. He narrowed his eyes to slits and gently touched his nose, his gaze emanating dangerous glimmers. His eyes then turned to Xiao Yi, "Since this matter is a grudge between you and the head of the Nangong Family, what do you think?"


    Xiao Yi rolled his eyes.


    The ball was squarely in his court now.


    Xiao Yi''s gaze flickered with amusement as it swept over Nangong Shengji and Yang Yuhuan''s figures. His lips slightly curved upwards as he said, "Your Majesty, I am not opposed to settling life and death with the Nangong Family head. However, I have a few conditions!"


    "Oh?"


    Emperor Qian raised his eyebrows, looking at Nangong Shengji and Yang Yuhuan with a half-smile, "What do the two of you think?"


    Yang Yuhuan indifferently said, "Let''s hear what his demands are first!"


    All eyes turned towards Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi spoke, "Lord Yang stated that since Nangong Shengtian is dead, the bet I had with him does not count. So, as Lord Yang says, we will let this bet be dismissed! However, Nangong Shengtian once took away the Treasure Pavilion''s deposit of 100 trillion Silver from Beitang Feng''s hands, and the Nangong Family must return this 100 trillion Silver. If they don''t have the money, then their shops can be used to cover the debts. The day the head of the Nangong Family clears the debt will be the day he and I confront each other!"


    Hiss!


    Everyone couldn''t help but inhale sharply.


    100 trillion Silver?


    Given the current situation of the Nangong Family, they would have to use their shops to pay off this debt to Xiao Yi, otherwise, they simply wouldn''t be able to clear it!


    Could the Nangong Family afford to give up their shops?


    Clearly, they could not!


    This was the Nangong Family''s last hope for a resurgence, and even if Yang Yuhuan took in the Nangong Family at this moment, the more than ten thousand shops that were in the hands of the Nangong Family were a significant factor. Even if those shops could no longer sell medicinal pills, they were worth a fortune and could bring in a hefty profit if put to good use.


    Nangong Shengji angrily declared, "You want my shops? Impossible!"


    Yang Yuhuan narrowed his eyes and said, "Xiao Yi, propose another condition!"


    Xiao Yi glanced at him, shrugged his shoulders, and said, "Lord Yang, I have already given you face by dismissing my bet with Nangong Shengtian. You still want to reject my terms now; your appetite seems a bit too large, doesn''t it?"


    "My appetite is indeed this huge, what can you do to me?" Yang Yuhuan leaned forward slightly, his dangerous aura locking onto Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi looked at Emperor Qian, his tone neither servile nor overbearing, "I ask Your Majesty to decide!"


    Emperor Qian''s lips twitched, wishing he could smack Xiao Yi flat on the ground.


    Angered by Xiao Yi drawing him into the fray, Emperor Qian, in his vexation, also felt somewhat helpless. He knew this was Xiao Yi''s silent protest at him for watching the fight from the sidelines. With this thought, Emperor Qian spoke gravely, "Let''s do this then; let the Nangong Family first hand over the deeds to those shops to me, and you will have your fight with Xiao Yi. If you win, the deeds will be returned to you, but if you lose, the deeds go to Xiao Yi. How about that?"


    This was indeed Emperor Qian playing peacemaker.


    Offending no one!


    Xiao Yi cursed silently, "Old fox," but he also knew this was the only way to get both parties to agree and said indifferently, "I don''t care!"


    Uncertainty flickered across Nangong Shengji''s face.


    He wasn''t afraid of losing to Xiao Yi, but he was worried that once the property deeds were handed over to Emperor Qian, he wouldn''t get them back.


    As he hesitated...


    Yang Yuhuan said softly, "Nangong, rest assured, I am still here!"


    "Thank you, Your Highness!"


    Nangong Shengji''s heart relaxed, and then he looked at Emperor Qian, "Your Majesty, your servant agrees to your proposal. However, my Nangong Family owns many businesses, and many property deeds are in the hands of the shopkeepers, which cannot be coordinated all at once..."


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Then wait until Master Nangong brings the property deeds to His Majesty, and then come challenge me."


    Emperor Qian nodded and said, "It should indeed be so!"


    Yang Yuhuan frowned but ultimately said nothing more.


    "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your accommodation!"


    Nangong Shengji secretly breathed a sigh of relief, and when he raised his head, his eyes were blood-red, and with a fierce glare at Xiao Yi, he said sinisterly, "Xiao Yi, cherish the last few days of your life! When I battle you, it will be time to take your head!"


    "I''m waiting!"


    Xiao Yi, neither humble nor arrogant, gave him a glance, his fighting spirit no less than that of Nangong Shengji''s.


    Shi shi!


    Their gazes clashed in the air, sparking fierce flames of battle.


    The onlookers'' eyes were all sweeping back and forth between the two men, some with sadness, some with joy, some with pleasure, and some with sorrow...


    "Nangong Shengji is at the peak of the Dharma Manifestation Realm. Although he''s not as powerful as the War King, he is much stronger than Xiao Yi!"


    "This wager, Xiao Yi is sure to lose!"


    "It''s not necessarily so..."


    Amidst the crowd''s murmurs, Yang Yuhuan led Nangong Shengji and the others away.


    Emperor Qian patted Xiao Yi''s shoulder, smiled faintly, and said, "After you''ve settled the matters here, come to the palace. I have something to discuss with you!"


    "Yes!"


    Xiao Yi nodded.


    Emperor Qian glanced at Qi, and master and servant soared into the sky.


    For a moment.


    On the vast ruins of the Nangong Family estate, only Xiao Yi, the two from the Treasure Pavilion, and the people from the Xiaoshanhe Institute were left. Everyone fell silent for a moment, then suddenly burst into a violent cheer: "We won, we have won!"


    "Hahaha, Xiaoshanhe Institute is invincible!"


    A few months ago...


    The Xiaoshanhe Institute was still begging the Nangong Family for supplies of medicinal pills, but now, the powerful Nangong Family had been practically leveled by the Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    How could they not be excited?


    Xiao Yi waved his large hand and declared, "Little Lin, take everyone back and wait for me! Prepare food and drink; tonight, we will not return until we are drunk!"


    "Yes!"


    Little Lin responded loudly.


    "Long live the Institute Head!"


    "The Institute Head is invincible..."


    The crowd shouted excitedly.


    Only Nalan Qianqiu and a few other Dharma Manifestation Realm powerhouses had worried looks, turning to Xiao Yi, "Head Xiao, are you confident in defeating Nangong Shengji?"


    "Confidence? If I were to battle him now, I would not be confident. But by the time he has finished coordinating all the businesses, which at the soonest will take a month, by then..."


    Xiao Yi''s mouth curved slightly upward, he said faintly, "I will slaughter him like butchering pigs and dogs!"


    sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 405 - 405: The Three Great Paths to Immortality

    Within the royal palace.


    Today''s meeting with Xiao Yi was not in the Imperial Study but in Emperor Qian''s bedchamber.


    Emperor Qian had also shed his usual solemn dragon robe, his casual attire appearing somewhat sloppy, yet Xiao Yi, fully aware of Emperor Qian''s terror, did not dare to underestimate him. With his hands crossed in front of him, he stood quietly before Emperor Qian, wordless.


    After a moment of silence.


    Emperor Qian laid down his writing brush, his face wearing a faint smile, like the kind gaze a neighborly elder might cast upon Xiao Yi, "What are your thoughts on today''s battle?"


    Xiao Yi was momentarily stunned.


    Then he understood.


    Emperor Qian was surely referring to his insights from the battle with Yang Yuhuan.


    In his mind, every single move from his exchange with Yang Yuhuan surfaced, no detail overlooked.


    From the initial probing to the last moments of the fight.


    Yang Yuhuan gave Xiao Yi the impression of being unfathomable, like a bottomless abyss, with no end in sight.


    Despite saying it was today''s battle.


    Xiao Yi''s inner voice kept reminding him incessantly that this was not Yang Yuhuan''s true method. Especially after the fight ended, as Xiao Yi calmly recounted every detail of their clash.


    This feeling became clearer and clearer.


    With this thought in mind.


    Xiao Yi spoke solemnly, "Lord Yang''s strength far surpasses the peak of the Dharma Manifestation Realm."


    The battle prowess of the Dharma Phase Realm Peak should naturally be like that of figures such as Nangong Shengji and Nalan Qianqiu. Explore more at My Virtual Library Empire


    With Xiao Yi''s current strength, even though he is no match for those at the peak of the Dharma Manifestation Realm, he is fully confident that he can remain undefeated even against Nangong Shengji and Nalan Qianqiu. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But during his exchange with Yang Yuhuan, had he not burst forth with many hidden techniques, laying all his cards on the table.


    Let alone injuring Yang Yuhuan''s hands.


    He himself might have met his demise at the hands of Yang Yuhuan.


    Emperor Qian nodded, his expression unchanging, but a serious look appeared on his face, "You''re right, my royal uncle''s strength indeed far exceeds the peak of the Dharma Manifestation Realm."


    Xiao Yi spoke solemnly, "Your Majesty, may I inquire the realm of Lord Yang''s true strength?"


    He stopped himself from saying more.


    Emperor Qian chuckled, "Do you think my royal uncle far surpasses the peak of the Dharma Manifestation Realm and could be a mighty figure from the Longevity Secret Realm?"


    Xiao Yi was startled, then he smiled bitterly and shook his head, "I had indeed harbored such thoughts previously, but Lord Yang is likely not a mighty figure from the Longevity Secret Realm."


    "You''re right!"


    Emperor Qian nodded, his hands clasped behind him and a look of reminiscence on his face, speaking solemnly, "My royal uncle is indeed not from the Longevity Secret Realm. Until now, our Great Qian Dynasty has never fostered a single mighty figure from the Longevity Secret Realm. Currently, the most likely person to step into this realm is Xiao Tianjiao!"


    "Xiao Tianjiao? The Longevity Secret Realm?"


    Xiao Yi''s expression changed slightly.


    The Longevity Secret Realm.


    An existence that stood above the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    Where every major force cherishes the Dharma Manifestation Realm as their pillar, a single mighty figure from the Longevity Secret Realm definitely has the power to reign supreme, unmatched by any. It has always been said that Xiao Tianjiao is the most likely individual in the Great Qian Dynasty to become a mighty figure from the Longevity Secret Realm.


    But that was all hearsay.


    This is Emperor Qian himself confirming it!


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath, spoke solemnly, "May I ask Your Majesty, if Lord Yang is not from the Longevity Secret Realm, why is his strength so formidable?"


    With Lord Yang''s battle power.


    If Xiao Yi''s attacks hadn''t been outrageously powerful, he wouldn''t have even been able to leave those two cuts on him.


    Even so...


    The two scars had not struck vital areas, they were merely superficial wounds.


    With Yang Yuhuan''s means, he probably has already recovered from his injuries.


    Emperor Qian hesitated for a moment, then said solemnly, "Xiao Yi, do you know what the Longevity Secret Realm is?"


    Xiao Yi was stunned, and said, "The Longevity Secret Realm is the realm beyond the Dharma Manifestation Realm. It involves probing Yin and Yang, exploring the Five Elements, mastering the secrets of life and death, and thereby controlling eternal life in this world, indestructible and immortal. Although the rumors may be exaggerated, it is not a problem for the strong ones in the Longevity Secret Realm to live for tens of thousands of years!"


    All of these were things obtained within the Dao Yan legacy.


    What Xiao Yi had said was based on solid reasoning and evidence.


    Clap clap clap!


    Emperor Qian clapped his hands vigorously, his face beaming with a radiant smile. He said, "You''re right, but indeed, after Dharma Manifestation does not come immortality!"


    "Hmm?"


    Xiao Yi''s expression suddenly changed.


    After the Dharma Manifestation comes longevity.


    This had been deeply engrained in the minds of countless powerhouses.


    Since when had it been heard that after the Dharma Manifestation Realm, one did not achieve immortality?


    Emperor Qian nodded and spoke in a grave tone, "After the peak of Dharma Phase Realm, one cannot directly achieve the Longevity Secret Realm. Between the peak of the Dharma Phase Realm and the Longevity Secret Realm, there is still one realm called the Nine Nirvana Realms. Only after going through the Nine Nirvanas can one enter the Sacred Land of Nantian and participate in the competition for the Spirit of Longevity!"


    Xiao Yi was stunned.


    He felt that the amount of information he had gathered today was quite substantial!


    Not to mention what exactly the Nine Nirvanas were all about.


    The mere name Spirit of Longevity was enough to make one associate it with the Longevity Secret Realm.


    Emperor Qian spoke in a deep voice, "Do you know why, despite the plethora of powerhouses within the Great Qian Dynasty, including many at the peak of the Dharma Manifestation Realm, not a single one is in the Longevity Secret Realm?"


    Xiao Yi shook his head.


    This was indeed something that puzzled him greatly.


    It is known...


    Within the Great Qian Dynasty, there are countless powerhouses at the peak of the Dharma Phase Realm, and yet there is not a single presence in the Longevity Secret Realm.


    Emperor Qian squinted his eyes, looking distantly out the window, and said in a deep voice, "It''s all because of the Spirit of Longevity, without which no one can step into the Longevity Secret Realm. To obtain the Spirit of Longevity, one must choose one of the three major Longevity paths and complete nine Nirvanas to have a chance of obtaining the Spirit of Longevity. Your imperial uncle has now reached eight Nirvanas..."


    Xiao Yi was startled.


    The three major paths of longevity?


    The Nine Nirvana Realms?


    The Spirit of Longevity?


    What exactly were these?


    Even within the Dao Yan legacy, there were no records pertaining to the three major paths of longevity and the Nirvana Realm! As for the Spirit of Longevity, there were some records within the Dao Yan legacy, described as the key to breaking through the Longevity Secret Realm.


    Without the Spirit of Longevity, no matter how exceptional, one cannot set foot in the Longevity Secret Realm!


    Xiao Yi said in a heavy voice, "Your Majesty, what are the three major paths of longevity?"


    Emperor Qian said, "Physical Nirvana, Spiritual Nirvana, and Dharma Phase Nirvana. To achieve the Longevity Secret Realm, one must choose one of these three paths and reach the limit of nine Nirvanas to have a chance of obtaining the Spirit of Longevity and entering the Longevity Secret Realm."


    Physical Nirvana, Spiritual Nirvana, and Dharma Phase Nirvana.


    Xiao Yi had never heard of these three major longevity paths before. He repeated them thoughtfully and said in a heavy voice, "May I ask your Majesty, can you only choose one of these three paths? Can you not choose all three at the same time?"


    "Choose all three paths at the same time?"


    Emperor Qian was taken aback, looking at Xiao Yi with a strange expression, and slowly said, "..."

 Chapter 406 - 406: Extorting Emperor Qian

    "Walking three paths at once?"


    Emperor Qian was stunned, his expression strange as he looked at Xiao Yi and shook his head, saying, "That''s impossible, let alone walking three paths at once, even specializing in one path and reaching its zenith, entering Longevity Secret Realm, is extremely difficult. Haven''t you seen that in our Great Qian Dynasty, no master of the Longevity Secret Realm has been born for thousands of years?"


    The Great Qian Dynasty had been established for thousands of years.


    Yet not a single strong figure from the Longevity Secret Realm had emerged.


    The one regarded within the entire Great Qian Dynasty as the most likely to enter the Longevity Secret Realm was Xiao Tianjiao!


    It was precisely because of this...


    that the Xiao Family was able to become a force comparable to the four great noble families, all thanks to Xiao Tianjiao.


    Xiao Yi furrowed his brow: "Is it really not possible?"


    Physical Nirvana, Spiritual Nirvana, and Dharma Manifestation Nirvana.


    These were the three great paths to immortality.


    Was it truly impossible to cultivate them simultaneously?


    In Xiao Yi''s view, no matter which path one chose, it would ultimately be flawed.


    Physical Nirvana meant a deficit in spirit and dharma manifestation, Dharma Manifestation Nirvana meant a deficiency in body and spirit... Walking a single path to enter the Longevity Secret Realm, was like having an innate defect, could one really reach the peak of the martial path?


    Seeing Xiao Yi''s determination, Emperor Qian let out a bitter laugh and said, "Xiao Yi, it''s not that I want to strike at your confidence, but... not to mention our Great Qian Dynasty, even the Nantian Dynasty has never heard of anyone who could walk more than two paths and reach the Longevity Secret Realm."


    He paused.


    Emperor Qian continued, "I know you have doubts in your heart, but once you understand how to cultivate the three great paths of longevity, you will no longer find it strange..."


    With that, Emperor Qian began to introduce the three great paths of longevity with a heavy heart.


    Physical Nirvana was divided into the Nine Nirvana stages, with each heavenly tribulation endured advancing one stage.


    The power of each tribulation was double that of the one before!


    The ninth tribulation would be more than two hundred times as powerful as the first one!


    What''s more, one had to endure the heavenly tribulations with their physical body alone, without the use of any formations or weapons to protect oneself.


    Xiao Yi couldn''t help but take a sharp breath.


    Having experienced a tribulation before, he knew the terror of a heavenly tribulation. Even with the boost of the Wind Thunder Holy Body, he had no confidence in surviving if the tribulation''s intensity increased by more than two hundred times.


    Seeing Xiao Yi''s solemn face, Emperor Qian continued, "Spiritual Nirvana requires one to endure Nine Trials of the Heart Demon. Each trial completed equates to one Nirvana, each twice as intense as the last. Dharma Manifestation Nirvana, on the other hand, involves shattering and rebuilding the dharma manifestation, each rebuilding marking one stage of Nirvana..."


    Xiao Yi''s expression grew even more grave.


    Whether it was the Nine Trials of the Heart Demon or reshaping the dharma manifestation,


    both were extremely dangerous.


    Heart Demons, originating from the dark and evil thoughts deep within one''s heart, attack the weakest part of the human psyche. Even those with the most resolute willpower couldn''t ensure they were unaffected by Heart Demons.


    As for reshaping the dharma manifestation...


    It involved shattering the dharma manifestation, and if one failed to reshape it, their cultivation could be destroyed in an instant.


    The three great paths to immortality, none of them were ordinary paths.


    One could say...


    Each was a matter of life and death!


    Emperor Qian, looking at Xiao Yi''s solemn face, said slowly, "Now you understand why walking three paths simultaneously is utterly impossible, right?"


    "..."


    Xiao Yi''s face showed deep contemplation, but he didn''t respond to Emperor Qian''s question. Instead, he asked, "May I ask Your Majesty, which path did you and the War King choose?"


    Emperor Qian was taken aback and squinted as he said, "Xiao Yi, I won''t hold it against you for speaking to me in this way. But remember, you absolutely cannot ask others so bluntly in the future, as the three great paths of longevity are top secrets for any martial artist."


    Discover exclusive tales on My Virtual Library Empire


    Xiao Yi was startled and looked at Emperor Qian''s serious face, about to nod in agreement.


    Then Emperor Qian said in a deep voice, "The royal uncle chose the path of Physical Nirvana. A hundred years ago, he had reached the stage of Fifth Nirvana of the body, and his strength has long been at the Eighth Nirvanic Stage!"


    Physical Eighth Nirvana?


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow and remarked, "No wonder the War King is so formidable..."


    With his combat power, he could fight even at the peak of the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    Yet in the face of Yang Yuhuan, he had exerted all his might and could only inflict two superficial wounds.


    Watching Xiao Yi with a look of emotion, Emperor Qian rolled his eyes, his face speechless, and remarked irritably, "Xiao Yi, do you know that even for a strong person at the peak of the Dharma Manifestation Realm, causing even a superficial skin injury to the royal uncle is extremely difficult? With your strength at the Eighth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm, you managed to injure the royal uncle and make him bleed, and you''re still not satisfied?" sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Qi, standing nearby, also nodded, his face showing agreement.


    Xiao Yi touched his nose, his face embarrassed, "It was just two cuts on his hand, it''s not as serious as being injured and bleeding!"


    Emperor Qian''s face twitched, "Qi, bring me my Dragon-Beating Whip, I''m going to whip this pretentious guy to death!"


    Qi declared loudly, "This servant will fetch it right away!"


    "Wait..."


    Xiao Yi quickly spoke up to stop him, looking at Emperor Qian with a wry smile, "Your Majesty, is that really necessary? I''ve just been through a big battle, and before long I''ll have to face off against Nangong Shengji. What happens if you injure me and I lose to Nangong Shengji?"


    Emperor Qian responded indifferently, "If you lose, you lose!"


    "Does Your Majesty really think so?"


    Xiao Yi looked at Emperor Qian with a playful expression, his smile tinged with irony, "Now that the Nangong Family has openly taken sides with the War King''s estate, Your Majesty doesn''t care at all?"


    Looking at Xiao Yi''s mocking gaze, Emperor Qian darkened his face, and snorted coldly, "If you dare lose to Nangong Shengji, I will immediately strip you of your title as head of Xiaoshanhe Institute."


    Even though Emperor Qian and the War King both belonged to the royal household.


    But...


    Everyone knew that the War King and Emperor Qian did not get along.


    Nangong Shengji''s action was nothing less than a slap in Emperor Qian''s face.


    Naturally, he would love to exterminate the Nangong Family.


    Xiao Yi smiled inwardly, "Your Majesty, you''re aware that I was seriously injured in the fight with the War King. Given Nangong Shengji''s temperament, I''m afraid they will issue a challenge during the Ancestor Worship Grand Ceremony. If I lose to Nangong Shengji during the ceremony, then..."


    Emperor Qian''s eyelid twitched.


    The Ancestor Worship Grand Ceremony was a major event for the royal family, and Emperor Qian would preside over the ceremony to worship the heavens.


    If Xiao Yi really lost to Nangong Shengji at the Ancestor Worship Grand Ceremony, then it would not only be Emperor Qian''s face that was lost, but people might also feel that Emperor Qian was inferior to the War King!


    Emperor Qian''s face darkened as he stared at Xiao Yi, "What do you propose?"


    Xiao Yi grinned and said, "I humbly request Your Majesty''s permission to allow me to visit the Dragon Vein Forbidden Area."


    "The Dragon Vein Forbidden Area?"


    Emperor Qian was stunned, and his head started to shake like a rattle, "That area is where the national destiny is suppressed, and even I cannot enter or leave at will, let alone you?" He hurriedly refused, "Absolutely impossible!"


    Xiao Yi sighed, his vitality suddenly drooping, he covered his chest saying, "Well then, since it troubles Your Majesty, I won''t insist. It''s just that... I''m afraid my body won''t last much longer. If I lose to Nangong Shengji during the Ancestor Worship Ceremony, please don''t blame me!"


    Emperor Qian''s face grew stormy, "Are you threatening me?"


    Xiao Yi replied, "Your Majesty misunderstands, how could I dare threaten you?"


    Emperor Qian gritted his teeth, "I can have the court''s chief alchemist concoct elixirs for you..."


    "Your Majesty, Pavilion Master Nalan of the Treasure Pavilion and Hall Master Fu Yuan of my Xiaoshanhe Institute are both Seven-Star Alchemists!" said Xiao Yi indifferently.


    Emperor Qian: "..."


    He hesitated for a moment, then said, "I can order someone to set up a formation that will assist you in your cultivation..."


    Xiao Yi cleaned his ear, "Chen Ziyi and Li Youruo are my disciples!"


    These two were newly recognized Seven-Star Array Masters.


    Emperor Qian naturally knew their status.


    Now being reminded by Xiao Yi, his face turned unpleasant.


    To be outdone by alchemists, array masters... did the royal household really pale in comparison to Xiao Yi?


    Xiao Yi spoke solemnly, "If Your Majesty truly finds it difficult, I won''t press the issue. But as for the fight with Nangong Shengji..."


    "Enough!"


    Emperor Qian glared fiercely at Xiao Yi, his teeth clenched with anger, and commanded, "Old dog, take My royal token and escort Xiao Yi to the Dragon Vein Forbidden Area!"


    "Yes!"


    Qi respectfully accepted the orders.


    Xiao Yi''s smile widened, his pale complexion returning to a healthy glow, nowhere to be seen was his earlier weakness and life-threatening injuries, as he gave a respectful bow to Emperor Qian, and with a smile under the latter''s almost murderous gaze, said, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for granting my request!"


    Emperor Qian''s face dark with fury, "Get out, get out, get out..."

 Chapter 407 - 407: Dragon Vein Forbidden Area

    ```


    Imperial Garden.


    Xiao Yi, led by Qi Gonggong, arrived at the most luxurious garden in the Great Qian Dynasty.


    Curiosity painted Xiao Yi''s face as it was his second visit to the Imperial Garden. "Qi Gonggong, don''t tell me... the illustrious Dragon Vein of the Great Qian Dynasty is suppressed right here?"


    Qi Gonggong rolled his eyes and said, "What else?"


    Xiao Yi: "..."


    Scanning Xiao Yi from head to toe, Qi Gonggong spoke with a profound gaze, "You little rascal... I''ve followed His Majesty for so many years, yet you are the first one who dares to extort His Majesty!"


    Emperor Qian.


    The very pinnacle of the power pyramid within the Great Qian Dynasty.


    Even princes and favored officials are utterly respectful when facing him, let alone daring to extort him.


    Extortion was not even a consideration.


    Even when the Emperor Qian bestowed treasures of his own accord, recipients would be profusely grateful.


    Who would dare to directly extort him as Xiao Yi did?


    Xiao Yi cracked a smile, "His Majesty is compensating me!"


    "Hmm?"


    Qi Gonggong was taken aback for a moment, his eyes whirled around as he quickly grasped the situation.


    Just as Xiao Yi had said...


    Previously, in facing the Nangong Family and the Battle King''s actions.


    Emperor Qian did not intervene immediately but chose to watch the fight from the sidelines, which to some extent, was treating Xiao Yi unfairly.


    At least for the time being.


    Emperor Qian still needed Xiao Yi''s strength, so naturally, he couldn''t let Xiao Yi feel slighted.


    Otherwise.


    How could he possibly acquiesce to Xiao Yi''s demands?


    After all.


    This was the Dragon Vein Forbidden Area, suppressing a nation''s fortunes; calling it the foundation of the Great Qian Dynasty was no exaggeration.


    Qi Gonggong gave a flick of his palm, and a purplish-gold token fell into his hand.


    The token was merely the size of a palm, surrounded by a coiling golden dragon, head and tail connected in an unending state. Clasped in the dragon''s claws was a purple "Emperor" character, emitting an aura of ancient dignity.


    Hum!


    Vital energy poured into the token.


    The entire token radiated a gold light, the dragon carving on its surface suddenly trembled, its purplish-gold light flowed, casting a projection forward.


    Hum!


    The purplish-gold projection landed on the calm lake surface, which shone like a piece of translucent jade.


    Rustle!


    Ripples suddenly rose on the lake, converging into a vortex, as Qi Gonggong said, "Stay close to me!"


    "Understood!"


    Xiao Yi nodded and stepped into the faint purplish-gold light next to Qi Gonggong.


    One after another, they stepped into the vortex.


    As their figures vanished, the vortex also disappeared, and tranquility was restored.


    The underwater passage stretched for thousands of meters.


    Xiao Yi had never imagined that the lotus pond inside the Imperial Garden could be so deep. Thousands of meters under the water, they walked on successive lotus leaves that escorted them to the lake''s bottom.


    In front of them appeared a huge golden palace, with two mighty warriors sitting cross-legged to the left and right respectively. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Upon seeing these two warriors, Xiao Yi''s pupils couldn''t help but sharply constrict.


    ```


    The aura exuded by these two figures was, astonishingly, even more enduring and profound than that of Qi. Both individuals were existences of the Nirvana Realm.


    Swish, swish!


    Both of them opened their eyes together.


    An intense cold light fell upon Xiao Yi, then finally, their gaze shifted to Qi and they asked, "What''s the matter?"


    "By the Emperor''s order, I am to take Xiao Yi to the Dragon Vein Forbidden Area for cultivation!" Qi presented the token to the two, and even though he was a confidant of Emperor Qian, he still held a trace of respect when facing them.


    The two glanced at the token.


    Then, they both raised their hands.


    One to the left, one to the right, the palms facing each other.


    Hum!


    Vital energy flew out from their hands, converging together and landing on the great gate. Amid a thunderous roar, the heavy gate slowly opened. The person on the left side looked at Qi: "He may enter, but you must remain!"


    Qi said, "This one understands the rules!" He turned to Xiao Yi and cautioned, "Director Xiao, His Majesty has granted you ten days of cultivation time within. After ten days, this one will come to fetch you!"


    "Thank you, Mr. Qi!"


    Xiao Yi nodded his head, cupped his fists toward the two powerful figures at the door, and then stepped through the gate.


    ......


    Inside the Dragon Vein Forbidden Area was another world entirely.


    The surroundings were filled with five-colored auroras, which contained dozens of times more vital energy of heaven and earth than the Dragon Vein Spirit Cave that Xiao Yi had excavated in the Great Jin Kingdom''s palace. With every breath, he could feel an abundance of vital energy of heaven and earth pouring into his body.


    Circulating through his viscera and meridians.


    If an ordinary person were to take a breath here, they would probably burst their meridians and die from a body explosion.


    The vital energy of heaven and earth here was simply too rich!


    Xiao Yi walked through the five-colored vital energy of heaven and earth and, after a distance of nine kilometers, finally arrived at the core area of the Dragon Vein Forbidden Area.


    In front of him was a shadow coiled within the five-colored vital energy of heaven and earth. Experience more content on My Virtual Library Empire


    The shadow flickered between brightness and darkness, between substance and illusion.


    Its form resembled that of a coiled flood dragon, and it even contained a hint of dragon prestige.


    Xiao Yi couldn''t help but feel moved: "The legends say that a five-colored dragon vein can develop intelligence; a seven-colored one can transform into a Jiao dragon, and a nine-colored one can metamorphose into a true dragon... The Great Qian Dynasty may be flourishing in national power, but after all, it has been established for only a few thousand years. If it could accumulate the fortune of a nation for tens of thousands of years and birth one or two strong figures of the Longevity Secret Realm, perhaps this dragon vein could truly transform into a Jiao dragon..."


    It was said.


    That the dragon veins of some ancient kingdoms could manifest as National Guardian True Dragons, becoming divine beasts that protect the nation!


    Like the lord of Southern State, the Nantian Dynasty!


    This powerful nation with a heritage of a hundred thousand years had a dragon vein that could manifest its true form, sheltering the country, and protecting the wellbeing of the people, ensuring peace and prosperity, and favourable weather. Although the dragon vein in front of him had not yet taken shape, it already had that tendency.


    This adequately demonstrates the strength of the Great Qian Dynasty!


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi exhaled a long breath that even seemed fragrant, like the scent of flowers dispersing in all directions. Feeling the abundant vital energy of heaven and earth around him, his lips curved into a slight smile: "With such abundant vital energy of heaven and earth, the power of the world here is becoming increasingly strong. In seven days, I wonder if I can step into the Dharma Manifestation Realm..."


    His current cultivation level was already at the Eighth Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm, with two minor realms separating him from the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    If it were an ordinary strong person, in a mere seven days, they would at most attempt to break through to the Ninth Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    But Xiao Yi was different...


    The Divine Enthronement Heaven Subduing Skill he cultivated could refine all types of energy in the world. As long as there was enough energy, his cultivation speed was hundreds to thousands of times faster than that of ordinary people!


    "Nangong Shengji will most likely choose the ancestral sacrifice ceremony to challenge me... and furthermore..."


    Several figures emerged in Xiao Yi''s mind.


    The ancestral sacrifice ceremony, besides being a royal ancestral worship event, was also a grand occasion to assess the strength of the major forces. At that time, it was likely that all ten great sects would send their experts to attend. This would be a significant test for both Xiaoshanhe Institute and Xiao Yi!


    "If I can''t even overcome this hurdle, how can I talk about contending with Xiao Tianjiao?"


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath, sat down cross-legged within the dragon vein, and entered into cultivation...

 Chapter 408 - 408: Let that beast come see me!

    ```


    As Xiao Yi immersed himself in the practice within the Dragon Vein Forbidden Area,


    in the deepest part of the Dragon Vein Forbidden Area, a room shielded by multiple formations contained three figures sitting cross-legged.


    All three were clad in imperial robes adorned with nine dragons and exuded a faint majestic presence befitting an emperor; were Qi Gonggong present, he would recognize the man sitting on the far right¡ªit was the father of the current Emperor Qian and previous Emperor Qian, Yang Zheng!


    The individual on the left, with a faint lightning-shaped scar on his brow, was Yang Zheng''s father, Yang Bingtian.


    The figure sitting in the center, with his eyes perpetually closed, was the second Emperor of the Great Qian Dynasty, Yang Zun.


    According to the legends in the outside world, all three were long fallen.


    In reality, S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    they had been hiding within the Dragon Vein Forbidden Area all along.


    Even Yang Zheng, the youngest among them, was more powerful than the unparalleled War King Yang Yuhuan.


    And to top it off...


    Yang Zun, among the three of them, was an old monster who had lived for thousands of years!


    He was truly unfathomable!


    "Yang Zheng, your son is becoming increasingly unruly. How could he let someone enter the Dragon Vein Forbidden Area so casually?" Yang Bingtian and the other two had sensed Xiao Yi''s arrival the moment he stepped into the Dragon Vein Forbidden Area. They also knew that Xiao Yi had been approved by Emperor Qian, which was why they did not stop him.


    Yang Zheng said with a bitter smile, "Father, I have no idea what that boy was thinking... I will go and drive that person away immediately!"


    "Hold on!"


    Yang Bingtian spoke to halt him, saying indifferently, "If you show yourself now, wouldn''t that reveal the three of us? Besides, he''s just a little guy at the Eighth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm, let him continue to stay here!"


    Yang Zheng was taken aback and tentatively said, "Father, our Great Qian Dynasty is now flourishing, and the Dragon Vein is about to transform into a seven-colored Jiao. If we allow this person to cultivate here, I''m afraid it will affect the advancement of the Dragon Vein..."


    "What''s there to be afraid of?"


    Yang Bingtian rolled his eyes, his gaze seemingly piercing through the multiple barriers and falling upon Xiao Yi as if he couldn''t care less, "He''s merely at the Eighth Layer Cultivation of Tao Tribulation Realm. Can he possibly drain the Qi of heaven and earth inside the Dragon Vein Forbidden Area? With the strength of our Great Qian Dynasty''s Dragon Vein, even if he cultivates up to the Dharma Manifestation Realm, it wouldn''t use up one ten-thousandth of it!"


    The figure sitting squarely in the middle, Yang Zun, slightly lifted his eyelids.


    The two immediately silenced themselves.


    Looking at Yang Zun with respect.


    Not only was Yang Zun the second Emperor of the Great Qian Dynasty, but his cultivation was also far superior to the two of them.


    Yang Zun swept a calm gaze over the two and spoke lightly, "Just a little guy at Tao Tribulation Realm has shaken your minds..."


    "Please punish us, honored ancestor!"


    The two said anxiously.


    Yang Zun spoke faintly, "Not elated by external gains, nor saddened by personal losses, without self and without others, single-mindedly focused on the Dao... You both are following the path of Spiritual Nirvana, and this path requires you to temper your will and disposition. Your cultivation is still lacking!"


    "Honored ancestor, we have realized our mistake!" Yang Bingtian said repeatedly.


    Yang Zheng bowed and said, "Please, honored ancestor, calm your anger!"


    "Hmm,"


    Yang Zun nodded, his gaze serene and detached, showing neither joy nor sadness, "Cultivate well and let not external things affect you!"


    All three closed their eyes and immersed themselves deeply in cultivation.


    Clearly,


    all three were following the path of Spiritual Nirvana of the three great paths of immortality; after all, they had all been monarchs and were tempered by the imperial throne, making their wills and spirits far surpass those of their peers at the same stage. Compared to Physical Nirvana and Dharma Manifestation Nirvana, the path of Spiritual Nirvana had a better chance of success for them.


    Meanwhile,


    Xiao Yi had already adjusted to the concentration of the surrounding Qi, "The Qi here is at least ten thousand times denser than the outside world, and the power of heaven and earth is much clearer. Cultivating here for one day is equivalent to a year outside; seven days should be enough for me to reach the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm..."


    The breakthrough to the Dharma Manifestation Realm required not only the accumulation of energy and control over the power of heaven and earth,


    but most importantly, the Contemplation of Dharma Manifestation!


    Discover more stories at My Virtual Library Empire


    The Dharma Manifestation is the foundation!


    The stronger the Dharma Manifestation, the stronger the combat power and potential.


    For example, two Tao Tribulation Realm Peak powerhouses with identical talent, one contemplates a clump of weeds while the other contemplates an Azure Dragon, and the disparity between them upon entering the Dharma Manifestation Realm would be vast as heaven and earth. No matter how strong the weeds may be, they could never surpass even the weakest Azure Dragon; such is the essential difference. Xiao Yi managed to raise his cultivation to the Tao Tribulation Realm Peak in the Dragon Vein Forbidden Area, but he did not find a satisfactory object of contemplation here.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The speed at which Xiao Yi absorbed the energy of heaven and earth grew faster and faster.


    As these energies of heaven and earth merged into his body and he entered a state of cultivation, Xiao Yi''s perception of the surrounding elemental forces became increasingly clear.


    In the void all around him.


    Wisps of light of various colors floated, converging into strands.


    "What is water? Water is supremely good... It can carry a boat, and it can also capsize it..."


    "What is earth? Earth is the ground, the root of all things, with virtue so profound it bears all... It bears everything..."


    "What is fire..."


    Xiao Yi''s understanding of the elemental forces continued to improve.


    As his comprehension of these forces deepened, the speed at which the energy of heaven and earth gathered around Xiao Yi increased rapidly; from the initial thin streams of energy converging, it expanded to the point where it was like a surging river. Finally, it formed a vast vortex, with roaring sounds, ceaselessly devouring the energy of heaven and earth.


    As time swiftly passed, so did the energy of heaven and earth within the Dragon Vein Forbidden Area.


    Two days later.


    Xiao Yi officially entered the Nine-fold Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm.


    The spiritual energy of heaven and earth in the Dragon Vein Forbidden Area had been depleted by one-thousandth!


    Equivalent to several decades'' accumulation within the Dragon Vein Forbidden Area.


    In the depths of the forbidden area.


    Yang Zheng opened his eyes, furrowed his brows, and with a trace of astonishment and confusion in his eyes, he said, "Ancient Ancestor, a lot of the spiritual energy in the Dragon Vein Forbidden Area has diminished..."


    "Stay calm! Composed!"


    Yang Zun replied indifferently, not even opening his eyes, "Yang Zheng, your mind is still not steady enough. It''s just a minor Eighth Layer Cultivation youngster. How much energy can he absorb? Focus on your cultivation!"


    "This..."


    Yang Zheng thought about it, looked at Yang Zun with his tranquil and composed face, and nodded, "The Ancient Ancestor is right. I must stay calm, be composed... It seems my temperament has much to improve!"


    He closed his eyes once again.


    Three days passed.


    Hum!


    Xiao Yi finally made another advancement, stepping into the Tao Tribulation Realm Peak.


    On top of his Martial Dao Divine Fruit, dense Dao patterns covered the surface. Ordinary powerhouses controlled one elemental force and would gather one Dao pattern per realm. In comparison, Xiao Yi possessed the power of the Five Elements as well as Yin and Yang¡ªseven elemental forces in total, meaning that the difficulty and energy required for each realm breakthrough were hundreds to thousands of times that of ordinary counterparts at the same level!


    His consecutive breakthroughs equated to almost a thousand Tao Tribulation Realm Eighth Layer powerhouses advancing to the Tao Tribulation Realm Peak!


    Even if one person could use one ten-thousandth of the energy of the Dragon Vein Forbidden Area, almost a thousand would equal one percent, or even several percent.


    A total consumption of hundreds of years of accumulation in the Dragon Vein Forbidden Area!


    "Tao Tribulation Realm Peak... The God Sealing Seed should break through one billion, right?" Xiao Yi''s mouth curled slightly upward, his eyes alight with a fiery glow.


    According to previous arrangements, breaking through one billion meant that the Eternal Tomb of the Ages would surely give out rewards.


    Subsequently...


    Xiao Yi circulated the energy throughout his body, injecting it into the God Sealing Seed.


    As each and every God Sealing Seed within him activated, in the deepest part of the Dragon Vein Forbidden Area, Yang Zun and the other two simultaneously opened their eyes. Feeling the rapid decline of the spiritual energy in the Dragon Vein Forbidden Area, Yang Zun turned pale with blazing eyes, "Who the hell brought such a monster here? One-eightieth of it has been used up, squandering over seven hundred years of accumulation..."


    "Ancient Ancestor, please calm your anger, stay calm, composed!" Yang Zhenglian urged.


    Yang Bingtian also said, "Ancient Ancestor, you mustn''t get angry, you absolutely cannot leave this place, or those people will sense your presence. Please calm down, you''ve told us to stay calm, to be composed, to have a steady mind..."


    "Steady? I''ll steady your sister..."


    With eyes bloodshot, Yang Zun glared deadly at Yang Zheng, roaring, "Send a message to that little bastard instantly, tell that creature to come to me immediately! I''m so angry, I am so angry..."

 Chapter 409 - 409: Genius? Waste?

    Within the Imperial Study Room.


    Emperor Qian had just finished reviewing a stack of petitions and stretched languidly, leaning back against the throne with a carefree demeanor.


    His fingers lightly tapped the armrest, producing a crisp "tudu tudu" sound as he hummed a ditty, contented with himself, "Should I visit Consort Wen tonight, or Consort Xiang?" S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Suddenly.


    Emperor Qian felt a violent vibration from the jade token at his waist.


    Startled, he quickly took out the jade token, "Hmm? Does Father Emperor summon me? Could something major have occurred?"


    As he thought.


    Emperor Qian infused his vital energy into the jade token, about to extend his greetings, only to hear the frantic voice of Yang Zheng from within, "You little brat, the old ancestor commands you to roll over here immediately!"


    Thump!


    Emperor Qian fell off the dragon throne onto his behind, staring blankly at the flashing jade token in his hand, "The old ancestor? Unless there''s a catastrophe threatening the nation, he absolutely would not show up. He actually wants to see me? Could it be... that he knows about the new consort I''ve taken? But that''s hardly a major issue..."


    While contemplating.


    Doubt spread across Emperor Qian''s face.


    At the side, Chamberlain Qi coughed lightly and said, "Your Majesty, Xiao Yi is still in the Dragon Vein Forbidden Area."


    "Xiao Yi? The Dragon Vein Forbidden Area?"


    Emperor Qian was stunned, then suddenly slapped his thigh, cold sweat pouring from his forehead, his expression muddled, "What a disaster, has that boy provoked the old ancestor? Xiao Yi, truly you are my nemesis..."


    He hastily looked toward Chamberlain Qi, saying, "Quick, follow me to the Dragon Vein Forbidden Area!"


    The master and servant transformed into two streaks of rainbow light, racing toward the Imperial Garden with great speed.


    Moments later.


    They appeared at the Dragon Vein Forbidden Area.


    "We greet Your Majesty!" said two powerful guards, stationed at the Dragon Vein Forbidden Area with respect.


    Emperor Qian nodded and glanced back at Chamberlain Qi, "Old dog, you all stay here!"


    "Yes!"


    Chamberlain Qi stood aside respectfully, watching as Emperor Qian stepped through the massive light gateway, a trace of confusion and worry in his eyes, "Xiao Yi... you''d better not get into trouble!"


    Upon entering the Dragon Vein Forbidden Area, Emperor Qian nearly staggered and fell.


    As the emperor of the Great Qian Dynasty, he naturally had the freedom to come and go within the Dragon Vein Forbidden Area. Besides visiting his consorts, he often practiced cultivation here at night. He was very familiar with everything inside the Forbidden Area, especially the richness of the vital energy of heaven and earth, which he knew like the back of his hand.


    And that''s exactly why...


    As soon as Emperor Qian entered the Dragon Vein Forbidden Area, he immediately noticed a substantial drop in the density of the vital energy, "How could this be? The vital energy here has decreased by at least one percent, no, it could be even more... No wonder the old ancestor is furious, but what exactly is happening?"


    He never even considered linking this event to Xiao Yi.


    After all.


    Xiao Yi was only at the Eighth Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm, no matter how talented, it was impossible for him to devour years of accumulated vital energy within the Dragon Vein Forbidden Area in just seven short days!


    "Aren''t you rolling in to see me yet?" As Emperor Qian was lost in thought, suddenly Yang Zun''s irritated voice boomed in his mind. Your journey continues on My Virtual Library Empire


    Emperor Qian shivered and hurried toward the inner part of the Dragon Vein Forbidden Area.


    In the central area, he saw Xiao Yi seated cross-legged, surrounded by swirling vital energy, which made him raise an eyebrow, "The peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm? This fellow''s cultivation speed is truly frightening..."


    Hum!


    He approached the draconic figure coiled there in energy form, which suddenly spoke and swallowed Emperor Qian whole.


    Emperor Qian, facing the three figures of Yang Zun and the others, quickly said, "I pay my respects to the two esteemed ancestors and to Father Emperor!"


    ```


    "Humph!"


    Yang Zheng snorted coldly and said, "Yang Hualong, do you know why our ancestor has summoned you here?"


    Emperor Qian hesitated for a moment before tentatively asking, "Could it be because of the sharp decline of the spiritual energy in the Dragon Veil Forbidden Area?"


    "It seems you''re not as stupid as you look!" Yang Zheng snorted coldly again.


    Emperor Qian responded with a wry smile, "Father, esteemed ancestors, Hualong too has only just arrived at the Dragon Vein Forbidden Area and learned of the sharp decline in spiritual energy. As for the reason, Hualong is completely in the dark!"


    Yang Bingtian''s face darkened as he said, "Completely in the dark? Isn''t it all because of that little freak you brought here?"


    "Ah?"


    Emperor Qian was utterly baffled and said incredulously, "Do the ancestors mean... the decline in spiritual energy in the Dragon Vein Forbidden Area is all Xiao Yi''s doing? That''s impossible. He''s merely at the Tao Tribulation Realm... Let alone breaking through from the Eighth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm to the Tao Tribulation Realm Peak, even if he had broken through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm, he wouldn''t need so much spiritual energy! And besides, if it was really Xiao Yi''s doing, how could the three ancestors sit by idly in the Dragon Vein Forbidden Area and watch him consume so much spiritual energy without lifting a finger..."


    Yang Zheng: "..."


    Yang Bingtian: "..."


    Both of them twitched at the corners of their eyes, subconsciously looking towards Yang Zun.


    During Xiao Yi''s cultivation process, they had indeed sensed the sharp decline of spiritual energy.


    Only...


    Yang Zun had always told them to remain calm and composed, and to keep their emotions stable.


    However.


    By the time Yang Zun realized what was happening, Xiao Yi had already consumed hundreds of years'' worth of spiritual energy accumulated in the Dragon Vein Forbidden Area.


    Clearly, they couldn''t just pass the buck to Yang Zun!


    Therefore...


    Yang Zheng snorted coldly again and rebuked sternly, "Shut up! It''s clearly your fault for bringing that Xiao Yi to the Forbidden Land, causing such a massive loss. You must take responsibility for this!"


    "Why should I be responsible? Each of you three has a higher cultivation level than me, and Xiao Yi was cultivating right under your watch. If you couldn''t stop him, how can you blame me?"


    Emperor Qian angrily said, "Moreover, even if I did let Xiao Yi into the Spirit Vein Forbidden Land, so what? Xiao Yi is one of the strongest talents of the Great Qian Dynasty, and now he wields authority over the Xiaoshanhe Institute for our royal family. Previously, when the Nangong Family pledged allegiance to my royal uncle, Xiao Yi was of great help, and we almost annihilated the Nangong Family. I bestowed upon him the right to enter the Dragon Vein Forbidden Area, and what is wrong with that?"


    "Hmm?"


    The trio of Yang Zheng was taken aback.


    Yang Bingtian frowned and said, "You claim he is the strongest talent of the Great Qian Dynasty? Could that lad be Xiao Tianjiao? Didn''t he join the Tianjian Sect? How did he become the head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute?"


    Even Yang Zun, seated high above, opened his eyes wide, looking at Emperor Qian with puzzlement, "Hualong, is that really Xiao Tianjiao?"


    "Err..."


    Emperor Qian faltered, seeing excitement and anticipation in all three pairs of eyes, and could not help but give a bitter smile as he said, "No, he is not Xiao Tianjiao!"


    "Not Xiao Tianjiao? Then why claim he''s the strongest talent?"


    "In the Great Qian Dynasty... no, even in the Nantian Dynasty, how many can compare with Xiao Tianjiao? You dare to falsely proclaim him as the strongest talent just to escape blame?"


    Even Yang Zheng looked displeased and scolded vehemently.


    Emperor Qian responded with a bitter smile, "Honored ancestors, father, how could I deceive you? Xiao Yi is indeed the strongest talent of the Great Qian Dynasty!"


    "I don''t believe it!"


    "Neither do I!"


    "Let''s do this..."


    Yang Zun narrowed his eyes and stared at Emperor Qian, saying coldly, "Bring that Xiao Yi here. If he truly is as strong as you claim, the greatest talent among all, then we shall let bygones be bygones. But if he''s only a pretender with no real ability, you can''t blame us for being ruthless..."


    Yang Zheng nodded and said, "The ancestor is right. Let him come here for us to test him, and we''ll know for sure if he''s a talent or a waste..."


    ```

 Chapter 410 - 410: Xiao Tianjiao is Nothing Special!

    Emperor Qian hurried out of the Forbidden Area Space and quickly found Xiao Yi.


    At this moment, above Xiao Yi''s head, a black vortex swirled, and surges of heaven and earth''s energy transformed into torrents, pouring into his body and activating the God Sealing Seeds one after another.


    The number of God Sealing Seeds was climbing rapidly.


    It had reached ninety-nine million, nine hundred ninety-nine thousand, nine hundred and ninety-nine!


    Just one step away from one hundred million God Sealing Seeds.


    However...


    It was this one hundred millionth God Sealing Seed that stood like an insurmountable wall, blocking Xiao Yi''s path forward.


    Over ninety-nine million God Sealing Seeds simultaneously burst forth with dazzling light, continuously refining the heaven and earth energy once more, turning it into the purest God Sealing force which fed back into Xiao Yi''s dantian. Forming a crystal-clear lake comprised entirely of the God Sealing force, which immersed the Martial Dao Divine Fruit within the essence of God Sealing force.


    The entire Martial Dao Divine Fruit seemed to be situated in the origin of heaven and earth, constantly undergoing the cleansing of the God Sealing force.


    A subtle change was happening.


    However.


    At least for the current Xiao Yi, he was unable to feel this change.


    Whoosh!


    Exhaling a long breath of turbid air, Xiao Yi opened his eyes, showing a hint of regret, "What a pity, it seems that to break through the one hundred million God Sealing Seeds, I must step into the Dharma Manifestation Realm first!"


    As he was thinking.


    Xiao Yi suddenly felt a chilling creepiness sweeping over his body, and subconsciously he looked up to see Emperor Qian staring at him with an eerie expression.


    Uh...


    Xiao Yi was baffled, "Your Majesty, what are you doing here?"


    "Come with me!"


    Emperor Qian looked at Xiao Yi with a strange expression, gritted his teeth, and said.


    It was this youngster indeed!


    If it had not been for him devouring nearly one-eightieth of the heaven and earth energy within the Dragon Vein Forbidden Area, Emperor Qian wouldn''t have been harshly reprimanded by Yang Zun and the others.


    Xiao Yi was stunned, "Where to?"


    "Come with me, that''s all!"


    Emperor Qian''s face was grim.


    Xiao Yi scratched his head, but since he had just acquired significant benefits from the Dragon Vein Forbidden Area, it wouldn''t be polite to refuse Emperor Qian. He could only bite the bullet and follow him into the core area of the Dragon Vein Forbidden Area, into the dragon silhouette formed by the convergence of heaven and earth energy. With a swoosh, the surrounding space rippled like water ripples, and the figures of Xiao Yi and Emperor Qian appeared in the Forbidden Area Space.


    Hiss!


    Xiao Yi instinctively took a sharp breath of cold air as he stepped into the Forbidden Area Space; he felt six gazes, as substantial as reality itself, fall upon him.


    Gulp!


    Xiao Yi swallowed.


    Emperor Qian''s voice echoed within the Forbidden Area Space, "Father Emperor, two venerable ancestors, Xiao Yi has been brought here!"


    "Father Emperor? Ancestors?"


    Xiao Yi was thoroughly confused.


    Emperor Qian''s father? And his ancestors?


    Could those be the former emperors of legend, said to have perished many years ago?


    Xiao Yi instinctively looked up at the three individuals, feeling the aura of each person to be more profound and unending than Emperor Qian and the War King, signifying that their strengths far surpassed the War King and Emperor Qian. It was only at this moment that Xiao Yi truly understood why the Yang Family was able to control the Great Qian Dynasty and prevent the ten great sects from openly rebelling¡ªindeed, they possessed a formidable power that made all factions wary.


    Xiao Yi greeted the three ancestors with a cupped fist salute, "Xiao Yi pays respects to the three elders!"


    Yang Zheng let out a cold snort, his voice carrying a powerful spiritual onslaught that would have severely wounded the soul of an ordinary Dharma Manifestation Realm powerhouse.


    However, Xiao Yi merely grunted and neutralized the terrifying spiritual onslaught. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Huh?


    Yang Zheng and the other two revealed a hint of surprise in their eyes. Although Yang Zheng did not use his full strength, he was an expert of Spiritual Nirvana. How could Xiao Yi, a mere Tao Tribulation Realm Peak cultivator, endure his spiritual onslaught without changing his expression?


    In the midst of their shock,


    Xiao Yi frowned and spoke displeasingly, "Respected elder, this is our first meeting, and we have no grievances. Why would you strike at me so viciously?"


    The spiritual onslaught just now was extremely powerful; had Xiao Yi not been exceptionally resolute in mind and far superior to his peers in spirit, the previous attack could have turned him into a fool.


    "Xiao Yi, do you admit your guilt?" asked Yang Zheng with a darkened face.


    Xiao Yi responded, "I do not."


    Yang Zheng let out another cold snort and said, "You have drawn away one-eightieth of the heaven and earth vital energy accumulated within the Imperial Dragon Vein Forbidden Area of our Great Qian Dynasty, nearly jeopardizing the very foundation of our nation. Yet you claim you do not know your crime?"


    Xiao Yi pursed his lips and looked at Emperor Qian, who was standing to the side, "The reason I could enter the Dragon Vein Forbidden Area was that I had made a significant contribution. It was an opportunity given to me as a reward by his majesty, Emperor Qian. Moreover, no one ever told me that a breakthrough within the Dragon Vein Forbidden Area could shake the nation''s foundation. If we are to speak of guilt, his majesty, Emperor Qian, should be held accountable alongside me!"


    "Xiao Yi, you..." Emperor Qian stared, wanting to cry but finding no tears.


    How did this get pinned on him again?


    Emperor Qian hastily looked towards Yang Zheng and the other two.


    Yang Zheng hesitated slightly, then glanced at Yang Bingtian and the others.


    Yang Bingtian said indifferently, "Xiao Yi, had you been cultivating normally within the Dragon Vein Forbidden Area, we would have had no cause to blame you. But was your cultivation normal? Does a typical progression from the Eighth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm to its peak necessitate the consumption of hundreds of years'' worth of heaven and earth vital energy accumulated in the Dragon Vein Forbidden Area? You had better be candid and explain what method you used that led to such a significant loss of vital energy in the Dragon Vein Forbidden Area. If you confess frankly, I can forgive and forget, otherwise..."


    They simply did not believe that Xiao Yi''s breakthrough was merely due to cultivation.


    They assumed that Xiao Yi must have resorted to some underhanded tactics to steal the heaven and earth vital energy.


    After all...


    How could a mere progression from the Eighth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm to its peak consume so much of the heaven and earth vital energy? That amount could have allowed thousands of Eighth Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm cultivators to reach the peak!


    Xiao Yi rolled his eyes and, with an incredulous look at Yang Zheng and the others, said, "I didn''t use any methods, so what exactly do you want me to explain?"


    Bang!


    Yang Bingtian slammed his palm onto the armrest, which shattered in response, a terrifying energy storm filling the entire Forbidden Area Space, his gaze firm and icy as he stared down Xiao Yi, "Xiao Yi, will you continue to persist in your delusion? Not to mention your breakthrough from the Eighth Layer to the Peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm, even Xiao Tianjiao did not consume so much of the heaven and earth vital energy when he was breaking through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm. Are you trying to tell me that your talent surpasses that of Xiao Tianjiao?" Stay connected via My Virtual Library Empire


    Yang Zheng and Yang Zun also fixed their gaze on Xiao Yi.


    Three masters of Spiritual Nirvana simultaneously locked their sights on him.


    The invisible pressure they exerted was incredibly terrifying!


    Most beings of his age would likely have a mental breakdown under such horrific pressure.


    However...


    Xiao Yi''s lips curved slightly upward, revealing a hint of cold mockery as he coolly said, "Xiao Tianjiao counts for nothing! How dare he compare with me?"

 Chapter 411 - 411: The Pillar of the Nation

    "Xiao Tianjiao also deigns to compare with me?"


    Xiao Yi''s face was thick with disdain, his lips curling into a faint sneer as he looked mockingly at the few people before him.


    The four from the Great Qian Dynasty looked at each other, each seeing the astonishment on the others'' faces.


    Yang Zun looked at Xiao Yi with a strange expression, "Little guy, as far as I know, Xiao Tianjiao is the strongest prodigy of the Great Qian Dynasty. It''s only been about a year since he reached the Dharma Manifestation Realm, yet he has already started to attack the Nirvana Realm. And you have just broken through to the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm. Where do you get the courage to look down on Xiao Tianjiao so much?" Discover stories at My Virtual Library Empire


    Yang Zheng and the other also wore amused expressions, their eyes filled with thick mockery and displeasure.


    All three of them had once sat in Emperor Qian''s position.


    They stood at the very pinnacle of power within the Great Qian Dynasty.


    They had seen countless prodigies.


    The thing they hated the most was those who thought too highly of themselves, aspiring to the unattainable.


    Clearly, Xiao Yi''s disdain for Xiao Tianjiao made them label him as someone who didn''t know the immensity of heaven and earth!


    Xiao Yi smiled indifferently, standing tall and straight as a sword, prideful between heaven and earth, and spoke coldly, "Could he, Xiao Tianjiao, possibly have broken through from the Physical Body Realm to the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm in less than three years?"


    "How is that possible?"


    "Qi Gathering Realm, Physical Body Realm, Shentong Realm... Although it''s possible to use elixirs to bypass these realms, each realm is crucial for honing one''s foundation. How can one reach the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm in just three years?" Yang Zheng said, shaking his head with a smile, his words laden with heavy sarcasm.


    Yang Bingtian also chuckled and shook his head, "Just to undergo the transformation of a Golden Core and condense the Martial Dao Divine Fruit, an ordinary person would need to spend several years. Even an outstanding genius would need to go through one to two years of refining!"


    "Three years? Absurdly impossible!"


    Yang Zun also shook his head confidently.


    Xiao Yi smiled faintly, looking towards Emperor Qian.


    Emperor Qian watched his three venerable ancestors with a wry smile and said, "Father Emperor, dear ancestors, Xiao Yi broke through from the Physical Body Realm to the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm in less than three years!"


    "What?"


    "What nonsense are you spouting?"


    The three ancestors from Yang''s family sat up straight, looking at Emperor Qian with confused faces.


    Their eyes were wide open, filled with shock and disbelief.


    Three years!


    From the Physical Body Realm to the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm?


    Is that even possible?


    Their gaze towards Xiao Yi was like looking at a monster.


    Even Xiao Tianjiao, the reputed number one prodigy of the Great Qian Dynasty, took more than ten years to go from the Physical Body Realm to the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm!


    And Xiao Yi in front of them had only spent three years?


    If that was truly the case, then as Xiao Yi said, Xiao Tianjiao was indeed trash in front of him, utterly undeserving to compare!


    Xiao Yi smiled faintly, continuing, "The strongest prodigy you speak of, Xiao Tianjiao, did he bring down the heavenly tribulation when he broke through to the Tao Tribulation Realm?"


    Boom!


    The faces of the three went through a series of indescribable changes.


    Even though they had all been in the emperor''s position, accustomed to trials and remaining calm in the face of upheavals.


    But when faced with the matter that Xiao Yi mentioned, about attracting heavenly tribulation upon breaking through to the Tao Tribulation Realm, they still found it inconceivable.


    Gulp!


    Yang Zheng felt his neck stiffen, and with difficulty, he turned to look at Emperor Qian, "Hua Long, is what he said the truth?"


    Even Emperor Qian looked at Xiao Yi with astonishment.


    Before this.


    He too had his suspicions, but it wasn''t until he heard Xiao Yi personally confirm it that Emperor Qian nodded with a bitter smile, "Father Emperor, dear ancestors, what Xiao Yi said is true! Just a few months ago, when he had just broken through to the Tao Tribulation Realm, he indeed attracted a heavenly tribulation at Great Liang Mountain that was in no way weaker than the one Xiao Tianjiao faced when he broke through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm!"


    Hisss!


    Even with the temperament of Yang Zun and his two companions, they couldn''t help but gasp in shock at this moment.


    Seeing the astonishment on their faces, Xiao Yi''s lips slightly curled upward¡ªthis was precisely the result he wanted.


    After learning the identities of the three, Xiao Yi decided not to conceal his abilities any longer but to fully unveil his extraordinary martial talent.


    A world where the strong preys on the weak.


    The stronger one''s talent, the greater one''s strength, and the more resources one can obtain!


    These three individuals were the supporting pillars of the Great Qian Dynasty. As long as he could gain their approval, he would be able to secure the full support of the Great Qian Dynasty.


    After all... S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Behind Xiao Tianjiao stood the Tianjian Sect, which was called the foremost of the ten sects!


    If Xiao Yi relied only on himself, he would find it difficult to contend with the Tianjian Sect.


    However, if he could align the Great Qian royal family with his side, the situation would be completely different. To fully convince the royal family to support him, he must offer an overwhelmingly dazzling potential, or he would never be able to shake those who had long held power and grown accustomed to watching the rise and fall of influence!


    Xiao Yi saw the three men with solemn expressions, engaged in a silent exchange, and spoke up, "Xiao Tianjiao''s talent is indeed strong, but I am completely confident that within three years, I can catch up to him or even surpass him. And while he is the Saint Heir of the Tianjian Sect, I am the head of the Great Qian Dynasty''s Xiaoshanhe Institute!"


    All four pairs of eyes focused intently on him.


    The implications of his words were self-evident.


    One layer was to remind the three that Xiao Tianjiao was the Saint Heir of the Tianjian Sect, aligned with the ten great sects!


    The second layer was to declare his own stance!


    The head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, that was truly an ally of the Great Qian royal family.


    The four men looked at each other, pondering for a moment. Yang Zun squinted his eyes and said, "Xiao Yi, I must ask you... what method did you use to be able to absorb such an immense amount of the world''s essence?"


    Xiao Yi flashed a grin and said, "Because of this!"


    Hum!


    Suddenly, Xiao Yi''s body burst forth with dazzling glows as his Martial Dao Divine Fruit emerged from within and hovered above his head.


    Swish swish swish!


    Streaks of radiant light filled the entire Forbidden Area Space.


    With every appearance of a light beam, the expression on the faces of Yang Zun and the others changed: "One, two..."


    "Three, four..."


    "Five..."


    Gold, azure, blue, red, yellow-brown, white, and black... Seven-colored lights shone like a thousand gleaming colors, filling the space in front of them.


    Gurgle!


    The four men looked at each other, their faces filled with shock: "Five Elements Yin and Yang? Full attribute Dao patterns? How is this possible?"


    "Even Xiao Tianjiao has only the Five Elements attributes; does Xiao Yi actually possess all attributes?"


    "I finally understand why he was able to attract heavenly tribulation upon breaking through to the Tao Tribulation Realm. Full attribute Dao patterns¡ªsuch an unrivaled genius actually exists in this world? Incredible, simply incredible..."


    "Hahaha..."


    Yang Zun suddenly burst into hearty laughter, his face flushed with excitement, his eyes fervently fixed on Xiao Yi, "Excellent, excellent! A full attribute Dao pattern owner, Xiao Yi. Are you willing to become the protective pillar for the Great Qian Dynasty? Just give the word, and the Great Qian royal family will use all its resources to support you!"


    Gurgle!


    Yang Zheng and the other two exchanged glances.


    Protective pillar?


    This was a position even above the emperor, and the three of them were the protective pillars!


    Since the founding of the Great Qian Dynasty, there had never been a non-royal serving as a protective pillar. Yet, thinking of Xiao Yi''s talent, the three of them were without any intention of objecting!


    They looked at Xiao Yi with burning gazes.


    Xiao Yi''s lips slightly curled upward as he began to speak, "..."

 Chapter 412 - 412: The Four Great Dharma Likenesses

    Xiao Yi wore a serene smile and said, "A national pillar? How does that compare to Wudi, the unparalleled war king?"


    Emperor Qian was taken aback.


    Yang Zun and the other two also exchanged puzzled glances.


    Emperor Qian said in a deep voice, "Xiao Yi, both the national pillar and Wudi, the unparalleled war king, are the cornerstones of the Great Qian Dynasty. There is no distinction between strong and weak, high and low!"


    "Equal footing?" Xiao Yi asked.


    Emperor Qian grunted once, then nodded his head.


    The power and strength that Wudi, Yang Yuhuan, wielded in the military were so great that even Emperor Qian regarded him with immense wariness.


    That''s exactly why...


    Wudi had the capital to stand on equal footing with the national pillar.


    Xiao Yi said solemnly, "Since that''s the case, I''ll take on this identity of the national pillar!"


    The corner of Emperor Qian''s mouth twitched slightly.


    Who knows how many people dream of becoming the Great Qian Dynasty''s national pillar, yet to Xiao Yi it seems like it''s being forced upon him, with him even appearing somewhat troubled?


    This made Emperor Qian feel quite indignant!


    And yet, he was powerless!


    After all, who can argue when someone''s talent is so strong, to the point where even Yang Zun, the old ancestor, personally took the initiative to recruit him as the Great Qian Dynasty''s national pillar? Even if Emperor Qian wanted to oppose, it would be of no use!


    Looking at Emperor Qian, Yang Zun said in a deep voice, "Hua Long, it''s up to you to reward Xiao Yi with the title of national pillar!"


    "Rest assured, ancestor, in half a month''s time, it will be the Ancestral Worship Grand Ceremony. I will announce Xiao Yi as the national pillar then!" Emperor Qian nodded, bowing respectfully to Yang Zun as he spoke.


    "Good!"


    Yang Zun was very satisfied with Emperor Qian''s arrangement and said with a smile, "The Ancestral Worship Grand Ceremony is a solemn and grand event for our royal family, second only to the imperial succession. Announcing Xiao Yi as the national pillar at that time is indeed appropriate. Xiao Yi is the first national pillar in the history of the Great Qian Dynasty who is not of royal blood. Isn''t Xiao Tianjiao touted as the strongest genius in the history of the Great Qian Dynasty? Let''s call Xiao Yi''s title ''Wudi''!"


    Xiao Tianjiao is known to be the strongest genius, but he is solely focused on the martial path, caring little for the rise and fall of the Great Qian Dynasty.


    Yang Zun had Xiao Yi inherit the title of ''Wudi''.


    This was also a slap in the face to Xiao Tianjiao!


    With this thought...


    Emperor Qian said with a smile, "Understood!"


    Yang Zun turned to Xiao Yi and said, "Xiao Yi, once you become the national pillar, all your treatments will be on par with ours. You have already broken through to the Tao Tribulation Realm Peak, and with your talent, the Dharma Manifestation Realm is likely not far off. Have you thought about what to manifest as your life-bound Dharma aspect?"


    The strength of a Dharma aspect directly affects a practitioner''s power in the Dharma Manifestation Realm and their future potential for growth!


    Xiao Yi shook his head and replied, "I do not have a target yet!"


    Yang Zun said solemnly, "We three have some insights into the Dharma Manifestation Realm. Would you like to hear them?"


    Xiao Yi was startled; although he did not know the true strength of the three, he could sense that their abilities were much stronger than Yang Yuhuan''s. Their understanding of the Dharma Manifestation Realm was definitely invaluable experience. He bowed to the three and said, "I would be grateful for any teachings the three ancestors are willing to impart!"


    Yang Zun glanced at Yang Zheng and the others, and they all nodded at the same time.


    Whoosh!


    The four of them waved their hands simultaneously.


    Amid a blaze of glowing light, four Dharma Aspects appeared behind them.


    The one behind Yang Zun was the most peculiar: it was a towering ancient tree.


    The immense canopy spread like the top of a cloud, covering the sky and shading the sun. The leaves rustled as if alive, an impressive and fearsome sight!


    Yang Bingtian''s Dharma Aspect was a square bronze seal swirling with dragons and tigers, as large as a mountain, hovering above his head with a solemn and majestic presence.


    Yang Zheng''s Dharma Aspect was a winding river, with roaring waters that seemed to merge into a vast deluge.


    Your next read is at My Virtual Library Empire


    Behind Emperor Qian was a Dharma Aspect in the form of a full-bodied crimson Chi Dragon with a pair of wings on its back and a solitary horn atop its head. Its eyes held such a condensation of evil Qi that one glance seemed to draw the onlooker deep into its abyss.


    Xiao Yi''s gaze swept past the Dharma Aspects manifested by each person.


    Among them, Emperor Qian''s Ironwing Chi Dragon was the most terrifying. Merely the profoundness of its night-like eyes deterred anyone from meeting its gaze. Its aura was so intense that, even compared with Yang Zheng and Yang Bingtian, who were of higher cultivation, it was in no way inferior. Only when compared with Yang Zun would it be suppressed by the towering tree Dharma Aspect behind him.


    This was the reliance of the Dharma Manifestation Realm, the power of the Dharma Aspect!


    The stronger the object of contemplation, the greater the power of the Dharma Aspect.


    This Ironwing Chi Dragon was a high-tier sixth-grade demon beast, equivalent to the presence of the Dharma Manifestation Realm Peak. The fact that Yang Zun''s towering tree Dharma Aspect could suppress the Dharma Aspect of the Ironwing Chi Dragon meant it was definitely no ordinary object.


    Yang Zun, noticing Xiao Yi''s curiosity, said with some pride, "My Dharma Aspect is the Li Mu, a tree born from a branch of the mythic phoenix tree which, after being struck down by a heavenly god, rooted itself upon touching the ground. I found it on a hidden island in the Beast Emperor Sea, by contemplating the Li Mu to manifest my Dharma Aspect. However, when people were later sent to find the island, it could never be found again!"


    Yang Zheng continued, "Dharma Aspects can largely be divided into four categories: Animal System, Plant System, Natural System, and Spiritual Object System. My Nine Bends River, for instance, was formed through contemplating great rivers, and belongs to the Natural System!"


    "My Dharma Aspect is modelled after the Seventh-Grade Imperial Soldier Dragon and Tiger Seal, part of the Spiritual Object System!" Yang Bingtian chimed in with a smile.


    Xiao Yi nodded; Emperor Qian''s Ironwing Chi Dragon belonged to the Animal System, while Yang Zun''s Li Mu belonged to the Plant System.


    These were the four broad categories of Dharma Aspects, also known as the Four Great Dharma Aspects!


    Speaking solemnly, Yang Zun said, "Each of the Four Great Dharma Aspects has its own merits, and the choice of Dharma Aspect also relates to the type of Nirvana one pursues in the future. Generally speaking, those who go for Physical Nirvana often choose from the Animal or Natural Systems, while those opting for Spiritual Nirvana lean towards the Plant, Spiritual, or Natural Systems. Of course, there are also some who choose to manifest from the Spiritual Object System, taking the direct path to Dharma Nirvana!"


    The four of them simultaneously retracted their Dharma Aspects.


    Seeing Xiao Yi deep in thought, Emperor Qian said, "Xiao Yi, your combat power is exceptional, and your ability to fight beyond your level is astonishing. You could choose the strongest attacking Animal System Dharma Aspect and pursue the path of Physical Nirvana in the future!"


    Yang Zheng nodded and added, "If you decide to manifest an Animal System Dharma Aspect, I''ll have Hua Long take you to observe the National Guardian Beast Ironwing Chi Dragon of our Great Qian Dynasty!"


    "Thank you for your generous consideration, ancestor, but I haven''t yet decided which path to take,"


    Xiao Yi said, politely declining.


    "Indeed, this is a decision regarding your future and requires careful consideration," Yang Zun said, pausing briefly before continuing, "Our imperial family has many Imperial Soldiers, so if you have any ideas later on, feel free to ask Hua Long."


    Emperor Qian nodded at Xiao Yi.


    Holding Xiao Yi in high esteem and even planning to appoint him as a pillar of state protection, Emperor Qian naturally was eager to show goodwill and attract him to his side.


    "Hmm!" S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi nodded, hesitated for a moment, then looked at Yang Zun and asked, "May I ask, ancestor, what is Xiao Tianjiao''s Dharma Aspect?"

 Chapter 413 - 413 Youre the Disgrace!

    Xiao Yi''s face carried a serious and curious expression.


    Xiao Tianjiao.


    This universally recognized number one prodigy of the Great Qian Dynasty, what Dharma Manifestation had he formed?


    Yang Zun pondered for a moment, his sword-like eyebrows slightly furrowed as he said in a deep voice, "No one knows what Dharma Manifestation Xiao Tianjiao has formed..."


    "Hmm?"


    Xiao Yi was startled.


    It had been some time since Xiao Tianjiao reached the Dharma Manifestation Realm, could it be that he never made a move?


    Seeming to notice Xiao Yi''s confusion, Yang Zun gave a wry smile and said, "That''s because all those who have seen him make a move are dead!"


    Emperor Qian, who was standing by, shifted his gaze with a solemn expression and said gravely, "I once received intelligence that when Xiao Tianjiao was breaking through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm, an assassin from the Northern Sword Dynasty had taken action; he was an expert at the Third Nirvana Realm. That powerful figure attempted to disrupt Xiao Tianjiao''s tribulation, but was instead slaughtered by Xiao Tianjiao with one strike!"


    Xiao Yi''s expression changed slightly.


    He had just broken through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm and was able to slay an expert of the Third Nirvana Realm with one strike?


    Although Xiao Yi was currently at the Peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm and had the confidence to fight an expert at the First Nirvana Realm, the certainty of slaying one in a single strike was not something even Xiao Yi had!


    Xiao Tianjiao actually managed to slay a Third Nirvana Realm expert with a single strike, despite having just entered the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    This kind of ability to fight across levels truly shook Xiao Yi, but at the same time, it thoroughly ignited the battle fire within him, burning fiercely as he clenched his fists and muttered, "Xiao Tianjiao, I am really looking forward to meeting you more and more!"


    Seeing Xiao Tianjiao''s strength, don''t you feel despair?" Yang Zheng asked curiously.


    Several people turned their gaze towards Xiao Yi.


    They all knew of Xiao Yi''s identity and had some understanding of the grudge between him and the Xiao Family.


    Xiao Yi and Xiao Tianjiao were mortal enemies.


    In their eyes, upon learning of Xiao Tianjiao''s tremendous strength and terror, Xiao Yi should be feeling despair!


    But Xiao Yi''s face showed no hint of fear, instead, it was filled with excitement and a burning desire to fight.


    Xiao Yi looked at the four of them, smiled, and said, "The stronger he is, the more excited I get!"


    "Hmm?"


    "What kind of logic is that?"


    Everyone was somewhat puzzled.


    Xiao Yi smiled and did not answer, but instead asked, "May I ask the three Elders and Your Majesty if it would be possible for me to observe the Iron Winged Chilong and the Dragon and Tiger Seal?"


    He currently did not have a clear visualization target.


    Both the Iron Winged Chilong and the Dragon and Tiger Seal were the strongest demon beast and the strongest magical weapon that could be found by the Great Qian Dynasty, hence Xiao Yi''s request.


    "This... The Dragon and Tiger Seal is not a problem, but for the Iron Winged Chilong, we will need its consent; you should return first, and we will notify you after we ask the Iron Winged Chilong," Yang Zun thought for a while but did not directly refuse, and said.


    "If that''s the case, then I''ll trouble the Elders!"


    Xiao Yi bowed toward the four and said, "Since the Ancestral Worship Ceremony is not far off, Xiao Yi will take his leave now!"


    "Hmm!"


    "Go ahead!"


    "Don''t be careless about the Ancestral Worship Ceremony..." They warned him and watched Xiao Yi leave.


    Yang Zheng, still puzzled, said, "Do you think¡­ what the kid just said, what did it really mean?"


    Everyone looked at each other, unable to guess.


    "Xiao Tianjiao, you''ve always looked down on me from on high, seeing me as nothing but an ant struggling in the dirt, while you are the dragon soaring above the nine heavens. I wonder, when this ant crushes you, the true dragon, underfoot, what your reaction will be..."


    Xiao Yi, who was walking toward the outskirts of the Dragon Vein Forbidden Area, slowly unclenched his fists, a slight smile appearing at the corners of his mouth as his eyes brimmed with a surging battle intent, "I''m looking forward to meeting you more and more!"


    ...


    Imperial Dragon Mountain, Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Seven days after returning to the Xiaoshanhe Institute, Xiao Yi was astounded to find that Imperial Dragon Mountain was now a chaotic overcrowded scene.


    "I used to think that only the top ten sects and the four great families were the sacred places of martial arts in the Great Qian Dynasty. I never expected the Xiaoshanhe Institute to be so strong too!"


    "All of this is thanks to the new Dean Xiao Yi. Without him, the Xiaoshanhe Institute would still be the gathering place for the wretched under Chen Shuiwen''s leadership. But Dean Xiao is truly daunting; it''s said that he''s not even twenty years old, yet he almost used his own power to bring down the Nangong Family!"


    "It is said that the current Xiaoshanhe Institute is no weaker than the top ten sects. With a genius powerhouse like Dean Xiao, its future is boundless!"


    Amidst the bustling noise,


    a long line had formed from the foot of the mountain all the way to the front gate.


    An ocean of people.


    Gathering into a steel tidal wave winding along the mountain paths, the scene could be described as bustling.


    If not for the two sixth-order Beast Kings standing at the entrance, guarding with a menacing gaze and scrutinizing the passersby, it is likely that the crowd would swarm in like a breached flood, rushing into the Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    The two Beast Kings stood on either side, emanating a heaven-reaching aura, suppressing everyone before them.


    They held their chins high, nostrils to the sky, majestic and imposing, their voices stern and solemn, "If you wish to be admitted into our Xiaoshanhe Institute, line up properly. If anyone dares to cut in line and disturb the order, don''t blame us for throwing the troublemakers down the mountain!"


    These were the equivalent of Dharma Manifestation Realm sixth-order Beast Kings.


    Their prestige was like the heavens.


    Naturally, none dared to act rashly.


    Of course...


    This world is never lacking in self-righteous individuals.


    At the foot of the mountain,


    a young man with a resolute expression walked among the crowd, who avoided him like the plague, "Isn''t that Ruan Yunyi? What is this harbinger of doom doing here?"


    "It is said that when he was born, he caused the death of his parents, and he was kicked out of the Ruan Family when he was just a month old. Fortunately, an old woman raised him. But when he turned eighteen, even she died because of him... It''s rumored that over the years, he''s tried to enter the top ten sects and the four great families, and everyone who participated in the assessments with him died, leading all the major powers to shut him out..."


    "I definitely don''t want to be near someone like this harbinger of doom..." Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Hearing the unreserved remarks of the people around him, Ruan Yunyi clenched his fists tightly, his lips pressed firmly together, not saying a word.


    He just kept moving forward.


    At Ruan Yunyi''s side, Xiao Yun, with white hair and beard, leaned on a cane, reassuring him with a smile, "Yunyi, you don''t need to care about what others say. Just be true to yourself!" Your next read is at My Virtual Library Empire


    "Mm!"


    Ruan Yunyi forced a small smile.


    Xiao Yun had appeared beside him a few days ago, knowing everything about him inside out. Ruan Yunyi had never had friends, and Xiao Yun''s arrival quickly made them confidants.


    With Xiao Yun''s encouragement, they had come to the Xiaoshanhe Institute today.


    To participate in the disciple assessment!


    "Get out of my way!"


    Suddenly, Ruan Yunyi was shoved hard by someone, causing Xiao Yun to also stumble and fall to the ground with him.


    Bearing a look of contempt, a handsomely dressed, arrogant young man looked down at the two, his gaze filled with disdain and disgust, "A lowly beggar and an old man with one foot in the grave coming to participate in the Xiaoshanhe Institute assessment? Do you really think the Xiaoshanhe Institute is a refuge for trash? If you know what''s good for you, get out before I lose my temper, and don''t make a spectacle of yourself here..."


    As soon as the words fell,


    a calm voice emerged from the crowd, "The one making a spectacle is you!"

 Chapter 414 - 414: The Day the Golden Scales Transform into a Dragon

    "The one who is disgracing himself is you!"


    A calm voice suddenly rose, halting the smug smile on Lu Chen''s face abruptly.


    With a darkened expression, Lu Chen turned toward the source of the voice.


    There stood Xiao Yi, hands behind his back, his face showing tranquility. Yet his eyes, still as an ancient well without a ripple, seemed as if they could see through the human heart, giving Lu Chen the feeling of being stripped bare before him.


    This caused Lu Chen''s complexion to fluctuate between dark and light, as he forcefully said, "Who do you think you are? What right do you have to speak here?" S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    No sooner had the words left his lips.


    Than a wave of murmuring arose from the crowd around them, "I remember now, he is the head of Xiaoshanhe Institute!"


    "That''s right, I saw him once at the Nangong Family previously!"


    "Lu Chen has really hit a snag this time..."


    The conversations of the crowd, like knives, caused Lu Chen''s complexion to stiffen suddenly.


    He looked at Xiao Yi in disbelief.


    Gululu!


    Lu Chen''s face turned somewhat unsightly, "Are you Xiao Yi?"


    Xiao Yi nodded lightly and said indifferently, "Yes, it''s me!"


    "You..."


    Lu Chen''s face grew darker as his eagerness to join the Xiaoshanhe Institute was met with Xiao Yi''s dismissive attitude. His eyes darted about before he said in a heavy tone, "Head Xiao, I am the nephew of Minister of War Xu Wengang. I believe you have surely heard of my uncle''s great reputation. I am his..."


    A Minister of War, a second-ranked official.


    Even within the entire Great Qian Dynasty, this was considered a prestigious family background.


    And Xu Wengang, being young, was highly valued by Emperor Qian and likely to assume the position of Minister of War in the future.


    For this reason.


    Even some prominent families and royal relatives were extremely polite toward Xu Wengang. By association, Lu Chen, Xu Wengang''s nephew, found success and influence in the capital city, as everyone sought his favor. Continue your saga on My Virtual Library Empire


    In public, Xiao Yi reprimanded him and declared that he was not qualified to enter Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Wasn''t this a slap in the face?


    How could Lu Chen swallow such an insult? That''s why he brought up his uncle, trying to use Xu Wengang''s reputation and influence to press Xiao Yi.


    However.


    Xiao Yi did not wait for him to finish and cut off Lu Chen''s words directly, speaking with a detached look, "It doesn''t matter that you are merely Xu Wengang''s nephew. Even if Xu Wengang himself were here today, he also would not be able to set foot within my Xiaoshanhe Institute."


    "You..."


    Lu Chen''s face darkened further.


    Just as he was about to speak again.


    A loud voice suddenly rang out from the crowd, "Head Xiao, who is this ignorant fellow that has drawn your ire?"


    Xiao Yi looked toward the voice.


    He saw Xu Wengang, dressed in green silk, emerge from the crowd. He had accompanied Lu Chen here but had fallen behind due to conversations with some acquaintances. He hadn''t expected to hear the news that Lu Chen had clashed with Xiao Yi, and hurriedly followed, smiling as he said, "Head Xiao, I am Minister Xu Wengang!"


    "Minister Xu!"


    Xiao Yi greeted him with a bow, his manners impeccable, leaving no room for criticism.


    Xu Wengang''s face was radiant with success and pride.


    In response to Xiao Yi''s greeting, he simply nodded and then spoke, "Head Xiao, this is my nephew, Lu Chen. It seems there has been a misunderstanding between you two..."


    "A misunderstanding?"


    Xiao Yi smiled faintly and said, "There''s no misunderstanding. It''s just that your nephew indeed does not qualify to enter my Xiaoshanhe Institute!"


    "Hm?"


    Xu Wengang frowned.


    Almost assured to be the next Minister of War and courted by even the Unparalleled War King, he saw Xiao Yi as merely the head of a minor institute with no power or status in the court and who could not afford to disregard him.


    Yet, even with his own intervention, Xiao Yi had still not yielded.


    This caused Xu Wengang''s expression to sour, and his voice dropped somewhat, "Head Xiao, are you sure you want to trouble yourself with me over such insignificant ants?"


    His gaze, filled with disdain, fell upon Ruan Yunyi and Xiao Yun.


    One an old man with one foot in the grave, the other a jinx shunned by all powers.


    In his eyes...


    they were nothing more than ants that wouldn''t merit the blink of an eye even if crushed to death.


    How could they compare with someone as exalted as him?


    How dare Xiao Yi stand up for these two and have the audacity to challenge him?


    This was something Xu Wengang couldn''t comprehend.


    At that moment,


    Xiao Yi was already helping Ruan Yunyi and Xiao Yun to their feet, infusing them with vital energy to stabilize their injuries somewhat.


    Facing Xu Wengang''s ridicule, Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Even a golden scale can transform into a dragon... Despite their humble origins and the many hardships they''ve faced, their resolute pursuit of the martial path with such tenacious hearts means their future accomplishments needn''t be inferior. As for your nephew, he''s arrogant and complacent, indifferent to others. He will likely lead a mediocre life forever!"


    These words exploded like thunder from a clear sky.


    Ruan Yunyi''s cheeks flushed crimson, and he looked at Xiao Yi with eyes brimming with profound emotion.


    From birth until now...


    He had never received such a solemn appraisal and attention.


    Ruan Yunyi''s gaze towards Xiao Yi was filled with fervent worship and gratitude. He whispered to Xiao Yun at his side, "Ren, you were right. Director Xiao doesn''t disdain me!"


    "Of course!"


    Xiao Yun smiled faintly, his eyes on Xiao Yi, showing a trace of inexplicable complexity. "No matter how much time has passed, you are still the same, unchanged!"


    Of course,


    Xiao Yi didn''t hear this, for at that moment, he was looking at Lu Chen.


    "What did you say?"


    Lu Chen''s face alternated between shades of green and white. He couldn''t bear Xiao Yi''s words any longer, pointing at Xiao Yi with his right index finger and yelling angrily, "You dare say I am inferior to these two ants? Xiao Yi, don''t push your luck, I..."


    Before he could finish,


    Xiao Yi was already shaking his head slightly. "I don''t like people pointing at me."


    "So what if I''m pointing at you? My uncle is a high-ranking official of the second rank in the Great Qian, the future Minister of War. Do you think I''m afraid of you?" Lu Chen said defiantly.


    Xu Wengang''s expression changed abruptly. "This is bad!"


    Almost at the same time,


    Xu Wengang saw a flash of black dart past him¡ªit was Xiao Yi brushing past him and appearing in front of Lu Chen. With a raise of his hand, he grabbed Lu Chen''s finger. A crisp snap, accompanied by Lu Chen''s hysterical scream, marked the moment Xiao Yi twisted his five fingers into a twisted shape, causing his entire arm to suffer a comminuted fracture.


    In agony, Lu Chen knelt on the ground, howling in pain.


    Xiao Yi looked emotionless as he addressed him, "Considering your uncle''s face, I''m only crippling one of your hands. If there is a next time, I will show no mercy!"


    "No, I daren''t... I won''t dare again..."


    Lu Chen knelt on the ground, cold sweat dripping profusely, pleading desperately.


    Xu Wengang stood beside him, his face dark with anger but also filled with deep wariness. He had barely registered Xiao Yi''s move when it happened. If that blow had been aimed at a fatal spot on his body... Xu Wengang played the scenario out in his mind and realized that if Xiao Yi had targeted him, he would have had only death to look forward to.


    Cold sweat rolled down his forehead as well.


    Xu Wengang turned his eyes, and said in a grave voice, "Director Xiao, please, for my sake, let him off this time!"


    Swish!


    Xiao Yi let go of his hand.


    Lu Chen, in a pitiful state, crawled to Xu Wengang''s side. Regaining his nerve with Xu Wengang close by, Lu Chen glared at Xiao Yi and roared, "Xiao Yi, today you cast me aside for the sake of two ants. This will be the biggest mistake of your life. It won''t be long before I trample both you and your Xiaoshanhe Institute beneath my feet..."


    Xu Wengang''s face turned deathly pale. He was about to speak when a gust filled his mouth, silencing him abruptly.


    Almost simultaneously...


    A spray of warm blood splashed across his face.


    Xu Wengang''s neck stiffened as he turned to look, only to see Lu Chen''s head flying high into the air, with blood spurting from the neck like a fountain.


    Amidst the crowd,


    Xiao Yi''s voice echoed like a demonic whisper from the netherworld, "I dare to hit Yang Yuhuan. Do you think I''d fear you, a mere Deputy Minister of War? Get lost with this idiot''s corpse. If you dare set foot in Xiaoshanhe Institute again, I will slaughter you as well!"


    Xu Wengang''s face turned from pale to red, his arrogance gone, like a dog that has lost its home.


    Carring Lu Chen''s body, he left in utter disgrace.


    But Xiao Yi failed to notice the malice and hatred burgeoning within Xu Wengang''s downcast eyes, growing like bamboo after the rain. "Xiao Yi? You''d better not fall into my hands, or else, I will make you beg for life in vain and beg for death in despair!"

 Chapter 415 - 415: Take off your clothes?

    Xu Wengang clutched Lu Chen''s body and fled in a miserable state.


    This scene brought immense satisfaction to the surrounding powerhouses, feeling as if a heavy stone that had been pressing on their chests was finally removed.


    Backed by Xu Wengang''s influence, Lu Chen had done far more than merely cutting in line.


    He had already injured three or four people on the way there.


    He had long been an object of public indignation.


    Xiao Yi''s gaze swept over the crowd, expressionless; however, his cold eyes bore a sharpness that seemed to pierce through one''s soul, as if he could see right through a person. He spoke indifferently, "Everyone listen to me, anyone who wishes to enter Xiaoshanhe Institute, no matter your identity or background, no matter who stands behind you, must abide by the rules. Those who dare to break my rules will end up like Lu Chen!"


    "Rest assured, Master Xiao!"


    "We have come here in admiration and will certainly not cause any trouble..."


    One powerhouse after another shouted out.


    Before this.


    Every year, Xiaoshanhe Institute would recruit disciples, but there were very few participants.


    Even for the previous Genius Battle, if it wasn''t for the rich rewards that attracted them, it surely wouldn''t have drawn so many powerful contenders. But now, with Xiao Yi at the helm of Xiaoshanhe Institute implementing a series of measures.


    And especially after nearly bringing about the downfall of the Nangong Family single-handedly, the powerhouses eager to apply for Xiaoshanhe Institute numbered in the tens of thousands!


    The current image of Xiaoshanhe Institute in the minds of the masses had undergone a radical transformation.


    Within the crowd.


    Ruan Yunyi and Xiao Yun both knelt before Xiao Yi. Had it not been for Xiao Yi''s intervention, they would have likely been unable to escape Lu Chen''s venomous hands.


    "Ruan Yunyi pays his respects to Master Xiao. Thank you for saving my life!" Ruan Yunyi bowed his head deeply, expressing heartfelt gratitude.


    Xiao Yun''s frame trembled, and his gaze towards Xiao Yi was filled with an inexplicable excitement.


    Stay connected through My Virtual Library Empire


    Xiao Yi waved his hand casually, and an invisible Qi lifted the two men up.


    His expression grew somewhat peculiar as he looked at Xiao Yun, feeling a strange feeling¡ªas if he had known him for a long time.


    But...


    Xiao Yi searched through his memory and could not find any trace of Xiao Yun, furrowing his brow, he asked, "Xiao Yun? Your last name is Xiao too? Have we met before?"


    "To reply to the teacher..."


    Xiao Yun paused, his wrinkled face, reminiscent of tree bark, flashed with excitement as he instinctively spoke out.


    "Teacher?" Xiao Yi uttered in confusion, his face showing puzzlement.


    Xiao Yun''s eyes revealed a hint of panic as he quickly shook his head, "Master Xiao, we have not met before..."


    "Is that so?"


    Xiao Yi''s brow furrowed again, his eyes filled with doubt.


    He was certain his instincts were not wrong.


    He definitely knew Xiao Yun.


    But...


    He also trusted his memory, and he had never encountered Xiao Yun before.


    He had never felt this strange and complex sensation before.


    Xiao Yi stared intently at Xiao Yun and did not detect any Qi fluctuations; yet, Xiao Yi''s instincts told him that Xiao Yun was not as frail as he appeared to be. It seemed a remarkably peculiar power lay hidden within his body.


    However, no matter how Xiao Yi probed, he could not make any discoveries, so he eventually gave up and asked, "Xiao Yun, have you also come to apply for the Xiaoshanhe Institute assessment?"


    Xiao Yun seemed to be in his sixties or seventies already.


    Moreover, with the cultivation level he had revealed, he was merely at the peak of the Physical Body Realm, not even having reached the Qi Gathering Realm.


    How could someone of such caliber possibly join Xiaoshanhe Institute?


    Xiao Yun nodded and said, "Director Xiao, I heard that Xiaoshanhe Institute recently added two branches for formation paths and medicinal paths, so I wanted to give it a try!"


    "Formation paths and medicinal paths branches?"


    Xiao Yi paused, then remembered it was something he had discussed with Chen Ziyi and Fu Yuan. To truly strengthen Xiaoshanhe Institute, they couldn''t focus solely on training martial arts experts. The paths of formations and alchemy also couldn''t be underestimated!


    It seemed that during the seven days he was in closed-door cultivation at the Dragon Vein Forbidden Area, Chen Ziyi and the others had built the two branches.


    Looking out, the line that started at the foot of the mountain seemed endless.


    It was estimated that many people in the line were here to join these two branches. After all, whether it was the top ten sects or various major forces, they all considered martial arts as the only standard!


    "I hope to see you at Xiaoshanhe Institute!" Xiao Yi said with a smile.


    In the face of Lu Chen''s ridicule and marginalization, Ruan Yunyi''s fortitude and forbearance, undisturbed, were clearly indicative of his sturdy and powerful temperament. And when Xiao Yun had almost died at Lu Chen''s hands, Ruan Yunyi''s brave and responsible stance in stepping forward earned Xiao Yi''s admiration.


    As for Xiao Yun...


    There was something mysterious about him that even Xiao Yi couldn''t see through. He thought that if this man could enter Xiaoshanhe Institute, he could be observed more closely.


    But it was Xiao Yun who spoke, patting his chest with determination, "Rest assured, Director Xiao, we will not let you down!" S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi let out a sound and looked at the two men with a peculiar expression, then slightly smiled, "Then I''ll be watching. I look forward to you passing the assessment and becoming a part of Xiaoshanhe Institute!"


    Caught off guard, Ruan Yunyi also said, "I won''t let you down!"


    Xiao Yi laughed heartily, soared into the sky, and vanished from sight.


    Watching Xiao Yi''s departing figure, Xiao Yun''s eyes narrowed into slits, and in his eyes, aside from excitement, there was also a glint of moisture. He muttered to himself in a voice only he could hear, "Teacher, please allow your disciple not to recognize you... This time, I definitely won''t let that incident happen again..."


    ...


    Soon it was Xiao Yun and Ruan Yunyi''s turn.


    Xiao Yun lowered his voice and said, "If the examiner doesn''t let you pass during the assessment, just take off all your clothes!"


    "What did you say?"


    Ruan Yunyi looked at Xiao Yun with a confused face, unable to help but shout out loud.


    He hastily retreated, creating distance between himself and Xiao Yun, his face filled with shock and wariness as if he were looking at a pervert.


    This was Xiaoshanhe Institute, after all!


    The examiners were all at the Tao Tribulation Realm or even at the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    To strip off his clothes in front of these masters?


    Wasn''t that suicidal?


    If he were deemed a pervert and got slapped to death, how wronged he would be!


    Shua shua shua!


    The surrounding gazes all turned towards them, showing strange expressions, and among the crowd, a sharp-faced young man expressed disdain, ridiculing, "You two idiots, think taking off your clothes in front of the examiner will let you pass the assessment? That''s daydreaming!"


    "Taking off clothes? Are you planning to seduce them?"


    "Hahaha, I always heard Ruan Yunyi was an ill-fated star, it turns out like attracts like, the old man with him is also a pervert¡­"


    The crowd jeered.


    Ruan Yunyi''s face burned with embarrassment as he glared at Xiao Yun, about to speak, but then heard Xiao Yun say, "If you want to enter Xiaoshanhe Institute, just listen to me. Otherwise, you''ll have to wait another three years¡­"


    Ruan Yunyi: "..."


    His eyebrows knitted together.


    Ruan Yunyi sized up Xiao Yun, noting that his aged face bore not a hint of jest, but was filled with seriousness and gravity. After hesitating for a moment, Ruan Yunyi nodded and said, "Ren, if the examiner really doesn''t let me pass, I''ll do as you say!"


    "Mm!"


    Xiao Yun breathed a sigh of relief.


    Seeing Ruan Yunyi agreeing so earnestly, the sharp-faced young man burst into laughter, his tears flowing, "Hahaha, did you hear what those two idiots said? They actually think taking off their clothes will let them pass the assessment? If that was the case, all of us here could get into Xiaoshanhe Institute!"

 Chapter 416 - 416: How could this happen?

    "Hahaha, did you hear what these two idiots said? They actually think they can pass the assessment just by taking off their clothes? If that were the case, everyone here would be able to get into Xiaoshanhe Institute!"


    Listening to the youth''s mockery.


    The crowd also laughed nonstop.


    This was Xiaoshanhe Institute, now the hottest sect in the Great Qian Dynasty, how solemn an affair was the disciple assessment?


    How could one possibly enter by simply stripping?


    Ruan Yunyi''s face turned red with embarassment, but he dared not retort.


    Xiao Yun patted his shoulder, and in a grave and earnest tone advised, "Don''t pay attention to them, do you think your brother would lead you astray? You won''t go wrong following my advice!"


    Ruan Yunyi could only stiffen his scalp and indicate that he understood.


    A moment later.


    Xiao Yun and Ruan Yunyi, along with the six people behind them, together passed through the mountain gate, and entered a grand hall beyond it.


    This grand hall was the place for the assessment.


    It was divided into four areas.


    Each time four people could enter, and the remaining four would wait at the door.


    In the number one examination room where Xiao Yun was, it was Elder Yan Mingli and Zhou Jing who were in charge of the assessment. Both had peaceful smiles on their faces, but when they saw Xiao Yun''s aged appearance, their smiles momentarily froze.


    Xiao Yun, looking at the two before him, felt a tinge of red come to his eyes in an instant.


    "Disciple Xiao Yun greets Elder Yan, Elder Zhou..." Xiao Yun bowed his hands to the two, with a look in his eyes that couldn''t hide his excitement.


    Zhou Jing was taken aback and said softly, "You know us?"


    Elder Yan Mingli''s face showed curiosity, "I''ve never met you before; how do you know me?"


    Xiao Yun''s face changed slightly, and between flickering glances, he opened his mouth and said, "Seven days ago, I was also near the Vermilion Bird Avenue at the Nangong Family, and had the fortune to see both of you!"


    "Oh!"


    Elder Yan Mingli and Zhou Jing exchanged glances, but didn''t think too much of it. Zhou Jing smiled and said, "Xiao Yun, according to your registration information, you intend to apply for both Array and Medicine Sub-Institutes, but you didn''t clarify which one you''re really testing for?"


    Xiao Yun said solemnly, "I wish to apply for both the Sub-Institutes at the same time!"


    "Apply for both Sub-Institutes at the same time?"


    "Xiao Yun, you should know that a person''s energy is limited. Many geniuses, with all their heart and effort in cultivation, might not be able to reach the pinnacle; yet you''re thinking about doing two things at once..." Zhou Jing''s brows furrowed slightly, her expression showing a touch of displeasure.


    Xiao Yun nodded with an understanding smile, but his eyes were still exceptionally firm, "Elder Zhou, rest assured, I''m aware that trying to focus on two things can lead to failure at both, but I am confident that I will achieve something on both these paths!"


    "If that''s the case, then good luck to you!" Zhou Jing hesitated for a moment, returned a polite smile and said, "Let''s start with the Array assessment. There''s an array diagram before you, you have ten breaths'' time to record it, then we''ll see how much of it you can reproduce. If you can reach at least three-tenths, you''ll pass the assessment!"


    "All right!"


    Xiao Yun seemed to already know the content of the assessment and wasn''t surprised at all.


    Swish!


    Zhou Jing waved her hand, and a scroll of array diagrams landed before Xiao Yun.


    Xiao Yun spread it out, took just one glance, and showed a look of "just as I thought." He then looked up at Zhou Jing, "I''ve memorized it!"


    "Hmm?"


    Zhou Jing was taken aback. He had memorized it in just two breaths? She frowned, already tagging Xiao Yun as arrogant and conceited, and said, "Since you''ve memorized it, then reproduce it from memory!"


    Xiao Yun meticulously picked up the brush and ink on the side.


    A moment later.


    An array diagram appeared before the two, identical to the assessment''s diagram without a doubt. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zhou Jing was surprised, frowning at him, "Have you seen this array diagram before?"


    Xiao Yun said, "You could say that!"


    "This..."


    Elder Zhou looked toward Yan Mingli beside him. Yan Mingli laughed and said, "This isn''t considered cheating... He did apply for two different institutes, didn''t he? Let him try the alchemy assessment!"


    "Then let it be so!"


    Elder Zhou nodded in agreement.


    Yan Mingli waved his hand and produced a bottle of elixir, placing it in front of Xiao Yun, and said, "Name three or more ingredients in this elixir!"


    Xiao Yun opened the bottle and took a gentle whiff, reciting as if enumerating his family treasures, "This is a first-grade elixir, Crane Face Elixir, which, if consumed regularly, can delay aging and maintain one''s youthful appearance. Its main ingredients are Serene Grass, Condensed Frost Dew, and Sun Moon Star Flower, and there are thirteen additional ingredients. Would you like me to list them all?"


    "This..."


    Yan Mingli was taken aback and looked at Elder Zhou.


    The two exchanged glances.


    Discover exclusive content at My Virtual Library Empire


    Both saw astonishment in each other''s eyes. After hesitating for a moment, Elder Zhou said, "Passed!"


    Yan Mingli said, "Passed!"


    "Phew!"


    Xiao Yun quietly breathed a sigh of relief and couldn''t help but glance next door, muttering to himself, "Ruan Yunyi, you must do as I said!"


    Meanwhile.


    Yu Huaxian and Little Lin were frowning as they looked at Ruan Yunyi in front of them. Given Ruan Yunyi''s current age and cultivation, he indeed did not meet the standards for entering the Xiaoshanhe Institute. They said with a hint of apology, "We are sorry, but you do not meet the criteria for discipleship at our Xiaoshanhe Institute, you..."


    "As expected, I didn''t pass, did I?"


    Ruan Yunyi''s face showed a hint of dejection.


    Just as he was about to leave, the words Xiao Yun had said earlier flashed through his mind.


    If he didn''t pass, he would strip off his clothes!


    "Damn it, I''m going all out!"


    Ruan Yunyi clenched his fists and steeled his heart.


    Right in front of Little Lin and Yu Huaxian, with a ripping sound, he stripped off all his clothes and pants. Closing his eyes tightly, he stood naked before them.


    Spurt!


    Yu Huaxian, who had just taken a sip of hot water, spat it out immediately, his face filled with utter bewilderment as he looked at the stark naked Ruan Yunyi standing in front of them. Just as he was about to scold him, he heard Little Lin, his eyes shining, exclaim, "Passed the assessment!"


    "What?"


    Yu Huaxian was completely baffled.


    A look of surprise also appeared on the blushing face of Ruan Yunyi, followed by an excited shout, "I passed, hahaha, I passed the assessment!" He quickly thanked them, "Thank you so much, both Elders, thank you..."


    While speaking, Ruan Yunyi ran excitedly towards the exit, "Elder Ren, I passed the assessment!"


    At the doorway.


    The sharp-faced youth who had mocked Ruan Yunyi before was bewildered as he watched the naked Ruan Yunyi run out, "Holy shit, he really passed the assessment? The Shanhe Court has such bizarre standards for accepting disciples? Just stripping naked is enough?"


    While thinking to himself.


    The youth walked in, faced Yu Huaxian and Little Lin, hesitated for a moment, then with a ripping sound, stripped off all his clothes, saying with a flattering face, "Elders, have I passed too?"


    Yu Huaxian, with a stiff face, turned to look at Little Lin, his mouth twitching, "Little Lin, this is... your call."


    Little Lin rolled his eyes, face dark as coal, and shouted lowly, "Get out!"


    Boom!


    A gust of wind arose.


    The naked youth was blown away, the scenery around him receding rapidly.


    He had never imagined that stripping naked would result in such dramatically different outcomes; Ruan Yunyi passed the assessment immediately, while he faced the complete opposite. The youth''s face was filled with confusion and bewilderment, "Why is this happening?"

 Chapter 417 - 417: Slap in the Face Hard

    "How could this happen?"


    The sharp-faced young man was slapped and flew away by Little Lin, his face filled with confusion and helplessness.


    He truly couldn''t understand why, both being stripped to the bare, Ruan Yunyi could pass the examination, yet he was slapped away?


    Just as puzzled was Yu Huaxian, who arched an eyebrow and looked at Little Lin coiled on the table, asking with confusion, "Little Lin, what exactly is going on here?"


    Little Lin''s amber eyes swept over Yu Huaxian, a human-like smile appeared on its face, "Are you asking me why I chose to accept him into my door upon seeing Ruan Yunyi''s body?"


    Yu Huaxian nodded.


    Ruan Yunyi''s talent and cultivation level were both insufficient to meet the standards of the Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    That was precisely why...


    he had been repeatedly turned away by the top ten sects. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Just now, Yu Huaxian and Little Lin had also seen that Ruan Yunyi''s talent was lacking, which is why they started to refuse, until Little Lin saw Ruan Yunyi''s body, then suddenly changed their minds.


    This truly made Yu Huaxian unable to understand.


    With a grin, Little Lin said, "You should directly ask boss when you see him! Hahaha, I didn''t expect to meet such a guy; it''s truly not a wasted trip... I sense the boss''s aura; he should be back. I''ll leave this place to you!"


    As it spoke, Little Lin turned into a streak of light, vanishing within the examination grounds.


    "Uh..."


    Yu Huaxian''s face was full of bewilderment.


    ...


    Inside the separate courtyard.


    Xiao Yi sat cross-legged.


    He was now preparing to visualize the core object for his Martial Dao Fasxiang and could temporarily put aside other cultivations, murmuring with his eyes half-closed, "I wonder what Xiao Tianjiao''s Martial Dao Fasxiang is like? How does it compare to the Iron Wing Chi Dragon and the Dragon and Tiger Seal?"


    "Boss, come out quick!"


    Little Lin''s voice came from outside the door, as it rushed into the courtyard. Upon seeing Xiao Yi in cultivation, it climbed onto his shoulder, baring two sharp venomous teeth in a proud smile, saying, "Boss, I have a huge surprise for you!"


    "A surprise?"


    Xiao Yi was startled, teasingly replied, "You have a surprise for me? Are you sure it''s not a scare?"


    Little Lin said dissatisfiedly, "Boss, do I look like that kind of person? Hurry up and follow me, it''s really a huge surprise, hehe..."


    Little Lin wriggled to Xiao Yi''s wrist, wrapping around it as they flew out toward the outside.


    Xiao Yi said helplessly, "Don''t pull, I''ll go with you, okay?"


    A moment later.


    The two arrived at the martial arts field.


    At this moment, there were already many new disciples who had passed the examination, gathering around sporadically.


    In the center of the martial arts field stood ten square formations, neat and distinct, with not a sound from the thousands of people.


    As if they were all one entity.


    Each person''s body was tense, statue-like, and completely still.


    Standing between heaven and earth, like tens of thousands of divine swords slicing the sky.


    Sharp beyond measure, proudly standing against the sky!


    These were the disciples and functionaries of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, trained by Shadow Demon and others, and the disciples increasingly behaved with military-like order and discipline. This was what Xiao Yi demanded. In his view, if even the most basic discipline couldn''t be ensured, how could the unity of a sect be elevated?


    The new recruits watching the formations in the center of the martial arts field were all shocked and confused, "Isn''t this too terrifying?"


    "Why do I feel like I''ve entered a military camp?"


    "No, they''re even more terrifying than the soldiers in the military camp; in addition to terrifying discipline, each one of them is a genius!"


    "With such strict discipline in the Xiaoshanhe Institute, plus the teaching of Hall Master Xiao and the elders, why wouldn''t we be strong? It seems we made the right choice coming here..."


    Amidst the whispering.


    Ruan Yunyi, still hung up on what had happened before and feeling ashamed for passing the examination in such a manner, seemed to see increasingly strange looks from everyone around, "Ren, why do I feel like everyone''s looking at me weirdly?"


    Xiao Yun waved his hand with a smile, "You''re overthinking it. No one cares about how you passed the examination!"


    No sooner had he finished speaking.


    In the crowd, someone pointed at Ruan Yunyi and whispered, "Have you heard? That unlucky star, Ruan Yunyi, actually stripped naked in front of the examiners, and only then did he pass the assessment and get into the Xiaoshanhe Institute!"


    "No way? Could it be that the examiner has that kind of preference?"


    "This Ruan Yunyi really knows how to go all out!"


    Xiao Yun: "Uh..."


    Ruan Yunyi, with a face as morose as if he were at a funeral, wished he could dig a hole and bury himself.


    Observing the despair on his face, Xiao Yun patted Ruan Yunyi on the shoulder and leaned in to whisper, "Little brother, your Ren would never harm you. These people are mocking you now, but they''ll be tripping over themselves with envy later!"


    "Envy me?"


    Ruan Yunyi gave a bitter smile and shook his head, "Ren, I know you''re just trying to comfort me... What''s there to envy about me..."


    Xiao Yun said, "Who knows, you might have caught the attention of some Hall Master, or even Xiao himself, and become their disciple?"


    Explore more stories at My Virtual Library Empire


    Before Ruan Yunyi could speak, a young man beside him with a scholar''s fan and a graceful demeanor couldn''t help but laugh, "Excuse me, I really couldn''t hold it in..."


    He bowed to Xiao Yun and Ruan Yunyi and then turned to the crowd, announcing loudly, "Did you all hear that? An old geezer in his seventies who''s only in the Physical Body Realm, and a jinx who passed the assessment by stripping, are delusional enough to think about becoming disciples of Xiao! Hahaha..."


    "Are you kidding me? Him becoming a disciple under Xiao?"


    "He probably doesn''t know who is under Xiao, right? Battle War Holy Body Ye Heng, the top genius in combat, Jin Feiyan, and even seven-star Array Masters and Alchemists are just nominal disciples..."


    "For this jinx to think he could become a disciple under Xiao? That is sheer delusion!"


    Facing the crowd''s mockery.


    Ruan Yunyi''s face turned deathly pale, and he humbly bowed his head as though the weight of a towering mountain was pressing down on his spine, bending it.


    But at that moment...


    Slap!


    A palm struck firmly against his back, straightening his increasingly hunched frame. Xiao Yun glared at the crowd, "Who said it''s delusional? Dreams are necessary; what if they come true?"


    The crowd mocked, "Dreams? He''ll have to dream it in his sleep. Does he really think it will come true?"


    "I''m dying of laughter..."


    Ruan Yunyi felt his face burning with shame and heat. He tugged at Xiao Yun, "Ren, Ren, don''t argue with them..."


    Dragging Xiao Yun away by force.


    All of this fell into Xiao Yi''s eyes, and he felt a twinge of curiosity seeing the pair. Logically, with their talent, it would have been hard for them to pass the assessment. Yet here they were, and from what he could gather from the conversation, Ruan Yunyi even stripped in front of the examiners?


    Little Lin, seeing Xiao Yi''s confusion, grinned and said, "Boss, you''ve guessed what my present is, right?"


    Xiao Yi, startled, frowned and said, "The kid just now?"


    "Nailed it, boss!"


    Little Lin smirked widely, flicking his tail toward Ruan Yunyi and proudly declared, "This guy is the disciple I picked out especially for you, boss. Can you tell what''s so special about him?"


    "Not a Sacred Body, and with his age, his cultivation talent can only be considered average..."


    Xiao Yi shook his head, "I don''t see it!"


    Little Lin chuckled, looking triumphantly at Xiao Yi, "I''ll call him over now!"


    Shortly after.


    A confused and excited Ruan Yunyi followed Little Lin to Xiao Yi.


    The surrounding crowd, seeing Ruan Yunyi approaching Xiao Yi, were all baffled, "Isn''t that Xiao himself? Could it be that Ruan Yunyi has really caught his eye?"


    "No way? Is this jinx really going to become a disciple under Xiao?"


    The handsome young man who had been ridiculing Ruan Yunyi and Xiao Yun earlier dropped his fan in shock, his face filled with disbelief: "How can this be? How could he possibly catch Xiao''s eye..."


    Xiao Yun, looking at him with a mocking smile, said, "I told you, dreams are necessary. What if they come true?"


    "..."


    The young man felt his face burning with a fiery sting.


    As if he had just been slapped across the face dozens of times!


    That hurt!

 Chapter 418 - 418 Body of Misfortune

    In the crowd.


    Aside from Xiao Yi and Little Lin, even the group of elders, stewards, and the old generation of Xiaoshanhe Institute disciples were looking on with faces full of astonishment.


    Xiao Yi''s name had long since been engraved in their hearts.


    Especially in the eyes of the people of Xiaoshanhe Institute, Xiao Yi was like a divine sovereign.


    His authority was immense and unshakable!


    Let alone the disciples, even the elders and stewards were tremendously eager to become his disciples, to be under Xiao Yi''s command, even if only as a nominal disciple. This could be seen from the examples of Chen Ziyi, Li Youruo, and Fu Yuan.


    Under Xiao Yi''s guidance, Chen Ziyi and Li Youruo broke through the constraints of many years and stepped into the ranks of Seven-Star Array Masters.


    Fu Yuan had even become a Seven-Star Senior Alchemist.


    Only one step away from becoming an Eight-Star Alchemy Grandmaster!


    Enjoy new chapters from My Virtual Library Empire


    All these achievements were made under Xiao Yi''s guidance. Without his advice, it''s doubtful that they would have reached their current level of accomplishment even after a few hundred years. As for the path of cultivation, the rapid progress of Ye Heng and Jin Feiyan was also witnessed by everyone.


    There was a saying within Xiaoshanhe Institute: There are no mediocre talents under the headmaster!


    Even a rotten piece of wood, once in Xiao Yi''s hands, could be transformed!


    The fact that Ruan Yunyi, who was shunned and avoided by the ten major sects, could garner Xiao Yi''s favor, truly shocked and incredulous to the crowd.


    "Xiao, Headmaster Xiao!"


    Ruan Yunyi appeared quite awkward, respectfully performing a greeting to Xiao Yi and Little Lin.


    Little Lin also held the position of a hall master in the Xiaoshanhe Institute, and since he followed Xiao Yi''s surname, it was not wrong to refer to him as Hall Master Xiao.


    Little Lin nodded with satisfaction, smiling and said, "Ruan Yunyi, I specifically introduced you to the headmaster so he would take you as his disciple. You can''t let me down now!"


    "Ah?"


    Ruan Yunyi looked dumbfounded, staring at Little Lin in disbelief.


    To become a disciple of Xiao Yi?


    Is that even possible?


    Xiao Yi was the hottest figure in the Great Qian Dynasty, did he have the qualifications to be his disciple?


    Xiao Yi also frowned, but instead of directly contradicting Little Lin, he stated indifferently, "Whether you can become my disciple depends on your performance."


    His gaze swept toward Little Lin.


    Little Lin chuckled, "Ruan Yunyi, take off your shirt."


    "Ah? Oh!"


    Ruan Yunyi instinctively complied, removing his shirt. On his chest was a black birthmark that resembled a sunken skull. Xiao Yi''s pupils sharply contracted as he gazed intently at Ruan Yunyi, "Ruan Yunyi, did you have this birthmark from birth, or did it appear later?"


    Ruan Yunyi was startled.


    He subconsciously glanced at his own chest and lamented, "I''ve had it since I was born, and as I grew up, it''s gotten bigger."


    Xiao Yi pondered for a moment before pointing his finger.


    Hum!


    The vital energy entered Ruan Yunyi''s body but was soon absorbed by the black skull birthmark.


    That bit of vital energy disappeared without a trace, as if thrown into the sea.


    "Just as I thought!"


    Xiao Yi''s eyes shone, staring at Ruan Yunyi and declared, "Ruan Yunyi, are you willing to take me as your master? Of course, for now, you can only be a nominal disciple. Once you break through to the Golden Core Realm, I will accept you as an official disciple. Are you willing?"


    Boom! sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ruan Yunyi felt as if heaven was playing a colossal joke on him.


    Plagued by bad luck since childhood, none of the ten major sects wanted him.


    And now...


    The illustrious Xiao Yi actually wanted to take him as a disciple?


    Little Lin urged, "Aren''t you going to kneel and swear fealty quickly?"


    Thump!


    Ruan Yunyi hastily knelt down and called out loud, "Disciple Ruan Yunyi greets his master!"


    "Rise."


    Xiao Yi smiled faintly; Ruan Yunyi had a very special physique called the Body of Misfortune.


    The owners of the Body of Misfortune typically encountered bad luck from childhood to adulthood.


    And no matter how they cultivated, most of their energy would be swallowed by the black skull on their chest. If not controlled, by the time this skull spread over the entire body, that would mark their end. However, Xiao Yi had inherited Dao Yan''s legacy, which contained methods to control the Body of Misfortune and turn waste into treasure.


    Xiao Yi took out the scroll of the "Cultivation Technique of the Calamitous Poison Body" from his storage ring and handed it to Ruan Yunyi.


    Since taking control of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, he had transcribed many volumes from Dao Yan''s legacy to facilitate bestowing them upon the disciples of the Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    This "Calamity Poison Body" is one such scroll.


    "Thank you, Master, for bestowing the cultivation technique!" Ruan Yunyi said excitedly.


    The powerful figures around could not help but exhibit looks of envy and jealousy.


    But they were also helpless.


    After all.


    Ruan Yunyi was now a disciple of Xiao Yi, and they dared not mock and ridicule him as they had done before.


    Of course...


    What this world never lacks are those with stubborn heads. The young man with the fan and the elegant scarf, Tang Feihu, stepped forward angrily and said with a stiff neck, "I am not convinced!"


    Within the crowd.


    Even with the daily training by the likes of the Shadow Demon, which kept them from any undisciplined behavior, there were still quite a few people who showed the same unconvinced expression.


    After all.


    This was the matter of becoming a disciple under Xiao Yi.


    If it were someone with extraordinary talent, they might advance by leaps and bounds in a short period of time.


    If it fell into Ruan Yunyi''s hands, it would likely be a waste of time and the Xiaoshanhe Institute''s resources. Soon, many powerful figures began to speak up, "Headmaster, we are not convinced, why should he become your disciple?"


    "What about this jinx makes him any better than us? We are not convinced!"


    One by one, the strong figures shouted out.


    Under the shouts of the crowd, Ruan Yunyi''s face had turned pale, his eyes seeking help as they landed on Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi looked at the people expressionlessly and said calmly, "It seems that you all feel you are better than Ruan Yunyi?"


    "That''s right!"


    "How could this jinx be compared with me? I am definitely superior!"


    "Please, Headmaster, retract your decision and reserve this precious disciple position for us!"


    Facing the crowd''s arguments, Xiao Yi asked with a smile, "Do you all think so?"


    Almost over two-thirds of the strong figures nodded immediately.


    As for the rest, although they hesitated, they did not deny it.


    Xiao Yi smiled and continued, "What if I told you that Ruan Yunyi''s talent surpasses all of you here, would you believe it?"


    "Ah?"


    "How could that be possible?"


    "If his talent were really that high, why would the ten major sects have rejected him?"


    Ye Heng stepped out of the crowd, touched his nose, and said indifferently, "I too was once called trash, but after meeting the Master, I found out that I am the legendary Battle War Holy Body!"


    Jin Feiyan yawned; she had just returned from training behind the mountain, looking a bit tired, but her voice was still loud, "I always thought my movement technique was strong until I met the Master. Only then did I realize that my technique was merely at the beginner level. The methods mastered by the Master are not something we can fathom. If he intends to take Ruan Yunyi as his disciple, there must be a reason!"


    Ignoring everyone''s words, Tang Feihu shouted loudly, "Headmaster, this disciple, Tang Feihu, considers himself to be far superior to Ruan Yunyi in both talent and character. I believe I am more suitable to be your disciple!"


    "Tang Feihu?"


    "Legend has it that he is a descendant of one of the four great talents of the past, Tang Pu, the unparalleled poet and painter. Tang Feihu, with dual excellence in poetry and painting, enters the way of the sword, a rare talent indeed!"


    "It''s unexpected that even a descendant of Tang Pu has come to seek the Xiaoshanhe Institute and wishes to become a disciple under Headmaster Xiao; Headmaster Xiao is truly powerful!"


    The crowd exclaimed in surprise.


    The identity of Tang Feihu was indeed shocking, even Xiao Yi was somewhat surprised.


    Tang Pu.


    This person was once as famous as the life-taking scholar, Jin Wuheng. As his descendant, Tang Feihu was indeed a rare genius, capable of mastering the way through poetry and painting.


    Listining to the hushed conversations around him, Tang Feihu''s face was beaming with pride.


    He slightly lifted his chin as if he had already seen Xiao Yi regretting deeply, rejecting Ruan Yunyi, and thus taking him as his disciple!


    However...


    Xiao Yi shook his head and said, "You are not his match!"


    "Huh?"


    Tang Feihu''s face stiffened, and he looked at Xiao Yi in disbelief, "Headmaster, do you know what you are saying? You are actually refusing me? I am the descendant of Tang Pu, unparalleled in poetry and painting as I enter the way of the sword, and you say I am not his match? Are you blind..."


    "Shut up!"


    Before Xiao Yi could speak, a usually weak Ruan Yunyi suddenly roared out, glaring furiously at Tang Feihu, "You can insult me, but you may not insult the Master!"


    Tang Feihu angrily retorted, "Go to hell, you piece of trash..."


    Ruan Yunyi''s face turned crimson, the veins on his neck throbbing violently as he stared down Tang Feihu, his eyes emitting a cold glint that seemed to pick its target, and suddenly let out the loudest voice he had ever used in his lifetime, "I challenge you!"

 Chapter 419 - 419: Worthless as Dog Fart!

    "Good!"


    Tang Feihu let out a cold snort, a confident smile on his face as he bowed to Xiao Yi and said, "Principal, if I can defeat Ruan Yunyi, may I become your disciple?"


    Xiao Yi looked at Ruan Yunyi, "Have you thought it through?"


    Tang Feihu''s cultivation was far superior to Ruan Yunyi''s. From any aspect, Ruan Yunyi had no chance of winning.


    Ruan Yunyi nodded vigorously, his eyes filled with unprecedented determination: "I have thought it through, disciple. If I were to become master''s disciple, yet only bring shame upon you, it would be better for me to scram as early as possible. Since my master believes in me, I absolutely cannot let you down. Even if it leads to my death, I will fight him with everything I''ve got!"


    "Very well, I really didn''t misjudge you!"


    Xiao Yi nodded approvingly, patting Ruan Yunyi on the shoulder: "Go on, then. Prove yourself to everyone!"


    "Yes, Master!"


    Ruan Yunyi wiped the tears from his face, straightened his back, and stared down Tang Feihu: "Come at me!"


    "Ruan Yunyi, don''t say that I, Tang Feihu, am bullying you. I will suppress my cultivation to the same realm as yours. I will let the principal see that choosing you as his disciple was a misjudgment!" Tang Feihu was arrogant, his cultivation actually at the Second Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, yet now he forcefully suppressed it to the Third Layer of the Divine Passage Realm.


    Boom!


    Tang Feihu suddenly lunged forward, pouncing towards Ruan Yunyi like a ravenous beast.


    Ruan Yunyi tumbled out of the way in response.


    ¡­The two of them fought in a tumble at the center of the sparring ground¡­


    A few figures landed beside Xiao Yi, it was none other than Shadow Demon and Fu Yuan, who both bowed respectfully towards Xiao Yi: "Greetings, Principal!"


    "Mmh!"


    Xiao Yi nodded, smiling, "What brings you here?"


    Shadow Demon replied: "The commotion here was so lively, it attracted us over. Principal, I heard you are considering taking Ruan Yunyi as your disciple?"


    Xiao Yi hummed in affirmation.


    Shadow Demon stopped short as if he had more to say, but it was Fu Yuan who spoke up: "Principal, I think this matter still warrants some discussion! This Ruan Yunyi really is somewhat lacking and doesn''t compare to Tang Feihu''s excellence!"


    Xiao Yi looked at them with an odd expression: "Do you both believe so?"


    They nodded at the same time.


    Shadow Demon spoke with gravity: "Tang Feihu is a descendant of Tang Pu, his swordsmanship, blending poetry and painting, is so talented that it is not even inferior to Ye Heng''s. As for that Ruan Yunyi... I genuinely cannot see what makes him extraordinary!"


    Fu Yuan agreed: "What Shadow Demon said is right, that Ruan Yunyi indeed falls short. In this battle, he is bound to lose!"


    Xiao Yi smiled confidently, "He will not lose!"


    "..."


    The two of them looked at each other, about to speak.


    But just then...


    A series of exclamations suddenly erupted from the crowd: "This is impossible!"


    "I must be seeing things!" S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In the midst of the sparring ground.


    Facing Tang Feihu''s relentless onslaught, Ruan Yunyi was beaten down again and again, yet he kept getting back up, his face covered in blood, and showed no signs of backing down.


    The will to fight in his eyes became stronger and stronger, and he kept muttering to himself, "I cannot let my master down!"


    "I must win!"


    "I have to win..."


    Boom!


    The terrifying will to fight, the overwhelming desire for victory, caused the black skull on Ruan Yunyi''s chest to suddenly blaze with a dazzling black light.


    His pupils, including the whites of his eyes, turned entirely pitch-black.


    He became like a mad demon.


    A black aura emanated from his body, and no matter how Tang Feihu attacked, he never showed any hint of backing down.


    This was the strong resilience Ruan Yunyi had developed over the years from constant oppression and bullying, and now, with the boundless longing for victory, he had begun to awaken the power of the Body of Misfortune within him.


    When the black energy attached itself, it was able to absorb the energy produced by the opponent''s attacks.


    The fiercer the battle, the braver they became!


    The more they fought, the stronger they became!


    As the fight progressed, however, Tang Feihu''s internal energy continued to deplete.


    One''s loss was another''s gain.


    After dozens of rounds...


    Tang Feihu''s internal energy was completely drained by Ruan Yunyi; exhausted, he was sent flying with a punch from Ruan Yunyi.


    Thud!


    Ruan Yunyi stepped on Tang Feihu''s chest, his eyes pitch black, "You lost!"


    Hiss!


    Everyone couldn''t help but gasp, their faces filled with shock as they watched the scene unfold.


    The underestimated Ruan Yunyi had actually won?


    This was simply a miracle!


    Tang Feihu''s face turned ashen, and with a wry smile, he shook his head, "You won¡­ the Institute''s Head''s judgment was indeed correct."


    Whoosh!


    The black energy around Ruan Yunyi retracted back into his body, and he looked excitedly at Xiao Yi, "Master, I didn''t let you down!"


    Xiao Yi smiled and nodded, then looked towards Shadow Demon and Fu Yuan, "See, he won, didn''t he!"


    "Institute''s Head, you must have long recognized that he is the Body of Misfortune, right?"


    Fu Yuan gave a bitter smile.


    Body of Misfortune? You mean to say Ruan Yunyi is the Body of Misfortune, on par with the top ten Sacred Bodies?" Shadow Demon was astonished.


    First, Ye Heng, now Ruan Yunyi!


    Both are either Sacred Bodies or entities on par with Sacred Bodies!


    Yet no one else had been able to see their special qualities; only Xiao Yi had the keen vision to unearth them from the vast sea of people. Such acumen could make countless proud and highly regarded powerhouses feel ashamed!


    "I heard that the top ten sects all turned Ruan Yunyi away from their doors¡­ If they knew that this Ruan Yunyi was a Body of Misfortune, comparable to a Sacred Body, I wonder what their expressions would be like¡­" Shadow Demon suddenly said with a strange smirk.


    Xiao Yi patted his shoulder, "That will depend on you, Hall Master Ying, to see to what realm you can help Ruan Yunyi break through before the Ancestral Worship Ceremony!"


    "Ah? Me?"


    Shadow Demon was taken aback.


    Xiao Yi shrugged, "Next I need to prepare for the breakthrough to the Dharma Manifestation Realm, and I won''t have much time to guide his cultivation. This task is now yours!"


    "¡­"


    Shadow Demon looked grievously at Xiao Yi, "Institute''s Head, be honest with me, have I offended you in some way? Are you taking revenge on me?"


    Whoever messes with the Body of Misfortune is in for bad luck, let alone guiding its cultivation. It would be fatal if one isn''t careful!


    "Am I that kind of person?"


    Xiao Yi laughed it off. Then, looking at the astounded and shocked faces all around, his booming voice echoed across the training grounds, "I know some among you still feel unconvinced, thinking that Ruan Yunyi doesn''t deserve to be my disciple, believing you are stronger and more exceptional than he is, isn''t that right?"


    The crowd remained silent.


    But their eyes were all telling Xiao Yi that was exactly what they thought.


    Nowadays, the requirements for admitting disciples at Xiaoshanhe Institute were by no means less demanding than the top ten sects, and anyone who passed the assessment was indeed a genius among their respective families and forces.


    From their childhood...


    They had lived in the midst of praise, imbued with a sense of superiority far beyond their peers.


    Now, they found themselves surpassed by a person despised as a harbinger of disaster, how could they accept this? Explore more stories with My Virtual Library Empire


    Seeing the stubbornness and disdain on the faces of the crowd, Xiao Yi shook his head slightly, his expression suddenly turning cold as he chided them word by word, "In my eyes, at least for now, compared to Ruan Yunyi, you lot are not even worth dogshit!"

 Chapter 420 - 420: The Youth Has Their Own Wild Ways!

    "You are all utterly worthless!"


    Xiao Yi''s words plunged the training ground into a moment of silence.


    Immediately afterward, the disciples erupted completely...


    "Headmaster, I don''t accept this!"


    "On what basis can you say that about us?"


    "We won''t accept this..."


    The crowd shouted in unison.


    "You don''t accept it?"


    Xiao Yi scoffed, "Let me ask you, if you had encountered a life like Ruan Yunyi''s, could you have endured until now?"


    This question sent shivers down many spines.


    Ruan Yunyi''s life?


    His parents had died early, and the whole village treated him as a harbinger of doom, showering him with disdain!


    The relative who had taken care of him passed away, and everyone saw him as a disaster that would bring bad luck, expelling him from the village, leaving him utterly alone to struggle for survival!


    Seeking refuge among the various powers, he hit a wall everywhere...


    He became the widely despised harbinger of death, with no one to take him in.


    It could be said that the most miserable things one could experience in life had all happened to him.


    Such a life could drive countless people to despair!


    Some would even choose to end their own lives.


    But Ruan Yunyi didn''t! Read new chapters at My Virtual Library Empire


    He still lived tenaciously, supported himself with his own hands, and in order to change his fate, he failed again and again, but each time he stood up again, pursuing the Martial Tao that belonged to him.


    "Ruan Yunyi''s life is like this, yet he still persisted and made it to where he is today. Just for that, how many of you can compare?" Xiao Yi''s voice was resonant, each word striking to the heart.


    "..."


    Everyone could not help but lower their heads, speechless.


    They realized that if they had experienced these things, they would probably have already been crushed by the cruel reality.


    How could they possibly be standing here?


    For a moment.


    Everyone''s attitude towards Ruan Yunyi underwent a drastic change.


    Xiao Yi, seeing this change, showed a gratified smile on his face.


    "Since you''ve joined Xiaoshanhe Institute, as the headmaster, I should impart some words to you all!"


    Xiao Yi, seeing everyone''s gazes converging on him, coughed lightly twice, and then his vigorous voice echoed over the training ground like thunderous rolling thunder: "When the red sun rises, its path is brilliantly illuminated. The river flows from its source, rushing forth into a vast ocean."


    Everyone felt a tingling sensation on their scalps.


    It was as if an infinite ocean appeared before their eyes, with the red sun rising above it, casting half of the Azure Sea into a reddish hue.


    "The hidden dragon soars from the abyss, phoenix claws take flight; tiger cubs roar in the valley, all beasts tremble in fright!"


    Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh!


    One by one, the strong figures all raised their heads to look at Xiao Yi.


    Gazing at him.


    With fiery, resolute gazes, filled with the will to fight.


    Hidden dragons, tiger cubs!


    Weren''t they, the disciples training in Xiaoshanhe Institute, just like the dragons from the abyss, tiger cubs among the mountains? Wait for the opportune moment, and hidden dragons will soar to the heavens; tiger cubs will climb high, roar over vast expanses, subdue a hundred beasts, and proclaim ''I alone am king''!


    Isn''t that speaking of them?


    "Each young person has their own wildness!"


    Xiao Yi''s voice grew even more powerful, impassioned, each word striking, his speech cadenced and inspiring, lifting everyone''s spirits, "With a backbone as sturdy as the mountains and rivers; daring to measure the sun and moon anew; today only I, the youth, can question; daring to test my edge against the heavens and earth!"


    "Who can stand in my way as I push through thorns and thickets?"


    "Let the world laugh, I will strengthen myself!"


    "No matter what setbacks you have faced or are currently facing, as long as you aim for the light, do not forget your initial resolve, and strive towards your goals, one day you will surely achieve them! I hope that one day you can contend with the heavens and earth for years, vie with Myriad Paths for eternal life..."


    Boom!


    Those words were like a drop of ice water splattering into boiling oil.


    Atop the martial arts field.


    One powerful individual after another reddened in the face and neck, their eyes blazing with a fiery combativeness.


    Their gazes towards Xiao Yi were like those one would give to a deity!


    Beyond their feverish veneration was a belief as firm as faith itself.


    Those steadfast stares made Shadow Demon and Fu Yuan exchange looks, both swallowing hard and saying, "Worthy of the Institute''s headmaster, just a few words were all it took to completely subdue these youngsters!"


    "These words just now have even set this old man''s blood boiling!" Fu Yuan also felt moved.


    Youth is the time of blooming splendor.


    It is also the age of harboring dreams and ambitions!


    Which young man doesn''t wish to transform into a dragon and soar to the skies?


    Which young man doesn''t desire to clear paths through brambles, unstoppable by any?


    Before this.


    Xiao Yi had only used his battle achievements to command respect from these proud disciples.


    After today.


    Xiao Yi had truly become the idol and goal they worshipped and chased in their hearts, even a spiritual deity, and no one could shake Xiao Yi''s place in their hearts.


    "Excellent, the madness of youth is its own, the world laughs and I grow stronger on my own..."


    Yang Ling approached with a face full of admiration and emotion, the words of praise coming from his lips.


    Xiao Yi smiled and stepped forward, "Your Highness, what brings you here today?"


    Yang Ling glanced at the people on the martial arts field and said, "May I have a word in private?"


    "Just a moment!"


    Xiao Yi called over Shadow Demon and Fu Yuan, instructing, "I''ll leave this place to you..." He paused, then pointed at Xiao Yun, "Senior Fu, let that fellow called Xiao Yun follow your tutelage for now!"


    "Yes!"


    The two nodded in agreement to take on the task and then bowed their hands to Yang Ling.


    Xiao Yi led Yang Ling back to the private courtyard.


    Yang Ling began, "My visit is mainly for two matters. The first is that Father Emperor told me to inform you that he has been communicating with the National Guardian Beast Ironwing Chi Dragon, and you should be able to meet with it in the next few days. The second matter, I hope you can accompany me to the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect!"


    Emperor Qian had promised Xiao Yi the encounter with the Ironwing Chi Dragon long ago.


    That didn''t surprise Xiao Yi.


    But for Yang Ling to ask him to go to the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect?


    Xiao Yi asked with curiosity, "The Ten Thousand Beasts Sect? What for?"


    The Ten Thousand Beasts Sect was renowned for beast taming, and many of the beasts in the Great Qian Dynasty''s army were subdued and provided by the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect.


    Yang Ling spoke gravely, "The ancestral worship ceremony is about to begin... You should know that within the ceremony, there is a literary tribute, and this year''s tribute will determine the winner between me and the elder prince!"


    The ancestral worship ceremony is divided into literary, martial, and the final heaven worship tributes.


    The literary tribute is where all the major powers present their prepared offerings upon the altar, and the most valuable amongst them wins lavish rewards.


    And this particular ceremony is quite special.


    There are rumors that Emperor Qian will choose the next Crown Prince during this ceremony, and anyone who shines there would surely earn extra points in the battle for succession.


    Yang Ling and Crown Prince Yang Kun are the two princes currently most likely to vie for the Crown Prince title under Emperor Qian.


    Without exaggeration...


    This literary tribute will decide the outcome between the two, and the victor stands a great chance to claim the Crown Prince''s position.


    Yang Ling continued, "The Ten Thousand Beasts Sect has a peak sixth-tier demonic beast, a Mo Jiao that''s said to have acquired a strange illness, with little time left to live. The Ten Thousand Beasts Sect has put out a call that whoever can cure the Mo Jiao can make any request of them. I know you understand the art of alchemy and I hope you can accompany me on this trip..."


    Ten years to be a snake, a hundred to be a python, a thousand to be a Jiao, ten thousand to turn into a dragon.


    This Mo Jiao is an extremely powerful and precious demonic beast.


    If it can be cured.


    And then borrowed to present as an offering at the literary tribute.


    The Crown Prince''s seat would be as good as his. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Facing Yang Ling''s request, Xiao Yi pondered for a moment; this Mo Jiao was indeed powerful, and since he himself did not have a Martial Tao Skill visualization object yet, a visit wouldn''t hurt, he then nodded in agreement, "Alright, I''ll go with you!"

 Chapter 421 - 421: Strong Counterattack

    Ten Thousand Beasts Sect.


    Located within the Ten Thousand Beasts Mountain Range.


    The entire mountain range was demarcated as the territory of the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect, raising millions of beasts.


    Apart from cultivating powerful beasts, the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect also bred creatures like the Python Blood Horse, the Flying Sky Jackal Wolf, the Dual-winged Demon Tiger, etc., for military use, as well as various birds and beasts suitable for riding. These beasts were then sold to the military of the Great Qian Dynasty, or to private commerce and so on.


    Of course.


    Beyond these, the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect also possessed many powerful guardian beasts.


    Just like the Ink Jiao that Yang Ling mentioned.


    Ten years to become a snake, a hundred years a python, a thousand years a jiao, ten thousand years to transform into a dragon.


    The Ink Jiao of the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect had existed for over five thousand years and its cultivation had reached the sixth-order peak, possessing combat strength comparable to a human at the peak of the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    However...


    Lately, this Ink Jiao of the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect had been hanging by a thread. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Even the beast cultivation experts of the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect were at a loss.


    This provided Yang Ling with an opportunity.


    Xiao Yi accompanied Yang Ling to the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect, where two sixth-order low-level beasts were stationed at the gate.


    Yang Ling had already made contact with the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect, and he entered the Ten Thousand Life Mountain Range without any obstacles.


    "Yang Ling, your Highness, my apologies for not meeting you from afar. Please forgive me!"


    The one approaching was Shen Yan, the Vice Sect Leader of the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect, with a mild smile on his face. He glanced at Xiao Yi with a hint of confusion, "And this is?"


    "Vice Sect Leader Shen!"


    Yang Ling saluted Shen Yan and then introduced, "This is Xiao, the head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute!"


    "Oh! So it is Head Xiao, I have long admired your reputation!"


    Shen Yan promptly looked towards Xiao Yi, sizing him up from head to toe. Although at this moment Xiao Yi was merely at the Tao Tribulation Realm and he was a true Dharma Manifestation Realm Peak, Shen Yan did not show the slightest hint of contempt, saying with a gentle smile, "With Head Xiao''s esteemed presence, our Ten Thousand Beasts Sect is honored!"


    "Vice Sect Leader Shen is too kind. Let''s go see the Ink Jiao," said Xiao Yi with a wave of his hand.


    Shen Yan''s face showed a trace of difficulty.


    Yang Ling frowned and asked, "Vice Sect Leader Shen, is there something troubling you?"


    Shen Yan hesitated, about to speak, when a cold voice came from behind them: "There''s nothing troubling. It''s just that we no longer need your services here. Vice Sect Leader Shen is probably struggling with how to send you back!"


    "Hmm?"


    Hearing that voice, Yang Ling''s expression abruptly changed.


    He turned his head with difficulty.


    He saw a figure striding towards them, someone who bore a slight resemblance to him but appeared much more mature and domineering in both words and demeanor.


    This person was the Crown Prince of the Great Qian Dynasty, Yang Kun.


    He had trained in the Tianjian Sect since he was young and was even a direct disciple of the Sect Leader of Tianjian Sect.


    At the same time...


    He was also the formidable rival competing with Yang Ling for the position of Crown Prince.


    Standing before Yang Ling, Yang Kun sneered coldly, his eyes narrowed, "What''s the matter? Have you forgotten how to greet your royal brother before you even became the Crown Prince?"


    "Your servant pays respects to the Great Crown Prince!"


    Yang Ling took a deep breath and responded to Yang Kun, turning his attention to Xiao Yi, "This is..."


    "Did I allow you to introduce him?"


    Yang Kun scoffed, cutting off Yang Ling''s words. He looked over at Xiao Yi with a side-eye, curling the corner of his mouth into a faintly cold and mocking smile, "So you''re the worthless younger brother of Xiao Tianjiao, Xiao Yi? I''ve heard your management of the Xiaoshanhe Institute isn''t bad, which makes you quite suitable to be a dog of our imperial family. From now on, follow me! As long as you serve me well, I will put in a good word for you with Xiao Tianjiao. On account of my face, perhaps he won''t make things difficult for you..."


    Xiao Yi''s eyes narrowed involuntarily as he scrutinized Yang Kun, saying coldly, "Keep babbling, and I''ll shut that filthy mouth of yours forever!"


    Yang Kun: "..." Stay updated through My Virtual Library Empire


    Yang Ling: "..."


    Everyone: "..."


    Yang Kun pointed at himself, disbelievingly looking at Xiao Yi, "Are you... speaking to me?"


    He was, after all, the Great Crown Prince!


    He was also the direct disciple of the Tianjian Sect Leader and the senior brother of Xiao Tianjiao!


    Even someone as strong as Shen Yan would respectfully call him Great Crown Prince Your Highness in his presence.


    He found it unimaginable that Xiao Yi, a mere Tao Tribulation Realm cultivator, would dare to speak to him like this.


    Yang Kun glared furiously, staring intently at Xiao Yi, "You''re looking for death!"


    "You can try and see who dies first!" Xiao Yi replied, neither servile nor overbearing.


    If one does not offend me, I will not offend them; but if I am offended, I shall offend in return!


    This was his principle of conduct.


    Since Yang Kun had been sarcastically mocking and squeezing him out from the moment he arrived, why should Xiao Yi give hm any face?


    "Cut off his tongue for me..." Yang Kun turned his gaze towards a strong practitioner of the Dharma Manifestation Realm''s fifth level standing behind him.


    "Yes!"


    The Tianjian Sect disciple approached with a malicious smile, and with a clang, a silver hook shot out from his sleeve, sneering sinisterly, "Kid, do you spit out your tongue by yourself, or shall I hook it out and cut it off for you?"


    "Cut your bullshit!"


    Xiao Yi uttered in an expressionless tone.


    "Seeking death!"


    The young man''s eyes were fierce as he swung his hand, and the iron hook with the flashing cold light headed straight for Xiao Yi''s mouth.


    "Be careful!"


    Yang Ling''s expression changed.


    Yang Kun laughed contemptuously, "Wu Lin''s ''Iron Drawing Silver Hook'' has long been practiced to the transformation stage, capable of hooking anything. Xiao Yi''s tongue won''t be saved."


    However...


    Just as the silver hook was about to slash open Xiao Yi''s mouth and hook onto his tongue, the hook abruptly stopped mid-air.


    "Uh..."


    Everyone was taken aback.


    Xiao Yi was seen holding the hook in one hand, his gaze ice-cold, as if frost was condensing, he shouted lightly, "Since you like hooking other people''s tongues so much, hook out your own first."


    Swish!


    Xiao Yi, still holding the iron hook, swiftly moved behind Wu Lin.


    With his left hand, he reached out, grasping Wu Lin''s throat.


    At the same time, he flicked the iron hook...


    Spurt!


    Amidst the spurt of blood, the hook caught Wu Lin''s tongue and with a violent tug pulled it out.


    An entire tongue, along with the root, was ripped out.


    It fell to the ground with a plop.


    Wu Lin, with both hands covering his bloody mouth, lay on the ground, screaming in agony, but without a tongue, he could not make any sound.


    Hiss!


    Yang Kun: "..."


    Yang Ling: "..."


    Everyone: "..."


    No one had anticipated Xiao Yi''s move to be so decisive, nor had they expected his retaliation to be so forceful.


    You wanted to cut off my tongue.


    I will pull yours out by the root.


    Yang Kun''s face turned shades of green and white, grinding his teeth, he word by word said, "You''re seeking death!"


    "Your Highness, please, calm your anger..."


    Shen Yan hurriedly stepped forward to mediate.


    This place was the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect.


    If Xiao Yi and Yang Kun were to conflict here, no matter who got injured from both sides, the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect would be caught up in no small trouble.


    "Vice Sect Leader Shen, this is none of your business, better step aside..." Yang Kun said with a ferocious face.


    Xiao Yi remained expressionless.


    This made Yang Kun feel deeply insulted, his face darkening as he clenched his teeth furiously, "I must kill him!"


    Shen Yan''s face was bitter, about to speak, but then he saw a figure rushing over in a fluster, his face full of unease and agitation, "Vice Sect Leader Shen, something terrible has happened, Mo Jiao can''t hold on much longer!"

 Chapter 422 - 422 You Lost!

    "The Moke is dying!"


    The person who hurried over in a rush was precisely a disciple of the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect, tasked with caring for the Moke on a daily basis.


    "What?"


    Shen Yan''s face suddenly changed.


    Yang Ling and Yang Kun also showed signs of urgency; they had come here specifically for the Moke.


    If the Moke died, then their previous efforts would have been in vain.


    With this thought.


    Yang Kun could no longer fight with Xiao Yi and said in a deep voice, "Vice Sect Leader Shen, please take us to see the Moke..." He pointed to an old man behind him with white hair and beard, yet spirited, "This is the number one Alchemist of the Tianjian Sect, Dan Chenzi. With him taking action, we can definitely save the Moke!"


    Shen Yan looked surprised.


    A sixth-grade senior Alchemist, a figure who could rank within the top ten in the Great Qian Dynasty.


    "So it is Mister Dan Chenzi, I have long heard of your great reputation!"


    Shen Yan quickly said, "Mister Dan Chenzi, please follow me!"


    Yang Kun looked at Yang Ling with a smug expression.


    Yang Ling said, "Vice Sect Leader Shen, Xiao Yi also understands the art of alchemy, please allow me to accompany you to have a look!"


    "Him? Yang Ling, you don''t think that knowing a few herbs makes one an Alchemist, do you? Moreover, do you think that with Dan Chenzi stepping in, there is any need for him?" Yang Kun taunted with an air of sarcasm.


    Yang Ling''s expression darkened.


    Fearing another dispute among them, Shen Yan quickly said, "Together, let''s all go together!"


    Yang Kun frowned slightly but didn''t say anything further.


    This was, after all, the territory of the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect.


    The group arrived at the cold pond where the Moke resided. Even in the height of summer, the pond emitted a bone-chilling cold.


    At this moment...


    The Moke, spanning a hundred zhang in length, had its lower half submerged in the cold pond and the upper half lying on the bank, lifeless, showing none of the vitality expected of a sixth-order peak demonic beast.


    "Dan Chenzi, go take a look!"


    Yang Kun looked at Dan Chenzi, his lips curling up in a vicious sneer, taunting, "Yang Ling, didn''t you say Xiao Yi also knows the art of alchemy? Why not let him have a look?"


    Yang Ling looked towards Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi waved his hand and said nonchalantly, "No rush, if he cannot save the Moke, it will naturally be my turn to take action!"


    "Ridiculous, you dare claim that Dan Chenzi cannot save the Moke? If even he cannot, how could you possibly manage it?" Yang Kun looked at him with disdain, clearly not believing Xiao Yi could cure the Moke.


    Shen Yan, however, was too preoccupied to pay attention to their quarrel.


    He watched the Moke in front of him nervously. After Dan Chenzi conducted a thorough examination, Shen Yan hurriedly asked, "Mister Dan Chenzi, is there any hope for the Moke?"


    "I''m sorry!"


    Dan Chenzi shook his head, a bitter smile on his face, "This Moke has no signs of life within it, it is beyond the help of medicine. Even a descent of the heavens could not cure it..."


    Shen Yan''s face collapsed, and he managed to squeeze out a smile more pained than crying, "So there is truly no way to save it? It seems the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect is indeed fated to part ways with this Moke..." Experience more on My Virtual Library Empire


    Yang Ling clenched his fists unwillingly, looking at Xiao Yi with one last glimmer of hope, "Xiao Yi, do you have a way to save it?"


    Before Xiao Yi could speak.


    Yang Kun scoffed, "Even Dan Chenzi is unable to do anything, how could he possibly have a way? If he can save the Moke, I will no longer contend for it with you..."


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes and said, "Do you really mean that?"


    "Of course! But..."


    Yang Kun laughed confidently, "If he fails to treat it, however, I''ll make him kneel before me and kowtow a thousand times, then incapacitate his cultivation! Do you dare?"


    "Why wouldn''t I dare?"


    As Yang Ling hesitated, Xiao Yi had already spoken first, "But if I win, in addition to what you''ve proposed, you too will kneel down and kowtow a thousand times to me. If you agree, then I will take that bet with you!"


    "No problem!"


    Yang Kun''s attitude was one of absolute certainty.


    "Xiao Yi..." Yang Ling looked at him with concern.


    Xiao Yi waved his hand and walked straight to the side of the ink-scaled serpent, merely glancing at it a few times before heading towards Shen Yan.


    Yang Kun laughed loudly, "You''re not thinking of running away, are you?"


    Dan Chenzi shook his head, "Young people love to pretend to be mysterious, always trying to mystify..."


    Xiao Yi crossed them to stand in front of Shen Yan, saying, "Prepare three hundred portions of healing herbs for me, and at the same time, prepare a hundred female demonic beasts, any species will do. It all must be ready within an hour, and be quick about it!"


    "What?"


    Shen Yan looked utterly bewildered.


    Healing herbs?


    Female demonic beasts?


    What in the world is all this?


    Xiao Yi urged, "If you want to save the ink-scaled serpent, then do as I say!"


    Shen Yan hesitated for a moment, then gritted his teeth, "Damn it, a dead horse will be a living horse doctor!"


    He immediately left.


    A moment later.


    Shen Yan returned with a peculiar expression, carrying the healing herbs, followed by more than a hundred Beast Tamers from the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect, each leading a female demonic beast to the vicinity of the cold pool.


    Xiao Yi took the healing herbs and commanded everyone to drive the demonic beasts near the cold pool.


    At the same time, the array stones were activated.


    Swish, swish, swish!


    In an instant, he had set up a Spirit Gathering Array with a small range but three times the usual effect, filling the area around the cold pool with an abundance of spiritual energy.


    "What on earth is he trying to do?"


    "I heard that even the Tianjian Sect''s Dan Chenzi has declared the ink-scaled serpent incurable; what''s he up to now?" S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "If Dan Chenzi couldn''t do anything, how could he possibly cure the ink-scaled serpent?" The Beast Tamers were also utterly baffled.


    Yang Kun became increasingly smug, looking at Yang Ling, "Little brother, it seems your judgment was poor, to have found such a charlatan to help you!"


    "How can you declare victory or defeat before the last moment?" Yang Ling said.


    Yang Kun shook his head and scoffed, "This is just a last-ditch struggle. Let''s see what excuses you''ll have after he fails..."


    At the same time.


    Xiao Yi pried open the ink-scaled serpent''s mouth and stuffed in two hundred portions of healing herbs. He then administered the herbs to the remaining female demonic beasts before quickly stepping back from the cold pool.


    "Ridiculous, do you even know medicine? The life force of that ink-scaled serpent is nearly exhausted; giving it healing herbs now is just harming it..." Dan Chenzi angrily rebuked.


    Xiao Yi glanced at him and said indifferently, "Just watch quietly."


    The crowd turned their eyes towards the cold pool.


    Under the stimulation of the healing herbs, the hundred-plus female demonic beasts roared furiously, rampaging wildly.


    The ink-scaled serpent, which had been at death''s door, suddenly raised its head, its eyes filled with blood, and let out a thunderous roar.


    Incredibly, it shot out of the cold pool and pounced towards the hundred-plus female demonic beasts.


    For a time...


    The Ten Thousand Beasts Mountain Range echoed with the intense roars of male and female demonic beasts.


    The ground shook, and ripples spread far and wide.


    For ten hours, the terrifying commotion continued before it finally ceased.


    The hundred-plus demonic beasts lay on the ground, their faces almost human with satisfaction.


    The ink-scaled serpent too was coiled at the edge of the cold pool, breathing heavily, its face also eerily human in its contentment.


    Before, it had been at death''s door, but now it glowed with vitality, as if it could fight another three hundred rounds. How was this the incurable creature that Dan Chenzi had described?


    A playful smile appeared on Xiao Yi''s face as he looked towards a dumbfounded Yang Kun, "You''ve lost!"

 Chapter 423 - 423: Unscrupulous Means

    "You''ve lost!"


    Xiao Yi looked at Yang Kun with a playful expression.


    Yang Kun''s face twitched violently: "..."


    He glared at Dan Chenzi, his eyes ice-cold to the extreme, as if to say: Weren''t you the one who claimed that the Ink Jiao was incurable? How then did someone save it with just a few lowly herbs?


    Dan Chenzi was also in complete disbelief, staring intently at Xiao Yi as he demanded, "This is impossible, it makes no sense! It was clearly at the brink of death, beyond redemption, and you cured it with just a few cheap herbs?"


    Dan Chenzi began to doubt his entire life.


    He had been an alchemist for many years, passionately devoted to the medical path, and had earned himself the reputation of a miracle doctor.


    But today...


    An Ink Jiao he had declared beyond help was revived by Xiao Yi with a few insignificant herbs.


    This completely overturned his beliefs of several hundred years!


    Xiao Yi smiled slightly and calmly said, "Dragons are inherently lustful, and the Jiao is no exception... And you have bound this Ink Jiao in the cold abyss for hundreds of years. Let alone an Ink Jiao, even a normal man imprisoned like that, abstinent for hundreds of years, would certainly become despondent, right? Just now, I used the herbs to stimulate it, and then replenished its vitality with the spiritual energy from the Spirit Gathering Array. Allowing it to let off steam and find satisfaction, it naturally recovered on its own!"


    Hiss!


    People looked at each other, many disciples of the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect showing shame: "So that''s how it is, Dean Xiao is truly formidable, we even doubted him..."


    "This is what a true master is like!"


    "Not like some people who can''t identify the crux of the problem, outright deceiving with talk of no cure..."


    Dan Chenzi''s face turned shades of green and white.


    Dan Chenzi''s chest heaved violently as he glared with his eyes fixed on Xiao Yi, his teeth gritted with anger: "Heretical practices, this is heretical practices, not the medical path at all, I disdain to associate with someone like you..."


    He prided himself on being a holy hand in the medical path.


    He had rarely encountered a rival in the field of medicine.


    How could he possibly admit to being inferior to a youth whom he had never taken seriously, one still wet behind the ears?


    "Heretical practices?"


    Xiao Yi asked, "I''d like to ask you what is the medical path?"


    Dan Chenzi spoke righteously: "To save the dying and heal the injured, to cure disease with medicine!"


    Xiao Yi took a step forward: "Who saved the Ink Jiao?"


    "You..."


    Dan Chenzi hesitated for a moment, then angrily said, "So what? The methods you used are not righteous..."


    Xiao Yi''s voice rose a notch: "What is righteousness? The ''incurable'' you spoke of is righteous? The ''beyond help'' you claimed is righteous? To knowingly have a way to save it yet watch it die is righteous?"


    "I, I..."


    Dan Chenzi stumbled backward, unable to respond.


    "Rigid and inflexible, that is your so-called righteousness."


    "Not understanding the root cause of the ailment, merely declaring it incurable is your so-called righteousness."


    "And I, using extraordinary measures to save it, am practicing heretical methods? What kind of reasoning is that? It seems to me it''s you who is practicing heretical methods, harming others and yourself, a path of plotting and endangering lives..."


    With every word Xiao Yi said, he took a step forward, relentlessly pressing in, making Dan Chenzi retreat again and again.


    His back was already soaked with cold sweat.


    Breathing heavily with great gasps of breath.


    Dan Chenzi pointed at Xiao Yi with fury, but he was speechless.


    Xiao Yi, from the high ground, looked down at him coldly: "You, are unfit to be a doctor!"


    Suddenly, he spat out a mouthful of old blood and fell straight to the ground, fainting.


    Yang Kun: "..."


    Shen Yan: "..."


    Everyone: "..."


    A sixth-tier senior alchemist, the miraculous doctor Dan Chenzi, to actually be scolded into spitting blood and fainting by Xiao Yi, it was unthinkable, unheard of!


    Xiao Yi let out a cold laugh, turning his gaze back to Yang Kun: "Your Highness Yang Ling, it''s time to honor our bet."


    Yang Kun''s eyes twitched slightly, and seeing everyone''s eyes on him, he let out a cold snort: "I accept my loss today! This Ink Jiao, I''ll cede to you!"


    Having said this, he turned to leave.


    Xiao Yi said, "Your Highness sure has a short memory, already forgotten the bet we just made? Besides the ink python, there are still a thousand kowtows owed!"


    "You..."


    Yang Kun stopped in his tracks, glaring furiously, "Xiao Yi, do not push things too far!"


    "Push things too far? Is Your Highness accusing me of crying ''Stop, thief''?"


    Xiao Yi''s face showed mockery as he teased, "The bet was proposed by Your Highness in the first place, and I''m merely collecting the debt from the wager! To repay a debt is only natural, and having lost the bet, you are, of course, expected to fulfill the terms... However, Your Highness could simply turn around and leave, but if you do, it won''t take long for word of this to spread through every street and alley of the imperial city, and who knows, it might even reach the Emperor''s ears...."


    "Are you threatening me?" Yang Kun said through gritted teeth. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    If this matter were to spread throughout the imperial city, his prestige would be utterly ruined.


    If it reached Emperor Qian''s ears...


    Not to mention the inevitable scolding, it would also seriously damage his image in Emperor Qian''s eyes.


    In this difficult situation,


    it was actually Yang Ling who stepped forward, pleading on his behalf, "Xiao Yi, for my sake, let''s forget about the kowtowing!"


    Xiao Yi shrugged his shoulders, "Since His Highness has interceded for him, let''s just leave it at that!"


    Yang Ling breathed a sigh of relief and nodded gratefully towards Xiao Yi, then turned to Yang Kun, "Brother, you should go!"


    Yang Kun glared fiercely at Xiao Yi and Yang Ling, his eyes filled with venomous hatred, and gritted his teeth, "Xiao Yi, I will remember today''s enmity!"


    Whoosh!


    Yang Kun flung his sleeves and strode away.


    He couldn''t even be bothered to take Dan Chenzi, who was lying on the ground, with him.


    Shen Yan looked towards the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect disciples standing aside, "Haven''t you guys taken Dan Chenzi to His Highness yet?"


    "Yes!"


    Two disciples immediately lifted Dan Chenzi and followed after him.


    Shen Yan turned to Xiao Yi and Yang Ling, his mood quite pleased as a result of the ink python''s recovery, and said with a smile, "Your Highness Yang Ling, Dean Xiao, we owe the recovery of the ink python to your help."


    "You''re too polite, Vice Sect Leader Shen!" said Xiao Yi.


    Yang Ling said in a deep voice, "Vice Sect Leader Shen, I presume you''re also aware of the purpose of my visit...."


    Shen Yan nodded and responded, "Rest assured, Your Highness. Since Dean Xiao has cured the ink python, I will naturally honor our promise. This ink python can be transferred to your custody, to be used as the sacrificial offering in the Ancestral Ritual..."


    The sacrificial offering does not need to be killed.


    However, if it wins first place in the Ancestral Ritual, the offering will be taken by the royal family to Divine Beast Mountain to become a national guardian beast, and it will not be returned to the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect.


    For the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect...


    The ink python was already at death''s door, and its revival was a net gain.


    They naturally wouldn''t offend Yang Ling over this.


    Yang Ling relaxed and smiled, "In that case, I deeply thank Vice Sect Leader Shen. Regardless of whether the ink python becomes the Ancestral Ritual''s first offering, I, Yang Ling, will not forget this favor!"


    "No need for thanks, Your Highness!"


    Shen Yan smiled, then proposed, "Your Highness, Dean Xiao, chance encounters are better than formal ones. Why not join me for a casual drink?"


    One does not slap a smiling face.


    Find your next read on My Virtual Library Empire


    Faced with such a sincere invitation, Yang Ling and Xiao Yi looked at each other and didn''t refuse, "Then we shall impose!"


    "No imposition at all, no imposition!"


    With a hearty laugh, Shen Yan and the group promptly departed.


    However...


    Shortly after everyone had left, a shadow reappeared near the cold pond.


    The person was Yang Kun!


    He had returned, his cold gaze fixed on the ink python that had settled into a deep slumber. A cold ferocity flashed across Yang Kun''s eyes, "If I can''t have it, I''d rather see it destroyed than benefit you!"


    Whoosh!


    An icy gleam of a blade burst forth from his sword, transforming into a hundred-yard blade that slashed towards the ink python''s head.


    A mournful howl echoed throughout the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect.


    Yang Kun watched the ink python, now decapitated, a cold smile on his lips as he disappeared into the void...

 Chapter 424 - 424: His Majesty Invites!

    Ten Thousand Beasts Sect.


    The separate courtyard where Shen Yan stayed was not far from the Cold Pool.


    The three of them were enjoying a drink when suddenly, a scream echoed throughout the entire Ten Thousand Beasts Sect.


    All three were taken aback at the same moment.


    Xiao Yi''s face turned pale in an instant, "Not good, the Ink Jiao has met with trouble¡­"


    "What?"


    Yang Ling stood up abruptly, his wine cup falling to the ground.


    Shen Yan''s face was also unsightly, as he gritted his teeth, "It indeed came from the direction of the Cold Pool, let''s hurry over and have a look!"


    The three of them flew through the air.


    By the time they arrived at the Cold Pool, they saw a figure escaping through the sky from afar, which made Xiao Yi slightly frown, "Is it him?"


    However, the distance was already too great.


    They simply could not catch up with that person.


    As Xiao Yi and the others descended into the Cold Pool, blood was everywhere, the whole Cold Pool was a sea of blood red.


    The Ink Jiao lay decapitated at the edge of the Cold Pool.


    Its eyes wide with rage, filled with bewilderment, it had been imprisoned for hundreds of years, stifling its afflictions for hundreds of years until it became sick. It had just satisfied its desires and was completely exhausted, resting when it was beheaded in the aquatic gate.


    It died without knowing why it was killed!


    "The Ink Jiao is dead¡­"


    Yang Ling''s face turned pale, as he felt the world spin around him.


    Even though Yang Ling was Emperor Qian''s most beloved son, his background was far less profound than that of Yang Kun.


    Yang Kun''s mother was a disciple of the Tianjian Sect, and for this reason, Yang Kun had been practicing in the Tianjian Sect since his childhood, even being a disciple of the Sect Leader of the Tianjian Sect, supported by the sect''s entire lineage.


    At the same time¡­


    The unparalleled War King Yang Yuhuan also stood on his side.


    This Ancestral Ceremony was Yang Ling''s only chance.


    But now¡­


    The Ink Jiao was dead!


    Where else would he find such an offering? S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Who exactly did this? Who dares to act within my Ten Thousand Beasts Sect, is this a challenge to the authority of my Ten Thousand Beasts Sect?" Shen Yan was also beside himself with rage, the Ink Jiao had followed him for many years, the bond between master and servant ran deep, and now he could only watch as it died before his eyes, how could Shen Yan not be furious?


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath and said in a heavy voice, "Just now, I saw a figure leaving, it looked very much like Yang Kun!"


    "Yang Kun?"


    "The Crown Prince?"


    Yang Ling and Shen Yan wore confused looks on their faces.


    Xiao Yi nodded and said, "I''m at least seventy percent sure that it was Yang Kun!"


    Bang!


    Yang Ling punched the ground fiercely, causing the ground to tremble violently, his cultivation had also reached the Peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm, and although his combat power was not as monstrous as Xiao Yi''s, he was certainly no weakling.


    At this moment¡­


    Yang Ling''s eyes flickered with a cold light, like lightning, and his eyes were bloodshot as he hissed through gritted teeth, "It must be him¡­ only he would be so ruthless..."


    Looking at the decapitated Ink Jiao, his heart was bleeding!


    Shen Yan''s face was black as coal, Yang Kun actually dared to assassinate a demonic beast in the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect, it was tantamount to slapping the face of the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect.


    But.


    Despite his rage, Shen Yan found himself without any possible recourse.


    Yang Kun was not only a prince but also a disciple of the Sect Leader of the Tianjian Sect.


    Lacking evidence, even if there was irrefutable evidence, he would be unable to trouble Yang Kun at the Tianjian Sect over a demonic beast.


    Shen Yan looked towards Yang Ling with a grim face, appearing extremely distressed, "Your Highness Yang Ling, as you have seen¡­ regardless of who the culprit is, this Ink Jiao can no longer be provided to you for the Ancestral Ceremony."


    Yang Ling''s expression subtly changed as he said, "Vice Sect Leader Shen, the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect has numerous beasts. Could it be possible..."


    Shen Yan shook his head with a rueful smile, "I''m truly sorry!" He paused before explaining, "Your Highness Yang Ling, do you think that, with Crown Prince Yang Kun''s methods and temperament, even if we were to exchange another beast for you, the outcome would be any different?"


    Yang Ling bowed his head, "¡­"


    Just as Shen Yan had said¡­


    If Yang Kun could kill one ink qilin, he could kill the second, the third¡­


    As long as he could stop Yang Ling, he would go to any lengths and would stop at nothing.


    Yet Yang Ling was utterly powerless against him.


    This frustration made Yang Ling''s complexion grow even more unsightly.


    Shen Yan hesitated, observing Yang Ling''s discontented and shadowed face, feeling a bit of pity, he said in a deep voice, "Your Highness Yang Ling, the world is vast, and beasts are not solely possessed by the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect. The Beast Emperor City also has many powerful beasts. As far as I know, Xiao has a good relationship with the Lord of the Beast Emperor City!"


    Yang Ling was startled and looked at Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow. The Beast Emperor City, situated in the midst of the Beast Emperor Sea, indeed had many powerful beasts. He said, "I do have some acquaintance with Huang Baitao, the Lord of the Beast Emperor City. In that case¡­ once I return, I will send a message to Huang Baitao!"


    "Xiao Yi, I entrust this matter to you!" Yang Ling said with a face full of gratitude. Find more chapters on My Virtual Library Empire


    This was yet another glimmer of hope after a frustrating setback, allowing him to see new possibilities.


    Xiao Yi bid farewell to Shen Yan, saying, "If that''s the case, I''ll take my leave with Yang Ling now!"


    "That''s fine!"


    Shen Yan nodded his head.


    The death of the ink qilin had also left him feeling heavy-hearted, too preoccupied to look after the two of them.


    Xiao Yi and Yang Ling then made their way back to the Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Upon returning to the Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Xiao Yi summoned Zhang Ling and personally wrote a letter, handing it to Zhang Ling, he instructed, "Zhang Ling, take this letter to the Beast Emperor City and deliver it to Lord Huang. He will know what to do once he reads the letter!"


    "Yes!"


    Zhang Ling respectfully accepted the envelope, bid farewell to Yang Ling, and soared away.


    Yang Ling said with a wry smile, "Xiao Yi, it seems you''ve witnessed quite the spectacle today!"


    Xiao Yi shrugged his shoulders, "As the saying goes, ''The imperial family is heartless.'' Father and son fighting to the death over that position is not uncommon, let alone between brothers¡­"


    "The imperial family is heartless¡­"


    Yang Ling repeated the phrase, his mind filled with memories of the covert and overt struggles between brothers over the years. Originally more than a dozen brothers were competing for the position of Crown Prince, but over time it was whittled down to just him and Yang Kun. The other princes had been allocated their own fiefs and were now out of contention for the position, "People often envy the imperial family, not realizing it''s a beast that devours without spitting out the bones¡ªsurvival of the fittest, either you eat or get eaten¡­ Being born into the imperial family sometimes really is beyond one''s control!"


    Xiao Yi nodded, showing his understanding.


    Don''t even mention the power struggles of the imperial family.


    Wasn''t he the same?


    Xiao Tianjiao, in order not to tarnish his own shining and perfect image, had tried to kill him, his own younger brother, several times. If not for their mother''s desperate protection, where would his eight years of imprisonment have come from? Or his status as a son-in-law to the Fang Family?


    He would have died more than a decade ago!


    "Xiao Yi, I leave the matter of the beast to you!" Yang Ling said earnestly.


    Xiao Yi nodded. He and Yang Ling were essentially in the same camp.


    Especially since he and Yang Kun had become enemies that day. If Yang Kun were to take the imperial throne in the future, Xiao Yi could leave the Great Qian Dynasty alone, but the Xiaoshanhe Institute couldn''t just be moved!


    For both the public good and private reasons.


    Xiao Yi would assist Yang Ling in obtaining that position.


    As the two of them were talking¡­


    Ye Heng rushed over, saying, "Master, Qi is on his way here with an imperial decree!"


    "An imperial decree?"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback and exchanged a glance with Yang Ling.


    Yang Ling shook his head to indicate he didn''t know.


    Xiao Yi frowned slightly but still stood up to meet the visitor.


    Moments later¡­


    Qi arrived before him, his face adorned with a kindly smile as he announced, "By imperial command, Xiao Yi is summoned to the palace to appear before the Emperor¡­"

 Chapter 425 - 425: Dragon and Tiger Seal, Divine Beast Mountain!

    "Eunuch Qi, do you know why His Majesty is seeking an audience with me?"


    Xiao Yi looked at Eunuch Qi with puzzlement.


    He had not left the imperial palace for long; why was Emperor Qian summoning him again?


    Eunuch Qi wore a kind smile and said, "Rest assured, this is good news!"


    "Good news?"


    Xiao Yi was stunned, a glint of sharpness crossing his eyes, "Could it be related to the Dharma Likeness Meditation?"


    Eunuch Qi nodded with a smile.


    Xiao Yi''s face lit up with joy, and beside him, Yang Ling also offered his congratulations, "Xiao Yi, this truly is a joyous occasion, congratulations!"


    Eunuch Qi urged, "Xiao Yi, you should follow me to the palace without delay, lest the Emperor be kept waiting!"


    "Alright!"


    Xiao Yi nodded and then followed Eunuch Qi to the imperial palace.


    A short time later.


    Guided by Eunuch Qi, Xiao Yi arrived at Emperor Qian''s royal study for the first time, having traversed much of the imperial palace. He gained a newfound appreciation for the opulence and vastness of the palace.


    Seeing that Emperor Qian was reviewing memorials.


    Xiao Yi did not speak out to interrupt.


    He waited for what felt like half an incense stick''s burning time before Emperor Qian finally set aside the memorial in his hand. He had been aware of Xiao Yi''s arrival all along but the memorial was rather important, so he had waited until now. "Have you been waiting anxiously?"


    Xiao Yi shook his head to indicate he hadn''t.


    Emperor Qian massaged his brows and said in a deep voice, "Lately, the Northern Ice Plains have been far from peaceful, with frequent reports of mysterious disappearances among the populace. It truly is vexing."


    "Mysterious disappearances?" Xiao Yi was taken aback.


    Since it troubled Emperor Qian so, it was clear that the matter was no small issue.


    However.


    Emperor Qian did not dwell on this topic, chuckling as he said, "I promised you the chance to observe the Dragon and Tiger Seal and visualize the state''s guardian Iron Winged Chi Dragon. Divine Beast Mountain has sent their assent, agreeing to your visit to observe the Iron Winged Chi Dragon. Eunuch Qi will accompany you there."


    A thrill of anticipation shone in Xiao Yi''s eyes.


    He was already at the Peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm, a single step away from the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    The most crucial part was to manifest the Martial Tao Skill.


    But as of now, he had not yet found a suitable entity for Dharma Likeness Meditation.


    Within the Great Qian Dynasty, the strongest spiritual weapons and mystical beasts available were precisely the Dragon and Tiger Seal and Iron Winged Chi Dragon that Emperor Qian just mentioned.


    Xiao Yi bowed to Emperor Qian and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty!"


    "Go,"


    Emperor Qian said with a smile, waving his hand, "I hope you will break through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm soon and ascend to your position as a pillar of the state!"


    Xiao Yi nodded and then took his leave with Eunuch Qi.


    Once Xiao Yi had left.


    Emperor Qian lowered his head to look at a confidential letter on the desk, and with a snap of his fingers, a burst of flame incinerated it.


    The faint outline of the words "Xiao Tianjiao seeks to go to the Nantian Holy Institute" could be seen being devoured slowly by the flame. Emperor Qian squinted his eyes, "No matter how outstanding Xiao Tianjiao is, he is not destined to serve me. Xiao Yi, I hope you won''t disappoint me. I can give you wealth, honor, and even help you overturn the Xiao Family, but you must obediently heed my words..."


    ...


    The Dragon and Tiger Seal was housed in the Heavenly Dragon Hall.


    Upon arriving at the Heavenly Dragon Hall, Xiao Yi instantly felt that he was being watched by no fewer than ten presences at the level of the Dharma Manifestation Realm, and among them, there were a few breaths above that realm that were faintly discernable. Clearly, these were the guardians of the Heavenly Dragon Hall.


    Only after noticing the token in Eunuch Qi''s hand did these presences vanish.


    Eunuch Qi said, "The Dragon and Tiger Seal is inside. You have three hours to contemplate it. I''ll wait for you here. Once you''re done here, I will take you to Divine Beast Mountain."


    "Thank you, Eunuch Qi!"


    Xiao Yi bowed to Eunuch Qi and then entered the Heavenly Dragon Hall.


    The hall was vast and empty.


    There were eight towering dragon pillars supporting the hall, and the floor was covered with Formation runes glowing and flowing. If anyone attempted to break in forcibly, these Formations would activate. Xiao Yi noticed many killing Arrays and Illusion Arrays among them.


    The royal family of the Great Qian Dynasty had indeed made extensive preparations to protect the Dragon and Tiger Seal.


    After all...


    This was a seventh-order premium spiritual weapon, unique in the entire Great Qian Dynasty!


    ```


    In the center of the Formation, there was a black metal platform, and within the transparent energy dome, the Dragon and Tiger Seal floated quietly.


    As the name suggests.


    It was pitch-black, adorned with a dragon and a tiger, spiraling and clashing against each other as if they were alive, as if they truly existed. Xiao Yi sat cross-legged in front of the Dragon and Tiger Seal, carefully examining it.


    The first step in Manifesting Dharma was to create the fledgling form of the Dharma Likeness.


    Then, to truly enter the Dharma Manifestation Realm, one must endure the Trial by Heavenly Thunder to awaken the spirit with heavenly lightning within the Dharma Likeness.


    The strength of the Dharma Likeness is related to the target of Contemplation, and also, the affinity between the self-manifested Dharma Likeness and the object of contemplation. For example, if both visualize the Iron Winged Chi Dragon for their Manifestation of Dharma, one merely visualizing its form while the other can even simulate the dragon''s majesty, then the latter, with the dragon''s majesty, would naturally be stronger.


    Xiao Yi didn''t overlook any detail, and after two hours, he began to attempt to deduce the Dharma Likeness''s fledgling form in his mind.


    A real dragon soars across the sky, an angry tiger roars fiercely.


    As lifelike as it could be.


    However...


    Xiao Yi was extremely unsatisfied with this fledgling form of the Dharma Likeness, overturning it time after time, attempting to manifest it again and again, never content with the result.


    Three hours later.


    The Dragon and Tiger Seal in front of him slowly retracted into the ground, the light of the Formation covering it, and Xiao Yi shook his head, knowing that time was up. But he still could not deduce a satisfactory fledgling form of the Dharma Likeness, proving that this Dragon and Tiger Seal was not suitable for him.


    "How is it?"


    Qi looked at Xiao Yi and asked.


    Xiao Yi shrugged his shoulders, saying helplessly, "Not quite right!"


    "No matter, each person''s core Dharma Likeness is different, and you''re young enough to take your time finding it!"


    Qi smiled, offering a few words of comfort, then said, "Let''s go, we shall head to Divine Beast Mountain now; we mustn''t keep the Divine Beast of the state waiting any longer!"


    Divine Beast Mountain wasn''t just home to the Iron Winged Chi Dragon; there were also other state-guarding mystical creatures. These were the creatures that won first place in the ancestral worship ceremonies each year.


    Yet...


    Within the vast expanse of Divine Beast Mountain, only the Iron Winged Chi Dragon could be called the Divine Beast of the state.


    Divine Beast Mountain was located within the Imperial Palace.


    It was protected by an Array on all sides, and it also severed any communication between Divine Beast Mountain and the Imperial Palace; without a Token, entry and exit were impossible.


    With a Token in hand, Xiao Yi entered Divine Beast Mountain.


    Looking around, one could see countless birds and beasts, each one radiating immense power; even the weakest were of the sixth order. There were plenty of seventh order Beasts, but there was only one at the pinnacle of the seventh order¡ª the Iron Winged Chi Dragon.


    These mystical creatures glanced indifferently at the arrival of Xiao Yi and another, some even too lazy to spare more than a fleeting look.


    The two made their way unobstructed to the summit of the mountain.


    There was a huge man-made lake, and from within the emerald-blue water, ripples spread.


    Qi holding the Token, spoke, "O Divine Beast, I have been commanded to bring Xiao Yi before you!"


    Pop, pop, pop!


    Giant bubbles rose from the bottom of the lake, bursting at the surface and sending ripples outward.


    Suddenly...


    A column of water shot up into the sky, hundreds of meters high, falling back down while a massive creature slowly appeared before Xiao Yi. It was an enormous mystical creature, its body covered in black scale armor, each scale the size of a shield.


    In the shape of a dragon, yet with a pair of black wings on its back as if forged from fine iron, a single spiral horn atop its head, its eyes flashing like lightning.


    This was the state-guarding Divine Beast of the Great Qian Dynasty, the peak seventh-order Beast King¡ª the Iron Winged Chi Dragon!


    Majestic dragon might covered the whole Divine Beast Mountain.


    Roar! Experience tales with My Virtual Library Empire


    Woo woo...


    Within the vast Divine Beast Mountain, countless mystical creatures submitted, kneeling on the ground in fear and trepidation.


    Facing the immense pressure from the Iron Winged Chi Dragon, Qi''s face turned slightly pale, and Xiao Yi too furrowed his brows tightly, with a few beads of cold sweat on his forehead. But his eyes, locked on the Iron Winged Chi Dragon, were incredibly resolute, with a hint of eagerness, "Worthy of being the state-guarding Divine Beast. The dragon might alone is enough to cause the minds of ordinary Dharma Manifestation Realm experts to shatter..." S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Iron Winged Chi Dragon glanced at Xiao Yi, whose gaze was fervent upon it. A touch of surprise and curiosity flickered through its giant, bell-like eyes.


    Most people, seeing it for the first time, would be frightened to the point of turning pale.


    Hasn''t Qi, who has seen it several times, still looked like that?


    Yet, Xiao Yi showed no fear, and the Iron Winged Chi Dragon blinked its large eyes, saying, "Xiao Yi, right? Since Emperor Qian has spoken, I naturally will not refuse. However, I will only give you five hours. Whether you can use this to manifest your Dharma or not is up to you!"


    "Thank you, Divine Beast!" Xiao Yi bowed to the Iron Winged Chi Dragon.


    Just as he was about to start his meditation with the Iron Winged Chi Dragon as his object of contemplation, a teasing voice came from the foot of the mountain, "Hold on..."


    ```

 Chapter 426 - 426 Unsightly

    "Hold on!"


    A haughty voice suddenly rang out.


    Eunuch Qi''s expression changed slightly, as he clearly recognized the owner of the voice. He turned towards the newcomer, saying respectfully, "Greetings to His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince!"


    The person approaching was none other than Crown Prince Yang Kun!


    A playful look crossed his face as he nodded to Eunuch Qi and swept a cold, mocking gaze over Xiao Yi. Finally, he walked up to the Iron Winged Chi Dragon, bowed respectfully, and spoke in a loud voice, "Yang Kun pays his respects to the Divine Beast!"


    The Iron Winged Chi Dragon was the Great Qian Dynasty''s guardian divine beast.


    It held a revered status.


    Even Emperor Qian would address it respectfully as "Divine Beast" upon meeting it.


    Although Yang Kun was a prince, he dared not be disrespectful in its presence.


    The Iron Winged Chi Dragon nodded its head, and its majestic voice echoed, "Yang Kun, what brings you to Divine Beast Mountain?"


    Yang Kun cracked a smile, inadvertently glancing at Xiao Yi.


    A sense of foreboding clenched Xiao Yi''s heart. He had clashed with Yang Kun previously at the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect.


    Now that Yang Kun had suddenly appeared here, watching him with that strange smile, Xiao Yi couldn''t shake off a feeling of unease.


    Yang Kun said in a grave voice, "Divine Beast, I wonder if you remember this item?"


    As he spoke,


    Yang Kun pulled a fiery red scale from within his robes.


    As soon as the scale appeared,


    the temperature in the surroundings rose sharply, a red glow pulsing as the intense heat made everyone sweat involuntarily.


    The Iron Winged Chi Dragon frowned slightly, its massive claw grasping the scale. Its pupils contracted slightly as it nodded and said, "Of course I remember; this is the reverse scale from the Fire Dragon that accompanied Xiao Tianjiao. How did you come to possess this scale?"


    Yang Kun grinned, "This was given to me by Brother Xiao Tianjiao. He asked me to deliver a message to you..."


    The Iron Winged Chi Dragon nodded, "Speak."


    Yang Kun''s eyes gleamed with pride as he looked over at Xiao Yi, his gaze thick with mockery. He deliberately raised his voice and said, "Brother Xiao Tianjiao said that, as the guardian divine beast that upholds the fortunes of the Great Qian Dynasty, it''s not just any Tom, Dick, or Harry who can visualize you to manifest their Martial Dao Fasxiang..."


    "Hmm?"


    The Iron Winged Chi Dragon was taken aback.


    Whether someone was allowed to visualize and manifest their Martial Dao Fasxiang


    had nothing to do with its status as the guardian divine beast.


    What was Xiao Tianjiao trying to imply?


    Yang Kun continued, "Brother Xiao Tianjiao said that you owe him a favor and he hopes you will grant him a condition. Within a hundred years, do not let anyone outside the royal family visualize and manifest their Dharma!"


    Hum!


    At these words, Eunuch Qi''s face drastically altered, and he looked at Xiao Yi with a worried gaze.


    The situation was now clear.


    Obviously, Xiao Tianjiao was targeting Xiao Yi!


    This was an attempt to cut off Xiao Yi''s path of visualizing the Iron Winged Chi Dragon¡ªthe strongest beast of the Great Qian Dynasty¡ªas his Martial Dao Fasxiang!


    Xiao Yi remained expressionless.


    Yet underneath his sleeves, his hands were clenched into fists; his fingernails dug into the flesh of his palms without him even feeling the pain.


    Rage!


    Fury!


    ```


    Unwilling!


    Utterly unwilling...


    Although it couldn''t be said that the Iron Winged Chi Dragon was necessarily the most suitable beast for his Martial Dao Fasxiang Meditation, it was indeed the strongest demon beast he could find within the Great Qian Dynasty and the best choice. Yet now, because of a single statement by Xiao Tianjiao, this path had been destroyed, blocked off completely.


    The Iron Winged Chi Dragon hesitated for a moment before nodding in understanding, then turned towards Xiao Yi, "Little guy, you heard it too. I owe Xiao Tianjiao a favor and cannot refuse his request!"


    Qi said, "Divine beast, sir..."


    He still wanted to plead for a chance.


    But Yang Kun huffed coldly, "Qi, this isn''t the time for you to speak!"


    Qi''s expression shifted between gloom and resignation, finding it difficult to speak up again.


    With a mighty dragon''s roar, the Iron Winged Chi Dragon dove into the lake with a splash.


    "Xiao Yi, you must be feeling very sad and desperate now, right? Hahaha, I''ve told you before, in front of Brother Xiao Tianjiao, you''re nothing but a pile of excrement. He doesn''t even need to lift a finger to sever all your hopes!"


    Yang Kun was full of pride as if enjoying a victorious battle, staring at Xiao Yi, smirking, "The Iron Winged Chi Dragon is the strongest demon beast that can be found in the Great Qian Dynasty. Without it, you''ve lost that path! Hahaha, and you think you can compete with Brother Xiao Tianjiao? You''re dreaming!"


    Xiao Yi''s eyes narrowed into slits as he stared intently at Yang Kun, saying steadily, "Man has control over his own destiny. I don''t believe Xiao Tianjiao can cover the sky with one hand."


    "Hahaha, whether he can cover the sky with one hand I do not know, but I do know his word just turned your countless efforts into bubbles!"


    Yang Kun walked up to Xiao Yi, lightly patted his shoulder and taunted with glee, "I advise you to think about what to meditate on for manifesting your Martial Tao Skill. Oh right, didn''t you cure the ink python from the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect? You should go meditate on it, hahaha..."


    The ink python?


    Xiao Yi''s eyes turned cold. That ink python had already been killed by Yang Kun, so what was there to meditate on?


    Watching Yang Kun strut about smugly, a trace of coldness flashed through Xiao Yi''s eyes. Gently patting his chest, Little Lin snuck into the ground, silently approaching Yang Kun and burrowed onto him.


    And then...


    Little Lin had a bottle in its mouth.


    Carefully, it sprinkled the bottle''s powder onto Yang Kun and then vanished without a trace.


    At this moment, Yang Kun was passing through a domain where a group of Blaze Lions gathered, teasing the lions in high spirits.


    However.


    The moment he came close to the Blaze Lions, their eyes turned red in an instant.


    They stared at Yang Kun with the same intensity as a famished beggar looking at delicious food, and with an excited roar, dozens of Blaze Lions charged at Yang Kun. Caught off guard, he was knocked to the ground.


    Dozens of Blaze Lions surrounded him.


    "Get away¡­ Get away..."


    Yang Kun roared in anger. Stay connected through My Virtual Library Empire


    His aura surged, forcefully sending the surrounding Blaze Lions flying.


    However...


    By the time he got to his feet, his appearance was disheveled, covered in filth, exuding a strange stench that could not be dispelled; it nearly drove Yang Kun to the brink of insanity.


    His face turned ashen, then white, looking extremely unsightly as he howled hysterically, "Damn it, damn it... I''ll kill you all..."


    "Tsk tsk tsk!" S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi''s voice full of mockery suddenly rang out, making Yang Kun''s face look even uglier. Xiao Yi clicked his tongue and said, "I never expected His Highness the Crown Prince to have such unconventional tastes; it''s just a bit too much to look at! Of course, I mean no disrespect. After all, to each their own. By the way, I''ve heard that in the Divine Beast Mountain, there''s a kind of demon beast called the Three-Colored Tiger, which is several times stronger than the Blaze Lions. Maybe His Highness the Crown Prince might like to try them out!"


    Yang Kun: "..."


    Xiao Yi burst into hearty laughter and strode away with Qi.


    Looking at Xiao Yi''s retreating figure, Yang Kun gritted his teeth, his eyes filled with ferocity and bitterness. "Xiao Yi, we will never coexist peacefully..."


    ```

 Chapter 427 - 427 Huihai Sword Master

    Great Prince''s Residence.


    Yang Kun had been soaking in the bathhouse for a full two hours.


    He always felt there was still a strange smell on his body.


    Swish!


    A figure walked in from outside the door, standing by the bathhouse, this person was Yang Kun''s house steward, who said respectfully, "Your Highness, a message from the secret agent has arrived..."


    "Hmm?"


    Yang Kun removed the towel covering his face and frowned, "What message? Does it have to be delivered to me at this time?"


    The steward said in a deep voice, "It''s about Prince Yang Ling, Prince Yang Ling has made contact with Huang Baitao of the Beast Emperor City with Xiao Yi''s help. According to reliable information, Huang Baitao will provide magical beasts as offerings for Prince Yang Ling!"


    Splash!


    Yang Kun abruptly stood up from the bath, water droplets continuously rolling off his body.


    His eyes narrowed into slits, with cold light flickering within.


    He took the secret letter from the hands of the steward.


    Yang Ling was his most formidable competitor for the crown prince position. Yang Kun also had spies placed close to him, reading the content of the secret letter, his eyes emitted two beams of cold light, "So, it''s Xiao Yi. It''s one thing for him to oppose me at every turn, but to dare to help Yang Ling? You, immediately take my token to the Tianjian Sect to find the Huihai Sword Master!"


    "Your Highness, shall we ask the Huihai Sword Master to visit the Beast Emperor City?" the steward inquired.


    Having followed Yang Kun closely, he was very clear about his master''s thoughts and style of conduct.


    Yang Kun nodded, his eyes revealing a glint of icy coldness, "Let the Huihai Sword Master take a trip to the Beast Emperor City, to warn Huang Baitao..."


    "Your Highness, but the relationships behind the Beast Emperor City are also complicated, and Huang Baitao himself is a man from that place. I''m afraid the Huihai Sword Master''s visit might not be taken seriously..." the steward pondered, expressing his concerns.


    Yang Kun scoffed, "Don''t worry, the Huihai Sword Master surely has his ways to deal with it!"


    "Yes!"


    The steward promptly left.


    Yang Kun narrowed his eyes, his gaze icy to the extreme, "Yang Ling? Xiao Yi? Hmph, defy me, and when I ascend the throne, that will be the day of your demise!"


    ¡­


    Beast Emperor City.


    Huang Yuwei was looking at Huang Baitao in front of her and asked, "Father, has the magical beast that Brother Xiao Yi requested been prepared?"


    "It''s ready!"


    Huang Baitao glanced at Huang Yuwei, almost speaking but stopped. He felt amused, a childish spirit rising in him as he laughed, "Your father is going to deliver it personally to him, and also attend the ancestral ceremony of the Great Qian Dynasty. It''s said that Xiao Yi, the head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, is to preside over the ceremony. He is our deputy city lord of the Beast Emperor City, after all; I must show up to support him. When the time comes, the Beast Emperor City will be entrusted to you to guard!"


    "Ah?"


    Huang Yuwei''s face filled with astonishment as she hesitated to say, "Father, I don''t want to guard the city..."


    "Now, that won''t do. When your father is away, there must be someone trustworthy left here!" Huang Baitao said with a beaming smile.


    "But I..."


    Huang Yuwei opened her mouth to speak, then suddenly realized that Huang Baitao was grinning mischievously. She said coyly, "Ah, Father, you tease me again. I, I won''t bother with you anymore..."


    "Haha, you little girl, since you''re fond of that scoundrel Xiao Yi, then come with your father..." Huang Baitao was saying.


    Suddenly...


    A terrifying aura enveloped the entire Beast Emperor City.


    At the same time, a cold voice came, "Where is Huang Baitao?"


    "Hmm?"


    Huang Baitao''s face suddenly changed.


    The aura was countless times more powerful than his own, just the oppressive presence alone made him feel despair and powerless; his heart turned ice cold: "A master of the Nirvana Realm?"


    Cold sweat poured down Huang Baitao''s forehead, and he clenched his teeth as he looked into the void.


    A figure with a longsword on his back stood suspended in the air, an expression of complete indifference on his face. He was the Deputy Sect Master of the Tianjian Sect, the Huihai Sword Master, a super expert of the Seventh Nirvana Realm, his every move left Huang Baitao utterly powerless to resist.


    "Father, father..." Huang Yuwei''s complexion was pale as she looked at Huang Baitao with concern.


    Huang Baitao shook his head, bit the tip of his tongue, and a sweet taste of blood filled his mouth, calming him down somewhat. He fixed his gaze on the Huihai Sword Master, "Huang has no knowledge of who your excellency might be. What brings you to our Beast Emperor City?" S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Huihai Sword Master slowly descended, positioning himself in front of Huang Baitao with an indifferent expression, "I am the Huihai Sword Master of the Tianjian Sect!"


    Hiss!


    Huang Baitao sucked in a breath of cold air, his gaze extraordinarily solemn.


    The Tianjian Sect, the foremost sect of the Great Qian Dynasty.


    Its sect master, Xu Changsheng, is even rumored to be the number one expert of the Great Qian Dynasty.


    Even with a profound background behind him, Huang Baitao did not wish to make an enemy of such a force. He said gravely, "So, you are the Huihai Sword Master. I have long heard of the sword master''s great name. However, our Beast Emperor City has no quarrels with the Tianjian Sect, so may I inquire as to the purpose of your visit?"


    The power of the Tianjian Sect is extremely formidable, such that even the royal family has to show them respect.


    Though Beast Emperor City is backed by powerful forces, which make the royal family of the Great Qian Dynasty and the top ten sects covet the resources of Beast Emperor City, they have been maintaining a relationship of non-interference.


    But if the Tianjian Sect were truly to go all out to obliterate Beast Emperor City, those behind it would not mobilize with full force.


    Huang Baitao had no choice but to be cautious.


    The Huihai Sword Master said indifferently, "I have come to convey a message from my sect master. He wishes for Beast Emperor City to be locked down for half a year, starting immediately!"


    A lockdown for half a year?


    Huang Baitao''s face changed slightly. He had anticipated the reason for the Huihai Sword Master''s presence as he said solemnly, "A lockdown for half a year is not a problem, but I have an agreement with Xiao Yi of the Xiaoshanhe Institute to deliver a demon beast to him..."


    "There''s no need to deliver it now!"


    The Huihai Sword Master gave a cold smile, already having noticed the sixth-order peak demon beast inside the city lord''s residence. With but a flick of his finger,


    a flying sword shot out.


    It directly sliced the demon beast within the city lord''s residence in two. The Huihai Sword Master said expressionlessly, "That demon beast has been slain by me. There''s no need for further delivery. Furthermore, I hope Lord Huang remembers the words of my sect master: starting now, lockdown Beast Emperor City for half a year, and no one from Beast Emperor City is permitted to take even a half-step outside. Otherwise, my Tianjian Sect won''t care who is backing you..."


    Whoosh!


    A chilling Sword Qi penetrated into the sea.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The entire sea surface was actually cleaved apart, leaving a terrifying Sword Qi circulating within, causing this stretch of sea trench, extending for dozens of miles, to remain unrepaired for a long time.


    Huang Baitao''s face alternated between shades of green and white, yet he did not dare to voice his anger.


    The Huihai Sword Master scoffed disdainfully and said lightly, "Lord Huang, you better take good care of yourself!"


    Whoosh!


    The Huihai Sword Master then immediately departed.


    Only then did Huang Yuwei step forward, her face full of worry: "Father, why would the Tianjian Sect suddenly demand a lockdown of our city..."


    "Yang Kun!"


    Huang Baitao slowly uttered two words, his face dark with grimness, "I''ve long heard that the elder prince Yang Kun is a person of the Tianjian Sect. Naturally, the Tianjian Sect hopes that Yang Kun will inherit the throne. The demon beast we were preparing for Xiao Yi was for Prince Yang Ling to participate in the ancestral worship ceremony. Their appearance at this time, forcing me to lockdown the Beast Emperor City for half a year, is surely for the sake of Yang Kun..."


    "Then... what should we do?" Huang Yuwei fretted, "Now that the demon beast is killed and we''re forced into a lockdown, what about Brother Xiao Yi..."


    "Alas..."


    Huang Baitao sighed, feeling quite helpless, "As of now, your father has no solutions. The demon beast is the only casualty for now, but if we don''t lockdown, you and I could be the ones to perish. Let''s just send a message to Xiao Yi to inform him of everything happening here. Go announce the news immediately, starting now, Beast Emperor City is to be locked down for half a year."


    "I... alright..."


    Huang Yuwei struggled internally, but she also knew of her father''s helplessness.


    She had witnessed the might of the Huihai Sword Master firsthand. Experience tales at My Virtual Library Empire


    How could Beast Emperor City possibly contend with such power?


    As Huang Yuwei departed,


    a spirit bird flew out from Huang Baitao''s sleeve, carrying the message to let it fly to the Great Qian Dynasty. Huang Baitao looked at the miles-long and still-unhealed sea trench, and heaved a deep sigh, "A lockdown for half a year? Xiao Yi, I hope that after six months, I will still be able to see you..."

 Chapter 428 - 428 Northern Territory News

    Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Xiao Yi was giving guidance to Ye Heng, Jin Feiyan, and Ruan Yunyi in their cultivation practices.


    Ever since returning from Divine Beast Mountain, he had also been trying to visualize heaven and earth, nature, and the starry sky, but he had never found a visualization target that perfectly matched his opportunity.


    The object of visualization for Martial Dao Fasxiang is not something one can choose carelessly.


    Otherwise...


    One could only capture its form but fail to gather its essence.


    In the end, it would lead to a deviant path where one might either be stuck in this realm for life or be forced to dissolve their physique and manifest their dharma anew.


    But once one dissolves their physique, it means digging one''s own grave and severing one''s potential.


    It is an option not to be taken unless absolutely necessary.


    "Ye Heng, with your current progress in cultivation, reaching the Third Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm around the time of the Ancestral Worship Ceremony should pose no problem. Coupled with your Battle War Holy Body, I estimate that even at Golden Elixir Peak, you would be able to put up a fight!" Xiao Yi said with a smile.


    "Master, I will definitely not disappoint you!" Ye Heng patted his chest excitedly.


    Jin Feiyan, smiling sweetly, tugged at Xiao Yi''s sleeve and asked, "Master, what about me? What about me? I have already stepped into the Golden Elixir Realm..."


    "Rest assured, your teacher has not forgotten!"


    Xiao Yi rolled his eyes helplessly and said, "You''ve stepped into the Golden Elixir Realm, so naturally, you can be promoted to my direct disciple. I will pass on the ''Eight Trigrams Dragon Roaming Body Skill'' to you, and I hope you won''t disappoint me during the fight for the first incense offering at the Ancestral Worship Ceremony!"


    "Don''t worry, Master, I will surely capture the first incense offering!" Jin Feiyan received the scroll gleefully, all smiles.


    Xiao Yi''s gaze fell on Ruan Yunyi, who looked somewhat uneasy.


    He had the shortest time of contact with Xiao Yi.


    Due to his experiences, he felt extremely inferior and was very envious that Ye Heng and Jin Feiyan were recognized by Xiao Yi. Xiao Yi glanced at him and said with a smile, "Yunyi, since you''ve joined my tutelage not long ago and your cultivation level isn''t suitable to participate in the Ancestral Worship Ceremony, here are some elixirs for you. Take them and cultivate diligently, and try to raise your cultivation level!"


    "Th-thank you, Master!"


    Ruan Yunyi showed gratefulness in his eyes as he respectfully took the elixirs.


    Xiao Yi hummed an acknowledgment and then asked, "How has Xiao Yun been doing lately?"


    He had an inexplicable feeling toward Xiao Yun, as if they had known each other for a long time, but Xiao Yi was certain he had never seen him before.


    Ruan Yunyi replied, "Master, Brother Xiao Yun is currently in seclusion, seemingly researching a formation!"


    "Oh?"


    Xiao Yi nodded, his curiosity about Xiao Yun being merely passing, and he did not inquire further. After reminding the three to practice well, Yu Huaxian came running from afar in a great hurry, "Head of the Institute, His Highness Yang Ling requests an audience!"


    "Yang Ling?"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback, frowning slightly, "What does he want with me at this hour?"


    A moment later.


    Xiao Yi saw an anxious Yang Ling in another pavilion. Looking at his worry and unwillingness, Xiao Yi realized that something serious must have happened. He furrowed his brows and asked, "Yang Ling, what exactly has happened? Why are you seeking me out so urgently?"


    "You''re finally here!"


    Yang Ling came forward with a bitter smile, holding a spiritual bird in his hand, which he had sent to communicate with Huang Baitao, "Huang Baitao sent a message saying that Yang Kun sent the Huihai Sword Master to Beast Emperor City to slay the magical beast he had prepared for me and ordered Beast Emperor City to be sealed for half a year!"


    Xiao Yi''s face changed drastically.


    He finally understood why Yang Ling was so anxious.


    Beast Emperor City being sealed for half a year.


    It meant they would not be able to find a sacrificial beast from Beast Emperor City. He couldn''t help but sigh inwardly: "Yang Kun... what a ruthless move."


    Anger too was stirring in his heart.


    To stop Yang Ling, Yang Kun was truly stopping at nothing.


    After failing to vie for the Ink Flood Dragon, he decided to slay it.


    Xiao Yi set out to Divine Beast Mountain to visualize the Iron Winged Chi Dragon, taking with him the reverse scale of Xiao Tianjiao''s mount, causing Xiao Yi to miss the opportunity to contemplate the Iron Winged Chi Dragon.


    Now, he had even dispatched the Huihai Sword Master, forcing Huang Baitao to seal the city for half a year.


    This cut off their hopes of finding sacrificial beast from Beast Emperor City.


    Yang Ling was at his wit''s end, as the Ancestral Sacrifice Ceremony was drawing closer and closer, but he had yet to secure his sacrificial beast. Xiao Yi was his only lifeline, "Xiao Yi, you must think of a way to help me..."


    Xiao Yi nodded and reassured him, "Don''t worry, I will think of a way for you!"


    After pondering for a moment.


    Xiao Yi said, "Let''s do this, follow me to the Treasure Pavilion, they have branches everywhere, surely they will have some news!"


    "That''s the only thing we can do now!"


    Yang Ling nodded.


    The two of them immediately headed to the Treasure Pavilion.


    When Nalan Qianqiu learned of their backgrounds, she pondered for a moment and then said, "Our Treasure Pavilion rarely deals with the beast industry, and it would be somewhat difficult for us to provide beasts. However, I have heard that some strange events have recently occurred on the Northern Ice Plains, with mysterious beasts causing trouble. Even General Yan Wei, who personally oversees the situation, is unable to deal with that mysterious beast. Maybe you can go check the Northern Ice Plains..."


    "Even General Yan Wei can''t handle it?" Yang Ling''s eyes lit up.


    Yan Wei was one of the ten Great Generals of the Great Qian Dynasty.


    His combat power was comparable to the ninth layer of the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    If even he couldn''t handle the beast, it was very likely a sixth-order high level or even a sixth-order peak.


    With this thought.


    Yang Ling looked at Xiao Yi and spoke gravely, "Xiao Yi, the news about my deal with Beast Emperor City was discovered so quickly by Yang Kun; I''m afraid he has infiltrated my ranks. Could you accompany me to the Northern Ice Plains?"


    Xiao Yi nodded and agreed, "To the Northern Ice Plains, I will accompany you!"


    "Thank you!"


    Yang Ling expressed his gratitude.


    Xiao Yi waved his hand; he had always had a good impression of Yang Ling.


    Besides, if Yang Kun was causing him trouble time and again, Xiao Yi naturally would not wish to see Yang Kun ascend to the position of Crown Prince.


    Yang Ling spoke solemnly, "However, going to the Northern Ice Plains to find a beast is not going to be easy. Both of us know little about beasts, and with the Northern Ice Plains being fraught with crises, we need to find a few more helpers. I will go look for helpers first; let us meet outside the city tonight and set off overnight, alright?"


    "Fine!"


    Xiao Yi naturally had no objections to this.


    The two of them went their separate ways.


    In the shadows...


    A figure watched as Xiao Yi split up from his companion, a cold glint passed through his eyes, "They are separating at this time; they must be up to something. I need to inform His Highness quickly..." sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    However.


    Just as he turned around, he saw Xiao Yi looking at him with a half-smile.


    Hisss!


    The man''s face changed, and without any hesitation, he turned and fled into the distance.


    "Do you think you can run away without my permission?" Xiao Yi said with a faint smile.


    He reached out into the void with his palm and directly grabbed the other man by the neck, pulling him back in front of him, Xiao Yi calmly said, "You were sent by Yang Kun, weren''t you?"


    "I, I don''t know what you''re talking about..." The man feigned innocence and said, "Let me go quickly, or else I''ll start calling for help..."


    "You''ve quite a tough mouth!"


    Xiao Yi shook his head slightly, then with a crack, he twisted the man''s neck, squinting his eyes and looking in the direction Yang Ling had left, "I hope Yang Ling doesn''t encounter any problems..."

 Chapter 429 - 429: Defeating the Tianjiao with a Single Finger

    The silver moon hung high in the sky.


    The tightly shut Vermilion Bird Gate quietly opened a crack, and two figures emerged from within.


    Wrapped in black cloaks, they looked left and right before quickly heading forward, assured that no one was around.


    A moment later.


    They arrived at a dense forest ten miles away from the imperial capital.


    Rustling noises!


    Amidst the chaotic sounds, several figures gathered together.


    The ones who had come from the city were none other than Xiao Yi and Yang Ling, and those meeting them here were a man and a woman.


    The man was handsome and extraordinary, wearing his pride plainly on his face.


    The woman''s face was covered with a white veil, and an icy aura was unconsciously released from her, resembling a snow goddess.


    "Your Highness!"


    The two greeted Yang Ling with a bow.


    "Shen, Miss Bai, I''m sorry to have kept you waiting!"


    Yang Ling returned their greeting with a bow and then turned to look at Xiao Yi beside him, saying, "This is Shen Mo from the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect, the youngest sixth-rank high-level Beast Tamer there. And this is Bai Xue from the Feixue Temple, she..."


    Before he could finish his sentence.


    The cold Bai Xue waved her hand and with an indifferent tone tinted with a trace of disdain said, "Prince Yang Ling, I agreed to help because my master owes you a favor. Once this matter is over, we shall have no further connections with the Feixue Temple. There''s no need to introduce these irrelevant people to me!"


    "This..."


    Yang Ling''s face slightly changed, showing a hint of anger.


    No matter what, Xiao Yi was his friend, and Bai Xue''s arrogance went so far as to show impatience even while he was introducing Xiao Yi.


    Shen Mo, standing aside with an expressionless face, spoke indifferently, "Prince Yang Ling, in aiding you this time, the thing you promised me before..."


    Yang Ling said with a heavy voice, "Rest assured, when this is accomplished, I will not break the promises I made to you!"


    "Great!"


    Shen Mo nodded, his gaze swiftly passing over Xiao Yi with a hint of impatience, "Your Highness, we''re headed for the perilous Northern Ice Plains, yet you bring along such trash who''s only at the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm. Aren''t you deliberately dragging us down?"


    He was the Direct Disciple of Shen Yan.


    Not only was he at the Dharma Manifestation Realm, but he was also a high-level sixth-rank Beast Tamer, controlling three sixth-rank beasts.


    In the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect, he was regarded as a prodigy.


    He had never seen Xiao Yi before and thus was unaware of his identity.


    The eyes beneath Xiao Yi''s cloak swept over Shen Mo as he spoke lightly, "If I''m trash, then aren''t you even less than trash?"


    "Hm?"


    Shen Mo''s complexion darkened as he sneered ominously, "Prince Yang Ling, it seems your friend does not take me seriously!"


    "Shen, my friend has always been like this, please forgive him!" Yang Ling quickly said, not wishing for a conflict to erupt before they had even set out, as he did not want to offend either Xiao Yi or Shen Mo.


    Shen Mo said coldly, "He has always been like this? With your strength, such an arrogant character, how have you not been beaten to death?"


    Xiao Yi responded with an exasperated look, "Idiot!"


    "You''re asking for it!"


    Shen Mo''s face fell, for he had never suffered such humiliation. His eyes erupted with a cold glint as he struck out at Xiao Yi, "Fierce Tiger Palm!"


    Whoosh!


    The palm wind was extremely fierce.


    The whirlwind of vital energy formed into a majestic tiger that pounced toward Xiao Yi with immense ferocity.


    Bai Xue, noticing that Xiao Yi hadn''t moved an inch, wore a mocking expression, "Shen Mo''s Fierce Tiger Palm is so well cultivated it''s flawless, and its power is immense. Even I wouldn''t dare to take it head-on. Is this boy foolishly overconfident? He''s simply courting death!"


    But she was quickly proven wrong!


    Xiao Yi simply lifted his right hand and pointed a single finger.


    Hum!


    As the vital energy surged out, it shattered the oncoming tiger''s shadow into nothingness.


    His finger did not stop there.


    Bang!


    His finger struck Shen Mo, who spat out a mouthful of blood, flying backward, his complexion suddenly turning deathly pale. Shen Mo looked at Xiao Yi with shock, "How, how is this possible? You''re merely at the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm, yet how can you be so powerful?"


    He was, after all, a Dharma Manifestation Realm quintuple master.


    How could such a forceful punch be broken by Xiao Yi, and even more, be injured with a single finger point?


    Bai Xue was also dumbfounded.


    Only Yang Ling let out a wry laugh, "I told you not to be impulsive, you are not his match..."


    "Impossible!"


    Shen Mo snorted coldly, gritted his teeth and said, "My greatest skill is being a Beast Tamer, not hand-to-hand combat, come out!"


    Snap!


    Shen Mo slapped his beast taming pouch at his waist. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Whoosh!


    A black light flew out from the beast taming pouch and shot up into the sky. The palm-sized black shadow swelled and enlarged rapidly. In the blink of an eye, it transformed into a twenty-some-meter-long shadow with wings on its back, stirring up wild winds that bent numerous trees in the dense forest.


    This was a sixth-order middle-grade monster beast, comparable to the peak of the Dharma Manifestation Realm sixth tier: the Winged Serpent.


    The Winged Serpent landed on the ground.


    Its head held high, full of pride, its ruby-like eyes shone with a sharp light.


    Its scarlet tongue flicked in and out of its mouth.


    Whoosh!


    Shen Mo landed on top of the Winged Serpent''s head, his cold gaze fixed on Xiao Yi, "Winged Serpent, swallow him for me!"


    "Yes!"


    The Winged Serpent spat out human speech, flapped its wings, and with a whoosh, shot towards Xiao Yi.


    Faced with the twenty-some-meter-long Winged Serpent diving at full force, Xiao Yi remained calm, standing still without moving. Only when the Winged Serpent''s gaping maw was right before him did he lift a finger and point forward.


    Yuan Qi flowed from his fingertip, transforming into a cold star.


    Buzz!


    The Yuan Qi cold star trembled violently. Upon touching the Winged Serpent, it instantly transformed into a circular Yuan Qi shield.


    Boom!


    The Winged Serpent''s huge body could not advance any further, yet it couldn''t stop its momentum and crashed violently against the Yuan Qi shield. The blow dazed the Winged Serpent, seeing stars, while Xiao Yi simply extended his hand and pressed downward.


    Whoosh!


    A Yuan Qi hand appeared out of nowhere, grabbed the Winged Serpent''s head, and slammed it hard onto the ground.


    Boom!


    The Winged Serpent slammed hard into the ground, pinned down by Xiao Yi''s single finger, unable to move.


    Shen Mo, who stood atop the Winged Serpent''s head, also tumbled over, pressed under the Winged Serpent, and screamed in pain, "Hurry, let me out, I... I surrender, let me out..."


    At this moment, Shen Mo had lost all his previous arrogance.


    His gaze at Xiao Yi was filled with awe and respect.


    Yang Ling stepped forward at the right moment and persuaded, "Xiao, our journey to the Northern Ice Plains is long and arduous, and we can''t do without the Winged Serpent for transport. Plus, we need Shen Mo''s ability to track monsters for the journey through the ice plains. Could you let him off for my sake?"


    "Hm!"


    Xiao Yi nodded, relaxed his hand, and looked coldly at Shen Mo and the Winged Serpent, who were warily watching him, "This time, I''ll spare you for Yang Ling''s sake. Should you dare to provoke me again, your fate will be like this stone!"


    Puff!


    He pointed his finger.


    A stone beside him instantly turned to dust.


    "No, I wouldn''t dare... I wouldn''t dare..." Shen Mo hurriedly shook his head.


    This Tianjiaao of the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect was completely subdued under Xiao Yi''s single finger point.


    Bai Xue kept silent, but upon hearing Yang Ling''s mention of their destination, the Northern Ice Plains, her fingers twitched slightly inside her sleeves. She let a piece of cloth fall to the ground, which she quietly covered with weeds.


    Shen Mo also crawled out from under the Winged Serpent, cupped his hands towards Yang Ling, and said, "Thank you, your Highness, for lending a hand!"


    Yang Ling breathed a sigh of relief and said, "It''s good that the misunderstanding is resolved. The journey is long; we should set off!"


    "Alright!"


    Shen Mo nodded, beckoned to everyone to mount the Winged Serpent, which looked at Xiao Yi respectfully, flapped its wings, and disappeared into the night sky.


    But no one noticed...


    Shortly after they departed, a group of men in black appeared at the location, quickly finding the piece of cloth on the ground. One of them raised an eyebrow and let out a sinister cold laugh, "Go back and inform his Highness that their destination is the Northern Ice Plains. The rest of you, continue the pursuit and try to eliminate them before his Highness arrives..."

 Chapter 430 - 430: Murderous Heist

    ```


    The Great Qian Dynasty spanned vast territories.


    It faced the Beast Emperor Sea to the east, bordered vassal states of the Western Region to the west, the ten nations of Nanhuang to the south, and only to the north was it bordering the Sword Dynasty, which was in no way weaker than the Great Qian Dynasty.


    In terms of national strength and powerful individuals, the Sword Dynasty was comparable to the Great Qian Dynasty.


    The border between the two countries lay at the Northern Ice Plains.


    Rich in mythical beasts and a variety of resources, the plains often became a battleground as the two countries vied for these assets.


    Frictions, both large and small, were frequent.


    This rendered the situation on the Northern Ice Plains extremely tense.


    Atop the Northern Ice Plains stood fortresses, specifically the Northern Bing City of the Great Qian Dynasty and the Southern Ice City of the Sword Dynasty. Positioned in opposition, with a plain of ice stretching between them, they faced each other from a distance.


    Their destination this time was precisely the Northern Ice Plains, situated between the two cities.


    Above the heavens, snowflakes fluttered unpredictably.


    As they approached the Northern Ice Plains, the temperature plummeted suddenly, with a vast expanse of goose-feather-like snow covering the land. A Winged Snake soared through the skies, breaking through the wind and snow, carrying Xiao Yi and his three companions as they sat on its back, their elemental energy rising and falling around them, blocking out the bitter cold snow and wind.


    Shen Mo had already learned of Xiao Yi''s identity, and with a wry smile, said, "Your Highness, if only you had told me that this was Xiao earlier, I wouldn''t have ended up being beaten up!"


    Though he had never seen Xiao Yi before,


    he had heard of Xiao Yi''s terrifying combat record, especially how Xiao Yi recently went to the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect to cure the ink dragon, earning high praise from Shen Yan. Had he known it was Xiao Yi, Shen Mo would certainly not have harbored any contempt.


    Yang Ling rolled his eyes, "I was going to introduce you, but you guys..."


    He glanced over at Bai Xue.


    It was Bai Xue who had interrupted his introduction to Xiao Yi just now. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Shen Mo snapped out of it and glared at Bai Xue fiercely but said nothing else.


    Feixue Temple was the most unique among the ten major sects.


    Composed entirely of women, its overall strength was considered the weakest among the ten, but it was the power that all other forces were the least willing to provoke. The reason was simple; every generation of Feixue Temple disciples would marry into the other nine major sects and various forces.


    Shen Mo''s mother and Bai Xue were both disciples of the Feixue Temple''s nine elders, and by seniority, he had to address Bai Xue as his martial aunt, hence he dared not trouble her.


    Bai Xue, however, maintained an attitude of closed-eye meditation, as if she hadn''t heard their conversation at all.


    The Winged Snake was in mid-flight.


    Xiao Yi''s expression changed slightly, and he said in a deep voice, "Get down!"


    "Huh?"


    Everyone was taken aback and looked at him, puzzled.


    Xiao Yi shouted in a low voice, "Get down, now!"


    A chill enveloped everyone as Shen Mo''s hands trembled, and without daring to question further, he patted the head of the Winged Snake and commanded, "Get down!"


    Whoosh!


    The Winged Snake flapped its wings and began to descend to the ground.


    Almost at the same moment that it began its descent, a cold arrow flew through the space where it had been previously. The arrow, three to four meters long, was a Feiyu Arrow, specifically designed to shoot down flying mythical beasts and aerial martial artists.


    With a deadly poison applied to it, a single hit would mean death even for those in the Dharma Manifestation Realm, whether human martial artists or mythical beasts.


    The Feiyu Arrow was often used for defending cities, intended to prevent enemy powerhouses from breaking through the defenses while in flight.


    Because of its formidable power, even those warriors who could fly seldom dared to risk breaking through the defenses from the air during a siege. After all, the poison on the Feiyu Arrow could kill even those in the Dharma Manifestation Realm!


    This was a forbidden military weapon.


    Not something that would be found in civilian hands.


    "A Feiyu Arrow?" Yang Ling''s pupils suddenly constricted as he recognized the Feiyu Arrow.


    Cold sweat broke out on everyone''s foreheads.


    If it hadn''t been for Xiao Yi''s timely warning to dodge, the Winged Snake would most likely have been killed by that Feiyu Arrow.


    "Who could it be, wielding a Feiyu Arrow?" Shen Mo was astonished and quickly urged the Winged Snake to descend to the ground.


    Swish swish swish!


    Three more Feiyu Arrows followed, each with incredible speed.


    Xiao Yi leaped up and exclaimed, "A Stroke That Surprises the Wind and Rain!"


    ```


    Swish, swish, swish!


    Sword light tore through the air like a torrential downpour.


    Under the onslaught of the blinding sword rain, the three feathered arrows were all sever and gone, allowing the Winged Serpent to safely land. The moment it touched the ground, Xiao Yi ordered Shen Mo to store the Winged Serpent in the beast-controlling bag, saying gravely, "The enemy will catch up soon, hide yourselves first!"


    The group immediately disbanded, concealing themselves within the jungle.


    A moment later.


    Dozens of figures appeared in succession, searching everywhere for traces of Xiao Yi and the others, but they had not found any. The leader''s face darkened as he said, "You useless bunch, couldn''t even take them out with four feathered arrows?"


    "Leader, it''s not our fault!"


    "We didn''t know how they realized we were making a move..."


    The group looked aggrieved.


    "Damn it!"


    The leader in black gnashed his teeth, "Such a good opportunity wasted! Now that they''re on guard, it won''t be so easy to succeed..."


    "If you reveal who you are, maybe I can give you another chance!" Before the leader could finish, Xiao Yi''s voice came from within the jungle.


    "Hmm?"


    The leader''s expression changed drastically as dozens of people turned to look in the direction of the sound.


    Xiao Yi walked out with his hands behind his back, emerging from the dense forest.


    With a playful and cold smile on his face, he looked at the few dozen people before him and said softly, "To wield feathered arrows, there must be military personnel backing you up. Let me guess, were you sent by Yang Kun?"


    "Humph!"


    The leader''s pupils shrank slightly, yet he snorted coldly without confirming it and said indifferently, "I don''t know what you''re talking about... We''re just robbers blocking the road, have your companions come out!"


    "To deal with you, one of me is enough!" Xiao Yi said flatly.


    "Arrogant!"


    The leader in black sneered, "Since they''re too scared to show up, forcing you to come out and die, then I''ll oblige you!"


    Swish!


    The leader in black charged forward, followed closely by the dozens of men behind him.


    The cultivation of this black-clad leader wasn''t weak either; he had reached the fourth layer of the Dharma Manifestation Realm. Among his ranks were six others at the Dharma Manifestation Realm and the rest were at least at the Tao Tribulation Realm. Dozens of men attacked simultaneously, creating an imposing manner; their well-organized formation made it clear they were hardy military warriors.


    Xiao Yi''s face was expressionless, "If you won''t speak, then shut up forever!"


    As soon as he finished speaking.


    His figure suddenly moved, like a ferocious tiger pouncing on its prey, charging directly into the crowd of black-clothed figures.


    A Stroke That Surprises the Wind and Rain!


    White herons splitting the river water!


    The Blue Lotus Reincarnation...


    Xiao Yi''s sword moves flowed like clouds and water, sweeping broadly and delivering devastating power.


    Under the terror of his fearsome sword technique, heads flew high into the sky, and within just a few moments of breaths, not a single person was left standing beside Xiao Yi. Everyone had their heads severed, turning into headless corpses.


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi let out a long breath and started searching the body of the black-clad leader, retrieving a token.


    It bore the inscription Blood Saber!


    Narrowing his eyes, Xiao Yi said, "Yang Yuhuan''s Blood Saber Guard? Was it him who sent people to assassinate us?"


    "Blood Saber Guard?"


    Yang Ling''s face darkened as he came by Xiao Yi''s side, looking at the token of Blood Saber Guard with a savage flash in his eyes, and said in a low voice, "It''s not the king''s uncle, they were sent by Yang Kun!"


    "Yang Kun?"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback.


    Yang Ling nodded and said firmly, "Yang Kun also has command over the Blood Saber Guard; it must be his men who were sent. Damn, I''ve been extremely careful, how could they still know my whereabouts? With Yang Kun''s methods, he will not stop here, and I''m afraid our journey will be fraught with even more danger..."


    "No matter,"


    Xiao Yi simply smiled, his gaze sharp with a trace of cold intensity, "We''ll deal with the soldiers as they come, if one comes, I''ll kill one, if a pair comes, I''ll slaughter both... I want to see how many more he can send after us..."

 Chapter 431 - 431 Northern Bing City

    After cleaning up the battlefield,


    Shen Mo summoned a Winged Serpent, and the group set off again.


    However, about half an hour after they left, Yang Kun appeared at the site with a band of powerful individuals.


    Looking at the corpses of the black-clothed leader and the others on the ground, an icy expression appeared on Yang Kun''s face, "Useless trash, all wiped out in one fell swoop."


    "Your Highness, we have startled the snake by hitting the grass, what should we do now?" A young man dressed in black beside Yang Kun asked.


    If Xiao Yi had been there, he would have recognized that this young man was none other than Sun Yao.


    Yang Kun said coldly, "What is there to fear? Each of us could drown them with just a spit. Furthermore, we have Bai Xue as an insider among them. No matter what, they will not be able to escape the palm of my hand!"


    "Your Highness is indeed wise, to even have your people in Feixue Temple!" Sun Yao said with a smile.


    Yang Kun proudly smiled and then said coldly, "Listen, everyone, as soon as you catch up with them, show no mercy. Yang Ling has been staying in the imperial capital this whole time, and I have never had the chance to make a move. This is an opportunity bestowed by heaven; he must not be allowed to live and return!"


    "Rest assured, elder brother, we know what to do!"


    "The position of the Crown Prince should rightfully belong to Your Highness. Who else has the right to vie for it?"


    "Besides them¡­"


    With a wave of his hand, Yang Kun led the group in pursuit toward the direction of the Northern Ice Plains.


    ¡­


    In Northern Bing City,


    As a frontier fortress of the Great Qian Dynasty in the north, the city was substantial.


    Built against the mountain, it guarded the northern thoroughfares.


    By the time Xiao Yi and his companions arrived at Northern Bing City, the place was already a sea of people.


    Countless individuals formed a black torrent, rushing towards the square inside the city.


    In the crowd, apart from the defending soldiers of Northern Bing City, there were also many stray Martial Artists and townsfolk. At this moment, each person''s face was marked by ferocity and coldness, accompanied by anger that seemed to reach its breaking point.


    "Damn it, don''t let me find out who did this, or I''ll tear them to pieces!"


    "Not just tear them to pieces? I want to dig out their ancestral graves¡­"


    Curse after curse echoed among the crowd.


    Xiao Yi and the others looked at each other in bewilderment.


    Shen Mo asked, "What on earth happened? Why does everyone look so enraged?"


    "Let''s go and see what''s going on!" Yang Ling said.


    The group followed the crowd forward.


    In the square...


    Three carriages were lined up in a row.


    Atop the carriages,


    bodies were spread out haphazardly, each body mutilated, as if torn apart by someone''s bare hands or savagely ripped asunder by beasts.


    It was a terrifying sight.


    Menacing to behold.


    Hiss!


    Even Xiao Yi couldn''t help but draw a sharp breath. There were easily over a hundred bodies on the three carriages, including some elderly, women, and children, as well as some soldiers in broken armor.


    There were even the hands and feet of babbling toddlers among them!


    What kind of being could have such cruel methods?


    Shen Mo''s eyes reddened with rage, and he said in a suppressed voice, "Xiao, Your Highness, I''ll go and find out what''s going on."


    Xiao Yi nodded, remaining silent.


    A moment later,


    Shen Mo returned with a gloomy face, his voice somewhat hoarse, "I''ve found out what happened. These are the villagers from a village called the Wen Family Village on the ice plains. The city''s patrol team found them during their rounds¡ªmore than two thousand people from the Wen Family Village reduced to just these mangled bodies..."


    Hiss!


    The group couldn''t help but gasp.


    A village of over two thousand people left with only these mutilated remains?


    What about the others?


    Clearly, they couldn''t still be alive!


    A few villagers nearby were also discussing, "This is already the seventh village to suffer such a fate this month. The city lord''s mansion says it''s the work of a beast, but what kind of beast could be so vicious?"


    "In these two months, the death toll has exceeded one hundred thousand..."


    "Over one hundred thousand dead or injured in two months?"


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes and stared at the wounds on the mutilated corpses, frowning slightly, and asked in a low voice, "Little Lin, can you tell what might have caused these injuries?"


    Little Lin possessed inherited memories and a vast wealth of knowledge.


    Its sharp gaze swept over the corpses, and it shook its head, "Boss, these wounds are highly peculiar; even in my inherited memories, I can''t find a clear match. It must be an extremely rare beast!"


    Xiao Yi was startled and his eyebrows furrowed deeply, "Ordinary beast attacks, even those that wipe out entire villages, wouldn''t leave without a trace. The affairs that have taken place in the Northern Bing City over these past two months are probably not simple!"


    At that moment...


    A middle-aged military leader clad in grey armor landed in the middle of the square; his gray armor was ancient and weathered, covered with numerous battle scars, each a testament to the bloodshed he had seen.


    This man was none other than General Yan Wei, the city lord of Northern Bing City, a master at the Dharma Phase Realm Peak!


    He was one of the ten great commanders of the Great Qian Dynasty!


    Yang Ling looked solemnly at Yan Wei, his eyes flashing with serious colors, and whispered to Xiao Yi, "This General Yan Wei is one of the few commanders of the Great Qian dynasty who is not from under the War King''s command."


    Xiao Yi nodded in acknowledgment.


    Within the Great Qian Dynasty, there were ten commander-level great generals, and no less than six of them came from under Yang Yuhuan, the Unmatched War King.


    The meaning behind Yang Ling''s words implied that Yan Wei was someone to be trusted.


    At the same time...


    He was also someone Yang Ling was preparing to win over.


    Yan Wei, looking at the hundreds of corpses, his eyes bloodshot, said to the people, "Ladies and gentlemen, as the lord of Northern Bing City, I let such a tragedy occur within my jurisdiction, for which I owe you all an apology. Once I find and bring the criminal beast to justice, I shall go to the imperial capital and request His Majesty to pass judgment and punishment on me..."


    "General Yan, we all know you''ve tried your hardest!"


    "Yes, General Yan, you''ve exhausted yourself for our sake. How can we blame you?"


    The crowd said one after another.


    Yan Wei felt grateful in his heart and declared loudly, "Please be assured, everyone. Even if I have to sacrifice my own life, I will surely capture the culprit!"


    "We believe in you!"


    "You can do it, General Yan!"


    Yan Wei nodded profoundly and then his gaze fell upon Xiao Yi and the others; upon seeing Yang Ling, Yan Wei paused, then quickly stepped forward and said, "I had no knowledge of your visit, Your Highness, and failed to welcome you from afar. Please forgive me!"


    "General Yan, what are you saying? You have worked tirelessly to defend the northern borders of the Great Qian Dynasty. My sudden visit is actually an imposition, and you bear no blame," Yang Ling replied respectfully, his gaze earnest and sincere, moving Yan Wei profoundly.


    Yan Wei turned to Xiao Yi and the others, "And this gentleman is..."


    Yang Ling quickly said, "This is Xiao Yi, the head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, Shen Mo, a disciple of the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect, and Bai Xue, a disciple of the Feixue Temple!"


    "Oh? So it''s Head Xiao Yi, a name I have long heard!"


    Yan Wei raised an eyebrow, and for both Shen Mo and Bai Xue, he merely nodded as a sign of recognition, but his gaze towards Xiao Yi was filled with intense curiosity.


    This was the young genius who had nearly eradicated the Nangong Family and was capable of standing toe-to-toe with Yang Yuhuan.


    Now Xiao Yi''s name was well-known throughout the Great Qian Dynasty!


    Xiao Yi humbly said, "General Yan gives me too much credit¡ªguarding the frontier is truly the admirable task, and you are the idol in our hearts!"


    "Idol?" Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Yan Wei let out a bitter smile and pointed to the hundreds of corpses, "In the region under my watch, such a tragedy occurs, and I''m powerless to stop it. How do I qualify to be your idol?"


    The group fell silent for a moment.


    Xiao Yi said, "General Yan, we have come to track down the beast responsible for this tragedy. Do you have any leads?"


    "The beast is very cunning and hasn''t left any clues. In the past, once a village was attacked, the whole village would disappear together. This incident with the Wen Family Village leaving behind corpses is a first. However..."


    Yan Wei hesitated for a moment. He hadn''t expected Xiao Yi and his group to come in pursuit of the beast, then he shared, "I received information three days ago that in the Teng Family Village, villagers and livestock have been mysteriously disappearing, so I sent people to keep watch. But I didn''t expect the Wen Family Village to be the one met with disaster..."


    "The Teng Family Village?"


    Xiao Yi and the others were taken aback, narrowed their eyes, and murmured, "With no leads to follow, let''s start with the Teng Family Village then!"

 Chapter 432 - 432 The Teng Family Village

    "You''re heading to the Teng Family Village?"


    Yan Wei was taken aback, frowning at them with a worried expression, "The ice plains are fraught with dangers these days. I urge you not to rashly expose yourselves to risk!"


    Yang Ling was Emperor Qian''s most beloved prince.


    If anything were to befall him on the ice plains, Yan Wei, who was in charge of guarding Northern Bing City, would not be able to escape responsibility either.


    Yang Ling smiled and said, "General, rest assured, we will be careful and cautious!"


    "But..."


    Yan Wei still wanted to prevent them.


    Yang Ling had already waved his hand, smiling as he said, "General, please don''t worry too much. As a prince, these deceased citizens are also my subjects, and it is my duty to uncover the truth for them!"


    Upon hearing this,


    Yan Wei looked at Yang Ling with a touch more reassurance in his eyes and nodded, "Since this is the case, I won''t obstruct you any further. However, the ice plains above are not conducive to flying. I''ll prepare a snow sled for you, to facilitate your movement!"


    The cold of the ice plains was bone-chilling, and unless one was constantly protected by vital energy while flying,


    even those in the Dharma Manifestation Realm would still be frostbitten!


    Therefore...


    snow sleds had become the most common means of transportation across the Northern Ice Plains.


    Shen Mo went to retrieve the snow sled, while Xiao Yi and Yang Ling were discussing the matter with monster beasts and didn''t notice that Bai Xue secretly handed a piece of torn fabric to a youth with a gloomy face among the crowd.


    Whoosh!


    Watching the youth disappear into the crowd, Bai Xue secretly breathed a sigh of relief, her eyes revealing an excitement she could hardly conceal.


    "As long as His Highness Yang Kun kills them, I can become the main prince''s concubine, no, I should be the Crown Princess Consort..."


    Her gaze settled on Yang Ling, Xiao Yi, and the others, and she said softly, "I''m sorry, you all, but who asked you to stand in the way of the main prince?"


    ...


    Above the ice plains.


    The wind cut to the bone, and the world was a vast expanse of white.


    The Northern Ice Plains were known for year-round biting winds and falling snow, which covered every living thing in a blanket of white, transforming the land into a boundless white kingdom. Here, only the creatures extremely resistant to cold could survive.


    As a result, the people living above the ice plains were especially fond of alcohol, especially strong spirits!


    Xiao Yi''s party stepped onto the ice plains, riding a snow sled that was pulled by eight snow wolves.


    These snow wolves were merely low-rank monster beasts, not very strong but extremely resistant to cold and easy to tame. They raced across the ice plains all year round, breaking through the wind and snow as if assisted by divine powers. The party rode the snow sled pulled by the snow wolves, racing across the ice plains.


    The snow sled was also protected by a formation; a faint white light shield wrapped around it, ensuring that the fierce wind and snow could not reach them.


    Above the ice plains where the snow flew like a storm.


    The sled traveled unrestrained, disappearing into the vast sea of snow.


    They raced on.


    After two full hours...


    The snowstorm gradually ceased, and even a ray of sunlight appeared in the grey, clouded sky.


    Upon the snowy ground, eight snow wolves sprinted, dragging behind them a sled that kicked up flurries of snowflakes. Suddenly, a voice from Shen Mo came from the sled: "Teng Family Village is just ahead, let''s pick up the pace..."


    Howl!


    The snow wolves howled up to the sky, changing direction and heading straight for the village.


    As they drew closer,


    one could faintly make out many figures stirring in the village; they''d also noticed the arrival of Xiao Yi''s party, with many people congregating at the entrance to the village. Most were burly men, each with a robust frame, armed with spears and long tridents, watching Xiao Yi''s party with vigilance.


    The leader, a middle-aged man dressed in a grey fur coat with a vigorous aura and cultivation at the peak of the Divine Ability Realm, spoke in a deep voice, "Who goes there?"


    "We come from Northern Bing City, to investigate the recent village massacres. Passing through this area, we''d like to rest here if permitted..." Shen Mo shouted.


    "Northern Bing City?"


    The middle-aged man was taken aback; they had only just relaxed their vigilance slightly when he said in a deep voice, "Rest is fine, but we do not provide lodging in our village!"


    "Just to rest!"


    "We''ll leave soon afterwards!" Xiao Yi said.


    The middle-aged man nodded, dispersed the crowd, and said, "Keep the sled outside. Follow me!"


    "Village Chief..."


    "It''s better if we come with you!" the villagers said uneasily.


    "What''s there to worry about? Go back to your homes. If something really happens, you can still intervene in time!"


    The middle-aged man waved his hand then led Xiao Yi and his companions towards the village. Along the way, he said, "The people of the Northern Ice Plains have always been hospitable, but too many villages have been wiped out recently, so we have to be cautious. Please understand!"


    Xiao Yi nodded in understanding and looked around as they walked: "How should I address the village chief?"


    "My name is Teng Shan. You can just call me Big Shan!"


    Teng Shan led everyone into a courtyard and instructed his wife to arrange food for them. Then he ushered the group to sit in front of a stove, sizing up Xiao Yi and the others, "By the looks of your clothes, you''re not ordinary folks. Why would you come here?"


    Yang Ling said, "We are all kin of the Great Qian Dynasty. How can we turn a blind eye when our kin are in trouble?"


    "Well said!"


    Teng Shan slapped his thigh, becoming even more enthusiastic, and said, "Young brother, for those words, we''ll need to have a couple of drinks later!" He paused, then slapped his head, "Right, I still don''t know all of your names?"


    Yang Ling said, "Yang Ling, this is Xiao Yi, Shen Mo... She is Bai Xue..." S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Just then...


    Teng Shan''s wife brought over steaming meat to the table, a somewhat shy woman, with a boy and a girl who looked like adorable porcelain dolls by her side. Each carried a wine jar almost as tall as themselves and said in childish voices, "Daddy, here''s your wine!"


    "Hahaha, come to Daddy!"


    Teng Shan lifted the two children onto his lap, laughing, "These are my precious daughter Teng Qingqing and my son Teng Qingshan... You two haven''t greeted the uncles and aunties yet!"


    With wide, watery eyes, the two children looked at Xiao Yi and the others, saying in their soft voices, "Hello, uncles and aunties!"


    "Hahaha, what obedient children!"


    "Qingqing, let uncle give you a hug..."


    They were all in high spirits.


    Teng Qingqing''s eyes spun around, pausing on Bai Xue, and then she toddled over to Bai Xue, saying crisply, "Pretty sister, can I, can I touch your clothes?"


    Bai Xue''s face was as calm as still water. She glanced over disdainfully and said coolly, "Stay away from me!"


    "..."


    Teng Qingqing retracted her hand in fright, her lip quivering and her eyes instantly reddening.


    Teng Shan frowned slightly.


    Xiao Yi held Teng Qingqing in his arms and gave Bai Xue a cold look. He then smiled at Teng Qingqing and said, "Don''t be scared Qingqing... Uncle has a gift for you..." He waved his hand, and a jade pendant appeared in his palm.


    He had infused a trace of vital energy into it.


    The jade pendant was warm to the touch, ensuring Teng Qingqing would remain warm even amidst the cold winds.


    "Ah! It''s so warm!"


    Teng Qingqing''s eyes curved like crescent moons, holding the jade pendant with great fondness.


    Xiao Yi smiled and said, "Qingqing, wear this jade pendant on you, it will keep you safe!"


    "Thank you, uncle!" Teng Qingqing said sweetly.


    Xiao Yi ruffled her hair and looked towards Teng Shan, "Big brother Teng Shan, we have come to investigate the matter of the beasts, you... "


    Before he could finish,


    Teng Shan slammed the table forcefully, his face darkened, and he said, "I don''t know anything about beasts. Leave now, hurry up and leave..."

 Chapter 433 - 433: Not a Single One Left

    ```


    "I don''t know what mythical beast, get out, just get out..."


    ```


    Teng Shan''s face suddenly lost color, as if the words ''mythical beast'' were a taboo in his presence.


    Making him act crazily, his eyes bloodshot as he stared at Xiao Yi and the others, like a wild beast gone mad. His heavy breathing added an eerie touch.


    It wasn''t just Xiao Yi and the others who were startled by Teng Shan''s sudden outburst; Teng Qingqing and Teng Qingshan were also fearful, curling up in the arms of Xiao Yi and his companions.


    Teng Qingqing, with tears streaming down her face, cried softly, "Daddy, please don''t be like this, Daddy..."


    "Dad..."


    Teng Qingshan called out loudly.


    Teng Shan shuddered, and the violent look in his eyes regained some clarity. He breathed heavily, the blood fading from his eyes. He exhaled a long breath of foul air and gave a bitter smile, saying, "Sorry, I, I..."


    Xiao Yi waved his hand to show it was alright and asked in a deep voice, "Brother Teng Shan, we mean no harm. It''s just that the mythical beast has been causing havoc on the ice plains, and in the past few months, more than a hundred thousand people have died at its hands. We just want to find it and eradicate the menace for the people!"


    Huff!


    Teng Shan let out a long breath and sat back down, his eyes revealing a trace of fear.


    He pursed his lips and remained silent, seemingly struggling.


    A moment later.


    Teng Shan, as if having made a decision, spoke solemnly, "Half a month ago, when I went into the Great Snow Mountain to look for Snow Lotus, I saw a mythical beast driving a group of humans deep into the mountain. We didn''t dare to follow too closely, but we vaguely saw that the group was the people of the Luo Family Village who suddenly disappeared half a month ago..."


    Xiao Yi and the others exchanged glances, "The Great Snow Mountain?"


    Yang Ling''s eyes shone brightly as he said solemnly, "Xiao Yi, if what he says is true, then the mythical beast in the Great Snow Mountain might be the target we are looking for!"


    Xiao Yi turned to Shen Mo. The Ten Thousand Beasts Sect had a broad study of mythical beasts and was the real expert, so he asked, "Shen Mo, do you know of any mythical beasts that like to live in the Great Snow Mountain and have a preference for eating humans?"


    Shen Mo hesitated for a moment before asking Teng Shan, "Brother Teng Shan, have you ever seen what that mythical beast looks like? Or does it have any distinctive characteristics?" Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Characteristics?"


    Teng Shan thought for a moment then said gravely, "At that time, I only saw an indistinct figure, the place where it passed was always obscured by wind and snow, and I couldn''t make out what kind of mythical beast it was!"


    "Wind and snow covered wherever it passed?"


    Shen Mo''s brow furrowed, and after thinking for a bit, he suddenly stood up, clapping his thigh, and said sternly, "I got it... If I''m not mistaken, that mythical beast should be an Ice Phoenix. I hadn''t expected to encounter such a rare beast here!"


    "Ice Phoenix?"


    "Are you talking about the legendary Ice Phoenix that has the bloodline of a phoenix?"


    "But as far as I know, Ice Phoenixes don''t usually eat humans..."


    Several people looked at Shen Mo.


    Shen Mo nodded affirmatively, "Indeed, Ice Phoenixes don''t eat humans, but they have a habit of collecting other creatures frozen into ice sculptures as their treasures. It''s very likely that it has captured the villagers and turned them into ice sculptures for its collection! If that''s the case, it could explain why whole villages disappeared all at once..."


    "There''s a mythical beast with such a perverse habit?"


    "Whether it eats people or turns them into ice sculptures, now that we have a lead, we shall make a trip to the Great Snow Mountain!" Xiao Yi said sternly.


    No one had objections.


    Xiao Yi looked at Teng Shan, "Brother Teng Shan, in that case, we won''t impose any longer!"


    "You... You''re really going to the Great Snow Mountain? It''s very dangerous there, you..." Teng Shan''s face showed concern.


    Yang Ling said sternly, "As long as we can find the beast responsible, no matter the danger, we must go!"


    Seeing their determination, Teng Shan stopped trying to dissuade them and instead said, "Since you are determined to go, I won''t try to stop you. This is Snow Lotus Wine we brewed ourselves; it has the effect of warding off the cold. It should be able to help you on the Great Snow Mountain!"


    "That''s a good item!"


    "Thank you, Brother Teng Shan!"


    The group gratefully accepted the Snow Lotus Wine.


    Just as they were about to get up...


    Bai Xue suddenly stumbled and collapsed into Yang Ling''s arms, taking advantage of his distraction to slip a Jade Pendant from his waist into her sleeve. Yang Ling supported Bai Xue, astonished, "Are you alright?"


    Bai Xue shook her head with a bitter smile, "Perhaps I''ve been sitting too long, I need to use the latrine!"


    "Mhm!"


    Yang Ling unsuspectingly made way for her.


    Bai Xue walked toward the back and once in the latrine, hid the Jade Pendant she took in the rafters, leaving behind a secret sign, her eyes showing a hint of malice: "Don''t blame me for this, blame yourselves for offending someone you shouldn''t have!"


    She was about to write down the next destination of Xiao Yi and his party when Xiao Yi''s voice came from the door: "Bai Xue, are you done yet?"


    ```


    Hiss!


    Bai Xue shuddered in fear, cold sweat instantly soaking her back, "Xiao Yi? How did he manage to follow us? Could it be, he suspects me?"


    With this thought,


    Bai Xue dared not delay any longer. She pushed open the door and said, "It''s all set, Xiao, do you need to use the latrine as well?"


    Xiao Yi squinted at her, speaking indifferently, "No need, we are ready to depart!"


    "Oh, then let''s go!"


    Bai Xue secretly breathed a sigh of relief, pretending everything was normal as she walked outside.


    Xiao Yi frowned as he glanced inside the latrine but found no other clues. He then headed towards the entrance of the village.


    At the Teng Family Village entrance.


    "Brother Teng Shan, we''ll take our leave first!" Xiao Yi said to Teng Shan with a cupped fist salute.


    Teng Shan nodded, "Be careful on your journey!"


    Teng Qingqing stood on tiptoe and asked crisply, "Big Brother Xiao Yi, will you come back to see Qingqing?"


    Xiao Yi ruffled her hair, smiling, "Don''t worry, once we finish our tasks, we will come back!"


    Shen Mo pulled the reins, and the sled surged into the snowstorm.


    About an hour after Xiao Yi and the others left,


    Yang Kun, leading Sun Yao and other men, chased after them to the Teng Family Village. Yang Kun, observing the faint blue light radiating from the Jade Pendant in his hand, frowned at the sight of the dilapidated settlement, "Bai Xue''s secret signal pointed to this place. Sun Yao, go and question the villagers!"


    "Yes!"


    Sun Yao, along with several Blood Saber Guards, moved forward. The villagers had already noticed their approach, each one of them armed and blocking the entrances.


    Sun Yao frowned and declared, "I am Brave General Sun Yao. Those who don''t wish to die, make way¡­"


    "Brave General?"


    "That''s the Great General, we can''t afford to offend him¡­"


    The villagers panicked, hastily dispersing.


    Teng Shan stepped forward, cupping his fists in salute, "Village Chief Teng Shan of the Teng Family Village at your service, Brave General. May I ask what brings you to our Teng Family Village?"


    Looking down from his high position, Sun Yao spoke coldly, "Has a group of three men and one woman passed through here before us? Where are they headed now?"


    Teng Shan''s complexion changed slightly, thinking: It seems these people are looking for Xiao Yi and his companions. But with their aggressive approach, it''s unclear whether they are friend or foe. Better not to cause trouble for Xiao Yi and the others!


    With this thought,


    Teng Shan spoke gravely, "I apologize, but we have not seen the people you are speaking of!"


    "Not seen them?"


    A sinister sneer suddenly came from behind Yang Kun, and there he was, his expression cold and malicious, corners of his mouth faintly upturned like a bloodthirsty demon, chuckling menacingly, "Do you know the consequences of lying to me?"


    Teng Shan felt a chill in his heart; Yang Kun''s ferocious look only solidified his decision to keep Xiao Yi and the others'' whereabouts a secret. He said firmly, "I do not know what you are talking about, sir, but I indeed have not seen those people you mention¡­"


    "Sun Yao!"


    Yang Kun suddenly called out.


    Sun Yao stepped forward, "Your Highness!"


    Yang Kun handed over the Jade Pendant to Sun Yao, "Use the reaction to find the trail left by Bai Xue!"


    "Yes!"


    Sun Yao took the Jade Pendant and departed. After a moment, he returned with Yang Ling''s Jade Pendant, saying, "Your Highness, this is what Bai Xue left behind!"


    "Oh? Yang Ling''s personal Jade Pendant?"


    Yang Kun was taken aback, a glint of viciousness in his eyes.


    Sun Yao asked, "Your Highness, it seems these people are lying. Shall we extract a confession through torture?"


    "There''s no need!"


    Yang Kun toyed with the Jade Pendant in his hand, his eyes revealing a malicious gleam, and said with deliberate emphasis, "Since they wish to keep Xiao Yi''s secrets, let''s ensure they forever hold their tongues, keeping the secret rotting in their stomachs!"


    "Your Highness means to¡­" Sun Yao made a throat-slitting gesture.


    Yang Kun nodded, grinning wickedly, "Leave no one alive!"

 Chapter 434 - 434 Framed and Entrapped

    ```


    "Not a single one left!"


    Following Yang Kun''s order, hundreds of Blood Saber Guards charged into the Teng Family Village at once.


    The Blood Saber Guards were all death warriors who didn''t blink an eye at murder, possessing only one belief, and that was to obey orders.


    Let alone Yang Kun''s command to slaughter these villagers, even if he had ordered them to commit suicide instantly, they wouldn''t have hesitated. In an instant, the village was filled with sorrow and despair as fires raged everywhere.


    The towering flames merged into a sea of fire, with orange tongues of fire constantly lapping up, mercilessly devouring the entire village.


    Under the illumination of the firelight.


    The Blood Saber Guards, brandishing their sabers, mercilessly reaped the lives of these innocent villagers.


    "Save me..."


    "Don''t kill my mother..."


    "Return my child..."


    Hysterical screams echoed continuously in the sea of fire, each cry tearing at the heart, distressing to the listeners and moving them to tears.


    Yet those blood-drenched figures in the midst of the flames, wielding their swords and brutally slaughtering innocent villagers, remained unmoved.


    The crimson light reflecting on their faces made the pair of handsome features appear all the more ferocious and terrifying.


    "Stop it!"


    Teng Shan''s eyes were split with fury, towering and fierce like a demon beast, swinging his spear.


    But how could he be a match for the Blood Saber Guards?


    He was immediately overpowered and pinned to the ground, a cold blade against his neck.


    Just half an incense stick later...


    The vast Teng Family Village was left with only a few dozen people, who were captured and kneeling at the entrance of the village.


    The pungent smell of blood permeated the air.


    Amidst the roaring flames.


    Teng Shan''s wife clutched their two children tightly, their innocent and tender faces filled with terror.


    They had witnessed with their own eyes how these figures wielding blood sabers killed the villagers one by one.


    At the same time.


    Teng Qingqing and the others felt bewildered; the Teng Family Village had always been peaceful and had never offended anyone. Why then were these well-dressed people treating them like this?


    Teng Qingqing''s little head was nestled tightly in her mother''s arms, her pale little face carrying a look of bewilderment, "Mommy, I''m scared..."


    "Don''t be afraid, Mommy is here, don''t be scared..."


    Teng Shan''s wife''s face was filled with despair and horror, yet she still used her trembling body to shield her two children.


    She held them tightly in her embrace.


    Her worried gaze followed the figure of her man.


    "Your Highness, only these few dozen people are left in front of us; the others have all been taken care of," a Blood Saber Guard stepped forward, saying respectfully.


    Yang Kun nodded, his eyes squinting as he surveyed Teng Shan and the others.


    His eyes narrowed into slits, filled with deep disdain; he was the noble Crown Prince, the future heir to the throne!


    To him, these commoners were of the most lowly existence.


    Yang Kun narrowed his eyes and, in a flash, grabbed Teng Qingqing, lifting her by the neck in front of Teng Shan.


    Teng Qingqing cried out, "Daddy save me..."


    "You bully, let go of my sister..." Teng Qingshan broke free from his mother''s hold and charged towards Yang Kun.


    "Don''t come over, Qing Shan, go back..." Teng Shan''s eyes were splitting with rage. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Sun Yao snorted coldly, "Dog-like things, get lost!"


    ```


    Whoosh!


    A blue wave of elemental energy streaked from Sun Yao''s hand, transforming into a massive surge that roared and enveloped Teng Qingshan. Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, the blue elemental force, like the claws of a demon, savagely tore Teng Qingshan apart.


    The innocent and naive Teng Qingshan became a sky full of fresh blood, sprinkling down.


    "No..."


    "Qing Shan..."


    The vast Teng Family Village, all of its villagers howled in grief and rage.


    The pungent smell of blood, reflecting the crimson firelight, made Sun Yao''s smile on his face even more ferocious, like a demon.


    Teng Shan trembled all over, his teeth clenched tightly, his roars continuous: "Why? Why do this? When did the Teng Family Village offend you, if there are grievances they can be taken out on me, why treat a child like this..."


    "Shut up!"


    Sun Yao snorted coldly, his voice filled with malice, "Since you insisted on keeping secrets for Xiao Yi and the others, you should be prepared to die for it. If you want to blame someone, blame yourselves for siding with the wrong person!"


    Teng Shan''s body shook.


    He never imagined that merely for not disclosing the whereabouts of Xiao Yi and his group, the vast Teng Family Village would suffer such a massacre.


    Rage and murderous intent congealed into a bloody red in his eyes, his bitterness and madness terrifying to the extreme. But his hatred was utterly disregarded by Sun Yao and his group.


    How could the hatred and grudge of ants harm a dragon?


    Struggling, Teng Qingqing shouted: "Evil-doers, you bad people... Xiao Yi will avenge us..."


    "Xiao Yi? It seems you have quite a relationship with Xiao Yi!" Yang Kun said with narrowed eyes.


    "No, sir, we don''t know Xiao Yi, he just passed by..." a villager shouted.


    "Did I allow you to speak?"


    Sun Yao snorted coldly, his blade swept down, and beheaded him.


    Blood gushed like a fountain.


    The headless body thudded to the ground.


    Hiss!


    Everyone was left utterly speechless.


    Looking down coldly at Teng Shan, Yang Kun demanded, "Tell me, where did Xiao Yi and the others go?"


    Teng Shan looked at the village behind him, now a sea of flames, and at the heaps of villagers'' corpses, and said through clenched teeth: "I don''t know!"


    "Still refusing to talk at the brink of death, huh? If that''s the case, then you''ll never speak again!" With a cold huff, Yang Kun snapped Teng Qingqing''s neck right in front of Teng Shan.


    "No..."


    "You will not die a good death..." Teng Shan howled hysterically.


    Yang Kun spoke indifferently: "Don''t worry, you won''t die in vain. After you die, I will tell everyone that Xiao Yi killed you. By then, he will be a murderer everyone wishes to punish. In the underworld, you can continue keeping secrets for him, hahaha..."


    With a wave of Sun Yao''s hand.


    The blades of the Blood Saber Guard were drawn in unison, blood spraying everywhere, and not a single survivor was left in the Teng Family Village.


    Yang Kun looked to Sun Yao, "Have your men work quickly, arrange the scene, and take a few dozen bodies back to Northern Bing City. Since we can''t find them, we''ll make them the target of public indignation. As long as we solidify their reputation as murderers, it won''t matter if they find mighty mythical beasts!"


    "Your Highness is truly brilliant, this move to divert the disaster eastward is ingenious!"


    Sun Yao, with a sycophantic expression, said, "Once Xiao Yi and his group return to Northern Bing City with the mythical beasts, unable to refute their identity as murderers, they''ll have no choice but to face death without us lifting a finger!"


    Yang Kun smiled smugly: "You''re right, anyone who opposes me has only the path of death!"


    Meanwhile.


    Completely unaware of the tragedy that had befallen the Teng Family Village, Xiao Yi and his group had already arrived at the great snowy mountain.


    Looking at the snowy mountain before him, with snow and wind swirling around, Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes: "Is the creature that killed so many really here?"

 Chapter 435 - 435: The Ice and Snow Phoenix

    Great Snow Mountain.


    Xiao Yi and his companions trudged through the wind and snow, searching tirelessly for half a day without finding any trace of the Ice Phoenix.


    "Xiao Yi, do you think it''s possible that Teng Shan was mistaken? There''s no sign of monster activity here..." Yang Ling said doubtfully, seeing Shen Mo shake his head silently, indicating nothing was found.


    Xiao Yi said solemnly, "We have no grievances with Teng Shan; he has no reason to deceive us."


    After a moment''s thought.


    Xiao Yi patted his chest, and Little Lin popped out, looking up at Xiao Yi: "Boss, what''s wrong?"


    Xiao Yi asked, "Little Lin, can you sense any traces of monsters nearby?"


    "Monsters? Wait a moment..."


    Little Lin moved about on Xiao Yi, then landed on the icy snow. Its delicate body trembled slightly, its amber-like eyes flashing with dazzling light as it flicked its forked tongue and moved forward.


    Xiao Yi commanded, "Follow him!"


    Shen Mo, astonished at the sight of Little Lin walking in front, said, "Xiao, what kind of monster is this? I''ve known the Encyclopedia of Ten Thousand Beasts by heart since I was ten, yet I''ve never heard of such a monster!"


    Xiao Yi smiled and replied, "I don''t know what species Little Lin is, but he should be considered a mutant monster!"


    "A mutant monster?"


    Shen Mo took a deep breath in shock.


    Mutant monsters.


    They were even rarer than the offspring of ancient divine beasts. As far as he knew, within the vast Great Qian Dynasty, only the Iron-winged Chi Dragon on Divine Beast Mountain was a mutant monster.


    Shen Mo looked at Xiao Yi with envy: "I never expected you, Xiao, to be able to tame a mutant monster. It really is enviable!"


    Xiao Yi just smiled without saying much.


    Tame?


    He and Little Lin were as close as brothers; he never regarded Little Lin as just an ordinary monster.


    Bai Xue, following behind the group, looked at Little Lin with a profound gaze and said softly, "Since you have a mutant monster, why go through all the trouble to come here? Why not just give it to His Highness Yang Ling as a tribute?"


    Xiao Yi stopped in his tracks.


    Yang Ling sensed trouble and was about to speak when he heard a sharp smack.


    Xiao Yi had already slapped Bai Xue to the ground.


    Bai Xue covered her swollen face, looking at Xiao Yi with a mixture of shock and anger: "You, you, why did you hit me?"


    "Little Lin is my brother. Anyone who dares to target him is seeking death!" Xiao Yi''s gaze was as sharp as a blade''s edge, locking onto Bai Xue. He enunciated each word, "This is the first time, and I hope it''s also the last. If you dare to scheme against Little Lin again, do not blame me for being impolite!"


    "I, I..."


    Bai Xue opened her mouth but, under Xiao Yi''s icy stare, swallowed back what she was about to say.


    "Where do you think you''re going!"


    Little Lin suddenly let out a low roar and charged into the wind and snow ahead.


    Boom!


    An explosive sound rang out, and snowflakes filled the air.


    An ice-blue figure burst out of the snowstorm, reaching Xiao Yi and the others in an instant. Little Lin swiftly landed on Xiao Yi''s shoulder, eyeing the ice-blue figure warily.


    The snowstorm gradually dissipated.


    The blue figure that emerged was a bird-like monster, ten zhang tall with a wingspan of thirty zhang, covered in ice-blue feathers, trailing three blue plumes each more than a dozen zhang long.


    It was the six-tier high-level monster¡ªIce Phoenix¡ªthat Yang Ling had been desperately searching for!


    "Lowly humans, how dare you trespass on my territory, die!" The Ice Phoenix spoke human language, its blue wings flapping violently to create a howling gale, swirling snow around.


    It formed several ice-blue monsters, the size of adults, that swarmed towards Xiao Yi and his companions.


    "Ice into shape? Indeed, it''s a technique of the Ice Phoenix..." Xiao Yi''s pupils shrank slightly.


    He was about to make his move...


    But Shen Mo was one step ahead. He smacked the beast-controlling pouch at his waist and roared, "Xiao, leave this beast to me!"


    Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!


    Three silhouettes flew out of the beast-controlling pouch, growing larger and larger, transforming into three massive monsters in the blink of an eye.


    The winged serpent was right in their midst.


    To its left and right were two high-level sixth-tier mythical beasts, the Three-eyed Suan Ni and the Four-armed Demon Ape.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The Four-armed Demon Ape beat its chest heavily, its mouth emitting a series of muffled roars like rolling thunder, as all three beasts charged towards the swarm of incoming figures. In an instant, their mighty forces unleashed rampant destruction upon the snow mountain. The wind and snow burst apart, and the peaks thundered loudly.


    The avalanche burst forth in a mere instant.


    With the threat of annihilation, the entire snow mountain shook violently. However, Xiao Yi and his companions showed no fear.


    A mere avalanche was no threat to them.


    Under the onslaught of the winged serpent and the other two great beasts, the blue figures were continually crushed, indeed composed of ice sculptures born from ice and snow, not real life forms.


    The winged serpent opened its mouth and swallowed a handful, which then turned into meltwater and spat out, "Tastes terrible..."


    "Snowstorm!"


    With a long cry, the Ice Phoenix unleashed a terrifying blizzard.


    The wind and snow fluttered, shrouding the heavens.


    It was so that Xiao Yi and his group could not see the trace of the Ice Phoenix. In the midst of this violent storm, even Little Lin struggled to discern the Ice Phoenix''s position. Shen Mo recalled the winged serpent and other mythical beasts to his side, his expression serious as he said, "Xiao, this Ice Phoenix can hide within the wind and snow, making it difficult to determine its position. What should we do?"


    "Leave it to me!"


    Xiao Yi''s eyes suddenly shot forth two dazzling lights, and sharp Sword Qi formed around his body, sweeping out in all directions. It was like a volley of thousands of arrows, the whizzing sound of them cutting through the air was unceasing.


    This Sword Intent was so strong, it enveloped a hundred-yard radius.


    Xiao Yi''s figure constantly weaved and shifted. In the midst of the wind and snow, he carved out a series of figure-eight glows. Suddenly, a series of dull thuds came from within the blizzard. Xiao Yi''s eyes narrowed as he burst forth.


    He reached out into the void.


    The wind and snow converged in his palm, forming an ice and snow longsword tens of yards long.


    "A Stroke That Surprises the Wind and Rain!"


    Shwoosh! Shwoosh! Shwoosh!


    The longsword suddenly exploded, transforming into thousands of swords that shot forth towards the front.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The shadow of the sword continuously burst apart.


    With his current cultivation at the Tao Tribulation Realm Peak, he was able to unleash a combat power comparable to the Nirvana Realm. With one strike, Wind Thunder roared. The wind and snow suddenly condensed, and a blue figure sharply fell from within, tumbling several times upon hitting the snowy ground and struggling to stand, but the sword wound in its abdomen made it stumble to the ground.


    Struggling, it could no longer get up.


    Hiss!


    Shen Mo, Yang Ling, and Bai Xue all couldn''t help but inhale sharply.


    The Ice Phoenix, which even the three great beasts under Shen Mo''s command could not deal with, was unable to withstand even a single sword strike from Xiao Yi?


    Everyone looked at Xiao Yi with a renewed sense of respect and awe.


    Shwoosh!


    Xiao Yi rose to his full height, landed in front of the Ice Phoenix, and single-handedly grasped its neck, his voice cold as he demanded, "Where are the villagers you took?"


    "Insignificant human... you''ll never..." The Ice Phoenix began defiantly with clenched teeth.


    Before it could finish.


    Crack!


    Xiao Yi had already broken both its wings, causing it to cry out in agony. Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes and threatened, "If you don''t confess, I''ll pluck all your feathers and roast you..."


    "..."


    Under Xiao Yi''s icy stare, the Ice Phoenix dared not resist any further, promptly speaking, "They... they''re all in my cave abode." sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "In the cave abode? Lead us there!"


    Yang Ling and the others exchanged glances, excitement showing on their faces: "It seems we have found the culprit!"


    Yet Xiao Yi slightly furrowed his brows, looking at the pathetic figure in front of him with a trace of doubt in his eyes, "Is this creature really the prime evildoer behind the massacre of over a hundred thousand people?"

 Chapter 436 - 436: Someone Else?

    Xiao Yi reattached the broken wings of the Ice Phoenix.


    All the people landed on the back of the Ice Phoenix, and its huge wings beat fiercely as they soared straight into the clouds.


    Although the Ice Phoenix was master of ice and snow, its body was extremely warm.


    The blue feathers all over its body were exceptionally soft, making it quite comfortable to sit on. As the Ice Phoenix flapped its wings and rose, its tail, dozens of yards long, trailed behind in the air, creating a faint blue light.


    A moment later,


    it blended into the storm and disappeared from sight.


    Riding on the back of the Ice Phoenix, everyone felt warm as the biting winds and heavy snow could not come close.


    Whoosh!


    The dazzling sunlight burst down through the thick wind and snow and the clouds above.


    Reflected by the sunlight, the snow atop the mountain peaks shimmered with a faint golden glow. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Like a golden summit.


    In the center of the golden summit was a cave where the Ice Phoenix flapped its wings through the void and settled down. The cave was also quite warm and without any strange odors, not like the dwelling place of a monster.


    Ding, ding, ding!


    A series of crisp sounds rang out, and Xiao Yi and the others were startled to see a group of humans carving the rock walls inside the cave.


    The entire cave was dazzling with gold, like a palace.


    "What is this..."


    Shen Mo looked around bewildered, at the rock walls carved with countless images of the Ice Phoenixes.


    It controlled the wind and rain, bringing peace to the ice fields.


    It oversaw the snowy mountains, preventing avalanches from destroying the world of men.


    Looking at these murals, where was the Ice Phoenix just a beast? It was clearly a divine beast, guarding the ice fields, a deity protecting the countless creatures of the ice fields!


    Xiao Yi looked at the Ice Phoenix with a strange expression, "Did you have them carve these murals?"


    The Ice Phoenix showed a human-like embarrassment and shook its head, "They did this voluntarily!" After a pause, the Ice Phoenix continued, "Most of these people were lost in the snowy mountains and I saved them."


    "Saved them?"


    Xiao Yi was startled and frowned, "Do you mean to say you saved these people? Are you not the one who took them from the village?"


    Yang Ling also frowned, "In the past few months, there have been continuous slaughters in the villages on the ice fields. Are you saying that has nothing to do with you?"


    "You better come clean, we have witnesses who saw you taking people from the Luo Family Village half a month ago. Surely you haven''t eaten those people, have you?" Shen Mo added.


    "It''s a misunderstanding, sirs..."


    The Ice Phoenix hurriedly explained, "I have lived in the great snowy mountains since I was born, preying on the beasts in the mountains, never on humans. Not to mention descending to slaughter villages..."


    "Never eaten humans?"


    "So, are you saying the tragedies on the ice fields have nothing to do with you?" Yang Ling frowned.


    "A month ago a mysterious person came to the snowy mountains; after he injured me, I''ve been healing all this time and couldn''t possibly go out!"


    The Ice Phoenix said with a look of grievance, "The humans you spoke of half a month ago came to the snowy mountains on their own, and since I happened upon them, I brought them back. Now they''re in the cave, carving statues for me! If you don''t believe me, you''re welcome to ask them!"


    Xiao Yi and the others exchanged glances.


    The Ice Phoenix did not seem to be lying.


    Xiao Yi promptly found a few villagers, who showed no fear of the Ice Phoenix; instead, they showed respect and gratitude from the depths of their hearts.


    Upon hearing Xiao Yi''s inquiry about the village massacres and the Ice Phoenix,


    the villagers unanimously declared the Ice Phoenix''s innocence: "Gentlemen, the Phoenix has not lied, she would never consume humans!"


    "I''ve been with the Phoenix for thirty years and have never seen her eat a person!"


    Everyone was perplexed.


    If not the Ice Phoenix, then who was the real culprit?


    At that moment...


    Someone from Luo Family Village whispered, "S-sirs, I, I know who the killer is..."


    "Hmm?"


    Xiao Yi looked at the person.


    He was a youth of about eighteen or nineteen, looking nervous as he stepped forward and said, "I am Luo Rou from Luo Family Village. Half a month ago, our villagers were chased by those monstrous beasts that slaughtered our village, which is why we fled into the great snowy mountains..."


    "Monstrous beasts chased you?"


    "Do you know what kind of monstrous beasts they were?" the crowd asked.


    The youth shook his head, "It was dark at the time, and I couldn''t see clearly what they looked like. However, I know that those beasts were controlled by someone. I heard that person mention something about the north..."


    "The north? Could it be someone from Sword Dynasty?"


    Yang Ling''s face turned grave as he said in a deep voice, "Damn it, if it''s really someone from Sword Dynasty causing trouble, then this matter is probably not as simple as we thought!"


    Xiao Yi pondered for a moment, eyeing the cave dwelling of the ice and snow phoenix, and spoke solemnly, "Regardless of whether you are the culprit or not, you must come with us. If it turns out you are indeed not the killer, I will naturally let you go..."


    "Alright..." the ice and snow phoenix resignedly drooped its head.


    Xiao Yi looked at the villagers in the cave, "If you wish to leave this place, you are welcome to come down the mountain with us!"


    "No, no need!"


    "It''s warm in winter and cool in summer here, plus we can cultivate ice rice. We''d rather stay here!"


    "Right, if we go back, we''d have to buy ice rice from the Gu Family Fort. Here, we can live in abundance. We choose to stay, but sirs, please don''t harm Lord Phoenix. It truly is a good monstrous beast..."


    Seeing that everyone chose to stay and kept pleading on behalf of the ice and snow phoenix, Xiao Yi looked at the ice and snow phoenix with some surprise.


    This fellow is quite interesting!


    A monstrous beast could earn such heartfelt adoration from so many people; Xiao Yi''s suspicion of it lessened quite a bit, saying, "Don''t worry. If it is proven that this creature is not responsible for the incident, I will certainly not mistreat it!"


    Then...


    The crowd rode the ice and snow phoenix, flying toward Northern Bing City.


    They had to bring back the news they''d gathered to Northern Bing City. Since the matter might be related to Sword Dynasty, there must be a bigger secret lurking behind it.


    Action must not be taken rashly.


    They must notify General Yan and take extra precautions!


    Only...


    When Xiao Yi and his group reached Northern Bing City, they were not greeted with celebratory welcome but with cold sharpness.


    At the top of the city walls.


    Hundreds of feathered arrows were all aimed at them.


    Yang Ling''s face changed drastically as he shouted, "I am Yang Ling; this is Xiao, the head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, with high disciples Shen Mo from Ten Thousand Beasts Sect and Bai Xue from Feixue Temple. We have come to see General Yan Wei with important military intelligence. Won''t you open the gates?"


    "General Yan has ordered that if Yang Ling and Xiao return, you and your party are to be taken to the prefectural lord''s mansion!" the soldiers guarding the city said coldly, their eyes filled with ice and disdain while looking at Xiao Yi and others.


    Xiao Yi''s expression darkened slightly, "Something isn''t right!"


    "It seems like they hold a deep grudge against us? What on earth happened?" Shen Mo also said with a worried face.


    Yang Ling spoke in a deep voice, "No matter what, let''s go in and see first!"


    Then...


    The crowd landed on the ground.


    Clang clang clang!


    Immediately, thousands of soldiers approached, standing at the ready, surrounding the four of them tightly in the middle.


    A deputy approached and said in a deep voice, "Your Highness, Xiao, no offense intended!"


    Xiao Yi nodded, "Lead the way, General!"


    They walked towards the prefectural lord''s mansion. Along the way, many citizens stared at them, pointing and whispering. Their looks and gestures were as if they were viewing incredibly nefarious characters, with words that were even less pleasant to hear...

 Chapter 437 - 437: What Else Do You Have to Say!

    "Have you heard? The massacre of entire villages in the past few months was committed by these people!"


    "I heard it already, apparently, it was the Crown Prince who found the evidence. I never expected such heartless deeds could be done by a prince and the director of the Xiaoshanhe Institute!"


    "This just goes to show that appearances can be deceiving!"


    "It''s said that Yang Ling was even thinking of fighting for the Crown Prince''s position. If such scum becomes the Crown Prince, what kind of days can we expect to have in the future?"


    The discussions among the crowd were vehement. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Leaving Xiao Yi, Yang Ling, and the others looking at each other, utterly bewildered, "What the hell? We did it?"


    "We just arrived at Northern Bing City today, how could we possibly have done these things?"


    "This is a goddamn frame-up..."


    However...


    Nobody was listening to their explanations.


    Shen Mo looked despairing as he turned to Xiao and Yang Ling, "Xiao, Your Highness, what should we do now?"


    Yang Ling''s face was grim, "They said it was my eldest brother who implicated us, it seems we can only wait to see General Yan to prove our innocence!"


    But Xiao Yi''s eyes narrowed, showing a trace of cold and chilling light.


    The vice-commander, losing patience, urged them, "Stop whispering to each other and move it!"


    Inside the city lord''s residence.


    Yan Wei sat upright with a serious demeanor, and at the highest seat to his left sat the Crown Prince Yang Kun.


    Sun Yao stood behind Yang Kun, watching with a peculiar gaze as Xiao Yi and his group were escorted by the city guards into the great hall. His smile became more radiant, and he said in a taunting tone, "Well, well, isn''t that our Xiao Yi, the director of the institute? After committing such unconscionable acts, how can you still have the face to appear before General Yan?"


    Yang Kun pretended to be angrily scolding, "What nonsense are you talking about? We don''t have conclusive evidence to prove that they did all this. How can we treat them as prisoners? Perhaps there''s some misunderstanding?"


    Sun Yao exaggeratedly objected, playing the aggrieved party, "Your Highness, there''s no need to justify their actions anymore. We have irrefutable evidence. We found the personal item of Yang Ling at the Teng Family Village. Isn''t that enough to prove everything?"


    "Shut up! I don''t believe my younger brother would do such a thing!"


    Yang Kun feigned a look of heartfelt pain, and turned to the seated General Yan, with righteous indignation, "General Yan, although I too find it hard to believe that all of this was done by my younger brother. But the dead villagers, numbering over a hundred thousand, also require justice. If it indeed was his doing, I hope General Yan can enforce the law impartially!"


    "Rest assured, Your Highness, I know what to do," General Yan nodded, his gaze sharp as a blade''s edge, falling upon Xiao Yi and the others.


    "General Yan, I..." Yang Ling began to speak.


    General Yan shook his head at him, and asked, "Your Highness, have you been to the Teng Family Village?"


    "Indeed, I have!"


    Yang Ling nodded, then realizing something, he frowned and asked, "What happened in the Teng Family Village?"


    With a stern face, General Yan said, "The entire Teng Family Village was annihilated, no one was spared. Nearly a thousand villagers were brutally murdered, their deaths very similar to the previous massacre in the Wen Family Village. The Crown Prince found the murderer''s personal item at the scene..."


    "What? The Teng Family Village has been wiped out?"


    Their expressions changed drastically, for they had not caught the latter part of General Yan''s words.


    In Xiao Yi''s mind appeared the image of Teng Qingqing, with her braided hair, who called him ''Xiao Yi brother'' in her crisp voice, and Teng Qingshan, who was a little shy yet bravely protected his sister.


    They were all dead?


    Whirr!


    Xiao Yi''s body uncontrollably burst out with a wild surge of elemental energy, his eyes narrowed into slits, his gaze spitting icy sharpness.


    This chill surprised everyone.


    "Xiao Yi!"


    With a low shout from Yan Wei, Xiao Yi snapped back to his senses.


    Taking a deep breath, he tried to regain his calm and said in a deep voice, "General Yan, please continue."


    Yan Wei glanced deeply at Xiao Yi and then took out a jade pendant from his chest, saying, "Do you recognize this jade pendant?"


    Yang Ling paused, frowning, "Isn''t this my personal jade pendant? How did it end up in your hands?"


    "It is indeed you!"


    "Brother, I have been telling myself it must be a misunderstanding. You couldn''t possibly do something so cruel. But I never imagined, this jade pendant really is yours... How could you be so heartless? Not a single soul left in the Teng Family Village, even the children were not spared, you..." Yang Kun suddenly clutched his chest, letting out a pained and aggrieved sigh.


    Yan Wei''s face was somber as he gazed at Yang Ling and Xiao, "Your Highness, Head Xiao, this jade pendant was found in the Teng Family Village. You had better explain clearly how this came to be."


    "The jade pendant is always on me, never leaving my side. I don''t know how it could have ended up in the Teng Family Village..." Yang Ling said, his face full of confusion.


    Sun Yao rebuked, "Your Highness Yang Ling, with matters as they are, do you still intend to argue? Why it was in the Teng Family Village is obvious ¨C you must have dropped it incidentally while massacring the village. This is ironclad evidence; the Teng Family Village was wiped out by you. I even suspect that the other destroyed villages were also your doing!"


    "You''re talking nonsense!"


    Shen Mo glared angrily, "We just arrived at the Northern Ice Plains today ¨C the village massacres started happening two months ago. Moreover, the corpses of the villagers from the Wen Family Village were clearly killed by beasts. What basis do you have to say we did it?"


    Xiao Yi remained silent, but his gaze fell upon Bai Xue.


    Bai Xue trembled all over, not daring to lift her head.


    Sun Yao sneered repeatedly, saying, "With Your Highness'' status, why would you need to act personally? Besides, aren''t you from the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect best at controlling beasts?"


    Yang Kun shook his head and sighed, "Brother, if you truly did this, please just admit it. I can assure you that I won''t let this leak out. Otherwise, when I report this to father and he orders a thorough investigation, none of you will be able to escape..."


    Yang Ling said angrily, "I didn''t do it!"


    Shen Mo gritted his teeth, "It has nothing to do with us!"


    Xiao Yi remained silent.


    But at that moment, Bai Xue finally timidly raised her head, hesitating to speak.


    Yang Kun''s lips curled up slightly, "Bai Xue, do you have something to say? If you know the truth, just speak up. As long as you reveal the culprit, I will plead for you!"


    Gathering her courage, Bai Xue pointed at Xiao Yi and Yang Ling, "They did all this... They threatened me not to tell anyone. I just can''t bear my conscience anymore, and now whenever I close my eyes, I see them slaughtering the villagers. Your Highness, it has nothing to do with me; I was forced..."


    "What?"


    "Bai Xue, what the hell are you talking about? When did we ever threaten you?"


    "Fuck you, Bai Xue, how can you make up such lies? Aren''t you afraid of divine retribution?"


    Shen Mo completely lost it.


    He never expected Bai Xue would stab them in the back so ruthlessly at this moment.


    With a triumphant smile, Sun Yao stared coldly at Xiao Yi, accusing, "Xiao Yi, with the situation as it is, the proof and testimonies at hand, what more do you have to say?"


    All eyes were on Xiao Yi.


    Yet Xiao Yi''s lips curved slightly, and he slowly uttered four words: "Speak your fucking mind!"

 Chapter 438 - 438: Overwhelming Bombardment

    "Fuck you!"


    Xiao Yi, with a ferocious cold smile on his face and eyes that seemed able to penetrate people''s souls, stared deathly at Bai Xue.


    This low roar, like thunder, was ear-splitting.


    It made everyone''s expressions in the hall change.


    Especially Bai Xue''s...


    She bore the brunt of it.


    Under Xiao Yi''s intense gaze, Bai Xue trembled all over, large beads of cold sweat dripping down. Her lips turned a shade of pale, wanting to avoid his stare but finding her body as if it had been subjected to a Binding Spell, unable to move.


    Yang Kun was the first to snap back to reality, his face dark as storm clouds, teeth clenched as he bellowed, "Xiao Yi, now the evidence is irrefutable, yet you refuse to confess. You even dare to be so insolent, do you really think I won''t kill you?"


    Sun Yao also came to his senses, his face savage, "Xiao Yi, I''ve long known that you act unorthodoxly and are cruel and ruthless. But I never imagined you''d be so vicious as to lay a hand on those innocent villagers, especially those children. They were so innocent and lively, how could you bear to kill them?"


    "Ha ha ha ha..."


    Xiao Yi burst into uproarious laughter.


    His laughter was jarring.


    It directly overshadowed the others'' scolding.


    Suddenly...


    Xiao Yi''s laughter came to a halt, he narrowed his eyes and stared straight at Sun Yao and the others, saying word by word, "You keep saying that I am cruel and ruthless, that I cold-bloodedly slaughtered the villagers. And that the evidence is conclusive? Aren''t you just trying to put me to death by harming those innocent lives and framing me? But such despicable methods are beneath me, Xiao Yi. If I kill, I do it openly, never skulking in the shadows!"


    As soon as he finished speaking.


    Xiao Yi''s figure suddenly disappeared from where he stood.


    "Not good!"


    "Be careful, Your Highness!"


    Yang Kun and Sun Yao''s expressions changed dramatically, both standing up simultaneously, watching their surroundings with caution.


    However...


    Xiao Yi''s figure did not appear beside them, but next to Bai Xue.


    His right hand reached out into the air.


    Crack! sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi''s hand grasped Bai Xue''s neck, lifting her off the ground.


    "Xiao Yi, let go of Bai Xue!"


    "Are you trying to kill the witness to silence her?" Sun Yao and Yang Kun erupted in anger.


    Bai Xue''s face was ashen, marked with terror, as she looked at the two, "Save me... Your Highness, save me..."


    "Let her go!"


    Yang Kun attempted to step forward, but was stopped by Xiao Yi''s cold shout, "Take another step and I''ll kill you too!"


    "You..."


    Yang Kun''s face changed drastically.


    Xiao Yi''s icy gaze was fixed sternly on Bai Xue, with each word he spoke, he tightened his grip on her neck, "I ask, you answer. If you answer incorrectly, I''ll cripple one of your arms! First question, was it Yang Kun who made you frame us?"


    "No, please..."


    In terror, Bai Xue pleaded, "I don''t know anything, please let me go..."


    "Wrong answer!"


    Crack!


    With a swing of his arm, Xiao Yi violently tore Bai Xue''s left arm from her shoulder, blood spurting wildly. Her face turned pale from pain as she screamed incessantly. Xiao Yi, expressionless, asked again, "Answer my first question, was it Yang Kun who made you frame us?"


    Bai Xue hesitated.


    Xiao Yi stated indifferently, "You hesitated!"


    Crack!


    Her right arm was also torn off.


    It was literally torn off!


    The torn flesh still hanging from the shoulder, Bai Xue wailed in agony, looking at Xiao Yi with eyes full of terror, as if seeing a demon, "I''ll, I''ll tell, I''ll tell... Everything was ordered by Crown Prince Yang Kun. He said as long as I followed you and reported your whereabouts to him, after it was done, he would take me as his concubine. I didn''t know they would massacre the Teng Family Village, really, I''m telling the truth..."


    "You bitch, how dare you slander me?" Yang Kun exploded with rage, about to retaliate.


    But Yan Wei issued a cold command, "Please restrain yourself, Your Highness!"


    "You..."


    Yang Kun''s face changed color.


    He hadn''t expected Yan Wei to dare to obstruct him.


    Yet, Yan Wei''s face was expressionless as he stared at Xiao Yi, "Xiao Yi, you may continue!"


    Xiao Yi nodded and continued his questioning, "My second question, who placed Yang Ling''s Jade Pendant in the Teng Family Village?"


    "It, it was I..." Bai Xue was in a state of utter disarray, her fright reaching an extreme, "I only wanted to steal his Jade Pendant to let Crown Prince Yang Kun know where we were. But I truly didn''t expect them to massacre the village. You have to believe me, I really didn''t know... Please spare me, I don''t want to die..."


    Yang Kun''s face was as black as coal.


    This time he had been nearly certain of success. Even if he couldn''t bring Xiao Yi to his demise, as long as Yang Ling was firmly implicated in the massacre of the village.


    Then...


    The position of the Crown Prince would definitely have nothing to do with Yang Ling.


    But what he hadn''t expected was that Xiao Yi would be so bold as to directly capture Bai Xue in front of Yan Wei and force the truth out of her with such cruel means.


    A venomous glint of resentment swept through his eyes as he glanced at Sun Yao beside him.


    Sun Yao immediately nodded.


    From within his sleeve, a point of cold light began to condense.


    Xiao Yi eyed Bai Xue, "How can you guarantee that everything you''ve said is true?"


    Bai Xue kept saying, "To, to report your whereabouts, I have a Feixue Token in Crown Prince Yang Kun''s possession. As long as you find that Token, it will prove that what I have said is..."


    Bai Xue''s voice abruptly stopped.


    A streak of cold light struck her in the back. She spit out a mouthful of fresh blood, and her face was instantly covered in darkness.


    She had been killed by a poisoned arrow.


    Xiao Yi''s brows knitted together as he looked at Sun Yao, who was hiding a hidden weapon in his robe, a cold murderous intent showing on his face, "Looking for death!"


    Whoosh!


    He reached out with his right hand.


    A surging force of qi burst out toward Sun Yao.


    "Not good!"


    Yang Kun''s face changed drastically, and he instinctively dodged out of the way.


    Sun Yao''s complexion turned pale, having personally experienced Xiao Yi''s terror, he moved aside trying to evade. But how could Xiao Yi let him get what he wanted?


    With a single leap, he appeared in front of Sun Yao.


    A Dragon Tail Whip!


    Whoosh!


    His leg whipped fiercely across Sun Yao''s body. With a retching cry, Sun Yao was sent flying. As he flew backward, Xiao Yi pursued him once more, grabbing his ankle and smashing him violently to the ground.


    Boom!


    Sun Yao hit the ground hard, and as he bounced back up, Xiao Yi''s mighty fist met his face.


    Boom!


    A punch smashed into his face, shattering teeth.


    Boom!


    Another punch to the chest, breaking all his ribs.


    Sun Yao spat blood from all seven orifices, his face filled with horror and despair as he shouted, "Spare me, Xiao Yi... I''ll testify for you, all this was done by the eldest prince, don''t kill me, I can prove your innocence..."


    "My innocence doesn''t need your proof!"


    Xiao Yi''s face was expressionless, his final punch landing heavily on Sun Yao''s temple.


    Sun Yao''s head first twisted and then, with a bang, exploded, with blood and flesh bursting out. He turned into a headless corpse, which Xiao Yi tossed with a thud, right in front of Yang Kun.


    Hiss!


    Yang Kun took in a sharp breath, his expression wary as he looked at Xiao Yi, "What, what are you going to do? I am a prince, you..."


    "Being a prince means nothing. If I want to kill you, it''s as easy as slaughtering a pig or dog!"


    Xiao Yi''s face was expressionless, his body radiating a chilling killing intent.


    But just at that moment...


    Suddenly, a rush of urgent voices came from outside the door, "Father, something terrible has happened, another village has been wiped out..."

 Chapter 439 - 439 The Gu Family Fort

    "Father, something terrible has happened¡ªanother village has been wiped out!"


    An anxious voice came from outside the door.


    It was none other than Yan Wei''s son, Yan Yinghao, his face drenched in sweat and his expression gravely solemn.


    Before this¡­


    Upon learning that Xiao Yi and his group had slaughtered the Teng Family Village, Yan Yinghao had been filled with righteous indignation and held extreme aversion and disgust towards Xiao Yi and his companions. But now, while Xiao Yi and the others were in the city lord''s mansion, another village atop the ice plain had been wiped out.


    So, it was clear.


    These previous village massacres had nothing to do with Xiao Yi.


    Yan Wei''s face changed color, "What did you say? Another village has been wiped out? Which village?"


    Just as Yan Yinghao was about to respond, he caught sight of Bai Xue and Sun Yao''s bodies lying in a pool of blood and swallowed hard involuntarily. Looking incredulously at Xiao Yi, who was emitting a murderous aura, he furrowed his brow slightly, "Father, what''s going on here?"


    "The Teng Family Village was exterminated. It was Sun Yao colluding with Bai Xue to frame Xiao Yi and His Highness Yang Ling¡­"


    Yan Wei said offhandedly, his gaze drifting to Yang Kun before pressing, "Which village is it this time?"


    He knew very well that it was Yang Kun who had framed Xiao Yi.


    Yet if this matter were to spread, it would undoubtedly damage the royal family''s prestige, so he simply pushed all the blame onto Sun Yao and Bai Xue. It just so happened that Yan Wei was aware that Sun Yao already had a feud with Xiao Yi from the battle with the Nangong Family.


    Seeing this, Yan Yinghao didn''t press further but reported, "This time, it''s the Chen Family Village. Our patrol team happened to pass by the Chen Family Village just in time to see the demonic beasts slaughtering the villagers. We gave chase, but lost their trail near the Gu Family Fort¡­"


    "The Gu Family Fort?"


    Yan Wei''s expression shifted slightly.


    Gu Family Fort.


    This was one of the largest settlements atop the ice plain, with the Gu Family Fort being extremely powerful.


    The lord of the fort, Gu Yun, was a formidable expert at the Dharma Manifestation Realm, and the Gu Family Fort ranked among the top ten presences across the entire ice plain. Leveraging the unique geographic position of Ice Valley, they cultivated the ice plain''s unique ice rice deep within the valley.


    This ice rice was extremely high-yielding, and the majority of the ice plain''s villagers purchased their ice rice from them.


    They were practically the emperor of the ice plain!


    Even Yan Wei, the lord of Northern Bing City, was quite cautious regarding the Gu Family Fort.


    Xiao Yi looked at Yan Wei, "General Yan, what''s so special about the Gu Family Fort?"


    Yan Wei paused, hesitating for a moment before speaking gravely, "The Gu Family Fort''s strength is formidable, and they almost have a monopoly over all the ice rice in the ice plain. Moreover, the ice plain where the Gu Family Fort is located sits between the Great Qian Dynasty and the Sword Dynasty, and they have always managed to benefit from both sides. If it were some other village, we could dispatch a large force to investigate, but the Gu Family Fort¡­"


    Like the Gu Family Fort serving as the granary of the ice plain.


    Both great dynasties regarded it with utmost importance!


    If Yan Wei were to dispatch a large force to the Gu Family Fort, the Sword Dynasty would surely take notice, and they would likely send a large army as well.


    Facing off, the two armies might clash and conflict could erupt.


    A tug on a single thread affects the entire web.


    A single misstep¡­


    Could potentially trigger a full-scale war between the two nations.


    Xiao Yi, sensing Yan Wei''s dilemma, stated resolutely, "General Yan, let us go to the Gu Family Fort to investigate!"


    "Hmm? You''ll go?"


    Yan Wei was startled, his mind somewhat moved by the idea, yet also concerned, he spoke gravely, "If you were to go, there would be no worry of sparking an interstate conflict, but His Highness Yang Ling holds a prestigious status. If the Gu Family Fort proves uninvolved, then well and good. But if this matter truly relates to them, then you may well be¡­"


    He dared not gamble with Yang Ling''s life and safety.


    Yang Ling smiled slightly, his voice soft yet firm, "General Yan, as a prince of great stature, if I lack the courage to even visit my own nation''s territory, how shall I speak of expanding our borders in the future?"


    "This¡­"


    Yan Wei hesitated, but looking into Yang Ling''s determined eyes, he gritted his teeth and agreed, "Alright then, Yinghao, join His Highness on a trip to the Gu Family Fort. Remember, His Highness''s safety is the utmost priority!"


    "Father, rest assured, even if I am torn to pieces, I will not let His Highness suffer any harm!" Yan Yinghao patted his chest, firmly promising.


    "Hmm!"


    Yan Wei nodded, his gaze shifting toward Yang Kun standing beside him.


    Yang Kun coughed lightly and said indifferently, "Since it''s a matter that concerns the safety of the citizens of the Great Qian Dynasty, as the Crown Prince, it is my inescapable duty. The three hundred Blood Saber Guards under my command will also head out. Should there be any issue with the Gu Family Fort, we will simply eliminate it!"


    Yan Wei uttered affirmatively, "With Your Highness and the Blood Saber Guard in attendance, I can indeed worry less."


    Then...


    Xiao Yi and the others followed Yan Yinghao and left.


    In the darkness.


    A middle-aged man dressed in a scholar''s robe stepped out, asking with a smile, "General, by having Yang Ling accompany Xiao Yi and the others, aren''t you afraid that he''ll interfere with mischief again?"


    "Afraid of what?"


    Yan Wei smiled faintly, gently stroking his beard, "If Yang Ling cannot even handle this small affair, then he does not deserve to be Emperor. Similarly, if Yang Kun, in the face of a national crisis, continues to scheme against his own brother, then he too does not deserve to be Emperor."


    He had never expressed support for either prince.


    Now was the perfect opportunity to use this as a test and find the prince truly worthy of his support.


    The scholar-garment man nodded, praising with a laugh, "True to your reputation, General, you are indeed a crafty old fox!"


    In the past.


    Receiving such high praise from the scholar-garment man would have undoubtedly thrilled Yan Wei.


    But after experiencing Xiao Yi''s strength and his audacious act of killing Sun Yao and Bai Xue to prove his innocence, he lamented, "I''ve grown old; now it''s the era of the young..."


    ......


    In the midst of snowstorms.


    Xiao Yi and his companions rode quickly on a sled.


    Yan Yinghao constantly remained among them, sometimes casting curious glances at Xiao Yi.


    Yang Kun, leading three hundred Blood Saber Guards, kept pace at a certain distance from them. Both groups tacitly raced against time, vying to reach the Gu Family Fort as swiftly as possible.


    Particularly Yang Kun...


    His schemes against Xiao Yi had come to Yan Wei''s knowledge. If he failed to capture the perpetrator of the tragedy with his own hands, his image in Yan Wei''s eyes would plummet, never to recover.


    His cold gaze flickered towards Xiao Yi and the others nearby.


    Thinking of how his painstakingly laid plans had nearly been ruined by Xiao Yi, Yang Kun''s intent to kill was chilling, "Xiao Yi, Yang Ling... I will make sure you suffer the agony of longing for death but being unable to die..." sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Yan Yinghao, noticing the murderous intent in Yang Kun''s eyes, frowned slightly and turned to Xiao Yi, "Be careful, Xiao Yi. I always feel like the Crown Prince harbors ill intentions!"


    "Don''t worry!"


    Xiao Yi chuckled and responded, "If he behaves himself, I could still let him return in one piece to attend the ancestral worship ceremony. But if he dares to have more crooked thoughts, it would be a perfect time for root and branch elimination..."


    "Uh..."


    Yan Yinghao''s eyes twitched, and he said with a wry smile, "Isn''t that a bit much? He is, after all, the Crown Prince..."


    "So what if he''s the Crown Prince?"


    Xiao Yi curled his lip, saying dismissively, "Kill him and dump him in the wild; wild beasts will have gnawed his flesh away within half a day. Who would know it was my doing?"


    "..."


    Yan Yinghao''s mouth twitched, and he looked at Yang Kun with sympathy, "Your Highness, you better stay in line!"


    The group raced onwards.


    It wasn''t until midnight that Yan Yinghao spoke, "We''ve arrived at the Gu Family Fort!"

 Chapter 440 - 440 God Devouring Ants

    In front of the crowd appeared a huge Ice Valley.


    Three gigantic ice mountains guarded the valley, with only one entrance on the east side allowing entry and exit.


    From a distance, the entire Gu Family Fort seemed to be protected in the middle by three colossal giants supporting the sky.


    Xiao Yi and his group approached the Gu Family Fort.


    Yan Yinghao said, "The Gu Family Fort cultivates over seventy percent of the ice paddy on the ice fields, and to prevent people from other villages on the ice fields from stealing the ice paddy, they have extremely strict defenses. When we get there, we should reveal our identities and try not to conflict with them..."


    "Mm!"


    Everyone nodded in agreement.


    However...


    They were able to enter Ice Valley without any hindrance, encountering no obstacles or guards whatsoever.


    Shen Mo asked with a puzzled face, "Yinghao, didn''t you say that the defenses of the Gu Family Fort are very strict? We haven''t seen a single soul on our way..."


    "This..."


    Yan Yinghao was also puzzled, "I don''t know either, I''ve been here once before with my father and it was indeed heavily guarded. I have no idea why there''s no one around today!"


    Xiao Yi, however, slightly furrowed his brows, his expression subtly uneasy.


    The Ice Phoenix that had been following him transmitted a message, "Master, I sense the presence of that mysterious person who injured me before..."


    "Oh?"


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow.


    The mysterious person who injured the Ice Phoenix a month ago?


    He had been suspicious before, that person might very well be the real culprit behind the massacre on the ice fields, and he didn''t expect the Ice Phoenix to feel his presence here. Xiao Yi discreetly warned Yan Yinghao and Yang Ling, "Be careful, the Ice Phoenix senses the presence of that mysterious person who injured him!"


    "The one suspected from the Sword Dynasty?" S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Everyone, be cautious!"


    Each of them became vigilant and continued towards the middle of the valley.


    As they advanced...


    The entire Ice Valley was filled only with dead silence and cold.


    The sentries who were usually scattered everywhere to guard against other villagers stealing the ice paddy were nowhere to be seen; the vast Gu Family Fort was eerily silent, and the air was tinged with a faint scent of blood.


    Not a single soul could be seen.


    It was as if all the people of the Gu Family Fort had vanished into thin air.


    "Ah..."


    A scream suddenly cut through the silence of the valley.


    The group followed the sound.


    Rushing to the deepest part of the Gu Family Fort.


    This was the most remote area of Ice Valley, sprawling in size and surrounded by three ice mountains. The chill here was even more intense than in other areas.


    The valley floor, shrouded in cold air, was filled with endless emerald-green ice paddy, each grain shone like crystal, exuding a faint, alluring fragrance.


    In the deepest part of Ice Valley, there was a massive cave.


    The scream had come from within this cave.


    All of a sudden.


    Several bloodied figures rushed out of the cave.


    Each person was covered in blood, their faces etched with terror. An elderly man at the front held a stone pillar as thick as a waist, swinging it behind him as he roared, "Come on, if you dare, face me..."


    Other figures were running frantically out of the cave alongside him.


    Yan Yinghao''s pupils contracted upon seeing the old man, "That''s the master of the Gu Family Fort, Gu Yun..."


    Gu Yun attacked the dark cave continuously, unleashing waves of energy that surged like an ocean, seemingly to prevent something from pursuing them out of the cave. Meanwhile, a dozen other members of the Gu Family Fort ran desperately out of the cave.


    Upon seeing Xiao Yi and the others, joy erupted on their faces: "Save us..."


    "Please save us quickly..."


    A group of Gu Family Fort''s powerhouses shouted.


    Rustle, rustle!


    In the midst of a piercing cacophony, a swath of pitch-black figures swiftly scrambled out from the cave. Some were tangled with Gu Yun, while others chased after the fleeing Gu Family Fort''s powerhouses.


    These figures were roughly the size of human heads, each one entirely black.


    They resembled ants.


    Atop their heads were faint silver, skull-like patterns.


    Whoosh!


    These black ants gathered in swarms, countless as hairs on an ox, invoking fear at first sight. In an instant, they caught up with the folks from the Gu Family Fort. With but a single sweep, a dozen people instantly turned into nothingness.


    Not even a drop of blood or a piece of bone was left behind.


    There was still one person by Gu Yun''s side, someone whose legs had been completely gnawed clean, now being dragged by Gu Yun in a frantic run. But the black ants encircled them with menacing eyes. The man in front Gu Yun shouted, "Master of the Fort, go on without me... leave me be..."


    "If we die, we''ll die together. I will absolutely not leave alone!"


    Gu Yun clung onto the man, his face filled with despair as he saw the black ants closing in all around them. "Scum of the Sword Dynasty, you won''t die a good death!"


    Whoosh!


    The swarm of ants, like a black flood of steel, charged at them in an instant.


    Just as they were about to be devoured by the swarm of ants...


    With a thunderous boom,


    a heavenly sword light descended from above, cutting open a vast gorge around them. Hundreds of black ants were cleaved into pieces and dispersed. Gu Yun, who had prepared himself for a noble death, was startled and turned towards Xiao Yi, "Who are you?"


    Xiao Yi said, "I am Xiao Yi, here specifically to investigate the annihilation of the village..."


    "Investigating the annihilation of the village?"


    Gu Yun showed a strong desire to live, pointing at the swarm of black ants and saying, "Sir, the tragedy on the ice field was caused by these devilish things. They are demons, demons that eat humans without leaving bones. Nearly ten thousand of my Gu Family Fort''s people have been eaten by them..."


    Upon seeing the black ants, a look of terror emerged unconsciously on Gu Yun''s face.


    These black ants were truly terrifying!


    Wherever they went, no grass grew.


    Once flesh and blood entered their mouths, not even bone fragments remained!


    The recent victims from the Gu Family Fort were such that not even blood was left behind.


    "I never thought we would actually encounter these ghastly creatures here..."


    Xiao Yi saw the true nature of these black ants, his gaze carrying a trace of seriousness.


    Yang Ling and Shen Mo, among others, also gathered around.


    Everyone looked at the surrounding dense swarms of black ants that made one''s scalp tingle, and Yang Ling asked in a serious tone, "Shen Mo, do you recognize these ghastly creatures?"


    Shen Mo shook his head gravely.


    "These are the God Devouring Ants!"


    Xiao Yi''s eyes held a serious look mixed with suppressed rage, "These are a very unique type of monster beast. A single God Devouring Ant isn''t scary, but a swarm of God Devouring Ants is. Just as you''ve seen earlier, where a swarm of God Devouring Ants passes, not a bone or blade of grass remains..."


    "God Devouring Ants? Quite a domineering name. What kind of monster beast is this? Why doesn''t it even appear in the Myriad Beasts Manual of the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect?" Shen Mo looked puzzled at the surrounding God Devouring Ants. The Myriad Beasts Manual cataloged tens of thousands of monster beasts ¨C it was the encyclopedia of monster beasts!


    Shen Mo had been well-versed in the Myriad Beasts Manual since he was ten, yet he had never heard of the God Devouring Ants.


    Xiao Yi said, "Your Ten Thousand Beasts Sect has only been around for a thousand years, whereas the God Devouring Ants disappeared five thousand years ago."


    "Five thousand years ago?"


    Yang Ling asked with a puzzled face, "That''s impossible, right? If they disappeared five thousand years ago, then where did these come from?"

 Chapter 441 - 441 The Real Culprit Emerges

    "If they disappeared five thousand years ago, where do these come from?"


    Shen Mo and Yang Ling looked at each other.


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, and with his gaze fixed on the vast cavern ahead, he said coldly, "If I''m not mistaken, they must have been artificially bred."


    Clap clap clap!


    A series of crisp slapping sounds suddenly came from within the cave.


    What followed was a skin-crawling rustling sound, and in no time, tens of thousands of God Devouring Ants emerged from the cavern. They loomed like a dark steel torrent, swiftly surrounding Xiao Yi and the others.


    Encircled.


    Xiao Yi and his fellows could only stand back to back, warily watching their surroundings. However, the God Devouring Ants seemed to be under control, showing their teeth and snarling but not launching an attack. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Rustle rustle!


    Tens of thousands of God Devouring Ants accumulated together, forming a black throne of ants.


    A dark figure, wrapped in a cloak, sat proudly on the throne, pushed forward by the God Devouring Ants into everyone''s view.


    The Ice Phoenix''s expression changed subtly, his deep voice filled with solemnity and caution, "Master, it was this person who wounded me a month ago!"


    "Oh?"


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow, his sharp gaze settling on the figure exuding a faint aura of ice-coldness.


    In his hand, he held a black cane, topped with a ferocious dragon''s head.


    He played gently with the cane, giving off an extremely eerie and gloomy feeling.


    The eyes beneath the dark figure''s cloak sparkled like lightning, wearing a cold smirk as he stared at Xiao Yi and the others, and said, "I didn''t expect you to recognize the God Devouring Ants, no wonder you became the head of Xiaoshanhe Institute and gained the trust of that old fool, Emperor Qian!"


    "You recognize me?" Xiao Yi asked, greatly surprised.


    "Heh heh, you''re quite the wanted man; how could I not recognize you?"


    The man in black gave a sinister smile and said, "I''ve long heard that the Great Qian Dynasty, aside from Xiao Tianjiao, now has a remarkable Xiao Yi. Seeing you today, your reputation is indeed well-deserved!"


    Xiao Yi''s gaze locked onto the man as he replied with a sneer, "Your methods are also extraordinary, to be able to breed God Devouring Ants that have been extinct for many years. However, aren''t your methods a bit too ruthless?"


    "Oh? So you know how to breed the God Devouring Ants?" The man raised his eyebrows, curious as he looked at Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi snorted coldly, "Using the lives of the innocent to nurture the queen ant and bring forth new God Devouring Ants¡ªsuch methods are disgraceful. Aren''t you afraid of retribution?"


    "Hm?"


    The man in black lifted an eyebrow, toying with the cane in his hand.


    The method for breeding the God Devouring Ants was something he had discovered in an ancient site, a secret unknown to others. Yet Xiao Yi spoke of its intricacies with ease, surprising and shocking him.


    Leaning forward slightly, the black-clothed man narrowed his eyes and said with a smile, "Retribution? That is a word used by the weak to deceive themselves. If retribution truly existed in this world, I, Lin Xu, would have died at the hands of that old fart Emperor Qian decades ago!"


    "Lin Xu?"


    Yang Ling''s face changed drastically as he looked incredulously at the man in black, "You''re Cangyue City''s city lord from fifty years ago, Lin Xu? How is this possible? Weren''t you executed? How can you still be alive..."


    "Heh heh, you''re quite young yet you know so much! Yes, indeed I was sentenced to death by that old fart Emperor Qian. But my life was not yet at its end, and the heavens spared me a breath so I could annihilate the Great Qian Dynasty and avenge the blood feud of that year!"


    Lin Xu tore off his cloak, revealing a face covered with centipede-like nasty scars.


    The scars crisscrossed over his face, extending to the back of his head.


    Not a single piece of flesh on the entire head was intact.


    One can only imagine...


    the excruciating pain Lin Xu must have suffered to receive those scars.


    His face was filled with a ferocious grin as he said gloomily, "All these are thanks to that old fart, Emperor Qian! I thought I would never be able to avenge myself in this lifetime, but Heaven has allowed me to discover the cultivation method of the God Devouring Ants. Heh heh, I will let my army of God Devouring Ants sweep across the entire Great Qian Dynasty. I want Emperor Qian to be unable to live or die. Devour their flesh, drink their blood, gnaw their bones, execute their nine kin, annihilate their entire family..."


    Every word Lin Xu uttered was powerful and filled with overwhelming hatred!


    Yang Ling''s face turned slightly pale as he roared, "If it hadn''t been for your brutal use of the people of Cangyue City for your medicinal experiments, turning millions into walking corpses, causing cannibalism amongst family, and filling the city with lamentation, my father would not have killed you. You deserved what you got. What right do you have to talk of revenge?"


    "Father? You''re also a son of that old fart Emperor Qian? Hahaha..."


    Lin Xu was startled for a moment, his cold gaze beneath the dark cloak staring dead at Yang Ling as he sneered, "I didn''t expect Heaven to deliver his son to me before I sought revenge on old fart Emperor Qian. Heh heh, it seems even the Heavens are helping me! Tell me, if I were to flay and dismember you and send you back to Emperor Qian, would he be heartbroken? Heh heh heh..."


    That grating voice made one''s scalp tingle.


    Gurgle!


    Yang Ling subconsciously swallowed.


    Yang Kun''s complexion also turned pale¡ªflaying and dismemberment?


    That was even more painful than death!


    He instinctively took a step back.


    But Xiao Yi pointed at Yang Kun, "That one is also a prince of the Great Qian Dynasty, and a strong contender for the Crown Prince''s position, the grand prince, Yang Kun!"


    Yang Kun: "...*&*()"


    He felt like he could kill someone at that moment!


    He had already deliberately stayed far away, but with just a word from Xiao Yi, the man in black had focused all his attention on him.


    The man in black stared intently at Yang Kun, his eyes brimming with murderous intent, "The grand prince? A contender for the Crown Prince? Hahaha, fortune favors the bold, indeed Heaven has eyes! Old fart Emperor Qian, today I will sever your Crown Prince''s lineage..."


    Rustle rustle!


    A dark mass of God Devouring Ants rushed toward Yang Kun''s direction, driven mad by the man in black lifting his cane.


    "Damn!"


    Yang Kun was scared out of his wits¡ªthe sight of tens of thousands of God Devouring Ants en masse was enough to make anyone''s skin crawl¡ªhe hurriedly shouted to Xiao Yi and Yang Ling, "Xiao Yi, Yang Ling, we should be united in our hatred now, in opposition to our common enemy. Let''s join forces and slay this villain first, and deal with our grievances privately later, shall we?"


    Xiao Yi remained expressionless.


    Yang Ling furrowed his brow.


    Watching the God Devouring Ants draw nearer, Yang Kun bellowed, "Yang Ling, if I die, even if you survive, it won''t be easy to explain to the Emperor. We need to work together to kill him first; otherwise, if this army of God Devouring Ants enters the Great Qian Dynasty, it will be a catastrophe. We have to think of the bigger picture!"


    Whoo!


    Yang Ling bit his lip¡ªit was a perfect opportunity to get rid of Yang Kun.


    But...


    Just as Yang Kun had said, if these God Devouring Ants poured into the Great Qian Dynasty, countless lives would suffer. With that in mind, Yang Ling turned to Xiao Yi, "Xiao Yi, let''s join forces, and get rid of these God Devouring Ants first!"


    "Alright!"


    A hint of relief flickered through Xiao Yi''s eyes.


    If Yang Ling were only after the throne without regard for the people, he would need to consider how much support to give him going forward.


    Fortunately, Yang Ling had not disappointed him!


    Hearing the words of the three, Lin Xu sneered, "Idiots, my God Devouring Ants are impervious to swords and spears, unaffected by water or fire, invincible in this world. You think you can fight me?"


    "Invincible in this world?"


    Xiao Yi''s lips curved slightly upwards, a confident smile appearing, "Well, that remains to be seen!"

 Chapter 442 - 442 God Devouring Ants

    "That''s far from certain!"


    Xiao Yi sneered coldly, "Though the God Devouring Ants are strong, if the ant queen is killed... I don''t even need to lift a finger; they will start killing each other. Don''t think that hiding the ant queen will prevent me from dealing with you. I have at least a hundred ways to find the queen''s location..."


    Hiss!


    Lin Xu''s face changed dramatically, his heart instantly filled with a towering murderous intent.


    These God Devouring Ants were the Sword Dynasty''s deadly weapon against the Great Qian Dynasty.


    To cultivate these ants, the sacrifices made were no less than tens of thousands of lives.


    Just the initial cultivation alone resulted in more than a hundred thousand deaths.


    During this time...


    He led the swarm of God Devouring Ants across the ice plains, consuming countless lives to continuously augment the ant army''s numbers. From the birth of the first ant, he had devoured no fewer than one hundred and fifty thousand people.


    He was just waiting for the day of the Great Qian Dynasty''s ancestral sacrifice ceremony, when he would command his army of God Devouring Ants to march south and sweep through the Great Qian Dynasty.


    To devour countless millions of lives.


    Just as his grand achievement was within reach, Xiao Yi unexpectedly saw through the existence of the God Devouring Ants, even knowing their only weakness?


    Lin Xu''s face twisted into a ferocious snarl; with a wave of his crutch, he directed the swarm of ants to change course toward Xiao Yi in a frenzied rush: "Talkative fool, I will slaughter you first..."


    The ants originally targeting Yang Kun instantly changed direction.


    Forming a sword-shaped formation.


    Rustle rustle rustle!


    Amidst the harsh grating sounds, tens of thousands of God Devouring Ants turned into a black, iron tide rushing straight at Xiao Yi with extraordinary speed. Wherever they passed, dirt and pebbles were gnawed away, leaving nothing behind.


    "A Stroke That Surprises the Wind and Rain!"


    "The Lotus of Resurrection!"


    "Eternal Cycle of Life..."


    Xiao Yi unleashed a series of sword moves, his strokes as smooth as drifting clouds and flowing water, slicing through swath after swath of God Devouring Ants.


    By his side...


    Yang Ling, Yan Yinghao, and Shen Mo were also taking action, tirelessly attacking the swarm of ants.


    However...


    Yang Kun, who had continuously claimed to prioritize the greater good, watched as the ants changed course and stopped targeting him. He called out and led more than three hundred Blood Saber Guards in a frantic dash away from the Gu Family Fort.


    "Fuck, Yang Kun you son of a bitch..." Shen Mo exploded in fury and cursed aloud.


    Yang Ling''s vision darkened, nearly spitting out a mouthful of blood in anger: "Yang Kun, you will not die a good death..."


    Yang Kun didn''t look back as he sprinted out of the valley, yet his self-satisfied voice could still be heard drifting back: "I am also prioritizing the greater good. After you all die, I will naturally take care of your bodies. I shall take my leave first, hahaha..."


    "Fuck..."


    The crowd roared in rage.


    Lin Xu was also stunned, then sneered, "So this is the crown prince of the Great Qian Dynasty! Truly worthy of being Emperor Qian''s son, like father, like son, both equally shameless..."


    With Yang Kun and the three hundred Blood Saber Guards escaping first, it massively increased the pressure on Xiao Yi and his three companions.


    The four had no choice but to stand back to back, resisting the encircling assault of the God Devouring Ants.


    Lin Xu, floating in midair, looked down with a mockingly at Xiao Yi, baring his teeth in a fierce smile: "Boy, you claim to have ways to deal with the God Devouring Ants, do you? I am eager to see just how capable you are..."


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi released a crescent arc with his sword, decisively cleaving through thousands of ants in front of him. His chilly gaze fixed on Lin Xu, he said with a sinister smile, "If I''m not mistaken, that ant queen is on your body, right?"


    Lin Xu''s face showed a slight change.


    Just as Xiao Yi had said, the queen was indeed on his body.


    As long as he controlled the ant queen, he could command the God Devouring Ant army, naturally it was safer to carry her with him.


    Exhale!


    Lin Xu took a deep breath, then slowly exhaled, "Do you know? Exposing someone''s secrets like this can be very annoying!"


    As soon as he finished speaking.


    Lin Xu''s mouth curved in a grimace, revealing a set of pale teeth, and with a sinister laugh.


    He waved his dragon-headed cane toward Xiao Yi.


    Rustle rustle!


    Swarms of God Devouring Ants raised their hefty pincers in unison, their reddened eyes fixed deathly upon Xiao Yi and the others. The chilling gleam of their choosing prey struck terror into hearts and sent shivers down the spine.


    Lin Xu, his face covered with fierce scars, revealed a terrifying smile and sneered, "Give up your resistance. There''s no way you can withstand the assault of the God Devouring Ants!"


    "Master, let''s run away fast!" the Ice and Snow Phoenix said.


    Yang Ling said in a deep voice, "Xiao Yi, a wise man does not fight when the odds are against him. We should retreat first!"


    "We can''t retreat. It was not easy to find them. If we allow him to leave this place, it will be even harder to find him later. Once he commands the God Devouring Ant army to attack the Great Qian Dynasty, countless commoners will be displaced..." Xiao Yi decisively shook his head, his gaze resolute.


    Yang Kun could shamelessly run away.


    But he couldn''t!


    The God Devouring Ants in front of him were clearly not the entirety, nor were they in their full form.


    Based on Lin Xu''s control of the God Devouring Ants that had devoured over a hundred thousand people, their army must number in the millions. Once allowing him to leave and control the army to attack the Great Qian Dynasty,


    wherever they passed...


    Absolutely nothing would remain, and all life would be plunged into misery.


    "You guys hold off the God Devouring Ants, I''ll deal with Lin Xu..."


    A cold gleam flashed across Xiao Yi''s eyes.


    Whoosh!


    His figure suddenly moved, and dazzling glory emerge all around him.


    Red, orange, yellow, green, cyan, blue, violet.


    Dazzling radiance gathered like a rainbow, completely enshrouding Xiao Yi, and at the same time, a sharp sword light pervaded around him.


    The power of Sword Intent was pushed to its ultimate, as the divine sealing power within his body operated simultaneously. His qi breathed life into the air with roars like that of tigers and dragons, and the Longsword swept across the sky.


    Wherever his figure passed, God Devouring Ants were struck flying.


    In just the blink of an eye.


    Xiao Yi forcefully tore open a gap.


    "Islands divide the river into two,"


    "A Stroke That Surprises the Wind and Rain,"


    "The Blue Lotus of Rebirth..."


    The masterful "Blue Lotus Sword Song" flowed smoothly like clouds and water, flipping away one God Devouring Ant after another, and the Longsword in the sky smashed them to pieces.


    His speed was so fast that it caught one off guard.


    In the instant Lin Xu reacted, Xiao Yi was already in front of him.


    Leaping high.


    A sharp sword descended from the heavens: "The Blue Lotus of Rebirth, everlastingly cyclic!"


    Whoosh!


    Clusters of Sword Qi Flower Lotus condensed into being.


    Circling around each other continuously, never-ending, endlessly unfolding.


    Lin Xu''s expression changed dramatically; he had not anticipated that Xiao Yi could so swiftly tear through the encirclement of the God Devouring Ants. With no time to spare, he swung his staff and hundreds of God Devouring Ants rushed towards the sharp sword light.


    Pfft pfft!


    The sword light swept past.


    These hundreds of God Devouring Ants were cleanly bisected.


    In the moment the sword edge crushed the group of ants, Lin Xu found a chance to catch his breath.


    With one hand, he reached into the void, and hundreds of ants transformed into a shield in front of him while he explosively withdrew. Swinging the dragon-headed cane in his hand, another few hundred ants followed suit, throwing themselves at Xiao Yi. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Get lost!"


    Xiao Yi shouted with enraged eyes, sweeping his sword across.


    The cold sword light, like a rainbow, cut through Changkong, cleaving it in the middle.


    As blood sprayed wildly,


    Xiao Yi leapt over the corpses of countless God Devouring Ants. Looking at Lin Xu protected by the ants, he said lightly, "How do you want to die?"

 Chapter 443 - 443: Frantic Pursuit

    ```


    "How do you wish to die?"


    Xiao Yi''s longsword in his hand spat forth Sword Qi, like a venomous snake revealing its fierce fangs.


    In the flashing cold light,


    a chilling breath swept through the surroundings in an instant.


    The God Devouring Ants were indeed powerful!


    But he was the Heavenly General, and even more, he possessed many secret techniques and heritages of the powerful, among which included the heritage of the Wind Thunder Master that mentioned the God Devouring Ants. With the power of Wind Thunder contained within his Wind Thunder Holy Body, he was perfectly suited to restrain these God Devouring Ants.


    That''s exactly why...


    Upon discovering that Lin Xu controlled the God Devouring Ants, Xiao Yi also let out a sigh of relief.


    Hiss hiss hiss!


    Lin Xu''s grip on his walking stick tightened, and the surrounding God Devouring Ants subsequently produced a series of hissing sounds, their gazes void of any emotion. Under the control of the God Devouring Ants queen, these ants were like puppets.


    Fearless of death, only slaughter remained!


    Lin Xu''s face was as still as water, and seeing the corpses of the God Devouring Ants on the ground made his heart bleed, for he had invested countless efforts in raising these ants: "You little bastard, you dare to slaughter my God Devouring Ants? Do you know how much effort I put into raising them?"


    For every person the queen of the God Devouring Ants devoured, it could give birth to ten more God Devouring Ants.


    The tens of thousands of God Devouring Ants that Xiao Yi had just slain would have required the consumption of an entire small village!


    "It is precisely because I know how you raised them, that I have to kill you even more!" Xiao Yi''s sword tip rose, pointing at Lin Xu in front of him, his Sword Qi roaring like a rainbow, creating ripples in the air as it breathed in and out.


    "Heheh, let''s see if you have the ability!"


    Amidst a grim smile, Lin Xu fiercely stomped the ground with his dragon-head cane.


    Boom!


    The ground suddenly let out a dull thud.


    With his dragon-head cane as the center, ripples spread outwards in all directions, the cracks sprawling across the ground like a spider''s web. On the ground, countless God Devouring Ants twisted their bodies frantically, swarming towards Xiao Yi in a dense mass.


    As Xiao Yi had previously broken through the encirclement of God Devouring Ants and escaped to the side, Yang Ling and the others watched the scene with tense expressions.


    The dense swarm of God Devouring Ants was enough to make one''s scalp tingle.


    Yang Ling clenched his fists, his face filled with concern: "Shen Mo, what chances do you think Xiao has of defeating these God Devouring Ants?"


    "This..."


    Shen Mo instinctively opened his mouth but realized the answer in his head was extremely pessimistic; he said with a wry smile, "I don''t know much about the God Devouring Ants, but when we broke out earlier, I struck a few of them. These creatures have extremely tough shells and are very tricky to deal with. Moreover, their numbers are vast, they fear neither life nor death, and even though Director Xiao is strong, facing so many God Devouring Ants, I''m afraid..."


    Yang Ling''s complexion turned slightly pale.


    Gu Yun, covered in blood and with a pained expression, said: "It''s over, we''re all going to die here..."


    Meanwhile,


    Xiao Yi was faced with a wall of black ants, their pairs of blood-red eyes fixed upon him, ready to devour. In their eyes, Xiao Yi was food, was prey. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Rip him to shreds!" Lin Xu raised his arm, the dragon-head cane pointing towards Xiao Yi.


    Boom!


    The wall of ants writhed madly, suddenly transforming.


    Into a massive black hand, the great hand lunging to crush Xiao Yi.


    This hand, made entirely of God Devouring Ants, would leave Xiao Yi with no chance of escape if he were caught.


    "Sword Qi Flower Lotus!"


    "An endless cycle of life!"


    Xiao Yi''s face showed no emotion as he stood with his sword in hand, like an invincible swordsman.


    Swish!


    ```


    The Sword Qi Flower Lotus appeared out of nowhere, spinning and complementing each other, endlessly blooming. Sword Qi Flower Lotuses fell into the massive hand of the God Devouring Ants, exploding violently with a booming sound.


    The black hand was cleaved open, leaving a huge gash.


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi dashed forward, shooting across the air like a bolt of lightning, passing through the gap in the massive hand.


    His speed was incredibly fast.


    Tapping his toes continuously on the Sword Qi Flower Lotuses in the void, his speed burst forth a second time, shooting through like an arrow released from a bowstring. As he passed through the black hand, the God Devouring Ants behind him had just filled the huge gap.


    Transforming back into a black hand, it pursued Xiao Yi relentlessly.


    "Not good!"


    Lin Xu''s face changed dramatically.


    He had not expected Xiao Yi''s sword technique to be so powerful that it could easily rip through the hand formed by the God Devouring Ants.


    With the sharp Sword Qi already before him, Lin Xu, in haste, could only raise his cane to block in front of him. A thunderous ''thud'' resonated as the cane trembled violently, sending out circular ripples.


    The terrifying force transmitted up his arms, Lin Xu screamed in agony as the flesh at the base of his thumb split open, with even the bones in his arms showing signs of fractures.


    "Such a terrifying force, this young man''s strength is so formidable¡­"


    Lin Xu''s complexion drastically changed.


    Seeing Xiao Yi charging at him again with his sword, his heart lost the desire to fight any longer. His figure fled, lifted and carried by a clutch of God Devouring Ants, as he ran madly into the distance.


    At the same time¡­


    Squads of God Devouring Ants formed a black tide, attempting to block Xiao Yi.


    Lin Xu''s own cultivation was merely at the First Nirvana Realm. If he engaged Xiao Yi in close combat, it would surely be a path to certain death. Previously, relying on the peskiness and vast numbers of the God Devouring Ants, he managed to capture Yang Kun and the others.


    But now¡­


    Against Xiao Yi, who possessed the Wind Thunder Holy Body as well as the Green Lotus Sword Song, the God Devouring Ants seemed virtually useless. Having lost his main reliance, he could only flee.


    Watching Xiao Yi chasing relentlessly from behind, Lin Xu cursed viciously, "Damn it, if these God Devouring Ants hadn''t just hatched, would I have fallen to such a wretched state? Xiao Yi, don''t get too proud. Once I gather the rest of the God Devouring Ants army, your death will be at hand!"


    Lin Xu had far more than the mere hundred and some thousand God Devouring Ants before him that he had cultivated to disrupt the Great Qian Dynasty''s ancestral worship ceremony.


    Among this batch of God Devouring Ants, the vast majority were new insects that had just hatched after devouring the people from the Gu Family Fort.


    His true trump card wasn''t with him.


    The two of them, one chasing and one fleeing.


    In the blink of an eye, they reached the exit of the Gu Family Fort. Xiao Yi glanced at Yang Ling and the others pursuing from behind using his peripheral vision. He patted his chest and instructed Little Lin, "Little Lin, protect Yang Ling and the rest, take them back to Northern Bing City and wait for me. I''ll come back once I''ve dealt with Lin Xu!"


    "Got it, Boss. Take care of yourself!" Little Lin nodded and flew towards Yang Ling and the others.


    Xiao Yi nodded and resumed his mad pursuit of Lin Xu.


    Along the way...


    Xiao Yi continually slew the swarms of God Devouring Ants that tried to block him, watching the number behind him dwindle.


    The distance between Xiao Yi and him grew ever closer.


    Traversing through the woods, Xiao Yi''s longsword swept across the sky, cutting down hundreds of towering trees with a swath of sword light. With a kick, the felled trees transformed into arrows, shooting forth with a whooshing sound.


    Bang bang bang!


    Several trees struck Lin Xu hard, the force causing him to spew blood from his mouth, but he dared not slow his pace.


    With a vicious gleam in his eyes, Lin Xu roared, "Xiao Yi, stop chasing me... If you keep this up, don''t blame me for being ruthless and slaughtering all the citizens of the Great Qian Dynasty atop this ice plain!"


    "You can try..."


    Xiao Yi sneered repeatedly, "Let''s see whether you manage to slaughter them first, or I manage to slay you first!"

 Chapter 444 - 444: The Place of Burial

    "Let''s see if you can slaughter them before I slay you!"


    Xiao Yi gave relentless chase, the distance between him and Lin Xu growing ever closer.


    Feeling the icy edge of a sword behind him, Lin Xu''s body chilled, and he glanced back from the corner of his eye. He saw Xiao Yi, surrounded by Sword Qi, cutting through the God Devouring Ants with such force that their bodies burst apart, exploding into the sky.


    Like a black storm, wherever he passed, the strewn bodies of God Devouring Ants lay in his wake.


    As he watched the God Devouring Ants, which had devoured every living creature in the Gu Family Fort to grow stronger, being slaughtered in droves by Xiao Yi, Lin Xu''s heart bled.


    His eyes, now bloodshot, shone red as rubies, and through gritted teeth, he said, "Xiao Yi, you and I are irreconcilable!"


    These God Devouring Ants were creatures he had nurtured with great effort and hardship.


    He had thought that the God Devouring Ants were an invincible army, capable of sweeping through the Great Qian Dynasty.


    But now...


    Xiao Yi had appeared unexpectedly along the way.


    What was worse, Xiao Yi seemed to be immune to the ants'' attacks, something Lin Xu had not anticipated. The God Devouring Ants carried a toxin within them, so that even a Dharma Manifestation Realm expert would lose their combat ability when swarmed and bitten by countless ants.


    Xiao Yi seemed to be immune to the toxin of the God Devouring Ants.


    His Sword techniques were also extremely sharp, capable of easily penetrating the tough outer shells of the God Devouring Ants.


    What was supposed to be an invincible army of God Devouring Ants, seemed virtually ineffective before Xiao Yi, Lin Xu fled desperately for his life, "This man must not be spared, he will become a huge obstacle for my God Devouring Ant army as it sweeps across the Great Qian Dynasty. These ants are just newly hatched and not in their full form. If I can lure Xiao Yi into the den where I have been accumulating my army, I refuse to believe millions of fully-formed God Devouring Ants can''t deal with him!"


    With that thought,


    Lin Xu looked back at Xiao Yi, his eyes filled with madness, "Xiao Yi, if you dare, keep chasing me! If you cannot kill me today, I will make sure to slaughter every living being in the Great Qian Dynasty tomorrow¡­"


    Whoosh!


    Lin Xu suddenly increased his speed.


    A village suddenly appeared before them.


    In the village, smoke rose from the chimneys, the elderly had support and the youth had care; it was a blissful haven resembling the Peach Blossom Spring.


    At the entrance of the village, several naive and innocent children were playing, squatting in front of an anthill, watching as the ants moved food in organized groups.


    Lin Xu''s eyes gleamed as he sneered menacingly, "Watch closely, Xiao Yi, these people will die because of you!"


    "You dare!" S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi was furious, having guessed Lin Xu''s intention.


    He was planning to attack the people of this village!


    Xiao Yi was filled with a desire to kill as he looked at the playing children and the cheerful villagers.


    However...


    Lin Xu let out a sinister laugh and violently swung his dragon-headed cane.


    Whoosh whoosh whoosh!


    The swarms of God Devouring Ants surged out, rushing toward the small village.


    The countless ants moved in unison like a black tide, their movement catching the attention of the children at the village entrance, who looked up at the approaching dark wave of ants.


    "Wow, so many ants!"


    "These ants are so big, are they moving house too?"


    The children watched innocently, not frightened but instead, they moved closer to the swarm of God Devouring Ants.


    "Get away... get away from them¡­" Xiao Yi''s eyes were split with fury as he tried to move forward but was blocked by the ants; he could only watch in powerlessness as the children drew closer to the swarm, unable to help.


    Powerlessness and despair filled his heart.


    Xiao Yi could only scream hysterically, to no avail.


    One of the children''s fingers made contact with the first God Devouring Ant.


    The seemingly stupid little creatures instantly turned into bloodthirsty demons, biting the child''s finger.


    "Ah¡­"


    The small boy with braided pigtails cried out in shock, and though he tried to pull his hand back it was too late ¨C countless ants fell upon them. In just the blink of an eye, the children were devoured until nothing remained of them, not even a bone fragment.


    Boom boom boom!


    The swarms of God Devouring Ants poured crazily into the village.


    At that moment,


    Desperate screams echoed throughout the village, "Help..."


    "What kind of monsters are these? Don''t eat my child, come at me¡­"


    "You beasts, my wife is five months pregnant, let her go¡­"


    "No¡­"


    Heart-wrenching screams continuously emanated from the village.


    Xiao Yi felt as if a huge stone was lodged in his chest, completely unable to breathe.


    His eyes were bloodshot.


    Through his blood-red vision...


    The entire village was reduced to silence in an instant under the attack of the God Devouring Ants.


    "Hahaha, Xiao Yi, this is what happens when you oppose me!"


    Lin Xu threw back his head and howled with laughter, pointing his dragon-headed cane ahead, and blue energy gathered towards the cane from the God Devouring Ants that had devoured the villagers. The whole cane was shrouded in blue light, and the head of the dragon on the cane suddenly opened its mouth.


    Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh!


    One after another, God Devouring Ants appeared around Lin Xu.


    Five hundred.


    One thousand.


    Five thousand...


    In a moment, more than fifty thousand new-born God Devouring Ants appeared around Lin Xu.


    Devouring a single life, they could reproduce ten God Devouring Ants.


    In just that instant...


    This swarm of God Devouring Ants had devoured more than five thousand innocent souls!


    Lin Xu said with immense satisfaction, "Xiao Yi, you can''t possibly catch up to me, nor can you possibly eradicate my God Devouring Ant army. Didn''t you say that for every person I kill from the Great Qian Dynasty, you would destroy one of my cities? Hahaha, I have already killed more than five thousand people now, what can you do to me?"


    "Lin Xu, fuck your ancestors..." Xiao Yi''s neck veins bulged violently, his fists clenched tightly, his knuckles turning deathly white.


    Lin Xu leaned forward slightly, carelessly cleaning his ear, and said with a grim smile, "If you can, keep chasing me! Hahaha, whether or not you continue to pursue me, as punishment for offending me, my God Devouring Ant army will completely devour everything in their path, showing no mercy..."


    "You dare?"


    Xiao Yi shuddered all over.


    If he let Lin Xu do as he pleased, the citizens of the Great Qian Dynasty across the entire glacier would surely be almost completely wiped out!


    "What wouldn''t I dare?"


    Lin Xu''s face twisted viciously, and the centipede-like scars across his face quivered as a gold-colored God Devouring Ant, roughly the size of a watermelon, slowly crawled out from within the dragon-headed cane.


    It went straight for the top of Lin Xu''s head.


    As soon as this God Devouring Ant appeared, all the surrounding ants bowed their heads in deference.


    This was the God Devouring Ant Queen!


    Lin Xu pointed at the queen, proudly saying, "With it around, my God Devouring Ant legion is invincible. You want to stop me from destroying the Great Qian Dynasty? Open your eyes wide and watch as countless innocent lives will be sacrificed along my path because of you, hahaha..."


    As soon as his voice fell.


    Lin Xu abruptly slapped the golden God Devouring Ant Queen on his head.


    The Ant Queen immediately let out a sharp squeal.


    Lin Xu leapt into the air and fled, while Xiao Yi, grinding his teeth in rage, had no choice but to stiffen his resolve and continue the pursuit.


    The chase went on.


    Lin Xu kept using the God Devouring Ants to block Xiao Yi''s pursuit, and as he went through villages on the way, he would immediately unleash his God Devouring Ant legion to devour all life within. Xiao Yi chased for thousands of miles, and along Lin Xu''s path of slaughter, fifteen villages had been destroyed...


    The number of innocent villagers involved had nearly reached thirty thousand.


    Xiao Yi''s eyes had long turned blood red with killing intent.


    He had slashed his way through over a million God Devouring Ants, and as he watched Lin Xu enter a canyon ahead with his ants, he followed without hesitation.


    However...


    As soon as he stepped into the canyon, Lin Xu turned around slowly, his face twisted into a menacing smile as he looked towards him, "Xiao Yi, welcome to my stronghold..."


    Lin Xu gradually spread his arms wide.


    Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!


    All around the dark and deep canyon, on the rock walls, and from all directions came the sound of objects cutting through the air. From the dust, within the rock walls, and inside the boulders...


    Countless black God Devouring Ants stealthily emerged.


    The numbers were countless, amounting to millions!


    Hiss!


    Xiao Yi gasped in a cold breath, his scalp tingling.


    He had only thought of killing Lin Xu to avenge those innocent people, but had been lured by Lin Xu into his lair where he stockpiled his vast God Devouring Ant army. His heart chilled; these were millions of God Devouring Ants!


    And they were all mature, fully-formed God Devouring Ants!


    Let alone him...


    Even a peak master of the Nirvana Realm would have no chance of survival here!


    Lin Xu sneered, "Xiao Yi, this is where you meet your end!"

 Chapter 445 - 445 Queen of the God-Eating Ants

    "Today, this place shall be your grave!"


    Lin Xu said with a ferocious face.


    On his outstretched arms, black God Devouring Ants gradually became visible.


    All of these ants were in their fully developed form.


    He had been hiding them in this canyon all along, waiting for the ancestral worship ceremony of the Great Qian Dynasty, and then he planned to control this army of God Devouring Ants with the Queen, leading them in a mighty procession into the Great Qian Dynasty.


    At that time...


    Wherever the army of God Devouring Ants passed, not a blade of grass would grow, not a tile would remain.


    They could even march directly to the imperial capital!


    Atop Imperial Dragon Mountain, in front of Emperor Qian and the others, he would destroy the most valued ancestral worship ceremony of the Great Qian Dynasty''s royal family!


    Everything had been proceeding according to plan.


    Until Xiao Yi''s arrival completely disrupted it.


    Before that,


    Even experts of the Nirvana Realm facing hundreds of thousands of God Devouring Ants could only choose to retreat, without any means to fight back.


    But Xiao Yi ignored the poison of the God Devouring Ants, and he even had a way to easily destroy the tough defense of their shells, which meant that both the strongest spear and shield of the God Devouring Ants were broken by Xiao Yi. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The attack couldn''t break through Xiao Yi''s defense.


    The defense couldn''t stop Xiao Yi''s attack!


    What''s the point of playing then?


    For this reason,


    Lin Xu, even at the risk of exposing his base, had to lure Xiao Yi to this canyon, all to ensure Xiao Yi remained here forever.


    The number of God Devouring Ants in the entire canyon amounted to over a hundred million!


    Those dense swarms of God Devouring Ants, piling up like mountains, with pairs of glowing eyes staring fixedly at Xiao Yi, like a pack of hungry wolves eyeing a lamb to be slaughtered. Their green eyes were so terrifying that they could scare people to death!


    Lin Xu cackled with a sinister laugh, raised his sword-like brows slightly, and said with complacency, "Xiao Yi, if you surrender to me now and beg for mercy on your knees before me, maybe I will consider leaving your body intact!"


    A whole body?


    Xiao Yi was startled, laughed, and pointed at the swarming God Devouring Ants around him, "You think these things can scare me? You''re seriously underestimating me!"


    "What?"


    Lin Xu was taken aback, the centipede-like scars on his face quivering; his smile was even more terrifying than a cry, "Ignorant fool, just because you could deal with those newly born God Devouring Ant larvae, you think I have no way to handle you? These are all mature God Devouring Ants, ten thousand of them together can kill a Dharma Manifestation Realm master, the Great Qian Dynasty absolutely cannot withstand my army of God Devouring Ants!"


    The army of God Devouring Ants was indeed dreadful!


    The sheer sight of millions of ant-sized God Devouring Ants would inevitably cause massive panic.


    Moreover, with the speed of the God Devouring Ants being extremely fast and having no natural predators, it was not impossible for them to move south from Northern Bing City towards the imperial capital in just one day.


    "Xiao Yi, you cannot stop me. Once I lead the army of God Devouring Ants into the Great Qian Dynasty, I will massacre the entire Great Qian Dynasty until not a blade of grass remains. At that time, I will exterminate all your clan members one by one..." Lin Xu''s head scars trembled slightly, like dozens of centipedes writhing their bodies.


    In an instant,


    He swung his dragon-headed cane violently, and suddenly, a chilling rustling sound filled the canyon.


    Countless God Devouring Ants surged from all directions.


    Xiao Yi''s expression changed slightly; two sword-like brows on his forehead crossed each other, forming a deep chasm, and a longsword materialized out of thin air, falling into his palm. Grasping the longsword in one hand, Xiao Yi leaped into the air.


    Surrounding him, Sword Qi, rushing like a storm, swept out in all directions.


    Boom, boom, boom!


    The terrifying sound of the sword''s cry, accompanied by the noise of thunder and wind.


    The Wind Thunder Holy Body was instantly pushed to its extreme, light of wind and thunder rose and fell, transforming into a set of wind and thunder battle armor.


    The purplish-green wind and thunder battle armor clung to his body.


    It enhanced Xiao Yi''s strength and speed to their limits, allowing him to weave through the vast number of God Devouring Ants without a trace, as though he was a leaf that never touches the flowers among the multitude. Even the strong shells of the God Devouring Ants could not withstand his longsword powered by the force of wind and thunder¡ªthey were easily shattered!


    "A Stroke That Splits the Water to Find the Egret Isle!"


    With one sword strike, a massive gap was slashed through the dense swarm of God Devouring Ants ahead.


    "A Stroke That Surprises the Wind and Rain!"


    The sword light poured down like a torrential downpour, like thousands of swords piercing hearts and plummeting down.


    ```


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!


    The ruthless sword tip pierced through one God Devouring Ant after another, even splitting them in two, their bright red blood filling the entire canyon.


    Watching Xiao Yi move effortlessly through the vast army of God Devouring Ants, as if entering a land with no one else in sight, Lin Xu showed no concern at all. A slight smile played on his lips, his hands pressed together in front of his chest in a show of devotion, "Come out now, Queen of the God-Eating Ants!"


    Boom!


    Boom!


    Boom!


    The spacious canyon suddenly shook violently, and the dragon-headed cane in his hand shot out abruptly.


    Whoosh!


    The dragon-headed cane landed directly in the deepest part of the canyon.


    The dragon head at the top of the cane slowly opened its gaping mouth, and crawling out from within was a fist-sized, golden God Devouring Ant, the Queen herself, shimmering with a golden luster.


    She gently flapped her wings, rising slowly, flying toward the endless darkness deep within the canyon.


    Hum!


    As the golden Queen penetrated the darkness, abruptly, from the silence and darkness of the depths of the canyon, emerged six cold eyes. These six eyes each exhibited different colors: white, black, red, green, blue, yellow...


    Six eyes, six colors.


    A humming sound faintly emanated from the void.


    Suddenly, a golden God Devouring Ant with dazzling golden light, double wings on its back, roughly the size of a calf, flew out.


    This was the true Queen of the God-Eating Ants!


    As for the one in the cane, it was nothing more than one of her avatars!


    The moment Xiao Yi caught sight of the Queen of the God-Eating Ants, his head buzzed, and for some reason, everything about her was engraved deep into his mind.


    Every detail, every expression.


    All so clear!


    But before Xiao Yi could think further, Lin Xu had already leaped in front of the Queen, a look of triumph on his face, laughing, "Congratulations, you became the third person to witness the true form of the Queen with your own eyes. To die at the hands of the Queen, even in death you should feel proud!"


    The Queen of the God-Eating Ants.


    As long as she devours living beings, she can create an endless number of God Devouring Ants.


    If placed upon a battlefield, a single Queen could match the might of a million, or even ten million soldiers, an invincible being indeed.


    "Go, kill this annoying fly!" Lin Xu spread his hands wide and then fiercely waved in the direction of Xiao Yi.


    The Queen raised her golden head high, her wings buzzing behind her.


    She was like a sovereign ruling from on high.


    Waving her scepter of power!


    Countless God Devouring Ants, like soldiers blessed by their king''s favor, charged towards Xiao Yi with red eyes, not chaotically as when Lin Xu directed them, but well-organized and orderly.


    Positioned in the front were the most numerous of the newly spawned God Devouring Ants, with the complete ones making up the middle and rear.


    Under the tactic of the sea of insects.


    These God Devouring Ants, not fearing death, with the new ones serving as cannon fodder, merely exhausted Xiao Yi''s energy and entangled his attacks. The complete ones, with the aid of the new ants in the front, avoided the sharpest attacks and steadily closed in on Xiao Yi.


    When Lin Xu initially controlled the God Devouring Ants, Xiao Yi could ensure that no living ant was within a hundred yards of him.


    Now, under the Queen''s command, the circle of ants around Xiao Yi had shrunk to a mere ten yards.


    As the sharp fangs of the God Devouring Ants drew ever closer, a serious expression climbed onto Xiao Yi''s face, the scent of death seemed to be getting closer as well.


    Even though his Wind Thunder Holy Body could ignore the toxins of the God Devouring Ants, the sheer number of them was overwhelming, and even a single bite would be a fatal predicament!


    "Hahaha, Xiao Yi, I told you, you are destined to die today!"


    Lin Xu roared with a triumphant face, full of ferocity.


    But he was oblivious to what was happening behind him.


    At the same time as he reveled in his pride, behind him, the golden eyes of the very Queen of the God-Eating Ants flashed a hint of contempt and indifference that was almost human.


    Meanwhile...


    The circle of God Devouring Ants around Xiao Yi had already closed within five yards, and in this perilous moment, a fierce light flashed in Xiao Yi''s eyes, "These little bugs think they can take my life? You are dreaming!"


    ```

 Chapter 446 - 446: Why Use a Sword to Kill You?

    "You think these little bugs are going to take my life? You''re dreaming like a fool!"


    Xiao Yi''s gaze pierced through the layers of God Devouring Ants and landed on Lin Xu, who stood behind the golden swarm, and with a cold laugh, he said, "Lin Xu, I will behead you and give justice to those innocent people who died in vain!"


    "Hahaha, you can''t even protect yourself, yet you still think about avenging those lowly people? You really are an idiot. What are those lowly people worth? It''s their honor to become food for the queen ant, to become my aid in conquering the Great Qian Dynasty. For them to die at my hands is a fortune they''ve cultivated over eight lifetimes, and you still think about avenging them?"


    Lin Xu shook his head mockingly.


    In his eyes...


    The sacrificed people on the ice plains were nothing more than ants, easily crushed with a flick of the hand.


    Even.


    The fact that these people were chosen by him, Lin Xu, to become sacrifices to create the God Devouring Ant army and to destroy the Great Qian Dynasty was their honor.


    "Bullshit..."


    Xiao Yi''s eyes turned blood red, and he felt a surge of frustration so intense it made it hard for him to breathe.


    Lin Xu''s arrogance and indifference deeply wounded his heart.


    What does it mean to be an ant?


    What does it mean to feel honored in death?


    In his mind emerged the scenes he had witnessed in Northern Bing City, where many of the corpses were children¡ªsome even pregnant women whose bellies were torn open by the God Devouring Ants, their babies half-eaten.


    That pregnant woman, even in death, even though half her head and body had been consumed, still maintained a protective pose over her unborn child.


    And those pitiful elders.


    Those innocent children.


    Young people full of life and vitality...


    What were their crimes?


    But Lin Xu, for his own selfish desires, used them as sacrifices, as food to cultivate his God Devouring Ant army. And not only did Lin Xu not feel the slightest bit of guilt, he was actually proud and aloof.


    Xiao Yi''s eyes turned even redder.


    He had gone mad!


    Xiao Yi''s facial features were completely distorted with ferocity like a god of slaughter, his veins bulging as he let out a heaven-shaking roar, "The one who should die is you..."


    Boom!


    Rumble!


    Vital energy within him ran wild, creating thunderous booms like rolling thunder as if an Azure Dragon within his body was roaring skyward.


    Whoosh!


    A glint of cold light burst out from between his brows.


    His longsword vibrated intensely in an instant, a golden light clinging to the blade.


    The Sword Intent unleashed by Xiao Yi was climbing continuously.


    "What is a sword?"


    "Indomitable is the sword!"


    "A sword that slays gods and beheads immortals is the sword!"


    "Everything under heaven can be a sword..."


    Xiao Yi''s pupils shrank violently, his speed becoming faster and faster.


    The Sword Skill also became more proficient and powerful.


    Azure Lotus Sword Chant!


    Subduing Tiger Sword Skill!


    Life-Seizing Scholar Sword!


    Xiao Yi used all the Sword Skills he had mastered throughout his life, one after another, with increasing speed and sharpness of the sword''s edge.


    Under the pressing threat of imminent death.


    Xiao Yi had entered a state of sudden enlightenment!


    Right now...


    Xiao Yi''s consciousness was gradually blurring; as he continued to execute sword moves, he had forgotten the techniques, everything became instinct.


    Draw the sword!


    Strike with the sword!


    Stab! S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Thrust!


    Slash!


    Kill...


    All were acts of instinct!


    What was once an encirclement of only five zhang was steadily expanding.


    Six zhang.


    Seven zhang...


    Gradually it returned to ten zhang!


    Within ten zhang, no creature could approach; even those God Devouring Ants with incredibly hard shells and fearsome defenses couldn''t come close. As soon as they entered the ten zhang range, they were cut in half by the sharp Sword Qi.


    Consigned to oblivion!


    "What, what exactly is happening?"


    Lin Xu''s face changed drastically.


    He watched as Xiao Yi, who looked like he was about to be exhausted and unable to hold off the onslaught of the God Devouring Ants, suddenly increased the power of his sword moves, slaughtering the ant swarm like an Asura Demon God. The terrifying Sword Skill was fearsome to behold.


    Lin Xu''s face twisted with ferocity as he stared at the golden queen ant behind him, his teeth clenched, he said, "What are you good for? Why haven''t you killed him yet?"


    Roar!


    The queen ant''s six cold eyes stared at Lin Xu with a hint of sinister viciousness, but the enraged Lin Xu didn''t notice this unusual gaze. He continued bellowing, "Kill him for me!"


    The queen ant''s six eyes simultaneously shot out blinding cold light.


    The golden wings at her back buzzed, emitting a series of ear-piercing noises.


    Rustle, rustle!


    Under the control of the Ant Queen, the God Devouring Ants'' eyes turned red, and they became increasingly frenzied and bloodthirsty. Like a black iron torrent, they surged toward Xiao Yi in waves, collapsing and reducing the encirclement to fifteen feet.


    Lin Xu clenched his fists so tightly that he bit his teeth until they bled. "Bite him to death, bite him alive for me..."


    Twelve feet.


    Nine feet.


    Six feet...


    The putrid breath of the God Devouring Ants was already suffocatingly close, yet Xiao Yi still kept his eyes tightly closed. His sword, now engaging in close combat with the ants, had begun to show cracks.


    Whoosh!


    Suddenly, a God Devouring Ant appeared right in front of Xiao Yi, at a distance no more than a finger''s breadth away.


    Thud!


    The longsword stood right in the path of the ant''s sharp fangs.


    With a crisp crackling sound,


    the longsword shattered explosively, and the broken blade swept past the ant''s abdomen, slicing it in two, and flew by Xiao Yi''s sides.


    Lin Xu nearly jumped in excitement as he watched this scene, his face filled with ecstatic glee. "Hahaha, Xiao Yi, you''ve lost your sword. How will you fight me now? Today, this will be the place where you''re buried, as I said..."


    "Sword?"


    A voice full of playfulness and scorn suddenly came from Xiao Yi as he slowly opened his eyes, which were clear as amber and brimming with thick ridicule and laughter. He looked past the numerous obstacles at Lin Xu, "To kill you, why would I need a sword?"


    "Eh?"


    Lin Xu was stunned.


    Xiao Yi suddenly raised both hands, and in a trance, a sword shadow appeared around him!


    The colossal sword shadow enveloped Xiao Yi within.


    "What is a sword?"


    "To charge forward without retreat, that is a sword!"


    "To slay gods and exterminate immortals, that is a sword!"


    "All things under heaven can serve as a sword..."


    The solemn and forceful voice thundered resonantly, and a torrential Sword Intent surged from Xiao Yi.


    This had already surpassed the previous four realms of Sword Intent.


    It had reached the fifth realm¡ªMyriad Swords as One!


    Everything under heaven could become a sword!


    Legend says...


    Only those who reached the Longevity Secret Realm could comprehend this supreme Sword Intent.


    "Slash!"


    Xiao Yi''s figure spun abruptly, and as the Sword Intent swept across, the dust and gravel on the ground were lifted into the air. These stones and sand transformed into streams of silver sword shadows, which, following the guidance of Xiao Yi''s fingertips, cut through everything!


    Whoosh whoosh whoosh!


    A maelstrom of Sword Qi swept through the entire ravine, with deafening roars echoing, countless God Devouring Ants were lifted into the sky,


    and were shredded to pieces within the storm of Sword Qi.


    And these fragments...


    Under the guidance of Xiao Yi''s Myriad Swords as One Sword Intent, also turned into even more sword shadows, sweeping in all directions.


    More and more sword shadows appeared.


    Thousands.


    Tens of thousands!


    And suddenly...


    Xiao Yi stamped his foot vigorously and brought his hands together sharply, a glint flickered in his eyes like the edge of a sword, and with a thunderous roar from his lips, "Myriad Swords as One!"


    Hum!


    The sky filled with thousands upon thousands of sword shadows that converged above his head into an overwhelming sword shadow.


    "Sword that Splits the Heavens!"


    Xiao Yi swung both arms simultaneously.


    Whoosh!


    The supreme sword shadow descended from the sky, cleaving downward.


    Where it passed...


    The ravine shook violently, cracks spread across the rock walls, and the earth trembled as if a dragon were turning over. The terrifying destructive power did not stop there, slicing through countless God Devouring Ants in its unstoppable path, cleaving a clear and unobstructed pathway.


    The icy edge of the blade fell straight down.


    Lin Xu was so terrified that his soul almost left his body, his whole figure drenched in a cold sweat. Under the lock of the Sword Intent, he had no place to escape.


    Trembling all over, Lin Xu roared repeatedly, "Save me, save me..."


    But...


    The Ant Queen behind him showed no emotion, merely controlling the surrounding God Devouring Ants to wrap around its own body. Its six cold, indifferent eyes devoid of any emotion, were slowly enveloped by the layers of ants, disappearing into the depths of the ravine.


    "No..."


    Lin Xu let out a desperate yell as the sword edge fell before his eyes.


    Thud!


    To his vision, the world was cleaved in two.


    Indeed, it was his body that Xiao Yi had sundered with that single slash.


    The two halves of the body lay in a pool of blood.


    His eyes were filled with despair and unwillingness.


    He couldn''t understand why the God Devouring Ants he had painstakingly raised, had abandoned him. At the same time, he felt aggrieved over his death at the hands of a youth from the Tao Tribulation Realm whom he''d never heard of before, as insignificant as an ant.


    Drip-drop!


    Drip-drop!


    The ravine seemed to return to tranquility, but the Sword Qi around Xiao Yi showed no sign of diminishing. He peered into the gradually settling dust of the ravine, speaking solemnly, "How much longer do you intend to hide?"


    Within the tranquil ravine, a sudden voice came out, neither male nor female, indistinguishable in tone, "Hehe, since when did you notice my presence?"

 Chapter 447 - 447: The Mysterious Person

    "Heh heh, when did you notice my presence?"


    A chilly voice came from the darkness.


    The countless God Devouring Ants that had enveloped the golden empress ant quietly withdrew, revealing the fully golden God Devouring empress ant whose six eyes of varied colors were fixed tightly on Xiao Yi, flashing with greed and a bloodthirsty gleam.


    Behind the empress ant, in the darkness, a mass of dark liquid was slowly writhing.


    It settled upon the head of the empress ant.


    The dark liquid moved stealthily, continuously elongating its form until it finally transformed into a gaunt figure enshrouded in a black cloak.


    He stretched out his palm towards the void and a black dragon-head cane shot forth, landing in his palm. It was the same dragon-head cane that Lin Xu had used before, but this cane, in the hands of this mysterious person, seemed to match his temperament even more.


    Unlike in Lin Xu''s hands, which gave off an extremely discordant and strange sensation.


    It seemed...


    That the dragon-head cane was originally meant for this person in black.


    And the God Devouring empress ant as well. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Previously, when Lin Xu simply stood before it, its six eyes showed disgust and a cold hue, but now with this mysterious person standing atop its head, it showed not the slightest reaction.


    Utterly docile and obedient.


    "Previously, I found it strange. Although the God Devouring empress ant indeed possesses the ability to create avatars, in general, it definitely would not allow its avatars to stray too far from the original. Lin Xu took an empress ant avatar to Ice Valley but left the empress and many complete God Devouring Ants in such a distant place, which led to my suspicion," said Xiao Yi.


    His eyebrows, sharp as sword blades, lifted slightly and his eyes, bright as stars, narrowed into slits as he spoke in a deep voice, "It wasn''t until I entered the gorge that I noticed the empress ant was not so obedient to Lin Xu''s commands, and I confirmed my guess that the master of the empress ant was someone else!"


    "Hmm?"


    The mysterious figure was taken aback, then burst into loud laughter, "Good, good, good, you indeed have some skill. It seems that Xiao Tianjiao, that idiot, has really made a colossal mistake this time. To treat such a genius brother as trash, ha ha ha, I really look forward to seeing what kind of expression Xiao Tianjiao will have when he finds out your true abilities!"


    "He will most likely just sneer," Xiao Yi said.


    He was all too familiar with Xiao Tianjiao''s personality.


    It was a being of arrogance to his very bones.


    It wasn''t to say that Xiao Yi''s current achievements were enough to close the gap with the legendary Xiao Tianjiao. Even if Xiao Yi climbed higher, it was unlikely he would be looked upon directly by Xiao Tianjiao. After all, in Xiao Tianjiao''s eyes, there were only two kinds of geniuses in the world.


    One kind is Xiao Tianjiao.


    The other is everyone else but Xiao Tianjiao¡­


    "It seems you know him quite well!"


    The mysterious person snapped his fingers, and amidst the rustling sounds, black God Devouring Ants climbed behind him, forming a black throne.


    He sat on the throne majestically.


    Buzz, buzz, buzz!


    The God Devouring empress ant vibrated its wings, slowly flying towards Xiao Yi, while the hoarse voice of the mysterious person emerged, "Logically speaking, since you''ve discovered my secret, I should just kill you outright. However, I suddenly want to play a game with you. So, I''ve decided to give you a chance..."


    The mysterious person''s voice shifted between male and female, making it impossible to discern their gender.


    Even their emotions were elusive.


    Xiao Yi unconsciously clenched his fists and lowered his voice, "What exactly are you trying to say?"


    The mysterious person''s hands gripped the armrests, and the black throne slowly rose, moving away from the head of the God Devouring empress ant.


    His fingers tapped lightly on the armrests made of God Devouring Ants, the touch against their hard carapace producing a clear tapping sound as he spoke indifferently, "If you can fight my empress ant for a quarter hour without defeat, I will spare your life!"


    The God Devouring empress ant, a peak six-rank beast.


    Its combat power was comparable to a master of the Nirvana Fifth Nirvana.


    At the moment, Xiao Yi was merely at the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm, how could he be an opponent for the empress ant that had undergone five Nirvanas?


    "Do you dare?" The mysterious person leaned forward slightly.


    Xiao Yi snorted coldly, meeting the mysterious person''s gaze without humility or arrogance, and said, "Aren''t you afraid that I''ll slay it?"


    "Ha ha ha, then let''s see if you have the ability!" the figure in the black robe snapped his fingers.


    "Die!"


    The ant queen was golden all over, as though she had been forged from pure gold.


    Its six eyes of various colors whirled around like dazzling gems, which under the cover of its golden glow, imparted an aura of divine nobility. As the ant queen opened its mouth, a black energy sphere condensed within.


    Whoosh!


    The black energy sphere shot towards Xiao Yi like an arrow leaving its bowstring in an instant.


    "Slash!"


    Xiao Yi''s face was expressionless as he pointed his finger, like a sword, straight ahead.


    A concentrated point of Sword Light transformed into a silver star, and within that star, a sword entirely formed from elemental energy emerged out of nowhere. With a whoosh, the black energy sphere in front of him exploded thunderously.


    Whoosh!


    As soon as one attack ended, the whistling sound of piercing air approached from beside his ear.


    Out of the corner of his eye, Xiao Yi caught a glimpse of the storm caused by the exploding black energy sphere, within which the ant queen was already hurtling through the air towards him. Its speed could only be described as terrifying, and a streak of golden light brushed past it.


    Within that life-and-death crisis¡­


    Xiao Yi could clearly see the ant queen''s fangs, which were just a finger''s breadth from his neck.


    It was too close for comfort!


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi heaved a sigh of relief.


    The toxin from ordinary God Devouring Ants could affect a Dao Tribulation Realm warrior, let alone the majestic ant queen herself?


    If bitten, an ordinary Dharma Manifestation Realm practitioner would likely faint from the excruciating pain.


    In the nick of time...


    Xiao Yi, wielding his elemental energy longsword, spun around and slashed at the ant queen.


    Roar!


    The ant queen quickly rotated its six eyes and without looking back, simply fanned its golden wings.


    Boom!


    Those golden wings stirred ripples in the air, shattering Xiao Yi''s energy longsword. Simultaneously, the ant queen turned around and its claw reached violently towards Xiao Yi. Xiao Yi retreated explosively, his hands rapidly forming Sword Seals before his chest: "All swords return to one!"


    Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!


    As Xiao Yi passed, a tempest raged, lifting sand and God Devouring Ant corpses into the air to form a river of flying swords.


    Under Xiao Yi''s control, it chased after the ant queen.


    In the Sword River, there were innumerable sword shadows.


    Under Xiao Yi''s manipulation, these sword shadows seemed to gain sentience, constantly pursuing the ant queen.


    The ant queen''s six eyes on its head spun rapidly.


    Each eye functioned independently, enabling it to observe every nook and cranny around it, so much so that even though Xiao Yi''s Sword Intent had reached the stage of "All swords return to one," allowing him to control so many sword shadows at once, he still couldn''t get close to it.


    The ant queen evaded them perfectly, one by one.


    To move unscathed through a forest of flowers without a single leaf sticking to the body!


    Keep in mind...


    Xiao Yi''s sword was powerful enough to cleave through the army of God Devouring Ants and had even achieved the fifth stage of Sword Intent, "All swords return to one!"


    Still, he couldn''t get near it.


    One could only imagine...


    Just how strong this ant queen was!


    "Xiao Yi, you don''t have much time left!" The mysterious figure sitting on the throne spoke with a smirk.


    Xiao Yi''s eyes sharpened as he focused on the ant queen: "Damn it, those six eyes of the ant queen seem to be able to see through everything around it, leaving no blind spots at all¡­ It looks like I''ll have to risk it all in one move!"

 Chapter 448 - 448: Returning Kindness with Enmity

    Eyes squinting with determination, a vicious look flashed through them!


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi launched himself into the air, no longer evading but actively closing the distance between himself and the Queen Ant.


    "Huh? Is he preparing for close combat?"


    The mysterious person was taken aback for a moment, a thick disdain and mockery swirling in the gaze beneath the cloak, "The Queen Ant possesses the Six Tao Heavenly Eyes, capable of dodging any attack. How could mere close combat possibly succeed?"


    As the saying goes, easy to say but hard to act.


    Xiao Yi had already closed the distance with the Queen Ant, his fists swinging in rapid succession while the power of Wind Thunder compressed relentlessly within him.


    The Queen Ant, with a humanized scorn on its face, neutralized Xiao Yi''s attacks one by one.


    "Half an incense stick''s time is up... How boring. Queen Ant, kill him!" the mysterious person suddenly spoke with a loss of interest.


    "Kill!"


    All six eyes of the Queen Ant focused intently at once, six beams of light with different colors flashing through its eyes.


    Its wings trembled fiercely.


    Its body, ablaze with golden light, turned around to face Xiao Yi, its sharp fangs tearing ferociously towards him. At this critical juncture, Xiao Yi revealed an ecstatic and fierce grimace, "Die!"


    Boom, rumble!


    The green winds, the purple-golden lightning.


    The power of Wind Thunder, primed to the utmost, burst forth in an instant.


    Merging into Xiao Yi''s fist.


    Buzz!


    The force of Wind Thunder struck the Queen Ant''s body, a crackling sound erupting as its body trembled, paralyzed by the power of Wind Thunder and coming to a momentary halt. Meanwhile, Xiao Yi''s eyes flashed with a crazed look, ignoring the Queen Ant''s potent venom as he reached out with both hands.


    He grasped the two fangs on either side and violently wrenched them apart!


    Roar!


    The Queen Ant let out an earth-shattering scream, fresh red blood spurting from its mouth as its venomous fangs were forcibly snapped off by Xiao Yi!


    Roar! Roar! Roar!


    The Queen Ant, in agonizing screams, collided frantically in all directions, the canyon thundering, boulders tumbling down. Xiao Yi held a shiny golden fang in each hand, his eyes bloodshot, staring intently at the mysterious person atop the throne, "Sorry to disappoint you!"


    "You..."


    The mysterious person sat up abruptly, blood-red eyes under the cloak fixated on Xiao Yi.


    Never had they anticipated...


    ...that Xiao Yi, even when at an absolute disadvantage, would be able to make such a desperate counterattack.


    They hadn''t expected Xiao Yi to resort to such life-risking tactics either. If there had been any slightest mistake during the melee, the Queen Ant would have torn him to shreds. The mysterious person looked at the pale-faced Xiao Yi and shook their head slightly, "Xiao Tianjiao is a madman, and to think, you''re a madman too. But, I must say, I like you the madman even more..."


    Whoosh!


    The mysterious person leaped high, a jade bottle falling in front of Xiao Yi.


    "This bottle contains the antidote to cure the poison of the Queen Ant. Xiao Yi, you''re quite impressive, but..."


    The God Devouring Ants converged into a Black Cloud, lifting the mysterious person into the sky as they left, a voice resounding through the canyon that was neither male nor female, "As of now, you''re worlds apart from Xiao Tianjiao. You still have a long way to go. However, I have high hopes for you, and I''m looking forward to see you trampling him underfoot, hahaha..."


    Xiao Yi looked up at the receding figure, his body swaying before collapsing to the ground.


    Clang!


    The two fangs fell to the ground.


    Within Xiao Yi''s palms, there was a gash, evidently poisoned by the Queen Ant.


    He struggled to open the jade bottle, swallowing the pill inside, which brought some relief.


    But his eyelids were still growing heavier, his breathing became increasingly labored, and with the mysterious person''s last words echoing in his mind, Xiao Yi clenched his feeble fists, his already unconscious eyes still firm and determined, "Next time we meet, I must defeat you..."


    ......


    The unconscious Xiao Yi knew nothing of what was happening elsewhere.


    At the same time as his battle with the mysterious person, outside the Gu Family Fort.


    A blue radiance soared into the sky, transforming into a long blue dragon, fiercely knocking Little Lin away.


    Little Lin had already transformed into his true form, his body covered in golden yellow scale armor along with long wings at his back, exceedingly majestic and ferocious.


    His combat power was not the slightest bit weaker than a Nirvana Realm expert who had undergone Second Nirvana.


    But now...


    Little Lin''s body was pierced by a longsword, slumped in a pool of blood.


    Dazzling blood covered his body, he was gasping for air, his amber eyes fixed on Yang Kun in front of him, "Yang Kun, you son of a bitch, we worked so hard to hold back the God Devouring Ants, yet you fled in the midst of battle, and even ambushed us here..."


    "Hmph!"


    Yang Kun lightly pinched his wrist, sneering repeatedly, "I never asked you to help me block the God Devouring Ants, this was all your own wishful thinking."


    "You''re shameless..."


    Shen Mo''s mouth was clenched with blood, leaning against a large tree, a long blade pierced through his chest. Around him, the Four-armed Demon Ape, a winged snake, and other such three demonic beasts were also at their last breath.


    Yan Wei, his face covered with blood, was supporting Yang Ling, looking at Yang Kun with eyes filled with anger and coldness.


    Yang Ling''s face was also deathly pale, watching Yang Kun who stood proudly, his face expressing arrogance and indifference, his heart filled with remorse, "I... I shouldn''t have been soft-hearted at the time, to believe your deception..."


    Ever since their departure from Ice Valley.


    Yang Ling had taken Yang Kun and Gu Yun, along with the Ice Phoenix, on their way home.


    Only...


    What they didn''t expect was for Yang Kun, who had left earlier, to lead three hundred Blood Saber Guards in ambush along the way, catching them off guard with a direct sneak attack.


    First, he inflicted heavy damage on Yang Ling and Shen Mo.


    Then he struck, crippling the winged snake and three other beasts, the Ice Phoenix, and Yan Yinghao. And now, even Little Lin had met with disaster.


    "Come to me!"


    Yang Kun''s palm reached out into the air, a bundle of vital energy wrapped around Little Lin, pulling him into his palm.


    Strands of vital energy entwined around Little Lin, rendering the already severely injured Little Lin entirely incapable of breaking free. Yang Kun sneered, "Little thing, Xiao Yi cares a lot about you, doesn''t he? You call each other brothers, right? I''m going to take you back and use you as a sacrifice during the ancestral worship ceremony. I want to see what Xiao Yi can do to me then?"


    "Stop it..."


    Yang Ling''s eyes were about to split with fury as he watched Little Lin being held by the tail in Yang Kun''s hand, he roared, "You cannot do this..."


    "Cannot? Why can''t I?"


    Yang Kun looked at Yang Ling with feigned surprise, his face wearing a mocking smile, "My dear emperor brother, you''re really too naive. With such a precious demonic beast at your side, why did you even bother coming all this way to look for an Ice Phoenix? To be a sovereign is to be heartless, and you, you are not fit to be an emperor!"


    Yang Ling tried to muster his strength to rise, but Yang Kun''s surprise attack had left no room for mercy.


    He was too severely injured!


    Blagh!


    Unable to hold back, Yang Ling spit out a mouthful of fresh blood, his complexion growing even paler, making Teng Shan at his side hastily press down on him. Yang Ling was gasping heavily, his bloodshot eyes fixed on Yang Kun, "You cannot do this... If you dare to hurt Little Lin even a little, Xiao Yi will never let you go..."


    "Xiao Yi? He''s nothing. He''s been gone for so long, he''s probably already died to the God Devouring Ants!"


    His crimson tongue licked across his lips, Yang Kun sinisterly said, "Yang Ling, my dear brother, let your elder brother send you on your way! After I kill you, I''ll pin it all on Xiao Yi, saying he joined forces with the Sword Dynasty to sabotage the ancestral worship ceremony, but I discovered it and killed you all. That way, father will surely reward me handsomely, ha ha..."


    "You''re crazy, you''ve truly gone mad..."


    "You madman, stop it..."


    Yang Ling and the others'' eyes showed utter fury.


    At this critical moment...


    A thunderous sound approached rapidly, the entire ground shaking violently, Yang Kun was startled, looking in the direction of the noise, he saw a cavalry troop rushing forward at high speed. Leading them was none other than the lord of Northern Bing City, Yan Wei. Yang Kun''s face suddenly changed, "Damn it, how did they appear here?"


    Yan Wei also spotted Yang Kun and the others, pushing his speed to the extreme.


    "Damn it..."


    Yang Kun gritted his teeth, in such a situation he could not continue to kill, he could only glare at Yang Ling viciously, "Consider yourselves lucky..."


    Whoosh!


    Yang Kun, along with the three hundred Blood Saber Guards, soared into the sky, disappearing into the vast expanse. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A moment later.


    Yan Wei had already arrived before them, seeing Yang Ling and the others critically injured, Yan Wei''s expression suddenly changed, "Your Highness, are you alright?"


    Yang Ling shook his head with effort, "I... I''m fine... General Yan, hurry and chase down Yang Kun, take back Little Lin... otherwise, Xiao Yi will go mad..."

 Chapter 449 - 449 Fury

    The sun and moon cycled twice, marking the passage of days.


    The morning sunlight spilled over the land...


    When Xiao Yi opened his eyes again, the morning sun had already moistened the earth.


    The entire valley was a mess, strewn with the corpses of God Devouring Ants, filling the air with a terrible stench of blood. The massive presence of the ants meant that there were no traces of other beasts nearby, which explained why Xiao Yi, despite being unconscious all night, had not suffered any harm.


    Hu!


    He exhaled a long breath of stale air.


    Supporting his body, Xiao Yi sat up, gently patted his groggy head, and said with a wry smile, "As expected of the God Devouring Ant queen, even with an antidote on hand, I was still knocked out by its toxins!"


    The toxin of the God Devouring Ants was incredibly terrifying.


    Especially that of the queen.


    If an ordinary master of the Dharma Manifestation Realm were bitten, they would die instantly.


    Although Xiao Yi had the Wind Thunder Holy Body, which granted him immunity to most toxins, and had an antidote, he could not avoid being knocked out for the night.


    "What is the identity of that mysterious person? Lin Xu was just a pawn pushed to the forefront by him. So, is their plan to attack the Great Qian Dynasty real or fake? Damn, it seems I still underestimate others..."


    The image of the mysterious person surfaced in his mind.


    Even though they had never confronted each other directly, Xiao Yi had a strong intuition.


    This mysterious person''s strength was far above his own!


    Even Yang Yuhuan, the peerless War King, would not be a match for this mysterious figure!


    And...


    The fact that this person could control the God Devouring Ant queen and secretly use Lin Xu as cannon fodder, sending him to do the vanguard work and cultivate the terrifying God Devouring Ant army, gave Xiao Yi a feeling as if he were as profound and unfathomable as the starry sky.


    "He seems to recognize Xiao Tianjiao and holds him in very high regard..."


    The words of the mysterious person echoed in Xiao Yi''s mind. He spoke of Xiao Tianjiao with a clear sense of respect and recognition, "For such an existence to admire you to this extent, Xiao Tianjiao, just how strong are you?"


    His fists clenched unconsciously.


    All along this journey...


    Xiao Yi had been relentlessly chasing after Xiao Tianjiao''s footsteps, breaking one record after another that Xiao Tianjiao had set. The presence of Xiao Tianjiao was a constant nightmare in his heart, his Heart Demon, his lifelong nemesis.


    Hu!


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath, long and deep: "Xiao Tianjiao, no matter how strong you are, one day I will surpass you!"


    He sat cross-legged in the valley.


    With his eyes tightly closed, Xiao Yi maintained the Five Hearts to Heaven posture, circulating his profound energy to recover his own strength.


    The time until the ancestral worship ceremony was running short.


    He had to recover as quickly as possible and then rush back to the Great Qian Dynasty.


    .........


    In the Northern Bing City, within the city lord''s mansion,


    Yang Ling and the others had recovered somewhat from their injuries and were anxiously looking towards the door.


    All of a sudden...


    A figure flew in from the sky and landed in the main hall; the newcomer was Yan Wei.


    Shua!


    Yang Ling and the others rose to their feet in one swift motion, looking expectantly at Yan Wei. But seeing his grave expression and the absence of anyone following him, Yang Ling''s heart sank as he said in a heavy tone, "General Yan, Yang Kun he..."


    "The scout has returned to report that the crown prince and his men passed through Xingmen City yesterday on their way to the imperial capital. My men simply couldn''t catch up with them..." Yan Wei said with a bow and a wry smile.


    Plop!


    Yang Ling collapsed back into his seat, his face filled with bitterness: "It''s all over, with the relationship between Xiao and Little Lin, this is really going to be a disaster..."


    "A disaster? What disaster?"


    Xiao Yi''s voice suddenly came from outside the door.


    He glanced at the people in the hall with grave faces, feeling an unease in his heart, and said in a deep voice, "What exactly happened?"


    The others looked at each other, not daring to meet his gaze.


    Finally, it was Yang Ling who let out a sigh and said in a somber tone, "Xiao, I owe you an apology. I didn''t expect Yang Kun to be so cunning and deceitful, not only ungrateful for your life-saving grace but also repaying kindness with enmity..."


    "It''s not entirely Yang Ling''s fault. I was also careless for not keeping a close eye on Yang Kun, which allowed him to plot against us..." Shen Mo said self-critically, "Even Little Lin and the Ice Snow Phoenix have been captured by him."


    Boom!


    Xiao Yi''s face suddenly changed, and a fierce surge of Qi whipped up around him.


    Qi burst uncontrollably from his body.


    And sent all the tables and chairs in the hall flying.


    "Xiao, restrain your anger!"


    "Xiao, you must not act rashly..." Yan Wei hastily said.


    Whoosh!


    The gust came quickly and left just as fast.


    Xiao Yi reined in the Qi around him, his eyes narrowing into slits, and he said in a low voice, "Where has he taken Little Lin?"


    The others looked at each other, not daring to speak for a moment.


    "Speak!"


    Xiao Yi shouted angrily.


    His roar was like thunder, deafening.


    Inside the huge governor''s mansion, countless strong individuals trembled, their faces turning pale. In the stables behind the mansion, several precious horses with dragon horse bloodlines knelt on the ground, their legs giving out from fright, shivering uncontrollably.


    Yang Ling and the others looked at each other, not expecting Xiao Yi to have such a terrifying presence.


    Gulp!


    Yang Ling swallowed hard and said in a deep voice, "Yang Kun intends to take Little Lin back as an offering, to be sacrificed at the ancestral worship ceremony!"


    Boom!


    The entire governor''s mansion shook violently.


    Bang bang bang!


    The tables and chairs in the main hall shattered one after another, along with the flowers and plants in the front yard outside, also bursting apart.


    The horrendous booming sounds made Yan Wei and the other strong individuals present feel a buzzing in their ears, their minds going blank.


    Whoosh! S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi took a long breath, his expression becoming extremely cold, and he said ominously, "Well played, Yang Kun... Do you really think I would not dare to kill you just because you''re the crown prince? Dare to use my brother as an offering? I swear I will tear you to pieces!"


    "Xiao, please calm down!"


    Yang Ling rushed forward, grabbing Xiao Yi tightly, and said urgently, "Xiao, you must not act impulsively. After all, Yang Kun is the crown prince and represents the royal family''s dignity. Behind him stands the mighty Tianjian Sect. He must have anticipated your retaliation and will surely seek aid from Tianjian Sect. You must not act rashly..."


    Yan Wei also said, "Prince Yang Ling is right. This matter requires careful planning. If you act impulsively, not only will you fail to save Little Lin, but you might end up falling into a trap yourself!"


    Shen Mo looked fearfully at Xiao Yi''s bloodshot eyes, those eyes like those of a demon, awe-inspiring; "Xiao, Yang Kun took Little Lin to sacrifice at the ancestral worship ceremony, so Little Lin must be safe before then. We must come up with a long-term plan..."


    Xiao Yi trembled slightly.


    The red glow in his eyes gradually faded, regaining some clarity.


    Just as Shen Mo had said...


    Since Yang Kun planned to use Little Lin as an offering at the ancestral worship ceremony, Little Lin must be safe until then.


    If Xiao Yi were to return to the imperial capital and confront Yang Kun directly,


    He might inadvertently give Yang Kun a reason to kill Little Lin.


    With that thought in mind.


    Xiao Yi exhaled a long breath, suppressing the chilling intent to kill in his heart, and gritted his teeth, "There are five days until the ancestral worship ceremony, we shall set off for the imperial capital immediately!"


    Seeing this, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.


    An hour later.


    The group stood outside Northern Bing City, with the winged serpent reappearing in front of them.


    Xiao Yi turned to Yan Wei and said, "General Yan, this tragedy on the ice plains was orchestrated by the Sword Dynasty''s use of the God Devouring Ants. They may well take advantage of the ancestral worship ceremony to launch an attack, please prepare accordingly!"


    "Rest assured, Xiao, I have already ordered people to strengthen our defenses!" Yan Wei replied in a deep voice.


    Xiao Yi nodded his head.


    The group boarded the back of the winged serpent, tore through the sky, and disappeared into the vast horizon.


    As General Yan gazed up at Xiao Yi''s departing figure, he heaved a sigh, his eyes heavy with determination as he looked northward, "You bastards of the Sword Dynasty, I won''t let you take a single step into Northern Bing City!"


    The winged serpent soared into the sky, heading toward the imperial capital.


    In that moment...


    No one knew that with Xiao Yi''s return, a storm of blood and violence was quietly gathering over the imperial capital...

 Chapter 450 - 450: Whoever harms my brother, must be killed!

    ```


    In the void.


    The winged snake flew with its wings spread, the mountains and rivers below incessantly reversing with astonishing speed.


    Xiao Yi opened his eyes and uttered gravely, "Yang Ling, in your view, what kind of strong character would the Tianjian Sect send over?"


    After the journey to the Northern Ice Plains, Yang Kun had gained a deeper understanding of Xiao Yi''s strength and would naturally not dare to take him lightly.


    Inviting a master from the Tianjian Sect to assist was the most prudent method!


    Yang Ling pondered for a moment and said, "Yang Kun seems arrogant and flamboyant but is in fact extremely cautious. I fear this time, the Tianjian Sect might send an elder-level powerhouse. It might even be that person..."


    Elders were in the Dharma Manifestation Realm, while patriarchs were in the Nirvana Realm.


    As for the person he was referring to, it was naturally the Great Qian Dynasty''s number one genius¡ªXiao Tianjiao!


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes. With his current cultivation at the Peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm, even if he had mastered the fifth realm of Sword Intent, which was ''All Swords Return to One,'' he could at best only compete against those in the Second Nirvana of the Nirvana Realm.


    If he wanted to be completely sure of success, he had only one option left¡ªto advance further.


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath and muttered to himself, "In that case, I must step into the Dharma Manifestation Realm as soon as possible!"


    "With your current cultivation, you are only a step away from the Dharma Manifestation Realm, lacking only the meditation to condense your Dharma. Have you chosen your target yet?" Yang Ling asked.


    The strength of the object of Dharma Likeness Meditation not only decides the strength of one''s power after breaking through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm but also determines how far one can go in the future. Many strong characters at the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm, even if they had the realm to break through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm, would delay for a long time in search of a suitable object for Dharma Likeness Meditation.


    Xiao Yi had tried the Dragon and Tiger Seal but it didn''t suit him.


    He had also tried meditating on the mountains and rivers of the world, the stars, and the sea¡ªstill, none were suitable.


    As for the Iron Winged Serpent Dragon...


    It was ruined by Yang Kun before he could even attempt it.


    "President Xiao, within my Ten Thousand Beasts Sect, there are indeed many formidable demon beasts. Considering your relationship with my master, perhaps he would agree to let you meditate on our sect''s sacred beast. Though it''s not as good as the Iron Winged Serpent Dragon, it is a truly genuine seventh-order demon beast..." Shen Mo said in a deep voice.


    Xiao Yi nodded, "If there is really a need, I will visit the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect!"


    The journey was uneventful.


    The speed of the winged snake''s flight was extremely fast, and by nightfall of that day, Xiao Yi and his companions had returned to the imperial capital.


    However, upon their arrival at the imperial capital, they were faced with the immediate approach of a familiar figure.


    The person was none other than Qi, the old eunuch at Emperor Qian''s side.


    "Eunuch Qi, what brings you here?"


    Yang Ling, having just dismounted from the winged snake, asked with a puzzled face.


    "I pay my respects to Your Highness! This servant is here by His Majesty''s command to seek President Xiao..."


    Eunuch Qi bowed to Yang Ling, his expression complex as he looked at Xiao Yi and spoke solemnly, "President Xiao, His Majesty invites you!"


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes slightly, already having some guesses in his mind, and spoke indifferently, "Lead the way!"


    "Please!"


    Eunuch Qi then promptly led Xiao Yi away.


    ......


    Inside the magnificent palace.


    Under Eunuch Qi''s guidance, Xiao Yi met Emperor Qian who was reviewing memorials. He saluted, "Xiao Yi pays his respects to Your Majesty!"


    "Hmm!"


    Emperor Qian set down the memorial in his hand, walked around from behind the desk, approached Xiao Yi, and said gravely, "I have learned of what happened in the Northern Ice Plains. You have made significant contributions to the Great Qian Dynasty, and I will reward you handsomely!"


    Emperor Qian patted Xiao Yi''s shoulder, a look of gratification on his face.


    "Thank you, Your Majesty!"


    ```


    Xiao Yi nodded, but his expression lacked any joy; instead, it was somewhat heavy.


    Given the intelligence in the hands of Emperor Qian,


    he must be aware of the news about Little Lin being taken away by Yang Kun. Yet, Emperor Qian had not uttered a word about it, indicating he might also intend to protect Yang Kun. However, Xiao Yi did not expose this thought and simply watched Emperor Qian quietly.


    The two of them locked eyes,


    nobody spoke.


    The atmosphere inside the room was oppressively tense to the point of being suffocating.


    Hu!


    A breath of stale air was exhaled from Emperor Qian''s mouth, he had intended to wait for Xiao Yi to speak first, but, to his surprise, even His Majesty Emperor Qian found himself at a disadvantage in this silent standoff.


    Emperor Qian let out a wry smile and said, "Xiao Yi, you should know what I intend to say!"


    Xiao Yi nodded, his eyes revealing a resolute determination, and he said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty should also know my answer!"


    Emperor Qian was taken aback as he had wanted to persuade Xiao Yi not to quarrel with Yang Kun over a beast.


    But Xiao Yi''s unwavering attitude forced Emperor Qian to swallow back his words, his expression shifting uncertainly as he said in a grave voice, "Xiao Yi, I can compensate you... Didn''t your previous trip to Divine Beast Mountain get disrupted by Kun''er? I will personally persuade the Iron-Winged Chi Dragon to grant you ample meditation time..."


    The Iron-Winged Chi Dragon was the Great Qian Dynasty''s national beast, with combat power comparable to a challenger of the Nine Nirvana Realm.


    It was an exceedingly powerful subject for Dharma Likeness Meditation.


    It could be said...


    That in the vast Great Qian Dynasty, no other beast was stronger than it!


    In Emperor Qian''s opinion, he had already made such a significant concession that Xiao Yi had no reason to refuse.


    However...


    Xiao Yi looked deeply at Emperor Qian, a glint of icy resolve flickering in his eyes as he spoke deliberately, "Even if you were to hand over the entire Great Qian Dynasty to me, it would not compare to even one scale or claw of Little Lin!"


    Hiss!


    Emperor Qian''s face changed drastically.


    Qi, who was standing beside him, also showed a look of shock as he quickly made eye contact with Xiao Yi.


    This was tantamount to offending the emperor''s dignity, an act of treason!


    Xiao Yi seemed oblivious, paying no mind to Emperor Qian''s darkening mood and calmly said, "Your Majesty, please relay a message to Yang Kun for me. If he dares to harm Little Lin in the slightest, I will grind his bones to dust and scatter his ashes to the wind!"


    Grind!


    Bones!


    Scatter!


    Ashes!


    The last four words were like battle drums, thundering like lightning.


    Every word reverberated, every word a sentence of death!


    "Xiao Yi, you need to think this through carefully. The power of the subject of your Dharma Likeness Meditation not only affects the strength of your Dharma Manifestation Realm prowess but also relates to the future, whether you can achieve a realm beyond the Dharma Manifestation," said Emperor Qian with a murderous flash in his eyes. This was a challenge to the imperial authority, and his face turned exceedingly ugly as he continued with a somber tone, "Other than myself, you will not find a more powerful subject for meditation in the entire Great Qian Dynasty. Without my help, you can forget about catching up to Xiao Tianjiao; you will be stepped on by him for the rest of your life. Are you sure you want to destroy your bright future for the sake of that tiny beast?" S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Qi bowed his head meekly, keeping his head low, as he urgently transmitted his thoughts in secret, "Xiao Yi, don''t act impulsively. Xiao Tianjiao''s meditation subject is not the slightest bit weaker than the Iron-Winged Chi Dragon and the Dragon and Tiger Seal. If you miss this chance, how can you ever hope to catch up with Xiao Tianjiao?"


    Emperor Qian said coldly, "Xiao Yi, you better think it over."


    Hu!


    Xiao Yi paused his footsteps, his clenched fists quietly unclenching as he took a long breath of stale air, and with a sharp, resolute gaze fixed on the two, he said in a deep voice, "Little Lin is my brother; anyone who dares to touch my brother, no matter what their status might be, I¡ªWill¡ªKill¡ªThem!"

 Chapter 451 - 451: Heaven Never Seals Off All Paths

    Om!


    As these words came out.


    Within the vast study, the temperature plummeted by dozens of degrees.


    The biting cold turned into a layer of white frost!


    It wasn''t until Xiao Yi''s figure disappeared from sight that Emperor Qian came back to his senses, his face ugly to the extreme.


    He had forgotten the last time someone had defied him to his face, his sharp eyes narrowing to slits, "Well done, Xiao Yi, do you really think you can challenge my authority with just a little ability?"


    "Your Majesty, please calm down! Calm down!"


    Qi hurriedly stepped forward, advising apprehensively, "Your Majesty, Xiao has rebuilt the Xiaoshanhe Institute and has made outstanding contributions to our imperial family. He was just momentarily misguided to have offended you, please suppress your anger!"


    "Shut up!"


    Emperor Qian gave Qi a cold glare, his narrowed eyes flashing with a knife-like sharpness, "Old dog, pass down my order, no person or power is permitted to help Xiao Yi find a Dharma Likeness Meditation target, those who disobey will be beheaded!"


    "Your Majesty, Xiao Yi has just made great achievements, this¡­"


    Qi had only spoken halfway when he was abruptly flung away by a slap from Emperor Qian. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He staggered to the ground, blood spurting from every orifice, his internal organs severely injured by the blow. Emperor Qian looked at him coldly, speaking deliberately, "Old dog, remember that your master is me, not Xiao Yi. You are nothing but my dog; I tell you to bite whom you should bite, not be disloyal. Do you understand?"


    Enduring the intense pain, Qi struggled to get up and said respectfully, "This old servant acknowledges his mistake!"


    "Be gone!"


    Emperor Qian gestured dismissively, then turned and went back to his desk.


    With a deep look at Emperor Qian, Qi sighed lightly and also turned to leave.


    Only Emperor Qian remained in the study.


    His eyes fixed on the lifelike Dragon Soaring Over the Four Seas Chart on the screen, his icy gaze filled with intense mockery and disdain.


    "Daring to threaten me, truly overestimating yourself! Even the vast realm of the Great Qian Dynasty is at my fingertips; let alone a mere wet-behind-the-ears lad like you..."


    Emperor Qian''s fingers tapped lightly on the desk, lips curling into a sinister sneer, "If the dog I raise obeys, I will give you some bones to chew on. If not, I can easily find a replacement. There''s no need to keep you, is there?"


    His voice was still echoing in the study, but Emperor Qian''s figure had already vanished.


    After he left.


    Suddenly...


    The desk exploded with a bang, turning into a cloud of fine dust.


    Meanwhile.


    Xiao Yi stood outside the enormous palace gate.


    He looked back at the majestic and splendid palace, dazed and lost in thought.


    This palace, desired by countless, the supreme abode of the Great Qian Dynasty, appeared to him as a heartless beast, constantly devouring everything.


    Kinship, friendship, love...


    Within this vast palace, they were as insignificant as dust!


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi exhaled a long breath, the Emperor Qian''s words echoing in his mind, his fists involuntarily clenching, "There''s always a way out. I refuse to believe that without Emperor Qian''s support, I, Xiao Yi, can''t even manifest a Martial Dao Fasxiang!"


    His clenched fists slowly relaxed.


    After pondering for a moment, Xiao Yi headed straight for the Dongfang Family, "The Yin Yang Five Elements Tower of the Dongfang Family is also an extraordinary Yuan weapon, let''s see if I can use it to manifest the Dharma."


    Inside the Dongfang Family.


    Upon seeing Xiao Yi''s arrival, Dongfang greeted him warmly, "Xiao Yi, what brings you here?"


    "Dongfang, I need to manifest the Dharma, and I would like to observe your Dongfang Family''s Yin Yang Five Elements Tower," Xiao Yi explained his purpose.


    "Hahaha, I thought it was something serious, but this is a minor issue. Follow me!"


    Dongfang laughed heartily as he said this.


    At the same time, his heart was also immensely shaken. The last time Xiao Yi had come to challenge the tower, he had not yet broken through to the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    Several months had passed since then.


    Now, he was actually preparing to practice Martial Dharma Likeness Meditation to assault the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    Such a speed of cultivation, even Xiao Tianjiao was far behind!


    Dongfang sighed emotionally, but right then, a voice that was indistinguishable between Yin and Yang called from outside, "A divine edict has arrived..."


    "Hmm?"


    Dongfang was startled, murmuring why a divine edict would come at this time, and immediately gave Xiao Yi an apologetic smile, "Please wait a moment, I will receive the divine edict!"


    A short time later.


    Dongfang returned with a bitter expression, looking at Xiao Yi with deep self-reproach and guilt, he said with a wry smile, "Xiao Yi, I am truly sorry. His Majesty has just sent a decree that forbids any family, power, or individual within the Great Qian Dynasty to lend you treasures for practicing Martial Dharma Likeness Meditation. Those who disobey the order are to have their families exterminated..."


    Xiao Yi''s face slightly changed, not expecting Emperor Qian to act so swiftly and ruthlessly.


    Exterminate the family!


    Just these four words were enough to cut off Xiao Yi from seeking assistance from various powers for practicing Martial Dharma Likeness Meditation.


    This was nothing but a drastic measure!


    Dongfang hesitated for a moment, then said solemnly, "Xiao Yi, since the Emperor has already given his decree, certainly no one will dare to defy his will. In my opinion, you might as well submit to the Emperor? With your status in his esteem, as long as you are willing to submit, he will definitely pour resources into you..."


    "There''s no need. I''ll look in other places..." Xiao Yi bid farewell to Dongfang and then went to the Treasure Pavilion and auction houses among other places.


    The result was as expected.


    Rejection.


    Not a single individual, power, or family dared to defy Emperor Qian''s will and extend a helping hand to Xiao Yi.


    Under the cover of night.


    The dejected Xiao Yi forgot how many places he had sought out, but without exception, he was met with relentless rejections. Because of Emperor Qian''s edict, all paths he could seek were cut off.


    He walked alone under the dark curtain of night.


    The stars were bright, the moonlight pure and clear.


    The light of stars and moon fell upon the ground, illuminating the path beneath his feet.


    Pitter-patter!


    Xiao Yi stopped in his tracks, looked up at the sky full of stars, and felt extremely lonely.


    Since Fang Qingzhu left, it had been only Little Lin who had kept him company!


    A man and a beast, as close as siblings, brothers in arms.


    But now...


    He was left utterly alone.


    "Qingzhu, are you doing well in Baiyu? Wait for me, I''ll come looking for you soon..."


    Xiao Yi murmured to himself, wandering aimlessly under the starlight.


    As he walked, he heard a childish voice by his ear, "Mommy, look, those stars joined together, don''t they look like a big scorpion? And those over there, don''t they look like a huge tiger..."


    "A big scorpion? A huge tiger?"


    Xiao Yi was stunned and subconsciously lifted his head to gaze at the starry sky.


    A stroke of inspiration suddenly raced through his mind, the look of worry on his face swept away, replaced by a wild joy, "Hahaha, heaven never seals off all exits. Old Emperor Qian, you''ve shut me off from all paths but opened up another world for me! At last, I have found my Dharma Likeness..."

 Chapter 452 - 452: Return to Xiaoshanhe Institute

    "I have finally found my Dharma Aspect!"


    Xiao Yi looked up at the vast starry sky; below the black curtain of night, countless stars were woven into a star map.


    Innumerable stars, either scattered or clustered, outlined various images.


    In Xiao Yi''s vision, those countless twinkling stars seemed interconnected by traces, stringing together to form a bright and massive silhouette.


    At this moment...


    If Lin Xu or that mysterious person they encountered in the gorge were here, they would undoubtedly be astonished to discover that the connected stars formed the outline of the Queen of the God-Eating Ants!


    The Queen of the God-Eating Ants'' own combat strength may not be very strong.


    However.


    It could continuously reproduce a powerful God Devouring Ant Legion, endless and inexhaustible, as long as the queen did not perish and the energy did not run out.


    Just imagine...


    In the midst of battle, with the same utilization of Dharma Aspect.


    Even someone like Emperor Qian, who possesses the strongest Iron Winged Chi Dragon Dharma Aspect in the Great Qian Dynasty, would eventually exhaust his strength. Whereas Xiao Yi''s God Devouring Ant Legion would surge forward by the thousands, even by the tens or hundreds of millions.


    Even a real Iron Winged Chi Dragon wouldn''t hold out, would it?


    "It seems that the biggest gain from this trip to the icy plains is the sighting of the Queen of the God-Eating Ants!" In the void, the stars outlining the queen burst into an even brighter light.


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi leapt up and dashed towards the Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    He had just arrived at Imperial Dragon Mountain.


    At the mountain gate, two Beast Kings opened their eyes, first exchanging a wary glance, but upon recognizing Xiao Yi, they relaxed and said respectfully, "Welcome back, Institute Head!"


    "Hmm!"


    Xiao Yi glanced at the two beasts. Now the entire Imperial Dragon Mountain, under the enhancement of the Spirit Gathering Array, had an extremely rich concentration of elemental energy.


    The two Beast Kings had made no small breakthroughs.


    They were extremely dedicated.


    Without a hint of rebellion.


    Whoosh, whoosh!


    Xiao Yi flicked his fingers, and two bottles of elixir fell before the beasts, saying, "In a few days, the Ancestor Worship Ceremony will take place. You two are the first impression of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, aim to make another breakthrough before the ceremony!"


    "Thank you, Institute Head, we will not let you down!" The two beasts said respectfully.


    In the gaze of the two Beast Kings looking at Xiao Yi, there was full of admiration and awe.


    Xiao Yi waved his hand and then stepped into the Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Though it was late at night...


    The entire Xiaoshanhe Institute was still brightly lit, and in the training field, one could occasionally hear growls and roars, as the disciples were practicing.


    Some were even engaged in intense battles with each other. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    They were honing their combat strength.


    At this moment...


    In the very center of the training field were Ye Heng and Jin Feiyan, this pair of brother and sister disciples, neither of whom would concede to the other¡ªone with the Battle War Holy Body and the other with a natural talent for movement technique.


    Every now and then, the two would test each other.


    Whoosh!


    Jin Feiyan soared up, her figure flipping and darting like a swift swallow, remarkable in her speed as she maneuvered in the air.


    Ye Heng was surrounded by a golden light, with the Battle War Holy Body enhancing his combat power beyond that of his peers, making every battle boil his blood, a true battle enthusiast.


    "Who do you think will win between Brother Ye and Sister Fei Yan?"


    "It should be Brother Ye. He has the Battle War Holy Body, growing stronger as he fights. Sister Fei Yan probably isn''t his match!"


    "Cut! No matter how strong the power or how fierce the attack, what good is it if he can''t even land a hit on the opponent? I''d say, this fight will end in a draw again."


    Ye Heng and Jin Feiyan were like spear and shield.


    One''s attack dominating his peers.


    The other''s speed trampling the same rank!


    Neither could do anything to the other!


    Xiao Yi, however, shook his head and said, "This battle, Ye Heng will win!"


    "Hmm?"


    Several new disciples stood in front of him, and they were all startled upon hearing Xiao Yi''s words, showing expressions of astonishment.


    One of them, dressed in brocade robes with handsome features and a trace of sinister air between his brows, glared fiercely at Xiao Yi: "Shut up if you don''t understand, who doesn''t know that Feiyan and Brother Ye have fought many times and always ended in a draw? Get as far away from me as possible, or I''ll make sure you enter standing but leave lying down!"


    "Su is a loyal admirer of Sister Feiyan, and this guy dares to belittle her¡ª isn''t that asking for death?"


    "I remember the last time someone spoke ill of Sister Feiyan in front of Su, and Su ended up breaking his limbs. How many bones do you guess this guy will break today?"


    The crowd wore schadenfreude smiles, all turning their gazes toward Xiao Yi.


    For one, it was late at night, and two, these new disciples had not seen Xiao Yi before, so for a moment, no one recognized that this man was the head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi felt somewhat helpless; he had merely spoken the truth, never expecting to be treated like this.


    However...


    He couldn''t be bothered to argue with these juniors. He touched his nose and chuckled: "What big talk, I''d like to see how you''re going to make me leave lying down!"


    "You''re looking for..."


    Su had just begun to speak when a cry of shock suddenly erupted from the crowd.


    In the arena.


    Jin Feiyan was incredulously fast. With the movement techniques taught by Xiao Yi, her speed was comparable to the ordinary Golden Elixir Realm Peak. If it were a contest of speed, ten Ye Hengs wouldn''t be her match.


    But...


    Ye Heng wasn''t simply chasing after her; he suddenly leaped high into the air.


    In high-level combat.


    Victory or defeat often hinges on a single thought.


    Especially when facing Jin Feiyan, whose speed far exceeded his own, Ye Heng''s sudden leap was full of openings, presenting Jin Feiyan with the opportunity for a decisive strike.


    Naturally, Jin Feiyan wouldn''t let this chance pass her by.


    Whoosh!


    She tapped the void mid-air, and a subtle sonic boom emanated through the air. Jin Feiyan''s figure twisted strangely in midair and returned in a flash. Her delicate palm held a longsword glowing with a green light, and she said with a smirk, "Brother, you''ve lost!"


    However.


    Ye Heng, seemingly wide open to attack in the air, raised the corner of his mouth and said with a smile, "Sister, you''ve been duped!"


    "What?"


    Jin Feiyan was shocked, her pretty face showing an expression of horror.


    Ye Heng spread his hands, and Qi-Blood surged from his fingertips, instantly conjuring an Eight-Sided Energy Battle Shield out of thin air, assembling a prism-shaped cage that resounded with a boom around Jin Feiyan.


    Bang bang bang!


    Jin Feiyan''s longsword struck the cage repeatedly but couldn''t break the Qi-Blood shield at all.


    Within this octagonal prison, her greatest advantage¡ªher speed¡ªwas rendered useless.


    Ye Heng leaped in, with his Qi-Blood gushing forth, focusing on his heavy sword. His figure spun like a whirlwind, turning the sword blade into a tornado-like storm, whooshing loudly.


    It blocked every corner and space.


    Jin Feiyan looked dejected, seeing the sword edge already in front of her, she shouted, "Brother, I admit defeat!"


    Hum!


    The storm abruptly vanished.


    The heavy sword just barely touched Jin Feiyan''s shoulder, as Ye Heng smiled smugly and said, "Sister, I had quite a hard time figuring out how to forge this octagonal cage technique just to deal with you!"


    "Humph!"


    Jin Feiyan scrunched up her nose, looking dissatisfied as she spoke, "Always relying on the robust Qi-Blood of your Battle War Holy Body to bully others. When the master returns, I''ll ask him to teach me a martial arts skill that can counter you!"


    "Hahaha, you think I won''t also ask for master''s help?" Ye Heng winked and boasted.


    Jin Feiyan was so annoyed her teeth itched.


    At that moment...


    Su''s angry voice suddenly came from the crowd: "It''s all your fault¡­ If it weren''t for your wagging tongue here, how could Sister Feiyan ever lose? I''m going to kill you..."

 Chapter 453 - 453: Oblivious to Danger

    "..."


    Xiao Yi looked at Su with an expressionless face as the latter stood with his hands on his hips, arrogantly letting out all his anger on him.


    The surrounding crowd had all stepped aside, gloating, "This kid had it coming, who made him badmouth Feiyan? Su is Feiyan''s most dedicated admirer. Now that Feiyan has lost, Su must be furious!"


    "This guy is just asking to be a punching bag!"


    "He''s so pitiable!"


    Xiao Yi darkened his face and said, "Jin Feiyan was not skilled enough and was defeated by Ye Heng. How is that my fault?"


    "If not you, then who?"


    Su''s eyes burned with rage as he gritted his teeth, "If it weren''t for you cursing Feiyan and disrupting my cheers for her, how could she have possibly lost? I won''t stop until I''ve beaten you to death..."


    In the face of the domineering and aggressive Su, Xiao Yi''s eyes narrowed into slits.


    The Xiaoshanhe Institute places great importance on talent when taking disciples.


    Although young, Su had already reached the First Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, making him an extraordinary talent.


    However...


    His behavior today greatly dissatisfied Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi scoffed coldly, "Little guy, I''d advise you to leave before I lose my temper. If you provoke me, the consequences are not something you can handle!"


    "Hahaha!"


    Su shook his head laughing, his face full of contempt, "You dare threaten me? If you had begged for mercy, I would have let you off just by kneeling and apologizing to Feiyan, but you dared threaten me. Today, even if the Hall Master came, he couldn''t save you..."


    "That''s quite the tone you have there. Who exactly are you to not even fear the Hall Master?" Xiao Yi frowned at Su, his eyes flashing coldly. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Hall Master!


    This was a position second only to the head of the institute and, moreover, most of the hall masters of the Xiaoshanhe Institute were promoted by Xiao Yi himself. He was curious to see who was backing Su.


    Su snorted coldly, proudly saying, "I don''t mind telling you, I am Xiao Yi''s uncle by marriage."


    Xiao Yi: "..."


    His face full of confusion, he looked Su up and down, unable to remember when he had acquired such an uncle-in-law. His only nominal uncle-in-law was killed by him in Nanhuang City!


    Seeing Xiao Yi''s dumbfounded expression, Su laughed triumphantly, "How about it? Scared now? I''ll tell you, even Xiao Yi in front of me has to respectfully call me ''uncle''¡ªlet alone breaking some of your bones, even if I killed you, no one would dare do anything to me!"


    Xiao Yi touched his nose with a puzzled face, "So, you are close with Xiao, the head of the institute?"


    "Of course!"


    Su raised his thumb, pointing at himself, and said proudly under the envious gaze of the crowd, "I''m not bragging, but back when Xiao Yi was in Nanhuang City, we were as close as brothers. Brothels, gambling dens, drinking, and debauchery¡ªI was the one taking him around, and he followed me, calling out ''uncle''..."


    "No wonder Su dares to act so unbridled in the Xiaoshanhe Institute; he has such a status!"


    "Jeez, to be able to visit brothels with Xiao... I''m so envious!"


    "It looks like we really need to cling to Su''s coattails!"


    "Su, you must introduce us to them in the future..." The crowd chimed in one after another, their faces filled with envy, admiration, and flattery.


    "Sure, no problem!"


    Su laughed proudly, squinting his eyes, looking provocatively at Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi was completely bewildered: "..."


    Visiting brothels? Drinking, gambling, and womanizing?


    Had he ever done such things?


    He had no recollection of it at all!


    Sigh!


    Xiao Yi let out a long sigh, laughing out of sheer irritation, "So to speak, you''re quite familiar with Xiao Yi?"


    "Of course!"


    Su held his chin high, not taking Xiao Yi into consideration at all, "I know even how many black moles he has on his butt as clear as day!"


    Xiao Yi''s eye twitched wildly, as he had already seen Jin Feiyan and Ye Heng approaching from the crowd.


    Xiao Yi squinted and pointed at himself, "Then do you know who I am?"


    "You?"


    Su was startled, looked Xiao Yi up and down, and said dismissively, "Do I care who you are? A nobody, this young master hasn''t the interest to know... Now that you know my status, you''d better kneel down quickly and apologize to Feiyan, otherwise..."


    Xiao Yi had yet to speak.


    From within the crowd, came Ye Heng''s icy rebuke, "Otherwise, what dare you do?"


    "Otherwise, I''ll kill you..."


    Su had not finished speaking when he suddenly let out a scream.


    Ye Heng had kicked him in the torso, flipping Su right onto the ground.


    Both knees hit the ground hard, shattering the tiled floor, pain turning Su''s face ashen, howling incessantly. His resentful gaze was fixed on Ye Heng, "Ye, why, why are you hitting me?"


    "Hitting you? I wish I could kill you!"


    Ye Heng gritted his teeth and glared fiercely at Su.


    Su was taken aback, then angrily said, "Ye Heng, do you really think just because I call you ''Brother'' you can look down on everyone? I am Xiao''s brother-in-law, when Xiao returns, I will make sure you suffer..."


    "Make me suffer? You don''t know whether you''re alive or dead..."


    Ye Heng''s mouth curled into an indifferent, cold sneer, then pointed at Xiao Yi, "Do you know who he is?"


    Su was stunned, frowning, "I was wondering why you''re so arrogant, so it turns out you know Brother Ye! Since that''s the case, it''s a misunderstanding, we''re all family here..."


    "Ptui! Who''s family with you?"


    Ye Heng sneered, grabbed Su''s hair, and forced his head up to look at Xiao Yi, enunciating each word, "Look closely, this is the master of both Feiyan and myself, the esteemed head of Xiaoshanhe Institute, the brother-in-law you mentioned, Xiao Yi, head of Xiao!"


    Buzz!


    Su''s face suddenly changed, his formerly arrogant and smug expression now replaced with confusion and dumbfoundedness.


    And a bit of unease and fear.


    Guluru!


    Su swallowed hard, trembling, and forced out a smile uglier than crying, "Ye, Brother Ye, you, you must be joking with me, right?"


    "Joking?"


    Ye Heng threw Su to the side.


    He exchanged a look with Jin Feiyan, and both promptly stepped forward, kneeling deeply before Xiao Yi, "Disciple Ye Heng (Jin Feiyan) pays respect to Master!"


    Buzz!


    The entire martial arts field fell silent.


    All those present stared, dumbfounded, at the two kneeling meticulously before Xiao Yi.


    These were the two hottest young talents of Xiaoshanhe Institute!


    Moreover, they were Xiao Yi''s direct disciples.


    Their futures limitless!


    Their public kneeling before Xiao Yi wasn''t for punishing Su, so it went without saying that they weren''t staging a scene, indicating Xiao Yi''s status. He was the head of Xiaoshanhe Institute, the master to both Ye Heng and Feiyan.


    For a moment,


    All eyes were on Su...

 Chapter 454 - 454 Emergency Intelligence

    ```


    Whoosh!


    All eyes quickly turned to Su.


    Gurgle!


    Su''s body shivered, unable to stop the spit from swallowing back down, his face alternating between shades of green and white, a spectacle to behold.


    He felt as if everyone''s gazes were like sharp swords, constantly cutting into him, especially the disdain and ridicule in their eyes, making him feel as if there were thorns in his back.


    "Damn, this guy kept saying he was Xiao''s brother-in-law, and now it turns out he''s been lying?"


    "He''s been throwing his weight around as Xiao''s brother-in-law, doing all kinds of evil. I''ve always disliked him, but who would have thought he was a fraud?"


    "Isn''t that just shameless? How could he do such a thing?"


    A flurry of whispering voices kept coming.


    The look in everyone''s eyes, filled with contempt and ridicule, and an intense schadenfreude.


    Before this incident,


    Su, relying on his "identity," had indeed committed many misdeeds.


    Naturally, he had offended quite a few people.


    It was just that everyone was cautious on account of Xiao Yi''s face previously, not daring to seek revenge against him. But now, with his true identity exposed, everyone knew he was not actually Xiao Yi''s brother-in-law.


    Even...


    Xiao Yi was standing right in front of him, yet he failed to recognize him.


    Su''s face turned from green to white. This was something he had never imagined; trying to bluff Xiao Yi himself.


    The slap to the face was incredibly harsh and painful!


    Whew!


    Su took a deep breath, his gaze sweeping over Xiao Yi and Ye Heng with venom, his voice laced with malice as he said, "I admit defeat today. If this place won''t have me, another will. Don''t get too happy though, because I won''t let you off!"


    Whoosh!


    Su cursed angrily, turned, and stylishly sprinted towards the distance.


    "You think Xiaoshanhe Institute is a place where you can come and go as you please?" Ye Heng snorted coldly.


    His figure already in motion, blocking Su''s path.


    Su''s face changed, and he gritted his teeth, saying, "What do you want to do?"


    Ye Heng looked at Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Cripple his cultivation and throw him out!"


    He had never imagined that someone would dare to impersonate his brother-in-law, deceiving others in Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    If that were all...


    He might not have been so ruthless.


    But from what people were saying, in the time that Xiao Yi was absent, this man had indeed committed many despicable acts. Just previously, because of a single word from Xiao Yi, he was ready to break someone''s bones¡ªthis arrogance and tyranny clearly showed through.


    "You dare..."


    Su was flabbergasted, watching Ye Heng approach with a cold smile. His face continuously changed colors, and with a ''thump,'' he knelt on the ground, wailing, "Please, have mercy, Headmaster Xiao... I won''t dare anymore, please spare me..."


    Ye Heng glanced at Xiao Yi and saw that his expression was unchanged.


    He immediately pointed a finger...


    Thud!


    Su''s body shuddered, blood gushing from his abdomen, as his dantian was brutally punctured.


    Ever since Su claimed to be Xiao Yi''s brother-in-law and entered Xiaoshanhe Institute, he had committed many outrages, and people like Ye Heng had long wanted to teach him a harsh lesson. But out of respect for Xiao Yi, no one had dared to take action.


    This had only emboldened Su''s arrogance and tyrannical behavior even more.


    Above all things. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ```


    He originally just intended to enter Xiaoshanhe Institute by assuming the identity of Xiao Yi''s brother-in-law, only to find that everyone, from the Hall Master down to the disciples and followers, believed he truly was Xiao Yi''s brother-in-law. Over time, he lost himself and forgot his real identity.


    His actions became increasingly arrogant and despotic.


    As the saying goes...


    Plant good seeds, reap good fruits.


    If Su hadn''t acted so overbearingly, Xiao Yi might not have minded him.


    What a pity.


    There is no medicine for regret in this world!


    Xiao Yi glanced at Ye Heng, "Throw him out of the sect!"


    "Yes!"


    Ye Heng grabbed Su by the neck and marched him out towards the gate.


    For a moment.


    The arena inside and out fell silent, and the disciples all turned their eyes to Xiao Yi, their gazes filled with fervor and admiration. Xiao Yi cleared his throat and spoke up, "All of you are disciples of Xiaoshanhe Institute. Our institute can provide you with the best resources and cultivation environment. I only hope that you will focus your energies entirely on cultivating. In a few days, it will be the ancestral worship ceremony, and I hope you can distinguish yourselves then..."


    "Head of the institute, rest assured, we will not disgrace the name of Xiaoshanhe Institute!"


    "We will definitely give it our all!"


    The crowd shouted one after another.


    Xiao Yi nodded, then turned his gaze to Jin Feiyan, who understood immediately and followed Xiao Yi as he left with long strides.


    A moment later.


    Within Xiao Yi''s private courtyard, he sat upright on a Taishi Chair, his fingers gently tapping on the armrest: "What exactly is the deal with that Su?"


    In theory, even if people like Ye Heng and Lord Shadow Demon couldn''t tell, Elder Yan and Lin Bingxin should have known that he didn''t have such a brother-in-law! How could they let him infiltrate Xiaoshanhe Institute and behave so tyrannically for so long?


    Jin Feiyan offered a wry smile, "Master, Elder Yan, Xue, and Lord Fu Yuan have been in seclusion, studying an ancient formula. Bingxin has been assisting them, and we couldn''t tell if that guy was really your brother-in-law, so we could only keep him around for the time being... we didn''t expect him to..."


    Jin Feiyan felt very helpless, too.


    Using the identity of "Xiao Yi''s brother-in-law," Su had not left her alone.


    However, because of Xiao Yi, Jin Feiyan had been tolerating him.


    Remembering the incidents of those days, Jin Feiyan said fiercely, "If I''d known he wasn''t your brother-in-law, I should have slapped him to death!"


    Xiao Yi: "..."


    He cast a glance at Jin Feiyan and was about to speak when Ye Heng walked in from outside, "Disciple pays respects to Master!"


    Xiao Yi nodded, and his gaze swept over the two of them. They had not disappointed him; their cultivation had made great progress. As for their martial arts training and combat experience, he had already gotten a glimpse of that in the arena.


    At least they hadn''t discredited the status of his Direct Disciples.


    But...


    Xiao Yi looked at Ye Heng, "Ye Heng, your greatest advantage is the Battle War Holy Body. With the ancestral worship ceremony only a few days away, spend this time refining your Battle War Holy Body. I expect an outstanding performance from you at the ceremony!"


    "Master, rest assured, I''ve already asked Lord Shadow Demon to guide me. Starting tomorrow, I will be cultivating under his direction!" Ye Heng said earnestly, his chest swelling with resolve.


    With Lord Shadow Demon''s guidance in refining the Battle War Holy Body.


    This would definitely bring Ye Heng immense benefits in a short amount of time.


    Xiao Yi nodded, then turned to Jin Feiyan, who seemed hesitant to speak, "Fei Yan, your strength lies in your speed. I have a scroll here that details a movement technique that is most suited for you to practice. If you train diligently, your speed should improve by more than double before the ceremony!"


    "Double the speed?"


    Jin Feiyan and Ye Heng exchanged glances. With her current speed, she could already outrun an average Golden Core Realm cultivator. If she were to double it...


    Then even a peak Golden Elixir Realm powerhouse, she would have the confidence to contend with.


    Jin Feiyan hastily took the scroll, expressing her gratitude, "Thank you, Master!"


    "You both may leave now. I am going to enter seclusion. Wake me when the ancestral worship ceremony begins!"


    Xiao Yi gestured with his hand, about to rise when suddenly an urgent voice came from outside, "Is the Head of the Institute here? I have urgent intelligence, regarding a matter of life and death for Xiaoshanhe Institute..."

 Chapter 455 - 455: A Thunderclap Reduces Ten Years of Life!

    Xiao Yi and the others were all taken aback.


    A matter concerning the life and death of Xiaoshanhe Institute?


    The three exchanged glances.


    It was at this moment...


    An urgent figure hurried in from outside the door, a person with white hair¡ªit was Xiao Yun!


    Since the day he passed the examination and entered the Xiaoshanhe Institute, Xiao Yun had been following Fu Yuan and others in their cultivation. Noticing Xiao Yun''s travel-worn appearance, Ye Heng asked in puzzlement, "Ren, weren''t you researching ancient techniques with Fu Hall Master and the others?"


    "I''ve seen Ye and Sister Jin!" Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yun, although older in age, was of a lower generation than Ye Heng and Jin Feiyan. He bowed to the two and, without answering, moved past them to face Xiao Yi, "Institute Head, I have an urgent matter to report!"


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes and sized up Xiao Yun.


    Ever since his first encounter with Xiao Yun, he had found the man extremely strange.


    Whether it was his behavior or the familiar feeling he emitted, Xiao Yi found it memorable.


    It was for this reason...


    That he had Fu Yuan personally guide Xiao Yun.


    Under the scrutiny of Xiao Yi''s sharp gaze that seemed to pierce into a person''s heart, Xiao Yun stayed neither servile nor overbearing, with not a trace of flickering or avoidance in his eyes. He took a deep breath and said solemnly, "Institute Head, I guarantee with my life..."


    "No need!"


    Xiao Yi waved his hand. For some inexplicable reason, he always intrinsically believed that Xiao Yun was a person to be trusted, and he spoke up, "Since I''ve allowed you into my Xiaoshanhe Institute, of course, I trust you. What exactly is the matter that has you so flustered? Speak the truth!"


    "Institute Head, this matter is of great importance..."


    Xiao Yun hesitated, glanced at Ye Heng and Jin Feiyan, and said apologetically, "Brother Ye, could you two please step outside for a moment?"


    Ye Heng was startled.


    Jin Feiyan, hands on her hips, was greatly displeased, "Xiao Yun, what do you mean by this? Surely you''re not suggesting that we two would leak any secrets?"


    Xiao Yun pressed his lips tightly together but didn''t reply.


    Xiao Yi waved his hand and said to an angry Jin Feiyan, "Please, leave us for now!"


    "Hmph!"


    Jin Feiyan stamped her foot hard and turned around to leave, huffing with annoyance.


    "Master, your disciple shall take his leave!" Ye Heng quickly followed out.


    In the room, only Xiao Yi and Xiao Yun remained. Xiao Yi said, "You can speak now, right?"


    Xiao Yun went to the door, looked around to make sure there was nobody, then closed the door securely. With a grave expression, he returned to Xiao Yi and said in a somber tone, "Institute Head, did you go to the ice plains? And, moreover, did you encounter a mysterious person controlling God Devouring Ants?"


    Buzz!


    Xiao Yi''s face instantly changed.


    The mysterious person he encountered on the ice plain had never been mentioned to anyone else.


    Previously, when meeting Emperor Qian, Xiao Yi had intended to caution him.


    But Emperor Qian outright supported Yang Kun and even wanted Xiao Yi to give up on Little Lin, so Xiao Yi hadn''t disclosed the matter to him. Aside from himself, only that mysterious person in black robes knew about this.


    How could Xiao Yun be aware of this?


    Boom!


    A chilling aura locked onto Xiao Yun standing before him, the room''s temperature plummeted suddenly, a hint of coldness pervading the air, as Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes and asked, "Who exactly are you?"


    Hiss!


    Xiao Yun took a sharp breath. Under the oppressive aura of Xiao Yi''s strength, it was as if invisible hands were gripping his throat, making it difficult for him to breathe. After a short while, Xiao Yun forced himself to say, "Institute Head, it''s not important who I am. All you need to know is that I am a disciple of the Xiaoshanhe Institute and would never harm you, that''s all!"


    Xiao Yi leaned forward slightly, staring intently at him.


    Time ticked by second by second.


    After a dozen or so breaths.


    The surrounding coldness abruptly vanished, and Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes again, "Speak, what is it exactly?"


    Phew!


    Xiao Yun let out a sigh of relief and began, "Institute Head, do you intend to use the Queen of the God-Eating Ants as the core to condense your Dharma Manifestation?"


    Xiao Yi''s eyes sharpened.


    Xiao Yun''s words once again pierced through the thoughts deep within his heart.


    This sensation made him extremely uncomfortable.


    Xiao Yun continued, "I also ask that the Director heeds my advice, you can use the Queen of the God-Eating Ants as the core to condense your Dharma image, but never make the breakthrough before the ancestral worship ceremony. Wait until the time of the ceremony¡ªthat is the correct moment for you to break through."


    "Why?" Xiao Yi asked, puzzled.


    Xiao Yun hesitated, then said, "The Dharma image of the God-Eating Ants is extremely unique and must be fully attributed to successfully condense the Dharma image of the God-Eating Ants, but even with full attributes, you can only condense one God-Eating Ants Dharma image, and not create an army of God-Eating Ants. Only by receiving the divine light and spirit during the ancestral worship ceremony can you fully activate the spirit of the Dharma image allowing it to merge with the God Sealing Seed in your body and gain the ability to create an army of God-Eating Ants..."


    Boom!


    No sooner had his words fallen than the star-spangled night sky suddenly reverberated with the sound of thunder.


    Cutting off Xiao Yun''s speech abruptly.


    Wow!


    Xiao Yun spat out a mouthful of blood, his complexion instantly turned pale.


    Xiao Yi''s pupils shrunk suddenly, at the moment the thunder roared, he felt an invisible pressure falling on Xiao Yun''s body. He rushed forward, urging his vital energy into Xiao Yun''s body, only to find that Xiao Yun''s life force had significantly weakened.


    His life span had been reduced by ten years!


    "This..."


    When had Xiao Yi ever seen such a thing?


    A sudden reduction of ten years of lifespan?


    Even a strong practitioner in the Nirvana Realm couldn''t do it, right?


    "Thank you, Director!"


    Xiao Yun, bolstered by the vital energy from Xiao Yi, looked somewhat better and showed a forced smile to Xiao Yi. He said in a deep voice, "Director, you must wait until the ancestral worship ceremony to break through..."


    Rumble, rumble!


    Out of nowhere, a thunderbolt thick as a bucket descended from the heavens and with a loud bang crashed into the courtyard outside.


    The little courtyard explosively shattered, taking the whole annex with it and leveling it to the ground.


    Amidst the rising dust.


    A spherical aura of condensed vital energy surrounded Xiao Yi, shielding him from the raging wind and rampant energy, but the crackling sound of thunder could still be heard wandering through the ruins. The sound of thunder from the horizon was incessant.


    It was as if heaven itself was furious!


    Huff, huff!


    Huff, huff!


    Xiao Yun''s chest heaved violently, his complexion grew even paler. In that instant, his lifespan was reduced by another ten years!


    Xiao Yi''s expression was dark as water, "What in the world is going on here?"


    With each sound of thunder, ten years of life were taken away.


    The recent roar of thunder seemed like an angry bellow from the heavens itself.


    He had never witnessed such a strange scene before.


    Xiao Yun shook his head, revealing a pale smile, "Director, don''t worry about me; I am just a little weak. You must remember my words, you must remember... remember..."


    Xiao Yun''s eyes rolled back, and he fainted on the spot.


    "Xiao Yun..."


    Xiao Yi hurriedly checked his condition, finding Xiao Yun was simply too weak, he finally breathed a sigh of relief.


    At that moment...


    Ye Heng, Shadow Demon, and others landed one after another in the annex, now a ruin, looking at the completely desolate scene as if a divine punishment had obliterated everything, they all looked at each other in dismay, "What, what exactly happened here?"


    "Was that caused by the thunderbolt just now?"


    "No need to worry, it was just a result of a breakthrough in my cultivation, I lost control while trying out a new martial technique!"


    Xiao Yi shook his head and smiled, easing the doubts in everyone''s minds. Then, after having Ye Heng take Xiao Yun to rest, Xiao Yi, who dismissed everyone else, stood among the ruins. Squinting his eyes, he muttered to himself, "Xiao Yun, who exactly are you? How do you know so many of my secrets?"


    Crickle, crackle!


    On the ground, bolts of lightning moved about as if responding to him.


    "Enough!"


    Xiao Yi clenched his fist quietly, "I''ll trust you this time, but even if I have to wait until the ancestral worship ceremony for the breakthrough into the Dharma Manifestation Realm, I can still condense the Dharma image before then. Yang Kun... no matter who''s backing you, if you dare to harm Little Lin, I will kill you!"

 Chapter 456 - 456: Undercurrents Surge

    Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Deep within a cave more than a thousand meters underground from Xiao Yi''s courtyard residence.


    This was a secret chamber specifically constructed by the Shadow Demon at Xiao Yi''s behest, used for his usual cultivation retreats.


    Here, Xiao Yi had set up a Spirit Gathering Array that amplified the gathering of spiritual essence by thirty times. The abundant and rich spiritual energy of heaven and earth condensed into dazzling and bright transparent crystals, emitting a faint blue glow that contained an incomparably pure energy.


    With every breath he took, the spiritual energy of heaven and earth flowed into his body.


    Even a person on the brink of death from prolonged illness could see an improvement in their condition and extend their lifespan by several years after staying here for ten days to half a month.


    At this moment.


    Xiao Yi sat cross-legged in the center of the chamber, maintaining a posture with his five hearts facing the sky.


    With his palms spread open facing upwards and the backs of his hands resting on his knees, streams of light of various colors circulated out from within his body.


    Golden, green, blue, red, yellow, black, and white¡ªseven colors of spiritual energy mingled and converged into streams of different-colored torrents, intertwining to form a multicolored ball of light that hovered between his legs.


    Within that ball of light were two broken pincers.


    They belonged to the Queen of the God-Eating Ants.


    The golden pincers shone with a dazzling golden light.


    The ball of light enveloped the golden pincers, continuously weaving and entwining, even restoring the Queen of the God-Eating Ants'' fragmented body to completion.


    However¡­


    Xiao Yi frowned as he looked at the Queen of the God-Eating Ants in front of him, "Strange, I clearly drew out a complete replication of the Queen of the God-Eating Ants from memory, so how come I feel like something is missing¡­"


    It was an extremely mysterious and odd sensation.


    Although the object in front of him had no discrepancies from what he remembered, it still didn''t feel quite right.


    "Where exactly is the problem?"


    Xiao Yi frowned deeply, his expression increasingly troubled.


    All of a sudden.


    A streak of inspiration flashed across his mind. His eyes fixed on the body of the Queen of the God-Eating Ants, the shape, size, or any detail was identical to the real Queen of the God-Eating Ants. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The only difference was the eyes!


    The real Queen of the God-Eating Ants had eyes of six different colors.


    Yet the Queen of the God-Eating Ants formed by Xiao Yi only had hollow eye sockets.


    "The eyes of the Queen of the God-Eating Ants give off a very weird feeling¡­ It''s not just about the color, there must be some other reason¡­" Xiao Yi pondered with a frown.


    Why is it that even within the Dharma Manifestation Realm, when meditating upon the same Dharma image, there can still be strong and weak results?


    The most important reason lies in the details!


    Observing the sun, some see nothing but a ball of fire, while others can discern solar flares and other phenomena.


    Xiao Yi thought deeply with a frown, "Different colors¡­" Suddenly, his gaze fell on the multicolored ball of spiritual energy floating before him, and his eyes lit up, "I understand now, it''s not simply a difference in color, but in the elemental attributes they contain."


    The attributes of the God Devouring Ants were extremely unique; not even in Dao Yan''s heritage was it explained what the attributes of the God Devouring Ants actually were.


    Until this moment¡­


    Xiao Yi finally realized that, just like him, the God Devouring Ants were beings of all attributes.


    They were innately metal-attribute, while the six eyes represented six different attributes.


    Metal, wood, water, fire, earth, yin, and yang!


    All seven attributes converged within one body!


    "It seems that destiny has decreed I manifest the Dharma Likeness of the God-Eating Ant," Xiao Yi exhaled a long breath of turbid air, feeling as though there was a predetermined course within the unknowable universe.


    He was a martial artist possessing all seven attributes of metal, wood, water, fire, earth, yin, and yang, just like the God Devouring Ants were embodiments of the seven attributes.


    This was the perfect core for Dharma Likeness Meditation!


    At this moment, Xiao Yi was unaware that many powerful beings before him had attempted to manifest the Dharma Likeness of the God Devouring Ants, yet after their manifestation, they could not create an army of God Devouring Ants.


    The strength of the God Devouring Ants did not lie in individuals, but in their terrifying numbers, the dreadful legion of God Devouring Ants surging forth!


    But all this was because those powerful beings lacked the singular possession of all seven attributes, as Xiao Yi did. They only managed to manifest the form of the God Devouring Ants without grasping its essence.


    Just as Xiao Yi had said, it was destined by the heavens that he would use the God Devouring Ants as his Dharma Likeness!


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi''s eyes turned frosty as he flicked his fingers, and seven streams of elemental energy simultaneously plunged into the Queen of the God-Eating Ants he had envisioned before him.


    The metallic property fused into its body.


    The remaining six properties each converged within one of the eyes.


    Six-colored eyes, a golden body.


    Roar!


    Almost the instant the elemental energies of the seven properties merged with it, the Queen of the God-Eating Ants formed of condensed energy shuddered, releasing a powerful wave of energy as if coming to life.


    It began to rampage wildly in front of Xiao Yi, baring its fangs and brandishing its claws, and amidst a surge of golden light, countless God Devouring Ants swarmed out.


    Every detail.


    Xiao Yi remembered it vividly, intently observing while simultaneously envisioning the rudimentary form of the God Devouring Ants Dharma Likeness in his mind.


    Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!


    As Xiao Yi continued to observe and deduced,


    brilliant spots of energy began to emerge one after another within his body, like a vast array of dazzling stars converging behind him. The multiple starlights coalesced, taking the form of the rudimentary Dharma Likeness of a Queen of the God-Eating Ants.


    This Dharma Likeness was thirty feet tall and several dozen feet long.


    Its entire body glowed golden, with six eyes each a different color.


    It hovered behind Xiao Yi.


    Dharma Likeness rudimentary form!


    To truly become Xiao Yi''s Dharma Likeness, all that was left was for it to communicate with Xiao Yi''s Martial Dao Divine Fruit and become one with it.


    If Xiao Yi wished, he could complete this step immediately and step into the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    But...


    Just thinking about how Xiao Yun had lost twenty years of his lifespan, yet still insisted on passing on the message to him,


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi exhaled deeply, suppressing the temptation to immediately break through to the Dharma Manifestation Realm, forcibly dispersing this rudimentary Dharma Likeness before reconjuring it. He continued to manifest the Dharma Likeness, disperse it, then reconjure it again and again, in an endless cycle.


    Immersed in deep cultivation within the secret chamber, Xiao Yi was unaware,


    that Emperor Qian''s decree forbidding other forces from providing the core Dharma Likeness Meditation materials to Xiao Yi had already spread throughout the upper echelons of the Great Qian Dynasty.


    Within the Nangong Family.


    Nangong Shengtian sat in front of the ancestral hall, laughing heartily at the neatly arranged ancestral plaques, "Ancestors of the Nangong Family, if you have spirits in heaven, watch as I personally behead Xiao Yi and appease your spirits with his downfall!"


    In the Beitang Family.


    Beitang Feng had a face full of ecstatic joy, laughing loudly, "Xiao Yi, Xiao Yi, even you have days like these? It seems that the ancestral sacrifice ceremony is a must-attend event!"


    At the Unparalleled War King''s Mansion.


    Yang Yuhuan, having heard the report from his subordinates, waved to dismiss them and squinted his eyes, which emanated a cold glint, "Xiao Yi? He is but a dog Emperor Qian has been raising to balance the power amongst the forces. He dares to defy his master? If he doesn''t die, who will?"


    At Yang Ling''s residence.


    Yang Ling''s face was filled with worry, "Father is really... Xiao Yi has made many contributions to our royal family, how can he treat him like this?"


    Next to Yang Ling, an elegant middle-aged man gently fanned himself with a fan, speaking lightly, "Your Highness, for His Majesty, the struggle between you and the Crown Prince is an internal game of the royal family, a family matter. If Xiao Yi were helping you against the Crown Prince, His Majesty would not say much, like that trip to the Ice Fields... But if he acts out of personal vendetta, His Majesty will definitely not approve!"


    Alas!


    Yang Ling sighed deeply and gave a bitter smile, "How could I not understand this principle? But... let''s just hope Xiao Yi takes care!"


    At the Xiao Family.


    Inside the vast Xiao Family''s separate manor, Xiao Zhengde burst into triumphant laughter upon hearing the report from his subordinates, "This rebellious son, does he really think that he can disregard me entirely because he''s involved with the royal family? Hmph, I wasn''t planning on attending the ancestral sacrifice ceremony, but now it seems I must go and see for myself. I want to see if that rebellious son can remain as arrogant when facing death!"


    "Family head, the young master has left a letter for you!" said a young man kneeling in front of Xiao Zhengde.


    "Oh? A letter from Tian''er? Bring it here quickly!"


    Xiao Zhengde laughed heartily as he took the letter, but upon unfolding it, his expression suddenly changed, "This, this..."

 Chapter 457 - 457: Who Do You Think You Are?

    "Excellent, excellent, excellent, truly my Tian''er!"


    Xiao Zhengde clutched the letter in his hands, his expression wildly alternating between ecstasy, trepidation, and tension, eventually all emotions turned into hysterical laughter, "That rebel Xiao Yi actually dreams of surpassing Tian''er? Sheer lunacy! Someone, hurry, send out invitations to all the dignitaries within the capital... No, no need to rush the invitations, I will save this news for the ancestral worship ceremony. I''ll announce it publicly when that rebel is at his proudest. I want him to live forever in torment, hahaha..."


    Xiao Zhengde gripped the letter tightly, his eyes filled with uncontrollable pride.


    Humming a tune, he looked at the young man before him, "Prepare the food and drink immediately, today the head of the family must have a good drink. Hahaha..."


    "Head of the Family, is there some good news?" the young man asked, startled.


    "Hehe, of course, it''s terrific news, Tian''er has already..."


    Pausing, Xiao Zhengde cleared his throat and said, "This matter is confidential, you will naturally find out at the ancestral worship ceremony. Now go prepare the food and drink for me!"


    "Yes!"


    Although the young man was full of curiosity, he did not ask any further and respectfully withdrew.


    A moment later.


    Xiao Zhengde sat alone in a small courtyard, savoring fine wines and dishes, admiring the beautiful starry sky.


    Not long after.


    Xiao Zhengde went to sleep with a radiant smile on his face, and only the faint sound of his talk in his dreams could be heard driftily, "Tian''er truly is my unicorn child... Xiao Yi... such disgrace..."


    ......


    Time flew by.


    The day of the Great Qian Dynasty''s ancestral worship ceremony approached, and this could be seen simply from the atmosphere within the capital.


    The entire capital was filled with a joyous mood.


    Lanterns were strung up, and the air was filled with festivity. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    From high-ranking officials and nobles to the common peddlers and laborers.


    Everyone''s doors were adorned with red lanterns, and splendid fireworks lit up the sky, as all the citizens celebrated together.


    This ancestral worship ceremony was not just a royal ancestral sacrifice; it also marked the founding day of the Great Qian Dynasty. At this time every year, the entire Great Qian Dynasty was filled with songs and dances, an atmosphere of jubilation everywhere.


    It was a truly universal celebration!


    Wuuu wuuu wuuu!


    A dull sound of horns suddenly rose.


    The sound of the horns was like the rumble of thunder, spreading far and wide, and in an instant, it reached every corner of the capital.


    "Quick, bring the tribute to the palace!"


    "Xiao has already arrived outside the capital with the scepter of worship; he will soon reach the palace. Once the scepter is passed on, Emperor Qian will lead all the officials to Imperial Dragon Mountain. We must get ready!"


    "This year, I must be the first to offer tribute..."


    "Hahaha, don''t even think about it, the first tribute will definitely be mine..."


    Similar debates erupted all over the capital.


    Since the first Emperor of the Great Qian Dynasty, there had been a rule that whoever could offer the first tribute at the ancestral worship ceremony, whether an official, merchant, or commoner, would be greatly rewarded: officials would rise one rank, merchants would earn a fortune, and commoners would receive a thousand acres of fertile land!


    As a result, every ancestral worship ceremony would see countless mighty people vying with each other, competing for this esteemed position.


    Boom!


    Boom!


    Boom!


    Salvos of thunderous ceremonial guns exploded in the sky.


    Glamorous, colorful, and diverse.


    They illuminated half of the sky with exceptional brilliance, and under the light of these fireworks, Shadow Demon, dressed in full regalia, walked confidently towards the palace, surrounded by stars as if by a moon.


    Along the way.


    Many recognized the identity of the Shadow Demon, and they couldn''t help but show a look of astonishment, "That''s not right, isn''t this the Hall Master of the Battle Hall, the Shadow Demon?"


    "How could it be Hall Master Ying? Wasn''t it supposed to be the head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, Xiao Yi, who escorted the ceremonial staff? How did the person change so suddenly?"


    "Could the rumors be true? Did Xiao Yi have a falling out with the royal family?"


    "This... Xiao Yi is really too presumptuous, isn''t he? This is the ancestral ceremony, and he''s arbitrarily changed the person designated to escort the ceremonial staff. Is he not afraid that Emperor Qian, in a fit of anger, might strip him of his position as head of the institute?"


    In the midst of all the discussions.


    The Shadow Demon, however, was expressionless, and under the protection of a ceremonial guard formed by disciples of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, he arrived in front of the palace gate.


    At that moment, the palace gate was wide open.


    On both sides stood two teams of Imperial Guards in full regalia, each adorned in armor specifically crafted for the ancestral ceremony, both luxurious and precious, with the cost of each piece easily ten times that of a regular soldier''s armor.


    Wuu wuu wuu!


    Behind the two teams of Imperial Guards were the ceremonial soldiers, each carrying a horn.


    The somber sound of the horns echoed between heaven and earth.


    It was majestic and solemn.


    Upon hearing this sound, one would spontaneously treat the occasion with respect.


    Huff!


    The Shadow Demon took a deep breath, his hands holding the ceremonial staff, and he stepped up the solemn path leading into the palace, one step at a time.


    The ceremonial staff had always been in the custody of the Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    It would only be handed over to Emperor Qian by the chief celebrant at the ancestral ceremony once a year.


    The primary celebrant would be chosen from among the princes, and then Emperor Qian would hand the ceremonial staff over to that prince.


    This had always been so.


    This responsibility had always been fulfilled by the head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Never delegated to another.


    The scene from within the Xiaoshanhe Institute flashed across the Shadow Demon''s mind¡ªXiao Yi tossing the ceremonial staff to him as if it were trash¡ªcausing him to take a deep breath to calm his restless thoughts and continue forward with a composed face.


    Meanwhile.


    Golden Throne Hall.


    Powerhouses from the Tianjian Sect, Vast Righteousness Pavilion, Three Seas Mountain, and the other top ten sects, as well as the four great families¡ªDongfang, Ximen, Nangong, and Beitang¡ªand the Xiao Family and other powerful figures, along with the entire court of civil and military officials, were gathered here.


    The ancestral ceremony was an unprecedented grand occasion for the Great Qian Dynasty royal family.


    Even the ten great sects, which were notoriously independent on normal days, sent strong representatives to participate in this grand event.


    The Tianjian Sect, in particular, sent a Deputy Sect Master, the Huihai Sword Master, a proficient swordsman of the Nirvana Realm Seventh Layer, whose combat power was exceedingly formidable. He and Emperor Qian were chatting and laughing, "Your Majesty, that Xiao Yi from the Xiaoshanhe Institute has indeed persecuted our disciples from the Tianjian Sect..."


    Emperor Qian chuckled, "Oh, really?"


    Huihai remarked indifferently, "The head of our division stationed in the imperial capital was blatantly extorted of a huge sum by Xiao Yi. Does Your Majesty, residing in the imperial capital, not know about this?"


    "And our Three Seas Mountain, even a prominent elder was lured away by Xiao Yi!" a member of Three Seas Mountain said angrily.


    "Boundless longevity to Buddha!"


    A Taoist priest from Wendao Villa with a rosaceous nose and holding a horsetail whisk said sympathetically, "Xiao Yi is truly a disaster. Our Li Youruo from Wendao Villa was also deceived by him. I implore Your Majesty to stand up for Wendao Villa!"


    The surrounding people couldn''t help but look on with contempt.


    Li Youruo and the others were people they had sent to stir up trouble with Xiao Yi but ended up being won over by him and subsequently joined the Xiaoshanhe Institute.


    Yet in their mouths, it turned into cheating and swindling?


    Emperor Qian, still chuckling, was about to speak when he heard Yang Kun beside him say lightly, "Father Emperor, in my humble opinion, Xiao Yi truly does not have the qualifications to be the head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute!"


    No sooner had the words left his mouth,


    Than a mocking laugh came from outside: "Who do you think you are? Even our institute head is something you can criticize and judge?"

 Chapter 458 - 458: Hes Not Available!

    "Who do you think you are? Dare to judge and comment on our institute head?"


    A sneering voice came from outside the door.


    Dressed up, the Shadow Demon held the sacrificial scepter in both hands, with a wicked smile on his face and a pair of eyes that glinted coldly, as if choosing someone to devour, fixed intently on Yang Kun. Those icy words had just come from his mouth.


    Thump, thump, thump!


    Following the Shadow Demon, Zhang Ling and the others also closed in step by step.


    Each step they took was in perfect unison.


    Although there were more than a dozen of them, they moved as if they were one person.


    The exact same movements and expressions.


    Such precision sent a chill through the officials in the Golden Throne Hall, as well as the leaders of various factions who had come.


    Even Yang Yuhuan, who had been keeping his eyelids lowered, couldn''t help but lift his head to look at them. Just the stern aura emanating from the Shadow Demon and his men was enough to match that of a battle-hardened general!


    And indeed, they were not to be outdone even by the strongest among his own Blood Saber Guard Ten Great Commanders.


    "Has the Xiaoshanhe Institute really grown such powerful experts?"


    "These people are truly fearsome, as if they had just returned from the battlefield, all of them exuding a chilling murderous aura..."


    "Like the kings coming out of a slaughter-field..."


    Murmurs rose within the Golden Throne Hall, but unbeknownst to them, the Shadow Demon and his men had indeed come from a slaughter-field.


    Each one of them had survived ordeal after ordeal in the most stringent and cruel dueling arenas of the Beast Emperor City, with lives hanging by a thread. To Xiao Yi, they felt overwhelming gratitude, as if looking up to a second set of parents.


    If it hadn''t been for Xiao Yi leading them out of the Beast Emperor City, they would still be slaves.


    If Xiao Yi hadn''t given them a place in the Xiaoshanhe Institute, could they possibly have the standing to step into the Golden Throne Hall with such legitimacy today? S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    If it weren''t for Xiao Yi, how could they have become revered Hall Masters?


    In the eyes of the Shadow Demon and his men...


    Everything they had was given to them by Xiao Yi.


    And that was precisely why.


    They were utterly loyal to Xiao Yi, never allowing anyone to insult him; thus, upon hearing Yang Kun''s words, the Shadow Demon couldn''t restrain himself from speaking out.


    Facing those cold eyes, which seemed ready to swallow him whole,


    Yang Kun''s face turned alternately pale and flushed, as if he had been given several harsh slaps.


    It was not that the Shadow Demon and the others'' gaze contained any formidable force difficult to withstand, but rather, in the presence of the ministers and in the Golden Throne Hall, that the Shadow Demon dared to reprimand him so openly, which felt like a great insult to Yang Kun.


    His face changing shades, he glared at the Shadow Demon and the others, snorted coldly, and said, "What are you? How dare you speak to me like that?"


    "Me?"


    The Shadow Demon sneered, standing tall with his head held high, "I am the Hall Master of the Xiaoshanhe Institute battle hall, the Shadow Demon... You dare insult our institute head, not to mention merely scolding you, even twisting off the head on your neck is not impossible!"


    "Rubbish, you''re courting death!" Yang Kun suddenly stood up, furious.


    Yuan qi whirled within the palm of his hand, condensing into sharp edges.


    "You dare!"


    Zhang Ling and the others immediately stepped forward, their yuan qi bursting forth without any reservation.


    These people had managed to cultivate to the Dharma Manifestation Realm in the slave arenas without any resources.


    After arriving at the Xiaoshanhe Institute, not only did they have the support of the tenfold Spirit Gathering Array, but they also had massive amounts of healing pills provided by Fu Yuan and the guidance of Xiao Yi. Each one of them made swift progress, and now the strongest among them, the Shadow Demon, had reached the ninth level of the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    Zhang Ling and the others were all at the fifth level of the Dharma Manifestation Realm or above.


    A dozen pairs of eyes glared fiercely at Yang Kun.


    A great battle was about to erupt!


    The court officials turned pale and retreated one after another.


    The strong figures from the ten great sects and four big families such as Huihai, who were watching with interested expressions, seemed ready to enjoy the show.


    Yang Kun was instantly anxiety-stricken.


    He had not anticipated that the Shadow Demon and his comrades would be so bold as to show no fear of his Prince''s status in the Golden Throne Hall.


    At this point, Yang Kun, too, was in a difficult position.


    Just as the two sides seemed unable to hold back from starting a fight, Emperor Qian, who had remained silent till now, spoke out, "Enough!"


    Hum!


    The aura of the Nirvana Realm shattered the solemn atmosphere in the hall instantly.


    Everyone''s gaze turned toward Emperor Qian, their eyes filled with gravity.


    Emperor Qian squinted his eyes, a furious blaze burning in their depths. Xiao Yi''s failure to personally escort the sacrificial staff was tantamount to a slap in his face. It was also Xiao Yi''s protest against Emperor Qian''s previous request for Xiao Yi not to make things difficult for Yang Ling.


    But none of this was an excuse in Emperor Qian''s eyes.


    He was Emperor Qian, the ruler of a nation.


    Under the vast heavens, all the land belongs to the king; along its borders, all are his subjects.


    In Emperor Qian''s view...


    He could make Xiao Yi the esteemed head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, but he could also strip him of everything.


    He desired Xiao Yi''s death, and so Xiao Yi must die.


    Now that Xiao Yi dared to defy him openly, Emperor Qian was extremely displeased. But with the ancestral sacrifice ceremony imminent, it was not a good time to lash out. He merely said in an undercurrent voice, "Why didn''t Xiao Yi personally deliver the sacrificial staff?"


    Within the crowd.


    Qi, Yang Ling, and Dongfang were all urgently making eye signals to the Shadow Demon.


    As long as they found a suitable excuse, Emperor Qian would certainly not pursue this matter further.


    However...


    The Shadow Demon, with a stiff neck, mimicked Xiao Yi''s tone and said word for word, "My master said he''s busy!"


    Hum!


    Inside the Golden Throne Hall, the breath of everyone caught at the same time.


    Qi, Yang Ling, and Dongfang among others almost fainted, their eyes rolling back.


    For fuck''s sake!


    Do you have to be so unyielding?


    Do you have to be so tough?


    Any reasonable excuse would have sufficed to spare Emperor Qian the loss of face, and the issue would have passed.


    Why must you be so obstinate?


    The Shadow Demon and the others, however, stood their ground with an air of composure. In their eyes, there was only Xiao Yi. As for Emperor Qian?


    He was nothing!


    "Very well, very well, very well!"


    Three words came from Emperor Qian''s throat, each loaded with a cold intent to kill, pressing heavily upon the Shadow Demon and the others, their faces turning pale. But they showed not the slight sign of retreat, standing their ground, defiant and proud.


    This only fueled Emperor Qian''s wrath further, wishing he could smash them with a slap.


    Joy surged in Yang Kun''s heart, "Xiao Yi, oh Xiao Yi, I let you be arrogant... now you''ve thoroughly offended my father, and even without my intervention, he will never let you off!"


    With a sigh, Yang Ling realized that if he did not intervene now, the situation would spiral out of control. He promptly spoke with respect, "Father Emperor, Xiao suffered severe injuries when he accompanied your son to the ice plains to capture the Frost Phoenix. Presumably, he is currently healing, which is why he couldn''t come. Please forgive him, Father Emperor!"


    Dongfang also said, "Your Majesty, Xiao had previously sought healing pills at my residence. He must indeed be in recovery!"


    Qi added, "Your Majesty, it seems Xiao indeed is injured and unable to attend."


    "Hmm!"


    The gloomy look on Emperor Qian''s face softened slightly as he said in a subdued voice, "Since Xiao Yi is injured, it is excusable. Shadow Demon, is it? Bring the sacrificial staff forth."


    "Oh!"


    The Shadow Demon nodded and approached Emperor Qian with deliberate steps.


    Emperor Qian gave him a cold glance and reached out, grasping the sacrificial staff in his hand, then raising the staff, he declared, "Set off, to Imperial Dragon Mountain!"


    "May our emperor live thousands of autumns, live as long as heaven!"


    "May the Great Qian Dynasty reign supreme forever..."


    The group of officials shouted loudly.


    Under Emperor Qian''s lead, the solemn and luxurious procession moved grandly beyond the palace gates.


    Within the crowd.


    Yang Kun glared angrily at the Shadow Demon, Yang Ling, and the others, while a cruel smile curled at the corners of his mouth as he caught a glimpse of Deputy Sect Master Huihai Sword Master beside him, "Xiao Yi, again and again you''ve opposed me. This ancestral sacrifice ceremony will be your end!"

 Chapter 459 - 459: Dare to Fight?

    ```


    The grand procession moved mightily, heading out of the imperial palace.


    The Ancestral Worship Ceremony was a reflection of a flourishing era, and the royal family had made ample preparations for the event.


    Just the vehicles carrying the offerings alone numbered up to nine hundred, followed by a retinue of ministers and powerful figures from all factions.


    A procession tens of thousands strong, resembling a luxurious golden dragon, exited from the palace. Once they had left the palace, the commoners who had already been waiting on both sides of Vermilion Bird Avenue also followed closely behind.


    The procession grew larger and larger, the majestic era more and more splendid.


    This was an event that directly involved millions of people.


    Yang Kun stood by Emperor Qian''s side, his face adorned with a brilliant smile, "Father Emperor, under your rule the Great Qian Dynasty has grown even stronger. The scale of this Ancestral Worship Ceremony is indeed unprecedentedly grand!" Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Emperor Qian laughed heartily.


    The Great Qian Dynasty had indeed become more powerful under his rule.


    There was peace and prosperity, and the people lived in happiness and contentment.


    Emperor Qian felt proud in his heart, but he still said, "All this is the solid foundation laid by the previous emperors. I am merely reaping the benefits of their efforts!"


    "Father Emperor, you are being too modest. Everyone knows that when you ascended the throne, the Great Qian Dynasty faced the covetous Sword Dynasty to the north and battled the Qinglong Dynasty across the sea to the east, with troubles both inside and out. It was only through your exhaustive efforts that the Great Qian Dynasty has achieved its present grandeur!" Yang Kun said with a beaming smile.


    The ministers also said one after another, "Your Majesty is wise and martial. Continuing the legacy, you have created this prosperous era, truly a rare enlightened monarch throughout history!"


    "His Majesty is wise!"


    The crowd shouted in unison.


    Emperor Qian laughed loudly, the smile on his face becoming even brighter.


    Seeing this, Yang Kun''s lips curled up slightly, feigning regret as he let out a light sigh.


    Emperor Qian looked at him, "Kun''er, why do you sigh?"


    "Father Emperor, I just feel that Xiao Yi is too arrogant and conceited. The Ancestral Worship Ceremony is a grand event for our royal family, and even if he is injured, escorting the ritual scepter is not like participating in a life-and-death battle, he..."


    Yang Kun feigned hesitation, bitterly smiled, and said, "Let it be, let it be. Father Emperor should just consider that I said nothing, so as to avoid others thinking I have an ulterior motive!"


    Emperor Qian did not speak.


    However, his gaze flicked across the ritual scepter in his hand, and a hint of gloom emerged in the depths of his eyes, he muttered to himself, "Hmph! He''s nothing but a dog raised by our royal family. Since he does not obey, then getting rid of him it is!"


    Standing beside him, Yang Kun heard everything loud and clear, and his heart bloomed with joy, "Xiao Yi, oh Xiao Yi, this is the consequence of offending me!"


    The entourage moved on mightily, reaching a place a hundred miles away from Imperial Dragon Mountain.


    Qi, the eunuch, said, "Your Majesty, we''ve arrived at the point of seizing the incense!"


    "Hmm?"


    Emperor Qian opened his eyes, glanced at the incense-seizing point in front of him, and replied indifferently, "Then let us begin!"


    This incense-seizing point was precisely one hundred miles away from the peak of Imperial Dragon Mountain.


    Each Ancestral Worship Ceremony''s competition for the first incense offering began here. All those participating in the competition would wait at the incense-seizing point. Once Emperor Qian raised the ritual scepter and gave the order, they would rush to Imperial Dragon Mountain as fast as they could.


    Whoever reached the peak of Imperial Dragon Mountain first and lit the incense would receive the reward for the first offering!


    Of course.


    To provide ordinary commoners with a chance to seize the first incense, the competition did not allow participation from those who had surpassed the Golden Elixir Realm Cultivation.


    "Yes!"


    Qi the eunuch immediately stepped back, and moments later, hundreds of thousands vying for the first incense assembled before the incense-seizing point.


    Upon the luxurious carriage.


    ```


    Yang Kun''s eyes swiveled and with a smile that was not quite a smile, he looked at Yang Ling, his face brimming with provocation as he said, "Little Brother, I''ve heard that you''ve recruited quite a number of strong followers in recent years. Do you dare to compare with me and see who has more capable people under command?"


    To become the Crown Prince, a prince must not only be outstanding on his own but also possess a foundation of sufficiently powerful followers.


    Backed by the Tianjian Sect, Yang Kun naturally had countless strong allies.


    He intended to use his advantage to bully Yang Ling and suppress his spirit fiercely.


    Yang Kun clapped his hands, and immediately a long-haired young man stepped forward. His long hair floated gracefully, and he carried himself with poise. As he walked, his heels never touched the ground, a manifestation of his advanced mastery of movement technique.


    Yang Kun said with a full face of pride, "Little Brother, let me introduce you, this is Zhao Yu of the Tianjian Sect, extremely skilled in the Light Body Skill. Who are you planning to send from your side?"


    Zhao Yu said, "Your Highness, you should ask Yang Ling to send a few more people! Otherwise, they might accuse us of bullying through sheer power!"


    "Nonsense!"


    Yang Kun appeared to reprimand Zhao Yu, but there was a challenging look on his face as he spoke in a mocking tone, "Little Brother, don''t take Zhao Yu''s words to heart. If indeed no one can match him, we can just call off this competition to avoid the embarrassment of a loss. What do you think?"


    "You..."


    Yang Ling''s face turned shades of green and white, looking extremely unsightly.


    This was not consoling at all; it was a slap in the face!


    Yang Kun''s words carried no hint of concealment, and the surrounding ministers and various dignitaries all turned their attention to them.


    The looks they gave Yang Ling were filled with mockery and schadenfreude.


    Even though Emperor Qian favored Yang Ling more, in terms of personal strength or the power behind him, Yang Ling was at a clear disadvantage. Moreover, rumors had already spread that Emperor Qian would announce the candidate for Crown Prince at the upcoming ancestral worship ceremony.


    Yang Kun was using this opportunity to start a fierce attack on Yang Ling, intending to crush his prestige severely.


    Despite being aware of Yang Kun''s schemes, Yang Ling truly had no such talents among his followers, his expression fluctuating. His eyes showed strong unwillingness, but more than that, helplessness...


    Sigh!


    Yang Ling let out a soft exhale, about to give up, when a sprightly voice suddenly came from the crowd, "I''ll compete with you!"


    "Hmm?"


    All eyes followed the voice in unison.


    They saw Jin Feiyan, dressed in splendid attire, striding forward with her head held high, her delicate face sporting an easy smile as she said, "Yang Ling, my master has already instructed that if Your Highness needs someone to compete for the first offering, I am to fight on your behalf!"


    "You?"


    Yang Ling was startled.


    Jin Feiyan was only at the Third Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, whereas Zhao Yu was at the Ninth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm. The gap in their cultivation was huge, and Zhao Yu was an expert in movement technique.


    To have Jin Feiyan compete with him in speed was surely a joke, wasn''t it?


    Uncertainty showed on Yang Ling''s face.


    Yang Kun, on the other hand, burst into a loud laugh and said, "Little Brother, everyone says that you and Xiao Yi are close friends, but now it seems otherwise! I''ve heard that he has Ye Heng, who possesses the Battle War Holy Body in his sect, yet he doesn''t send him to aid you but lets such a milk-nosed girl come to her death. Isn''t this insulting you? Hahaha..."


    With the corners of his mouth turned up, Zhao Yu waved a finger at Jin Feiyan, "Little girl, you want to compete with me in speed? I could give you a five-mile head start and you still wouldn''t be my match!"


    "Five miles enough? I can give you ten miles for all it matters. The result will still be your loss," Jin Feiyan scoffed, eyeing Zhao Yu with contempt as she spoke dismissively.


    "Give me ten miles? Little girl, that is an insult to me!" Zhao Yu''s face turned dark enough to drip with anger as he coldly spoke.


    "Your Highness, I was sent by my master!" Jin Feiyan winked at Yang Ling.


    Yang Ling blinked with a slight frown; then he clenched his fist decisively and said, "Alright, if Xiao has such confidence in you, what reason do I have to doubt? Fei Yan, the success of this competition is in your hands!"


    "Don''t worry, Your Highness, I will not disappoint you!"


    Jin Feiyan smiled faintly and signaled Zhao Yu with a hooked finger, "Do you dare to compete?"

 Chapter 460 - 460: You Lost!

    "Dare to compete?"


    Jin Feiyan looked at Zhao Yu with a smile that was not quite a smile.


    The confident light shone brightly in her lively eyes.


    Zhao Yu''s expression darkened slightly; as a disciple of the Tianjian Sect and someone who was extremely skilled at speed using movement techniques, he had earned the appreciation of Yang Kun, who had specially brought him to participate in the contest for the first incense offering. In his eyes, taking the competition lightly was out of the question.


    In his opinion, within the same realm, no one could surpass his speed.


    But now,


    this little girl Jin Feiyan dared to disregard him completely, which caused Zhao Yu''s face to look extremely ugly as he sneered, "Afraid? Not in the slightest."


    "You''ve got some guts, but don''t cry when you lose later," Jin Feiyan said with a twinkle in her eye, her tone mocking.


    "Ridiculous, me, cry?"


    Zhao Yu let out a cold snort and made a throat-slashing gesture.


    Yang Kun''s eyes shifted slightly as he said with a smile, "Brother, since both you and I have someone participating in the contest for the head incense, why don''t we make a bet ourselves?"


    His intention was to overshadow Yang Ling and crush his spirit.


    Naturally, he wouldn''t miss any opportunity.


    Yang Ling frowned, "What kind of bet do you have in mind, elder brother?"


    Yang Kun said with a smile that was not quite a smile, "Jin Feiyan is a top student of Dean Xiao. If she loses, how about Xiao Yi relinquishes his position as dean of the Xiaoshanhe Institute?"


    "Hmm?" sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Yang Ling''s expression became stern, realizing that Yang Kun''s intentions were utterly condemnable!


    Everyone knew that Xiao Yi''s position as dean of the Xiaoshanhe Institute was endorsed by him. If Xiao Yi were to be removed from his deanship midway, it would be tantamount to declaring to the world that Yang Ling''s judgement of character was flawed. It would be a tremendous blow to his reputation.


    Just as Yang Ling was about to refuse, Yang Kun continued, "Of course, if Jin Feiyan happens to win, I''ll give the Ice Phoenix back to you, how about that?"


    "The Ice Phoenix?"


    Yang Ling was visibly shaken.


    The Ice Phoenix had been seized by Yang Kun, forcing him to buy a low-level sixth-rank magical beast from the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect to use as an offering instead.


    With that thought,


    Yang Ling gritted his teeth and said, "Fine, I''ll take you up on that bet!"


    "With the Emperor and all the nobles as witnesses here, you can''t back out once you''ve lost," Yang Kun said with a grin, flashing his white teeth with pride.


    Yang Ling nodded firmly.


    Their wager naturally attracted the attention of the crowd. Many important figures whispered to each other, "His Highness Yang Ling is too impulsive. This is clearly a trap set by His Highness Yang Kun, and yet he''s walked right into it..."


    "I''ve heard of this Zhao Yu before. It''s said that his ancestor was Godspeed Protector Zhao, who mastered the ''Thousand Miles March'' movement technique to perfection. Among those of the same realm, finding someone who could compete with his speed is rarer than phoenix feathers and Qilin horns!"


    "Jin Feiyan? She''s just a young girl, how could she possibly beat Zhao Yu?"


    "A disciple reflects the master. With the way this young girl is so pompous and conceited, one can imagine what kind of person Xiao Yi is!"


    At this moment...


    A dull sound of a horn suddenly erupted.


    Zhao Yu''s face broke into an ecstatic smile, and he made a throat-slashing gesture at Jin Feiyan, saying, "You better give it your all, little girl! Just make sure you can at least catch the dust I kick up, haha..."


    "Idiot!"


    Jin Feiyan rolled her eyes and, flicking her long black hair, strode forward.


    "You..."


    A vicious look flashed in Zhao Yu''s eyes, and he gritted his teeth, saying, "You will utterly despair under my speed, just you wait!"


    A procession of people converged in front of the seizing incense point.


    Boom, boom, boom!


    The pounding of war drums echoed.


    A mass of contenders for the head incense surged forward like a dark, steel torrent, each bursting forth at their top speed toward the summit of Imperial Dragon Mountain. The contest for the head incense did not permit flying!


    They could only rely on the strength of their legs to run wildly.


    Whoosh!


    Amidst the crowd, a black shadow dashed forward swiftly, turning into a streak of black light rushing ahead.


    It was akin to flying close to the ground.


    That person was none other than Zhao Yu!


    He took the lead on his horse, instantly surpassing everyone.


    Yang Kun burst into laughter, his face glowing red, "Zhao Yu indeed hasn''t let me down..." He turned to Yang Ling and said with a smile, "Younger brother, where is your Jin Feiyan? Wasn''t she very arrogant just now? Why can''t I see her anywhere?"


    Yang Ling: "..."


    The crowd: "..."


    Above the point of contention, Jin Feiyan could be seen standing lazily, cracking melon seeds that she had pulled out from somewhere, with no intention of moving at all.


    "Is she giving up directly?"


    "This is Xiao Yi''s Direct Disciple? Surrendering before the battle, it seems that Xiao Yi isn''t so remarkable after all!"


    "How could such a person take on the heavy responsibility of being the director of Xiaomi Institute?"


    The crowd began to mockingly say.


    Emperor Qian also frowned slightly and glanced at the nearby Qi, "Go and ask her!"


    "Yes!"


    Qi left immediately, and after a short while, he returned with a strange expression, reporting, "Your Majesty, Jin Feiyan, she said..."


    "What did she say?" asked Emperor Qian with a frown.


    Yang Kun laughed and asked, "Has she given up?"


    Qi shook his head, his expression growing more peculiar, "Jin Feiyan said she promised to let Zhao Yu start ten miles ahead, and now it hasn''t reached ten miles yet!"


    Hiss!


    Those who had previously criticized Jin Feiyan all had faces filled with astonishment.


    Huihai Sword Master narrowed his eyes and shook his head, "This woman is indeed arrogant. Zhao Yu not only has cultivated his ancestral ''Thousand Miles March'' movement technique but also our Tianjian Sect''s ''Ascending Cloud Leap'', his speed is unmatched in his realm. How dare Jin Feiyan belittle him like this?"


    Xiao Zhengde cleaned his ears and said indifferently, "My rebellious son, Xiao Yi, has always been overbearing and ignorant of the world. It is not surprising that he taught such a disciple!"


    "She is truly too arrogant!"


    "She literally has no regard for anyone else!"


    The people said one after another.


    But Dongfang, with narrowed eyes, said, "Gentlemen, this contest for the chief fragrance spans a hundred miles, and it has just begun. You are already concluding that Jin Feiyan will lose, is that not too hasty?"


    "Ridiculous. With Zhao Yu''s speed, even if they started at the same time, Jin Feiyan might not be able to catch up to him, let alone with a ten-mile head start..."


    "If she wins, I''ll straight up swallow my shoe!"


    "I''ll swallow too..."


    Ten miles.


    For someone at the Golden Core Realm, it''s merely a stone''s throw away.


    Jin Feiyan suddenly put down the melon seeds in her hand, tapped her toes on the ground, looked back at Yang Kun and the others, and said with a grin, "Gentlemen, please open your eyes wide and see what real speed is!"


    "Arrogant..."


    As Yang Kun was just about to speak, a booming sound explosion suddenly erupted, and a cloud of dust rose up from the ground.


    Turned into a sky full of sand and dust, it obscured the sight of the crowd.


    When the dust finally settled on the ground.


    The crowd then realized that Jin Feiyan had already chased three or four miles away.


    "This, this speed..."


    "How can she be so fast?"


    "A Golden Core Realm being able to burst out with such speed? My heavens, if she can maintain such speed, catching up to Zhao Yu is indeed possible..."


    "She caught up after letting him go for ten miles? That, that''s impossible, right?"


    The crowd was dumbfounded.


    Yang Ling and Dongfang, among others, however, had faces filled with ecstasy, staring fixedly at the rapidly sprinting figure, all clenching their fists: "She must catch up!"


    A hundred miles'' distance is but fifty thousand meters!


    Zhao Yu looked at the increasingly closer Imperial Dragon Mountain, his face showing a rapturous expression, and without seeing Jin Feiyan behind him, a smug smile appeared on his face: "I have won for sure!"


    Whoosh whoosh whoosh!


    Zhao Yu climbed Imperial Dragon Mountain at high speed.


    Seeing that the summit was just in front, but at that moment, a whooshing sound of cutting through the air passed by his ear. Zhao Yu was startled, and when he came back to his senses, he saw Jin Feiyan leaning against the gate at the top of the mountain, looking at him with a smile that was not quite a smile: "You''ve lost!"

 Chapter 461 - 461: Turning Black into White

    "You''ve lost!"


    Jin Feiyan leaned against the peak''s summit, upon the pillar of the stone gate.


    A scornful and playful smirk curled at the edge of her lips, her gaze mocking as she watched an utterly confused Zhao Yu.


    "..."


    Zhao Yu unconsciously took a few steps forward, staring blankly at Jin Feiyan before him, his complexion alternating between ashen and flushed with indescribable brilliance, "Impossible, you must have cheated. I didn''t see you at all along the way, how could you possibly win?"


    Along the way.


    He had employed the ancestral movement technique "Thousand Miles March" and the Tianjian Sect''s imposing "Ascending Cloud Leap," his speed unquestionably fast, surpassing the third-place contender by several miles in a hundred-mile race.


    But now...


    Jin Feiyan, whom he hadn''t spotted even once during the race, had surprisingly overtaken him.


    How could he believe it?


    Jin Feiyan snorted coldly with a detached tone, "Is this the grace of a Tianjian Sect disciple? When you lose, you accuse me of cheating?"


    "It''s impossible, utterly impossible!"


    Zhao Yu''s face darkened.


    He had made a guarantee in front of Yang Kun, promising to win this competition for the privilege of offering the first incense.


    Now, however, he was defeated by Jin Feiyan, someone he hadn''t even taken seriously, and Yang Kun surely wouldn''t let him off easily!


    In an instant. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Evil intentions rose to Zhao Yu''s heart, he scanned left and right and saw no one else, his eyes flickered with a spiteful venom, "As long as I kill you now, no one will know who reached the summit of Imperial Dragon Mountain first..."


    Whoosh!


    Zhao Yu''s figure shot up abruptly, turning the sudden whirlwind into sharp blades.


    Storm blades were even sharper than knives and swords.


    Transforming into two ferocious gusts of wind, he swept towards Jin Feiyan, the blade''s sharpness causing her complexion to shift slightly.


    Just as his attack was about to succeed.


    Zhao Yu''s face was full of smugness and ferocity, "History belongs to the victor, as long as I kill you, no one will know I lost..."


    However...


    Just as his attack was about to hit Jin Feiyan.


    At the gate of the mountain.


    Beast Kings, who had long been moved to the summit like statues, simultaneously opened their eyes, their cold gazes falling on Zhao Yu as they thunderously growled, "Audacious!"


    Hum!


    The waves of sound rumbled like a tide, furiously rolling in.


    Boom!


    Zhao Yu''s offensive was crushed to pieces, and the roaring sound waves hurled him flying, causing him to spurt out a mouthful of blood. He somersaulted dozens of meters before crashing to the ground with a thud.


    Blood gushed wildly from all seven orifices.


    The two Beast Kings glared furiously, their eyes emanating a cold gleam as they stared down Zhao Yu, "How dare you cause trouble at the Xiaoshanhe Institute, do you wish to die?"


    The Beast King on the left looked toward Jin Feiyan, "Feiyan, are you alright?"


    Jin Feiyan shook her head, also feeling a lingering fear, "Thank you both for your help!"


    "You are a disciple of the Institute Head, of course we must protect you completely!"


    "Feiyan, this scoundrel dared to ambush you and sought your life, shall I slay him for you?" Both Beast Kings'' cold gazes landed on Zhao Yu, turning his complexion even more deathly pale.


    Jin Feiyan opened her mouth to speak.


    But at that moment...


    Numerous figures arrived from not far away; all were strong contestants participating in the competition for the privilege of offering the first incense. They saw Zhao Yu lying on the ground, bleeding from all his orifices, while Jin Feiyan stood beyond the stone gate. The crowd exchanged glances, "What happened here?"


    "Could it be that Jin Feiyan won?"


    "Her speed is indeed terrifying; we were leading her by several miles, but she still caught up!"


    "But how could Zhao Yu be lying here severely wounded?"


    Amidst the conversation.


    Zhao Yu, lying on the ground, suddenly shifted his gaze and yelled, "Everyone, be careful! I had already arrived at the summit of Imperial Dragon Mountain first, but just as I was about to enter, I was ambushed by these two guardian beasts and severely injured. That allowed Jin Feiyan to step ahead of me and enter the summit of Imperial Dragon Mountain..."


    "What?"


    "Is that really what happened?"


    "I know these two guardian beasts; they are both sixth-tier Beast Kings, personally subdued by Institute Head Xiao to stand guard over Imperial Dragon Mountain!"


    ```


    "Dammit... they must have deliberately interfered with Zhao Yu to secure Jin Feiyan''s victory!"


    "Such tactics are too vicious, aren''t they?"


    The crowd cursed in unison.


    At that moment, emotions ran high with indignation.


    Zhao Yu''s face was full of pride, his pale face showing a deep color of pain and sorrow as he earnestly said, "Jin Feiyan, if you had won fair and square, I, Zhao Yu, would have no complaints. But your methods are just too malicious and cunning; such actions are a disgrace to the honor of Xiaoshanhe Institute..."


    "Those Beast Kings obey only Headmaster Xiao, so it must have been an order from Xiao Yi!"


    "My God... all this time I heard that Xiao Tianjiao imprisoned Xiao Yi for eight years because Xiao Yi''s character was flawed, and now it seems to be true!"


    Listeining to the crowd''s whispering and accusations.


    Each word was like a fishbone stuck in her throat; her eyes were a wronged shade of red as she defended herself, "Don''t listen to his nonsense. I never asked the two Beast Kings to step in. I was the first to arrive here, and Zhao Yu attacked me by surprise; that''s when the Beast Kings injured him..."


    Zhao Yu, with a look of anguished desperation, said, "Jin Feiyan, you are utterly shameless. I have been ahead of you all along, how could you have possibly overtaken me? Fine, since you insist on confusing right and wrong, I will prove my innocence by severing my own arm!"


    Crack!


    Zhao Yu was decisive, breaking his own left arm on the spot.


    Pale bones pierced through flesh; blood cascaded down from his arm.


    Zhao Yu''s face turned pale as he endured the intense pain and roared, "Do you believe me now?"


    "Zhao Yu, we believe you!"


    "Jin Feiyan, you have no shame!"


    "Xiao Yi is disgraceful!"


    "Xiaoshanhe Institute, so faceless..." the crowd pointed at Jin Feiyan, shouting accusations.


    The two Beast Kings, hearing them insult Xiao Yi, let out simultaneous angry growls. At that moment, a dull horn sounded. Emperor Qian and others were seen approaching in a grand procession; they too witnessed the scene before them.


    Yang Kun immediately came forward to inquire and after a moment, with a gloomy expression, he looked at Jin Feiyan and said, "Jin Feiyan, I didn''t expect you to be so shameless!"


    "Brother Emperor, how can you take his word for it on this matter?" Yang Ling said.


    Yang Kun snorted coldly, "What? With ironclad evidence, do you think there''s any other possibility? Or do you think Brother Zhao is lying?"


    In the crowd, someone speculated, "It''s not impossible that he''s lying."


    "Without concrete evidence, indeed it''s not right to rashly believe one side''s words..."


    As the crowd discussed this,


    Huihai Sword Master simply stated, "Disciples of Tianjian Sect have virtuous conduct; they would never lie!"


    Hiss!


    Everyone was taken aback.


    This was indeed a super expert from the Nirvana Realm; under his icy gaze, those who had been skeptical changed their tune, "Huihai Deputy Sect Master is right, the disciples of Tianjian Sect have conduct that can withstand scrutiny; they shouldn''t lie!"


    "On the other hand, Xiaoshanhe Institute... Yes, I''ve heard that many of them are slaves from Beast Emperor City; using any dirty tactics wouldn''t be surprising!"


    Facing the crowd''s accusations and questioning,


    Jin Feiyan felt utterly indignant and unable to defend herself, and with a face full of shame she said, "I really didn''t cheat... What must I do for you all to believe me?"


    Yang Kun indifferently said, "Brother Zhao dared to prove his innocence by severing his arm. If you truly are innocent, do you dare to kill yourself to prove your purity?"


    "Kill myself?"


    Jin Feiyan trembled all over.


    This was asking her to commit suicide!


    Seeing Jin Feiyan hesitate, Yang Kun said with a sneer, "Look... you really are guilty, you dare not prove your innocence! It seems that Xiaoshanhe Institute really is hiding filth, even daring to cheat in such a solemn competition like Head Fragrance Contest. It appears Xiao Yi is indeed unfit to continue as the head of Xiaoshanhe Institute!"


    "Shut up!"


    Jin Feiyan, seeing Yang Kun directly insulting Xiao Yi, had her eyes turn red with rage, her chest heaving violently as she roared, "None of you believe me, so today I will prove my innocence with my life."


    Zing!


    Jin Feiyan suddenly pulled out a short sword and swung it towards her neck.


    The faces of most present bore an indifferent expression, some even subtly excited. Only Yang Ling, Qi, and Dongfang had a change in expression, ready to intervene, yet they were stopped by a sword stroke from Huihai Sword Master.


    Huihai Sword Master calmly said, "Since she wants to prove her innocence, it''s best you don''t interfere!"


    "You..."


    Yang Ling and the others'' faces changed rapidly.


    Just as Jin Feiyan''s life was about to end at her own short sword, a cold light burst forth in that instant.


    Clang!


    The sword flew from her hand, buzzing as it embedded itself in the ground. In the void, an indifferent voice arose, "Whether my disciple Xiao Yi is innocent or not, does not require your approval."


    ```

 Chapter 462 - 462: Am I Afraid of You?

    "Whether my disciple is innocent or not, who are you to acknowledge?"


    A calm voice came through.


    Xiao Yi''s figure also gradually appeared in everyone''s line of sight; he had been waiting with a group of Xiaoshanhe Institute''s disciples outside the sacrificial hall atop the peak. Sensing Jin Feiyan and others arriving at the top but not entering,


    he came out to see what was happening.


    Unexpectedly, he discovered Zhao Yu distorting facts, and the others, failing to distinguish right from wrong, were all accusing Jin Feiyan.


    That''s when Xiao Yi showed himself!


    "Xiao Yi?"


    "Humph, as the head of Xiaoshanhe Institute, he didn''t personally escort the sacrificial scepter during the ritual ceremony, and he even taught such a disciple. Yet he still dares to appear before us?"


    "This is called ''the shameless are invincible.'' His skin is really thick enough!"


    Facing the mockery of the crowd, Xiao Yi remained indifferent as if he hadn''t heard anything.


    He walked straight to Jin Feiyan.


    With red-rimmed eyes and a trace of injustice, Jin Feiyan bit her lower lip tightly and whispered, "Master!"


    "Hmm!"


    Xiao Yi nodded, smiled and rubbed her head, saying, "You''ve done well. In just a few days, you have cultivated the movement technique I taught you to such a level. You haven''t disappointed me!"


    Indeed, Jin Feiyan''s talent in the art of movement techniques had truly shocked Xiao Yi.


    Even if he cultivated that movement technique himself, his progress would definitely not be much higher than Jin Feiyan''s.


    Receiving Xiao Yi''s praise brought a hint of joy to Jin Feiyan''s pretty face, but thinking of how others questioned Xiao Yi because of her, she suddenly felt aggrieved and ashamed, "Master, your disciple has brought you trouble... I have embarrassed you..."


    Ssh!


    Xiao Yi raised his index finger to his lips in a silencing gesture, smiling as he said, "What''s there to be ashamed of if you won fair and square? The real shame is on those who, having lost, refuse to admit it and instead distort the truth, and on those worthless creatures who, though unable to distinguish between right and wrong, parade around touting justice!"


    Boom!


    Xiao Yi''s remarks were like a bolt from the blue, causing many in the crowd to gasp in shock.


    Several glared at him furiously.


    Zhao Yu laughed coldly with a sarcastic tone, "Like master, like disciple. Headmaster Xiao''s ability to twist the truth is indeed breathtaking! No wonder Jin Feiyan is so un..."


    Before he could finish speaking,


    Zhao Yu suddenly felt his throat being tightly seized, unable to make the slightest sound.


    Whoosh!


    Zhao Yu''s entire body floated up into the air.


    He desperately clutched at his neck, his face turning red with strain, eyes bloodshot with pain, despair, and fear.


    "Let him go!"


    "Xiao Yi, what do you intend to do?"


    "Zhao Yu is a disciple of the Tianjian Sect, are you trying to provoke a war between Tianjian Sect and Xiaoshanhe Institute?" The powerful figures shouted in rage and Yang Kun, his face steely, rebuked them with a low voice.


    Xiao Yi looked at them coldly and said with a faint smile, "War? If you want to fight, then let''s fight. What do I have to be afraid of?"


    With a crisp snap,


    Zhao Yu, who had been struggling violently, shook all over, his hands falling limply, as he lost all signs of life.


    Hiss!


    Inside and outside the gate, silence fell.


    Gulp!


    Someone swallowed hard, breaking the deadly quiet, followed by successive gasps of shock and shouts, "Fuck, did Xiao Yi really kill Zhao Yu?" S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Has he gone mad? Doesn''t he fear the Tianjian Sect''s revenge?"


    "Look at the face of the Huihai Sword Master, it''s as black as coal¡­"


    Amidst the shocked exclamations,


    The eyes of the Huihai Sword Master instantly narrowed into slits, emitting a cold and sharp light like a sword blade, sending out frosty piercing beams as if aiming to penetrate one''s soul.


    He was the Deputy Sect Master of the Tianjian Sect.


    Among those present...


    Apart from Emperor Qian, he held the highest strength and status.


    His appearance here was specifically to support Yang Kun and demonstrate the power of the Tianjian Sect!


    But now.


    It was under his very eyes that a disciple of the Tianjian Sect had been killed by Xiao Yi.


    This was tantamount to a direct slap in the face!


    "You, how dare you do this..."


    Yang Kun glared with wide eyes, his gaze filled with shock and fury, but even more so with wild joy, "Well done, Xiao Yi, you truly are heartless and mad. You dare to brazenly kill a disciple of my Tianjian Sect, this is a challenge to my Sect, you''re simply seeking death!"


    Bang!


    With a flick of his wrist.


    Xiao Yi tossed the corpse of Zhao Yu right in front of Yang Kun.


    His face carried an indifferent expression, not taking Yang Kun''s threats seriously at all, and he spoke calmly, "I merely killed a piece of trash who broke the rules of the Ancestral Worship Ceremony, how does that become a challenge to your Tianjian Sect? Could it be that the Tianjian Sect has now elevated itself above the royal family?"


    "You..."


    Yang Kun opened his mouth but found himself at a loss for words.


    Nod his head?


    That would be purely seeking death!


    Emperor Qian was already extremely wary of the Tianjian Sect, if he dared to nod, the position of Crown Prince would definitely be beyond his reach.


    As for shaking his head to deny?


    That would displease the Huihai Sword Master and cause years of his hard work to go down the drain.


    In the midst of Yang Kun''s dilemma.


    The Huihai Sword Master with an icy expression slowly spoke up, saving Yang Kun from his embarrassment, "Headmaster Xiao is indeed quick-witted and eloquent!"


    Xiao Yi met the Huihai Sword Master with neither servility nor overbearingness.


    This was a super expert in the Nirvana Realm.


    His combat power was even above that of Yang Yuhuan.


    Xiao Yi faced him without any trace of fear, instead remaining composed and spoke calmly, "Whether first-rate or second-rate, it doesn''t matter, as long as one isn''t too disgraceful in conduct. Huihai Deputy Sect Master, what do you think?"


    "Are you... are you speaking about me?" the Huihai Sword Master narrowed his eyes and said.


    Xiao Yi shrugged his shoulders, "What do you think?"


    Eyes locked, their gaze clashed like substance, emitting a sizzling sound.


    Invisibly.


    Around the two of them at the center, a vacuum seemed to form, where onlookers could only watch, unable to intervene.


    "Enough!"


    Just as the tension between the two was about to erupt into combat.


    Emperor Qian, who had been silent until now, suddenly spoke up, his voice breaking the tense atmosphere before him. Seeing everyone looking towards himself, he said, "Today is the grand joyous day of the Ancestral Worship Ceremony, all of you settle down for me!"


    "What does Your Majesty imply? Are you saying that you would stand by and do nothing while watching a Tianjian Sect disciple be killed?" the Huihai Sword Master narrowed his eyes and said.


    Xiao Yi smiled faintly without saying a word.


    Emperor Qian let out a cold snort, his expression growing more displeased as he spoke indifferently, "Qi, you tell us, who arrived here first. And whether Jin Feiyan has cheated again."


    "Yes!"


    Qi stepped forward and blew a whistle towards the sky.


    Piercing shrieks descended from the heavens as a figure burst through the heavy clouds. This was a sixth-order high-level Beast King, the Iron Winged Golden Crowned Sculpture. After landing, it announced, "In the competition for the first incense offering, the victor is..."

 Chapter 463 - 463 Dominant and Overbearing

    "The winner of the head temple contest is Jin Feiyan!"


    The Iron Winged Golden Crowned Sculpture spoke without expression, its head held high and chest puffed out, now even more imposing, as it clearly declared.


    Jin Feiyan!


    As soon as these three words were uttered, the previously noisy crowd fell silent.


    Qi respectfully turned around to bow to Emperor Qian and then looked towards everyone else, calmly saying, "I have followed His Majesty''s orders from early on, having the Iron Winged Golden Crowned Sculpture oversee from high above, to monitor all participants of this head temple contest; since it says Jin Feiyan is the first, then the liar here is Zhao Yu!"


    Buzz!


    The gazes of the multitude of powerhouses unanimously turned to Huihai Sword Master and Yang Kun.


    Their complexions fluctuated with uncertainty.


    This turn of events...


    Not only had Zhao Yu died in vain, but now he was also tagged with the indelible stain of a villain who twisted truth and lies, adding such a blemish on the Tianjian Sect!


    Huihai Sword Master snorted coldly, his expression dark and unfathomable, "Qi, I cannot accept what you say. If the Iron Winged Golden Crowned Sculpture had truly been monitoring in secret all along, then why didn''t you reveal it at the start? Instead, you waited until after Xiao Yi killed a Tianjian Sect disciple before bringing it out. Doesn''t this seem like you''re deliberately confusing people?"


    Yang Kun also said in a deep voice, "The Deputy Sect Master is right; how come I wasn''t aware of the Iron Winged Golden Crowned Sculpture''s secret surveillance?"


    Emperor Qian, from start to finish, watched with narrowing eyes, leaning back on the dragon throne without uttering a word.


    He observed everything with detached interest.


    Whew!


    Qi exhales a long breath of turbid air, saying in a serious tone, "It seems Huihai Sword Master has misunderstood. The Iron Winged Golden Crowned Sculpture has indeed been secretly monitoring; this was His Majesty''s arrangement. As for why it wasn''t revealed earlier, you did not give us the chance to speak!"


    Qi spread his hands, his expression harmlessly benign.


    This caused Huihai Sword Master and Yang Kun, among others, to grind their teeth in frustration.


    But at this juncture...


    They were equally powerless to say anymore.


    Yang Ling was ecstatic within his heart and turned to Yang Kun, extending his palms saying, "Elder brother, a wager is a wager; it''s time to fulfill your promise!"


    "Hmph!"


    Yang Kun snorted coldly, extremely reluctant in his heart, but under the watchful eyes of the public, he could not cheat. Otherwise, his reputation as the crown prince would be utterly ruined. Gritting his teeth, he said, "Here, take it then!"


    Swish!


    With a flick of his hand, Yang Kun tossed a beast-holding bag into Yang Ling''s hands.


    The bag felt cool to the touch.


    Upon a brief examination, Yang Ling ascertained that indeed it was the Ice Snow Phoenix inside. Feeling overjoyed, he said sarcastically, "Many thanks to my royal brother for the treasure!"


    "We are brothers; what''s there to thank?"


    Yang Kun waved his hand nonchalantly, a sly smile on his face, "If not for my younger brother, how could I have found that mutated magical beast as an offering? Tsk tsk, that beast is extremely rare; even the Huihai Sword Master failed to recognize its species. Surely offering it to our ancestors will delight them greatly!"


    While speaking,


    Yang Kun stepped in front of Xiao Yi, his lips curving up slightly in a challenging tone, "Dean Xiao, you must also think our ancestors would be very pleased with that beast as an offering, right?"


    Whew!


    No sooner had the words left his mouth than a crisp slap resounded.


    A fair hand struck fiercely across his face, sending Yang Kun tumbling to the ground.


    Everyone: "..."


    Each person was utterly bewildered as they watched Xiao Yi.


    This was the esteemed crown prince!


    And you just slapped him across the face in public?


    Even Emperor Qian, seated upon the dragon throne, tensed suddenly, his eyes involuntarily narrowing to slits. With only a slight turn of his eyes, Emperor Qian leaned back on his throne, yet his gaze never once strayed from Xiao Yi.


    Whew!


    Yang Kun shook his head to clear it and soon came back to his senses, his lips smeared with fresh blood, especially vivid. His eyes instantly bloodshot, he roared hysterically, "You dare to hit me? Xiao Yi, I will slaughter..."


    ```


    Slap!


    Xiao Yi, with an expressionless face, simply backhanded Yang Kun, flipping him onto the ground. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Although Xiao Yi, who had visualized and condensed the embryo of Dharma Manifestation, had not truly set foot in the Dharma Manifestation Realm, his martial power was incomparably greater than before.


    In front of Xiao Yi, Yang Kun had no power to fight back.


    Slap!


    Xiao Yi stepped on Yang Kun''s face, rubbing it under his foot with a grating noise, under the stunned gaze of the onlookers, in full view of everyone.


    Yang Kun was in utter despair and his eyes were bloodshot.


    Full of hatred and venom.


    But when he opened his mouth, only mud came out, and he couldn''t make a sound.


    All of this seemed slow, but actually happened in an instant.


    The Huihai Sword Master finally came to his senses, his eyes instantly sharp. Yang Kun was a disciple of his Tianjian Sect, and this was tantamount to grinding the face of the Tianjian Sect into the dirt!


    Swish!


    In a snap of the fingers of the Huihai Sword Master, a blue cold Sword Qi sliced through the air toward them.


    This Sword Qi was incomparably cold.


    Wherever it passed...


    The air and ground were covered in frost.


    Just as the blue sword light was about to fall on Xiao Yi, Xiao Yi flicked his toe, sending Yang Kun flying into its path.


    Yang Kun, his face swollen and bruised, faced the icy blue sword light.


    "Not good!"


    The Huihai Sword Master''s face changed dramatically, and he rapidly flicked his fingers, shooting out several Sword Qis to shatter the blue sword light. But the shards of the shattered sword light still fell on Yang Kun, instantly slicing open countless wounds on his body.


    Scores of cuts crisscrossed, covered in blood, the wounds like countless bloodied centipedes crawling on his skin.


    The pain made Yang Kun grimace and howl incessantly.


    "Damn it... Xiao Yi, how dare you?" the Huihai Sword Master, shaking with rage, questioned furiously.


    Xiao Yi, holding Yang Kun with one hand, smiled even more brilliantly as the Huihai Sword Master grew angrier, "Yang Kun dared to use my brother as a sacrifice, what should I not dare to do?"


    "Bastard!"


    The Huihai Sword Master shouted angrily, "Everyone knows that the sacrifice can only be a beast. Are you willing to become an enemy of the Tianjian Sect over a mere animal?"


    "An animal? In your eyes, Little Lin is a beast, but in mine, isn''t Yang Kun just an ant? I''m making it clear today, either he releases Little Lin, or I''ll take his life!" Xiao Yi said indifferently.


    "Damn, Xiao Yi is going mad!"


    "Emperor Qian has been watching all along, how can he dare to do this? Doesn''t he fear angering the emperor?"


    "He''s just making threats, he wouldn''t really dare to act, right...?"


    Amid the doubts of the crowd, Xiao Yi''s hand gripping Yang Kun was exerting more force.


    Crack crack crack!


    A series of bone-crunching sounds came from Yang Kun''s neck, giving listeners the chills.


    Dominant!


    Tyrannical!


    Even the strongest of the strong looked at each other in dismay, deeply shocked by Xiao Yi''s actions.


    Who among those present, even someone as powerful as the Huihai Sword Master, would dare to beat a prince in front of Emperor Qian, even to threaten his life?


    Who would dare?


    Under the watchful eyes of shock, Yang Kun was the first to falter. He grabbed desperately at Xiao Yi, his eyes almost bulging out as he screamed in despair, "Spare... spare my life... I, I''ll return it to you..."


    However.


    Just as he finished his plea, a deep voice suddenly rang out, "If you''re going to kill him, do it quickly; if not, let him go, and don''t delay the auspicious time for the ancestral sacrifice..."


    ```

 Chapter 464 - 464: Beat the Hell Out of You!

    "If you want to kill, kill; if you dare not, then release him!"


    The calm voice carried a faint authority.


    It was the Emperor Qian who spoke from atop the dragon throne, lazily leaning on the side, his eyes slightly squinted into slits, indifference lurking deep within them.


    Everyone around bore sneering smiles, taking pleasure in Xiao Yi''s misfortune.


    "Xiao Yi is truly caught in a dilemma now!"


    "After all, that''s the Crown Prince, even if he has more favor towards the Tianjian Sect, causing dissatisfaction to His Majesty. But he''s still a prince, and Xiao Yi''s actions are equivalent to disregarding the royal family, he''s courting death!"


    "If he does not release the Crown Prince, Emperor Qian will not let him off; if he releases him, Xiao Yi will be utterly disgraced!"


    Among the crowd,


    Nangong Shengtian wore a thick sneer, his fists unconsciously clenched tight, revealing a fierce look as he thought, "Xiao Yi, oh Xiao Yi, this is the consequence of your arrogance. Today, without me lifting a finger, you only have one path left¡ªdeath!"


    Beside him, the Unparalleled War King, Yang Yuhuan, had his arms crossed, his face revealing mockery: "Under the vast sky, is there any land that isn''t the king''s? At the edge of the land, is there any man who isn''t the king''s subject? No matter how capable he is, he''s ultimately just a dog raised by our royal family. If he obeys, he will naturally enjoy riches and honor; if he disobeys, the royal family can replace him with another dog at any time!"


    Qi and Yang Ling both wore anxious expressions.


    Seeing Qi about to speak up, Yang Ling hastily shot him a look to stop him, gently shaking his head at Qi. Yang Ling''s gaze discreetly swept past Emperor Qian.


    His meaning was self-evident.


    What Emperor Qian loathed most was anyone going against his wishes.


    Since he had already spoken, he would not allow anyone to speak up for Xiao Yi.


    Yang Kun, who was being held in Xiao Yi''s grasp, saw this and a triumphant look spread across his fierce face. He spoke fearlessly, "Xiao Yi, aren''t you very arrogant? If you have the guts, kill me! If you kill me, not only will you die, everyone from the Xiaoshanhe Institute will have to be buried with me!"


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes at him: "..."


    Seeing this, Yang Kun became even more reckless, his sneer growing as he moved his face closer to Xiao Yi''s, "Hit me! If you have the nerve, hit me! Do you dare? Do you da¡ª"


    Slap!


    Slap slap slap!


    Xiao Yi''s palm moved like a phantom.


    A direct slap.


    A backhand slap.


    A flurry of direct and backhand slaps!


    After a rapid beating, the Yang Kun in Xiao Yi''s hand was now hanging his head, looking like a wretched dead dog.


    "Xiao Yi!"


    Emperor Qian leaned forward slightly, his hands gripping the arms of his throne tightly, a tangible chill shooting from his narrowed eyes towards Xiao Yi. The intangible pressure seemed capable of crushing the void itself.


    The surrounding powerhouses looked at each other, their faces as pale as sheets of white paper.


    Despite being under the terrifying pressure of Emperor Qian, Xiao Yi appeared indifferent, completely unaffected.


    The corners of his mouth lifted slightly, and he shrugged at Emperor Qian, "Your Majesty Emperor Qian, I will give you this face. I won''t kill him in front of you, but, can you protect him for a moment, or for a lifetime?" Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Audacious Xiao Yi, you dare to openly threaten His Majesty?"


    "You are seeking death!"


    A chorus of court officials roared in anger.


    "Shut up!"


    Emperor Qian barked coldly, causing the officials to shut their mouths. He glared darkly at Xiao Yi.


    It was just as Yang Yuhuan had said.


    In the eyes of Emperor Qian, Xiao Yi was nothing more than a dog raised by the royal family!


    The previous indulgence towards Xiao Yi, in the eyes of Emperor Qian, was only because Xiao Yi had managed the Xiaoshanhe Institute so well that it was flourishing, even showing signs of returning to the ranks of the top ten sects.


    But now¡­


    Xiao Yi was increasingly out of his control.


    For an emperor, a power that can''t be controlled naturally won''t be tolerated much.


    Emperor Qian said coldly, "Xiao Yi, what exactly do you want?"


    Xiao Yi inhaled deeply, then slowly exhaled.


    He had long known the Tian family was heartless.


    But...


    Previously, whether it was Emperor Qian or Yang Ling, their interactions with him had been quite in sync, but now what Emperor Qian had done completely chilled his heart. Xiao Yi said with a heavy voice, "Return Little Lin, and I won''t make things difficult for him!"


    "Is that all?" Emperor Qian was taken aback.


    He had always felt that Xiao Yi was only using Little Lin as an excuse to ask for more benefits.


    He had never expected that Xiao Yi''s demands would be so simple.


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "That''s all!"


    "Very well!"


    Emperor Qian hesitated for a moment, then nodded. However, the look he gave Xiao Yi became even colder, "I can have Yang Kun return Little Lin, but you must remember that after this ancestral worship ceremony, you will no longer be the head of Xiaoshanhe Institute!"


    "Rest assured!"


    Xiao Yi nodded and said, "You don''t need to tell me; I would resign from the position myself!"


    "Hmph!"


    Emperor Qian snorted coldly and looked towards Yang Kun, "Return that beast to Xiao Yi!"


    Yang Kun''s face was bruised, and his eyes were teary.


    He was filled with reluctance.


    But at the thought of Xiao Yi''s terrifying slap, he couldn''t help trembling all over and quickly looked towards the Huihai Sword Master in the crowd, "Deputy, Deputy Sect Master, please, return the beast to him..."


    "Your Highness..." Huihai Sword Master looked hesitant.


    Little Lin was extremely unusual, and even he could not discern its kind.


    If used as a sacrificial offering, it would undoubtedly aid Yang Kun in securing first place in the cultural sacrifice.


    Especially since Yang Kun''s Ice Snow Phoenix had lost to Yang Ling, if they didn''t have Little Lin as an offering, they wouldn''t be able to present a beast capable of defeating the Ice Snow Phoenix!


    Yang Kun said with anger, "Return it to him!"


    "This... Alas..."


    Huihai Sword Master hesitated for a moment, then let out a long sigh and waved his hand, sending a beast-storing bag flying towards Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi grabbed it with one hand.


    He checked briefly.


    Little Lin was lying inside the beast-storing bag, quietly asleep, with its scales shattered and its body covered in ferocious wounds, clearly having been beaten and harshly punished.


    There were two black chains piercing through its body, binding it tightly.


    Blood had spread along the chains, already dried up and turned into dark scabs.


    It was particularly jarring.


    Xiao Yi''s eyes instantly turned red, and his malevolent gaze swept towards Yang Kun and the Huihai Sword Master. His bloodshot eyes seemed as if they would devour someone alive as he asked, word by word, "Who did this?"


    Yang Kun trembled all over and quickly said, "This, this was all done by the Deputy Sect Master of Huihai. He was worried about controlling it during the sacrifice, so he used the Demon Binding Chains to control it."


    "Yang Kun..."


    The Huihai Sword Master''s face darkened, not expecting Yang Kun to sell him out outright.


    The Huihai Sword Master glared at Yang Kun fiercely, but it was more annoyance than anything. In his view, even if Yang Kun told Xiao Yi that he was responsible, Xiao Yi couldn''t do anything to him with his strength.


    With an assured yet challenging look, the Huihai Sword Master faced Xiao Yi, "Even if I did it, what can you do?"


    "What can I do?"


    Xiao Yi squinted his eyes, staring at the Huihai Sword Master, and cracked a smile, "Kick your ass!"

 Chapter 465 - 465: Beating Up Huihai Sword Master

    "Beat me up? What kind of dream are you having, I''m..."


    The Huihai Sword Master was as if he had heard the most ludicrous joke. He was a grand master of the Nirvana Realm within the Seven Nihilities Realm, while Xiao Yi was merely at the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm. Xiao Yi was actually thinking about beating him up?


    However...


    Before the Huihai Sword Master could finish his sentence, Xiao Yi in front of him suddenly vanished.


    When he appeared again.


    He was already in front of him, and Xiao Yi raised his fist and smashed it towards his head...


    Bang!


    The Huihai Sword Master had never imagined that Xiao Yi would truly dare to strike. Caught completely off guard, a muffled thud sounded as Xiao Yi''s fist landed squarely on his face. With a vision full of stars and his head spinning, the Huihai Sword Master was slammed to the ground with a thud.


    Hiss!


    Around them rose a chorus of sharp intakes of breath.


    Everyone looked on in shock.


    Who would have thought that Xiao Yi, who was merely at the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm, would actually dare to strike against the Huihai Sword Master of the Seven Nihilities Realm?


    "You motherf..."


    The Huihai Sword Master got up furiously, his eyes filled with rage as he gathered icy Evil Qi in his palms. The aura of the Seven Nihilities Realm exploded instantly, mixing with his fury and turning into a deadly sharp edge.


    However...


    Xiao Yi, showing no fear at all, sneered, "I am the Chief Sacrifice, touching me is blaspheming the ancestors of the Great Qian Dynasty, see what happens if you dare to lay a finger on me."


    "..."


    The face of the Huihai Sword Master twitched.


    The Chief Sacrifice was not to be insulted!


    This was the consensus among all the major powers.


    If he truly struck Xiao Yi at this time, even Emperor Qian would have an excuse to penalize him, possibly even implicating the Tianjian Sect.


    The face of the Huihai Sword Master froze, having realized why Xiao Yi dared to be so brazen. While he was distracted, Xiao Yi leaped high into the air, with his knees crashing down onto his chest.


    Boom!


    Caught off guard again, the Huihai Sword Master was slammed hard to the ground, and Xiao Yi rolled over to sit on top of his chest.


    With one hand clutching his throat and the other hand furiously hammering away.


    Boom!


    Rumble!


    Dozens upon hundreds of punches were thrown in an instant, all landing on the body of the Huihai Sword Master. He was left battered and bruised, his nose swollen and his face a mess. The people around trembled with awe as they watched Xiao Yi pummeling the Huihai Sword Master wildly.


    "Xiao Yi, enough!"


    Emperor Qian couldn''t stand to watch and let out a cold snort.


    "One more punch!"


    Bang!


    Xiao Yi''s punch hit the Huihai Sword Master right on the face, causing his vision to go dark and blood to spray from his nose. Only then did he get up, looking pleased, and bowed to Emperor Qian, "Your Majesty, Xiao Yi has lost his composure!"


    Emperor Qian: "..."


    You still realize you lost your composure? Look at what you did to the Huihai Sword Master?


    At this moment, the Huihai Sword Master felt like dying, wishing he could kill Xiao Yi with a single palm strike, but his status as the Chief Sacrifice held him back, preventing him from acting. His eyes, filled with hatred and resentment, glared at Xiao Yi, his teeth grinding, "You little bastard, just wait... the ceremony will eventually end!"


    "Do you want to be beaten up again?" Xiao Yi said with narrowed eyes.


    The Huihai Sword Master, trembling with anger, gritted his teeth, "Fine fine fine, just you wait!"


    The enraged Huihai Sword Master gloomily returned to the crowd, but that icy and venomous gaze never left Xiao Yi.


    "Is he asking for a shorter life?"


    "I think he has given up and is throwing caution to the wind. His Majesty Emperor Qian does not want to replace the Chief Sacrifice now to avoid affecting the Ancestral Worship Ceremony. He also has the protection of being the head of the Xiaoshanhe Institute. Perhaps, out of respect for His Majesty, the Huihai Sword Master may not kill him for the time being, but once the Ancestral Worship Ceremony ends, that will be his death anniversary..."


    "Are you all overthinking it? Don''t forget that Xiao Yi and I still have a battle agreement. Whether he can even make it to the end of the Ancestral Worship Ceremony is still in question," Nangong Shengji said with a smirk after glancing at the chattering crowd.


    Over the past few days...


    He reflected deeply on his pain and, with the help of Yang Yuhuan, ultimately took that step.


    From the peak of the Dharma Manifestation Realm, he had now stepped into the Nirvana Realm.


    Moreover, he possessed a treasure obtained in exchange for nearly half of the Nangong Family''s assets. Confident now more than ever, he was convinced that if Xiao Yi fought him, the outcome could only be death!


    Just then...


    A loud bell rang out from the mountain top.


    Dong!


    Thud!


    Thud, thud!


    Eighteen times in succession.


    Qi glanced towards the summit and said solemnly, "Your Majesty, the eighteen continuous bells have sounded; it''s the auspicious time to offer the first incense in the Ancestral Worship Ceremony!"


    "Hmm!"


    Emperor Qian nodded and said, "Xiao Yi, begin!"


    "Alright!"


    Xiao Yi responded, looking towards Jin Feiyan: "Fei Yan, offer the first incense!"


    "Yes, Master!"


    Jin Feiyan quickly nodded, breaking free from the tense atmosphere that had just been as taut as a drawn bow, wiping the sweat from her forehead. With a leap, she took the long incense that was placed before the mountain gate and walked towards the large cauldron ahead.


    With each step, a bowing of the head.


    After bowing her head ninety-nine times, Jin Feiyan finally placed the first incense stick into the cauldron.


    The strong figures around looked at Jin Feiyan with eyes full of intense envy and jealousy, as the reward for offering the first incense was exceedingly generous.


    It was enough to change the destiny of a family!


    However.


    The battle for offering the first incense this time was full of twists and turns, with continuous reversals.


    Those strong figures who had not managed to secure the position for the first incense witnessed Xiao Yi''s strength and dominance, and thus, they dared not stir any trouble at this time.


    The first incense had been offered.


    The Ancestral Worship Ceremony was now to enter the official sacrificial segment, and as the dean of Xiaoshanhe Institute, Xiao Yi would traditionally take on the role of main officiating priest, responsible for presiding over the ceremony.


    Under the watchful eyes of the audience, Xiao Yi cleared his throat with a light cough, then stepped forward: "Ladies and gentlemen, today is a joyous day of the Great Qian Dynasty''s Ancestral Worship Ceremony, and it shall be I who act as the main officiating priest."


    This time, no one spoke further.


    After all¡­


    The Ancestral Worship Ceremony was a matter related to the royal face, and even if they were inclined to make things difficult for Xiao Yi, they would absolutely not dare to make a move at this time.


    Xiao Yi said aloud, "Emperor Qian, dismount your horse!"


    Whoosh!


    Emperor Qian rose to his full height, his dragon robe fluttering with noise, his face solemn and majestic without anger. His walk was as powerful as a tiger''s stride and as graceful as a dragon''s glide, his dignity such that all the ministers behind him were filled with willing submission, loudly proclaiming, "Long live our Emperor, may he live forever¡­"


    "May Emperor Qian enjoy a reign of ten thousand autumns and the Great Qian Dynasty flourish for all eternity¡­"


    Wuuu, wuuu, wuuu¡­


    A series of somber horn sounds suddenly arose.


    In the midst of these horn sounds,


    Emperor Qian approached Xiao Yi, his eyes carrying a hint of resistance and coldness, but constrained by the rules of the Ancestral Worship Ceremony, Emperor Qian had no choice but to respectfully hold the sacrificial fist and palm in front of Xiao Yi, bowing his head slightly and saying solemnly, "The thirteenth Emperor of the Great Qian Dynasty, together with his ministers, worships the ancestral lineage, please Main Priest, lead the way!"


    "Granted!"


    Xiao Yi responded loudly.


    With a wave of his hand,


    Xiao Yi took the sacrificial scepter from Emperor Qian''s hands and pointed behind him: "The Main Priest leads the way, for the worship of the ancestral lineage¡­"


    In that moment,


    The summit resounded with loud sacrificial hymns: "To virtue divine, who else do we reference? Diligence in southern tours, ceremony ascends to join. Hereby concluded, blessings bestowed upon the people. Shrine''s likeness remains, sincerity unswerving. Today the virtue errs on the side of time, the pouring rain mournful. Descending are the floods, muddying the blend¡­"


    Xiao Yi bellowed out: "Lost souls, return!"


    Emperor Qian and the others responded: "Return¡­"


    Xiao Yi held the sacrificial scepter in his hand, leading at the forefront, each step taken with such solemnity and gravity. Everyone else followed suit behind him, matching his pace in reverence, the black stream of people slowly moving toward the central altar at the mountain summit.


    From the mountain gate to the altar, there were precisely ninety-nine steps.


    Nine is the ultimate number.


    The Emperor is revered as the Sublime of Nine-Five!


    The significance of these ninety-nine steps is not only a hope for the longevity of the Great Qian Dynasty''s national fate but also signifies that the ancestral lineage of the Great Qian Dynasty is valued even more than the Emperor himself, above the Sublime of Nine-Five!


    Xiao Yi reached the center of the altar.


    This altar was octagonal, all made of white Han marble; it is said that to construct this altar, the Great Qian Dynasty had excavated several dozens of white marble mines.


    Nine Dragon Locking Columns stood around the altar.


    Xiao Yi, standing in the center of the altar, raised the sacrificial scepter and said aloud, "The first phase of sacrifice¡ªoffering!" sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 466 - 466 The Unfaithful, Unwise, and Unrighteous

    Sacrifice!


    It was the first part of the ancestral sacrifice ceremony, also known as the literary sacrifice.


    People brought forward their prepared offerings in turn, presenting them on the altar to the ancestors of the Great Qian Dynasty.


    Whose offering was the most precious,


    could take over the position of the Xiaoshanhe Institute''s director as the main sacrificer, holding the scepter of sacrifice and preside over the following ceremony. This position was not merely a symbol of status, but also a matter of honor.


    Especially for the princes who were vying for the position of Crown Prince, it meant gaining the recognition of the ancestors of the Great Qian Dynasty.


    Future succession of the throne would come with added benefits!


    For this very reason...


    whether it was Yang Kun or Yang Ling, both spared no expense in seeking powerful and precious mythical beasts as offerings, so as to secure the position of main sacrificer.


    The entire literary sacrifice process was very solemn.


    Anyone presenting an offering needed to kneel three times and kowtow nine times, holding the beast storage bag with both hands and delivering it to the altar.


    Under the watchful eyes of the crowd,


    one after another, powerful figures approached the altar with their offerings. After all, this was the Great Qian Dynasty''s ancestral sacrifice ceremony, an event for the royal family to pay homage to their ancestors. Despite some forces and powerful individuals having little regard for Emperor Qian,


    however...


    at such a solemn moment, even the mighty Tianjian Sect or the proud Huihai Sword Master did not dare to make the slightest error.


    The Huihai Sword Master stepped forward first, holding a beast storage bag in both hands.


    He knelt three times and kowtowed nine times.


    Muttering prayers under his breath.


    "The Huihai Sword Master represents the Tianjian Sect, I wonder what sort of exceptional offering they will bring this time?"


    "Although the Tianjian Sect always presents offerings at each ancestral sacrifice ceremony, I''ve heard they tend to just offer some low-ranking mythical beasts each time, it''s probably no different this time!"


    "Regardless of what the Tianjian Sect does, what I''m curious about right now is what Prince Yang Kun has prepared. Having lost his beast offering, I wonder if he has a backup plan. If not, he''s in trouble!"


    The struggle for the Crown Prince''s position between Yang Kun and Yang Ling was a fierce battle where it was either his death or mine.


    The victor would ascend to the throne, the loser would be branded a rebel, with no life to speak of!


    Throughout the ages...


    those who fought for that position have never met with a good end if they failed!


    At that moment,


    the Huihai Sword Master had just placed the beast storage bag representing the Tianjian Sect on the altar, and as he rose, his energy tightly locked onto Xiao Yi. A chilly voice exploded in Xiao Yi''s ear as he passed by, "Xiao Yi, don''t think that our confrontation has ended so quickly. Just wait, after the ancestral sacrifice ceremony, Imperial Dragon Mountain will become your graveyard!"


    "Audacious!"


    Xiao Yi let out a thunderous roar, shaking the Huihai Sword Master so much that his face stiffened, unable to believe what he was seeing as he looked at Xiao Yi.


    The Huihai Sword Master had never expected,


    that Xiao Yi, as the main sacrificer during this solemn and grand literary sacrifice ceremony, would dare to openly rebuke him.


    The Huihai Sword Master looked at Xiao Yi in bewildered astonishment, about to speak when he heard Xiao Yi''s voice boom like thunder, righteous indignation fueling his roar, "Huihai Sword Master, I respect you as the Deputy Sect Master of Tianjian Sect and as a strong man of the Great Qian Dynasty, and have no desire to quarrel with you. But what about you? Daring to publicly threaten me on this sacred altar, you are challenging the ancestors of the Great Qian Dynasty..."


    "I, I..."


    The Huihai Sword Master''s face turned from green to white, opening his mouth to speak but was again cut off by Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi''s voice rolled on powerfully, ceaselessly, "Huihai Sword Master, as Deputy Sect Master of the Tianjian Sect, you publicly threaten the main sacrificer during the ancestral sacrifice ceremony, this is a challenge to the royal family''s authority, it is disloyalty!"


    "Atop the altar, the chief celebrant commands respect,"


    "You brazenly challenge me, Xiao Yi, which is tantamount to insubordination and unwise!"


    "Your Highness Yang Kun is a disciple of the Tianjian Sect,


    "Yet, you disrupt his ancestral worship ceremony,


    "This is unrighteous..."


    With every word Xiao Yi uttered, the ritual scepter in his hand moved closer to the Huihai Sword Master,


    forcing him to retreat step by step. "You disloyal, unwise, and unrighteous scoundrel,


    "Instead of cultivating yourself in the Tianjian Sect and improving your virtue,


    "You commit all sorts of evil deeds here, unable to distinguish right from wrong, inverting black and white.


    "If I were you, I would have taken my own life with a knife by now. How can you still shamelessly linger here?"


    Thud, thud, thud!


    The face of the Huihai Sword Master paled as he took three steps back in quick succession.


    His chest heaved violently.


    His complexion shifted from ashen to deathly white.


    His eyes, wide open to their limits, glared furiously at Xiao Yi: "You, you, you..."


    This truly infuriated the Huihai Sword Master!


    "How dare you, Huihai, point your finger at me, the chief celebrant?"


    "You show no respect for Emperor Qian nor the revered ancestors of the Great Qian Dynasty!"


    Xiao Yi''s thunderous scolding echoed as his eyes briefly flickered toward Emperor Qian.


    Emperor Qian''s face was as black as carbon.


    He had been sitting back, watching the fight, with no intention of intervening.


    But now, as Xiao Yi invoked him and the respected ancestors of the Great Qian Dynasty,


    he could no longer pretend to be oblivious, so he cleared his throat and said in a clear voice,


    "Huihai Sword Master, for causing a disturbance during the ancestral worship ceremony,


    "you are to kneel and bow your head one hundred times before the altar as punishment!"


    Buzz!


    The face of the Huihai Sword Master twisted in ugliness.


    To kneel and bow one hundred times before so many onlookers at the altar?


    If it were simply to bow to the ancestors of the Great Qian Dynasty, he might not have felt such a surge of emotion,


    but Xiao Yi remained on the altar throughout. Wouldn''t bowing to the altar also mean bowing to Xiao Yi?


    And a hundred times at that?


    This made the Huihai Sword Master''s eyes twitch with pent-up rage and malice.


    "Please, calm your anger, Sword Master..."


    The voice of Yang Kun suddenly resounded in his mind, "The greater good must prevail!"


    Sigh!


    The Huihai Sword Master exhaled a long breath of turbid air, gritting his teeth, "Huihai obeys the order!"


    Thump!


    The Huihai Sword Master kneeled directly before the altar.


    Intentionally choosing a spot where he didn''t have to face Xiao Yi directly,


    but as soon as he knelt down, Xiao Yi appeared before him. Standing tall on the altar,


    Xiao Yi looked down, peering at the Huihai Sword Master who was on his knees, head held high, staring blankly at him, S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi flashed a grin: "Knock your head properly!"


    The Huihai Sword Master felt a sweetness in his throat as a surge of boiling blood rushed upward.


    If it weren''t for his strong Qi suppressing it, that mouthful of old blood would have sprayed out long ago.


    Gurgle!


    The Huihai Sword Master forcefully swallowed the blood,


    teeth clenched tight, his head making dull thudding noises as it struck the ground.


    Seeing someone as formidable as the Huihai Sword Master kneeling before Xiao Yi,


    all the powerful onlookers exchanged glances, afraid to follow in the Huihai Sword Master''s footsteps; none dared provoke Xiao Yi any longer.


    Before long,


    with the exception of Yang Ling and Yang Kun,


    the offerings prepared by everyone else had all been presented on the altar.


    People''s gazes began to fall on the two of them...

 Chapter 467 - 467: The Shame of a Lifetime

    All eyes fell upon Yang Kun and Yang Ling.


    The real protagonists of this literary ritual were indeed the two of them.


    Yang Ling immediately stepped forward, knelt three times and kowtowed nine times before making his way to the altar, his eyes brimming with excitement. With great reverence, he placed the beast-controlling bag in his hand onto the altar, looking at the neatly arranged bags in front of him.


    Yang Ling carefully straightened the surface, dusted off any dust, and then stepped down.


    As soon as he left the altar.


    He couldn''t help but reveal a smile of excitement and pride on his face, his gaze towards Yang Kun heavy with provocation.


    In the past few days...


    He had worried himself gray over the matter of the ritual offering.


    After losing the Ice Snow Phoenix, he could find no other offering to replace it.


    Luckily, in the competition for the first offering, Jin Feiyan proved to be supportive enough to let him win back the Ice Snow Phoenix from Yang Kun.


    "Imperial brother, where is your offering? Don''t tell me you haven''t prepared one," said Yang Ling with a smirk as he looked at Yang Kun.


    Although he had taken healing pills, his face was still bruised and swollen, creating a fascinating collage of blues and purples.


    Facing Yang Ling''s provocation, Yang Kun couldn''t help but let out a cold laugh, "Little brother, you must be underestimating your elder brother too much."


    "Hmm?"


    Yang Ling''s whole body shook, and he stopped in his tracks as he brushed past Yang Kun.


    Cold sweat covered his body in an instant.


    Cold beads of sweat ticked down tautly.


    A terrible thought surfaced in his mind.


    Yang Ling''s body trembled like a sieve, and he turned stiffly, his eyes fixed intently on Yang Kun: "What on earth are you trying to say?"


    Yang Kun approached him, gently patted his shoulder, and whispered in his ear, "My dear brother, do you really think I''d give back the hard-earned Ice Snow Phoenix that easily? That was nothing more than trash I couldn''t use. Oh, you are still too young! Hahaha..."


    Hiss!


    Yang Ling''s entire face paled, and he looked lividly at Yang Kun, "Don''t be too pleased with yourself just yet, Xiao Yi took your offering too..."


    "My silly brother, do you really think I wouldn''t have any preparation?"


    Yang Kun smiled smugly, then turned to look towards Xiao Zhengde in the crowd, who from beginning to end had not uttered a word, and bowed respectfully, "Xiao, thank you for your efforts!"


    "Hmm!"


    Xiao Zhengde smiled faintly, watching as everyone''s gaze converged on him. The corners of his mouth lifted slightly in a hint of pride.


    "Xiao Zhengde? What''s he doing here?"


    "There are rumors that Xiao Yi is Xiao Zhengde''s youngest son, who has never been favored, with conflicts between father and son too great to resolve. I thought it was just hearsay, but now it seems to be true!"


    "The Xiao Family must have their ancestral graves steaming with good fortune; first Xiao Tianjiao, and now Xiao Yi. If these two brothers join forces, how long will it be until the Great Qian Dynasty is under the Xiao''s thumb?"


    "Let''s see just why Xiao Zhengde is stepping forward!"


    Emperor Qian sat on his dragon throne like a recumbent dragon, his eyes as inscrutable as the night sky, observing Xiao Zhengde and Yang Kun.


    Xiao Zhengde''s gaze swept over everyone, quite pleased with being the focus of attention, and went straight to Yang Kun.


    Yang Kun greeted him with a cupped fist and said with a smile, "Xiao, I didn''t expect we would still need your intervention in the end!"


    "Not at all!"


    Xiao Zhengde waved his hand and laughed, "Tian''er has long been cautious of petty people''s sabotage and made thorough preparations. He won''t let those miscreants succeed!"


    As they mentioned the miscreants, Xiao Zhengde and Yang Kun''s gazes simultaneously shifted towards Xiao Yi.


    All eyes followed suit, turning towards him.


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow and narrowed his eyes to meet theirs, showing no sign of backing down.


    "Hmph!"


    Yang Kun snorted coldly and laughed proudly, "Xiao is indeed thorough in his consideration; some people just lack such self-awareness. Like insignificant ants deluding themselves into thinking they can shake a tree, it''s utterly overreaching!"


    Xiao Zhengde nodded in agreement, "You''re right, it''s important for people to know their place. Some are born noble, while others are destined to be lowly, and no matter how hard you try, you will never be able to catch up with the former!"


    As the two of them went back and forth with their remarks, the gazes people cast at Xiao Yi became increasingly strange and curious. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Born noble?


    Of course, they were referring to Xiao Tianjao!


    At his birth, a fire dragon descended from the sky and acknowledged him as its master.


    Before he was three years old, he awoke the Supreme Overlord Holy Body, possessing the divine power to lift a thousand catties with a single arm.


    At five, he broke through to the Tenth Layer of the Physical Body Realm, stepped into Qi Gathering with Ten Layers at seven, and at eight, he successfully assailed the Shentong Realm, becoming the youngest Divine Skills powerhouse in the history of the Great Qian Dynasty. By ten, he entered Tianjian Sect, ranked first among the ten great sects of the Great Qin Dynasty, becoming a Direct Disciple of the sect.


    Now, he had become the youngest fighter in the Dharma Manifestation Realm of the Great Qian Dynasty, with combat strength that left his peers unable to hold their heads high.


    And as for the lowly persons...


    It goes without saying that it was Xiao Yi!


    From a young age, he had been imprisoned within the Xiao Family by Xiao Tianjiao. After eight years of confinement, and because Xiao Tianjiao wanted a mate for his mount, Xiao Yi was sent to the remote Fang Family to become a son-in-law.


    This meant that, in the eyes of the Xiao family, Xiao Yi was valued no more than a magical beast.


    Could this not be considered lowly?


    Xiao Yi remained expressionless.


    Noble?


    Lowly?


    These are not for you to decide!


    Seeing Xiao Yi''s lack of reaction, Xiao Zhengde and Yang Kun frowned, also feeling extremely bored. Yang Kun looked at Xiao Zhengde and said, "Head of the Xiao Family, why not bring out the thing that Xiao had prepared?"


    "Hmm!"


    Xiao Zhengde nodded, and in a flick of his wrist, a beast-controlling bag appeared in his hand.


    This beast-controlling bag was embroidered with a golden dragon in gold thread. The dragon lay coiled among the auspicious clouds, fierce and majestic, vivid as if alive. Its teeth and claws suggested it could soar into the heavens at any moment.


    "This is what Tian''er asked me to pass on to you," Xiao Zhengde handed the beast-controlling bag to Yang Kun.


    Yang Kun received the beast-controlling bag with both hands, "Thank you, Xiao."


    Hum!


    The beast-controlling bag emitted a violent roar as soon as it was taken.


    There seemed to be faint sounds of a dragon''s chant coming from it.


    Yang Kun''s eyes shone as he looked at Xiao Yi with pride and laughed loudly, "Head of the Xiao, speaking of which, the magical beast inside this beast-controlling bag has a deep connection with you!


    "Hmm?"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback, "What connection does it have with me?"


    Suddenly...


    Xiao Yi''s face changed drastically, turning ashen in an instant.


    The only beast that could possibly have a connection with him from Xiao Tianjiao''s possession would be the Silver-Winged Sword Dragon, the one exchanged from the Fang Family to be a mate for Xiao Tianjiao''s mount, the Nine Heavens Profound Fire Bright Dragon King!


    The Silver-Winged Sword Dragon.


    This was once the beast that stood as the Fang Family''s symbol.


    And...


    This was also the disgrace of Xiao Yi becoming a son-in-law.


    "It seems the Head of the Xiao has guessed it already, correct, inside here is indeed the Silver-Winged Sword Dragon that you once exchanged from the Fang Family,"


    Under Xiao Yi''s icy stare, Yang Kun laughed proudly, "Under Xiao''s cultivation, it has already become a Beast King comparable to the peak of the Dharma Phase Realm. Ladies and gentlemen, let''s all witness what kind of magical beast the Head of the Xiao exchanged for. Hahaha..."

 Chapter 468 - 468 Kneel Down and Kowtow

    "This magical beast you''ve won back with your life, now used as a sacrificial beast, you should feel proud, right? Hahaha..."


    Yang Kun laughed proudly and arrogantly.


    Walking with the power and grace of a dragon or tiger.


    He carried the beast bag containing the Silver Winged Sword Dragon in both hands, kneeling step by step as he walked towards the altar.


    He solemnly placed the beast bag on the altar.


    Yang Kun stood up, took a long breath, and with a disdainful glance towards Xiao Yi, sneered, "President Xiao, don''t be in a hurry. In a moment, I''ll let you see with your own eyes, what this magical beast that you traded your life for has become!"


    Bang!


    Xiao Yi''s body shuddered, and the bricks beneath his feet instantly shattered.


    His eyes narrowed to slits, fixated on the beast bag on the altar.


    The corners of Huihai Sword Master''s mouth curved up in a smile, seeing Xiao Yi almost lose his composure was immensely satisfying. He said to Xiao Zhengde, "Patriarch Xiao, I''m quite curious why Tianjiao would use this magical beast as a sacrifice? After all, it cost him quite a lot of resources and sacrifices to develop this Silver Winged Sword Dragon into a sixth-order peak Beast King!"


    Even with the support of the Tianjian Sect, nurturing a fourth-order magical beast into a sixth-order peak was no small feat and used tremendous resources, enough to make Xiao Tianjiao''s heart ache!


    All eyes turned to Xiao Zhengde.


    Xiao Zhengde smiled faintly, his eyes full of contempt and loathing as he looked at Xiao Yi. Xiao Tianjiao was always the one in his heart; Xiao Yi had never even caught his attention.


    Even more so...


    In Xiao Zhengde''s heart, Xiao Yi was an embarrassment!


    Xiao Zhengde said indifferently, "Tian''er requested this Silver Winged Sword Dragon initially to breed with his mount. Two months ago, the Silver Winged Sword Dragon had laid its offspring and thus lost its use. Like trash, keeping it around was just a waste of food!"


    Gurgle!


    Everyone was startled.


    Glances towards Xiao Yi involuntarily carried a hint of sympathy and pity.


    "Xiao Yi is really pitiful! Initially, the Xiao Family, in order to obtain this Silver Winged Sword Dragon, did not hesitate to send him to the Fang Family as a matrimonial son-in-law, yet this magical beast he traded his life for was merely a breeding tool..."


    "What''s there to pity? In the eyes of Xiao Tianjiao, Xiao Yi has always been worthless, even a stain on his life. Trading his life for a Silver Winged Sword Dragon is already making the best out of waste!"


    "Indeed, Xiao Yi is outstanding, but he still falls far short when compared to Xiao Tianjiao!"


    "True! Xiao Tianjiao hasn''t even shown up yet and he has already caused Yi to lose face completely, dominating the situation..."


    A succession of unrestrained murmurings, like the most poisonous of curses, reached Xiao Yi''s ears.


    But curiously...


    Xiao Yi remained as calm as an ancient well.


    Without any ripples.


    That left Xiao Zhengde and the Huihai Sword Master feeling as though their powerful punches had hit cotton, totally ineffective. They exchanged a look and Huihai Sword Master said, "Now that His Highness Yang Kun has obtained the Silver Winged Sword Dragon bestowed by Tianjiao, it seems he holds a sure win for this literary sacrifice!"


    "Of course!"


    Xiao Zhengde said arrogantly, "The Ice Phoenix is indeed rare and precious, but the Silver Winged Sword Dragon is in no way weaker than it, especially since Tian''er personally nurtured it and it has birthed offspring for his mount. Comparing the Ice Phoenix to it is an insult!"


    Hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement, "Patriarch Xiao is right, there are countless magical beasts in the world, but not many could breed with Xiao Tianjiao''s mount!"


    "That''s the Great Qian Dynasty''s top genius, Xiao Tianjiao! Even if he merely touched this Silver Winged Sword Dragon, its value would have increased by hundreds of times!"


    Listening to the crowd''s praise and flattery, Xiao Zhengde''s smile grew even brighter.


    He looked provocatively at Xiao Yi and sent a sneering telepathic message, "You little bastard, now you understand the gap between you and Tian''er, don''t you? The Ice Phoenix you struggled and nearly died to catch can''t compare to the Silver Winged Sword Dragon that Tian''er discarded. That''s the difference. You, in this lifetime, no, even if you were granted several more lifetimes, you could never catch up to Tian''er..."


    "Is that so?"


    Xiao Yi finally spoke up, responding for the first time since the appearance of the Silver Winged Sword Dragon, "It''s not over until the very end. Whose hands the prize falls into is still unknown, right?"


    "Hmm?"


    Xiao Zhengde was taken aback, then let out a cold laugh, "What? You don''t think there''s a beast more precious than the Silver Winged Sword Dragon in there, do you?"


    The Huihai Sword Master sneered, "Xiao, a person should know their own worth, pestering like this is beneath your status!"


    "Xiao, Deputy Sect Master, perhaps you should say less! I believe Xiao''s mood must be very heavy. After all, that beast was procured with his very life, yet in Xiao''s eyes, it seems no better than trash..."


    Yang Kun grinned, pretending to be contrite, "Ah, Xiao, my apologies! I''m someone who speaks his mind without reserve. I should''ve been more considerate of your feelings. I deserve to be punished..."


    While saying this.


    Yang Kun deliberately raised his hand, pretending to slap himself on the mouth.


    Xiao Yi nodded, "You''re right. You indeed deserve to be hit!"


    "Ah?"


    Yang Kun was taken aback, and then suddenly felt a sharp pain on his face.


    His legs left the ground in an instant.


    Whoosh!


    Yang Kun was sent flying dozens of meters and smashed onto the ground with a thud.


    "How audacious!"


    "Xiao Yi, how dare you resort to violence on the sacrificial altar?"


    "You''re seeking death!"


    The Huihai Sword Master and others were furiously enraged.


    No one had expected that Xiao Yi, standing atop the sacrificial altar, would actually dare to strike Yang Kun, to the extent that they all were too late to stop him, watching helplessly as Yang Kun was once again sent flying by Xiao Yi.


    "As the chief sacrificer, I am the supreme authority during the sacrifice. If you dare disturb the ceremony again, don''t blame me for expelling each of you!"


    Standing atop the sacrificial altar, Xiao Yi''s gaze swept over the few individuals like a cold blade, rebuking them harshly.


    Hiss!


    Their faces changed slightly, they looked at each other and had no choice but to stop in their tracks.


    "Stop it!"


    Yang Kun''s hoarse voice came from behind them. Clutching his swollen face, he looked at Xiao Yi with a venomous expression and hissed through clen teeth, "Don''t give him an excuse to hit you. Let''s just wait... Once the ancestor worship ceremony is over, we will have plenty of chances to deal with him!"


    "You''re right!"


    "Xiao Yi, enjoy your moment of pride for a little longer!"


    The Huihai Sword Master and others all nodded in agreement.


    Yang Kun''s spiteful gaze fixated on Xiao Yi, sneering, "Xiao Yi, didn''t you say the victory isn''t certain yet? Let the honored ancestors choose the offering then. I can''t wait to see you kneeling in despair before me begging for mercy..."


    "Are you so confident your Silver Winged Sword Dragon will be chosen?" Xiao Yi asked playfully.


    "Of course!"


    Yang Kun haughtily said, "If my Silver Winged Sword Dragon isn''t chosen, do you think Yang Ling''s Ice Snow Phoenix will be?"


    "You''re right, the one that will be chosen is definitely the Ice Snow Phoenix!" Xiao Yi stated confidently.


    "Fool''s talk!"


    Yang Kun laughed derisively, "If the Ice Snow Phoenix is chosen, I will kneel down and apologize to you in front of everyone!"


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow, "Are you serious with this statement?"


    "A word spoken is past recalling," Yang Kun said. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi nodded, smiling, "Then keep your eyes wide open..."

 Chapter 469 - 469: Turning The Tide, A Resounding Slap in the Face!

    "The moment to witness a miracle is upon us!"


    Xiao Yi smiled with confidence.


    He walked straight up to the beast-taming pouch that contained the Ice-Phoenix.


    With a flick of his finger, he sent the beast-taming pouch flying into the air and grasped it in his hand.


    Everyone''s gaze converged on his hand, their eyes filled with puzzlement, "What exactly does he intend to do?"


    "Could it be that he can summon a mythical creature even stronger than the Silver-Winged Sword Dragon?"


    "Hmph, it''s nothing more than smoke and mirrors!"


    Yang Kun scoffed coldly, his face oozing with scorn. He simply didn''t believe that Xiao Yi had a way to make the Ice-Phoenix stronger than the Silver-Winged Sword Dragon, especially since it was a creature cultivated by Xiao Tianjiao himself.


    Just the name Xiao Tianjiao alone signified supreme superiority above all else.


    Yang Ling clenched his fists tightly, a tiny flame of weak hope flickering in the midst of his desperate eyes as he fixed his gaze on Xiao Yi, "Xiao Yi, our success or failure all depends on you now!"


    Even Emperor Qian on the dragon throne revealed an intrigued expression.


    He too couldn''t imagine how Xiao Yi could turn the tide.


    After all...


    Within the Great Qian Dynasty, the name Xiao Tianjiao represented the ultimate superiority, unsurpassed by anyone!


    Even he, the true ruler of the Great Qian Dynasty.


    Was unable to rival Xiao Tianjiao in prestige.


    At this moment.


    Xiao Yi, to the astonishment of the onlookers, opened the seal of the beast-taming pouch.


    Whoosh!


    An icy blue figure surged out from the beast-taming pouch. Its shape grew larger and larger, in an instant transforming into a massive icy blue Ice-Phoenix with wings spanning dozens of yards.


    Its body covered in icy blue feathers, as if carved from frost.


    Reflecting the sunlight, its form was like blue jade, drawing people''s gaze to it unconsciously.


    Ice-Phoenix!


    The queen of all mythical creatures in the world of ice and snow!


    Magnificent and beautiful, an absolute splendor among mythical creatures.


    The aura of a sixth-order high-ranking Beast King instantly unleashed, flapping its wings and causing icy blue snowflakes to fall, turning the space above the altar into a realm of ice and snow.


    "Such a beautiful Ice-Phoenix..."


    "If it weren''t for the presence of Xiao Tianjiao''s Silver-Winged Sword Dragon, this could have definitely been the number one creature of the literary festival!"


    Tweet, tweet!


    The Ice-Phoenix flapped its wings and cried melodiously. Its eyes swiftly scanning around, it soared upwards, attempting to escape. Xiao Yi let out a cold laugh and reached out his hand towards the void, "Come down to me!"


    Buzz!


    Infinite vital energy surged from his fingertips, transforming into golden chains of vital energy.


    With a clang,


    The chains wrapped around the Ice-Phoenix, binding it tightly, leaving it unable to move. Xiao Yi faced his palm downward and pushed towards the ground. With a scream, the Ice-Phoenix was yanked from the sky and thudded onto the ground with a bang.


    "Open your mouth!" S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao Yi stepped on the Ice-Phoenix''s neck and pried its mouth open.


    Yang Kun, standing below the altar, watched Xiao Yi act with such confidence that he himself felt nervous. Watching Xiao Yi pry open the mouth of the Ice-Phoenix, he couldn''t help but speak up, "Xiao Yi, you''re not thinking of killing it to make soup and bribe us, are you?"


    The Huihai Sword Master stood with his arms crossed, his face full of mockery, "Maybe he has a way to help the Ice-Phoenix reach the seventh-order Mythical Emperor class!"


    "It is said that Xiao Yi is skilled in alchemy, perhaps he really does have this ability!" Nangong Shengji said softly.


    Seventh-order Mythical Emperor.


    Equivalent to the Nirvana Realm in humans, but for a mythical creature to reach the seventh order is dozens of times more difficult than for a human martial artist to enter the Nirvana Realm.


    Even for the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect, who were Beast Tamers by origin and had stood for thousands of years in the Great Qian Dynasty, they had only managed to cultivate two seventh-order mythical creatures.


    They naturally did not believe that Xiao Yi could create such a miracle.


    Watching Yang Kun and the Huihai Sword Master constantly mocking Xiao Yi, Jin Feiyan grew indignant, "Just because something is impossible for you, it doesn''t mean it is impossible for my master. When my master first took over the Xiaoshanhe Institute, everyone thought it was impossible for him to revitalize it, and yet, didn''t all of your faces get swollen from being proved wrong?"


    Ye Heng also sneered, "When my master resolved to flatten the Nangong Family, didn''t you, Nangong, also think it was impossible? Now, even as the Great Qian Dynasty respects you, hasn''t all of the Nangong Family''s properties been shut down? That too was done by my master, wasn''t it?"


    Nangong Shengji: "..."


    Huihai Sword Master: "..."


    Their complexions were extremely unsightly, and the words of Ye Heng and his companion were like invisible slaps, harshly striking their faces.


    They gritted their teeth.


    Nangong Shengji snorted coldly and said, "Words are useless; we''ll see!"


    Atop the altar.


    The Ice Phoenix was filled with terror in its eyes.


    It had witnessed the terrifying means of Xiao Yi and spoke in human tongue, "Great King, spare my life! I don''t want to die, please spare me¡­"


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Don''t worry, I won''t kill you!"


    With a flick of his finger.


    From the tip of Xiao Yi''s finger, a condensed orb of pure water-attributed Qi formed into a blue sphere of vitality and entered the Ice Phoenix''s mouth. At the same time, Xiao Yi recited a secret incantation, "If the heart is as clear as ice, the sky may fall without alarm¡­"


    Buzz!


    The Ice Phoenix shuddered all over and abruptly stopped struggling.


    The shock and disbelief filled its eyes as it stared dumbfounded at Xiao Yi.


    The incantation he recited was in perfect harmony with the path it had been following!


    Xiao Yi indifferently said, "Control the demonic Yuan within your body and follow my cultivation technique!"


    "Yes!"


    The Ice Phoenix nodded earnestly.


    Under the guidance of Xiao Yi''s Qi, the demonic Yuan within its body also began to circulate wildly.


    Nangong Shengji sneered, "I think Xiao Yi has really gone mad. Does he actually think he can teach cultivation techniques to a demon beast?"


    "Even the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect doesn''t have cultivation techniques for demon beasts, how could he possibly have any?"


    "Nothing but smoke and mirrors!"


    "If he succeeds, I''ll take off my head and use it as a night pot¡­" Yang Kun sneered repeatedly.


    Yet Xiao Yi was as if he heard nothing, meticulously guiding the Ice Phoenix in the circulation of its demonic Yuan.


    The path of this demonic Yuan quickly completed one cycle, followed by a second, a third¡­a total of thirty-six cycles. The most difficult part of a demon beast''s breakthrough into the Nirvana Realm was changing its own body structure.


    Cultivation techniques for demon beasts were extremely rare, with only a select few possessing ancestral memories and cultivation techniques passed down from their lineage.


    The Ice Phoenix, despite its strength, had no such inherited cultivation techniques.


    The secret technique Xiao Yi taught it came directly from the Dao Yan heritage, a secret technique specifically prepared for demon beasts.


    As it circulated.


    The Ice Phoenix broke through its own shackles, a blue light soaring to the sky, and strands of ice-blue light converged upon its body. This turned its blue feathers increasingly pure and flawless.


    Boom!


    The Ice Phoenix burst into the air majestically.


    On its body, strands of blue light gathered into mysterious runes that branded themselves onto its feathers.


    On its forehead.


    Three tufts of ice-blue feathers slowly shimmered with silver light, much like a silver crown!


    Seventh-Order Beast King!


    As everyone looked at the Ice Phoenix before them, their minds buzzed, and all went blank.


    This Ice Phoenix had actually, under the guidance of Xiao Yi, stepped into the seventh-order and became an existence of Beast King.


    Cheep cheep!


    The Ice Phoenix flapped its wings and soared into the clouds, leaving behind a trail of ice-blue light across the sky. After circling in the air a few times, the Ice Phoenix returned to Xiao Yi''s side, standing respectfully by.


    The aura of a Seventh-Order Beast King spread out, causing numerous powerful beings to exhibit expressions of reverence and terror.


    The one most overwhelmed was Yang Kun!


    Thump!


    He fell down on his backside, his face pale: "How... How could this happen¡­"

 Chapter 470 - 470: Kneel down and kowtow!

    "How, how could this happen?"


    Yang Kun sat on the ground with a butt drop, his face a mix of dejection and disbelief.


    He had prepared for this moment for far too long!


    And he had gone to extreme lengths.


    He had even begged Xiao Tianjiao for this Silver-Winged Sword Dragon, all so he could stand out during the ancestral ceremony and thus defeat Yang Ling to capture the position of Crown Prince.


    But now...


    From the initial struggle for the first offering to the current literary tribute.


    He had been at a disadvantage all along!


    The reason for all this was the man standing on the altar before him, with one hand behind his back and the other holding the sacrificial scepter, looking down on him with a commanding presence; it was Xiao Yi. This youth who had never been taken seriously by him had now become the biggest obstacle on his path to the Crown Prince''s position.


    The ice-blue glow emanated from the Ice Phoenix''s body, with three tufts of silver feathers between its brows, standing quietly beside Xiao Yi.


    The towering Ice Phoenix emitted the aura of a seventh-rank Beast King, which made one unable to resist the urge to admire and worship.


    Xiao Yi stood beside the Ice Phoenix, the corners of his mouth slightly raised as he looked toward Xiao Zhengde, whose face was equally pale, "Head of the Xiao Family, which do you think is more precious, a seventh-rank Beast King or that Silver-Winged Sword Dragon?"


    Although the Silver-Winged Sword Dragon was enhanced by the renown of Xiao Tianjiao, none of the beasts of its rank could compare.


    But...


    This is a seventh-rank Beast King!


    Since the founding of the Great Qian Dynasty, no one had ever been willing to use a seventh-rank Beast King as an offering. One must know that after participating in the sacrifice, these beasts would ultimately be taken away by the royal family.


    Who would willingly hand over a combat force on par with the Nirvana Realm to the royal family for nothing?


    "You..."


    Xiao Zhengde''s complexion turned from green to white as if he had just been viciously slapped dozens of times.


    Previously, in the Combat Pavilion, after being humiliated by Xiao Yi, Xiao Zhengde had been waiting for this opportunity to avenge his embarrassment.


    He had hoped to publicly crush this son, who he had never taken seriously, beneath his feet in front of everyone.


    But now...


    He had been humiliated by Xiao Yi once again.


    And.


    This time was different from the Combat Pavilion.


    In the Combat Pavilion, not many saw what happened, but this time, he was openly humiliated. His peripheral vision swept over the crowd, noting that everyone looked at him with mockery and schadenfreude.


    Those peculiar gazes gave him a feeling of being stabbed in the back.


    "Xiao Zhengde truly misjudged, to think he treated such a genius like trash?"


    "If I had a son like this, I would''ve worshiped him like an ancestor long ago..."


    "I bet Xiao Zhengde is full of regret now!"


    The jeering voices, mixed with those peculiar gazes, almost caused Xiao Zhengde to cough up a mouthful of blood in rage.


    His face turned from green to white as he gnashed his teeth and said, "This is impossible... even the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect doesn''t have a way for sixth-rank beasts to advance to the seventh rank. How could you possibly do it? You must have used some trickery..."


    "Exactly, it must be a trick!" Yang Kun shouted as if clutching at a life-saving straw, his eyes shining with rage.


    The Huihai Sword Master with his arms crossed, turned to face the expert from the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect, "Vice Sect Leader Shen, what''s your view on this?"


    The Ten Thousand Beasts Sect had also sent a Vice Sect Leader level expert, who happened to be Shen Mo''s master, Shen Yan. Shen Yan had witnessed Xiao Yi transform the Ice Phoenix into a seventh-rank Beast King with his own eyes and was still in shock, not having recovered from the surprise.


    Caught off guard by the Huihai Sword Master''s question, Shen Yan was startled and subconsciously said, "It''s simply not possible for humans to elevate a high-level sixth-rank Beast King to a seventh-rank Beast King..."


    "Xiao Yi, did you hear that? Even Vice Sect Leader Shen thinks it''s not something that can be done by human means, it must be some deception you''re using to fool us¡­"


    Yang Kun, as if he had latched on to a lifeline, stared intently at Xiao Yi, growling viciously, "How dare you, Xiao Yi, use trickery to deceive His Majesty and the ancestors of the Great Qian Dynasty, you should be punished with death. Guards¡­"


    However.


    Before he could finish speaking.


    Shen Yan, trembling, stepped forward with hands raised in a respectful salute towards Xiao Yi, and asked anxiously, "Headmaster Xiao, my Ten Thousand Beasts Sect has spent a thousand years, and the efforts of more than a dozen generations, yet has never figured out how to turn all Beast Kings into Beast Kings. May I ask if Headmaster Xiao would be willing to visit our Ten Thousand Beasts Sect in the future to share some insights?"


    Thwap!


    The fierce look on Yang Kun''s face abruptly ceased.


    He stood as if frozen in place, utterly stupefied.


    His face seemed to be slapped by a series of slaps, each making a crisp sound, burning his cheeks with stinging pain.


    Gurgle!


    Yang Kun swallowed hard, his disbelief clear as he looked at Shen Yan, "Vice Sect Leader Shen, you¡­ you said it wasn''t possible for humans, didn''t you?"


    Shen Yan looked back at him, matter-of-factly stating, "Of course, it isn''t something that humans can do; it''s a miracle, l a miracle that only a divine being like Headmaster Xiao could create!"


    Yang Kun''s face twitched: "¡­"


    Huihai Sword Master: "¡­"


    Xiao Zhengde: "¡­"


    Several people looked at each other, wishing they could dig a hole and bury themselves inside.


    Damn it!


    Turns out they were actually praising Xiao Yi!


    And to think they had used just half of the sentence to ridicule Xiao Yi.


    For a moment,


    they felt as if their faces had been swollen from a forceful slap!


    At the same time, a sense of defeat and helplessness also eroded their spirits.


    If it weren''t for Shen Yan''s words, they could have insisted that Xiao Yi used a blinding spell, or that he used some special elixir to momentarily boost the Ice Phoenix to the rank of a seventh-stage Beast King.


    But now even the Vice Sect Leader of the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect had confirmed that Xiao Yi truly elevated the Ice Phoenix to the rank of a seventh-stage Beast King.


    This was a firmly established fact.


    It wouldn''t be an exaggeration to call it a miracle.


    Any attempt to use this as a pretext to attack Xiao Yi had become futile.


    The three of them exchanged looks, filled with resentment and indignation, yet powerless to do anything about it. Yang Kun clenched his teeth, only to suddenly hear Jin Feiyan''s voice: "Senior brother, did someone just say that if our master could make the Ice Phoenix a seventh-stage Beast King, they''d twist their head off to serve as a night pot for our master?"


    Ye Heng called out loudly, "It seems there was such a matter, but it''s unclear if that person''s words were trustworthy!"


    All eyes fell on Yang Kun.


    "God damn..."


    Yang Kun''s face turned green, and he tried to look nonchalant.


    Jin Feiyan, seeing Yang Kun lose face, put on a brilliant smile and deliberately asked, "Your Highness Yang Kun, do you remember who said those words just now?"


    Yang Kun''s mouth twitched: "..."


    While he was in a state of extreme embarrassment, Emperor Qian let out a light cough and said indifferently, "Time is getting on. Let''s invite the ancestral spirits, so the ancestors can select the winner of this literary tribute!"


    Xiao Yi looked impassively at Emperor Qian.


    So this old fellow protects his own like this!


    But I won''t let you get your way!


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Yang Kun, since you dared to make a bet during the ancestral tribute ceremony, you must follow through to the end. We can forgo using a severed head as a night pot, but kneeling and kowtowing cannot be exempted. Kneel down!"


    "Xiao Yi!"


    Emperor Qian snorted coldly, staring daggers at Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "As the chief officiant, my word is divine command during the ceremony. If Your Majesty feels I''m unsuitable to be the chief officiant, feel free to replace me now!"


    Hisss!


    Everyone couldn''t help but gasp in shock.


    Xiao Yi dared to confront Emperor Qian head-on, displaying such a forceful stance that it was hard not to take notice.


    Emperor Qian''s eyes narrowed as he conveyed a dangerous glint, but to replace the chief officiant on the spot would go against the ancestral teachings, which was clearly impossible, so he could only close his eyes and remain silent.


    Xiao Yi sneered as he looked towards Yang Kun: "Kneel down, kowtow!"


    "Kneel down, kowtow!"


    "Kneel down!"


    "Kowtow..."


    Disciples of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, such as Ye Heng, Jin Feiyan, and Ruan Yunyi, began to chant in unison.


    Their cries were thunderous.


    Yang Kun''s face turned alternately pale and flushed. He truly did not wish to kneel, but seeing that Emperor Qian had closed his eyes, apparently unwilling to intervene any further, clenched his teeth. Pretending not to hear, he saw Xiao Yi say indifferently, "What now? Are you continuing to stall? If you delay the auspicious time for the tribute, can you bear the responsibility?"


    "You..."


    Yang Kun''s face was as black as coal, on the verge of spewing a mouthful of old blood. Struggling for a moment, he could only close his eyes and with a thump knelt to the ground, giving three loud kowtows towards Xiao Yi and growled fiercely, "Happy now?"


    "A teachable lad indeed!"


    Xiao Yi responded lightly, no longer paying attention to Yang Kun''s murderous gaze, and slowly raised the ceremonial staff in his hand, announcing loudly, "I invite the heroic spirits of heaven to select the best offering!"


    Boom!


    The ceremonial staff in his hand suddenly burst with a burst of golden light, forming a golden orb in the air, then shot out, beams of golden light heading towards the pillars at the four corners of the altar.


    The golden light entered the pillars, mysterious runes wriggling and consolidating on them. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Finally, nine beams of light shot straight into the sky.


    Above the altar, they formed a huge golden orb, like two golden suns straddling the firmament.


    Whish!


    A beam of light fell from within the golden orb and hit the center of the altar.


    All eyes were fixed on the altar, and where this beam of light finally fell would be the best offering of the literary tribute¡­

 Chapter 471 - 471: What Use Are You?

    Boom!


    Golden pillars of light fell from the sky, covering the offerings of everyone atop the altar.


    The golden light continuously shrank, and within its range, the offerings lessened until, in the blink of an eye, only the Ice Phoenix and the Silver-Winged Sword Dragon remained enveloped within it.


    "Which will it be, the Silver-Winged Sword Dragon or the Ice Phoenix?"


    "Ancestors in heaven, you must open your eyes! That Silver-Winged Sword Dragon was personally raised by my son, Xiao Tianjiao..."


    "Please don''t choose it..."


    Murmurs continued to rise around the altar.


    Millions of the populace within and beyond the Imperial Dragon Mountain knelt on the ground and looked up at the golden column descending from the heavens, praying devoutly.


    Suddenly...


    The golden column trembled violently and then shrank by half, coming to rest on the Ice Phoenix.


    Boom!


    Countless rays of golden light entered the body of the Ice Phoenix, and between the flashes and flows of golden radiance around its body, a spot of golden feathering appeared among the three silver feathers on its brow.


    Three silver and one gold, this royal crown seemed even more majestic.


    Chirp chirp!


    The Ice Phoenix let out a long cry to the heavens, spreading its massive wings wide, casting a waterfall of blue that seemed to cover the sky and block the sun. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In its gaze towards Emperor Qian, there was now a touch of reverence.


    This was the result of the literary sacrifice.


    Once any offering had participated in the literary sacrifice and gained the recognition of the illustrious ancestors of the Great Qian Dynasty, it would receive a brand, becoming a loyal beast of war to the royal house. Like that Golden Crowned Black Eagle, which was the best offering from the literary sacrifice a few years ago.


    "Excellent, very excellent!"


    Emperor Qian clapped his hands; a seventh-rank beast king was equivalent to the addition of a Nirvana Realm master to the royal house. He was naturally highly satisfied. Looking at Yang Ling, he said, "My son, this Ice Phoenix is outstanding. You will be richly rewarded by your father!"


    "Thank you, Father! However, capturing the Ice Phoenix, Xiao Yi also has undeniable merit..." After expressing his gratitude, Yang Ling hurriedly added.


    However...


    Before he could finish, his words were coldly interrupted by Yang Kun, "My dear brother speaks amiss. Xiao Yi is the head of Xiaoshanhe Institute appointed by our royal family. He is like a dog raised by our royal household. It''s not just capturing the Ice Phoenix¡ªif we ask him to die, he cannot refuse to die!"


    "You..."


    Yang Ling''s face changed slightly.


    Yet, Emperor Qian''s tone was indifferent, "Enough, what are you brothers quarreling about at the ancestral sacrifice ceremony?" However, he did not correct the words spoken by Yang Kun but looked at Xiao Yi with a cold face, "The victor of the literary sacrifice has emerged, Xiao Yi, you may continue with the sacrificial rites."


    Yang Ling''s expression changed several times, but he was helpless and looked apologetically at Xiao Yi.


    Yang Kun, on the other hand, looked at him triumphantly, full of provocation.


    Xiao Yi was expressionless.


    But the hand holding the sacrificial scepter grew even tighter.


    Hu!


    He took a deep breath, exhaling a heavy sigh. The sacrificial ceremony was divided into three parts: the literary sacrifice, the martial sacrifice, and finally, the sacrifice to the heavens.


    In the literary sacrifice, the various powers contribute their prepared offerings. After selecting the best offering, the contributor becomes one of the chief officiants who will recite the sacrificial texts during the final heavenly sacrifice ceremony.


    One must not underestimate reciting sacrificial texts at the heavenly sacrifice ceremony.


    Ten years ago,


    Xiao Tianjiao represented the winners of the martial sacrifice and became one of the chief officiants, reciting sacrificial texts during the ceremony.


    Eventually, he was blessed by a nine-colored divine radiance and gained supreme benefits.


    "Next is the martial sacrifice... If I can win at the martial sacrifice, I''ll be able to become one of the chief officiants and bathe in the blessings of the divine light!"


    "If I could become the chief officiant, I wonder how many colors of divine light I would gain..."


    "You? At most, you could receive the three-colored divine light!"


    "Three colors? Surely I could at least expect five colors, right? Xiao Tianjiao got all nine!"


    "You do realize that is Xiao Tianjiao! In the thousands of years since the founding of our Great Qian Dynasty, the highest anyone besides Xiao Tianjiao ever received was the blessing of a seven-colored divine light..."


    The debate among the crowd grew increasingly intense.


    Within the crowd,


    many powerful figures itched to test their mettle, wishing they could rush to the altar immediately, sweep away all challengers, and claim ultimate victory.


    Of course...


    there were also those like Nangong Shengji, who squinted their eyes, watching Xiao Yi with a vicious gaze.


    "Everyone should understand the rules of the Martial Ceremony. In the first hour, each sect and power dispatches disciples below the Tao Tribulation Realm to fight, and the last person standing is the victor,"


    Xiao Yi''s gaze swept across the crowd, lifting the ceremonial scepter in his hand, only continuing to speak once complete silence had enveloped the surroundings of the altar: "In the second hour, steward elders and high-level experts from the major sects and families will clash. Again, the last one standing on the altar will be declared the victor. The final rankings will be combined from both rounds to determine the winner of the Martial Ceremony. If anyone disagrees, they may issue a challenge at the end!"


    The rules of the Martial Ceremony had always been so, and naturally, there were no objections from the crowd.


    But just as the words fell,


    Qi sidled up beside him. Xiao Yi, who was always quite amiable towards him, looked at him with inquiring eyes.


    Qi, in a lowered voice, said, "His Majesty has decreed that your Xiaoshanhe Institute must secure victory in the Martial Ceremony at all costs!"


    At all costs?


    Xiao Yi was startled.


    This meant that even if it required sacrificing all the manpower of the Xiaoshanhe Institute, they must still claim victory!


    His gaze shifted past Qi, looking to Emperor Qian on the dragon throne, his eyes squinting to narrow slits as he spoke coldly, "Please tell him I have my own sense of measure!"


    "This..."


    Qi''s expression changed slightly. He knew Emperor Qian''s temperament very well. Such a direct response would only intensify Emperor Qian''s lethal intentions towards Xiao Yi. He sighed and returned to Emperor Qian''s side, speaking softly, "Your Majesty, Xiao Yi promises to give his all!"


    "Hmm!"


    Emperor Qian''s eyes remained closed, his fingers gently tapping on the armrest.


    Just then,


    a Shiyanhe Institute disciple had brought up the timekeeping instruments, placing them before the altar. Xiao Yi leaped down beside the altar and said indifferently, "The Martial Ceremony begins. Those wishing to participate, ascend the altar!"


    However...


    nobody took the initiative to step forward.


    To climb the altar now would be to make oneself a target of all.


    Seeing that no one ascended the altar, Yang Kun''s eyes shifted slightly, and with a sinister smile, he taunted, "Tsk tsk, I''ve always heard that the Xiaoshanhe Institute has greatly improved under Director Xiao''s leadership. But it seems that is not quite true, is it? The grand Martial Ceremony and not a single person from Xiaoshanhe Institute dares to participate?"


    "Director Xiao seems to have a reputation he doesn''t deserve!"


    "Without the courage to even participate in the Martial Ceremony, such an institute might as well be dismissed!"


    The crowd mocked in unison.


    Xiao Yi glanced at Yang Kun and said coolly, "Since the Crown Prince is so spirited, would he dare to ascend the altar and fight a duel to the death with me?"


    "..."


    Yang Kun''s face stiffened.


    He had witnessed Xiao Yi''s strength firsthand. To engage in combat with him? And a duel to the death at that? Wasn''t that seeking abuse?


    With a light cough,


    Yang Kun, putting on a brave face, said, "Am I afraid of you? But we can''t break the rules of the Martial Ceremony. Right now, it''s time for disciples to fight... You and me..."


    Xiao Yi waved his hand, interrupting Yang Kun mid-sentence, "Less nonsense, I''m just asking if you dare or not?"


    "I..."


    "Do you dare or not?"


    "Xiao Yi, you''re going too far..."


    "Trash, a duel to the death, do you dare or not? If not, then shut your mouth!"


    Xiao Yi sharply rebuked, watching as Yang Kun''s face turned beet-red with frustration, and scoffed, "A grand prince without even the courage to fight to the death? What use are you?"


    "You, you..."


    Enraged to the point of redness, Yang Kun''s chest heaved violently, and suddenly he spat out a mouthful of old blood and passed out completely rigid...

 Chapter 472 - 472: Those Who Insult My Master, Kill!

    "Yang Kun..."


    "Your Highness..."


    The faces of the Huihai Sword Master and the others changed simultaneously, as they hurriedly stepped forward to support the fainting Yang Kun.


    None of them had expected that Yang Kun would actually be angered to the point of vomiting blood by Xiao Yi. The Huihai Sword Master glared at Xiao Yi with furious eyes, grinding his teeth and saying, "Xiao Yi, you''ve gone too far!"


    Not only was Yang Kun a top disciple of the Tianjian Sect, but he was also the eldest prince.


    All along.


    With the support of the Tianjian Sect, the calls for Yang Kun to be named the Crown Prince had been getting louder, and they had hoped that taking advantage of this grand ancestral worship ceremony would allow Yang Kun to secure the position of the Crown Prince once and for all. But now, from the initial competition for the head incense, to the literary offering, and now...


    Yang Kun was utterly crushed by Xiao Yi, at a disadvantage.


    In the group of ministers now, many had become disappointed with Yang Kun''s performance.


    In contrast, Yang Ling...


    He didn''t even need to make a move, with Xiao Yi clearing the way, he won every battle.


    His momentum was climbing steadily!


    If this continued, the grand ancestral worship ceremony might just become a performance where Yang Ling harvested supporters.


    "Gone too far? Have I, Xiao Yi, ever actively provoked trouble from the beginning to the end? It has always been you, acting like jumping clowns, stirring up trouble and nitpicking." said Xiao Yi with a sneer, his contemptuous gaze sweeping over Yang Kun. "Moreover, I''m merely at the Tao Tribulation Realm, while he has entered Nirvana but lacks even the courage to fight me. Such trash, even if I do bully him, what can you do to me?"


    Xiao Yi''s words were a real indictment!


    The surrounding group of court officials and powerhouses from all quarters nodded secretly to themselves, "Xiao Yi is right, such a temperament really isn''t suitable for that position!"


    "As the esteemed eldest prince, he doesn''t even have this bit of responsibility. If he were to become the Crown Prince, I, the general, would be the first to dissent..."


    "Too poor!"


    Huihai Sword Master: "..."


    Yang Kun, who had just barely regained consciousness, spat out another mouthful of fresh blood: "..."


    "Enough!"


    Emperor Qian couldn''t stand it anymore; his look of disappointment laced with a hint of disgust swept over Yang Kun. He had many sons, but only called back Yang Kun and Yang Ling for this grand ancestral worship ceremony, to choose the Crown Prince.


    Before this, it was Yang Kun who had more support.


    Now, Yang Ling seemed to be overtaking him.


    Emperor Qian himself was also very conflicted. Backed by the Tianjian Sect and the peerless War God, it seemed logical for Yang Kun to inherit the position of the Crown Prince, which would make the Great Qian Dynasty''s rule more stable. However, Yang Ling was his most beloved son and also the one he saw fit as the Crown Prince.


    Phew!


    Emperor Qian took a long breath, deciding not to dwell on this any longer, he said indifferently, "Xiao Yi, I''ve heard that you have a disciple under your command who possesses the Battle War Holy Body. Let him take the stage first!"


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes.


    That Ye Heng has the Battle War Holy Body is true, but his cultivation is only at the Fifth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm.


    Should Ye Heng enter the battle first, he would inevitably be overpowered in a prolonged fight and end up defeated.


    Emperor Qian was taking a shot at the leading bird, implying that Xiao Yi should not be too high-profile!


    Xiao Yi looked towards Ye Heng within the crowd, saying indifferently, "Since the Emperor has commanded, Ye Heng, you take the stage."


    "Yes!"


    With a leap, Ye Heng sprang into the air and then landed on the altar.


    A robust body, agile figure.


    His muscles were like chunks of lead beneath his clothing, giving his entire body an extraordinarily burly appearance, like a steel-clad War God. Especially the black heavy sword on his back, which added a sense of heaviness and oppression.


    The Battle War Holy Body, born for war and victory!


    Fighting spirit aflame, burning fiercely.


    ```


    "Battle War Holy Body? I''ve been eager to challenge it, and I''ll be the first to meet you!"


    A figure leapt up, clad in military attire with a sword slung at his waist. His severe aura was chilling, and he clasped his fist towards Ye Heng, saying, "I am Xue Shiyi of the Blood Saber Guard under the unmatched War King. Please, enlighten me!"


    "Hmm!"


    Ye Heng merely nodded, his towering figure not moving an inch.


    Xue Shiyi''s brow furrowed as he sneered coldly, "Daring to belittle me like this? Die!"


    Whoosh!


    His figure moved like the wind, blood-colored afterimages flashing consecutively on the altar. His movement technique was so swift it left onlookers astonished, eliciting gasps, "Such speed in his movement technique, he''s indeed an elite of the Blood Saber Guard!"


    "Even a typical warrior at the Golden Elixir Peak would be inferior to such movement technique!"


    "Ye Heng is in danger now!"


    Amidst the gasps of shock, Jin Feiyan scoffed, her face full of disdain, "A bunch of idiots, my senior brother can settle this riffraff with just one punch; where''s the danger in that?"


    "One punch?"


    "Are you joking? That''s the Blood Saber Guard..."


    The words had barely left their lips.


    Thud! A muffled sound interrupted everyone''s thoughts, as gazes uniformly fixated upon the altar, where they saw Xue Shiyi''s figure flying backwards like a kite with a broken string, ejected straight from the center of the altar.


    Thud!


    Amidst the muffled impact, Xue Shiyi crashed hard into the ground, his face grotesquely caved in.


    He was already lifeless.


    Hiss!


    A collective intake of breath rose, faces awestruck as they gazed at Ye Heng on the platform slowly retracting his punch, baffled, "What, what just happened? How could Xue Shiyi, with such advanced movement technique, be defeated so easily?"


    "A bunch of idiots!"


    Jin Feiyan looked at the crowd with scorn, stating indifferently, "No matter how strong Xue Shiyi''s movement technique is, how does it compare to mine?"


    The crowd fell silent.


    How fast is Jin Feiyan?


    She is the victor of the battle for the incense, after all!


    Jin Feiyan spoke with pride, "My movement technique was taught by my master, and I''m merely his nominal disciple. My senior brother, however, is a direct disciple. If my movement technique is so powerful, do you think my senior brother''s would be inferior?"


    "..."


    The crowd exchanged glances, dumbfounded.


    Only then did they remember, whether it was Jin Feiyan or Ye Heng, both were disciples of Xiao Yi!


    If Xiao Yi could teach a disciple with such supreme movement technique like Jin Feiyan, how could Ye Heng, his direct disciple, lack methods to deal with advanced movement technique? In that moment, their gaze turned toward Xiao Yi with additional reverence and admiration.


    "Hmph, no matter how much he has inherited from Xiao Yi, I refuse to believe that a discarded failure nobody wanted can surpass the millennium heritage of True Martial Hall..."


    Whoosh! S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Amidst the sound of air being split, a nimble figure stepped onto the void and landed on the altar.


    This person was clad in True Martial Hall disciple''s garb, holding a longsword in hand, and stared at Ye Heng emotionlessly. He beckoned with a provocative look, "I am Guang Ang of True Martial Hall. Do you dare to fight?"


    "True Martial Hall''s Guang Ang? He is a sixth-layer Golden Elixir Realm expert, a real heir to True Martial Hall''s traditions, and his True Martial Sword Skill is more refined than that of many disciples in the Tao Tribulation Realm. He''s much stronger than Xue Shiyi!"


    "This time Ye Heng really has met his match!" the onlookers murmured amongst themselves.


    Ye Heng spoke, "You said my master is a discarded failure no one wanted?"


    "Isn''t that so? He''s nothing more than a piece of trash abandoned by the Xiao Family..."


    Guang Ang''s voice was suddenly cut off by a roar from Ye Heng, whose eyes blazed with divine light, his voice booming like war drums, "No matter who you are, daring to insult my master is a path to death!"


    ```

 Chapter 473 - 473: Who Dares to Fight?

    "Insult my master, die!"


    Ye Heng''s cold shout surged with an overwhelming intention to fight.


    Two streams of warfire ignited, hissing wildly, as the stones beneath his feet exploded with loud booms.


    Terrifying energy erupted in an instant.


    A series of resounding cracks joined together in rapid succession, like frying beans, as flames spread from his feet towards Guang Ang. As the cracks expanded, shards of stone flew up like darts and cold arrows, shooting out swiftly.


    Guang Ang''s face was expressionless, and he smiled coldly, "Trivial skills, witness my True Martial Sword Skill¡ªSweeping Sword Strike!"


    True Martial Hall.


    One of the top ten sects of the Great Qian Dynasty.


    This was also an extremely powerful sect, fond of collecting all sorts of strong martial arts techniques. In terms of the collection of martial arts, perhaps even the number one sect, the Tianjian Sect, could not outdo them.


    The moment the Sweeping Sword Strike was unleashed.


    Silver sword flowers blossomed with a whoosh from Guang Ang''s longsword, as the silver blade whistled through the air, slicing it with a series of ear-piercing sounds.


    The circular sword flowers expanded.


    Like a Sword Qi Flower Lotus blooming continuously, the petals of Sword Qi blossomed, shattering the incoming stone shards with a series of crisp clangs. At the same time, Guang Ang''s toes tapped the ground repeatedly, and he swiftly circled to Ye Heng''s back like a swift monkey.


    "Take this... Level Sword Strike!"


    Silver sword light formed a fan-shaped sweep, cutting horizontally close to the ground.


    Where the sword edge passed, it lifted a layer of dust.


    Without looking back, Ye Heng slammed his palms onto the ground, and his Second Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm cultivation erupting with a force comparable to the Fifth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm. With a loud boom, a series of earthen walls shot up from the ground behind him.


    One.


    Two.


    Three...


    A total of nine earthen walls blocked behind him, wearing down the fan-shaped sword edge, not even managing to destroy the last wall.


    At the same time.


    Ye Heng performed a backward somersault, soaring through the air like a star falling from outside the sky, descending towards Guang Ang.


    "Annihilation Sword Strike!"


    Guang Ang was equally poised in his response, showing no panic, calmly lifting his longsword from below upwards, thrusting towards Ye Heng''s heart. The speed of this thrust was incredibly fast, with a very tricky angle.


    Just as Ye Heng was about to collide with the blade.


    At that moment...


    Ye Heng twisted in the air, causing a brief stall in his movement, followed by a toe tap that landed on the sword edge.


    Ding!


    Amid the crisp sound.


    Ye Heng''s toe landed directly on the tip of the sword, his fighting will blazing like fire, and with a thunderous growl, he executed a thousand-pound drop out of thin air.


    The Thousand Pound Drop.


    This was a unique secret technique, which once unleashed, could make even a hundred-pound body instantly become as heavy as a thousand pounds.


    "Not good..."


    Caught off-guard, Guang Ang''s arm weakened, and his longsword dropped to the ground.


    Forcefully stamped into the earth by Ye Heng.


    All of this happened in the blink of an eye, leaving Guang Ang unable to react, his sudden descent unbalancing him, instinctively leaning forward. Almost simultaneously, Ye Heng, who had landed, lifted his heavy fist and smashed it towards Guang Ang''s face, "Heavenly Fist!"


    Boom!


    One punch to send you to heaven!


    Like a heavy punch falling on a sandbag, with a dull thunderous noise, Guang Ang didn''t even have a chance to scream before his head was smashed apart.


    The headless Guang Ang still held the sword hilt in his hand.


    But from that neck...


    Blood spurted out like a fountain.


    Hoo!


    Ye Heng let out a long breath of murky air, waving his hand to toss Guang Ang''s corpse off the altar, his face remained indifferent as he looked at the crowd, "Whoever dares to insult my master again, this will be their end!"


    Hisss...


    At this moment.


    Everyone couldn''t help but close their mouths.


    Having killed Xue Shiyi and then crushing Guang Ang''s head, Ye Heng had faced both battles with such ease.


    This level of strength had completely conquered them.


    "To burst forth with such terrifying power at just the Second Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, isn''t Ye Heng too strong?"


    "Xiao Yi is really lucky to have accepted such a talented disciple!"


    "Lucky? Ye Heng has been at Xiaoshanhe Institute for several years, and people like Chen Shuiwen failed to discover him, even treating him as trash. Xiao Yi just arrived at Xiaoshanhe Institute, and he discovered his talent, and even helped him awaken the Battle War Holy Body. Do you think Xiao Yi''s achievements today are really just due to luck?"


    "So there are such hidden secrets? No wonder Xiaoshanhe Institute has undergone such earth-shattering changes under Xiao Yi''s leadership... Where is there any trash? This is an absolute genius!"


    "The Xiao Family is really blind, holding a gem but unaware of its worth..."


    Amidst the crowd.


    Xiao Zhengde''s face turned shades of green and purple, as Xiao Yi became more successful and powerful, it only made him appear more incompetent and foolish.


    Even without looking back...


    He could feel that many behind him were pointing fingers and casting strange glances. This infuriated Xiao Zhengde even more.


    "You damned bastard, wouldn''t it be good for you to remain as trash? Why must you create trouble... However, no matter how hard you try, it''s useless. As long as Tian''er is here, you will never have a day of success."


    Xiao Zhengde clenched his teeth, his resentful gaze fixated on Xiao Yi, "Humph, what does it matter if you teach an even stronger disciple? Now everyone is supporting you. When I reveal Tian''er''s news to the public at the height of your fame, the higher you climb, the harder you''ll fall!"


    Meanwhile.


    Atop the altar, Ye Heng''s fighting spirit became even more fierce, his eyes blazing with a hint of blood-red color, like a War God.


    Boom!


    He took down the longsword from his back and thrust it fiercely into the ground, challenging the crowd with his gaze, "Who else? Where are the people from the Tianjian Sect? Where are those from the Feixue Temple? Aren''t you all looking down on my Xiaoshanhe Institute? Why is it that nobody dares to come out now?"


    "Arrogance!"


    "Ding Wenzhong from Wendao Villa is here to have a go..."


    A green-faced, monkey-cheeked youth leaped onto the stage, "Ye Heng, I, Ding Wenzhong, will cut you down on this altar, so the world knows that Xiaoshanhe Institute is nothing but a joke..."


    Boom!


    The deafening sound of tearing air abruptly cut off Ding Wenzhong''s words, followed by a scream, as he was smashed to the ground by a punch from Ye Heng. With one stomp of his foot, his head was crushed with a bang.


    Ye Heng, drenched in blood, his fighting spirit continued to climb, "Who else? Come on!"


    "A lone cloud from Three Seas Mountain comes to seek..."


    "Seek your mother..."


    Bang!


    The Seventh Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm strongman had not even stepped onto the altar when he was already cleaved into two by a sword from Ye Heng.


    "With such a vicious nature, you''re simply a demon. Let me cleanse you with righteous energy from Vast Righteousness Pavilion..." A refined scholar from the pavilion, wielding a scroll and an ink brush, swept across the air.


    Swish, swish, swish!


    Golden characters emerged, formed from the aggregation of righteous energy, each as sharp as the edge of swords.


    Golden characters rushed forward.


    As if a shower of golden rain was falling.


    Ye Heng, soaked with blood, having slain several powerful enemies, had fully unleashed his Battle War Holy Body.


    Invincible in battle, undefeated in war!


    "Among peers, I, Wudi, stand unrivaled!"


    Ye Heng faced the shower of golden letters without fear, the opponent''s cultivation reaching the Ninth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, surpassing him by seven minor realms. Yet Ye Heng showed no fear, his fighting spirit soaring, he swept the black longsword through the air.


    Hum!


    Wherever the black sword light passed, not a blade of grass grew, not a tile remained intact.


    The shower of golden characters was dissipated. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In face of the horror-stricken Vast Righteousness Pavilion youth, the black longsword pounded him into a muddle of flesh and blood. Ye Heng stood amidst the blood rain, tilting his head to howl to the sky, "Who dares to fight me?"

 Chapter 474 - 474: Ye Heng Fights Yun Dian

    "Who dares to fight?"


    Ye Heng''s eyes turned a deep red as he howled up at the sky.


    His black hair moved without any wind behind him, dancing wildly as if possessed, while the heavy black sword in his hand whipped through the air, creating an imposing aura.


    The heavy sword had no edge.


    Great skill requires no effort!


    This heavy black sword weighed over a thousand pounds; when wielded, it resembled a rampaging beast, ensuring instant death to anyone not strong enough to withstand its power. Around his body, a circular storm of Sword Qi was unleashed.


    It made it impossible for anyone to approach.


    Around the altar.


    Some cultivators of weaker abilities, faced with such a terrifying storm of Sword Qi, all went pale and kept retreating, step by step.


    They didn''t dare to come close!


    "A Second Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm can be this terrifying?"


    "Just what kind of existence is Xiao Yi to be able to instruct such a fearsome disciple..."


    "Not only is Xiao Yi remarkable in guiding disciples, but it''s also said he''s proficient in alchemy and formations... Even the Pavilion Master of Treasure Pavilion is inferior to him in the art of alchemy. How can there be such a perfect person in the world?"


    The stronger Ye Heng got, the more formidable Xiao Yi became.


    After Ye Heng successively slew challenger after challenger, Xiao Yi''s reputation also soared.


    Yang Kun had already recovered, his expression changing unpredictably as he never imagined that Ye Heng, mere at the Second Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, could be so overpowering.


    He turned back to look at the one beside him, the Huihai Sword Master, his eyes flickering with a venomous light, "We can''t let him continue winning. Otherwise, even if we defeat him in the end, Xiao Yi''s reputation will have reached its peak!"


    "Right!"


    The Huihai Sword Master solemnly nodded and turned to a frail-looking young man behind him, saying, "Yun Dian, kill him!"


    "Hmm!"


    The frail young man nodded, his seemingly weak body emitting a bone-chilling coldness at that moment.


    Step by step!


    He moved toward the altar step by step, neither fast nor slow, yet the crowd around automatically parted to make way for him.


    With concern, Xiao Zhengde said, "Yang Kun, from my point of view, Yun Dian is merely at the Golden Elixir Realm Peak, just like that member from Vast Righteousness Pavilion who was scarcely weaker than him, yet he was still slain by Ye Heng. Are you sure it''s alright for him to take action?"


    The Huihai Sword Master confidently smiled, proudly replied, "Xiao, just put your heart at ease!"


    "The Sword Master is right, you just relax!"


    The corners of Yang Kun''s mouth curved slightly upward, forming a cold arc, "Xiao Yi, oh Xiao Yi, I wonder what you''ll feel when your direct disciple dies before your very eyes, huh? Hahaha..."


    Tap tap tap!


    Yun Dian slowly made his way up to the altar, squeezing out a sickly smile on his pale face, "Yun Dian of Tianjian Sect!"


    "So the scum of Tianjian Sect is finally willing to make a move?"


    Ye Heng snorted coldly, his heavy sword sweeping across the air, but he didn''t underestimate Yun Dian, "Come on, let''s see what kind of skill people from your Tianjian Sect actually have!"


    "As you wish!"


    Yun Dian chuckled lightly.


    He slowly took out a silver brocade box from his chest, and with a flick of his finger, the box opened quietly. Flashes of silver light shot by and inside the box lay a row of small swords like needles, varying in size and utterly silent.


    The moment the brocade box opened, Yun Dian''s originally feeble gaze suddenly sharpened.


    It was as if his very eyes held razor-sharp longswords within them.


    "Sword, come!"


    With a flick of his finger, Yun Dian pointed forward.


    Swish!


    A silver needle-like sword shot out.


    A streak of silver light flashed through the air, and almost instinctively, Ye Heng drew back. At the same time, he felt a sting on his cheek, and a trail of blood spurted out.


    Ye Heng frowned slightly and raised his hand to wipe his face.


    Bright red blood dripped onto his palm.


    "What a fast sword!" Ye Heng narrowed his eyes.


    He had just barely managed to dodge instinctively; otherwise, his throat would have been the one slashed!


    Hum!


    The silver small sword returned to Yun Dian''s side, hovering to his left. Yun Dian smiled and said, "This is just the beginning, the faster swords are still to come! If you kneel and beg for mercy now, and admit Xiao Yi is trash, maybe I''ll consider sparing your life!"


    "Go to hell!"


    Ye Heng flew into a rage.


    To him, Xiao Yi was as important as his own life; how could he tolerate such insults and provocation?


    "Stubborn fool, then die!"


    A cold snort came from Yun Dian''s nostrils. With a flicker of his fingers, a series of crisp tinkles rang out. In the whooshing sound of the air being split, row after row of small silver swords flew out of the brocade box, aligning themselves in a row and charging towards the oncoming Ye Heng.


    Thud!


    Ye Heng''s figure came to an abrupt halt, he leaned back and twisted both hands to block with his black heavy sword in front of him.


    Tinkle, tinkle, tinkle! Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The small silver swords flew through the air, continuously striking the blade.


    Every collision''s terrifying impact forcefully pushed Ye Heng back.


    Each step he retreated left behind a series of footprints half a foot deep in the ground.


    The sixteen small silver swords pushed Ye Heng back sixteen steps. When Ye Heng finally stopped, the webs of his hands had burst open, blood trailing down the sword hilt. In contrast, Yun Dian appeared relaxed with sixteen small silver swords hovering over his head. "I haven''t even exerted my full strength, and you''re already struggling to keep up?"


    "Cut your mother''s rancid crap, how can mere embroidery needles injure me?"


    Ye Heng sneered.


    "Embroidery needles?"


    Yun Dian''s face darkened. He detested when people likened his artistry to mere embroidery, considering his weaponry and effeminate appearance. Glaring at Ye Heng with a gloomy look, Yun Dian sneered, "I gave you a chance, but you didn''t cherish it. Now, die!"


    "Sword Rain!"


    At Yun Dian''s command, the sixteen small swords burst forth at once.


    They were like a silver sword rain.


    "A Stroke That Surprises the Wind and Rain!"


    "Green Lotus Rebirth..."


    Ye Heng consecutively executed the "Green Lotus Sword Song," repelling each of the small swords one by one.


    Yun Dian''s face remained expressionless as his hands suddenly came together, "One Sword Divides the Heavens and Earth!"


    Clang, clang, clang!


    The small silver swords merged into the form of a gigantic sword. Strands of silver essence inhaled and exhaled among each other, linking together. Eventually, they formed a giant silver sword and slashed towards Ye Heng, who raised his sword to block.


    Boom!


    Amidst a loud crash, the altar beneath Ye Heng''s feet exploded into pieces, sending dust flying and creating a sandstorm ten meters high.


    For a moment, it was impossible to see the figures of Ye Heng and his opponent.


    "What''s happened?"


    "Who has won?"


    All spectators were captivated, their eyes fixed upon the dust-filled altar.


    Xiao Zhengde clenched his fists, his gaze never leaving the altar, "Huihai Sword Master, are you sure Yun Dian can win?"


    "Don''t worry!"


    The Huihai Sword Master said confidently, "Yun Dian is a disciple of the Tianjian Sect''s Inner Sect, adept in the Sword Control Skill, and furthermore... his cultivation level is not..."


    Before he could finish,


    a thunderous boom was heard.


    Two sword shadows collided, creating a chaotic storm that swept away the dust obscuring the view. Amid the dust, a figure was sent flying out in a very wretched state, instantly drawing everyone''s attention, "Is the match decided? Who won?"

 Chapter 475 - 475: As your master is here, why do you need to risk your life?

    ```


    "Who won?"


    "It seems that person is Yun Dian?"


    Under the watchful eyes of everyone, that figure flying backward gradually revealed his true appearance.


    It was indeed Yun Dian!


    Yun Dian, like a kite with its string cut, slammed onto the ground with a bang, rolling over several times. Those sixteen silver mini-swords returned through the air and formed a wall of swords to steadily catch him, and only then did he come to a stop.


    Wow!


    Yun Dian knelt on one knee, spitting out a mouthful of congealed blood.


    His gloomy face turned even paler.


    Bowing his head, he raised his gaze, showing the whites of his eyes, making his dark pupils appear even more fierce and ruthless. Raising his hand to wipe the blood from the corner of his mouth, Yun Dian cracked a sinister smile, "Interesting, very interesting... For someone at the Second Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm to unleash such power, it''s no wonder he has a Battle War Holy Body..."


    Battle War Holy Body.


    One of the ten great Sacred Bodies.


    Invincible in every battle, unbeatable in war!


    This body was born for battle, with each fight resulting in tremendous enhancement.


    Don''t be fooled by Ye Heng''s cultivation at the Second Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm; over the past few months, he had sparred nightly with Shadow Demons and others. With each bruising defeat, his combat strength soared rapidly.


    Even those at the peak of the Golden Elixir Realm were no match for him!


    The fresh blood from Ye Heng''s tiger''s mouth dripped down the hilt of his sword, falling into the dust like bright-red plum blossoms. His lips curved upward slightly, his fighting spirit undiminished. "Among those of the same level, with me present, Wudi is here, and you are no match for me!"


    "Among those of the same level, I admit I''m no match for you, but who said I''m still within the Golden Core Realm?"


    Yun Dian suddenly broke into a cold, sly smile.


    "Huh?"


    Ye Heng was startled.


    Disciples from all the major powers who joined the Martial God''s ceremony had to be below the Tao Tribulation Realm; no one could break this rule.


    Could it be that Yun Dian was concealing a higher level of cultivation within the Tao Tribulation Realm?


    Ye Heng frowned, "Are you hiding your cultivation level? Aren''t you afraid of violating the rules of the ancestor worship ceremony?"


    "Hahaha, we understand the rules of the ancestor worship ceremony better than you, of course we won''t break them. However, the ceremony didn''t say you can''t have a breakthrough during the battle..." Yun Dian''s lips curled into a mad smile, making his pale face appear even more hideous.


    Boom!


    Yun Dian''s body shook violently, and a Golden Core flew out from within him.


    Hovering above his head.


    Patterns began to appear on the Golden Core.


    This was the sign of an impending breakthrough to the Tao Tribulation Realm!


    "Not good!"


    Beneath the altar, people like Xiao Yi''s faces changed dramatically, and they became furious. "Yang Kun, you have some nerve sending disciples above the Golden Core Realm to participate in the Martial God''s ceremony..."


    "Xiao Yi, don''t slander us! Before Yun Dian set foot on the altar, he was genuinely at the Golden Core Realm. His breakthrough to the Tao Tribulation Realm during the battle doesn''t break any of the Martial God''s ceremony rules..." The Huihai Sword Master spoke with a sense of righteous articulation.


    Yang Kun lamented with an exaggerated expression, "I didn''t expect Yun Dian to have such a chance, to gain enlightenment during the Martial God''s ceremony and break through to the Tao Tribulation Realm... It seems that Lady Luck is still on our side!"


    Everyone: "..."


    "''Lady Luck'', my ass!"


    Xiao Yi cursed loudly. Indeed, there''s only a thin line between the peak of the Golden Elixir Realm and the Tao Tribulation Realm, but which Golden Core Realm Peak cultivator wouldn''t have some premonition before making such a breakthrough?


    Yang Kun and others clearly knew beforehand that Yun Dian was about to step into the Tao Tribulation Realm; they had him purposely suppress his cultivation level until he climbed onto the altar to participate in the Martial God''s ceremony before breaking through.


    ```


    What a malicious intent!


    Yang Ling''s face showed signs of anxiousness. He had put all his bets on Xiao Yi and the Xiaoshanhe Institute, naturally reluctant to see Ye Heng defeated. He looked towards Emperor Qian, "Father Emperor, this does not abide by the rules..."


    "Hmm?"


    Emperor Qian opened his eyes and glanced at him, speaking lightly, "Yun Dian reached the altar while still in the Golden Elixir Realm Cultivation, it''s not a violation of the rules!"


    "This..."


    Yang Ling still wanted to argue with reason but was stopped by a look from Qi at his side.


    He could only resignedly close his mouth.


    Xiao Yi angrily said, "Your Majesty, do you really intend to indulge them so? If everyone behaves like this, what is the purpose of having laws and rules?"


    "Xiao Yi, who gave you the right to talk to me in such a manner?"


    Emperor Qian leaned forward slightly, narrowing his eyes as he scrutinized Xiao Yi, and said coolly, "This is my world, my word is the law, the rule. If Ye Heng dies in this battle, it is because he''s inferior in skills, and no one else is to blame!"


    "Hahaha, Xiao Yi, it seems you can only watch as your direct disciple dies in battle!"


    Yang Kun laughed triumphantly. From the start of the ancestral worship ceremony, he had been suppressed by Xiao Yi, and now he finally got to vent his frustrations, "Xiao Yi, if you do not wish to see your direct disciple die in battle, you can beg me! If you kneel and beg, maybe I will consider sparing him!"


    "..."


    Looking at Yang Kun''s smug appearance, Xiao Yi felt as if there was a heavy stone piled in his heart, unable to breathe.


    He had never expected the mighty Tianjian Sect to stoop so low and be so shameless.


    Moreover, Emperor Qian''s indulgence in the sinister actions of Yang Kun and the Huihai Sword Master had completely enraged Xiao Yi.


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi let out a long breath of stale air, his eyes flashing with a chilly gleam as he said indifferently, "Since you all want to play, then I will play with you to the end!"


    "Hmm?"


    Yang Kun''s expression turned cold, and he asked with a frown, "What? You''re thinking of taking action yourself? It''s the martial sacrifice now, and no power greater than the Golden Elixir Realm is allowed on the altar. If you dare to make a move, I can make you regret it on the spot!"


    Emperor Qian also said indifferently, "Xiao Yi, if you make a move, I will surely kill you!"


    Atop the altar.


    Ye Heng looked at Yun Dian, who had completely entered the First Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm, a serious expression also appearing on his face. Hearing Emperor Qian''s words, Ye Heng immediately said, "Master, rest assured, even if I have to risk my life, I will not shame you!"


    If not for Xiao Yi''s arrival, he would still be considered a waste.


    A man dies for those who appreciate him!


    Even in death, Ye Heng did not want to bring disgrace to Xiao Yi.


    "Silence!"


    But Xiao Yi let out a cold huff, speaking indifferently, "As your master is here, why do you need to risk your life? For the upcoming battle, just follow my commands!"


    "Ah?"


    Ye Heng was taken aback but without any hesitation, he nodded and said, "Disciple understands!"


    Yang Kun and the others were left dumbfounded, mocking, "Xiao Yi, you don''t really think that with your on-the-spot guidance, Ye Heng can defeat Yun Dian in the First Layer of Tao Tribulation Realm with his Second Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm Cultivation, do you?"


    "It''s simply a fool''s dream, utterly delusional!"


    "He doesn''t really think he''s the Martial God, does he?"


    "He must not have woken up yet!"


    "Hahahaha..."


    Above the dragon couch, even Emperor Qian couldn''t help but shake his head.


    Xiao Yi stood with his hands behind his back, unfazed, focusing intently on Ye Heng on the altar, and said calmly, "If you do not believe, then open your eyes wide and watch how I turn the tide..." sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 476 - 476: Beaten to Death

    "You must have lost your mind," Yang Kun shook his head and sneered. "Even if a master from the Longevity Secret Realm were here, it wouldn''t be possible to, through on-the-spot guidance, have a Second Layer of the Golden Core Realm martial artist defeat an expert of the First Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm!"


    From the Second Layer of the Golden Core Realm to the First Layer of the Tao Tribulation Realm.


    Between them lies the gap of a major realm.


    Xiao Zhengde spoke with cold ridicule, "Even Tian''er, at the Second Layer of the Golden Core Realm, couldn''t possibly defeat a warrior of the Tao Tribulation Realm. You actually dare to entertain the thought that with on-the-spot guidance, Ye Heng could defeat Yun Dian? That''s simply a fool''s dream!"


    The Tao Tribulation Realm.


    It''s the realm where one has mastered the primordial force of the martial dao and condensed the Martial Dao Divine Fruit.


    In terms of martial skills or the use of the power of heaven and earth, they far surpass those in the Golden Core Realm.


    The difference between them is like heaven and earth.


    Even an existence as powerful as Xiao Tianjiao wouldn''t dare claim he could certainly defeat a warrior of the Tao Tribulation Realm when he was at the Second Layer of the Golden Core Realm.


    Yang Ling''s face showed grave concern as he walked up to Xiao Yi and spoke in a low voice, "Xiao Yi, perhaps we should call off this round! It''s just one round, later we can strive to win the next one!"


    Clearly even Yang Ling didn''t believe Xiao Yi could truly pull off such a miracle.


    Xiao Yi simply smiled faintly, his gaze sweeping over the crowd that mocked him, and he spoke firmly and deliberately, "When Xiao Yi makes a promise, he sticks to it like spit to a nail. If I say Ye Heng will win, then he will!"


    "This..."


    Yang Ling appeared hesitant.


    Atop the altar.


    Yun Dian had already started without giving them a chance to call a halt. The vital energy flowing in his hands far surpassed that of before, with his palms up to his arms now covered in a layer of silver patterns.


    These silver patterns appeared like profound runes.


    Criss-crossing and extending, every inch of silver light made his arms seem as though they were forged from silver.


    "Come, sword!"


    With a flick of his finger.


    The sixteen small silver swords hovering behind Yun Dian shot out simultaneously, this time at a speed several times faster than before.


    Not even the slightest sound of air friction could be heard in the sky.


    This was the most noticeable change after breaking through to the Tao Tribulation Realm, the more precise and skillful mastery over the power of heaven and earth, allowing him to manipulate these silver swords to avoid the resistance of wind and air.


    Beneath the altar.


    Xiao Yi, with his arms crossed and an indifferent expression, spoke out, "Take three steps back to the left..."


    Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh!


    Without the slightest hesitation, Ye Heng, as if a puppet on Xiao Yi''s strings, took three consecutive steps to the left.


    "Naive... You''ve changed from the past!" Yun Dian sneered.


    He was completely confident in his Sword Control Technique.


    Had it been before he broke through to the Tao Tribulation Realm, Ye Heng might have had a chance to avoid his attacks.


    But now...


    Yun Dian said confidently, "There''s no way you can avoid it!"


    However.


    As Xiao Yi commanded Ye Heng to retreat three steps to the left, his next instruction also followed, "Two waters parting around Bailu Island!"


    Roar!


    Ye Heng''s arm muscles bulged in an instant, gripping the sword hilt with both hands, his forehead veins throbbing as he furiously swung his arms. With a piercing sound of slicing the air, the edgeless heavy sword, from below upward, cleaved through wave after wave of qi.


    The qi stuck to the blade''s edge, traveling sideways.


    Precisely and evenly.


    It struck the first of the small silver swords.


    The two swords met, like a needle''s tip against a stalk of wheat.


    Ding, ding, ding!


    In a cacophony of ear-piercing clangs and sparks flying, the black edgeless heavy sword actually knocked the small silver sword flying.


    The aligned small silver swords split like a river parting, centered around the edgeless heavy sword, shooting rapidly to both sides.


    "What?"


    "Truly blocked? That... That must be a coincidence, right?"


    "Whether it''s coincidence or Xiao Yi''s guidance¡ªthe result will soon become clear!"


    The eyes of the crowd were glued to the scene atop the altar.


    Yang Kun, Xiao Zhengde, and the Huihai Sword Master were among the most nervous.


    Yun Dian also seemed surprised but didn''t take it too seriously, flicking his fingers to manipulate the small silver swords to hover above Ye Heng''s head, their tips pointing inward to form a circular sword formation, spinning round and round.


    No matter how Ye Heng dodged, the sword formation remained fixed right above his head.


    "That was just luck, now let''s see how you defend against this move!" Yun Dian shouted, his right index and middle fingers coming together, standing upright.


    At the same time.


    The sixteen spinning silver swords also changed direction, their tips turning.


    Like venomous fangs flickering with cold light, the small silver swords, pointed collectively at Ye Heng below, issued Yun Dian''s low command, "Sword Rain!"


    Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh!


    Together, the sixteen sword shadows plummeted downward.


    As they fell, they twisted around each other, spinning so fast it was impossible to make out the paths of the small silver swords.


    Inescapable and indefensible.


    In that critical moment.


    Xiao Yi''s voice once again reached Ye Heng''s ears, and Ye Heng''s trust in Xiao Yi was blind, without a shred of doubt.


    Facing Xiao Yi''s command, Ye Heng executed without hesitation, "Qinglian Rebirth, endless cycle of life!"


    "Qinglian Rebirth!"


    Wielding the edgeless heavy sword, Ye Heng condensed a black Sword Qi Flower Lotus. Without any pause, he executed, "Endless cycle of life!"


    Swoosh!


    Swoosh!


    Swoosh!


    ```


    The Sword Qi Flower Lotus continued to spin, surging up against the heavens following the direction of Ye Heng''s longsword.


    Clang clang clang!


    The Sword Qi Flower Lotus forcefully repelled the falling sword beams one by one, and simultaneously, Xiao Yi''s voice came once again, "A world beyond the sky, not within human realms!"


    Splendor flashed in Ye Heng''s eyes.


    Whoosh!


    His footsteps were illusory, as if he were a phantom.


    The place where his body had stood was now completely replaced by a vortex of Sword Qi, continuously pulling the silver small swords, preventing them from pursuing. As for Ye Heng, with a flash, he had broken through the surrounding of the Sword Rain Formation.


    Huihai Sword Master stared in disbelief, "He, he actually broke the Sword Rain Formation?"


    The Sword Rain Formation was an extremely strong offensive measure.


    Ye Heng, being below the Sword Rain Formation, was restricted everywhere, but now he had finally escaped the trap.


    Just like a runaway wild horse!


    Xiao Yi''s voice came once again, "Green Lotus Reincarnation, trap those small swords!"


    "Yes!"


    As Ye Heng turned around, he swung his sword.


    The Sword Qi Flower Lotus hovered above the Sword Qi vortex, petals made of condensed Sword Qi blooming to seal the vortex.


    The sixteen silver small swords were trapped within it, and Xiao Yi roared, "Strike him while he is down, take his life!"


    Roar!


    Ye Heng let out a resounding howl, with golden light circulating around his body, Battle War Holy Body fully unleashed!


    The golden Qi-Blood in his body, breathing in and out, made him look like a god or a demon, his hand wielding a black staff that swept up a storm of golden wind, charging towards Yun Dian.


    "This is bad ..."


    Yun Dian''s face suddenly changed; his cultivation might have stepped into the Tao Tribulation Realm, but he had only just made a breakthrough, and moreover, his physical body was weak and his forte was the Sword Control Technique. Now that the small swords were trapped, facing Ye Heng who was using the Battle War Holy Body, he feared that it would only be a few exchanges before he would be defeated.


    Yun Dian dodged while trying to control the small swords, but the Sword Qi from the Green Lotus was too terrible. For the moment, he couldn''t break free, which had him sweating profusely from his forehead, "Damn it, break free, come out ..."


    "Die!"


    Ye Heng''s bellow suddenly shattered his thoughts.


    Whoosh!


    A single sword strike fell.


    Yun Dian instinctively raised his hand to block but was met with a resounding clang as his right arm was brutally smashed and broken off by Ye Heng.


    The intense pain made Yun Dian''s face contort horribly, screaming miserably, "Roar ... my hand ..."


    "Tie him up, don''t let him pull away from you!" Xiao Yi''s guidance, like a beacon in the night, allowed Ye Heng to unleash the most powerful movement technique of his life, staying close on Yun Dian''s heels.


    He had the Battle War Holy Body!


    As hard as refined iron in the flesh, and as simultaneously powerful as a humanoid behemoth.


    "Strike him while he is down, take his life!"


    Ye Heng pressed on step by step, sticking to Yun Dian, each punch landing on his body.


    Wow!


    Bang!


    Boom ...


    Punches to the face, kicks to the groin, and occasionally, an edgeless heavy sword slashing across his waist.


    After a moment.


    Yun Dian was already covered in blood, his face swollen like that of a pig''s head, utterly incapable of continuing the fight. His pale face was already devoid of color, looking at Ye Heng, who was like a mad demon within the golden light; fear and terror were the only things in his eyes, "No, don''t come over ... save me, Your Highness, save me ..."


    Yun Dian no longer had the flamboyance and confidence of before, now like a dog that lost its home.


    Pitiful.


    Tragic!


    "Damn it!"


    Huihai Sword Master watched, his face alternating between flushing and paleness, as Yun Dian was beaten mercilessly by Ye Heng; his eyes bloodshot with anger he shouted, "Stop, stop it!"


    Whoosh!


    Just as Huihai Sword Master was about to take action, he saw a streak of cold light burst forth.


    It was a golden sword energy, pointed directly before his toes.


    Hiss!


    Huihai Sword Master took a sharp breath, his expression instantly darkening, "Xiao Yi, what do you mean by this?"


    Xiao Yi shrugged his shoulders, speaking indifferently, "Didn''t you all say it before? During the martial ceremony, same-generation fighters can engage in a life-or-death battle without interference from anyone!"


    "You ..."


    Huihai Sword Master and Yang Kun and others were indignant but helpless. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Moments earlier.


    They had used this very reason to prevent Xiao Yi from helping Ye Heng, not expecting that in just a short while, the roles would be completely reversed. Seeing Yun Dian, now being ruthlessly beaten on the ground by Ye Heng, Huihai Sword Master and the others realized the situation was irretrievable.


    Despair and resignation filled their eyes.


    Almost at the same time ...


    Bang!


    Ye Heng''s fist smashed onto Yun Dian''s head, and his entire head exploded instantaneously, killed on the spot by Ye Heng.


    Whoosh!


    As Ye Heng rose to his feet, his body covered in blood, he gave a salute to Xiao Yi, "Master, your disciple has not disgraced you!"


    "Good job!"


    Xiao Yi smiled slightly, turning towards Huihai Sword Master and the others, "My unworthy disciple has won again. Does anyone else wish to challenge?"


    Everyone exchanged glances, reluctantly lowering their heads, "..."


    Challenge?


    Even Yun Dian of the Tao Tribulation Realm had been beaten to death; who would dare to challenge?


    While everyone was shocked by Ye Heng''s terrifying combat strength, they were even more subjugated by Xiao Yi''s miraculous guidance...


    ```

 Chapter 477 - 477: If you want to fight, then lets fight!

    At this moment...


    Above the summit of Imperial Dragon Mountain, all was silent.


    Everyone was quietly gaping, staring at Ye Heng, who, bloodied like a War God, stood proudly amidst the raging winds atop the altar.


    This youth, merely at the Second Layer of the Golden Core Realm, had achieved victory after victory during the martial sacrifice.


    Especially when facing the Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouse Yun Dian, he still managed to rely on Xiao Yi''s guidance to forcefully beat a Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouse to death. This deepened everyone''s understanding of the Battle War Holy Body.


    This truly was a Sacred Body born for battling.


    The more he fought, the braver he became.


    He fought every battle and won them all!


    Of course.


    Beyond their shock and admiration for Ye Heng''s Battle War Holy Body, people were even more astounded by Xiao Yi.


    "It''s just too terrifying. If it weren''t for the fact that we''ve already investigated everything about him, I would even suspect that there is an old monster who has lived for tens of thousands of years lurking inside that body."


    "From the very first move that seemed the simplest, having Ye Heng dodge Yun Dian''s attack, to every subsequent response, Xiao Yi handled each with ease. Even when employing unorthodox swordplay, just a slight error would have cost Ye Heng his life at Yun Dian''s hands. But Xiao Yi truly managed it..."


    "The Sword Control Technique is extremely tricky. To deploy a series of such strategies by oneself would only be described as brilliant and stunning. But for Xiao Yi to be able to command Ye Heng to defeat the strong despite being weaker, and to execute each move and stance just at the right moment, hitting Yun Dian''s imperceptible flaws, I can no longer find the words to praise him..."


    "Even Xiao Tianjiao hasn''t killed a Tao Tribulation Realm powerhouse at the Second Layer of the Golden Core Realm, right? By this account, hasn''t Ye Heng broken Xiao Tianjiao''s record?"


    "Are you joking? Although Ye Heng is strong, it would''ve been absolutely impossible for him to defeat Yun Dian on his own. All of this is Xiao Yi''s doing. If we say that a record was broken, it should be attributed to Xiao Yi, right?"


    "Xiao Yi breaking Xiao Tianjiao''s record isn''t a first or second time occurrence!"


    Dongfang stroked his long beard, wearing a smile that was profound and unfathomable. When the crowd turned their eyes to him, he said softly, "As far as I know, Xiao Yi completed a hundred consecutive victories in the Combat Pavilion. This was his first time breaking Xiao Tianjiao''s record since coming to the imperial capital. Before that, he broke Xiao Tianjiao''s record by advancing from the Physical Body Realm into the Golden Core Realm in just two short years. Records like these are too numerous to count!"


    At this moment, both Ancestor Dongfang and Ancestor Ximen wore expressions of relief.


    Thank goodness they chose to stand on Xiao Yi''s side.


    Such a powerful being...


    As long as he does not fall, he will surely become a giant in the future!


    "So it turns out Xiao Yi is truly even more talented than Xiao Tianjiao! Tsk tsk, Xiao Zhengde has really been blind!"


    "If I had such a son, I would have worshipped him like an ancestor. Not only did Xiao Zhengde imprison him for eight years, but he also handed him over to someone else as their son-in-law. He is truly pushing an exceptional talent to the opposition..."


    The bubbling discussion sounded like invisible slaps, like the most venomous of curses, falling upon Xiao Zhengde.


    It turned his face from green to purple, and he spat out a mouthful of fresh blood.


    "Dammit... Xiao Yi, you unfilial son! Couldn''t you just have stayed your mediocre self without causing so much trouble? Are you intentionally trying to embarrass me, right? Damn it, you should be dead... If I had known this would happen, I would have disregarded your mother''s interference and beaten you to death to feed the dogs..."


    Xiao Zhengde clenched his fists tightly, his shoulders shaking uncontrollably as he ground his teeth, "This rebellious son is really going to drive me to death! How despicable, if it wasn''t for Tian''er giving instructions to announce certain matters only at the end of the ancestral sacrifice ceremony, I would now be eager to make it public, to severely crush your arrogance..."


    Above the Dragon Throne.


    Emperor Qian narrowed his eyes, looking at Xiao Yi with a very complex expression.


    He had never expected that Xiao Yi, not only had incredible talent himself, but was also so extraordinary in combat and directing others.


    Astonishing as a celestial being!


    Whew!


    Emperor Qian let out a long breath, his gaze fleeting over the excited Yang Ling and the malevolent Yang Kun, and with a slight frown, he said, "With Xiao Yi by his side, Yang Ling may not necessarily fail. It''s just... so unfortunate that Xiao Tianjiao has already... alas..." Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His sigh, however, went unheard by all.


    Before the altar.


    Xiao Yi stood with his hands behind his back, the corners of his mouth slightly turned up, his domineering gaze sweeping over everyone as he said indifferently, "There''s still half an incense stick''s worth of time left. Does anyone else wish to challenge on stage? If not, I might as well announce the results!"


    The crowd exchanged looks: "..."


    With a mocking smile, Xiao Yi looked at Yang Kun, whose face was full of resentment, and said, "Your Highness Yang Kun, isn''t Tianjian Sect supposed to have many experts? Why don''t you send up another at the Golden Elixir Peak or another half-step into the Tribulation Path Realm? It''s acceptable for them to break through to the Tao Tribulation Realm once they''re on the altar!"


    Yang Kun: "..."


    Huihai Sword Master: "..."


    The two of them wished they could dig a hole and bury their heads in it!


    Dammit!


    Those were words that pierced the heart!


    One Yun Dian had already made them the object of ridicule and contempt.


    If another were sent up.


    Wouldn''t that just make them the target of scorn from thousands?


    More importantly...


    With Xiao Yi, this game-changing existence there to offer guidance, what use would sending another half-step into the Tribulation Path Realm be?


    Wouldn''t that just be offering up free kills?


    "Xiao Yi, don''t go too far. The martial ceremony isn''t over yet, and my Tianjian Sect is abundant with experts, especially those in the Tao Tribulation Realm and Dharma Manifestation Realm, which is something your little Xiaoshanhe Institute cannot compare to. Are you sure you want to be so aggressively confrontational?" Yang Kun said with a darkened expression, grinding his teeth, each word emerging as if squeezed through his clenched teeth.


    With a cold expression, Huihai Sword Master said, "Xiao Yi, don''t forget that Dharma Manifestation Realm experts can also take the stage next. If you continue to pressure us, don''t blame us if your Xiaoshanhe Institute has no experts above the Calamity Realm after today!"


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, as Yang Kun''s words were an explicit threat.


    However...


    He did not speak.


    In the midst of the crowd.


    Shadow Demon, Zhang Ling, Chen Ziyi, Li Youruo, Fu Yuan, and others stepped forward in unison. Standing by Xiao Yi''s side, their eyes as sharp as a hawk''s, fixed intently on them, they spoke in unison, "Kill us all? You think you''re qualified?"


    "You dare threaten our Dean? If you''re so capable, send your Tianjian Sect warriors up to fight. Even if I cannot win, I''d take one down with me in a self-destruct, and let''s see how many experts Tianjian Sect really has!"


    "If it''s death we''re risking, what''s a scar on a warrior''s head? What''s there to fear?"


    "Those afraid to die don''t join Shanhe Court..."


    Roars like thunder erupted, stirring the blood of all Shanhe Court''s masters, and tens of thousands of disciples of Xiaoshanhe Institute bellowed in unison, "Those afraid to die don''t join Shanhe Court!"


    "We''ll just die together if it comes to that!"


    In this moment...


    Xiaoshanhe Institute was of one heart and one mind.


    The corners of Xiao Yi''s mouth curved upward as he stared at Huihai Sword Master and Yang Kun''s increasingly pale faces, and he said slowly but clearly, "If you want battle, then battle we shall!"

 Chapter 478 - 478: I Can Fight a Hundred by Myself!

    "If you want to fight, then we will fight!"


    Xiao Yi looked impassively at Huihai Sword Master and Yang Kun. The fire of battle in his eyes blazed like the fierce sun.


    By his side...


    Shadow Demon and others followed closely, never leaving or abandoning him, each one of them also carrying towering battle will.


    Especially Shadow Demon and Zhang Ling a few, who were originally slaves in Beast Emperor City, held captive in the dungeons where daylight never reached, living lives that were less than human.


    It was Xiao Yi''s arrival that had rescued them from the darkness.


    They owed him their very lives.


    Zhang Ling, who had the most explosive temper, took a step forward, his sword-like eyebrows fierce, his deadly gaze locked on Yang Kun: "You filthy mongrel, my master is so generous, and yet you oppose him at every turn. If you''re brave enough, come at me! Even if I can''t beat you, I''ll take you down with me in a suicide attack. Do you dare?"


    "Hahaha, Zhang Ling, if there''s going to be an explosion, it won''t be your turn! If anyone explodes, it should be me first!" said Shadow Demon with a grin.


    In their words,


    resounded a clanging determination, as steadfast as metal.


    Yang Kun''s face fluctuated between shades of green and white; his eyes seethed with a venomous and cold light: "Since you all seem eager to court death, then I will oblige. Liu Chun, kill him for me. I want his heart to accompany my wine..."


    "Yes!"


    Behind the Huihai Sword Master, a bald man touched his shiny head and, with a twisted smile, walked forward, his sanguine tongue licking his lips, his gaze fixed intently on Zhang Ling, "So you''re the one seeking death, right?"


    Boom!


    Beneath Liu Chun''s feet, a green halo emerged, undulating and flickering with a dazzling green light.


    It radiated outwards in waves, dispersing in all directions.


    Zhang Ling''s pupils shrank slightly, betraying a deep sense of solemnity and wariness: "This person''s cultivation is at least the fifth level of Dharma Manifestation Realm. It seems we really must prepare for a mutual destruction!"


    Although Zhang Ling had greatly improved both his resources and martial skills during his time at Xiaoshanhe Institute,


    he was only at the peak of the second level of the Dharma Manifestation Realm.


    Compared to Liu Chun, he indeed fell short. To achieve victory, the only way was to stake his life. Zhang Ling turned to look at Xiao Yi, with a grin saying, "Master, I''ll go ahead..."


    Whoosh!


    Zhang Ling leaped up, intending to ascend the sacrificial altar.


    But just then...


    A fair hand landed on his ankle, and Zhang Ling''s figure stalled, then crashed face-first onto the ground with a thud. He fell embarrassingly into the dirt, his face covered in dust, and he looked up at Xiao Yi in a daze: "Master, what are you doing?"


    Zhang Ling felt deeply wronged!


    He was about to ascend the altar; how could he be dragged down just like that?


    Yang Kun squinted at Xiao Yi: "What''s the matter? Is the mighty Headmaster Xiao willing to surrender without a fight?"


    "If you don''t speak, nobody will take you for a mute!"


    Xiao Yi spared him a glance, then walked over to Zhang Ling and lightly patted his shoulder with a smile, "As long as I''m here, there''s no need for any of you to risk your lives."


    "Master, you mean..." Zhang Ling was startled.


    Shadow Demon quickly stepped forward, grabbing Xiao Yi and said in a grave voice: "Master, you are our pillar. As long as you''re in Xiaoshanhe Institute, it won''t fall. You must not risk yourself; leave this to us!"


    "Master, if it weren''t for you, none of us would have today. Now that someone dares to target you, it''s only natural that we lead the charge!"


    "Please, let Zhang Ling go!"


    The people pleaded one after another.


    Xiao Yi smiled faintly, his gaze sweeping over the crowd: "Since you all call me ''Master'', naturally, I have a duty to protect you. Just stand here and watch." S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Master, you mustn''t!"


    "Master, they''re dying for you to make a move, you can''t fall for it!" Jin Feiyan''s eyes brimmed with pleading, tugging at Xiao Yi''s sleeve, begging desperately.


    Xiao Yi rubbed her head, smiling and said, "It''s okay, they''re just a bunch of chickens and dogs, why should I be afraid?"


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi leaped up and landed on the altar.


    He beckoned Liu Chun with a curl of his finger, a sneer on his face, "Come up here and meet your death!"


    "Arrogant!"


    Liu Chun snorted coldly, rubbed his head, and said with a sinister smile, "People say how powerful you, Xiao Yi, are. I want to see if you''re as formidable as the rumors claim..."


    Whoosh!


    Liu Chun''s feet bloomed with lotuses as he ascended step by step, landing firmly on the altar, and proudly said, "Xiao Yi, I saw how you guided Ye Heng in battle earlier; it seems you have ample combat experience. Just don''t know if you can react as quickly when you''re fighting yourself!"


    "Babble!"


    Xiao Yi, impatient, flicked his hand and the sword moved through the air, "Star Breaker!"


    Hum!


    A point of cold light gathered at the tip of his finger, as brilliant as a star, turning into a hexagram that shot out. Everywhere it passed, stars arrayed across the sky, dragging a bright and luminous comet trail.


    The hexagram spun faster as it flew, growing larger by the moment.


    Whirlwinds churned across the surface of the star light, cutting through everything in front of it with extreme sharpness.


    "Just a minor trick..."


    Liu Chun''s face was full of disdain.


    With a tap of his foot, energy dissipated outward.


    The ground in front of him roared, and it suddenly burst open, a green tree rising from the earth, its roots like black serpents entwining around chunks of rock, blocking his front.


    Below the altar, Yang Kun said proudly, "Liu Chun is a rare possessor of the Wooden Spirit physique, cultivates the ''Jianmu Divine Skill,'' and can manipulate the power of trees and plants. This tree is the Iron Dragon Wood, extremely durable, and even someone at the Dharma Phase Realm Peak would struggle to break through its defense, Xiao Yi cannot possibly..."


    Before he could finish speaking.


    Suddenly, the sound of air breaking through filled their ears, and the Huihai Sword Master grabbed Yang Kun and retreated explosively. Where Yang Kun had been standing, a broken tree branch had penetrated Liu Chun''s chest and slammed to the ground with a thud.


    Drip-drop, drip-drop!


    Blood slid down the tree and dropped to the ground, splattering into clusters of plum-like red stains.


    Gulp!


    Yang Kun swallowed hard with a stunned look on his face, staring towards the altar, where the Iron Dragon Wood that he claimed was impossible for Xiao Yi to break had been cleaved apart at the waist by him.


    Jin Feiyan''s high-hanging heart relaxed as a radiant smile spread across her pretty face, challenging Yang Kun, "Dear Prince Yang Kun, didn''t you say the Iron Dragon Wood was indestructible? How come my master sliced it in half with just a flick of his finger?"


    "You..."


    Yang Kun''s face turned shades of red and white, too angry to speak.


    "Fei Yan, how can you speak to Prince Yang Kun like that? Apologize to the prince right now!" Xiao Yi said sternly.


    "Huh?"


    Jin Feiyan was taken aback, puzzled by why Xiao Yi suddenly asked her to apologize to Yang Kun, her eyes reddening with a touch of grievance. Just as she was about to speak, she heard Xiao Yi loudly say, "Prince Yang Kun, Fei Yan has been spoiled by me, speaks her mind without hiding anything, I hope your highness can forgive her."


    "Uh..."


    Yang Kun blinked, completely confused.


    As he gazed at Xiao Yi, his eyes grew stranger¡ªwas this guy about to back down?


    But he soon realized he had thought too much...


    Xiao Yi looked at the experts from the various major powers behind Yang Kun, waving his hand and said, "Are there any more fighters like Liu Chun? I can take on a hundred of such fighters! Or perhaps, would you like those few behind you to come at me together?"

 Chapter 479 - 479: Battle Nangong Again

    "I could beat a hundred of his kind, let them all come at me together!"


    Xiao Yi pointed at the group of powerhouses from various forces behind Yang Kun, his face filled with a playful expression.


    In the ten great sects,


    the Tianjian Sect was the strongest, with many other sects looking up to it as the leader.


    Those who followed Yang Kun, each and every one of them supported him as the Crown Prince.


    From this, one could see just how terrifying the power Yang Kun possessed was; aside from the Feixue Temple and the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect, there were powerhouses from the other eight great sects behind him.


    Xiao Yi was pointing at these people behind him, but included among them were powerhouses from the eight great sects, as well as giants like the Nangong Family, the Beitang, and the Xiao Family.


    Among them, there were not a few at the peak of the Dharma Manifestation Realm. Xiao Yi wanted to face a hundred alone, which to Yang Kun and the rest was undoubtedly a naked provocation.


    "This is too much!"


    "Xiao Yi, do you really think you are Xiao Tianjiao?"


    "If all of us attacked you together, we could drown you in spit, what do you think you are?"


    "Hahaha..."


    A hysterical cold laugh suddenly echoed from the crowd, making everyone look in the direction of the sound. They saw Nangong Shengji observing Xiao Yi with an indifferent face, sneering wickedly, "You can''t even get past me, yet you think of facing a hundred alone? That must be the funniest joke I''ve heard in my life!"


    Boom boom boom!


    Nangong Shengji moved with the speed of a dragon and the force of a tiger. As he rushed forward like the wind, his voice was as deep as a muffled thunder, "Xiao Yi, we once had a promise of battle, and now it''s time to fulfill that promise!"


    Whoosh!


    His figure lightly descended onto the altar like a dandelion seed, making a welcoming gesture towards Xiao Yi, "You caused the Nangong Family to fall apart. Today, it''s time for us to settle things!"


    The Nangong Family was once the first among the four great aristocratic families.


    Just in the Great Qian Dynasty alone, their medicinal shops numbered over ten thousand, with income like pouring gold, rich enough to rival nations.


    Nangong Shengji, as the patriarch of the Nangong Family, wielded immense power.


    Even the great powers competed to court them.


    Emperor Qian, the Unparalleled War King, and so on...


    All of them had to consider their reaction.


    But now...


    Ever since Xiao Yi joined forces with the Treasure Pavilion to act against the Nangong Family, the entire Nangong Family''s enterprises had been devastated. Now, their ten thousand shops had all closed, and the Nangong Family was heavily in debt.


    When the walls fell, everyone pushed them down.


    The Nangong Family fell to pieces and had no choice but to cling to the Unparalleled War King, Yang Yuhuan, merely to survive.


    This feeling was like plunging from the high clouds straight to the bottom of the valley.


    And the chief culprit for all this was the young man standing before him now, exuding an air of elegance as if he were a celestial being - Xiao Yi.


    Giggle giggle giggle!


    Nangong Shengji clenched his fists tightly; his shoulders trembled ever so slightly, and his eyes were narrowed into slits, emitting a cold light sharp as blades, "Xiao Yi, if not for you, would my Nangong Family be in such a plight? I swore before our ancestors that I would tear you to pieces. If I don''t kill you today, I''ll have no face to meet our ancestors..."


    Xiao Yi raised his hand to wipe his nose and chuckled, "Don''t worry, I''ll be sending you off to meet our ancestors!"


    "Audacious!"


    Nangong Shengji gave a cold laugh.


    Crackle and pop!


    Infinite energy burst forth from his body, agitated energy waves wrapping around him, twisting and turning, emitting piercingly sharp sounds like throngs of thunder snakes.


    With each collision of energy, sparks flew like firecrackers.


    It was so intense it caused pain in the eardrums and made the scalp tingle.


    An overwhelming pressure.


    In an instant, it enveloped the surroundings, making the powerhouses who were not at the Dharma Manifestation Realm around the altar feel as though they were under the weight of a huge peak, instinctively retreating and not daring to get close.


    "Nangong Shengji''s cultivation has shot up by a large margin!" Fu Yuan''s pupils slightly narrowed.


    The Shadow Demon had a solemn expression, his gaze as focused as ever, "I''m afraid Nangong Shengji has already surpassed the scope of the Dharma Manifestation Realm..."


    "Hmm?"


    Jin Feiyan and the others all showed a change in their expressions.


    Surpassing the scope of the Dharma Manifestation Realm?


    Could that not mean the Nirvana Realm?


    The gazes of the crowd uniformly shifted toward the altar above, and even the air itself seemed to carry an extra weight of solemnity.


    Atop the dragon couch.


    Emperor Qian''s fingers lightly tapped the armrest, his expression as still as ancient well water, betraying no hint of his emotions. Had it not been for his slightly squinted eyes, which occasionally flickered with a chilling gleam that alarmed the heart, one might have thought he had fallen asleep.


    Yang Ling turned back to look at Emperor Qian, and seeing no expression on his face, could only seek help with his eyes from the eunuch Qi beside him.


    Eunuch Qi gave him a slight shake of his head in response.


    Yang Ling opened his mouth a few times as if to speak, but ultimately, it all turned into a sigh. Looking at Xiao Yi on the altar, he quietly clenched his fists: "Xiao Yi, you must not have any troubles!"


    ......


    Whooosh!


    A fierce wind blew from around Nangong Shengji, forming a tempestuous wave that covered the entire altar.


    Located at the center of the altar, Xiao Yi was directly facing the gale.


    His robes flapped with a snapping sound, and his black hair whipped wildly in the wind. Pieces of gravel, caught by the storm, struck toward him like arrows, yet exploded into bits mere inches from his body.


    Reducing to a sky full of dust.


    Not even close to touching him.


    Suddenly... S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Nangong Shengji''s body shuddered, and with a booming noise, the sweeping winds abruptly ceased.


    The numerous particles of dust and debris caught midair froze for a moment, then, like a heavy rain, cascaded toward the ground. But at that moment, Nangong Shengji''s figure bolted, piercing through the layers of dust and debris.


    With a reach of his palm in midair, countless particles of dirt and stone gathered in front of him.


    Turning into rows of sharp, stone swords.


    As Nangong Shengji rushed forward, he directed the stone swords to explode toward Xiao Yi.


    By the hundreds!


    Thousands...


    The densely packed stone swords spun continuously, emitting a buzzing, ear-piercing noise. Just as they were about to reach Xiao Yi, the numerous swords suddenly converged into one, forming a twenty-meter-long colossal sword aimed directly at Xiao Yi''s body.


    Boom!


    The colossal sword triggered the automatic release of Qi from within Xiao Yi, which concentrated into a net of Qi in front of him.


    Crackling!


    The colossal sword collided with the net of Qi, creating a violent burst of sparks like flint against steel, shattering the swords upon impact.


    The twenty-meter sword also continuously shrank.


    Fifteen meters.


    Ten meters.


    Five meters...


    Until, with a loud bang, the Qi net on the surface of Xiao Yi''s body exploded. Simultaneously, amidst a cloud of dust, Nangong Shengji reached out with his palm and thrust it into the remaining three-meter stone sword, his arm shaking.


    The stone sword burst apart, and a flash of silver light streaked by.


    A longsword enveloped in silver light emerged from the broken stone sword, evidently hiding a Yuan weapon inside!


    With the lethal Yuan weapon longsword propelled by Nangong Shengji, it thrusted directly at Xiao Yi''s glabella.


    Hiss!


    This perilous moment elicited a wave of gasps.


    Countless powerhouses widened their eyes as if an invisible hand was gripping their hearts tightly.


    Staring intently at the altar above.


    At the longsword that was about to cleave Xiao Yi''s head in two...

 Chapter 480 - 480 Youre too weak!

    The sword was thrusting straight towards Xiao Yi''s brow.


    It looked as if it was about to split his head in two, but just when the sharp tip of the sword was a finger''s distance from Xiao Yi''s brow,


    the ferocious longsword suddenly paused.


    "Huh?"


    "What''s going on? Could it be that Nangong Shengji has suddenly grown a conscience?"


    "That''s not right, look closely..."


    A cry of alarm suddenly rose.


    All eyes swiftly turned towards the longsword, and they saw that at some unknown time, Xiao Yi''s right hand was already in front of him, with two fingers firmly pinching the blade. It was because of his two fingers that the sword was forcefully halted, unable to advance even a fraction more.


    Hiss!


    Everyone strong was utterly astonished.


    Nangong Shengji was at the Dharma Phase Realm Peak, and even had the strength of the Nirvana Realm!


    He wielded the longsword with the force of a killing blow.


    The speed and power of that longsword were enough to seriously injure or even slay ordinary warriors at the Dharma Phase Realm Peak.


    Xiao Yi had actually stopped it using only two fingers?


    "Could it be that Nangong Shengji is going easy?"


    "Absolutely impossible... Nangong Shengji wishes nothing more than to tear Xiao Yi to shreds, how could he go easy at this moment?"


    The crowd once again turned their gaze towards Nangong Shengji.


    They saw the sinister smile on his face gradually disappearing, replaced by a look of profound shock and disbelief.


    He knew the power of that sword best.


    Even a warrior at the Dharma Phase Realm Peak would find it extremely difficult to dodge, but Xiao Yi had resolved it so effortlessly.


    Such strength caused Nangong Shengji''s pupils to contract violently, with intense shock; his eyes also sharpened as he asked, "How did you do that?"


    "What?"


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow.


    Nangong Shengji''s arm continued to exert force, but the sword remained immovable. He gritted his teeth and said, "My sword attack, named Hidden Edge, is a sixth-order high-grade primordial weapon. The move just now, ''Shattered Mirror'', is an indefensible killer move. How could you possibly block it so easily?"


    "Oh, you''re talking about this?"


    Xiao Yi smiled and slightly released his fingers, letting Nangong Shengji''s sword thrust forward once more with a clang.


    But it only advanced half a finger''s distance before Xiao Yi pinched it again.


    Nangong Shengji''s pupils contracted violently, and his face displayed deep horror and shock.


    If the initial attack could be attributed to chance that Xiao Yi blocked it,


    then at this moment, there was no chance involved!


    You should know...


    With the sword tip only a finger''s distance from Xiao Yi, if he had released the sword again, it would have taken virtually the blink of an eye to take his head. Yet Xiao Yi still managed to trap the sword, his reaction speed and strength far beyond Nangong Shengji''s understanding.


    Xiao Yi''s mouth curved slightly, and he said with a smile, "Now you understand why, right?"


    Nangong Shengji''s face was dark, and he said nothing.


    Xiao Yi enunciated each word clearly, "You are too weak!"


    "..."


    Nangong Shengji''s face was as black as charcoal, his features twisted as if wrung into a knot, filled with profound humiliation.


    You are too weak!


    For someone who once stood among the top echelon of warriors in the Great Qian Dynasty, there was no phrase more humiliating than these words.


    ```


    Huff!


    Huff...


    Nangong Shengji''s chest rose and fell violently, suddenly sneering, "Interesting, very interesting. Truly worthy of being the man who could push the Nangong Family into a corner. Even Xiao Tianjiaao did not possess such confidence and strength at your cultivation level. If I hadn''t made any breakthroughs these days, perhaps I really wouldn''t be your match. But unfortunately..."


    Boom!


    A tremor ran through Nangong Shengji''s body.


    An overwhelming aura burst forth from within him, like surging waves.


    Behind him...


    The Dharma Manifestation gradually solidified.


    His body also emitted bursts of blinding golden light.


    "A Nirvana Body?"


    "He really has stepped into the Nirvana Realm..."


    "Weren''t people beyond the Dharma Manifestation Realm forbidden to participate in the martial ceremony?" S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Hehe... Weren''t those possessing strength beyond the Tao Tribulation Realm also not allowed to join before? No wonder Nangong Shengji switched his support to Yang Kun. It turns out they are all the same kind of shameless people..."


    The crowd whispered among themselves.


    Previously, Yang Kun had sent Yun Dian, who was at the Half-step Tribulation Path Realm, to deal with Ye Heng and to break through to the Tao Tribulation Realm on the altar.


    It was already despicable.


    And now...


    Nangong Shengji, the esteemed head of the Nangong Family, had also suppressed his cultivation, only to break through to the Nirvana Realm on the altar. Using identical tactics, many were becoming increasingly dissatisfied with Yang Kun.


    Listening to the whispers of the crowd, Yang Kun remained expressionless, yet inwardly he sneered, "Idiots. Since ancient times, the victor is king and the loser the bandit. What do a few tricks matter as long as one attains the final victory? Xiao Yi ah Xiao Yi, with your cultivation at the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm facing Nangong Shengji in the First Nirvana Realm, you''re surely on a path to certain death!"


    At the side of the Dragon Couch.


    Upon confirming that Nangong Shengji was indeed in the Nirvana Realm, Yang Ling''s face paled. He turned to Emperor Qian urgently, "Father Emperor, Imperial Brother has broken the rules of the martial ceremony twice in a row, are you really not going to do anything about it?"


    Emperor Qian glanced at him with a trace of faint disappointment in his eyes, saying, "You, you have disappointed me greatly! As the emperor, one must stop at nothing to achieve one''s goals. Furthermore... what are rules? My word is the rule... If you can ascend to the throne, who will say you have not followed the rules?"


    "But..."


    However, Yang Ling could not agree with this. In his view, while it was acceptable to use means to achieve goals, one should at least keep up appearances!


    He was about to argue his point.


    Seeing that glances were no longer effective, Qi hurriedly interjected, "Your Highness, quickly look, Xiao Yi is making his move!"


    "Hm?"


    Yang Ling stared blankly, then subconsciously turned to look at the altar.


    Facing Nangong Shengji, who had revealed the aura of the Nirvana Realm, Xiao Yi showed no fear. Instead, he shook his head slightly and said with a smile, "I forgot to tell you, you''re not the first Nirvana Realm cultivator to die at my hands!"


    "Hm?"


    Nangong Shengji was taken aback, then scoffed, "Hahaha, you''re beyond help, still spouting nonsense when death is at your doorstep. A Nirvana Realm cultivator dying at your hands? With your cultivation not even at the Dharma Manifestation Realm, how could you possibly kill someone in the Nirvana Realm..."


    Beneath the altar.


    The unparalleled War King Yang Yuhuan shook his head with a wry smile, lightly saying, "A peak Tao Tribulation Realm cultivator slaying someone in the Nirvana Realm? Such outrageous words, how can you even speak them?"


    Xiao Zhengde laughed heartily, "Even Tian''er, after breaking through the Dharma Manifestation Realm, managed to slay a Nirvana Realm expert. This rebellious one''s claims are as grand as the heavens!"


    "Forget killing a Nirvana Realm, if you can even defeat a Nirvana Realm opponent, this lord would kneel before you, acknowledging you as the number one genius of the Great Qian Dynasty!" Huihai Sword Master said with crossed arms, gently shaking his head, full of confidence.


    Nangong Shengji spread his arms, smiling as he looked at Xiao Yi, "Heard everyone''s words? Now you should realize how ridiculous you are, right? Dreaming of slaying a Nirvana Realm at the peak of the Tao Tribulation Realm? Why don''t you claim you''re from the Longevity Secret Realm while you''re at it?"


    "Longevity Secret Realm? Sooner or later, that will be the case. But for now..."


    Xiao Yi grinned, casually lifting his right hand, pointing at Nangong Shengtian, "I''ll take your head first!"


    ```

 Chapter 481 - 481: I Want to Kill Him, Who Can Stop Me?

    "I''ll take your head first!"


    Xiao Yi''s outstretched palm gradually clenched, and as the corners of his mouth lifted, a cold and confident arc curled upward.


    "Take my head? You''d have to see if you''ve got the ability!"


    Nangong Shengji''s face grew even more hideous.


    There had always been a life-or-death rivalry between him and Xiao Yi.


    Now, having broken through to the Nirvana Realm, his confidence was at an all-time high, yet Xiao Yi still looked down on him, bestowing upon Nangong Shengji an insufferable humiliation. The illustrious leader of the Nangong Family who had reached the Nirvana Realm.


    How could he tolerate it?


    Boom!


    A golden radiance swirled around Nangong Shengji, with his Nirvana body making him even more skilled in manipulating his celestial powers and the forces of the world.


    With every move he made,


    he unconsciously emitted a suffocating and harrowing aura.


    Whoosh!


    The sixth-tier elemental weapon, the Hidden Edge Sword, brandished a sweep of sword Qi. This sword energy burst forth like a torrent of silver rain, each droplet shimmering like a resplendent explosion of fireworks.


    Waves of sword light inundated the sky.


    Across the altar...


    boomed and burst apart, leaving savage crisscrossed gashes as though a tremendous net was gradually unfurling. It rushed towards Xiao Yi, threatening to completely engulf him.


    Xiao Yi tapped the ground with the tip of his foot, channeling surging power into the earth beneath him.


    In an instant.


    The entire altar shook like a dragon turning over, as waves of earth rose one after another, endlessly undulating.


    Layer upon layer of earthen waves rolled,


    blocking successive waves of Sword Qi.


    Bang, bang, bang!


    The sword edges exploded; the earth waves shattered.


    Amidst the flying dust in the air,


    Xiao Yi suddenly dashed forward with a whoosh. A flick of his hands brought a sixth-tier superior elemental weapon longsword into his grasp. It was a radiant longsword named the Falling Dust Sword.


    The Falling Dust Sword!


    This weapon, acquired from the Treasure Pavilion, was forged from stellar iron that had fallen from beyond the heavens, unmatched in sharpness and inherently chilly.


    Whoosh!


    He swept his sword through the air.


    A radiant arc speckled with snowflakes and ice crystals spanned the altar: "Ice Seal Thousands of Miles!"


    Where the sword edge passed, the ground turned to ice.


    The bone-chilling cold encapsulated the entire altar.


    "Child''s play!"


    Nangong Shengji chuckled coldly, pointing the Hidden Edge Sword towards the ground, the sword tip quickly sinking beneath the altar.


    At the same time, his expression darkened...


    Veins on his forehead stood out prominently, and his sleeves, which were covering his arms, burst open with a bang, unleashing ferocious strength from within him into the Hidden Edge Sword. The ground beneath his feet bulged, and with a flick of the Hidden Edge Sword,


    Boom!


    The huge bulge exploded violently, and two soil dragons, mixed with sharp Sword Qi, burst forth from the earth.


    Roar!


    Roar!


    These two earth dragons were incredibly ferocious, each around sixty feet long, with earthy yellow scales covering their bodies. Their undersides sported claws formed from condensed Sword Qi, while two horn-like protrusions made of silver Sword Qi crowned their heads.


    Lifelike, they danced menacingly.


    Their awe-inspiring presence dominated the scene.


    The earth dragons, one from the left and one from the right, swept in with a storm of earthen-colored Sword Qi.


    Nangong Shengji, standing upon a dragon''s head, commanded an imposing aura like a War God descending upon the world, his thunderous voice echoing like shocking thunder across the sky: "Twin Dragons Snatch the Pearl!"


    Boom!


    Boom!


    The dragon heads, tough beyond measure, bore horns that were incomparably sharp.


    As they traveled...


    the waves of earth Xiao Yi stirred were forcefully shattered into pieces.


    Boom!


    The earth dragons leapt high into the air and plunged down ferociously, their crown horns blazing with Sword Qi as they lunged violently at him.


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi instinctively dodged to the side.


    The earth dragon smashed into the ground with a bang, burrowing into it, while the second one followed in hot pursuit. Xiao Yi, following suit, dodged again. Just as this earth dragon submerged, the ground where Xiao Yi landed burst apart with a loud bang.


    Previously submerged, the earth dragon opened its gaping maw and, with a majestic roar, leaped violently from beneath the ground.


    Its enormous jaws wielded lance-like fangs, aimed precisely at Xiao Yi.


    "Not good!"


    Xiao Yi''s face slightly darkened, and he braced himself with both arms.


    Boom, boom!


    His hands stretched out to hold the dragon''s jaws, one above and one below, trapping him within.


    Boom!


    Boom!


    Boom!


    The earth dragon, carrying Xiao Yi, continuously slammed into the ground, burrowing beneath it before bursting out again, making Xiao Yi look quite disheveled.


    Nangong Shengji floated in mid-air.


    His hands swiftly formed seals, and he fiercely struck out with several hand signs.


    "Dragon Devours Heaven and Earth!"


    Roar! Roar!


    Two dragon roars shook the heavens.


    Two earthy-yellow dragons soared into the sky; in the air, they seemed to face each other, one of them with Xiao Yi in its mouth. At that moment, Xiao Yi braced against the jaws of the dragon, knowing the slightest relaxation would cause the jaws, lined with ferocious Sword Qi, to close as one.


    The terrifying Sword Qi could likely grind him into mincemeat!


    The two dragons faced off.


    Nangong Shengji stood aloft, corners of his mouth slightly turned up, his face twisting with viciousness as he sneered, "Xiao Yi, Xiao Yi, take your last look at Xiaoshanhe Institute! After today, this will be your burial site!"


    As his words fell,


    Nangong Shengji brought his hands together.


    Roar!


    Roar!


    The two dragons roared wildly as they charged fiercely toward the Fang Family.


    The bloody maws of the two earth dragons faced each other.


    "Not good!"


    "Xiao Yi is in danger!"


    "Dean..."


    Dongfang Kuang, Fu Yuan, and others looked horrified, ready to intervene. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But they saw Yang Yuhuan, Huihai Sword Master, and others step in front of them first.


    "Out of the way!" Dongfang Kuang shouted angrily.


    Huihai Sword Master said sinisterly, "Just stand here obediently. Today Xiao Yi must die, no one can interfere!"


    Fu Yuan and Shadow Demon, their eyes red with rage, radiated overwhelming killing intent: "Get out of my way... If you dare block me, even at the cost of my life, I''ll drag you down with me..."


    "Drag us down? Are you capable of that?"


    Yang Yuhuan sneered coldly.


    Clang! Clang! Clang!


    In the midst of clanging metal, Blood Saber Guard and the powerhouses of various factions all appeared, surrounding them tightly. For a moment, the powerhouses from Xiaoshanhe Institute and the Dongfang Family seemed to be immobilized.


    If they dared to make a move, they would be met with a destructive assault.


    Everyone looked as if they had lost their loved ones.


    Despairingly, they gazed up at the sky.


    At the same time...


    Watching the two earth dragons collide, their Sword Qi, after all, was forged by a Nirvana Realm powerhouse wielding a sixth-order advanced elemental weapon. If he were really struck by the impact, he would either be critically injured or killed.


    In this moment of life and death,


    Xiao Yi''s eyes gleamed with madness as he suddenly released a hand. The dragon''s mouth snapped shut with a thud, forcing his body to bend and nearly close on him. With bloodshot eyes, Xiao Yi gripped the Falling Dust Sword and howled, "Blue Lotus Reincarnation!"


    Hum!


    The sword''s edge surged, transforming into a Sword Qi Blue Lotus.


    "Endlessly regenerating!"


    Xiao Yi struck out with another sword, scattering the Blue Lotus throughout the inside of the dragon''s mouth.


    Almost simultaneously...


    The other earth dragon had already arrived in front of him, and in this critical moment, Xiao Yi swiftly tucked in his limbs. Using the explosive force of the Sword Qi Blue Lotus, he shot forward like an arrow released from a bow, targeting the belly of the earth dragon.


    The Falling Dust Sword led the way.


    Wherever it passed...


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The dragon''s body burst apart, cracks spreading everywhere, and in the blink of an eye, the heads of the two earth dragons collided and shattered. Xiao Yi, however, burst through the dragon''s body with a bang and emerged into the air, while Nangong Shengji had yet to react.


    With a single sword strike, he felled Nangong Shengji to the ground.


    Roar...


    Nangong Shengji let out a wretched scream as the sword neatly severed his right arm at the shoulder.


    "Awoo..."


    Lying in a pool of blood, Nangong Shengji saw Xiao Yi''s foot on his shoulder, as he looked up coldly, "You lost!"


    "No... don''t kill me..."


    Nangong Shengji watched as Xiao Yi slowly raised his longsword, his face filled with terror.


    Below the altar,


    The crowd was stunned by the turn of events at the eleventh hour, gaping in shock, while Yang Yuhuan''s expression shifted. Nangong Shengji was the key to his control of the Nangong Family. He shouted, "Stop!"


    "Stop?"


    Xiao Yi turned to glance at him and said coldly, "I am going to kill him. Who can stop me?"


    As his words ended,


    Swish!


    With a sweep of the longsword, Nangong Shengji''s head fell to the ground...

 Chapter 482 - 482: Battle Demon Xue Xiong

    Xiao Yi stood proudly upon the altar.


    In his hand, the Falling Dust Sword was sloped against the ground, its entirety flickering with a silvery blue cold light, and yet, the longsword, forged from the meteoric iron of a fallen star, did not have even a speck of blood on it.


    Nangong Shengji''s body was separated from his head, which was staring in rage, filled with unwillingness and regret.


    If only he had known, why would he have provoked Xiao Yi?


    Now that he has died, the Nangong Family has lost its final support, inevitably becoming the target for many powers to fight over and consume.


    Once one of the four great noble houses at their zenith.


    From this moment on, they have completely entered the Dark Abyss, with no chance of rising again!


    Below the altar.


    War God Yang Yuhuan''s face fluctuated between shades of blue and purple, and the angry flames in his eyes were like two dazzling and blinding suns. His breathing became heavier and more rapid, and the rage had turned into a gale, enveloping him.


    Within a hundred paces, not a soul dared to come close.


    "This king ordered you to stop, yet you dared to strike with lethal force?" Yang Yuhuan gritted his teeth tightly, word by word questioning sharply.


    Xiao Yi, from his higher position, looked down upon this existence whose power was second only to Emperor Qian in the Great Qian Dynasty.


    Known as the one below only one, yet above millions.


    The unparalleled War God, Yang Yuhuan!


    Yet, there wasn''t the slightest trace of fear in him, and with a light tap and lift of his foot, Nangong Shengji *swooshed* through the air towards Yang Yuhuan. With a *bang*, he fell before him, and Xiao Yi, neither servile nor overbearing, smiled and said, "I have returned the person to you; now, are you satisfied?"


    Yang Yuhuan: "..."


    His pupils gradually filled with a layer of blood vessels, densely packed, making his eyes resemble red lanterns.


    Swallowing a bone-chilling cold light that seemed to pick its victims.


    The mighty unparalleled War God. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With a status equal to the sect leaders of the top ten sects, second only to one and above millions.


    No one had ever dared to speak to him like this.


    Clickety-clack!


    The fists that Yang Yuhuan clenched emitted a succession of crispy sounds like fried beans, his knuckles turning pale, and he said in a sinister tone, "You little bastard, do you really think that because Emperor Qian protects you, this king would not dare to kill you?"


    Boom boom boom!


    At this moment...


    Thick clouds enshrouded the sky above Imperial Dragon Mountain.


    Within the clouds, thunder roared, and purple-gold lightning suddenly struck down, turning the vast Imperial Dragon Mountain into a world of purple and gold. The lightning, with its intermittently bright and dark light, shone on Yang Yuhuan''s face, making him appear even more ferocious and imposing.


    At this moment, Yang Yuhuan''s thoughts were in utter chaos.


    He had gone to great lengths to bring the Nangong Family under his command; their medicinal pills were a crucial part of his ambitious plan. But now, with Nangong Shengji dead at the hands of Xiao Yi, the Nangong Family would inevitably fall apart.


    This had a tremendous impact on his scheme.


    This was the great undertaking he had planned for his entire life, and now it was ruined in an instant¡ªhow could he not be furious?


    He simply hated that he couldn''t tear Xiao Yi to pieces and devour him alive!


    Facing Yang Yuhuan''s murderous gaze, Xiao Yi was completely fearless, his body leaning slightly forward as he said with a light laugh, "Your Excellency is the unparalleled War God, what is there for you not to dare? However, if you wish to take my life, you''ll have to see if I agree to it!"


    "Arrogant!"


    Yang Yuhuan''s eternally cold visage twisted into a savage sneer, like a hungry wolf eyeing its prey, and he said in a grim tone, "Under the heavens, there''s no one whom this prince wishes to kill that requires the consent of the victim. If I want you dead, you shall die. If I command you to live, even if you are dead, you must rise for me!"


    The peerless War King.


    A figure akin to the War God in the Great Qian Dynasty, currently wielding control over more than half of the military might of the empire, his martial achievements are awe-inspiringly vast, so much that they overshadow even the Emperor.


    Apart from Emperor Qian, he was the most powerful existence.


    Indeed, as he said...


    Whoever he wanted dead, had to die!


    Xiao Yi shook his head and laughed, "What grandiose words. Those unaware might even think you''re not the War King, but King Yama who reigns over the netherworld! I''m standing right here; do try to kill me?"


    "How dare you challenge the prince, you''re seeking death!"


    Before Yang Yuhuan could speak, a middle-aged man clad in blood-colored armor, wielding a three-meter-long Wolf Fang Club like a humanoid beast, stepped forward from behind him.


    His voice roared like thunder, deafening everyone as his mouth opened wide.


    Boom!


    He smashed the Wolf Fang Club into the ground, burying it three inches deep. He kneeled on one knee before Yang Yuhuan and said, "My lord, your body is worth its weight in gold. Lowering yourself to deal with such a dead man blights your standing. Your subordinate begs for the honor to fight!"


    "Granted!"


    Yang Yuhuan nodded, his chilling face turning toward the altar, "Life or death regardless, should anything happen, I shall bear the consequences."


    "Rest assured, my lord!"


    The middle-aged man instantly rose to his feet, kicked the Wolf Fang Club into his hand, and then leaped from the ground, diving from high above like a falcon onto the altar with a thunderous crash. The aura emanating from him was immense and profound, his eyes sharp as a falcon, and the Wolf Fang Club in his hands sliced through the air ferociously.


    "The Deputy Commander of the Blood Saber Guard, Xue Xiong, has come for your head!" Xue Xiong, holding his Wolf Fang Club, fixed his gaze on Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi''s eyebrows slightly raised.


    This Xue Xiong''s cultivation was merely at the ninth level of the Dharma Manifestation Realm and had not yet reached its peak.


    However...


    The Qi-Blood in his body, as well as the terrifying Evil Qi that could only be accumulated through numerous battles, made it clear that his combat power was definitely not as simple as his cultivation level indicated.


    This was an opponent even more troublesome than Nangong Shengji.


    As if to confirm Xiao Yi''s speculation, the crowd below the altar gasped in shock upon hearing the name Xue Xiong, "Is this truly one of the three great butchers of the Blood Saber Guard, the War Demon Xue Xiong? It''s said that at birth, due to his immense size, he caused his mother a dystocia. While everyone thought he was doomed, he, still an infant, tore open his mother''s abdomen and crawled out. Deemed inauspicious by his family, they abandoned him in the deep mountains, where he was rescued and raised by twin bear demons."


    "That''s not all... It''s rumored he''s always had an enormous appetite. After he grew up, taking advantage of the injuries of the twin bear demons that raised him, he attacked and devoured them."


    "He''s an absolute ruthless man. A friend of mine once saw him stewing and devouring babies."


    "Not just any baby? Xue Xiong needs to eat three to five babies and two adults daily, and if not for the protection of the War King, he would have long been placed on the Demon Hunting List!"


    Tore open his mother''s womb, devoured the kindly bear that raised him.


    Daily feasting on infants, gnawing on adults?


    Xiao Yi''s eyes narrowed involuntarily, as he scanned Xue Xiong, a cold light flashed in his gaze, "Is what they say true?"


    Xue Xiong''s blood-red tongue licked his lips and he picked a piece of meat from between his teeth.


    With the flick of a finger, he flicked the piece of flesh toward Xiao Yi, his icy voice trailing the violent whist of the Wolf Fang Club, "Ask them yourself in the underworld!"


    PS: I sincerely apologize. Due to personal matters over the past month, updates have been scarce. Starting today, I will revert to a full-throttle mode with updates planned for the morning, afternoon, and evening. Could you suggest in the comment section at what times you prefer these updates?

 Chapter 483 - 483: Like a God! Also Like a Demon!

    "Ask them in the netherworld!"


    Xue Xiong''s arm swung upward, and with a clanging sound, the Wolf Fang Club shot out from the altar, bringing up a spray of rubble.


    With each step upon the altar, resounding booms caused the entire structure to shake and roar.


    Massive rocks were flipped into the air.


    Swinging the Wolf Fang Club in his hands, each blow slammed against the rocks, sending them hurtling like fiery meteors with a whistling sound as they cleaved through the air.


    Xiao Yi nimbly navigated among the massive rocks.


    At times, he dodged with his movement technique, sometimes flicking his fingers to deflect the rocks, or leaping high to tread upon them.


    The rocks he evaded continued their course unabated, crashing into the crowd below.


    Gasps of shock rose from the spectators.


    Boom, boom, boom!


    Caught off guard, the rocks rolled amidst the crowd.


    Many powerful figures were crushed by the rolling boulders, screaming in agony, wailing incessantly: "Get out of the way... Ahhh..."


    "Shit, my leg is broken..."


    "Who the hell stepped on my manhood? I''m the ninth generation to inherit it, dammit..."


    Above on the Dragon Couch, Emperor Qian slightly furrowed his brow.


    Qi, quick to catch the hint, waved his hand understandingly: "Imperial Guards, protect the civilians!"


    Amidst the clanging of armor,


    the Imperial Guards, clad in gleaming battle armor, moved swiftly. Each of them held a war shield, and with their Qi activated, they conjured Qi shields that rose in front of the people. Behind the shields, stood Imperial Guards wielding long spears, which they thrusted horizontally, shattering the incoming rocks and sheltering the civilians.


    Emperor Qian''s finger tapping on the armrest paused briefly, and he turned to Yang Yuhuan with a light chuckle, "War King, who do you think will win?"


    Yang Yuhuan gave him a sidelong glance.


    These two most powerful men of the Great Qian Dynasty engaged in another silent confrontation.


    Gazes tangible as substance clashed in the void.


    Around their central area, a vacuum zone formed.


    This caused the surrounding strong ones to be silent as cicadas in winter, not daring to utter even the slightest sound.


    Yang Yuhuan''s presence suddenly withdrew, his gaze slowly shifting back to rest upon the altar. He spoke unhurriedly, "Xiao Yi is indeed a remarkable young genius. Among the younger generation of the Great Qian Dynasty, aside from Xiao Tianjiao, only the chief disciples of the top ten sects can hope to match him in battle."


    "So you believe Xiao Yi can win?" inquired Emperor Qian, an indiscernible smile playing on his lips.


    The Blood Saber Guards represented Yang Yuhuan''s most elite force.


    Even Emperor Qian had exerted innumerable strategies and yet failed to infiltrate their ranks.


    The corners of Yang Yuhuan''s mouth lifted. Having full confidence in the Blood Saber Guards, he spoke indifferently, "Xiao Yi is indeed not bad, but after all, he is too young! Youth always comes with a price to pay..."


    Emperor Qian''s pupils narrowed slightly.


    Back then...


    When the position of Emperor Qian was being decided, more people supported Yang Yuhuan.


    However,


    at the critical moment, the former emperor dispatched Yang Yuhuan to the border to suppress a rebellion. By the time Yang Yuhuan triumphed and returned, the throne had already fallen into Emperor Qian''s hands.


    In Yang Yuhuan''s view, the throne should have been his,


    It was Emperor Qian who had swindled it from his grasp.


    For this reason...


    Over the years, Yang Yuhuan had always harbored resentment towards Emperor Qian, and the two had always been at loggerheads, both overtly and covertly.


    Emperor Qian replied with a smile that was not quite a smile, "I, however, believe you might suffer the loss of a major general!"


    "Hmm?"


    Yang Yuhuan paused, puzzled.


    Emperor Qian did not elaborate further, but the inscrutable smile lingering on his lips became increasingly enigmatic.


    "Xue Xiong would lose to him?"


    Yang Yuhuan frowned slightly, his eyes intently focused on the fierce battle atop the altar. Xue Xiong, wielding the Wolf Fang Club, had transformed into a humanoid beast. His striking was grandiose and utterly terrifying. Each swing he made was imbued with earth-shattering force, an overwhelming power that seemed insurmountable.


    Xiao Yi was being driven back, clearly at a disadvantage.


    Yang Yuhuan felt more assured and sneered, "Xue Xiong is the third strongest amongst my Blood Saber Guards, battle-hardened. He has smashed a Nirvana Realm expert to death with his Wolf Fang Club. How could he possibly lose to this youngster?"


    Boom!


    Xue Xiong leaped high into the sky.


    Descending like a tiger pouncing on its prey, he lifted the Wolf Fang Club up high and ruthlessly brought it crashing down.


    Xiao Yi was cornered at the edge of the altar with no room left to retreat; he had no choice but to defend overhead with his Falling Dust Sword.


    Clang!


    A sound as loud as a bell striking rang out.


    The Wolf Fang Club hit directly upon the Falling Dust Sword.


    Instantly, a blinding spark erupted, like fireworks, dazzlingly bright.


    The savage force shattered the altar beneath Xiao Yi''s feet, causing his knees to bend, nearly bringing him to his knees. The hands clutching his Falling Dust Sword were covered in gruesome bloodstains. The impact was so severe it had even split the skin of his palms, and fresh red blood dripped down the blade.


    Xue Xiong''s face was ferocious as he let out a proud laugh, "Wolf-style..."


    Once again, Xue Xiong raised the Wolf Fang Club and smashed it down fiercely.


    This existence, truly, was the third-ranked expert among the Blood Saber Guard, not only possessing boundless strength but also extraordinarily swift in reaction and speed.


    Between the rise and fall of the Wolf Fang Club, it all happened in a blink of an eye.


    Clang clang clang!


    With each impact, a ten-meter radius around the two of them completely collapsed and sank.


    The two of them now stood in a pit several meters deep.


    Xiao Yi''s lower half was buried in the ground.


    Jin Feiyan''s face was full of worry, her hands clutching Ye Heng''s arm tightly, her nails even embedded in Ye Heng''s flesh, blood trickling down through her fingers. Jin Feiyan anxiously said, "Senior brother, Master won''t lose, right?"


    Ye Heng bore the intense pain in his arm, nodded, and said with an unwavering gaze, "Master will absolutely not lose, Master is invincible!"


    "Invincible?"


    Yang Kun scoffed, schadenfreude in his voice, "Xue Xiong is the Deputy Commander of the Blood Saber Guard, his combat power can match high-level experts in the Nirvana Realm, far from being comparable to trash like Nangong Shengji. Xiao Yi is now completely suppressed by him, he has no chance of turning the tables anymore, you might as well wait to collect his corpse!"


    "Shut your mouth!"


    Ye Heng glared at him fiercely, grinding his teeth, "Master will not lose!"


    "Kid, you..."


    Yang Kun''s face darkened.


    He didn''t even regard Xiao Yi with importance, let alone paying attention to Ye Heng and Jin Feiyan.


    Being scolded by Ye Heng all of a sudden, his face turned from green to white, as the chilling light continuously flashed through his narrowed eyes.


    Just as he was about to speak...


    From atop the altar, suddenly came Xue Xiong''s angry roar, "Mad Wolf-style..."


    Boom boom boom!


    Xue Xiong held the Wolf Fang Club with both hands, positioning the three-meter long, pitch-black club horizontally at his waist, spinning like a top gone mad.


    Whoosh whoosh whoosh...


    The Wolf Fang Club whipped up a fierce wind, everything it passed was flattened to the ground.


    As dust and rocks flew about,


    Xue Xiong, like a Wolf King leading a pack of mad wolves, swung the viciously spiked Wolf Fang Club, aiming a sweeping blow at Xiao Yi''s waist.


    As Xue Xiong drew near like a whirlwind, Xiao Yi slapped the ground with one hand, pulling his body out of the earth like a sprung sprout. With Xue Xiong already before him, Xiao Yi twisted his right wrist, and the Falling Dust Sword stood erect by his side, the sounds of clanging resounding as the Wolf Fang Club struck the sword repeatedly, sending out blinding sparks.


    However...


    Xiao Yi remained unmoved, his eyebrows tightening, and from within him sounded a tone of Wind Thunder. His voice burst forth like thunderous battlefield drums, "The wind rises!"


    Whoosh!


    A cyan light burst forth from within him.


    It transformed into a howling gale, furiously rolling in the opposite direction.


    As the two fierce winds collided, the Falling Dust Sword and the Wolf Fang Club continuously striking each other, actually managed to force Xue Xiong to a standstill. Xue Xiong''s face was full of confusion when, almost simultaneously, Xiao Yi''s voice rang out again, "Thunder falls!"


    Boom!


    The Falling Dust Sword was raised above his head.


    Surges of purple-gold lightning emerged within him as the Wind Thunder Sacred Body fully erupted in that moment.


    Thunderbolts unexpectedly fell from the clear skies above!


    Loud and majestic, thunder rolled heavily.


    As if heaven itself was angered!


    "Wind Thunder, Dominate the Nine Heavens!"


    Xiao Yi''s face was expressionless, the Falling Dust Sword swept across, guiding the whirlwinds and thunder, lighting up half the sky, and struck a sword blow towards Xue Xiong''s head.


    "No..."


    Xue Xiong''s eyes were wide with fury, he raised the Wolf Fang Club, attempting to block the terrifying celestial might. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But...


    How could human strength rival the forces of nature?


    Thunderous rumbles!


    Where the Wind Thunder sword light passed, the Wolf Fang Club crumbled bit by bit, shattering to pieces. The fearsome light came crashing down onto Xue Xiong''s body, a column of light that enveloped him completely turned him into powder, dissipating like smoke into the air.


    Atop the vast altar...


    There was scorched earth, as if it were in ruins.


    No trace of Xue Xiong could be found, only Xiao Yifeng, clad in Wind Thunder, stood with a sword in hand.


    Like a god!


    And like a demon!